Travis

Thank you very much. As I said above, this is the only book I haven't read of GRRM's Westerosi world. I shall make an effort to read that.

Okay. Thanks. A World of Ice and Fire is the only book I have not read. Only portions of it from online discussions.

Not trying to be argumentative here, but where is the textual evidence for this? Not saying it doesn't exist, I'm just not aware of it.

I haven't read the whole thread, or your whole post, yet. And I don't want to sound argumentative, really, but what textual evidence do you have for this? I just finished your post and agree with everything you have to say, but am not sure where you got what I quoted. You state it as fact and I don't remember reading any of it in the books. It's been a while since my last re-read, and I could be completely wrong.

But to know the first two (what and why), dont you have to assume the who?

I remember reading this. I can't remember if it was Varys or Howland Reed. I think it may have had to do with both.

I am still reading it. Very intriguing.

I just don't think GRRM is playing with us that much. Mr. Reed will appear when he appears. Or he won't.

Word of the day = pedantic.

No, it is false every year. Maybe next year will be different?

I thought this was all common knowledge, no offense. The Children made a Pact with First Men, sealed with a marriage? Thus, there must always be a Stark in Winterfell (to protect the Children/vice versa?). Is there another such agreement that says the Starks must also man the Wall?

This.

"One theory that I'm still working on is that Ned had to actually give Lyanna the gift of mercy. I got that idea from previewing the Mercy chapter that will be released with Winds, where "mercy" is mentioned 75 times - in just one chapter, and the chapter highlights a play where "Mercy" is gang-raped" You got me here. What? ETA: Sorry. Quoter won't work. Or more than likely, I don't know how to operate it.

I agree. Which means that Renley definately usurped (or attempted to) his elder brother, Stannis's throne, when Robert died. Basically, Stannis and Renley both foresaw their brother's death. Stannis saw it earlier, but when Renley saw it, he prepared much faster than Stannis. He is still usurping Stannis's position in the hierarchy. He should have already known Stannis's character and what doing that would cause. But then again, Renley thought he could be the better king, while Stannis saw it as his right, and therefore his duty.

Which is why Jon will be resurrected and Bowen Marsh will die.