Power and influence. If a character can assert their authority over Winterfell, whether through political maneuvering like Sansa did in the show, or by being a forceful military leader, she could be seen as the real lady. For example, if a character rallies the troops of Winterfell against invaders and is successful, that would give her a strong claim.
Well, a 'bastard of Winterfell fanfic' could be about the story of a character who is a bastard in Winterfell. It might explore their struggles, their relationships within the Winterfell society, and how they try to find their place. Maybe it focuses on their journey of self - discovery, facing the prejudice that bastards often face in the world of Westeros. It could also involve their adventures, like getting involved in battles or political intrigues within the context of Winterfell.
In many 'Game of Thrones' fanfics, different characters could be considered the 'real' lady of Winterfell. It could be Sansa Stark, as she has a strong claim to Winterfell through her Stark heritage. She has endured a great deal and learned the ways of politics, which would make her a worthy lady of the keep.
Family is a very common theme. Since the Starks are a large and important family in Winterfell, many fanfics explore their family bonds, loyalty, and rivalries. Another common theme is survival, especially during the harsh winters that Winterfell often faces.
It's hard to say exactly without reading the fanfic, but it could be the bastard character themselves. Maybe they are the central figure around which the whole story unfolds. There might also be other important characters like the lord or lady of Winterfell who have an impact on the bastard's life, either by showing kindness or being cruel.
One possible storyline could be Tony Stark bringing his technological genius to Winterfell. He might start by upgrading their defenses. For example, he could create some sort of energy shield around the castle, similar to the one he had in Stark Tower. This would protect Winterfell from the White Walkers and other threats. He could also work on improving their weapons, making swords and arrows with some advanced alloys he developed. Maybe he'd even introduce some basic robotics to help with tasks like scouting or carrying supplies. Another aspect could be his interactions with the characters there. He'd probably get along well with Bran, as they both have a deep understanding of different forms of knowledge. Stark could share his knowledge of the outside world with the people of Winterfell, and in return, learn about their ancient ways and magic.
In many 'Game of Thrones' fanfics, the Lady of Winterfell could refer to Sansa Stark. She had a complex journey in the series and in fanfics might be depicted as a strong leader ruling over Winterfell. She learned the hard ways of politics and survival, which would make her an interesting focus in fan - created stories.
One possible plot is that Arya comes back to Winterfell with new allies she made during her adventures. These allies could be from different regions or cultures, and they bring with them unique skills and knowledge. Her return might also stir up old rivalries among the people in Winterfell. Some might be jealous of her newfound skills and experiences, while others might see her as a symbol of hope. And as she settles back into Winterfell, she has to navigate the complex web of relationships and power dynamics that have changed in her absence.
In a fanfiction, Tony Stark's adaptation to Winterfell life would be a journey. At first, he'd be completely out of place. His shiny Iron Man suit would stand out like a sore thumb among the furs and leathers of Winterfell. But he's smart. He'd start by making small changes. He'd use his engineering skills to improve the living conditions in a way that's acceptable to the people there. For instance, he could design a better heating system for the castle that doesn't rely on modern technology but still uses some of his scientific principles. He'd also have to adapt his language. He's used to using technical jargon, but in Winterfell, he'd need to communicate in a more straightforward and simple way. He'd gradually become part of the community, participating in hunts, helping with the harvest (if there is one), and eventually becoming a respected figure in Winterfell, all while still maintaining his unique identity as Tony Stark.