My Sweet Summer children! After a long time of waiting, and that shit show that was the finale of season 8 I have returned to you! Yeah, so sorry this took so long. I was having trouble of how I wanted to write it, then I started started not liking the story because I realize it was very Mary Sue-ish, and there was just a whole bunch of other stuff. Also have a lot of other stories right now that I enjoy working on that are also becoming really popular. I have this problem where I get an idea in my head and I have to like write it out. But anyway, sorry for the spelling and grammar errors as always, trying to get those all out. You know how it goes. But I hope you will enjoy this, it's not dead. I promise I'll finish it. Eventually. And there is going to be a Rhaegar X Joella story. I just have to plan it. So yeah that's basically all that's going on. Feel free to check out any of my other stories. I'm considering putting a story on AO3 but I'm not sure. Always remember to share your comments I love hearing what you guys think, but make sure if you have something negative to say you're going to be constructive. That's all I ask. Without further Ado please enjoy guys, gals, and non-binary Pals

Joella spent most of the next fortnight preparing for her wedding. Seamstresses measured and prepared her wedding gown. They promised that it would be the most beautiful dress she would ever wear. Joella knew that most of the wedding plans weren't going to be made by her, but what she did have a say in, she poured all her though and energy in.

She wrote to Elia, Ashara, and Catelyn about it. Her letters were filled with joy and excitement for her new life. There would be times where she'd walk down the halls and burst into laughter of no reason. Though some were worried, everyone could agree that it was the happiest the young lioness had ever been.

Finally, the day had come for them to leave for the North. Tyrion rode in the carriage with Aunt Genna, Cersei, and a Speta. Rose was also with them. She had been assigned to Joella's handmaiden while living in the North. Joella had been so happy to have someone from home with her.

Joella, dressed in her cleanest riding close was atop of Snowstorm, waiting patiently to leave. Shadow's Roar strapped to her hip.

"May I say little lion, you look lovely today," her Uncle Gerion said riding up next to her.

"Thank you, uncle," Joella said smiling. But it soon fell and, the golden hair girl looked down to the ground where her cats waited.

"What's wrong, sweetling?" he asked.

"I just think I am a bit, nervous," Joella admitted, now looking up to the sky. Her uncle chuckled.

"I think that is only natural," he said, "That's why I'll never wed."

Joella smiled to herself but she didn't feel much better.

As the trip went on Joella tried to stay happy. Whenever they stopped, Joella would find Tyrion and she would listen to him talk about what every book he was reading. Other than that she would either train with her sword or sit with Arra and Lynora.

Joella hadn't said a word to Jamie since the night of the ball. Not that Jamie hadn't tried. He missed talking to his little sister, and so she would be miles away from him. But Joella was still very angry.

Five days into the trip Jamie finally rode up to Joella to talk to her. Arra growled at him, making Jamie white stallion nervous. Joella paid no mind. Jamie knew that Shadowcat would never hurt him but he was still careful.

"Ella," he said, "Ella, please listen to me," he begs. Joella faced the other way.

"Ella, I don't know what you want me to say," Jamie said, "I don't-" the young lion sighed, "Ella, I'm sorry I upset you."

The younger girl finally turned and looked at her elder brother, "You did more than just upset me," she said coldly, "You insulted my betrothed and his homeland. Soon to be my home. How am I to take that?"

Jamie looked away from his sister for a moment. He sighed and then looked back up to his sister, "I'm sorry Ella."

"No, your not," she said, looking forward.

"So you stay mad at me forever?"

"Perhaps."

"Ella please," he begged.

Then it was Joella's turn to turn her head and sigh. Jamie was good at many things, apologizing and asking for forgiveness was not one of them. Joella knew her broth hated the idea of her going away to far north. She knew he felt like Joella was getting spiked, seeing as she was going to marry a second son. However, Joella felt her father was planning on changing that. A part of her wanted to forgive her brother. Soon she'd never see him, and he'd all the way back at Casterly Rock, soon to be married to Lysa Tully.

After a good few minutes, Joella looked back at her brother. "Why is it that I can never stay mad at you?" she asked.

Jamie smiled, that lion like smile of his, " Because sweet sister, you love your family too much."

Joella smiled. Yes, she did love her family. But how far did love go?

"You're not forgiven yet," she said. Jamie sighed, he never could win with her. Not with little Ella.

XXX

The morning of the day they arrived at Winterfell, Joella was dressed by her aunt's.

"Here darling, put this on," her Aunt Dorna said, handing Joella her Lannister necklaces.

"Thank you, Aunt Dorna," Joella said, hanging the chain around her neck.

"By the Mother, my dear you look too plain," her Aunt Genna said looking at Joella from head to foot.

"She looks like North woman," her Aunt Darlessa said. The way her tone was Joella couldn't tell if that was good or bad.

Joella was dressed in a dark blue gown with gray fur trim on the cuffs and hem. The skirt was embroiled with winter roses and Joella's hair was pulled back in elaborate braids. She did look like a northern woman. She didn't look like a flashy southerner. A small smile pressed Joella's lips.

"It's a plain dress of a plain country," Aunt Genna, "My dear how will you manga here?"

"I will be fine, auntie," Joella said, turning to smile at her aunt, "I'm happy to be marrying Lord Eddard.

"Oh, my sweet," Aunt Genna said taking her hands, "Oh, just look at you. It seems as if only yesterday you running the halls or the Rock. But now, you're going to wed."

Her aunt kissed her forehead and Aunt Darlessa placed a clock of silver fox fur on her shoulders. Joella was allowed to ride on Snowstorm as long as she didn't dirty her dress.

Tyrion spent the whole morning talking about the history of Winterfell and the stories and myths he had heard of the North. Jamie was quiet. His mood was bitter and aggressive. Before they left Joella kissed his cheek and said, "Please pretend to be happy for me dear brother, just for one day."

Jamie gave her a huff and a short nod before they mounted their horses.

As Winterfell came closer and closer, Joella's heart beat harder in her chest. Tomorrow she was to to be Joella Stark. It took all the power in her body to not jump off Snowstorm and run. When the tall gates for Winterfell do open her breath caught in her throat.

She could see all the Starks line up next to Lord Rickard. She could see Ned. Her heart picked up the pace. He was no different from the last time she saw him, save for now he was dressed in much finer clothes. He looked back at her, these light gray eyes were normal cold, warmed her heart in a way.

Soon the whole party was inside the courtyard. Joella watched her father dismount and gesture for her and her siblings to come follow. They were set in a line to her father's left.

"Lord Tywin," Lord Rickard said, "I welcome you and your family to Winterfell."

Tywin nodded, and the turned for Joella to come forth. She did and gave Lord Stark a curtsy.

"Lord Rickard," she quietly. The older north man nodded and then called for his second son. Joella watched as Ned came forward, her eyes never leaving him once. He bowed and took her hand and kissed it when she held it out

"My lady," Ned said.

"My lord," Joella said. The rest of the affairs were a blur to Joella. Her mind only came back into focus when everything was done and a maid was told to escort her to her room.

The room was large and lovely and warm, but it seemed a bit silly to Joella seeing as tomorrow night she and Ned would be in their room together. Arra and Lynora had made themselves comfortable on Joella's bed, there was a knock on the door.

Young girl with dark brown hair and green eyes handed Joella a small scroll of paper.

"M'lord told me to give you this m' lady," the girls said. Joella took the scroll from the girl and dismissed her. The lioness read and read Ned fairly neat handwriting.

"Meet me in the godswood."

Joella smiled, grabbed her clock, and raced out the door, her cats slowly following her.

XXX

Joella made her way to the godswood slowly, so as not to draw attention to herself. But when she got there and she saw Ned waiting for her, she rushed to him laughing happily.

Eddard smiled and held the lioness close to him. Soon she'd be his wife. Joella pushed back a bit, her hands moving up to cup her lover's face. She brought his lips down to meet her's.

Ned pulled back, "We can't do that yet," he said.

"Tomorrow, I will be your wife," the Lannister girl said, "You will be my husband. I don't think one kiss will cause to much harm."

Ned smiled and shook his head.

"How many people have already come?" Joella asked.

"Robert is here, " Ned said, "As well as Jon Arryn and a few lords of the Vale. Most of the Northern lords will be coming in the morning. How many of your father's bannerman came with you?"

Joella rolled her eyes a bit, "Enough of them," she said. The lioness looked up at the Weirwood.

"We'll be married here tomorrow, won't we?" she asked.

"Aye, we will," Ned said.

"How lovely," Joella whispered. The couple stayed in the woods for some time, while the Shadowcat and Lioness watched.

XXX

Joella was woken up early. She was told it was to take all day for her to get ready. After she ate breakfast she took a bath and severe handmaiden spent a great deal of time wash different soaps and lotions into her hair.

Her aunts came soon after they were ready, to ensure that her dress was perfect and that the northern maiden didn't ruin the southern look Joella was supposed to have.

There was a knock on her door soon after that. Joella looked at the door puzzled and to one of the younger girls to answer it, as the lioness stepped into her corset.

When to door opened Joella saw the familiar dark hair and skin of Elia Martell. The lionesses eye grew wide, ran over to hug the other girl.

"Elia!" she cried, "You're here."

"I wasn't going to miss your wedding after you couldn't come to mine," the Dornish woman said. Joella smiled before she was yanked back to continue getting dressed. Elia sat on her bed and Lynora rested her head on the princess' lap. The two talked back and forth as Joella got ready.

Her dress was pure blinding white. The leaves were long and almost touched the ground. There were roses, lion, and wolves embroidery all over the skirt and chest. Her hair was pulled back into braids, but it still fell down her back. The same maiden clock her mother used was on her shoulders. It took a few more hours but finally, she was ready. She looked beautiful

"Oh my dear," Aunt Genna said, when she saw Joella, "Look at you. You've come so far, my dear. If only Joanna could see my darling. She'd be so proud."

It was just then that Cersei walked into her room. The other Lannister girls eyes looked as though they were filled with fire. Joella paid her no mind. But the Cersei's eyes drifted to Elia. Arra growled at her warning the girl not to come near her mistress or the princess.

Then Joella saw her father come through the door.

"All of you out," he said. It was a minute before the room cleared out. Soon Joella was left with her cats and her father. Tywin looked at his daughter up and down, as if check to make sure she was suitable.

"Father," Joella said, "Is it time?"

"Yes," he said.

XXX

The godswood was full of lords and ladies. She could see all her family, she could see both Tully sisters, Robert, Elia and her uncle Sir Lewyn Martell of the Kingsguard with her. Joella saw Lyanna and Benjen smiling at her. She could see Jamie, his face was dark as a storm. She saw Tyrion, smiling ear to ear next to her Uncle Gerion. The sun was still in the sky, but it would be setting soon. The path to the Weirwood was in line with lanterns.

Arra and Lynora were forced to stay in Joella's chambers. Her stomach dropped. It had been so long since they had not been at her side. However, all of her fears and worried melted when she saw Ned.

He was dressed the nicest Joella had ever seen him. When he saw his jaw fell open a bit looked as though he couldn't believe what he was seeing.

Joella was never again though as she reached the weirwood. She was about to get married, forever bound to one man. Yes, the man she loved but what if he changed after this? What if decide one day she no longer what he wants? Then what would she do?

There was no time for question anymore because now, her father and she had stopped walking. It was time.

Joella would look back and at the ceremony and not remember most of it. She said the word she was meant to say calmly enough. Most of the time she looked to Ned. it was his cool demi meaner keeping her relaxed the whole time.

The only part of the whole ceremony that she remembered was Ned gently pressed his lips to her. There were cheers and clap. She felt like she could breathe again.

No longer was she Joella Lannister.

Now she was Joella Stark.

XXX

The fest was wonderful and Joella spent the entire night in joy. Arra and Lynora were allowed at her side once more. She danced with her uncles and Tyrion and a few of the northern lords. Catelyn and Lysa had come to her to tell her how lovely her gown looked. Elia and come and hugged her after dinner, say that the ceremony was wonderful that she couldn't be happier for her friend. Cersei glared at Joella as she hung on Ned's arm most of the night.

Tywin watched the newlywed couple a great deal. Joella would be happy but that mattered little. She was in control of the marriage she was in, and if she could do what Tywin wanted, then Eddard Stark would do what he wanted.

After the dance and been going on for some time, Joella made her way through the crowd. She was stopped by Lyanna, who hugged her.

"We're sisters now," the younger girl said.

"That we are," Joella said. The two talked for a while before Lyanna saw Benjen and went off to be with him.

Joella slipped out of the hall just for a moment to make her way outside. It didn't take her long to find Jamie. He was drinking something. She didn't know what. Northern ale was bitter and harsh as was the wine, Jamie wouldn't have like either.

When the lion turned and saw his sister he put the cup down.

"Shouldn't you be with your new husband?" he asked.

"Shouldn't you be celebrating with us?" she asked.

Jamie scoffed. The snow was lightly beginning to fall from the heavens. It was a beautiful night.

"This place is a prison," Jamie said.

"To you mayhaps but for me, it's now home," Joella said holding her hand out to catch snowflakes, "I've already grown fond of it."

Jamie let out another huff. "Brother," Joella said, "You may not like my husband, but you can not grumble in anger forever."

Her brother said nothing. He just simply stepped forward kissed her temple lightly and went back inside.

XXX

Jamie was half drunk as he walked back to his chambers. He was angry and full of fury. He wanted to scream at his father and kill Eddard Stark. The damn Northman didn't deserve his little sister. No man did. She was beautiful, kind, cunning and smart. She should have been a princess, or a Queen, now she was hardly a lady.

He was walking past the great hall when he ran in ho new brother by law. "Sir Jamie," the man said, "I apologize."

"Lord Stark," Jamie said back smiling slyly at the look of the man.

"I was looking for Joella," the wolf said, "Have you seen her?"

Jamie chuckled lazily, "Ah, tell me, Lord Stark, are you happy you have taken my sister? Are you happy tonight you'll get to crawl on top of her?"

The other man was left without words. At first, he looked shocked, then he turned angered. These gray eyes like and winters storm.

"I have nothing but love and respect for your sister.

"As you should," Jamie said, "But know this, Joella loves you. Of course, even she's not perfect, but it clouds her mind from seeing what you really are." Jamie stepped closer to him and said, "I do hope you know, that you will never deserve my sister. No now, not ever. You could be king of the whole damn Seven Kingdom and you wouldn't be any closer to being worthy of her."

"Sir Jamie," was all the wolf said, before walking past the blond man.

XXX

Joella looked up at the night sky. Snowflakes fell to the ground silently. She pulled her cloak tight around herself and closed her eyes.

"Ella?"

She turned and smiled, "Ned."

He walked over to her slowly. Only to pick her up in his arms and spin her around. Joella began to laugh until her husband put her down. He kissed her sweetly and they pressed their foreheads together.

"Are you enjoying yourself Lady Stark?" he asked.

"I am," she said, wrapping her arms around his neck. They kissed again. Joella rested her head against Ned's chest and listen to his heartbeat. It was a quiet and simple moment.

"We should head to our chambers," Ned said, quietly. "Before they drag us there."

"Perhaps you're right," Joella said. The two left Arra and Lynora in the stable for the night. And the argument the cats were not happy with, and then made their way to their shared chambers. They walked slowly at first. But at some point, Joella began to walk fast, until both she and Ned were running down the halls of the castle laughing. When they reached the door, Joella pushed open and grabbed her husband by the collar and the shut the door once more locking it.