The Young She-Bear

Dacey Mormont moved with purpose through the training yard of Bear Island, her small hands gripping the handle of a mace that was almost as tall as she was. The clang of steel on steel echoed in the brisk northern air as she practiced her swings and strikes. Her red hair was tied back in a loose braid that bounced with each movement, and her determined expression belied her young age.

Her opponent, a wooden training dummy, stood as a worthy adversary in her eyes. She swung her mace with all her might, the heavy metal head connecting with a satisfying thud. She could almost imagine the crunch of bones beneath her strikes, a thought that brought a fierce grin to her lips.

"Good form, Dacey!" called out Lady Maege Mormont, her presence commanding respect even as she observed her young daughter's training.

Dacey's chest swelled with pride as she continued her practice. She was only ten years old, but she had always been drawn to the art of combat. Her choice of weapon, a mace, reflected her determination to stand her ground and protect her family and home.

Amidst her training, Dacey's sisters, Lyra and Alysane, watched from the sidelines. Lyra, a sprightly eight-year-old, clapped her hands in excitement with each powerful swing Dacey delivered. Alysane, the youngest at four years old, sat cross-legged in the snow, her wide eyes filled with awe and admiration for her older sister.

"Hit it harder, Dacey!" Lyra cheered, her own enthusiasm evident.

Dacey obliged, putting her strength into each strike as she imagined herself facing down enemies who threatened her family's safety. The mace was an extension of herself, a tool that could bring down anyone who dared challenge her.

As Dacey's practice continued, Lady Maege approached her daughters, a proud smile gracing her lips. "You're both growing into strong and capable young women," she said, her voice tinged with affection.

Lyra beamed up at her mother. "Dacey's the strongest of us all! She'll be a great warrior someday!"

Alysane nodded enthusiastically, her little face filled with admiration. "I want to be like Dacey when I grow up!"

Dacey finished her practice, her breaths coming in short gasps from the exertion. She wiped sweat from her brow and approached her sisters and mother. "Thank you, Mother. Thank you, Lyra and Alysane."

Lady Maege crouched down to be at eye level with her daughters. "Remember, strength comes not only from wielding a weapon, but from wisdom and courage as well."

Dacey nodded solemnly, absorbing her mother's words. She knew that being a warrior meant more than just physical prowess; it required a keen mind and a brave heart.

As the sisters spent time together, the conversation turned to more serious matters. Lady Maege's gaze grew thoughtful as she spoke of an important topic.

"Dacey, Lyra, Alysane, there is news I must share with you," Lady Maege began, her tone serious.

Dacey's brows furrowed, and she exchanged a glance with her sisters. They gathered around their mother, their expressions eager to hear what she had to say.

"What is it, Mother?" Dacey inquired.

Lady Maege's gaze turned distant, as if she was weighing her words carefully. "Ravens have brought word from Winterfell. Lord Eddard Stark has received our report about the unauthorized logging of trees along our coast."

Dacey's grip on her mace tightened. She understood the implications of such actions—the Ironborn were known to take such actions as a prelude to an attack. The thought of defending her home filled her with a mixture of excitement and determination.

"Those Ironborn won't find an easy target in us," Dacey declared, her voice resolute.

Alysane nodded, her young face determined. "We'll protect Bear Island!"

Lyra joined in, her eyes shining with determination. "And we won't let them take what's ours!"

Lady Maege's expression softened as she looked at her daughters, pride evident in her eyes. "You have the heart of true Mormonts, brave and unyielding."

As the conversation shifted, Lady Maege's tone grew more solemn. "And there's more. Lord Stark is considering a proposal."

Dacey's curiosity was piqued. "A proposal? What kind?"

Lady Maege's gaze flickered to the distance, her expression contemplative. "A marriage proposal, to be precise. Lord Eddard Stark believes that uniting our houses through marriage could strengthen our defenses and forge a powerful alliance."

Dacey exchanged glances with Lyra and Alysane, sensing their shared unease. The prospect of marriage was not something she had considered at her age, and the idea of marrying someone she had never met raised questions and concerns.

"Who's the groom?" Lyra asked, her voice filled with curiosity.

Lady Maege's gaze settled on her daughters, her eyes steady. "Weston Stark."

Dacey's eyes widened slightly, her mind racing as she processed the information. She had heard whispers of Weston Stark, a young lord from Winterfell. The rumors of his supposed lack of combat skills had reached her ears, and the thought of marrying someone who might not be able to protect their home left her conflicted.

"What do we know about him?" Dacey inquired cautiously.

"He is a Stark of Winterfell, and that carries a certain weight," Lady Maege explained. "But I understand your concerns. This is a decision that will shape your future and the future of our house."

Alysane's voice held a note of caution. "We need to meet this Weston and see what he's truly like."

Lyra nodded in agreement. "And we need more information before making any decisions."

Lady Maege's lips quirked into a small smile. "I anticipated your reactions, which is why I've arranged for Lord Stark to visit Bear Island. He wishes to discuss the proposal with us in person."

Dacey exchanged glances with her sisters once more. The prospect of meeting this Weston Stark intrigued her, but the weight of responsibility and the uncertainty of the future cast a shadow over her excitement.

As the day continued, Dacey found herself lost in thought. She practiced her mace strikes with renewed determination, each swing a reflection of the conflicting emotions churning within her. The impending visit of Lord Stark and the potential for a marriage alliance added complexity to her already busy young life. She was determined to stand strong and face whatever challenges lay ahead, just as she did on the training yard.