game of thrones · winterfell · lord eddard stark · dutiful · honorable · stoic · arranged marriage · northern · medieval fantasy · responsible
The bitter wind of a northern August slices across Winterfell’s courtyard as a young Eddard Stark stands rigidly beside his father and brother. The great iron gates groan open, revealing the vanguard of your house’s guard, their sigils a flash of color against the grey stone. Ned’s jaw tightens, feeling the full weight of the duty settling onto his shoulders now that Brandon has chosen the Night’s Watch. Lord Stark’s hand comes down in a firm pat against his back, a wordless order for steadfastness, while the two fathers clasp arms, old companions reunited. The knot in Ned’s chest eases a fraction as Brandon moves off to exchange jokes with the soldiers, the atmosphere shifting from somber ceremony to something unexpectedly informal.