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Rating:

Teen And Up Audiences

Archive Warnings:

Graphic Depictions Of ViolenceMajor Character Death

Fandoms:

Game of Thrones (TV)A Song of Ice and Fire - George R. R. MartinA Song of Ice and Fire & Related Fandoms幼女戦記 | Youjo Senki | Saga of Tanya the Evil (Anime)幼女戦記 | Youjo Senki | Saga of Tanya the Evil - Carlo Zen (Light Novels)

Relationships:

Cersei Lannister/Jaime LannisterCatelyn Tully Stark/Ned Stark

Characters:

Tanya von DegurechaffMyrcella BaratheonCersei LannisterNed StarkRobb StarkSansa StarkStannis BaratheonDavos SeaworthEdmure TullyPetyr BaelishBrienne of TarthLumMelisandre (A Song of Ice and Fire)Jaime LannisterTywin LannisterNestor RoyceArys Oakheart

Additional Tags:

Work In ProgressOriginally Posted ElsewhereReincarnationMisunderstandings

Language:

English

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Published:2024-02-25Updated:2026-03-29Words:387,549Chapters:74/?Comments:1,602Kudos:3,568Bookmarks:863Hits:196,466

A Young Girl's Game of Thrones

Failninjaninja

Chapter 5

Chapter Text

We had finally arrived in Winterfell. Mother had been a bit more cross than usual and I suspected she did not like having to travel so much. She was also likely worried as the Hand was dead, the King was on the road and she wasn't there to ensure nothing went haywire in Kings Landing. How many carefully planned plots were now off track due to the unexpected travel?

Deciding that discretion was the better part of valor I left poor Tommen in the wheelhouse with her and travelled on Flyta. Tyrion proved good company on the journey. I learned a bit about the improvements he had made at Casterly Rock and we chatted about how better urban planning could reduce the problems in Kings Landing. After calculating the cost, we came to the realization it wasn't financially feasible currently even if we had the pull to convince the Small Council to listen to us.

We also discussed various books and far off places like the Great Grass Sea where the Dothraki roamed and the Jade Sea. I also questioned him about what he knew of Northern politics but he knew little of the lay of the land today. Tyrion was big on the finer things of life and the rural and sparsely populated North was not a place he had gone to. Since he was here already though he did plan on travelling to the Wall and seeing it in person.

Our conversations even steered into theories on why the dragons died out. By far Tyrion Lannister was my favorite uncle to converse with. Such a pity that he did not do anything useful his prodigious intellect.

It had been two years since my stare down with Joffrey and since then he had avoided me. As part of the royal family there was no way to not be around me but he did his best not to interact with me. I checked with Tommen to make sure nothing untoward was happening with him and he told me Joffrey was insulting but had not laid a hand on him or any living thing that belong to Tommen. This was good. I'm not sure if it was due to my intimidation or from mother taking him to the task but all's well that end's well.

We were met by some of the Stark household guards on the road who guided us the rest of the way to impressive fortifications that were Winterfell. You would need overwhelming force or a traitor within the walls to take this place. When we rode through the gate the Starks were arrayed before us and I looked over them appraisingly.

Eddard was the clear patriarch though most of his children had more of his wife's features. The heir, Robb Stark had the Tully coloring. Oddly enough the one who looked most like him was the younger daughter, Arya. Both girls were taller than me which was annoying. It didn't make any sense, Robert and Cersei were both tall and I had more than adequate nutrition! Joffrey was tall and Tommen was younger and already vertically equal to me.

Father greeted his long-time friend more heartedly than he did his own brothers. He went down the line and greeted Catelyn Stark, Lord Hoster Tully's eldest daughter. From there he went down the line of the children. Then Lord Stark knelt and kissed mother's ring and we were introduced. I smiled confidently at the Starks and we made basic introductions before heading in and being seen to our rooms. We would be given a chance to freshen up from the journey and then the formal welcoming feast would begin.

My father wanted to pay his respects to Eddard's sister, his once betrothed. Mother objected and I again saw her astute play. Of course, father would not be denied but in one stroke she further highlighted to the Starks that Robert loved their departed kinswoman so much he would gainsay his own wife. On the surface it looked like the Queen had lost standing but it was all a ploy to assist the rekindling of the friendship that had been dormant since the Greyjoy rebellion. Pure brilliance.

***

I was escorted by Robb Stark to the feast, Joffrey escorted Sansa and Tommen escorted Arya. Robb Stark was a likeable fellow, hardly the barbarian. He was no Uncle Tyrion, but he had had been educated well and made no faux pas during the feast.

"Is it true that your father personally executes all the criminals in the north?" I asked, partially wondering if the new Hand was some sort of sadist who took delight in killing.

"Not every criminal, he couldn't ride all across the North and still run Winterfell!"

I let out a polite laugh. "But the one's here?"

"He does. He taught us that the one passes the sentences should be the one who swings the sword."

Hmm was that a convenient excuse to hide his bloodlust or was it true? If the latter than I found the distinction a bit silly. If you swung the blade or told someone else to, dead was dead. I had no qualms about getting my hands dirty but I wouldn't go out of my way to do it.

"Do you get many criminals in the North?"

"Not many, and most take the Black. Though we do have other issues, just a bit over a moon ago father executed a deserter from the Night's Watch."

"Is the Wall really 700 feet high?"

"Aye it is, my uncle serves as one of the Night's Watch. It is a noble calling and they protect all the realms of men."

"What about the realms of women?" I teased.

He looked at me confused. "Princess, realms of men doesn't just mean men it means…"

"Just a harmless jape Robb, I understood your meaning."

"Ah." An awkward pause of the conversation and I inwardly winced. Time to change the subject.

I switched to asking him about what goes into training to fight. He talked about practicing in the yard with Ser Rodrik the master-at-arms in Winterfell. Learning how to ride and even learning things like archery. I made sure to ask probing following up question to show interest. Nothing really stood out but he sounded very dutiful, and more disciplined than Joffrey. My brother was taught the sword, and how to ride. However, setbacks quickly frustrated him. He would never be as skilled as Uncle Jaime, or any of the Kingsguard.

Robb also talked about his recent acquisition of a direwolf puppy. They were supposed to eventually get to be the size of horse, something that sounded a bit exaggerated to me. My father made a loud toast to Eddard and the North and spilled wine across the table and floor in the process. I could tell from the glances toward him that Robb was disappointed and embarrassed with the behavior of the King. The Lord and Lady of Winterfell were also discomfited. Little did they know that father was behaving himself, at least comparatively to his usual antics at a feast. He hadn't even groped a serving wench yet.

I questioned Robb more about the North, about what they exported and how they handled the harsh winters. It was snowing in parts of the North even in the height of summer. Just how did they handle years of bitter winter? I learned about the glass gardens in Winterfell, about how they stored food in preparation for the long winters and learned that even with all that they were dependent on trade with the south. He didn't have the answers to all my questions but he was knowledgeable and it was a point in favor of our new likely Hand that his son had taken to his lessons well.

***

The Starks had arranged for me to take lessons with Sansa and Arya from Septa Mordane. Basic sewing and stitching something I had long mastered. Sansa was a gracious host and Mordane dripped flattery and compliments on my handiwork. Glancing around the room I saw Arya struggling with hers. The Septa saw it too and complained about the quality of her stiches and how she would have to start over. The other young girls were laughing and I could tell the youngest Stark daughter grow distressed.

The poor girl was embarrassed, being the youngest here and least skilled probably took its toll. And now I, literal royalty, had been invited and she was getting badgered by the Septa while her peers were mocking her. No wonder she ran out. While a slight blow to my prestige as an elegant and poised princess I decided to chase after her. If I could help her when she was in emotional distress, I'm certain we would form a strong bond that will get in the good graces of the new Hand.

"Thank you for the instruction, Septa Mordane, but I fear my presence is what troubled her and I will go make amends."

The surprised Septa tried to protest but I was already out the door. After exiting she likely went to the left. I had to hike up my dress and move quickly. I heard steps down the stairs and followed. From the top of the stairs, I saw her open and enter one of the guard rooms.

By the time I got there she had just finished undoing the rope tying her pet direwolf.

"Arya," I called out and she turned and gave a small yelp of surprise. The wolf let out a low growl and moved between me and its owner. I didn't know how tame the creatures were, so best to be safe than sorry. I let my mana flow and used the formula to enhance my reflexes in case it tried to bite me. Despite being clearly young, it was already of similar in length to a mid-sized dog.

"No Nymeria," Arya ordered but then the low growl turned into an angry snarl and it rushed me.

With my enhanced reflexes I backpedaled and then dodged to the side. I got away cleanly except the flowing hem of my dress was caught. The wolf pulled and the dress tore. Thanks to the formula I was able to keep my feet and continued to back away. The wolf rushed at me again and Arya screamed.

"NYMERIA STOP!" The young Stark actually tried to tackle her wolf, meeting with partial success as they rolled onto the ground. I was concerned the direwolf might injure Arya but she did not snap at her. Instead, she shook her off and rushed toward me again.

Shit this wasn't good, I didn't want to draw my hidden dagger and kill the girl's pet. That would ruin my plans to ingratiate myself with her father. Didn't want to get bit either and I couldn't keep up my reflex boosting formula for long without becoming weary. Hmm maybe due to the adrenaline I wasn't feeling fatigued yet. The beast lunged at me and I gracefully stepped back only to realize the clever bitch had feinted and was again coming right at me.

I tumbled to the right while applying a mild push of force in the same direction to avoid her snapping fangs. The formula worked; however, it worked too well and even with my reflexive enchantments I hit the ground hard and slid into the wall. I heard boots on stone as the commotion must have alarmed nearby guardsmen. Arya rushed to Nymeria screaming and crying for her to stop. The she-wolf dodged her owner and once more sought me. Wincing at my bruise I didn't let a little pain stop me from getting to my feet.

This time I was the one who feinted in one direction and the wolf fell for it as I dodged aside and in the direction of the door. Two Stark guardsman came into the room to see two disheveled noble daughters and an angry wolf.

"Arya, Princess, get behind us."

I had no problem with that command, Nymeria growled at the two guardsmen now between me and her and I let out a breath of relief and let my reflex enhancing formulas fall. Nymeria looked at me and then back at Arya and ceased growling.

Wait. Could the wolf sense my magic? Was that why it had gone all Cujo on me? There was a connection here, there had to be. I was a bit fatigued but not nearly as much as I would have expected and my directional formula had worked more powerfully than normal. Was it because of where I was located? Or was it because of Arya's pet?

Arya was still in a frenzy. "No don't hurt Nymeria! Please stop I'll calm her down."

The guards had spears and they were at the ready and they again told her to get away, one started moving forward and Arya panicked and hugged Nymeria.

The guards didn't know what to do the wolf wasn't attacking her but had just been on the rampage.

"I suggest you let young Lady Stark re-leash the creature and then take her to Lord Stark. My dress is disheveled and I need to change."

One of the guards looked back. "My Lady are you sure you are well? Let me escort you to the Maester."

"No need, look after your liege lord's daughter." And before they could gainsay me, I left. I needed to be away from the wolf incase it still wanted to maul me. Under no circumstances did I want the Starks to put the pet down. Not only because it would ruin my chances to form a positive relationship that I could use a stepping stone to the new Hand but because I needed to figure out if these direwolves the Stark children had could empower my magic. This could be a huge game changer. I had a massive grin on my face as I moved quickly to go get changed.

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Entire Work ← Previous Chapter Next Chapter → Chapter Index Comments Share Download

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Rating:

Teen And Up Audiences

Archive Warnings:

Graphic Depictions Of ViolenceMajor Character Death

Fandoms:

Relationships:

Cersei Lannister/Jaime LannisterCatelyn Tully Stark/Ned Stark

Characters:

Additional Tags:

Work In ProgressOriginally Posted ElsewhereReincarnationMisunderstandings

Language:

English

Stats:

Published:2024-02-25Updated:2026-03-29Words:387,549Chapters:74/?Comments:1,602Kudos:3,568Bookmarks:863Hits:196,466

A Young Girl's Game of Thrones

Failninjaninja

Chapter 6

Chapter Text

Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell, Warden of the North, and the man who had been offered to be Hand of the King was mulling over the recent events. The loss of Jon Arryn was still keenly felt. His grief warred with the anger he felt toward the Lannisters. Lysa had risked much to send the correspondence and he had no idea how he would go about uncovering proof of their treachery.

Roberts actions since being reunited troubled him. He could tell his children were disappointed that the stories he had shared of the 'Demon of the Trident' were incongruent with how the King looked now. Robert's children were a mixed bag. Sansa was enchanted with the tall prince but the boy was openly disdainful of Winterfell and that sort of arrogance was unhealthy. Robert wanted the two betrothed and he knew Sansa longed for it. Ned however had not missed the disdainful sneer the prince had made upon seeing the castle before his face was masked again.

The King's only daughter was all poise and grace. Save for her blue eyes she was a miniature Cersei. Her dress clearly designed by the same seamstress. Ned had been surprised to learn she was Arya's age given her diminutive height. Robb had said she seemed knowledgeable beyond her years and he felt slow witted in her presence. Tommen was a sweet child but hesitant and not as boisterous as Bran. It was important that their children would get along and so he had arranged with Robert to have Robb and Bran practice with Joffrey and Tommen in the yard while the Myrcella joined Sansa and Arya's lessons with Septa Mordane.

He looked over at his wife who was sewing some last-minute gifts for her daughters before they travelled south. Catelyn had not been happy that he would be taking Bran south while she remained behind and she had busied herself with tasks to avoid thinking of it. A hasty knock on the door and Jory Cassel and two guards were admitted with a red eyed Arya. Her face was tear streaked and her modest dress dirtied.

"My Lord, there's been an incident."

Cat rushed past him, "Arya are you all right, what happened?"

"Please don't let them hurt her, please mother, please." Arya begged.

As his wife tried to soothe their daughter, he turned to the guards for explanation.

Jory motioned for the guardsman to speak. "We heard shouts from the room where Lady Arya had Nymeria leashed. When we got there, we saw your daughter's wolf trying to attack the Princess Myrcella."

Ned's face paled. "Is she injured?"

"I don't think so my Lord, her dress was torn, she seemed more worried about her clothing."

His jaw clenched. "You should have made sure; this is the King's daughter!"

The guard looked down, chastened. "I'm sorry my Lord."

"Gather the direwolves and make sure they are confined in kennels and away from the royal party." He ordered.

His daughter again begged that no harm come to Nymeria.

He knelt next to his daughter who was still being comforted by Catelyn. "What happened?"

Arya looked down. "I… I ran from Septa Mordane's lesson. Myrcella must have followed, I had already untied Nymeria." Arya paused uncertainly. "She… she was mad at me for leaving the lesson and was yelling and maybe it looked like… like she was going to hit me. She wasn't I know that but Nymeria was just trying to protect me."

Ned heard the lie.

"Arya. This is important. You must tell me the truth, what happened."

His daughter shuddered. "Please father, please don't hurt her, I'll train her, I'll train her to never do this again, please."

"Arya." His voice was firm.

"S-she didn't yell at me. I, just got startled. I didn't know she had followed me. Nymeria then went after her. She was trying to keep me safe, please father."

"Was Myrcella hurt, was she bitten?"

"I don't know, she sounded like she was fine but her dress is ruined."

Catelyn looked at him and hugged Arya tightly. "Ned, you need to see the King at once. The Queen is prideful and petty, she will use this to discredit the family. Seven help us if Myrcella is hurt."

The Lord of Winterfell nodded in agreement.

"Arya, you know our house words. Winter is Coming, what we need to do now is apologize to Myrcella and the King. They are our guests under this roof and we have failed in our obligation. Wash your face quickly and come with me." He could see the question on her lips. "As far as Nymeria is concerned, we will see, much may depend on you respectfully atoning and if the Princess is injured. Now go."

***

Ser Boros Blount guarded the entry to set of rooms that held the royal family. "My daughter and I need to see the King Ser."

"I will see if he is up Lord Stark, the King sleeps late after feasting and drinking."

Eddard frowned; it was already well past mid-morning. "It is important Ser, wake him up if you have to."

The Kingsguard considered for a moment and then nodded. Arya fidgeted uncomfortably next to him. After several minutes Ser Blount let them in and a haggard looking Robert in a hastily donned robe was trying to wipe the sleep from his eyes in one hand while nursing a wine cup in the other.

"Seven Hells Ned, what has you looking so concerned."

"Your Grace, is your daughter well?"

"Myrcella?" He squinted. "As far as I know. Boros, where is she?"

"In her rooms, she said she had dirtied her clothes and needed to put one fresh ones."

Eddard bowed his head. "I am relived to hear she is well. Unfortunately, I have proven to be a poor host. While under the protection of this house she suffered an attack by my daughter's wolf. I am here to apologize for the negligent care and for my daughter to personally apologize to the Princess."

The King looked a bit more awake now. "Go fetch my daughter." He looked at Ned seriously, "Wolves aren't dogs, this could have been far worse if they were full grown."

Ned kept a firm grip on Arya's shoulder when she moved to speak. The Kingsguard returned with Myrcella who looked uninjured. Her blue eyes widened slightly and darted to Arya and then back to him.

"Lord Stark." She then glanced at Arya. "Are you all, right? I hope I was not rude in departing so quickly. Mother always taught me to always look my best in public and when I tripped and scuffed my dress in the fall I wanted to change as swiftly as possible."

Eddard could see his daughter was at a loss for words.

"Princess, it was my understanding that the wolf attacked you." Ned spoke.

"Oh that? It is just a pup; its bark is far worse than any bite it could do." Her eyes grew wide and looked toward Arya. "Oh, you feel responsible for my fall? Please don't be silly. Yes, little Nymeria did startle me when she growled but it was my own clumsiness that led to my dress being dirtied. Really tis no one's fault but my own."

Robert laughed. "You Starks are too honorable for your own good. My daughter may be a runt but she's a Baratheon and a little tumble is of no concern."

Eddard wanted to thank the Princess for her kindness, even as a chill went down his spine. Arya had confessed what happened and his own guards had seen a ripped dress and a snarling wolf. It was disconcerting that a girl of 11 could lie so easily and perfectly that none could tell the difference. Had he not known the truth he would have believed it completely. The South was a nest of adders where lies could be sold as truths with none the wiser. Children taught deception as they took their mother's milk, it sickened him.

"In either case my daughter has a responsibility to not let her pet harm," he paused and looked at Myrcella, "or startle our guests. Arya what do you have to say?"

"I am very sorry and I will make sure this never happens again, on my honor as a Stark."

Myrcella smiled and moved forward and took Arya's hands with her own. "I accept your apology in the spirit it was intended even if I think it unnecessary." She looked up at Ned. "All of this started due to Arya struggling a bit learning how to make neat stiches during our lesson with your kind Septa. I have a little trick I wanted to show Arya, may I impose a bit on her time and go over it with her now?"

Eddard assented and watched as Myrcella led Arya back into the hall and toward the sewing room where they had taken their lessons.

Robert shook his head. "Bah Ned, you probably scared your daughter half to death with this. It's not easy for a girl her age to be marched to see the King to formally apologize. Was disturbing my rest with all this truly necessary?"

He wasn't sure what to say. It was very much necessary for the apology but gainsaying what Myrcella had just spoken would not do anyone any good. Honor made him clarify, at least in part, what had happened.

"You've raised a courageous and kind young lady, Robert. It was more than just a growl that caused her to stumble. My guardsman and Arya have said as much. Yet, if she is unharmed and holds no ill will toward Arya for the mishap, I will put it aside."

Robert looked embarrassed when Eddard had complimented his rearing of Myrcella. He took a long drink from his cup of Arbor wine. "Since you're here now you'll have to join me for a drink."

"Yes, your Grace." Ned didn't argue. Robert always tried to encourage him to drink. They had gotten off lightly thanks to Myrcella's words, and a glass of wine in relief would not be out of order.

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Chapter 1021 - 5-6