A/N: HEY GUYS! Long time no see huh?
Thank you so much for all of your comments, subscriptions, kudos, bookmarks, and your views for this story as well as the ones on my other Game of Thrones stories as well :D!
Now, first off, there was a comment from where I posted this on AO3 (Archive Of Our Own) that I had read and realized that I needed to clear up a few things sooner rather than later. Sooooo, here goes.
With Lyra being who she is and how she was raised on an isolated island like Bear Island, she is bound to be wary of anyone who non-northern traits. Also, the fact that Catelyn didn't give Sansa the talk even when she was 13 YEARS OLD at the time when Robert and company came to Winterfell in the TV series, gave me the impression that Catelyn was going to wait until the month, week, or even day before Sansa's wedding. So, yea, Catelyn would not have had given Lyra "the talk" even though she had "bloomed" two years earlier than expected in their world. Also, she is a total BITCH to Jon and favored her own children over him in both the books and in the TV series. She may not have expressed in the TV series, but she most definitely did in the books. So, yea, again she would not be favorable to either of them. Lyra because of her being raised differently in the way that made her act like Arya and the fact that Jon is Ned's "bastard son".
Also, yes Robb would be courteous to Lyra, but to her, that means that he's not acting like a true Northmen because his mannerisms are too much like those in the South. Yes, Theon would be curious about Lyra because, in a way, she reminded him a lot of his older sister, Yara. Also, when Jon was talking back to Catelyn. He wasn't yelling. Yes, he was a bit pissed off, but he was also as respectful as he could be in his anger and spoke as calmly as he could. That was why Catelyn reacted the way she did. If he was yelling at her, then she would have fought back because it would have been "normal" behavior if it was.
And I do believe that I have stated in the very beginning and in the tags that this story is an AU story and wouldn't go completely by the direct storyline. I'm pretty sure I did. Also, in the THOUSANDS of stories I have found and read up here and on FanFiction, is that they don't point out everything about the character including their flaws. With Game of Thrones being what it is, the only way to go about these sort of stories is to be as realistic as possible, otherwise, it would be a bunch flowery, cringe-worthy shtuff that wouldn't make sense whatsoever. Which is what I have been trying to do for each Game of Thrones story I have up here as well as the others I have up here as well.
Okay, that has to be the longest Author's Note I have ever written in my eight years of writing. So, I'm gonna stop here and let you guys continue on being the awesome people that you are :D!
Chapter IV
Eddard Stark didn't know what to expect when his wife, Catelyn, came to his solar that morning after breaking their fasts. At first, he thought it was going to be a good day. However, with her radiating anger and contempt could only mean one thing: Jon.
He just sat there being bombarded with the angry ranting of his wife about Jon and how "inappropriately" he had acted around their foster. Eddard would have said something about it if he didn't care for the wrath of his wife. And because he didn't, he spoke up to the boy's defense.
"Catelyn. Jon was only doing what he thought was the right thing to do. He's just a boy, not yet a man. He'll know more about it when he gets older, but for now, leave him be. While Lyra may be our foster, she is not defenseless. She's perfectly capable of handling herself."
This served to get him a tight-lipped look from his wife. He knew she was still angry, but he spoke the truth. Jon was, admittedly, the more innocent boy out of the three. Robb was more courteous, but even he was susceptible to listening to his heart more often than not. Theon ... he was the least innocent boy, but he knew the limits of his bawdy behavior. Lyra was more than capable of handling them. She was more like her mother than any of her siblings and also seemed to have captured all sorts of intrigue in the process.
He stood up as Catelyn went to her embroidery in hopes of calming her anger to look out the window. There he saw Lyra laughing and playing with her snow bear and the other children. Even little Sansa and Arya were in the midst of it. It brought him great joy to see that his daughters were finally getting along and that Lyra was able to bring the pack together. Even if it had seemed to be unintentional.
Eddard knew that their newest ward had feelings for Jon rather than Robb. Jon was the eldest of the children. However, it always brought a sense of guilt to know that the boy is his dead sister's son posing as his own. He knew that Jon couldn't go on living without knowing his true heritage. He also knew that being around Lyra has brought out that dormant "wolfsblood" in him that he inherited from Lyanna. It isn't as strong as it was with her, but it was most definitely there. Then there's his dragon blood. Rhaegar would have been proud of how well his son had grown up in his mother's homeland. He must have known that it wasn't safe even before he committed himself to Lyanna as her husband.
"The gods only knew what was truly going through the prince's mind when it all happened." A silent sigh escaped as he observed the children a bit more wondering how he would proceed to finally tell Jon about his true heritage.
Lyra laughed the hardest she has ever laughed before seeing Arya trying to tackle her elder brothers to the ground. Arya squealed when she found herself dangling from their shoulders. Lyra laughed boisterously as Sansa giggled daintily in stark contrast. The boys were having the hardest time trying to dislodge their youngest sister from them laughing wholeheartedly as they did so.
The young Mormont was glad that she was able to experience this with kids her own age. She had two elder sisters almost ten years her senior, and a younger sister who was half her age by now. The only companion that could stand her was Ursa and she was very glad to have a companion such as her. Lyra could only imagine what it was like for her mother to raise her girls all very different due to their age differences as well as their personalities too.
It has been a couple of weeks since her flowering and she could tell the differences that were beginning to happen to her body. Her breasts were starting to grow again, and her hips were beginning to get a slight curve too. She was nervous and insecure about her developing body despite it being a natural process. Lyra hadn't dared say it out loud. Mostly because she knew that there's the possibility of being berated by Lady Stark for complaining. There's also getting an irritatingly flowering speech from her too. That and she would get picked on by the elder girls too because of their petty jealousy for having become a "woman" earlier than expected. They wouldn't be saying anything of the sort if they knew how painful it was.
Speaking of which, her brown eyes watched with awe as Jon's usually brooding face lit up as he smiled widely in his laughter. He looked so much more handsome when he smiled. Such a thought caused her to blush a bit and smile sheepishly as she kept observing him. Honestly, she would have berated herself for having such thoughts, but now that she was set on making Jon her husband when the time comes, she didn't do it as much anymore. The only problem with that is, is whether or not he would want to marry her. From what she had gathered from Robb, the big brother-figure that he is, Jon had made a personal vow to not father any bastard children. Lyra was pissed at Robb for sharing a personal secret and even berated him for it too. To which he admitted to that he only wanted Jon to be happy without any consequences for it.
This made her even angrier and even beat his ass in a sparring match again. She cursed at any person who had caused Jon such grief and shame in the midst of it. Robb said nothing but let her vent out her frustrations understanding that she needed it. Theon even let her beat him in an archery match which he excelled at far more than she did being a little younger. Lyra ended up feeling better by then and just gave him the stinkeye for going easy on her. To which he only gave that infamous smirk of his and a shrug.
Jon, however, he never went easy on her. Especially when they sparred. He was quick and agile, using his head for strategy except for mere brute strength. This made her admire him even more than she did before and even adapted to match him as best as she could with a short-sword of her own. She couldn't handle the standard-sized swords, or even the longswords because they encumbered her much like the spear does at times. Jon never went easy on her and after each sparring match gave her tips on how to improve to which she gave him a typical thumbs-up in acknowledgment.
Lyra sighed as Ursa laid down at her feet in her exhaustion. The boys had finally gotten Arya off their shoulders and Sansa was watching with a content and happy look on her face. This made her heart hurt because she didn't have that family security that they had. It honestly made her jealous at times, but she didn't dwell on it. Lyra didn't have the time nor the patience to do such things.
So, she started petting Ursa as her snow bear cub slept and rubbed her own eyes as Jon took notice of her. This made her blush a bit which got one out of him too. Even after all of this time, he was still quite shy and awkward around her. But she could tell that he was slowly gaining a bit of confidence in himself too. Which was an awesome thing because he really needs it. He was so handsome and such a strong moral person too. With a hint of stubbornness and broodiness to go along with it to make it oh-so-wonderful to be around.
He sat down beside her just as Robb and Theon sat down with them too. This became quite normal for the four of them since they were closer in age than their younger siblings.
"Are you alright Lyra? I haven't the chance to ask you since ... well ... you know."
Lyra looked at Robb as he shuffled about awkwardly and Jon blushed a bit, but otherwise stayed quiet. Theon looked on with disinterest on his face, but his ocean blue eyes held curiosity.
"Mhm, yea I'm fine. It's not like I was in excruciating pain and bedridden for four whole days or anything."
The sarcasm in her voice was there, but the other two boys seemed to pale drastically at the mention of it. Robb visibly shuddered at it while Jon looked like he was in pain too. Lyra gently took a hold of his hand and gently squeezed it. Poor Jon nearly jumped out of his skin at the touch. However, it was enough for him to calm down soon afterward and for her to notice the snickers of the other two boys. To which they got glares from both of them despite the blush on Jon's cheeks. They laughed so hard that they nearly toppled onto the ground.
Soon Lyra and Jon were laughing along with them just because they could. It felt good to laugh again and with vigor as well. They were soon interrupted by Ursa charging towards the main gates growling in her excitement. Gaining curiosity and worry out of Lyra, she followed after her snow bear cub.
"Ursa?! What's wrong?!"
Soon the cub stopped and reached up on her hind legs in her excitement and happiness. Lyra looked up after hugging her cub by her waist and whooped in her own joy.
"Mama! You're here!"
This got a wide smile out of the She-Bear after she dismounted and took her running daughter into her arms without toppling over successfully. Soon the Stark children and parents were there in the courtyard watching the scene with various emotions displayed on their faces.
Eddard in amusement, Catelyn in hope and relief, Robb in joy and curiosity, Jon in worry and apprehension, Theon in jealousy and happiness, Sansa in curiosity, Arya in interest and eagerness. Maege saw them all and knew that reasons behind each one as well. Especially with the elder Starks. She placed her daughter on the ground just before Ursa started licking her in the face causing all who was present to laugh wholeheartedly. Except for the more uptight ladies that is.
Lyra couldn't help her excitement as she started to talk about anything and everything that's been going on since her arrival to Winterfell. Maege listened patiently knowing that they haven't seen each other in a year. She noticed that her daughter would blush a bit when mentioning Jon. How her brown eyes light up and a smile was brought to her face. Maege, as a warrior and mother, was both concerned and proud of Lyra's choice in a suitor. It seems that she would have a ... talk with Jon Snow later.
Jon watched from afar observing Lyra interacting with her mother as if it was as easy as breathing. It made him feel ... a bit sad but grateful. Because even though he would never know his own mother's embrace, he was at least happy that Lyra is able to do so. He knew that he would be in trouble for standing up to Lady Stark. He was sure of it, more than sure in fact. Jon was more than surprised that he had the gall to do it even after all these years. It seemed that Lyra had something to do with his newfound confidence. However, little it may be.
It had also terrified him. To have this confidence inside of him that he didn't know was there. It was going to make him reckless and cocky which was something he couldn't afford to do. Not as a bastard of the Lord of Winterfell. However, he absolutely loathed that he almost never had any alone time with Lyra. Not with Robb, Theon, or just someone watching over them in the courtyard. He shouldn't feel this way, not at all, but he couldn't help it either. Not with these feelings being as strong as they were.
13 name-days old and was still considered a stupid boy, a bastard boy, that doesn't know much about anything. Unfortunately, to the eyes of everyone else, it was true. Although, despite his position being similar to Theon's, he wasn't as carefree or as confident either, and had a lot more to prove because of it. Robb, despite being the heir of Winterfell and House Stark, had absolutely nothing to prove. Everything came to him easily it seemed. The only things that Robb didn't have that he did, was privacy, better swordsmanship skills, and also Lyra's undivided attention.
Jon began to notice it after he had helped out with her moonblood, despite feeling extremely awkward about it. She was always finding him in the crowds of people, always came when he was practicing in the courtyard, always asked him to spar with her, and always gave him bright genuine smiles when seeing him and hugs whenever she could. He was not stupid. He knew that she had affections for him. However, he didn't know how deep they ran. For now, he wasn't going to question it and just try to relish in it until she turns her attention elsewhere.
"NO! She's not like that! Stupid Jon! She isn't some simpering lady easily swayed by songs and knights!" Jon cursed his train of thought some more not realizing that he was pummeling the practice dummy until he heard someone clear their throat. Startled he jumped turning around quickly as his instincts kicked in. He could feel his face paling even more than it already was when he saw Lady Mormont, Lyra's mother, standing there with her hands on her hips and a raised-eyebrow expression. "Oh, shite."
"So, you're the one my daughter has her eyes on."
It didn't take much for Jon to figure out she was talking about Lyra. "I wouldn't say that my Lady. I'm just a bastard."
"Cut the shite Snow. I know for a fact Lyra fancies you and I can see why."
Jon gulped and shifted on his two feet much he has done in the past whenever he was nervous or getting shy.
"I honestly don't know what she sees in me that makes her so fixated."
"Knowing my daughter, she probably went with her gut instinct after Ursa licked you to pieces."
"That sounds about right."
"I told Ned that I would only agree to a marriage between Lyra and one of you boys if it was her choice and hers alone. I don't care which one she chooses and that includes you, Jon Snow. Honestly, I would have preferred you over your brother."
Jon was baffled and he was sure that the confusion was shown all over his face.
"As much as I found Robb to be a nice boy and all, Lyra would have quickly became bored of him. She is a lot like your sister Arya in fact. Robb may be courteous, honorable, and confident, but he is always careless, a bit naïve, and a bit arrogant too. He has nothing to live up to except for being the Lord of this House."
Jon couldn't help but agree to that. He knew that Robb was those things and many more as well. So, he nodded and just listened to the older woman.
"You, on the other hand, are a simple bastard that has to prove and better himself every day just to get some recognition. You know the meaning of hard work and that will get you far in life. Lyra had definitely made the right choice despite the two of you being so young. Very little will make her change her mind because she so damn stubborn."
"So, what you're saying is that ... I just might have a chance?"
"Aye, you most certainly do. Just don't fuck it up."
"A-aye. I won't lady Mormont. Though I can't promise that Lady Stark will not do anything about it."
"Then that's her problem. Never really cared for southerners anyways, but we gotta respect her for being Ned's wife and leave it at that."
He nodded and startled when Maege landed her large hand on his shoulder making him look her in the eyes. Intense and serious was what could be best to describe her expression at that moment.
"You break my daughter's heart and you'll be losing your balls. That's if she doesn't get to you first. Understood?"
Jon nodded vigorously in his fear and relaxed slightly when Maege nodded leaving to go inside the keep. He knew for a fact that the She-Bear was absolutely serious and would follow through if he messed up. It only served to make him want to be the best he could be for Lyra. Hopefully, he could be.