22. Change of Attitude

Days passed in the frozen North.

I was still the teacher of the Starks in the morning, and the apprentice soldiers in the afternoon. But it was not just that.

The apprentices had their morning workout to do, running, climbing, footwork, all of it, using weights. While they did it in the morning, the Stark boys did it in the afternoon.

Theon Greyjoy was the non-Stark who was in morning classes. His arrogance was trodden very hard in that one year.

At first, he refused to do the afternoon training, which was practically the same as that of soldiers, saying that a Lord doesn't need that kind of training, his skills alone made him better than others.

He then did his own thing.

Ned, yes I started to call him that, seeing this, he tried to intervene, but I stopped him. My knowing smile had him stepping back and saying a brief prayer for Theon's soul.

This is how that year of my arrival passed. Theon doing what he wants, how he wants, while everyone else followed my orders.

Another fact, Theon did not want to be taught by a newly anointed knight, he asked Ser Rodrick to teach him. Rodrick even tried to apply my method, but Theon refused, saying that Rodrick's form was better.

So it was.

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Arya was a turned-on little girl on a level that would even turn my hair white. It looked like she was plugged into a 220v voltage and had eaten tons of sugar.

She pestered her father every day, every few minutes wanting to learn how to fight. A complete contrast to her sister. Ned had some white hairs, and I bet half of them belonged to Arya.

In the brief moment of peace that Ned had, I went to her office.

"Sir, may I have a word?"

"Between Victor, and Ned when we're alone. I guess I could say we became friends in that time." he says, as I enter.

"May I teach Arya to fight sir?"

He freezes, and looks at me not understanding what he was saying.

"I see her learning to fight with great eyes. A woman capable of defending herself, she leaves her relatives and friends a little less worried, and with that, they can focus on the enemy ahead in case of.

Not to mention that, being a cheerful and adventurous girl, she will achieve this at one time or another, even if we are not the ones teaching her. Didn't want to tell you this sir, but the future will be bleak for all of us." I say with a sigh at the end.

"Sit down and tell me your thoughts." he points to the chair in front of him.

"No problem, but wouldn't you rather see your wife first? She's at the door." I say, opening the door directly, catching Catelyn in a very bad position.

"Cat, what do you think she's doing?" and once again, I saw the stare of the hungry wolf looking at her prey. That always pissed me off.

"You can't listen to that boy Ned, he wants to turn this house into a bunch of freaks. My children don't listen to me anymore, Sansa started questioning me, all because of that insolent boy." she said and pointed her trembling finger at me.

"Isn't that your fault purely and simply?" Ned asks, making Cat startle at her words. "The way you've always treated Jon, one day it would make someone rise up against you Cat.

Now, they're just kids, not yet understanding much of the consequences of their actions, but that won't last forever. It's better now, while they can contain a hatred that is born without a cure, only in the future, when someone gets tired of your mistreatment and does something to you.

I've asked you countless times, but you don't seem to want to hear me. I learned to love you, but it doesn't change the fact that I am a Northerner, not a Southerner like you. I let you teach about your faith, but what did you do?

He began to undermine our family's faith in the Ancient Gods, not caring about the implications it would have. You do everything your way, not worrying about the consequences, and now, you're paying for them." Ned looked younger after those words, and even taller, as if a weight had lifted off his shoulders.

"You're my husband, you should..." Cat tries but is cut off by Ned.

"Am I supposed to support you? Tell you that your every action is the right way? That trampling on our faith and our history is okay? Give you the keys to Winterfell and hope the other houses don't feel betrayed?" his raised eyebrow shows disdain and curiosity to Cat.

"Listen Cat, living here in the North, you will live like us. Some changes will be made, whether you like it or not. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have matters to discuss with my Master-at-Arms." he points to the door, clearly kicking her out.

Very reluctantly, possessed, Cat turns, walking out and down the hall. I just close the door shortly after, sit in the chair mentioned by Ned earlier and face the man, who had a tired expression.

"I think I've lost the hand of my home. O because I know, but it still bothers me. My eyes were closed for a long time, but they're open now. Thank you for encouraging Jon to open up to me. So are the other kids."

He lets a brief smile appear, which I return. "My students can't carry too much on their airheads, or they won't learn anything." I joke, making Ned laugh some more.