Anythingdrabble Challenge 105 - Keeping watch

[m_findlow]

Title: Keeping watch
Fandom: Game of Thrones (ASOIAF)
Characters/Pairings: Ned, Bran, Arya
Word Count: 500 words
Rating: PG
Notes: Written for Challenge 105 - Near at anythingdrabble
Summary: Ned worries what his children might get up to when he's not looking.

Ned let out an imperceptible sigh as the King finally parted company from him. He seemed satisfied now that he'd visited the crypts and paid his respects to Lyanna. Even after all these years, he still couldn't move beyond the love he'd held for Ned's sister.

As Ned exited into the main courtyard, he caught sight of his offspring, Bran and Arya, slack-jawed and wide-eyed as they watched the commotion in the yard. Through the East Gate most of Robert's retinue had finally entered Winterfell's inner walls, having been several miles back from the head of the vanguard, carrying with them everything a King and his Queen could possibly need for their week long journey north and then for the return journey home. Nothing would have been left to chance, Ned thought. Only a brave man would admit to his King that he couldn't produce a Dornish summer red upon request for his liege.

'What are you two up to?' Ned called out, watching two small faces twirl at his sudden presence.

'Just watching, Father,' Bran replied. Arya hastily nodded in agreement. Ned knew better than  to believe either of them weren't relishing all this fuss. The yard was full of knights on horseback, covered in armor finer than anything they ever would have seen in Winterfell. Fabrics in rich reds and golds adorned every man and woman who entered, and that was nothing to speak of the swords and bows that the men carried. No one would take a chance this far North, what with rumours that Wildlings sometimes snuck South of the Wall. They'd be ready and armed to protect their King, and to give their lives if need be.

Ned watched them file through the gate, making their way inside, where they would be able to hobble horses and store their provisions, most of them in the guest hall.

'You're not to go anywhere near those knights or their horses,' Ned warned them. 'I don't want to see either of you even so much as asking to be shown a sword, is that clear?' They may have been the King's men, but Ned had fought with some of those that now made up his Kingsguard, and not all of them were what he'd call trustworthy or honorable men. Men like Ser Barristan were the exception rather that the rule.

'Now, off with both of you. You have a King's feast to prepare for. Washed and brushed, both of you, or I'll have Old Nan scrub with with a bucket of stable water.'

'Yes, Father,' thethey replied, skipping away towards the Great Tower.

Ned shook his head. He's seen the way Bran was consulting the wall that lined the yard. He'd be atop that in a heartbeat, trying to sneak inside, and Arya would be hot on his heels, fascinated by all the sorts of things a girl her age shouldn't be. He'd have to keep an eye on them, even if he had none to spare .