I do not own Game of Thrones
Jon Arryn PoV
Jon was an old man. Although he could swear he would have a lot more hair left on his scalp if not for his wards. They sometimes made him feel that maybe it was alright to not have any children of his own, but then he remembered that he was a lord and he had a duty to his kingdom of mountains. Elbert was an acceptable heir, before he went and got himself entangled in Brandon's suicide. Now he had to rely on Denys, even if he was going into his new marriage with some hope.
His wards were naturally not equal in giving him headache, thinking that would be unfair to the previous Ned. Robert was a wild animal given human form with a skull thicker than Casterly Rock. Ned was an ideal child for his health, quiet and obedient. If anyone told him that Ned would one day give him more headache than Robert, he would have asked them what were they smoking!
He couldn't completely blame it on Ned, he himself was shook at the news. Could he entirely put the blame on the king though? If someone had come shouting in front of his home for his heir's head, he wouldn't be very lenient either. To think that he would be able to find common ground with the mad king. There was a difference between moon door compared to roasting and strangulation though. He thought it was elegant method of execution but Ned disagreed. His bloody old way ...
Jon had planned his lessons in two phases. In first phase he would hammer the honor of knights in them. Then he would temper it with realism in the second phase. He considered doing it simultaneously but Robert's attention span did not allow for it. Now he was regretting Ned's half finished education as he could not predict how honor would mix with his madness.
"Ned, are you really okay with this?" He carefully asked.
"Naturally. Its a deal right? I marry Catelyn Tully and get an army of Riverlanders."
"Hoster would not like such blunt words but yes, essentially. I am an old man now so its not a loss for me to marry the younger daughter."
"There is no choice, right? Its the only way."
Jon was impressed with Ned's practicality. Appearance aside, perhaps the rumors were exaggerated and the boy was not as far gone as he had feared.
"Besides I have plans for how to train them later. The frozen rivers should be just right for them." Ned cheerfully said crashing Jon's optimism immediately.
"Ned. The army is our's for the war only."
"Hmmm? Of course not! The exchange was marriage for army. You mean both are temporary?"
"No. Marriage is permanent. Army is temporary." Jon said rubbing his headache.
"But, that doesn't make any sense! Whatever! If I like the bride, then fine. If not, I will just return her with the army. In our wintertown shops, we can often return undamaged stuff for a reduced price." Ned pouted.
At this moment, Jon realized that Ned was likely madder than the rumors said. He had underestimated how far gone his foster son was. The name 'Maddard' suited him perfectly.
Maddard is a person with mental illness like an early stage Aerys Targaryen. He is chaotic and irrational, like a double edged sword. He is just as likely to mistakenly stab himself as he is to defeat a kingsguard. He is more dangerous due to his mental limiters being off but by no means will he be a consistent badass. As for evil, he hasn't started enjoying watching torture and executions yet but he is slowly getting curious.
