The Rise Of A Dynasty
Kings Landing – 303 A.C
The next day…
Edric and Visenya Baratheon looked down at the High Septon who was on his knees before them in their chambers.
The time he had spent in the cells had really gotten to him leaving his clothes dirty with dust and mud while he had a tired and weary look on his face as if he had not slept for days.
"How are you today High Septon?" said Visenya flatly.
"Please let me go" pleaded the High Septon.
Visenya sighed and knelt down in front of him.
"You called a royal prince a bastard, that alone means you could be beheaded" said Visenya icily.
The High Septon paled.
"Please, I did not mean to speak such false words about your Son" said the High Septon in a panicked voice.
Edric Baratheon sighed.
"We will allow you to leave High Septon… provided that you understand a few things first" said Edric Baratheon flatly.
The High Septon looked up at him.
"You will spread the word to the other followers of the Faith… that there will be no more burning of Weirwood Trees, no longer will you burn those sacred places of worship for the simple reason that you wish to force the Faith down the throat of every living man, woman and child from Dorne to the Wall" said Visenya icily.
"But… the Seven are the true Gods, they watch over us, they guide us… the worship of all other false Gods must be stopped, for the sake of the people" pleaded the High Septon.
Visenya ignored his snivelling pleas.
"And that any Septon or Septa, no matter how high or low their rank, who is caught burning a Weirwood Tree, or is known to have burned one will be executed, is that understood High Septon?" said Visenya icily.
The High Septon rapidly nodded.
"I understand Your Grace, I just want to go, please" pleaded the High Septon.
Visenya sighed and turned to Edric Baratheon who nodded.
"Ser Robar" shouted Visenya.
Almost immediately Robar Royce opened the door and walked into the room.
"Yes Your Grace" said Robar Royce.
"Have some men take the High Septon back to the Great Sept Of Baelor, I think he has learned his lesson about the consequences of spouting treason, and what will happen the next time he speaks treasonous words" said Edric Baratheon.
Robar Royce bowed his head before walking over to the High Septon and pulling him to his feet.
One week later…
Edric and Visenya Baratheon walked through the doors into the new much larger Small Council chambers which had been adjusted accordingly to accommodate the amount of members of the Small Council.
The room itself led out onto a small courtyard where a painter was currently painting large a map of the Seven Kingdoms onto the smooth stone floor.
In the middle of the room there was a large square oak table covering nearly half of the room with the now complete and much larger Small Council stood up waiting for them behind 12 of the 14 chairs around the table.
The Hand of The King Ned Stark and the Master Of Laws Yohn Royce were stood behind their seats opposite each other next to the two more impressive seats which were to be used by the King and Queen.
The Master Of War Randyll Tarly, the Master Of Ships Selwyn Tarth, the new Grand Maester Ebrose, the Master Of Coin and new Warden Of The Reach Baelor Hightower were stood on the right side of the table.
Grand Maester Ebrose was a short man in his early fifties with short balding grey hair and matching facial hair. He was dressed in a cream white Maester's robe with a chain link made up of multiple chains of varying materials and colours around his neck representing the fields of study that he had completed.
On the left side of the table stood the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard Barristan Selmy, the Commander of the Kings armies Arthur Dayne and the new Mistress Of Whispers Ellaria Dayne.
At the opposite end of the table along with three chairs stood Lyanna, Rhaenys and Daenerys who served on the Small Council as personal advisors to Visenya and Edric Baratheon.
The Small Council bowed their heads to the King and Queen.
"Your Graces" chorused the Small Council.
"Be seated" said Visenya as she took her seat.
The rest of the Small Council took their seats along with Edric Baratheon.
Once they were all seated Edric Baratheon turned to Baelor Hightower.
"How much coin and gold do we have in the treasury Ser Baelor?" said Edric Baratheon.
Baelor Hightower opened the ledger in front of him and began turning through the pages.
"Thanks to the arrival of the gold from Moat Cailin, including that of the near five hundred thousand Gold Dragons seized from The Twins and the gold paid to us by the Tyrell's… we have some ten and a half million Gold Dragons in the treasury" said Baelor Hightower proudly.
Edric Baratheon nodded his head to him.
"If I may interrupt for a moment Your Grace?" said Yohn Royce.
Visenya turned to him and nodded.
"Speak My Lord" said Visenya.
Yohn Royce bowed his head to her.
"Shortly after I assigned a new Lord Commander to the City Watch… myself and Ser Baelor discovered that Lord Petyr Baelish had been forging the ledgers for the crown and taking the gold from the treasury for years" said Yohn Royce.
"The City Watch raided all of Littlefinger's establishments yesterday, and found some three hundred thousand Gold Dragons" said Baelor Hightower.
Edric Baratheon nodded.
"And what of Lord Baelish's keep in the Fingers?" said Edric Baratheon.
"I have sent word to my Son about Lord Baelish's keep Your Grace… he has sent a small army to take the castle, and I have yet to hear back from him" said Yohn Royce.
Visenya looked down the table to where her Sister and her Aunt were sat either side of her Mother.
"Princess Daenerys… have you inspected the status of Dragonstone yet?" said Visenya.
"I have flown over the castle on Drogon Your Grace, though I have not been inside yet, and I could not tell if the castle was abandoned or not" said Daenerys dutifully.
Visenya nodded.
"You will return to Dragonstone with a small army, just in case the castle is garrisoned by our enemies, once you have installed your own Household you may return to your duties at Kings Landing" said Visenya.
"Yes Your Grace" said Daenerys softly.
Edric Baratheon nodded and turned to the Mistress Of Whispers Ellaria Dayne.
"Lady Dayne… do your spies have any news to report to us?" said Edric Baratheon flatly.
Ellaria Dayne straightened up.
"Yes… word has reached me from Highgarden that Prince Trystane Martell arrived at the castle three days ago, though the nature of his visit eludes me for now" said Ellaria Dayne.
Edric Baratheon nodded.
"Good, but I want to know why he has suddenly decided to visit Highgarden, given that not so long ago the Martells and Tyrells were united against us fighting for a false King and Queen" said Edric Baratheon.
Ellaria Dayne bowed her head.
"I will find out Your Grace" said Ellaria Dayne dutifully.
"Do you think they could be planning another war?" said Rhaenys.
Edric Baratheon sighed.
"What do you think of this situation Lord Tarly?" said Edric Baratheon turning to his Master Of War.
Randyll Tarly gritted his teeth.
"It is possible… and with most of our armies having returned to their homes, what men we have left would be outnumbered if the Tyrells and the Martells turn against us" said Randyll Tarly gruffly.
Edric Baratheon nodded.
"Keep an eye on the Tyrells and the Martells… if they so much as whisper about attacking us I want to hear about it" said Edric Baratheon flatly.
Arthur and Barristan Selmy nodded in agreement.
"And what of the repairs to Summerhall… and the matter of your succession Princess Rhaenys?" said Edric Baratheon looking across the table at Rhaenys.
She straightened up and placed her hands on the table.
"I trust the Crown will fund the repairs of the castle… and I will take a consort to ensure that I have an Heir to succeed me one day" said Rhaenys flatly.
Visenya nodded.
"And you will keep the Targaryan name?" said Visenya.
Rhaenys nodded.
"House Targaryan will rule over Summerhall just as it will rule over Dragonstone" said Rhaenys glancing at Daenerys who nodded.
"The Master Of Coin will ensure that you receive enough gold to repair the castle" said Edric Baratheon.
Rhaenys bowed her head to him.
"Thank you Your Grace" said Rhaenys.
"And what about the remaining Lannisters… the two women and the Boy?" said Visenya.
Edric Baratheon let out a small sigh.
"I am not sure what to do with them just yet" said Edric Baratheon flatly.
"With respect Your Grace… I may have a solution to that" said Selwyn Tarth.
Edric Baratheon turned to him and nodded.
"Speak" said Edric Baratheon.
Selwyn Tarth straightened up.
"I have been a widow ever since my second Wife died birthing me a son six years ago, he is my Heir, I could take one of the Lannister women as a Wife, and the Boy as a squire or a page… it would tie their loyalty to you, and keep them from rebelling against our enemies" said Selwyn Tarth.
Edric Baratheon and some of the others looked at him in shock.
"You would take a traitor for a wife, just to tie their loyalty to the Crown?" said Edric Baratheon in shock.
"I am loyal to my King, and have no desire to see the remaining Lannisters try to dispose him from power after he spared their lives… I can keep them in check at Evenfall Hall, and who knows… perhaps I could give the Boy a place in my household if a suitable position is available" said Selwyn Tarth dutifully.
"She will stab you in your sleep is what she will do" said Randyll Tarly gruffly.
Visenya sighed.
"If you truly wish to do this Lord Tarth, then do it… but you must keep her close when you are here in Kings Landing fulfilling your duties as Master Of Ships" said Visenya.
Selwyn Tarth nodded to her.
"I intend to Your Grace" said Selwyn Tarth humbly.
Edric Baratheon nodded as they continued with the Small Council meeting for another hour before calling it a day.
Winterfell – 303 A.C
Three and a half weeks later…
Beric and Talisa were stood in the courtyard along with their children and the rest of Winterfell's staff watching as Jon, Robb, Arya and Theon led the Northern Lords into the courtyard.
He walked towards Jon as he dismounted his horse.
"Welcome back Lord Stark" said Beric.
Jon smiled and pulled him into a hug.
"It feels good to be back" said Jon.
The two let go of each other as Beric went to greet the others.
Jon walked towards Talisa and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
"You look lovely Lady Stark" said Jon softly.
Talisa chuckled before Jon knelt down and picked Leyla up who giggled at him.
"And how is my favourite Niece?" said Jon softly.
"Papa gave me this" said Leyla excitedly holding up a wooden toy horse which was the size of Jon's hand.
Jon smiled.
"It looks very nice, does it have a name?" said Jon softly.
Leyla nodded.
"She is Sunny" said Leyla excitedly.
Jon gave her a kiss on the forehead.
"That's a lovely name, now go say high to your Auntie Margaery" said Jon softly as he placed her back on her feet.
She ran over to Margaery who was climbing down from the wheelhouse.
Jon watched the wheelhouse as Margaery knelt down and picked Leyla up.
He turned to Robb who was stood next to him.
"The rest of the Lords will be arriving in a few hours" said Robb.
Jon nodded.
"The feast will begin just after sundown" said Jon solemnly.
Robb nodded and wrapped his arm around Jon's shoulders.
"Come on, I have Son's who want to see their Father" said Robb fondly.
Jon nodded and clapped his hand on top of Robb's as the two walked inside the main keep.
Later that night…
Jon stood up from his place at the high table in the great hall.
Margaery, Robb, Lyra, Beric, Talisa, Arya, Theon and Myranda Greyjoy were stood up with him on his left and his right.
The tables in front of them were fully seated with the Lords and Ladies of the North who were engaged in conversations over mugs of ale and wine.
"Rise" said Jon clearly.
The noise in the great hall slowly fell quiet before the Lords and Ladies started to stand up.
Once they were all on their feet Jon cleared his throat.
"Tonight we remember those who gave their blood in the war to crown our rightful King and Queen… hail the victorious dead" said Jon clearly as he raised his mug of ale.
"Hail" shouted the Lords and Ladies.
Jon straightened up and took a swig of his ale as all the other Lords and Ladies did the same.
He turned to Margaery who handed a rolled up scroll to him.
"Here is the list of all of our Father's, Siblings and Cousins who fell during the war" said Jon as he unrolled the scroll.
The rest of the Lords and Ladies knelt down on one or two knees and bowed their heads in respect to the fallen.
Jon placed his mug of ale on the table before holding both ends of the scroll in both hands.
He took a deep breath.
"Davyn Bole, Walton Bole, Benjicott Branch, Jory Cassel, Kyle Condon, Harald Dormund, Marlin Dormund, Robin Flint of Flints Finger, Hothar Flint of the Mountain Clans, Karl Flint of Widows Watch, Willam Flint of Widows Watch, Asher Forrester, Gregor Forrester, Arthur Glenmore, Jonothor Glenmore, Edwin Glover, Galbart Glover, Mors Harclay, Raynald Holt, Daryn Hornwood, Halys Hornwood, Eddard Karstark, Rickard Karstark, Torrhen Karstark, Rickard Knott, Melaro Knott, Merrick Liddle, Thor Liddle, Donnel Locke, Harmond Locke, Daryn Manderly, Wylis Manderly, Brandon Marsh, Benjen Mazin, Medrick Mazin, Dacey Mormont" said Jon solemnly.
He took a deep breath as Lyra wiped traces of tears from her eyes at the mention of her eldest sister.
"Boros Norrey, Wylla Norrey, Vayon Poole, Roose Ryswell, Gawayne Slate, Axell Stout, Benfred Tallhart, Helman Tallhart, Leobold Tallhart, Ser Oswell Whent, Gryff Whitehill, Torrhen Whitehill, Edric Woolfield, Hugo Wull, Theo Wull and Thor Wull, may the Gods watch over them now" said Jon solemnly.
"May the Gods watch over them" chorused the Northerners.
Jon rolled the scroll up and placed it on the table.
"Sadly there are many names that have not been included on that list… they are the names of those who were not born into noble families, but should be remembered all the same" said Jon solemnly.
The rest of the Northerners stood up.
"Most of us have lost a great deal in this war… it will hurt me every time I look at my Goodsister Jeyne knowing that she will have to raise her Daughter's without my Brother at her side, and that my own children have not only lost two Uncles… but both their Grandparents thanks to my Fathers death" said Harrion Karstark remorsefully.
After a few moments Gwyn Whitehill stepped away from one of the tables into the view of Jon and the others.
The last surviving member of House Whitehill of Highpoint was 20 years of age with long light brown hair. She was dressed in a light blue and grey Northern dress and was looking at Jon with a broken look on her face.
A broken look that was no doubt being caused by the deaths of her Father and Brother's as well as the death of her not so secret lover and the Father of her bastard Daughter Asher Forrester.
"I lost my two remaining Brothers in that war, and my Father to sickness four moons back… now I find myself as the Lady Of Highpoint with only my Daughter for company, I doubt I am the only one in this hall who now finds themselves without their family by their side… and now some Houses will disappear completely thanks to the death's of their Lords" said Gwyn Whitehill in a sad voice.
Jon sighed as Gwyn Whitehill sat down again without another word.
Unfortunately the loss of the surviving Lords and Heirs of Houses Slate, Bole, Condon, Dormund, Marsh and the Flints of Flints Finger meant that those Houses had either become extinct or soon would upon the deaths of their elder surviving members.
"Those we have lost may be gone from this world… but we keep them alive through memory, and tonight we will honour them, as they should be honoured" said Jon solemnly.
He took his seat once again as the other Northerners started toasting their deceased family members with each other.
Robb and the others sat down before Jon signalled for the feast to start.
The mood and atmosphere of the feast was sombre and silent as barely any words were exchanged as they ate and drank.
Ten minutes later…
Talisa sighed and turned to Beric as she sipped her wine.
He glanced at her and nodded before turning to Jon.
"Jon" said Beric flatly.
Jon finished one of his boar sausages and turned to Beric.
"We are leaving tomorrow afternoon" said Beric flatly.
Jon sighed.
"Any reason for the urgency?" said Margaery as she sipped her wine.
Talisa turned to her.
"We want to go home, with our children" said Talisa plainly.
Margaery nodded in understanding.
Jon sighed.
"Alright" said Jon.
Beric nodded and resumed his meal.
"Mother and Father named me the Lord of The Saltspear Tower, the defender of our western shore… my place is there, not here" said Beric solemnly.
Jon nodded.
"Very well… take Arya with you, I have had enough ravens from Mother and Father asking me to find her a Husband" said Jon amusedly causing Arya to glare at him.
Beric chuckled.
"Well… Mors Umber is coming with us to serve as the Captain Of Our Guard, and he is unwed" said Beric.
"He is as ugly as a Thenn" said Arya hotly.
Jon snorted.
"He is not that bad" said Jon.
Arya snorted.
"No way" said Arya.
Robb shrugged his shoulders.
"Who knows… maybe with the two of you in the same castle his Father will make an offer" said Robb casually.
Arya glared at him.
"Mother wants you to marry someone… better it be someone from the North than someone from the South" said Jon.
Arya scowled before standing up from the table and leaving.
Beric sighed and started to stand up to follow her before Talisa placed her hand on his arm.
"I'll be right back" said Talisa softly.
Beric nodded and sat back down as Talisa stood up and left the hall.
Five minutes later…
It did not take long for Talisa to find her Goodsister as she followed the sound of arrows burying themselves into a target in the courtyard.
Arya was stood with her bow in one hand and her eyes locked on the target she was aiming at.
Talisa slowly walked towards her causing Arya to quickly turn her head to look at her.
"What do you want?" said Arya icily.
Talisa took a step towards her.
"Come with me" said Talisa.
Arya did not move.
"Come with me… I want to show you something" said Talisa softly.
Arya paused for a few moments before sighing and returning her bow to the weapons rack.
Talisa nodded and turned around to walk back towards the main keep followed by a sceptical Arya.
The two walked through the main keep until they came to a halt at the nursery.
As Talisa opened the door to enter she turned to Arya who was stood still with a bored look on her face.
"Come on" said Talisa sternly.
Arya scowled and followed Talisa into the nursery.
The two made their way across the room towards the rocking chair by the closed door leading to the balcony.
"Sit down" said Talisa nodding her head to the rocking chair.
Arya sat down and watched Talisa gently lift her Son Eddard out of his crib.
Talisa made her way over to Arya.
"Hold him" said Talisa softly.
"What?" said Arya in confusion.
"Hold him" said Talisa sternly.
Arya looked up at her before slowly taking the sleeping Eddard from her and balancing him in her lap.
Talisa watched them in silence for several moments before kneeling down next to Arya.
"Do you know what the best feeling in the world is Arya, for both a man and a woman?" said Talisa softly.
"What?" said Arya flatly.
Talisa smiled before tracing her hand on Eddard's cheek being careful not to wake him up.
"Its holding your child… your own child, ask anyone of your Brother's, your Parents, your Goodsisters, even your Cousins and they will all tell you the same thing" said Talisa softly.
"But being a Wife to some Lord is not me, its not how I want to live my life" said Arya quickly.
Talisa sighed.
"Do you want your own children Arya, children to raise and teach to swing a sword just like you?" said Talisa.
Arya remained silent and still for several moments before managing a small smile.
"Maybe having my own children would not be a bad thing" said Arya.
Talisa smiled.
"But to have children of your own you need to marry someone, you cannot have one without the other… besides, there are other pleasures women can take from having Husbands, and deep down every woman wants those pleasures" said Talisa with a small knowing smirk.
Arya blushed.
"But I do not want to be some perfect Lady for some Lord, to be his object who only gets used when he wants an Heir" said Arya quickly.
Talisa raised her eyebrow at her.
"Somehow I doubt you would let your Husband tell you what to do, or perhaps I have misjudged you" said Talisa amusedly.
Arya bowed her head as she looked down at her Nephew.
"Your Brother wants to make you our Master At Arms… he was going to ask you before Jon asked him to take you with us" said Talisa.
Arya sighed.
"Besides… Mors Umber is not so bad, I rather enjoyed talking to him when he brought me to Winterfell, he was rather charming actually" said Talisa.
Arya rolled her eyes.
"He is ugly" said Arya.
Talisa chuckled.
"I think he is rather good looking actually… in a rugged sort of way, not to mention tall as well" said Talisa amusedly.
Arya locked eyes with her.
"A man that tall probably has something very special in his breeches Arya, and I bet you would like to find out" said Talisa amusedly.
Arya blushed and let out a small smile.
"If it is special, and if he knows how to make the most of it… you would enjoy that part of your married life greatly" said Talisa amusedly.
Arya looked down at Eddard as her cheeks turned red.
Talisa chuckled and took her hand.
"The other Northerners will have realised that you are unwed and not promised to anyone yet… so they will be preparing their offers, you ought to consider them, and choose one for yourself" said Talisa softly.
Arya sighed and handed Eddard back to Talisa.
Talisa stood up and carried Eddard back to his crib before Arya stood up and followed her.
The two of them left the nursery and made their way back down to the feast.
Upon returning to the hall they saw Medger Cerwyn stood in front of Jon at the head table speaking to him.
"See… Lord Cerwyn is making an offer for his Son" said Talisa squeezing Arya's arm.
Arya sighed.
"He made the same offers for his eldest Son and the Queen… before she was Queen obviously" said Arya flatly.
As they made their way back to the table Medger Cerwyn turned to them and nodded.
"My Ladies" said Medger Cerwyn dutifully before bowing his head to Jon and walking back to her own table.
Jon turned to Arya as she sat down.
"Lord Cerwyn has made a rather generous offer for you" said Jon plainly as he refilled his ale.
Arya sighed and sat down.
"I will think about it tomorrow" said Arya flatly.
The next day…
"And what is the new name you wish to call your house?" said Jon flatly.
He was sat in his solar while Beric and Talisa were stood up facing him from the opposite side of the desk.
Beric was standing with his arms behind his back while Talisa was holding onto a folded up banner which was blue and grey in colour.
Beric straightened up.
"House Spearstark" said Beric confidently.
Jon slowly nodded before reaching across the desk for a scroll and writing materials.
"And what are the words of House Spearstark, and your sigil?" said Jon as he started to write on a scroll of parchment.
"Salt and blood" said Beric proudly.
Talisa placed the folded up banner in front of Jon.
Jon looked down at it as he unfolded it before nodding with approval.
The banner was a grey direwolf in the middle two golden crossed spears on blue waves.
Jon traced his hand on the banner for a few moments before nodding with approval.
"I approve" said Jon as he stood up.
He walked around the desk to where Beric was stood.
The two Brother's placed their hands on each others shoulders.
"I, Jon, of the House Stark, the Lord Of Winterfell, and Acting Warden Of The North, do hereby acknowledge the birth of your House Spearstark, and that you will now be known as Ser Beric Spearstark, Lord Of The Saltspear Tower, from this until your last day… do you, Ser Beric of the House Spearstark, Lord Of The Saltspear Tower… swear your fealty to House Stark of Winterfell, to answer summons whenever called upon, to fight alongside us in battle, and to serve House Stark loyally and faithfully?" said Jon.
Beric nodded.
"I swear it by the Old Gods and the New" said Beric confidently.
Jon nodded before he and Beric let go of each other.
Two days later…
Theon knocked on the door of Jon's Solar as he approached it with Myranda Greyjoy.
"Come in" said the voice of Jon from behind the door.
Theon opened the door and walked inside followed by his wife.
Jon was sat at his desk while Margaery was stood up next to him.
Theon bowed his head to both of them as he approached the desk.
As he and Myranda Greyjoy came to a halt in front of the desk Jon cleared his throat.
"I am not sure if the two of you are aware… but following the death of Lord Robin Flint, who unfortunately left no Wife or Heirs… his castle of Flints Finger is now unmanned" said Jon.
"Yes" said Theon.
"You served the North loyally in Edric's Rebellion Theon Greyjoy… as such you should be suitably rewarded" said Margaery.
Theon's eyes went wide with shock while Myranda Greyjoy gasped.
Jon stood up and handed a rolled up scroll to Theon.
"Theon Greyjoy… I name you the Lord Of Flints Finger, and all of its lands and holdfasts" said Jon as Theon unrolled the scroll and started to read it.
By the order of Lord Jon of House Stark
The Lord Of Winterfell and Acting Warden Of The Northern
Theon of the House Greyjoy is hereby named as the ruling Lord Of Flints Finger and all of its lands and people.
The lordship of Flints Finger will pass down through the Sons and Daughters of House Greyjoy from this day until the end of time.
Signed, Lord Jon of House Stark, Lord Of Winterfell
Theon bowed his head to Jon and rolled up the scroll.
"Thank you… Jon" said Theon humbly.
Jon nodded and walked around the desk to Theon.
Theon knelt down before him and bowed his head.
"Theon Greyjoy, Lord Of Flints Finger… do you swear to serve House Stark loyally and faithfully, to answer summons when called upon, and to fight alongside us in battle?" said Jon.
"I do, your enemies are my enemies, I swear it on the Drowned God" said Theon confidently.
Jon nodded.
"Then rise Lord Theon Greyjoy… Lord Of Flints Finger" said Jon.
Theon got to his feet and gave Jon a swift handshake which soon turned into a one armed hug.
Kings Landing – 303 A.C
Five days later…
Ashara was sat around one of the large tables in the gardens with Elia, Visenya, Rhaenys, Daenerys. Wynafred Glover, Talia Forrester and Eddara Tallhart as they indulged in wine and sweets.
Elia Stark was now 15 years of age with long silky black hair down her back and a growing woman's body at 5'7 tall.
As her Uncle Arthur would say she was her Mother reborn.
To Ashara her Daughter was perhaps the greatest beauty of the North and one of the most beautiful young ladies ever.
Visenya who was four moons pregnant with her second child turned to Ashara.
"I heard that Arya is now betrothed… to Mors Umber" said Visenya.
Ashara nodded.
"She is… though how she was able to be convinced to do so eludes me" said Ashara.
"Perhaps she has had a change of heart" said Talia Forrester.
"Perhaps" said Ashara.
As they continued talking amongst themselves Rodrik Norrey who served as a Squire for Ned made his way over to Ashara holding onto an unsealed raven scroll.
"Lady Stark" said Rodrik Norrey bowing his head to Ashara.
Ashara took the scroll and unrolled it.
"Lord Stark asked me to give it to you My Lady" said Rodrik Norrey.
Ashara nodded and started to read it.
Mother, Father
I was going to wait and surprise you when you arrived at Moat Cailin but we cannot wait that long. Lyra is two and a half moons pregnant and the Maester is confident that she is carrying twins. Arya is also staying here until you arrive so she can go back to Winterfell with you for her wedding.
Robb Stark, Lord Of Moat Cailin
Ashara smiled as she re-read the section of the scroll which informed her about her pregnant good daughter.
She glanced at Elia who was sipping from a cup of Arbor Gold wine.
She and Ned would be escorting the Royal Family to Winterfell along with Elia and Brandon so they could witness Arya's wedding to Mors Umber in one and a half moons.
Thankfully Elia's wedding to Gawen Glover would not take place until she turned 16 in eight moons allowing for a suitable gap between the weddings of her only daughters.
After Elia's wedding she and her Husband would return to Deepwood Motte which would one day be their future castle.
Not long after the war had ended the widowed Wynafred Glover had removed her own Son Beren Glover from the line of succession at Deepwood Motte before bringing him to Kings Landing. After doing so Robbett Glover had immediately named his second Son Gawen Glover as his Heir.
His second Son's previous title of Lord of the new small but unnamed harbour village on the Stony Shore had instead been given to Martyn Glover along with a betrothal to Jorella Mormont.
Ashara rolled up the scroll and sipped her wine as she continued talking to the other ladies.
Later that night…
Visenya was sat at the vanity in her chambers as Wynafred Glover brushed her hair.
Edric Baratheon was laid on their bed in a relaxed position while Orys Baratheon was asleep in the cot at the foot of the bed.
Visenya who was already dressed in her silk nightdress turned to Wynafred Glover as she finished brushing her hair.
"You can go now" said Visenya.
Wynafred Glover smiled and bowed her head slightly before walking out of the chambers.
Once she had left Visenya stood up and walked over to the bed sitting down against the headboard next to her Husband.
"How long are we going north for?" said Edric Baratheon.
"A week or so… it is my Cousin's wedding, her Father is Hand Of The King, this is an important wedding, one that we must attend" said Visenya softly.
"If you say so… but who rules while we are gone?" said Edric Baratheon.
Visenya shifted closer to him.
"That is up to you… but Lord Tarth would be your best option" said Visenya.
Edric Baratheon nodded and traced his finger across her silk nightdress.
"You know… this feels a little loose" said said Edric Baratheon teasingly.
Visenya smirked and slid her hand through the buttoned up section of his nightshirt and stroked his toned chest.
"Well… that could be because it is not exactly designed to stay on for very long" said Visenya innocently.
Edric Baratheon chuckled and hooked his fingers inside the nightdress where her breasts were.
"Perhaps it should come off sooner than expected" said Edric Baratheon amusedly.
Visenya sighed and leaned into kiss him.
She sighed as his arms wrapped around her pulling her into that familiar embrace.
Edric Baratheon broke the kiss and sucked on her neck as he slowly started to remove her nightdress.
Visenya moaned and leaned into his ear.
"No playing tonight my love… just a good old fashioned tumble beneath the sheets" moaned Visenya as her nightdress got lower and lower.
Edric Baratheon groaned as he pulled her nightdress down past her ankles.
"Are you sure?" groaned Edric Baratheon.
Visenya groaned and started to unbutton his nightshirt.
"I just want your cock" said Visenya in a sultry voice.
Edric Baratheon groaned and kissed her as he helped her undress him.
Once they were undressed they moved under the covers with their bodies rubbing against each other creating the delicious friction that they both loved.
After a few minutes Visenya opened her legs allowing him to position himself against her waiting womanhood.
The two locked eyes and kissed as Edric Baratheon slid into her moaning into each others mouths.
Moat Cailin – 303 A.C
Five weeks later…
Robb and Lyra were stood in the courtyard waiting for the Royal Party to ride through the gates.
Around the courtyard were sections of makeshift scaffolding which was in place for the builders to make repairs and improvements to the castle walls, towers and main keep.
Improvements which had cost a significant amount of gold coming from the loot seized from Casterly Rock.
So far they had managed to reinforce the inner and outer walls as well as rebuild two more of the original broken towers and they were beginning to reinforce the main keep with stronger stone and more ironwood.
After a few minutes Robb heard one of the Guards shouting to him from the battlements above the new inner gate.
He looked up at the Guard.
"They are approaching the outer gates My Lord!" shouted the Guard.
"Open the gates!" shouted Robb.
The Guard bowed his head and walked along the wall out of sight.
They waited in the courtyard for another five minutes before two of the Kingsguard rode through the inner gates into the courtyard followed by two House Baratheon knights carrying banners featuring the joint Baratheon Targaryan sigils.
The next set of riders to enter the courtyard were King Edric Baratheon, Gendry Baratheon and Ned surrounded by more Baratheon and Stark riders.
Gendry Baratheon looked far different from the blacksmiths apprentice he had grown up as.
His once neat and tidy beard had been completely shaved off and his usually messy black hair had been combed and cut making it look neat. The biggest change in his appearance however was the clothes he was wearing.
Gone was the leather apron and dirty tunic he used to wear in the forge and in its place was a black and grey tunic and breeches which had been embroidered with his new House Baratheon sigil of the gold crowned stag and the bull side by side. He was also wearing a black cloak with his hammer strapped to his horse.
Robb and everyone else in the courtyard immediately knelt down and bowed their heads as two wheelhouses and two wagons which were being escorted by several more knights and mounted Guards slowly made their way into the courtyard.
Robb and the others remained in their kneeling positions as Edric Baratheon dismounted his horse and made his way over to them.
Robb waited until Edric Baratheon gestured for him to stand up before getting to his feet.
Robb bowed his head slightly.
"Moat Cailin is yours Your Grace" said Robb dutifully.
Edric Baratheon nodded and shook his hand.
"Your hospitality is greatly appreciated Lord Stark" said Edric Baratheon humbly as Ned and Barristan Selmy dismounted their horses.
Robb nodded before he gave Ned a one armed hug.
"Welcome back Father" said Robb.
Ned squeezed Robb tighter.
"Its good to be back… I see you have been busy" said Ned letting go of Robb and looking around the courtyard with an approving look.
Robb glanced at the scaffolding.
"Yes well… there is still more work to be done, the builders say it will not be complete for another year at least" said Robb.
Ned nodded and clapped his hand on his shoulder before moving over to Arya who jumped up and wrapped her arms around him.
"Go help your Mother out of wheelhouse" said Ned glancing back at Robb.
Robb nodded and walked towards his Mother's wheelhouse as Ned placed Arya back on her feet.
"Where is he?" said Ned softly.
Arya glanced at her feet nervously.
"The Saltspear Tower" mumbled Arya.
Ned smiled and placed his finger under her chin tilting her head up to meet his eyes.
"Your Mother and I are very proud of you, and very happy for you" said Ned softly.
Arya smiled and kissed him on the cheek.
She turned away from Ned towards Ashara who was being helped down from the wheelhouse by Robb.
Ashara caught her gaze and smiled as Ned greeted Lyra and his Grandsons Rickard and Theo Stark.
Arya made her way over Ashara who greeted her with a kiss on each cheek.
"I guess congratulations are in order" said Ashara softly as Robb helped Elia down from the wheelhouse and wrapped her in a hug.
Arya turned pink with embarrassment.
"Thank you Mother" said Arya softly.
Ashara smiled and kissed her forehead.
"If you are happy… then your Father and I are happy" said Ashara softly.
Robb pulled Elia into him and kissed her forehead softly.
"You look beautiful Elia" said Robb looking her up and down as Bran was helped down from his horse by Jonothor Karstark.
Elia smiled.
"Thank you" said Elia.
Robb smiled and let go of her before turning to Bran.
After the greetings of reunion had been finished Robb and Lyra led their guests inside the main keep.
Later that night…
Rhaenys and Daenerys took their seats at the high table with cups of wine.
They were sat in the hall for the feast with the rest of the Moat Cailin Starks, their Household and the Royal Party.
"So… who is this consort of yours?" said Daenerys as she eyed a young brown haired dark skinned Braavosi man in his early 30's stood with two similar looking men in one corner of the hall.
He was fairly short at around 5'8 with short brown hair and a matching goatee. He and the two men he was stood with were dressed in yellow and cream tunics and breeches styled like Braavosi clothes.
Rhaenys glanced at him.
"He is the second son from a very wealthy but minor Braavosi family, not very noble compared to most but he a suitable consort" said Rhaenys lazily as she sipped her wine.
"And what happens to him when you have your children?" said Daenerys.
Rhaenys shrugged.
"He will either go back to Braavos, or stay in Westeros" said Rhaenys.
Daenerys turned to Rhaenys.
"And what would you have him do?" said Daenerys.
Rhaenys sighed and finished her wine.
"I have not quite decided yet" said Rhaenys.
She stood up and walked towards her Braavosi Consort leaving Daenerys alone at the table.
Daenerys sighed and sipped her wine before she heard someone approach her from behind.
She turned to face the person and let out a small smile as she saw who it was.
Barristan Selmy.
He had changed out of his armour into a simple sky blue tunic and breeches.
"I did not mean to startle you Princess" said Barristan Selmy softly.
"You did nothing of the sort Ser Barristan… please, sit" said Daenerys softly gesturing to Rhaenys's now empty seat.
Barristan Selmy sat down next to her as she poured a cup of wine and slid it towards him.
He paused for a few moments before picking it up and taking a sip.
Daenerys remained silent for a few moments.
"Did you know my Brother Ser Barristan?" said Daenerys.
Barristan Selmy nodded with a fond smile.
"I certainly did Princess, finest man I ever met" said Barristan Selmy fondly.
Daenerys let out a small smile.
"I wish I could have met him… all I ever knew about him was what Viserys would tell me about him, that he was a great warrior who enjoyed killing his enemies" said Daenerys regretfully.
Barristan Selmy let out a sarcastic chuckle.
"Rhaegar never liked killing people, he was a peaceful loving man, he preferred singing and playing his harp" said Barristan Selmy fondly.
"Singing?" said Daenerys in amused disbelief.
Barristan Selmy nodded and sipped his wine.
"He liked to walk among the people, he would often pick out a spot on the Street Of Sisters, or the Hook… and sing" said Barristan Selmy fondly.
"And what did you do?" said Daenerys.
"I made sure no one killed him" said Barristan Selmy.
Daenerys smiled and sipped her wine.
"And I collected the money" said Barristan Selmy.
"The money?" said Daenerys sounding surprised.
Barristan Selmy chuckled.
"He liked to see how much he could make" said Barristan Selmy.
Daenerys chuckled.
"What did he do with the money?" said Daenerys curiously.
"Sometimes he kept it, sometimes he would give it to the next minstrel on the street, or to an orphanage… one time, we got horribly drunk" said Barristan Selmy amusedly.
Daenerys laughed.
After a few seconds Daenerys sighed.
"Was my Father always a terrible king?" said Daenerys.
Barristan Selmy sighed.
"Not in the beginning no, when I first joined the Kingsguard, in the early years of his reign we thought he had dodged the Targaryan madness, but it was not to be" said Barristan Selmy flatly.
Daenerys sighed.
"The way my Brother would speak about him made him sound like a good king" said Daenerys flatly.
Barristan Selmy sighed.
"Your Brother started showing the signs of madness at an early age… and he was very close to your Father, perhaps that was why he thought so highly of him" said Barristan Selmy regretfully.
Daenerys took a large swig of her wine.
"What happened that day?" said Daenerys.
Barristan Selmy sighed as he realised what day she was referring to.
"I'll never forget that look… the way Brandon Stark looked at us as he strangled himself to death, it was the same look I saw in the eyes of every person who met a similar fate at the hands of your Father" said Barristan Selmy regretfully.
Daenerys refilled her wine.
"I looked into his eyes… and I saw the horrors that would fall on the Seven Kingdoms" said Barristan Selmy.
Daenerys frowned.
"And half the country rebelled against him" said Daenerys flatly.
Barristan Selmy nodded.
"The North, the Vale, the Riverlands and the Stormlands all came together with as many men as they could get… they barely lost a battle, even as your family gathered more men to fight, the rebels just kept on beating them, until their victory at the Trident" said Barristan Selmy flatly.
Daenerys wiped a single tear from her eyes.
She remained silent for several moments taking small sips of her wine before straightening up.
"How did you end up serving the Usurper?" said Daenerys stiffly.
Barristan Selmy sighed.
"I was badly wounded at the Trident… Lord Bolton wanted to have me executed, as did a few others, for my loyalty to the Targaryans, but Robert Baratheon said no, and had his Maester tend to my wounds" said Barristan Selmy.
"But why… you had served my family for years, what did he owe you?" said Daenerys curiously.
"I guess it was because I stayed loyal, and he respected that" said Barristan Selmy.
Daenerys sighed and nodded before continuing to question him about her family.
Winterfell – 303 A.C
The next day…
Margaery sighed as she rode out onto a small hill overlooking the Kingsroad on the Northern Stallion she had received for her wedding.
She had dressed herself in her finest riding tunic and breeches preferring to ride properly instead of side saddle like most other Ladies in the south.
Growing up in the Reach Margaery had been fond of horse rides through the countryside from a young age.
She stopped her horse and basked in the smell she had come to be familiar with since she arrived in the North nearly five years ago.
It was not like the lush grassy smell of the fertile fields of The Reach. Or the sweaty shit smelling smell of poverty in Kings Landing.
Out here she could smell a faint woody mossy smell that surrounded the countryside of the North.
As she patted her horse on the neck she turned her head to see Jon riding up behind her followed by Ghost.
"I see I am not the only one who thought they would take in the vast beauty of the North" said Margaery.
Jon rode up alongside her.
"Even I enjoy taking in its beauty on the back of a horse every once in a while" said Jon fondly as he gazed out at the countryside in front of him.
Margaery let out a small smile.
"A raven arrived from Moat Cailin… the King has left the Moat, they will be here three days from now" said Jon.
Margaery turned to him.
"And your Brother?" said Margaery.
"He left The Saltspear Tower yesterday, they will be here tomorrow if the weather is kind" said Jon.
Margaery nodded and turned her horse around.
"Then we better make sure the castle is prepared for their arrival" said Margaery.
Jon sighed and took her hand and gently squeezed it.
"Come on then" said Jon.
Margaery smiled and pulled his hand to her stomach.
Jon locked eyes with her in realisation.
"Two moons… hopefully another little boy" said Margaery softly as she let go of his hand.
Jon smiled and leaned across to kiss her.
"I do not know… another little girl would be nice" said Jon.
"Of course you would like that" said Margaery amusedly.
Jon chuckled.
"Or maybe you are carrying one of each, or two of the same" said Jon cheekily.
Margaery glared at him.
"Do I look that fat to you?" said Margaery.
Jon smirked and leaned towards her ear.
"You always look beautiful Lady Stark… both in the day and at night" said Jon softly.
Margaery chuckled.
"Hot springs tonight?" said Margaery innocently.
Jon kissed her and placed his hand on her thigh close to her hips.
"Sounds wonderful… once the children are asleep" said Jon huskily.
Margaery smirked and pushed his hand away.
"Think about that Jon Stark" said Margaery cheekily.
She started to ride away from him back towards Winterfell.