#Ned x Lyanna

[uluthrek]

making up wild asoiaf ships and posting them with a tag just to see if i’m the first weirdo who thought of them

[mattyalwayssmokesweed]

I know Ned was stressed as hell seeing his daughter, who resembles Lyanna physically and in attitude, become friends with Robert’s bastard son and Edric Dayne aka mister pale blonde hair and purple eyes. Like that man was about to die again from a heart attack, hands shaking as he pulled at his hair, thinking to himself “no, gods, no. Not this again. No one give my girl a flower please”

[blxkstar]

When the snow falls and the white winds blow, the lone wolf dies, but the pack survives.

I made a playlist for House Stark, please check it out!

The North Remembers

We Know No King But The King In The North Whose Name Is Stark...

[amber-laughs]

so lyanna brings home from college this platinum blonde twink who got her name tattooed on his arm after the second date but they’re polite about it (not brandon!) like ned thinks maybe it’s just his older brother bias and is trying to see him from lya’s perspective “hmm this guys handsome i guess, he’s older, he’s rich, passionate. sure we’ll give it a go i mean she’s young they’ll break up soon right? right lyanna? RIGHT??” brandon’s disgusted. rhaegar actually went to an adjacent high school that always beat his school’s football team and brandon always thought his instagram poetry was ass. benjen, lyanna’s little pet dog basically, thinks rhaegar’s great and “you guys if you’re gonna date lyanna you should love her enough to get her named tattooed on you” until she brings benjen to one of rhaegar’s open mics and he has to sit there while they make out and listen to 3 songs about sex with his sister. she’s pregnant 3 weeks later btw

[elainarcheronstotebag]

saddest part of elia’s story is that she didn’t even get to haunt the narrative. her death literally meant nothing to no one except for dorne/house martell. no, instead show!lyanna, the woman who ran away with her husband gets the sympathy and her legacy lives on. her ghost haunts robert/cersei/ned, but barely anyone even mentions elia’s name except for oberyn. elia died is such a tragic and cruel way with her children, and will never receive justice because to do so would harm lyanna’s memory.

and i don’t blame book!lyanna, because she was young and most likely a victim herself, i would like to think she’d be angry that elia died like that “for her.” i literally fall to my knees and sob anytime i think of my poor sweet beautiful angel elia and her babies:(

[lizzie-queenofmeigas]

I was twelve when I first read A song of Ice and Fire. Twelve and at the end of the first book it was obvious to me that Jon was Lyanna's and Rhaegar's son. How did so many characters miss that?

Ned Stark, super honourable and loyal man comes back with a bastard that has the Stark look. He comes back with this bastard after the war, after he retrieves Lyanna's body. Lyanna who was "kidnapped" by Rhaegar Targaryen. Ned Stark refuses to talk about the mother of the child, to anyone including his wife who he eventually falls in love with. Ned Stark is okay with "his" bastard wanting to go to the Wall, even though there many other alternatives for bastards like becoming a maester. Ned Stark loves his children and wants the best for them. Jon Snow, a child that was born at the end of the war, looks like the Starkest of the Starks. Lyanna Stark was described as a northern beauty and there are many cases where Targaryen children took after their non Targ parents, like Rhaegar's daughter with Elia.

Blanco y en botella, leche.

[queen-helaenas-pet-spider]

Satin Flowers Theories That Spark Joy:

1. He is a highborn!!!!

DEFINITELY POSSIBLE!!!!!! Satin having skills that mainly a highborn would have {reading, writing, etc}, him being bad at keeping fires in Jon's fireplace going {which is something a servant would do, and not a highborn}, etc.

2. He is the real Prince Aegon Targaryen {son of Prince Rhaegar Targaryen and Princess Elia Martell *who was "killed" when Tywin Lannister and his army sacked King's Landing*} and not Young Griff!!!!

A little out there, I know, but it's a fun theory!!!!!!!! If Satin is Rhaegar and Elia's Aegon, and Jon is Rhaegar and Lyanna's Aegon {or whatever Jon's real name might be, I really hope it's not Aegon}, then that means Jon Snow has been one - sidedly trying to court his half brother for 3 books {knowing the Valyrian's, that's not a bad thing, but they're both men, and one or both of them might not be into it}.

And if they're both Rhaegar's sons, them and Daenerys {Rhaegar's little sister} completes yet another 3 headed dragon {Dany as Aegon The Conqueror, Satin/Potential Aegon #? as Rhaenys, and Jon/Potential Aegon #? as Visenya. Walk with me. W A L K W I T H M E ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! }

More cons: 1. Satin being Rhaegar and Elia's Aegon would mean that another heir to the Iron Throne has thrown his life away to serve at a place that will kill you if you try to quit. And 2. As far as we know, Jon and their friends are the only support he has, and that wouldn't be enough to help him reclaim the throne {that Daenerys is also fighting for}.

3. He is one of Robert Baratheon's bastards!!!

Robert {a Baratheon man with Targaryen blood} was in love with a Stark man {Ned Stark, and not Ned's sister Lyanna *who went to war for, but couldn't even remember what she looked like*} and now Jon {A Stark man with Targaryen blood} in love with another potential Baratheon man with Targaryen blood?!?!?!?! {They'd still be related, but not as close as they'd be if he was Rhaegar and Elia's Aegon!!!!!!!!}

---

Satin Flowers Theories That DO NOT Spark Joy:

1. He is one of Littlefinger's MANY spies!!!!

WHAT WOULD BE THE POINT?!?!?! I mean, if it somehow ties into Littlefinger's whole climb up the Ladder plan, sure. But other than that, he would just wasting his time, money, and a very pretty boy that can make him even richer.

2. HE IS ONE OF JON SNOW'S KILLERS!!!!

No matter Satin's possible station in the world, he literally has NOTHING to gain from killing Jon!!!! Jon comforted him when he was scared, stayed by his side while fighting, elevated his status {which includes living with Jon in his chambers instead of barracks full of men that hate him}, verbally tore apart all who talked shit about him, etc!!!!

The only thing Satin gains from killing one of his very few supporters, would be getting hurt and killed by enemies. Saying that Satin Flowers is one of the men that killed Jon Snow is about as believable as Sansa Stark causing the Doom Of Valyria {which happened centuries before she was born, but knowing Sansa antis, I'm sure they've found a way to blame her for that, too 🙄🙄💀💀}.

---

Or, Satin Flowers could be just as GRRM introduced him as: A former sex worker turned into a man of the Night’s Watch, nothing more, nothing less. But I have a feeling that GRRM has plans for Satin, and I PRAY those don't include hurting or killing him right after the mutiny, or him being a traitor. Either of those would kill Jon....again....💀💀💔💔

[rise-my-angel]

Some stans actually believe that once Jon learns of his true parentage he will be happy. Jon literally just wants to be acknowledged as a Stark, he wants nothing with that shitty prince or his fire loving family. He might get some closure knowing about Lyanna but Ned Stark will always be his daddy.

I was thinking about this, and really, it doesn't change much of Jon's understanding of Ned. He knows his father isn't telling him the truth, or at least by not saying a word to him about his mother, he is keeping information from him on purpose. He knows Ned was hiding something about his birth, because Jon spent his entire life wondering what couldve happened between his mother and his father to cause him to shut down about it, even to him, even to Catelyn.

Jon already is aware that Ned is hiding something. He just does not know the degree of the secret.

But also, I am sick of people dismissing Neds role in his life. Ned is not Jon's uncle. Sure by blood he is, but Jon was raised thinking that he is his father. He was treated just like a father treats his son, he was loved and given the same education that Robb got, he was raised in the family home getting to grow up with his brothers and sisters.

Jon didn't suddenly lose all those days or evenings he wouldve gotten to spend with his father alone. Didn't suddenly lose all of the times they acted just like a loving father and son with no hangups. He didn't suddenly lose the fact that to Ned Stark, Jon is not his nephew, he is his son.

Jon does not suddenly lose that Ned never even gave him a reason to feel like he wasn't a good enough son. He interacted with his father his whole life in a way that made him feel loved to the point that even now that hes dead, Jon routinely feels frustration that multiple older men in his life have tried to place themselves into the position of a father figure to Jon.

He was given a personalized version of the Mormonts ancestral sword, that was once belonging to Jeors son. Jon's honoured but he is not lost on the implication that Jeor looks at Jon like a pseudo son and it bothers Jon even then. Men can give Jon a thousand swords but it will never change that his father alone is Ned Stark. And keep in mind, this occurs during the period of time early at Castle Black where Jon is resentful and thinks Ned let him come here because this life was all he deserved. And he STILL refused to let someone sway him into seeing a man as a father figure other then Ned Stark.

Jon through all the insecurities and anger, loves Ned Stark as much as a son possibly could. More then once Jon thinks in situations that could lead to his death, about Ned. He always circles back to what would his father think or do. Jon dictates his independent, adult life based around learning to be the honourable man his father wanted him to be and does so without resentment.

My negative opinions of Rhaegar aside, Jon has no attachment to the thought of him as any kind of man. He grew up his whole life knowing the story that Rhaegar kidnapped Lyanna Stark. He grew up likely hearing the rumours that she was raped. He knew that kidnapping led to her dying tragically at the age of 16 in a way that clearly traumatized his father.

Jon has never been missing a father figure. He has always been missing his mother. Not missing a mother figure, only his mother. The only person he cares to learn about is her because shes the one person in Jon's blood he has never truly known. Then he learns hes heard about his mother his whole life, and realizes the bloodshed caused both for his conception and that she died without having a chance to be with her son at all.

Learning the truth is about realizing WHY Ned did the things he did. Why telling him about his mother was both too painful and too risky. Jon can be angry he was lied too, but does not change that Jon is smart and will understand that Ned did it all to protect Jon.

Jon will realize Ned did not need to raise him as his own son, in his home and family and give him love, to keep him safe. Jon knows Ned did all of that because he loves him the way Ned loved Robb or Bran. Jon will ultimately realize he never actually lost the father he grew up with, because Ned always considered Jon to be his son.

Learning the truth for Jon is about Lyanna, it's about learning that his mother died with her last words begging Ned to protect him because she loved him. It's about Jon realizing he is an echo of the dark shadows of Lyannas final months of life and that he needs to stand up and fight because she couldn't. That he needs to protect the ones he loves the way he wishes he could go back in time and protect her.

It's about realizing hes always had a father, because to Ned, Jon was always his son through and through. And it's about Jon realizing that he needs to live and fight because without him, Lyannas memory will fade away forever and he will not allow that to happen to her again.

Whatever people want to say about how Jon will feel about learning his blood is partly Targaryean, they will always downplay Jon also coming to terms with himself as a Stark.

However Jon will feel about the Targaryean side, none of that will take away that Jon will realize how incredibly important his Stark side is and always was. Their speculations about how Jon will feel about a man hes barley thought about his whole life, should never overpower that the truth leads Jon to the thing that matters.

That Jon Snow has always been loved, and he's always been a Stark. Because he was the son his mother died begging to protect, and he was the son that Ned Stark chose.

[thesunwillshineonusagain757]

I know your blog is very focused on Rhaegar x Lyanna but I wanted to ask what are other Game of Thrones universe ships you like. Can you give me a top 10 ?

This is a really cool question my top 10 is very weird. I like very different couples it’s my crack ship obsession. I’m gonna put an honorable mention to Sigorn x Alys Karstark, Arthur Dayne X Jaime Lannister, Sansa Stark x Margaery Tyrell, they are a cute couples but they don’t make my top 10 !

10. Alysanne Targaryen x Alaric Stark: I mean, I do have an obsession with stark/targaryen, fire and ice, ships so this was no surprise. My head canon is that this helped Alysanne with a lot of trauma from her first trip on Westeros where she was attacked. And I love that Alaric is kind of grumpy at the beginning but warms up to her with time.

9. Jacaerys Velaryon X Cregan Stark : Again stark/targaryen ship, but gay ! Two of the things that I love the most in life. I’m very sad that apparently Cregan won’t be making another appearance in this season of House of the Dragon. Because you know, I just wanted to see my ship or a little bit more of it.

8. Oberyn Martell X Willas Tyrell: This one is kind of complicated; For people that don’t know Willas is a book only character, he is the heir of HighGarden, when he was very young, he went into jousting, and he jousted against Oberyn. But sadly because he was so young and unprepared, he ended up having a very serious injury on his leg. And that caused the Martell’s and Tyrell’s to have even more beef than they already have, but the cool thing is Willas did not blame Oberyn. They became friends after this. So yeah I ship them because this one brings a softer side of Oberyn that we rarely see.

7. Jon Snow x Satin : I mean, bisexual Jon Snow, that’s it.

6. Ned Stark x Jaime Lannister : This one is one of the crack ones, and I know a lot of people will think I’m mad. But if you read the books, and you read Jaime’s POV you know for a fact, he had a huge fat crush on Ned Stark. Also bisexual Jaime Lannister !

5. Lucery Velarys x Aemon Targaryen : Oh we’re getting to the toxic one. This is more like a very dependent on the AU vibe. But I like the idea of forgiveness and growth. 

4. Brienne of Tarth x Jaime Lannister: I mean, you don’t really have to explain this one. it’s amazing. It’s probably the best thing that happens to Jamie in the books and in the series, and I will be eternally bitter of how they were treated in the tv show.

3. Arya Stark X Aegon Martell Targaryen : This the one that is the most cracked ship of all of them, but hear me out, yes, I know that the possibility of young Griff, being Aegon, is very slim, but I don’t care. 

2. Lyanna Stark x Jaime Lannister : I’m usually attracted to ships that are opposites attract, but that is not the case of this one. I would like to make the claim that Jamie Lannister and Lyanna Stark, are virtually the same person in different fonts. Middle child, of dysfunctional family, that lost their mom, has a very ambitious dad, and a kid that has to grapple with the weight of societal ecxpectations, but at heart are both rebellious. 

1. Rhaegar Targaryen x Lyanna Stark : I mean, this one is my OTP, of all the ships of all time. It’s my sensitive boy, and my tomboy girl, they’re everything to me and no, I will not be questioned or hear any criticism for it!

[dr3adlady]

Starting February, I've organized a drawing challenge, in which you should draw one asoiaf ship per day. Here's the list if anyone wants to participate:

[dalekofchaos]

GRRM's original outline

Other what if scenarios that I ran out of space for. Add your own if it didn't make the cut

What if Lyanna lived and became Robert's Queen?

What if Myrcella was born first and was betrothed to Robb

What if Robb and Margaery are betrothed?

What if Rhaella survived childbirth with Daenerys?

What if Joanna Lannister didn't die in childbirth?

What if Arthur took Lyanna/Jon to Dragonstone and fled with Rhaella, Viserys and Dany and regrouped with Jon Connington?

Jamie took the throne for himself after killing Aerys?

What if Elia and her children escaped to Dorne?

What if Balon died instead of his sons?

What if Jon Arryn had a son and was raised with Ned and Robert?

What if Theon did what Asha recommended and kidnapped Bran and RIckon and burned Winterfell to the ground and this leads to Theon becoming the Iron Prince and a strong contender for the Kingsmoot.

What if Rhaegar and Robert died in the Trident and Ned became King?

What if Viserys met and married Arianne Martell?

What if Domeric Bolton lived and never met Ramsay?

What if Rhaenyra won The Dance Of The Dragons

What if Arya revealed herself to Roose Bolton

What if Rhaegar married Cersei instead of Elia?

What if Ned and his brothers talked sense into Robert and he swore off his ways to be good for Lyanna and Lyanna fought in the rebellion because Aerys kills her father and brother(because Southern Ambitions)

[vampirepirates]

THE LONG WINTER — SANDOR CLEGANE.

Masterlist:

author's note + cast list

Parts: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CHAPTER NINE – YOU WIN OR YOU DIE.

you're           coming           back —              and it's

the end                                                   of the world.

When Eddard finally came to, Lyarra had been seated just to his left — with the king and queen on her opposite. The two had arrived only moments prior, both barging in without more than a rushed welcome. Robert had brushed past her, stomping to Ned's side. Cersei, however, hang back — glancing over Lyarra. A moment of silence stretched between them, as she shrunk under the Queen's inquisitive gaze. After another beat, she moved to her husband's side — seemingly content with what she had found in Lyarra's eyes.

Lyarra rushed to inform the pair that Eddard had yet to wake, but was silenced as the man began to stir. She couldn't help but curse him in that moment. Of course, he couldn't wake up when it was just the two of them alone. When he could have a moment to breathe, to take in his surroundings. Damn her brother and his honor, she thought.

They came to question Eddard about Tyrion, which came as no surprise to her. Cersei's tone was spiteful, her stare carrying an immeasurable amount of disdain. Robert, however — only stood at her side — his expression dark, save for the disinterest coating his gaze. Lyarra reached out to clutch her brother's hand as the three continued arguing amongst themselves, drawing the stare of the Queen once more.

"Oh, will both of you shut your mouths?" Robert snapped, as Eddard defended his wife. Lyarra bristled at the sudden sound. "Catelyn will release Tyrion, and you will make your peace with Jaime."

"He butchered my men. He would have done it in front of my sister, had she not been pulled away." Ned argued, squeezing her hand then. Lyarra held back her flinch, as all eyes drew to her in that moment. Cersei narrowed her eyes, a sardonic smile overtaking her.

"Lord Stark and Lady Lyarra were returning drunk from a brothel when his men attacked Jaime." Cersei stated, her stare never once pulling from Lyarra. In return, she found herself standing taller — moving to speak again, before she was interrupted by the King.

"Quiet, woman!" Robert snapped, causing Cersei's pointed glare to flit to him.

"Jaime has fled the city. Give me leave to bring him back to justice."

"I took you for a King," Cersei bit after a moment of silence, "I should wear the armor — and you, the gown."

The sound of the slap took Lyarra's breath from her momentarily. Robert shook his hand, all the while glaring at Cersei. Eddard had not moved an inch, but she felt him tense in her hand. He squeezed back once more, pulling away — moving to sit up with a grunt. When Cersei rose, her stare was almost murderous. She did not shrink under him, but seemed to grow in power. She left only a moment after, slamming the door behind her as she went.

Lyarra thought of going after her, of looking over the wound. There had always been a level of tension between the two, but her pity for the woman overtook that — in that moment. As if predicting her thoughts, Eddard took hold of her hand once more — tugging her back to his side. He and Robert continued their conversation soon after, leaving Lyarra to clean up after her brother — wiping his forehead with a rag.

"I can't rule the Kingdoms if the Starks and the Lannisters are at each other's throats. So, enough." Robert bit, letting out a harsh shy as he rambled on. He paused, turning his sharp gaze to Lyarra. "Will you get that through your half-wit brother's thick skull? If he won't listen to me, I can only hope you can get through to him."

Lyarra let out a rasp of a laugh, wiping the rag across Eddard's forehead once more, while brushing away the few damp strands of hair that stuck to him.

"You know as well as I do, your Grace, he'll never listen to a word I say." Eddard sighed, as the two continued to speak about him as if he weren't there. "He's a wolf. And a stubborn one, at that." Robert let out another harrumph, taking a long swig of ale. Lyarra couldn't stand the man before her, nor had she ever been able to. But in that moment, the two had a connection stronger than she would have liked. They were both driven by love for her brother.

"Your Grace, with your leave, I will return to Winterfell and set the matters straight." Ned cut in, eyes rolling as the two came down from their fit of laughter.

"Piss on that!" Robert snapped, all hint of amusement fading from him at once, "Send a raven. I want you to stay. Both of you. I'm the king, I get what I want."

Silence stretched between the group, as the pair stared after the king. Robert took another swig of ale, before placing the mug down harshly on the table before him.

"I never loved my brothers. A sad thing for a man to admit, but it's true. You were the brother I chose." Robert stood then, wobbling in the slightest as he forced himself to his feet. "And you," He continued, glancing over to Lyarra, "I never knew you as well as I would have liked to. But I loved your sister, and for that — you're as good as family, to me."

"One more thing," He started, holding the door open by his foot — "I don't want you leaving the Keep again," Robert narrowing his eyes in the direction of Lyarra, so she knew he could only be speaking to her. "After this whole mess, it's just not safe for you. I'll have my son's dog, Clegane, watch over you. He's a big ugly devil, but he'll get the job done."

"We'll talk when I return from the hunt," Robert claimed, tossing a pin — which Lyarra came to realize symbolized the hand of the king — as he opened the door properly.

"The hunt?" She questioned, chiming in as she thought over the absence of the king.

"Killing things clears my head." He added as an explanation. "You'll have to sit on the throne while I'm away," Eddard tensed at the thought, gaping after the man. "You'll hate it more than I do."

"Pin on the badge. If you take it off again, I swear to the Mother, I'll pin the damned thing on Jaime Lannister." The siblings blanched at the thought, and with that the king slammed the door. They looked over one another for a moment longer, before Eddard moved to stand — asking for Lyarra's assistance with a pleading stare alone. Once the man was dressed, Lyarra straightened his leather — brushing his hair back. Ned stared after the pin on the bed, and with a sigh she moved to fasten it against him. The sight had her stomach curling into a pit, one that could not even be settled by the reassuring grin of her brother.

True to his word, since the king's leave, Sandor had not once left her side. He trailed after her, more often than not. The first few days of his company, the two had not spoken to one another more than what was necessary. Since he'd stood guard in Eddard's room, nights prior, she hadn't seen him again. Once more, he'd promised to look over her — to protect her. The thought had her swirling in doubt, after the events of the past few weeks. Some nights he would stand guard outside her quarters, his presence made noticeable only by the distant shuffle of chainmail by the door. Other nights, she would coax him into coming in — pouring them both a drink.

Alternatively, Petyr had not come to visit her once, not even to look over her condition. She'd only heard his voice through the halls, no doubt finding himself in another argument with Ned. The thought of him made Lyarra's hands shake, her stomach curling itself into a pit of discomfort. He'd comforted her in her time of need — but that fact didn't erase his previous venom.

For the most part, Lyarra spent her evenings with her nieces. Aianna, more often than not, would come in only to clean up after the group — and yet each time Lyarra viewed her presence as an opportunity. She quickly introduced her to the girls, describing her as both her handmaiden and her friend. Arya seemed more interested than Sansa did, quickly jumping into a list of questions for the girl. After a while, her presence at Lyarra's side came as less of a surprise to her nieces — and in time Aianna was expected to be wherever she went as well.

Sandor, however, did not make such a mark. Arya never once peeled her eyes from him, shooting daggers through the man. Sandor, to his credit, never recoiled from her fury — but only seemed perplexed, if not amused by it.

Lyarra had been in Sansa's quarters when the pair were summoned to Ned's study, Arya following behind — with Sandor in tow. At once, she shuffled the girls in front of her — placing herself at Sandor's side. Eddard looked up once the group entered, his stare lingering on the foreboding figure behind his family. Sandor, at once, turned on his heel and exited the room. The air seemed to shift at his disappearance, as Eddard took a breath of almost relief.

"I'm sending you three back to Winterfell," He stated, leaning forward on a chair. Sansa quickly was up in arms — while the pair beside her sat silent. Lyarra longed to return home, more than anything. It was all that she'd been dreaming of since she arrived. And yet underneath that thought, lied a pit of regret — something that she did not allow herself to unfurl.

"What?" Sansa demanded, eyes wide in shock. "What about Joffrey?"

"Are you dying because of your leg?" Arya cut in, "Is that why you're sending us home?"

Lyarra snapped at the girl, pushing her shoulder in aggravation. Arya shrunk in on herself for a moment, seemingly allowing her own words to catch up with her. The girls continued to argue with their father, his frustration building evidently as time stretched on. All the while, Lyarra willed herself to speak — to come to his aid, to claim that it was for the best. And yet, nothing came.

"When you're old enough, I'll make you a match with someone who's worthy of you," Ned claimed. Lyarra reached out then to rub Sansa's shoulder, knowing his words to be true. Anyone could see that Joffrey was a cruel child, one who had no care of Sansa's well being. "Someone who's brave, and gentle, and strong."

"I don't want someone brave, and gentle, and strong. I want him! He'll be the greatest king that ever was. A golden lion. And I'll give him sons with beautiful blond hair." The moment that the words were bit out, Lyarra could feel a pin drop. Eddard met her eyes in an instant, a horrifying flicker of understanding peeking through them. She swallowed her words, tension building within her.

"The lion's not his sigil, you idiot. He's a stag, like his father."

"He is not! He's nothing like that old drunk king."

Eddard paused for a moment longer, battling with his inner thoughts. At once, he nodded his head towards the door — signaling for Lyarra to open it. Sandor had seemingly not moved an inch, standing exactly where she'd left him — with an expectant look in his eyes.

"Go on, girls. Get your Septa, and start packing your things. Jory, Clegane — go with them. Don't let them out of your sight until you're certain they're in their chambers." Sansa continued to argue as she was all pulled out of the room by her sister, causing Lyarra's heart to pang in sympathy. All she wanted was for the girl to find happiness, to find peace. She willed herself to trust that Sansa would forgive the pair in due time. Sandor lingered for a moment longer, awaiting Lyarra's command. She realized at once, that he would not take Eddard's word into account. He was there to protect her, not Lord Stark. She nodded quickly, and within a beat he disappeared after the girls.

Eddard spun back to his desk, pulling open a rather large book. Lyarra shut the door behind her, moving hastily to his side. 'The Lineage and Histories of The Great Houses of The Seven Kingdoms,' the front page read. Ned met her eye, trepidation flooding through him. If they discovered what they both thought to be true, it would uncover something that neither were prepared for. After a moment, he flipped to the page reading 'Baratheon'.

"Lord Orys Baratheon, black of hair. Axel Baratheon, black of hair. Lyonel Baratheon, black of hair. Steffon Baratheon, black of hair." He paused, flipping to the next page with hesitation. "Robert Baratheon, black of hair."

"Joffrey Baratheon," She supplied, catching a glimpse of the name below the king. "Golden-haired." Lyarra took in a breath, as Eddard sat back in his seat — his hands coming to rest on his forehead.

"We don't know what this means, Ned." Her words shook as she bit them out, a lack of certainty within them.

"We do. I think I've always known it.." Eddard trailed off, rubbing his forehead with fervor. Robert Baratheon's children were bastards. The prince, Joffrey, Robert's heir — was a bastard. The king had no trueborn children. The two only stayed together for another hour, before Lyarra moved to retreat to her quarters. There was nothing they could do, not now at least. She willed herself to trust that her brother wouldn't do anything foolish, before making her way out of the room. Once she swung open the door, she was met with Sandor's looming figure once again. She'd half expected him to retreat to his own quarters, but instead he'd waited for her. He raised a brow at her forlorn expression, but she only waved him off.

Lyarra all but ushered him into her room, glancing only once at him with a pleading glare. She did not want to be alone, not with what she had just learned. She had half the mind to pause in hesitation. Sandor worked for the Lannisters, beyond anything. The king had ultimate rule, but at the end of the day he was Prince Joffrey's sworn sword. She wasn't certain he was to be trusted, she couldn't be. But as the man took his seat, ripping off his gauntlets to properly clutch the mug of wine — she couldn't bring herself to do much more than sit at his side.

She wasn't certain how long the two sat in silence, only taking note of his overwhelming warmth — as she couldn't help but lean into his side. He seemed to stiffen his shoulder, hardening himself so that she could place her weight against him as she began to drift. Once sleep properly overtook her, she could only distantly feel the pressure shifting — moving from her side. She let out a light grunt, a sound that bordered on a whine more than anything. As light crept into her vision, she could just barely make out the snort that she was met with. Lyarra swatted at the man, as he lifted her — placing her in her furs in one quick sweep. Just as Sandor moved to retreat, Lyarra shot forward, taking hold of his wrist — sleep still clouding her vision as she squinted.

His surprise wasn't evident in his disinterested glare, but she felt the tension building within him all the same.

"Stay," She requested, her voice rasping with the lack of use, "Please. I don't want to be alone." Lyarra realized at once that she was still grasping onto his bare hand, and pulled back in an instant. Sandor hesitated only momentarily, glancing over her. She half expected him to turn on his heel and leave, just as he had in the past. Only this time, he stepped back.

"Anyone ever tell you you're fucking' freezing, Little Wolf?" Sandor inquired, his tone disinterested once more. He made his way across the room, taking his seat with a huff. After a moment, Lyarra took note of the fact that she'd been staring. When it became clear that he had no intention on saying anything else, she resigned herself to lay back down — pulling the furs up with her. Just as quickly as it had before, sleep overtook her — only this time, she couldn't help but feel comforted by the thought of Sandor only a few feet away.

"I take it you've figured it all out, then?"

Lyarra stopped in her tracks, running her hand along the thickets of flowers in front of her. The petals seemed to wilt at her touch, as she pulled away. Petyr's coy grin was not a surprising sight, but it did fill her with tension. Sandor bristled at his side, his palm coming to rest on the hilt of his blade. Lyarra only waved him off with what she hoped was a reassuring grimace.

"Do you need something, Lord Baelish?" The formalities of her words sticking out like a sore thumb. Petyr, to his credit, did not flinch at the venom beneath her tone. He only stood taller, widening his stance as he opened his arms.

"A moment of your time, if I may." He paused, his gaze flickering to the man at her side, "My lady."

Lyarra briefly caught Sandor's questioning stare, bidding him to retreat with a nod. He hesitated for only a moment, before nodding in return — making his way through the entrance of the garden and down the hall.

"How was it? Connecting the dots, watching everything fall in a line before you. At once, understanding all that had been tearing you apart." His words were spat out hastily, though the man never once lost his composure.

"I'm not sure what you mean," She stated, raising her brow as Petyr did not do much more than widen his smirk.

"Lyarra Stark, you may just survive us yet."

Had they been in any other situation, Lyarra was certain she would have found humor within his words. Only this time, his presence was only furthering her stress — her building tension.

"Now, your brother — I'm not certain he is as .. reticent as you are," Lyarra paused at once, clutching her own sleeve to calm herself. "Rumor has it, he had an audience with the Queen. Not long ago, in this very garden. In which he all but promised to reveal her secrets, requesting she leave King's Landing alongside her children at once."

Of course, Eddard would be blinded by his own pride. He would be so focused on protecting the lives of the innocent, that he would ignore the threat staring back at him. She'd been tearing herself up at the thought of Ned getting himself hurt, and here he was. As if sensing her thoughts, Petyr reached a palm out — grasping onto her available hand. She had half the mind to pull away, before he only clutched it tighter.

"Your brother made a foolish decision, but it's not too late for him. It won't be for you, either, if you listen to what I have to say."

"I don't have time for this, Petyr," She bit, wrenching her hand from his grasp. Petyr only faltered in the slightest, as she bunched her gown up in her hands — making long strides across the garden. Before she could reach the exit, he called out to her once more.

"Have I fallen so far, in your eyes, that you can no longer trust me at all? Do I hold such little value to you, my old friend?"

Lyarra paused, willing herself to not crumble at the inquiry. She knew better than to trust his word as it was, but beneath it — in his eyes, she could see the boy she'd met years ago. The boy who only wanted a friend, who wanted more than anything to keep her at his side — as they built the lives they wanted for themselves.

"What is it that you have to say?" She questioned, her resolve crumbling as the man let out an almost unnoticeable sigh of relief. He beckoned her over, taking a seat on a stone bench. After a moment she followed suit, keeping a careful distance from him.

"I have only advice to offer. Trust no one. Everyone is playing a game, the game of thrones — alike to most, except in this particular puzzle you have only two possible resolutions. You win, or you die." His words spun an incomprehensible web, one that Lyarra found herself desperate to cling onto. "If you want to win, there is only one thing you can do. As I said, trust no one. And yet, make sure that everyone trusts you. Loyalty kills more men than fealty."

"What if I don't want to win?"

"Lyarra Stark," Petyr started, reaching to place his hands in her lap, "I know you well enough to know what you want. What you have always wanted — same as me." She paused, waiting for him to supply his answer.

"Everything."

Lyarra's head began to swim with possibilities, as she once more thought over what the two could accomplish — at one another's side.

"I will do what I can to keep your fool of a brother alive," Petyr claimed, squeezing her hands as he continued, "and in return, I ask only one thing of you."

"Alright," Lyarra swallowed, the conversation hitting her all at once. "What is it?"

"Don't trust Clegane. Don't allow him close to you — don't allow him to care for you." At once, Lyarra recoiled — raising from her seat as the man showed no sign of stopping. Her own doubts were coming to the light in that moment, but the thought of listening to more of Petyr's complaints about Sandor only had her reeling.

"Listen to me," He pleaded. "How can you be certain that you can trust him, to begin with? He's the Lannister's dog. A hound heeds only its master's commands. No matter how hard you try to tame him, you can't." She couldn't bring herself to do much more than stare back at the man in horror — as he continued to spin his words of gold. Lyarra couldn't deny that he had a point. She couldn't trust that if it came down to it, Sandor would protect her against the Lannisters. He would slay her as easily as he had the butcher's boy. The realization had her blood running cold, as she took a step back — intent on leaving the garden at once.

"Think about it. That's all I ask of you."

By the time Lyarra had found Eddard, he'd been stalking through the halls — his cane in hand. She had half the mind to begin scolding him then and there, before another voice interrupted her.

"Ned," The voice called, and at once Lyarra and Ned spun on their heels to meet the man. Renly was panting, red in the face — with tattered, bloodied clothing. "It's Robert. We were hunting. A boar."

Renly stepped back, before quickly returning down the hall he'd come from. Terror built within her, as the implications of his words sunk in. If Robert was wounded, fatally at that, their safety within the capital was no longer promised. The king had ensured that she and Ned would have a place in the halls of the keep, but the Lannisters held no love for the Starks. Before she could allow herself to unravel much further, she grasped onto Ned's free hand — squeezing it comfortingly. All things considered, Robert was still a brother to him. He loved him, despite it all.

Once they reached the king's chambers, they were met with the sight of the prince — who had been all but curling into Robert's side. His eyes were filled with terror, his face a contortion of emotion — something Lyarra had not been certain the boy was capable of. At once, the king bid him to leave. Once Robert caught her gaze, his own expression filled with pain.

"My fault," He added as an explanation. He was bare from the neck down, a brown quilt pulled up to his chest. Blood trickled from his lips as words began to pour out. "Too much wine. Missed my thrust."

Eddard reached forward to pull back the quilt, revealing the open wound. At once, Lyarra had to force herself not to clutch her nose — the stench of death filling the small room. Taking note of her disgusted state, the king rasped out a laugh.

"Stinks, don't it?" He asked, though his tone gave way to no real sense of a question, "Stinks like death. Don't think I can't smell it."

As the two men began to speak amongst themselves, Lyarra's mind flitted to the queen. She did not want to make an enemy of Cersei Lannister, though her brother seemingly did not have the same thought. She considered approaching her, comforting her to the best of her ability. But quickly thought better of it. Instead, she only glanced at the woman — bristling as she was met with eyes that were already boring into her.

"Now leave us, all of you. I need to talk to Ned and Lyarra." Robert rasped. At once, the queen moved to argue — but true to his character, he only raised his voice. She realized, then, that Cersei was certain of what Eddard intended to do. He would tell Robert anything, had he been given the chance. Every word. Once it was only the three of them, the king beckoned Lyarra over — taking her hand in his. The act had her gut swirling with disgust, but she willed herself to swallow it down, taking a seat on his side.

"You damned fool." Eddard complained, his tone resigned — as if he'd already accepted what was to come.

"Paper and ink, on the table. Write down what I say."

Eddard reached to the object, raising the pen with trepidation.

"In the name of Robert, of the House Baratheon, First of .. you know how it goes." Lyarra hardly held back a snort, something that only seemed to delight the king. "Fill in the damned titles. I hereby command Eddard of House Stark, titles, titles... to serve as Lord Regent and Protector of the Realm upon my death, to rule in my stead until my son Joffrey comes of age." Ned paused, meeting her questioning stare. The two knew well enough the truth of Joffrey's parentage. He was not Robert's heir, not even by a stretch of the word. However, Eddard only kept writing.

Robert strained, grasping the quill in hand to sign the paper. He bid Ned to bring it to the Council, once he passed.

"You'll rule now," He told Ned, a bitter smile forcing itself to his bloody lips, "You'll hate it worse than I did, but you'll do it well."

"And you," Robert directed towards Lyarra, "You keep an eye on him. Make sure he doesn't do anything foolish, if you can." He spat, squeezing her hand once more. She forced herself to smile at the man, dread building within her.

"My son. Help him, Ned. Make him better than me."

"I'll," Eddard paused, taking a breath as he seemed to consider his words, "I'll do everything I can, to honor your memory."

"My memory," Robert laughed — spitting specks of blood as the hoarse sound fell from his lips, "King Robert Baratheon. Murdered by a pig."

"Give me something for the pain, and let me die." Eddard rose after only a moment, reaching to grasp the vial of milk of the poppy that sat on his bedside. Robert tugged on Lyarra's hand, pulling her attention back to him.

"I loved your sister, you know. I did. More than anything," Though his words sickened her, the thought of her sister had Lyarra's heart bubbling in grief. "You look just like her. Just as beautiful as ever. I'm gladdened by the thought, that the last thing I see will be her face smiling down at me. My beautiful Lyanna," He reached out to grasp her face in his hand. She hardly held back her flinch at the name, before he allowed her to leave — following her brother with haste.

"So, why did you call me here? Not for my wisdom, clearly."

Lyarra sat perched on the windowsill while Petyr and Ned continued to argue. He'd entered soon after Eddard had prepared a raven for Stannis Baratheon, detailing the truth. Renly had confronted the two, not long after they left the king's chambers. Lyarra had half the mind to agree with the man, to support his succession. Renly's claim was built solely on love, on the admiration he'd brewed in his honor. And yet, why should he not be king? If Robert could usurp the throne, why couldn't Renly? Eddard, however, held no such thought. In his eyes, Stannis was the rightful king — his morals preventing him from seeing any different.

As expected, Petyr viewed this opportunity as a move for power, telling her brother such. He failed to consider — or at the very least, failed to acknowledge — his streak of honor. Eddard would never break an oath, especially not with someone he considered family. Lyarra thought of defending Petyr more than once, as she couldn't help but think over the idea in her mind.

She didn't want a place near the throne — nor did Eddard, but the two needed power. They needed surety that they'd be safe from the Lannisters.

"You've always been a friend to my sister. More than once, she's described you as a man of honor. If that's truly the case, I'll need your help. The queen has a dozen knights and a hundred men-at-arms, enough to overwhelm what remains of our household guard. I need the Gold Cloaks. The City Watch is two thousand strong, and sworn to defend the king's peace."

Lyarra observed as Petyr's grin widened, pulling across his lips.

"Look at you. You know what you want me to do, you know it has to be done, but it's not honorable, so, the words stick in your throat. When the queen proclaims one king, and the Hand proclaims another, whose peace do the Gold Cloaks protect? Who do they follow?" He affirmed, his own pleasure building within him — as he observed Eddard's resolve fade.

"The man who pays them," Lyarra chimed in, taking note of the delight in Petyr's expression. Eddard nodded after a moment, and with that — Petyr made his leave, taking one more lingering glance of Lyarra. Once the man was gone, with the door safely fastened in his wake — her brother begrudgingly turned to her.

"You know, it'd be nice if just for once — you could take my side. I deal with enough arguments as it is." Lyarra's heart panged with guilt, as she moved to kneel at his side. She took his hand in hers, clutching onto it as she gazed up at him.

"All of this? It's a game, Ned. You either win, or you die. I would give my life to ensure yours, ten times over. But if I could, I would save us both by any means necessary."

"I won't let anyone hurt you, Lyarra. I promise you, I'll keep you and the girls safe. No matter the cost. But if we give in to their .. game, we aren't any better than they are."

Lyarra was struck with love for her brother in that moment, as his honor continued to guide him. He would never allow himself to do something against his moral code, regardless of what could happen otherwise. If there was one good man in the kingdom, Lyarra was certain he was standing before her.

Soon after Petyr left, Eddard had asked Lyarra to find his daughters — to ensure they would be ready for travel soon. With all that had happened, she almost forgot they would be leaving Winterfell within a few days. They'd be safe, at the very least. But the thought of leaving King's Landing gave her pause — something that she thought against unraveling further.

Septa Mordane was detailing another pointless tale, one that neither Sansa nor Lyarra had been paying attention to. To the best of her knowledge, Arya was at another 'dancing' lesson. They'd have to retrieve her in due time, but for the time being the three allowed themselves to roam through the hall. They only paused at the sight of Lannister guards approaching. Two men, who showed no sign of stopping. Septa Mordane turned to Lyarra at once, her glare sharp — and in an instant, she knew what to do.

Lyarra realized in horror, what must have happened. They were too late. Renly, Petyr — they were both right. Eddard made the wrong move. The king was dead, giving the Lannisters full power.

She grasped onto Sansa's arm, tugging the girl forward — as the pair turned on their heels and ran. Just barely, she could make out Sansa's complaints — though they were hardly audible over the sound of her ragged panting. Just as they'd turned a corner, they were met with a familiar figure.

"Sandor," Lyarra warned as the man approached. He didn't pause in his motion once, only pursuing the pair further. She moved in front of Sansa at once, placing the girl behind her. Finally, the man halted — and with their proximity, she could see the conflict in his eyes. She knew, at once, that Petyr was right. With a sinking realization, she came to accept the fact that Sandor Clegane was only a dog.

One who would come to his owner's beck and call, regardless of how his eyes shined for her.

"Come on, Little Wolf. Don't make this difficult." A sickening grin split across his lips, as Lyarra took a step back — pushing Sansa further.

"Stay away from us! I'll tell my father, I'll.." Sansa trailed off, her voice quivering, "I'll tell the queen."

Sandor cocked his head at her words, seemingly only growing further amused. Lyarra let out a hushed curse, at once halting in her step. He would stop at nothing to obey his master's command. He would take them, whether they were willing or no. Sansa's eyes widened as her aunt's resolve slipped.

"Who do you think sent him?" She questioned bitterly, taking Sansa by the arm once more — as she pushed the girl to her side. "Well? Go on, dog." Lyarra bit, taking the slightest bit of pleasure at the way he almost winced at her words. His brow furrowed, taking in her venom. For once, Lyarra found herself wishing that she'd never met Sandor Clegane. That he hadn't saved her from the wrath of her brother, hadn't spent his evenings with her — carried her to her bed, stayed with her when she needed a companion. She wished, then, that she had never left Petyr's side. That she'd listened to him, from the very beginning.

Phew. That was a lot. Okay, so. Let's break that down. We got a lot more plot .. stuff. Whole lot of Baratheon-ing going on. But, we also got the start of a very complex plot line. Petyr has finally convinced Lyarra that she can't trust Sandor, despite .. literally everything that has happened so far. Good job Petyr.. I guess. It's a very complicated picture, and it only goes to show the love that she's had for her friend for so long. While she's thinking to herself 'wow, why didn't I just trust Petyr?' he is literally betraying her entire family .. Like at that exact moment. Awkward.

Also, you may be thinking, 'Why did Lyarra not care that Sandor killed Mycah, but cares now that he is actively taking the Lannister's side?" Erm. Well. Plot? No, I'm kidding. Lyarra is in a very complicated space right now. She doesn't know who she can trust. But, the past few days Sandor has not left her side. And she's aware of how close they were growing. So part of her expected him to show a little bit more .. restraint? She would never expect him to entirely take her side, or abandon his post. But Petyr got into her head. She doesn't believe that she can trust him anymore. Also — he promised to protect her, more than once. And now, in her eyes, he's just blatantly breaking that promise.

Anyways, the next few chapters are probably going to be pretty emo. It's going to take a lot for Sandor to become someone she can trust again, and likely will take even more for her to remove herself from Petyr's side. I wonder how these things will play out.. Anyways, I hope you enjoyed the chapter. And as always, please feel free to leave any comments below.

Thank you,

Zevran.

[ayowotsdis]

I think I enjoy asoiaf crack ships more than I enjoy the canon ships (cuz fuck George, faegon and arya are MY King and Queen)

[thealisflore]

💜

Picrew.me

[fineosaur-writes]

We’ll All Be Here Forever | e | chapter ten: arya ii

a fic by @fineosaur and @stompandhollar

After years of dating, Arya finally introduces her partner, Gendry, to her family.

Over the years the Starks slowly find their way back to Winterfell. After Robb is the last to leave and first to return, more of his siblings filter back into their childhood home.

So much has changed, and yet so much is still the same. Between surviving their parents and adulthood, and their complicated romantic entanglements, the Starks find that their paths are easiest when they're together.

[lizzie-queenofmeigas]

I know my girl Lyanna is beating Ned's ass in heaven, because of sending her boy to The Wall. Rhaegar may as well be helping her.