When Aedric finally met with Lord Eddard Stark, he noticed that Benjen Stark — the First Ranger of the Night's Watch — was also present.
Seeing Aedric approach, Benjen immediately greeted him with a warm hug and a grin.
"Haven't seen you since last night! I thought you might've fallen ill or something. You look perfectly lively to me."
Aedric forced a wry smile but didn't reply.
Lady Catelyn Tully had forbidden him from attending the feast — a "reasonable" rule, given his bastard status. Complaining would do nothing but annoy the people around him.
Realizing he'd just touched on a sore spot, Benjen laughed awkwardly and changed the subject with a few words of small talk. But before the mood could lighten much, Eddard spoke in his usual calm, stern tone:
"Catelyn tells me you wish to travel to King's Landing with us."
"Yes, Lord Stark," Aedric replied, keeping his demeanor perfectly in character as Jon Snow. "If you've decided to go, I hope you'll allow me to accompany you."
Eddard raised an eyebrow. "Why?"
"Because I'm worried, my lord," Aedric said earnestly. "Too many unexpected things have been happening lately. King's Landing is not our home territory — and where power shifts like the tides, unforeseen dangers are bound to appear."
"I'll be bringing enough guards and bannermen," said Eddard firmly. "They'll see to my safety."
Of course, he knew exactly who Jon Snow really was — and he would rather keep the boy as far from King's Landing and Robert Baratheon's eyes as possible.
"Lord Stark, I worry for you — and for Arya and the others," Aedric said with a sigh. He turned to glance at Benjen. "I'd originally planned to ask Uncle Benjen to take me to the Wall soon, to join the Night's Watch and serve there for life. But His Majesty's sudden visit… it makes me uneasy. I don't want to be helpless if something happens to the people I care about. I just want to be close enough to do something — even a little — should the worst come to pass."
Those words weren't an act. In truth, they came from Jon Snow's heart.
In the original story, he had long regretted being stuck at the Wall when tragedy struck — powerless as House Stark fell apart before his eyes.
"I think Jon's right," Benjen said after a moment's thought. He knew better than anyone how dangerous this journey could be. "The boy's heart is in the right place. You should consider it, Eddard."
"Yes, Father," said Robb Stark, the Young Wolf, nodding eagerly. "If Jon comes along, I'll feel much better too."
With both his brother and son in agreement, Eddard hesitated. After a long pause, he finally said, "Go back for now. I'll think on it and give you my answer tomorrow."
"Yes, Lord Stark." Aedric nodded, then added, "There's one more thing, my lord. If I am allowed to accompany you to King's Landing, I have another request."
He paused briefly, then continued, "I hope you'll permit me to teach Arya swordsmanship."
All three men frowned slightly at that. Aedric quickly explained, "My lord, the best way to protect someone is to give them the strength to protect themselves. The road to King's Landing is uncertain — this is just a precaution. I truly hope it won't be necessary, but it's better to be prepared."
Eddard inhaled deeply, then finally waved a hand. "I'll give you my answer tomorrow. You may go."
Bowing slightly to Eddard, then nodding politely to Benjen and Robb, Aedric turned and left.
Though Lord Stark hadn't given a definite answer, Aedric estimated the odds were in his favor — at least seventy percent. Eddard understood well enough how dangerous this journey would be. Strengthening his own side's defenses was a reasonable move. The only question was whether Eddard's concern over Jon's true parentage would outweigh his judgment.
Well, better prepare for both outcomes.
If Eddard said no, he'd just go on his own. It wasn't as if anyone could actually stop him.
After all, his legs were his own — and if Eddard got in the way, well… Aedric could always make sure the old man "rested in bed" for a while. Honestly, for a man his age, all that running around and meddling in royal politics was only asking for trouble.
After grabbing some food — and quietly complaining about how coarse the meals in this world were — Aedric returned to his room and resumed cultivating Postnatal Inner Core Skill.
The world was vast, but nothing was more important than improving his strength.
And as far as he was concerned, the greatest reservoir of power and destiny in this world rested with the ancient being known as the Night King.
He'd need to find a way to destroy that creature — and reap the rewards.
Time passed quickly. By the time dawn broke the next morning, a loud bang bang bang! on his door jolted him out of meditation.
Irritated, he opened it — only for a small figure to burst in like a whirlwind. Arya Stark bounded into the room, eyes bright with excitement.
"Jon! Guess what — Father said I can learn swordsmanship from you!"
Aedric raised an eyebrow, smirking as he reached out and vigorously ruffled her hair into a messy bird's nest. "You woke me up this early just for that? I already knew."
"Ugh, I just fixed my hair!" Arya pouted, trying to smooth it back down. But then she threw her arms around him with a laugh. "Father also said you'll be coming with us to King's Landing! Isn't that great? Now I won't be bored!"
"Don't you have Sansa to keep you company?" Aedric teased, pouring her a glass of water.
"Please. Don't even mention that lovestruck fool," Arya said, downing the water in one gulp. "All she does is cling to that golden-haired idiot Joffrey. She's so obsessed with being queen, it's sickening."
She scrunched up her nose. "That blond moron struts around like he owns the world — even worse than his awful mother. Oh, by the way, I heard the Queen came down with a fever last night. The maester says it's just a chill or something. Serves her right!"
"Don't speak so carelessly. That's the Queen you're talking about, not 'that woman,'" Aedric chided lightly, though he smirked inwardly.
After all, that "chill" was the result of his own subtle internal strike — one that would keep Cersei bedridden and weakened for days. She'd have no strength left for "family bonding" with her twin brother anytime soon.
"Jon, when are you going to start teaching me?" Arya asked eagerly. Becoming a warrior had always been her dream, but her mother's disapproval had kept her from it — until now. She was practically vibrating with anticipation.
Aedric thought for a moment, then glanced at the rising sun outside. He took Arya's hand and said with a smile, "Right now. Let's go find a good place to begin."