The Return

Riding through Wintertown, Benjen was filled with nostalgia and no small amount of joy. It had been most of a year since he set foot in Winterfell and Benjen found himself missing the North more as his journey went on.

He found himself nervous when he first left the North. But he was also excited. This was his chance to really contribute to his House and the North. Something he never really thought he would have an opportunity to do when he was a boy, being a third son.

Unfortunately, most of his time was spent on a ship. It wasn't so bad in the beginning, but after months at sea in cramped quarters, he started missing land. He realized that he would probably never love sailing as much as the Manderlys seemed to.

Still, its not like he hated it. Being able to see much of the world made the trip worth it.

Benjen knew there were some amazing sights to see in the world. He used to read about them with Lyanna all the time. They would then spend hours speaking about travelling the world together. Seeing all there was to see. Doing all there was to do. Those talks grew more frequent after she was betrothed to Robert Baratheon.

It made the trip bitter in some places. There were moments he couldn't help but think about how much his sister would have loved to be in his place. How much more she wanted it compared to him. How much she would have enjoyed Yi-Ti and Braavos or how much Slavers Bay would have filled her with righteous anger. How much she would have loved the freedom.

Still, he couldn't help but think that perhaps he was honoring her in some small way. By doing what they always talked about but she never got a chance to do.

Sometimes Benjen couldn't stop his mind from wondering what life would have been like if Hadrian was a Lord during those times instead of his father. He thinks that Hadrian would have killed Robert Baratheon if he whored around while betrothed to Lyanna. Damn the consequences. Hells, Hadrian probably wouldn't have let Lyanna marry outside the North in the first place.

He realized that Hadrian could be cold sometimes, but he always put his family first. His first priority was the pack and the second was the North. Hadrian didn't seem to put much thought into anything else, except for how they could be a threat to both of those things.

He knew it was a terrible thing to contemplate because he loved his father and his brother, but he was always closest to his sister. She was always where his thoughts drifted to when he thought of those days.

Benjen shook his head clear of those thoughts. He wouldn't allow himself to be in a poor mood on what should be a day of celebration. So, he devoted himself to his surroundings.

As he moved further into Wintertown and closer to the gates of Winterfell, Benjen looked around to see what changed in the time that he has been gone.

He noticed that Wintertown was slightly larger. There were more people living in it now than he had ever seen, except during winter. There were more stores, more buildings and people looked happy. They looked hopeful.

He lost himself in the sights, greeting people he recognized as he moved past them. Waving at some people who were new to the town. Smiling and laughing as he was greeted by cheers by what must have been most of the people living here.

After spending some time in the presence of other lords in Yi-Ti and Braavos and seeing how they were treated by their people, he knew how special it was that the Starks were genuinely loved by their people. Rather than just begrudgingly respected as many of those lords were. The less said about the slavers the better.

His family had always had the respect and love of their people. Thanks to Hadrians efforts, those feelings seemed to only grow stronger. Before he left, many of the small folk started speaking of Hadrian as if he was a champion of the gods themselves. If some of his nephew's other ideas work, then those rumors are only going to grow.

He didn't know if that was a good thing or not.

Benjen spent some time admiring some of the newest buildings that were created since he left and before he knew it, he was leading his procession of carts through the gates of Winterfell.

His eyes widened as the first thing he saw were the Giants. There were two of them standing to either side of the inner gate. He had heard about what his nephew had been doing since he went on the voyage, so he knew his nephew had got the giants and Children to bend the knee. Still, it was one thing to hear about it but it was a completely different thing to see it for himself.

Each of them were very intimidating. They were both wearing steel armor and armed with the largest greatswords he had ever seen. Each sword being taller and wider than he was. Benjen could only imagine how devastating they would be in battle.

Still, each of them bowed their heads and thumped their chests as he walked past and let out a loud cry. "Stark!"

Benjen couldn't help but straighten his back and stand a little taller when he gave them both a nod of respect.

When he saw his nieces and nephews, he felt his smile stretch across his face. He hopped off his horse and walked up to Hadrian who greeted him with open arms and a smile. Benjen didn't hesitate to embrace the boy, leaving all the fancy greetings he knows he was supposed to do out. It was then his nephew spoke. "It's good to have you back uncle."

Benjen smiled wider. "It's good to be back nephew."

He released Hadrian and stepped back, inspecting him properly. "You've grown, nephew." The boy had shot up at least a foot since Benjen had last seen him.

Harry laughed. "Aye, it seems so." He then looked at all the wagons that were being put into the courtyard. "It looks like you had a productive trip."

Benjen shot a slightly awed glance at the Child of the Forest behind his nephew and another glance at the giant. "It seems not as much as you. Always have to be one to shatter expectations, don't you Harry?"

Harry just smiled.

Benjen took that as permission to move and begin greeting Neds children. He gave his other nephews a strong hug. "Robb, Jon look at you boys. I've missed you. Have you boys been good?"

Both the lads broke off and Robb was the first to speak, as he usually did, with a toothy smile. "Aye. We've been doing all our lessons and listening to father and mother." Jon just nodded along solemnly but he had a hint of a smile on his face.

Benjen laughed and gave the boys a wink. "I hope you haven't been too good. Your father can do with a bit of mischief in his life."

Their smiles grew slightly larger and more devious.

He moved on to Sansa who was holding her mothers hand. "You're looking more and more like a princess every time I see you dear. Your brothers will be chasing the boys off with their swords soon enough."

She gave a shy smile and looked at her feet while blushing. "Thank you Uncle Benjen."

He had to restrain himself from hugging the girl again, she was just too cute. With an effort of will he moved on to greet Cat, kissing her knuckles before speaking. "My lady, its good to see you again."

Catelyn just nodded, but she also had a small smile on her face. "My Lord."

After, he bent down and patted little Arya on the head. She was still too young to speak properly so that would have to do for now.

Benjen took a few steps back. "I have gifts for everyone. I will give them to you at dinner tonight." He could practically see most of the children vibrating with anticipation.

Hadrian was the exception. He only looked at his cousins with fond amusement before turning his gaze back to Benjen. "I'm sure you are tired uncle. You have had a long trip; we will speak a bit later in my solar once you are ready and we will be having a feast tonight."

Benjen smiled gratefully. Honestly, sleeping in his own bed sounded like a dream.

Line Break-

A few hours later, about an hour before the feast was supposed to start and after he had a small nap and a bath, Benjen walked to his nephews solar. He was eager to hear in more detail about what's been happening in the North.

He had just arrived in the correct corridor when the guards outside of the room knocked on the door and announced his presence. Benjen never even had to slow down his walk as the door was pushed open soon after, with each of the guards giving him a nod of respect as he passed.

Hadrians solar was even more interesting as than he remembered. There were dozens of maps spread out along the walls, each showing a different section of the North. Dozens of pages were spread out over Hadrians desk, each with numerous scribbles and markings on them. No doubt detailing some of his nephews' rough plans.

Hadrian himself was seated behind the desk, reading through a document that Benjen recognized as the list of items that he brought to Winterfell.

Hadrian was quick to place the document down when Benjen walked to one of his shelves and grabbed a goblet before pouring himself a mug of ale from the jug his nephew always had ready whenever he or Ned visited him.

His nephew was quick to gesture for him to speak as soon as he sat down.

Benjen did so gladly. "So, tell me nephew, I have heard all sorts of rumors but I would hear it from you. How in the Seven Hells did you get the Giants and the Children of the Forst onto your side?"

Harry smirked before beginning to spin a tale straight out of the songs about being a greenseer, the deal he made with the Children and the Giants. About how they agreed to bend the knee to House Stark and finally about the war against the Faith and House Bolton that started on his way back to Winterfell.

Benjen was honestly enthralled at the story. He always knew his nephew was a great Lord of the North, but it wasn't until this moment that he truly started to realize that Hadrian would probably be spoken of in the same breath as some of his most famous ancestors. He had possibly already surpassed most of them and he was still a young lad.

He couldn't help but feel pride.

After that Hadrian informed him of a few more details about the happenings in the North, such as Jorah Mormonts scandal that required Ned to travel to Bear Island. Benjen already knew that something had happened on Bear Island that required Ned thanks to Lord Manderly, but the details of what happened left him both in shock and enraged.

It wasn't long after that where Hadrian asked him all about his voyage.

Benjen was only too happy to oblige Hadrian. Benjen regaled Hadrian with tales of the mighty statue of the Titan of Braavos, The Iron Bank and its imposing walls and all the artworks and merchants that could be found in that city. He spun tales of the beautiful waters of Ibb and the majestic whales that can be found there. He spoke about the horrors of slavers bay and the true cruelty that could be found there. He spoke of Yi-Ti and all its many customs and the unique people that lived there. He also spoke of some of the dangers that they faced on the waters.

"-not for the compass then we would have surely lost at least a few more ships to pirates and slavers. As it is, we merely avoided most of them by going deeper into the seas where they could not follow us without risking getting lost. Truly a marvelous invention nephew."

Harry smiled. "Aye, that's why it will remain a Northern secret for as long as possible."

Benjen just nodded. "I agree on the necessity. Still, there will be those who will be curious to know how we did what we did. They will investigate. I fear the next voyages will be much more dangerous than this one."

Hadrian nodded solemnly. "Thats why the next voyage will only take place once a few more warships can be built and armed with ballistae. It should only be a year or two until we are ready."

His nephew leant back and took a sip of his water. Benjen decided this was a good time to try get answers to one of the questions that had been bugging him for much of the trip. "You had me purchase a number of things on the voyage nephew and I believe I have an idea of what you are hoping to achieve with some of them, but I am still curious about others..." He trailed off leadingly.

Unfortunately, Benjen was going to be left disappointed. "For now, all of those crops you brought are only going to be farmed on House Stark lands. The same with the animals. I know where I want some of the crops to go, but I don't know that for all of them yet. I will first perfect the methods of farming each of them requires. Then I will begin seeing if I can't find any other uses for them. Once I have done so, then I will look at spreading those crops around the North to key bannermen."

Benjen sighed slightly. To be honest, Benjen was beginning to suspect that Hadrian had already worked out exactly what he wanted to do with those crops. Although he told himself he wasn't being very fair. Hadrian may have read about some of these crops and animals, but that doesn't mean he knows the best way to use them without ever seeing them grow for himself.

His nephew was a genius, that doesn't mean he can just pull information from nowhere.

He smiled at his nephew. "I understand nephew. If anyone can figure out the best ways to use them, it will be you."

Harry suddenly sprang to his feet and clapped his hands. "Enough of this uncle! Tonight is a night of celebration and were going to be late to the feast!" With that he started moving towards the door.

Benjen chuckled weakly before standing up to follow.

An hour later Benjen found himself seated at the high table on his nephews right. He was drinking a strong ale to wash down the hearty meal he had.

The great hall of Winterfell was practically empty today. The only people present was his family, the Child of the Forest Leaf and a few of Hadrians Winterguard. It was honestly an atmosphere that he found preferable to the drunken revelry that happens when the Lords visit the castle for one reason or another. This was a lot more relaxing and he could speak more freely with his family.

His nephew didn't seem to care what he said in front of Leaf. As according to Hadrian, the Child of the Forest will have a role to play in educating and advising all Starks in the future. So according to Hadrian, it will be better if she was used to them.

Benjen was using this time as best he could. By telling his nephews amusing stories from his adventure. "-So there I was, lost in Braavos at night with nothing but my sword. Unfortunately, what I didn't know was that walking around that city at night with a sword was a sign that that you wanted to duel. Let me tell you, in Braavos, there is no shortage of men who are looking for a good duel. Either for fame, to settle grudges or just for pure amusement. By the time I managed to find my way back to the inn I had fought over a dozen men. Each more fearsome than the last!"

"And then?!" Jon exclaimed excitedly. "Did you beat them all?!"

"Obv-ov- obvivosy he won! He's a Stark!" Robb exclaimed puffing up his chest in pride.

Jon rounded on him. "You don't know that! He could have lost."

Robb frowned. "No way!"

Jon glared. "Yes way!"

"No!"

"Yes!"

Benjen laughed, interrupting the brotherly spat. "Aye, boys. I won all of them! It was close at some points though. When I reached my inn, i swore never to walk outside in Braavos at night ever again!"

Robb rounded back on Jon. "See, I told you!"

Jon opened his mouth to reply before he was cut off by the sound of Hadrians laughter. "Alright, that's enough you two." The two looked at Harry pleadingly.

His nephew seemed to decide a distraction was a good idea because he rounded on Benjen with a glint in his eye. "I believe uncle Benjen said he got us some presents. "

Instantly, every pair of eyes were on him.

Benjen laughed and stood from his seat. "Alright, I can take a hint." He gestured to one of the guards who was standing near the back of the hall near a few boxes. He walked around to the front of the table while the man brought each of the boxes over to him.

Harry gave him a signal to do the boys first.

Benjen complied. He grabbed the first two boxes. "These are for Robb and Jon." He said, handing the boys a pair of boxes. They were quick to remove the lid with an excited smile. Inside they found far-eyes with trees and forests carved on the sides decorating them.

The poor boys looked confused for a moment until Benjen explained. "It's a far eye boys. From Yi –Ti. You put the smaller side up to your eye and look through it."

The boys did so quickly. With Robb exclaiming. "Woah. Everything's so much bigger." Jon just showed an awed smile.

Benjen laughed. "Aye, that's what it does."

"Thank you uncle!" "Thanks uncle!"

He left the boy to play with them and gave another box to Sansa. Benjen wanted to laugh as the girl almost daintily opened up her gift. Once she did though she was quick to release a squeal of excitement.

"Those are four dolls are dressed in the latest fashion of Braavos and Yi-Ti."

Sansa was quick to take one out and hug it to herself, an amazed look on her face at the craftsmanship. Even Benjen had to admit they were very well made.

Catelyn nudged her daughter. "What do we say?"

Sansa looked up shyly. "Thank you."

Benjen just smiled before he gave Catelyn her box.

She opened it and gasped when she found silks and fabrics from each port that Benjen had visited. She lifted it up delicately to rub her fingers through it before offering Benjen a smile and a heartfelt. "Thank you."

Next, Benjen gave Hadrian his gift. Which was a katana from Yi-Ti. His nephew ran his hand along the flat of the blade for a moment, admiring the craftsmanship and the snarling Direwolf that was carved into the pommel before giving his thanks.

"Last, but not least. Here is Aryas."

Catelyn opened hers before passing Arya one of the dolls dressed as a princess of Yi-Ti. Arya grabbed onto it for a moment before she threw it with a loud shout. "No!"

Catelyn gasped. "Arya!"

She screamed louder. "No!"

Benjen couldn't help but laugh and look at the girl fondly.

It's funny. For so many years, all he wanted to do was join the Nights Watch. To atone for his guilt. To earn honor. Its only when he was away from his family for almost a year that he really started to understand what he would have given up if Harry let him.

Not much plot progression in this chapter. I just wanted to show off some of the dynamics between the Stark children and how Benjen is starting to heal. I know I promised a Manderly chapter. Thats happening next. I just wanted to set some things up before then. Such as Hadrian having spies in Kingslanding and Lord Manderly going South with the trade fleet.

Criticism is welcome as long as its productive

To read ahead: Pat_ (slash) TheLifeandTimes19.