Catelyn

The North was always strange to her. Catelyn was born a Tully at Riverrun, Eldest child of Hoster Tully the Liege Lord of the Riverlands. She had been promised to marry Brandon Stark just before the outbreak of Robert's Rebellion which claimed her future husband's life. It was then as custom decries she marry the next in line. The younger brother of Brandon, Eddard Stark.

The North had been strange to her, it's people it's customs. She had been baptized in the light of the seven, the Gods of her father and family. When she first arrived Ned had a sept made for her so that she would pray to the seven faces of God. Ned kept to his old Gods and his northern ways.

She rejected the North at first but now felt as much a part of it as her Lord Husband and the children she bore him. She made her way into the godswood in search of him now. She knew he'd be there, he was always there after an execution.

His back was against the heart-tree, The Ancestral Sword of his house Ice laid out across his lap as he wiped it with a cloth soaked in oil. The sun's light glittered in through the leaves and bounced off the small stream resting besides Ned's boots. Catelyn had no love for swords but Ice was something magnificent. As wide as a man's hand and nearly five feet long, and the blade was magnificent as well. Indeed there was nothing like Valyrian steel.

She lifted her skirts as she traveled across the dirt until she stood several feet away from him.

"Ned." She hummed with a smile, getting his attention. He turned away from the sword, lifting his head to face her.

"Cat." He said warmly but formally. He knew she didn't like it here. Some traditions and customs of the North were still strange to her even after all this time." Where are the children?" He would always ask that.

"In the kitchen figuring out names for the Wolf pups." She said as she walked over and sat down, replacing Ice in his lap. They'd found the Direwolf on the road with six pups suckling at the dead mother's milk.

"What have they come up with?" He asked.

"Robb named his Greywind. Sansa's is Lady, Arya named her's Nymeria." Ned let out a warm smile.

"Brandon and Rickon?" He knew not to ask about the other son.

"Bran cannot decide, Rickon has named his Shaggydog." Ned's smile only grew wider but he quickly moved on to another matter, as he remembered Bran earlier. He leaned close to his wife and rested his head against her neck, kissing it.

"You'd have been proud of Bran today." He said.

"I'm always proud of Bran." She replied.

"The deserter died well." Ned said leaning back. The deserter had been dressed in all black, the typical colors for a Brother of the Night's Watch. Robb had thought he was a sworn sword to Mance Rayder beyond the wall. He spoke of the cold, wildlings and something that had not been in the realm for a thousand years.

"You say that of everyone." Catelyn said." If a servant fell down the steps and broke their neck you'd say it." She joked at her husband's expense.

"He's the fourth this year though." Ned continued in a serious voice, overlooking his wife's joke." I may have no choice but to call the banners and ride North to face this King-Beyond-The-Wall."

"That's why we have the Night's Watch." Catelyn said removing herself from her husband's lap and sitting next to him." They protect us from threats beyond the wall." Ned smirked slightly at her quick-witted answer. He knew she didn't hold as high and opinion about the Night's Watch as himself. But she knew the truth as well as he, that the Night's Watch was a shadow of it's former self. Ned and his Lords did everything they could to support it but still they received ravens from Lord Commander Mormont and First Ranger Benjen Stark about trouble building beyond the wall. Looking at his Lady Wife he found another thought building in his head.

"You could have said all this later." He spoke." And I doubt you came here to enjoy the company of me and my gods." He glanced around at the old woods.

Catelyn stood up and straightened her face, turning into the proper Lady of the House she was always meant to be. There was no way to soften the blow so she spoke straight.

"I'm so sorry my love." She said." Jon Arryn is dead." A cold grip gripped Ned's heart and his eyes found her's. He stood to his feet.

Ned had fostered in the Vale. It was there he met Robert Baratheon, both fostered under John Arryn who having no children of his own treated the boys like his own blood. When the Mad King demanded the heads of the two boys, Jon Arryn raised his banners in revolt for those he had sworn to protect.

He was a second Father to the Ned. And on Ned's own wedding day they became brothers when Jon Arryn wed Catelyn's younger sister Lysa at the promise of Hoster Tully's support and armies.

"How did he die?" Ned asked. His eyes shifted to the ground.

"A sickness. A fever that left him bed-ridden, he died during the night." Ned had hoped he had not suffered.

"Your sister, the boy?"

"They have their health, Gods be good." Ned nodded quietly. Jon Arryn had served as Hand of the King for these fifteen years, it would truly be a sadder place without him.

"There is more." Catleyn continued." The King and Queen ride for Winterfell." And after that dark news about Jon Arryn Ned suddenly felt his heart lifted and a smile graced his cheeks. After nearly ten years Ned would be able to see his friend and sister again. The last time he saw his nephew the crowned price, he was a boy at Lyanna's breast but now he must be as old as Robb.

"Robert and Lyanna are coming here?!" She nodded with a smile at seeing him so refreshed.

"I knew that would please you."

"How many in their party?"

"Robert rides with his Queen and children." Catleyn answered." No doubt several Knights of the Kingsguard will be there and hundreds of other bannermen with their squires, free-riders."

"We need to start preparing then." Ned jumped to his feet." Robert will want a feast. With wine and song. I'll have Jory ride out to meet them on the King's Road. And send a letter to my brother on the wall, he'd love to see Lyanna after all this time." Holding his wife's hands they began walking away from the heart-tree. Ned's smile only grew wider the longer he spoke." Damn them." He laughed whole-heartedly." Damn Robert and damn my sister. They've given us so little time. Damn their royal hides!"

Lyanna

Robert rode at the head of the party. Wearing thick heavy furs and brown riding gloves that made him look like a bear on top of a horse. His coat parted along his chest revealing the crowned stag in gold coloring. His wife rode next to him on a horse of her own. She wore breeches instead of a dress, thus making it easier for her to ride. The Direwolf of House Stark and the Stag of House Baratheon sewn onto the forearms of her shirt.

Lyanna was not a Queen that others imagined. Not like Cersei Lannister, Catelyn Stark, or other southern ladies. She felt more comfortable in men's cloths than women's, did not sew or play the harp, sometimes she would sit on the Small Council and help run the Kingdom . She even wore a sword at her belt from time to time. Not a broadsword like her brother Ned or Stannis would use, she had a thin double edged short sword about the size of a man's arm. The blade was pointed and meant for stabbing through even the heaviest of armors. It had been a present from Robert on the day of their marriage, a gift Lyanna treasured greatly.

Their children were behind them. Lyonel the oldest was the spitting image of his father both in appearance and personality, named after the First Baratheon to rebel against the Iron Throne.

The youngest brother Gendry looking just the same but he was slower and duller than his brother. The boys rode on horses of their own. Their only daughter Bella was behind them in the wagon. She shared the space only. While she often tried to emulate her mother as her brothers did their father she did not. But she was still a very sweet and innocent little girl.

Behind them rode Knights of the Kingsguard, three of the seven sworn to protect the King. Ser Arys Oakheart, the youngest of the Seven. Lord Commander of the Kingsguard Ser Barristan 'The Bold', the Oldest and most well-known.

And lastly the most notorious of the seven Jaime Lannister 'The Kingslayer'. He had killed Aerys Targaryen during the sack of King's Landing. While the likes of Ser Barristan and Ned wanted Jaime executed or the very least sent to the wall, but he was sparred that fate. Robert pardoned Jaime's actions and let him stay in the Kingsguard. Though perhaps it was also suggested by Jon Arryn to not anger Lord Tywin Lannister. Lyanna at least shared Robert's opinion on that, though if she had her way Tywin would have joined his son at the wall. While Jaime's pardon was one thing there was another dark deed that still lingered.

And behind them were more still, nearly one hundred knights and banner men of the King.

"Gods this is slow." Robert grunted. Lyanna laughed, rearing her head back. Robert looked past her and to the countryside around them." Bogs and forest and snow, snow, snow everywhere you look. Where are the people?!"

"Likely they are too shy to come out." Lyanna answered." Kings are a rare sight in the North."

"Likely they are hiding under the snow." Robert said. Lyanna could see the annoyance in his face. But it wasn't the country, this was the home of Lyanna and Ned she knew he wouldn't hate it for that. What he really hated was the slow pace. It was then, the Queen got an idea.

Lyanna kicked out her leg and smacked the back of Robert's warhorse.

"WHOA!" Robert roared as his horse jumped up. He pulled hard on the reins as his Kingsguard rushed to his side." What in Seven Hells are you thinking woman?!" Robert turned to his wife but found she wasn't there. She had rode off down the Kingsroad and was disappearing into the distance. A smile formed on Robert's face." YA!" He commanded and his horse raced forward. "Mind the road lads!" Robert called over his shoulder." I have a She-Wolf to Hunt!" He laughed into the wind. The boys Lyonel and Gendry followed their parent's example and raced after them.

The Kingsguard exchanged bewildered looks before Ser Barristan and Jaime followed after the royal family while Ser Arys stayed behind with the Princess. She wanted to get out and be like her mother but didn't take to riding like the rest of her family.

"That's alright princess." The Knight assured her with a smile." I'm here for you."

Jory waited with his men on the Kings Road to greet the King. Some good it did them since Lyanna bolted right through them before they knew she was there. They had even less time to move aside as Robert rode by on his great black stallion. They jumped into the snow and dirt as their King and Queen rode by laughing into the wind.

The gates of Winterfell flew wide open and Ned expected an entire host of Knights and musicians to sound Robert's entrance. So he was incredibly surprised when in barreled Lyanna on her white horse with Robert right behind her. The King and Queen smiled to each other as their horses stood side by side.

The King and Queen dismounted to see and Ned saw them both clear for the first time. Lyanna threw back her hood letting her long brown hair flow back. She was the picture of the North wild and fierce but beautiful all the same. She saw her brother immediately and forgetting any sort of tradition ran across the yard and into his arms. Ned stunned at first wrapped his arms around his little sister and hugged her tight. When she let go Ned was caught a bear-hug in Robert's arms.

"Ned!" He roared with a hearty laugh. "It's good to see that frozen face of yours." He was still as big and strong as ever, Ned found out the hard way.

As Robert hugged Ned, Catleyn curtsied to her Queen.

"It's good to see you again. My lady." She said smiling. But Lyanna was never one for formalities and embraced Catleyn just as she had done Ned. Catleyn's face grew red with embarrassment but smiled through it all. Lyanna moved onto the children next hugging and kissing them all one by one.

"Cat!" Robert smiled as he moved on from his friend to greet his wife. He hugged her the same way.

Just arriving now were Lyonel and Gendry with Barristan and Jaime, followed by Jory with his men and lastly the Royal Host itself.

"There they are!" Robert roared. He helped his sons off their horses and his daughter out of the wagon and showcased them to Ned. His pride and joy. They were the reason Lyanna had grown to love Robert so. Like Catleyn with Ned, she had her doubts in the beginning. But after the rebellion and the birth of their children and how much he loved them. He was such a big part of their lives and prided himself on everything they did. Whether it riding, sword fighting, hunting, Robert loved them more and more with each passing day. Lyanna too grew to love him because of that.

Ned watched as Jaime Lannister entered and dismounted off his horse. But he would not let the Kingslayer ruin this day for him. His Family was reunited after all this time apart.

"Shall I show you to your quarters your grace?" Ned asked. Robert slapped a hand on Ned's back and he led the way. The royal family being led by the Stark family, one by one into Winterfell.

Jon

Jon was not allowed at the high table with the trueborn children of the Starks and the Royal family. His brothers and sisters thought him a Stark, his aunt and uncle the King and Queen thought him a Stark, he was sure his own father thought it. But Lady Stark would not have a bastard sit with them, not this night.

He watched them come in once at a time. King Robert with his Queen Lyanna, Lord and Lady Stark. Then the children followed in pairs. Prince Lyonel with his cousin Sansa, Robb with little Bella, Arya and Gendry and finally Bran and Rickon walking side by side. The Kingsguard stood close by the family as they ate.

The children sat at a separate table alongside their parents. Eating and laughing. The Royal Children especially liked the Direwolves. Prince Lyonel did not fear them and played with eagerly, his siblings however took some convincing.

"There just like the dogs back home." He said. And that seemed to ease their minds.

Jon instead ate at the low tables with young squires. They spoke over wine about battles and beddings. Each story more interesting to the last than Jon. He wondered about such a life. A life of sword fighting, tournament, women, honor.

He ate with the Starks every other night, what was one night amongst a lifetime? But this only helped to remind him of what he was, a bastard. He did not blame Lady Stark, it was more of himself he was disappointed in. Knowing that he would always be in the shadow of his true-born brother Robb. Not as strong or handsome, nor with a noble name. He would inherit Winterfell, He would be Warden of the North and wield Ice.

Jon was broken from his thoughts by something bumping into his leg. Looking down he saw Ghost looking back at him, begging for food. Forgetting about Lords and educate Jon reached across the table and tossed what was left of the bird down at his wolf. Ghost ripped and tore as he ate at Jon's feet.

"Is that a real Direwolf?" A voice spoke from behind him. Jon turned around to see the familiar face of his uncle Benjen.

"Yes." He answered with a smile. "His name his Ghost." His uncle took a seat down next to the boy taking the wine cup from his hand as he did.

"Summer wine." He said after a sip." Nothing so sweet." Jon smiled. His uncle was dressed in all black as befitting a Brother of the Night's Watch. He had joined the Black Brotherhood shortly after the end of Robert's Rebellion. After Ned returned home victorious and alive with a growing Family Benjen voluntarily went into the order. And over these past fourteen years he'd risen to one of the highest position, First Ranger. " Very quiet Wolf." He commented as he saw Ghost watching him move around.

"That's why I named him Ghost." Jon told. "That and because he's white, the others are black or grey."

"There are still Direwolves beyond the wall. I've heard them on my ranging."

"What's it like Uncle? North of the Wall, and the Night's Watch."

"Colder and darker than it is here." Benjen replied honestly." But the Night's Watch is an honorable duty." Jon had heard his father say the same.

"Take me with you when you go back to the wall!" Jon said in a sudden rush. The wine suddenly made him grow bold." Father will give me leave if you ask, I'm sure of it." Uncle Benjen studied his face carefully.

"The wall is a hard place for a boy." He answered." Especially now, with Wilding encounters becoming more frequent."

"I'm almost a man grown." Jon quickly said." I'm good with a lance and as good with a sword as Robb. And I can ride just as well as he can."

"Good qualities." Benjen nodded. He refilled the cup of wine and took down a long, hard sip." You misunderstand Jon. The Night's Watch is a brotherhood, we will have no wives and father no children. Our wife is duty, our mistress is honor."

"A bastard can have honor to. "Jon said. He had often though of joining the Night's Watch, late at night while his brother's slept. Bran and Rickon would grow up to become Rob's bannermen. A bastard had no place among them. But in the Night's Watch he could forget his past and rise to a new status, maybe even as high as his Uncle to First Ranger or even Lord Commander." I will swear the Oath!" His Uncle went quiet for a few moments as he studied Jon's face. He reached out and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"If it means so much to you, I will talk to your Father about it. In the morning." Jon smiled a toothy smile.

"Thank you, Thank you Uncle Benjen."

"Don't thank me just yet." His uncle said." Wait to see what your father says, he might say differently than you'd think."

Eddard

Ned watched as his King and Best friend sat with a serving girl in his lap. She laughed and giggled at his jokes while he kept an arm wrapped around her waist. Ned grimaced. He had hoped that Robert had changed. That he was no longer the boy form the Vale, the boy who wanted to break men and bed girls. But it would seem he was still the same. With a grim face Ned turned to his sister and Queen.

"Lya." He whispered in her ear, getting her attention. She gave her brother a sideways glance." Robert is-" His sister stopped him with a gesture. Then she pointed to Robert and Ned watched in silence.

Robert continued to laugh with the girl in his lap. The girl giggled to as she reached a hand down low and to Robert's groin. The King froze at her touch. Lyanna smirked as Robert dismissed the girl angrily. A fierce wave of his hand. Ned turned back to his sister.

"How-" he began but stopped as Lyanna spoke.

"It's as you told me, Robert does love me. But it's like I told you, a man cannot change his nature. Robert enjoys his drinking and his groping, he is still a man with desires afterall. But he keeps his vows and keeps to my bed and mine alone." Ned smiled one of relieved, surprisingly enough it was true. Robert had given up his days of whoring women to be with the one he always wanted.

Ned suddenly felt a heavy hand on his shoulder and turned around to see Robert leaning down next to him.

"Come walk with me Ned." He said. "I need to talk with you." Ned nodded his reply. Robert walked by his Queen and kissed her, then excused himself to Catleyn. Then together the duo walked out of the dining hall and outside into the cold night. They walked along the walls of Winterfell, talking as they went.

"You've heard about Jon Arryn." Robert said. Ned nodded.

"How did he die?" Ned asked. Robert shook his head.

"I've never seen a man sicken so quickly. We gave a tourney on my son's name day. If you saw Jon then you would have sworn he'd live forever. A fortnight later he was dead. The sickness burned through him." He paused a moment." I loved that old man." He said solemnly.

"We both did." Ned said. Robert put a massive arm around Ned's shoulders and the two started walking." How does Lysa bare the loss?"

"Not well." Robert answered." Against my wishes she took her son and went back to the Eyrie. The boy is my namesake, did you know that. Robert Arryn." Ned nodded; it was the same with his own eldest son." I had hoped to foster him on Dragonstone with Stannis or at Casterly Rock with Tywin Lannister." The very mention of that name made Ned shake.

"The boy is very young." He said instead." Perhaps the mother feared of losing her son." Robert said nothing." And a new warden of the East will be needed." Robert shook his head.

"That is a conversation for another time." He said. He turned and wrapped an arm around Ned. "I think's it's time to tell you the true reason I came up here."

"For the joy of my company, surely." Ned answered. Robert smiled, showing his teeth through his great black beard. Robert stopped and turned to face his friend.

"Those were good times we had in the Eyrie all those years ago. I want you by my side again Ned in Kingslanding not up here where you're of no use to anyone." Ned looked deep into his friend's eyes." Keeping a throne is much harder than winning one. You're the only one Ned, the only one who can replace Jon. We were meant to rule together." Ned gulped slightly. Here it comes." Lord Eddard Stark, I would name you the Hand of the King."

Ned dropped to one knee immediately. The offer did not truly surprise him, what other reason could Robert have for coming all this way. Robert was offering him a responsibility as large as the realm itself.

"Your grace I am not worthy." Robert groaned with good-humored impatience.

"I'm not trying to honor you." He said." I'm trying to get you to run my kingdom while I eat, drink and fu-" He paused as Ned looked up and faced him. He forgot for a moment that Lyanna was Ned's sister." I don't expect your answer now. " He said helping Ned to his feet." We'll talk again after you've had time to think it over, in the morning perhaps."

"Very well your grace." Ned bowed his head.

"None of that!" Robert groaned." If I hear 'Your Grace' out of your mouth one more time, I'll have your head on a spike. We are more to each other than that." Robert broke into a hearty laugh and Ned chuckled along with him." Come! Let's get back to the feast!" The two headed back inside to see things, still the same as when they left it.

Robert walked back to the table but Ned split off at seeing his brother Benjen amongst the crowd and decided to go to him. But suddenly found his path blocked by the shining golden armor of a Kingsguard. Jaime Lannister.

"Your pardon." Ned said as he tried to walk past him.

"I hear we're going to be neighbors soon." Jaime spoke, stopping him. "I hope it's true."

"Yes." Ned sighed." The King has honored me with his offer."

"I'm sure we'll have a tournament to celebrate, if you accept. It'll be good to have you on the field. The competition's become stale lately."

"I don't fight in tournaments. "Ned said.

"No? Getting a little old for it?" Jaime whispered. Ned looked past the Kingslayer to see Robert had rejoined the table.

"I don't fight in tournaments." Ned repeated." Because when I fight a man for real. I don't want him to know what I can do." Jaime smirked.

"Well said." With that Ned left Jaime.

Jon

Jon spoke with his Uncle most of the night. The boy did not change his mind about the Night's watch. The stories of Wildlings did not frighten him. He could join, It seemed the only true option for him. He could not marry a high lady and inherit great amounts of land, but in the Night's Watch a bastard could shine. But as he'd soon learn there are more ways than one.

He'd just seen his father having a conversation with Jaime Lannsiter the Kingslayer. The man broke his oath and was considered by Jon, his father and nearly all the Seven Kingdoms as a disgrace to the Kingsguard, the most noble order in the realm.

Jon's eyes went from Jaime to the more noble Lord Commander Barristan Selmy. The Old Knight spoke to the Kingslayer with a cold look on his face. After that the golden haired man turned and exited the room. Since he was a boy Jon knew all the stories and songs of Barristan "The Bold" as well as the other famous Kingsguard.

Ser Gerold Hightower known as "The White Bull" for his great strength in his prime. Arthur Dayne the Sword of the Morning with the great sword Dawn. His own father had slain him in combat with the help of Howland Reed, though Jon had never heard the full story.

Prince Aemon the Dragonknight and Ser Duncan the Tall, perhaps two of the most well-known Kingsguard of all time. These men were glorified in the stories and songs depicting their great deeds in service of their king. Jon knew them all from stories by Old Nan or from his own Father.

"The finest knights in the Seven Kingdoms." His father told him." A shining lesson to the world." They were men of honor, integrity and courage. And that's when Jon had an idea.

He eyed Ser Barristan and Arys from across the room as the two stood nearby the King. Ser Arys stood on the left end of the table where Jon's siblings and cousins say while Ser Barristan had returned to his post, by the side of the King and Queen.

Slowly Jon built up his courage and walked across the room, towards the two. He thought talking to Ser Arys would be more practical, thinking the younger knight would understand his plight more than any other.

"Ser Arys." Jon addressed him.

"Yes." He said turning his eyes from the children and to the boy. He was tall with brown hair to his shoulders and an attractive face. The wine made Jon nervous but it also made him bold. He gulped both down and spoke.

"How long have you been in the Kingsguard?" Ser Arys told him he was nineteen when he joined the Elite Order, his predecessor having died during the Greyjoy Rebellion. He'd proved his worth in jousting and melee tournaments alike, getting the attention of the King. Arys did not mind the conversing with the young man but every few words he would glance at the royal family.

"What does it take to join the Kingsguard?" Jon asked.

"You must be an anointed knight." The young man replied." There are only seven spots on the Kingsguard, each chosen by the King himself." The two were suddenly joined by another.

"Ser Arys." Lord Commander Barristan appeared between them." Have you forgotten your duty?" He spoke casually but there was sternness to his voice. He had just finished conversing with his other sworn brother. He'd seen the Kingslayer antagonizing Lord Stark and Ser Barristan sought to make sure the Kingsguard did not dishonor their hosts. One of those ways being ignoring their post. Ser Arys perked up as the old knight stood before him.

"The King and Queen have nothing to fear from my family." Jon said.

"The Young Stark was asking about the Kingsguard." Arys told his voice shaking slightly.

"Can a bastard join?" Jon blurted out. Both Kingsguard turned and looked at Jon now.

"Any man is welcome to the Kingsguard." Barristan nodded." Highborn or Low. He need only possess the skill and the moral character necessary."

"I'm good with a lance and as good with a sword as my brother Robb. And I can ride as well as him." He said exactly the same way he said to his Uncle.

"Do you wish to be a Knight of the Kingsguard?" Barristan asked him. Jon beamed with pride. He realized now joining the Kingsguard would be much better than joining the Night's Watch. He wouldn't have to go to the frozen lands over the wall where there were nothing but strangers but go to the sunny south where he had family with him. No one would remember him as Eddard Stark's bastard or Robb Stark's brother, he'd be known as Jon Snow of the Kingsguard.

"I do." He answered quick as a flash.

"You wouldn't know what you be giving up." Barristan said." We father no children in the Kingsguard. Take no wives and hold no lands. It's a hard price what we pay but we pay it none the same. But a boy of your age couldn't understand." But Jon's mind was made up, just as it had been earlier with his Uncle.

"I will swear the vows!" Jon said in a heartbeat." I cannot inherit Winterfell. And I will never father a bastard. I will swear your oath! "Barristan looked at the boy with a warm smile.

"I will speak with your Lord Father." He replied." And we will see what he has to say." The same thing his Uncle Benjen said yet still Jon had a boyish grin on his face, from ear to ear.