The Targaryen Blonde Feature Conundrum: Ned Stark's Dilemma

Imagine the scenario where Jon Snow, the Stark bastard who feels at home in the North of Westeros, started developing the distinctive Targaryen blonde features during his childhood. For Ned Stark, the man who had sworn to protect his young ward with his life, these revelations would have ignited a whirlwind of emotional and strategic concerns. In this article, we'll explore how Ned would have navigated such a critical moment, weighing his responsibilities and emotional turmoil as he sought to safeguard Jon's future.

Increased Secrecy: A Stark Tradition

One of the first actions Ned would have taken is to increase the level of secrecy surrounding Jon's true parentage. The knowledge that Jon resembles a key figure from House Targaryen would have raised the stakes in terms of potential threats. Ned would have felt an urgent need to protect Jon from any factions aligned with the Lannisters or supporters of the Targaryen cause. The burden of ensuring Jon's safety would have become even more weighty, and Ned would have likely intensified his efforts to maintain this fragile secret.

Reinforcing Stark Identity

In a bid to mitigate the psychological impact of these differences, Ned would have focused on reinforcing Jon's identity as a member of House Stark. He would have stressed the importance of Jon's loyalty to Winterfell and the Stark family values. By emphasizing Jon's Stark roots, Ned hoped to blunt the potential for any lingering confusion or threats based on his physical appearance. Through this method, Ned sought to instill a strong sense of pride and belonging in Jon, ensuring that his true lineage would not overshadow his sense of identity as a Stark.

Possible Relocation: Seeking a New Beginning

Given the potential public scrutiny that Jon's appearance could bring, Ned would have seriously considered relocating Jon to a more remote location. By sending Jon to live with a trusted member of the Stark family or another secluded estate, Ned could ensure that Jon would grow up in a less public setting. This move would have allowed Jon to develop his skills and character in a safe and supportive environment, away from the prying eyes of those who might seek to exploit his heritage for their own gain.

Conversations with Key Figures: Seeking Guidance

To navigate the complex and sensitive nature of this situation, Ned would have sought counsel from trusted allies and family members. His brother Benjen and perhaps even Catelyn could have offered valuable advice and support. By discussing the implications and potential strategies, Ned could have formed a united front in protecting Jon's security and privacy. These conversations would have provided Ned with the necessary strategies and emotional support to face the challenges ahead.

Emotional Struggle: A Father's Heartbreak

Ultimately, Ned would have faced an intense internal conflict. As a father figure, Ned would have cherished Jon as his own son, but the weight of his secret would have caused significant anguish. The revelation of Jon's Targaryen heritage would have brought a mixture of pride and heartache, making it challenging for Ned to reconcile his feelings with his responsibilities. The burden of maintaining this secret, knowing the potential consequences, would have weighed heavily on Ned's heart, potentially causing him to experience deep guilt and sorrow.

Conclusion: Silent Protection

Given the stakes involved, it's highly likely that Ned would have held his thoughts and concerns close to his chest, as he had done throughout Jon's upbringing. Just as he had previously remained silent about Jon's true parentage, Ned would have continued to say nothing about the potential threat posed by Jon's developing Targaryen features. This silence, although challenging, would have been the most effective way to protect Jon from unnecessary public scrutiny and potential danger.

As Jon's appearance continued to evolve, Ned would have increasingly relied on the secrecy he had maintained since Jon's birth. The knowledge that Jon resembles a key figure from House Targaryen would have elevated the level of vigilance and caution required. Despite these challenges, Ned's unwavering dedication to his role as a protector would have remained unshaken, as he worked tirelessly to ensure that Jon's future would be a secure and fulfilling one.