A/N: Here's the second half. Next few chapters will take a little longer to write. Anyway, enjoy!

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Winterfell, the North (288 AC)

It was peaceful in the godswood, as always.

Early in the evenings, after a long day, Kiara would dip into the secret pool of hot water and relax. She would hum a lullaby to herself; something her mother used to sing to her. She liked to spend a few hours before the day ended under the canopy of the ancient trees to relax.

The pool had the added benefit of replenishing her energy, especially after using magic. It was created by Arthos, after Kiara had mentioned the special pool in the Isle of Faces that her mother, Kovira, used to bathe in at the end of the day. It had taken them over a month to complete it. Long hours were spent researching and conducting experiments, most of which failed. Even then, she did not believe that it would work until Arthos performed the final step.

The memory of that event never ceased to fill her with awe. The sheer amount of energy he had released was beyond incredible. She was quite sure that she wouldn't have believed it if she hadn't seen it with her own eyes. Comparing his power with her own was like comparing a candle to the sun.

His power felt weird, yet familiar to Kiara. The magic of greenseers, wargs, and the runes, flowed like a calm river in her veins, connected and intertwined to the very earth. Arthos' magic was more like a raging waterfall with no source, barely held back by something. Like it was coming from everywhere and nowhere. It reminded her of her mother, though Kiara had never seen Kovira do something as powerful as what Arthos did. His relatively short recovery period amazed the girl as well.

All that hard work was worth it. She idly traced her finger around the rune sigils – Life, Focused Intent, and Cyclical Energies, boosted with Arthos' power – around the stones circling the pool, taking a deep and content breath. As great as the pool was, Arthos assured her that it was just a prototype, and with more knowledge, experience and time they would create much more powerful springs. The pool was also protected and hidden by illusions and repelling sigils.

The smell of the earth, and the sound of flowing water reminded her of home. Kiara let out a sigh. She missed her home. Her nameday was coming soon; she would be three and ten, on her fourth year away from the Isle of Faces. Away from her family. Though she would often meet her mother in the green and her dreams, she longed to see her in person again.

The young girl closed her eyes, floating across the surface, as she listened to the faint chirping of birds and the quiet rustling of leaves. Much had passed during her time in the North. She had learned much more about the runes, and her abilities. Apparently, using her own blood as part of a magic ritual was bad for her health. She had nearly killed herself when she continuously performed the rituals around the North.

Kiara let out a quiet groan at the memory. It seemed obvious now, but at the time she stubbornly told herself that she could handle the repercussions. Thankfully, Arthos had managed to heal her with his own nature magic. The healing pool was also to combat her declining health. He made great efforts to restore her strength, and often said that her wellbeing was his responsibility. "Your mother would have my hide if I didn't see to it."

Arthos and Kovira spoke in the same manner, their magic was similar, and when they met, they acted like life-long friends. Which Kiara thought was strange, as they were several decades apart in age.

Arthos was very strange. Even after several years, Kiara still couldn't quite understand him. He was kind, and loyal to his friends, though he could also be frightening. She remembered when he found her passed out in the godswood of Barrowton. He had been furious at her, and himself, for not realizing she was losing too much blood.

He talked funny sometimes, like an old man from a different land. He often seemed sad and burdened, but filled with unending determination. He made it a point to spend time with the common folk, which was apparently not something lords usually did. That was the only thing normal to her about Arthos, and once more it reminded her of her mother.

He particularly liked to spend time with the children. He would often bring them sweets, and gifts. He had even created games for them; the most popular of which were snakes ladders, ludo, and dominoes. He had commissioned lots of boards and pieces, and distributed them among the children. She too liked these games, and had seen many in Winterfell play as well.

Initially, the inability to count among the smallfolk children had proven an obstacle, but Arthos had made a personal effort to teach them to count at least to ten. Now, most children knew how to count to six, the highest number on the dice. He had even made efforts to teach them letters and numbers properly, even going as far as to offer them free meals if they attended the lessons by the teacher he had hired. The success was mixed, children often missed lessons every now and then. It often led to Arthos muttering about the formation of public schools, whatever that was.

Kiara sighed at the thought of lessons. Arthos had insisted on what he called a "comprehensive education". She had protested at first, but he flatly told her that her mother would wholeheartedly approve of them, which she did.

Apparently, the way she was being taught was revolutionary. The lessons were planned a year in advance, and she was tested at regular intervals to make sure she was actually learning. Maester Luwin had been so impressed that he wanted to inform the Citadel about the new education system. Arthos' reaction to that was somewhat surprising. He had very sternly forbidden any such action. In fact, he ordered that it be kept a secret. The look on his face that day was frightening.

Kiara had lessons on various subjects five days a week. She had been given lessons on Languages, Mathematics, Science, Geography and History from the very beginning. Minor lessons had included drawing and painting, dance, music, etiquette and mannerisms. When she turned ten Arthos insisted on combat training as well. Right now, she was being taught to use a dagger and archery.

The 'classes' as Arthos called them were a pain but Kiara couldn't deny that she had learnt a lot. She was naturally curious, and learning about new things had been great. Geography had been fascinating for her, who had spent all her life in the Isle of Faces. She enthusiastically learned about all those places on the maps, wondering if she would ever have the chance to visit them all. The tour of the North had been fun as well, aside from her overuse of blood-magic.

Some lessons, Kiara wasn't too sure about, but Arthos assured her that they would help. The classes in politics, and management had started a year ago and she wasn't too keen on them. Arthos wouldn't hear of it. He told her that the Wildmother herself had taken an interest in her. She would be the leader of Green Men one day and the followers of the Old Gods would flock to her. She would need skills in politics that day.

She was brought out of her thoughts at the sound of someone calling for her to come to supper. She got up, drying and dressing herself before walking out of the godswood. Outside, she was met by one of the scullery maids and escorted to the Great Hall, where Arthos and his family were already dining. A few of the other tables were also filled by some guards and other servants, keeping watch and taking their breaks.

Arthos sat at the front watching everyone with a content smile on his face. Lord Ned sat at his right, speaking quietly with his wife, Lady Catelyn, who was a few months pregnant. She was holding the newest Stark, sweet little Sansa, who had just turned two several moons ago. On Arthos' left were the younger Stark boys, Robb and Jon. Snow, she had to remind herself. Jon was a Snow, though he looked more like a Stark than either Robb or Sansa. Normally, Jon wouldn't be allowed to sit at the main table, but Arthos insisted he stay near when it was just the family. They could observe proper etiquette when they had special guests, but family always came first. Lady Cat didn't like it, but she tolerated it. The boys were busy flicking food at each other, taking the chance to have fun while Lady Cat was distracted. Every now and then, Arthos would quietly throw his own shots, smirking when neither boy noticed and just blamed each other.

Arthos noticed Kiara enter, giving her a warm smile and gesturing for her to join him. Several eyes turned as she walked up to the main table, most she recognized, like Jory and Ser Rodrik at the sides. The people gave her nods of acknowledgement or open greetings. "Lady Kiara!" some called. "Blessed evening to you, milady!"

Kiara nodded back, waving and smiling. She didn't know how to feel about being called a lady. She wasn't a lady. She wasn't a noble, the way most of them thought. She was the daughter of a chief; from an island no one visited. She didn't hide the fact that she was a member of the Green Men, and the common folk looked to her as the south would a septa, but with more reverence. Afterall, Green Men rarely left the Isle. The people in the North had started to call her many titles, both good and bad. The Lady of the Weirwood, Speaker for the Trees, the Woods Witch of Winterfell. They saw her as a symbol that House Stark was favored by the old gods.

They're not entirely wrong, she thought, as she reached the table.

Jon and Robb finally noticed her, and began cleaning themselves up while quickly making space for her at Arthos' side. They both watched her shyly, as she approached, Jon looking a bit miffed to be the one on the furthest end. She chuckled at their antics. Lord Ned simply nodded at her as she took her seat, as stoic as ever.

"Feeling better?" Arthos asked, leaning in close to whisper to her.

Kiara nodded, smiling gratefully. The last few weeks had been hard for her, as she and Arthos practiced with using magic together. Ever since she almost died, Arthos had not let her do any rituals or enchantments without him. Their latest experiment – crafting healing potions for emergencies – had been taxing, and had not yet borne fruit. "Yes, thank you for asking."

"Good," Arthos said, leaning back into his chair. "I feel like we're close to finishing the project. There are a few different ingredients I think we should try for next time."

Kiara was curious, but she knew such things were not to be discussed in public.

Arthos turned to his uncle, "Anything new?"

"Yes, actually," Ned said, taking a sip of his drink. "The reservoir will be filled up with water in a fortnight, perhaps sooner. The connection to both forks of the White Knife have been completed, and the small dam has been removed to let the river flow."

"That's wonderful news! We have to conduct some ceremony followed by a celebration, at least in the city."

Lord Ned looked at him quizzically, to which Arthos explained, "I don't think you realize what this event means, uncle. This project will define not only Winterfell, but the entire North for centuries to come. Trust me, this event will go down in history; a celebration will be required."

His uncle looked amused but agreed. At which point Arthos made the announcement to all present in the Hall.

Kiara smiled at Arthos' delight. The people in the winter town – now more of a small city being called Starkmore – had been complaining about having to walk so far away to gather water at one of the headwaters of the White Knife for their needs.

So, Arthos ordered a reservoir to be dug Northeast of Winterfell. She hadn't known the reservoir would be so vast and deep. Although, she had seen large lakes, the reservoir was huge considering it was made by men. Arthos hadn't stopped there, he further ordered digging of two canals. One went southwest into the wolfswood to join the southern fork of the White Knife, while the other went eastwards to join the other fork of the river. The canals were deep and wide. It had been a long process – though it was significantly reduced whenever Arthos would visit to oversee construction – but it would be worth it.

A large port was already being constructed at the southern tip of the reservoir. Small docks were also being created at other points. Two massive bridges were built over the canals near the points where they joined the reservoir, one of them on the Kingsroad. The bridges were high in the center, Arthos told her it was to let ships pass underneath them. There were three other bridges, one on the southwestern canal, and two on the eastern one.

The sound of clanking chains alerted them to the arrival of Maester Luwin. He approached slowly, handing several letters to Lord Ned, before greeting the family.

"What is it?" Arthos asked, taking a bite of some sausages.

"Another betrothal offer," Ned replied, making Arthos groan. "From Lady Maege Mormont, Lord Jorah's aunt. She has two daughters around your age, and she had another just recently."

"It's a bit presumptuous of her, is it not?" Lady Cat asked, her attention caught. "She's not even the head of the main Mormont line."

"But she is Jorah's heir, until he bears a child of his own." Ned reminded her.

"I did tell you how things in the North and Dorne were done differently from the rest of Westeros. This is apparently one of those differences." Arthos added wryly.

"There's also some offers from Lord Karstark," Ned continued. "Also from Lord Cerwyn again, Ser Wylis Manderly again, Lord –"

"Enough," Arthos pleaded, lips setting into a pout. "Benjen is far more eligible for marriage at this point. Let's deal with one proposal at a time."

Ned let out a soft chuckle, while Cat smiled ruefully. "Aye, it's past time he did. I hear he's having talks with Hugo Wull, and the other mountain chiefs about marriage candidates. He would have been married sooner if you hadn't insisted upon him waiting till after his eighteenth nameday."

Arthos groaned and started rubbing his forehead, "Not this again. I've already explained my reasons in detail. It's not my fault that the Citadel is dragging its feet on the theories I presented. Besides, it's not my fault Benjen decided to wait longer. He's one-and-twenty now."

Maester Luwin cleared his throat. "My Lord, actually, some in the citadel are quite interested in your theory. A few maesters actually share your beliefs over the subject. I have received several ravens after I sent your letters years ago. Several maesters and acolytes have been conducting surveys since then, and the initial findings support your theory."

Arthos looked at the maester pointedly, "And why wasn't I informed of this earlier?"

"Apologies, my Lord, but you are already shouldering more responsibilities than is wise, especially considering your young age. I meant to inform you when I received a final report from the Citadel."

Arthos just sighed, "Fair point."

His uncle chose this moment to joke, which was unusual for him, "Even if you are proven right, you can still get betrothed. You are the next in line to get married after all."

Kiara let out a giggle as Arthos looked uncomfortable at the thought of having to seriously consider marriage. He glared at her, but there was no heat in his eyes. Kiara just smirked at him. Arthos eventually told his uncle that he would be waiting for his mother to arrive before making any decisions.

"Speaking of," Ned said as he read another letter. "It looks like she's planning to come to Winterfell sometime in the next year. She writes that she needs to make a stop at Dorne first, but will make her way north afterwards."

Arthos perked up immensely at the news, smiling a true smile that reached his eyes. Kiara had rarely seen him this mirthful, and felt happy for him, knowing how hard it was to be away from her own mother as well. She was slightly saddened at the reminder, knowing her mother could never visit, and that Kiara had too many responsibilities at the moment to return to the Isle of Faces. One day, she thought to herself. I can make time for a visit one day.

"This is strange," Ned said, brows furrowed as he read the last letter. "What is this language? It looks like random symbols."

Kiara saw Arthos tense, then wrenched the letter from Ned's hands with inhuman speed. Ned looked startled, while Cat looked at Arthos, shocked and appalled. "Arthos Stark!" she said in her motherly scolding tone, making Robb, and Jon flinch beside Kiara. "That was highly inappropriate behavior."

Arthos, however, just stared at the letter, before responding. "Sorry, Aunt Cat, Uncle Ned," Arthos said a bit sheepishly, holding the letter tightly. Kiara took a peek, but could not make out what was written. It was the language she had seen Arthos use to write all his plans and secrets. She had asked him about it, and he gravely told her that there were spies about.

"This knowledge is very dangerous," Arthos said. "And if it fell in the wrong hands, it would be disastrous."

After that he told her to never write anything regarding magic or other secrets in any of the languages she knew, he always translated and copied her notes, and then made sure they were completely burned. He also told her to take those notes to her mother in case anything happened to him. She was surprised to learn that her mother knew the language, although her skills were apparently not as good as Arthos'.

"This one is for me. May I be excused?" Arthos' voice interrupted her thoughts.

Ned nodded, still a bit confused by his nephew's actions. "Yes, go on. Get some rest. We have much more to discuss in the morning."

Arthos immediately stood up, gave Cat and Sansa a kiss on the cheek, and ruffled Robb's and Jon's heads before heading out. The main table all watched him walk away hurriedly, confusion on their faces. Ned turned to Kiara and asked if she knew what that was about. Kiara just shrugged, and replied that she had no idea.

Arthos was just strange.

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Arthos rushed up to his room, slamming the door shut and heading towards his desk. He lit up a candle to get some light to read the letter.

His fingers traced the letters on the parchment. Ancient Greek. He currently knew only two people in this world who knew this language. The chances of Kovira being the sender were slim to none. Any message could have been relayed through Kiara, who had talked to her just the previous day. It could be another one of his old friends, but that was unlikely as well. So, that left only one possibility, and all his instincts were pointing towards that one.

The young lord of Winterfell let out a quiet, happy sigh as he read the first words on the pages.

Hey there, Seaweed Brain...

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A/N: Rhaenys is back! Next chapters are her PoV, and we'll be getting into her time in Essos. We'll have other PoV's as well afterwards when we finally get to Greyjoy's Rebellion.

See y'all in the next chapter!