Queen of Love and Beauty

Goodbye

P.O.V Lyanna

After the confrontation with Benjin I made my way up to my chambers by slinking through the halls of Winterfell. As I drifted off into sleep I thought about Benjins words and those same words of warning and sadness fueled my nightmare:

I was on the snow field surrounding Winterfell. On the edges of the woods I stood, watching as two arms prepared to battle. I couldn't tell which house the opposing one was but I knew house Stark was involved. I shuttered as I watched the men charge and slaughter each other. I felt as if a part of me was out there but I didn't see Rhaegars silver hair or the faces of my brother's just one face that was oddly familiar.

He had rich dark hair and was atop his steed with a sword out stretched as he led his men, he wore House Starks sigil. Who was he? But as I pondered and tried to remember Benjin's voice rang in my ears Think of how this affects us all but not just Benjin's, Ned's as well "Family, is important Lyanna." Ned had said that to me when we were told of Brandon's betrothal, he explained why marriage was important, why creating more life and furthering the stark bloodline was important.

I shivered as I watched the men fight, eyes still pinned on the familiar looking boy as Benjin and Ned's voices grew silent. They were quickly replaced by the wind hissing. "You're Son, Your Son, born on a bed of blood." It was like a tune to a song, a deadly song but the words didn't scare me, only confused me.

I was suddenly awoken by the cawing of a raven perched on my window sill. Ravens were supposed to fly to the maestars but somehow Rhaegar always found a way to get his letters directly to me. I took the note from the raven's claw and thanked the bird as its black wings flapped away into the morning sky. I read the note with a smile on my face

My Dearest Lya,

In six days' time I will come for you my love and we will be together at last. Till then I hope my notes keep you comfort and let you know I'm always with you.

Yours always

Rhaegar Targaryen

Despite the odd dream that still swirled in my mind I smiled as I dressed and went down stairs to eat with my family, for what could be one of the last times.

Five days went by in a blur and each morning I received a note from my beloved. But today was the day Brandon and my father were leaving for Riverrun. Standing by the stables I embraced Brandon "I'll miss your stories so much Bran, and just promise me you won't kill anyone there okay?" "I'll be back soon Lya, no need to miss my stories and I won't finish off little finger yet." I gave him a giggle and said as I straightened the collar of his shirt

"Next time I see you, you'll be a married man. Do you think Catelyn will like me?" "Of course she will." Brandon said with a smile as he embraced me with a tight squeeze one last time before he mounted his horse and trotted off to where the other men were saddled and ready to leave and make their way to the river lands. F

Father walked up to me and pulled me into a bear hug, planting a kiss on my forehead he said "Be a good girl for your mother and old Nan, keep Benjin out of trouble okay? Just think Lya now Brandon's getting married and then you my little wolf, you'll be leaving me." I kissed my father on the cheek and told him "Hopefully not for a while." Father then mounted his horse and joined Brandon with one last smile and pat on the head.

This could have been the last time I saw my father.

I watched as Brandon and Father rode off into the distance until I couldn't see them anymore. I was sitting on the roof with Benjin at my side, we hadn't spoken of that night since it happened. But I was itching to speak to him again about Rhaegar but I couldn't tell him about tomorrow. I just needed a happy goodbye. I could never see Benjin again after this last conversation.

"Benjin, thank you." "For what?" 

"Not telling father?" Benjin stiffened but said with a sigh "It's nothing Lyanna, in the past." 

"But – But Ben if I one day am not here I-" I began. I wanted him not to worry about me when i was gone, even if that was inevitable.

"Where would you be?" Benjin interrupted 

"I don't know this is just an example, if I leave without warning or pass on without warning just know that it's all in the name of love and that for whatever reason I am happy." I said with a shrug

 "What's going on Lyanna?" I began to climb back down to the ground. I said too much. Way too much but as Benjin chased after me calling my name, the new night time darkness cloaking me from his vision I dodged him and made my way to my chambers. I locked the wooded door and sat on my bed waiting for Benjin to come by anger but he never showed. Tomorrow was going to be the start of something wonderful for me and with my goodbyes said and hopefully understood I would be able to find my happy ending.