Author's Note
I do not own Game of Thrones.
Upon his return from Bear Island, Ned had many things to consider.
Upon meeting Silverwing and Vermithor he had plans to make.
If they kept their promise, none might ever know, but–
He had two juvenile dragons loose in the North.
And who was to say if these things would fade and die with Jon? If they didn't, then there would come a day when his sons, grandsons, or great-grandsons would thank him for his foresight.
And even if nothing ever came of the two juvenile dragons loose in the North, who could argue with him for wanting to strengthen and better his lands?
The first line of thought had to be Moat Cailin. If ever a war struck, that would be their first line of defence. And he had three trueborn sons. Jon, too, would need lands, but given the two juvenile dragons, somewhere further North and a little more isolated might be wise.
He sent out a missive to his bannermen, requesting builders and workers willing to travel and take on the trying task of rebuilding Moat Cailin. Along with them, he sent out offers of fostering to any that had second, third, and fourth children. The North could not afford to divide if the worst were to happen.
With those missives sent out, he turned his mind to the problem of Jon. And his two juvenile dragons.
There was plenty of empty land across the North, but most of it was empty because it would make for terrible farming land. Though there was one potential option…
Ned picked up a fresh piece of paper and began to draft a letter to Benjen.
"You've spent all your time shut away recently," Catelyn said.
"I'm preparing for my sons' futures," Ned replied.
Catelyn peered over his shoulder at the letters scattered across the desk. "The Gift? Doesn't that belong to the Nights' Watch?"
"It does, but they don't have the men to farm it, and most fear the possibility of Wildlings."
Catelyn flinched. "Oh, Ned, you can't be intending to send one of our boys there!"
"I'm not. I'm sending Jon."
Catelyn frowned. "Jon?"
"Mm. I intend to have Moat Cailin rebuilt for either Bran or Rickon. Perhaps Rickon; Maege Mormont's youngest is about of an age with Bran."
"Don't tell me you're still thinking of fostering."
"Fostering was invaluable to Robert and I. And Bran would be staying in the North, he wouldn't be far. Perhaps we should send Arya as well, Bear Island would suit her."
"She's seven!"
"It wouldn't be for another year or two."
"I don't like the thought of you sending our children away."
"Nor I. But it's always important to have close relationships with your bannermen. I've already offered to foster some ourselves."
Catelyn stared at him for a long moment. "Ned, what are you preparing for here?"
"I don't know."
But when it came, Ned would know it.
And be ready.