#the harder the world the fiercer the honour || ned

[xfulminare]

( stark c / lewis tan / cis man & he/him ) hear ye hear ye — the riverlands welcomes lord edric stark of winterfell. king matthos baratheon is glad that the thirty - three year old appears to be honourable and he shall overlook that it’s said they are also uptight, as long as they are glad to celebrate peace in the seven kingdoms. fortunately for them, matthos remains oblivious that they ARE happy with his reign.

Name: Edric 'Ned' Stark Age: thirty-three Orientation: heterosexual, heteroromantic ( regrettably ) Loyalties: House Stark, The North Religious affiliation: Old Gods Appearance: he grew taller than his father at 6'2 and shoulders broadened to match. Dark hair and dark eyes, keeps a well trimmed beard most of the time. Gait: he walks with pride but not overbearingly so, steps can sometimes be heavy and he's not particularly graceful but walks with reluctant purpose. if he's following one of his children he's crouching down or bending over, probably hurried too. Aesthetic:

Family: -

Father: Rickard Stark Mother: tbd Stark nee Tully Siblings: Godric Stark, Lynara Stark, Arsa Stark Children: Serena Stark (9), Benjen Stark (8), Rickon Stark (7), Relina Stark (4), Lyanna Stark (3), Aryana Stark (2), Edwyn 'Little Ned' Stark (under 1) Extended family: Ayisa Tully (maternal cousin) Marital status: married to Talisa Stark nee Manderly Direwolf: Midnight (named by his daughter, Serena) also answers to Puppy & Fluffy but only if it's the youngest Starks. Talisa calls him Seal.

PERSONALITY: -

Traits: cautious, attentive, protective, worrisome, loyal, steadfast, disciplined, generous, sceptical, principled, just, incorruptible ( maybe ) Values: he was raised to do the decent thing and so he values the same trait in others. he doesn't appreciate being lied to ( although he's not always able to discern when that is happening ) and believes that a man's word is his bond. Fears: since he was eight years old he had feared the death of his family, mostly at the hands of southerners. now that he is older and he has children to worry about as well as his siblings this fear has only grown. he worries about his father in king's landing and what attention his role as hand will bring them all. Moral Alignment: lawful good Temperament: phlegmatic Zodiac: taurus sun, cancer moon, libra rising Inspiration: ned stark ( asoiaf ), robb stark ( asoiaf ), hector ( the iliad ) and a little bit of aragorn ( lotr ), lancelot ( merlin )

BIOGRAPHY: -

tl;dr - the weight of the future of the north and house stark weighs heavily upon him. he feels the responsibility keenly and his cautious nature makes him reluctant to break from tradition. losing his aunt, uncle and grandfather has made him hesitant of going south and he cannot help but believe that nothing good happens to a northerner who goes south. soft and something of a pushover with his family, the same way that his direwolf is, but that doesn't mean everyone is afforded the same grace. in everything he does ned tries to embody the north that he will one day lead, he stands for the honour and pride of its people but can also be as hard and cold as its ice.

with all the hours he played at shadowing his father it was inevitable that he would take on some of rickard stark's traits. but it was more than just imitation and following his father's lead, ned truly was his father's son. the importance of tradition was impressed upon him and the first time he watched his father swing a sword over his head in the name of justice, he knew that he wanted to be able to uphold their laws with the same tenacity.

the deaths of his aunt, uncle and grandfather would always hang over him. he was eight years old when events begun to unfold and remembers it vividly. how they'd gone south while he'd stayed behind and not returned. how winterfell would never echo with his aunt's laughter, how his uncle would never tease him about his form when they sparred and how any wisdom his grandfather might have had for him would be forever lost.

their absence was felt keenly and so he found himself clinging more tightly to his siblings, showing that he was his mother's son too with how often he embodied her house's motto of family, duty, honour. they became his tenants to live by as he grew older, having lost family members so young he wanted nothing more than to keep those he had left as close to him as possible. he held his siblings close, always thawing him out before he could let himself get too cold.

whether he would have always been an old soul or that was a fate inflicted upon him by grief is a question that will never be answered. but ned tended to be on the serious side growing up, shunning some types of fun in the name of honour. the only ones who could successfully get him to bend the rigid bars he restrained himself with were his family but mostly calon greyjoy, once he'd convinced the ironborn to warm up to him.

duty came for him later in life when the betrothal that had been a certainty for so long finally became inevitable. he had been determined to be a good husband no matter what he felt for his bride to be but when he met talisa it was almost love at first sight. it wasn't just her obvious beauty that drew him but the fact that they seemed like a perfect match - her freeness balancing his caution.

the only rule he broke ( more like bent ) was the feelings he had for his bride to be leading to them sharing before the wedding, the union resulting in their daughter being born swiftly after their wedding. so taken with both his daughter and his wife, more two children followed before a brief break was taken for more to follow again.

he balances the role of father with the one of lord, ever learning from his father until the death of mychel arryn called rickard south. the childhood anxiety that had ebbed with the flow of years began to rise once more. nothing good happens to a stark in the south is a sentiment he feels deep in his gut and he does his best to continue to lead the north in the absence of his father.

HEADCANONS: -

he didn't enjoy his weapon lessons until his uncle cregan began teaching him. it wasn't anything that his father did wrong, just his uncle found a way to simplify things and make it more fun. after his death he struggled to take it back up but continued to do so in the hope he could be remembered as a great swordsman.

he believes that his word is his bond and he will hold others to theirs also. there have been times where this has been used against him, drunken lapses in judgement being exploited for other's gain ( looking at you calon greyjoy )

more to come, maybe

[xfulminare]

seeing the lady's ease with her horse the stark thinks she might have more of a chance in the race than she is giving herself credit for. after all, there was no substitute for a close bond. "you are wise to temper your expectations but I think you should champion yourself more or I shall have to do it for you. and that might prove difficult as we race." brief chuckle left his lips at the image of himself yelling olynna on during the race and despite the fact that she would always have his support, it is not one he seeks to make reality. instead he hopes his faith in her will encourage more of her own. expression grew sombre at the mention of the late lady blackwood, knowing the pain of lost family but grateful he could still claim both his parents. "a lovely gift indeed. I am sure you will do her legacy proud."

Olynna leans into the black horse with familiarity, the stallion leaning its head on her shoulder, the bond between the two was undeniable. for a long time she had considered him her only friend, onyx had been a listening ear even if he could not talk back to her. "i enjoy ridding too much to see it as a competition, besides it will help my ego and pride once it is over and i place at a lower place." she chuckles playfully, lowering her expectations would soften the blow, then again she was doing it for fun, if she truly was not as good as she always thought to be then at least she experienced it. "oh, all this production?" she giggles nervously, touching the hair do nervously. "my aunt become overly exited, it was a lovely gesture. my mother was a rider too, she says this was her favor style when competing."

[xfulminare]

with lynara stark @cordoleo

though his education had been extensive and he had listened with rapt attention, desiring to be nothing less than the perfect lord for his people, nothing could have prepared him for the endless inane conversations he had found himself entrapped in. had duty not demanded politeness from him he would have forgone it entirely. but the future of the north would always be worth his momentarily discomfort - the days would pass and he would be back in winterfell once more. it was a relief to him then when his tired gaze finally landed on his sister, moving over to her side without hesitation before someone else could pull him into an exchange he would rather avoid. "you did well." the words are said with no surprise, only pride when lynara had always been a credit to house stark. "I trust that you will enjoy it now?" while he might regard the whole thing with trepidation, it did not mean he required the same of his siblings especially not one who had given time to help make it a success.

[xfulminare]

with jory reed @bybloods

front had been put on for almost all but unease had not faded. the decision had just been made that he would not let his anxiety show this time, it hardly seeming wise to be seen to be a bundle of nerves even though he thought his worries to be well founded. especially since the attack on the queen, leaving him unable to not question the skill of the kingsguard. no one was infallible but some should be above such mistakes or oversights. vague relief was felt that he believed his own guards would do everything in their power. reverie is broken by the sound of footsteps, the light swish of midnight's tail enough to alert him that the one approaching is friend not foe. glance is spared over his shoulder and upon seeing who it was he wondered if his thoughts on security had somehow summoned the one that he would trust with his above all. "you found me then." though in truth he had not been hiding, simply looking for some quiet. "are you ready for the joust?" ghost of a smile flickered over his lips before glance is cast around, unable to halt the question that came next though voice at least lowers. "and everything else is well?"

[xfulminare]

with alys mormont @talestold

Though he had been resigned to five days of discomfort and longing for home, he had to admit that the hunt had been far from unenjoyable. he wasn't a particularly vain man, did not feel the need to showcase his talents nor for others to laud his skills. but there had been something satisfying in proving that the north was not to be overlooked simply because he was not prone to flashy displays. but while he had claimed success, his squire had been less fortunate ( perhaps his fault, he should have checked alys was still near when he had taken off after the stag; he would have to do better ) and after setting his sister safely on the ground he approached with a half-grin. "looks like we might have to get you out hunting more often." words are said in gentle jest, it mattered little to him whether or not his squire could claim glory in a hunt, there were far more valuable traits to possess. "once we are back in winterfell that is a promise I will make you."

[xfulminare]

mouth opens for a moment, preparing some kind of argument that he believed his wife would do no such thing, only for laughter to come instead when he realised that she would. "while I would like to believe that everything my wife says to me to be true, I am forced to concede to your point." nod was given to the tully's words. "relaxing, can't say that was my entire experience." self deprecating laughter interrupted his speech. "I should do more of it, really. at least, I'd like to. if nothing else I'd like my children to learn." after all, their blood was as much manderly as it was stark. "I am glad you were able to enjoy time in your home with only those you wanted there." he was certain he could not have borne the imposition quite as gracefully. "too short a stay but a welcome one nonetheless. you should see it one day, if you can spare the time." invite is sincere but light, not wishing his cousin to feel forced to accept but still hopeful they would agree.

“  i  am  told  that  wives  are  to  stroke  their  husband's  egos  despite  what  may  or  may  not  be  true  .  ”  it's  why  sia  would  make  a  piss  poor  one  ,  yet  the  twitch  of  their  lips  into  a  small  smile  showed  their  jest  .  casterly  rock  may  have  been  foreign  to  them  ,  as  well  as  many  as  its  occupants  ,  but  it  was  the  one  that  she  knew  like  the  back  of  their  hand  that  allowed  them  to  settle  .  “  ah  ,  yes  .  i  find  sailing  to  be  relaxing  when  i'm  able  to  do  so  ,  though  it  has  been  quite  some  time  .  ”  not  since  they'd  been  younger  and  hadn't  had  to  have  such  a  tight  hold  on  their  father  to  keep  him  occupied  and  out  of  the  trouble  he'd  now  found  himself  in  .  “  thank  you  ,  ”  they  take  the  goblet  with  a  slight  incline  of  their  head  .  “  i  enjoyed  the  company  of  invited  guests  which  was  more  enjoyable  .  how  was  winterfell  ?  ”

[xfulminare]

with calon greyjoy @stcneheartd

the decision to leave three of his youngest behind in white harbor was one he was coming to regret, if only because as he searched through the maze of tents he was regretting not leaving his eldest boys there too. fatherhood had been an easy adjustment for him ( perhaps too easy at times ) but that did not stop him from muttering curses under his breath as he searched for his wayward sons. rounding a corner he finally saw them, warning glance aimed their way before he greeted the figure they'd found. "I should have known the hooligans would seek out their ringleader." the words are grumbled there's no true disgruntlement in them, only a poorly disguised fondness. he had ensured that his boys greeted the greyjoy as uncle, he couldn't hold any resentment for them seeking him out. "perhaps they'd heed your warnings about disappearing more than mine."

[xfulminare]

with talisa stark @milkhoncys

whole body was tense with grave anticipation of what would await them throughout the coming days, muscles barely relaxing under his wife's touch the way that they usually would. "I don't like this." an obvious statement and hardly one he needed to make when his anxiety of being further south than the neck had made itself known the moment he'd set foot into the riverlands. mind nagged with the memory of what had happened to three starks who had ventured south, jaw tightening at the mere thought that similar fates could befall the rest of his family. "at least it will not be as far to go back." it was the only silver lining he had found, a shorter return than it would be from king's landing.

[xfulminare]

day three with godric stark @ofhereditas

while some competitions had been tempting enough for him to enter, there was no denying more often than not he was content to be an observer rather than a participant. it was a trait he had had since youth, a solemnness weighing him down and making him consider every word he said. his younger brother had had no such hesitancies and there had been moments where he had almost envied godric's lack of hesitation and outgoing nature. but being on the quieter side of things had its perks, among the principle being the way it let him simply appear at his brother's shoulder, voice filled with quiet mirth as he spoke. "I hope you are taking notes." words are said in jest, almost doubting that his brother had been studying the events and deciding whether or not it would work for his own wedding. his affection for his bride to be he could never doubt, more his attention to detail was in question. "it will be your turn before long."

[xfulminare]

vanity was not something that often possessed him and so he had finished the race feeling relatively satisfied with his position. the joke that comes his way would have been less well received but as it comes from the lips of a northerner he cannot help but grin in response. "fifth still quite respectable." came the grumbled defence but for all he held no shame over his . but any part of him that might have lingered on how he might have done better was easily overpowered by the pride he felt for his squire. "a victory for one of us is a victory for all of us, no? alys did well and while I could claim I taught her everything she knew, I won't." words are said entirely in jest, not wishing anything to take away from the mormont's win. brow rose in playful challenge before he gave a pointed look. "when do you intend to defend our honour? I'll be sure to return the favour and place coin on you."

@xfulminare  ⸺ lord edric stark.

               "as plum chuffed as ah um ye didnae break yer neck racin' yer horse, da ya hink ye could've pit in a better showin'? cost me five gold crowns dickerin' on that final stretch." the northern grinned at his liege, offering a courtesy "m'lord." almost as a passing after thought as he unceremoniously cuffed the other man on his shoulder as he descended upon him. the buzz of the excitement from the race - or perhaps the several ales that had been downed over the course of it - robbing what few good graces the lord of the hornwood still managed to feign. "feckin' guid thing alys wis there tae pick up the slack, eh? guess someone had tae defend the honur ay the north."

[xfulminare]

fruit picking with iravan goodbrother @ephiiphanies

while an ironborn would not have been his first choice of partner ( in truth there were few that would rank lower ) the stark was well aware of his own biases and he suspected that the other man would likely have his fair share against northerners. a wedding demanded civility and good humour, however, so despite his misgivings and lingering grudges tone remained neutral as he spoke. "do you have a preference for where we start, lord goodbrother?" he is satisfied enough by his attempt for networking when it had never been his strength. the relationships with his bannermen easy to maintain but the much larger political scene would always be something he only engaged with out of necessity rather than desire.

[xfulminare]

day three with barbrey ryswell @monarkhes

having spent the day watching all test their intellect with the maze, the stark had detoured to the stables to give his horse a once over ahead of the race the next day. though rare optimism had him daring to hope he would equal or better his placing in the westerlands, the stark would settle for simply not embarrassing himself or his house. it was not vanity that caused him to want to do well, simply wanting all to know that the north had its talents and there were plenty others just as capable of proving it. a win for one was a win for all as far as he was concerned and any victory would be celebrated. "will you be showing us all how it is done tomorrow?" there is undeniable fondness in his tone, a lack of formality that comes with their familiarity. with her betrothal to his brother as long standing as it had been and barbrey's presence in winterfell a constant for so many years, he already considered her family. the wedding would merely finally officially grant her the title of his good sister.

[xfulminare]

with royce caron @cordoleo

it was hard to know who the truly friendly faces were beneath the masks and for the most part he had convinced himself it did not matter. anxiety had been high about the lack of certainty in other's identity and when he already saw potential enemies everywhere in the south, it had been a hard feeling to shake. but worries aside he would address each person that approached him the same regardless. keeping a careful neutrality was tiring though, he never had felt as though he was made for politics, and so when a figure he suspected might be familiar to him crossed his eyeline his next conversation partner was chosen. "it is quite a night, is it not? I will have to tell my children about it though no doubt they will simply make me feel guilty that they did not get to be here." words contain subtle mirth, hoping that the shared topic of children would land correctly if it was indeed the man he hoped it to be.

[xfulminare]

the drink is taken with an appreciative nod, fond smile present on his features as he listened to his squire talk. head shook in response. "no. thank you, alys. you can have the rest of the evening if you'd like." he doubted he would need much else from his squire at this point but her company was always welcome. pride was not exactly smarting after failing to beat the king yet the mormont's praise soothed any lingering wounds to his pride. "I should hope you'd put a coin on my name regardless." words are light and teasing, though he is quick to follow them up lest they think he means them. "I am simply glad it did not end too badly, there is no shame in losing to the overall victor I do not think. you will do just as well when it is your turn, you mean to enter the horse race, don't you?"

closed starter for edric stark on day five, @xfulminare.

" had i bet on such events, i would have absolutely put coin for your name. i had no doubt you would not go without a good fight but when you wrestled the king... gods, i had to remind myself to breathe, " a nervous chuckle follows, thinking of the king's stature and how terrifying it would be to go up against him - yet, ned had done so easily. alys hops up from where she is seated, fetching the pitcher of ale and offering some to the stark lord. they have been curious about the squires of the westerlands, those who serve the lannisters, and after watching the past few days alys knows how fortunate she is to serve someone who cares for her. " is there anything else i can get you, my lord ? "

[xfulminare]

with talisa stark @milkhoncys

obligatory conversations had been had and dances danced before he finally stole a moment for himself, finding himself and his wife a seat in a quiet corner where he gazed at his wife with unhidden admiration. "red really is your colour." for a brief moment a ridiculous notion creeps into his mind that perhaps the north would allow him to shift the colour of their banners and he considered it for longer than he cared to admit. it was only the thought that he believed his wife to look just as beautiful in every colour that swayed him. "home tomorrow." the words are said wistfully when he missed everything about the north but especially his children.

[xfulminare]

with arsa stark @faetels

initially he had found it hard not to take his sister's absence personally, to see it as a rejection of not only himself but his family. then perspective had been gained ( with the help of his wife, as always ) and he could no longer begrudge the youngest stark a chance for something of her own. there had always been certainty in his future that one day winterfell would pass to him and he had welcomed it, structure a comfort rather than a burden. it had taken time to understand that it might not be the case for his siblings too. still, even with the acceptance there was still a temptation to pull her closer now that they were all in one place, one he had done his best to resist. but as he caught a glimpse of a familiar figure heading towards a door, he could not help but attempt to intercept her. "arsa." voice was kept low, not wishing to ruin her hidden identity to all those around. "going somewhere?" there was no accusation or condemnation in his tone, only fond amusement. it wasn't as though he himself had not been known to duck out of occasions such as these when they all became too much.