I Do not own ASOIAF.
Thanks to anyone who follows, favorites, and reviews. I got some positive feedback which is always nice. If ya'll have any questions, feel free to ask.
trollzor69: I'm the same author from AO3, just decided to post it in both places.
"Talking?" Elia said the words carefully, placing her water down on the table between them. Elia did not drink when she was with child, and while the babe was only two months along, the Princess took no risks. Her face twisted in a look of confusion and amusement. " You were gone for the entire night, with a man I happen to know you fancy, and you expect me to believe that the only thing the two of you did is exchange a few chaste kisses and talk."
"It's the truth," Ashara defended, knowing fully well that Elia would not believe her. Ashara had stumbled in their shared pavilion in the early hours of the morning looking a disheveled mess with her dress ruffled and her hair astray. She was fortunate Arthur hadn't seen her, or she would never have heard the end of it. It was truly fortunate he would be with the Prince, and that Elia and her husband were not on the best of terms at the moment. "We enjoyed each other's company."
"I'm sure you did," Elia gave a knowing smile, coming to the wrong conclusion. It would have been easier to convince her of the truth if Elia had not known that Ashara was no maiden, at least then she wouldn't have reason to doubt her word. "But the entire night, you're sure your Ned was truly as virtuous as you claimed?"
Ashara had rolled her eyes at the accusation and drank from her goblet of Wine. She knew she must have looked a fright still, only receiving a few scant hours of rest before being forced awake by the inquisitive princess. "I am sure, and he remains pure still, he does not wish to dishonor me by bedding before our wedding?"
"Oh?" That had peaked Elia's interest, by the way, her brown eyes shone. "He does know that you have been dishonored, more than once, by more than one man of course?"
Her cheeks colored, "He knows, and he still wishes for my hand in marriage. He said he would speak with his father." It was not easy for her to tell Ned of her lost virtue, and he had seemed disappointed by the revelation, but was willing to stand by her all the same." What's more, he has expressed his interest in returning with us to King's Landing."
"To be knighted by Arthur," Elia had rolled her eyes, "Your fantasies are adorable, tell me, does Arthur know that he will be knighting Ned Stark so that you can keep him close to your chamber door at night."
"That is not the reason," She defended, though, in truth, the thought had occurred to more than once. "Being knighted by the member of the King's Guard is a huge opportunity, it will help Ned adjust for life at court."
Elia always had something witty to say, so she was more than a little surprised to see her friend fall silent. Her face pale, and a look that resembled anger on her features, but it was far more compatible with disgust.
Ashara turned to meet her gaze, and her own heart froze.
"I appreciate your concern for my brothers well being," Lyanna Stark began, her dark brown hair falling around her shoulders, and in a simple grey dress that was plain by southern standards, but she wore it with incredible grace. She had the same grey eyes as Ned, and the same smile on her lips, though hers seemed to lack the warmth which Ashara always sensed in her brother. By her side was the servant who had undoubtedly let her in, a servant that would soon be out of a Job if Ashara had to guess. "Your Grace," Lyanna gave a mock curtsy to Elia which screamed insolence, and Aerys had killed people for less." I wish to speak with Lady Ashara if that is okay with you?" Lyanna asked, her eyes met Ashara's own, and the Dornish women found herself rising to her feet.
"You may," Elia said coolly, dismissing Ashara and the woman who the entire court was discussing. Lyanna smiled brightly and turned on her heel out the door expecting Ashara to follow, and it was only a moment before she did, her thoughts a jumbled mess.
The rumors about Lyanna were many and varied. She was called a whore, an innocent youth, brave, meek, and many other contradictory things. None of which she heard Ashara could honestly trust. Ashara had remembered what Ned had said, and how he said that Lyanna was scared of the attention she was receiving, but Ned had not seen his little sister in years, perhaps he had not known her as well as he thought.
"I do apologize for listening in, but I was curious to know more about the girl that had stolen by shy brothers heart," Lyanna said as they fell in step side by side. More than a few men and women glanced at them as they passed. "I was hoping for more than just a pretty face that would break Ned's heart."
"I would never break ned's heart," Ashara assured, she was hoping to build a life with the Northerner, and breaking his heart was not her intention.
"You will never if you do, you shall regret it," Lyanna assured confidently. Ashara felt a chill go up through her spine, she did not know how a girl of barely six and ten would make her regret anything, but she had little doubt Lyanna would find a way. "My father has agreed to the match," Lyanna stated, her voice had a bitter ring to it, but Ashara paid it no mind.
It felt as if her heart would burst, a surge of joy that shot through her body. Her and Ned would be married as she dreamed, and they could build a life together.
"Don't get too excited," Lyanna continued at a steady pace, a destination in mind. "Ned is a good man, far too good of a man for a woman such as yourself." Ashara agreed with that assessment in truth, but Ashara had yet to meet a woman deserving of her Ned. "Even if he doesn't realize it, he deserves better than a slattern who has been" her voice changed, in a surprisingly accurate imitation of Elia's voice "dishonored, more than once, by more than one man of course?"
"You were listening?" Ashara could not hide her surprise as she turned to face Lyanna fully.
"I wanted to know what kind of women had stolen Ned's heart." Lyanna met Ashara's gaze, visibly unimpressed, her grey eyes piercing into Ashara's soul. " I'm left more than a little disappointed in truth. You are not good enough for Ned. Honestly, you're not even good enough for Brandon," Lyanna responded bitterly. "I will not tell my father you're a slattern. Ned would never forgive me if I did."
Ashara's heart was racing, and not for the reasons she would like, Ned's little sister seemed to be holding her future in her delicate hands, and seemingly content to break it on a moment's notice. "You will not stand in our way?" Ashara asked hesitantly, in truth, afraid of the answer. Her hands had balled into fists in her skirt, her nerves getting the best of her as she softly swayed back and forth on the balls of her feet.
"On the contrary," Lyanna's smile was vicious and victorious, it ground Ashara's hopes into a fine powder. "Ned wanted to be married to you by the end of the week, and father seemed content with that, more concerned with political pacts then with his children's happiness." For a moment Lyanna's smile faltered, hinting at her incoming betrothal to a certain Baratheon. "Father agreed to postpone the wedding for a time, what's more, he agreed with me that Arthur should not Knight Ned."
The fact Ned had wanted to marry her so quickly had given her a spark of joy, even if that pleasure dissipated promptly under Lyanna's cruel smile. "Why?" She had asked, she couldn't fathom what was wrong with Ned being knighted, in the North such an honor meant nothing, but in the south where titles were everything, a Knighthood would open up a world of opportunities for them, it was their key to building a life together in many ways.
"I won't have Ned being indebted to you or your brother," Lyanna had explained in a bored tone. "Regardless of what I said, he insisted on being a knighted, something I'm sure was your doing, speaking of which, we should hurry along, we're going to be late."
….
It was a small gathering, with only the Stark family, herself, Jon Arryn as well as his nephew Elbert, and Robert Baratheon being present. Ashara's brother Arthur was also in attendance, likely to work out the final agreement of her and Ned's betrothal. There would not be much to discuss; fortunately, her father had left her a dowry in his will along with the right to choose her husband. Ned was kneeling before the Old Falcon, as Jon Arryn touched Ned's right shoulder with the blade, the steel shone in the sunlight. The ceremony was taking place in Harrenhals Godswood, not far from where she and Ned had their previous discussion.
"Eddard of house Stark, do you swear before the eyes of gods and men to defend those who cannot defend themselves, to protect all women and children, to obey your captain's, your liege lord, and your king, to fight bravely when needed and do such other tasks as are laid upon you, however hard or humble or dangerous they may be?" Jon Arryn's voice rang echoing in the vast forest, his wispy greyish blonde hair like smoke. There was a sense of pride in his voice, and it occurred to Ashara, this man was genuinely happy to knight Ned. She knew Jon Arryn was like a father to Ned, and for a moment, Ashara felt guilty for trying to have her brother knight him in Jon's place. It would be equivalent to robbing a family of a cherished memory.
The Stark family seemed disinterested in the ceremony. With only Ned's younger brother, Benjen as she recalled, paying any real attention. Brandon Stark, the heir of Winterfell, looked impressively bored with the proceedings, but she had never seen the man amused unless a serving maid was sitting on his lap.
The only person that seemed happy besides herself and Jon was Robert Baratheon, who was wearing a friendly smile and an intricate golden threaded doublet with stags prancing. He stood behind his mentor, a full head taller, and as muscular as any man she could have dreamt up. She could admit he was a strikingly handsome man, easily as comely as Jaime Lannister or maybe even Rhaegar.
"I do," Ned's voice was confident, and there was little in his tone of voice that suggested he was nervous, although she knew he had to be. Her sweet Ned had reservation about being knighted, but he was willing to do it all the same for her benefit if nothing else.
The blade moved from Ned's right shoulder to his left, and a wirily smile appeared on Jon's face as he revealed yellowing teeth. "Rise, Ser Eddard of House Stark," as he did, Jon Arryn calmly handed the blade to his nephew, before enveloping Ned in a tight hug. Robert Baratheon cheered and clapped his hands together creating a booming sound that echoed through the woods. Laughter soon followed as he brought his arms around Ned and Jon both.
Evidently, this ceremony was the farthest thing from formal, hardly comparable to knighting services held in the Great Sept of Baeler, and nothing like the ceremony held for Jaime Lannister a few nights prior when he took the solemn oath of the Kingsguard. It was undoubtedly one of the most joyous ones she recalled witnessing, even with the Starks less than impressed. As Ned and Jon Arryn broke apart, Ashara made her way to her intended.
It was improper, but she brought him into a hug, and laid her head on his chest, as he wrapped his own hands around her. It mattered not what Lyanna said earlier in the day, they had one another, and she would be his wife, and he her husband.
"So you're the one who stole Ned's heart," The booming voice caught her off guard as she turned to Robert Baratheon, who was far more intimidating in person. " I always wanted a sister," He said surprisingly sincerely, and hugged her tightly, and to her honest surprise, he made no move to touch her inappropriately as he did with all the other girls at the tournament. She returned the hug awkwardly, patting the man on his back as he let her down.
"I have a gift for you two, I was going to wait for the wedding, but I couldn't help myself." He handed the parchment in his hand over to Ned, who accepted it with explicit reservation.
"Robert, you did not do anything rash, did you?" Robert laughed and patted Ned on the shoulder as a response.
"Foolish question Ned, of course, I did!" Jon Arryn looked vaguely annoyed, and their conversation seemed to catch the interest of Rickard Stark who made his way to the assembled group. "In this case, however, I talked it over with Jon, he thinks it's a good idea!"
"I said it was not a terrible idea," The elder of the group mentioned, "I did not expect you to act so soon, however. I fear my gift is rather inadequate by comparison."
"That's the highest praise Jon has ever given me I think, and he damn well better find your gift poor compared to mine." Robert turned to Ned, "Now open the scroll, Ned!"
Ned looked more than a bit hesitant but did as his best friend bid. Unsealing the scroll and opening the parchment, he nearly dropped it. "Robert, as I said before this is too much." Her betrothed paled and tried to hand the paper back to Robert who refused to take it.
"It's not enough," Robert said waving off Ned's concerns as if they were nothing,"I have few friends I can trust, and I have but one brother," a massive hand fell on Ned's shoulder as Robert's lips curled into a broad smile.
There were few friendships as strong as these two, Ashara thought, Do me and Elia share the same bond?
The two of known each other since they were children playing Dorne's Water Gardens, but she doubted Elia considered her as a sister. Perhaps because the princess had her own family, and it seemed like Robert only had Ned and Jon?
"Besides, I can think of no man more fit to rule." Robert's voice boomed with pride, and her curiosity had gotten the best of her. She peaked over Ned's shoulder and read the scroll in his hands.
I hereby entrust the High Lordship of the Rainwood and all associated lands, honors, and titles to Lord Eddard Stark of Winterfell and his descendants. May he and his descendants rule these lands and prosper under the authority of his grace, King Aerys II.
In the corner, Robert Baratheon had signed his name and placed his seal. Aery's Targaryen had also signed the scroll, although when Robert had time to meet with the man she did not know, why he would agree to such a thing is another matter altogether. Anyone with half a brain would realize that this would cause untold chaos in the Stormlands.
Ned's promotion was bound to upset the other Lords of the Stormlands and any relatives Robert happened to have. In the course of a night, Eddard Stark had become the second son of a great house with no lands nor titles or any riches to speak of, to a Knight and one of the most influential Lords in all the Stormlands.
A poisoned gift, although Robert wasn't likely to see it as such, Ned certainly would.
Rickard Stark did not bother to do as she did and read over ned's shoulder. Instead, he held out his hand and waited for Ned to hand the scroll over, which he did.
"An exceptional Gift, but I'm afraid the only thing I can offer you, Ned, is my unwavering support," Rickard Stark looked in his son's eyes, and the message was clear to her. Rickard Stark would protect Ned's authority, even if it meant war. "Howland Reed will be happy to help you settle in."
"I offer the same," Jon Arryn spoke up, " When you go to visit your lands, I will send a few of my Knights of the Vale to make my support known."
"Ha, I'll accompany you myself Ned," The words spoken seemed to go over the jovial man's head, and Ashra could not help but wonder, this fool would rule one of the seven kingdoms? "But there is no need to worry yet, I have made no announcement and can do so after the two of you married if you wish."
"I think that would be for the best," Ned stated after a moment, still studying the scroll with apparent dread in his grey eyes. He was a man that could rule well, but not of the sorts who would chase power. She wondered how he would look with a crown atop his head. "I rather not rush into things yet."
"Aye, I won't rush you, fear not." Robert assured, perhaps sensing his friend's hesitation he added, "I have no desire to force you into anything Ned."
"Eddard appreciates your Kindness I assure you," Rickard Stark said, cutting off anything Ned would say. "On behalf of Winterfell, I must thank you for your generosity."
"Aye, I'm sorry Robert, Thank you I mean it." Ned returned Robert's smile, but it did not reach his eyes. Robert and Jon Arryn seamed to realize this, yet Rickard Stark did not.
"My gift," Jon Arryn began perhaps sensing the tension in the air, and Elbert Arryn approached them a sword in his hand which he held out. A longsword half again longer then the one wielded by most knights. It had a black leather sheath with silver trimmings. A plain steel guard and a hilt wrapped in dark boiled leather. It was unornamented except a pommel which featured a grey wolf. A weapon which seemed perfect for any Stark and a kind gift by all standards. "I hope you may never need to use it in truth, but the day may one day come when you find it necessary."
"Thank you, Jon." Ned accepted the blade and held it in his hands, gazing at the weapon which appeared to be of exquisite quality.
"I must take a moment to speak with my son," Rickard Stark informed them all. "On the morrow, he shall set out to King's landing, and I must brief him first."
"Very Well, Ned, I wish for you and Ashara to join me for dinner tonight if that is acceptable," Jon said after a moment.
"Am I not invited," Robert seemed to pout.
"Since when do you require an invitation?" Jon questioned with amusement.
Rickard Stark seemed unamused, "Lord Baratheon, Lord Arryn," The man said just before turning to walk away, expecting Ned to follow. Which he did, but not before giving his farewells to Robert and Jon, and kissing her on the cheek. He left with his new sword strapped to his hip.
Brandon and Benjan Stark greeted her quickly as well before leaving with hardly a word, and Lyanna just avoided them all together. Arthur also left without a word; their relationship had soured in the past few days. His loyalty was always to Rhaegar, hers to Elia, and as their marriage crumbled her and Arthur's friendship suffered.
"I fear Ned did not like his gift," Robert said quietly to Jon.
"He will come around in time," The elder spoke with confidence, "However, it would have been better if you have spoken to him first. regardless, Lady Dayne, I believe we have time before supper to become better acquainted, and I wish to know all I can about Ned's betrothed."
She smiled at the fatherly figure before her, Ned's own family seemed hard and distant, but his adopted one seemed ready to accept her.
"Aye, I wish to know how you melted Ned's, icy heart. Come now, my pavilion has better wine." Robert smiled, and she followed the two men away from the Godswood.
Robert is a well-meaning idiot, and Lyanna means well, she is just a bit distrustful of the south, and everything she has seen at Harrenhal has only made her dislike the south more. Rickard Stark is not one who cares about his children's happiness, he is an ambitious man, and while he is softer then Tywin, he will take whatever opportunity he sees. Jon Arryn has raised Ned and Robert for a decade at this point, and he genuinely sees them as his children. I also feel like its worth mentioning, Elia is exceptionally annoyed that Rhaegar crowned Lyanna the queen of Love and Beauty. A nobleman is expected to have affairs, and Targaryans have had two wives in the past, but Elia was shamed before every lord in the Seven Kingdoms while pregnant with Rhaegars child. Lyanna also doesn't reciprocate Rhaegars advances, and we will see more of his perspective in future chapters.
Btw, the Next Pov Will be Elia, followed by Robert. Ned won't get another POV chapter for a while, and I'm going to try and limit using him and Ashara as much as possible. Even though the story focuses on them, it will be a lot of the outside looking in. Aerys will also get a POV chapter in the future, as will Jaime, and either Jon Con or Rhaeger.
