It was a grand celebration, that followed the wedding of Renly Baratheon and Margaery Tyrell. The ceremony itself had been nothing short of grand and lavish. It surely rivaled, if not surpassed the wedding of King Robert to Cersei Lannister. The Tyrells were rich and they liked to show it openly. They did not have the large number of goldmines that the Lannisters owned, but their land was rich and fertile. The Reach has always been the densest populated area in all of the Seven Kingdoms.

And now the Tyrells showed just how rich and powerful they are, with the grand celebration that would continue with a five day Tourney. But first they would sing and dance, feast and drink. A merry celebration where people sat together who would usually threaten each other with death and worse. But this was also the might of the Tyrells. Enemies would not fight here that night. Peace and safety was guaranteed to any man who came unarmed and without ill will.

The feast itself was already loud and boisterous, as Lord Eddard 'Ned' Stark, the Warden of the North, sat with his sons and watched the people around them enjoy themselves. But Eddard was not as merry as the people around him. He had never been a man who liked to celebrate like this. He avoided feasts whenever he had the chance to do so, but tonight he had no choice. So he attended the celebration, albeit reluctantly, and watched the people around him.

He saw Robert, sitting with his wife, already drunk even though the feast had just begun. Eddard hoped that Robert wouldn't repeat the mistake he had made during his other brother's wedding. He didn't even want to imagine what might happen if Robert would shame his youngest brother as well.

His wife, Cersei, looked angrily at anyone who would dare to get too close to her, though her angry gaze often wandered to the table where her brother Jaime sat with his wife and children. His wife... Allyria Dayne... Ashara's sister. When he saw her the day before, near the Sept in Highgarden, he thought he had seen a ghost. The same face, the same eyes... but fair hair, just like her brother's. He had not seen Allyria before, even during his short visit to Starfall after the girl wouldn't leave her chambers. He couldn't fault her for that, not after what had happened to her family. And now she is married to Jaime Lannister, one of the most incomprehensible and most dangerous men in Westeros.

"Father, may we go and join the other guests?" Eddard looked to his right, where his oldest son sat. Robb looked expectantly at him, waiting for a response to his question. So far his sons had sat with him, observing the situation, but the boys are still young and Eddard knew that they wanted to join the festivities around them. Robb seemed especially giddy for some reason. Their sisters had already left the table and disappeared somewhere among the guests.

"Fine. But be careful around these people. I don't want any accidents happening this time, Robb." Ned said. Robb trotted off, looking quite happy, before his father had even finished the sentence. His half-brother, Jon Snow, followed him at a far more sedated pace.

Ned had been reluctant to bring Jon along. The boy had asked him for months for his permission so he could go and join the Night's Watch. Ned was even more reluctant to let the boy commit himself to that group, but he couldn't deny him forever without giving him a reason for it. So he brought him along to this Tourney, telling Jon that he wanted him to see such an event at least once before he would take the Black. But deep down he hoped the Jon would find a reason here, that would make him change his mind.

He heard a heavy thud on the chair next to him and as he looked he saw Robert there, sitting next to him, a goblet filled with wine in his hand. "Ah Ned, try to have some fun. You are always so glum."

"And you, your grace? The Queen seems to be less than amused about your conduct as it seems." Ned pointed out, as he looked over to Cersei, only to see her look angrily in their direction.

Robert laughed boisterously, slamming his goblet on the table as he did so. "Let her rage. She's been in a shitty mood since we've arrived. Doesn't like sleeping in a tent, doesn't like being around so many men, doesn't like being around me... pah and something about her brother, that damned Kingslayer. Just look at him. Being all smug with his pretty wife and his damn children." Robert slurred.

"Some people like to claim that he is one of the last few true knights living today. Though some of his past actions suggest otherwise."

"So you're defending him now, are you?"

"No. I don't know what to think of him. But I do know that he is a very dangerous man. To underestimate him would be a mistake. I'd rather not have him as an enemy." Ned said cautiously.

Robert only snorted when he heard that. "He won't be all that dangerous when his head is on a spike in King's Landing, next to that damn Targaryen's." He said in his drunken haze. Ned knew that his friend had far too much wine already, but the fact that he said such things was proof enough that he still allowed his hatred for the Targaryens to overrule his common sense. "And look up there. Renly, stupid young Renly sitting there, enjoying it when people cheer for him. He doesn't even know how he is being used. By everyone... Just look at that pretty wife of his, talking more to that Targaryen whore than to her new husband..."

Ned looked toward the table where Renly sat with his new wife and immediately saw what Robert meant. Margaery was talking animatedly to Rhaenys Targaryen and some other noble women, paying Renly only miniscule attention. Not that Renly would have noticed. The Lord of Storm's End was busy himself, talking to Ser Loras Tyrell. Ned didn't even want to think what this might mean for their marriage. But then he saw Robert open his mouth again, no doubt to spout more nonsense in his drunken stupor.

"Robert, I believe this is enough." Ned said, as he could only guess what the drunk king would spill out next. "Remember where you are at the moment."

"And you! Not even drinking, not dancing, you only sit here, growing fat and old..." Robert said with distaste. "Go and enjoy yourself, that's your king's order!" He stood up and nearly fell, had it not been for Ned standing up as well to steady him.

"Maybe you should go to bed. Your bed, Robert, not Renly's." Ned cautioned his friend. He had seen how Robert had looked at some of the girls at this castle. He wouldn't put it past Robert to find himself a girl and break in Renly's wedding bed...

"And you should finally live!" Robert said, before he stumbled back in the direction of his former table, where Cersei still sat, alone and dangerous. "Back to the witch then..." But before he was gone he pushed Ned in the direction of the dancers, much to the Stark's dislike.

He passed several people, lords and ladies that he did not even recognize, but people who recognized him. How could they not. Robert Baratheon and Eddard Stark, the victorious rebels. Their tale had been spread far and wide.

In the end he suddenly found himself face to face with two women he had thought about before. Allyria Lannister and Rhaenys Targaryen, surrounded by other ladies. But Ser Jaime was nowhere in sight. Not that these women would need his protection, just the glare Allyria sent his way seemed deadly enough in Ned's opinion.

"Lord Stark, is there a reason why you have come here, except bothering us or cursing my husband behind his back?" Allyria said snidely. Ned was surprised by the venom in her voice, but somehow he couldn't fault her for that. Not after all that had happened in the past.

"I bear you no ill will, Lady Lannister. I was merely searching for someone and ended up here... I meant no harm. Neither did I ever wish to harm your family in any way..."

"Yet you did. You brought death upon House Dayne and you are not even ashamed of it." Allyria retorted angrily.

"It was war and your brother and I served on different sides. Had I been given a different choice, I would not have fought him. Your brother was the best knight I've ever met." Ned said respectfully. He had nearly died in that fight against Ser Arthur Dayne, had it not been for the interference of his friend and comrade Howland Reed.

"And her sister? Or my mother and brother? Or all those other innocents on both sides, what have they done to you, to your friend, the Usurper?" Rhaenys asked him with a grave expression.

"All of us suffered, princess." Ned replied sharply. "It has all started with the actions of your father and grandfather. I had never wished for war, but I did it to protect what was left of my family."

"Don't even try to excuse your actions. Be glad that I am just a woman. My husbands enemies are mine, but if I had the chance to choose those enemies myself, you would be on top of my list." Ned could only see the anger in her eyes at first, but it soon morphed into sadness, when Rhaenys took Allyria's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. The dragon princess whispered something to the older woman that had obviously calmed her down as well, but it did not change their current situation.

Ned didn't know what to think of her statement. This woman spoke so easily about enmity, her hatred apparent in every word she said. He knew he had not left Starfall under the best circumstances, but for such feelings to be strong after so many years... He would have understood the princess anger, but oddly enough the young Targaryen was calm, somber even.

"I am sorry that you feel this way. I meant your family no harm. But the atrocities commited by your father and grandfather cannot and will not be forgotten." Ned finally said. He did not wish to continue this pointless argument. Unlike Robert he would not blame all Targaryens for the actions of Aerys and Rhaegar, this girl was innocent of their crimes.

"Why is it that I always find you bothering my wife, Lord Stark? And now my princess as well. Do I have a reason to worry about their safety?" Just as Ned wanted to leave Jaime Lannister appeared behind him, a look of concern on his face as he saw his wife's agitation. "And here people always say you are such an honorable man, but I don't see why. Running around, upsetting women. Has your king put you up to this? This behavior is bar of any honor and you know it."

"What would you know about honor? You have broken every oath you have ever sworn." Ned replied. He would not sit by as his honor is questioned. Not by men like this Lannister.

"So I am the man without honor here?" Jaime questioned, an amused smirk on his lips.

"You profaned your blade with the blood of the king you had sworn to protect, only to abandon your family and destabilize the realm through your actions." Ned did not know what to make of this man. Why had this Lannister betrayed his family? For what reason? To spite his father? Or was all of this some elaborate plan of Tywin Lannister?

"I killed a madman who had ordered to burn half a million people in their homes. And I saved the life of an innocent girl that should rightfully rule the Seven kingdoms after her family's demise, as it is her birthright. I only broke one oath, whereas you and your king broke several and killed countless good and loyal men. You have sworn an oath to serve the king, just like me, but here you stand, telling me that I have no honor. What does this tell us about you?" Jaime replied tersely.

"He is right, Lord Stark. My grandfather was a monster and deserved his fate. I know what he has done, to your family... and to mine. There wasn't another man who deserved death as much as he did. You should understand that better than anyone. Yet you accuse my knight of treason, when you yourself are at least partly responsible for the death of my entire family, the royal family your family has once sworn to serve. A sin is a sin and you have committed plenty. Everyone has." Rhaenys said, as she looked at him. There was something in her dark lilac eyes that Ned couldn't quite understand. Honesty maybe and distrust. This girl had been a victim of the rebellion just as much as he had been. She had nearly shared the fate of his sister... He shouldn't blame her for her father's actions, he knew that much at least.

"We all have committed our sins, but what counts are the reasons for our actions. I did what I had to do to get my sister back and protect everyone dear to me. I lost my father and two siblings in that war, so don't think that you are the only one who has suffered." Ned said, as he finally looked away from the girl's eyes.

"I know about your losses. I have not been raised to be ignorant like most other noble girls. I know about the past. And I know that both House Stark and House Targaryen share the blame for the war that nearly tore the realm apart. But nothing excuses your king's actions. Sending murderers after children out of spite... it is a sin that not even the Seven can forgive." Rhaenys looked almost imploringly at him and Ned actually wondered who would be the real villain in the upcoming war.

"You and I have made many decisions that are questionable, Lord Stark, but I atone for all of them, every day. And once the realm has been restored to the way it should be, my conscience will be clean." Jaime declared evenly, knowing full well what he implied to the man.

"War will not bring back those you have lost, princess, you will only loose more. I can only hope that you learn that lesson before it is too late." He hoped that at least this girl would learn the lesson Robert so adamantly ignored.

"Now please leave my wife and my princess alone, they obviously have no desire for your company." Jaime said after some moments of silence.

And Ned had no intention to stay either. Jaime's words just now were most unsettling. As it seemed it was not just Robert who could not let go of past hatred and the desire for war. Both sides wanted this fight and sooner or later they would have it. But Ned wasn't even sure if Robert's reasons for this new war would be as justified as those he had for his rebellion. Somehow he doubted it. He doubted that this young princess was the mad Targaryen Robert wanted her to be. But at the same time he could only hope that this girl would not start a war for the sake of revenge, such a war would destroy the realm irrevocably.

"Oh and Lord Stark," Allyria called after him, before he was out of earshot. Ned turned around, to face her once more, to see the loathing in those haunting violet eyes that looked so much like Ashara's, "Keep your son away from my daughter. Your family is no good influence for her."

Ned was confused for a moment, before he looked around, searching for Robb. He found him soon enough, dancing amidst the other guests, with a beautiful blond girl in his arms. When they turned he could see the girls eyes, the same color as her mother's, shining with mirth as she laughed about something Robb had said. Not far behind them, sitting at another table, Ned could also see Tywin Lannister, watching his granddaughter and Robb with obvious displeasure. Ned could only fathom what this could mean for Robb, if he made a mistake with this girl. Earning the wrath of Jaime Lannister and his wife would be one thing, but making an enemy out of Tywin Lannister was never a wise thing to do. He would have to address this once his son had returned from his dance.

It was the morning after the feast, when Eddard walked towards Robert's encampment, searching for his sons. He knew that they were likely there, training with Joffrey. Both Robb and Prince Joffrey intended to join the Tourney events. Ned wasn't so sure if Robb was ready for this, but Robert only encouraged the boys, ever since he had first heard about their plan.

"Aim higher Joffrey. That place is too easy to guard with a shield and your swing will be predictable." Ned could already hear Robert barking commands at the boys as he neared the open space between some of the royal tents. "Good swing Robb. Have you seen that, Joffrey? That's how you swing a weapon."

"The young prince would be better suited for a sword, not a hammer, your grace." Ned said, as he neared the group. Joffrey and Robb stopped their training for a moment, when they saw him approach, both looking at the northern lord with anticipation.

"He is right, father. I only ever trained with swords, it's what I'm best at." Joffrey whined, as he threw the heavy hammer aside in frustration.

"Nonsense. I have conquered the Seven Kingdoms with a hammer in my hand, it is a weapon fit for a king. You will learn how to use it." Robert insisted stubbornly.

Ned could only shake his head when he saw his friend's insistence. He knew that this was a battle he could not win. It was nigh on impossible to force the prince to do something he did not want to do. He was even more stubborn than his father and would whine and complain until Robert would relent and allow him to wield a sword.

Ned allowed himself a small smirk as he saw Robert's futile efforts, as he walked over to the king, past Jon and Theon Greyjoy, his ward and squire. Both boys watched Robb and the prince spar, neither one of them willing to interrupt this fight.

"Just look at him, training so hard. All so he can win the Tourney and crown his own Queen of Love and Beauty." Theon said mockingly. But the comment alone worried Eddard greatly.

"Ah your lad has found a girl he likes at the feast. He certainly has more spunk than you." Robert said, before he laughed loudly. "To fight for a good woman is always a great inspiration. I would say its the only worthy cause, though not always the most rewarding. Got any idea who the lucky lass is?"

"Unfortunately yes. Though I pray that I'm mistaken." Ned answered sourly. He really hoped that he was wrong...

"But no matter, today the big Tourney will start. Time to have some fun. I long for the chance to crack some skulls with my hammer." Robert said, as he looked like a giddy child. Fighting was one of the few things that Robert truly understood. Something he was truly good at. But the years as king had no been kind on him and he was no longer in any shape to fight against the younger contestants in the Melee, let alone join the Jousting.

"Do you think that this is such a good idea, your grace?" Ned said. But Robert merely looked offended by the insinuation that was unfit to fight.

"What is this? I can still fight. I want to wipe that smug grin out of Jaime Lannister's face, with the blunt side of my hammer preferably." Ned knew how much Robert resented his brother in law. It wasn't the fact that Jaime was one of the key characters in a looming war against the crown. Robert would have loved him just for giving him another chance to fight a big war. No, it was the fact that this Lannister had assumed the role of a protector for the last Targaryen in Westeros. Robert hated the dragons and would have preferred to see the girl lying dead next to her mother and brother. But Jaime Lannister had spirited the girl away to Dorne and protected her there since the end of the war. And Robert had hated him ever since. According to Jon Arryn this was also one of many reasons for Robert's problems with his wife. The Queen merely blamed the girl, but never her brother. To her Jaime was a victim of the mad Targaryens.

"A Tourney is no place for a king. At least not as a participant. None of your knights would dare to strike you and all those who wish you harm will use the chance to leave a lasting impression. So please reconsider, your grace. Nothing good will come from this." Ned said imploringly. He could only hope that his old friend would see reason.

"Pah, are you saying that my own men would let me win without even trying? Are they such cowards that they wouldn't dare to hit their king?"

"He is right, Robert. None of these fools would even raise their swords against you. They would forfeit." Cersei Lannister walked past them, a bored sneer on her face. Her daughter, Myrcella, followed not far behind her, trying to mimic her mother, to copy her every move and expression.

"To hell with those cowards then. There are enough others who are willing to fight me!"

"And allow the Dornishmen to hurt or even worse kill you? You are a fool." Cersei said derisively, before she walked away with her child in tow.

"Damn that woman." Robert cursed loudly.

"She is right, Robert."

"Damn you, too. I left Jon Arryn in King's Landing to escape all those well meant advices. Now you try to take the only fun I can have away from me. I want to fight! I want to smell some blood." Robert exclaimed in a huff. "And Joffrey, raise that damn hammer higher! This isn't a scythe." He barked at his son, who was still struggling with the heavy weapon his father wanted him to wield. But Joffrey did not like being cursed at by his father, so he threw the hammer away and stalked off in a huff.

"Damn boy, sometimes there is still too much of his mother in him. Couldn't you break that out of him, Ned? I wanted him to be like one of your Direwolfs, but he still acts like a spoiled Lion!"

"He is at least half Lannister, no one can change that. And the queen would not have liked to hear that I try to undo everything she has done for her son." Ned replied calmly. Joffrey had been one hell of a troublesome child when he came to Winterfell. Always complaining, always sulking. He wouldn't even talk to anyone except he had no choice for the first year. It was hard to teach the boy and required more patience than Robert was able and willing to show. That's why he sent his boy away in the first place.

"Jon said it would be such a good idea to marry Cersei Lannister. That it would be good for the realm. Now look at everything. All I got was a screeching witch and three spoiled children, while her damn brothers are in the South, working towards my downfall. How have things spiraled so far out of control, Ned? This is not what we expected our lives to be, when we were still boys at the Eyrie."

Ned knew that Robert was right. The day Rhaegar Targaryen had run away with Lyanna had been the day when all their lives had changed, for the worse... His father and brother died not soon after that, war had ravaged the land... friends had become enemies, enemies had become grudging allies. Good men had died on both sides, for a war that had been started because of the careless decision of a man and a woman.

"Damn that Rhaegar Targaryen. If I could, I would kill him a thousand times and more. He ruined everything. He took my beloved Lyanna and had his mad father kill everyone who would oppose it. The Targaryens are a blight upon our realm. But I will have my justice. I will wipe out his bloodline. Just wait. Soon there will be no more Targaryens on this world." Robert had a dangerous glint in his eyes as he made his threat. Ned knew that Robert would stop at nothing to have his revenge, no matter the consequences. Too deep ran the hatred for the dragons. A hatred that had begun with the deaths of Robert's parents while they had done their duty for the king. A hatred that had festered and grown in leaps and bounds when the dragons dared to take yet another loved one away from him...

Ned watched his sons with worry, Robb and Jon both would suffer if there was a war. But for different reasons... and his other children... Sansa would not understand why there is a war, why people would die. She lived in her dream of princes and honorable knights, courting beautiful maidens. Her view of the world would shatter. His other daughter, Arya, would be different. She was wild, like her late aunt and one day she would even look a lot like Lyanna. Ned wasn't sure what would happen when Robert would see her then. But one thing was sure, wild Arya would not sit back while her brothers marched to war. She would most likely try to follow them, no matter what her family did to dissuade her. And his youngest sons, Bran and Rickon... they are still young, too young to fight in the coming war, but old enough to understand it. They would see their father and brothers march to war... and they would see them return... victorious, wounded... or as bones for the crypt. All because Robert wanted his war... and all because the Targaryens would never forget the atrocities that have been committed against their family.

Robb and Jon both had not even the slightest clue about what would await them sooner or later. They did not know, Ned had made sure of that. Just like he had made sure that prince Joffrey would grow up without this knowledge. They would have never had a normal childhood with a war on the horizon. Theon knew most of the things going on. Ned knew that the Greyjoy boy liked to eavesdrop and he learned about many things in his role as his squire. But Theon had been sworn to secrecy. The other boys would find out soon, especially now, around so many future enemies. They will question why there is such hatred and distrust between the royal family and the southern lords.

What would he tell them? The truth? He wasn't even sure what the real reasons for all that has happened... and all that will happen. It had started with a man and a woman running away, escalated by the madness of a king and spiraled out of control ever since.

"I've fought enough wars for one life, Robert... and our sons should fight their own battles, not ours." Ned finally said tiredly.

"You've grown soft over the years, Ned." Robert said somewhat displeased. "Our war has never ended. Jon only gave us a few years to recuperate. Our war is far from over." Robert said, before he stood up and walked away, most likely to find himself a drink.

"Robb, Jon, Theon come here. We better get prepared for the beginning of the Tourney. Com on." His sons obey him without much hesitation and followed him back to their own encampment. Ned knew that he still had to talk to Robb, to warn him to stay away from the Lannister girl. He wasn't even sure if Theon's comment was about Jaime Lannister's daughter, but being careful was the better choice here. The dornish Lannisters are even more troublesome than their family in the West. And they are at least twice as dangerous.

A/N: So another chapter and the first POV for good old Ned. I hope it did not disappoint. My focus in this chapter was mostly to show the inner struggle that Ned must feel because of the upcomming war. It was always obvious that all Ned wanted was to get his sister back and protect his remaining family, unlike Robert who thirsted for revenge against all Targaryens.

And this chapter hopefully showed another side to Rhaenys. Not the girl that would treat Tywin Lannister with disrespect and contempt, but also a young woman who knows about her family's crimes and struggles to free herself from the stain their actions have left even on her reputation.

I don't know if I have actually managed to portray Ned and Rhaenys that way, but feel free to tell me if this was good or whether I have to try better next time...

And has anyone else noticed that there are only two families in canon who have purple eyes. The Daynes and the Targaryens. I always wondered if there might be some connection between those two families, but in canon the Daynes have become rather unimportant, which is very sad considering their potential. But the looks they share with the Targaryens will be important soon in this story, just wait and see...

Oh well, we are done for today. Next time I will show you a chapter from Rhaenys POV, her interactions with the Tyrell's and the first escalation in the tense situation at the Tourney. Until then.