I pray you and Jeyne will have the joy of a new life here together.
[ He remembers the babe Robb said they lost, and knows that Robb may never understand a father's desire to see his child happy and fulfilled in their path. It is a different one than he had walked. And it was good that his son would not simply walk in his footsteps but make new steps of his own. ]
A bargain of an entry fee. I shall bring two. One for dinner, one for the very fine company.
[ A few minutes later, she'll have a Ned on her doorstep, holding the promised two bottles and looking rather like the Lord of Winterfell in his dark grey jacket with a luxurious faux-fur hood pushed back around his shoulders. ]
Alas, I was looking forward to enjoying the lake view again.
[She's nicely dressed in a simple blue gown, one that she unfortunately had to buy rather than make with her hands. Still, the color has always been her favorite and she couldn't resist an indulgence after her last few days.
There was a rug near the sink, covering the water stains that still hadn't come out, but at least the room didn't smell of mildew.]
It's all dried up. I'm afraid you're going to have to settle with looking at me.
[She gestured to a seat for him. There was a large bowl of stew, made of vegetables with bits of beef in it and rum for added flavor. Fresh bread was on the table and a roast chicken. He might be able to tell that she had been working on this for awhile.]
[ The gown suits her very well indeed. Ned lets his gaze wash over her. ]
I prefer this view. You look beautiful, Juliel.
[ She is a gracious hostess and he soon offers up the bottles along with a bottle opener - just in case she didn't have one. He knows there are glasses in this cupboard from previous sharing of brandy.
He pulls out her chair for her before having a seat himself. The feast is truly wondrous. Ned raises a brow at her, impressed. ]
You've outdone yourself, my lady. This is all by your hand?
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