The Wolf Priestess and the Lion Knight

Chapter 7 A Day in the Life of the Starks

The years went by, and Ned noticed that his eldest daughter had more Wolf's blood in her than he had hoped. She was not as reckless as her aunt, but Lyarra did want to learn everything her brothers were learning as far as their martial training. Ned had decided long ago that he would not make the same mistake his father made with Lyanna, so he talked to Catelyn and explained the situation to her and what had happened to his sister.

Catelyn didn't like the thought of her daughters learning to fight, but she saw the wisdom in it. The North was a wild place, and her girls could find themselves in situations where they had to depend on themselves; so, Catelyn reluctantly agreed as long as any daughter they had did not neglect their studies and also learned to be ladies.

Ned didn't see a problem with that. He thought Lyarra would readily agree with the compromise he and her mother had reached. So, Ned had Jory Cassel call his daughter to his Solar so he could explain to Lyarra the deal he had made with her mother.

A timid knock at his door and Lyarra peeked in, “You wanted to see me, Father?”

Ned gave Lyarra a stern look and nodded, “Aye, daughter, I have something to discuss with you.”

Lyarra gulped and walked into her father's solar. Ned motioned her to sit down and climbed into the chair opposite Ned's desk. Ned leaned forward and looked his daughter in the eyes, “Rodrick Cassel has informed me that you have been asking him to teach you how to fight like your brothers. Is this true?”

Lyarra straightened her back and looked her father dead in the eyes, “Aye, father, it is true. I do not think it is fair that Robb and Jon learn how to fight while I learn how to stitch and dance and play an instrument. Do not get me wrong, I enjoy the activities of learning to be a lady, but I want to be able to defend myself as well. There may come a time when I must defend myself.”

And that's when Ned noticed the difference between his sister and his sweet girl. Lyanna had delusions of becoming a knight, while Lyarra was only being rational. Ned realized that his sweet Lyarra would have no problem with the compromise. Ned smiled at his daughter and motioned her to come to sit on his lap. Lyarra beamed and jumped off her chair, and rushed into her father's arms. He kissed her head and hugged her to him.

“Your mother and I have discussed this and decided it would be in your best interest to learn to fight along with your brothers, provided you do not shirk your other studies.”

Lyarra squealed and hugged her father tightly, “Oh, I promise Papa, I will do everything I am supposed to do. I will not let you nor Mother down.”

Ned chuckled and kissed Lyarra's head, “I know you will not, Sweetling.”

Suddenly, Lyarra became pensive; she looked at her father with her brow furrowed, “Will Sansa be allowed to do the same thing?”

“When she is older, she will be given a choice. And if Sansa decides to follow in your footsteps, I expect you to help her as her older sister.”