Lyarra stared at the letter in front of her, the seal already broken. She was lost and confused and did not understand what was happening. "Ly, you called me?" Robb spoke his cheery tone immediately dropped as he saw his sister's pale face. She did not say anything and just slid the rolled letter over to him. He touched the broken label, sitting down when seeing the royal sygl of House Baratheon and Lannister. He opened the letter than Lyarra had read so many times in the passing minutes she could practically recite it. "The King is dead," Robb stated first reading through the first lines but that was not even close to being the most shocking reveal of the letter. He continued reading his jaw gradually loosening with shock. Lyarra knew he was down when he slammed the latter down with a noise that she couldn't even place. "Our father is not a traitor!" He growled with a tone so venomous even his sister flinched. Lyarra was dazed, still staring at the grey stone walls of their home. "What about Arya? Why did Sansa not mention her? What is wrong with that stupid girl!" It wasn't a question but Lyarra finally had an answer.
"She's a captive Robb, that's the Prince's words or more likely the Queen," She spoke monotoned and she continued, "Also our mother had taken Lord Tyrion hostage. We didn't hear about that until now,"
"Fuck Lord Tyrion, she thinks he's the one who tried to assassinate Bran,"
"He wasn't!" Lyarra exclaimed and this time it was Robb who flinched, confused.
"Why are you defending him? What if he did do it? Then our lady mother is right in her actions," Robb hissed back. Lyarra couldn't remember the last time the two of them argued. They were always close and rarely got angry at one another.
"He didn't, Robb! Why would he come here and help Bran after if he wanted the boy dead?" She exclaimed back and Robb went quiet, rubbing his thick hair to understand what was going on here.
"What are we going to do Ly?"
"Lady Stark do you know what you are going to do?" Both Robb and Luwin asked at the same time. Lyarra wished Ser Rodrik was there, well mostly her father but she knew where he was.
"Bring Greyjoy in," She commanded and Luwin disappeared to return with the iron-islander who got caught up with the letter quickly with stunned silence. Then the three men waited for her answer. Lyarra pulled her hair out of the band and ran her hands through it, she was so sure and yet so hesitant. Like a chess board, she knew what the next move would be, but wasn't sure she could do it. "We need call father's bannermen," She spoke looking at Robb whose blue eyes widen. Theon was looking at her with a smirk on his face.
"But... that's declaring war," Robb spoke to his elder sister and the Greyjoy huffed a laugh.
"They've already declared war by arresting your father! Lady Lyarra is right," Theon agreed with her his eyes locked with hers in mutual strength. Robb looked to Luwin who was nodded with a solemn look.
"You have to sign the letters that the Maester will send out to the Northerners. I've gotten word that the Tully banners have been raised after Lannister men have begun destroying their towns. We are going to war Robb, but the war has already started," Her brother looked back in fear but Theon was nothing less than impressed at her tact and command.
"Why do I have to sign it?" Theon laughed again but Lyarra didn't berate her younger brother.
"Father's bannermen are not going ride here under the command of little Lady Lyarra, they need Lord Robb Stark, first son of Eddard. You have to do it," She commanded him gently and the brother nodding, gaining his wits about him.
"Alright, let's do it," He spoke. He and Luwin disappear to the ravens and began writing the letters. Lyarra was still sitting in her father's seat, slowly doing up her hair. Her arm from the wildling cut was still healing, the white bandage wrapped around it. Greyjoy watched as she did up her long, curled Stark hair. She did her hair tighter than normal and Theon watched as she got up, her long slender legs underneath her.
"You're going to help me train Greyjoy. I need to be ready for this and it's not going to be easy," She reminded the islander who was impressed with her honesty. She told him to wait for her down by the training ground and she changed into tight leather clothes, out of her dress.
"Your body is stunning," Theon noted with wandering eyes and Lyarra ignored him. She tossed him a blunted sword and they began. Rough and harsh they threw steel at each other. Theon had her pinned within minutes and was constantly yelling pointers at her. His sword collided with hers with a loud bang as she blocked it, throwing her weight downwards and catching him out of balance. She kicked his legs out from under him but as he fell he still managed to keep his sword up and blocked what was meant to be her killing strike. He pushed back giving himself space to stand up before confronting her with a barrage of hits send her sprawling backward. She cursed hitting the dirt ground with the hilt of her sword.
"That's not good enough Lyarra," Theon growled as he held his hand out to help her out. She took a deep breath looking up at the graying northern sky before taking Greyjoy's hand. He pulled her up quickly and she gathered her feet under her. The Stark daughter looked around realizing a few of the guards had been watching their rapid sparing session. Her eyes scanned the entire area and sets of eyes were watching her everywhere. She wiped the sweat from her forehead as she saw familiar light eyes watching her. She took a breath in with a sad look as Rye glanced from her blue orbs to her hand in Greyjoy's. She furrowed her eyebrows as her hand fell out of Theon's and went to shake out her hair. Rye watched her movements as she only looked back biting her lip slightly. Theon cleared his throat from behind her and she turned to look at him. He tilted his head with a silent question and smirk before lifting his sword again and they continued.
She felt Rye's gaze on her as she and the islander viciously soared with each other, each not taking mercy on the other. Theon, in a particularly dirty block, smacked the eldest daughter of Ned in the face with the butt of his palm, sending her back. She dropped her sword to grab her face as Greyjoy placed the tip of his sword to her jugular. She glared looking up at him. "You hit me!" She exclaimed and Theon grinned back widely but she could tell it wasn't joy in his expression.
"In war men don't stop to check if you're alright before they cut your throat," Theon hissed like he knew anything about war. But she knew he was right, she needed to get better and faster and stronger if she was going to survive. She looked around and a few of the guards averted their gaze as if they didn't see her fall on her ass. "You need to get better and fast," The islander growled and she knew he was right. Lyarra could see Robb out by the godswood gate releasing the wolves and she let out a sharp whistle and she ever growing wolf came bounding over. She sniffed at Lyarra's hands that we on her face before getting down into a low growl and crouch. The eldest Stark stood up, keeping one hand on her bruising face and the other buried in the wolves' fur.
"I've got Snow Storm, she's worth five good men," Lyarra commented, Theon looked warily at the wolf.
"She won't be any good if she gets killed," Theon spoke cleaning the sparing sword and putting it away. Lyarra started towards the man, walking up to directly in front of him and staring up at him.
"Never speak about her dying or I will slit your throat, Greyjoy," She hissed with such venom in her voice and the wolf mirrored her anger by circling the islander. Theon stared down the girl he grew up with for the past nine years, her hair was messy and eyes furious.
"Then you need to get her armor, along with Greywind. They are phenomenal beasts, Ly, but that's all they are, just beasts. Even dragons could be killed and so can Dires," Lyarra recognized that her father's wars were giving her excellent advice and she nodded slightly going to pull away from him. Theon didn't let her pull away and instead brought his hand up and touched the red skin of her face where he had hit her. Lyarra gazed at him with her Tully eyes before pulling away from the Greyjoy. She whistled for Snowstorm who bounded after her but much to the Stark girl's dismay the wolf ran past her and right towards the onlooking hunter. Lyarra could see the hint of a smile on Rye's lips as he ran his hands through the speckled grey fur of her wolf. Snowstorm nuzzled into the man with a soft whimper and the Stark girl walked up to the both of them. Traitor, she thought to the wolf who was cozying up to the man she was avoiding.
"Are you alright?" He asked lowly, as she approached, barely even looking at her. She stayed silent only nodding which forced his light eyes up to meet hers and he straightened up. "Something's wrong," He commented looking directly at her and she pursed her lips.
"I can't discuss that with you," She spoke back firmly and she could see the hurt pass his eyes.
"Right, of course," He said awkwardly, rubbing the back of his light blond head. He was still looking at her but the silence grew between the hunter and the Stark girl. Lyarra studied his face, his almost clear blue eyes and laughter lines on his face. His blonde beard was growing in but she knew he would likely shave it again soon. He was dressed in his warm hunter clothes, likely off soon to the outside of Winterfell to look for boars or deer. His dark brown boots were warm and looked newer, one of the most important things in his outfit, Lyarra presumed. "I miss you Lyarra," He spoke then breaking the tension between them. She met his eyes as he took a tentative step into her personal space. She bit her lip, thinking about what she should do and what she wanted to do.
"I am sorry Rye but.." She trailed off, not sure of the best excuse to give him.
"You were right.. are right. This won't end in marriage and it can't," He stated and she nodded, it wasn't going to end well either but she didn't say that. At least with the other men, they had left and it was a clear break but here there was nothing like that, anyway it ended would likely be bad.
"Lady Stark!" Luwin called from above her waving her up to the tower. She looked back at Rye who looked saddened again. She took a breath in and decided what she wanted.
"Rye, I'll..." He looked at her hopefully and she stepped closer squeezing his hand quickly to hers. "I'll see you around alright?" He nodded and she walked away calling her wolf behind her and going to meet the Maester.
"We are here to serve a girl?" Greatjon Umber exclaimed roughly slamming his hand on the table. Robb and Lyarra sat up on the Stark table. They had both just explained to the Northern lords in front of them; such as Robett Glover of Deepwood Motte with his son, Roose Bolton of the Dreadfort, Rickard Karstark of Karhold with his two sons, Medger Cerwyn of Castle Cerwyn and his daughter Jonelle. Lyarra knew they had to tread carefully that the lords could if they chose to, pick up and ride home. Lyarra and Robb needed them and he needed them to trust the eldest Stark.
"No, Lord Umber, you are here at the call to help my father," Lyarra countered softly petting her enormous direwolf at her side. She saw the wandering eyes of the many Lord's sons, Gawen Glover as well as Harrion, Eddard, and Torhenn Karstark, Wylis and Wendel Manderly and finally young Daryn Hornwood. "I understand your feelings of doubt but I am the eldest child of Eddard Stark, he entrusted me to continue his appoints in his leaving and I am certain he would trust me in leading his bannermen," She spoke strong and the Umber only scoffed at her which made her frown.
"I refuse to follow a girl regardless of your parents! I will retract my men home," Robb watched as Lyarra raised up to stand above the high lords.
"You have your right to do that Lord Umber. However, House Umber made an oath to House Stark and if you dare break such a sacred trust you will reap the consequences," Lyarra stared down the lord and Robb feared he would return home and the other Northern lords would follow him. "When we take the men we have south, to fight against the men that hold my father. We will win and when we return I will storm Last Hearth until every Umber man is slaughtered for their betrayal. So go my Lord but beware of House Stark for we will remember," She growled her hand digging into the table. Greatjon stares her down before pushing backward and unsheathing his knife. Robb stood to protect his sister but he was beaten to it by a blur of grey. There was a loud growl as Greatjon screamed in pain. The chaos was interrupted by a shrill whistle let out by Lyarra and the wolf stopped and back away with a bloodied mouth. Lord Umber was cupping his bloodied hand but he stood back up and in Robb's horror began to laugh.
"Well, I was clearly wrong. Lady Lyarra has larger balls than me!" He exclaimed and Lyarra grinned matching the Northern lord. Robb saw in horror that Lord Umber has lost two of his fingers and they were bloodied on the floor.
"Well if anyone else has any objections to me or my brother you may step forward.. until then please share our meat and mead," She spoke loudly beginning the feast. Lyarra could hear a few of the lords toasting to Lady Stark and she smiled.
"Ly!" Rickon called from where he was sitting with Bran. Bran was sulking, picking at his food. Lyarra stood and went over to her brothers. She ruffled Bran's hair and kissed Rickon's forehead. "Bran says you are going to leave Winterfell!" Rickon spoke, Lyarra's Tully eyes glared daggers into Bran who wasn't looking at her. "You can't leave, you can't!" Rickon cried to his sister, gripping tightly to her waist.
"We are just going to save Father, and Sansa and Arya, then we will all be back!" She promised Rickon with a kiss on his forehead but the little boy was too distressed to listen to her.
"Father isn't coming back!" Rickon screamed, luckily over the sounds of the feast only his sister could hear him.
"Why do you say that?" She asked her voice barely a whisper. She knew of prophecies thus she was afraid. Rickon was just crying then and Lyarra looked as Robb offered to carry the younger brother to bed and consolidate him. Lyarra walked around then, meeting the high lords in their main room. Robett Glover was very persistent that she meets his son Gawen but the man was too busy feeling up the Winterfell serving girls to be interested. Roose Bolton was quiet and calculated as she spoke to him, asking how the lands of the Dreadfort were fairing. She had heard that the Bolton's son and wife had died but she had never heard why. He had a single bastard son, Ramsey, that once again the Lord was interested in the two of them meeting but Ramsey was left to tend to the Dreadfort in his father's absence. The Manderley sons took after their father's large build but Wendel was more interested in being a squire for Robb than her hand which Lyarra was grateful for.
"This is the beautiful Lady Lyarra," Rickard Karstark introduced her and she gave a curtsy to the four men. The youngest of Kartstark's son was twenty and the eldest six-and-twenty. The men looked confused on who to concentrate on, the Stark girl or her towering wolf that still had blood on her lips and was licking it off.
"I would like to personally thank you Lord Karstark for answering our call," Lyarra spoke, the lord gestured for her to sit and she did so.
"House Karstark and Stark are bound by the blood of the first men, we value our oaths," He spoke back strongly drinking his northern ale.
"I have a further request of you, my Lord," Karstark looked interested and his three son's excited. "I have heard you and your sons are quite excellent warriors. While I have trained with my brother and Lord Greyjoy for years now I do not believe my swordsmanship is up to standards. I was hoping you would be interested in helping me with further training," She spoke and Karstark grinned at the compliment and the request.
"I am certain my son's and I would be delighted," He replied and she thanked them all with a nod. She rose again and didn't miss the men's eyes on her.
"If you ever have any other requests of my son's, please let me know," He spoke with the implication obvious. Lyarra gave a small chuckle as she looked at the blonde Karstark men and agreed that she would. Lyarra walked over to the table, the woman wearing leather engraved with the sygl of a bear of Bear Island.
"Lady Mormont I welcome you to Winterfell," Lyarra spoke trying to hide her delight at meeting the lady she had learned so much about. Maege was not a beautiful woman but she was known for her fierceness. House Mormont had taken a hit after Ser Jorah Mormont had disgraced his family name by fleeing Westeros.
"Lady Lyarra, it is well to see another woman in charge of a Northern house," She spoke lowly, with a slight smile.
"When learning about House Mormont I was always intrigued by you as Lady of Bear Island. Now I get to formally meet you," Lyarra spoke to the woman who thanked her.
"I wish this was under better circumstances," She replied warmly and Lyarra agreed. Lyarra continued on her meeting; Rodrik Ryswell, Helman Tallhart and finally Lord Hornwood. House Hornwood occupied and ruled the lands Southeast of Winterfell and are a principal vassal of House Stark. Lyarra thanked Lord Hylis and his son Daryn for coming to their aid.
"My son almost did not come, going to be left to tend to Hornwood, I am certain he is glad he came now," Lord Hylis spoke with a wink to the Stark lady who only laughed gracefully and looked to the Hornwood son. Daryn was younger than many of the other son's, looking closer to eighteen than twenty. He was an attractive boy, sandy blonde hair, and light blue eyes. He was standing to greet her formally which many of the other men did not bother to do.
"I am certainly glad," He admitted softly and Lyarra smiled at him. Snow Storm sniffed at the father and son. Daryn looked intensely curious at the wolf until Lyarra spoke that he could try and pet her. He did not seem afraid, even though he had seen the wolf rip off Umber's fingers, as he reached his hand out slowly. Storm let out a slow growl and the Hornwood stopped only to continue once the wolf stopped her growls. Then his hand was tentatively on her head and he pets her. Lyarra was impressed with the interaction.
"Well, Lord Daryn, I believe this is a beginning of a friendship. I trust the men that Storm entrusts to pet her as that is few and far between," She told the man, whose eyes sparkled at that. Hylis looked on at his son and the Stark daughter hopefulness in him. Marriage alliances were easy to forge and strong between families, it keeps trust and oaths made. A house is less likely to rebel with their daughter in the home of the house.
"I am thankful for the honour," He spoke with a smile and Lyarra gave him a final nod before walking off to talk to all the lords and nights around. She saw Robb speaking to Medger Cerwyn and his young daughter who looked with adoring eyes at her brother. She wasn't the only one being serenaded. She took a seat in the Lord's seat once more and Theon Greyjoy took steps towards her, seating himself to her left.
"Enjoying the attention?" He spoke with a slight tone and Lyarra raised her eyebrows. "I'm sure all the men in this room, bar your own brother, wants to sleep with you," Theon spoke crudely smirking back at her.
"And you have made your advances quite clear Theon," She bit back and the islander laughed. His hand was close to hers on the table.
"And yet you still sleep with that hunter and not me," He spoke his grin never fading. He was right she had gone back to Rye mostly late night visits.
"Take the hint Greyjoy," She growled back and he laughed.
"What's so great about him? Or the Manderly relative? Or that merchant?" He questioned bringing up the pass lovers of her, just as Robb did. Lyarra only leaned forward tilting her head slightly before lowering her voice into Theon's ear.
"Perhaps they are just good at fucking," She told him and there was a chuckle in his throat. His arm wrapped around her body pulling her closer.
"I am too, I promise that much," He swore to her and she pulled away knowing many people might have seen that exchange. She leaned back in her chair and rolled her eyes at the islander.
"I don't care to find out, brother," She added the term to irritate him, he knew they effectively grew up together for the past nine years and yet he still made advances on her. Robb always treated him like a brother just the same as the others.
"That is quite impressive. Thank you very much, your metal work is impeccable and detailed," Lyarra clipped on the helm to Storm who look mostly unhappy. She ordered the beast to lope to the gates only to come back. The metal clinked but the dog seemed to be able to move. The still covered most of her torso and part of her neck to allow movement. It would likely save her from arrows and stray weapons. Lyarra was sure with this and with the added speed and surprise the wolf would be untouchable.
"These are also for you and your brother," The blacksmith spoke as Lyarra undid the armor from the direwolf. She saw the two shields he held as well as two swords. Lyarra had ensured that her brother's sword was a double-handed greatsword and her's a bastard or half-and-a-halfer. It meant her sword was lighter and allowed her to carry a shield. He also had two helms of wolves and Lyarra smiled as he put all of it into a case for her.
She picked up the shiny, new helm that was round and normal but with running wolves around the forehead. The shields were iron and complete round with a single wolves head. She called a man over to carry the case for her to the tower for her and her brother. She already had her personalized armor that was fitted to her for optimum movement. Lyarra had been practicing in it with the Karstark's getting used to the feel. She was good, she was able to beat Eddard Karstark in hand to hand but the other two consistently beat her. The men were all going to be on the move within the week. They had a plan to march to Moat Caitlin and fortify it before getting scouts out to see the situation in the Riverlands. Greyjoy and the two elder Starks were making plans, ensuring food stocks were well for the Winter. Bran and Rickon were distraught at being left behind, Rickon wouldn't speak to Lyarra for days after she told him and he completely refused to speak to Robb.
"Lady Stark?" Someone spoke, his voice unsure and unsteady. When she turned around she knew why. He was expected to call her that in public but still not used to it. His mentor was the one she dealt with when dealing with hunting schedules and men to travel South with her, she had not spoken to him about such plans.
"Yes Rye, how may I help you?" She spoke back formally to the hunter who looked around awkwardly. Lyarra glanced around, knowing he wanted to speak to her privately. "Walk with me to the godswood, I believe my brothers are there," She told him and he gave a stiff nod. They passed the mass of people moving around in Winterfell. It was hard to be alone now in Winterfell and thus even harder for the two of them to see each other. When they rounded a bend to a much quieter area of the court Rye began speaking in a low and hushed voice.
"Martyn told me, you are taking Robben and Torten and the other boys down south when you leave to march," Lyarra bit her lip and continued walking, Snow Storm trotted ahead of her the wolf's tail swinging. Martyn was the head of the hunters and Lyarra had to decide who to take South to hunt for the Stark soldiers and men. Robb did not ask what she intended to do and she was glad he did not.
"I am, yes," She agreed with him and she could feel the tension in the man beside her. They had entered the godswood. The Stark could see Rickon and Bran on the far side of the wood with Hodor nearby. They would not hear the couple.
"Bring me! I'm a better hunter than Torten and yet you chose him and the apprentice boys instead. I don't understand," He spoke passionately and Lyarra turned to him as Storm loped off to meet her pack mates. She met his blue eyes and the boy immediately looked sad. "You don't want me to come," He stated then and Lyarra took in a deep breath.
"That's not why. I want you to come but it's..." She trailed off as the hunter stepped closer, knowing no one could see them. "Rye, you can't come," She spoke finally and he looked desperate. He took her hand and she glanced over at her brothers who were too busy playing to bother looking over. She could see the streaks of black and grey of the wolves running back and forth along with the screaming of Rickon's laughter.
"Is there someone else? Tell me, Ly," He begged her and she looked up at him, not sure what she should say.
"There isn't. I would not.." But she could see the suspicion on his face. She was certain he had seen her around with the multiple Lord's sons's trailing close behind begging for attention. "The Northern lords all want alliances with House Stark. As we head into a war it's even more critical that I am free to choose a marriage alliance when necessary. I can't bring a lover with me to do that,"
"So I can't come so you can sell yourself off to some Lord's son?" She knew he was angry and yet his words stung. She straightened up pulling her hand out of his not caring about the hurt expression on his face.
"I will do whatever that is necessary to gain the men and passage to fight for my father back. I will do anything," She growled at him and he took a step back away from her. "Robb will do the same when the time comes for him. I cannot bring a lover with me," She spoke finally. Instead, the man moved forward and kissing her roughly, wrapping his arms around her. She kissed him back, mostly shocked from the suddenness.
Then she remembered what she had said and she pushed at his chest. She hit him when he would not release her. "Get off," She growled and he let go, moving away and releasing her from him. He was looking at her with his intense blue eyes and she knew he was trying to convince her. The sex with the man was what Lyarra craved but she could get that elsewhere.
"Bring me," He spoke the last time, quiet and harsh. She shook her head again.
"Never do that again," She hissed back and he didn't drop his angered look.
"You used me!" He exclaimed suddenly and Lyarra tilted her head at him. His fist was clenched at his side and she watched him warily.
"What are you talking about?" She questioned slowly and he scoffed.
"You look so innocent, everyone loves the first daughter of Eddard Stark. You used me for sex, you let me take care of you when you were sad and hurt, but in the end, you just get to walk away," He noted and Lyarra raised her eyebrows and crossed her arms.
"I suppose I did Rye," She replied coldly.
"You're just a whore who uses men to get what you want," She stared but knew his words were true and not quite caring.
"And in the end of the day I'm still the daughter of a lord and you are just a base-born bastard," She spoke so harshly even he was taken back.
"How did I ever love you?" He asked her but she didn't respond and instead watched him as he spun around and marched out of the godswood, leaving a furious Lyarra in his wake. The eldest Stark rubbed her face and took a large breath.
"That was interesting," A voice commented and Lyarra's straightened up instantly to see the blonde hair of Maege Mormont.
"My lady, I am terribly sorry about that," The Lady of Bear Island just raised her eyebrows. "He was leaving,"
"Yes, he was wasn't he?" The woman spoke with a tone. She continued walking into the godswood and Lyarra realized she was likely there to speak to the Gods. The furious bear of her island was plastered over her breasts. "That was a little harsh, don't you think?" She sat down near the pond, putting her hands into the water.
"Perhaps, but it's true," Lyarra commented back and the Lady of Bear island raised her eyebrows.
"If he was the son of a lord would you have married him?" She asked then questioning what the girl had just said and Lyarra smiled slightly and shrugged her shoulders. They wouldn't know would they.