(Untitled)

[juno_chan]

For the throneland challenge, a ASOIAF prequel - Robert's Rebellion era.

Title: a second son
Rating: PG - nothing to see here, people
Spoilers: None past A Game of Thrones
Word Count: 760
Summary: Jon Arryn makes plans, Ned makes promises, Robert makes threats.

Comments

[fields195]

I love your Ned! This is a great portrait of him at a critical juncture in his life where everything is changing unexpectedly. Of course, he feels inadequate compared to alpha male Brandon, and the phrase “the life that Ned now slips into like a pair of boots that do not quite fit” is perfect. I like the part where he’s trying to remember what Brandon had told him about Catelyn and recalls the raging over Petyr (and another hair reference XD). Ned’s semi-naivety seems quite plausible, and it’s amusing how he keeps realizing it over the course of the fic.

Robert and Jon Arryn are also great characterizations. Robert’s bloodlust that is part mirth and part rage really reminds me of Brandon and what an unnerving combination that can be. Jon Arryn is the responsible adult, and he plays the father figure to these two different men who are so painfully young here. Their family dynamic feels authentic, which is crucial since Jon Arryn is risking a great deal by going to war rather than turning his wards over to the king. Ned's concern for Lyanna is touching, especially his thought that she might believe they have forsaken her. The contrast among Ned, Robert, and Jon Arryn is nicely highlighted through their reactions to this situation. Wonderful job as usual!

[juno_chan]

Wheee, thank you!! =D I do feel bad for Ned at this point - I feel like between Lyanna's disappearance, his father's death, his brother's death, his suddenly inheriting Winterfell, the need to go to war, and the need to get married immediately to get Tully swords for the rebellion, he just got hit with one thing after another. I think this point is really where Ned had to grow up, very suddenly.

It's so interesting that Robert reminds you of Brandon (though we don't know how close Ned and Brandon were) and Ned is a lot like Stannis (and we know how Robert and Stannis's relationship was!) and the two were so different but so close. And I truly believe that while Robert won the crown, Jon Arryn was the political mastermind behind the rebellion, and is thinking of the logistics of it, both before and after.

Thank you as always for your comments!!! =D