A Song of Suns and Stars
Chapter 4
Dragonstone
Sunspear, Dorne
Bedchamber of Princess Arianne Martell
303 AL
The morning sun crept through the windows and archways of the Princess of Dorne's bedchamber as a warm Dornish morning breeze blew in the scent of fresh citrus. Arianne, clad in an orange robe over her silk nightgown, sat out on her terrace as she watched the courtyard come to life as her servants went about their daily tasks and routines. Even though it had been five years since she had left Dorne, and while a majority of the time she had spent at the Water Gardens it was still felt good to see something familiar. It was good to be home. Yet even as she sat there and watch the people go about their business, something she had done since she was a child, there was a bit of a disconnect. Dorne was her home...but it felt different. Five years in Essos had changed her.
They had arrived back to Sunspear five days ago after long sea voyage with stops in Volantis and Lys for supplies. They were greeted by Ellaria, Nymeria, Teyne and Ellaria's father Lord Harmen Uller. After pleasantries had been exchanged; Ellaria had informed her that she had called the Lords of Dorne to Sunspear for her coronation and discuss battle plans. Over the next few days the various Lords had arrived and today would be her official coronation as Princess of Dorne.
As a young girl Arianne had dreamt of this day with passion. Now the joy that would have no doubt filled her younger self was gone. Only a great amount of regret that her Father, Uncle, Brother and Mother were not here to share it with her. For as a child she imagined her coronation to be a week long celebration filled with music, merriment, feasting, drinking and other indulgent activities. But that was far from the reality that she lived in. There would be a feast later that evening, but only after a war council.
Lyla's arrival with a platter of food to break her fast pulled her out of her revery. The platter had a variety of fruits and pastries, along with some sausages and eggs cooked in Dornish peppers. The savory aroma made her taste buds water. Over the last few years she had enjoyed all the exotic dishes she was able to enjoy. Sampling Norvoshi, Volantine, Meereenese and Dothraki cuisine, but as much as her tastes had expanded it was hard to beat the flavors and foods of her childhood.
She immediately reached for a blood orange and began peeling it as Lyla approached with her usual cup of morning tea. Arianne looked up and smiled at Lyla and said, "Lyla would you be a dear and bring me a cup of lemon tea as well."
Lyla eyes widened a bit but then nodded, "Of course Princess. Should I bring a cup for Ser Gerold as well?"
"Please do. And after that's done; have bath prepared for me and make sure my dress is ready for later this morning," Arianne answered. Lyla then reached out to grab the cup that was there but Arianne stopped her said a smile, "Don't worry about that now. You can take it away later." Lyla gave her a perplexed look but nodded and hurried off to get the tea.
No sooner than Lyla had left her chambers, did the sound of Gerold waking up fill the room. She listened as he sluggishly got out of her bed and made his way to the privy to relieve himself. Minutes later Gerold walked out onto the terrace in a purple robe and sat himself down for breakfast. He grabbed some sausages and eggs and an apple and began eating.
"Good morning to you too Gerold," she said as she broke apart her orange and took a bite out of a slice of orange.
Gerold swallowed and smirked as said, "Good morning Princess. You look radiant as ever."
Arianne snorted and ignored Gerold's usual charm. Since their return to Dorne, Gerold had been moodier than usual. Though Arianne knew why. The night of their arrival he asked her if she was going relieve him of his duties as sworn shield and return Starfall too him. That compounded with the frosty reception the others gave him on their arrival seemed to affect him more than he would care to admit.
She picked up a lemon pastry and started nibbling on it. Lyla returned soon after with a pot of lemon tea for the two of them. She poured them each a cup and then left. "It's now or never Arianne," Arianne thought to herself.
"Gerold, there are important matters that we need to discuss," she said.
Gerold looked up to her and swallowed the food he had been eating and asked knowing full well what she was speaking about, "And what matters do you wish to speak of?"
"Days ago you asked me if I intended to relieve you of your duty and return back what was taken from you by my Father," She said. "You have fulfilled the duties tasked to you by my Father. And by the laws of Gods and Men, you have every right to have back what was taken from you. But instead I would ask you to remain as my sworn shield, and fully abdicate the Throne of Stars to your brother Edric."
Gerold nearly spit out his tea and demanded, "Any why in seven hells would I give away what is rightfully mine?"
"Because Gerold, I know you. Being the Lord of Starfall would ruin you. Some men are born to rule, some men are born to fight. You are the later," she said.
"And what of my future? And what of the future for any children I should have?" he asked.
"You need not worry about any future children Georld," She stated.
"So you mean to give me a white cloak and then give me to the Queen or ship me off to the Wall?," Gerold retorted.
"No. I will not be giving you to Daenerys. And I certainly am not sending you to the Wall. You need not worry about the fate of any future fruit of your loins. They will grow up safe and secure and will grow to be Lords, Ladies, Princes, Princesses, and possibly even Kings and Queens," She said calmly.
Gerold looked at he for a moment attempt to process her statement. "What is she going on about? How can my children be any of that if I give up Starfall? Unless…." he thought to himself as his eyes widened.
"Are you asking me to marry you?" he asked.
"Don't be daft! Marriage would ruin us Gerold, you should be well aware of that," She said. "And I'm not asking; what I'm offering you is the opportunity to sire my children. Should you agree to abdicate Starfall and resume the charge given to you by my father, you will get me in everything but name and title. My home will be your home. My bed your bed. Our first born will rule Dorne, our second will marry your brother's eldest thus your line would still rule Starfall," she said. She then picked up the cup of moon tea and said, "And to prove to you I am not joking and I am serious…". She then proceeded to dump the cup on the ground.
Gerold was taken back. "Seven Hells she is serious," he thought. He then collected himself and asked, "And what do you get out of this?"
"I am the Princess of Dorne now Georld. I need heirs. I could marry some lord's son, there are plenty of handsome young men out there but I have standards. It just so happens that you fit those standards. And as fate would also have it….I….I do care for you Gerold. Don't be mistaken in thinking it love, but I do enjoy having you at my side. You have more than kept me satisfied in my bedchambers, you are a fierce battle tested warrior and most surprisingly enough have given me good council from time to time," she answered. She then smiled suggestively and said, "And tell me truthfully Gerold. After all of our nights together; can you honestly tell me you would rather wake up with another woman in your bed for the rest of your days?" The lack of an immediate retort and Gerold's silence was the answer Arianne had hoped for.
"You said our children could possibly become Kings and Queens. Do you mean to offer a child to Daenerys? She's told us before she cannot have children." he asked with his arms crossed.
"The fact that she actually believes what that witch told her still baffles me, but I'm sure she will have a child at some point. House Targaryen and House Martell will need to renew their alliance, and the best way would be through marriage," she said.
"She spent many nights with Daario, and not once did she get with child," Gerold said.
"True. Although it's not always the woman's fault that her womb doesn't quicken. Perhaps the fault lies with Daario. Or perhaps Daenerys was just too stressed out. The Maesters do say that stress can prevent a man's seed from taking root. Though I would probably wager a bag of gold dragons that the fault lies with Daario," She said.
Gerold laughed and said, "I would concede that bet you." "And what of legitimacy? If we are not married, any child we have will be a Sand," he asked.
"Do not worry about legitimacy. I have no doubt Daenerys will give royal decrees of legitimacy to any children we have, should I ask. It's good to have friends in high places," she said.
He nodded in agreement and then added, "If I agree to this, you have to agree to not naming any future sons Arthur or Oberyn."
Arianne rolled her eyes and said, "Fine Gerold. So do you agree then?"
Gerold was silent again for a few minutes before he finally said, "You have my consent. I will abdicate Starfall to Edric. I assume you've already discussed this with him?"
"Good. And yes I discussed this with him yesterday. He wishes to speak with you before the council this afternoon," she added as she took a sip of her lemon tea.
"I see," Gerold said. He then looked at her and asked, "Have you informed your cousins of your plan?"
"I have. As you can imagine they thought I was mad," Arianne said. " Well at least Tyene and Nym thought I was mad. Sarella was slightly indifferent before she headed back to Old Town, if all goes well she should be there to meet us at Dragonstone," she added.
"And what of Obara?" he asked.
"She was oddly supportive. Of all my cousins she knows you the best, and she's said you've changed," she said.
"Must be Nate's doing. How old is their babe again?" Gerold asked.
"Little Oberyn is 3 months old," Arianne said with a smile as she watched Gerold roll his eyes at the name. "From what Obara has told me he's very quiet, takes after his Father," Arianne said.
She had luncheon with Obara the second day of their return. Obara had told her that when Sarella and Nate had returned to Dorne after delivering Elia, she had finally consented to wed Nate. Soon enough later Obara was with child, and three months ago she had given birth to a healthy baby boy. During the luncheon Obara had told her that the biggest arguments that she had Nate had were whether he would prefer to train with a spear or short swords.
"Though he has Uncle's eyes," she added though more to herself than to Gerold.
Gerold finished his apple and then leaned back in his chair and said, "Good. The eyes of the Viper will help him. For as much as your Uncle and I lacked fondness for one another, I always respected those eyes of his."
"Nate and Obara had mentioned about wanting to have a girl in the near future, perhaps if our first born is a boy we could arrange a match," Arianne said half jokingly.
"Nate always wanted us to be family," Gerold said dryly.
Arianne chuckled and then quickly finished her pastry. "I need to start getting ready. I have a quick meeting with Ellaria later. Be back here before the council so you may escort me there," she said as she got up from her seat. She then paused and said, "And do be nice to Edric. This whole thing is my idea not his. He does love you Gerold." She then continued on her way to her bathroom to get cleaned.
Gerold sat in silence for a few minutes sipping his lemon tea before standing up and leaving Arianne's chambers for his own. It did not take long for him to return to his own. And once there he found Jayna and Uther busy away with their duties.
"Good Morning Ser Gerold," Uther said as he looked up from cleaning Gerold's sword.
"Uther, please go seek out my Brother and bring him back here will you," Gerold commanded.
"Of course Ser Gerold," Uther said with a nod. He then put down Gerold's sword and left the rooms.
"Jayna would you be as so kind to prepare some tea for us," Gerold asked.
Jayna smiled and said, "Gladly. Oh and by the way your bath is ready." She then left the room after Uther.
Gerold took off his robe and his sleeping trousers and headed to his private bath. The water was warm but Gerold was in no mood to soak. He quickly got in, lathered himself up with soap, and rinsed. He then got out dried off with a towel and returned to his chamber and dressed himself. Jayna had laid out one of his better purple and black tunic with black breeches. Shortly after he got his boots on, the door to his chambers opened up and in walked Uther followed closely by Georld's younger brother Edric.
Edric Dayne was of average height and lean for a young man of twenty and three. Like Gerold he had inherited his mother's pale hair as opposed to the typical midnight black of House Dayne. Though while Gerold's streak of hair was white, Edric had pale blonde. He was dressed in a similar tunic as Gerold's but with purple and white and brown breeches.
Gerold stood up and approached his brother and said, "Ned."
Edric or as his family called him "Ned' then replied, "Gerold"
There was silence for a moment but before Gerold could respond, Edric had wrapped his arms around him in an passionate hug. Gerold was taken back for a moment by the display of affection and his brother's strength. He and his brother had never been super close as children, but they did get along. He knew that Edric did look up too him to a degree, but he had always assumed it was the typical admiration affection a younger sibling had for an older. Edric was smaller and leaner than Gerold, who had inherited a similar body type to their late Father Aaron and their Uncle Arthur. But to Georld's surprise in the years he had been away Edric had put on some muscle.
Gerold smiled as he patted his brother on the back and said, "Well it looks you finally put some meat on your bones."
"And there's my brother's famous tongue," Edric jested back. He let go and said, "I missed you Gerold."
"I missed you too little brother," Gerold said with sincerity that surprised himself.
Jayna walked in with the tea and smiled. She put the tea down on the table and then went to embrace Edric. "Look at how you've grown," she said.
"I missed you too Aunt Jayna," Edric said as he returned the embrace. "Thank you for looking after my brother during his time in Essos," he added.
"Well someone had to keep an eye on him," Jayna jested as she shot Gerold a look which made Gerold roll his eyes.
'Uther go see if Lyla needs any assistance would you." Gerold blushed slightly and nodded and left the two brothers then took a seat on Gerold's seldom used terrace as Jayna poured them some tea.
"How is Aunt Allyria?" Gerold asked.
"Good. She's been a great assistance to me since Father passed," Edric replied softly as he looked down to the cup that Jayna had poured him. "The ceremony was very nice. Lord Nathan and Prince Oberyn attended," he added.
"I wish I had been there for Father," Gerold admitted.
"He never bared any ill will at you for conspiring with Princess Arianne. In fact in his own way I think he was proud of you for doing it. He told me his one regret was not being able to see you come home and take up Dawn. He truly believed you to be the next Sword of the Morning after Uncle Arthur," Edric stated sadly.
"I see," Gerold replied. Deciding to change the subject Gerold then asked, "So twenty and three and still unmarried? I figured to have some nephews and nieces by now."
Edric laughed and then said nervously, "Well I didn't want to get any ladies hopes up to be the next Lady of Starfall...what with your status as heir in suspension."
"Do not worry about that. You are Lord of Starfall now, I'm abdicating my claim," Gerold said as he took a sip.
"So will you and Princess Arianne marry then?" Edric asked.
"No, but I will father her children. And one of our children will marry you child, so in a way both of us get leave our mark on Starfall," Georld added.
"I see. Then I guess I'll have to start looking for a wife then," Edric said.
"I'm sure Aunt Allyria has some options in mind," Gerold stated. "Though you might wish to wait till after Daenerys takes back the Iron Throne," he said.
"Speaking of which what is Dorne's role in this war?" Edric asked.
"Pretty much cutting King's Landing off from the Reach. One third of our forces will march from the Prince's Pass, which will consist of the forces of House Dayne, House Qorgyle and House Blackmont. Lord Yronwood will sail across the Sea of Dorne with the majority into the Stormlands to meet up with the Dothraki. Nate and I will take a small portion of our troops to reinforce Dragonstone. We'll go over in more details later today," Gerold added.
'Well then it looks like the Lannisters won't know what him them," Edric said. Edric then stood up and said, "Lord Manwoody had something he wished to talk to me about, and I promised I would meet him before the council. So I'll see you then brother."
"Till later Ned," Gerold said. He watched his brother leave. He then turned to see Jayna wiping her eyes with a handkerchief.
"If only your mother was here to see her two boys become men," She said with a smile. "She'd be proud of you both."
"Do you wish to return to Starfall Jayna," he asked.
"My place is in your service Gerold, and besides no doubt you'll need a governess with a brain in the near future," Jayna said.
"Yes I imagine we will," Gerold said with a smirk.
Arianne sat in front of her vanity brushing her hair when Ellaria entered her chambers. Ellaria walked over with a smile.
"Let me help you," she said as she took the brush from Arianne's hand and continued to brush.
"I've always loved your hair," Ellaria said.
"How are the Lords and Ladys," Arianne asked.
"They eagerly await to see their Princess usher in a new age in Dorne," Ellaria replied.
"Our new age doesn't begin till we get rid of Cersei," Arianne commented.
"Cersei will get what's coming to her," Ellaria said darkly.
Arianne stood up and looked at Ellaria and said, "Indeed she will. But did Myrcella have to die? Should a child pay for their parent's sins?"
"She was a Lannister, that's a sin in and of itself," Ellaria said.
"I was not here to meet her but everyone thing I've heard from Sarella and others say she was a sweet innocent girl. And yet you killed her in cold blood," she said. Ellaria opened her mouth to retort but Arianne raised her hand to silence her and continued, "But what's done is done. I'm not naive enough to think that any of us would come out of this with clean hands. Father and Trystane death's are on me. And despite what you will say about them being weak, they were still family and I loved them. I also ask that you be mindful of what you say about what happened to Myrcella. As her Uncle he has every right to ask for justice from the Queen for what happened, I pray for all our sakes that he does not."
Ellaria remained silent but there was some unspoken fury in her eyes. Arianne clasped Ellaria's hands and said "Once after we get rid of Cersei, all of us are going to put the past behind us. Our feud with the Lannisters will be over, and all of our loved ones will be able to find peace. And maybe one day we too can find peace."
"Is that all you wanted to tell me?" Ellaria asked.
"No. There's been a slight change in plans. You will leave ahead of the rest of us with Teyne and Nym. You'll represent us on Daenerys's council until I arrive. Afterword the Greyjoys will escort you back to Dorne to help ferry our troops into the Crownlands. I will need someone I can trust out there to report back information to us. I imagine in the coming months I will not be that much of an active traveler as I act as advisor to the Queen," Arianne said.
"Are you actually going to have Darkstar sire your children," Ellaria asked sourly.
"I've made my choice. He might not show it, but he's grown. He even mourned Uncle," Arianne.
"You lie," Ellaria replied.
"The night Sarella and Nate brought Elia too us, I had to go give him comfort. We didn't even have sex that night. I hadn't seen him that withdrawn since we learned that his father Lord Aaron passed," Arianne said. Ellaria's draw nearly dropped. "And besides I like keeping Gerold where I can see him to make sure he doesn't cause an incident," Arianne said with a chuckle.
"Well at the very least your children will be beautiful and strong. I might not like Darkstar, but I will concede he is quite the specimen. So he actually accepted your offer," Ellaria asked
" Indeed. He's advocating to Edric his claim to Starfall and staying on as my shield and paramore," she said.
"Well best of luck to you Arianne," Ellaria said as she kissed her on the forehead. And then she added, "You are going to need it."
Arianne sat on the Spear Throne of Dorne listening to the Septon prattle on about blessing her ascension to power and so on. Before her were the Lords and Ladies of Dorne, faces from her childhood. Most of the faces she recognized but there were some faces she didn't that belonged to the lesser lords.
"All hail Arianne, Princess of Dorne. Long may she reign!'" the septon said as he placed the Sun and Spear crown on her head. The Hall was then filled with cheers. She casually glanced back over her right shoulder to where Gerold was standing. He smiled one of his signature smiles and she saw the desire in his dark purple eyes. She smirked back knowing that she was unlikely to get much sleep that night.
Eventually the cheering died down and Arianne stood up from the throne and said, "My Lords and Ladies, you honor me and House Martell with your presence today. I know I've been gone for several years, but with speaking with you all these last fews days has warmed my heart. I only wish my ascension could be under better circumstances."
"My Father's greatest desire was peace, yet my Uncle's greatest desire was justice. Unfortunately in this world you can only have one or the other. So I say we build a better one. It's time for Dorne to become more active in the Seven Kingdoms. But to do so we must remove Cersei Lannister from the Iron Throne," she said. Suddenly the room echoed in cheers. Arianne looked to her left to see Ellaria smile.
Arianne signaled for quite the and room went silent, "For the last few years I have lived in Essos, most of that spent living with Daenerys Targaryen. I watched her free slaves in Slaver's Bay, which is now named the Bay of Dragons. I watched her bring Fire and Blood to her enemies with her dothraki horde, unsullied legions, sellsword armies AND her three Dragons." She paused and said, "They are real. I've seen them reduce a navy of 100 ships to burning ash, I've seen her ride her dragon Drogon, the Black Dread reborn, into battle like her ancestors. But more importantly I've seen her protect those who can't protect themselves. She's been hunted by assassins all her life for actions she never committed. A child should not have to pay for the sins of their father...or brother. Daenerys wants to build a better world. We can help her do that. Yara Greyjoy and her fleet supports her, as does the remnants of House Tyrell. Together we will bring Cersei to justice for actions and build a better Westeros."
Again the room was filled with cheers and chants as Arianne sat back down on the Spear Throne. "Justice for Princess Elia and Prince Oberyn" "Death to the Lannisters" And various other things were chanted. But the chanting stopped as Ser Andrey Dalt stepped forward and bent down one knee.
"My Princess, while I agree that a new age for Westeros is needed. Do we really really need to pledge ourselves to the Iron Throne again? The North has once again declared independence after Jon Snow took back Winterfell and killed the Boltons. Why shouldn't we declare our own independence?" he asked.
Arianne looked around the room and noticed that some of the lords and ladys seemed to nod their heads in agreement. "I understand your concern Ser Andrey. Had I not spent the years I did working alongside her, I would feel the same. The age of independent kingdoms is over. Westeros is stronger together and for a variety of reasons it is just not feasible to be independent. I'm sure the son of Ned Stark will realize this sooner or later and bend the knee just as his ancestor Torrhen Stark did ages ago." Ser Dalt nodded and returned back to where the rest of his house entourage was standing.
Arianne smiled and said, "While the cooks and the chamberlains finish setting up our feast in the Gardens. It's now time to discuss strategy. Ser Gerold if you will be so kind."
"With pleasure My Princess," Gerold responded and then made motion to a few Martell guards to come forward. The guards came in front of the Spear Throne with a giant rolled up map of the Seven Kingdoms. They laid it in front of the Lords and Ladies and Gerold stepped up forward to address the crowd.
"Our plan of attack is quite simple. We will cut off all of the Lannister's supplies and suffocate them. Eventually there will be riots in the streets and the people of King's Landing will look at us as saviors from the true Mad Queen. The majority of our forces will be split up into two fronts. The first front will gather at the Prince's Pass under the command of Lord Qorgyle. The other half with sail under the joint command of Lord Yronwood and Lord Uller across the Dorne Sea and into the Stormlands. There they will meet up with the a portion of the Dothraki and ride to King's Landing to cut off supplies and any means of escape. Queen Daenerys's Unsullied legions will take Casterly Rock and the rest of the Dothraki will create perimeter to the North. Not that should it do them good to try to escape that way because no doubt the wolves will be there to meet them should they manage to escape the Dothraki and reach the Neck. The rest of our forces will sail under the command of the Princess, Lord Grey and myself to Dragonstone where we will meet up with Queen Daenerys and oversee the naval blockade." Gerold stated.
"Eventually the lack of food and coin with cause the Lannister forces to turn on themselves. Cersei will be devoured from within and the people of King's Landing will look to us a liberators as opposed to invaders. As should the Lannister forces be foolish enough to engage us, they will be ripped to pieces by the Unsullied and Dothraki," Gerold.
"Is it wise Darkstar to put that much faith in foreign forces against Westerosi Knights?' asked a snide voice from the crowd. Gerold smirked as he recognized voice as a young man in his mid twenties stepped out of the crowd.
"That fool," Arianne thought as she too recognized the voice.
The voice in question belonged to Ser Daemon Sand, The Bastard of Godsgrace and former squire to her late uncle. As a young maid Arianne and Daemon had been overly fond of one another. To the point where she had given him her maidenhead at ten and four. Like her Uncle and her cousins Daemon was not fond of Gerold. Much of the animosity came from a duel they had six years ago before her banishment to Essos. Arianne had approached both Daemon and Gerold to assist her in taking care of the late Prince Viserys. She pitted the two against each other in a duel to first blood. Daemon was gifted with a sword but Gerold had outclassed him and landed a cut across Daemon right breast.
"I've led her Unsullied into battle against the Storm Crow sellsword company, and I've witnessed in person the might of her Dothraki horde. Should the Lannisters be foolish enough to challenge us on an open field….well then their arrogance will be their undoing," Gerold said.
"You a battle commander Darkstar? Your good with a sword I'll give you that, but leading men on the battlefield is an entirely different matter," Daemon said.
"And tell me again Ser Daemon how many armies you've lead into battle? I don't recall Prince Oberyn taking you to Essos like he had with Lord Grey and myself when we were squires. And what did you do while you served the Prince? Oh yes I remember you watched him die at the hands of the Mountain," Gerold challenged.
Arianne saw Daemon go for his sword and she shouted, "THAT IS ENOUGH!"
Arianne shot a glare to Gerold and commanded, "Ser Gerold you will not bait my knights into pointless duals to satisfy your ego and to settle personal grudges. AND as for you Ser Daemon, Ser Gerold has proven himself to be a more than adequtie field commander during our time in Essos. You will follow his orders."
"Forgive me my Princess," Daemon said with a bow. He then shot a glare to Gerold and said, "Apologies Ser Gerold."
Gerold smiled and said, "All is forgiven Ser Daemon. It was a low blow of me to invoke Prince Oberyn's death. My apologies as well. You will personally assist Lord Yronwood and Lord Uller in leading our forces through the Stormlands."
"Thank You for this opportunity," Daemon said reluctantly as he returned back to where he was standing with his family House Allyrion.
"We have a war to win my Lords and Ladies and justice to serve. I expect all of you to do your duties and bring glory to Dorne," Arianne said as she watched Gerold go back to his spot by her side. She sat back down on the throne and listened once again to the hall start chanting "Glory to Dorne!"
"And now it begins," she thought to herself.
The deck of the Nymeria
Moored off the coast of Dragonstone
Early 303 AL
From the bow of the Nymeria Arianne looked out on the island of Dragonstone. The sky was grey and the wind blew slightly causing Arianne to crap her wool cloak tighter around her. Gone were her usual gowns of silk, now she was dressed in a dark orange wool dress with golden suns over brown leather breeches and dark yellow cloak and sash. The air had the scent that comes after a storm, and it was most soothing.
It had taken over a fortnight to sail to Dragonstone from Sunspear because of a sudden storm that occurred which had delayed them. Her troops had begun unloading their various effects onto the deck. Apparently the pier on the other side of the castle had taken some damage during the storm and was only able to dock three ships at a time as opposed to the usual eight. Two of the piers were being used by Daenerys fleet getting the Unsullied ready to sail to Casterly Rock. That left only one pier available and Arianne had decided that the supplies that they had brought from Dorne: food, clothing, arms, armor and other basic goods were a greater need in the castle as opposed to her party's personal effects.
A wave rocked the ship and Arianne reached out to rail to balance herself as her other hand reached to her stomach in a way to steady herself from the nausea. Making sure no one was watching Arianne quickly and quietly retched over the side of the rail into the dark murky water.
"Here drink this," said a voice from behind her. Arianne quickly turned around to find Obara holding out a mug of some hot liquid, clad in bronze colored leathers under a brown cloak with a yellow viper embroidered on it ."It's ginger tea. Helps with the nausea. Trust me," Obara said with a knowing look.
"Thank you," Arianne nodded as she took the mug and took a sip. The warm liquid cascaded down her throat clearing out the taste of bile. She felt warmer and her stomach began to settle a bit.
"I made sure they loaded enough to keep you stocked for some time," Obara replied.
"Obara you are a godsend," Arianne said with a smile.
"I try," Obara said with a smirk. She then leaned against the rail and asked, "How far along do you imagine you are?"
"A moon and half I think. I'll check with a maester later," Arianne mentioned.
"Provided they even have a maester," Obara answered.
"I'm sure Lord Varys made sure one would become available to us," Arianne replied.
Obara was about to reply but a loud cry echoed across the sky. The two looked up to the sky above them to see Viserion circle above the Dornish ships. Arianne smiled, of the three Dragons Viserion was her favorite oddly enough. He was the most docile and curious of the three. She remembered Daenerys telling her years ago, that for the first years Viserion acted more like a cat or dog who wanted attention than a Dragon.
Arianne glanced over to Obara in shock. She smiled and said, "Magnificent isn't he? Viserion Is the smallest of the three believe it or not."
"The smallest?" Obara asked dumbfounded as she looked up to the massive cream and bronze colored dragon that circled overhead.
"Wait till you see Drogon. He truly is the Black Dread reborn," Arianne said.
"Haven't you lads ever seen a Dragon before? No? Well get used to them, now get back to work," They heard Nate jest out to the crew to continue their duties. The crew laughed and went back to work.
"All of the luggage is packed and ready, should the weather remain the same all of it should be unloaded and hauled up to the castle within a few hours," Gerold said as he approached the two. "I'm glad we took the time to have warmer clothes made, our regular attire would not do us much good in this climate," he added offhandedly as he pulled out a pair of leather gloves from his black leather coat that was painted with a adorned with a purple falling star and sword of House Dayne.
"Good," Arianne replied.
"Is Oberyn giving Lady Jayna any issues?" Obara asked.
"Not that I'm aware of. He's been asleep since we weighed anchor," Gerold said with a shrug.
"Odds are he'll wake up any minute now. He's fussy when he wakes up hungry," Obara said and then headed down the stairs in the direction of their cabins.
"Never in a thousand years did I expect the girl I fought side by side with in the fighting pits of Essos would turn into a dutiful mother, I guess we all can changed," Georld said with a grin.
"Tell that to her face and she'll jam her spear through you with her right hand while she feeds her baby with her left," Arianna retorted.
"Speaking of which; it's not too early to gain some pointers when it comes to feeding babes," Gerold said with a knowing glance. "That is unless you wish to bring on a wet nurse," he added.
"It's still much too early to think about that," Arianne said as she took another sip of her tea. "Though I must applaud you Gerold, how long have you known?" She asked.
"I started suspecting around the third day of the voyage when you were retching over the railing after we broke our fast. Normally you have a pretty ironclad stomach when it comes to sailing," he answered.
"I forget how observant you can be," she replied.
"There wasn't a whole lot to do on the way here but pay attention to what was going on around me," Gerold said. He then looked over the rail to see a longboat pull up to them and watched as some Unsullied led by Grey Worm board the ship. He watched Nate talk to them for a few minutes and then Grey Worm went back to the longboat and they rowed back to the pier.
Nate climbed up ladder to where the two of them were standing and said, "Looks like we're next to dock and unload"
Arianne nodded and said, "Good. Tell the Captain to hoist anchor and get us docked; we can't have the Queen waiting for us."
"At once Princess," Nate added and then hurried off to talk to the Captain of the Nymeria.
Two hours later, after a relatively quick unloading process and short horse ride to the castle, found Arianne and her party arrived in Dragonstone's throne room to the sight of Daenerys holding court. Like them she too had aboded the silk Essoi dress she used to wear and know was adorned in a black grey wool tunic and boots, with a silver chain across her body connecting to a three headed dragon brooch on her right shoulder. Attached to the Dragon Head was a crimson colored cape. Arianne smiled as she and her party bowed to Daenerys as they approached the throne.
Daenerys got up and walked over to embraced Arianne and said, "It's good to see you well Princess Arianne. When Lady Ellaria arrived several days ago without you and the storm hit we started to fear the worst."
"Thank You for your concern Your Grace. But it will take more than a storm to stop me," Arianne said. "You remember Lord Grey from his brief visit to Meereen, this is his wife and my cousin Obara and their son Oberyn," She added.
Daenerys smiled and said, "I do remember Lord Grey, and welcome Lady Obara. I had the pleasure of meeting your sisters Tyene and Nymeria when they arrived with Lady Ellaria."
"Thank you for your hospitality Your Grace," Nate replied.
"It is my pleasure. It's not the Grand Pyramid of Meereen, but Dragonstone has its charms. The bath houses are built on natural hot springs the come from the Dragonmount. Plus Aegon's gardens and the Glass Greenhouses are quite the sight. Not to mention the library or the Dragonbone organ," Daenerys said.
"A soak in the hotsprings sounds lovely right about now," Arianne said.
Then Oberyn began to sniffle and whine in Obara's arms. She rocked him a bit and said, "It looks like this one needs to be fed."
"Your chamber's are ready for you, please follow my men and they will escort you," Daenerys said. She then turned to a couple of her Unsullied soldier and issued a command in High Valyrian. The two nodded and motioned for Nate and Obara to follow them. They then escorted the two out leaving Daenerys with Arianne and Gerold.
"Have we missed anything important," Arianne asked.
"Not much. We had a basic council meeting where we detailed the plan. The Greyjoy's left a few days ago to escort Lady Ellaria back to Dorne to ferry the rest of your troops into the the Stormlands. Lady Olena left as well back to Highgarden to arrange the transport of food and supplies to Dragonstone," Daenerys said. She then made a face and then added, "There was one more thing. You recall the Red Priests that you invited to assist us with the masses in Meereen?"
"I do," Arianne said.
"It turns out a Red Priestess named Melisandre was here and wished to speak with me. She believes I have a role to play in the "Prince that was Promised" prophecy of theirs. She also said that Jon Snow, the self proclaimed King in the North, is to play a role as well and that I should invite him to Dragonstone and listen to what he has seen," Daenerys said.
"So the rumors that he took Winterfell back from the Boltons with a Wildling army are true then," Arianne said.
"It would seem that way. According to Lord Varys little birds that after he retook Winterfell with the help of the Knights of the Vale, the Lords of the North have declared him "The White Wolf" and have named King of the North," Daenerys said.
"Sounds like quite the man," Arianne said.
"That's what I said, so I had Tyrion send a raven to Winterfell to invite Jon Snow here to bend the knee," she said.
"The last time a Targaryen ruler called a Stark to court, a son strangled to death as he watched his father burn and a war broke out," Arianne said.
"I'm not my father, I'm not a monster," Daenerys replied sharply.
"I know that. So does everyone here. But Jon Snow does not. I have no doubt that he will bring up the deaths of his Grandfather and Uncle. And let us not forget his Aunt," Arianne cautioned.
Daenerys let out a breath with sigh and said, "For years I was taught that the Starks were the loyal dogs of Robert Baratheon. I can only imagine what he was taught about my family after the war."
But before Arianne could say anything Tyrion walked into the room and smiled, "Ahh Princess Arianne, Ser Gerold it's wonderful to see you all again."
"Lord Tyrion," Gerold replied with a curt nod.
Arianne smiled and said, "How was the voyage to Dragonstone Lord Tyrion?"
"Too long and we had a severe lack of wine to make it go faster," Tyrion replied dryly. This earned a smirk from the Dornish but caused Daenerys to roll her eyes. "Since you were just talking about the King of the North, I come bearing good tidings. We just received a raven from Winterfell. A rather short and blunt reply from the King himself," Tyrion said as he handed a scroll to the Daenerys.
Daenerys read the scroll and snorted, "Short is right." She passed the scroll to Arianne who then read it:
Dear Queen Daenerys Targaryen
I accept your invitation to meet. We have much to discuss.
-Jon Snow, The King in the North
"Not one for pretty words is he," Arianne said.
"Bastard he may be, but he's a Stark to the core. Believe me I would know," Tyrion said with a smile.
The sounds of hurried footstep could be heard coming down the hall which caused the four to turn their heads to the entrance. In rushed Sarella Sand, nearly out of breath carrying a brown book in one hand a scroll in the other.
Daenerys walked over to Sarella and asked, "Lady Sarella are you alright? Why are you out of breath?"
"Your Grace, please call the Small Council. I've found something… something that changes everything," she said.
A short time later Sarella found herself in the Chamber of the Painted Table along with the rest of Daenerys Small Council: Arianne, Gerold, Ser Barristan, Varys, Tyrion, and Missandei. They were all looking at her waiting for her to speak.
"Where do I even begin?" Sarella asked herself as she looked down to the book and scroll in front of her began to recall what had transcribed less than an hour ago. She had arrived on Dragonstone after one of her trips to the Citadel where she had made a startling discovery while going through the old High Septon Maynard's diary. The discovery caused her to leave post haste to Dragonstone, and as soon as she had arrived on the island, she had been combing the archives and store rooms for any further proof to back up her discovery. For days she had searched the the various stores from Targaryen Kings of old that were kept in the libraries of Dragonstone and the storerooms where Stannis had stored away the histories. But less than an hour ago she had come across a bundle of documents, and in it she found the motherload.
Sarella let out a breath and said, "Thank You your grace for calling everyone here. I've discovered something….something groundbreaking."
Daenerys smiled and said, "Well it must have been with the way you rushed to the throne room."
Everyone laughed except for Sarella who only smiled and nodded, "Indeed Your Grace." she then got serious and said, "I've discovered something during my most recent trip to the Citadel that changes the entire history of the realm. I came across old High Septon Maynard's journal and I found an entry that changes everything."
"What was in the journal," Daenerys asked.
"The High Septon revealed that on the request of your brother, Prince Rhaegar, he annulled his marriage to my aunt Princess Elia AND then officiated a marriage ceremony between Rhaegar and Lyanna Stark with Ser Arthur Dayne, Ser Gerold Hightower and Ser Oswell Whent as witnesses," She said. The room went quiet. 'I didn't believe it at first but why would he lie? Naturally there had to be a marriage certificate, but I did not find one in the citadel. And with the Sept of Baelor destroyed, there would be no official record there either. So I thought perhaps that maybe when he returned to the Capitol to raise the royal army he may have sent some personal effects to Dragonstone for safe keeping. So when I arrived here several days ago I began pouring through the archives and storerooms. Until low and behold...I found it," she then unrolled one of the scrolls she had with her to reveal the marriage certificate.
"Lord Varys, Ser Barristan I'm sure you can vouch for Rhaegar's signature as well as Ser Arthur's, Ser Gerold and Ser Oswell," Sarella said as she passed the scroll over to the two of them.
Ser Barristan looked at it first with disbelief in his eyes, but upon seeing the former prince's signature as well as the signatures of his former brothers his eyes closed and he said, "That's Rhaegar's signature. And those are my former brothers as well. I would recognize them anywhere."
Varys took the scroll and gave it a once over with an impartial gaze and then said, "Agreed. This may help us quite a bit when Jon Snow arrives as it looks like the two of you are family. With his Aunt doubling as your Good Sister by law. Perhaps this can help mend some old wounds. Self inflicted as they might be."
Sarella watched from down the Painted Table as Daenerys processed this information. Her face was neutral, and she could only imagine what must be going through the Queen's mind. Sarella then turned to Arianne and Gerold. Gerold's face was impossible to read but Sarella imagined that Gerold did not really care about this information at all. On the other hand, Sarella could see the irritation on Arianne's face.
"So my Aunt and her children died for nothing then," she said with anger apparent as she tried to keep her tone neutral.
"Princess Arianne I am truly sorry. Elia, Rhaenys and Aegon will be remembered as Targaryens, the Faith and my brother's actions be damned. And their deaths will be avenged...I swear to you," Daenerys said firmly.
Arianne nodded and said, "Thank You your Grace." She then looked to Sarella and saw a familiar look in Sarella's eye. "There's more isn't there Sarella?" she asked.
"Indeed. Along with the certificate was a journal. I haven't read all of it, but this entry is worthing listening too," Sarella as she picked up a small red book and opened it to the last page and read aloud:
Tomorrow decides it all. My actions have fractured the realm. It is up to me to put it back together for the true war is coming. I have to defeat Robert on the morrow. In hindsight I should have brought Lyanna with me back to King's Landing. The babe won't come for another few moons anyway. I should have sent her, Elia, Rhaenys, Aegon, Mother and Viserys to Dragonstone to be safe in case I fail. For their sakes I must win.
Again the room was silent.
"Well that explains why there were three Kingsguard guarding her when Ned Stark found her. With his marriage to Princess Elia annulled, it would remove Rhaenys and Aegon from the line of succession in theory. If Lyanna Stark had a boy he would have been the rightful heir. I was always curious why he didn't bring Ser Arthur with him to the Trident," Lord Varys said out loud.
"Lady Sarella, have you discovered any information on the fate of Lyanna Stark's child," Daenerys asked in disbelief.
"I have not Your Grace. Odds are the child died with Lady Lyanna," Sarella said. She then watched as Daenerys closed her eyes and shoulders relaxed slightly .She then took a deep breath and said, "But I do have a theory that if proves true...well it would complicate things."
'"And what is that theory?" Daenerys asked as she opened and stared down Sarella.
Sarella closed her eyes and took a deep breath to calm her nerves. The entire room was looking at her and she could feel their pressure of their eyes. She then opened her eyes and said, "Jon Snow."
"Jon Snow?" Daenerys asked skeptically. 'What does Ned Stark's bastard have to do with this?" she asked. She then paused and then reprocessed what Sarella had said and asked, "Wait...are you suggesting that Jon Snow is actually….my nephew?"
"I am Your Grace," Sarella said. "Years ago my father enlisted my help in helping him win a bet with Prince Doran about whether or not Lady Ashara Dayne was the mother of Jon Snow. Yet after of years of on and off research, we found nothing. All I've heard are stories. Some say it was Lady Ashara, some say a fisherman's daughter, some a simple Tavern Wench. Even the Northerners I've talked to have no idea who his mother is. Some have said that even asking about his mother in Winterfell was taboo. Why keep it a mystery? Why all the secrecy? Was it simply to preserve some of his wife's honor or was he protecting something? Or in this case someone."
"But as you say this is only a theory," Daenerys said.
"Correct Your Grace. But there is sound logic behind it even if we don't have any hard proof. After the death of your Father and the deaths of Princess Elia and her children, Ned Stark demanded that Jaime Lannister be punished for breaking his oath and that The Mountain be brought to justice for killing Princess Elia and her children. He had an argument with Robert and then left the capitol with a handful of men to find his sister. A few months later he returned to Winterfell with her bones and a baby boy he claimed was his bastard. It is not a complete stretch of the imagination to think that all the secrecy surrounding his mother was to protect him from Robert Baratheon. Had Robert learned that Rhaegar and Lyanna had a child...and a son no less...he would have been a threat to him. He would have demanded the boy's life and sent assassins to try to take his life the same way he sent them after you and your brother Viserys. And odds are he would have ended up like Aegon and Rhaenys," Sarella added.
"I've traveled with Jon Snow. He is very much Ned Stark's son both in personality and looks. Save for Ned's youngest daughter, Snow looks more like a wolf than the rest of the brood. For him to be a hidden dragon seems the stuff of songs. But what you do say make sense. Too much sense really. To think that Ned Stark played the realm for fools by fostering one of the last Targaryens and one with a claim to the throne is deliciously ironic.," Tyrion said. He then turned to Daenerys and said, "I know this seems impossible Your Grace but it's something we have to take seriously. It will be over a fortnight till Jon Snow arrives. This gives us plenty of time to plan and research. Everyone in this room, in this castle, on this island chose you to lead us. We're not going to run off to the North to join Jon Snow's cause on the off chance he is who Lady Sarella claims him to be. We chose you to lead us."
Daenerys watched as everyone in the room nodded after what Tyrion had just said. A feeling of gratitude washed over her. She then nodded and said, "Thank You Lord Tyrion. Thank You all."
"This doesn't really change much on how we deal with Jon Snow though," Gerold said offhandedly. The rest of the members looked at him and Gerold realized he would have explain himself.
"Then the Northern Lords declared him King in the North, Jon Snow gained the North and through his sister or cousin, which ever she ends up being, the Vale and whatever remains of the Tully loyalists in the Riverlands. That gives him three of the seven kingdoms. Regardless of whether he's Ned Stark's bastard or the lawful son of Rhaegar Targaryen he's still going to be ether your greatest ally or greatest rival for the throne. You really only have two options to choose from. You can kill him or you can make him your ally. Killing him would be the simplest way of doing things but you risk turning those Kingdoms against you. A campaign to the North with Winter on his way would be folly. Our forces, save perhaps the Dragons, would not survive the winds of winter. This would be like Daeron the Young Dragon in his attempt at conquering Dorne. You may take and hold Winterfell for a time, but they know that land better than any of us. You would lose it eventually."
Gerold then stated, " The best solution to this whole problem is for you to make him your alley. If he's unwilling to kneel, which I imagine he will be, then really your left with two options: you can grant him those three kingdoms and agree to be peaceful neighbors or and this might sound odd coming from me, you marry him to unite the Seven Kingdoms under a joint rule. After all isn't that why you left Daario in Meereen?"
But before Daenerys could respond he added with a shrug "And besides if he truly is your nephew this prevents the chance of a Second Dance of Dragons. Plus I imagine after recent generations a Targaryen marriage that wasn't brother to sister would be seen as quite progressive by the rest of the realm. And if he truly is Ned Stark's bastard than your simply preventing any future conflicts between the North and the South. A Dragon and a Wolf broke the realm, even if it was not their intention to do so, perhaps only a Dragon and a Wolf can fix it."
Daenerys was silent as she considered what Gerold had said. She couldn't deny that there was some truth to what he had said. It was a broad view point that glossed over some of the finer details but he wasn't completely wrong.
"Lady Sarella," Daenerys began, "I want to thank you for bringing me this information. Your right this does change things. It changes the very history of the Seven Kingdoms, but I must ask...is there anyone out there that could verify this theory? Other than Ned Stark of course."
"According to the records, Ned Stark had a traveling companion with him. One of his bannerman, Howland Reed Lord of Greywater Watch," she said.
"Send a Raven to Greywater Watch and invite him here," Daenerys commanded.
Lord Varys frowned and then said, "Your Grace, there is some complications with that. From what my little birds have gathered is that Greywater Watch has no Ravens or Maester. They answer to the Starks and the Starks alone. Plus for some reason Greywater Watch never stays in one place. How they make that happen is unknown to me, which is quite impressive. Our only hope is sending a rider out to the Neck and hopefully come across the Castle."
"Let me go Your Grace," Sarella said. "If anyone can find it, it is me. I've come too far too not see this too its end. It would be a crime."
Daenerys nodded, "Lady Sarella Sand, I charge you with the task of seeking out Lord Howland Reed and bringing him here to Dragonstone. You will leave on the tide on the morrow."
Sarella nodded and said, "I won't fail you."
Daenerys gave a warm smile and said, "I know you won't." Sarella then got up and left the room to get ready. She then turned to the rest of the council and added, "I ask for the moment that we keep this information to ourselves. Lord Varys, please inform your little birds to get to Winterfell as quick as we can. We need more information. Lord Tyrion I would like to speak to you later in the day about Jon Snow."
"As you wish Your Grace," Varys replied with a nod of his head.
"Remember Your Grace, we have time before Jon Snow arrives. We do not need to rush things, I am confident we will be ready when he arrives," Tyrion replied.
"We will be ready Lord Tyrion, of that I have no doubt," Daenerys said firmly. She then looked to Arianne and Gerold. "Forgive me Princess Arianne, I had not expected today to be as eventful as it has. I had hoped we would get some time to catch up, but sadly that does not look to be the case. I do hope the two of you along with Lord and Lady Grey will join me for dinner tonight."
"No need to apologize Your Grace, and of course we will be happy to join you for dinner," Arianne said. She then glanced to Gerold and said, "Come along Ser Gerold, we need to get our things settled in." Gerold was silent but nodded in agreement. "We'll see you tonight then," she added.
"Of course," Daenerys replied.
"Allow me to escort you to your chambers," Missandei said.
"Thank you Missandei," Arianne replied.
Daenerys watched the three leave the room and once they were gone she slumped back in her chair. She looked to Ser Barristan and asked, "Ser Barristan I think you need to pour us some wine."
'"Of course Your Grace," Barristand said as he walked over to shelf on the wall were a bottle of wine was sitting. He poured them each a glass and then returned to the Painted Table and passed her a glass. Daenerys motioned for him to take a seat which he did. He watched as she took a drink and he followed suite.
"When you fought with my brother during the war...did he ever mention any of this?" Daenerys asked.
"No," Barristan said as his shoulder sloped as he leaned back in the chair. "Rhaegar...he was a hard man to know. To truly know. I asked him once when he returned to King's Landing to raise the Loyalist army where Lady Lyanna was….all he told me was that she was safe. I did not press the question further. Even if I had pushed the question further...I don't think he would have told me. He was the best man I've ever knew...but he was very private. Keep many things to himself and himself alone. He kept many things away from his two closests friends Arthur Dayne and Jon Connington."
"I see," Daenerys said as she took another sip. "Do you think what Lady Sarella said is true? Could this Jon Snow actually be Rhaegar's son with Lyanna Stark?"
Barristan was silent for a moment and said, "I do not know. Lady Sarella's reasoning does make sense. And it does explain why my brothers were not with us to fight Robert Baratheon. But a secret Targaryen hidden in the North as a bastard? It's the subject of stories and songs. But how do you feel? That's what matters most."
Daenerys closed her eyes and let out a breath. "I don't know how I feel. I think I might be still in shock. For years Viserys was the only family I knew...but now...now I don't know what to think. If Jon Snow is Rhaegar's son...he has the better claim which means everything I've worked toward these last few years was built on a lie. That makes me furious...but as the same time I would have family. I...I wouldn't be alone anymore…," She said.
Barristan reached out and took her hand said, "You're not alone Your Grace. All of us are here for you."
Daenerys smiled sadly and said, "I know Ser Barristan. And I thank you for that. But this is different. If this turns out true...I'm not the Last Dragon. And I'm scared that I don't know how I feel about that."
Gerold and Arianne found themselves in their new chambers. It was a lavish room overlooking the bay with a private verandah. A big four poster bed with a red silk sheets The room was done up in mostly in the Targaryen colors of black and red and was adorned with dragon sculptures.
Gerold walked around the room and said, "As much as I do enjoy the color black...I think the Targaryens of old might have went a tad bit overboard with it when they built the castle. This room could use some color."
Arianne raised her eyebrow, "After all that just happened you wish to discuss interior decorating?" She then sat down at the table where some fruit was placed. She grabbed some grapes and then tossed one in her mouth.
Gerold shrugged and said, "I meant what I said. In the grand scheme of things Jon Snow is ether going to be an ally or an enemy. Regardless of who his parents are. He could be Daenerys nephew, he could be my cousin or he could be the son of a whore. Doesn't matter now that he's King in the North." He then continued to walk around the room and commented, "This is quite spacious."
"According to Missandei this used to be Rhaenys room. If the stories are believe during the few nights Aegon didn't spend with her she was said to entertain a wide variety of lovers here. We have much to live up too ," Arianne said suggestively as she ate another grape. "You are right about the lack of color though . I'll have Lyla do what she can with the items we brought to brighten up the place. Speaking of Lyla, I'm surprised she isn't here unpacking," Arianne added.
"She's probably off with Uther somewhere. Ever since we've returned to Westeros those two have become close," Gerold said.
"Those two have been close since Meereen Gerold. Did you know that she asked me for Moon Tea back when we were in Meereen?" she asked.
"I did not. I knew Uther fancied her but it seems they fancied each other then. " Gerold said as he sat down on the bed.
"I hope you've been teaching him more than just swordplay, Lyla deserves a competent lover," Arianne said.
"Your more than welcome to gauge his skills Princess," Gerold chuckled.
"Perhaps I might," Arianne said. "Her mother intrusted Lyla's well being to me when we left Norvos. I want to set her up with someone who will take care and support her. Do you plan of Knighting him?" she asked.
"I was going to after Daenerys wins the Iron Throne, let him earn some glory. Mayhaps Daenerys might even legitimize him," Gerold said.
She then looked down to her stomach and then asked, "Do you think we'll be good parents Gerold?
"What makes you ask that?" Gerold asked.
"It's just. You and I...we have never been the parental type. Looking after those who are sworn to us is one thing...but to be an actual parent? To tuck in children at night, to teach them, to punish them, to pick them up when they fall, to pass onto them what was passed onto us? It doesn't feel or sound like us. She said.
Gerold was silent. But then he said, "When word reached us of my Father's death, I tried thinking of happy memories during my childhood with him. Nothing stood out. He was never cruel to me...he was...just there. IT pains me to say this but your uncle was more of a "father" to me than my own. Well at least when it came to discipline. The few times he gave me compliments I could never tell if he was being sarcastic or sincere. But his lessons, as harsh as they were, they are the ones that have stuck with me. And if i'm being honest, I don't know if those are lessons a father should pass to his children."
"And besides we'll have Jayna. Between myself and Edric, I think she's done an amazing job," he added with a smile.
"Yes I suppose we will," Arianne replied. She then remembered something from earlier and said, 'That reminds me, Missandei said the Citadel has a maester on the way. Maester Marwyn I believe she said his name was. By the time he gets here it will be long enough to get an official answer."
"That's good. Though with all the people coming to the island in the next few weeks, maybe they should have sent two," Gerold told her.
"Perhaps. Sarella has always been extremely critical of the Conclave of Archmaesters, says they're more often than not too skeptical of things. They think they know everything and they're less than enthusiastic about there being new things to learn. Though I would have imagined some of them would have jumped at the chance to study the Dragons. Mayhaps this Maester Marwyn is one such person," Arianne said.
"They're sending Marwyn?" a voice asked from the two turned around to see Sarella standing in the doorway. "Sorry for not knocking, but I figured you two would wait to break the bed in until later," she added with a chuckle.
"Do you know Maester Marwyn cousin?" Arianne asked.
"I do in fact. Archmaester Marwyn is a good man who believes knowledge belongs to everyone not just the Order. He's helped me out in several instances when cover would have been blown. Despite Old Town being a major port city, you don't see that many people from the Summer Isles wandering around too often and since I inherited my Mother's look I do tend to stick out at times," She said.
"Your beautiful the way you are Sarella. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise," Arianne said.
"Oh I know I'm beautiful," Sarella said with a smile. "But sometimes beauty can be a bit of a hinderance when one wants to keep a low profile," she added with jest. "But back to Marwyn. Like I said, he's a good man. And odds are he volunteered for the position. He's known as Marwyn the Mage to the Conclave, and he's the leading authority on the Higher Mysteries. No doubt when the opportunity to study three living dragons emerged he was already on a ship here."
"How good is he in the other subjects of study?" Gerold asked.
"As good as you could ask for. When I first met him he immediately recognized I was a woman through my attempts at disguising myself. A pity I have to leave tomorrow, I would have enjoyed seeing him again," Sarella said.
"I take it you ready and packed," Arianne said.
"I am. I always travel lightly for this very reason. You two on the other hand feels like you've brough half of the Water Gardens and Sunspear with you," Sarella said.
"Well we have to add some color to the castle, too much black," Gerold replied with a smirk.
"Cousin I think a Faceless Man has infiltrated your bedchambers, because this person sounds nothing like Darkstar," She said with a laugh. Gerold and Arianne laughed too.
Arianne stood up and said, "A Faceless Man would have gotten the job done already cousin, or else I managed to sway a servant of The Many Faced God with my cunt. No this one is Gerold, as hard is it might be to believe."
"If you're sure. By the way Arianne, I wanted to know if you would care to join me for a soak in the hot springs before dinner tonight," Sarella asked.
"That sounds lovely," Arianne replied. She then turned to Gerold and said, "Have Lyla start supervising the unpacking. I'll return later." Gernold nodded and Arianne followed Sarella out of the room.
Arianne and Sarella strolled through the corridors of Dragonstone and eventually made their way to the indoor hot springs. The room was made of black stone and immediately upon stepping into the room Arianne could the increase in temperature. Like the rest of the castle the room was decorated in dragons and hot water poured out of two stone dragons mouths to fill the main pool. The two went into the changing room and discard their clothes. They then returned the pool and walked in.
Arianne sank down into the hot water and she immediately felt her tired muscles begin to relax. All the knots and soreness in her body after the weeks of sea travel and stress began to melt away. She closed her eyes and said, "This is going to make the coming weeks much easier. I'm definitely going to have to bring Gerold down here."
"I can imagine," Sarella said. "I'm going to miss this when I leave tomorrow. A week of sailing to Maiden Pool and then about ten days on horseback till I reach the Neck. My hope is the the Crannogmen find me before I get lost in the swamp," she added.
"And then what will you do when you find them?" Arianne asked.
"Convince them I'm a friend and have them take me to Greywater Watch," Sarella as she sank down into the water desperate to savor the feeling of the warm water on her skin.
"Good luck Sarella; and do be careful," Arianne said with seriousness.
"I'll find away to make it through Arianne. I always do," Sarella said with a confident smile.
Next Time on A Song of Suns and Stars :
Chapter 5: The King in the North
Fire & Ice collide. The Sun consults the Mage. The Darkstar and The White Wolf collide. A Snake traverses The Neck.
And that ladies and gentlemen is Chapter 4. This turned out much longer than I anticipated. Again I find myself just typing along and it's like holy shit I'm ten pages into the chapter and I haven't gotten to Dragonstone yet. Such is life I suppose.
As i've been saying before next chapter our favorite brooding bastard whose not actually a bastard is going to show up. And if things were not necessarily apparent in this chapter...I'm going to be taking some major turns to as what's going to happen at Dragonstone. Plus I'll be able to get to address a couple of critiques I've had of what was no doubt the strongest episode of Season 7. Also Jon and Dany will be getting some more camera focus but rest assured my Arriold/Gerianne Fam; this is their story.
My only regret with this chapter is that I wanted to do a scene with Arianne and Daenerys discussing some things as they strolled through Aegon's Gardens and came across some Blue Winter Roses, but I figured the dialogue would be a tad bit repetitive with some other lines I wrote in the beginning of the chapter. But rest assured that scene will be in Chapter 5.
Again I want to thank all of you for taking the time out of your day to read this. I hope your having as much fun reading this as I am writing it. If all goes to plan, Chapter 5 should be up by the holidays. Till then!