wow. it's been a hot minute.

Here is the next chapter. The next Chapter will

begin the time jump!.

I own nothing you see.

Early morning, day of the Harvest Festival.

Every great Lord, minor Noble, landed warrior, Clan chief, Thane or Jarl, of the North had gathered under the shadow of Winterfell.

Winter Town was lively and jovial as caravan's of trade flowed through the town.

The normally deep greens, browns, and gray of the common folks clothing were added to by the migrants, yellows, blues, reds, purple, gold, and every shade in between flitted through the streets.

The early morning smell 0f bakers and chefs permeated through the streets.

Much of the trade was conducted with the visiting nobles,

Throngs of early risers from all peoples from Dornish, Riverlander, Bravosi, Skagos and the like, mountain men, southron gentlemen.

Many of the new landowners had come to sell their wares, or had come looking for stocks of cheaper supplies for their towerhold homes.

These holds began a day's ride away from Winterfel, these were common homes for landed and sworn warriors.

The basic layout of the holds were the same.. Tower is in the middle of a four corner fort with high walls, packed with buildings taller and longer than typical, shops, stores, Armour and weapons smith's, farmers and hunters tend to gather in these village forts.

The hold ranges in size from small to expansive. All the towers were habitable, as Jarls and Thanes did their duties in keeping their structures well maintained.

The Northern people would welcome small groups of Southrons into these homes, allowing them to assimilate easier.

Every southern Lord who would be settling the lands had been assigned a houseCarl with whom they would learn their lands and the laws of the North.

The view out over the land was spectacular this morning.

Several men stood around a table filled with maps, scrolls, scales and bags of gold.

A clan of Stony Dornish had ridden from their mountains to serve under the old gods, demanding they swear fealty to Eddard Stark alone.

It seemed that many of the older houses and ancient clans had decided on a move, the Septons had spent the last several years under Aerys turning many against the North fief.

Those Stony Dornish, known as Clan Bloodsand were given a large track of hills west of Long Lake, and a single village at the water's edge. Another, a young married Blackwood branch family from the Riverlands were given a forested stretch of farmland east of Winterfell, intersecting two rivers.

NED:

Ben and I had been spending large amounts of time to find and gift lands that these clans could cultivate, and begin sending revenue to Winterfell.

Leveling a glare at the detailed list of properties that needed slight repairs or completely ready to settle.

The properties were not the problem.

However the New Lords of the Gift would be Ben's problem, he had every right and reason to know and control his own Lords.

Bringing the sheets closer we took a look again.

330 tower forts left of 500 originally put forward.

I knew several of my Bannermen would welcome minor landed nobles to settle on their land, some had even picked up dozens or hundreds of men leaving the south.

Many of the Riverlands and of the Vale had left with the North Host, though not to swear to the Lord of Winterfell, but his Banners instead.

Though only two of my great Lords took on more than the others. House Bolton, and House Karstark.

Rodrik Karstark had near some 6000 new residents, all from The Tyrell Levies that had been abandoned by their Lord Paramount.

These young men had chosen not to go home, but North.

Rodrick was strutting around like a Peacock.

Yet the Boltons had taken in some 2000 migrants themselves, settling them south of the DreadFort. Roose had taken many from the Vale, RedFort the Lords of the same House had lost two branch family Castles due to the rebellion and Roose had come to the rescue, making connections and goodwill.

It'll come around to being an issue in a decade or so probably.

The first major project began in Winter Town. Sewer expansion and It's reconstruction was still in its early phase, however a gleam of what it will become shined brightly.

Eddard Stark, Warden of the North, Lord of Winterfell and all House Stark. The Quiet Wolf, the Wise Wolf.

He was who all had come to see, or more apt to say, that come to receive their promised desserts from the war.

Ned knew this better than most, northmen expected rewards for their leal service, something the Southrons due with prompt and honeyed words.

King Rhaegar had already given his prizes out before Ned's company had returned.

Gifts of titles, gold and weapons of state came with the duties of leadership, no one works for free.

Even the smallfolk who had marched would receive a farmers wagon of good; food stock, bolts of cloth, leathers, weapons and tools, they are given a choice of an animal for breeding or a horse to work the fields.

Everything a Northern man needs to make a good life for their family.

Each House would be given a boon and a gift.

The boon would be something along the lines of "A herd of sheep" or "To build a new cadet branch for a second son" or worse, fostering or marriage.

It has to be said, the Stark Lord may reject boons if they feel it excessive.

The gifts would be catered toward the Individual needs.

For example,

Lord Ryswell would receive a breeding pair of Dothraki horses that Lord Wylis had sold to me for this purpose.

Lord Bolton would be gifted a merchant vessel Ben had secured from Bravos.

It was a three masted long ship with four decks and could fit a sizable amount of cargo.

Though his Boon I could not fathom. Fostering won't happen and he knows that.

The Umbers would receive a large sum of gold, enough to fill their coffers for a decade at least. A great sword was commissioned for Jon in respect of his warrior prowess he had shown during the battle of Storm's End.

The Karstark Lord would be given a beautiful ship that could be used for war or trade.

The Mormonts three shipping cogs that would ship wood, bear and large sea beast products to cape Kraken where caravans and river ships would take it from there.

The Mormonts were set to make a lot of coins.

Howland was in for a surprise however.

He would make High Thane of the Neck and 15000 acres of farmland North west of the Moat for crops or cattle.

He would be awarded a three pronged trident made of the best steel and a cottage inside the Castle close of Winterfell as well.

The Flints of their three fiefs and Castles would receive gold.

The Minor Lords acreage and the landed Warriors who fought a hefty bag of silver, crowns, and a voucher for food stock for the winter, that can be cashed in at any of the Jarl Outpost forts.

The Talharts would be given gold.

The BlackVynes would receive two Braavos merchant ships as well.

BludHaven. My Uncle, the Lord, would receive a Valyian steel Bastard Longsword, the shortest blade in the vault.

The blade is meant to tie him closer, to fix the void my father had kept between his sons and their mothers kin.

Many other Lords would receive rewards appropriate for their roles In the war, large and small alike.

The men at arms that went to war as part of House Stark were probably the most well rewarded of all.

Everyman received plots of land as promised and had already been given their payments and goods, and were hard at work on their crafts, putting war behind them but keeping their axes and spears sharp.

House Manderly had already received their boon, and their gift was a herd of Long haired bison to raise and then spread across the North, gifting a steady large supply of meat.

The hunt of butchery of the animals would be strictly guided by Jarls who focused on Wildlife and forest preservation.

The Newly Minted Blake and Slake houses would not receive a boon or gifts as their holdings were enough, both men even sent ravens pleading for nothing else to be gifted, for they had their honor as men and would not receive what they do not believe they are owed.

Good men. Cheers.

Ned Lifted his head from the ink covered document that he was pursuing for continuity.

Leaning backwards Ned stretched the aching muscle of his shoulders and back. Sitting too long hurts worse than a good spar.

Looking over the documents one last time he sighed and put them away.

'The harvest was better than expected, and the mountain clans brought more fur down than I thought was possible. Really I should have expected Theo Wull to see a need and instead of asking someone else to fix it, he went and made sure the new migrants wouldn't freeze.

What a friend.

Theo sent his younger brother to give me a letter with an inventory and a request to take his brother into my household, as he wanted to leave the mountain life behind.

The man, called Eric Wull stood as tall as his much older brother yet had a much more disciplined personality.

Something that the mountain clans wouldn't get along well with too much.

Rowdy, passionate, but prickly and prideful Northmen.

Eric was a devil with his bearded axes, well read, versed in the old tongue and surprisingly political.

"Eric, why are you sitting the Glover party next to Talhart and Bolton? We know they will be hot tempered."

I asked in confusion.

Eric had become like a personal advisor during this festive time. Lending Vayon and myself his knowledge and expertise with dealing with the roughs and toughs of the North.

"Well sire, the Glover party has an unmarried daughter of the direct family. Bolton is married and has no sons available, but keeps the Glovers on edge enough not to cause a scene when Talhart's brother asks for Elena Glovers hand."

"Why would they cause a scene? Albert is a good man, he man's a stone fort and keeps on the edge of the Wolfwood."

"Lord Glover would prefer it was you my Lord and has been pushing off suitors expecting your wife to run off." The man told me candidly.

"Bolton is acting as our enforcer to keep Lord Glover from acting foolish. Roose scares him something fierce. " I nodded, mentally cursing the intrigue of my Lords.

'Who ever said the North only held blunt and crass folk were fools. They just hide it better. No honeyed words my ass.'

"Make sure Lord Bolton is given plenty of good ale during the feast."

I told Eric as he gathered up a stack of notes he had taken for me.

The man was becoming a leal follower, taking the position as my personal sworn axe, aide and advisor on Northern politics.

Theo knew who he was sending me. He knew what I needed.

Martin Dustin had sent large barrels of mead ahead of his party, from his personal array of products he had been mastering since he was a boy.

The Umbers sent black ale as well, though it was a strong drink it tasted like hops and the earth they were grown in.

As I drank from my tankard of watered pale ale I heard a knock on the door, a guard announcing my brother's arrival.

"Lord Benjin!" Eric called as my brother walked in, a large bald and scarred man trailing him.

"Eric, it is good to see you! I figured you would have stayed away a bit longer?" Ben asked what seemed to be a friend.

"Aye, after returning my brother decided I had spent a bit too much time away from the clan and allowed me to leave."

The tall Wull explained in a hushed tone with Ben as their arms were clasped in greeting, huge smiles on their faces.

Benjin had only just returned today from his first trip North to his new holdings.

Turning toward me Ben bowed slightly, a stern look on his face.

"Ned, it's time we talked about Skagos and Skane." He announced turning towards his companion.

"This is Magnar Gaelin of the Nagbar Clan, the new Chief of his clan and hopefully my future Good father." Ben told me bluntly, though respectfully.

Nodding to the man, I walked forward and clasped his forearm.

"Welcome to Wintefell."

I told him sincerely.

I could tell something immense had happened, though no one else knew it seemed.

"Explain. I won't interrupt." I tell my brother as I gesture for the men to take their seats and begin filling mugs of mild ale for them.

Ben began to tell an amazing tale.

It wasn't that no one knew what had happened, Ben had asked all to keep their Gobs shut until he had told me himself.

That alone showed me how much my brother had grown. The boy who was once beaten down by Lya in the training yard had become a man.

When the war had truly Begun when my men marched south Under Vayon Poole with Ben's authority the North was, while not empty as it was a vast land, it was however significantly emptier.

An army of Wildlings had broken through one of the oldest abandoned forts and had laid siege, or attempted at least, to Last Hearth.

Ben had ridden out with a thousand men at arms, but not before sending a raven to the isles in the far north.

Ben was out numbers 4 to 1 and yet still gathered men as he moved up the long lake to break the army of wildlings.

A day before their arrival at last Hearth, almost five thousand Skane and Skago warriors took knees and swore blood oaths to him.

His letter had told the Island Lords that he would marry a daughter of their houses if they marched under his banner.

They took that as a blood oath.

Ben would be marrying Nagbars 9ldest daughter, a woman of 20, tall willowy and a fine spear maid.

The Wedding would take place on the last day of the festival, in the godswood.

I listened and nodded along, never interrupting.

When he was finally done, I stood and gathered him into a tight hug, a large smile on my own face.

Mask be damned, my brothers are getting married!

I could see how happy he was. Clan

Nagbar was large and more advanced than most would think.

They were a strong clan, and more than expected decided to move with Lady Tahra and Ben to the Gift lands. Ben had a large household already beginning work on his Fortress home.

"I give you my blessing, whatever you need Ben, you'll have it. Now tell me about Skane. "

He told me of how the Skanish wished for House Stark to handle the ice River clans.

"Let us reconvene the day after tomorrow, Eric, Ben, Gaelin.

I want you each to bring me suggestions, troop numbers and supply estimates, whatever you have to lead an invasion of the River clans." My voice was commanding, though not harsh.

"Aye!" They called out with salutes of fist against breast.

I watched as they shuffled out. Gaelin spoke amicably with Eric as he followed behind Ben.

It was still early morning when we sat down to eat porridge with dried figs, and other fruit.

While not a strict tradition of the North, House Stark had practiced this often through their reigns as kings and wardens.

It dated back to before the long night, when their people still lived in what is now the stony Dornish, the first men to set across the narrow sea over the land bridge.

They were friends of the children of the forest and it was said that the first meal shared by the two people was of porridge and dried fruit.

Simple, but a wholesome tradition Ned liked.

Lady Stark came to the high table to sit beside him as he began his meal, Robb was swaddled on her hip, a gorgeous dress covered by a large fur coat.

As she sat, I reached over and plucked Robb from her, allowing her some much needed quiet while she ate.

I cradled him to my chest, feeding him small bits of the porridge, and water milk was brought out by the maester Luwin, himself.

He must have seen a look on my face as he chuckled and leaned towards me.

"Ah, my Lord, this milk is specially designed by Maesters who dedicated their years to researching how to raise strong and healthy children.

I have studied their material in depth, I wish to serve Winterfell and her children with my knowledge. " He whispered to me.

I could see the clear sincerity in his eyes.

I nodded to him in thanks.

He took this as a dismissal and went upon his way.

I shook my head as I picked up the bottle, a nipple like cap and with ease helped my son drink.

I was able to finish my meal as Robb fell into a happy slumber after a burping.

I settled back into my throne-like chair and looked up into the hall ceiling.

Light streamed down from skylights in between rafters. Large and small and stone windows covered in glass shined early morning gloom downward.

Though the light was dimmer, the atmosphere was vibrant and warm, though quiet. Much too quiet for this time of morning.

I shook my head of the trivial thoughts and basked in the comfortable warmth and looked back to my sleeping son.

It felt like an age before I Finally looked up and saw the entire hall staring dead at me.

Glancing over to my left, Cat was open-mouthed gaping at me.

"Love, you are drooling a bit." I whispered softly to her as I lifted a morning cider and took a gulp. (watered down, like a semi sweetened apple juice.)

Out of Pov.

The Hall was near dead silent as Lords and ladies trekked into the great hall to share in this tradition of the Starks.

They ate porridge and fruit, then at mid morning they would lead the Castle to the last fields of crops and spend the rest of the day working alongside the townsfolk to bring in the harvest.

The great lords of the kingdom watched alongside servants, their wives and soldiers as their Warden of the North sat eating the same food as they, while spoon feeding his giggling heir.

Yet as he sat, in front of his entire peerage and court, smiling down upon his heir, porridge dripped from his front as the child had spat up more than he ate.

And not a single person in that hall had the gall to disturb their happy lord.

Not a single one of his lords outside of a few had ever seen Eddard Stark show this much emotion.

Some in the hall even took it upon themselves to stand outside the hall and warn those coming in to stay quiet.

The people of the North sat under the roof of their Warden, basking in the ambience of the morning.

Watered ales and wines were passed around, many weary of the day scything stocks and grinding and peeling that was coming.

Soon they watched as Lord Eddard passed his sleeping son over to his lovely Red haired wife.

The Lord wore canvas pants, sturdy high topped boots, an untucked long sleeved tunic with a workers jacket over his shoulders.

Gloves and a conical hat of bamboo from cape Kraken.

The largest producer of bamboo on the continent.

The hats were actually in most everyone's hands.

The BludHaven clan had introduced many things to the North.

PoV Ned.

The day's work was tiring, but fulfilling.

Ned worked alongside his many warriors and household staff.

Today was the one day the men and women of the North would see the Lord of Winterfell quietly and expertly harvest the crops. The townspeople brought watered wines and snacks for the high born hauling wheel-barrel.

s of grain and vegetables to the store wagons that the Lord had brought.

Usually the Lord of Winterfell would only provide this service during the festivals held during the first Harvest of the new year.

However Ned had decided that all Harvests would have a Stark involved.

As he tossed another bushel of grain in his carry bag, a canvas like sack slung over his shoulder.

The household kept a respectful distance from their Liege, though the smallfolk had no qualms with chatting up their Lord and blessing his soul.

Usually Ned would have had to spend most of the timekeeping hot tempers of his Vassals in line. However, this day, as it dipped into evening, not a single argument or fight had broken out.

Standing to his full height, leaning left and right stretching his sore muscles, Ned looked out into the fields he had worked this day.

Every usable plant had been dug up and thrashed if it needed it.

The kitchen staff would be preserving and jarring thousands of sauces, jams, grains, dried meats and those meats and perishables capable of being placed in the long term ice chamber.

The North had learned thousands of years ago the best way to survive winter was in preparation, smart stores, and forestry.

I waved over Lord Umber and the Dustin Lord and Lady who had been hard at work feet away from me during the entire day.

Jorah Mormont and his petite wife were covered in dust with large content smiles on their faces.

Mormont was the new Lord of Bear Island, as his father had taken the Black.

Jon, Jorah, and William bowed their heads slightly and took up my flanks. Sighing as I walked back towards the hive of people hauling loaded wagons back to the town.

My people gathered around us, then behind me.

Many a young child hung from sides of wagons, or sitting in front of their fathers

Led pack wagons alongside me, songs, laughter springing up with each step.

I walked at the front of the procession, my three dirty high Lords kept their scyths close as they dutifully continued to act as an honor guard, their wives just as armed, but with relaxed smiles as they followed at their husband's heels.

We trudged through the town at a decent clip, passing townspeople and guests, all making a large path through for the Winterfell Noble.

Blessings and the smell of fresh food hung in the air.

The ancient castle stood as firm as it always had.

Lady Caitlyn Stark stood at the gatehouse, head held high. she-warriors with hand axes and spears surrounded the Tully scion.

Her flaming head of hair was tied back by a Northern braid, her clothes were that of a leather and canvas under her Grey fur coat.

She looked mighty as Ned ambered forward, the entire procession had stopped in front of his wife as well.

"My Lady." Gracing her with a toothy smile and a bow of the head.

Her Riverlands accent nearly good, Cat spoke Loud enough for all to hear.

"The Harvest has been reaped! Thank you all, Your Lord and my Husband, has declared that Tonight you will all sup in our hall! But first Lord Eddard Stark must go and give his prayers to the Old Gods!

Cat stared at me at that moment. Her beautiful smile was in full shine.

Turning to my people, I spoke words of encouragement, of faith and loyalty.

I called for my Lords and Ladies to join me in offering their prayers, for their people.

"This is tradition?" Cat asked so only he heard.

Looking down upon his wife, he nodded, a gentle look in his eyes.

"Aye, we go to offer our thanks . While the old gods have no names or influence outside of nature and the rare mage that is blessed by them, it is the land and our families we pray for blessings." I explain just as quietly.

She mused as I leaned into her as my Nobles gathered with smiles on their faces. Even Roose Bolton and his Wife, a Ryswell, had a soft look in their eyes, not that anyone was staring at the Flayers.

"By calling your lords out, you reaffirm their loyalty to the old Gods, and to us.. The septs do the same on holy days." Her reply was tinged with understanding.

"The Northern Lords need to see you beside them at the heart tree, it's how they know they can trust you. Right Ned?" She asked as she leaned forward on her toes to give me a kiss. Her common clothing rustled as she did so.

"Maege Mormont and Barbary Dustin sat me down this morning after you took the household to the fields." She told me between kisses.

As I nodded a smirk in my mind, those women are not the type of ladies Cat was used to.

She must have seen a look on my face as she huffed.

"They were polite, Ned. They explained a woman's duty North of the Moat, and walked me through many situations I will soon have to handle as your wife.

Barbary never once spoke of Brandon, she was more than gracious.

Ned,

You never told me Maege would be staying with her daughters, Husband." She told him in an annoyed tone, though not accusing

"Ah. Yes, I don't think I ever received her answer. Though it seems one wasn't needed.

Maege Is here to help, her daughters will be fostered at Winterfell.

Maege has no titles other than matron of Bear Islands warrior women, she would be a good governess for our future children." I tell her softly as we let go of one another.

"I'm committed and married to you, Ned, tell me next time we have permanent guests coming!" She sighed and smiled up at him.

"Water under the bridge. I look forward to spending more time with Lady Maege, I feel as if she has been missing from my life, a mother figure." She said very softly as her husband gave her one last kiss before leading dozens of his sworn lords to the Godswood.

Vayon had ice brought to me as I entered the gate of the small forest.

As I passed the stone pillars I could feel,hear and taste ozone.

The silence is broken only by birds and Rustles from the brush.

I laid Ice naked over my shoulder, an oil rag on the other hand, leading my people to the stone under the Heart tree.

Standing before the old gods I bowed my head minutely and breathed a prayer of thanks for harvest and a long summer.

I sat upon the stone my father once occupied and began cleaning the ancient Valyrian blade.

All around me my Lords did the same on patches of Grass, rocks, and fallen trees.

The God's Wood was a wild place. Nature grew quickly and stayed green year-round.

Though vines and roots never leave the area beyond the outer limit of the small forest.

It was an hour maybe longer before I felt I had given proper prayers.

My heart calm, mood serene as I stood, silently beginning the trek back to the Castle.

I did not bathe in more than a basin of warm water, my work clothes were beaten and brushed, then passed back to Me by a servant.

I took my time stretching out my limbs and waited for Cat to arrive.

A few minutes later I found Cat with Robb on her hip at the door, smiling at me.

"Ned, they are ready." She told him, still wearing her common clothes without the coat.

I thanked her and followed a moment behind as we swept through the corridors of the Castle.

The feast was of resounding success, the still lower than normal noise volume was still persisting.

Though I could hear laughter and conversations, none of the fighting or boastful bragging could be heard.

I leaned toward Howland, who had been working the wagon teams for the day.

"Why is it so quiet?" My murmured question hidden behind a tankard of ale.

The Reed Lord chuckled and responded to his confused liege.

"The nobles have decided that while in the house of The Quiet Wolf, they must emulate you to become better Lords.

Hence the lower than normal volume. The entire court saw you feeding your heir this morning.

That was what broke the camel's back , Ned. They not only are loyal to a fault. They adore you.

What Lord of half a continent would take his newborn son in his arms to feed him while sitting in full view of his people.

You. The humble father of all the North and her people." Howland told him from his side at Ned's Right.