Thanatos Peverell POV
I was once a simple man. My life at one point was perfect. I had a beautiful wife, and that beautiful wife gave me an even more beautiful daughter who had me wrapped around her little finger the second our identical eyes met.
But it seems nothing truly happy can stay that way. My world changed the night of October 31, 1981. In one night I lost both my wife and my daughter at the hands of a dark lord. I was willing to sacrifice my life for my little girl, but apparently 'death' had other plans because one moment I'm ready to sacrifice my life, and the next I wake up in a vast landscape that's made of nothing but snow.
Now death didn't leave me stranded without an explanation, and I can't really express how angry I was. The last thing I wanted to be was separated from my daughter. But death said it was necessary, that this world needed me right now, and will need my daughter once she reaches her majority.
He said she had to fulfill her destiny in the other world before she could join me in this one. Trust me, I tried to protest, but death was adamant that my family belonged in this world. So I waited. I adapted. I met a family named the Starks, who currently rule over the Great North.
They brought me to Winterfell, and took me under their wing. It was there where they taught me of my family's history and legacy. They also taught me everything about the Great North. The way it was ruled back when my family ruled it with an iron fist. The politics. The way of life. And I've been here ever since waiting for the day I would reunite with my daughter.
-17 Years Later-
"Hello Thanatos, it's been a very long time since we last talked." A voice said to me, but I remember that voice.
"Hello, Death." I said to the deity who turned my life upside down.
It has been a long time since I last talked to the deity. "What brings you here to Westeros? I thought you were watching over my daughter in her world?" I said to him, trying not to panic.
"It's time Thanatos. Your daughter has fulfilled her destiny in her world. It's time for you to be reunited with your daughter. But I have a few important things I must talk to you about first before I go and try to convince her to come here." Death said to him.
I calmed myself down. I initially thought he came here to tell me something bad happened to my daughter, but it looks like I'm finally going to be reunited with my little girl. I can hardly contain my excitement. I wonder if she looks more like me or more like her mother. I hear death clear his throat.
"You will meet your demise at the hands of the dragon king, Thanatos. You will only have 6 months with your daughter. I am sorry I can't stop your death. Your death was predicted to happen long ago, Thanatos." Death said to me with a look of sympathy on his face.
A single tear ran down my face. All I could think was I going to die before I got to meet my daughter again? I had a feeling I might meet my demise by that incest born dragon king, but I pray that my daughter is spared from having to see me be executed.
"I die before my daughter arrives? Please tell me that my daughter is spared from seeing my death! I cannot bear knowing that she will see my demise." I said in desperation. I needed the peace of mind that my daughter would be spared from that grief.
"I'm sorry, but your daughter will see your death. Your daughter will see the dragon king remove your head, and with your death your daughter's hatred for the Targaryen's will only lead her to do one thing. The one thing Lord Stark has begged you to do." Death said to me as I tried to not break down in tears.
It was in that moment when the door to my solar swung open with a bang, and Eddard Stark walked in. He froze when he saw death. How the hell do I explain this to him, I can't keep him in the dark, I thought to myself in a panic.
I rushed to my feet to close the door and ushered Ned Stark into a chair that sat in front of my desk. Ned looked between me and death as if trying to figure out what kind of shady thing I'm up to.
"Ned, you need to understand something. There's something going on, and I need you to swear to me that this will stay between you and I." I said to him trying to placate him.
"It depends on what exactly this is." Ned said pointing between death and I. He looked straight up angry.
"Do you know the history of my family where it was rumored that we had a close connection with death?" I said to Ned in hopes he understands what I'm about to say.
"Yes. It was rumored that Antioch Peverell was the master of death. But that's just a rumor Than!" Ned said trying not to freak out.
"It's not a rumor. This is the deity we know as death. Now I'm not the current master of death. Someone else in my family is." I said, hoping that Ned can figure out that I have a child.
"You don't have anyone else in your family. You're the only surviving peverell." Ned said, clearly confused about what his best friend is trying to say.
"I'm not, Ned. I'm not the only surviving member of my family. I have a daughter, Ned." I said as I handed him the portrait of my daughter.
Ned just looked between me and the portrait in complete and utter shock.
"You have a d-d-daughter? Were you ever gonna tell us? Where is she?" Ned said, frantically.
I put my hand up to try to stop him from asking me a bunch of questions. "You remember how I came to this world right?" I said, as Ned nodded.
"Well she's in the other world I came from. She had a destiny to fulfill in that world, but death came here to tell me that she has fulfilled that destiny, and she's at the correct age to come here." I said.
I waited for Ned to process that information I just bombarded him with. But he just looked at me with a look of pure determination.
"If your daughter is coming here, then why did I walk in here to see you crying thanatos? You don't cry, ever!" Ned said glaring at me.
I was about to say something, but death spoke up for the first time since Ned entered my solar.
"Lord Eddard I'm sure you are shocked to learn the truth about my identity. But I came here to let Thanatos know that I will be going to his old world to convince his daughter to come here, but I also came to speak with him about something important. This might come as a shock, but in six months time, Thanatos will meet his demise by the hand of the dragon king. And no, I can't stop it. His daughter will be here way before the day he is to die." Death said looking Ned straight in the eye.
I could tell that Ned was trying to hold his tears back. Him, Brandon, and Robert Baratheon have become my brothers in all but blood, and I hate the fact that I have to leave them behind.
"Ned, it will be okay. I will accept my fate. At least I'll finally be reunited with my beautiful wife." I said with a sad smile.
"You can't possibly ask me to do the same. I can't possibly accept the fact that my best friend will die, and not try to do everything in my power to stop it." Ned said as he got up and started to pace back and forth in front of my desk.
"You must, Ned." I said as I turned around to ask death something.
"Can I tell him?" I asked death, and he nodded, giving me permission.
"Ned, I will die. My death is set in stone, and I need you to accept this. My daughter will be here soon, and death has made me aware that my daughter will witness my death. You know that your father has been wanting a reason to rebel against the Targaryen's. Well my daughter witnessing my death will give Rickard that very reason. Death has said that my daughter will be the one to wage a war against the Targaryen's." I looked at Ned, hoping he would understand that we can't stop the inevitable.
"Y-y-you mean to tell me that this is all inevitable?" Ned said as if trying to deny what I just told him.
Before I could reply, death interrupted me.
"I also came to tell him of his daughter's destiny." Death said to Ned, while trying to ignore the death glare I kept sending his way. Hasn't my daughter been through enough? Hasn't my daughter been through enough grief, heartbreak, and trauma? She's already been through one war already, now she will come here, and wage another.
"Like I said, everything that is about to happen is inevitable. There is no stopping fate." Death said to no one in particular.
"It doesn't mean we have to accept it. I don't want to accept the fact that my daughter will ultimately lead a rebellion against a family of dragon riders." I said with an irritated huff.
I looked to Ned as if trying to silently plead with him to back me up.
"Yeah, Um, death. How can we expect a teenage girl to lead a rebellion? The northern lords do want to rebel. I will gladly admit that, but they expect to follow Thanatos, not his daughter." Ned said while trying to not make eye contact with the intimidating deity.
Death just grabbed the bridge of his nose and huffed loudly. "As I was gonna say before I was rudely interrupted. My mistress's destiny has been set in stone ever since Antioch Peverell came to me for help, the night his family was slaughtered. Your daughter will prove herself worthy as a leader, and will lead the North, the Vale, the Stormlands, the Westerlands, and the Riverlands in a rebellion against the Targaryens. But before the rebellion even starts your daughter will bring Ice Dragons back to the North. Your daughter was destined to be the Queen of the Great North. She will have to come to terms and accept that. Including you." Death said looking between Ned and I with a stern look.
"Ice dragons!?!?!" Ned shouted, standing up, and looking at death completely flabbergasted.
"Yes, Eddard Stark. Ice dragons will return to the North. And your family will be one of three families to become Ice Dragon riders alongside Thanatos' daughter. It is the highest honor to ride an Ice Dragon." Death said to Ned with a dead-panned look.
Ned just stood there, shocked. I couldn't help but crack up laughing at the look of pure shock and awe on his face. It's always been the entire Stark family's dream to ride an Ice Dragon. And it looks like with the arrival of my daughter, the Stark family's dream will eventually become a reality.
"As I was saying before Eddard over here freaked out over his lifelong dream coming true." Death said while Ned looked away shyly. I couldn't help but laugh at him.
"Your daughter will lead the rebellion, and bring the Ice Dragons back, but she will also need a mount. Your daughter will awaken the Ice Dragon that was the mount of Aeron Peverell who was the first King of the Great North. Now this dragon has been asleep for thousands of years, but your daughter was destined to be its rider. The Ice Dragons name is Azrael, and he will be 5x bigger than Rhaegar Targaryens Dragon, Belarion. According to one of Aeron Peverell's journals, his ice dragon was put into an eternal sleep within a few miles of where Winterfell now stands." Death said with a smug smirk. I never knew that my daughter would be that powerful. Ned looked over at me as if to say he's thinking the same thing as I am. Also now that I think of it the ice dragon is buried that close to Winterfell? I mean this was once the home of my ancestors.
"How powerful will my daughter be, death?" I said with a look of determination, Ned was looking at death the same way.
"Yes she will be powerful. A part of her magic is locked away. Once she steps foot into the north, the magic that has been long forgotten will come back." Death said.
I couldn't believe it. I initially thought I brought magic back to the north with my arrival, but it seems that's not entirely true. Sitting there shocked, I didn't know what to say to the deity which only made him laugh.
"I completely understand how shocking it is. Your daughter will not only be the most beautiful woman in Westeros, but she will be the most powerful. She has the magic of the old kings and queens of the Great North use to have. Your daughter will bring the North back to its former glory. She will have plenty of allies, but she will also have plenty of enemies." Death said with a stern look.
The deity is extra protective of my daughter, but I guess that's what happens when you're the Mistress of Death. If only I would be here to see her complete her destiny. If only I could see her become the queen she was born to be. I try to wipe the tears that are threatening to fall. I must be strong, if not for myself, but for my daughter.
"So if what you're saying is true, then war is inevitable! We must prepare!" Ned said in a panic. I rushed to my feet to stop him from storming out of my solar, and going to tell his father, or brother.
"I must ask that you keep this to yourself for now, Ned. I will tell your father and brother soon, just not now." I basically begged my best friend to keep this a secret for awhile, at least until my daughter arrives.
"Fine. I'll keep your secret, Than! But you owe me, big time." Ned said while he walked to the door.
"I'll be waiting for you out in the courtyard. You promised Jon and Robb that you would go for a horse ride with them." Ned said walking out of my solar.
I huffed and sat down in my chair behind my desk. I heard death chuckle. I completely forgot that damn deity was still here.
"Well don't you have something to do? I don't know, maybe you should go start to convince my daughter that her father needs her." I said not even looking at the deity.
"I already have. She said she will come." Death said to me, nonchalantly.
I whipped my head around so fast, that I was sure I had whiplash. "SHE ALREADY KNOWS? SHE SAID YES! Oh my god my daughter is coming home, I must prepare." I said while running towards the door of my solar.
I heard death chuckle.
"She has to get her affairs in order first, you but you can expect her to be here within the week. I'll leave you to prepare for her arrival. Good day, Thanatos." Death said while he slipped back into the shadows, disappearing completely.
It was finally happening. The day I've been waiting for is coming. Now I just have to grow some balls, and tell Rickard, Brandon, and Benjen that I have a daughter, and that we need to prepare for her arrival. I'm sure they'll take it, smoothly, I thought to myself as I left my solar to go for a horseback ride with my best friends and their sons.
Today was the day. A week ago death got in contact with me, letting me know of my daughter's decision. My daughter. It's been 17 years since I came to this world, and not a day went by when I didn't think of her. Now I could've married, and plenty of women here wanted me, but no one could replace my wife, Jamie Potter. There's also the problem of me not being able to have any more children. According to death that is, and I would never doubt that damn deity. I do owe him for reuniting me with my daughter.
I'm currently sitting in the solar Richard Stark commissioned for me. I'm staring at a portrait of my daughter. She was simply beautiful. She was always beautiful even as a child. With her long ebony black hair that fell into soft waves down her back. With her bright blue eyes that glow with power that she inherited from me. And her little dimples. The only thing she inherited from her mother. Being a child of magic gives you a certain allure so, on top of already being beautiful, just add that allure and my daughter is simply out worldly.
A knock on the door interrupted me from my inner thoughts. "Come in." I went back to looking at the portrait of my daughter. No one here knows that I have an heir yet, I promised that I would tell everyone soon.
"Thanatos! My friend, what are you doing? I've been looking all over the damn castle for you. Did you forget? You promised Robb and Jon that you would spar with them today!" Brandon Stark said.
"Sorry, I've been a little distracted lately." I said to him while trying to hide the portrait of my daughter, but unfortunately for me just as I was about to hide it the boys came running into my solar, distracting me enough for Brandon to snatch the portrait right out of my hands.
"Who is this? Do you have a crush Than? Wait a minute. Why does this woman have your eyes Thanatos!?"Brandon shouted at me. I couldn't help but shrug. I tried to act innocent in hopes of keeping my daughter's identity a secret, but Brandon was just looking at me with calculating eyes. He kept looking at me and then the portrait. Back and forth. As if trying to figure out the connection, and he figured it out.
"Is this your child Than? You have an heir? Why didn't you say anything to me or father? Where is she? I never knew you would sire a bastard Than." Brandon kept rambling on.
I looked at him with a heated glare. How dare he call my daughter a bastard! She's legitimate. I calmed myself before I spoke.
"One, my daughter is not a bastard. She would be the crown princess, and your queen. You know I don't want the northern throne, but my daughter will when she learns what the Targaryens did with our magic. Two, she's simply not here in Westeros. You know the history of my family and what happened to Antioch Peverell?" I asked Brandon. I know his father drilled the history of the Peverell Royal Family into his children's head. The starks were the most loyal banner men of the Peverell's, and to this day they're still loyal, in secret of course.
Brandon nodded his head. "She's currently in the world that I initially came here from. I'm already in contact with someone to bring her here." I said while Brandon just looked at me completely shocked.
It was at that moment when one of the boys grabbed the portrait. "Oo who's this uncle thanatos? Wow, she's beautiful" I heard Robb say.
I looked up to see Robb, Jon, and Ares looking at the portrait of my daughter in awe, but it was Ares Stark who was looking at the portrait as if my daughter put the stars in the sky. I know that look, I looked at my wife the same way when I first saw her.
I scowled at the boys. That's my daughter they're talking about. I'm just getting her back. I know she'll marry one day, but I'm not going to allow anyone to come and take her from me just yet. "Give me that. And that is my daughter and heir, Robb. You will do well to remember that, boys." I said.
"Now leave, boys. I need to speak to your father and uncle in private. I'll be out to spar once we're done talking." I said to the boys as they walked out groaning and grumbling about adult taking away all the fun. I couldn't help but roll my eyes.
"So you have a daughter! Were you ever gonna tell me!?" Brandon said just as we heard someone clear their throat. I turned around and there stood Lord Rickard Stark.
"Yes Thanatos, were you ever going to tell us, especially me, that the Great North has a crown princess, who is missing by the way! Where is she? She must be protected at all costs, thanatos!" Rickard said with conviction.
"Rickard you know how I feel about rebelling. About announcing my claim to being the rightful king of the Winterlands. Like I told Brandon before I've never wanted a crown. When I came here I had to make the best of my situation. I know what the Targaryens did was wrong. But that was before my time." I said to him, he just looked at me with a look I have seen far too often. Rickard Stark is an ambitious man. Not power hungry. Just ambitious enough to make the great north better again, and sadly he thinks to make the north better again, we must gain our independence back.
"I don't care how you feel about the Great North rebelling, Your grace." Rickard said with a smug smirk. He knows how much I hate it when he calls me that.
"But what I do know is that our crown princess is missing. So, your grace, please explain yourself. Why have you kept this a secret? You know the northern lords will be ecstatic, and don't get me started on the succession laws. The north is not the south. Women are just as capable of leading as men are. Rebellion or not, your daughter is the crown princess, and will be the queen if I have my way." Rickard said with the same conviction I hear him talk with every time he tries to get me to approve of the rebellion. I guess the rebellion is happening whether I like it or not. Especially with the information, death gave me. My daughter will be leading Rickard, and the northern lords into war. Now how do I tell Rickard that?
"Well, ya see, about that..." I said while rubbing the back of my neck, and just as I was about to tell Rickard about the information I've been keeping secret for the last week, Ned walked in with a smug smirk on his face. Damn him.
"Yeah Thanatos, when were you going to tell my father about how your daughter is coming here from another world, and has a destiny to fulfill here. Don't tell me you didn't even tell them about your daughters destiny? Thanatos, I told you last week to tell my father before she arrives, and she arrives TODAY!" Ned yelled at me. Rickard and Brandon looked at me with wide eyes.
"She's coming here today!? What does Ned mean about your daughter's destiny? So help me, old gods and new, if you don't start telling me something Thanatos I will-" Rickard said with a huge huff, which clearly shows how irritated he is with me.
"Fine, fine, fine. I was going to tell you guys I swear, but that means.." I said before I completely broke down in sobs. The sobs wracked my body so hard I fell to my knees. I've been holding in my feelings about my inevitable death until now, and now that my daughter arrives today I just realized that I only have six months to be with her before I meet my demise.
"Thanatos!" Ned and Brandon shouted, rushing to their best friend's side in hopes to comfort him.
Rickard Stark just stood there confused. He walked over to a distressed Thanatos, and knelt down and put his hands on his shoulder.
"Thanatos, what is it? What has made you so upset that has made you lose complete composure? You always keep your emotions in check." Rickard said to me. I look at Ned, and he nods as if telling me it will be okay.
"DEATH!" I called out, hoping that the deity could spare me a couple of minutes to explain the situation to a clearly confused Rickard.
Death appears, and Rickard draws his sword. As if that will do anything, I thought with a snort.
"Yes Thanatos? I am currently trying to prepare your daughter for her arrival. What could be so important that you must take me away from my mistress?" Death said clearly bored with the situation.
"Could you quickly explain the situation to Lord Rickard? I fear he won't believe me if I tell him myself." I said timidly, since the deity clearly still intimidates me.
"Lord Rickard it's nice to finally meet you. I will say one thing, and one thing only Lord Stark, the rumor of Antioch Peverell being the Master of Death was true. Thanatos is not my master, but his daughter is. His daughter will arrive here in precisely four hours. While I must go, and prepare for her arrival, I will say that in six months time Thanatos will meet his demise by the hand of the Dragon King. Your wish is finally coming true Lord Stark, Thanatos daughter will lead you, and the northern lords in a rebellion against the Targaryens. Now I must be going. Have a good day." Death said, disappearing into the shadows like he always does. That never stops being creepy.
I looked over to Rickard who was standing there staring at the spot where death once stood. He looks conflicted as if he's having a hard time believing what he just heard. "Trust me, I had a hard time believing it." I snarked as I received a heated glare from Rickard
"What he said is true, father! I was there the day he told Thanatos the same thing." Ned said, hoping his father wouldn't start freaking out.
Rickard turned his gaze to me, but what shocked me was the tears in his eyes. The only other time I saw him cry was when he learned of my true identity.
"What did that deity mean when he said that you will meet your demise by the hand of the dragon king in six months time? Are you telling me that I have to accept the fact that you will die? Are you crazy!? Do you think I will stand by, and let that incest infested no good Dragon King kill you?" Rickard said to me clearly trying to keep it together.
"Yes I expect you to accept it-" but before I could finish what I was saying, Brandon rudely interrupted me.
"I will not accept that, Thanatos! I will kill that son of a bitch before he kills you. The north needs you. We need you. Damn it Thanatos, your fucking daughter needs you. What about your daughter? What will she think?" Brandon basically yelled at me, and it was at that moment I lost my patience.
"You don't think this is hard for me! That I haven't lost sleep over the past week staying up thinking about how I will leave my daughter behind in six months. I only have six months with her! Six months to make new memories. Six months to tell her how much I love her. To tell her how proud of her I am of the woman she has become. Six months to help her be ready to fulfill a destiny I don't want to fall on my young daughter's shoulders. You don't think that I haven't been upset with this? That I easily accepted my fate? Because I didn't, I wish I didn't have to die, but death said it was inevitable." I shouted. For the first time in a long time, I was scared. Scared to die. Scared that my daughter will never forgive me for dying when she just got me back. Scared of my daughter's unknown future.
Rickard, Brandon, and Ned just stood there looking at me with sympathy in their eyes. I didn't need their damn sympathy. I need to make sure that they will keep my daughter safe. That they will help her. That they will fight for her, and stand by her through everything. I need to know that when I leave this earth my daughter is protected at all costs. That is my number one priority right now.
Rickard clearly wanted to say something so I nodded my head for him to speak freely. The damn guy still acts like I'm the king in the north, and its grates my nerves.
"When death said that your daughter had a destiny, what destiny did he mean?" Rickard asked with a hint of hesitation hoping that what he asks doesn't upset me even more.
I take a deep breath. "My daughter's destiny is to become the queen in the north, Rickard. It's as simple as that. You will be getting your rebellion after all. My death will be the catalyst for the rebellion my daughter will lead, and she won't be just leading the north in a rebellion. The Stormlands, The Riverlands, The Westerlands, and The Vale will also join the rebellion according to death. My daughter will also bring back Ice Dragons, your family is one of three families that will become Ice Dragon Riders. She also will be awakening a thousand year old Ice Dragon whose name is Azrael. He was Aeron Peverells, Ice Dragon. That is my daughter's destiny, well that's all death would tell me." I said, clearly irritated with the entire situation.
"Well we can talk about her supposed destiny at a later date. First we need to prepare Winterfell for the return of the princess. I need to speak to Maester Luwin, and have him send out letters to all the northern lords. Your daughter may be arriving today, but I want all the northern lords to meet her. We also need to let them know of the situation with your inevitable death. You may need to, um, call upon the deity that was here before to explain the situation to all of the northern lords." Rickard said.
Brandon and Ned have been quiet this entire time, I wonder why they haven't said anything yet? Hmm, I'll have to ask them later. I was currently lost in my own thoughts. I didn't realize Rickard was standing behind me until he smacked me upside the head, obviously to get my attention.
"Now that I have your attention, Thanatos. We must prepare. Since you won't step up, and become king then I must put all of my faith in your daughter. She is our only hope at defeating the Targaryen's, and don't look at me like that. If what you said about her destiny is true then we need to prepare her to be the queen, the Great North desperately needs." Rickard said with conviction, yet again.
Once Rickard Stark wants something, he doesn't stop until he gets it. And Rickard Stark wants the Great North to become independent again. He will stop at nothing until my daughter does her duty. But if what death told me about her, then she has always had a huge sense of duty.
"Don't worry Thanatos, I will not bombard your daughter. But I will say that I am excited to meet her. Now care to tell me if she possesses any magic?" Rickard asked.
"Of course she has magic. She's the strongest witch to ever exist since Aeron Peverell ruled the north. His wife was said to be the strongest witch to ever exist. Death predicts that my daughter will be even more powerful than her." I said with pride showing clearly on my face. It's true, I am proud of my daughter, I will always be proud of her.
Now that I remember what death specifically said about her magic, I feel like this is something Rickard, and Brandon will definitely want to know.
"Death said that once she steps into Winterfell, that she will bring back magic that has been long forgotten. I don't know what that specifically means, but it must mean something important because death wouldn't have told me if it wasn't." I said to them while trying to contain my excitement for the arrival of my daughter. I was starting to become antsy. All I could think about was her, and what her reaction will be when she first sets eyes on Winterfell, and just when I was about to get lost in my thoughts, the boys come running into my solar being loud and more annoying than ever.
"Do you guys mind!" I shouted at them. They just looked at me with wide eyes. "Did you guys ever hear of this thing called knocking?" I scolded Robb, Jon, Theon, and Ares.
They are always bending rules, and acting mischievous. It drives me crazy sometimes. Brandon, Rickard, and Ned just laughed at my expense.
"Rickard shouldn't you be getting Winterfell into top notch shape for the arrival of my daughter?" I asked Rickard with a small smirk on my face.
I know that once I said it, the boys are gonna be asking a lot of questions, and if there's anything Rickard hates more it's when his grandsons and ward ask him a ton of questions. Look who's laughing now, I thought to myself.
"Shouldn't we tell the boys what is going on first? They are standing there looking completely confused about what you are talking about, Thanatos." Rickard said, looking over at the boys who are clearly getting impatient waiting for an explanation.
"Alright boys, remember when you saw that portrait?" I asked them.
"You mean the portrait of the really pretty woman with black hair and piercing blue eyes that shine with power?" Robb Stark asked me dreamily.
I wanted to smack him upside his head, damn boys, and their hormones.
"Yes, that woman. That woman is my daughter, and she is finally arriving today." I said to the boys, hoping that they won't make a big deal out of this. The last thing I need is a bunch of boys fighting for my daughters' attention, and affection.
"Why didn't you tell us this earlier? WE NEED TO SHAVE AND MAKE SURE WE LOOK OUR BEST FOR OUR CROWN PRINCESS. COME ON BOYS, LETS GO GET READY. I bet I can get her attention first." Jon Stark said while running out of my solar as if he has a mission to complete. The rest of the boys started to run out of the solar after him.
"The only person who will have my daughter's attention will be me! I am just getting her back, and there is no way in hell am I going to be sharing her attention with the lot of you idiots!" I screamed at the boys. They're clearly not going to listen to me.
It was at that moment when Lady Catelyn, and Lady Ashara came walking into my solar obviously looking for their husbands.
"There you guys are!" Lady Ashara said as her hands flew up in the air in a dramatic way.
"We've been looking for you everywhere. Why did the boys come running out of Thanatos solar screaming about how important it is to make a lasting impression on pretty princesses?" Lady Catelyn asked, clearly confused by her son, and nephews behavior.
All the men groaned loudly.
"I guess I should announce that my daughter is arriving here in about three hours, so Rickard we best be getting things around. Don't you think? Ned and Brandon, can you explain what is happening to your lady wives? I also want to look my best for my daughter's arrival, so I need to get ready as well." I said with a smug smile.
"You have a daughter?!" Lady Ashara and Lady Catelyn simultaneously screeched at the same time.
"Yes I do have a daughter. Ned has known of my daughter's existence for about a week. I just told Rickard and Brandon about her today." I said while Lady Catelyn started berating both Brandon, and Ned on how they can't keep secrets like this from their wives. It's times like this when I miss my wife.
I cleared my throat in hopes of breaking up the banter. Which it clearly did when Lady Catelyn gave me a sly smile. Her, and Ned are always bickering between themselves. It can get quite funny, especially with Lady Catelyn's infamous fiery temper.
"As I was saying before, you started to argue with one another. My daughter will be arriving today, in three hours to be more specific. Now I'm sure Brandon, and Ned will fill you in on everything eventually, but right now all you need to know is that my daughter is arriving here through a portal. Now let's go get ready for her arrival. I'm antsy, and I need to do something before I lose my mind from excitement." I said to them before I turned around to walk out of my solar.
As I was walking to my private chambers that are down the hallway from my solar, I saw everyone was running around getting everything ready for her arrival. Some people are talking among themselves saying how they are confused on why they are preparing for a special guest at the last minute.
I'm sure Old Nan will be on Rickard's case about letting the servants know at the last minute of my daughter's arrival. I saw Lady Lyarra running around, clearly frustrated with the state of things. Rickard will probably blame this on me when she tries to berate him later.
As I entered my chambers I started thinking about what I wanted to wear. Obviously I need to look my best, so I guess I'll wear my blue shirt that has Ice Dragons stitched on the collar, with my black pants. Along with my black knee high boots, and my fur lined cape that Ned had made for me last year. It's really good quality, it definitely keeps me warm since we're in the middle of a long winter. I just hope my daughter is dressed accordingly. I'm sure death wouldn't let her go through the portal unless she looks her best.
As I finished getting dressed, I took a second to myself. I had a lot of thoughts going through my mind. I keep wondering if my daughter will like me? Will she have anything in common with me? Will she grow to love the Great North as much as I love it?
She is sacrificing her modern world for a medieval one. It will be a huge culture shock for her, but I'm sure she'll do just as I did, she'll adapt, and make the best of her situation. Speaking of situations, I need help from Rickard on how we're gonna explain my daughter's existence to the northern lords. Rickard is right about one thing, they'll be ecstatic over the fact that I have an heir.
As I walked out my chambers Ned's daughter came up to me, and asked if I could convince her father to accept the betrothal contract for Prince Aegon that was sent by Rhaegar Targaryen. Obviously with the unrest in the north, Rickard, Brandon, and Eddard denied the contract, and told King Rhaegar, no, which only made Sansa very bitter. I don't know what's wrong with that girl, but her entire life she's dreamt of being a queen, and not to be rude, but that girl would be a terrible queen, between talking down to the common folk, and being flat out rude to the servants.
Lady Sansa is known for being the northern beauty, but unfortunately for the vain, and rude girl that will change once my daughter arrives. Lady Sansa is nothing compared to my darling daughter. God forbid if Ned heard my thoughts about his eldest daughter he would be angry, but even I can tell that Ned is disappointed in his daughter. The only reason lady sansa wants to be a queen is for the power she thinks a queen holds, except down south the queen hold no power, or say in how the kingdom is run, which just shows how naive, and straight up stupid the girl is.
Maybe I could have my daughter take her up under her wing, yes, that could work. It may backfire but at least I tried to set her on the right path.
"Thanatos, is my daughter bothering you again?" Ned shouted at me from down the corridor as I watched Lady Sansa walk the other way.
"She's not bothering me, but she does keep pestering me about that betrothal contract you denied. Your eldest daughter has her heart set on being queen, Ned." I looked worriedly at Ned who sighed loudly. Clearly the man is frustrated, and I feel bad for him.
"She wants me to convince you to accept it. She's under the impression that I'm your weak spot, which I'm not because you know that I don't agree with the betrothal. With a rebellion looming, my daughter is coming here, things are about to get tough around here, and the last thing you need is your daughter in the enemy's hands." I said to Ned with conviction.
"I know you're right, and I will talk to her. I don't know where this ambition to become queen has come from, but frankly, her mother and I are sick and tired of it. She is a northern lady, but acts way too southern. I'm concerned she'll take this into her own hands. I don't know what to do, Thanatos. Where did I go wrong with her?" Ned said as tears fell down his face.
I feel sorry for Ned. I really do, I have heard that a few of the northern lords have denied betrothal contracts between Sansa, and their heirs because they thought she acted too southern. I just hope her parents can talk some sense into her before it's too late.
As the last hour dwindles down for my daughters arrival, I take the time to walk around winterfell, and admire the beauty that the Great North possesses, but I can't help but feel like something is about to go wrong, but I quickly push the feeling down, and focus on the enjoyment the next hour will bring not only to me, but the entire north.
As I entered the courtyard I saw the entire Stark family lined up to await my daughter's arrival.
"Why are we waiting here mother? I could be making a new dress, but now we're waiting for someone's bastard daughter to make an entrance." Sansa sneered in the direction of her mother. Everyone stiffened when the words came out of the young girl's mouth.
I was shocked. I whipped my head to look at Ned, and glared at him. As if to tell him that he better set his daughter straight, or I will.
"Sansa, that is enough! We will discuss your punishment later, and Thanatos daughter is not a bastard, and you will welcome her with the respect that she deserves. Do I make myself clear, young lady?" Ned looked at his daughter, sternly.
"Yes father, I understand." I heard Sansa say.
I can already tell that girl will be nothing but trouble, but don't say I didn't warn you. If I only knew how much that statement would come true.
As I was getting lost in my thoughts again, a portal slowly started to appear in front of us knocking me out of my train of thought. I started to get antsy, she was so close. What is taking them so damn long?
"I'm telling you boys, it will be I who gets the girls attention." I heard Robb Stark say.
I scowled over at the boys. Brandon must have seen my facial expression because the boys stopped the conversation rather quickly, I looked over at the boys, and smirked. Clearly they now knew better, because they're trying to not to make eye contact with me.
As this was going on I looked over, and the portal was completely open now. We just have to wait for her to come through. I could hear voices from the other side, but I couldn't quite make out what they were exactly saying. It was at that moment when my daughter stepped through the portal.
I heard everyone around me gasp, but all I could do was look at her. She looks so much like me, it's uncanny.
My daughter was looking around, taking in her surroundings. I took the time to take a really good look at her while she was clearly distracted.
She looked like the queens of old. She was wearing a very intricate suit of armor that brought out her icy blue eyes that shone bright with power. I could practically see the aura of power radiating off my daughter. She was beautiful, absolutely stunning.
It was that moment when my daughter's icy blue eyes met my own identical colored eyes.
"Hello, Father."
My daughter was finally home.
Morrigan Peverell POV
The moment our eyes connected I felt an instant feeling of home. I've never felt such a foreign feeling before.
"Morrigan. My daughter. Is that really you?" I heard my father say. I looked over at him, but our reunion was cut short by the sound of a howl.
I felt the connection. I felt him. I felt the familiar bond. Death told me that I would meet one of my familiars today. Running in the direction of the howl, I completely forgot about my father, and the people surrounding him.
"Morrigan! Where are you going?" I heard my father scream at me, but what he said fell on deaf ears, I was too focused on finding my familiar to care about what he had to say.
As I was running in the direction of my familiars howl I couldn't help but appreciate the beauty the Great North seemed to possess. I suddenly came to a stop in front of a tree with a face carved on it. This must be the infamous weir wood tree that death mentioned to me. While I was busy staring at the tree I didn't hear all the footsteps that were coming from behind me.
I suddenly hear something let out a huge snarl. I slowly looked to my right, and there he stood. My Winter Wolf familiar. He was so beautiful.
No One's POV
"Step away from the beast, Morrigan." Thanatos said when he saw his daughter slowly approaching a huge winter wolf. Winter wolves were supposedly extinct, so how the hell is there one standing in front of him? Not only that, but it seems that his daughter has found her familiar. That's just great, Thanatos thought to himself.
I ignored my father. I slowly approached the winter wolf. I stuck my hand out for it to sniff my hand. He slowly walked forward until he was standing directly in front of me. When our eyes met, our connection was instantly made.
"Hello, Mistress."
"Hello, Anubis. Do you like your name?"
"Yes I do. It's a very fitting name for the familiar of the Mistress of Death."
While Anubis, and I were clearly having a conversation in our minds, the people behind me were freaking out. I mean I don't blame them. It's not everyday you see a winter wolf who apparently is supposed to be extinct.
"Morrigan! Come here right now, young lady!" Thanatos yelled at his daughter. He was freaking out. A six foot winter wolf was standing too close to his daughter. Familiar or not, they were dangerous, and he wasn't comfortable with how close his daughter was to the beast.
I couldn't help but snort at my fathers inner thoughts. I told Anubis to go for a hunt while I tried to placate my father. He just grumbled, and walked away, back into the forest. I turned around to face my father, and he clearly wasn't amused.
"Stop making such a big deal out of nothing, father." I said while I walked towards him hoping that by giving him some of my affection it will calm him down.
"A big deal? Don't make a big deal out of nothing? That was not 'nothing', Morrigan Astra. A winter wolf was standing this close to you, and it wasn't a big deal? Are you insane? First you step through the portal, and completely ignore me, and the other people standing around me. Then you run off to god knows where, only for me to come and find you standing in front of a winter wolf. Who by the way are supposed to be EXTINCT, so please do not tell me to not freak out because familiar or not, winter wolves are dangerous!" Thanatos said to his daughter who was clearly amused by his outburst.
I just walked over to my father. and embraced him. I felt him wrap his arms around me. He smelled, and felt like home, I've never felt so complete then I do right now.
I looked up at him with tears in my eyes. "I missed you, old man." My father just embraced me again, and cried into my hair.
"There hasn't been a day that has gone by that I have not missed you, my daughter." Thanatos said. He couldn't help, but embrace his daughter. It felt like a dream. He couldn't believe that she was finally home.
I stepped back from my father's embrace, and wiped the tears from his face. My father was truly a handsome man, our eyes are identical along with our smile.
"Can you believe I'm here? When the goblins gave me your letter I could hardly believe them at first, but once I read your letter I couldn't help, but be ecstatic." I said to him, trying to hold in my own tears. I completely forgot that we were surrounded by other people.
"Um father, I believe you should introduce me to everyone. We can always catch up later in a more private setting, I have so much to tell you." I said to my father excitedly.
My father turned around, and looked at a man who was in his mid 50's. He had chestnut hair, and steel grey eyes. He must be a Stark, I'm going to assume that this guy is in charge.
"Rickard, come and meet my daughter! You too, Brandon, and Ned! Get over here, my friends!" Thanatos beckoned over the Stark men. He saw the way that the entire Stark family looked at his daughter in complete awe, but it was Rickard who was analyzing his daughter the most, and by his facial expression he could tell that Rickard could sense the power that he felt radiating off his daughter.
"Hello, Morrigan. It's nice to finally meet you. We didn't know you were arriving today, Thanatos kept your existence, and your arrival a secret from us, but we welcome you to Winterfell." Lord Rickard Stark said to the woman in front of him. Thanatos' daughter was an intimidating woman. The second he looked into her eyes, he could sense the power within her. Not only did she look like the queens of old, but she was simply the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. His granddaughter paled in comparison to the future queen of the north. He knew then and there that Morrigan Peverell would be the one to bring the north back to it's formal glory, and Rickard planned on standing right by her side.
"It's nice to meet you, Lord Stark. I've heard some great things about you in the letter father sent me when I was still in the other world. I want to thank you personally for looking after him for so many years. Without your guidance I'm sure my father wouldn't be where he is right now, and wouldn't have been able to reunite with me." I said to the northern lord who was clearly analyzing me.
I wonder what he is thinking about. I can already guess he can sense how powerful I am. The second I stepped foot into the courtyard of Winterfell I could feel the change in my magic. I feel so much more powerful, it's euphoric.
"I'm sure he has told you good things about me, princess." Lord Stark said, making me lose my current train of thought. Princess? Why is he calling me princess? I looked over at my father, and he was glaring at the Stark lord.
"Princess?" I said, turning to look at Lord Stark.
"I'm sorry lord stark, I don't mean to be rude, but my family has been out of power for over 300 years. My father mentioned in his letter that the Targaryens rule over the Great North, so why are you calling me princess?" I said, I knew about the unrest that is currently happening in the north. Death told me all about how the north isn't happy with the current king, and how the majority of the north want to rebel, but father doesn't want to.
Everyone who was listening in on the conversation was clearly getting uncomfortable, so people started to leave, leaving only me, my father, lord stark, and two other men who look remarkably like the current ruling lord.
Before lord Stark could continue to speak, he was interrupted by one of the two men who were standing next to him.
"Hi Morrigan, my name is Brandon Stark. I'm your father's best friend, and this man right here is my younger brother, Eddard Stark, who is also best friends with your father. I'm terribly sorry about my father. He can be a bit blunt at times." Brandon Stark said. He couldn't believe his father would just ambush the poor girl like that. She just reunited with her father, and he is already pushing the topic of the rebellion on Thanatos' daughter.
"It's fine, really, brandon. It's very nice to meet the men who have shaped my father into the man he is today. He also told me a lot about you in the letter I received in the other world. I also want to thank you for being there for him. I know his situation wasn't ideal, but it was because of your friendship that made it bearable for him to be separated from me for so long." I said directly to the two men. You can clearly see the love, and respect they hold for my father, shining through their eyes.
I looked over to Lord Rickard who clearly wasn't happy about being interrupted. If the man wanted to be blunt, then I can be blunt too.
Thanatos looked between his daughter, and Rickard, and he could tell that his daughter was about to speak her mind. He better put a stop to this before things get out of hand.
"Okay, since you were introduced to them, why don't I introduce you to the rest of the stark family?" Thanatos said, trying to drag his daughter away from the oncoming confrontation.
"Hold on a minute, father. Lord Stark clearly has something he wants to say, and I want to hear what it is. Go on Lord Stark, I'm listening." I said looking at him with a dead-panned look. This is clearly the confrontation my father was trying to avoid. The tension between my father, and Lord Rickard is hard to not notice.
"Your father never told us how outspoken you are, but yes I do have something to say. Your father has been here for 17 years, and for the last 10 years I have tried to get him to take up his rightful place as the king in the north, but your father is too stubborn to listen to reason. The north is suffering, Lady Peverell. Our magic is dying, and our way of life is being snubbed by the pompous ass dragon king who rules us from the south. He doesn't respect our way of life. He doesn't even understand the people of the north. We worship different gods. We sing different songs. We dress differently, and we celebrate through our magic, but we can't anymore because it simply died out. For 300 years the Targaryen have undermined the north, and have tried to oppress us, but the northern lords are growing tired. You are our only hope." Rickard said.
Rickard felt the change in the atmosphere the second Morrigan Peverell stepped foot in Winterfell. He could feel the magic come alive again. He doesn't know if she knows that, but he is putting all his faith into her. He knows that the rebellion will happen, Thanatos already told him that his death in six months will be the catalyst for the upcoming war, but want to hear what she thinks of this from her own mouth.
"I'm sure you've heard of my special abilities, and my connection to death. Well death has told me of the unrest that is going on in this country, and I'm aware that my father, and I are the rightful ruling family of the north, but I cannot and will not in good conscience start a rebellion unless this dragon king gives me a reason to." I said to all three men in a way that left nothing open for a debate, I was adamant on this.
"Unless Rhaegar Targaryen flies up here, and kills my father, then I have no reason to rebel. I'm sure I can count on you to keep our existence a secret, Lord Rickard?" I asked him. I felt all four men become tense after what I just said. That was weird.
"Of course. Your safety is our number one priority, Lady Peverell." Rickard tried to assure the young woman. He couldn't believe what she just said. If only she knew that in six months, her father would be dead. Rickard could say one thing, she has a good head on her shoulders.
Brandon, and Eddard stiffened when the young woman mentioned her father dying. Clearly she is unaware that her fathers death will happen in six months, and his death will be the catalyst that will make her wage war on the Targaryens. Let's just hope that she can forgive them for not trying to stop it, and they would stop it, if only their best friend didn't accept his fate already.
"Father, it's getting late, and you have yet to introduce me to the other stark family members. Lord Rickard, would you mind introducing me to the rest of your family?" I said clearly over the current situation. All four men are acting weird as if they know something I didn't, and it is irritating me.
"Of course, Lady Peverell." Rickard said, holding out his arm for the young woman to take. One thing Rickard Stark did know is that things are about to change, and things will get worse before they get better. He could only hope that the woman walking next to him would step up, and be the queen the great north so desperately needs.
He could only hope.