Chapter 19

The following week passed in a blur. Only days after my arrival did Catelyn give birth to her first daughter, Sansa Stark. I spent most of my time either with Eddard or with Maester Luwin, learning all I could. My companions buysed themselves by any means. On many occasions I had to shake my head whenever Ivar returned from a whore house. But overall, things went smoothly.

Now here I stand, in that same study, before Eddard. The week had passed and it was time. For better or worse, I would hear his decision. We sat across from each other with Maester Luwin sitting off to the side.

"Ser Ragnar, this past week has given me great insight into who you are as a man. And despite your young age, you carry yourself well." Eddard began.

"Thank you, my Lord." I replied.

"I have made my decision." Eddard said and I held my breath.

"I will make you my vassal. I will make you a Lord." He said and I bowed my head.

"Thank you, my Lord." I replied.

"We'll make it formal later tonight, but while we're here, I would like to go over some things." He said.

"As you wish." I replied.

We spent the next couple hours just going over the details. In the week that I've spent with the man, I've gotten but a glimpse at his character. He is a man of little humor, exactly as his house name suggests, Stark. The only time he smiles is with his family, and even that only slightly. But his eyes, his eyes show you his mood. They can go from a foggy grey to as hard as stone. Eventually our discussion came to an end.

"I believe that is everything we have to discuss. Now it's all up to you. Have you decided on your house words and banners?" Eddard asked

"I have, I was planning to speak with Maester Luwin afterwards to help me set things up." I replied.

"Oh, I'd like to hear it." Eddard said.

"I have two house words in mind. One official and one unofficial." I said while looking towards the old man.

"I will help as best I can," Luwin replied.

"Well, what are they?" Eddard asked.

"The official house words are, our words hold power." I said.

"Yes, it is very fitting, nobody will know how true those words are." Eddard said with a faint smile.

"Very on the nose, my Lord." Luwin added with a nod and a smile.

I had explained to them briefly the power of the thu'um. So they understood the meaning behind my chosen words.

"And the unofficial words?" Eddard asked.

"The unofficial words are a homage to my motherland. Hofka do dovah nol fin brom. It means, house of the dragon from the north."

The room was silent for a moment. Eddard looked as if he was reliving a memory. Maester Luwin looked as though he was considering something. Eventually the both of them snapped out of whatever held them.

"Your words are fine. They have power and speak of a deeper meaning. Now what of your banner?" Eddard asked.

I reached into my shirt and pretended to pull something from my pocket. In actuality, I had summoned a single septum from my inventory. With the coin in hand I showed it to them.

"What sort of coin is that?" Eddard asked.

"Very peculiar, I too have never seen it's like." Luwin added.

"This is the coin of my motherland, the head is a man well known to my people. I want to make my banner in the likeness of the tail side." I said while turning the coin over so they could see what I meant.

"Is that a dragon?" Eddard asked.

"Indeed it is," I replied. Eddard looked over to Maester Luwin and he shook his head in return.

"I'm unsure, my lord. It doesn't resemble the banner of the Targaryens. Yet, one could make the connection if they were determined enough." Luwin answered.

"Are you sure this is the banner you want? It may cause you some problems with the current king." Eddard asked me with utmost seriousness.

"It is, and besides, I have you to explain it's meaning to the king if he should ask." I answered, not really worried about such an event. A man's banner is his own and nobody can naysay his choice. As long as I don't do something stupid like claim Valyrian descent. Not that we could pass as such anyway.

"Very well, after the ceremony Maester Luwin will help you in that regard. Let's head to the main hall, I think we've kept everyone waiting long enough." Eddard said as he rose to his feet.

We exited the study and made our way towards the Main hall for dinner. Once there we greeted everyone and began eating. Despite calling it a ceremony, it was more of an announcement. As if performing a toast, nothing special.

"I would like to make an announcement." Eddard said, catching the attention of all in attendance.

"Today marks the creation of a new house. Ser Ragnar, rise." I rose as commanded.

"I name you, Lord Ragnar Lothbruk, of house Lothbruk. May your house prosper and gain glory." That was it, that was the ceremony. I nonetheless bowed low in deference to my new lord.

There was silence in the hall for a moment before people began clapping. Northerners aren't known for their grandioseness, but when the mead flowed, by way of Gentle, the party began.

During this past week, the people had grown used to us. It helped that we truly weren't that different. Making a cold and harsh environment breeds hard people. As the party neared its end I had an idea. Rising to my feet I stood before the table in front of Eddard and his family. The hall quieted down at my actions, curious at what would happen next.

"My lord, I would like to present you with a gift." Ivar came up to me and handed me an object covered in cloth. After receiving the object I turned back to Eddard and held it outstretched.

"This is my gift to you, to commemorate our union. I swear by the old gods and the new. By the aedra and the great mother Kyne. I swear to serve you and protect you from your enemies, and should those enemies rise, then may the daedra take them."

As I spoke I laid down the object at the table before Eddard. Everyone eyed the wrapped object with curiosity.

Eddard remained stoic and calmly unwrapped the object. The more he unwrapped, the greater the awe appeared on his face. Fully unwrapped he grabbed the gift by its handle and held it aloft.

Held high above for everyone to see, gasps could be heard at its unique appearance. Held in Eddards's hand is a stalhrim longsword. The blade was a translucent blue that when caught by the light illuminated the runes etched within.

"Do not let it's appearance fool you my lord. That is no ordinary ice. It will never melt and is harder than iron. When it cuts, your foes will feel the bone numbing chill of the northern winds." I finished before taking my seat.

"I will cherish this gift, Lord Lothbruk." He replied.

The festivities continued and it was a joyous time. Eventually it did come to an end and after saying my goodbye last to everyone, I headed to my chambers. Laying in my bed I just thought of the future.

"This is but the first step. In time all of Westeros will know and fear house Lothbruk. For our words hold power." I closed my eyes and descended into a deep slumber.