Rhaegar
280 A.C Kings Landing
Their return was met with some fanfare, as the people welcomed their heroes. One would think they were returning from conquering all of Essos in the name of Westeros. The people cheered as they marched their forces through the sisters up to the Red Keep. With amusement, he watched Robert eat up the attention his leg looked none the worse throwing some pennies at the common folk and reaching to the crowd as they grasped at his hand and he obliged them. Rhaegar meanwhile kept himself at the center Ned on his right offer nods and smiles to the people but kept an otherwise Lordly presence. When they entered the first gate to their men dispersed to rest and find food prepared to them ahead by Lord Tywin. Dismounting their horses Rhaegar moved to help Princess Elia from her horse as he was expected. Arthur helped his sister though it didn't seem to bother Ned any, who moved to them and clasped hands with Arthur talking about something together.
"I have never seen the Red Keep it's rather big" Elia commented, she had been to Casterly Rock and if he was honest the mountain fortress was bigger than the Red Keep.
"Ah that she is my lady" Rhaegar smiled when a young man came up to him handing him a note. Looking at the note Rhaegar smiled, it was his order at last.
"My lady if you would give me leave I must go to my friends we have a prior appointment" Princess elia bowed gracefully and let him do as he pleased while if albiet awkwardly Jaime Lannister the boy who would soon be knighted as a knight for ending Simon Toyne's life. The rest excluding the young woman would be sent to the wall.
"Oh Prince Rhaegar you return victorious!" Rhaegar resisted the urge to sigh or groan when Cersei Lannister came rapidly for him lifting her skirts so she could jog her way to him. She bowed as soon as they were in range and offered her hand, Rhaegar took it placing a kiss on her soft knuckles as denying her this gesture in public would have humiliated her.
"Aye I return, I see you continue your stay in Kings Landing, I had thought you would have returned home my lady. Must be awfully boring here without your friends and family" he tried politely but it seemed Cersei was having none of that and insisted on accompanying him before the king. He was dreading the thought but denying her now would only cause him problems down the line. So with just a brief nod to his friends he escorted Cersei into the Red Keep proper. Though at this point it might be more fair to say she was escorting him the way she led and held her head above the other noble girls who watched them enter. The throne room doors were wide open, Ser Lewyn when he saw them simply nodded grinning at them as they entered the throne room. A contrast to the rowdy commonfolk in the streets of the city, as they were announced the visiting Lords and Ladies clapped politely some whispering at each other as they passed. Expectingly Rhaegar would be first so after parting with Cersei with a quick bow from him and a curtsy from her he stepped up to the throne. Just below the steps leading to the massive iron wrought seat Rhaegar smoothly knelt before his father bowing his head and spoke.
"I have returned father the brigands arrested and disbanded the roads are once more safe for our people" Rhaegar was prepared for a raving from his father but his father simply dismissed him with a wave of his hand and a grunt of words.
"Stand up boy, groveling is beneath our blood, come on next then" He dismissed him as if he had been a fishmonger who wondered into the red keep instead of the crown prince. Keeping his mask of the aloof prince Rhaegar stood and moved to stand by Ned and Robert. In turn Robert moved next and knelt by the king on behalf of house Baratheon to thank the king for riding his lands of brigands.
"Your Grace thank you for riding house Baratheon lands from these marauders, we are forever grateful" With more enthusiasm than before the king waved off Roberts words.
"We are family, remember and tell cousin Steffon to stop by again soon" The king said before Robert simply nodded and stood. Ned was next and as Rhaegar expected his father visibly perked up at him, the man who saved his life the man he would rather have as a son. Though Rhaegar never cared to admit it, he felt pain that his own father treated one of his friends as more of as on than his own blood. Even his younger brother got better treatment but he did not blame Ned. He was uncomftarble with the experience himself kneeling he spoke to his father his voice even.
"Your Grace I cannot repay the debt for your gift of Duskendale to me, so I hope by serving the realm I can repay your kindness" Ned said before the king barked a raspy laugh clapping.
"Ah stand lad stand! I told you I reward loyalty you owe me nothing lad simply continue serving me and this realm" his father cackled and sat again cursing under his breath by the looks of it he had nicked himself on the throne.
"Bah enough of this trifle ass kissing Ser Gerald do as you must" Ser Gerald for one cleared his throat and motioned to Ser Arthur. Unsheathing Dawn he put it tip down with both hands resting on the pommel.
"Jaime Lannister step forward" the room chattered as Jaime his usual sharp smile gone as he looked elated walked up to Arthur.
"This is not a formal ceremony as done proper, had I not been wounded and we had all not been busy with the brotherhood. I would have done this on the field. Kneel before me squire" Arthur said aloud and everyone clapped somewhat prematurely as Jaime did so and knelt head bowed before the sword of the morning.
"In the eyes of gods and men, by my king Aerys Second of his name, king of the Andals, the Rhoynar and, the first men. Lord of the Seven Kingdoms Protector of the Realm. I grant you the right of knighthood for your actions on the battlefield where a knight is truly tested" Lifting Dawn he touched each shoulder of the young squire no more, sixteen years old, younger than Ned and Robert knighted Ser Jaime Lannister rose. The whole room applauded even himself for the knighthood was well earned, Lord Tywins usual cool glare cracked as he showed pride of his son from his spot by his father. Bowing to the king and shaking hands firmly with Ser Gerald and Arthur they parted ways and his father with an impatient tone began the celebration.
"Let us begin! Come with me Ser Gerald I would have you at my side while I speak to my lords" The Lord Commander nodded wordlessly as he followed behind his father. Knowing what was coming without looking too obvious Rhaegar slipped away from sight into the crowds knowing Cersei would be looking for him. Robert and Ned followed suit as they got congratulated by nobles, poor Ned and to a lesser extent Robert many of the young unmarried ladies flocked to them presenting themselves to the future Lord of the Stormlands, and to the Lord of Duskendale and the man who had the kings ear. Making out of the throne room Rhaegar waited for a moment for Ned and Robert to break through.
"Alright we felt that from the court yard, you wanted to get away where to?" Ned sighed crossing his arms smiling bemusedly. Their revel in his tourment when "courting" Cersei made him wonder if he wasn't better off alone sometimes, rolling his eyes Rhaegar began walking as they followed and responded to their jape.
"Aye I did and we need some cloaks for this one we need to go to the street of steel. I need to see a man about some armors" Robert instantly smirked excited even Ned looked excited at what one of the greatest smiths of their time had crafted for them. They crossed over to Maegors Holdfast momentarily to grab cloaks and gathered some horses at the stables. Trotting back into the city Rhaegar almost felt nostalgic of the smell…well almost as Ned spit on the ground as they left the Red Keep. From the hook to the street steel their ride was filled with idle chatter quite a bit centered on Ned and Lady Ashara to his northern friend's annoyance. The sun was at is highest when they reached the shop and Master Tobho himself came to meet them.
"Ah your grace and my Lords please come in I am very proud of these pieces! I wish to display them as such" the shop was well lit as they ducked inside removing their cover. When presented by three sheets Master Tobho began with the first for Rhaegar himself, he had chosen to use his father's armor for jousting exclusively but…well the fire had put an end to that so he had another set made. Removing the sheath the three young warriors blinked surprised at the craftsmanship. The armor was a smooth dark grey. The breast plate had three folded layers with dragon patterns on the sides of the armor. Th shoulder pauldrons smooth a rounded but still ending at a point. The plates on the armor to his arms as well folded layers to the gauntlets with three armor pieces making up the outside forearms to the mail gloves. A red cloak was neatly pinned to the back the red color well to make him standout in a battle. Two metal skirts rana long the outside of each leg with dragon heads along them and a mail skirt overlapping to cover the front of his thighs where his grieves hooked to leather straps providing enough cover. The grieves over the legs went down encasing the legs in armor to the feet. Finally, the most interesting the dragon helm, a gaping maw of a dragon with sharp teeth. The bottom jaw was in place the top jaw closed and open finishing the armor.
"Ah I can see you like it, well here's the next one your grace I hope your friend finds I to his liking as you placed in your instructions not too elaborate" the second sheet was pulled to show Ned's armor for it could be no one's else. The armor was a steel grey like Ned's eyes the breast plate had a wolf on its chest, while the lines gave the armor a deceptively elaborate design but in truth it was a solid breast plate. The shoulder pauldrons were folded, rounded and ended in a point of three metal sheets sticking out from underneath each other. Around the neck wolfs fur lined it perfectly. The arm guards as well were simple in design forgoing gauntlets for bracers to the arms where Ned used simply leather gloves to fight. Foregoing the metal skirt the breast plate extended to the hips just bit under the pelvis with folded steel so it moved freely. The grieves on the legs covered the thighs almost completely leaving space around the crotch to allow movement to its wearer. Who would have mail underneath anyways to catch glancing blows. The helm similar to Rhaegars was a wolfs head however it was an open helm with the upper jaw lowering as a visor cover while on the breast plate the bottom jaw attached as a neck guard giving the wearer the choice of wearing it or not.
"Well now I'm just jumping at what you gave me rhaegar" Robert smirked rubbing his hands together in anticipation. The final sheet was removed and Robert beheld his armor clearly heavier than the rest but fit his style just fine. A full breast plat that looked to be brought together by several strips of steel but was truly a solid piece. The pauldrons held the similar design but rounded without an edge. The arm guards seemed to wrap the steel strips around the arms and the gauntlents looked thicker so as to withstand a sword blow if not caught with a glancing blow. Most armor left thinner at the limbs, with Roberts design it looked heavy at the forearms. The metal skirts foregone completely as the grieves come up entirely to the hip with a mail skirt at the crotch for simple defense to still allow mobility again like the rest of the armor it looked like intricately woven steel strips wrapping around the legs. Finally, the helm had a T opening with black antlers at the head. Robert dumbfounded these were the antlers of the stag he caught when he was in Storms end. The whole armor done in a dark gold trim distinguishing it from the other armors.
"I hope you are please my lords" Master Tobho began before Rhaegar spoke up.
"Oh, we are, you live up to your reputation Master Tobho ah and the sword?" he asked and the smith nodded grinning moving to his shop to bring a sword out and present it to Ned. The pommel had wols head at the end over the simple guard, the pale wood made Ned blink before Master Tobho spoke up.
"Wirewood from the North courtesy of house Manderly they send their regards my lord" a bit of the old gods for Ned as he knew his friend while not as religious as others still missed his gods here in the south.
"I know not how to thank you my friend" Ned said sliding the sword from its sheath to inspect the steel and balance.
"Aye this is something else Rhaegar" Robert said the armor had to have cost a fortune.
"Your friendship and your brotherhood have been the gifts I wish to repay now and forever my friends. This is just a token from me I know it's a bit frivolous but I could think of nothing else to show my gratitude." Rhaegar replied as Ned statisfied with the sword placed it in his sheath.
"You fool that's hardly need for all of this" Ned said but Rhaegar waved it off.
"Bah think nothing of it now Master Tobho I shall send servants to retrieve the armors thank you again for your work" Rhaegar always the polite prince offered his hand and the smith took it gladly practically glowing at the praise.
"It was my honor your grace, it's not often I get to make such interesting pieces it's a good change of pace." The old smith replied, so saying their goodbyes the three young men parted and returned to the Red Keep. No doubt they would be missed by now they rode back chatting excitedly with each other on Rhaegar's gift and Robert already wishing for another tourney. Rhaegar had some thoughts on that but it was something they would do better to speak in private not in the streets of Kings Landing. Once back at the Red Keep Rhaegar tried to stick with Robert and Ned, well until Ned had left them for Lady Ashara's company. Then Robert had started drinking and while the two enjoyed their time hearing Robert speak of his brief Winterfell visit. Already he wanted to go again and wanted to give Lady Lyanna another gift to Rhaegars bewilderment he had thoughts of giving her a hunting knife.
"Ah you should have seen her she as cold as the bloody land itself to me Rhaegar" Robert went on after drinking his wine in a single gulp wiping his mouth with his sleeve.
"Did she forgive you?" Rhaegar asked keeping it vgue they both knew what they were talking about after all. He paused before cracking a grin and telling Rhaegar of his night sleeping on the Godswood for lady Lyanna's forgiveness.
"Well I might have to teach you to play the harp Robert who knew you had it in you?" Rhaegar grinned into his cup while Robert rather gruffly commented about his "manliness" whatever that entitled.
"Well much as I like to see you squirm I see blonde making its way to you" Robert nodded in the direction to his general right. Subtly scanning with his purple eyes, Rhaegar ducked away when he caught Lady Cersei who was moving his way before being stopped by a Lord Rhaegar did not recognize. Moving he went through the crowd to find his mother sitting by the king while his brother Viserys who peeked from his spot on the chair before spotting him and waving him over.
"Rhaegar!" his brother clamored for his attention rather loud enough that his father turned with a glare at his younger brother, before he could begin a scolding and a fight between his mother and him Rhaegar was already there greeting his father first. He simply grunted his response before turning and muttering to himself. A worrying sight and a quick inspection into the room told him it was noticed by a fair number of lords. Lady Elia who after rest and being looked over by Maester Pycell had as well noticed and gave a worrying look to Rhaegar.
"Brother, did you beat the bandits? Did you save the pricness!" Viserys said excitedly he was practically vibrating in his seat. His mother patted his silver head and smiled sheepishly at Rhaegar.
"He snuck a sip of my wine when I wasn't looking he's a bit over the edge my naughty boy" his mother pinched his brother cheek and he half-heartedly apologized at her. Rhaegar smiled and was glad his mother looked to be in better spirits.
"Aye we did, and the princess is there where you can see her" Rhaegar motioned to Lady Elia who nodded when she noticed his gesture towards her and he returned the nod. He found it odd though through his life in all his focus to rule someday and the brotherhood he shared with Ned and Robert. He never felt the allure of love like his two closest friends had as of recent. Perhaps more recent Robert than Ned who courted Lady Ashara for some time now. Yet he fell a certain kinship with Elia perhaps it was her gentle nature and though Cersei Lannister shined brighter than her physically Rhaegar was much more intrigued about Elia's mind. Their small time spent together he found her charming and if nothing else a companion he did not mind spending time with. It was more he could say of any other girl that had caught his attention. He did not lover her for he barely knew her but if nothing else he could at least have spent his life with Elia if only because their similarities.
"Are you okay?" Rhaegar turned to his brother he had spaced out looking at Elia and his brother looked confused. His mother on the other hand had noticed, and looked at him somewhat pityingly at him.
"Aye I am sorry just thinking is all brother" Rhaegar moved around the table and sat and resigned himself that when Cersei found him he would have to play the part of charming prince again. He spoke at length to his brother of their "adventure" as Viserys seemed keen on calling it. And how they defeated the Kingswood Brotherhood keeping the gorier details out of it. His brother still too young in his mind to learn of the cruelties of the world. If Rhaegar did right as king his brother would never have to take a life in a battlefield.
"Rhaegar so you like the girl?" his father interrupted them and he felt his mother grow tense and cold as she was between him and his father. Rhaegar paused the easy answer was yes but to say no what would his father say? Predicting his actions had become increasingly difficult and Rhaegar felt he was threading a field of fallen leaves hiding bear traps where he could not see them.
"She's a lovely woman father" Rhaegar said and his father hummed looking at her when Robert came by the table to see Viserys by the looks of it.
"I should tell everyone of your engagement then, heh with Tywin here he can suffer these rats laughs and jeers" Rhaegar froze and cursed inside his mind thinking of how to avoid this, if his father did so his plans could fall apart. His promise was to hold off on this announcement to buy time to gather more Lord for the Great Council.
"Father please it is so trivial, perhaps a feast can be held separately for this" Rhaegar said and before Robert could continue speaking to his brother of what Rhaegar did not catch his attentions on much dire situations his friend moved quickly and spoke to his father.
"Your Grace! I have an announcement for you! Well not me but Ned" this peaked his father's interest his obsession with Ned was about the only thing he could truly count on these days to halt whatever madness his father had planned.
"What announcement has he?" his father stroked his bearded chin and Rhaegar noticed his nails had gotten longer. The fact he could point it out could only mean how long they had gotten yet they still seemed filed and kept.
"Aye but I could not take his moment let me bring him!" Whatever Robert was planning he thanked him for the time while Rhaegar thought how to get out of this situation.
Eddard
"You know I did not expect you to be this good at dancing" Ned wasn't sure how to feel about the comment he was taught like any highborn son. So, he looked at Ashara's bemused face with a raised brow but could not help the smile on his bearded face.
"I was taught like anyone else, granted I don't feel any better at it than anyone else here" Ned replied somewhat defensively though he did think of one of his father's bannermen Lord Manderly he was a large man but his size did not diminish how he seemed to glide when he danced he briefly recalled that from a feast in one of his visits to the north.
"Well I meant seeing how battle harden you are this pursuit was too…southern for you" Ashara replied cheekily and Ned chuckled at that, as those words would describe his brother better. Granted his brother the last he saw him he was with a girl of raven hair but he did not see her face with a mug of wine on his hand. Now gods knew where he went off to. He would stay a few days before he and a party of Ned's men escorted him to Riverrun where they would return to Duskendale.
"My brother wishes to speak with you, he made his way here apparently after our...capture" Ashara had refused to reveal much of her captivity when Ned asked but she assured him she hadn't been harmed beyond her wrist broken by the smiling knight. The huge monster had been the toughest fight Ned had in his life. He was strong each strike felt like he was parrying Roberts hammer.
"when we returned, I told him of my plans for us to be wed, he seemed…interested if a bit put off that I didn't at least pick a Dornishman to marry." Ashara said when the song came to an end and, Ned stood before his beloved wondering how to speak with her brother Tristan Dayne. He didn't know much about the oldest Dayne what little he knew of him was from Arthur he didn't seem to like his brother much. However there also wasn't animosity either when he spoke of him more they were different people with different interest and just did not seem to click together. Despite growing up together they were distant per Arthur so Ned was going blind to this meeting.
"Look no matter what I shall marry you though my brother may not wish it I am a free woman and I chose you" Ashara said and though Ned felt warmth in his chest by her words he also did not want to alienated her family. So, with resolve to endear himself to Tristan Dayne he nodded to Ashara to lead him to her brother. Passing the other lords and ladies He was met face to face with the Lord of House Dayne. He wasn't much older than him. In fact he was perhaps two and five with platinum blonde hair and shared Ashara's lilac eyes.
"Ah Eddard Stark, or Lord Stark would be the proper title for a man in your position" he said his voice aloof showing neither warmth nor distaste of his presence. His dress was a soft purple on his tunic with dark breeches and black boots. The Dayne Falling Star sown on his right breast with an orange cloak the color of house Martell over his shoulders.
"Good evening My Lord, I'm afraid I have not heard much about you but all the same I am glad to meet you" Ned began politely enough, the courtly manners he learned from Jon coming into play. He smiled almost with sarcasm when he looked to his sister who returned the stare with a leveled gazed in a silent exchange he was not privy to.
"I see my sister speaks fondly of Arthur but avoids me all together" Ned wasn't sure how to respond to that so he tried another pleasantry.
"Ah well you are a Lord at a young age your duties must simply kept you from spending much time with your siblings, a man of duty is valued great in the north" Ned tried with a firm nod.
"Hmm, I don't see what you mean sister he speaks like southern lord" Ned blinked and Ashara glared at her brother annoyed.
"He doesn't want to disrespect you brother can you not try to provoke him he already got in a fight with Prince Oberyn" the Lord of house Dayne smirked before looking a t Ned again this time his gaze seemed inquisitive.
"Ah yes I heard our prince challenged you to a duel, I'm surprise he lost his skill is renowned in Dorne" Ned pursed his lips a bit and sighed that had not been his proudest of moments he acted without thinking against a prince of Dorne in the heart of their home.
"Well the prince was as good as his reputation, but I had Ahsara's honor to protect" Ned said and he raised a brow.
"Oh, it's Ashara is it? Sister I did not know you were on first name bases already" Ashara groaned annoyed and responded before Ned had a say in it.
"Brother that is hardly your business come now speak seriously for I shall not change my mind,
Oberyn Martell would not be my choice for a husband" Ashara declared and her brother sighed his serious demeanor returning slipping back as easy as if he were changing cloaks.
"Very well Lord Stark I will get down to it what offer could you have to house Dayne?" Ned thought on this, the resources of Duskendale they had stone to spare and craftmen of great skill not to mention they had some surplus of Ironwood from his trade with Lord Gregor Forrester. If he recalled Maester Alester in his brief time before departing to the North told him of an iron mine found in his land.
"Ive natural resources and plenty of food to trade with house Dayne" Ned began and Tristan Dayne looked to Ned, before speaking.
"What of these Ironwood ships I heard about?" he asked and Ned thinned his lips those ships were valuable in fact they were the best his fleet could offer.
"Aye three ships came from my trade with house Forrester." Ned replied simply and Tristan Dayne glanced briefly to Ashara before he spoke again.
"Part with the ships and I can accept your terms of trade and gladly give you my sisters hand. In return we can provide fine silks from Myr, as well as a good hundred head of Dronish sand steeds. And provide Dornish steeds to your household in the future." Ned should have known his ships would be wanted honestly, but he never expected it this fast.
"To trade my three best ships? You jest I have another shipment due of Ironwood I can part with half the shipment plus my trade offer" Ned tried again and Lord Tristan smiled somewhat conceded.
"Ah that is coin out of my coffers to build the ships when you have already done so. It would seem foolish on my part to accept" Ned resisted the urge to sigh and responded to his counter.
"Then I shall offer to pay for the building myself and we both agree having the ship built at your docks would save us the cost of sailing it around Westeros" Ned simply said, Tristan hummed and he could feel he had grabbed the man's attention.
"Very well then, a hundred Dornish sand steeds, should you need more I will give you fair price as I would give a fellow dornishmen for the best horses in Westeros" extending his had Tristan Dayne smiled an almost serpents smile in Ned's eyes but after mulling the prospect over Ned agreed and with the shake of wrist he was betrothed to the woman he fell in love for.
"I shall put the dowry to ten thousand gold dragons if that is to your satisfaction, it should pay for a good wedding I'd say" Tristan Dayne casually said and Ned nodded in return.
"Aye a generous dowry Lord Tristan, I look forward to put the terms in writing and to announce the match to our households" Parting ways Ashara led him away from Tristan who found a seat with some Dornish lords who accompanied no doubt minor lords in his service.
"Well that must be how a cow feels being bartered for in front of its farmer" Ashara drawled and Ned looked to her apologetically.
"Forgive me I know it wasn't the most pleasant experience" Ned apologized and she waved him away.
"Ah what is to be done so is our roles in life as highborn, but enough of that come let us drink and celebrate. To a new life together" Ashara smiled gently and he returned the gesture taking her smaller hands between his larger ones.
"Ned! We got a problem the king is going to announce his intentions for Rhaegar" Robert hissed between them making sure no one could hear them.
"What?" Ned almost groaned he just got through dealing with Ashara's brother just when he wanted to relax with her as they would be separated again he had yet more to deal with.
"I told the king you had an announcement for him" Robert then said with an apologetic room, damn it all he threw the problem right into his lap. Ned paused to try and come up with an excuse when Ashara squeezed his hand and he looked to her. He didn't need to speak to see the look in her eyes that told him he DID have an announcement to make. Ned wasn't glad about this now this was just going to mix politics between him and Ashara.
"I'm sorry" he said to her his face a bit pained for wha the was about to put them through, the people would talk but keeping the king from making enemies of Tywin Lannister was for now adamant for the good of the realm. So the two made for the king and Ned was before him with Ashara's hand in his and he lifted it before the king and made the announcement as he did so Rhaegar looked both apologetic and relieved at his intervention.
"Your Grace! I come again to thank you and bring you news!" Ned was made sure to be loud Ashara by his side already he could hear the highborn whisper, if he had heard right one of them had bet gold on him and Ashara. Hes announcement was obvious what with Ashara's hand in his. Lifting their shared hands he announced to the hall and the king. Was before the king spoke once more his raving voice calming from its usual scathing tone to a fatherlier tone.
"Come now lad I told you it was a just reward" The king waved him off but Ned continued.
"Aye and as you said I needed a prize worth to win my lady love so I am pleased to announce I and Lady Ashara Dayne are to wed!" the room broke into polite applause. Ned did not miss the rather force applause from Tristan Dayne while he scowled and no doubt an angry conversation would follow. Hopefully he would be able to smooth things out without the Lord of Starfall trying to extort more out of him.
"Ah hah! I told you lad see! Look at that Rhaegar!" the king looked to his son frowning.
"True Valyrian blood that one and Eddard took he from under your nose! Hah good job lad! I insist we make this a royal event! I want the kingdom to see I shall sponsor the wedding myself!" The king said and everyone cheered as always eager to lick the kings boot. Rhaegar capitalized on this and stood as well and Ned felt Ashara tighten her grip onto his own hand.
"A Tourney! In honor of my dearest friend, who I love like my own blood at Harrenahl a grand tourney to put them all to shame with every Lord Paramount in the land to attend!" everyone this time did cheer without wanting to lick boot. Southerners loved their tourneys something deep after all. When he couldn't think of things getting worst Ned had Robert rebuke him as well.
"We shall all three compete! Rhaegar, Eddard and, I as well then!" Robert bellowed and the room once more applause. When the commotion died out everyone began excitedly talking of the tourney to come. Excusing themselves Rhaegar moved to speak privately with them Ashara insisted on coming and Ned did no begrudge her they had just dragged her and their marriage what was supposed to be a joyous occasion was now to be menagerie for the kingdom to ogle at. Alone the four gathered outside his room where Lady Cersei had tried to join them but Rhaegar assured her they would dance and he would own him for the rest of the evening after they met.
"I'm sorry to have dragged you into this" Rhaegar began addressing Ashara.
"It was bound to happen, besides the point is to drag me in as the rest of the Seven Kingdoms no?" Ashara pointed out and the three men nodded somberly. Planning treason still never felt right they all had the memories of the king before…before this.
"I shall begin work on this Tourney myself once the feast is over and we can all rest. I shall look to invite the whole of the kingdom and try to meet with the Lord independently. Harrenhall is big it shall be easy to avoid prying ears and eyes with all the commotion.
"So its almost time then?" Robert said serious in tone.
"Aye the time is almost here we must depose my father and end this madness" Rhaegar sighed rubbing his temples the sadness in his voice was not lost.
"What if the worst happens" Ashara said aloud and everyone who tried to avoid it cringed. It was a possibility the Kingdom could split between him and his father. Not to mention with Ned the person his father as most trusted revealing himself a traitor to him. Would that send him over the edge? Already Rhaegar felt a stranger to his own father, and the horrible things he did…to his mother most of all.
"Ned if possible we should send my mother to Duskendale once this starts keep her from my fathers wrath. My brother will be much harder but it is a start." Ned nodded he would work on how to best smuggle them out of the kingdom perhaps using the old tunnels. To the Dragon pit have a party of his men waiting there to smuggle them out of the city. One of his ship with the kings trust would not be questioned in the Blackwater bay.
"Very well once the planning starts letters must be sent and you two have a wedding to paln" Rhaegar said trying to sound both apologetic and happy for them. Ashara sighed shaking her head.
"I have a wedding to plan, maybe with Elia knowing Ned he wouldn't know the first thing about a wedding" Ashara said and both his friends grinned staring at him, he colored red in embarrassment knowing it to be true.
"It never really came up when training swordplay" Ned drawled and they shared a brief laugh, it might a be a while before they could do so again without such a heavy burden on their shoulders.
"Very well let us return to the party, we can begin preparations in the morrow." Rhaegar sighed.
"Aye and you have an execution to walk to outside that door" Robert smirked and his frined shrugged.
"It is the least of my troubles now, I might even enjoy Lady Cerseis company now that will be the smallest of my concerns." Rhaegar admitted and they agreed after some heartfelt words of congratulations from people who truly meant it. They parted ways Ashara led him back to the party wanting him all to herself before things got busy, while Robert decided to retire to his rooms to sleep from the long journey. When they returned to the great hall Ned lifted a brow and looked to the doors leading to guest apartments. Brandon returned and bowed he kissed a lady's hand obscured by people Ned waited for movement. When finally a rather large lady moved, Ned noticed it was Allyria. Her lips looked swollen and her smiled looked dazzling when he stared at his brother. He would speak to him before he left in the morning and hope his brother did not dishonor his betrothed sister. Ashara tugged his sleeve and he turned to her she had not seen them thank the gods.
"What's wrong?" she asked and Ned thought of it, lying to her now would be a bad way to start a marriage.
"My brother seems to have found company in your sister though I love him so, talk to your sister he is a man to promise the sun and stars one day and forget about it in the morning" Ned said carefully.
"Ah I shall speak to her worry not, she knows her share of men in Dorne who act the same she is not like most ladies here at court with songs and shining knights in armor in their heads" Ashara assured him and Ned nodded but he would speak to his brother none the less. As another song played the evening dragged on and Ned hoped their plotting and scheming did not come to bite them when it all came down to happen.
Hey there sorry for the long delay in this chapter, I have no excuse other than lack of motivation for a while. Writing started becoming a chore and well that is NEVER a good sign. So if nothing else enjoy this update I shall endeavor to not making this a habit of waiting so long. Again sorry for the wait but worry not this is not abandoned just lack of motivation had me feeling like I was forcing it instead of being inspired by it. To answer some questions of the few available.
LuxEterna1: As far as marriage prospect, the lord of each region find matches to their lord paramounts much more favorable to outside marriages. True the Lightning count was chosen to marry Allyria but keep in mind the…side hosue for lack of better wording of Hermitage always looking to take though Daynes they are not of the main line. They claim Starfall as theirs and with Blackheaven so close military support would make sense to broker a marriage. Now as far as Ned's prospect? Had he not had Duskendale Tristan Dayne would not send his sister so far away where his house could benefit from nothing. Even trading Ironwood the trade route is long and rigorous not every profitable. Now that Ned is Lord of Duskendale he is closer and close to the political hub of Westeros he is very much a good match for Tristan outside of Dundarrion. But he still has Allyria to marry off so he also is a bit more lenient towards his sisters wants. He does know after all that his sister is a lot more assertive than Allyria.
Jfrost: Oh no she hasn't bedded other men Dornish or not she is highborn, and because she is of the more northen part of Dorne where the influence of the first men and Andals is greater. She is still a maid…but that doesn't mean she didn't have fun with the men who pursued her until she seriously began her courting with Ned. From what we know people saw her as a sort of fem fetal if you will. But she knew her position and did not strictly speaking sleep with another man. She toyed with them might have even allowed a grope or two. But never let them into her bed. As for Elia to her and the sort of culture of back then, bedding a woman was not really in her mind cheating. It was fun and stress relief between friends to her so she doesn't really see it as cheating. She also keeps this to herself. It does not eat at her conscience because again to her it's nothing. Hopefully that answers your question.
Mattias: Thanks mate, and I'm glad you liked their relationship it is the bread and butter sort of speak of the story.