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Chapter 29
Standing in the court yard watching her youngest son practice sword play with Ned stark's daughter the girl was gifted. Dazen was currently holding his own against the taller girl though she didn't let up on him they were both determined to best the other it would get them nowhere but she could see they were having fun. Ava was not the only one watching them, No the brother of the usurper stood by with his lover both smiling at the two. Renly had expressed that his lover was an exceptional swords man as well as his stoic protector lady Brianne and if the children so wished they could give them pointers and teach them. Since the first day they came the three visitors had not left the training yard since it was true though the two were excellent swordsman and gave dazen a nice break from his lessons he was a head any way and she could not say no to his begging eyes.
" keep your selves off the ground once your down your done for" called Loras his eyes following the young ones Arya had been knocked to the ground rolling out of it she leapt back into the fight.
"unless you can move out of it " panted Arya meeting Dazen strike for strike.
" and who told you that?" asked Loras shaking his head
" shadow did she and my dancing master told me to adapt to every strike"
the wolf and Dazen clashed hard both falling forward as their wooden blades snapped Renly chuckled as they picked themselves off the ground dazen smiled ear to ear.
" your lucky I haven't seen my sister in a long time she hasn't taught me nearly as many things as you but that's probably cause your older"
"probably she was a hard teacher though so its probably better" muttered Arya rubbing her elbows.
"she would not go so hard on you unless she wanted you to be able to survive " called Ava walking closer smiling at dazen nodding to Renly and Loras.
" really?" Arya watched her curiously.
"yes she was trained to survive as were all of my children other wise they would not have lived as long as they have and now that she has taught you the chances that you too will survive are higher"
Ava watched Renly's gaze turn to one of suspicion her guests had been told what she felt they needed to know but were still left in the dark about many things. The arrival of the baratheon had made ned stark even more on edge they had a compromise of sorts he would not try anything if she told him all that she could, given she still would not tell him about her next guest she didn't want any surprise attacks if he knew.
"who trained them?" asked Loras as the children picked up the broken sword pieces dropping them in the bin before picking out new ones.
"their father he wanted them to be able to live and with the situation we left in westiros it was very much a possibility that any or all of them could die young he simply wanted our house to live on" Ava smiled dazen was already swinging away his eyes focused and his stance strong.
"you never did say why you left westiros" mentioned Renly
" you know my house name yes?"
" mortem? What of it?"
"it is never mentioned in westiros because tywin lanaster though he killed us all off he did the same to two other houses when the mad king fell even before that he destroyed the remnants of a house that was barely standing to answer your question Renly his family tried to kill mine luckily my husband and I were able to save our family and reach the free cities before cersei lanaster could catch up with us"
Ava explained never taking her eyes off the younglings as they continued their match Dazen dodged trying to land a strike even with pads on it would still hurt.
"why would cersei want to catch you?" Renly was hesitant she turned to him her smile as bitter as they came her eyes held a foreign sinister gleam.
" cersei lanaster has been trying to kill me for the last seventeen years the last time I saw her I came to her for help and she poisoned me trying to kill me when she knew-" the venom in her voice freighting the man pausing she took a deep breath before continuing.
"I was her friend and she betrayed me she figures that I will try and kill her some day so she thinks sending an assassin after me will save her when my youngest son could kill any man she sends after me she has forgotten just who it is she is trying to kill "
" you were friends with that woman?" sputtered Loras
"we were practically sisters before I was married her father took me in when my house was destroyed I was more of a trophy than a ward but he still we were close as children so yes we were friends"
The three stood in silence the cracking of the wooden swords was the only sound. Ava hated the past it tended to get in the way of so many things and right now it was getting in the way of her sons excellent sword play. the fact of the matter was her best friend and once thought sister did not just poison her she had betrayed her and it was on that day seventeen years ago Ava almost lost something that would have destroyed her completely. Clearing her head of such thoughts she blinked back tears taking a deep breath she composed herself.
" Dazen I think that is enough for the day why don't you two go get cleaned up and we will have lunch "
"yes mother!"
blocking one more strike he rolled forward out of striking range taking off he put the sword back in the barrel Arya not far behind both laughing as they ran barely missing Ned as he came upon the small group.
"where are they in a hurry off to?"
"were having lunch soon and I wanted to give them time to wash up"
" that sounds nice but it seems you are needed else where" Ned nodded behind her glancing over her shoulder she saw one of the servants with a letter.
" if you will excuse me I will see you at lunch "
giving a nod to her guests she walked past her servant taking the note as she passed on her way to her study. Once the starks had come she had all of her maps and pieces moved there she felt the need for privacy when she read such notes even if they were reports she couldn't have her guests figuring out her plans so soon. Opening the letter she quickly scanned its contents her eyes grew a smile started to spread across her lips this was good. Fantastic. Wonderful. Moving to her maps she picked up the lone dragon piece and placed it next to her fox piece.
" I will happily see you soon my son"
Joining the others at the table in much higher spirits than when she had left dazen noticed her mood right away and smiled just as brightly setting down the fruit he had been eating he wiped his mouth quickly ready to hear the news.
" what is it mother?"
"you should not practice tomorrow dazen we have many things to do and you will not have time for it"
All her guests looked at her with surprise Ned had a look of confusion. Renly simply gaped not sure what to make of her words. Dazen was practically bouncing in his seat he must have some idea of what is happening he gave her his pleading eyes she could not stand those shining emeralds.
" who's coming this time?"
"someone's coming?" spoke Loras he and Renly exchanged glances
"yes we will be having new guests I will have to get the city in line so that they will not panic but I can promise you dazen you will like who is coming" she gave no clues.
"why would the city panic?" Ned's voice held that constant suspicion it always did regarding her guests.
"yes but don't worry I will send out the word and all will be fine" she waved her hand dismissively
"you have that kind of power?" Ned was surprised again it seemed tilting her head she raised a single delicate black brow both her and cersei had mastered this look.
"do you forget who I am Ned you must have to think that in all the years I have been here I would not have this entire city and all whom inhabit it under my thumb I know of every merchant orphan and thief in bravos including all those that go by the title of faceless men they shutter when they hear my name my husband's ghost still keeps them in line when my daughters do not "
" that is quite a lot to look after " Ned took a healthy gulp from his cup his eyes wide realizing the meaning behind her words she was probably the richest person in all the free cities if she returned to their home lands she could easily match tywin lanaster if not go a little higher than him with her mountain of wealth. Not to mention the hidden gold at Black Fyre castle in the crypts below the mighty fortress but only she and her eldest son and daughter knew of it.
"Faceless men?" Arya's innocent curiosity changing the subject.
"yes assassins that are taught how to change their face so that if need be they can always hide or trick their victims my late husband went there for training as did my son and one of my daughters it is extremely useful but they only did it to keep them in line a show of strength if you will " Ava explained what her family did there was scare those mask wearing fools out of their minds so that even the mentioning of their family name made them cower the newer ones only flinched but the fact that they were sill feared showed just how memorable they were.
" why would you need to keep the city from panicking ?" Ned brought the conversation back to the subject of her mystery guest.
"my son is coming home "
Dazen's eyes light up his smile is blinding he was ecstatic to hear this news he could only guess which brother it is she is referring to. Keeping her features schooled she watches her guests glance from one another not knowing whether to be afraid or excited to have another join them.
" it's brick!"
Dazen squealed in delight at the knowledge that his biggest brother is coming to tell him of all the fun adventures he is going to have. The small boys out burst made Loras jump Renly spat out his wine trying not to laugh Arya covered her mouth Ned coughed to hide his own laughter.
"that is right he is coming and brining some news with him now pleas sit down we still have plans to make and I want you on your best behavior"
Dazen nodded vigorously before sitting down.
" and who are his friends ?"
Smirking she slowly shook her head at Ned once things had calmed not wanting to give away the surprise.
"that is for me to know and you to find out"
,…
Brick felt ready to jump off the boat and swim the rest of the way the boat was moving far too slow for his taste. Drogo laughed at him and dany had told him to not jump off the boat no matter what he thought about the speed of the boat. While brick was ready to start paddling the boat himself Atizane was on the verge of being ill. The poor girl was ready to panic she would be meeting his mother for the first time and although he had promised that his mother would not by any means try to hurt her she was still worried.
The moment the boat reached the docks brick ran for the bridge barely missing the poor ship hands as they leapt out of the way once his feet hit the ground he shouted and whooped happy to be home. Drogo and Dany with little Rheago in her arms were close to follow in a much more calm and dignified fashion of course but he wasn't paying attention he turned back to the boat spotting Naz leading Atizane off the boat he made his way back hugging both of them he smiled.
"were here I can't wait till we get there dazen will be so happy to see us he loves making new friends and I know naz will like him"
"I-if you say so " Atizane took a deep breath letting herself relax in his arms setting them down he took Atizane's hand leading them through the crowds catching up with dany.
"don't worry about the boats they will not be touched besides we have some people to meet come follow me"
After dany and drogo gave their orders they followed brick to through the city till they reached a tall building made of clay and stone. Leading them around the back they found nothing but the ocean's edge smiling at their confusion he showed them the secret entrance knocking on the heavy steel door he pulls back and waits. The doors are pulled open and brick walks in not even bothering to address the servants he waves them away gesturing for them to follow he leads their group through his home following the sound of wooden swords till they end up at the old training court yard.
Seeing his little brother in padded armor swinging his wooden sword at a taller girl with brown hair he can't help but smile pulling Atizane close to him he hugs her from behind whispering in her ear.
"wait here just a moment I will be back "
Moving forward silently he saw his mother creeping up behind her he was about to hug her from behind when she spoke.
"you know brick it is rather rude to sneak up on a lady"
"aww you always ruined my surprises mother "
Catching everyone's attention dazen threw his sword and charged at brick leaping into his arms. brick couldn't help but squeeze his little brother.
"brick your smushing me"
"what? Me smushing you? Never"
Using his tight hug to his advantage brick started tickling the boy not caring that his mother and future queen could see he had not held his little brother in so long. Finally showing mercy he stopped tickling the breathless boy and hugged him close.
"I missed you dazen "
"I missed you too brick you haven't sent me any stories and I have been awfully bored with out them "
"is that all I am good for now? Stories?"
Dazen stood for a moment thinking "no you could lift heavy things "
Letting out a deep laugh brick shook his head standing he turned back to Daenerys and Drogo both had a lit smile while little Rhaego started to doze in his mother's arms. nodding to the pair they stepped forward his own mother stared almost in shock blinking she smiled moving forward to great them brick walked past them finding naz sitting on the floor bored out of her mind and Atizane leaning against the wall her hands nervously fidgeting placing his hand on hers softly rubbing his thumb in to the back of her hand.
"Don't worry things will be fine just stay close to me "
Helping naz up he took one of Atizane's hands while naz took the other both of them were nervous naz was just better at hiding it. His mother was currently thanking drogo surprising his blood brother.
"you speak my tongue?"
"yes I speak many tongues but I learned dothraki many years ago forgive me if I am a bit out of practice"
"you are doing well "
"I wish to give you my gift as you married the daughter of one of my closest friends I will give you something I know you will need and that is my support as well as all those of bravos"
Giving the two a curtsy she rose a smile on her lips Daenerys and Drogo stood in shock drogo smiled nodding his head. Daenerys looked ready to cry she blinked away her tears holding her head high.
"now let me introduce my other guests the girl with the wooden sword is Arya stark the boy is my son Dazen "
Both children bowed their eyes full of curiosity the two men in the back by the sword barrel looked at them with suspicion the blonde stood a little closer than one would think is comfortable the larger blond stood behind the black hair man the same as any guard would.
"the one with black of hair is lord Renly baratheon beside him is Ser Loras Tyrel the woman behind them is Brianne of Tarth"
The three bowed their eyes never leaving the pair before them brick took this time to step forward his mother caught his eye and nodded.
" I introduce khal Drogo lord of the dothraki and the Khaleesi Daenerys stormborn of house targaryen "
At that both Renly and Loras drew their swords they were about to do something very stupid but his mother stopped them.
"you will put those away as my guests you are representing me and these people are my guests as well you owe me too much to try and harm them think first before you act lord baratheon"
Renly looked between his mother and Dany eyeing the baby he sheathed his sword getting a frown from a confused Loras he too sheathed his blade.
"forgive me lady targaryen I over reacted and can only ask for your forgiveness that I have not offended you"
Eyeing Renly dany spoke holding Rheago a little closer .
" I will forgive you ,I know it is hard to trust outsiders but hopefully with time we will be able to trust each other better"
"Come I will show you to your room"
Giving brick a nod his mother lead the couple away brick watched them go while Renly ran a hand through his hair nervously Loras stepped closer rubbing his back soothingly.
"that was not very smart move lord Renly"
"that is the last targaryen my brother slaughtered them all what am I supposed to do?"
"nothing"
Renly stared at him ." what?"
"nothing you don't have to do anything you could try and make amends for your brothers mistakes and befriend her "
"but what about the mad-"
"don't even finish that because its not true I have known Daenerys for a long time she has not madness her brother did but he is dead now so it doesn't matter"
"what is she doing here though?"
Arya had that childish curiosity it would be better to simply tell them the truth since they will probably figure it out sooner or later.
"Well young stark Daenerys is going to take back the iron throne"
they all stared at him Renly looked ready to faint he was so pale , Dazen and Arya looked at each other.
"that sounds like hard work" spoke dazen
"It is brother it truly is" sighed brick
"she'll have to go through joffery to get it I hope she does" Arya spat the name joffery making brick chuckle.
"Don't worry that brat is not something to worry about its his mother we need to worry about" brick caught Renly nodding.
"on a happier note dazen I would like you to meet my friend Naz here"
Dazen scrambled forward stopping right in front of the girl giving her a bow she giggled at his strange actions. Turning to Atizane , Dazen cleared his throat looking for another chance to seem like a chivalrous knight.
"this is Atizane I hope to marry her soon"
The grip she had on his hand was almost painful now but judging by the smile she had he could tell she was happy.
"Dazen why don't you and Arya show naz around I want to show Atizane something"
Nodding furiously dazen offered his hand Arya covered her mouth with her sleeve naz nervously took it they ran off down the hall way Arya easily catching up.
"they are going to cause some trouble aren't they" murmured Atizane making brick chuckle turning back to Renly and Loras he decided a proper introduction was in order.
"I know your names but my real name should at least make an appearance I am lord Bricidious mortem but please call me Brick"
"so you're the lord of this house I was wondering who was in charge" spoke renly brick smiled shaking his head.
"I might be a lord but my mother is the matriarch of house mortem " he enjoyed the shiver that they all had tugging on Atizane's hand he lead her away.
"enjoy the rest of your day my friends "
"that was a bit hectic"
"that It was Atizane but now we can relax and I can show you some places that I think you will like"
"brick''
"yes?"
He came to a halt when he felt her stop walking looking back he saw her head down her wavy hair like a curtain hiding her face. Stepping closer he gently pushed her hair out of her face she leaned in to his touch making him smile.
"what if she says no?" her voice was small the vulnerability she was showing made him pull her to him.
"I have two other brothers and one sister she can figure something out cause I'm taken "
"but brick I don't want you to be in trouble with her just listening to her voice made me panic I don't see how I can be in the same room as her let alone speak to her"
"don't worry she is not as intimidating as you think she will let you come to her or when she thinks your ready she'll come to you"
Rubbing her back soothingly he rested his cheek on to her head sighing he nuzzled her hair he knew she was nervous but his mother wasn't going to kill her he had seen the way she had eyed the two of them. It wasn't hard to guess what they were and he could only hope his mother wouldn't be upset.
"don't worry your probably going to surprise her "
Hearing her laugh was worth any trouble he had coming he would protect her from all that came their way.
ok so there's the reunion hope you liked it. I had the usual girlfriend freak out or in this caes fiancé freak out when you significant other meets your parents for the first time and is ready to die of panic attack and stuff any way I thought it was necessary so enjoy please leave comments could use some motivation.- echoXknox
