Dragons and Thrones: Rising Tensions – Breaking of Bonds

Chapter 13 of my crossover story, enjoy.

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Now onto the story.

A brief note, I forgot to mention before, as you've probably seen, Arya's appearance has been changing with each story, more or less corresponding with the changes in each TV season, in this story, it's her Season 3 look, the short length messy hair and such (not as short as season 2 and what have you).

Disclaimer: Game of Thrones belongs to George R.R. Martin. Dragon Age belongs to Bioware.

Eddard

Eddard Stark, Lord of the North, let out a sigh as he sat back in his seat in his solar. He had just returned home to Winterfell after his campaign to aid the Riverlands. It had led to a veritable confusion of battle and questions; especially in regards to the appearance of forces not from Westeros, but Thedas, rogue forces called Red Templars and their allies, the Venatori.

'Of course, then we heard the Venatori were besieging Winterfell. We had to hurry back...' He thought; recalling the news with worry. 'They left after apparently getting what they wanted, before we returned, and disappeared. They, they tried to take Bran hostage; but luckily he was rescued.'

He still shuddered at what nearly happened to his second son.

His thoughts also went to another mystery. 'This orb Solas spoke of, it's clearly some magical artifact from Thedas. It belonged to Solas apparently and he feels responsible for it and the siege that came from it being here.'

He wasn't sure what to make about the orb, but he knew that apparently, going by Solas' story, the orb was powerful and, in the wrong hands, dangerous. Only now it was likely in the hands of this Elder One, who led the Venatori and Red Templars, so it was possibly more dangerous than ever before. That wasn't all he thought about.

'Solas himself, he is quite a mystery, not only that...I did agree to his request, but...'

He considered what he knew about Solas.

He knew the Elf was a quiet man, not likely to give away his secrets easily. Ned could respect that however, on the grounds that it was clear he was a man who spent the majority of his life looking over his shoulder and clearly someone who faced regular persecution.

He sighed. 'Still, he seems happy enough to be here, I hope I've convinced him he'll be safe here.'

As he thought about this he made a few notes and then paused; there were other things that came to mind; things that Solas spoke to him about.

He was worried by them, particularly what was mentioned about Jeyne Poole. 'I did not imagine Jeyne ever behaving in such a way, what came over her...I think, I need to talk with Vayon about this and, we'll need to consider what's to be done.'

He shook his head, the more he thought about things going on right now, the more he was worried. His most gnawing worry right now was the fate of his daughters; Sansa was still captive in King's Landing, which had also suffered a Venatori attack; meanwhile Arya was still missing with no clue as to where she was.

'We only know she is alive, but that's only due to Bran, Rickon and Robb insisting that they knew, due to this...dream they had.' He thought to himself.

He wanted to believe it, he really did, it was something to hope for at least. Catelyn also seemed to cling to this hope and was currently at the Sept, praying for her daughters safety.

He was distracted from his worries by a knock at the door.

"Come in." He called out, raising his head.

The door opened and Hodor entered, carrying Bran. Ned smiled, relieved to see Bran actually looked well, in spite of his recent ordeal.

"Ah Bran, I'm glad you're here, thank you Hodor."

Hodor nodded. "Hodor."

Helping Bran sit, Hodor left the room and Ned turned to Bran who sat in the chair, looking a little uncomfortable.

Ned had a feeling Bran was aware of the chief reason he had been called here.

"So Bran, I've been meaning to talk to you ever since I got back." He said. "How are you feeling?"

Bran started a little but smiled. "I am well father, thank you."

Smiling lightly Ned added. "I am glad to hear it; however I am referring to the siege, the kidnapping, are you…?"

"Ah, I am fine father; it was...frightening, but I; I'm just glad I survived. I am grateful to Solas and Meera for saving me."

Ned paused, noting the way Bran's tone changed as he said Meera Reed's name. It was just as Robb said.

Still he replied calmly; staying focused. "I am glad to hear that; I am also glad you are alright...However, that is not the only thing I called you here to discuss."

Bran swallowed audibly and Ned was certain now, Bran knew why he was here.

He decided not to waste any time.

"Bran, I'll get to the point. Robb reported everything that happened to me. Amongst the details he reported, he mentioned that a certain...affection had built up, between you and Meera Reed?" He stated. "Is this true?"

Bran's face instantly went red, confirming Ned's thoughts before he even spoke.

"I...I just, father I, we...it's..." He stammered.

Ned held out his hand and spoke softly. "It is quite alright Bran, I understand, you are not in any trouble, I merely need to know the truth."

Bran nodded slowly. "I...Yes, father, we, Meera and I do; have feelings for each other."

"I see; well Bran, I don't have anything against it, I know Meera, she is fine woman and is a true Crannog; Howland and Jyana taught her well. I am certain they wouldn't have anything against it too. But the two of you have to be careful." He explained.

Bran started at that. "Careful?"

Ned nodded. "I am sure we don't have any issues with you and Meera, but you have to remember, you both have your duty to consider, that might cause...difficulty."

Bran nodded, finally understanding and agreed, although it was clear the news was not happy, Ned knew that himself. Shortly after that, Bran was carried out by Hodor, hopeful but open to what might happen.

It was shortly after this that, after sending a message to him, Vayon arrived. As his steward took a seat, Ned wondered how best to explain things to Vayon, regarding Jeyne. Finally he made up his mind and spoke.

"Vayon, we need to talk, this is an important matter...Jeyne went to visit Solas in the stables shortly before I returned."

Vayon froze. "Jeyne, is she, what happened, that Elf, Solas…?"

Ned shook his head. "They just talked but then, Jeyne, Jeyne attempted to kiss Solas; from what I could gather she did kiss him, but he pushed away."

Vayon bit his lip, trying to think, process everything. "I...I am sorry my Lord, but do we only have his word for it, I mean, Jeyne…?"

"I know, Vayon, I know." He replied. "I did not believe it at first myself. But one of the stable boys entered the stable, the very moment before Jeyne kissed Solas, he saw it and quickly hide himself, unsure what he was seeing. He backs up Solas' account."

"Gods, Jeyne, that isn't...like her..." Vayon gasped. "Solas is a guest of ours as well, her behavior is..."

Ned spoke quietly. "Vayon, we may have to think about how to deal with this...perhaps, Jeyne is finally at that time in her life...We may need..."

Vayon finished for him. "Yes, we may need to find Jeyne a suitable husband, help her settle down."

Ned nodded in agreement and in the end, Vayon left and it was decided for Ned that he had a lot to deal with, but right now, he had to focus on matters close to home.

End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please. Well, things are progressing with the POV characters, over the next four days we will see the remaining POV characters get their first chapters, then after that, everybody's storyline will continue, without any new introductions until part 2.