By the time Luwin received a letter from Lord and Lady Stark stating that they had arrived at King's Landing, the majority of the guest chambers – even the ones furthest away from the Great Hall – had been occupied by visiting lords. When he first arrived at Winterfell to replace Maester Walys, Luwin had carefully read the notes and scrolls written by his many predecessors. One of them, Maester Kennet, had written thoroughly that the last time the northern lords gathered together in Winterfell was witness the marriage of Lord Cregan Stark and the princess that'd been promised to him in the Pact of Ice and Fire. Maester Kennet wrote that Lord Cregan returned from the south with a Blackwood bride – Lady Alysanne – to the disappointment of many.
Luwin highly doubted all the northern lords were called here to witness Robb Stark's marriage to Princess Lyanna Baratheon. Luwin was quite aware that King Robert had insisted for the wedding to be held in King's Landing. Afterwards, the married pair were to make a progress through the North and visit every lord. No. There was something else happening at Winterfell…right under his nose.
Shaking his head, Luwin dipped his quill into the inkpot.
Lord Stark, he wrote slowly, his quill nib scratching the parchment. All's well at Winterfell. Everyone's doing their part to help the men of the Night's Watch in their war against the wildlings. Robb had ensured that all usable scraps of material and articles of clothing are sent to Castle Black for distribution as well as steel. My lord, my concern with dispensing weapons to black brothers is chiefly to do with the – he paused. What was the politest way in expressing concern that wildlings might try and strip the dead soldiers and black brothers of steel weapons. It would be most disastrous if that occurs in a battle won by the wildlings.
Luwin was still frowning when the door opened and a nervous Robb appeared, wringing his hands in a peculiar way. "Robb," said Luwin, rising from his seat. He hurriedly moved the stack of books from the chair opposite him and gestured for the young acting Lord of Winterfell to sit. "How may I help you, Robb?"
"The lords will be gathering in the Great Hall tomorrow morning."
The frown remained as Luwin quickly studied Robb. He didn't look sickly ill in the slightest, but he was paler than usual. Luwin placed that to stress and nerves. It was quite normal for a boy or a young man to be anxious when facing a cluster of lords twice or even thrice his age. Perfectly normal. "You should be asleep then my lord," said Luwin quietly. "The lords will not like to be kept waiting and Lords Karstark and Umber have been here for at least a month. They will be quite keen to return to their holdfasts." Probably to kill wildlings too as both their keeps and lands were often raided by wildlings.
"I cannot sleep, Maester."
"Would you like me to brew you a sleeping draught?"
Robb shook his head. "No, no. It is something else. I have done something that will...greatly upset the lords."
"Do you wish to discuss it with me Robb?"
Robb hesitated. Luwin watched him bite his lip. He is still a boy inside, he could not help think. "Whatever you tell me will not leave this room," Luwin assured in his kindly voice. "Is it of the utmost importance?"
"The lords will learn about it eventually," Robb muttered more to himself than to the patiently waiting maester. Robb looked at him. "Do you know why my lord father and lady mother went to King's Landing?" he asked.
Luwin shook his head.
"They left to deal with the chaos I created." Within the next quarter of an hour, Luwin listened as Robb poured out the truth. Luwin's heart sank by the time that Robb had finished. By the Seven…Luwin's mind was as blank as a roll of paper. It was no wonder Robb was nervous, Arya angry, Jon cold and Daenerys constantly hiding in her chambers, claiming to be ill.
"How did Arya discover the truth?" asked Luwin.
"She overheard me and Dany talking about it," said Robb miserably. "We tried to explain it to her, but she ran off. Lyarra is furious too. She said what we'd done was…was horrible. We ruined everything. Why would she say that? How on earth could she say that? She is my sister! She should be happy for me!"
"Perhaps Lady Lyarra has a reason not to be happy for you."
Robb stared at him. "She is my sister…" he said feebly. "Maester Luwin, there's so much I regret, but marrying Daenerys is not one of them. Upsetting two of my sisters though, is. What if I offend the lords tomorrow morning too?"
"Lords of the North are stronger than southron lords, but what you have done would greatly upset them. I will not lie to you, Robb. You know I never lie to you, your siblings or your parents. Marrying your lord father's ward while affianced is not a wise decision, Robb. If she was say the daughter of a northern lord, that will anger the king, but it wouldn't have caused as much damage as your marriage to Lady Daenerys Sand had done."
"I know, Maester. Is there a way I can break the news without offending them? I am here for advice."
Luwin sighed. "You will not like it," he warned.
Robb brightened up. "What is it, Maester?"
"One way is to resign your position as heir." He paused as Robb stared at him, shocked. "It is honourable and can be accepted by the lords. Resign your place as heir to Bran and perhaps your lord father will grant you a keep. The lords will be satisfied, especially with Bran married to a lady of the North. They won't be at all worried about a natural daughter becoming Lady of Winterfell either."
"Is there…another way, Maester?"
"Robb, do you not remember what I'd taught you? Everything has a price. You chose to break your betrothal and marry a bastard girl. You must pay the price. It is either facing the indignation and rage of the lords or give up your place as heir. It is your choice, Robb."
Robb bit his lip again. "Father appointed me acting lord in his stead…"
"You would rather face the anger of your father's bannermen?" Luwin couldn't help the tone of disapproval appearing in his voice. "Robb, I must ask, are you at all aware of the damage you had done?"
"Of course I am aware of it!" Robb seemed shocked and a little hurt.
"Forgive me for my bluntness Robb, but you do not seem aware of it," Maester Luwin said as gently as he could. "Knowing the consequences, you still decided to marry Daenerys Sand and you refuse to relinquish your position as heir. You had chosen love over politics and that is the road to disaster. Robb, Lord Stark said to me that you and the princess were getting along well. What happened? When the two of you were to wed, you would've been happy."
"I love Dany," said Robb simply, his eyes glowing with affection. "Have you not loved someone you would do anything for her?"
Once. "Would you do anything for Daenerys, Robb? Would you not rather have peace than war? The best way is to relinquish your place to Bran. Tomorrow, tell the lords you have married Daenerys Sand, and in doing so, you'll renounce your position as heir apparent. No heir or great lord had married a bastard before, and once all the lords hear about it, they will be alarmed." Luwin leant forward. Robb was listening intently now. "Think about it, Robb. You are the son of Lord Eddard Stark, who's considered one of the most honourable lords in Westeros. If you can avoid a harsh punishment for marrying an illegitimate girl, what do you think the lords will think and do? If you can get away with marrying a bastard, they can too. It will upset the balance of the Seven Kingdoms Robb."
Robb paled.
"You will not be the first to renounce your place in a line of succession," Luwin went on. "Many heirs have done it before. There's no shame in relinquishing your place as heir. Besides, Lord Stark may give you a keep and lands."
"Do you truly believe it will keep peace in the North if I do?"
Luwin nodded solemnly. "Peace is desired more than war. Think about it Robb. You still have until dawn. It is up to you if you wish to use my advice or not. Don't forget to sleep though. You'll need your strength tomorrow." He offered Robb an encouraging smile and watched him leave. Once Robb left, Luwin sighed. A young man in love…he shook his head. I should've expected it, he thought, rifling through a collection of papers in front of him. I should've guessed that all this secrecy in the castle was to do with Robb falling in love.
He stifled a tired yawn. It was getting late and he had quite a busy schedule set for tomorrow from dawn to dusk. It was time to rest.
When Luwin rose from his bed and peered out the window, he noticed the sky was covered with clusters of dark grey clouds. Another dreary day. Luwin wasn't surprised if the next couple of days were cloudy and rainy too. Like the Starks oft said, winter is coming.
I'll ensure Robb speaks to Vayon Poole tonight, decided Luwin as he shuffled to down the stairs and across the courtyard to the Great Hall for breakfast. The food stores will need to be seen to; the grain stores too. A tinge of unease jabbed him in the gut. Winter was truly on its way and if Robb did renounce his position as heir, a mountain of burdens would drop down upon young Bran's shoulders. Bran was only eleven and enjoying his life at court. Luwin heard he was an excellent squire – though he should technically be a page for a few more years – and he was quite close to Prince Ormund.
Robb has no choice, Luwin tried to assure himself. With only House Bolton as a strong ally – only due to Lyarra's betrothal to Domeric – Robb had no alternative. He must renounce his position or the North will no longer be united. It was in the interest of Winterfell and the North for Robb to give up his place. As the maester of Winterfell, it was Luwin's duty to serve Winterfell. Though Luwin hated giving Robb the advice to relinquish his claim to Winterfell, it was best for Winterfell. It is the best for Winterfell, Luwin silently repeated to himself.
Entering the warm and cosy Great Hall, Luwin sat down near the sleepy Septa Mordane who had the unfortunate job of keeping a close eye on Arthur and little Rickon, the latter asleep with a loaf of bread as a pillow. Young Arthur was on the brink of falling asleep too.
"Why don't you return to your rooms, Septa?" said Luwin quietly. "I can keep a close eye on the boys for you." His words seemed to have jolted Septa Mordane a little more awake than before.
"Lord and Lady Stark placed the boys in my care," said the septa tentatively as she tried to suppress a yawn.
"And in mine Septa."
Septa Mordane hesitated. "Thank you Maester," she said, standing up. "Ensure the boys do not run off. Arthur has a habit of it and Rickon follows him. Last time they ran out of the Great Hall during breakfast, they came back late covered from head to toe in mud." She shuddered and left.
Luwin smiled and moved closer to Arthur and Rickon. "Shall we play a game?" he said to them. Arthur tilted his head and looked at him, his purple eyes shining with interest and curiosity. "Is it not too early, Maester?" he asked. Rickon on the other hand, opened an eye wearily.
"Can I go back to sleep now, please?" said Rickon, rubbing his brown eyes, his head not leaving the loaf-of-bread-pillow.
"It is always good to rise early, Rickon."
Rickon made a face. "I don't like it." Luwin chuckled and slathered a generous portion of well-churned yellow butter on a piece of bread he carefully sliced from another loaf of bread that was not used as a pillow. "What'll you do when you are lord of a keep?" he challenged gently. "Stay in bed all day?"
Rickon thought for a moment and then nodded with a cheeky grin. Arthur and Luwin both laughed. As Luwin ate his bread, he glanced around and saw more of the northern lords sitting down, greeting each other, some lords reaching out for a bit of breakfast. The high table was unusually empty. To be frank, it was utterly vacant with the exception of Robb who sat in the middle, grim-faced.
By the time Luwin was halfway through his slice of bread, an unusually happy Lord Karstark slid onto the seat opposite Arthur and Rickon. "Maester Luwin," he greeted after saying good morning to the boys. "You are well I hope?"
"Lord Karstark." Luwin dipped his head respectfully. "I'm quite well. You look to be in good spirits yourself my lord."
Lord Karstark beamed.
"Maester, can we play the game now?" implored Arthur.
"Of course." Luwin smiled at him. He looked around the Great Hall. Most of the lords were present; a few seemed to be late risers. Luwin drew out a folded piece of parchment from one of his many pockets, unfolded it and showed it to Arthur. Lord Karstark glanced at it with interest. Scattered on the page were illustrations – coloured – of sigils of all the Northern houses. Luwin allowed Arthur to look at them for a moment and then he pulled the paper away.
"There are many lords in this room," said Luwin, as Lord Karstark chuckled as he seemed to realise what the 'game' was. "I am looking for…Lord Bolton."
Arthur giggled and instantly pointed at the silent Lord Roose Bolton, who was seated at the other trestle table close to the dais.
"How do you know that is Lord Bolton?" tested Luwin.
"His cloak," said Arthur promptly. "It is pink with red drops on it. It's closest to House Bolton's sigil – only missing the red flayed man."
"Very good Arthur. I am now looking for…Lord…Manderly."
"There." Arthur pointed to the jovial Lord Wyman Manderly who was chatting happily to who Luwin recognised as old Lord Locke's son and heir. "The trident's like the one the merman holds in the Manderly sigil…and Lord Manderly is fat."
Lord Karstark choked and mulled ale sprayed from his mouth. Arthur grinned at him. "Arthur," said Luwin sternly. "You cannot be rude to your father's lords – especially with the lord present. You also shouldn't say such words with another lord so close either. Understand?" His grey eyes didn't leave Arthur's purple eyes until Arthur nodded sheepishly. "Good," said Luwin calmly. "I think we have time for one more. I am looking for…Lord Glover."
"Lords and ladies!" Robb stood up, much paler than usual. The murmuring and chatter died down almost at once and the northern lords and ladies looked up at him. Luwin took the opportunity to look around discreetly. Jon Snow brooded by himself near the doors of the Great Hall, watching bits of porridge slide slothfully from his spoon into his bowl; Lyarra sat beside her betrothed and opposite Lord Bolton, staring angrily at Robb; Theon gazed lustfully at a few servant girls whilst he finished off his breakfast of three well-fried, plump sausages dripping with fat and a flagon of ale; and Daenerys, pale with anxiety, chose to sit a couple of seats away from Arthur and Rickon.
Luwin quietly shushed Arthur as he pointed to Lord Glover. "We will resume a later time," Luwin promised softly, gently prodding Rickon awake. "Now we need to listen to your lord brother speak." He fervently hoped Robb would do the right thing. Renouncing one's claim would never be easy.
"My lords and ladies, I thank you all for answering my calls and coming here at once," said Robb clearly. He had a strong voice, good for the battlefield. Robb still can be a great commander and soldier. "As you now know, wildlings are attacking. Mostly against the sworn brothers of the Night's Watch, but they will not hesitate to invade northern lands too. We also cannot allow the men of the Night's Watch to battle the wildlings alone. As you all know, my father had already sent some of his own men to aid the sworn brothers as have Lords Karstark and Umber." Robb paused and nodded at the two respective lords. "My uncle First Ranger Stark had gone south to request more men – soldiers in fact – and that will take time. I have called you hear to inform you that we will all send men to help." He looked a little more nervous now. "The Night's Watch needs us."
Some of the lords nodded, others more reluctant.
"The Night's Watch contains criminals," spoke Lord Manderly. "Say we aid and give them more men and supplies, how will it guarantee victory?"
"The Night's Watch consists of good men as well as criminals, Lord Manderly," said Robb, looking at Lord Manderly. "Many of them were and are from northern families like yours." He turned to Lord Locke's heir. "Ser Donnel Locke, I believe I spoke to one of your uncles, Ser Mallador, yes? He is a good man. Many members of our families are part of the Night's Watch, fighting against the wildlings. All the sworn brothers of the Night's Watch – criminals, smallfolk, bastards and nobles – are doing their duty: defending the Seven Kingdoms against those that lie beyond the Wall. Not all criminals are criminals Lord Manderly. Perhaps some are clever at strategy. Strategy is needed to win against the wildlings."
Lord Manderly nodded, a smile on his face. It is as if Robb answered a question correctly, thought Luwin approvingly as the other lords nodded agreeably.
"There is also…another matter." Luwin frowned slightly. Robb looked nervous and…frightened? Nervousness was expected, but fright? It would be intimidating, speaking in front of such a large crowd of lords though…
Luwin glanced around and spotted Arya skulking near the doors, glowering at Robb with pure anger. Why would Arya be furious at Robb? Luwin wondered, his brows furrowing in deep thought. Robb doesn't have the authority to cancel all of her water dancing lessons – or does he? Luwin was certain Robb wouldn't hurt his sister in depriving her of recreational activities she enjoyed.
"I have married Lady Daenerys Sand," announced Robb suddenly.
Crash!
The cup in Lord Umber's hand slipped through his fingers and fell to the floor, liquid splattering on his shoes. The quiet murmurs rose to a buzz of mutterings – unhappy and angry mutterings.
"I married Daenerys Sand, my father's ward," Robb said again. The majority of eyes swivelled and stared at Daenerys who attempted to ignore them. "One night after too much to drink, I slept with her." His cheeks tinged with pink. "It was not the wisest move on my part, and to protect her honour, I married her."
"Is that why Lord Stark gone south?" growled Lord Umber, "to save your arse, Robb Stark?" The cups and plates shook as he angrily hit the table with his fist. "I fucked many women in my life, and did I marry any of them? NO."
"A Dornish bastard?" said Lord Karstark, disgusted. His earlier cheerful mood had been fully extinguished. "You choose to wed a Dornish bastard to protect her honour instead of marrying Princess Lyanna Baratheon or a good Northern girl? I am astonished, Robb Stark! Surely Lord Stark would not have agreed to it!" Other lords and ladies murmured in assent, a couple even shooting Daenerys nasty and hateful looks similar to the one Arya gave Robb earlier.
"There is more news," said Robb loudly. Luwin's stomach lurched. More awful news? What had the Starks done to earn such terrible luck from the old gods and new? "I received a raven from Lord Stark this morning."
"Is he to disinherit you my lord?" asked Lord Umber sarcastically. A low growl drew Luwin's attention to the platform again. Quietly prowling around the legs of the high table was Robb's direwolf, Grey Wind. Luwin had forgotten that some of the direwolves liked following their masters and mistresses into the Great Hall. A mistake to forget the direwolves.
Robb glowered at Lord Umber. "To compensate Princess Lyanna's jilting, Lord Stark is to be Master of Laws," he said heavily, "and Lady Stark is to be part of the queen's entourage. Moreover, the king has…requested my sister Lady Arya to be sent to King's Landing where she'll have an honoured place at court." The angry mutterings rose. No wonder Arya was so furious. She never liked the south. "And my other sister Lady Lyarra as well," Robb went on unwillingly. Luwin saw Lord Bolton frown. "Furthermore, the king has announced that…that to cement House Stark and House Baratheon, there will be a new Baratheon-Stark marriage. Lady Lyarra is set to wed Prince Orys Baratheon." Stunned silence.
Every eye in the Great Hall was now on Lord Bolton. Luwin's usually firm and steady hands trembled. Arthur tugged at his sleeve. "Lyarra's to marry Domeric," he whispered, bewildered.
Frozen, Maester Luwin – and everybody else – watched as Lord Bolton slowly stood up, his expression impassive, and stride out the Great Hall without uttering a single word.
Daenerys had the highest votes for this chapter's POV, but when I started writing the chapter, I found it easier to write it in Luwin's POV.
I'm glad you liked 'Sun and Snow' BigStevie :D I actually did find it enjoyable to write, especially the start of it.
Clary Sage, I'm so sorry I haven't written your Jaime/Lyanna oneshot yet! I promise to write it - or start it more like - tomorrow. Just a few questions if you don't mind. On a scale from 1 to 10, how much in love do you want them to be? 1 being just gazing lovingly at each other to 10 being loving each other so much they are willing to risk it all and cheat in their marriages. Do you also want Jaime to be married and to whom OR do you want him to remain as a knight of the Kingsguard? And is there a specific period in their lives you want me to set it in? If there's anything else at all about the oneshot you want, just let me know :)
Spectre4Hire, you can set the prompt in as much detail as you want :) And yes, please message it to me when you think of a prompt :D
