Snow fell softly outside Winterfell as the morning light filled the nursery. Kaelor Stark, now nearly two years old, pushed himself up on his tiny legs, wobbling carefully. His gray eyes scanned the room, sharp and curious, even as he tried to smile at a toy lying nearby.
281 AC… Robert's Rebellion… I know it all. Father… Brandon… Lyanna… danger everywhere. I cannot let it happen. I must find a way to keep them safe.
Lyarra was folding blankets nearby. "Kaelor, be careful!" she warned softly.
Kaelor cooed, but in his mind, he was already planning. I am small now. They think I cannot understand. But I see everything: every movement, every look, every habit. I must prepare. I must find a way to guide them, to warn them, to protect them.
He crawled toward a pile of wooden blocks and began carefully stacking them. Walls… towers… strategies. I can practice defenses. I can imagine ways to save Father, Brandon, and Lyanna. Every move counts.
Brandon peeked into the room, smiling. "Look at him go. Already so active."
Ned chuckled. "He watches everything. Even as a baby, he learns faster than any child I've seen."
Kaelor's attention shifted to Benjen, who was swinging a small wooden stick. Benjen… strong, predictable. I can guide him without him knowing. Teach him the ways to survive. Every detail matters. I must start now.
He babbled softly: "Safe… everyone safe."
Lyanna clapped her hands. "Did he just say safe? Clever little brother!"
Kaelor thought quickly: Yes. Safe. That is the plan. Move them, warn them, protect them. I will not let the flames or betrayal take them. I must act carefully and prepare. And I will need allies, even if they don't know yet. I must observe everyone around me.
He carefully pushed another block onto the stack. Balance. Strength. Observation. Even play is practice for the future. When the war comes, when the fire comes, I must be ready. I must save them all.
Lyarra lifted him into her lap. "Our little Kaelor… always thinking, always watching," she said softly.
Kaelor nuzzled her shoulder, but his mind raced. I must observe everyone. Learn everything about their strengths and weaknesses. One day, I will guide them. I will protect them. Every small step now is preparation for the future.
The morning stretched on. Brandon and Ned peeked in again, making funny faces to entertain Kaelor. Kaelor observed their expressions, noting how they moved, how they laughed, how they reacted to each other. If I know them now, I can guide them later. Understanding people is power. Social skills are a strategy.
Benjen picked up a toy sword and pretended to attack Kaelor, who squealed and dodged instinctively—practice reflexes. Anticipate movements. Protect yourself and others. Even play is training.
Lyanna giggled as she helped Kaelor climb onto a pile of furs. "Careful, little one! You'll fall!"
Kaelor balanced himself carefully. Balance… strength… timing. Every step I take teaches me how to move in the face of danger. I can protect them all if I learn fast enough.
By the evening, Kaelor was tired but satisfied. He nuzzled Lyarra's shoulder again. Sleep now, yes. But the mind never rests. Observe. Remember. Prepare. I will not fail. One day, I will act and save everyone.
Outside, snow fell gently, blanketing Winterfell. Inside, Kaelor Stark rested in his mother's arms, small in body but vast in mind, already planning and preparing for the challenges the future would bring.