Nightly terrors and an unexpected journey.

AN:-We have hit nearly 150 followers. I never thought that this story would get so much attention from you all. Thanks everybody. Well do follow as it gives me a boost to keep writing. And if you are a guest leave a review, it helps.

A longer chapter as I did not update for long.

I don't own anything, all characters and entire Got/Asoiaf universe belongs to GRRM.

Chapter -3

Ned was back inside the burned walls of Harrenhel. He sat enchanted at his table watching the Dornish beauty twirl around Brandon. She was a truly an angel, olive skin, dark hair, and hauntingly beautiful violet eyes. Ned Stark was enchanted by Ashara Dayne. He didn't have the courage to talk to her, so he settled on watching her from afar. Her smile as she spun in circles with Brandon. Although it seemed Brandon had caught him looking at his dancing partner. Ned as watched as Brandon bent to whisper something to Lady Dayne. Her eyes widened and landed upon Ned, she gave him one of her dazzling beautiful smile; Ned felt heat rising up his cheeks and averted his eyes. He had never envied his brother more than in that moment, why couldn't he possess an ounce of his brother's confidence or charisma?

Ashara was used to being approached at such celebrations for a dance. So, when she saw herself approaching brother of the handsome Brandon Stark, the Wild Wolf of Winterfell, she was quite disappointed. He was quite plain nothing compared to this brother, though it was clearly visible that he was a Stark, grey eyes and dark hair. She was mildly surprised when at the end of their enjoyable dance her partner had asked her to grace his brother with a dance as well. She was center of attention at these feasts, a Dornish beauty and still unmarried at eighteen. Most of the men always seemed infatuated with her just due to her looks. She thought perhaps he was no different. She was about to refuse but decided to humor The heir of Winterfell. She looked around till her eyes settled on Eddard Stark. She sent him a beautiful smile and waited for his reaction. She was surprised when instead of returning her smile; he blushed. Blushed like a maiden!

She was now interested in him; he was certainly a green boy. But how had e managed to remain so in the company of his brother and Robert Baratheon completely baffled her. Both were quite known for their love of women and living in the company of such should have surely giving him some experience. Brandon had talked about how he had his eyes on her all evening and he had hated to see his brother look so miserable. She decided to take pity on the Stark and agreed, moving through the crowd to ask this Eddard to dance.

She found his blushing face quite amusing when asked for a dance. He abruptly looked up and spurred but accepted none the less. She had to accept, Ned was unlike any other men she had met. Most were usually captivated by her beauty and were most eager to get in her bed. Ned had a way with words and she found herself seeking out his company quite often.

Ned learnt that Ashara Dayne was not just a pretty face, she was smart and cunning. He had certainly not anticipated bedding her that night. The next morn he was quite mortified and ashamed of himself, he apologized profusely. His apologies were met with a slap to his face and her rant about him being an honorable idiot. They had finally agreed to write to their respective fathers to request having them married. It had been a surprise when father acquired. Even more so when Ashara's father had as well. They would be married after Brandon's wedding had taken place. But it never came to be. Soon rebellion had broken out and he was honor bound to marry Catelyn Tully.


Ned was nervously pacing in the godswood. He was waiting with Brandon Benjen and Lyanna for Ashara to arrive. He was still not sure how he had found himself in this situation. He turned around and asked Brandon.

"Are you sure I should be doing this?" Brandon snorted and gave a cocky reply just as Ned had anticipated for him to give," were it not for your insistence I would soundly sleeping back in my tent. But since you still feel guilty about bedding Ashara, well what is there better to do than have you both married. Since you are going to be married within six moons, I think it would hardly make a difference. Also don't you think I know that you want to marry her as well?"

Ned knew that Brandon was right but it still did not set right with him to marry Shara; but as Brandon had said it would hardly make a difference as they would be married in six moons. He still felt guilty that he had bedded her without marrying her but he was confused as to what he was supposed to do.

Ned asked, "Are you sure that we should do this" once again.

Brandon sighed. "How many times must we do this Ned? You already agreed."

"But father said that he'll consider it, he has not replied yet I do not think we should go against his wishes." Ned replied. Brandon thought that his brother was deadest against this marriage as apparently he was still reconsidering. If it was him in Ned's place he would have already married Ash.

"Ned father has already told me to find you a bride. He said that it should not matter as long as she is from Westerlands, Reach, and Crownlands. While he did not specify Dornish; I think that he'll rather accept your marriage."

Ned slumped his shoulders meanwhile Benjen pinched his nose and replied. "At least you are going to marry the person you love. Father has not given Brandon or Lyanna any choice. I shudder to think what he has planned for me, so stop complaining already; you're giving me a headache."

"Anyways where are they? They are taking longer than expected. They should have been here long ago." Brandon complained.

"They should be at any moment now. Princess Elia said that they will be here close to midnight. Benjen replied halfheartedly. One might think he was not interested in his Brother's marriage but he was. Just whose idea it was to marry in the middle of the knight Gods' knew. If he came across that person he would really throttle them.

"Well it's already past midnight. How long are they going to take? We have been waiting here for close to an hour." Brandon complained yet again.

The moment he said this they heard light footsteps coming towards their way. They all tried to hide but there was hardly any need as it was Princess Elia and her entourage.

"Let's get this started now." Brandon said.

Both Ned and Ashara moved towards the heart tree. Arthur took her arm and stepped forward. Brandon started

"Who comes before the gods tonight?"

"Lady Ashara Dayne of Starfall comes here to wed" announced Ser Arthur.

Then he said." Who comes forth to claim her?"

Ned stepped up and said "Lord Edward Stark of Winterfell."

"Who gives her?" Sir Arthur replied "Arthur Dayne Sword of Morning her brother."

Brandon then turned to Ashara and said," Do you take this man as your husband?"

She replied "Yes, I do. "

Brandon then turned towards Edward and said, "Do you take this woman as your wife? "And paused as Eddard replied "Yes, I do."

Brandon then declared. "You are now married." And muttered something under his breath that suspiciously sounded like "finally." Ned then looked up to meet her gaze and was happy that they would be together forever.


At Starfall the end of the rebellion.

"My lady, I come forth to return Dawn, 'the ancestral blade of your house'" Eddard said as he stepped into solar of Lord Dayne. He had not expected to find her here. But it seemed that luck was not on his side. She looked like a ghost. Her olive face was pale and she looked like she had not slept in days; her eyes were bloodshot. Her face had edged into gaunt lines. Those eyes to which once he had promised his entire life finally looked up from the desk.

She said," Is it true then, that my brother is dead?"

"Yes my lady it is. He died doing his duty." Ned replied cringing inwardly. He remembered the final moments sword of morning, but it was his life at stake. He was almost gutted. Had it not been for the intervention of Howland, he would have surely died. He still felt guilty that it was not a fair combat. He had broken the rules of fair fight and fought without honor. It was who took the life of the greatest swordsman in all continent without honor.

"Duty you said he died doing duty." She snorted and gave a laugh that shook her entire frame. Ned then saw that she had grown thin. She looked like a starved woman.

"Yes my lady, he fought valiantly– "Ned started but was cut off by Ashara mid-sentence,

"You need not tell me about my brother's great deeds. Gods' know I have heard all about them. Since you are here my lord, you may rest and leave Starfall by tomorrow morning. Also my sincere thanks as a Dayne that you're returning Dawn."

"Ashara-"Ned began to speak but was cut off again.

"I need to rest my lord; I apologize that I would be unable to join for dinner tonight. If you need anything you are free to ask my steward. He shall assist you. I must now prepare my brother's funeral"

With that she slammed the door on her way out. Or tried to as the heavy wooden door wouldn't budge. She then stormed out.

Ned saw his former wife and thought, it could have gone worse.


Ned was walking back to his rooms, unsure of what he was going to do, how he was going to explain Lyanna's babe. He could not bring him to Robert, he would surely kill him. God's why did Lyanna have to be so stupid. He truly loved his sister, but sometimes he wished she should have had less wolf's blood. Her impulsive decision had cost all the kingdom all for a bloody prophecy! They should not have coddled her when she was younger. But being the only girl in the family it was hard to do so. She had believed that Rhaegar was truly in love with her. When she had finally understood his love for her was only on her womb. So that the promised prince might have his wife. The best decision would be to claim him as one of Brandon's. After all he had slept with so many ladies that Ned was surprised that he did not have any. Or perhaps he could be his bastard. Men often fathered many during wars. But could he do that to his own wife. Catelyn would not take it kindly for him to have a bastard. His thoughts turned to Ashara, today she was a shell of her former self.

The Ashara he had met today was a shell of her during Harrenhal. She looked as if she was trying to be strong but was dying inside. How could she not be? He had killed her brother. Her sister in all but blood was dead due to Lannisters. She was raped and killed. He had tried to seek justice for their deaths but apparently Robert had seen fit to declare her dragonwhore and her children dragonspawn and that they deserved to die. But most of the grief was due to the fact that he had broken their marriage and married another.

When he arrived at his room he was surprised to find Ashara sitting in the chair by the fire. She gestured him to sit opposite her. Then she tilted her head to look toward where the cradle was placed and said," I was surprised when I got to know that you asked for a cradle." She did not deem it fit to continue. So Ned had to gauge what her intentions were as she had declared that they would not have anything to do with each other.

"Aye I have. This is Jon my natural son." Ned said words rolling of his tongue before he had any chance to process them. So he would be his natural son at least that was decided. "His mother is unable to care for him, so I took him in."

To his answer she gave a snort and a short laugh. She had started to do so a lot recently Ned observed.

"Do not think of lying to me Ned. You were never good at lying. The boy is Rhaegar's and your sister's." she answered an all mirth vanished from her voice.

He is silent for a moment before he speaks. Thinking how he should proceed from here. He could say that he trusted Ashara before. But he was not so sure now. He considered lying to her but he knew that he would probably be caught. Finally he decided telling the truth. The words coming out as a whisper. "He is."

Ashara laughs again then. "Oh Ned, what have you gotten yourself in now. Trying to claim your sister's son as yours to prevent your best friend from killing him. How have all things changed. Perhaps you would even take him back to Winterfell. But what of your Tully Wife, what will she have to say when you bring the boy home, and claim him as your own. Dornish maybe understanding towards bastards but, your wife is not a Dornish now is she? She would despise the boy. "

Ned clenched his jaw. Her insult at him abandoning her was as clear as day. Did she not understand he had no choice in the matter. They needed Tully troops and wasn't it his fault that the man wanted his daughter to be future Lady of Winterfell. He nearly shouted," She shall do as I say!"

She is stunned by his outburst, "My-my, does the all mighty Lord Stark care for his bastard. Your wife shall never understand. She would only see him as a threat to her son. Perhaps even try to have him removed. It would be better if we took care of him now. I have many ways. He would not even feel a thing." She said with a mad glint in her eyes.

Ned couldn't believe her. This could not possibly be his Ashara. She would never kill an innocent child." You would harm an innocent child? What is wrong with you?"

Ashara shot a look at him that chilled him to the bone. "An innocent, thousands have died so he could be born. Elia, Aegon, Rhaneys, even Arthur and my own daughter Ned! Your Daughter!" she shouted and started sobbing.

Ned swallowed and felt his heart sink in his chest. He had a daughter and she was dead. He felt like he was suffocating; he could never imagine what Ashara was feeling. He moved towards her and held her in his arms. Trying to offer some much needed comfort, which they both needed. He began to understand the situation Ashara was in. She was trying to run a castle. All her loved ones were dying one by one. She had also lost her daughter. His daughter.

"Ash I am so sorry, forgive me." Ned said with tears in his eyes. He truly was. Had he not married Catelyn Tully? Only if the rebellion had not happened, Lyanna's foolishness had cost him his family.

"If Lyanna and Rhaegar had had more sense, you wouldn't have had to make any promises, and you wouldn't have to lie. What a wonderful couple are we, may haps the bards will sing of us the sad tale of a wolf and a star."

"But Ned all is not lost. Your wife recently gave birth. It would only take a drop. Women die from complications of birth all the time. Then you and I can finally marry."

Ned swallows and feels his heart sink in his chest. "Ashara," he begins meaning to beg her to see sense.

But she shakes her head stubbornly. "No Ned, we must do this. Her son can be next Lord of Winterfell. I only ever want to with you."

He feels disgusted with her, he wants to make her see that would be wrong but though he knows that he could not convince her. He never could. So instead he swallows deeply and says, "As you wish."

Ashara merely nods then, gets up and moves toward the cradle," I shall take care of him. You can leave." Picking up the pillow.

"Ash I am so sorry, forgive me." Ned said, "I promised her I would look after him. I cannot let you do that to my son. No! Jon!"

As she smothered the pillow over his face and Jon's stifled cries were heard.


Catelyn had long ago woken up when Ned had begun tussling around and had disturbed her sleep. She looked over her husband of over a year with fond smile. She had thought that after the death of Brandon she would not marry a Stark. But her father had said that she now would be marrying the younger son, Eddard. She was terrified as she had never had a decent conversation with Ned back then. She and Brandon at least knew each other whereas she was now basically marrying a stranger. She was skeptical at first but when her father had ensured Eddard Stark was honorable man. "Not a misdeed in his name. He would never stray from your bed."

How had she believed him then but it was apparently true, except his bastard who was his son from previous marriage. As soon as she had written, Father he had sent legitimation papers for her dear Robb from the king. Now there would be no matter of succession. Only if that bastard would leave Winterfell, she could be truly happy. She turned over and decided to go back to sleep. Just then Ned said something which made her snap her head back faster than she had thought was possible.

"Ash I am so sorry, forgive me." Ned said with tears in his eyes. He was crying for that woman! How dare him, while sleeping beside his own wife. And he was saying her name with such passion he had never called her such. She had no assumptions and knew that her marriage was based on a contract made by her father but she was now trapped in a loveless marriage despite Ned's assurances that he loved her. He never did here was the proof. He was always in love with his Dornish harlot. She had captivated his heart in a mere ten day tourney and married him by the end of it. She was truly a seductress. When she was rejected by Brandon she had sought to sink her claws in his younger brother. Her septa were right the Dornish truly were horrible. Now even after her death, she was making her poor husband suffer in misery.

"I promised her I would look after him" Ned was now shaking and his lips were quivering. "I cannot let you do that to my son. No! Jon!" and with that Ned fell down from their bed. And rushed out of their chambers forgetting that he was in his nightclothes, to probably check on his bastard.

Catelyn having heard this stifled and cry and remembered that her Husband still cared for that bastard over his trueborn son. He could even have that bastard inherit Winterfell over her Robb. She could not let that happen the bastard had to go.

Yes that bastard had to leave soon. Better it be sooner than later.


Ned was rushing toward the nursery the dream had felt do real an. He was sure that Jon was safe in his nursery but had to see him with his eyes. He had not spent time with him as he was busy running Winterfell. With Benjen's abrupt departure two days ago, with only a note left explaining his sudden disappearance. He sometimes wondered if his brother hated him and thought that he probably did. Benjen and he never had any relationship growing up so to speak. He had left for Eyrie and Benjen was probably closer to Brandon than him as he had only visited a couple times and he hardly spent time with him. To leave him to run the entire North, when he had not even properly moved in was truly disappointing. He had thought that Benjen will help him run the affairs of Winterfell. But rather he had already run off to his holdings. He was still unable to figure out how the granaries should be managed, when harvests began or how much food he had to get from Riverlands,

He arrived at the nursery and immediately went to Jon's cradle sparing a glance to Robb. When he saw him sleeping peacefully. He sat down in a nearby chair and observed Lyanna's son. He did not look like his father at all. His eyes and hair were all Stark. His cheekbones and nose did not look like him but his face was certainly northern. Gods forbid what he have done if the babe was born with white hair and indigo eyes. No one would be foolish enough to believe that babe wasn't a Targaryen.

The door was suddenly banged open, which made Ned reach for his sword only to find that it was missing. He tried to shield Jon with his body and turned around, only to come face to face with a panting Benjen. He opened his mouth to ask but was beaten by Benjen," Ned here you are I have been searching for you all over the castle. Did you know that sea dragon point has a mineral that is worth its weight in gold in Essos. I have already checked with the jeweler it means that the construction should not stop-"

"Ben you are rambling! Stop this at once and repeat what happened slowing" Ned barked at his younger brother," lower your voice or you'll wake the children."

When Benjen was finally done telling Ned about his findings, Ned could only be happy that they had found another resource within their lands to mine. The people would not starve coming winter. Meanwhile Benjen was continuing on,

"I have sent men to bring 100 chests filled with it and I shall be departing for White Harbor now. I shall open up account with the Iron bank in Braavos. Take care of Jon for me, will you? See you later!" with that he was gone.

Ned was left thinking there was definitely something wrong with his brother.


Benjen had spent over a week being tussled around on the Maiden's Voyage, so when he had heard about them nearing the Titan of Braavos he had rushed to the deck. The ship was one of the finest the Manderlys had to offer. A two hundred oar trading galley, all for him. Well it was certainly advantageous to be a Stark. He was accompanied by Ser Wylis, one of sons of Lord Manderly who had agreed to accompany him on his journey. He was a man of rather small stature, and exceedingly joyful who used to smile almost all the time. He was a good swordsmen; Benjen had to give him that. He was no great swordsman, but he had thought himself rather capable, but he was not so sure after the thrashing Ser Wylis had given him days prior.

The Titan gave a huge roar and lifted its spear. Benjen saw soldiers standing vigil atop the cliff that were present at the either side of the Titan, holes to rain down arrows and pour searing hot oil down on whosoever dare attack the mighty city. While he was not so sure about Braavos being the mightiest city in all of the known world, but it was certainly one of the most powerful. The Iron bank was the most premier finance institution and it was certainly safe. He though about 100 crates of jade he had carried from white harbor. Setting up an account with the Iron Bank would certainly help in his expedition to start trading fleet.

When ship finally was docked, Benjen wasted no time in leaving the ship behind and started forward to the city. Oddly enough, the city was unfamiliar but, it was an exciting prospect to be in a new place so Benjen was lap up all the wonders available in Braavos. He was warned to always carry a sword. The only explanation he had received was that he should be ready to fight a duel anytime as he could be challenged by young men called bravos. The bravos were pairs of young, brash swordsmen that travelled at night that seemed to challenge anyone with a sword to duels. Benjen had discovered that the city was a melting pot of different cultures and languages. From Dothraki, valyrian even others thrown in the mix.

"My lord! Wait up." He turned around and saw Ser Wylis, who was trying to reach him skillfully dodging workers loading and unloading the cargo from other ships. When he finally reached him, which felt like a long time to Benjen as he had in his pondering covered a great distance from their ship.

"My lord, you must not wander off by yourself. We are in a new city it will take time to get adjusted to. Also I fear you may get lost, which would not be so fortunate."

"I understand Ser Wylis, I really do. But this is so new and exciting and interesting. So many things to explore. I shall heed your words and keep close nevertheless." Benjen replied in a rushed voice which Ser Wylis assumed was excitement and curiosity in the young lord.

"We'll set up a meeting with the Iron Bank soon, but I fear that they may be not so forthcoming in lending us." Ser Wylis replied. A frown appeared on Benjen face as thought what would be the reason for such act. Then it occurred to him and he nearly wanted to groan. Bloody Targayens! Even in death they caused him problems.

"Let me guess they have stopped dealing with Westrosi, since mad king refused to pay back their loans." Benjen remarked drily.

"Right my lord. They have not stopped per se but they take time to review their dealings with us. Also I fear we'll be charged a higher interest rate." Ser Wylis replied quite obvious to Benjen's muttered cursing.

"No matter Ser Wylis I think we may have to enjoy the comforts Braavos had to offer in the meantime. From that I would like to ask a question whether we'll be staying on ship." Benjen replied as he had no desire to stay anywhere near the ship and certainly not sleep in it.

"No my lord we shall certainly sleep in an inn. The travelers often stay at the inn located near the red temple. I shall request you that should you come across any red priest leave immediately. They are wary of followers of Old Gods may not take to your presence kindly."

"I understand my good Ser and I shall keep that in mid now lets' continue." With that said Benjen marched towards the city. Ser Wylis and their guards trailing behind him.


AN:-Well this is another chapter that you guys have been waiting for. So what do you guys think that I should do regarding past memories/flashbacks? Write an entire chapter or continue to integrate them as I have been doing. Also some of you guys asked how long this fic is going to be. Ah- regarding that, I shall admit that I have not planned that far in the fic but, I have a rough idea as far as Robb marrying Jenye in the books. As for chapters I have them planned till Ned goes to King's Landing accepting the position of Hand. Each chapter will be close to 2500 to 3500 words excluding author's notes. I may post short bonus chapter of 1500 to 2000 words in between. I would be starting high school next year and I may be slightly busy with preparations. The high school that I want to attend has really 'high' expectations. No pun intended.

So the updates might be infrequent but I will really try update as much as possible. If I go silent for some time feel free to PM me to remind to update. That would probably get me moving and writing another chapter. Also someone suggested I use Grammarly but that sorta beats the purpose, as I am trying to improve my writing skills as well as vocabulary. If there are any mistakes do feel free to point them out.

PS- also if someone could recommend a timeline for books as well the show. It would be greatly appreciated.

Here are some questions that you guys asked.

Will Benjen ever grow out of his hatred for south?

As I have said earlier, he thinks the rebellion and misfortune that befell house Stark happened because Richard Stark had far reaching ambitions, which were fueled by Maester Walys. His hatred of south is general but I can assure you that he will get over them and have a healthy, if not an amiable relationship with southern houses.

'SPOILER ALERT'- Benjen will get married in a Sept. As well as in a Godswood.

Why have you chosen 'jade' as Benjen's mining mineral?

Well, it was quite clear in the books that Sea Dragon Point does not have any gold, silver or diamonds. Neither does it have any iron or tin. Since it is a pretty desolate and barren land, I needed something to get him rich. Jade as I researched is a mineral that has artificial value that was created much like diamonds (which are just shiny stones with decorative value). But seeing Yi Ti is something like parallel to China, where jade was in great demand. And by great I mean the seal of heaven was literally carved out of jade. So you can expect trade with Free Cities.

Also it occurs near ocean or oceanic regions, which you are free to correct it you are a geologist or mineralogist or whatever is the correct term.

Why would High Septon annul Ned's marriage as there was no cause?

Until that Sparrow fellow came along all Septons were greedy and corrupt. So it would be safe to assume that he was bribed.

Is Robb a bastard and Jon a trueborn?

Well Robb was born as a bastard and was legitimized when Hoster Tully asked the king (Lord Arynn as Robert doesn't do anything). As for Jon well he was born as a trueborn but was later disowned in favor of Robb. Well you know why.

Will Jon be legitimized?

Well yes but later in the story. As for now he is just a disowned bastard.

When will Benjen be married?

Soon guys, very soon. As for who he will marry in next 3 to 4 chapter, I will drop hints that will gave you an clear idea of who it will be.

Until next time

-The Obsidian Knight.