The Finding of Lya Stark

Littlefinger

A/N: Slightly shorter one I think but this is pretty much for updates for one day until I complete the next chapter.

I stand rubbing Silver's nose. "What have we gotten ourselves into?" I whisper to her. "Hunh? We lost one father, to find an entire family waiting for us, and now we've lost another father." She snorts and I lean my head against her. "I know, I'm taking care of Jaime," she moves slightly, and I pull back looking at her. "I don't care if I liked his kisses he injured my father. You're no help either," I say pulling away. I hold out the last apple to her. "I'll come back soon," I turn and walk back to camp.

I walk around the tents towards Renly's and find it is guarded. "I wish to enter," I say.

"He is in a meeting."

"Did he say I couldn't go in?"

"No, but-."

I push past them and walk in seeing Littlefinger, and Renly talking. "What are you doing here?" Renly asks him.

"Yes, what are you doing here?" I ask a hand on my sword. Brienne straightens a hand on hers as well.

"Ah come in, you can trust the three of us. She wants you dead I presume, you are responsible for her father's death, and Brienne's loyalty comes without charge."

Littlefinger glances at me. "You still have many friends at court Your Grace."

"And do you?" I ask him.

"There are many who believe Ned Stark erred in not supporting your claim to the throne," he continues not answering me.

"And yet you deceived him," I say. "You were supposed to be helping him and yet you held a blade to his throat. You let the Lannisters capture him, and now he's dead."

"I didn't intend to kill him, I just didn't want Stannis getting the throne."

"No, you just wanted my mother for yourself, excuse me Your Grace," I say curtsying. "I should leave before I do something you would regret," I turn to leave. Renly talks to him then and I walk away angrily. I stand at the edge of his tent gripping my sword tightly and then letting go.

"Feeling like you need a fight?"

"Yes, Arthur," I say recognizing him from the entrance.

"I am sorry for the way I treated you. You fought well, shall we spar?"

"That sounds nice right about now," I follow him away from the tents where we find tourney swords and we spar until it's hard to see.

"I'm ashamed of myself," he says as I help him to his feet. "I should have easily beaten you, you are a girl."

"Yes, well I have sparred with the famous Jaime Lannister. To talk about arrogance," I say grinning. "Maybe next time?"

"Of course My Lady," he says bowing slightly. I turn and walk away towards my tent. Along the way I see Petyr and start towards him but stop within hearing when I see Margaery. I walk slower behind them.

"You're tent, not our tent," he says. "The king snores perhaps or simply prefers solitude. Pressures of command no doubt four kings all fighting for the throne."

"I am not tutored in warfare but basic arithmetic favors the side with the greater numbers."

"If war were arithmetic the mathematicians would rule the world. I did notice your brother entering His Grace's tent just now."

"The place of a kingsguard is by his king."

"And on your wedding night. Who was by the kings side then?"

"Your Grace," I speak up hurrying up. "A word please?"

"Of course. Just a moment. You seem interested in my marriage Lord Baelish. You've never married?"

"I've been unlucky in my affections."

"My mother happens to have good taste in honorable men, who know how to fight for themselves," I say narrowing my eyes at him.

"It's a good thing, marriage seems to confuse him."

"If Ned Stark was such a good fighter, where is his head?"

"Here is your tent Lord Baelish. Come along Lya," she says turning away and I follow her. "You don't like him," she observes.

"He betrayed my father, and in doing so my mother the woman he loves. He would have us all killed if it meant he had a chance with her. I couldn't help but overhear his comments about your husband."

"Renly is-."

"Your husband and your king. Nothing matters as long as you have children, and there are ways for that."

"Thank you," she says.

"I do have to say they are both very attractive and it's unfortunate, but hey to each his own."

"Have a good night."

"You as well Your Grace."

I turn back after curtsying and towards my tent. "Get out!" I hear Catelyn yell.

"Cat! I've loved you since I was a boy. It seems fate has given us this chance," I rush in just as she turns on Petyr with a knife.

"Have you lost your mind get out," I draw my sword, and he turns to look at me.

"Do you want to see your other girls again?"

"What are you going to do you already betrayed us once, now you heard her get out," I say moving around so I'm in front of Catelyn.

"Sansa, looks more like you everyday, and Arya just as wild."

"You have Arya?" Catelyn asks.

"Of course-."

"Both girls are healthy and safe for now. But you know the Queen and you know Joffrey. I fear for their longevity."

"And I fear for yours if you don't get on with it," I say narrowing my eyes. I hear Catelyn put the knife down but I don't dare.

"What do you want?" she asks.

"Your daughters will be traded for the Kingslayer."

"Of course they will," she says. "Jaime Lannister for two girls. Robb will never agree to those terms."

"And I won't either," I say speaking up.

"I'm not bringing it to you or him. I'm bringing it to their mother."

"You think I keep secrets from my son?"

"And how do we know if you're telling the truth. You've lied to us."

"Robb is not a mother and neither are you yet," he looks at me. "Consider it you may not get another chance. I've brought you a gift."

"I don't want your gift," Catelyn says.

"A token of Tyrion Lannister's good will. He wants you to understand that this exchange of prisoners is offered in good faith."

I watch as a box is brought in. "What is this?" Catelyn kneels by it and slowly opens it. There is what is left of Ned's body. I cover my mouth and lean against her.

"Your husband was an honorable man he should rest with his family beneath the crypts beneath in Winterfell. You may-."

"Get out," she says in a hurt voice. He turns and leaves but I follow him.

"You think this makes up for it? Because it doesn't," I say. "Nothing will ever make up for your betrayal. You're just a messenger, and if I get the chance again, I'll kill you myself," I turn and go back to Catelyn. She grabs onto me hugging me. I hug her back.

"My girls are alive," she whispers into my hair stroking it. "Do the dream thing, to see where they are?"

"I'll try," I whisper as we hold each other. I let my tears fall silently at the idea that Ned will be where he belongs and the girls were safe. I hadn't known them that long but I had grown to truly care for the both of them.