The Rise Of A Dynasty
Highgarden – 294 A.C
The next day…
Beric tied the straps for Oswell Whent's chest plate as the older knight got ready for the melee in the tent.
Jon was stood getting ready on the other side of the tent along with Theon.
Once Beric had finished tying the straps he picked up Oswell Whent's helm and handed it to him.
"Good lad… wait in here until after the melee, you need to help me remove my armour" said Oswell Whent.
"Yes Ser Oswell" said Beric stepping away from him.
Oswell Whent nodded and put his helm on.
He turned to Jon who was pulling his gloves on as Theon held onto his helm.
"Good luck Jon, you might have won that squires melee, but this will be something different, and much more difficult" said Oswell Whent sternly.
Jon nodded.
"I know" said Jon as Theon handed his helm to him.
Jon put the helm on and walked out of the tent.
He walked into the arena followed by Oswell Whent being one of the last to do so.
As Jon looked at some of the other contestants he realised the Oswell Whent was being even more serious about the harder challenge in this melee.
Among the thirty plus contestants he spotted Ser Barristan Selmy, Ser Jamie Lannister and the 6'1 tall, muscular, short blonde haired 21 year old Lady Brienne Of Tarth.
Jon drew his sword as his eyes landed on one of the other contestants who was looking at him with a cruel smirk on his face as he twirled his Dornish curved sword.
Gerold Dayne was dressed in his dark silver armour without a helm.
Jon gripped his longsword in both hands and growled.
Once all of the contestants were ready Mace Tyrell stood up from his seat in the private seating area.
Jon growled as Gerold Dayne stalked towards him once Mace Tyrell started the melee which had a prize of 1000 Gold Dragons.
Jon smirked and moved towards his older Cousin.
Ashara looked slightly worried as Jon and Gerold Dayne got closer and closer to each other with each passing moment.
Jon tested Gerold Dayne's sturdy defence with a few testing jabs before he suddenly charged him swinging his longsword with both hands.
While nowhere near as skilled as his Cousin Arthur. The Darkstar was still a talented fighter anticipating and blocking each strike from Jon replying with precise strikes of his own.
Jon held his own against his older Second Cousin for several minutes as the other contestants fell one by one.
Ned smirked at his eldest Son who simply lured the Darkstar into a disguised trap allowing him to think he had the upper hand.
Jon quickly parried his latest strike before removing his helm and striking the elder Lord in the side of the face knocking him back.
Jon smashed his longsword into Gerold Dayne's sword knocking it out of his hands.
Ashara smirked as Gerold Dayne picked up his sword and stalked out of the arena as Jon put his helm back on.
The melee continued on for several minutes until only Jon, Oswell Whent, Barristan Selmy, Jamie Lannister, Brienne Of Tarth, the 18 year old short blonde brown haired Garlan Tyrell and Lord Lyn Corbray remained.
The seven stood still looking at each other for several moments unsure of who to attack first before the final part of the melee began.
Jon immediately found himself the target of an attack by Lyn Corbray who was a skilled warrior wielding his ancestral Valyrian Steel longsword Lady Forlorn.
It did not take Jon long to disarm and beat the Vale Lord.
He turned and clashed swords with Garlan Tyrell who had really good skill with a blade but focused more on precision than strength.
Jon forced the Tyrell Boys sword to the side before kicking him in the chest knocking him to the ground.
He immediately leapt to the side to dodge a sneaky strike from Jamie Lannister who was looking at him with an arrogant smirk on his face.
Jon wheeled around and blocked another strike from the Kingslayer.
He dodged and blocked each strike from Jamie Lannister as well as returning strikes of his own for the next few minutes before he felt the sharp pain on his wrist as his longsword was knocked from his hands.
Before he could blink he felt Jamie Lannisters gold hilt longsword against his neck.
Jon nodded causing Jamie Lannister to smirk.
"You lost Little Stark" said Jamie Lannister in a sarcastic voice.
Jon growled and stepped away from him picking up and sheathing his sword before storming back towards the tent.
Ned sighed.
"He underestimated the Kingslayer, he should know better than that" said Ned solemnly.
"He is just went up against the youngest ever Kingsguard Ned, you cannot blame him for letting the excitement get to his head" said Ashara as Oswell Whent engaged Jamie Lannister.
Ned frowned and placed his hand on hers.
"He does know better than that Ashara… he was taught better than that, never underestimate your opponent, no doubt he will realise so later tonight" said Ned.
Ashara nodded and turned back to the melee managing a small smirk as Oswell Whent disarmed Jamie Lannister with a series of skilful sword tricks.
Arya scowled slightly as she watched Brienne Of Tarth fall to Barristan Selmy's sword.
"I wanted her to win" scowled Arya.
Robb smirked.
"Barristan The Bold can beat any man Little Sister… or any woman, no matter how skilled she is" said Robb as Brienne walked towards the tents with a disappointed look on her face.
Arya watched Brienne leave the arena as Oswell Whent and Barristan Selmy stood opposite each other in total silence.
"I want to be just like her" said Arya quietly.
Ned smiled and reached over Ashara grasping Arya's hand.
"Maybe one day you will be Arya… if you keep your promise to your Mother" said Ned supportively.
Arya smirked.
"One day I will be Father… I promise" thought Arya confidently.
Ned and the others watched in hopeful anticipation as Oswell Whent held his own against Barristan Selmy.
Their hopeful anticipation came to a halt barely three minutes later as Barristan Selmy knocked Oswell Whent to the ground and had his sword at the former Kingsguard's throat in a split second.
Oswell Whent nodded as cheers erupted from the stands for Barristan Selmy's victory.
Jon, Theon and Beric stood in the entrance to the tent watching as Oswell Whent shook hands with Barristan Selmy before walking back over to them.
Once Beric had helped Oswell Whent remove his armour the four of them walked back into the stands just in time to see the conclusion of the archery contest.
Ned clapped Jon on the shoulder as he sat down to watch the archery.
"You fought well Jon… facing the Kingslayer is no easy task, especially for someone as young as you" said Ned supportively.
Jon nodded.
"I know Father" said Jon.
Ned removed his hand and turned to watch the end of the archery which was won by the 15 year old short brown haired Dickon Tarly.
They waited until Mace Tyrell had finished congratulating the Tarly boy before making their way out of the stands.
As they were walking back to their tents Ned held Jon back slightly so they were walking behind the others.
"Jon… what did you make of Margaery Tyrell when you spoke to her the other night?" said Ned turning to face his Son.
Jon turned to him in slight confusion.
"What do you mean Father?" said Jon.
Ned managed a small smile and looked ahead at the others.
"You spent quite a bit of time in her company the other night, I just wanted to know what you thought of her" said Ned.
Jon shrugged his shoulders slightly.
"She's a nice girl, tried to play those daft southern games on me, but a nice girl nonetheless" said Jon as he turned to face the front.
Ned chuckled.
"What is it you are not telling me Father?" said Jon in confusion.
Ned put his arm around Jon's shoulders.
"Well… your Mother and I had a few words with each other last night… about approaching Lord and Lady Tyrell for a betrothal between you and Margaery Tyrell, if you would like that" said Ned.
Jon froze up slightly and turned back to his Father.
"Father… we did not speak to each other a lot, and you are already thinking about a betrothal" said Jon warily.
"That is why I am asking you first… to see what you think first, me and your Mother chose to marry each other, we want you to have that same choice as well, but we want to make sure you find a suitable wife, one who will make a good Lady Of Winterfell" said Ned.
Jon sighed.
"I am not sure how I feel about this Father" said Jon.
Ned squeezed his shoulder.
"She is a very pretty girl is she not?" said Ned.
Jon slowly nodded.
"She is" said Jon testily.
Ned smiled.
"You know that was the first thing that went through my mind when I first laid eyes on your Mother, I thought she was beautiful… now look at us, we have been married for over 16 years, we love each other Jon, perhaps you should seek out her company once again tonight, spend some time with her, and think about what I said" said Ned.
Jon remained silent for a few moments before nodding.
"Okay Father" said Jon.
Ned smirked and squeezed his shoulder once again.
"You did well today as well, you did our family proud" said Ned.
Jon smiled.
"Thank you Father" said Jon.
Ned glanced at Ashara who had her back to them.
"Do not mention this to your Mother… but we were most pleased when you beat your Cousin Gerold Dayne, your Mother hates him, so do your Aunt, Uncles and Grandmother" said Ned cheekily.
Jon smirked.
"He was arrogant and overconfident… skilful as well but not too difficult to beat" said Jon chuckling slightly.
"How do you like your new sword?" said Ned glancing down at Jon's longsword.
Jon placed his hand on the handle.
"It is great… the weight is perfectly balanced, and I sharpen it regularly" said Jon.
Ned smiled.
"Good… your Uncle Arthur had Dorne's bests Blacksmiths make that for you, and he hopes you are still training hard" said Ned.
Jon nodded.
"I am Father, we all are" said Jon.
"I know… you are my boys, and you all train like all Northmen train… to survive, we live through the harshest conditions sometimes, so we must protect ourselves" said Ned.
Jon smiled and wrapped his arm around Ned's upper chest as they walked back towards the tent.
Jon walked over to Robb, Theon, Beric and Edric once he entered the tent and removed his sword.
Ned watched the boys laugh and joke with each other as Ashara walked up to him.
"Well… how did it go?" said Ashara.
Ned turned to her and gave her a quick kiss.
"He said he will make a decision about a potential offer on the morrow… but, I think he might accept our proposal, he told me he was not sure about a betrothal to Margaery Tyrell" said Ned.
Ashara smiled.
"You mentioned us I take it" said Ashara.
"I did yes… I told him that the first thing I ever thought of you was that you were beautiful, and he finds Margaery Tyrell to be pretty" said Ned smirking slightly.
Ashara sent him a loving smile and gaze.
"Aww… you thought I was beautiful when you first saw me, how sweet" said Ashara in a slightly teasing voice.
Ned chuckled.
Ashara smirked.
"You know… I thought you were very handsome when I first saw you… even more so than Brandon, or any other man in the hall that night" said Ashara lovingly.
Ned turned slightly red.
"And now look at us… nearly 17 years later" said Ned.
Ashara smiled and kissed his cheek close to his lips.
"Hush… you can woo me later, first you can help me get everything ready for tonight's feast" said Ashara cheekily.
Ned chuckled.
"Very well Lady Stark" said Ned cheekily as the two walked over to one of the chests to prepare the clothes for the feast.
He opened one of the chests and spotted what he was looking for.
Two tunics one of which was dark brown in colour bearing the grey direwolf sigil of House Stark and the other which was light grey in colour bearing the bronze/gold kraken sigil of House Greyjoy.
He pulled them out of the chest and placed them on his bed.
He then turned to look at Jon and the others who were drinking from mugs of ale and water.
"Theon" said Ned.
The boys stopped talking and Theon turned to face him.
"Lord Stark" said Theon testily.
"Come here lad" said Ned as Ashara turned to face the boys.
Theon stood up and walked over to Ned spotting the tunics on the bed.
"What is this?" said Theon looking down at the tunics.
Ned looked down at the tunics and then back at Theon.
"We forgot to give you these on your name day at Winterfell… perhaps you could wear one of them tonight, whichever one of them you wish to wear" said Ned.
"What if I want to wear the Greyjoy one?" said Theon testily.
"Then wear it… the kraken is the sigil of your House, you should wear it with pride, even if others do not agree with it" said Ned in a supportive voice.
Theon looked down at the Greyjoy tunic tracing his hand over it for several silent seconds before picking it up.
"I would like to wear it Lord Stark, but I will wear the direwolf one tomorrow" said Theon confidently.
Ned gave him a small smile.
"Your a good man Theon" said Ned proudly.
Theon smiled and knelt down in front of Ned bowing his head.
"Thank you My Lord" said Theon.
Ned chuckled.
"Stand up lad… go on, go back to your drink" said Ned.
Theon stood up and walked back to the table.
Ashara took Ned's hand causing him to look at her.
"What?" said Ned softly as she smiled at him.
Ashara gave him a quick kiss before leaning up to her ear.
"Nothing… I just think that was rather nice of you… someone is getting lucky later" whispered Ashara cheekily.
Ned chuckled.
"Do you ever think about anything else… other than what happens late at night with your Husband?" whispered Ned jokingly.
"Of course… I think about many things other than your manhood" whispered Ashara in mock insult.
Ned smirked.
"But I have Dornish blood in me… hot Dornish blood, we Dornish love fucking and everything that comes with it" whispered Ashara in a sultry voice.
Ned rolled his eyes jokingly causing her to chuckle.
"Think about that Husband… and try not to get hard just yet" whispered Ashara in a sultry voice.
Ned lowered his hand to her arse and pinched it causing her to jolt slightly.
"I would advise you to do the same" whispered Ned.
Ashara smirked.
"Fine… but I do have one request" whispered Ashara before kissing him.
Ned locked eyes with her.
"Request?" whispered Ned.
"At some point tonight… take me up to the battlements, just like you did at Harranhal, so we can look at the stars again" whispered Ashara softly.
Ned smiled.
"Of course" whispered Ned softly.
Ashara smiled before a stifled laugh caused them to look at the table.
Jon, Robb, Edric, Beric and Theon were looking at them with smirks on their faces.
"Find something funny boys?" said Ned sternly.
Theon smirked and glanced at the others.
"You know what… perhaps we should go for a walk" said Theon.
"Yes… that's probably a good idea" said Jon quickly.
The others agreed with him as they all stood up from the table and quickly left the tent.
"I think the Girls and Brandon are still with your Cousin… perhaps you should go and find them" said Ashara as they left the tent.
"Yes Mother" said Robb quickly.
Once they had gone Ned and Ashara turned to each other and laughed.
"Well… it seems we were not as quiet as we thought" said Ned.
Ashara chuckled and kissed him.
"Unfortunately so" said Ashara.
Ned smirked and pushed her onto the bed before sitting down next to her.
Ashara sighed as he started to kiss and suck on her neck.
(Smut begins)
"You know… I have a question for you" said Ashara.
"What?" sighed Ned.
Ashara smirked.
"If you had to choose, just one of these things… what would you rather do, feast on my cunt whenever you want, or have me sucking your cock whenever you want?" moaned Ashara.
"That's a very difficult choice… both are just as good as each other" said Ned huskily.
Ashara smirked and started to trace her hand up his leg.
"Choose… and you shall receive" said Ashara in a sultry voice.
Ned groaned.
"You know how much I love feasting on you… but that is not the choice I have made, you know what to do" said Ned huskily as he felt her hand palm his manhood over his breeches causing him to get hard.
Ashara smirked and kissed him as he lifted himself up and pulled his breeches and smallclothes down.
(Smut ends)
Later that night…
Jon was sat at his table as he watched Margaery dance with Dickon Tarly while he engaged her in conversation.
As the end of the song approached he downed his wine and stood up slowly walking over to her.
Once the song ended Jon approached Margaery as she curtsied to Dickon Tarly.
"May I have this dance My Lady?" said Jon holding out his hand.
Margaery smiled and took his hand.
"Certainly My Lord" said Margaery.
Jon kissed her knuckles before taking her in his arms and steering her onto the dance floor.
"You look very beautiful tonight My Lady… I thought that I would have to fight off many men just to dance with you" said Jon softly as they started to dance to the music.
Margaery smiled.
"I doubt it would have been too difficult to fight them off for a dance with me… you certainly proved yourself to them as a capable fighter, and you have beaten two of my Brothers" said Margaery in a slightly flirty voice.
Jon chuckled.
"Then perhaps I should face your eldest Brother then, see if I can beat him as well" said Jon twirling her around.
Margaery gave him a pointed look.
"Overconfidence can be a dangerous thing I heard" said Margaery.
Jon smirked.
"There is a difference between being overconfident and knowing your abilities" said Jon.
"Yet you were bested by the Kingslayer after fighting him" said Margaery teasingly.
"The Kingslayer is a Knight with exceptional skill… there is no shame in losing to the better fighter" said Jon.
"Of course" said Margaery.
Jon smiled.
"So… any idea if your Father has found you a Husband yet?" said Jon cheekily.
"Why… are you offering yourself?" said Margaery in a flirty voice.
Jon chuckled.
"What smart man would not offer himself to you, your a beautiful girl" said Jon in a slightly flirty tone.
Margaery smirked.
"Such a sweet talker… for a Northerner that is, a far cry from uncultured barbarians anyway" said Margaery in a teasing voice.
"Perhaps you should visit the North… see these uncultured barbarians for yourself" said Jon jokingly.
"Well that depends… are they all sweet talkers like you?" said Margaery.
Jon shrugged his shoulders.
"One or two are yes… you like sweet talkers?" said Jon.
"Sweet talkers are good for conversation… and romantic as well" said Margaery.
Jon smirked.
"I suppose" said Jon.
Margaery smiled as the two continued dancing.
Once the song was over she separated from Jon and curtsied to him.
"Perhaps I shall seek out your company later tonight My Lord… but I have to attend to my other guests" said Margaery softly.
"Perhaps you should… you seem to enjoy my company" said Jon.
"If you say so" said Margaery.
She smirked and leaned up giving him a gentle kiss on the cheek.
Jon chuckled as Margaery smiled at him.
"Who knows what the future holds My Lady" said Jon cheekily before he walked back to the table.
Margaery watched him leave with a questioning look on her face before chuckling.
"Well played" whispered Margaery as Jon sat down at the table.
Meanwhile…
Ned and Ashara walked arm in arm through the hallways, up the staircases and along the battlements at a slightly rapid pace.
"Look… lets just stop here, there is no one else around" said Ashara in mock frustration.
The two stopped next to the wall overlooking the lush green countryside of the Reach.
Ned wrapped his arms around her waist as she bent over the battlement wall.
"Its beautiful, just looking at it" said Ashara softly.
Ned leaned down into her ear and kissed it.
"Not nearly as beautiful as you" said Ned softly.
"You said the exact same thing to me that night in Harranhal" said Ashara twisting her head to kiss him.
"Its true… I married the most beautiful woman in the Seven Kingdoms" said Ned softly.
Ashara smirked.
"Well… I did say you could woo me tonight" said Ashara.
"And woo you I shall… then I will bed you" said said Ned huskily.
Ashara smirked and looked out at the stars once again.
"Is my hot, wet, Dornish cunt the only thing you think about?" said Ashara naughtily.
Ned growled.
"You are wet right now?" said Ned huskily.
Ashara turned to him and mock glared at him.
"No… not yet anyway, I might be later on" said Ashara naughtily.
Ned chuckled.
"And no, I do think about other things as well… like how much I love you and our children" said Ned softly.
"Keep on wooing me Ned" said Ashara softly.
Ned kissed her.
"Gladly" said Ned.
The two looked out at the stars in the distance in silence for a few moments.
"You know I love you… very much" said Ned.
Ashara smiled.
"I love you too… with all my heart" said Ashara softly.
Ned turned her around and kissed her softly resting her against the battlement wall.
The two broke apart after several seconds.
"Shall we go back to the feast, I have to speak to Robert about something" said Ned.
"About what the Queen said?" said Ashara tracing her hand on his chest.
Ned sighed and nodded.
Ashara managed a sad smile and took his hand.
"Come on then… lets go and talk to him" said Ashara.
Ned smiled and started to lead her back into the main keep.
They walked through the castle before arriving back in the hall.
Fortunately they did not have to look very far for Robert who was sat down at the head table drinking his wine with Barristan Selmy stood behind him.
They made their way over to him causing Robert to look up at them.
"Ned, Lady Stark, sit down" said Robert in a joyful but slightly drunk voice.
The two sat down with Ned next to Robert and Ashara next to Ned.
"Robert… can we talk?" said Ned in a serious tone.
"About what?" said Robert.
Ned sighed.
"About Princess Minisa… and Jon" said Ned.
Robert downed his wine and refilled his goblet.
"I knew you would not accept it" said Robert in a bitter tone.
"But you knew about it?" said Ashara.
Robert nodded.
"Yes… I told Catelyn that you would never accept such a betrothal offer… her Father would hear none of that though… I never would have thought that old cunt Hoster Tully would have tolerated marrying cousins" said Robert sounding even more drunk.
Ned sighed.
"Never mind… the matter is finished now anyway… we refused her offer" said Ned.
"Then take my advice and forget all about it Ned… have a fucking drink to help you forget it if you want" said Robert.
Ashara glanced down towards her table where Elia and Brandon were sat down with Beric, Arya, Lyarra and Edric.
"We would love to Your Grace… but I think we better get back to our children, they are looking a little tired" said Ashara politely.
"Fine… leave this fat fucker to get drunk on his own" said Robert.
Ned sighed as he and Ashara stood up walking back to their table to attend to Elia and Brandon.
The next morning…
"So… you want us to betroth the prize of House Tyrell to your Son, why should we do so?" said Olenna Tyrell.
She was sat in Mace Tyrell's Solar along with Mace Tyrell, Alerie Tyrell, Margaery Tyrell, Ned, Ashara and Jon.
Jon had told Ned and Ashara that morning that he would agree to a betrothal between him and Margaery Tyrell.
As such he had walked up to the castle along with his parents to try and sort out a betrothal between him and Margaery.
Fortunately Margaery was also present in the room with her Parents and Grandmother giving him a slightly better chance of getting a betrothal between the two.
Ashara sipped her wine.
"Such a betrothal would be beneficial for both the North and the Reach, and for both our houses" said Ashara.
"Both our houses… your Husband might have the Kings ear Lady Stark… but that does not mean such a betrothal will be beneficial for House Tyrell, Margaery will have the next Kings ear when he agrees to a betrothal between my Granddaughter and his Son" said Olenna Tyrell.
"Not much different than the betrothal which the King refused… rather bluntly as well if I remember correctly" said Ned.
The Tyrells went silent for a few moments.
"The King refused our first offer… we can always make more offers" said Mace Tyrell in a slightly nervy voice.
"And still you have not answered our question… how exactly would this betrothal you have in mind be beneficial to House Tyrell" said Olenna Tyrell.
Ned gritted his teeth slightly.
"You know the North is the largest of the Seven Kingdoms, as such House Stark governs over the largest Kingdom in Westeros, as such your Daughter would be married to the Lord of the largest Kingdom in Westeros" said Ned.
"That is all very good… but our question still remains unanswered, why should we accept this betrothal?" said Alerie Tyrell.
"There are more people living in Kings Landing than the entire North combined, most of your land is empty" said Olenna Tyrell.
Ned opened his mouth to speak before Ashara cut him off by placing her hand on his arm.
Ned turned to her before she nodded to him.
Ned understood what she was planning and nodded.
Ashara turned back to the Tyrells and straightened up.
"Then perhaps we can come to some sort of compromise, if you would be willing to hear it" said Ashara confidently.
"Just get on with it… we do have other things to get on with today" said Olenna Tyrell in a bored tone.
"Lady Margaery comes to stay with us at Winterfell for a year or so… during which time she can decide whether or not to accept our betrothal offer and then return to Highgarden" *said Ashara.
Ned, Ashara and Jon watched as the elder Tyrells whispered amongst each other for a short while before Margaery got the attention of everyone in the room.
"Grandmother… Lady Starks proposal is a good idea, it would allow me to spend some time with her Son and then decide if I will marry him or not, and it would allow me to see more of the Seven Kingdoms" said Margaery in a soft spoken but confident voice.
The Starks watched in silence as Olenna and Mace Tyrell turned to face Margaery with questioning looks on their faces.
"Is this what you wish to do Margaery… knowing that you will be far away from us for some time if you do this" said Mace Tyrell.
Margaery glanced at Jon with a small smile and nodded.
"It is Father" said Margaery.
"Then it is settled… your Daughter will travel to Winterfell to be fostered in three moons, she will remain at Winterfell until she makes a final decision on the betrothal, and maybe even longer if she wishes" said Ned confidently.
"Yes yes, very good… now kindly bugger off, I have had enough of your company for the day" said Olenna Tyrell.
"Grandmother" said Margaery in shock but with a small smile on her face as the Starks looked slightly insulted.
Olenna Tyrell waved her off.
Margaery turned to the Starks.
"My apologies… my Grandmother meant no offence" said Margaery gracefully.
Ned nodded before he led Ashara and Jon out of the room.
They barely spoke to the Tyrells for the remainder of their stay at Highgarden eventually leaving the day after the conclusion of the tourney.
Winterfell – 294 A.C
Five weeks later…
Lyanna stood in the courtyard watching as Ned, Jon, Robb and Theon led the Stark convoy through the gates into the courtyard.
Beric, Arya and Edric followed behind them along with Oswell Whent who was riding in front of a small wheelhouse and a wagon.
Ned and the others dismounted their horses as the wheelhouse came to a halt in the centre of the courtyard.
They handed the reins of their horses to Hullen the Stablemaster and his Stableboys before Ned made his way over to the wheelhouse to help Ashara and the Girls out.
Jon and the others walked up and greeted Lyanna with hugs and kisses on the cheeks before Lyanna laid eyes on Lyarra as she stepped out of the wheelhouse.
Lyanna watched in slight shock as Lyarra made her way towards her carrying herself with the all of the grace and composure of a proper lady.
"Mother" said Lyarra happily as she wrapped her Mother in a hug and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
Lyanna smiled and returned the gesture before locking eyes with her.
"You look beautiful… Lady Manderly has turned you into a proper lady of the North" said Lyanna fondly.
Lyarra turned a little red and smiled.
"Thank you Mother… the Manderly's were lovely to me, they made me feel like a princess" said Lyarra.
Lyanna felt a familiar guilt well up inside her as she looked at her Daughter.
"If only you knew the truth" thought Lyanna sadly.
"Mother?" said Lyarra warily noticing her Mother's facial expression change.
Lyanna jolted slightly and managed a sad smile.
"Lyarra… come with me, we need to talk in private" said Lyanna.
Lyarra looked at her in slight confusion before nodding.
"Okay" said Lyarra warily.
Lyanna wrapped her arm around her shoulder and led her back into the castle.
Unbeknownst to Lyanna, Oswell Whent had watched them walk into the castle.
"I hope you know what you are doing Lady Lyanna" thought Oswell Whent sadly.
He stayed there watching them for a few moments before turning and walking over to the wagon to help the staff unpack their things.
Lyanna led Lyarra into her chambers and sat her down on her bed before sitting down opposite her.
She immediately wrapped her Daughter in a tight hug and leaned into her ear.
"Please forgive me Lyarra, please forgive me" said Lyanna sadly as tears appeared in her eyes.
Lyarra locked eyes with her Mother in confusion.
"For what Mother?" said Lyarra in confusion.
Lyanna let go of her and wiped the tears from her eyes.
"I have lied to you for many years Lyarra… I did not want to but I did" said Lyanna sadly.
Lyarra reeled back slightly.
"About what Mother?" said Lyarra warily.
Lyanna sighed.
"About you… about everything you have ever known about yourself, about your Father… about your real name" said Lyanna sadly.
Lyarra felt confused and slightly angry.
"What are you talking about?" said Lyarra slightly angrily.
Lyanna straightened up.
"Your Father was not some common Soldier from White Harbour… he was a Prince, had fate been kinder to him he would have been a King, he should have been King, and I would have been his Queen, you are no bastard Lyarra… you are a Princess" said Lyanna.
"What are you saying?" said Lyarra as she braced herself for what she felt was a shocking realisation.
Lyanna wiped more tears from her eyes.
"Your name… your real name… is Visenya Targaryan, Daughter of Rhaegar Targaryan and myself, he was my Husband, and I loved him with all my heart, I still do to this day" said Lyanna.
Lyarra stared at her Mother as feelings of hurt and betrayal began to stir in her body.
Those feelings did not go away as she listened to her Mother confess the full story behind her leaving and marrying Rhaegar to Roberts Rebellion and her birth in the Tower Of Joy.
By the end of the story Lyarra felt truly hurt and let Lyanna know it.
"How could you… how could you lie to me for my entire life?" shouted Lyarra angrily.
"Because I love you… because the King would have killed you if he knew about your real parentage, he might love this fantasy he has of me Lya… but that would not stop him from hurting you, he thinks your Father kidnapped and raped me, he believes me to have died at the end of Roberts Rebellion" said Lyanna reaching out to grasp her Daughters hand.
Lyarra pulled her hand away from her Mother and stood up.
"I hate you" whispered Lyarra bitterly.
Lyanna paled and started to tear up and stood up.
"Lyarra" pleaded Lyanna sadly.
"I hate you!" shouted Lyarra angrily.
"Please" pleaded Lyanna.
"Shut up, I hate you, get away from me!" screamed Lyarra as she started to cry.
She turned around and ran out of the room slamming the door.
Lyanna fell back onto the bed rolling over to the side as the tears started to flow.
Lyarra ran all the way back to her chambers and threw herself on the bed before crying into her wolf pelt covers.
Unfortunately someone had watched from afar as Lyarra ran into her chambers in tears immediately realising what had happened.
Ned made his way along the hallway to Lyanna's chambers.
He stopped outside the door where he could hear sobbing coming from within.
He slowly opened the door and walked inside finding Lyanna lying down on her bed facing away from him as she cried.
Ned sighed and slowly closed the door before making his way over to the bed.
Lyanna looked up at him as he sat down on the bed next to her before launching herself at him wrapping her arms around his chest.
Ned held her head against his chest as she cried.
She stayed like this for several minutes before finally finding her voice.
"She hates me Ned… my only Daughter hates me" sobbed Lyanna.
"She does not hate you Lya, you know she does not hate you, she is just upset" said Ned soothingly as he held her tightly.
"She screamed at me, she told me she hates me, I failed her" said Lyanna sadly.
"Lya… you have not failed her, just give her time, this will have been a lot for her to take in, she will come round in her own time" said Ned.
Lyanna just sat their sobbing into his chest.
"She loves you Lya… she will come round, you know she will" said Ned soothingly.
Lyanna pressed her head into his shoulder as he kissed her forehead.
"Lya… your Daughter loves you more than anything in this world" said Ned.
Lyanna wiped her tears with one hand.
Ned held her there for what felt like forever before finally leaving her chambers once her tears had subsided.
Two nights later…
Lyarra dropped into her bed still feeling bitter about her Mother and slowly went to sleep.
She opened her eyes in a lush green woodland and looked around in confusion.
"Where am I?" thought Lyarra.
"You look so much like her" said a soft spoken male voice that she did not recognise.
Lyarra turned around locking eyes with Rhaegar Targaryan.
She paused for a few moments before coming to a realisation.
"Father?" said Lyarra testily.
Rhaegar smiled.
"That's right… come here" said Rhaegar softly.
Lyarra slowly made her way over to him.
Rhaegar wrapped her in a hug before she slowly wrapped her arms around him.
She pressed her head into his chest and sobbed slightly as she felt his hand on the back of her head.
Several seconds passed before she looked up at him.
"Why did she lie to me… my entire life has been a lie" said Lyarra sadly.
Rhaegar kissed her forehead.
"Because she loves you… more than anything in the world, she loves you, and she has protected you ever since you were born… she would willingly die the most horrible death without hesitation if it meant that you would be safe from harm" said Rhaegar softly.
The two let go of each other.
"She kept telling me to forgive her for lying, that she regretted it every day of her life… and I told her I hated her, I disappointed her, how could she ever forgive me now?" said Lyarra sadly.
Rhaegar wiped the tears from her eyes and locked eyes with her.
"Your Mother is a very resilient woman Visneya… that's one of the reasons why I fell in love with her, she loves you, she will forgive you as soon as the two of you speak" said Rhaegar softly.
Lyarra nodded.
Rhaegar managed a sad smile.
"I have to go now, I love you my darling Daughter" said Rhaegar sadly.
Lyarra sniffled and wiped her eyes.
"I love you too Father" said Lyarra sadly.
Suddenly everything started to go white as she heard her Father speak a final word to her.
"Goodbye"
Lyarra's eyes shot open and she bolted up in her bed.
She stayed there for several minutes before slowly getting out of bed and making her way over to the door.
She walked along the hallway before coming to a halt at her Mothers chambers.
She straightened up and knocked on the door.
Several seconds of silence passed before a teary eyed Lyanna opened the door to her.
Lyarra choked before rushing forwards wrapping her arms around her Mother hugging her tightly.
Lyanna choked before pulling her into the room and closing the door.
"I'm sorry Mother, I'm so sorry" sobbed Lyarra.
"No… I am the one who should be sorry… I lied to you all your life" said Lyanna as the two made their way over to the bed sitting down on it.
"I forgive you Mother, I do, I know you only did it to protect me" said Lyarra sadly.
"And because I love you… I always have" said Lyanna sadly.
"I know" said Lyarra.
Lyanna held her Daughter close to her for the next few seconds.
"Lya… I did not get the chance to tell you the other day but… you have a Sister" said Lyanna sadly.
Lyarra perked up upon hearing this.
"Only your Aunt and Uncle and a few others know who she is… she wanted to tell you who she was so much but we told her she could not for your safety, and hers" said Lyanna.
Lyarra thought about it for a few moments.
"Alayne?" said Lyarra testily.
Lyanna nodded.
"Yes… she is your Sister Rhaenys Targaryan" said Lyanna.
Lyarra slowly nodded.
"I think I always knew, as strange as that sounds" said Lyarra.
Lyanna squeezed her shoulder.
"But you cannot repeat that to anyone else, not even your Cousins" said Lyanna.
Lyarra wanted to protest but understood her Mother's reason.
"Okay… I understand" said Lyarra.
Lyanna smiled and hugged her Daughter again.
"Can we tell Jon and the others later?" said Lyarra.
"Of course" said Lyanna.
Lyarra smiled with traces of tears in her eyes.
"I love you Mother" said Lyarra softly.
Lyanna held her head into her chest.
"I love you too" said Lyanna softly.
The two stayed there for several minutes before leaving Lyanna's chambers.
They told Jon and the others everything bar who Rhaenys really was in Ned's Solar later that day. To their immense relief the others gave their support to Lyarra rather than further question or oppose the decisions the elder Starks made.
Winterfell – 294 A.C
Two and a half moons later…
Jon walked out into the courtyard where he saw his parents and his siblings already lined up to receive the Tyrell party.
Jon stood between Ned and Robb as two Tyrell Knights rode through the gate into the courtyard followed by Loras Tyrell, a large yellow wheelhouse, a wagon and half a dozen Tyrell Knights.
Once the small convoy came to a halt in the courtyard Loras Tyrell dismounted his horse and made his way over to the wheelhouse.
Jon gazed over to the wheelhouse as Loras helped Margaery out before doing the same for his Mother Lady Alerie Tyrell.
Loras led Margaery over to the Starks where Ned bowed his head and took her hand gently kissing her knuckles.
"Welcome to Winterfell My Lady… I hope you have a pleasant stay with us" said Ned.
Margaery smiled and slowly removed her hand.
"Thank you My Lord… Winterfell is certainly as beautiful as I have heard, as is the North" said Margaery looking around the courtyard.
She turned to Ashara and curtsied to her causing Ashara to smile and do the same.
"Lady Stark… many cannot speak highly enough of your great beauty" said Margaery.
Ashara nodded her head slightly.
"You are a great beauty yourself Lady Margaery… I hope you enjoy your time with us" said Ashara fondly.
Margaery smiled and moved over to Jon curtsying him.
"My Lord… it is good to see you again" said Margaery.
Jon managed a small smile and kissed her hand.
"My Lady… welcome to Winterfell" said Jon.
Margaery smiled and looked around the courtyard.
"It is very beautiful, perhaps you will give me a tour later" said Margaery in a slightly flirty voice.
Jon glanced at Ashara who quickly nodded.
He turned back to Margaery.
"I would be honoured too My Lady" said Jon.
Margaery shivered slightly.
"After you show me to my chambers of course… I am afraid this cold does not quite agree with me just yet" said Margaery.
Jon chuckled and removed his cloak draping it over her shoulders.
"Perhaps you would like to take a walk now while your chambers are being prepared" said Jon holding his arm out to her.
Margaery smiled and held the cloak around her in one hand taking his arm with the other.
Ned turned to Alerie Tyrell as Jon led Margaery away from them towards the Godswood followed by two Tyrell Knights.
"My Lord, My Lady… if you would follow me to your chambers, there will be a feast tomorrow night to welcome you to Winterfell" said Ned.
Alerie Tyrell managed a small smile and nod.
"Lead on Lord Stark, so we can get out of this blasted cold" said Alerie Tyrell shivering slightly.
Ned nodded and led Alerie and Loras Tyrell into the castle along with Ashara as their other children left the courtyard to carry on with their own activities.
Jon led Margaery through the courtyard into the Godswood.
Margaery looked around with interest.
"I have heard few stories of the Godswood of Winterfell, but they do not do it any justice… it is quite beautiful, peaceful, relaxing" said Margaery Tyrell.
"You might be the first Southerner to appreciate its beauty since my Mother came here" said Jon.
Margaery smirked.
"Are all southern girls the same to you My Lord?" said Margaery cheekily.
Jon looked at her.
"Not all of them" said Jon.
"And what about me?" said Margaery.
Jon chuckled.
"You are far more interesting than most southern girls" said Jon as they walked through the Godswood.
Margaery gave him a pointed look.
"Is that all?" said Margaery.
Jon smirked.
"Do you like to control your surroundings Margaery… and the company you keep?" said Margaery.
Margaery laughed and squeezed his arm.
"You tell me… do you feel like I am trying to control you?" said Margaery.
Jon chuckled.
"Maybe, maybe not… but you as you might have gathered by now, you have not yet managed to control me" said Jon.
Margaery smirked.
"You like pretty young maidens do you not?" said Margaery cheekily.
Jon smirked and leaned close to her ear.
"I have kissed the lips of one or two pretty girls in the past… and their other lips as well, maybe I should do the same to you" whispered Jon cheekily.
He smirked as he saw Margaery flush slightly.
"Are you okay My Lady?" said Jon innocently.
Margaery composed herself and looked up at him.
"Of course, what makes you think otherwise?" said Margaery sternly.
"Nothing… but you are my guest My Lady… I have to make sure you are okay and looked after at all times" said Jon chuckling slightly.
Margaery smiled.
"And you are doing such a good job My Lord" said Margaery sweetly.
Jon chuckled.
"Thank you My Lady… though I have a small proposition for you, if you would hear it" said Jon.
"And what is that My Lord?" said Margaery cheekily.
Jon smirked.
"That you join me in my chambers later tonight… after supper" said Jon.
Margaery smirked.
"And what will happen to me in your chambers?" said Margaery cheekily.
Jon chuckled.
"I am merely hoping for your company… for a chance for us to get to know each other better" said Jon.
Margaery sent him a flirty smile.
"Very well… I shall join you in your chambers tonight" said Margaery.
Jon smiled.
"Good… come to my chambers a short while after supper, I have some wine for us if you want it… but I would like a chance to get to know the girl who could be my Wife one day" said Jon softly.
Margaery smiled.
"I told you I liked sweet talkers My Lord, but I am not yet convinced you will be my Husband one day" said Margaery sternly.
Jon laughed.
"We have plenty of time to make our minds up My Lady… and please, call me Jon" said Jon confidently.
Margaery smirked.
"Very well… Jon" said Margaery.
Jon chuckled and turned her to face the Heart Tree.
The two stayed there in conversation for a few minutes before Jon led her back towards the castle to continue the tour.