Chapter 5: Last preparations before night

Summary:

As night is falling, Marc gives some last advices before leaving. Eddard ponders on the discussion he just had.

Chapter Text

Hearing his words full of understanding and empathy, I looked at him with relief and thankfulness. "I… I thank you, my lord.

Eddard's eyes were still softened as he spoke with a determined yet appreciative tone, "No, it is I who thank you, Marc. Your words brought insights I would need and you gave me your unwavering support while you have no reason to do so, even as a reward to my protection. I will consider all of your advice carefully and take the necessary steps to protect my family to the best of my abilities."

As I listened to his words, a sense of gratitude welled up within me. Gratefulness for the trust he had placed in me, a stranger from another world, and for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the Stark family. It was also relief, as even though he listened to me, there was no guarantee he would have considered them.

With a mix of determination and concern, I responded, "I know you'll do it, especially now that you have a glimpse of what awaits you in King's Landing."

My gaze met Eddard's, and I couldn't help but feel a tinge of regret that I wasn't able to provide him with more tangible support. "I just wish I'd had more time to deliver you something that would have been more helpful for the incoming weeks and moons," I sighed. "The only thing I can do beyond telling you these key information is to deliver you a written report of my advises, but I am not used to quills or parchment, meaning I'd need either you or your steward to write these notes."

Eddard considered my words for a moment, then nodded. "Very well. I will have my steward assist you in writing down your advices in the morning. I feel having them written would help me."

I nodded in agreement, grateful for his willingness to document the knowledge I could provide. "Thank you, Lord Stark. Having a written record will ensure that the information is preserved and can be referenced whenever needed. It is my hope that it will aid you in protecting your family and facing the challenges of King's Landing."

Eddard's expression was serious, but a hint of gratitude shone in his eyes. "Your dedication to our cause is remarkable. You have shown selflessness and a genuine concern for the well-being of my family. I cannot express my gratitude enough."

"I am honored to be of assistance," I replied, my voice filled with sincerity. "I may be a stranger to Westeros, but your family's safety is paramount, and I will do everything in my power to help ensure it."

As our conversation drew to a close, we both understood the weight of the decisions that lay ahead. Eddard would protect his family with the knowledge I had provided, and I would continue to offer guidance and support as best I could. Together, we would face the challenges of Westeros, armed with knowledge and determination.

I then said, "I think the hour is late and I know you are wary and exhausted by the days you spent looking for Arya. You need to process what you have just learnt and if I were you, to reconsider everything I said. I don't mean it to belittle my word or to make you renegade your promise on sending me to Winterfell, but you'll make better decision once you consider with attention and reflection everything you've heard:"

Eddard listened intently to my words, his brow furrowed in deep thought. After a moment, he spoke with a mix of gratitude and consideration. "You're right. The hour is late, and I have much to ponder. Your advice has given me much to consider, and I will take the time to reflect on it all."

I nodded, acknowledging his need for time and reflection. As I prepare to take my leave, I share my final advice with Eddard, with a slight revision from my initial statement:

"Before I depart, I would like to give you two last pieces of advice."

The northerner lord furrowed his eyebrows but nodded.

"My first one is the following one: if it is possible, consider contacting Syrio Forel and see if he can come to Winterfell to give Arya Water Dancing lessons. It would not only benefit Arya but also offer a unique perspective from a former sword of Braavos for your sons. If, however, it is not feasible to bring him to Winterfell for training, another option could be to seek his help in protecting Sansa. Despite not being a knight, his past as the First Sword of Braavos makes him a remarkable fighter. In the stories, his heroic sacrifice allows Arya to escape, as he single-handedly takes on four guards and Meryn Trant, a member of the Kingsguard, armed only with a wooden sword.", I told him

Eddard pondered both possibilities, taking his time to consider their implications. He stroked his beard thoughtfully and then finally spoke up, "The idea of Syrio Forel training Arya in Water Dancing is indeed intriguing, especially considering the future you depicted in those stories. Arya could greatly benefit from such training, and it would provide a unique learning experience for my sons as well."

He then continued, "On the other hand, the notion of seeking Syrio's help in protecting Sansa is equally compelling. If he could hold off multiple opponents with just a wooden sword, he would undoubtedly be a formidable defender for Sansa."

Eddard's expression shows the weight of his decision. After a moment of contemplation, he looked at me with a resolute gaze. "I will explore both options. If Syrio is willing and able to come to Winterfell, I will eagerly welcome him as a teacher for Arya. If not, I will seek his aid in ensuring Sansa's protection. Either way, I am grateful for this advice, and I will do what I can to make it a reality."

I nodded, glad that the northerner lord seemed to consider the idea. "I am aware it may not be guaranteed he accept, but it is worth the effort. Sometimes, in trying, great things can be achieved."

Eddard nodded, seeming more determined now. I however couldn't help but notice that his eyes also seemed concern and wary. Sensing that he had something on his mind, I gently asked, "Is something troubling you, my lord?"

Eddard hesitated for a moment before responding, "It's just... Arya training in fight of any sort, it's not something that sits entirely well with me. She reminds me so much of my sister Lyanna, and I fear for her safety. But she has the wolf's blood and it will be very difficult to forbide her to do what she wants."

I nodded, acknowledging his feelings and the weight of his past memories. "I understand your concerns, Lord Stark. The world I come from is quite different from yours, and in my world, allowing children to explore their interests and talents is considered to be a healthy approach to their development. However, I also understand that your world has its own customs and traditions, some of them old of thousands of years."

Eddard looked at me, still uncertain but willing to listen. I continued, "While Arya may remind you of Lyanna, she is also her own person with her own strengths and desires. Water Dancing could be a means for her to build her skills, confidence, and independence. Moreover, it may not be a bad thing to have her learn self-defense, considering the dangerous times we live in."

"Robb will watch over her once she is back in Winterfell, but you are right that it won't be a bad see for her to be able to defend herself," Eddard admitted as he was thinking of the way the incident between his daughter and the prince had been depicted by her and how I pointed out the implications.

"I completely understand, my lord," I reassured him. "If you decide to go ahead with this, I promise to do my best to help Arya thrive while respecting the boundaries and rules of your world. I have no desire to disrupt the balance here, but rather, I hope to offer a unique perspective that may benefit your family."

I then added, "However, you must be aware she won't be a lady, not in the traditional meaning of the word here. I won't prevent her from thriving in her path, even though I will help her to find her balance. Otherwise, the result would be either her being even more rebellious and making a move like your late sister or being a broken and soulless thing. Do you really want to snuff out the life of your daughter for the sake of tradition?"

Eddard's expression grew serious as he processed my words, thinking back to Lyanna and considering the other alternative. He took a moment to respond, considering the implications of my counsel. "You speak truth, and it is a difficult one to confront," he said somberly. "I have seen the fire and determination in Arya, and I know she is not like other girls her age. Your insights are valuable, and I do not wish to suppress her spirit or her potential."

He sighed heavily, his concern as a father evident. "But the path of martial training is fraught with danger, and I fear for her safety and her future. The world can be cruel to those who defy conventions, and as much as I want her to find her own way, I cannot help but worry about the consequences, especially in finding her place."

"I understand your concerns, Lord Stark," I responded, empathy in my voice. "Arya's journey will not be without its challenges, but by allowing her to explore her interests, you may also be giving her the tools to navigate those challenges. Water Dancing could empower her, and I know that Syrio Forel is a capable and honorable teacher."

Eddard nodded, acknowledging the validity of my point. "You have given me much to ponder, and I am grateful for your candid advice. It is a lot to take in, but I believe I needed this perspective from an outsider like yourself."

"As always, my lord, the final decision rests with you," I said with a respectful nod. "I am here to offer guidance, and I will do my utmost to assist you and your family in any way I can."

I felt glad that he accepted my insights concerning Arya, though a bit of me was wondering if I wasn't a bit hypocritical in saying I wouldn't disrupt the balance since my actions would create ripples in the status quo in Westeros. And I knew that while I would try to balance with Westerosi social frame, I wouldn't restrict Arya, especially since being a cultivated man and a foreigner from an unknown place could arouse the young girl's curiosity, not to mention the fact I didn't treat her like a lady during the whole evening, which would make me in her eyes someone worthy to know beyond my intervention to defend her. A part of me dreamt to be some kind of mentor for her, but I knew it would greatly depend on many things, including how the bond between her and me would thrive and how the rest of her family would perceive me and accept me, especially her mother. While the timeline gave me an advantage to prevent Catelyn to try to get in the way to stop a foreign lowborn to influence her daughter, I knew that sooner or later, I would have to prove my worth to her. I inwardly sighed because while I was not severe on Catelyn Stark regardless of her deeds or of her relation to Jon, I knew her upbringing and her concern for her children could make her someone that would try to prevent me to bring whatever influence I would have in her family. I tried to chase away those thoughts as it was only speculations that were to prove and I knew that incoming events could force her to make compromises, though I was glad I was not Walder Frey with his Mob methods or Petyr Baelish and his ersatz of Palpatine moves even though my own position made me close to him to some extent in manner of social standing.

Unaware of my thoughts, Eddard asked me, "And the other advice?"

I took a deep breath to answer him, though I was glad of his question as it allowed me to chase away my current feelings.

"During your journey to King's Landing and in your tenure of hand of the king, ask to people around you and to the servants in the Red Keep about Joffrey to have a better idea of who he is beyond his appearance. I know you want the best for your children and even if what you will hear is either rumor or half-truth and lie, it will at least give you an idea on how the prince is perceived in the Red Keep."

Eddard's expression grew grave as he considered my second piece of advice. The mention of Joffrey and the disturbing image I presented clearly struck a chord within him, especially with everything that had been said. He nodded slowly, his eyes narrowing with a mix of concern and determination.

"Thank you for your cautionary words," he replied, his voice tinged with a hint of worry. "I will heed your advice and seek more information about Joffrey. It is essential that I have a better understanding of his character and the potential dangers he may pose, especially considering his betrothal to Sansa."

Eddard's words revealed his deep sense of responsibility as a father and protector. He understood the potential risks involved in his daughter's betrothal and recognized the need to gather more information to ensure her safety. The northerner thought again about the fact he might reflect upon breaking the betrothal should he find out awful things on Joffrey in regards of what he had seen this evening and how I presented the young man.

I nodded gravely, hoping it would help him in King's Landing while apprehending I did too much. I then shifted the conversation slightly. "On another note, Lord Stark, as I am not officially part of your household yet and Winterfell is not our current location, may I inquire where I will be accommodated for the night?"

Eddard considered my question for a moment, then replied, "I will have my steward, Vayon Poole, assist you in settling in."

I nodded, appreciating his arrangements. "Thank you, Lord Stark. I appreciate your hospitality and the assurance of safety. I will await Vayon Poole's guidance."

Eddard concluded our conversation, his voice filled with gratitude. "Rest well, Marc. We will speak again in the morning. Your insights and presence are truly valued. Just do not walk away too much."

With a nod of acknowledgement, I replied, "I won't. Thank you, Lord Stark. May you have a restful evening."

And with that, I left the room and saluted Jory Cassel. As I moved in the corridor to await Vayon Poole, I felt exhausted by the whole discussion, even though I was no stranger for speaking a lot, for both my good and detriment. A part of me still wondered if it was relevant and smart of making such moves with all the restraints and challenges that lord Stark will have, not to mention the fact he might still dismiss my words. I reject such self-distrust as I couldn't allow it to plague me in such a place.

Alone in the room after my departure, Eddard called for Jory.

"Yes, my lord?", the knight asked.

"Summon Vayon Poole, Jory," Ned requested.

"Yes, my lord", the captain nodded before leaving the room to fulfill his task. Eddard knew that Vayon, his trusted steward, would assist in finding a suitable room for Marc for the night. As he waited for Vayon's arrival, Eddard found himself deep in thought.

The events of the evening had left the northerner lord astonished and questioning his own judgments and beliefs. Hearing Marc claiming to be from another world called Earth and possessing knowledge of his world through stories was unbelievable. If it wasn't for the foreigner's bold intervention to defend Arya, the fact that he asked for Eddard's protection after Arya had advised him to do so, or his bold use of an oath, Eddard would have dismissed the claims as those of a mad man trying to carve his path in his service. Eddard decided to humour Marc, wondering how he would prove his claims, even though he was impressed by the fact that Marc was ready to take the Black in case of failure. Such a bold pledge intrigued him as either a very mad man or someone who believed what he said would take such a risk. And yet, the clothes, the unknown tongue, and more crucially, the specific details Marc had revealed about his promise to Lyanna and the circumstances surrounding the discovery of the direwolf pups, had left Eddard unable to dismiss the claims outright.

While Marc spoke a lot and shared similarities with the people in the South, Eddard also noted his self-doubts and uncertainties, the fear of fooling or wronging him, and the desire to do right. All these elements pushed him to grant some trust in Marc, even though he was cautious and wary. The idea that his world was depicted in stories from another place and that future events were depicted in those tales was particularly disturbing and mind-blowing. A part of him was still in denial of such a possibility, while the other part was wondering what it implied and if everything he believed to be true was false or an illusion. He tried to chase away such disturbing thoughts and focused on what had been discussed to ponder on them.

As Eddard reflected on Marc's character and values, he recognized that he seemed to be a man of honour and duty. Marc's words and actions had resonated with him, particularly his emphasis on honesty and sincerity. Eddard had noticed the ease with which Marc had connected with Arya after his intervention, and he sensed a genuine concern for his family's well-being through Marc's concern and depictions, but also his daring propositions of risking Eddard's safety. A part of the Hand wondered how much he could trust Marc, and yet he couldn't decipher deceit in his eyes, much more some kind of candour like he could see in Sansa, except in a tempered demeanour and mixed with a reasoning that would make the man a formidable advisor or lord in other circumstances. His wariness was fortified with how Marc depicted Joffrey and Cersei. A part of him was tempted to send Sansa back to Winterfell along with her sister. But he relented on this thought, aware that his friend wouldn't understand his change of mind, even less if it was revealed it was Marc who defended Arya and publicly denounced the prince as a liar and dangerous. And as he had promised to ensure Marc's protection, he couldn't allow that.

A part of him was wary of how Marc handled the information and suspected he knew more than he let out from his conflicting and hesitant demeanour in some instances. He wanted to ask more, but tiredness and the events of the night made him stop on this desire as the need to grasp everything he had learnt tonight was stronger. He also understood a bit why Marc couldn't tell him everything. Marc's words in comparing his situation to Eddard's situation concerning Jon's true parentage were maybe a bit bold, but he could imagine, in spite of his reservations, the disastrous impacts of releasing information without thinking upon it. Others he would have accused of being craven, turncoats, or deceitful, but he could not be so certain with Marc, notably because he acknowledged the fact that urgency and circumstances make the delivery of all the relevant information complicated. He, however, hoped that Marc would give such knowledge to help his son and perhaps to him if they found a way to exchange on it without attracting unwanted attention.

The Lord of Winterfell understood the gravity of the situation and the importance of making informed decisions. Marc's knowledge of the political landscape in King's Landing and his willingness to offer guidance had sparked a glimmer of hope within Eddard. He realized that Marc could potentially become a valuable advisor for his family, despite being a stranger from another world. However, Eddard also acknowledged the need for caution and further evaluation of Marc's abilities and motives, even though it would be his son that would be the first judge of these abilities.

His thoughts turned to the messages that needed to be sent to Winterfell. Robb, his eldest son and the current Lord of Winterfell in his absence, needed to be informed of Arya's return and Marc's arrival. Eddard wanted to ensure that Robb understood the significance of Marc's presence and the role he had played in defending Arya. It was essential to maintain open lines of communication within his family, especially during these uncertain times. He was also thinking of Marc's last advice, considering the advantages, but also wary of allowing Arya to pursue further in her love for fight, even with Marc's reassurances. He let out a sigh, the weight of the last days being heavy on his shoulders.

He considered the possibilities that lay ahead. He had been thrust into a world of political intrigue and danger, and he needed all the allies and information he could gather. Marc's presence provided an unexpected opportunity, and Eddard was determined to make the most of it, especially as they were to part paths soon. Marc's advice resonated inside him, even though the perspective of separating Arya from him and sending her back to Winterfell was a bitter perspective.

He heard knocks at the door and the voice of Jory Cassel, "Vayon is there, my lord." "Let him in," the northerner lord said.

Soon after, Vayon Poole entered the room, his expression respectful and attentive.

"You called for me, my lord?" he inquired. Eddard nodded.

"Indeed, Vayon. I need you to help our guest, Marc, to provide him with a guest chamber among the rooms that Lord Darry assigned to us for the night. He has offered his assistance, and it is only proper that we extend our hospitality."

Vayon bowed his head in acknowledgment.

"As you wish, my lord. I will find him and make the necessary arrangements."

Eddard appreciated Vayon's efficiency and dedication.

"Thank you, Vayon. And once you have settled Marc, I need you to send messages to Winterfell. Inform Robb of Arya's return and the arrival of our guest. Stress the importance of his role in protecting Arya and the insights Marc may provide. We must remain united and vigilant."

Vayon nodded, understanding the significance of the task.

"I will handle it personally, my lord. Winterfell shall be informed promptly."

Eddard expressed his gratitude with a nod.

"Very well, Vayon. Carry out your duties diligently, and ensure our guest is comfortable."

With that, Vayon Poole left to fulfill his assignments, and Eddard settled back into his thoughts. The challenges before him were immense, but with the newfound knowledge and potential ally in Marc, he felt a glimmer of hope for the future of his family and the North.

A.N.:

The conclusion of the introductory arc with this long discussion between Eddard Stark and the MC. Like the previous chapters, a mix of ChatGPT (main text and additions), of rewrite and personal additions (with the new help of repetition checking logicials).

The advice on Syrio was present in the first draft, but had known two rewrite to develop all posssibilities. The advice of convincing the man of going North was in the very first draft, but thanks notably to a discussion, I found that having Syrio as a potential protector for Sansa would work, especially in regards of pratical choices. In short, the MC expresses both the "fan" advice and the "pragmatic" one.

The "last advices" is something that came to my mind, partly because I am something who tends wanting to share as much as I can. And in the context of the MC, the first is tied to his advice on sending back Arya to Winterfell, creating a continuity.

The advice on enquiring on Joffrey may be risky, but it was something that left me pondering about the potentiality, especially with the complex situation in the Red Keep. While there is no doubt that there are part of the servants that are tied to the Lannisters or to Varys and Petyr Baelish, others are likely people of the Crownlands whose loyalty is more blurred. And I also thought that lies reveal as much as the truth, just not in the same manner. And with the potential rumours of how the prince was "humiliated" by a commoner that escaped his wrath, you can imagine there would be people that would take delight in such rumours... Finally, as I didn't mention anything on his parentage or his mother's secret, my advice can be perceived as a way for Eddard to determine if the prince is really worthy of Sansa. While the incident with Arya is a red flag, it is not necessarily enough because contrary to the people of the Red Keep, the Starks are not aware of his tendencies, just the fact he is petty and arrogant (except for Sansa who might be in denial and Eddard was kind of the excuse "the prince is young").

As you have noticed, there is in a certain manner the first interlude in this fanfiction. I wanted to develop it because believed that after such a discussion, a man like Eddard Stark would find himself pondering what had been discussed, trying to make sense of all of it and to understand the whole extent of what he had learnt and how he perceived his interlocutor. I tried to depict with the help of ChatGPT and my own additions the whole complexity of his emotions on the matter.

Initially, the "interlude" was : Eddard's thoughts_Eddard asking Jory Cassel to summon Vayon_ Eddard speaking to Vayon. But I changed the narrative order because I I considered it didn't make sense for Eddard to wait before asking the presence of his steward as finding me a room for the night in Darry Castle would be a bit of a priority. Because I know thoughts took "less" time than actions in a timeframe, I put them as the second part of the "interlude".

A part of me is still a bit uncertain of how I developped this "interlude" because while I believe that the steward would be the best choice for finding a room for the MC, the way I developped it in the first place had some imperfections that I made modify afterwards in regards of your comments and suggestions on the matter.

A teaser: the next chapter is settling for the night and a "dreamy" visit...

Have a good reading !