𝐊𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐁𝐘 𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐄 -

Chapter Five: A Ballad of Snake Pits

The news of Ned Starks departure from Winterfell for the capitol had produced a series of mixed reactions amoung Winterfell's inhabitants; some were outraged that their lord would leave them, other's seem to present something more along the lines of pride. Northerners had seemed a proud group, and the promise of one of their own not only advising the king, but essentially taking on the title of second in command within the Red Keep? 

Thalina understood why the people were divided. Yet as divided as they were, the decision had already been made for Ned before he had been aware, The King does not travel halfway across the contintent purely to expecting anything but a yes.

Of all decisions that Robert had made during his rule, this had seemed the smartest, and yet the most selfish all the same. 

Because of Roberts insecurity in his own rule and the people around him that he himself had put in those places, he'd seemed to have no choice but to extend his reach as far as the North to pull Ned Stark away from his family and his home.

At least Thalina could see the selfishness within her kings actions, yet she could not recall anybody in the histories who had called the job of sitting on the iron throne easy. 

So many hand's grasped for the throne, for any semblance of power, not realising that power is costly; a forbidden fruit that took just just as much as it gave. Thalina herself had been content to tread water, she desired no power, no throne. She only desired to make it to an age she was content with, and die peacefully in a warm bed with a clear conscience. 

She had watched as Lady Catelyn drained herself of any tears she had left, prayed so continuously that her throat grew dry and cracked. Part of her wondered if her own mourning for her own father had been sufficent, she had only cried when she had seen him laid before her, his eyes rolled back and mouth open in terror and the maester had wiped the dull foam aside from his mouth. 

Maybe not knowing the cause of your loved ones demise was a better a mercy then watching them sleep in front of you, not yet knowing if they were to live or die. 

She had not watched Ned Stark bid has family goodbye, she would not have chosen to watch the pain on her aunt's face as she bid her husband farewell, only instead choosing to give Lady Catelyn her own goodbye in the form of a tight hug, promising that she would look after her daughters in the south, trying to not pay attention to the way her aunts body shook as she tried not to weep more than she already had. 

Arya had walked by her side as they'd approached the carriage waiting in the courtyard for them, Thalina's hand extended out to rest upon the young girls back as she helped her up the steps only to watch the young girl bounce herself on the cushioned seats, an amused smile crossing her face.

Hearing soft talking not far behind her, Thalina had turned her head to watch Jon speaking with Robb, the two brothers initially seeming indifferent to each other as they spoke, a frown replacing the smile as Thalina watched what might have been their last goodbye.

As nervous as she had been, it was completely displaced the moment she watched the half brothers embrace, seeming to whisper a final goodbye to one another.

Pulling apart, she watched Robb walk away, her heart hurting for the brothers as she watched them be ripped away from one another by fate. A tale too continuous to count.

Jon's head had turned to look over at Thalina, only offering her a nod of respect as she returned the same; She could not have been seen hugging Ned Starks bastard son goodbye, exchanging small nods was all that the realms laws and expectations were able to offer them. 

Climbing into the carriage, she took her place beside Arya, bidding Winterfell a silent goodbye, mourning what little time she had to rediscover a place from her childhood.