Winter lives in my bones

King in the North When the snows fall and the white winds blow, the lone wolf dies but the pack survives. Winter is almost upon us. It will be long and hard, but the north remembers and the wolves will come 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. 

[wolfbloodking]

Unforeseen circumstances || Lyra & Rickon

[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]

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?''

[wolfbloodking]

Unforeseen circumstances || Lyra & Rickon

[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.”

[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.'' 

[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.'' 

[wolfbloodking]

Marching south || Asha & Rickon

[queenofiron]

Asha watched Rickon behead the prisoners. He didn’t even flinch as he did it. It was a quality she admired in an ally: she’d had to kill like that before, outside of the heat of battle. They were forged out of the same metal, more so than any of the Southron Kings and Queens. He’d be either her greatest ally or her strongest weakness and she was grateful he was her ally. And then they rode into battle. Rickon disappeared into the castle with his squadron of men. A strong, precise force, with a strong, precise task. But that wasn’t the objective of her troops. Ironborn didn’t do well in formations. The Northerners around them tried to fight in groups, shields raised, protecting the flank, vangard and all of that nonsense. But not Ironborn. They were chaos. They were the relentless wave. They were the storm. Asha hefted her axe. Her husband. Asha the Axewed, how they’d remember her name if she died today. But, of course, she had no intention of dying. None of her Ironborn wanted to die today, away from the sea, but that didn’t make them afraid, it made them fight fiercer. She charged the courtyard, swinging against every man in Frey colors. They’d take the courtyard, they’d take the towers. They’d take the bridge, and the river. They’d take it all, and Rickon would have his revenge, and Asha would have her towers.

[wolfbloodking]

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. 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. 

[wolfbloodking]

Raven || Rickon & Lyra [PRIVATE]

[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

[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

[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

[donnamissal]

[wolfbloodking]

Marching south || Asha & Rickon

[queenofiron]

"We’ve had a fun several days," she said, and it was true. In that time her Ironborn had raided the coast, bringing down the bell of Seagard and capturing many thralls and iron goods. She’d solidified her Queendom more in the last few days at Seagard than she had since placing the Driftwood Crown on her head, her raiders easily won over by a Queen who gave them lands to raid and led them into the battle.

She glanced back toward the sea, a low hill shielding her view of the main camp of her warriors, a great army of men and more than a few women, armed to the teeth with stolen weapons. "As we suspected, Frey sent troops to aid Mallister, and we’ve killed many of his soldiers. He’s not at full strength anymore, especially not to come against two kingdoms." She couldn’t see them, but she could hear them, the crackle of so many fighters and the low roar of voices. "We also captured thirteen lords who claimed relation to Walder Frey in an attempt for mercy. We took them captive, awaiting your sword. You can kill them now, when I go back to our encampment to rouse my men."

***

When the deed was done, day was just beginning to dawn.The grey morning peace was shattered by the sound of two armies roaring into battle, one driven to bloodlust by the thought of revenge, undoing a great wrong, the other by a simple love of mayhem. Bound together in this strange alliance, they descended upon the castle.

The Battle of the Twins has begun.

[wolfbloodking]

Especially not against two very strong kingdoms. It was clear as water he won’t stand a chance against the Stark and Greyjoy armies. He was glad to hear Asha already had a few people imprisoned. “Sounds like I can start straight away.” A grin curled up around his lips. His sword was hungry for some blood. Frey blood. Rickon watched how Asha turned around and strode away to rouse her men. The place where the Greyjoy’s kept the Frey men captive wasn’t far from their camp. By observing their faces he could tell the man sitting on the ground in front of him are not the Frey lords he was looking for. Most of them aren’t even a Frey by name. Rickon had promised himself not to kill innocent souls. But then again, every friend to Walder Frey was an enemy to him.

Rickon gave these people a quick and painless death, they were not worthy of his time. Time was precious now. Rickon and his men joined the Greyjoy army once the deed was done. The sun broke through the thick layer of grey clouds. It was a beautiful day. A beautiful day that was ruined by the sound of heavy armor and steel. The two armies assail the heavy wooden gates of the Twins. Rickon slid the throat of the first guard he came across. No one at the Twins was prepared for this attack. Some of their men made their way over the walls into the castle. It all went far too easy.

''Remember, every Frey you come across is mine!'' Rickon roared as he looked at Asha. It was her responsibility no Frey would be killed by a Greyjoy sword. Once the reached the courtyard of the castle, Rickon told his men to split up and some others to follow him. His men knew what he expected from them. Asha knew what he expected from her and thus Rickon didn't bother about her men. They weren't his responsibility. While he and his men tried to get further into the castle, guards appear out of nothing, waving their swords at them. It made him wonder where these bastards came from. Arrows flew right past their heads. Rickon fought his way through the crowd, up the stairs further into the castle. His men and the Greyjoys would take care of mess outside on the courtyard while he and a select group of men went searching for any Frey.

[wolfbloodking]

Marching south || Asha & Rickon

The moment had finally come. The moment he had dreamed ever since he was just a little boy. Rickon had lived for this moment, nothing else. Since the feast at Highgarden, Rickon only had been at Winterfell to prepare his army to march South and capture the Twins, to have his well deserved vengeance.  As the darkness fell, Rickon allowed his forces to rest at Moat Cailin. They set up several campfire just outside the city to keep themselves warm. Even though Spring had chased Winter away, the nights were still chilly up in the North. Luckily the blood of him and his men ran cold and thus is was quite comfortable for them around the campfire. It was only a short journey from Moat Cailin to the Twins and bit of rest would do them all good. They would leave before sunrise and arrive at the Twins before sunset. At least, if everything went according to plan.

Rickon rested his head against Shaggydog’s soft, furry stomach. It reminded him a lot of the times when he was on the road with Osha, Hodor and his brother Bran. Even though he could not remember much, he did remember how he always used to lay with Shaggydog exactly like this. While Rickon looked up at the starry sky his thoughts drifted off to Winterfell, to Lyra and his unborn heir. For the first time he doubted the decision he made, but he wouldn’t crawl back behind the safe walls of Winterfell like a frightened wolf pup. His chance to slaughter the men he hated most lays right in front of him, and he was taking it eagerly with both hands. All he could hope for was to be able to return home before his wife gave birth to their first son or daughter.

Long before dawn, Rickon was sitting on his horse again, followed by his men. Without setbacks they crossed the border with the Vale. Rain was pouring down by the time they reached the Twins that very evening. Asha told him she would be waiting for him north of the Twins, which is exactly where he was at. His eyes scanned the environment when he heard a female voice greeting him. It caused him to grin as he lay his eyes on Asha.

"Good to see you survived your journey from Seagard." Rickon turned around, looking up at the shapes of the Twins in the distance once he got off his horse. It felt right. This was the right night to make it happen

[wolfbloodking]

Loving Concern | Lyra & Rickon

[queenlyrastark]

Lyra had to resist the urge to roll her eyes at her husband.  She loved him, truly, but this man was wearing her patience thin.  ”Do not be so ridiculous, Rickon.”  She sighed then and refused to say more on the subject.  She was clearly unhappy with him, but it was not because he didn’t want her to come.  He wasn’t listening to her and that was what bothered Lyra the most.  His harsh words were belittling, reducing her to nothing more than his wife and the mother of his child.  Was she no longer her own person now that she said her vows and joined with him in marriage?

Silence didn’t bother Lyra.  She was half afraid she would snap at Rickon if he spoke and as such was grateful for it.  When he moved towards her she raised her eyebrow when he sat beside her.  Lyra listened to him as he spoke.  He did care about both her and the babe, that much was clear.  He simply didn’t realize that he was minimizing her authority.  She may as well have been a chambermaid for how he wished her to obey.  ”Back on Bear Island there is a carving on our gate,” Lyra started as her gaze shifted to meet his.  ”It’s of a woman with a newborn babe suckling at her breast and in the other hand she has a battleaxe.”  The statue spoke volumes about the women of House Mormont, and all the women who lived on Bear Island.  They were warriors and becoming a mother did not change that.  

"Becoming a mother does not make me less of a warrior, Rickon.  It makes me all the fiercer."  She smiled then and tilted her head.  "Have you ever seen a mother bear fight to protect her cub?  They will do anything to keep the cub safe."  The bear was her sigil.  Daeryssa, her bear, was to her what Shaggydog was to Rickon.  She may have been a Stark in name but she was Mormont by blood.  Nothing would ever change that.

[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. 

[nolongeralittledove]

A letter to King Rickon of The North || Sansa & Rickon PRIVATE

Dear Rickon,

I am sending a raven, which I hope reaches only your hands. How are things in Winterfell? Things have been rather uneventful here in Highgarden. It has given me a chance to actually relax since I traveled to King’s Landing to get my marriage annulled. I think it is time that I return home soon though. Is there anything you would like me to mention to the Tyrells while I am still here? I know you wish to keep our families close, and I am happy to help our family in whatever way I can.

I hope this letter finds you well, Sansa

[wolfbloodking]

My dearest Sansa,

I am truly sorry to hear you have experienced your time at Highgarden as uneventful. While leaving you and Arya there, I had hoped you both would experience the time at Higharden as pleasant. If you travel home, you will not find me there. Our unfinished business with the Freys are about to get ended. Therefor it is better if you stay at Highgarden until I have made my vengeance. I know your love for Winterfell and our family is as strong as mine, dear sister. Soon the Tyrells and the rest of Westeros will hear about the raiding, about the plans I have for the Freys. There is something I want you to do, Sansa. Make sure the Tyrells stay at Highgarden. There is no need to risk their men and interfere with my plans. Tell them I nor  Asha Greyjoy have no business in The Reach. Tell them their folk is safe as long as they stay at their own grounds.  Warmest regards,

[wolfbloodking]

Loving Concern | Lyra & Rickon

[queenlyrastark]

He was treating her like a child.  Lyra’s hands curled into fists as her husband spoke down to her.  She was unaccustomed to being treated as such.  On Bear Island the women were in control.  She had led there.  She had helped her people with disputes and done everything she needed to in order to rebuild her home after the war.  Bear Island had remained intact for the most part, but there were always things to be done.  It seemed now that Rickon did not see that.  He did not see how she had ruled after her mother’s death.  He had not listened to her about the Tyrells.  It seemed as though she would offer him advice and he would ignore it.

Lyra opened her mouth to tell him off but he was gone and she sighed.  Her arms crossed over her chest as she thought briefly about following him anyway.  How could she be a queen if she was not informed of what was happening with their kingdom?

Rickon had been right and it didn’t take long for him to return.  When he did she had the full intention of completely ignoring him.  Perhaps that was the childish thing to do but she didn’t care.  It hurt to know he did not seem to respect her as much as she thought he did.  ”So soon?”  Her eyebrow rose and she sighed softly.  ”I suppose it is pointless to say I will accompany you.  Surely you won’t allow it.”  Even if she shed the child she knew Rickon would not let her go.  It was ridiculous.  She fought against the White Walkers.  Surely she could handle a few Freys.  Briefly she wondered if he would even return to Winterfell before the babe came but thought better than to bring it up.  It didn’t matter anyway.

[wolfbloodking]

''You are with child, Lyra.'' Rickon said a bit annoyed. Of course he wasn't going to take you with him. Lyra may have fought against the White Walkers, she may have led back on Bear Island. But she had to realize everything will be different now she was carrying his babe. It was time for her to start realize she is not warrior anymore. She was his wife now, Queen of Winterfell and future mother of his heir. ''I do not know how long this will take. What is it you want? Give birth while in battle?'' He shook his head as he let out a humorless smirk. It was a foolish thought.

''There always must be a Stark at Winterfell.'' That said, this useless discussion they were having was closer. Rickon was not going to take a pregnant woman with him to battle. Winterfell was safe for Lyra, even though he would take his best men with him to The Vale, to capture the Twins and move south to Riverrun. ''You soon will be a mother, get used to it.'' He shrugged his shoulders as he poured himself some wine. In his opinion, on couldn't be a mother and warrior at the same time. Rickon thought Lyra was aware of these changes the moment she married him. 

Their journey to Winterfell felt uncomfortable, even for him. It was not long before he realized he might have been harsh towards her. They had both remained silence now for hours, which slightly bothered him. Rickon got up, only to take place on the bench besides his wife and forced her to look at him. ''If you were not carrying a babe around I most likely would have allowed you to come with me. I know you can fight against the Freys,effortlessly. But seen you condition, I will not take the risk if it is not necessary. There are people at home who will take care of you during my absence. You will have all you need.'' Rickon took his wife's hand in his and carefully pressed a kiss on its back. ''All will be well.''

[sharp-lady-alysanne]

It's only spring,

[sharp-lady-alysanne]

I suppose that is true. And perhaps; I have a feeling I would miss his grace much more then he would miss me.

[wolfbloodking]

Makes me wonder.. what is such a pretty lady, as you like to call yourself, doing in the presence of someone like Tyrion Lannister? Is it his wealth, my Lady? 

[sharp-lady-alysanne]

It's only spring,

[sharp-lady-alysanne]

No, your grace, that is not what I was implying. I was just saying that your wife may be jealous that you invited another pretty woman to your court.

[wolfbloodking]

I think this depends on one's definition of pretty..

What about the imp? Will he not become jealous if you decide to visit the North?

[sharp-lady-alysanne]

It's only spring,

[sharp-lady-alysanne]

Maybe someday, your grace, but for now I think my place is here, in Casterly Rock. Besides, I do not want your wife getting jealous.

[wolfbloodking]

I must have given you false hope, my Lady. I do not have any further intentions. I am sorry to disappoint you..

[wolfbloodking]

Loving Concern | Lyra & Rickon

[queenlyrastark]

Lyra shook her head.  She did not want to believe that any of the other monarchs had already learned of her condition, but of course she had seen a maester in the Reach.  Willas Tyrell would surely have been informed.  The maester would not truly have been doing his job had he not done it.  Softly she sighed, but there was nothing that could be done about it.

When Rickon spoke, Lyra smiled sleeply at him.  His words, however, caused a slight frown.  They had stopped at Seaguard and he was going to speak with Asha Greyjoy.  An alliance, she knew instantly.  The Ironborn were some of her least favorite people and Lyra could not understand why Rickon would rather ally with them instead of Harrold Arryn or Willas Tyrell.  Both of them would prove to be formidable allies, but suddenly it clicked into place.  All the Ironborn had to offer was ships.  Rickon’s revenge.  Her hand fell protectively to her abdomen where their child grew.  ”I should come with you.  Asha knew my sister.”

[wolfbloodking]

Was it really that hard for her to listen to him for once? Rickon watched how Lyra protectively placed her hand on her abdomen where the the heir of Winterfell grew. ''No..'' He said curtly. ''Asha knew your sister, not you.'' In his opinion Lyra wouldn't add anything useful to the conversation he was going to have with the Iron Queen. She is just his wife, not his counselor or anyone else he might listen to when it comes down to plans like the one he had in his head right now. This was important for him. Far too important to ruin it and take his wife with him.

''It should not take long.'' Rickon said again before he got out of the carriage without being bothered by whatever it was Lyra wanted to tell him. With Shaggydog and Henry following him, he made his way down the beach where Asha was already waiting for him with two of her men. Somehow Rickon had expected an entire army to accompany her to the beach, but is seems she had enough trust in him.

Rickon had been right. the conversation he was had with Asha on the beach of Seagard didn't take that long and he soon returned with the feeling he had done something good by making this alliance with the Greyjoys. After a brief conversation with the coachman he got inside their carriage and sat across from his wife, on which the carriage immediately started to move. ''We will make less stops. It is important we reach Winterfell soon. When we get there I will raise my armies and leave straight away.'' It was clear as water it will take some time before he will be home again.