The Wall
Jon Snow
"So you really did love her then?"
Jon sighed and looked away from the flickering light from the fire and over to Tyrion Lannister. "What?"
"Well unless you always have that love sick look on your face. I'd say you were thinking about the girl." Tyrion noted, without glancing from his book. "She is quite a sharp thing, isn't she? Not to mention comely. I dare say, even though the Queen wouldn't like it, the girl could rival her beauty, do you not think? Alas, she is stuck in the freezing North where her beauty is hidden."
That is a good thing. Jon watched as the Imp closed his book, and looked over at him. "I suppose that is a good thing for her sake." Aye it is.
There was a moment of silence between them, and he gave him a nod before going back to looking at the fire. "Do you think of the Targaryen girl? When you look at the fire?"
"Aye." He replied hoarsely, as he looked at the dancing flames. "When Arya and I were in her chambers, shortly before your arrival at King's Landing, Naelahrys she seemed to be in some form of trance and before we could stop her…she stuck her hands in the fire, Arya and I were both startled by what she had done, and when she pulled her hands away from the flames she remained unburnt and seemed to be in no pain. I asked her of it and she said 'she felt nothing, nothing but warmth'."
Although he felt as though he could trust Lord Tyrion, he would never tell him the full story of Naelahrys. Of her dragon eggs. He would gladly stick a sword in his gut before he told him or any other her, and what he felt for her.He could only trust her, as she could only trust him. He admitted many times that he felt selfish, that he wanted her to himself, but that was because she was his only friend growing up and the only person who knew what he must have felt like. A bastard and an exiled dragon, both loathed and feared, for their blood.
"She is the blood of the dragon, and they say that they can't be burnt." Tyrion marvelled, smiling crookedly.
"Tell me Jon Snow, did you bed her?" Tyrion asked, a smirk etched onto his face.
"Excuse me?" Jon demanded, his eyes narrowing and in the distance he could Ghost growling.
"You know nothing, Northerner." Tyrion mocked, as he shook his head. "Did you sleep with her, lay with her, have sex or did you mate with her? What do you wolves of Winterfell call it?"
"I don't see how that is relevant." Jon retorted firmly, and glared as Lord Tyrion laughed.
"I'm guessing you have then." The Imp pressed on. "Or at least you would have liked to, to bad you're here, and she is in Winterfell. Tell me Snow, if you could break your vows for her would you? "
Aye, I would. Jon thought regretfully. He would travel to the ends of the world for her, and he knew she would do the same for him. If she was in danger, having taking the black or not, he would save her. Same with any of House Stark, he would rescue them. Jon would not care if he betrayed his brothers of the Night's Watch nor breaking his oath, he would save Naelahrys, dragons or not, he would save her. But what danger lurks in Winterfell? None. Jon knew that there would never be a time where he would need to abandon his post, and although he felt glad that we would never need to abandon his post, a thought that sickened him to the core sprung to mind. What if there was danger?
"Then the prophecy isn't of a false nature then." Tyrion pondered, breaking Jon's thoughts. What prophecy?
"Prophecy, what prophecy?" Jon asked, tilting his head, curious to know what the Imp was talking about.
"The Song of Fire and Ice, the prophecy of Fire and Ice." Tyrion stated. "My sister has been obsessed with it since childhood, she told me once, when she had been drunk, that a Queen, younger, and certainly more beautiful, would strike her down and take all she held dear. I would pay all the gold I own, to see it. To see her downfall. But the prophecy in full, well…that is a tale to tell another night, for I am tired." Tyrion finished, standing up and stretching his limbs, and casts Jon a vacant glance. "Goodnight, Lord Snow. I think this will be the last I see of you, I'm leaving for Winterfell. I'll tell the Dragon Born of you."
Jon gave him a nod and turned his attention back to the fire, and watched the visions of Naelahrys dance within the flames, causing a soft smile to appear on his face, but then a thought crossed his mind and this confused him. Fire and Ice.
"Fire and Ice." Jon breathed, muttering to himself. "A song of Fire and Ice? What of it?"
Winterfell
Naelahrys Blackfyre
Although Raelyx had long left her chambers, she had not left the side of her dragon eggs, and was basking in the whispers. Naelahrys groaned as the sun seeped in through her window, and clutched her purple egg tighter, and smiled at her eggs fondly. You may sleep, but I want to help bring the world to right, and I need your help. I have faith in you. With haste she placed her dragon eggs into the chest, like she mostly did during the day, and stroked them lovingly before shutting the chest. Like myself, by day we remain hidden, by nightfall, we grace the world with fire. Naelahrys almost let out a yelp when some entered her chambers abruptly and turned around to see Maester Luwin, she sighed in relief at him.
"My Lady."
"Yes, Maester?" She asked, curious to know why he had entered her chambers.
"Lord Bran has awoken." Maester Luwin stated, and she could hear the tones of joy hidden underneath his hushed voice. Bran has woken.
"What? When?" Naelahrys demanded, rushing over to her dresser and vanity table.
"Last night, I came to let you know, perhaps you could speak with him?" Maester Luwin pressed, before leaving her chambers.
She had not felt such joy, Bran had woken and she would be able to speak with him again. Naelahrys did not bother to make herself look presentable and dressed in a simple blue dress, before she rushed out of her chambers. The castle no longer felt cold, as she ran down the halls, they felt warm again. After Bran fell everything felt quiet, but now the residents of Winterfell were toasting towards Bran's recovery, and servants were muttering happily and laughing amongst themselves. Naelahrys let a smile appear on her face as she slowed her pace as she reached Bran's chambers. And looked in on him in awe, as she saw him, alive and well, eyes wide and blinking, and saw him sat in his bed, stroking his direwolf's fur. The smile on her face stretched wide as she saw him, and approached his bedside.
"I am certain on the name, for my direwolf." He stated.
"And? I thought his name was going to be Summer?" Naelahrys asked.
"Yes, Summer it was and Summer it shall stay." He said, and they listened to the soft whines of his direwolf.
"It is a befitting name." She stated, grasping the arms on the chair by his bedside. "How do you fair?" What have you dreamt of?
"I'll never walk." He croaked, sadly. I know, but that shall not stop you and your adventures.
"You are alive, and that is all that matters to me." Naelahrys stated firmly, grasping his hand. "I never believed for one moment you would not make it, I knew you would wake. I could feel it."
"I wish that I hadn't." He snapped, mournfully looking down.
"Bran!" She yelled, anger rising. "Do not ever say that! Ever!" Lady Catelyn and I did not risk our lives for you to not want to live.
"I'm a cripple." Bran spat at her. "I'll never walk, or ride nor climb. I am better off dead."
Lady Stark's darkest of thoughts had become a reality. The loss of using his legs, would leave Bran bitter and unhappy, and wanting to die. He is too young. He is no longer the innocent boy who would listen to my stories, along with the rest of the Stark children. He's much too young to wish himself dead to this world. Naelahrys shook her head, and looked away, not wanting Bran to see tears forming in her eyes. The Lannisters shall pay for what they have done to him!
"No." Naelahrys stated fiercely. "You are alive, you are stronger than this. Strong enough that the Gods let you live. Nothing shall be impossible, nothing. You could conquer the world if you so desired. Together we'll find a way for you to ride a horse, and to fight. If a man is taught to fire a bow from horseback, then you shall learn that. Nothing is impossible for you Bran, and do not let anyone tell you otherwise. And when you are better, and strong enough to leave this bed, I'll show you the world. We'll explore it together."
"I wanted to be a knight!" Bran cried out, tears gathering at the corners of his eyes. "I wanted to be a knight. A knight! What kind of knight would I be if I can't even wield a sword?"
"Bran, sweet wolf…please.." Naelahrys begged, hushing him then before quickly stating. "I'll be your legs."
"What?" Bran asked, looking at her ridiculously.
"I'll be your legs, I'll walk for you. And like I said…we'll explore the world, together. Once your well enough, we'll travel. I'd carry you to Sunspear in Dorne, where my mother's family reside, and my uncles are Princes. They'll be more than glad to except us, I'm sure of it." Naelahrys carried on, when she saw the bright smile slowly but surely appearing on his face. "And screw what the royal family think of me, we'll travel to King's Landing, and we will see your father and your sisters, as I'm sure you have missed them. And after that we could perhaps travel to the Eyrie, where your aunt, Lady Lysa and your cousin reside, as the castle is said to be impregnable. Then we will travel and venture throughout the Free Cities. It does not matter, I'd take you anywhere from the west to the east, to the south to the north, I do not care. I'd take you to see the sun rise and the moon fall, and you can become great in the way of writing books, many books, writing about our adventures and the people that we meet. About the cities, the towns, the plants and the food. We'll do it, together."
"Really? Promise me." Bran said, excited at the prospect of visiting these lands and seeing the wonders of the world.
Lord Stark came to her mind when she finished speaking of their adventures, as Bran asked of her to promise him, as Lord Stark always said that she should always keep her promises and never go back on them, but she was not sure if they could venture to the Free Cities, as they were known to be dangerous, though so was King's Landing, and Lord Stark, Sansa and Arya were residing there. But the thought of going to Dorne had always appealed to her, and meeting a family she knew of, but has never seen or heard from. And she wouldn't mind venturing to the Vale, as Bran had never been and he would be excited at the prospect of seeing the castle, like she had some time ago when she was younger. Though she stopped feeling guilty, and more determined. Wherever he desires, I shall take them. Damn everyone who stops us. And watched as his smile brightened up, what she thought, would be the whole world. Naelahrys knew then she could never let him down, despite her fears. If she took him to those places like promised, he would be free as a bird.
"I promise you, when you are better we'll leave. The world is ours for the taking." Naelahrys whispered, returning the smile.
"What of the Wall? Can we visit Jon?" Bran exclaimed, his eyes gleaming with happiness.
"Aye, we can visit Jon. If you'd like. We'll go everywhere." Naelahrys replied, wincing at the thought of Jon. I miss him, yet I know I'll never see him again.
"Naelahrys...why do you keep the name Blackfyre?" Bran said suddenly, a frown pulling onto his features. "I mean afterall, you are a Targaryen. I am a Stark, but I don't go by any other name."
"I think it is a proud name, a lucky name." Naelahrys answered, startled at the change of subject, but nevertheless explained to him. "Your Lord father renamed me Blackfyre, to draw less attention to me, though it did not work well. People still knew that I was a Targaryen, but the reason I kept the name was...was because of the sword. Blackfyre. I prefer to answer to Blackfyre, always have and always will, but Targaryen is my true name. Though, let us not dwell on my name. I have many names. Let's talk more of our adventures. Name a place."
"King's Landing." Bran said, a small smile pulling onto his face. "We can see father and my sisters."
"Yes, we can if you want." She confirmed hesitantly.
"The thought of leaving all the responsibility behind sounds very appealing, mind if I come with you?" A familiar voice came from behind her, causing her to turn and see Robb leaning on the threshold of Bran's chambers, with a playful smile on his face, and his arms crossed, and Naelahrys noted that some of his boyish features had returned with Bran waking up. He looks happier.
"You know your Lord father wouldn't approve, a Stark must always run Winterfell, and he is expecting you to do so." Naelahrys winced yet again, stating the truth.
Naelahrys felt guilty as she reminded him of his duty, as she saw his face harden again, and he looked much older. then His blue eyes were losing their light, and his face was worn and the hair he always groomed to near perfection, was unkempt and he overall looked tired, not that she looked any better than him. She looked just as tired as he, and it was partly her own fault, as she stayed up half the night with her dragon eggs, and inspecting them over and over, until she knew each bump and plane of her eggs, and kept tracing her thumb of the tiny crack. Almost. But the reasons for him looking tired, was that the duties of Lord of Winterfell were chipping away at him, and were starting to take their toll on him. But he is not alone, nor shall he ever be.
"Bran, I need to speak to Naelahrys for a moment." Robb stated, his lips pressed in a firm line. "It is a matter of importance."
Bran huffed, but then nodded. Naelahrys stood up from the chair and brushed herself off, before leaving his chambers with Robb in tow.
"We are expecting men from the Night's Watch, we are to be their hosts." Robb stated, tiredly. "They're heading down South, for new recruits. I expect you and Maester Luwin to make the arrangements?"
"Is Jon-" Before Naelahrys could ask about Jon. Robb interrupted her sighing, "No. No, he is not coming. You and I both know that it is likely we will never see him again."
Naelahrys let out a shaky sigh and asked, "How many shall we be expecting?"
"Not many, only a band of ten shall be arriving at Winterfell." Robb replied. "At least the Night Watchmen won't expect much, unlike the Lannisters. Bedding and hot meals should do them good."
"That is good, I shall let those in the kitchens know." Naelahrys said before asking, "When will we expect them?"
"They should be here within two days time." Robb estimated. "I only got the raven an hour ago. The winds are changing."
"Aye, they are. I'll have their chambers ready as quick as it shall take." She said. "And I will let the kitchen staff know to make a feast. I have no doubt they shall be starving."
She and Robb nodded to each other, and he left Naelahrys to her own devices. Naelahrys rubbed her face tiredly, crestfallen at the fact that Jon shall not be joining them. And she picked up her skirts to hurry around the hallways alerting the staff that the men of the Night's Watch shall be arriving, but stopped halfway sighing in delight as she heard the whispers of her name.
King's Landing
Eddard Stark
Robert Baratheon.
The man he knew and loved like that of a brother, was at the Small Council, and to him it was a shocking sight to behold. Eddard was no fool, and he knew that Robert left the Seven Kingdoms to the rulings and dealings of the Small Council, while he ate and drank himself into a stupor, while sleeping with multiple woman whom were not his wife nor Queen, Cersei Lannister. And he looked on suspiciously at the men that sat at his side. The Spider; a mischievous, gossip of a eunuch who was known to him as Lord Varys. Then that of Maester Pycelle, an old and perverted man. Then Lord Renly Baratheon, the youngest of the Baratheon brothers and then Petyr Baelish, also known as Littlefinger was present at the meeting.
"The whore is pregnant." Robert hissed at him.
"You're speaking of murdering children." Ned replied, and Naelahrys' aunt and future cousin.
"I warned you this would happen." Robert retorted. "I warned you long ago when you wanted to save that little shit, Ned. I warned you, but you did not listen. Well, hear it now and I do not care if you do not like it. I want them dead. Mother and child, both. And that madman, Viserys, as well. And I want Naelahrys dead, you and I both know she wanted to rebel against me, she made that decision. I gave her a proposition that day and she refused it. I ask her to kneel and she refused, she is loyal to no one but herself. Is that plain enough for you now, Ned? I want the dragon's to be none existent, and then I'll sleep better at night.
"You will not harm Naelahrys, she has done nothing but show her loyalty. If you kill them you will dishonour yourself forever if you do this." Eddard seethed, warning him.
"Honour?" Robert roared mockingly, his face red with the fury that was known to him. "I've got the Seven Kingdoms to rule! One king…Seven Kingdoms. Do you think honour keeps them in line? Do think it's honour that's keeping the peace? It's fear…fear and blood! You have talked me into saving that bitch, no more. All of them. Every dragon. Naelahrys Targaryen shall be dead by the next moon, as with her blasted rebellion. You didn't think I wouldn't know that she is conspiring with her aunt and uncle across that sea, and the Martell's. All of them! All dead."
Eddard froze on the spot and trembled in anger, "Then you are no better than the Mad King himself. You think I'll stand down and let you kill her. I will not."
"Careful, Ned." Robert whispered, anger evident in his voice. "Careful, now."
"Naelahrys Targaryen is a wolf of Winterfell, has been since the day she arrived. Naelahrys is nothing like the Mad King, I swear it on my honour and my name." Eddard replied, clenching his jaw. "Naelahrys isn't Rhaegar, Robert."
Robert let out a cold laugh, scoffing at the prospect. "Then why do many hail her as the Dragon Born then? She is nothing like the Mad King, the Mad King was stupid. She is not. There are people in Westeros who call me 'Usurper', what if one day she decided she wants the Iron throne? They would serve her, and see me dead, to see her on the Iron Throne."
"I won't let you kill her, everyone within the North knows that she has no desire or thirst for the Iron Throne. The wine has gone to your head." Ned argued.
"And what of the Targaryen's across the Narrow Sea? What of Daenerys Targaryen? Some say she is as mad as her father! And even if she isn't, her brother and son might be. I cannot take that risk!" Robert hissed, his eyes narrowing at Ned. "And rumour has it that the Blackfyre girl has been gifted dragon eggs, from her uncle and aunt! Did she receive them, Ned? Do not test me any longer."
"You want to assassinate Naelahrys based on a rumour that the Spider gave you?" Eddard asked, in disbelief. What he spoke was true, Naelahrys my sweet girl, I haven't failed you yet I won't start now.
"No rumour, my Lord." Lord Varys answered, a sly smile twitching on his face. "Naelahrys Blackfyre of the House Targaryen has dragons, and Daenerys Stormborn is with child."
"Based on what information? Not all words spoken are true." Eddard spoke, barely containing the anger in him.
"Ser Jorah of the Andal, an exiled Mormont I believe." The eunuch spoke with certainty. "He is serving as an advisor to the Targaryen's, and told me that Magister Illyrio Mopatis of Pentos along with the helping of Viserys and Daenerys sent dragon eggs to Naelahrys, in belief that she shall help them claim the throne, becoming their Aegon the Conqueror."
Eddard instantly recognized the name, and clenched his teeth. He had sentenced Ser Jorah to death for selling people under his protection into slavery, and he escaped before he could swing the sword, as he passed the word. Traitor. Through and through, and yet they seem to believe his words. I cannot let Naelahrys and her secrets be uncovered. Naelahrys was like his daughter, although a dragon, a daughter nonetheless and he would be damned to the hells before they kill her.
"Mormont?" He tested the name on his tongue. "You bring us the whispers of a traitor to the crown half a world away and call it fact?"
"Jorah Mormont was known as a slaver, not a traitor." Littlefinger pointed out. But he smirked, slowly raising his hands in the air, and waved them mockingly, as he received the cold Northern stare from Eddard. "I know, I know, small difference, to an honourable man that is."
"He broke the law, fled our land, dishonored and betrayed his family." Ned spat, "We would condemn the innocent lives of Naelahrys, Daenerys and her unborn child on the word of this man?"
"Though is he right, Ned?" Robert questioned, growling. "Does Naelahrys Blackfyre have dragons?" Aye.
"No, no she does not. Maester Luwin and myself would have known otherwise, as with the rest of Winterfell. I do not know of any dragon eggs, they have not existed in over a hundred years." Eddard lied, trying to convince Robert of Naelahrys' innocence.
"That may be. But what of the whore?" Robert asked, "She is pregnant, what if she births a son? What if he grows mad? What then? He'll then become the head of a Dothraki army. What then, Ned?"
"Naelahrys shall convince them otherwise, if I ask her to. And the Narrow Sea still lies between us. I'll rue the day the Dothraki teach their horses how to walk on water." Ned replied, unconvinced that the girl is pregnant. Though they have been right so far, and yet he has thrown them off.
"You want to do nothing?" Robert roared. "You are meant to be the Hand of the bloody King! And that is your advice? Do nothing until our enemies are raiding and ravaging my lands? You are in my bloody council. I damned of you to counsel. Counsel! Speak sense to this honourable fool, Naelahrys Targaryen and the dragon spawn across the sea must die!"
Eddard looked around the room and saw that no man in the Council, would speak on behalf of the children of House Targaryen, but himself. But although he found himself caring little for the Targaryen's across the Narrow Sea, Naelahrys was now involved and her life is on the line, and her fate 'entrusted' with these men. Ned knew then no one, no one but him and him alone would vouch for her life, and he instantly remembered the day she was a babe, the day he first fought for her. And I shall fight for her forevermore.
"I understand your misgivings, my Lord. Truly, I do. It is a terrible thing we must consider; a truly vile thing. Yet, we who presume to rule must sometimes do vile things for the good of the realm. If Naelahrys hatch dragons, and Daenerys birth a son, the realms will burn and bleed." Lord Varys spoke, clasping his hands together and leaning forward in his chair.
"I am sorry, and I bear Naelahrys Targaryen no ill will." Maester Luwin spoke in a hushed voice. "Should Naelahrys hatch these apparent dragons, how many innocents will die in her conquest for the Iron Throne if she desires it? How many towns and cities will burn? Is it not wiser, Lord Stark, kinder even, even though you hold great care for her, that she should die now so that millions shall live?"
"No man should have to watch his daughter die." Eddard spoke gravely, clenching his fists at his side. Especially by you, killing her is not an option.
"By the God's, Ned! She is not your bloody daughter! She is the daughter of a Dornish whore and a monster." Robert yelled, and then took a sip of his wine from the bottle. "Need I remind you, Ned, that the monster was her father, who had kidnapped your bloody sister, my betrothed! Rhaegar Targaryen is the very reason that Lyanna is dead! And not to mention her grandfather, he butchered your father and brother!"
"Viserys and Daenerys should have been killed years ago. It is a mistake on our account." Lord Renly pressed on. "Naelahrys Targaryen, was given an act of mercy. She was spared and survived the carnage that we, who were born before her, created. Does she not deserve at least a trial, to pledge her allegiance. It is only just. After all she was raised by Lord and Lady Stark themselves, she was not corrupted by her uncle and aunt, nor serpent tongues."
Then Littlefinger began, a lecherous smile across his face. "When you find yourself in bed with a rather ugly woman…"
Eddard's eyes glared at him, and saw Lord Varys rolling his eyes, and turning his head to the side, and he found himself doing the same, dragging his eyes at Baelish. Only that of Petyr Baelish could compare killing an innocent girl to bedding a woman.
"The best way is to close your eyes, get it over with. Cut her throat, be done with it. Merciful." Lord Baelish finished, and then smirked.
All of them, monsters. The men that Ned was in the presence of were lecherous, ambitious and sly men, whom would have you murdered in your sleep. But never had Eddard ever thought that they would be capable of agreeing to the unjust murder of Naelahrys, Daenerys and her unborn child. No harm shall ever come to Naelahrys, I can make sure of that, but Daenerys and her child, that is challenging. Eddard approached them and rested his hands firmly on the table, and he leaned towards the King.
"I have been loyal. I have followed you into war-twice-without doubts, without second thoughts, but I shall not follow you now. The Robert I grew up would never tremble at the thought of Naelahrys Targaryen, a mere girl." Eddard said gravely. "She is nothing but a babe compared to us. And what of Daenerys Targaryen, why should the girl be punished for her father's crimes."
"She is no mere girl." Robert spat, fury shining in his eyes. "Naelahrys Targaryen dies." He stated fiercely.
"I will have no part in it." Eddard stated, closing his eyes and deeply breathing from his nose.
"You're the Hand of the King, Lord Stark. You'll do as I command, and bring me her head or I'll find myself a hand who will."
Eddard opened his eyes, and rested on Robert's, and clenched his jaw. He will not let Naelahrys die at their hands, and will not be a part of the murder of an innocent mother and unborn child. He will not. Ned sighed and took off his pin and tossed it towards the direction of Robert. I never wanted the damn thing in the first place, not at this cost. He did not care if the toss broke it into two. He felt nothing towards Robert anymore, not at the price of Naelahrys.
"Good luck to him then." Eddard spoke, gravely. "I wish he had the opportunity to serve a better man than this, I thought you were better than this."
Robert rose from his seat, both his chair and goblet falling to the ground, and he began to roar at Eddard, though he refused to listen.
"Out!" Robert roared. "Out, damn you! I'm done with you!"
Eddard kept his face straight and bowed, and then turned around and left the room which held the Small Council, but winced as Robert's curses and threats followed his out the room.
"Go! Run back to Winterfell! Protector of dragon spawn! I'll have both your heads on spikes! I'll have your heads for myself, you fool! You think you're too good for this, Lord Stark? Too proud and honourable? This is war! And all Targaryen's, starting with that spawn in Winterfell, will die!" Robert spat.
War had casualties, Ned knew of that. There was no denying that many die in war, many go hungry, many go ill, many suffer. But that is the way of war, although it doesn't make it right. And he would not let Naelahrys Targaryen be added to Robert's list of conquests. I protected you as a babe and I'll protect you now, Naelahrys Blackfyre of Winterfell. I swear it, until the end of my days. No harm shall come to you, I swear.
Winterfell
Naelahrys Blackfyre
Naelahrys sighed and joining Robb in the main hall as it was time to greet their guests. She had rarely anytime to speak with the servants, and help them organise various chambers for the Night's Watch, as she knew that it would not end well if one man was left without a room. Naelahrys then had to avoid angry staff in the kitchens as she told them they would be making more meals than normal, and in the morning when they broke their fast as well, and had narrowly escaped rotten vegetables and fruits being chucked at her. Though what came to a shock to her was that Tyrion Lannister was among the band of men coming from the Wall. He couldn't possible have taken the black, although I admire him greatly for what the world has put him through and the victories he has one in the battle of the mind, the winter would take him within days.
"I must say, I received a slightly warmer welcome on my last visit, is that not right Lady Naelahrys?" Lord Tyrion rhetorically remarked.
Naelahrys let out a breath as she saw Robb glower at the man, and it was true. Robb was hostile towards any Lannister, and despite how different Tyrion was from his family, he was still no exception. She glared at the back of Robb's head, and kicked his leg, causing him to hiss and lean forward.
"Any man of the Night's Watch is welcome at Winterfell." Robb stated, and both he and the men of the Night's Watch exchanged nods of gratitude.
"…Any man of the Night's Watch…but not I, eh, boy?" Lord Tyrion questioned, his eyes locking on Naelahrys' purple.
"I am not your boy, Lannister." Robb said, clenching his jaw in annoyance. "I am the Lord of Winterfell while my father is away."
"Then you might learn a Lord's courtesy." Lord Tyrion suggested, before his eyes moved away from Naelahrys' back onto Robb.
Naelahrys watched as Hodor, a gentle man nearing the size of a giant, though she tended to exaggerate on his height, but he was taller than most men, carried Bran into the hall. Tyrion turned towards him and examined him. "So, it's true, then." He pondered. "Hello, Bran. Do you remember anything about the fall? Of what happened?"
"He has no memory of that day." Maester Luwin spoke.
"Curious…" He muttered.
"Indeed." Naelahrys replied to his statement, and they exchanged looks and she knew then with one simple glance. He knows, as do I. He knows that either his sister or brother pushed Bran from that tower, and nearly had him killed.
"Why are you here?" Robb asked.Yes, why would you return here, Lord Tyrion?
Lord Tyrion simply ignored him, and turned to Bran. "Would your charming companion be so kind as to kneel? My neck is beginning to hurt."
"Kneel, Hodor." Bran commanded, as Hodor lowered Bran and stumbled onto his knees. "Do you like to ride, Bran?" Lord Tyrion questioned.
"Yes." He immediately answered, before stammering. "Well, I…I mean, I did like to."
"The boy has lost the use of his legs." Maester Luwin informed Tyrion.
"And what of it?" Lord Tyrion exclaimed, clasping his hands together. "With the right horse and saddle chosen, even a cripple can ride."
Bran glared at Tyrion. "I'm not a cripple."
"Then I am not a dwarf." Tyrion argued. "My father will rejoice to hear it!"
Naelahrys watched on fondly as Bran's mouth twitched into the second smile she has seen since he woke up. Should I thank you Lord Tyrion?
"I have a gift for you. Give that to your saddler. He'll provide the rest. You must shape the horse to the rider. Start with a yearling and teach it to respond to the reins and to the boy's voice." Lord Tyrion said, as he pulled out a piece of parchment and gave it to the hopeful Bran, and she saw happiness shine in his eyes. Please may this work. She prayed.
"Will I really be able to ride?" Bran asked, in awe and in hope.
"You will." Lord Tyrion confirmed. "On horseback you will be as tall as any of them."
"Is this some kind of trick? Why do you want to help him?" Robb asked, doubt and suspicion evident in his voice.
"I have a tender spot in my heart for cripples, bastards and broken things." Tyrion smiled a soft smile, and finished while looking upon Naelahrys.
Naelahrys knew that would not quench the doubt in Robb, she knew Lannisters were monsters, were liars and were snakes in lions clothing. But perhaps, Tyrion was not like that. Deceptive, perverted and dishonourable at times, yet. But a monster, she did not know what to make of him. I only have one reason not to trust him and that is his name, but yet I would be like everyone else hypocritical, as I bear a name that people loath and fear. Not all Targaryen's were bad or mad, at least she thought that, hopeful I am neither of those things. Naelahrys liked to think of herself as good and liked to think Tyrion good as well, even though he bears the name Lannister.
"You have done Bran a great kindness, my Lord." Naelahrys spoke up in a hushed voice. "I thank you." And she saw Tyrion nod in her direction.
Robb agreed and said, "The hospitality of Winterfell is yours."
Tyrion simply rolled his eyes at Robb. "Spare me your false courtesies, Lord Stark. There is a brothel outside your walls. I'll find myself a bed there and both of us can sleep easier."
Robb nodded to him, and Lord Tyrion spun around and began to walk towards the door, before stopping and turning towards her.
"Oh and Naelahrys, Jon sends his love." Tyrion playfully mocked.
Naelahrys froze on the spot, and sucked in a sharp breath. What? He had spoken to Jon, before she could call out to Tyrion, he had left the hall. Jon has spoken to him. Her heart ached as she thought on him, she had missed him so much and by now she knew he would have taken the black and would never see her again. I shall never see him again, I shall never speak with him nor hear his voice. I miss him. Naelahrys let out her breath she held in, and stumbled down from where she stood, and a look of confusion crossed her face. What did he mean his 'love'?
Thud.
Thud.
Thud.
Theon aimed his arrow at the target, and landed another shot. Thud. Enviously, Naelahrys watched as he practiced nearly the only thing he excelled at besides woman. Archery. He rarely missed and when he did, it was by mere inches. And she looked away from her book about the united Seven Kingdoms, and saw Bran stare intently at Theon, but smirked slightly, as she saw Maester Luwin grow annoyed, of which he rarely did, as Bran continued to stop his studies.
Maester Luwin tapped a pointer to a map of Westeros. Bran briefly glanced down at it and sighed, placing his hand on his cheek. "Iron Islands. Sigil, a Kraken. And their words 'We do not sow'"
"Lords?"
"The Greyjoys."
Naelahrys sighed and shook her head, as Theon turned around, smirking triumphantly and proudly. "Famed for their skills at archery, navigation and lovemaking."
"And failed rebellions." Naelahrys snorted, glancing down at her book.
Since last night, her interest in Aegon the Conqueror and one sister in particular, Visenya, had sparked. Naelahrys' obsession with hatching her dragon eggs, sparked again when she found the crack in her egg. The time is near. She recalled the mysterious man, Raelyx', words. She had been constantly dreaming of dragons emerging from the flames by her side. Naelahrys knew her ancestors had dragons, though one question remained, how did they hatch them? Her dragons were meant to have turned to stone, but both Eddard Stark and Maester Luwin were wrong. They are hatching.
"Targaryen's? Do you know what they are famed for, Bran?" Theon cruelly hissed. "Madness and burning men, woman and children alike alive. I just love being in the presence of a madwoman, oh great Dragon Born."
"Naelahrys. Theon. Enough." Maester Luwin scolded, sharply.
Theon smirked at her, before turning back to practicing his archery. And she in turn went back to her book, and began to grow annoyed, as this was the third time she has reread the same sentence, and had lost her place. She listened in carefully as she read page after page of her family's history as Bran was learning and reciting the Houses of Westeros, from the weak to the strong, to the fallen to newly found Houses, and smiled as he struggled at the words of House Lannister, but her smile fell when she heard Bran recite his mother's words.
"Family, Duty, Honour."
"Those are Tully words." Maester Luwin stated. "You know these words. Your mother's, are we playing a game?"
"Family, Duty, Honour…" Bran trailed off. "Are you sure that is the right order?"
Both Maester Luwin and Naelahrys looked at Bran curiously, where is he going with this?
"You know it is." Maester Luwin replied.
"Family comes first?" Bran replied bitterly.
"Your mother left to protect this family." She told him, grasping and squeezing his hand gently. "If she had a choice-"
"How can she protect this family, if she is not with her family?" Bran questioned, scraping a wooden figure of a fish harshly against the wooden table.
"Bran, your mother loves you." Naelahrys stated passionately. "She will love you, always, and would face a thousand swords in your name. She loves you, she would die for you."
"When you were born." Began the Maester, "I was the one that pulled you from your mother. I place you in her arms. From that moment until the moment she dies, she will love you. Absolutely. Fiercely. And Naelahrys, she was present during your birth. The moment she saw you, she would protect you and your siblings until her final breath. The look that she gave you upon seeing you was adoration, and I knew then that House Stark would have a fierce protect and a guardian of the North."
Aye, Bran. I will protect you until the day I die. Lord Eddard, Lady Catelyn, Robb, Sansa, Rickon and yourself. I'll protect you until my final breath, as I promised. I shall never break my oath to you young Stark, I promise you that. Naelahrys sighed, as she heard Bran inquire about his mother. She and Maester Luwin could not tell him, they could not tell him the answers that he was looking for. As she was about to speak up about a different subject, a messenger from the tower where they held the three eyed crows came forward, and came to her side.
"Milady." The messenger addressed, hoarsely.
"Aye." She replied back.
"I have a message for you, it is from King's Landing, Lady Naelahrys." The messenger replied, and reached for the letter and handed it to her.
Naelahrys wondered whom it was from, Sansa? Arya? Lord Stark? And broke the wax seal and unraveled the piece of parchment, and her whole world froze. In large, thick lettering in smudged ink was a three lettered word that would haunt her.
RUN.
Hey guys, hopefully you like this update! I'd like to thank you all for the reviews, the favs and the follows. If you have any questions about anything, feel free to ask.
Reviews-
Xdg: Thank you, I will be posting a new chapter up every second day.
: I know that Robert uses a war hammer and not an axe, I've mentioned many times that he uses a hammer. The axe was just her perception of how she was to die. Naelahrys is a deep thinker, but she did know that they were coming at the end of chapter 2. Yeah, Blackfyre were bastard Targaryen's and became a house, but I named her after the sword Blackfyre. In this chapter, it did explain vaguely about her name, so I hope it helps. And thanks for reviewing.
