Introduction

The decisions made by characters in George R. R. Martin's universe, particularly in 'A Song of Ice and Fire' and 'A Clash of Kings', can often have far-reaching consequences. One such significant decision is Ned Stark's marriage to Catelyn Tully. What if he had chosen instead to marry Ashara Dayne, the daughter of Lord Hoster Tully? Let's explore how this alternative could have altered the course of the rebellion and the lives of many characters.

Hoster Tully's Allegiance

If Ned Stark had married Ashara Dayne, it's highly probable that Hoster Tully would not have joined the rebellion. This decision would have had cascading effects on the conflict. Without Hoster's support, the rebellion would have faced significant challenges in securing the Riverlands.

Furthermore, Hoster's neutrality also means that Walder Frey, who continues to remain neutral in the official timeline, might have chosen to support the crown. This would have prevented the Northern army from having easy access to the Riverlands. This divergence in allegiance would have made it more difficult for Robert Baratheon to achieve a decisive victory at the Battle of the Trident.

Toolbar: The rebellion's plan to storm the Twins would have been more challenging. The Twins are a formidable fortress, and storming it would likely result in heavy losses for the Northern forces. Alternatively, taking the panoramic view, which would take several days, would be a safer but slower option. With the Tullys allied with Lord Connington's forces, and the absence of the Northern army, Robert Baratheon would have been outsmarted at the Battle of the Bells.

Arryn's Loyalty and the End of the Rebellion

Jon Arryn, already conflicted due to his eldest son Rodrik's support of the rebellion, would have faced even more pressure. The loss of his son Jon would have pushed him to reconsider his allegiance. With Robert's defeat in mind, and facing the loss of another heir, Jon Arryn might have been inclined to bend the knee to Lord Connington. In such a scenario, Rhaegar Targaryen could have been pardoned under certain conditions.

This negotiation might have included Rhaegar's offer to restore justice to the realm, thus ending the rebellion and paving the way for a relatively peaceful resolution. However, the scenario would still be fraught with challenges, especially for Ned Stark, who would have to navigate the complex political landscape.

The Dayne's Loyalty

Turning to the Daynes, who would have remained loyal to the crown due to Arthur Dayne's unshakeable support of Rhaegar. The loyalty of the Daynes would not extend beyond providing support through intelligence, such as a detailed account of the events at the Tower of Joy. This could have assured Ned Stark of Rhaegar's intentions and his claims to justice, which might have influenced Ned's judgment in the aftermath.

Note that the Daynes' support would likely have been conditional and would not have involved direct military engagement. Arthur Dayne's steadfast allegiance to Rhaegar would have prevented any betrayal, ensuring that the crown received truthful and reliable information about the situation involving Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen.

Character Relationships and Outcomes

Moving on to the personal relationships, some interesting scenarios could have emerged if Ned Stark had married Ashara Dayne. For instance, Benjen Stark might have married Lysa Arryn, or alternatively, he might have married Stannis Baratheon after the war. The rebel alliance could have been strengthened through these marriages, further complicating the political landscape.

There's also the intriguing possibility that the incredible stupidity at the Tower of Joy would have been averted. Ashara Dayne might have spoken to Ned about Lyanna Stark's intentions and her true feelings for Rhaegar Targaryen. This Dialogue could have prevented the tragic misunderstanding that led to the Tower of Joy incident.

From there, things might have unfolded in a more peaceful manner. Rhaegar's face upon seeing Lyanna Stark with 50 northern guards and her family would have been priceless. Similarly, Lyanna's reaction would have been explosive. She would have likely erupted into a massive tantrum, making both of them realize the severity of their actions and the potential consequences.

Conclusion: The rebellion's outcome would have been significantly different if Ned Stark had married Ashara Dayne. The political landscape would have been more stable, and key characters might have been spared the heartaches caused by misunderstandings and betrayal. This alternative timeline offers a more favorable outcome, highlighting the importance of clear communication and strategic alliances in times of conflict.