Out of the woods // Ned Stark

6. Start a riot

'Pardon me,' Ned said trying to get around Jaime.

'I hear we might be neighbors soon' Jaime said blocking his way. 'I hope it's true'

'Yes the king has honored me with the offer' Ned said still trying to get around him.

'I'm sure we'll have a tournament to celebrate your new title if you accept. It would be good to have you in the field the competition has been stale,' Jaime told him

'I don't fight in tournaments' Ned informed him

'No? Getting a little old for it?' Jaime teased

'I don't fight in tournaments when I fight a man for real, I don't want him to know what I can do.' Ned told him

'Well said.' Jaime told him grinning.

'Excuse me,' ned said again walking off

'You at a feast -- It's like a bear in a trap.' Benjen remarked coming up to Ned he spun around and hugged him happily.

'The boy I beheaded. Did you know him?' Ned questioned quietly.

'Of course I did. Just a lad. But he was tough, Ned. A true Ranger.'

'He was talking madness. Said the Walkers slaughtered his friends.' Ned told him.

'The two he was with are still missing.' Benjen remarked his gaze shifted to Maelia.

'A wildling ambush.' Ned suggested

'Maybe. Direwolves south of the wall. Talk of the Walkers. My brother might be the next Hand to the king. Winter is coming.'

'Winter is coming.' Ned agreed

"Who is that? Someone from the capital?" Benjen remarked nodding to Maelia.

"Oh that is Maelia. Our new guest." Ned couldn't help the smile on his face as she came towards them.

"New guest?" Benjen mused.

"mm hmm." Ned agreed. "Maelia." Ned looped his arm around her waist. "This is my brother Benjen."

"Hi." Maelia said simply.

"Hello..." Benjen looked her over and Ned swatted a hand at him.

"You look beautiful. I didn't think you were coming." Ned remarked

"I was hungry." Maelia told him.

"Where did you find that dress?" Ned whispered.

"Jon." Maelia said stiffly. "I feel ridiculous."

"Well you look stunning." Ned whispered in her ear.

'Uncle Benjen!" Robb said coming up to them

'Robb boy. How are ye?' Benjen questioned peeling his eyes away from Maelia. He had always hoped Ned could find someone to look at him like that, like he was the best thing in the world. Catelyn... it wasn't her fault, she was sick. Her mind was failing and Ned was a honorable husband but seeing him cling to Maelia made Benjen think maybe Ned didn't have to be alone in this world.

'I'm good.' Robb agreed "I see you met our Maelia."

"I did. She seems lovely." Benjen mused.

+

Ned was still surprised almost a year later at how much Malia could eat and still stay so slim. She had the metabolism of a wolf.

'Is this your first time in the North, Your Grace?' Catelyn asked in desperation to make a good impression on the royal family. Robb and Bran were going a good job entertaining the princess, if Robert's declarations held any weight Amelia would be staying with them, marrying Robb and becoming the lady of winterfell if Ned became Hand of the king.

'Yes. Lovely country.' Cersei said blandly.

'I'm sure it's very grim, after Kings Landing. I remember how scared I was when Ned brought me up here for the first time.' Catelyn went on as Sansa approached the front table and smiled shyly up at Cersei.

'Hello, little dove. But you are a beauty. How old are you?' Cersei questioned and Sansa's little heart fluttered

'Thirteen, Your Grace.' She answered,

'You're tall. Still growing?' Cersei questioned

'I think so, Your Grace.' Sansa said confused.

' And have you bled yet?' Cersei questioned and sansa stared at her mother clearly discomfited by the questioned but Catelyn nodded for her to answer. Maester Lewin had given her a double dose this evening and it seemed to be working.

'No, Your Grace.' Sansa told her, Cersei nodded stiffly.

'And your dress. Did you make it?' Cersei went on and Sansa was to nervous to speak she nodded. 'Such talent. You must make something for me.' Sansa nodded happily as she headed off.

'I hear we might share a grandchild someday.' Cersei said turning to Catelyn

'I hear the same.' Catelyn agreed hopefully.

'Your daughter will do well in the capital. Such a beauty shouldn't stay hidden up here forever.' Cersei told her confidently.

"What do you think would happen if we kissed right here, right now?" Ned asked, digging his hands into the pockets of his pants, grinning right back at Maelia.

"I think it would cause a riot." Maelia answered honestly but she took a step towards him.

"Well, you know me," Ned joked, lowering his head towards her. "Causing a riot is what I do best."

"I can't imagine you as a rule breaker." Maelia countered.

Meanwhile, Arya flipped food across the table and onto Sansa's face.

'Arya!' Sansa shouted wiping the potato away. Catelyn signaled a laughing Robb to deal with the girls. Robb wiped the smile off his face and hoisted up Arya.

'Time for bed.' Robb declared

"What?" Arya whined.

"Guess we don't have to start a riot." Maelia mused. "Arya does a good job of that herself." Ned wanted to. He wanted to kiss her. Here and now in front of everyone. But he withheld the urge settling for his hand on her back. Keeping her close