A/N: full disclosure there will be plenty of things different to canon in how this story unfolds. Many people we know to have died in canon may not meet the same fate in this storyline. I always was intrigued with the idea of what would've happened had certain characters survived. So when key characters are living in this story this is why...plenty of others will take their place in The Strangers quest for lives...for now the killing and dying takes a rest as we develop the next phase of this story...
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Chapter 8: Long May He Reign
Cool darkness descended across Starfall, the stars glittered brightly in the sky and the moon caused the sea to shimmer seductively. The ships moored in the sea slowly drifted with the tide knocking against the jetties, elsewhere all was quiet. Through the dark, a group of merchants made their way to the port on horseback quietly making their way to the docks. Sacks of their wares slung across their horses backs as they made to depart to their next port of call. A hooded figure stood on the dock at their ship accompanied by two others, also hooded, watching the merchants approach carrying their sacks over their shoulders. The merchants filed on to the ship silently and began loading the sacks on board, all was quiet and none spoke a word. The lone figure and their companions approached the merchants, all but one boarded the boat. They approached and lifted their hood, her long dark hair fell around her face and her grey eyes glittered in the night.
"Your assistance will be repaid" spoke Lyanna quietly and confidently.
The second hooded figure removed their covering, dark hair fell from the hood and purple eyes met with grey.
"What you gave me will secure Dorne to your side when the time comes. The Martells will want blood for this, I can't guarantee they will wait for you"
Lyanna looked to the stars, one fell over their heads and she watched the brilliant spray of golden sparks shower over them.
"They will wait, they are smart and know the long game is the better option. In the years to come Westeros will become weak, broken and scarred by unrest. Fire and blood will return with Winter to save the people, and we will not forget House Dayne"
Ashara had nothing to reply with, and Lyanna smiled "You can free my brother now Ashara, show him some hospitality before he leaves. Life is too short to live in regret, believe me I know"
Ashara stepped forward and gazed into Lyannas bright grey eyes, "You have made us allies by using my brothers sword. You will leave our country but whether your return is a success depends on where my brother is"
Lyanna nodded slowly and turned to the ship, she opened her hand and a shower of energy raised from her palm. Ashara stepped back in shock at this unexpected action, transfixed on the energy streaming from her palm she didn't see a lone figure disembark the ship and stand by Lyanna.
Lyanna closed her palm, "Things have changed Ashara, something has awoken in the world. Fire and Ice will meet and fix what is broken but we will need allies when we return otherwise hope for our people is lost," Lyanna nodded to the figure next to her, Ser Arthur removed his face covering, "will you be one of those allies?"
Tears stung Asharas eyes to see her brother after being convinced in her mind he was dead, silently she moved to him and threw her arms around him. She pulled back and looked up at her brother, they were so close and shared so much. She would've thrown herself from the highest tower if he was no longer in the world.
Ashara looked to Lyanna and bowed her head, "House Dayne is an ally of House Targaryen from this day until our last day. I will be your messenger to House Martell, how will I send word of their decision?"
"Tell my brother, he will find a way to tell me," smiled Lyanna, "We will not forget your help, I will leave you now to say your goodbyes. We will meet again" smiled Lyanna as she and Ashara grasped each other's arm to cement their new alliance.
And without waiting for a response Lyanna replaced her face covering and boarded the ship leaving Ashara and Arthur to talk in hushed tones.
After several minutes of whispered words, the pair hugged tightly and separated. Ashara remained on the dock watching the ship depart and disappear into the night, her purple eyes sad but relieved at the same time shining through the covering that concealed her.
Her guards flanked her closely once more, anxious to protect their leader.
"Do you believe her words my Lady?" questioned one of the guards.
"If she can produce light from her hand without a thought imagine what else she's capable of. If she's right and Westeros will become weak she is the best ally for Dorne"
The small group silently left the dock and disappeared into the blackness of night when the ship disappeared over the horizon. Something in Ashara's heart leapt at what she needed to do next.
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The dungeons were frosty at night, and wet somehow which meant Howland and Ned were both miserable. Ned mulled over his regrets while Howland looked for a weakness in the jail, Northmen are wild and free not meant for a cage. The wind picked up outside and somehow made its way through the bricks and windows causing both men to shiver as their lips turned blue. Howland ceased his mission to escape and huddled by Ned in the dark, neither spoke to save their energy. Getting through more than a couple of nights in this place would be difficult for them and the thought they might be here for an extended period of time was maddening.
In the distance footsteps could be heard cutting through the drip of water and howling of wind, shivering next to one another the men hoped they were coming for them. Anywhere would be better than in here, the footsteps got louder until they ceased outside of their door. Jingling keys sounded like angels singing to Ned and Howland and they looked at each other in relief. Guards flooded the room, spears at the ready and signalled to them to stand which the men obliged gratefully. Surrounded they were marched out of the prison cell and back into the castle, once out of the dungeons though Ned and Howland were seperated. They looked to each other in alarm, what was going on?
Howland looked at Ned reassuringly, "Get it right this time hey" was all he said before he was ushered off to another location. Most likely to be locked in another part of the castle, which was what Ned hoped awaited for him. Dornish lords were unpredictable at the best of times and the women could be even more changeable, this realisation didn't give Ned a good feeling in his heart. He was alone and as far as he could tell in a hostile environment where anything could go wrong. Swallowing hard he maintained his March with his guards to whatever he was to face next.
The guards marched Ned across the length of the castle, they marched through endless corridors and past countless doors. Every step brought Neds anxiety level up more and more, what awaited for him at the end?
Finally the guards opened a large heavy wooden door that creaked slightly when it opened, the air inside was warm and the room was welcoming. A fire was burning which cast a red glow across the room and candles burned in large candleholders around the room. Yet the room was empty, spears out the guards closed the door and left Ned alone in the room. Turning around to take in his surroundings Ned noticed the food laden table, the burning candles and the lounges by the fire. Walking through the room he gazed at the candles, flames flickering and dancing to their own beat, entrancing him slightly. Momentarily hypnotised he didn't see or hear the movement behind him, a slight movement scraped and jolted him back to reality. He spun around to see Ashara standing across the room, dressed in a purple and silver gown with a plunging neckline. Her breasts were hard to not stare at and her purple eyes glared at him but this time minus the same hostility they had previously. She stared at him with a look of sadness and curiosity in her eyes, the flames flickered across her form as she stood wordlessly watching him.
Immediately nervous at her appearance Ned swallowed and turned to face her completely, several moments ticked by and neither spoke. Ned cleared his throat and thought nervously what to say he looked around the room, "I must say I've been given a rather thorough tour of Starfall, though I prefer this room to my previous one"
Asharas face softened and she smiled slightly, she started to speak but Ned crossed the barrier between them and stood close to her.
"I presume you've seen your brother," he spoke quietly barely above a whisper.
Ashara nodded but didn't speak, Ned looked away trying to find something to spark the conversation, "I remember the relief I felt when I found Lyanna, losing family is-unbearable," he looked deep into her eyes, "I'd do terrible things to protect mine"
Ashara's purple eyes returned his grey gaze and she softly spoke, "As would I"
"Have they left?"
"Yes, on a merchant ship to who knows where," sighed Ashara, "I've gone from believing my brother and only family I have in the world dead to not knowing where he'll be in this world"
Ned grimaced and stared at the ground, "As have I"
"You still have your brother, and your...wife"
Ned laughed a little, "Aye I do, you're right I still have family, I'm grateful for that. I just...it's not all how I wanted it". With difficulty Ned gazed at Ashara, his heart felt like it was in his throat.
Ashara laughed, "Does anyone ever get what they want in this world?"
Ned returned a laugh and shook his head, the ice was broken. "No you're right, being noble born doesn't make you really free when you think about it"
"It's different here in Dorne though Ned, we don't have the same stuffy rules as you northerners"
Ned looked at her again and her face was breathtaking to him, he struggled to keep his feelings for her contained, "How do you mean?"
She smiled seductively, "We follow different rules"
She gently grasped her hand in his and traced his hand down her chest, "We aren't afraid to entertain others, we aren't bound by the same oaths. We are more free than you think"
Ned was transfixed by her and the feel of her skin under his fingertips, he hesitated and pulled back a little. He had already crossed many lines and broken his own code during the war. Where would he stop?
Ashara sensed his hesitation and smiled, "Come Ned, it's rude of me not to offer you some hospitality during your stay here"
Still holding his hand she drew him to the table and poured him a goblet of wine and poured herself one, "Please eat, you must be hungry" she pushed a plate into his hand which he took gingerly.
"Where is my companion? Is he safe"
"You have my assurance no harm will come to either of you Ned, you're honoured guests now" smiled Ashara lifting her glass, "a toast? To alliances between Dorne and the Starks"
Ned lifted the cup to his lips and sipped self consciously but tasting the delicious wine hit his mouth he took a larger gulp. It was the last thing Ned remembers apart from her smiling purple eyes with flames flickering across her face.
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Neds head pounded, and his mouth was dry. This was what woke him from a restless sleep of intense dreams. He was warm and in a comfortable bed, being imprisoned in jail felt like a distant bad dream now. But his head pounded so intensely he rolled to his side and braced his head with a hand. Opening his eyes he took in the darkened room, it was extremely opulent. Beautiful Dornish murals adorned the walls and the story of House Dayne was painted on the wall, everything was accentuated with gold foil. It would've been breathtaking if he didn't feel so terrible, sitting up in bed he spotted a pitcher of water by the bed and greedily downed a glass of cool soothing water. He drank so fast some of it escaped his mouth and dripped down his chin, he didn't care he just needed the pounding in his head to stop. Putting the glass down he looked to his side and with a start realised he wasn't alone in the bed. Facing away from him was the naked form of a woman by him, his heart pounded now to match his head as he scrambled to remember what had transpired the night previously. It was all a muddled mess and he grimaced as he realised he must've been drugged. His stay at Starfall was not becoming a pleasant experience at all. Not wanting to rouse his female companion his mind swirled with possibilities, Ashara had definitely set him up, drugged him and while vulnerable given one of her servants the task of seducing him. He should've known not to trust a Dornish woman in her castle, the Dornish were after all famous for their trickery and poisons.
After a time of shitting himself and wondering what he would tell his wife the woman began to stir, she stretched and groaned as she began to wake. Despite himself the sounds she made aroused him and Ned looked down in surprise as his naked form rose to the occasion. Stealing a look at the woman as she turned Neds heart did a backflip when Asharas purple eyes stared sleekly back at him. She crawled over to him and pressed her naked body against him and kissed him long and full on the lips. His hands brushed down her back as their kiss lingered and he felt the sensation of her breasts grazing across his chest. Before he knew it she guided him inside of her and she rocked on him groaning happily. Unable to contain his hands they brushed down her hourglass figure as she moved her body on his. She looked down at him intensely as her body shuddered in waves of pleasure and Ned grasped her hips and thrusted up into her hard. Unable to hold in anymore he exploded inside of her and she collapsed on his chest panting.
The touch of her skin and feel of her body alongside his felt like nothing else, and as she lay against him snippets of the night before became clearer.
"You drugged me didn't you" he asked when he gained his breath.
He felt her face smile, "I helped you get out of your own way"
"I have to say I've never had an experience like this at another noble house, first you imprisoned me and accused me of murder. Then you drug me and sleep with me. I'm very confused"
Ashara laughed and it sounded like the most beautiful sound in the world to Ned, he pulled her close and lifted her chin to look at her face.
"You made me break my vows to my wife"
Her eyes were unapologetic, "But you wanted this, and I'm not bound by-"
"The same rules? I remember what you said last night. I should've known I was in trouble in that moment" he sighed, "Now I'm in even more trouble than before I came here"
Ashara looked over him and straddled Ned looking down at him, she lifted his hands and let him trace circled across her torso.
"You have been in trouble since our dance at the Tourney" she smiled down at him.
Ned laughed, "Was it a mistake to come here?"
Ashara looked serious momentarily, "I've learnt recently there are no mistakes, we are all where we are meant to be"
"If I'm meant to be here I'm not sure I want to leave"
Ashara smirked, "You don't have to leave Ned"
She slowly bent down and brushed her lips against his as he rose again but this time he flipped her onto her back and pushed back her legs. The feeling he felt as he slid inside her was unbelievable and the groan that escaped her lips at that moment vanquished any bad feelings he had for his actions.
Broken vows were broken vows, before he returned to Westeros he might as well enjoy his time with the only woman who held his heart.
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Starfall had a spectacular terrace overlooking the glittering ocean, the breeze blew warm and welcoming, birds flew overhead on the breeze occasionally calling to one another. Ned reclined on his seat looking at the scene in front of him, it was the first time in his life he had enjoyed being anywhere other than his home. Even the Eyrie Ned found uncomfortable and unable to truly relax in. Something about this place, soothed Ned. He closed his eyes and just felt the sense of peace and comfort he felt here. Immediately she was in his mind, naked and smiling saying he didn't have to leave. Part of him deep down begged him to stay, but internally he knew he couldn't run from his responsibilities. He had to meet his allies in the capitol and ascertain what the situation was there. Absentmindedly he sipped wine and broke some cheese to eat, his mind back in Westeros wondering what the hell was happening with Robert back there. Anxiety raised in his gut again, he had felt Robert and him growing apart during this war and it quickly became apparent to Ned that the war wasn't about getting back Lyanna. Immediately his head ached at the thought of what waited for him in Westeros, all the questions and the answers he needed to have for them about everything. Staying lost in Dorne suddenly seemed like a better option.
Ashara came up behind him and rubbed his shoulders looking at his serious face, "Your body is in Dorne but your mind is far away, where did you go?"
Neds face remained furrowed in concern as Ashara next to him, her arm draped across his shoulders she looked at him intently.
"I must go, there is some business in the capitol and I can't abandon the North. Not after losing my father and Brandon," he looked to Ashara and saw her face change at the mention of his brothers name.
"What's that?" he asked.
"What do you mean?" replied Ashara defensively
"Your face when I mentioned Brandon, where did you go?"
Ashara turned from Ned and averted her gaze looking at her hands, Ned noticed she was fidgeting with her hands. He leaned closer, "What is it Ashara? I can't take any more secrets or lies after what this war has done to me and my family"
Ashara looked at Ned fearfully, "I have someone you need to meet," she glanced over her shoulder and nodded to a server girl who disappeared for a short time and reappeared holding the hand of a small boy who toddled next to the servant. Ned watched with a passive face unsure what was to come when the server girl gently placed the boy into Ashara's arms. Ashara looked nervous and could barely look Ned in the face, "Ned, this is your-nephew," she spoke with tears in her eyes.
The colour drained from Neds face, another woman of Brandon's he had slept with. When was this going to end? He swore and looked down trying to process what was happening.
"How?" was all he managed to say.
"After the Tourney he came to say goodbye, and we-"
Ned stood abruptly, "I don't need to hear anymore"
The anger rose hard and fast in Ned, how could he be so stupid. The old gods clearly were fucking with him again.
"No!" pleaded Ashara, "please Ned wait!"
Tears streamed down her face as she ran after him, she reached him and stood in his way preventing him leaving. She looked heartbroken, and Ned immediately hated seeing her so upset but that was under a layer of anger. He was angry at Brandon for leading on Ashara only because he didn't want Ned to have her and anger at inheriting everything meant for his brother that he truthfully didn't want. He looked exasperated, "I'm leaving"
"No," she said forcefully, "you're not going anywhere Ned. And if you think you can just leave I'll throw you in the dungeon again"
She pouted and put her hands on her hips, despite his anger Ned laughed and her face softened a little she wiped away her tears and slid her arms around his waist.
"Please don't be angry with me, it's always been you. I didn't want him, it just...happened and I begged that nothing would come of it. And then...I stopped bleeding and I didn't have the heart to..." her voice trailed off and words were replaced with tears.
Unable to stop himself Ned pulled her to him sobbing into his chest, and he held her there until the tears stopped flowing. She had a distinctive scent like jasmine flowers and he breathed it deeply in, he knew he wasn't really angry at her. The pressure of what he faced in Westeros and the assumption of his brothers role was compounded by the appearance of his nephew.
"Come let's sit and finish talking" said Ned quietly
Wiping her face Ashara returned to the server girl and took the boy in her arms sitting next to Ned. She clearly remained nervous, the boy laughed and babbled reaching out to touch Neds face.
Ned looked over the babe, it was undeniable he was Brandon's he had the Stark jawline but purple eyes. A total mix of Houses Stark and Dayne. Ned smiled at the boy who was an innocent in this.
"What's his name?" asked Ned still looking him over
"Rickard Sand"
Ned smiled and reached for the babe taking him into his arms he couldn't believe he was looking at Brandon's babe. Despite how he felt for his brother it made Ned feel a level of satisfaction a part of Brandon was still in this world.
"Did you choose the name?" asked Ned quietly
Ashara nodded, "After what happened I knew I wanted to honour your family somehow, but I was too angry to use the name of his father"
"Why were you angry?"
Ashara sighed, "Because he used me to stop you having me, at that time you weren't promised to anyone but he was. He was jealous of your freedom"
"My brother? Jealous of me?"
Ashara smiled and nodded, "He didn't exactly say those words but I can read between the lines. He was groomed to lead and had his whole life planned for him while you and Lyanna had things easier" she smiled, "that's what I gained from the limited things he mentioned"
Ned was shocked, he never considered his brothers disdain for him and Lyanna stemmed from jealousy.
Ashara watched Ned closely with a level of nervousness, still cradling Rickard, Ned rested his hand on her leg under the table so only they could see. Ashara breathed out slightly in relief and grasped his hand, they sat overlooking the scenery just sitting together quietly for a moment. Deep down she knew this would be one of few moments together they would probably ever have. After a time Ned handed Rickard back and looked at Ashara, "If I could stay I would, you know that right"
Ashara nodded sadly, "I know"
Ned kissed her forehead softly and draped an arm around her, "It's always been you" he whispered in her ear. She smiled and replied, "It's always been you too"
The warm wind continued to swirl around them and the sun shone down over the terrace warming the pair as they sat and embraced. But they both knew that Neds time avoiding returning to Westeros was almost done and the time to face what waited for him fast approached.
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Ned hated the desert, truly he despised everything about it, the sand in his mouth, the wind stinging your eyes with sand and the endless rolling sand hills. As the horse rode at the fastest pace it could muster back to Westeros Ned had truly agreed within himself he hated sand. The only thing he hated more than sand was the sadness he saw in Ashara when they departed, and despite being a married man and most likely never seeing her again he did not regret jumping from his horse and kissing her one last time in front of her servants and guards. He gave zero fucks for what he did there, and it made the sadness lift from Asharas face as he rode into the sunset. She managed to smile as he departed and he pledged in his mind he would find a way back to this place one day. Wylla was given a more comfortable mode of transport in a basic carriage which she could travel in with Baelor. Ashara had gifted it to them to help get the babe safely home, she had smiled at Baelor as he was passed in to Wylla. The look on her face was one of knowing but Ned did not confirm what she thought and she didn't ask. Both of them were thoroughly sick of secrets.
Ned mulled over his visit to Starfall as they rode at haste to Kings Landing, it was time to face what waited for them. Surprisingly Ned wasn't anxious about this part of his journey, he was more nervous to face Ashara than to face the possibility of sitting the throne in Westeros. Shaking these thoughts from his mind he returned to thinking about those purple eyes and how she felt inside and before long the smile returned to his face. He was glad he laid with her several times before departing, he had no shortage of memories from their time together. The smallest things ran through his mind, running his hand along her back, the way she flicked her hair from her face, the slight groan that escaped her lips when he slid inside her and the way she wrapped her arms around his neck pulling him closer to her.
They made a fast pace through the Princes Pass and were not accosted by House Fowler this time, despite seeing the falcons flying overhead. They rode through the Stormlands and reached the CrossRoads Inn after sunset. Hopefully his men were waiting there for him and had recovered from their attack by Fowlers men. Ned paid for lodgings for Wylla and ushered her into the room with Howland, they managed to hide Baelor on their way in.
"Keep him quiet," whispered Ned, "I'll be back in no time"
Howland stood in the corner watching uneasily, "I should be with you Ned, I don't feel right about you going alone to the capitol"
Ned smiled, his friend was the most loyal of them all and insightful too, "Even more reason you need to be here, anything happens to me get back North as fast as possible. The babe is the most important one here take him to Catelyn and make her understand"
Howland flushed at the prospect of needing to do that but nodded, Ned looked to Wylla, "Once we get to White Harbour I'll send you back to be with my sister. Until then I need you here"
Wylla nodded once resolutely and in her thick Dornish accent said, "Of course my Lord"
Satisfied Ned left the room and mounted his horse, turning him around and galloping directly to Kings Landing.
This would be the first time Ned would be visiting the capitol, riding along the ridge to the city gates he looked over the city sprawled to his right. He could smell the city from this far away, he recoiled his nose at the start but after several minutes he realised there was no escaping the smell and covered his nose instead. He would prefer to smell the Dornish desert than the shit smell that emanated from the capitol. As he approached he could tell the city had been well and truly sacked, there were bodies and burn marks everywhere. He could hear women and children crying over the dead and scores of flies buzzing around the bodies that still lay around. Ned was shocked when his horse entered the city just how brutal the sacking was, buildings were destroyed and displaced people were picking through what remained of their lives. Ned was unable to stop his mouth opening in shock as he made his way to the Red Keep. Several soldiers accosted him and upon identifying himself they rode at haste to notify his allies in the castle. One thing clearly stuck out to Ned, these people needed a leader, someone to fix what had happened to them. And although he knew he had it in him to be compassionate to their needs and make positive change he would rather die than live in this city.
Eventually his horse walked through the gates to the Red Keep and Ned noted as he got closer to the castle the damage was less and less. Dismounting he lead his horse to the stable hands and grabbed his sword putting it at his hip. Ice was too long for him to ride with on his hip at the moment, he still had growing to do.
Taking in the splendour of the castle as he walked Ned was met with some guards who escorted him to meet with his allies. Surprisingly they didn't take him to the throne room, Ned raised his eyebrows
"Where are we going?" questioned Ned to what he noticed were Lannister guards.
"Maegors Holdfast" was all one replied
The soldiers took Ned along a corridor stained with extensive patches of blood, something had happened here. It was bloody and messy, he examined the bloodstains as he went, dozens had perished in this hallway. He looked around and saw burn marks on the walls. Yet nothing prepared him for what was waiting in the room, Tywin Lannister, Robert Baratheon, Jon Arryn and Randyll Tarly stood in the room waiting for Ned. Ned entered the room and instantly his senses were assaulted, the room was covered from wall to floor in blood, parts of the walls and ceiling were burned and in the middle of the room lay a body. Clearly all the others had been taken away except this one, Ned felt sick to his stomach. There had been a massacre in here, who the fuck had authorised this? Anger began burning in his gut, and it grew exponentially when he saw the body belonged to a woman.
The men all watched his reactions, Tarly and Lannister remained expressionless, Jon Arryn looked concerned and Robert looked guilty. Ned knew Robert, he was trying to hide it but Ned knew, somehow Robert had something to do with this.
"What the fuck happened here?" he said as he glanced around at the devastation in the room.
"Most of the damage was done by her" said Randyll Tarly with an air of disdain, "my men reported to me she was responsible for slaughtering our men and unleashing fire in the room"
Ned scoffed, "And who was she? She's been cut in half, who the fuck was she?"
Everyone shifted uncomfortably before Jon Arryn cleared his throat, "This is Elia Martell"
As soon as the words came from his mouth Ned flew into a rage, his angry eyes were directed straight at Robert who refused to meet his gaze. Ned crouched down and examined her body, she had been stabbed so many times her body had started to fall apart. They hadn't left her there for any other reason than she would literally crumble when moved. Her face was battered so severely he only just recognised her by the small parts of her skin not covered in bruises and blood. She had been cleanly cut in half by someone large enough to wield a very large sword, Ned looked up at Tywin.
"This is your work, only the Mountain is capable of an act like this"
Tywin remained expressionless at being accused, his eyes bored into Neds, "I can assure you my men were not acting outside of direct orders and this was not an order I gave"
Neds eyes shot to Robert and he stormed forward, "Then the only other person who's clearly guilty here is you. This is revenge directed at Rhaegar who might I remind you is DEAD!" he screamed in Roberts face and he flinched back from Neds fury. In his minds eye Ned saw a raven flying through the night released by Roberts hand, received by Tywin. Ned seethed, he knew he couldn't make accusations based on this. Robert had sanctioned the murder of Elia, and Neds anger grew and grew.
"Where are the babes?" seethed Ned, "Are you a child murderer as well?"
"The babes were not located but they may have been killed in the fray when Elia was first attacked" reported Randyll Tarly
"First attacked?" raged Ned.
"Yes, a group of attackers converged on the room and were neutralised with great injuries sustained, she then left the room but was returned some time later" continued Tarly, unemotional and expressionless.
"Their bodies have not been found" said Tywin curtly
"We should find them" contributed Robert
"And then what?" said Ned aggressively, "kill them too?"
"It's war Ned" said Robert
Ned laughed, he couldn't believe his ears. He looked all around him, the only one who looked uncomfortable was Jon Arryn.
"No," said Ned decisively, "they're children, babies," he emphasised, "I'll not sanction the murder of babies and children!"
"They will always be a threat-" said Robert as he stepped forward.
Ned stepped up to face Robert closely, "You got what you wanted, leave the children they're likely dead anyway. Who could survive this?"
Ned indicated around the room, Robert huffed in response, "You're making a mistake Ned"
Ned laughed angrily, "The only mistake I've made this whole time is to let your actions go unchecked!!! You are responsible for Elias death, not once has this been about getting back the woman you say you love! Have you even asked me what happened to her?! It's always been about Rhaegar and your sick desire to prove you're better! Fuck this!"
Robert stormed forward and shoved Ned, "I paved the way for you to be King, you're fucking ungrateful!"
Ned swung at Robert and connected to his jaw, Robert growled and swung back missing Ned who ducked just in time. Jon Arryn got between them and pushed them apart. The two friends glared are each other angrily.
Ned stood tall and straightened himself brushing down his clothes, "I never signed up for this, I never would've allowed the murder of a woman from a family like the Martells, or the murder of her children. This is not how one becomes a King"
"Might I remind you this is War" said Tywin coldly, "Terrible things happen all the time"
"You're right Lannister they do, usually under your watch" raged Ned accusingly
Tywin looked momentarily amused, "Have you been completely honourable during this war Lord Stark? If you tell me yes I'll know you're lying after the Battle of the Bells. War makes men do horrible things, the honourable Lord Stark is no different. Battle isn't honourable, neither is taking a city"
Ned glared with cold hatred at Tywin and Randyll, he knew what these men were they were killers this was a game to them. But to Ned it was only ever about ending Aerys tyranny and avenging his family.
Tywin returned his cold glare and showed no change in expression, "I gave orders for Elia and the children to be sent to Dorne. I cannot control the action of my men when they're sacking a city, mistakes were made"
"Mistakes?" shouted Ned, "You call the slaughter of a high born woman and her children a mistake?"
Ned was incredulous, he looked to his friend in anger, "This wasn't what we agreed Robert. You told me the women and children would be spared. And now you're standing over her body smiling? Fucking liar!"
Roberts face reddened as he became angered, "This all started because of what he did to my betrothed! Lyanna was to be my bride...!"
Ned turned around and thundered up to Robert getting in his face, "Well she didn't want you did she? You had your dick in everything from Winterfell to the Stormlands, you fucked anything with a pulse and she knew it! You would've humiliated her in marriage...she ran from you straight into Rhaegar's arms. She didn't want YOU!" Aggressively Ned pointed his finger hard into Roberts chest, Robert drew his war hammer with a snarl, "I'll kill you".
Jon Arryn hastily stood between them again, "Ned, Robert stop you're like brothers! Emotions are running high after the war now is not the time for arguing! This country needs a leader Ned! Take Robert as your Hand and lead this country out of tyranny together. Stop this fighting!"
"You know what," said Ned as he marched forward and shoved Robert hard, "you seem to be enjoying this, murdering the wife of your cousin and now her children if you ever find them. Robert of House Baratheon you take the throne that you got on the back of murder and deceit," Ned bowed mockingly, "Long live King Robert, long may he reign"
His words were dripping with anger and sarcasm punctuated by Ned spitting at Roberts feet.
"Fuck the Iron Throne," was all he said before he stormed from the room.
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There was darkness all around and the scent of earth and damp, every part of his body ached when he moved which prompted numerous shuffling noises around him. It sounded like hundreds of leaves falling from the trees except they were footsteps, opening his eyes and looking around didn't help either. It was so dark and there was no source of light that his eyes wouldn't assist him. This was frustrating, he was unable to tell if he was safe or not, alive or dead. Slowly he moved his body which felt like it was on fire, he cried out in pain and felt little hands holding him in place. Swearing internally because he was in too much pain to verbalise he huffed in frustration.
"Young dragon, you are gravely wounded. You must stay still" spoke a calming and kindly voice
"Where am I?" he struggled to reply
"You are safe, the Children intervened. A life as valuable as yours could not slip by us. Your body caught in the roots which drink from the river and we retrieved you. Now rest Rhaegar, when you're well enough to be mobile again we will wake you"
"I need to get to DragonStone" he murmured as he struggled with the aches in his body.
"Be still young Dragon, let us heal you. We will help you get where you need to go"
The last thing Rhaegar felt was a small warm hand that radiated powerful waves of energy through his head and down his body. Instantly he fell into a deep, peaceful sleep again free of pain and worry.
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