2 Chapter 02 - An Old Stranger

Ned Stark started his day as usual, waking up beside his beautiful wife Catelyn Stark né Tully, who even after five children was still as beautiful and charming as ever. Despite not having married for love, Ned came to know and love his wife during the years they lived together.

Ned got up slowly from the bed and after one last look at his wife's naked body and a simple kiss on her forehead, he headed to his office where he would devote his full attention to the daily reports that his servants and other lords of the north would send to his review while waiting for your response.

And so the morning goes by, and after a quick lunch held right there in his office, Ned continues his work until.

Toc toc. A knock on the door distracts him, little does he know that the reason for this knock will save him and his family someday, but that's a matter for the very, very distant future...probably...after all winter is coming.

''In between. (Ned)''

Jory Cassel, nephew of Ser Rodrick Cassel, walks into the office and gets right down to business.

''Good afternoon Lord Stark, I come to inform you that an old stranger has just arrived in winterfell and is asking for an audience with you. (Jory)''

''What can you tell me about this old Jory, since it's weird for a simple old man to catch the attention of my captain of the guard. (Ned)''

''Something about him is strange, my lord, despite his seemingly frail appearance and gentle smile. (Jory)''

'' I have a feeling he could kill me and the whole guard before we could even react and that without him even addressing me, my lord, just looking at him gave me such a feeling. (Jory)''

''You make me curious, Jory, bring this old stranger to meet me then. (Ned)''

''But before that, what's his name Jory? (Ned)''

''Gandalf, my lord, his name is Gandalf the White. (Jory)''

And so, leaving a curious Ned Stark behind, Jory leaves the room to fetch Gandalf and lead him to his meeting with Lord Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell, and Lord Paramont of the North.

After a few seconds of silent thoughts, Ned waits distractedly for the arrival of Jory and his strange and curious visitor, wondering what this person could want from winterfell, someone capable of making a man like Jory afraid of a capable warrior who's been with him for more than some battles and saw in several times the death up close.

Toc.Toc.

Turning towards the door while straightening his shoulders and regaining the calm, emotionless look he always maintains when faced with work or war situations. Holding the hilt of his sword close to his leg, he authorizes the entry of his loyal guard captain.

''Please enter. (Ned)''

''My lord, I am back, and I have your guest Mr. Gandalf the White with me. (Jory)''

Ned watches the man following Jory with inquisitive and analytical eyes. Behind Jory can be seen a rather tall slender old man with white skin blue eyes and a long snow-white beard and dressed in white maester-like robes. It gives Ned the impression that his name couldn't be more in keeping with such an eccentric character.

In addition, his pointed hat and staff rarely seen in the North or anywhere in the Westeros further heighten Ned's curiosity for the unknown man.

'' Sit down please Mr. Gandalf the White, Jory you can leave for now, I'll call if you need anything. (Ned)''

As the whole situation unfolds, Gandalf also watches Eddard Stark, the man he has been hearing about since arriving in this strange land covered with ice and barren lands. So similar and also so similar to his old home, the middle earth. Gandalf's first impression of the man is that he is a serious man, someone focused on his work but dedicated to serving the needy with nobility and honor.

Gandalf the White once called Gandalf the Gray lived for countless so many years that he does not even remember for sure, he struggled for years looking for ways to defeat the great evil of Sauron. That Gandalf had now only craved peace and tranquility for a few years. And so he traveled north to where he remembered there was an ancient circle of strange stones which he wished to study.

Now here in front of Eddard Stark, Gandalf once again thinks about how his curiosity got the better of him.

''I heard you wanted a meeting with me Mr. Gandalf, although I would like to know the reason for such a meeting first I need you to tell me where you come from and a little about yourself if possible. (Ned)''

With his bright eyes and his trademark Gandalf the White smile, he liked to look at Lord Stark's straightforward attitude.

''Lord Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell, Lord Paramont of the North, as you have been told Gandalf the White is called an Istari Mage belonging to the Maiar race, though you have probably never heard of it. (Gandalf)''

''I come from a distant land called Middle Earth, how I got here is beyond my knowledge and life experiences. But if there's anything I can tell you, it's that my curiosity got the better of me again. (Gandalf)''

Hearing the words and watching Gandalf smile brings Eddad Stark doubts and a little curiosity about what he has been told so far.

Doubts that Gandalf refers to himself as a mage, as well as citing a land he has never heard of before.

As Eddard thought about what he was told, Gandalf watched his face for reactions that would reveal his thoughts. That silence was broken by Eddard's awakening.

''Mr. Gandalf although I have not heard of the Middle-earth you refer to, I have never heard that it does not exist, so until proven otherwise I will take your word for it. (Eddard)''

''As for naming him as a magician, I think you can demonstrate a little magic for me, and so we can move on with this conversation, yes? (Eddad)''

At the request Gandalf began to smile as he stretched his right hand across the desk of the office in his hand a green flame ignited causing Eddard's eyes to glow, and he smiled for the first time since Gandalf entered his office.

''Mister Wizard Mr. Gandalf the White it is my pleasure to welcome you to Winterfell, now tell me what I can do for you? (Eddard)''

''At the moment Lord Stark I come to you in search of shelter and knowledge of this land unknown to me, and in return I offer you my advice and friendship should you consider them of value. (Gandalf)''

''And shelter and knowledge you will have, Mr. Gandalf, from now on you are my guest welcome to Winterfell.''

''Jory! (Eddard)''

Hearing his lord's call, Jory opens the door and enters Eddard's office.

How can I be of use, my lord? (Jory)

''Guide Mr. Gandalf to the guest rooms, please, and arrange for one of the servants to guide him to the library when he is rested. (Eddard)''

''So will be done, Lord Stark! (Jory)''