The Rise Of A Dynasty
Harranhal – 277 A.C
Harranhal was an enormous, crumbling, five tower castle surrounded by broken, scorched high stone walls and lush green fields on the banks of the Gods Eye lake.
The castle built by the Ironborn House Hoare after they enslaved the Riverlands. The castle where the family line ended when King Harran Hoare was roasted alive in the castle by the dragon fire from Balerion The Dread and Aegon Targaryan.
There was a small party of mounted guards wearing furs and leathers carrying banners bearing the snarling white Direwolf of House Stark making their way up the road towards the castle being led by four other riders.
Three of the riders were males of varying ages while the fourth was a female who had just turned 14 two moons prior. She had long dark brown hair and stood around 5'5 in height with curves just beginning to develop on her body.
"Why must we attend these pointless tournaments, we have nothing to gain by being here" said the Female.
Her name was Lyanna Stark and she was dressed in brown leather riding clothes with a slightly bored look on her face.
"Father asked us to attend in his stead, and its not dull, it reminds me of Winterfell in a way, it just looks like a proper castle" said a lean but muscly young man who was 17 years old with shoulder length dark brown hair and stood around 6'0 in height.
His name was Eddard Stark nicknamed Ned and he was dressed in brown leathers and grey wolf furs with a bastard sword on his left hip.
"Even though it is falling apart, while Winterfell still stands strong after a thousand years, and looks far more welcoming than Harranhal" said the tall muscly young man who was 19 years old with long messy dark brown hair and stood around 6'3 in height.
His name was Brandon Stark and like Ned he was dressed in brown leathers and wolf furs with a long sword on his left hip.
"Its still dull, and do we really have to attend this tournament, especially when we Northerners have never seen much point attending Southern tournaments in the first place" said Lyanna.
"Cheer up Lya, I bet Robert Baratheon will be wanting you to cheer him on in the joust, seeing you happy might spur him to victory, if he can manage to avoid getting drunk before the joust that is" said the slim boy who was around 12 years of age and had short black hair standing around 5'0 tall.
His name was Benjen Stark and he was dressed in a black leather tunic and breeches with a short sword around his hip.
"Stop teasing your Sister Benjen, she is not very fond of her future husband and still refuses to marry him" said Brandon.
Lyanna made a noise of disgust.
"I have no desire to marry Robert Baratheon, he is a whoring drinking pig who does not know how to stay faithful to a woman, he could be married to the prettiest woman in the Seven Kingdoms and he would still be unfaithful to her, a man like Robert Baratheon will not change on account of me" said Lyanna with an annoyed tone.
"Even though he is marrying the most beautiful woman in the Seven Kingdoms" said Brandon.
Lyanna laughed.
"Sweet talk will get you nowhere Brandon, I have heard you say that very same thing about Catelyn Tully more than once, and she is said to be a beauty herself" said Lyanna.
"He speaks the truth Lya, we think you are the most beautiful woman in the Seven Kingdoms, but will you please give Robert a chance, he is my friend, and he really likes you, he loves you actually" said Ned placing his hand on her shoulder in support.
Lyanna scowled but nodded upon seeing the slightly pleading look on Ned's face.
"Okay, one more chance, but he better not bed another woman, or father another bastard, or the Lord Paramount Of The Stormlands will find himself without a cock" said Lyanna.
Ned grimaced before giving her a small smile and removed his arm.
Lyanna looked at Harranhal and smirked.
"Race you" said Lyanna.
"Lya" warned Ned.
"Be sure to keep up then Sister" said Benjen.
He surged his horse past them taking off towards Harranhal.
Lyanna laughed and did the same.
Brandon turned to look at Ned.
"See you there Ned" said Brandon surging his horse forwards after his younger Siblings.
Ned sighed before doing the same quickly catching up to the three.
As they got closer to Harranhal Lyanna smirked at them before urging her horse on reaching the castle before her Brothers.
As Brandon, Ned and Benjen rode through the gates into the castle courtyard they saw Lyanna sat atop her horse looking at them with a triumphant smirk on her face.
"Too slow boys, what would Father think when he finds out that I beat all of you at a little old horse race, his only Daughter beating his three Sons, and not for the first time either" said Lyanna mockingly.
Brandon chuckled.
"He would be most pleased Lya" said Brandon.
"As would Robert, he will be boasting it to the Gods that his future Wife bested her Brothers at riding" said Benjen teasingly.
Lyanna pretended to vomit to amusement of the others as a greying brown haired woman in her early 50's dressed in a green dress walked towards them flanked by three guards.
"Lords and Lady Stark, I am Lady Sheila Whent, the lady of this castle, welcome to Harranhal" said the Woman.
Brandon dismounted his horse and bowed his head to her.
"Lady Whent, we thank you for inviting us into your home for this illustrious tournament" said Brandon.
"You are very welcome Lord Stark, will your Father be joining us?" said Lady Whent.
"No My Lady, our Father has decided to remain in the North, since there must always be a Stark in Winterfell, he sends his apologies for not being able to attend" said Ned respectfully.
A rather disappointed Lady Whent nodded to him.
"Shame, be sure to give him my regards" said Lady Whent.
"Of course My Lady" said Brandon.
"Very well, I shall leave you to set up your camp, there will be a feast in the Great Hall tonight and the tournament will begin tomorrow afternoon" said Lady Whent.
She turned around and walked back into the castle as Ser Rodrik Cassel and Ser Martyn Cassel rode through the gates.
"Set up our camp where you can Ser Rodrik, and could you have someone run a bath for my Sister, she will need one after her exuberant horse riding" said Brandon smirking at Lyanna.
Lyanna glared at him.
Ser Rodrik nodded and left the courtyard heading for the growing campsite along the walls alongside his older Brother Martyn Cassel who served as the Captain Of The Guard at Winterfell and the rest of their guards who took the reins of their horses from the four.
"I suppose we might as well have a walk around the camp while Ser Rodrik and the others are setting our tents up" said Brandon.
Ned shrugged his shoulders.
"Okay" said Ned.
"Its not like there is anything else to do" said Lyanna.
"Maybe we can see if anyone else from the North is here" said Benjen with a hint of excitement.
"I know the Greatjon and some of the Umbers are attending, so are the Mormonts, the Dustin's, the Karstark's, the Glover's, the Manderly's, the Reed's and the Ryswells" said Ned.
"Good, I miss getting royally drunk with Greatjon Umber, that big fucker sure does know how to drink" said Brandon with a large smile on his face.
"And what would your dear betrothed Catelyn Tully say if she found you getting drunk with Greatjon Umber?" said Lyanna teasingly.
"She would be fine with it, I am a man, men get drunk with other men, that is what happens all over the Seven Kingdoms" said Brandon.
"Oh your a man are you, I did not know" said Lyanna turning and walking in the direction of the campsite.
Ned and Benjen laughed as Brandon looked quite shocked.
"More of a man than that foolish little boy who challenged me for her hand, Baelish I think his name was, probably never held a sword in his life" said Brandon as they followed her towards the campsite.
"Brave boy" said Benjen.
"Brave men can be hard to come by these days" said Ned.
"Are you saying you are not so brave yourself Little Brother?" said Brandon teasingly.
Ned sighed.
"I did not say that" said Ned.
"Relax Little Brother, I am only joking, you need to lighten up a little" said Brandon.
Ned rolled his eyes as they caught up with Lyanna.
They walked through the campsite for a good ten minutes before a great booming voice caught their attention.
"NED!" shouted the voice.
A muscular 6'4 tall man who was 18 years of age with long black hair and an equally long black beard was striding towards them.
His name was Robert Baratheon and he was dressed in a dark blue tunic and breeches with a black cloak and a great sword at his hip.
Ned smiled and embraced Robert as he reached him.
"Robert" said Ned.
Robert Baratheon had been fostered at The Eyrie along with Ned since he was 11. The two went from being total strangers to best friends bordering on brothers in the six years they were fostered at The Eyrie along with Jon Arryn's nephew Elbert Arryn.
Robert and Elbert Arryn had travelled to Winterfell with Ned once the fostership ended six moons ago.
It was there that Robert had supposedly fallen in love with Lyanna and secured a betrothal agreement for himself and a reluctant Lyanna before returning home to rule Storms End two moons later.
A betrothal agreement Rickard Stark had been all too keen to accept thanks to his well known Southern ambitions.
Robert clapped Ned on the back and let go of him before turning to Brandon and giving him a one armed hug.
"Brandon, good to see you again" said Robert.
"Robert, how are you holding up?" said Brandon.
Robert sighed.
"I have been well, had to start acting like the older brother to Stannis and Renly since my return from the Vale… well I have to act like a brother to Renly anyway, Stannis just keeps to himself, spends most of his time brooding, we never really got on though, even back before I left for the Vale" said Robert.
Ned looked at the ground remembering the tragedy his best friend had gone through when he was 12 years old.
On a visit to Storms End from The Eyrie six years ago Robert watched the ship carrying his parents Steffon and Cassana Baratheon get caught in a storm on the way back from Essos and sink into the sea on Breakwater Bay.
The Lord and Lady of Storms End had died searching for a suitable betrothal for the Crown Prince Rhaegar Targaryan.
A betrothal they did not find.
Fortunately fate had been kinder to the then four moon old Renly Baratheon as Cassana Baratheon had originally intended to take him to Essos with them but had been convinced to leave him at Storms End as he could not travel on a ship at his age.
Brandon clapped his hand on his shoulder.
"You know House Stark will always help you if you need it Robert" said Brandon.
Robert nodded and clapped his hand on Brandon's shoulder.
The two let go of each other and Robert turned to Benjen.
"The lad gets bigger every time I see him" said Robert ruffling Benjen's hair causing the young man to smile.
He turned to Lyanna and his face lit up with delight.
"My beautiful Lyanna, I have missed you greatly since my return to Storms End, and I cannot wait for our wedding in four years when you turn 18" said Robert bending down and kissing her hand.
Lyanna forced a smile.
"I look forward to it Robert" said Lyanna internally seething.
Robert smiled and held out his arm.
"Please accompany me on my walk through the camp, perhaps you should meet my Brothers Stannis and Renly, but be careful not to let Stannis bore you to death, he broods more than Ned" said Robert laughing at the last part.
Brandon and Benjen chuckled while Lyanna rolled her eyes unnoticed by Robert.
She reluctantly took his arm and allowed him to lead her through the camp followed by her Brothers.
Robert introduced her to some of the other Stormlands Lords and Ladies who could not fool Lyanna with their fake politeness knowing that they resented the fact that a Northern woman was going to be made Lady of Storms End rather than a Stormlands woman.
He also introduced her to the 16 year old Stannis who had short black hair and a bored look on his face. Stannis was holding the hand of the 6 year old short black haired Renly who was looking around at everything with a fascinated look on his face.
After fifteen minutes of talking to people Robert was introducing her too, Lyanna made an excuse about wanting to go back to her tent. To her surprise Robert brought it and she could see that Stannis was looking at Robert with a look of disbelief on his face.
Ned and Benjen offered to walk her back to their tent while Brandon left them to find Catelyn.
As Ned, Lyanna and Benjen walked away from the tent they heard Robert shout for his squire to fetch him some wine.
Meanwhile…
Brandon kept on walking through the camp until he spotted the trout sigil of House Tully on a banner next to some tents in the middle of the campsite.
He walked towards them spotting his betrothed Catelyn Tully outside one of the tents with her Uncle Ser Brynden Tully nicknamed "The Blackfish".
Ser Brynden was 37 years of age and around 6'0 with medium long dark brown hair with hints of grey in it. He was dressed in black light armour with a black trout sigil on his breastplate.
Catelyn turned to look at him and smiled.
She was 17 years of age with long flowing dark red hair. She had already developed a woman's body with curves in the right places and was around 5'7 in height.
Brandon thought back to how he ended up being betrothed to Catelyn Tully when he was 17 and she was just 15. Another way for Rickard Stark to further enhance his southern ambitions.
That had been the first of only two times they had met when Brandon and Rickard travelled to Riverrun to arrange the betrothal.
Once the betrothal was agreed, arrangements were made for Brandon to marry Catelyn at Winterfell when she turned 17. Their wedding was due to take place in four moons with Catelyn and her Family returning to Winterfell with them at the end of the tournament.
He walked towards her.
"Catelyn, it is lovely to see you again" said Brandon kissing her knuckles.
"Lord Stark, it is good to see you again" said Catelyn giving him a kiss.
Brandon managed a small smile.
"Please Catelyn, call me Brandon, we are to be wed in four moons" said Brandon.
Catelyn looked at him with a slightly surprised look before nodding.
"Okay Brandon, forgive me, I was just being proper" said Catelyn.
Brandon internally sighed.
"You need not be proper with me Catelyn, it is not required for a Husband and Wife to be proper with each other all of the time" said Brandon.
Catelyn looked a little shocked but nodded.
Brandon turned to Ser Brynden and shook his hand.
"Ser Brynden" said Brandon.
"Lord Stark" said Brynden.
Brandon nodded and turned back to Catelyn.
"I'm going back to my tent, would you like to accompany me?" said Brandon.
Catelyn smiled and took his arm.
"I would like that, shall we go?" said Catelyn.
Brandon nodded and led her away from the tent.
They walked arm in arm across the campsite until they arrived back at the Starks tents.
Brandon led her inside where Ned, Lyanna and Benjen were getting their clothes for the feast out of the chests.
"What about this one Lya?" said Ned holding a dark red Northern dress out towards her.
Lyanna looked at it and groaned.
"No, I do not like the colour… and do I have to wear a dress Ned?" said Lyanna.
Ned sighed.
"Yes Lya, you need to wear one, this is a proper feast, we are not back at Winterfell where Father lets you get away with wearing tunics or riding clothes at supper" said Ned.
Lyanna groaned and nodded.
"Fine, but I cannot find a nice one for tonight, and you are useless when it comes to this stuff Ned" said Lyanna.
"Little Brother Ned has always been useless when it comes to women Lya" said Brandon jokingly causing Catelyn to slap his arm.
Suddenly the 15 year old black haired Bryn Snow walked into the tent towards Lyanna who threw another dress into the chest in frustration.
"Lyanna… your bath is ready" said Bryn.
Lyanna nodded.
"Thanks Bryn" said Lyanna.
Bryn led her out of the tent.
As she walked past Brandon and Catelyn, the latter took her hand causing Lyanna to look at her.
"I'll find you a dress Lady Stark and have someone bring it to you" said Catelyn warmly.
Lyanna nodded.
"Thank you" said Lyanna.
She left the tent with Bryn.
Catelyn turned to Brandon.
"What colours does she like?" said Catelyn.
"She likes her darker colours, dark blue or dark grey or something like that… there should be a dark blue Northern dress with a silver Direwolf head stitched on the chest, she likes that one" said Brandon.
She nodded and walked over to the chest full of Lyanna's clothes and started pulling different dresses out placing them neatly on the makeshift bed.
Brandon looked at her and sighed.
He knew he did not love Catelyn. He liked her but he hated some of her habits. She was not open to learning the ways of the North and the Northern traditions. She did not understand the concept of the Old Gods or how people prayed in front of Weirwood Trees, instead wishing for their children to be raised to believe in the Seven like she was.
This had led to a very long argument before Catelyn finally agreed that their children will be taught about the Seven and the Old Gods but that they would follow the Old Gods as was expected of the Starks.
"She is not very fond of bastards either, while they might be looked down upon in the North they are still treated as one would treat their own children, a child cannot be held responsible for the actions of their parents, the same applies for bastards" thought Brandon.
He had brought up Lord Eldric Glover's bastard son Theo during a conversation about growing up in the North when he stayed at Riverrun two years ago. He told her about one of times they had spent the night drinking and singing in a tavern at Deepwood Motte with Galbart Glover, Greatjon Umber, Willam Dustin and Wylis Manderly during one of his visits to Deepwood Motte with his Father.
Catelyn had asked him if he associated with Theo Snow quite frequently. To his disappointment she failed to hide her displeasure at bastards especially when he told her that he counted Theo Snow as a close friend.
"Father asked me to do right by her and I will, I just hope she can learn to adapt to life in the North, she will be the Lady of Winterfell, and I will be Warden Of The North, the other Northern Lords will want me to have a strong wife who understands the North, Catelyn is not that type of person… not like Barbrey Ryswell" thought Brandon.
Barbrey Ryswell. The younger of Lord Rodrik Ryswell's two Daughters.
She and Brandon had been having an affair up until his Father had ended any hope of a possible betrothal between them with his betrothal to Catelyn.
"And now she is to be Lady Dustin of Barrowton, she would have been better suited as Lady Stark of Winterfell" thought Brandon.
Brandon sighed as Catelyn held up a dark blue dress with a silver Direwolf stitched into the chest.
"That's it, she likes that one, Bryn will give it to her" said Brandon quickly composing himself.
"I can take it to her, I would like to talk to your Sister as well, get to know her a little bit" said Catelyn folding the dress up.
Brandon nodded.
"Okay, just let her know its you before you walk into the tent" said Brandon.
Catelyn nodded and left the tent.
Brandon sighed and turned to Ned who was watching him.
"What's wrong Brandon?" said Ned curiously.
Brandon walked over to the chest to get some clothes for the feast.
"Nothing" said Brandon.
Ned was not convinced.
"Are you sure?" said Ned.
Brandon nodded.
"Very sure" said Brandon.
Ned sighed and nodded before pulling a black tunic with a silver Direwolf on the chest out of the chest.
"What about you, when are you finally going to get your act together and find yourself a woman, I will be wed in four moons, Lya is marrying Robert in four years, do you want to be happy Ned?" said Brandon.
Ned sighed.
"Brandon" warned Ned.
"None of that Ned, we want you to be happy, go out and meet a girl, dance with her, kiss her, bed her if you want to" said Brandon chuckling at that last part.
Ned sat down on the bed.
"I'm not like you Brandon, I am not confident when it comes to girls, I never have been, you know that" said Ned.
Brandon managed a sad smile and sat down next to him.
He placed his arm around Ned's shoulder.
"Ned, we have to get this confidence of yours up, I know you prefer fighting to fucking a fine woman, but I am going to change that, you will not be leaving this tournament until you have enjoyed some female company, and you have a full week to do so" said Brandon.
Ned sighed and nodded.
"Okay" said Ned.
Brandon playfully punched his arm.
"Good lad" said Brandon before standing up.
Once Catelyn returned an hour later Brandon escorted her back to the Tully's camp so he and his siblings could bathe and get ready for the feast.
Five hours later…
Brandon, Catelyn, Ned, Robert, Lyanna and Benjen walked into the main hall.
Brandon was escorting Catelyn while Robert was escorting a rather reluctant Lyanna with Ned and Benjen following them.
Upon entering the hall they saw that Lords and Ladies from all of the Seven Kingdoms had come to attend including the long, gaunt, unkempt silver haired, 48 year old, Aerys Targaryan who was sat at the head table looking around the room with beady suspicious eyes and his 45 year old, silver haired Sister/Wife Rhaella Targaryan.
They went to sit down at the table with the Tully's, Stannis and Renly.
Once everyone was seated Lord Walter Whent stood up and welcomed them to Harranhal for the tournament before announcing the start of the feast.
During the feast of boar, venison and fish Robert regaled them with tales of his time with Ned at The Eyrie while Brandon told them all about their childhood in the North.
Once the feast had finished the tables were moved to the side creating a small dance floor.
Several people stood up and made their way onto the dance floor as the musicians started to play some soft dancing music.
Robert took a slightly displeased Lyanna to dance while Brandon leaned into Catelyn's ear.
"I promise to dance with you for the next one, but will you dance with Ned for this song?" whispered Brandon glancing at Ned who was pouring himself another mug of ale.
Catelyn looked at him in surprise.
"Please, do it for Ned, see if you can encourage him to dance with someone else as well" whispered Brandon.
Catelyn nodded.
"Okay" said Catelyn.
She stood up and walked over to Ned holding her hand out to him.
He looked at her and then at Brandon in confusion.
"Go on Ned" said Brandon taking a swig of his ale.
Ned stood up and took Catelyn's hand leading her onto the dance floor.
The two started to dance to the music with Ned dancing rather stiffly.
"Relax Eddard, just relax" said Catelyn.
Ned nodded and relaxed slightly.
The two kept on dancing for the rest of the song before separating after the song finished.
"That was very good Eddard, I think you should ask someone else to dance with you" said Catelyn.
"Catelyn" said Ned nervously.
"Eddard… go and ask someone to dance, it is a feast and a dance, enjoy yourself" said Catelyn.
Ned looked around the room before spotting a young raven haired woman sat at a table near the head table looking around the room and holding a goblet of wine in her hand.
She was around 18 years of age dressed in a dark blue gown and her hair tied in an intricate southern braid. She had a tall slim figure at 5'8 and milky white skin with striking blue eyes.
"Brandon is right, I need to be more confident, as a Stark should be" thought Ned as he watched the woman.
The Woman caught his eye causing Ned to look away feeling slightly embarrassed.
Catelyn thanked him again for the dance before walking back to Brandon who took her for a dance.
Ned swallowed and walked towards the table where the young woman was sat.
She did not look up at him until he stopped in front of the table.
"Excuse me My Lady… may I trouble you for a dance?" said Ned nervously.
The woman kept her eyes on him for a few moments before nodding.
"Of course My Lord" said the Woman offering her hand to him.
Ned slowly took it and led her onto the dance floor.
The two locked eyes as they slowly danced to the music with the woman's 5'8 frame making her slightly shorter than Ned's 6'0 frame.
"And what may I call this young man who asks me for a dance after watching me from afar" said the Woman causing Ned to feel embarrassed.
"Eddard My Lady… Eddard Stark, forgive me if I made you feel uncomfortable by staring at you" said Ned nervously as he kept his eyes on the woman.
She smiled.
"You are forgiven, and you may call me Ashara Dayne… are you nervous Eddard?" said Ashara with a smile on her face.
Ned nodded.
"A little My Lady, sorry" said Ned.
Ashara managed a small smile and squeezed his hand.
"Its okay, at least you are honest about it, honest men are hard to come by these days" said Ashara.
Ned smiled.
"That's very kind of you, thank you, please call me Ned" said Ned.
"Okay Ned… so why did you ask me for a dance, why me over anyone else?" said Ashara.
"I saw you sat on your own and thought you could use some company, and I was searching for a new dance partner, my previous partner had to return to my Brother" said Ned.
Ashara smiled at him.
"Well I guess I got lucky then, lucky that I was the subject of your gaze" said Ashara.
The two carried on dancing until the song finished.
"That was very nice, thank you Ned, shall we dance again?" said Ashara giving him a small curtsy.
Ned nodded and the two started dancing for the next song.
They danced to the next two songs before separating again.
"I think I'd like to rest a while My Lady, not used to dancing I'm afraid" said Ned.
Ashara sent him a small smile.
"Pity, will you honour me with another dance later on?" said Ashara.
"I would love to" said Ned quickly.
Ashara looked at him curiously with a hint of a smile tugging at her lips.
Ned cleared his throat.
"I mean… I would like that very much My Lady" said Ned nervously.
Ashara smiled and kissed his cheek.
"Such a sweet man, well, I hope you come and find me later" said Ashara.
She turned to walk away.
"Ashara" said Ned.
Ashara turned around to look at him.
"Perhaps you would like to sit with me for a while, maybe we could talk or something" said Ned.
Ashara smiled and nodded.
She took his arm and led him over to her table.
She sat down and gestured for him to sit down next to her.
Ned sat down next to her.
Ned poured himself a mug of ale while she refilled her wine.
"So, Ned… tell me about yourself" said Ashara sipping some of her wine.
Ned took a drink of his ale.
"What do you want to know?" said Ned.
"Tell me about your home life, do you have any siblings other than your Brother?" said Ashara.
Ned nodded.
"Well… I grew up at Winterfell in the North, I'm the second son, I have an older brother Brandon, he's 19, a younger sister Lyanna, she's 14, and my youngest brother Benjen, he's 12, we live with our Father Rickard Stark" said Ned.
"And your Mother?" said Ashara.
Ned looked down at the table.
"She died 10 years ago, fever, Father has looked after us on his own since then" said Ned mournfully.
Ashara felt a sense of regret for asking him about his Mother and placed her hand on his arm.
"I'm sorry Ned, I did not mean to upset you" said Ashara sadly.
Ned looked at her and nodded.
"Its okay, you did not know… tell me something about yourself?" said Ned.
Ashara smiled and removed her hand.
"Well, I grew up at Starfall, I have a little Sister Allyria who is 9, the baby of the Family, and two older Brothers, Arron, the eldest, he is my Father's Heir… and I presume you know of my second eldest brother Arthur" said Ashara.
"Ser Arthur Dayne… The Sword Of The Morning?" said Ned with slight surprise.
Ashara smiled and nodded.
"Yes, we grew up with my parents Beric and Ellaria, once this tourney is finished I shall cease to be a handmaiden to Princess Elia Martell, a shame in itself but life goes on, she was like my big sister when I was growing up at Sunspear, we used to play together, race our sand steeds around Sunspear… shame really because now I am to return to Starfall instead of remaining with her" said Ashara.
"Sounds like you had a very fun childhood" said Ned.
"I did, now tell me more about yourself" said Ashara.
Ned smiled and started telling her more about his childhood sharing some stories about his siblings and his fostership at the Eyrie with Jon Arryn.
She was in the middle of telling him a story about Arthur and Prince Oberyn Martell having a very dangerous and brutal live steel fight that left the two of them bruised and bloody when a slightly angry Lyanna walked up to their table.
"Lya, what is wrong?" said Ned sounding concerned.
"Bloody Robert is what is wrong" said Lyanna before looking at Ashara who was watching her with concern.
"Oh… I'm Lyanna Stark, I see you have been keeping my Brother company tonight" continued Lyanna managing a small smile at Ashara.
"Ashara Dayne, and yes… your Brother is a good man, and great company, please join us" said Ashara.
Lyanna walked around the table and sat next to Ned who wrapped his arm around her shoulders pulling her into him.
"What happened Lya?" said Ned.
Lyanna sighed and wiped a single tear from her eyes.
"Robert just buried his face into one of the serving girls tits, I will not marry him Ned, I will not be humiliated like that everyday of my married life" said Lyanna.
Ned nodded.
"I will talk to him, and when we return home I will speak to Father for you" said Ned.
Lyanna grabbed his arm and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"Thank you Big Brother, your the best" said Lyanna.
Ned smiled.
"You know I would do anything for you Little Sister, anything" said Ned.
At that moment they were interrupted by the arrival of another person at their table who stood directly in front of Lyanna.
"May I steal a dance from you My Lady?" said a tall, stocky, handsome man around 25 years of age with long silver hair dressed in a red tunic with the three headed dragon on his chest.
His name was Prince Rhaegar Targaryan, eldest Son of Aerys Targaryan, Prince Of Dragonstone and Heir to the Iron Throne.
Ned, Ashara and Lyanna looked up at him in surprise.
"Your Grace" said Ned bowing his head.
Ashara greeted Rhaegar by his name and Prince title with a small smile.
Rhaegar greeted them both in turn before turning back to Lyanna.
"May I, My Lady?" said Rhaegar keeping eye contact with her.
Lyanna stared into his violet eyes and nodded before standing up and taking his hand.
She allowed him to lead her onto the dance floor.
Ned watched them go with a hint of a smile on his face before turning to Ashara.
"Would you like to dance My Lady?" said Ned holding out his hand.
"Yes My Lord" said Ashara taking his hand and following him onto the dance floor.
Lyanna nervously took Rhaegar's hand and felt slightly warm inside when he placed his hand on her waist.
The song started and Rhaegar began to lead her gracefully around the dance floor.
"What is your name My Lady?" said Rhaegar softly but confidently.
"Lyanna Your Grace… Lyanna Stark" said Lyanna still gazing into his violet eyes.
"Please… call me Rhaegar dear Lyanna" said Rhaegar.
Lyanna smiled.
"Rhaegar" said Lyanna softly.
"Those eyes… Gods they are going to be the death of me" thought Lyanna as a slight blush crept onto her cheeks.
"Are you alright Lyanna?" said Rhaegar with a smile on his face.
Lyanna nodded.
"Yes Your-, I mean yes Rhaegar, just excited as all" said Lyanna slightly nervous.
"Well I'm glad, a pretty young lady like yourself should be enjoying herself on such a grand night as this" said Rhaegar.
Lyanna smiled and the two continued to dance.
Later that night…
Ned and Ashara walked arm in arm back to her tent after the feast had finished.
The tent was large enough to house at least five or six people and was decorated with purple banners with the white falling star and sword sigil of House Dayne.
"I had thought you would have chambers in the castle… since you are here with Princess Elia" said Ned.
"I was offered chambers… but I have not seen my Brother and Sister in so long so I chose to stay in their tent" said Ashara.
Ned nodded.
When they arrived Ashara turned to him.
"I had a wonderful evening, thank you Ned" said Ashara.
"I really enjoyed it too Ashara, and I really enjoyed your company" said Ned.
Ashara smiled.
"I'm glad to hear it, perhaps you would honour me with your company tomorrow before the start of the tournament, a walk around the castle maybe, or you could break your fast with me and my family in our tent" said Ashara.
Ned swallowed in slight nervousness.
"I would like that, shall I come here on the morrow?" said Ned.
Ashara smiled and nodded.
"If that is okay with you Ned" said Ashara.
"I shall be here on the morrow then My Lady, sleep well" said Ned.
Ashara smiled and kissing him on the cheek.
"Sleep well My Lord" said Ashara before turning around and walking back into the tent.
Ned smiled and set off walking back in the direction of his own tent.
As Ashara entered the tent she saw her older Brother, the 27 year old Arron Dayne stood looking at her with a small smile on his face.
He stood tall at 6'2 with a stocky build and short raven black hair. He was dressed in his breeches and a thin silk nightshirt.
His long brown haired 26 year old wife Lysanne Dayne nee Yronwood was sound asleep in their bed while their 1 year old Daughter Alyssa was sound asleep in her cot at the foot of the bed.
Their Son Vorian Dayne was asleep in a makeshift bed with Ashara's younger Sister Allyria Dayne.
Vorian Dayne was 4 years of age with short wavy black hair and striking blue eyes like his Father.
Allyria Dayne was a good bit shorter than Ashara at 9 years of age with long black hair and striking blue eyes but her skin was slightly darker than Ashara's milky complexion.
"It seems you had an enjoyable night… wine?" said Arron.
"I did yes, Eddard Stark is a lovely man, and great company too, and not tonight Arron" said Ashara with a smile on her face.
Arron raised his eyebrow as he poured her some wine.
"You seem very fond of him" said Arron.
"I might be… like I said, he is a lovely man, and he showed me more respect than a lot of other men have done in the past" said Ashara.
"You know Father is begging you to find a husband, perhaps you could-" said Arron.
"Arron… I have only known him for a few hours" said Ashara cutting him off as her cheeks turned slightly pink.
Arron walked over to her and wrapped her in a hug.
"I know that, but I think you should consider it, its clear that you like him, why not spend some more time with him during the tournament, and then make up your mind, you have a whole week to speak to him" said Arron.
Ashara rested her head against his shoulder.
"I will consider it" said Ashara.
Meanwhile Ned was arriving back at his tent.
He walked inside to see Brandon sitting up on his bed while Benjen was sound asleep.
Brandon looked at him and smirked.
"Good night was it?" said Brandon teasingly.
"Very, I spent it with Ashara Dayne actually" said Ned.
Brandon looked slightly shocked before laughing.
"Well done Ned, when I told you to go and find a girl you went and spent the night with one of the most beautiful girls in the Seven Kingdoms, I did not think you had it in you" said Brandon.
Ned removed his tunic and put on a nightshirt before sitting down on his makeshift bed.
"So Ned, what exactly did you and the lovely Ashara get up to… the two of you did not wind up in her chambers did you?" said Brandon teasingly.
Ned went red.
"No we did not" said Ned quickly.
Brandon chuckled.
"Well what did you do then?" said Brandon.
"We danced, we talked, I escorted her back to her tent, and she invited me to break my fast with her tomorrow" said Ned.
Brandon smiled.
"Well done Little Brother, you must have made a real impression on her then, perhaps you should invite her to break her fast with us the day after tomorrow, I would like to see the girl that my little brother is so enchanted with" said Brandon.
"Maybe I will" said Ned with a hint of red on his cheeks.
Brandon nodded and sent him a warm smile.
"Father will be proud of you Ned, I mean, he is already proud of you, but he will be even more proud of you when he discovers that you have finally got over this ridiculous shyness of girls" said Brandon.
Ned rolled his eyes.
"Besides… you know he is more proud of you than he is of me" said Brandon.
"Father is proud of both of us" said Ned quickly.
Brandon laughed.
"He is… but he is more proud of you, your the Son who does whatever he tells you to do… I am his wild wolf that he cannot control, and I have disappointed him more than once with some of the things I have done, you have never disappointed him, even if some of your less admirable traits annoy him" said Brandon.
Ned sighed.
"Yes I know he is annoyed that I turned down every betrothal that he ever offered me, that I would turn girls away every time they spoke to me" said Ned.
Brandon laughed.
"Honestly the only thing that annoys him more than that shyness are Lya's constant attempts to get him to break her betrothal to Robert" said Brandon.
Ned suddenly realised something.
"Where is Lya, has she not come back yet?" said Ned.
"Not yet, was she still in the hall when you left?" said Brandon.
"Aye, she was dancing with Prince Rhaegar again when myself and Ashara left the hall, with a huge smile on her face as well, that's probably the happiest I have seen her since we arrived… and she was fuming at Robert again" said Ned.
Just as Brandon was about to reply they heard a familiar female voice approaching the tent.
Brandon stood up and walked towards the tent flap.
Ned stood up and followed him.
When they opened the tent flap they saw Lyanna standing opposite Rhaegar engaging him in pleasant conversation while the tall Kingsguard Ser Barristan Selmy stood an arms length from them.
Barristan The Bold was a 6'3 tall kind faced man in his late 40's with greying brown hair dressed in silver plate armour with a dark blue tunic and breeches underneath it and the white cloak of the Kingsguard fastened to his shoulders.
The two turned to face them as Ned stopped next to Brandon.
"Lords Stark" said Rhaegar bowing his head slightly to them.
"Your Grace… Ser Barristan" said Ned bowing his head.
"Your Grace… myself and my Brother thank you for escorting our Sister back here from the hall, though we were rather expecting someone else to escort her back" said Brandon.
"You need not thank me Lord Stark… goodnight Lyanna, I pray that we shall find ourselves in each others company once again before the end of the tournament" said Rhaegar.
He kissed her hand before turning to the others.
"Farewell" said Rhaegar before he turned and walked away.
Lyanna watched him leave before smiling and walking back into the tent.
"I take it you enjoyed his company" said Brandon teasingly.
"Very much, he was the perfect gentleman" said Lyanna with a fond smile on her face and a tinge of red on her cheeks.
"You know he is a married man Lya" said Ned.
"I know that, I am just glad that I was able to enjoy my evening in the end" said Lyanna before yawning slightly.
"Come on Lya, get some sleep, we have a long day tomorrow, and I have a melee to win" said Brandon walking back to his bed.
Ned did the same as Lyanna went to get changed behind the private screen so she could not be seen.
She emerged a few minutes later in her nightdress and climbed into her bed.
"Am I falling for Prince Rhaegar, I had more fun in his company in a mere few hours than all of the time I spent with Robert… wait, stop it Lya he is a married man" thought Lyanna.
She rolled over in her bed where she could see Brandon sleeping peacefully on his side.
"What would my life had been like if I was married to Rhaegar instead, would I love him as a Wife loves her Husband, would he love me back… maybe I am falling for him" thought Lyanna.
Sleep claimed her moments later interrupting her thoughts of her growing feelings for Prince Rhaegar Targaryan.