Lord Eddard Stark

Morning came quicker than Ned had expected, but when he'd woken the Lord of Winterfell found his loving wife wrapped within his arms. She'd not slipped back into her evening gown after they'd made love last night, and so she rested next to him nude.

Even after all these years of marriage, and despite the five children she'd given him, Catelyn felt her duty was not done. She'd give me one more if she could. Ned was finding his hands full with the children he already had, and so wasn't sure how he could manage one more.

Yet gazing upon her sleeping body Ned found the same woman he'd married so many years ago, she'd hardly aged since then, the cold has preserved her.

After a while of stares Catelyn must've felt his eyes weighing upon her, for the Lady of Winterfell did rouse from her slumber. She opened her deep blue Tully eyes and gazed back up into her husbands.

Soon enough a smile formed upon her lips, and she spoke for the first time that day.

"How long have you been staring at me?"

"Just long enough to admire your beauty."

She pulled up from the bed, keeping her body lustily tucked in with their sheets as she did, and planted a warm kiss upon his lips.

Ned might've tried for more if he'd had enough time, but he knew the morning had already started later than he'd hoped. His eyes went around the room and he took recollection of all the things he'd be leaving behind.

Catelyn must've caught his gaze for she raised a question too him.

"Are you ready to leave?"

"I never thought I'd have to again. Figured I'd call the North home till my days came to an end."

His wife pulled up into his chest, hugging him as she did and doing her very best to comfort the man she'd come to love.

"The south's not so bad. Have you forgotten it's where I hail from?"

Ned rubbed her back as he gazed out the bedroom window, snow was falling from the sky with gentle ease, and in this moment he desired to be nowhere else.

But after an instant of relief did the nightmares come. The ones that haunted his day rather than those of the night, and so upon him once more were the visages of his past.

Lyanna, and Brandon appeared before him. Then father after them. One in a pool of her own blood, another dead upon the ground strangled too death, and the last burnt till nothing remained of the suit he'd been encased in.

That was their fate when they went South.

And Ned had been forced to bury them all.

Only Ben had escaped unscathed, but he'd not went south.

He'd never meant to once again travel below the Neck, yet there were his things, packed and ready for the long journey they were too take.

Into the most dangerous place in the world.

The Lord of Winterfell had been prepared to die for a long time, but he would not let his children fall victim to the same fates of his siblings.

"Ned, have you thought any more about where the children should be fostered?"

It was something that they'd spoken at length about several times, but as she said, Ned had never come to a formal decision.

Had he been given his choice then perhaps Sansa might've gone to the Last Hearth, Catelyn favored the Smalljon above all other Northmen as her future husband, and Arya could've gone to Bear Island so that she might be raised like the warrior women she idolized so much. Bran would've gone down to Moat Cailin, for Ned had a debt to pay Howland, and perhaps they might've solved it through marriage. Bran would like Meera, she's pretty enough for him. Surely he could get past their odd customs and take her for what she is.

Yet at Rickon Ned had always faltered, no where could he see his youngest son being fostered. He was far to rowdy and temperamental for anyone but Catelyn to handle, but it didn't matter. None of his planning really mattered right now.

They'd all have to travel south towards King's Landing.

Perhaps after a while they might desire a northern return...

"I have thought about it. But I'm still having trouble Catelyn, Rickon is to marry a princess and he can hardly sit in a room for more than a minute without growing impatient, and Arya is now to be the Queen one day!"

"They'll grow into it Ned. You have to remember they are just children, you were not so well spoken when of their age I'm sure."

Ned laughed and kissed her forehead,

"Now how could you know such a thing."

"Because when we first met you were far more timid then even I'd been."

"Well, we did get married in your home."

Catelyn laughed at his jest, but once she'd calmed her breath she brought up a point she'd been meaning to make.

"Speaking of my home Ned, I want to travel back there. I've been apart from Riverrun so long I can hardly remember it, and I wish to hug my brother and be kissed by my father."

Ned had no problem with her traveling, she was Lady Stark and so could do as she pleased.

"You know it's not on the King's road?"

She looked half annoyed, as if it had not been a legitimate question.

"I know it's a bit off course, but I'd really like to go. I know that Robert wants Arya and Rickon to be with their prospective significant others so much as possible, but he has no plans for Bran nor Sansa."

Catelyn must've read some criticism that Ned did not mean for she continued trying to convince him.

"Neither has ever seen my childhood home, and my father's not seen either of them in five years."

This time Ned would be more direct.

"You have my permission Catelyn. I shall not keep you from doing this thing, but you must promise to be careful."

"My father shall protect us, and the Riverlords know me, despite these many years away they'll recognize me at first glance, I sat with my father on many an occasion and learned of each man."

"Such was your duty then?" Ned smiled,

The Lady of Winterfell rose from their bed and planted a kiss upon her husband.

"Thank you, now it's time to get ready. Else wise we shall be late."

She departed from his bedside and went about getting ready for their departure, yet Ned remained under his covers for a few moments more. Thoughts swirled of those he'd lost, but the most recent stood out upon his mind.

They'd held Vayon's funeral only a few days ago.

He'd died not knowing the truth.

A casualty of Ned's many promises.

Robert would've never called for a trial by combat if he'd known that the girl Joffrey assaulted was Ned's own blood.

His King might've sentenced the boy to a life of labor on the spot had he known what pain the Prince had actually inflicted.

Finally Ned Stark did rise from his false slumber, and he found himself soon dressed and on his way to breakfast. Many goodbyes would he say on this day, but the first would be too his brother.

Ben sat unaccompanied in their private dining solar. After a few minutes of scarfing down the present food they began to speak properly.

"Be careful down there Ned."

Ned had wrestled with this journey for so long, and even as he was about to take his first steps the Lord of Winterfell was hesitant.

Yet Benjen provided words of encouragement.

"Remember this brother. You are not Father, nor are you Brandon. You've a different temperament about you then they had, one that might lead to your being remembered like Cregan Stark himself!"

Such a name brought pain to Lord Rickard's eldest surviving son, for that name brought back the deal Eddard had made with Lord Wyman Manderly.

A thing he'd still failed to speak with his brother upon.

Benjen read whatever pain was on Ned's face and so asked what could be wrong.

"We have something to speak of, I spoke with Wyman Manderly, and his loyalty and desire lie on Robb wedding his eldest granddaughter. But such a thing I cannot give him right now, and so I compromised in my struggle. I am sorry."

The youngest of Rickard's brood seemed more intrigued than angry as Ned revealed what he'd done.

"So Cregan is to marry Wylla Manderly?"

"I've given such a thing, even when it was not mine to give. For that I can only apologize Ben."

Yet Benjen still seemed unfazed.

"Well it's a good match, though I should think Cregan might be disappointed. He had his heart set on Lord Rickard Karstark's daughter, but I'm sure he'll warm to this match."

"You're not upset? I mean as a lord you've the right to make your own matches, and I took that from you."

Benjen laughed right after his elder brother finished speaking.

"Of course I'm not mad! You've made my life easier brother. I'm certain Wylla Manderly will come with a rather helpful dowry, one that might enable me to finish the fortification's we've been discussing. Besides, you've a talent for matchmaking. Found that out first hand, and I've two beautiful children with my lady wife thanks to it."

Ned was then toasted by his brother and so they both supped on morning ale. Yet after their gulp Benjen sat his mug down and became serious.

"I'm more concerned for the boy though."

Without any thought Ned knew of whom he spoke.

"You're going to be away for quite a while, will you tell him before you go?"

Such a thing had not come close to being considered, Ned had so much else going on right now that he'd allowed his sister's son to revel in the marriage he'd found great happiness through.

I can't upturn his world right now, not when I'll be leaving and unable to explain everything in great depth. Ned couldn't stomach the thought of his adoptive son festering hatred for him.

None of that reached his throat though, and what did made Ned sound stubborn as all hell.

"I'll tell him. But not now."

"So be it, but the boy deserves to know who his mother was at least, even if you don't tell him who his real father is. Longer you wait the more it will hurt."

Benjen rested his argument with such a statement, and they spoke no more on the matter for just then did his younger brother's family enter the room.

Cregan and Lysara strode through first, and the girl hugged her departing uncle, followed by a manly handshake from his nephew.

Yet as Ned looked upon his brothers grey eyed son he couldn't help but wonder how angry the youth should be once he hears of what Lord Eddard had arranged for him.

Long ago Ned himself had struggled with the concept of an arranged marriage, but everything had worked out for him.

The Lord of Winterfell continued on his way so that he might take his leave, but the Lady of Sea Dragon Point stopped him with an out held hand.

"Everything will be alright, and you come home understand? Don't leave us like Brandon did."

Ned couldn't even muster words for his eldest brother's former lover, she'd grown to be House Stark's most vocal supporter during her lifetime and even found love again with Benjen.

But instead he offered her a hug, and she accepted such a thing.

Afterwards Ned strode forth from the Keep of his forefathers, and gathered before him were the mass of vassals who'd made there way to Winterfell in preparation for the King's arrival.

Ryswell, Dustin, Hornwood, Karstark, Tallhart, Cerwyn, and Glover all received a turn to wish Lord Stark safe travels. Yet Ned found himself going through the motions with them until he reached his maester and master at arms.

"How is Lady Jeyne?"

"I've given her what care that I can. She'll never recover what external beauty she had before, but I dare say that she'll regain speech and smell soon enough, And then the true beauty about her will shine once more."

News like that was what Ned needed.

"Make sure that Robb is informed of such a thing, he worries day and night for her sake."

"Yes My Lord." The Maester bowed and saw himself off.

"Are my guards well prepared Ser Roderick."

"Indeed, better trained than you that's for certain. I'll question till my dying day how you managed to best Ser Arthur Dayne."

"And I'll keep that secret from you till my dying day."

The two embraced like the brothers they'd become.

"Jory leads them, and he's brought his best."

"Alyn and Harwin are among them?"

Ned had originally desired for the two living sons of his brother to remain in Winterfell, but as Ser Roderick had said they were the very best fighters available to Jory's retinue. They'd taken their fathers innate talent for swordplay in equal measure to their looks.

"Indeed, and they've both sworn to see Jory returned to me. He's all that I have left of my brother."

"I remember him, and I'll make sure his son is safe just as he shall me."

The Master at arms nodded at such an oath and so Ned was allowed to move on.

Through the crowd he continued to work until he came upon the Umbers, Mormont's and Manderly's.

Ned gave them each the time they were due, but to Lord Wyman did Ned speak words other than those custom dictated.

"My brother has agreed to your proposal Lord Manderly, soon we shall be bound in matrimony."

His richest vassal might've jumped up into the air if he'd not been so hefty. So instead he smiled and told Ned that with luck on their side there would be more than one wedding to come.

"Please allow my son some time Lord Manderly, he griefs day and night for the girl, let him fall gently I beg you."

"Your son shall be allowed every comfort My Lord, and should the open arms of Wyna be those he falls into then we shall all be more happy for it. That said I dare not go against your wishes Lord Eddard, I shall make no mention of such a thing right now."

Very good. Wyman Manderly was honest and loyal if nothing else.

"Excellent, thank you Lord Manderly, and I have it on good word then that the wedding of Cregan and Wylla shall take place in due time."

"Indeed Lord Stark. You will be invited of course, I intend to host a large reception in White Harbor. From there they might visit where ever Benjen's son's heart desires!"

What his heart desires is to abandon White Harbor in favor of Karhold.

Yet Ned kept this too himself, and so thanked the Warden of the White Knife before continuing on to Ned's own family.

His eyes beheld them all at first, but Ned could only stand to look upon those who were traveling with him first.

Rickon stood with far too little in his hands, no bags were about him, and on his person only a few wooden toys remained. The clothes he wore had become so dirty that Lord Stark might've doubted they'd been cleaned at all if it had not been he who'd washed them. A shame I labored for such a thing.

At the boys feet was his dark haired wolf pup, it's green eyes emulated anger her and now. As if it knew the boy would be riding in a separate carriage. Yet Rickon needed to be social with Robert's young daughter, and it's presence would do the scraggly youth no favors.

Behind him Bran hugged his silver haired sister before turning to face his father. The boys clothes were also dirty, though their filth was a grey that might've only come from the youth climbing.

Catelyn caught his stare,

"Bran was starting to climb the broken tower when I found him."

"Why would you do such a thing Brandon? It's crumbling, you might've taken a fall my boy."

"I know...it's just well, I had a dre..."

"What Bran?"

"Nothing. It's just the only place I hadn't climbed in Winterfell. I wasn't sure if I'd get another chance, I know we're going to be gone along time."

Arya punched her little brother in the shoulder, and when she did the two direwolves at their feet began to growl at one another.

"Shut up! We're not going to be gone that long! I don't even want to leave. Why can't I stay? I'm a Big Girl!"

Robb leaned into comfort his little sister, but the youth swatted at him in return. The auburn haired Stark reeled back, and so she came short of hitting him.

"Enough" Ned bellowed.

Arya fell to her bussom, and laughter erupted adjacent to her. Ned did not look but he knew such sounds were a combination of wolves, dragons, and krakens.

Yet Arya, the wild daughter, was his concern. After a bit of fatherly chiding she fell into line though.

Such a spot happened to be next to her elder sister.

Sansa was the picture of a southern lady, and had favored her mother more than any of her siblings. She'd taken the Tully blue eyes and thick auburn hair, even the high cheekbones she wore so proudly came from her mothers half.

Ned had left little of himself in her, and would wonder if any was given at all if not for the pup that lied at her feet.

This grey furred wolf was the most behaved of her brood and so sat patiently for her litter.

Both were bright eyed and excited for the journey to come, unaware of what they were leaving behind.

Catelyn stood by her after further scolding Arya and it seemed she was now eager to become the Hand's wife over Lady of Winterfell. It will do her good to travel south once more, and see her father and brother once more.

After gazing upon those who'd be coming with him Ned finally risked a glance upon his elder children. Men would say Ned Stark fathered four sons and two daughters, but that was not the truth. For the Lord of Winterfell counted a far larger family as his own.

It was true that he'd fathered six children himself, but one was not in their midst.

Would she even recognize me as her father?

Dyanna...The girl he'd left in Dorne.

It was doubtlessly for her sake that Ned had fostered such a large pack.

To make up for his failing her,

Ned had made sure the rest of his Stark brood was never left wanting.

Six children had he fathered, but eight more did he count as his own.

Cregan and Lysara were Stark's every bit so much as Robb and Sansa, but along with Dyanna there were those who did not live as the Stark's they were.

One was the broken girl who rested even as her uncle departed, but with him did travel her two unknowing elder brothers. The sons of Lord Eddard's own.

Ned had taken care of them as best he could, and would continue to do so for Brandon's sake.

Harwin and Alyn shall be by my side, nothing should happen to them.

Yet three more there were, and he looked first too the eldest among them. At twenty and two Theon Greyjoy had spent twelve years in Winterfell.

Two longer than he'd spent at Pyke.

The youth had grown to see his captor as a father, and the Lord held his hostage as a son. Theon reached outwards a hand so that he might shake, but Ned took him into a hugging embrace. Ned released the lad, but the boy lingered in his shock for a moment.

When finally he did let go, his eyes kept hold and followed as Ned moved to the silver haired dragon and her half blooded groom.

Even after all these years violet eyes stood out as a true spectacle, but long ago had Ned given up seeing Dany for the woman she'd been born as, and so instead Ned held Daenerys as a daughter.

Upon returning her freedom Ned was met with the grip of his sisters son.

Their embrace was warm, yet always would there be something between them.

Forever would Jo... Prince Aemon, think bastardy the root cause of such distance.

But Ned had long withheld the real truth.

As he gazed into the ever so slightly indigo eyes Ned saw not just Lyanna, but Prince Rhaegar staring back.

Such resemblance was haunting, and these ghosts beckoned for truth.

Ned remembered his promise under the weirwood, and the one he'd made in Dorne, yet Lyanna's boy turned his back like he'd forgotten entirely what was owed.

"Jon."

The youth turned back to face his adoptive father. A smile on his face after glancing at his lady wife.

"I loved your mother, same as I love you. She's gone, has been for a long time. I brought you back North because she couldn't."

Such words brought pain to both speaker and listener, and the youth lowered his head towards the ground.

But Ned raised such a gaze with an outreached palm.

"She made me promise as she bled out that I'd watch over you, and so I have."

Ned released his embraced son and gazed towards his bride and the Kraken.

"You are all Starks, you might not have my name. But you are all of Winterfell, and none shall ever deny you that."

As he finished Catelyn came to them,

"Indeed, it shall always be your home."

She hugged the boy she'd once hated, and then placed kisses upon his brides cheeks, before finally coming to the Kraken.

He smiled widely and proclaimed he'd miss such great beauty being about Winterfell's halls.

Catelyn bid him hush that talk, but whilst everyone chuckled she blushed and hugged him as if a Stark rather than Greyjoy.

With his adoptive children taken care of Ned strode towards his eldest son.

On his way the Lord of Winterfell stopped to pet both Robb's direwolf, and the red eyed pup that Jon had named Ghost.

Now firmly looking upon his eldest son, Ned found Robb to be every inch what the Lord of WInterfell should.

Strong, Confident, Firm, and Warm towards those he loved.

An Auburn Haired Brandon, though a few inches shorter.

Yet something was cold about his eldest son, he;d hardly spoken since Heyne was assaulted, and even less since dueling Ser Jamie.

Even as men hailed him "The Young Wolf" or a rare chant of "Liontamer", Robb refused to to revel in their admiration.

Such pain Ned knew, yet he'd never released himself from such a burden, So how could he ease his sons?

Despite any trepedations Robb and Ned embraced warmly., and for a moment icy hearts melted.

"I'm sorry to leave you this burden."

"I'd have been Lord sooner or later, I'm happy that I'll get to learn while your still alive." The youth smiled and so too did his father.

"I'm only a raven away, but I'm leaving you well prepared."

"Yes, I'm too hold a meeting with the gathered nobility once you've departed."

"Smart, let them know a Stark remains unto Winterfell. And you must remember that Robb, should you have need to leave these walls then Jon, Benjen, Cregan or Lysara must be present in your place."

"Yes father I understand."

No you don't, not yet.

Ned had heard word that Robb was having dreams of late, the same ones Ned once had, but the boy did not know their importance yet.

For now Robb would remain out of a sense of obligation much like Benjen had,

But that was good enough.

They began to wrap up their goodbyes, and once that had been done Ned found two lions in their midst.

One was a misshapen pup whilst the other was clad all in white.

The Sons of Tywin Lannister.

Robb strode over and so Ned quickly followed.

His eldest son reached out a hand, and such a thing was met with a gauntleted paw. The two shook on terms of mutual admiration, Jamie for his recognition of Robb's potential, and the Auburn haired Stark for this Lannisters sense of honor.

The White Lion's hair was ever so wet, just enough that Ned could tell he'd been hard at work with something before this.

Ned didn't recall Ser Jamie to be a morning spar attendee during his stay, but perhaps the departure had roused him from his bed.

But it was the Little Lion who spoke.

"You've been far kinder to us than we'd have any right to expect my Lord Stark, but I'd ask for another night about Winterfell if I may."

"Such a thing is Robb's decision, as he shall be acting Lord in my absence."

Robb desired to see crimson about their home no more, but asked only why Tyrion wished to stay.

"I mean to ride northward and see your great wall."

"It's not ours, she's manned by the Night's Watch."

"True enough, but a Stark raised the Wall, and a great number of his descendants have manned it. More so than any other house I'd wager."

"Mean to join the Watch do you Lord Tyrion?"

"No. Merely to see one of the worlds wonders, and report on it's state. Might be that through my visit I can accurately report on the Watch's condition, and so see them once more properly manned, given good recruiting of course."

Robb seemed thoroughly pleased with such a response and so motioned for Lord Tyrion to walk with him.

The last thing that Ned heard of their conversation was a mention of Lord Jorah Mormont.

Yet the White Lion interrupted his focus and asked if Ned was ready to depart.

"Are you so ready to depart my home that you've come to here to rush me?"

Ned meant such a thing in jest, but his northern tone must've overwhelmed Ser Jamie, who responded with

"No. I've been given the first watch over your protection. Robert awaits you and he desires for your children to join his own. In addition my sweet sister seeks Lady Catelyn's company."

Eddard's pack began to walk but he stopped them with a question,

"All of his children?"

The Lannister finally smiled,

"Don't think we gathered them all, nor do I believe we could stuff them all in one liter. But no, Joffrey is among those absent since I know that's what your asking."

So this Lion has a sense of humor.

"Walk with me Ser Jamie." The White Knight did as he was bid.

"Have all the arrangements been made?"

"Well we are cleaning out what mess we made if that's your meaning. My brother shall remain with a small retinue if your son allows, but the Hound's been carted so we can haul him back south."

"What of your cousin? Has he healed well?"

"The wounds not festered, but his spirits are not high. Lancel's having a tough time with it, never was he going to be a great knight, but now he has little chance of being passable."

"And your sworn brothers?"

"Ser Boros rides with bruises all about him, most lie on his pride though. But Meryn's been properly embalmed so that his remains might return to his brother. As I understand it the hanged man has a gallow much like you've a crypt."

"Who should take his place among the seven?"

"That's for you, the King, and Ser Barristan too decide. Or at least that's how it's supposed to be, of late it seems the White Cloak doesn't mean so much as it once did."

"I've little knowledge of Southern Knights, tell me Ser Jamie if you were to pick then whom would you grant Ser Meryn's sword and cloak?"

"If he weren't a lord, but instead a knight then I might slap it on your Greatjon if such a clasp would fit."

"He's not a man to give up his revelry."

"Indeed, most who wear this cloak aren't." Ser Jamie sighed at such a notion.

"Barristan's the truest knight our order has left, and before him Ser Arthur. Yet I fear the order shall never regain it's former glory. The knights of yesteryear were made from different stuff than this lot."

"Perhaps, but if it must be resurrected for the King's benefit then we must be diligent in each selection from here on out. Ser Meryn might not have been a great knight, but his death gives opportunity, one specifically for the righting of wrongs. So I ask again, who would you see named to the Guard?"

"Well. The realm isn't without great fighters, plenty enough of them really but it's about finding the right type of knight. Preferably they should be handsome, noticeable, highborn, and skilled. There have been commoners rise to the rank of Kingsguard, but not recently."

"Then we shall choose from the nobility, give me three names so that I may run them by Robert."

"Very well. If I were to choose three knights then I might say Ser Loras Tyrell, Ser Robar Royce, and Ser Bryndon Hightower."

Ned knew little enough about the men's skill at arms, but he did know that each was a house worthy of being honored with such a position.

Loras was Lord Mace Tyrell's third son? That seemed right. Ned knew Ser Robar was Lord Yohn's second son, but all that Ned knew about Bryndon Hightower was that he was Ser Baelor Brightsmile's second son.

Robert will know more about them.

Further contemplation came with their walking, but no more did they speak. Finally the reached the royal liter.

Inside were Robert's Queen, her second son and both daughters. Ned saw his family join them, before taking his own leave.

Catelyn joined Cersei, but the golden haired Queen stared only at her brother while Ned and Jamie remained.

The children seemed more interested in one another's company though, for Sansa soon lounged with the Princess Myrcella. While her brother Bran sat with Prince Tommen, which was good for then Arya joined them.

A great surprise was this, yet greater still was Princess Cassana's reaction to Rickon.

She walked right up to him, the little three year old she'd been, and began to marvel at his curly auburn hair. The likes of which she'd evidently never seen up close before.

The little Princess reached forward to grasp a strand, but Rickon pulled away, yet in her imbalance the girl tripped forward into a hug from Ned's five year old. She smiled brightly at the boy before he set her down, and when he tried to walk away she followed.

Such an innocent infatuation reminded Ned of how Robert had been so enamored with Lyanna.

Thoughts of his King reminded Ned that it was he who now held their party from departure. So the Lord of Winterfell bid his family farewell for now, and then returned to Ser Jamie's side. Not long did they walk before two stallions were presented for them too mount, and so Ned rode his way up towards Robert.

Ned had not spoken to his king since the news had broken of Stannis' predicament, but the reaction he had seen was not one of inaction for certain. Robert had refrained from breaking anything that belonged to his Warden, but Robert had absolutely thrashed the courtyard practice dummy in a way that not even Jon had managed.

Eddard thought to speak with his friend, but before a word could be given the King began to ride forward.

Robert was as keen to leave Winterfell as Ned had been upon staying.