-*The Rise Of A Dynasty
Winterfell – 298 A.C
Four moons later...
(Smut begins)
Margaery leaned up to Jon's ear as she felt his lips on her neck.
"Jon... there is something I have to tell you" said Margaery moaning as she felt his hands cup her breasts.
Jon sucked on her neck for a few seconds before raising himself up and locking eyes with her.
"What is it?" said Jon huskily.
Margaery smiled.
She took his hand and moved it down to her stomach.
"It seems that our willingness to fuck every night has paid off, now my womb quickens with your child" said Margaery softly.
Jon smiled and kissed her several times for a good minute.
"I think this calls for an extra special celebration" said Jon huskily.
Margaery smirked.
"What do you have in mind Jon?" said Margaery before moaning as she felt Jon slide two fingers into her.
Jon chuckled as he started to slowly slide his fingers in and out of her while using his thumb to occasionally rub the sweet spot above her folds.
Margaery moaned and kissed him as she started to move her hips in sync with his fingers.
"Many things" said Jon huskily.
Margaery squirmed as Jon increased the pace of his fingers.
"Ughhh Gods" groaned Margaery two minutes later as she felt herself come undone on his fingers.
Jon slowly pulled his soaked fingers out of her tracing them up her body towards her mouth.
Margaery smirked and slowly lifted her head.
Jon smirked as he slid his fingers through her lips feeling her tongue moving over them collecting her release.
Jon swiftly pulled his fingers from her mouth before tracing his tongue down her body as he slowly moved down the bed.
Margaery propped herself up on her elbows letting out a loud moan as she felt Jon's tongue moving all over her womanhood.
(Smut ends)
The next morning...
"How far along are you?" said Jon.
He and Margaery were wrapped in each others arms in their bed.
Margaery kissed him before smiling.
"Nearly three moons... Maester Lewin was surprised I did not come to him earlier" said Margaery softly.
Jon smiled and pulled her closer to him.
"When shall we tell them?" said Jon.
Margaery pressed her head into his chest for a few moments.
"Tomorrow would be nice... when Robb and Lyra bring our Nephew here" said Margaery softly.
Jon shrugged his shoulders.
"Sounds good" said Jon leaning in to kiss her.
Margaery kissed him before the two separated as there was a knock at the door.
"That will be the girls" said Margaery moving to get out of bed.
Jon sighed and slapped her rear as she stood up causing her to yelp slightly.
"Come in girls" said Margaery.
The door opened and Talla Tarly, Mira Forrester and Lyanna Mormont walked inside.
Margaery turned to the three of them and smiled.
"Have a bath run for me girls, and the sheets will need changing" said Margaery.
Lyanna Mormont left the room to find the servants while Talla Tarly and Mira Forrester moved over to the bed to change the sheets.
Later that afternoon...
Margaery stood there with a small smile as her arrow hit quite close to the bullseye.
"Well done My Lady" said Talla Tarly.
Margaery was stood in the courtyard practising her archery with Talla Tarly, Mira Forrester and Lyanna Mormont while Bran was sat on the fence watching them with Hodor stood beside him.
Ser Rodrik was stood next to Margaery holding a quiver of arrows.
Margaery turned to her handmaiden.
"You should try it" said Margaery holding out her bow towards Talla Tarly.
Talla Tarly remained still for several seconds before slowly taking the bow.
Margaery stepped back as Ser Rodrik gave Talla Tarly some very quick instruction on how to use the bow only for her to send the arrow over the wall into the Wolfswood.
"Try again My Lady... but keep the shot down" said Ser Rodrik sternly.
Talla Tarly slowly nodded and took another arrow from him.
Margaery managed a small smile as Talla Tarly hit the ground just below the target.
As Ser Rodrik was helping Talla Tarly with her stance an arrow buried itself into the bullseye before anyone could blink.
Margaery and the others turned around to see Lyanna Mormont stood there with a proud look on her face and a bow in her hand.
"Well done Lady Lyanna" said Margaery giving her a bit of light applause.
Lyanna Mormont just nodded to her.
Margaery smirked at her.
"I have to admit, she is growing on me" thought Margaery.
"Perhaps you should have a go Lady Mormont" said Ser Rodrik signalling for one of his Guards to go and get another quiver of arrows.
After several seconds Lyanna Mormont nodded and walked towards the Guard who returned with a quiver of arrows.
The Saltspear Tower – 299 A.C
Five moons later...
Beric grunted as he felt a practice sword slam into his shield knocking him back slightly.
He swung his sword towards his opponent Ser Oswell Whent who was able parry the strike with ease.
"Come on" shouted Oswell Whent as he parried another strike from Beric with ease.
The two kept on practising before the sound of horses riding into the courtyard.
They turned to see Ned riding into the courtyard along with Jory Cassel and half dozen Guards.
What was surprising was that the last rider was a farmer in his late 40's holding onto a small bundle of blankets.
Beric handed his practice sword to one of the Guards and walked towards Ned and the others.
"Father" said Beric with a warm smile on his face.
"Son" said Ned icily.
Beric was taken aback.
"What is it Father?" said Beric as he gazed over to the Farmer who was looking at him with a bitter look on his face.
Ned gritted his teeth.
"We need to talk... inside" said Ned bitterly.
Beric looked at him curiously.
"Okay Father" said Beric sounding a little confused.
Ned stiffly nodded towards the Farmer.
The Farmer made his way over to them as Ned led them into the castle.
Fifteen minutes later...
"She refused to tell me who the father was... not until the end" said the Farmer.
Ned nodded to him.
The two of them were in Lyanna's Solar with Beric, Arthur, Lyanna and Oswell Whent.
Beric stepped towards Ned and the Farmer.
"Who is it?" said Beric expecting the obvious answer.
Ned turned to him and gritted his teeth.
"You... that babe in this Man's arms is your Daughter, two moons old" said Ned bitterly.
Beric sighed and sat down in front of Lyanna's oak desk.
"Her name was Walda... right?" said Beric in a defeated voice rubbing his forehead with his hand.
"Aye... she told me it was one night, that she came to the Wintertown with her Brother and met you in the tavern" said the Farmer wearily.
Beric nodded.
"We had a few drinks... and things just went from there, I never saw her again after that night" said Beric.
What he did not mention to them was that sleeping with the Farmer's Daughter was his way of dealing with the bitterness and anger he was feeling towards his problems with Myrcella Baratheon.
Everything was silent for several moments before Beric looked up at the others.
"What now then?" said Beric flatly.
Ned sighed.
"You will acknowledge the child as your own, and your Mother and I will raise her at Winterfell" said Ned.
"No" said Beric.
"Oh yes you will" said Ned angrily.
"She is my Daughter Father, I will not deny that... but it is my responsibility to raise her, not yours and Mother's" said Beric.
The Farmer suddenly looked relieved.
"I have five other children, and two grandchildren... I cannot raise her myself, not without her Mother" said the Farmer.
"You are nearly 15 Beric... you cannot raise your Daughter at that age" said Ned sternly.
"She can stay here Ned... me and Arthur will raise her here... and it lets Beric spend plenty of time with her" said Lyanna quickly.
Beric turned to her with a grateful look on her face.
Lyanna nodded to him.
Beric slowly stood up and walked towards the Farmer.
"Please" said Beric reaching towards his Daughter.
The Farmer nodded and handed Beric his Daughter.
Beric looked down at the bundle of blankets seeing a baby girl with traces of sandy brown hair and steel grey eyes looking up at him.
For the first time since he walked into the Solar he smiled.
"What is her name?" sad Beric turning back to the Farmer.
"Leyla" said the Farmer.
Beric nodded.
"Leyla… Leyla Snow" said Beric.
They stayed in the Solar for several minutes before Lyanna sat down at her desk and started to write on a piece of parchment.
"What are you doing?" said Ned.
"Writing a letter for Lord Glenmore… to ask him to send a wet nurse" said Lyanna looking down at the parchment as she wrote.
There was a knock at the door.
"Yes" said Ned.
"Father" said the voice of Arya from behind the door.
Ned sighed.
"Come in" said Ned.
After a few seconds the door opened.
Arya walked inside followed by Lyarra.
The two caught sight of Leyla and Beric.
"Who is that?" said Arya curiously.
Beric sighed and walked towards her.
"This is Leyla, Leyla Snow... my Daughter" said Beric softly.
Arya's eyes widened in shock while Lyarra looked stunned before smiling.
"Congratulations" said Lyarra quickly.
"Your Daughter?" said Arya in shock.
"Aye... my Daughter" said Beric.
Lyarra stepped towards him.
"Can I?" said Lyarra softly.
Beric looked at her and nodded before handing Leila to her.
He turned to Ned who nodded to him with a proud smile on his face.
Winterfell – 299 A.C
One moon later…
Jon walked back over to the bed holding onto a baby boy wrapped in a bundle of blankets as Margaery sat propped up against the pillows and the headboard with a slightly exhausted look on her face.
The boy was their newborn Son Torrhen Stark. Named after the last King Of Winter who bent the knee to Aegon The Conqueror to stop the North from suffering bloodshed at the hands of the Targaryans.
Torrhen Stark had the chiselled Stark face with Stark grey eyes and tufts of lighter brown blonde hair like his Mother.
Margaery smiled and slowly leaned up to kiss Jon as he sat down next to her.
Once they separated Jon handed the now sleeping Torrhen to her.
She kissed her Son's forehead before looking down at him.
"Torrhen… a name fit for a Stark, especially one with his Father's looks" said Margaery softly.
Jon kissed her and stroked the cheek of their Son.
"You wanted a child with your looks?" said Jon cheekily.
"That would have been nice yes, even if he does have my hair" said Margaery tiredly.
Jon chuckled.
"Well maybe our next child will have their Mother's looks" said Jon.
Margaery raised her eyebrow at him.
"Next child?" said Margaery teasingly.
Jon smirked.
"Aye… you did not think our Son would be an only child did you?" said Jon sternly.
Margaery looked down at Torrhen and then back at Jon before kissing him.
"Of course not… but my body must recover from childbirth before we can get to work on our second child" said Margaery sternly.
Jon kissed her before moving closer to them.
"I love you… and him" said Jon softly glancing down at Torrhen.
Margaery smiled and rested her head against his shoulder.
"I love you too, your my boys" said Margaery softly.
Jon placed his arm around her shoulders holding her into him as the two stayed in bed holding their Son for what felt like forever.
Nearly an hour passed before Jon stood up and placed Torrhen in the crib at the foot of the bed.
He pulled the small wolf pelt covers up covering his Son from the neck down before climbing back into bed with Margaery.
She immediately cuddled up to him and kissed him as he wrapped his arms around her.
She broke the kiss and sucked on his neck before slapping his hands away as they came up to fondle her breasts.
"Hands off… those are for Torrhen now" said Margaery jokingly causing Jon to growl.
"So now I cannot pleasure my Wife's teats which have grown since she was pregnant, you have to let me pleasure them, you know you want to" growled Jon.
Margaery mock glared at him.
"They will be feeding our Son for now… you can have them when he no longer needs them" said Margaery groaning as she felt his hands on her hips.
Jon smirked and kissed her breasts.
Margaery moaned and fisted her hands into his hair.
"Jon" moaned Margaery.
Jon smirked and raised his head kissing her.
Margaery sighed into his mouth as she felt his tongue push through her lips.
They kissed for several seconds before Margaery broke the kiss and pressed her head into his neck.
"I'm tired Jon, stop teasing me and let me sleep" sighed Margaery.
Jon smiled and shifted to the side allowing her to rest her head on his chest.
He placed his hands around her shoulders and the back of her head holding her into him as she slowly drifted off to sleep.
Two weeks later...
Margaery was stood up on the balcony overlooking the courtyard with her Son in her arms while Ashara stood next to her.
Ned, Jon, Theon and Ser Rodrik were stood below them in the courtyard helping Bran practice with a sword against Ethan Forrester.
As they watched Bran cross wooden blades with Ethan Forrester Maester Lewin walked along the balcony towards them.
"Lady Stark" said Maester Lewin.
Ashara and Margaery turned to face him.
"Maester" said Margaery nodding her head to him.
Ashara nodded to him.
"A raven My Lady, from Highgarden" said Maester Lewin looking at Margaery.
Margaery nodded and handed Torrhen to Ashara.
She took the raven scroll from Maester Lewin and unrolled it.
Margaery
Our congratulations on the birth of your Son Torrhen. Your Mother regrets that she was not there to attend the birth and asks that you and Lord Stark bring your Son to Highgarden so we can meet our grandson. We expect to hear from you soon about this and implore you to come to Highgarden with your Son.
Mace Tyrell
Margaery managed a small smile and rolled up the scroll.
"Your Father?" said Ashara.
Margaery nodded.
"He wishes for me to travel to Highgarden with Torrhen, so he and my Mother can meet their grandson" said Margaery.
Ashara pursed her lips.
"You cannot travel to Highgarden when your Son is 2 weeks old" said Ashara.
"I know... but if they wish to meet my Son, they can come here instead" said Margaery putting the scroll up her sleeve.
Ashara nodded in approval.
"That would be for the best, write back to them, I can look after this little one while you do so" said Ashara.
Margaery smiled and took Torrhen from Ashara.
"There is plenty of time to send a raven" said Margaery softly.
She and Ashara resumed watching Jon and the others train.
Later that night...
Margaery placed the quill back on her desk before picking up the raven scroll.
Father
While I would love to bring Torrhen to Highgarden he is only 2 weeks old and far too young to travel at this time. I instead invite you to come to Winterfell to meet him instead. The rest of the Northerners will be coming to Winterfell on the tenth day of the next moon to celebrate his birth. You should come here with them.
Margaery Stark
She blew air onto the scroll quickly drying it as she felt Jon's hands on her shoulders.
"Finished?" said Jon softly.
"Yes" said Margaery softly.
Jon smirked.
"Good... up" said Jon huskily.
Margaery smirked and stood up.
"Take my dress off" said Margaery.
Jon smirked and slowly removed her dress pressing kisses to her neck and shoulders.
Once her dress and smallclothes hit the floor Jon swept several items off of the desk and pushed Margaery onto her back on the desk before quickly removing his clothes.
Margaery moaned and wrapped her legs around Jon's hips as she felt him enter her.
Five weeks later...
Jon was stood in the courtyard with Margaery as the Northern Lords and Ladies enter the courtyard offering their congratulations.
"Where is the little lad then?" said Beric as he gave Margaery a kiss on the cheek.
"With the Wet Nurse" said Jon as Margaery started fussing over Leyla.
"Lucky for you... Roslyn would not let the Wet Nurse touch Cregan for six moons after he was born, not until my Mother put her foot down about the whole thing" said Harrion Karstark walking over to them and giving Jon a firm handshake.
"Where are your Wife and Son Lord Karstark?" said Margaery as she stopped fussing over Leyla.
Harrion Karstark sighed.
"At Karhold, Cregan has a fever and Roslyn would not leave him" said Harrion Karstark.
Jon and Margaery frowned.
"I will pray for a speedy recovery for your Son Lord Karstark" said Margaery sincerely.
Harrion Karstark nodded to her.
"Thank you Lady Stark" said Harrion Karstark gruffly.
He bowed his head to them before walking away.
Half an hour later...
"Well... here they are" said Jon sarcastically as Theon led Lady Barbray Dustin and Eldric Dustin into the old First Keep.
Mace, Willas, Garlan and Loras Tyrell led a wheelhouse and wagon into the courtyard surrounded by a dozen House Tyrell knights dressed in fancy shiny steel armour.
"Be nice" said Margaery teasingly.
Jon chuckled as the male Tyrell's dismounted their horses.
Mace Tyrell walked towards them as his Sons walked over to the wheelhouse.
"Lord Tyrell... welcome to Winterfell" said Jon shaking his Good Father's hand.
"Lord Stark" said Mace Tyrell politely.
Mace Tyrell then turned to Margaery who wrapped him in a hug and kissed his cheek.
"Father" said Margaery sweetly.
"You look as beautiful as ever Margaery" said Mace Tyrell humbly.
"You are too kind Father" said Margaery.
Mace Tyrell let go of Margaery as Garlan and Loras Tyrell led Alerie and Olenna Tyrell over to them followed by Willas Tyrell.
"We would like to meet our Grandson Margaery" said Alerie Tyrell.
Margaery turned to Jon who nodded.
"Go on... I will greet the rest of the Northern Lords" said Jon.
Margaery smiled.
"Come and find us when you are done" said Margaery.
"Will do" said Jon.
Margaery nodded before walking towards the castle with her family.
Jon watched them leave before turning back towards the gates as the Glover's walked into the courtyard.
"Lord Glover... welcome to Winterfell" said Jon as the Glover's approached him.
"Lord Stark, House Glover congratulates you on the birth of your Son" said Galbart Glover.
Jon nodded.
"Thank you My Lord, chambers are being prepared for you and your family right now" said Jon.
Robbett Glover gruffly nodded.
"Thank you... may I speak with your Father?" said Robbett Glover.
"He is in his Solar My Lord" said Jon.
Robbett Glover gave him an approving nod before turning to his Wife Sybelle Glover and his second Son Gawen Glover.
Gawen Glover was 13 years of age with short black hair and a growing physique dressed in a black House Glover tunic and breeches along with black bear furs with a short sword strapped to his hip.
"Gawen" said Robbett Glover sharply.
Jon nodded to them as Robbett Glover led his Wife and Son into the castle.
Meanwhile...
"He looks like a Stark" said Mace Tyrell looking at Torrhen who was in Margaery's arms.
Margaery was stood with her family in her chambers as she cradled her Son.
"He is a Stark Father" said Margaery.
"He has our hair though" said Loras Tyrell.
"That he does" said Margaery.
"It would have been nice had you brought him to Highgarden though Margaery, to see his Mother's family" said Alerie Tyrell.
Margaery sighed and sat down in one of the chairs at her table.
"He was only 2 weeks old when I got your raven... far too young to travel such a long journey" said Margaery.
"He has a right to see your home Margaery" said Willas Tyrell.
"Winterfell is my home" said Margaery quickly with a hint of frustration.
"Your childhood home then, he is half a Tyrell, he should visit Highgarden" said Willas Tyrell.
"And he will, in a few years when he is old enough to remember his visit" said Olenna Tyrell sternly.
Margaery nodded.
"Myself and Lord Stark will bring him to Highgarden when he is older" said Margaery.
Olenna Tyrell curtly nodded to her as she took a seat opposite Margaery.
"He will also be fostered at Highgarden when he is of suitable age" said Olenna Tyrell sternly.
"I will consider it" said Margaery.
"There is nothing to consider, your Son will be fostered at Highgarden when he is of suitable age" said Olenna Tyrell sternly.
"The decision of where our Son is fostered is Jon's decision just as much as mine, and you do not get to decide" said Margaery.
"Then you will convince your Husband to foster your Son at Highgarden, it would be in the best interests of both House Stark and House Tyrell" said Alerie Tyrell.
Margaery scoffed.
"It is not your place to tell me what is best for my Son" said Margaery icily.
"Margaery... all we want is a chance to foster our Grandson" said Mace Tyrell.
Margaery let out a harsh laugh.
"No... you want to foster him because you know he is the future Heir to Winterfell, for the same reason why you sent that Septa here with me, you want to have your influence on the North" said Margaery icily.
Mace Tyrell spluttered.
"I think it would be best if we were to leave it here for now... we will continue this discussion later" said Olenna Tyrell sternly as she stood up.
Margaery stood up and walked over to Torrhen's crib placing him in it as the Tyrell's slowly left her chambers.
Twenty minutes later...
"Lord Glover... to what do I owe this pleasure?" said Ned looking up from his desk.
Robbett and Gawen Glover were stood behind Sybelle Glover who was seated opposite Ned in his Solar.
"As you know my Son Gawen is 13 now... your Daughter Elia is a few years younger and is not betrothed at this time" said Robbett Glover.
Ned nodded.
"You are aware that my Daughter is not here, she is in Oldtown with my niece for a few years" said Ned.
"Those circumstances do not change our offer Lord Stark" said Sybelle Glover.
Ned nodded and stood up.
"Myself and Lady Stark will consider your offer and speak to our Daughter before coming to a decision" said Ned bowing his head to them.
He could tell that the last part of his statement did not sit very well with the Glover's.
"Thank you Lord Stark" said Robbett Glover gruffly.
Ned nodded as the three Glover's left his Solar.
Later that night...
"How many gifts does a boy need when he is nearly two moons old" said Margaery in slight disbelief as she placed all of the gifts for their Son into a large chest.
"This is how births are celebrated in the North" said Jon as he sat on the bed gently bouncing Torrhen on his knee.
"I can see that, though he cannot even use some of these gifts until he is much older" said Margaery folding a grey child size House Stark cloak up and placing it in the chest.
"What gifts would you give a boy that he could use at this age?" said Jon.
Margaery shrugged her shoulders as she placed a pair of gloves in the chest.
"And who gave him this?" said Margaery in disbelief and amusement.
Jon turned to face her as she held out an arm sized spiked mace in both hands.
He chuckled.
"Remind me to thank Lady Mormont for that" said Jon amusedly.
Margaery jokingly glared at him.
"She does know that it will be some time before Torrhen is big enough to swing this" said Margaery sternly.
"She does... she gave one to Rickard a few moons back, and probably gave one to each of her Daughters at some point, Dacey fights with a mace, as does Lady Mormont" said Jon.
Margaery chuckled as she placed the last of the gifts in the chest closing it before she stood up.
"I do hope she does not gift our future children maces when they are born" said Margaery walking over to the bed.
She sat down next to Jon tracing her finger on Torrhen's cheek as he grasped her finger with his tiny hands.
"Grandmother wants us to let Torrhen be fostered at Highgarden" said Margaery.
Jon raised his eyebrow at her.
"Does she now?" said Jon curiously.
"Well... she demanded that he comes to foster at Highgarden, not that I agreed of course" said Margaery.
"That is a surprise" said Jon.
Margaery chuckled.
"Dear Husband... my Grandmother is a very cunning woman, she knows that Torrhen will be Warden Of The North one day, as such she wishes to exert some of her influence on him, in an attempt to give House Tyrell power over the North" said Margaery.
Jon sighed and kissed her hand.
"Tell me they did not come here just for that" said Jon in slight frustration.
Margaery smiled and kissed him.
"Worry not... they will not try something like that again" said Margaery softly.
Jon smirked and traced his finger around her breasts.
"Good girl... you have served your Husband faithfully, expect a reward later on" said Jon teasingly.
Margaery chuckled and leaned into him.
The two spent the next half an hour playing with their Son before finally putting him to bed.
Moat Cailin – 299 A.C
Two moons later...
Robb was stood in the corner of his Mother's chambers as he watched Ashara bounce the now eleven moon old Rickard on her lap.
"Where is Father?" said Robb.
Ashara turned to him.
"Your Father is rather busy at this moment in time... otherwise he would have come as well" said Ashara stroking Rickard's cheek.
Robb slowly nodded.
"Busy doing what?" said Robb curiously.
Ashara looked up at him.
"He is on his way to Castle Black" said Ashara.
"Why would he go there?" said Robb.
"He has urgent business with Lord Commander Mormont" said Ashara.
Robb sighed.
"About the Wildlings?" said Robb.
Ashara nodded before standing up with Rickard.
"Hopefully this King Beyond The Wall will not attack Castle Black, or there will be 20,000 or more Northmen marching north to fight a Wildling army of at least 50,000 men" said Ashara.
"You know he will" said Robb.
Ashara sighed as she made her way over to him.
"And you will be marching with your Father, just as he marched to the Wall with your Uncle and Grandfather many years ago" said Ashara.
"I am 17 Mother, I will be 18 before too long, of course I will march with Father when he asks me to" said Robb.
Ashara sighed and stroked his arm.
"I hope you do not have to... I have no desire to see my boys ride off to battle while I am alive" said Ashara sadly.
"Riding off to battle is part of a man's life Mother" said Robb.
"That does not make it easier... do you think your Grandmother found it easy whenever your Grandfather and Uncles went into battle, do you think I found it easy watching your Father ride off into battle, knowing that he might not come back?" said Ashara.
Robb sighed.
"No" said Robb flatly.
Ashara stroked his arm.
"Every Mother prays to the Gods that their Sons or Husbands never have to ride off to war, every one of them, just as I pray that you or any of your Brothers never have to go to war" said Ashara solemnly.
Robb sighed and took her arm.
"Come on... let us walk together" said Robb.
The two of them walked out of her chambers with Ashara holding Rickard close to her chest.
The Saltspear Tower – 299 A.C
One moon later...
Lyarra was sat at the table in her chambers reading a raven scroll clutched in both hands.
Lyarra
I was glad to receive your raven even if my Father disapproves of what I seek and is constantly trying to set me up with other girls my age to secure our line. He will not accept that I want to be with you properly as opposed to being lovers which he suggested. Hopefully if I keep turning his offers down he might see reason and ride North to speak to your Uncle about a possible marriage. If you would have me.
Prince Edric Baratheon
She had not been able to bring herself to tell him that she loved him at Highgarden nearly a year ago she instead sent him a raven hoping that he would continue to write to her.
Only just like this one his ravens were getting more and more serious with his love for her over the last four moons.
Lyarra smiled and started to write her reply.
My Prince
While I continue to be flattered by your words. I am not sure what I will do from here. Perhaps we should speak of it in person if you ride North with the King.
Lyarra
Lyarra sighed as she re read the reply one more time before leaning back in her chair.
"What am I getting myself into... and why am I not able to walk away from it?" thought Lyarra sadly.
She exhaled before rolling the scroll up and sealing it with the sigil of House Stark.
Winterfell – 300 A.C
Eight moons later...
Ned and Ashara were stood up on the balcony overlooking the training yard.
Jon, Theon and Ser Rodrik were helping Bran practice his archery with him doing poorly.
At nearly 21 years of age Jon now stood at 6'1 tall with shoulder length curly dark brown hair with a short goatee on his now harder face.
Theon at 22 years of age was around the same height with neck length sandy brown hair and a thick matching moustache and thinner hair on his jawline.
Ned sighed as he watched one of the Guards walk up to Ser Rodrik whispering something into his ear.
Ashara turned to him as Ser Rodrik made his way towards the steps leading to the balcony.
"You have to go?" said Ashara testily.
Ned nodded before turning to the approaching Ser Rodrik who bowed his head to them.
"Lord Stark, My Lady" said Ser Rodrik.
Ned nodded.
"A rider came in from the hills... they have captured a Deserter from the Nights Watch" said Ser Rodrik.
Ned sighed and nodded.
"Tell the lads to saddle their horses, Bran too" said Ned solemnly.
Ser Rodrik bowed his head before turning around and leaving.
The Wolfswood – 300 A.C
Half an hour later...
Ned stood next to Jory Cassel as the House Stark Guards dragged the Deserter over to him.
He was quite young at around 20 years of age with neck length sandy brown hair dressed in black Nights Watch clothing.
"The Wildlings are coming, they will be at the Wall soon" muttered the Deserter.
He looked up at Ned as he was forced to his knees.
"Wildlings, thousands of them, thousands" said the Deserter in a panicked voice.
Ned sighed.
"So you fled like a coward, now you will die like one" said Ned solemnly.
The Deserter bowed his head awaiting his incoming death.
Ned turned to Theon who was holding onto Ice and unsheathed it.
Bran was stood completely still as he watched his Father sentence the Deserter.
"Do not look away Bran, Father will know" said Jon supportively.
Bran nodded before watching as Ned beheaded the Deserter.
He flinched slightly as the Deserters head hit the floor before he felt Jon's hand on his shoulder.
"You did well Bran" said Jon supportively.
Bran nodded without a word watching as the Guards dragged the body and head away.
Twenty minutes later...
"What is that?" said Jon curiously as they rode along the path through the Wolfswood.
Ned stopped his horse and dismounted unsheathing Ice in the process.
There was an animal lying dead in the middle of the road with its back to them surrounded by blood.
Jon, Theon, Jory Cassel, Ser Rodrik and Ethan Forrester dismounted their horses.
"You stay with Bran" said Ser Rodrik gruffly nodding to Ethan Forrester.
Ethan Forrester nodded as Jon and the others made their way over to the dead animal.
Ned knelt down behind it discovering it to be a stag with one missing antler and several deep bites on its neck and body.
"A stag... probably wandered off from a larger herd" said Ned as he turned to spot a blood trail leading through the trees and down a small hill.
Jon and the others followed Ned as he descended the hill into a clearing.
What lay dead in the clearing came as a great shock.
A large light grey Direwolf nearly the size of a small horse.
Ned sheathed Ice and took a step towards the Direwolf followed by the others.
"What is that?" said Theon in shock.
"Its a Direwolf" said Ned in equal shock as he knelt down next to the Direwolf's head.
"What is it doing down here?" said Ethan Forrester as he led Bran into the clearing with his sword drawn.
"Tough old beast" said Ned gruffly as he pulled a bloody antler out of the Direwolf's neck.
"What's a Direwolf doing south of the Wall?" said Ser Rodrik as Jon, Theon and Bran gathered around the Direwolf.
"No idea" said Jon kneeling down at the Direwolf's belly where six pups were pushing at their dead Mother as if to try and wake her up.
He stood up holding a grey and white Direwolf in his hands.
"But now there are 6, would you like to hold it?" said Jon holding it out towards Bran who eagerly took it.
"They do not belong down here Lord Stark" said Jory Cassel.
Ned nodded.
"Better a quick death for them now" said Ned solemnly.
"Father no!" shouted Bran.
Theon took a step towards Bran and pulled his dagger out.
"Give it here" said Theon holding his hand out.
"No!" shouted Bran holding the Direwolf closer to his chest.
"Put your blade away Greyjoy" said Ethan Forrester.
"I take orders from Lord Stark not you Boy" said Theon.
"Put it away Theon" said Jon bitterly.
Bran turned to Ned.
"Please Father" said Bran pleadingly.
Ned sighed.
"I'm sorry Bran" said Ned solemnly.
"Wait Father" said Jon.
Ned turned back to him.
"The Direwolf is the sigil of our House, and there are six pups, you have six children, we should keep them" said Jon.
Ned remained silent for a few moments before nodding.
"Very well, gather them up so we can return to Winterfell" said Ned.
Jon nodded and picked two up handing them to Theon and Ethan Forrester.
"But you will raise, feed and train them yourselves, and should they die you will bury them yourselves" said Ned.
Jon nodded and picked up two more of them handing them to Ser Rodrik and Jory Cassel.
As they made their way back up the path Jon heard a cry coming from the bush next to him.
"What is it?" said Theon.
Jon knelt down next to the bush and picked a seventh snow white Direwolf pup out of the bush.
"It seems we have a straggler" said Jon holding the slightly smaller male Direwolf pup up to his face.
"Its a bloody runt Jon" said Theon snarkily.
Jon shrugged his shoulders as he walked back onto the path.
"Be a tough little thing though" said Jon as he followed Theon and Ethan Forrester back up to the path.
Fifteen minutes later...
Ashara walked into the courtyard clutching two unsealed raven scrolls in her hand as Ned and the others dismounted their horses.
"What have you got there Boys?" said Ashara walking towards them as she saw Jon pick one of the Direwolf Pups up from his saddle.
Ashara stopped next to Jon as Ned dismounted and headed straight for the Godswood without another word.
"Wolves?" said Ashara in slight surprise.
"Direwolves Mother" said Bran excitedly walking over to her carrying one of the male Direwolves close to his chest.
Ashara looked down at it in shock.
"And your Father said you could keep them?" said Ashara in slight shock.
"He did Mother" said Jon.
Ashara nodded and turned to the Kennel Master Farlan.
"Farlan... take these pups to the kennels, make sure they are fed, watered and healthy" said Ashara.
Farlan walked over to her with a shocked look on his face as he laid eyes on the Direwolf pups.
"Yes Lady Stark" said Farlan in shock.
Ashara nodded to Jon, Bran, Theon and Ethan Forrester to help Farlan with the Direwolf pups.
Once they were gone she set off towards the Godswood.
As expected she found Ned sat by one of the clear water pools cleaning Ice.
As she made her way towards him Ned turned to face her.
He managed a small smile before it faded as he saw the slightly stony look on her face.
"What is it, what's happened?" said Ned solemnly.
Ashara sighed and walked over to him.
"Raven's... from Castle Black... and from Kings Landing" said Ashara flatly.
She handed him the one from Castle Black which he unrolled.
"Mance Rayder marches on the Wall, with 50,000 men at his back... find Ser Rodrik" said Ned flatly rolling the scroll up.
Ashara sighed as Ned placed the scroll in his pocket.
"There's more?" said Ned in a stony tone.
Ashara nodded.
"Its from Alyssa... Jon Arryn is dead, I'm so sorry Ned, I know he was like a second father to you" said Ashara sadly.
Ned froze up for a moment before sighing with a slightly worried look on his face.
"What of his Wife, and their children?" said Ned.
"I do not know, but there is more... the King rides for Winterfell, though I expect it shall be more than a moons turn before he arrives" said Ashara.
Ned sighed.
"If he is riding this far North, there is only one thing he wants" said Ned solemnly.
"You can always say no" said Ashara quickly.
Ned shook his head.
"I will deal with that later, go and find Ser Rodrik and bring him here" said Ned solemnly.
Ashara sighed and nodded.
"Very well" said Ashara.
She turned around and started to walk away from him.
Later that night...
Jon tucked his new snow white male Direwolf into his cloak as he opened the door to his chambers.
He had suitably named the Direwolf Ghost owing to its snow white fur far whiter than any of the other Direwolves along with the fact that it had barely made a sound since he found it.
As he expected Margaery was sat on the rocking chair near the window feeding Torrhen from her breast.
He also caught sight of the small bump on her stomach showing that she was four moons pregnant.
Margaery turned to him with a curious look as she caught sight of something hidden in his cloak.
"What are you hiding?" said Margaery teasingly.
Jon smirked and knelt down and let Ghost out of his cloak onto the floor.
Margaery reeled back in surprise as Ghost looked around the room with his blood red eyes.
"A wolf?" said Margaery in surprise shielding Torrhen protectively as he suckled at her teat.
Jon chuckled.
"Its a Direwolf... and relax Margaery, he will not hurt our Son, or you" said Jon walking towards her.
Margaery slowly nodded as Jon turned back to look at Ghost.
"Ghost, to me" said Jon.
Ghost perked his head up and trotted over to Jon who was now walking towards the hearth to add some more logs to the fire.
"Ghost?" said Margaery in shock as she watched Ghost come closer.
"Aye, he's as white and as quiet as one, he has not made a sound since I found him" said Jon softly.
Margaery slowly let her free hand dangle from the rocking chair.
Ghost slowly made his way over to her nuzzling her hand with his nose causing Margaery to jolt slightly.
Jon smiled.
"Now for the other news" said Jon.
Margaery turned to him.
"What other news?" said Margaery sharply.
Jon sighed and knelt down taking her hand in his before telling her about the Wildlings marching on the Wall and the sad death of his namesake Jon Arryn.
The Saltspear Tower – 300 A.C
Two days later...
Lyanna fastened her sword to her horse before mounting it.
As she got comfortable on her horse she turned to Lyarra and the scowling Arya.
At 16 years of age Arya did look like her Aunt reborn with long dark brown hair, steely grey eyes and a fierce nature being evident in her short 5'7 stature.
"I want a raven at Castle Black when you arrive at Winterfell, understood?" said Lyanna sternly.
Arya scowled and Lyarra nodded.
"Yes Mother" said Lyarra.
"Good... Arthur will escort you to Winterfell before he meets us at the Wall, you will be leaving in an hour or so" said Lyanna.
"I do not want to be escorted to Winterfell, I want to fight with you" said Arya bitterly.
"And your Mother has ordered you to return to Winterfell, nothing you or I say will change the fact that you are going back to Winterfell" said Lyanna hotly.
Arya scowled as Beric clapped his hand on her shoulder.
"Besides... I am placing a lot of trust in you to take Leyla back to Winterfell, or has my trust been misplaced?" said Beric.
Beric now aged 16 stood at 6'0 tall with short dark brown hair and a clean shaven face.
Arya sighed.
"No" said Arya in a defeated voice.
Beric nodded and let go of her shoulder before walking over to his horse and mounting it.
Arya and Lyarra stood and watched as Lyanna and Oswell Whent led Beric, Jonothor Karstark and their half a dozen Guards out of the courtyard to where an 800 strong Northern army stood waiting for them outside the gates.
Winterfell – 300 A.C
One week later…
Arya walked out into the courtyard with one hand on her sword hilt followed by her dark grey and white female Direwolf Nymeria who was a little smaller than a hound.
She watched as two riders rode through the gates into Winterfell before coming to a halt in front of her.
Though it had been nearly six years since she had seen her Arya recognised one of the riders as Brienne Of Tarth straight away.
Brienne and the other rider who was using a hood to conceal their face dismounted their horses and walked towards her.
"My Lady" said Brienne dutifully as she kept a wary eye on Nymeria.
Arya turned to face the hooded rider who took a step back.
"Who are you?" said Arya flatly.
"We are here to see Lord Stark My Lady" said Brienne.
"Lord Stark is not here" said Arya flatly.
"Then may we speak to Lady Stark?" said Brienne quickly.
Arya scowled slightly.
"You can see Lady Stark… when you lower your hood, or I will have our Guards remove you from the castle" said Arya icily.
Brienne opened her mouth to speak before the hooded rider placed a gloved hand on her arm stopping the older woman.
A few seconds passed before the rider used both hands to lower the hood revealing the face of a 17 year old copper red haired girl who stood a good few inches taller than Arya.
Sansa Arryn.
Arya looked at her for a few seconds before managing a short nod.
"Lady Arryn" said Arya warily.
Sansa nodded to Arya.
"My Father was saddened when he heard of your Father's passing" said Arya.
"Thank you My Lady" said Sansa nervously.
Arya nodded.
"My Mother is in the hall, hearing the petitions of the smallfolk" said Arya flatly.
She turned around and started to walk towards the hall followed by Nymeria.
Sansa and Brienne remained still for a few seconds before following Arya.
When they reached the hall they saw Ashara, Margaery, Bran and Maester Lewin sat at the high table listening to the petitions of the large number of smallfolk in the hall.
"Wait here" said Arya quickly glancing back to Sansa and Brienne before walking towards the high table.
She walked around the back of the table towards Ashara who turned to face her.
"What is it Arya?" said Ashara quietly as not to interrupt Bran who was addressing a Stonemason.
"Sansa Arryn wishes to speak with you Mother" said Arya quietly as she glanced down the hall to where Sansa and Brienne were stood near the doors.
Ashara followed her Daughters gaze and nodded.
"Take them to your Father's Solar, I will see them after the petitions" said Ashara.
Arya nodded and left her Mother's side walking back towards Sansa and Brienne.
"Come with me" said Arya as she passed the two of them.
Sansa and Brienne followed her out of the hall.
Half an hour later…
Ashara closed the door to Ned's Solar and crossed the room before taking her Husbands seat opposite Sansa while Brienne stood behind her.
"Lady Arryn… to what do I owe this pleasure?" said Ashara.
Sansa straightened up and reached into the pocket of her travelling cloak before pulling a sealed scroll out holding it in both hands.
"My Father sent me here, he had this written on his deathbed, its for Lord Stark, he said it was important that Lord Stark should receive it" said Sansa sadly.
"Lord Stark is at the Wall, he might not be back for at least a week or two, you can give the letter to me in his place" said Ashara.
Sansa moved to place the letter back in her pocket.
"My Father wished for the letter to be delivered to Lord Stark himself, no one else" said Sansa warily.
Ashara managed a small smile.
"Smart girl… but your Father would not have objected to me receiving his letter, nor would Lord Stark, you can give it to me, or you can wait for Lord Stark to return, your choice" said Ashara testily.
Sansa looked up at Brienne who remained still.
After a few moments Brienne nodded to her.
Sansa sighed and handed the scroll to Ashara.
Ashara took it and unrolled it in silence before reading it.
Eddard
If you are reading this then I am relieved that my Daughter and rightful Heir Sansa Arryn has arrived safely at Winterfell. I am sorry that this is how I have to say goodbye to you but with my rapidly deteriorating health there is no other way I can communicate with you. Very recently I came to the discovery that my Son Robyn Arryn was not sired by me but by the Master Of Coin Petyr Baelish. But this sickness took hold of me before I could act on this information. As such I have named Sansa as my Heir and ask that you support her claim to the Vale. I wish I could say more but I cannot. Farewell Eddard Stark. You were always a Son to me.
Jon Arryn
Lord Of The Vale, Hand Of The King
Ashara read it again in slight shock before rolling it up and handing it back to Sansa.
"Did you read it before showing it to me?" said Ashara sternly.
Sansa shook her head as Brienne stepped forwards slightly.
"Lord Arryn had me write it for him… Lady Arryn was not in the room at that time" said Brienne dutifully.
Ashara nodded.
"Are you aware of what that letter contains Lady Arryn?" said Ashara testily.
Sansa nodded.
"I am… my Mother seeks to give the Eyrie to my sickly half Brother, even though it is mine by right as a true born Arryn… I cannot be certain but I think my Mother had something to do with my Father's death, she hated him, and fled Kings Landing with Robyn as he drew his last breath" said Sansa hotly.
Ashara sighed.
"We should discuss this further with Lord Stark when he returns, then we will decide what actions to take, you may stay here for as long as you like" said Ashara.
Sansa sighed.
"If you permit, I wish to remain here for a few days before returning to the Vale, Father wished for me to marry Rodrik Royce in seven moons, after which I intend to press my claim to those loyal to my Father" said Sansa.
Ashara stood up.
"Come, I have had chambers prepared for you and Lady Brienne, I will have some warmer clothes made for you with haste" said Ashara.
Sansa nodded and stood up with her before following her out of the Solar.