Future plans

The following day, as the sun is at its slow peak, the Starks gathered once more in the lords' solar. Torrhen Stark sat in his high-backed chair, his gaze fixed intently on his grandson. Brandon and Gilliane sat close by, their expressions a mixture of anticipation and curiosity, while young Jonnos perched on a stool, his eyes wide with wonder.

"Theon," Torrhen began, his voice low and expectant, "you spoke of other gifts from the old gods. What more knowledge have they seen fit to bestow upon you?"

Torrhen Stark asked his grandson, "What other knowledge did the old gods give you?"

Theon Stark replied, "They gave me knowledge to increase crop production, how to make glass, how to make better steel, and other things."

Brandon then said, "Father, let's start with the crops since it's the middle of summer. It would be best to begin there."

Torrhen Stark gave his permission.

Theon Stark started explaining four-crop rotation and a crop called rice that is found in Yi Ti. He described rice and its advantages, noting that it can be grown in the swamps of the Neck and is easy to store.

He continued, his enthusiasm growing. "This rice, it thrives in wet, marshy ground, such as much of the Neck. It yields a great deal more grain than our wheat in such conditions, and it is easily stored, lasting through long winters. Imagine, Grandfather, a crop that flourishes in the bogs that have long been considered useless! It could transform the Neck, providing sustenance for our people in ways we never thought possible."

Torrhen Stark listened intently to Theon's explanation of rice and its potential for the Neck. A thoughtful expression settled on his face. "Indeed," he said slowly, nodding in acknowledgment. "A grain that thrives in the bogs… that is a boon worth pursuing. But you also spoke of glass making, Grandson. Tell us more of this craft. How can it aid in our harvests?"

Theon's eyes lit up with enthusiasm once more. "The old gods showed me how to create glass that is thicker and clearer than any we have seen before. We can craft it into panes for windows, allowing more sunlight into our greenhouses and even our homes. With more light, we can extend the growing season for certain crops, even through the colder months, providing fresh vegetables and herbs for longer. Furthermore, we can create glass containers to store seeds and grains, protecting them from damp and pests, ensuring we have enough for planting in the spring and food throughout the winter."

He continued, his mind racing with the possibilities. "We can establish glassworks here in Winterfell and perhaps in other strategic locations. We can train our people in this craft, providing new skills and livelihoods. Distributing these glass panes to the lords of the North would not only improve their own harvests and living conditions but also foster goodwill and strengthen our bonds. Imagine, Father, greenhouses in every major holdfast, providing fresh food even when the snows fall thickest!"

The conversation then turned to the practicalities of implementing these new ideas.

Brandon Stark, ever the pragmatist, spoke first. "Assuming this glass can be fashioned as you say, Theon, the question becomes one of distribution. Which lords shall receive these panels first, and in what quantity? We must consider those whose lands are most vulnerable to the harsh winters, and those who are most likely to embrace these new methods."

Gilliane Stark added her thoughts, her voice thoughtful. "And we must not forget the common folk. Even a few panes in a village's communal greenhouse could make a significant difference in their winter stores. Perhaps we begin with a few key holdfasts and a selection of villages to gauge the effectiveness and the demand."

Torrhen Stark stroked his beard, considering their words. "Wisdom in this. We shall prioritize those most in need and those most willing to experiment. Lord Manderly's lands are fertile, but his winters can still be harsh. And the mountain clans… they struggle the most when the snows come. Perhaps a pilot program in a few key locations, overseen by trusted stewards."

Theon nodded in agreement. "As for the four-crop rotation, we should begin by testing its effectiveness on a portion of our own lands here at Winterfell. We can select a few fields and divide them, planting different crops according to the cycle the old gods showed me. We can then carefully monitor the yields and the health of the soil over the next few seasons. This will provide us with concrete evidence of its benefits before we encourage other lords to adopt it."

Brandon concurred. "A wise approach, Theon. We can task Maester Walden with overseeing the initial trials, though we must be careful not to reveal the true source of this knowledge. We can simply say we are experimenting with new agricultural techniques gleaned from old texts."

Torrhen nodded decisively. "So it shall be. We shall proceed with caution, but with purpose. These gifts from the old gods… they hold the potential to transform the North. We must wield them wisely."

After hours of discussion, meticulously planning their next steps and the allocation of resources, the Stark family finally rose from their seats in the solar. A shared sense of purpose, mingled with the weight of their newfound knowledge, filled the room as they prepared to put their plans into action. Torrhen Stark, his steps a little lighter than the day before, clapped a hand on Brandon's shoulder. Gilliane offered Theon a warm smile, a silent acknowledgment of the extraordinary events unfolding. Young Jonnos, his initial awe now replaced with a budding sense of excitement, trailed after his father. With a final exchange of determined glances, they each departed the solar, ready to immerse themselves in the tasks that lay ahead, the secrets of the old gods now a guiding light in the future of the North.

Theon and Jonnos Stark, the elder and younger brothers, made their way to the balcony overlooking the training yard. The clang of steel on steel, the rhythmic shouts of the master-at-arms, and the disciplined movements of the Winterfell guards filled the air. Jonnos, younger by a few minutes, watched the drills with a keen interest, his brow furrowed in thought. After a while, he turned to Theon, his youthful face serious. "Theon," he began, his voice barely audible above the din of the yard, "do you truly believe… do you think we can survive the Long Night that everyone speaks of?" A shadow of worry flickered in his grey Stark eyes.

Theon rested a hand on his younger brother's shoulder, his gaze steady as he looked out over the training yard. "Jonnos," he said, his voice calm and reassuring, "the Long Night that the old tales speak of… it is not upon us now. The future I have glimpsed, the one we are preparing for, lies many decades hence. There is no need for fear in this present moment. Our task now is to build, to learn, to strengthen ourselves and our people with the knowledge we have been given. By the time that darkness comes, the North will be ready."