With Joanna staying at Winterfell, the king and his caravan started on the Kings road home. Ned Stark took fifty men with him as well as his youngest daughter Arya. Sansa was angry to be left in the North. She had hoped to be married to Joffry, though Ned declined king Robert's request at a second marriage between their families. "We have more children, but if they are all married to each other, how will they gain allies when we are no longer of the living?". Robert laughed his boisterous laugh at Ned's response, and slapped his hand down on Ned's shoulder. "You always were the one thinking ahead." And with that it was settled. Though Robert accepted his friends reason, Ned had given him false words. Ned saw and heard of Joffry's character, and did not wish his daughter married to him.

The snows of the North had left a little more than a coating on the ground for the travelers as they moved through the North. The men of Winterfell didn't mind, but the southern folk welcomed the warmer climate of the south as they grew closer to it. The caravan made camp at the Neck just after midday. The king felt a longer rest would benefit everyone, and give he and his hand a chance to speak thoroughly.

While the king and his hand engaged in conversation, the men made camp. Hunting parties were dispatched as well as foragers and scout teams. When Robert and Ned finished their lengthy conversation the king came to his tent irritated and ill-tempered. Cersei did her best to calm Robert but she only annoyed him more. "Stop with your false words. Let's not pretend to care for each other any more than necessary. We have children together let that be our love. Get out woman, let me alone. Go make sure my dinner is being prepared." Cersei glared at him with contempt and a touch of fear. She knew better than to anger her husband when he was already in a foul mood and off she went.

Before the king could finish calming himself a guard interrupted his isolation. "Your grace. Forgive me, the daughter of the hand has gone missing. " the young guard hung his head and a queer look came upon his face. "What is it boy?" The king growled, glaring almost through him. "Your son my my king. He was injured" the guard struggled to finish his sentence. "Speak boy, or should I have your tongue for your silence?" The guard quickly looked up and tripped over his words as he spat them out. "The hands daughter. It was her who injured him. She hit him with a sword your grace." His face had gone pale with fear at the expected reaction of the king. Robert stared at him with anger in his eyes and his jaw clenched. The stare seemed to last an eternity, then with a sudden jolt Robert burst out in laughter, his anger fully dispersed. "Another girl bested my spineless son!" His laughter continued as the king moved towards the door of his tent. He stopped only to give the guard his wine cup which he pushed harshly into the guards chest. "Finish it boy, don't waste good wine." With that the king had gone to find his best friend and hand.

It wasn't until late in the evening when Arya had been found. Robert was called to the food tent where he did his ruling on the road. Arya gave her explanation as did Joffry. The king once again crushed his son with his words. "Bested by another girl and her dog. If I knew my son would be such an incompetent fool I'd have asked the gods for more daughters." Joffry was red with anger but lacked the courage to stand up to his father. The king instructed Ned to deal with his daughter and when the opportunity presented, Joffry instructed the hound to kill the boy Arya had been sword fighting with. The rest of the journey home was uneventful but carried an uncomfortable air to it.

Upon arriving at the capital Ned Stark was summond to his first small council meeting. His mood was soon foul as the details of the kingdoms were layed out. It took only one meeting to have him questioning his decision to serve as hand. Soon Petyr Baelish was in his ear about a good number of things, including the circumstances surrounding Jon Arryn's death. Ned took the rest of the day to settle in and tend his daughter.

Ned's second day in Kings Landing was busy with a great deal of responsibility and learning. The capital had grown and changed since he and Robert had captured it. He sought out a sword instructor from Bravos to teach Arya after discovering her sword Jon had given her. He visited maester Pycelle with inquiries, Varys had approached him with questions and mysterious comments and Petyr Baelish lingered about more often than Ned was comfortable with. It didn't take long for Ned to realize being Hand of the king would be more difficult than being king.

I'm sorry, this is probably outdated, but are the 6 iron thrones that were planted around the globe, still in plain sight, or did HBO remove them? The talks of the Utah Monolith, reminded me of this campaign, and the Cipher Hunt from Gravity Falls.

So I am currently doing a rewatch of the series and have just finished season 7. I have to say, I remembered this season way worse than it actually was. I think the biggest problem with it is that it handles thinggs way different from the first 6 seasons of the series.

This is all the effect of having only like 2 or 3 storylines in total (most of the time). That meant we got to see more of each storyline per episode, meaning that the build-up is way smaller since it all happens in one episode.

I especially recognised this in the episode ‘Beyond the Wall’. Were this in any other season, this may have been a storyline that could have been dragged out over at least half a season (of 10 episodes) since there was so much other stuff that would take place at the same time in other places. This would have made me love the storyline more and look forward to the solution more and more.

Though it is not a bad season of TV and neither does it have a bad story or bad cinematography or anything, it feels too different from the first 6 seasons to have the same impact at me as the series usually has.

Side note: the Arya vs Sansa conspiracy Littlefinger storyline was the most useless and boring storyline ever. They decide to do something in 13 episodes (seasons 7 and 8) instead of the 40 they might have had and then they waste nearly a full episode in total on such a useless storyline

I will also post my thoughts on the rewatch of season 8 which most likely will not be as ‘pleasantly suprised’

Okay I know this is the second post quickly following one another but I just had to discuss this.

On so many lists this episode makes it hardly to the top 10 and I have no idea why. In my opinion, The Winds of Winter is THE BEST episode BY FAR.

(Spoilers will follow)

Like it starts out with both the most beautiful and unnerving song at the same time, playing while the most intense scene of the series plays. Given, the High Sparrow storyline was not the greatest, most interesting storyline, but the conclusion it got was the most amazing scene of the entire series.

The way Cersei had planned everything out and more and morre people slowly figured it out, but the High Sparrow did not and no one could convince him and they all died because of it and the huge explosive (literally) ending that storyline got.

That was definitely the most amazing scene of the series in my opinion, but the rest of the episode is not downplayed by that, but gives us more amazing moments.

Jon being crowned King In the North, Jon’s true heritage confirmed (biggest plot twist of the series), Arya avenges the Red Wedding, Varys gets Olenna and the Sand Snakes to join Dany’s cause and of course the fact that Dany finally sets out for Westeros.

Not even the action-packed season 7 (whether that was good or bad was debatable, but for that you can see my previous post) could give us a more action-packed episode than The Winds of Winter. The song ‘Light of the Seven’ gives me chills every time, just thinking back to it and the resy of the episode was amazing as well.

Yes, Blackwater was amazing. Yes, The Battle of the Bastards was amazing. Yes, Hardhome was amazing. Yes, The Rains of Castamere was amazing. But none of these can match The Winds of Winter

Ned Stark was preparing for his journey to the capital, while Catelyn remained at the bedside of Bran. His fall from the tower left him broken and unconscious. The nights were dark and starless, but the wolves howled endlessly, driving Catelyn half mad. She sat in her hard wooden chair sewing together a dream catcher of sorts, praying to the seven for her sons life. Frequently visitors would come to the room to check on Bran and bring Catelyn some food and drink, though she seldom touched any of it.

"My lady." The soft voice came from the doorway. Catelyn looked up to see her sons betrothed standing there in her fur lined woolen robe.

"Please. Come in." Catelyn tried to forge a smile, but it faded from her face quicker than it had appeared.

"My apologies, I don't mean to disturb you. I can't imagine what you are feeling right now." She paused seemingly to find the proper words. "If I can be of service to you in any way, please do not hesitate to ask. I will gladly take on any task you require." She placed her hand on Catelyn's to show her sincerity. Catelyn gave a nod filled with emotions as she tried to control them, but said nothing. Joanna stood and began to walk away. "Thank you." Catelyn forced the words from her trembling mouth. Joanna turned an gave her a warm smile and then disappeared through the door.

The next day as Catelyn remained by Bran's side the king showed to pay his respects and best wishes to Catelyn. Soon there after the queen, the Imp and many of the Lannisters followed suite. Though Catelyn took notice of Joffry more than any of them. His face seemed red, possibly a bit swollen on one side. He seemed very agitated and uncomfortable. When Catelyn inquired as to his well being he became defensive and angry. She thanked him for his wishes and dismissed him, Joffry was all too glad to leave. By mid day the guests of Winterfell would be heading south, her husband and daughters with them. It was then that Catelyn's most frustrating and infuriating moment came upon her. Jon Snow, her husband's bastard had come to say goodbye to Bran. He tried to be cordial and polite, but Catelyn had a deep bedded disdain for Jon. She was glad to see him leaving for the Wall, she only wished he had left long ago.

Rob took his father's seat at Winterfell, and Joanna insisted on taking a seat directly next to him, despite Rob insisting it was unnecessary.

"If you are going to be my husband, I need to know my people better. If I am to know them better what easier way than to be involved with them?" Rob always thought to have a submissive wife, not one to challenge him. At first her strong personality was nothing more than a nuisance to him, but it quickly grew on him. Having a strong woman at his side ensured there was no weakness in his position. He quickly grew fond of her. Her long black hair, her green eyes. Her strength, both physical and in personality. The wedding would be at Winterfell in six turns of the moon. King Robert wanted to hold the wedding while he was there, but Cersei convinced him there was no time to organize such an event.

Three nights after Robert and Ned left there was a fire followed by an attempt on Bran's life. Catelyn fought the assasin as best she could until Joanna came in sword drawn, but the wolf passed by her and tore the throat from the man. At that moment Catelyn not only accepted the wolf fully, but also her son's bride to be.

Catelyn watched Joanna closely as the days passed. She too, like Rob, had been put off by her tendency to be blunt and sometimes too honest in the beginning. Catelyn found it inappropriate that she knew the sword so well and did not hide it. Now Catelyn marveled at it. She watched frequently as Joanna would pair off against her house guard or soldiers. She even witnessed, more than once, Joanna best Rob. It made her smile to see a woman so powerful and now she began to understand what Arya could become.

The king was greated and exchanged pleasantries with the Starks. It was obvious to all who witnessed King Robert and Eddard Stark together that their friendship was more than just casual friends. They were more brothers than friends. The queen did her best to fien her pleasure for Winterfell and the Starks as did Jaime. King Robert promptly insisted upon paying his respects to Lyanna Stark, his one true love. Meanwhile the rest of the Baratheons were shown to their rooms so they could settle in.

Later the Starks held a feast for the king. As people began to mill about and socialize, Rob Stark peered across the room and caught the eye of Joanna. He gave her a soft smile and she returned him a curious eye. Catelyn grabbed Robs attention briefly to have him stop a bit of mischief Arya looked to be starting. As he looked back across the room Joanna was gone from her previous seat. Rob took care of Arya, dropping her off at the other end of the table closer to Catelyn and began to cross the room at Theon Greyjoy's bidding. As he maneuvered threw the crowd a hand found his chin and turned his head. His eyes were directed straight into the green depths of Joanna's. As he attempted to politely greet her she interrupted him by placing her finger over his lips, moving as close to him as she could so that he could feel her breath on him. He thought she was going to kiss him. But instead, she slapped her hand hard on his ass grabbing a firm handful and let out a little growl. Then turned almost immediately and walked away. Rob was shocked, puzzled and a little uncomfortable and taken aback. Before he could collect himself Theon Greyjoy was about with his hand on Rob's shoulder. "Now then. I'd say she likes you. Wonder what it's like to get fucked by a princess." Theon was poking fun at Rob trying to get a rise out of him. Rob shook his shoulder away from Theon's grasp, gave him an annoyed look and walked away.

Catelyn was scanning the room observing all the interaction she could. She noticed her husband having an exchange with Jaime Lannister, She saw Rob standing with Theon though she didn't see the exchange with Joanna. The king was fondling a wench and the queen sat quietly beside her looking thoroughly uncomfortable and irritated. Eventually Sansa Stark made her way to her mothers table to greet the queen. The exchange was a poorly disguised rudeness on the queens part.

Outside in the courtyard Tyrion was talking to the bastard of Winterfell. Tyrion raised his cup to Jon an walked away. Jon began swinging his sword at the practice dummy again when he heard a voice. "Do you want someone to practice with? It would be much better practice if your opponent did more than nothing. " Jon turned to see the princess sauntering towards him. He looked around and then smiled at her. "You know the blade?" Jon's brood turned to an amused half smile. Joanna walked to the rack of blunt swords and chose one to her liking. "I guess you will find out." Her confidence was obvious and Jon took it as confirmation that she was familiar with the blade. As they took their places to begin, a horse rode up and grabbed both their attention. " Uncle Benjin. You made it." His uncle dressed in all black dismounted and embraced his nephew. "How are you Jon?" Benjin peered over Jon's shoulder and a smile began to bend his mouth. "Is this your lady Jon?" He whispered. Jon blushed and turned sideways allowing his uncle to take in Joanna without disruption. "Uncle Benjin, meet princess Joanna." Benjin's eyebrows rose and he gave a slightly exaggerated bow. "My lady. Forgive my rudeness, I was unaware. It's a pleasure to meet you." Joanna gave a slight chuckle. "There is no need for forgiveness. The pleasure is mine." She gave a curtsey. Benjin turned to Jon and whispered "Careful, she outranks you." He chuckled as he walked away to join the feast. Joanna followed him handing her sword to Jon as she passed him. "Tomorrow perhaps." She said as she left him.

Once inside Benjin made his way around the room, greeting his friends and family. Joanna found Rob standing in the far corner of the room watching. She slowly made her way to him sneaking up behind him. "Have you been with a woman before? She asked bluntly catching Rob by surprise. "What kind of question is that? Not a question a princess should be asking of a man. Certainly not your concern. " Rob was obviously irritated and put off as his face crinkled into a disgusted mess. "Really? They haven't told you?" her smile was matched only by her playful and somewhat sinister laugh. She ran her finger across his jaw line as she walked passed him. He jerked his head away and questioned "Told me what?" For a great part of the remainder of the feast Rob kept to himself, brooding in annoyance at the behavior of the princess.

King Robert moved to the royal Table and slammed his cup on it a few times to silence the room. Once he had the rooms attention he motioned for Eddard to join him. In his loud boisterous and half drunken voice he exclaimed "I've been friends with the Starks a long long time. Ned Stark is more a brother to me than my own brothers. We've fought together, bled together, whored together. He is officially my hand so now we will rule together." A loud applause and a lot of hollering broke out. The king gave them a moment and then raised his hand to silence them. "Now. There is but one thing left to do." Robert looked over at Eddard. "We must join our houses now and forever. Rob Stark will be wed to princess Joanna Baratheon." The room erupted again into a loud ruckus. Catelyn and Cersei looked at each other shocked and confused. Theon pounced on Rob shaking him with enthusiasm. Eddard gave the king a slightly angry look and retreated to his wife who promptly stood and moved from the room into the hallway. "Why did you not tell me?" Catelyn made no attempt to hide her anger. "This is not how I should find out my eldest son is to marry the princess." Eddard did his best to explain. "He wasn't supposed to say anything until tomorrow. He was supposed to give me time to inform you and Rob. We only just had the conversation." Eddard was sincere but Catelyn was enraged. Their conversation was short with the feast now picking up steam, but they would continue it later.

In 8x02 Tormund, Tyrion, Jaime, Brienne, Podrick and Davos are sitting by the fire and Tyrion says they (almost) all fought the Starks before, one way or another. I've come up with this:

Tormund fought against men of the Night's Watch and there were Starks among them (e.g. uncle Benjen).

Tyrion and Jaime fought against the Starks in Robb Stark's war.

Brienne killed Stark men when she was transporting Jaime. ("I don't serve the Starks, I serve Lady Catelyn.")

Did I forget something? Did Davos and Podrick ever fight against the Starks? Davos did serve Stannis when Robb Stark was his "enemy", but they never had a confrontation. Love to hear your thoughts.

Did Qyburn survive Harrenhal by chance? or did he use supernatural elements to stay alive?