Chapter Five: Eddard Stark

"Ned, which one do you think she would like?" Eddard, known as Ned, looked up to his friend Robert holding up two jeweled combs. One was ivory inlayed with emeralds; the other gold with rubies.

"I think Lyanna would prefer a dagger, or maybe a new saddle. She's not particularly fond of combs…or jewels for that matter."

"Nonsense. All women love jewels." Robert of the house Baratheon admired the combs for a few more moments and then turned back to the vendor. "The ivory, I think. It will match her eyes."

"Her eyes are grey, Robert." Ned said softly, staring at the ground.

"Of course they are. I misspoke. I meant to say that they will compliment her eyes." Robert paid the merchant, and the two boys left the camp. Ned thought it might be time to mention something that had been troubling him for some time now.

"Robert, how well do you think you know Lyanna?"

"Almost as well as you probably. I read all the letters she sent you, and I spent a great deal of time with her when she visited you at the Vale last spring."

Oh yes. Ned remembered the joy of seeing his sister for the first time in almost a year. He had been stunned initially at her transformation. The memory he harbored of his sister dressed in his old clothes, covered in mud and riding his brother's horse Giant had been shattered when he saw the beautiful, elegant Lady Lyanna Stark. She had arrived early, while Robert was still on an errand for Lord Arryn. Ned had walked right up to her, bowed slightly, greeting her with an affectionate "my lady," and she had responded by punching him in the arm. At the feast that night, she was seated next to Robert, who became instantly infatuated. He presented her with stories of his prowess in the training yard, while Ned watched Lyanna shape her food into the figure of a man. When she sliced off the strategically placed string bean and offered it to Robert, Ned snorted into his wine.

"She is beautiful." Robert had that starry eyed look on his face that he got whenever he thought of Lyanna.

"That she is, but, Robert, Lyanna is different. She's not a Southern lady; she's a northern free spirit. She's not one to sit and sew and coordinate your household. She's more likely to fight you than sing to you."

"She fights?"

"Robert, that's exactly what I'm talking about. Yes, she fights, and rides, and reads. Are you sure she's the type of woman that you want to marry?"

"A woman needs a few hobbies. Besides, she'll settle down once I get a child on her."

"And if she doesn't?"

"She will, she will."

"Yes, Robert, but what if she won't settle down?"

"She will." Robert waved at his friend to end the conversation. Ned was about to press the issue when he realized that Robert's attention was hopelessly diverted. Two women, likely the daughters of one of the tournament's merchants, were walking nearby. Both were average height, slender, and well-endowed. The older-looking one had hair the color of dark honey; the other a fiery redhead. They smiled at the men, and Ned shook his head as Robert turned toward the girls.

"You're soon to marry my sister, Robert." Ned whispered.

"Soon is not now. And now I'm a free man." Robert whispered back. "Ned, there are two. Would you care to join me? I'm sure that pretty blonde could do a lot towards warming up your icy heart."

"No. I'd rather not."

"Ned, get the stick out of your arse and have a little fun. It would do you good…and your cock as well, eh? You know, I hear if you don't use it you –"

"I know what they say. Please excuse me. My father will want to see me before the opening ceremonies."

"Aw, come on Ned. You know I didn't mean it. We don't have to. We could go to the river. I could probably use a quick dip before the festivities begin. I smell of horse shit."

"Aye." Ned laughed. "Robert, I do need to see my father before the ceremonies, though. I'll see you there. Enjoy your…swim."

Robert laughed as Ned headed off toward the castle.