Chapter 10
Winterfell is Yours
-298 AC-
"A lord must learn that sometimes words can accomplish what swords cannot."
Nine more years have passed and Elenys felt like she truly belonged in Westeros now.
"It's about damn time I got my womanly figure back though I could do without my period or moonblood as some of the more eloquent nobles like to say." She scowled and read some papers about the finance of Dragonwood. I'm so bored already and I haven't eve started yet.. Brushing her fingers through her silver mane, she grasped a silver tress and held it in front of the sun. Even now at the age of nine and ten she found it strange to wake up and see herself, be it mirror or something else.
Sighing in annoyance, she glanced back to her giant stack of papers and letters to be read. "My life is fucked up." With a shake of her head, she set to work, wanting to be rid of it. Her perfectionist side wouldn't allow it any differently.
Her eyes flickered to a letter from the House of Forrester. Curious, she picked it up and broke the seal of the ironwood tree with the sword in the middle of the bark and read the content. Her eyebrows rose as high as her hairline when she finished reading it. So it seemed that Asher had developed feelings for her. Chuckling softly, she shook her head as her thoughts swirled to the handsome Forrester boy, no, man. Even Rodrik was a fine-looking man, handsome and knightly. Mayhaps, she should visit them. It certainly had been a long time that she hadn't visited them.
"That flirt..."
Shaking her thoughts about Rodrik and Asher away, she focused on the report about the happenings around the Grand Market, Dragonwood's trade centre with the most exquisite and expensive trades, even to the point where they sold her dragon claws, whenever Saffyre broke her claw. Thankfully, new ones seemed to grow back and replace the broken ones. They were worth quite a lot and most noble lords had opted to have a dragon claw since it seemed to be in fashion. Or something like that. Her wodka had been another trade that she had profited quite a lot from. That, along with her economy brought money into the overflowing treasure room, which she had to replace with an even bigger one, much to her glee.
Her collected taxes had been well-used for the doctor fees, pensions for the elderly, child funds for the orphans, general education and care of her city. There were no illiterate people in Dragonwood, not even in the orphanage where the matron taught all the parentless children how to read, write and more. The people in her city didn't die from hunger, thirst or coldness, only from a disease the healers couldn't find a cure for.
Which is why Dragonwood had expanded even more, more people flocking to one of the richest and healthiest city in whole Westeros. Thankfully while she had expanded her city, she had also strong, long and sturdy walls, with eight towers standing proudly, both her Baratheon and Dragonwood banners fluttering with the gentle kisses of the wind. This way her guards could take note of who entered and who left, especially if they saw any suspicious-looking folk.
She had written regulations for the inhabitants of her city and whomever disobeyed the law would be sent to the dungeons below her fortress and be banished from her walls. Until the jail was full, then the prisoners would be escorted to the Wall, if they hadn't wished for their punishment or death. In the end, no one could avoid the law. All was fair in the eyes of justice, she was even sure that Stannis would have been proud of her. Which he was after he had visited her city and checked everything. He had deemed her worthy and capable of even ruling a kingdom. The people feared angering her and thus didn't dare disobeying, but a few foolish people who dared to cross her. Though those people were either freezing their balls over or they were banished from the city after they had received their punishment from her.
Just like Ned, the recently Lord of Winterfell, after his father retired from the tiring work. Though what she lacked was Valyrian steel, something she had been looking for.
Which was also why her city had been dubbed as the city with Stark honour. That had amused her enormously, even Ned and his father had chuckled at that notion.
Before she could delve deeper into her thoughts the door was suddenly forced open and there stood- "Steffon." Elenys whispered with narrowed eyes at his rude interruption.
Her nephew blushed fiercely but stood firmly in his place, a scowl present, "I want to come. You never let me see the world, aunt Elenys! I'm not a baby!"
Her harsh demeanor crumbled completely and her eyes softened at her adorable nephew. That was true, she had sheltered him from the outside world, knowing that they would treat him with disdain and disgust, just because of his heritage. Though it was about time that she would let him spread his wings. Old times sprung up when he followed her everywhere and clung to her skirt. Tears glistened her eyes and she sniffed quietly, "...fine..."
Steffon's entire personality changed completely at the sight if his crying aunt- his beautiful, powerful aunt who backed down from no challenge and instilled fear in every man's heart. "Please, don't cry, aunt..." He stepped forward and engulfed her in a strong embrace. His entire appearance down to his toes were all Robert. Blue shimmering eyes, black unruly hair and a growing sturdy body.
...she couldn't help but see him as her son, "...I just miss the little boy that followed me everywhere," Cupping his cheeks with fondness, she looked into his loving eyes, "You're like a son to me, no, you're my son. There is nothing in the world that would change." She brushed his tears away and kissed him on his forehead. "I love you."
Her little rascal nodded shakily, eyes slightly wide, "...I love you too. And I also view you as my mother."
With shaky hands, she pulled him into another embrace, whispering loving words.
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She, along with Steffon decided to head outside where Arthur was training with Rhaenys and Edric, his squire. Grabbing his hand, she grinned brightly at her surrogate son, earning a brighter smile from him. After all these years and her little sister in all but blood had decided to stay in Dragonwood with Elenys and Arthur and everyone else she had known since she was a child instead of Dorne. That didn't mean that Rhaenys didn't visit her homeland- she was often accompanied by Arthur and Edric when they let for Dorne. Though this had caused some uncomfortable awkwardness in the beginning from her family in Dorne. It had changed slightly on when Oberyn had risked the cold temperature and visited them.
He had all but congratulated her in the building of this city. He had deemed it a cold and untouchable beauty, just like the Lady herself. Ever since then, Oberyn had deemed it worthy of a place to visit frequently, sometimes even with his paramour, Ellaria Sand. He found it quite strange to see the smallfolk treat bastards like normal children, something that was only acceptable in Dorne. To which she had told them that child abuse wouldn't be allowed in her city. From that day onward, he had tried to bed her, that smug bastard.
Watching Arthur was like watching him all those years back- handsome with his pale blond and grey hair, haunting violet eyes and muscle build. He was still magnificent to look at, especially during a fight. Her eyes flickered to her little sister whom was having a hard time to push Arthur back. That wasn't to say that she was bad, just that her sword skills weren't quite that good in contrary to her superb spear skills. Tutored by none other than the Red Viper one wouldn't expect any less. She had turned out to be a beauty beyond imagination; long, ringlets of black locks, dark violet eyes and the perfect curves in all places, just like her late mother.
Even Edric had fallen in love with her charms- but then again who wouldn't?
She tugged Steffon closer to her, ignoring his squirming and flushed expression, watching the scene with fondness.
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"Really, mother?!" Steffon yelled in enthusiasm, eyes wide and childish glee apparent in his voice.
Ever since that day he had opted to call her mother, something that made her heart burst from joy. Steffon was all hers, even if it wasn't biological.
"The Starks are a nice bunch. I'm sure you'll like them."
He jumped up and down and left the room with another shout that he would start his packing. She shook her head fondly and ordered her servants to pack her belongings for a months or more, depending on her duration. She couldn't go back and forth from Winterfell. But she would certainly bring some of the harvest of last year to lessen the burden on her good friend Ned. The patch of lands that she had received from Lord Rickard, a gift for her loyalty, was enough to get a good harvest from and feed her people. Still, more food was needed, which was the reason why she had built greenhouses for the more exotic types of vegetables and fruit.
The Starks were good and honourable neighbours to have. Their connection was strong and many people from there came to her city and vice versa. They had instant free entrance. And her family-in-law, the Lannisters, with the exception of Gerion and Tyrion, were ambitious and cruel. Whenever she thought of them, something blocked her from remembering the rest. It was absolutely stressful but alas, she couldn't force herself. Forcing it to remember brought her a splitting headache so she had stopped doing that. Thus, the feeling stayed and no known reasons were there, just her gut telling her to be wary of them.
She should've written it down but that thought hadn't crossed her mind. Fool that I was...
"But, you know the rules."
Steffon rolled his eyes, "Yes, mother. Don't antagonize the Lannisters. Stay away from the Lannisters. Be wary of the Lannisters. Do I need to go on?"
"Cheeky brat!" She pulled and stretched his cheeks, grinning widely as her son struggled wildly, "I ought to keep you in the fortress as punishment for that behaviour!"
"No, please mother!"
She chuckled softly at his sneakiness. He knew that she went soft whenever he said that word. But she could hardly contain her happiness, the love she felt behind those words was enough to drown her.
"Just shut up and get on the horse." Turning to Arthur, she smiled gently at him, "I'll leave Rhaenys and Edric in your capable hands, my friend."
Arthur opened his mouth and she hushed him, placing her fingers on his lips, "No need to worry, I'm with Ned and the Starks. There will be no safer place than in Winterfell." Glancing at her little sister she noticed the curl of her lips, amusement shining in her violet eyes. Grinning wildly, she snaked her arms around Arthur and pulled him into a passionate kiss, leaving him stumbling and gaping like a fish. "Enjoy life more, my beloved! Rhaenys be good and I might bring you a delicious treat!" She mounted her horse and spurred her horse, all the while laughing and enjoying Arthur's angry shouts of embarrassment. Rhaenys and Edric's shrieks of laughter following her.
That prude was so easy to rile up.
It was a good thing she had allowed Steffon to lead the rest out of the Dragonwood. Waving to her people, she smiled brightly as many white and blue winter roses were thrown her way. Her people's adoration for her warmed her heart, then again, this was the reason why she did it. For her people. She just wished many lords would do the same...
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Arya watched in awe as the famous Dragon Queen and her entourage appeared from afar- Dragonwood and Baratheon banners were fluttering in the harsh cold winds. Her eyes widened even more when Princess Elenys appeared on her black stallion, the warhorse Midnight. She looked majestic and strong like the stories from Old Nan. Her long silvery hair shone radiantly, braided and thick, some unruly bangs framing her heart-shaped face with a silver tiara on top of her head. There was no girly dress, instead she had donned a white belted tunic with black, tight pants, a fur-trimmed cloak hiding her curves from lecherous eyes and fine brown boots. Something adorned her neck and teased her eyes but she wasn't sure what it was.
All she could do was stand there with jaws agape and eyes bulging out. This had been the first time that she had seen the dragon lady and she was slightly disappointed about that fact. Once had she seen the fabled Saffyre flying above Winterfell but that had been such a long time ago that she could hardly remember. Averting her eyes to the boy next to her, she tilted her head in confusion, wondering who he was. He looked nothing like her but then again she was the only Baratheon with pure dragonblood. Which meant that her children would not, if rarely, get her silver hair or violet ones.
Running back to Winterfell, a guard helmet on top of her head, she screamed loudly, "Dragon Queen is here!" Until strong, calloused hands stopped her screeching.
"Arya, that's enough, get back in line. And where did you get that helmet?" Her father, Lord Eddard Stark berated her with a stern frown, though she could see the slight twitch of his lips.
Cheekily, she answered, "It's a secret!"
"Fine, fine, little wolf, now back in line." He watched with fond eyes as Arya pushed Bran out of her place and smirked in victory at his bristling fury. The wolfblood was strong in her, just like with Lyanna. Pushing those painful memories out of the way, he stood next to his wife and allowed a tiny smile to escape, much to her delight. His attention flickered back to the incoming party and he watched with abated breath as Elenys dismounted from her horse, dressed in regal and noble clothes, although a bit orthodox, her cloak wrapped around her. She looked every bit like the Dragon Queen she was and it always left him perplexed about her appearances.
A Baratheon who looked more Targaryen-like.
Moving his attention away from his beautiful friend, he observed his children and noticed their awed faces, even Robb looked flustered, much to his amusement.
When Elenys walked towards him, a radiant and playful smile on her lips, he couldn't help but think of Queen Rhaella, but much more beautiful, her lilac eyes shining in mirth as she noticed the looks of his children. Even Cat, his beautiful lady wife seemed transfixed.
"Ned, it's so good to see you again!" She engulfed him in a brotherly embrace, her womanly curves pressing into his body alarmed him slightly but he composed himself.
A slight chuckle escaped his lips, "Elenys, you look lovely."
When she pulled back, she grabbed his hands with gentle care, "You're still as frosty as I remember. Cheer up, my friend!"
His wife and children suppressed their laughter but he had heard them. He would talk to them later.
"Winterfell is yours, Elenys."
She rolled her eyes good-naturedly, "Always the formal one, Ned." She moved her attention to Cat and smiled lovingly, "Cat, it's good to see you too! You still look ravishing!" Chuckling warmly, she embraced the woman.
Cat smiled fondly, "Winterfell is pleased with your presence. It's been a long time, Elenys."
"Too long..." Elenys reminisced and looked at the little boy hiding behind his mother's skirt, "Little Rickon is quite shy, I see." She moved her attention on his firstborn son and heir, her shining purple eyes roving over him with a pleased smile, "My, oh my, Ned, your heir has become a handsome young man." Her smile turned mischievous when she looked at Ned, "Give him to me and I'll bring you back a man."
Robb's face became tomato-like and even Catelyn sputtered in shock, eyes wide.
Ned rolled his eyes, knowing what she implied, "You would corrupt my son."
"I'll show him what women can do." Her hands played with the hilt of her sword and smirked challenging at his heir, "After this I'll see how capable you are as a man with a sword." From behind them, he heard Jory and the rest choke in laughter, even the ever-quiet Jon had joined them. Though his lady wife didn't look al too pleased.
His red-faced son looked at him with wide eyes, shock and disbelief written on his face, and looked back at the mischievous dragon, "Milady, I could never dishonour you like that-" "Boy, what are you rambling about? I'm talking about a fight." Her eyes twinkled and Ned had to force himself to remain stoic, observing with a displeased frown. His son was too gullible and naive.
Robb stiffened, "...a fight?"
"I'll take that as a yes. Good, now who is this beautiful lady?" Elenys continued with a gentle smile, "You look beautiful, Lady Sansa."
Sansa blushed prettily, curtsying for the sister of the king, "You honour me, Princess Elenys."
"Nonsense, call me aunt Elenys or auntie, my love."
His daughter seemed to falter with that informal request, "...yes, aunt Elenys."
When she stopped in front of the dazed Arya, she smirked in amusement, "Well, well, the wolfblood seems strong in you, Arya. I have heard good things about you from your Lord Father." Her eyes flickered to Ned, "You're really interesting..." She continued with Bran, a slight tingle in her head creeping up, like she was supposed to know something about him, "Bran the noble knight-" "Where is your dragon?" Arya rudely interrupted.
Her entire family gasped in shock and in unison, "Arya!"
Elenys laughed loudly, "Sleeping or hunting little girls like you."
That shut her up and she continued with Bran who was looking behind her, "Don't fret, Ser Arthur isn't with me but he might drop for a visit when the king is here. Maybe you'll be able to squire for him after he knighted Lord Edric, hmm?"
His face brightened and he thanked her profusely, cheeks flushed and eyes shining in happiness.
When she looked behind the Starks, she locked eyes with the black-haired boy, warning bells ringing in her head, pursing her lips she roamed her eyes over his body. His cheeks flushed when he noticed her hungry looks and looked down in embarrassment, much to her amusement. When he looked up, she winked playfully at him, chuckling softly in bemusement.
Once the welcoming party had introduced themselves to her, she beckoned for Steffon to move next to her, "Ned, meet my son Steffon Dragonwood."
Steffon blushed at the attention he received, all eyes on him, though he bowed politely for her mother's friend, "Lord Eddard Stark, it's an honour to meet you. My mother had always spoken fondly of you."
Ned smiled warmly and ruffled his hair affectionately, "The pleasure is mine, young lord." His eyes locked with Elenys and she shook her head, telling him to keep it for later. Though when he looked at his wife, he notice the suspicious and scrutinizing look she sent him. She knew that this was Robert's bastard son but her lips remained sealed for fear of angering Elenys.
After everyone had welcomed Steffon, Ned led her to her chambers to freshen up while Cat dealt with all the provisions Elenys had sent as a good will. He was thankful that Elenys had brought them more food, knowing that her brother and his entourage would empty a good portion of Winterfell's provision.
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Robb glared at Theon and Jon, "Shut up!"
"No, milady, I wouldn't dare dishonouring you!" Theon copied his actions, eyes wide and mirthful, "My honourable father would never allow that!"
Jon suppressed his laughter but couldn't stop himself, much to Robb's annoyance.
"I bet that you would've looked like a sputtering squid, Theon." Robb sneered at his good friend, glaring harshly at Jon who didn't seem to stop laughing.
Before Theon could reply with a retort, his eyes flickered behind him, "Even Jory seems like a gaping fish in her presence." He commented in bemusement, "That woman is bewitching every male around her. What I would do to get such a beauty in my bed. I would die a happy man with my cock around her tight-" "Enough!" Robb thundered with a booming voice that startled his half-brother and good friend. That image left him reeling in anger and disgust. But much to his embarrassment Princess Elenys and Jory had noticed his outburst. He blushed when Elenys smiled knowingly at him and continued talking to Jory who seemed transfixed by her every word.
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"Jory, my guards will join yours as well. I'm sure that they would be in capable hands."
The Captain of the guards of Winterfell nodded jerkily, his cheeks slightly flushed. "I'm honoured, Princess Elenys."
"Please, call me Elenys," she started with a twitch of her lips, "After all, we're friends, aren't we?"
She saw him swallowing, his Adam's apple jerking up and down, "Don't feel so uncomfortable. I don't bite." She whispered in a sultry voice as she eyed him lustfully, "...yet." Laughing quietly, she left him sputtering like a goldfish, cheeks as bright as a tomato. Ellaria had been a bad influence on her and Rhaenys. Still, the woman would be proud to know that she had such devoting attention from all the males in Winterfell. Even Oberyn would be applauding her moves, shouting encouraging catcalls.
When she passed Robb and his friends, she stopped and stared at the black-haired boy who looked more Stark than Robb. Though he had a familiair visage, the elegant eyebrows, masculine and regal jaws. Was this the bastard of Ned?
"Who are you? You look familiair..."
Theon intervened, a lustful look glinting in his eyes, "This boy is Jon Snow," He mocked the bastard, stressing the word 'boy' and 'Snow'. "I'm pleased to meet you, my fair Princess." He took her calloused hands and placed a gentle kiss on it while staring deep into her eyes, "My name is Theon Greyjoy."
Her lips curled up cruelly, "Pleasure is mine," She lifted her hands and caressed his cheeks lovingly, "I have a question for you..."
"Anything for you," came his breathy reply.
Her eyes hardened and her grip on his cheeks tightened, leaving him bewildered and wide-eyed, "Never again will you insult a bastard. Am I understood?" Her voice was as harsh as the northern winter, leaving goosebumps on Theon's arms and freezing him in fear.
Theon stuttered as he looked at her burning purple eyes, "...y-y-yes, Princess Elenys..."
Elenys' harsh and deadly look vanished and a gentle smile appeared on her face, "Good, I apologize for being harsh on you, Lord Greyjoy." She moved closer to his face, her sweet breath tickling his cheek and with a warm kiss on his cheek, she whirled around and left. "Good day, my Lords."
Theon stood there in awe, "...I need to have her."
Robb and Jon stared incredulous.
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Bran watched the beautiful lady train her archery skills, his eyes mesmerized by her graceful moves as each arrow hit bull's eye. All her moves were purposeful and deadly as her dragon. Braving his courage, he stepped forward- "I was wondering when you would show yourself Bran." She nocked another arrow and curled her fingers around the string of her magnificent bow, releasing her grip and watched with twinkling purple eyes as it hit the centre.
He faltered but composed himself quickly before she noticed his expression, "Prin-" "Auntie, call me that or aunt Elenys."
Bran was left bewildered at her demand, even when she had asked the same of Arya and the rest. Only Arya seemed to call her, Sansa was too lady-like and didn't dare to call her anything less than princess.
Princess Elenys was unlike anything he had heard from the rumours, though her beauty left anyone speechless. That had been no exaggeration. Now, her prowess in archery seemed to be nothing but the true. Before he uttered the words she wished to hear, Theon and his brothers appeared. Bran had never seen his father's ward with such a determined look, his bow in hand.
"Ah, more company! How wonderful!" Her lips curled in amusement when she noticed Arya sneaking behind them, probably having escaped her dreadful Septa Mordane.
Before Theon could say anything, Robb stepped forward, "I'll take that challenge."
Theon glowered at his lost chance but Robb didn't care, staring at the Dragon Queen whom seemed no older than them. His mother had told him that she was only four years older than him.
"I'm not one to back down from a challenge. What choice of weapon do you choose?"
Robb seemed to eye her carefully, his eyes flickering to her bow and then back to her mirthful eyes. "A sword, if that is alright, milady."
"It would seem extremely weird if I forced you to call me auntie," She frowned at that, "Though it would be beyond kinky..." Her eyes shimmered with no shame, "Anyways, there are children here. I should be careful with my words and eyes." Smirking, she flickered her eyes to one of her guards, "Glenn, can you hold onto my bow, my dear?" Not waiting for his reply, she threw her bow and thanked him, amused by his flushed cheeks.
Robb scowled at her teasing manner. Vixen. He took out his sword and twirled it expertly, waiting for her to get ready, "I'll make you regret teasing me like that."
"Have I angered you, my Lord?"
He rolled his eyes at her sweet, innocent look, not fooled by it. "Perhaps you should show capable you are with a sword."
Her eyes glinted with amusement, a slight laugh escaping her plump and kissable lips. He forced himself to focus on her movements instead of her melodic laughter that seemed to chime like bells. "I like your attitude Robb. Theon, dear, can you be the judge." She didn't wait for his reply and continued, "The person to lose will have to yield. Any questions? No? Good, let's start this."
He glared at her final comment as she readied her stance with sword in hand, "I'll make you eat dust, lordling."
Feeling angered that she didn't look at him like a man, he charged at her, slashing towards her left side.
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Bran watched in fascination as Elenys blocked his parries, pushing Robb into defence. Her movements were elegant and graceful. Laughter escaped her lips as she dodged Robb's side sweep, kicking him in the chest. Robb gasped in pain and ducked another stab to his abdomen, keeping his distance from her as he tried to even out his breathing.
He flinched when he saw Robb getting swept off his feet, sword aimed at his throat.
Robb glowered at her in shame and anger, "You let your anger control you. Don't. You could have defeated me easily with your strength because my strength lies with my bow and dagger. Alas, you saw red." Elenys held her hand out for him to take and pulled him up with a gentle smile, "But you're not bad. Your skills with the sword is really good." When she looked around her she noticed a large crowd around the training pit. Her smile brightened when she looked at her son, Steffon, "Ah, Steffon, what did you think of your mother's skill?"
Bran knew that Steffon was not her real son since Steffon had told him so, but there were still some resemblances to the two.
To his amusement, Steffon raised an elegant eyebrow, "Mother, you would have lost if he wasn't so furious with your teasing."
"Steffon! You little brat!"
He watched with amusement as Steffon turned tail and ran while Elenys shouted for him to come back and man up.
