I'm going to feel bad when I slow down from this pace that I'm on. Spring break is almost up, and I'm going to have to get back to classes. Still, why stop while I'm ahead, right?
The goal of this chapter is to fill in a time gap between Arya I and Bran II, the night before the hunt and Bran's fall from the tower. Here, we get to see an interaction between Ned and Olyvar, which I probably should have done to some degree in Sansa I. But what's past is past, and at least in this and the next chapter (hint hint) I can show the interactions that Ned and Olyvar have. For now, the great Eddard Stark. Cheers.
"The girl is utterly rebellious. Her Septa continues to tell me of her unladylike behavior. And furth- what are you chuckling about?" Eddard Stark could not help but to chuckle as he listened to his wife's complaints about how unruly their daughter was.
"It can't be helped, my lady. Arya was born with the wolf's blood. You can see it in her appearance, more Stark than the rest of her siblings." It was true, Arya was the only one out of her siblings that took after the Stark looks. All except Jon.
"Still, she needs to learn how to be a lady. She cannot act so childish forever." Catelyn wore an annoyed face at how her husband could be so carefree about the situation. Eddard knew that her disappointment would eventually pass.
"Come, my love." Catelyn gave Eddard a look before accepting his offer, joining him in sitting on the bed and allowing his arms to embrace her. He kissed her head, relishing in how sweet she smelled. "It is good that she is so lively. Especially now that her cousin has returned."
"Do you know how she explained herself to me?" Ned frowned. It seemed as if he would not escape the topic of his daughter's unruly behavior so easily. "She said that she simply wanted to see Olyvar spar. What girl abandons her needlework to simply watch swordplay?"
"Wolf's blood." Eddard reminded her, causing Catelyn's face to finally break into a smile. "She is too much like my sister for her own good. But Lyanna eventually calmed herself to a degree. Perhaps Arya shall as well."
"Perhaps you are right, my wise lord." Catelyn gave him a peck on the lips before resting her head on his shoulder. "She told me of how Olyvar and the Prince had almost come to blows. Do you think-"
"No." Eddard could identify the worry in his wife's voice. It had been a night since Maester Luwin entered their chambers, brandishing a message that had come from Catelyn's siter, Lysa. It was a secret message, housed in the secret compartment of a wooden box that Luwin had dissected with precision. A message that had served both as a warning, and as a plea.
Lysa accused the Lannisters of murdering Ned's mentor and surrogate father, Jon Arryn. She had apparently fled King's Landing a night after his death with their youngest son Robert, attempting to take Olyvar along with her. But in fear of being found out, she had fled after Olyvar had refused her. She pleaded with Catelyn to protect her son, and begged her sister to return him to the Eyrie with haste. The fear was that if Jon had been the target of Cersei, that Olyvar would obviously be the next target, despite being betrothed to the princess Myrcella.
"Ned, even if he doesn't know that his father was murdered, the Lannisters don't know he's unaware." Catelyn rose her head off of his shoulder, looking into his eyes, hers full of worry. "He is not safe in the capital anymore."
"Another reason why I must go south and be Robert's Hand, I assume?" Eddard had been annoyed with Luwin and Catelyn's pestering the night previous. But the plans had been set, and he had decided on taking his daughters and Bran south with him to be educated in the southern courts. Up until the Trident, he could keep an eye on Olyvar until the men of the Vale would have to part for the east.
"If not for Robert's sake, do it in Jon's name. Do it for our family, Ned." Eddard couldn't refuse the pleading look his wife was giving him. He kissed her again before rising from the bed. He didn't want to head south, if anything he wanted to refuse both of Robert's offers. But Cat was right. He could not leave his best friend and his mentor's son to the will of the lions. How would he be able to live with himself should he do so?
"I should go to him while there is daylight. Gods know I haven't talked to the boy since his arrival." It was true. Before Eddard could even greet his nephew Robert had requested that Ned lead him down into the crypts to pay his respects to Lyanna. And at the feast, Ned saw how much fun Olyvar was having with his children, specifically Arya and Bran. He did not want to interrupt.
"A fine idea. The boy will be likely be busy with his cousins again during supper, so this may be the best time to speak with him." Ned looked back to see Catelyn smiling the same soft smile that had helped Eddard to fall in love with her. Flashing a smile of his own, he exited her chambers and began to walk in the direction of his nephew's temporary quarters.
Catelyn had insisted that Olyvar stay in the Great Keep, along with the rest of her family. On the eve of his arrival, Olyvar had attempted unsuccessfully to take residence up in the First Keep, but despite his appeals, his aunt had refused him vehemently. He remembered Catelyn telling him that it was filthy, and it would be unbecoming of the Lord of the Eyrie to stay in such an unsightly place. At least the boy has developed some spirit. Perhaps Stannis' tutelage has had positive effects. Eddard had remembered his apprehension when Robert had informed him via raven that the first son of their mentor would be fostered with Robert's brother on Dragonstone. He had thought that it would have been best for Olyvar to be fostered with him, Catelyn and the children at Winterfell. But Robert and Jon's decision had been final, and Ned did not appeal any further.
He came to Olyvar's door, knocking in a request for entry. "Yes?" He heard from the other side of the door, inviting him to enter. As he opened the door, Ned saw his nephew dressed in a casual garb, a cloak laced with silver draped over his shoulders. He was seated in a chair, reading a piece of parchment Ned realized was a letter. The boy looked up from the letter, and upon seeing Ned his face broke into a wide smile. "Uncle."
"Good evening, Nephew." The boy rose from his chair and the two embraced, Ned surprised at how tall he had become. Gods, is this the same boy that left my home three years ago? But unmistakable were the brown eyes that the boy had. The same as Jon's. "What were you reading?"
"It's a message from one of my bannermen. Lord Yohn of Runestone." Ned released his nephew as the boy went back to reading the contents of the message. "He says that he is planning on meeting me at the Eyrie to swear fealty and pay respects after he returns from the tournament that's to be held in your honor."
"Ah, yes. That tournament Robert is so determined to have in my name." Ned had tried to dissuade his friend from holding the tournament in his honor. But Robert had proven to be as stubborn as the men had been in their youth, and insisted that the tournament would occur.
"A couple of my men wish for me to escort you all the way back to King's Landing and observe the tournament as well. A few want to participate in my father's honor." Ned was conflicted. He understood how much honoring Jon Arryn's memory meant to the men of the Eyrie, but he knew that King's Landing was no longer safe for the boy, especially if the stories of Stannis Baratheon's departure to Dragonstone were true. "My father's old squire keeps telling me how he will honor my house endlessly. Hugh, I think his name is."
"I overheard this young knight talking at the feast last night. His words are proof that your father, and you, are beloved in the Vale." The boy's face lit up at his uncle's kind words. "But surely your mother misses you as well."
Olyvar frowned. "I know that. But I feel like she can wait a little while longer. Besides, when I heard that the King was coming up here, I decided that I had to come and see all of you. I missed everyone."
"I'm sure you did, my boy. So, what is the Lord of the Eyrie's plan?"
"I'm fairly sure that I will see you to the Trident before we head east." Good, his plan hasn't changed. "I know that it would be quicker to go to White Harbor and go by sea, but Mother and Uncle Brynden can handle affairs in the Vale until I return. It's a shame that Lord Tyrion will not be accompanying us back south, though. He was quite enjoyable company."
He's friends with the Imp? Ned knew that Catelyn would throw a fit if she found out that her nephew was cordial with a member of the family that Olyvar's mother had alleged murdered Jon Arryn. Eddard too felt a tad worried about this friendship, but still smiled at his nephew. "Wise beyond your years. Your father would be proud in your decisions." Ned saw his nephew give a sad smile at the mention of his father. The boy had clearly bonded with Jon, despite the vast age difference between the two of them. The son that Jon had desired for so long could not have turned out any better to Ned.
"I miss him." His nephew's voice was sad. It was the same voice that Ned had when he had learn of the demise of his own father and brother, and although they were under different terms, Ned understood how loss could affect a person. The boy is so young too.
Ned ruffled his nephew's hair, shaded a slight Tully coloring. "I know you do, my boy. We all do. But we must continue on. For Jon's sake." The boy smiled up at his uncle. "Be sure to get ready in something a bit nobler. Your aunt will have your hide if you don't dress the part of a Lord Paramount."
"Yes, uncle Eddard." The boy sighed, causing Eddard to smile as he exited the quarters. The boy had developed a will that rivaled Arya's, although he did have enough brains to know that he would not defeat his aunt. Ned ruffled his hair one more time before exiting the room. As he walked back to his own room to prepare for supper, Ned found his thoughts wondering to the times he had spent in the Eyrie with Robert, fostered by Jon Arryn.
Jon. I promise I'll make sure you sons are safe. But the boy might not need protecting for very long. Eddard chuckled alone as he continued down the corridor, remarking how the boy had grown. Perhaps he would take him along on the hunting trip tomorrow. At the very least, his own son would enjoy company other than Joffrey.
A/N: There weren't any real questions posted from the previous chapter, but KnightofHolyLight did post a number of interesting discussion points in his/her review of Chapter 5 (Arya I) that are great points. And considering that he/she was the one who raise the point that the Ned and Olyvar interaction was missing, I guess that this chapter can partially be attributed to his/her point. :) hope you guys enjoy, and don't stop posting reviews! I need them haha.