Disclaimer: I do not own anything.
NOTE: Rhaegar's long top coat is similar to King Joffrey's top coat, but shorter. His amour is also the same length.
NOTE 2: Lady Lyanna's sigil is gray with a white dire wolf head in the center.
While they were traveling Northwest they stayed in Crofter's villages.
Castle Wolf is well hidden in the forest, Lord Vol thought as they were traveling along the only path to and from the castle, which is wide.
As they approached the castle Lord Vol and his men saw two guard towers. The first one was half way to the castle and there was a guard standing outside armed with a sword, dagger, bow and quiver. There was also a stable behind the guard tower. The second guard tower was near the castle and there was also a guard standing outside and armed the same way, and a stable nearby.
When they rode up to the gate there were archers on the wall.
"Open the gate," a guard said.
Lord Vol noticed the castle is made of gray stone, it's two stories high and has large windows.
"They've arrived my Lady," Joro said.
Lady Lyanna nodded her head.
xxx
"Welcome to Castle Wolf my Lord. My name is Bran Joro and I'm Lady Lyanna's Steward. My Lady is waiting for you. This way," Joro told him after he bowed to Lord Vol.
Lyanna's breath caught when Joro escorted Lord Vol into the room. She felt Lord Vol's gaze piercing though her, which reached the depth of her soul. She saw Lord Vol's cloak and hood is fur lined and black, and his elegant warm top coat is gold with red stitching throughout. His gloves and knee high boots are also fur lined and black.
He's still very handsome, she thought.
Lord Vol smiled when he saw his Lady sitting on her throne chair and wearing a jeweled beautiful blue dress and a sapphire circlet. She is the Lady of the Castle Wolf, he thought. He never took his eyes off her while walking up to her chair.
"Lord Vol, this is Lady Lyanna Stark," Joro told him.
"My Lady," Lord Vol said and kissed her hand when she held it out. "You're even more beautiful than your brother described."
"Thank you my Lord," she replied with a smile.
When Lord Vol touched Lyanna's hand, the fire inside her came to life, which Lord Vol didn't miss.
"There will be a welcome feast held in your honor tomorrow evening my Lord," she told them.
"Thank you my Lady," he replied.
"Would you like to dine with me this evening so we can get to know each another my Lord?" she asked.
"Of course my Lady," he answered with a smile.
"I'll show you to your chambers my Lord," Joro said.
xxx
Lord Vol saw his chambers are larger than his chambers were in the Red Keep. There were two tables, one of each side of the large bed, two chairs, one at his desk in from of the large window which lets in plenty of light. The bed was covered with furs and a fire was burning in the large hearth.
"This is your dressing room my Lord," Joro told him when he opened a door connecting the two rooms.
It's the same size as my bedroom, he thought. He saw his clothes hung up and the trunks stacked in one corner. There was also a table and a chair in his dressing room, along with a dresser for his small clothes.
"This is where your servant Jordan will enter and leave my Lord," Joro said and opened a door in the dressing room to the hallway. "This is your bath and I'll have Jordan run you a hot bath."
Lord Vol nodded to Joro.
After Joro left, Lord Vol took the pouches from his belt and cloak and hid them in a secret compartment in one of the trunks. He then returned to his room and put his sword next to his bed.
xxx
Joro escorted Lord Vol to Lady Lyanna's Solar.
"My Lady," he said with a nod and a twinkle in his eyes with his back to a servant and Joro.
"My Lord," she replied also with a nod.
The female servant handed Lord Vol a glass of wine.
Lyanna nodded to Joro and the servant girl who left the Solar.
"Sit next to me," she said.
Rhaegar sat next his Lady.
"I see your rooms are at the other end of the castle, away from mine," he said and took a sip of his red wine.
"These rooms are for the Lord and Lady of the castle and their family," she replied smiling.
"How many rooms are there?" he asked.
"We're in the family room," she answered. "The Lord and Lady have their own chambers thought that door and they're next to each other and they're the same size as your chambers. They're two nurseries, but away from the Lord and Lady's chambers and each nursery can house two children each. There's also a kitchen and small hall where the family take their meals. That's where we're going to have dinner tonight. My office is through the other door and it has a private staircase. Your office is next to mine."
Rhaegar looked around the room and saw it was tastefully appointed and has a large hearth in the center of the room and he felt warm.
"This castle, the other castle and the barracks will have warm water running through the walls during the winter because a river runs under these lands. Prince Dorren built this castle long ago and it took 5 years to repair the entire estate," she told him.
xxx
"How did you find me?" she asked.
Rhaegar told her about the crone he met on the beach near his home on Braavos and what he saw in the fire, but not all of it. He also told her he didn't know he had a son and that she was still alive.
"You saw Jon?" she asked surprised.
"Yes, and he does look like both of us," he answered smiling. He also told her about the conversation he saw and heard when Ned came to visit her for the last time.
Lyanna was also surprised to hear that.
"Magic has come back into the world Lyanna. That's how I was able to see and hear some things and how I found out where you were," he told her. "We're going to tell Jon who he really is."
"We have to keep his last name a secret," she said.
"I know," he replied.
"I thought you were dead," she said.
"So does everyone else," Rhaegar replied and told her what happened.
"You woke up while you were burning?" she asked wide-eyed.
"When I looked around there was no one there. My sword, cloak and amour were also in the fire. I retrieved my sword, stole a horse and cloak and rode South. I eventually caught up with Arthur and a few other men from Dorne and they made sure I got out of Westros and they went with me. One of the men is from a wealthy merchant family from Dorne, who's my Steward and I made him a Lord. With Lord Sallador's help and connections we became very rich. I have a home on one of the islands on Braavos and larger home on the beach not far from Braavos," he answered.
Lyanna sat stunned.
"Blood of the dragon," he said and took her hand. "The fire healed my wounds, but I still have the nasty scars."
"What happened to your hair?" she asked.
"It burned in the fire and it took years for it to grow back. When it did my hair grew back this way," he answered.
Lyanna saw his white hair barely touch his shoulders, but it's also layered.
"Captain Ulrick is Ser Arthur Dayne," she said looking at her husband with her dark gray eyes.
Rhaegar smiled at her. "Ulrick Dayne was the first Sword of the Morning," he replied. "I also made Captain Ulrick a Lord."
"He's still devoted to you," she said.
"He swore to protect me long ago, but he longer wears a white cloak and I released him from his vows," he replied. "He taught my guards and my Lord's guards how to wield their swords. You're see him again tomorrow."
xxx
"Tell me what happened after I left with Arthur," he said.
"Ned and Lord Howland Reed were the only two who survived the fight with the Kings guard outside the Tower of Joy. When they found me I had just given birth to Jon. Ned told me you, your father, Princess Elia and your two other children were dead and he told me how they died. Needless to say, I was very distraught when I found out who killed you, how you died and what was done to your first family. When I told Ned we were married, the three of us knew at that moment that your second son, King Jon Targaryen, the First of His Name...was the true King of Westros. We also knew what Robert would do if he found out about Jon, and Ned promised me he'll raise Jon as his bastard son to protect him. His wife, Lady Catelyn, the Lady of Winterfell, didn't like the idea of her husband bringing his bastard son home, but we couldn't tell her the truth. He grew up as Lord Jon Snow and had all the privileges as any Lord, except his true name, and he felt out place because of his status. He always wanted to know who his mother was, which broke my heart because I couldn't tell him. Jon wrote and told me he found his place as a black brother of the Night's Watch, where everyone is equal and status means nothing. He recently wrote and told me he's now the Lord Commander of the Night's Watch," she told him.
My son is learning to rule and he is protecting the Realm by being at the Wall, Rhaegar thought. "How did Lady Catelyn treat my son?" he asked.
"She was cruel to him," she answered. "During any great feast that was held at Winterfell, Jon always sat in the back of the Great Hall."
"The bastard boy," he said with a hard look in his eyes, disliking Lady Catelyn Stark.
xxx
"Do you know what's happening in Westros?" she asked.
"I know what happened to Lord Stark," he answered. "I'm sorry Lyanna, your brother was a good man."
"Benjen is missing beyond the Wall and Westros has fallen apart," she told him.
"I heard about the War of the Kings," he said.
"The North, Riverlands and the Iron Islands have broken away from the Seven Kingdoms. Robb, Ned's heir, is now King of the North and the Riverlands and he's fighting a war in the South against the Lannisters. My nieces, Sansa and Arya, are being held hostage in the Red Keep. Brandon and Rickon are at Winterfell. They're Ned's two younger sons and Brandon is the Prince of Winterfell until King Robb returns," she told him.
Rhaegar asked her how and why the war started.
"Joffrey was crowned King after Robert died. After Joffrey had Ned beheaded for Treason our bannermen, the Tully's and their bannermen crowned Robb Stark, King of the North and the Riverlands. Shortly thereafter Stannis Baratheon claimed the Iron Throne and his brother Renly crowned himself King of the Seven Kingdom's. The Reach sided with the Lannisters after Renly was killed. Ned wrote and told me that Robert's children are not his, but someone else's," she answered.
"They're bastards and Stannis Baratheon would be next in line to the Iron Throne," he said thinking about the vipers nest that's still at the Red Keep.
"I have a feeling everything will be different when this is all over," she said.
xxx
When Rhaegar walked into the small Hall he saw a table that sat six and a sideboard with cups, plates, knives, spoons and forks. There's also a hearth in the room.
Then the servants brought in the first course.
During dinner Lord Vol answered Lady Lyanna's questions about his homes in Braavos and his family. He answered her questions and asked her about her family.
After dinner Lord Vol was escorted back to his chambers.
xxx
When the servants returned to the main kitchen one servant told the others about the conversation their Lady had with Lord Vol. They were also told how handsome Lord Vol is and their Lady and Lord Vol got along well.
Another servant told them that their Lady invited Lord Vol to go riding with her to the village in the morning and he accepted.
xxx
Captain Ulrick received word his Lord is riding to the village with Lady Lyanna in the morning.
xxx
"My Lady," Captain Ulrick said with a bow when he met Lady Lyanna the next morning.
"Captain," she replied with a bright smile and then got on her horse.
When they rode into the village, Lord Vol notice the many stares and a few people studying him intently to see if this foreigner is worthy enough to marry a Stark.
xxx
Rhaegar smiled when he saw his Lady descending the staircase wearing a beautiful white dress, which showed her curves and had furs surrounding the cuffs. She also wore her sapphire circlet and a matching necklace.
Lyanna saw her husband's top coat is red with gold stitching throughout with a high collar. His pants and boots are black.
He kissed her hand and together they walked into the feast hall.
Lady Lyanna introduced Lord Vol to the prominent citizens of the village, the shopkeepers and their wives.
The guests were surprised to learn that Lord Vol's Captain is also a Lord and Lord Vol is a liege Lord.
The feast hall has a large hearth, a high table that seats five, four tables, two on each side pushed together, rich tapestries adorned the walls and Lady Lyanna's sigil hangs behind her chair. All the tables were stained with a high gloss.
Elegant and intimate, Rhaegar thought.
Before dinner Lady Lyanna and Lord Vol mingled with the guests.
Lady Lyanna sat at the center of the high table and Rhaegar sat on her right. To his right sat Steward Joro. Captain Ulrick sat on her left and to his left sat Captain Flint.
A grand meal was served and after dinner there was dancing. Lord Vol danced with all the ladies in the room, including Captain Flint's and Joro's wives, as did Captain Ulrick.
"It seems Lord Eddard Stark was right," Bran Joro whispered to his wife Jeyne.
"They belong together," she said watching her Lady and Lord Vol dance.
"When do you think they'll marry?" he asked.
"Soon," she answered.
xxx
The next morning Lyanna gave Rhaegar a tour of the castle grounds.
Rhaegar saw two guard towers near the other castle and archers on the wall.
Then they rode to the gods wood.
"This is where we're going to get married," she told him standing in front of the weirwood tree.
"When is your next moon blood?" he asked.
"Why?" she asked.
"You don't have your maidenhead," he answered.
"Robert told Ned that you kidnaped and raped me and kept on raping me and that's what everyone believes," she told him.
"Is that what they think I did?" he asked with a raised eyebrow with his arms folded across is chest.
"Only my father, Ned, Lord Reed, Ser Arthur Dayne, Ser Oswell Whent and Ser Gerold Hightower knew, and four of them are dead," she answered.
"Do you regret what we did Lyanna?" he asked.
"No, Rhaegar," she answered.
"Neither do I," he said. "But it cost us and many others so much."
Rhaegar stepped in front of his wife, took her in his arms and gave her a passionate kiss, which she returned.
"Will you marry me again my wife in front of everyone instead of a few?" he asked after they broke their embrace, slowly running his fingers through her hair.
"Yes I will my husband," she answered smiling. "My moon blood will return in 25 days."
xxx
"I sent ravens to the Flints of the Mountains, the Wulls, Norreys, Burleys, Harclays, Liddles and Knotts and told them that Lady Lyanna is getting married to Lord Vol from Braavos and when, and they're invited to her wedding," Joro told his wife at dinner.
"I knew by the way he looks at her that he wants her," she told him.
"It appears our Lady is also taken with him," he said.
"She deserves happiness," she replied.
xxx
The servants at Castle Wolf were busy preparing the menu for the wedding feast and making sure the rooms were ready for their guests when they arrive.
Lady Lyanna spent time getting to know her betrothed.
xxx
"Bran," Jonos said when he walked into his office and sat in the chair across from his desk.
"Your sister Para is coming to the wedding," Joro told him seeing the surprise look on his face.
"After her betrothed died during the Rebellion she hasn't left our village," Jonos said. "I wonder why she's leaving now?"
"We'll find out when she arrives," he said to his friend.
xxx
Captain Jonos Flint greeted his father, mother and sister when they arrived. He told them it was going to be a small affair and there will be no bedding ceremony.
A servant escorted them to their rooms.
xxx
Steward Bran Joro told the guests that Lord Vol is from Braavos and he's a liege Lord and what Lady Lyanna told him and Captain Flint. He also told them the Captain of Lord Vol's guard is also a Lord and his name.
Lady Lyanna introduced her betrothed to the Chiefs of the Mountain Clans and their wives when they walked into the feast hall. Lord Vol was also introduced to Para Flint, Captain Flint's sister.
"This is my Captain, Lord Ulrick," Lord Vol told them.
Everyone bowed to the Lord Captain.
Captain Ulrick was struck by the beautiful women a few feet away. She has long brown hair, soft brown eyes, high cheekbones, long lashes, a full mouth and a women's figure. Since Captain Ulrick was released from his vows years ago, he'd never found anyone he wanted to marry, until now.
"My Lady," the tall handsome man with short white hair and light violet eyes said when he walked up to her and kissed her hand.
"My Lord," Para Flint said and felt something stir inside her and blushed.
Her parents and brother noticed the look between them, and so did Rhaegar and Lyanna, who both smiled.
Captain Flint introduced Captain Ulrick to his sister.
"Would you like to go hunting with us tomorrow my Lady?" Ulrick asked her.
"Of course my Lord," she answered looking him in the eye.
xxx
"What gods do you believe in Lord Vol," the Chiefs of the Mountain Clans asked him.
"All the gods are worshiped in Braavos my Lords, including the old gods," he answered. "What I like about the new god's marriage ceremony is cloaking the bride in her husband's protection. Saying my vows before the old gods is fine with me. With your permission I would like to..."
The Chiefs of the Mountains Clans gave their consent.
xxx
After dinner there was dancing.
Captain Ulrick only danced with Para, which didn't go unnoticed.
xxx
"What do you think of Captain Ulrick, Para?" her father, Donnell, asked in his chambers after the feast.
"He's very nice father," she answered.
"It's time for you to marry Para," her mother, Nana, said. "Your first love died many years ago, and the old gods sent you Captain Ulrick. We all saw how he looked at you and you looked at him."
"He's not from the North," Para said.
"Neither was Lady Catelyn, but Lord Eddard Stark married her. Lady Lyanna is also marrying someone not from the North," her father replied.
"He's also a Lord and you'll be a proper Lady," her mother said.
"Captain Ulrick told me at the feast for Lord Vol a month ago that he's never been married and has fathered no children," Jonos told them.
"I did feel something for him," she said quietly.
"We know," her father replied.
xxx
After the hunt the Flint family had lunch with Captain Ulrick.
During dinner that evening Para sat next to the Lord Captain.
"There's going to be another marriage at Castle Wolf," Rhaegar whispered to Lyanna.
She smiled at her betrothed.
xxx
Lady Lyanna met with the Flint's the next morning. She told them she'll wants Para to stay at Castle Wolf and be one of her helpers.
Her parents agreed.
Para smiled.
Lyanna met with Rhaegar and Ulrick and told them the news concerning Para, and that she met with her seamstress earlier and told her to make a complete wardrobe for Para befitting a Lady.
It's nice to see Arthur smile, Lyanna thought.
xxx
The next day Para and Jeyne helped their Lady dress.
Rhaegar smiled when he saw his Lady walk into the gods wood with Para and Jeyne.
Lady Lyanna wore a light blue fitting dress, a gray fur cloak and her sapphire circlet and necklace.
Rhaegar wore black pants and boots. His black armor has his house sigil on the front and a ruby in the hilt of each sword.
Black, red and rubies, Lyanna thought with a smile when she saw Rhaegar.
The guests, including Captain Ulrick, witnessed Lady Lyanna's and Lord Vol's wedding vows before the old gods in front of the weirwood tree.
After they finished saying their vows, Rhaegar slid a diamond and ruby band on Lyanna's left ring finger.
"You may cloak the bride in your protection my Lord," Donnell Flint said.
Lord Vol took off his black fur cloak and put it around his wife's shoulders. The happy couple smiled at each other.
A soft wind then blew through the gods wood.
"The old gods approve of their marriage," Jeyne whispered to her husband.