Hey Guys. New story that I randomly came up with. I am trying to approach this story cautiously, so I have five chapters already written to invest myself in it, though I am releasing on a weekly basis to help myself. It will be a long term story and I have researched it quite a bit to make sure I don't mess up any details. Reviews are greatly appreciated as always. Let me know what you all think and if anyone wants to beta, let me know. I just edit it myself otherwise. Per usual, I own nothing.
Prologue: Eddard Stark- 283 AC
As close as he was to Robert, Eddard had never actually seen his dear friend's ancestral home. He wished he was there with him; Robert would have boisterously told great tales of wondrous adventures and beautiful maidens. Well… after Robert was done with them, they wouldn't actually be maidens anymore. All of Robert's stories tended to end in a woman's bed. That was really the only constant of them. Alas, he was still recovering from his wounds received at the Battle of the Trident, as the small folk were now calling it, and consolidating his rule in King's Landing.
As much as Eddard hated to leave him alone with only Lannisters for company, Ned could not be in his friend's presence after what happened to Princess Elia and her children. Ned had more reason than any to despise the dragons and a part of him truly did, but the dornishwoman and her children were certainly innocent of everything. It had not been them who burned his father alive, forced his brother to strangle himself, or stolen his sweet sister; that had been Aerys and Rhaegar. Ned knew better than anyone that a marriage did not guarantee a love for one's new family; Elia Martell may well have been in the same position as himself… as regrettable as it may be. Yet, Tywin's mad dog had bashed the babe's head in and raped the poor mother, while Robert only laughed and lifted his glass in congratulations.
Freeing Stannis from siege was really only an excuse to get away and grow closer to finding his sister and bringing her back to Winterfell. Ned would never force her to marry Robert now; he only wanted what remained of his family to return to their true home and forget about the Southerners and their awful throne. Suffice to say, when Eddard finally laid his eyes upon Storm's End, he felt a myriad of emotions: apprehension, anxiety, maybe even impatience? He almost laughed at himself, many thought him incapable of such emotion. The quiet wolf they were calling him now, Eddard thought, chuckling to himself. He didn't know whether it was an insult or a compliment; he only knew that the hero-cult surrounding him was certainly helping his command, even if it made him slightly uncomfortable.
Storm's End itself was magnificent. Far taller than Winterfell, it towered over the countryside and looked nigh impregnable. Mace Tyrell had clearly discovered as much; the fortress looked untouched despite the massive host camped before its walls. It seemed Lord Tyrell had kept all the forces of the Reach that didn't perish at the Trident here, at first glance some tens of thousands of men. The manpower of the Reach was truly impressive, Ned pondered, especially compared to his hardy northern host. Even now, after most of its forces were washed down the Trident along with Rhaegar's rubies, Lord Tyrell's army nearly matched that of his northern one in numbers, though likely not in skill or power. Luckily, Jon had sent a large contingent of Valemen along with Eddard, which, coupled with what he hoped was a still living garrison at Storm's End, gave his army an insurmountable edge.
The royalist siege was horrendously organized as well. Lord Tyrell clearly had no idea how to conduct a siege. As he drew closer and closer to the camp, it became more and more obvious as to how Stannis had lasted so long. While Eddard had expected to see a large naval patrol around the coast, the Redwyne fleet seemed to be mostly docked along the shore, leaving the sea mostly empty. The land forces were poorly organized as well. Normally, a besieging army would maintain strong defensive positions around the castle, holding the strategic points with trenches and dirt walls. Yet, it seemed the Reachmen only understood the basic idea of a siege and had instead simply camped in a circle around the castle in rows of ill defended tents. Within seconds, Ned knew the army's numbers would mean nothing and that the men of the Reach would easily break, even by a simple, direct charge.
After surveying the field, Eddard called for his closest companion, Howland Reed, to join him.
The little crannogman presented himself to his liege lord with surprising swiftnes. "You requested my presence my lord."
"Once again, call me Ned, Lord Reed. We have moved well past pleasantries at this point." Ned responded wryly.
"Of course my lord. How may I be of service?" Howland said with a smirk. He enjoyed annoying Ned far too much, especially when it came to his unwanted lordship.
"What do you think of the situation Lord Reed?" Ned asked, genuinely interested in his friend's input. As the closest force to Moat Cailin, the men of Greywater Watch were experts in breaking sieges, consistently causing any attempt to attack that impenetrable fortress to amount to little besides wasted life.
"Forgive my bluntness my lord, but this may be the worst fucking siege attempted by any army of Westeros."
Ned couldn't help but laugh at his companion's response. "My thoughts exactly Lord Reed, I see no need for bloodshed today. Raise the flags for parley, I would like to offer Lord Tyrell terms of surrender."
"Very good Lord Stark." Howland responded as he jumped on his horse, shouting orders to the surrounding northmen. Though he was small in stature and joking in nature, the crannogman commanded respect amongst all of Lord Eddard's men and had a good head for strategy, attributes that had greatly benefitted Ned throughout the war. No other man had the same ability to quickly assess and act upon the ever-changing situations of war. Ned could only hope Lord Tyrell had even a fraction of Lord Reed's instinct; a fool could see the futility in fighting in this situation. Though only a fool could organize a siege like this too, so Eddard was struggling to remain optimistic.
Ned had been sitting in the hastily constructed tent for nearly an hour before he saw the banners of Lord Tyrell's procession approaching. If this was Lord Tyrell's attempt at giving the illusion of a dominant position, he was doing a poor job of it. While Lord Eddard sat alone with only Ice and his own direwolf banner for company, Lord Tyrell seemed to have brought the entirety of the Reach to the parley. Ned thought he could even see some jesters and children amongst the slowly approaching mass of men, but surely Lord Tyrell understood the gravity of the situation better than that, he assured himself.
Three riders broke off from the main group and Ned assumed it was Lord Tyrell and Redwyne, along with some other principal banner man, perhaps a Hightower or a Florent. Yet, as they drew closer, Ned only saw the rose of High Garden on the banners. Ned wasn't aware of any Tyrell brothers, but then again he was no expert on the Reach; he had a difficult enough time remembering the families of the north.
When the riders finally reached the tent, Ned nearly scoffed at those before him. As expected, he was faced with Mace Tyrell in newly polished and overly extravagant armor, but flanking each side of him were young boys, probably not even the age of 10. Ned couldn't fight his state of shock, as he nearly choked out "Apologies Lord Tyrell, but I was not aware war was a place for young children."
Lord Tyrell must have been quite taken aback by the harsh words and seemed to look around for any other man, who he could negotiate with, before realizing that he would only be speaking to Lord Stark. "No apologies necessary Lord Stark. These are not children, but mine own grown sons. I present my eldest, Willas Tyrell, heir to High Garden, and my second son, Garlan Tyrell." The slightly overweight man proudly stated, gesturing to both sides.
"These are no men Lord Tyrell. Your sons are still boys." Ned looked to Willas on Mace's left. "How many years have you seen Lord Willas?" The boy clearly had not expected to be addressed at this meeting and began quaking in his poorly fitted armor before finally summoning the courage to stammer, "9 years my lord."
"And you Lord Garlan?" Eddard questioned as he turned to the other boy.
"I'm 6 years old!" The child said as he tried to hold up six fingers, forgetting the banner in his hand and dropping it to the ground. He quickly jumped off his horse and picked the banner back up, but was unable to get on the horse without assistance. This was truly ridiculous, Eddard thought to himself. Why had Lord Tyrell brought children to a siege?
Ned turned to Lord Tyrell with a grave face. "Lord Tyrell, I hoped to speak alone. I'm sure your boys would not mind waiting outside."
"Of course Lord Stark, it is not often that the warden of the north and the warden of the south get to meet. Garlan, Willas please wait outside; I shall join you again in a few moments."
The younger boy helped his elder brother down from his horse and they both walked outside the tent, leaving Ned and Lord Tyrell alone.
"Lord Tyrell, I must say, I did not expect your children to be at Storm's End. Surely, they would be safer in High Garden. War is no place for little boys."
"Nonsense Lord Stark, they are old enough to see battle and I hoped to have my boys present for my great victory. I suppose a surrender will have to do given the circumstances." Lord Tyrell arrogantly stated as he took a seat across the table from Ned.
Eddard had to stop his jaw from dropping; surely he was misunderstanding Lord Tyrell's words. "I may be unfamiliar with the manner of speech in the Reach, but truly you must mean your own surrender?"
Mace Tyrell's face suddenly turned red with what was either rage or embarrassment, Ned could not tell. "Wha… What?" Lord Tyrell managed to stammer out. "I was under the impression you were here to negotiate the surrender of Storm's End to my army Lord Stark."
Ned could do nothing but stare at the man sitting before him; he truly was an idiot. "You must have heard of Rhaegar's defeat at the Trident and Aerys' murder at King's Landing Lord Tyrell? The war is over. The royalist forces are scattered. You are all that remains Lord Tyrell; my army and I are here to see to your peaceful disarmament and to you help you return to your homes."
Lord Tyrell suddenly stood from his chair. "Of course I have heard Lord Stark! But honor requires me to fight for my liege-lord. There will be no surrender and I will continue doing as I was commanded by my king and take Storm's End."
Ned could feel his own wolf's blood stirring beneath his calm demeanor. "Think of your boys Lord Tyrell! Your King is dead. Your prince is dead. You have no one left to be loyal to. I understand honor and duty better than most, but think of your men and their lives. Why should they die for a cause, which has already died?!" Ned shouted.
"Lord Stark. My boys will do their duty and fight for their king's memory, die for it if need be. Besides, what would a traitor like you know of honor and duty? You showed your loyalty to your king by shoving a sword through your king and bashing your prince's chest in! I will continue my siege and I suggest you return to the north before my army must send you there. I look forward to meeting you on the field of battle!" Lord Tyrell blustered as he tried to control his temper. The portly man finally turned from Lord Stark and walked from the tent without giving any parting pleasantries; he must truly be angry now. The two boys hurried after their father and helped one another onto their horses, as they tried to fall into position at their father's side.
Ned seethed in his rage as he turned from the table. Lord Reed met him outside the tent awaiting his orders.
"Ready the men Lord Reed. It would seem that blood will flow once again." Howland began to walk off, when Ned grabbed for his shoulder. "Spread the word that the Tyrell boys are not to be harmed. I will not have more children die for this damned war."
Howland quickly nodded his head and responded "What of Lord Tyrell, Eddard?"
"I would rather him be spared, but that bloody fool can rot for his stupidity. Now gather the men, we ride in an hour." Howland quickly rode off, leaving Ned to his own thoughts. For the first time before battle, Ned was not worried for his own men or their chances at victory, but for those on the other side, who were being led to a slaughter.
Ned ripped Ice from yet another dead Reachman. Unsurprisingly, his vanguard had swept through the royalist defenses and won an immediate 'victory'. This was not war. It was slaughter. Mainly serving to only worsen the bloodshed, Lord Stannis had led his thousand strong garrison out from Storm's End, resulting in Lord Tyrell's being smashed between two charges. "Lord Stark!" Ned was taken from his thoughts by the shout of a nearby man. "What is it ser?"
Ned was approached by a tall man in Stag covered armor. "Lord Stannis has captured the Tyrells. He asks for your presence to accept Lord Tyrell's surrender."
Eddard couldn't help but scoff at the soldiers words. This is hardly surrender. He was surprised that Lord Tyrell had any forces left to surrender, but at least the fat fool was still living. "And the boys?"
"I'm not sure my lord. I'm but a messenger."
Ned stood up and began to follow the soldier towards the gates of Storm's End. As he walked in, he couldn't help but turn his nose away from the appalling conditions of the city. Bodies were strewn across the streets with cleanup only having just begun… they were not the bodies of fallen soldiers. The fighting had never extended to within the walls of the city. Instead, the streets were covered in the corpses of women, children, and elderly men in numbers that were truly staggering. What few people, if you could even call them that, who still lived were sickly and on the verge of death. It seemed that they were all but devoid of life; only a few steps from entering the seven hells. As he neared the main tower, it didn't appear as though Stannis's own men faired any better. The armor was now ill-fitting and battered with many men hardly having the strength to hold themselves up.
"Lord Stark, I wish we could have met in better times. I must thank you for breaking this siege. The people of Storm's End are indebted to your my Lord." Ned was greeted by another sickly looking man, though clearly of high born status. He could see Robert in Stannis's stern face, but it was hardened by battle and coldness without the gleam of passion that always graced Robert's face.
"Lord Stannis" He nodded to the man before him. "I had hoped to avoid this bloodshed, but Lord Tyrell refused to surrender his forces."
"A foolish choice indeed Lord Stark. Rest assured these dragons will face justice for their blunders."
"I was told that you had captured the Tyrells? I would like to see them. Where are the two boys? I had hopes to bring them to High Garden with me."
"Follow me Lord Stark" was the only reply he received from Stannis, no hint of emotion evident in his voice. He hated this secrecy, why could they not just bring him the bloody boys and be done with it. The two remained silent as they entered the main hall. While he expected a room full of Lords and knights, he found only a singular figure bent over a covered table at the center of the room.
"Where are the other Reach lords, Lord Stannis?" Eddard asked, trying to ignore the sight before him. He already had an idea of what laid on the table.
"What few remain are being held to await the King's justice. Some eight thousand men-at-arms were captured as well. They are camped in the east corner of the city under heavy guard."
Eddard's fears were confirmed as he reached the center of the room and stood next to a distraught Mace Tyrell. Lifting the sheet off the table, Eddard was greeted with the sight of the two Tyrell boys. The elder son, Willas, had a slash deep through his chest, while the younger one, Garlan, was riddled with several arrows; one pierced through his throat. Not a good way to pass. Eddard slammed his fist against the table and shouted. "I commanded the boys be spared. How could this happen?!" He yelled to no one in particular.
"War never goes as planned Lord Stark. The boys wore the armor of any warrior, likely the men did not recognize them as children. It could not be helped. Besides, it saves us the dirty business of doling out justice." Stannis coldly replied.
"You call this justice? They were boys Stannis!" Ned pointed to Garlan. "He could not even get upon his own horse! Tell me Lord Stannis, where is the justice in that?"
"They fought for the Targaryens. Boys or not, they faced the same fate as all those who fought against us. Soon their father will join them and then we can move on to High Garden and rid this world of their stain." Stannis responded coldly, causing Lord Tyrell to shudder and begin sobbing over his sons' bodies.
Ned could not believe the bluntness of Stannis' words. How could the man desire such blood after having seen and lived through such suffering for so long? Revenge he could understand. Eddard had thirsted for revenge for years, but truly… two sons was revenge enough. He looked into Stannis' eyes, ready to argue, but quickly saw their resoluteness and decided against it. He would not be swayed on this day. "That will all be decided once we reach High Garden. Lord Tyrell and the other Reachlords could be useful in acquiring its surrender." Ned managed to say through his anger, hoping logic would win out.
Stannis' only response was a curt nod and Ned quietly hoped that they would reach High Garden without further trouble.
Ned found himself in nearly the same argument some weeks later, only now in the halls of High Garden.
"Lord Stark. Justice demands the heads of the Tyrells. Their house cannot be allowed to continue threatening Robert's rule." Stannis stated, showing no emotion. Not that it was surprising; in the weeks Ned had spent in Stannis' company, the first thing he learned was that no matter what came out of the Stormlord's mouth, his expression would remain unchanged.
"Would you have me hang the women? Maybe behead the children? Or should I just act as Tywin Lannister and command my bannermen to murder them for me. Perhaps, I could bring Gregor Clegane and have him bring his justice to High Garden." Ned coldly responded, his patience growing thin.
"There would be no torture Lord Stark. I am not Gregor Clegane. But we must do what is necessary. It is our duty as lords. If you have lost stomach for bloodshed, then you can return North and I will handle the punishments, but I hoped to have your support in this."
"One great house is already gone Lord Stannis. Tens of thousands are dead. I will not add to that list newborn infants and elderly grandmothers simply because they bear the name Tyrell. I will not destroy another house root and stem, when their only crime against me or the people of Westeros was to remain loyal to a liege lord, who did them no wrong..." Ned began.
"Lord Stark, I hardly…" Stannis attempted to interrupt, earning only a glare a raised hand from Ned.
"Yes. Lord Tyrell was foolish and his foolishness cost the lives of thousands, but I will not sacrifice any more to it." Ned finished, satisfied with his speech.
"So there is to be no punishment at all Lord Stark? Do you forget what these Targaryen royalists did to your family, to your brother, to your father, and to your sister? They're all dead because of men like Mace Tyrell." Stannis responded with a hint of anger.
"LYANNA IS NOT DEAD!" Ned shouted, unable to control himself. An expression of shock finally crossed Stannis' face and he looked only to the ground. "She will be returned to me and marry your brother. He would have your head if he heard you say otherwise."
"Of course Lord Stark." Stannis replied with a nod, still unable to meet Ned's angry gaze.
Eddard continued. "The Tyrells are not the Targaryens. They did not murder my family. They did not demand your brother's head. We've already destroyed those who wronged me and your brother. I want no more bloodshed because of the Targaryens' cruelty.
"So you still see fit to give the Tyrell's no punishment? Lord Stark, I could have allowed this mercy if they had surrendered, even after they wiped out the people of my ancestral home, but they did not surrender. They fought on."
"High Garden surrendered. We cannot ignore that." Ned countered, his voice still strong.
"Yes. After we destroyed their host and held their lord hostage. The remaining forces of the Reach are either scattered or in our custody. That was no surrender. That was acceptance of defeat." Stannis stated, with a hint of finality in his voice. If he thought Eddard was backing down, he truly did not understand the men of house of Stark.
"I understand all of that, but…" Eddard said before being interrupted.
"Then there is no other option, House Tyrell must be extinguished."
"No. Mace Tyrell is a bloody fool and he was our enemy…"
Stannis scoffed at this. "Was? Only two weeks ago I nearly died at his hands. My men starved because of Mace Tyrell, while he feasted outside the walls of Storm's End. Then, when he has the opportunity to save his men, he fights on despite it. Where is the justice in that? I understand your desire for peace Lord Stark, but peace cannot begin without first having justice. I will not stand by and let this go unpunished."
"Unpunished? The man lost two sons Stannis. That is hardly a lenient punishment."
"They died because of his own stubbornness, not our actions. They would have been spared and been allowed to return to High Garden had he surrendered."
Ned had listened to Stannis' arguing for far too long. "Must I remind you who Robert gave command of his army to Lord Stannis?" Eddard asked, hoping to regain civility in the conversation.
Stannis only nodded in response.
"Lord Stark. Still. Something must be done, I will not have my brother's crown threatened by this house again, simply because of our weakness." Stannis replied with a much more logical tone. It seemed that he was trying to act like the reasonable one after having demanded the heads of women and children.
"I never said nothing would be done, but I will not allow ANY more members of house Tyrell to be killed."
Stannis stood up from his chair. "You cannot mean to allow Mace Tyrell to continue threatening Robert; surely he must face the King's justice." Stannis responded with a strong hint of derision.
"Losing two sons is enough justice for this king. Robert does not mean to be the next Aerys. Enough children have been killed in this war… too many. He does not desire Tyrell blood like he does Targaryen. Besides, killing Lord Tyrell would only infuriate the other lords of the Reach. We need peace, not victory."
"Then what do you plan to do? You have spoken of mercy, but given no ideas for punishment. Retaining his lordship, keeping his son and heir, and returning to a life of luxury in High Garden, seems as if Lord Tyrell benefitted greatly from a war, which he lost." Stannis looked to the map strewn across the table allowing a brief silence to fall over the room. "You are right Lord Stark, the lords of the Reach must be appeased, but you ignore that they will always be a threat. How many men can House Tyrell call upon?"
Ned already knew what Stannis meant to argue. "Some 80,000 but…"
"Yes." Stannis interrupted. "80,000 and probably more royalist men, what is to ensure that he will not sow discord and attempt to rebel for that dragon whelp on Dragonstone?"
Ned was finished with this pointless discussion and decided to finally reveal his real plan. "We will take his child."
This elicited the first hint of interest on Stannis' face, though it was still only a single raised eye brow. "A hostage?"
"Not a hostage. A ward. I will not end House Tyrell, but Loras Tyrell will be taken to Storm's End to be your ward to ensure the Reach's continued cooperation."
Stannis continued to only look at Eddard. He finally sat back into his chair from a position, which Ned was now realizing was quite aggressive. After a few moments, Stannis responded with only a nod.
"Good." Ned said, standing up and glad to be finished arguing. "Let us bring this to the Tyrells. I hear they are having some damned feast, so they are already gathered in the great hall. We should join them."
Ned knew instantly that High Garden's pageantry would not go well with his stern companion. The great hall was extravagantly decorated and filled with cheerful lords and ladies, all of whom sat before a grand table covered in an absurd amount of food. In all his years, Eddard had never seen such bounty and this was after a time of war. He couldn't imagine what the feasts must be like during peace time. Stannis looked much less in awe of the display before him, but more in anger and disgusts. Likely after having been nearly starved out of his home by many of these very men, Stannis felt as if Lord Tyrell was purposely insulting him. Ned couldn't blame Stannis, but he wasn't sure Mace Tyrell was smart enough to formulate such an insult, let alone realize what effect this show of luxury would have on Stannis.
Lord Tyrell himself sat at the head of the table surrounded by what was left of his family. The elderly lady to his right was likely the famous Olenna Tyrell. It was unsurprising that she was literally at his right hand; from what Ned had heard she may as well have been at the head of the table. To Mace's right sat a small boy, perhaps of 3 years, who must have been Loras Tyrell. Though most children would be overwhelmed by so much commotion, Loras seemed at ease by his father's side; perhaps a result of being raised in such an environment. This could be an every day occurrence in High Garden for all Ned knew.
Before Ned could survey the rest of the room, he heard a herald, of which there were many in High Gardens declare their arrival.
"I present Lord Eddard Stark of Winterfell, Lord Paramount of the North and Warden of the North, as well as Lord Stannis Baratheon, Heir to Storm's End."
Stannis clearly felt slighted by the remark and quickly corrected the Herald. "With my elder brother being the King now that would be Lord of Storm's End now ser."
Lord Tyrell seemed not to pick up on Stannis' obvious disdain for him and greeted them as if nothing was amiss. "I welcome you to the great hall of High Garden's my lords. I am sure you will find the food bountiful and the company pleasant. Come and join me at the high table."
Ned interceded quickly. He only wanted to be on his way in search of Lyanna. "That shan't be necessary my Lord. We will be on our way soon enough and would prefer to stand."
Stannis joined in before Lord Tyrell could respond to Ned's obvious slight. "Seems there would be little to feast about Lord Tyrell. You must have forgotten that you lost this war. We have brought our terms, I would advise you accept them."
Mace again seemed to either ignore and miss Stannis' obvious disdain for him. "Yes, yes, of course my lords". The man turned around and whispered something to a man behind him, who quickly began walking towards Eddard and Stannis. "But even in our lowest times we can still rejoice. My wife" he began, as he looked past Loras towards a pretty woman holding a newborn babe "has gifted me with a beautiful daughter, Margaery. So there is much to be thankful for in High Garden these days Lord Stannis."
The servant finally retrieved the terms from Stannis and began bringing them up to Lord Tyrell, but Ned was only stuck in thought. He knew stealing Loras from the Reach would only make him a weak lord in the future. A lord must know his lands and his people, not those of the Storm Lands. By taking him, he would be forcing a quasi-Storm Lord on the lords of the Reach, once Lord Tyrell passes. Yet, a daughter… a fourth… well actually a second now. That could keep the Tyrell's in line, while still ensuring a strong Lord in the Reach and peace. Besides, Loras seemed perfectly content in the Reach; a babe could never miss a home she never knew, whereas Loras would.
He was interrupted by choking and stammering words from the mouth of Mace Tyrell "My lords, you, you, you cannot mean to take my only son from me!" Before he had even finished his garbled sentence, his mother had snatched the note out of his hands and begun reading it.
Stannis apparently had failed to think the possibility brought on by this new babe and continued on "That is exactly what we intend Lord Tyrell. I will raise him at Storms End. He is of similar age to my brother Renly; I'm sure they will become good friends."
Mace nearly jumped out of his seat and nearly shouted "You ask too much my lord!" Ned barely suppressed his snort. They could have asked for far more than they were now. The man Lord Tyrell was appealing to had wanted to litter the wall with their heads and he speaks of asking too much. The lord of High Garden truly was a fool. No wonder the Targaryens lost the war with idiots like this in charge of their armies.
Stannis must have thought similarly to Ned and quickly interjected "Excuse me Lord Tyrell, but in my opinion this is hardly punishment enough." He turned to Ned and added "Were it not, I would have House Tyrell lining the walls as dragon lovers." A gasp went throughout the room and what had remained of the happy chatter was immediately extinguished by Stannis's words. He hardly needed to say that, but Eddard knew that he had to let Stannis vent his anger or the new plan that he was formulating would never succeed.
Lord Tyrell seemed to sober up and finally understand the severity of his situation at these words, as he leaned back into his chair and tried to put on a mask of indifference. "Of course my lord. And the people of High Garden truly thank you for your mercy. I only mean that you cannot take a man's only child, when he has just lost his other children but two weeks in the past."
The hints of a smirk crossed Stannis' face, though, as usual it quickly morphed back into its normal cold blankness. "But Lord Tyrell. Is that not the point of this extravagance? You now have two children. I am quite certain that Lady Margaery will fill High Garden with enough joy until the time that King Robert sees fit that Loras be raised to Lord Paramount of the Reach." Mace's face quickly paled at the words likely hearing the obvious underlying sentiment of "not when you die." Ned was growing more and more weary of this argument. Lord Tyrell was being outfoxed by the most crude and blunt lord in all the seven kingdoms; it was truly remarkable.
Lord Tyrell must have thought something clever as a small smile graced his lips as well "Yes of course my lord, but my wife has only just lost two sons. Surely, you would not rob her of another."
No one else in the room may have been able to tell, but Ned could see the flash of anger in Stannis' eyes at the words. "You have robbed the storm lands and the north of many more sons than only two Lord Tyrell. Best you remember that before I.."
Luckily, Lady Olenna saw fit to intercede at this point and quipped up before he could finish with his threat, which Ned assumed would involve their heads being displaced from their bodies. "Apologies Lord Stannis, I hate to interrupt this constructive discussion. But Lord Stark has been silent this entire time. Given that this is his plan, I would like to hear from him." She turned towards Ned and continued "Do you really think it best to rob one of the seven kingdoms of its heir? Surely Loras would be a better Lord of the Reach if he were raised here, do you not agree Lord Stark? You yourself were raised outside the North; becoming Lord of a foreign land must have been quite difficult for you." She finished with a raised eye brow.
Ned remained quiet for a moment, secretly impressed. She truly was as remarkable as he had been told. He finally decided to respond with "I agree Lady Tyrell, but I see little other options" as he again looked to the baby in Lady Alerie's arms. Ned saw Lady Olenna catch his gaze and also look towards the baby; he silently cursed his stupidity and tried to bring his eyes back to the Queen of Thorns, but could hardly help it.
Only Lord Tyrell spoke up "Lord Stark, there must be another option."
Again Ned could not help but look to the baby. She was gazing up at her mother, who was cooing softly to her, likely trying to lull her into slumber. It was a very beautiful baby and hadn't seemed to cause any disturbance since Eddard and Stannis arrived. Lady Alerie must have noticed the piercing silence in the hall and quickly looked up, seemingly awakening from a daze. Her eyes immediately met Eddard's and realization swept through her face.
"No! My lord I beg of you. You cannot, she is but a babe!" Lady Tyrell cried out. Her face no longer held any of its former peaceful nature and was now in a state of shock. Even the baby itself was now stirring, as it began to cry because of its mother's shouts.
Mace Tyrell must have been the only man in the room who did not grasp what his wife was speaking of and tried to quiet her "My Lady, please silence yourself! What is this nonsense?"
He was again interrupted by Lady Olenna who sternly said "Shut up you buffoon. It would seem that Lord Stark has found his other option, however terrible it may be."
"Mother please! What do you mean? What other options?"
Lady Olenna's expression remained unchanging and cold. "He means to take the Lady Margaery to Storm's End in place of Loras."
Stannis immediately turned to him, his face still empty of all emotion "Lord Stark that is not what we agreed upon."
Ned decided that this entire charade needed to be ended and finally revealed his plan "Lord Stannis, we will discuss it later in private" He then switched his gaze to Mace. "That is the only other option Lord Tyrell. As cruel as it may be, I find it far crueler to rob a people of its next lord. The smallfolk would suffer if Loras were to be absent from the Reach during his formative years."
Lady Alerie was still in a state of shock and wailed, two servants struggling to hold her at bay. Mace seemed almost pleased with the new plan, but quickly tried to wipe his face of the emotion. He turned to his mother, who only nodded, and finally looked back at Lord Stark. "If there is no other option, then I accept these terms Lord Stark. Margaery will be raised by Lord Stannis and become his ward."
At these words, Lady Alerie ran from her spot at the table with the babe and two servants trying to chase after her. She fell to Ned's feet desperately grasping the baby with a look of complete desperation on her face. "Please my lord, do not take my Margaery from me. She's such a sweet little girl. I just lost my two boys, you cannot take even more from a grieving mother!"
Eddard met her gaze, wanting to sooth her fears, but failing to find the words. "I'm truly sorry my lady… there is no other option."
She frantically looked to Stannis and met his cold glare. "But he hates us!" she shouted through choked breathes "He will treat her poorly. Lord Stannis would have had her head if not for you. He cannot have her!" She looked around trying to gain any sympathy, but her husband only shook her head. Stannis began to argue, but Ned rose his hand to silence him; his words would not console the mother. Lady Alerie finally looked back towards Ned defeated, but instead of conceding, she cast the baby into Ned's arms, who nearly stumbled back in surprise. "Please Lord Stark, you take her! Bring her to Winterfell with you. Surely being raised in the North would accomplish the same as being raise in Storm's End. She will have a better life there! You have a new son, surely as a father you must want the best for your child." She began breaking down into sobs again, before managing to calm herself and look back into his eyes. "Please… I simply want the best for my child too. Raise her as a ward of Winterfell, if you must take her, but do not let her go with Stannis."
Eddard looked into the eyes of the baby, who was now alert and awake, and felt his resolve melt a bit. "My lady, the North is far and cold. You would never be able to see her; she would never see the Reach." He responded weakly. The small folk may think him cold and heartless, but Eddard already cared for the little babe in his arms. Perhaps, she could be a good friend to his own son Robb, whom he had yet to even meet.
"Please Lord Stark. I beg of you, show mercy to a grieving mother." Alerie nearly whispered to him. Ned could only look at Margaery who began smiling and reaching up towards his face.
"My lady, I could not take a girl from her entire family. She would be raised like a Stark, learn like a Stark. We do not even have a sept at Winterfell; she may even take on our gods. At Storm's End she may have a chance to see you and be raised in your ways before…"
Olenna for what must have been the dozenth time, interrupted the conversation without hesitation. "Lord Stark, I could accompany you to Winterfell. It would be nice to get away from my flock of hens in High Garden and I hear the cold is good for one's old bones."
Ned had not expected that offer and he could feel his defense falling away from him. "Lady Tyrell, I'm sure your granddaughter would appreciate it, but surely you cannot leave the Reach in such a time and for so long. Lady Margaery would remain in Winterfell well into her life and the Reach would greatly benefit from your presence during that time."
"Oh my son has already made as big a mess of our little kingdom as he possible could…"
"Mother, I was only doing…" Lord Tyrell meekly interrupted. He had probably heard this many times before.
"Yes, yes. You were only doing your duty to your liege lord. You've told me that before, but you had no one left to be loyal to my son." She dismissively looked away from her son and back to Ned. "As I was saying Lord Stark, I wouldn't want my only granddaughter and the only true lady of House Tyrell to end up as big a fool as my son." Again looking to her son with a hint of disdain. Though it seemed that Lord Tyrell now had nothing left to say, so she continued on without much hesitation "No offense to you of course Lord Stark, but that is an endeavor that I would personally oversee and I could teach Lady Margaery the ways of the Reach in the same breath. Besides, I may be old, but I should be able to find my way back to the Reach whenever my presence is truly needed." She finished, a victorious smile following it.
Ned again looked down to the babe and smiled, triggering a fit of giggles in the babe. Likely she had never seen a northmen, let alone a smiling one. If the men could see him now, they would probably have the same reaction. Eddard patted her on the head and Margaery grabbed onto one of his fingers with surprising strength. He secretly wondered if his own son would be the same and take to him so quickly.
Ned knew he had been bested and smirked at the Lady Olenna. "Truly I am no match for the Queen of Thornes. If one rose is willing to wilt in the cold north, then I guess two would not hurt." He finally looked back to the 'lord of High Garden', though apparently that was only a title here, who was now trying to console his wife, and finally gave in.
"Very well Lord Tyrell, the Lady Margaery will become my ward in Winterfell and be raised along with my own son. I will do my best to ensure her happiness and treat her like mine own child of that I give you my word." Ned turned around and beckoned Stannis to follow suit. As he walked past the Reachlords, he again found his gaze being pulled to the young babe in his arms. She certainly does not look like a Stark, of that he was sure. Her light brown hair and eyes would be truly unique in Winterfell. But someday she will act as one just the same.
So there you have it. This is the only chapter in Eddard's perspective. Everything else will be from Margaery's POV. Obviously, because she was raised by the Starks, she will be different, though I hope to maintain her character somewhat. As you can also tell, this story is pretty AU, although it does follow the same general story line of GOT until later on, just with Margaery thrown in to the Stark stuff.