- Landing of the King-
Elia Martell was not happy at all. Her idiot husband had decided to kidnap Lyanna Stark for God knows what stupid reason. As if that wasn't enough, he had let in those damn idiots of the red god's faith who were constantly preaching about the importance of the red god and sacrificing criminals. It was just luck that Rickard Stark escaped although she didn't quite think it was luck and nothing more than the current Lord Stark being intelligent and having resources to protect his father.
Then the war had orsten. The North against the crown. According to their own information agents, they discovered that in addition to the Tyrell house there was also the strength of the dissidents of the river lands, the Stormlands and members of the Western Lands. Along with that adds the forces of Dorne. The North had no chance. Why didn't they ally themselves with the other remaining kingdoms?
Well, she knew it. The Tully house would demand gigantic prices and the Arryn house would possibly demand meaningless things. And that without counting on the baratheon house and acting with a sense of importance. He couldn't understand in his mind how he could think that could work.
On his way to the small gardens of the fortress he met neither more nor less than Owen Merrywather who was running in a hurry. The man saw many things less satisfied. Curious, I waited for the man and when he realised he could say that he was beyond nervous. What the hell had happened?
"What has you so worried about being?" Elia tried to sound kind. As his mother had taught him at an early age, a soft and kind voice had many chances of convincing people more than anything than a bossy attitude.
"The war is over, my princess. The prince was defeated and executed by Lord Hariric Stark. As if that were not enough, the lands of the River are a disaster since Hariric Stark ordered not to leave stone on stone of all the lords who thought of opposing in his path of all things. And the Lannister house currently has the loss of one of Tywin's brothers. Things are terrible, my princess.'' Owen was not in the mood. He, like everyone else, had hoped that the war would be a simple matter.
''That's... bad. What demands has the Stark house set to not advance to the capital and reduce it to ashes? I can't see the Stark house stop its advance in any of the ways and that seems scary to me if I have to be honest at this point''. Elia knew the northerners thanks to Ashara's letters. They used to have no compassion or mercy and when they went to war they did so with the firm intention of making sure that their enemies were completely destroyed.
"That's the case. There are no demands. The northern army is retreating according to the reports of our men. But in turn the force of Tywin lannister of thirty thousand men is advancing towards the capital. The bravest say that the Stark house retreats out of fear. I like to think that they are being more than anything moving according to their own plans my princess''. Owen didn't like it. Why did the Stark house retreat?
"I would like to think that Lord Stark has ended the war but Lord Stark is rarely a normal man. However, let me be the first to say that it is surprising that the Stark house has assembled an army capable of fighting on so many fronts capable of fighting against its enemies. Elia would be the first to admit that she had considered that the possibility of the army increasing in such a way as a strange thing if she had to say it.
"I don't like princess. But it doesn't matter. The king has dismissed me from office. Princess, I don't think I have to tell him, but he must leave the capital. It is impossible to know what the king may think of doing to you if he has a chance. It's the best for you if you get out of here''. Owen was worried about the young woman he had before him.
"I can't just leave. I have a group that watches me. The king seems to be of the firm belief that for things to work the way they have to be I have to be here. It's incredibly stupid but it's the way things are unfortunately''. You couldn't just escape.
"It's a shame. This will be the last time we see each other. Your majesty, I consider it fair to take everything from me for not preventing this. I guess it's a bad day to be myself. Anyway, for the good of his family, find a way to escape from this city. I'm afraid of what might happen to you.'' With that said Sir Owen left.
Elia saw the man leave at that time and decided that the best thing was to approach his daughter for comfort. He would also have to keep Aegon close. Although not her son and only a Valyrian child obtained from Rocadragon, she deduced that the smartest thing was to keep the child close to her.
Elia, however, had many more things close to his mind. To begin with, the Stark house had defeated an army gathered to destroy them. An army of soldiers formed by each house with the only interest of defeating them. The Starks by themselves had defeated their enemies and had subdued them efficiently and more than actively. That meant in a few words that the North would now have one more thing to say about it. They could no longer try to bring them down.
When he arrived at his room and the cerro was surprised because there was a man completely dressed in black. I had a bow on my back and a sword on my waist. She was about to scream until the man silenced her. Then I bring her closer to the bed where she sat her down. Looking at her not only at her but at a rhaenys who looked nervous in her presence. The little baby didn't wake up in any way. Elia for a moment felt fear fearing that this man was there to kill her. Until I present you a letter.
"Elia, if you are reading this, it means that one of the soldiers of the war wolves brigade was able to reach you. You don't know how difficult that can actually be since that damn city is a real nuisance of many crossings that are almost impossible to see an effective way of moving.
Anyway, if you're reading this, it's good. Recently my husband and I have learned of a less than pleasant intention. It turns out that the good lord of the birds decided that it was a good idea to take advantage of this war for one of two things. The first was to weaken the north. The second was to dethrone the Targaryen house. They intended to take advantage of the fact that Rhaegar basically kidnapped Lynna Stark.
The good news of all this is that my husband launched an attack on Puerto Gaviota which prevented Robert Baratheon from going out to the lands of the Storm. We have also had men from the forces of the forces of the North hindering the roads of the valley making it almost impossible for them to get into this war. However, there is one participant that we cannot stop: Tywin Lannister. I don't think you have to be a genius to know what it means.
The man who handed you the letter has orders. Those orders are to get you out of the capital and bring you to me. It is of vital importance. My husband may have started this war with the intention of recovering his sister but he never intended to kill you or hurt your children. Only to Rhaegar. So he is not very happy with what it is in essence that they have come to put a finger on you.
I'll wait for you in the North and believe me I hope you arrive safe and sound. However, I tell you that my husband is not at all happy with your brothers. They have possibly made one of the most idiotic nonsense of all time just because Doran thought he had the victory on his part. The very idiot has pissed him off based on good. Sincerely Ashara Stark the desert star flower''. And those were the total words of the letter.
"My best friend tells me that you are here to get me out. Let's get out of here as soon as possible. It is reported that the Lannister army is just one day away from here and I don't trust the slightest thing they have in mind.'' He approached a candle and set fire to his face. Only when I confirmed that the whole letter was burned did she walk away from the room that had been her home with both children at hand.
Elia had to admit that she was massively surprised by the man's advance. The safe passage. The coldness of the movement with which he did everything. At numerous times they met Targaryen guards whom he killed with millimetre precision with small projectiles. She couldn't believe it but she had to admit that if this was the strength of the Stark house for infiltrators then she was not surprised that they had won the damn war.
Advancing through dark passages she saw calmly how the man moved. She surprised herself more than once. When they reached a certain point, they reached a kind of large stone. The man surprised her when he moved the stone without more. Such a touch of strength surprised her massively. And then before her was one of the ships of the north. A brig that was his fastest type of boat. The captain of the ship was there waiting for her at all times and when she finished everything she was surprised by the speed at which they moved to leave the capital. At no time do I look back. He only thanked him for escaping from whatever could have happened to him.
Dorne The Tower of Joy-
Oberyn Martell was nervous. War is not a joke of any kind. They were at war because of a stupid prince. But the worst thing in his mind is that his brother decided at that moment to stand aside and said that he would agree as long as certain things were fulfilled. Apparently in his brother's mind having the young Stark Here gave them an advantage.
If they won the Stark house it would be massacred to the last member with only the son who would be born here alive and what is more important after that he could plan to marry his daughter Arianne to him to take control of the kingdom. He shuddered. This was bad. They were talking about the death of Ashara's children by the gods themselves.
Oberyn felt at least in his mind that they were taking too many things for granted like war. Being Arthur was by his side to be able to lead this situation. He together with two more royal guards and about a hundred soldiers of Dorne and another hundred of the Targaryen guard. Everyone was here while the prince's bastard was doing this. A part of Oberyn told himself that such a thing was more than wrong and that therefore they were wrong. I turn off that part of if remembering that it was for Dorne's good.
He knew his mother would agree with them. Despite passing away recently, he had no doubt that his mother, Princess Melania, would agree with a course of action that involved putting a muzzle or something in the north. However, he still felt nervous and restless because if there was a certain reality, it is that you could not expect to win a war without more.
He was at that moment with his spear when he was surprised by Arthur's presence. The man was not seen in the best sense. It was in fact a little more than in pieces as if somehow I felt that things had been complicated in many ways. Then I'll send you some reports.
"This is bad. This is very bad. The Dominion fleet was completely destroyed. The western fleet of the North hit them with great power and without any doubt trying by all means to ensure a more than ideal success rate''. Oberyn read the first report. The Dominion fleet was monstrously large. So that a few ships destroyed them without even taking place a naval fight.
''The eastern fleet was also destroyed. Hariric Stark trained and prepared his two fleets to be massively destructive and end the enemy forces without any doubt. This is terrible but it gets much worse. You should take a look at the land battle confrontation''. Being Arthur couldn't believe it. The army of the north had completely destroyed its forces. How was it possible?
"How? Ned Stark managed not only to attack and end the force led by the Lannisters but also did not waste time and basically ordered the Frey house to completely destroy without mercy. Basically they were destroyed without any mercy in this case''. The Frey house was the most annoying house of all time. The idea that said house has been permanently arrested certainly brought a smile to his face would not deny it but the harsh reality is that he was more than surprised.
''The Frey house... it's actually understandable. Walder Frey sent a letter to the prince saying that if he wanted his support to help him completely bring down the North and be able to attack them from his rear then he had to receive something in return: Ashara. If Hariric Stark found out, I wouldn't be surprised in the least if he did a merciless cleaning just to send a good message about it.'' Arthur couldn't believe when his prince told him that he was supporting such a measure.
"I can't believe you, are you telling me that that fucking bastard thought Ashara would be perfectly fine with being basically sold as a whore? And you stayed there without telling him a fucking shit Arthur? She's your fucking sister. Even I feel like shit just because of what we're doing here and now you tell me this shit of all things''. Oberyn couldn't believe what he was hearing.
"I can't oppose him. He is my prince and future king and I am a sworn brother of the royal guard. I swear to serve you and it's my word, do you think I'm happy with this? The prince has raped a young woman. If hariric Stark has won and killed the prince, tell me what do you think he will do to all those who have had something to do with the fate of his sister of all things?''. Arthur didn't admit it but he was afraid.
"So possibly now my house is facing the fury. Let's say he decides not to kill us just like that. He can perfectly make us an economic war. Break the alliance that was created. All in case my brother and I sided with the prince in this fucking shit and about it. Oberyn had to let him go. The fury I felt. The hatred he felt, how else was he supposed to feel about it?
"How do you think it will be? We haven't had reports from the trident more than a single thing. Every soldier of no noble blood was passed by the sword. Those of noble blood spread to the winds but many of them among which are mace tyrell were caught. Between that jerk, and Tygett lannister has pressure on two complete kingdoms and God knows who else will have some kind of plan in mind''. Arthur only knew that the North had shown no mercy.
''This...is bad. Knowing Stark he will already be thinking about coming for his sister. Although logic dictates that he should not come for fear of what would happen to his sister, he now has possibly all the lords and young heirs who went to fight in the trident. He has us by the proverbial balls and my brother has no choice but to give in to it''. This was not good at all.
But before they could do anything they were paralysed. They couldn't move in the slightest and were unable to do anything but stay still. Then several men approached. At least a dozen of them. Everyone was wearing a black suit and had a sword on their waist. However, the one who led them approached Oberyn. I couldn't say it was recognised but the man just shouted orders. Soon the camp was filled with the screams of the dying soldiers. Oberyn and Ser Arthur were stunned to see this.
"'My lord was far from happy to have to do this. But in his own words, my mission is to recover his sister and then take all the leaders present here to the North. That includes all of you the royal guard. And of course not to Prince Oberyn nymerios Martell. I am sure that my lord will be pleased to know that I have successfully fulfilled my mission''. Oberyn made an effort in the eyes of the man to defend himself but then he took out some chains and placed the shackles on his legs and arms severely limiting his movement.
"I'm sorry to say this but my orders are to take you. And if Lady Lyanna Stark has suffered in your time of cordial presence, my orders are to write everything down so that Lord Hariric Stark takes justice into his hand. I hope you are not worried about it but the reality is that you are going to be very bad about it.'' Without a touch he gave the order to carry all the men who were basically obliged to take them. All the others were passed by the sword. And they also soon saw a Lyanna Stark being carried.
"Commander she needs a doctor. She is pregnant and what is more important she has been heavily drugged my lord. It's not the most pleasant. Lord Stark is going to be very angry with Martell for tolerating this shit of all things.'' One of the subordinates approached. After rescuing her master's sister, she had mercilessly killed the midwife who took care of her since that woman was drugging her, which could have had effects beyond bad for the woman.
''Pray to your gods Oberyn Martell. There are much worse things. He could punish you with God knows what and believe me no one will stop him. Only an idiot could think that he can get in Lord Stark's way when he is determined to be creative. And Being Arthur you may be safe from losing your life but nothing says to destroy you so that you are little more than an idiot for the rest of your life''. The commander could only say that the possibilities were not on the side of these two men.
Oberyn was full of fear. Normally I wouldn't be afraid of people. But hariric Stark had been able to train soldiers to be able to fight in the desert. To have an ambush in the desert. That meant he knew how to play. And he turned even paler when he thought about what could be happening to him of all things. However, a treacherous part of his head was telling him that he had earned it with all the luxuries.
Arthur couldn't believe it. I couldn't. He had fallen into a shameful and dishonourable tactic. Of course many would say that keeping a woman kidnapped against her will, drugged and having been raped most days was enough to make him no longer honoured. He didn't feel better knowing that he was about to get out alive from the meeting with Lord Stark.
The Lands of the Rivers. Harrenhall-
Jon Arryn had gathered only a few forces. The harsh reality is that what he was reading at that moment while he was in the once greatest fortress froze his blood. The Frey house was massacred to the last member. It wasn't made by hariric. No. It was made by Ned. Of all the things, why would I do it? He had tried to instill in the child the valuable lessons of a follower of the faith of the seven.
He would like to think that he could call the boy and give him a part of his mind but his explorers reported that the forces of the North were once again after the Twin Wolves safe in the North. The only way he had for this to work was for the North to agree to talk to him.
The naval force of the Valley along with the naval force of the royal navy had been completely annihilated by the eastern fleet. Somehow the North had in its hands the ability to launch explosive burning projectiles and they had completely destroyed the fleet. Lugo had set foot on the ground and every man who opposed his advance died.
Hoster Tully looked no less than unhappy at that moment. The man looked in many ways but the simplest of all is that he looked furious since his plan had been to use the Frey bridge to dialogue with the north. But imagine his surprise when the fortress was devastated to the foundations and therefore could no longer be used. The Frey house is now annihilated. And the reports arrived all the royalist houses of the land of the rivers had been beaten with all their members who had gone to war being prisoners.
"This war has been a complete disaster, since when was the damn North supposed to have enough military power to compete with so many kingdoms? They were surpassed in number and despite that they were able to face them in combat''. Hoster Tully couldn't believe what he saw.
"Wen I'm afraid that's what has ended up happening. The north has not only been able to move forward against all odds but in addition to that they defeated each kingdom. Rhaegar's death, however, opens the window for what we were looking for but in no way as I planned it to be''. Their plan was to force the north into an alliance in which they would support Robert Baratheon but in exchange for accepting their rebellion they would have to give in on certain things.
"It's not a joke in the least Jon. Look what they've done to my kingdom. The Frey house is completely annihilated without having anything else in its name and its members except those who lived outside the fortress all dead. As if that wasn't bad enough, all the royalist houses have seen their lords and heirs captured. Lod Stark will surely make them an example for opposing him in his quest for revenge''. Hoster couldn't believe it.
''It was assumed that Hariric Stark would do to them what he did to the Freys. Don't look at me like that, Hoster. You yourself would have acted in a similar way if they wanted to turn your wife into a sex slave. They paid with blood''. He shuddered.
''What matters is that the Stark house has gotten away with it and that can't be allowed by Jon. They are too powerful. If they are allowed to grow stronger, they could put a voice and vote in what happens in the seven kingdoms''. They didn't want it.
"You have nothing to worry about, do you really think I'll let it be like that? First we will go to the capital where we will put Robert as King. If hariric Stark has retired from the south it means that he has possibly recovered his sister. We will put the girl as a wife and she will be a hostage, no more, no less.'' In Jon Arryn's mind it was quite simple.
"That's if he leaves you. What prevents him from saying no? The marriage only worked because you convinced Aerys Targaryen. With the Stark house being very clear that they are so loyal to what the family is and seeing that they have revealed themselves to the king who put that on him. What prevents Hariric Stark from saying that to fuck that option in any case?''. Hoster feared that Hariric Stark would refuse to have anything to do with the seven kingdoms.
"I'm sure that Hariric Stark will understand the reasons. Whether he likes it or not, he will have to accept that he will not want to have all the kingdoms against him. Jon smiled. He knew ways to convince Stark. Whether he liked it or not, he would accept it.
"What if after all these battles he has hostages, eh? What happens if you have ways to make the other houses stay without fighting? The other houses won't want to go against it. And all you have to do is say that you separate yourself from the seven kingdoms Jon. It is possible that hariric Stark is even considering it about it.'' The mere idea that Hariric Stark was considering the possibility did not sit well with Hoster. If the north became independent of the seven kingdoms then their lands could become the battlefield of the different kingdoms.
"In that case then I would have no choice but to actually put an end to Stark's life. I'm sure that for a good price some brave killer will dare to do it. Blame the wife because she is Dorniense and you will have every family of the North fighting over this''. It was a good plan.
"That would be expensive. You know what they say about faceless men. They never accept an unpaid mission. And they always charge according to your need for a person to look dead. Seeing the value and the price they would have to put on that man's life, there are too many chances that you can't cover it in any way.'' It was something they couldn't play with.
"It's a possibility. But first and foremost we have to affirm Robert's government over the remaining six kingdoms. With how weak they are and with Tywin soon hitting what is the capital, I am one hundred percent sure that things will turn out more than well for all of us.'' The idea that his plan couldn't work bothered him. His plan was always to put Ned in the position of future lord. But if he couldn't do that, he settled for each house in the throat of the other in an attempt to see who was in charge.
''There is still a small problem in your plan: Tywinannister. If you want it on your side you will have to force a wedding between Robert and his daughter. If you try to house Robert with Lyanna Stark I'm very sure that Tywin didn't take it well at all''. As things were, the final point is that the Stark house was in the privileged position and therefore the North as a whole was protected from the threat that they wanted to rain at that time.
"And that's my biggest obstacle. However, I am one hundred percent sure that something will come out of all this. I will be more focussed on the issues that matter such as trying to put order in the capital and later in the seven kingdoms. Something must be done to make sure that the kingdoms are balanced in the right way.'' Jon had more worries to know what to do to weaken the North.
"I think you should focus on marrying Robert to Cersei more than anything. We are going to need all the houses united to oppose the Stark house one day. I have no doubt that the North will be emboldened by what is in essence going through this war believing that they have the right in some way to anything like that.'' Hoster thought they could force a wedding with Stark by stating that they had to ensure northern loyalty and they could do so by forcing the wedding of Ned Stark and his firstborn. But marrying Lyanna Stark with Robert was a great gentleman, no.
"Robert won't accept it, he's obsessed with Lyanna Stark. He thinks she's his and I can assure you that he won't take well in any way what it is to be denied what he thinks is his right''. He knew Robert well enough to know that his student would not be happy with the possibility of being denied what he was looking for.
"If Robert is unable to accept the truth and he won't be able to have that woman, it's not your fault. What should matter most in this case if I may say Jon is that the kingdoms are united. If we can force a wedding between the north and a kingdom of the south I suggest that we do not focus on Lyanna Stark. She is untouchable especially if the Stark she leads is as wise as he seems to be''. Hoster didn't want to admit it but he was jealous.
''I guess. Then it will be better to focus on the marriage union. As for the other houses, how do we get them to unite against the Stark family? The Martells will be easy since they will blame the Starks for what happens in the capital and the same with the Tyrells. Everyone will be spiteful regarding the Stark house there is no doubt about that''. Jon nodded to himself. I could see it work that way.
''It's the best. We have to be the strongest to one day destroy the north. Because I have no doubt Jon that one day the Stark house will ask for many things. Possibly they would dedicate themselves to demanding things in exchange for continuing to be part of the seven kingdoms. It's what we have to work on to prevent them from getting it''. Hoster's mentality was clear. They had to make sure that hariric Stark in no way becomes a threat.
Jon nodded in agreement. His plans for the north had been more than a little twisted. With the North being as powerful as it was in these times meant that they had no access to their time to deal with them. First they had to repair the remaining kingdoms. They had to put the Tyrell house in good condition. They had to unite Dorne. They had to make sure that the lands of the West were in good condition. That had to be done yes or yes.
The North Winterfell-
The news of the end of the Northern War against the Targaryen house was spreading like wildfire. It was coming everywhere. Everyone heard it. And everyone listened to the story. The story of how Rhaegar Targaryen became a strange being of fire and his lord defeated him. The fact that he could exercise magic made more people excited.
All the captured lords had been taken to the northern prison. If someone asked the North, he would answer that there was no compassion for those who opposed them. Among the men were not only Tygett Lannister. But also numerous lords of the Lands of the Dominion and the lords who rebelled from the Arryn house, the Baratheon house, the Tully house and finally the lords of Dorne. All trapped and carried with total safety to be used as a safe exchange so that the north can exploit the situation.
It is possible that someone did not see it in the same way but the truth is that the fact is that the Stark house would now be sending the pleasant message that you could not fuck with them. That they were the most powerful house of all. And they just hoped that the growth would be like this. She knew her husband. He knew and knew very well his ways of thinking and what is more important his plans. He would not be surprised in the least if he had plans to expand the legions and strengthen them.
The security would come to them from the fact that Lord Stark COULD protect them yes or yes. It didn't matter how it looked or how they thought about it, everyone would perfectly agree that Hariric Stark was the best man to deal with this.
Of course that left the south. The South would get on their nerves knowing that the North had access to a power that could boost them in the same way that the Valyrian Empire did. I had no doubt that when the southerners know better what happened in the battle, they will all be nervous as dogs.
You didn't have to be a genius to know that the moment they find out about this possibility they would sign up for their children. The mere possibility of them trying anything about their children filled her with fury without any kind of compassion. Was she supposed to let these men and women attack her family? Yes. It would rain fire and death rather than let a person put a single hand on their children.
The mere idea of someone trying to hurt their little ones or what is worse using them as breeding cattle. Fury grew in his being. I had to make an effort not to get out of control and let out all his essence. She was certainly weaker than her husband. But thanks to many of the books taken from the citadel he had examples of the magic of the Rhoynar and the valyrians that he had put to the test.
A smile escaped his face. The mere thought of starting an operation to go to Valyria. She knew that her husband wanted to go there and put some things in his hand. The truth be told is that this was the best time. By defeating the Targaryen government that meant that they did not have to accept in any way what was in essence their future demands of what they obtained from Valyria.
And I knew they would be jealous. The truth is that promoting the North in so many ways would be good. If her husband had exposed himself in this way, it meant that now they could use magic more freely. That made her smile. The division of runes. The division of wolves of war. The spies. The hunters. Her husband had dedicated time. I had recreated the book of names and thanks to that I had access to children who were of magical ability. Of course she wasn't like in her old world but her husband knew that young people could still be trained brilliantly.
With this power under the complete control of the Stark house she knew that the other kingdoms would be nervous. And she knew that it was her interest to expand to take Valyrios with magical potential and also Rhoynar. I couldn't say I blamed him. Apparently the members of the first men were oriented to the magic known as changers, the magic of the Green-Seeing and finally the runes. A magical Rhoynar could be able to exert the power of water in all its senses. And a valyrio the power of fire.
She stopped watching her sleeping little ones when she heard footsteps. Those steps belonged to his mother-in-law and his father-in-law. The two approached. Rickard Stark's time among the southerners had not done him any harm but it could be said that it had not been the most satisfying time just judging by a look of how he was.
''Good morning Lord Rickard and Lady Lyarra. I like to know that you are here to join me. Would you like us to have this meeting in the winter garden if possible?''. The winter garden was a garden created by her husband using plants that had a modification thanks to alchemy. Not only were they incredibly beautiful but they also released wonderful smells.
''It will be good to spend some time in that place actually Ashara. Rickard, we're going to the winter garden and you'd better be ready because I want you to put up with the moment of asking questions for the moment.'' Lyarra looked at her husband for a moment. The man glanced at his wife but deflated at that very moment.
It is not necessary to be so hard with Lord Rickard lady lyarra. Let's go. I'm sure both of you have questions about it and I'm more than sure that I'll be the best person to answer those questions in my husband's absence. Ashara didn't waste time and started moving forward. There was a time when if people looked at the fortress they would only see stone now the floors and walls were made of marble and the beauty of the fortress was only surpassed by how imposing it was.
"She looks very calm. You should know that what I have in mind are questions that have possibly put things in a mess for you. I want damn answers to what exactly has happened in my son, have I been clear?''. Rickard tried to threaten the woman. But then he remembered that she was his son's wife. His son would not select a weak woman as a partner.
"You may have questions but I only have answers for what I think it should be possible to answer. Although your son has told me many things that are wonderful and more than decent to learn, I don't know everything and I would appreciate it if you didn't tell me that I must just obey whatever you tell me''. Ashara gave the man a serious look.
Rickard wanted to growl but nodded in agreement. It was the harsh reality. They were here because they had questions for their son's wife about what they were hearing. Magic. Magic that could allow him to kill a being made of fire. The only idea was a joke but with so many people saying it and with the men taken by their actions in what was essentially the war everyone agreed on one thing and that is that Hariric Stark was capable of magic.
"Well, while we wait for the refreshments I will be able to answer some questions. Let's start, please. I have very little time since I don't want to lose sight of my little ones''. She didn't lie about it. His children were on the list of people who had to be attended to.
''I suppose the first question we would like to ask is exactly What is our son capable of doing? Why are we finding out now and not before about their skills? But I think the most important of all is will other family members be able to?''. Lyarra decided that he wanted to know as much as possible. Her son was now a complete mystery to her.
"Well, I'll start by saying that even I don't know everything, so I hope you know that I can't just answer all the things you ask me. Anyway, I'm more than capable of answering those three questions. The first one I will answer is about what he is capable of and my answer... I have no idea. His limits are not established by him although I think you may have seen some of his actions''. Lyarra looked at her for a moment before opening her eyes vigourously.
"You're trying to tell me... that my son was responsible for the changes in the North. The change to a friendly climate, although cold. The increase in food. These two things were the result of my son's magic work, is that true?''. The mere idea that such a thing is true. Such a thing couldn't be a joke.
''Is. Apparently it has to do with his magical ability: the runes. Runes allow him to write in the name of magic. Exactly I don't know how he did it and look, I've wanted to ask him about it but apparently the fact is that he is able to write what he wants to happen more or less and he made it happen. You'll have to ask him more about the subject.'' Ashara didn't lie. His knowledge of runes was basic at best.
''Simply this is fascinating and at the same time terrifying. My own son is capable of doing this feat. Only those two things radically changed things in the North. If it is true, everyone in the North will see him as the saviour of the north. Your position will be elevated just for that''. The harsh reality at least in Rickard Stark's mind was that his son had risen to the eyes of the world of the Northerners.
"It wouldn't be a good idea to allow such a thing if I have to inform you Lord Stark. The idea is potentially bad because of how harmful it can be. The lords of the south will already want Hariric. However, if this magic skill is made known, I have no doubt that it will be even more persecuted than it is currently.'' Ashara knew that only the basic knowledge of runes would massively facilitate the North and enmy them with the southerners.
"I have to agree with Ashara. If the other lords of the seven kingdoms realise the potential of the runes, they will stop at nothing to put their hands on that knowledge. We are already dealing with what will basically be hariric killing his prince and much more. I don't want to have to deal with the shit of having to give up resources because it's convenient and fair in their own words.'' Lyarra could perfectly see some southern lords talking about how it should be done and how it should be done in the name of justice for all of them.
''That without having another point. If they are not able to go after hariric, they will go for the following. That they are our children. I refuse to allow them to endanger my children just because the south and everyone and their mother want to have in their hands the same knowledge that my husband has. Give them before you allow that shit to happen.'' Ashara growled at the mere idea that someone thought she could get her hands on her children.
''I have to be right then. We will only let you know how little you are willing to let know and we will make sure that no one knows or is able to use the information for evil. You have my word Ashara that I will not allow anything bad to happen to our grandchildren''. The very idea of someone going after his grandchildren froze Rickard's blood.
"I honestly don't know the potential of the runes, although knowing my husband, there are many chances that there is an immense potential that we don't know. The only thing that matters to me in this regard is that my husband decides to share this knowledge. However, I would like to move on to the next question that you had in mind, which I think is a plan because you didn't know about this before anything else. Ashara saw that both Rickard and Lyarra nodded.
''It's the truth. I would like to know why my son didn't tell me this. I would like to know what I had in mind''. Lyarra was about to say more when an envoy came running and she and Ashara looked at him.
''My lady Lord Stark is here''. And with that any conversation is over.