Storm of the North

Chapter 10

Q&A

agnar: That would be an interesting take. I'd never think Ned would do that as long as Robert was alive and needed help.

Winterfell, 298 AC

Naruto POV

One week. That is the time it took for the official raven to reach Winterfell from Kingslanding, informing them of Jon Arryn's death and that the King would be marching to Winterfell.

Naruto estimated that they would take about a month and a half to reach Winterfell, considering they would be moving with the Queen and her wheelhouse and the fact Robert could only take so much of the woman's nagging in a day. Robert actually might have preferred to march longer and with a quicker pace.

Naruto's information network had reported that as soon as Robert was out of the city, things got eerily quiet, at least politically. The Spider had contacted the East and was now waiting for a response and holding his moves, waiting for something to trip in his web. The Mocking-bird was giving the city watch discounts on 'entertainment'. The only interesting news for the moment was that the Dour Stag was leaving for Dragonstone as soon as he could. That wasn't like him so to Naruto that screamed of something happening behind the scenes. That also meant he needed to get sources in Dragonstone. Nothing ever happened there as the Dour Stag avoided it like the island was made of Grayscale. Then again, Naruto had met the Dour Stag's wife. 'Disturbed' and 'Easily lead around' were apt descriptors for the woman.

Naruto had gone through the most likely situations to arise from Robert's visit. Naruto, Lyanna and Jon had agreed that as soon as the King left back south, Jon and Naruto would be visiting the wall to get and accurate report on its condition. That was the main plan. It was open for change given multiple situations, ranging form Ned going south with Robert, which would mean Naruto would have to go along them to south to watch Ned's back, Naruto going by himself if one of the Lannister's got any wind of Jon's heritage and him needing to disappear for a while or even Lyanna going in a situation where Naruto and Jon were both unable to go. The last option wasn't wanted in any way, especially by Lyanna since at that point, she wouldn't be able to ride horses safely and would be taken in a wheel house.

Naruto had a strong guess on why Robert was coming North and he still couldn't have given a damn if Tywin would have been made the next Hand of the King. Tywin was someone who got things done. The man was a capable leader, but knew that war was not a preferred method and wasn't one to waste good troops on fighting any useless wars, especially against the North for no reason. Ned wasn't against any other kingdom either. Problem was, Ned didn't want to play the game. That was like blinding yourself on purpose and then pretending you didn't need the eye in the first place. The amount of information Ned didn't have access to was worrying. Naruto could have been whispering in his ear about every little thing happening, but the man wouldn't have necessarily cared. In Naruto's opinion Tywin or someone similar was necessary for Robert to keeping his seat. Tywin wanted to advance his owns family's interests and right now making all the kingdoms richer was in his interests because in the end all the money flowed to them since they had the throne down the line. War wasn't necessary or preferred right now or in the future. In fact, Naruto had at one point requested permission from Ned to write to Tywin with Ned's signature.

The subject of the letter was supplies and men for the Wall. Now, when selling an idea to anyone, the most important part is to align your interests with theirs. Simply giving the idea that a well-supplied and manned Wall keep's anyone on the other side out. Keeping them out, keep's the Seven kingdoms happy since they don't have to worry for 'wildlings'. It also served a good purpose of taking unwanted people of your hands and you wouldn't have to worry for idle hands taking up arms or getting ideas of grandeur. And Naruto didn't have to say it, but the letter would also give Tywin the idea of having one of his men as the Lord Commander on the Wall. In Tywin's mind that would be and entire base of operations against the North in the future if things went as planned or not as planned.

Naruto also might have sent information through some of his sources on the Wall after he was informed Tywin was doing as asked. And if those sources told the Lord Commander of what Tywin might be planning, then oh well. The Wall got supplies and men and Naruto only had to write two letters, while endearing Ned to Tywin a bit, even if the Old Lion thought Ned a bit foolish for providing such an opportunity.

Lyanna was showing already. Her usually smooth and tough midriff had a baby-bump. In a weird, 'claiming your mate' way it was kind of sexy. Lyanna seemed to have calmed somewhat, just being happy looking down at her stomach with warm eyes sometimes. He thought the devils themselves would be clawing at Winterfell's door when she showed him a quilt she had made for their baby. She hated that sort of stuff. Now she was spending more time with Sansa. The young girl tried to hide it under her veneer of Ladylike behavior, but the fact that she had brought Lyanna multiple baby-clothes told everyone she was excited to see a baby. Ygritte was also excited to meet the newest addition to Clan Uzumaki. Healthy children were a treasure beyond the Wall. Even holding one was considered a story to boast about. Jon was very excited to meet his new sibling, even he had to hide it publicly.

The month and a half had run out quicker than Naruto thought. His sources said that they were due any day now. Then the day came. Naruto was escorting Lyanna to the yard to greet the King.

Jon, Robb, and Theon had their hair cut a short while ago. Ygritte was still making fun of Jon's short hair and commenting that she finally looked prettier than him. Lyanna also demanded Naruto had the crow's nest the referred to as his hair cut down. Naruto couldn't give a toss either way so did as told.

Now, here they stood, waiting for the King to arrive. Lyanna and Naruto had chosen to stand in line after the Stark children. Jon stood behind Arya if the need came to keep her in line. Finally, the man rode through the gates and Naruto kneeled along the people gathered there. God's. The nickname fat Stag was on the money. Oh Robert, the amount of respect I had for you has gone down even more. During the Greyjoy Rebellion, he was at least capable of swinging his warhammer. Now the man looked like he couldn't lift it up. As he came to a stop and the servants came, bringing stairs for the fat man to get down, even struggling with that, Naruto felt like covering his eyes to this travesty of a man. A great beard covered his neck now. The man wore furs and had a longsword at his side. He marched in front of Ned and stopped, gazing down at his friend. He lightly indicated with his right hand for Ned to rise. As Ned rose, everyone else followed right on his heels.

"Your Grace" Ned bowed slightly. Robert lightly furrowed his brows and tilted his head before straightening. He then eyed Ned from top to bottom in severe thought.

"You've got fat" Robert told Ned. Naruto couldn't help it as the small snort left him. Ned momentarily turned to glare as silence descended on the yard, then turned back to Robert and down down at the Kings belly. That set off Robert in laughter, with Ned joining in. The two men hugged and slapped each other in the back. As they separated, Robert turned to Ned's left side with an exclamation of "Cat" and gave a one-armed hug to the Lady of Winterfell. As they separated Robert messed up little Rickons hair as they young boy stood next to his mother.

Robert returned in front of Ned "Nine years, why haven't I seen you? Where the hell have you been?"

"Guarding the North for you, your Grace. Winterfell is yours." Ned spoke with a wry grin as behind the king the Queen and her children exited her wheelhouse.

Arya tried to whisper, more of an exclamation truthfully, to Sansa about where the Imp was, only to get told to "Shut up" by the older sister. That drew Roberts attention from Ned.

"Who have we here?" He approached the Stark children. Next to Ned, trying to look severe was Robb.

"You must be Robb" Robert offered his hand and gave a strong shake to the young man. He moved on to look at Sansa and simply commented what a pretty one she was, getting red cheeks from the girl as she ducked her head. As he came to stand in front of Arya who was looking at the King less than impressed, he inquired the young girls name. Arya gave her name and Robert moved on with a nod of his head. When he moved on to Bran he requested the boy to show off his muscles, which he did getting a chuckle form Robert and an exclamation that he'd be fine soldier.

Then he finally turned to Lyanna who Naruto stood behind. He gave Lyanna a bow and showed an open hand, requesting to kiss her hand. She gave her hand a gave it a quick peck. As Robert bowed, he noticed her stomach. He rose his head, a vein bulging from his forehead.

Lyanna lightly smiled and simply spoke "the next member of Clan Uzumaki" while indicating behind her to Naruto. Robert mad eye contact and Naruto only rose an eyebrow in return. After a moment Naruto lightly with his head and said "Your Grace". Robert gritted his teeth and turned back to Ned who was greeting the Queen.

"Take me to your solar, we have things to speak on" Robert spoke tightly.

"We've been riding for a month and a half, my love. Surely that can wait." Cersei fluttered her eye lashes as she tried to appeal to her husband. Robert completely ignored her and only indicated for Ned to lead. Ned hesitated for a moment, but left his spot leaving the Kingly procession and the people of Winterfell to look at each other awkwardly across the yard in silence.

Naruto decided to break the ice by clearing his sinuses and spat a glob of snot off to the side that got a snort of laughter out of Lyanna and Arya. Cat turned with shock on her face to look at him, him only having a bored look on his face and not reacting to the glare had received moments later. It had the intended consequence of breaking the ice and people finally began to move with Catelyn leading her children to greet the Queen and her brood. Naruto gazed on passively as Jaime Lannister rode out of the gate towards Wintertown. He and Lyanna gravitated towards the throng of people greeting the Queen. Cersei Lannister, the Queen, clapped eyes on Lyanna, straightening her back and lifting her chins so it almost looked like she was staring down at Lyanna along her nose. Naruto had to clamp down on the laughter that almost bubbled out of him at the sight.

"So, you're the Lyanna Stark I've heard so much about." Cersei spoke, a mocking tone coloring her speech "I had not heard you'd gotten married. I guess congratulations are in place. Who's is the baby you carry."

Lyanna only seemed to grin wolfishly "Oh, you need not worry. I haven't married. The baby I carry is the progeny of the greatest warrior this world has ever seen. I was lucky that way. The things he can do with that sword of his are truly remarkable. How of you, are you satisfied with… the great King?" the final part almost sounded like Lyanna would start laughing as she said it.

Cersei's eye twitched. She sniffed and led her brood inside the castle. Cat gave a glare to Lyanna who seemed like her birthday had come early. The Crown prince who had been following his mother like a puppy gave Lyanna a glare. Naruto wondered if anyone would noticed if the prince disappeared for good. The look in the brat's eye was comparable to Ramsay Snow's.

Jon quietly came to stand by Naruto "Should I show him the view from one of the towers" Jon spoke quietly.

"No, not yet anyway" Naruto spoke quietly.

Jon hummed "Lady Catelyn told me I was not to attend the feast"

Lyanna spoke up from staring after Cersei and Catelyn "No, you'll come. You'll sit at my side to guard me. We'll no sit with the family. If the trout has something to say, she can say it to me."

Naruto chuckled "You heard the Lady of the House" Jon could only shake his head.

That night, the hall

The feast was fun. Since Jon was not sitting with the family and the royal family, Ygritte had also come along. Their little group of Ygritte, Jon, Lyanna and Naruto were having great fun at the moment, dubbing the minute facial ticks flashing across the Queens dour visage as she stared at the King making a fool of himself and by extension, her.

"Oh, how I wish father didn't give me to this man, I wish he'd give me a castle of my own" Ygritte spoke laughing while looking at the Queen.

"There goes my husband, the fattest and drunkest man in the land" Jon chuckled.

The game changed when Catelyn spoke something to the Queen and she replied. Then new game involved them making up what they were saying. It was surprising to the dubbers when the two Ladies started comparing their husbands. It was all in good joke of course. The game got boring and they moved on to other subjects, that got boring as well so they decided they had enough food for the moment and got out to the yard, for some late-night training for Jon and Ygritte as they took on Naruto with wooden swords.

They were interrupted when Benjen Stark, brother to Ned and Lyanna, rode into the yard.

"Is he dead yet?" Benjen poked fun as Naruto smacked around the youth lightly

"No" Jon groaned after getting his legs swept. Ygritte wasn't doing much better as she got disarmed with a rap to the knuckles.

"Maybe you want to try Benjen? It's been a while since we trained" Naruto laughed as they stopped to greet the man.

"Not on your life" Benjen spoke as he hugged his sister carefully, trying to act delicate with her stomach. He then lightly rubbed the stomach and spoke quietly "Hello there, niece or nephew." He grinned at Lyanna who just smiled warmly.

"Uncle Benjen" Jon greeted after getting up and walking over to give a hug. Benjen gave laugh "You've got bigger" he looked his nephew up and down. "Rode all day, didn't want to leave you all alone with the Lannister's. Shouldn't you be at the feast?"

Naruto spoke up "We decided on some mid feast exercise. The getting was good, but we'll wait for the King to truly be drunk for the real entertainment to begin."

Benjen nodded and moved to Ygritte. "Well, hello there. And who might you be?"

"What's it you ya, crow?" Ygritte spoke with a sort of slur Benjen knew was most commonly found in one place. He gazed at the young woman for a moment until Naruto spoke up. "Don't mind Ygritte, she helps me keep Jon in line with her feminine wiles."

Benjen cracked up and turned to Jon who was turning beet red. He then looked to Ygritte with a smile "Well, don't let me keep you then" and indicated to Jon. Ygritte gave a half-grin and sauntered over to Jon and gave him a deep kiss. As they separated, Jon looked to be in a daze.

Naruto barked in laughter "See? Much easier to lead with a carrot then stick, if you ask me."

Benjen only gave a faux frown "You didn't use that with me"

Lyanna cuffed the back of his head slightly getting a laugh from her younger brother. "Well, I'll go save Ned from his quests. Wish me luck." The man walked inside.

Naruto and Jon turned towards a hallway shrouded with shadows.

A surprised voice spoke "Your uncle's in the night's watch."

Jon calmly approached the voice "What are you doing back there?"

Out stepped Tyrion "The Imp" Lannister. The nickname coming from the fact he was born a dwarf. "Preparing for a night with your family. Lady Stark, Ser Naruto" the shorter man nodded to the pair, taking a sip of his winecup, he then looked to Ygritte with a light smile "And this lovely young thing would be…?"

"Ygritte" came the answer.

"Ygritte" Tyrion tasted the name with a smile "such a lovely name for such a fiery beauty." He then turned to Jon "I've always wanted to see the wall" Tyrion walked to a fence and leaned on it.

"Tyrion Lannister, the Queen's brother" Jon spoke.

"My greatest accomplishment" Tyrion spoke quickly, sidestepping the subject of his relations while looking down at his cup, then looking up to Jon "And you, you're Ned Stark's bastard, aren't you?"

Jon shifted from one leg to another "So they tell me" he spoke quietly.

"Did I offend you? Sorry." Tyrion spoke lackadaisically "You are the bastard though. Let me give you some advice young man. Never forget what you are. The rest of the world will not. Wear it like armor and it can never be used to hurt you."

Jon hummed, gazing down at the shorter man "I'd rather just ignore it. In my mind there is only one who can judge me at the end of my life. And that happens to be me. Fuck what everyone else says."

Tyrion tilted his head while looking at the young man "May I join you in your table, Jon?"

Jon nodded lightly "It's fine with me."

Tyrion grinned and looked to the other people there "And do I have permission from you to join?"

He got nods in return and grinned wider "Come, I must tell you all a story of a jackass, a brothel and a honeycomb."

The rest of the party followed the rather amusing man inside.

To be continued…

Next update, next weekend. Reviews always appreciated!