Winterfell
In the kitchens, the young butler started his day boiling some water in the new "metallic abomination," as Lady Catelyn sweetly called it, or the "fucking waste of good metal," as Ser Cassel had expressed. It was a fully functional metal stove, made from Sebastian's drawings and designs. It had been made, and remade, until this one finally hit the mark. The rest of the servants in the kitchens were not as good as Sebastian while using it, so they preferred the classic method for cooking.
A woman with a strict expression, bony face, and sharp eyes entered the kitchen. Her skirt, abnormally crisp, showed how much starch she added daily to her clothes.
"Pleasant morning, Septa Mordane." said Sebastian without looking
"It seems that one of your gods took pity on you and you woke up alive. Such a shame," expressed Sebastian while polishing some silver forks.
"It was a lovely and pleasant morning until your presence ruined it" expressed with nonchalance septa Mordane
"Such a shame. Thought that the dog would have remained where it belonged, at King's Landing, among the natural odors that reigned there. Such a pity," Septa Mordane lamented.
While both of them stared at each other, a boiling whistle sounded in the kitchen.
"Some tea?" Sebastian offered, setting bread and strawberry jam beside the cup.
"It would suffice," Septa Mordane said.
She drank in silence. The kitchen filled with the sound of boiling water and clinking silver.
"I kept your shirts ironed and starched, to give to the homeless. A pity-" she mused "-you came back"
Sebastian said nothing.
When she left, the cup was empty. The plate as well.
She did not look back.
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At the living room table sat Lord Eddard Stark, along with his wife, three children, and his ward. Also at the table were the head butler and new steward of House Stark, and Septa Mordane to oversee Sansa and Arya's table manners.
"The reports say that our ventures have been successful so far, my lord," expressed Sebastian while cutting a small piece of steak and adding some mashed potatoes on top. Gravy sauce fell unrepentant over his plate. He opened his mouth and savored the delicious flavors and juices of his meal.
And in front of him sat little Arya, brown-haired and filled with overwhelming curiosity about what lay beneath the butler's face. A stern look from Lady Catelyn and Septa Mordane was not enough to hide that curiosity.
"Good," expressed Lord Eddard while sipping a little water to accompany the meal.
"Your accomplishments have been heard far and wide, Sebastian. Vayon has sent a letter detailing how proud he is of you as the new steward," expressed Ned, to the discomfort of Lady Catelyn.
"I thank you, my lord, but I must ask. How is he faring in the North?" Sebastian thanked and asked.
"Much better thanks to you. The rum we sent has been well received, and the repairs have been going smoothly. We still have time until this new 'King Beyond the Wall' can make his move," responded Lord Stark gravely.
"Any news from Maester Ludwig about this so called 'king'?" asked Sebastian.
"No. The reports only say that wildlings have been keeping to themselves until now. A party has been sent to check, but until then, we know nothing," expressed Lord Stark while now sipping a glass of wine. A glass per week at the end of lunch,nothing more, nothing less.
Sebastian nodded while adding more vegetables to Jon, Theon, and Rob's plates. As a small mercy, he added some gravy on top, to the happiness of the three, completely aware that no vegetables eaten meant no dessert after lunch.
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Lord Stark's Solar
Knock knock.
"Come in," said Lord Stark absentmindedly.
Sebastian entered the solar and bowed.
"My lord."
"Yes?"
"Do you remember what we talked about at Bear Island?" Sebastian metaphorically tiptoed around the question.
Lord Eddard thought for a moment until he finally remembered.
"Your days off. What of it?" he said, recalling that conversation in particular, and frankly, the kid deserved it.
"I wanted to invite Jon and Theon to come on a camping trip, but—" expressed Sebastian.
Frankly, Ned didn't have to think much about what was happening.
"Rob also wants to go with you," Ned finished the sentence.
"That is quite troubling," a headache brewing in Ned's mind. Jon and Theon's well being was more than guaranteed, but Rob wanting to go would be a big no from Lady Catelyn.
"As you may see, I find myself in quite the dilemma with the Lady, especially now with her pregnancy ongoing, and her lovely opinions of us three," said Sebastian, now sitting opposite Ned's chair.
Lord Stark stopped contemplating and finally said, "I think I know what to do," a small plan brewing in his eyes as he went to confront his pregnant lady.
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"My lord, I must say that I am impressed," said Sebastian while walking alongside Lord Stark.
The snowy terrain made it a little hard to navigate, but they had some wood bark tied to their feet, making it easier to traverse.
Sebastian continued, "How did you convince Lady Catelyn?" Ned's answer was silence.
Sebastian smiled beneath the mask and finally said, "You three—if you don't walk faster, we will leave you behind!"
Theon accelerated his steps, Rob walked faster, and Jon kept walking last, unsure about the purpose of this trip. Part of him was overjoyed at camping with his brothers and father; another part was terrified, having overheard servants talk about how some lords leave their bastards to die in the wild, like animals.
His lord father's voice cut through his thoughts.
"Lads, the snow varies depending on how cold it is. It can be powder on top, or crusty and easy enough to cut," he explained, to the attentive looks of the four of them.
"You can also tell how cold it is by the sound the snow makes when you step on it. Now, we need to take advantage of the sun to make our camp."
Ned kept on explaining "First, you need to recognize the terrain, and search for places with old trees, so we can use them for fuel and other purposes."
"Theon, Sebastian, and I will cut the trees. You two cut the branches." Ned ordered
They started, and in a while, with the efficiency of an adult, two teens, and two kids, they had quite a pile of firewood available.
The boys were tired but happy, enjoying the experience.
"Okay, we have enough firewood for now." He took out a shovel and gave it to Theon.
"You all start shoveling. Try to cut the snow with a knife and grab it in cubes, it's easier." ned imparted his wisdom
"Father, why do we have to dig out the snow?" Rob asked. Jon was thinking the same, and Rob realized it and asked in Jon's place.
"We need to dig until we reach the ground. Then we burn firewood to dry it so we can sleep there. If we don't, we'll shiver all night, at risk of dying," Ned explained, to their surprised looks.
They kept digging in a wide circle, then added firewood.
"Who wants to light the fire?" Sebastian asked, cutting Ned off.
Jon, Theon, and Rob's eyes lit up.
"Me!" said Rob and Theon, while Jon's eyes showed longing.
"Each of you grab some dry cotton and strike sparks with this stone. Once you have a spark, blow gently to feed it, then pass it to the branches. Lord Ned and I will keep cutting trees."
Theon rushed first, while Jon and Rob competed to see who was faster.
Ned and Sebastian walked away, chopping more wood.
"You're smiling" said Sebastian.
"Mmm?" asked Ned, totally engrossed.
"Happy, m'lord?"
Ned glanced at the boys' failed attempts and smiled.
"Aye-" he said "You too, it seems."
Sebastian nodded, looked at the sky, and walked back.
"It's getting late, Lord Ned. I'll start the fire."
"Ned," corrected Lord Stark, amused.
"Lord Ned," Sebastian replied with a thumbs-up.
Ned laughed as Sebastian won the unofficial fire competition, much to the collective groans and annoyance from the boys.
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Now with the ground thawed and dry, and full of little burnt-out charcoal, they added some thick branches over it to serve as beds. They grabbed a long skin and used it as a barrier along the snow trench, protecting each other from the cold.
"Hungry?" Ned asked.
Theon and Rob shook their heads, lying, unwilling to show weakness to Lord Stark/lord father. Jon wanted to agree, but kept silent after the other two answered.
"Yes, Lord Ned, I am hungry and thirsty. I'll start cooking right away," said Sebastian, completely aware that lying was pointless.
"If you need water, grab the snow and thaw it in the pot," he said, while extracting a metal sheet and lining it over the fire. He grabbed some frozen meat, let it thaw slightly beside the flames, and started cutting it into fillets. He added salt and finally looked up.
"My, my. I thought you lot weren't hungry," he said with schadenfreude, taking his time savoring the unwilling expressions of the three. Lord Ned was outside, chopping more wood.
"Jon, would you be so kind as to open my backpack? I brought some snacks to eat," Sebastian asked, and Jon did so.
He grabbed the bag.
"Jon, grab the cheese and let it thaw beside the fire. Don't let it sit too long or it will melt. Rob, Theon, you two can have the jerky. Divide the portions, one for each of us, and take this—" Sebastian said, grabbing a cup of warm water, "—for you to drink, and for Lord Ned."
Theon and Rob grabbed it and went to give some water to Ned. He received it with gusto and shared the snacks with the two of them. Jon kept watch over the fire and the cheese, careful not to let it burn.
"Liking this trip?" Sebastian asked, adding more salt to the fillets.
"Yes, a lot, lor—" Jon answered.
"Call me Sebs, Jon," Sebastian replied warmly, to the boy's surprise. His eyes were like dams, unwilling to let the water out. Alas, a tear finally escaped, and Jon quickly wiped it away.
"I will, Sebs," he smiled.
Sebastian, amused but aware, changed the subject.
"Okay, grab the other bag. There's a mix for bread there. You see this sheet? Grab a piece of the dough—" Sebs explained, "—flatten it with your hands, and you can cook it over the sheet or over the ashes. Once it's done, cut it open, grab a piece of the melted cheese, and spread it inside."
Sebastian then started cooking the fillets on the remaining area of the metal sheet. Sizzling sounds accompanied them as the aroma spread throughout their refuge.
"That smells amazing," Theon said, as he, Rob, and Ned gathered near the fire.
"Jon, is it done?" Sebastian asked, and Jon nodded.
Sebastian grabbed the opened bread filled with cheese and added the cooked fillets with a bit of butter, two for each of them. They sat around the campfire, enjoying the food, the quiet, and the peace.
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The kids burped, filled to the brim with deliciousness, while Sebastian washed their utensils in the snow. Ned, also full but alert, finally spoke.
"Kids—" he said. "Me, Theon, and Sebastian will take turns sleeping. Rob and Jon will sleep through the night."
Rob and Jon wanted to protest, while Sebastian and Theon exchanged a look and nodded to each other.
"I'll take the third turn. Theon, you should take the second," Sebastian said, absolutely confident in his experience. Theon, unaware of the trap, simply nodded.
Satisfied, Ned took first watch, while Theon, Jon, and Rob prepared to sleep. They tried to stay awake, but tiredness and the warmth of their camp overwhelmed them. Their collective snoring was quite amusing.
"Not gonna sleep, Sebastian?" Ned asked quietly, adding more firewood.
Sebastian shook his head. "Not tired, Lord Ned," he said matter-of-factly.
Ned nodded and kept talking.
"How are Rob and Jon doing?" he asked.
"Rob is doing quite well. He'll remember this trip for many moons to come,talking, eating, sharing with his father and brothers. And Jon… Jon is much better. I had to discipline some servants along the way, but he's doing better. He smiles more, laughs more, and he's thrilled to share an adventure with his brothers and his old man. I'm quite happy for him," Sebastian said warmly.
"And Theon?" Ned asked gravely.
"He's much better, my lord. It finally started to click in that thick skull of his that, while circumstances aren't the best, he is family," Sebastian answered, amused.
"Aye. While Jon Arryn was not my father by blood, he behaved like one. I can only hope that Theon can also understand it," Ned said.
"And you, Sebastian? How are you?" Ned asked.
Sebastian saw it coming a mille away, yet still was moved by his words.
"I am progressing, my lord," he said, delicately taking his mask off.
A beautiful visage looked back at Ned, showing a foreign handsomeness that could take the breath of men and women alike.
"I can endure for five minutes, give or take," he said, smiling, ruby eyes meeting Ned's.
"Glad to hear it, lad," Ned replied, ruffling his hair, to Sebastian's annoyance and warmth.
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The next day, Ned was up quite early, going to chop more wood. Theon slept deeply while Sebastian quietly woke the children. They rubbed their eyes, and when they tried to speak, Sebastian placed a finger against his mask.
Shhhh.
The kids were confused until Sebastian showed them an inkwell with three brushes, then tilted his head toward Theon, still asleep. Understanding dawned, and mischievous smiles spread across their faces. Sebastian drew a little, then left the kids to draw to their hearts' content while he started cooking breakfast.
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The alluring smell of fresh bread woke Theon. He stirred and finally opened his eyes, looking at everyone taking their places to eat.
"Mmmmmm… why didn't you wake me up?" a groggy Theon asked, while Rob and Jon struggled not to laugh.
"What? Why are you laughing?" he asked, met by Ned's stoic face, the kids laughing on the ground, and Sebastian's small chuckle.
Finally, Sebastian used his knife as a mirror to show him the canvas.
"WHAT?! WHO DID THIS?! I'LL KILL YOU, YOU BRATS!" Theon roared, chasing Rob and Jon through the snow as they laughed. Just as he was about to catch them, Sebastian's voice rang out.
"Okay, okay, okay boys. One for all and all for one," he said, holding up more ink and brushes. "In fact, I'll start first."
He dipped the brush and added whiskers to his mask.
Theon smiled, while Rob and Jon shuddered. Soon, they were painting each other's faces as Ned watched, amused, at least for a while.
"My lord, a leader should set the example, right?" Sebastian said.
"Fuck," Ned muttered, resigning himself to his fate, to the children's absolute delight.
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No one had ever dared insult Lord Stark so openly. His face bore wolves, a bear, a squid, and whiskers.
Theon's face suffered the worst of it, crude drawings, childish symbols, and a few foreign words written across his brow that made Sebastian choke on his bread.
Puto el que lea, it read, but Sebastian refused to translate.
Robb and Jon had fared little better.
Sebastian swapped his doodled mask for a spare one, much to the resentment of the other four. They finished breakfast and headed back toward the castle.
A/N: I started following outdoor boys and damn, it inspired me to write this. Hope you like it, like, drop stones, or reviews or dont. Also, dont know when the next chapter will come, but oh well. We will see.