Ned II

Gods I need a break, Ned thought to himself as he rubbed his eyes from exhaustion. The day, so far, had been a whirlwind, between further discussions with Jon Arryn, meeting with his retinue to thank them for their defense of his son last night, and reading letters from home he had worn himself out. To make matters worse, he still had a full afternoon of meetings, including two peculiar meetings that appeared on his schedule just this morning. The first, set to begin shortly, was with Prince Oberyn Martell. The second, and even more intriguing, was with Mace Tyrell. Both were powerful men. The Red Viper, as the Martell was known, was not only a proficient warrior, but also a man of intrigue. Most important to Ned, at the moment, was the fact that Oberyn was leading Dorne's delegation as a whole and spoke for House Martell at the Great Council. I'm guessing he wants to discuss Rhaenys and the throne, he thought to himself.

Ned would listen, but he would not abandon his niece, no matter how much he cared for his ward. The Tyrell, though, he had no idea. Both Jon and he thought that the Tyrells would attempt to extort some sort of promises for support, but would come around to Lyarra eventually. If only because Stannis on the throne would be hard for the Tyrells. Stannis and the Lannisters would be devastating. Mayhaps Mace was coming with his demands. It was early, though, for that. Then again, Mace was never the best strategist.

As if by magic, a knock came as the door opened and his guard announced Lord Oberyn Martell was waiting for him. "Thank you, Jory. Please show him in," Ned said. A moment a tall, dark skinned man, with a small black beard stood before him offering his hand in friendship. Gods their is no mistaking that he and Rhaenys are related, Ned thought as he accepted the Red Viper's hand. They knew each other of course, Oberyn and his children had become an almost regular feature of Winterfell. However, they had never become friends, they remained formal and distant, even when sharing meals. Ned understood why, but that didn't make it any easier to be at ease with him.

"Lord Stark, it's a pleasure to see you again," Oberyn said with a bit of flourish. "And you, Prince Oberyn. Though, I was a little surprised to see you had requested an appearance," Ned replied motioning for Oberyn to sit and offered him a glass of wine. The Dornishman did so and took a sip of the wine, allowing the silence to remain for another moment.

"I suspected you would be surprised, Lord Stark. I had come to King's Landing for justice, to put Rhaenys on the Iron Throne where she belongs." Ned remained quiet, just listening to the fiery man say his peace. "However, when I spoke with her at the feast, she informed me she doesn't want to be considered. As you can imagine, I was quite disappointed," Oberyn said. "If you are suggesting, Prince Oberyn, I somehow influenced her, you are quite mistaken," Ned replied coldly. "Oh no, not at all. I apologize, in fact, if I made you think that," Oberyn said. "At first, I did wonder, but looking in Rhaenys's eyes I could see this was her decision. I suppose, I can't be too surprised. This city took her mother and her brother."

If he isn't here to talk about putting Rhaenys on the throne, what does he want, Ned thought, now truly confused. Oberyn must have noticed Ned's perplexed face because he continued. "Rhaenys wishes for Dorne to support Princess Lyarra's claim. I intend to follow her wishes." Now Ned moved from confused to utterly shocked. Before Ned could say anything Oberyn added even more. "Of course, with some...consideration, of course." Now Ned came back to the moment. Does no one do anything simply because it is the right thing in this Gods forsaken city? "I see, well Princess Rhaenys, as I'm sure you know, has always been a quiet girl. I must thank her for her support, though. However, I am wondering, what 'consideration' did you have in mind?"

Oberyn smiled and took another sip of wine. "My brother has decided it's time for Dorne to become more involved with the Realm. As such, we would need a spot of the Small Council." "I will speak with Jon Arryn, but I believe that can be arranged. Anything else," Ned replied. "Families are important, Lord Stark, you've cared for part of mine for fifteen years. In many ways, she is as much a part of your family as she is mine. Perhaps it's time to formalize that arrangement." Ned let one his eyebrows rise. "As you know, Dorne is not like many of the other Kingdoms. Women are allowed greater say in the rule of the realm. My nephew Trystane and your younger daughter, Arya, would make a good match."

Ned was quiet for a moment. There was value in tying the Martells and Starks together with a marriage, but Arya was still very young and wild. Though, she may do well in Dorne, though. He had seen Oberyn's eldest daughters had been trained as warriors. Perhaps it would work. Cat will kill me. "I will have to speak with my wife and daughter, but I have no objection to it. However, the wedding would have to wait until Arya is older. I would also have your nephew spend some time in the North."

"Of course, of course. I think all of that can be arranged, as long as we have a promise in place. I think Trystane might enjoy the opportunity to spend time in the North." Ned held out his hand again, "I will let you know when I have an answer for you. I hope, though, for Princess Lyarra's, sake we can make this work." "So do I," Oberyn replied. "I know you have a busy day, and I have a similarly busy schedule. I will leave you to yours. Thank you, again, for seeing me Lord Stark. I look forward to working with you more closely." With that Oberyn got up and walked out of the room without looking back.

Ned was left alone with his thoughts as he ran his hand through his hair. Had he really just implied his youngest daughter would marry a Martell? Even more shocking, had Dorne agreed to back the Starks regardless of that promise? Things could not get more strange than that. Could they?

Ned got the answer soon enough, when Mace Tyrell appeared before him. Ned offered him the same seat he had offered Oberyn Martell and the same drink, as well. Ned took a small sip while Mace was the first to broke the silence, "Lord Stark, first I wanted to thank you for your son's noble actions last night. I've spoken with my sons and daughter, along with many of my bannerman. They all tell me your son, Robb, protected my daughter without a second thought."

"Thank you, Lord Tyrell. I will pass on your thanks. While my son's actions were not well thought out, I'm glad to know he was acting for a worthy cause, at least," Ned replied sincerely.

"Of course. Tell me, is he betrothed? Robb, I mean," Tyrell asked, dropping all pretense. Ned couldn't believe what he was hearing. It was as if he was reliving earlier in the day. Only this time, even more shocking. Gods by good, what is going on in this city. "No, Lord Tyrell. Robb is not betrothed. Why," Ned played along for a moment. "Well, it occurs to me, that if Robb was willing to protect my daughter out of nothing but common decency, he would certainly be worthy of marrying her. She told me that after the...incident, they spoke and he continued to be very noble." Ned nodded slowly while the Tyrell prattled on. "Yours is a proud and noble house and their are many similarities between yourselves and House Tyrell." Ned was having trouble thinking of any, but he allowed the Lord of the Reach to continue further. "Of course, their are added benefits to an alliance between our houses as well." Now, Ned finally spoke. "I suppose there would be, any child produced, for example, would be related to Princess Lyarra."

"Indeed, Lord Stark, indeed. We would have an interest in making sure she was on the throne and ensuring her reign was given adequate council," Mace said. Ned could see what he was getting at. It seemed everyone wanted an alliance sealed in blood and a seat on the small council. Who am I to judge, though. Its how I wound up with Cat. And if it works out, the it would almost ensure Lyarra was crowned. "I must speak with my wife on the matter, but I believe we can come to an arrangement on the marriage. As for any...council, you may provide. I will speak with Lord Arryn, he is still functioning as Hand." Mace nodded understanding, or at least Ned thought Mace understood. "Very good. I will leave you to your work, then. Good day Lord Stark." "Good day, Lord Tyrell," Ned said standing and shaking the man's hand again.

He needed time to think, clear his head, and consider his options before talking to Cat about them. No doubt his wife would have concerns. Why, before they left for King's Landing, she objected to Bran witnessing his first execution. It was the same trip where they found the Direwolf pups that his children now care for. At the same time, when he had these issues he would go to Catelyn and solve them together. She was the best person for these types of situations. I may as well get this over with, he thought as he stood up and went to find his wife.

A few moments later he found his wife having tea with her brother Edmure and his betrothed, Asha Greyjoy. "Lord Stark, it's an honor to meet you," said the young woman. She was not pretty, but not ugly either. She also had the look of a Ironborn, strong, proud, and always ready to fight. Ned still couldn't believe they would be wed soon, but wasn't going to object. "Edmure, my lady, I need a few moments with my wife," Ned said gently. "Of course, Ned, I will see you later. Asha, my dear, shall we go see what trouble we can find at the ports?" Ned watched a fierce smile flash across Asha's face as she lept out of her chair and headed for the door without so much as a goodbye.

"What is it my love," Catelyn asked. Looking at her, he realized how much he loved her and how grateful he was to have her. "I've had two rather interesting meetings and I wanted to talk them over with you," Ned said quietly. "Nothing has been decided, but after some reflection, I am in favor of both decisions we have to make." Catelyn looked at him in a rather confused fashion. "Of course, what are these decisions," Catelyn asked as Ned sat down next to her.

"We have had offers of betrothal for Arya and Robb," Ned said matter of factly. "What," Catelyn asked, clearly shocked, "From who? You surely did not agree." Ned shook his head. "The Martells suggests a pair for Trystane, Doran's youngest, to Arya and Mace Tyrell suggested his daughter for Robb. As I said, I didn't agree to anything. I said I had to speak with you about it, but like I also said, after thinking about it on my own, I am in favor." Catelyn now shook her head and stood up walking away, "Arya is too young to be married and to a Martell! She will be half a world away from us. And a Tyrell! You would marry your heir to a Tyrell!"

Ned stood up and embraced her. Holding her for a moment until she calmed. "Allow me to explain," Ned said as he held her. He felt her nod and told her about the meetings with Oberyn Martell and Mace Tyrell, how they wanted marriage alliance in exchange for support. "Arya would not be married for many years, and Trystane would come to Winterfell with us. If, after Arya has flowered, she rejects him then he would return home, alone. Arya isn't born to be a lady, my love. She is more my sister than a you or Sansa. In Dorne she would be accepted for who she was. You've seen her when the Sand Snakes have visited Rhaenys. She'd follow them around all day." "And Robb, what of him," Catelyn asked. "Based on last night it seems Robb and Margaery have already expressed interest in each other."

Catelyn finally released him and wiped her eyes. "You're right. It would be beneficial to us and to Lyarra. But, have you thought of the consequences?" Ned hadn't. "No, I hadn't." Catelyn gave a weak smile before returning to the table. "This will be the second generation of future liege lord to marry outside of the North. Even worse, you are taking another of our children from the Northern lords. There may be...grumbling." His wife was right. His bannerman were loyal, but if he and his family kept ignoring them how long would that last? "Very well, what do you suggest," Ned asked already having some ideas, but want Cat's thoughts. "Well, if you are dead set on these betrothals you should announce betrothals to Northern lords at the same time." Ned was shocked by Catelyn's forthrightness. "I thought you were against such things right now," Ned said. "I am, but you are right, it's better for the family. The Pack can only grow stronger." Ned smiled at Catelyn's reference. "Wyman Manderly has a pair of daughters, one of them would make a good match for Bran. Sansa, though, I don't know what to do with her, and Rickon is too young." Catelyn nodded. "True, but what of Benjen's children. He has two sons and three daughters. Surely Benjen would agree." Ned noted Catelyn didn't even mention Jon.

"You're right, Cregan and Rodrick are old enough for betrothals, as is Jonelle," Ned said discussing Benjen's children with his wife, Dacey Mormont. Catelyn nodded in agreement. "What about Cregan and Alys Karstark? And Cley Cerwyn for Jonelle, though it may get confusing with his sister." Ned smiled. That left only Rodrick. "Jeyne Poole might be good for Rodrick. Vayon is a good man, it would be good to reward him. We could even offer to assist with the dowery," Ned said with some inspiration, to which Cat nodded.

Now all that was left was to convince Benjen and tell the children.