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Ashara Dayne XIII

King's Landing, Crownlands, Year 282 AC

The day was cold and windy, a true winter day though after her stay in the North this wasn't too much to endure. Ashara was in the docks of King's Landing with her brother Arthur, her good friend Emyly and little Prince Aegon who was on the later's hold. While Emy and little Aegon were returning to Dragonstone so that the little Prince could be with his mother and sister, Ashara was leaving to Gulltown to meet her future husband and lover…her job to Elia was done for now.

It did pain her a lot to leave her best friend at Dragonstone in the condition she surely still is…but she knew Elia would insist for her to go and secure her future. Not that Elia would lack proper company in Ashara's absence, she would have Jasline, Nysah and her children, Emy would remain for some time too before she returned home for a while.

"I can't wait to see Yronwood once more." Emy proclaimed merrily. "I miss the airs of Dorne. King's Landing smells way too bad and Dragonstone is too cold and damp."

"Sometimes I do miss the airs of Dorne as well." Her brother Arthur confessed. He was walking behind them like a shadow. "Swim in the Torentine…now I'm a bit nostalgic…"

"Emy is going to make us all cry for missing Dorne…" Ashara said smiling. She did miss Starfall and the Water Gardens but as things stood, Dorne was out of the question for her. "Naughty Emy…"

"I was just telling you all how happy I feel…" The blonde said sadly. "I did not mean to make you all cry…"

"We are just messing with you, Emy. Even if we miss Dorne, we will not cry about it." Ashara said patting her friend's arm and then she cooed the little Prince a little bit. "We are happy to see you happy my friend."

"That makes me more relieved." Emy confessed as she glanced the Prince and cuddled with him a little too.

"By the way sister, do you have everything you need for the voyage?" Arthur asked. "It's going to be a very long one too."

"Arron and Clara are sending mother's wedding dress to Winterfell so it can be prepared for me to wear," she explained whilst a feeling of honor and pride came to her, she would be wearing her late mother's wedding dress in her own wedding… "I have sent the earrings that Queen Rhaella gave me a few days ago by a courier as they are so valuable and feared them sinking to the bottom of the floor."

"That is the best thing to do." Emy said and Arthur nodded in agreement.

"I'm just a bit sad I can't take Starlight with me but my poor horse has suffered enough with all those trips…" Ashara confessed.

"Don't worry dear sister, I will make sure he sees you getting married." Her brother assured chuckling. "I will ride him to Winterfell myself as I…don't like sailing…"

That made her laugh a little and Emy did the same. "We know Artie…you always threw up when on a ship be it a carrack or fishing boat."

"I hate sailing…" he assured with a smile though perhaps he was not liking it too much…

"Anyway…I should get going, the ship me and the little Prince are supposed to catch is right there…" Emy pointed out. "I'm a bit afraid of missing it, so goodbye everyone. I look forward to seeing you getting married my dear friend." Then Emyly kissed Ashara's cheek and Arthur's too and left with a fast pace to the ship she was to catch.

"She is such a laid back person…carefree…" Arthur said smiling. "It soothes you just by hearing Emy talk."

"True she is the cutest." Ashara giggled. "I should get going as well, waiting more will cause conflicts with timetables and I don't wish to make Ned lose his brother's marriage."

"Better wait than making the others wait for you." Arthur concluded.

"Something that father thought us and has some use."

"Indeed…" Her brother agreed. "I will ask Rhaegar for his support in convincing the King to grant me leave so I can escort you to the altar and to your dear Ned's embrace."

"I hope the King allows it. An escort is easy to arrange, Arron can do that very well but I want you there to witness it all…"

Her brother smiled as he pulled her and kissed her forehead. "I know. I'm sure Rhaegar will help…Anyway, have a nice and pleasant trip, dear sister."

"Thank you, Artie," she said as she kissed the cheek that Emy had not kissed. "Now you have been kissed by two beautiful girls."

"My day is brighter already." Arthur laughed loudly. "See you later Ash."

"Goodbye."

Ashara strolled to the ship that would take her to Gulltown, it was a Braavosi galley not as fancy as the one that brought her from White Harbor but the voyage would be smaller in length anyway. Once inside, she waved back to her brother who was still on the pier doing the same to her. I'm coming, my sweet Quiet Wolf…

Robert Baratheon I

Gates of the Moon, Vale, Year 282 AC

Robert still found it hard to believe the latest news that Jon gave him…His best friend, Ned the Quiet Wolf as people liked to call him was now betrothed to the Lady Ashara Dayne, the Dornish beauty…

He had found it strange when he saw both of them watching the jousts together after Ned's mysterious absence throughout the length of the tourney but to actually hear that his friend seduced such a gorgeous woman was…weird…Not that Robert had a problem with it, his friend deserved good things too, if the beauty liked Ned, then let her like him. Robert certainly wouldn't criticize her, especially knowing that she would be in good hands just as good old Ned. Those teats, arse and pretty face…Robert approves it…

He, on the other hand, found himself a bit overwhelmed...Robert had tried his best to convince Lyanna that he was her man, but for once in his life, a woman refuted him and it made him feel sad but at the same time, it gave him the strength to keep trying, Robert was not a quitter, no Baratheon was a quitter. Sure he was stupid at times…well more often than not…but he wanted to make it right, he wanted to settle down with Lyanna.

In fact, that was his wish ever since Ned opened up more regarding his siblings, how fondly he spoke of her, how she was a wild girl that loved to do boyish things like fighting with swords…that left Robert very curious about her, a girl that liked the same things as he was a rare find and the fact that she was his best friend's sister made her even more enticing. The more Ned spoke of her, the more Robert knew she was the one he wanted to be his wife and when he first saw her in person at Harrenhal, he was amazed. She wasn't the most beautiful woman in the world but she was pretty nonetheless and her daring expression made her more gorgeous. She was perhaps a bit too skinny and a bit too young as her breasts and behind were still growing but she made his heart melt…

But his biggest fear was to grow bored of her when she was his wife…he did not wish for that to happen especially when she was Ned's sister and a member of House Stark. Somehow he believed he would not grow tired of her because she liked the same things as he so he hoped he was right. She was everything he could ask for.

Another fear he had or rather something he would never forget was what his stupid cousin did to her at Harrenhal…crowning Lyanna instead of his own wife…Yet another spit coming for the Targaryens against House Baratheon. After his parents died to find that wimp a wife he still intends to somehow make Robert's betrothed a mistress…You can look Rhaegar Targaryen, but you can't touch. I assure you that. If you dare lay a finger on her, I swear to the Gods I will kill you and I won't care if you are the heir or not.

Gods…now that cursed image of his parents' lifeless bodies being dragged out of the water was tormenting him once more…how his father never made him laugh again and how his mother never smiled at him or called him Bobby again…No! No! I won't think of it again! I won't cry! Think about Lyanna…yes…I failed at Harrenhal but I will not fail at Brandon's marriage, I will get to know her and make her fall in love with me.

He had begun putting into practice what Ned told him about her, how she did not like to learn of his daughter Mya's existence or his vices…Robert made his very best to control his vices as unfortunately, he could not do anything about little Mya. Much to his surprise, he was enduring celibacy quite well…Yes, he still salivated when glancing some big teats and arses but he held his ground, even when the maids and wenches were in the mood to turn him around. He wouldn't succumb to his lust, for Lyanna, he would do anything.

Perhaps good old Ned could give him more advice…especially now that he was betrothed…Just the mere thought of the Quiet Wolf kissing the beautiful Ashara Dayne made Robert laugh loudly at the Great Hall which made everyone look at him like if he was Mad Aerys.

"Robert? Why in the Seven Hells are you laughing?" Asked Elbert. Jon's nephew was still recovering from the flu but he had come a long way from being bedridden and Robert was quite thankful for that.

"I was just imagining Ned and Ashara Dayne kissing each other…" he stated as he laughed more. "Do you think she will enjoy his maidenboy cock between her legs?"

"Not all women like men just for their cocks." Elbert retorted. "I think Ashara Dayne was looking for more than just sex when she accepted a marriage with him."

"Yes…you are probably right in that regard, Elbie." Robert agreed with a smirk on his lips as that bloody image didn't leave his mind. "But Gods didn't he score big with her?"

"Big? I don't think one could score higher than that."

Robert barked laughing again. "May the Gods be good to that man. And let Ashara bloody Dayne loosen his stern face a bit."

"Aye." Concurred Elbert. "And with this flu, I missed Willam's marriage…I'm so angry…"

"Bah, he won't be pissed at you," Robert assured while patting Elbert's shoulder. "Better to miss a wedding and live than attend and die."

"I like living very much, thank you." Stated the young Arryn. "At least I won't miss any more marriages."

Robert remembered that Elbert wasn't promised yet… "And you Elbert, when are you getting married?"

"You tell me." Blurted Elbert while rubbing his hair. "My uncle was trying to negotiate a marriage between me and either Cersei Lannister or Janna Tyrell, but the prospects don't seem to be going too well with either…"

"Perhaps you will marry a Valewoman?" Inquired Robert with a smile. "There are plenty of fine women around…"

"Maybe…" Nodded Elbert as he now rubbed his chin. "If it happens, then I hope it could be Grisel Waynwood or her sister Marla…maybe my cousin Meredith…"

"Your cousin?" Questioned Robert while remembering that plumped red-haired girl that was at Strongsong with her fat father when they visited with Jon. "Isn't she a bit too…plump?"

"She still looks hot to me." Elbert said in a defensive tone.

"Easy Falcon Boy." Robert laughed. "Whoever you fancy is your problem, not mine."

"You two." Called Jon as he entered the Great Hall of the castle. "It seems Ned has arrived."

"Ned has arrived?" Questioned Elbert with a smile forming on his lips.

"Yes he has nephew," Jon nodded. "I want us to go receive him."

"Jon, Jon…" Robert shook his head with a smirk. "You don't have to ask us that, we will go on our very own free will."

"We couldn't miss that solemn-faced man, could we?" Elbert agreed with a big grin. "I wonder if he is already smiling more often…"

"I think he might…" Robert proposed as Jon sighed and shook his head, then three of them left to meet Ned at the entrance to the castle.

To their surprise…he had his shy smile out already… "Jon, Robert," Ned said as he gave them a polite nod. He then unhorsed and walked in to shake hands with them. "And Elbert it's good to see you well."

"Ned the betrothed!" Robert shouted proudly as he clapped his friend's back and shook hands with him then he went on to laugh again. "I never thought I would see this day come…I'm so proud of you!"

"Calm down Robert." Ned spoiled his little outburst. "There is no need to make it such a big fuss."

"Who in the Seven Hells doesn't make a fuss when he is marrying Ashara Dayne of all people?" Asked Elbert with an aghast look. "If you go like that, she will find a paramour to replace you."

"I doubt that will happen…" Ned murmured with some cocky confidence. "But I will keep that in mind nevertheless."

"Now in all honesty Ned, I must congratulate you." Said Jon with a big smile. "I'm happy that it all worked well for you and her."

"Wait a minute…" Robert interrupted with a surprised face, the same one Elbert had. "You knew they were a thing before the raven came?"

"While you two were busy drinking and whatnot, I was watching Ned dance and laugh with the lady." Jon plainly stated. "Being sober has its advantages."

"But how did you know they were cooking something in there?" Robert insisted. "I mean it's a feast…men dance with women."

"I was young and handsome once." Jon sighed defeated. "Back in my days, I had all the ladies chasing me..."

"Wait what?" Jon and ladies? What was this madness?

"I never did more than…kisses but I did court a few damsels in my time…"

"Gods to think Jon was young once…" Robert murmured amused.

"Did you seriously thought I was born old?" Asked Jon indignantly. "For your information, I was as handsome as Elbert or Denys when I was young."

"Gods that must have been a long time ago." Added Elbert as they broke into laughter.

"Aye…now I'm an old fart…twice widowed…"

"Ah cheer up old man, we love you all the same, don't we?" Robert asked and three of them nodded in agreement.

"With all that happened, I forgot that during the winter the Eyrie is abandoned…" Ned commented slightly embarrassed. "I was tricking myself this entire time since Harrenhal…"

They all broke down into more laughter after Ned's comment. "It seems Ned has lost his wits because of a certain Dornishwoman…" Elbert commented with a big smirk.

"I like her already." Exclaimed Robert who was yet again laughing. The woman seemed to have a positive effect on Ned as he seemed loosened.

"Anyway, it's good to have your company again Ned." Jon said as he embraced his ward.

"It's good to be back."

"And when are you meeting your darling again Ned?" Elbert teased.

"She went with me to Winterfell to meet my father but left to be with Princess Elia when the new baby was to be born…by the way, do you happen to have information about this?"

"We seem to have a new Prince Aegon." Jon proclaimed. "The Princess seems to be bedridden though."

"I see…" Ned murmured. "Well, Ashara will come to Gulltown very soon to accompany us to Riverrun for Brandon's marriage."

"Oh, so she is coming here?" Robert stated amused. "That is interesting…I will be looking forward to seeing the two of you cuddling…"

"Robert…" Jon warned him.

"Sorry…"

"Come and get inside Ned, you could use some rest after the long voyage I'm sure." Jon suggested.

"That would be good." Ned agreed. "I'm very tired."

"The servants have prepared you a room and will take you there." The old Lord of the Vale said as he motioned for a servant to come. "In the meantime, these two could go have some practice in the yard with Nestor Royce…and leave you to rest."

"Alright…"

Brandon Stark V

Riverrun, Riverlands, Year 282 AC

Brandon, his sister, Ethan, Jeffory, and Kyle stood in front of the lifting bridge that granted one's access to the castle of Riverrun. They were waiting for the Tullys to acknowledge their arrival.

"Is Ser Brynden here as well?" Lyanna asked him.

"I'm quite sure he is," Brandon replied whilst glancing her. "He is very fond of his niece so I seriously doubt he would be missing her marriage."

"Will you fight him?" she asked shyly.

Brandon couldn't but laugh at her question. "And why should I fight him, dear sister?"

"Because I want to see him fight!" Lyanna uttered.

"You do?" he questioned smirking.

"Yes!" she insisted. "I would challenge him myself but I doubt he would accept as I'm a woman…"

"You never know Lya." Said Ethan. "He might accept."

"Even if Ser Brynden accepts, he is far too good for you all." Jeffory proclaimed as he grew impatient from the wait. "Gods, why are they taking so long?"

"Who said that he is better than us all?" Brandon asked indignantly. He was sure he could beat the Blackfish if need be.

"Says everyone who has a brain." Kyle said. Kyle said this…Kyle of all people…

"We shall see about that," Brandon said as he turned to his sister once more. "It looks like you are in luck, Lya, you are going to see the Blackfish fight."

"So you are going to challenge him for a duel?" Lyanna asked beaming.

"No little sister, I'm going to beat him in a duel." he said confidently. As he said that, the gates to the castle were finally lifted.

"Brandon!" Shouted Edmure, Catelyn's younger brother, a boy of nine, who came running to them, followed by a small retinue of soldiers.

"Look who it is!" Brandon shouted. "If it isn't my new squire Edmure!"

"Welcome back!" Edmure said happily. Brandon liked the lad as he reminded him of Elbert and even Ethan. He was a fun little child.

"Now I'm not the only one here Edmure, so you ought to greet everyone as well," Brandon informed the little boy. "Especially my sister, you have to be polite to the ladies."

"Sorry Jeffory, Kyle and Ethan." Edmure bowed in an apology. "And Lady?"

"Lyanna." His sister replied.

"Lady Lyanna."

"Just Lyanna is enough." she insisted. Here we go again with the lady thing… "Can we go inside now Edmure?"

"Yes, yes." he agreed. "Father told me to bring you all inside."

"Then lead the way champion of Riverrun." Brandon encored, making the little trout smile proudly.

"First the horses to the Master of Horse, please." Edmure demanded as a group of servants picked the reins of their horses. Then Edmure led them inside the triangular castle.

"It seems I'm already being replaced…" Murmured Ethan sadly.

"Don't worry Ethan." Lyanna cooed as she patted Ethan's shoulder. "He replaces us all with ease."

"You are so right Lya." Ethan agreed as Jeffory and Kyle nodded in affirmation.

"As if you all don't replace me too with ease." Brandon scoffed. "Traitors…" They all lolled their tongues at him before smirking at him…This lot…

Finally passing by the courtyard they arrived at the Great Keep, a triangular one, just as the castle…It seemed the Tullys were obsessed with triangles…Lord Tully, Ser Brynden, Cat and her sister Lysa were waiting for them inside. Lord Tully and Catelyn had smiles on their faces, Ser Brynden was indifferent and Lysa looked as if she was worried and almost frightened.

"Lord Brandon and Lady Lyanna welcome to our humble home of Riverrun." Said Lord Tully. "It's a big pleasure to have you both here, and My Lords too."

I'm sure it is a pleasure for you… "The pleasure is ours, Lord Tully." he then turned to Catelyn his future wife. "Cat."

"Brandon." she responded with a polite nod and bright smile. As he glanced properly at her, he still found her beautiful, fair-skinned, long auburn hair and deep shining blue eyes. She was honorable and honest and tried hard to not be boring towards him. Yet…she seemed far too proud of her status and far too religious as well, to the wrong type of faith if she was going to be Lady of the North one day. Certainly, she would not react too well to the North and that worried him.

"It's a pleasure to see you once more," he said as he kissed her hand. "And Lady Lysa as well."

"Likewise." Scoffed Lysa. What in Seven Hells is her deal anyway?

"Cat, why don't you go and take a walk around the castle with Lord Brandon?" Lord Tully suggested before turning to Lysa. "Lysa will show the castle to Lady Lyanna and Edmure to the other lords."

"Certainly father." Catelyn nodded to her father once more. "Brandon would you please follow me."

"Lead the way My Lady." he smiled at her.

She led him outside of the Great Hall to the courtyard. "It has been a while since we last saw each other, hasn't it?" Cat admitted shyly. "A few moons…"

"Aye." he agreed. "Last time we saw each other was in Harrenhal."

"Yes…" she agreed. "Where Prince Rhaegar…crowned your sister…"

"Let's talk about something else, shall we?" he quickly told her, not wishing to hear about that inbred cunt's actions be it for the realm or not. "How have you been?"

She was a bit shaken by his little outburst but quickly composed herself. "I have been well enough, rather nervous due to our upcoming marriage though…" she confessed while blushing a bit of embarrassment.

He laughed at her confession. "You are certainly not the only one in that regard," he admitted. "I'm very nervous as well."

"I suppose it's normal…to feel this way…"

"I believe so."

She smiled and blushed a bit more, she somehow reminded him of Ned blushing at Ashara's teasing…

"BRANDON STARK!" Brandon looked at where that still to mature voice called or rather shouted for him, there stood a small guy around Ben's age but much, much smaller in size. Said guy had black hair and gray-green eyes weird eyes, he was skinny and looked harmless. Petyr Baelish…

"Baelish?" Brandon questioned with a raised eyebrow. "Why are you shouting my name?"

"Petyr!" Called Cat worried. "What is the meaning of this?"

Baelish did not stop gazing Brandon, whatever this fool wished…it wasn't going to end well…for him of course… "Brandon Stark, I challenge you for Catelyn's hand!" Called it…

"What?" Asked Catelyn aghast. "Petyr have you lost your wits?"

Baelish had no brains it seemed… "Are you sure that you wish to do this Baelish?"

"Of course he doesn't Brandon!" Catelyn dismissed with a worried face. "He…"

"I'm certain Brandon Stark!" Petyr said with a big smirk on his lips. "I'm certain I will beat you."

"Then I accept your challenge," Brandon assured him. He wasn't going to dismiss a challenge just because he felt pity for the lad. If he did he would be considered a coward. "But when you lose, don't tell me I did not warn you."

"I shall not lose, barbarian!"

Barbarian? He has got some big nerves… "I'm going to make you eat those words!" Brandon barked angrily.

"Petyr don't disrespect my betrothal!" Catelyn hissed at him angrily. "And please stop this nonsense!"

"I will see you tomorrow Stark." Petyr the Little Cunt said as if he was superior to him. Clearly, this fool didn't know who had the better lineage of the two of them…

He left them and Catelyn looked frightened. "Brandon…This is all a misunderstanding…he didn't mean it…"

"Do you happen to love that prick?" he asked angrily. The way she looked at Brandon suggested she had a big crush on him but…you never know…

"No!" she almost shouted. "I...I love you, Brandon…Petyr has a crush on me but to me, he is nothing but a good friend, I have no feelings towards him but friendship…"

"Well, Baelish is going to get his arse kicked no matter what," Brandon assured her. "Maybe that will put some sense onto his head."

"Please Brandon, he is stupid but he is still a great friend of mine, so please don't kill him…" she pleaded while holding his hands. "My conscience will not be able to bear it…"

"I won't kill him," he assured her. "I'm simply going to show him the big difference between us and make him eat his own words. Winter is Coming."


RedRat8: I think Robert and Lyanna could have worked quite well considering their similar tastes, I think she would have the freedom she desired with him but I also think she would tell him when he was doing nonsense.

mlkoolc86: Thank you for pointing it out, hopefully, it won't happen again. Regarding Lysa, for as much as Jon Arryn might have been a good man, he was very old, multiple miscarriages and living in King's Landing with Cersei tormenting you doesn't exactly leave you sane. I think Lysa could have turned out better with a younger Arryn or Jaime Lannister like Tywin and Hoster intended.

C. : I respect your opinion on the matter. Mine isn't too far away from yours overall.