Soul of a Wolf (Kagome x Robert Baratheon)

Chapter 8 The Journey South

It took a few weeks for Rickard to arrange everything to take his girls South to visit Ned. He decided they would spend a few days in Barrowton to see Brandon. Rickard knew it would make both girls happy, especially Lyanna. But he would not allow Lyanna to stay this time; Rickard had received a message from Lord Tywin, and the Old Lion thought the prospects of joining Houses were good. He informed Rickard that Jaime had been sent to foster in the Vale. So, Rickard decided this was the perfect opportunity for the youngsters to get to know each other.

For his part, Jaime had been miserable since arriving at the Vale. He didn't like being parted from his twin, the only girl he could ever love. Jaime thought it was unfair that he had to leave Casterly Rock, but once Tywin made up his mind, there was no change.

Jaime remained reserved with Robert and Ned. They tried everything to get Jaime out of his shell, but as soon as their studies were over, Jaime would retreat to his bed chamber and remain there until it was time to eat. Robert and Ned were worried about the young boy, but they couldn't think of anything to help him. Lord Arryn pulled them aside and told them to give Jaime space; he would come around eventually.

It took a month for Jaime to accept that his father would not return for him finally. He decided he couldn't mope around the castle, wishing for something that wouldn't happen. So, Jaime agreed to make the best of it and try to make friends with Robert and Ned.

It was a little easier to make friends with Robert since they grew up in the South. Jaime found Ned to be a little mysterious, but Jaime could also tell that Ned wasn't the barbarian everyone said the Northerners were like. It took a little longer for Jaime to warm up to Ned, but once they got to know each other, the three boys became inseparable.

A few weeks before Lord Rickard and the girls arrived, Ned received a letter from his mother informing him that his father and sisters were on their way. Ned was ecstatic! He missed his family dearly, more Alarra than the others. He couldn't help it. Though he loved Lyanna, there was a special bond between him and Alarra. Ned was still protective of his sisters but more towards Alarra than Lyanna. Lyanna had Brandon; they were more alike.

Ned informed his friends that his father was bringing his sisters; he didn't notice Robert's eyes light up at the thought of seeing Alarra. Jaime, who had heard much about Ned's sisters, was curious about meeting Lyanna. He had heard how the girls were trained in weaponry, and Jaime wanted to see how good Lyanna was for a six-year-old. According to Ned, the girls were excellent with swords, though Alarra preferred the Bow.

Jaime thought it was interesting that the Northern Girls were allowed to use weapons, and perhaps he would like spending time with the Stark Sisters.

A few weeks passed, and Ned was on pins and needles waiting for his family. Finally, on the day that the Stark party arrived. Lord Arryn had his wards line up and wait until the retinue stopped. Lord Rickard dismounted his horse and helped the girls get down. He formally greeted Lord and introduced his daughter Lyanna. After that, the twins launched themselves at Ned and hugged him tightly. Alarra started crying, and Ned held his sister closely, then hugged Lyanna.

After that, Alarra greeted Robert and Jaime. But Jaime was more interested in Lyanna. He found her attitude refreshing from the simpering girls he had met at court. Lyanna was blunt and honest, and it intrigued him. While Robert began talking to Alarra, asking her questions about their trip, Jaime decided to speak with Lyanna. At first, Lyanna opposed talking to him, but as he questioned her on her skill with a sword, she became more comfortable, and the two began chatting.

Lord Arryn and Lord Rickard smiled at each other. Even though they were still children, they could tell that the children were going to be great friends, and that was vital if they planned to overthrow the King. Lord Rickard thought that perhaps an agreement could be reached with the Old Lion about betrothing Lyanna to Jaime. He knew that Tywin would not oppose having an alliance with the most extensive Kingdom in the realm.

While this was going on, Jaime and Lyanna went to the sparing ring. Jaime wanted to see how good Lyanna was with a sword. True, Jaime was older, but Lyanna was confident in her skills. Lyanna eagerly followed Jaime to the sparring ring, and they began to spar. Jaime was easy on Lyanna initially, not wanting to hurt the six-named-old girl. But as their sparring progressed, Jaime found that Lyanna was a formidable opponent; he was hard-pressed to defeat her but eventually prevailed. Jaime thought Lyanna would be upset that he didn't let her win, but Lyanna was ecstatic, having sparred with Jaime, “Let's go again!” Lyanna crowed.

Jaime smiled and was about to begin again when the steward came and told Lyanna that her father wanted her to rest after their journey. Lyanna groaned but accepted; she turned to Jaime, “Perhaps we can spar again later, Lord Jaime?”

Jaime smiled genuinely,“ I would like that very much, Lady Lyanna.”

Lyanna returned the smile and followed the steward to the castle. Jaime continued training, but he was more intrigued with Lyanna Stark than before.

Meanwhile, Alarra, Ned, and Robert walked around Th Eyrie, talking. Alarra told Ned all of the news back home and about how Brandon would be betrothed to Catelyn Tully. Alarra shook her head, “Brandon is so upset. He doesn't want to marry a Southern Flower, but Father has given him no choice.”

“I don't think it will work out,” Ned told his sister.

“Neither do I; our ways are too different,” Alarra agreed.

That comment disheartened Robert a bit. Robert knew that he and Alarra were too young, but he couldn't help feeling a special connection with her. Robert knew that when he was old enough, his father, Steffon, would begin searching for a bride for him. Robert wasn't thrilled about that, but if he had to marry, he wanted someone like Alarra. Strong of mind and spirit, she was not afraid to speak her mind and help him rule Storm's End well.

After a while, Ned was summoned to Lord Arryn's solar, and he left Robert to show his sister to her bedchamber to rest. As they walked, Alarra asked Robert how things were going; he sighed, “I do not think I am cut out to be the Lord of Stormsend. There are so many things I want to do and see, but my position tethers me, and because of that, I'm not interested in learning to rule,” Robert explained.

Alarra stopped him in the hall, “Oh, but Robert, imagine all the good you could do for your people? Improving their lives and making your kingdom flourish. You would feel a sense of accomplishment seeing your people prosper under your guidance. There are so many wonderful things you could do for the small folk, and by doing that, gain their absolute loyalty. I know you want to travel and see the world, but you were born to privilege, and with that comes certain obligations.”

“I don't know if I can do it. Ruling and politics have never interested me.”

Alarra patted his hand, “I know, Robert, but it will once you realize it's for the good of your people. And you can talk with Ned; he'll help you. And if you don't want to talk to Ned, I am only a raven away, and I will help you as much as possible.”

Robert smiled and thanked Alarra. They arrived at her bedroom, and Robert bid her a good nap, “I will see you later tonight, Alarra.”

Alarra smiled and kissed Robert's cheek, surprising him, “I will see you tonight at dinner then,” She answered and closed the door.

Robert placed his hand where Alarra had kissed him and smiled. He turned and returned to his room; Robert had a letter to write to his father, Lord Steffon. He wanted to ask his father if there was any way his father could talk to Lord Rickard about a possible marriage between Robert and the youngest Stark sister. Robert knew it would have to wait a few years, but there was no harm in asking now. Whenever Robert thought of Alarra, he felt a warmth and peace in his heart. Robert could only hope that Alarra felt the same way.