It's been three years since he first met Alaric Stark. At that time, the Stark Lord had somehow managed to convince his father to persuade him to be fostered at Winterfell in exchange for the losses he'd incurred when the New Gift was given to the Night's Watch. Oh sure, the tax breaks and imports from the Reach were written off by the Crown, causing the Flower Lord to glower and bluster, but still, it seems that the predominant news of that day was Erik being fostered to Winterfell.
Which weirded Erik out, in his own opinion. Still, he was to be fostered to Winterfell that day, and to Erik, it was the mournful day of his family's life. His birth mother fussed all day before departing, causing tons of embarrassment that wouldn't be easily removed from his mind. His father only looked at him, tightly holding his shoulders. His stepmother only kissed him on the cheek, which raised his eyebrows, though he didn't show it. Then there's Dany's reaction. The fact that she let out a lot of tears for him meant a lot: particularly when his half-siblings cried despite not knowing what was happening.
In any case, the departure was quite dramatic, and he was glad for it. Still, he was pretty worried about how Dany reacted. Erik knows that House Targaryen tends to marry each other, both to keep the line pure and to keep the monopoly of dragon centered around House Targaryen since they're the last Dragonlords of Valyria, but the way how Dany reacted when he first told her the news that he'll be departing for Winterfell was surprising, clinging on to him and asking him not to go.
Besides, according to the rumors circulating in the Red Keep, Dany was already betrothed to his half-brother, or at least, talks of their betrothals were taking shape, so any chances of Erik being married to Danaerys were zero to nill.
Dany wasn't there in the ports when he departed for Winterfell, but Erik understood her emotions, even if it saddened him.
In any case, Erik's experience in the Winterfell for the last three years was rather pleasant.
Edric and Brandon, sons of Torrhen Stark and heir of Winterfell, were a menace: with the two routinely causing ruckus amongst Winterfell's servants, to Erik's amusement and Lord Stark's eternal headache. If the two weren't a year apart and the younger male Stark taller than the oldest child, one might mistake them for twins. But there's a way to separate the two apart. Edric's a doer, and Brandon's a planner. Edric's good with a sword, while Brandon tends to scurry around Winterfell's library if Walton weren't being dragged around by Brandon like a pup.
And Erik liked the two of them. The two Starks reminded him of his eldest child's children. So full of life and joy.
Then there's Alarra, the only daughter of Lord Stark and a close friend of her stepmother. Despite being ten years older than him, Alarra is wild and acts much like Dany at most times. Wilder than Brandon, to be honest. It doesn't help that Alarra has a Mormont for a mother. So it might've exacerbated her willfulness.
Though, given how she trounced both Edric and Brandon and the look she gave Erik when he barely beat Edric and Brandon, Erik attempted to avoid her, to no avail: somehow managing to find him and always demanding spars upon Winterfell's cool weather.
In any case, Erik genuinely enjoyed Lord Stark's hospitality. Within three years, Erik learned a lot about how the North functions. From Lord Stark's maester, he learned the history of the North, its houses, and its laws, while Lord Stark taught him how the people of the North differed from those of the South.
It still boggled Erik's mind why Lord Stark acted like Erik was an adult, even though Erik was only seven when they first met. Erik didn't dare to ask, especially with how Lord Stark gave him a deep look: full of thoughtfulness and knowingness.
Whatever the case, Erik learned a lot from his foster father, and now, his parents from the South are beckoning him home.
"I'm being recalled back to King's Landing?" Erik repeated as Lord Stark nodded. Alongside the Stark Lord's solar was Welwyn, Winterfell's maester, and Alarra, who only gave Erik a knowing smirk when she entered the room.
"Yes. Princess Daenerys is about to celebrate her tenth nameday, and you are to be called back to celebrate it, as per Princess Daenery's request and your father's approval." Erik gave a hum of understanding as Alarra spoke up, "And why am I beckoned to your solar, father?"
"Since you've recovered after the terrible mishap that happened to you three years prior, you're to return to your duties as Queen Alysanne's Handmaiden. I'm sure the Queen would be delighted to see you again, daughter." Lord Stark's words seem to have their intended effect: Alarra's eyes shine brightly at his father's words.
"Thank you, father, for informing me. May I be excused?" Lord Stark nodded as Alarra leaped out of the room, giggling like an innocent maiden. Erik only gave the Stark Lord a look, to which he shrugged in response.
"My daughter and your father's wife are close friends, Erik. Besides," Here, Lord Stark gave him a grin, "You'll need to prepare your things. You're to depart at mid-noon to White Harbour."
Erik internally cursed the man as he gave him a bow before bolting away to the room, quickly preparing his things.
'It's been three years. How time flies us by.' Erik internally mused as he prepared his things for the departure: with Alarra slapping his back and Edric and Brandon giving hugs, to which Lord Stark only smirked while his lady wife shook his head.
'It's time to go home, for now.'
I know it's short, but life's a mess, and I did not have that much fun in the Christmas Cheer department.
Merry Christmas, mates.