Chapter 5

Winterfell, 15th day of the 11th moon 279 AC

When the entourage returned to Wintefell, it was already afternoon. Lord Rickard and Ned dismounted their horses and handed the reins to the stablehands. They were greeted by an excitable Benjen and a sulky Lyanna.

Lyanna had been sulking since last night because she wanted to join her brother and father in the hunt, but wasn't allowed because she didn't do her housework and was punished by Lady Mormont. Also it was a bonding activity between father and son. Lord Rickard usually took them on a hunt for their birthdays as soon as they had turned 10 years old. It was quite the highlight. Additionally Ned hadn't been in Winterfell for his last birthday as he had been in the Vale.

Benjen ran up to Ned and gripped his sleeve and talked about it while pointing at the large hart tied to the back of the pack horses. "Ned, did you see that enormous buck? I didn't know they could get so big!"

Lyanna came closer and said: "Clearly he saw it. Of course they get that big, Benjen. Yours just usually get away because you are bad at shooting arrows."

Benjen, still holding Ned's sleeve, turned to Lyanna and said: "You're just jealous because you never caught one of those."

Lyanna's face turned a little red, she turned away and said: "I'm not! I bet they were just lucky. I would have gotten a bigger one if I was allowed to go!"

She would have continued but then Rickard came. "Children. This is no time to fight. There's nothing to be jealous about. Ned did a really good shot and he got the big hart."

Both Lyanna and Benjen turned to Ned, eyes wide, their mouths agape because they had thought it was their father, who usually caught the largest buck.

Benjen gripped Ned's sleeve tighter and pulled him down or at least forced him down to his eye level and said in an excited voice, full of child wonder: "Ned, you need to teach me how to do that! The next time I go hunting with father for my birthday I want to catch one as big as this one."

Ned laughed as he stroked his brother's hair and said: "I can give you a few points in the yard but don't expect to be that good. I was just lucky."

Lyanna also asked in wonder: "How in the Old God's names did you catch that big of a buck? Did you go to the other side of the Wolfswood or something? I thought there weren't that big bucks here?"

They would have continued interrogating Ned about his catch if Rickard had not grabbed Ned by the shoulder and pushed forward the keep while saying: " Get ready son. We are all sweaty, wet and stinking. You should get cleaned up for your birthday feast."

Ned nodded and moved toward the keep, intent on relaxing until the feast. As he moved away he promised his siblings that he would tell them all about the hunt at dinner.

A few hours later

Ned entered the Great Hall through one of the side doors and sat at the great table. As the feast was in his honor he sat to the right of his father. After everyone was seated the servants brought their freshly cooked and baked food with the best and juiciest part of Ned's hart taking center. The meal itself was amazing and the company was great. Ned chattered and bantered with his siblings while respectfully talking to the ladies Mormont and his lord father.

At the other tables the people of Winterfell feasted and were merry. After eating the food and before the dancing and drinkery was to begin, the presents were to be given.

The first person to give Ned a present was Brandon, who presented him with a beautiful castle forged bastard sword with a direwolf engraved on hilt. Brandon commented: "It is finally time that Ned got a real sword. Not that useless and ornamental lump of metal that the southern knights use."

They all could hear the see in Ned's eyes as he examined the sword for he never got a sword of his own and personalized swords for really costly to make. Ned put the sword away and gave Brandon a manly hug. "Thank you."

Brandon laughed and said: "Don't you cry on me like a little Southern girl, Ned. Or I am getting you embroidery materials next year" and sat back at his seat.

The next one was from Lyanna, who gave him a beautiful blue and gray shirt with an embroidered direwolf at the heart and smaller direwolves at the end of the sleeves. She said in a cheery voice: "With all the housework I was forced to do, I decided to make something useful. If I am forced to sit down and embroider like a proper southern lady, I might as well make my brother look dashing for all the ladies."

Ned's cheeks turned a bit red and Brandon wolfwhistled. The others just laughed as Ned and Lyanna shared a hug.

The next to give the presents were the Ladies Mormont, who gave him a beautiful leather gambeson and leather gloves. The leather was of high quality and would with good care last for many years. Ned thanked them profusely but did not engage in any close physical contact.

Excitable Benjen couldn't wait any longer and quickly jumped at Ned as soon as he put the presents from ladies Mormont away. His present was small. It was wrapped in a little bit of cloth and he pushed it toward Ned.

As Ned unwrapped it Benjen became a little bit insecure and looked at his feet as he said: "I know you like the Old Gods a lot and your spending a lot of time in the godswood, so I thought you would like a little piece of the Old Gods to carry it with you everywhere you go. "

Underneath the cloth was a necklace. On a thin leather cord was a round piece of weirwood two inches in diameter. There was a carved direwolf on it. It wasn't a perfectly carved piece but you could see the effort and thought that went into the carving. Ned felt really warm and grateful.

"This is a beautiful piece of work, Benjen. I will always wear it." Ned immediately put it on.

Benjen's smile was radiant and the boy had a skip in his step as he took his seat.

The only one left was Lord Rickard. Everyone expected an extravagant gift as the Starks weren't poor Lords. They actually had a lot of money but they were more frugal and careful with what they bought with it. And Lord Rickard didn't disappoint. "Your gift is outside, come with me.

Ned followed his father outside as did the rest of the high table. Rickard led them to the stables where he presented him with a beautiful destrier. The powerful warhorse was gray with darker gray marks around his face and hooves. He had powerful hindquarters to be able to easily coil and spring to a stop, spin, turn or sprint forward quickly. He had a short back and well-muscled loin, strong bones, and a well-arched neck. Ned immediately noticed it was smart and had a proud demeanor.

"This is Gray Sky and he is yours. Trained in the Rills, one of the best destriers." Rickard patted his son's head and motioned Ned to go to the horse. Ned immediately fell in love with it despite not being such a horse person like Brandon or Lyanna, who always went for rides and had multiple horses.

"Thank you but this is too much." said Ned as he patted the majestic beast.

"Nonsense. You deserve it." encouraged Rickard.

"You do, Ned. But you won't be able to keep up with me" pipped Lyanna.

They admired the horse for a while and then returned inside to continue the celebrations. Benjen and Lyanna were each allowed one glass of wine, while Ned and Brandon were allowed to drink as much as they wanted. They danced and were merry until it was time for the younger ones to go to bed. Brandon disappeared with a woman, who knows where.

Keeping a sober head Ned and Rickard left the party just before the hour of the wolf to go to the godswood.

The few guards that were stationed around the keep let their Lord and his son pass by without any problems. They went on foot and carried 2 hand lanterns. It took some time to reach the center of the godswood. To many it might have seemed like a scary and foreboding place especially in the dark night but all that Ned and Rickard felt was peace and tranquility as they near the weirwood. The ancient bone white tree reflected the moonlight and seemed to glow in the night. Its melancholic face seemed to be less sad.

Ned and Rickard put their lanterns gently on the floor and stood before the weirwood tree. Ned took out his wineskin full of the blood of the deer. Rickard produced a bowl of weirwood sap and a spoon. Ned poured some of the blood in the bowl. Then he put the wineskin away and was handed the bowl. His father than took out the vial with silvery shavings, which had been left in the ancient chest. Rickard put a dash of it inside the bowl. Ned mixed all of it together and the mixture seemed to gain a glow and charged from a blood red color to a silver white color.

Ned's and Rickard's eyes were wide in wonder as they watched this. When the mixture stopped changing color and settled, Ned handed the bowl to his father. He stripped himself of his shirt and cloak and kneeled half naked before the weirwood tree. Benjen's necklace hung from his neck.

Rickard dipped his finger in the bowl and started writing runes of the first men on Ned back. He wrote from the top of his shoulders down to the small of his back, before going to his arms. When he finished there he wrote a single rune above Neds heart, before moving to Ned's face, where he wrote multiple runes.

Once finished, Rickard looked at Ned, who was glowing before the weirwood tree. He felt even more thankful and beholden to the Old Gods for blessing his family and allowing him to be a part of such a sacred ritual. Rickard felt so proud of his son and started the proceeding.

"Gods of the forest, snow and stone, of the wind, cloud and sun, of the water, sea and shore. Gods of the wild. I have come to present to you my son, Eddard Stark, a man grown ready to embark upon his journey. May you judge him as a worthy man and bless him."

Leaves rustled around them and the markings on Ned seemed to grow even brighter. For a moment the moon seemed to shine even more and any clouds vanished.

Ned closed his eyes and took deep breaths. He heard whispers but he couldn't understand them. They were rhythmical and beautiful, one moment seemed far away and one moment right next to his ear. He felt the breeze, it was just right and refreshing. There was a feeling of being judged. A feeling of invisible eyes seeing his very being. They were weighing his worth and his soul. Ned hoped they wouldn't find him wanting for he was a simple second son with no special talents and no bright future. He hoped not to disappoint them too much.

After what seemed hours of waiting and a heavy feeling of being judged, there was a sudden feeling of lightness and tranquility. Ned breathed easier and heard an old, creaking voice say: "Loyalty is your best friend and your worst foe, wield it with caution."

Before Ned could question the old voice, another voice sounded. It sounded like a bubbling brook with a feminine feel. "You are a son of Winter, the Cold is your friend but don't let it embrace your heart. For that way leads to darkness."

Finally a third voice sounded. It reminded Ned of his mothers voice, warm and caring. " There is loss in your future. Do not hold it. Accept it and your future shall shine brighter than the sun."

Ned desperately wanted to ask the voices questions. So many questions but he could not, for his lips couldn't move. It was as if he was trapped in his own body. It was like an invisible force was holding it in a tight grip. And just when panic was about to appear, the feeling disappeared.

Then he felt something click within him. It was like he regained a lost limb. He felt the moisture in the air. The incoming snow. The Cold.

Ned knew how Brandon the Builder was able to create the wall if he felt like Ned. The intrinsic feeling. But Ned did not need to create a wall, so he made something else.

Ned lifted his arm and effortlessly created a floating direwolf sigil out of ice. It was incredibly detailed and made out of light blue ice.

It was "Breathtaking." Ned heard his father say. Caught in the moment Ned forgot his father was present.

" It is breathtaking, Ned. The Old Gods have found you worthy and blessed you."

"Father, I… " started Ned but didn't know where to begin.

"Ned, I know it is a lot. But you sound exhausted. " And indeed Ned finally noticed how exhausted he was.

"There is a price for power. I feel like I could sleep for a week." Said weakly Ned as his father helped him stand. Ned put on his clothes. They thanked the Old Gods and cleaned after themselves. They slowly walked back to the keep.

Rickard made Ned promise to go to his room and sleep in as long as he needs tomorrow and find him when he feels better.

Winterfell, 16th day of the 11th moon 279 AC

Ned woke up drenched in sweat, had stiff muscles and a dry mouth. His head felt like it was full of wool. For a moment Ned thought that he had been drinking yesterday. He usually didn't get drunk. It happened a few times in the Eyrie when Robert dragged him along on his drinking adventures. As the memory of last night came back Ned groaned and stretched in his bed.

Looking outside the window he saw that it was past noon and he had slept through the whole morning. Ned was surprised that no one came to wake him up. He called up for some bath water, bathed, dressed and went to the kitchens. The scullery maids and kitchen servants got him some light food and then informed him dinner was going to be served in a few hours. Ned decided that he wasn't going to do anything strenuous and went to pick up one of his books from his room. He planned to read it in the glass garden in Winterfell.

The glass garden of Winterfell was famous as being one of the biggest glass houses in the whole Westeros. It was many centuries old and allowed the Starks to have fresh produce for entire seasons including the deepest winter. They were heated from their underground hot spring. There were various medicinal herbs, fruit and vegetable producing plants inside. The most famous plants were the blue winter roses that only grew inside of the greenhouse. They were Ned's mothers favorite flowers. Lyanna also loved them very much. She liked to prune and take care of them herself.

Despite most of the green house being meant for produce, there was also a little platform to the southern side, where some benches and a table was. It allowed the ladies to needlework in a nice, aired and bright room. It was also a great place for the Stark children to relax when they had no duties.

As Ned came to the platform he was surprised to see his brother Benjen there. Benjen was usually too full of energy and trying to find adventures to sit still. But there he was sitting on the bench, carving at something with his knife. Ned came closer and saw it was another wooden necklace similar to his. As Benjen didn't hear him approaching, Ned pointedly coughed and Benjen's head swiveled toward him with his eyes wide. "Oh Ned. It's you." started Benjen.

"Who were you expecting? Old Nan?" asked Ned as he sat next to Benjen.

"Nah. Not Old Nan. She is happy that I am whittling and carving necklaces and talismans. It's Maester Luwin and father. They want me to study more and I am so tired of reading those boring books. If I have to read about the reforms of King Jaehaerys the Conciliator one more time I'm going to move to The Lands of Always Winter and become a wildling." said Benjen as he put his knife away and turned toward Ned, who just joined him on the bench.

"I remember those lessons. Yes. They were boring but they are very important. You have to power through them to get to the interesting ones. What are you carving?"

Benjen showed Ned his wooden necklace. It was also made out of weirwood and there was a charcoal outline of four howling wolves drawn on it. Ned's younger brother seemed to be in the process of carving out one of the wolves so far.

Ned marveled at his brother's artistic talent. "This is well done, Benjen. You have talent. Who is it for?"

"It is for father. His birthday is coming up soon and he seemed to like your necklace. So I decided to make him one with all four of us. So when we aren't together, he will always have us close." Benjen seemed a bit embarrassed at his thoughtful gesture.

"I am sure he will treasure it." Ned comforted Benjen.

"So why are you here?" asked Benjen inquisitively.

"I came to read a bit. Went to bed a bit late." answered Ned truthfully as he positioned himself on the bench and started to open his book. Benjen put his knife and necklace on the table.

"I wish I could have stayed up longer. I am sure there was much more dancing and singing." said Benjen wishfully before noticing Ned's book. "Huh, what is this? This isn't common?"

"No, it's not. It's a book in the runes of the first men." He showed Benjen the book. It was done in dark brown leather with a simple title in black color in runes.

"Wicked! I didn't know we had such books." said Benjen excitedly.

"We don't. This is a copy that Lord Yohn Royce of Runestone allowed me to borrow." said Ned proudly as Benjen scooted even closer to Ned.

"Runestone in the Vale?"

"Yes, that one. I visited him and he saw that I had an interest in the runes."

"I wish I could travel all around the world. I would visit Braavos, Dorne and Valyria. Imagine if I could find dragons!" Benjen made a flying gesture with his hands.

"You still could, you know. Maybe not Valyria but other places, yes. But only if Father allows it."

" Do you think I could get father to allow it?" said Benjen with hope on his face.

"Well, you doing well on your reading wouldn't hurt your chances." assured Ned.

"You are no fun, Ned. Teach me some words in runes?" Benjen pointed at the runes on the pages.

"I can if you want. So this is the rune for protection."

For the next few hours Ned showed Benjen some basic runes and explained their meaning.

Winterfell, 19th day of the 5th moon 280 AC

Ned had just returned with his brother Brandon from a visit to house Cerwyn, where their father Lord Rickard had sent them to settle a dispute between a couple of minor houses about their land.

Lord Rickard tried to have Brandon do as many small lordly tasks as possible so he could gain as much experience as possible. Additionally he sent Ned along so his eldest son couldn't scrive off and whore around. Because if there was one thing that Rickard trusted, it is that Ned is dutiful and he would either fix Brandon's mistake or stop Brandon from doing the mistake in the first place.

Ned was happy to be home. To be able to relax and not have to be constantly around his brother. It's not that Ned didn't like his brother Brandon, it's more like he is his minder and he has to follow him around every waking moment. Not to mention that the longer they stay together, the more annoyed Brandon was with Ned's presence. Brandon tried to pay it back by trying to get every single lady to keep Ned company either by making some excuse or suggesting that Ned is lonely and needs company.

Plenty of ladies, especially of the lower houses threw themselves at Ned. Being the second son of the paramount of the North, Ned was quite the catch. House Stark had lots of land and money. Everyone knew that house Stark grants their second and third sons keeps and land in good locations in the North. Additionally Ned wasn't betrothed and second and third sons are given more leeway in choosing their brides than the first son or daughter.

Ned was honestly quite flattered but also annoyed. The ladies in the Vale usually flocked to Robert and made polite small talk or ignored him. But then again he had been a child and not a man grown while in the Vale. It's not to say that the ladies didn't want to catch Brandon's attention but it was well known that Brandon was already promised and Ned was not.

Now they were home and had to report to their father about how they handled the dispute. They gave their horses stablehands and went to their rooms to freshen up before meeting in front of the door of their father's solar.

When they were let in, they sat in the Ironwood chairs in front of their father's desk. Ned and Brandon were questioned about their travel, their stay at Castle Cerwyn, how they solved the dispute and of anything of note that happened.

Lord Rickard seemed to be satisfied with how they solved the dispute but quite less happy with the numerous ladies and offers to both Brandon and Ned. He reminded Brandon to watch himself and keep his affairs more private then asked Brandon to leave. Ned had to stay.

Rickard sighed and put his palm on his face. Then he folded his arms in front of him and looked at Ned. "This is quite an important decision and we must take care to plan it out carefully."

Ned nodded but didn't say anything.

"Before I knew about your powers I had hoped to wed you to a daughter of a Lord Paramount or great lordly house in the south…" Rickard exhaled loudly.

"There was Lady Lannister, the reacher ladies…" Ned had a surprised look on his face.

Rickard smiled at Ned's expression. "You are a Stark. Unbroken lineage of the Kings of the North, of Winter. Any lady should be happy to have your attention."

Ned wanted to contrite that but Rickard continued: "Don't you dare contradict me! Anyhow, the situation has changed. The southerners and their ridiculous faith would cause many problems. They wouldn't understand how blessed you are.

Only a bride who holds faith in the Old Gods and whose family follows all the Old Gods shall be considered. South of the Neck are the Blackwoods, but their dispute with the Brackens would just cause more problems.

That leaves the Neck and the North. The Reeds have no daughter. Neither do the Flints of Flint's Finger.

Lady Barbara Ryswell, soon to be Dustin, is counted out. Her sister Lady Bethany is betrothed to Lord Bolton's heir Roose. The Dustins, Tallharts and Grovers have no daughters.

There is Lady Jonelle Cerwyn, who is 13 years old. I hold house Cerwyn in high regard and they are our closest bannerman and one of the most powerful as well. I hear she is kind, but plump and homely.

Lady Sybelle Locke is only 6 years old. A little young at the moment for you but in a few years it could be a good match. I think that Lord Locke will try to wed her to the Hornwoods.

Lady Berena Hornwood, who is 11 years old but her father is ambitious and would try to extort us. The Flints of Widow's Watch have no daughters as do the Boltons.

Lady Leona Woolfield follows the faith of the Seven like the Manderlys. I don't question their loyalty, I question their faith. The Karstarks have daughters but none of the main line, only distant cousins.

The Umbers do have daughters but I am not sure if they can be ladies to be honest." Here both Ned and Rickard chuckled.

"Then there is Lady Dacey Mormont, who is still in Winterfell. She is a good warrior and Lady. Loyal but can't offer much in either power or resources.

There are ladies of the mountain clans but it's the same as the Umbers. Wildling blood runs wild in their veins. " Continued Rickard

"Father, I currently have no wish to be married or betrothed. I wish to learn more about our ancestors, our powers and the North." said Ned earnestly.

"Ned, you are now a grown man and you are going to need a wife. Because you have been such a dutiful son, I will give you one year to choose your wife. If you wish, I can call all the eligible ladies of the North to Winterfell or you can meet them yourself, provided you take an escort. " offered Rickard.

"Thank you. That is very generous. I will have to think it through carefully." answered Ned.

"Sleep on it and provide me with an answer by the end of the week."

"Yes, Father."

Lord Rickard Stark,

Lord of Winterfell, Lord Paramount of the North, Warden of the North

I, Lord Walter Whent, Lord of Harrenhal, wish to extend an invitation to you and your family to join us at the great tournament at Harrenhal. The tournament is to celebrate my fair daughter's birthday.

The tournament shall last 10 days and is to start on the morning of the 3rd day of 1st moon 281 AC. It shall finish by the evening of the 13th day of the 1 st moon 281 AC. There shall be a jousting tourney, a seven-sided melee tourney, an archery contest, an axe throwing contest, a horse race and a tourney of singers. There shall also be a mummer show.

The monetary reward at the tournament follows as such:

The joust - 60.000 gold dragons to the winner

- 20.000 gold dragons to the runner up

The melee - 30.000 gold dragons

The archery contest - 20.000 gold dragons

The axe throwing contest - 10.000 gold dragons

The horse race - 20.000 gold dragons

The singing tourney - 10.000 gold dragons

Housing shall be provided on the tournament grounds. The celebrations shall be in the Hall of a Hundred Hearths.

The favour of a reply is requested by 30th day of the 10th moon 280 AC. Please include the amount of attendees. Additional requests may be considered.

Lord Walter Whent,

Lord of Harrenhal

Lord Walter Whent,

Lord of Harrenhal

We thank you for the gracious invitation. I, Lord Rickard Stark, shall not be attending. In my place shall be my heir Lord Brandon Stark. He shall be accompanied by my sons Eddard Stark, Benjen Stark and my daughter Lyanna Stark.

Lord Rickard Stark,

Lord of Winterfell, Lord Paramount of the North, Warden of the North

Lord Hoster Tully,

Lord of Riverrun, Lord Paramount of the Trident

I hope this letter finds you and your family.

As you may know there is a great tourney at Harrenhal on the 3rd day of 1st moon 281. Since most of my family as well as yours shall be there, I would suggest that after the tournament we have the wedding of my son Brandon and your daughter Catelyn in Winterfell.

It will be good to see you in person and I am happy to welcome Catelyn into the family.

Lord Rickard Stark,

Lord of Winterfell, Lord Paramount of the North, Warden of the North

Year 280 AC

House Stark

Rickard Stark - 240 AC - 40 years

Lyarra Stark - 239 AC - 271 AC (died)

Brandon Stark - 261 AC - 19 years

Ned Stark - 263 AC - 16 years

Lyanna Stark - 267 AC - 13 years

Benjen Stark - 269 AC - 11 years

Others:

Jon Arryn - 235 AC - 45 years

Maester Luwin - 242 AC - 38 years

Maege Mormont - 245 AC - 35 years

Rodrik Cassel - 248 AC - 32 years

Yohn Royce - 250 AC - 30 years

William Dustin - 260 AC - 20 years

Robert Baratheon - 262 AC - 18 years

Catelyn Tully - 264 AC - 16 years

Barbrey Ryswell - 264 AC - 16 years

Wylis Manderly - 265 AC - 15 years

Petyr Baelish - 265 AC- 15 years

Lysa Tully - 265 AC - 15 years

Dacey Mormont - 266 AC - 14 years

Jaime and Cersei Lannister - 266 - 14 years

Jonelle Cerwyn -267- 13 years

Galbart Glover - 268 AC - 12 years

Berena Hornwood - 269 AC - 11 years

Alysane Mormont - 273 AC - 7 years

Sybelle Locke - 272 AC - 6 years

Andar Royce - 276 AC - 4 years

Robar Royce - 278 AC - 2 year