Northern Kingdom. Winterfell-
-Lady's Room-
The lady's room was a room of the fortress that had been left for Ashara's personal use. Some would say that Hariric had only fallen in love with her body and was already under her control. Ashara sneered in his mind. Fools. If that had been true, he would have fallen into the graces of any fucking whore a long time ago. Frankly, Ashara hated how people seemed to think that her future husband was more than anything a simple and simple person. Especially the simple thing. It was funny to her how people could come to think such a thing when her husband if she could be honest was anything but simple by the gods.
Since he had arrived in the North, several things had happened. Her stay in the northern capital had been on the one hand getting her used to the North more than anything else and as the place was simply far superior to the south. She certainly missed certain things but Hariric had given her her world and fuck she was fine with being alive again and what is more important with the opportunity to spend time with the man she loved.
If she had to be frank, it was much better than the option of staying on the other side without being able to do anything and see how someone to whom she did not give permission to get fresh with her man. She would tear out the eyes of any bitch so she dared not even look closely at her husband.
The more he thought about it, he was also very surprised when the lords of the north accepted his idea of creating a bank. When her husband introduced her to each gentleman of his important alliance about the bank, there were doubts. First was the first. The interests of the North above all. People wanted to understand their reasons for wanting to found a bank. It was not like in the south that veiled comments were made and it was later expected that it would simply be sabotaged. The lords of the north told her that her idea was useful and they could see the potential they would be supporting her. That told him a lot about the faith that the lords of the North had in hariric
When she finished explaining her idea of the bank that she wanted to call the bank of La Rosa de Invierno (Winter Rose), the gentlemen asked her for a moment to discuss it. Hariric once again the sensible man he was and masterful manipulative that he was left so that they could argue in secret. She questioned him because she simply didn't use magic to convince them.
It's not that she did such a thing to her husband's lords but she was just curious. When her husband only raised his eyebrow, he knew that he had done something. That's when she was surprised since he had made it clear that he trusted them and that they would make the right decision to turn the idea of the bank into something that would work. There were days when she was surprised by his gift for understanding people.
After that it was not difficult in the least to see that the lords of the North wanted more ideas. They wanted to know everything she had started for the bank. Why I wanted it and much more. Her answers were what she finished making them understand. I wanted the bank to have administrators who would make sure that the money would not be lost. I wanted the bank to ensure that you could have trusted people making investments in the name of the North.
That and much more led the lords of the North to grant him permission. Of course she knew it would take some time. It would take a year or two for people to be instructed as well as the construction of the different branches and much more.
Ashara was surprised by how accepted her idea was. If she had to be frank, she hadn't expected it long but she felt much happier with it knowing that now the North had a piece of her. Since then he had also spent time meeting the gentlemen. The men and women who ruled or would govern the North. In Ashara's mind it was clear at least that her husband had wisely chosen people to occupy their positions.
They were still simple. But when she found out what the Northern Officers' Academy was, she knew that her husband had a firm intention of making sure that the people of the North were not left as uneducated mens. An educated kingdom has potential.
Ashara had to admit that her husband had shown to think about long-term plans. Melania was smart, she wouldn't deny it. But he lacked some education. If she had to be honest, Melania Martell was missing in certain aspects. There was also the fact that her husband was a man who knew how to work for people. How to motivate them. It wasn't just charisma. Many had said that Hariric was a man of his word and so they believed him. If she had to be frank, the mere idea of it made her believe that her husband knew even more what awaited the North in a short time.
His thoughts were shaken by the arrival of Elia. Ashara was still doubting what dress to wear. Her future husband had given her the option to choose the couturier and everything. The woman in question had made her several dresses since in her own words it had to be excellent for the future wedding. She laughed. I was divided between a dark red wedding dress and an intense violet one. She was as always indecisive. Even despite the weather, she was also surprised by the black or white fur accessories for her to wear on. Her future husband had always been very detailed when it came to making her as happy as possible.
"I see you happy. I see you very happy. It's not that I can blame you. You're getting married. I wish my future wedding could be said that it could be considered in some way similar to how happy this is''. Elia looked at Ashara. I had seen the happiness in his eyes. Basically I knew and could say that Ashara was satisfied with the idea of marriage to Hariric Stark.
"A concern is seen on a person's face when I have it in front of me. You don't need to be so bad. Although it may seem that it is not so, in reality I am sure that all the problems that I may have ahead will have a more viable solution anyway.'' Ashara didn't need to be a genius. Elia was an incredibly empathetic woman. He was able to create a union with people with great ease.
"I can't help what is a sister to me in everything except blood is basically going to be in the crosshairs of God knows how many. Tywinannister to begin with. He will do everything in his hand in an attempt to recover what he thinks is his right. You must not believe the possible amount of shit that I threw at you on the road my friend''. Elia knew Tywin Lannister well. The man was ruthless. I lacked empathy. His own children were more than anything tools.
"Believe me, I am perfectly aware that Tywin Lannister is a serious threat to the northern government. Man will not allow anything or anyone who can threaten his precious legacy. However, although it is certainly dangerous, I am more afraid of a cockroach than of a man like him. Tywin Lannister He was such a simple man to understand. As she and Hariric himself knew well when you understand the politics and the ideals of the people then you are able to know what exactly they are up to.
"You shouldn't underestimate it... it scares me. That man is incredibly dangerous. And I don't like it as a mother and Doran are trying by all means to marry rhaegar just to be able to put me as queen and be able to use my future children as a kind of extension of Dorne in the Iron Throne and thus dominate the seven kingdoms''. Elia growled. His children. His precious future children. His mother and brother intended to turn them into tools for his plans. She despised that with passion.
"It's another reason why I like to get married here in the north if I have to be honest. I am the one who has a voice and a word in my children. They Don'T Brown. Or anyone else. And believe me, if Doran tries to open the attachment letter so he can tell me what to do with my children, I will push a spear very well stuck in his ass. My children are not pawns of anything or anyone''. I knew that Doran would not hesitate to try to do that. To turn their little children into little more than tools of some kind.
"I have to agree with you on that, lucky bitch. Without my mother and Doran on top, you can basically raise your children however you want. That's pretty good if I have to say it. I'm really jealous. I'm also jealous of the man you've managed to hook up as a husband if I have to be honest.'' The man was actually an imposing figure. But every time I looked at Ashara you could see real love in those greenish gray eyes.
''What can I say. I'm a lucky bitch. However, Hariric is a man who has also made it clear to me that as a gentleman he must especially follow the rules. This school of Northern officers is something mandatory that all the future lords of the north will go to. If I have to be frank, the idea of taking my children away from me kicks me''. That was true. Fortunately, thanks to magic, she would be able to see them every weekend.
"In the North, the rulers have always maintained order because they inspire by example. While the lords of the south make fun of the Northerners for the fact that in their own words the northerners lower themselves, the North is possibly the most unified kingdom of all. The stupidity of people always surprises me nothing more''. Frankly, in Elia's mind he would always see the North with good eyes. The North had shown unity. Work. And much more. Where in the south the rulers are fighting for the least.
That can be said. The North knows how to do their job or rather the Starks. Everyone makes fun of them but I can say that they only needed the spark. The spark to be great. And the gods have blessed the family with the birth of my husband. After all, he is the one who has given so many opportunities to the north''. Ashara didn't lie. The North has always remained united. But they needed one last push. A blow to the butt. And I arrive. Hariric arrived.
''I agree with that. However, I have to warn you about something. I saw the queen of thorns. I have no doubt that that bitch is up to something. Possibly he's going to do one of his shitty play for power and try to see you outside or possibly your husband''. It was to say that and Elia was surprised when Ashara's face changed. Gone was the joy when an absolute coldness landed on his face. So deadly cold. I was afraid if I had to be frank.
"If that old witch tries anything, she will understand that there are things much worse than a rose with thorns that is capable of sticking and poisoning you. After all, not only roses can be carriers of poison. That woman better be preparing to leave my husband alone''. Ashara had heard of her. The woman in the vine was called. The queen of thorns.
"It's not a maybe. She will do it. You and I know it. That woman sees the advance of the North. I am sure that you will soon learn how to make the wine improvement technique also for the Domain but even so there are too many advantages that the North has. The glass. The silk. That much more. It's too much of an advantage that she can't take advantage of.'' Elia could say that's what was going to happen.
"I couldn't care less what that woman wants Elia. This is a very important day for me. It's my wedding day. The day I am marrying a man that I can honestly say would be able to love without any doubt. If that old witch tries to somehow fuck this wedding, she will kill all her descendants and kill her home.'' Ashara did not leave anywhere near imagination to what she would do if she was offered the opportunity.
''...You know to be a woman who has been trained by my own mother to be able to use men instead of being used by men you are very attached to him. And yet so little time has passed. It's just fascinating if I have to say it.'' Elia looked curiously at her friend very carefully.
''I know. I understand. Lady Melania made a real effort. A woman who dominates men with her body. Who uses his brain to slowly make sure things go according to his own plans. That's what she wanted... until I met a man who can make Lady Melania look not only as retarded but also a little incompetent. With forgiveness of the words to your mother Elia''. The truth is that Ashara had a healthy respect for Melania. But compared to a man like Hariric he was simply inefficient.
"I don't have any shots although I hope you understand that I'm curious about what you think is so significantly important about that man. I think I wish I could know. Maybe I can learn one more detail or something like that.'' Elia had fun. Ashara had always had great respect for her mother. His mind. His sharpness. His coldness. For her to say that her mother stayed behind a man who, above all things, was from the North made her feel a little curious about it.
"Your mother is incredible. No one will take that away from him. She's the bitch of bitches. But haririrc... it's not like the others. He sees the world and doesn't see the big game. He doesn't see people fighting. What he sees is his kingdom. He wants to make it strong and powerful and learns how to do it. Once he can get going, he gives him shape and when something gets in his way, he eliminates it without further ado''. He had seen plans for the Boltons, Ryswell and Hornwoods. He had plans for their territories and since they were enemies he was plotting to deal with them in some way.
"Are you saying that he is a person who does not see the so-called game of thrones as if it were something valuable. Just a waste of time. Like he thinks that while people play this great game their kingdoms suffer. By suffering their kingdoms that means that they cannot reach their full potential. There are too many divisions of loyalties in reality.'' Elia couldn't help but grimace when she saw the point.
''The great game is an ambitious goal in which each person tries and seeks to fortify their family in some way to climb in life. Hariric being the simple man that he is saw the weakness that is for his kingdom and has made sure to cut it from the root. Believe me when they try to play with it people will learn the hard way that it is a gigantic unprecedented mistake.'' The big game was a complete waste of time for her husband.
''That's what calls you about him. That he is not like the others... and in part you are happy with it because to prevent the great game you are one hundred percent sure that your children will never have to fear the betrayal of those around them. I must say that if it's just for that I must agree. It's much better that way too if I have to say it''. Elia made a sincere grimace. The problem of the big game at least in his mind was that he had many possibilities of making the vipers surround you waiting to stick their fangs full of poison.
''That's another. It has become clear to me that he will never see his relatives as pieces of a game. How can I not love that Elia? How can I not love a man who is clear that family is more important than a stupid attempt to grow stronger? I must admit that it's just for that he has my heart. That and much more is what makes me be with him in reality''. Ashara was not going to say that she loved him because she showed her love in the past but in addition to her past there was her present.
Elia made a grimace. I couldn't deny it. In this shitty world, husbands, fathers and mothers usually saw the offspring of their daughters and sons as mere bargaining chips. Even if they were noble. She hated that. The fact that Ashara was able to escape from it made her very happy in her mind. He made her feel that one of them had finally been able to escape the cruel fate that noble women had in a world where men had so much power.
With a single movement the women began to arrive to help Ashara dress. I had to admit that the northern clothing style had radically improved. Although of course she also had to admit that if it wasn't for the skins she didn't know how she would be able to go there without more. However, she felt happy for her friend and walked away to see how they dressed her until another woman informed her that they had to do the same with her. She was surprised until she saw a couple of nice dress sets for her. I had to admit it. Lord Stark certainly knew how to do things.
-Shusband's room-
Hariric was already dressed. Unlike his wife (or any woman he had met) he was not one of those to waste time with clothes. Despite his taste for a good suit, he knew that these were more than anything to deal with braavos and with what was the southern nobility in the south. However, here in the North he dressed differently. He wore black boots with a scaly touch which spoke of reptile clothes that ironically came from a basilisk that he had personally killed since the damn beast had been detected in what was the swamp and felt her presence and would prefer to deal with her personally.
Next were the leather pants. Of the same material only with the difference that it had a belt made of dark red leather with a buckle in the shape of a black wolf's head made of Valyrian steel.
The pants were made with the soft part of the belly of the basilisk while the belt came from a fire worm that had been found in essos and had bought although not without first making sure that there would be future offspring. The buckle was personally made with his magic. Hariric could only imagine the angry look of the valyrios of what it was like to know how to treat his mystical metal. In fact, I knew that it was very possible that they would hate him even more because he knew how to improve it much more.
The next thing was a black shirt with silver threads on it and with the buttons being made of the same silver. Once again this had been done by him. The new silk of the North was of much better quality, resistant and warm than the silk of Essos. As if that were insufficient, the silver threads were made by personally transmuting the lead and shaping it into silver. Although Flamel may have needed the hariric stone knew the chemical composition of each element and knew how to alter it. Between that and the atmosphere he was able to alter any element to give it the look he wanted.
The next thing that had to be pointed out was a seal ring. It was something else I had made fashionable. The signet rings were basically emblems of the power of the house. His was made of Valyrian steel with a platinum colour with the image of a huargo wolf in all its splendour. The ring also served with several objectives. Lie detector. Poison detector. Possession detector. That and much more.
Actually Hariric had only created it at first as a let's fuck the so-called spotlight masters. Because Valyrian steel was magical, it could be useful. However, he had included his own blood in him, tying it in this way only to his bloodline and allowing him in a few words to use magic.
The next element to stand out from his clothing was the Valyrio steel wolf pendant. It was the same pendant with which he had been seen in Dorne. The pendant not only represented the Huargo wolf but had a set of runes on it. He acted as a protector against magic. After having found out in the teachers' library of the different magical factions that right now were under the command of the red priests, the pendant was for that.
He had the runes and then the diamond that served for what was to absorb the energy. Then he would redirect the energy against the one who had thrown it from all things. This invention was one of his greatest labours.
Finally there was his leather jacket made of black colour that was of the same basilisk only in this case it was from the back showing its roughest texture. What no one knew was that he had made many additions to the clothes to make sure no bloody dagger hit him. This at the same time meant that nothing could hit him in the back.
Hariric was having a glass of his favourite wine. Right now the wine of Winter of the North was classified in three types which had given it an advantage. He was having a glass of rosé wine because he liked it. However, his mind was running at a thousand per hour. Something that no one knew is that there were only a couple of things he could honestly say that affected him. Marrying had been one of them.
That Nymphadora was reborn like Ashara filled him with joy if he had to be honest. He didn't see himself without being with the woman he loved. Ashara was Nymphadora. But at the same time you could see the differences. Her Nymphadora had been a woman full of life, yes, but also certainly immature. However, as Ashara was much more mature and capable. Hariric realised that that was possibly courtesy of improving herself in some way.
The division of intelligence of Shelia blessed her soul had discovered the exact purpose of the presences of the three different parties that were here in the North. The Tully house wanted to forge a marriage agreement between Catlyn Tully and her brother Ned. The objective of it was so obvious that it was insulting. They wanted to try to kill him and then become a lord.
Ned's image of calm confused people. Contrary to half of the idiots, he had ensured that his brother's education was superior. His brother was not just a weapon to aim with. He was a real human being. If they thought I could use it, they would learn it the hard way. It's not that Hariric cared much what they thought anyway.
The next party was that of the Lannisters. Gerion Lannister had been responsible for the creation of the powerful fleet of the West. In theory there were more than sixty Dromons. All made of good quality and much more. Gerion was smart. But his goal was to feel it.
Tywin Lannister would then operate according to what he thought of him. On the one hand, if he proved to be a threat, he would kill him. If he proved to be just an inventor, he intended to tie him to the West. Hariric sincerely found Lannister an enemy... acceptable. However, his reputation had written his way of acting which made him predictable.
The last faction was that of the Tyrells. Olenna Tyrell was there in person. The so-called thorn queen. A certainly dangerous woman. A woman who could be a real headache too. But that like Tywin you could easily see her way of acting which made her a predictable person. However, with her came a master who intended to kill him.
The man had received orders from the citadel to kill him. On the one hand for his elimination of the teachers. On the other hand, for the simple fact that I was leaving them in a bad place. He talks about painful losers if he had to be frank. A sigh escaped from his mouth only from the shit he had to endure at times.
Hariric came out of his thoughts when his younger brother entered. Ned dressed in a very similar way to him only that where Hariric had his hair gathered in a ponytail he had it loose. But they both enjoyed staying clean. A picture is worth a thousand words he had once said to his brothers and he was glad that the three of them understood.
Well, some could have said that it was an exaggeration, no one could deny that they looked much better. The most important thing is that no one seemed less northern because of it since they had a trimmed beard but well that it was much better and that it was actually better. It helped that most of the gentlemen were happy with how things were.
"You look very calm to be the man who is getting married. If I were your brother, I am more than clear that I would be scared to death because of the idea of commitment''. Ned approached his brother before having a drink himself and pouring himself some of the wine. It was one of the greatest pleasures for ned.
"I'm more nervous than you might think, little brother. I'm getting married. I'm completely compromising my life to my wife. It's not that I used to pursue women, but do you know the fear that thinking about making a woman happy brings? Especially Ashara. She is obviously a woman of women''. In the time that Ashara had been in the North he had gained a lot of approval. She followed the old people (the religion of the seven seemed too corrupt and actually too extremist for her taste reminding her of the monotheists of the earth) and believed that each woman carve out her own destiny.
"I guess it's true. I really don't envy you. Now you are the lord. Now you will have to work more than before and before you had all your projects and everything. I honestly feel sorry for you, brother. But you will also have to pay close attention to your wife and much more''. Ned made a grimace knowing very well that there were some idiots who would possibly try to use Ashara's situation as Dorniense to be an untrustworthy woman.
"You can't avoid it in any way Ned. People like to complain and complain. Ashara is Dornian and people like to say that they are hot-blooded women. Good for them actually. But that means nothing to me. It just means that I have actually married a magnificent woman. If someone doesn't like it, it's because they're hurting them in some way.'' Hariric only made fun of what was the idea that people don't like his wife. If they didn't like it, they could find a wife who agreed with their so-called ideals of perfection.
"Most of the gentlemen and many of them from the North will be waiting for you to answer it. In fact, I bring you information that the Boltons and their allies have sent an apology that they cannot attend but that they still want to give him a lot of happiness for his wedding and that they hope it will not be a short marriage.'' Ned had intercepted the message from a Bolton soldier. Seeing the man's gaze when seeing his city and much more was fun.
"Of course they wouldn't come. Because coming would mean having to accept in some way that they are overcome. Simple bad losers. It's not that it doesn't matter that they don't come, I prefer not to deal with men and women who seem to think they're above me for some completely idiotic reason. The Boltons were a matter. But the Ryswells' reason was simply stupid since they seemed to have grown in arrogance while the Hornwoods were just an envious group for what was to be said.
"Is it really necessary to keep them as we have been doing, brother? I know that Lord Bolton wants to get hold of what is the power of the Stark house but I would have thought that if we offer them a hand in friendship then they would have been in a few words on our side''. Ned didn't want the North divided. He didn't like the idea of people from the North killing each other.
''Actually there was a time when I wanted to do that. I wanted to spread the olive branch. Offer all the houses of the north the opportunity to flourish and turn everyone together into a powerful little brother kingdom. I'm not happy with what it's like to see the people of the north killing each other. I find it not only stupid but a waste of time... but then the Glovers proved to be such idiots''. The Glover incident was stupid. They allied with the Boltons only because they were offering a powerful alliance and more benefits as well as taking control of Sea Dragon Point. Eliminating them had not been his greatest pleasure but he had done it.
"I guess I should have known better than to question you. I know you only want the best for the North. But as you yourself already know, I think there are more problems to face than what is a fight against vassals like what seems to be that we have in our hands brother''. Ned realised that his brother didn't like having to kill them. But I would. Because if the North had to flourish, it had to be made in an efficient way.
"Ned, let me make it clear to you. As long as it's in an environment like this, you can question me as much as you want. A leader who is not questioned has no people to support. He has mere puppets. And when that leader seeks advice in his hour of need, he will lack the source of support because no one will have the courage to tell him anything. Let it be clear to you little brother''. Hariric smiled at his brother knowing that he was just trying to understand him as best he could.
"I thank you. By the way, are you aware of the Tully's intentions? They sent their eldest daughter with the intention of looking for a marriage contract. She was trying to impress me. She's not a bad girl but well I guess she had to let you know before anything about it''. Ned knew that his brother despised the Tullys. As they had practically forced the houses of the North into a bad situation. As the Tullys had taken advantage of the past of the winters for the North. His brother did not forgive and certainly did not forget.
"I am perfectly aware of your interests. They are not as invisible as they like to think. In fact, they are quite retarded if I have to say it. His ways of acting are so predictable that it's boring. Hell, I think even you will have realised what they plan to do after they get married.'' Hariric didn't feel any sympathy for the Tullys, not just because of what his brother thought. The Tullys were never kings. In fact, they were mostly cowards who preferred to run for their lives and let others fix their problems.
'It's just she seems to find us fascinating. He has been asking a lot of questions. I have made sure that no one responds to them or seeks to avoid them, however it seems to find the improved north or something like that. It has been very difficult for me to make him understand that the only best thing in the North is that now as a kingdom it is more advanced in techniques and little else''. Ned had found the girl interesting. But I didn't think she was smart enough to know how much shit she would get into if she caught too much attention from the wrong people.
"You'd better walk around with a ned eye. I won't say who you should marry. I don't think the North should seek alliances outside our territory. They are completely meaningless. But if for some reason you chose to marry her you should know that that would open a really bad can of worms''. The point in question would be that the North or at least their lords would feel offended by the fact that both the first and second children were married outside the North. It's not that Hariric cared too much.
"I didn't intend to cause you problems, brother. I am very aware of the great difficulty you would face if that happened. But you should know that sooner or later they will look for me to marry and frankly at the moment I don't know who to choose for a possible wedding. At least if I marry the girl Tully I will possibly get rid of the lords of the rivers as a future inconvenience''. With his future position as lord of the Twin Wolves and as lord of what was the Great Canal of the North, he would be in great contact with the lords of the rivers.
''We'll see ned. I don't promise that that will end up happening. I don't like fish for a good reason. But if we see a prosperous alliance I will agree. Although you should know that neither the father, nor the mother nor myself would see it as bad that you sought to marry a girl from the free cities. They may not be important ladies of nobility but many of them come from large wealthy families and you might be surprised with some of them''. Hariric felt sorry for his brother. However, he was also proud of him.
"I'm perfectly aware, brother. But at the same time I ceo or at least I feel that this is the best I can do for the North. I know it may seem like an exaggeration but get rid of the lords of the rivers will be beneficial. Although I would prefer that you be the one who negotiated the agreement in case the flies. I don't trust in the least that they can't think of any trap.'' Ned knew that the double standard was always a possibility.
"I guess I can do it ned. However, let's leave that. It's time to get going. My wedding is coming and it's time to tell the world to give it to the single life. A real shame. I haven't even been able to enjoy it in any way like the rest of the big idiots. By the way, good job preventing your classmate from coming''. Hariric knew that if Robert Baratheon had put a single foot in the North there were many, not too many chances of him ending up dead.
"I don't mind to offend brother, but I'm perfectly aware that if Robert had put a single foot in the North the moment he touched a woman's finger or something like that, there are too many chances that you or the father would end up breaking it into pieces because of their audacity." Curiously, Ned counted himself as one of Robert's few friends despite not feeling the same. Robert seemed to think that as he always told him without hair on the tongue in any way that he fucked himself or that he had to change his forms he turned him into a loyal friend.
"Don't forget mother Ned. Never forget our mother, where do you think all our ferocity comes from? Our father may give us a little of what he is, but never take our precious mother for granted because I can assure you in many ways that she doesn't hang out with little girls when it comes to putting people in their place. You can believe me about it.'' Hariric laughed. Just imagining his mother with one of her Valyrian steel daggers and repeatedly stabbing Robert Baratheon.
"I suppose it would be the mother who would put him in his place. Anyway, it cost me a little. But fortunately a stormy bastion crow arrived and that was enough to make the man go there. I certainly don't like Robert's way of thinking about Lyanna as if it were just a thing without more brother, any luck in expelling him from marriage?''. Ned knew that his sister was already in love with someone else. But what is more important. His sister would be a hostage in everything that matters for the Baratheon house or the Arryns.
"I have ideas and things like that. Anyway, it's better that we leave the issues serious. It's a happy day. I want it to be a happy wedding. And what is more important, I want the mother not to give us a deadly look because we have ruined the day in some way. You should already know how it can be when one of his plans went down the drain''. Hariric really shuddered. Even with his power. With his skills. And with his mind he had one thing clear: he feared his mother.
Ned nodded and swallowed the remaining contents of his glass before starting to walk. His brother was right. Fucking his mother's day somehow was the easiest way to end the day somehow.
I honestly preferred to avoid problems with her. However, he couldn't help but have his sister's problems in his mind. But he decided that if he could trust a person, that was his brother. There were few people who could in no way stand in his way and try to do him any harm.
Hariric on the other hand had many other things in mind. I felt that there were certain things that were better to have under control. His mother being happy was a gift for him. I wouldn't admit it but every day I saw her smile was a great day for him. Knowing that his mother would be happy was good.
Making Ashara happy made him happy. So yes. In his mind the whole day was good and he didn't want to fuck it up in any way. With one last drink he got up. He cast a spell on himself to calm down as best he could without looking like a fucking robot and started walking. The wedding was coming and he couldn't escape it and in addition, the sooner he gets out of the market, the better for his life.
Great living room-
The Great Hall was essentially at that time the envy of all the gentlemen. The room showed walls made of granite covered by black wood while the floor had white marble.
The Great Hall had a construction rather with an octagonal first table at the top and several more tables all over this. This was done more than anything to bring people together.
It was not like the most common celebrations that were made or outdoors or were made in different rooms. But this was made for the big celebrations: weddings, births or the saddest deaths. Hariric thought about it to be good but what caught people's attention were the coloured glass sculptures.
Some could argue that this was hariric giving a real kick in people's ass but he didn't care what people thought. The sculptures both on the door and at the top were of wolf huargo. Everyone saw the black glass with red eyes of glass and was surprised.
Other sculptures were large bears. Others were the sculptures of sailors like those of the manderly house with trident included. There were also glass trees made. Those and many more to decorate the living room. Hariric showed quality in his work but it was far from being the only thing he had put that there were also paintings on the walls of the great hall.
The paintings were essentially not showing people. They showed fascinating things. Valyria according to an image before the hecatomb. Dragons. Wolves. Large beautiful forests with snow on them. When people saw and enjoyed the images, they were even more stunned.
Of course, once again there were presentations. A Bear fighting a squid. A Giant fighting with smaller men. A silver sun that illuminated the morning. A man armed with two axes. Many more images could be seen on the different walls with different paintings. Many gentlemen were amazed although you could see even more jealousy in the eyes of certain southerners.
The end point was a vault in the ceiling. People looked amazed. When the light of the oche illuminated it, everyone looked fascinated. You also had to count the winter fire torches that caught people's attention. In short, the more you saw the Great Northern Celebration Hall, many decided that they had to make requests to Lord Stark.
Seeing such works of art. Especially for Cersei Lannister who even went so far as to think of ways to attract the artists in question to be able to enjoy her works especially when she was queen. It's not that it mattered much since it was something that belonged to the North, she just didn't know it at the moment.
As if that wasn't enough, Lord Stark was sitting with his beloved girlfriend who now showed her dress without the skins that showed a little more work than anything. For Cersei Lannister, anger grew in her. Ashara Dayne looked literally beautiful. She also wore silver earrings with amethyst-coloured gems and a similar pendant.
For Cersei, who boasted of being the most beautiful woman of the seven kingdoms, seeing the woman in front of her made her grind her teeth. After seeing this she got up and offered her final greetings before leaving with her brother behind her. That day was the beginning of the creation of Cersei's hatred for the north. And I was just about to start.
Hariric on the other hand was looking at everyone. He knew that some could complain about everything but when his fellow lords from the north said that the Great Salon was what it was. To celebrate the best moments of the north. To celebrate the end of the conflicts. To mourn the losses of their colleagues and comrades. It was that big to remind everyone that when it's celebrated you have to go big.
It was funny how everyone agreed. But everyone was also watching and Hariric smiled saying that they could always save little by little before buying them. He had done these himself. That surprised his noble companions. He only said at the time that doing this art was a form of relaxation for him. His colleagues said he could do the same with a woman until he pointed out that he was now married.
For Ashara, everything she saw showed hariric. On the one hand, I wanted to show off. The great living room looked exactly as she knew he would make it look. But at the same time, as always, there was art in what I did. The crystal sculptures showed a considerable amount of manipulation. Knowing him, he had used fire magic combined with transfiguration. Simply fascinating. It was one of the reasons why I loved him. He was not only a politician, a witch or more. He was an artist when he really needed it.
While they ate, everyone enjoyed the delights that were before them. It was another thing that hariric had done when creating the guild of cooks. I had recreated many books about the different food elements and had put this. Although some would consider this as inferior Hariric had left on more than one occasion that it was the cooks who were the ones who kept them fed so it was better never to go against them until they would have problems with them.
That's how good it was to explain how things worked. At least that was Hariric's intention in all this. I also knew that cooks were a kind of art that should be treated with due respect.
''You've worked a lot. I practically know that there are not even half of such good dishes in the south. I honestly think you should be worried about all the gentlemen watching this with envy. Possibly some are already thinking of putting their hands on your cooks, honey. Ashara laughed while drinking a tozo of meat. Everyone saw her enjoy. The meat was chicken and had been done well. There were different dishes ranging from meat to fish to many more foods.
"Really, Mrs. Wife? Believe me, if someone tries to put a hand on what is my cooks, we will have fights. I have no problem with them sending people to learn how to cook as long as they pay for it but fuck me if they think they can take my people with just ado.'' Hariric enjoyed talking to his wife while receiving funny looks from his parents and younger brothers.
"Hariric, don't go against your wife. It's something very smart to do. Going against a woman who can easily make your life miserable is never good. Look at me. I know it's a very bad idea to annoy your mother after all''. Rickard laughed at his son while giving his wife a look full of love. He saw the new daughter he had and realised that she was fitting in very well with her son.
Any father would know that it is a very bad idea to annoy a woman, especially if that woman is your wife and future mother of your children. I find it simply too much fun to mess with her, nothing more. She is charming in her own way if I may say so my wife''. Hariric laughed next to his father while giving a unique look to his wife. Ashara only gave him a look irritated by the admission that he enjoyed messing with her of all things.
"Forgive my husband and my son. They are great comedians more than anything. They like to make people laugh a little with their antics. However, let me say that I'm happy with how you look. You'll be very good here. You'll just have to keep my son a little more focussed than necessary.'' Lyarra looked affectionately but exasperated at her eldest son while the other children laughed at what was the mother's cold look at her son.
''There is nothing to forgive lady lyarra. You just have to train your son a little. Don't worry, in time I'll be able to teach some manners. I'm sure I'll even be able to make him do some postures and a little more so you know it''. Ashara laughed at Hariric's annoyed look while Lord Rickard made a small grimace.
"Son, now more than ever, I regret having looked for this wife. She is obviously a hard creature to fear. Be very careful or else I'll see you having very bad nights. Remember that your wife is the one who decides who enters her bed''. Rickard made a grimace although he found the face of his two younger children funny at the mention of getting into bed.
"Yes, yes, it's already about it. However, there are more things that I would never bother her for. She is my wife and has the right to be able to do certain things with me. And you two stop making faces. Over time I will also find you suitable partners in this regard so that you could feel the joys of a couple in your life.'' Hariric gave his younger brothers a look that could easily melt the ice.
"I'm never going to get married. And even less with some imbecile who only thinks that because they have given him some kind of permission I will let him put a dirty hand on my body somehow''. Lyanna almost roared but held back in time. Her brother had always treated her like a person and she knew that fucking her day was very bad of her.
"Actually, I would like you to look for a good sister boyfriend without, whose children will I pamper? I may not be able to afford too much pampering but I will still need someone else in this family who has children so that I can give them a little appreciation, don't you think?''. Hariric felt very sorry for his sister. From the North only a few would not try to be like that with his sister although some idiot could think of just fucking her to fuck him which would not be nice.
"Hey, what am I? I could also get married and have children with someone. You should also show my children the proper treatment, don't you think?" Ned knew where his brother was going knowing that he was trying to avoid his sister's storm of anger.
It's not that I could blame her in the least. Every time the word marriage was mentioned there were two things. The first thought of Robert Bartheon that Ned had to recognise was the worst possible pairing for his sister. Second was the fact that his sister liked to be free and most men even from the north liked to have control. It wasn't a nice thought at all if he had to say it and even less for his sister.
"Well, ned is that you are my brother. But she is my little sister, do you know how difficult it would be to imagine yourself as a woman? No, sir. In addition to everyone in the family, she is the one who has inherited the best traits. I would like to see the children she has. But well, if my sister is so against getting married, I feel better not to put pressure on her.'' Hariric knew that his sister would be approving those words which was good.
''That's completely unfair. It's not my fault that I was born a man just so you know. However, I couldn't imagine Lynna being a mother. Not for nothing, little sister. It's just that you're very wild in fact and I can't imagine you with the difficult task of being still taking care of a baby''. Ned made fun of his brother. But he wasn't lying when he said that he really didn't know how he would be able to see his sister being a mother.
"Actually I see her as a mother. It's because it's wilder. She will treasure any child she has. My younger sister would be a great mother. She would love them and make sure that her children grow up strong and well, which is more than can be said of a certain worthless jerk that I am thanking any deity for keeping away from my wedding. If Robert Baratheon had put one foot in his wedding and thrown the junk at his wife, he would have killed him.
''Yes. I found out that you are in the sad situation of having to marry Robert Baratheon. Allow me to be the first person to give you my condolences. No woman who respects herself should marry a whore like that. Oberyn may be a little more than wild in his tastes but at least he doesn't say he's in love and much more shit''. Before awakening his memories, his opinion of Robert Baratheon was bad. After waking up, his memories were that said imbecile should have been put aside a long time ago.
"Thank you for the support. The father and the brother are looking for anything that serves to get me out but it is difficult. The thing is that that bastard of Jon Arryn negotiated a very iron contract with the help of his father. It's just unfair to me and worse because I would have to leave the North that I love so much''. For Lyanna it was crystal clear that if it were up to her she would prefer not to deal with Robert Baratheon even if the world was going to shit somehow.
''Underseeable. This land some will say that it is cold. But the same would be said of Dorne, which is hot. However, it is our home. So when someone basically tells us that we have to abandon him without more and tells us that we have to spend our life in a situation that we dislike, believe me, girl, in the end you get angry about it in many ways''. Ashara could sympathise with the young girl.
"It's not just that. I've met Robert twice. In both times he talks about his plans. Plans in which I have no voice. It's my fucking life and then I should have my own decision in them but no. In his mind I am not a person. I have no rights at all. I'm just one more piece to be used neither more nor less and I'm sure that when he gets tired of me it will happen only God knows that while I will be locked in the fucking south''. Lyanna's unadulterated fury came to light courtesy of everything she felt.
Believe me, I know what you're talking about. My biggest fear has always been to marry a man who would basically put me in his bed and do that to me. I would become a mother of children in whom I would have no voice and finally I would be neither more nor less than a broken woman. That's why when they told me that I was marrying your brother I was intrigued. I knew that the northerners see women very similarly to the southerners, although obviously they could do something with the laws of succession. It would be the best''. Ashara also felt that it was better not to mention that if that had been the first child she had if he was a boy it meant dead husband and the bad thing is over.
''Then you're lucky. My brother despite great pain in the ass that can be with his character and everything is a man between men. You will not find a person who is more loyal and hardworking. You won't find someone smarter but incredibly cunning. Not to say that he has the largest pair of eggs of all time. Ceo who still has to give you your two wedding gifts''. Lyanna only had good words to say about her older brother. Was she supposed to say bad things about him?
"Wow, thank you sister, I didn't know you had such a high opinion of me. However, I would have liked you to leave the subject of gifts. It was a matter that I would have really liked to have been a surprise for my wife.'' Hariric gave a little serious look at his sister who just stuck out her tongue. During this whole affair Benjen had been silent looking at the whole thing.
"Hariric, your brother seems incredibly nervous. I think he wants to ask you a question but he's afraid to unleash fury about all things. One would think that they are being taught to think about you about it beloved''. Ashara file for another time about the gifts. Knowing her husband would be valuable gifts with symbolism behind them.
"Benjen, you should know that no matter what goes through your head. If it's a silly idea we can't know until you tell me so if you're afraid of someone at this table then I can assure you that no one will judge you for it. You are after all the youngest I think you have the right to a little slack of or to be told to you''. Hariric smiled at his little brother. He really felt sorry for his younger brother.
"I... I just wanted to say that I saw no point in getting married. In other words, I'm just the last child. There will be nothing for me. Why would a woman want to marry someone who can't contribute anything to her?''. Benjen looked down embarrassed waiting for the mockery of his brothers for it.
"Never be ashamed of yourself for saying what you think. I only know your brother a little and I think I can honestly say that what I know about him is that he takes care of his family. Honestly, it's one of the features I like the most about him. Who doesn't see the family as pieces of some intricate game. See the family as family''. Ashara smiled at the boy. I was scared. He didn't know his place in the world.
"Benjen, I understand your concerns but you shouldn't worry so much. I always have my family in mind above all things. You don't have to be scared with anything I can assure you that whatever you want you can and you will always have my support''. Hariric frowned. He hadn't realised that his brother felt so much. How could such a thing have escaped him?
"It's just what I said big brother. I'm only the third child. Even Lyanna is seen better than me. I have also heard some people say that normally the third children are expelled from the home so that there are no fights over inheritance. I can assure you that it won't be like that in any way, big brother.'' Whatever Benjen expected, what he didn't expect is that they would attract him in a strong embrace.
"You are part of this family and even if your brother said shit I am very clear that you would not be leaving this family without more children so you can believe me when I say that you have nothing to worry about it. However, I think that before you get an idea like that you should ask your brother what he thinks about it, don't you think?''. Ashara smiled at the boy. I knew that he possibly had this eating it inside and seeing the wedding only made him feel more nervous.
''Benjen... look at me little brother. I have nothing against you. I'm not angry or anything about saying this that you think now. I'm actually pissed off with myself. You are my brother but you have been suffering a lot in this time. If I get to know, I could have stood up before. You're not just the third child. You are MY brother. It would take something worse than a god to separate you from me''. Hariric gave his little brother a look of sadness. That his brother thought about such things. He felt as if someone had hit him head-on.
"But not being able to contribute anything. You're brilliant. Smart. Look at everything you've done. And now you have married a very beautiful woman who is clearly the one who has your heart. You'll leave me alone. I'll be alone brother''. Benjen looked down terrified of whatever he was going to say. Whatever he expected, he didn't expect his brother to give him a rather serious look.
'Listen to me and let me tell you something very clear. For me it doesn't matter what anyone says. For me it doesn't matter what opinion no one has or anything like that. The only thing that really matters to me is that my brother is happy. May my family be happy. So stop thinking about that shitty trash. You are part of this family, whether you are my last brother of three or even five, okay?'' Hariric could give his brother a sympathetic look at this point he should have thought of it.
"Anyway, Benjen, you shouldn't think like that. Your older brother has never abandoned you in the slightest. In fact, you should know that Black Wolf Port in what is Sea Dragon Point will be waiting for you when you are older. So I don't think that you're without any land is true, boy.'' Rickard looked at his youngest son. I didn't know where I had gotten such thoughts.
"You are my precious son. I would never leave you aside. Yes. You're the third, so what the fuck? It doesn't matter what you think it is but never forget the most important thing. I love you for who you are my son''. Lyarra looked with love at her youngest son. I didn't know I was having such a hard time.
"You are my brother Benjen. If you had told me, I could have informed you immediately that any fear you have is insignificant. Hariric would always have worried about us. But that doesn't matter now come here so I can hug you big asshole''. Ned could see his brother actually suffering from it. In fact, he could be honest in saying that his brother Benjen looked a lot like him when he was younger. Uncertain due to the great achievements that his older brother had.
"Look, you're stupid. I may not be the sharpest tool and everything but even I know that our brother would move earth and sky for us. I have no doubt that our brother was looking for ways to be able to solve the dilemma that you were the third brother. Don't be an idiot ever again''. Lyanna looked at her brother harshly.
Benjen had to say that this is not expected from his family. I had almost expected a small screaming fight. Instead he felt this... he had no more words to say what he felt than to be able to say that he was very happy.
"Well, before the idiots come to ask me to undress and that shit. Why don't we question Harry about the gifts he had in mind for me, eh?" And so another can of worms opened that day.