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    The fields near Winterfell had never been so lush. Rows of crops stretched tall and green, their leaves glistening under the sun, and their roots digging deep into the fertile soil. Even the hardened farmers of the North paused to marvel at the sight, their weathered faces breaking into rare smiles.


    Ned Stark, riding through the fields on his horse, reined in and dismounted, his grey eyes wide with astonishment. He knelt beside a row of barley, running his hand over the sturdy stalks. “Jon,” he called, his voice carrying across the field. “What magic is this?”


    Jon approached, his hands stained with soil and his dark eyes gleaming with pride. “It’s not magic, Father,” he said. “It’s... a special way of making fertilizers. It helps the crops grow stronger.”


    Ned raised an eyebrow, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern. “Special fertilizers, you say? Where did you learn such a thing?”


    Jon hesitated, glancing toward the forge where Shadow’s smoky form lingered in the distance. “I’ve been experimenting,” he said carefully. “Trying to find ways to make the land more productive.”


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    Ned studied his son for a moment, then nodded, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “You’ve done well, Jon. This could feed the North through the longest of winters. But be careful with this knowledge. Not everyone will understand it—or trust it.”


    Jon nodded, his expression serious. “I understand, Father.”


    <hr>


    As Ned rode back to the castle, Shadow appeared beside Jon, his glowing eyes flickering with satisfaction. “You handled that well,” Shadow said, his voice a low hum in Jon’s mind. “But your father is right. This knowledge is powerful—and valuable.”


    Jon frowned. “Valuable?”


    Shadow’s form rippled with something akin to a smile. “If you and Mary were to sell this fertilizer, you could become very rich. People don’t attack those who can produce food. They protect them. They rely on them.”


    Jon’s eyes widened as he considered the implications. “But... we’re Starks. We don’t sell things. We protect the North.”


    “And what better way to protect the North than by ensuring its people never go hungry?” Shadow countered. “You could change everything, Jon. But it must be done carefully. Not everyone will welcome such change.”


    Mary, who had been digging nearby, let out a sharp growl, her tail wagging furiously as she unearthed a shiny stone. She held it up to Jon, her blue eyes gleaming with pride.


    Jon chuckled, taking the stone and ruffling her hair. “Maybe we’ll start small,” he said. “Just for Winterfell, for now.”


    Shadow nodded, his glowing eyes softening. “A wise decision. But remember, Jon, the world is changing. And when the time comes, you and Mary must be ready.”