Chapter 36: The New Age of Westeros
Winterfell: Sansa Stark, Lady of the North, Dragon Rider and Keeper of Direwolves
The sun creeps over the battlements and domes of Winterfell bringing light and warmth, the Stark and Valreon banners slowly twisting in the breeze. Numerous dragons screech and twist in the sky welcoming the warm sun to the new day. In the Godswood, the light slowly wakes the creatures of the garden, some children of the Forest frolick around the Heart tree. The direwolves stretched and yawn, their pups jumping over their parents yapping and tugging on their ears. The light reflects off the magnificent domes gracing the top of Winterfell shining in the morning light. Around Winterfell the sprawling Wintertown has risen, women had blissfully begun readying the town for a day of trade. The Children of Wintertown jumped over puddles and were playing games of chase and hide. The evil which had swept the continent in the recent past a fading memory now. Their scars were beginning to heal.
Facing the sun Sansa sat atop Caeylin high above Winterfell watching the sun creep across the land to her home. Since returning back to Westeros it had been her way of being thankful for their lives. She would look down on the castle that had expanded and grown in ways she never could have imagined and thanked the old gods and the seven every day. Caeylins golden scales made her shine in the sunlight giving Sansa a glow around her. At the slightest prompting Caeylin circled Winterfell so Sansa could feel the exhilaration of flight. The remaining dragons screeched in response prompting the wolves in the Godswood to howl. Every morning their song was heard all across Winterfell and Wintertown. As she flew her blood sang with the euphoria of magic and her eyes glowed from blue to purple. On her last lap around the castle grounds Caeylin dipped low and Sansa vaulted off her back and landed in the sparring yard. Winterfell Master of Arms Kallryn bowed to Sansa as he drew two daggers and wordlessly advanced. Smiling an icy smile in return she dipped her head and entered the fray, blocking his attacks and launching her own. She bent backwards effortlessly avoiding an attack and spun around him slashing as she went. The fight made her feel strong, and in control, two emotions she had never felt before in her life. From Cersei to Ramsay she had let people control her and use her, she would not let that happen ever again. The minute she called for Baelish to be executed she left the little bird behind and became the Lady Wolf.
The fight became like a dance, and her body moved of its own accord. Kallryn swept in a wide arc down low to knock her from her feet and she somersaulted over his attack and landed with her blade across his neck.
He dropped his head and smiled, standing he appeared Stone faced but Sansa knew he was proud. She looked back at him with a smirk on her face and bowed, "Until tomorrow"
"Wait my Lady" spoke Kallryn, she turned back slightly at his words.
"You're ready for the next stage" he said gravely.
Sansa looked confused, "We begin tomorrow?"
"I'm afraid our lessons have come to an end, you defeated me. It is time for a new trainer"
Sansa was shocked and apprehensive, "Where will I find someone to train me better than you?"
"There's only one place that will give you what you need. The Temple of Shaerya"
Sansa thought that sounded familiar, she bowed deeply in respect to Kallryn and he returned it. She exited the arena to go in search of her husband.
"It's been an honour my Lady" he called after her.
Aeyrelin was in Winterfell's dragon hatchery, in the bowels of Winterfell the hot springs are perfect conditions to incubate the eggs. Combine that with the magic that is present in the land and they had successfully hatched dragons for their children in the recent months.
Sansa loved being in the hatchery, the warmth of the air, the feeling of the stone around them. It was peaceful and calming. Aeyrelin looked up at his wife confidently walking into the room.
"How was your training?" He asked with a smile at her as she stood there looking down at him. He felt such desire for her and fought the urge to grab her.
"Good- I think" she replied with a smirk.
"Good? How do you mean?" he asked as he focused on arranging the eggs so they have even exposure to warmth.
"I-defeated him"
Aeyrelins head shot up, "What did you say?"
"I landed a fatal blow on him. He told me he is no longer the trainer for me and I need to go to the Temple of-"
"Shaerya-" finished Aeyrelin in awe, "Sansa only the most gifted female fighters get the chance to fight there. It's an honour not many get to undertake."
Aeyrelin crossed the room and gripped her by the hips and lifted her powerfully in the air. Sansa laughed at his strength and gripped his face kissing him hard, feeling the power in the room throbbing all around them.
Early the following morning, Sansa read about the Temple of Shaerya by the huge windows overlooking the gardens in her office. Aeyrelin was right it was an elite women's force considered to be highly skilled and ferocious fighters. They are difficult to beat in combat and have only been beaten by the assassins from the Temple of Shadows.
She closed the book with a snap and smiled at how her life had changed.
A familiar knock came to the door and she rose to meet her advisor, Jaenis Keraena. He was descended from Alaerya's second marriage to Jaehserys Keraena. Sansa had instantly liked Jaenis' candor and frank nature, his advice was always sound and he guided her to adopt more Valreon ways. It was his job to escort her to hold court daily and oversee organisation of affairs for the North. In short he made her job easier, but he couldn't make the days shorter.
She found herself longing to leave the richly decorated room after long days of holding court and reconnect with her wolf pack as the moon entered the night. Leaving Jaenis to finalise affairs she sat under the Weirwood tree and said her prayers before launching into magical practice. It wouldn't be long before the wolves encircle her and sit watching her wield advanced Valyrian magic. Wielding water and watering the plants of the garden in showers of magically enhanced water, sending magic into the plants encouraging them to grow, igniting fire to keep her warm and entering the minds of a hundred wolves at once. It was basic compared to what Aeyrelin could do, but she had advanced her skills in the last month incredibly fast. She smiled inside at how much stronger she was following the gifts Alaerya had given to her.
Her days of being excited over doing needlework were a distant and embarrassing memory for Sansa now.
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HighGarden: Talla Tarly, Lady of the Reach, disciple at Temple of Stone
The workers tended the lush fertile fields, skilled in magic the crops had been bountiful this year. A stark difference to last when the frost was still gripping the land and rations were scant. The plants were being fed morning and night with magic by the Temple of Stone which had set up in the town adjacent to Highgarden. Workers and priests walked side by side chatting as the plants were tended to, harvesting was a joyous time for the workers. The crop yields were so immense they often broke out in cheers and dances of happiness at the change in fortune. More food meant a happier population and also more money. The carriages pulled by magic transporting food and grain moved constantly distributing food to the regions of Westeros and returning with gold. Highgarden was a rich land, controlled by the Tarly and Trallaer family. However despite all moving along, the situation in the castle was quite the opposite. Xaeron and Talla were at odds over one person, her mother Melessa.
Melessa had been twisted by grief, losing her husband and son had been a terrible blow to her. She had been inconsolable for a time afterward and flew into fits of rage from time to time. She had taken to interrupting time between Talla and Xaeron becoming jealous of Xaeron. She had once accused him of trying to steal her daughter from her. This caused friction between the newlyweds who were yet to produce any children.
As the sun dipped low in the sky Xaeron whisked Talla down a quiet hallway and opened a door quietly into the terrace. Waiting there was a table laden with food and bottles of Krysaelion wine from Valreos. Xaeron knew this wine was his wife's favourite.
Trying to steal some moments alone with his wife he kissed Talla as he thrust a wine into her hand. Sipping the wine she giggled as he ran his hands all over her, just as things heated up, the door opened and Melessa appeared. Her eyes red from crying and looking slightly crazed.
"Oh mother-" started Talla as Xaeron groaned in frustration.
Talla ran to console her mother looking pitifully back at Xaeron who couldn't bear to continue drinking such a fine drop after the intrusion. He simply stormed off in the opposite direction, his anger boiling over from the repeated issues she created for them. As Melessa sobbed into her daughters shoulder she stifled a smile at Xaeron's anger.
Later Xaeron was too angry with the situation to dine with his wife for dinner, he took his dragon riding to clear his mind and surveyed the harvesting on the lands. He thought of Alaerya how she had set up these marriages that were supposed to be the best match for each of them. All his match had brought was frustration and anger, well not with Talla but her mother was a package that came with Talla. He angrily blamed Alaerya for not thinking of this problem and flew angrily around the area as he let his anger boil out. Returning back to Highgarden Dome his anger was still raw and hot, every slight and every moment she had sabotaged things with his wife made him want to explode. What frustrated him more was when he asked about her character to other Westerosi they relay how gentle and kind she was. But she showed him anything but those traits. Even when people told him to just give her time, 'she's still grieving her losses'
How much more time should he give? She had caused nothing but problems for them since the ink dried on their wedding scroll.
Frustrated that evening after stewing for the whole afternoon he fell into a disturbed sleep in his office. His mind rambled through different dreams and Alaerya's face floated into one. Angrily he pushed her aside and she called out to him urgently, he pushed on through the dream but her voice kept calling. She appeared again as something rushed towards him in his dream and attacked him with a blade. She was behind the attacker calling his name, angered and injured in his dream he ignored her until she rushed towards him forcefully
"Wake up!" she yelled in his face in the dream.
Startled he opened his eyes and he saw Melessa standing over him smiling, gloating. Blade in her hand dripping with blood, at first he didn't register what was happening. Not until she brought the blade down again and again. Shocked he gripped her wrist tightly preventing her removing the blade from his chest.
Idiot, he thought to himself, I knew this bitch was crazy. How stupid is she?
Using his magic he urgently reached a healer to assist him as he held onto his mother by laws arm. Her hand still gripped the blade and she smiled maliciously.
"You can't have her you monster" she snarled through gritted teeth, "you won't take her from me"
"I'm not trying to you crazy old bitch" he hissed back in return blood staining his mouth as a Healer rushed through the door. Melessa looked around shocked and just before the Healer removed her hand from the blade she twisted it spitefully. Xaeron grimaced in pain as his fury built towards this woman who had been nothing but a pest and a burden on his marriage. Shortly after Talla rushed through the door pale faced in her night gown.
"Oh Talla," gushed Melessa, "thank the gods you're here. He attacked me!"
She pointed accusingly at Xaeron and the Healer looked over in shock shaking her head. Talla looked overcome at the sight in front of her, her husband with stab marks in his chest and her mother with her husbands blood running down her arms. The Healer looked at Talla and she knew what needed to be done, Talla looked at her mother in contempt.
"Guards!"
Seconds later guards flooded the room and stood at attention.
"Qaera place my mother under sedation immediately. Mother you're being taken somewhere, you need help"
Melessa reeled, "After everything I've done for you..."
"Oh don't start mother, you've caused nothing but problems since we wed. I know what you've been doing. This is my decision, you're leaving"
Talla crossed the room and looked sadly into her husbands eyes, "I'm so sorry" and she sobbed as she held onto him.
Melessa desperately looked around, "he attacked me! It's not what it looks like! He used magic against me"
Nobody listened to her, and she let out an angry scream bending back to howl at the ceiling like a crazed wolf.
Talla looked up, "if he attacked you why do you have no marks on you, and why would he attack you in his office?"
Melessa began to respond but Qaera touched her head and put her into an induced coma.
"Where will she go?" asked Talla tearfully,
"It's up to you, we can send her to Valreos or the Temple at Moat Cailin"
"Valreos" said Xaeron
"Moat Cailin" said Talla, they spoke in unison and looked at each other, Xaerons face flushed in anger.
"She attacked me while I slept Talla I'm not forgiving this" he said through laboured breaths.
Talla looked down sadly as she realised he was right to feel this way, and simply nodded.
"Send her to Valreos and keep her there" she said quietly and with difficulty.
Talla cried herself to sleep alone in their marital bed that night, her perfect life felt like it was crumbling in her hands. Her family were now rulers of the region something she knew her father had always coveted but nothing had ended up where she wanted it. She loved her husband but they hadn't been able to enjoy getting to know each other uninterrupted. Sometimes Talla felt like her mother wanted her to marry some mouldy old lord instead.
Xaeron lay in another office with the door magically locked so he could sleep in peace. His chest ached from the twisting blade that old bitch had used to try and kill him. The healers had healed most of the damage but his ego and that one last strike remained. Angrily he considered leaving Highgarden and returning to Valreos, at least there were no crazy women trying to kill him there. He tossed angrily before falling deep into sleep, instantly he was pulled into a dream walk. He was at The Temple of Healers in Valreos watching Melessa. Strapped to a bed and under guard he saw the Healers look at each other as they tended her. She was wild and angered at every turn requiring multiple healers to do simple checks. Just as quickly the scene changed and he saw Melessa under a heart tree watching children playing and smiling. He knew those children and he knew that silver haired woman by her side.
Sighing he exited the dream state and rose to pass on a message to his guard before returning to look out of the window up at the moon bright in the sky.
"You've never been so frustrated my son" spoke the unmistakeable voice from behind him, he glanced back unsurprised she was there.
"I thought you'd chosen the best match for me. I've had nothing but trouble since I got here" he replied tightly.
"Nothing is easy all the time, it's not right if we always win. We never grow, or learn"
He huffed in response and looked back out the window, "I want out. I want to go back home"
"No" was all she replied, "give it some more time. Sending Melessa to Moat Cailin is the better choice, it showed great maturity to change your mind son. Give Talla a chance now you're alone, don't give up on her"
Xaeron knew Alaerya was right and she knew what he was thinking, "we all miss you great mother"
"I'm not completely gone, you remember that much from your studies" she smiled before fading away.
Staring at the moon for a time he realised sleeping was futile, plugging the pressure in his head with his fingers on his brow he stormed from the room. The only way to fix his moods was to be on his dragon, now Melessa was gone he could enjoy it, fully enjoy it.
Hastily he traversed the dark halls of the huge castle to the main dome, his thoughts swirling in his mind. Still uncertain but resigned to giving things more time he knew making a decision now was rash and foolish.
Stepping into the dome his eyes fell on Talla's form staring up at the dragons, he stopped in shock. Hadn't expected her to be here, she had never really warmed to the dragons and vice versa. He slowly walked towards her and she didn't notice his approach, he stood right behind her and gently put his hands on her bare arms. Running his hands up her arms she was warm, really warm and looking up he saw why. She was bonding with a dragon, magic was pouring into her and activating within her. His dragon came to land next to him and he mounted leaving the process to complete, as he mounted his ride Traexon he gazed at his wife's dragon.
'Join me when you're ready' he speaks in magic to the soon to be named dragon, who dips his head in response as Xaeron lifts into the night sky.
Days later:
Talla walked among the fields, running her hands through the plants which grew to feed the nation. Plants which made her family and house very wealthy, at her touch the plants grew and flourished. Smiling at how it felt to wield magic even though it was still only basic magic. The dragon had activated her inherent magic and Xaeron had encouraged daily lessons in magic with a new teacher, Syaela. The woman was very patient and helpful with Talla while she learned how to wield basic magic. Talla felt called to work with the earth, and had begun with the famous gardens in the castle. Her real passion lay with working with crops, the food they grew tasted more flavourful and gave everyone immense energy. Syaela focused many of Talla's lessons around working with Earth magic to keep her engaged.
Aimlessly wandering Talla found herself in the vineyards, curiously she watched production unfold in front of her. She noticed a bare field and bent down to touch the soil and feel it's energy. At her touch the dirt came to her hand and powerful visions activated, Talla's eyes flashed milky white. The dirt fell from her hands as Talla entered the workshop and picked up a handful of seeds. Holding them in her hand she returned to the field and followed the vision she saw. Meticulously planting the seeds as she saw, she stood in the centre of the field and projected her energy outward encompassing all the seedlings. Feeding the earth with magic, she began to glow with white and then purple light. Flames exploded from her skin and swirled around the field and dove into the ground permeating the earth where the seedlings lay. The ground tumbled under her feet and the intense growth began, within a short time Talla was forced to exit the field. The grapevines grew incredibly fast and sprouted an abundance of luscious fruit. Talla watched the process eyes and body still glowing bright, baskets whizzed through the air to collect the fruit and take them for processing. The plants ceased fruiting after a short time and waved their leaves in the breeze happily. Talla turned away and entered the processing area, the workers were stunned at her magical appearance but continued working nonetheless. She approached a worker who was overseeing the new grapes being processed, "send me a bottle once they've settled for a few days"
The man looked at her in protest, "Of course my Lady but our wines need to age for weeks"
Talla smiled and placed a hand on his arm, he felt the shock of magic stream into him, "Not these ones Garth"
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Ruling Council of Westeros, Harrenhal
Numerous ships breached the horizon early one morning, approaching Maidenpool. The port master watched them arrive his brows furrowed in concern, he didn't recognise the sigil on the sails until they were closer. Hastily he sent a raven back to the capital aware the ruling council and First Lord and Lady were present for the days meetings. Forewarned is forearmed after all. Twelve ships in total docked at Maidenpool and looked to the port staff for assistance, which they received, albeit without pleasure or warmth.
Straightening his shirt and hat, Nocho Dimittis exits the ship unaware of the undercurrent of malice emanating from the Westerosi dock workers. Flanked by his guards they walk through the dock purposefully, powerfully and with an air of entitlement only one who controls the worlds biggest bank would have.
"So you see," he concluded gleefully, "the lands you have worked so hard to restore are grossly in debt...to us. It will take heavy taxation and trade restrictions to get you back on track. We the Iron Bank have decided to enter Westeros with our troops and remain here until the debt is paid"
Briennes eyes were furious and Aeyrelin was trying not to laugh at the words tumbling out of Nocho's mouth. The council glanced to each other incredulously and Nocho missed all of these subtle clues his speech was not going over well with the new rulers of Westeros.
"Wait," said Raeylion silencing Nocho's rambling to a halt. The Braavosi banker looked to him in shocked surprise, clearly he wasn't used to being interrupted.
"What you're proposing is nothing short of invasion, and coercion. How many other countries or city states fall for this bullying?" spoke Raeylion with thunder in his eyes.
Nocho's mouth opened to speak and no words came out, he simply had no response to Raeylions accurate assessment.
"An invasion, well I never!" started Nocho in exaggerated offence, "in all my years!"
"No one has ever been able to refuse you, no?" said Aeyrelin one eyebrow raised.
Brienne looked down at her lap and smirked, they sat United together the new Westerosi rulers and stood firm. The Iron Bank was here to collect, and stay until collection was complete, yet their plans were being ruined.
"Well how do you propose paying us back? How much time will it take for your debt to be paid in full? We aren't leaving without full payment!" his finishing statement was shrill and indignant, a vain attempt to regain control of the situation.
"There's no need to take that tone with us" says Jarryis seriously his eyes hardened, "don't forget you're in the house of Dragons"
"Are you threatening me?" returned Nochos feigning deep shock.
"What is the exact figure Westeros owes to the Iron Bank?" blurted out Brienne, the shocked Nochos turned to her and blinked for a moment. She waited patiently for his reply and he stood up, regained his posture of confidence and replied,"6 million gold dragons from the previous crown, my Lady"
Nochos bows his head slightly at the end of his words and the men all look to one another, Brienne sits patiently waiting for someone to speak.
"Consider the debt paid then, "stated Aeyrelin with a slight wave of his hand, "we officially sever ties with the Iron Bank of Braavos and ask that you leave our territories promptly. Unless you want to stay and see what kind of hospitality we have for unwelcome guests that is?"
The colour rose so fast in Nochos face it was like he boiled over right on the spot, he angrily marched towards the rulers. And when he was forced back by an unseen force his face flashed from anger to surprise.
"The Iron Bank will have its due" he said menacingly in a low voice.
"It has its due" spoke Xaeron with a hint of a smile on his face, yet his eyes remained hardened.
"Check your ships" spoke Raeylion in a bored tone, "the gold you request is aboard the ships. You'll go there now and when you see it's there all of it you'll leave with your troops and never return"
Having never been in a situation where debt is paid in full at once Nochos simply dipped his head and wandered from the room in disbelief. Muttering to himself he had no idea what's come over him, suddenly feeling a desperate need to go home.
As his footsteps faded Brienne exhaled loudly and laughed a little, "Did we seriously just tell the Iron Bank to fuck off?"
The men looked to her amused and they chuckled, "Yes we did" smiled Aeyrelin next to her.
"Did we really just give the Iron Bank the full amount or have we deceived them somehow?" continued Brienne in confusion.
"We paid Lady Brienne...in full. Deposited directly to their ships, not one dragon over" smiled Jarryis as his face lit up.
"But-how?" blurted out Brienne, "our country struggled for decades to get out of half that debt!"
"We are very rich Lady Brienne, what we paid them just now doesn't begin to touch the wealth we have access to"contributed Raeylion sitting back in his chair.
Brienne stood suddenly as an idea crashed over her and hurried to close the door before checking for eavesdroppers in the hall way. Smiling she rushed to the table and leaned forward so only the council could hear her.
"If we have the coin why would we ever need another bank. We should have our own, a bank in Westeros for Westeros. For centuries the Iron Bank has ruled the financial world unopposed, maybe it's time a new bank came to rival their power. What do you think?"
The men looked around at each other, impressed with how Brienne was thinking. Raeylion scratched his chin and Aeyrelin looked thoughtful.
"We can definitely do that Lady Brienne, it will not be welcomed by our rivals, but we can do it" smiled Xaeron.
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Casterly Rock: Brienne the Brave, Lioness of the West, First Lady of Westeros
Golden lions perched either side of the dais where Jamie and Brienne sit, she looks slightly uncomfortable at the crown atop her head. Jamie smirks as he looks at her, "Stop it I know you're making fun" she says through gritted teeth.
"Just adoring my wife" he returns sardonically, he wipes some curls from the side of her face, "Power suits you" he says gently.
Brienne snorted and rolled her eyes, "I've never felt so awkward in my life"
"Well our peers chose you for a reason" he said kissing her hand.
Brienne scoffed, "There weren't too many choices after Lady Sansa was disqualified"
Jamie stared at her for a long minute before leaning in close so none heard his words.
"Who better than Brienne the brave to lead us into the new age? You're the one with least aspirations to power, you'll do good"
Brienne blushed at his words and felt parts of her want more than his words, at that moment the great hall of Casterly Rock opened and the Western Lords streamed in. Some of the castles had changed hands since the Night King had killed any who dared remain after evacuation. Silver Hill now belonged to House Blackwater, Cleganes Keep had undergone major transformation to become Lannister Tower. The Lords all came forth and expressed their congratulations to the new Royal and her consort the Lord of the West. Brienne looked more and more uncomfortable as the day went on. Jamie sensed this and after some time ordered the band to play the ballads of the West and whisked her away.
Brienne looked back to the room torn what she should do, duty to her role or duty to her husband. She had difficulty saying no to Jamie so tonight he won over her role and title.
He took her to rooms which were rarely used and locked the door, dragging her to bed. A while after Jamie held her close and kissed along her back, he felt different. Something had happened between them that time their bodies came together. Slowly Brienne dressed and replaced the crown, "I'm sorry I can't-"
"It's alright Brienne, do your duty" he smiled at her feeling surreal this was his life. She held out her hand for him and after both dressed they snuck back into the festivities in the hall. The party was getting rowdy, Tyrion was engaged in some drinking game with Lord Quenten Banefort. Bronn had somehow started a knife throwing contest and many Lords looked on amused. Tybolt Heatherspoon drunkenly aimed with one eye closed and stumbled after he threw. By a stroke of luck the knife hit true and the room erupted in disbelieving shouts. Jamie smiled around at the raucous party, and Brienne just smiled slightly. Inside she still felt like Brienne the Beast, and waited for them all to start laughing at her and at the great joke she was ruler.
Lost in thoughts she failed to notice the stony arrival of her father in law and didn't see him until he stood beside her.
"I never thought I'd live to see the day a woman of my House would rule all of Westeros peacefully" he said to her drily staring at her.
They hadn't spoken since their tense exchange on the morning of her wedding.
"Sorry to disappoint that it's me" she replied tightly
They stood in tense silence before Tywin icily turned,"Come Your Grace, I have something for you"
Brienne looked after Tywin in confusion as he strode through the rowdy party and after hesitating she followed him. She followed him wordlessly, her mind in turmoil what was to come next. She knew of his dislike of her and his desire to see a Valreon woman standing beside her husband. And she had many misgivings as she walked what this private meeting could be about. Yet she followed him all the same as he walked through the lavish hallways with ease being his home since birth. Finally he opened and held a door open for her at the peak of the castle, she stopped a few paces behind and looked at him brow furrowed.
Tywin rolled his eyes and said, "Come my Lady I can't present a gift to you if we are standing here all night worrying about my intentions"
His stern tone reproachful and scolding Brienne hesitated but stepped forward all the same.
"How did you know I was thinking that?" she demanded.
Tywin slightly smirked, "I had a very close friendship with Lady Alaerya and she gifted me some sight and the ability to read thoughts at her passing"
Brienne gulped and looked around, she was alone and vulnerable here. She began to feel anxious.
Tywin stood in front of her, "What I'm about to say is between you and me only. If you tell anyone what I say tonight I'll know"
His threatening tone stirred the rebelliousness in her to awaken and she stared defiantly into his face.
"You can't say anything worse than-"
"I know," interrupted Tywin, "what I said on the morning of the wedding was- unkind"
He spoke with discomfort not being used to giving apologies before.
"This is not something I usually do my Lady," he stopped and corrected, "Your Grace"
Fed up with the pleasantries Brienne spoke, "Stop being polite tell me whatever horrible thing you want to say to me so I can leave"
"I actually came to apologise"
Brienne looked startled at his words.
"I've pushed my family in the wrong direction for so long thinking I was putting us all on the right path. But I was pushing us further into obscurity. You are the right woman for this house and the right person to lead our people. I'm-" he stopped momentarily, "I'm proud to have you"
Briennes face was frozen in disbelief, an apology from Tywin? She had never dreamed this would be possible. She had played over numerous scenarios where she told him how she felt but she never imagined he would come to her and do this.
"I accept" she replied still stunned and processing what had occurred.
Tywin glared at her as she struggled with the situation and smiled fondly for a very brief moment.
"I have something for you as a way to start new, he followed me here and seems to have very much chosen you. And I also had this forged for you"
Tywin passed Brienne an elaborate golden Valreon staff, it was inlaid with sapphires, diamonds and rubies adorned by a lions head at its peak. As Brienne laid her hand on it the staff began to glow, she looked it over in wonder at the inscriptions down the length of it.
"It's a magical staff," explained Tywin, "you will need to learn how to wield it but when you do I believe you'll find it very useful. When you master advanced magic the staff will change into whatever weapon you desire and you'll be able to-"
Brienne had tears in her eyes but didn't want to show them it was too overwhelming, she simply hugged Tywin while he was mid sentence. As she hugged him she looked to the sky in thanks and saw his face looking down at her from the rooftop. Instinctively she scrabbled back not being accustomed to being so close to dragons. He was perfectly still, perched on the top of Casterly Rock, his scales midnight blue and eyes shimmering silver. Brienne was immediately entranced by this creature.
Tywin watched amused, "He chose you Brienne, he followed me and Lanna riding with us for the entire journey. His scales are like sapphire and I knew he was meant to be with you"
"But I- we don't- I've never-" she stumbled through her words.
"I know, it took a lot of getting used to for me as well. Apparently we all have ancestors of magical origin and therefore when activated like visiting Valreos our inherent magic allows us to align with other beings of magic. Because Jamie has been to Valreos even though he hasn't explored his skills yet joining your body with his has awoken something in you. And so now you can join with your dragon"
"How do I do that?" said Brienne anxiously.
"I don't really know how to explain it, just stand in front of him and let it happen"
Brienne the Brave, First Lady of Westeros and leader of the seven kingdoms, the Lioness of the West stepped forward and looked in awe at this creature. His eyes stared calmly down at hers and as they locked gazes his eyes began to glow.
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Storms End: Arya Baratheon, Lady of the Stormlands, Priestess of Temple of Shaerya
The Temple of Shaerya was one of numerous military based Temples which were based in Storms End. Since her reawakening Arya had devoted time to reconnecting with the Old Gods while throwing herself into magical training. Her days were full of duties, wife, mother, head priestess, Lady of the Storm Lord and Faceless Woman. Since Westeros had repopulated Arya had spent her time equally between Harrenhal and Storms End developing plans for military bases and training camps. The response was overwhelming, people from all levels of society were keen to fight to prevent ever being defenseless again. Her children Jocelyn and Orys brought her much joy and laughter, waddling around playing with wooden swords and dragon dolls. Jocelyn had dark hair with silver white streaks running through and vivid silver eyes. Her beauty was otherworldly and she had a wild streak in her that matched her mother. Orys had dark silver hair and dark eyes resembling Gendry closely. Father and son had a very close bond and Orys accompanied Gendry to most of his duties. Even as a young lad he watched and listened very carefully to all his father did, taking it all in very seriously.
The Temple of Shaerya was where Arya worked most of her magic, fighting and laughing with the women who had come to join her there for training. Another Temple had been built close by with Arya's permission which she was beginning to spend time in, the Temple of Shadows. Nothing was known of Old Valyrian assassins but they had a very successful handful of temples devoted to warfare and the art of killing undetected.
At the end of every day, before family dinner Arya went to the Godswood and knelt before the tree praying. Driving her sword into the same patch of ground and smiling as the wolfs head glowed in the aftermath of her touch she paid her respects to the old gods. Oftentimes she sunk into a trance and saw visions, visions of things to come and things that have been. Usually the timelines were connected and she would be able to tie events of the past to what was happening in the future. Today was no different, she saw a vision standing on a dark boat in the dark of night looking up at a great pyramid as the boat silently slipped unnoticed through the bay. She heard voices and immediately transported to the room where the voices were. She saw Alaerya talking to a man she didn't recognise and was confused about what this meant. In front of her eyes the vision melted into a new vision, blood spilt over the floor of an elaborate residence. Whole families slaughtered, the city with the pyramids raising Valreon banners. Peace followed with minimal blood shed. Then the vision shifted and the people she saw dead were huddled together whispering. Those people went on to wreak havoc on their city, murdering an envoy of visitors from a foreign land. Arya's blood froze when she saw Aerylle and Jon's eldest son murdered by an angry crowd. They died killing but were simply overwhelmed. The vision dissipated and she was in the dark looking around, confused at what she had seen. Was this a vision or just a dream?
"It's nice to see you my dear"
Arya whipped around to see Alaerya, Arya let out a sob and strode towards her. Alaerya put up her hand, "We can't touch my dear, the living and the dead vibrate differently. If we touch you go back to your body and I go back to my side of the veil."
"What did I just see?" said Arya shakily.
"You saw the unfolding of another gift I have given to you my dear. The gift to see along multiple threads of time, future possibilities and where they lead"
"Like Bran?"
"Yes similar to Bran, except Bran couldn't work the same magic as we can."
"So...what I saw was not guaranteed?"
Alaerya shook her head, "Our lives come down to a series of choices we have to make, did you choose to go into the Twins after your mother and brother were murdered? No you chose the other way. Did you choose to stay in Westeros or go to Braavos? You chose Braavos. You made all these decisions not knowing where they would lead. And they led you to where you were supposed to be anyway, but now I've given you a powerful gift. The ability to choose which thread of time is followed and the ability to see where it leads."
Arya bowed her head in gratitude, Thank you Alaerya"
"Just be careful who knows about this gift you don't want to be drawn away from other important ventures. The council know you have this power and with all the work you've done will be valued on the war council. The point of giving you this is to steer our people the right way. Now I will go, your first student has arrived"
Arya followed Alaerya as she started to walk towards the veil, "Sorry did you say my student? I don't have any?"
Alaerya looked back, "If you return to your body she is waiting for you, I think you'll be surprised"
Arya instantly felt the heaviness of her physical body kneeling amongst the tree roots, her hand on her sword and her face turned to the earth. Breathing back into her body she raised her head to look up at the tree it's neutral face gazing back at her. The wind picked up and she slowly stood nothing internally kneeling in a trance is no fun for her body. Slowly turning around she saw Sansa standing a few metres behind her with her direwolf Rhiaena. They both regarded Arya with a slight smile, the wolf mouth open and tongue out. Sansa smirking and looking regal with her aquamarine jewellery adorned over her sleek riding leathers. Her hair was loose and fell to the earth along one side of her body, she looked like a goddess standing behind Arya.
"Sansa? What are you doing here?"
Sansa stepped forward flanked by her wolf, "I've taken some leave from the North on important family business"
"What business is that?"
"I'm here to train with you at the Temple of Shaerya"
Sansa handed her sister a scroll from Karyllryn which Arya read with her mouth open.
"You're my first student?" she said dumbfounded.
"Apparently so" smirked Sansa.
Arya hugged her sister fiercely tears stinging her eyes, it felt like another lifetime since they had been together.
The following day Sansa entered the Temple, unsure what to expect and feeling nervous. Numerous other women were practicing mostly Valreon women who had come to Westeros to train the newly emerging military. Arya and Sansa watched the women practice fighting, they moved unlike Sansa had seen. Sometimes a blur, sometimes in the air but always vicious. She noticed they all drew blood and fought as if they weren't injured, inside Sansa was beginning to worry she wouldn't be able to keep up with this level of fighting.
Arya eyed her sister sideways getting a feel for what she was thinking, "Think you can keep up here?" asked Arya smiling, remembering when she was asked the same question in Valreos.
Arya noticed Sansa gulp slightly, "No, I think I'm going to get eaten alive. But it's not the worst thing I've been through"
Arya smiled slightly at her sisters candor, "Well let's not waste any time then"
Arya strode into the arena and bowed to the women who stepped aside blood oozing from their wounds. Sansa tried to not look shocked at the level of their wounds as she passed them by.
Arya stood in the arena twirling her staff around her smugly looking at her sister. She began to stalk around her, "There is magic in our blood I'm sure you've felt it. If you want to keep up I suggest you get your hands dirty"
Then without warning the attack began, Arya slashed and advanced on Sansa who struggled with the onslaught. Several slices opened on Sansas arms, momentarily she looked at them and was attacked brutally by Arya. They continued for a time before Arya stopped the fight, Sansa looked grateful. Bruised and bloodied all over she felt so out of depth she questioned if this was the place she was meant to be. Arya watched her for a moment before reaching down and making her hands slick with blood. She smeared Sansa with blood, instinctively Sansa recoiled by Arya gave her a look and she endured it stoically.
"I told you there is magic in our blood" said Arya softly as she looked closer at Sansas bruised face. Sansa grimaced in pain and shame as she felt every eye in the Temple on her. A few of the women clapped and Sansa blushed in embarrassment, Arya joined in clapping and shortly after the temple had erupted in encouragement and applause. Sansa dipped her head self consciously and felt the aches of what we're sure to be painful bruises. Arya took Sansa to the Godswood afterward, she struck her sword into the ground and knelt looking at Sansa expectantly.
Reluctantly Sansa copied her sister and knelt amongst the tree roots, the sisters knelt side by side and recited prayers to the Old Gods as the sun dipped below the horizon.
They repeated this practice for weeks, Sansa would ride Caeylin every morning, they were fighting in the Temple daily, praying under the weirwood tree together at night. Sansa would respond to scrolls after dinner to uphold her duties in the North. As time went on Sansa was able to fight back even when Arya or one of the other fighters was attacking from the air. Slowly Sansa improved from being a great fighter to being exceptional, her days seemed less gruelling, and she had less bruises.
Stepping into the arena one morning she faced a woman she had feared from the first day she had seen her fight. The woman was a beast, huge and fast, unpredictable and brutal all at once. Inside Sansas heart fluttered nervously and she gripped her sword tightly as she bowed to begin. From the outset the fight was brutal, Sansa was knocked all over by her opponent but she was striking equally as well. Sansa drew first blood and the woman snarled jumping forward for retribution, grimacing Sansa breathed into her body feeling her heartbeat and the energy around her. Suddenly she knew everywhere this woman would be, almost like she read her thoughts. Blood splattered all around them as the brutal fight spun on and on, Sansa bleeding just as heavily as her opponent. She felt her blood sing as she whirled around her opponent like a blur. Before Sansa was aware of it she was fighting from the air, something her opponent was unable to do. This put Sansa at an advantage, she was able to weed out her weaknesses and saw many holes in her opponents defence. Returning to the floor she simply smiled and unpicked her opponents flaws, soundly defeating the beast of a woman she had feared for weeks. Exhilirated from the win Sansa turned to see her sister in the crowd, Arya nodded proudly and signalled to her to follow. Sansa still smeared with blood and sweat nodded in thanks to the applause from her comrades and followed Arya through the crowd.
Arya led Sansa through Storms Town and into the Godswood, Sansa removes her sword ready to pray alongside Arya. It was their ritual every day and had become somewhat of a necessity for Sansa. Yet today Arya held up her hand, "Not yet"
Sansa looked puzzled and Arya just smiled and dissolved into the air, which caused Sansas mouth to gape open even more.
Looking around the garden Arya has completely disappeared, "I'm still here"
The voice boomed in Sansas head.
"I've just changed forms, but I'm still the same"
A wolf approached from amongst the trees gingerly picking its way forward coming to sit at Sansas feet looking up at her. Sansa looked down at the wolf and realised what Arya had been working on.
"Is this why you didn't personally train me?"
The wolf disappeared and Arya stood before her, "How can you be sure I didn't train you?" asked Arya with a small quirk of her mouth.
Sansa smiled slightly as she caught on, "So it was you every time? You changed your fighting style every time I never would've guessed..."
Arya shrugged as she drove her sword symbolically into the dirt, "You're not the only one learning a new skill, what better way to practice than on someone who doesn't know what I can wield? Our lives definitely changed in ways we never could've known the day we landed on that island"
Arya knelt and looked back up at her sister, "Shall we pray now?"
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Moat Cailin: Jon Targaryen, wielder of the Ice magic, protector of the Wolf Road, acclaimed fighter and dragon racer.
The first few times Ghost rode atop Rhaegal everyone had a terrible time, Rhaegal fretted they were going to fall. While Jon got scratched and whined at the whole time. After a few times and lots of laughing from Aerylle, Jon persisted and it paid off. Ghost suddenly became accustomed to riding Rhaegal and internally Jon was relieved. He kept his promise to not ever leave Ghost or Rhaegal and the three of them flew to Valreos with the children below them on ship.
Jon's life at Moat Cailin had changed dramatically once Daenerys was laid to rest. His wife gave birth to his fifth child, a daughter called Syaera. She was a picture of her mother, silver hair with flecks of darkness running through with one vivid purple and one vivid blue eye. Her gaze was unnerving because she looked at people with such clarity and knowing. Immediately she formed an unspoken bond with her cousin who also had intense blue eyes.
Knowing it was time Aerylle over saw the castle while Jon settled the children into their studies on Valreos. All noble children who had the possibility of ruling regions and the country were required to attend school together on Valreos. That was non negotiable, it also forced them all to know each other and hopefully to get along. Today all the Targaryen children of school age travelled to Targaryen Dome on Aeyrelos for the children to start their schooling on arrival.
Once the children settle into their days of magical education, Jon sets his sights in the two places Alaerya instructed him to visit before she passed through the veil.
Walking the stairs to the Temple of Shadow Jon feels apprehensive and foreboding, he had read of this place and it didn't inspire a feeling of excitement.
Entering the Temple it was dark and very cold, which was a stark contrast to the weather outside. It was a warm and beautiful day, but in here the shadows were long and he thought he saw them flitting over his head. He walked on for what seemed like eternity finding nothing and no one. He heard a step behind him and on edge turned to see nothing, just a bird flying overhead. He heard another scrape and his heart rate immediately intensified, and before he knew it there were shadows spinning all around him. Blackfyre was out glowing but he knew he wouldn't be quick enough to strike and save his life if he were attacked. Before he had a chance to move he was restrained and a woman materialised in front of him. Her face reminded Jon of Alaerya but she was much taller and more broad. He looked up at her as she glared down at him, "My newest student arrives," she bent down and looked at him scrutinising him with her piercing glare, "are you ready to learn what to do with the darkness that runs in your veins?"
Gulping slightly at the reminder he held the power of darkness Jon simply nodded and he was released from his restraint. Glancing to his side he saw those who restrained him dissolve into shadows disappearing.
The woman circled around him watching him closely raking her cold eyes over him as he nervously stood in the dark temple.
"Your lessons will not be like the ones you had previously, this Temple walks the line between life and death, darkness and light. We blur the lines of right and wrong, I'm actually surprised Alaerya sent you to us"
"Why?" asked Jon quietly.
"Because you walk only in the light, you are honourable, fair, loyal. Yet the magic bestowed upon you is quite the opposite, you are going to awaken parts of yourself you've denied exist. It will challenge you, it will change you"
"Change me how?" asked Jon dubiously.
The woman grasped his face and lifted his face to be close to hers, "Your honour will remain but you will be using magic, both sides of it. You can't learn to wield a power within you if you don't explore what it does, this will take you to dark places. You'll want to quit, you'll want to relinquish what's been bestowed on you, you might even consider ending your life. But you will keep going because that's what you do- you never give up. That's why you were chosen, and I will help you. But what you face is dark, and full of terrors. I've warned you"
Jon stared into the woman's face for a moment defiantly, she was right he didn't give up easily. But he was worried about what she meant about wanting to quit and end his life. Steeling himself inside he replied, "After the things I've seen I'm ready"
The priestess smiled a terrible smile, "Oh but Jon you've only seen bad things being done, you've not done them yourself"
She released his face forcefully and paced away from him looking grim.
A child materialised magically on the other side of the room, "Training begins now Jon, you have the power in you, let's see what you can do with it. Kill that child"
Jon's face fell as he began to regret where this training would take him and who he would become on the other side.
Time was balanced between the Temple of Shadows and the Temple of Healers as well as being a Father to his children. His time at the Temple of Shadows learning to understand and hone the skills he possessed from the Night King was terrible and fascinating all at once. His mentor the Head Priestess of Shadow, Kisaeyna Trallaer was brutal with his training. Her sessions were gruelling and gruesome, some days Jon would retch for the whole afternoon after the sights he had seen and the things he had been made to do. He knew she was right, he couldn't understand and overcome the evil and darkness unless he wielded it and came to accept that part of himself. He kept his sanity with his time at the Temple of Healers where he used his power in complete contrast to help others heal. And so his endless cycle of death and destruction was balanced with health and healing. His time with the Healers kept him grounded and reminded him of who he was. Some days he questioned everything about himself after wielding a power so terrible it sickened him just to see the Temple entrance before he entered.
Just as equal was his power to take life away he had the power to restore it. After spending time learning to make healing potions, he was taught to heal with his hands, then he learnt to heal with no words or touching and how to assist the sick and dying to pass through the veil peacefully. When he adorned his green robes and tended to the sick in the Temple he felt the blood sing while coursing through his veins. It made him feel so good he soaked up knowledge incredibly fast and it gave him purpose. After a time he found the terrible acts of magic he did at the Temple of Shadow stopped affecting him and he knew it for what it was. Essential for growing his power and controlling the force that was within him. It didn't make it any easier when he saw his loved ones and was instructed to let the magic of the Night King take over him, his eyes would glaze over blue and all he felt the desire for was death. It was always death in the most terrible way. The magic Jon could unleash was truly terrible, he could kill thousands in one strike, he could crush a beating heart with a blink of his eye and at his touch flesh transformed into ice which shattered into the ground. With time he found a hardening happened when he wielded this magic around his heart, he looked past the faces that materialised in front of him and knew it was just a tool for him to become more powerful than the Night King ever could be. He learned how to seperate what he was doing from who he is, and after a time his teacher was satisfied with his work.
"Now we expand our teachings," said Kisaeyna, "I will now teach you how to be a Shadow. Once you learn this magic you have what it takes to be truly unstoppable, this is only being taught to you because of the qualities which are immovable in your heart. Anyone else learning this would use it for evil but you are truly ready to grow this part in you."
She taught him how to be a shadow, in two places at once and ready to strike at all times. The shadow assassins of Valyria had been so silent and deadly no written records had existed of them and no knowledge of them existed outside of Valyria. Jon was the first Westerosi to Master the Shadow who wielded and Mastered Ice magic also.
Conversely his time at the Temple of Healers accelerated as his skill in the Shadow grew, as he became a deadly assassin he also became a gifted healer and bringer of light. He felt an affinity for those close to death who needed the most work, and he often succeeded in restoring their life force. His work in the Healing Temple gave him life and passion, something he had never felt before in his life.
His mentor, the head of the Healing Temple, Reah Valreon, called Jon to the Gardens one day. To a garden he had never visited prior, he looked around with interest as he approached the ethereal beauty sitting in the gardens her green robes arranged around her and her silver hair cascading over the ground.
Reah watched him approach smiling, "Give me your sword Jon"
Looking perplexed Jon handed over Blackfyre, she cradled it and turned it over in her hands. The inscriptions only ran along one side of the blade, they glowed as she ran her finger along them.
"You've achieved much in your time here Jon Targaryen. You have even come close to surpassing your wife in healing skill"
She looked up at him seriously, "Considering what lays in your veins you have done nothing but shine during your time here. You've Mastered the Healing Arts"
Reah turned over the sword and ran her finger along the blade, at her touch new symbols appeared along with a large emerald on the underside of the handle.
She handed it back to him, "Your time here is complete, Alaerya would've been proud Jon. You did exactly what she hoped you would and more. It's been an honour"
Reah dipped her head and Jon reciprocated, sheathing Blackfyre he noted he heard a hiss as more magic had been put upon his blade.
"You have more work to do at the Temple of Shadows but you won't be here much longer. Your education never ends though," she said in warning, "Dont stop your learning back in Westeros"
At her last words she dissolved into a beautiful flock of butterflies swirling through the garden and around Jon scattering all through the Temple gardens.
At his next gruesome session of killing and death at the Temple of Shadow his mentor approached Jon and bowed her head. Instinctively he returned it.
"You are almost finished your training Jon, there are two more tasks for you to complete and if all goes to plan your time here is done. Relief flooded Jon, he had grown tired of hearing screams of the dead and dying who were suffering at his hand. He often woke with nightmares of him killing and killing without pause, power and greed driving him. But when he saw himself he only saw the Night King, the exercises at the Temple of Shadow were bending his mind in tortuous ways.
"Your last tasks won't be easy" warned his mentor, "but you're almost done"
This time instead of standing across from Jon she assumed a place next to him, confused he looked across the room and his heart stopped.
Aerylle stood across the room, the children clinging to her legs as they looked around the room terrified.
"Kill your family Jon" said the priestess.
The power of the Night King ran through his veins fast, ice crystals of anger and fury, his bright blue eyes burned wild and dangerous. Jon hesitated and looked to the priestess, he shook his head slightly. No he couldn't, he wouldn't do it.
"Jon, kill them" she said dangerously.
Jon looked back to his family, the people he loved the most in the world. His power reached across the room to them and felt their lives, their hearts, their fear. Oh the fear he fed on greedily, his power surged and with a painful blink of his eye the power of the Night King crushed their hearts. He painfully closed his eyes as he heard the thuds of his family dropping dead to the floor.
He crumpled to his knees conflicted with the training he was being forced to endure which was so in contrast with his character and interests. Returning to himself he glanced up and looked where his family had been, their sweet children and his stunning wife. Every person he fiercely wanted to protect, but they were gone.
"Good, now last task. It's different this time. You've been working on magical forms. Your last task will be something...different"
Jon stood bracing himself, internally he grimaced as he saw a young woman being brought into the Temple. She screamed and struggled, dragging her feet desperately trying to get away. Her fear grew the angry power in Jon's body and he felt the desire to take her life from her. How good it would feel to still that fluttering heart and absorb the energy of that soul.
"Kill her Jon"
Jon breathed deep and fast, his uncle flashed into his mind. Killing women and children was something his uncle who he loved immensely condemned. But he wasn't Ned Stark, he was Jon Targaryen custodian of the terrible power which would be used to protect the realms of men if the Night King rose again.
The icy fury took over Jon's senses and in the quickest moment he took the woman's soul and the force of his energy split her in two. She fell to the floor, blood pooling around her as Jon panted and looked over with furious blue eyes. Inside his real self struggled with the kill but the magic overrode his logic. He turned to Kisaeyna with his cold blue eyes for a brief moment considered taking her life too. She looked at him intently waiting for him to strike, instead his eyes swirled dark brown and his real self won the fight of reason.
Jon saw an interesting glint in her eyes, she smiled a small tight smile.
"That concludes our training, your time here is done. You are now equal parts light and shadow, good and evil, alive and...dead. Pass me your sword Jon"
Greatly relieved he didn't have to continue learning death and destruction here he handed her Blackfyre. She did the same process as Rhea but this time he got new symbols and a dark black stone next to the emerald.
"You are now a member of our Temple. You are a Shadow, everywhere and nowhere. You can bring death and you can bring life, you can kill when needed and you can save when needed. The Shadows may call on your services in the wars to come, will you answer the call?"
"If I'm needed and I'm not killing anyone I love"
"You won't be killing anyone you love ever. Your family are safe and very much alive. It was important to see if you could overcome your emotions to carry out a task. And you did. But don't forget Jon, what lives inside of you."
He knew, he'd had a burden placed on him he didn't want but he had to make the best of it. What other choice did he have?
She ceremoniously handed back his sword, Jon sheathed the sword and he could feel the power throbbing from it. The moment it was in place Jon disintegrated into thousands of tiny shadows swirling their way up into the night sky.
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Lannister Dome, Valreos
Tywin Lannister, member of Valreos War Council, commander of Valreon army, the Great Lion
The moon was high in the sky and all the members of his house slept with the exception of Tywin Lannister. Maps and scrolls littered his huge office as he planned the major military advances Alaerya had tasked him to do before her death.
He glared at the maps of the territories and the names of those who would oppose and undermine their rule. After a time he rubbed his eyes tiredly and made notes on the scrolls to present to the War Council. Multiple invasions executed at the same time synchronously had never been successfully achieved in world history. Logistically it was a nightmare, but they had magic and dragons as well as powerful assassins they can use to extinguish those who stand in their way. Looking across at the maps he began collating his strategies and plans of attack. The invasions had to be simultaneous to prevent cities helping one another or preparing for attack from the air. His sight had shown him Mereen was already fortifying their city with scorpions. That meant Astapor and Yunkai were too, those three cities always collaborated in their endeavours. Well they would fall together as well, Tywin made notes of army formations and who would be stationed where. It was the biggest military operation he'd been involved in and it was all left to him. Sure he had the council but it was his responsibility to instigate the plan and put all the pieces in place. For hours through the night he scribbled and planned, his focus and determination overriding the pain in his wrist from his quill.
At some point he fell asleep covered in scrolls, quill in hand dripping towards the ground. Ink had dropped from the tip onto the back of another scroll and onto the marble floor. Kasarra looked in on her husband when she woke and he wasn't next to her, she smiled fondly and guided her sleepy husband to bed who had ink stains all over his hands.
Sunrise the next day Tywin woke with a start, strings of silver hair danced all around him as he realised he was in bed with Kasarra.
She was dominant in air magic and floated slightly in her sleep, her hair wafting around her like a cocoon encasing Tywin in it as well. He pulled her close to him and felt her smooth skin on his, so pale and flawless. She stirred a little a dreamy smile on her lips, this was when he found her irresistible. It stirred something in him to see her so peaceful and natural, free of the Valreon styles of hair and dress. Looking over her for a short time he ran his hands down her body before she sleepily guided him into her and his day started off on a good note.
Feeling fresh and ready for the War Council, Tywin arrived with Lanna at the War Council meeting. He confidently strolled down the hallways with his handful of scrolls magically made invisible floating in his midst. These men knew he meant business and he had always planned meticulously and accurately. They had come to trust his judgement and experience within a short time. Even Arron Aelleron who had challenged his position on the council when he first joined. The men stood and welcomed him to the meeting, they shook hands by clasping elbows and looking intently into the others eyes.
Tywin sat and the scrolls magically unravelled themselves on the walls, unveiling the territories they would be invading and the formations they would enact them in.
"Gentlemen, as you can see we have our largest scale military operation in all of Valreos history. This operation will make taking Westeros look easy. We are taking on multiple targets at the same time," he tapped his hand on the table for emphasis, "it's never been done and succeeded. But I've been assured that this is the right plan and I've not seen the others be particularly successful. So I planned for this way"
"What is your plan for acquiring these territories?" said Arron skeptically
"Our first line of action," a scroll unrolled above Tywins head revealing the names of their targets, "will be using the Temple of Shadows to exterminate anyone who opposes our rule. These names above me are those who will undermine and seek to destroy what we achieve. If we eliminate them we succeed, if we show mercy they will take it as weakness and will lead to failure"
The men raised their eyebrows, "And it's that simple? These people," pointed Valys Trallaer, "will make conquer and assimilation difficult?"
"No," smirked Tywin, "they'll make it impossible to truly take control and effect change. I've travelled the threads of time to ensure Alaerya's instructions are the best way. And yes her suggestion is the only way we succeed. These people," Tywin pointed up, "will cause untold destruction and death to the territories we currently hold and will hold when we acquire them. Wars will endlessly break out, members of our community will be targeted and poisoned, our dragons will be murdered and displayed in the cities we struggle to hold. In short chaos will break out all due to this group on the scroll"
"Well it's simple then, we take them out. We do what we never wanted to do in Westeros and conquer" Syron Jaedra spoke fiercely and aggressively.
"What we wanted to do with Westeros is show we can come in and be saviours, there is good to us, there is understanding. But we are not to be underestimated or opposed in the same time" spoke the measured voice of Aeylis Valreon, Aeyrelins oldest brother.
The men looked around at each other and smiled, "Tell is the plan you've come up with Tywin" said Aeylis leaning forward with interest.
Returning from the meeting was a relief for Tywin, it had nothing to do with the men he met with. But the magnitude of what they were doing was enormous for him, he was definitely getting older. As he sipped his fine Valyrian whiskey in his office he decided in that moment this was his last war planning. It was time to rest and enjoy his children who were growing before his eyes. There was a knock at the door and he looked up interested and saw Jon slip into the room with a slight nod. The young Targaryen who reminded him so much of his famous father strode into the room, his great sword strapped to his back.
"You busy?" asked the young man.
Tywin sipped his drink long and deep, the liquor burning him inside and make him feel light headed.
"No I'm not busy but I'm exhausted. These plans for expansion are taking up all of my time and my energy too"
A drink materialised in front of Jon and he took it gladly and took a long sip, Tywin smiled in amusement. He had never seen Jon even hold a drink before this was unusual.
"Can I ask some advice?" quizzed Jon over his glass.
"Sure" said Tywin unsure of where this was going.
"How do you-," started Jon searching for words and letting out an exasperated gush of breath, "How do you manage the decisions- the hard decisions you have to make?"
Tywin looked at the boy in total confusion, what was this question about?
Jon stood and stormed to the other side of the room, he spoke without turning, "How do you cope when you do terrible things?"
Ah that's where he's going with this thought Tywin, he drunk deeply again and smiled slightly into his glass.
"For starters you have to know where you're going in your life, the hard decisions I've had to make have all come down to where I'm going in the bigger picture. Nothing is ever done just for the sake of it, but it's a means to get me where I'm going"
Jon swallowed hard and looked to the floor, he knew it made sense but he was still coming to terms with this new side of himself.
"Have you finished your training Jon?"
Jon whirled around and looked at him in alarm.
"I'll take that as a yes then," smiled Tywin, "one thing you need to get clear in your mind are the people who you would do absolutely anything for and then you need to nut out where you're going in life. Would've done anything for my children, and I did. My overarching goal was to increase my family's wealth and power. I was able to do that, along the way I made hard decisions but I always had that goal in mind"
Jon's knuckles gripped the chair tightly as he remembered one of those decisions was killing his cousin at the Red Wedding. Tywin clucked his tongue, "Yes that's not my finest decision, but what can be done now? I acknowledge I should've done better but I was blinded by other things at the time"
Jon simply nodded in response.
Tywin walked over to Jon and patted a hand on his back, "You're carrying a power no one in this world has seen. Only Alaerya knew what you possessed, and now she's gone and you're left here with this burden to carry. But you're not alone boy, I will help you and guide you if you choose to accept it. My door is open always"
Jon looked ahead blankly as he listened to Tywin speak, feeling the conflicting emotions within him. He must've thought Tywin could help because otherwise he wouldn't have come here.
Suddenly Jon sat down and fixed clear eyes on Tywin, "Right tell me the things you've done you wish you could change. I want to know why and how you dealt with it"
His face was determined and set, sure of what he was asking and wanting from him. Tywin mulled this over in his mind, his sight showing nothing major coming from this conversation he sighed and sat across from Jon.
Swirling his drink he started, "Tyrion was in love with a girl, a woman, by the name of Tysha..."
Days later Tywin joined his family for breaking their fast, Kasarra held a scroll in her hand and looked pleased. He looked at his wife quizzically and snatched it off her seating himself across the table smiling slightly as his children bustled around their food. He had missed a lot of this the first time around being so consumed by grief and ambition. Internally he thanked the gods he had a chance to start over here with Kasarra.
Opening the scroll he immediately saw the flourish of an official Westerosi document, he read the letter twice. The second time he let a smile escape his lips which his wife managed to catch with a knowing smile.
"Congratulations my love" she said softly raising a glass of Kysaelion wine which materialised in front of them both.
He raised the glass and toasted to the good news, the fresh fruity wine spreading happiness through him.
"The family continues to grow" he said simply to his wife as she floated the scroll over to her.
"It helps you mended things with your daughter by law especially considering she is the First Lady of Westeros"
Tywin dipped his head remembering with a bit of shame how he treated Brienne in the past.
"That's all in the past Kasarra, looks like we have a visit to Westeros we need to plan. I want to meet my grandson"
The scroll rested in the middle of the table, rolling open and resting where it lay.
To my Father by Law and his wife Lady Kasarra,
I wanted to deliver the news personally that the Lannisters have grown by one. Yesterday your grandson, Tyson Lannister arrived into the world. He is a strong and healthy baby and I am recovering well in the royal maternity suite at Harrenhal. We will be returning to the Rock in the coming days and would like to extend an invitation to you all for a visit.
No need to write I will know of your intention to visit,
Brienne Lannister
First Lady of Westeros
Hear me Roar
Later that day Tywin and Jon arrived at the War Council, the men all greeted Jon knowingly and were friendly. He had married into their society and could wield powerful and terrible magic. Jon was welcomed by the Valreon people with open arms for his acts to secure Westeros. The men all settled in their respective places and Jon looked confused.
"Forgive me men," he started, "I'm not really sure why I'm here. You're planning and expansion and continuation of taking territories but I don't see how I fit into that"
"We are aware of your disinterest to partake in our military operations Jon," spoke Arron, "however whilst consulting the book left to us by Alaerya some interesting passages were uncovered that relate directly to you"
A book materialised in front of Jon so enormous he doubted all of them present could lift it together.
"This is what Alaerya left to us for guidance, it contains every decision she ever made in governing our people and many of her dream walking visions. You'll find it interesting"
The book gently flapped open and the pages flicked incredibly fast creating a wind as they flew by. When the pages settled Arron spoke again, "When you read this you'll need to decide if you're participating or not. I'm interested to hear your answer"
Unsure of what he was to discover Jon read the spidery writing of his former mentor feeling intense melancholy at her absence. The passage was a record of dream walking, there were two visions. One which details the slaughter of his son and wife visiting a foreign territory. He reads the next passage where action is taken early and the aforementioned vision doesn't come to pass. He reads the second passage twice knowing what it is they're asking him to do.
Jon looks up at the waiting men, "I'm being asked to be a Shadow" he says grimly.
"Yes you are, it seems you're the one intended for this task"
"Even the strongest of us can be killed Jon. We have the foresight to change these events" spoke Tywin sternly.
"I won't be killing any children, just the men" responded Jon.
"That's all we ask of you, other shadows will be operating at the same time as you in other regions and territories. If the operation is a success victory will be assured"
Jon looked down again at the first passage feeling angered by what he reads, two threads of time one where he kills and survives and another where he kills but they all die anyway. The choice is clear.
"From now on you'll receive briefings of timelines and targets. We move soon"
VFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFV
Gendry Baratheon, the Storm Lord, Master of Steel
Gendry walks through the hills of storms end the walls bending and stretching as he walked through. He knew this was a dream but he was in so deep he couldn't get out. The sounds around him were oddly distorted so he just kept walking. Next thing he knew he was standing on the old battlements looking out to sea, looking up the great domes of his house soared in the sky with dragons flapping lazily in the sky. He drew his breath in quickly as the sight that greeted him was unbelievable.
Storms Harbour was full of ships, but like none he had ever seen before in his life.
Rising from his dream suddenly he shot from bed naked and raced to the scrolls he kept across the room. Arya sleepily stirred and watched him cross the room before smiling sleepily and dropping back into sleep. Gendry scribbled furiously for hours, the darkness of the night gave way to the birds and sounds of morning before the sun made an appearance signalling day was starting. The dream remained vivid and only began to fade when the details of what he had seen were transferred from his mind onto paper. He fixed the pictures to the wall and stood back looking at them from the distance. When he saw them all together his mind flashed quickly with the plans for building and constructing. Again Gendry raced back to scrolls and called for more to be brought to him. This process continued well into the morning. Arya rose from bed sleepily waking to the sound of scratching quill on paper.
She pulled the blanket over her head but could still only hear the scratching of the quill.
"What are you doing?" she called sleepily
"Boats" was all Gendry replied not wanting to break whatever connection he had.
Boats? Thought Arya, boring.
She flung the blankets away and came to his side running her hands along his strong chiselled shoulders. She looked up with her mouth gaped open at the dozens and dozens of drawings and plans he'd already done. Gendry continued scratching away like mad while she watched, Arya walked closer to the plans.
"What are these vessels made of?"
"Steel" he replied shortly
Arya made a face, surely it would sink. Feeling the grumble of hunger in her stomach she shrugged her shoulders and left her husband to finish his plans.
Hours went by and the visions stopped. He put one detail to a scroll and just like that the connection was gone. He looked around him and hundreds of scrolls littered the floor around him. His chambers had been overtaken by scrolls and his stomach aches in desperate hunger. Gendry strode to the door to his guard, "Rodrick have some food sent down to the forge and lots of it. I've got a lot of work to do"
For days Arya didn't see her husband, she joked he must be with his mistress but as days went on she grew worried. His guard readily told her where to find him and when she wandered into the forge her mouth gaped open. Those plans she had thought silly had taken form in front of her eyes, she watched Gendry work as if he was possessed. He didn't seem to be tired or ready to stop, he worked at a constant pace. One of his assistants beckoned to Arya to follow him and she looked all around her at the fleet of ships which were sprouting up in the workshop. Gendry s assistant Brandon indicated to in front of him and Arya stepped forward not believing what her eyes showed her. Several of these should had been built and they floated on the water, towering above them.
"Send for the ruling council Brandon they're going to want to see this" said Arya unable to hide the awe in her voice.
Sure enough the Ruling council were amazed at the number of ships produced in the short amount of time he'd been working on them.
Gendry looked around sheepishly suddenly shy at the attention put on him, Arya looked excited.
"Gendry show them what they can do"
Gendry turned and nodded to his assistants.
Arya ushered everyone to move back as the ships that had been freshly built were attacked with canons and scorpions. They sustained great damage and some began to sink, the council looked on in shock confused what was happening. At first they didn't see it, but in front of their eyes they watched as the ships suddenly sprung from the water undamaged.
Smiles crept across their faces as they realised what this meant, ships forged with magic steel couldn't be sunk.
The council whispered amongst themselves for a short time before turning o the Baratheons, Qaeryis spoke, "How many of these can you make?"
"Give me a number, I'll make it" said Gendry in response
"We want a 1000 to start with" said Raeylion, "and possibly more. Start there and notify us when you're done"
They council swept from the forge after shaking hands with Gendry and hugging Arya goodbye. Arya looked excited and Gendry looked withdrawn, "Arya we are going to need to hire some forge hands"
Months from this day a great crowd gathered alongside the man made Storm Harbour, the First Lady and her consort Jamie Lannister were present along with the First Man Aeyrelin with his lady consort Sansa Stark and the ruling council. The people of Storm Town surrounded the rest of the harbour looking on with awe. The entire harbour was littered with ships, steel ships of various sizes. Most of the day was spent showing the visiting rulers inspecting the ships and seeing how indestructible they are.
"How many ships are in this harbour?"
"5000" replied Gendry
The council balked, "Didn't we only ask for 1000?" said Jarryis Jaedra
"You did," conceded Gendry, "but I had a vision where the 1000 weren't enough so I made 5000 to be sure"
"What was this vision?" questioned Aeyrelin
"Your people are planning an expansion, you'll need 5000 ships to pull that off properly"
The council glanced among themselves aware that the Valreon expansion plans hadn't been publicly discussed in Westeros.
Sansa and Arya stood side by side wearing sleek fighting leathers, a form of dress Sansa felt more comfortable in now. Both their hair was braided in Valreon style their eyes shining bright looking up at Gendrys new fleet.
"Seems our family is in another position of strength sister" smiled Sansa.
"The pack doesn't just survive, it thrives" returned Arya with a smirk.
