Yes, yes; I suck at writing Ned. I mean he has like basically NO facial expression and he's always so glum, but I did do my best and no matter how many times I wrote and re-wrote this, he always came across as kinda' pervy-ish or just too freakin' cheery! So I eventually settled on this and for the life of me, if he's too damned chipper then I give up! Haha, so anyway, please review - they make me very happy x3 and tell me what you think.

Eddard

-ooo-

Eddard Stark's eyes were hooded, and his face grim as he watched the small party come in through the large wooden gates; Robb and Whykeham's girl rode together side by side; an endearing sight, her head tossed back laughing at a joke and Robb's characteristically stony face was soft as he smiled at her amusement. Ned smiled faintly; there was a look about those two that reminded him of courtly love. To the back Theon Greyjoy was riding alongside the mammoth, Hodor, and in the middle, the safest position in their party was his young son, Bran and his youngest daughter, Arya.

Descending the wooden steps that led to the second floor terrace, Ned waited for Robb and his companions to unhorse. Robb got down first; a trained horseman he dismounted fluidly and turned to help the Bloodhelm girl down from her strong destrier, she shook her head and motioned for him to help his sister. Ned cocked an eyebrow to see her take the saddle and vault herself off. Another trained horseman – or horsewoman, he should say. When they were all on their feet, Ned beckoned for Greyjoy and Hodor to take the horses to the stables and jerked his head to Robb. His oldest boy's face regained its stoic disposition and he came closer, leaving the girl, Bran and Arya alone in the courtyard. Eddard gazed over Robb's furred shoulder and nodded to them that they'd only be a moment. They all smiled and nodded, willing to wait.

"Yes, father?" Asked Robb and Eddard clapped his shoulder before leaning in and saying in a muted tone, "I need you to oversee Bran's archery – Maester Luwin tells me he gets no better, maybe if you and Jon are there it'll encourage him." Robb nodded, "Of course, I don't mind doing that."

With a curt nod, Ned patted Robb's shoulder and said, "Good, now get on your way and take Bran and Arya to their chambers. I would speak with Whykeham's daughter." At that a frown dug into Robb's brow making him look a lot like Cat. Ned's face cracked into a small smile, but his eyes remained stern, "Now, if you will." Robb ducked his head and turned to collect his brother and sister, he flashed a look to the girl as he did and Ned saw her return the look, but hers seemed more nervous. Ned smiled at his children as they passed before he turned his attention to the Bloodhelm girl. Offering her an arm, Ned said shortly,

"Walk with me."

With a meek nod, she did. Tucking her hand in the crook of his elbow, Ned took a step which she fell into easily. She was a small thing, but she looked strong; well, if she was really as good with a bow as Arya insisted then she'd need at least a base amount of strength to brandish a longbow. She carefully did her best not to look at him, Ned saw, but he did not comment and instead began shortly,

"What should I call you, miss?" She blinked up at him, "My lord?" Ned laughed a little before saying, "Your name, there are two or you Bloodhelms are there not? Twins an' all, so which one are you?" She laughed too then, her nervousness evaporating and she answered with a nod,

"Gara, my lord, my name is Gara." Ned nodded, "Well then, Gara, I wished to speak with you." He felt her tense at his side, but ignored it. "I have been in meeting with your father all day, he is very proud of you girls, your sister...Gifu?" Gara nodded, "Aye, he tells us so most days. He says the same of your children too, says you have a good lot." Ned nodded,

"Your friends with most of them, are you not?" She nodded again, "Yes, they are some of my closest." At that Ned looked at her, she was blushing talking about them to him. His eyes were intent as he went on, "Your father also told me of your thief," Gara didn't say anything, and she just kept on walking slowly. "You understand why my command is that the one who passes the sentence must be the one who swings the sword?" There was a pause as they were upon the training grounds. They watched absently, Jon Snow spar with another boy while Ser Rodrik oversaw them. Gara bobbed her head, her eyes remained true, but Ned was looking at her,

"Yes, if you relied on an executioner...Killing would be too easy on your conscience." For the first time she looked up at him and Ned saw genuine regret in those dark eyes of hers, "He didn't do what they said he did, but he chose death rather than the Wall..." Ned ducked his head before exhaling a breath which steamed out before them, "If we looked too closely at every man's decision we'd drive ourselves mad. I wouldn't think on it too much." Gara looked away and saw Jon parry a blow,

"He's good with a sword isn't he?" She observed and looked up at Ned. His face was full of pride, but she saw a faint look of guilt cross his face, "Aye he is. Jon is looking to join the Night's Watch..." Gara gaped at this revelation and her eyes snapped back over to him and then back to Ned,

"W-will you let him join? The Night's Watch is dangerous and-and cold!" Ned's face was serious, his dim blue gaze fixed on Jon as he was bashed with a shield, "Dangerous, aye. But my brother is the First Ranger of that Order, he'd keep an eye on him and they're close..." Gara's eyes trailed the ground before she uttered, "I heard that they could have no wives...no children." Ned's eyes were on her then,

"Were you thinking of becoming Jon's wife?" There was a teasing in his tone that Gara simply did not pick up on and she jumped and rambled,

"Jon?! No, no, I mean, he is a man of your House – I'd be honoured, and he's one of my greatest friends, b-but I don't think he sees me that way, and neither do I, my lord." Gara had to stop herself when she noticed Ned Stark chuckling at her, "Y-you were teasing me there, right?" Ned nodded, "Aye, forgive me, little lady. I must be getting back," Gara nodded and the Lord of Winterfell patted her hand and smiled down at her, "It was good to talk to you, Gara. The man who Whykeham finds for you will be very lucky." With that he kissed her hand lightly, his bristly beard pricking her hand. "Thank you, my lord." She responded politely as Ned turned and beckoned Jon,

"Jon!"

The boy excused himself and removed his gloves as he came closer to them. "Yes, father?" He said, planting himself before them and Ned passed Gara to him and ordered, "Take mistress Bloodhelm back inside. I must have a talk with Ser Rodrik." With a nod, Jon looked at Gara and frowned, "Uh, yes." At Ned's stern gaze Jon shook his head and stuttered, "Yes of course, father." Bobbing his head to Gara, Ned eyed them both before stalking around them towards Ser Rodrik, he was out of earshot when Jon uttered to Gara,

"What were you two talking about?"