A/N: Big thanks to everyone who reviewed!

Dawn was a beautiful haze of gold and blue. Ned woke slowly in a large bed, all the muscles in his neck and shoulders aching horribly as he sluggishly sat up. It took him a few moments to emerge from the blurry fog of his dreams into the waking world, the half-forgotten images fading fast from his mind. Slowly he removed himself from the bed and walked out onto the balcony, enjoying the cool morning breeze on his bare chest. He looked down at the servants going about their tasks, smiling and chatting to each other like happy sparrows. Though sand and snow separate my two homes, at least this much is the same…

Soft hands slid around his waist and Ashara Dayne put her head to rest on Ned's shoulder. The air around him was filled with her heavenly scent, and as he breathed it in Ned felt his whole body relax. After a long moment she leant forward and kissed him lightly on the cheek. "You're up early," her voice was still husky with sleep. "I would have thought you dead to the world for a few more hours at least."

"Why would I stay asleep?" he mused, a wry grin on his lips. "When I have the most beautiful woman in the world to wake up to?"

There came a soft laugh and she squeezed him tighter. "You've the soul of a bard, Ned. Has my land rubbed off on you already?"

"I can't say I've met too many Dornishmen speaking in lyric," he turned his head around and kissed her softly. Ashara nipped at his bottom lip and he couldn't help but laugh. "Perhaps it is I who has rubbed off on you."

They later descended into the gardens to break their fast on fruits and honey, and it occurred to Ned that the inhabitants of the castle seemed far more comfortable in his presence now. Ashara was undoubtedly the most beloved member of the family and she had apparently announced her qualified approval of him and the household followed her lead. Ned had even heard several of the servants whispering lightly to each other about how nice it was to see their lady settled. Watching her eat in content silence, Ned could tell that she was well and truly within her place in the world. Every moment he had with her felt like a gift,

Ashara caught him staring and gave a teasing laugh. "Oh Ned, there's no hope for you, is there?' A smile danced across her face. "You know, when I first told my brother about us he was worried that you would try to cage me."

"Cage you?"

"I suppose he feared that you might treat me badly," She explained carefully, her tone slow and considerate. "I've grown up with the liberties most women enjoy in Dorne, but by marrying a Northerner it was always possible that I'd be forced into a role of submission."

Ned was silent for a moment, struggling with what to say. "I hope he still doesn't feel that way."

"Oh nothing to worry about on that score," Ashara's purple eyes gleamed in the morning light. "I set him to rights immediately, and nearly tore his head off for suggesting such a thing about you. No," she sat back in her seat and eyed him off, looking incredibly pleased with herself. "I think he's actually quite impressed with you right now."

"I'm glad to have at least one of your brothers in my corner," Ned said lightly. "I suppose the next challenge will be trying to win over Ser Arthur."

Ashara snorted in derision. "Trust me, you've already won your greatest battle when it comes to my family." She pushed out a tired breath. "Ulrick was always the more difficult one of the two. Arthur was raised to believe in the chivalric way of life, Ulrick on the other hand was ever my father's student. Physically he might not be able to kill a room full of men like Arthur, but he'd just as easily talk them into killing each other."

Ned saw the faint signs of bitterness on his love's face, and wondered if he should tell her about Ulrick's offer and the deal they had forged. No, he told himself, dismissing the idea quickly. She has only just arrived and I have not seen her in so long. We deserve some happiness for a time…

"I'll admit that I find your brother a hard man to read," Ned agreed, "But it's plain to me that he does care for you, despite whatever differences you might have."

Her purple eyes closed and she nodded tiredly. "I know that," she replied softly. "And I care for him too. I just don't like the sort of man he can be, not after spending so many years at King's Landing and being surrounded with schemers." Her eyes fluttered open after a moment and settled pleasantly on Ned. "But enough of this, I want to show you something once you've done eating."

Ned lifted a brow. "Oh? Is it a surprise?"

"Of a kind," she said. "But if I show it to you, you must be kind to Mors."

"Who's Mors?" Ned asked, suddenly feeling jealous at the thought that he would not be having Ashara to himself.

"Just wait and see," Ashara replied, her tone neutral and an ambiguous smile on her face. She poured herself a glass of juice and nursed the drink for a while after finishing her meal, her eyes never leaving Ned as he went about devouring the remainder of his breakfast. Even when he was done, Ashara did not make to get up until after several minutes, seemingly enjoying how impatient Ned was becoming.

When they finally did finish their meal in the gardens Ashara led them out towards the tower Palestone Sword, stopping briefly to speak with one of the servants before sending the man off in a hurry. To Ned's surprise they walked out the back of the keep through the gate that led to the Torrentine, where the servant and a small row boat were waiting for them at the water's edge. Ned looked at Ashara with an unspoken question, but was only met with another ambiguous smile as she led him by hand over into the small vessel. Ashara climbed into the boat and settled herself between Ned's outstretched legs.

"There's a small island just a little further down," Ashara explained, pointing vaguely. "That is our destination, if you don't mind."

Ned laughed a little, but otherwise took the oars in hand without complaint and began the task of rowing them out into the Torrentine. By the time they had come upon the small island which Ashara spoke, the sweat was pouring down Ned's face and chest.

The Island itself was not especially large; really more of a long stretch of dirt surrounded by a collection of mangroves and foreign looking trees, but there was clear evidence of previous habitation. They beached, and Ashara practically skipped up towards the trees as Ned slowly followed, rubbing life back into his arms and shoulders. Together they followed a well-worn track in the ground through the thick mass of vegetation until they come to what felt like the heart of the island, a large tree that would not have looked out of place in the Godswood at Winterfell.

"You see this, Ned?" Ashara asked in a huffing breath, patting the trunk. "My brothers and I, we used to come here as children and play. Look here," she drew him close and ran her fingers over a series of patterns carved into the wood. Ned found them vaguely familiar. "We never knew who cut these, or what they mean," she explained, "but we used to think the Children of the Forest lived here, long ago."

Ned couldn't help but grin. "I think you'd get on well with Old Nan."

Ashara eyes flashed in amusement before she cast her gaze up into the tree. She gave a peculiar whistle, waited a few moments, and whistled again. Above them something stirred itself from the branches and down came one of most brightly coloured birds Ned had ever seen. Ashara beamed as the surprisingly large bird landed on the branch closest to them where it perched majestically and proceeded to preen itself. Getting a better look, Ned thought it to be some kind of eagle.

"This is Mors," Ashara explained. "Arthur and I found him as a chick, almost ten years ago during one of our explorations. His mother was gone and his nest had fallen from the tree, so we took him back to the castle with us, kept him warm and fed him until he was big enough to fly. He lives here now, eating fish from the river and what mice live among the growth. I've made sure that the servants come by to bring him food and check on him when I am not in the castle."

Without the slightest care, Ashara fished out a small piece of meat she had kept in her kerchief and held it out to the large bird. The creature watched her with a sort of animalistic nobility and took the piece from her hand, tossing back its head a swallowing it whole. To Ned's astonishment, Ashara reached out and began to stroke the feathers of its head and down its neck, at the same time cooing to the bird with the softest voice.

"Why name him Mors?" Ned asked after a moment. "It seems an odd name for a bird of all creatures."

Ashara shrugged. "It was Ulrick who named him; he was always fond of history. Besides, Mors is a common enough name here in Dorne." She smiled, continuing to pet the creature. "I would hope that someday our children could come here and play as I did with my siblings."

Ned remembered his own time as a boy, playing with wooden swords in the Godswood with Benjen and Lyanna. It broke his heart to think that his own children would never know that same experience, but he took comfort in the thought that perhaps it would not be so different in his new Dornish home. Mayhaps the wolves can thrive in this foreign land.

It was well past midday when they returned to Starfall, Ned's hands and shoulders sore from rowing and the beginnings of sunburn forming, but he was rewarded from time to time with a smile from Ashara as she watched him work. When they finally beached she kissed him with a sudden ferocity that almost toppled him. Afterwards, as they entered the castle hand-in-hand, it occurred to him that he had never felt so deliriously happy.

At nightfall they all supped together in Ulrick's chambers, enjoying a feast of which they hadn't known for quite a while. Robert even managed to join them, his dark beard neatly trimmed and dressed in some of the finest pieces of clothing Ned had ever seen on him. Indeed, it was also the most sober he had seen Robert in months and silently he felt immensely proud of his friend for making the effort.

"You're looking rather well, Robert." Ashara noted, giving him a polite smile. "Dorne must agree with you."

The Baratheon gave a booming laugh. "My lady, I think Dorne agrees with everyone." He nudged Ned hard in the sides. "I've never seen Ned smile so much. It's only been a few days, and barely a grimace!"

"It's been good to see love return within these walls," Ulrick said, suddenly stirring himself from his place at the head of the table. "House Dayne could use some more happiness."

Robert gave a bemused smile at that. "Why have you not yet taken a wife, Lord Dayne?" he scratched at his beard thoughtfully. "Surely there isn't a shortage of beautiful girls around."

"I was betrothed once," Ulrick said, so softly. "She died."

Ned could feel the unease settling in the chamber, the quiet growing larger and strangling the mood as Robert stumbled for words. He tried to desperately think of something he could say that would break the tension, but Ashara was already a step ahead. "Have you given any thought about possible matches for Allyria?"

The Lord of Starfall looked at his sister for a long moment before giving a slow nod. "Aye, I've made a few enquiries." He took a sip of water before speaking again. "If I follow our father's wishes, then a match might be made between her and Prince Doran's son."

"But Quentyn is barely two years old," Ashara said, aghast. "Allyria will be a woman grown by the time they are wed, how can you expect her to find love in such a match?"

"I don't," he replied bluntly. "But that is why I have not made any serious enquiries. Father wanted a marriage between us and the Martells, but father is dead." He shrugged, as if it were only a passing matter. "Honestly I've half a mind to follow your example and seek a marriage for her outside of Dorne, perhaps to one of the Marcher Lords."

Robert returned to life at the mention of his bannermen. "Which ones did you have in mind?"

"Lord Dondarrion seemed the most receptive, and his heir is of an age with Allyria."

"Manfred is a good man," Robert agreed with a startling enthusiasm. "The man knows how to joust, let me tell you. Broke three lances against him, but he wouldn't go down! Gods it was a good day!"

Ulrick gave a thin smile. "I am glad that you can speak for the man's character," he began to slowly cut into the honeyed lamb on his plate. "Do you think Lord Dondarrion would be willing to travel to Dorne?" he took a small bite, swallowed, "I think we should invite him to the wedding, so that I might get a better sense of the man."

Ashara frowned in confusion and Ned felt much the same, but Robert, oblivious as ever, spoke enthusiastically before the others had time to think. "I'm sure he'll come, hell, I'll even ask him to come myself!" he grinned at the others. "I could have most of the Marcher Lords come if you wanted."

"The more the merrier," Ulrick said, an unreadable expression on his face. "We might make a real event of it, and show the rest of the realm that Dorne is ready to become more involved." He looked pointedly at his sister. "Princess Elia might even be able to attend, don't you think sister? You are so close, after all."

Ned wasn't sure what was going on exactly, but it was clear that the two Dayne siblings were playing some sort of game with each other. The look Ashara gave her brother was icy, yet her voice remained neutral. "It is your castle, brother. If you wish to spend the extra coin and make the wedding more lavish than it needs to be, then that is your business."

There was a moment of unreadable tension between the siblings, but after a time it gave way to a more peaceful atmosphere and Robert took over conversation, talking of how he found the Dornish horses compared to the ones he and Ned had rode back in the Vale, and of the spiciness of the food. Ned himself fell into a relaxed mood, keeping up the banter with his old friend, entertaining his guests with tales of their time with Jon Arryn. Ashara seemed to forget whatever hostility she felt and sat with her eyes glued to Ned and Robert, occasionally throwing in a bawdy comment or two making them laugh in turn. Somehow the night was salvaged, and when their feast was finished they were all red faced with laughter.

Eventually the hour grew late and Ashara begged off to bed, leaving Ned with a soft kiss on the corner of his mouth before retreating to her rooms. Robert stayed up a little longer, starting to enjoy the wine, but after a time he too reached a limit and went off in search of a servant girl to lay with, leaving Ned at the mercy of Ulrick.

"I think you upset Ashara tonight," Ned told him, feeling immensely uncomfortable. "You should have spoken to her before you decided on all of these new arrangements."

Ulrick turned his purple eyes on Ned. "I understand your concerns for Ashara," he said quietly. "But I am playing a far greater game than you or her. With your friend Robert inviting half the lords of the Stormlands and Ashara's connection to Princess Elia, I just might be able to gain more allies in this contest being played by the Vulture King. Besides," Ulrick's gaze narrowed. "It will give you some needed practice to help you intermingle with the upper echelon of the Dornish court. Certainly one of the Martell brothers would be inclined to come to such a lavish event, especially if Elia deigned to make an appearance."

"But this is a wedding," Ned insisted. "I'm going to take Ashara as my bride and pledge my love to her in the sight of Gods and men."

"Some of those men will be important people," Ulrick said, his voice firm. "Think of it as a test. You shall be marrying the daughter of one of the most powerful houses in all of Dorne, and what better way to prove to your worth as her husband. All I ask is that you get to know the lords and ladies that attend and impress them if you can; endear yourself to them. Show all of Dorne that the second son of some Northern Lord is worthy of Ashara Dayne."

The words struck deeply and cut right to the heart of Ned's insecurities. He nodded heavily at the Lord of Starfall, feeling incredibly uneasy. "It might be as you say, but I will have to speak to Ashara about all of this," he rubbed at his eyes in exhaustion. "I've kept this a secret for far too long."

"You will not speak to her before I do," Ulrick warned him. "When you are married, then I shall sit her down and tell her of what I have recruited you for and the threat all of Dorne faces, but not a moment sooner." His eyes were two chips of purple ice. "You will not speak of this before then, is that clear, Eddard?"

Ned clenched his teeth and struggled to contain himself. There were so many things he wanted to say, but there was clearly no use in arguing the point further and he knew all too well that his entire life in Starfall existed entirely on Ulrick's forbearance. He gave a reluctant nod, but otherwise remained silent.

"Put all of this out of your mind for a while," Ulrick said, visibly relaxing in his seat. "My sister has returned and I am sure that you've missed her a great deal. Enjoy having your love so close," his mouth tugged at the corners. "Not everyone is as lucky as you."

The Stark exhaled slowly and made to stand. "Will that be all, my lord?"

"I was going to ask you about possibly sending a raven to Jon Arryn," said Ulrick. "I want to speak with the man face to face so that I might-" he broke off when a knock came at the door, followed by the Maester letting himself and shuffling over to Ulrick's side.

"We've just had a raven from Sunspear," the old man told him. "I thought it prudent that you see it immediately, my lord."

Ulrick frowned at the letter, and Ned could see the orange wax on the seal. "Thank you, Maester Henryk. That will be all."

The Lord of Starfall broke the seal and silently read the letter, his purple eyes narrowing as they flicked down the parchment and his jaw clenched so hard that Ned thought his teeth might break. After a long moment he put the letter down, slightly crunched in his hand, and let out a deep breath. His eyes fell on Ned. "I fear that any relaxation will have to be put on hold."

"What is it?" Ned asked.

"Word from Sunspear," Ulrick's face twisted into something ugly. "The Princess of Dorne is dead, and an attempt has been made on Prince Doran's life."