I didn't want to go over 7,000 words so I split Day 4 and 5 into separate chapters. Give me a week (exactly SEVEN days) to finish the next chapter and post it. I'm back at Uni so I don't have too much time to write.
Day 4 will focus more on Lyanna's point of view so enjoy that.
Day 5 is going to be from Brandon's, how exciting.
Thank you for the support x
P.S: Was lazy when it came to editing and it shows.
Chapter 10: Day 4: Many Apologies to Forgive.
Benjen had forced himself to bed, too buzzed with excitement. He couldn't wait for morning as Anya had promised to wake him. It's for that reason he'd woken much too early; even the moon had yet to completely hide in the sky. The eager anticipation he felt made him too fidgety to stay in bed. He remembers the fun he'd had with Anya's morning visit and grins eagerly. He grabs his history scrolls and books and quickly reads; wanting to pick a good historical moment for them to play pretend for.
He'd been so focused on his reading, that he startled at the knock on his door. He muffled his yelp and quickly burrowed under his furs and pretends to sleep. It doesn't chase away the smile on his lips. When the door creaks open, he's tempted to scare Anya as a jape.
"Benjen."
The deep tone that speaks his name causes him to sit up in shock. Father stands above him and Benjen quickly scrambles to sit up. Father had never visited him in his chambers before. Benjen suddenly feels nervous and bashful. He loves his father, but he is much too worried that he'd done something to disappoint him.
"Father- I- Morning father."
Rickard stares at his youngest and tries to hide the mirth he feels. Benjen is indeed rather mature for his age, but it does nothing to hide his child tendencies. At five years, Rickard was quite proud of how his son was shaping to be. A lot of it was thanks to Anya's attentiveness to Benjen's needs. Rickard was not blind to the disappointment the child felt at seeing him and not Anya.
"W-where's Anya?" Benjen blurts peering behind his Father.
Rickard raises a brow at the question and tries not to laugh at the panic Benjen's face makes.
"N-not that it's not great to see you. I- Anya said- I wasn't expecting-"
"Hush Benjen. Anya is fine, she will still seek you for the morning."
Benjen doesn't hide his relief at his fathers words. It amuses Rickard and he allows his lips to curl in a laughing smirk. Benjen then looks confused and nervous, worried over why his father would visit him otherwise. The look on the little boys face prompts Rickard to explain. He reaches out a hand ruffles his sons already bed messed hair. Rickard was not a very affectionate man, more so since his wife had died, but Benjen is not afraid of his father. Benjen leans into the action and feels a little less nervous.
"Arrei tells me you grow restless through your lessons."
Benjen looks down at his hands in guilt. He had been getting a little distracted and bored. He just missed Anya and being able to see her whenever he could. Now she was always too busy with Lyanna and the stupid visiting ladies. Anya would usually join him during his lessons or at least steal him away for afternoon meals. He knew it wasn't a valid excuse to not study. Father was a very busy lord. Anya already explained to him that by doing well in his lessons father stressed less.
"I'm sorry, Father."
Rickard felt his heart clench at the apology. He'd done his youngest a great disservice as he could not remember the last time he'd spoken to the boy alone. He pulled Benjen closer and gave the child a hug. He was so small in his arms and he could hear Lyarra's ghost cooing with pride. The words his wife had uttered about Benjen haunted him in his sleep some nights.
'My baby, my young pup, my darling little boy. Love him always Rickard- I need you to love him always.'
When Benjen had been born, Lyarra did not speak of his future or how he'd grow. All his wife had done was cry tears of relief and plead for him to always love the boy. He never asked her why- too afraid that something horrid awaited his youngest in the future. Lyarra never explained her words.
Benjen relaxes into the hug and Rickard speaks softly.
"I can not blame you for missing your sister. I understand how afraid you were when she'd fallen sickly."
Benjen clutches at his father's tunic and stares at his fur blanket.
"Your mother was a strong woman. She loved you just as much as I love you. Anya is very much like her."
Benjen looks up at Rickard and he smiles softly.
"The care you show your sister makes us very proud. Soon this ladies gathering will be over and I promise you that you'll have as much time as you'd like with your sisters."
Rickard grows quiet, trying his best to figure out how to phrase his next words. He doesn't want Benjen to worry. In fact, he's not even sure if he should be asking this of the child. He wrestles with his doubts internally. Only by the ghostly visage of Lyarra smirking at him from behind Benjen's curious gaze, does he realize how silly he is being. Benjen is a cunning boy, he knows this, the child will do fine.
"Father?"
"I have a job for you my son."
~*~*~Winter Storm Queen~*~*~
Father left not long after explaining what he wanted Benjen to do. Now alone, Benjen did something he rarely indulged in. He schemed a very diabolical scheme. Once again the young child was so focused he startled at the knock on his door. He hastily hid his scribbled notes and eagerly looked to the door. When it opened to reveal a smiling Anya, he didn't hesitate to rush towards her and squeeze her in a tight hug. She brought fruits and they huddled round his bed and talked. She gave him a trinket made of feathers and nets, explaining that their supposed to help catch bad dreams.
Anya and he spent the morning much like the last. Though this time, when Anya finally had to leave to meet with the ladies, Benjen wasn't as upset. Instead he was eager as his scheme was set to begin. As soon as she was no longer in sight, Benjen grinned a wicked grin and rushed to ready his plans. There were no limits to what he could arrange, not when Father had given him explicit permission to do whatever he thought necessary.
Benjen giggled and laughed causing the help around him to feel a sense of foreboding.
~*~*~Winter Storm Queen~*~*~
Lyanna felt nervous when she was roused by the help rather than Anya. She worried it would be much like yesterday's morning where her sister left her on her own to tend to the Ladies. She firmly chanted in her head that Anya wouldn't do such a thing, not when she'd begged her yesterday.
"You must move quicker Lady Lyanna, you can not afford to dally," the maid helping her pushed.
"Where is Anya!? Why isn't she helping me?" Lyanna huffed.
She yelped when the maid brazenly pulled her upwards to straighten. Lyanna did not see the irritated expression the young maid wore as she helped her dress. Every single person among the help was determined to ensure the little Lady Anya had an easier day compared to yesterday. They owed it to their little lady after her promised vow at their gathering. The young maid still did not hold much favor for Lyanna, but she would swallow it and endure for their little lady.
She tightly pulled the laces of Lyanna's dress and hid a small smirk at the yelp the younger girl gave. She may be keeping quiet but that didn't mean she couldn't enjoy the little things.
"Apologies m'lady."
"Just- Not too tightly, please. I already hate wearing dresses, I refuse to die by one. You never did answer my question." Lyanna grumbled as she tugged at the sleeves of the dress.
"Lady Anya has reserved her morning for little Lord Benjen."
"Benjen? What about the ladies gathering? She doesn't have time to spend the morning with Benjen!" Lyanna exclaimed.
The Ladies gathering was already very demanding. Lyanna worried that by adding Benjen to her schedule, Anya might be pushing herself too hard. She didn't want Anya falling ill again from doing too much.
"The little lord missed Lady Anya deeply, he's not seen her much since the Ladies gathering commenced."
Lyanna bit at her lip and silently sat through the maid braiding her hair. She supposed it was true, even she hadn't seen much of Benjen. She could understand why Benjen would be upset. Even with Brandon home, Lyanna hadn't seen much of him. Lyanna's mood began to grow dark the longer she thought about things. It was day four of the gathering, she only had three more days to suffer through. She needed Anya or else she would fail. Benjen could last three more days, he'd understand.
"All done m'lady."
Lyanna didn't wait for the maid to speak. As soon as she'd tied off her braid, she'd stood and raced out her chambers. She was intent on seeking out Anya. She refused to have to face the other ladies on her own. The castle seemed busier than yesterday, with servants bustling about. Lyanna had to dodge several of them and almost tripped over the ends of her dress in attempt to stop from tumbling into a few.
She'd almost run round a corner when she heard a loud bellow from the help.
"LORD RICKARD!" they loudly cried and hastily bowed in respect.
Lyanna hastily stopped and hurried to straighten her dress and hair. Ladies do not run. Ladies never look harried. She bit her tongue to ensure she didn't let any cuss words slip from her mouth. If Father were to catch her running through the halls they would fail. By the time her father had turned Lyanna was fairly confident she looked the part.
"Good morning Father," She greeted with a curtsy.
She tried not to fidget under his intense stare. She did her best to ensure her posture was straight and her hands gracefully held. He arched a brow and it almost had her caving into old habits.
"Lyanna, should you not be going to morning fast?"
"Of course, Father. I was only seeking Anya so we may attend together."
He stared at her and Lyanna hated that she could tell nothing from his expression. Ultimately he gave her an amused look and lightly scolded her.
"A lady does not let other's wait."
She cursed in her head and tried not to show her panic. What would Anya say to such a thing? She channeled her sister as best she could and fumbled to reply.
"A lady arrives at a time worthy of her status."
She waited to see if her excuse would be enough. When father only chuckled she felt relief course through her immediately. He nodded his head and urged her to carry on with a slight tilt of his head.
"Your sister will meet you with the other ladies. She's seeing to Benjen right now."
Lyanna had to bite her tongue and swallow the words she wished to spew. Ladies do not shout. Ladies never argue against a Lord, they are respectful, demure and above all polite. Lyanna had never been such things, especially before her father. She'd always spoken her mind brazenly and fiercely. She clenched her fists tightly and counted backwards in her head just as Anya taught her. It helped only a little, but it was enough to keep her tongue from turning loose.
When she saw her Father nod in approval, she almost let slip again. He'd been testing her! It stung that he would do such a thing. He already knew just how hard she was finding it all. A part of her was angry at him, she wished to rage at her father for prodding at her like the stupid Ladies she was forced to entertain.
But Lyanna was a fighter, and she was stubborn.
She would not fail or break! Just watch! She was going to prove everyone wrong. All she needed was Anya by her side and they'd succeed.
"Of course father. I'll make haste to tend to my guests then."
She dipped once more and paced herself as she walked. Every step she took only further fed the fiery determination howling within her. Lyanna waited till she'd turned the corner before she resumed her running. She will go tend to the ladies, but first she would grab her sister. Anya and her were a team and they would show everyone.
Together.
~*~*~Winter Storm Queen~*~*~
Rickard watched Lyanna slowly make her way round the corner. Only once she'd completely disappeared out of sight did he let his frown paint his lips. She was trying and he was glad about it, but it was still not enough to hide her lack of discipline. He'd easily noted the windswept strands loose from her braids, and the slight crinkles on her dress. She'd improved plenty since Anya's teachings but that would not be enough. Lyanna was his eldest and she would represent their house. She was too reliant on Anya and it was showing too blatantly. It was something he could not let other Houses see for they would take advantage of such a thing.
"M'lord, how may we be of service to you?" one of the servants inquired.
Rickard thought deeply about his next move. All of the possible variables that may come about for the day, quickly flashing through his mind. He gave a low hum and lowly gave his instructions to the help. After Anya's speech yesterday, he was certain his orders would be carried out perfectly.
"As you wish M'lord."
Just before the servant could turn and begin his tasks, Rickard stopped him with one last warning.
"Spread word that Benjen should not be hindered in his activities for the day. Also, ensure Brandon and Lyanna stay far from my youngest. They are not to know of his deeds."
"Yes M'lord."
Rickard scratched lightly at his beard in contemplative thought. He pondered on whether he was simply over thinking everything. Perhaps he was simply being paranoid? Lyarra's ghost cooed within his mind and his lips twitched at her memory. No, he most definitely was not. They were their mother's children and chaos favored her greatly.
~*~*~Winter Storm Queen~*~*~
When Lyanna came across Anya, the younger Stark was making her way to the dining hall.
"Anya!" Lyanna cried out in relief.
Anya spared her sister a frown.
"Lya, a Lady does not-"
"Yes, yes I know! A lady does not shout. I remember. I've been looking for you! Father told me you went to see Benjen!" Lyanna quickly spoke.
Anya smiled and opened her mouth to speak but Lyanna spoke on.
"I know you missed him. I do too; but we can't be distracted. We both need to focus on getting through this lady gathering."
Once again Anya moved to speak but Lyanna spoke over her.
"It's you and me. Together as a team. Promise me Anya, promise you won't let me down?"
Anya shifted on her feet and Lyanna smiled imploringly at her sister. She pulled Anya into a hug and held her tightly. Lyanna wished Anya didn't wear her mask, she wished her sister would smile back at her like she did when they were younger.
"How was Benjen?" Lyanna whispered softly.
Anya pulled back from the hug and offered a small twitch of her lips. It wasn't a smile, but it was something just a little bit warmer than her usual expression. It was enough to have Lyanna grin.
"He misses you and knows you can do it. Just three more days and it'll all be over."
Lyanna grinned feeling encouraged by her little brother's faith. She gripped Anya's hand in hers and started to trudge so they could hurry to break their fast. Anya willingly followed, subtly dictating the pace they should move at. Soon they arrived at the dining hall, Lyanna felt nervous as she did every time she had to prove herself in front of the Ladies. She felt Anya squeeze her hand and turned to look at her.
"Together, right. Always together," she lowly whispered seeking assurance.
Anya did not smile at her, she just nodded her head and softly responded.
"Always sisters."
Together, they entered, armed to face another day.
~*~*~Winter Storm Queen~*~*~
Barbary watched the Stark sisters arrive with barely withheld dislike. It wasn't envy that spurred her dislike, or even jealousy. What Barbary disliked about the Stark sisters was their entitled attitude and naivety. She didn't bother to smile or pander to their arrival like the others. Instead, she drank from her goblet and eyed the messy state of the eldest Stark girl. It was insulting to watch the she-wolf trudge about in a dress.
When she heard the rumors she'd not wished to believe them. Barbary refused to believe that a daughter of Lyarra Stark could possibly be so uncouth. Lyarra Stark was a woman she deeply respected. Surely, her daughters would live up to their mother's legacy. It took one look to know the truth and Barbary felt unreasonably betrayed.
Anya Stark was not what she expected, in fact she is nothing like Barbary thought. The younger Stark daughter was truly her father's daughter. While disappointing, it was better than being the insulting farce of a Lady Lyanna Stark was portraying. It would be wrong to say Barbary worshiped Lyarra Stark; as worship was too weak a word to describe her devotion to the woman.
Just as Rickard Stark was a name praised among the men for his icy demeanor and strict dealings; Lyarra Stark also shared a reputation among the Ladies. The cunning wit of a snake many dornish envied; the beauty of a goddess, no lady could compare; the steel backbone and ferocity of a wolf on the hunt. If the North were still to have King's and Queen's of their own, Rickard and Lyarra Stark would have been worshiped by their northern kin.
There was no warmth in Anya Stark, a feature most impressive to see in a girl so young; but at least she was a proper Lady. Lyanna Stark was a beastly mess put into a dress and told to pretend. Barbary wasn't sure which was worse; the farce of her acting or the fact the girl truly believed herself to be convincing.
"What do you think Barbary? Do you believe it to be beneficial?" Lady Umber asks.
Barbary hums with practiced contemplation. She knows Lady Umber is attempting to undermine the Stark sister as she had yesterday. She's an idiot to think copying her tricks will shake either sister. Anya Stark may be nothing like her mother's Lady reputation, but she is a lady of her own. The girl is still a dangerous foe. The true weakling is Lyanna Stark, but to strike at her, one must first find a gap in Anya Stark's shielding.
It's an easy thing to accomplish, after all Lyanna Stark is only acting.
"I tire of these outside activities," she starts.
Barbary purposely does not spare her own sister a glance. Bethany can hiss at her to behave all she wants, but Barbary is determined to do as she likes. They are Ryswell's, too long has their house been considered a smaller house of power. It's time they are recognized for their merit of worth. She and her sister's marriages to House Dustin and House Bolton, are only the beginning.
Barbary smirks at the Stark sisters and gives her most simpering expression.
"We've done many touring and have ventured among the small folk. Why not have today be spent inside?"
She makes the delivery of her next sentence as exaggerating as possible.
"Unless of course, you are against taking tea and sharing gossip during needle point?"
She's watching the Stark sister's closely and while Anya is a blank mask, she sees the obvious flinch Lyanna gives. Barbary grins with all her teeth on display. She will see to it that the Stark sister's are revealed for the lie they are parading. She knows exactly why the lady gathering had been arranged and she will not have it.
Lyanna Stark is not a lady.
She will make sure the rest of the north will see it too.
~*~*~Winter Storm Queen~*~*~
Lyanna is panicking.
It takes all her focus to keep the smile on her face pleasant. If not for the tight grip of reassurance Anya's giving her, she would have already burst. She hates Barbary Ryswell; hates and curses her to the deepest of hell. Anya's grip tightens and Lyanna forces herself to relax.
"Of course. I intended on arranging such activity for the morrow, but if that's agreeable with everyone, why not."
Lyanna looks at Anya and tries to catch her eye. Anya doesn't look bothered at all, simply smiling with that false mask of hers. Lady Umber and Manderly are quick to express their agreements. All the while Barbary fans herself looking rather smug. Lyanna wished with all her might she could leap at the smirking cow and carve her like a roast.
They finish breaking fast soon after, but just before Anya can follow after the rest, Lyanna snags her to wait. Only after the doors shut does Lyanna let loose.
"NEEDLE POINT! I'm terrible at Needle Point! You tried and I tried and I-I-"
"Lya! Relax, stay calm. You knew this would have to happen eventually. I warned you plenty. So long as you had practiced the simple stitches I'd shown you-"
Lyanna wilted and fidgeted with the laces of her dress. She couldn't stand to look at Anya; she didn't have to as her guilt was obvious.
"Please tell me you practiced…."
"I did at first but I kept pricking my fingers. I got frustrated and chucked it."
"Lyanna!"
"It's a useless skill!"
She made the mistake of looking up. As such she was snagged by the glowering expression of Anya's eyes. It was too similar to the night they'd fought and Lyanna felt her throat itch with guilt. She tried, she really did. She spent nights attempting to better her needle skills but she couldn't take the pricking of her fingers. It hurt too much and she simply knew she'd never get it right. Needle point was not something she needed, it was pointless. Lyanna was going to be a knight and knights don't need to know needle work.
She heard Anya take a deep breath before she next spoke.
"I'll think of something, just take your time and we should be able to keep them distracted."
Lyanna felt relieved and stepped forward to hug Anya but her sister was quick to turn.
"Hurry, Ladies must not be kept waiting."
She frowned, feeling a little hurt at the abrupt tone. Anya wasn't mad at her was she? She told her already that she tried, Anya knows she has no patience for silly things. She hesitated due to such thoughts, but quickly chased them from her mind. Impossible, Anya and her were a team.
Perhaps her little sister was just tired?
The thought worried her and Lyanna started to stress. She knew Anya visiting Benjen for the morning would prove too much.
"Anya, maybe you should take it easy too. I worry you might be stressing yourself," Lyanna fussed.
"I'm fine, Lya," Anya dismissed.
Lyanna grabbed her sister and forced her into a tight hug. Anya didn't fight her but Lyanna simply knew Anya didn't want to be hugged. It was too bad because Lyanna was still her big sister. A big sister always worries for the younger, and she refuses to see Anya bed ridden again.
"Promise me you'll rest if you feel even the smallest of ill feeling."
Anya was silent a few seconds more before she seemed to relax. Quietly the younger girl spoke, barely above a whisper.
"You beg too many promises of me Lya."
"It's because I know you will always keep them."
Anya sighs and squeezes her arm before pulling away.
"Never beg of them so lightly Lyanna. The gods may take insult one day and use it against you."
Lyanna frowned but Anya already made her way. She didn't like the uneasy feeling Anya's words stirred in her. It sounded too much like a warning. A cold shiver crawled down her spine and she felt weary of the room she was in. Lyanna looked about the dining hall, feeling as if she was being watched. She shrugged off the sensation and hastened her pace to join the others.
Anya was right.
They could do this.
How hard could it possibly be?
~*~*~Winter Storm Queen~*~*~
Impossibly hard apparently.
Lyanna was trying to do as Anya instructed and take her time. It only took seconds for Lyanna to fail. First she had struggled to get the needle threaded, then she had picked her finger endlessly while trying to start the stitch. She probably would have had more success if she hadn't been constantly prompted for conversation by the vapid bitches from House Manderly, Karstark and Umber.
They constantly simpered at her attempts and giggled each time she would attempt to stitch. Lyanna had long felt her face grow red with frustration and humiliation. She glanced over to where Anya was engaged with Barbary and wanted to scream. It wasn't fair of Lyanna to feel angry with her sister, she was well aware she'd brought this on herself. Only it was so frustrating to see how easily Anya managed.
Anya was doing her best to keep the ladies occupied and distracted from noticing her blunder. It just wasn't enough, as her attempts only staved off Barbary and left Lyanna open to the other three houses.
"Oh dear Lyanna, I think you've used too much red," Serra Umber gasped with a titter.
Lyanna looked down at her work and bit at her lip to quiet herself. The cloth she'd been working on was splattered with red dot's of blood from her fingers. Only more visible as Barbary had insisted they use white cotton.
"Oh do shut up already. So the girl can't thread a needle, at least she knows when to silence herself and not be such an annoying twat!"
A quiet shock rippled throughout the room, not only at the crass words, but at who had spoken. It shouldn't have been surprising but it was. Lyanna had not expected anyone other than Anya to come to her defense. While Lady Mormont wasn't the most stiff about lady manner, she still held herself with grace.
"Well said, Lady Mormont," Lady Hornwood sniffed with a nod of cheer.
"I beg your pardon, but how dare you address me so rudely!" Lady Umber huffed with her nose in the air.
"Ah! Leave it be Lady Umber, we all know how complicated and stuffy needle point can be," Lady Cerwyn airily waved.
"It's a skill a lady needs!" Margaret Karstark scoffed.
"It's a stuffy practice of old to give women a sense of importance," Anya added with a stilted drawl.
"Only old people take pride in being able to thread needles" her unspoken words said.
Lady Hornwood, Cerwyn and Mormont gave loud laughs and giggles at her sisters words. Lyanna only heard Bethany Ryswell laugh because she was watching for Barbary's reaction. The humiliation faded and Lyanna sat straighter in her seat. She hadn't expected anyone else to come to her defense other than Anya.
She looked at the three ladies and gave them grateful smiles, receiving winks and nods in return. When she looked to Anya, she grinned widely and saw how her sister's mask seemed warmer. As the rest of the activity continued, Lyanna felt a little more assured. She had people to defend her, people she could rely on to support her. She knew it had something to do with Anya, but couldn't figure out why.
Eventually, Lyanna grew comfortable enough to contribute to the idle gossip and snap back few pointed word jabs of her own. Barbary Ryswell did not say anything more to Lyanna as Anya successfully held her off.
It should have ended on a high note.
Positively.
Lyanna should have finished the day feeling accomplished with her head held high.
However, when they had finished their evening meal, Lyanna had been caught unaware. Barbary Ryswell had waited until Anya was much too busy conversing with the help to notice. She stopped Lyanna with a firm grip around her wrist and pulled her close to whisper in her ear like a hissing snake.
"You will never be a lady, and it disgusts me to see you try. You are nothing like your mother."
Lyanna had frozen in shock at the sudden feeling of hurt the words stirred in her. She looked up and saw the disgusted look on Barbary's face before also seeing the sneering judgment on the faces of Lady Manderly, Karstark and Umber. There was no Anya to interfere, no Lady Hornwood, Cerwyn or Mormont to come to her defense.
Lyanna faltered under the expressions on their faces alone.
When they left, she felt a heavy feeling form in her gut. The determined burning in her chest to fight felt smothered. Lyanna suddenly wanted to cry. She turned to where her sister continued to talk to the help- sorting out the next day's activity. Instead of Anya, she saw the ghostly visage of her mother. Dark whispers and thoughts began to filter into her mind and she suddenly noticed the same expression Barbary wore reflected on a few of the help. Lyanna felt small, isolated and unwanted. She felt like a burden, disliked and revolting in the eyes of those around her.
"Lyanna?" Anya called with a worry.
Lyanna blinked but immediately responded.
Not many knew this, arguably one could say no-one knew this at all, but Lyanna shared something else in common with Anya.
She too wore a mask, only no-one ever noticed.
Lyanna forced her lips to part and huff before she rolled her eyes with exaggerated exasperation.
"Thank the gods this is all over. I can't believe we actually did it!" she prattled.
Anya sighed looking tired and Lyanna felt her heart sink as the dark whispers spoke up again. She pulled Anya into a hug and hid her face best she could in her sister's neck. She didn't want anyone to see how her eyes burned with tears. She didn't need to see any more looks of disgust and disappointment.
She faked a yawn and gave one last squeeze and pulled away.
"I'm so exhausted I'm going to bed."
"Lya don't you want to know what's happening tomorrow? It will help you be better prepared!" Anya suggested with a small frown.
Lyanna already turned and waved her hand dismissively.
"After everything today!? No way, I definitely need to sleep. You do too! You should just leave it for the morning seeing as you wake so early anyway."
"Lya-"
"Good night!"
Lyanna figured it would be okay to run as all the visiting ladies had already left. As she ran she still noticed the looks the help cast her way. She couldn't let her mask drop here, not when someone might see and tell Anya, or worse…. Father.
Lyanna ran to her secret spot, the one place she always felt more herself than anywhere. It smelled of hay and horse but she loved it. She hurried into the corner of her personal horse's stable and sank to the ground. The stable boys were never around at this time and she knew she was safe.
At that, Lyanna let her mask fall and cried.
She heaved out ugly sobs and cursed into her hands her hatred for the world and herself. The disgust on the help and ladies faces, Barbary's words- all of it. The pricks on her fingers started to sting from the salt of her tears. She cried and cried as the dark whispers told her all the ways she was a terrible daughter, sister and lady.
"You are nothing like your mother"
Barbary's words cut Lyanna deep and she couldn't forget the pure disgust in the words.
"I'm sorry Mama," she sobbed as she recalled the last memory she had of her mother.
"M-mama y-you can't!"
Lyarra hushed her with a weak hand and wiped the tears that fell away. Lyanna continued to sob and cling to her mother's weak form. Lyarra hummed lightly and pulled Lyanna close. Eventually, Lyanna calmed enough for her to speak.
"Lya, listen to me my sweet girl. Mama will always love you- always no matter what. Even when I'm no longer here-"
Lyanna cried out at the words but fell silent at the stern look she was given.
"Even when I am no longer here, I want you to remember this."
Lyanna blinked through her tears and stared up at her mother. Lyarra smiled at her so gently and filled with love, Lyanna forgot for a second the horrid truth of her Mother's state.
"I forgive you. I will always forgive you because I love you."
Lyanna didn't understand and it showed, but Lyarra simply continued to speak.
"When you were born I knew you would grow to be a fighter. I am proud to know I am right, but you must remember this. One day, there will come a fight were you will doubt and hate. One day, you will lower your sword and shield and wonder why you should let it swing, questioning who you protect. On that day remember this 'the lone wolf dies, but the pack survives.'"
Lyanna cried as she remembered the words of her mother and she sobbed out her words in a low whisper.
"I'm sorry I'm a horrible Lady," 'I forgive you. I will always forgive you because I love you.'
"I'm sorry I'm not as good as Anya," 'I forgive you. I will always forgive you because I love you.'
"I'm sorry I stress Father," 'I forgive you. I will always forgive you because I love you.'
"I'm sorry, so sorry!" she sobbed.
It was very late when she finally stopped crying. Lyanna felt empty but also quite relieved. When the tears had finally stopped, so did the dark whispers in her mind. Lyanna stared at the hay covered ground and reflected on all that happened for the day. Slowly, her earlier hurt faded and gave way to anger.
It was a poisonous anger that took her determined fighting spirit and tainted it with rage.
Lyanna thought of Barbary and the ladies of House Umber, Karstark and she hated them. She fed the rage and let herself crave to see them humiliated and hurt as she had been. 'One day, there will come a fight were you will doubt and hate. One day, you will lower your sword and shield and wonder why you should let it swing, questioning who you protect. '
Lyanna Stark was no lady, she was a fighter, and she was determined to protect herself. A very wild plan slowly started to take shape in her mind. She suddenly wanted to see Barbary and her following of bitches cry and be just as disgusting as they'd made her feel. This want for vengeance overwhelmed Lyanna quickly and reason soon fell away.
She forgot about why the Ladies were even at the castle.
Forgot why she had been trying so hard to be a lady.
Lyanna was angry and she forgot.
It would not be the first time this would come to happen.
Nor would it be the last.
'I forgive you. I will always forgive you because I love you.' Her mother's last words spurred her forward and Lyanna allowed herself to grow blind. In doing so, she completely ignored the consequences that would follow.
~*~*~Winter Storm Queen~*~*~
Hidden by the shadows of night, Rickard Stark's greatest spy followed the eldest Stark daughter. They watched the young girl go about and arrange her vengeance and sighed with disappointment.
"Lord Stark will not like this…." They muttered under their breath.
Still, they did nothing but watch. Only when Lyanna was satisfied and smugly walked to her chambers with an air of satisfaction, did they leave. It was prudent that they seek and inform their lord as soon as possible.
The Lord of House Stark was waiting, almost expectantly.
"What is it?" he ordered.
The spy wheezed out a short laugh before speaking with a shake of their head.
"The she-wolf has turned blind and her trap has been set."
"And Anya?"
"The little lady knows nothing and is slow to rest."
The Lord said nothing else and contemplated his next move. The spy watched their lord curious as to what the man would do next. Rickard Stark was sharp in mind, his reputation does not truly embody the man. He is more than just cold and stern- he is a tactician always several steps ahead. Why, they still remembered the man when his heart had still been whole. They followed the man due to a never ending debt to their Lady. The loss of their Lady had been a tragedy indeed.
"Stay."
"Mi'lord?"
The lord turned to them with a heavy stare that demanded obedience. He called for a servant girl and it did not take long for her presence to appear. They stared at the servant girl with interest, they knew much about her. She was impressive, a daughter of one of the birds for their late Lady.
"You called for me, my lord?" Arrei greeted.
The servant girl looked to them and they smiled. The sharp expression did not scare her and they wheezed out another round of laughter. Oh, an apprentice so early….. how exciting.
They would make a master spy out of this pretty little servant girl.
One no one would expect to be so deadly.
Very interested to hear what you have to say about everything that happened this chapter :P
Please review ( saying more than 'update please' thanks) lol.
