Chapter 9: Meetings so fast

Summary:

Marc joined the hall of Darry Castle to break his fast with Eddard Stark. He meets some of the members of the household accompanying the northerner lord to King's Landing...

Chapter Text

As Eddard, Vayon and I entered the main hall, many members of the Stark household were gathered together, having begun their fast. Arya and Sansa were facing each other in a tense silence, while Jeyne Poole was seated nearby the redhaired Stark girl. Septa Mordane was observing them while Jory Cassel and another guard were watching the hall, probably asked by Eddard to monitor his daughters and avoid incidents. As we approached the table, they all turned their attention towards us. They stood up as they saw their lord or father, their eyes filled with curiosity and recognition.

Arya's face lit up with excitement as she saw me. Her eyes sparkled with joy, and she couldn't contain her enthusiasm.

"Marc!" she exclaimed, unable to hide her delight at seeing me again. Watching her reacting with such infectious enthusiasm made me smile in return, not only because of my fondness for her due to her character, but also because I always felt more sensitive and tender to the youngest people.

Sansa's reaction was more complex. She looked at me with a mixture of surprise, curiosity, and a hint of lingering resentment. I could see the conflict in her eyes, torn between her loyalty to her family and her betrothed. I suspected she was relieved her sister was alright but angry because my intervention took a peg down on Joffrey. I knew it would take time for her to fully process the events that had transpired and adjust to my presence, but even that was a fool's hope as I would depart to Winterfell while she would still descend to King's Landing, in the lion's den. A part of me regretted that I wouldn't be able to build trust with her and to help her as much as I could to widen her world perspective without completely losing her innocence, but I couldn't help that fact.

Jeyne's expression mirrored Sansa's, a mixture of surprise and curiosity. She had heard about the events of the previous evening through Sansa, and now she observed me with a mixture of fascination and uncertainty, probably wondering what I was doing there. She observed me and then her father, wondering what business I had with the steward and lord Stark.

Jory Cassel, with his ever-watchful eyes, regarded me with a mix of respect, curiosity and readiness. With what he witnessed the previous night and the interactions he had with me when Arya spoke to me and then with Lord Stark, I could sense that he saw me as someone who had earned his trust. He knew why I was there and was ready for his lord's announcement.

Septa Mordane's watchful gaze fell upon me. Her eyes bore into mine, studying me with a mix of curiosity and cautious reserve. She had heard of the events that unfolded yesterday and of my intervention. It was no doubt that she was wondering about my true nature and intentions, especially in regards of lady Sansa and Arya. Her thoughts were in disarray as while she saluted my intervention to allow truth to prevail, I was also a foreigner commoner that disrupted the carefully constructed order of things, putting in her a sense of unease. Her thoughts were a whirlwind of questions. I bet she wondered about me, my intentions, my situation and the role I might play within the household. I also wondered if she was wondering if I followed the faith of the Seven or if I was a heretic that would attempt to taint her students' souls and virtues. While wathing the show and the memories of the books gave me a certain picture of her, I was uncertain how to regard her, especially with the fact I would soon depart to Winterfell while she would still descend to King's Landing.

Eddard stepped forward, introducing me to the members of his household. "Allow me to introduce Marc Thomassey," he said, his voice carrying a note of authority. "Some of you may have seen him yesterday or even spoken with him. He has asked for protection and offered his assistance and insights to protect our family and navigate the challenges ahead."

As Eddard introduced me to the members of his household, I observed their reactions closely, trying to gauge their thoughts and emotions. Vayon Poole and Jory Cassel silently nodded while septa Mordane was gauging me with even more attention and some wariness.

When hearing this news. Arya's enthusiasm increased as her inner hopes of not only seeing me again, but to know me could be fulfilled. She asked her father with a voice full of hope, "Will he join us?"

Eddard responded, "Not exactly, Arya. Marc will be returning to Winterfell."

Arya's face fell slightly, a mix of disappointment and understanding crossing her features. She had been hoped to see me accompanying her father and their household to King's Landing, but now it seemed that she would have a different journey ahead. But she understood a bit, knowing that I wouldn't be safe from the queen and her son. She was just disappointed she wouldn't have more time to speak to me.

Seeing her reaction almost made me reveal to her that she would accompany me, but I retained myself. Not only I would overstep Eddard Stark's authority as lord and father, but that would also mean I couldn't keep my word. And while I loved speaking to others, I had learnt, even more since I found myself in this place, that handling information and discussion were very important, especially to build relations and ties.

Sansa, on the other hand, regarded me with a mixture of surprise and curiosity, her eyes flickering with a hint of relief. While uncertain of the decision of including me in the household or that I would join Winterfell, she felt relief to the news that I wouldn't accompany her father and their household to King's Landing, as she worried my presence would prevent her to speak to Joffrey. I could see the conflict and the complex emotions in her eyes and I prevent myself to sigh in sadness and frustration as it would be dismissive and scornful of me towards her since she was younger than me and could understand her perspective even if I didn't condone it in regards of the knowledge of the situation. A part of me regretted not to have informed lord Stark about Joffrey's nature, but with the time restriction and the fact that his trust was important to keep and that he couldn't remember everything, I needed to prioritize. My heart couldn't help but regret this powerless feeling.

Having noticed the slight disappointment in Arya's eyes and knowing the decisions we discussed yesterday, Eddard added in his voice calm yet firm. "However, he will not be alone. He will be accompanied by Arya and an escort that would protect both of them."

Arya's face lit up once again, a mix of delight, relief and curiosity shining in her eyes. The prospect of returning to Winterfell and to avoid the complete journey to King's Landing filled her with joy, even though the perspective of being separated from her father or the fact she wouldn't see the dragon skulls in the Red Keep tempered her excitement. Only the fact that she would be accompanying me only heightened her excitement, as she had already shown a keen interest in getting to know me better.

Sansa's reaction was more composed, a blend of relief and a flicker of concern. While she wondered why her father would send away her sister and was concerned as she would accompany me, the selfish part of her was relieved as it would mean that her sister wouldn't ruin anything anymore.

Septa Mordane regarded Eddard with a watchful eye, her expression hinting at a mix of surprise and concern. She had assumed that Arya would continue to accompany her father to become a true lady in the capital. The change in plans rose questions in her mind, as she sought to understand the reasoning behind the decision. She glanced at me, wondering what part I had in this change of plans for Arya, especially as her time in the capital would be beneficial to understand the necessity to be a true lady. The fact she was tasked with her education also contributed to arouse her concern.

She rose a question, "My lord, why would Arya be sent back to Winterfell?"

Eddard turned his attention to her. "Given the recent incidents and to avoid further tensions," he began, "It is Arya's punishment for her involvement with Joffrey. It is obvious she is not ready for the South and need some discipline. "

I watched how everyone reacted to the official reason. Sansa's reaction was one of relief and surprise. I could imagine that it was the first time she saw her father publicly punished Arya for her misdeeds, especially one that affected her betrothed. Sansa was also still feeling a tinge of concern because of my presence and wondered how much of a punishment it would be.

Arya, on the other hand, didn't seem too affected by the fact it was being framed as a punishment. Her excitement overcame any reaction of disappointment or of contrition to the fact her actions resulted to her punishment. A part of me wondered if she knew that it wasn't truly a chastisement for her. I immediately inwardly criticized myself, not for thinking that, but for giving me the impression that because she was a child, she couldn't have insight, even though it could be biased by her young age and lack of experience.

Jeyne seemed to nod to her lord's words, even though I suspected it was because she was appreciating the fact Arya was punished for something that "ruined" her best friend's moments. Her father regarded Eddard's explanation with a thoughtful expression. He understood the reasoning behind the decision, acknowledging the importance of Arya's well-being and the need for her to be with her siblings. Jory Cassel nodded in silent agreement with Eddard's decision as he probably guessed that it was made with Arya's best interests in mind.

Septa Mordane maintained a composed and observant demeanor as she listened attentively to Eddard's words, her thoughts filled with a mixture of reservation and duty. While she acknowledged the need for discipline, there was a part of her that questioned the need to send back Arya to Winterfell as it would prevent her to truly understand why she needed to behave like a lady.

Eddard then shifted his gaze towards Sansa.

"Sansa," he began, his voice filled with a mix of compassion and firmness, "Lady will also be sent back to Winterfell."

Sansa's delicate features underwent a swift transformation, a mixture of entitlement and frustration giving way to surprise and a hint of concern. Her large, deep blue eyes widened as she struggled to comprehend why her cherished direwolf was being subjected to this decision. She opened her mouth, as if to voice her question, but Eddard continued, offering his reasons for the decision.

"It's a precautionary measure," he explained, his voice steady and reassuring. "Lady's presence in the capital might inadvertently escalate tensions and potentially put her in harm's way. The South isn't familiar with direwolves, and if Lady were to behave like the Stark she accompanies..."

Sansa's face tightened, a whirlwind of emotions visible in her youthful features. She wanted to know why her beloved direwolf was being sent away. Her voice trembled slightly as she voiced her inquiry, a touch of petulance seeping into her words.

"But why, Father? Lady hasn't done anything wrong. She's gentle and well-mannered."

Eddard met Sansa's gaze, his eyes filled with understanding. "I understand your attachment to Lady, Sansa," he replied, his voice gentle. "But it is not about her behavior. With the recent incident involving Joffrey and Arya, there may be those who would seek to blame Lady, innocent as she may be."

Seeing that Sansa seemed conflicted and torn apart by her father's answer, I knew I had to intervene to avoid any potential tension and further complicated relation between Eddard and his daughter. Besides, I had promised to Eddard I would take the blow if it was necessary as it was first my advice even if he took the decision. I took a breath before interjecting.

"My lady," I said, my voice calm yet determined, "Your father is right. But to tell the truth, I advised your father to make this decision for the sake of Lady's safety. The incident with prince Joffrey has created tensions, and there are people who may hold her responsible for what happened to your betrothed, regardless of her innocence or gentleness. And some that wouldn't hesitate to do it in backstabbing manner."

A heavy silence followed my words. Eddard furrowed his brows, probably thinking of the Lannisters while Arya seemed wary and concerned, possibly imagining the queen asking such thing. But I focused on Sansa. Her eyes narrowed as she turned her glance on me. I could feel her anger and disdain, but also a tinge of concern, probably worried that there would be people that would kill her direwolf because of what happened on the Ruby Ford. However, this concern was on the top of her thoughts and emotions as she unleashed her frustration on me with a tinge of adolescent haughtiness.

"Who do you think you are?" she retorted, her words dripping with resentment. "A foreigner and a commoner that is meddling in affairs that don't concern you. You questioned and humiliated my betrothed and the queen and now you dared advise sending away Lady as if you possess any authority to do so! You hold no place in determining what's best for my direwolf or my family! You are no lord or knight."

Her words cut deeper than I anticipated, and the frustration in her voice was palpable. It was clear that my advice had been the final straw for her concerning me. Even though I was prepared to take the blow of her anger and blame, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of pain and even anger. I retained myself to express my frustration and anger towards her self-enticed behavior, aware that I would play at her level and even worse as she was a child, not to mention that I was not her father. And striking at children, by words or physical strength, was something I would never want to do, even less with Sansa as my mind reminded me what could await her in the future. My rational self reminded me that I also looked for it, not matter the reasoning behind revealing my part in the advise. I stood firm, maintaining my composure, as her strong reaction washed over me. It was clear that Sansa's emotions were running high, fueled by a combination of her idealized vision of the queen and prince, the humiliation she felt from my intervention, and the complicated dynamics between her and Arya.

A tense silence followed her words as everyone was taken aback by her reaction. That was broken as Arya swiftly intervened, defending me against her sister's harsh words.

"Sansa, stop it!" she exclaimed, not holding back. "Marc is just trying to help us! He didn't humiliate anyone; he defended the truth!"

Sansa's eyes turned to her sister, her anger now directed at Arya. "You always ruin everything!" she spat, her tone laced with disdain. "It's because of you that Lady has to go back to Winterfell!"

Arya's face twisted with anger and frustration. "I ruined everything? You're the one who betrayed your own family by siding with Joffrey and his lies! Lady's going back because of your precious betrothed!"

Sansa's cheeks flushed with indignation. But before the exchange could spiral further, Eddard stepped forward, his voice carrying the weight of authority. "Enough!" His command left no room for further argument. "We are a family, and we must show respect to one another. These quarrels will not lead us to resolution."

Eddard took a step closer to them, bridging the gap between the sisters. He first looked at Sansa, "Sansa, you shouldn't speak in such way to Marc. He is now a member of the household.

Sansa bowed her head in shame, probably feeling unladylike her demeanour. Eddard then turned his glance on Arya.

"Arya," he spoke with authority and yet gently, "I appreciate your loyalty and your willingness to stand up for the people you trust. But do not speak so harshly to your sister."

Arya's shoulders slumped slightly, a sign that she was starting to relent. She glanced at Sansa, her expression softening just a touch. "I... I'm sorry, Sansa," she muttered, her voice still holding onto a hint of stubbornness.

Sansa turned her head back toward Arya. "I'm sorry too, Arya," she murmured, her voice tinged with regret and bitterness.

She then turned to me, regal and her expression more guarded though traces of her resentment were concealed in her eyes. "My apologies", she said.

I acquiesced to her, accepting her apology, even if I knew she wasn't ready to fully forget and move on. The tension in the hall however eased. While i felt relief in how the quarrel was solved, I regretted the way it occurred. A cynical part of me considered it would cement Arya's departure to King's Landing as her punishment, but I didn't like thinking in such a way. With that settled, we all turned our attention to the food before us. As we settled down to break our fast, the tension in the air was still palpable. Sansa mustered up the courage to speak. "Father," she began softly, her voice wavering, "may I say goodbye to Lady after we finish our meal?"

Eddard glanced at Sansa, his gaze filled with compassion. He nodded in response. "Of course, Sansa," he replied gently. "We will ensure you have the opportunity to bid farewell to Lady properly."

Sansa nodded gratefully to her father. As she was about to begin eating, she glanced at me, her eyes still filled with resentment, before she began to eat, lost in her own thoughts and frustrations.

Jeyne cautiously attempted to speak to her friend, seeking to ease the tension. "Sansa," she said softly, "I know this is hard for you..."

Sansa, however, seemed lost in her own world, the words of her companion falling on deaf ears. She remained silent, her emotions swirling within her. She still felt bitter on my interferences and felt even more grateful I wouldn't accompany her father to King's Landing, even though she was also unsure of my presence within her family, worried of the disbalance I would bring or that I would influence her younger sister to be even more rebellious and unladylike.

I began to eat, even though my mind was elsewhere due to what just happened. I took a look at my knife and held up a sigh. Ever since I found myself in this place, one of the things I missed dearly from home was the fork or the napkin and eating with only a knife or the hands was so… improper. I scoffed inwardly, reminding myself that the contrast between my reality and Westeros. While it was intriguing because it was akin to how medieval times were, I reminded myself it was not real Middle Ages. I thought of the little request I made to the blacksmith of Darry Castle to make a fork. I was eager to see if it was done, especially with my imminent departure.

I took a glance at Sansa and Jeyne. Seeing the redhaired girl distant, I sighed inwardly, feeling a mix of guilt and sadness. While I knew my advices to lord Stark on the matter of Lady were done to prevent some potential disastrous fallouts, witnessing the distress and anger of Sansa weighed heavily on me. A part of me blamed myself for not truly having evaluated Sansa's reaction when I made my advice to Eddard or the fact I would take the blow for him should she react badly. I felt also deeply her words and her accusative demeanor as it brought back memories of critics on how I handled things and how I used to take them to the core as personal attacks. But I couldn't allow to lower myself to react badly to a thirteen years-old girl. Not only I would prove her that I was truly a lowborn commoner in demeanor, but I would face her father's reaction and I would regard myself as no much better than the Lannisters or Balon Greyjoy with their blinding pride.

Arya, noticed my distress and turned to me with a mixture of frustration and concern. While she felt still contrite for how she spoke to her sister, she didn't want to see me feeling guilty for something she understood the purpose.

"Don't blame yourself," she said. "You did what you thought was right. It's not your fault that Sansa doesn't see it that way."

I offered Arya a grateful smile, appreciating her attempt to comfort me. "Thank you, Arya," I replied, my voice sincere. "I understand why your sister reacted the way she did. It's difficult for her to accept the reality when she had such an idealized vision. But I can't help but feel guilty for being the catalyst for this separation."

Arya's expression softened as she listened to my words, her eyes reflecting a mixture of understanding and sympathy. She reached out and gently placed a hand on mine, offering a reassuring squeeze.

"Marc," she began, her voice filled with genuine empathy, "You can't blame yourself for what's happening. Sansa... she's always been like that, you know? Believing in fairy tales and all. But you did what you thought was right, and I'm grateful for that. Lady and I will be fine back in Winterfell."

Her words were a balm to my troubled conscience, and a small smile played on my lips. I appreciated her unwavering support and understanding. "Thank you, Arya," I replied, my voice filled with gratitude. I then whispered, "To tell the truth, when I was your sister's age, I was a bit a mix of both of you. A fiery temper and someone that felt out of place like you and someone eager to prove himself dutiful and a bit dreamer like your sister, wanting to see the beauty everywhere."

As Arya listened to my response, her curiosity piqued as my words intrigued her, and she couldn't help but ask further. "So, you were like a mix of both of us?" she questioned, tilting her head slightly. "What do you mean by feeling out of place? And why did you want to see the beauty in the world? Life isn't always beautiful; it's tough and unfair sometimes."

I smiled at her in understanding, appreciating her inquisitiveness. "You're right, Arya," I replied, choosing my words carefully for her young mind to grasp. "Life can be tough and unfair, but even in the darkest moments, there can still be beauty and hope. Feeling out of place meant that I didn't always fit in with the people around me, just like how you sometimes feel different from the others. But that's okay because being unique is what makes us special. It's like how you have your own way of being brave and not conforming to what others expect of a lady. You embrace your true self, and that's a beautiful thing."

"As for wanting to see the beauty in the world," I continued, "it's about finding joy in the little things, like the colors of the sunset, the laughter of friends, or the kindness in someone's heart. It's about believing in love stories and hoping for the best in people, even when they may not always show it. It's a bit like your dream of becoming a swordsman and proving that you can be as strong as any knight."

Arya mulled over my words, her expression thoughtful. She might not have fully understood the complexities of life, but I could sense that she resonated with the idea of embracing one's true self and finding beauty even in the face of challenges.

"I guess that makes sense," she finally replied, nodding slightly. "I'll keep being myself, even if others don't understand. And I'll find beauty in my own way too." She looked determined as she said those words, reflecting the strong-willed girl that she was.

"That's the spirit, Arya," I said, genuinely proud of her. "Being true to yourself is one of the most important things you can do in life. And remember, it's okay to have dreams and hope for a better world as long as you are ready to put endeavor in what you want to achieve."

Arya's gaze softened, and she gave me a small smile. "Thank you, Marc," she said, her appreciation evident.

"My pleasure, Arya", I answered back.

A playful glint appeared in my eyes as I added with a teasing tone, "Just do not overdo yourself next time. Your intervention did make me feel like a little brother or a child younger than you, even though I'm the adult. It's not every day a grown-up gets defended by a brave and spirited young person like you."

Arya's cheeks flushed slightly at my teasing remark, and she couldn't help but crack a small smile. The corners of her mouth twitched as she tried to suppress her amusement.

"Well," she began, a mischievous glint dancing in her eyes, "maybe you needed a little sister to watch your back sometimes. And who better than the fierce Arya Stark?"

I chuckled at her response, appreciating her sense of humour. "You're right, Arya. I couldn't have asked for a better defender. Just remember to save some of that fierceness for those who really deserve it."

Arya's smile grew, and she nodded playfully. "Don't worry, I know when to use it. And I promise I won't go around defending everyone like a mother hen."

I raised an eyebrow in mock surprise. "Are you implying that you have a soft side hidden beneath that tough exterior?"

Arya shrugged nonchalantly, a playful twinkle in her eyes. "Maybe. But don't tell anyone. It's a secret."

I placed a hand over my heart in a mock solemn gesture. "Your secret is safe with me, Arya Stark. Just remember, being fierce doesn't mean you can't also be caring and kind."

She nodded, her smile genuine. "I'll keep that in mind. Thanks, Marc."

As Arya and I continued our conversation, Eddard observed the interaction between us with a mix of gratitude and concern. Gratitude washed over him as he saw the potential positive influence I seemed to have on his daughter and how easily she had befriended me. He appreciated the way I handled the situation with Sansa and how I managed to connect with Arya on a deeper level.

However, beneath the gratitude, there was also concern. He couldn't help but feel responsible for the rift that had formed between Sansa and me. He knew that my intervention, while well-intentioned, had unintentionally contributed to his daughter's distress. As a father, Eddard always sought to protect his children from harm and distress, and now he found himself grappling with the repercussions of my involvement.

Yet, seeing Arya reaching out to comfort me, Eddard couldn't help but be moved by her gesture. It reminded him of his beloved sister, Lyanna, who had also been spirited and fiercely protective of those she cared about. He couldn't help but feel a tinge of wariness, worried that Arya might find herself in a similar situation as his sister had in the past.

However, Eddard reminded himself that I had sought his help at Arya's urging, and that she had initiated the whole situation even if I had defended her. He trusted his daughter's judgment, and he knew that I had only acted in accordance with her advice. Still, he couldn't shake off the thought that appearances could be deceiving, and he wondered what other knowledge I might possess from my world could potentially affect his family's future.

Pushing those thoughts aside, Eddard turned his attention back to his meal, trying to focus on the present moment and the challenges that lay ahead for his family. He hoped that my advice and presence in Winterfell would be worth the trust he had placed in me, and that I would prove to be helpful in navigating the complexities of their lives. He silently prayed that he wasn't making a mistake by involving an outsider like me in the affairs of his family and his home.

A.N.:

1. The eighth chapter now yours. One that was more or less a core chapter ever since I had decided to imagine this fanfiction with the mixed method of creation. It was not necessarily an easy chapter due to how to depict Sansa's reaction and the quarrel with her sister. I tried to make it as believable as I could without falling in something too theatrical or over the top. I hope it is balanced enough and narratively well-written.

2. The introduction to the household was something I thought was necessary. Initially, it was in the assigned rooms, but for narrative reasons but also I took inspiration of an obvious scene of breakfast between the Lannisters in the first book/season.

3. I wanted to explore the shades of reaction of the different characters, between those who had witnessed the intervention of the SI and those who only heard it, those who began to trust the MC in one way or another and those who are wary for different reasons.

4. Sansa's reaction was something I thought on and I considered that in regards of her initial personalit and of the context, the possible reaction is frustration and anger due to the accumulation of actions of the SI that kind of question her frame of perspective (the "humiliation" of her betrothed, the status of the SI and the fact he was behind the idea of sending back her companion). I also considered how she was distressed when Lady's death was decided in canon and I considered that being separated from her direwolf, while less traumatic than having her killed, was still an emotional distress. And the fact she lashes out was something I considered plausible

5. I took great care to emphasize on the reactions and thoughts of the other characters to deepen the context and make it more alive in spirit, not to mention that .

6. The idea of the "classical" dispute between Sansa and Arya was tied to to emphasize both a similar situation to canon when Sansa blames Arya for Lady's death and Arya blaming her for lying but in a less tensed and grave situation and of the way each character regards the MC due to their personal experience of the recents events (very recent of less than a day). Besides, while classical, it is a bit fun to show the contrast between the two characters.

7. Like in the previous chapters, additions with the help of ChatGPT, rewrite and deleting parts were present in order to make as organic as I could the chapter, especially in the interactions. One of the version of the quarrel was a bit too far in words, especially from Arya and while I know people can say things in anger they shouldn't, the end of the quarrel was too over the top even in considering the complicated relation between Arya and Sansa. And there was also the fact Ned has to "quickly" intervene, otherwise it wouldn't be consistent with his character in fatherly matters. For these reasons, I shortened it to those two exchanges as I couln't imagine the northerner passively observing his daughters tearing each others.

8. One of the last additions was the little passage on the thought on how to eat in Westeros as I thought it was interesting to add futher perspective in the contrast for the SI and a little pretext for the next chapter.

9. The discussion between Arya and the SI was something I wanted, notably to show another side of the SI, especially in the way he can interact with other people. As the SI is inspired by me, even if there is perhaps a little exageration in some matters, the easygoing manner with young people, the cautiousness, the tendency to regret and empathy or his way with words (using them for logic, diplomacy or wit) is either part of me or how I regard myself. Add the knowledge of Westeros and of the characters due to the books and show add another layer and make him act in a certain manner. I also wanted to make the SI in a certain manner a multi-layered character, not only in the manner of skills and flaws but also in his passions and interests. While he has a purpose, he also wants to remain himself in spite of the dubious nature of Westeros. While I love the concept of self-insert when it is well-done, I have sometimes the impression that the SI are unidimensional in the sense that they have only one focus (modernizing a world, preventing an incoming disaster, helping the hero) while everything else seemed overlooked or rejected. It is not a criticism since such focus can exist in certain case and I understand the narrative logic. But a very good SI (which doesn't fall in the Mary Sue/Gary Stu label) is a character that is inspired from the author but reflects his perceived strengths and flaws, his perceived passions and fears (meaning that knowing yourself (well enough) is kind of a prerogatory for someone wanting to make such stories, unless he wants to make parodies where Mary Sue or Gary Stue are more welcome). Of course, it is only my personal opinion on the matter. And concerning the SI (and to a certain extent to me), think of an adult version of Aang if he had awakened from his iceberg older but without magical powers (if having foresight due to the stories as a SI can be considered as a magical skill) or in ASOIAF context a version of Sansa having preserved her innocence in a certain manner while having experienced the complexity of the world.

10. Like the sixth chapter, something akin to an interlude from one of the other characters' perspectives. I thought it was something interesting to develop due to the fact that Arya is canonically compared to his sister or the fact that in spite of the trust he gave the SI, he is also a father and a lord who is worried and cautious, not to mention that the SI is only known for a day (and I made comment and fun of these matters and issues in different chapters while trying being consistent and to avoid cliches, especially in a "Disney manner" where mocking flaws is much more easier than trying to rectify them and to comment on them...).

11. Teaser: in the next chapter, a little passage to the forge after the breakfast...

12. Have a good reading !

N.B. : For the next chapters, the notes will less numerous and dense.