Alright! Two chapters in one day! I haven't done that for any story in forever! Feels good to do it again!
Before we start, I just wanna say some things. First off, we are going to start pre War of the Seven Kings. That allows time for our characters to get ingrained into Westeros, build relationships, at least make an attempt to find their friends and get a lay of the land. After several chapters, we will get into the meat of Game of Thrones. And it is going to be amazing! I can't wait!
Anyways, let's get started!
A Song of Fairies
Part 1: A Game of Thrones
Erza
Wind whipped over her body, carrying a sudden chill that made any exposed skin shrivel into goosebumps. Her body trembled as the soft kiss of snow falling onto her face and neck awoke her. Brown eyes scanned the grey skies above her, puzzled at the sudden change in weather.
Since when does it snow in Magnolia during this time of year? Erza thought.
Another icy wind whipped by her, causing her to shake in her armor. Her teeth began to chatter a little as she eased herself upright. A throbbing pain rushed up from her lower back, causing her to groan. A piercing headache filled her world. It was like a hammer pounding against the inside of her skull. A pain so brilliant that it forced her to shut her eyes momentarily in order to steady herself.
She took a couple quick breaths before forcing her eyes open. Snow shifted off of her armored shoulders as she twisted around to look at her surroundings.
There was nothing but snow. Snow and trees and more snow. Her head titled as she glanced around her.
Where am I?
This forest looked unlike any she had ever seen before. Fiore was usually a temperate to tropical place. The only area Erza knew of that had this much snowfall was Mount Hakobe. And she didn't see any mountains nearby. Everything looked foreign to her. Even the grey sky above her looked strange. She shook her head and rose to her feet, the pounding in her head turning into a dull throb as she blocked out the pain.
I won't figure out where I am unless I have a look around. She thought before taking a few steps forward.
A long groan left her lips as he muscles stiffened. She felt like tiny pins were pricking her legs and arms as she attempted to move. Add in the biting cold, and Erza felt completely miserable.
"Perhaps an outfit that is more appropriate for my environment." She muttered under her breath.
She closed her eyes and exhaled, calling on her vast magic power. She waited several moments, breath held as she anticipated the familiar feel and glow of her requip magic.
Nothing happened.
Her brown eyes slowly opened and she glanced down to see she was still wearing the same armor as before. Another shiver crawled up her spine.
"What the hell?" Erza muttered before trying again. Only to get the same results, "My magic isn't working?" She gulped in a panicked breath before quickly exhaling, "Don't lose your head Erza. You'll figure this out. Just get moving."
Without another word, she moved. Her boots sinking into the powdery snow beneath her feet. The cold only grew worse as the sky darkened above her. Her breath misted out in front of her face while her arms continuously rubbed her body. It felt like hours and she had not seen a single new thing. Just more snow and more trees.
"I'm getting nowhere fast." She grumbled, rubbing her hands together as she felt her fingers beginning to go numb.
But she had no choice. It was either move, or let the cold and snow consume her. Erza Scarlet was not about to submit to a foreign environment. And so she pressed on, taking a few more steps in the direction she had been walking.
A high pitched scream broke the silence around her. Erza ground to a halt, her entire body turning in the direction of the scream. It was followed by one howl. Then two howls. Then three. Erza's blood ran cold.
Wolves.
Another loud scream filled the frigid air. Erza took off. Her body bounding in the direction of the screams and howls. All aches and pains in her body forgotten.
The forest in around her began to thin out and open up into a frozen plain. Long grass blades jutted up from small piles of snow. Cutting through the icy field was a muddy road that seemed entirely abandoned. Erza paused and waited.
A third scream pierced the air. Then Erza saw them. A little girl with dark brown hair and pale skin sprinting towards the road. Behind her, a pack of wolves. Teeth gnashing, ready to make a kill.
Not on my watch.
Erza rushed towards the girl. On instinct, she called upon her magic. Only to feel that same emptiness once again. A curse left Erza's lips before she decided to draw the sword that she had at her hip. She could see the little girl's eyes widened both in surprise and fear. She stumbled and fell backwards, landing hard on the gravelly road beneath her.
A triumphant howl left the lead wolf's lips before they curled back, brandishing wicked jaws still stained red from a previous kill. Just as the wolf was about to leap through the air and pounce on the small girl, Erza got in the way. The flat of her blade caught the wolf by the mouth. With a mighty cry, Erza tossed the wolf away before drawing back to defend the little girl behind her.
Her eyes darted from one wolf to another as they pack encircled her, snarling and snapping their jaws. Each evaluating this new, red haired threat that had come between them and their prey. The little girl clung to Erza's blue skirt. Allowing Erza to stay between her and the wolves.
The alpha rose back to it's feet and growled. It's paws padding towards Erza, hairs bristling as it sought it's vengeance.
"Get back!" Erza barked, her commanding voice causing each wolf to hesitate. Even the alpha seemed uncertain as the knight brandished her blade in front of her.
But the alpha could not admit defeat. It snarled again before charging. The other wolves followed. Erza's eyes widened. One wolf at a time, she could handle. But without her magic, the entire pack at once? She gulped and spun around to try and defend the small girl.
A hiss filled the air followed by a loud whine of pain. Erza glanced to the alpha and saw a black arrow protruding from its right haunch. Another arrow whizzed by Erza, narrowly missing her head, before piercing the alpha's skull with a loud thud. As the alpha wolf fell dead into the road, the other wolves broke off their charge, uncertain of what to do with an entirely new threat.
That threat came in the form of five horsemen. And as they approached, the wolves cut their losses.
Erza turned around, placing the girl behind her as the horsemen drew closer. The first was a younger man. Dark curly hair rested atop his head and a small beard lined his chin. He wore rich furs over his shoulders as well as a dark tunic beneath the thick coat. Beside him rode an older man with chestnut colored hair and a graying beard. Dark eyes thick with fear and worry. At his hip was an enormous blade. The third rider was a thin boy with light brown hair and a thin goatee. A mischievous gleam filled his eyes. The fourth rider appeared to be merely a foot soldier wearing chain mail and tunic. The tunic had the head of a gray wolf stitched into it. The final rider was another young man with jet black hair and a beard that clung to his jaw. His dark eyes looked at the little girl in worry before darting to Erza. His expression changing from worry to anger.
The riders encircled Erza and the little girl. Three of the men, the guard included, drew blades. The mischievous looking one knocked an arrow. Finally, the eldest dropped down from his horse. As soon as his booted feet touched the ground, the little girl broke away from Erza and rushed towards the older man who enveloped her in a large hug. The action caused the other riders to relax in their saddles. But none of their wary gazes left Erza.
The older man whispered something to the girl before hoisting her up onto his dark horse. He then turned to look at Erza. She could see the uncertainty and surprise in his cold gaze. She also noticed that his hand was not leaving the pommel of the enormous blade at his hip. So she kept on guard. While she did lower her own sword, she refused to sheath it. These were people she did now know, in a place that she was unfamiliar with. In Erza's mind, it was best to exercise extreme caution.
"Who are you?" The oldest man asked. His powerful voice reverberating in Erza's ears.
Erza raised her chin, "I was about to ask you the same thing."
"Watch your tone, woman! You're speaking to the Lord of Winterfell!" The thinnest boy snapped as he tightened his arrow in his bow.
The older man raised a hand, as if ordering the boy to stand down. He carefully approached Erza.
"Not from around here, are you?" He asked, his tone taking a more gentle approach.
Erza glanced back at the other four riders, who maintained their threatening appearance, "Not really." She replied.
The man nodded, "An interesting day this has become. First my youngest daughter runs off into the woods and I can't find her. Then a young woman with red hair and armor arrives and rescues her from a pack of feral wolves." He glanced back at the other riders, "I have half a mind to think I'm living one of those songs you four sing with the men in the barracks."
A light chuckle left the first rider's lips. The final rider remained sullen, his eyes never leaving Erza or her sword.
The older man turned back to Erza, "Regardless of who you may be and where you are from, you saved my little Arya. And for that, I am eternally grateful."
Erza blinked then smiled, "I just did what anyone else would've done." She replied. She then jumped. I'm speaking to a Lord. I must be respectful. "Um… My Lord?" She finished, uncertain if she addressed him correctly.
The man smiled, "May I ask your name once more?"
Erza glanced again at the horsemen. She noticed that now, their swords were sheathed. The bowman had removed his arrow from the string. They all seemed much more relaxed.
"Erza Scarlet." She replied, holding out her hand for the man to shake.
The man glanced confused at her hand before taking it and shaking it firmly.
"Thank you once again, Lady Scarlet." He strode back to his horse and quickly jumped into saddle, "Jon!"
The last rider clopped forward.
"Yes, Lord Stark?" He asked quietly.
"Lady Scarlet does not have a horse, and I wish to give her a proper reward for her bravery." Lord Stark turned his horse towards the road while Arya smiled up at him, "She will ride with you."
"Yes, my lord." The young man named Jon replied before trotting up to Erza. He quickly held out a hand for her, "Need a lift."
To his great surprise, Erza jumped up onto the horse herself. She settled in behind Jon.
"I think I can handle it just fine." She replied.
Off to the side, she noticed the thin boy and his dark haired companion chuckling quietly. Jon didn't say another word as he turned his horse and fell in line behind the others.
….
The small group of riders rode for several minutes before the road turned from mud to cobblestone. Then Erza saw it.
In the distance arose a massive castle. Great stone towers rose out of the frozen fields. Surrounding the towers and keep were thick stone walls and a small village that was nestled just outside of the castle. When the riders made their way into the village, the common folk paused what they were doing to look at Lord Stark returning. Their faces turned into surprise and confusion when they saw Erza riding on the same horse as Jon. The perplexed glances being shot her way caused Erza to shift nervously in her seat.
"Relax, Lady Scarlet." Jon said quietly, "There's nothing to worry about."
"They're giving me funny looks." Erza replied as she watched the townspeople stare at her, jaws hanging open.
"It's not often a woman wearing armor rides into Winterfell." Jon replied.
"Let alone one has beautiful as yourself." The thin boy with brown hair smirked back at them.
"Keep riding, Theon." Jon quickly growled while the boy just laughed loudly before sending his horse into a gallop towards the castle gate.
The five riders quickly trotted into the castle courtyard. Upon entering, multiple servants rushed towards them and quickly took the reins of the horses while all five riders and their passengers dismounted. Once again, Jon offered his assistance to which Erza replied by easily getting off of the horse herself.
The doors to the castle creaked open. A middle aged woman with auburn hair and blue eyes and wearing a thick, dark colored dress and furs rushed out. She immediately sprinted over to Arya and wrapped her tightly in a hug.
"Don't you dare run off like that again young lady." She breathed as she held the little girl.
"I'm sorry mother." Arya whimpered.
Another long sigh left the woman's lips before she ended her embrace, "I'm just happy you are safe." She held Arya's shoulders, "Now inside with you. Septa Mordane has been fretting all day about your missed lessons."
A long groan left Arya's chest as she reluctantly shuffled into the castle. Once Arya was inside, the woman strode up to Lord Stark and embraced him as well. The two quickly sharing a small kiss.
"Where did you find her?" She asked.
"She was at the edge of the Wolfswood, several miles north." He replied before turning to motion for Erza to come closer, "And I wasn't the one that found her."
Erza walked up and found herself on the receiving end of an icy stare from the woman.
"Who might this be, Ned?" She asked coldly.
"This is Lady Erza Scarlet. She arrived in time to get between our daughter and a pack of wolves." Lord Stark replied, "If it wasn't for her. Arya might not be here now."
The woman's gaze visibly softened.
"Did she?" The woman bowed to Erza, "Thank you so much Lady Scarlet. I apologize for my demeanor."
Erza shook her head, "It's alright um… Lady Stark?"
The woman nodded and turned back to Ned, "I assume you wish to hold a feast in her honor?"
He nodded, "A small one yes."
"Well then, I'll inform the kitchens. I will also have the servants prepare a room for Lady Scarlet. As well as some fresh clothes. Now come inside, it is bitter out here."
Once inside, the five riders went their separate ways. Lord Stark retreated towards a study where an old man wearing white robes and a long linked chain awaited him. Jon remained outside of the castle with the guard that rode with them. Meanwhile, Theon and his dark haired companion rushed towards what appeared to be the stables.
As all of this occurred, Erza was whisked away by a pair of servants who guided her through the castle.
Erza's jaw continued to fall open as she took in her new surroundings. Despite the frozen conditions outside, the air inside of the castle was shockingly warm. There were several fires burning in many fireplaces, but there was no way that they produced this much heat. For a single moment, Erza placed her hand against the stone walls and found them warm to the touch.
Interesting.
She was eventually escorted into a large guest room. Inside were several basic furnishings, including a fireplace, a table with two wooden chairs, a dresser, a nightstand, and a large bed covered in heavy fur blankets. One of the servants quickly got a fire going in the fireplace before all of them exited, except for two female servants. It was then that Erza noticed the wooden tub near the fireplace.
"Oh." She mouthed.
The pair of servants moved to unbuckle her armor. Erza jerked away from their hands startling both of them.
"Please don't I-" Erza took a calming breath, "I can do this myself. You all deserve a break or something. Thank you for helping though."
Both servants bowed and quickly exited the room, leaving Erza alone.
Now she could think. At least attempt to piece together what was going on. She didn't have the weather to contend with anymore. Erza glanced at the tub of water and sighed.
A warm bath would do me some good I suppose.
She first attempted to requip out of her armor. This time, she felt the familiar buzz of her magic come over her body. Her fist clenched tightly at her sides and she squeezed her eyes shut, trying to force her power to the surface. In the end though, nothing happened again. She took a heavy breath and stumbled back due to the strain.
"What in the world is wrong with my magic?" she muttered to herself before shaking her head and rubbing her eyes, "Ugh… this is bad."
After going through the painfully slow task of unbuckling her armor and setting it carefully to the side, she slipped into the warm bath water and used the brush nearby to scrub herself clean. As she sat in the water she pondered what was going on.
I'm no where near Magnolia, that's a certainty. She thought, It's winter here. But it's almost summer in Fiore. She rubbed her chin, Wait a moment! What if- She recalled the events at Levy's house. The strange book that opened when Gray and Natsu grabbed hold of it. The black orb of strange magic that had devoured everyone in the room. Erza's eyes widened and her pupils shrank, Have I been transported somewhere?
A knock on her door interrupted her thoughts.
"Come in." Erza called.
The door opened and Theon's dark haired companion entered.
"I'm here to-" He paused as he saw Erza sitting nude in her bath. After an awkward second he quickly averted his eyes, "I apologize Lady Scarlet, I thought you were decent."
"It's alright." Erza replied as she rose from the bath and made her way over to the bed where she saw a robe waiting for her. She quickly slipped it onto her shoulders and covered herself. "Hm… I suppose I'll wear my armor."
"There should be some clothes in the wardrobe." The man suggested.
"I prefer my armor, but thank you." Erza replied as she went over to her neatly folded clothes and began to slip them on, "So… what are you here for again?"
"Um…" She could see a large blush on his cheeks as she changed, "I am here to escort you to dinner." He gulped, "My um… father told me to."
"Father?"
"Lord Stark."
Erza blinked, "Oh! I apologize for not being a little more formal." She replied as she finished strapping her armor on.
"There is nothing to apologize for. You had no way of knowing." The man replied, "My name is Robb."
"Robb." Erza repeated, "I'll do my best to remember it."
Robb smirked, "I hope so." He held out his arm for her, "Shall we?"
Erza nodded then hesitantly held onto his arm. The pair quickly exited Erza's room and made their way through the gray halls of Winterfell.
"How is this place so warm?" Erza suddenly asked as they walked.
"There is a hot spring beneath the castle." Robb explained, "It pumps warm water through the walls." He smiled, "It must be a strange thing to hear and see for an outsider."
"You've got no idea." Erza gaped at the walls.
The pair eventually entered a large room. Inside was a long table neatly set with porcelain plates and silverware. Robb guided Erza over to a seat alongside a large wooden chair. He then took his seat beside her. Next to him was a young boy with equally dark hair and a curious gleam in his eyes. Beside him was a Arya. The little girl flashed a bright smile to Erza and waved. Next to Arya was an older girl, around thirteen years old, with the same auburn colored hair as Lady Stark. She quickly glanced at Erza before turning to speak to the youngest diner, a little boy no more than six years old.
After several more moments, Erza saw Lord and Lady Stark enter. Lady Stark to a seat to the right of her husband while Lord Stark sat in the large seat to Erza's right. Then the doors opened allowing the rest of the castle residents to find a seat at the table. Eventually the food was delivered and the feast became a lively affair. Diners talked loudly to one another and drank merrily. Arya and the other boy that Erza assumed was another child of Lord Stark spoke excitedly while taking quick peeks up at Erza.
Sometime during the third course of the meal, Lord Stark rose to his feet, prompting the entire hall to fall silent. He raised his own glass of wine.
"A toast!" He gestured to Erza, "To Lady Erza Scarlet, who rescued my daughter Arya from a pack of wolves!"
A raucous cheer arose from those in attendance. Erza smiled and waved before continuing to eat her food in silence. As she ate, she saw the other Stark children continuing to give her curious glances along with some of the other servants. Erza turned to look at the three other children.
"Is there something on my face?" She asked.
"N-no!" The young boy beside Arya stammered.
"Don't be so intimidated Bran." Arya teased, "She's really nice and amazing! Like a real knight!"
"A woman cannot possibly be a real knight." The auburn haired girl beside Arya commented.
"And why not?" Erza suddenly asked.
"Yeah," Arya looked at the older girl with a triumphant smile, "Why not, Sansa?"
"A woman's place is at home. Raising children and attending her husband." Sansa replied before seeing the stare she was receiving from Erza, "At least, that's what Septa Mordane says."
"Well, in my opinion," Erza stated, "A woman is her own person and can do what she pleases so long as it is the right thing to do. I want to be a knight. And no one can tell me otherwise."
"See Sansa! See!" Arya declared, "I can be a knight too then and you can't do anything about it!"
Erza saw Lord Stark whisper something to Robb who quickly rose and walked over to the younger children.
"Alright all of you, time for bed."
"Aw!" Arya cried.
"I'm not tired yet." Bran said quietly, his eyes drooping a little.
"Sure you are not." Robb smiled, "Come on, all of you. It is late."
As the Stark children exited, Erza finished eating. She was greatly disappointed that the desert was not strawberry cake. But she didn't show any disappointment. The strange pastry that was served still tasted decadent. After dessert was served, the many servants began to disperse. The feast was now over. Lord and Lady Stark rose from their seats.
"I'll be upstairs in a moment." Ned said to his wife who nodded and left the room. Ned then turned to Erza, "Shall we walk?"
"Of course!" Erza replied, wiping her mouth with a napkin before rising to her feet and walking with Lord Stark back to her own room.
"Where are you from Lady Scarlet?" Ned asked.
"I'm from-" Erza caught herself. What if her suspicions were true? What if she had been transported to another country? Or for that matter, another world? The people of this world may not know of her own country. Or they could be hostile towards Fiore. She needed a convenient lie for now. Just so she could get her bearings before revealing the truth, "The south." she replied quickly.
"Down south?" Ned raised an eyebrow, "That's a large region. Are you from the Riverlands? Perhaps the Stormlands? Or maybe even the Reach?"
"Um…"
"Lady Scarlet." Ned stopped in front of her door, "I can see that you do not want to reveal facts about yourself. You are a horrible liar. Now, it is late tonight. And I have a feeling it has been a rather long day for you. So I will let you rest for tonight. But tomorrow I do expect answers. I make it a point to know who resides in my home."
"O-of course, Lord Stark." Erza replied before bowing, "Thank you for your hospitality."
Lord Stark nodded, "We will discuss more tomorrow morning. Sleep well, Lady Scarlet."
As quickly as he escorted Erza to her room, he left. Disappearing down the torch lit hall. Erza took a deep breath and shook her head.
"He won't believe a word I say." She muttered as she opened the door to her room, entered, then closed it behind her, "I can guarantee that." She noticed a new set of night clothes laying on the bed for her. Erza quickly stripped then dressed in the thick wool clothing. As she settled into the soft bed beneath her, her mind was racing.
If that book transported me here? Then did it take everyone else here as well? She pursed her lips, If so, then I must find them. They could be in danger. Her eyes widened. Natsu was in the room. Natsu was taken by the black orb. That means Natsu was transported somewhere. Block headed Natsu was taken somewhere foreign. And he wasn't exactly known for thinking things through.
Oh no.
And chapter! That's chapter one folks! Erza is still with the Starks in this story. It just fits way too well to have her end up in Winterfell. Her high sense of justice and loyalty will allow her to fit in well. Hopefully, Lord Stark will believe her when she speaks to him again. Anyways, let me know what you guys think. As always, I hope you all enjoyed! Have a nice day!