Eddards fifth and sixth days at Castle Black are spent writing reports. He wrote a report about his journey, condition of Kingsroad, one about status of the Gift, another one about his observations of Castle Black, and another one about his thoughts on the Wall and the magic, then wrote about the books he referenced and how he believed decline of the Watch began. After that he prepared sworn testimonies that data he collected on Nights Watch was accurate, signed by Lord Commander Qorgyle, Master at Arms Jeor Mormont and Maester Aemon .
On the night of sixth day while having supper in Lord Commanders solar, he opened negotiations for Ironwood venture, while Lord Commander seemed tentatively favorable, he insisted that negotiations should he conducted between the ruling Lord Stark and Nights Watch and that wrangling amiable Wildling tribes to agreement is going to be a headache and half , and that this will take almost a year to take off. For that, Ned replied he had already anticipated that this is going to go that way and his Lord Fathers arrival in four months is when real work begins.
For his seventh and final day at Castle Black, Ned requested a private meeting with Maester Aemon, after working alongside the man for past four days, Eddard judged him to be a good man who gives wise counsel and his Valyrian Steel link signified he studied magic, which is after all the topic he wished to discuss. Maester invited him to his study, which is cojoined to the library of Castle Black and his rooms.
As they sat infront of fire place on probably what were most comfortable chairs available at Castle Black, the Maester asked, " What is it you wish to discuss Lord Eddard?"
"Maester Aemon, do you believe in magic ? ", Ned asked .
The maester remained silent for a few moments, then replied , " I do, Lord Eddard, many of my family did too, causing grief for all involved."
Ah, the Tragedy of Summerhall, when Aegon the Unlikely tried to hatch dragon eggs, Maester Aemon lost most of the family that day, only leaving Jaehaerys the second ,Aerys , Rhaella and newborn Rhaegar survived.
" Apologies for bringing up memories of grief Maester, before coming to the Wall I never gave much thought to it, Maesters say magic died with dragons, who am I to gainsay most learned men of the Realm. But then I saw the Wall, how is a structure made of ice, solidified water, still standing after eight thousand years and at least a thousand summers, which are at least a year long at the shortest and upto five years at the longest. It isn't so cold outside that water freezes solid even this far up north , during summer even water flows instead freezing for a hundred miles at least beyond the Wall. How is it that the Wall still stands, as tall and solid as ever, the answer I came to is that Magic still exists, then I had another thought, if magic is no more how is that Valyrian Steel is as rust free, as sharp and as sturdy as day its made. If magic died shouldn't these swords have become normal swords. These are my thoughts Maester, I believe myself to be right and I plan on presenting my arguments to my Lord Father, if you see any problems with my arguments, will share it with me? So that I may prepare. " , Ned asked
" Those were some compelling arguments ,Lord Eddard, and very well articulated too, I didn't expect such from a one and ten namedays old boy, I am glad for you surpassing my expectations, and no there are no fallacies of logic in your argument to my knowledge", Maester said before continuing , " my great great nephew Rhaegar writes me often and he has a interest in magic too , if you permit me, I would like to share your arguments with him and introduce you to him through ravens, I know that he has no friends his age who have shown interest in magic and I believe you and him could be great friends"
" You are too kind, Maester, and yes you have my permission and I would be amiable to exchange of ravens, as I was already hoping for such an arrangement with you, as you are one of the wisest men I have met" , Ned replied .
" You are kind to say so ,my lord "
" Maester Aemon, as you are man who is older than my grandfather, and a wise and venerable elder, I insist you call me Eddard or Ned, no honorifics of Lordship needed" , Ned replied with a smile .
" You honor me , Eddard", Maester Aemon replied .
After that they made small talk for awhile before Eddard retired to his rooms and packed his spare clothes he brought and secured the reports he wrote and signed testimonials in an oilskin pouch as he is leaving Castle Black tomorrow at the break of the dawn .