Warning: I do not own A Song of Ice and Fire, nor this Story.
This story deserves to be available for readers to read. This Story was removed, it deserved to be available, Original Author is Blackwolf2019 as i don't own this story or its work.
Comments and everything below is from the OA.
Chapter 16: A Meeting of Stark and Arryn
Hope you all enjoy, feel free tae comment as always!
was on a bit of a roll so managed tae get this up a bit early, might have ta wait a week or two fir the next one though. Final stages of ma dissertation!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Jon
Moat Cailin was a sight that the small group was ready for when they finally reached its gates. Jon more than most. News of the army's presence, Sansa and most importantly Arya had spurned him to action. It had been why he had only ridden with a small party of Northmen including Val, Whoresbane Umber, Sigorn of Thenn and Barbrey Dustin.And guards to hold the dead wights.He had also ridden with Ghost and some of the pack. The rest staying with Shaggydog and Rickon. His brother had been annoyed that he was leaving. Though Jon had promised that he wasn't going South of the Neck, something which eased the lad.He remembers what happened to Robb for all that he can barely remember his eldest brother.Crowfood Umber had been made a Castellan of Winterfell for while he was gone.
Jon gave a sigh in relief as he looked at the Great Moat. Ready to defend the North from the South. Already defending Arya.How much I've missed you.
Val gave a small whistle. "And I thought Winterfell was large. You kneelers know how to make big castles."
Jon grinned at the sound of her voice as they rode into Moat Cailin.
"Aye, and it would have been bigger in its prime. Twenty Towers all designed to choke any invading army that intended to harm the North."
"An impressive ruin then." Sigorn noted as he looked around, seeing the large garrison of Northmen running it.
"And still a dangerous one. Even in this state it can drive any army of Southerners back." Barbrey added.
"Maybe we can rebuild it when winter ends." Whoresbane said hopefully.
Jon nodded, "When the dead are dealt with and winter is over. Aye, we'll rebuild it."
As the party got further into Moat Cailin, Jon noticed that Ghost was searching for someone, sniffing and increasing in pace. Jon warged into him briefly, he was smelling for Nymeria. She was near.Arya's near.Jon picked up the pace as they made their way into the courtyard, Ghost bounding ahead. They were met with a small group of Lords.Galbert Glover, Harrion Karstark and The Great Jon Umber, as big as his uncles.Jon could remember some from feasts when he was young. But it was the young woman with a pack of wolves surrounding her, standing further forward than the rest. And staring at him with Stark Grey eyes.Our Eyes.Jon had practically jumped off his horse as she started to run to him.Fuck propriety.He wrapped her in a full bear hug, picking her up like he had the last time.I've missed you.She could feel him hug back as fiercely as he was her.
They stood in the great Courtyard like that for what felt like age before the two broke the hug, Jon putting his little sister down. She was smiling at him. He looked her up and down, seeing her in breeches, tunic in Stark colours and Needle at her belt. Jon could only grin at her and ruffle her hair. She gave a playful scowl.
"I've missed you Little Sister." Jon said almost breathlessly.
Arya's playful scowl turned back to a smile. "I haven't stopped missing you since I left Winterfell Jon."
Jon's grin grew, "Did you remember your first lesson with Needle?"
Arya nodded firmly, moving in for another hug, "Every time it saved me since I left."
Jon returned the hug again before the two finally broke again, returning to everyone else. Ghost and Nymeria's reunion had been similar to their own, the two wolves playing as if they hadn't left each other for years. He could hear their joyous howls. Jon turned to the waiting Lords and soldiers; he could see them making them taking a knee. Then he heard the slam of swords into the ground. And a thundering boom from The Great Jon Umber.
"THE KING IN THE NORTH!"
Then the Lords and soldiers followed suit, giving the same chant he'd heard at Winterfell. Jon looked around the courtyard before raising his hand for them to stop and get up. He whispered to Arya before the Northern Lords approached. "I'm still not used to that."
Arya smirked, "Nor me with Princess."
Jon started to laugh as he smiled at his bannermen, then back to his sister.You're where you belong Arya.
Meeting with the newly freed hostages and talking with the Garrison at Moat Cailin had taken time. Informing Galbert Glover that his niece and nephew were safe at Winterfell. Making sure Harrion Karstark was in full support of him. The man had grievances due to Robb's actions, and his own for marrying Alys to Sigorn. But the Lord had time to mull over his cousins' crimes since reaching the Moat. and given his full support. The Great Jon had also given his full support, though he had tested both him and Val. That hadn't surprised him. It was the way of the First Men. The meeting and showing them the wights had taken time.
But it had come to an end and he'd finally been allowed to speak with Arya into the night with Val. The two had told each other everything as they sat in front of a fire and drank slowly. From every good thing to the horrible. Jon couldn't judge what Arya had done to keep herself alive. He'd done just as bad in different ways. Being reunited was all that had mattered. They were together and he would soon bring her home to Rickon.And Sansa if possible.
"Are you sure she was lying when she spoke to you?" Jon asked her.
Arya nodded at him as they looked into the fire.
"She doesn't want to harm any of us. I can tell."
"Are these kneelers going to hurt Sansa if Jon doesn't do what they want?" Val asked Arya.
Jon growled into his drink.
Arya shook her head. "I doubt it. I think they need her too much. They want the North."
Val laughed. "They think the First Men will bend to them! They don't understand us much then. We'll eat them alive."
Arya looked at Val and then Jon, giving a knowing smirk.She likes her.
"What can you tell me about Baelish and her husband?" Jon asked, almost snarling at the mention of them.
Arya thought from a moment. "I don't know much about the Arryn. He has a strut though and an arrogant voice. Baelish though, I remember from King's Landing. I've met people like him in Braavos. He's a snake."
"Then we'll kill them." Val said confidently.
Jon and Arya both smiled at that.
"Glover told me that Baelish expected him to let him straight through. I'm guessing that's already set him back." Jon pointed out.
"He didn't like my presence either. He thought Sansa was the only one left. He said she was the rightful Lady of Winterfell." Arya said sadly.
"So, he doesn't know about your brother then." Val stated
"He wants us all dead but Sansa most likely." Arya mused.
Jon felt his blood pump harder at the thought of it.I'll kill them all when I get the chance. The Andals will be reminded what happens when they threaten the First Men.
Brienne
Riding with Sansa Stark and the party of Arryn and Tully men was something Brienne was glad for. Brienne had fulfilled a part of her oath, serving one of the Stark daughters. She'd been met with the usual stares from everyone but the Lady Sansa had accepted. And Lord Baelish had been keener once he realised that she carried both of the swords made from Ice, the Stark Valyrian sword."A further show of the Lady Sansa's legitimacy."Brienne didn't like the man. But it didn't matter. She'd finally done what she'd promised. Both to Jamie and the former Lady Stark. The Lady Catelyn, or Stoneheart as the brotherhood called her, had sent her off to fulfil her duty. The brotherhood would keep their distance for now until they felt it easier to give their pledges.Or maybe she doesn't want her daughter to see what she's become.
Brienne had seen the cruelty and the callousness that had consumed the woman, with her slit throat pulsating whenever she grew truly angry. Something she had seen at the mention of Ser Jamie and his trial. She was lucky that the two had both lived, only getting away by mercy of the other members of the Brotherhood. They had believed him when he offered twin sword of Oath Keeper.Nobody gives away a Valyrian Steel Sword.Brienne had admired him for it. He'd proven he valued oaths over a sword worth more than most things in this world.I hope the war treats you well Ser Jamie.She sighed.And I hope we are not on the other side of the war to come.They would be marching South once they had the North to add to their forces. Once Sansa had taken her seat back. Brienne hoped that her cousin would agree to bend to her at the Parley.Our armies will get slaughtered at those walls.
Brienne rode in silence with the party, making their way to the meeting point, not far from the great castle of Moat Cailin. Brienne realised they would be the first at the meeting point as she dismounted. The party of Lords and Soldiers followed suit. Among them was the Lady Sansa, her husband Lord Arryn her Uncles Edmure and Brynden, Lord Blackwood and Lord Mallister, Lord Royce, Lady Waynwood, Lyn Corbray and Lord Baelish. Lord Baelish, Lord of Harrenhal and advisor to Lord Arryn, would most likely be leading this talk.
They didn't have to wait long for long as the sound of hooves hammered across the Northern terrain. Brienne to her astonishment could see that it was more than just horses. She could see a large number of wolves and two Direwolves at the head. It made the group of Northmen look more fearsome. As they arrived, and began to dismount, Brienne made a count of who was present. Excluding the soldiers and wolves, there nine people. Five Men and Four women, the bulk of them not looking too fondly at the Vale Lords in the party. It didn't take long for Brienne to discern which ones were Jon Snow and Arya Stark. With two Direwolves flanking them and their clothing adorned in Stark banners, it would be hard to dispute. Brienne took a long look at Arya. She was dressed in practical breeches, much like the other women in the party, with a sword and knife at her hip. She stood confidently. Her grey eyes were calm and collected, assessing everyone in the group. She was beautiful too. Brienne could feel the men in her group noticing her. Turning to Jon Snow, Brienne could see the same dark hair and grey eyes that Arya possessed. His face looked much harder than Arya's. And much angrier. Almost as if he was ready to fight an instant. Almost ready to explode. His Great White Wolf was snarling at Baelish and Lord Arryn at the front. The King in the North turned, pointing that anger towards them. She could swear he was snarling as well. His eyes seemed looked furious. Brienne noticed a twitch in Baelish's posture before he smiled at the group of Northmen.
Jon Snow ignored the smile and turned his attention to Sansa.
"Are you alright Sansa?"
For a moment his features softened. But Brienne could hear a growl in his voice.
Baelish didn't give her time to answer. "The Lady Sansa is fine Snow. She has her husband, her uncles and the might of the Vale and Riverlands behind her."
Brienne heard Jon snarl at Baelish. His hand was on his sword. Two of the Lords in his party, the largest of them, were following suit.
"He wasn't asking you Lord Baelish." Arya stated coldly.
Brienne felt slightly cold. She could hear the malice behind them.
Sansa answered before Baelish could make a retort. "I am well Jon. Though I would prefer it if you referred to my title."
"My wife speaks trueSnow. You should speak to yourtrueborncousin with herrightfultitles." Lord Harry Arryn added.
Jon turned his glare towards Lord Arryn. He looked him up and down and his face etched into a scowl. The Northmen had turned their glares towards Arryn. One Lord, dressed in leathers with bronze scales and bronze greaves spat into the ground before speaking with a thick accent.
"And you should address him as King boy."
The woman by his side, slender and with a coltish look seemed to agree "Better yet, he should be grovelling for forgiveness on behalf of the Vale for failing to fight the Lannisters."
Most of the Vale Lords present look displeased at that. Lord Royce looked guilty. The Riverland bannermen present were murmuring with the Tully Lords. Baelish was quick to intercede before Lord Arryn sauntered over. Brienne noticed that Sansa wasn't trying to calm her husband.
"My Lords and Ladies, I was hoping we would not have to resort to such harsh words as early. I was hoping for a much more peaceful discord."
"Then keep your mouth shut and let my sister speak" Jon said firmly. His teeth were baring.
He's half wolf.
Baelish made a mock of being affronted but motioned Sansa to the centre. Her husband by her side. Brienne made sure she was near as possible. Sansa stood firmly as she looked at Jon Snow. She looked regal like her mother.
"Jon, I want to thank you for taking Winterfell away from the Boltons. You proved yourself loyal to House Stark and the North for doing that. But now that I have returned, The North should be returned to the rightful heir of House Stark. I would have you return my titles and bend to me. I would have you as a commander in the Northern army. We can march south together and avenge Father."
Sansa spoke firmly and with conviction. Her words were polite and well meaning. Brienne was impressed.
Jon looked at her hard. "Speak our House's words Sansa."
It wasn't a question.
Sansa followed the command. "Winter is Coming."
"Those words are a warning Sansa. A warning that Winter is hardship and suffering for the North. And now that Winter is here, I won't be marching the blood of the First Men South. It is not the time for it."
Lord Baelish smiled at that. "The Vale has an abundance of resources, and my time as Master of Coin has afforded me some connections. I'm sure I would be able to feed the North in both winter and war."
The largest of the Northmen glared at the Vale Lords then exploded into a shout.
"I WON'T TRUST A FUCKING VALE LORD! You betrayed Ned Stark the moment you didn't fight with his son!"
The North Remembers, the saying is true then.Brienne realised as she looked at the Northmen. The large lord had turned his glare to the Riverlords, glaring at Edmure Tully.
"AND WHAT OF YOU! You declared for Robb! You bled with him and he saved your arse from the Lannisters! Is this how you repay him by betraying his heir and King!"
This isn't going well at all.Brienne could see that the Northmen were not going to be cordial or willing at all. They were clearly more willing to have an illegitimate son of Stark if they didn't have to deal with people who they believed were threatening them.
Edmure Tully made to speak firmly with the large man. "Lord Umber, we are fighting with Robb's heir. Only Sansa and Arya are left and she is the eldest. That makes her the legal heir."
One of the women in the Northern party, with dark hair and sharp features gave a small chuckle. "I'm afraid that's not true in any case LordTully."
She spat the word Tully as if it were a plague.Brienne noted.
The woman looked straight at Sansa. "You see, when Robb Stark had heard that you had been married to a Lannister, he made a will that disinherited you because he didn't want a Lannister at Winterfell. He instead namedKing Jon Starkas his heir. He legitimised him and released him from his vows. He is the rightful King in the North."
Baelish's smile broke slightly before recomposing itself. "That sounds like a grand tale to me. And even if that did exist, Sansa never consummated with the Lannister and is now married to an Arryn, an ally of House Stark."
The second Umber as Brienne guessed was quick to grab something out of his pocket, giving it to the lady Sansa.
The lady Sansa read it with a grim expression.
The second Umber spoke firmly and proudly. "Lady Dustin speaks true. As you'll see that is signed by your brother, noted by many Northern Lords to boot. Lord Umber here among them. And with our King being Brandon's son, it puts him ahead of both Sansa and Arya as well."
The Blonde woman smiled darkly at Baelish. "That piece of kneeler words doesn't really matter either. He took the North with strength as a First Man and a Northman."
The Vale and Riverlords were silent for a moment. Baelish, the most talkative of the Lords usually, had as well. The wolves were snarling at him. Then he gave a small smile. "Did you know about that Will when you left the watch. Or did that only happen after?"
Jon's snarl grew louder. He looked ready to rip into the man's throat. Baelish seemed to smile. "I don't think you did then? In my eyes that would still make you an oathbreaker."
Jon looked at Baelish with eyes like the wolf. Almost predatory. "I fulfilled my vows Lord Baelish before marching to gut the Flayers and Squids. You march on Moat Cailin and threaten my family and I'll do worse to you."
There was a certain finality to those. It wasn't arrogant or cocky. It was a promise.
Lyn Corbray didn't seem to believe the words. He smiled at Lord Baelish, then to Jon.
"I disagree. Your savages for Lords have thrown insults at the Vale. Speaking of how we did nothing to fight with Robb. I would argue that you did exactly what they claim of us. You only broke your oath when everyone of the trueborn were thought to be dead. When your claim would be undisputed. You live up to the name of a bastard."
Brienne didn't see the punch Lord Umber had thrown at Corbray. What she did see was Lord Corbray hit the ground with a large thud and a scream.
"Insult my King again boy and I'll make you an ugly corpse!"
She could see blood flowing freely out of his mouth, teeth smashed to bits. The jaw was the same. The entourage of Lords and Ladies looked uncomfortable at the sight of bone piercing through the skin of Lord Corbray. Brienne hadn't even seen the hulking Northman get that close to him. The Vale and Riverlords had all unsheathed their swords, looking directly at lord Umber. The Northmen had done the same, and the pack of wolves were prowling, teeth bared. Lord Arryn was furious.
"One of your traitors just struck my bannermen at a Parley! My wife has offered you fair terms, more than fair terms considering your broken oaths. Instead you refuse. You don't know true honour Snow and clearly don't wish to resolve this peacefully. Do you want war when Stark and Arryn have been friends for so long?"
Brienne could see the Lord was speaking eloquently, trying to prove himself the better. The Vale Lords seemed to like the appeal to honour.
Jon stepped forward to Lord Arryn with an angry scowl. He stood scowling at the Lord for a long moment, his sword in hand. Then the face turned solemn. His body relaxed for a single moment.
"I have an offer for you lord Arryn."
"And what is that?" Lord Arryn asked.
"You want the North. You can have it if you defeat me in single combat tomorrow. I won't waste your armies' lives trying to do something that'll get them slaughtered." Jon said simply.
He's willing to bet the North on combat.
Lord Arryn smiled. "That is quite an honourable offer. A trial by combat should be more accurate though. If you win you will be seen as innocent of oath breaking and stealing your cousins' claim. And you will die guilty should you lose."
Jon snarled. "If you want it to be trial by combat then call it that."
Brienne looked at Sansa. She could see some nerves on her lady.
"I guess that Lord Umber will be your champion." Lord Arryn stated.
"I fight myself. Pick one for yourself if you're craven." Jon stated bluntly.
Brienne motioned to offer herself as Sansa's champion for her claim. Sansa gripped her arm for a moment. For the briefest moment she could see a shake in Sansa's head.
Lord Arryn grinned. "No need Snow. I'm no craven. I am a knight and lord of the Vale. I will defend my wife's claim."
The Lord went and gave a kiss to the Lady Sansa. Jon Snow snarled at that. He then turned to her. He pointed at Widow's Wail. Brienne gave the sword to him reluctantly.
Baelish smirked and decided to speak again. "You see that Snow. This is one half of Ned Stark's sword.Ice.The Lannisters forged that and the Lady Brienne's other sword out of it. I think it is fitting that Lord Arryn made the excellent choice of wielding it. A good show that he is the true defender of the Lady Sansa."
Jon started to growl before looking back towards Sansa. "I'm sorry for what comes on the morn."
Sansa gave him a cold glare. "Don't be. You've proven yourself a traitor to the North."
Brienne looked on at the group. None of the Northmen looked pleased as they began to mount their horses. Only the Lady Arya had a small smile on her face before leaving with Jon Snow.
The Last to mount was Lady Dustin. She was looking at Baelish with a devilish smile.
"You know Brandon Stark told me of the duel he once had with you. It was a great Jape. He told me of how he almost cut you in half with one half-arsed swing. I think his son is going to do one better."
The Lady Dustin started to laugh as she rode off with the Northmen, starting to join her chuckles. Baelish's smile had completely vanished.
Brienne looked at her Lady. "Are you ok my Lady?"
Sansa nodded. "I'll be better once justice has been served for House Stark."
Brienne nodded as they began the ride back to camp. Lord Arryn looked confident as did the other Lords and Ladies that could still smile. Sansa was smiling at her husband.Why do I think that smile is not a true one?Brienne wondered as she pondered her Lady's words to her.
Hope you all enjoyed, the fight will be next chapter. I felt like Harry would feel compelled to dae the fighting, as proof that he is honourable, instead of letting others fight fir him. Even though he is an arrogant tool as shown in Sansa's pov and in the actual canon. Baelish as you can see had no control at all in this. No Northmen likes him at all, they dinnae know what he has done specifically but in general they see him as Lannister at worst or another Vale Lord that betrayed them.
If anyone has questions feel free tae ask!