Honor and Fealty chapter 4
A/n: According to the research I have done, Maege and Alysane Mormont each must have married someone beneath their house level. That is the only reason why they kept the Mormont name. Since there never was any details about Maege Mormont's husband or Alysane's husband (for the sake of the story, her husband's name is Jeron), I'm taking a stab in the dark, so to speak, with who they might have been without having to go too deep into detail. Dacey, Alysane, Lyra, Jorelle and Lyanna's father probably got killed during an Ironborn attack from the south while Alysane's husband might have been felled during a Wildling raid. Also, I'm going off on a limb regarding Alysane's daughter and son. Sarea and Beron Mormont. The names chosen for them are only for the purposes of this story.
298 AC - Present Day
Though Winterfell was grand and vast, Dacey Mormont spotted Bran Stark high above on the ramparts as she and Benjen Stark entered the ancestral seat of House Stark by way of the East Gate.
They were met by Lord Eddard Stark and Lady Catelyn Stark. Dacey stood back for a moment so Benjen could embrace his brother and his sister-by-law. Ned was happy to see his sole surviving sibling again while Catelyn seemed friendly enough with Benjen to where she could be happy to see him.
Ned Stark noticed Dacey and waved her forward. Dacey stepped forward and bowed in reverence to the Warden of the North. The past was not lost on him and he knew she remembered going with him to Castle Black with Jon Snow bundled in her arms. Never once did Dacey ever ask what was spoken between him and her uncle. Ned Stark remained thankful for that.
"Lady Mormont, it is a privilege to receive you in Winterfell." Ned spoke, bringing a smile to Dacey's face. "It is as well a privilege to be received by you and your lady wife, Lord Stark." Dacey spoke kindly as she looked to him.
In a manner inherent to the guest right, Ned presented his brother and Dacey Mormont with tokens of bread and salt along with mugs of cold Northern ale.
"The hospitality of Winterfell is yours for as long as you like." Ned said warmly to both Benjen and Dacey.
"While it is good to see you again, Ned, I'm here on behalf of the Night's Watch. Take me to see the new recruits I'm taking up north to the Wall. When that is done, I will go see my nephews and nieces." Benjen spoke as he happily accepted his mug of ale.
As the Stark brothers excused themselves and went on their way to the dungeons, Dacey Mormont was left in the company of Lady Catelyn Stark.
The last time she saw Dacey Mormont, Catelyn saw a little girl in attire worn by the smallfolk of the North holding Jon Snow and Robb Stark in her arms. It was absurd to Catelyn that Dacey possessed such care for Ned's bastard or that she saw him as Robb's brother and equal.
Fourteen years later, Dacey Mormont stood before Catelyn Stark as a tall, lean and strikingly beautiful Northern woman full grown and dressed in armor with a sheathed longsword at one side and a mace at the other. Her hair was long, unbound and dark black, which matched her cloak lined with bear fur. Though her black leathers, armor and cloak concealed it, Dacey's body was physically toned and very strong; a body shaped and toughened by work, training and combat against the Ironborn and the Free Folk.
"Lady Stark. It has been a long time since we last saw one another." Dacey said politely as she drank half the ale in her mug.
"Yes, it has, Lady Mormont. How are your mother and sisters? Has Alysane remarried?" Catelyn asked.
"My sisters and I are well as is my mother. Alysane has not remarried. Very few on Bear Island or on the mainland have proven themselves or shown any interest in trying. Sarea and Beron have been more than enough to fill the void left after Jeron was killed by the Wildlings." Dacey replied before finishing the rest of the ale in her mug.
"Your sister, Lyanna, came to visit us a few days ago. She has aided Arya with her tutelage, which I am thankful for. However, Lyanna has spoken back to Septa Mordane more than once in ways that are unbecoming of a lady. Though I am well aware that the women of House Mormont are strong willed and outspoken, I believe your sister could have found other ways to express her thoughts and opinions."
"When it comes to my mother, my sisters or myself expressing opinions or points of view, we favor only two options. One involves words that we do not mince. The other does not involve words at all." Dacey said directly, pausing in her steps to look Catelyn eye to eye, a hand gripping the handle of her prized mace. The message was made abundantly clear to Catelyn that a few sharp words were preferable to being attacked with any weapon.
"If you may give me leave, I will go see how Robb and Jon have come along over the years." Dacey said, causing Catelyn's expression to sour upon mention of Lord Stark's bastard. "Speaking of Jon, how has he been keeping?" Dacey had not forgotten the cruel words spoken by Catelyn Stark years ago.
"He is well enough. I have been of the opinion that he would have flourished better on Bear Island than in Winterfell." It pained her to say anything kind about Jon Snow, though not so much as the fact that her own children embraced him as though he were one of them. It mystified her equally that Dacey chose to bring Jon back to Winterfell rather than offering to take him to live with her on Bear Island.
"It would not have done well to separate him from his brother when they were still swaddling infants in their cribs." Dacey said patiently before asking with a brazen tone, "Do you still have that foul mouthed Ironborn whoremonger living with you?"
"Yes. Theon Greyjoy lives here with us as a ward."
Dacey smiled thinly. "For Robb and Jon's sakes, I better not find out that Theon has been a bad influence on them."
"There is an important matter I wish to discuss with you tonight." Catelyn said. Arya and Lyanna had asked her about what they had discussed in the godswood and it did not go well with her.
"When the time comes for that discussion, we will speak together again." Dacey said, not flinching from the older woman's glare while noticing a direwolf pacing around nearby several yards from her while out of Catelyn's field of vision.
"I will have the servents prepare guest chambers for you. As Lord Stark indicated upon your arrival, the hospitality of Winterfell is yours."
"Thank you, Lady Stark." Dacey said as she walked away from Catelyn. Once she was by herself and Lady Catelyn was out of sight, Dacey hissed under her breath, "Harpy."
Dacey approached the wolf, who looked up in time for Bran to deftly climb down the wall. Bran's feet never touched the ground upon leaping off the side of of the wall. He did feel a pair of slender yet strong arms catch him and turn him around in mid air.
"You ought to thank the Gods I caught you instead of your lady mother, Brandon Stark."
"I saw you arrive with my uncle Benjen. You look beautiful, Lady Dacey." Bran said bashfully, which made Dacey smile at the boy's adorable yet innocent charm.
"Be careful where you climb and how far up you go. Fate is not always kind." Dacey said to Bran before she kissed him on the cheek and set him down on his feet. "I'm on my way to the training grounds. Come with me. It's done me good to see you."
Bran nodded and turned to his direwolf. "Summer, come."
Summer nodded happily and walked alongside Bran as he held Dacey's hand. "That's a nice name for your wolf, Bran." Dacey said as they approached the training grounds where Rodrik Cassel, Winterfell's master-at-arms, was training two boys with blunted swords.
The dark auburn haired boy was tall and muscular. His attacks were powerful. Meanwhile, the black-haired boy was shorter and leaner. His attacks were swift. When their swords were lowered and they noticed the arrival of the she-bear, Robb Stark and Jon Snow embraced Dacey Mormont as she wrapped an arm around each of their necks.
For a long time when Robb Stark and Jon Snow were younger boys, they saw Dacey Mormont as a doting sister.
Now that they were on the cusp of manhood, the two of them saw how she had become a woman full grown and a true Northern beauty if there ever was one. "Lady Dacey Mormont. What do we owe your visit to Winterfell?" Robb asked.
"I came here with your uncle Benjen from Castle Black while I was visiting my uncle Jeor." Dacey said as she looked over Robb with a once over glance. "I can only imagine how many lords and their daughters came to Winterfell before the Highgarden betrothal was struck." The grin on her face did not reach her eyes yet she tried her hand at light hearted humor.
Though he tried not to blush, Robb's face betrayed him. Dacey kissed Robb on the cheek and his face turned redder than his auburn hair. "When the time comes to see her, I will ride out with you, Robb Stark. Is that clear?"
"I would not have thought to go without you watching over me, Dacey Mormont." Robb said with a warm smile on his face.
Turning her eyes to Robb's base born brother, Dacey hugged Jon Snow and kissed his cheek. "You've grown into a solemn Stark if I do say so myself." The warm smile on Dacey's face made Jon's mood brighten up.
"You speak kindly, Lady Mormont, but I am not a Stark." Jon said. Before he could lower his chin to his chest, Dacey lifted it with her hand. "To me, you are a Stark in spirit and heart. The name will come in time." Dacey spoke with resolve. The kiss she gave him on the forehead was reassuring and it invoked the memory of being held in her arms.
A part of Jon Snow that he never revealed to anyone wondered if Dacey Mormont had been his mother in another life.
"No matter how many sweet words you pour in his ear, Mormont, he's the bastard of Winterfell."
Dacey's mood changed instantly as she gave a cold stare at Theon Greyjoy. It was her hand on Jon's shoulder that reminded her where she was. "Jon, tell Maester Luwin that he's going to have his hands full with mending Theon Greyjoy's broken body very soon."
Septa Mordane was more than bothered when Sansa and Arya's wolves joined them for their studies. It took many reassurances to set the old woman at ease. The wolves were very much like their respective mistresses.
Lady sat upright on her haunches with poise in the likeness of Sansa.
Nymeria was looking up at the embroidery in Arya's hands, growling at it as if she could sense her mistress's frustration with the needlework. Lyanna patted Nymeria gently as she helped Arya through it.
Half way through the embroidery, there were sounds of a fight breaking out, followed by fits of laughter coming from the courtyards. Sansa and Jeyne heard it as well. Before Septa Mordane could protest, Arya and Lyanna ran out to the ledge to see what the fuss was about with Nymeria running after them.
The sight before them brought smiles to their faces.
Theon Greyjoy was in the battle for his life against Dacey Mormont. He had his shield up and it was taking all his strength to keep the shield in place to prevent getting bashed in with a mace.
Moments ago, they went against each other with blunted swords and that contest ended with Dacey disarming Theon and kicking him right off his feet. By the time she was pummeling him with her mace, Theon was crying out within a few minutes, "I yield!"
While Theon was attended to by Luwin and Cassel, Dacey rejoined Robb Stark and Jon Snow just as Lyanna Mormont ran down the steps leading to the courtyard with Arya hot on her heels. "Dacey!" By the time she had her mace and sword put back in place at her sides, Dacey caught Lyanna in a bear hug. "Lyanna. I'm happy to see you."
Dacey looked around Lyanna to see Arya looking up at her with what had to be a terminal case of hero worship. "Arya Stark. How many more wrinkles have you put on your Septa's face?"
"Plenty more than what she had when she first arrived at Winterfell." Arya japed.
Dacey set Lyanna down on her feet and ruffled Arya's hair. "Come with me and your brothers to the godswood, Arya."
While Arya Stark and Lyanna Mormont eagerly ran out to meet Dacey Mormont, Sansa and Jeyne remained up above, watching Dacey Mormont throw Theon a brutal beating. It was unthinkable for them to get into fights or take up weapons yet the woman who had become the object of affection for her brothers took to it easily and eagerly.
They watched for a while as Dacey and Lyanna then led Bran, Arya, Robb and Jon towards the godswood along with their direwolves (Summer, Nymeria, Grey Wind and Ghost) before returning to Septa Mordane and their lessons.
The godswood of Winterfell was not littered with affectations or flowery scents. It was dark, primal and untouched by the Andals. These were things that the Northerners with blood of the First Men in their veins would appreciate. As well, in the godswood, no spies could be found. No one would or could dare try to eavesdrop on anything that transpired upon such sacred ground.
There were things that had to be discussed between the Starks and the Mormonts. The godswood in Winterfell was the one place they could speak together safely.
Just as they were about to approach the clearing where the heart tree stood before a small pond fed by the underground hot springs, Dacey motioned for everyone to stop. "Jon, stay here with Bran, Arya and Lyanna. I must speak privately with Robb first. Then I will speak with you."
While Bran and Arya had no idea what was going on, Jon and Lyanna seemed to understand.
Jon kept Bran close to him and Lyanna stood by Arya's side as Dacey Mormont and Robb Stark walked towards the heart tree, Grey Wind walking steadily at his master's side. Though Arya never thought of such things, she could see Dacey marrying Robb before the heart tree and thus becoming her sister by law.
Dacey and Robb bowed their heads, spending time together in prayer and self reflection. When that was done, they looked to each other. "On these hallowed grounds, Robb Stark, neither one of us can lie. The Old Gods are watching us." Dacey said as they looked up at the face of the heart tree.
"I know." Robb replied.
"Did your mother come to you with news of your betrothal?" Dacey asked.
Robb nodded his head. "Within the year, I will marry Margaery of House Tyrell, the daughter of Mace Tyrell, the Lord of Highgarden and Warden of the South. I have heard tales of her beauty and grace."
"Even the loveliest rose is rooted in dirt and their pretty petals do a lot to distract you from the sharp thorns that draw blood without hesitation or remorse." Dacey warned with strife in her voice as she thought of the Golden Rose wrapping vines around her Young Wolf's neck like a hangman's noose.
"Do you have such contempt for someone you never met before, Dacey?" Robb asked.
"A Southron woman came to the North once. She was of the Reach. Lynesse Hightower married my cousin and ruined him. He turned to selling poachers into slavery to afford her lavish lifestyle. In doing this, he brought disgrace to House Mormont. When it happened, it was my lady mother, my sisters and I who had to deal with it, especially after Jorah fled Westeros to escape the justice Lord Stark would have dealt him. The South has no respect or love for the North or for Northerners so why should I have any love or respect for the South?"
"From what I have been told by my great uncle in the Riverlands, Lady Margaery is nothing like Lynesse Hightower." Robb said, referring to Brynden 'The Blackfish' Tully. Among the members of his mother's family, The Blackfish was perhaps the smartest and boldest one among them. "Why did you come all the way from Bear Island?"
Dacey sighed. "I do not want to see what happened to my house happen to yours."
Looking Robb in his blue eyes, Dacey revealed her intent. "Jorah Mormont is my cousin; my family. Though he brought disgrace to our house, I still love him. I do not condemn him as much as I condemn myself for not doing anything or speaking up. Because I stood by and did nothing, he fled Westeros as a disgraced knight, shamed lord and expatriate. I do not ask for pardon on his behalf. I ask for the chance to redeem myself for my inaction."
In a move spurred by boldness and tenderness, Robb placed a hand on Dacey's shoulder. "You have committed no crimes against me, my family or the North for which you need to be pardoned. Though if it will bring you peace of mind, how would you have sought redemption?"
"Robb Stark, I wish to serve at your side. I would train you in body and mind, give you strength and guidance. In this service to you and your house, I hope to wash away the stain on my family's honor and, if the Gods will allow it, my own guilt."
Robb simply embraced Dacey, who then wrapped her arms around him, pulling him close. Breaking from the embrace briefly, Dacey looked into Robb's eyes and spoke with resolve in her voice. "When I was a child, I saw your father as the uncrowned King of Winter. If he is that to me, then you are the uncrowned Prince of the North. If you are to govern the North, I will give you what strength and wisdom I possess to help you do it right." Releasing Robb from her embrace, Dacey took his hands in hers and said, "You will one day take up your family's ancestral greatsword. I will not see you or your hands tremble or hesitate come the day, Robb Stark."
Robb was very touched by the depth of Dacey's love and loyalty to him. "I will speak with my father. Whatever happens, we must abide in his judgment." Robb said.
Dacey nodded in accordance. "Whatever happens, I will stand by you and take care of you, Robb Stark."
A/n: Sorry about the delay. I recently got a new job after being without one. With any luck, this story will push forward from this point on more easily. I have toyed around with a Dacey/Robb pairing but I am having a tough time in figuring out how to make that happen. I do not oppose Robb/Margaery if it's done right. I just find Robb/Dacey very interesting since both their families are very close and that they do love/care for each other deeply.