Harvest Feast

Winterfell 270 AC

Sorry for the delay, I got stranded in Chicago trying to fly back home and my flights kept getting canceled and delayed. I ended up spending the night in Chicago and another night in Charlotte before I got back home and never had my laptop to type this new chapter. I will try to get a few out soon to make up for it.

MC POV:

This is the moment I've been working towards for the last two years. Every major Lord of the North has come converged at Winterfell for the harvest feast. At the start of spring The Warden of the North announced the feast to happen one year after the ravens flew from The Citadel announcing spring. Normally the Wardens only have a harvest feast at the start of autumn but in the north where you have to survive even sometimes in the summer from the cold we host one at the beginning and end of summer. Everything was in place for this feast as I'm determined to make it the most important one ever in the history of the north.

"Announcing Lord Brandon Stark, heir to Winterfell and future Warden of the North" the herald yells out in his typical Northern accent I've come to appreciate.

All the Lords look to my father for an explanation as he clears his throat and loudly tells them "My lords I know this is not normal for my heir to be presiding over this meeting at only 8 name days old but he has come up with some revolutionary ideas and wishes to share them with you all"

"BAH WHAT DID HE COME UP WITH? THE KIDS BARLEY OFF HIS MOTHERS TEET!" Boomed Jon "Greatjon" Umber the giant of a man from the Last Hearth, the furthest major northern keep and house.

"Lord Stark this is most unusual are you sure this isn't a jest of some sort. We've all heard of your sons idea to sell ice and I can't tank you enough for giving House Mormont part of the trade but what could be so important it has to be shared here" Maege Mormont says. The mighty she bear of Bear Island took over the ice trade once spring his as being located in the Bay of Ice they had plenty of it. The once poor house is slowly growing it's coffers.

"My Lords while I am young, I am no southern lordling that plays knight with his siblings. Ask my father, the Maester, or anyone working with me that I know exactly what I'm doing and if you give me a chance I promise you in 5 years you're going to have more gold than you know what to do with." I confidently inform the mumbling lords. "I'll get straight to the point. Over the last 2 years I've worked and developed on a new type of furnace and forge as well as a water mill design that powers both the forge and a lumber cutting design I call a sawmill. With this I've designed new farming equipment that will allow us to farm 3x more land than we did before guaranteed. Now would you all please follow me and saddle up as we are traveling a hour or so north so you can all see what I mean." I state as I start walking out of the room. Noticing none of the lords are standing and instead are starting at my father I then yell out "This isn't a request but a fucking order get your asses up and follow me or do I have to have my father drag each and everyone of you out of here!" I yell at the group while my father politely tells them to follow me.

A few hours later, a few miles north of Wintercity

MC POV:

I knew the Lords of the north were a stubborn bunch but are fiercely loyal to the Starks, we'll all except the Boltons. That slimy leech Lord Rose just became lord and I would be stupid to trust him. As the Lords gathered behind my fields and buildings facing the forge and sawmill groupings, I climbed onto a box to face the Lords. Whispers and concern begin to be heard from the gathering of Lords as they look to my father for an explanation but he simply waves them off and gestures for them to listen to me.

"My Lords, today marks the date of a new Era for the North and our fellow First Men. As you can see this field is already showing signs of prosperity and the new forge and sawmill behind me I will explain everything you see here any its uses. After you may address any concerns you have." I then start explaining everything starting with the 4 field crop rotation that is so common in agriculture that somehow isn't known in the North or Westeros. Obviously there is crop rotation as only an idiot wouldn't see the fields yielding less after continued usage without breaks. However, utilizing a rotation featuring clover as is the Norfolk four-course system allows the growing of farm animal specific food. This allows us more freedom to grow feed for animals and thus larger heards and more fertilizer from dung and other animal products.

Next I explained the new tools including the new saddles for the plows the mules and horses can pull, as well as the seed drills. After explaining the uses I motion for the Lords to follow me to the new forges and sawmills that will help produce the materials for the crop tools and help better arm the north for the eventual Targaryen downfall in about a 12 years. Explaining how House Stark will personally send people trained to build and operate the new industry helped quash any resistance. Providing a interest free loan to build them downright eliminated any discontent among the Lords. Lastly, I also explain how House Stark will loan the needed tools to all the Lords in 4 moons time to begin planting new farms and fields. Everything went smoothly and besides a few questions and some snide remarks from Lord Bolton, everyone was pretty accepting of my changes.

Fields outside of Wintercity

Rickon Stark POV:

Watching my son calmy tame the rowdy Lords of the north almost brought the same level of Pride I had in his inventions and new ideas. No doubt my son was blessed by the Old Gods and would bring untold prosperity to the North. I had my doubts when he first brought these ideas to my solar so many moons ago but those were quickly replaced with shock and pride at the output he was producing. The moment I saw that massive 'bess-a-myer'or however he says it furnace dumping out tons of steel I knew my son was no fool playing Lord, but someone with knowledge not from this world.

When my son explained he was getting visions from the Gods I almost laughed in his face. Selling ice was a novel idea that a child could have thought of. Implementing it the result of a smart young lord but visions from the Old Gods? However as he began to explain it to me and I remember the complexity of his designs I eventually began to believe.

Flashback

The Godswood of Winterfell 268 AC

The Warden of the North POV

I walked into the Godswood with my son following me. I pondered what he could possibly need to say to me far away from any eyes and ears. The ideas he brought to me in my solar were to crazy, far fetched, and I have no idea where they could have come from. Lost in my thoughts I did not even hear my son speaking to me.

"Father, Father, LORD STARK!" My son finally yells at me trying to get my attention

"Sorry son I am lost in my thoughts, I wonder why that is huh? Nothing to do with what my heir just dropped on my desk on a whim" I smirk at him, already knowing he is more witty than any boy his age should have been. My son then looks at me, hesitating to start speaking. "What is it Brandon, you can tell me anything. You know no one can lie in front of the Heart Tree. Speak true and I will not judge you for whatever it is you wish to speak about"

He looks at me, takes a deep breath and beings what I can only say is a fantastical tale. "Father, what do you know of the Gods?"

"What do you mean son? I pray to the Old Gods every day" I reply, confused on what he is saying

Brandon continues to explain "I do not know how to say this, but I've spoken with the Gods father, they granted me these visions. Visions of another world where there is technology and tools you can't even begin to fathom. A place where you can send a message to someone and they receive it instantly. Where man can fly in the sky using not magic but their own technology. A place where all manners of sickness and injury can be healed. I see it all, the Gods showed me. They also said they sent the earthquake to help aid us. I no not what they want from me but I will use these visions to protect our family and the North."

Stunned, I just sat there for what seemed like an eternity trying to take in what my son told me. I knew he was a different child, his plans he showed me earlier are proof enough and his ability with sword is not natural for a child. He fights like he has faced battle before and has instincts only ingrained through live combat. Only the rush of wind in the Godswood brought me back to my senses as I try to calmly reply. "I know not what the Gods want with us son, but if they are granting you these visions then they must be viable to some degree. I will allow you to use the funds from the Ice trade and some of the funds you found in the crypts for your projects. If they prove successful it will be a huge boon for the North. Also, if you have any more visions or ideas please let me know I will help you as best as I can son."

Fields outside of Wintercity 270 AC

MC POV:

Lying to my new Father was difficult but necessary. How could you explain to someone you were a reincarnated person from a vastly different world where your entire world was written as a novel. Where the entirety of your life is on a wiki for all to know. The only way I thought to explain my ideas and not come across as a possessed demon of the Seven who are one was to spin it as a blessing of the Old Gods. Thankfully my father believed me and allowed me to use enough coin to start my projects and in turn begin to shape the north how I need it to be.

Now that I have the Lords on board with my new farming and industry changes. It is time to show them everything Lord Manderly procured over the last 2 years. "Lord Manderly, is everything prepared and here for demonstration?" I call out to the fat mermaid lord of White Harbor.

"Yes My Lord, everything is in order. Do I have your permission to bring everything over? Lord Manderly replied. As the first person I brought on to the project he was a staunch supporter of myself and my ideas. Already seeing the boons of the Ice trade and being the procurer of the new industries and food stuffs I am brining to the North, he was 100% on board with the plan.

"My Lords, while Lord Manderly makes the necessary preparation, please sample these new drinks that me and some of my men have been distilling. Be warned, they are very strong, far stronger than anything you have ever drank" I explain to the Lords as a few servants bring out barrels of whiskey and vodka and some cups for each lord. As they all cheered each other, a massive wave of coughs and gasps erupt from everyone

"MY GODS THIS STUFF IS STRONG. TRULY FIT FOR THE NORTH!!! LAD WHAT IS THIS CALLED!!!" Roared Lord Umber

Ignoring the fact he called me 'lad' I explain to the giant man "It is called Whiskey Lord Umber, distilled from corn. The other clear liquid is called Vodka and is made from potatoes. While Whiskey is more expensive to make it tastes better the longer is it 'Aged' in the barrel while vodka needs no time for flavor to develop. In fact it is virtually tasteless minus the burn it has going down. It can be mixed with virtually anything to enhance its flavor, certain to be popular among the common folk as it is much cheaper to create.

"Certainly a miracle alcohol, will House Stark be keeping this for themselves or will you provide the tools and training for everyone to produce it?" Said Lord Cerwyn

"Funny you should ask that Lord Cerwyn, corn, the plant used in this Whiskey making as well as the plans and tools needed to distil it is House Stark's gift to you and your house" I say to a surprised and shocked Lord Cerwyn. While Lord Cerwyn was on cloud nine the other Lords began to look at me with greedy eyes and before discontent can spread I quickly say "Fear not my Lords, each and every one of you will walk away to today with a new industry that will yield you more coin than you know what to do with."

Continuing with my Oprah moment of 'You get something, you get something, everyone gets something I saw with a growing grin "The vodka and potatoes will be House Starks gift to House Tallhart. They are from Ibben but will grow well in our climate. Potatoes will spoil quick but have many uses for dishes that we will sample tonight. Use this well and your house will rise quickly My Lord.

"Next is cotton, I'm sure you all notice my clothes are both functional and warm while also are more put together than normal clothes. This is from cotton, a plant from essos that requires more water to grow as well as a warmer climate. House Flint will be given the tools and cotton to grow. Provide the North with the clothes and you house will grow rich and prosperous."

Walking towards the warehouse I point out a field of beats to my right and hops to the left. "Beats to the right here are a boon as they can be made into sugar, my gift to House Hornwood. To the left are some hops, while not edible they can be fermented into a ale called Beer and will be a major hit with lords and the smallfolk. While not as strong as whiskey or vodka it is easy to drink and tastes great. Our gift to House Forrester. "

Approaching the warehouse we take a small detour to a flooded field near the river. "This field contains the most important food item Lord Manderly and myself were able to find. Coming from Yi Ti this is called rice. It needs a lot of water to grow and while bland tasting it can be mixed with virtually any other vegetable or meat and it becomes quite tasty. We can sample this tonight as well. The most important aspect however is that when stored in a dry area the rice will last virtually forever and not spoil. As long as it is dry it will never go bad. I'm sure you can all see the boon this will allow us to have during winter or a siege. This will be House Stark's gift to House Reed and your vassals." Glancing to Lord Reed and his son Howland, I swear I see tears in their eyes at the thought of not having to eat lizards and bog animals. Having a steady supply of decent tasting food is something they never thought possible.

"Lord Glover, I came across a journal from thousands of years ago that says that a certain tree can be harvested for its sap that grows inside. Its sap is said to be sweet like honey and is of no consequence to said tree to harvest. It just so happens to be common in your lands. The Wolfswoods after some surveying from a few of my men show around 60% of the trees in your lands are Maple trees, the trees which produce this sap. I will provide the needed tool blueprints as well as some insights on farming the sap as our gift to your house" I tell the Lord of Deepwood Motte who looks absolutely giddy.

"This is not all we have acquired My Lords, please follow me to the warehouse and surrounding fields where we have acquired some new animals that I think you will find quite exiting." I motion to the remaining lords who have not been granted a boon. Thinking to myself this is going quite well.