[Winterfell]

The moon hung low in the sky, casting a pale light over the ancient castle of Winterfell. The wind howled through the abandoned towers, carrying with it a sense of foreboding that seemed to linger in every shadow. Morgana Baratheon, wife of Robb Stark and Queen Of The North, stood before a pile of glowing embers in the Great Hall, her thoughts consumed by the task at hand. She carefully arranged a cluster of amethyst crystals around the fire, their violet hues seeming to radiate an otherworldly calm.

Hela, Morgana's trusted advisor and friend, approached her, her dark eyes gleaming in the firelight. "You are certain this is the correct way to go about it?" she asked softly. Morgana looked up at her, her expression determined. "I have done my research, Hela. Amethyst is the stone of spirituality and contentment. It will bring stability and inner peace to those who are surrounded by it."

"Very well, my queen," Hela said, inclining her head. "Then let us see to the other crystals. Obsidian along the entranceways to cleanse and clear, transmutating negative energy back to where it belongs. Obsidian is also a natural healing stone, which is meant to help process emotions." The pair moved silently through the castle, placing obsidian stones at strategic points, feeling a sense of weight lifting from their shoulders as they did so.

Next, they turned their attention to the chambers where Morgana's infant sons, Eddard and Robert, slept. They fashioned talismans from labradorite, carving intricate designs into the smooth, cool stones. "These will protect them from fear," Hela explained, "and help them find order in the chaos that is sure to come." Morgana nodded, tears welling in her eyes at the thought of losing her boys. But she found solace in the knowledge that she was doing everything within her power to keep them safe.

They moved on to the nursery, where they found their trusted maidservant, Sirena, tending to her duties. Her face was pale and drawn, the result of a recent injury she had sustained while protecting Morgana. Seeing this, they provided her with a pouch of citrine stones, explaining that the healing properties of the stones would help her body to heal and her spirits to recover. Sirena bowed her head in gratitude, her eyes filling with tears.

As they continued their journey through the castle, they placed fire agate stones at strategic points, creating a protective barrier around the entire structure. Fire agate is known for its courage-enhancing and protective properties, making it an ideal choice for safeguarding against the unseen forces that lurked in the shadows. It also helped to dispel fear and anxiety, which was much needed in the current climate.

The also placed a Fire Agate in the throne room, where she and Robb would sit and rule over the North. "This stone of courage, protection and strength will serve him well in the days to come," Hela said, placing the agate on the two thrones. "It will help him remain steadfast and focused, even when faced with unimaginable horrors." Morgana nodded, her heart heavy with the weight of the burden her husband would soon bear.

The pair moved on to the stables, where they found the men of the Night's Watch standing watch. They gifted each one with a piece of black tourmaline, carved into the shape of a wolf's head. Black tourmaline is known for its grounding and protective properties, and was meant to shield the men from harm as they ventured out into the world. The Night's Watch accepted the gifts gratefully, their eyes filled with respect and admiration for the queen who had gone to such great lengths to protect them.

Next, they visited the great library, where the maesters and scholars were busy studying ancient tomes and scribing new scrolls. They placed a cluster of rose quartz stones throughout the room, infusing it with love and peace. Rose quartz is known for its healing and balancing properties, and was meant to help the maesters find harmony within themselves and their work. The maesters bowed their heads in reverence, feeling the weight of the world lift from their shoulders if only for a moment.

They placed lavender jade stones around the rooms of female guests, hoping to bring tranquility and clarity to the young women as they adjusted to the changes that were about to come. Lavender jade is also known for its nurturing and feminine energy, which would help the ladies support each other during this time of upheaval. The ladies accepted the gifts with gratitude, their eyes shining with hope and determination.

As they made their way back to the throne room, they passed by the courtyard, where a group of children were playing. They stopped for a moment, watching the youngsters laugh and run, their innocence shining through. They placed aventurine stones around the edge of the courtyard, creating a protective barrier to keep the children safe from harm. Aventurine is known for its calming and protective properties, and was meant to give the children a sense of security and comfort as they grew up in such turbulent times. The children, oblivious to the significance of the stones, continued to play, their laughter filling the air with joy and hope.

The pair then moved on to the treasury, where they found two of Robb's trusted advisors, Ser Jarod and Ser Marius, going over ledgers and account books. They placed hematite stones throughout the room, infusing it with strength and stability. Hematite is known for its grounding and protective properties, and was meant to help the advisors remain focused and unwavering in their duty to protect the realm's wealth and resources. The advisors bowed their heads in acknowledgement, feeling a sense of calm wash over them as they continued their work.

Next, they journeyed to the kitchens, where the cooks and servants were busily preparing meals for the castle's inhabitants. They placed citrine stones throughout the kitchen, hoping to bring warmth and nourishment to the hearts and souls of those who worked there. Citrine, in addition to its healing properties, is known for its energizing and cheerful properties, and was meant to help the kitchen staff stay positive and productive during these trying times. The cooks and servants accepted the gifts with gratitude, their weary faces lighting up with a newfound sense of purpose.

As they continued their rounds, they came across a small apothecary where the castle's healers were tending to the wounded and sick. They placed a cluster of selenite stones in the center of the room, hoping to create an atmosphere of clarity and peace. Selenite is known for its cleansing and healing properties, and was meant to help the healers focus their energy on those who needed it most. The healers bowed their heads in respect, feeling a sense of calm wash over them as they continued their work.

Next, they visited the armory, where weapons were being sharpened and maintained by a group of blacksmiths. They placed a large piece of amethyst quartz near the entrance, hoping to bring peace and protection to those who worked there. Amethyst is known for its calming and protective properties, and was meant to help the blacksmiths remain focused and alert as they worked with the dangerous tools of their trade. The blacksmiths nodded in acknowledgement, feeling a sense of reassurance as they continued their work.

They placed a cluster of tiger's eye stones in the training yard, where soldiers were practicing with weapons and tactics. Tiger's eye is known for its courage and strength, and was meant to inspire the soldiers to be vigilant and prepared for whatever challenges lay ahead. The soldiers, already focused and determined, accepted the stones with gratitude, their eyes burning with a newfound sense of purpose.

As they continued their rounds, they came across a small garden where the castle's gardener tended to the plants and flowers. They placed rose quartz stones throughout the garden, hoping to bring love and healing to the greenery and those who cared for it. Rose quartz is known for its nurturing and loving energy, and was meant to help the gardener find solace and beauty in their work even during times of turmoil. The gardener smiled warmly, feeling a sense of peace wash over them as they continued to tend to the garden.

Morgana would be sure to add some to her nearby greenhouse as well.

In the great hall, they found King Robb and his uncle Lord Edmure Tully, who had recently arrived with his men, discussing strategy with a group of seasoned warriors. The pair placed a single piece of jasper stone near the center of the table, hoping to bring balance and stability to their discussions. Jasper is known for its grounding and protective properties, and was meant to help everyone remain focused and level-headed as they made important decisions for the kingdom. Robb nodded his acknowledgement, feeling a sense of calm wash over him as he continued to listen to the advice of his advisors.

The final stop of their journey was the private chambers of Morgana and Robb. They placed a large amethyst geode on their nightstand, explaining that amethyst was a powerful stone of protection, courage, and peace. It would help them sleep soundly at night and provide them with clarity of thought during the day. Morgana smiled softly, feeling a sense of completeness wash over her as she placed the stone in its intended spot.

The next morning, as the sun began to rise over the castle walls, the servants hurried about their tasks, cleaning and tidying the rooms, hallways, and gardens. They noticed that the citrine stones had brought a newfound energy and vigor to those around them. The cooks were humming as they prepared breakfast, and even the guards at the gates seemed more alert and cheerful. It was as if a weight had been lifted from the castle.

As Morgana and Robb sat down to breakfast, they felt the weight of their responsibilities pressing down on them. They exchanged a knowing glance, understanding that while the stones had brought some relief, the true test would come in the days ahead. They ate in silence, contemplating the challenges that lay before them, but also taking comfort in the knowledge that they were not alone.

Throughout the day, the energy in the castle seemed to shift. The servants moved with a newfound sense of purpose, and even the livestock in the stables seemed more content and healthy. The stones had settled into their new home, becoming an integral part of the castle's very fabric. The blacksmiths worked with renewed focus, honing their blades on a whetstone as they prepared for whatever might come. The soldiers trained harder, their steps firmer on the training yard's earth. And the healers, tending to the wounded and sick, found solace in the soothing energy of the selenite stones.

As night fell once more, the amethyst glowed softly in the flickering torchlight, casting a comforting purple hue over Morgana and Robb's chambers. They sat together, lost in thought, pondering the day's events and the days to come. Despite the weight of their responsibilities, they felt a newfound sense of strength and resilience, bolstered by the power of the stones.

Outside, the guards patrolled the walls, their steps more assured thanks to the obsidian stones. The moon cast a silver light over the battlements, reflecting off the polished breastplates of the soldiers who slept fitfully in their makeshift barracks. The sound of snoring and occasional muttering filled the air, but even in sleep, they were protected by the stones' watchful gaze.

In the great hall, a group of maidens sat around a crackling fire, weaving tales of bravery and adventure. They had brought with them garnets, rubies, and emeralds, which they wore as talismans against evil and to enhance their beauty. The warmth of the fire and the glow of the stones cast a rosy hue over their faces, as they laughed and clapped their hands in delight at the heroic deeds of their favorite knights.

Outside, in the stables, the horses whinnied softly, their eyes reflecting the amber light of the setting sun. The stable hands had placed a piece of amber nearby, hoping to ward off any illness or injury that might befall the animals. The stable master, an elderly man with weathered skin and a kind smile, murmured words of comfort to his charges as he brushed down their coats.

The stones, while most were small in size, had provided an abundant shift inside the walls of Winterfell.

Morgana knew it was a small step, but sometimes the small steps are some of the most powerful.

The next day, she decided to take another step. She went to the makeshift marketplace that had been set up in Winterfell, where merchants from near and far had set up their stalls, selling everything from exotic spices and silks to weapons and armor. Amidst the bustling crowd, she spotted a young woman with auburn hair, wearing a simple yet elegant dress adorned with a single citrine pendant. Upon seeing Morgana, the woman smiled warmly and approached her.

"My lady," she said, curtsying gracefully. "I have heard of your arrival and the stones you carry. I am Eira, a gem-cutter and trader. I have brought with me a selection of rare and precious gemstones, each with its own unique properties and powers. I was hoping to offer my services to you and your people."

Morgana studied the young woman, noting the confidence in her voice and the sincerity in her eyes. She seemed trustworthy, and Morgana decided to take a chance. "Very well, Eira. Please, show me what you have."

Eira led Morgana to a secluded corner of the marketplace, where she unpacked a selection of gemstones from a wooden chest. There were opals, tourmalines, and jaspers, each more breathtaking than the last. She explained the properties of each stone, telling Morgana how they could be used for protection, healing, and even to enhance one's abilities.

While she already had some of these gemstones, there were others that had proven more elusive.

"And these?" Morgana asked, pointing to a cluster of pale, almost colorless stones. They seemed unremarkable at first glance, but Eira's eyes lit up when she saw them.

"Ah, those are moonstones," she said, taking one in her hand. "They are often overlooked, but they are truly remarkable. They are said to enhance the wearer's intuition and the ability to see through illusions. They also provide protection during travel, especially at night. They are perfect for guards and those who must navigate treacherous paths."

Morgana considered this, thinking of the patrols that ventured out into the night, vulnerable to ambush or other dangers. "I see their value. How much do you ask for a single stone, and for a set?"

Eira named a price that seemed fair to Morgana, given the rarity of the stones and the potential benefits they could provide. She bargained briefly, as was customary in such transactions, and eventually settled on an amount that both parties were satisfied with. With the deal struck, Eira packed up her wares and bowed respectfully to Morgana.

"Thank you, Eira," Morgana said, handing over a purse of coin. "I believe these stones will be of great use to Winterfell. Please, feel free to visit us again in the future."

As Eira made her way through the marketplace, her steps lighter with each sale she made, Morgana reflected on the day's events. She had taken small steps, yes, but they had been deliberate and well-considered. She had forged new alliances, brought new ideas and possibilities to her people, and given them a glimmer of hope in the face of their grim circumstances.

The following days saw Morgana continue her efforts to improve life within the walls of Winterfell. She met with the castle's craftsmen and women, discussing ways to improve their tools and techniques. She visited the stables and spoke with the stablemaster about breeding programs for the horses, seeking to create a stronger, more resilient herd. She even ventured into the kitchens, offering her advice on new recipes and preservation methods.

As news of her progress spread, people began to see her not just as a sorceress or an outsider, but as a leader who genuinely cared about their well-being. They began to approach her with their own ideas and suggestions, and together they worked towards building a better future for Winterfell.

One day, Morgana received a visit from a group of women who were skilled in the art of weaving. They showed her their work, which was of exceptional quality, but they lamented that there was little demand for their wares due to the harsh climate and the limited resources available. Morgana saw an opportunity to not only improve their livelihoods but also to provide the castle with much-needed warmth and comfort.

She helped them design new patterns and dyes using local plants and insects, creating intricate tapestries and rugs that were both beautiful and functional. Word spread quickly about their unique creations, and soon people from all the way from Dorne were clamoring for Winterfell's woven goods. The women's workshop flourished, and they were able to hire more weavers to meet the growing demand.

As Morgana continued to work with the women, she also began to teach them about the art of dyeing fabrics with natural colors. They experimented with different plants and minerals, creating vibrant hues that had never been seen before in Westeros. The women of Winterfell became known throughout the land for their skill and creativity, and their workshop became a symbol of hope and innovation in the face of adversity.

Morgana's efforts to improve life in Winterfell did not go unnoticed by the northern lords. While she had done her best to prove that, as an outsider, she had the North's best interests at heart, they had long been suspicious of her motives, silently believing that she was simply trying to further her own power and influence. But as they saw the positive changes she was bringing about, they began to reconsider their opinions. Some even approached her, offering their support and allegiance.

One such lord was Wyman Manderly, the portly lord of House Manderly. He had seen Morgana's work with the women's workshop and was impressed by her ability to turn a struggling group into a thriving economic force.

Her newly completed greenhouse was also a testament to her devotion to the strengthening of the North, for all of its people.

The output and diversity of crops they would now be able to grow spread hope through the hearts of the Northerners.

At first, Morgana Baratheon was just a Southern princess, daughter of a fallen king, who had been the best friend of their former liege lord.

Now, she was the Queen of the North, with two Northern sons, Eddard and Robert.

An heir to Winterfell, and an heir to Storm's End.

As the days passed, the whispers grew louder. The Northern lords and their people began to see Morgana Baratheon not just as a leader who could improve their lot in life, but as a queen in her own right. They spoke of her wisdom, her compassion, and her unwavering devotion to the North. Some even went so far as to suggest that she should be considered as a potential ruler of the Seven Kingdoms when the time came, if Jon Snow (Jaeharys Targaryen) decided he did not wish to sit the throne.

Their praise was not without merit. Morgana had worked tirelessly to improve Winterfell and its people, bringing new ideas and techniques to the ancient stronghold. She had fostered a sense of community and cooperation among the Northerners, encouraging them to work together towards a brighter future. Her efforts to improve the local economy, through the women's workshop and the greenhouse, were already bearing fruit, and the people of Winterfell were beginning to see the benefits of her rule.

Morgana found herself the subject of increasingly serious discussions among the Northern lords. They spoke of her intelligence, her diplomacy, and her unwavering loyalty to the North.

While she was honored by their praise, Morgana remained humble, knowing that her success was due in large part to the support and hard work of the people of Winterfell and the North.

She continued to listen to the concerns of her subjects, and working tirelessly to address their needs. Her presence was a source of inspiration to many, and her wisdom and compassion were legendary.

Morgana also took great care in strengthening alliances with other Houses, both within the Seven Kingdoms and beyond. She recognized that the North faced many challenges, and that cooperation with other great families would be essential to ensuring their survival and prosperity.

One such instance, was Elissa Dustin, who had volunteered to journey to the Summer Islands, in hopes of incurring knowledge of medicine and healing, which could have profound effects on the success and advancement of healing techniques.

Morgana had also brought up the possibility of hosting cultural exchanges with Dorne, another kingdom which was frowned upon by many others, and had succeeded in brokering an alliance with Prince Doran, who had agreed to send fighters to aid them in war against the Night King.

Furthermore, the idea of broker trade agreement, not only with Dorne and the Velaryons, but also the Free Cities, had been met with both skepticism and keen interest.

The potential for expanding markets and gaining access to new resources was seen as a boon for the North, but there were also those who saw it as a threat to their traditional ways of life. Morgana was careful to balance the needs of her people with the potential benefits of these agreements. She held meetings with influential lords and ladies, listening to their concerns and addressing their doubts. Her patience and empathy served her well in these discussions, as she navigated the complex web of allegiances and rivalries that defined life in the Seven Kingdoms.

One such meeting was held in the Great Hall of Winterfell, where Morgana addressed the gathered nobles. She spoke of the challenges they faced as a people, from the looming threat of the Night King and his army of the dead, to the political machinations of the other kingdoms. She reminded them of their strength as a united front, and of the importance of working together for the greater good. Her words resonated with many in attendance, and several prominent lords and ladies pledged their support for her vision.

The Queen of the North, however, was not content with simply maintaining peace and prosperity within her realm. She had grander ambitions. She saw the Seven Kingdoms as a tapestry, with each thread representing a House and a people. Her goal was to weave these threads together, creating a strong and vibrant tapestry that would endure for generations to come.

To achieve this, Morgana embarked on a campaign of diplomacy and cultural exchange. She invited ambassadors from across the known world to Winterfell, inviting them to share their customs, their cuisine, and their arts. She sponsored trade caravans that crisscrossed the Seven Kingdoms, bringing goods and ideas from the Free Cities to the North, and from the North to the Reach. Her efforts were not without risk; there were those who opposed her vision, fearing that the old ways would be lost in the shuffle.

But Morgana was undeterred. She saw the value in learning from others, in embracing change and progress. She believed that by doing so, the North could not only survive but thrive, becoming a beacon of hope and inspiration to the rest of the realm that tended to look down on them.

Morgana hoped to test this out when their allies in the Dornish, Velaryons and Baratheon loyalists of the Stormlands arrived in Winterfell.

Of course, none of this had gone unnoticed by Daenerys Targaryen, the Dragon Queen and last "pure" Targaryen.

Her nephew-husband, Jon Snow, or Jaeharys, had warned her that the Northerners did not take well to Southern rulers.

Yet, here they were, cheering for a Southern princess who had married their King of the North, Robb Stark, and given him two sons.

Morgana had been careful to cultivate good relations with her cousin, Daenerys, despite the initial tension between them. She had praised the Dragon Queen's efforts to improve the lives of her people and to bring peace and justice to the Seven Kingdoms. In return, Daenerys had come to respect Morgana's wisdom and her ability to navigate the complex political landscape, something she found she still struggled with.

But, she could see, having Morgana as an ally was far better than having her as an enemy.

Her mind thought of things Daenerys hadn't even dreamt about. Her main concern had been sitting the Iron Throne, so the people were no longer forced to live under monarchs like Cersei Lannister, Morgana's mother.

But, for now, at least, that was the least of their problems.

For, if they failed to defeat the Night King, none of what they said or did would matter.

They would be dead, and humanity along with them.