The dragons lament 298 AC.
Jae.
After leaving his uncle's cabin he went down to see his mother, he knew she was nervously awaiting his return and that she'd have been worried about not just he and Arthur, but also her brother and niece too. Kalors walked alongside him, they'd left guards on his uncle and cousins, not to guard them or keep them there but just so they knew they were there and they were protected. Knocking softly on the door he entered to find his mother curled up leaning against the wall, she was reading or attempting to anyway.
"Jae, oh my son, you're unharmed, you're well?" she said jumping up to look him over.
"I am, Arthur too, we got them mother we got them both." he said and saw the relief on her face.
"Oh thank the gods, how are they?"
"Sansa is fine a little shaken, but Uncle Ned is, I think he broke his leg before we found him it's not been treated."
"The books Jae was there anything in them that cold help?"
"There was but I need something first, from Brankardix."
"What?"
"Dragonblood mother." Jae said and his mother nodded before looking at him pensively.
"Does he know of me?" she asked.
"I, he knows. I had to force him to rest but he knows."
"And how did he take it?"
"I don't know mother, but you're not speaking to him alone."
"Why he'd never harm me."
"He's still in shock mother and I know he'd never hurt you, at least not physically."
She nodded reluctantly and he spoke to her of what would come next, they'd meet Oswell and onto Highgarden, once he was sure she was fine he told her he was heading to speak to Arthur and Barristan. Leaving Kalors guarding her door he walked down the corridor only to bump into his cousin as she snuck out of the room, her arguments with the guards forcing a smile on his face.
"You can't keep me here, my cousin is your king." she said.
"Arya, come here."
She smiled as she ran to him, grabbing him in a tight hug.
"Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, I knew you'd do it." she said smiling.
"I promised didn't I, how is you father doing?"
"He's good, very tired, Sansa and Jeyne too, I'm not can you show me more of the ship?. Aunt Lyanna said she couldn't but you can, you're the king right? how are you the king,? it doesn't matter you'll be better than Joffrey." his cousin babbled excitedly and Jae found himself listening eagerly and just enjoying being with her.
"Come on I'll show you something special, but you can't tell anyone, not yet Arya, not even your father?"
"Why, is it bad?"
"No, but I'd rather tell him myself it's, well you'll see."
She followed as he walked down the corridor and got to the room where he kept the scrolls, books and weapons, he had thought of depositing them in the Iron Bank, but in the end they were better here. Leaning against the door he took out his knife and cut his palm to Arya's shock he then placed his hand against it telling her to close her eyes, which she did though not fully, when the light faded she looked at him warily.
He opened the door and when he brought her inside he heard her gasps of surprise, she looked around and didn't know which way to go first, so he decided for her. He led her to one of the chests and opened it, reaching inside he took out the small thin sword, she looked at it in awe it's Valyrian blade glistening in the light. He handed it to her carefully, pointing her away from him as she swung it in the air, it whistled almost as she swung it.
"This is... I've never seen a sword like this, apart from Needle." she said sadly as she touched the hilt of her broken blade.
"It's built for a girl, a small girl. Now I wonder are there any small girls I know who'd like a sword." Jae said and placed his finger to his mouth as if he was thinking.
"Really, I can have it?" she looked at him as if he'd offered the world.
"Of course cousin, I can think of no one better to wield it than you."
He looked around to find a suitable sheath for the sword and once he did he took it from her hands, almost having to pry her fingers from it and placed it inside, he then found a small belt he attached it to. Handing it back to her he reached over and grabbed one of the longswords and then moved to picked up the dagger before leaving the room.
He walked back with her to his uncle's cabin, bid her goodnight and went to speak to Arthur and Barristan. As he entered the room the two knights were speaking fondly and laughing and as they saw him they both jumped to their feet before he motioned for them to sit.
"Arthur, could you check on my mother?" he said and saw Arthur nod as got up and left the room.
"Ser Barristan, all members of the Kingsguard carry Valyrian steel." Jae said handing the knight the sword and the dagger." Barristan looked at him in shock, before taking a knee.
"Your grace I am yours to command."
"Rise Ser, we have much to discuss."
Arthur.
He quickly made his way down to Lyanna's room, while Jae hadn't said it he knew he was worried about his mother and there were things she'd never tell him that perhaps she'd confide in Arthur. Not that Jae would ever ask him to break her confidence, but simply he'd want for him to do what he himself could not. So he was not surprised when he saw her pacing the room when he entered, nor that she didn't seem to notice him for a few moments, when she did she threw her arms around him and he held her tight.
"He's going to hate me isn't he?"
"If he's a fool."
She half laughed against him, before he looked into her eyes, he could see the tears filling them and so he wiped them away.
"Lya you did nothing wrong, if he doesn't understand or can't accept that then he's not worth even one of your tears."
She nodded and he led her to her bed, laying down beside her she curled into him, he felt her shake and then still and then she was asleep, it was no more than a few moments later he joined her.
Waking up the next morning he felt the cramping of his arm from where her head had rested the night before, she had woken already and was sitting in the chair beside the bed looking at him. He stood up and stretched feeling the crack of his bones and she laughed when he frowned at her.
"Poor Arthur, were you not comfortable my love?" she said with a chuckle.
"Not as comfortable as some." he said and she laughed louder "Have you eaten?"
"No."
"Shall we?"
"I'd rather stay here Arthur." she said her voice soft and tinged with worry.
"Very well, I'll get us something." he said and she smiled at him.
He kissed her softly on the lips and left the room, heading down to see Shalla and finding the woman already busy at her work, he nodded to her and she gave him the two plates before he filled them. As he got ready to leave and head back Jae arrived, he looked apprehensive and so Arthur placed the plates down.
"He wants to see her, how is she Arthur?"
"She's worried, she thinks he'll blame her."
"He may, but he'll do it only once." Jae said and Arthur saw the flash in his eyes.
"Do you want me there?" he asked.
"No Arthur, I think it'd be better if it was just the three of us, he'll no doubt blame you for something too. Stay close though."
"I will."
He put the plates back down his appetite now gone, walking past the eating area he saw Barristan enter his new sword hanging from it's scabbard. He walked to him and bid him to follow, both of them walking down the corridor just as Kalors helped Ned Stark into Lyanna's room.
"We may be needed soon old friend." Arthur said and Barristan looked to see he was unarmed "No not in that way, but Ned Stark's going to be told some home truths and it may not go well."
"If it doesn't?"
"Then we protect him."
"You've no weapon Arthur, how do you expect to protect the king?" Barristan asked confused.
"I wasn't talking about the king Barristan."
As the voices became raised he waited and hoped Ned Stark was less of a fool than he believed he was, if he spoke out of turn about Lyanna, he and Barristan may not be enough to protect him, not from the dragon he was with.
Jae.
He had slept fitfully all night had even decided to go walk on deck to try and feel some sense of peace, in the end he had instead warged into Rhaegon. The black dragon had welcomed him and he looked down on the fleet as it sailed. It would be still some time before they arrived and as he flew over them he saw his daughter and Dany riding on top of her, it didn't surprise him to see her flying, though he wondered how she'd mounted her from the deck of a ship.
He flew close to her and then took off quickly, Rhaegon having seen his meal, the whale had barely moved to the surface when the flames hit it and seconds later it was being torn apart by the hungry dragon. Jae left the dragon and went searching for Syrax, finding her flying over land he didn't recognize, it was snowy and the wind felt cold against her feathers, though she was warm. They soared higher and he felt the warm air that hit him, he almost bathed in it before he thanked her and left her alone.
"My king are you all right?" he heard Kalors voice.
"I. Yes."
"The wolf girl's father asked for you."
"He did?"
"Yes, the wolf girl and her sister and friend have gone to break their fasts but he asked to see you."
Jae nodded and headed down to speak to his uncle, arriving at the room he found him sitting up looking slightly better and felt bad he'd not thought of taking Brankardix's blood earlier. His uncle was stone faced as he looked at him so Jae resisted the urge to smile and instead schooled his own features.
"You wished to see me Uncle?"
"Aye, my sister I want to speak to her."
"Are you sure you're up to it?"
"Aye."
"Very well, not here though, Kalors can you help my uncle walk."
"Of course my king." Kalors said and Jae saw his uncle's face frown.
The big man took his uncle's weight easily and they walked down to his mother's room, Jae knocked on the door hoping to not catch her too much by surprise, though as soon as he entered and she saw his uncle, it was clear he'd failed. She looked to him, her eyes teary and Jae looked as his uncle saw her for the first time.
"Lya." the shocked voice of his uncle said.
"Ned, oh Ned, I thought I'd never see you again."
"Lya, how, I don't how?" his uncle said turning to look at him.
"Sit down uncle, it's a long story."
When his uncle sat Jae allowed his mother to begin, she told him of Harrenhal and of falling for his father, of the letters she had sent and how they must have been diverted, she cried openly when she spoke of Brandon and his Grandfather. When she told him of the marriage and what happened in the tower, his uncle shook his head, she looked at him confusedly before looking to Jae.
"So all of it was because you refused to do your duty, he would have made you happy." his uncle said and when Jae saw his mother's face crumble and the tears fall even freer he jumped up agitatedly.
"Would he indeed, how often did he keep to his own bed when you were looking for my mother, how many times did he profess his love for her while bedding a camp follower?"
"He'd have changed if he married." his uncle said.
"Would he now, just as he did right? How many bastards did he father, how many nights did he shame his new wife?"
"He never loved her."
"He never loved me. Are you that blinded by your love for him that you can't see that?" his mother said before turning away, when Jae saw how lost she looked he ran to her and held her against him.
It at least allowed for tensions to calm somewhat but his uncle decided then was a good time to raise them again.
"So you've returned to regain your families' throne?" his uncle said looking at him.
"I have, I'm the rightful king."
"Stannis is the rightful king." his uncle said and it was his mother who shouted then.
"You would support someone over your own blood, someone like Stannis, are you a Stark or a damn Baratheon,?. Is it wolfs blood that flows in your veins, or was it replaced by stags and falcons?." his mother shouted angrily.
"Robert won the throne by right of conquest, it falls to his heir, that's the law of the land." his uncle said.
"Really, so Stannis is just going to what, travel to Kings Landing, Tywin will bow, take his grandson and give up on the one thing he's always wanted, are you really that much of a fool." Jae said his voice rising with each word.
"I'll not listen to a boy." his uncle said dismissively.
"You'll listen to a king." Jae shouted "Where was Stannis while you were rotting in a cell uncle? While your daughter was hiding in the streets going hungry and in fear for her life? Where was Stannis while your other daughter was being held hostage by the Lannisters?" Was it he who came to your rescue, he who risked his life and the lives of those he loved to save you?"
"So you mean to hold that over my head, you rescued me to back your claim?" his uncle said his voice full of disgust.
"I rescued you because you are my family, I rescued Sansa because she is my family, I rescued Arya because she's my family. It's not only the blood of the dragon that runs through my veins, it's the blood of the wolf too."
"You want me to go against the rightful king." his uncle said.
"How is he the rightful king, how does he get his throne? Tell me uncle, explain to me how Stannis ends up on his throne by simply asserting his claim and should you be able to do it, I'll bend my damn knee myself." Jae said angrily as his uncle mumbled.
"You can't can you, the only way the Lannister's will be taken from the throne is kicking and screaming, right of blood means nothing to Tywin Lannister. Stannis can't even control his own bannermen how is he going to take the throne?" Jae said continuing when his uncle stayed silent.
"What do you mean?"
"You think the Lords of the Narrow Sea will support a Baratheon over a Targaryen?"
"They are his vassals," his uncle said.
"They are my vassals uncle, they've been mine since the day I was born, so again how does Stannis get the throne uncle answer me that?"
"I don't... he's the king."
"So you'll go to war for him, but not for me?" Jae said and his uncle didn't reply.
"Kalors take him back to his children, now," Jae said and shook his head trying to keep his anger in check.
"So what I'm you're prisoner now."
"What use would I have for a blind fool such as you uncle? I'll see you safe back to your family and then you can bend the knee to Stannis since it seems that's what you wish to do. We'll find out then who it is the gods support, a man with Stark blood or a false wolf who wishes he had antlers."
"Jae." his mother pleaded.
"No mother, I told you what he was like, why I wouldn't tell him I was in the north, you've seen if for yourself now."
"North, when were you in the north?" his uncle asked before "It was you, you helped the watch?"
"It was yes, isn't that what a king is supposed to do uncle? Not that you'd know since you think the stag was a good king," Jae said and nodded to Kalors to take his uncle from the room.
He waited a few moments before Barristan and Arthur entered the room, Jae stood in the corner looking down at the table, his hands gripping it tightly. He closed his eyes and reached out, looking for Brankardix finding his dragon flying over the sea, he allowed the thoughts of his dragon's happiness to calm him and smiled.
"What happened my king?"
"My uncle wishes to support Stannis Baratheon it seems soon we'll be fighting the North."
"Jae he didn't say that," his mother said.
"All but mother."
"We can't allow him go back North Jae," Arthur said and Barristan looked from Arthur to him.
"We'll return him safely Arthur, him and my cousins, they're not hostages and I'll not allow the fact my uncle's a fool hurt his children."
"This makes things more difficult," Arthur said.
"I know." he said before nodding to Barristan to follow, holding his hand up to Arthur he smiled and looked to his mother.
Kings Landing the same day.
Cersei.
When the alarms started ringing she thought they were under attack, she wondered how they'd managed to get here so soon, how had they got past her father, before she calmed herself it was impossible they'd be destroyed long before they got to her.
She had barely dressed when her doors opened and her son stormed in, he was clearly furious his eyes were blazing, his hand held tightly to his sword while behind him the Hound looked around for any danger.
"My love what is it?" she said running to him.
"They've stolen her mother, someone has come in and stolen her right from under our noses, she's mine I want her back, I want her back now." he son shouted.
"What, who?" she asked confused.
"Sansa Stark, someone stole her they came right in her and took her. I want them found, I want them found now, I'll have their heads, I'll have all their heads."
"Clegane?" she said looking to the hound for clarity."
"The little bird is gone my queen, someone killed Trant and took her."
"Who?"
"I don't know," he said shaking his head.
Once they knew there was no more immediate danger they headed to the small council chambers to find Varys and Littlefinger already seated, the eunuch looking disturbed which worried her. Pycelle then came stumbling in behind them his chains rattling annoying her immensely.
"What news?" she asked as she poured some wine.
"It's terrible my queen, it seems Lady Stark was not the only person to disappear last night?" Varys said.
"Who?"
"Lord Stark is gone too my queen,"
"What that's impossible, how, he was secure?"
"I don't know my queen, three guards were found dead, the other three have no recollection of last night."
"Traitors, I want their heads,." Joffrey said his voice highly pitched and while she agreed with him and they would soon be losing their heads, her own was trying to come to terms with what this meant.
"Have the city searched and send out patrols, they can't have gotten far." she said looking to them
"Unless they left by ship your grace." Littlefinger said.
She shook her head and watched as Joffrey dismissed them all, Pycelle no doubt off to send a raven to her father, it was pointless trying to stop it, her father would know soon enough anyway. Joffrey paced angrily, before looking to the Hound and then storming out, off to see the heads roll himself no doubt, her precious boy every bit the king he was born to be. She quickly swallowed the wine and began to think through what this would mean for them now.
With no Stark hostages that left them in a terrible position, they'd win the war of course, but they had no leverage now, nothing to hold the North back but her father's forces. She filled her glass again, despite herself she felt nervous, should the wolves and Stags team up, no her father would destroy them before they ever got the chance, wouldn't he? she wondered as she drained another glass.
Stannis.
He had been abandoned, the Lords of the Narrow Sea his vassals by right of blood and duty had refused his call, instead of an army of almost 15,000 he had a little over 8.000 men mostly made up of men from his wive's house, it was not nearly enough. His brother too had abandoned him, stolen what was rightfully his what he had suffered to protect while the rose's mocked him. With the Stromlords on top of his own forces he had counted on having almost 40,000 men, though he had taken comfort in the fact that the flowers had shown their true colors and in turn left Renly friendless.
He looked down at the table and his numbers, 8,000 against almost 25,000 Stormlanders, the odds were in Renly's favor but Renly was a green boy playing at war while Stannis lived for it. He needed the Stormlands and needed them before his brother wasted them in a pointless attack, once he had them he could deal with the North. Ned Stark would have supported his claim had he not been stupid enough to be taken prisoner, he wondered if the boy would too.
"Send Cressen to me." he said to young Devan and watched as the boy dutifully went to fetch the Maester.
Walking to the table he took some parchment and began to write out his missive to Robb Stark, ordering him to bend the knee and join the rightful king. Once finished he let the ink dry while he waited on Cressen, the old Maester arriving far quicker than he'd expected given the man's age.
"You sent for me your grace?"
"Send this to Robb Stark." he said gruffly handing him the scroll.
"At once your grace, I believe he may be nearing Moat Cailin."
Stannis just nodded and ground his teeth before watching the Maester scurry off. It was a few moments later when she entered, he could smell her scent a long time before he heard her footsteps. She walked over to the fire, her red hair almost glowing, he looked at her then, at how the dress somehow managed to stay on her body and felt a stirring which he ignored.
"My king, you seem troubled?" she said her voice deep.
"My unruly vassals have abandoned me my lady, did your god not show you this?"
"R'hllor shows me only what is needed my king."
"And what does he show you now?"
He watched as she looked deep into the flames of the fire, saw the shadows flicker over her face and had to tear his eyes from the sight of her nipple as it threatened to break free from the dress that bound it.
"I see a castle made of stone on a cliff and a host in front of it waving the banner of the true king. I see your grace ride in through the gates as the false stag's banners are thrown to the ground. I see ships sailing towards a city on a hill, your grace's banner flying high. I see a dragon as white as snow flying with a man riding a glimmering sword held in his hand." she said excitedly.
"Is it me, is the man me?" he said looking to her.
"You are the prince that was promised, Azor Ahai reborn, you will wake dragons from stone my king, you are his chosen." she said and he nodded.
Walking out into the throne room he saw his good uncles Lord Alester, and Ser Axell, he looked around the room and at the rest of the lords he'd managed to get on board a poor and pitiful lot, with but one Stormland house among them. But he'd make do with what he had, his destiny was at hand, he would be the king that the realm needed in it's time of greatest need. Pulling Lightbringer from his scabbard he watched as the flames of the sword shined.
"My lords, to war." he said and turned to walk away.
Robb Stark.
They had come and brought their might and Robb looked out on the marching army, over 10,000 northmen with almost the same number to join them when they reached the Moat, he felt both proud and nervous. His father had been four years older than he when he had led the North to war, already he had needed to put the Greatjon in his place and had it not been for Grey Wind, he doubted he'd have been able to.
But for now at least the men were behind him, united in a common cause, his father, his sisters, he tried not to let his thoughts turn too much to the circumstances of his own father's march to war let alone the outcome. No, this time it would be different, no more Starks would fall in the south, he'd bring his family home, he had to. He rode with Lord Glover and Lord Bolton, alternating from talking to the whispering leech lord and the more loud lord of Deepwood Motte.
While Lord Glover told him he'd bring his father home and show those damn lions what wolves were like, the lord of the Dreadfort whispered of how the old lion was to be feared and how caution was their friend. It was like sitting between Sansa and Arya he thought almost fondly, if one of his sisters were to say it was raining the other would surely say it was not. Something the two lords continuously proved on the ride, attack full on Lord Glover would say, use more hit and run tactics Lord Bolton would reply.
"My Lords, I think here is a good place to make camp." he said seeing the stream not too far in front of him.
"Aye an excellent choice Lord Stark." Lord Galbart said.
"I shall see to my men, by your leave Lord Stark." Lord Roose said softly, he nodded and the man was off not in the blink of an eye.
"That man makes my bones shiver." Galbart said and Robb couldn't help but laugh as he agreed.
After setting up camp and allowing Grey Wind to go off and hunt, Robb sat down to eat when Theon joined him, where his friend had been gods only know, but he was glad to see him now. He smirked when Theon kept staring at the Mormont ladies, he had tried to be charming to them at Winterfell and it had not gone well. While Robb didn't like them calling his friend a no good squid, he did enjoy the ale that was poured over his head by Dacey when he said something to her.
"Where've you been?"
"Riding at the back, the Umbers aren't happy."
"Good, a happy Umber is not needed where we're going."
"Are you afraid?" Theon said looking at him.
"I must be."
"Good." Theon said.
"Why is that good?"
"It means you're not stupid." Theon said and Robb smirked.
"I'm glad you're with me." Robb said as he looked at him.
"Always brother." Theon said with a smile.
As he slept that night he dreamt of his father being dragged before a crowd, he saw Arya sitting on a statue as Sansa screamed, he watched in horror as the sword was raised and saw it fall towards his father. He woke up before he saw any more, felt the sweat run down his back, jumping up from the bed he threw water on his face and got dressed, it was early but they needed to ride, he had to get there, before, before, he had to get there.
Tywin Lannister.
He rode his horse, Kevan riding beside him, behind him was the entire might of the Lannister Army, his best men, his best commanders, this was what would win him the war. Jaime by now would be tearing through the Riverlands and by the time they met up Riverrun itself may have fallen. He would deal with the Young Wolf in short measure and then onto the Baratheon's the real threat. Stannis may not have the men, but should he be allowed build momentum, should he gain allies like the North or worse the Reach, then things would be far more difficult.
So he would destroy one and buy the other, Robert may have been foolish enough to want a Stark bride but it would be a rose and not a wolf that his lions would devour. He needed the Reach placated and there was only one way for that, no matter what his idiot of a grandson would say. Kevan was always his favorite riding companion, while other lords would prattle on as if he needed their counsel his brother rode silently, leaving him with his thoughts.
They made camp by the river and went over their battle plans, Raventree, Harrenhal would fall and then they'd ready themselves for the North. After crushing the young wolf, he'd march for Kings Landing if needed, or the Stormlands themselves. He sat down and was about to eat with Kevan when a boy came in carrying raven scrolls, he took them and began to read, getting more and more furious as he did so.
"Those insufferable fools." he said loudly.
"What's wrong brother?"
"They've managed to lose Stark and his daughters, that's exactly what the scroll says, lose as if they were mere coins from a purse."
"How, I don't understand?"
"Stark has escaped Kevan, his daughters gone, should he make it North then this is a different war, should he join with Stannis." his voiced trailed off.
"What do we do?" Kevan asked as Tywin read the other scrolls.
Jaime had been successful and defeated the Riverlords, he allowed himself a small curl of his lip, his boy finally being the son and heir he should be. He took the next scroll and grimaced at the mockingbird's sigil not trusting the man or even liking having him in his service. It's contents though interested him greatly, it seems the Reach had stayed out of things, meaning they were now up for grabs, this was interesting, very interesting. He had intended to wait until the table was more weighted in his favor before reaching out to the grasping roses, but Stark's escape changed things.
"We shall bring the Reach on board." Tywin said as he began to write back to Littlefinger.
"Do you really want to give them power brother?"
"They may get a crown for their golden rose, but lions are and always will be the only power Kevan." he said and his brother smiled.
Once he had done with his missives and sent them off, he retired to his bed, this would be his last war, his great war, his legacy and that of his family would be decided in the next few moons. Everything he had ever wanted was so close to being completely in his grasp, he could almost taste it,. He'd need to work for it of course but once done he could rest, he closed his eyes and pictured her, Joanna he whispered.
Dany.
She stood on the deck, The Dragon's Fury was not as impressive as her nephew's ship but it was still far larger than almost any other ship on the sea. Lord Monford had picked it to be their flagship and surprisingly given it to his brother to Captain, though Aurane had proved well suited for the job. Despite his occasional arrogance and that stupid hat, she found she liked the man, he was funny, respectful and ever since being legitimized, unbelievably loyal.
Looking behind her she saw the full extent of that loyalty, nearly two hundred ships full of Unsullied, Company of the Dragon men and loyalist houses, an army to take back a throne. She was joined by Missandei, the little girl becoming one of her closest friends and Grey Worm who never allowed her out of his sight. A few moments later she saw Lakoes walk down to their cabin and felt her heart race at the look the girl was giving her.
"How Long?" she said turning to one of the sailors.
"I do not know my princess, a week perhaps."
"She is queen." Grey Worm said his face sullen.
"Not to him Torgo Nudho, Here Jaehaerys is King," Dany said and Grey Worm nodded.
"Is it colder than this in this White Harbor my queen?" Missandei said pulling her cloak tighter.
"It is, is it not?" she said looking at the sailor.
"It is my princess, though we shall not be staying long, but you will need to be wearing warming clothes." the man said and she smirked, she was a dragon her blood ran hot.
She heard the roars above her then and looked to see Ellanys and Rhaegon fly around each other, playfully nipping as they enjoyed the sky. She almost felt like jumping on her dragon's back, but she had done so far too much already on this trip. Instead she turned and walked down eager to eat before she took her place in her bed, the thoughts of who'd be waiting for her making her stomach tingle with a different kind of hunger.
The meal was excellent as they had ensured they were more than well provisioned, one of the advantages of gold was men wouldn't go hungry. It had kept the spirits up on the long journey and thankfully the weather had stayed on their side too, until they reached the cold waters of the north that was. Up here while they'd not faced storms they had faced rain and a strange white substance she'd heard referred to as snow which the Essosi among them found fascinating.
"I think I'll retire for the night." she said to Missandei.
"Sleep well my queen." the scribe said with a smile.
She walked to her room and entered and was almost attacked as she did so, the lips nipped her neck and she felt her dress being removed.
"Come to bed my love." Lakoes said and Dany could only smile as she followed her.
Lyanna.
They were woken by Kalors knocking on the door, how she had slept last night she didn't know, all she remembered was crying in Arthur's arms. It had gone far worse than she had imagined and yet they had covered nothing, instead it had ended up being Jae against Ned, she knew he son felt betrayed, she did too. But it was a lot to just be hit with and she felt sympathy for her brother, perhaps on their journey they could speak some more they had much to resolve.
"Morning." Arthur said taking her from her thoughts.
"Morning." she said smiling at him.
They both quickly dressed and headed to break their fast, in the room they found her two nieces and their friend, she had yet to speak to Sansa, though as she looked at her she was no Stark in looks at least. The red hair and blue eyes were pure Tully, the girl did smile at her though when her sister said something to her. Sitting down she took the plate from Arthur while he went off in search of Jae.
"Are you really aunt Lyanna?" Sansa asked.
"I told you she was, stupid." Arya said and she watched the small scowl on Sansa's face.
"Arya, your sister was only asking, be nice."
"Sorry aunt." Arya said and Sansa looked a little shocked at Arya's compliance.
Even though they'd spent just one night together, she and the younger girl had gotten on well, when she heard that Lyanna wielded a sword and after she told her that she had fought in a joust, that had seemed to be it. From that moment on it was as if they'd known each other for years, as if hey were always destined to meet, given what had happened it had made Lyanna wonder what life would have been like had they met earlier.
"Where are we going Aunt?" Sansa asked.
"We're going to Highgarden Sansa." Lyanna said and she saw the excitement in the young girls face, her friend too almost giddy when she heard.
"Really, I've, oh, I've nothing to wear, I can't." Sansa said shaking her head.
"What's wrong with that dress?" Arya said confused.
"It's the only one I have."
"I'm sure some of the other girls may have some clothing you can borrow Sansa, you too Jeyne and once we reach Highgarden itself well we'll see about having some new ones made."
"For true?" Sansa said.
"Yes, of course niece, for true." she said smiling which the girl returned, she smirked when Arya rolled her eyes before she stood up when Jae came in.
"Mother." he said kissing her cheek.
"We'll be meeting Oswell soon, is Lord Stark not eating?"
"I sent something to his room your grace." Shalla said walking into the room.
"All right, we'll need to get ready, so when you're all done." he said with a soft smile.
"I'm ready." Arya said and he reached over to muss her hair getting a slap in return.
"Of course you are." he said smiling at the girl, it seemed she wasn't the only one the girl had managed to charm.
She finished her food and walked back to her room to get her things, as she passed her brother's room, she stopped and raised her hand to knock on the door before deciding not to in the end, perhaps it'd take more time.
Arthur.
She had cried herself to sleep again last night, he had been torn between helping her and helping Jae, but his king had signaled him to stay with his love and Arthur was grateful for it. She had needed comfort and so he had held her, wiped her tears from her eyes and let her fall asleep in his arms. When they woke he'd brought her to eat and then he'd left to do something that needed to be done. He had arrived at Stark's room and hadn't bothered to knock before entering, the girls were breaking their fast and it would only be Stark inside.
"You know, despite what Lyanna said I always thought you were a fool Stark, I just never realized you were an idiot." Arthur said as he walked into the room and locked the door behind him.
"Why because I wont support putting his son on the throne." Ned said angrily.
"No because just like always you won't support family."
"Get out." Ned said his voice loud.
"No, you'll listen, I'll say my piece and then when you finally decide what to do you can have no damn excuse." Arthur said his own voice raised as he continued.
"Your friend was a jealous fool, a man who couldn't stand the fact that your sister loved another, it blinded him and since you were already blinded it led you to choose him over family, now you want to do it again with his brother."
"Stannis is.."
"Don't give me that, Stannis is what, the rightful king, how? Jae already told you he'll not give up, so how does Stannis beat us, are you going to line your forces up against us Lord Stark, is your blindness really that bad."
"She should never…."
"Don't, don't your fucking dare finish that sentence, or I swear it your girls will mourn the loss of their father this night." Arthur said his face full of rage and fury, "She fell in love and they married, under both gods, the old and the new, we sent letters, damn it we sent so many letters, how they never reached you I don't know."
"Why should I believe you?"
"I don't care if you do or don't, I don't care a damn about you Stark, other than what it means to them. I love her, your sister and I, we're to be married, that boy, your nephew, my king, is like a son to me and you hurt them both and so I don't care about you at all. Join us or don't, stand against us, but that boy will be king and he's of the North Stark, so what that you northmen say, oh yes The North Remembers."
"Aye,"
"Then listen carefully Stark. He'll remember, he'll remember how you hurt him in both lives," Arthur said as he turned,
"Both, what?"
"For arguments sake, say you'd made it in time, found us guarding the king and queen regent, what would you have done Stark?"
"I'd have rescued my sister."
"Rescued, from whom? She was never a prisoner, but lets not say more on that. What of us Stark me and my brothers had we not allowed you. Would you have fought us?"
"Aye I would." Stark said and Arthur nodded.
"So lets say you won and you found your sister, dying, her babe just born, what then how would you have handled the rightful king?"
"Robert was..."
"A fat whoremonger. But lets not speak of him, how would you have handled the babe Stark?"
"I'd have, Robert would have.." he stuttered.
"Seen the boy dead, just like he did his brother and sister, what was it he called them, Dragonspawn, wasn't it. I see no babes only Dragonspawn,"
"He was not himself." Stark said softly.
"Was he not? I disagree I think he was more himself then than at any other time, so again Stark what would you have done, would you have handed your nephew to child killers?"
"No." Ned said determinedly "I'd..I'd have taken the boy as mine own, raised him as my..as my.."
"Bastard?" Arthur said and Ned nodded "Then what, you raise the king as a bastard and then what, how does a boy get rid of that shame Stark, what would you have done when your fat friend came calling and you needed to head south?"
"I'd have...I.."
"Allowed him go to the watch perhaps, encouraged it even." Arthur said and he saw Ned slightly nod.
"Want to know how that turns out Stark, it ends with the boy stabbed to death in the grounds of Castle Black, a rightful king dying, a line ended and all because you wanted to protect your friend more than your family."
"None of that happened," Ned said.
"Did it not? tell that to the boy who lived it." Arthur said leaving the room.
Jae,
They landed on the coast between Wyl and Yronwood, Oswell with horses, guards and a cart ready for them, Jae took some of the weapons from the room, some potions and one of the books on healing. After disembarking they sent The Dragon's Lament to drop anchor in Driftmark, they would send Syrax to inform them were they'd be needed next. Loading his uncle, Jeyne and Sansa into the cart. They began to ride, Arya had refused to join them preferring to ride beside Jae and his mother.
Oswell informed him everything had gone without incident, there was some awkwardness at first between him and Barristan but then it developed into Oswell's dark humor annoying the older knight.
Jae had found he liked the man, he had a calm way of looking at things and seeing him with Arthur had just felt right, seeing all three of them riding ahead of him laughing and joking had been a welcome sight and one he needed.
His mother and Arya were getting on even better and though he saw his uncle look at him strangely he'd yet to speak to him again. Sansa and Jeyne were like two giggling ladies and he was glad to see both happy. They were riding for a couple of hours when it began, his head started thumping and he began to feel dizzy, he saw some trees in the distance and motioned to Arthur to follow. When they arrived he jumped off the horse and walked to the tree feeling the ground begin to spin.
"Jae, Jae, are you well?" he heard Arthur.
"My king your nose." he heard another voice, Barristan, Oswell?
He found himself standing at the tree Bloodraven looking at him, he shouldn't have been surprised, though he was, this was different, something was happening or about to.
"I'm sorry Jaehaerys, we needed to speak urgently." Bloodraven said.
"What's happened?"
"Nothing yet, but come you must see."
He followed Bloodraven to a river, two castles either side of a bridge, he saw banners wave in the wind, a woman rode out from the castle on a horse, men either side. He was in a room then in an unfinished castle, the woman was talking to a red headed man, a grey wolf beside him, another man entered he was a young dark haired man, he saw them speak and the woman shake her head, the two men smiled and embraced and the dark haired man left.
He was in a castle made from wood as it was attacked by men wearing grey, he saw the kraken banner be raised. Then he was by the coast as ships arrived, the kraken flying high, he watched as they took a castle by a lake, he was on an island as it came under attack and then he was in a large grey castle as the dark haired man took the head of an older man, his whiskers blowing in the wind as his head was hacked repeatedly.
He looked on a two small boys cried, two wolves by their side as they hid in darkness, he was back at the unfinished castle as it too fell to men wearing kraken sigils on their chest. He was in a dark hall while music played, the red haired man and woman from before smiling, he watched on as men turned on men and women, as they were slaughtered in their seats and saw the red haired man with bolts in his chest, before a pale man stabbed him in the heart.
He heard a woman scream and her throat be cut before he was in a courtyard, a body was on a horse with a wolfs head where a mans should be, it's grey fur familiar. He felt himself back at the tree, Bloodraven looking on.
"When?"
"Soon young king."
"It can be stopped?"
"By you alone."
"Thank you." he said nodding.
"I shall see you soon Jaehaerys, be careful for the night is dark and full of terrors." Bloodraven said as he faded away.
When he came to, he was being held by his mother, his tunic was ruined, covered in blood and yet apart from a small headache he felt fine. He opened his eyes to see Arthur looking down on him, behind him Barristan and Oswell looked on while Kalors tried to calm his cousins.
"I'm good." he said and his mother grabbed him.
"My son, what happened?"
"It seems a daytime vision is much worse mother" he said laughing though no one laughed with him.
"Jae?"
"I need to speak to my uncle, join me." he said to his mother who nodded.
When Arthur and Barristan saw he was up they were over to him straight away, he nodded to Oz and Kalors and bid them follow while he walked to his uncle, he stopped at Sansa and Arya to let them know he was well. When he reached his uncle he saw some concern in his face, which he didn't know how to take.
"Uncle I need to ask you some questions."
"What happened to you?"
"A vision uncle, it's a long story and one day I'll tell you but for now, time is of the essence."
"All right, what do you need to know."
He told him most of what he'd seen, he left small pieces out but he told him mostly all of it, his uncle looked on shocked at certain things he said, of the wolves and descriptions of the people mostly.
"The two castles are the twins, you must past them to cross the Trident," his uncle said and Jae felt a shiver go down his spine at the mention of the river.
"The rest?"
"I'd say the boy is Theon Greyjoy, I think my son may be doing something incredibly foolish."
"What uncle?"
"Sending him to bring his father on side."
"The Greyjoys, you let your son be friends with a damn squid, what were you thinking Ned," his mother said,
"I, it' doesn't matter, Jaehaerys you said these visions, they come true?"
"Always,." Jae said and Arthur nodded.
"Then we must stop it before it happens, when is this going to happen?" his mother said.
"Two days from now." Jae said
"We'll never make it, even a raven won't fly that quick." his uncle said and Jae just looked at him.
"I need you to write to your son Uncle, let him know you're safe and well and that he's to do as you bid, I'll make sure he gets the letter."
"He'll never believe you Jae." his mother said.
"He will I won't be traveling alone."
Despite his Kingsguard counseling him to let things be and his uncle looking on at him with disbelief, he walked away leaving them to come to terms with it, his uncle wrote his letter as Jae went in search of Arya.
"Hello." he said when he found her sitting on her own.
"Are you going to die?" she asked her voice shaky.
"One day, but not today." he said with a smile.
"Not today." she smiled back at him.
"Want to come with me on a trip, to see your mother and brother?"
"I thought that was what we were doing?" she said confused.
"It is, but how about you and I get there a little quicker, like how about on the morrow."
"Why are you being stupid. we're moons away." she said looking at him and shaking her head.
"Trust me all right, and when you see him don't be afraid." Jae said and she nodded.
He led her back to the fire and sat down, Arthur and Oswell standing while Kalors brought his uncle over and Barristan followed with his mother, cousin and Jeyne. Closing his eyes he reached out and found him, flying over a rocky shore, "Come to me it's time we fly my son." he said softly and felt Brankardix's joy.
"He'll be here by dark." Jae said and Arthur nodded.
"Who?" Arya asked.
"You'll see. When he arrives stay where you are, I'll need to speak to him first." Jae said and she nodded.
"I...I'm sorry nephew." his uncle said.
"What?"
"I'd take a knee if I could, but, well. I Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North do hereby swear fealty to the one true king, Jaehaerys Targaryen the third of his name from this day to my last. I swear my house to his in perpetuity, I shall shield your back and offer you counsel and come to your aid when bid, I swear it by the gods, I swear it freely and without hesitation." his uncle said and he saw the tears fall from his mother's face.
"I don't understand?" Jae said.
"I think you're supposed to accept the oath a little differently nephew," Ned said with a chuckle which caused some laughs "I should have done so the moment you rescued myself and my daughters, now you're off to save more of my family, of our family, my sword is yours my king."
"I thank you uncle, and swear to ask no service of you that will cause you dishonor."
"I know it." his uncle said "This letter it confirms it to Robb, the northern lords may be a bit more difficult to persuade."
Jae just smiled, they sat for a few minutes ate and laughed, Arya kept looking at him oddly, but nothing was said and then he felt it, he stood up and walked to the open space in front of him. Arthur stood forward to hold them back, he looked to the sky and saw the white against the blackness of it, the sheer majesty of a dragon in the moonlight, as Brankardix landed he moved to him.
"Is that a dragon?" he heard his cousin say.
A/N: As always thanks to those who've read and especially those who've reviewed. Up Next Jae and Arya fly north and Ned and Lyanna speak of the past and the future.
Outcome: Thanks so much.
Biohazard: Glad you liked it.
Clavus: Thanks so much, We'll see more of Gerold and Olenna soon, plus Ned and Lyanna will have the proper, less strained emotional talk next. Glad you liked the needle bit.
Guest: Sorry, it had to be there.
Maquia: Perdón por eso, creo que las palabras sabias fueron largas, pero fue rápido, lo que lo hizo parecer corto, espero que este funcione un poco mejor. El ritmo se ralentizará a medida que creamos más personajes.
God of the mountain: Thanks so much, really glad you liked it.
Aussie: Sorry, we'll see the proper reunion next chapter, this one was a bit too emotionally frayed. As you can see Robb should be next too.
Lord Villareal: Sorry, seemed best place to leave it, as you can see Stannis is on the move.
Time Paradox: Jae has kinda planned this out with so many different scenarios, but bringing the North on side is key, not so much to the war for the throne but the war for dawn, so Ned is more important (not to mention family). In terms of the dragon, yes he wants it to be a surprise when he uses it. Also just going in and burning the Lannisters even when saving the Riverlords if anything it makes it harder to get them to bend the knee, so you'll see the plans more.
On his presence thing, it's the visions, deviate and they fail/come true depending on them, it's why he went to Valyria alone, why he insisted he go to Kings Landing, he knew he had to be there, why he didn't know, but he knew he had to be in Kings Landing on that day.
Bossb: Thanks so very much, so glad you liked it.
Dunk: Sorry, couldn't resist lol. Mace will be Mace, he'll need to be dealt with in a good way lol. We'll see Ned/Lyanna next a more brother/sister reunion. Robb/The northern lords are next.
Lovelybooks: Thanks so much, glad you liked it.
Foxy floof: exactly, i mean sitting around all day planning, you better have contingencies, of course the old chestnut is that any plan only survives until you make contact with the enemy.
Godofthesea: One of the interesting things with Canon for Jae here is because events played out a certain way, they can be predicted, now he's working on plan and counterplan, but it allows for that and there may also be a bit of subconscious knowledge at work too. Marge will be absolutely ecstatic at what's coming.
Blackwidow: Thanks so much.
Notfirstofhername: Thank you, so glad you liked it.
Guest: Robb/Jae next.
TR: i will, hope you enjoy it.
Princess: Thanks so very much, really glad your liking it.
Daryldixon: So glad you liked it.
Snixjuice: So glad you enjoyed it. We see some of it here, but we'll see more of the Lannister reaction soon, a certain dwarf should pop up. Lyanna/Ned will speak next and Robb will meet Jae and see arya.
Tbhimnotsure:Here's a little of the reaction to Ned, we'll see talk of the dragon soon.
Zompust: It will and won't for Theon, Robb and he are closer, but Ned also has taken a larger interest in Robb so it's a bit balanced too, you'll see as it plays out.
Vwchick: So glad you liked it. I know that theory and i may use it in a story, but not here, you'll see who gets to ride Rhaegon soon. On Ned/Lyanna we had the angry reaction, we'll see the more settled one next chapter.
Guest: Hope this chapter delivered on some of that for you, of course Jae/Arya are gonna bond quickly, i mean they have to right lol.
Guest: He does at times in the books almost come across as that, there are a couple of instances where he's describing Robert and you just go, come on man get a grip lol. He got some harsh truths here, he'll get some more when he speaks to Lyanna himself next but it'll still be a more friendly turn.