Yes, sometimes Alayne will be Alayne Snow, Alayne Stone, and Sansa Stark. I am aware of that. I am not just forgetting who is who when.
Please review. I would very much appreciate constructive criticism.
Alayne
There will always be a Stark in Winterfell. Pledge your loyalty to me or don't expect to ever rest in peace.
-Lady Lyanna of House Stark. Lady of Winterfell and your Liege Lord. Daughter of Winter and Warrior of the North
Petyr Baelish read to Alayne Stone.
"Do you think it is real?" Alayne asked looking at The Regent Lord of the Eyrie with the same fearful expression she always wore.
"I do." Petyr Baelish replied honestly.
"But father and Howland Reed found her dying in the Tower of Joy." Alayne replied. She had learned only too well to give up on hopes and dreams. There were no real princes. There were no happy endings.
"If this Lady Lyanna was a pretender, would she say this?:
Lysa, you are Catelyn's sister. Catelyn is Ned's wife and I am his sister. I need all the help I can get. The crown doesn't matter now. Other things are happening in the North.
"What does it mean?" Alayne asked curiously.
"It means this Lyanna Stark doesn't know Lysa Tully is dead. Clearly she hasn't been in Westeros for a while." Petyr Baelish explained.
"Why are you telling me?" Alayne asked Petyr.
"You always wanted to go home. You are the Lady of Winterfell-"
"You only want me to claim it so you can marry me and take it. You don't care if I am happy. You only loved my mother."
"I can throw you out of the Moon's Door, Alayne. But I won't." Petyr Baelish held her face in his hands. "I did love your mother, but I also love you. I want you to be happy."
"You're lying." Alayne said.
"I would not lie to you about this Alayne. You have heard enough lies for a whole Realm in ten Lifetimes. Do you want me to send you to Winterfell?"
"Won't it seem suspicious?"
"Not at all. I'll tell them I've sent you away to be the hand maiden of some high born."
"What if she's not my aunt. Or what if she treats me unkindly?"
"She won't. I did know Lyanna once. I last saw her when she was fourteen. Your age. She was beautiful. A true northerner. Quick tempered and aggressive yet still lady like. She rode horses and fought with swords yet at a feast one night, a song made her weep. Rhaegar Targaryen even crowned her Queen of-"
"Love and Beauty. Before he carried her to Dorne and raped her and killed her." Alayne said as tears filled her eyes.
"She was like your sister. Don't you miss your sister?"
"How can my aunt be like my sister. It won't be the same my aunt would be like thirty."
"Thirty two. She's a year younger than the Queen Cersei Lannister. Lyanna may be tough as steel but she will treat you kindly. Maybe one day I will visit you." Petyr smiled. Alayne knew he meant to be reassuring, but his smiles were just a little unsettling.
That evening Alayne had to put her traveling cloak on and leave again. Nights were colder every time especially as they got further north.
Did Lord Baelish want me to die? What has become of little Robert Arryn who once had to sleep by my side?
She wish she had furs and a wheelhouse but she knew looking like royalty was not a good thing.
Two weeks they were on the road. Two weeks of ice and cold. Two weeks of barely enough food. Two weeks and then Alayne Stone was home.
The Walls of Winterfell were once torched, but people were on lifts and pulleys dusting off the charred ash. There were people again like last time. None she knew, but she could tell they were northern men. She put down her hood revealing her auburn hair and pulled her cloak tighter around her shoulders. She turned to her escorts as if to dismiss them.
"We have orders to not leave until you're safe with your aunt." They replied stubbornly waiting.
Petyr does want me to be happy. But what if I'm not happy here? What if she doesn't treat me kindly? At least she is not Cersei. I should be grateful.
"Excuse me Sir. Where might we find the Lady Stark?" A man of her escort asked a northern soldier that was big and broad shouldered.
"I will see if she is available." The man said turning.
"That won't be necessary, Ser Ivan." A woman's voice said walking towards them. Her dark hair was pinned back. She wore boys trousers like Arya used to do. She had a sword in her hand.
"You must be hungry, little dove. Come." The Lady said.
Alayne looked up at her. How she hated being called 'Little Dove'. At least she's not Cersei. THe Lady had grey cold eyes just like Alayne's real father. Her hair was long and dark. Her pale skin and long stern face as just like the rest of the Starks. She was beautiful even in boys' clothes. The Lady changed before sitting down with Alayne at a table in one of the Smaller Dining Halls.
"I swear I thought I saw Catelyn walking through those gates." She said looking into Alayne's eyes.
Alayne slowly took a bite of food to her lips. Was she a pretender? By Lord Baelish said she was not. How could he know though.
"Don't worry about false courtesies. If you're hungry child, eat."
Alayne took a massive bite then. She WAS hungry. She drank the wine and the servants brought her another bowl. Alayne looked at the dress the Lady was wearing. It was well made with furs around the collar and fitted sleeves and lacing up the back. The Lady made it herself. She was a true northerner.
"How old are you, girl?" The Lady asked curiously.
"Fourteen." Alayne replied sipping the wine. Father only let us have a cup at feasts. But father isn't here.
The thought pained her to think of that, so she quickly pushed thought aside.
"What is your name?" The lady asked snapping Alayne out of her memories.
Alayne hesitated. What if she WAS a pretender and she ships me back to the Queen?
"What are you afraid of, sweet thing?" The Lady took Alayne's hand and held it. "I swear to you I will never let anyone hurt you. I already know you're Ned and Cat's daughter. Tell me your name."
Alayne Stone. "Sansa Stark." Stark. Stark. Stark. And Sansa began to cry. The Lady got up from her seat and walked over to comfort her.
"I know it's hard to come here." Lyanna Stark said holding her.
"You don't understand. All my family's gone. My father. My brothers. My mother. Arya!-"
"You think I don't understand? I lost my father and all my brothers too. Benjen. Ned. Brandon. They're all gone. My Son! He's in the Night's Watch now to thanks to Ned who didn't stop him. I understand how it feels to loose everything, but we are women. We must make the best of our circumstances. We cannot let our losses control us. We must remain strong, Sansa. Winter is here and the Starks at Winterfell must survive through it." The Lady said. Her hands were soft despite all the sword play. Her voice was warm despite the cold eyes and intimidating expression on her face.
"I am Lyanna Stark and I will keep you safe." Lyanna said hugging Sansa Tighter.
It seemed like hours Sansa just sat there and cried. She had family now. Someone to just hold her.
"This is my room. Always has been." Lyanna said tapping the door to the room two doors down from Sansa's.
"Father always told us that door was to remain closed. He never told us why." Sansa said sadly.
"My leaving must have pained him." Lyanna replied. "Let's get you into bed. You must be exhausted."
"None of my old clothes fit me." Sansa said softly.
"Here. Try this." Lyanna went to her room and took down a couple of old night gowns.
"I left Winterfell when I was fifteen. So all of the clothes in here are from before then. It might be out of style but we can worry about that later- After all, you'll only be sleeping for now." Lyanna said.
The fabrics were soft and worn as if the Lady ran in them when she lived here. She had a smile on her face.
"Thank you Lady Lyanna." Sansa said.
"I should be calling you Lady Sansa. You're Ned's Daughter, but you do have a choice. You could assume Lady of Winterfell or I can remain in that position until you're ready. If you do name yourself Lady of Winterfell though, the Imp might come looking for you and the Lannisters will easily seizeyour claim, our House and home."
Sansa must have looked shocked because Lyanna spoke again.
"Just think about it. It's your choice. I'll ask again tomorrow." Lyanna gave Sansa a kiss on the head then swept out of the room closing the door so gently Sansa might have never noticed it was ever open.
"I've only ever loved one woman." Lord Petyr Baelish said. Marilon sat on the edge of the wall cowering fearfully.
"Did you Petyr? OH DID YOU REALLY?" Lysa Tully asked holding him. Kissing him.
"Yes. Cat." Petyr said pushing her only she didn't fall.
"You BASTARD!" Lysa grew twenty feet tall and pushed Petyr out the Moon's Door. "Do you love him? Do you?!" Lysa Tully screamed before pushing Sansa out of the Moon's Door as well.
As she fell she saw things.
"My mother as asked me to send Lord Stark to the wall, but my lady pleaded that I be merciful. The gods are good. Ser Illyn, bring me his head." Joffrey said with a sick, wicked smile as Ice came down on his previous owner's throat.
"No!" Sansa sat up in bed with tears streaming down her face. She felt a cold day on her head and an arm around her shoulders.
"It was just a dream. To back to sleep. You're safe here." The voice said. Lyanna.
"Will you sing to me?" Sansa asked warily.
"I'm not sure I know many songs. I'm not your Mum from the south."
Don't remind me. "Don't you know the Song of the Seven?" Sansa asked.
"I can try."
The Father's face is stern and strong,
he sits and judges right from wrong.
He weighs our lives, the short and long,
and loves the little children
The Mother gives the gift of life,
and watches over every wife.
Her gentle smile ends all strife,
and she loves her little children
The Warrior stands before the foe,
protecting us where e'er we go.
With sword and shield and spear and bow,
he guards the little children.
The Crone is very wise and old,
and sees our fates as they unfold.
She lifts her lamp of shining gold
to lead the little children.
The Smith, he labors day and night,
to put the world of men to right.
With hammer, plow, and fire bright,
he builds for little children.
The Maiden dances through the sky,
she lives in every lover's sigh.
Her smiles teach the birds to fly,
and gives dreams to little children
The Seven Gods who made us all,
are listening if we should call.
So close your eyes, you shall not fall,
they see you, little children.
Just close your eyes, you shall not fall,
they see you, little children. (C) George RR Martin"
Sansa listened to Lyanna's heart beating and her unsteady breathing. She was crying. Sansa looked up. "Why are you crying?"
"No reason. Don't worry about me. Sleep." Lyanna said laying her head down. Sansa watched her leave.
Jaime
Jaime was tasked with bringing Riverrun to heed. Ha had to exile House Tully and for some strange reason, the Crown deemed it fit to send Ser Illyn with him.
Jaime thought he'd visit this Lyanna Stark with all of the Lannister Host he brought to Riverrun. From a distance, the castle looked good as new now. There were people everywhere.
Sansa
The two broke their fast with bacon burnt black with broth and bread.
Maester Oryan brought Lady Lyanna a scroll from Castle Black.
"What does it say?"
"Maybe you should read it yourself." Maester Oryan replied.
Lyanna broke the seal. She started reading as tears filled her eyes. Just then the door burst open.
"Ser Rankyn!" Lyanna stood. "What is the meaning of this interruption?"
"M'lady! A Lannister host is riding towards Winterfell. They're about a mile away. What shall we do?" Ser Rankyn asked.
"I want every Archer on the walls. If they mean to storm us, we're ready. Who leads the host?" Lyanna asked thinking.
"Jaime Lannister." Ser Rankyn replied.
Sansa looked at Ser Rankyn. How could he be a knight? He was skinny and weak. "Ser Rankyn watch over Alayne Snow here. If she dies I'll have you skinned alive." Lyanna ordered following a much tougher guard out of the room. "Ser Ivan, how many archers have we-"
Sansa turned to Ser Rankin. He wasn't bad looking.
"Alayne Snow," he began.
Great. Just one bastard name to another.
"May I watch? If there's a siege?" Alayne asked.
"Come. I know an excellent place with a view."
Alayne followed Ser Rankin to a tower. It was relatively low and had a perfect view of the gates. The tower was empty but its walls were strong. She saw her aunt standing on the walls with every archer with their arrows aimed at the red cloaks marching nearer. They came to the gates.
"Do you fear me Lady Stark?" The mocking voice of Jaime Lannister asked.
"No. I fear for my people. You may enter but your men remain outside our walls."
"That's not very lady like. What host turns away hungry men?" Ser Jaime Lannister asked.
"The kind who doesn't want to find her people dead. Why are you here?" Lyanna asked from the wall.
"I only wanted to see if the rumors are true. Was there truly a Stark in Winterfell?" Jaime Lannister asked.
More than one. Alayne Snow wanted to say.
"Yes. You have your answer now leave."
"Something else. I thought I'd might speak with you privately." Jaime Lannister said.
"Open the gates." Lyanna said after a moment of hesitation.
"My Lady Stark-"
"Do as I say!" Lyanna yelled. She walked from the wall into the castle. The Red Cloaks remained outside with all Witerfell's arrows pointed at them. Jaime Lannister was immediately flanked by Stark Men.
"Alayne come." Lyanna said passing the entrance to hers and Rankyn's towers.
Alayne sat beside her Lady Aunt across from Ser Jaime Lannister. Her aunt looked angry and tired as if she'd been crying, but Alayne could tell it was not Ser Jaime that brought these tears.
"You wanted to speak with me, Ser Jaime? On behalf of the king or-"
"No. I came on my own terms."
"Why?"
"I already answered that. To see I the rumors are true."
"We'll you know they are true. Now you may leave." Lyanna said standing.
"Who's this?" He turned to Alayne who leaned back in her seat then looked at Lyanna fearfully.
"She's my bastard Alayne Stone. If I catch you gawking at her, I'll have my guards take your cock. A man of the King's Guard is never to marry. He doesn't even need it." Lyanna said. "Now, leave!"
"Why do you want to be rid of me so quickly?"
"Because I have business to attend to and I would have you here when I do it." Lyanna growled.
"What business?"
"North. With the Night's Watch." Lyanna replied.
"What about those thieves and rapists?" Jaime Lannister asked reclining and kicking up his feet.
"Those thieves and rapists are all that stents between the realm and the others. Wights have been raiding Castle Black and Eastwatch By the Sea DAILY!"
Jaime Lannister laughed.
"If you don't believe me then come with me to the wall. Then you can go tell the king to stop being a down right prick and send some men up there."
"Hasn't Stannis Baratheon already done that? Jaime Lannister asked. "Besides. There is no wan in all seven hells will my men to any further north."
"Then send them south and you come with me." She replied.
Alayne didn't understand. Why would her aunt want Jaime Lannister of all people to accompany her north? But can't Ser Jaime just write letters to tell Queen Regent Cersei and the king to send more men? Why does he have to be with her? Why not me?
Alayne closed her eyes that night dreaming. She was running through the Woods and Arya was chasing her with muddy hands but she didn't mind. Arya pounced and the two fell over.
"Arya!" She pushed her sister off and threw a mud pie in her face. The two rolled in the mud.
"You're not mad?" Arya asked.
"No. Why?"
"Cause you're always worry we'll be in trouble for getting dirty."
"We'll things are different now."
"In what way?"
Everyone's dead.
"Nevermind. It doesn't matter. I'll race you to the old broken tower!"
Arya smiled. The two got out of the mud and ran. They ran as fast as they could. They raced through the woods jumping over fallen trees ducking under branches.
"Sansa," a woman's voice called. Sansa stopped and turned around.
The dream was over and Alayne was awake.
"Sansa, you must listen to me quickly. You will be Lady of Winterfell while I am away. Maester Oryan knows who you really are. You have to know who you are right now. You are Alayne Snow and you are Sansa Stark but no one can know, do you understand? Ser Ivan will keep the castle safe. Ser Rankyn will be by your side night and day. I shouldn't be gone more than a month." Lyanna Stark said hurriedly.
"Where are you going?" Alayne asked.
"Castle Black! To visit someone."
"Who?"
"Jon Snow. My son."
Alayne didn't care. She never realized how much she missed her sister, though. She rolled over and wished only to return back to her dream.
When Alayne woke up, the room was empty. The window was open and the breeze soothing. Only now did all she heard from Lyanna fully register. She's north. To see her son. Our half brother. Jon Snow. Why did she leave in the night? What about the Ser Jaime?And the Red Cloaks?
Alayne quickly dressed and went to find Maester Oryon.
"Where's Lady Lyanna?"
"Gone. She'll be back in a month." Maester Oryan said.
Alone again.
"Thank you, Maester Oryan."
Alayne went to the Godswood that afternoon to pray.
Arya
No more Hound. Arya finally made it to Saltpans. Half the shops on the harbor were torched or looted. She sold Craven her little scared horse for a few silver coins then turned to face she ships. Her name would be Salty now I anyone needed to know. Where could she go now? There is no place for the daughter of a traitor in Westeros. She was good as exiled. She looked at her three silver coins. Two Westerosi and one with a face so worn it couldn't see. "Valar Morghulis." She whispered pocketing her coins. She had needle by her side. Where can I go? Braavos. Where Syrio is from. Maybe I can go find Jaqen. No. Jaqen is dead now. He said so himself.
"How much is a passage to Braavos?" She asked the Captain of Titan's Daughter.
"Nine Gold Dragons." The captain said with a Braavosi accent. He's from there.
"How about two silver ones?"
"Nine Gold Dragons."
Arya frowned. The captain was very stubborn. Then she remembered her faceless coin.
What is it?
It is very valuable.
Can I buy a horse with it?
This coin is not for buying horses. If there comes a time when a girl wishes to sail to Braavos she need only give this coin to any man from Braavos and say this:
"Value Morghulis." Arya said. The captain turned and she held up the coin. He took it from her hand.
"Welcome aboard the Titan's Daughter." He said. She began walking on the gangway when she heard someone say:
"There will always be a Stark in Winterfell."
"Do you think she's real?"
Arya looked at the ship set sail for Braavos an then looked at the men.
"Lady Lyanna. Lyanna is dead. If the pretender had any sense she'd pretend to be someone alive." The man sad. Arya ran to them.
"Who's in Winterfell?"
"Fuck off."
Arya looked at the ship for the last time and ran away. There is a Stark in Winterfell.
She knew to go east to the Kingsroad then she could take that north to Winterfell.
Arya stayed parallel to the road. She didn't want to be seen or sent to The Queen or raped by some creepy being.
She never realized how fast one could move without waiting for another. She stole food to survive on the Kingsroad. After nine days she saw the walls of
Winterfell standing tall and strong. There were people going in and out of the gates. It looked like no one ever left this place. It looked like no one ever invaded. Arya walked towards the gates with her hand on Needle.
A north man stood guard and asked for her name.
"Arry. May I speak to Lady Stark?" She asked. "Please I haven't anybody."
"Lady Stark is currently indisposed, but you may speak to her bastard, Alayne Snow." The guard said calling over his squire.
Arya looked a the bastard Alayne Snow. Her hair. Her face. Her eyes. She looked like Arya's mother. Alayna Snow must have noticed something too.
"Maester Oryan, may I speak with Arry alone please?"
"Yes M'lady." The Maester said standing and taking leave.
"Arya!"
"Sansa!"
The two hugged each other. Sansa cried like she always did.
"How did you escape the queen?" Arya asked in a whisper?"
"How did you?"
"Yoren from the Night's Watch took me, but then the City Watch killed him too. And you?"
"Petyr Baelish."
"Littlefinger?"
"Yes. He loved our mother so much he wanted me to be happy so he sent me home." Sansa replied. "Your hair!" Sansa exclaimed. "It's filthy! And it's all gone."
"I had to be a boy, Yoren said. So no one rapes me." Arya explained.
"I'm so glad you're alright!" Sansa was still crying.
"So who's the Lady of Winterfell that sent out all the ravens?"
"Lady Lyanna. Our aunt thy was kidnapped by Rhaegar Targaryen."
"She's alive?"
"She disappeared because she loved Rhaegar. She let him have her knowing he was betrothed to Robert Baratheon. When the war started, she felt terrible for the shame she brought on our family and ran away after leaving her son with our father. Who brought him home an called him Jon-"
"Snow!" Arya finished. "I guess you were right all along." Arya sighed.
"About what?"
"Jon isn't our brother."
"Don't be sad. We might see him again. You never know. Aunt Lyanna left nine days ago. She said she'd be gone for a month no more. Oh I know you'll love her! She's so wryly. Once someone insulted her at a feast and she poured her wine on his head."
"Who was that someone?"
"Uncle Benjen!"
Arya laughed. Neither sisters realized how much they missed each other.
