Author's Note
I do not own Game of Thrones.
Theon, as the boy was called, was terrified of Lordling.
Well, that was unfair.
He was terrified of everything.
But most of all Lordling.
Indeed, after the battle on Pyke, most of the men were wary once more of Lordling.
"Seems a fool's name for a beast that killed so many men," said Rodrik.
"Did you see him go after any that were not Ironborn?" Ned asked.
Rodrik rubbed his jaw and shook his head. "Anyone would think he has true intelligence."
Ned thought on that, after he had gone. There were stories aplenty, of men and wargs and skinchangers. And Lordling, it was readily apparent, was no ordinary wolf.
He found Theon on deck, watching the Iron Islands disappear. The boy cowered as Ned approached – or perhaps feared the direwolf behind him.
"You'll be back one day," Ned said.
"Is Winterfell near the sea?"
"No."
Theon sniffed and dragged a hand across his face. "Why'd you save me?"
"Because it was the honourable thing to do."
Theon hunched his shoulders. "I wish you'd brought Asha too."
"Your family needs someone on the island."
"It has my uncles."
"And when you're older, it'll have you." Ned clasped his shoulder. "Come, you must be hungry."
Robert was unimpressed by his inviting the boy to the table, but soon adjusted their conversation to a different topic. "There'll be celebrations of course, in Kings' Landing and Lannisport. You will stay."
"Robert, my family needs me home."
"Ach, I'm sure they can wait a few more weeks."
Lordling whined softly. Ned frowned and offered him a chicken leg, which he snubbed.
"There'll be feasts, and then– How about a tourney?"
Ned looked down at Lordling. "I shan't stop you, your grace. But I belong in the North. I'm needed there."
Robert waved a hand. "Ned. Just for a few weeks. For old time's sake." He dropped his voice. "Fuck's sake, I'm surrounded by fucking Lannisters!"
He considered it, he really did.
"My father went south and never came back. My brother went south and never came back. My sister went south and never came back."
Robert clasped his shoulder. "You went back, didn't you?"
Lordling whined.
"Look. Why don't you come to visit Winterfell? After this tourney of yours?" Ned smiled. "Do you good to get away from the Lannisters for a bit."
Robert roared with laughter. "Aye, that it would! Do you know, even the damn babes have come out with blonde hair!"