receive the horizon dawn’s golden glow; honor is among us, honor is all we know

[learned_to_die]

WHO: Eddard Stark
WHERE: Fountain/Around the Village
WHEN: March 10, afternoon into early evening
OPEN TO: OTA (Separate thread for Sansa (continuation from TDM))
WARNINGS: Mention of death/execution (will update as needed)
STATUS: Yes

---

// Arrival - The Fountain //
The last thing Ned could remember was the chilling, screaming sound of approaching death as the executioner used his own weapon against him. After that -

He'd ended up here. Clawed his way out of the fountain, felt the press of hard earth against his back as he stared at a sky bluer than any he'd seen before. He'd thought he'd died, been transported to some sort of afterlife, but it would've been too good to be true. Instead, he'd found himself in a village, of sorts. There were similarities, to his beloved home of Winterfell, but also -

Differences.

His belabored breathing is mottled with violent, hacking coughs - many of which force water up from his lungs to saturate the ground beneath him. He rolls over onto his side, presses a palm to the ground, forces himself up onto his knees. As he brings the back of his hand to his mouth, he feels the strange tug of the fabric around his body -

It isn't the leather he's used to, nor does it even vaguely resemble his usual garments - the ones he'd loved and left behind up North: the furs, the pelts, leather delicately woven and dark as the frozen earth. Even the pieces he'd had to wear in the warmer King's Landing are missing. He then feels the tightness of straps against his shoulders, realizes he's carrying a satchel of some sort on his back. He thinks to remove it, to investigate, but first, he has to figure out how to answer a very pressing question:

Where in the Old Gods' names is he?

// Later - The Village //
He's determined to explore more of the town, now that he's forced himself to scout the area, taking advantage of the cover of a number of trees to finally bend a knee, investigate the contents of the strange satchel he'd arrived with. He'd also taken the opportunity to peel away the saturated clothing for the dry set he'd found - marvelling at how much quicker it was to dress as opposed to before with layer upon layer. Perhaps there's something to the simplicity of it all.

He tries to retrace his steps back towards the fountain or what he believes to be the center of the town, pack lazily slung over one shoulder, long tendrils of hair still dripping and soaking the shoulders of his shirt.

Comments

[bit_fairytale]

"You don't seem that miserable or grimy," Amy says, mainly because she's definitely seen worse. "I mean, we could all use a shower," she says, because yeah, she could definitely use about two hours with a loofah, some decent body wash, and shampoo. Conditioner would also be nice, but that feels a little like Amy's asking for too much.

"Not to mention, I've definitely met more awful," she guarantees. "You don't even crack the top ten."

[learned_to_die]

"You've only just met me," Ned replies with a twinge of sarcastic humor. "Give it time, and perhaps you'll come to know just what I mean." He'd been known as the Quiet Wolf, in his previous life - the Starks were rumored to be as bleak and dreary as the Northern climate they inhabited. And, perhaps, there had been some truth to it. Living in Winterfell, even during an abnormally long summer, required a certain thickness of skin, a certain sobriety that those further south did not seem to possess. But Ned knows no other life; he is a Stark, a man of the North - and will be, until the day he dies. Again.

"That's kind of you to say; I will not actively attempt to increase my ranking, but you cannot say I did not give you fair warning if I do."

[bit_fairytale]

"I'm a miserable grump myself, sometimes, I have a radar," Amy announces imperiously, as if she's made the decision and no one will sway her, at this point. "Maybe I'll give it time and find you're cheerier than most people I know," she retorts, seeing as she's met enough grim-faced people during her days travelling that she's used to them.

"If you end up trying to ascend the ranks, keep in mind, I can see through that bullshit," she says knowingly. "But maybe you'll earn it rightfully."

[learned_to_die]

"Something to aspire to," Ned replies with a bright quip of laughter. "It is always good to have goals, is it not? Even if they are lofty and for no one's benefit but your own pride?" A shiver quickly runs down his spine as he bows his head a bit, offering a silent manifestation of his gratitude. "Old Gods look down upon you favorably; you have done me a great kindness. I believe I will seek shelter and a meal now, let my old bones dry themselves out near a fire. You are more than welcome to join me, should you wish, but I would also not seek to hoard your company more than I already have."

[bit_fairytale]

Amy gives him a sympathetic smile and a nod, feeling like he's right. Fire and a good meal sounds good. "Maybe I'll drop by and visit later," she says, "I've got a husband to go back to before he starts worrying where I've got off to," she admits, seeing as she also doesn't want to stray too far from Rory, honestly, not after nearly losing him in New York like she had.

"Just remember, I'll be watching you, Grumpy," she warns, with a playful smirk.

[learned_to_die]

"Please do feel free to do so whenever you wish, if only so I can show you how I have continued to excel in my dour expectations," Ned replies warmly, before quickly changing his expression into one of sternness and sobriety - at least for show. "Please also extend an apology to your husband on my behalf; I would be glad to explain, should he require it."