the queen in the north

Lyra Stark née Mormont is the Queen in the North, wife to King Rickon Stark and former Lady of Bear Island. The North will never forget and someday justice will come once again.

[wolfbloodking]

Lyra & Rickon

He wasn’t sure about any of the names Lyra just suggested. It was sweet she wanted to name their son after his father or one of his brothers, but he wanted something different. ”What about Rickard for when it is a boy? It was my grandfathers name and it sounds a lot like mine. Yet, I see something of your name in it as well.” Rickon shrugged his shoulders, which made him clench his teeth. For a moment he had forgotten about the wound. Rickon nodded when Lyra suggested the name Dacey for when their baby is to be a girl. Secretly he hoped their child will be a boy. A son simply sounded more likable than a daughter. He could teach his son how the handle a sword, how to hunt and how to shoot a bow and arrow. Of course, he could teach his daughter all this as well, but she also had to learn how to behave like a lady. A soft sigh escaped his lips. ”Not Catelyn.” Rickon shook his head a little. He hardly had any memories of his mother, it would be strange for him to name his child after his mother who he barely knew. ”When our baby is a girl, she will be named Dacey.” A small smile curled up around his lips as he pressed a soft kiss onto his wife’s forehead. 

[queenlyrastark]

Lyra nodded slightly as she listened to what Rickon said.  She thought Rickard was a strong Stark name and felt it would be fitting for their baby.  A slight frown formed on her lips when she noticed his teeth clench but she was happy with him nonetheless.  She did not want to break the moment.  “Then we shall name our son Rickard.”

When he rejected Catelyn, Lyra worried that she had overstepped her bounds by suggesting that.  In truth she hoped for a boy, knowing a king needed an heir, but she wanted a daughter as well.  His ready acceptance of the name Dacey brought a smile to her lips.  She wanted to remember her sister.  She had always been so close to her sister.  Lyra’s hand smoothed over her belly as she sighed happily.  “Little Rickard or little Dacey, I like that.  I cannot wait for the babe to come.”

Lyra rested against him and smiled as the child squirmed in her growing belly.  “I think the babe likes the names too,” she chuckled.

[nolongeralittledove]

Riding to Winterfell

[nolongeralittledove]

Raven to Queen Lyra Stark of Winterfell:

I should be arriving within the day. I am excited to be back home and am looking forward to spending time with you my dear sister-in-law. If you happen to see a hawk flying overhead, please do not let the archers shoot her. She is mine as much as I am hers. Once I am home we can discuss whatever news each of us knows about what Rickon and Arya are up to.

[queenlyrastark]

Raven to Princess Sansa Stark:

I am pleased to hear that, dear Sansa.  I am looking forward to seeing you as well.  I have news to share with you that I would much rather deliver in person.

Do not worry, I will inform the guards to beware of a hawk.  I am sure they will be unfazed by such a request as they have been told to leave my sweet bear alone for much the same reasons.

I look forward to it.

Yours, 

Lyra

[wolfbloodking]

Unforeseen circumstances || Lyra & Rickon

[wolfbloodking]

His men had to keep their mouths shut. Rickon didn’t want Lyra to know about his injury, not yet. She would be concerned, with good reason of course but he didn’t want her to. He had only returned to Winterfell a few minutes ago, reunited with his beloved wife. All Rickon wanted right now was seeing her happy. Any knowledge of his situation would ruin it all.

Once they arrived at their cozy bed chamers, Rickon sat down on the bed. A jolt of pain shot through his body, but he managed to conceal it rather well. He isn’t a wimp and has endured much more than a simple arrow shot. Rickon observed Lyra’s swelled belly. It had grown much more than he expected. ”So it was no fun here without me?” His lips curled up in a smile. Rickon loved to tease his wife. Rickon allowed her to take his hand and place the palm flat against her belly. He wasn’t sure what she was planning on though. Rickon looked up at his wife, with a questioning look in his eyes. Yet, on the moment he wanted to open his mouth to ask what she was up to, he felt how the child inside Lyra’s belly moved. It was a strange feeling, even for him. He felt how the baby seemed to kick against the side of the womb. This was astonishing. Rickon slowly nodded as he kept starring at his wife swelled belly, he certainly did feel it. ”It is..” He wasn’t able to find the right word for this. ”It is wonderful.” The idea  of a new human growing inside her body was still strange for him. 

”How does it feel? Does it hurt?” Suddenly Rickon had all kinds of questions. It seemed he only now realized he will become a father soon enough. ”We still do not have a name for him either.” A soft sigh escaped his lips, followed by a soft sound of laughter. ”Or her.” Secretly he hoped the baby will be a boy, that would be perfect. Although, it wasn’t like he would be disappointed if it turns out to be a girl. Rickon carefully lay down onto the bed, quietly hissing through his teeth because of the pain. The wound probably needed to be cleaned once more. Yet, he refused to ruin the moment he was having with his wife right now. Rickon signed her to lay down besides him, pulling her closer. ”Have you already thought of a name during my absence?”

[queenlyrastark]

“Of course not,” she teased.  Lyra could have laughed at the look of amazement on her husband’s face.  It truly was good to have him home again.  She had missed him more than she would have admitted.  For weeks she had wanted Rickon there so he could touch her belly and feel their child move within her womb.  That should not have been too much to ask for and yet he had been leagues away from her.  Lyra had wanted him back, but that was only something that time could bring her.  Eventually it did and she was grateful for that; more grateful than anyone could ever truly know if she was being honest with herself. 

She laughed and shook her head.  “No, it does not hurt.  It tickles more than anything,” Lyra explained.  “Although the child moving has made sleep much more difficult to come by.”  That was her biggest complaint about being with child.  She could not sleep properly and spent most of her time exhausted.  It was frustrating and she did not know what could be done about it.  Nothing, if the maester was correct.  There wasn’t anything that could be done for her exhaustion save more sleep.  It was simply unfortunate that sleep was so difficult to come by.

When Rickon laid back on the bed she noticed the way his body seemed to tense.  Was he injured?  Was that the reason he returned to Winterfell so much sooner than she would have thought?  It was possible, but it was also a possibility that Lyra did not wish to entertain.  Carefully she lay beside him and shifted closer.  “I had thought if it is a boy perhaps Eddard or Robb after your father or brother,” Lyra suggested as she gazed up at him.  The babe would be king someday if it was a boy.  He would deserve a strong Stark name.  “Or perhaps Brandon.”

Lyra paused briefly as her hand made soothing circles on her stomach where the child kicked.  “If it is a girl,” Lyra said while she squeezed her eyes shut.  “I would like to name her Dacey after my sister who died at the Red Wedding while serving on your brother’s guard.”  She looked away then and took a deep breath, "Or perhaps Catelyn for your mother."

[nolongeralittledove]

Riding to Winterfell

Soon I will be back home in The North.

[queenlyrastark]

It will be good to have you back at Winterfell.

[wolfbloodking]

Unforeseen circumstances || Lyra & Rickon

[wolfbloodking]

”Let me take care of the horses, you Grace. It is important you visit the Maester.” But Rickon was stubborn, as always. He brought his horse to the stables himself, where he even got rid of its saddle and additional attributes. At every moment, he could feel the stinging wound at the side of his body. Yes, it did hurt. But no one would notice something was wrong. Rickon was stronger than pain. Besides, he has overcome more than a silly arrow shot.

Rickon turned around when he heard that oh so familiar voice call his name. He instantly felt the arms of his wife around his neck. A twinge of pain flashed through his body. Yet, her words caused him to laugh softly. ”Do not worry, my dearest. I promise I will not go anywhere anytime soon.” Rickon pressed a soft but long kiss upon his wife’s lips. It had been too long since he had felt those lips on his. ”But you are not allowed to be awake at this hour.” A teasing smile curled up around his lips as he observed her face. It was funny to see how Lyra changed while he was away. His gaze went down to her grown stomach. It was a strange thing to witness. Rickon carefully moved both his hands to her belly, softly touching it. 

”I hope all goes well.” He somehow couldn’t take his eyes off of her stomach. ”Shall we go inside? You are not dressed to be out.” Rickon already made preparative to go inside when suddenly one of his men called his name.  ”You have to, your Grace. For your own good.” A deep sigh escaped Rickon’s lips as he gave the man a certain look, to let him know he wasn’t pleased by his words and interference. ”I will spend the night with my wife and get some well deserved rest. I am telling you to do the same.” Rickon moved his arm around Lyra’s waist and walked into the castle with her. He walked straight to their bedchambers.  His men were more concerned for him than Rickon himself. He could appreciate it, but now it was simply annoying him. All he wanted was to be with his wife. He carefully sat down on the edge of their bed. It felt so comfortable right away. ”You are beautiful.”  Rickon reached out his hand, pulling Lyra closer towards him once she took it. He took her gown off, revealing her belly a bit more. ”It is good to be home.” 

[queenlyrastark]

Oh how she had missed him.  When he kissed her, Lyra returned it as she rested her hand upon his chest.  The kiss was slow and soft.  Lyra reveled in it.  After being apart for so long she had missed him desperately.  The gods had heard her prayers and returned him to her before the babe came into the world.  That was all she asked for.  His promise was one she would hold him to for as long as possible.  They had been apart for far too long.  She needed to be with him again.  “I would not be awake at this hour if your child did not make sleeping a struggle,” she teased.  It was true.  The more her belly swelled with the child they made together, the more difficult it became for her to sleep at night.  Of course her handmaiden had come to tell her that Rickon had arrived.  No one could fault her for wanting to see her husband.

Lyra glanced at the men with Rickon and noted the concern in their voice for their king.  Something had happened to Rickon and it was obvious.  Lyra would have to find out what it was, but in that moment she cared for little save the fact that he had finally returned to her.  His arm snaked around her waist and Lyra sighed happily as the pair walked back inside and towards their chambers.  The exhaustion she had felt before news of his arrival reached her ears had completely faded away.

Once inside the privacy of their chambers, Lyra allowed herself to watch him more closely.  Rickon sat on the bed and drew her towards him with a smile.  She did not wish to be parted from him again.  They had been apart for too long and too many things had changed since he left.  She allowed Rickon to remove her gown and she smiled at him.  “It is good to have you home.”

Lyra took his hand and placed the palm flat against her swelled belly.  She did not know if the child would cooperate but she hoped that he would.  She wanted Rickon to feel him move.  After all, the queen had called out for her husband the first time she felt it, only to be reminded he was in the Riverlands laying waste to the Freys.  It had been a rude awakening and it made her pray all the more that Rickon would return before the birth of their child.  Now he had, and she couldn’t stop smiling.  Her lips curled up in a smile as she felt the child squirming around inside.  “Did you feel that, my love?”

[wolfbloodking]

Unforeseen circumstances || Lyra & Rickon

It was nothing more but a sudden sharp pain just below his ribs. On the side, just where the armor he is wearing is most vulnerable. He clenched his teeth and tried to ignore the stabbing pain, caused by the arrow sticking out of his side. Rickon’s hand was stained red with blood when he held it against the fresh wound. As he stumbled to a corner, he swore softly. That such a little nonentity could cause such pain. Rickon sunk down through his knees as he reached the corner of the courtyard, sheltered from the violence around him. Two of is men who saw their king getting injured came running into his direction. One thing was certain, they had to get rid of the arrow.

With much effort the men brought their wounded king back to their camp as the others continued fighting. “Get it out.” Rickon hissed through his teeth, referring to the arrow sticking out of his body. One of the men who had brought him back to the camp has limited medical knowledge but nodded slowly. This was not a difficult procedure, even a man without any medical knowledge could succeed. In one smooth movement he pulled the arrow out of Rickon’s body and blood ran out of the wound. The pain was horrific, but Rickon remained calm.

"We do not know if the point of the arrow was poisoned, you Grace." Rickon looked at the arrow but remained silence. “It is important we keep the wound clean, but our resources here are limited.” The king could tell his man hadn’t completely finished talking yet. He saw he was struggling. "Speak." Rickon said firmly. The man looked down at his king and let out a soft sigh. “There is a possibility you get a fever, your Grace. If you do, the chance you will survive is naught.” The man paused once more.  ”Your life is in the hands of the Gods, your Grace.” In the distance he could hear his men and the Greyjoy’s continuing the battle at the Twins. Rickon wants to be there, he has to be there. But the arrow changed everything. ”Bring me home.” He said after a long time. ”If I have to, I rather die at Winterfell than here.”  His men nodded slowly before the began to arrange their trip back to the North.

As stubborn as he was, Rickon traveled home on horseback. He was still losing blood. Not gallos, but it could be felt. The journey home took longer than usual. His men traveling with him made him rest more than he wanted to. The king’s wound had to be taken care of, all to avoid it from getting infected.  At the end of their journey to the North, Rickon was completely whacked but he kept strong. The night was still young when he rode through the gates of Winterfell.  Loud knocking could be heard on the heavy wooden bedchamber door. ”My lady..” The maid knocked once more before she already entered the chamber. ”My lady, please forgive me but he is back.” The girl quickly approached her queen and already took her gown from the chair. ”The King is back.” She helped the pregnant queen out of bed and put on her gown. ”He only just arrived, with two of his men.” 

[queenlyrastark]

As of late, the queen could not sleep.  It was not for worry about her husband.  It was because the child in her womb had taken to squirming around whenever she tried to get comfortable.  It was frustrating to no end and Lyra often found herself lying against the pillows with her hand on her swelling belly as she cooed to the little prince.  “Please child, let me sleep,” Lyra murmured as she made circles on her belly with her hand.  It was gentle and loving despite how frustrating her inability to sleep had been. 

Every night as she lay in bed, Lyra sent a prayer to the gods to protect her husband and bring him home before the child’s birth.  She wanted to see him again, so when her handmaiden came into her chambers to tell her that Rickon had returned, Lyra was overjoyed.  She could have wept with joy, until she realized that Rickon returning with only two men spelled trouble for her husband.  Had something happened while he was in the south?  Were the Freys all taken care of?  Quickly she got out of bed and allowed her handmaiden to dress her.  She was worried.  If something happened to Rickon….no, she couldn’t think like that.  Nothing could happen to him.  After all, he was a child who survived Skargos.  A simple battle would not be his undoing.  Lyra offered her handmaiden a tightlipped smile once she was dressed and her hands rested on her belly.  “Take me to Rickon.”  She had no idea where he would be going nor why he had returned with so few men.  Her mind was preparing her for the worst, but Lyra hoped it would not be needed.

Lyra’s heart was in her throat as her handmaiden led her down towards the yard.  “Is he alright?”  That was all she cared about.  She needed to know if her husband was alright.

“I don’t know, my lady.”

Lyra cursed under her breath as she stepped out into the cool night air, but then she saw him.  He was standing there near the stables and she quickly crossed the yard.  She was all but running towards him.  It was just good to see him.  Her heart had ached being apart from him and having him back was wonderful.  “Rickon!”  She was there in almost an instant, throwing her arms around her husband’s neck.  “You are not allowed to leave for so long again.  As queen I forbid it.”

[sharp-lady-alysanne]

It looks like the peace is over,

[sharp-lady-alysanne]

That is very good to hear, your grace. I would hate for this to spread beyond the Riverlands.

[queenlyrastark]

As would I.  Rickon's revenge will end and he will return to Winterfell.  Of that I have no doubt.

[queenlyrastark]

Unexpected Visitor | Ramona & Lyra

[ramonabolton]

"Still no ravens," thought Ramona irritated. Her patience had not lasted as long as she wanted. After weeks of rumors, it’s a shame that she was not informed of a war involving her kingdom. And that’s another little thing nagging at her, another reminder that her position is uncertain at best. Did the Starks have so little respect for her? Ramona would have to seek answers on her own, even if it meant making a tiring, uncomfortable trip to Winterfell. She took some satisfaction, though a bitter one, when she realized that this meant that she would not lose any of her men. All the dead would be from Starks and Greyjoys, and was not this one of the most unlikely alliances? The thought almost makes her laugh.

"Damn gunk", she cursed and dismounted to sink to the shins in the mud that covered the trail. The lightweight snowfall melted on the rays of the spring sun and transformed the path into a quagmire. Ramona had traveled with two horses to take turns during the journey, hoping to gain time and spare the animals. Still, the poor creatures seemed exhausted. When she finally reached the gates of the castle, Ramona was pleased to note that the guards let her through without fuss, just saying something about warning the queen of her presence. Good. She handed the reins to the stableboy and begun to dictate instructions “and that they are well cared, for your sake.”

Soon she was received by a servant who took her to a well-kept garden, "The queen will meet you soon. Please, wait here." Warmth greeted her as soon as she stepped inside. Were these the greenhouses thatgrew the famous winter roses? Ramona knocked the mud off her boots, leaving a striped drawing in various shades of brown on the once spotless floor. She knew it was a childish provocation, but felt rewarded by the trail of mud that followed her. Noting movement in the corner of her vision, she watches the woman approaching. Oh. This she had not expected. Lyra was pregnant, her condition apparent even hidden under the light cloak she wore. What king in his right mind would go to war and leave his pregnant queen at home unprotected? Rickon Stark, apparently. Tsk, tsk.

Ramona lowered her scarlet hood to expose her face, the little snowflakes melting fast in the heat of the greenhouse and leaving the fabric wet and heavy. "Majesty," she says with a smile, ducking her head just enough to not be considered an act of insubordination. Lyra’s comment sounded in the air, unfinished, sounding like a question.

Ramona dropped her smile, her face turning serious in an instant. "Well, I would not have come here if you had done the courtesy to warn that you intended to start a war."

[queenlyrastark]

Ramona Snow made Lyra uneasy.  That was the simple truth of the matter, but the queen did her best not to let those feelings show.  The Boltons had been just as involved in the Red Wedding as the Freys had been so why did Rickon not see fit to rid the North of Ramona like he thought to rid the Riverlands of the Freys?  That was a question only her husband could answer but alas he was far away.  She noticed the way that Ramona’s eyes darted briefly to her stomach, noticing her condition.  Lyra’s stomach twisted in knots knowing that she was aware of her pregnancy; however, she was not sure if that was anxiety or the babe letting his presence be known.  It was a vulnerability and with Rickon not beside her that weakened her further.

“I was under the impression that Rickon would have informed you,” Lyra stated simply.  “I am not his keeper nor is it my duty to report his decisions to the bannermen.”  It irked Lyra that everyone simply assumed she agreed with Rickon’s course of action.  The truth of the matter was she didn’t.  Rickon’s vengeance could easily have been achieved by simply having political dealings with King Harrold.  Surely the King of the Vale could understand Rickon’s perspective and yet he simply went to war with the most worthless ally that the North could have asked for.  They needed an alliance with the Reach or the Vale.  They did not need to be attacking the Vale with the alliance of the Iron Islands.  It frustrated Lyra to no end, but Rickon was not listening to her advice.

The queen sighed as her green eyes remained on Ramona’s.  “Had I been aware that my husband neglected to inform you I would have sent a raven.”  In truth it surprised Lyra that Rickon had not requested Bolton men to travel south with him.  She knew that some of the bannermen who had been close to Winterfell did go south.  Had Jorelle and Lyanna been at Winterfell when they returned from Highgarden, Lyra was certain both of her sisters would have ridden with Rickon’s host.  “It was never my intention to slight you in any way.  Surely you must understand that miscommunication is a common thing that happens.”

[sharp-lady-alysanne]

It looks like the peace is over,

[sharp-lady-alysanne]

I hope you will be able to talk some sense into him soon; this vengeance will lead to nothing good, I fear.

[queenlyrastark]

That is both a hope and a fear we share, I'm afraid.  I am doing everything I can to see this conflict ended swiftly.

[sharp-lady-alysanne]

It looks like the peace is over,

[sharp-lady-alysanne]

It is good to know that you do not think the same way as your wild husband.

[queenlyrastark]

I have tried to quell his rage, but it is not easily calmed.  My hope is that this brutality is what he needs to put the past behind him.  He has more important duties to attend back home than this vengeance.

[sharp-lady-alysanne]

It looks like the peace is over,

with all the trouble in the east.

[queenlyrastark]

Unfortunately you seem correct.  My husband is blinded by anger.

[queenlyrastark]

Unexpected Visitor | Ramona & Lyra

There was still a chill in the air as spring continued on.  Lyra was grateful that the long winter was behind them, but still there were spring snows that came and blanketed the world in a light dusting of snow.  Such had been the case the night previously.  Lyra had been unable to sleep and spent what seemed like hours sitting beside the window watching the snowfall and wondering how Rickon was fairing in the south.  True, she was angry with him for not listening to her and angry for not planning things thoroughly, but Lyra still loved him.  The babe growing inside her was proof enough of that.

She had been speaking with the maester when a servant arrived to inform her that Ramona Snow had arrived at Winterfell.  Lyra was not overly fond of the woman.  She was a Bolton and the Boltons had been involved in the Red Wedding.  At times she was forced to wonder why Rickon did not call for Ramona’s head like he had called for all the Freys who had been involved.  “I will see her,” Lyra said before she turned to the maester and apologized for the disruption.

Without another word Lyra made her way down towards the gates to meet Ramona Snow.  She was anxious to see the woman because Lyra had been attempting to keep her pregnancy secret until Rickon returned from the Riverlands.  Unfortunately the swell of her belly had become somewhat obvious despite the fact that the maester believed her pregnancy was only half over.  Lyra had always been a very slender woman and she cursed it now.  Were it winter still she could have worn a cloak to hide it, but it was the spring.

Lyra spotted the woman across the yard and approached her swiftly.  “Lady Snow,” Lyra said with a tight-lipped smile.  “I was not expecting you.”

[ohmylaniaison]

I am a woman above everything else.

[wolfbloodking]

Raven || Rickon & Lyra [PRIVATE]

[wolfbloodking]

My dearest Lyra, I am pleased to hear you are fairing well. I wish I could see for my self how your belly has already begun to swell. Do not fret about the people of Winterfell, they will be delighted by this joyous news. If I could, my dear, I would return home now. Unfortunately, we both know this is impossible. We can only hope and pray I will return on time. In spite of myself, my imagination already carries me to you.  I grasp you, I kiss you, I caress you, a thousand of the most amorous caresses take possession of me. I simply can not help loving you more than is good for me. The days here take long, far too long. The days here without you make me feel depressed.  I could write you for hours and send endless letters.  I shall feel all the happier when I see you again. Alas, there are some things that must be done, my duty calls.  My beloved Lyra, I am looking forward to your raven.  Your husband, Rickon

[queenlyrastark]

My love,

It is not the people of Winterfell I fret over.  It is those in the south who may learn of my condition.  I know it cannot be hidden forever, but I would feel more comfortable releasing the news if you were back home with me.  I believe I felt the child move today.  It was like little flutters inside and the maester believes the babe is what I felt.

I dream of your kisses, my love.  I pray everyday that you return to me swiftly.  I miss you.  I love you.  I cannot wait for you to return so that I may be in your arms once again.  I am all but counting the days until I can feel your lips on mine.

All my love,

Lyra

[wolfbloodking]

Raven || Rickon & Lyra [PRIVATE]

To my dearest Lyra, First of all, I want you to know I and my men arrived at the Twins safely. The journey went prosperous and the first Freys the Greyjoys found are no more. Soon the others will suffer the same fate.  Yet, on the way here I began to doubt my plans. I almost turned around to follow the way back to Winterfell. But now I am here, the Twins within sight, I realize I must continue to ever be able to live peacefully. I am aware my plans sound precipitate to you. I should have involved or at least informed you properly, therefor I sincerely apologize. I know how much you wanted to be here and fight by my side. You must know I would rather have you here than so far away from me. But you got a much more significant task now. Compared to that, this whole battle is child’s play. How are you fairing? And our little child? I hope it all goes as I planned here, so I am able to return home soon enough. So I can see your belly grow. So I can see how you bring our babe into the world, with my own eyes.  Always, with undying love, yours, Rickon

[queenlyrastark]

My beloved Rickon,

I am truly glad to know you have reached the Twins safely.  You must know I worry for your safety and pray to the gods that you will return to Winterfell whole.  I could not bare to lose you or be forced to raise our child alone.

I would have been grateful if you had informed me of your plans, but alas we cannot go back in time.  It is the past and it will do neither of us much good to dwell on the things we could have done differently.

I am fairing very well.  My sickness has stopped and I am grateful for that.  The maester says my condition is progressing well.  Our child will be here before we know it.  My belly has already begun to swell.  I fear many of the people in Winterfell suspect my condition.  I do not know how much longer I will be able to keep this hidden.  I pray that you return to me before our child enters this world.

Forever yours,

Lyra

[queenlyrastark]

Raven to Sansa | Private

Dearest Sansa,

I do not know if you are aware, but your brother is a foolish man.  He is not listening to my advice and has ridden south to get his revenge upon the Freys.  I fear what this will do to the North's relationship with the other kingdoms.

You are still at Highgarden, are you not?  Perhaps it would be wise of you to discuss a potential alliance with King Willas. The Reach is one kingdom I do not wish to make an enemy of.  Rickon does not have issues with them, so my hope is that his foolish vengeance will not interfere with such an alliance.

Please do stay safe and give my best to Arya.

Sincerely, 

Lyra 

[wolfbloodking]

Loving Concern | Lyra & Rickon

[wolfbloodking]

Maybe women do become more fiercer once they become a mother. But Lyra was still with child. Their babe has yet to be born, it was different. ”You see yourself in this craving?’' His eyebrows rose. Rickon knew Lyra was a strong woman and a little did he know having a baby won't change anything about this. But taking a pregnant woman to battle was out of the question. ”Is that the mother you want to be? In one hand your newborn child and in the other a battleaxe?” He knew nothing about motherhood but didn’t seem very fond of the idea. Mothers should be loving and caring. Rickon didn’t know much about his own mother, but he was sure she was a loving woman, not waving around with a battleaxe or whatsoever. 

”No, I have never seen how a mother bear fights to protect her cub, Lyra. I understand mothers protect their babes with their own lives, I believe it is called maternal instinct. But going to battle while being with child is not exactly what I call protective. Please, understand it can be too dangerous and thus I will not allow it.” Bears are not the only species doing this though, but seen Lyra’s sigil he understood why she chose it as an example.  Their journey home went very well. After they made a quick stop at Cerwyn he sent Asha the letter he promised her. The raiding would begin and soon his men will follow. Within three days they arrived at Winterfell, but there was no time to make himself comfortable and rest. His army had to be prepared. It helped his army was well trained and always ready for battle. That very same evening they were all set to leave.  Rickon gazed down at Lyra’s stomach, which was growing. It made him wonder about how big it will be by the time he returns to Winterfell. Or how flat it is again if the babe is born during his absence. ”I will be home soon enough.” Rickon softly kissed his wife’s lips before getting onto his horse. Together with his forces he marched south, ready to capture the Twins. 

[queenlyrastark]

She scoffed.  She understood that she could not ride south while with child.  She knew that.  Rickon clearly had missed the intent of her original comment.  She meant that even were she not with child, she would not be allowed to go.  He said perhaps she would, but she was not sure she believed him.  "All women of Bear Island see themselves in that carving," she replied.  "I thought you realized when you married me that I was not your typical wife." She would not sit idly by and embroider.  She had more important things to do.

"I do not wish to put the babe in harm's way, and I will do as you ask."  Lyra sighed then.  "However, you need to realize that just because I am to be a mother that does not make me less of a warrior.  I will still best you with a sword.  Once the babe has come, if ever there was a need she would ride south.  She would still fight.  Birthing a child would not change that about who she was.

By the time they returned to Winterfell, Lyra was glad to see the familiar place.  She longed for Bear Island, but knew she had to stay here.  Rickon had told her there must always be a Stark in Winterfell.  She was only a Stark in name, but her babe was one by blood.  Her belly had barely begun to swell and she did not think it was noticeable to anyone but her and Rickon.  They knew her body like no one else did.

"If you leave this child fatherless I will kill you," Lyra threatened after he kissed her lips.  She did not think that raising the heir to Winterfell alone would be something she could accomplish.  It scared her more than motherhood.  She did not wish for Rickon to die.  However, he was soon on his horse and riding south.  There was nothing she could do to stop him.