Chapter Forty-Seven

…..

The North, A Couple of Years Prior

Ned observes with satisfaction as his son, Bran does not flinch at the beheading of the deserter from the Night's Watch. He is glad that true Stark blood flows on him, not so many Houses are as lucky as to have heirs that inherit the bravery and courage of their ancestors. Handing off Ice to Theon who wipes the blood off of the blade by a torn piece of clothing from the man's shirt, Ned pats his eldest as he prepares to hop atop his horse.

He is stopped however by the sound of a painful keening coming directly from the woods that echo loud and clear not far from them. With a wordless agreement on his sons and ward, Ned grabs Ice from Theon before heading towards the woods with his children following closely behind him drawing their own weapons. If some poor animal is injured, the best that they can do at least is to put it outs of misery.

Ned's small party does not have to search far before they find their quarry. They barely made it to the edge of the wolves before they see the source of the painful keening. What they see however is enough to make Ned raise Ice in alarm and for good reason.

The North as a whole is a wild and untamed land. It's giant forests and wide open hills and mountains contain secrets and hidden mysteries that not even the great Winter Kings of the North know about. It is widely untapped and unexplored. Many a Stark since the time of the long Kings of Winter have made mention on their logs that not even they know the full truths about the land they rule. From Shadowcats on the hills to Narwhals on the seas, many strange and dangerous creatures dwell on The North.

That is why Ned is totally not surprised at the sight of a giant animal with wide wings having a bird of an eagle and the body of a lion at the open clearing. No what's surprising however is the fact that it is holding the dead body of a dead stag on its hindquarters while its front paw has grabbed the head of a Direwolf and has it pinned down on the Snow. The Direwolf is obviously however badly wounded, a stab wound, courtesy of the Stag is at its chest. The wound however is not fatal looking.

One beady eye of yellow from the unknown creature pins Ned and his retinue making the Lord Stark flinch at the bad-tempered looking animal who screeches loud and angry at their direction. Behind him he can feel his children and his ward trembling on their boots as they face the unknown creature.

With one more angry sound of displeasure, the creature opens its wide wings and takes to the air with powerful beats of it, bringing the corpse of the stag with it. In the matter of seconds, it is gone on the clouds. Ned just stares at the clearing where the wounded wolf lies panting on its side breathing heavily. Immediately from out of the snow bursts six puppies of varying colors with one being pure white heading yipping their way to their badly wounded mother.

Now Ned is not the most religious of folk but it takes only a moron or an unbeliever here at the North not to recognize a sign from the Old gods, specifically since it is the sigil of his House facing him.

"Five puppies for the Stark Children and one for the bastard, one wolf for he who is responsible for taking care of them. The gods have truly blessed you Lord Stark," comments Theon apparently reaching the same conclusion as he does.

"I know Theon, I know. Boys, come and help me make something that could carry her to Winterfell," Ned orders to his sons.

While he is indeed elated that this is the sign of the gods, Ned can't help but worry. If the gods are getting active, either it's because they are pleased with him or it is a prelude to something ominous enough that they are trying to warn him. The fact that the mother direwolf is wounded by a Stag of all things greatly troubles Ned. It is after all the sigil of his best friend's House. Is trouble brewing down South? And what does that have to do with the giant flying thing taking the corpse of the Stag and pinning down the wolf?

He really needs to talk about Howland Reed about this. Reading the signs of the gods isn't covered by Lordly education after all.

…

Present Day Winterfell

"They are coming, they are coming!" the sound from the Watchmen at the walls signify the long awaited procession that fills Ned with both trepidation and excitement. Trepidation due to the warnings issued by Howland at the sign two years ago and the ominous letter from Lysa Arryn about the Lannisters murdering Jon Arryn, and excitement at seeing his secret-sister's son again.

Suffice it to say that Ned hasn't been idle ever since the gods sent their sign via animals two years past. While his children are distracted at the idea of being able to take care symbols of their House and his wife is trying to adjust to the idea that a now giant direwolf would be sharing their personal chambers, Ned has ridden down to the Neck with Rodrik Cassel and a few guards searching for the elusive Reedman.

It takes them three falls on the bogs and nearly getting eaten by a lion-lizard before they are found by the Crannogmen and brought to their lord, his friend. Suffice it to say their discussion gives Ned a lot of worry. He can still recall it till now, their talk that is:

"So you believe that it is an omen?" Ned asks his old time friend inside the floating Keep of the Crannogmen. He still can't fathom how in the world are they able to light a fire inside the wooden keep without it burning down.

"I don't just believe it Ned. I know it is," replies Howland Reed sagely. "The gods have been ever moving these past few years, much more than they have ever been. Something great and terrible is about to happen. Keep you enemies close and your friends much closer Ned. I can't interpret what you have seen but all I can say that shadows now lurk at the edge of your House. Be wary always and trust only those whom you really believe you can trust fully,"

"So what do you think I should do about this Howland? You can't just tell me that and expect me to do nothing!"

"I'm not saying you shouldn't. I'm telling you to be vigilant. Fate is now moving its fingers and events are now at the hands of the gods. They have spoken and now we must dance at their words. Again my friend, be vigilant. Something tells me that the time of ending is coming sooner than we expect and the Great Battle of the Dawn will come,"

Ned shakes his head at that. He still can't take the image of the Stag wounding the Direwolf off his head and probably would have killed it if not for that mighty beast interfering and preying on the Stag. Of course said wolf is now hale and healthy. He has named it Lya after his deceased sister and it is now his faithful companion.

Frankly in Ned's opinion it is so much easier holding court with a giant big Direwolf at his side. Any onlookers are more direct to the point and those with shady intentions tend to think twice. Lya for some reason reacts to Ned's mood. More than once she has growled angrily, ready to pounce at a random minor lord with dubious intentions.

"They are coming, they are almost here," a rider appears bearing his sigil reports, riding at the courtyard.

Ned just nods at the man gesturing him to the side before checking on his own family. Advance warning of the king's coming makes them present for the arrival of the royal entourage. All of them are at their best, from outerwear to furs and looks. Only Arya is different as she is still wearing a stolen guard's helmet which Catelyn annoyingly takes away with a scolding much to the amusement of the onlookers.

It is the drums that first signifies the arrival of the Southeners. "It's starting! It's starting!" many Northeners strain to see the over the gathered throng of people. It is weird to see Northeners so excited about the arrival of unknown people. The name of Delianah however is well-known to them, and deeply loved, seeing that she's the reason that the woes of many are lightened a lot.

Gasps of awe and wonder sounds out as the first group comes in. Dressed in silver armor with dark blue undershirts, they are bright and austere in color. Every inch of them scream noble from head to toe. Beautiful metal helmets freshly polished cover their heads all engraved in the image of wings being spread open. Astride their beautiful white and grey horses is the same symbol. A pure white winged Swan taking flight over a field of blue, the official symbol of the Port City of Dol Amroth. (Check the Tower Guards of Gondor as an Inspiration, only that their cape and underclothes are Dark Blue)

Proudly unfurled in front is a banner that is raised displaying the same swan symbol however with a tower behind it. Everything about the fabric is richly ornamented and stitched. Above and below the banner is a phrase: The Tower Guard Never Sleeps While the Sea Lives.

At their head is a tall looking man with resplendent cape and ornate jeweled armor with gems on it. He is sporting a perfect beard with a fine goatee. At his side is a red head with a stern face and perfectly lined cheekbones. She is slim and beautiful, like a newly furbished dagger. It takes Ned a minute to find out the reason why the latter looks incredibly familiar before his jaw fell open as he realizes that it is his "bastard son" come home. Judging from the expressions of unbelief from the rest of his family, they have also reached the same conclusion as he does. Robb and his children looks like they need to have their eyes checked while his lady wife looks like she is about to suffer from an aneurysm. Gone is the old Jon with that usual insecurity look on his face replaced by this resplendent figure of pride and strength.

Following the resplendent knights of Dol Amroth are the now familiar but no less awesome Knights of the Order of the Silver Wings. Like the Knights of Dol Amroth, they wear the same silver tinted armor only more ornate but with medals and attached purity seals on them. At their backs clipped are the famous "wings" of the Knights that makes them stand out to any Knight Order in Westeros.

What the difference however between the Knights of Dol Amroth and the Knights of the Silver Orer is their bearing. The Knights of Dol Amroth are the perfection of what proud Knights should be. The Knights of the Silver Order however scream Glory and Power at every inch. Every move, every drift of the eye gives credence to their skill and infamous prowess that earns them the moniker, the Winged Angels of Vengeance. They basically stabilized Westeros single handedly during the aftereffects of the War of the Faith.

Next to them are the familiar armor of the Black Guard lines which the Northeners know. The highly disciplined foot soldiers of Rivendell are infamous due to their skill and tenacity during the War of the Faith. Highly disciplined, their black leather clad forms do not miss a step as they march past the onlookers and observers. Professional to the bone all of them are.

Following the Black Guard are the ever mysterious Death Dealers. Very few is known about the bodyguards of the Dame of Rivendell. Dressed all in black ornate armor with black horse plumes, they are not disciplined like the Black Guard or the Tower Guard of Dol Amroth and they do not possess the dignity and regality of the warrior kings of the Silver Wings' knights. Instead, they are carefree and seems even lax. All in all not impressive to look at. If one would look closer however, they would notice that no Death Dealer has the same weapon. All are different from one another ranging from knives to spears and axes.

Finally behind the Death Dealers are the Red Cloaks of House Lannister.

Immediately all cheering died down and Ned can't blame them. House Lannister specifically represents after all the things that Northeners hate on Southeners; rich, pompous, arrogant and overbearing. Seeing the judgemental stares the RedCloaks are giving his people, Ned might say that they have good cause and reason to not like them

With the Red Cloaks appear the ever infamous Tywin Lannister, bald head shining. Ned can't help but mentally gulp at the Lannister Lord. He might not like the man but Ned can respect the power wielded by the Lannister Lord, cruel, manipulative, callous, cunning and pragmatic, one would be wise on dealing with the Old Lion. For the life of him though, he has no idea why the Old Lion is with the King's entourage.

"Be wary," the familiar voice of Howland echoes on his ears making Ned stern his resolve. He would be wary of the Lannisters, especially with the warning and accusation of Lysa on the death of Jon Arryn.

Next following the Red Lion's footsteps are familiar grey cloaked guards of House Baratheon and with them, the familiar gold armor of the Kingsguard with their resplendent White cloaks. Ned recognizes the familiar faces of Ser Barristan and unfortunately, the smug one of the Kingslayer too. Behind them is a massive rickety sounding wheelhouse designed to the brim with red and gold, it doesn't take a genius to who it belongs to. Following the wheelhouse is of course no one else but his best friend.

"NED!" booms Robert happily the moment he lays eyes on him.

Suffice it to say that Ned Stark is both glad and sad at the moment that he lays eyes on his best friend. Glad that his friend seems to retain his jolly character still and sad at what he has suffice it to say hasn't suited Robert one bit. Ned has seen him before during the Greyjoy Rebellion and he has marveled at the fat that Robert has gained. Now it seems that fat has doubled with his friend now supporting a double chin that he is hiding beneath his gruffy beard. He winces as he watches his father being helped of all things by a squire via a stool dismounting his horse. Where is the Robert that could throw himself atop a battlehorse while holding his warhammer one-handed and charging without hesitation at the enemy?

As it is, propriety however first. Ned falls to his knees at the king's approach. "Welcome to the North your Grace, Winterfell is yours," Ned proclaims loudly as everyone in the courtyard also falls to their knees.

"Get your sorry lard up Ned! What the hell are you calling me your Grace about. It's me! It's Robert okay? Always Robert for you," booms the king pulling (or manhandling) Ned up to his feet.

"Your Grace!" Ned insists.

"It's Robert damn you! Enough of this Your Grace shit! Speaking of which," he glances up and down at Ned. "You have gotten fat!"

It's like a silence descends on the courtyard as Ned's eyebrows shot up to his hairline before pensively going down to stare at Robert's jutting belly. It is followed by the king laughing loudly at his own joke before patting him on the arm.

"Stop being so damned serious Ned. By the gods it is good to see you. Come let me introduce you to my family," he ushers Ned to where the rest of Robert's royal retinue is waiting.

"Of course you already know my wife, Cersei," the queen sniffs as Ned kisses her hand. "And you've also met my boys Joffrey and Tommen," Ned nods at the lanky haired youths who is shivering under the cold of the North. He admits though that the two doesn't look at all like Robert, but Ned shakes it off.

He isn't an expert at identifying similarities about heirs.

"And of course…..," Robert continues only to be cut off as the tallest Lannister steps forward nearly barreling the king aside.

"It is a pleasure to meet you face to face again Lord Stark," the richly cultured voice of Tywin Lannister sounds out shaking the hands of Ned firmly. Despite himself Ned can't help but take a step back. That feeling that Tywin is bringing with him, where the term "lord" is taken up to the highest level is both terrifying and awe inspiring. This man is dangerous to the extreme.

"Likewise Lord Tywin, welcome to Winterfell," Ned responds with a gulp before remembering his manners.

"These are my family," he gestures to the awaiting line. "My companion, Lya," he points at the giant direwolf lying on its haunches. It pokes one great eye open at the mention of its name much to the awe of the onlookers at the existence of such a unique beast. Seeing nothing of intent however, it closes it again.

"…my oldest son, Robb," he points to his oldest son much to the delight of Robert at his namesake. "My second daughter, Sansa,"

"Well she's a beauty isn't she," comments Tywin much to the beaming of Ned's daughter.

"My son, Bran, her sister Arya, and of course Rickon," Ned introduces to the royal group. "You already know my wife Catelyn of course," he finishes, his wife curtsying like the proud lady she is.

"Of course, of course," Robert this time steps forward. "Come Ned, bring me to the crypts. I would like to pay my respects,"

This time Ned can't help but notice the sudden souring of the Queen's face and for good reason. Ned knows that even he would not appreciate it if his own wife seeks another man other than him after all.

"My love, we've come a long journey. Let us rest inside first," Cersei croons though Robert only scowls.

"Ned! Now!" he barks out a command making Ned sigh as he gestures for the king to follow him and with a wordless nod at his wife to take care of the accommodations of the Royal family. He also nods at Jon who returns the gesture. He would need to talk to his secret nephew later once this business with Robert is done.

Just as everyone is about to go their own separate ways, Ned however notices something or rather someone amiss.

"Your Majesty, I've been expecting your whole family. Where is your eldest? The princess Myrcella," he asks.

"Fuck with the Your Majesty bullshit Ned! Might I remind you. As for my wayward daughter," he chuckles proudly, Ned notices. "She's with her teacher of course and I guess they ran a little late. They've been needing to feed their special mounts after all,"

"Special mounts?" Ned blinks in confusion.

"Yep and-," a loud screech followed by another and another rent the open air nearly making every man in Winterfell clutch their ears in pain.

"Yep that's them. My beautiful daughter and of course our proud Dame of Westeros," laughs Robert.

Something seems to block out the gleaming color of the morning sun and Ned can feel his brain short circuiting as a very familiar creature once more makes itself present in his eyes. Powerful wings, beautiful plumage, sharp claws, powerful muscles, eagle-like head with fur and feathers of red, brown and gold appears out of the clouds and landing majestically on the courtyard of Winterfell throwing the stable-hands off their feet. Three more with different color schemes land behind it, all looking as proud and prideful as the first one.

It is however the riders at the backs of such new looking animals that catches everyone's attention. Throwing herself off as nimble as a dancer wearing a backless red dress with a golden eagle design at her right breast, her black hair let loose and with a slit on her right leg going up her upper thigh is the very familiar face of the Lady of Rivendell(Queen Medusa Second Outfit at the Battle Through Heavens Inspired). Behind her coming down their own mounts are also the the Princess Myrcella in a forest green outfit with a leather hunting cuirass, her golden hair free, a young woman with Dornish features with two swords at her back in a block bodysuit and one more person wearing the familiar Black Guard outfit, his face fully covered.

It is at Princess Myrcella and the Lady Delianah however that Ned blinks. The last time Ned sees them, they are still young looking. Now however the both of them looks like they are at the cusp of adulthood, and very mature looking and bearing. Ned knows that Robb doesn't look the least as mature as them even though he's only a year older, going eighteen.

Delianah apparently now sure that her companions are dismounted whistles at the giant animals who screeches, rubbing its head at her palms before taking off again of the courtyard with its companions into open air. As for Ned, he stands there stunned as the Lady of Rivendell, the current closest ally of the North march towards him and giving him a nod of her head (not a curtsy he notices).

"Lord Stark, it is a pleasure to be here at Winterfell. I do so expect your courtesy," she declares loudly before walking off with Myrcella and her entourage in tow.

Ned doesn't need to hear the inflamed sniff of his wife to know that the Lady of Rivendell has broken at least a dozen propriety rules at that. In a way it is refreshing.

Delianah Tully after all is well-known for kicking the rules of Westeros down and would happily jump and down on their ashes.

….

Author's Note: So yeah readers we are at Canon. Normally this is where we would expect boring talks and politics with backstabbing and the usual shebang of GOT fanfics. I'm not following that direction however, no sir. We would see action here soon enough and you guys will love it, I promise. Rhaenys' justice will also be served and there is a reason why Oberyn is not present at the moment.. Dark secrets and plans will also be put in the making that would change Westeros forever.

Also Delianah would be fighting next chapter. How would you like our current boys in the North to react to her presence?

As always Reviewers. Thank you for your Reviews. It is reading your words that fuel my drive to write even more. Sorry I haven't updated the past two days. I've been reading some fanfics on my own since writing tends to get tiring and stressful non-stop. Need to refuel the inspiration tank before continuing.

If you want to see more world Building Stories of my work. Check out Songs of Red Hair and Magic at my list. It's a Harry Potter World Building story also. Elf-Lord Harry.