Ned presented the offspring sired amidst the war to Cregan and Benjen. His focus remained solely on the visages of his brethren as he unveiled the tale of Jon. Their responses kindled a glimmer of optimism within his heart. In their eyes, he perceived no repugnance or disillusionment, unlike the sentiments emanating from Catelyn. Instead, they bestowed genuine warmth and acceptance upon the babe.
As the brothers congregated around the infant, hushed conversations encircled them, and it pierced Catelyn's heart relentlessly. She endeavoured earnestly to retain her composure.
Ned's voice resonated through the courtyard as he disclosed the name of the offspring conceived in the throes of conflict. "I have named him Jon," he proclaimed.
Cregan, who now held Jon in his arms, noticed a difference in the infant. Though Jon appeared to be slightly older than Robb, the sensation Cregan experienced was unlike anything he had felt before. It was as if a faint current of chaotic magic flowed through the child, lying dormant but palpable. In Jon, he sensed the potential for something extraordinary, a connection to multiple forces.
"The Prince that was promised! Is it truly you, Jon Snow?" The thought lingered in Cregan's mind as he held Jon in his arms. The world he now found himself in was one of legends and prophecies, and the identity of the prophesied hero, known as the Prince That Was Promised, had stayed concealed in the Song of Ice and Fire, and was yet to be revealed until his untimely demise. With the magic he sensed in Jon, he couldn't help but wonder why it had stayed dormant even after Jon had reached adulthood in the books.
"Maybe I can help you unlock your true potential in this world, young Jon," Cregan smiled at the babe. If the comrades or subordinates of William in his former world witnessed his smile at this moment, they would likely be trembling in their boots. They were all too familiar with the 'Smiling Demon'—the training instructor who had subjected them to grueling trials that left their bodies battered. For some inexplicable reason, the infant in his arms began to cry, as if already sensing the challenging days that lay ahead.
The cries of baby Jon echoed through the courtyard. Eddard, with a sad expression, as he had noticed his wife's dislike for Jon, eventually motioned to the servants.
"Take Jon and Robb inside. See that they are attended to," he instructed, his gaze carried a hint of authority.
Catelyn, standing nearby, couldn't hide the unease etched on her face. Eddard turned to her, his tone gentle but firm. "Catelyn, follow them. They'll show you to our chambers. You must be tired because of the journey; have some rest first until luncheon."
Reluctantly, Catelyn complied, her eyes flickering towards Jon, the discomfort evident in her every step.
As the young Stark family retreated indoors, Eddard's attention shifted to the lingering sorrow embodied by Lyanna's cask. "Prepare the tombs for Lyanna," he directed the guards, his voice carrying the weight of grief.
Benjen, standing steadfastly beside Eddard, voiced, "I've prepared a spot for her beside Father and Brandon."
Eddard nodded appreciatively, gratitude evident in his eyes. "Thank you, Benjen."
Maester Luwin also chimed in, "The stone carver outside Winterfell has already commenced crafting Lady Lyanna's likeness. He has vowed to have it completed by the morrow's end."
Eddard's gaze shifted to the Maester, a mixture of acknowledgement and appreciation crossing his features. "Good, we must ensure she is remembered as she truly was."
Finally, the servants of Winterfell began to come forward to express their condolences for Lady Lyanna's passing.
These servants included Hullen, the master of horse; Farlen, the kennelmaster; Mikken, the blacksmith; Gage, the cook; Barth, the brewer and many others, each paying their respects and showing the depth of their mourning for Lady Lyanna's demise.
Cregan observed the soldiers as they transported his elder sister's remains to the crypts. Despite no Stark member being his kin by blood, after awakening in this new form, he found himself imbued with a profound sense of attachment to them, as if they were indeed his own family. Cregan never resisted these feelings, embracing them wholeheartedly from the moment he first opened his eyes in this world. Feeling compelled to contribute to Lyanna's memory, Cregan approached Benjen to inquire about the address of the sculptor in the Winter Town. He was familiar with the man by reputation, but, regrettably, he did not know his actual place of residence.
Benjen provided the address readily, assuming his brother might wish to view the statue of his sister as it was being crafted.
Benjen hesitated, feeling torn. He understood the significance of what he had witnessed—Cregan's extraordinary claims and the miraculous alteration in the weirwood's ancient visage could not be dismissed lightly. Yet, the notion of sharing these revelations with Eddard without Cregan's knowledge or consent felt unjust. He resolved to keep these observations to himself for the time being, contemplating the right moment to discuss them.
As he wrestled with these thoughts, Eddard's voice broke through his contemplation. "Benjen, I wish to visit the Godswood for a while. Please ensure no one disturbs me; I wish to be alone. Call me when it's time for breakfast."
Benjen felt a lump in his throat, "Brother, I think you should get some rest first. You've just returned from a long journey, you could visit—"
"I'll find rest after I've found some peace, Benjen," Eddard interrupted, his decision firm as he made his way towards the Godswood.
Benjen hesitated, feeling torn. He understood the significance of what he had witnessed in the God's wood—Cregan's extraordinary claims and the miraculous alteration in the weirwood's ancient visage could not be dismissed lightly. Yet, the notion of sharing these revelations with Eddard without Cregan's knowledge or presence felt unjust. Before he had resolved to keep these observations to himself for the time being, contemplating the right moment to discuss them, but now that Ned was adamant about visiting Godswood, the truth will naturally be revealed.
With a sigh, Benjen followed after Ned, knowing he would need to explain to his brother about the change in the visage of the face carved on the heart tree's trunk.
OOO
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