Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or Game of Thrones.

Hello again, sorry this chapter took longer to post than hoped but I got a case of writer's block for a bit. Still I hope you can all enjoy it. Thank you to those that have been supportive of me trying this new story out.

Meera is now turning nine years old, two more years before she remembers Hogwarts.

As an honest question, should I bring Adrienne Martell into the story? I can make the story work with or without her but I leave it up to all of you whether she is in this story or not.

Just answer some of the questions posed after the last chapter, sorry I can't answer them all but it would be a very long section if I did:

Dendule95 – Can't yet I am afraid because she is a catalyst for some of the important events yet to come, unique to this story and not the show.

Pygmy Hippo – I am on the fence about the Martells, while I am tempted to bring in Adrienne I was going to follow the show where she doesn't exist. Now however I am reconsidering, thank you for your suggestion.

Frankieu – One thing about Catelyn that is undeniable is she loves her children, Meera included however much they hate each other. As for who is sending her the dreams, it is not her imagination they are coming from somewhere. That is all I can say.

F1intl0ck – I have to admit pairings is always something that worries me whenever I write a story, this one more than most. I have in this chapter hinted towards that and it will be looked on more deeply in the future.

Blaze1992 – You are more right than you know.

Mister LaGuardia- Catelyn is one of my least favourite characters in the show but I am trying to make her understandable. However misguided it is she is just trying to do her best by her children as she sees it and loves them all plus Ned. That is the reason she hasn't tried to kill Meera, she is still her daughter. Those dreams are not visions of the future, but they aren't her imagination either they come from something else. As for the Nights Watch I hadn't thought of that but very good point.

If you do have a question you really want answering just message me and if I can answer without spoiling the story I will.

Chapter 4 – Auctions in Braavos

Winterfell, the North...290 AC…

Ned was a little on edge as he sat at his desk, the reason being a representative of possibly the most powerful merchant bank in the world and one that could crush even the most powerful people in the world was sitting across the table from him. It was somewhat more disconcerting given the man showed no sign of the immense wealth and power his organisation wielded, dressing very simply if in good quality. He wore simple cotton and leather albeit with furs given the North's cold and refused to be known as 'Lord' saying clearly and with a smirk said that they spoke the language of numbers as they were 'more plain and less open to interpretation' and the North despite having better numbers in recent years did not speak well of it.

However when he had seen the armour and sword that went with it for himself his manner had changed, now seeing its value to the bank and the money it could well bring in.

"The Iron Bank will be only too happy to arrange the auction of the armour and sword if you wish to sell them together. It will raise the value of both as a pair rather than singly, it will take a few moons as you refer to them to spread the word of the sale to parties that might be interested. The only matter that needs therefore to be decided is the percentage of commission which the bank will take for arranging the sale." The representative, Tycho Nestoris smirked with self-assurance.

This was the part of the negotiation that he had been most worried about, where both Wyman and Meera had said they would try and take advantage of them. The armour was worth a fortune but how much of that they would get in this deal was now to be decided.

"I know, House Stark is willing to offer ten percent of the sale to the Iron Bank." Ned said plainly, however that was not true. Meera and Wyman had actually told him that he could go up to fifteen but not to offer that first, instead make them 'work' up to it.

Tycho didn't seem to like that number and said with a frown.

"A sale of this kind requires more costs to invite the best clients, the bank would prefer to take seventeen."

Ned was nervous as his sense of honour called for him to recognise this but the words of his daughter rang like a bell in his head. So he held himself firm and told him.

"Twelve."

"Sixteen." Tycho said plainly with a slight glare.

"Fifteen." Ned offered, hoping that his admittedly poor grasp of negotiating was good enough.

"Agreed." Tycho said with a sudden smile, there was a sudden glint in his eyes that made Ned wonder if he had been prepared to go lower but fifteen percent was fine with him. Fair given they were hosting the sale and finding possible buyers.

"When will the sale take place?" Ned asked glad to have that part out of the way.

"As luck would have it we have an auction for other objects in six moons time Lord Stark, it will take only a couple to spread the word and make sure all have time to travel. I am sure it will be a very profitable day for the bank and of course for yourself and your family." Tycho said with a smile that honestly reminded Ned of a predator and made sure he would stay on the right side of the Iron Bank.

-x-

Catelyn was looking through the secret letters she had been sending to see if she could find a septa to bring secretly to Winterfell to educate her children but after what had happened with Mordane none were willing to come for fear of being found out and banished. She screwed up her face in anger at her inability to give her children the education she knew was right for them and steer them towards being good lords and ladies under the Seven.

She didn't want to look through the window to see what was happening in the Godswood or the yard where she knew Meera was corrupting Sansa and Arya with her terrible ideas of what a woman should mean. Catelyn was horrified when Sansa had started wearing breeches under her dress skirts and even more so when she had cut the skirt up to her thigh and then sewed in buttons to do and undo whenever she she chose. When she had reprimanded her and demanded she fix in she had only shared a brief look with Meera and instead insisted it was only to keep her legs warm.

Catelyn had been struck speechless by her daughter's behaviour and that was only made worse when Ned had actually approved, many Northern women apparently wore breeches or leggings underneath their skirts for that reason and he saw it as prudent.

Arya had unfortunately followed her older sisters example and now insisted on the same which the older two girls were only happy to help her with.

Meera was worse than ever now, Catelyn realised with growing fear. She had such a hold over the family that she could honestly feel herself being edged out day after day, her nightmares of Meera destroying the family with the bastard still endured but were also showing other things like her own children acting like wildlings and killing septas and septons while setting fire to the sept...amongst other things that she dared not even think about.

This only made her more desperate to see Meera gone...for the sake of her true children...the children that were not cursed with unholy power and in league with demons.

So now she decided it was time to push the point with Ned, so later that day while they were sitting together to enjoy a private meal in peace she said.

"Meera and Robb are now of an age where we should think about betrothals." She included Robb because she knew if she concentrated exclusively on her daughter Ned would probably wave her request off. Besides all she had to do was find the right Seven worshipping girl for Robb and her work would be done.

Ned looked stunned, his food still on his fork as it stopped half way to his mouth. He put it down quickly after the words finally sunk in and looked at her with confusion.

"I thought we had agreed to let our children find love on their own." He said, reminding her of the decision that they had made years prior. At the time she had wanted her children to find matches that they loved so they could have a happy marriage like she had with Ned...now however she knew she had to get Meera away and this was the best chance she would ever get.

"I know but they are getting older now and with Sansa, Arya, Bran and hopefully more in the future it might be good to consider our options." She put as diplomatically as she could. He frowned, not liking the idea of choosing brides and husbands for his children given he had been forced to marry to secure an alliance and hoped his children would find their own best match. However happy if rocky at times his marriage to Catelyn was and he wouldn't trade her for the world he lost the woman he had loved perhaps the greatest love of his life due to the Rebellion...even now after all these years he still couldn't bare to hear her name it hurt too much.

He didn't want that for his children. But he knew to maintain the loyalty of his lords he would have to look into possible marriages for his children within the North, so he told her.

"I have invited a number of Northern noble children to come to Winterfell in hopes of building bridges between the next generation, we will see then what matches are suitable." He said trying to delay the issue for now.

Catelyn seemed to be put off a little by that but satisfied enough to leave it alone, leaving Ned wondering what exactly had brought this on. Catelyn had always dreamed of wedding their girls off to princes or high lords but never had she ever mentioned Robb or Bran. He began getting worried that maybe something else was going on that he didn't see yet.

-x-

The yard of Winterfell was alive with men practising to maintain their martial skills, many of them improved by nearly a year of fighting in the recent rebellion. Ser Rodrik Cassel watched with the attentiveness of a hawk as the men trained to maintain and improve.

Like the children of House Stark and their new ward.

Meera stood with her training spear in hand, sparring against Harkoon who was admittedly stunned at how fast she was able to master the spear. He had never seen a student progress so quickly in a short amount of time. It had taken him as it did most people a few years of practice but Lady Meera had done it in half the time. Her strikes were getting more accurate and powerful, her flurries more quick and fluid, with each practice she improved and he knew she would one day be one of the best spear fighters in all Westeros if she kept up her training.

This did not please one person in the yard however, Theon Greyjoy would never admit to being afraid when he had been taken from his home and brought here as a hostage against his father after the rebellion failed. He was Iron Born like his father and brothers and would never, ever be afraid of greenlanders he thought with arrogance. Perhaps he had been a little nervous but Robb Stark had surprised him by treating him so well...like a friend.

Friends had been a rare thing at home, his older brothers were often off on their ships while children of servants and other houses were kept away so it had been just him and Yara. Swimming in the sea or playing with her toys had been all they could do apart from playing make believe that they were great sea captains like the Greyjoys before them and dreaming up adventures they could go on.

Having a boy so close to him in age to spend his days with was a strange but...nice experience.

However the welcome he had received from Robb was tainted by the bastard and his sister, especially today. While the younger members of House Stark were all rather boring and dull, the bastard of house Jon Snow had bested him with the sword in front of Robb and Ser Cassel. It was humiliating for him to have lost to a bastard, his father he knew would never have talked to him again and Yara would have mocked him for being so weak that a bastard could defeat him. Not to mention being afraid of the two freak wolves that followed Meera around, glad for now that the two beasts were sleeping in her room.

He was already on edge though even before this as someone kept playing jokes on him, pranks they were apparently called. Dung left in his boots, his clothes stained or stinking before he even had a chance to wear them, pots of paint or piss falling on him the moment he walked through doors. He didn't dare go through a door way now without someone else going through first to see if it was safe and the rest was grating hard against his confidence. He could not prove who was doing it but he honestly was scared at the smirks Meera Stark was sending at him and knew it was her.

So the sight of the stuck up daughter of Lord Stark sparring with a spear, not a proper weapon at all made him smirk with renewed confidence. Now he was sure that he could put her in her place and show the greenlanders who was best.

"It is a shame that you wave a stick around, a sword is the only true weapon for a warrior." Theon shouted to Meera and her teacher who both turned to see him smirking at them. Ser Harkoon looked affronted and ready to say something but Meera raised her hand to stop him and with a cold look on her face.

"Then perhaps you would like to prove that statement, and prove you are the better fighter. Unless of course you want to admit you are scared and just apologize." She said with a kind of cold calm that would have been honestly terrifying on the face of an adult but on hers, a young girl it was that and more, deeply unsettling to him.

Theon swelled up with anger though, not liking her calling him scared or being wrong at anything.

"I'll show you who should be afraid!" He shouted as his temper got the best of him, Robb nearby shot his sister a look as if to say stop provoking him but Meera quelled it with a cold glare of her own that instantly made Robb abandon any intention of intervening.

Ser Harkoon and Ser Cassel did not necessarily look happy about it but could say nothing as Meera and Theon entering the sparring area. All around the yard people looked on with interest as the castle's annoying new ward/hostage faced off with their lord's eldest daughter.

Theon smirked, finally sure that he was going to prove himself better than anyone here and show this annoying little girl that her place was sewing while the real men did the important work. Meera stared at him with cold detachment, like he meant nothing to her and was not even worth being annoyed over. It was strange and worrying to see on her face but Theon was too cocky to react to it.

They stood at opposite ends of the sparring circle, Meera held her practice spear in one hand as she waited patiently for him to make a move, her eyes were focused and alert for even the smallest sign of movement. Theon felt nervous all of a sudden, he had expected she would attack first but raised his training sword and charged at her.

Meera stood her ground until the last minute, waiting till Theon running with his sword right above him was trying to slam his sword straight down on her before stepping aside and letting him run straight past her but just as he did so she smacked the blunt end of her spear into his back. He was knocked off balance fell face first into the dirt, sliding a short distance before coming to a stop.

Robb and Jon watched with surprise at how this was turning out as did a lot of those in the yard, Theon conscious of all the eyes watching him felt incredibly embarrassed and got to his feet quickly. He turned around, furious as Meera weaved her spear around without a care in the world, seeming bored and even yawned which made him swell up and near foam at the mouth.

He yelled and charged again straight at her, intent on wiping that smirk he was imagining on her face but she locked her spear with his sword blade and deflected it away from herself before delivering a kick to his stomach. He was instantly winded and the sword fell from his grasp, kneeling over while trying to catch his breath. A sudden jab in his neck made him look up to see Meera standing over him with a cold smile on her face.

"Maybe you should think before act next time, remember your people are only good at sea specifically at stealing from those that can't defend themselves. Keep that in mind." She told him with a voice as steady and calm as the stone walls around them. Theon felt a shiver run through him as she turned and left.

"You didn't have to be that rough with him." Robb said to her later in the Godswood as they practised their magic with Jon. Meera and Jon looked at him with surprise and annoyance.

"Are you truly blind to how he treats everyone but you Robb?" Meera said with irritation wishing her brother could see a little more of what Theon was like around other people. "I think he needs a little humility if we are going to be stuck with him till he comes of age."

"She's right Robb." Jon said suddenly surprising them both since he rarely spoke unless he had something important to say. "The Iron Islands taught him that the Ironborn are better than all of us...if he is going to change them he needs to unlearn that lesson."

Robb did understand what they were saying, he was not blind as to Theon's attitudes but he hoped they would ease with time...as he got to know them.

Meera had she known he was thinking that would have wished him luck, that sort of change didn't come overnight.

A Few Days Later…

Ned was glad that his plan to hopefully build some friendships across the North would start today, the annual feast was too far apart and brief for some people to make lasting friendships. So he had brought members of different Northern houses large and small here to spend time with his family and hopefully build some good relationships.

It would also be good to see if any potential marriages were evident given his wife's strange new obsession with finding betrothals for their children, Ned himself didn't like this at all but knew it was going to have to be dealt with one day especially as the current Lady Stark was a southerner which a few of his lords still didn't like. A situation he admitted Cat didn't help with, her blunt and naive attitude so it would be good to find matches for his children that tightened their bonds around the North. Robb certainly would need to marry a Northern girl, a second Lady Stark from the south was unheard of and would not go down well he thought with worry.

The party that had arrived first was the Mormonts, a family that Ned always had time for despite the actions of Jorah Mormont who had disgraced his family and himself deeply and fled before facing justice. Maege Mormont and her daughters were thankfully made of far better steel than Jorah and Bear Island was safe under their care, also their loyalty to House Stark was something Ned intended to reward richly one day if he could.

The Mormont leading the procession was the one that he had invited, the current heir to Bear Island Dacey Mormont. She was a few years older than his own oldest children but not by so much it would be difficult to bond with them. She was twelve name days old and already starting to show signs of becoming a woman, taller than when Ned had last seen her with gangly limbs and a few spots here and there on her long face but her features were pretty and she would he hoped be a friend to his children. The morningstar that hung off her waist made him almost chuckle, she would be a good friend to Meera at least he thought with certainty.

"My lord." Dacey said with a respect and a bow, not very lady like he thought with amusement that was not shared by his wife who looked at her with distaste. That did not sit well with him and he was going to have to have words with her later about this but for now stepped forward with a smile on his face.

"Welcome Lady Mormont, you are most welcome. How are your mother and sisters?" He asked politely while allowing the girl to rise.

"Very well Lord Stark, my mother sends her thanks for this invitation." Dacey said. Ned nodded, glad of her family's loyalty and said to one of the servants who was close by.

"Please show Lady Mormont to her room."

-x-

An hour later Dacey was showing all of Winterfell why the Mormonts were feared warriors across the North.

She had brought a wooden version of her morningstar with her and was showing that despite being only twelve years old she had been taught how to use it well.

Meera stood at the side in amazement as the girl only a few years older than herself fought with men evenly, she smiled at finally finding an older girl she could aspire too.

To that end she pulled out her training spear and stepped into the ring and beckoned for all the current combatants to rest, they all looked glad of it given they had been fighting for a while now but Dacey looked a little annoyed at the spar being interrupted until she saw who wanted to fight.

Meera smiled and then twirled her spear a little to loosen up before throwing herself into the fight, steadying in her ready position and launching herself into the fight.

Now it was Dacey's turn to look on in admiration, her family despite their loyalty to House Stark had worried that they seemed to be losing their way and forgetting how to be Northern. Seeing Lady Meera using her spear to stand her ground against many grown men twice her size however eased her mind.

The two girls smiled at each other, not needing words to understand each other especially as they stood on opposite sides of the circle with their weapons in hand and let their fighting skills do the talking.

Ned was worried as he looked at the pile of messages that had reached him, all of them requesting betrothals with his eldest daughter. House Karstark, House Bolton, House Umber and every other house in the North with a male member about the same age or an older man without a wife and more than a few from rather pious Seven worshipping families from the south which he suspected was his wife's doing.

Too many...too many important people to not alienate some key allies whoever he chose.

He hadn't even thought of potential matches yet he thought with exasperation. Cat had gone behind his back again and written to all the houses she could think of with a male member they could match their daughter too. He had been ready to consider their options and even discuss the matter with Robb and Meera, but now he was faced with a huge mess to deal with.

Meera with her achievements so far and from what Luwin had hinted had many more ideas to try was in some ways more sought after than Robb was. She might not be the future ruler of the North but she was the perfect Northern woman in the eyes of many, she had the looks, the attitude and a mind that was greater in its strength than a giant.

Robb was cursed in the eyes of many Northern families with the looks of the Tullys and was seen as 'not Northern enough'. Fortunately he was Northern in his attitude and a very bright boy that Ned could be proud of, finding him a match had become easier as more Northern lords met him.

Which brought him back to his daughter, who sat with him in the room, her eyes wide with all the proposals for her hand.

"So you see, we have a problem." Ned told her not wanting her to have to know this burden at her young age but he was lost at how to deal with it and while he had previously talked to others about this they were as lost as him. No matter what they did this was going to alienate people they wanted or needed as allies.

Meera herself nodded and seemed lost in thought, Ned could almost see the wheels of her mind turning at a frightening speed as she pondered the problem.

Meera herself was deeply uncomfortable with the idea of marrying anyone, even with the knowledge of another world and the memories of life as a boy or maybe because of that and the fact she was still just a girl...she just didn't feel comfortable with being...intimate with a man. It was expected of her, she knew that her whole life but it didn't make it feel any easier.

So she dug as deeply into her mind for a way she could delay it as long as possible, or at least give her some more control over just who she was going to lumbered with. Thinking back on her lessons of ancient Northern history she remembered it was common once for lords to send their sons to meet and try to court ladies or princesses of other houses. Now the Andal way of simply choosing matches ahead of time was in place but the old way was still remembered. It would give all the houses the chance to prove their worth and give her the chance to see just what she had to deal with also to find time to come to terms with it.

"We can tell all the families that we are considering all of them, so they send their sons to us and each of them has the chance to meet and court me. It will buy us time to find ways to not insult major families and show we honour the old traditions at the same time. We can even use it to let Robb meet more of his future vassals, you already started that with the Mormonts." She said hoping this might be the solution they needed.

Ned was again astounded by the intelligence and wisdom of his daughter, most would not even consider this as a plan and he would he knew have to consider other marriages for his children across the North to satisfy his vassals but this would ease his mind and give him the chance to see just who might be right for his daughter.

"I will send the letters, if we invite them one at a time then it should prevent a riot. Domeric Bolton was coming to Winterfell anyway to meet Robb so it would be a good start." Ned said worried given the reputation of that house and while he did admire how capable Roose was, Ned knew better than to turn his back on him.

Meera nodded wondering just what to expect when her first suitor arrived, hoping that Domeric was nothing like his father and ancestors.

-x-

A week later the heir to House Bolton arrived with an entourage of Bolton men, he was soon to go to the Vale to serve as a squire for House Redfort after already being a page for House Dustin which was ruled by his aunt.

Meera looked at the boy who was the same age as her, Robb and Jon as he dismounted from his horse. He rode well for his age Meera thought with admiration, he was pale like most Northerners but had a slightly more healthy complexion than his father who they had seen meet their father before. He had otherwise typical brown hair and very pale blue eyes, however those eyes she noticed contained a great deal of intelligence. They swept the yard carefully and did not miss a thing.

Domeric then walked over to them and knelt before their father who looked down at the boy with careful studious eyes.

"Lord Stark, I bring greetings and a renewal of fealty from House Bolton." Domeric said with respect keeping his gaze down and voice calm. Father looked at him, considering his words carefully before saying.

"Rise Heir Bolton, you are welcome at Winterfell. These are my children." He said with a nod allowing Domeric to rise, the boy nodded politely at her, Robb and even Jon which brought him up considerably in her estimations of him. He bowed to Robb before turning to her, he studied her closely before bowing again.

"My lady. I bring you a gift from my family, a chronicle of the Vale's History. I have heard of your interest in the written word and history." He said as one of his men passed him a carefully wrapped bundle. Unwrapping it she saw a very elaborate and carefully made book with golden lettering and decoration, it must have cost a fortune she realised. He had she realised done his research on her likes and dislikes before he came here and found a gift she would appreciate rather than the stereotypical gifts given to women. He was certainly smarter than most and more considerate.

"Thank you Heir Bolton, I will treasure it. Now perhaps you would like to see our library? I have heard you enjoy reading as much as I." Meera told him and his eyes lit up slightly at being given permission to see all the old volumes owned by House Stark.

"That would be most appreciated Lady Stark." Domeric said with his respectful, polite tone. However despite her warming to him, her father and brothers all looked at him with suspicion. The terrible reputation of the Red Kings following him and they wondered if something of their spirit lived in Domeric.

-x-

Domeric however was the picture of proper and decent behaviour, taking her arm like a gentleman should whenever the walked in the glass houses around the winter roses. He would discuss the old Northern legends with her while treating her opinions with respect, listening to her opinions and idea, he even spoke with respect to Luwin when discussing their projects and was keenly interested in each of them.

Currently they were in the sparring circle, him with a sword and her with a spear pacing carefully around the edge he was not like many boys eager to prove himself and rush in like a fool who thought he was Ser Arthur Dayne. He instead considered her movements carefully and was waiting for her to make a move.

He continued to impress her, she knew full well it could be an act something his father and aunt had trained him to do so he would catch her eye but her instincts told her this was no act. Domeric Bolton was a boy who when he became a man wanted to leave his family's dark legacy behind and make a new one for himself.

Eventually she made her move and with her spear caught his blade before twirling it around his sword and stabbing straight into his stomach albeit gently. A move that signified her victory, however instead of looking angry as Theon would have done and many other boys that had been bested by a girl Domeric instead stayed calm and when she attacked the same way again had his sword in a two handed grip that enabled him greater leverage to defend against her attack.

Others lost and got angry Meera thought with surprise, he learns instead.

He was admittedly the first of the Northern nobles to come and try to impress her father into letting him marry her, something she was still uncomfortable with. But she reasoned Domeric seemed like a better young man than she had realised, if he stayed this way and did not change too much as he grew.

When they were forced to give up the circle to other men Meera then had an idea to see how much of this was an act or not.

"My father is going to Braavos soon for an auction that the Iron Bank is holding, come with us. It is a rare thing even for nobles to leave our native shores." Meera offered knowing she probably shouldn't, but if she wanted to see Domeric out of his shell it might be easier outside of the North.

"Truly? It would be an excellent experience to see the city." Domeric said looking excited at the idea which made Meera feel more sure of her choice. She would not jump to conclusions and would meet the rest of the Northern nobles who wanted her hand but Domeric was already her favourite candidate.

Braavos, Essos...Two Moons Later…

Meera was practically shaking on the deck as they neared the entrance to one of the greatest cities in the world, she had read so much about this place and now at last she was finally going to see it. Next to her father smiled, glad to see his daughter who he often thought was growing up too fast acting like a child for once in her life. He had even persuaded her to leave the direwolves behind as a sea journey was unlikely to agree with them.

At her side was Domeric Bolton who she had insisted on coming along, he was not happy about any boy being around his little girl especially one with the name Bolton but Meera seemed to have taken a shine to him. He was also courteous and respectful, Ned admitted seeing none of the coldness and ruthlessness that Roose seemed to radiate from every pore. Perhaps it was his aunt's influence or his mother's bloodline but he seemed to be a far better boy than any Bolton Ned had ever seen or met but still he was not letting the boy out of his sight, not just because it would mean trouble with his father if something happened to Domeric but also because he was not ready to trust any boy around his daughter Ned thought with anger.

Soon however their breath was stolen from them when they came into sight of the Titan of Braavos, the enormous hulking statue that 'guarded' the entrance to the city's harbour. To call it a statue was they realised as they sailed between its legs a mistake, in reality it was a fortress standing at least four hundred feet high. Not as large as the Wall but still one of the tallest structures ever built by man and by far one of the most impressive for how different its design was being in the shape of a man and that it had stood so long without having to be rebuilt.

The city beyond was an achievement in its self, a vast number of buildings that had been created by slaves escaping Valyria with next to nothing on islands in a swamp. Now, only a few centuries later it was one of...if not the most powerful of all the Free Cities of Essos. The extensive harbours and waterways were full of boats and ships from all across the world carrying goods and people wherever they needed to go. They passed a number of very elaborate looking ships that varied incredibly from each other in their design and how gaudy they were, clearly meant to show how wealthy their owners were. An action Meera how very foolish given that was sure to attract pirates, probably why the ships were also very well armed she reasoned.

They had travelled in a large ship true but it was a normal Northern ship which belonged to House Manderly and had brought a few other similar ships with them as escort led by Ser Wendel Manderly again, the aim being not to attract attention given the potential value of what they were carrying. The Valyrian Armour which was in a thick wooden chest in father's cabin, just in case of trouble the GreatJon had insisted on joining them with a number of his men.

As the ship pulled into the dock they saw Tycho Nestoris, the representative of the Iron Bank who they had met at Winterfell before. He smiled as they disembarked and greeted them with a fierce looking group of guards behind him.

"Welcome to Braavos Lord Stark, I trust the item you will be auctioning off is aboard?" He asked and Ned with a frown told him.

"I am a man of my word, the 'item' as you put it is safely within the chest." He said not liking his integrity questioned and gestured carefully to the large chest being carried by four men which had been secured by many locks and chains. Tycho nodded in acceptance and said.

"Forgive me Lord Stark but given that we have assembled some of the wealthiest individuals in the world we feel the need to check. Please follow me to the Bank where the auction will be held."

The members of their party who didn't know about the armour looked at Lord Stark with confusion, Domeric especially not sure why House Stark would need to sell anything to the Iron Bank in an auction or what they could be selling. The size and security on the chest only added to the mystery but when Domeric looked to her Meera just smiled and said.

"All will be revealed soon enough."

He and the other men looked mystified by her smile and comment, the GreatJon smiling wide and laughing while Ned just gave her an annoyed look but as they moved through the city, taking in the sights as they made their way to the bank she saw him smirk a little.

-x-

None of them saw another ship enter the harbour an hour later, it was a rare sight indeed though as it had a far sleeker and more streamlined hull than the others around it. It also had three masts with slightly different sail arrangement with a large bird as a figurehead. More experienced men would know this ship as a 'Swan ship', one of the great ocean going ships that were bigger than most and sailed far better as well. Built in the Summer Isles they were a rare sight in most ports.

This one however did not belong to them any more. This ship had been stolen from the harbour in Qarth, leaving the crew either dead or stranded.

On the deck of his ship a bearded man smirked widely at the city before him, one of the few places he had never tried to raid and had left their ships alone. It was good he reasoned to have a place to spend your loot without having to avoid the law. Spending money here often made the authorities give you a lot of breathing space, bribes too worked wonders.

However given what he had planned this would be his last time in this city as himself at least he thought, licking lips at what was to come. Through a very informative prisoner taken during a recent raid to the south he had learned of the enormous auction being held by the Iron Bank, the treasures he had learnt they were being sold were worth losing the ability to dock here. He contented himself with the wealth he would gain and there were other places he could dock his ship.

His name had changed too many times for any to have real meaning any more but he had become partial to 'Morgan', changing name and the name and colour scheme of his ship frequently to throw off the law. Punishing his crew by keel-hauling if they said too much or disobeyed his orders, the sounds of their screaming as their skin was torn by the barnacles on the hull bringing a smile to his face.

Also to terrify his opponents he often took prisoners who he would hold for ransom or torture to death and hang their bodies in cages from the masts or even along the hull. The sight alone made some sailors surrender without a single thought of fighting back, he had raided all the known seas of the world and laid his hands on riches most could only dream of.

And this was going to be the biggest single prize of his life.

However being on land and protected by far greater fighting men than he usually had to content with, something that had made him seek out help in claiming the treasure. A fact that galled him considerably but he resolved that once the prize was theirs and they were out at sea he could kill those he had brought and take more for himself.

Still the sellswords he had convinced to leave their company and join him were his sort of men he thought with a vicious smirk, some might even be worth sailing with after this given how in line with his way of doing things that they were. The lead man Caggo, a former Dothraki who took what he wanted and then killed when he felt like it. More than just killed, he was known as the Corpsekiller for his desecration of the bodies of his victims. The huge man with a horrible scarred face sat on the deck cleaning his large arakh sword which Morgan noticed was made of Valyrian steel, that would be a prize in itself and he was looking forward to taking it if their...relationship took a turn for the worst.

Still it was going to be a lot of fun he thought with a smirk.

The day before the sale once the armour and sword were secure in the Iron Bank's vaults were free to be spent however people liked. The GreatJon spent his time with Ned and others in a tavern while Meera and Domeric walked around the city with a number of guards escorting them. They walked the many canals of the city, marvelling at the unusual city around them. They walked past Drowned Town where so many buildings were now only just above the water of the lagoon by their domes or towers.

Some of the poor still lived there but only just, from there they went to the Isle of the Gods to see the many temples that were there. The Temple of the Moonsingers was the first to catch their eye, not surprising given it was large building made of sparkling white marble with a silver dome and milk glass windows which all showed the different stages of the moon cycle.

The pair sat as the priestesses carried out their daily service, their voices ethereal as they sat their hymns and it was Meera felt touching in a way.

"The service was moving." Domeric said with slight awe in his voice as they walked the canals. "The way the describe the cycle of the moon."

"Indeed." Meera said as she walked side by side, enjoying the city and its unique flavour. Seeing the sun falling lower in the sky she said with regret. "We had better return to the inn, else my father will come looking for us."

"True." Domeric said with a sigh before turning around to return to the inn. "I know the auction is tomorrow but maybe we might have a few days more in the city before heading home." He suggested hoping that maybe they would have more time to explore the city but Meera shook her head.

"Father intends to return to the North the moment he is able, he prefers to carry out our business here and then go home as soon as possible." Meera said regretfully, she would herself like to explore the city some more but father didn't like to be away from Winterfell for long. "Still we should have an extra day or so after the auction or so I hope."

"So do I my lady." Domeric said with a smile that was actually rather warm. She smiled back glad to have brought him along.

Happy Port, Braavos…

Some men however preferred to find a different way to experience another city...see if its whores were better than the ones that they had experienced before.

A bunch of Northern men were enjoying themselves by experiencing Braavosi whores who were exceptional in their experience and technique.

Jory Cassel would normally not bother with this kind of activity, feeling it was unseemly to do it at all. He was not a Seven worshipper and knew a man and woman should be free to enjoy each other's bodies if they wished but it was not his way to indulge so casually.

However when he saw her...he became very interested indeed.

She was a little older than him, slender with perfect dark hair and warm blue eyes. She looked so out of place here Jory had to resist the urge to drag her out of this place, she was quick to laugh and smiled widely but there was an air of sadness about her.

Like she had experienced something awful.

He instantly got up and went over to her, she saw him approach and seemed resigned when a second rather drunk man with a mop of white hair and a smile that seemed unsettling grabbed her arm in a painfully tight grip.

"Room...now!" He slurred with the ale making it hard to understand him but Jory stepped forward and said as he pulled the man off of her.

"I am afraid the lady has decided to grace me with her company tonight. Good evening." Jory said sternly and took hold of the woman's hand and pulled her away. She was surprised but didn't fight him and instead directed him with her finger to her room.

Once inside they closed the door and she began to disrobe but he put his hand up to stop her.

"My lady I was not intending to use your bed tonight, I just wanted to spare you that man's...attentions. I will gladly pay for the night talking though if it is coin you worry for."

The woman looked surprised that he didn't want her like that, it seemed to make her gaze off into distance for a moment as she said with great sadness in surprisingly the Common Tongue of Westeros.

"No one has just wanted to talk with me for so long I had forgotten the feeling, every man I have ever met as only wanted me for sex...even my former husband." She said with a shudder running through her, as if the memory itself gave her physical pain.

Jory feeling very much like this woman needed to talk more than she would ever say asked.

"What is your name?"

Again she seemed surprised he actually cared enough to ask before telling him.

"Most call me the Sailor's Wife, something the owner of the brothel said gave me allure. My real name, I haven't heard it spoken in so long I nearly forgot it." She told him, thinking for a moment before telling him. "Tysha. My name is Tysha." She told him, sounding like saying it had been a difficult task in itself.

Jory wondered what horror must have happened to this woman to make her not want to say her own name. His heart went out to her as he knew full well the terrible things that could happen to women at the hands of men.

"Then let us just talk of subjects you want to speak of." Jory said kindly and she smiled at him, now looking more confident and so they sat on her bed and talked...just talked.

She eventually spoke of her daughter Lanna, a memento of her brief first marriage once she was comfortable enough, even showing the nearby small bed where the girl slept. She was Jory noticed with surprise blonde haired unlike her mother and saw she was a very pretty girl.

The idea of her having to follow her mother into this profession angered him more than he could say and he wanted desperately to find her somewhere else to be that would not drag them down into this debauchery any longer. Tysha smiled when he told her so and then much to his surprise, kissed him.

He was stunned for a moment, so much so he did nothing but after a moment he came to his senses and gently pushed her away.

"Tysha, I do not need for you to do anything but give me the pleasure of your wit and company. It is bad enough you were forced into this life to provide for your daughter...I will not extort such things from you for money." He told her fiercely but she just smiled sadly before placing her small and delicate hand on his cheek and said.

"I gave myself to a man that I once thought was the best man I had ever met and he rejected me for his family's favour and their lies. Those short weeks we had together were some of the happiest of my life...I...I would ask for just one night that you let me know what it is to feel like that again...just for one night." She told him nervous as she obviously expected him to refuse but he nodded and said.

"If that is what you want."

She smiled warmly and told him.

"Most men claim that I marry them before letting them share my bed but that is more of a legend and meaningless words but for tonight at least I take you Jory Cassel as my husband." She told him and after calling in a rather drunken priest in red robes they were quickly wed, but before he could say another word kissed him with passion. He was taken aback but gently wrapped his arms around her waist and held her close. Slowly they removed each other's clothes until they were naked and slipped into bed.

-x-

Jory awoke the next morning to feel the soft and slender form of Tysha resting against him, he was glad to see she was smiling in her sleep and nestled into him when he moved ever so slightly. He had been as attentive as possible last night to her needs as he was able and she seemed to enjoy herself. He thought back his desire to her away from this and frowned, now more determined than ever to take her back with him to Winterfell. She deserved better than this, so did her daughter he thought but wondered why she was so afraid to return to Westeros? She came from there she had admitted that much during their long talk but she was terrified at the idea of going back and had not been willing to admit why.

He was about to wake her when suddenly without warning the door burst open and a drunken yell was the only warning he got as the man from earlier that he had saved Tysha from came charging in his sword raised high above his head.

The sword came down hard but whether he had been so drunk that he missed or perhaps she had been his target all along it hit Tysha rather than Jory.

Jory was stunned as the sword became lodged in Tysha's head, killing her instantly but that was short-lived as he felt rage unlike any he had ever felt before. With the drunk man still looking with a nasty smile on his face Jory moved faster than he ever had before and smashed his fist hard into the smug bastard's face.

That certainly wiped away his smirk, along with a few rotting teeth but it did not stop Jory who wrapped his hands around the man's neck and squeezed hard, the man started gasping grabbing furiously at Jory's hands which fastened even harder around his throat.

He was aware of men outside fighting but nothing else as he literally choked the life out of man that had dared kill Tysha, he heard some men trying to tell him not too but he couldn't tell nor did he care if they were his friends or not. He watched as the life left his eyes and eventually passed right there on the floor. Jory let go and stood back, turning to look at Tysha one last time and was brought to tears when he saw the smile on her face.

It broke his heart, just as her life was about to take a turn for the better it was snuffed out like a candle right before his eyes. He felt horrible, wretched that he hadn't been able to save her when she needed him.

A sudden wail and crying sounded, he turned to look and saw Lanna had been woken by all the commotion and had seen her mother's body. Jory instantly rushed over and took the saw girl no older than young Lady Sansa Stark back home into his arms and gently comforted her as best he could. She struggled against him for a moment but soon was openly sobbing in his arms as she clung to him for comfort.

This lasted a long time until the tiny girl calmed down, who he now realised had very stunning emerald green coloured eyes to go with her golden hair. Yet he could see much of her mother in her at this moment, so it broke his heart to see the little girl so broken. His own uncle's daughter Beth, his cousin who was only little still coming firmly into mind.

In that moment he made his decision.

"Hush now Little Lanna, your mother was my wife and you will be safe in Winterfell soon." Jory said, now determined to take responsibility for the little girl and see to it she was raised with the care and attention she needed. He had failed her mother he would not fail Lanna.

-x-

The auction was held later that day, Ned stood with his daughter (who had even brought her special spear much to his annoyance), young Domeric, the GreatJon and others as the guests arrived. It was a very elaborate and gaudy display of wealth in itself he thought with derision. So many wore actual jewels sewed into their clothing and silk trains that were so long that they had to be carried by several servants. Some even had palanquins which were studded with gold and silver not to mention many precious stones. It was far too impractical for his tastes and he desperately wanted to get away from here but a stern look from his own daughter made him bite his tongue. When the GreatJon looked like he was going to say something to deride them Meera actually stamped her small foot down on his with surprising force.

The giant of a man actually winced in pain and looked at her surprise but she just shook her head as if to say 'Don't'. He then smiled and said quietly to his lord.

"That girl of yours is pure Northerner, I only wish I had a daughter like her."

Ned wished briefly the GreatJon had even the slightest idea of what Meera was like to live with, the trouble she always seemed to cause. He loved her dearly but she caused him more than his share of headaches over the years. If this kept up he realised he was going to go grey much earlier than he had hoped.

However he was not able to think more on this as he saw one of his men, one of his best men actually Jory Cassel coming up to them with a small girl in his arms. All of them looked shocked at the small blonde girl in his arms who looked at them scared before hiding her face in his shoulder.

"My lord, this is Lanna." Jory said to his liege lord who just stared at him confused.

"I see, what is she doing with you?" He asked wondering what the hell Jory had gotten into last night.

Jory looked worried for a moment before telling him.

"I married her mother my lord, now Lanna's mother is dead and I want to take care of her daughter. She has no one else my lord." Jory told them hoping to gain some compassion from Ned, who looked around to see none of the guests had even noticed them and some were still arriving. Seeing they had some time left before the auction started Ned said with reluctance.

"Explain."

So Jory did, told them about her mother Tysha and what had happened. The GreatJon nearly laughed at Jory getting wed to a whore to spend the night with her but restrained himself when he had learned what happened later. They all looked at the girl who was so frightened she clung tightly to Jory and Ned himself now felt deeply for the girl that was now alone in this world. In the end it was his compassion for children that made his decision for him.

"Very well, bring her back to Winterfell and she will be raised as a member of House Cassel. Sit down, the auction is about to begin." He ordered wondering if the girl was going to be well treated at Winterfell given her mother's profession but they would deal with that issue if it came.

Jory nodded with great relief and carefully took a seat near his lord with the small Lanna in his lap. She looked around in confusion, not sure where she was now and her eyes caught Meera's who having heard the whole story gave her a warm smile as did Domeric. She was confused for a moment but started to smile back.

Soon the auction started, Ned and his party watched as the introductions were made and each item brought up to be sold. Many were more mundane items like paintings or jewellery from clients of the bank who had been unable to pay loans or had given those objects as payment. It passed largely in a blur for the Northerners, seeing a jade statue of the Lion of Night from Yi Ti, a Naathi Simmering Silk Tapestry, a solid gold icon from Sothoryos and a collection of feathered cloaks from the Summer Isles be sold although three ships made from transporting cargo didn't due to their age.

Finally though it was their turn, the armour and sword now polished and presented on a special frame appeared as men carried it in. Many of the potential buyers all looked at the suit excited as did Domeric who Meera gave a wink too, now understanding why they had come. Tycho took centre stage to set up the sale.

"This is the only known full suit of Valyrian Steel armour anywhere in the world which was recovered in Westeros some time ago. Belonging to House Belaerys it is being sold with a matching sword. This is truly a unique item, we start the bidding at one million gold pieces." Tycho said and everyone held their breath as the amount hung in the air but after a moment someone raised their numbered paddle.

"I see one million, can we try for two?" Tycho asked quickly with a smile and saw another paddle rise up. "That is two million, can anyone make three?" He asked and saw another paddle rise. "That is three, will anyone dare for four?"

The North party all looked on in astonishment as the figure continued to rise far above whatever they had imagined, never had any of them thought it would reach ten million but not only did it get that high but rose even higher.

"Twenty Five, now thirty." Tycho said throwing down little comments to encourage more bidding, clearly knowing his craft well as they kept on going.

All of them would have fallen over had they not been sitting down when it passed forty million, Ned felt incredibly light headed as the number rose even higher than that...never had his house possessed even a fraction of that wealth.

Then one voice broke through it all.

"Sixty Million."

Everyone turned to see a group of men in red robes, some sporting red tattoos who had been standing near the back holding up a paddle. The group had been silent throughout the auction so far, maybe this had been all they were interested in. Tycho waited a moment for anyone to bid again but no one did and so he banged down his gavel and said.

"Sold to the Faith of R'hllor for sixty million gold pieces."

The amount hung in the air for a moment as it sank in, all of them were absolutely stunned. Finally though Meera recovered enough of her faculties to tug on her father's jerkin.

"Sixty Million!" She said with excitement, that was more than any of them had ever dreamed! More than enough to pursue the mines and a lot more besides. True nine million of it was going to the Iron Bank as their commission but still that was more than she had imagined.

Her father meanwhile was still stunned at the amount of wealth that House Stark was about to receive. More than it had ever had even as the Winter Kings! They would be able to do so much with that money, he suddenly wished he were a more daring man as it would have allowed some great projects but his first instinct was to hold on to it for emergencies. When the GreatJon recovered his wits he let out a loud belly laugh and clapped him on the back so hard he stumbled forward a step.

-x-

None of them realised though that this was not going to be the only 'excitement' that they were get today.

The guards that the Iron Bank had hired were excellent but even they could be taken by surprise, especially by a large and vicious gang of sellswords and pirates.

They burst into the hall where the auction was being held while most of their group fought the guards outside, many of the guests and attendants screamed while those that could fled to the other side of the room with their servants. Some like House Stark had guards of their own which rushed forward to defend their masters.

House Stark was no different, Ned and his fellow men were armed feeling it was a reasonable precaution in an unfamiliar city especially given the value of what they had been bringing. So they were all able to draw their weapons and be ready to fight after only a couple of moments.

Meera was reaching for her spear out of instinct when her father told her very sternly.

"Take Domeric and Lanna to the other side of the hall! NOW!" He told her with a furious look on his face. The image of him so angry and with the great sword Ice in his hands, something she had never seen before actually made her do as she was told without question. She took little Lanna's hand who was terrified at all the shouting and violence going on around them and with Domeric rushed over to the other side of the hall where many of the more cowardly or less martially inclined people were cowering as there was no other way out of the hall.

A hulking figure with the skin the colour of caramel and covered in scars was laughing as he swung his enormous curved sword around, cutting down the much smaller men around him, the sword actually cutting through the weapons of some of them he swung it so hard.

Ned however was a fit man with a good amount of strength to him even if this man was taller than him, not to mention he had the good fortune to be wielding a weapon of the same metal. So when he came face to face with Caggo (as they would later discover he was named) he was able to hold the Dothraki at bay, the man looked surprised at this, that not only was someone actually standing up to him but that his sword couldn't break Ned's.

Ned was not really comfortable with fighting with a great sword, if it weren't Valyrian Steel and therefore lighter than normal steel it would have been very awkward but he practised often and although he would likely never be a master with it he was at least competent.

That meant he was able to hold Caggo at bay while the GreatJon and the other men fought the rest of the pirates and sellswords, Caggo did not like that at all and pressed harder, fighting more like a brute than a trained fighter but the Dothraki were not known for tactics and strategy, relying more on fear of them. The Northmen however did not fear them as they were forced to deal with Wildlings all the time, so Ned didn't hesitate as most did when facing them.

The two men were locked in their death struggle they didn't notice Morgan who was sneaking up on Ned with his axe ready to bury it in the Stark's back. Meera however did and her mounting horror at the threat to her father and no one but her had noticed.

She would not even remotely remember later unsheathing her spear and with the full force of her bolstered strength and keenest of her eyes and with all the practice throwing it straight at the pirate that was threatening her father.

The spear seemed to sing as it flew through the air, time itself slowed or appeared too her, Domeric and Lanna watching with baited breath. The moment seemed to be unbearably long, the uncertainty if the throw would be enough was horrible to Meera.

But her aim was true as was the strength with which she threw it giving it the speed and force it needed to not only reach its target, but much to all their surprise stab straight through his chest and out the other side, its runes glowed red fiercely for a moment as it absorbed the blood of its target.

Time seemed to stop as the reality of what she had done struck her, a man had just died at her hand. A vicious thug who had been about to kill her father but a man all the same. She felt sick to her stomach but at the same time she felt the rational side of her mind tell her that it had to be done, that he had made his choice and this was the result.

The two sides fought inside her head before suddenly a strange thing happened, something that made the moment so surreal. A wisp of red vapour escaped his mouth before flying clear of the body and out of the door, disappearing from their sight.

"What was that?" Meera thought to herself with confusion, she was still confused and unsettled by her first kill and then that had happened but some instinct she couldn't explain told her that this was important somehow. A brief image of a giant being with fire for hair filled her mind for a brief moment, before then disappearing as quickly as it had come. She looked around and saw that neither Domeric or Lanna had even seemed to notice the red wisp which only added to the mystery.

She in fact almost missed the shock of Morgan's death making Caggo hesitate briefly, giving her father a small opportunity to get one lethal strike in. He managed to plant Ice's blade straight into the man's chest, killing him.

With their two leaders dead the thugs began to lose heart, especially with the sight of more Iron Bank guards coming to quell their raid.

The band of thieves soon found themselves surrounded, never having expected such resistance and were forced to surrender. Most dropping their weapons without much fuss and were led away by the guards.

The situation finally under control all of them took a breath and Meera almost in a daze came over to the body her spear was lodged in and pulled it free. She felt the energy running through even stronger than ever now and wondered if for perhaps the first time in centuries it was at its full potential again.

However she couldn't think about that any more as father came over with a worried look on his face, he saw the troubled look on her face and asked her with real concern for her well-being.

"Meera? Sweetling? Where is your mind at?" He said gently and she looked up to him, the most unsteady she had been in her entire life so far.

"I don't know...I just don't know."

He pulled her into a hug and she clung back, glad in the moment of the comfort regardless of the situation. She looked up and saw the GreatJon give her a respectful nod, she managed a small smile back which he returned.

However one thing was certain, she would feel far better when they were all home in the North. She had seen too much of foreign parts for now.

-x-

None of them realised that one of the Red Priests nearby was watching them closely, staring at Meera in particular nor did any of them notice that the priest was in fact a woman.

Melisandre and her order had all been drawn here when they had seen the armour in the flames, knowing it would one day be needed in the fight with the Ancient Enemy. Its fine steel would protect the Azor Ahai and its blade would be vital in the struggle against them. The Faith had many supporters and deep coin purses of its own, enough to afford the great price of the armour but it would be worth it to bring the dawn.

But the girl...she thought quietly to herself was a most unexpected find.

She had felt the power in her blood the moment she had stepped into the room, the ancient energy running through her was very strong as it was in the spear on her back. R'hllor himself might have created that impressive weapon she thought briefly before turning her attention back to the here and now. The man hugging the girl which she suspected was her father also had some power but not as much as his daughter.

Seeing the throw of the spear and the destruction of part of the Other's energy which she knew ran through this world made her wonder if the girl had some part to play in the Great War to come. She saw the direwolf symbol on the man's cloak and realised these were North Men from Westeros, House Stark its rulers no less.

This warranted more investigation she realised given her future plans to travel to Westeros and find the Azor Ahai who was there according to her visions. She would travel to Winterfell and see the girl for herself up close...maybe even teach her some magic.

If not it would at least be a useful way to find people they would need in the war to come she thought to herself as she and other members of her order went to arrange for the gold to be moved and for the armour to be given to them.

-x-

The next day, with a large number of chests containing much gold the North men prepared to return home. Jory comforted Lanna as they boarded the ship, she would share a cabin with Lady Meera and the chest left to her by her mother. It contained a few personal keepsakes including a bag of silver coins and a single gold. The bag contained a fortune and Jory had no idea given how she been living as to why Tysha hadn't used it. The diary would he hope contain answers and he would read it himself before giving it to Lanna when she was old enough, just to make sure he could help his new daughter when the time came not to mention fill in some of the information Tysha hadn't managed.

Meera Stark herself was looking one last time around the docks before she boarded, her spear now clean and strapped to her back once again. It had been almost calming as she cleaned it, gently rubbing it with a cloth to remove the blood she now understood why her father cleaned Ice whenever he needed to clear his head.

The trip had been more than worth it she thought with some of her good humour coming back, not only had they gained the gold and a new daughter for House Cassel it seemed but a new ship and the sellsword's Arakh sword as a bonus for their trouble. True most of the treasure on the ship had been claimed by the Iron Bank but the ship would be most helpful in moving their new gold home and at her suggestion father was thinking of reforging the oversized arakh down into two smaller long swords which House Stark could give to their vassals or sell for more coin. Definite plans had not been made yet but it was an idea her father was giving some thought too.

Her mind was however still troubled by the fact that she had killed someone, it was she thought rightly something you shouldn't easily forget but as time went on she had started to come to terms with it. After all the alternative was that she allow him to kill her father and that thought angered her enough to make her shudder. Instead she tried to think about what Luwin would have to tell her when they got back, now that they had transcribed the Belaerys Journal and sent copies down to the Citadel. He had been excited and was sure debate was going to be fierce over its contents.

However she was distracted from this thought by the sight of two Valyrian looking people on the wharf near her. They were young, she noticed although the boy was older than her the girl was around her age. The sight of silver hair and purple eyes was quite strange for her given she had never seen anyone like that before but when the boy struck the girl so hard she fell to the ground Meera didn't even waste a moment before getting up to rush to her aid.

The guards saw her and ran after her, but she was far ahead of them. Seeing her coming the silver haired boy screamed at her with his face turning a nasty shade of red.

"LEAVE WHORE! DO NOT WAKE THE DRAGON!" Spit flying from his mouth as he yelled. Meera certainly did not like being called a whore or being threatened and with all the energy she could put into it she punched the boy. He fell backwards, clearly not expecting someone would dare touch him and hit his head against a nearby box, falling to the ground stunned.

Meera looked down at him with disgust before turning back to the girl who had watched the whole event with surprise and shock.

"You struck him! You struck the dragon?!" She said n a voice that was timid and quiet, Meera glared the boy who was quietly groaning.

"He is no dragon! Just an insane little bully! All the dragons died out centuries ago, I mean he can't breathe fire can he?" She asked the girl who smiled a little now as Meera extended her hand and helped up.

"No...its just he says it is his birthright to rule. That the people are waiting for him to become king, that I have to obey him." She said with confusion which made Meera worry about her upbringing.

"Only fools claim that, people care not for who rules them as long as they are fed and have good harvests. Besides we girls can be far more than servants!" She said with conviction that was so strong the other girl looked taken aback for a moment. "Think of the Great Queen Nymeria who led her thousands of ships to conquer a new land, or Rhaenys and Visenya who rode dragons and conquered lands. Don't believe all he tells you, stand up for yourself and learn for yourself what is true. He is mad and prone to flights of fancy, most of what he says comes from his own delusions." Meera said making many assumptions about the boy but in this she felt she was probably right.

The girl looked astonished at such a notion and wondered what place she could come from that women were allowed to think and act for themselves? She had been told for so long that her brother was going to be ruling their home country that it seemed almost sacrilege to doubt him but at the same time she had been harbouring doubts. If they were all waiting for him, why were they still in Essos? Why had they not risen up in his name by now?

It was worrying to doubt her brother but somehow she knew in her heart he was not going to king.

"My lady." A accented voice said and turning around she saw a man with a great girth and rich silk robes, he wore many rings and had a yellow forked beard. "We had best be leaving, there are enemies of your family are in the city and it would not do to be caught by them."

"Yes Master Mopatis, thank you again for coming for us." The girl said and smiled again at her rescuer as Mopatis' men picked up her brother and took him to their ship. "Thank you...friend."

Meera was surprised as the girl ran off to join the Master and smiled as she waved one last time. Knowing they would probably never see each other again it was strange to think she had a Valyrian friend.

-x-

Neither of course knew who the other was, that their families were sworn enemies. That by all rights they should have hated each other.

For one day though, Meera Stark and Daenerys Targaryen had been friends and left a lasting impression on Daenerys as she began the road to thinking for herself.

That's it for Chapter 4, this one took longer to write than I had hoped but it does lay some of the groundwork for later plot points. I hope you all enjoyed it though and let me know what you thought by leaving a review.

Next Chapter – Meera puts her plans for the North into motion and Winterfell gets a new guest.