A/N-I'm back again, didn't get around to fixing the issues in the other chapters. That was too boring, lol. Instead, I went and wrote this chapter, which ties together any loose strings from the previous years. I have chapter 10 written, too, and will release it shortly. Then I will have to fix the other chapters ;(. Children born during this chapter-Lyarra Stark to Benjen and Dacey. Brandon Stark to Ned and Catelyn. Shireen Baratheon to Stannis and Wynafryd. Joanna Lannister to Jaime and Arryn to Lysa and someone ;). Note that as much as I enjoy breaking down every paragraph, it gets harder to do due to the limit on AO3, so I will just address the main takeaways.
King's Landing
Ser Gerold Hightower
285 AC 8th moon
"Ser Arthur, I heard you had returned from the capital this morning. What do you have to report?"
"Lord Commander, where are Ser Barristan and Ser Oswell?"
"Ser Barristan has just been sent off into the city, and Ser Oswell is guarding the King and Princess. Why do you ask?"
"Bring them both here once the royal family has gone to sleep. I will tell you what I have found out then."
"Arthur, why are the others needed too? Just tell me now for the love of the Gods!"
"Trust me, Gerold, what I have to tell you all will require all of you off duty."
He sighed at how difficult Arthur was being. Things were so much easier when the previous Jaehaerys was King, he thought to himself. Jaime Lannister was only a seedling in Tywin's balls back then, and look at him now.
White Sword Tower
Hour of the Wolf
It was late, very late, in fact. The night was at its darkest. Shifts had to prioritize, but now Ser Barristan Selmy, Ser Arthur Dayne, and Ser Oswell Whent were gathered in White Sword Tower's living area.
Ser Barristan was telling the others how he would take Prince Viserys for his squire starting the next morning. Ser Gerold was happy to hear the news when he walked in. Viserys deserved a better future. A future he wouldn't have had if Aerys had lived.
Ser Arthur noticed he arrived and began to speak.
"Thank you for meeting me here brothers, I bring troubling news from Casterly Rock."
"What is it, Arthur? You have seemed troubled all day."
"Ser Jaime Lannister killed King Aerys because he was about to light the entire city on fire with wildfire." Arthur just spurted out,not one to mince words.
A stunned silence filled the room, too shocked, considering who it was they were talking about.
"Explain it further, please, Arthur," said Oswell.
"Our former King decided that once Tywin proved who he truly sharpened his claws for that, he was not going to let anybody rule his city. He gave his last Hand of the King the order to light the wildfire beneath the city that he and two other pyromancers set up a few weeks prior. Everyone would have died if Jaime hadn't acted the way he did."
Gerold let the information run wild in his head. Everyone began to fit together now. The wildfire the imp discovered, the two pyromancers that Ser Barristan arrested earlier that day. It is all linked together. Jaime Lannister broke his vow, but he saved a million people while doing it.
"And what about the Targaryen Prince and Princess and Elia Targaryen? Why did he not save them too?" Ser Oswell asked. He was right to do so.
"I will accept the fact that Jaime saved the city as a whole, but he was not protecting the city. He was protecting the royal family. Three members of which died on his fucking watch. You don't expect us to just accept this, do you?"
Arthur began to respond."That is true, and a part of me will always hate him for letting the King's siblings die because we all know who employed those monsters who did what they did, but…"
"There are no buts about it, Arthur, Jaime Lannister broke his vow he made to a mad man, fine I will accept that, but I will not accept the fact that he let Aegon and Rhaenys die when he could have saved them." Oswell snapped in response.
He then turned to himself and Barristan, looking for support. "Surely you agree, Ser Barristan? Lord Commander?"
Ser Barristan nodded his head and began to speak. "I agree, Oswell, and I think Arthur does too, but this does not explain why it took a journey to Casterly Rock to get the truth."
"He tried to tell you all, but you shunned him, so how was he meant to tell you when you wouldn't listen?" Arthur asked.
Gerold thought back to that day many moons ago, the last time he saw the lion lord, he spoke some very harsh words to him, he regretted what he said then, but he did not regret how he felt now.
"I think you are too close to the boy Arthur. Oswell makes an excellent point. You cannot deny that," He said.
"And none of you can deny that none of us would be standing here right now if it was not for him."
They all turned to the door to see Aemon Targaryen standing at it, slightly hunched in his old age but still standing all the same.
"Prince Aemon, we did not know you were listening."
"I must apologize for interrupting such an important meeting, but clearly it was not too important, or I wouldn't have been able to follow the noise Ser Oswell was emitting. Try closing the door next time Lord Commander."
As witty and upfront as ever, Gerold considered himself lucky to be alive at the same time as this man. As old as Gerold was, Aemon was even older. He was still at the Wall when he got the white cloak, but now here he was.
"We will keep that in mind next time Maester, you're here now, so you may as well give your opinion on the situation since you already started doing so."
"Oh, don't worry, I will. All of you need to think to yourself what you would have done in his position?"
"Imagine being sixteen or seventeen years of age, you get forced into swearing a sacred oath by a mad man to spite your father. Instead of being out there trying to crush a rebel alliance, you are forced to stay as a form of a hostage. The mad man you are hostage to is about to burn the entire city, yourself included, so you stop him. In the process, you break the vow you were forced to take but save a million people in the process. How would any of you feel after doing that?"
No one answered, so he continued.
"Perhaps if it had been anyone of you, you would have saved the Prince and Princess, but Jaime Lannister froze, and Jaime Lannister should not have been there in the first place neither should have Aegon or Rhaenrys."
"Good knights of the Kingsguard, I ask that you reflect on how you treated that man when he tried to explain what happened. How was Jaime Lannister to know his father's beasts would do what they did?"
"But, Maester, that does not excuse him."
"I am not trying to excuse what he did, Ser Gerold, he should have saved them, but he did not. I would have two more relations if he did, but Rhaenys and Aegon got their justice. I don't expect any of you to completely forgive him. All I ask is that you try and understand the impossible situation he was in. Your hate for the boy will not bring my niece and nephew back. He may be one of the worse Kingsguard in existence, but as a knight, that is a different story."
"I have seen a lot of bad men over my time at the Wall. Rapists, murderers, thieves. Do not judge Jaime Lannister as if he is one of them. Jaime Lannister is not his father, and we should make sure it remains that way."
Aemon turned to the door again with help from Ser Gerold then began to walk out again.
"Everything happens for a reason, good sers. I wasted away in The North for a long time. Jaehaerys could have been raised as a bastard if things turned out different at the Tower of Joy. That did not happen. Make the most of your time, mourn for who we have lost like I do but do not let the hate for Jaime cloud your judgment, now goodnight. I hope you think about what I had to say. I am just an old man who's been made Grand Maester. What would I know?"
And with that, he hobbled down the hall after pathing Gerold's arm away to let him know he could find the way back to his chambers himself.
When he had turned the corner, they all sat down and faced each other again.
Gerold sighed and said.
"Perhaps Prince Aemon has a point. It is better to remember the lives of the Prince and Princess for what they were. Perhaps it would be best to make peace with Jaime to an extent."
They all nodded
With that, the Kingslayer name was gone. The thought of what could have been done differently was not, though, nor would it ever be.
Casterly Rock
Ser Jaime Lannister
286 AC 2nd moon
He walked to his father's solar with a letter from Cersei in his hands. What the letter said angered him much, but he wasn't stupid enough to put all the blame on Eddard Stark. His father had his part in the scheme too.
"Father, we need to talk."
He said. Tywin just lifted his head from his desk momentarily to see who had dared to walk in unannounced, then quickly got back to his work.
"Jaime, how is your wife's pregnancy coming along? Does the Maester know if it is a boy or girl yet?"
"We would prefer to keep it a surprise." He replied quietly. He wished not to talk about such a thing at the moment.
"Well, I hope you know that if it is indeed a girl, that is fine. She can be used for political alliances. However, our family name is not safe until she produces a boy."
Clearly, he had forgotten about his second son, who could carry on the family name if worse came to it.
"It's funny how you mention the possibility of me having a daughter when it seems you have forgotten about yours." He said while throwing the letter from Cersei on his desk.
Tywin picked it up, scanned through it, and threw it back down again.
"I was well aware of this happening. I also received a letter from that up jumped dog in King's Landing."
"If you were well aware, why haven't you done anything about it? Benjen Stark threatened to kill your only daughter. He is the youngest son of a dead lord, he made you look weak, and you have not even responded."
Tywin scoffed in response.
"Are you done with your little performance? You're as dramatic as your twin. Eddard Stark would have never harmed Cersei, especially since she is pregnant. The Lords of the Realm would be up in arms. He dealt with a disruptive bannerman as I have done in the past. Granted, it did not exactly go to plan, but he still did what I wanted him to do."
"So, what did you expect to happen when you married Cersei to that creep?"
"That does not matter now, son. What matters is that we will still have the same result once the time is right."
"and what is that 'Lord Tywin'? Because it seems to me that you do not have any plan at all, marrying Cersei to Roose Bolton instead of a Lord Paramount made you look weak. Letting this go unpunished makes you look soft again. So I ask you again, what are you planning and why?"
"And who was there that I could marry her in terms of Lord Paramounts Jaime? Edmure Tully is good brother with Eddard Stark. Stannis Baratheon would not get our plans anywhere. Dorne hates us and would put Doran's firstborn daughter before anyone else. Think before you speak or.."
"Or you will what? You need me father, you paid half a million gold dragons for me to be freed of my vows just so Tyrion would not be your heir. Admit it, you may not like what I have to say, but you have to listen to it anyways. I am your heir. I am Everything you want in an heir, and there is nothing you can do about that."
Tywin scowled in return to his statement, but he did not respond yet, so Jaime used that time to keep talking.
"Make peace with the Stark's. I am begging you, father. Ned Stark proved he is no sheep. He is a wolf. Make peace, and within a few years, once we have built up relations with them, maybe we could propose a match between our house and the royal family to end the strife. Also, build up the defenses in Lanniport. The Iron Born will see us as easy bait if you don't."
He got up from the chair he was sitting in and turned to leave the room.
"Wait," Tywin called back to him.
"You speak some truth but not the whole truth Jaime, perhaps you have been listening. However, if you ever speak that way to me again, the second your wife births a boy, you will be removed from the line of succession. I have a plan, Jaime. That is all you need to know. Now go get out of here."
Jaime stormed down the hall and to his chambers where Jeyne was waiting for him. His father would destroy their house while trying to save their pride. The day would come where he would have to stop him. But for now, he would enjoy his time with his wife.
King's Landing
Oberyn Martell
286 AC 4th moon
"Prince Oberyn, to what do I owe this pleasure?" Lord Regent asked him as he entered his office.
"Lord Stark, it is nice to see you. It's a pity I cannot say the same about your wife or her sister."
Ned raised his brow, hearing this. "And why might that be Oberyn?"
"Well, let's just say she does not exactly approve of my paramour and base-born children being seen in court," Oberyn replied, hoping Eddard would understand what he meant.
"Ah, yes, your Paramour. You must introduce me to her sometime. However, I hope you can understand why my wife feels that way. Those of the Kingdoms that separate ours aren't as inviting to illegitimate children as we are. I dare not say The North is on the same level as Dorne, but we tolerate bastards all the same. If you are born in The North, then you are of The North. That's it." The Regent was as direct with his words as ever.
"I heard rumors that The North was more open to bastards than the rest, but if I am, to be honest, I never bothered listening about your culture. You're too cold for my liking in many ways." Oberyn quipped in response.
Ned smiled briefly at this statement. "Oh, don't worry, I understand, we like the cold. The idea of Starks not doing so well once they cross The Neck is quite true…in most cases."
"Now Prince Oberyn. What is it you wish to speak about? and more importantly, will it cause me more headaches courtesy of the court and councilors
Oberyn laughed hysterically at this, especially since what he had planned to suggest might just cause such a headache.
"Lord Regent, I have spent the last few years since you appointed me, studying books in the library and discussing much of what I learned with Grand Maester Aemon, and I have come to one conclusion regarding bloodlines on our continent."
"You intrigue me, Prince Oberyn, but if I wanted riddles, I would have called for The Spider or Dan and Dave the court jesters. What are you suggesting?" Eddard responded, slightly disgruntled about how Oberyn was dancing around the topic, he sensed.
"Alright then, Lord Eddard, rob me of my fun then. I want to bring a law that gives a House's bloodline the option to continue through the female line, but I am not suggesting that the females come first before you ask. I am suggesting that if a house only has a female heir and ends up being the last of her line and she marries, she does not have to lose her house name. Therefore ending the extinction of houses."
Ned paused and hummed to himself for a moment. "Very well, can you explain more?"
"Let's take House Mormont or House Whent. Lady Mormont only has daughters. Dacey Mormont is her heir, right?"
"Aye, what of it?"
"Lady Dacey is a Stark now. Her son will be Lord of Moat Cailin, but what about her second-born?" Bear Island loses the Mormont name within a few generations."
"So you suggest my future nephew or niece gives up her Stark name for Mormont?" Ned responded while narrowing his eyes.
"No, Lord Stark, not exactly. I propose that future nephew or niece take both names."
"So that child would go by the name "Stark-Mormont?"
"Yes, Lord Regent, I knew you would understand."
"And what if the Lord refuses to share his name?" he queried.
"Just because one Lord does not like the idea does not mean their child will not. Their child can seek royal permission to bring back the house of their maternal side if they so wish. Think of it as an alternative to legitimizing male bastards."
Ned nodded. "Very well, Prince Oberyn, I like your idea, and I accept. I don't expect the southern Lords will, or at least not as quickly. We will just have to clarify that this comes into play to make sure house names don't die. It will be optional and will not include years gone."
"War will be upon us within a few years, Prince Oberyn, I don't want to believe it, but I know it to be true."
"When that day comes, my Lord, you will have my spear," Oberyn responded sincerely. Whether he would have the rest of Dorne's spears was a question for another time.
Ned sent a nod, smiled his way, and then told him he would call a council meeting within the next few days to discuss it with the other Lords before dismissing him.
A few hours later, Oberyn was walking along the walls of The Red Keep to reach his apartments when someone small with raven hair and purple eyes bumped into him.
Given this child's size, he just fell down on his arse and starred up at Oberyn. Turns out, it was the one and only King of the Seven Kingdoms.
"Watch where you are going, child, or you will get hurt if you aren't more careful." He snarled. It was more out of the shock of coming across the boy. He did not mean it to sound so cruel.
The King picked himself up with as much pride and dignity as he could muster and looked up at Oberyn. "I am sorry, Lord Obin, I will be more careful next time," He said in his babe sounding voice. He was little more than a toddler.
"I am a Prince, not a Lord. Did your uncle never teach you that?" He snapped. He wasn't going to be demoted to a Lord by some dragon brat.
Jaehaerys just shook his head in response
Oberyn began to walk away again when the raven-haired child called back to him also.
"Prince 'Obin,' can you tell me about my brother and sister?" He said curiously.
"Why would you want to know about your brother and sister? If Aegon was still alive, you would not even be King?" His response sounded nasty, to be sure.
"I am sorry, it's just I want to learn about them. They were my family too, and Uncle Arthur told me they were your niece and nephew. Does that mean you are my uncle also?
He turned back around, ready to snap at the poor child, to tell him to get out of his sight. No one was around to protect him, but…he couldn't.
He looked deep into the King's eyes, and all he could see were Aegon's and Rhaella starring back at him. This poor boy lost his siblings the same day Oberyn lost his niece and nephew. How could he have ever overlooked that? All this rage he had for a babe was senseless. He did not choose to be fathered.
He got down to the King's level and spoke to him softly.
"Yes, Your Grace, I am your Uncle. You can call me that until you are old enough to understand the truth. Once you are old enough, I will tell you all about your brother and sister."
Jae smiled back at him.
Out of the corner of his eye, Oberyn noticed Ser Arthur coming around the corridor with a silver-haired babe that could only be Daenerys right beside him.
"Ah, Ser Arthur, I see you are on baby watch today. Is the Septa busy with her prayers?."
He meant it as a jest, but Arthur did not take it as such.
"What did you say to the King this time, Oberyn? I swear to all the Gods I am sick of your little comments you make about him. I will…"
"Uncle Arthur" A little voice broke up the exchange.
"Obin is my uncle now too. Please don't hurt him."
"Of course, not my King. Oberyn is an old friend of mine. You see, we were only jesting around."
Oberyn knew it was no jest, but he could not deny the comments he sometimes made about Jaehaerys were uncalled for. It was time to make up for them.
"Your Grace and Princess Daenerys. I now realize you are as close to being my kin as one can get. I apologize for my previous comments. To make it up to you both, I promise that I will take you both to Dorne to see the Water Gardens one day. How does that sound?"
Both children glanced at each other with wonder and excitement.
Oberyn had seen the light.
The Wall
Jeor Mormont
287 AC 1st moon
"Lord Commander Mormont, a raven has arrived from the Citidel, Winter is officially over, Spring has begun." Said Maester Benedict, the man who had been sent to replace Maester Aemon nearly four years ago.
"Thank you, Maester, that is good news, not like it really makes a difference this far up in the Realm, but at least The North can take part in some of their planned projects since the snows won't be as deep."
He considered himself a lucky man. His son was a Kingsguard, his niece is the acting Lady of Winterfell, and he had somehow been elected Lord Commander of The Night's Watch. He thought back to that day earlier, the same moon.
The votes had finally been counted again for the fourth time. It was a tough competition, and for three months, the brothers of the Night's Watch voted for who they thought should be the nine hundred and ninety-seventh Lord Commander.
At first, a bunch of different men threw their names in by nomination. Qhorin Halfhand, Ser Denys Mallister, Cotter Pyke, Jarmen Buckwell, and even himself were all nominated and were in with a chance to be elected as the Lord Commander. As time went on, some of the candidates started dropping out. Those who would have voted for them changed their allegiance to others who were still running.
Along came Elys Westerling, a man who was sent to the Night's Watch due to his participation in the rape and murder of King's Landing residents.
With the support of most of his fellow Westerman, he was in line to win the Command position. Still, just before that was to happen, some of The West's men decided he was not fit to command and voted for Jeor instead. It was a close match, but Elys lost all the same.
Jeor now commanded three thousand five hundred men who were stationed between five different castles along The Wall.
First, you had Castle Black, Eastwatch, and The Shadowtower, then Greyguard was opened back up, which he commanded for a time thanks to the recommendation of Grand Maester Aemon.
A few years later, they opened up and garrisoned Sable Hall, where Elys Westerling found himself in command.
The watch was at its strongest since at least the time of Lord Commander Brynden Rivers, and it was up to Jeor to keep them all in line.
He had a duty just like the rest of his family. Once a man joined The Night's Watch, they were meant to give up their old life, but that didn't mean they couldn't think about it. Gods know Jeor did. Thanks to his friendship with Grand Maester Aemon and Lord Regent Eddard Stark, he was well aware of the going on in the Realm.
Oberyn Martell had just passed a law that stated that if no male heirs remained, then the House name could continue through the female line. Jeor was incredibly happy when he learned this because it meant House Mormont would thrive for years to come. Dacey was the heir after her mother, Maege. Her first son Cregan would be Lord of Moat Cailin one day, while her second child, male or female, could choose to take the Mormont name while they ruled Bear Island, or they could take both names Stark and Mormont if they so wished.
The Mormont name, which when Jorah joined the Kingsguard, was due to die once Maege and her children died since she had no male heirs but would instead last long beyond when they were all dead and buried.
He smiled, thinking about his family outside the order when there was a knock at the door. It was a Ranger from The Shadow Tower.
Qhorin Halfhand was one of the most skilled and feared men on the Wall, second in command at The Shadow Tower.
"Halfhand what brings you here?" Jeor questioned.
"Lord Commander, I bring troubling news. Do you recall that deserting scum Mance Rayder?" He asked.
"Yes, I do. He used to be stationed in the Shadow Tower. He was here before I joined if I recall he swore his vows as a child." Jeor Responded.
"Aye, that's him, well anyways, I and some other men were out on patrol, and we went deeper into their territory, and it turns out he has been living with them all this time."
Jeor chuckled briefly at that. Most brothers who desert The Night's Watch go south, where they are then beheaded by the Starks. Mance instead took a different approach and went beyond the Wall. How he survived, he did not know.
"This is interesting and disturbing news Qhorin, most brothers who desert end up getting killed by Wildings. Everyone remembers the tale of Raymund Mallery and his band of oathbreakers who ended up getting eaten alive by the ice-river clans."
The Halfhand nodded in agreement, then spoke. "What this means is that he has made friends with them, perhaps even before he left. What do we do, Jeor?"
"Gather two hundred men and ride towards his last known location. There is more to this than we know, Qhorin, and I want to get to the bottom of it." Jeor wanted him dealt with. A former brother being allowed to live despite being an oathbreaker set a dangerous example for all the murders and rapists who came through their doors.
"Right away, Lord Commander, I will leave at first light."
They nodded at each other, and he was left alone again in his chambers. Winter may be over, but the issue with the wildlings was just about to pick up also. He could feel it in his bones.
Pentos
Jon Connington
287 AC 3rd moon
Jon Connington had a whirlwind of a time these last few years. He went from being Hand of the King to being exiled to Essos. Although he considered himself lucky that Aerys only stripped him and his family of their land, there were at least two other former Hand's who ended up dead.
But now he had time to redeem himself. He would serve the real King as faithfully as he would have his silver, Prince.
It took him a little bit of time to understand why Rhaella didn't call him back over, but Varys told him through letters how she had kneeled to that traitor Eddard Stark as he placed the wolf bastard on the Iron Throne.
Clearly, she did not realize the truth, but he did. Aegon Targaryen, the sixth of his name, was alive and living in Pentos under the protection of Magister Illyrio.
Queen Rhaella being fine with a bastard grandchild on the Iron Throne, was not entirely her fault. She just did not know that the rightful heir was alive. The same could be said for the five surviving kingsguard and all the Targaryen loyalists.
He often wanted to write to her to explain the real situation, but Magister Illyrio stopped him. He would tell him about how The Stark's had her under some sort of dark magic spell, and he believed it because how else could Rhaegar have fallen for that wolf bitch?
The only way to bring justice back to the Realm was by clear force.
Therefore it was decided that they would play the long game. They would wait until Aegon was of the right age, then they would return to Westeros with a vengeance. The first one to die would be Eddard Stark, then Jon Arryn, and then it would be a case of eliminating anyone else who dared to stand in their way.
Aegon, the conqueror, would come again with Fire and Blood, with his silver hair and purple eyes. The usurpers would undoubtedly pay.
King's Landing
Petyr Baelish
287 AC 5th moon
His ship sailed from Gulltown to King's Landing, on special request from the Hand of the King himself. Petyr Baelish was beginning to make a name for himself. So what if he blackmailed his way to do it?
The boy who was nearly killed by that cunt Brandon Stark was long gone. He smiled to himself every so often, thinking about how brilliant he was to have that letter destroyed. He knew Brandon would do something rash, but he would never have guessed the fool would have gone and gotten himself killed, much to his own delight.
It was now time for Petyr to move along his plans to climb as quickly and as high as he could. King's Landing was the place for this to happen. His final destination.
When he got the letter that he was summoned by Lord Hand Jon Arryn, he was delighted to know that his work had paid off. To see Jon Arryn waiting for him at the dock was even better, and to see his former foster sisters beside him was the greatest surprise of them all.
"Lord Hand, a pleasure to finally meet you again and my foster sisters. How nice of you to meet me at the docks."
He said while shaking Jon Arryn's Hand and hugging Lysa and Cat.
In truth, he only cared to see one of them, but it was better not to make that clear as it was the other sister who could be used better and more effectively due to her dullness.
"Petyr, it has been so long. It is nice to see you again after all this time," said the dull one quite excitedly.
"You too, Lady Arryn. Now I am wondering why have I been called here Lord Hand?"
"Ah yes, Lord Baelish, I am willing to offer you the position of customs master for the docks of King's Landing. I have seen what you have done for Gulltown, now I want you to do the same here. King's Landing has thrived the last few years, and we want your expertise to further that even more. Do you accept?"
"I am shocked to be even considered for such a thing, Lord Hand. I would be honored to take the position."
"Brilliant, welcome to King's Landing. I believe my wife and good sister would like to give you a tour. I have a regency council meeting to attend, so I will leave you to it. Perhaps you could join us for supper later? I'm sure the Lord Regent would like to meet the childhood friend of his wife too."
Eddard Stark wants to meet him? Petyr hoped this brother was as bull-headed as the older one.
"Of course, Lord Hand, I am looking forward to meeting Lord Eddard and the King himself, too, of course."
With that, Jon Arryn nodded and left him alone with the Tully sisters.
They took a walk through the city. It no longer smelt of shit, he noticed. King's Landing was famous for its smell, but he also saw something rather odd. It appeared to be a small forest made up of weirwood trees in the middle of King's Landing, and stranger still, there seemed to be people going in and out of the controlled area to pray.
"Lysa and Cat, please do tell me about that area of weirwood? What is it doing in the capital? I know there's a private Godswood nearer the castle, but why is there one there too?
Lysa was the first to answer. "The Lord Regent thinks it's appropriate for his vile tree gods to be represented below the neck in huge proportions." She spat out, clearly enraged.
"Fascinating thought from the Lord Regent, and what do you think about your husband's decision Lady Stark?"
"My husband is just trying to create an equal society for the people of the Realm. Ever since winter ended, The North has seen a massive rise in trade beyond White Harbour, which means merchants from The South are going there to trade iron and other resources that they found in the mountains up where the hill clans are. That means people of the Faith of the seven were going there for a long time, so a sept is being built. Ned ordered the planting of his trees down here to bring balance, and even a few minor houses have changed religions. Still, most notably, the small folk has taken to them, some of them anyway."
"I am happy to hear Lord Stark is bringing The North into the frey, but you never answered my question, dear Cat. I asked what you thought about this decision?"
She stopped walking and looked him straight into the eye. Her pregnant belly was nearly touching off his. She must have been close to giving birth, he thought.
"My children are of The North. I am making sure they are taught both religions and all Westerosi cultures. However, The Faith of the Old Gods is their primary religion, at least for the heir, Robb.
"and what about your daughters?"
"You ask too many questions, Petyr. I am glad to see you, but I ask you to drop this right now."
He had touched a nerve or two clearly.
"I apologize, Lady Stark, maybe it is best if I get going. I have an appointment regarding a new business venture."
He turned and left, not waiting for an answer. Clearly, Cat would need more work than he thought, but he still had plenty to work with and even more with Lysa.
The game had begun.
Dinner with The Stark's and Arryn's
Later that night
"That was a lovely meal Lord Regent, thank you for inviting me, but I think it is time I leave."
"Very well, Lord Baelish, my guards will see you out." Eddard Stark did not even try to hide his evident joy in Petyr's plan to leave.
Oh, but he wasn't really going out, so that would not be necessary
"There's no need. I will find my own way. Goodnight, everyone."
He left the room seeing a scowl from the Lord Regent, neutral expressions on the others, and a look of pure wanting on another.
"I too must retire, Lord Husband. I will see you in the morning."
"Goodnight, my lady." His tone held no love in it.
Lysa Arryn hurried after Petyr, yet Petyr kept walking to avoid suspicion.
"Petyr, wait up, I wish to speak to you, in private," She said and pointed to a small room that he had just passed. They were down a corridor with no one around.
He followed her and entered the room, it was an empty room, he wondered what was the point of it exactly.
"Petyr, I missed you so much. Never leave me again."
Lysa Arryn said while hugging him
"Of course not, my love. All the work I have done over the years was so I could be here with you now."He lied, but it mattered not.
She giggled in response then kissed him deeply on the lips.
"Lysa, what are you doing? If we are caught, it would mean both our heads."
She put her finger up to his lips to tell him not to speak.
"That's the thing, Petyr, we won't get caught. Have you forgotten what we did at Riverrun? I haven't forgotten what we did, and I have gotten even better since then. I am nearly as good of a liar as you."
"I love you, Petyr, and I want to have your children."
Right into his hands, Lysa was always so easy to manipulate.
"I love you too, Lysa, but if you want this to go ahead, no one can know."
"Do not worry, my love, they will never find out."
Then she kissed him again, and this time he kissed back passionately.
Eddard Stark
288 AC 11th moon
It was Jaehaerys' fifth nameday. The whole of King's Landing was celebrating the occasion. Food was prepared to feed the entire court, and a melee tourney had been thrown to make the celebration.
Ned watched from the stands reserved for the royal family, Robb was on one side of him, and Jae was on the other. The final match was between Ser Brynden Tully and Ser Arthur Dayne. He had one child on the left-hand side cheering for The Blackfish and another child on the right-hand side cheering for The Sword of the Morning.
At first, it seemed like both men were evenly matched, but as the match went on, it became clear why Arthur Dayne was considered the greatest swordsman to ever walk.
Arthur bet Brynden after a hard-fought match, it came down to agility at the end, and Bryden simply could not keep up after an extended amount of time.
Jaehaerys was ecstatic at the outcome beside him, clapping and smiling for his favorite Kingsguard.
It made Ned think back to that faithful day five years ago. Arthur would have slain him near instantly, along with his six other companions if things had gone down differently. That would have a different effect because Jae would have ended up in Essos on a self-imposed exile, the rest of his children wouldn't have been born, and Robb would be fatherless.
It was best to not think of that. Instead, Ned thought about all he had achieved over the last five years.
Winter ended in 287 AC, and as soon as it did, he sent ravens out to the Lords of the North to explain his plans, and then he implemented them.
They had extroverted the mountains and mines that were located North of Winterfell and west of Last Hearth. Doing so led to the founding of a quarry where stone was excavated. Near Deepwood Motte, they even found new mines buried beneath the snow. Who would have thought there was gold hidden within these mines. Later during a further evaluation, they found mines near Cape Kraken and Flint's Finger, which produced silver.
All this new product was just getting set up. Still, Ned predicted within the next ten years, The North would be more prosperous than even The West and The Reach in terms of solid material. He prayed winter would not come again between now and then, but Ned knew winter was always coming.
He also expanded on rivers that went through The North. The river that ended at a lake below Torrhen's Square was connected to The White Knife, later linked to Last River. Following Last River upstream would lead merchants to the quarry in the mountains. Further down the line, they would connect the gold mines to a new waterway, but this would have to do for now.
Of course, the North still had its challenges. A new town had appeared almost overnight at Cape Kraken due to all the new visitors. The merchants and miners that appeared to help with the gold and silver extraction were of the south; therefore, a sept was built.
Ned wasn't the biggest fan of doing this, but he had no choice. He wanted to integrate The North into the rest of the Realm. To do so, he needed the petty southerners to realize that they could get along if they tried. The Lords of the North were on his side once he made them realize (through Benjen and Lord Manderly) about all they would gain if they just accepted a building they would not even pay attention to in their land.
Another issue was the mountain clans, whose land was hit most by these projects, but Ned put Theo Wull in charge of operating the quarry, and with the promise of a cut of the profits they would make, those in the mountain clans were pleased enough.
The North was on his side now until the end of time. As stubborn as they were, he had made great strides in making sure they saw the benefits of his decisions and their expansion.
However, he was not as lucky in the south.
A smallfolk came to the throne room one day and asked for an audience. He wanted to know more about the Faith of the Old Gods and how he could pray to them. Ned was obviously happy to hear such a request and said he could use the Godswood just outside the castle. However, when small armies of the common folk looked for the same, he had to relent and instead made plans to plant a new Godswood in the city's middle. The soil was imported, and he received weirwood seeds from Howland without even asking for them. After a few years, the trees were growing quite rapidly.
By all accounts, they were growing too rapidly, but that did not matter. Soon enough, a few minor houses had even converted to the Faith of the Old Gods. When asking for approval, they would say how they preferred the fact that it had fewer restraints.
Ned was thrilled by this until the new High Septan came along and started nagging him about how the people wouldn't stand for it, and to an extent, he was right. A preacher of sorts could be heard condemning Ned for his "barbaric" worshipping of the old gods and the Targaryen family for being a result of incest.
Of course, he never mentioned that most of the Houses in Westeros married cousins at one stage or another. He only focused on the idea of marrying siblings being wrong.
Ned promised himself he would deal with such treason as soon as the war with the Greyjoys was over with. He had wanted to do it as soon as he started calling Jae's family an abomination but was stopped by Jon Arryn, who talked Ned out of it, saying how it would just give the man more followers, it would turn him into a martyr.
Ned missed the old High Septan, the one who had married Lyanna and Rhaegar. He was supportive of Ned as long as he made sure Jaehaerys followed the Faith of the seven primarily. However, this new guy only worshiped whores and gold.
Outside the city, the Lords were at the very least neutral to the changes Ned made. Very few were uneasy about them all. This was because they enjoyed the new trade created and new deals Eddard had made with the powers in Essos.
Westeros was truly thriving under the Regency of Eddard Stark. Tywin Lannister had stopped being an issue. Roose Bolton had been brought to heel a long time ago. Catelyn had given birth to another son named Bran, and Benjen now had a daughter named Lyarra. Named after their mother.
The only issue that remained was the Greyjoys, the mainland was ready for them, but that did not mean when they came, they would not damage their land."
His little inner reflection was interrupted by Jaehaerys pulling at his sleeve.
"Uncle, when can we go visit my mother?"
He was nearly starting to choke up when he heard the question.
He looked down at the King, smiled, and said.
"As soon as it is safe to travel, we will go to Winterfell to meet your cousins, your uncle, aunt, and your mother. You have my word, Jae."
"Can you just end the war already? I really want to meet my other family members and see the North for myself."
Ned laughed at that statement in response and ruffled his hair.
It was a shame it was not safe enough to travel as of yet. Perhaps they could go by land, but the sea was definitely not an option.
"Lord Stark"
He turned to see Tyrion Lannister calling to him.
"Lord Tyrion, to what do I owe the pleasure?"
"The Hand has called a meeting. It is urgent, but not urgent enough for little ears to hear what has happened." He said the last bit while looking at Robb and Jae.
"Alright then, my Lord, I will be at the regency council room within half an hour. Make your way there now to tell Jon and stay with him."
Tyrion nodded, then shuffled away.
Ned turned to his boys and then to Ser Barristan, who was nearby.
"Ser Barristan, take my son and my nephew back to the castle once the tourney has died down. It is nearly time for supper anyway.
"Father, don't go, please," Robb called back after him
"I'm sorry, son, I have important business to attend to. You will understand one day."
He felt bad for having to leave his children, but he feared the worse.
Regency Council Chambers
He entered the room to find every single council member waiting for him. They were all in the capital for the celebrations, including the kingdom representatives.
Over the last few years, the only face that had changed was Ser Davos, who replaced Lord Selwyn Tarth. Lord Tarth had retired from his position, and Lord Stannis was adamant that Ser Davos was to take his place.
It appeared his Northern wife and the birth of his daughter Shireen had made him show slightly more emotion.
"My Lords, what is the meaning of this?"
Varys was the first to speak.
"Lord Regent, the day we have been preparing for has finally come. The Iron Born have attacked."
"Where have they attacked Lord Varys?"
He received no answer, but he noticed some people looking around the room nervously.
"WHERE HAVE THEY ATTACKED LORD VARYS"
"It appears Balon Greyjoy decided it would be best to hit you where it would hurt the most, my Lord. He sent his son and heir Rodrick Greyjoy to take Bear Island, to which he was very successful but not without enormous causalities thanks to the new defenses you ordered implemented. However, Maege Mormont was slain in battle, along with one of her daughters. Another one has been claimed as a salt wife by Rodrick Greyjoy, and the other two escaped before the Iron Born reached the island."
Ned was shocked to hear the news. He said nothing while he left it to sink in.
"How old is this news, Varys, and what has been my brother's response?"
"Only a few weeks, my Lord, things of this magnitude move quite quickly. As for your brother, he has already called his banners, and they are now gathering as we speak at Winterfell."
"Very well, what do we know regarding the position of the other Greyjoy scum?"
"As bad as the news regarding the Mormonts is Lord Stark, it gets even worse."
Randyll Tarly was speaking. Clearly, they had discussed the situation without him.
"It appears Euron Greyjoy is currently on his way back from Essos with eight thousand sellswords from a selection of different sellsword companies."
Something isn't right here. Where the fuck did they get the gold to pay for sellswords?"
Oberyn asked the room.
"It appears Euron Greyjoy has stolen from the Iron Bank of Braavos to pay for these sellswords. I just received that information at the same time; however, Euron should not be too far away now." Varys replied.
"Very well, my Lords, the time has come. We have been preparing for this for nearly five years now. Balon Greyjoy will find out what happens when he comes onto the mainland. Call your banners. Most of the Lords are here anyways. Lord Stannis prepare the ships. Lord Tarly, you prepare the plans for the ground forces. We meet back here in one day to discuss where to go next. I'm considering gathering our forces to meet at Harrenhall, any objections? No? good, let's get moving. We have a rebellion to crush."
Everyone began filling out. Over two hundred ravens would be sent out today. Everyone would be called upon to deal with this threat.
"Ned, what about the children" Rhaella, who had been quiet during the whole meeting, had stopped him while he was trying to leave. At that moment, only Jon Arryn, Maester Aemon, and Ser Gerold were in the room.
"What do you think is the best, Rhaella? Should we keep them here?"
"I do not think that would be wise, Lord Stark. Euron Greyjoy is a ruthless killer if the stories are true. He may not be too far away. We need to move the children where he would not reach us. This city has too many secret tunnels." Jon Arryn spoke and made sense all the same.
"Very well, there's only one clear place for them to go. We will move them to Dragonstone. Lord Commander Hightower select three Kingsguard to protect them. It does not matter which except I need you with us, and Jorah Mormont will need to come too as I am sure he will want to seek out justice." Ned had somehow briefly forgotten how the children had to be as safe as possible before everyone set out.
"Very well, my Lord, I will do so now," Gerold replied before leaving the room to carry out his task.
"How about the capital Ned? who will stay and guard here?" Rhaella asked.
"Lord Arryn will be in charge, and Maester Aemon will assist him. As much as I do not want to risk your wellbeing Queen Rhaella, I think you know what needs to be done."
"You want me to reveal our secret now? Only the four of us here know. If I bring out the secret so soon, then everyone will know, and the Greyjoys will be able to prepare." She was right to question him.
"No, you're right. Wait on Dragonstone with the children and the rest of the women. I will leave it up to you to decide when to reveal it."
"Surely, three Kingsguard is not enough to protect the royal family, Eddard?" She questioned.
He sighed. She was right as per usual.
"Very well, we will leave 50 ships guarding Dragonstone and 50 guarding Blackwater bay as well as household guards."
She seemed happier with that response.
"The day I have been dreading is here, my Lords. Time to end it. We have eight hundred longships ready to go and an army of over one hundred thousand at least if everyone answers the call. Lord Greyjoy will rue the day he declared himself King, you have my word."
Fire and Blood
Beyond The Wall
Bloodraven
Moon Unknown
He had watched, waited, and watched it again. That was all he could do while being stuck in this cave, or so he thought.
Brynden Rivers was long thought dead since the time where he went missing beyond the Wall. Needless to say, he wasn't, not really.
In reality, the sentence of being sent to the Wall was not a punishment, not really. It was just the beginning of a new chapter of his life.
Everything happened for a reason. Brynden became the Three-Eyed Raven because it was his destiny to help his family from all the way out here. As much as he wished to be in King's Landing giving his advice to the new King, it was just not meant to be. So instead, he influenced situations slightly.
The Three-Eyed Raven worked off the power of weirwood trees. As of recently, more have been planted, meaning his influence had grown stronger. The situation with the dragon eggs had nothing to do with weirwood trees, though. Instead, he had his dragon blood to thank for that.
Due to being half Targaryen, bastard yes, but still Targaryen, he communicated with his nieces and nephews through their dreams. First, Viserys, who he saw, had the potential to be the next greatest swordsman the Realm had ever seen but would first go down a path of conflict. Next, he focused on Aemon, who was harder to communicate with since he didn't sleep much. He even tried with baby Daenerys, but she was too young to understand. His most significant influence had been on Rhaella, who was the unofficial head of their house until Jaehaerys comes of age. She had the most potential. His last communication with her proved it as she finally listened and traveled to Dragonstone.
Making those eggs appear had been a lot harder, they were there the whole time, but he had to tap into all the magic he had to get the rocks to fall down to reveal them. They had been placed there during the time of The Dance of the Dragons, and somehow no one had discovered them since. Perhaps that was fate playing its part again.
The children of the forest were not happy with all the magic he had been using, saying how using too much at once would have dire consequences, but it had been worth the risk. His family was now on the right path, thanks to him. Dragons and magic as a whole were back in the world.
The Others would be upon them within the next two decades, and every member of the Targaryen family would have their place in the fight to come. Not just the Targaryen's, though, the Starks too would have their place. One day he would meet this new King, but he returns to watching and waiting for now.
A/N- So I couldn't have them forgive Jaime completely, again I still need to add in a line where Jaime is called out by Rhaella and Arthur for not saving the Targ babies. However, the KG holding an unmoving grudge will get them nowhere. Forgive isn't the word, but they need to be somewhat neutral, and I'm sure they will all meet up come Greyjoy rebellion time. Anyone understand that reference Aemon was making? He's blind, and bats are perceived to be blind too, and the bat is the sigil for House Whent lol.
Jaime has wised up to Tywin's shit. I won't lie. I'm terrible at writing Tywin, but I hope you can understand that he is biding his time, as always. One of the best versions of Tywin is in the fic "The Red Keep is a vicious place" by SirCheifDoodle. It's a good fic, and his latest chapter focused on the relationship between Tywin and Aerys, IMO he had Tywin down to a T. However, that was in chapter 26, so if you really wanted to see what I mean, you can ask me what the fic is about.
Jeor becomes Lord Commander a few years earlier here. There are more people as is to be expected, with Ned and Aemon pulling strings to make sure they are helped as best as they can. The election was a reference to the election from the books, ironic considering the election in the States right now.
Now for the big one, not everyone will agree with this. Perhaps it's too "Liberal" for medieval society. If you feel that way, that is okay. However, do not be afraid. This is really the furthest I will go. Oberyn is Dornish. If he tried to bring in a law that would put the eldest sibling first in the line of succession, you'd be more within your right to say its BS and that he would be killed for it. My law is not that. My law suggests that if there are only female heirs alive and able to inherit, then when she marries, she does not have to give up her house name; instead, she can take both , this is OPTIONAL and requires agreement from all involved and royal approval. It will, of course, cause issues but so does legitimizing a bastard boy to keep the house name going. If phrased as an alternative to legitimizing bastards, then it will sound much sweeter to the southerners. Still, it also means Ben's second male child can be presented as being from Houses Mormont and Stark. I am aware that Alysane has a male heir in the books, but not much is known, so consider that cut out. Actually, how the fuck are all the Mormonts well Mormonts? Did Maege marry a cousin? Anyone know?
Litterfinger and Lysa cucking the Hand of the King, oh boy, oh boy, no one should be surprised with that section or the fact that Jon Connington has been lied to repeatedly.
Now for the other big part. Ned wanting to integrate The North should mostly go down fine with readers. A lot of stories do the same time. Not a lot bring the old gods south of the neck, which is fine. Ned wants people to have a choice, and now they have. If Stannis and pals can convert to the Lord of Light, why can't a few lords and smallfolk convert to the old gods? I genuinely believe The North has many untouched resources, and we see it is in its newer stages of thriving and integrating at the moment. They got to move fast, though. Winter is Coming, lol. However, not everyone will be happy with this, as we see from the preacher. He is my version of The High Sparrow but has a different name. Anyone who has read Fire and Blood might remember the name "The Shephard," something like that basically.
Euron Greyjoy steals from the Iron Bank of Braavos. Yeah, I'm sure he definitely won't suffer the consequences for that, lol. What could Rhaella's secret be? Well, you won't have too long to wait to find out.
The next chapter-A look at The Iron Born. I can't give away any more than that.