All trademarked items in this fanfiction is owned by their respective copyright holders (A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin, Aoki Hagane no Arpeggio by Ark Performance, etc). The ones owned by me are past and future OCs, plot, and author's thoughts. This fanfiction is made solely for entertainment purposes and not intended for any material gain.

A March of The Meek and Landless

Act 1: A Place to Belong

Chapter 1

"I attend to your summons, Lord Stark," Theon Greyjoy said as he entered the lord's solar. An unfamiliar blond woman sat on a chair to the side, across the table from Eddard.

"Theon, sit down," Eddard said, gesturing to the empty chair across him. "There had been ill news regarding your father."

"Yes Lord Stark," Theon replied as he sat.

"Your father… had died. He went to Casterly Rock to argue about your sister's fate and died in a Trial by Combat there," Eddard said. "Thus the King decreed that you have to return to the isles to govern them, as it is now yours by right of succession. The details are in this document. Read it."

"I… I do not know what to say, my lord," Theon said after he spent a few minutes reading the royal declaration. "Also… I am to marry one Lady… Haruna Kirino?"

"That would be me," Haruna spoke for the first time since Theon entered the room.

"Ah… I see my lady," Theon said. "I… I don't quite understand why my father behaved like this."

"Apparently, one of my cousins' vessels was boarded upon by your uncle Euron and my cousin retaliated with deadly force, killing him and most of his men," Haruna explained, noting the slight shudder of Theon's shoulder as Euron's name was said. "Then, as you already know, your sister Asha retaliated blindly to the perceived wrongful death by absconding with one of Lord Tywin's nieces. She was caught by another one of my cousins and then imprisoned in Casterly Rock. Your father then tried to invalidate our right to defend ourselves and shift the blame, but he was not able to do so by argumentation so he resorted to violence. Lady Yamato, the head of our house, slew your father alongside his two remaining brothers in a Trial of Seven."

"I… I see my lady. I… guess the Iron Price has been paid many times over after all," Theon said in a quiet tone. "If this is the King's will, then I suppose I can do none other than to obey…"

"The King would take your oath of fealty in around one moonturn," Haruna said. "Your other uncle, Lord Harlaw, has been tasked by royal decree to smooth over the transition. The head of our house is working closely with him to ensure the representation of our interests in the isles."

"Then… are we to depart immediately? If I am not mistaken the voyage to King's Landing alone can take up to two weeks," Theon said.

"No. Lady Kirino had elected to stay here for a moonturn, and in the last week I will wed you two before the heart tree," Eddard said. "Afterwards, Lady Kirino will take you to King's Landing and then to Pyke."

"Why… so long?" Theon said, mystified.

"I would prefer to know who I am spending the rest of my life with beforehand, Lord Greyjoy," Haruna said, a ghost of a smile hidden by the high collars of her jacket.

...

"Ah, aren't you a rare guest to my abode, Lady Kirino," Varys greeted. "Please, have a seat."

"I thank you, Varys-dono," Amaha said, taking a seat. "I do hope I did not take away too much of your precious time."

"Oh, think nothing of it my lady… a Master of Whispers' duty is quite unlike others in the Small Council," Varys said, pouring wine into a goblet for himself. "Our business tends to correlate with the realm's safety and prosperity. More safety, less work for I. Wine, perhaps?"

"Just a splash," Amaha said, of which Varys obliged.

"Now, how might this humble Varys help the mighty House of Kirino?" Varys asked after both took a sip.

"We wondered if you might have contacts in certain cities in Essos, Master Varys," Amaha said as she put her goblet down. "Particularly Tyrosh, Lys, and Myr."

"The Triarchy, hmm… Why, I was born in Lys actually," Varys said after he scratched his hairless chin. "But I cannot say that I have much of a contact there. Perhaps a lowborn fisherman or two."

"We have a particular interest in Tyrosh," Amaha said, her hands forming a bridge in front of her chest. "We believe that the crux of our designs will lie there."

"Oho… you almost made me think that your house would like to take it over, my lady," Varys said, a ghost of a smile on his lips.

"We might indeed," Amaha said after a light laugh. "Pending feasibility studies, really. With our ships it's perhaps an even odds between yes and no."

"Quite an ambitious plan, yes…" Varys said, a thought lingering in his mind. "The Stepstones, then?"

"Truly a spymaster of a national caliber, are you not?" Amaha said before a giggle.

...

"Lady Kirino," Theon greeted as he spied her approach to the archery range. "I had not thought to see you here."

"You are quite a skilled bowman, Lord Greyjoy," Haruna said.

"Better than most, I would think," Theon said, his face adorned with his usual cocky grin.

"My house has some skilled bowmen like you," Haruna said as she plucked an arrow from his quiver. "I, however, have no aptitude for it."

"Then perhaps you are skilled in other weapons?" Theon asked. "Seeing that three different members of your house bested mine."

"Not strictly arms, but a weapon nonetheless," Haruna said as she levitated the arrow and made it spin in a circle.

"Then… magic?" Theon said, his tone slightly unnerved.

"Such is so," Haruna answered the question as she made a pointing gesture to one of the dummies. The spinning arrow shot forward and embedded itself fletching-deep into the dummy. "My elder sister was the strongest among us four."

"I cannot imagine how strong that is if you, the weaker one, can do that," Theon said after he let out an impressed whistle.

"I was told that the price she paid for such strength is arrogance," Haruna said in a soft, reminiscing tone. "My sister dared to think that she could be a better ruler than Lady Yamato. Their quarrel... spun out of control."

"The battle must be legendary," Theon said as he unstrung his bow.

"Many precious lives were lost, as well as precious bonds that were sundered," Haruna said, her voice melancholic. "Might I trouble you to escort me to the hot springs, Lord Greyjoy?"

"It… would not be any trouble at all, my lady," Theon replied to the question.

Theon then led Haruna to the hot springs of the godswood.

...

"Quite the city, this," Shioni remarked in accented Low Valyrian.

"It is, isn't it," Allard Seaworth said from half a step ahead. People with dyed hair and mustaches were walking to and fro, minding their own business. "They said here slaves outnumbered their masters almost four to one."

"Interesting," Shioni remarked as they ducked into a general store.

"Welcome to Dario's!" the shopkeeper said. "How may I help you today, goodman?"

"Morning Dario," Allard said. "My father sends his regards."

"And which father might that be? Dario knows many sunsetlanders!" Dario said, slightly annoyed.

"One famed for his seaworthy vessels," Allard said after a chuckle.

"Well I'd be basted! Davos' boy aren't you?" Dario boomed as he patted Allard's shoulder. "Morten! Take it over for a while!"

"Aye boss," a mousy lad said as he shuffled out from the back of the store.

"Cummon, let's talk upstairs," Dario gestured to follow him up a set of stairs. "What does your father want, hmm? If he wanted Tyroshi Purple like the last time, he'd be sorely disappointed! Again!"

"It's less my father and more the house of this lovely lady," Allard said as they sat down in a reception room.

"And?" Dario said as he crossed her palms in front of his stomach.

"I shall be frank, master Dario," Shioni said as she leaned forward. "My house would like to… liberate… this city."

...

"My Lord," Catelyn said as Eddard entered the nursery room.

"Cat," Eddard said in a gentle voice. "How is Rickon?"

"He is a little warm still, but not in danger anymore," Catelyn said as she gently ran her fingers on the infant's dark hair. "Luwin said his illness is mild, thank Mother's mercy."

"That is good," Eddard said. "A fighter, like his namesake."

"How was your day, Ned?" Catelyn asked.

"It's another busy day, Cat…" Eddard said after a sigh. "More and more wildlings are showing up at The Wall, pledging obedience in exchange for protection. Lord-Commander Mormont welcomes the fresh addition of manpower, but his ability to govern is stretched thin. He wrote a letter asking for assistance to resettle The Gifts with peaceful wildlings."

"It sounds like a good idea," Cat offered a generic platitude.

"Lord Umber and the mountain clans would not like it," Eddard said. "The North remembers… but remembrance can be a difficult thing at times."

"Then how about our… guests?" Catelyn diverted the conversation.

"Amicable," Eddard said. "They take long walks around Winterfell together, sometimes joined by our children. Arya does not care much about Lady Haruna, however."

"That is… unusual," Catelyn replied. "She seemed to latch on to all the other Kirino ladies."

"Indeed, but as I recall Arya did not favor Lady Kasumi much either. Mayhaps their temperament does not suit Arya. They certainly prefer solitude to gregarious company," Eddard said. "Lady Haruna is a quiet woman, maybe even a little cold. Truly a lady of winter."

"I… see," Catelyn said, her expression complicated.

"They will marry within the next fortnight," Eddard said.

"Have they prepared their cloaks? Are we prepared to feast them?" Catelyn reflexively said.

"House cloaks in Northern weddings are more of a courtesy than anything," Eddard said. "It would be a simple, swift wedding with Vayon and Rodrick as primary witnesses… just to affirm their status more than anything. I suspect Lord Harlaw had prepared a larger wedding ceremony in Lordsport."

"That… does not sit well with me, my lord," Catelyn protested.

"If I claim to know Robert, they would certainly be feasted in the capital," Eddard said. "All I have to do is provide a certifying letter for their marriage."

...

"Gentlemen," Shioni addressed the room. "Thank you for attending this meeting today. I am Agent Shrike and I shall be the liaison of the organization to my own family."

"I am The Marlin," a stout man with sun-baked skin said. "I represent my masters, the Iron Keys."

"Good to have you, master Marlin. The Iron Keys' faith is a good thing to have," Shioni said before she turned to a thin man with simple clothes. "How about you, priest?"

"Call me Sparrow," the man said with a rough voice. "Just a shepherd of my flock."

"Very well, master Sparrow," Shioni said. "Any particular reason to join our little venture?"

"Just… that I hear you are ridding pests from the city," Sparrow said. "I have been silent for far too long."

"Glad to have you aboard, nonetheless," Shioni said as she turned to a woman with simple clothes made of fine fabrics. "Now you are a rare sight to have, my lady."

"Call me Selen," the lady replied while preening her hair. "I live within the Black Walls."

"That's a… unique position to be in, considering you're here now," Shioni said as she leaned forward to the table. "Tell us more."

"I am the sixth daughter of the late Triarch Vogarro Paenymion of Volantis," Selen began her story. "I was married to Elos Rhodorys."

"A powerful man," the Marlin commented.

"With powerful enemies," Selen continued. "He was poised to be the Archon in the next election."

"Keyword, was," Shioni commented.

"He died choking on an eel pie not two moonturns ago. His heirs, my son Kosanos and my daughter Elen, are but a toddler and a baby in the crib," Selen said. "All our enemies are kept at bay by their own schemes and conflicts against each other. I want my children safe from the blades of the enemy."

"I see," Shioni said as she leaned back to her chair. "But you do know what these gentlemen wanted to do, right?"

"I do," Selen replied. "They call my mother Vogarro's Whore out of earsight and forbid her from residing within the inner city of Volantis. My mother keeps that ember smoldering."

"Ah, I see…" the Marlin said, rubbing his bearded chin. "Her mother is known to my benefactors."

"Well that's fortunate, then," Shioni said, her hand making a bridge in front of her mouth.

"So, now we are all one happy family," the Sparrow spoke, his voice deep and rough. "What's the plan?"

"I'm glad you asked, master Sparrow," Shioni said, leaning forward to the table again. "Here's what my superiors have in mind…"

...

"Hraesvelgr," Jeor said as he found the allied Other. With their power, they had made secondary battlements outside The Wall passage to Castle Black. Sentries both Other and human were posted there. Wights were laid down under the snow in and beyond the moat, ready to spring forth at a moment's notice.

"Veghertug Mormont," Hraesvelgr replied. "The Uteverdener and their isjarl remains distant. We are safe for now."

"A thing to be thankful for," Jeor said before a sigh. After some silence, he spoke again."I still cannot understand why you and your comrades joined us, Hraesvelgr."

"Most of us were varmann, raised by isjarls from youngs lost to snow," the magical creature said. "With the advent of The Uteverdener, we become divided."

"Why?" Jeor said, his tone curious.

"The line of the Halvguds were broken," Hresvelgr explained. "And so easily it was broken. Some thought that the Halvguds were not strong, and they themselves could be stronger. Some were of a simpler way of thought."

"What could be simpler?" Jeor asked.

"Peace," Hraesvelgr said, his tone quiet. "We ismann and isjarl will answer to duty, but most are content to an eternity in quiet."

...

"Who comes to marry?"

Theon sucked a breath. Eddard Stark's words jarred him back to the real world. The marriage didn't seem so real yesterday, or last week, or the fortnight before. Yet here he stood in his finery, before the woman who had been his constant companion for the last moonturn.

"Haruna Kirino comes to marry," the cousin of the bride stated. "Daughter to Sen'na and Fubuki of the house Kirino, granddaughter of Sanka of the House Kirino, descendant of Prince Mizunagi of Nihon, who was son to the ninety-and-ninth Heavenly Sovereign of Nihon Go-Nariyuki, who was descended from the divine ancestor of the line of kings of Old Nihon, Ninigi-no-mikoto and his divine wife Konohana-Sakuya-Hime."

"Who gives her to marry?" Eddard asked.

"Her cousin Amaha Kirino gives her to marry, in the absence of her deceased father Sen'na of the house Kirino, her deceased brother Senkou, and other deceased or exiled male relatives," Amaha answered the question.

"Who claims her?" Eddard again announced.

"Theon of the house Greyjoy claims her," Theon answered the question. "Third son and heir of Lord Balon and Lady Alannys of the house Greyjoy, grandson of Quellon of the house Greyjoy, who was descended from the Grey King of the Isles, Gorlon Nagga-slayer."

"Then, Lady Haruna of the House Kirino, do you take this man as husband, in joy and sadness, in hale and sickness, until death claims?" Eddard asked the wedding question.

"I take this man," Haruna stated, the first time she spoke today.

"Lord Theon of the House Greyjoy, do you take this woman, in joy and sadness, in hale and sickness, until death claims?" Eddard again questioned, now to Theon.

"I take this woman," Theon answered without pause.

"Thus as the gods and the people bear witness, before the weirwood heart tree of Winterfell I pronounce you, man and wife," Eddard closed the wedding vows.

...

"This is… queer," the Lord-Paramount of The North said as their small boat approach the great steelships of House Kirino.

"We had been told that a lot, Lord Stark," the slight slip of a girl who was operating the boat said, her tone almost exasperated.

"I am sure Lord Stark meant no disrespect, Lady Yukikaze," Theon said.

"None were taken," Yukikaze replied. "...my lord."

"She can be… a little curt," Amaha said a little sheepishly as the boat came aside one of the large ships. "Well, here we are, Haruna."

"Thank you," Haruna said as she created a forcefield platform.

"This is it, Theon," Eddard said. "Remember what you learned in Winterfell. Rule your people with a just and firm hand, tempered by a merciful heart."

"Yes Lord Stark," Theon replied, nodding resolutely. "It was an honor to be one of your wards, my lord."

"Then I entrust him to you, Lady Haruna," the ruler of The North said after he patted Theon's shoulder. "Your house wields a power greater than many could see and so far you have used it for the greater good of the realm. I hope that power can be used to rehabilitate and uplift the Iron Isles."

"It is one of our goals, Lord Stark," Haruna said as Theon's chests were finished being loaded.

"Very well then, go with my blessings," Eddard said as Theon stepped on the platform. Within a few seconds, the newlywed couple disappeared to the deck, some twenty feet up.

"Now, we head to the ship we are taking to Eastwatch, Lord Stark," Amaha said as the small boat pulled away.

...

"Council meeting is in session," the announcer in the council chamber exclaimed.

Darro Maloris made a final stretch before the Archon of Tyrosh took his seat.

"Right on time today my friend," a noble beside him said as he sat down, offering a handshake Darro accepted.

"When have I been late, Galero," Darro replied as he settled in his seat. "If anything it is you who is early today."

"Ronno Eragis reporting about food production," the announcer intoned as the named man stood and began to read his report.

"Have you heard of the Sept of Avia lately?" Galero said in a quiet tone.

"Some," Darro replied. "They have been expanding their charity kitchens. Some of my household slaves said the food is delicious."

"Someone had been funding them," Galero surmised as Ronno finished his report. Some councilmen had started questioning the man on the podium. "Generously."

"Mayhaps someone from within the inner walls, then?" Darro ventured a guess.

"Likely, though maybe not directly," Galero replied. "I think they are gathering support from the populace."

"Do you think trouble is brewing?" Darro said in low tones.

"Galero Maginis reporting about foreign trade," the announcer called.

"Mayhaps," Galero said as he got up to read his report.

...

"This is it, I guess…" Eddard sighed as he walked through the tunnel under The Wall. Benjen, Amaha, and another man were a step behind him.

"Nervous?" Benjen asked.

"Of course I am," Eddard replied grumpily. "All these years we are told that The Others are the enemy of humanity. Now a band showed up at The Wall offering to stand with us against his former brethren. I am inclined to be suspicious."

"Can't blame you for that," Benjen replied. "Lord-Commander Qorglye taught us all that a good Wildling is either dead or a baby, and only recently has the grip of the informal rule loosened under Lord-Commander Mormont."

"You trade with them?" Amaha asked. "I thought that was forbidden."

"Trade, no. Exchange gifts and favors, sometimes," Benjen said as they approached the gate. The third man said nothing, but seemed to gnash his teeth. "Any sort of ranging beyond several leagues out becomes nigh impossible otherwise."

"I... can understand," Eddard said as the gate opened.

The quartet walked out into a courtyard of a sort, with thirty-foot walls made of ice. Benjen let his brother and the third man take in the sights for a while before he patted Eddard's shoulder, gaining his attention.

"Lord Stark," Jeor Mormont said as he walked down from the battlements. "I am glad to see you again. The influx of men and supplies has gone a long way to revitalize The Watch."

"It gladdens my heart to hear that, Lord-Commander Mormont," Eddard said. "Might I introduce you to Lady Amaha Kirino, whose house helped convey supplies and men from further south, and Jon Umber the younger, representative to House Umber and other lords adjacent to The Gifts."

"Ah yes, the Shield-maiden of The Wall is a name that is talked about with admiration within The Watch," Jeor said as Amaha bowed to him. "Tell me my lady, what becomes of her?"

"Cousin Kirishima is presently at the Iron Isles with Lady-Admiral Yamato, I think," Amaha said. "She sends her warm regards for The Watch."

"The Iron Isles! Goodness gracious, so far away," Jeor said after a chuckle. "My homeland is a little north from that, the Bear Isles."

"My my, I'll be sure to pass word to Lady-Admiral to visit your homeland," Amaha said after a little laugh. "Who knows what potential it held?"

"Lord-Commander, Lady Kirino, we are on a schedule," Benjen said after clearing his throat.

"Of course, of course," Amaha said. "Lead the way, First Ranger."

Benjen then led the small party to a conference room made of ice, with an ice table and stools. Eddard felt unexpectedly warm, with a fireplace roaring in the corner. In the room, three people were waiting for them. Eddard's eyes instantly locked with the eerie deep-blue eyes of the Other sitting on the other end of the table.

"The Lord of The North, are you?" the large man said before anyone can say anything.

"What's it for you, wildling?" Jon the younger replied, his tone almost a growl.

"Stand down Smalljon, we are here to negotiate," Eddard said before he turned to the Free Folk man. "Indeed I am the Lord of The North-beneath-The-Wall. I am Eddard, son of Rickard, The Stark of Winterfell from the line of Brandon The Builder and subsequent Kings in The North."

"That… is a name I only heard in old stories," the man said as he got up and bowed. "I am Tormund, son of Egwynd. Formerly of Ruddy Hall."

"Then be at peace, Tormund son of Egwynd," Eddard said.

"I am Val, daughter of Jeryk. I hail from the Antler Clans," the woman beside Tormund said. "I can speak for Mance Rayder's band and my home clan."

Jeor exhaled harshly as Benjen clicked his tongue.

"I am Amaha, daughter of Senri," Amaha said. "I hail from House Kirino of Nihon beyond the seas and lost forever."

"Jon, son of Jon. I hail from the House of Umber of Last Hearth," Smalljon said, his tone a little sullen.

"I am Hraesvelgr," the Other caps the introduction off. "Ismann Sersjant of Stegyrlen."

"Well met," Eddard said. "Now let us start this meeting."

A/N: Yes, it's here. I decided to release the newest entry of the saga a bit early, though maybe I won't be able to update through March. Since the chapters would be about the same length with Arpeggio's chapters, the posting schedule is back to monthly. Hope you enjoy!