Chapter 19: Life in Harrenhal 6

~~~ Lyanna Stark POV ~~~

Lyanna Stark has never been more alive.

She had always been different compared to any lady, even in her home. She wanted to have what the men have. Freedom. The freedom to choose who or what she wishes to be. But 'by the laws of gods and men', her battlefield lies at the birthing bed.

Her life was spent like she was in a cage. And as time went by she felt like she had no other choice but to follow. 'Less of a wolf and more like a dog.' The world is ruled by men after all. So she lived her life as much as she can. Sneaking out, riding off, and even swinging a training sword at night by the stables.

She had pleaded her wishes to her father. And despite The North having warrior women, her father still forbade and denied her those wishes. She had always suspected it, but now she knew. Her father was never ambitious, he just simply want to leave a better North for his children just like all the Stark Kings that came before him. But his heart is too broken for the lose of his wife, their mother, other than duty now.

Ever since the Tagaryen reign, her home had fallen to unimaginable heights. They were forbidden to rebuild their fleet. For the Throne will defend their shores. The most fertile land that could feed the entirety of the North has been taken. For the Throne will feed their people. The wall that defended us from the south, destroyed. So that the North can be better connected to the rest of The Seven Kingdoms. All false, all empty promisses.

Our fleet gone, the Ironborn became bolder. Their people, enslaved or killed. What ships they built, stolen and added to our enemie's numbers. With it came the decline of sea farers of the North and so its bountyful riches, became out of our reach. And the Iron Throne refused to intervene.

With the Gift now gone, they had to buy their food. And that at prices that has always left us be beggars. And even with all our coin, it was barely enough to satisfy the greed of the south. Without the food the people died, those that didn't left. And with their absence the quality of life in the North continously depleted. Their mountains uncharted, their forest and all the plants that grows within are barely known. And in the absence of Moat Cailin, the weak North is now defenseless from the south should they ever decide to invade or if The North should ever rebel against the Iron throne.

The increasing madness of the King threatens them for the Starks, despite their loyalty, has no true connection to the Iron Throne. And for all the time the Targaryens have ruled, all have failed to be good friends to the Starks. And so to defend themselves, Alliances were being made.

She understood full well what her father hoped when he bethrothed her. But that didn't mean she liked it. So far her bethrothed was turning off good. Despite what was told of him having a bastard already, she still liked what she has heard and seen for herself. He actually talks about her bastard, and had checked on her from time to time. Even bragged about his daughter to Princess Elia and Lady Elesis.

According to her brother, Robert has actually pleaded to the mother to take her and their child to Storm's End. Where work and shelter will be waiting for them. The mother and child left for Storm's End as Robert and Ned left for the tourney.

He has a habit of drinking and whoring. A habit he actually swore to her that he would stop for her sake and his. She was actually taken by surprise at that. But she knew where such declaration came from.

It was the day after the first bouts of the Tourney. Lord Sieghart had displayed his personal strength. To best the 'Greatest Swordsman in the Seven Kingdoms'. The rest of the tourney continued with two more melee sets and another archery, no fanfare of any kind can undo the first melee. So much so to the people's dismay, as the rest was mild in comparison.

They spent the rest of the day with House Sieghart. My eldest brother was pouting, for despite winning his melee, was as I said, taken mildly. They walked around with the princess and saw what is now called the greatest gathering in all the Seven Kingdoms.

She though was looking at one person in particular. Ronan Sieghart. He held his wife at the waist, and their daughter held by his wife carried between them. He showered them with great attention and even open displays of affection. There were times when he would make a fool of himself just to make his daughter laugh, and with it the whole family. She envied that of Lady Elesis. Her husband doesn't constrain her. He doesn't tell her what not to do. He gives her freedom to do with as she wish. And despite all that, she in turn seemed to seek his approval. She teared seeing it, what she wanted the most, in the hands of someone who didn't seem to want it. And so she walked apart for some time to gather herself.

She was walking around from stall to stall, when she saw the prince, he was looking around. She decided to begone from his sights not wanting to be caught in between the prince and Lord Sieghart. As she tried to make some distance he then saw her bethrothed enter a bar. Wanting to catch him on the act, she followed him. Approaching the bar she heared his voice as she passed through the window. She leaned by the wall to listen.

"... so... how do you do it?"

She was surprised to hear the voice of Ronan. "Why do you wish to know?"

"I just! ... *sigh*... I wanted what my father had."

"Tell me then." said Ronan

"I already told you. Can't you just answer the damn question!?"

"No, you told me you wanted what your father had. You didn't tell me what it is that your father had that you wanted."

Robert sighed and after some time he continued. "My father was a good man. And beside him was a good wife. You know when he raised us, he taught us our numbers, war, swords and shields. But my mother, she taught us how to ride, to sail, to skin our hunts and how to cook them. My father hated politics, being related by blood to the Royal Family makes it even more annoying. But he found solace at home. In his wife and childrens presence. And so come morning he woke up, ready for another day. All of that made possible, because my mother loved my father."

"I know my betrothal is not of love. But hearing about Lyanna from Ned, her willful spirit, her desire to learn what men do, to be part of our way of life. I can't help but be hopeful, just hopeful that I may just get what my father had as well."

"Seeing her train with your women, I knew that she may just be that. Someone to stand beside me as I rule the Storm Lands. Someone who can catch me should I stumble. Someone I can lean on too when I felt like I can go on no further."

"And someone to slap some sense into you should you fail to keep into the straight and narrow?" interrupted Lord Sieghart.

She then heared several chuckle at that. Even her younger brother Ned. "aye, that'd be the woman."

"Then you do not need Lyanna Stark for that Robert." She perked up at that. "You want someone stand by you as you ruled? Teach your wife to. Her numbers, her people, your traditions, and your history. You want someone to catch you should you stumble. You teach her your swords, introduce her to your lords, give her respect and show your people that your trust lies with her. So that she may govern in your place in your absence. Someone you can lean on to when you're tired and weary? Love her, like what she likes, love what she love, listen to her heart as she listen to yours. Stop her when she needed to be stoped, be angry when you needed to be angry but above all that, understand her. Understand why she did what she did that made you angry. Understand why you stopped her despite her wishes. And despite all that, love her still. For the good and the bad."

"You can have all that with any woman who would willing be all that. And believe me when I say that there are women out there that are. The real question is Robert, do YOU want that woman to BE Lyanna Stark?"

She couldn't bear to hear his answer. And so she decided to leave. As she turned to run, she knocked over a woman but decided to ignore it and kept moving.

She ran to her room. The conversation she had just heard weighing heavily on her mind. She laid there through the afternoon and the night, warmth spreading over her chest. She dreamed of her doing all those things, even moments when she would see herself do those things with him. She was woken out of her dreams with a soft knock on the door. She saw that the sun has risen. She soon sat up, then the knock came again.

She collected herself and asked. "Who is it?"

" *cough*... It's me Lady Stark, I was hoping to speak with you." said Robert in a soft voice.

Her heart was pounding on her chest. Wondering about what was about to happen. She took a deep breath and then opened the door.

For the first time since she met him, Robert looked unsure of himself. As if he was scared. And then he spoke.

"I know our betrothal isn't something you wanted. I know I appeared disgusting to you even. And I don't blame you, my pass time is drinking and whoring after all." she winced at that. She kept her mouth thin not wanting the frown to show in her face. "But! I am an honest person. I do what I promise to do, always have. And so I promise you this." His face suddenly showed determination. And much to her surprise he knelt "If you would strive to be the best wife you can be, I WILL become the best husband that YOU could possibly ask for. So I ask you now Lady Lyanna of House Stark, will you marry me?"

She was surpsied at his words, not realising she had cried at his declaration. Not really expecting it nor how to answer and so she tried to say but ended up choking out. "...yes"

Robert showed a teary smile. He then pulled out a golden ring with blue roses engraved across it, and a red jewel at the top. He held his hand out asking for hers. As she laid her hand upon his, he gently put the ring on her ring finger. She looked to it and then to Robert. Overcome with such emotions she actually jumped him with a kiss on his lips. One he responded to gently, while holding her waist with firm hands.

She heared cheers across the hall, only then realising they weren't alone. There were a few servants but most were her family, along with the Tully sisters and their brother, even Lord Arryn and surprisingly Ashara Dayne. They clapped and sent best wishes as if they were married already. She was hugged by both Princess Elia and Lady Elesis. While the men swarmed Robert.

The men soon retired for the Tourney, but not before Robert kissed her hand. But her along with Princess Elia, Lady Elesis, Ashara Dayne, Caitlyn Tully and Lyssa Tully spent the day in the room. The servants came shortly bringing their meals. According to Lady Elesis, it was a declaration for marriage in their lands. There, betrothals are considered barbaric and so women and men find their partners by choice. Whether they be duty, coin, need, lust or love. Their men and women gets to choose. An envied practice but baffling no less.

They simply talked about anything really, the men. Their lives and their wishes. The tully sisters were exactly what she expected of southern nobles. Prim and proper, frowning at the Warrior women of Dorne, The North and Essos.

Ashara Dayne of course isn't as expected. Lyanna never really knew much about the houses of Westeros. So she was surprised that even women of house Dayne is at least thought how to wield a sword.

Princess Elia had also expressed desire to honor their home lands tradition. But unfortunately she was born frail, and child birth has only made her weaker.

And of course Lady Elesis was the biggest surprise. An ordinary lifestyle she said. She was educated, in numbers and management. She initially wanted only to have a family. Now that she has it, she wants to give everything they could possibly want and need to them.

Just that. A simple wish. And again highlighted the mystery of House Sieghart.

We spent the morning in nothing in particular, just talking. Well us talking while Lady Elesis tease us with her body. She was doing what their knights called 'daily routine'. I have to admit her body is something else, there are tell tale signs of strength but not overly muscular. Her breast are big but firm, which is a surprise for a mother, her thighs are thick and she was smooth, clean. But what got everyone in the room's attention is her vulgar movements.

She understood working her back, abdomen legs and arms. But an exercise for the butt? It was a surprise to us on 'Why' is such an exercise is even available to women. And her answer was, 'I want to be the most beautiful woman in my husbands eyes.' It was such a romantic notion. Vulgar... but romantic.

They had their mid day meal with everyone in the Hall of a Hundred Hearths. On the way there they couldn't help but notice the respectful way they address Lady Elesis herself. It wasn't till they reached the hall that the topic of the conversation revolved around one person again. Lord Ronan Sieghart.

He once again proved himself by defeating Ser Gregor Clegane the biggest man in the tourney and also Ser Barristan 'The Bold' Selmy himself. And he did so in a Joust.

When they reached the others they were being swarmed by other Lords, Ladies and Knights. Most of them seemed to enjoy it. Still her younger brother Ned looks out of place through it all. Giving off an air of gloomyness, surrounded by both Robert and Brandon. Who both are truly boisterous, telling the tale of their victory in the melee.

Seeing us Lord Ronan immedately went to his wife who was carrying their daughter and helped her to a seat next to him. Seeing his actions had Robert surging forward aswell trying to copy him but in the process of reaching me ended up knocking down two men. I had to cover my mouth to hide the smile on my face. He looked abash at his attempt. But it was sweet that he tried so she gave him a small kiss on his cheek.

The mid day meal was simple. No king or prince much to our joy. The afternoon she spent at a training yard. My training continue under a Ruby Knight named Valka.

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Right now I am on my back breathing heavily and most definitely bruised. And despite all this, I feel happy, seeing my betrothed nodding in approval of me. I felt hope swell in my heart, and embraced it.

And I have never felt more alive.

~~~Line Break~~~

Rhaegar Targaryen woke with a start. His body drench with sweat and his hands shaking. His dreams has gotten worst. A great shadow from beyond The Wall, covering the world in death and ice. He dreamed of a world were all of the Seven Kingdoms stood together and failed. All in the absence of a champion capable of defeating a demon of ice.

Rhaegar clenched his fist and ground his teeth. And with blood shot eyes he screamed into his mind. 'The dragon must have three heads. It MUST!'

Rhaegar spent the night dreading the horrid future he believe is to come. Not seeing the Raven that overlooked him from the rafters.