"Sansa..."
Looking up and pausing her sewing, Sansa Stark glanced at the princess when she heard her name. Since the king's arrival, she had been spending time with the princess; her friend Jeyne Poole was also with her, so there were three young women talking, though it was a little awkward at times.
She found Princess Myrcella Baratheon to be very kind, but also naive. Sansa thought that this same naiveté had been a part of her before she learned about other things and how complicated the world was.
"Do you need something, Princess?"
Myrcella looked at her hands for a few moments before nodding carefully.
"Can you... tell me a little about Jon?"
"Jon?" Sansa asked, a little surprised. She hadn't thought the princess would want to know about her betrothed so soon, though it was a perfectly valid question given her situation.
Myrcella nodded once more.
"I barely know the person named Jon Stark. And as his sister, I wanted to ask you a few things about him."
Sansa nodded before straightening her back slightly and thinking carefully. While she felt she had to speak well of Jon, there was no need to lie. Jon was never someone who did bad things.
"Jon is a serious person. When he still lived here in Winterfell, he spent almost all his time training and learning from Maester Luwin. When he chose to have free time, he used it to talk with Robb or help Bran with his training. Although I think Arya would be his favorite person in the family; no matter what he was doing, he always found a way to entertain or help Arya, with anything."
"I heard that Jon gave Arya the sword she uses," Myrcella remarked.
"Yes," Sansa nodded with a small smile. "Arya is a little different from many girls. She doesn't like sewing or studying the ways of the Seven. She prefers training or learning from Maester Luwin. Jon knew that one of the things Arya would most enjoy and cherish would be a sword she could train with."
"Your father doesn't say anything to your sister about training?" Myrcella asked curiously.
"He was the one who gave us both permission, though I decided against it. I don't think I'm cut out for fighting with weapons, even though I've been learning all sorts of things thanks to the Maester. Perhaps it's because winter is coming, but Father doesn't want us to be completely defenseless in any situation."
"And things in the New Don are even more relaxed in that regard. Since they have to deal with some wildling raids, women who want to fight have to undergo proper training. If they can't do it, Jon doesn't approve of them defending the city."
"He seems... quite pragmatic," Myrcella remarked.
Sansa nodded in agreement with Myrcella.
"Princess, do you plan to visit Aeternum?"
"I don't know, it seems quite far, though with everything that's been said, it should be interesting to see that place," Myrcella said, but she sounded a little uncertain.
"I'm also curious about the city's name. It seems no one knows what it means."
"Ah, the name," Sansa smiled. "You'll have to ask Jon personally. I haven't visited, but the way he explained it to Maester Luwin was... rather special, from what he said. He said you'd have to be there to understand what Jon really means by that name."
Myrcella nodded before continuing to chat with Sansa. Jeyne, who had been quietly listening, decided to join the conversation when she heard them talking about Jon.
In the crypts of Winterfell, Robert had visited Lyanna Stark's burial place. Ned was beside him as they spoke.
"Will you tell me the reason for your decision now? I don't understand why you chose Jon."
Robert frowned before turning to look at his friend.
"The New Don is quite far south, even beyond Winterfell. Your boy is quite good at what he does. My daughter will be fine there with him. I've had enough of my dear wife's incessant wailing about Joffrey. And that little brat is becoming more and more of a nuisance."
Ned frowned.
"Do you think they might do something wrong?"
Robert rolled his eyes.
"That damned idiot I have for a son finds satisfaction in killing cats, gutting them, and then killing the kittens inside. Some say I'm mad for killing Targaryens, but that boy would be mad and happy to kill and torture anyone."
"And you wanted to marry my daughter off?" Ned snorted angrily.
" "You raise your sons and daughters well, Ned. I was hoping a good girl would straighten him out."
"Though seeing his outburst demanding your son's sword, I think he could never change."
"Ned... I need someone trustworthy who will do their job properly. When you offered to change the engagement for Myrcella and Robb, I thought it best to secure certain... things, especially those related to my family."
"So that's why you chose Jon. He's farther away, the New Don is safer, since he only gets attacked by wildlings."
"Yes..." Robert nodded.
"So what now? You want me to work while you have some fun?"
"Right."
Ned pinched the bridge of his nose before sighing. He was thinking Robert was being illogical. One minute he wanted to ensure his daughter's safety, but the next he was saying he just needed someone reliable so he could forget about everything else.
"What will you do with your daughter? You'll send her to the New Don immediately. If you want her safety, it would be the wisest course of action," Ned said before snorting. "If you like, you could also send Tommen."
"That's not a bad idea. Perhaps a little battle and bloodshed will temper the boy," Robert said with a smile.
Ned refused to say anything and glared at the king in exasperation.
"Don't look at me like that. Cersei has only kept Myrcella and our children locked up."
Ned was already thinking that Robert simply wanted to get rid of his children and never see them again. It was as if he cared about nothing but his own amusement. And perhaps he wasn't so wrong.
…
Inside his room, Jon sat gazing out the only window.
"Is everything ready?" Jon asked.
"All prepared, my lord," a voice echoed behind him, though no one was in sight.
"Do you think they can do it without magic functioning properly in this world?"
"We were created to follow your will, my lord. Even without magic, we can continue our work. Though I sense something strange. The awakening of magic and other things might be near."
"How can you be so sure?" Jon asked, frowning.
"We were created to adapt to shadows and magic. We have a great affinity for certain magic. We feel in our very being that the moment is approaching."
Jon nodded and looked down, noticing his sword leaning against the wall, right next to the window. He had bought Balmung knowing he couldn't use its full power because magic in this world was fading. But he could also sense something. It was as if something inside him wanted to break free and manifest itself. When he held Balmung, that feeling only intensified.
"Go, leave nothing to chance. If you can, gather as much information as possible."
"As my lord commands," the voice said respectfully before Jon felt its presence vanish as the door opened and then closed.
"Now I just have to keep improving the city for any future problems," Jon said with determination. His eyes flashed for a moment before returning to normal.