The Rise Of A Dynasty
Winterfell – 303 A.C
One and a half weeks later…
Jon made his way into the courtyard arm in arm with Margaery as they awaited the arrival of the Karstark, Hornwood and Umber party who were escorting the now captured Ramsey Snow to Winterfell.
Behind them in the courtyard stood half a dozen armed Guards along with Lords and Ladies of every House in the North.
All of them had come to Winterfell to see justice delivered to Ramsey Snow who had single handedly ended the line of one of the most powerful houses in the North.
Unfortunately Ramsey Snow's great plan to get himself named as Lord Bolton of The Dreafort had spectacularly failed when several of his Guards had captured him and handed him over to the 7,500 Karstarks, Hornwoods and Umber Soldiers who laid siege to The Dreadfort for two straight days before his capture.
After taking Ramsey Snow prisoner the 7,500 strong army sacked The Dreadfort executing several Household Staff and Guards who had helped Ramsey Snow take control of the castle.
After a few minutes Harrion Karstark, Greatjon and Smalljon Umber rode into the courtyard along with several Karstark and Umber Guards and a wagon with a dark steel cage built onto the back of it.
As expected a bound and gagged Ramsey Snow was in the back of the wagon looking around the courtyard with a cocky look on his bloody and bruised face.
Jon looked away from Ramsey Snow and turned to the four House Stark Guards stood behind him.
"Put him in the cells for now… call the Lords and Ladies to the Great Hall in forty five minutes" said Jon flatly.
The Guards bowed their heads and walked towards the wagon.
"What exactly are you going to do with him?" said Margaery watching as the Guards pulled Ramsey Snow out of the wagon and dragged him towards the cells.
Jon straightened up before looking down at her as he tightened his hold on her waist.
"We are going to make an example of him… to remind everyone that what he has done is unforgivable" said Jon in a serious tone of voice.
One hour later…
Jon sighed as he took his seat at the high table in the Great Hall.
Margaery, Robb, Lyra, Mors Umber, Arya, Beric, Talisa and Elia were also sat at the high table while the rest of the Northern Lords and Ladies were sat or stood along the walls of the hall awaiting the arrival of the prisoner.
Jon sighed.
"Lord Greyjoy" said Jon flatly.
Theon stepped out from his place between Myranda Greyjoy and Wyman Manderly.
He walked into the middle of the hall and knelt down on one knee bowing his head.
"Bring the prisoner in" said Jon.
Theon stood up and walked out of the hall with two of his Guards in tow.
Jon leaned back in his seat and tapped his fingers on the table as they waited for Theon to return with Ramsey Snow.
Time seemed to pass at a very slow pace before Theon and his Guards returned to the hall with the still bound and gagged Ramsey Snow in tow.
"Remove his gag" said Jon flatly.
Theon nodded and removed the gag from Ramsey Snow's mouth causing said man to look around the room with a cocky look on his face.
"Go on then… kill me, end the last best hope for the survival of House Bolton" said Ramsey Snow cockily.
Jon sighed.
"Ramsey Snow… you stand here accused of the murders of your Father Lord Roose Bolton, his Wife Lady Walda Bolton and her Sisters Durwa and Wylla Frey… you also stand accused of the murder of your Father's newborn Son and The Dreadforts Maester Wolkan… how do you plead to these charges?" said Jon bitterly.
"Not guilty" said Ramsey Snow cockily.
Jon sighed as the other Lords and Ladies muttered in disagreement.
"So you deny killing these people?" said Margaery flatly.
Ramsey Snow smirked.
"Of course… it was the hounds that killed those girls and the baby, and my Guards that killed the Maester, I had no hand in their deaths" said Ramsey Snow cockily.
Jon growled as the other Northerners voiced their anger and disgust.
"On your orders you little shit" growled Harrion Karstark.
"Ramsey Snow… your actions have wiped out one of the oldest families in the North, as far as I am concerned you are guilty in the eyes of Gods and Men, and you are hereby sentenced to death… do you have any last words?" said Jon.
Ramsey Snow straightened up.
"Yes, I maintain my innocence and still blame the hounds and my Guards for those awful killings" said Ramsey Snow amusedly.
Jon slowly stood to his feet as growls started to be heard around the hall.
Members of the crowd in the corners of the hall stepped aside as Ghost, Greywind, Shadow, Nymeria and Ash came into view and slowly walked towards Ramsey Snow with hungry looks in their eyes.
Ramsey Snow froze.
"You subjected your Father's Wife, Son and Goodsister's to the most brutal of deaths, I said to myself that I was going to make an example of you, to show everyone what happens to traitors like you" said Jon flatly.
Ramsey Snow took a step back trying to find a way to avoid the five Direwolves.
Jon let out a shrill whistle.
The Direwolves suddenly growled and leapt of Ramsey Snow before he let out a gut wrenching scream.
Jon kept his gaze on the scene in front of him as the Direwolves tore him limb from limb leaving him in a bloody mess on the floor.
"Court is dismissed" said Jon as Margaery stood to her feet.
The two walked out of the hall followed by the rest of the Starks while the other Northerners left through the other doors leaving the Direwolves to feast on Ramsey Snow.
Later that night…
"So" said Margaery as she stood resting her arms on the balcony looking out at the night time view of the courtyard.
"So… what?" said Jon as he added a few extra logs to the lit hearth.
The two were in their chambers already dressed for bed.
"Who will rule The Dreadfort now… Bran… one of our children perhaps?" said Margaery testily.
Jon finished adding logs to the fire before standing up and walking towards her.
"I may have a solution to this problem" said Jon as he stopped behind her and wrapped his arms around her stomach.
Margaery sighed as she was pulled back into her Husbands chest.
"It is a large castle, with so much land to govern over, more than most castles in the North own, except Winterfell and White Harbour… even after you gave away half of the lands belonging to that castle" said Margaery softly.
Mere hours after the swift trial the Starks had gifted more than half of the lands belonging to The Dreadfort to the Hornwoods, Karstarks and the Umbers for their part in capturing Ramsey Bolton.
As such The Dreadfort now only governed over less than half of its original lands which were located along the shores of the Weeping Water.
Jon pressed a kiss to her temple.
"True… but we should be careful as to how we deal with the situation regarding the new ownership of The Dreadfort… as not to incur any whispers or rumours of favouritism" said Jon.
"So you will not give the castle to a Stark?" said Margaery testily.
Jon sighed and pressed his chin to the top of her head.
"No… House Stark collectively owns three different castles in the North, it would be better to give it to a loyal Lord or Lady, or someone else who earns it" said Jon softly.
Margaery sighed and leaned back into his chest causing his arms to wrap tighter around her.
"Perhaps you are right… when will you announce your decision?" said Margaery.
She tilted her head up and kissed him.
"At the evening feast tomorrow" said Jon.
He gently pulled her back through the open doors towards their bed.
The next night…
Jon stood up from his seat at the high table holding onto his mug of ale.
The rest of the Northerners stood up awaiting the news of his decision.
Jon cleared his throat.
"The day after tomorrow at noon… House Stark will host a great melee tournament lasting for the next two days… any man or woman can enter, be they noble or common… and the winner will be given The Dreadfort and its remaining lands as a prize, along with the opportunity to create their own House name, sigil, words and the chance to rename the castle as they see fit" said Jon confidently.
The rest of the other Northerners started talking amongst themselves before Robbett Glover stepped away from his table into the centre of the hall.
"You would give a castle and lands to someone who wins a mock sword fight" said Robbett Glover gruffly.
Jon nodded.
"It is only fair Lord Glover, to have someone fight for the right to claim a castle, rather than simply receive it as a gift… as though they have not earned it" said Jon confidently.
Robbett Glover sat back down and nodded to Jon.
Three days later…
Jon slowly stood up from his seat in the stands looking down at the arena where the melee had just ended.
Hundreds of contestants ranging from Nobles to Stewards and Guards had entered the multiple round melee which had lasted a full two days before only eight combatants remained for the final round.
Mors Umber, Rickard Ryswell, Wendel Manderly, Ethan Forrester, a Steward from Rillwater Crossing and three Guards from House's Umber, Manderly and Dustin.
Surprisingly it was the Steward who had come out on top in the end.
He was a tall long black haired man at 6'5 and was around 30 years of age.
Jon slowly made his way to the edge of the platform keeping his gaze firmly on the Steward who quickly knelt down upon seeing Jon.
Jon paused for several seconds before clearing his throat.
"What is your name?" said Jon.
"Merrick My Lord" said the Steward humbly.
"Do you have a last name?" said Margaery as she got to her feet.
Merrick bowed his head.
"No My Lady" said Merrick.
Jon straightened up.
"Rise… as the new Lord of the Dreadfort" said Jon in a congratulatory voice.
Merrick stood up as a gentle applause broke out from the stands.
Later that night…
"To Lord Merrick of the House Blackrose, Lord of The Dreadfort" said Jon humbly.
He was stood in front of the high table with a cup of wine in his hands as he looked directly at the four people stood in front of him.
The newly named Lord Merrick Blackrose of The Dreadfort was stood in the middle of the four dressed in a nice black tunic and breeches.
His Wife Elanora Blackrose was stood next to him and was in her late twenties with long light brown hair dressed in a modest dark green dress.
Either side of them were a young man who was around 13 years of age with short black hair dressed similarly to Merrick Blackrose, and a young girl who was around 10 years of age with long light brown hair dressed in a light blue dress.
Jon took a step towards Merrick Blackrose who slowly knelt down and bowed his head as he approached.
"Lord Merrick Blackrose" said Jon.
The man in question looked up at him.
"Do you pledge your fealty to House Stark?" said Jon.
"I do" said Merrick Blackrose.
"Do you pledge to serve House Stark faithfully, and to answer summons when called upon?" said Jon.
"I do" said Merrick Blackrose.
"Do you swear to make The Dreadfort welcome to the Lords and Ladies of every other House in the North, and to uphold the Guest Right while they are in your castle?" said Jon.
"I swear" said Merrick Blackrose proudly.
"And lastly… do you swear to protect the people living on your lands and in your castle, to keep them fed and shield them from harm?" said Jon.
"I do" said Merrick Blackrose.
Jon bid him to stand up.
"Your Son will remain here at Winterfell to serve as my new Squire, I offer to keep him in this position until after his sixteenth Name Day if you would allow that?" said Jon humbly.
Merrick Blackrose bowed his head in slight shock.
"You honour me greatly Lord Stark, and I accept your offer" said Merrick Blackrose humbly.
Jon gave him a firm handshake.
He took a step back and raised his cup.
"To Lord Merrick Blackrose of the Dreadfort" said Jon humbly before he took a drink of his wine.
The other Lords and Ladies stood up and toasted to the newly named Blackroses of The Dreadfort.
Five and a half moons later…
Elia took a deep breath as she held onto her Father's arm.
The two were stood at the end of the two rows of Lords and Ladies who had gathered in the Godswood to attend her wedding to Gawen Glover.
Her Mother had made sure a great deal of time and effort went into turning her into a stunningly beautiful bride for her wedding.
The seamstress had spent a full three days making her wedding dress which was snow white in colour with snow white wolf fur lining the shoulders. Sat atop her head was a crown of fresh winter roses while she had a shiny silver necklace and bracelets adorning her wrists.
Completing her wedding outfit was a dark grey cloak with the light grey Direwolf sigil on the back.
She looked up at her Father who gave her a reassuring smile and started to lead her up the path.
As they passed the Guests who turned to face them Elia managed a nervous smile as she was led towards her Husband to be who looked just as nervous as her.
He was stood looking at her with a nervous look on his face while Robbett Glover and Martyn Glover were stood to the side of him.
When Elia reached the Heart Tree she slowly took Gawen Glover's hand as she stood opposite him.
The two managed a small smile each before turning to Maege Mormont who was stood at the base of the Heart Tree.
"Who comes before the Old Gods on this night?" said Maege Mormont.
"Gawen Glover, son and heir of Robbett Glover" said Gawen Glover.
"Elia Stark, daughter of Eddard Stark, a woman grown and flowered" said Elia.
She heard her Mother sniffle as she wiped a few tears from her eyes.
Elia turned to Ashara who straightened up and sent a warm smile to her.
"And who brings her?" said Maege Mormont.
"Eddard Stark… Warden Of The North and Hand Of The King" said Ned.
Martyn Glover pulled two rings out of his pocket and held them out to Gawen Glover and Elia.
Gawen Glover took one of the rings and slid it onto Elia's left ring finger.
"With this ring, I pledge my love, my honour and my life to you Elia Stark" said Gawen Glover nervously.
Elia slowly took the other ring from Martyn Glover before sliding it onto Gawen Glover's left ring finger.
"With this ring, I pledge my love, my honour and my life to you Gawen Glover" said Elia softly.
"Now that you have exchanged your vows and the rings, you will cloak the bride and bring her under your protection" said Maege Mormont.
Gawen Glover removed his House Glover cloak and handed it to Martyn Glover before removing Elia's House Stark cloak.
Martyn Glover took the House Stark cloak from him before Gawen Glover wrapped the House Glover cloak around Elia's shoulders.
"In the eyes of the True Gods… I pronounce you Husband and Wife" said Maege Mormont.
Elia blushed slightly as she felt Gawen Glover slowly place his hand on her cheek before she was kissed by him.
Elia placed her hand on his arm as a gentle applause broke out around around the Godswood.
Two hours later…
Elia smiled before curtsying to her Husband as she separated from him after they had finished dancing.
Even now he was still very nervous around her despite the fact that they were man and wife in the eyes of Gods and Men.
She let out a sigh as she saw Arya and Beric grip Gawen Glover's shoulders tightly before he glanced at each of them.
"Remember… you hurt her, we break every single bone in your body" said Beric in an icy voice.
"We will know exactly where to put the knife if you hurt her" said Arya in a slightly threatening voice.
Gawen Glover gulped and glanced at Elia who rolled her eyes.
She took a step towards them and waved her Brother and Sister away.
"Leave him alone you two" said Elia in an annoyed tone.
Arya and Beric chuckled and stepped to one side as Elia took Gawen Glover's hand.
"Just making sure he knows what will happen if he hurts you" said Arya glancing at Gawen Glover.
Elia sighed and leaned up giving Gawen Glover a deep kiss.
Beric and Arya walked away from them in opposite directions.
Elia broke the kiss and locked eyes with Gawen Glover who was slightly red.
"Ignore them" said Elia softly.
Gawen Glover straightened up.
"I would never dream of hurting you" said Gawen Glover nervously.
Elia smiled and gave him a quick peck on the lips.
"I know" said Elia softly.
Gawen Glover smiled.
"Will you dance with me?" said Gawen Glover softly.
Elia smiled and took his hands before leaning close to him as they started to dance again.
She shared many dances with her Father, Uncles, Brothers and numerous other men and boys before she was spirited away to her chambers by her Husband.
While many of the Guests jeered and laughed at the notion that they refused the bedding ceremony Elia felt relieved that she was not stripped in the hall where many eyes would have surely ogled her body.
Winterfell – 308 A.C
Five years later…
"Again" said Ser Rodrik.
He was stood to the side in the training yard watching the four young boys in front of practice their swordplay.
Torrhen Stark, Lewyn Martell, Thorgen Forrester and Lord Stark's new squire Ned Umber.
Torrhen Stark was now 9 years of age with neck length light brown hair and he was dressed in a dark brown leather tunic and breeches with a wooden short sword and shield in his hand.
Lewyn Martell was nearly 8 years of age with short dark brown hair and he was dressed in a light brown leather tunic and breeches. He was also holding onto a wooden short sword and shield as he stood opposite Torrhen.
Thorgen Forrester was the eldest Son of Lord Rodrik Forrester and Lady Elaena Forrester nee Glenmore and was 9 years of age with neck length dark brown hair. He was dressed in a black leather tunic and breeches and like the other two boys he was holding onto a wooden short sword and shield.
Ned Umber stood a good bit taller than all three of them and was now 11 years of age with short brown hair. He was dressed in a dark brown and dark green tunic and breeches holding onto a slightly larger wooden training sword and shield.
Jon was stood on the balcony watching them train with an approving look on his face.
He and Margaery now had four children together Torrhen, Ellara, Myranda and Willam.
His youngest Son Willam who was 4 years of age with short messy dark brown hair was stood next to Jon watching the training with an excited look on his face.
Jon looked down at his Son when he felt him squeeze his hand.
"Papa, when will Mama be back?" said Willam.
Margaery was currently at Highgarden visiting her Nephew Luther Tyrell who had been born to Loras Tyrell and Lyanna Tyrell nee Baratheon a year previously.
A remarkable achievement considering Loras Tyrell's well know preference for men.
Jon sighed and picked his Son up.
"Your Mother will be leaving Highgarden for Kings Landing in a few days, but she will not be back for a few weeks at least, it is a long journey from there to White Harbour, even by boat" said Jon softly.
Willam frowned.
"I miss Mama" said Willam sadly.
Jon sighed.
"Me too" said Jon softly.
He stood there holding onto his Son as they watched Ser Rodrik train the older Boys for the next several minutes before a young 28 year old Gared Tuttle who now served as the Captain Of His Guard made his way along the balcony towards them.
"Lord Stark" said Gared Tuttle.
Jon turned to Gared Tuttle who bowed his head to him.
"A rider just came in from the hills… they have captured a Deserter from the Nights Watch" said Gared Tuttle.
Jon sighed and nodded his head.
"Tell the lads to saddle their horses… Lewyn as well" said Jon flatly.
Gared Tuttle bowed his head and walked away.
Jon let out a weary sigh and walked along the walkway with Willam in his arms.
He walked into the great hall finding his now 25 year old Housekeeper and Governess Beth Tuttle neeCassel organising the hall for lunch.
She had served as Winterfell's Housekeeper for the last six years while her Husband of five years Gared Tuttle served as the Captain Of The Guard at Winterfell.
"He's all yours for now Beth… try not to let him get too dirty" said Jon amusedly as he handed Willam to her.
"Do not encourage him to run away from me then Lord Stark" said Beth Tuttle sarcastically as she readjusted her hold on Willam.
"Boys will be boys Beth" said Jon.
"He certainly will be with you around" said Beth Tuttle.
Jon chuckled and walked out of the great hall.
The next day…
Jon pushed the door to his Daughters chambers open before freezing in place at the sight before him.
The now 8 year old Ellara was kneeling in the corner with her hands clasped together in prayer as she looked down at the floor which was covered in pieces of corn.
"Ellara" said Jon in shock.
His Daughter suddenly looked up at him in shock.
"Father" said Ellara in shock.
Jon walked towards her.
"What are you doing kneeling on corn?" said Jon in shock as he pulled her to her feet causing him to get a glimpse of her bloody and bruised kneecaps.
Ellara frowned and looked down.
"Who made you do this?" said Jon in shock.
Ellara remained quiet.
"Tell me" said Jon.
Ellara wiped a few tears from her eyes.
"Septa Leona" said Ellara sadly.
Jon froze up slightly.
"What on earth has she made you do this for?" said Jon softly.
Ellara sniffled.
"She was being very nasty about Lewyn, she kept on saying he was the Son of traitors and that I should not spend time with him because he is evil and wants to steal the throne from the King… but I like Lewyn and he is not evil, I told her she was wrong and she made me kneel on corn while saying these strange prayers to this Seven God, she told me that pain and penitence would bring me closer to the gods" said Ellara sadly.
"She had you pray to the Seven?" said Jon in shock.
Ellara nodded.
Jon pulled her into him.
"What is the Seven God Father?" said Ellara sadly.
Jon sighed and pressed a kiss to her forehead.
"Nothing you need concern yourself about honey" said Jon reassuringly.
Ellara pressed her head into his shoulder.
"Come on… lets get you to the Maester, so he can make your knees better" said Jon softly.
He stood up picking Ellara up in his arms.
"Will I ever have to kneel on corn again Father?" said Ellara sadly.
"No… the Septa was very wrong to make you do that, and to say those things about Lewyn" said Jon softly as he carried her out of her chambers.
Ellara pressed her head into his shoulder as he carried her through the castle to the Maester's Tower.
Once they arrived at the Maester's Tower Jon quickly knocked on the door.
"Come in" said a young male voice from inside the Tower.
Jon opened the door and carried Ellara inside.
At the opposite end of the room sat at his desk was Samwell Tarly who was now 30 years of age and had shortened his name to Sam upon his return to Winterfell. He was dressed in a cream and grey Maester's robe lined with wolf pelts and a chain made up of several links hanging around his neck.
He had become the Maester at Winterfell three years ago following the death of Maester Lewin from old age.
Jon had written directly to the Citadel asking specifically that Sam be sent to Winterfell to be the new Maester instead of the Citadel choosing one for themselves.
He stood up and moved towards Jon as he took notice of Ellara who was still clutching her Father's tunic.
"What is it Lord Stark?" said Sam.
Jon placed Ellara on the bed in Sam's chambers.
"That Septa made her kneel on corn for god knows how long… its cut her kneecaps up quite a bit" said Jon.
Sam nodded and moved over to the table to get a wash basin and a cloth.
"You can leave her here with me… I will have her cleaned up in no time" said Sam softly as he wet the cloth in the wash basin.
Jon shook his head and turned to Sam.
"I will wait Sam" said Jon flatly.
Sam nodded.
"Very well then" said Sam.
Jon sat down next to his Daughter and held her hand as Sam removed the small pieces of corn stuck in her skin and wiped the blood from her kneecaps.
One hour later…
Jon was sat at the desk in his Solar with his hands clasped on the desk.
After a few minutes there was a knock at the door.
"The Septa is here Lord Stark" said the voice of Gared Tuttle from outside the door.
"Send her in" said Jon.
The door opened and a slightly nervous Septa Leona walked inside.
Jon locked eyes with her.
"Sit down" said Jon flatly.
The Septa quickly took her seat and bowed her head.
"Lord Stark" said Septa Leona nervously.
Jon gave her a curt nod.
"Septa… it has come to my attention that despite mine and Lady Stark's wishes, you have been trying to teach my children the ways of your faith" said Jon flatly.
Septa Leona recoiled.
"Forgive me My Lord… I was worried for the girls soul" said Septa Leona.
"You will leave Winterfell in the morning, I will have my men escort you to White Harbour… where you go from there is no concern of mine" said Jon flatly.
"But I was only trying to help your Daughter make the right choice My Lord" said Septa Leona in a slightly pleading voice.
Jon scowled.
"By making her kneel on corn even after it cut her legs" said Jon bitterly.
"I was only trying to make her see the truth, that she should know better than to associate herself with the son of traitors, that Boy is no good and will corrupt her My Lord" said Septa Leona.
"That Boy… is my ward, if my Daughter wishes to spend her time with him then she is welcome to do so" said Jon bitterly.
Septa Leona looked shocked.
"But he will corrupt her, it is his nature" said Septa Leona in shock.
Jon slammed his hands on his desk and stood up.
"Enough… you are confined to your chambers until the morning, and be thankful you are able to walk out of this castle at all" said Jon angrily.
Septa Leona reeled back in shock at the revelation of his words.
"Now get out… Gared will take you back to your chambers" said Jon bitterly.
Septa Leona could not get out of his Solar quick enough.
Once she was gone Jon collapsed back into his chair and rubbed his forehead in frustration.
The Saltspear Tower – 308 A.C
One week later…
"When will they arrive?" said Beric softly as he kissed the stomach of his Wife.
"Tomorrow afternoon… Lord Dustin said they will be leaving Barrowton in the morning" said Talisa softly as she pushed her bare body up into his.
Beric was now 24 years of age with short neat dark brown hair and a clean shaven face at the insistence of his Wife who liked it that way.
His Wife Lady Talisa Stark was now 26 years of age with long flowing dark brown hair down her back and slightly lighter olive skin thanks to the northern climate removing some of the colour from her once tanned olive skin.
The two were laid in bed together softly kissing and tenderly touching one another.
"They better not have brought slaves with them" said Beric frostily.
Talisa sighed and pulled his head up to hers.
"I told them not to so many times, I told them that it was against Westerosi laws… and Lord Dustin did not mention any slaves" said Talisa before kissing him.
After many letters over the years Talisa had finally persuaded her Family to come to The Saltspear Tower as opposed to her travelling to Volantis to see them.
"But I do not wish to discuss my parents visit for the rest of the night" said Talisa softly before kissing him again.
(Smut begins)
Beric sighed before slowly sliding into her womanhood causing her to moan into his mouth.
"That's better" moaned Talisa before wrapping her arms under his armpits and around his back as he started to rock back and forth into her.
Beric leaned into her ear.
"What would you say if I said its time we had another child?" whispered Beric huskily.
Talisa shivered in anticipation as she was taken by her Husband.
Having children was something she was getting used to given that she had birthed Beric four children already.
Eddard, their twins Artorious and Melaro and their youngest Leona who had only been born eighteen moons ago.
"You still have some child bearing years left?" said Beric huskily as he locked eyes with her.
Talisa nodded.
"Good… I hope your in for a long nine moons" said Beric huskily as he lowered his head to her breasts and licked them.
Talisa clenched her walls around him.
"If that is your wish" moaned Talisa.
Beric smirked and steadily increased his speed.
Talisa clung onto him tightly as they made love for the next few minutes.
Beric kissed her as he started to pull out slowly.
"Are you ready?" said Beric huskily.
Talisa kissed him and lowered her hands to his rear.
"I am waiting" said Talisa in a sultry voice as she gripped his rear and started to pull him back into her.
Beric smirked before swiftly thrusting into her and groaning.
Talisa quickly locked lips with him swallowing his groans as his manhood gave her its fill.
After a few seconds Beric broke the kiss.
"Just imagine… that right now that seed might start turning into our next child" said Beric huskily.
Talisa smirked and clenched her walls around him causing him to shoot more seed into her womb.
"Maybe it is… but if you truly want this child, then you should make sure that I will be pregnant by the end of the night" said Talisa in a teasing voice.
Beric smirked and pulled out of her before turning her over and pulling her up onto her hands and knees.
"Hands on the headboard" said Beric huskily.
Talisa smirked and placed both hands on the headboard and arched her back showing off her rear.
"Legs open" said Beric teasingly.
Talisa complied and slowly moved her legs apart.
(Smut ends)
The next day…
Beric and Talisa were stood in the smaller rear courtyard waiting for the arrival of Talisa's birth family.
They were dressed in their finest clothes while Talisa was holding onto their youngest Daughter Leona.
Stood at their sides were four of their five children stood in order from youngest to oldest.
Melaro and Artorious aged 4, Eddard aged 6 and Leyla aged 9.
Also stood in the courtyard with them were the majority of their household staff and guards including Mors and Arya Umber the latter of whom was holding the hand of their only surviving Daughter Alysanne Umber who was four years of age with long dark brown hair like her Mother.
Alysanne was the only one of their two children to survive beyond the age of a few moons with their Son Hothar having died of fever three years ago when he was just two moons old.
The entire courtyard waited in silence for several minutes before two riders from House Dustin made their way through the gates followed by two men leading a single wheelhouse and a packed wagon along with a dozen dark skinned guards dressed in assorted furs on top of their yellow tunics and bronze armour.
The eldest of the two men was her Father and was in his early 50's with the same tanned olive skin and dark brown hair as Talisa though it had been recently cut short.
Her Brother was the younger of the men and was around 18 years of age with neat dark brown hair and a flat look on his face.
Talisa handed Leona to her young Handmaiden Clarisse Dayne.
Her Husbands Second Cousin was now 13 years of age with long blonde hair and slightly lighter tanned olive skin.
Talisa straightened up and took a step towards her Father and Brother as a Woman in her late 40's who looked like an older version of Talisa with long dark brown hair and darker olive skin was helped out of the wheelhouse by one of the Guards.
"Father… Francisco, welcome to The Saltspear Tower" said Talisa warmly.
Beric kept a neutral look as the three Maegyr's looked around the courtyard with slightly scathing looks.
"Reading your letters I expected something larger than this" said her Mother Lady Maegyr stiffly.
"It is just a tower… something far smaller than what you deserve" said Lord Maegyr looking up at the large tower in distaste.
Beric tensed up and took a step towards them.
Talisa quickly grabbed his arm.
"Allow me to introduce my Husband… Lord Beric Spearstark, Husband, this is my Father Lord Almiron Maegyr" said Talisa quickly.
She sent a scathing look to her Mother and Father as Beric shook her Father's hand.
"My Mother, Lady Allyria Maegyr" said Talisa in a softer voice but with a warning look directed at her Mother.
Beric slowly took Lady Maegyr's hand and gently kissed her knuckles.
"My Lady" said Beric politely.
Lady Maegyr stiffly nodded.
"And my little Brother… Francisco" said Talisa softly.
Beric shook the hand of the bored looking Francisco.
"Talisa has told me a lot about you" said Beric politely.
"I find that hard to believe… given that she has not been around for most of my life" said Francisco.
Talisa sighed.
"I could not stay in Volantis, not after what happened" said Talisa.
"You need not have left" said Lady Maegyr stiffly.
"Perhaps we should go inside" said Beric quickly trying to diffuse the growing tension in the courtyard.
Lady Maegyr nodded.
"Perhaps you should introduce us to our Grandchildren first… then we can go inside" said Lady Maegyr.
Talisa sighed and moved over to the children.
"Mother, Father… meet Eddard, Melaro, Artorious and Leona" said Talisa gesturing to each one of her children in turn.
"You have certainly been busy… two girls and two boys" said Lady Maegyr in a flat but slightly surprised voice.
Lord Maegyr nodded and caught sight of Leyla who took a step back under his piercing gaze.
"And who is this young Lady?" said Lord Maegyr.
Talisa walked over to Leyla and took her hand before squeezing it to comfort her.
"This is my stepdaughter, Leyla" said Talisa.
She sighed as she saw her entire family exchange wary looks with each other.
"I expect you would like some rest after your long ride" said Talisa as she moved over to Beric and looped her arm through his.
Her Mother scoffed.
"If you insist… have someone take us up to our chambers, be sure we receive the best chambers your Husband can offer" said Lady Maegyr.
Beric tensed up causing Talisa to squeeze his arm in an effort to calm him down.
"Lord Umber… can you show them to their chambers… on the fifth floor" said Talisa quickly.
Mors Umber stepped towards the Maegyr's looking down at them.
"Follow me" said Mors Umber stiffly.
The Maegyr's followed him across the courtyard into the castle without another word.
Later that afternoon…
"I never thought about how much they would have changed after all of these years" said Talisa flatly as Beric kissed and sucked her neck.
She was lying naked under the thick sheets in her bed while a naked Beric held and kissed her softly.
"You know you have changed since we first met" said Beric softly as he traced his tongue up to her chin.
"How so?" said Talisa stroking his cheek and gently pushing his head up until they locked eyes.
Beric smiled and kissed her softly.
"You are even lovelier" said Beric softly before kissing her again slipping his tongue through her lips.
Talisa smiled and pressed a few kisses to his chest.
"You are the Mother of four of my children… and you might as well be the Mother of my eldest Daughter" said Beric softly.
Talisa sighed.
"I could hold you in my arms for the rest of my life… I could make love to you for hours on end" said Beric softly.
Talisa smiled and kissed him.
(Smut begins)
"I love you more than anything in the world… and I thank the Gods that I met you every day for the last nine years" said Beric softly as he lowered his head to her breasts and licked them.
Talisa sighed.
"You met my Parents… and now you know why I wish to be nothing like them, as horrible as that sounds" said Talisa.
Beric sighed.
"Your nothing like them" said Beric softly as he went back to kissing her neck.
Talisa sighed and wrapped her arms around him lifting herself up into him.
"Now relax" said Beric huskily as he traced his tongue down to her breasts.
Talisa moaned.
"I told you… I could make love to you for hours on end" said Beric huskily.
He lowered his hand down under the sheets until he reached her womanhood.
"I am going to make love to you until we have to get ready for supper" said Beric huskily as he pressed his hand against her womanhood.
Talisa moaned as she started to grind her hips against his hand.
After several seconds he removed his hand and captured her lips once again.
He brought his moist hand up to his lips and inhaled with a growl.
"Forget about your family for now… let me please you" said Beric huskily.
Talisa groaned and took hold of his hand placing it between their lips so they were both kissing his hand and groaning.
Beric removed his hand and kissed her deeply before he started to kiss his way down her body.
"I hope no one comes asking for us for a few hours" said Beric huskily.
Talisa groaned and ran her hand through his hair as he kissed her breasts.
"You want to keep me all to yourself?" said Talisa amusedly.
Beric looked up at her and smirked.
"I do not want anyone to disturb me while I am pleasuring you" said Beric huskily.
Talisa chuckled as she watched his head disappear under the sheets.
(Smut ends)
Later that night…
Beric sighed and leaned back in his seat at the table clutching his cup of wine in one hands as he and Talisa ate a very tense private supper with her family.
Thankfully Arya and her own family had not joined them for supper otherwise the tense atmosphere might have been much worse.
"So you helped take these two castles and never thought to claim at least one of them, why not?" said Lord Maegyr stiffly.
Beric sighed.
"One was built on the blood of dead innocents… and the other was not mine to claim" said Beric flatly.
"All great houses and families are built by the blood of dead people, whether you like it or not" said Lord Maegyr snarkily.
"That is the way of the world, only the strong survive, and the weak are crushed beneath our feet" said Francisco snidely.
Beric sighed.
"Easy for you to say that… given what goes on where you come from, thankfully such disgusting acts are forbidden in Westeros" said Beric flatly as he sipped his wine.
Talisa tensed up and grasped his hand under the table.
"Its tradition" said Lady Maegyr curtly.
"Slaves were born for a reason… to serve their masters" said Lord Maegyr.
"And that gives you a right to own their lives, to control their very existence, to decide whether they live or die" said Beric bitterly.
"A disobedient slave has no purpose in life, to themselves or their masters" said Francisco.
Talisa frowned and turned to Francisco.
"How could you even think that after what happened to you… you would not be here right now had that slave not saved your life" said Talisa in slight shock.
Francisco scoffed.
"He put his hands on you… he deserved what he got" said Francisco snidely.
"No one was going to get away with putting their hands on my Daughter" said Lord Maegyr bitterly.
"Even when he saved your Son's life?" said Talisa angrily.
"You know our laws Talisa… so did he" said Lady Maegyr snidely.
Talisa had heard enough and swiftly stood up.
"I have lost my appetite" said Talisa flatly.
She walked around the table and out of the hall.
Beric stood up and turned to the Maegyr's.
"Enjoy the rest of your meal" said Beric flatly.
He swiftly left the hall before they had a chance to reply to him.
He walked through the castle searching for Talisa for a good few minutes before finally finding her on the balcony at the very top of the tower.
She kept her gaze firmly in front of her as she looked out at the night sky with a flat look on her face.
He walked towards her causing her to turn and wrap her arms around his chest.
Beric sighed and held her head into his chest.
"I will make them leave tomorrow" said Beric with a weary sigh.
Talisa parted from him and looked up at him with a shocked look on her face.
"They are my family, why do you want to send them away?" said Talisa in shock.
Beric sighed and took her hands in his.
"Because them being here is hurting you" said Beric softly.
Talisa sighed and turned away from him looking out at the distance again.
"Having them here does not hurt me… its just every time I speak to them or write to them… I find myself wishing I had just been born a simple commoner born in Westeros, where I would not be shackled to the memories of a past I want nothing to do with" said Talisa with a frown.
Beric took a step towards her and wrapped her in his arms pulling her back into his chest.
Talisa sighed.
"But then we would not have married had I been a simple commoner" said Talisa.
Beric smiled and kissed her forehead softly.
"I would have married you even if you had been a commoner" said Beric softly.
Talisa sighed.
"Nobles do not marry commoners… they fuck them yes, but marry them… definitely not" said Talisa flatly.
Beric smirked and turned her to face him.
"This noble would have married you in an instant" said Beric before kissing her.
Talisa sighed into his mouth and returned the kiss.
After they broke apart Talisa pressed her head into his chest.
"Do you want them to leave?" said Beric softly.
Talisa frowned for several seconds before nodding.
"They just remind me of a past I would rather forget… they have done nothing but insult our home since they came here, and the last thing I want is them whispering words about slaves and how they should be treated into my children's ears" said Talisa sadly.
Beric nodded and held her close to him.
"They have not even expressed their love for me, not once since they arrived… how shocking is that, they have not seen me for years yet they cannot say that they love me" said Talisa sadly.
Beric pressed his chin to her forehead.
"I love you, and so do our children, your my Wife, and their Mother" said Beric softly.
Talisa smiled and tilted her head up to kiss him.
"What parent does not tell their child that they love them?" said Talisa.
"The type of parent you will never be… a piss poor one" said Beric softly before kissing her.
Talisa smiled.
"I will make them leave tomorrow… and speaking of the children" said Beric softly.
He wrapped his arms around Talisa's shoulders and started to guide her back into the castle so they could attend to their children who would be finishing their supper anytime now.
The next day…
Talisa leaned back on the leather settee with her wine glass.
She was in her private lounge with her family sat opposite her.
Beric was supposed to be with her but he was currently out of the castle dealing with a wildling raid further along the coast.
Her Father finished his wine before turning around to look at the young serving girl stood near the wall holding a pitcher of wine in her hands.
"Wine" barked Lord Maegyr gruffly.
Talisa sighed as the serving girl slowly made her way over to her Father.
"Hurry up!" barked Lord Maegyr.
"Father stop… she is not one of your slaves that you can order around" said Talisa angrily.
Lord Maegyr turned to Talisa.
"What did you call us here for?" said Lord Maegyr.
Talisa straightened up.
"Well, the thing is" said Talisa nervously.
"What is it?" said Lady Maegyr impatiently.
Talisa swallowed.
"My Husband and I want you to leave" said Talisa in a slightly regretful voice.
Her Family exchanged looks with each other.
"Is this some kind of a joke?" said Francisco.
"Leave… we only just arrived yesterday" said Lady Maegyr in shock.
"And you have done nothing but insult my home and my Husband, why should we let you stay here?" said Talisa bitterly.
"He is not worthy of you… a third born son who rules over a cold dreary tower has no business with someone of your birth" said Lord Maegyr snidely.
Talisa growled.
"My Husband… is a far greater man than you can ever hope to be, you might not approve of him… but I do not care" said Talisa angrily.
The three Maegyr's stood up.
"What was the point of asking us to visit you now that you want us gone after one day?" said Lady Maegyr in disbelief.
"Believe me, I am beginning to wonder why I wanted you here in the first place" said Talisa flatly.
Silence ensued.
No one said a word for several moments before the Maegyr's suddenly walked out of the room without a word of goodbye to their Daughter.
Once they were gone Talisa collapsed onto the settee and broke down causing the young serving girl to quickly move towards her in an effort to comfort her.