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A Dragon Kissed by Sun Chapter 45 (The North)
🕑 Added 2023-04-05 20:41:09 +0000 UTCNed Stark
A month had passed since they found the direwolves after bringing them to Winterfell; Catelyn first had been against it, saying they could harm their children. Still, it took one day of watching them together to know the direwolves weren't dangerous to their children. A week later, she accepted them staying in Winterfell. The only time now that she had anything against the direwolves was when Sansa would sneak food under the table for Lady to eat. Cat would say that's not how a lady should act.
Ned was sitting on his desk, working on documents, preparing for the arrival of Lady Maege Mormont and her daughters, and preparing for the arrival of the rest of his family. As the lord of Winterfell sat in his solar, pouring over a stack of parchments, a sudden burst of raucous laughter echoed from the courtyard outside.
Intrigued, he pushed his chair back and rose to his feet, his eyes fixed on the window that overlooked the bustling courtyard of Winterfell. As he made his way across the room, his footsteps echoed softly against the polished stone floor. The courtyard was a flurry of activity, with people coming and going, horses being led to and fro, and the occasional dog barking in excitement. Sansa was chasing Lady behind, her auburn locks swayed back and forth in the wind, and her blue eyes sparkled with joy. The many soldiers and servants who were present in the courtyard that day could not help but stop and watch the pair, their faces breaking into smiles of amusement at the sight of the young Lady Stark chasing after her wolf companion.
Ned couldn't help but chuckle under his breath at the thought of Lady, the kindest of the pack. Rickon had always been fond of Shaggydog, whose wild and unkempt fur matched his own unruly nature, while Arya had named her direwolf after one of her favorite warriors, Nymeria, a fierce and cunning leader. Robb's name for his direwolf was Grey Wind, while Bran was still struggling to find the perfect name for his beloved companion
All of them had decided on a name, except for the two direwolves, the quiet white one with red eyes and the red fast one with purple eyes, which was a bit unusual for a direwolf. Bran had asked what to do with them; Ned had ordered them to feed them like the rest, the two direwolves would spend time with the others, but unlike the rest, they didn't listen to orders, no matter how hard Ned tried, but he had noticed how often the red direwolf would stay with Grey Wind, Robb would often laugh every time he found Grey Wind in the company of the red one since the red direwolf was a female.
Jaehaerys, Alyanna, Ned murmured their names, feeling a wave of sadness wash over him like a bucket of cold water. His body leaned forward, his forehead touching the warm surface of the castle walls. Ned inhaled deeply as he imagined what everyone would think when they arrived.
He had yet to tell anyone that he had a daughter. Even if now she carried the name 'Dayne' and not 'Stark,' she was still his daughter, and Ned would always see her as such. He had informed everyone that Prince Oberyn and his family were coming to Winterfell to discuss trade.
When he had told Catelyn, she had asked him if they were looking for a betrothal between Robb and Princess Arianne. Ned Stark's swift response was to deny any such proposal before quickly adding that his eldest son needed to wed a Northern girl to secure the loyalty of their bannermen in the coming war. Cat had barely tried to hide her displeasure, saying that if not Princess Arianne, Arya could marry into their family. She was of the right age to marry the youngest son of Prince Doran Martell. When Ned asked her why she wanted Arya to marry in Dorne...
"Ned, we both know our wild daughter resembles a lady of a South as much as Sansa is good with a sword. I don't know much about Dorne, but I know that ladies, there are fighters. Arya, it's not made for the true South like I was or like Sansa. Maybe a betrothal between her and Prince Trystane Martell would be a good match for Arya, where she can be as wild as she wants, and people won't really care unless you have found a good match for her in the North that I don't know of." Catelyn said with a sharp tone, leaning over the desk in his solar.
Her eyes looking at Ned's cold grey eyes, Ned felt a headache pinching the bridge of his nose, and his wife leaned back against her chair. Ned knew she was making a good point, but the thought of Arya marrying so far from The North didn't sit well with him. He knew sooner or later. She would marry a lord and live her life. He just wished he had a few more years with them until they were married off somewhere.
"I will think about it, Cat, but what about Robb? When Sansa suggested that perhaps Robb could marry Princess Arianne, you seemed not to like the idea." Ned pointed out, his voice firm and unwavering, his words hanging in the air with a hint of accusation.
As Cat gazed down at her slender fingers delicately resting on her lap, she couldn't help but feel a sense of unease wash over her. She lifted her eyes to meet her husband's piercing gaze, her lips parting as she began to speak. "Princess Arianne she is," she began, her voice soft and hesitant. "She's seven-name days older than Robb. I just thought it would be more fitting for Robb to marry a girl around his age." Her words trailed off, and a fleeting expression of frustration crossed her features, revealing to Ned that there was something else she wanted to say. Ned knew she had wanted to say something else.
"Like who?" Ned humored her, his tall and strong frame leaning against the polished wooden desk's surface while his hands made a small bridge for his chin to rest upon as he arched a curious eyebrow in her direction.
"Lady Margaery Tyrell, they are the second richest kingdom and have the most amount of food. The North will have plenty of food during Winter," Catelyn reasoned. Ned knew she had a point, but he knew deep down his banners wouldn't be happy if his son married a Southern lady; they were already not happy with him, not to mention the fact that someone like Olenna Tyrell aimed for much higher. If the gods are good, Jae will marry Lady Margaery and bring the Reach to the table, Ned thought deeply.
Prince Oberyn had sent him letters over the years, what his nephew was doing, and everything important. In his own words, his nephew would be a good king like his namesake; Ned had no doubts about it. Still, one thing Oberyn had dodged answering was who Jae would eventually marry. Ned knew how open Dorne was to sexual activities; Ned had decided to straight up ask him once he arrived in Winterfell.
Escaping his thoughts, Ned gave Catelyn the only answer he could give her right now. "I will think about it." Catelyn was clearly not pleased but accepted it.
That was over a week ago when he had announced the arrival of the Dornish party in Winterfell; Arya had been quick to say that she would learn how to use swords from them, something that mortified Catelyn. She had quickly told Arya that she would do no such thing, they were their guests, and she would act like a proud lady of Winterfell.
Ned smiled; Arya had pouted, saying she was no Lady and saying she wanted to be just like the woman from Bear Island; Ned had wanted to point out that even those from House Mormont knew the importance of acting like a lady. They didn't look down on those that acted like ladies. While Ned was proud of Arya, he thought she needed to understand that it wasn't fair of her to look down on someone like Sansa because she wanted to be more like a lady instead of a fighter.
Ned's eyes saw the horizon beyond the walls of Winterfell, his eyes looking South. He knew his daughter and nephew would arrive soon. He had already heard about the troubles that happened in The Reach.
Ned still remembered when he had received the letter from Prince Oberyn, informing him that The Mountain was no more. Ned had silently celebrated that day. Justice was served. His only regret was that it had taken over fourteen years for it to happen. Ned had no doubts the man would burn in the seven hells, and no one would cry for him, but he knew the danger his nephew was in for doing that.
While he had been overjoyed to hear of Mountain's fall, he knew someone like Tywin Lannister wouldn't take kindly to someone killing his men, even if that were during a Tourney. It had been the Mountain's fault. For an entire week after The Mountain's death, Ned had dreaded awaiting a letter from Oberyn, telling him that the War had started already and he needed to call his Banners, but no such letter was received. Ned wasn't sure if that was a good or a bad thing.
He knew Tywin would never let this slide. He would never tolerate someone killing his lords, especially a monster like The Mountain. Ned dreaded that someone like Tywin would send cutthroats after Oberyn and his family. He hoped the prince of Dorne was smart enough to protect them from cutthroats, and perhaps the dragon will protect them, Ned thought. The direwolves could tell when their owners were in danger. He hoped that the same went for Jae's Dragon.
Looking at the mountains far away in the distance, Ned wondered how his nephew was able to hide his Dragon, the lord of Winterfell still remembered the day when Prince Oberyn had sent the letter that Prince Jaehaerys had hatched an egg.
Ned made his way through the frigid and desolate crypts, his footsteps echoing against the walls. The only illumination came from the flickering flame of the torch he held tightly in his hand. The Winter Rose he clutched in his left hand was a stark contrast to the icy chill that permeated the air. The solemn statues of the Kings of Winter, each one a testament to the history of House Stark, lined the tunnel on either side, their stillness and watchfulness lending an eerie quality to the already foreboding atmosphere. Ned couldn't help but feel a sense of unease wash over him as he walked deeper into the darkness.
As Ned approached the towering statue of his beloved sister, he couldn't shake the feeling that her cold, stone face was watching him with an eerie intensity. With slow, measured steps, he made his way toward the torch holder that was conveniently attached to the wall beside the statue. As he placed the torch in its holder, his piercing grey eyes remained fixed on the lifeless stone eyes of his sister's statue as if he was hoping that they would suddenly spring to life and gaze back at him with the same warmth and love they had always held. Despite the chill in the air and the darkness that surrounded him, Ned felt a strange sense of comfort in the presence of the statue, almost as if his sister's spirit still lingered there, keeping watch over him.
"Lyanna. I brought you your favorite," he said, his voice heavy with sadness and regret. With trembling hands, Ned slowly placed the flower on her stone hands, careful not to break the fragile petals. It was a small gesture, a token of his love and devotion to the sister. As he stepped back, he couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness and longing for his sister. At that moment, Ned almost expected the statue of his sister to come to life, to speak to him once more. He could almost picture her smiling at him, her eyes twinkling with mischief as she teased him about his future wife. "I'm flattered, Ned, but save it for your future wife," she might have said, her voice light and teasing. But the statue remained silent and still, a cold and lifeless reminder of the sister he had lost.
Ned felt his eyes welling up with tears. He inhaled deeply, stopping them from falling down. Ned swallowed hard, his throat suddenly dry.
"Lyanna, your son has hatched a Dragon Egg, I don't know how he did it, but Oberyn says the dragon was the size of a dog by the time he sent the letter-" Ned continued telling her everything her son had achieved. Pride seeping into his voice, he told her everything and made sure to tell her about Benjen.
After he finished telling her everything, silence fell over the empty Cryps. Not even the wind could enter, so there was no sound in the Crypts. He slowly removed his glove, feeling the cold air on his bare skin, and extended his hand to touch the cheek of the statue. The smooth, cold stone seemed to come alive under his touch, and he felt a shiver run down his spine. Even though he knew he was alone, Ned couldn't help but feel like he was being watched by the Kings of Winter that resided in the Crypts. "I will keep my promise, Lyanna, whenever your son decides. I will follow him."
As he gazed out the window, he saw his youngest son, Rickon, darting and giggling around the courtyard, his red hair flying in the wind. In the distance, Bran's laughter echoed through the air, lifting Ned's spirits and bringing a smile to his face. He watched as Bran chased Rickon while his loyal direwolf playfully chased after Rickon's own fierce companion, Shaggydog. Arya and her direwolf frolicked in the freshly fallen snow, and Ned couldn't help but admire the way the small layer of snow seemed to bring new beauty to everything it touched. The trees looked like they were adorned with sparkling diamonds, the nearby stream was transformed into a glimmering ice sculpture, and even the usually drab castle walls were given a touch of magic.
Seeing his children play, Ned wondered how they would react, knowing they had a sister. Alyanna, Ned repeated her name. It had been fourteen years. She was a baby when he had held her in his arms, so small and fragile. Ned knew she was now a woman grown. He pictured her looking like Ashara but with the face of a Stark.
Ned walked back to his chair, the weight of responsibility bearing down on him like a heavy blanket. In the last fourteen years, he had made sure to strengthen the North, Benjen had Moat Cailin, and the North was stronger than it had been for centuries. With the looming threat of war on the horizon, Ned knew he couldn't rest on his laurels.
His nephew hatching a Dragon was a boom, an excellent weapon to use against the Lannisters. If Ned could choose one thing not having to face Robert during the Rebellion. Despite how he talked with him fourteen years ago, Ned still considered him a friend. A good one, who, if he could, would still spend his days cracking skulls and enjoying the life of a warrior instead of being a King.
But Ned wasn't blind; Prince Oberyn had written about everything important, one being the legitimacy of Robert's Royal "Children."
Ned didn't know for sure, yet, from what Oberyn described, it was rather odd that all his children had blonde hair, not one with dark hair. During the Greyjoy rebellion, the king hadn't taken Prince Joffrey with him in the campaign.
When Ned asked, Robert had thrown a fit, saying he had wanted to take Joffrey to see how the war was prepared, but Cersei had threatened him. Ned, of course, had told Robert that he should have taken Joffrey even if Cersei was against it. Sure, she was the Queen, but Robert was the King, his word was final, but Jon Arryn had explained the same day to him just how deep in debt Robert was with House Lannister.
That day, Ned felt as if someone had thrown a bucket of ice water right in his face. When Jon told him that the gold left by The Targaryens had run out within five years of Robert's rule, Ned wondered just what exactly his best friend had done with all that gold. Ned had tried to talk with Robert, hoping his words would go through his thick head, but it seemed his words just bounced off.
Ned had returned from the Greyjoy Rebellion disappointed more than anything, and now seven years had passed since the rebellion; Ned dreaded how much gold his friend had spent the last seven years. The last time he had seen his friend, he had a bit more fat on his body than usual. Ned hoped his friend had at least taken care of his own body instead of just drinking all day and night.
Hearing a distinct knocking on the door, Ned escaped his thoughts before telling whoever to walk inside. With a creaking sound, the door slowly opened, and in walked old maester Luwin
Luwin is a small grey man with grey eyes and thinning hair. He wears a robe of grey wool with voluminous sleeves. In the sleeves are sewn pockets, from which Luwin is always drawing things; Bran even once asked if he had magic pockets, and the old maester had laughed before answering that despite how much he would have wanted, his pockets were not magic.
His maester's collar is a simple choker, and he often tugs at the chain around his neck when he is uncomfortable. He owns a bronze far-eye from Myr.
The maester had come to Winterfell with Lady Catelyn and had helped to deliver all the Stark children; Ned had felt a little uneasy about his presence in the beginning but eventually learned to trust him.
"Maester Luwin, what can I do for you?" Ned asked the old maester, who closed the door behind him slowly, with his wrinkled and weathered fingers, dug deep into his pockets, and after a moment of searching, finally pulled out a scroll.
As Luwin approached Lord Stark with a deliberate pace, his eyes locked onto the parchment in his hand. His voice was hushed and measured. "A raven arrived today in the morrow, my lord." Ned saw the scroll was sealed with the symbol of House Manderly. A betrothal perhaps, Ned thought before thanking the old maester.
Ned stumbled back on his chair, looking at the scroll before opening it. He expected that Lord Manderly was offering any of his granddaughters to marry Robb, it would make sense, and Ned thought the betrothal would be a good one, but instead, it was him informing him of the arrival of Prince Oberyn's party in his castle.
Ned was a little taken aback. He hadn't expected them to arrive in Whiteharbor for at least one more week. I need to prepare everyone, Ned thought urgently, mentally preparing himself for their arrival. He felt his hands shaking, something that hadn't happened for a long time; Ned knew he couldn't wait to see his nephew and my daughter, Ned thought, wondering if his daughter would even like The North. She had been raised in Dorne her whole life. Going from a warm place to a frozen land like The North might not sit well with her.
Quickly dismissing the thought, Ned sat in his solar for five more hours until he called Catelyn and Maester Luwin to come to his solar. A few minutes later, they knocked before walking in.
"My Lord?" Maester Luwin said as he closed the door behind them.
"Prince Oberyn is on his way to Winterfell. I want the castle prepared for his arrival. Amongst those that will come are Princess Arianne and Prince Oberyn's children. I want everything ready." Ned ordered with a firm tone, eyeing his wife and the old maester intently.
"Of course, my lord. I have also taken care of Oberyn's needs. The winter town assured me of it." Maester Luwin told him with a tight lip. Ned knew what he spoke of. He just hoped that neither his nephew nor daughter were similar to Prince Oberyn in that regard.
After discussing more about the preparations, Maester Luwin left his solar. Still, Catelyn stayed, turning to face Ned the moment the old maester left the solar, her face impassive, but Ned could see a flicker of anger in her eyes.
"Ned, last night, Robb and Theon were seen leaving Winter Town. This is the fourth time this month. You should do something about it." Catelyn almost pleaded. She didn't care if Theon went there. The ironborn didn't matter. She only cared that her son had decided to participate. What would the Northern lords think of Robb if they knew he had been at a brothel? Catelyn thought, taking a deep breath, knowing the Northern lords were stubborn, perhaps too stubborn.
Ned let out a long sigh and closed his eyes, feeling the tension in his body release as he exhaled. A new headache had crept up on him, slowly but surely, and now it was pounding against his skull like a drum. He brought his hand up to his temple and rubbed it in small circles, hoping that the pressure would alleviate some of the pain. It was a foolish gesture, he knew, but it was a habit he couldn't seem to break.
"I will talk with him right now. I don't care if Theon is his only friend or not. I think it's about time he learns how to rule." Ned said firmly, standing up from the chair. His wife nodded in agreement. Sometimes she wished she had given birth to a boy around Robb's age so he wouldn't have to look for Theon's friendship.
Daenerys Targaryen
After the Red Priestess introduced herself as Kinvara, Dany demanded to be led to her brother. The lady smiled, a predatory one; Dany felt slightly uncomfortable with that smile.
"Of course, Princess, follow me," said the woman with a low tone, soft and smooth, a smile gracing her flawless face. Dany followed the woman, her eyes carefully scanning the surroundings as she walked past her. The room was filled with an air of mystery, and the flickering candles did little to illuminate the dimly lit space. As they walked, Dany couldn't help but steal a glance at the woman leading her. Her red eyes were something she had never seen before.
Once she stepped outside, she saw a long red corridor in front of her, the bricks were red, and she noticed that the floor was covered with a thick black carpet, which ran all the way across the length of the hallway. The edges of the carpet were outlined in a bold and striking shade of red, creating a stark contrast with the black fabric.
Flickering torches adorned the walls, casting a warm and inviting glow across the space. The torches, expertly affixed to the stone walls, seemed almost alive as they danced and swayed, casting shadows that seemed to come to life. But it wasn't just the torches that caught her attention; the walls themselves were a work of art decorated to look like flames rising from below. The intricate details and warm hues of orange and red made it seem as though the room was ablaze, yet the air remained cool and comfortable
Dany walked through the long red corridor in silence. Despite her movement, her feet were making little to no noise, as if she wasn't even moving at all, and the same was for the priestess behind her; Kinvara's footsteps didn't echo throughout the empty corridor.
"Here, princess." Kinvara's voice startled her somewhat; Dany looked at her over her shoulder before her eyes followed where her finger was pointing towards a black door with a green handle.
Dany walked up to the door almost in haste. The door creaked open, revealing a dimly lit room with crimson curtains drawn tightly shut. Dany's eyes quickly adjusted to the darkness, and as she scanned the room, her gaze fell upon her brother lying on the bed, covered in red sheets. She walked up to him and breathed a sigh of relief to see that he wasn't wounded. Quickly shaking him. Slowly, he stirred, his eyes flickering open in confusion as he struggled to make sense of his surroundings.
For a moment, he looked around in bewilderment as if trying to piece together the events that had led him here. But then his gaze settled on her, and a look of recognition and understanding crossed his face.
"Where are we?" He asked with a tired voice before forcing himself to sit up when his eyes landed on Kinvara standing at the doorframe.
"Who are you?" Viserys asked, alarmed, sprang up from the bed, putting a hand on Dany's shoulder and putting her behind him.
"You have naught to worry about, Prince Viserys. You're safe with us. We would never harm the blood of the dragon." Kinvara spoke with her smooth, almost singing voice. Her voice sounded sincere, too sincere.
Viserys scoffed at her words. "Nothing in this world is free. What do you want out of this?" Viserys demanded to know, he didn't think of himself as the smartest, but he was smart enough to know that she wanted something out of this and wasn't doing this out of the goodness of her heart—especially a Red Priestess.
"You're invited to dine with us. There we can talk about everything you want."
Comments
kaisershadow34
man, i wanted catelyn to tell robb about a possibility of a compromise between the 2 of them, just for robb to get cucked by jon LoL
Drinor
Yeh, especially when Alyanna meets Robb. Thank you for reading my Story
Longclaw16
Gonna be fun to see Jon and Ari in Winterfell
Winter_Reigns
But just 1 Chapter... want More
Winter_Reigns
Loved It👍
Winter
I wish asharas daughter paired with jae arianne and dany
Drinor
Glad you liked it
Drinor
Glad you liked it
Andrey Kravets
Great chapter I love all of your game of thrones stories. Can’t wait for more!
Matt
Glad to see a new chapter of this, hope we get another soon
