Editing Fosterage (section)

==Background==
The [[custom]] of fosterage is common among the nobility of [[Westeros]]. It is seen as a way of establishing friendships and alliances.<ref name=ssm>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/1202/ Numerous Questions (February 28, 2002)]</ref> For example, Lord [[Jon Arryn]] became a second father to his two wards, [[Eddard Stark]] and [[Robert I Baratheon|Robert Baratheon]], during the years they were fostered by Arryn at the [[Eyrie]].{{Ref|agot|2}} Additionally, fosterage is seen as a means of education.<ref name=ssm/> For example, boys can be fostered out as [[squire]]s, training for [[knight]]hood.{{Ref|acok|8}} Most commonly the fostered child is male,<ref name=ssm/> although it is not unheard of for females to be fostered. The fostered child can be trueborn or [[bastard]] born.{{Ref|AGOT|6}} Children taken as [[hostage]]s may be called wards; for example, [[Theon Greyjoy]].{{ref|agot|1}}{{ref|adwd|37}} In the [[Free City]] of [[Norvos]], children are usually not fostered out.{{Ref|affc|21}}{{Ref|aFfC|40}}

According to [[George R. R. Martin]], a child who is fostered by a lord or lady can make visits home during the years of his fosterage, although these visits would be minimal while the child is still young. After reaching the [[age of majority]], the fostered child is free to come and go as he or she likes.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Some_Questions Some Questions (March 16, 2000)]</ref>