I do not own A Song of Ice and Fire, it belongs to GRRM.
When A Viper and She-Wolf Meet
Love is like a friendship caught on fire. In the beginning a flame, very pretty, often hot and fierce, but still only light and flickering. As love grows older, our hearts mature and our love becomes as coals, deep-burning and unquenchable. –Bruce Lee
Lyanna Stark was the only daughter of Rickard and Elena Stark, and the only sister of Brandon, Eddard, and Benjen Stark.
From birth she had been raised up to be a lady, though it was soon learned that she had a wildness in her that couldn't be tamed; the Starks 'wolfsblood' as her father and the other Northerners called it.
With her father and mother's blessings Lyanna had been allowed to grow and learn alongside her brothers.
She learned sword fighting, though it was the Braavosi Water Dance instead of the western style since her slim build was unsuited for it. Lyanna couldn't stop thanking her father when she found out he had hired a Braavosi Water Dancer to teach her the art.
She'd also learned archery, how to ride a horse better than most men, jousting, swimming, figures, history, laws, even battle tactics, and the history and banners of all the nobles in the seven kingdoms, especially those in the North who were the Starks bannermen.
Childhood had been a joy for Lyanna as she was fully free to be herself within the walls of Winterfell. However, outside its walls she was expected to portray the image of the perfect lady; it was a duty she mostly honored. While she hated being anything but herself she also knew it was her duty as a Stark daughter to one day marry a lord befitting her station.
Yet, if she had her way she wouldn't be getting married at all.
She wasn't exactly sure what had convinced her father, let alone her mother, to indulge her in ways that were seldom, if at all, allowed to women whether high or low born. Lyanna was sure her mother had to have played a pivotal role in getting her father to agree, though for what reasons she did so Lyanna would never know.
Still as luck would have it, even if it was a bit unfortunate, it wasn't often that she left Winterfell. There was only a total of four times in which she had left her home and those were to visit Bear Island, White Harbour, Riverrun, and the Vale.
However, that would soon be changing. In just a couple of days she would be arriving in King's Landing with her brothers Brandon, Eddard, and Benjen in order to attend the celebration/tourney held in honor of Princess Rhaenys third nameday.
Lord Rickard Stark had gotten the invitation almost two moons ago and Lyanna had pleaded with him to let her go and attend the celebration. It would possibly be her only way of getting to see King's Landing before she was married off to some lord. She wanted to fully enjoy the little freedom she had left before becoming betrothed.
Before her mother's death three years ago her parents had begun looking for possible matches for her after she had 'blossomed' into a woman. At one point it had looked like they were going to betroth her to Ned's best friend Robert Baratheon the Lord of Storm's End. However, when her mother was killed while she and her father were traveling on the road by a notorious group of bandits, her father in his grief had put off the search.
For the last three years she had been unburdened by the possibility of being married off. Whether it was just because her father wanted to keep her close a little bit longer or he simply couldn't find a suitable match Lyanna didn't know. Either way he had promised to not only find a match worthy of her but allow her to have a say in the matter, earnestly letting her know that her care and happiness were of utmost importance to him.
Still three years reprieve had been long enough and now at sixteen, almost seventeen, it was about time for her to be married if not at least betrothed to someone. The condition for her being able to attend the nameday celebration was that while there she and Brandon would be on the lookout for potential matches that would complement her but also satisfy her father and brothers' requirements for her future husband.
Though she wasn't looking forward to fulfilling her promise, she wasn't as scared of the prospect of marriage as she had been years ago.
While she still envied her brothers for the more varied opportunities and freedoms afforded them as males, she'd come to realize that just like her, they had as little say in who they would marry as she did. Brandon in particular had had no say in his betrothal to Catelyn Tully, because he was the Heir to Winterfell and as such was expected to marry well, to form an alliance with an equally powerful or important house.
The only real fear she had was being married to someone who wouldn't understand her, that would expect her to be the obedient, dutiful little wife, which was a real possibility for her.
Yet, the talks she'd had with Brandon over the years as they had comforted and complained to each other about the duties they would soon face, had brought a sense of not only peace but understanding. They had come to realize that being a Stark of Winterfell was not without its sacrifices. Of course, that didn't mean they had to like any of it!
As she rode her stallion Winter Rose with her brothers Ned and Benjen by her side with Brandon in the front, Lyanna could only pray that the Old Gods would bless her with finding the man that was right for her.
Lyanna was pulled out her thoughts as Benjen pulled closer to her. "You excited to finally see King's Landing Lya?" Benjen asked with a silly grin on his face.
Lyanna grinned right back, "Of course I am, just as I was the other dozen times you asked me." Benjen gave a sheepish grin at her reply. Out the corner of her she could see Ned smiling.
Out of all them Benjen was the most excited to see what was not only the main seat of the Targaryen's but also one of Westeros biggest cities. Since their father had approved of the trip Benjen couldn't stop talking about the things he would see and do while in the city. Though Brandon and Ned rolled their eyes good naturedly at Benjen's excitement Lyanna could understand it.
Like her, Benjen had spent the majority of his life in Winterfell. Unlike Brandon and Ned he hadn't been fostered anywhere which allowed for him and her to become close as they grew up together.
However, as excited as Lyanna was to visit King's Landing, that excitement was tempered by caution. Long ago her mother had told her about the things that went on in King's Landing. She had simply called it the game of thrones. Elena had gone on to describe how lords and ladies alike used and manipulate others to increase their own power and social standing.
She had forgotten exactly why her mother had spent years at court but she remembered that she had passed on everything she'd learned in her time there to Lyanna just in case she ended up spending time there herself either on a visit or living there because of her future husband. One thing her mother had made clear was that there was little honor to be found in King's Landing.
While Lyanna hadn't liked the truth of what she'd found out about what had once seemed like a wonderful place as a child or learning what was necessary to survive there, she had made sure to listen and absorb what her mother had to say.
"Just two more days ride and we'll be there. I wish we could be there faster," said Benjen wistfully.
Ned laughed. "Calm down Ben, we'll be there soon enough."
"And don't get your hopes too up," shouted Brandon who turned back to look at them. "It's not like it'll ever compare to Winterfell!"
The siblings all laughed and grinned at that. He was right. No matter what, Winterfell and the North would always be home and the absolute best in their eyes.
Oberyn Martell was bored.
Not two moons ago he had been in Braavos enjoying all the city had to offer with hardly a care in the world. That is until Doran had called him back home to Dorne. What for? Well for what other reason than one Oberyn had managed to get him to put off for years. Marriage.
He abhorred the word. The whole business was tedious, not to mention restricting like shackles which would hold him down and keep him from doing whatever he wished.
For four straight weeks he had argued with Doran about the issue along with suffering through courting several ladies his brother had arranged for him to meet. Usually spending time in the company of a beautiful woman wouldn't have been a problem, but considering they were there hoping to be his betrothed if not paramour the experience was soured. Still he managed to have a bit of fun with some of them.
Oberyn smirked as he made his way to Elia's solar. Now here he was in King's Landing at his sister's request so that he could be there to celebrate his niece's third nameday. It was a timely intervention on her part as he had been seriously considering angering Doran by boarding the first ship he could find that was heading for Essos. As it was he'd simply packed up, along with his two eldest daughters, and rode for the godforsaken city known as King's Landing.
Though there was entertainment to be found in the many brothels in the city there was little else. He hated the intricacies of their court, had little respect for their 'knights,' and there was little else of interest there he hadn't already found, not to mention the city stunk to high heaven.
While he was surprised at how easily Doran let the issue go due to Elia's letter, he was also cautious. There had been a gleam in his brother's eyes as he said his goodbyes to him. Oberyn was many things but a fool wasn't one of them. He was sure somehow that he and Elia were plotting something that involved him and he could easily guess what it was.
Elia might not have thought he noticed but he could see her subtlety guiding him towards the unattached ladies at court either physically or by offhandedly mentioning them.
Oberyn paused as he waved to the two guards stationed outside of his sister's solar. They nodded in return as he passed them to open the doors.
The room was decorated beautifully in the Dornish fashion with the room bathed in sunlight that was almost reminiscent of the Dornish sun in the morning. Inside he saw his sister sitting in a comfortable high backed chair with the Lady Ashara Dayne by her side. Sitting at a small table happily munching on various sweets was his niece Rhaenys and daughters Obara and Nymeria.
"How are all my beautiful girls today?" greeted Oberyn with a smile.
"Uncle Obie!" squealed Rhaenys around a mouth full of apple tart as she raised her hands towards Oberyn with a bright smile.
He chuckled as he went to pick her up. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Elia and Ashara grinning. He picked her up and spun her around as she giggled in glee saying 'faster, faster'. Eventually he put her down before she became sick and gave his daughters a hug and kiss each.
"Good morning father," they both greeted.
Approaching his sister and Ashara he repeated the process. "Sister, Ashara."
"Oberyn, dear," said Elia with a smile. Ashara simply nodded in greeting.
Oberyn sat on an ottoman across from them. "So, what's on the agenda for today?"
"Well there are several parties of guests arriving today, so I'll likely be receiving them in the throne room. Then there will be a feast to welcome them. Besides those two things there is nothing else planned until tomorrow when Rhaenys celebration starts off," said Elia.
"I'll be three years old," exclaimed Rhaenys happily.
"Yes, you will be my princess," said Ashara amusedly. Rhaenys simply beamed before returning to eating her sweets causing the adults and older kids to laugh.
"So around what time do you think your 'guests' will be arriving," asked Oberyn derisively. As if any of the people coming actually cared about Rhaenys nameday. It was just an excuse for them to come eat, drink and have fun all on the kingdom's expense. And of course to try and gain favor with the King himself, though there was fat chance of that with how paranoid the man had become.
Elia sighed, well aware of her brother's opinions and even sharing some of them. "They should start arriving around noon so we have a couple of hours until then. Care for a game of cyvasse?" she challenged with a wicked grin.
"You're on!"
Luckily there weren't nearly as many lords and ladies to greet as Oberyn had suspected. Still the almost two and half hours it took to greet and receive them all was time he felt he could have spent doing something infinitely more interesting.
The very last to arrive and be received were the Starks and some of their bannermen, which wasn't necessarily surprising since they were from the North, the farthest away from the Crownlands.
All three of Lord Rickard Stark's children were present. The 'Wild Wolf' Brandon, the 'Quiet Wolf' Eddard, the "She-Wolf' Lyanna and the 'Young Pup' Benjen. All four were a sight to behold with the classic Stark features, dark brown hair, long faces and grey eyes. While the youngest two looked excited and their eyes roamed all over the throne room, the eldest were more reserved their feelings indecipherable.
This was just as well since Aerys was well enough to receive the guests today. He sat on the Iron Throne looking more like a beggar than a king. His hair and beard were long dirty and unkempt, his nails yellowed and long like claws, and his physique was gaunt like he hadn't eaten in days which was probably true.
Brandon Stark managed to greet him with all the respect and reverence granted his position without openly staring at him or his expression showing any negative emotions. However, Oberyn watched slightly amused as the she-wolf had to stop her younger brother from staring open-mouthed at the King by none too subtlety nudging his side.
Once the King said the necessary greeting in return the group moved to retire to their chambers in order to prepare for the no doubt extravagant feast Elia had arranged.
Just as Oberyn moved to leave the throne room with the others he felt a pair of eyes on him. Turning in their direction he met beautiful dark grey eyes. Focusing away from them he was surprised that they belonged to none other than Lyanna Stark.
The two stared at each other for several seconds before Lyanna raised an eyebrow then turned to continue exiting the room.
As Oberyn turned to do the same he couldn't help the wicked grin that made its way to his face. It seems things might just be getting interesting.
Lyanna could use one word to describe the feast: lavish. There seemed to be no expense spared for the welcoming feast that would essentially start off the festivities for the Princess' nameday celebration.
Tomorrow there would be a circus along with all kinds of other performers and artists on display, the night would close out with another extravagant feast. After that the rest of the week would be spent on the tourney and its assorted events.
The last course of the feast had just been served and she was patiently waiting for the dancing to begin. She loved to dance, not to mention it gave her a chance to briefly get to know some of the lords who were present. Plus there wasn't much interesting conversation at their table. They were seated together with the other northern lords who had come and the lords from the Stormlands who had accompanied Robert Baratheon.
Lyanna had at first been surprised by his attendance then quickly remembered that wherever there was a tourney, let alone a celebration to be held, you would mostly likely find Robert there. His three favorite things were fighting, drinking and whoring. And unfortunately, she was placed somewhere on his list of favorite things.
Ever since he had almost become her betrothed, the stormlord had fancied himself in love with her. He and Ned seemed to truly believe they were meant to be together while she and Brandon had differing opinions. Benjen seemed to be indifferent on the subject.
As it was, she was hoping that when the dancing did finally begin that someone would ask her to dance before he did.
No sooner had she completed the thought than the musicians began to play more upbeat music. Prince Rhaegar and Princess Elia were the first couple to join the dance floor. Lyanna briefly admired how graceful they were on the dance floor.
Out the corner of her eye Lyanna saw Robert look her way and begin to rise from his seat causing her to become anxious. Luckily she was saved as her brother Brandon was quick to ask her to share the first dance of the evening with him.
After shooting her brother a grateful smile she was soon twirling on the dance floor with him. Lyanna laughed as she simply let go of her worries and focused on having fun.
After a couple of dances with her brother, other lords began to cut in to dance with her. She mostly enjoyed her new dance partners since many of them were kind and courteous, though she did have to none too gently stop a few with wandering hands.
Just as she was about to head back to the table for a break after dancing with Domeric Bolton, yet another lord decided to cut in.
"May I have this dance, my lady?"
Turning away from Domeric, Lyanna was caught in the gaze of the same snake like eyes she'd seen in the throne room earlier. Prince Oberyn Martell of Dorne.
Lyanna smiled at him. "You may." She thanked Domeric for the dance as he left and Oberyn took her hand. The musicians had just started a cheery but slow song.
"How are you enjoying King's Landing so far my lady?" he asked charmingly. He was a handsome man with tanned skin, silky short black hair with a connecting beard and mustache. Even his dark brown eyes had their own allure. She could certainly see why he a hit with both women and men alike.
Lyanna hummed as she formulated her reply. "So far the city has been disappointing."
"Oh, really? Why is that?"
"Don't get me wrong, it is a large city, the largest I've seen so far. Yet, it isn't as magnificent as it's tended to be described, especially outside the city's walls. Also, for some reason people have politely neglected to mention how the city reeks. However, I've only been here one day so I suppose I should wait and see if there's more it has to offer."
Oberyn chuckled. "It's great to meet another person who isn't immediately enamored with this excuse for a city. Trust me when I say there are more magnificent places than King's Landing."
Lyanna raised an eyebrow at him. "And what exactly are these magnificent places you speak of? And you've yet to introduce yourself to me," she said with a sly smile. She knew he most likely already knew who she was, as she knew who he was. Still it there were courtesies that needed to be observed.
"My apologies my lady, I am Prince Oberyn Martell of Dorne. And you are?" he asked with a smirk.
"I am Lyanna Stark of Winterfell. As I was saying, what are these cities you speak of?"
Lyanna was excited to hear what he had to say. Oberyn Martell had quite the well know reputation even for his young age. Many said he was dangerous and that was probably true, but he was well travelled. Something that Lyanna wished she could be yet was unlikely to ever happen. So, since she had the Red Viper here she might as well live vicariously through him by hearing about his experiences.
"Well there's my home, Sunspear and the Water Gardens, of course…"
"Of course," said Lyanna with a smile. She could relate as she didn't think any place would ever be better than Winterfell to her.
"Then there's Pentos, Braavos, Lys, Myr, Volantis, all are much more interesting cities than King's Landing. Better smelling too!"
"I wish I could see those places," Lyanna said with a sigh. She suddenly got an idea, a sly smile spreading across her face. "Or you could tell me more about them? As a well-travelled man, surely you have a lot of interesting stories and information about the places you've been."
Oberyn seemed a bit taken aback at her response but quickly recovered. Giving her a charming smile she mentally thought looked nice, he replied, "Why not? It's not often people ask me to recall my experiences."
Lyanna listened enthralled as Oberyn began to tell her about his adventures in Braavos from the great statue one had to pass under to enter and leave the city, the duels after dark, the sailors, the Iron Bank and even a tale or two involving the Faceless Men. Many of his tales either made her laugh or slightly blush at his vulgarity.
"That all sounds amazing. Not to mention it corroborates with many of the things my dancing instructor told me about the city," said Lyanna as the music came to an end and she moved away from Oberyn giving him a small curtsy. "Thank you. Please make sure to tell me all about your other adventures in different cities the next time we meet Prince Oberyn." With that Lyanna left him standing on the dance floor with a slightly bewildered expression as she went to sit back down with her brothers.
As she sat down beside Benjen who was currently the only Stark seated and not dancing, she saw a heavily drunken Robert turn from looking at her to glare at Oberyn who had sufficiently recovered and also went to sit down.
Leaning over to whisper in her ear, Benjen asked, "Who was that guy you were dancing with Lya?"
"Prince Oberyn Martell."
"The Red Viper!" he asked incredulously.
"The very same."
"What was he like?" Benjen asked looking in the man's direction.
"Charming and mischievous, he actually reminds me quite a bit of Brandon. He seems to have had an interesting life if his stories are to be believed. I wouldn't mind getting to know him."
"You know you made Robert jealous."
Lyanna scoffed. "I'm sure he would be jealous no matter who I danced with. If he wants to be jealous that's his problem, I'm not interested in him in the least. Besides, I just met the prince and he likely has little interest in me, after all he did most of the talking."
Benjen simply nodded at her answer before looking back at the dancing couples.
Lyanna failed to notice the looks the Prince sent her way the remaining duration of the feast. However, they didn't go completely unnoticed by several in attendance who saw them.
A/N: As you have read from this chapter, this Lyanna has been allowed to grow and learn alongside her brothers with little denied her. Because of this she isn't as naïve or as rebellious as she would have been otherwise and she's more understanding about doing her duty but as she said that doesn't mean she likes it.
Also, she has an understanding of court politics to help her since some of the setting takes place in King's Landing. Not to mention she's more than apt at defending herself physically.
Not sure of where I'm going with this plot wise besides it being focused solely on Lyanna and Oberyn. Though it will be smut filled at the very least. Please read and review letting me know what you think.
Ages: Brandon-22, Ned-20, Lyanna-16, Benjen-13, Oberyn-25
For those interested A Roll of The Dice will be updated within the hour. All That Matters will be updated tomorrow and A New Order will be updated last, but soon.