Dragons and thrones
As the ashes fell upon shattered buildings, Tieryan's heart broke. How could she have done this! He loved her, had believed in her and her vision but in a moment when mercy should've been shown to the thousands of innocents, she had turned mad. Like the madness of her father, rage and jealousy had easily consumed her. So many times she had shown mercy and freed slaves yet here she was, destroying innocent lives. Her need for more power, to feel the power of all bow before her bravery, her victories, her motherhood of dragons had taken her beyond reasoning. Her need to be THE savior of the world had warped her mind. The knowledge of a true and rightful king within grasp of the throne, able to overthrow her instead of bend his knee to her, had driven her mad. Her thirst for killing Cersei aided in her madness as she killed all that were under her rule, it mattered not to her that Cersei had used her own people.
Denaryes could've flown right up to that tower and burned Cersei alive, she could've sat there and watched the skin melt under the dragons heat, but she didn't. Instead she let the seed of jealousy rage through her veins as she turned mad. Some would think that destroying a city before it's leaders eyes would fill them with fear but not Cersei. She didn't care if her people burned as long as she got out. Her people lay under the rubble of broken stone and ash, those who survived would be dead as soon as Greyworm gave the order in the name of his Queen. No one under Cersei's rule would live to see another day. Tieryan pulled himself together, tearing his eyes away from the ashed bodies of a mother and child clinging to one another, how could she! Jon and his men silently walked along side him. Tieryan moved forward but Jon grabbed his arm,"The city is no longer safe. You must not go." Tieryan looked at him with sadness and determination in his eyes,"No I must go." Jon didn't like it but he nodded knowing nothing would stop him. This had once been his home, his people and he needed to grieve that loss. Jon turned and clinched his jaw as he set out to find his Queen. Lannister soldiers upon their knees lined the street surrounded by the dothraki. Jon quickly stepped between them demanding Greyworm not kill them but hold them prisoner, but he refused in the name of his Queen. Instead the dothraki raised their spears upon Jon, their eyes daring him to move. Jon loosened his hold on Greyworm," I will speak to the Queen." Tensions were strong to strong yet they lowered their spears as Jon walked away. Greyworm gave the order as he raised a Lannister soldier by his hair and cut his throat, letting the man drown in his own blood. Jon walked through the soldiers that now lined the courtyard but Denaryes was not there.
Meanwhile Tieryan's heart sank with every step that brought him closer to the castle that once stood so regal and proud above the sea. Walls that had once nearly touched the sky, lay crumbled on the ground around him. What had once been the most powerful house in Westeros, now sat upon broken rubble stone. His heart was full of sorrow, he prayed his brother and sister had found a way out. The empty halls were like a tomb. He lit a torch, making his way to the secret tunnels beneath the castle. But as he neared their secret meeting place, his hope was lost. The tunnel was gone. A mountain of broken stone stood before him, the tunnels were carved in. A sob escaped him as he frantically climbed upon the rubble throwing stones away until light shown from between them. Tears ran down his face when the light shined off of a golden hand. He fought his emotions as he carefully pulled the stones away revealing the bodies of his brother and sister. Together even in death. His brother was gone. He had nothing left.
Jon paced between the soldiers waiting for the Queen to arrive when he heard the wind of dragon wings above him. The pair landed before him. She gave him a look of satisfaction as she made her way up the great staircase t ok address her army. The rush of powerful adrenaline still pumped through her veins as she shouted words of victory. The men shouted right back with words of praise in her name. She praised them for their victories across the worlds and asked them to follow her yet again across the world to free every slave in every land. She smiled as the men shouted their promise to follow her as the dragon roared high above them. Tieryan stepped forward to stand beside her. With a slight tilt to her head, she stared with disgust and satisfaction in her eyes. "You have betrayed me by freeing your brother, Lord Tieryan." Tieryan refused to look down,"I have. But you.. you have destroyed thousands of innocent people!" With one sweep of her hand, soldiers from each side took hold of Tieryan,"I did what had to be done,take him." She gave Jon a smirk as she walked past with her master of arms.
Jon handed his sword to the soldier that stood guard at the door where Tieryan was held. Once inside the pair talked quietly about their love and loyalties for their now mad Queen. Jon knew he could never rule as she did, he had already bent his knee and could not betray her. As he took his leave, Tieryan stopped him at the door asking,"What will the Queen do when your sister's refuse to bend the knee?" Jon held the door knob as he let that sink in, and slammed the door behind him.
Three days later the soldiers opened the door, forcing Tieryan to march before Denaryes. With Jon and her dragon next to her, the soldiers bowed leaving Tieryan standing before them on the cliff, alone. "Lord Tieryan, hand of the Queen the mother of dragons. You are here by sentenced to death by fire for treason, the betrayal of your Queen." Drogon's head lowered from above, his eyes narrowed upon Tieryan as his mouth opened bearing his massive teeth. Denaryes showed no emotion as she said the word,"Dracarys." Drogon screeched and drew his head back filling his lungs as his mouth heat escaped before the flames came. Tieryan showed no fear, his eyes never left Denaryes face, not even when the flames engulfed him. She stood watching, waiting for Drogon's fire to cease so that she could look upon the ashes of her traitor. Jon on the other hand, could not. He stared at her as Tieryan's last words to him replayed in his head. She was after all the mad King's daughter so it was no surprise that she had become mad. No matter how hard she tried, she would never be able to rid all the world of wrong doing, no matter how much she thought it her destiny. Were it possible for one to rule an entire world until the end of time? What would she do with him? She knew now who he truly was and the blood that ran through his veins. She would never allow him to rule he knew that. How far would she go to be rid of him? Love would never be powerful enough to change her hardened heart.
As Drogon's flames were died down something caught Jon's attention. He raised his hand to shield his eyes, what was it a silhouette? Of who? How could this be?! No one could with stand the heat of dragon fire! Jon heard Denaryes sharp intake of breath as she also saw. Her face was covered with surprise and confusion. Yet there he stood, in the midst of the flames Lord Tieryan himself! "How could this be, she whispered."
The flames disappeared leaving only smoke against the sky yet there in the midst of ground blackened and charred by fire, standing against a sentence of death was Tieryan. He stood with not one burn on his skin but just as she had, naked before the world. The three stood staring at one another in disbelief. Jon reacted first going to Tieryan and laying his cloak around his shoulders. A thousand thoughts were running through his mind. What would she do now? But there was only one explanation, one that she would not accept. He was now also a threat to the throne. Would she run him through? Tieryan looked at Jon with the same shock and disbelief. He didn't fully understand why he was still alive. He had heard the stories over and over of how Denaryes had walked from the flames, that Targarian blood could not be touched by a dragons flames. Did this mean he also was Targaryen? Had he been conceived by the mad king? One person would know for sure, Bran. Could Sam find it in the books? She had watched Jon place his cloak around Tieryan, watched them walk away from the marred ground to stand before her. She tried to hide the rage that filled her,"Take him back." The Sullied once again surrounded Tieryan, taking him back to imprisonment. She could see the questions on Jon's eyes as she mounted Drogon but she had no answers, not yet. When their eyes had met for that brief moment Jon had seen the rage that consumed her. The woman he had fallen in love with had disappeared, leaving one who mirrored her father. He knew the lengths she would go to ensure her own destiny even if it meant it wasn't with him. Something had to be done.
Arya had stayed to help hide those that had survived the destruction of the city. She could never seemed to get away from the smell of death, it was always in her nose. The sight of innocent children lying dead made her sick. It filled her with anger, this mad Queen had to be stopped. Would she do this to Winterfell next ? Sansa would never let the North bend the knee. Would Jon's heart allow her to march upon them or could he stop her? Arya refused to believe that Jon would be so blind sided by love that he would let their home fall to ruin as it had here. But she needed to speak with him alone. She waited that evening in his chamber for him to return. As he closed the door behind him she spoke before he saw her stirring up the fire,"Do you love her more than us?"
"Arya what are you doing here, it's not safe."
" I'll take that as you do still care. But do you love her more than our home Jon! Your Queen is not fine! What if she comes for us next!"
"Arya, listen to me! You must go, find Sam. Tieryan is alive and also a Targaryen. You must speak of this to no one except Sam and Bran. I will try to control Dani as best I can until your return."
Denaryes stood over looking the destruction of the city from what had once been the great throne room, as the sun rose to meet the sky. She gave Jon a smile when he appeared at her side,"Can you see it! One day this world will be free of all tyrants! One day when justice is served and with you by my side we will rule a free world!"
"Dani, it's an impossible to free the world of all evil. Another will always rise. You can not rule an entire world." Her smile faded. "You have no faith in me? Dk you not see fate gave me this you not seen my victories, why can't you see."
"Do you kill thousands of innocents every time you take a city? What choice do they have but to love you when fear makes them?" She grabbed his hand,"Come with me, when we march come with me and see how I set the people free."
Jon let go of her hand,"How can I do that when you plan to march on Winterfell?" "Your sister will bend the knee. Her men have been depleted, you know the weakness of the walls,make her see Jon."
"What of Tieryan?" She looked away,"He will be exiled. He will die alone till the end of his days." Jon knew she was lying. "He is blood of your blood." "Are you not!" she threw back at him," must you also fear me!?" He pulled her to him kissing her lips as she clung to him,"Love knows no fear." Yet it truly did. Jon feared for his sisters. He feared for his family not her.
Arya met Jon outside the city with news of Winterfell, Sansa had no intention of bending the knee to Dani and the North was preparing to fight. Tieryan was in fact of Targaryen blood as his mother had been raped by the mad king while being a guest in his home. Jon promised Arya he would not allow Dani to march on Winterfell and they sought a plan.
Greyworm did not trust Jon. Even though Jon had bent the knee, Greyworm had seen the defiance in his eyes. He kept a close eye on Jon ever more so when he was with the Queen. But he couldn't be everywhere at once and Jon knew that. Denaryes sent Greyworm to prepare the soldiers to march that afternoon, as soon as he was gone Jon followed Dani to the throne room. He watched as she ran her hands across the swords that made the seat so exceptional. It looked magnificent against the sky where walls had once been. She counted each one running her fingers along the blades. She smiled when she took notice of his presence. "As a girl, I heard many stories about the throne made of a thousand blades. Twenty, there actually are." She stood in front of it and turned to him taking his arm,"I can not sit here on this throne, I will rule the seven kingdoms and beyond,will you not come with me?" "Nay, I can not my love. I am needed here." "You will speak with your sister?" "I will." He pulled her to him,"Dani I love you." His lips met hers but it felt different this time as if his body were saying goodbye. Her eyes flew open as she felt pain deep within her gut. Valerian steel. So strong and well crafted she hadn't even felt the blade until she had already been run through. Her eyes were full of surprise and anguish as she backed away from him. He tried to reach for her but she fell against the stone. He saw the hurt in her eyes before life left them.
Greyworm had not seen his Queen since he had come back to the castle. Quietly he made his way along the staircase that led to the throne room with a feeling of unease. Not a sound could be heard around him. As he neared the entrance he could see Denaryes hugging Jon. She smiled when she saw him,"Greyworm meet my new master of arms. Jon you will ride with me to Winterfell soon, did you need something?" He bowed with confusion,"No my Queen, just your safety." Drogon took that moment to appear,"Jon you shall ride with me." Greyworm watched as the two mounted and disappeared with the flap of wings. Something wasn't right. Had love changed her mind so quickly? Greyworm waited for their return but when Drogon showed up hovering near the throne room, he grew suspicious and made his way there once more. He stayed within in the shadows as he listened,"When the council arrive and will be made, we must announce your title before hand. Will be your choice where you serve Jon. All the seven kingdoms or the North, all will follow you!" Jon smiled,"I know my destiny. It's what I do best and that's protecting the ones I love not ruling the world." "And so you shall,come brother let's eat." Brother? Greyworm stepped out of the shadows. Jon pulled forth his sword, Denaryes held her needle at Greyworms throat. "You will stand down."
"What magic is this ?! Where is my Queen!" "Go," Jon yelled at her,"I will handle this." She nodded and ran as the sound of swords clashed together. Jon's strength was tested, Greyworm was well trained, fast and accurate. Jon spun feeling the edge of the sword cut into his arm. Around and around they went until their swords grew heavy. Each man had cuts, each were growing tired. But then as if in slow motion Jon watched as Greyworm drew back lunging to run him through with determination in his eyes and sweat across his brow. Jon waited for the blade to come closer, and then at the perfect time he ducked left while forcing his dagger into Greyworms side. Shock ran over Greyworms face, he tried once more to swing but Jon was ready and his sword dropped to his side as Jon ran him through. Jon sat as he watched Greyworms chest rise and fall until it did no more.
Denaryes stood before her council,"I have a new master of arms, Jon snow rise for you will now be the protector of the seven kingdoms as well as the realm." Jon stood beside her and the crowd roared with approval. Tieryan watched the pair wondering what had changed her? This couldn't be her. Yet she stood before them all as if she were reborn. He had been freed from his prison to watch this great announcement, but why. Jon had a secret and Tieryan was determined to know it as he followed the two when they made their way back inside. The three stood before the throne,she turned to Tieryan,"it will be your job to tell the story of Jon Snow the king of the north who saved us all from the mad Queen, Lord Tieryan. Few know of the blood you both bare and it shall be a secret frok m here on so they you both may choose your destiny without trial. Together with the council we will find someone worthy." "My Queen but it is already yours isn't it?" "She ran her hand along the swords," it's quite breathtaking taking isn't it." And then her body fell against the throne. Tieryan ran to her but her body was limp. Gently he turned her seeing her gown saturated in blood. He moved the hair away from her face and dropped her with a gasp seeing that her face was gone. Tieryan stumbled back as Drogon landed above them at that very moment. Seeing her lifeless body he tried nudging her with his nose, like a child helpless and terrified when she did not respond. He drew back letting out a mournful cry with every ounce of his being and drew back building flames deep within his chest. Over and over he lit up the throne until it the steel glowed from his heat. Then it shattered. With nothing left Drogon took her body within his claws and disappeared. That's when Tieryan saw Arya hiding safely behind the broken columns. Tieryan looked to Jon," I know now what story I am to tell and I will not question how you paraded a dead woman's body although I am very curious." Arya winked at him,"Tis a gift from the Gods." And they left it at that. Jon smiled,"Come we've much to discuss." "Well then, there is much wine to be drank!"
Soon after each house gathered as a council, taking in the accounts that had to be done. Lord Tieryan stood before them, "Ladies and Gentlemen of the council, if you would have asked me six months ago how it would feel to stand before such a fierce yet sound generation of houses, I would've laughed at you. Yet here we are.. together… making a new page in history. Making a new future for every soul within the realm. I can only give you facts and my honest opinion on the matters before us all… He paused looking at each person. " There is one who sits among us, one who can account for every hurt of the world, one who has a great power to heal that hurt. One who's strength has helped make this day possible. From the very beginning… and yet he has not asked a single thing from us. I stand before the council and ask you to kneel and crown thee.. Lord Bran Stark.
Everyone's face showed shock yet approval. Bran sat calmly gazing at Tieryan. His hands folded in his lap he spoke," It is true I have become the three eyed raven and with it has come great responsibility for I am the memory of the world." He went on to speak of the night king and how the children of the forest had made him for their protection. But their mistake was creating him without a heart. With no heart he had overtaken them. He had felt nothing. And with no feelings he had grown powerful in emotionless lifeless power. You have no memories when you feel nothing and that's what he had wanted, to kill the worlds memory.
Bryann of Tarth stood,"I can think of none more worthy to entrust the realm to. He has honor and humility and I second the motion for Bran Stark of Winterfell to lead the seven kingdoms. You have my sword."
One by one each house said aye. Yet when it came to Sansa she stood but did not answer as the others had. "Bran you are my brother and I love you very much for everything you are. But as you lead here and with Jon a master of arms.. I am still the Lady of Winterfell and the north will not be part of the seven kingdoms. We will remain independent but give you our allegiance as allies." All were silent waiting for his response…."And so it shall be." "All hail Bran long may he reign!"
Ned stark would have been proud of all his children that day for they had kept the north free, while ruling the lands, defending and fighting for the rightful cause. They had overcome so much since the years of his death and here they stood as rulers across the lands.
Tieryan told Bryann of Jamie's death and together they built a proper tomb for his burial. Even with a broken heart she would always love him.
Bran called upon his council and listened to their banter as they filed into the council room. Tieryan and Braun argued over barmaids while Bryann rolled her eyes. Jon and Sam spoke of Sam's second child coming, while Sir Devros filled his glass. With things in order they were shortly dismissed when Bran said," Carry on, I have a dragon to catch." Sam brought his papers to the table,"We're writing history sirs, oh pardon and Lady Bryann." What are we naming this part of history?" "How about Braun the great!" "Get out of here,nothing would sound better than the dark ages of winter, when I oh I mean we defeated winter!" "Fire and ice." Every man stopped and turned to look at Bryann… Sam raised an eyebrow,"I suppose that does sum it up nicely."
Bryann took her time as she did her part writing Sir Jamie's knights tale into the great knights book. Meanwhile near the docks the Stark children gathered to say their goodbyes to one of their own. Arya wiped away Sansa's tear. She was leaving, off to discover what was west of Westros. There was a great big world out there and she needed to see it all. She promised to bring back maps of all her journeys as she hugged each one before the ship pulled away.
Bran's eyes turned white as his head rolled back at the same moment all heard Drogon's cry. Arya's looked to the sky as ravens flew over her ship. She would see them again. One day.