It took Lyanna almost an hour of asking around to get hold of the ever-evading Ashara Dayne. Despite her outstanding appearance— no, because of her appearance— it seemed that she was sighted everywhere around Harrenhal. At the end, when Lyanna found Ashara, it was somewhere completely unexpected for her.

"Come in, come in," Elia Martell smiled brightly as she welcomed Lyanna into her quarters. Behind her sat Ashara, in her arms a baby. That's Rhaegar's daughter, Rhaenys.

"Your Grace, I only asked to see Lady Ashara. I didn't mean to intrude on you." Lyanna was hesitant to walk in, but Elia only continued to smile.

"You're always welcome, Lyanna," Elia remembered Lyanna well. "Please come in, Ashara has been telling me about your brothers—"

"Right, Ned." Meeting Elia unexpectedly had made Lyanna forget the purpose of this visit, but now she remembered. "I want to ask about him... him and Lady Ashara."

"Ned... Eddard?" Ashara's violet eyes widened. "He talked to you about me?" Her tone wasn't one of delight, but pure, genuine surprise, as if she and Eddard were mere acquaintances. Lyanna's heart sunk; she knew that Eddard wouldn't get his lady love.

"Ned was sulking, so I made him tell me what happened," Lyanna carefully observed Ashara's expression as she spoke, "He thought that you're avoiding him. He's afraid that he has offended you."

Ashara chuckled, but Lyanna caught a hint of loneliness in her eyes. When Ashara spoke her voice was soft, "Don't worry. That boy... Eddard... I think he's cute."

"Cute, huh." Cute wasn't how Lyanna would describe Eddard, but at least it was a positive impression.

Elia took Lyanna's hand and pulled her into the seat between them. Lyanna could feel that her palm was cold and soft. "As I was saying," Elia smiled, "Ashara was telling me about them. She has quite a bit of opinion and feelings on that subject, and as their sister, we'll appreciate your input."

"Wait, Elia, about that—" Ashara's long, thin brows furrowed as she anxiously tried to stop Elia from talking.

Lyanna tilted her head in confusion.

A few seconds later she finally got it. "...Oh!" She turned her gaze towards Ashara almost accusingly. "It's Bran, isn't it? You don't want me to hear about Bran."

Ashara bit her lips embarrassingly, "I did talk about him. He's..."

"Right. Please excuse me for a moment, your Grace, Lady Ashara. I'll come back after some sweet kinslaying." Lyanna tried to stand up, but both of her arms were held down by one of them.

"Hear the whole story first, Lyanna," Elia said with a tone that was half-ordering.

On the other hand, Ashara looked at Lyanna with her large violet eyes, and said in a voice that was a quick whisper, "He doesn't know."

"Huh?" Lyanna was confident that she could throw them off if she was so inclined, but her curiosity got the better of her. Plus, Rhaenys had sensed what her caretakers were doing and started to pull on Lyanna's sleeve with two round, fat fingers.

Lyanna looked at Rhaenys, her eyes catching Lyanna's attention. They're purple.

...Rhaegar's eyes. Not Ashara's deep, almost blue, violet, but a lighter, reddish lilac.

Thinking of that man almost made Lyanna want to wince, but she endured that desire and sat back down. Turning my eyes away from Rhaenys, she asked, "He doesn't know what?"

"He doesn't know that I like him." Ashara didn't even blush when she said that. Instead, she looked straight at Lyanna in the eyes and said it loud and clearly.

"...You do know that Bran is betrothed, right?" Lyanna asked, at the same time managing the information in her head. Ned liked Ashara, while Ashara liked Bran... seriously?

How annoying.

Elia sighed, "That's what I was telling her. It won't end well."

"And as I was telling you, Elia, I don't plan to spend any more time with him after Harrenhal," Ashara said with a harsher tone, "I just want... I just want to have a beautiful memory. It's the first time that I like someone this way."

"I'm sure this is the first time Ned has 'liked someone this way' too," Lyanna cut in.

Ashara frowned. "Eddard was a nice boy. Cute, even. But..."

"He isn't your type." Lyanna finished the sentence for her.

"That's right," She unashamedly said.

"Perhaps you just haven't spent enough time with him," Elia said in a persuasive tone, "You only spent a night with him. And how much time did you spend with Lord Brandon? Was it enough to know if it's worth it?"

"I have admirers before," Ashara insisted, "But Bran... Brandon... he's different."

"You're usually less stubborn," Elia sighed, "Lyanna, you're their sister, could you tell me what Lord Brandon thinks of Ashara?"

"If you ask me as his sister, I'll tell you Bran is obnoxious and troublesome. But I know other women think he's charming." Lyanna needed to think of a way to make her give up on him completely. "Even so, he should have some basic decency. He knows that Ned likes you and he'll never try it on you for that reason."

"Is that so?" Ashara's gaze was wavering. However, from her knitted brows and tightened lips, Lyanna knew she wasn't ready to give up. "Lyanna, I have a request... could you tell Eddard to meet up with me tomorrow?"

"Ned? Not Bran?" This didn't sound right to Lyanna.

"Are you going to give him a chance?" Elia also asked.

"Maybe. I want to talk, at least let him know that he didn't offend me."

Lyanna frowned. "I won't be the messenger between the two of you. If you want to talk to him, why don't you go find him yourself?" She narrowed her eyes. She knew that there's something wrong with Ashara's request, and as Eddard's sister, she wanted to protect him.

Not expecting to be refused, Ashara stared at Lyanna for a moment, then unhappily pursed her lips. "I want to prepare for what to say before facing him again."

"Please, Lyanna, don't you want to see them getting together too?" Elia overlooked her friend's suspicious action, being too overjoyed with Ashara's change in attitude to notice. She caught Lyanna's hand and smiled encouragingly, a motherly expression. Lyanna found it hard to refuse further when she met her eyes; Elia genuinely believed that Ashara had found a man that would suit her.

"...Fine." Lyanna sighed. Ashara quickly told her the exact time and place, and she nodded and marked it down.

Lyanna was ready to leave after that, but Elia stopped her. "Lyanna, if you have any problem with your stay in Harrenhal, you're welcome to find me. Some problems are better to be discussed with female friends, won't you agree?"

"...I guess?" Lyanna did have two problems, one named Robert and one named Rhaegar. But she could hardly tell Elia about that. "Thanks for offering Your Grace, but I'm currently trouble-free."

She smiled warmly. "Well then, you're still welcome if you want to chat. Also, call me Elia!"

The corners of Lyanna's mouth turned up. Unlike Rhaegar, she was nice. Lyanna thought that if she had an older sister, this might be what it felt like. "Elia, then. If you want to see me, I'm open to your invitation at any time."

—

"She really agreed to a date? With me?" Eddard asked.

"Yes. I told you about it yesterday. Multiple times," Lyanna said flatly. She was tired of Eddard asking.

"Ned's worry makes sense. You're a known trickster," Benjen said, a tired smirk on his face, "Especially since you refused to tell us what happened between you and Lady Ashara."

"First, I'm not a trickster,"

"Please, Lya, we grew up together."

"Second, I told you what happened. I told her what Ned thought of her, then she asked me to arrange the date. Just that simple."

"Right. Ned, do you believe her?" Benjen ignored Lyanna's protest and turned to ask Eddard.

"I do believe you, Lya," Eddard said, but his eyes betrayed him. "I just want to know more about what Ashara said."

"Nothing." Lyanna didn't want to give him the false impression that Ashara was going to accept him. "There's absolutely nothing else I can tell you."

Eddard forced out a smile. "Either way, thank you, Lya. I must confess that I didn't have high expectations when you went to find her."

"I'll pretend that I didn't hear that second line." Lyanna grinned, "Well, get ready and enjoy yourself, brother."

"You've done a great job, Lya!" Appearing behind a bush, Brandon put a hand on Eddard's shoulders and laughed, "Now, I shall teach Ned how he should act in front of a lady he likes."

Eddard shivered. "Bran! Since when were you hiding there?"

"The whole time," Brandon smirked maliciously, "Looks like I won't have to worry about you after all. Come with me for a crash course, and she'll ask to marry you by the end of the day!"

"Bran, I don't think..." Lyanna tried to stop him, but Eddard allowed Brandon to pull him away without putting up any resistance. In truth, he did want Ashara to like him.

"Lya, look," Benjen sighed, "If you have something you're hiding from Ned, you better tell me now."

"...Is it so obvious?" Lyanna smiled wryly.

"Yes. Yes, it is." He sat across her, peering into her eyes with concern, "You always wear your heart on your sleeves. Tell me, what's going on?"

"Well, actually..."

—

"Lady Ashara," Eddard nervously called. Hearing his voice, Ashara spun and turned to look at him, a playful smile on her lips.

"Haven't I told you to call me Ashara?" As if to tease him, she demanded, "Say it again, please."

"Right." The blush on Eddard's face deepened, "...Ashara. I... thanks for the invitation."

"Eddard. Thank you for coming, too." She stood and waited until Eddard was just one step from her before leading him to their destination. The two Stark siblings quickly followed behind them, secretly.

The atmosphere was awkward. Eddard kept glancing at Ashara's face, but every time Ashara just smiled back without saying anything.

Eddard's hand twitched. Lyanna thought, was he hoping that Ashara would hold his hand as they walked?

Eventually, Ashara was tired of the silence and spoke, "Eddard, I hope I'm not putting any pressure on you by asking you to come. Is your father arranging any match for you during your stay here?"

Eddard shook his head. "Father has been looking for prospective matches for me, but none appears to be particularly attractive." He gulped, "I... I don't think father will raise any objection if I happen to find a match by myself."

The hint was not subtle by any means, yet Ashara didn't react at all. "That's good. Most nobles would be jealous of your freedom... I said that, but I haven't had any prospective matches either. I expect to marry inside Dorne, although the details are still uncertain."

Even with that last remark, this was still no doubt a refusal to Eddard's offer. Lyanna glared at Ashara's back, while Benjen sensed her anger and squeezed her hand, reminding her to stay hidden. But he was frowning too.

Eddard didn't reply. Ashara gave him a smile, this time slightly guilty, and neither of them said anything else until they reached the top of the small hill. The wind was strong here and places to hide scarce. Lyanna and Benjen hid in the grass some distance from them, barely able to hear their conversation.

Lyanna thought that Ashara might have prepared something here, but there's nothing, only grass. She looked around, trying to guess Ashara's goal for coming here. Eddard was similarly confused.

"Look, there." Ashara softly gilded Eddard's gaze with a point of her fingers.

There... faraway... was Harrenhal, yet also... not.

Under the setting sun and reflection from the lake, the black monstrous castle was covered in a diluted, but colorful gradient. From dark to light, from ash to birth... the edge of the castle seemed to be shining. Lyanna couldn't take her eyes away.

"It's beautiful," Eddard said. He gazed into the distance, his tone light. Lyanna studied his face and found the corner of his mouth curved into a satisfying smile. Lyanna knew that Eddard was a man of few words, and he must have been really touched.

If this was Ashara's way to make it up for what she had confessed to me, Lyanna thought, then I could forgive her for falling for Bran. She turned her gaze to Ashara.

But there's no smile on Ashara's face. "Eddard," she called, her voice as clear and melodies as a bell, "What do you want most in your life?" The color of the setting sun was reflected in her eyes, turning her gaze into an art.

"I want... I want to stay with whom I love. My family. My friends. To go home..." Eddard hesitated. He knew that this wasn't what Ashara wanted to hear. She still stood there, her lips pursed together.

"Go on. Is there a future you envisioned too? A life you want to live?" She turned to urge Ned to continue. Behind her, the sky was darkening.

Eddard was seemingly stunned by her imposing manner, as he stared into her eyes looking shocked. Several moments later, he said, "I wish to have a keep somewhere near Winterfell, a small but well-arranged land. I would help Father and Bran with the north in any way I can. Maybe every few years, I can meet up with Robert, Jon, and my friends from the Vale... and introduce them to my wife and children."

He took a deep breath. "That person... my wife... I hope that it'll be you."

Ashara didn't answer immediately. Her brows knitted, she gulped a few times, wondering what to say... how to let him down gently.

Finally, Ashara opened her mouth, her gaze not on Eddard but the dropping sun. "No matter what, it's flattering to hear that, Eddard. Thank you."

Lyanna could hear the 'but' coming.

"But... honestly, I expected you to ask me back. Don't you want to know about me? What's my dream? What do I want?"

Eddard widened his eyes. "I'm sorry. I... please tell me. I want to know."

She sighed, "I want to see more of this world. To meet different people, to see different places, to make more memories. Life is short, and I want to enjoy it whenever I can. It's why when Elia married Rhaegar, I took the initiative and asked her to bring me with her... of course, I wanted to see my brother too, but above all, I want to know what it's like to live in King's Landing."

She turned back to Eddard. There were no tears in her eyes, but resolution. "I don't want to spend the rest of my life locked in some remote keep. I'm sorry, I can't accept your proposal."

"I... I understand." Disappointed, Eddard stumbled back from her. This was a huge blow to him...

Fury sprouted in Lyanna's heart. "How can you do that?" she shouted, "How dare you use me like that to upset my brother!"

Eddard and Ashara stared at her, surprise on their faces when she rushed forward and glared at Ashara, fists clenched. Before Eddard could stop Lyanna, she pushed Ashara, and she fell to the ground. With a loud noise... blood spilled out from her mouth.

Lyanna stood there, stunned.

"Ashara!" Eddard kneeled down beside Ashara and shook her body, but no matter what he did, Ashara didn't move. "Ashara!"

Ashara's eyes had lost the light they once held. Just where her head landed a moment ago, laid a piece of rock... a sharp and bloody rock.

"Lya," Benjen stood beside Lyanna, shaking, "You... you..."

"No!" she screamed, "I didn't kill her! I... I can't... humans don't die that easily!"

"But you did," Eddard looked at her with lifeless eyes, his brain turning quickly. "I... you... what should I do?"

"No, no," Lyanna curled up and buried her head in her hands, trying to escape what she did. "This... it should be impossible... I couldn't... become a murderer here."

"We can't cover this up," Eddard continued to say, "Too many people know that she's meeting up with me. Unless I..."

Eddard's voice hadn't reached Lyanna as she retreated into a world of darkness and cold.

This wouldn't be the last time.