Work Text:
One day in the North, the air was cold but firm, like the will of those who ruled it. Lord Rickard Stark, Lord of Winterfell, was in the main hall receiving audiences and petitions from his vassals. Sitting next to him, silent but attentive, was his wife, Lady Lyarra Stark, Lady of Winterfell. Both patiently listened to concerns about trade, crops and territorial disputes.
After a long day, Rickard and Lyarra retreated to their rooms, exhausted but quiet. They discussed their vassals' requests, carefully evaluating each decision.
-We have done what is necessary for today, said Rickard, holding his wife’s hand. We have earned a break.
-Yes, Lyarra nodded. Though I can’t help but think of our children. We should stop by.
They both walked down the stone corridors to the nursery, where the nannies and old Tata looked after the Stark children. Upon entering, he saw his firstborn, Brandon, playing with a small wooden wolf. Nearby, little Eddard was on the lap of his nurse, listening to a story with wide open eyes.
Rickard and Lyarra exchanged a look of pride. They approached their children, took them in their arms and played with them for a few moments, until a slight knock on the door announced the arrival of the master of the house.
-My lord, my lady, said the master, bowing. A raven has come from Riverrun.
Rickard took the scroll and, seeing the seal with the silver fish emblem, smiling.
-It’s from Hoster Tully, he said, turning to his wife. My old friend from the Nine Pence war. Invites us to dinner at Riverrun. We are cordially invited, and must leave on the next moon.
Lyarra frowned with concern.
-Should we go that far? I don’t want to leave our little ones.
Rickard stroked her cheek softly.
-I understand, but we can’t refuse Hoster’s invitation. He is more than an ally, he was my brother in arms. I want you to meet him and his wife, Lady Minisa. Maybe... maybe you and she can become friends.
At those words, Lyarra appeared with a faint smile.
-It’s all right. I’ll come with you.
Days passed, and the servants of Winterfell began to prepare the carriage for the journey. Rickard and Lyarra chose their best suits. Before leaving, Lyarra said goodbye with the tenderness of her children: she kissed Brandon on the forehead and Ned on the cheek.
-I will miss you, my little wolves -he whispered.
After several days of traveling on roads and inns, they finally arrived at Riverrun, the ancestral home of House Tully. Approaching the castle, Rickard and Lyarra felt a slight nervousness.
They were greeted by three familiar figures: Hoster Tully, his brother Brynden-the so-called Blackfish-and a lady with a kind face, Lady Tully Minisa. At their side, a little girl of about two years old watched them with curiosity: Catelyn Tully.
-Rickard Stark, said Hoster, shaking his hand. My old friend. Welcome to my home. And this must be your wife.
-Lady Lyarra Stark, answered Rickard, presenting her with pride. Lady of Winterfell.
-An honor to meet you, Minisa said with a smile. This is our daughter, Catelyn.
Little Catelyn held shyly to her mother’s skirt. Lyarra developed a warm smile.
Rickard and Lyarra were taken to their quarters to rest before dinner. That night, they shared tables with Hoster, Minisa and Brynden. They talked about the government of King Aerys II, trade and the past. Laughter flowed between war anecdotes, while the wives listened intently.
The next day, Lyarra was walking through the gardens of Riverrun when she came across Minisa.
- What do you think of the castle? - asked Minisa curiously.
-Very different from the North, answered Lyarra. There is so much water... and the air is different. Softer than that.
Rio Minisa.
-I can give you a tour of the castle, if you’d like. Then we can have tea.
Lyarra gratefully accepted. The two ladies walk together, talking about motherhood, their husbands and raising their children. In the middle of the conversation, a small figure burst into the hall: it was Catelyn, running away from her nanny, who came gasping behind her.
-Lady Tully, I’m sorry! It slipped away!
-It’s all right, said Minisa, taking her daughter in her arms. What is it, my love?
-I’m bored, said the girl. I want to stay with you.
Both women laughed.
-How old are you, little one? - asked Lyarra.
-Two, Catelyn answered proudly, and then, somewhat apologetically, asked. Do you have children?
-Yes, answered Lyarra tenderly. Two little ones: Brandon and Ned.
Catelyn lights up with excitement.
-Someday you can come play with me?
-Sure, said Lyarra, laughing
Shortly after, Catelyn went to find her uncle Brynden, who had promised to play with her. Minisa kissed her on the forehead and said goodbye with a smile. Lyarra, watching this scene, felt a deep admiration.
-Being a mother... said Minisa. It is a joy and a beautiful burden.
-And a force that few understand -replied Lyarra.
The days in Riverrun passed peacefully. At the end of their stay, Rickard and Lyarra said affectionate goodbyes to their hosts.
-Thank you for the dinner, and for the company, said Rickard, shaking Hoster Tully’s hand.
-You will always have a place here, old friend, replied the Trident lord Hoster Tully.
Lyarra embraced Minisa with warmth, and Catelyn pulled the northern lady’s cloak.
-Don’t forget to bring your kids! - he said, smiling.
-I promise, answered Lyarra, leaning toward her. We will meet again.
And so the lords of Winterfell learned the journey back to the North, with new memories, strengthened ties and a nascent friendship between two ladies as different as equal.