章 43: Chapter 43: A Growing Pack
Arya
"I look ridiculous," Arya complained looking herself over from head to toe.
Mira Forrester giggled as she fitted the dress on the young girl while Shae fixed her hair. "Nonsense, you look lovely," She said assuringly.
To be honest, Arya did, Her hair was done in a northern style with a simple northern braid. Her dress was a mix of well-blended shades of greys and blues to match her parent's houses.
"Why do I even have to go," Arya continued, "My family fights against Joffrey, that makes me the enemy. Joffrey and the queen have made it no secret that they despise me."
"Queen regent," Mira corrected, "once Margaery is wed to Joffrey she will be the new queen."
"I still don't see the point," Arya grumbled as she fumbled around with the skirts of her gown."
"Traitor or no, you're still the daughter of a Great Lord," Mira replied. "Besides, Princess Myrcella insisted you be allowed to attend."
Arya hated to admit it but she had greatly misjudged the elder princess. When they first met at Winterfell, Arya immediately deemed her to be a southern version of her sister, a perfect, delicate, and ignorant little lady. The fact that she never spent any time with the royals due to her lessons with Syrio Forel didn't change her mind about it. Now that she was here again, Arya had barely anything to do between her visits with Gendry and the Queen of Thorns engaging her in conversations on subjects the actually interested her. These days she found herself spending more time with Myrcella and realised she was not nearly the fool Arya thought she was.
Even though Myrcella was indeed quiet, obedient and lacked Arya's rebellious nature, she was still able to stand up for herself. This was prevalent whenever Joffrey said something stupid which was anytime he wasn't around Margaery. Myrcella tended to give a snide reply disguised as a compliment. Thick headed Joffrey never caught on, but Arya knew a jape when she heard one.
Arya knew standing up to Joffrey couldn't be easy due to his cruelty. Despite the fact that he was a whiny coward he was still able to give off an imposing look since he was much taller than his younger siblings. Recently he now sported shorter hair and no longer wore silks which made him look more intimidating. Arya knew that without Roland around, Myrcella had to take up the role of standing up for her younger brother who was clearly terrified of him.
Aside from her courage, Myrcella proved to be the cleverest of Cersei's children, more so than Roland, in Arya's opinion. So Arya was pleasantly surprised when Myrcella asked her to teach her how to play cyvasse. Arya had no idea that a girl her age would be interested in a complex game. It turned out Myrcella was a natural once she learned the rules.
During their Cyvasse sessions, Arya tended to move her pieces aggressively while Myrcella was more careful with her decisions and was quick to take notice of Arya's usual strategies. It wasn't long before the princess began beating Arya at the game much to her frustration
At that moment Myrcella walked in and gasped, clasping her hands together in delight. "You look lovely, Arya."
"So I keep hearing," Arya grumbled.
Myrcella smiled, "don't worry it's only for one day. After that, you can go back to fawning over your blacksmith." Arya blushed at the implication. Myrcella laughed at her friend's embarrassment, "no need to feel shy, he rather good looking."
"You sound like you're interested," Arya said in an attempt to deflect the conversation.
This caused Myrcella to laugh again and raise her hand, "gods no he looks too much like my brother." Myrcellathen had a thought, "perhaps it runs in the family, your aunt was engaged to my father and your sister is to marry Roland."
This puzzled Arya for a second, "but Gendry isn't a Baratheon."
Myrcella shook her head, "he is," she insisted, "he resembles my father and uncles Renly and Stannis, but I think he's baseborn."
"Like Jon?" Arya wondered, "does Roland know?"
"I think so," Myrcella replied, "Roland did ask him to make a sword for him. But he can't really do much else because of mother."
Arya nodded, she understood due to her own mother's mistreatment of Jon, the thought made her blood boil. Jon had never wronged them and she felt that her mother was being unfair about it. 'It's not like father openly flirted and groped girls like King Robert.' Still, she knew that as the Royal family a certain standard had to be maintained.
Myrcella clutched her hands and her eyes turned solemn, "please don't leave me to deal with him alone."
Arya sighed and nodded, Myrcella had grown to become the closest thing she had to a highborn friend. Myrcella was kind to her despite their difference in status so it was only fair to give the girls her support. Besides when was it ever a bad idea to get on Joffrey's bad side.
Myrcella's smile broadened in thanks, "care for a round of Cyvasse afterwards?" Asked the princess.
Arya smiled, "later perhaps, I'm visiting the training yard once I'm out of this silly thing." She indicated to her dress. Myrcella nodded in understanding and left to go play with Cerelle.
After her fitting Arya went down to the training yard. Though she couldn't train she was still allowed to watch and there was one person in particular that she had taken a particular interest in. Arya arrived at her destination to see the person in question there in a heated duel. Donned in blue armour the warrior clashed in a knight in stunning green armour. The one in blue was the bigger of the two and it was this one that Arya was focused on.
Arya never knew warrior women existed in the south. The only ones she had been aware of were the women of Bear Island and famous ones like Visenya Targaryen and Queen Nymeria. So to see Brienne of Tarth immediately caught Arya's fascination. Even though she was fighting for Joffrey, Arya was mesmerized by the warrior woman as she sparred with Garlan Tyrell, she reminded her of Dacey Mormont in so many ways. She heard that this was the same woman that defeated Ser Loras Tyrell during a Tourney hosted by Renly Baratheon and was able to earn a place in his kingsguard. Arya cursed the fact that she couldn't keep her sword, she knew she could learn so much from Brienne.
And here she was against one of the finest knights in the reach, she didn't care too much for his younger brother, he always seemed more like a girl. Though the Knight of the Flowers proved himself during the tourney, it was clear to Arya that his older brother was a true warrior. Garlan Tyrell was known for sparring against four opponents at once in order to push himself.
Brienne had the advantage in size and strength and was able to gain an edge several times but her opponent still had the upper hand for the majority of the fight, steadily pushing her back farther and farther. Finally, Garlan was able to disarm her and push the woman warrior to one knee as she raised her hand. "I yield," she declared. Garlan lowered his sword and offered his hand helping her up.
Garlan removed his helm and he had a grin on my face, "My grandmother didn't lie," he said, "You truly are marvellous."
"Thank you ser," Brienne said bowing her head.
Garlan patted her back, "come see me if you aim to try again, I must say it's refreshing to finally face a challenge."
This caused Brienne to smile at the praise and nodded in thanks. "perhaps you should challenge Ser Jaime is you want a real challenge."
"I have," Garlan admitted, "but getting knocked down in seconds gets rather tiresome. It's clear clashing against the Kingslayer is basically a death sentence."
"Careful you don't let him hear you call him that," Brienne warned, "else he'll have a mind to knock to down quicker and in a more painful manner."
Garlan nodded, "too true, but if Jaime Lannister cut down everyone that called him that there would hardly be anyone left in Westeros."
"All the same, best be careful in the lion's den."
"A warning fit for all," Garlan agreed turning to the side and fixing his gaze on their recent spectator, this caused Brienne to turn to see who her sparring partner was looking at and smiled.
"You're better than most men I've seen."
Brienne bowed in appreciation, "Thank you Lady Stark."
"Who taught you how to fight?"
"My father had the master at arms instruct me," Brienne replied smiling at the memory of her mentor. "Ser Goodwin taught me everything I know, his lessons are what made me the warrior I am today."
"My father didn't want to train me," Arya admitted, "and my mother would never allow it. He told me fighting was for boys."
Brienne smiled with her crooked teeth, "mine said the same. I had a nasty temper and the boys would call me Brienne the Beauty as a mockery. So I ended up fighting them and beating them. I was usually safe since they would never admit to their fathers that they lost to a woman. My father often scolded me but I kept on fighting. So my father finally gave in saying if I was to learn how to fight I should learn properly.
"I'm not the beauty my sister is," Arya admitted shyly, "her friends all called me Arya Horseface. My closest family I had was my Baseborn brother Jon. He gave me a sword before I came to Kings Landing. When my father found out he hired a Water Dancer from Braavos to teach me."
Brienne nodded in approval, "your brother seems like a good lad and my father often spoke highly of Lord Stark, your lucky to have such understanding family members."
This made Arya smile in turn. "You should visit the north, a woman of your skill would never be judged there. Bear Island is full of Warrior Women.
"Perhaps when this war is over, I might just do that," Brienne said intrigued.
The mention of the war stopped Arya and she remembered just who she was fighting for. "What end do you want Brienne?" Arya asked before she could stop herself.
Brienne was momentarily surprised at the question and wondered what brought it up. That is until she remembered who the girl's family was and who they were fighting for. She sighed and took a seat next to the girl and began sharpening her sword with a whetstone. "So many kings fought for the throne, so many stags and of the three, the best among them is dead and when the sun sets no candle can replace it.
"You mean King Renly?" Arya guessed, Brienne nodded and continued to run the whetstone down her sword. Arya could see the admirable gleam in her eyes and a realization dawned on her. "You fancied him?" Arya asked.
"I did not," Brienne said a little too quickly, enough for Arya to pick it up.
This caused Arya to light up and laughed quietly, "by the gods you did, I can see it in your eyes. I know it from my sister who use to look at Joffrey the same way."
Brienne blushed hotly at being called out by a girl and looked away slightly embarrassed. "Renly was one of the few men to treat me with any respect," she explained. "He never mocked me and raised me to his Kingsguard, for that alone I would have gladly given my life for his. Renly was a noble King and had he sat the Iron Throne he would have been a great king. Now all of Westeros burns with so many families taking sides to seize the lands of their enemies. Renly could have saved us, but I failed to Save him. Renly's own nephew ended his glorious reign before it could begin."
Arya listened quietly and waited for Brienne to finish before speaking, "But in order for him to be king he would have to kill Joffrey, Roland, Tommen and his own brother," Arya pointed out. "Why should anyone back a king like that.
"Renly would never harm his own blood." Brienne insisted
Arya shook her head. "That didn't stop him from plotting behind his brother's back and that was before he was dead. If Renly had remained loyal to his family he would still be alive."
Brienne whirled on the girl ready to retort but Arya remained unfazed by the anger in the older woman's eyes and continued. "Roland has his uncle Stannis, Joffrey has his mother and his entire family on his mother's side. Of all the Baratheons only Renly stood alone." Brienne was silent unsure how to respond to that when Arya continued, "my father always said the lone wolf dies but the pack survives. That's probably why he was the first to die."
As much as she wanted to lash out at the girl for speaking ill of Renly, she did understand where she was coming from. This was a girl who believed in family above all else and considering that she was descended from Starks a d Tullys, such values would be amplified.
"Don't let your infatuation for him blind your judgement Lady Brienne, take it from someone who's sister made that mistake and it cost her." With that Arya headed off to find Myrcella leaving Lady Brienne to contemplate what the Stark girl said.
Eddard
"I worry about the king," Eddard told the Blackfish as they inspected the encampment making sure everything was in order. His son's wedding would take place soon and now the army had set themselves up on both sides of the river surrounding the twin castles of House Frey. The northerners on the east bank and the Rivermen on the west bank ensured that once the wedding was over The northerners would be able to immediately march north. The prisoner exchange had gone smoothly and 1,000 northerners, rivermen and crownlanders made their way to Black dominions. many had made their way to Roland's camps, bolstering their numbers.
"How do you mean?" Ser Brynden asked.
Eddard frowned, "The war is changing him and I fear that by the time it is over. The Roland Baratheon that emerges won't be the same boy when I first met him."
Brynden nodded, "few people ever make it through a war the same person, it either breaks them or hardens them."
"But his recent actions, vowing to wipe out the ironborn, even the women and children. Killing crippled prisoners, torturing nobles." Eddard shook his head, "I fear he's becoming colder and more ruthless may be turning into his brother."
"His methods are brutal," the Blackfish admitted, "but not beyond reason. War is terrible and sometimes people must become terrible to wage it. Remember the boy is fighting to stay a step ahead of his grandfather who became infamous for his ruthlessness and a brother who many believe is mad. If he let's slip any sign of indulgence than his grandfather will not be slow to take advantage." Brynden sighed, "I still remember during Robert's Rebellion the riverlords who sided with the Mad King suffered greatly under my brother's heavy hand." The Blackfish thought on it, "they're much alike in that respect."
"More Tywin than your brother I think," Eddard pointed out.
Brynden shrugged, "well he is the boy's grandfather, so I daresay that Roland likely learned a thing or two."
"Then there's this business with the Freys, while I'm glad Arya doesn't have to marry a Frey I wonder at what cost. Giving the Freys Harrenhal, and other castles in Westeros. I think the last thing House Frey needs is more influence to boost their ego."
Brynden laughed, "on the contrary, I think it was a stroke of genius giving House Frey Harrenhal.
Eddard looked at him confused, "With Harrenhal and the Twins alone House Frey would become one of the most powerful Houses in Westeros. How much more for when Lord Walder places his sons on whatever castles he obtains when the War is over."
Brynden smiled, "don't forget Lord Stark Harrenhall isn't exactly known for having long-lasting Lords. Houses Hoare, Qoherys, Harroway, Towers, Strong, Lothston, Whent, all had Harrenhal and now they're no more. I heard from a Lannister Prisoner that the former Lord Commander of the City Watch Janos Slynt was given Harrenhal for apprehending you, only to be slain at the Battle of Blackwater."
"You think that's why Roland gave the Freys Harrenhal? Eddard wondered, "so that the supposed 'curse' would take care of them."
Brynden shrugged, "considering he's half Lannister it's more than possible."
"Do you think Lord Walder knows?" Eddard feard that if the old man thinks he's being set up it would turn him against them.
Brynden shook his head, "even if he did, I doubt he would care. Harrenhal is too grand a prize to pass up. Most of the Freys are a prideful and ambitious lot, they are not going to let anything like superstition get in the war of their strive for power."
Eddard nodded in agreement and Brynden placed a hand on his shoulder. "Look if you have grievances, then go to Roland and present them to him. "He respects your council and will gladly hear you out."
Eddard nodded, "perhaps you're right, he is going to be my son-in-law after all. Do you know where he is?'
"Last I saw he was talking with the blacksmith," Brynden replied
Eddard sighed, "very well, are we all set for the wedding?"
Brynden nodded, "As ready as we can be, though I regret Cat can't be here."
"Yes," Eddard agreed, "I know she would have loved it."
Just then they spotted Roland heading towards them, Bidding farewell to Ser Brynden Eddard made his way to the boy. The boy raised his hand in greeting, "Lord Eddard, he said with a smile. "Mind if I had a word?"
Eddard nodded with a sigh, now that they were alone he didn't really know how to start out this conversation, so he decided on small talk. "Where is Sansa?" Eddard asked looking around.
"She's with her Direwolf, and Shadow," Roland replied. Her wolf has become a bit distant Lately.'
Eddard nodded and continued, "what did you need from the Blacksmith?"
"Just some new armour," Roland replied.
Eddard cocked an eyebrow, "what are you getting?"
Roland shrugged, "Gambeson, Doublet and Padded Chausses."
Eddard nodded in approval, "very winter upon us you will need it."
Roland smiled and rubbed his arms, "I know it was warmer up here a year ago." He then turned to Eddard, "You didn't want to talk about interest in winter attire though I'm guessing."
Eddard shook his head, "no I didn't."
Roland then patted Eddard's shoulder, "then speak freely we are 'family' after all."
Eddard sighed and decided to get to the point, "I know you hate the ironborn, but surely there is a way to pacify them without committing genocide to an entire culture."
Roland gave him an amused look, "if you have an idea then please share it. But I think we've already exhausted every other option and it all ended the same way."
"And you believe this is the answer?"
"I must think long-term, Lord Stark," Roland explained. "The ironborn have contributed nothing to Westeros. All they do is cause trouble. The only thing they have to their name is Harrenhal, a monument to their own madness."
"Your father knew how to make enemies into friends."
Roland shook his head, "a friend today can be an enemy tomorrow. The fact that we're fighting Arryn forces now is proof of that. and we've all seen how much my father's friendship was worth to them."
The reminder saddened Eddard who wondered how much the realm would be divided before the war was over, four of the seven kingdoms had divided allegiances and Eddard feard if such divisions would spread to the Riverlands or gods forbid the North. Already there was talk from those questioning Roland's recent decisions. One of the more outspoken voices was Lord Karstark who felt he had been robbed of his vengeance when Roland traded the Kingslayer for the Mountain and his companion. Another was Lord Whitehill who was still raw about the King murdering his men.
"If I make them bend the knee, my children and grandchildren will have to deal with them." Roland reasoned, "But if I put them down for good then nobody will have to worry about them ever again."
"I'm just concerned for your well being," Eddard replied, We are to be family soon and I don't want my daughter hurt in all of this."
Roland nodded, "I understand, and believe me the last thing I want to do is hurt Sansa."
Lord Stark sighed and nodded reluctantly, hoping that this cruel streak will end once the war ended.
He was taken by surprise when Roland grabbed him by the arm and he faced the older man. "Lord Stark I need to ask you something and I need you to be honest about it."
Eddard turned to the boy and could sense something sad in the tone, "what is it Roland?"
Roland sighed and looked up, "Did Lyanna love my father?"
Eddard froze and he paled slightly as Roland continued, "Everybody knows how much my father loved your sister, enough for him to hold candles to her until his dying breath. But was the feeling mutual? Did she love him in turn?"
"What has brought this about?" Eddard wondered as hs scrambled to find an answer to the question.
Roland sighed, "Sansa and I are together not because of something prearranged but because we ended up growing to love each other. Something that became plain in your eyes as well as my father's."
Eddard nodded in agreement, indeed if not for Roland, Sansa might have still been betrothed to Joffrey. Just the thought of his daughter being wed to that monster made Eddard shudder, due to how close that had been to happening.
"My father was always a womanizer, content with sleeping with anything with two legs and tits. My mother hated him for it. I truly do not know if my father would have remained faithful to Lyanna had they wed, but still, I wonder if Lyanna would have any feelings for him knowing what he was."
The silence seemed to go on forever, and Eddard wanted to tell him yes and spare him the reality. But lying to a boy who seemed so desperate to know the truth didn't sit well with him. Finally, after a long silence, Eddard sighed deeply and shook his head, "no." Roland nodded as though he figured as much so Ned continued.
"Lyanna knew about your sister Mya," Eddard admitted. "It was enough to convince her that Robert would not keep to one bed. "Love is sweet," she once told me, "but it cannot change a man's nature."
"Then it'is safe to say that Lyanna would have fought against the betrothal then." Eddard nodded, knowing her that is a certain possibility. "Enough to run off with someone else who offered a way out, like say a silver-haired prince."
Eddard paled and stopped, Roland did the same and they both looked at each other in the eye. "You have often said how much Arya is like Lyanna so that means Lyanna must have been the type of woman willing to fight back."
"Rhaegar had two kingsguard with him," Eddard pointed out. "Lyanna was able to handle herself true enough but I doubt she could have done much against the likes of The Sword of the Morning."
Roland nodded, "but that raises an interesting point, the three kingsguard that were at the Tower of Joy. Why would they be there? Rhaegar was at the Trident, Aerys was in Kings Landing along with Rhaegar's wife and children while the Queen and Prince Viserys were at Dragonstone. Who is Lyanna Stark compared to them? Those three had no business at the Tower of Joy, none at all." Roland paused and frowned, "It doesn't make sense unless they were protecting something else. Or rather someone and the only thing important enough to protect so vigorously is someone of royal blood."
"Is there a point to all of this?" Eddard asked in an irritated tone. Though inside his mind was racing, the Baratheon boy was putting the pieces together and it was only a few words short of putting it all together."
Roland sighed, "you don't seem like the type who would break his vows since for so long you never compromised them."
Roland shook his head, "my father is dead, I don't see whatever threats he perceived matter anymore. In all honesty, I wish I could just go to the Westerlands and live out the rest of my days as Lord of the Rock."
"Casterly Rock?" Eddard wondered in confusion, "What about Storm's End?"
"It belongs to Uncle Stannis now," Roland replied, "my grandfather was grooming me to rule the Westerlands since he didn't want Uncle Tyrion to inherit it."
Eddard was surprised at this revelation, 'my daughter would have been the lady of Casterly Rock.' He thought. 'All the riches of the Rock would benefit the north in so many ways.'
But all that is over with now," Roland said dismissively. We are stuck with what we have until something else turns up. I have to take the throne from my brother because there is no one worthy enough to take the mantle." He then raised his hand with his middle and forefinger pointing up. "To all the gods I make this solemn pledge. When the High Septon anoints me as king, the first thing I'm going to do is burn that cursed throne, with wildfyre if I have to." Eddard looked at him thinking he was joking but his face morphed into shock when he stared into those mismatched eyes and realized the boy was dead serious.
The Iron Throne is a great symbol of power," Eddard reasoned. "It represents the unity of the Seven Kingdoms." Roland gave Eddard a bemused look and spread out his hands across the land. Eddard looked around and caught the boy's meaning.
"For all the good that does," Roland replied grimly, "That 'symbol of unity has been nothing but poison to almost every monarch that has sat upon it since Viserys the First. I have no intention of waiting for that cursed chair to take me next."
'He has a point,' Eddard thought. He had once sat on the Iron throne during his reign as hand and he had hated every moment of it. This caused Eddard to think that maybe, just maybe Roland had the right idea.
Their walk had inadvertently led them to a clearing where Ned and Roland saw Sansa kneeling beside Lady. Sansa usually so proper had grass stains on her dress but she didn't seem to notice as she looked down at her wolf stroking her gently. The footsteps caught her ear and Sansa looked up to see who had come. Seeing the worried look on Sansa's Face Roland over to her and got down on his knees. "What is it Sansa," Roland asked, "Is something wrong with Lady?"
"I don't know what's wrong with her," Sansa said as she knelt beside Lady on the grass.
"What do you mean?" Eddard asked kneeling beside her.
"She's not eating much and now she's shivering, panting heavily and I'm certain she's gotten sluggish." She turned to Roland worry plain on her beautiful face, "Oh Roland is she dying?"
"I don't think so," Roland replied. "Shadow would be whining if she was. Besides, Shadow's been acting peculiar too." Shadow was there right next to Lady. He refused to leave her side even when Roland called for him.
Eddard knelt down to get a closer look, "I know they're close but that shouldn't mean-," he stopped as a thought hit him, 'close,' he thought. He then placed a hand on Lady's belly rubbing gently and felt it, a physical sign. "Of course," he said finally, "I should have seen this coming."
"Why, what is it?" Sansa asked eagerly.
Eddard looked at her with a smile on his face, "Lady isn't sick, she's expecting."
Sansa looked confused, "Expecting what?"
"Pups," Roland finished coming to the conclusion.
Sansa's eyes widened in realization, "you mean, she's? But who-" before she could finish her thought then turned to Shadow. Just the thought of it was enough to make her blush, "Oh."
Roland laughed, "I guess we should have been more careful in watching over our companions."
This caused Sansa to giggle which was its own reward. Sansa laughing always brought a smile to the prince's face. Then on instinct, Roland pressed his lips to hers. It took Sansa by surprise for a moment before she returned his kiss. The sight made Eddard smile perhaps he was judging too quickly. Perhaps if Roland strays too far, Eddard had faith that Sansa may be the one to guide him back.
"This is unexpected but not unwelcome," Roland said, "I believe it's a sign that the gods will bless our union."
"I guess Robb and Roslin aren't the only couples in the camps," Eddard quipped stroking Lady's fur."
"Not to mention happy with the arrangement," Roland replied taking Sansa's other hand and grasping it.
Sansa giggled, "I did notice Robb has been happier ever since he met Roslin, he seemed so slow about it at first now he can hardly wait."
Eddard nodded, "Robb was fortunate to have placed with a decent match, unlike so many unlucky people." He turned to Roland who nodded knowing to whom he was referring to.
Roland sighed, "well at least he only has to wait a few more days, I have to wait longer."
Sansa sighed, "why must we wait Roland? It seems forever ago since your father blessed our betrothal."
Roland smiled and kissed her hand, "believe me nothing would make me happier than to make you my wife here and now."
"But you are both too young for marriage I fear." Eddard cut in smiling.
"I-I have had my blood father," Sansa objected, "does that not make me a woman?"
"I suppose it does," Roland consented. "But blood or no blood, fourteen was too young for my taste for a wedding night and definitely too young for children. We should be older and wiser before we should have that. Besides, since you've had your blood your mother will want you to talk to you about it. There is so much she needs to teach you about this sort of thing"
Sansa nodded reluctantly, though she didn't understand. She knew that she needed to discuss her bleeding with her mother.
Eddard smiled and rubbed his daughter's back, "don't worry Sansa, After your brother's wedding we will be heading for Winterfell, Then you and your mother will have much to discuss. He turned and patted Roland on the back, "I'll continue checking on the men I'm sure you four want a moment alone." With that Eddard then got up and walked back to the camp.
Roland smirked and made an attempt to lighten her mood, "remember when you were so excited to marry my brother?"
Sansa looked down, "when I first saw him I thought he was perfect. Though now I don't know whether it was him I loved or his title of Crown Prince."
Roland squeezed her hand, "you were young, my love, most girls dream of marrying a prince and becoming queen."
"Not Arya," Sansa pointed out with a smile.
Roland laughed, "no, not Arya, she'll want to follow women like Dacey Mormont of Brienne of Tarth."
"I didn't know southern women could become warriors," Sansa said in wonder.
Roland shrugged, "Most don't get the chance, but Lady Brienne is atypical, few southern lords approve of such a thing, but her prowess cannot be denied and now she is one of the finest the Stormlands can offer." He stopped as a thought passed him, "although she did fall in love with Uncle Renly, much like you did with Joffrey."
The thought of Renly made Roland frown, although his death had benefitted both Joffrey and himself, it was still a regretful and bitter moment. He reached out and patted Bane's head, the gift from Renly that Roland treasured most made him want to go back to that time when he was still the crown prince and things were simpler.
"I hear his former wife Margaery will marry Joffrey now," Sansa said her face displaying concern. "I hope he doesn't hurt her as he did me."
Roland smiled, "don't worry, if she is even a quarter the woman her grandmother is, she'll have my brother eating out of the palm of her hand."
Roland lifted her chin and gave her a reassuring smile, "don't worry my love, our time will come." He kissed her again and this time she returned it almost immediately. They stayed like that for a longer time before they broke apart again. Roland stood up and helped Sansa to her feet. and together they headed back to camp hands entwined. with Shadow and Lady following close behind.
That night, during the hour of the wolf, Roland was shaken awake by Robb, "Sorry to wake you," he apologised quickly.
Roland waved it off and rubbed the sleep from his eyes, "What is it?" Roland asked immediately, knowing he would not have been woken unless it was important. "Are we being attacked?"
Robb shook his head, "Lady is missing, Sansa can't find her anywhere, Grey Wind is gone too."
Roland got out of bed, lit a candle and looked around for Shadow knowing he would be able to track her down, but as his eyes looked around his tent he realized that Shadow was nowhere to be seen. Since it was a war Roland usually slept fully clothed so he was already decently dressed save for his boots. After slipping those on he walked out of the tent were Sansa and Lord Eddard were waiting. "We need to find them," Sansa urged, "Lady is in no condition to be wondering."
Roland nodded and had two torches lit, one for himself and one for Robb, As Eddard was about to call for a search party he heard a faint howling in the nearby woods. He nudged the children who also heard it so cautious and steadily the four headed into the woods with Robb and Roland Holding torched to light the way.
The four followed the howling until they reached a clearing where right in the center Lady and Shadow laid together with Grey Wind standing nearby howling. The Companions headed closer and knelt beside the wolf. Sansa stroked Lady's fur and the wolf responded by licking her face.
'What's wrong with her?" Sansa turned to her father worried.
"I believe she's going into labour," Eddard assured her, "it is time."
Sansa's eyes widened, she had only found out this morning and now it was time already.
Grey Wind had stopped howling and it was then Roland noticed something peculiar. "Do you hear that? He asked the Starks, who looked around in confusion.
"I don't hear anything," Robb replied.
"Exactly," Roland confirmed, "no birds, no bugs not a sound of any animal," He turned to the Starks with a grave expression. "such silence means only one thing, there is a predator on the prowl."
"It's probably the direwolves," Robb suggested, Roland nodded reluctantly though a feeling in the back of his neck disagreed with him.
That's when they heard growling behind them. Turning, they saw a wolf come out from behind a tree. Then another wolf appeared, then another, and another. Soon the group found themselves surrounded by countless wolves. From what little Roland could see and all he could hear, it could be at least 100 of them. Instinctively the men drew their swords in defense. But to their surprise Grey Wind had not taken up a defensive stance nor was he growling, Shadow stood next to Lady, weary but no more aggressive than Grey Wind.
Then some of the wolves parted to make an opening. From that opening, the alpha wolf appeared. The four people couldn't help but stare in shock. The leader of this pack was absolutely enormous, slightly bigger than Grey Wind and twice the size of Lady.
Grey Wind strode forward to meet this alpha, soon they were nose to nose. They sniffed each other for a moment then, to everyone's surprise, they started nuzzling. That's when it hit Roland, the alpha was a Direwolf and there was only one Direwolf that wasn't accounted for.
"Nymeria," Roland said to himself, It was loud enough for Robb and Sansa to hear their gaze switched from Roland to the Alpha in front of them their expressions changing from fear to shock. They had all assumed Nymeria was dead yet here she was the leader of a huge pack.
Nymeria came forward and nuzzled with her sister-wolf That was when Lady started wheezing, it was time. Together the four of them helped Lady with her delivery. The first was a male pup, then two females and finally a second male. The pups were placed next to their mother where they crowded around her udders and began taking in the nourishment. Shadow and Lady rubbed noses before Shadow laid down next to her to nuzzle their new pups
Greywind and Nymeria howled in congratulations to their sister-wolf, they were followed by the pack. That night belonged to the wolves and their song, under the full moon. In the center Roland and the Starks watched and listened to the spectacle in awe.
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