For people like Ned Stark, Rodrik Cassel, Maester Luwin, Lucas Lannister, Tillie, and even Catelyn Stark and Vayon Poole to some extent, the next few days in Winterfell passed almost in a blur.
All of these people were involved or participating at some level in the discussions and decision making regarding the proposals set forth by Lucas Lannister. The days that followed the first meeting between Ned and Lucas were extremely hectic and tiresome.
They were filled with intense discussions, a multitude of questions, and equally elaborate explanations. Given the 'absurdity' of Lucas's proposals, it was hard for the stakeholders of the North to truly trust the terms being offered. They were generous and ambitious to the point that they sounded impractical.
This forced the Northerners to ask a lot of questions, and Lucas was responsive. He and, especially, Tillie were very patient. They dealt with every aspect calmly and answered everything.
Ultimately, all the hard work from both sides came to fruition, and both parties arrived at a preliminary understanding regarding the proposals. The Northers, thanks to reassurances from Lucas Lannister, were able to develop trust and the deal was finalized in all but name.
It was just that Ned Stark wanted to hold a gathering of all the Lords of the North, his vassals, to discuss the issue with them as well.
And Lucas was in favor of the same thing. He would be carrying out his activities in regions governed by these Lords, and though they would have had no option but to agree to Ned Stark's orders, Lucas would be more satisfied and reassured if they, too, were on board. Not to mention, he was also quite keen to meet the other Northern Lords.
"Lord Lucas," Ned said with a smile on his face. "The ravens have been sent. I am calling a gathering of all the Northern Lords, and they should all be arriving at Winterfell within the next month. It would be a time period of great enjoyment."
Lucas and Ned were sitting side by side on wooden stools in the courtyard of Winterfell. The sun had set, the moon had risen, and darkness had crept into the castle only being pierced by the moonlight and the starlight. A fire was burning in front of the duo, providing them some relief from the outside chill.
Lucas nodded in response.
"It is for the best," he said. "A unanimous agreement by all the Lords of the North would be the best case scenario for our deals. Neither of us would want them to be dissatisfied. It would only hamper our interests."
"True," Ned nodded. "But I am sure that all the Lords will agree to the proposals."
"Yes," Lucas agreed.
A secure source of food was something that no Northerner would ever deny.
"But there are two issues that you will need to solve, Lord Stark," Lucas interjected, turning the topic toward a more sensitive subject.
Ned nodded. Although this issue had not been discussed explicitly, Lucas had indicated it a couple of times previously, and Ned had a fair idea of what was coming.
"The Iron Islands and the Riverlands," Ned mumbled, letting the cat out of the bag.
"Yes," Lucas nodded. "If our trade is to happen smoothly, we will have our shipping passing the Iron Islands. And for the land route, we will have to pass through the Riverlands or more specifically, the Twins."
"Both of them are very problematic," Lucas continued. "The Ironborn will be waiting with their tongues wagging, eyeing our commodities with pure greed, and the same is the case for House Frey. Walder Frey is a very greedy man, a fucking bastard he is, and the moment he learns of the value of this trade, he will use all possible methods to extort us."
Ned nodded, unsure of what Lucas was expecting from him. Lucas immediately picked up on the uncertainty on Ned's face.
"Lord Stark," Lucas said. "I may sound harsh, but I would like to be blunt."
"The Iron Islands, like every other realm, are ruled by the Iron Throne, and the ward, Theon Greyjoy, living in Winterfell is the clearest evidence of this," he continued. "They have no right to resort to piracy and hamper or distort trade between two realms."
"When the time comes, write to the Iron Islands and remind them of the ward under your protection. Implore them to act according to law and tradition," he said, continuing before Ned could respond. "I know that you do not truly consider Theon Greyjoy your hostage, but this is the best and safest option."
Ned looked contemplative for a couple of moments before he nodded.
"I will write to them," he said. "But I am not sure that it will work. Balon Greyjoy would simply claim that although the pirates belong to the Iron Islands, he cannot control them. Piracy is their culture, and he can do nothing about it. He cannot keep an eye on each and every individual."
"Then I believe they should not come crying when I smash those pirates into the sea," Lucas responded coldly and chillingly. "If they cannot control their pirates, they will not be able to control the Lannister army that will deal with them."
Ned was surprised to hear the chilling tone coming from Lucas. Yet, he could only agree. If the Greyjoys did not control their pirates, then someone else would have to. The future of the entire North would be at stake.
"Very well," he said.
"And then regarding the Riverlands and the Twins," Lucas remarked, steering the discussion forward.
"I have no qualm with paying a reasonable toll for using the Frey bridge, but I will not be blackmailed," Lucas said.
"Lord Stark," he continued. "I would once again be blunt, but I shall say only one thing."
"Not to demean your relationship with your wife, but even you would have to agree that your marriage to Lady Stark was a political one. And I would like to remind you that you did not agree to this political marriage simply so that a vassal house of your father-in-law could extort you."
Ned was almost shocked as he looked at the intense but calm face of Lucas. And yet, he did not have a single word to counter him. Whatever Lucas had said was a hundred percent correct.
"Think about it," Lucas made one final remark, before he stood up and walked away, leaving a contemplative Ned Stark in the Winterfell courtyard.
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