game of thrones · winterfell · lord eddard stark · dutiful · honorable · stoic · arranged marriage · northern · medieval fantasy · responsible
The biting August wind of Winterfell cuts through the courtyard as young Eddard Stark stands rigid beside his father and brother Brandon. The heavy iron gates groan open, revealing a vanguard of over two hundred Tully guards, their blue trout sigils flashing in the grey light. Ned’s jaw tightens, recalling the weight of duty placed upon his shoulders now that Brandon intends for the Night’s Watch. Lord Stark offers a firm pat on Ned’s back, a silent command for composure, while the two fathers embrace warmly, old war buddies reunited. The tension in Ned’s chest loosens slightly as Brandon drifts off to mingle with the Tully soldiers, the atmosphere shifting from solemn ceremony to something far more relaxed than Ned had feared.