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Chapter Text

283 A.C.
Tower of Joy

Eddard Stark
It's almost done, I think sadly and pull my sword out of Gerold Hohenturm's chest. Only Arthur remains, I note sadly and can't help but think of what could have been. No matter how strong I have appeared in this war, tears well up in my eyes and I can't help but scream out loud: Stop!
I notice how everyone stops their movements and pauses. Enough blood has been spilled, I scream and throw ice on the ground.
Let me see my sister Ser Arthur I beg you I say and look him in the eyes.
Ser Arthur seems rigid and unbreakable but he looks at me and nods.
I slowly pick up some ice cream and give it to Martyn Cassel, making everyone swear to wait for me to return. I slowly walk up the steps of the tower at a steady pace and with a strong gait and notice that my sister's screams are becoming quieter and fewer. The first thing that hits my nose is the smell of blood and winter roses. The smell of death I think and hope I'm wrong.
Ned says quietly and I look at the pale and feverish form of my sister Lyanna. In a flash I'm bent over and at her side and holding her hand and praying inside please don't take her from me too please gods let her live and I'll take her to Benjen and Winterfell and never let her go again. But my prayers are suddenly interrupted by the crying of a baby and I notice how the sadness continues to fill me as a silver-haired, purple-eyed baby approaches me attentively and in amazement. My breath catches in my throat and I look at my little sister who is just looking at the child and her tears are flowing. Ned says she and my gaze focuses purely on her. Promise me, she says, only now do I realize how weak she really is and how little time we have left. Promise me that you will protect, she says and repeats it as if she were still alive just for the words. I promise, I say and I notice her bright smile that is only directed at me. Now, tell Benjen that I'm sorry, she whispers and please don't let me go to the night watch. Before I can answer, Lyanna coughs and takes her last breath. I take the child from her arms and ask if he has been given a name yet, the nurse looks at me suspiciously and replies Aegon, Aegon Targaryen. I nod and leave the tower.
A sight awaits me outside that I hardly thought possible. Ser Arthur and my friends are talking and I barely hear Ser Arthur explaining my sister's marriage to Elia and Rhaegar and the three's actual plan.
I'll clear my throat and say, Arthur, you have a lot to explain.

White Harbor (six weeks before the Tower of Joy)
At the time of the sack of King's Landing
Press, my lady, you have to press
I push as hard as I can, I scream and notice how it gets easier.
The head is there, answers Maester Walys and begins to pull,
A few minutes later I notice how exhausted I want to close my eyes, but the midwife is carrying a small, dark-haired, gray-eyed baby into my arms. Within a few minutes my door opens and Lord Manderly and Maege Mormont enter my chamber, both smiling brightly as if they were the proud grandparents and carefully asking what the child should be called. I laugh out loud and say Jon Stark after the king who built the wolf's den and for Jon Arryn who protected my husband and the future of the Starks.
They both congratulate a healthy boy and promise that this one will have the blood of the wolf like his father and the beauty of his mother.

Chapter Text

Eddard Stark
The first thing Ser Arthur thought of telling us all was how he and Prince Rhaegar came across my brother Benjen and sister Lyanna while searching for the Knight of the Laughing Tree. Lyanna and Benjen were shocked at the king's demand, Arthur told Rhaegar that he had picked up the shield and let out a small laugh. Arthur himself was shocked and looked at his best friend in confusion. Rhaegar said: "I'm sorry Lady Lyanna, but I have to take your shield away from you and you should better hide the armor and the horse now."
Lyanna, the Wild Lyanna said to Prince Rhaegar: "I thank you, my prince, but I do not regret my actions."
Ser Arthur remembers that Rhaegar couldn't help but smile at her and congratulate her on her bravery and courage.
After the shield was presented to the king and Ser Arthur and Prince Rhaegar were alone with Princess Elia in the couple's chambers, they told the princess about the true Knight of the Laughing Tree. At first Elia seemed shocked but gradually it made sense, she told that Arthur's sister Ashara had shared a dance with Eddard Stark and that the two of them had been on a walk together before the tournament day where Eddard Stark told Ashara that Lyanna was unwell and would miss the tournament that day. There was a short silence over the three when Elia suddenly mentioned that she would like to meet Lady Lyanna and talk to her in general.
Rhaegar initially reacted with confusion, but he quickly approved the idea as excellent and asked Arthur to leave the room and see Little Rhaenys. I remember answering, "Eddard suddenly, Lyanna was pale after reading a letter and mentioned it was a message from father."
My Lords said Martyn Cassel suddenly, the ink is written, the past cannot be repaired, what do we do with the child of your sister and the Prince?
Ser Arthur jumped between before anyone could answer this child is the true king or would any of you want to deny that!
A cough behind us caused the group to pause and Howland Reed spoke, "Ser Arthur, no one doubts that this child is the true king, but tell me, should we really crown a baby so that it will end up like its brother and sister?"
I swallowed the memories of the bodies in Kingslanding
too fresh: calmly I said with steel in my voice, I am his closest relative, and I also promised my sister that this boy will live and I will keep my promise.
Everyone was silent after my words, Arthur how far is Starfall from here and how safe is it?
After a moment Arthur said thoughtfully, they are all loyal to my family and only my family, why?
You ride there with Howland and get a ship to go north, William Dustin and Martyn Cassel will accompany me to Kingslanding. I will swear allegiance to Robert and tell him about Lyanna's death. But never question the love for my own blood.

Many moments of silence pass in our group, except for the baby in my arms, which seems so strange and so familiar at the same time, I feel the tears in my eyes once again and mourn all the losses due to the lies and untruths. But I probably feel the biggest sting in my heart, 10 months full of sadness and anger. When I close my eyes I see Lyanna's smile, I see my father Rickard's stare, I hear Brandon's laugh. I look up at the dark sky and remember a happier and at the same time joyful time. Arthur speaks to me easily and at the same time so familiarly, how did you know where to find us? I look away and blush slightly as I mutter, "Ashara." He laughs slightly and says, "She really loves you."
I don't deserve her, that damn hoster forced me to break up my marriage with Ashara or he wouldn't support us.
“Ashara knew it,” Howland Reed says, “she asked me to let you go through with it, even if she says he and suddenly becomes quiet.
"If she what?" I ask and notice how my anger is increasing.
"She was pregnant, wasn't she?" says Arthur, taking my breath away.
I murmur pregnantly and would like to scream.
Damn Brandon why did you have to be so stupid and father you knew you were going to die why didn't you listen to everything and everyone around you.
I cry harder than ever that night and I dream of a choice that seems impossible to hold.

Chapter Text

White Harbor
(a few days after Jon was born)
Ashara Dayne (Stark in my eyes)
While I am holding my beloved little Jon in my arms, a guard from Lord Manderly enters my chamber and asks me to come along, as I then notice that a sad mood clouds my thoughts. I think of my lover Ned Stark and how much he has had to suffer in the last few months, at the same time I think of our journey together through the Vale of Arryn and how we were only just able to survive a storm, but of all the hardships without these journeys and experiences If my beloved Jon weren't here, that alone would be enough to make everything right, I think.
The guard stops in front of the Great Hall of the Wolf's Den and opens it for me. I thank him and notice that Lord Manderly is not alone but that several people are present.
Those present here consist of Maester Walys, my nurse Wylla as well as Old Nan and Maege Mormont and they all look at me sadly and remorsefully.
What's up? I ask and my voice trembles. Something is wrong? I ask and tears well up in my eyes.
Maege Mormont takes Jon from my arms after a request and begins to explain that the rebellion demanded a price that was almost impossible to pay and that my beloved Wolf still had to pay. I nod even though I know what it will cost my little Jon and me. He married her, am I right?
I ask, hoping I don't sound weak.
A silence falls over the room and Lord Wyman replies:
He gave birth to Lady Stark, the heir to the North, it says in the last scroll and named Robb.
Robb I think to myself, I start to laugh and think of my little Jon the child out of pure love and without duty.
A few moments pass before Maege Mormont picks up her mace and kneels in front of me: Ashara says, I swear to serve and protect your son Jon as the true heir of the North, as the heir of Winterfell and as Ned Stark's son and, if necessary, my life for his admit.
Before I can interrupt, Lord Wyman knocks over his cup of wine and says it is not right to deprive you of your position and your son of his inheritance, he curses Hoster Tully's ambition and Rickard's choice, but after a few moments he calms down and asks what I am want to do.
What can I do, I answer, blinking away my tears.
As silence falls in the room, Maester Walys says there are two options for all of us here.
Which? I ask, hating the weakness in my voice.
Publish your marriage documents with Eddard and Hoster Tully's true colors will be shown or accept that there is nothing you can do at this time and take Jon and leave.
While a silence floods the room afterwards, a new voice sounds and says there is still an option.
We all look at the figure lying against the wall and lifting his hood, it's Benjen.
Seeing our shock, he laughs and smiles as he heads towards Nan and Jon. I can and only now do I notice that this boy has disappeared from the tournament and has been replaced by this boy.
When Benjen hugs Jon, he smiles while Jon tries to reach for him and watches thoughtfully.
It's moments like these, says Maege, where you realize the true value of a man as a partner and then laugh.
Which option? I ask, managing to keep my voice level.
Send Maege as a messenger to Kingslanding or have Ned stop here while I return to Winterfell and replace my Aunt Branda.
Your aunt? I ask because I can't remember any aunt mentioning Ned.
My mother's sister answers Benjen sadly, a grieving widow who is known to very few, while everyone gets a little sad, Benjen answers this one but asks Jon, she will love a real wolf like his ancestors, it's true I thought to myself and looked at Jon's appearance everything about him screams Stark. Except for the hair, Old Nan says that's what he got from you, Lady Ashara.
Benjen then hands Jon over to me and says goodbye to all of us.
As we all sit back down at the table, silence falls over us.
Lord Wyman I say formally ask Ned to come here as soon as you know something about him and you ride Maege to meet him give him a letter from me I will write it.
With that I say goodbye to Jon and go back to my chambers.
Some time later, in the solitude of my room, I think of my own family and pray that they are well.

My last thoughts before I fall asleep are my brother Arthur and my dearest Ned.

Chapter Text

Starfall
Arthur Dayne
The first things I saw as we rode toward Starfall were the people and families that have served my family for generations, men and women I have known my entire life.
As I entered the fortress, my older brother Vorian and my father as well as my mother rushed with the 4 year old Allyria in their arms to me. The first person to greet me is my brother, he hugs me to him and I feel another pair of arms wrap around me. The truth is in the arms of all these precious people. I feel tears welling up in my eyes. At the same time I notice that my dearest sister Ashara is not here and mumble,, where is Ashara,,?
Silence greets me and my father answers. We retreat to my private study. My father notices my companions and orders my brother Howland to be taken to the maester and given a clean room and a new robe.

A few moments later we are in my father's solar system and he demands to know the truth.
While I'm thinking about answering, my mother interrupts me and says, "The boy and the wet nurse are the prince's last legacy, aren't they?"
My ears ring as she says it and the guilt hits me in huge waves, I am nothing but unworthy of Ser Arthur Dayne the Sword of the Morning.
When I'm ready to say something, my father puts a letter from my sister Ashara in front of my eyes and says, read and find out where your sister is. I notice the anger in his voice as he says it and so does my mother, before they can both explode and scream at each other I start to laugh and explain that she got her own wolf like she always wanted after Harrenhal.

A bastard wolf, my father replies angrily. My own anger increases and without thinking I snap, you mean the true heir of the north.
It's only later that I realize my words and mutter, "Damn Ashara, why did you leave it to me to tell them?"
The first to realize my words is my mother, who happily and radiantly answers: "I knew it, everyone talks about their honor, he loves them, doesn't he?" she finishes her words directed at me.
"Of course," a new voice sounds, it's Howland and I can't help but be grateful that he's here.
My father, who was silent for a long time, now says, "He married someone else, didn't he?"
Howland's eyes darken and he murmurs, "He was forced."
,,Forced,,? my mother replies anxiously, please explain.
Ned had to make a choice, condemn us all to certain doom or give us a real chance, he chose the chance but the wolf will not be forgotten and forgiven, expects Ned to take revenge.
"How was he supposed to do that?" my father replies.
“Who will be the new king,” I answer bitterly.

Nobody really finishes our words, I stand up in a flash and just want to be alone, before I can leave Howland grabs my arm.
"How long does it take to get a ship?" he replies.
A few moments pass before I answer, a few days, sir.
Howland nods and leaves for two like the solar.

As some time passed and I retreat to the Little Prince's rooms for peace and quiet, I notice Allyria entering the rooms alone and smiling brightly at me.
In these short moments I realize that not everything has to be bad, Allyria, who feels my eyes on her, comes towards me beaming and, as expected, holds her arms up to me.
I can't help but laugh softly because at this moment she looks so much like Ashara. I hope Ashara will now be a mother.

As the hours pass I notice that Allyria and baby Aegon have fallen asleep and my own tiredness increases.
Some time later, as I lie in my own chambers, I swear that I will not abandon Rhaegar again and that this baby will be free to choose.

Some images and characters:

Starfall

Ser Arthur Dayne

Ashara Dayne

Allyria Dayne

Chapter Text

Sternenregen
Ser Arthur Dayne

They never say goodbye easily, but this goodbye feels final. I don't know when I'll see the others again, or what I'll see them as again - I just know I can't take the dawn with me. As I look around Starfall one last time, I realize how much I miss my sister Ashara here. As Starfall looms ever further in the distance, I notice Howland staring at me with a knowing but sad look. "I know your pain, but the gods will make sure you see it again," he says. Only now do I realize what a strange yet fascinating man he is. He reminds me of Rhaegar, and yet he is much more mature and stable.

King's Landing
Eddard Stark
The first thing I notice after my second arrival in this city is how bad the suffering and destruction was. Next to me, Martyn and William wrinkle their noses in disgust and I can't help but think how strange it is that so many people live in one place. As the Red Keep gets closer and closer, I notice that the lion flag seems to hang on all the buildings alongside those of the stags. Tywin thinks and can't help but despise this man and his oh-so-golden heir. An oathbreaker and a man who slaughters children and women. I swear to myself that I will never trust, let alone honor, this man and everyone from his house. When we arrive, my foster father Jon Arryn is already waiting for us with Maege Mormont. I call out in surprise, Maege, what are you doing here? The only reaction I get from her is a letter with the ADD badge, I feel my heart skip a beat and my hands shaking. I think this letter contains the truth, the truth about my firstborn child, a child I also condemned for not being in anyone's presence...
Jon Arryn comes up to me and speaks loudly: Ned, is she your sister? I answer deadpan and interrupt him, he pats me on the shoulder and offers me his condolences. I tell Robert, he answers after a moment, but Tywin and Robert are already storming out of the hall towards us, NED calls Robert where is Lya. Then he notices the carriage and shouts angrily: NO, EVERYONE BUT YOU!! He falls to his knees and I notice Tywin's cheekbones move slightly upwards. I'm not the only one who notices this, because Lord Varys and Jon Arryn look at me sympathetically, even Jaime Lannister looks remorseful and hurt. Even though I want to hate him, I notice that Jaime is not much older than little Ben and I can't help but feel remorse. Jon and I walk over to Robert and slowly lift him back to his feet.

Hours later, when I am alone with my companions, I notice Lord Varys being led into our chambers and he begins to tell us a story of three lovers and an empire that had to bleed for it. As we listen, he tells us about the last hope for this dynasty and what we plan to do with it. I look at him in shock and just ask what he wants. Give me the boy, he replies, and let him become what he is meant to become. I look at my companions and notice that they, like me, seem lost. I answer resignedly that I will send him a message from Whitewater Harbor. After he leaves, I declare our evening over and go to my bedroom.
As I lie there, I think of Ashara and little Jon, my firstborn son, and how I can give him his inheritance, late at night, determination overwhelms me and I go to Robert's royal bedchambers, none other than Ser Barristan is standing outside his chamber.
As Ser Barristan lets me in, I notice that Robert is sober and seems lost. I say to Robert and notice how he looks at me. Ned answers without any emotion in his voice: "What are you doing here?" Robert, can you do me a favor? I ask and he answers everything for you Ned, what is it? Read this, I say, and give him the letter from Ashara. As time goes by, I notice Robert's anger increasing until he is on the verge of demanding Hoster Tully's head. Robert calls my son Jon Trueborn and lets Hoster taste his own medicine. A moment of silence passes before Robert answers, what else? Give me a million golden dragons and free Ser Arthur from the Kingsguard, I will raise my hand before he can write and answer for my son Robert, for our love, while brothers do that for me.
He nods again and we spend the night in old stories from our innocent childhood. For another storm is coming.

White Harbor
Ashara, Dayne, Stark
As the days pass and Lord Manderly and I wait for news, I receive regular letters from Benjen and each letter is full of news and reports of the battles as well as the casualties of the war, all because 3 people love each other, I think sadly. A sudden knock startles me for a moment and Ser Marlon Manderly comes up to me apologetically and asks me to follow him. Marlon is the cousin of Lord Wyman Manderly and I think he is a good man. After we reach the sun of Lord Wyman Manderly and I enter, I notice that Lord Manderly is not alone, next to him is a messenger with a message made of dragonstone that seems to be addressed only to me, as I read the message I realize that it was written by Queen Rhaella and she offers me help and protection and it concerns her and her children. Unintentionally I notice that I am crying and Lord Manderly dismisses the messenger, my lady, he says what do you want to do? What can I do? I sob. I have no power, Lord Manderly, no money, no ships here in the north. The silence that follows lasts forever, until Lord Manderly calls Marlon! Marlon Manderly enters the sun and asks: Yes, sir? Find Wylis and Wendel and send them to me. What will you do? I ask. You will see, he replies. In moments like these, I am more than grateful to Lord Manderly and know that my son will be safe and loved.
After some time, Wylis and Wendel Manderly arrive and their father gives them the task of saving Queen Rhaella and her children.
They are shocked and angry, but eventually agree, if only out of love for the Starks and Jon.

Some time later, I go into the children's room and notice Jon and little Wynafryd staring at each other and trying to grab each other, and it immediately reminds me of Arthur and me, even though we should still be inseparable today.
I walk quietly to my chambers and pray to all the gods to protect and watch over my loved ones.

Chapter Text

Königsmund

Eddard "Ned" Stark
: The coronation is getting closer and closer and with it the time when Robert will keep his promise. While guests from all kingdoms are arriving in droves. While the coronation will take place in two days, news from the north reaches me daily, some secret, others more open. As I go through Ashara's last secret letters to me, I notice my chambers opening and letting in William Dustin, Martyn Cassel and Maege Mormont. Since Maege told me about the birth of my heir, I am grateful every day that I was able to win Robert over to my side.

Maege calls quietly: Ned, how much longer must we endure this heat? I answer a little flippantly. The north needs you, Martyn suddenly answers and I nod in agreement. The north will have me when our affairs are settled and protected. A short time later I am alone again and immediately start planning based on Ashara's ideas from her last letter. A castle for the heir and the home of new wolves, I whisper to the setting sun.

It's finally here, the big day. Everyone is gathered now, almost everyone, and I notice that Robert's brother Stannis is not here yet.
I notice Tywin Lannister and feel my anger only grow as I notice Hoster Tully and feel ice pouring into my own veins. I hate these two men with a passion that I can barely contain inside, but I must be smarter. Smarter than Brandon and also like Father. The Direwolf is currently just grief and anger.

While the coronation takes its time and Robert is crowned, all I can think of is Ashara and her laughing purple eyes. I have broken my oath to the gods, but I still honor our bond and our son.

The morning after the coronation begins with Robert sitting on the Iron Throne and making his first decisions as king.
It begins with his Small Council.
As Hand of King Jon Arryn.
His brother Prince Stannis is appointed Master of Laws, Lord Wendel Manderly is appointed Master of Coin. Lord Varys will be Master of Whispers, as will Grand Maester Pycelle, Lord Paxter Redwyne will be Master of Ships, and the current Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, Barristan Selmy, will be Master of War. As his first decree, His Grace King Robert Baratheon recognizes Jon Snow, the son of a legitimate marriage, as Jon Stark, thereby assuming the position as Heir to the North. THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS, shouts Hoster Tully, turning his angry gaze on Robert and me. Robert laughs impudently. Annulment of a marriage is a crime and I should cut off your heads, Robert replies. The crowd starts to murmur and Hoster turns pale, but I will not do that, you will have to live with your decisions and Jon Stark will be Lord Eddard Stark's heir.
Silence falls over us and that was the last announcement for today.

But it will not be the last announcement for the near future.

1: Jon Arryn

2 Stannis Baratheon

3 Wendel Manderly

4 Varys 

5 Pycelle

6 Paxter Redwyne

7 Barristan Selmy

8 Robert Baratheon

Chapter Text

King's Landing
Eddard Stark
As my departure draws ever closer, Robert invites me to attend a meeting with our Old Foster Father, Jon Arryn. The  meeting begins uneventfully, we simply talk about our time in the valley until suddenly our meeting is interrupted by a messenger.
Your Grace, my Lords Prince Stannis Ships have been sighted with him Approaching a ship bearing the crest of House Manderly
Thank you says Robert and the messenger leaves the chamber.
I'll kill them all says Robert and I look at him in shock along with Jon Arryn.
I say no with a voice like ice. Let her swear and go, or give her to me.
Are you sure Ned? Jon Arryn asks me.
Of course I'm not, I think to myself, but I answer: Yes, I am, let them live in peace in the north and let them have their own lives, for Lyanna I say.
Robert blick wants to kill me I notice that but I don't back down I am Eddard from the House of Stark, descendant of Brandon the Builder, Theon the Hungry Wolf, Thorren the King of the Kneeled, Cregan the Old Man of the North, son of Rickard and Lyarra Starks I do not submit to such acts.
Robert lifts the wine goblet and throws it at the wall, the boy will go to the wall when he turns 16. Rhaella will not be allowed to marry anyone and give birth to more dragon spawn otherwise I will slaughter them all.
Even though my mouth tastes like ash, I agree and accept it with a nod.

1 hour from Kingslanding Blackwater Bay
Prince Stannis
An hour later I hand over the Targaryens to my brother and finally inherit Storm's End and the Stormlands, I think it's my right and I'll be able to take care of Renly like our parents wanted. My parents were good people who died for a madman.
My prince stammers someone, it is Ser Davos he is a good man I think and he will be able to provide loyal service to a good lord. I answer yes and already know that she wants to see me.
She is waiting for you, he replies. I nod and go to the cabins that I have guarded by the most loyal of my men. I answer my queen and note that despite all the suffering in her life, she will always be a beautiful woman.
I would like to ask you to help spare my children, let them live, she explains, crying. I will do what I can but I can't promise it but I guarantee you one thing, if he kills her he won't rule for long we don't need another mad king. I then leave the cabins and think.

1

Stannis 

2 Davos

3 Rhaella

Chapter Text

King's Landing

Ned Starks

A few hours after Stannis arrived with the Targaryens, I got the opportunity to talk to them alone in a locked room and I have a letter from Ashara for Queen Rhaella. I know I should hate these Targaryens but when I look at them all I see are innocent people who have done nothing wrong. My queen says "I automatically this letter is for you and I have the king's word that you will all live". The first reaction on her part is to cry and thank me and all the gods. As she reads the letter, I look at the map of Westeros on the wall and think about my plans for the north and how I can implement them. She clears her throat and asks if I'm serious. I agree with yes and tell her that they all have to give up the throne and publicly. More time passes and Robert Baratheon has the Targaryens abdicate their rights in front of the assembled court and orders them to be sent north to a place of my choice.

Whitewater Harbor

Ashara Dayne Stark

When Ned's letter reaches me, I am overjoyed that he was able to save these innocent people and that they can keep my hiding place and that the queen can see and hold her grandson. It's only been a few weeks since my brother Arthur and Howland and baby Aemon arrived, this boy literally screams Targaryen and I wasn't quite as open to this child internally at first, but this child is as innocent as my little Jon in everything in his life so far. When I watch these two side by side I see the future king and guardian of the north who could build a new Westeros. Arthur on the other hand loves my son to death he is really us when we were little and think back to how Arthur saw my little son for the first time as well as howland taught us about my son's future but much more what my son can achieve.

King's Landing

Eddard Stark

"It's finally here," screams Maege Mormont as we get on our horses. Even if we miss the wedding, I think we will finally have peace and a home to ourselves again. Robert was a little angry when he heard that I was leaving soon but the north needs me, my brother and son are waiting for me and my aunt deserves to say goodbye to my father, brother and sister and enjoy her rest as a great aunt and beloved member of our family until the end. I am ready for everything and I realize that as soon as I get on my horse, the north awaits us and we ride north with a wheelhouse full of Targaryens and a shipload of gold amounting to almost 300,000 thousand Golden Dragons. They say the north remembers but the wolves always bring the cold winds with them and the next winters will be much stronger than any other.

Chapter Text

Der Weg in den Norden Ned Stark
The first thing that struck Ned was how quickly this whole journey went by and how much he was looking forward to the North
and his family. Even though Catleyn will remain his wife, Ashara will always have his heart and he knows that Ashara cannot refuse his request.

A few hours pass and we continue north. During the journey I have learned so much and lost so much, but most of all I have gained so much. The respect and loyalty of the North is part of it, but I have gained my own children and I will raise them proud and honorable and decent, I swear to myself.

NED calls Maege Mormont. What is your plan, she asks me, where are you going first? I answer Whitewater Harbor and notice the smiles of my comrades. My legacy is there, as are other important people.

As night falls, we set up camp. As the hours pass by around the campfire, we begin to swap stories with each other and I tell the story of the Laughing Tree. As I tell this, I mention a young and brave man who inhabits Pile. Both the identities of the Pile Man and the Knight are unknown. The Pile Man was curious, small, bold, clever, and strong. He was a good fisherman and hunter, enjoyed climbing trees, and knew the magic of the Pile Dwellers: he could supposedly breathe mud, walk on leaves, and turn earth into water and water into earth. He could also speak to trees and weave words and make castles disappear and reappear. The young Pile Man knew the magic of the Pile People, but that was not enough for him. Although his people rarely travel, he decided to leave the Neck and visit the Isle of Faces. To do this, he rowed a small boat made of animal skin down the Green Fork, past the twins, piggybacked on the trident, and after days he reached the Eye of God, where he launched the boat again. He stayed on the island until spring, then he felt he had to go, said goodbye to the little green men, and rowed to the shore, where he came to Harrenhal Castle, where a great tournament was just beginning. As the Pole Dweller walked across the field, three larger squires insulted him, threw him to the ground, and insulted him. Every time he tried to get up, he was trampled until Lyanna Stark came to his aid and drove the squires away. She took the wounded Pole Dweller to her camp and tended to his wounds. There he met the three brothers of the She-Wolf: Brandon, Eddard, and Benjen Stark. Lyanna insisted that the Stake Dweller go with them to the opening feast that evening, and he ate and drank with the Wolves and their vassals. In the midst of the festivities, the Stake Dweller spotted the three squires again: they were serving knights from Houses Heckenfeld, Blount, and Frey. Benjen offered the Stake Dweller a horse and armor to take revenge, but he hesitated, fearing to embarrass his people, for the Stake Dwellers are not good knights. The Stake Dweller was torn, and so that evening he went to the shore of the Eye of God, looked out upon the Isle of Faces, and prayed to the Old Gods of the North and the Eng. Then, on the afternoon of the second day, a mysterious knight appeared on the tournament field. He was short and wore ill-fitting and dismembered armor, and the crest on his shield showed a heart tree with a laughing face. Bran suspects it is the Pole Man himself, but Meera says they do not know. The Knight of the Laughing Tree greeted the king, then rode to the five previous victors and chose the three whose squires had defeated the Pole Man. The knight defeated all three knights one by one, and since they were not particularly popular with the people anyway, the crowd cheered for the Knight of the Laughing Tree. But when the three defeated knights presented their armor and horses to the Knight of the Laughing Tree according to the tournament rules, he ordered them to teach their squires honor and decency so that they would get their equipment back. The three knights severely punished their squires in public, and the Pole Man was satisfied. The next day the knight was gone, and Aerys II Targaryen went looking for him, but all that was found was his shield on a tree; even Rhaegar Targaryen, who later won the tournament, could not find him.
At the end of the story, some laugh and reply that Howland Reed has become such a friend of my house.
I confirm it, reminding you at the same time of the wildness of Bran, my brother, but also of Lyanna and the boy Benjen, who really lost all his innocence in that one year.
When I fall asleep, I see all my losses.

1. Arya Flint

2. Rodrik Stark

3. Lyarra Stark

4. Rickard Stark

5. Brandon Starks

6. Lyanna Stark

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my thoughts, my mistakes and mistakes I have made. I see the ones I wanted to protect, the ones I lost, and the ones I put in danger. But I also see the hope and potential that my journey has given House Stark. I hope that I can be smarter than Brandon, that I can make the right decisions, and that I will never lose faith in honor and justice.

The next morning dawns and we break camp. It's only a short drive until we finally reach the north. I can already feel the tingle of anticipation when I think of my beloved Ashara waiting for me. The journey was long and arduous, but it was worth every effort to get back to her.

When we finally reach Whitewater Harbor, she greets me with Jon in her open arms. It is a moment of joy and happiness when we hug each other and know that we are together again.

The journey to the north was full of challenges and difficulties, but it also strengthened me and brought me closer to the eyes of the world. Although I have doubts myself, I know that I am ready to face the future and defend my honor. The North will always be my home and my family will always be by my side.

Winter may come, but the North will be ready. We will be strong, as our name suggests. And I will always be proud to be a Stark.

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White Harbor

Ned Stark

The days in White Harbor were truly the most beautiful days in recent years. Keeping Jon reading through the letters and reports from the last two years every morning when I wake up has helped me get to know the North better after the long absence of me in the North. But even though I can spend every waking moment of the day with my loved ones and friends, I know that soon it won't be the same anymore. Rhaella will remain here in White Harbor and will have her own seat in the Wolf's Den, the young Prince Viserys will be taught by Lord Howland Reed and little Daenerys will remain here at court. Ashara and my nephew as well as Gerold, Arthur and Oswell will make their way to Essos with the two of them and a select few. As for Jon, my son and heir, Jon will stay in Winterfell with me and will explore the north like my brother Brandon did. Benjen, my other brother, meanwhile, will soon finally assume a position that my father had planned in the records of the last centuries before Aegon Targaryen's conquest. Benjen will do what my grandfather Rodrik the Wandering Wolf did and will travel the north to bring those lost back home and save all lines from extinction. But today will be the day when I will meet with Jon and the others for an unofficial meeting and where we will discuss the future. Some time later I enter the solar facility followed by Ashara. Already waiting in this solar are Lord Wyman, Queen Rhaella, Ser Gerold Hightower, Lord William Dustin, Lord Howland Reed and Arthur Dayne. As we all sit down, Rhaella starts telling us about the Targaryen family's accounts in the banks of the Iron Bank and the Rogaren Bank. What really gives me pause is when the Pact of Ice and Fire is mentioned, the pact that Rhaegar and Lyanna fulfilled as well as which has now been fulfilled. The pact has brought the North a 200,000 strong amount of gold coins which now really helps the North to prepare for all dangers and which enables the North to Moat Cailin, the Seadragon Point, as well as a new settlement being built near Barrowtown and which will finally go to Benjen, I think. Everyone looks at me expectantly but the only thing I can really think about is that I will leave Jon a different North and leave him truly united. We discuss for hours and make no progress. The only topics that really interest me right now are that my family will survive and that the Stark legacy will not end with me.

Some time passes like this and we are interrupted by a face that I didn't expect to see again, it is Maester Walys, I don't trust him blindly but I know that he is loyal to my family, he looks around the chamber and When his gaze meets mine, his eyes begin to water and he falls to his knees and mumbles, "I'm sorry, sir." I blink several times in shock and notice that everyone is staring at me. What are you sorry I whisper and he admits understand that he blames himself for Lyanna, Brandon and my father being dead. With trembling hands he hands me a stack of letters that he discovered in my father's room and that are all signed with different signatures from Lyanna, Brandon and himself , some are short others really long but each letter tells its own story, when I read the 3 or 4 letter from Brandon I realize that it is a confession, Brandon has a daughter, her name is Ros and she lives in Wintertown. Everything is quiet but I notice that there is a letter from my father addressed to this little girl. In this letter he wants to ask me to take her in and raise her, betroth her and keep her close but let her be free. His words mean everything to me but they were written hastily and very shortly before his death. I think he knew he wouldn't come back. As I read the letters one by one left the hall leaving only me Ashara, Jon and Walys, Maester says, I accompany my beloved Star to Essos raise my nephew to be a true king as Westeros will need a true king "Because Robert is not a king." Ashara lets Jon sink into my arms and we go back to our assigned chambers.

In the morning I will lose Ashara and return to Winterfell but the North will finally be ruled.

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Winterfell
Ned Stark
Chapter: A New Beginning in Winterfell

The warm autumn sun bathed Winterfell in golden light as Ned Stark returned through the massive gate into the courtyard with his young son, Jon. It was as if the castle was winking at them and welcoming them. Ned felt a mixture of joy, hope and sadness as he entered the familiar surroundings that he had been forced to leave for so long.

He had spent a lot of time thinking about his decisions and wondering how he should begin this new chapter of his life. As he walked through the streets of Winterfell, he felt his heart fill with new courage. There was so much he had missed, so many people he wanted to get to know.

Ned carried Jon in his arms and paused in the garden for a moment to look at the mighty weir tree. The leaves rustled in the wind, reminding him of the old stories his father had told him. He felt like he was missing something all these years and now was the time to change it.

"Welcome back, Lord Stark," he suddenly heard a familiar voice behind him. It was his brother Benjen who greeted him with a friendly smile. "It's good to have you back."

Ned nodded gratefully and pulled Jon closer to him. "It's good to be back, little brother. I missed Winterfell so much."

Benjen played with Jon for a moment and then said quietly, "He's a pretty boy, brother, he'll break a lot of hearts."

A smile crossed Ned's face. Jon may look like a Stark but he has a beauty that would attract many women.

"Yes, he has his mother's eyes," Ned replied with a smile and continued on his way. He planned to take Jon to the nursery and then have Ros brought to him with Benjen and Aunt Branda.

As he opened the large gate to the hall, he felt people's eyes on him. They had heard many rumors about him and his actions, and it was time to face those looks and set them straight.

The hall was full of life when Ned entered. The long tables were filled with people eating, drinking and chatting. It was a place of gathering, friendship and tolerance. Here Ned would begin to reacquaint himself with Winterfell and its inhabitants.

He took a seat near the large fireplace and watched the goings-on around him. The atmosphere was friendly and warm, and he felt relief slowly but surely spreading through him. Here he could find peace and leave his past behind him.

Suddenly a young woman came to his table, beaming and full of curiosity. "Welcome back, Lord Stark," she said. "I am Arra, the . It is an honor to welcome you to Winterfell."

Ned returned her smile and took her outstretched hand. "The honor is mine, Lady Sansa. It's nice to meet you."

As they talked, Ned realized that Winterfell was not just a castle, but a place full of hope and change. There was so much to discover, so many people he could get to know and exchange ideas with.

With each new face he met, Ned felt his heart lighten. He had lost a lot, but he had also gained a lot. He had a new son who would carry on his knowledge and honor. And he had the opportunity to get to know Winterfell and its people all over again and show them his loyalty.

This was his chance to make a new beginning and choose the path that would reshape his destiny as Lord of Winterfell. Ned Stark was determined to do his best and bring the family he loved so much the peace and harmony they all deserved.

With this determination in his heart, he rose from his seat and walked through the hall, which was full of life and stories. It was time to explore Winterfell from the ground up and leave the past behind. It was time for a new beginning.

Ned Stark

Young Benjen Stark

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284 A.C. Winterfell:

Ned Stark

The path to the lord's chamber only took a short time but Ned's head was spinning so much, these chambers were now his. Dozens of Stark Lords like Cregan Stark, his father Rickard or Barthogan called "Blacksword" the son of Cregan Stark who ended the Skagosi Rebellion. But dozens of kings also slept here, including Torrhen Stark, the “King of the Kneeled,” all the way back to King Theon Stark known as the “Hungry Wolf of the North.” While he was thinking about all this, thoughts of his father and his brother Brandon came to mind and a sadness overwhelmed him, "that should be Brandon but not for many, many years, I shouldn't have all of this here, but I have it now." ' thought Ned. As they entered, Ned noticed several maps, one of Winterfell, another of the entire North, and one of the Seven Kingdoms. Aunt Branda was already waiting and she wasn't alone with her was little Ros, my brother Brandon's daughter and old Nan, the old child girl of Brandon, Benjen, Lyanna and me. After a quick greeting from everyone, I pick up my niece and sit down in my solar. Aunt Branda begins to tell me about the events of the last two years here and puts various scrolls and books in front of me that are supposed to make it easier for me to govern. Benjen describes to me that the various lords and ladies have settled in their castles and various requests for positions, marriages and arguments. Breathing deeply in and out, I thank everyone and ask the old lady to bring my young niece to my son and then send Martyn Cassel, his brother Rodrik and Vayon Poole to me. When there are only three of us left, I explain the rebellion in detail, what happened to Lyanna and swear both of us to secrecy. Benjen and Aunt Branda sit in silence in front of me until Benjen breaks the silence and says he wanted to go to the night watch, I feel shock and anger and want to say something but Aunt Branda beats me to it and hits the table angrily and says: "Never not based on that the small number of Starks and above all we need you little Ben. I nod in agreement and put a letter in front of Benjen asking about a marriage between Benjen and Dacey Mormont. Benjen silently nods at me in agreement and blushes like I did with Ashara back in Harrenhal. A short time later Rodrik and Martyn Cassel as well as Vayon Poole arrive and I ask how far away Catleyn and my second son Robb are but also whether everything is prepared, how my father left everything and whether we have enough supplies and whether we are improving our financial resources and also can bring the company of the rose home. While everything is perfectly prepared and Robb and Catleyn are only a few days away, it shocks them even more that I want to bring the Rose's company home and use them as a guard to protect the north and as a shield to protect the people in the north. Vayon stutters but everyone else nods at me in agreement and I have the letter and paper brought to me as well as another letter to Lord Manderly that is about ships for the homecoming of the Rose and her families. Now with that I end the meeting and dismiss everyone in a friendly manner and start writing and completing the letters with all the tasks, requests and solutions. Several days later, around midday, the men report to me the arrival of the Lady Catleyn and my second-born son Robb Stark, as well as the new maester named Luwin and some servants. While we were supposed to be standing in line, I held my son and heir Jon in my arms and let the introductions go through us until Lady Catleyn stood in front of us with a frown, looked down at Jon and murmured, "So this child is supposed to be your heir." ? “Of course he is,” I whisper back. As I look at my other son, Robb, I see that he looks a lot like his Uncle Edmure, but he is still my son. I lead all those gathered into the Great Hall and welcome all newcomers. During dinner that evening I begin to get to know Catleyn and I have my two sons placed in the same chambers.

Ned Stark

Benjen Stark

Branda Stark

Martyn and Rodrik Cassel

Catelyn Tully

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"Hi everyone, I know it's been a while since my last update, but I would like to change something about this story. I would like to start my own Discord server with some of you from here and create a great and united community for exchanging ideas and just chatting. Personally, I speak English quite okay, but I would love to take all of you on a new journey in a different way and incorporate many new features into the story."

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Hey everyone, the server is up and running. I'm very much looking forward to everyone who wants to get on it and link the server in this post.

https://discord.gg/HVWTUKK8

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285 A.C Winterfell

During the war, which has only been officially over for a year as Robert's Rebellion, many things have changed in Winterfell in that short time: "Brandon and father are dead, Benjen turned 16, and I have two strong, healthy sons, Robb and Jon. Jon my heir is the nephew of the most famous knight Westeros ever lived and his mother Ashara was known as one of the most beautiful women in Westeros, Robb on the other hand was born of Catleyn, a nee Tully and the woman my brother Brandon should have married, she is also beautiful while our relationship is still very frosty and that is on my shoulders to a large extent." All these are thoughts that occupy me in the loneliness of my Lord Solar, but I will not let them stop me, blind me or deceive me. My duty as Stark of Winterfell has been pushed to the limit within just under 5 years while all my freedoms and privileges as a second son have passed away. Although I have been Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North for a year, I feel that Brandon should be here and rule while I only help him.

Many hours pass in which I am alone in my solar cell until I am visited by Maester Luwin and my brother Benjen, while Luwin is a good man, Benjen is always still a young, inexperienced Lord without his own duties and responsibilities, something I want to change in the next few months while Benjen sees himself as I saw myself as a replacement, I know what Benjen the Stark of Winterfell was like in my absence and that deserves reward. I clear my throat and greet them both as they sit down and I begin to tell them of my intentions to send Benjen on a journey to Essos together with Martyn Cassel and his brother as well as Lord Manderly's son Ser Wendel to Braavos to bring the Company of the Rose home, after which we will appoint the company as a kind of rangers for the north and protectors of the Neck and thus strengthen our internal security. Both are silent for a while while I appoint my task for Luwin and let him search through the old records of our house's lines and all the maps for the North and what grows where, what game is there and which areas, valleys, forests, rivers and lakes are available and not in use, while Luwin nods in agreement and Benjen thanks me, I realize how great the burden of our task is, how many dangers we are exposed to and which wounds must be healed and closed so that the North does not tear itself apart.

As the hours in my solar cell get longer and dinner draws closer, the more I want to spend time with my family and secure the future of my house by keeping plans and ideas for the care and travel as well as the diversity of my land in order to be able to usher in the next thousand years of the Starks. We have dinner today with the servants and all the residents of Winterfell. It is said that we Starks are a strange breed of rulers, and perhaps that is true, but nevertheless we have been in power for over 8,000 years, a power that I, my children and I must not abuse or lose.

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285 A.C Essos

"Hot" is the first word that comes to Benjen's mind when he has to describe this weather here. Ser Wendel Manderly laughs loudly and even the stoic and often silent Martyn Cassel smiles slightly at Benjen's reaction. While a few weeks have passed since the conversation with Ned and the planning of this trip, Benjen is still torn - on the one hand, many houses will grow due to the public return of the Rose, but above all it is outsiders who are returning to the north. He feels worried and knows that he cannot be the only one who is afraid that this meeting will fail or that the members of the Rose have forgotten their roots. When they arrive at the Rose's Company, they are stopped at the camp by the guards who look at them with barely concealed surprise and hope. While they wait, Benjen looks to see if he can find any familiar coats of arms. Benjen is known as the Wolf of the North, but even though he is a wolf, Benjen sees himself as an untested and unready boy who is not a Great Wolf like his father, his brothers or his Sister were or are. Ned, who is now the head of their family, seems like a born leader in Benjen's eyes, he seems flawless and Benjen hopes that his two nephews will forge a bond like him and Lyanna that will give his brother gray hair early. At this last thought, Benjen smiles and laughs.

The time passed quickly as they waited and Benjen watched excitedly as the leaders of the Rose emerged from the tent. While these 5 leaders positioned themselves in front of them, one made the group pause. He practically looked like Benjen, only a few years older and blessed with the same wildness as Benjen's brother Brandon, if that sparkle means anything. The leaders introduce themselves. First comes a man older than Ben's father and with a bald head and a slight smile who introduces himself as Martyn Snow and claims to be the second to last living descendant of Brandon Snow and an Umber woman who bore the name Serena. The next person to introduce herself is a young woman named Dellono from Braavos and she is not of noble descent but is a wonderful healer. The third in the group is a man named Sandoq, named after Sandoq the Black Shadow because they both have the same dark skin and were both fighters in the fighting pits. The second to last person is a woman with a scar on her face who goes by the name of Raya and introduces herself as the daughter of a former Lysenian trader who married a woman from the north whom he had freed from slavery. When the last person steps forward, the presumed future leader of the company, it is difficult for Benjen to breathe, this man looks so similar to his brother Brandon but he introduces himself as Edwyn, named after King Edwyn the Spring King.

After the introductions have been made and both groups have introduced themselves, the two groups go to the leader's tent and Benjen puts his brother's offer on the table, tells them about the plan for the company and that all members will be warmly welcomed in the north. While Benjen is speaking, he notices that everyone except Edwyn seems excited and happy, while he seems quiet and stiff. After Benjen has finished speaking, he answers all questions and offers them a waiting period of three days to receive their answer. They leave the leader's tent and Edwyn challenges Benjen to a duel to prove the warrior's worth and whether Benjen is a strong man worth following. Both groups throw insults at the table, but Benjen stops them by accepting the duel and willingly taking it. Benjen does not lose the duel, but not before he has made it extremely difficult for Edwyn twice and earned his respect.

While they wait for the answer to their offer, Benjen spends the days on the ship reading letters and studying the map of the North that he received from Maester Luwin before his departure. Although he is not a Great Learner, Ben is still a Stark and has a sense of duty and honor.

Two days later, the group receives the answer and the Rose prepares to leave while Edwyn wants to join Benjen on his future travels and adventures.

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285 A.C 

Winterfell

When the people of the North look back on this day, it will be a much larger and in many ways different North than the one I took over. Ben brings the Company of the Rose with him today and will also marry Jonelle Cerwyn tonight. So while this day will hopefully mean a total strengthening for the whole North and also for House Stark, it will also mean some changes and renewals and a practically standing army of the North, which will anger many.

Three hours later, the guards come to you that Benjen and his group have been discovered, I order the household to line up and at the same time present my strength and my two heirs. Jon who is the shining image of the Starks and Robb a boy born in the typical Tully colors. As we line up, Benjen and his group get closer and the gates are already left open. As Ben and his group arrive, I notice the Stark looking man who looks like my late brother Brandon and seems to have the same wildness in his appearance. Catleyn and others shudder slightly at the sight of him, but it doesn't bother me, in fact, it makes me happy that two such distant Stark lines can still produce the classic Stark look. After all the greetings have been made, I turn to Benjen and let him and his group accompany me to Solar, where they tell me all the details and I listen intently. When Benjen mentions his duel, I am torn. On the one hand, any duel can end badly, but on the other hand, I know the meaning of such duels and vehemently despise them. A short silence falls over us and I tell Benjen that Lord Cerwyn offered his daughter, 18-year-old Jonelle, to marry Benjen. Ben turns pale and I know his fear of a loveless marriage but unfortunately our honor and duty often force us into this position and I know that Benjen, like me, has the honor and sense of duty of the Starks, while we are not playing the game of thrones we have other problems and dangers that we face, House Bolton as rivals, the Ironborn or the Wildlings beyond the Wall but above all the last war taught me that we must strengthen House Stark and allow it to thrive. Benjen nods heavily and is the last to leave my solar but not before he accepts the offer and tells me the desired location of his castle. While I expected a lot of things, I expected the new gift or Moat Cailin or maybe Sea Dragon Point but I did not expect an empty tower in the eastern part of the Wolf Forest that used to belong to House Blackwood. I look at the map of the north and nod to Benjen's suggestion and to the choice he has made.

Several weeks have already passed and Ben got married a few days ago, when old Nan came to me and told me about the progress my niece Ros has already made. Nan tells me that this little bundle of energy spends a lot of time with the maester and wants a northern governess like her aunt Lyanna, my sister Lyanna, had. While Nan and I are talking, she tells me that my aunt Branda sent a letter and that she will return to Winterfell and take over her role as Ros's governess. The next few days fly by and I receive a lot of information about Ben's future land and which fortress would be best for him to have built there.

Even if the future requires a lot of work, we will tackle it starting today and not tomorrow, these are my final thoughts for today as I retreat to my chambers.

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288 A.C
Winterfell

"It has been four years since the rebellion and while the North is still isolated, the South will still be divided. Dorne awaits its revenge, the Crownlands, the vastness and parts of the valley and the riverlands still belong to the Targaryens and I have hidden the heir of this dynasty, my nephew." Silently pondering, my thoughts are with little Aegon. In front of my solar I hear loud children's laughter from my two sons Jon and Robb, who are not the same age but still have two medals of a pea and their sister Sansa is my pride and joy. While Ben and Jonelle have a boy named Artos who has 3 name days, Artos will grow up in Cerwyn Castle. Ben has taken over the leadership of a unit of practical scouts and archers and takes care of protecting the streets but also clears all regions and threats for the common people of the North.

Jon and Robb storm my solar laughing and calling: "Father, father". they call out laughing and I open my arms as I smile and include them in my army. A short time behind them, my Aunt Branda storms into my solar with Ros, slowly stomping and with a grim and at the same time amused sparkle. Ned says these two young wolves are so full of life while the lovely she-wolf next to me is simply a true winter rose in the making. Catleyn and I talked things out some time ago and while she will always be bitter not to have Robb as my heir, all the children we have left to fight will be provided for and have a fair lifestyle and some of their wishes will be fulfilled. Robert, who I have been thinking less about lately, has already produced an heir who goes by the name of Joffrey. But I put these thoughts aside and take my sons to our cooks to get them a treat and then let them ride the pony in the yard.

Hours later, I'm sitting in my solar again while several letters lie in front of me. Two in particular catch my attention. The first is about Lord Wyman's son Wendel, who is planning a trip to Lake Dragon Point to check out the situation there, and another from Howland, who inspected a construction project of my late father that I have been working on in recent years. It is near the lands of House Dustin and the Neck. There is a small lake and a village with a keep that is practically submerged in its surroundings, a retreat for my heirs as well as an opportunity to let my heirs run their own castle during my lifetime and hopefully raise many grandchildren. But grandchildren are still a very, very long way off in the future. The castle has a similar heat source to Winterfell as well as a self-sufficient way of living for the people who live there. A sudden knock makes me pause and the room is entered by Aunt Branda and Benjen as well as a masked man. I raise my eyebrows and the man lifts his hood. It is Arthur. "Wait ARTHUR". Shock is written all over my face and I don't know what to say or do, but Arthur speaks up and tells us about Lyanna's son, he describes the help they have already received and tells us that Jon Connington is alive and with them and that Varys discovered a secret about Robert's wife Cersei, which will entangle us in a war that we can only avoid for now because Robert and everyone else at court have not yet noticed. As we spend the whole evening discussing our next steps, I feel a bitter taste in my mouth and start preparing for the north.

Many hours later I am alone with Arthur and he tells me all the latest about Ashara, she had him bring me a letter and I give him mine in return. As he says goodbye he receives a letter for Lord Manderly who is supposed to give him a ship at my expense and that they should use to reach me.

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289 A.C
Winterfell

While Winterfell awaits the arrival of the armies of the houses Umber, Glover, Karstark and Bolton, Benjen will take the standing part of the Company of the Rose and, together with House Mormont, with the exception of Maege Mormont, will be responsible for the defense of the west coast. The mountain clans will also stay in the north and keep an eye on the security of the wall. I should actually leave the regency to Catleyn, but she is pregnant with our third child, so the north will be ruled by my aunt Branda. I am leaving notes, letters and also some orders to keep the north going. Even if I do not expect to die in this war, I will still leave the north and my heir Jon all the help I can give here and I am determined to let Jon and Robb be here in Winterfell this evening with the heirs of some of these houses and thus see the bonds of the north strengthen.

A few hours after I turned to the gods of me and my ancestors in front of the Heart Tree, I am enjoying the silence in this godswood. During this silence I clean ice, the Valyrian sword of my ancestors and with which I carried out the previous war and all the executions myself. Dozens of times this blade has tasted blood and yet it always longs for more, an insatiable hunger for blood, while I abhor killing, it is part of my duty and even more so it is a task that not everyone can fulfill themselves. In the south there are executioners, but the people there forget the burden of killing and that every man who passes sentence must swing the sword himself. Being forced to listen to the man's last words and look him firmly in the eyes and then fulfill his duty.

Three days later my vassals arrive. We all stand in a row with our household and greet all the arriving lords who bow to my family and to me. Greetings are exchanged and short conversations take place. It is an impressive sight, all these powerful men and women gathering before me to defend the north. I see pride and determination in their eyes and know that they are ready to fight for our country.

In the evening we all gather for the banquet in the Great Hall. The tables are richly laid with food and drink and the mood is exuberant. Jon and Robb sit next to me and I see the joy in their eyes as they laugh and drink with the heirs of the houses. It is a moment of unity and togetherness that I have not felt for a long time. The North may be a rough land, but in this moment it feels like a family standing together and ready to fight for each other. I raise my glass and toast with the others. "For the North and for the Starks!" I exclaim and feel the connection and strength that lies in this room. War may come, but I know that we are strong together and that we will defeat any enemy that dares to threaten our country. With united forces and a strong will, we will emerge victorious.

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Winterfell

289 A.C.

Ned Stark

I was gone for a year, a year in which I could have done so much more to watch my children grow and all because of the ignorance of a fool, that damned idiot Balon, what did it get him, uniting the entirety of Westeros against him and losing all his sons to him and destroying his fleet. Behind us in the column rides his youngest son Theon and his daughter Asha has been given to Lord Paxter Redwyne to raise. Theon still seems so scared and there is nothing I can do but help him. This fear and loneliness he feels will hopefully be improved by my sons Jon and Robb, while Jon may still be a distance, he is a sullen, brooding and quiet boy, just as I knew and as according to Old Nan's stories, so was my father, probably true too because I barely feel my wolf blood while Lyanna and Brandon had it in huge amounts. As I lead the troops that return with me to Winterfell, I notice how anticipation is building up. Shortly after the last battle, my fourth child, a girl named Arya, was born and I am looking forward to meeting her.

The only good thing about this whole rebellion was when I met my former father-in-law, Lord Ulrick Dayne, named after the legendary sword of the morning, Ulrick Dayne, who lived during the reign of Daeron the Good. He asked me questions about Jon and told me very interesting things. Ashara's older brother Vorian, named after the last king of House Dayne, married a woman from Essos, a beauty with long black hair and black eyes. Vorian stayed behind in Starfall to practice ruling and to prove his role as heir. But weeks have passed since then and in a few years Jon will be allowed to visit the north and his relatives in the south.

Two weeks have passed since our journey and we are on our way to Winterfell. The scouts say we will reach it today during the course of the day and then I can finally forget about this entire war and keep my family close to me. While Winterfell is already visible nearby, the winter city is getting closer and closer and the joy and satisfaction of my men is becoming more and more noticeable. Even Martyn Cassel, who is usually not very smiling and rather quiet, seems very excited and happy to be back in Winterfell.

When we finally ride through the winter city, all the residents call out to us, we didn't have many losses and you can see how happy my people are that their loved ones have returned. On one of the towers on the walls of Winterfell I see Jon with little Jon Umber and Asher Forrester as well as Harrion Karstark, who all greet us laughing and happily. We begin to enter the gates of Winterfell. Everyone is lined up and ready to welcome us home, while Catleyn holds our newborn daughter Arya in her arms. Jon stands with Benjen at the front of the line. Robb and Sansa are fidgeting on their feet and look as if they are already being held down by Benjen's wife Jonelle, whose son is standing quietly at their side next to his young uncle Cley Cerwyn. As soon as I get off, everyone starts to kneel, which surprises me, and I call out to them to stand up. I begin to greet my family while Jon, Robb and Sansa run towards me and want to jump on me. Laughing and hugging them all, I approach Benjen, Catleyn and Jonelle and their shared Artos. Catleyn proudly shows me my youngest child, little Arya, and she looks like my sister Lyanna. It takes my breath away and I notice the smell of blood in my mouth, but I shake it off and realize where I really am. This is where I belong with my family and in the north. Hours later, after I have been updated and everyone has settled down, I go to the heart tree and although I expect to find it empty, Jon is already kneeling there with his wooden sword in front of him. I sneak up and hear Jon praying: "You old gods, please let my wooden sword become a real sword so that I can defend the north and the writings that my ancestors left us in the library can strengthen the north and allow it to prosper." His prayer is one of duty and virtue, but he is still a bright, clever boy who wants to prove his worth and put duty before his own pleasure.

In the evening we celebrate a party and I notice how happy and cheerful everyone is. That is what I want to give everyone: a peace that will last forever, a full stomach and a future for all the children of the north. But these thoughts are far away and now we are enjoying our return home and the next few years of peace.

Chapter Text

Winterfell

290 A.C.

Jon:

The first thing that comes to mind this morning in my chambers near my family's are the letters my uncles Benjen and Vorian have sent me: Benjen's letters, which often include my cousin Artos and describe the North in general, as well as his time and travels through Essos. Uncle Vorian, on the other hand, tells me about my mother's homeland Ashara, Dorne in general, and tells me about my other side of the family. There are now dozens of letters, a few also came from my grandfather Ulrick, and my grandmother keeps sending me gifts. Some time passes after I have read the latest letters. There I find myself side by side with Robb and Theon in the Great Hall, taking a seat with them and my family and most of the residents of Winterfell. We eat in silence. Robb and Theon are not morning people, but I always wake up early. Today I'm going on a ride with the two of them and some guards, before that we have lessons with Master Luwin and weapons training with our weapons master Ser Rodrick and his brother Martyn.

Today we're learning more about the Houses of the North:

House Karstark of Karhold is a noble house from Karhold in the north. They were founded as a branch of their overlords, the Starks of Winterfell, and are among their most important banner bearers. The Karstark coat of arms is a white sunburst on black and their motto is "The Sun of Winter".

Their leader is Lord Rickard Karstark. He has 3 sons, Harrion, Eddard, Torrhen and daughter Alys.

There is a line through Lord Rickard Karstark's uncle Arnolf, who also has sons and daughters and grandchildren.

The next house is House Manderly, a noble family in the north whose seat is the New Castle in the town of White Harbor. Their coat of arms is a white merman with dark green hair, beard and tail, carrying a black trident, over a blue-green field. The members of House Manderly are something special in the north. They are exiles from the Reach originally and follow the Seven. They are also knights and belong to an ancient order of knights called the Order of the Green Hand.

House Manderly is led by Wyman Manderly. He has 2 sons, Wendel and Wylis, and his two granddaughters, Wylla and Wynafryd.
There are also two other Manderlys, the Knight Maron Manderly, who is the leader of Wyman Manderly's household guard, and Lady Donella Manderly, who became a Hornwood through her marriage.

Next comes House Reed, a noble house of Greywater Watch and one of the most important families in the North. They rule over the crannogmen, small men who live in the swamps and marshes of the Neck.

According to semi-canonical sources, their crest is a black lizard-lion on grey-green.

House Reed is led by my father's friend Howland Reed and his wife Jyanna. They have two children, Meera and Jojen.

House Flint is spread across several locations in the North. We have House Flint of Flint's Fingers, Flint of the Mountains, and Flint of the Widow's Watch.
The crest has been referred to as "the stone hand of House Flint of Flint's Fingers."
House Flint of the Widow's Watch flies their banner as a blue field dotted with white crests, a pair of blue eyes on a yellow chieftain with a crowned line, and gives their motto as "Ever Watchful."
They are led by Lady Lyessa Flint. Their son and heir is named Robin Flint.

Next comes one of the oldest lines to exist in Westeros, House Dustin. Their arms feature two rusted longaxes with crossed black shafts and a black crown between their tips on yellow. The rusted crown on their crest derives from their claim of descent from the First King and the Barrow Kings who followed him.
They are led by Lord William Dustin and his wife Barbery Dustin, née Ryswell. They have a son named Rodrick, after a famous ancestor of House Dustin.

House Ryswell of the Rills is a noble family of the north. They rule over the Rills. House Ryswell is known for its excellent horse breeding in the north.

Their coat of arms is a black horse's head, eyes and mane red, on bronze within a black, fenced border.

House Ryswell is led by their Lord Rodrick. He has 3 sons named Roger, Rickard and Roose, as well as two daughters Barbery and Bethany.

House Glover of Deepwood Motte is a noble house from the north. They are the rulers of much of the Wolfwood.

Their coat of arms is a silver, armored fist on scarlet. Lord Galbert Glover died during the rebellion against the Targaryens following the death of his older brother Ethan, who was a squire of my uncle Brandon. Lord Galbert's heir is his younger brother Robett, who is married to Sybelle Glover and a née Locke, who have no children yet.

House Mormont of Bear Island is a noble house from the north. They live and rule Bear Island. They own the Valyrian steel sword called Longclaw.

Their coat of arms is a black bear above a green forest. Their motto is: "Here we stand".

Head of House Mormont has been Jorah Mormont since the end of the rebellion against the Targaryens. His father Jeor Mormont joined the Night's Watch. Jorah's heir is his aunt Maege, who has 4 daughters named Dacey, Alysanne, Lyra and Jorelle. Jorah's second marriage is with Lynese Hightower, a lady from the Reach. His first wife was Alys Glover, who died in childbirth after her second miscarriage.

House Umber of the Last Hearth is a noble house from the Last Hearth in the North.
The Overseal is a roaring giant, brown-haired and with fur with broken silver chains in a fiery red shape.
The head of House Umber is Lord Jon, called "the Greatjon". Jon Umber, known as "the Smalljon", is his eldest son. He has two sons named Osric and Harmond, and his daughters Serena and Arrana.
His two uncles, Mors, called Crowfoot, and Hother Whorebane, are both well known in the North, but only Hother has a living child, nor his daughter Alysanne.

House Bolton of the Dreadfort is a noble house from the Dreadfort in the North. Thousands of years ago, the Boltons were the greatest rivals of House Stark in the North. There are many terrible rumors about House Bolton in the north. The Bolton seal is a red, flayed man on pale pink patches with red drops of blood.
The motto of House Bolton is "Our blades are sharp."
The head of the Boltons is Lord Roose Bolton, his wife is Bethany Bolton, née Ryswell. His only legitimate child and heir is their son Domeric. Roose also has a bastard son named Ramsay Snow.

After going over these houses in today's lessons with Master Luwin, he dismisses us to begin his lesson with Theon. Robb and I stop in the kitchen and each eat some of Gage's cake. Some time later, as we leave the kitchen, we decide to visit our father Eddard and our sisters Sansa and Arya, who share a room and spend time there with our nanny, Old Nan.

About two hours have passed and we have visited our father, who takes us both into the crypt and tells us both a story about dragon eggs in the crypt of Winterfell. One day we will look for them and we will find them, we both tell him proudly, he laughs and strokes our hair. Then he leads us back to the courtyard of Winterfell and the two of us run to our sisters' rooms. Sansa sees us, calls ROBB and JON and runs towards us. We hug each other and play a little of Sansa's favorite game, "Knights and Princesses." While Robb wants to play our ancestor Cregan Stark, I am Aemon, the Dragon Knight, who was perhaps the best knight until my uncle Ser Arthur and Barristan Selmy came along. Sansa, on the other hand, loves the stories of the Good Queen Alysanne and prefers to play these. When our game is over, Sansa almost falls asleep on the floor next to us and Old Nan puts her in her bed. She asks us to let the girls sleep and reminds us that we still have a horse ride ahead of us, followed by sword training.

The ride we take takes us into the Wolfwood, where, with numerous guards, we both pass a beautiful river and a view of the vicinity of Winterfell. When we take a rest, the guards tell us some stories from their childhood and let us practice our sword fighting a little, even against them. We smile, laugh and listen to the conversations of our guards and try to memorize everything they tell us.

Chapter Text

291 AC.

Not far from White Harbor

Jon Stark

It has been a year since our first trip. My father called it the first of many, and while I believe I will see many more, I am particularly looking forward to this one. White Harbor is where I was born, and where our most loyal vassals probably live. While much is said about Lord Wyman Manderly, and very often mockingly, my uncle and father said that Lord Wyman is one of the best men in the North. His sons Wylis and Wendel are both knights in the Faith of the Seven, but while Ser Wylis is married and has two daughters, his brother Wendel is unmarried and often and very often travels around Essos. Both have fought in the last wars. White Harbor is the only real city in the North and one of the largest in Westeros.
The first time Robb and I looked at White Harbor was an incredulous silence. We have never seen so many people in our lives and while the whole city seems to radiate a real euphoria the moment we enter, everyone looks at us at the crowd's shouts of our surname "Stark" and "the heirs of the North". Uncle Benjen laughs and so do all of our guards. Robb smiles crookedly at me and I smile back. The citizens wave Stark and Manderly flags from their houses and the crowd makes room for us. Ser Maron Manderly, Lord Wyman's cousin, comes towards us with a troop of his men, in formation and wearing shiny and polished armor.
He bows to Uncle Benjen and us. He then shows us the way to the New Castle and the Manderly courtyard. The screams of the people behind us accompany us all the way. While we make quick progress, our first stop is a little way from the courtyard. First we visit the place and while I dismount from my horse, Robb is waiting for me with a grin and Uncle Benjen with a certain look. Ser Marlon whispers something to Uncle Benjen and we run. A few minutes later we enter the Manderlys' courtyard, Ser Wylis and his wife Lady Leona and their two daughters, the ladies Wynafryd and Wylla. After we pass the introductions and enter Lord Wyman's hall, he tells us of his plan for the evening with a welcoming feast and a gift he has for us children of the Starks. He pledges his loyalty to us and his family for all time.
Hours later, while we are in our assigned chambers, I read a book about my ancestor Cregan Stark and Robb listens intently to Uncle Ben's story about the sons of the King of the North, the Kneeling. While Cregan talks about his time as Lord of Winterfell in this book, it contains a lot of sorrow and suffering. When I notice that my eyes are getting heavy, I excuse myself and go back to rest. While I rest for a while, I dream about one of the last lessons my father had given me and Robb. It was after our first execution.
As the evening draws closer, I sense Robb's nervousness, which increases mine too. While dinner is not the reason for it, it is the fear of dancing and embarrassing myself in front of everyone. Benjen says we are too young, but Lord Manderly's granddaughters are exactly that age.

The meal is laughing and happy, full of stories and experiences, but Wylla never lets her eyes out of my sight. Everyone notices that she has a question in her eyes, but she still seems very shy, so I decide to ask her if she is interested in a story from Winterfell. As I tell her about everything, I see her mother nodding gratefully at me, and even Lord Manderly seems happy. Hours pass and even dancing is fun, the evening comes to an end. Hours later I find myself in my bed, sleeping in.

Chapter Text

White Harbor

291 A.C

Jon Stark

Today is the day, I board a ship for the first time and we travel towards the Vale of Arryn past the Three Sisters. There is a small fishing village there. My father was there during the rebellion, and that is how he came to the North during the rebellion. This village receives gifts from the North every year. Although my father does not know it, Lord Wyman's sons often visit this place, according to Lady Wylla. Ser Wendel and his brother Ser Wylis always donate gold and bring food there. Lord Rickard Karstark lets the villagers who want to leave the village settle on his land, and then there is Lord Howland, he has the village protected without anyone knowing except my Uncle Ben.

Ser Wendel is accompanying me on this trip today, as is Ser Marlon, who is riding with Robb to the Wolf's Den. Before we begin this boat trip, however, I meet with Lord Wyman and we discuss a lesson that my father wanted him to give me. When I get there, Lord Wyman decides to tell me about the Manderlys' oath to us Starks:

I know of the promise. A thousand years before the Conquest, a promise was made, and oaths were sworn in the Wolf's Den before the old gods and the new. When we were sore and friendless, driven from our homes and in danger of our lives, the wolves took us in, fed us, and protected us from our enemies. The city is built on the land you gave us. In return, we swore that we should always be their men. "Stark's men!"

This oath says: "It is a promise for the past, present, and future." "Every Manderly who knows this oath must swear it." "We have sworn with blood, with honor, and also with sincerity." The silence around us closes in on us for a while. As I think about what Lord Manderly is explaining to me: It shows the devotion and loyalty of the Manderlys to the Starks, but it also shows how much we Starks care about our own and the North as one. Inseparable, yet equal: That is our Starks' fate over the North. Every Stark, young and old, male or female, heir or no heir, each of us has a duty to protect the North. King Theon and King Jon before the Andals, the thousand-year war against the Arryns for the three sisters, King Tohren, the king who knelt, Cregan in the dance, my grandfather in the last Blackfyre rebellion and my father in Robert's Rebellion - everyone protected the family and the North. Smiling, I answer Lord Manderly and tell him about my thoughts. At first Lord Wyman is silent and then he smiles, first slightly and then fully. He congratulates me on my clever thought and says that the North will have another wise and mature ruler in the future and an excellent heir. First he asks me to get ready for the sea voyage and I thank him for his time and go to the chambers assigned to me to eat and prepare myself with my brother and uncle.

We begin the journey in the evening, as the sea is calmer then, and even though it is windy and cold, we will be fine on the ship, according to Ser Wendel. One advantage of traveling at night is that we can sleep most of the time or listen to the men's stories. He teaches me a sailor's song and tells me of a journey from his youth that he took with the descendants of Artos Stark and his son Brandon - the twin sons Benjen and Artos, who both set out on a journey to Southern Essos and formed a company of mercenaries and joined the ranks of the Iron Bank in Bravos. That night I listen to the men's stories and begin to write some of them down.

Winterfell

Ned Stark

The journey of my two eldest sons gives me the opportunity to organize a trip for both of them and to meet their other halves of their families. While the journey for Robb is a little daunting, I know Jon will be well looked after by his mother's parents and his uncle Vorian and aunt Alyria. There he will still face the hatred of many Dornish people, both common and noble. Prince Oberyn hates my sister Lyanna. I am sure of it, and even while I am sending him so far south, he is expected to stop in King's Landing. Robert and Jon Arryn will be waiting, and Storm's End and Sunspear will also be his stops. Robb's journey will not be until his 13th birthday, but Jon will be traveling in a year, and once he is there he will stay with his maternal family for two years, learning the ways of Dorne and the southern courts. I was too naive, the rebellion taught me that, and my heir must have both, that's what my Aunt Branda told me again and again, right up until she left, and it's also in my father's letters. I've arranged a meeting with Maester Luwin this afternoon, and we're discussing this trip as the main point. Jon will be accompanied on this trip by a good 20 men, and while that will be a very small group, he will be joined in White Harbor by Little Jon and Asher Forrester, as well as Harrion Karstark. All three will bring another 10 men each, and so this troop will board a ship and be escorted to Starfall by Ser Wendel Manderly. Except for Ser Wendel, the other heirs and their men will stay with him, and Ser Wendel will find out whether there are people who want to settle in the north on the west coast to populate Lake Dragonpoint, but also the fortress in Wolfwood. During this expedition, my brother Ben will meet with wildling leaders at the Wall and organize an exchange between our peoples, but this plan is far too vague to even consider.

Hours later, Master Luwin will release the ravens and we will wait for the answers while I conclude our meeting. After our meeting, I will retreat to my solar and there I will begin to study and learn the plans of my father, my grandfather and my many other ancestors. Late that night, I join Catleyn in the chambers. My last thoughts of the day are the purple eyes and the safety of our son who will one day rightfully take his place here.

Chapter Text

White Harbor

Ben Stark

291 A.C

It has been a few days since my nephews Jon and Robb left for their respective destinations. Jon travelled on a ship called the Purple Lady to the fishing village where Ned, my brother, returned to the North 10 years ago. Robb, on the other hand, is visiting the Wolf's Den. This former castle of the North was built by King Jon Stark, our ancestor. For Ned and me, however, this is Jon's birthplace and also a place of pain, because it is there that we lost our nephew named Aegon, according to the Kingsguard, a baby who cried out for Targaryen, by the looks of it. The Kingsguard disappeared then and God knows where they have gone, but that doesn't matter. What will really play a role today is my meeting with Noho Dimittis, one of the representatives of the Iron Bank. One deal we are trying to close with the Iron Bank today is the payout of a very large amount of the gold that Lord Cregan Stark received after the Dance of the Dragons, and we want to install a permanent representative at the Iron Bank. Our preferred option as this representative is Artos Stark, a distant relative who already lives in Braavos and who Lord Manderly personally recommended for the job. Before the meeting, however, I meet with Manderly's heir and we head to the marketplace. There I have some gifts to buy for my wife, nieces and nephews, and my son Artos, but I also buy something for my brother and his wife. For my wife and my brother's wife there are fabrics and silks, as well as some books. My nieces get new toys and a necklace with their names engraved on it. Robb and Jon both get new sets of training swords, as well as a new bow. Bran and Artos both get a carving knife, and they both get climbing gloves.

While we are back in the castle hours later, I am asked almost immediately to meet with the representative and Lord Manderly. The meeting takes place in Lord Wyman's solar and we first have a big meal. Wyman has arranged for specialties from the North as well as from Braavos. Noho Dimittis, he had told me beforehand, was no stranger to the Iron Bank, a descendant of the original founders and a so-called key keeper. These keepers, Wyman said, know exactly what is in all the vaults of the bank. My first impression when I see this Noho is of a small, bald man who seems grumpy but has eyes that contain an intelligence. We eat boisterously and for a brief moment I have the feeling that we cannot negotiate some things today that can change the future of the entire North and that will secure my entire family. Ned and I have drawn up many plans together: Maidengraben, Lake Dragonpoint, the old Blackwood fortress and the new gift. While Robb will receive the Maiden's Moat and my son and I will build the new gift as the last bastion to protect everyone, Bran will inherit the old Blackwood fortress, and if Ned has another son, this lake will inherit Dragon Point. Each of these fortresses will be built individually for the respective heirs. But one fortress and fishing village will be built in the future as a fortress for the direct heir - Jon's fortress, until he gives this fortress to his heir when he is hopefully married and has children himself. All of these points occupy my thoughts, and so some time later we finish eating and begin to talk about our plans.

While Noho Dimittis looks as if he is not at all interested, his eyes are shining. He trains his features well, but his eyes still speak of the immense interests that our plans bring with them, both economically and politically. In just under 10 years, Ned has brought 10,000 people with the blood of the North back to the North: 5,000 well-trained men from the former Company of the Rose and their families. But Ned wants to do more: he wants to expand the North politically to such an extent that no one will ever dare to look down on us, and isolating the South will also bring us further advantages. We want to expand our trade with Bravos and further shadow each other, and yet we must be prepared for anything. As we finish the plans that evening and say a warm goodbye to each other, I feel the weight falling from me. While all the responsibility lies with Ned, I have hopefully almost completed my greatest duty as a Stark today and can now become a pure father, husband and loyal standard-bearer.

Chapter Text

Wolfs Den

291 A.C

Robb Stark

So that's what's left, I think, disappointed. I knew it was a prison these days, but it only consists of the ground floor barracks, a large chamber of a former lord. It contains a very large fireplace and is very comfortably furnished. The cellars of the castle, however, contain veritable dungeons, including oubliettes, torture chambers, and rat-filled pits. The castle's most important feature, the White Harbor godswood, is located within the cave and is made up of oak, elm, and birch. Its heart tree is a weirwood so large that its branches protrude through walls and windows. While in the godswood, I notice a door to a barrel-vaulted cellar, the walls of which are covered in salt and the floor covered in seawater. Ser Marlon told me there are dozens more secret passages. While the Wolf's Den is run by Ser Bartimus, several washerwomen, a cook, six guardsmen per shift and a key worker named Terry, who is the son of one of the washerwomen, work here. While he is telling me all this, we return to the Godswood. Ser Bartimus, who is waiting for us there, comes up to us with a book in his hand and tells us: It is a book based on the lords: the kings Jon Stark, the founder of the Wolf's Den, Theon, "the Hungry Wolf", Edrick, known as "Snowbeard" and Brandon, known as "Ice Eye". Each of these kings says that they inherited difficult times and did not leave behind the best, but nevertheless these four are probably some of the most important role models for a Stark, because all of them, says Ser Bartimus, embodied ideals that the Starks should always emulate in some respects. A lesson in life, I think to myself, and am immediately handed the book.

As we dine at lunch in this castle, we all sit, noble and not, and I listen to stories and enjoy the simplicity of the meal, and as I laugh and have fun, I wish that I will be able to experience many more adventures and moments like this.

Chapter Text

Fishing village in the Vale of Arryn

291. AC

Jon Stark

The first time I see anything other than snow, and it's one of the places my father visited. OK, it's not a big southern fortress or city, but this place is beaming with happiness. The people are already waiting for us at their dock, and as I look at this place on the ship, I feel a sense of anticipation that I haven't felt for a long, long time. I want to explore this place and its surroundings. I will listen to how the people live here and help distribute the gifts and food brought from the north. Ser Wendel has his men teach the farmers and the guards who accompany me. So Alyn will teach me and Harwin, who was born the son of the horse master Hullen, will lend us three horses so that we can explore this area. Ser Wendel, who is often here, introduces the people to me one by one, and while everyone is very polite and totally friendly, I notice a woman off to the side who looks at me and seems close to tears. As I look at the woman, I remember a story that Old Nan told. She must be the daughter of the fisherman who tried to bring my parents safely across, but died in the storm that was there at the time. At her side, I notice a girl and a man who seems to be her son. With light steps, I make my way towards them. As soon as I am in front of them, I bow slightly to all three and thank them warmly, express my condolences and assure them that they will have a future Guardian of the North by their side should he ever be needed. A huge silence falls over us and the woman begins to cry. Her two children begin to comfort her and I turn to everyone. "All of you listen to me, I know I am a stranger to you all here, but even though I am a stranger, I want to thank you: you saved my father and mother when they first arrived here." "Because of you, I was given the opportunity to be born at the end of the greatest war Westeros has perhaps ever seen, and you may have even saved the Starks with it, and in return, starting today, I will offer you all a place in all the fortresses of the North, should you ever wish it, as well as a chance to see Winterfell again." Silence greets me after my speech and everyone looks at each other and starts shouting: "STARK, STARK, STARK!"

A few hours later we start a big meal with all the residents in the village's great hall and I learn what has been built, renewed and changed here since the end of the war. The first and biggest renewal was that the piers were expanded and this hall was renewed. A healer from Gull Town moved here at that time, who is paid by House Manderly. A completely new mill was built nearby and a separate garrison was formed to protect this village. What also happened here is that most marriages here have since taken place between people from the valley and the north and that Lord Arryn sends a distant relative from a branch of the Arryns of the Fingers here to check and, if necessary, dispense justice. I notice the fisherman's daughter. She looks up at us all evening and when she sneaks out, I secretly follow her. When it's dark I see her walking towards the pier and she watches the sea. Quietly but still moderately I move next to her and we are silent for a while. The woman, who goes by the name Sharra, named after the mother of the last king of the valley, Ronnel Arryn, begins to thank me and cries quietly. She confides in me that her son wants to move north and that my offer touched her heart. Her daughter, who is already two years older than me, also wants to see the world. As Sharra tells me about this, I notice how her daughter reminds me of the stories about my aunt Lyanna and my cousin Ros, the daughter of my late uncle Brandon. All three, I think, are free and wild women, but while my aunt died before I was born, the last time I saw Ros was when she went to the Flints with our great aunt Branda. When we had another silence between us, I noticed that she was standing there without a husband. Panic and fear appear on her face and just as quickly disappear again. Her husband died, she told me, but I am not blind, I see that her son looks like my father, and her daughter may not look like us, but she has the spirit of the North completely within her. After my speech, I notice her looking at the ground and I just ask if my father knows. She shakes her head up and down like a year old and I ask what he thinks. She told me that my father wanted to take them both and her to the North, but she was afraid of my stepmother, Lady Catleyn, and that although she is alone, she did not want to be hated and that she knows that she would not have been my uncle's only lover. I learn that she had worked for some time at the Dustin House and was my uncle's lover there. Her son, who is called Lonnel after the former Stark bastard, and her daughter, whom my uncle himself christened with my grandmother's name Lyarra. Silently and thoughtfully, I tell her that I want to take all three of them to the North and that her son will become one of my personal guardians and confidants. Lyarra is her daughter and we will have her taken to my great-aunt Branda, and there they will both learn how to be a noble lady together with Ros. I assure Lyarra that one day she will marry a good man and her son will take his own name and start his own line. As I turn to leave, I tell her, "I have never had an aunt near me outside of Aunt Branda, but I am happy to have you, Lady Sharra, as my aunt and hope you will welcome the North again." She seems happy and is silent.

Back in the hall, I am greeted by smiles and laughter everywhere, and dozens of happy children listen to Harwin's story as he tells them of the last King in the North, Torrhen Stark. Ser Wendel beckons me over and we eat together, laughing, and I realize how much I love these moments of freedom and fun. Duty will soon be upon me again, but I hope there will be moments and times when I can choose freedom over duty.

Chapter Text

Fishing village in the Vale of Arryn

291. AC

Jon Stark

Although we have been here for several days, I have not yet gotten close to my cousins. While Lyarra is always busy with her mother, her brother Lonnel is out hunting or not near the place almost every hour of the day. While Lyarra seems really happy to me, her brother seems like the stories about my uncle Brandon. Hot-tempered, passionate and with the infamous wolf blood. "Like his father, then," I say to his mother one evening after she tells me about her children. Lyarra, who is good friends with some of the younger women in the village, spends almost all of her free time with them. Lonnel, on the other hand, is like an animal in a cage; he needs to taste freedom. He is probably very popular with the women too, as his size and wild demeanor make him seem like a real womanizer. Theon would probably be the perfect companion for him, but both of them in a brothel together would be a promise of chaos and violence.

A few days later, I invited Sharra, Lyarra and Lonnel to dinner and I started to bond with both of them. While Lyarra wanted to know everything about the North, her father and our family, it seemed that Lonnel only really started to pay attention when I told them about my and Robb's training with weapons. I told Lyarra and Lonnel about their half-sister Ros and happily announced that Lyarra and Ros look alike. They both have the long face of the Starks with grey eyes and brown hair. Lonnel, on the other hand, also has the face of the Starks, but physically looks more like the "little" Jon Umber. Sharra has blue eyes, blonde hair and could pass as a descendant of House Arryn. The mood of the meal seemed cheerful and there was a certain nervousness in the air. Towards the end of the meal, I asked Lonnel to accompany me to explore the nearby forest and he answered with a slight smile that he was looking forward to it. I ask Lyarra, on the other hand, to buy clothes for the north for her mother, Lonnel and herself with the coins I give her during the conversation. Sharra looks close to tears, but shows the excitement that many young children show before starting an adventure. In the evening we say goodbye and I wave happily goodbye.

Ser Wendel, who is preparing a group of his, my, and the village farmers as a traveling party the next day, mentions in passing that we will only spend tomorrow here and that the north awaits us, and that my training as heir is still in its very early stages.

The next morning, the hunt begins and while not much happens at first, Lonnel and I get to know each other better. Ser Wendel, who is close to us, tells us a story about the former Heir of the North and how he played a prank on his brother and him with our aunt and uncle in the crypts. We laugh wildly and have fun until we start a race back to the village. I am far ahead and I firmly believe in my victory until I notice the hole in the ground and my horse starts to stumble. As well as my cousin Lonnel, who catches me from falling and who waits with me for the others to decide what to do with the horse. We are alone for a while, talking, getting to know each other better and I tell him what I wish for him and that our family will share this wish with my siblings, our cousins, our uncle and my father, and that his father should be proud of his 3 children. I jokingly tell him that I hope his father doesn't have any more children, because we don't want to have a strong anchor on the wall in this generation. He laughs, and while the others collect us, we are back in the village some time later and our departure for the evening picks up speed.

In the evening we find ourselves on the ship, and as we set sail, the three of them end up on the ship and I go to my room to rest. When I get to my room, I notice that some food and a jug of water have already been brought. Sharra and Lyarra come to my room a little later and I put them both in a room close to me. Lonnel, on the other hand, wants to sleep in a tent on board the ship, and Ser Wendel accepts this without any major problems. The sleep that comes over me a short time later promises to be restful, and in a few days there are already more farewells, new adventures and a return to my family.

Chapter Text

White Harbor

291. AC

Ben Stark

While people everywhere are going about their business, I notice how my tension, and especially Robb's, is growing. Robb, who visited House Locke and my grandmother's nephew after the day in the Wolf's Den, and I, who sealed most of House Stark's deals with the Iron Bank, are very much looking forward to Jon's return. Lord Wyman mentioned last night that there would be a party tonight and he spoke openly about wanting to betroth Jon or Robb to his granddaughter Wylla. Although I cannot say anything about it, I promised Wyman that I would talk to Ned and he thanked me. When the Lady Lyanna arrives and Jon leaves the ship, I feel like I should curse or feel sorry for Brandon. I take one look at these two young people and I know that I have gained a new niece and a new nephew who actually seem to be almost the same age as me. As soon as all three of them are standing in front of me, I can't help but hug them and Jon tightly and feel the tears stinging my eyes. Robb, who doesn't know what's going on, asks Jon to explain my behavior and soon his tears flow freely. They are both still young and while neither of them has even passed their 10 name days, Jon seems like my brother and father when it comes to feelings. He has the calm wolf blood and I am grateful for that. An excellent rider, he already shows skill in his posture and the shape of the swing with his training sword. After a short moment, I let everyone go and we make our way to the carriages and horses. Sharra, Lyarra and I are sitting in the carriage while the other three ride the horses of the North. Sharra starts to tell me about her and Brandon. Lyarra, who begins to snuggle up to her mother and silently shed tears, makes my heart burn with grief, and yet I still need the reassurance. I ask if my brother Ned knew, and while she says yes, she starts straight away to say that Ned only granted her wish and that it was an act of pure kindness for her and those children. She asks questions about my wife and son, and as Lyarra listens, I occasionally hear her smile when she hears the stories of me and Lyanna as children in Winterfell. When she asks about Brandon, I tell her with a mischievous grin that Lyanna always played pranks on Brandon and said it was the job of the younger siblings to make life difficult for the older ones. The rest of the journey is silent, and when we arrive, I accompany my family to the part of the castle where we have all been housed.

We spend hours getting to know each other and towards the end of the conversation I start writing a letter to Aunt Branda, asking her to raise them two to be ladies of the North. I offer Lonnel, in turn, to accompany me on a journey and to be raised by me after we have explored and defended the North and its own beauty. I inform Jon, who has been very quiet with Robb so far, that I will suggest to his father that the pack be formed and that the noble houses of the North should have children or grandchildren come to Winterfell and grow up together with Robb and him and their other siblings. Then we say goodbye and I start to finish the letter and write down the other ideas I have.

That evening, a great celebration is taking place. I notice the looks that the Manderly sisters are giving my nephew Jon. While Jon is visually screaming, he has the finesse and visual beauty of his mother, and this will attract many ladies who can look at him and fall in love with him. Jon notices these looks because he is very bright, and yet girls have so far shown him very little interest. He lives for struggle and adventure, and the cheerfulness that he possesses calms my heart on many levels, because it means that Ned and Ashara's sacrifices were not in vain. Towards the end of the evening, as the children dance and share joyful laughter, Wyman asks me for a meeting, and there he tells me about the offer he wants to make to Sharra. Ser Marlon will marry Sharra and thus be able to live a very comfortable and secluded life and thus experience peace in a city full of people. I offer my support, but only if Sharra shares this wish will I be happy to attend the wedding. We talk a little more and then say goodbye.

Hours later, sleep takes hold of me and I drift off to sleep. My dreams, filled with hopes for the future and the imminent return home to my wife and child, are the last thoughts before I fall asleep.

Chapter Text

White Harbor

291 A.C

Benjen Stark

The last day we spend here is over. Robb and Jon have said goodbye to the Manderly family and their household as a whole. Jon and Robb have had gifts for the children of the household and the Manderly family. Wyman gave them each a horse and Wendel and Wylis promised them both some trips, and I saw the Wylla give my nephew Jon a kiss. My gift was something House Manderly wants, and that was my promise that I will try to turn Wyman's request to my brother into a yes, and I will have a ship paid for. We leave the Manderly court and begin the journey home.

It's been a few hours since we left and we start to set up camp. The men set up tents and the horses are fed in an open space, but I don't see Jon and Robb at all. Hullen told me that Jon and Robb both went into the nearby forest with a small box. I go to the place mentioned and the first thing I hear is Jon and Robb, both laughing and talking. Robb teases his brother while Jon rolls his eyes and both talk about kissing a girl each. Standing behind a tree, I listen to everyone and see Jon take out a handkerchief with the coat of arms of House Manderly and show it to Robb. I turn around and go back to the camp and tell Hullen to look after both of them. That evening we eat around the campfire and while we eat a broth with warm fish inside, the men tell stories. After dinner, Jon and Robb are taken to their shared tent and I go to mine. The sleep that will take me this night will be restful and free from disturbances.

(A few weeks later)

Winterfell

291 A.C

Ned Stark

In less than a week, my sons and brother will reach Cerwyn Castle according to their last letter, and then it is only two short days until they are here. While these three have been on this journey, my preparations for the start of the Wolfpack, Jon's journey to visit his mother's family, and the rebuilding of Moat Cailin have all been planned and progressing. Benjen's wife, my sister-in-law Jonelle, and my nephew Artos are both also on their way to Cerwyn after tomorrow.

Luwin is waiting for me in my study. As I sit down, I notice that Luwin contains some letters from the various houses of my vassals as well as letters from House Dayne. Before I can read the letters, Luwin tells me that my wife came to him and asked him about the construction costs for a Sept of the Seven. I breathe out a bitter breath and know how much Catleyn loves and wants to worship her gods, but Winterfell belongs to the North and the Old Gods. I tell Luwin to take care of the repair costs of the old tower and together with Vayon they should rebuild it. Some time later, Martyn and his brother Rodrick enter my solar. Both talk about the training of the men and about what preparations still need to be made for the heirs of the houses who will live here. I work in my study until late at night, and when I finally go to sleep, I realize how much I am looking forward to seeing my sons.

Chapter Text

Winterfell

292 A.C

Ned Stark

They are finally back. They were travelling for 9 months. While life in Winterfell was quieter and without any pranks, I know that the entire household, the residents of the winter town and also my family, except for Catleyn, missed everyone. My nephew, Sansa and Arya and little Bran have grown. I know that Benjen was happy to see his family and that he had seen them again earlier, especially since Benjen will want to travel north again in a few months. Jonelle, his wife, will move to her family for a year with Artos and the wolf pack will be formed and generally it must grow. "Little" Jon Umber, Eddard and Tohrren Karstark, Asher Forrester, Domeric Bolton, the Mormont sisters Jorelle and Lyra, and William Dustin's son Rodrick. All of them are about the same age as my sons, and yet they will be carefully divided up in a year. While Jon will take the greatest heirs with him to the South, Robb will travel the Riverlands with the others, but only when Jon is safely back in the North.

Some time after the start of midday, the banners are discovered. While the household is already assembled and lined up, I notice that my children are especially happy: Sansa, who is holding my hand and humming happily, and Arya, who is laughing and babbling in her mother's arms. Catleyn seems happy but also nervous. Theon, who was not allowed to go on the trip, on the other hand, looks sour and has an expression on his face as if he had bitten into a lemon. Although not much time has passed since we waited for everyone to return home, I notice that my own anticipation, nervousness and excitement are increasing more and more. It hasn't been that long, but I still miss my children more than anything, and I am especially grateful that my brother can be there to accompany them on their journeys and perhaps be there for me and my children for many, many years. When the men all arrive in the courtyard, the first thing I see is the reddish-brown hair of the Tullys on the head of my second eldest son. Robb and Benjen both come running ahead, and as Sansa lets go of my hand and runs towards Robb, Jon grabs her and hugs her first. A silence falls in the courtyard and only the laughter of my children, my brother, our wives and my nephew Artos make this moment seem just utterly happy. Once everything has calmed down, Jon steps forward as the eldest son and bows and bows to me and Catleyn. I see their smiles, but I know it doesn't reach their eyes. I know Jon sees it too, and while everyone else doesn't see it or really notice it, my anger grows. To everyone I am a cold man of the North, but with my children, no, that is where my blood boils and I have a rage inside me that I have only ever seen in one person. It is Brandon, my brother, known as the Wild Wolf - but that is exactly what allowed his untimely death. Robb comes next, repeating his brother's actions and hugging us, which Jon only did with me. Last but not least, Ben arrives, he hugs me, greets everyone one by one, but he is still cold and distant to Cat. Ben hates Hoster Tully for what he did to Ashara, and while I feel the same, I know that Ashara is protecting this family and especially our son.

After everyone had settled in, a meeting begins between my sons, my brother, Luwin, Martyn and Rodrick and me. They talk about the trip. Jon shows reports that he has written and asks lots of questions. We talk about our experiences here and we spend hours in my study. Little by little, everyone leaves until only my sons and my brother are left. In the evening there is a party and while Robb sleeps, Jon reads the reports that I have written over the last few months. Something falls out of Jon's trousers and as I pick it up I notice that it is an embroidered cloth with the initials of one of the Manderlys' granddaughters. Ben laughs loudly and in an unusual way, but Jon, on the other hand, turns red like a tomato and in that moment I feel like I can hear my Ashara laughing. In that moment I have never felt so close to remembering myself as in many moments before.

The evening's celebration begins boisterously and loudly, songs are sung and stories are told. That evening Robb tells of the wolf's den, of Wyman's granddaughter Wynafryd and the various stages of the north. Jon, on the other hand, is quiet and withdrawn, he speaks only briefly and shows his pure, dutiful side again, but his mask cracks as soon as Robb talks about the Manderlys. A few hours into the celebration I see Jon dancing with the daughters of the household, his sister and even with Benjen's wife. That night we all sleep late.

( 2 Months Later)

The last day of the year is approaching, and while the heirs of the pack are slowly coming, many more and newer plans are being made. Jon will begin his journey soon after his birthday and will spend some time, perhaps until he comes of age, getting to know and playing the South and its games. Honor is all well and good in times of peace, I know, and without honor, what are we worth, but still, much more is required and the North must be ready for whatever comes.

Chapter Text

My last morning for an indefinite period in Winterfell. While I am filled with anticipation, nervousness, and many other emotions, I still feel a certain sadness. Leaving my father and siblings behind is not easy. My friends Asher and Jon Umber, known as "Littlejon," and a friend of my father, Ser Wylis Manderly, will accompany me. Asher and Jon will also stay with me in Starfall; Wylis has a job to do for the North in southern Essos. My grandparents, Lady Alarra and Lord Ulrick, and my uncle Vorian and his wife, Lady Talisa Maegyr. While my uncle and I share many letters, I have received very few letters from my grandfather, so I am nervous about meeting him. A knock on my chambers interrupts my thoughts and I open the door. My brother Robb, our ward Theon, and my sister Sansa are standing there and everyone wants us to have breakfast together. As we go to breakfast, I notice that it is unusually quiet and hardly any of the household is actually working outside. As we enter the hall, I am surprised by everyone present, who applauds loudly and laughs and calls out my name and the words: "The Heir of the North". As soon as we reach the main table, my father asks for quiet and thanks everyone. He gives a speech and says that my brother Robb will leave the North next year with a few companions and meet his mother's family. Catleyn seems delighted and smiles brightly, but Robb is nervous. He doesn't show it directly, but his eyes radiate nervousness. Everyone applauds again and it takes several minutes for the noise to fade. We then eat relaxed and exuberantly, peppered with laughter and jokes.

The whole day flies by, and although I have ridden a little and sparred, it is the time I spend with my father in his solar. There we talk about the history of the Starks. He talks about his plans for the North with Robb and me. My father is a man of absolute honor and yet some in the South mock him for it. The lions of the West, who think they are so powerful, are nothing more than cats who always show their claws, he tells me, and I will soon meet the wildest of these cats. Dorne is my absolute goal, but I will still travel to King's Landing first. The king personally invited me when he heard about the plans. After that, we'll go to Tarth and Sunlock and then I'll finally arrive at Starfall. Father goes through all the plans for the trip with me and also how I should talk to whom. He gives me letters that are intended for the Hand of the King and for the King himself and says a very warm goodbye to me privately with tears in his eyes.

The evening passes quickly, and when I am alone in my chambers, Robb, Sansa, Arya and Theon arrive and we spend the last evening together until late in the evening. Old Nan comes and brings first Arya, then Sansa and finally Robb and Theon out of my chambers and gives me a book as a farewell gift that she got from one of the greatest heroes of the Targaryen era. It is Ser Duncan the Great, and although I cannot prove it, I believe that Ser Duncan is the father of her children and that is why Hodor got his Great. That night I fall asleep peacefully and with a smile on my face. My dreams are about the North and Winterfell as well as the crypts and the Godswood. There I actually meet two people, this time it is my grandfather Rickard and my grandmother Lyarra. My grandmother, who looks like Aunt Branda, and my grandfather, who looks like my father. They are both smiling and while my grandfather sits there quietly, my grandmother comes up to me, hugs and kisses me and starts to bombard me with questions, first about me and my siblings, then about my father and Uncle Benjen. When they both hear that we are all doing really well and are happy, Grandmother Lyarra cries and apologizes that she was never able to meet us. Grandfather apologizes for everything and asks me to tell Father that he is proud, and we spend half the night together until I fall asleep in the embrace of both of them.

The next day I say goodbye to everyone and we ride to White Harbor, where Asher and Jon will join me. The next time I say to Robb: When we see each other, little brother, we will be grown men.

It is now just a few days to White Harbor, and soon I will see my friends and am on my way south.

Chapter Text

White Harbor

293 A.C

Jon Stark

Although the journey from Winterfell here is not a short one, it was still exceptionally uneventful. Robb, father or Uncle Benjen did not travel with me, but I was accompanied by a troop of 30 soldiers, including Harwyn, the son of our horse master in Winterfell. Hullen is led by Tomard and Alyn, but the troop is led by Hallis Mollen. We enter White Harbor and I notice that the people are already waiting for me, just like last time. Ser Marlon and Lord Wylis Manderly are already waiting for me. Ser Marlon bows slightly and Lord Wylis greets me politely. Lord Jon, it is good to see you safe and sound." I nod gracefully and begin to address both men: "Thank you gentlemen, the weather was on our side and we made good progress." After exchanging pleasantries, we begin the march to the Merman's court. A short time later, I am in the presence of Lord Wyman Manderly, Lord of White Harbor, who holds the honorary titles: Guardian of the White Sea, Shield of the Faith, Defender of the Dispossessed, Lord Marshal of the Mander and Knight of the Order of the Green Hand. Lord Wyman may be an imposing figure, but behind his eyes I see intelligence. He also greets me with the titles that are my due as heir to the North and Winterfell, as well as a title that I acquired because of my parents. When I have reacquainted myself with everyone, Lord Wyman's second son, Ser Wendel, is missing. Lord Wyman informs me that Ser Wendel is already waiting for my friends Jon and Asher near White Harbor and apologizes for not being there. I reassure Lord Wyman and Sage that this is not necessary, as we are all friends here. Some time later, the Manderly sisters take me to rest and freshen up in my chambers, which I had the last time I was here, and I rest there until the evening.

That evening I see my friends again, we laugh and share stories. Asher tells us about Ironrath and his family, "Little" Jon about Last Hearth and his family and I also share stories about Winterfell and my family. When we finally finish eating, Ser Wendel comes to the three of us and tells us about the next steps. In 2 days he says we will start our journey first to King's Landing, then to Tarth and Sunlock and finally to Starfall. The journey will take at least 4 months. We spend a week in the capital and stock up on supplies, meet the king and his family. On Tarth we will see the famous island of sapphires, make a stopover and there a Ser Wendel will grant us a ship already as a permanent ship for the end of the journey together. In Sunlock, however, he says we will be tested, the Martells will try to get under our skin, especially me, they hate my father's family and I have known that since my uncle Vorian prepared me for it. At the end of the evening, we agree to Ser Wendel's plans and he gives us tips and rules that would be agreed upon with our fathers.

At sea

Jon Stark

The two days fly by and after saying goodbye, I notice how the joy and excitement fills everyone, while I have 30 men with me as well as my former nurse Wylla, so Asher brings 10 and "Little" Jon 20 and Wendel brings 50 men again. We set sail with two ships, one ship known as "White Harbor" and "Lady Lyarra" because it was financed by my family. I sail with Asher and Jon on the "Lady Lyarra". Ser Wendel's ship is smaller than ours but not much and he is in charge of our company with his ship. The days feel like they are filled with cold winds and strong waves at the beginning, but none of us are sick. Asher, Jon and I train every day and in the evenings we listen to stories, learn how to navigate and sail. The captain of the ship is an older man.

Kings Landing

Jon Stark

Almost 3 weeks at sea have passed when we reach Kingsland. When we enter the docks, Lord Jon Arryn, my cousin, is already waiting for us. As soon as I see him, I remember all my father's stories about him, the time in the valley of the Arryn, his nephew and former heir Elbert. Elbert, who had accompanied my uncle here and was murdered by the Mad King. As a line, we bow to Lord Arryn and he smiles slightly at us. Lord Arryn begins, "May I introduce Ser Wendel: I present to you Jon of the House of Stark, the son of Eddard of the House of Stark and Lady Ashara of the House of Dayne." He introduces my companions in the same way and we are offered guest rights. The king awaits us with excitement, explains Lord Arryn, and we begin our journey to the Red Keep. As we sit in the carriage, the smell of the city cannot escape us and we can hardly stand it. Lord Arryn notices our expressions and explains that half a million people live locked up here and that none of the plans to improve their lives have really worked so far. Ser Wendel starts a discussion and while everyone joins in, I remain silent with a few exceptions and think about what I think about His Grace, Robert of the House of Baratheon, the first of his name King of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the first men. My father always told me that Robert was every girl's dream and strong as a bear. I know that my father could not lift his famous war hammer and that he smashed the chest of the last dragon with that same war hammer.

As soon as we enter the throne room, His Grace Robert comes down from his throne and while he definitely no longer looks like my father always described him, I see a man who still has immense strength that only becomes really noticeable when he starts to hug me and pat me on the back, which feels like he is trying to knock my heart out. He laughs and says: "You see him Jon, a real mini Ned, only the hair and the striking facial features, he has those from the most beautiful woman in Westeros." Robert laughs and while many join in, I notice the hatred that the queen directs at the king in her eyes. The kingslayer only looks at me with a curious expression that I should probably expect, but it is Ser Barristan Selmy whose face surprises me the most, he seems shocked and transported back in time and as soon as the king lets go of me he introduces all of us at court personally. He gives another speech and ends it with the announcement that he is holding a feast for the men of the north, the entire court applauds and calls the king's name but he tells me that he expects me to take my father's place here for the next week and to be next to his grace on many occasions. Of course, your grace, I reply and he replies, "Right with a piss on this grace, call me uncle, because if your aunt had lived you would have been my nephew anyway." Although I am shocked, I nod and reply hesitantly but of course, "Uncle".
The rest of the day flies by and the party is also relaxing, but in the evening in bed I notice a black cat in my chambers and he lies down close to my bed. I remember a story about Rhaenys, the daughter of Rhaeger Targaryen. I swear to myself that as soon as I leave the place I will take this cat with me and give him to House Martell and with this thought I fall asleep.

Chapter Text

Kings Landing

293 A.C.

Jon Stark

Although a week here is definitely too short, I have already learned a lot. "Uncle" Robert accompanied me every day during the training of my friends and me, Barristan Selmy gave us tips and tricks, and we are definitely starting to improve, but the best gift was given to me by Jaime Lannister. During one of the first meals in this place, Jaime Lannister came up to me and gave me a letter that I have read more often than is perhaps good, but it is from Arthur Dayne, my role model and deceased uncle. It contains advice and tips, but also advice that I am determined to try to understand. While I do not like the weather and many people in this city, I am definitely strengthened and ready for Dorne.

A word that seems strange and yet so familiar at the same time. Starfall, the home of my mother's family, and the Dayne family, my family. All stories and reports about Dorne often have to do with a member of my family and tun. Even Nymeria's story ended with a Dayne at her side.

But these thoughts and feelings will soon all play a role when I board the Lady Lyarra in a few hours.

Hours later

After saying goodbye and loading the goods and the men, we leave King's Landing. While we all received gifts, the most precious to me was a gift from Barristan that will also strengthen my wisdom. It is a simple training sword, but I recognize it exactly. Its structure has been designed and created as if it were the dawn itself, and I will never not recognize this sword, even if I will never swing it.

Laughter, a short journey and easy waters, as well as great companions and lessons make the journey pass in a flash, and before we know it, we are in Dorne.

We enter Sunspear's harbor, and an escort is already waiting for us there, but it is late in the evening and the introductions are quick and lackluster. When we are in our beds a short time later, we are all prepared to start our new life here and one day return to the north.

Chapter Text

Dorne

293 A.C

Jon Stark

The sea was different here. In the North, it was gray, cold, and fierce, gnawing at cliffs and swallowing prey with frost and salt. But under Dorne’s sun, the water gleamed like molten glass, turquoise and deceptively calm. Jon stood at the railing of the *Grey Maid*, watching the sails swell in the warm wind. The scent of salt, oil, and exotic spices hung thick in the air.

Kleinjon Umber grumbled, shirt open to the sun, cursing the heat.
“By the Old Gods, this isn’t air—it’s fire!”
Asher Forrester laughed, loud and free. “Then get used to it. In Dorne, even the wind is proud.”

Jon said nothing, his eyes tracing the coast where white dunes met ocher walls. Sunspear—the city of the Red Sun. He had heard much of it: narrow streets draped with colorful cloths, the smell of dates, oil, and blood, women dancing and men smiling with daggers hidden beneath.

As the ship slid into the harbor, Jon noticed the Dornish vessels—sleeker than any ship from the North—and the people moving aboard them, bronzed men and women with the lithe grace of predators.

“You think they’ll welcome us?” Kleinjon whispered.
“They know who we are,” Jon replied quietly, “and that may be enough.”

A lean older man awaited them on the dock, skin weathered like leather.
“You are Lord Jon Stark,” he said, accent curling around the words, “son of Lord Eddard Stark and… Lady Ashara Dayne.” He hesitated, as if tasting a secret. “I am Maester Caldrin, steward of Sunspear. Prince Oberyn expects you.”

Jon inclined his head. “Then we should not keep him waiting.”

The steward led them through the gates, past guards bearing spears bound with orange ribbons, the mark of House Martell. “Here,” he said, “the sun casts no shadow, and every word weighs heavily on cold tongues.”

Jon smiled, lightly, for the first time since the voyage. “Then we shall see if my tongue can bear the sun.”

---

The streets of Sunspear were a living mosaic: banners in red, gold, and violet fluttered overhead; voices, laughter, and music spilled from every alley. The scent of oranges and roasted lamb mingled with dust and heat. Jon observed it all: merchants flaunting gold chains, children with dark eyes trailing behind, women whose movements could make a man forget the world.

Kleinjon leaned close. “If you keep looking like that, young wolf, they’ll want to marry you.”
Jon gave a crooked grin. “Then I hope they come with good intent.”

They climbed a broad staircase flanked by golden spears, until the hall opened before them—cool, spacious, and bright, with banners of the red sun pierced by a golden spear hanging on the walls. There, seated on a stone bench, was **Oberyn Martell**, barefoot, bronze-skinned, hair cropped, and gaze sharp as a blade. Beside him, **Ellaria Sand** smiled, dark hair tumbling over her shoulders. Around them, six young women—**the Sand Snakes**—stood scattered like colorful gemstones.

“The North sends winter,” Oberyn said, eyeing them. “But this is a winter even Dorne can welcome.”
He studied Jon as a swordsman studies a blade. “You bear your father in your eyes—and your mother in your stance.”

Jon inclined his head slightly. “Thank you, Prince Oberyn. My father spoke highly of you, though he admitted you could have killed him in a duel.”
A sharp smile flickered over Oberyn’s lips. “He spoke of it, yes? Then he was more honest than I thought.”

Ellaria stepped forward, voice soft like warm sand. “And yet you laugh more freely than he did, little wolf.”
Jon returned her smile. “Perhaps because I’ve learned the South does not forbid laughter.”

The Sand Snakes whispered among themselves. Obara raised an eyebrow; Tyene smiled sweetly; Nymeria regarded him silently.
“A handsome boy,” Obara said, “with hands too clean for a fighter.”
Jon glanced at her spear. “Perhaps a northern man needs less spear, more wit.”

Oberyn laughed, full and genuine. “I like that. A Stark with a tongue as sharp as a thorn. Come, Jon Stark. Dorne is not like the rest of Westeros. Here, beauty and poison spring from the same bloom.”

Jon followed him, aware of the eyes following him—the curious, warm, appraising glances of women who measured him as much as they watched him.
And for the first time since leaving Winterfell, he did not feel like an outsider.

---

The hall quieted after Oberyn left, the Sand Snakes and Ellaria gone, leaving Jon alone with the light spilling from the gardens.

“You stand as though you intend to conquer the sea with your eyes,” said a voice, smoky yet bright.

Jon turned to see **Arianne Martell**. She wore a golden silk gown that seemed to catch the sunlight; her dark hair framed a face both sharp and lively, and her eyes held the kind of fire that demanded attention.

“My uncle speaks of you,” she said, stepping closer. “A wolf who laughs—rare, isn’t it?”

Jon smiled lightly. “Only in winter. But I am here to learn how to rule with the sun.”

“Rule with the sun?” She arched an eyebrow.
“I will stay two years in Dorne,” Jon said. “My father believes that to lead the North properly, I must understand my mother’s land—their ways, their strengths. Dorne and the North could learn from each other.”

Arianne’s gaze sharpened. “That is something Doran will appreciate. He values patience—and purpose. And your mother… she was no patient woman.”

“Have you known her?” Jon asked softly.

Arianne smiled faintly. “Known, seen—heard, above all. In Dorne, names may fade, but some refuse to vanish. She was called *the Lady with the Smiling Purple Eyes*. It is said she could look a man in the eye and talk the sword from his hand.”

Jon looked out at the sea. “I didnt know her, only her name. Yet she seems everywhere—the voices, the sun, the wind.”

“You are her son,” Arianne said simply. “And everyone here knows it. If you intend to remain, you will learn how loudly that blood speaks.”

Jon met her gaze, serious but open, a faint, genuine smile on his lips. “I wish to learn to rule without breaking, to smile without showing weakness. If my mother could do it, I shall too.”

Arianne stepped closer, eyes sharp but not cold.
“Perhaps you will learn more than that. In Dorne, one rules not just over land—but over oneself. The sun tests all it touches.”

Jon nodded, a quiet determination in his chest.
“Then let it test me.”

Arianne’s lips curved in a warm, knowing smile. “Welcome to Dorne, Jon Stark—the son of sun and snow.”

Jon was left alone, gazing at the glimmering sea, feeling the weight and promise of a legacy that was finally his to claim.

Chapter Text

Dorne

293 A.C

Jon Stark

The Water Gardens stretched before them like a mosaic of light, water, and wind.
Jon, Princess Arianne Martell, Asher Forrester, Kleinjon Umber, and the Sand Snakes rode between fountains, palms, and mosaics. Barefoot children ran laughing across the stones. Trystane, the youngest son of Prince Doran, splashed among them, while Quentyn, the eldest, kept a watchful eye over the paths.

“My Prince,” Arianne said, “may I present Jon Stark – son of Lord Eddard Stark and Lady Ashara Dayne.”

Doran lifted his head, his gray eyes examining Jon. “So the North comes to my sun. My children and my brother’s children wished to see you before you continue on. These gardens are meant to teach that patience, measure, and joy are as much a part of ruling as blood and duty.”

He inclined his head slightly, his voice grave. “You bear your father’s face—but your posture, your strength, your measure… that is Arthur Dayne. Your mother left little visible behind in you, yet Dornish blood runs in your veins. Remember this: not everyone smiles from friendship.”

Jon bowed. “I will not forget, my Prince.”

---

After the formal greetings, the Sand Snakes approached Jon and his companions.
“If you wish,” Obara Sand said, eyes sparkling, “we can accompany you through the gardens for a few days, ride with you, play, see what Dorne truly is.”
Tyene, Sarella, and the other riders nodded. “We would be pleased to follow your path a while. The sun of Dorne has more lessons to show.”

Jon smiled. Asher laughed, Kleinjon snorted, but all faces reflected the same joy.
Arianne nodded. “Then we shall use these days to learn and to play—as children of Dorne should.”

---

And so began their short, lively week in the Water Gardens.
Jon, his friends, and the children of Doran and Oberyn Martell ran between fountains, leapt across water channels, hid in pavilions, and laughed freely. Trystane tumbled with the other children, while Quentyn guided Jon through secret passages, telling him the history of each fountain.

Obara Sand and Kleinjon Umber frequently found themselves alone, splashing in the pools, hands brushing, a silent understanding growing between them, hidden beneath the laughter of the others.

The sun shone warm, the water sparkled with every color, and Jon felt that this was a place where duty and joy could coexist.

---

Arianne often spoke with Jon about the legacy of Dorne and the gardens.
“Daenerys, sister of Daeron II, called the Good, King of all Westeros, built them,” she said one evening, gesturing toward the fountains. “She married Mors Martell, and her blood flows in the Daynes of Starfall—and therefore in you, Jon. Strength and light are woven through both houses.”

She indicated the palms and leaping waters. “Mors’ sister Myriah Martell was Daeron’s wife and mother of his heirs. Blood, power, duty—they are all intertwined. You will see that Dorne teaches even through joy.”

Jon nodded thoughtfully, the sunlight glinting on the water reflecting in his eyes.

---

By the week’s end, Jon knew he would soon journey onward—to his grandparents, to Vorian, Edric, and Allyria Dayne, to the family of his mother.
Yet a part of him would always remain here: in the light of Dorne, among palms, water, and wind, under a sun that taught both duty and delight, shaping the heart of anyone who dwelled beneath it.