Notes: Thank you all for everything, as always!
"I will miss you Cat," Edmure Tully was telling his sister Catelyn. "I have enjoyed the months we have been able to spend together."
"As have I," Catelyn agreed. She only wished that Lysa could have been with them, and that they might all have sat beside their father in Riverrun one last time. Though her thoughts of Lysa were still bitter since their parting in the Eyrie and their uncle Brynden had written that their father, Lord Hoster Tully, was growing weaker day by day.
"I will give father a kiss from you and the children."
"Thank you," she said.
Smiling, he pulled her into a tight embrace. When they let go of one another, he turned to Ned and the children, bidding each of them farewell. Afterward, Catelyn watched as her brother mounted his horse and joined the stream of horses and wagons which were returning to the Riverlands.
Her heart sank a little as she watched her brother leave, as it always did whenever she was parted from the ones she loved. She hoped that he might marry soon, and that he might truly find happiness with whomever he wed. She prayed that he might have children to love and raise as the heirs of Riverrun.
When Edmure was beyond sight, they walked toward the Tower of the Hand. As they entered the inner bailey, she spied the young Queen walking with Ashara Dayne and Ellaria Sand, behind them walked five of Prince Oberyn's bastard daughters, along with Alysanne and Lucas. Jon and Arthur, along with Oberyn's daughter Tyene were away at the estate which the King had granted to Jon.
Catelyn and Ned still needed to have a long conversation about Jon, and many other things, but they needed to wait until they were far from King's Landing. Her eyes fell upon the youngest of Ned's bastards, the boy who was half a year older than Bran. Until the first time she had seen the young bastard, she had never seen the traces of Ned in Bran's face. Looking at young Lucas, she couldn't help but see the similarities in her mind's eye, the shape of the jaw, eyes, and nose, the crook of their lips. It cut like a knife to see the boy running around when her own son would never walk again.
"May we join the Queen," Sansa asked, interrupting Catelyn's thoughts.
"You may approach her grace, but she must be the one to ask for your company sweetling."
Arya spoke up beside her. "Arianne likes us."
"Queen Arianne," Sansa corrected.
"Queen Arianne," Arya repeated, irritated with her sister's correction.
Catelyn smiled. "I know that she is fond of both of you, and I am glad that you are both fond of her. She has offered positions for both of you as ladies in waiting when you are older. For now, you may approach her grace to see if she would like your company."
"Thank you mother," the girls said together, bobbing their heads respectfully. They walked across the courtyard together, Sansa with her measured steps and Arya with her hurried ones. They curtseyed to the Queen together, and a few moments later joined their half-sister and half-brother as they walked. They disappeared into the library tower shortly thereafter.
Catelyn was glad that her girls both loved this queen. While Sansa had adored Queen Cersei, Arya had loathed everything about the woman, as Catelyn now did. Though Catelyn had her doubts regarding Arianne, she could not deny that the young woman was kind and charming. Perhaps a few years for each of them serving as ladies to the Queen, would do her daughters good.
Robb excused himself so that he might tend to the direwolves, leaving Catelyn and Ned alone in the inner bailey.
"I should go to him," she said.
They had been discussing this plan for many days, in hushed whispers so that their schemes might not reach unwanted ears. "Are you certain that this is wise?"
With a rueful laugh she replied, "Not entirely, but we have little choice. We are leaving soon, and he is not. If what we suspect is true, than certainly he shall be able to discern the truth of the matter."
"Not to our benefit," Ned replied, still leery of their plans.
"If what we suspect is true, then the downfall of our enemy, though by another's hand, is to our benefit."
With a sigh, he kissed her brow. "Shall I go with you?"
"No, too many eyes may follow if you come. If any question why I am going, it is a simple matter to say I am offering my condolences for his losses and apologizing for any wrongs done to him by myself and my family."
He nodded in agreement, parting with her in the courtyard. From there, she walked across the castle to the towers where prisoners were held. She climbed the many steps to the tower cells. Their time in King's Landing was growing short, and still so many unanswered questions lingered in her mind. When she and Ned had discussed the matter, they knew of only one person who might seek and find the truth they desired.
The guards allowed her to pass through the tower with barely an inquiry, they knew who she was and that she would not contribute to the prisoner's escape. At the top of the tower, the guards unlocked the door to the cell and allowed her inside.
She found Tyrion Lannister, the Lord of Casterly Rock, seated at a desk, reading a lengthy tome. He looked up, his expression changing from annoyance to surprise rather swiftly. "Lady Stark, to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?"
She seated herself near him, a brow raised. She sincerely doubted that he found it a pleasure to meet with her. "I have questions which I have been pondering and am seeking answers."
"I doubt that I have many answers Lady Stark." He looked around the room, and gestured at the walls of his sparse cell. "I have oft been a prisoner of late, and it seems that I am not like to leave this cell for quite some time. News is hard to come by in such a state."
"I am certain that you will find a way."
He grinned, mischievous. "I shall endeavour to try. Now, what bothers you?"
She considered him thoughtfully, remembering him as he was when last they saw one another in the Eyrie. He had been a prisoner newly freed then, and was now a prisoner again. "When I took you hostage it was due to the words of Lord Baelish."
"The knife which had been sent to slay your son," he said, a chill in his voice.
"I trusted him then, believed his words."
He finished her thought. "And now you do not."
"No," she agreed irritably. "I no longer trust any word which comes from his mouth. The more I think upon all that Ned and I have learned, I cannot help but think that he has some sinister plan in mind. It appears that he was working toward your death. Beyond that..."
He smirked. "I have thought the same for some time, though I had not thought lay all of the blame on Littlefinger. What do you know?"
She told him everything. For many long minutes, she told Tyrion Lannister all she knew, starting with Lysa's secret letter, and ending with all she and Ned had gleaned in King's Landing. He listened intently, drinking in every word. When she was finished, he considered her carefully.
"Plots within plots. I can see why you and your Lord Husband thought that myself and my siblings were to blame for the death of Jon Arryn and the attempts on your son's life."
"Your brother did attempt to murder my son," she reminded him coldly.
"Indeed," Tyrion agreed. "Though he wouldn't have been the one to hire a knife for young Brandon's throat. Neither would my sister, as Jaime is her hired knife. Nor would I have cause or thought to kill your son. Truly, I am sorry that he will never walk again. I understand what it is like to be considered less than whole. I cannot answer who sent the knife, but I can seek out answers to your other concerns."
She raised a brow. "My concern is the downfall of a man who I once called friend."
His smile was positively wicked. "I will see what I can learn. I do wonder why you have given me, a prisoner who has no loyalty to you, all these delightful bits of information?"
With a wry smile, she answered him. "Think of it as an apology."
"I scarce believe that answer, Lady Stark."
"I have seen how your mind works, Lord Lannister. We share a common enemy, and while I must soon return home, you will remain here. How many days and hours will you spend thinking about the ways Petyr Baelish has attempted to bring you and your House to ruin I wonder? Some day, I believe that you will find a way to bring him to ruin, freeing yourself from this tower cell."
"And I shall be indebted to House Stark for the knowledge you have given me?"
She stood, a sly smile on her lips. "I am hoping for peace between us, my lord. Some day the King will likely free you, sooner if you can prove duplicity by Petyr. You will then be restored to your lawful seat as Lord of Casterly Rock. If you wed and have heirs, they will follow after you as Lords of the Rock. I would see peace between our Houses, for my children and their futures."
He stood as well, considering her for several long moments before holding out a short, stunted hand out to her, which she accepted. "We can have peace, Lady Stark."
Shortly after Ashara Dayne's sons returned from Severin Hall, their family gathered for a dinner in the Queen's Ballroom. Ostensibly, the dinner was hosted by the Queen, though in truth it was Tyene and Jon who were the hosts of the dinner. The King was not there, which was a relief as they could be less formal. Ned's children with Lady Catelyn were there, though Ned was not. Together, they were a rather small assembly for such a large hall. Still, it was Arianne's pleasure to host them in such a grand room.
When they were nearly done with the meal, filled with duck, lamb, olives, peppers, and stuffed grape leaves, Jon spoke up. "Tyene and I have an announcement to make." He looked to his wife, grinning, and Ashara realized what they were going to say.
"I am with child," Tyene finished, smiling radiantly.
There were cheers and congratulations, all around the table, followed by hugs and kisses. As they settled again, Ashara caught Oberyn's eye, an unspoken question in her own. Could Elia and her children at last rest? Was all vengeance now complete for House Martell? A Martell on the throne, and a bastard Martell wed to the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark, now expecting their first child. Oberyn's smile was gentle, genuine. They would be grandparents now, a strange notion.
They chatted late into the evening, laughing and celebrating together. Ashara would miss days like this, times spent with all of the children. Would she ever have such times again? She would need to keep busy, lest the sorrow of being parted from the children break her. At least she would be able to go to Severin Hall during Jon's time in the North, helping her son and good-daughter ensure that their lands and estate were well cared for and that their staff were performing their duties.
Several days later, Ashara made her way to the sept to say her regular prayers. There were a few others inside, kneeling before the statues of the Seven. Tyene was there, praying to the Mother. Before the Crone was a red-haired woman whom Ashara had taken to avoiding, Lady Catelyn Stark. Their last interaction had been at the wedding of the King and Queen, and it had been less than pleasant.
She stood, frozen in place. She could leave the sept and return later. She could go forward, saying her prayers to each of the Seven in turn as she had planned. Lady Stark was standing before Ashara could move. Catelyn didn't notice her at first, but when her eyes found Ashara, she stiffened. With a neutral expression, the woman approached Ashara. Behind her, Tyene stood, her blue eyes observing with interest, no doubt the girl would whisper all that she saw to her sisters and cousin.
Ashara forced a slight smile, inclining her head respectfully when Catelyn Stark was near. "Lady Stark."
The other woman matched her gesture. "Lady Ashara." She stopped, clearly contemplating something. "May we speak? Though, I suppose you desire to pray?"
Curious, what could she do but agree? "I can postpone my prayers, the gods are ever with us."
With a nod of her head, Catelyn walked toward the exit of the sept, Ashara followed closely behind. They walked side by side from the sept, toward the gardens of the Red Keep. "As you know, we will be leaving very soon," Catelyn said.
"I am ever aware of that."
"I wanted you to know that your children will be well treated while they are under the care of myself and my husband."
"You seemed to imply as much when last we spoke," Ashara replied, her tone neutral.
Catelyn's lips twisted into a grim expression. "As I recall, that was not the most pleasant of discussions."
Ashara couldn't hold back the laugh which escaped her lips. "No, it was not."
"You treated my daughters with kindness when they were in Dorne, welcoming them as though they were your own, giving them gifts and gowns."
"Most of the gowns and gifts came from the Martells," she countered.
"Even so, your children will be shown no less kindness."
"Thank you Lady Stark." She turned to the side as she spoke, and noticed Tyene following at a respectable distance. Ashara laughed, causing Catelyn to look in the same direction.
"That girl is one of Prince Oberyn's daughters isn't she?"
"Yes, Tyene, the third of his daughters and Jon's wife."
"Ahh," Catelyn replied. "That explains her not so subtle interest in our conversation."
"At least she is trustworthy, unlike the other ears and eyes who are certainly hearing and watching us. She will also be traveling to Winterfell with you."
"And due to birth a child there I have heard."
"My first grandchild, and Prince Oberyn's first grandchild." Lady Stark frowned. "You dislike my children having children of their own?"
"No," she replied quickly. "I no longer fear your children trying to usurp mine own. I was merely thinking of what I know regarding you and Oberyn Martell."
Ashara looked away, clenching her jaw. "The Prince and I have a complicated history," she replied quietly.
Lady Stark considered her circumspectly, but said nothing further on the matter. "Tyene looks very different from her sisters."
"They are all different in their own ways, each taking after their mothers in some respects and their father in others. Nymeria had a distinctly Volantene look to her. Sarella's mother is from the Summer Isles, and she looks little different from a Summer Islander. Tyene's mother is a septa-"
Catelyn inhaled sharply. "A septa?"
"She was sent to the Faith as a girl, she was one too many mouths to feed even though she is of noble birth, from the Riverlands originally."
She seemed both bothered and intrigued by the conversation. "Of what house?"
"House Blanetree, her name is Arwyn."
Wide-eyed, Catelyn looked back at the girl who was acting as though she wasn't following, then to Ashara again. "I knew her mother, when we were just girls. She was the tenth child in the family, her sister Sylwa was sent to the Faith as well."
"You disapprove of her having borne a bastard after having been forced into the Faith as a child?"
She looked at Ashara coldly. "We all have our duties, whether we like them or not."
Ashara rolled her eyes, laughing. "Weren't you ever young and foolish? Share a few kisses with a young man in your youth?" A flush of pink spread across Catelyn's cheeks. "Ah, so you were a spirited girl. I've little doubt that you kissed Brandon. He was ever a charming young man."
"Brandon was charming," Catelyn said shortly. "He had an easy smile, and a quick wit- until the day he was murdered by an evil man."
"To the sorrow of all," Ashara agreed, sorry that she had brought up Ned's brother.
"As for your rather prodding inquiry, Brandon and I did share kisses- we were pledged to marry. A kiss is not an offense against the gods."
She laughed suddenly. "Murder is an offense against the gods, lying is an offense against the gods, sex is a gift from the gods."
"Which is meant for marriage."
"It is, but the gods forgive the indiscretions of their faithful, do they not? Bastards may be born of lust, but they are still children and all children are gifts from the gods."
Catelyn was quiet for some time, looking at her with narrowed eyes. "All children are gifts," she replied eventually. "Though the lives of children are made easier or harder by the choices of their parents."
Ashara managed a brittle smile, attempting to ignore the barb. "Of course they are. I am certainly pleased that you have promised to show kindness to your husband's bastards when they are in your care."
"As you say, Lady Ashara," she replied, ice in her tone. "I must be going now, I thank you for your time."
"Of course." She bowed politely, attempting to hide the smirk on her lips. Ashara watched as Catelyn turned and walked from her. A moment later, she pushed thoughts of their conversation out of her mind and walked to her son's wife, deciding that she needed to have a talk with the young woman about keeping her nose out of places where it did not belong.
After weeks of waiting for word from the fleet at Dragonstone, Lord Eddard Stark received permission from the King to return to Winterfell. He had been in King's Landing for a little over a year, and had longed to return home the whole time. He would be one of the last lords to depart the city. The crowds of lords, ladies, knights, and courtiers had thinned considerably since the wedding of the King and Queen.
He had faith that Renly Baratheon would be a good king if he listened to his councilors. Thus far, Robert's youngest brother was doing well in his position. He prayed that the gods would give the young King and Queen wisdom so that they would rule well. He prayed that the gods would forgive them for the wrong they did to Lord Stannis Baratheon.
Ned's household, and remaining retainers, were a day away from departing for the North when the raven finally arrived from Dragonstone. Ned stood in the Small Council chamber one final time to bear witness to the letter's contents, though rumor had swiftly spread throughout the castle regarding the fate of the mission.
Months of blockade and siege had prevented Lord Stannis Baratheon from gathering allies, and had dwindled the food supplies within Dragonstone. Those who had attempted to join Lord Stannis had been slain at sea or shortly after making landfall on the island. When the King's new forces under the command of Ser Garlan Tyrell arrived, they knew that the people within the fortress would be weak, desperate for food.
Breaking through the gates promised to be a bloody endeavour, so they had shouted promises of amnesty to whomever would open the gates to them. Some of Stannis's men turned against him, opening the gate. But Renly's men had been fools, rushing inside instead of waiting for Stannis's forces to come out. Fifty of Renly's men died from boiling oil and arrows as they entered Dragonstone. The men who had raised the portcullis had been the first to die.
Still, with the way open, the King's men flooded into the courtyard, weapons at the ready. A bloodbath had ensued. Two hundred more of the King's men had died in that courtyard, shot down by bow and cross-bow. As the army progressed, more died by mace, spear, axe, and sword, though Stannis's men died in greater numbers once higher ground had been achieved.
In the end, a thousand men, enemy and ally alike lay dead throughout the fortress. Lord Stannis Baratheon had fought well, and hard, dying with a blade in his hand. His wife, Lady Selyse of House Florent, was still alive. She was held as a hostage, along with several others. Her fate, and that of the other hostages would await the King's pleasure.
The last bit of news in the missive from Ser Garlan Tyrell was that Lady Shireen Baratheon had also died. There had been a struggle while trying to take her in hand, and she had fallen from one of the battlements, her body lost at sea, to the sorrow of all.
King Renly Baratheon had been quiet and solemn at the word of the deaths of his brother and niece. Though the king had seemed confident of his choices to send the fleet to Dragonstone, knowing the fate of his family seemed to weigh heavily on the young man's mind. Afterward, Renly gave instructions for the treatment of the prisoners, established a castellan of Dragonstone, and gave orders for the fleet to return home once all was finished.
Ned did not speak much for the rest of that day, other than to send word to Alysanne that her betrothed was alive and well. After ensuring that his household was prepared for their departure the following day, he sought the peace and solace of the godswood. He prayed for hours, asking that the gods forgive him for the wrong he had done to Lord Stannis and his daughter. He prayed for safety during the long journey to Winterfell and for his family to be at peace with one another.
He returned to Catelyn late that night, still solemn when he lay beside her. He threaded his fingers through her long auburn locks, distracted from the cares of life by the simplicity of her hair. Her hair which glowed like flame in the candlelight.
"Are you at peace my love?"
Her gentle words brought him to the present. "My time in the godswood helped me bear the news. I knew that this day was inevitable when I chose to place Renly upon the throne, yet I cannot help but feel that this was a deed ill done on my part."
"They say that Stannis died fighting, is that not a better death than execution?"
He made a wordless grunt of agreement. "For most men, though he was seldom a man of war."
"You made choices to protect our family," she reasoned quietly. "After the King was chosen, the ends were no longer in your hands. Renly gave his brother many chances to lay down arms, all of which he spurned."
"I know," was his quiet reply.
"Lady Shireen's death disquiets you doesn't it?"
"She was Arya's age." She shivered at his words, so he wrapped his arms around her. "I thank the gods that you and our children are safe."
She clasped his hands and held them tight. "Do you believe that she was murdered like the Targaryen children?"
"No, the Tyrells had wanted her alive. They would have made certain that everyone knew to spare her. I do not believe that her harm was intended, but war is a brutal thing."
"It is," she whispered in reply. They held one another in quiet for several long minutes before she spoke again. "You did what you had to do my love."
He pressed a wordless kiss to the back of her head. He knew that the deaths of Stannis and Shireen Baratheon also bothered her deeply, but her words of encouragement helped to assuage his guilt. He knew not what would have become of himself or his children had he chosen Stannis over Renly. He had to live with the consequences of his choices, including the guilt he felt at the death of an innocent.
He held her close that night, glad to have her beside him. He was ever grateful that they were mending their relationship; she made the darkness of life bearable. He longed for the days when they could be home again, working toward the future together.
At first light, they broke their fasts and gathered in the outer yard. The grooms and attendants had gathered their horses and wagons well before the sun had risen, loading them with the provisions they would need for the journey north.
Most farewells had been said over the preceding days and weeks, but a small party still came forward to see them off. Queen Arianne Martell walked arm in arm with her cousin Tyene, while Prince Oberyn Martell, his paramour Ellaria, and the rest of his children followed after them. Ned's children with Ashara Dayne came quickly behind them, with Ashara, Lord Edric Dayne, Lady Allyria Dayne, and Lord Beric Dondarrion.
The trunks holding the belongings of Ashara's children and the attendants who would accompany them were already with the wagons which were going to Winterfell. New clothing had been made and packed for all of the children, warm vestments for the cooler weather. Now that autumn had arrived, the weather would only grow colder.
One by one, Alysanne, Jon, Arthur, Lucas, and Tyene kissed their family and friends farewell, joining the column which was preparing to leave. They would all ride from the city, though there was a carriage for the women and children to ride in when needed. When all were mounted, save Ned, he looked around the yard one final time. So much had changed since his arrival a year before, so many lives had been changed for good and ill. His eyes fell upon Ashara. She was watching her children, holding back tears. He walked to her, to say a final farewell.
The eyes of everyone in the yard seemed to be watching them as Ned approached her. They walked a few paces away from everyone so that they might not be overheard. "The days will pass swiftly," he told her gently.
She forced a tremulous smile. "I know Ned."
"I will ensure that they write to you often, and when Jon's child is born, I assure you that you will be told."
She laughed at that, shaking her head. "It seems like just yesterday that he was a babe in arms. Tyene as well, I remember the day Oberyn laid her beside Arianne in her infant bed. Now those babes are married, and having babes of their own."
"That is the nature of life." He looked at her, seeing in the early morning light the delicate lines around her eyes, the threads of silver in her black hair. "I thank you for all that you have done."
She smiled wryly. "I am simply a mother who tried to raise her children well. Now it is your turn to teach them what you can."
"I will do my best. Fare well, Ashara."
The unshed tears were in her eyes again. "Fare well, Ned." He turned to walk away when she spoke again, halting his steps. "I will miss you."
He looked at her again, a faint, sad smile on his lips, and inclined his head to her. He walked away, mounting his horse. Ned Stark didn't look back as they passed through the portcullis, then through the city. They left King's Landing by the Gate of the Gods, riding north along the Kingsroad. North, to Winterfell.
More Notes:
So, at this point I need to tell you what's going on in my real life and in regards to this story.
I'm starting graduate school on Monday! Due to that, I have absolutely no idea what my free time will look like as of right now.
I fully intend to finish the tale; there are only 4 chapters left for me to write. In total, this story will have 31 chapters (chapter 31 is finished, but the four in between aren't).
Now I know that seems really short since there are some definite story threads left open, and you will see a couple more before the end. The goal is to write a sequel which will be paced much faster and cover a longer span of time. I have a decent amount of the plot points written down but am still focusing on finishing this part of the story first. There is also a prequel which I am writing which will be canon-ish based on Ashara's life from childhood until the start of the Rebellion. I will give some details about the sequel once you have read chapter 31! :)
So that's what's going on. I wish that I could give a firm answer on how fast updates will come, but I've never been in grad school before (plus full time work, and an hour commute one way to school 2x per week). I have no idea how much of my time will be taken up with my studies. (Also, this is why I've been writing faster all summer, time crunches do wonders to speed up my efforts!)