A cold breeze settled over Winterfell as the sun began its ascent to the cloudy sky. Silencing an upcoming yawn, Ashara glanced up. It looked as if it was about to rain sometime today.

Lovely, she thought with a sigh as two servants secured her baggage on one of her horses. Such an excellent time to leave…when it will rain. She drew her cloak around her tightly as she headed to the busy courtyard. Robert and Catelyn were about to leave with their family and court – at last. For the majority of the route to Starfall, Ashara decided to accompany them. Surely it would be much safer to journey in the king's huge entourage than by herself with a few men!

After examining Ned's map of Westeros a few days ago, Ashara planned to rest for a couple of days or so in King's Landing before heading down to Blackhaven, the seat of her future good-brother. She longed to see her nephew again and was eager to meet Lord Beric. Perhaps he will be kind enough to escort me to Starfall – Allyria said he will claim her one day. Mayhaps Ashara would have the honour of witnessing their wedding soon.

"I wish I could accompany you." Ned watched her pat her horse. "The last time I saw Allyria, she was a little girl."

"She is still curious about you," said Ashara with a laugh. "She once asked me if you could transform into a direwolf at night."

Ned snorted. "Unfortunately she is not the first to think that."

"I will be gone for some time…"

"Do not fear Ashara. I will not go around marrying off our children."

Ashara rolled her eyes. "What about you? When I return in a few months, will I be presented with a baby Snow?" Ned flinched. Ashara shrugged. "I trust you, but if you happen to accidently bed and impregnate a woman when I'm gone, at least send me a raven. You know I do not like surprises."

"Really?" said Ned with a surprisingly teasing smile. "I thought Rickon was a surprise. You seemed happy when you were pregnant with him."

Ashara laughed sarcastically. "That was a pleasant surprise, Ned. Giving birth though." She shuddered. "I hope never to do that again."

"You said that every time your contractions started. You know I will never go around bedding women on any occasion." It was Ned's turn to shudder. "If you'd married Brandon, I won't be surprised if you discover he left many bastards from the North to Dorne. Brandon had always been more hot-blooded. Robert reminds me of him at times. Their lust for women!" He shook his head. "Even after we had created seven children, the desire for making love still does not appeal to me – it is not your fault of course."

"It better not be."

"Write to me once you arrive at King's Landing, or even before that. Which of my guards are escorting you?"

"Alyn, Desmond, Cayn and Porther."

"Four men? Take Jory with you. I would also insist for you to take Ser Rodrik as another guard-"

"The boys need him as their trainer here. I will not deprive them of their tutor. I will be travelling with Robert and his court; they all have guards with them. I'll be safe with them."

"What about when you leave King's Landing for Starfall? I doubt five men can protect you from bandits or robbers."

"You do not think much of your men's battle prowess."

"Ashara!"

Ashara squeezed his hand. "Do not fear for me Ned. I'll stop at Blackhaven on the way. Lord Dondarrion will be my future good-brother. Perhaps he can spare a few more men to escort me to Starfall. Besides, if I do come upon some sort of trouble, I know how to use a dagger."

Ned frowned. "I'm sorry?"

Ashara could not help but smirk at him. "What did you think the late Sword of the Morning taught his little sister after he attained his knighthood? He wouldn't teach me how to wield a sword, but a dagger would do well enough for a lady of my station. Don't look at me like that Ned! If you wanted to marry a pretty and simpering southron rose, next time pick one from Highgarden. I'm certain they have an abundance of sweet roses for you." She paused. "Encourage Arya in her martial pursuits," she said in a rush.

"She is a-" began Ned, but she interrupted. "She will never be a proper lady. It is time we stop thinking that. I know you have been aware of her ah, distaste to feminine activities. The more we force her to sew, dance and sing, the more she will rebel and give us headaches – as well as poor Septa Mordane. Negotiate with her. I know you will do the right thing."

"No one will want to wed a wild girl," said Ned uncertainly.

Ashara snorted. "You always said your sister Lyanna was wild and Robert still wanted to marry her. By the Seven, he started a whole war and ousted the entire royal family for her. There will always be someone who will love Arya for who she truly is. Arya may spend her entire life here in the North, but at least she will be happy. I doubt she will like King's Landing."

"You want Ser Rodrik to teach Arya swordplay? Who will be brave enough to spar with her? Robb? Theon? Jon? Domeric?"

"Jon will."

"I suspect Jon will not remain here much longer."

Ashara could not hide her surprise. "Oh? Is he serious about becoming a man of the Night's Watch? I thought he was jesting."

"When does Jon ever jest? Once a week perhaps." Ned sighed. "Losing Benjen to the black brothers is bad enough, but to allow Jon to go too…"

"What if you ask Robert to…legitimise him?" Ned stared at her, his eyes wide with shock. "Technically he is a Stark," said Ashara quickly. "I know he's…her son, but he is still a Stark. Give him a holdfast, some land and a wife. That will surely keep him away from the Wall. He is still a young boy; I doubt he's serious about the Night's Watch. Believe me, Jon is only bitter about his bastard status and with Robb's betrothal a fresh matter here, he envies him. No one will wed a bastard of the North, but some may marry a legitimised one."

"Catelyn will not agree-"

"Who holds the power to legitimise bastards? Robert or Catelyn?"

Ned gave her a level look. "He cannot be in the line of succession to Winterfell. No one will accept that – especially not the queen. If Robert legitimises Jon and puts him in the Winterfell succession, what will stop him from legitimising all his bastards? Having the Riverlands as our enemy will be…unpleasant. I will go and speak to Robert about this, but prepare for the worst: today may be the last day you will see Jon here."

"I will leave in an hour," said Ashara, glancing uneasily at the other lords and ladies ordering their servants and squires about in the courtyard. "There's barely enough time to say my farewells…I suppose I should go and bid goodbye to our children…and Jon. Robert is still in the guest chambers last time I caught sight of him," she added. "It didn't look like he was in a rush to return south. Maybe he is still in there now."

Ned nodded. "I will try and meet you again before you leave," he promised. "If I do not have the chance to say goodbye-"

"I know you love me," Ashara finished. She smiled at him. "I'll be back as soon as I can. Go and talk to Robert. I have farewells to make."


The sun still had not managed to escape from its cloudy prison at midday. The southron lords and ladies chattered with good spirits as their large entourage set off in the long journey to King's Landing. From time to time, Ashara glanced back at Winterfell, her stomach mixed with emotions.

I should be happy I am visiting Starfall, she thought. It was my home…it should still be my home. She wondered if it was a mistake travelling with the royal party. It certainly guaranteed more protection – at the cost of a sluggish journey. "You are quiet of late." Catelyn slowed down on her horse and waited for her to catch up. "Is there something on your mind?"

Ashara shrugged. "It had been years since I travelled somewhere without Ned. It feels a little strange."

"You are not alone. Your sweet Bran is here."

"I do not think he is ready to be at court…"

"He will be under Lord Arryn's care. Both our husbands agreed that Bran and Ormund will flourish under his guardianship."

"Will Prince Orys be fostered with them too?"

Catelyn laughed. "No. Robert fears the duties of Hand of the King and taking care of two wards will take its strain on Lord Arryn. He is fortunate to have such a loyal man like Nestor Royce in the Vale to serve as High Steward."

"Ned often wondered if it would've been wiser if he had Robb fostered."

"I am fortunate Lord Arryn is the King's Hand. If he was not, Ormund must go to the Vale and I cannot bear the thought of him leaving us." Catelyn closed her eyes for a second. "I'm afraid I am still more Tully than Baratheon," she said with a dry smile. "Family, Duty, Honour. I would always want my family close to me. I already dread the day your Robb will take my Lyanna away from me even though Robb has a kind heart and will be a good husband."

"I too fear the day my daughters leave Winterfell."

"Gwenysse is five. There will be a good many years until she's married off. Will it be a Northern lord for her?"

Ashara shrugged. "Many Starks wedded Northerners or Valemen. One or two may have even married noble ladies of the Riverlands. Robb will marry your dear daughter, Lyarra will wed Domeric Bolton...I suspect Bran will be betrothed to a highborn maiden of the Vale once he leaves Lord Arryn's care. Probably a Royce. In any case, Ned promised he wouldn't marry off any of our children when I'm at Starfall. Have all your children been affianced yet?"

Catelyn shook her head. "Either Robert does not seem to be interested or his councillors are attempting to build alliances as we speak. Only Lyanna is engaged at the moment. You should've seen those Tyrells, Ashara. Weeds more than roses. All Lord Tyrell does is brag about the accomplishments of his daughter and offer her to be Orys's bride – even though she is still engaged to Renly. They should be satisfied with Lady Margaery and Renly's betrothal." She sighed.

Ashara remembered the blustering Mace Tyrell of Highgarden from her last visit to King's Landing. He was one of the most foolish lords she had ever met or conversed with. "Any likely brides for your princes?"

"All the great lords want their daughters to be queen. If Robert decides to pick the one with the largest dowry, I suppose I'll have a Lannister good-daughter by the end of the year…though I already have a Lannister good-sister." She smiled at Ashara. "If Lyarra wasn't affianced to Domeric Bolton, I would love to have her as my good-daughter."

"That is kind of you."

"It's the truth. Lyarra was gracious and kind during my stay in Winterfell and an excellent dancer. Domeric Bolton is lucky to have her as his future bride. Will she ever come to King's Landing?"

"If it was up to me, I would take her to King's Landing a few times – when she is a little older of course. Ned does not have any warmth towards King's Landing and may wish to keep our children at Winterfell. Of course now that Bran will be fostered at court, perhaps Ned will appreciate King's Landing more." A tiny smile lingered on Ashara's lips.

"What is it?" Catelyn noticed the smile.

"Bran," said Ashara with a chuckle. "Before we left Winterfell, I saw him sneak around, following Ser Barristan and the Blackfish. He always dreamed of being a knight. It seems his dreams will come true."

"Every little boy wants to be a knight," Catelyn agreed. "Ormund is entranced with my uncle Brynden's wartime stories. He would not sleep without a bedtime story from Uncle Brynden. Sometimes he still would not. Robert finds it amusing. He laughs every time Ormund would demand a story from Brynden. Orys used to ask for stories too, but not anymore." Her eyes glazed with sadness.

"Your Grace, Lady Stark." The Blackfish rode up to them. "We are about to rest for an hour or two. Are you tired from riding yet?"

Ashara shook her head. "I can ride for at least another two hours Ser Brynden. What of you, Your Grace?"


Ashara was delighted when the servants led her to her old chambers at King's Landing. After four weeks of riding or resting in the wheelhouse, she had reached King's Landing at last. However, there were no celebrations at court. Jon Arryn was dead and the last of the Vale lords were about to depart.

When Robert first heard the news, he was furious…at Stannis. "WHY DID YOU NOT TELL ME OF THIS?" he had thundered. Ashara wondered how Stannis could remain calm and expressionless as Robert berated him loudly and publically. He does not even tremble or cower away. More to the point, Stannis insisted he had a raven sent to him once Jon Arryn died.

"I'm sorry about earlier." Catelyn appeared at Ashara's door. She had changed from her blue gown to black. "Robert should not have shouted at Stannis in front of you and the other courtiers."

"You have naught to apologise for," replied Ashara. "It is a shock, is it not? Jon Arryn dead…I suppose Bran will return back to Winterfell."

"Don't send him back so soon! He only arrived! Besides, Ormund likes him. He told me yesterday that he is happy to have Bran as a friend and was eager to start his lessons with him once matters settle down. We will find another good lord to foster Bran and Ormund; do you want to end Bran's dreams of knighthood? He'll not thank you for this." Catelyn paused. "What about you? How long will you stay here for before you go to Starfall?"

"A few days. The sooner I arrive at Starfall the better. As for Bran…is he aware that Lord Arryn is dead?"

"You have not seen your son yet?"

"I…I was not told where his chambers are."

Catelyn laughed. "He was given the chambers beside yours! He's not there at the moment; Ormund is showing him around the Red Keep – under supervision of course." Her blue eyes twinkled. "Do you know who ended up with the task of watching them? The Blackfish!"

Ashara chuckled. "You must be jesting Catelyn!"

"No, no! Ser Brynden had to go and watch them for the day! It meant I must have Ser Garth Hightower as my sworn shield today. He is not the same as Uncle Brynden, but he is a brilliant swordsman."

"Garth Greysteel? Your good-brother? I thought he was set to wed a Fossoway of New Barrel a few months ago?"

"Oh, he was…until Ser Yorbert Royce died, leaving a vacancy in the Kingsguard. My father saw Ser Garth fight in tourneys before and recommended him. In a few days, Ser Garth was summoned from Oldtown to King's Landing and offered the empty position in the Kingsguard. He accepted. His younger brother Ser Gunthor wedded Lady Jeyne Fossoway in his stead."

"Did Lady Jeyne consent to a change of husband?"

Catelyn shrugged. "I doubt she had much say in the matter. Besides, both Sers Garth and Gunthor are excellent at swordplay and Leyla told me Gunthor spent a few years studying at the Citadel where he learnt to speak the Summer Tongue. That should surely please Lady Jeyne. Ser Gunthor is useful here; he could speak to Prince Jalabhar Xho of the Red Flower Vale with ease. Do you recall Jalabhar Xho, Ashara? He is the exiled prince from the Summer Islands."

Ashara was more surprised to learn the dark-skinned exiled prince from the Summer Islands still dwelled at King's Landing. "Why is he still here?" she could not help ask. "I thought you said Robert considered giving him money and a few squads of men to go and reclaim his seat somewhere in the Summer Isles?" She frowned. "Wait. Let me guess: Robert entertains the idea of conquering or aiding Prince Jalabhar Xho, but procrastinates on the matter."

"Many councillors are against the idea of sending men to the Summer Isles – I admit it would be safer to keep our soldiers here."

"Oh?"

Catelyn lowered her voice. "Targaryen pretenders."

A laugh escaped Ashara's lips. "Catelyn! You must be jesting! Targaryens? Had Robert been telling you his fears again?"

The queen shrugged. "Some of my servants are prone to gossip and I do hear hushed words said accidently by passing by councillors." Her eyes widened. "Oh, I should go and speak a few condolences to the remaining Vale lords. I'll see you at supper Ashara."


Before the dancing could begin, Ashara excused herself from her conversation with Lady Tanda Stokeworth and found Bran chatting animatedly with Ormund. It was a pleasing sight. "Bran," Ashara approached them. She dipped her head at Ormund. "My prince. May I have a word with Bran?"

"Of course Lady Stark," said Ormund instantly. Bran grinned at him and went with her to a slightly more secluded area of the Great Hall. "I did not climb on any walls," said Bran at once, "I swear on the old gods and new-"

Ashara kissed him on the cheek. "I believe you."

"You do?"

"Listen, I did not pull you here to interrogate you about your climbing. I must go to Starfall in a few days, well technically Blackhaven, and I will not be back for a while. I worry for you and your siblings, but you especially."

"Is that because I am the only Stark at King's Landing?"

Ashara nodded. "You are a good boy – I know you are. I trust King Robert will foster you off to a suitable lord and you are too prove to him how dedicated and hard-working you are to your lessons. No more climbing, do you hear me? I know you will miss it, but what will your father say when he hears rumours or tales of you recklessly climbing the walls? He will be angry and I will too. I'm pleased you and Ormund are good friends already and I'm certain he and Queen Catelyn will help you settle in. Talk to other boys your age if you will, but do not talk to those you think suspicious." She lowered her voice. "If you feel something off about any man who tries to speak to you, trust your instincts. Be wary, Bran. I don't want to frighten you, but you must know: court is like a snake's pit. If you show any sign of weakness, they will destroy you."

Bran looked bewildered. "Mother?"

"Your father said a Stark does not belong in King's Landing. Daynes do though. Well, they did. You are half-Dayne through me-"

"Mother, what are you talking about?" His dark blue eyes glistened with fear and puzzlement. "If King's Landing is dangerous, why did you and Father consent to foster me here?"

Robert insisted. He always insists – and wins. "Prince Ormund needs a friend," Ashara said quietly. "King Robert and your father are such good friends that the king thought you and Ormund will be too. I will come and see you once all is well at Starfall. Can you do something else for me?"

"Anything Mother."

"No more climbing on walls – whether at Winterfell, King's Landing or places you may go to, do not climb on any more walls."


I thought it would be nice to get the start of Ashara's journey out of the way. A quick head's up: the next chapter is a Jon POV. I spent most of yesterday and today plotting the rest of Part 2's storyline and after deliberating on it for a while, I decided to split it in half so there'll be a Part 3 as there are too many years from the beginning and ending of Part 2 I planned and character development is essential so I apologise if some of you may find it irritating if the pace is (or will be) too slow. I'm pretty depressed that I can't move the ending I wanted any earlier but I won't sacrifice poor character development for it.

I've already written down the POVs you wanted and if they're not in Part 2, they'll definitely be in Part 3 :)