POV Ashara
'Ned Stark is an annoying nut to crack' thought Ashara, she spent damn near five days in the mans company, he will be leaving for Essos with Robert Baratheon in two days, yet not a hint of dropping his guard, with the exception of shamelessly throwing herself at him Ashara tried damn near everything, first it was light teasing, then just a hint of flirtatiousness, then some 'accidental' touches, then intentional light touches on his arms and forearms, then blatant flirting, just to see how he would react. Ash could see the occasional flashes of desire in his eyes but those are suppressed very quickly, if she hadn't seen those Ash would have started losing confidence in her looks, its not exactly about digging information anymore, Ash just wanted to see whats under that Iron self control at least just once.
Usually its the easiest thing in world for Ashara to start a man to talk about himself, but not Ned, Ashara had to prod and tease to get Ned to talk about himself, Oh, the man has no reservations about talking about his family and friends. Ashara heard so much about Neds siblings that she feels as though she has known them all her life. Brandon, handsome, perfect heir of the Starks with a smile on his lips and a jest ready on his tongue, stealing maiden hearts left and right everywhere even after getting married, fiercely loyal to his family and sharp of wit. Lyanna, the fierce Winter Rose of the North, who is as comfortable wearing britches with a lance in one hand and reins in another, a galloping horse beneath her and wind in her hair as Lady of Winterfell in a dress, a role she stepped up to and performing admirably after untimely passing of their lady mother Lyarra. And Benjen, much adored younger brother of all three elder siblings, with a sweet heart and equally sweet personality, with boundless enthusiasm for pleasing his family. Finally his Lord Father Rickard Stark, Ned even used those exact words when talking about his father, not 'my father' or just ' Father' its always Lord Father, one can hear the capital letters when talks about his father. A great man, apparently, Lord Rickard, solid in the same way as mountains, respected by his bannermen, always fair and just and with always a kind word for his children. Robert Baratheon is a brother from another mother, Lord Arryn is a second father and a great man, Rhaegar Targaryen is a good and honourable man and it apparently eases Neds heart to know that such a man is going to be married to his beloved sister Lya.
It seems Ned has a kind word to be said about everyone, even Tywin Lannister, 'he was a great Hand Of the King, perhaps greatest Hand yet, the Seven Kingdoms are lessened by his passing, we may never see his like again in our lifetimes, my heart goes out to his children, it is hard losing a parent, but to lose both parents at such young age, I cannot imagine their sorrow and heartache. I pray to Old Gods to give strength to Lannister family to weather through their grief. I wish I could do something to help'. Neds words verbatim, the man said it with such absolute sincerity, his almost silver eyes held such sympathy, kindness and honesty that Ashara was lost for words for a bit there. Ashara could feel her heart softening, not for Lannisters but for Ned. She even thinks him as Ned now instead of Eddard. Of course Ash hadn't called him Ned to his face yet, but it is concerning to know that Ned managed to worm himself into her heart in such a short time, its not love, but Ash can't deny that she started feeling attracted to Ned.
Its hard not to be attracted to Ned, he may not seem handsome in the first look even after a second one but he is handsome nonetheless, his long face, with wavy dark brown hair falling just above his shoulders when not in a warrior top knot and jawline are pleasing to the eye, with broad shoulders, six feet height and well muscled stocky build, as befit a swordsman, Ned Stark is undeniably handsome, perhaps his reputation for being less handsome comes from the company he keeps.
But its Neds eyes that take her breath away every-time, sometimes dark grey to almost seem to be black, like a storm cloud, sometimes a vibrant slivery grey when he smiles that smile of his, just a tiny curve at ends of his lips, other times when those orbs flash pure silver when he looks at Ash with an intensity to make something squirm in her gut, that flash of silver is just for an instant, making Ash question whether it was really there or a trick of light. Ned Stark has beautiful eyes, yet its not their beauty that takes Ashs breath away, its whats in those eyes, an ocean of kindness, honesty and love, as though this man has a heart big enough to love everyone in the world, to see truly that most times world is cruel place and people aren't much better, yet be able to love it all the same. As though his eyes hold many secrets but he will always speak the truth to you. Oh Seven Hells, I am not just attracted to the man I am hopelessly infatuated with him.
It is the sixth day of the wedding festivities, the next day the festivities will be over and day after that Ned Stark will be off to Essos. Ashara is not going to waste the little time remaining. Already Elia asked whether Ash had fallen for the brooding Northman and Elias other ladies in waiting and Asharas friends started to gossip, Arthurs definitely growing more and more suspicious, thank the Seven for Oberyn keeping Arthur, Rhaegar and Robert Baratheon distracted with endless amusing stories. This day same as last five days Oberyn got to work and Ashara sidled beside Ned.
"I want to see your direwolf, Ned", Ashara opened the conversation without even a greeting.
The man looked flummoxed for a moment, whether it is due to Ash using his nickname or her non sequitur she didn't know, he gathered himself quickly and replied, "Lady Ashara, a good morning to you. Ironeyes is outside the city in nearby woods. I did not want to cause an uproar, he is not the size of a hound any longer, the streets will be in a panic."
"Oh, then how are you going to take him with you Essos, Ned. You are taking him, are you not? And call me Ash"
"I will get him in day after tomorrow at the break of false dawn, our ship leaves early, he will be on the ship before most of the city wakes up, I already talked with Ser Garth Hightower and arranged it, Lady, I mean Ash", the man stumbled at calling her nickname but soldiered on.
"Let us ride out meet him then", Ashara knew that she was being overly bold, but it was time to try a new tack.
Ned mulled over it for a moment and said slowly, "Very well, I will arrange for a chaperone and get some food for the road."
"No need, Ned, I trust your honor. And I have already arranged for my horse to be brought to the mansion you are staying at and her saddlebags are full with food," Ashara said cheerily.
"Without a chaperone!", Ned almost yelped the words before smoothing his tone and continuing,"Is that wise, my lady?"
"I told you to call me Ash, didn't I? Don't worry over it, what are you, a Septon. Come on times wasting"
"Very well, Ash. Have it your way"
The ride outside the city and into the countryside is a smooth one, filled with small talk, her on small and elegant looking sand steed mare named Sunspot and Ned on his massive northbred warhorse named Longstrider. Ashara made fun of Neds naming sense, which he took as good sport.
After some ways away from Oldtown the duo stopped under a tree on a slight hill and Ashara asked, "So how are you going to call your direwolf Ned?"
"Kennel master in Winterfell carved bone whistles for each of us, to train direwolfs to take commands at a distance, direwolfs have sharper hearing than hounds or wolves. I just have to whistle the tune for come into this and he will come", Ned replied taking out a beautifully carved, finger length bone whistle from his pocket.
"Fascinating, how many times do you have to whistle before he comes?"
"Once is enough, Ash", Ned replied as he was putting away the whistle.
"Lets dismount then, this is a nice place. I have got a picnic blanket and I will start taking out the food. You picket the horses."
Ned has a bemused expression on his face and wordlessly followed her commands.
Just as Ashara spread out last of the food stuffs with wooden plates on the blanket, a slab of raw beef wrapped in deerhide, she spied a grey shape bounding towards them out of a field, Ned stepped up to Ash. As the shape drew closer, Ashara started to get better picture of the sheer size of the direwolf and stood up, "By the Gods Old and New, he is the size of a pony", she didn't realize she said that out loud, in an awed tone, until a warm chuckle in a deep voice replied, "That he is and he hasn't stopped growing yet."
Ashara whirled around to see a sweet smile on Neds lips before asking stunned, "Really?"
"Yes, Ash, nobody exactly knows how long growth stage of a direwolf lasts, but I estimate it will be years yet."
Just then the direwolf reached them slowed from his previous speed, rose up on his back legs and put front paws on Neds shoulders and started licking Neds face, "Gah, I am happy to see you too boy, now stop slobbering all over me. I have to introduce you to some one", Ned said while laughing. Its the first time Ash heard Ned laugh, its a lovely sound, rich and full bellied, with undeniable fondness and love in it.
As though he understood his masters words the direwolf settled on all fours, raised his head high and puffed out his chest. The direwolf could look her in the eyes, eyes matching the exact shade of Neds eyes, up close he is even bigger than biggest pony, almost the size of a small horse.
"Ash, this is Ironeyes, son of Frost, my Lord Fathers direwolf. Ironeyes, this is Lady Ashara of House Dayne of Dorne. Give the Lady a bow", Ned said with mirth dancing in his eyes with a wide smile on his delicious lips, Ash focus, there is a direwolf. Once again, uncannily, as though understanding every word, the direwolf bowed with his front legs bent and head lowered a fraction before straightening.
"Can I touch him Ned", Ash asked in an awed tone.
"Of course, let me show you how", with that Ned gently took her wrist into his hand, the first time Ned took intiatiative in physical, his touch sending a pleasant shiver down her spine, Ashara could feel his swordsman callouses, and brought it a foot near direwolves snout and said, "Now show him your palm, Ash and look him in the eyes, most wild animals including wolves don't like to look in peoples eyes, but direwolves are different,more intelligent, they like eye contact same as people."
As Ashara imperceptibly trembled and maintained eye contact, it felt like the direwolf was looking into her soul, then it took a quick step forward sniffed her hand and licked it and suddenly its face is too close and rough wet tongue is licking her face.
Ashara released a breath she didn't know was holding and laughed with released tension and Ned joined in with his own laugh, I could come to love that laugh.
"He likes you, Ash, he likes you very much."
"I like him too", Ashara replied breathlessly.
"Thats enough boy, sit down now, let me have a look at you", with that all three sat down.
"Now open your mouth boy, let me have a look whats you have been eating", the direwolf obediently opened his mouth with his head in Neds lap, Ned took out a pair of tweezers from the same pocket which held the whistle and really started looking around in its mouth,"been eating fish, have you,how many times have I told you to not to do that when I am not around boy, some of the slivers of fishbone get stuck between his teeth, Ash,hmmm, atleast your dips in the river kept you from being too filthy." And started pulling out said slivers with those tweezers. Just like that with a hand thats much too far in a direwolfs mouth.
This is a side of Ned she hadn't seen before and Ash feared she just might come to love it. That afternoon was spent playing with the direwolf, even napping on his soft belly fur, she heard more laughs and seen more smiles outta Ned than in last five days. It was fun, reminding her days of childhood.
It was with a heavy heart that Ashara said farewell to Ironeyes as the evening begun to set in. There is another feast and ball that needs attending that night. Ned and Ashara started on their way back to the city.
Once the feasting is done, once again Ashara found herself in Ned Starks company, this evening dressed in a formfitting silver dress decorated with pearls, Ash turned many a eye at her entrance. While many eligible bachelors, heirs and Lords one and all wanted a dance with Ashara, Robert Baratheon among them, she turned them down gently.
"Ned, its been five days, you haven't asked me to dance once, tonight I am asking and I am not taking no for an answer."
Neds eyes once again flashed silver, his mouth partly open, before spluttering, "I don't have much practice, I have never danced before."
"You were at least taught to dance, weren't you?", Ashara asked archly.
"Yes, but its been years, I might step on your toes", now seeming panicked.
"I will bear it, on you feet, my lord", Ash commanded haughtily.
For all his protestations, Ned danced gracefully, never stepped on her toes, at first he was quiet stiff and overtly careful, but as the music went on he gained more confidence and his steps gained fluidity. And they dance whole night, oh how they danced. There were many eyes on them but they had eyes only for each other, there were some hopeful lordlings who wanted to cut in, Ned stepped around them smoothly as though he has eyes on the back of his head. Ash felt herself drowning in those silvery pools of moonlight, but didn't care.
Finally, well into the night, when the musicians started packing up and most of the guests wandered away, with aching feet they stepped off the dance floor, somehow ended up on the beach, the moon was full, the night peaceful, breeze full of heady scents of jasmine.
Ashara spied Ned starting to brood and sighed and gently asked, "Whats on your mind Ned?"
Ned started a little, before releasing a long sigh and said, "Ashara, Ash, we, the both of us are carefully circling something these past few days. What is this between us. Am I courting you or are you courting me. Tonight made me realize I like you, I am falling in love with you. Beautiful is not a word enough to describe you, I already love your smile, I am hopelessly smitten with your laugh. Your wit is razor sharp, you are definitely more intelligent than me. But its your kindness that makes it so easy to fall in love with you, I know of your hands on work with Princess Elia for orphanages and dispossessed elderly in Shadow city and Starfall, I heard of plans to expanding it to all of Dorne. I have seen you with children, I see how easily you shower them in love, Ironeyes love you already and he has known you only for hours. I desperately want to ask you to marry me", Neds voice which has been thickening with emotion more and more as he talked almost released a sob when he said, "yet, I can't, I just cannot. When I was eleven, my father said something to me, The Pack comes first, the North comes second, the Happiness of Pack comes third, your own happiness comes fourth, Honor and Duty comes last and fifth. The North needs cheap grain more than it needs my happiness. That means I have to marry a Tully. Forgive me, I cannot do this anymore, my heart can't take it and I can't hurt you anymore. Forgive me, I am sorry, I am sorry"
As he was speaking Ned somehow ended up on his knees, his head bowed, taking great heaving breaths as though choked with emotion. Ashara herself is startled to find herself sobbing with eyes blurred with tears she did not notice starting.
Ashara finds herself hauling Ned to his feet by his shoulders, with a strength she did not know she possessed, shouting, "SHUT UP, SHUT up, just shut up and start kissing me"
When Ned looked on blankly with a stupefied expression on his face, Ash fisted his collar to drag him down and started kissing Ned, while he did not know what he is doing in the beginning he is quick study and got into it, even initiated the using the tongue on his own.
When they finally came up for breath after a long long time, "Ash, we can't do this!"
"Just shut up and come with me", and Ash started dragging Ned towards Hightower, Ned continued to have that stupefied expression until they reached Ashs suite and Ash finally bolted the door firmly.
"Ash, whats happening? We can't do this, I shouldn't be here, this isn't proper!", Ned started stepping back, as Ash started stalking towards Ned in decidedly predatory way, only to for Neds words to be strangled off when they started kissing again.
Just as Ashara started working on laces of his britches after unbuttoning his shirt, Ned managed to get his hands on Ashs shoulders and get some distance between them and with red face, breathing heavily said, "Ash I told you, I will have to marry a Tully daughter, we are not supposed to do this!"
"Yes, I heard you, You have to marry a Tully girl, for cheap grain for the North, I understood. You are not even betrothed to her yet. Yes we can do this, I want this, if you don't want this then, the door is there, get out. If you want this then shut the fuck up and start helping me out of this dress."
"You really want this?"
"Yes. Now wipe that stupid look off your face and decide", Ash demanded.
Ned looked at the door for a long moment, before saying, "I have never done this before"
"I will teach you, now start undressing me."
And Ash did teach Ned, first time they fumbled a bit, it was over far too soon, Ned really was inexperienced. But they are young, Ned has a friend who liked to go into explicit detail about his conquests, Ashara knew what feels good for both genders and successfully coached Ned and Eddard Stark is a quick study. They spent a long night with short naps for breaks and had fruits and wine for sustenance, the night which stretched into next morning, afternoon, evening and night once again. Its fortunate indeed that the Hightowers are very rich, even the beds in guestrooms were quite sturdy, that poor bed has undergone the greatest ordeal of its existence that long night.