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DarylDixon'sLover [chapter 1]: Ashara won't take on the role of a villain in KOW, I still believe there are redeeming features for her just as others had like Jaime Lannister turning into a good man and pledging himself to the Starks, Cersei making peace upon reuniting briefly with Gendry before she died and Theon protecting Sansa as they escaped, Ygritte and Winterfell before he died. Sadly, she is a pawn whose life went downhill the moment events from Robert's Rebellion occurred. As Robb and Ygritte suggest, they could change her ways and that is probably a direction I aim to take for her. I would like to see a 'good' Ashara. Everyone has their redeeming features after all. The Starks have bigger enemies than Ashara. She was used and abused.
Now, a quick note. In this chapter, we bring up two characters and introduce one. Brooke Rivers and a woman which are both explained in the chapter.
Originally, I had an idea for the woman, going by events in the books but someone gave me an idea and I've completely rewritten her. She will have a vital role in the story and she will prove to be a match for Ashara Dayne. You can probably guess who she is but if not, I'm excited about your reactions. This story has a lot of twists taken from the show and books and I can't wait for you to read them. This chapter took me a while to do so until I've got a hang of it and exam season is over, there will only be one chapter posted each time. Triple or double chapters will eventually come just like for KITN.
Also, the amount of research done for this chapter is unreal! I have to get things right and having the books and wiki pages on hand is wonderful. Thank goodness for the people who take the time to help with the details.
Enjoy the next chapter of KOW.
Tyrion walked towards the Great Hall with purpose. He knew the servants and guards that passed him by spoke of him under shielded mouths and whispers under their breaths.
They spoke of the man who was married and renewing his vows to the sister of the Kings. The 'imp' who would not gain a title above his current title.
He arrived at the meeting, slightly bewildered to see mostly everyone already present and seated. They seemed antsy to begin. His eyes landed on his wife as he took a seat beside her.
She seemed unwell and out of sorts but if he asked her at this moment, they'd probably annoy her brothers by delaying the meeting even further.
"This will be quick - although we are dedicating our efforts to finding our enemies, we still have the public court to attend amongst other things," Robb said, pointedly looking at Tyrion.
"I apologise for my lateness. I thought we were beginning at midday. It is midday now," Tyrion replied. He noticed that the Queens were present, elegantly sitting by their husbands with hands on their forearms to calm them.
Was he really late?
"Aye, but you understand our haste," Jon replied just as Bran entered flusteredly.
The young man quickly apologised for his own lateness and sat on Sansa's other side, sipping the wine she poured out for him. She smiled to herself, nudging his shoulder gently.
"No one is late, don't worry. We're just desperate to get back to putting our efforts towards finding Ashara," Robb assured Bran and Tyrion. "I hope our quickest raven got the news to the Golden Company on time, Lord Tyrion?"
Tyrion nodded. "Indeed. They responded with haste as well. They are beginning their search as we speak."
"And how much do they want?" Jon asked.
"A lot." Tyrion winced. "I'll barter with them, use my wit to get us a good price. We've just had a tourney - that set us back but I will sort it. We won't need to take a loan from the Iron Bank."
Sansa gave his thigh an assuring squeeze. She knew she could count on him to get them what they needed. She put her trust in him.
"We should be wary," Tyrion added. "Harry Strickland was sworn to Cersei and Euron Greyjoy and he never gave her the elephants she wanted to bring down the North."
Robb gave him a wry smile. "I'm assuming he wasn't paid for his efforts."
Tyrion smirked. "No. The Iron Throne was in a lot of debt. Debt that will remain unpaid. If we were to fulfil those debts under the Winter Throne as a courtesy, the Iron Bank will never hesitate to lend us money. In fact, I believe they won't ask for any back, including interest."
Jon scratched his chin in thought. "Let's fill our pockets before we even think about paying debts we don't own. As for Harry Strickland, we hold faith in you to bring him to the winning side with his elephants but we shouldn't trust him fully. We will have some armies sent to keep an eye on the Golden Company."
"Indeed," Robb replied. "Moving on."
"Next order of business. Food," Sansa spoke up. "Although we have a good yield, the smallfolk still starve. There is not enough workforce to bring in the crops. I know we need the men to search but we also need farmers."
"Spring is here, indeed," Robb said, scratching his chin slightly. "If I could help them with my own hands, I could-"
"Then why don't we? Show the people we care by offering our own hands?" Bran asked. "A little bit of hard labour never did any of us bad." He smiled at his older brothers. "Father taught us to do things ourselves."
Jon looked perplexed. "That's not a bad idea. We will have the Knights help as well. We will hold such an event every year and we will find the workforce for the harvests somewhere."
"As Lady of Winterfell, I will oversee the preparations," Sansa told her brothers, writing down a few notes.
The conversation moved on and Sansa found herself no longer listening. It was something about giving the Queens more roles instead of twiddling their thumbs and as much as she was glad that they held positions on the Small Council now, she didn't want to think about them.
Her hand gently pressed against her stomach and she gasped to herself when she felt the familiar touch of a bump which could only mean one thing. She had felt her dresses becoming snug so she opted for breeches restitched to suit her frame. Her growing frame.
She hadn't thought anything of it. Everyone was eating better at the castle, she indulged in wine and Lemon Tarts. Then, the taste of wine didn't please her but her craving for Lemon Tarts had increased.
How was she going to tell Tyrion? He wouldn't believe her. He wasn't as into his faith as she was. Even with Bran's support, he would still disbelieve her - he believed himself to be infertile. But he was infertile but made fertile for her because he loved her according to Bran. It made no sense and this could make or break her marriage before they had properly given it a try.
She thought of Little Cat, her firstborn daughter who strongly resembled her late Lady Mother who was her namesake. That girl was a stubborn one and now she would be someone's older sister.
Sansa had never imagined getting remarried and having more children. She'd accepted a life of a spinster but now, she couldn't see herself without Tyrion nor the golden-haired children they would have.
Gods, look at her now. As a child, she'd wanted a golden Lannister babe and to be a queen by Joffrey's side. Now, she was his uncle's wife and they'd have golden Lannister babes. She wasn't a queen but she was the sister to the Kings making her a princess and the Lady of Winterfell and the Wardeness of the North.
Her mind cast to what Cersei had once told her after she'd learnt about her first flowering. Sansa had been frightened, the chance to have Joffrey's children plaguing her mind with horrible thoughts and dreams. She would not bear monsters.
"The more people you love, the weaker you are. You'll do things for them that you know you shouldn't do. You'll act the fool to make them happy, to keep them safe. Love no one but your children."
But Cersei was wrong. Sansa Stark was a wolf - the Red Wolf - and wolves loved hard. She loved her siblings fiercely, mothering the younger ones and making sure her instincts were settled that they would survive. She would do anything for them, even kill. Sansa would love her siblings, her husband and her children, they made her stronger, not weak.
If she was going to Casterly Rock, would she still be the Lady of Winterfell and Wardeness of the North? She won't technically be in the North but Bran will be.
She had so many duties. Mother, Lady Stark of Winterfell, Lady Lannister of Casterly Rock, Wardeness of the North, Princess Regent at times... But she will always be known as just Sansa Stark.
A hand touched her knee and she turned to see Bran's concerned face.
"You were spoken to," he said under his breath.
Sansa gasped softly, looking up to face Jon and Robb. "Apologies, my mind is elsewhere. You were saying?"
"Nevermind," Robb said, narrowing his eyes at her. "You seem unwell. Do you wish to be dismissed to rest?"
"It's nothing to be concerned about. I'll tell you both after," she replied. "As you were saying?"
Jon looked more doubtful but Robb accepted her answer. The White Wolf frowned at her and her eyes said it all. After.
"We were just asking if you had anything to offer, regarding Petyr Baelish?" Jon asked her. "We know Ser Davos asked you but we are all present now. If you don't mind."
She nodded stiffly. "He didn't speak about his family. Only that he was fostered by Grandfather Hoster and grew up with Mother, Aunt Lysa and Uncle Edmure. I don't know of any brothers or sisters."
"The person spoke of a sister. A dead one to be specific," Bran told her. "The person who helped Ashara was her bastard son - Baelish's bastard nephew. If his father is a noble, he would have a bastard surname - Rivers. Or if he doesn't..."
"Mayhaps, he never knew of a sister," Sansa said softly. "He wasn't close with his family. Even Theon and Yara met after years of estrangement." She briefly glanced over to the Salt Throne heiress whose eyes dulled at the memory of her brother's death. Even Ygritte shifted uncomfortably by Jon's side.
"That is a possibility, aye," Jon replied. They couldn't deny it, there was a chance. "But why would they want vengeance for someone they never knew?"
"Baelish was a powerful man. He served on the Small Councils of kings and he managed to trick our Aunt Lysa into marrying him so he could have control of the Eyrie," Robb said. "One wouldn't need to personally know him to have admired his social standing and climb. House Baelish became a notable House from barely anything because of Littlefinger."
Sansa swallowed deeply. The women of her family, her maternal side more specifically, may have had a great hand in that. Baelish tricked the women, made them believe he was their ally and that he didn't use them but now Sansa knew otherwise.
"If anyone knows anything more," Jon began, looking pointedly in Varys' smiling direction. "Every piece of information is vital."
After the court was dismissed, Sansa remained, pulling Tyrion down to sit once again. She also gave Bran a sharp look and he quickly sat back down. Her brothers turned to her, expecting for her to begin speaking but she held her breath for a few minutes, alarming Tyrion.
Just as she finally readied herself to talk, Arya entered and found a seat across from her brothers. All the way at the other end of the table, far from the rest of them.
"I know you asked for Ashara to be found dead or alive but if I were you, I'd want her alive," she said. "She is a victim - I realised upon reflecting our conversation. I mentioned your late twin sister, she was awfully upset. She has lost everyone she loves and she saw no other way."
"You even said that one way or another, you'd kill her, Arya," Sansa replied. "Why the change of heart?"
Arya gave her an incredulous look. "You are all going about forgiveness and shit upon the Stark dynasty persevering. Ashara lost her brother, her two children, her lover and her sister. There was one point in all of our lives, we were without each other. Sisters and brothers scattered across the Seven Kingdoms, away from home and parentless. Mayhaps it's my pregnancy talking but my words are true, you all know that."
"She could have killed you, taken you away from us," Jon whispered.
"But she didn't. She knew I could kill her - Needle and my dagger were on my person. Hear her out. She could join the side of the winning - ours."
Jon mutely nodded, rubbing a distressed hand over his face. His head and his heart battled against each other. He felt the pain when he ordered for her head the moment Arya breathed her name out.
"I am with you whatever you decide, as always," Robb told him gently. "She's your mother."
"I'll give the order for her to be found and brought here alive. Failure to do so would result in consequences," Jon finally said. "Does that satisfy your request, Arya?"
Arya grinned. "It does, thank you." She stood up and placed both palms onto the table. "And if either of you," she said under her breath, her eyes flickering from Jon and Robb. "Order me around again, I won't be so forgiving."
Her brothers smirked, eyes rolling around the table at her promise. It was a promise, they knew that.
"You are dismissed, Lady Baratheon," Sansa quickly said in a teasing tone, watching her sister finally leave. "Feels strange calling her that. I know she enjoys it."
And she was right as Arya's own fond smile played on her lips as she walked away. She was the Night Wolf, the untamable wolf and niece to the She-Wolf, Lyanna Stark. No one could take who she was from her, not even her brothers, the Kings. Not even her marital name as well.
"So," Sansa said, gaining newfound confidence to announce her news. Her hand took Tyrion's under the table. "I'm with child."
Robb, who had been sipping on wine, spat out the contents of his mouth in mortification. Jon merely gaped, his eyes switching to Tyrion, then Sansa and back again.
Is this why they wanted to get remarried?
But from the look on Tyrion's face, he was upset and horrified himself. Robb almost choked but he held a hand to his mouth to steady himself.
"E-Excuse me?" Robb asked. "You got my sister pregnant since when?!"
"Your Graces. I can assure you that I did not get her pregnant - it's impossible!"
Her older brothers turned to her in curiosity and slight disappointment. Robb spoke up again.
"Did you lay with another-"
"How dare you think so low of me!" Sansa cried out. "Especially as you know about my past experiences..."
"Isn't he infertile?" Jon asked.
"I am very much so but please, don't fear - I will take care of your sister and raise the child as my own-"
Bran couldn't stay silent any longer and he cut Tyrion off with, "The babe is yours! I had a vision. The reason for your infertility was that you weren't with your true love. Now, you have Sansa and the Maiden allowed you a child."
"Not only one but two. We will have two children together, Tyrion," Sansa told her husband, a bright smile taking over her face. "I know I should have told you before I told them but I had no time after seeing the Grand Maester and the meeting."
Tyrion felt nauseous and he sipped his wine, taking it all in. Even her brothers all downed their goblets in disbelief. Bran merely sat back, slightly enjoying the awkward situation if he was honest. He hadn't felt mischievous since he got his own back on Arya at archery after all those years.
"I'm to be a father?" Tyrion finally asked. "A-A child or two of my-my own? Seven Heavens," he breathed out. "Good news, dear wife."
Sansa laughed. "And before you ask," she said, turning to her brothers. "I laid with him as we were coming back from King's Landing. I was mourning Rickon's death - we haven't slept together since. We didn't want to insult you-"
"Insult us?" Robb asked, still shocked. "Y-You're his wife and he's your husband. You have duties to each other and this is your home just as much as it is ours."
He blushed when Sansa smirked at him, remembering their conversation from the previous day.
"Our castle, Your Grace. I was born within these walls..."
"And it will always be your home," Jon told her. "A toast to Lord and Lady Lannister."
Sansa beamed as everyone toasted for their goodwill. Although the Starks had certainly risen above the Lannisters and she was still referred to as Sansa Stark, having her brothers acknowledge her marital identity as she did for Arya made her happy.
"May your future be fruitful and happy," Robb said, raising his goblet. "Bran, any news to share regarding children before my heart gives out?"
Bran shook his head. "I don't think I can even have children but Meera and I have been talking."
"And?"
"Many orphans will be taken to Moat Cailin when it's built. Meera fears childbirth and dying as her mother died shortly after giving birth to Jojen - we may take on children. They won't have the Stark blood but they will have loving parents."
"If that's what you want," Jon said.
"It's a great idea!" Sansa told him. "Well, we must announce the good news. Let Arya know that she won't be the only one with a new child in these halls!"
Bran raised his cup and for the second toast, they toasted to his own goodwill and Meera's.
The Starks were growing in numbers and no one was going to bring them down.
...
"Gendry!" Jaime Lannister called out when he saw the young Baratheon leave the forge.
Gendry halted and turned around to see his uncle making his way over to him. He couldn't believe it - his maternal uncle. He was suddenly nervous as Jaime walked towards him, a smile on his face.
The smile wasn't hostile nor was it overly friendly. It was a simple, polite smile and the man clapped his shoulder when he got to him. Gendry kept his form, sighing in relief in his mind.
"Ser Jaime," he greeted.
"Nonsense," Jaime replied. "It's Uncle Jaime to you. I believe you are my nephew."
Gendry nodded, his confidence increasing by the minute. "I am, Uncle Jaime. I am still in shock if I'm awfully honest."
"Be honest. Lions always are," Jaime quipped. "But you're a stag through and through. Robert's incarnation. How fitting you married his true love's own incarnation. Princess Arya and Lady Lyanna are alike in so many ways and I'm happy you're happy even at the expense of your mother."
"I didn't ask for my wife to kill my mother. I didn't even know she was my mother," Gendry replied.
Jaime began to laugh. "I don't care for Cersei as harsh as that sounds. She almost had me killed. I'm just saying, your father's prophecy came true. He had a son, Lord Stark had a daughter. Now, you both are united, incarnations of what could have been - of what could have prevented the Rebellion."
"Have either of you heard the news?" They heard Tyrion ask them as he stalked up to them, a goblet in his hand.
"I see you've returned to the wine," Jaime noted.
Tyrion laughed softly. "Not for long, brother and dear nephew of mine! It's a celebration."
"What is?" Gendry asked.
"Let me take you both to the nearest pub, East of here. I'll tell you how Lady Lannister and I are to become parents for the first time."
"What?!" Jaime cried out, already being pushed into the stables.
Gendry followed after, a smile playing on his lips. "How does that work, Uncle Tyrion? Will the babe be my cousin and my nephew or niece?"
Tyrion stopped then bellowed, his goblet spilling its contents over the brim as he did so. "Oh, dear gods! We certainly need the journey to the pub!"
"Let's hope we don't come across the Lady Ashara," Jaime muttered under his breath, retrieving his horse.
Gendry nodded. "I'll have her head if I could, myself-"
"Untouchable. Lady Ashara is untouchable," Tyrion warned them. "Let's not have her taint our happiness. To the pub we go!"
"Very well," Jaime said. "Who knows a good song?"
Tyrion grinned. "The pub, the pub! To the pub we go!"
"Oh, Seven Hells..."
...
Davos looked up from the reports of the sightings of Lady Ashara to see his beloved wife, Marya standing before him. A smile graced his lips.
"Apologies, dear wife. The duties of the sole Hand of two Kings compels me. I enjoy the work, I see the men I serve as my own but I know it brings me away from our bed and our sons."
"Never feel guilty for serving our true Throne," Marya replied softly, taking a seat on the table. "I've still yet to meet them personally. I'm afraid I feel quite nervous when it comes to them. They are so self-assured. Wolves did act superior, didn't they?" She laughed softly.
Davos nodded. "They are nothing to be unnerved about, my wife. They would adore you."
"As our new home won't be finished until a few years time, I was searching for work," Marya said. "I've asked the kitchens to see if I could help serve-"
"Gods, no! You are the wife of the Kings' Hand. Although I know you wish for a quiet and simple life, we do not have that luxury any longer. You may be a lady-in-waiting, I'll ask the Kings," he replied.
Marya chuckled under her breath. "No more getting our hands dirty but sitting prim and proper by the sides of the royals? A drastic change from our former life. I was scared to come here. I've never stepped a foot away from our village but now we call the North home."
"I wonder what your father would say," Davos said with a smile. "He'd be proud of you. Facing your fears and becoming acquainted with the glorious realms. Now, Devan is the King's squire and little Marc and Stannis will be fostered with great Houses. They will be good men, honourable men."
"I'm excited for that," she beamed with her lowborn accent. "I'm still not used to being called Lady Marya. The Seven have blessed our family. And all of these fancy dresses!" She lifted her skirts to show Davos the intricate detailing. "It's what highborns wear!"
Davos laughed at his wife's excitement. "Indeed. We may be a lesser highborn House now but aye, we can afford fancy dresses for you."
"And for the boys? Nice clothing for them too?"
"For them too, aye!" Davos laughed once again. "Mayhaps, I'll introduce you to Princess Sansa now. She knows her way around sewing and all the other things Ladies do. You are one now."
"Oh, I'd love to learn how to do the detailing. I only mended yours and the lads' breeches and shirts but detailing is much more!"
Davos stood, taking his wife's hand and led her to Sansa's whereabouts as she jittered away about learning new things. Her happiness was all that he wanted now he was reunited with her.
What his family wanted, he wanted.
...
As soon as her eyes laid on him, Mya hurried over to Ned as his horse entered through the gates with him leading it on foot.
He told the stableboy that his beloved Star had suffered from an ankle injury and to take good care of him or else.
"If he returns to me still injured, I won't be happy. He's my precious beast," he later teased the young boy who was about to shit his breeches at his earlier threat.
"Yes, my Lord!"
She watched the stableboy hurry off with Star limping in tow before Ned turned to face her.
"You missed the meeting," she stated. "Princess Sansa and Lord Tyrion are expecting."
Ned's eyes widened. "Expecting? I ought to wish them goodwill soon. Have you seen Ser Davos?"
Mya shook her head, following him into the castle. "I haven't. I've been with the Queens and the babes. Prince Edwyle is filling up really well. He was such a tiny babe when he was first born."
"That's good to hear," he mumbled in reply. "I was planning to ask Ser Davos if I could foster his youngest, Stannis at Starfall. I need to start thinking about how I can restore my family name."
"And our marriage won't be enough?" Mya asked him, frowning.
Ned winced. "Marriage is only the beginning, Lady Mya. You are a Baratheon, if not in legitimised name - your half-brother is married to my cousin, the King's sister."
"So, everyone should see that and not Lady Ashara's misdoings," Mya replied.
He chuckled softly. "If only it were that simple. We've no offers of fostering since people learnt of my cousin's treachery. The Dornish nobles took back their offers - to my face!"
"And you couldn't tell them that your cousin was a king and could easily order them to return their offers?" Mya teased but instead of playing along, Ned became sadder.
"For years, I've hidden in the shadows. I joined the Brotherhood to escape my horrible upbringing. The only solace I had was that people remembered House Dayne for our Swords of the Morning. I've not lived up to that role even though I was worthy enough to wield it. People are wary of me, the reason they extended offers of fostering was that my cousin was the best swordsman of his time and even now. Ashara's ruined that, she's ruined our name."
Tears sprung to his eyes and for the first time, he felt tired and hopeless and he regretted trying to be happier. The damage was already done. How could he be happy if there was no reason to be?
"Ned," Mya called out softly, bringing his cheek to the side so he could look at her. "You're one man holding your great House on your shoulders. You're bound to feel distressed and hopeless but I'm here. I'm right here to help you continue your House and people will remember you and not her."
"I was wrong to ever think that being happy was a choice for me," Ned gently told her. "After King Jon, I'm the realm's broodiest man. Are you certain you want me, the real me?"
Mya smiled. "If he's as sweet and loyal as the untrue you, then yes. Yes, a thousand times. You can be happy and you're really funny!"
"Arya didn't like that at first," he said, making her falter slightly at the mention of the assassin's name. "She couldn't stand it until she realised I wasn't going to stop and I took pleasure annoying her. I will fight for my family, I'm a loyal man who does not break oaths. But I don't know who I am."
"Ned..."
"Mayhaps, we should rethink this betrothal for a while. Until I get my House in order."
He walked away, leaving Mya standing there in the middle of the hallway with tears running down her cheeks. She loved him and he loved her, why was he making this harder than it needed to be?
"Princess Mya," Sansa called her, rushing over to her as she quickly wiped some tears away. "I need you to help me prepare for a guest that I forgot to tell my brothers about. He's from Myr - a painter."
"A painter? For the tapestries of the Great War and The Burning of King's Landing?" Mya asked, surprised. "Myrish people are wonderful!"
Sansa nodded, sighing softly. "And the lace... I've requested for the painter to bring a great yield of items for us and to paint miniatures of my brothers as a nameday gift. I'd ask my husband for some coin to pay him."
"What sort of items?" Mya asked, wiping her tears once she realised that Sansa was too into this Myrish guest arriving at the castle soon. "Their craftsmanship is another thing entirely, Princess!"
Sansa swooned, already walking off with Mya catching up behind her. "Their elegant mirrors have no equal! I could use the textiles and intricate laces to make dresses for the Princesses and Queens. For me as well, of course. Finely woven carpets and beautiful tapestries stitched from the finest of threads that I can't even imagine... Oh, I could even ask if he'd paint a black direwolf in remembrance of Rickon and Shaggydog. Mayhaps, even for Lady and Summer."
"That's a lovely idea, my Princess-"
"We can also visit Volantis and see Queen Talisa's family. Her father, Malaquo Maegyr is a Triarch and her mother, Kinara is a travels a lot. We can invite them and her brother, Konrin, here," she continued, not even bothering to listen to Mya's inputs at this time. She had to think about the future. "Oh, we can holiday in the Summer Isles too. They wear colourful feathers and have many exotic fruits and animals."
"Colourful feathers? That's a bit too much for Westerosi customs," Mya replied.
Sansa paused. "You're right. I doubt the Ladies of the North will be swayed to wear feathers but they're really lovely. I don't mind."
"And aren't the people of the Summer Isles sex-positive?" Mya asked under her breath, slightly aghast.
Sansa shrugged. "Different cultures, different people. I heard they worship a fertility goddess. Mayhaps, Bran and Lady Meera should honeymoon there."
Mya laughed making Sansa laugh in turn as they hooked arms and continued on. "So, when is this Myrish guest arriving?"
"Soon enough. I'd sent the raven before everything happened with Arya and the poisoning. He said he was already nearby so it's only time until he arrives," Sansa said.
"How exciting! Essosi culture in Westeros? The world is changing," Mya replied. "Can you imagine the Kings wearing colourful feathers?"
Sansa gasped before the ladies broke out in a fit of giggles at the idea of Jon in particular, the man known for wearing black all the time, wearing bright colours of roses, purples and blues.
"Now, that is a sight I'd love to see!" Sansa grinned.
...
Talisa blew on the parchment paper to make the ink dry. She then smiled when she sealed the message with the Stark sigil. But then she added a tiger stamp at the bottom corner so the people knew it was intended for her father, Malaquo.
She wanted her family to visit her at Winterfell. They had never stepped foot out of Essos and she imagined their awe and wonder should they accept her request for them to come to Winterfell in Westeros.
Her father was a jovial man but when the time to be serious came, he was a serious man and he needed those qualities for his position as a Triarch. Talisa doubted her father could physically step foot in Westeros. He'd travel everywhere on top of an elephant as Triarchs did.
Malaquo was the first tiger Triarch in over three hundred years and his elephant co-Triarchs had been released of their duties to allow two tiger co-Triarchs to take their place.
Talisa winced. The succession to her father's power had been messy and she hadn't agreed with his ways. That Westerosi and Essosi ways were entirely different.
Her family were Old Bloods. Old aristocracy and warriors, who advocated the sword and conquest so her father's ways had been slightly hostile in taking over Volantis. He even had the statues of elephants beheaded just as they had done to the tigers long ago.
Still, he was her father and she wished for her mother to finally see her grandchild.
Talisa heavily sighed, thinking about her unborn child from all those years ago. The child stabbed to death at Robb's uncle's wedding to Roslin Frey. The bloody Red Wedding which almost claimed her life and had her condemned to a life of unhappiness and numbness from losing her first child and husband.
A tear slipped down her cheeks. They were going to name that little boy Eddard. But now they had Edwyle. She smiled softly. Eddard and Edwyle.
As a fitting tribute to her late goodfather and first son, they'd call Edwyle Ned. Then, she felt guilty for not honouring her own father. It wasn't as if they were close.
Talisa used to keep in touch with Konrin and her mother but her father was an entirely different case. Now, she was a powerful woman, Queen to one of the Kings of the Seven Kingdoms. They were at the same level now.
Dare she say that she'd surpassed the man's level.
"Wife, what are you thinking about?"
She turned and saw Robb entering their chambers, placing a gentle kiss on the crook of her neck. She laughed to herself at his sweetness.
"Nothing much, husband," she replied in kind. "I'm inviting my family here. I overheard your sister suggesting we'd visit them but why not have them come here instead?"
Robb gave her a lazy grin. "Have you got lazy in our years together, wife?"
"No," she said, grinning back. "I just thought he should make the effort for me. And by he, I mean my father."
"How do I address him? As Lord Maloquo?" He asked her.
Talisa shook her head. "Triarch Maloquo if you wish to be so formal but his name should be fine. Better yet, avoid naming him if you can. I'd like to see him try and refuse to name you by your titles, Your Grace."
Robb scoffed jovially. "You and Ygritte like referring to us as Your Graces. You're our wives, the only ones who can make our knees give out by saying our names above a whisper. Why do you tease us so? Was it your plan?"
"Well, Robb," Talisa whispered, making him seat down dramatically with a hand to his forehead. "It gives us pleasure to serve our Kings."
"Well, that is just it. We're not your Kings. You're our wives. The ones who stand beside us and we can tell everything to. We didn't marry you both for political alliances although Jon and Ygritte's marriage may be seen as a political union between the Seven Kingdoms and the Free Folk... We love you and we feel like any other man when we lay by your sides at night."
Talisa smiled, cupping his cheek. "You're so romantic."
Robb frowned. "It sickens my sister, Arya," he said, laughing. "Well, she now has her own husband and we've seen where her marriage as taken them." He glanced down at his wife's stomach briefly, making her giggle. "So, she can't say anything about the rest of us, the little bitch."
"Should I tell her you called her a 'bitch'?" Talisa said, her lips hovering above his.
"I dare say she'd stab me in our bed so, don't. I beg," he replied, chuckling. "Let's get your raven to your father sent. I'm excited to finally know your family."
"I am too."
...
Tormund caught sight of the White Wolf and his wife, quickly making his way over to them as he left his conversation with Findal. He fell into step with the couple.
"How has the search been going? Have they got my new orders?" Jon asked him, his hand tightly gripped by Ygritte's.
"Yes, Snow," Tormund replied. He knew the man's name was no longer Snow but they were friends and he knew Jon as Snow since the day they met. "Are yer sure? The Knights of the Wintersguard can affirm that we won't harm a hair on yer mother but we can't say the same for the bannermen of yer other Houses. House Arryn, yer brother's cousin is what they say has a lust for blood."
Jon frowned. "I'll speak to Yohn Royce about Lord Robin. The boy hasn't had a stable guardian since his father's death. It's not his fault, his mother was not right in the head at times so it's no surprise that he doesn't know how to behave."
"Anyway, I was hopin' to speak with yer about something else."
"What is it, Giantsbane?" Ygritte asked, getting there before Jon. "Don't tell me it's as bad as your annoying daughter arriving at the castle."
Tormund winced. "Munda found a nearby village from the Wall. She had them send a raven explaining her arrival today."
"What does that bloody girl want?" Ygritte frowned and Jon began to smile. "What?"
"What have you got against Munda?" He asked his wife.
Ygritte rolled her eyes. "She may be able to wield a bow and arrow with slight expertise. She stole something of mine a while ago. It's history."
"Doesn't seem so now," Tormund said, grinning.
"As long as she and I don't cross paths, she may stay," Ygritte replied with indifference. "No hard feelings."
"I'll let her know, Ygritte," Tormund told her. "Until she arrives, I'll continue my search."
Tormund left them, preferring to leave on foot as it will be easier than getting off his horse to search every once in a while. On foot, he could attack easily if needed.
He knew that searching would prove futile, Ashara was long gone but it gave him something to do.
Winterfell was a lovely place he had come to admit. It wasn't home but it felt like one. At least he wasn't freezing his arse off in the middle of nowhere inside a tent.
And the people. Snow was a good ruler, sometimes he ruled with his heart but that was balanced with his half-brother ruling with his head. Tormund didn't know Robb that well but he could see the strong similarities between the men. It was as if they were two halves of the same person. The heart and the head.
If he was being honest, Tormund was dreading his daughter's arrival. Davos had come to see him stating that someone had written to him on her behalf. She wished to explore the North over the Wall.
He couldn't blame Munda, the world was exciting over the Wall. Now, he couldn't wait to see his beloved daughter. His mischievous child who had a warm heart. He would take her exploring and hunting and be a better father. He now had the chance to.
It was as the Starks always said. What will you have if not love or family? Nothing, that is as you are alone.
He was brought into the world alone but he won't die alone. He had love and family in his children.
The blue-eyed Wildling grinned.
...
Melisandre hushed the woman she treated, bringing water to her lips and watching her swallow it down.
"It was hard taking you without anyone noticing during the Burning of Winterfell," she told the woman, stroking her aged locks gently. "Don't worry, you will be reunited soon but you must gather your strength."
The woman's eyes watered and she pushed the cup away from her lips, shaking her head as she felt her neck. She could feel the healed scar from where they cut her throat to the bone.
"The Lord of the Light allowed you to live once again. You are needed to help the Stark Kings."
The woman looked up in longing at the mention of the Stark name. She tried to speak but she couldn't.
"It was difficult bringing you back. Every time I bring someone back, I lose a bit of me."
Frustrated, the woman gave up and laid back down, dismissing Melisandre. She had to think about how she was going to escape and find her way home.
Would they recognise her? Bring her in with open arms? Be alarmed at her silence? Disbelieve her?
She shifted, feeling the chains that restricted her to the bed. She never cursed but now she wished she did.
Her wrists were red raw and painful but that was to prevent her from hurting herself and anyone when she had her night terrors.
"The night is cold and dark with terrors," Melisandre sometimes cooed to her as she slept.
Those words imprinted themselves in her head. Typical. Imprinting like a wolf.
She gasped silently when she heard a feminine voice speak to Melisandre behind the door.
"I can't help you," Melisandre told the person. "I serve the Lord of the Light who has me bending the knee to the true Kings. I can't help any cause against them."
"But they threatened to have you killed. I heard that from my accomplice."
Melisandre laughed softly. "With good reason. They will need my help soon enough. I am to die in Westeros after all," she replied. "You should leave. You needn't worry, they asked that you be alive should you be caught."
"Alive? I heard him ask for my head."
"Someone's looking out for you. Don't lose this second chance. You may just get your family back."
The person scoffed. "I'm leaving for Lys. The alchemists of the city can make two rare and deadly poisons; the tears of Lys and the strangler."
"And your victims?"
"Princesses Arya Stark, Sansa Stark and Prince Brandon of Winterfell. They are not my victims but my accomplice's. I... I've lost the will to put the Starks on my own kill list any longer."
"Why have you? You wanted to kill them - you almost succeeded in harming Princess Arya severely."
The person laughed, melodically which rang in the bedridden's person's ears. She heard her reply, "We have an understanding. I never intended for her to be severely hurt. The effects leave after a while - I just needed a distraction and she gave me that willingly. Mayhaps, she's growing on me, the little bitch."
"What of you? Your revenge against the Starks?" Melisandre asked. "Understanding someone is not a reason to stop pursuing something."
"No," the person admitted. "I just wanted my family, Melisandre. I'm afraid I can't ever get them back. I can only hope he understands where I was coming from. A mother never wants to hurt their child but sadly, I must help my accomplice with their agenda."
"What have they got over you?"
"Nothing. I've lost everything, I have nothing to lose. Taking a young lover is the best I can do right now. He is a better lover than my previous one," the person said with a soft sigh. "A life of being hunted is the only exciting thing going for me."
"Tell me their name. I can't do anything with it, you know that. It's not like the North will welcome me back with open arms despite all I did for them," Melisandre told the person. "Tell me, Ashara Dayne."
The woman gasped in surprise and disbelief at the person's reveal. If only she could wrap her hands around that woman's neck for all she did against her and her family. Yes, she had learnt of the goings on at Winterfell - she couldn't let her go for poisoning Arya.
She struggled against the chains, eyeing a nearby knife which was used to butter some bread up for her. That meal had been disgusting but she was in no place to complain. Not that the Lord of the Light allowed her to speak anymore.
"Brooke Rivers. A nephew of Petyr Baelish," Ashara admitted.
The woman froze. Petyr Baelish.
"Sansa played judge, Brandon was the jury and Arya was the lovely, little executioner," continued Ashara. "They took what was left of his lands to burn it and took his wealth and titles. Brooke wants them back. Can't fault his reasons."
Melisandre hummed. "You should go. You have everyone in the Seven Kingdoms looking for you."
"As I said, exciting. Are you coming? Didn't I hear you were to travel to Volantis?"
"Indeed and I have. I returned to collect my acquaintance. I've travelled for a while before returning for a few prophecies to happen. You're in one of them," Melisandre replied easily.
Ashara was taken back. "Am I? You have dreams of me now?"
"Don't flatter yourself. It is your fate to die in Westeros if you want to know. Just as I am to die here too."
"I doubt that," Ashara replied, smiling. "Once I get what I need and give it to Brooke, I'll return to Essos. Let any king or princess try and stop me."
"And your cousin, Edric?" Melisandre asked with an eyebrow raised.
Ashara shrugged. "He can't stop me either. Goodbye, Red Witch."
After hearing a door close, the bedridden woman watched as the Red Woman entered the chamber once again.
"I was thinking of fish for supper. Would you want that, Lady Catelyn?"
Catelyn shook her head silently, turning away from the Red Witch. She just wanted to go home.
Fuck the fish.
Notes for this chapter:
(1) Sansa informs her family about her pregnancy.
(2) Tyrion takes Jaime and Gendry to the pub to celebrate their growing family.
(3) Davos shares a moment with his wife who is still getting used to life in the North.
(4) Ned decides to call things off with Mya as he searches for himself and restores his family's name.
(5) Sansa invites a Myrish painter to stay.
(6) Tormund's daughter is visiting and he reflects on his life since leaving beyond the Wall.
(7) Ashara comes to Melisandre for help but the Red Woman refuses, saying she serves the Starks and the Lord of the Light.
(8) Melisandre has brought Lady Catelyn Stark back to life but the Lord of the Light took her voice after she'd been killed by a slit to the throat to her bone. She tends for the matriarch with hopes to reunite her with her children.