"You should send a reply."

Ashara Dayne did not turn toward Prince Oberyn Martell. She continued to stare absently out her window, watching the clouds pass. "I know. I just don't know what to say."

"Yes or no, it really is that simple."

"No, it isn't simple. If I say yes, everything in my world changes. If I say no, my world stays the same, but I will never have such an opportunity again. It would mean a lot for my family to have this alliance."

He rested his back against the wall beside her. "Forget about your family's alliances for the moment. What do you want? Do you want to become the second wife to Stark when his wife dies, or not? You won't be loved by the Northerners. You won't be loved by his children. You won't return to Starfall. He may come to love you again in time, or he may not."

She closed her eyes. "I know all of that."

"Yet part of you still wishes to go. So, what is it that you do want?"

A thin smile flickered on her lips. "I agree with Lady Catelyn's thoughts on the children and Ned. They need a mother and he needs a wife. I'm not a political threat. All of my strength, small though it may be, lies in Dorne. I would never harm her children, which she knows. I care about her children. I care about Ned. I want to help them if I can."

He rested a hand on her shoulder. "You are being very selfless, and very naïve."

"I'm not naïve." She shrugged away his hand. "I know that accepting this offer will bring me difficulty. I know that his children won't love me. I know that whenever I go north, they will all be in mourning. I don't expect my presence to change anything in the beginning. My hope is that I will be a positive influence, if I accept."

"Then accept the offer and the difficulties it will bring you. It seems that you would regret it if you do not."

She considered him for a moment, then let out a long breath. "Well then, I think it's time for me to write back."


Mother had not left her chambers for three days. She had grown painfully thin, and her skin was sallow. Sansa knew that her mother was dying, had known it for months, but watching the slow deterioration of her mother was agony.

Sansa wished that she had someone to confide in, someone who would understand. Arya had her sword master. Robb had his wife. Bran had the Reed children and Lucas. Rickon was too young to understand. Sansa did have Jeyne, but Jeyne didn't understand. Sansa could have confided in Alys or Wylla, but she didn't feel like they would understand.

Oddly, it was Tyene and her daughter who proved to be the best distraction from her mother's illness. Tyene didn't ask questions. She didn't look pityingly at Sansa. Instead, Tyene would smile lovingly at her daughter, and encourage Sansa to do the same. Sansa didn't confide in Tyene, but she was comforted by her.

Father summoned Sansa and her siblings to his solar. Maester Luwin and several of father's advisors were present when Sansa, Arya, and Lucas arrived. The rest of their brothers and sisters arrived in clusters until they were all present. They took seats around the room. The oldest three boys remained standing due to the lack of chairs.

When they were settled, father looked at them all, one by one. "I have an important announcement to make. Robb, Wylla, Alys, Jon, Tyene, and Arthur have known about the beginning stage of this for some weeks."

Sansa, Arya, Bran, Rickon, and Lucas glanced at their older siblings, confused. Rickon was far too young to understand the gravity of any situation which necessitated gathering this many people into father's solar. Sansa could see strange expressions cross the faces of her older siblings. They had all been acting strangely for a few weeks, though Sansa had paid little mind to their moods since her own was so grim.

Eddard Stark continued speaking, though he seemed very uncomfortable. "Alysanne met with myself and my advisors yesterday to discuss the details of a... potential arrangement." Alys was looking at her hands. "Two months ago, my wife and I had a long discussion regarding the future." He closed his eyes and drew a deep breath, reigning in his emotions. "She wanted to know that her children would be cared for when she dies. She wanted to know that I will have support after she dies. So, we wrote a letter to Lady Ashara Dayne, asking if she would consider becoming my wife after Catelyn dies."

"No!" Arya jumped from her seat. "Never!"

"Arya..." More than one voice said her name, some scolding and others consoling.

Arya didn't care. "You can't replace mother! You can't!" Not wanting to hear another word, Arya bolted from the room.

Sansa stared after her sister, then looked at Robb. How could he have known this and said nothing? She realized that he was clenching his jaw and fists. She looked at Bran, whose eyes had filled with tears.

Rickon looked at father. "Why is Arya so angry?"

Sansa buried her face in her hands, hiding her own tears.

Wylla went to Rickon. "Arya is unhappy that your mother is sick." She looked at Ned Stark. "My Lord, may I take Rickon for a walk?"

"That may be for the best," Eddard replied.

After Wylla and Rickon were gone, and the door was closed again, Sansa looked back at her father. He seemed very weary.

"Two days ago, we received Lady Ashara's reply. She has agreed to the arrangement, including the terms which were proposed in the request. She gave permission for further details to be finalized by Alysanne."

"What are those details," asked Arthur.

Alys looked at her brother, and Sansa saw genuine pain in her eyes. "We are now, by written oath, forbidden from ever seeking legitimacy. If mother and father wed, per the initial agreements, and they should have children, that child would only have a claim in the line of House Dayne. That child would only gain a claim to House Stark if all legitimate descendants of Lady Catelyn die and he or she is not suspected of treachery."

Arthur looked from Alys to Ned with so much vitriol that Sansa flinched. "You're acting like we're traitors. We've never done anything against you. Why would we ever seek power in this wasteland of yours? Why would you agree to consider a child who doesn't even exist a traitor?" He looked back at Alys, who cringed. "And you actually signed your name to this? Mother agreed to this?"

"Yes," she whispered.

He shouted a few obscene invectives, and stormed out of the room in the same way Arya had done only a few minutes earlier.

Alys buried her face in her hands.

"Lord Stark," Tyene said, her voice very gentle. "Perhaps it would be wise to reconsider the words of this contract? I understand the desire to protect legitimate claims."

She paused a moment, looking at Eddard. A flicker of something Sansa couldn't name passed between her father and Tyene in that look. "However, what this family needs is unity, not division. What good does this oath do? In half a year, Alys will be Lady of Cider Hall. Jon and I, along with our daughter, will return to court."

Jon spoke up, his voice calm. "Lord Stark, do you believe that any of us would seek to incite divisions amongst out brothers and sisters? I love all of my brothers and sisters. I want their welfare. I would fight anyone who wants to usurp the rightful claims of your trueborn children."

Ned Stark's affection for Jon showed clearly on his face. "I do not doubt your faithfulness."

"Then why have a written oath stating that we aren't to seek legitimacy?" Jon questioned. "Why have it written that a child who hasn't even been conceived has no rights to Winterfell?"

"Renly Baratheon." Alysanne's voice was very quiet, though Jon heard and stopped.

Jon was confused. "What?"

Alys sighed. "Renly is a third son. The rights of Stannis Baratheon, his elder brother, were usurped to place him on the throne. Shireen Baratheon died in the siege, usurping her position. Mother's children are all closely tied to the crown while Lady Catelyn's are not. I'm older than all of Lady Catelyn's children. When these facts are looked at together, we could be used against our trueborn brothers and sisters. This contract simply puts in writing what has been traditionally accepted. We are saying that we will seek the welfare of our trueborn brothers and sisters and that we will not seek to usurp their positions."

Robb looked at Alys, then Jon, then their father. "It's also an oath that the people of the North will take seriously. Everyone will know that the children of Lady Ashara Dayne are loyal to Winterfell. I trust all of you. I believe that all of you want what is best for our family."

Jon looked at Robb, his expression rueful. "So, this is just a formality?"

"It was also written to appease my uncle, Lord Edmure Tully," Robb added apologetically.

Alys stood, stretching. "It was the necessary thing to do. Our family is tied to far too many others. Robb is the heir to two kingdoms. Robert Arryn, young Lord of the Vale, is cousin to Lady Catelyn's children. And our side of father's children are tied to a lot of southern houses, including the Queen. Syena and the prince or princess that Arianne is carrying will be cousins."

Jon sighed. "I guess it makes sense. I'll talk to Arthur later. Is there anything else you wanted to tell us, father?"

Sansa listened as her father told them more about future plans for their family. Sansa didn't understand, how could he replace mother? Mother wasn't dead, she was still alive. Sansa held back her tears, remaining as calm as she could while the world fell apart.


Arya ran to her mother's room. Tears were streaming down her cheeks. She wiped at her face as she reached the door. Gulping, she opened the door. Her mother was inside, reading a book. The sight of her mother caused a deep ache in Arya's chest. Tears broke out again.

"Sweetling," Catelyn's quiet voice was soothing to Arya. "What's wrong Arya?"

Arya ran to her mother, climbing up on the bed. Catelyn barely had time to set aside the book before Arya was in her arms. Arya shook with sobs as her mother smoothed her hair and whispered softly to her. When Arya finally calmed, hiccupping from the force of her sobs, she struggled to find her voice. Catelyn understood.

"Your father told you of the future arrangement?"

Arya nodded. "Why?"

Catelyn sighed heavily as she stroked Arya's hair. "For many reasons, sweetling. I am not fond of Ashara Dayne, but she is a good mother. She raised four well-behaved children. She also cared for you and your sister for several months."

"She wasn't alone," Arya muttered.

"You didn't hate her in King's Landing."

"I do now. She can't replace you. She won't be my mother."

"Oh, my wild little wolf, no one expects her to replace me in your heart."

"I don't want her here at all. I don't want you to die."

"I don't want to die either, sweetling." Catelyn's voice caught. "However, that is not the path the gods have laid out for us. We will all die one day. I wish that I could see you and your sister and your brothers all grow up. I want to see you all married, with children of your own. Perhaps the gods will allow me to watch over all of you when I am gone."

"How old were you when your mother died?"

"Only a little younger than you are now."

"Do you think she watched you?" Arya looked up at her mother, eyes full of tears and hope.

"Yes, I do." Catelyn gently wiped her daughter's cheek with her hand. "And I will watch over you when I am gone."

Arya snuggled closer. "Can you read to me?"

"Of course," Catelyn said.

She picked up her book and began to read to Arya. Her voice was softer now, her tone pained and hazy from sickness and milk of the poppy. Arya quieted as her mother read, willing herself to forget the inevitable. Sansa and Bran came later, both of them upset. Catelyn soothed their fears as well, telling them she loved them and that they had nothing to fear.


After the meeting, Robb found his wife and youngest brother outside. Wylla was showing Rickon the most effective way to throw a horseshoe to get it around the metal pole. She smiled at Robb as he approached. "Is all well?"

He sighed heavily. "For now. Jon has to go talk to Arthur, and everyone is upset."

"Arthur left as well?"

"He stormed out shortly after you two left." Grey Wind approached from the godswood with Shaggydog. The direwolves had all been kept in the godswood for the family meeting, since the sheer number of wolves was too much for castle hallways. Robb ran his fingers through his wolf's thick fur. Rickon wrapped his arms around his black direwolf in greeting before wandering off.

"I think Alys let the wolves out," Wylla said. "I saw her walk toward the godswood with Lucas."

Robb nodded distractedly.

Wylla walked to him, resting a hand on his chest. "How are you feeling?"

"I wish I knew. I feel so lost." He laid a hand across hers, squeezing gently. "You are my only ray of light in this world of gloom."

She smiled a little, her eyes sparkling in a way that Robb didn't understand. In the few months they had been married, Robb had learned many of his wife's moods. This one was new.

She leaned closer, whispering in his ear. "I can give you one more ray of light; I'm with child." Her eyes danced with joy as she looked at him.

"Are you certain?"

She nodded. "As much as I can be, yes. I mean, this is the first time, so I could be wrong. I don't think I'm wrong though."

Robb caressed her cheek, and kissed her. "That's wonderful."

They moved apart, and began to walk slowly through the castle grounds.

"Do you think we should tell your mother? I was hesitant to say anything because I am only just certain that I am with child."

"Yes. I think she would want to know."

She reached for his hand when he sighed. "I know that this isn't easy for any of you."

"It's more than just my mother dying. I am the heir of two kingdoms. If anything happens to my uncle before he marries and has children, I become the Lord of Riverrun. I have already taken on many responsibilities here in Winterfell. I know my duties, and am willing to do what is expected of me, but it is so much."

She squeezed his hand. "You are managing your affairs well. Isn't your cousin Robert just a child, and he rules the Vale."

Robb snorted. "He was forcibly removed from his mother's care because she was considered unfit to raise the Lord of the Vale. Lord Royce now oversees the training and upbringing of my cousin."

"Well, then it appears you are leagues ahead of your cousin." She gave him a sly smile, which he returned. "Your brothers and sisters will all support you in your positions. You know that they will. Even your half-brothers and half-sister will support you."

"They're upset with the contract too."

"Is that why Arthur is angry?"

"Of course it is, I would be too if I had to sign an oath that assumes I might be a traitor one day. Alys and Jon understood the importance of the oath, and they seem to be able to convince Arthur when needed."

Wylla nodded. "True. I do think he has the most unfair deal out of your half-siblings. Alys will become a lady of a respectable house. Jon married a woman he loves, and is in high favor with the King. Arthur is betrothed to a bastard born of incest and treason."

"Father allows him to keep a mistress, which could be seen as generous." Robb thought bitterly of his father's choices when it came to women and bit back bitter remarks.

"I do believe that Lord Stark allows his bastards more freedom than one would expect because he is attempting to amend for lost time."

"I suppose."

They walked on in silence for a time. "What do you think of the proposed marriage, now that everyone has agreed to it?"

"I understand all of the reasons for it. I just... why her of all people?"

Wylla laughed lightly. "Probably because they don't want you to have any more half brothers and sisters. I heard a few rumors that Ashara Dayne and Oberyn Martell have been involved for years. The fact that she has no children from Prince Oberyn might mean that she can have no more children. If she can have no more children, why not have your father marry the mother of his bastards? It makes everything far tidier than if your father marries again and has more children with yet another woman."

Wylla looked at Robb with sympathy. "Your mother doesn't want your father to be alone after she is gone."

"I know."

"Do you want to go to her?"

He nodded. Hand in hand, they turned back toward the Great Keep.


Catelyn worsened over the following four days. She refused milk of the poppy, though it was the only thing to ease her pain. She wanted to be alert for as long as possible, in order to see her children and her husband. Everyone knew that the end was near.

She fell into a deep sleep on the fourth day. Ned sat with her as she slept. He held her hand. He spoke to her, telling her that he loved her and begging forgiveness for the wrongs he had committed against her. She never stirred.

Ned watched her breathe. Shuddering, pained sounds drawn from her lips. They grew slower, and then they stopped.


Two weeks later, Alysanne sat with the women of Winterfell as they worked on sewing. Alys hated how much had changed in Winterfell since Lady Catelyn's death. Her illness had made life difficult, but it had been bearable. It wasn't as bearable now.

Arya had closed herself off from everyone, even from her sword instructor. Syrio Forel was going to be leaving Winterfell soon. He had apparently expressed a desire to return home, and would depart within the next few months. Arya did attend the sewing sessions, but no one dared correct her. Her moods were very dark.

Sansa was distant, but polite. She threw herself into duty and responsibility over everything else. Alys worried that Sansa would exhaust herself with work.

Wylla was managing her new duties well, and did her best to lighten the moods of her good-sisters. Tyene also tried to help Sansa and Arya. Between Wylla and Tyene, there had been some improvement, but not much.

Alysanne's bond with her sisters had been weakened since the announcement that Ashara would one day marry their father. Sansa and Arya had both grown cold toward Alys, as though the entire idea was her fault.

Frustrated, Alys set aside her sewing, and walked outside. She was still shocked by how cold it was most days in Winterfell. Perhaps the cold was fitting for such gloomy times.

Lady Catelyn's funeral had been a mostly Northern service, though the septon also performed some rites of the Faith. Alysanne had stood with her father, brothers, and sisters during the ceremony. Robb and Arya had stood still and silent throughout, jaws clenched and fists curled. Bran had cried quietly some of the time, but for the most part he was calm. Rickon still thought that his mother would return. He didn't understand the permanence of death yet. Wylla was able to keep the youngest Stark calm and quiet throughout the service. Sansa had been able to control her tears most of the time, but she fell to the ground in sobs as the coffin carrying her mother's bones was carried into the family crypt.

Outside, Alys made her way to the stables. She greeted the stable hands, and made her way to her horse. She gave the horse a handful of oats before she began brushing the mare's mane. She wanted to enjoy the time she had with her family. She felt guilty and selfish for wishing that everything could be fine again.

Alysanne thought through everything that had happened over the previous two years. She had met her father and half-siblings. She had travelled to King's Landing and Winterfell. She had mourned Nymeria Sand. She had celebrated the weddings of Jon to Tyene, Arianne to Renly, Robb to Wylla, and Quentyn to Margaery Tyrell. She was betrothed to a good man. She had met her uncle Benjen and bid farewell to him when he returned to the Wall.

A boy named Samwell Tarly had gone with Benjen. Alys and Sam had talked on and off before he left. They were able to share some interesting stories. The Tarly and Dayne lands were only a few day's ride apart. However, since Lord Tarly disliked the reputation of Ashara, the Tarly's did no business with the Daynes.

In the past two years, Alys had also had her first kiss, with Daemon Sand. She was fond of him. He had written to apologize for his crude letter, and humbly begged her forgiveness. She had forgiven him willingly, and now found the whole matter amusing.

Alysanne's thoughts turned toward the future. She would be married in a year. She would be living far from her father. Far from Robb, Sansa, Arya, Bran, and Rickon. Jon and Tyene and their daughter would be in King's Landing. Where would Arthur and Lucas be? Their mother was coming to Winterfell, and Ashara would live in the North. Would the younger two Sands stay with their mother?

Alys stopped brushing her horse to wipe away her tears. Her family would be pulled apart whenever Alys and Jon returned south. Would they ever all be in one place again?

It was too soon to think about the inevitable future. After all, Ashara Dayne had not come north yet.


"I will miss you," Oberyn said.

Ashara was checking her rooms one final time before leaving King's Landing. Everything was packed. All of her belongings and servants were already on their way to the ship that would take them to White Harbor.

She picked up her cloak from its hook before turning to look at him. "I will miss you as well."

He walked to her, and cupped her cheek with one hand. "It will be difficult never seeing you again."

She laughed, pulling away from him. "You might see me again, but I think that Ned might kill you if you try touching me again."

He laughed with her. "I swear that I will honor your marriage."

"Good." She gave him a playful smile. "Besides, you have Ellaria and whomever else the two of you want to enjoy."

His eyes flicked up and down her body and his lips spread into a thin smile. "You are right, of course."

They walked from the room, side by side. They talked on and off as they made their way to the courtyard. The weather was cool and crisp. Ashara was surprised by how many people were waiting to bid her farewell.

The night before, Arianne had thrown a small party of farewell for Ashara. Allyria, Edric, and Beric were there from Blackhaven. Allyria had grown round with her first pregnancy. Ashara was saddened that she wouldn't be there for her sister when the baby was born. Arianne's mother and youngest brother, Trystane, had been present. Quentyn wanted to visit his mother, but he was in Dorne with his wife and their newborn son, Lewyn. Ellaria, her daughters, and Obara had been present at the party as well. Oberyn's daughters had given Ashara many gifts and letters for Tyene, Jon, and Syena.

All of them had come to bid her farewell. Edric and Allyria were the first to hug and kiss Ashara in parting. Queen Arianne Martell and her cousins also kissed Ashara farewell. As did Ellaria. Beric Dondarrion promised to care for the Dayne family responsibilities in the south, including Jon's estate, until Ashara's children returned south.

It was a bitter decision for Ashara to go north. She knew that she would leave her family and most of her children in the south. Would she see them again? Was the sacrifice worth any potential reward? It was too late for doubts.

Oberyn helped Ashara mount the horse which would take her to the docks. She looked around the crowd one final time. Her eyes held Allyria and Edric's gazes for a very long time. Unable to speak from emotion, she raised a hand in a gesture of farewell. Then she turned, and rode with her escort to the docks.

Over a month later, Ashara arrived at White Harbor. She was greeted with a false sort of courtesy by Lord Manderly. She could see that they were assessing her. The northerners watched her every move, commented on her clothes and commented on her choices of food. Ashara treated them politely, though it was wearying.

A few days later, Ashara left with an escort for Winterfell. It snowed on and off along the way. The cold seemed to cut through her at times. She had lived most of her life along the southern coast, where snow never fell. In the north, life was cold and hard. Did she really want this? The doubts of the northerners made Ashara grit her teeth and reassert her stance that she had made the right decision.

At long last, she arrived at Winterfell. The day was cold, but sunny. Ashara was greeted by Robb Stark and his wife, along with Alysanne, Jon, Arthur, and Lucas. Lucas flew into his mother's arms, and was swiftly followed by the rest of her children. She had missed them all so much.

When Ashara finally extricated herself from her children, she bowed slightly to Robb.

He bowed politely in greeting. "Welcome to Winterfell, Lady Ashara. Allow me to introduce my wife, Lady Wylla of House Manderly."

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Wylla," Ashara said.

Wylla clasped her hand in greeting. The young woman was visibly pregnant. "It is so lovely to meet you. I hope that the journey wasn't too tiring. I know that it is quite a distance between here and King's Landing."

"It was a thankfully uneventful journey, but it was indeed very long." Ashara looked around the courtyard. Her trunks were being unloaded by various men. She didn't see Ned anywhere.

Robb realized the problem. "My father is in the sept."

"I can take you there mother," Alys offered. "That way my brothers can oversee all the other details of your arrival."

Robb agreed to the arrangement. Ashara hugged her sons again before walking with her daughter to the sept.

The Sept at Winterfell was small but lovely, with windows of colored glass and small marble statues of the Seven. It was there that Ashara Dayne saw Eddard Stark, seated on a bench, bent with his face in his hands. He must have heard her footsteps, for he turned to her shortly after she entered the room. He blinked at her in solemn confusion.

"You've already arrived," he said quietly.

"Only a short time ago. Robb, his wife, and our children greeted me, though Tyene and her daughter were absent. Alys brought me here. Robb is overseeing everything that came with me."

"I must have lost track of time. I had meant to be there to greet you. I hope you will forgive that discourtesy."

"There is nothing to forgive," she replied softly, sitting on a bench near him. She looked around at the colored patches of light on the floor. "I had not thought to find a sept in Winterfell."

"I had it built for Catelyn." Sorrow was thick in his voice.

"I am certain that she loved it." And that she loved you for it, Ashara thought. When had he built it? Had it been a peace offering after he told Lady Catelyn of his bastards? She felt a chill run down her spine. Perhaps she should never have come to Winterfell.

"She did." His voice was very soft when he spoke. He seemed a world away from that small room.

"I am very sorry for your loss." She wanted to embrace him. She wanted to comfort him, as she would a member of her family or a loved one. Instead she sat still and frozen, watching him.

"I thank you for your condolences," he replied.

She felt like she should say more, but words failed her. She had never shown any kindness to Catelyn Stark, but in the end Lady Catelyn had willingly offered her Ned.

'I cannot find it within myself to bear any warm feelings for you,' Catelyn Stark had written. 'However, I know that my death is coming soon. I think now of my children and their futures. I think back to mine own childhood, and Ned's, and even yours Lady Ashara. I wonder how different all might have been if we had not grown up motherless. Many here say that Arya is much like her aunt Lyanna. I fear for her if that is true. She needs a mother. Sansa is too young to worry only of managing a castle as I did as a girl. Rickon and Bran are still very young and need a mother as well. Robb will have his wife, Wylla of House Manderly, in his struggles, but they too are young. And there is Ned, whom I love, I do not want him to be alone.'

"How was your journey," he asked after they had sat in silence for several long moments.

"Chilly," she replied with a light smile. "In Dorne it is so easy to forget the cold."

"It will only grow colder as the days pass," he stated.

"I will endure it with a smile, lest your northerners believe me weak."

He smiled at her. "It may take time for my people to grow accustomed to your presence. They treated Cat with suspicion, thinking she would freeze in the North."

"I did not come here expecting to be loved by your people or your children." Or even by you, she added in her head.

He nodded silently, lost in thought.

"How are your children faring?"

"Some days are more difficult than others," he replied. She knew that he meant it about himself as well. "Robb, Wylla, and Sansa have borne much responsibility for the managing of Winterfell since Cat…" He stopped, shook his head, and continued. "Lady Wylla, has been learning how to manage the castle and to be a wife. She's quite a spirited young woman. I am glad that Catelyn could see at least one of her children wed. Wylla is also with child, and Cat knew that too."

"I am certain that it delighted everyone to celebrate such a joyous event, even amidst such sorrow."

"It was a happy moment," he said. "The birth of Jon and Tyene's daughter was such an occasion as well." He looked to her with grave solemnity. "Tyene knows."

She repeated his words in her mind, trying to comprehend his meaning for a moment. When it came to her, she felt her back tense. "How?"

In a voice which was more vibrant than it had been, Ned told her. "Prince Oberyn has a very cunning daughter. She had been suspicious of her father insisting that she wed Jon. In King's Landing, she asked him about the match, and thought his evasions suspicious as well. She made discreet inquiries here about my movements during Robert's Rebellion, and began to add the months. The day after Syena was born, I came to her chamber alone to meet our granddaughter. Tyene asked me in her sweetest tones who Jon's father was. My shock was too great for her to believe the lie that Jon was born of Brandon and a woman from Lys, so I told her the truth."

"Does Jon know?"

"No. Tyene said that she might tell him, though she is uncertain."

"She loves him," Ashara said simply, "and Arianne and many more who would all be endangered should this become known. She may tell him, or she may not. I doubt she will be heedless."

"I agree. She has her daughter to fear for if that secret is known."

They fell into silence, thick and uncomfortable. She didn't know what to say or do. The reality of her situation was only now truly sinking into her mind. She was afraid.

"If you want, I can go. I'm certain that one of the children can show me around."

He looked at her, seemingly more aware. "No, I will show you around Winterfell and introduce you to everyone."

"Thank you," she replied, standing. He stood a moment later, and she saw that he struggled for words. "Ned, I want you to know that I came here with no expectations. The contracts have been written and signed, but you need not press yourself into… into anything." She stopped, trembling somewhat.

He stood and walked to her, taking her hands in his own. "I am glad that you came," he said simply. "It will take me time to adjust... to everything."

"Take your time, mourn your wife. I will learn my duties and fulfill them. We need not… even once we wed… If I am no more to you than a companion, I shall still be content."

Wordless, he embraced her and pressed a kiss to her brow. He released her a moment later and allowed her to calm herself. "Thank you," he said. "Why don't we speak more on these matters later?"

"As you wish," she agreed, breathing deeply to calm herself. She forced a smile. "Shall we walk?"

Side by side, Ashara Dayne and Ned Stark walked from the sept.


Notes: I have so many thoughts about this story and chapter at this point that I don't know if I can have them all make sense.

I have never written a more emotionally challenging chapter. The last part of this chapter, in the sept, was written well over a year ago. The death and funeral and Arya's scene with Catelyn were the most difficult things I have ever written, from an emotional standpoint. I know in many ways that I was putting this chapter off because I didn't want to face those scenes. (I also did have 3 crazy semesters and move in the past year and a half, so that helped the procrastination.) I still haven't reread them to check if I'm okay with all of the sentences, my beta read the chapter and I am certain that I will some day to correct any awkward or missing words. Right now, I can't do it. Not because the characters themselves mean so much, but because of the losses I have experienced that related to those scenes. I thought a lot about my father's death in 2011 when writing this, and of my grandfather's death in 1997. I also thought of my good friend whose mother died in 2016. Bits of those experiences are in this chapter.

I also know that there are only two more chapters of this story, only one of which needs written. So it's emotional and stressful and strange to think that I will soon be closing this world. I have ideas for a sequel, the threads of which are spread throughout this story. I'm not certain when or if I will get around to it, but I would like to write it out one day. I have the basic arcs planned, but don't know how I want to execute them. I do plan to finish the prequel over the summer. It's not long and focuses on Ashara's childhood through her return to Starfall when she is pregnant with Alys.

I know that I just shared a lot. I do feel like I consider some of you friends after all the many conversations I have had over the years I have been writing this story. I love talking with all of you. I am so amazed and humbled and thrilled by how many of you are reading this story. Some of you have been here since I started, including the first two versions of chapter one... Some of you have given me help and suggestions on scenes. My beta and one of my other fandom friends came from other stories that I basically abandoned for this one. I'm sure that I'll give more mushy commentary at the end of the next chapter.

Thank you for all of your comments. Thank you also, to all of my silent readers.

As a random thought, if some of you are interested in how much this story changed from the outline as it was being written, I can write that in the notes of the next chapter. Let me know :)

PS, I did get 3 A's last semester on some of the hardest classes in my program.