Ninth Month of 285 A.C. Winterfell
Eddard Stark
It was good to be home, it had been nearly four years since he had last been home, and by the gods was it good to be back. It was nice to be back amongst the familiarity of the walls and the people that made Winterfell, to feel the cold air on his face and to know that it was true northern air and not false southern air. He had missed it dearly, and was truly sad that Brandon and Lyanna were not there to join him in his enjoyment, or that his father and nephew were not present either or that his mother was not. But they were in the south now in the middle of the scheming and the treachery that was King's Landing, and if he were being honest with himself, that was not something he truly envied them.
No he liked being back in Winterfell and this time having a wife and two sons- two sons!- to share it with. His eldest son Robb was two years old now and would wander around on somewhat steady legs as he chattered away and explored the keep and the grounds around it. His second son Rickon was but a babe but was tottering after his brother as well trying to keep up, much as Ned had done with Brandon when they were babes. Ned delighted in showing them the keep and all the things around it. The people of Winterfell were of course delighted to help as well telling little tales about this and that, and Old Nan who had been here for as long as anyone could remember continued to weave her magic for Robb and Rickon. As for Catelyn, well things were growing better between them, they were speaking about various things, and they knew one another somewhat better now than they had done all those moons ago.
The last of the northern lords had now returned to their keeps and homes and their own wives, and so Ned and the people of Winterfell could breathe somewhat easily. Though there were a few things that needed to be discussed and that was why he had come to meet with Maester Luwin who had replaced the ailing Walys Flowers, it had been Luwin who had delivered both Robb and Rickon in Riverrun and as such had picked up the hard work the old maester had left behind. Ser Rodrik Cassel was also present for this meeting and so Ned spoke first. "Now that the lords of the north have returned to their homes, we must look to see how much this feasting has cost us and where we shall find the funds to replenish our coffers especially with the need for funds to build the town on the mouth of Sea Dragon River."
Luwin speaks then his voice calm and composed. "That is indeed a key issue and with winter holding the kingdoms in its grip right now, there are many methods that cannot be used to replenish the coffers. They are not completely empty though, and as such some money can be set aside for aiding the development of the town. Furthermore with the crown contributing towards its development that should be no issue. As to how to replenish those funds that have since gone, raising taxes ever so slightly might do the trick."
Ned protest. "They have just fought in two wars over a period of four years maester. They are not going to wish to pay more taxes. If anything that will make them question where the good sense has gone from Winterfell. No there must be another way to replenish the coffers."
The maester considers this and then says. "It might be a good idea to begin looking to trading with the Watch and the wildlings beyond the wall. There are things that could be done to ensure we give them the materials they need in return for enough coin to make the balance return."
Ned considers this for a moment and then says. "It could be done. Winters have always been harder for the Watch than for the rest of the north. Especially under Lord Qorgyle, there might be a need for them to have more weapons and food. Competent prices can be charged and can be brought in. What say you Ser Rodrik? Do you think the watch will be willing?"
The old grizzled knight the brother of his father's steward Martyn nods and says. "Aye my lord, I believe that to be the smart move. The right move to make. The wildlings are another matter though something that is best left alone."
Ned nods and then asks maester Luwin. "What more has been occurring since we last met maester?"
"There has been a raven from the Rills. From Lord Ryder, it seems he is interested in discussing a marriage between Lord Benjen and his daughter Maria." The maester replies.
"A marriage?" Ned asks somewhat dumbfounded. "But Benjen…."
"Is sixteen my lord. A man grown and someone who is old enough and wise enough to make his own decisions and more than capable of doing so as he showed whilst yourself and your lord father were away." Ser Rodrik says.
"And he has been considering going to the Night's Watch my lord," Luwin adds. "With the plans you know your father has for the town being built on the western coast, it would be essential that Benjen be convinced not to head north to the wall. Better to have him here and committed to remaining here until the town is complete."
Ned feels somewhat uncomfortable with this and says. "I shall speak to Ben about it but I do not feel right doing this."
Ser Rodrik and Maester Luwin both nod their acceptance. And then Luwin speaks. "There is also the issue of Lord Farwynd. Some of the northern lords have been expressing something coming towards concern regarding his worship of this Grey King."
Ned sighs then. "I have spoken with Lord Triston and he assures me that this worship of his is harmless. And he does not mean to spread it. Besides the north has been tolerant of other faiths, more so than the south. I do not see why this could be an issue?"
Luwin runs his hands together and says. "It is more a concern being voiced by Lady Flint of Flint's Finger. As she has agreed to allow Lord Farwynd to spend some time in her keep whilst his own gets rebuilt. She worries that his worship of the Grey King might be corrupting her daughter, and with the recent storm against the Ironborn worries about the backlash this could bring."
"I can understand her concern. But Triston is a man of honour and he will not try to do anything that would break the trust Lady Flint has shown him. If she has doubts she can ask him, and after that if she continues to have her doubts I shall speak with her." Ned says
Both men nod and then when it becomes clear there is not much left to discuss they bow and leave. Benjen enters the solar soon after they have left. His brother is a man grown now, tall and somewhat muscular, growing a beard as well, making him look more like Brandon. His voice is nervous though when he speaks. "You wished to speak with me Ned?"
"Aye, sit down Ben." Ned says seriously. Once his brother has sat down Ned takes a sip of water and then speaks once more. "When I first returned from the war we agreed that we would talk about your future when the time was right. That time is now. I would know if you still wish to join the Watch."
His brother is silent a long time and then eventually replies. "I am a man grown Ned. My decision is not yours to make or comment on. That is how our laws work."
"I know that Ben. I am not trying to influence your decision I am merely trying to ask what you wish for yourself." Ned says.
His brother pauses and considers this for a long time. Nothing is said between them for a long while, and when his brother speaks his voice is uncertain. "I do not know what I want Ned. I want to make up for what I did and for causing Brandon's death. I want to have a family and I want what you and Cat have Ned. But I do not know what it is that I want."
Ned feels for his brother and it is that he supposes that makes him say. "You do not have to decide just now Ben. You might be a man grown, but the wall will still be there tomorrow, or even next year. Wait for a time and then see how you feel. You never know one thing might dominate the other. And besides you do not need to repent for Brandon's death, for you played no part in it. It was his own foolishness that was the cause."
Ben looks at him somewhat shocked by the harshness of the last part of that statement and it is this he supposes that makes Ben ask. "I heard Lord Ryder had been writing to you Ned. I know that he is not a powerful Lord, but his daughter is quite nice and friendly. I would not mind spending more time with Serena."
Ned nods and says. "I can speak with him about it and see what he says."
Ben nods and leaves, leaving Ned alone with his thoughts and concerns. There are so many things plaguing his mind right now that he is not sure which ones to give the most importance to. The issues over the treasury are of course a major concern but something that should be easily resolved. Then there is his own relationship with his wife that must be developed, as he wishes for the company, and then there is Ben and that whole issue. Gods he does not know what to do.
A knock on the door disturbs him from his thoughts and he calls for whoever it is to come in. he is surprised to find himself looking at his wife, her hair down as he likes it, and her face somewhat flushed. "My lady, is all alright?" he asks.
His wife nods and says. "I merely wished to see if you were okay my lord. I know you have spoken to Benjen, for I saw him in the hall as I walked passed, he seemed to be deep in thought."
"Aye, we had a discussion about some things that I am sure he would rather we did not." Ned responds. There is silence between them then and after a moment Ned asks. "Forgive me my lady, please take a seat and tell me what you have been doing."
His wife sits down then and sighs, before responding. "I have been with Robb and Rickon Ned." That she calls him Ned just as easily as he can call her Cat shows that improvements have been made and he feels his hear beat quickly, hope blooming. "I do not know how two small children can have so much energy." She smiles slightly then and Ned feels his heart begin to beat a bit faster, gods she is so beautiful. "But thankfully they are sleeping now. Which makes it easier to come to speak with you about the news I have."
"News my lady?" Ned asks. Worry beginning to creep in. "What… what is wrong?"
"Nothing is wrong my lord," his wife says a smile on her face. "This is good news my lord. Very good news." She pauses a moment and then says. "Ned I believe I am with child."
Silence as Ned thinks this through, he is shocked both at this and just how quickly it has come about. "Are you certain my lady?"
His wife nods. "Very certain my lord. I have not bled for nearly three moons now."
Ned feels his heart begin to beat even faster, he stands then and walks to his wife, he takes her into his arms and begins kissing her. She responds eagerly and soon they have to break for air, both breathless. He looks at her then and feels some sort of unnamed emotion between them, his voice is heavy with emotion when he says. "That is wonderful, wonderful news Catelyn."