Hello who's back? If you guessed George with the winds of winter in his hands then you were wrong. If you guessed the person's who's writing quality is as far away as George's as possible then you were correct lol. This took longer than I thought it would but that was because my day job is quite busy and I took time out for Christmas BUT the wait is worth it my friends because we move closer and closer to Balon's demise.

BUT there's more. I have also cooked up a second fic that is a S8 alternative. I dare not call it a fix it fic because Cregan Stark coming back to life after he sees the ending would not quite suit that concept. It will be whacky and interesting and perhaps slightly better than TV canon and it'll be out with a week I promise. The first chapter will see conversations between the dead Targaryens and Starks. Ever think what it would be like to see Aegon the Unworthy chastise Robb for not keeping Talisa as a mistress? NO? Oh ok…lol.

The only other bit of information I will pass on is that Jon will not be known as Aegon. He will take the name Aemon.

Ned

"Lord Stark, our scouts report that the northern forces led by Lord Benjen are less than a couple of leagues away."

"Thank you, Jory, you are dismissed. Go relieve your uncle of his post." Ned replied.

Jory bowed and left promptly. Ned amused himself over the fact that Jory's father was one of his few companions who made that journey to the Tower of Joy all those years ago. He grimaced while thinking about how if things had gone down differently, Jory would have been without a father from a young age. Instead, he spent his young adult life serving with his father Martyn, one of the City Watch captains, and had previously squired for Ned for a short time.

Ned made a note to himself to ask Ser Gerold or Ser Arthur to knight the man when this war was over. He and his family had served loyally. Despite following The Old Gods, they were not entirely impartial to knighthood, given that Rodrik Cassel already was one.

He read over the letter he received from Rhaella again before deciding to head out to meet his brother again after all these years. He hoped Benjen would bring him good news because Rhaella's letter made him very, very angry.

Just as he was heading out, he heard the horn blow announcing the arrival of the King's uncle, along with cheers. Ned wasn't expecting that.

The closer he got to the noise, the more he could hear, shouts of "squid scum" and "prince with no penis" were being bellowed. The latter made him very anxious. What in the seven hells were they talking about?

It seems the gods would be good to Eddard Stark today as they quickly answered his question.

Standing in front of him was a man who had seen just as many namedays as Ned, but at first glance, one could mistake him for being older than Jon Arryn. He was wearing nothing but rags that were bloodied around the lower half of his body. He looked up at Ned, not staring directly at him, but Ned could still see the fear in his eyes.

What had happened to this man?

Just then, Benjen jumped off his horse and stood in front of him, now just a few paces away from Eddard.

"Lord Regent, may I present the former heir to the shit-stained rocks known as the Iron Islands, a gift to show the loyalty the North has to my nephew and yourself and a message sent directly to his mad father," Benjen said the words with such pride, confidence, and vigor. Did he have something to do with this? No, Ben would never do such a thing, or he was sure to have excellent reasons if he did.

Ned had to save face and question him in private.

"I thank you for the offer, Lord Stark. It would be an honor if you and your lady wife would join me in my tent while the rest of your men are seen to."

Ben just nodded in response, but the smirk he was showing had disappeared. He knew the game Ned was playing, and he knew he was not happy, but due to the South's theatrics, he could not make that known just yet.

"Very well, brother, me and Dacey will join you momentarily. Just let me make an announcement first."

Ned had wanted to say no, but it was too late.

"My Lords, we have ridden hard and fast for too many moons. Rest up because it won't be long before we bloody our swords again…..Who holds the North?..."

"WE DO," Ben's forced remarked back, making Benjen smile again. He then hurried after Ned, who had stormed on ahead of him.

Benjen

The Command Tent

"I don't know if I should embrace you since you are my only living sibling or send you to the wall for this fucking stunt you have pulled," Ned said through gritted teeth.

"Well, I will not say no to the hug, but I may protest the idea of going to the wall. Which is ironic when you think about it," Benjen remarked back, Dacey throwing him a dirty look for his remark.

The was just dead silence for a moment, then any anger left the room as the two living sons of Rickard Stark laughed and embraced, seeing each other for the first time in over five years.

"I have missed you, Ben, I really did. There were many times where I wanted to just take a boat to White Harbour and then ride to Winterfell. These Southern politics are too complicated for me. I miss Northern bluntness."

"The North isn't going anywhere, Ned. You are needed in the South. My lovely wife here, and I have been minding it for you." Benjen said in response while pointing to Dacey, happy Ned had laid him off, if even momentarily.

Ned then turned to look at Dacey as if just noticing she was there too. "You must forgive me goodsister, I have seemed to have lost my manners while I was scolding my brother here. I am very sorry to have heard about Lady Maege. She was truly a wonderful woman." He said while bowing his head in respect to Maege Mormont's memory.

"I thank you, Lord Eddard, but you need to know that what we did to Rodrik was justice for what he did to my sisters and mother. No matter what you say or do, we will not regret our decision to punish him for his crimes."

Ned just sighed in return. Benjen could have kissed Dacey there for putting Ned in his place.

"I did hear about what he did, Varys, the spymaster, informed me through his birds about how he raped your sister and killed one of your other sisters and mother in such a brutal way. It's just I received a letter not too long ago from the Dowager Queen about an attack on Dragonstone where my family, Jaehaerys, and others were.

"What happened, Ned?" Ben said with alarm.

"Euron Greyjoy attacked the island, don't worry, he was apprehended. It's just he nearly escaped with Jaehaerys. I was just thinking about the consequences that would have followed if he had succeeded. While at the same time, you mutilated Balon Greyjoy's heir. Do you see my issue now?"

"Aye Ned, I do, but there is no need to worry about roads not taken. Jaehaerys is in Kings's Landing, along with Robb and the rest of your children. I promise you that, and I am sorry for what I did to Rodrik, but if I had known, I would have kept him in one piece."

Ned smirked at that comment but only briefly.

"You may be right Benjen, it's just it got me thinking about, well, as you said, roads not taken."

"What do you mean?" Benjen inquired.

"More and more, I have been thinking that Brandon or father would have made a better regent than me. Both had a way of commanding fear, something I do not have. I just don't think Balon would have tried this if they were in charge." Ned said solemnly.

Benjen scoffed in response.

"Oh come on, Ned, you know just as well as I do that Brandon would have turned King's Landing into his own personal whorehouse. By the time Jaehaerys would have reached manhood, there would be more Stark bastards running around Fleabottom than there are hairs on Jaime Lannister's head."

Ned chuckled at that.

"And as for father, aye yes, he had spent more time in command than we did, but father ran into the same issue a lot of our ancestors did. They did not know how to progress the North. Those marriage alliances he planned had good intentions, but father should have built up trade before he worried about who he was going to marry off his heir and daughter too. Mayhaps if he did that, he would have seen what was right in front of him. The wolf blood of our siblings burnt them out."

"Lyanna and Brandon were not the children to be chained to politics. I think they both proved that very much so when one ran off, and the other signed his own death warrant."

Ned looked at him with a raised brow.

"What I am trying to say, Ned is that as much as I loved my brother and sister and father, their mistakes got them killed. You have been smarter than them so far, and you continue to be. By the time we hit next winter, the North will be able to prove for itself. No old men will have to head off into the snowstorms. That is because of you, Eddard. You progressed the North, and I have no doubt you will continue to do so for all the years to come."

Ned just smiled and nodded slightly.

"Thank you, brother, I needed that."

Benjen just nodded as they all sat in silence until Ned chuckled again.

"Speaking of bastards. Have you had any women come to you claiming their babe is Brandon's natural born offspring?" Ned asked, trying to change the subject.

"No, I have not. Perhaps Brandon did not leave any snows behind. Saying that, if either of us finds out he did leave another niece or nephew before he died, then we should both agree to make sure it is provided for. For Bran's memory." Ben responded in earnest.

Neither man cared about the stigma of bastards, especially if they were relatives.

"Aye, I consent to that proposal….you know Benjen, perhaps you should take over as Lord Hand when Jae hits his majority. I am sure Jon Arryn will have returned to the Eyrie by then, and by all the gods will I not take the position." He said with a knowing smile at how Benjen would have hated the attention of the court.

"HA, perhaps I will take you up on that offer if my nephew is willing to give me the position. Only when I see a dragon fly first, though," Benjen said while laughing, Dacey joined in too, amused by the idea of shocking the court with her most unladylike behavior.

Ned, on the other hand, was looking very nervous.

"Benjen, I forgot to mention how Euron Greyjoy was apprehended.."

Just then, they heard a roar from outside and countless screams of very scared lords and knights.

The Dragon Queen was here.

Rhaella

It was a long trip, perhaps a week and a half on dragon back with stops to feed Moondancer, but they were here now.

Harrenhall

One of the central moments in recorded history that gave her family their reputation. What Aegon did to Harren the Black was a turning moment in his time conquering Westeros. One of many which led to Torrhen Stark, the last King in the North, bending his knee to save his men's lives.

Now nearly 300 years later, Rhaella of House Targaryen rides a dragon just like her ancestors. With her includes the heir to the North whois hanging on to the back of the King of the Seven Kingdoms, with the Sword of the Morning there too for good measure.

Time had passed sure, her house had nearly gone extinct, but yet it hadn't. Now she watched from above as the armies of lords from North, South, East, and even the West looked up in pure shock to see such a mighty beast come down upon them.

It was ironic, in a way. They all joined together once again to take down a mad man, but unlike six years ago, half of them did not want to overthrow her too.

She turned to her grandson and his cousin and gave them a stern talking to.

"Now you two remember, you are to be on your best behavior, we are going to go down there, and I will speak to Lord Eddard while the two of you will go greet the lords that have gathered here to fight on your behalf. You are to be nothing less than the reflection of the highest nobility. Do I make myself clear?"

Both boys muttered "yes" eventually, along with a few more choice words that she chose to ignore.

"I would presume your Uncle Benjen is here by now. When you meet him while surrounded by the other lords, you will address him as Lord Stark. When you get to meet him in private, you can relax and greet him like family."

She turned around to see both Jae and Robb nod, as she turned Moondancer down sharply as they prepared to land.

She tried to mentally prepare herself from the words that were to come from Eddard Stark's mouth.

Ned

The last hour had been erratic. Not only did Ben arrive, but Rhaella also appeared on her dragon with his son and heir Robb along with the King of the Seven Kingdoms.

Ned was furious that Rhaella took his son from Cat without permission. He would have to excuse her taking Jaehaerys as he was her blood after all, but to take Robb as well was irresponsible and downright stupid.

He stood here in his tent with Rhaella in front of him with Ser Arthur by her side, just asking himself what he was going to say…

"The boys insisted on coming along, Eddard. I hadn't a choice in the matter. They would have ran across the kingdoms to get here if I didn't bring them. You have to understand what they went through. They could have died. They should be here surrounded by Kingsguard rather than back in King's Landing where there are more hidden tunnels than we know." She said, knowing he was about to scold her while also knowing whatever he said had little bearing in the long term, given her position and the dragon outside.

"I received your raven Rhaella, do not get me wrong, I am angry, but I guess I have to accept the fact that my son is as willful as his uncle and my nephew is as free-willed as his mother. I only fear for Cat. You will have to apologize to her as soon as we get back to King's Landing. I hope you know that."

She just sighed. Ned could sense she was aware of this already. "You're right. I will respectfully apologize to her once this war is over. Now tell me, what is the situation with Rodrick Greyjoy?"

Ned smirked slightly, it had shocked him at first, but he had come to accept that what Ben did was a good move when it came to keeping lords who tend to have faltering loyalties in line.

He was about to tell her what Ben did, when he arrived into the tent himself.

"I believe I should tell her grace this story, brother."

When all three in the room were looking at him, he continued.

"It is the least I can do, given the fact that she brought my two nephews to meet me here, at their own request. I feel so appreciated."

"Lord Benjen, I am glad to have finally met you. Ned has told me much about you, about how you were the closest with the King's mother-my late gooddaughter."

She curtsied in response to him kissing her hand.

"It is an honor to meet you too, Dowager Queen, or should I say Dragon Queen. Now that must have been a hard secret to keep. I never knew my brother could be so crafty. Keeping a dragon from the rest of the world like that, who would have guessed? When we were boys, he could not even steal a lemon cake without confessing about it soon after."

"I thank you for your kind words Lord Benjen. Now tell me what you did to Rodrick Greyjoy, please."

Benjen began to pace the room. Not making eye contact with anyone but answering the question all the same.

"All I did was bring the King's justice. Rodrick Greyjoy killed the grandmother of my children, Maege Mormont. Then when he was confronted with his crimes, he spoke treason against my nephew. So I did what any good uncle would have done. I riped out his tongue for the trouble of his treason."

Ned noticed how Rhaella just stood there, staring at Ben in shock at the lengths he was willing to go. Ned could not tell from her face how she really felt.

"You may as well tell her the rest Benjen," Ned said, getting impatient of the theatrics.

"Very well, brother, I will. For the crime of treason, Rodrick Greyjoy lost his tongue. For the crime of rape that he committed on my wife's sister Lyra, he lost his cock."

There was a deafening silence in the room, Ser Arthur raised his brow, and Rhaella opened her mouth as wide as the length of the tent entrance.

"And do tell Lord Benjen, who carried out these punishments?"

She had sealed up her mouth again and was now showing no emotion. However, Ned had a feeling Benjen would like what was to come at the end of this conversation, given the history of Rhaella's marriage.

"Your Grace. For the crime of treason, I personally pulled out Rodrick Greyjoy's tongue as those in the North believe the man who passes the sentence must swing the sword or, in this case, the hot pinchers. We did, however, make an exception for when it came to making Rodrick Greyjoy a eunuch. Lyra Mormont carried that task out herself, as she was hurt by his actions more than anyone else."

"Good….." was all she replied with.

"WHAT" was all the rest of those in the tent could say.

"Lord Benjen, I feel your actions were completely justified, and I thank you for carrying out the King's justice. Keep in mind that if you had done what you did and Euron Greyjoy had captured my grandson, then I would not be praising you right now. However, it is better not to think of roads not taken. Now please point me in the direction of Lyra Mormont. I have a task for her."

"Certainly, Your Grace, she is camped with the Stark soldiers over on the eastern side. I believe Lord Theo Wull has become a good companion to her."

"Thank you, Lord Benjen, she abruptly replied."

Then turning to Ned next.

"Lord Eddard, we should both count ourselves lucky. We have been dealt a great boom from the old gods and the new. It is time to share these good spirits."

"I agree, Your Grace," Ned said with a nod. He knew she was referring to the fact that things could have gone differently for all of them if Euron had succeeded on Dragonstone.

"Now, if you excuse me, my lords, I have other business to attend to before the war meeting later. Get some rest. This war is in its final stages."

She then left the room, leaving both Stark brothers very confused. What was the Dragon Queen planning now?

Jaehaerys

He was pleased to meet his uncle. His other uncle, Viserys, wasn't at the camp. He was with Ser Barristan. It was Uncle Benjen he was referring to. Jae's mother's favorite brother. Uncle Ned told him how they were always pulling pranks and would often get scolded by his grandfather for it. Still, Grandfather Rickard never stayed serious for long, Uncle Ned would tell him how he would always secretly smile over their antics too.

Benjen embraced him and Robb very tightly and promised to bring them both to Winterfell once this was all over. Unfortunately, Benjen had to go to a meeting, so Robb and Jae followed his grandmother's orders by roaming around the camp, speaking to the lords of the realm.

Being shadowed by a very out of breath Ser Gerold, who, needless to say, was not thrilled by the energy his chargers were showing.

Jae and Robb discussed beforehand that they would meet as many lords as possible, and their experience had gone well so far.

They first came across a group of Northern lords. The first man they spoke to said his name was Rickard Karstark. Jae was impressed by how long his grey beard was. He spoke to himself and Robb respectfully, but Jae did not find him really friendly. Jaehaerys did seem to impress Lord Karstark at one point when he remarked how the Karstark family was once part of the Stark House.

The next man he met was the largest man he ever met. He couldn't help but ask him if he was part giant. Much to Jae's relief, this man-Lord Greatjon Umber, found that very amusing and lifted both Jaehaerys and Robb up onto his shoulders at the same time. After that, Jon remarked that he hoped he could ride into battle one day with the "Sons of Winter" as he named Jaehaerys and Robb, even though neither had ever set foot in the North.

The last man Jaehaerys got to meet that day was the exact opposite of Lord Greatjon in terms of size, but Jae enjoyed meeting him the most out of them all. This was because Howland Reed was able to tell Jaehaerys about his mother and even told him the story of how he was there when Jaehaerys was born.

They made their way around to the other tents, passing a man who asked Robb and Jaehaerys to marry his sisters and explained he would pay them a large dowry if they did so. Jaehaerys was more than happy to get away from him. Later, Ser Gerold told him that the man they met was from House Frey in the Riverlands, whose castle was known as The Twins. Robb was even more annoyed by this display, remarking that he never wanted to meet this Walder Frey or any of his daughters until the day he died. Which made Jae giggle slightly.

Rhaella

"If I may be so bold, Your Grace, what do you plan to do with Lyra Mormont?" Asked Ser Arthur as they walked to where the northerners were camped on the eastern side of Harrenhall.

"Ser Arthur, you were Rhaegar's most trusted companion, were you not?" She said bluntly,

Ser Arthur looked at her, taken aback. "I believe I was Your Grace. That is why I was given charge of Lyanna during her childbearing moons."

"Aye, and I am glad you were. Do not get me wrong, my point is that you were loyal to the Prince, not the King, not truly."

He stared at her blankly, so she tried to assure him. "I do not blame you, Arthur. I am just trying to make a point." She said kindly

"Your Grace, it was hard to stay loyal to a mad man. King Aerys did have those loyal to him. The Spider, for one, ruined Rhaegar's plans at Harrenhall to call for his removal. Jon Darry was also loyal to your husband."

"Aye, both of those examples are true, yet Varys still claims he serves the realm," she snorted in disgust.

"My point Ser Arthur, is that the Queen requires warriors to be loyal to her just as much as the King does, do you agree?"

"Yes, Queen Rhaella, I do." He thought on her point further, then continued.

"Perhaps seven elite guards to cover the Targaryen family is not enough. After all, Grandmaester Aemon has no Kingsguard to protect him right now, despite him being the oldest."

"Exactly, it is not enough, and do not forget that there are sometimes places that men cannot protect female royalty. What I plan will solve that issue. I continue to think long-term for my family Ser Arthur. I do consider you part of that family, do not forget that." Rhaella responded sincerely

"Thank you, Your Grace." He said while smiling. She mused that he wasn't expecting her to say such a thing. It was only the truth.

There may be a space to fill on the Kingsguard, but that did not mean they had to cease action to improve security elsewhere.

Their trek finally bared fruit as they reached the northern settlement with its Direwolf banners hanging above.

They checked with a guard named Jory, who pointed them in the direction of the tent that Lyra Mormont was staying in.

"Lady Mormont, Lord Wull, a moment of your time, please." She called out to them, they looked surprised that she knew who they were.

"Your Grace." While bowing while Theo Wull just nodded respectfully, he was a large man while Lyra was relatively short. An interesting combination, she mused.

"I just wanted to personally thank you for what you did to Rodrik Greyjoy."

"Your Grace?" she inquired.

"You provided the correct punishment for someone who carried out such a horrible crime, so I wanted to reward you for it."

"Your Grace, you honor me, I do not deserve such a thing."

Polite, fearless, and humble, everything the Faith of the Seven claimed northerners weren't, she thought to herself.

"I disagree completely. In fact, you should both be rewarded, so this is what I offer…Lady Lyra, you have proven your worth by how you fought so bravely to defend Bear Island against foreign invaders. Therefore I will make you the sworn sword to the women of House Targaryen if you accept that is. However, I understand that Bear Island requires rebuilding, so I expect you both to oversee its development. I will provide the coin. You just make sure it improves from before it was attacked."

"Your Grace, what do you mean both?" Theo Wull asked.

She was impressed that he used the correct title but was slightly disappointed to not be called "The "Rhaella."

"I have heard about how you have overseen the mines in the mountains these past few years, Lord Wull, and I am impressed. I have also heard that you have a certain appreciation for Lady Lyra here. Therefore I encourage you to join your houses through marriage, only if you both consent to such a thing."

She noticed how they looked at each other, almost shyly. It was amusing to see two people who clearly like each other pretend not to—the exact opposite to Rhaella and her late husband.

"Your Grace, I must ask, how do you plan for me to be your sworn sword, get married, and run Bear Island at the same time," Lyra asked with a hint of suspicion of the offer.

Rhaella chuckled. "Lady Lyra, I never mentioned any of this happening at the same time. I want you to be Lady of Bear Island until Dacey's second-born child comes of age. Once that has happened, I would like you to come to King's Landing and serve as a member of the Queen's personal guards, no oaths of chastity required. If you want to marry Lord Wull or not is completely at your own discretion. Either way, I will provide the coin for the rebuilding of Bear Island."

Both Lyra and Theo Wull looked at each other in a way that was trying to say that they wanted some privacy.

"It is a big ask, but I believe in you, Lyra Mormont. You are what I wished I was when I was younger. I will give you both time to think about my offer. Once you have your answer ready, come find me, the war council is meeting soon."

"Thank you, Your Grace. We will let you know our answer soon." She replied.

Rhaella nodded in return and left the tent again with Ser Arthur.

Ser Arthur gave his thoughts once they were well out of earshot.

I must say, Dowager Queen, I am very impressed. You made some very well made moves there that the North will appreciate."

"Thank you, Ser Arthur. I would like to hear your thoughts on the idea of a group of guards swore only to female Targaryen's?"

"As you said previously, Your Grace, there are some places where men cannot go where women can. I question the lack of a vow of chastity, though, and do not forget I am Dornish. It is not me you will have to deal with rejections from." He replied, speaking his mind truthfully.

"That is exactly why there will be no vows that are similar to the Kingsguard. I would like to avoid dirty looks from the court's lords that aren't Dornish or Northmen. As I fear they will be the only ones to offer a small amount of approval. If we convince them that these women guards are simply sworn swords, they will have little to complain about, besides the usual."

She sighed.

"That is an issue for more than ten years down the line. I feel what we have now is sufficient enough for the foreseeable future…nearly."

"Nearly, Your Grace?" he inquired

"Ser Darry will have to be replaced, I am afraid. Do you have any recommendations, Ser Arthur?"

"It is not my place, Your Grace, but I do suggest whoever we do find is young, Ser Darry was not, and age is catching up on Ser Barristan and Ser Gerold too. I do not deny their skill. I am just thinking of the long term as you are too."

She smiled. "Thank you, Ser Arthur. I will keep that in mind. Perhaps the upcoming battle will make the choices clearer. I will converse with the Lord Commander as well."

As if the Gods heard her, King Jaehaerys and Robb Stark ran past her, chased by a very out of breath Ser Gerold.

Herself and Ser Arthur both smiled at the sight.

"I think you better go relieve your Lord Commander of his post. Tell him to meet me at the war council tent located in the center as soon as possible."

"Yes, Your Grace." He replied dutifully before chasing after the King and his cousin.

The War Council of Harrenhall

Everyone gathered into a tent set up in the middle of the land they had set up around Harrenhall. Everyone of enough importance for the war meeting. Wardens, heirs, those with chains of office and Northern lords that Ned had personally invited. All were watching Ned and, to a more vital extent, Rhaella.

Waiting for someone to speak.

It was Rhaella who broke up the muttering. "My Lords, on behalf of his grace, I thank you all for answering the call to arms. We have done much already, and with your continued support, we will crush Balon Greyjoy and bring peace back to the realm."

Some small muttering broke out.

Ned was next to speak. "We have gathered you all here to get your word on what our next moves should be. We are willing to hear your input into our plans, but before that. Master of War Lord Randyll Tarly would like to debrief everyone on where our forces are now."

From an earlier conversation that Ned had with Lord Tarly, he knew he was not happy with not being told about a dragon's existence. Lord Tarly felt that as Master of War, he deserved to have known as soon as the dragon was born. In a way, Ned agreed with his grievances. He was an important man to have on his side, so to lose him during such a tense time would not do so well. This was one reason why he gave leave for Lord Tarly to be such a large part of this meeting.

Lord Tarly stood up, curtly nodded to Ned, and began to speak.

"As you all know by now, Lord Stannis smashed the bulk of the Iron Fleet along with Prince Oberyn. They were then able to bring the siege weapons they were transporting and some high-value prisoners as far as Seaguard. "

Ned noticed some smiles from around the room, Stannis would require a just reward, same with Prince Oberyn. It was just a pity he wasn't the older Martell, Ned mused.

Randyll continued once the cheers had died down.

"According to our sources, Ser Barristan and Prince Viserys are now at Seaguard, joined by Lord Tywin, among others. They hold Victorian Greyjoy hostage while we hold Balon's two oldest sons right here. Furthermore, Euron Greyjoy is a hostage at Dragonstone. I believe we have her grace to thank for his capture and the King's uncle, Lord Benjen, to thank for the capture and limb removal of Rodrick Greyjoy.

Everyone briefly turned to Benjen, who just shrugged as if cutting off the cock of the heir to the Iron Islands was something he did on a whim. The lords seemed to approve, given how they sniggered.

"Therefore, right now, we have over one hundred thousand fighting men and enough food to last us all, but the longer this war goes on, the harder it will be to feed everyone. Therefore after discussing with the Lord Regent, we have decided to march in three days time. Once we reach the rest of our forces, we will send an envoy to Balon Greyjoy with terms of surrender."

"Terms of surrender? What concessions do you plan to give this usurper?" Lord Umber questioned, looking at Ned for the answer.

Ned stood up again, ready to take over the meeting.

"I am glad you ask Lord Umber, we have not fully decided on all the terms, but there are some main points we would like to announce. Maron Greyjoy will take the black once this war is over. I have already discussed it with him. His uncle Aeron will be given the same choice as well. The rest will not be as lucky. Balon Greyjoy will be publically executed for treason, his brother Euron will receive the same faith. Rodrick Greyjoy, on the other hand, will be the example we give to his father for not complying with our terms.

"What about the Greyjoy land," Asked Hoster Tully. Ned presumed he was looking to gain some of the said lands.

"It is currently undecided how the land will be split up; however, what we do know is that the Greyjoy line will never be ruling lords again. According to Lord Varys, Balon has another son and daughter, who were too young to fight. It has been decided that both will be taken into the custody of the crown. The girl will marry a son of a lord who is loyal to the crown, and the boy will either have to change his house name once he comes of age, become a maester or join the Night's Watch. All that matters is the fact that the Greyjoy name will die very soon." Ned replied. He truly felt for the younger children of Balon. They were not at fault here

After received a few nods in response, Ned ended the meeting by saying. "We want what is about to happen to the Greyjoys to be a lesson to anyone wishing to rebel. Work with House Stark and House Targaryen, be our allies, and you will be rewarded and appreciated. If you become our enemies, you risk your own death as well as the rest of your family."

"We show mercy to those who deserve it, Balon Greyjoy, his brothers and older sons do not deserve much and some not at all. Fire and blood, my lords."

Fire and Blood

Later

The meeting lasted until the Hour of the Wolf. Despite spending an extended amount of her life in political situations, Rhaella had never gotten the opportunity to plan wars, and she was fascinated by what was involved.

Fascinated and exhausted.

The smell of sweat from being in a room with so many men was precisely that. They all had opinions, some of which were the right strategies, while others were disguised plans to further their houses up the political ladder.

Ned's plan to include members from both sides of the war was good five years ago. Still, it seemed to her that southern lords' ambitions had grown even more due to the number of spaces he made available on the Regency Council.

She just hoped that by the time Jaehaerys was of age, he could pick his own councillors that could be good politically and suit him. This was why making sure he had a close relationship with as many children his age as possible was a good thing. She knew Robb would be sent North soon but perhaps he could be his Hand of the King when they have grown men, or maybe he could pick one of his uncles, she knew Ned wanted to get out of King's Landing as soon as possible, but Benjen might be a suitable replacement, despite his reckless actions with the Rodrick Greyjoy situation he proved he was loyal to Lyanna and therefore Jaehaerys.

Maybe Viserys could be his hand? Thinking about such a thing made her think about her son's marriage situation. He was fourteen name days by now and was most likely going to be knighted once this conflict was over. He would have to be married soon. Would she keep the deal with Dorne? Arianne had been in the capital for the last few years. Rhaella liked the girl, but her father did by letting the ships with sellswords pass without any resistance was a borderline treasonous act. What could she do? He had to be punished.

She could jump on Moondancer and fly to Dorne now and enact restrictions or perhaps just kill the craven outright. If only it was that simple. She knew it wasn't. It would cause a political nightmare.

She sat for what felt like hours, alone on the outskirts of Harrenhall petting Moondancer. How did she end up being the first dragon rider in near one hundred and fifty years? Rhaella Targaryen, the Queen who had at least ten miscarriages, became a dragon rider.

No magic required, no burning of castles. All she had to do was bond with her dragon egg, and she just hatched. Why hadn't the others hatched? So many questions with so few answers. All she knew was that she had to continue to forge friendships and alliances with those who deserved it and punish those who didn't.

Speaking of…

Her quiet time was interrupted by the rustling of trees. Out came a tall man and a short woman, both northerners.

It was Lyra Mormont and Theo Wull.

"Lady Mormont, Lord Wull, what brings you out here this late?"

They both looked at Moondancer nervously. That was another issue they had discussed at the meeting. Some lords actually had the balls, or lack of to even suggest that Rhaella just fly to Pyke and burn the entire Iron Islands. She would be no better than her husband if she killed so many innocent fisherfolk, women, and children just to get what she wanted. What message would that send to her children and grandchild?

Saying that the idea was not entirely off the table. She just refused to put the lives of innocence in harm's way, Balon Greyjoy, on the other hand…

Her trail of thought was interrupted when Lyra finally spoke up.

"Your Grace, we just came to find you to tell you that we accept your offer."

"All of them." Theo Wull added while smiling.

"Great, I am delighted to hear it. Let me be the first to congratulate you both on your betrothal. She said while smiling back, genuinely happy for them both.

"Your Grace, we would like to get married as soon as possible, if it pleases you." Asked Lyra Mormont.

"I have no quarrel with that notice Lady Mormont. The only issue is the lack of weirwood trees in the South, despite the conversions, you would have to ride to Raventree Hall, which is a week away."

Lyra was about to speak again when Rhaella interrupted her. "Please forgive me, my friends, I feel so stupid. How could I have forgotten the weirwood right near Harrenhall."

"Your Grace?" they both said in confusion. "Is there not a Godswood right by Harrenhall?"

"Yes, but I just have this feeling that we should go further. Somewhere more special. The Isle of Faces is what I am referring to. I presume you have heard of it?" Rhaella asked.

They said nothing but nodded all the same.

"Good, we will sail there on the morrow. Inform Lord and Lady Stark, they will be your witnesses along with myself, and we will bring Ser Arthur along too, for good measure."

"You honor us, Your Grace," Lyra said, thrilled by the news.

"The honor is mine, Lyra Mormont. What you did deserves a celebration, and that is what we will do."

They both hurried off to prepare. There was no time for dressmaking. This was a wartime wedding. After all, Rhaella wondered how Ned would react, he might question the timing, but it was not as if he could refuse.

"Young love, eh, Moondancer? Maybe one day that will be us, right?" she asked her dragon, who just snorted in return.

"You really have been busy, haven't you, Queen Rhaella?"

She could tell that taunting tone from a mile away.

"I could say the same amount you, Ser Jaime, last time I heard you speak, you were just reinstated as heir, and now you are a father as well."

"I am Your Grace, Joanna is the apple of my eye, truly."

"I am sure she is going to grow up to be the most beautiful girl in the seven kingdoms, given who she is named after."

"Now, Ser Jaime, go get some rest. You ride to meet the rest of the forces at Seaguard tomorrow."

"Yes, Your Grace." He said before turning to leave again.

"Ser Jaime, make sure you survive this conflict. I would very much like to have a proper conversation with you at another time."

"It is good to see you too, Rhaella." He quipped back. She couldn't help but smile in return.

The Isle of Faces

They made their way to the God's Eye as soon as daylight broke. Rhaella, Dacey and Benjen Stark, Theo Wull and Lyra Mormont and Ser Arthur Dayne.

It was decided that they would sail over instead of using Moondancer, she could not take them all in the one trip, and they were stuck for time.

So two boats were acquired and brought with them to ferry them over.

Rhaella was amazed by this lake. It was so mysterious as so much was unknown. It was the battleground for the legendary fight between Aemond One Eye and the Rogue Prince himself all those years ago.

It was a critical battle, to say the least. Not only did both men die, but so did their dragons. Aemond became a kinslayer for the second time. Daemon Targaryen fulfilled his brother's wishes by not ascending the Iron Throne. Indeed a deadly time.

The trip took about an hour to reach the Isle that was located within. Once they finally landed, Rhaella was able to take in how beautiful it truly was.

It was so quiet. All that could be heard were the chirping of birds. They were just surrounded by trees. It was clear that no one had been here for a long time, or so she thought.

After making their way, inland Benjen called out to them.

"Why is there a hut here?"

"And the remanence of a fire?" Added Ser Arthur.

Just then, they heard the rustling of a bush, out walked a boy, about the same age as Jae and Robb, she mused, mayhaps slightly older.

He had brown hair and eyes that were grey. They reminded her of Ned's hair and eyes. As they were typical Stark features…

Soon after, a young woman appeared, carrying a few pieces of firewood. She had dark hair, was somewhat tall, and most surprisingly of all, had violet eyes. The eyes of a Targaryen…

"No, it can't be….Ashara is that you?" said Ser Arthur, jaw dropped completely.

The woman dropped her firewood and ran towards Arthur into his arms for an embrace.

"Hello, brother, I have missed you dearly." She said when she broke off the hug.

Rhaella noticed the little boy staring on in curiosity. Who was he, and why did he have the Stark features?

This girl, who must have been Ashara Dayne, then turned to Benjen Stark and looked back at Arthur as well.

"Arthur, Lord Benjen, may I present your nephew Jonnel…of House Stark."

It appeared the Stark family tree continued to grow its branches.

But was this Jonnel a Stark or a Snow?

A/N-Well,there isn't too much to say here. I think the biggest questions relate to the final bit. Why was Ashara on an island in the middle of the Riverlands? and is this son of hers yet another Stark and therefore a wrench in the inheritance of both Ned and Robb or is he the new bastard of Winterfell? It's not like there hasn't been a fight for succession in the North before. Despite how good of a ruler he was,when Cregan died all hell broke loose (it wasn't his fault really) and we will never know the ins and out because that's meant to be in one of those Dunc and Egg short stories. But Ned is Ned at the end of the day lol.

We have lots of Starks here. Rickard (Ned's father) now has 1 grandchild from Lyanna,4 from Ned because I messed with ages,2 from Benjen and 1 from Brandon. We can't have them all inheriting some will have to take different paths. They are all cousins of the King,that has to mean something. Who's line would you prefer? No offence Jae but I'd rather be the nephew of Arthur than be King lol.

It is only Rhaella with the dragon at the moment but they aren't too far away,

We went from Rhaella being Visenya reborn to Alysanne. She is laying the groundwork for a Queensguard. It's not a new concept. After she was attacked when there were no male guards around Good Queen Alysanne acquired a female guard of her own. At this particular time Brienne is too young to take the role and the Sand Snakes are sand…baby snakes,so that is another reason why its not being brought in straight here is at least 16,I'm not too sure on what the age would be in canon by the Greyjoy Rebellion.

It won't be too long before the Targaryen family expands again. Viserys is 14 I believe. It will get to a stage where seven elite guards isn't enough imo.

I took my time with this chapter and I think it showed overall. To get from A to C you have to go through B.

The next one won't be as long a wait I pinky promise