The Shopkeeper of Konoha

Few more days had gone by and it was kind of cool on both sides but it didn't stay that for long. On the Winterfell side, under the blessings of Ned Stark, they were able to build a new shop that sold things that belonged to the other worlds. 

At first it was just watches and then came the fine clothing. Ned visited them quite often so much so that even Robb showed up once. Arya and Jon who had been in the shop with occasional visits from Loki and Aoto, almost ran and hugged Robb but was stopped by Aoto. 

The shop's exterior was adorned with snowflake-shaped signs and icicle lights. The interior was a tasteful blend of rustic charm and modern convenience, with wooden shelves. Behind the counter there was door which led to the warehouse of the shop where the goods could be stored. 

Jon was the most silent one and though he felt very emotional looking at his brother again after so many years, he knew that it was best for Robb to not get involved at the moment. Ned being the good father he was introduced Robb to Jon and Arya again.

It felt awkward for Ned and the duo but for Robb it was a new thing as he had never seen his father introduce him to a shopkeeper, which meant that this shop was important. 

"Ah Young Prince.. Welcome.. What would you like to buy here." Jon said with his professional sales person voice. He had been in this job for quite some time now and being in the village made him more courteous. His words made Robb a bit embarrassed but he said. 

"What Young prince? I am just the son of the Warden of the North." Robb said. Though he felt flattered but he knew where not to cross the line. The Young Prince would be the son of Robert Baratheon, the King of the seven kingdoms. 

"Ah.. I am sorry about my words." Jon apologized and Ned could only shake his head. He could see that John had changed a lot over the years. Jon soon introduced new things in the shop and Robb was delighted to see these new things that this new shopkeeper had brought. 

He had already liked the new handwatch and now getting to see the new fine clothing had made him want to buy them. He was checking on the clothes when Ser Cassel came up and whispered. 

"My Lord, there is a runner from the Night's Watch." 

Ned didn't expect a runner from Night's Watch as he hadn't seen one in a very long time and he subconsciously looked at Jon. The present Jon was someone who wanted to go to Nights Watch with his Uncle Benjen while the future Jon was someone who had lived there and experienced hardships. 

Over the last few days, Ned asked them about their experiences and hardships and he was appalled as he came to know more. John fighting against both the dead and the living, Arya was taken in by some kind of cult who were just like mercenaries. But surprisingly, both of them didn't say a word about magic.

It's not that they didn't want to tell Ned about the magical journey to the other world, it's just the library rules forbade them to do so. They could only speak of magic but not where they learned or their purpose. 

"Did he say anything?" Ned asked as he was a bit curious now. 

"The deserter says he saw the White Walkers. What a load of bullshit trying to get out of the guilty." Ser Cassel didn't believe a word of the deserter but Ned stiffened up when he heard the term White Walkers. 

He knew that they were coming but he didn't expect that they would arrive this early. The North wasn't even ready to face the war, but then he saw the two shopkeepers and their presence gave him hope. 

"I understand. We will be there soon. Robb go and call Bran and Jon." Ned said. Robb didn't look irritated at all and left immediately. Jon and Arya, who had been attending to Robb heard what Ser Cassel had said and their face became stiff for a bit. 

After everyone left, it was only Ned and the duo left at the shop. 

"They are here. What should I do with the deserter?" Ned asked once he got the seclusion. 

"Father, you are the Lord of Winterfell. You should know better." John said. 

"That guy is speaking the truth and killing someone for speaking the truth is not on my blood." Ned said as he felt like that would be a crime. 

"But he is a deserter." Arya reminded them. 

"Yes, but he came all the way to warn us probably as the Nights Watch wouldn't believe him" Ned said. As they were discussing, one guy walked from behind and said. 

"The wine of this place isn't good at all. I feel like I am back at that goddamn Vanaheim." 

The trio who were secretly discussing turned to look at the man who was holding a huge jug of wine and complained. Ned had seen this man before and according to Arya he was the teacher of sorts. 

"I am sorry for the inconvenience of the wine. Soon there will be wine from Kings Landing and I am sure that you will like it." Ned apologized and he was courteous to him as he was some kind of magic teacher. 

"That's fine. What were you three whispering about before?" Loki asked. Loki was here as he had free time and honestly teaching Naruto could be a chore sometimes but he could also see that this guy had potential and his unyielding determination earned his respect too. Naruto was at the school so he came out to take a walk. 

Arya didn't waste a moment and spoke of the dilemma. Hearing what she said he looked at Jon and Arya like they were some kind of nuts and said. 

"I taught you illusions. Can't you just make an illusion showing that your father killed him and later release him?"