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Ashara Dayne III
Winterfell, North, Year 298 AC
Ashara opened her eyes as soon as she began feeling the sunlight touch her sleeping face. She was tired…the Northerners always woke up very early and yesterday she went to sleep very late and she had plenty of sex with Ned to top it off…the price she paid for hours of pleasure was fewer hours of sleep…
She noticed her sweet Quiet Wolf already finishing getting dressed, as always…no matter what she did…Ned would wake before her… "You are not joining my morning bath love?" she asked.
Ned smiled a weak smile. "Water calms your spirit but not mine," he said. "I would much prefer to spend some time in the Godswood before we talk to Robert."
She made a puppy face to see if it would change his mind but…it seems it wouldn't happen… "Then I hope you calm yourself by the Heart Tree, I don't want you worried and stressed. Oh, and I hope you don't get late for breakfast."
"Don't worry, Robert was never a morning person, I'm sure I will have plenty of time, but I will make sure I'm there before the guests arrive." Her husband assured.
"I will be waiting patiently." she teased.
"I know you will." he smiled as he left the room to go to his favorite place in Winterfell. A little bit later came the person she was patiently waiting for.
"Milady." The person said as she entered the room, she had red hair and greyish-blue eyes, her name was Ros. "Is it the usual?"
"Indeed, you know that I can't start my days without a bath." Ashara said and the young woman smiled brightly. Ros was a peculiar finding that she happened to come across…
It happened last winter, more than a decade ago, when she went to inspect Wintertown, to see if the lack of provisions that happened during the first year of Robert's Rebellion would not happen again. At the town's brothel, she found a girl of seven working as a servant there, doing all sorts of chores except those expected in a brothel for she was too young. What surprised Ashara the most about the girl was the fact that she had learned to read, write and count by herself at such tender age.
She decided to ask some of the whores about the girl and so she learned her name, age and that her mother had been a whore who died giving birth to her, Eli was the whore's name a favorite of many customers. Impressed by the girl's wits and sympathy, Ashara decided to take her to Winterfell where she trained her to be a lady-in-waiting, a much better life than what a girl could expect in the brothel, especially after flowering…
The young pretty girl grew up to be a gorgeous and cunning woman, fiercely loyal to Ashara and a companion to both her and her daughters who loved her deeply and saw her as a big sister, especially Elianna. They always had fun talking to her.
"I will prepare it with all the haste possible." Ros proclaimed as she moved to fill the bathtub with water. "Lord Eddard was not inclined on joining you today Milady?"
"No…he is troubled I'm afraid." Ashara explained.
"Why so?"
"We ought to have some words with the King today…" Ashara began. "He offered Ned the position of Hand of the King but Ned, of course, doesn't wish to go."
"But the King is Lord Eddard's best friend so he does not wish to leave him alone like this." Ros finished.
"Precisely, so I tried to find a compromise with it, Ned will be Hand for a year, we will find a proper replacement and return to where we belong, here," Ashara explained. "He is nervous because he has to tell this to the King and Robert has a temper."
"Milady said we, so I must assume Milady is joining him?" Ros asked as she motioned Ashara that her bath was ready.
"We does mean you as well," Ashara said as she dived under the warm water for a while, then she emerged to catch her breath again, rinsing her face before looking back to the surprised Northerner. "I would appreciate a friend to talk to, I don't think I will have many friends in the capital."
Ros seemed happy with it, at least someone is. "Really? Milady wishes for me to go?"
"Yes Ros, I need someone else I can trust my children with, someone competent." Ashara smiled. "Could you be a dear and help me wash my hair?"
"Certainly Milady." Ros picked the Dornish and Lyseni fragrances and began to gently wash Ashara's hair. "Even with everything Milady told me about the capital, I'm must confess I'm rather excited to pay it a visit."
"The capital does have that effect on people." Ashara proclaimed. "I still remember the anticipation I had when I was traveling there…with Elia and my friends…" Thinking of her deceased friend quickly brought tears to Ashara's eyes…she didn't deserve it…Elia was a wonderful person just as her children.
"Milady please don't cry…the Gods are just, they will bring justice for Princess Elia and her children, I'm sure of it." Ros proclaimed. "Please don't cry…"
"The Gods are not just Ros because if they were, Elia and her children would not be dead now." she dismissed. "We still something to pray to I'm afraid."
"I was just trying to cheer Milady up…" Ros said. "I hate to see Milady like this…"
"I know love." Ashara smiled as she patted the girl's arm. "I also wanted to ask you if any of the servants were molested during the feast yesterday."
"The King seemed…to have a huge appetite, he was watering over my breasts so many times when I served at the table…" Ros confessed. "And some other servants as well…"
Ros had a very graceful figure and ample breasts, it was no wonder Robert watered upon seeing them. "He always seemed to have big appetites…when I first met him he was trying his best to contain himself for Lyanna's sake but once she died…it seems he went downhill." Ashara said. "At Harrenhal he was very handsome but now…"
"He is huge and imposing still…I wish I could have seen him in his prime…The Demon of the Trident…"
"A shame really he got to this state…" Ashara admitted. "But honestly I still prefer my sweet Quiet Wolf. In my humble opinion, Ned is the most handsome man."
Ros smiled at that. "Lord Stark is handsome indeed. Jon is going by the same path as his father, the Princess was giving him the looks. To Arthur as well but he always knew he looks good."
Ashara laughed with it. "The girl's first crushes…She does seem like a nice girl at first glance, unlike her older brother and mother."
"The Prince didn't even try to hide his disdain." Ros elaborated. "The mother…is another story…her fake smile is trained, she can fool many with it."
"Not us I'm afraid." Ashara smirked.
"Not us indeed Milady." Ros laughed too.
"So…I know you and Theon were rather close yesterday…" Ashara began as she recalled seeing them both leave at the same time.
Ros looked towards her with a surprised look but then she smiled. "He is handsome, but I'm nothing more than a servant to him, yesterday with all the stress I accumulated, I was feeling quite in the mood so I did what I had to do."
"Have you taken Moon Tea?"
"I have Milady," Ros admitted as she helped Ashara out of the water. "Perhaps I shouldn't have done what I did yesterday, I'm so very tired now…"
"That makes the two of us." Ashara smiled while Ros dried her out. "Since you seem closer than I am with Theon, can you tell me why he seems so lost? I would ask Arthur but the boy is so oblivious to things…"
"For what I could gather, Theon seems conflicted about something…he gets angry when someone brings the Greyjoy Rebellion, unfortunately, I had the dreadful idea of bringing it once and he almost gave me a beating for it." Ros confessed.
"And why didn't you tell me this?" Ashara asked aghast. "I will not tolerate any of my children or wards doing such a thing."
"He didn't do it and frankly I was teasing him a bit too far," Ros admitted. "He is very prideful of his origins but seeks approval from Lord Stark…at least that is what I got from it." Interesting…
"Do you like him?" Ashara asked, going straight to the point that had been concerning her for a while.
"Not quite and even if I did, he wouldn't want me anyway," Ros said while drying Ashara's breasts. "I'm but a mere servant and he is still the heir to the great Balon Greyjoy as he puts it sometimes. I'm not the only servant he has sex with either." Ros smiled. "I have no wish to be a salt wife or anything of the sort, my loyalty is to you and House Stark alone, not House Greyjoy. I have everything I could ask for right now, I have no need for more."
"And your loyalty and friendship are much appreciated." Ashara assured. This woman was truly a find, it was hard to find a person content with her status, usually the people who ascended in life wanted more and more but not Ros, she just wished for food on her plate, clothes to dress with some decency and a place to sleep, the rest is just add on.
"I know so Milady." Ros placed the towels in their place and moved to Ashara's wardrobe, opening it to reveal the many gowns and other dresses of Ashara's possession. "What color would you like to wear today Milady?"
"Let's see…I wore grey yesterday…I'm feeling light blue today…what do you think?"
"Milady is the most gorgeous woman I ever laid my eyes on, anything goes well with you, I'm sure Lord Eddard will agree with me in this regard."
"He said so many times." Ashara laughed. "You are learning something with him too."
"I did learn quite a lot from your Lord husband Milady…" Ros declared while she helped Ashara dress the gown. "That you are able to scream oh so very loudly…"
Ashara tried to slap Ros' shoulder but the woman knew it was coming and so she evaded the hit, giggling in the process. "You naughty one!" Ashara barked. "I will have my revenge!"
"I'm sorry Milady…" she was laughing so much now. "I couldn't resist…"
"Meanie…"
"Anyway…" Ros walked slowly towards Ashara, a smirk was still on her face. "I believe…Milady is ready to go and shine." she said this as she made some minor adjustments on Ashara's gown.
"I'm sad…" she said but Ros giggled and kissed her cheek. "Now that's much better…I accept your apologies."
"Thank you, Milady."
"Time to face these guests." she proclaimed all energetic. "The Dawn Arises!"
Eddard Stark II
Winterfell, North, Year 298 AC
As Ned had predicted, Robert took long before he arrived at the Great Hall for breakfast…he seemed angry and tired…not good…
Robert contrary to his usual self, remained quiet most of the time…he was pissed about something and half asleep still…perhaps someone woke him up? Or perhaps he was still recovering from his hangover…Ned remained quiet throughout the entire affair as well and finally, he felt Ashara's elbow touch his.
"You need to do it, love," she said. "I will be by your side, so you ought to not be afraid."
Ned nodded and tried to give her an assuring smile but he knew she saw through it…she knew how to read his eyes…Turning to Robert, Ned gulped and braced himself. "Robert, me and Ashara need a word in private with you if you will."
Robert looked at him weirdly but then smiled. "Sure my friend, let me just finish eating this buttered bread and we may go."
And with it done, Robert accompanied Ned and Ashara to the Lord's chamber. Inside there were two chairs in the Lord's side and two chairs on the guest's side. It used to be only one in the Lord's side up until Ned took charge of Winterfell but there were two for obvious reasons. Ned and Ashara took their respective seats while Robert took his.
Remember what Ashara told you… "I'm inclined to accept being Hand of the King." Ned said. Good news first, then the bad news.
Robert smiled at it. "I knew I could count on you, my friend…"
"However." Ned interrupted. "I will only be Hand for a year."
Robert's happy face quickly turned into a confused one. "What do you mean?"
"My place is here Robert, Starks don't do well in the south but I'm not going to leave you because we are like brothers. I shall go with Ashara and together we will look for a more competent man for the job, a man that will, of course, be of your trusting."
Ned could see Robert becoming redder with anger to the point he stood up slamming the desk. "WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU WILL FIND A PROPER REPLACEMENT FOR THE JOB? THERE IS NO PROPER REPLACEMENT BUT YOU!"
"Your Grace, we understand your position but you ought to understand ours as well." Ashara intervened. "The North stays out of southern politics for a reason, even I, born and proudly raised in Dorne know so. House Stark needs to prepare for when winter comes."
"WE ARE AT SUMMER FOR FUCK SAKE!" Robert shouted angrily. "I WILL NOT HAVE THIS RIDICULOUS AFFRONT…"
"Then I'm afraid you ought to look for a different person for I will not go." Ned plainly stated, the words hurt him but this was the right thing to do, for his family.
Robert looked towards him with aghast eyes. "You will do this to me?"
"Robert, me and Ashara offered you a compromise that suits us all and it's worth taking and if you refuse to do so and shout at my wife, then I must decline it altogether." Ned insisted.
"You will make me nominate Tywin Lannister like Cersei has been pestering me about?" Robert tried to blackmail Ned. "Is that what you want?"
It will not work with me, Robert... "If that is your choice, then let it be so."
"I COULD HAVE YOUR HEAD ON A SPIKE FOR THIS INSULT!" Robert shouted angrily.
"THEN DO IT AND PROVE YOU ARE NO BETTER THAN AERYS!" Ned shouted back, catching but Robert and Ashara by surprise. "BECOME WHAT YOU SWORE YOU WOULD NOT!" Robert was caught completely off guard with this, he wasn't expecting a shout from Ned and so he needed some time to compose himself and more, to see the grave words he was telling his best friend. "The offer is on the table Robert, take it or leave it but don't threaten me or my own in such a way again."
Robert simply hustled out of the room, angrily. Alone with Ashara, he finally let out a sigh of relief. "He will accept, once he calms down." Ashara whisper in his ear. "He needs you. Now calm down love." she cooed while planting many kisses on his cheek.
"I was afraid he would harm you…" Ned admitted as he kissed Ashara in the lips. "He doesn't look like my best friend anymore…"
"People change love…" Ashara said while patting his cheek. "When we are at King's Landing, we can't count on him. His help will be appreciated, but we cannot depend on him."
"Seems as much…" What have you turned into Robert?
Cassana Baratheon I
Dragonstone, Narrow Sea, Year 298 AC
The sword hit the shield of her opponent once and then twice and she was panting with the effort, they had been at it for more than minutes.
Her name was Cassana Baratheon the eldest daughter of Lord Stannis Baratheon and Lady Catelyn Tully, niece to King Robert Baratheon and Lord Renly Baratheon. She was as tall as she knew the Baratheons were, she inherited the bright blue eyes of her mother just as her ample buxom which frankly was starting to give her problems while fighting. From her father, she got her black hair and broad shoulders.
Cass as she was more often called, was said to be a beauty by many or simply Argella Durrandon reborn but more often than not, the bane of her mother's existence…Her mother wanted to make her a proper lady that would be the keeper of her husband's household but that was not Cass. Though she liked to wear dresses, dance, and sing, she loved to do things the boys did as well, she liked to fight, to ride, to hawk and hunt.
She was headstrong, proud, wild but cautious and smart at the same time. She had a soothing voice but when she was shouting at someone, her voice was loud and deafening.
Her opponent was one of the few friends she had, his name was Jaehon Velaryon, the son of the late and disinherited Jacaerys Velaryon who died with some protecting the late Queen Rhaella from the rest of the Dragonstone's revolted garrison when they decided they wanted to kill her and deliver her corpse to her uncle. The man killed a dozen men before they took his own life. Her father found Ser Jacaerys' brother Monford crying over the loss of his brother when he landed here, at Dragonstone. Queen Rhaella died but her children escaped to Essos.
In another life, Jaehon would have been the Lord of Driftmark but now he was almost a nobody if not for the fame he had gotten in some weird episode that happened in that island that made people call him the Sea Dragon.
Jaehon was supposed to be a Valyrian and yet besides the skin color, he looked nothing like one…his hair and eyes were brown, though sometimes the latter could appear indigo. He had always a distant look on his face and more often than not had an expressionless face, he was also very shy. He was taller than the average man but she was outgrowing him even if almost two years younger than him.
Cassana could yield a sword, a war hammer or a spear if need be, but somehow she never won against the Jaehon…they would simply spend a quarter of an hour sparring. He didn't like to fight and yet…and yet he seemed like he was holding back a lot when they fought…as if he was not even breaking a sweat even if it appeared he was giving his all at it.
She swung her sword once, twice and thrice with Jaehon blocking every single hit with his shield but she noted he did not swing his sword back at least not with the intensity she did.
Cass scoffed at it. She wanted to see him fight without holding back…she wanted to see why they called him the Sea Dragon and why the people of Driftmark despite loving him held some sort of fear towards him, a man without a thing to his name but a sword he never seemed to use because some conflict his father and grandfather had once.
Jaehon was in truth one of the few people Cass was kind of afraid of…she never saw him angry…he was both a good swordsman and an intelligent person and that was a deadly combination as her father once told her…she didn't know what to expect of him…well…she actually did, he wouldn't harm her nor any of her family, he was kind, just and honorable even if he refused to be knighted, he had all the qualities of a knight, another mystery she could not find the answer for.
"We should call it a day," he told her panting. "You have sewing to do."
"I can still keep going." she muttered. Cassana wanted to keep practicing, she didn't like sewing that much anyway.
"No doubt you can, but maybe you should try to spend some time with your family now that your father is here," Jaehon suggested. "It will be good for Shireen too."
Shireen…her sweet sister who had been cursed with greyscale a few years ago…Cass still remembered the many tears she and her mother dropped when the Maesters were trying their very best to save her sweet sister…she survived but the marks remained as a curse, a curse that made so many people disrespect her sister and she hated them all because of it. Jaehon was one of the few that saw behind the greyscale mark…Shireen loved him because he was kind to her and always played with her when she begged him too.
"Perhaps…" Cass admitted while stretched her arms. "Though I fail to know why my father came back so suddenly."
"Something ought to have happened in King's Landing I'm sure," Jaehon said in a serious tone. "Your father is not a man that has this type of behavior."
"Those are my thoughts but he simply does not tell me what is happening, nor to mother," she confessed worried, her father was not like this… "He always keeps it for himself…"
"Your lord father will open up sooner or later," Jaehon assured. "You just have to keep waiting, if it's a truly bad thing, then he will have no choice but to speak of it."
"Yes…" she agreed. If her father wasn't as stubborn as she was, perhaps she would not be feeling so worried about it. "Anyway…I'm going to see Shireen, do you want to come?"
"I will come later but do tell her we can play hide and seek when I come in."
"Okay…see you later." she nodded as she began walking back inside.
"See you later." he smiled a shy smile and she left.
Cass was approaching her sister's room when she began hearing her voice. Shireen was reading a story to Ser Davos…The man had been knighted by her father after he saved him and Storm's End' garrison from starvation during the Rebellion and Cassana liked the man as he was nice and kind to Shireen and that was a quality that made her like people. He was also illiterate so Shireen could practice her reading with him, feeling the man's head with stories of House Targaryen and be happy about it.
Her father seemed to think the man as a friend or at least a valuable counselor for the man was bluntly honest in a world of flatterers and liars. She smiled and decided to leave them there and go sew some fabrics, lest to make her mother more disappointed with her. She could be a lady and a warrior somehow, she knew she could, perhaps that was her destiny…prove the world it was possible.
So here is a chapter that is not a copy of any in the books.
I hope people don't mind me bringing Ros from the show, I sort of liked her character and I wanted Ashara to have a pupil coming from the smallfolk so I thought she fitted in the position with just some adjustments to her back story. I think Martin wanted her to make a cameo at some point the books though I'm not sure if it will happen.
And also we finally we get to know what happened to Catelyn now. She and Stannis have two daughters:
-Cassana Baratheon, Born in 284 AC, 13 Years Old, Black hair and blue eyes, heiress to Dragonstone
-Shireen Baratheon, Born in 289 AC, 8 Years Old, Black hair and blue eyes, unfortunately suffering from the same as Shireen from canon.
MasterGX: Thank you for the review and don't worry because I intend to finish this story.
That's all, thank you for sparing time reading and I hope everyone has a nice day.