A Song of Fairies

Part 1: A Game of Thrones

Levy

The gentle swaying of the ship beneath her awoke Levy. Like a gentle nudge from a friend. It's tender rocking allowed her body to ease into alertness. Her heavy brown eyes cracked open. Bright sunlight was streaming through the window in the cabin. It nearly blinded her. She squeezed her eyes shut and let out a deep breath before opening them again. The ship rocked gently again. Then Levy heard a small snort across the room.

She sucked in a breath and held it. Across the room, sat that woman, sleeping fitfully in a wooden chair. The other Greyjoy. Levy felt every muscle in her body grow tense. Captain Yara may be helping her now, but Euron helped her at first as well. As far as Levy was concerned, the Greyjoy's were no more than brigands. Untrustworthy pirates that she had to be extremely cautious around. Since the day she first awoke, she had hardly spoken a word to Yara Greyjoy. The captain would chat with her, harshly sometimes, as she tried to gain information on The Crow's Eye. But despite her harsh demeanor, Yara would always make sure that Levy was comfortable. She would have the ship's equivalent of a doctor come in every morning and night to make sure Levy was healing properly. She made sure Levy ate, that she drank the water given to her. For the first time in months, despite still being in the company of a Greyjoy, Levy felt somewhat healthy.

Her back still ached. The wounds back there would likely never heal properly. They would forever be scars for her. Hideous, red, swollen lines of skin across her shoulder blades and spine. A reminder of the cruelty of this world. A reminder of the cruelty of Greyjoys.

Yara snorted again then jerked awake. She blearily blinked the sleep from her eyes then yawned. Her arms stretched high over her head as she took a long breath then yawned again.

"Damn." She muttered before glancing over at Levy, "You know. I'm actually really looking forward to sleeping in a bed again." She laughed then eyed the still silent, wary Levy, "You still not saying a damn word are you?"

Levy did not reply. Yara just shrugged.

"Alright, your choice." She leaned back in her chair then looked out the window, "Almost noon. Should be home soon." She looked back at Levy, "When we arrive at Pyke, you're gonna come with me up to the castle."

Levy gulped. Yara could see the fear in her eyes. And while it was good for common folk to fear the Iron born, it was not good when information was needed. If the girl was right, then Euron Greyjoy and his crew of mutes were prowling the waters not far from Westeros once again. That was enough to put the fear of god into any reaver, even Yara. The Crow's Eye was a legend, a near mythic figure to the Ironborn who were not alive when he resided on Pyke. The example of a ruthless reaver who stopped at nothing until his goals were accomplished. The perfect ironborn. Take what you want, give nothing back. If it wasn't for his insanity, Euron may very well have become the Captain every Ironborn would want to sail with. Instead, he was name only mentioned in the quiet of the night. When fear was prevalent, and the sound of silence filled the air. He was the subject of terrors, ghost stories, and horrors. The last thing Yara wanted was a run in with her Uncle. And she certainly did not want him coming anywhere near Pyke.

Yara leaned forward. She looked Levy directly in the eye.

"You will talk to my father." She said sternly, "This is no longer a matter of being afraid of me, or any other reaver. This is a matter of protecting my crew and protecting my home. Euron is…" She paused, "Well, I suppose you are more aware of what he is than I am. And once my father knows his whereabouts, the entire damn fleet will be out hunting for him." Yara glanced out the window, "He'll have to crawl back to whatever fucking hole he came out of. But that only happens, if you explain everything to my father. Understand?"

Levy remained silent. How was she to know that Yara's father was not just like Euron? A man who ruled over a land of pirates had to be just as ruthless and cruel. Just as bloodthirsty and mad. How could she possibly be able to be around such a person. Let alone talk to him? Her eyes stared upward at the deck of the ship. Hadn't she suffered enough? Why couldn't she just wake up from this nightmare? Every time she closed her eyes she imagnined she would see her house around her when she opened them again. Her towers of books, her cozy little bed. Her guildmates all huddled around her, bright smiles of their faces.

She wondered where they all were now? Were they still in Fiore? Were they transported here with her? Or were they in another world entirely? Was Erza scouring Earthland with Natsu, Gajeel, and the others for her? Were Jet and Droy taking every obscure request possible in hopes of finding her safe and sound somewhere in Fiore? Or were her friends in just a precarious situation as she was? Levy gulped at the thought of Erza bound in chains. Powerless and helpless in this vicious world. She trembled at the idea of Natsu being caged. Lucy being bound and broken. Gray being frozen without his ice magic. Cana dying in an alley somewhere, unable to use her cards to defend herself. Mira being taken advantage by another group of violent raiders. Wendy scared and alone in a world she doesn't know.

Tears began to bubble in Levy's eyes. They slowly ran down her cheeks. Her lips quivered as more horrible thoughts plagued her mind. The worst one being, what if they all stopped looking for me?

"Hey?" Yara's strong voice broke through Levy's mind, "Are you alright?"

Levy grit her teeth and closed her eyes.

"A lot on your mind eh?"

For the first time today, Levy reacted. She subtly nodded her head.

Yara nodded, "Aye. That can cause a lot of problems." She stood, moved to Levy's side, and knelt down beside her, "Look, I don't know how you ended up on the Silence. I don't know what your life may have been like. I don't know any of that. All I know is your name. I don't know what kind of person you are or were before Euron got his hands on you. But know this," Yara leaned close, "I'm placing my trust in you now. I have my father's ear but he is very wary when it comes to news about my Uncle. He wants proof. And you are that proof. So by the drowned god please, just speak to him when we arrive."

A fist hammered against the cabin door. Yara closed her eyes and snarled.

"God dammit! I told you lot not to wake me until we arrived!"

"Well we're here aren't we?" Sassed Qarl the maid from the other side.

Yara's eyes widened, "Already?" She jumped to her feet and marched over to the door. Yara threw her door open and rushed out onto the main deck. She forgot to shut the door behind her.

Levy could hear the sound of seagulls cawing around the ship. The gentle crashing of waves against a coast. The harsh cold wind of the sea whipping around the ship's sail. Barrock barking out orders as lines and cords of rope were hefted and tossed by the men of the Black Wind. Then Levy heard a horn blast. She jolted upright, frightened by the sudden blaring sound. Yara's voice then roared to life, filled with curses and jokes as she ordered her men to bring the ship around the rocks and into the harbor at Lordsport.

I thought we were going to Pyke? Levy thought.

Fear welled up in her again. Was she lied to? Did Yara have sinister intentions after all. Levy grit her teeth and swung her legs out from the sheets. Her muscles had severely atrophied. She looked thinner than a reed. And every move made her joints pop and ache. But Levy couldn't just stay in this bed. Not if she was in danger again.

She put her weight on her feet for the first time in weeks. It felt like she was stepping on pins and needles. Levy stumbled and nearly toppled over when she stood. Her head swan and the world spun, causing her to clutch the wall near her. She took a shuddering breath and limped towards the door. Sweat beaded down her brow.

If I can't even walk? How can I escape? Levy thought.

She gripped the doorframe and pulled herself through. Outside was a scene she did not expect.

A series of stone spires rose high into the sky in front of her. Each spire covered in a thin film of green lichen. Each spire was jagged. Forged by centuries of water eroding the land away. Small, wooden rope bridges connected each island of rock. And atop the center island stood a castle the likes of which Levy had never seen before.

It was made of the same stone as the island it sat upon. A dark, grey stone that looked both mournful and imposing. High walls guarded the lone entry into the castle. A solitary stone bridge that connected the castle to the main island stood strong and proud against the vicious wind. Levy felt her jaw drop at the sight.

"Amazing isn't it?" Yara shouted over the sounds of the crew and the crashing of waves.

Levy turned to see the Greyjoy captain grinning ear to ear, "I-it is." Levy replied, her voice still hoarse.

Yara's grin only widened, "You should see Harlaw then." She spun the wheel so that the Black Wind could pass around the rocky islands and approach a small port village that was now coming into view, "It's a lot less dreary than this place. But, this is home. As bleak and hard as it is, I wouldn't have it any other way."

Levy continued to stare awestruck as the Black Wind docked. Men all around her flung ropes over the sides and jumped down onto the wooden dock. Each one doing their task in order to make sure the ship was tied down properly. Once that was done, Yara moved down from the helm and up to Levy's side.

"Alright, here we are." She glanced over at Barrock, who was still at the helm overseeing the last stages of their landing, "Barrock! Keep an eye on my ship!"

The large man gave her a silent nod.

Yara nodded and looked back at Levy, "Well, time to go see my father."

Levy gulped and looked down at the rags she now wore. They were not torn up like her old orange dress was. But they were still not a pretty sight. And they itched like hell. She found herself constantly scratching her arms despite her injuries.

Yara started to march down the gangplank. Halfway down she stopped and looked back at a hesitant Levy.

"Well come along already. We ain't got all day." She continued to march down onto the dock, "Even the Lord Reaper of the Iron Islands sleeps."

….

The castle was even more massive up close. The entire stone fortress dominated the main island inlet at the end of the stone bridge. Great iron doors barred entry into the home of the Greyjoy's. And standing guard at the front, were two men wearing black armor with a yellow kraken emblazoned on their breasts. As soon as they say Yara approaching, both men stiffened.

"Hello boys." Yara said with a smirk as she drew up to the doors with Levy in tow, "How's the house?"

The guards gave each other a sidelong glance before one finally replied.

"Quiet, Captain Greyjoy." He replied softly, "Your father has been keeping himself isolated as of late."

Yara cocked an eyebrow, "Has he now? Well, he can't stay away from me." She marched up to the iron doors and shoved them open.

In Levy's opinion, the inside of the castle perfectly represented who the Ironborn were. The furniture was made of driftwood, iron, or rock. Only a few cushions were seen in the dim, smoky great hall. Pale light shined in from the outside. A large fire burned fiercely in a fireplace at the end of the hall. In front of the fire, was a large black stone chair carved in the shape of a massive kraken. The shine was so brilliant that Levy could see the fire's flames reflected in the chair. Upon that throne, sat an old man.

He was balding on top. Thin, stringy, gray hair cascaded down from his temples to his shoulders. A hard, weather beaten face filled with wrinkles and scars stared down at Yara and Levy as the two stepped into the great hall, his gaunt face grew tighter and his dark eyes narrowed.

Yara opened her mouth to speak, but the Lord Reaper's voice boomed out from his gaunt frame.

"From what I understand," Yara stopped midway to the throne. Levy remained a step behind her. Her head bowed as she tried to hide from the man's penetrating gaze, "You're voyage was fruitless."

Yara grit her teeth and Levy saw her clench her fists. She then relaxed and smiled.

"Mostly," Yara admitted, "But not entirely, Lord Balon." She grabbed Levy by the arm and jerked her forward. The blue haired girl stumbled and yelped as her feet and legs screamed at her.

Levy glanced up at Lord Balon Greyjoy. Despite how gaunt the man was, he was one of the most intimidating figures she had ever seen. His dark eyes seemed to stare right through her. Judging her every thought and breath. It disturbingly reminded her of Euron. How his gaze penetrated right through her being. How he seemed to stare right into her soul and know exactly what she was thinking. The feeling made goosebumps form on her skin and she had to avert her eyes down in order to prevent herself from trembling.

"What is this stripling?" Balon asked, his tone harsh, "Are you taking on salt wives now?" He gave a small, unamused cackle, "It won't do you much good."

"Half a mind to do that." Yara replied, "But… Levy here," She clapped a hand on Levy's shoulder. Levy winced but Yara paid her no mind, "Has important information for us."

"Information?" Balon grunted, "On what? What could I possibly want to know about what lies in the Sunset sea?" Yara opened her mouth but once again, he father cut her off, "You should have raided the coasts. Gone down close to Lannisport like I told you to do. Your men would've returned richer. The Ironborn would be feared down south once again. And you would not seem like such a bloody disappointment."

Yara shifted her jaw, "Disappointment is it?" She growled, "I'll have you know-"

"I have information about Euron Greyjoy." Levy blurted out.

Yara whipped her head over to Levy. The petite girl kept her head bowed. Balon remained eerily silent. SHe could hear his fingernails tapping against the arms of his throne. They echoed off the cavernous walls of the great hall. A loud, tap, tap, tap, that incessantly banged in her eardrums. She began to shake. It sounded too much like the bars of her cell on the Silence.

"What about the Crow's Eye?" Balon finally asked.

Levy gulped, "I um-"

"Look me in the eye when you are speaking to me girl!" Balon barked.

Levy winced and raised her head. Balon was staring down at her, his gaze even more focused, more intense. She felt like if she said one word he did not like, he would have her killed. Already, her stomach was churning and she could feel some adrenaline pumping through her veins. Then she felt Yara reassuringly rub her shoulder. As if she sensed that Levy was struggling. Levy let out a breath.

"His location. His plans." Levy stammered before taking another deep breath, "Numbers of his crew. His possessions. Mannerisms, intentions, conquests." She looked Lord Balon in the eye, a sudden fire burned inside of her, "Everything you ever want to know about that monster."

Balon pursed his lips and folded his hands in front of his face. He was clearly thinking hard. Determining whether Levy was speaking the truth or lying to his face.

"How do I know you speak truthfully?" He asked. He glanced at Yara, "How do I know you haven't fooled my daughter just so you may live?"

Levy gulped and glanced at Yara. Yara nodded at her. Levy turned around and let her top fall to her waist. She could feel her cheeks heat up as Yara stared at her before she looked back at her father.

"Cat o nine tails." Yara said.

"I'm well aware what those scars are from." Balon stated, "Not many of those are used anymore. Only the Masters from Essos possess those."

"And she was nowhere near a ship from Essos." Yara replied, "I was tracking a merchant vessel out of Seagard when we were hit by a violent storm. One of the worst I've ever seen. You can ask my first mate about that one. When the storm broke, we had lost sight of the merchant vessel."

"And found this girl instead?" Balon asked.

Yara nodded, "Aye. She was bobbing in the water like a float at the end of a line. When I pulled her onto my ship, she claimed she had escaped the Silence. Upon hearing that, I immediately turned course back to Pyke." Yara swallowed hard, "I'd rather not cross the Crow's Eye without some help by my side."

Balon did not reply. Instead he took a long breath. Stared at Levy a while longer before sighing and rising to his feet. Despite his thin frame, Levy saw strength in his movements. He strode towards her like a captain aboard his ship. Strength, confidence, and most of all, absolute power seemed to cling to him as he hovered over Levy. But Levy did not break her stare with the man. Despite her fear, her trembling fingertips and churning stomach, she kept her eyes locked with the Lord of the Iron Island's.

Lord Balon turned to Yara.

"What do you plan on doing with her?"

"After she tells us what she knows?" Yara furrowed her brow, "I haven't thought that far ahead actually."

Balon nodded, "Perhaps she'd make a good servant here in the castle. Maybe give her to one of the up and coming captains as her reward."

"I BELONG TO NO ONE!" Levy screamed, "Euron Greyjoy tried to own me, I slashed his ribs for it." Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Yara beginning to smile, "I control my own destiny."

"Do you now!" Balon growled back, "And what would you do about it?"

Levy opened her mouth to speak but froze. She realized now that this man was just as cruel as Euron Greyjoy. But he was not insane like the Crow's Eye. He was calculating. Every word she spoke told him more about who she was. Every action and reaction told him what she was worth to the Iron Borne. Levy now realized that this was a culture without sympathy and remorse. Strength was all that mattered. The Iron Price was all that mattered to these people. If she wanted to survive, if she wanted to get home, she'd have to go against everything she was. She couldn't be quiet. She couldn't be meek. She couldn't be a bookworm and read everything in sight. She had to be a fighter now. Levy clenched her trembling fists and fought back fear filled tears.

"Fight you with everything I've got." Levy growled back, "I'd fight the entire world if it meant my freedom and a chance to return to my family."

Yara's eyes widened and her grin grew wider until she was struggling to hold back some elated chuckles.

Balon glanced at his daughter, "It seems you caught a special stripling here."

"It appears so." Yara laughed, "So you want to fight eh?" Levy looked at Yara, "You want to fight for your freedom? To fight for your way home? You want to take what is rightfully yours?"

Levy clenched her jaw. She had to go with this charade. It was the only way to survive this. Her only way of even having a chance to find her way home.

"I want to fight, so I can never be harmed or taken again. I want to fight, so I can find Euron Greyjoy and deliver the payback he deserves." Memories of the silence played in her mind. The endless labor. The back breaking lashings. The sickening grin and smiling eye of Euron Greyjoy. The torture and the sickness. Levy knuckles began to turn white, "And you won't stop me."

Yara grinned and wrapped an arm around Levy.

"Lord Balon, I claim Miss Levy as a part of my crew."

Levy blinked. The gravity of what just happened hit her like a freight train. "Eh?"

Balon glowered at Yara. Instantly, Levy knew that he did not approve of Yara's decision. Levy could feel a pit forming in her stomach. Was the Lord of the Iron Islands going to deny the Captain of the Black Wind? Was she doomed from the very start of this conversation?

"Are you certain of this?" Balon asked.

"Damn certain." Yara looked at Levy then back at her father, "I'll make an Ironborn outta her. Just watch."

Balon nodded, "Very well then." He motioned to a pair of chairs near his throne, "Come and sit. We have much to discuss."

And chapter! So… Levy and Yara appear to be teaming up. Levy for survival's sake, and Yara because Yara likes bucking the rules. Those two are going to be an interesting pair to write about. They're certainly going to have some adventures that's for sure. Anyways, let me know what you guys think. As always, I hope you all enjoyed! Have a nice day!