Riverrun 298 AC.
Dany.
Seeing Syrax fly above the keep as she walked back inside she wondered why Jae had sent her, before realizing it could only be for one reason, the wedding was soon to take place. She hurried inside and made her way to her rooms, just in time to see the eagle land on the balcony outside. Calling for one of her guards, she made her way to the balcony only to see Arya and Missandei walk in, both girls obviously having see Syrax themselves.
"Did Jae send her?" Arya asked and Dany nodded.
She rubbed Syrax's neck and reached down to take the note from her ankle, watching as the guard carefully approached the eagle, before with her encouragement he picked Syrax up and carried her to the table. Once he placed her on the perch they'd had made for her, she sent him to organize food and water for the eagle, making sure the meat was uncooked just how she liked it. She rubbed the eagles neck once more and then walked back and opened the note.
Dany,
Margaery and I are to be married in two days. I hope you can be there, it would mean a lot to me to have all of my family there, so should Arya wish to join you, I would be happy to see you both. I know Margaery is eager to see you too, as is my mother.
Jae.
She smiled as she read the note, before turning and handing it to Arya who frowned, then smiled, and then looked to her eagerly.
"Can I, can I come with you, you're going right, I can come, I'll be ever so good, please can I come?" Arya said and she chuckled and reached over to muss the girls hair knowing how she claimed to hate it when Jae did it, but missed him not being here to do it.
"We would need your mother's permission and you'd need to wear a dress."
"Why? I look all right as I am and Jae won't care." Arya said.
"Jae won't, but your mother would and it's not only Jae who'll be here, so it's a dress or you stay."
"Fine, I'll wear the dress." Arya huffed.
"Now, we just need to work on your mother." Dany said with a soft smile.
"You can tell her Jae ordered it, he's a king, he can make her let me go."
Both Dany and Missandei laughed at that and were still laughing when Lakoes came in and took her seat beside her, her hand automatically going to hers.
"What are you all laughing about?" Lakoes asked.
"Arya in a dress." Missandei said and both she and Dany laughed some more at the look on Arya's face.
"You two are stupid." Arya huffed.
"Why's Arya wearing a dress?" Lakoes asked as Arya sat there glaring at them.
"Jae sent word, he's to be married in two days, he asked for Arya and I to go." Dany said and Lakoes looked at her.
She knew Lakoes would have liked to go too, but she wasn't even that comfortable with one person on Ellanys, let alone two and so if Lady Catelyn agreed she'd just take Arya with her. They sat around the room talking about other things, but Dany found her mind wandering more, she was looking forward to flying to Highgarden. To actually going out and seeing more of Westeros if she was being honest, since coming to the Riverlands she and Ellanys hadn't flown together, they were too close to Tywin's forces and the dragons needed to be a surprise for what Jae planned.
She decided to both go speak to Lady Catelyn and look at a map to see where exactly it was she would be heading to, she also needed to decide who to leave in charge when she left. Lord Edmure was the highest ranked Lord here, but she found the lord to be while not stupid, far too eager to prove himself. She had already had her arguments with the man when he wished to ride out and retake one of the castles close by, telling him that Jon and Richard were already doing that and he was to stay here as ordered.
Then there was the incident with the men Tywin had sent to negotiate Jaime's release, he had almost given the game away, had it not been for her own company men in the room, he would have told them everything when they began to get cocky. All for the sake of winning an argument, he would have told of Jae, her, the dragons all of it, thankfully he was stopped and the men sent on their way. No she couldn't leave him in charge, even if she'd only be gone one day, but who else?. She rubbed Syrax who had eaten well and drank, and then she left the room in search of Lady Catelyn.
"Want me to come with you?" she heard the voice as she was walking down the corridor.
"You been taking lessons from Ghost?" she said with a chuckle as Arya smirked.
"I, if she says no, will you try and convince her please?" Arya said biting her lip.
"I will, now go to your lessons, at least make it look like you're doing as she bid." she said and Arya nodded running off in the direction of the Septa's room.
She found Lady Catelyn alone on the battlements, the woman it seemed came up here to get away from things, her father's illness was getting worse and worse, it was only a matter of time now and the strain was telling. Walking up to her she too looked out, the forces surrounding them had surprised the men Tywin sent, the sigls of the company were covered up still just in case, but it was clear these weren't northerners, nor Riverlanders.
"Won't word spread that there are unknown forces with your cousin or taking the Riverlands back Jae?"
"If we're lucky."
"What do you mean?."
"If we're lucky it'll spread, if we're unlucky they'll know who they are, for now they'll be confused, wondering who has declared, trying to rack their brain to find out which forces they are, confusion is good, we can use that."
She had to admit she didn't understand it, Jae and Lyanna had showed her Cyvasse, used it to explain how war worked and she would look on as Jae would take pieces off his board when he played. How he'd leave himself with no cavalry, or no archers, how he'd take out his trebuchet, or even his dragon. He explained that certain battles would happen when you weren't prepared, you needed to think of ways to win that didn't rely on numbers, or advantages, just in case that ever proved to be the situation you found yourself in.
"Princess, Forgive me I didn't see you there." Lady Catelyn said and Dany just waved it off.
"Your father my lady, does he fare any better?"
"No, it's only a matter of time." Catelyn said sadly.
"I'm sorry."
"He, last night, he asked me to thank you, you, the king, Robb, all of you, had things turned out differently he'd have left this world with his lands in the hands of our enemies, he's happy to go knowing the Riverlands are free, that I and my children are well."
She nodded not knowing what to say, given how Lady Catelyn looked back out to the fields surrounding them, perhaps she wasn't looking for her to say anything.
"I received a note from my nephew, he's to be married in two days and asks for me to attend, he asks if Lady Arya could join me?" she said and saw the woman stiffen.
"You would take her on your dragon?".
"I would my lady, with your permission."
"Does the king command me?".
"He requests my lady, not commands."
Lady Catelyn stayed silent for a few moments and Dany didn't feel like disturbing her, she seemed to be at least thinking of it, which was far better than rejecting it outright.
"Very well, I do have a request for you though your grace."
"Ask it my lady, if it's something I can do, I shall."
"On your return, bring my husband back to me, if you can only bring one of them with you, bring my husband. I know Sansa is safe in Highgarden and I long to see her, should Arya stay there too then I know she too would be safe, but I wish to see my husband, to hold him in my arms once more." Lady Catelyn said her voice full of a longing Dany recognized.
"You have my word my lady, I'll ensure your husband returns with me."
"Then Arya has my consent."
"Lady Catelyn, there is one other thing, something more delicate, though I'll be gone a day or so, I struggle to see who I should leave in charge, your brother is…"
"A reckless fool, I know Edmure's faults, the glory he seeks, but he is the only choice I'm afraid. Speak to your men your grace, let them know your orders. Then speak to my brother in private and afterwards call the remaining lords together and inform them of your wishes. My brother will revel in being in charge, but if the men under him also know your wishes, they and he will follow them without question."
"I thank you for your advice my lady, I value your counsel." she said and Catelyn smiled.
Leaving her alone she went to speak to Lakoes and Missandei and to walk to speak to her commanders, once done she informed Edmure and then the lords as Lady Catelyn had suggested. Readying her own clothing, she then collected Arya's while the girl said her goodbyes to her mother, as she in turn then said her own to Lakoes.
As they walked to the hill, she felt Ellanys's joy both at the fact she was flying with her and also that Arya was too, she saw the hug Arya gave her mother to say goodbye and then the girl bent down to speak to Nymeria. After Arya had finished speaking to her, the wolf then walked to Missandei and licked her hand making the girl giggle. Dany climbed up Ellanys's wing and tied the sack with her clothing down, and watched as Arya laid a small piece of fur on the dragon's back, before she took her own seat.
"Sōvegon" she said loudly and then they were off.
Storms End 298 AC.
The Onion Knight.
Ser Davos looked warily at how close his king and the red woman stood together, he noticed how haggard the king had looked ever since they'd arrived here, he had heard of the king crying out in the middle of the night. Heard of the nightmares where he called for his brother, Davos had been one of the few to see Renly's body, to see wounds caused by no normal blade, no physical one at least. What he had seen underneath the keep that night would haunt him for the rest of his days, what that witch was able to do was not of this world.
Seeing her so close to Stannis, seeing how he relied on her counsel disturbed him, almost as much as seeing men he had known for years suddenly swearing to a false god, suddenly calling for the lord of light. Selyse was among the most devout of them all, proclaiming Stannis the Prince that was Promised and Melisandre a gift from the gods, while glaring in disapproval at any who'd not converted. Davos cared nothing for what god a man believed in, for him they were all the same, none of them gave a damn about the people that worshiped them, what use a god when you were starving.
But he did believe that it was up to a man to make his own choice, to pick his own god, the drowned god of the Iron Born, the tree gods of the Northmen or the seven of the rest, all decided by those men and women themselves. Now though if you wished to get ahead in the king's favor, if you wished to rise higher, it was R'hllor or it was no one, so he had stood quietly by while knights and lords converted, stood by while those who hadn't lost favor, and now stood by as plans were made for the taking of Kings Landing.
"We should hit them full on, with Tywin stuck at Harrenhal we'll not have a better chance your grace."
"Yes, a double assault, by land and by sea your grace, the city will fall and Westeros will come to bow to the one true king."
Davos knew little of military tactics, he was a smuggler, but he knew people and he knew of Tywin Lannister, he didn't see the man coming to bow, nor the young wolf who was tearing through the Westerlands. But his king believed it, he believed with Kings Landing under their control, more and more would come to accept his rightful claim and Davos did believe that, his king was the rightful king and he would be a good one.
"Ser Davos you're quiet, what say you?" Melisandre said and he could have cursed her.
"My lady, I know not about military tactics, I leave that to my king, if he believes we should take Kings Landing, then I believe that's what we should do." he said and saw Stannis nod.
"Out all of you, go make your preparations. No Davos you stay." Stannis said walking to pour himself some water.
"Your Grace?".
"I want your honest opinion Ser Davos, can we take Kings Landing with the ships we have."
"I'm not a military man your grace." he said as Stannis ground his teeth "But I know ships, we have enough to transport our men, with Saan's ships enough to blow through what few ships they false king has." he said seeing the nod of his kings head.
"But?" Stannis said before he had a chance to continue.
"What happens when we land? As I said I'm not a military man, how do we take a city with walls that large?"
Stannis walked to the map and pointed and he looked down at the Mud Gate. It was the weakest of them all, they could, with enough of them, they could take it, he smiled as he nodded at his king, no words needing to be spoken, but he needed to speak instead on what he had to.
"Your grace, I wonder if we may speak in private?".
Melisandre looked at him and smiled as she walked from the room, leaving him alone with his king, he wondered how he could say what he needed, how he could phrase it so his king would listen.
"Speak your mind Davos, it's why I keep you around, unlike these others you're not afraid to do so."
"Lady Melisandre your grace, will she be accompanying us to Kings Landing."
"She will." Stannis said looking at his face "You don't approve?".
"It's not my place to approve or not your grace, you are my king, my place is to follow your command." he said and saw the briefest smirk on Stannis's face.
"But you still don't approve?" the king said looking at him.
"Your grace, your victory in Kings Landing has to be your victory, it has to be the king coming to take his rightful throne, if you come with Lady Melisandre there is a danger it becomes her victory, a danger it becomes R'hllor rather than Stannis who won the day."
Stannis looked at him for a few moments, just looking at him silently, whatever it was his king searched for he found and after a swallow of his water he spoke.
"Thank you for your counsel Ser Davos." and Davos knew he was dismissed and so he turned to walk away, but that voice in the back of his head forced him to turn back.
"And Lady Melisandre, your grace."
"Thank you for your counsel Ser." the king said and Davos could see he was irritated and so left.
Over the next few days preparations were made, he went to speak to his sons, warning them of the dangers they would face, spending time with them and letting each of them know how proud he was of them. He dined with Sallhador Saan, laughing at the pirate's claims that he would bed the queen and steal her golden crown before he sailed the seas once more. He slept on the Black Betha finding as always that the waves allowed him to sleep far easier, than being on land ever did.
Most of his life had been at sea, sailing, smuggling, and now serving his king it would once again be the sea that was his home. He had only ever been able to sleep on land if he was laying beside Marya and he hoped to see her soon, though he knew this war was far from over. Waking up he washed and was walking on deck when Saan came to see him, the pirate just another who looked down on his ship. But Davos wouldn't trade her for any other, not even Stannis's fury or Saan's own Shayala's Dance came close to the Black Betha in Davos's mind.
"This is pitiful my friend, I told you many years ago, you should have sailed with me, by now it'd be your own fleet you'd own." Saan said with a laugh.
"What would I do with a fleet, I'm a simple man, give me a ship and a crew and I'm happy." he said and Saan laughed louder.
"That's why I wished to have you with me my friend, with you I'd never need worry about a knife in my back."
"What brings you here?".
"I came to wish you well, these others I care not if they live or die, but there are few men I like and you onion knight are one of them. I hope to see you alive after this, but should you fall, then know Sallhador Saan will drink to your memory and shed a tear for your loss." Saan said as genuinely as anything he ever did.
"And I you my friend, so lets both live and share that drink together." he said and Saan slapped his back and laughed as he walked from the deck.
Davos walked to the keep for what he hoped wouldn't be the last time, while he held no love for Storm's End, he did what he did as he set off on any voyage into the unknown, he promised to come back and see the place once again. Arriving he found everyone rushing around getting ready and his king walking by with Lady Melisandre at his side. It didn't take him long to figure out his advice was being ignored and though it hurt, he was a knight and Stannis his king, he lead, Davos followed, he just hoped he wasn't following him to his doom.
Harrenhal 298 AC.
Tywin.
All around him were notes and missives, all of them carrying bad news except for two and he'd have never thought that it would be Littlefinger of all people he'd be thanking. The truth was, with the news from the West forcing his hand, with the news of Stannis preparing a fleet, his time here was coming to an end, he needed to march and he needed to march now. He had planned to ride to the West, the young wolf had pulled the lion's tale and it was time for the lion to roar.
He had dared enter his domain, dared to cross into his lands and taken his reserves before he had a chance to use them. The blows both to his ego and to his forces were far too much to allow it to go without a response, with the wolf free in his lands he could threaten his keeps, his men, perhaps even Lannisport, though the Rock itself would be safe. But Stannis taking Kings Landing was just as big a threat, should he manage to do so, then even after he dealt with the wolf, he'd need to root the stag out too.
He wondered if Tyrion would manage to get his family out of Kings Landing just in case, his sending of his granddaughter to Dorne was unexpected, but perhaps the smartest move, he'd surely move Tommen too. They needed a king, one of Robert's blood and he could lose one of his grandson's but not both, surely his son would realize that. As for his daughter he held little hope, she'd be fool enough to stay as the city fell, should Tyrion suggest otherwise she'd not listen. For days these were the thoughts in his head, until the ravens from Highgarden arrived, one carrying the mockingbird's private seal and the other the Tyrell's rose.
Lord Tywin,
I am pleased to announce that Lord Tyrell has agreed to betroth his daughter to the king, he looks forward to the wedding and has called his banners and shall begin to move towards Kings Landing.
Lord Petyr Baelish.
The raven was as welcome as the one from Mace Tyrell confirming it which arrived later in the day, full of pomposity and grandeur, but he had the Reach and his enemies would face the largest force gathered since the rebellion.
Lord Tywin.
I am most happy to make the arrangements for his grace and my sweet rose's wedding. I shall ensure no expense is spared and that the wedding is one the realm shall remember. My banners have been called and we shall march with great haste, we shall see those who doubt his grace brought low, and for the king and queen to usher in a great age of prosperity for the realm.
Lord Mace Tyrell,
Goodfather to the king.
He cringed at that, the last thing he had wanted was for the roses anywhere near power, but needs must and for now he needed them, their men especially. He drank some of the wine and looked down at the map, it would take him far too much time to march his entire army to Kings Landing, but he needed them to be there for Stannis's attack. A part of him wished to just take the cavalry and ride, to leave his foot here, but he needed them all, should he leave them behind he'd risk losing them and even with the Tyrell's onside he wouldn't take that chance.
No they'd march on the morrow, he'd ride out with his men and should the need arise further along the way, then he'd ride on with those who could. He called for Kevan and waited, when his brother arrived he handed him the notes and saw the smile on his face. Kevan had been sure they needed to ride West too, they couldn't let that slight stand, but now things were different, now they had time and soon enough the men to do both.
"While I can't stand the damn flowers and their men are no match for our own, Tarly and Rowan will be good additions and we can use the numbers."
"Indeed, though the thoughts of dealing with the fat flower and that withered old cunt Olenna are enough to make a man skip a meal." he said and Kevan laughed loudly not used to his levity.
"GoodFather to the king, you think he'll go around calling himself that?" Kevan asked with a smirk.
"Of course he would, for Mace that's the biggest achievement he's ever likely to have."
"When do we leave?" Kevan asked.
"On the morrow, we march hard Kevan, we need to get there before Stannis, perhaps we'll even get lucky enough to arrive at the same time."
"How will we shield our movements?" Kevan said looking to him.
"We won't, let the wolves think us craven, their time is coming to an end soon."
"Any response from your reaching out to them?"
"No, the men we sent haven't sent a raven and won't be back before we go, when they see the Reach is with us, see Stannis fall and when we move against the young wolf, they'll give me my son back."
"And when they do?"
"I'll see every last Stark dead before I leave this world Kevan, every last one."
He enjoyed his meal that night for the first time in a few days, his appetite returning now he knew he held the upper hand, Kevan was right most of the Reachmen were useless, those commanded by Mace doubly so. But Tarly, Rowan, Redwyne, all of them would prove most helpful, he held the sea now, could take down Stannis just with that given time, not that he had enough of it. Time was now his true enemy, he held the advantage in numbers, but he was out of position and he hoped not out of time also.
Waking early the next morning he was pleased to see his men up and ready, Kevan having personally taken over the preparations. He had intended to leave Hoat here but the sell sword was no more if his reports were to be believed. Instead it would Clegane and while he'd have liked to have the man with him, he could do more good here instead. The Riverlands would suffer while he was away and then more so once he came back, he broke his fast quickly and readied himself to leave.
Looking at the gates of the castle as he left it he felt a slight sense of relief to be doing so, while he knew the tales of dragons to be false, he had no wish to be another Harren and burn inside those halls. Behind him rode almost the entirety of his army, the cream of the West. Stannis would fall, the young wolf would fall and then once he'd dealt with the enemies without, he'd deal with those within, he looked forward to trampling over the roses too.
A coat of gold, a coat of red
A lion still has claws
And mine are long and sharp, my Lord
As long and sharp as yours
He smiled to himself as the men sang the song, his song, his legacy, and as he led the army south he saw it clearly then, a dynasty, a dynasty to last a thousand years, so close he could taste it.
Valyria 298 AC.
Littlefinger.
What had happened? What had gone wrong? How had this come to pass? As he stood up and looked around, as he smelt where he'd soiled himself when the dragon grabbed him, a dragon, he had been grabbed by a dragon. Petyr looked around searching the sky to see if the dragon was nearby, relieved at first that it wasn't and then confused by the fact he was somewhere he didn't recognize. Seeing some of the rocks and hills, he thought he was in the Vale, he hoped he was in the Vale.
But it was soon clear this was not the Vale, this was very far from it, the heat, the burning sun, the smoke in the distance, where was he?. He began to walk, feeling his breeches stick to him, he needed to bathe, to clean himself, but there was no water in sight, he needed to find water, food, shelter and then he could think on how to get out of here, how to get back, how to get his revenge.
Was the dragon real? Was it a dream? It must be, there were no such things as dragons, they must have put something in his drink, in his food. He himself knew of many potions and tonics which could make a man think something was real, but when? And if so where were his men?. He remembered them grabbing him, handing him to the dragon, but if there was no dragon, then that mustn't be true either.
Were they dead? They must be, they'd not have betrayed him, not with how well he paid, not with the extras he ensured they got. His mind was racing as he walked and finally he came to some grass, some trees, though they were not like any he'd ever seen before. He saw a stream though, it's water clear and crisp and racing over to it he bent down to drink, before jumping back. Was it safe? Was it worth it to take the risk? In the end thirst won out and as he drank he found it was the best he'd ever tasted.
He looked to the stream and saw it ran for miles, there was more than enough, but he needed to bathe, he needed to clean his clothing and so he jumped in and almost grimaced as he saw the filth come off him. He retched at the smell as he took his clothing off, scrubbed himself as clean as he could and washed his clothes as best as he was able. Then naked he climbed from the water and hung the clothes to dry, laying out under a tree, he looked up to see fruit growing.
Grabbing a nearby stick he began to hit at the branches and the fruit fell, it was a strange purple fruit, soft and he bit into it to find it tasted incredible, the juices ran down his chin and he found a large stone in the middle which he ate around. After eating his fill he leaned back against the tree, eventually feeling cold he reached for his clothing to find them dry and so redressed himself. He gathered some more of the fruits and carried them as he went to find some shelter.
Unluckily he found none that night and so slept out in the open, it was cold but not unbearably so and as he drifted off he found himself back in places and a time he'd never forgot.
He was holding his sword facing a man far larger than him, a man he had no right to face, but for her he'd face the dragons themselves. The man laughed at him and she looked at him with so much pity, he felt his rage and then there was pain agonizing pain.
He was laying in a bed and she was with him, her dress being unbuttoned before his eyes, he smiled as he saw her breasts, as he saw the pinkness of her nipples, he felt himself rise and then he was inside her. She looked down at him and smiled and then it was no longer her, it was her sister, it was Lysa and she was pushing down on him and he struggled but she was stronger, he was too weak, he closed his eyes, but still it was Lysa's face he saw.
He woke up to find the pain he was feeling was agonizing, it was as if he had just been cut down once again, he ripped open his shirt to find the scar still sealed, though the pain didn't dissipate. He staggered to his feet and began to walk and then around him he began to hear voices.
"It was always me Petyr, she never loved you, it was me and you who were meant to be together always." Lysa's voice called out.
"He is our son Petyr, yours and mine, he is the symbol of our love."
"Why would she wish for a boy like you when she has a man like me waiting for her." Brandon Stark's voice called out as he laughed.
"You're Dead, You're dead." he shouted as the pains grew worse.
He collapsed to the ground and once again found himself lost in dreams.
A silver prince walked towards him, a thin sword in his hand and hate on his face, behind him two men in white cloaks carried their own blades and then there were more, too many to count, too many to see. But faces he recognized, faces he knew, a burned lord, a strangled heir, a woman holding a babe and a little dark haired girl.
"You."
"You."
"You."
They called and he ran as fast as he could away from them, he heard the roar then and the dragon flew in the sky, it landed in front of him and he looked back as the people came closer.
"You caused this."
"You and your ambition."
"Chaos is a ladder."
"Now it's time to pay."
He screamed as he woke up, the pain even worse, he felt the sweat drip from his head, felt it soak his skin, he reached to his chest almost willing to tear the scar open to stop the pain. He felt it then, beneath his fingers, something was alive, something was moving and as he looked to his chest he saw them. There were more than he could count, more than he dared count, all moving, he beat at them with his hands, tried to force them to stop, but the pain, the pain, he cried out and yet it continued.
He felt the liquid run from his eyes, reached his hands to it and screamed when he saw the blood, he crawled on his hands and knees, and collapsed once again, once again lost in his dreams.
He was in the throne room, alone with the throne in front of him, his dream, his dream so close he could almost taste it, he moved towards it only to find himself bound and then around him the room filled. He saw him there the dragon king who'd tried him, sitting on a throne beside Margaery Tyrell. To his left stood his mother and Ser Arthur Dayne, to his right Barristan the Bold and Ser Gerold Hightower, Ser Jaime Lannister and Ser Oswell Whent.
To one side stood Olenna Tyrell and her family, to the other Ned Stark and his and he saw her then, Cat, his Cat and she looked at him and sneered and he felt his heart break in two. He looked to Sansa who looked at him with disgust. The others arrived then, the ghosts from his past, Prince Rhaegar and Princess Elia, Prince Aegon and Princess Rhaenys, Ser Jonathor and Prince Lewyn, Queen Rhaella and the Mad King and he saw the dragon king look to his grandfather.
"Grandfather what say you?".
"Burn him, Burn him." Aerys said loudly as he laughed.
"Father?"
"Burn him." Prince Rhaegar said.
"Burn him."
"Burn him."
"Burn him"
The voices quietened around the room and he watched as the boy stood up.
"Lord Petyr Baelish, Littlefinger, purveyor of lies and whores, you have been sentenced to death by fire, it's time for you to burn."
He felt the fire envelop him, felt himself burn and the pain was unlike anything he could ever imagine, it woke him from his dreams and the screams rang around the valley he was in, he looked in horror so see smoke coming from his mouth, from his nostrils, from anywhere it could. As he screamed he saw he wasn't in a grass lined valley, there were no trees around him, no streams or rivers, nothing but burned lands and a river of fire.
The pain went on for days, the burning not allowing him to sleep, to move, to do anything but lie there and feel it. Beneath his skin he saw them move, worse now he knew what they were, the one which had crawled from his mouth was longer than his arm, it had scurried away not waiting for it's brothers and sisters to be born. But he knew it was only a matter of time, he felt it then in his eyes, the pain, the burning more intense, the liquid flowing freer and then he heard the pops and there was agony and blindness as he lost both his eyes.
The end itself was quick, though the pain felt eternal, they came from every orifice, they left eagerly and quickly and none of them gently and he felt himself be ripped apart, his tongue had burned away and so it was silent. Silent and alone with no one to miss or care for him, no one to mourn or even know of his passing, he had fallen to the bottom of the ladder, each step he'd taken had been for nought.
Highgarden 298 AC.
Olenna.
When Princess Daenerys arrived on her dragon, she along with all the lords were blown away by how tiny, how beautiful, how much like her mother she looked. She looked as the lords stared at the girl, wondering how such a small thing could control a dragon, she was happiest to see how she interacted with her nephew though. While Jae had told her of his aunt's plans in the east, knowing she was a dragonrider filled her with some trepidation, what if she decided to look west instead?. But seeing the two together it was clear her fears were unfounded, the girl loved her nephew and there would be no dance between these two.
The other girl with her was even stranger, small, wearing breeches and carrying a sword, and rather than greet the king as protocol dictated, she had instead run and jumped into his arms making both of them laugh. When she saw Lord Stark look at her and the girl do the same to him, she realized then this was the Arya the king spoke so fondly of, his wild little cousin who reminded him of his mother. She held her breath when the princess met Margaery but once again was pleased at the smiles and the whispers between the two.
They had no feast for her as the wedding was almost upon them and Jae allowed her to sit with Margaery so they could get to know each, and both of them seemed to be doing fine in that regard. Jae spent most of his own time with a new Kingsguard as his cousin barely left his side, though he did speak to the lords and she was happy with how at ease he seemed.
"Are you not enjoying yourself grandmother." Willas said leaning in to her.
"I am, just nervous, to see Margaery wed, to see her crowned a queen, it's everything I ever wanted." she said having no need to hide herself from her grandson.
"And tomorrow she will be."
"I know, a part of me fears something would happen to stop it, something would go wrong, seeing the princess arrive, I half expected her to deny Margaery, to speak against her." she said as she and Willas looked to where her granddaughter and the princess were laughing openly.
"It seems Marge won her over." he said and she smiled proudly.
"It does, don't mind me, I'm being a silly old woman, how fares your own talks with lady Sansa?"
"She's very young grandmother, she's a sweet girl and she in some ways acts older, but she's very young." he said and she nodded.
"In the future she won't be Willas, it's not like I'd see you married now, but in a few years when she's older. Your grandfather had a number of years on me and most lords marry younger ladies."
"I know, it's... I don't know maybe it's just thinking of being wed, I'd almost given up."
She said nothing knowing what he meant, despite his status as lord, some girls had looked down on her grandson because of his injury, now he'd be the greatest catch in Westeros, well after tomorrow he would be. She looked to the princess and sighed, she'd be perfect if things were different, not only would the royal family never give up two matches, but given her plans, Essos was not where her grandson was needed.
As the meal died down she was pleased to see Jae sitting with Margaery, both of them whispering and laughing with each other. All her life she had hoped for a king for her rose, she had wished Margaery would be lucky enough to find love, though doubted it would come to pass. Jae was more than she'd dared hope for her, a king, a dragon and a good man who seemed to love her granddaughter, or at the very least was well on his way to.
Margaery came over to her before she left for her room and Olenna could see the smile on her face, Jae was speaking to his uncle and mother, while his aunt was talking to Willas and Garlan. Loras had spent most of the last few days ether in his room brooding, or following after Ser Arthur Dayne and tonight it was the latter.
"Grandmother I'm sorry we didn't get to spend time together tonight." Margaery said.
"That's fine sweetling, you are happy though, with the king, the wedding, you are happy?" she asked and the smile on Margaery's face answered her more clearly than her words.
"I am grandmother, I am." she said and Olenna nodded as Margaery hugged her.
"You and the princess?"
"Dany, she's fun grandmother, she told me she sees me as family already."
"Good."
They spoke a little more and then Alerie came over to ensure Margaery was well rested before the ceremony on the morrow. Olenna wasn't surprised to see the king follow, escorting her to her room. He never came back either, obviously agreeing with the idea of an early night, perhaps he too was eager for the morning to come.
Waking up the next morning she dressed and broke her fast early, making her way to Margaery's room to see her being made ready for the day ahead. They had spared no expense for this wedding, though a part of her wished it was in the Great Sept, to see her married in front of the people of Kings Landing. But the wedding needed to happen now, she knew that, the king did too and so they had worked everyday to make it happen, the dress, the feast, all of it.
"Grandmother, what do you think?" Margaery said standing up in her wedding dress, her hair tied up so the necklace the king had given her could be seen "Grandmother?" Margaery said and she realized she hadn't answered.
"My dear, you look so beautiful, a queen, a true queen." she said and Margaery smiled as Olenna wiped her eyes, the tears not something she had expected.
Highgarden 298 AC.
Jae.
Waking up he felt him in his head, Rhaegon had returned, right now he, Brankardix and Ellanys were resting in a set of caves Brankardix had found along the river, but soon they would fly here. His son was excited, he could sense Arya was here and he wished for her to ride him, he had shown Jae the way it would be, how he could warg in and allow his cousin some control of the dragon. It would be difficult and require practice, he hadn't even been sure it was possible, until he spoke to Bloodraven the night before.
"It is good to see you young king, all is ready, the time is almost upon us."
"I know, any advice?"
"Win." Bloodraven said and then chuckled making Jae laugh.
"The free folk?"
"Will be waiting for you when the time is right, seek out Mother Mole and don't back down when challenged, do what you must and they'll follow."
"Our enemy?"
"Blinded for now, but that won't always be the case, so when you are ready you must come."
"I will. I need to ask you something about dragons."
"You know more than me about them young king." Bloodraven said.
"Rhaegon has shown me a rider upon his back, two actually, but one has no dragon blood and the other little."
"Then how can they ride?" Bloodraven asked and Jae sighed.
"That's what I was about to ask you, my son says we can, all of us, that if I warg with him a bond can be formed, while not as strong as a dragon bond, a bond can be formed."
"I've not heard of such a thing, but as I said you know more of dragons than I. But if your dragon believes it, then it is worth giving it a go is it not, another Dragonrider would be a blessing."
"I need to practice, do I have the time?"
"Bring one with you when you come North, you will have time then."
"As you say, you and the children?"
"What of us?" Bloodraven asked.
"Do you need to be there, where you are is it safe?"
"No."
"Can I take you away?"
"I do not know." Bloodraven said a look of intrigue on his face "I do not know, but perhaps, it may be possible."
"If it can be done, I should do it, you're more valuable to me here than there, is there somewhere you can go, somewhere you can do what you do?"
"There is, we shall speak on this another day young king, go, go to your bride, find that future you fight for."
He dressed and ate in his room, he would wait here rather than see anyone until it was time, he closed his eyes and sought Syrax out, she would be flying over Harrenhal soon and he needed to know how long he had. His eagle though had already left Harrenhal and was flying south and when he saw them he knew he was running out of time, thank the gods Dany was here with him, the war was soon to be upon them.
Sending Syrax further south, he wondered if Stannis too had made his move, with Tywin making his own he felt he must be. It would seem his wedding night was not going to stretch into another day, he would have to make the best of it. The knock on the door took him from his thoughts and he opened it to find his mother and Arthur standing there.
"You look very handsome, are you sure you're my son?" his mother japed making him laugh.
"I must be, for who else could be my mother but a she wolf." he said.
"You look well my king, but tired?"
"I was making plans Arthur, we leave on the morrow, early, it's time."
"No, can't it wait?" his mother asked and he shook his head.
"Not if it's to work. Margaery, I'll explain it to her, can you, her, Arya can you." he said and his mother nodded.
A few moments later they left and Barristan, Ser Gerold, Oswell and Kalors arrived, all decked out in their Kingsguard amour, their swords at their hips and as Ser Gerold looked to him, the White Bull smiled putting him at ease.
"Come your grace, it's time you were wed." Oz said and Jae walked from the room.
Highgarden's Sept though not huge was large enough that the lords and their most important men all had a seat, as he walked to the front Arthur stood waiting, the Targaryen wedding cloak held in his hands. He tied it around him and together they waited, Jae looking around the Sept, the lords were looking at him with happy looks he was glad to see. Seeing his mother's face and his uncle's, his aunt smiling at him and Arya who despite how uncomfortable she looked, looking beautiful in a dress.
He turned to look at Margaery's family, her brothers sitting there all three of them looking at him, her mother smiling as she wiped a tear from her eye and Lady Olenna with the largest smile of all. Then he heard the noise at the doors and the footsteps and the vision she presented was breathtaking. The cloak in her house's colors, the glimpses he could see of her dress as she walked and her face with it's beaming smile, all of it made the world around him disappear.
She was beside him before he knew it and her father removed the cloak, and then Jae saw the dress for the first time. It was made of a lace so delicate it looked as if it could blow away, embroidered into it, were small golden roses wrapped in a three headed dragons embrace, perfectly matching the necklace he gave her. Her shoulders were bared and her hair tied up and Jae couldn't stop looking at her neck, when he finally looked to her face she was looking at him with a slight bit of worry on her face, which he relieved with the biggest smile he could.
He untied his cloak moving towards her, feeling her shiver slightly as his fingers brushed her shoulders and he tied the cloak onto her. They turned to face the Septon and he found her hand already in his, he hadn't even noticed he'd taken it, after some prayers and some songs, he removed the ribbon from his pocket and wrapped it around their hands and then they were facing each other.
"Father, Smith, Warrior, Mother, Maiden, Crone. Stranger. I am hers and she is mine. From this day, Until the end of my days." he said and smiled as Margaery spoke as he did, both saying the words as one.
"With this kiss I pledge my love and take you for my wife and queen, from this day and for all my days." he leaned forward placing his arms around her and when he felt her lips against his, he felt it, this was different, this kiss was different.
He looked into her eyes when he broke the kiss and saw her looking at him, both of them resisting the urge to lick their lips and kiss again, he smiled and they turned to the Septon.
"I now declare his grace King Jaehaerys and her grace Queen Margaery to be wed, they are one heart, one body, one soul and what the gods have joined together no man can ever part."
He turned with her and nodded to Arthur who carried the crown forward in his hands, he heard the gasp in the Sept when they saw it, looking to Margaery he leaned forward and asked her to kneel, before taking the crown from Arthur and placing it on her head.
"I hereby crown you my Queen, you are my equal in everything, from this day forward let it be known that a command from you carries the same weight as if it were from mine own lips. My lords, my ladies, I give you Queen Margaery of House Tyrell and now Targaryen, the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms."
Highgarden 298 AC.
Margaery.
The wedding had been all she had hoped for and more, her husband, gods her husband, seeing him there, feeling his lips on hers, his hands on hers, she had shivered thinking of the night to come. She had spent years knowing this would come to pass one day, she knew what happened between a man and a woman on their wedding night. Margaery had always thought she'd be nervous, yet found herself eager, excited, wishing for the feast to end just so she could be alone with him.
The crown felt light on her head, the reality of it and what it meant though was a burden and one she hoped she'd carry well. She was shocked to find she'd be starting to carry it far earlier than she had expected, Jae whispering while they danced that he would be gone early on the morrow, the war was upon them, the battles soon to begin. When he had told her that she wouldn't be able to wave them off she was confused, surely the men would need time to ready themselves.
"They won't be coming, they'll be staying here and marching later on." Jae said.
"I don't understand."
"Do you trust me?"
"I do."
"The Reach could never make it in time, the battles ahead will be fought without them, but I swear I've planned them out, if I felt I couldn't win, if I felt more danger or that I was taking too big a risk, I'd not do that to you."
"But, if you can't use them then why, why did you need to marry me?" she asked and he leaned in to kiss her.
"I didn't, I wanted to." he said.
Knowing he was leaving earlier, she wished to be abed much sooner, almost feeling the urge to rush through their meal, but it wasn't to be, they ate, they danced, they spoke together. Jae's two cousin's both told her how happy they were for her, the little one even threatened her until she pointed out she was a queen, and then she just shrugged saying she didn't care, making her laugh along with the girl.
Finally the time came and she shook her head and tried her best not to laugh out loud at the look on her husbands face, when someone suggested a bedding, this had worried her most of all. She knew it was tradition, but hoped it would not be one Jae would take part in, she found to her joy and relief the last thing he would allow was for her to be stripped and paraded to her room.
It was incredibly amusing to see the realization on the faces of the lords, some of whom she knew were relishing seeing her unclothed, that their king would not allow such a thing. Given Jae was a man with a Direwolf, Dragons and some of the most famous knights the realm had ever known as his guards, not to mention his own skill with a blade, it was not a surprise there was no argument. So instead he led her to the room himself and once alone he turned to her.
"My queen." he said moving closer to her his hands brushing her hair off her neck.
"My king." she whispered as their lips met.
She had been told it would hurt and it did, though he was gentle and gave her time to get used to him, what she hadn't been told was that it could feel so good also. Seeing him naked was as exciting to her as it obviously was for him as he undressed her, his body was firm and muscled and she felt herself longing to explore it. Jae though seemed far more eager in exploring hers and in the end it almost became a battle, a playful one, but a battle all the same, both of them looking eagerly at the other.
The act itself was over far quicker than any of them would have liked, but despite the discomfort, she found she wished to try again very soon, something Jae agreed with and something which she was surprised could actually be done, since they did so more than once that night. By the time morning had arrived, she was worn out, yet Jae never slept, even when she drifted off, he lay on his side watching her.
At first light he was up and getting dressed and she wished for nothing more than to drag him back to their bed and hold him tightly, never to let him go. She watched as he walked to the door and she felt hurt he was leaving without saying goodbye, but to her relief he was just letting Ghost inside.
"Morning wife." he said turning to her when he noticed she was awake.
"Morning husband." she said smiling as he came and sat on the bed kissing her softly.
"Ghost will stay with you, don't let him out of your sight, he and the remaining Kingsguard are yours to command."
"Who will you be taking with you?"
"Arthur and Barristan."
"When will you, how will I... when will I know?" she asked her voice cracking.
"Syrax will return with word, you can order the men to Kings Landing, ride with them if you wish, by the time you get there it will be over, or you can wait here and I'll fly and collect you?"
"Could you meet me on the road, I want to move, to do something?."
"As you command my queen." he said kissing her again.
"Be safe my love, come back to me." she said.
"Always."
She kissed him once more and they each said they loved the other and he turned to walk away, stopping at the door to look at her as she lay in their bed. Then he was gone and she felt as if her heart was leaving with him, as if it was no longer hers and would not be full again until he returned. Ghost jumped on the bed and she threw her arms around him, willing the tears not to fall, but finding herself crying into the wolf's white fur.
A/N: As always thanks to all who've read and reviewed. Up next, as Tywin marches and Stannis makes his move, Jae's plan is revealed as war comes to Westeros.
Biohazard: Thanks so much.
Xand007: Thanks my friend. Hope you enjoyed LF's end. The war is next so we'll see what happens with Stannis et al.
Lord Villareal: They had no real evidence on LF so Jae played him, besides he needed to suffer. Hope you liked the wedding, we'll see with Loras, Brienne and Robar soon enough their roles. It was Rickard who Stafford saw, but he may not die here as without the deaths of his sons Lord Karstark has a different mindset. On Robb he's with Dacey here and spoke to Cat about her and wants to ask his father to marry her, since he won't be taking castles he won't meet Jeyne Westerling.
Princess: Thanks so much.
Paulies: Exactly, plus he needs the opportunity, if it presented itself, if Tywin was in a stronger position perhaps, but Just having Ned alive changes the game for Roose, though he doesn't know of Ramsay yet.
cjthedvall: thanks so much, it updates every monday.
Dunk: Glad you enjoyed it. As you see LF met his fate, that was exactly it, he had no evidence to convict him, had he then he may have held a proper trial with the lords and all, however he never intended that and just let LF believe he had won, he also wanted him to suffer and see what his endgame was. Oxcross was in the books/show pretty much a rout, most of Robbs victories were, he caught them with their pants down at Whispering Wood, Battle of the Camps and Oxcross and won easily, planning and tactics and surprise are very hard to defend against. While he went against Jae's orders and Jae won't be happy, the result was Tywin leaving too, though in the end he may have anyway.
I think any swordsman seeing Arthur would be like that, i do like the idea of Oz going what about me though lol.
On a normal situation yes he could be exactly as you say, but he's not even getting close to Stannis, it was never Jae's plan to use the Reach for this particular encounter, only for others if it went that way.
We'll see how he reacts post the battle too.
Outcome: As you see he suffered greatly. I agree to a point, there in some ways have to be stakes too, but for me all deaths should be important, they should serve a purpose and far too often it becomes more a we now need to kill someone thing, but if the stakes are high enough, then there should be deaths.
On Roose your so right, he's not a fool, he betrayed them because of his ambition and knowing he'd win, here he knows he'd lose, where it could be a thing is knowing about Ramsay.
Jayley: Robb was just supposed to make it look like he was attacking, while technically he went against Jae's orders, in a lot of ways he was right to do so, there will be some tension between them, but in the end Jae isn't a fool either. As you see the wedding was next and as for why Valyria, both to make him suffer greatly and because he actually had no real evidence against him.
Nagiten: Thanks so much. That's the thing with Loras, it's what he will be, will he be with Jae as a KG assigned to Marge or will they create an equal branch of the royal guard. LF got his and Stannis and Tywin will find out about Jae next. Thanks for your concern, i'm doing as well as i can, it's much appreciated though.
Infinity Mask: Hopefully this chapter will fully put those worries at bay, LF got his just desserts. I can understand that, it's that fine line between a subject and family, if it was in public it would have been different. Completely with you on Robb and on Ned/Cat's parenting, had they done a better job then how different things could have turned out to be.
Guest. Once again you're looking at things from the perspective of a subject and a king, here it's a potential family member and a king, it's a completely different thing and was done in private away from everyone.
Had Olenna brought that up with other people present then you're spot on, in a room with just Jae and Margaery she's not asking as Olenna Tyrell head of house Tyrell, she's asking as Olenna Tyrell grandmother to the woman Jae is marrying.
Now Jae could have said it's none of your business, how dare you ask me that, oh Jeyne is my mistress and she won't be the last one, now do you have anything else to say to me, no, good, lets get this wedding done then.
But saying she had no right to ask is missing out on the fact she's still a grandmother looking out for her granddaughter and in that respect has every right to ask, she's no right to demand, but she has ever right to ask.
Iridium: Hope you're not feeling the same about LF now, they had no evidence to convict him and dealing with him even if they had would have meant a beheading, he wouldn't have suffered enough. Instead Jae played him, let him think he had the upper hand, so he'd find out what his plan was, what his goals, he now knows the Vale was his trump card.
As for dumping him in Valyria, this was why, Jae knows exactly what will happen to him there.
Ruki: Thanks so much, really glad you're liking it, that's the thing we see enough of the other pairings, better writers than i have handled Jonsa and Jonerys, so i'll stick to those we see less of in my own stories, Jon/Marge, Jon/Myrcella, Jon/Arianne and Jon/Rhaenys to come, plus a Jon/OC which is very different.
Adamieeri: Thanks so much, so glad you liked it.
Xan Merrick: Thanks my friend: With Garlan i just wanted to show the difference of how someone trained daily by Arthur would be. Glad you liked the dragon flight. Oxcross shows just how much surprise works, Robb in canon used this really well, Grey Wind probably had the most kills of anyone in the northern army. As you see with LF, he really would have been best off had he been convicted. We'll learn more about the shadows soon. As for Loras well he's going to have a reason to look at Jae differently in a little bit.
