2 From the shadows

Chapter 3: Observing from the Shadows

Having reached Winterfell, Malik decided to bide his time and learn more about the Stark family and its inhabitants before revealing his true identity and purpose. Cloaked in the Force, he became an unseen presence, quietly observing life within the ancient castle.

Winterfell was bustling with activity as servants went about their duties, and the Stark family members went about their daily routines. Malik watched Lord Eddard Stark, the stern yet honorable head of the family, as he dispensed justice and wisdom to those who sought his counsel. He saw Lady Catelyn, a woman of strength and grace, managing the affairs of the household with remarkable skill.

But it was the Stark children who captured Malik's attention the most. Among them, two in particular stood out: Micah and Arya. Micah, the youngest Stark son, exuded a warrior's spirit. He was diligent in his training with the sword, honing his skills to protect his family and his people. Malik could sense the noble heart that beat within him, strong and unwavering.

Arya, on the other hand, was a spirited and carefree young girl with a fierce determination. She rejected the traditional roles expected of noble ladies, opting instead to engage in archery and swordplay, much to the chagrin of her family. Malik admired her tenacity and could feel the Force flowing through her, guiding her towards a unique destiny.

As Malik continued to observe the Starks, he felt a deep connection with Micah and Arya through the Force. Their spirits resonated with his own, and he sensed that they were destined for greatness. It was as if the Force had chosen them for a significant role in the events to come.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Malik found himself in the training yard where Micah and Arya were engaged in a friendly sparring match. Their laughter filled the air as they exchanged blows with wooden swords, their movements fluid and synchronized. Malik's heart swelled with admiration for their unwavering bond as siblings.

He knew the time would come when he would reveal his presence to the Starks and offer his assistance in their time of need. But for now, he remained in the shadows, watching over them, and drawing strength from the warrior spirit and carefree nature of Micah and Arya, the two souls he had grown to admire and care for deeply through the Force.

Malik knew that in order to gain the trust of the Starks and establish his House in the North, he needed to approach them with humility and a valuable proposition. Cloaked in the persona of a merchant from the distant lands of Yi Ti, he began his interactions with the Stark family.

Dressed in ornate and colorful robes befitting a Yi Ti merchant, Malik arrived at Winterfell with a shipment of exotic spices and fabrics. His spaceship and construction droids remained concealed in a nearby forest, out of sight from the castle. The people of Westeros were intrigued by this foreign merchant who had come bearing gifts from a far-off land.

Lord Eddard Stark, always cautious but fair, welcomed the merchant and allowed him to present his wares in the courtyard of Winterfell. Malik's exotic goods quickly garnered attention and respect, and he became known as "Master Malik" among the Stark household.

Over time, Malik built a reputation for his honesty and generosity. He shared stories of the distant and mysterious lands of Yi Ti and regaled the Stark children with tales of adventure and exotic creatures. He cultivated a warm relationship with the Stark family, including Micah and Arya, who were intrigued by his tales of far-off places and exotic goods.

The Seeds of Transformation

As the seasons turned, Malik made a bold proposal to Lord Eddard Stark, offering a trade that would benefit both the Starks and the people of Winterfell. He approached Lord Stark with a map displaying the potential locations of glass farming houses, powered by advanced technology and constructed by his droids.

"In exchange for a parcel of land near Winterfell," Malik explained, "I can provide you with the means to cultivate crops that have never before thrived in the North. With glass farming houses, we can grow coffee, chocolate, pistachios, avocados, and more, even in the harshest winters."

Lord Stark, ever the protector of his people, saw the potential for improved sustenance and trade for Winterfell. After careful consideration and consultation with his advisors, he agreed to Malik's proposal. A portion of the land was allocated for the glass farming houses, and construction began with the aid of Malik's construction droids.

Over time, the glass farming houses flourished, providing an abundance of exotic crops that both enhanced the Stark family's wealth and improved the lives of the northern residents. Malik's presence and contributions to Winterfell were seen as a boon, further cementing his position of trust within the family.

As the Stark children, especially Micah and Arya, witnessed the transformation of their homeland and the prosperity brought by Master Malik, they felt a deep gratitude and admiration for the merchant from Yi Ti. Little did they know that the man they had come to respect and care for was not just a merchant but a Jedi Knight with a mission to ensure their survival in the challenging times that lay ahead.