"They were often more for practicality's sake, and the high-born and low-born folk had differing opinions on what that meant. Only the maesters studied tomes and ancient texts, tucked away the Citadel," Ned replies, catching onto the underlying snark in the man's tone and statement, though not completely understanding its purpose or origin. "A fool may be able to recall a century's worth of history without hesitation, yet not know the first thing about raising a sword to save his life. Wisdom and knowledge come in all forms, Ray."

He remains stoic and even-faced, despite the brushfire of laughter that rumbles out of the young man's mouth, loosely clasping his hands in front of him.

"Yes, it is the two-story building you saw. It is in the center of the town, for the most part." Ned runs through his own mental map before reciting the names of the buildings, gesturing in their direction from where they stand, in no particular order: "Granary, blacksmith, town hall, butcher, baker, storehouse, fish monger, boathouse, mill. There is also a hot spring to the south, amidst some brush and foliage."