This is a new work of mine, I have been doing when I'm not writing my two other stories or some other nonsense I sometimes write. This is one is something I have been meaning to give a try ever since I began posting A Wolf That Met A Star. It begins when A Game Of Thrones does, but with Ned and Ashara married which I think will bring some interesting approaches to canon. It will start with a small divergence from canon and then it will be much different. There are OCs of course. This story will be updated sporadically when I have a chapter ready.

Jon Stark I

Winterfell, North, Year 298 AC

They were arriving at Winterfell after applying the King's Justice to a deserter of the Night's Watch. The entire thing was a grim affair…taking the life of a man was never something that Jon liked to see, he was pretty happy with the pups they found in the snow and were now bringing home. Their mother had died fighting a stag and the little pups would surely die had Artie and him not found them.

His was an albino pup with thick and fluffy white fur and deep red eyes. Unlike his littermates, he made no sound at all which Jon found weird but endearing nevertheless. The little pup had already taken a fancy to him, just as Arties's and Bran's.

Inside the castle walls, his sisters were already waiting for them, just as his mother like they always did. All of them had mother's gentle and bright smile destined to them and Jon would be lying if didn't enjoy this welcoming.

"Boys." His mother began as they dismounted and gave the reins of the horses to Hodor and the other stable boys. "What am I seeing nuzzled in your clothes?"

"Father said we could keep them, mother." Artie quickly said, in hopes to free any charge from his shoulders.

"Did he now?" His mother looked towards his father with a frown and he simply looked away, ignoring her. "Wolves?"

"Direwolves." Bran corrected. "Six of them, one for each of us."

"Really?" Arya beamed at these words. "A direwolf pup for every one of us?"

"Yes." Jon nodded in affirmation.

"Can I see them?" Asked Elianna who was curious about the pups coming forward with Arya in hopes to see them better.

"Sure." Her twin said as he gave one to her hands. "This is a female and the gentlest of them all, like my dear sister."

"She is beautiful." Elianna proclaimed cooing the pup with love. "Thank you, Artie, and thank you to all as well, I'm in love with him already."

"Can I have mine too?" Arya demanded and pleaded at the same time, pulling Jon's surcoat. "Please?"

"Here you go sister," Jon said as he placed a female pup on her hands. "This one is a female and a troublemaker like you."

Arya lolled her tongue to him but quickly turned her attention to the pup in her hands. "I will call her Nymeria."

"That was predictable…" Artie murmured to Jon's ear, but his sister heard it all and so she lolled her tongue towards Artie as well.

"My Lady," Jory said as he brought forward another female pup, hesitantly of course. "This one is a female pup…for Lyra…I believe…"

"Even for Lyra?" His mother asked aghast as she once more turned to father. "Ned…"

"Mother we are all Starks, even Lyra," Jon said trying to help his father out of this, especially because it was them who forced him to accept the pups. "She deserves a pup too."

"Jon is right, mother." Artie joined in. "We will keep an eye on both if need be, you don't need to be worried."

"Gods…you all…" His mother sighed. "I should be a sterner mother…I'm a disgrace."

"You are not!" Arya quickly dismissed. "We love you the way you are. Not changing please"

"Arya is right for once," Elianna assured. "We love you so very much, right boys?"

"Is that even a question Elia?" Artie dismissed. "Of course we love her."

"Aye." They all replied without hesitation, his father was smiling with it all.

"Oh…I think I'm going to cry…" His mother proclaimed overjoyed certainly. "I have such wonderful children…"

"We have such wonderful children." His father corrected.

"And I have a wonderful husband too…"

"And I a wonderful wife."

"And I parents who are going too far now…." Arya plainly stated, and she got the support from most of the siblings.

Jon envied his parents…they had gotten such a wonderful marriage…he wished for one like that for himself…a marriage of love…with a beautiful and kind lady…to be just as lucky as father…

He then noticed his youngest sister Lyra slowly walking forward to meet Jory, she was wary of the pup, but curious nonetheless, she was the shiest of them all, even more than Jon and Bran but she was also the youngest…she was but three namesdays old still. She jumped back when the little pup tried to smell her but soon she got back to it, patting the soft fur of the pup.

"It won't bite you Lyra." Arya assured with a smile.

"I-I-know…" His youngest sister replied. "I just…"

"It's okay Lyra." Mother came forward picking the pup from Jory and placing it in Lyra's hands…Lyra who wasn't that tall struggled with holding the pup, the difference in heights wasn't so great… "Take your time love, the pup will not run away and neither should you."

"I-I will…" Lyra smiled, one of those smiles his father usually showed, while she patted the pup more, she seemed to be liking it and that was a good sigh.

His father had disappeared quickly, he was going to clean his mind as he always did when he took a man's life. Jon had not taken the life of any men yet but one day he would have to…when the duty of Lord Paramount of the North befell on him…or war…

His siblings went on to somewhere to choose their puppies' name but his mother interrupted him when he was to do the same. "I need a word with you, love."

"Of course mother." he quickly replied following her to a quiet place. "Is it because of the pups? They are still young and if they grow with us they could be like hounds."

"It's not because of that silly." His mother said while softly pinching his cheek. "It's something else."

"What?"

"The King rides to Winterfell."

"Really?" That surprised Jon…if the lessons he took with Maester Yolan meant anything the last King to visit the North was when Jaehaerys the First still lived. "Why now?"

"Good question." The question had earned him approval from his mother. "The truth is that your namesake Lord Jon Arryn died."

Jon knew how much his father loved the man…Lord Arryn had fostered Ned at the Eyrie and was like a second father to him. "Father will be…crushed…"

"He will…" Mother agreed with a sad expression. "But I will talk to him…I'm sure I can make him feel better."

"I'm sure you can…if the noises we hear at night are to be trusted." That earned a raised eyebrow from his mother.

"What are you speaking of young man?" she questioned.

"Mother…I meant no harm but Gods do you scream loud…when you…and father…make love…" Jon murmured embracing himself to receive a slap or anything but instead, his mother simply blushed red…

"I…"

"Please forget I said anything mother…" Jon begged.

"I'm speechless…" His mother confessed. "For how long has this been? How long have you been hearing us…"

"Ever since I can remember…" His mother's eyes bulged widely.

"Oh Gods…this wasn't supposed to be…"

"It's okay mother, we are all used to it," Jon assured. "Even Arya and soon Lyra too…"

"But it cannot be!" His mother countered. "I must give an example here! I'm a mess…"

"You have done so already, we all look towards you and father for examples," Jon said. "The screaming part is…not that important, in fact, it would seem wrong by now…if there was no screaming…"

"I'm so ashamed Jon." His mother confessed as she hid her red face in her hands.

His mother was tough woman, even the likes of Greatjon Umber and Maege Mormont thought so but sometimes she had these…expressions…

"Don't worry mother." Jon smiled as he patted his mother's back. "You should go tell father what happened with Lord Arryn and what is coming."

"I should…" His mother agreed. "Let me compose myself…" she inhaled some air and let it out, then she made some weird gestures with her arms and hands. "I'm ready."

"I will join my siblings at the kitchens to choose the pups' names," Jon explained. "Take as much time as you wish mother, we will be entertained for a while."

"Also I told you about the King's arrival because I'm counting on your help." His mother explained. "A King's visit is no small affair."

"Of course, mother, I will be ready to help when you ask me to."

"Good boy." His mother said. "Come here for a kiss, love." Jon couldn't resist those kisses…he didn't know why…but his mother's kisses were like a blessing from the Gods…all of the Stark children thought so…Arya and Elianna suggested she knew how to use magic but Bran quickly dismissed it, saying it was impossible, so everyone was determined to find the reason behind this somehow…what could cause that reaction on them…

His mother's kiss on the cheek left him with all the energy he needed for the rest of the day. Mother's love is so powerful…and I have the best one.

Ashara Dayne I

Winterfell, North, Year 298 AC

Ashara knew she would find her husband in the Godswood. Her Ned always went to the Godswood when he was conflicted with something or took a man's life. She learned that very fast.

House Dayne had followed the Old Gods thousands of years ago but they converted to the Faith during the Andal Invasion to avoid any more unnecessary bloodshed but nevertheless, they kept many of the Old Ways still, Guest Right was sacred for House Dayne for example.

Starfall had a beautiful Godswood where a few heart trees still thrived, some Daynes also prayed to the Old Gods on a variety of occasions, her late mother had thought her and Arthur on how to pray to them and frankly, it was much easier to pray to them to the Seven.

When she first came to Winterfell all those years ago, when Ned's father was still alive and his siblings were still together, she who had been indifferent to religion quickly felt a strong connection to the Old Gods there so when she took her sweet Ned for a husband she took his Gods too, just like the Daynes of old.

She couldn't deny the imposing sight that was Winterfell's Godswood…three acres of old forest untouched for thousands of years with the castle raising around it. Its trees were strong ones, mighty oaks and ironwoods, same as those at Starfall though here there was no animals, only silence, peace, quietness, calmness…and, of course, her favorite part…hot springs…

Ashara loved water, it was in her being. Her late mother and her brothers called her a mermaid for she had to take a swim every day, to feel her muscles stretch, the wetness around her body…and when she convinced her Sweet Quiet Wolf into joining her morning routine…it was just perfect…

Her love was beneath the Heart Tree as she expected him to, seated on a moss-covered stone. Ice, his beautiful and monstrous sword across his lap while he cleaned it with the help of the nearby waters that were as black as the night.

The humus of the floor swallowed the sound of her feet and so she tried a little play of her own…she got right next to him without him noticing… "Ned." she called softly prompting him to turn and place his lips right where she wished, hers, so she planted a big passionate kiss on the man she loved the most.

They stayed like that for a little while…their marriage was one of love, approved by everyone in his family and hers before everything when to chaos fifteen years ago, when Ned lost so many unjustly… "Ash," he said with a shy smile when they broke the kiss. "Where are the children?"

He would always ask her that, he loved their children so much just as she did. They were the product of their love and countless nights of pleasure too…pleasure that apparently was well known in the family…I'm such a mess… "They are in the kitchen arguing about the names they should give the pups." she knelt and hugged her husband from behind, planting him many kisses in the cheeks. "They are all charmed by them, Lyra seemed a bit scared still, but she is only a girl of three."

"She must learn to face her fears, Ash," Ned said. "She will not be three forever and Winter is Coming."

"And Dawn Arises afterward, love." Ashara dismissed. "She is too young still, let her grow a few more years before she can embrace her fears properly."

"I suppose you are right." Ned smiled again. "And how is my Shining Star doing?"

She loved it when he called her that. "It depends…how is my Sweet Quiet Wolf doing?"

"The man died well, I will give him that." Her husband said as he ran a swatch of oiled leather up Ice, polishing the metal until it gleamed.

"This man was the fourth one this year right?" she asked worried, watching as he stroked the sword. Ashara knew how to use a dagger if need be, when she was younger she practiced some with swords but it was never her thing. She tried to yield Dawn once but it burned when she tried to swing it, she was not deemed worthy enough of such honor by the sword itself. Dawn allowed everyone to carry it but not everyone could yield it, now the sword remained in Starfall as her brother could no longer use it.

Dawn and Ice were so different as day and night. Dawn was pale as milkglass while Ice was dark, shaped in Old Valyria before the Doom took all Valyrians to the grave. Yet its name was older still, perhaps as old as Dawn. She didn't quite know though, Little Artie was trying to uncover clues on the old books of the library but he wasn't yet able to read Old Tongue…he had been bothering her and Ned to let him go to Skagos to learn it but they simply didn't want him too yet, the Skagosi were not too friendly with Starks so there was always danger and besides he was still young.

"Indeed..." Ned stated grimly. "He was half-mad…something had put a fear in him so deep that no words could reach him…" Her husband sighed next.

"And their numbers are dwindling by the month…like Ben says..." Ashara added. "Is it the wildlings?"

"Who else?" Ned lifted Ice and looked down at the cool steel of it. "And it will only grow worse," he warned. "The day may come when I will have no choice but to call the banners and ride north to deal with this King-Beyond-the-Wall for good and all."

"I fear for that day love." Ashara shuddered with the thought of it.

"Mance Rayder is nothing for us to fear, Ash." Ned assured with a smile.

"Beyond the Wall…" she murmured with the sheer notion of it…she had glimpsed it in the distance when she and Ned visited the Wall years ago but to actually step on it…it was an entirely different matter. "How mysterious it must be…"

"Is there something else you wish to talk about?" he inquired as he slid Ice back into its sheath.

The news…Ashara took her husband's hand. "A raven from King's Landing came, love," she explained. "Jon Arryn is dead…"

His beautiful eyes found hers and they got as dark as their older son's…it was taking and heavy toll on him already…Jon Arryn was like a second father to him and she still had very fond memories of the kind old man too, so she grieved his death as well.

"Jon…" he murmured. "Is it true? Please tell me it's not…"

"The letter had the King's seal…I saved it for you in case you wanted to read it yourself," she explained. "I did not wish to bother you while your conscience was still heavy…"

"You did well love." Ned smiled to her planting a kiss on her lips. "If it wasn't for you…I don't know where I would be by now…"

"I know..." she cooed while patting his cheek once more. "The letter did have some interesting information…I believe it was Robert himself who wrote it…he said Lord Arryn was taken quickly, Grand Maester Pycelle was helpless…so helpless that only milk of the poppy was advisable."

"A small mercy I suppose…" Ned muttered.

"Indeed…but…"

"But what Ashara?" Ned asked concerned.

"You know how Oberyn is a friend of mine…he knows how to use poisons and showed me some…" she explained. "Some poisons make death seem natural but…the signs are still there if one takes close attention…"

"You think Jon was poisoned?" Ned asked aghast.

"It's not hard to conceive, I mean he was the Hand of the King so…" she elaborated further. "You know how I have always said King's Landing is a nest of vipers? Well here is your proof."

"Gods…" Ned sighed. "He didn't deserve such dishonorable dead…he was a great man…"

"Great men are always targeted love, you ought to know by now."

"I guess so…" Ned sighed once more.

"The message explained that Lysa Arryn took his son back to the Eyrie." she continued. "And had other news too…"

"Better or worse?"

"It depends on what you consider better or worse," she said. "Robert is coming to Winterfell."

It took some time for Ned to comprehend her words, but when he did, she noticed his grey eyes getting brighter again. "Robert is coming here?" When she nodded, a smile broke across his face.

Ashara wished she could feel the same way as her Ned but…she could not. Her best friend and her children's deaths were left unanswered. She knew Ned had no part in it, she made him promise he would keep them alive but the Lannisters had taken them before he could even lift a finger…and Robert did nothing either…she tolerated the man for he was her husband's best friend and unfortunately for her, the King but she held no love for him anymore.

"I knew you would be happier…" she said. "Ben should know as well I believe?"

"Yes." Ned nodded. "I know you don't like Robert…"

"It is okay Ned…" she assured him, not wishing to sadden him further on such a joyful moment for him. "I know how to control my feelings and impulses."

"I know but…" After all these years she loved the way he cared for her…their love should be the envy of the entire realm, but none knew…none knew about how happy their life was at Winterfell…they sort of lived on their own little world away from the vipers and she loved it all.

"We shall send the swiftest bird to Castle Black so your brother can be present," Ashara explained. "And we shall prepare ourselves in the meantime."

Ned rose and pulled her to her feet making her giggle. "I don't wish to force you anything…"

"Ned…you can't refuse the King can you?" she dismissed as she kissed him. "I will be fine."

"How many years has it been?" Her husband asked. "And he gives us no more notice than this?"

"It seems so…your friend never struck me as a person who gives it much thought if the matter is not war."

"I…cannot deny that…" Ned smiled. "How many in his party, did the message say?"

"If I'm to use the measurements of Aerys' reign than we should be looking at three hundred people at the very least." she deduced. "Cersei Lannister and her children travel with him of course, just like almost every Lannister..."

Ned did not like Lannisters either, who would after witnessing such horrendous crimes? She couldn't even imagine the sight that Ned had to witness back then… "They are everywhere it seems…it does sound as if Robert is bringing half his court…"

"They say where the King goes, the realm follows." she japed.

"Well…I'm sure the children will like some playmates…" Ned smiled. "The youngest was still sucking at the Lannister's teat the last time I saw him, he should be five now?"

"Seven." Ashara corrected. "I believe his name is Tommen," she added. "I would tell you to mind your tongue, but I know how you act around people so it shouldn't be much a problem."

"I hope you don't end up in a verbal war with the Queen for some reason…I fail to know what would happen afterward…"

"With me arrested and dead for destroying her ego?" Ashara laughed quite loudly and bitterly. "Would you like that?"

"No…who would mock me then?"

"Well…I could come and haunt you from my grave…does it sound good to you?"

"Not really…" Ned laughed but there was a hint of sadness in his eyes, perhaps because she spoke of graves and hauntings and deaths…It was ill done in her part... "I wonder how we will feed all these people…and in such short notice…Gods he never learns…"

And he will want you to be his Hand, but I'm sure even you have deduced as much my Sweet Quiet Wolf…

Some changes in the family trees:

Eddard Stark oo Ashara Dayne
-Jon Stark, Born in 283 AC, 14 Years Old, Jon Snow from canon, the Heir to Winterfell and the North

-Arthur Stark, Born in 285 AC, 13 Years Old, Violet Eyes and Black Hair, twin to Elianna, named after Ser Arthur Dayne.

-Elianna Stark, Born in 285 AC, 13 Years Old, Violet Eyes and Black Hair, twin to Arthur, a copy of Ashara in looks, named after Elia Martell and Lyanna Stark because these were the most important women in both Ashara and Ned's lives respectively.

-Brandon Stark, Born in 287 AC, 10 Years Old, Dark Blue Eyes and Dark Brown Hair, named after Brandon, Ned's brother.

-Arya Stark, Born in 289 AC, 9 Years Old, like Arya in canon, Ned's choice of name, his grandmother was Arya Flint and he liked the name.

-Lyra Stark, Born in 295 AC, 3 Years Old, Grey Eyes and Black Hair, Ashara's choice of name because she liked the sound of it.

Their personalities will be shown throughout the story just as any other changes that are needed to understand the story.

Thank you for giving this story a chance and I hope everyone has a nice day.