The Game Has Changed

by gdog1

Update 3/11/18: This is my first shoot at writing story on anything so take it easy. My story is about what would happen I Lelouch was reborn House Stark in the Game of thrones world and how he would change the fate of the Seven Kingdoms. I am now doing this story till the end and all chapter are being over look one more and will be updated. (this is now a harem)

7. Chapter 7

Chapter 7

Updated as of 12/28/2018

Once more thank you to Shrine Keeper of Rei Ayanami who has Beta this chapter. Your great thank you

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-Bear Island 296AC-

Construction of the port at Bear Island was going wonderfully John Andre thought to himself. In such a short time Lady Mormont and her people had already built a total of 3 brigs and had the port nearly complete. Surely the people of Bear Island would be remembered when the great fleet of the North went down in history. With a bit of help from his lord whose idea it was to build the parts of the ship at a different site, then transported said parts to Bear Island for the building. Well, it quickened everything by leaps and bounds. If John guessed right than half the fleet should be ready within the next two years.

"Ah, John there you are I have been looking for you." Lady Mormont says as she walks up to him.

"Milady how may I help you?" John smile and bows to Lady Mormont. It was a good thing that the military port was to be built here, he thought, for even after his dual with the now deceased Ramsay Snow there were still many lords who didn't trust John. Sure, there was some respect for him at the end of the dual, but no one ever truly trusted a spy but Lady Mormont was one of the few ruling lords that was willing to look past what he was to complete the task given to them my Lord Stark.

"I wish to know if they are here yet. The ship builders are ready to put them in place." Her words are vague so as to fool anyone that would be listening to their conversation. She may have been known as a stubborn and short-tempered woman, but she was smart. She had to be for her house was poor and in disgrace from what her fool of a nephew did. Knowing that this one task would bring not only riches but great glory to her house she could not afford to fail. For that, she would heed John Andre's words and keep these new warships quiet till the day they were needed.

"They are sitting just 2 miles away milady waiting to be moved into the port when night falls," John answers her with a smile.

"Good I wish to get them mounted into place soon. I don't wish to keep the ships in the dry docks any longer than needed." She looks over at the ships her people built with pride. It was no easy feat to make them, but all had gone well and soon if all thing kept going well, she would have the fleet of some 50 ship her lord task her with the building.

Nodding his head at this John understands why she would wish to get them off the dry docks and into the water. The longer they were on land, the easier it would be to find them and see what is indeed being built. "Does the closing off of the inlet go well milady?"

"As well as one could hope. My people were not very happy to have it closed off, but after some discussion and reassurance that it would only be closed off in case of an attack, they agreed to do it." She does not like being questioned on how she does her job, but she holds her temper, knowing John is only asking to report back to Lord Stark about the current situation.

"That is good to hear milady. Like Lord Lelouch said to his father when talking over the last report I sent him. House Mormont and the people of Bear Island are truly one of a kind for I don't think any house could do what you all have done in such little time." The smile on Lady Mormont's face is all he needs to see to know she will keep working hard to fulfill his lord's orders.

- Back at sea on the Black Pearl-

Daybreak on the Black Pearl had come, and at the helm of the ship, one could find Captain Nilson Snow. It was a good day for Nilson as he steered the ship his Lord Lelouch had given him command of. Born a bastard to a nameless whore and a father whose name he didn't even know Nilson had lived a luckless pointless life for over 23 years. That was till the Grayjoy Rebellion 7 years ago when he was but one of many sailors that took to the seas to fight for the North. Nilson may have been born a bastard, but he loved his homeland and would fight for it till the death if need be.

It was at the Raid on Sea Dragon Point that he luck would change, and he would rise to the rank of captain. During the beginning of the fight, Nilson's captain a man name Coll and half a dozen other men got killed by a hail of arrows. When the rest of the men on the ship started to panic, it was him that took to the helm and began to give orders to the rest. With the fear of death in him and his blood rushing through his body he looked for the closest enemy ship and rammed into it killing all that was on-board. It was an act that was not lost on the future Ser Royland Degorn who made sure he was rewarded for his bravery.

When asked by Lord Forrester what reward he could give Nilson for his act. All he asked for was the command of a ship to help defend the North from the Iron Born. A reward Lord Forrester was more than happy to grant him for his bravery. He would then go on to fight with the royal fleet at the Battle of Fair Isle with only a hand full of other ships from the North. They didn't do much, but he took two ships down before it was all over and even got a show of recognition from Lord Stannis Baratheon. Sure, Lord Stannis didn't say more than two words to him, but the nod he did get was enough for him. After that, he would go on to be one of the ships that blockaded the island of the Pyke where the last battle was fought.

After the war, he moved to White Harbor were his reputation as a captain was known and once more found himself captain of a ship but this time one that sailed goods from port to port. For over six years that was how he made a living for himself till the day word was put out that the young lord of Winterfell Lelouch Stark was looking for people to be a part of a new fleet of ships that would defend the North from all who would seek to do her harm. Being who he was, he quickly gave up his position on the trade ship and went to go join up. Many men and women showed up to join the fleet. There were even some well know men of the North such as lords and their heirs that showed up to take part in this. Nilson did not doubt that he would be overlooked because of him being a Snow and with no new ships yet built he was sure the first ones would go to the noble lords. Yes, he was sure the nobles would be picked first to be captains. So, you could imagine his surprise when he found himself picked out with a handful of others to meet with Lord Lelouch to talk about becoming the captain of his ship.

He didn't recall the full conversation, but he did remember his lord's bored look on his face as he told him everything about his experiences in the war and his life after it. When the conversation was over, he walked out of the room where the meeting was held with no real hope of getting picked to be captain, but once more he would find himself surprised. A full week would pass before he was told by a messenger that he was to go to Winterfell by the week's end to go over the new type of ship that he was going to be in charge of. The shook that he felt at the messenger's words were so great that he could only nod his head at the man before going to get ready for the trip to Winterfell. When he got to Winterfell, he had to go through months of training and learning of everything about the ship he would command. By the time it was over he knew everything from the way it was built, where it was built, to how it was built. He would even go so far as to say he knew how many nails were in the wood of the ship. It was hard and took long hours of study to get it all down, but in the end, it was worth it, for now, he stood at the helm of the Black Pearl the most magnificent ship that has ever sailed the seas.

"Captain Nilson how goes things this morning?" Lelouch questions as he walks up and stands next to him.

Like himself, his lord gets up each day before the sun comes up to make sure all is well around the ship. He would make the rounds checking everything was in its place, and all hands were where they are supposed to be. It was something that he respected about his lord. "All is well my lord. The ship is in fine condition, and we are making good time. We should be at Dome within a week at the rate we are going."

"Well keep up the good work captain. Now I have to wake my brother and Theon. Don't wish them to get lazy." Lelouch says as he walks off.

Nilson had no real dislike for the GreyJoy boy, but Theon was still an Iron Born, and after the war, Nelson could not find it in him to like the boy. The morning was quiet and with a good wind behind them all was well. How such a big ship like the Pearl could sail so fast, he would never fully understand but by the old gods did he loved it. It was not till the afternoon that trouble would show itself at the stern of the ship.

"Captain there a ship at the stern, starboard side." Yell out the lookout from the crow's nest.

Taking the spyglass from one of his pockets Nilson walks over to where the man says he sees a ship and looks out over the sea. "My lord, ship flying the sign of the Kraken, with a red hull and a woman at the prow," Nilson calls out to Lelouch.

Walking up to Nilson Lelouch takes the spyglass from him and looks at the ship in the distance. After a short time, he looks to Theon who is standing next to Robb looking more than a bit nervous. "Theon correct me if I am wrong but is that not your house's sign?"

"Y-yes, milord." Theon stutters out.

"Hmmm, then it must be your uncle Euron's ship. It is said that after his banishment he took to raiding all the known seas and it seems he plans to raid our ship as well." Lelouch says to Theon who is now looking more nervous than before.

"Brother surely you don't think he is here for Theon or that Theon had anything to do with us running into him here," Robb says as he steps in front of his friend to defend him from his brother and the men of the ship.

Lelouch laughs but it is in a cold and uncaring way. "Of course not, like I said Euron Greyjoy had taken up raiding after his banishment. I doubt he even knows his brother's only living son is on this ship." Both let out a deep breath as Lelouch says this. "Captain."

"Yes, milord?" Nilson responses.

"That ship has been responsible for the rape and killing of many people. Some of which were our own people. I think it's about time we put a stop to that." Lelouch's cold words chill everyone that can hear him to the bone, but it just makes Nilson smile for it was time to show his lord what he and his men could do.

"Yes, milord." Turning to face his men he starts to bark out orders. "You heard Lord Lelouch make ready for battle. Gunners to your stations and go to half-mast. Let's show this Iron Born cunt what happens when you pick a fight with the crew of the Black Pearl."

A battle cry is followed after he gives out the orders to show the men are ready for battle.

Looking at his brother with worry in his eyes Robb ask of him. "Brother, why don't we make a run for it? Surely we are faster than them."

Looking at his brother than to Theon, Lelouch gives his answer. "Because brother I wish for every man on this ship to know without a doubt that the time of the Iron Born being top dogs of the sea is dead once and for all." He looks into Theon's eyes as he says this.

-Same time over at the Silence-

The day was like any other day for Euron Greyjoy and his ship the Silence. The tongue-less men who make up the crew worked hard to hopefully avoid his cruelty. He was sailing towards the Summer Sea from the Narrow Sea looking for ships to raid and towns to pillage. It had been three days since the last time he saw a ship to attack, and so he was somewhat joyful when he saw a black dot on the horizon. From what he could tell from this distance it was a fairly big ship, maybe a trading vessel of some kind. Because of its size, he knew that it must be filled with things to plunder and there forward made it slow on the sea. An easy target if there ever was one.

"Go to full mast you cunts and bring out the oars we take that ship." He points out with a cruel smile on his lips. Never knowing that by making this choice he has sealed the fate of everyman on broad the Silence and his own as well.

His men rush to do as told and pull out the oars starting to roll like madmen. Time goes by, and Euron can't believe he has yet to catch up to the ship. It's been more than two hours, but even with the wind, he is only making up the distance a bit at a time. "By the Drowned God that ship is fast." He says out loud, his mind working on how to take the ship for his own. Imagine what he could do with a ship that big and fast. The smile he has on his face is fearful to look at for all the men who look at him. "Roll faster you dogs, or I will gut you where you are."

His men roll harder some even passing out as they do as told. For Euron the waiting is annoying, and he does not like it, but then the ship does something he was not expecting. It starts to turn on the starboard side. It begs the question what are they doing? Even if he was not spotted yet to sail against the wind was just a foolish thing to do, giving out a laugh at his good fortune he yells out a command, "Ready the ballista and prepare to board."

-Back on the Pearl-

Nilson was smiling as he watches from his spyglass as the Iron Born ships move just like he thought. It's the right move to make if one was attacking a ship. Sail directly at the side of a vessel to ram them and board it. It was a move he would have done himself. However, that fucker Euron has no idea that soon he will be in the range of his ship's cannons a weapon that no one outside the North knows about. Unlike the Iron Born ship's ballista that could reach up to 1500 feet if the wind was right, his ship's cannons could hit at 5280 feet.

"Open the cannon portholes and make ready to fire on my word!" Nilson orders as he waits for the enemy ship to come closer.

The men wait for the order to fire. Most of them are the original men who first learned how to work the cannons when Lord Lelouch first showed it to his father. They had trained and trained for the day when they would finally get to fire a shoot at an enemy and the fact that it is an Iron Born ship, they are firing at made it all the better. Time slows down for them as they wait for the order to be given and they are on edge but ready.

The Silence is already in range, but Nilson waits for it to come closer. He has over 3780 feet to work with before the Silence can fire back with any hope of hitting the Pearl and even then, hitting a ship at 1500 feet is not easy to do. So, he holds his order to fire. He looks to his lord and sees him standing there with not a care or worry in the world. His brother Robb seems worried, and the Greyjoy boy seems on edge but not Lelouch. He looks into his lord's eyes, and they say that he has faith that he will make the right call. They are a bit less than 1500 feet away when the Silence shoots of a bolt from their ballista. It misses very short, but many of the men take cover anyways with worried looks on their faces. It's a warning shot Euron means to take the ship with little damage meaning Nilson could wait a bit longer. Getting an ideal on now to buy more time Nilson gives out the order to pull in all the sails. Make it look like he is giving up.

Seeing the Silence make a move to slow down he knows it works. He waits for a bit longer till he is within less than 1000ft. Not wishing to take the chance of Euron figuring it out what is about to happen he gives the order. "Fire!"

- Moments Before on the Silence-

Something was not right Euron thought to himself. He could feel it in his bones. The ship he had been chasing has not attempted to change course even though he knows they see him catching up. No captain no matter how much of a fool he was would stay at half-mast this long and now after the warning shot it pulled in all its sails. It was not right, and he had never taken a ship that did not, at the very least, attempt to get away. Yes, something was very wrong here.

It was when he saw the banner of the direwolf at the top of the mask that things start to come together. It was a trap they were waiting for him to get close but before he could give the order to attack, he heard a sound of thunder coming from the ship in front of him. Going off noting but instinct he dives to the deck of his ship just as it is hit by whatever that ship fired at him.

The ship rocks as loud boom rings out, men are tossed in the air and chunks wood shoot everywhere. Getting up Euron sees the damage done to his ship. Men are lying on the deck bleeding heavily crying out in pain, but no sound comes from their mouths seeing as he cut out their tongues. The figurehead of the ship is ripped at the side, and there is what looks like a big hole at the front port side with is taking on a good bit of water.

"Get up you dogs and get to the oars!" He grabs the helm and starts to turn to starboard. Euron is no coward, but he is no fool whatever that thing did if it happens again it will rip his ship apart long before he can put up a fight and the fucking ballista was hit as well. Fuck he needs to run and run fast, or it's over. "Roll you fucks, or it will be me you deal with."

No sooner does he say that then he hears the boom once more and with it a crash far worse than the last. The ship takes a hit to the port side that blows the side of the ship to bits. Wood and metal fly everywhere killing more of the crew, and he takes some in the right side of his body. His right arm is dead, and he sees the ship leaning, and water is pouring inside. The Silence is sinking, and it never even got to put up a fight. "Fucking wolf cunts. Ahhhh this cannot be happing! I am the drowned god. The first and last storm." Euron yells out.

-Black Pearl same time-

The men are cheering as they see the Silence take a direct hit to its side. The first shot only saw three of the nine cannon balls hit home, but that was all that was needed to make the Iron Born cunts look to make a run for it. The second broadside saw seven of the nine hit home as the Silence look to turn and run. With the ship now, sinking at the port side the men cheered for they know the ship was dead in the water.

As they kept cheering Captain Nilson just looked on with a small smile. His men did well in their first battle and worked in perfect order with each other. Looking at young Robb, he sees a look of amazement on his face. He can't blame him for even he didn't know what the full damage of a broadside could do. He next looks over to the Greyjoy boy and sees a look mix between horror and realization. He is about to look at his lord Lelouch when he hears him speak. "I want no survivals captain."

Even with the enemy ship sinking there is no joy or happiness on his lord's face. Just a look of cold indifference, like all that has just happened, was expected. What a frightful man Nilson thinks to himself as he answers. "Yes, milord it will be done."

Taking the helm, he orders his men to go back to half-mast and starts to move the Pearl towards the now sinking Silence. It does not take long for it to come up to its side with only a distance of about 10 yards away and order for the cannons to be fired one more but before men do, they hear shouts of cursing coming from the enemy ship.

"Get down here you northern cowards and fight me like men! You fucking wolf bitches, cunts, cowards! Ahhhh get down here and face the drowned god's champion!" Euron keeps calling out as he watches the monster of a ship pull up to his. He spots Robb and Theon standing at the sides with Robb hand going to the handle of his sword. He may be hurt and is slowly bleeding out, but Euron will be damned if he does not get to take one of them down with him.

"Don't bother brother. We have other more important things to do." Lelouch calls out to Robb

Euron hears this and looks up seeing a young boy standing by the helm. Looking at the boy he gets pissed off for the boy is not even looking at him like he does not even matter. "What wrong little wolf to afraid to fight a real man. Why don't you go run back to your mother's tit if you are." He calls out looking to get him to face him, but it does not work.

All Euron sees is the boy turn around and walk away saying only one word "Captain if you would." The Captain of the ship says, 'Yes milord' and right before he gives the word to finish it Euron comes to realize that this boy cares nothing about what he says. To that boy, he is of no matter, and even words would be a waste on him. He hears the boom of thunder one last time as he burns the face of that boy in his mind. The Silence is ripped apart the men and Euron that are still alive find themselves tossed into the air and then fall into the sea. One of Euron arms is blow off followed by a leg as his eyes go dead and he hits the sea sinking to join his men at the bottom of the sea.

As the Black Pearl pulls away, the last thought goes to Theon. Looking at Lelouch's back, he knows now if he didn't know before that if he betrays the Starks in any way it would be over for him, his family and his county men. Yes, the time of the Iron Born being masters of the sea are indeed over once and for all.

-Winterfell Ned's office-

If one were to walk into Ned's office, they would find him rubbing the bridge of his nose to keep a headache at bay. Why was he having a headache well, of course, it would be his oldest son's doing. Don't get him wrong he was happy his son was doing so much good for the North but the stacks and stacks of endless paperwork he could do without. He had half a mind to push it all on Lelouch to deal with when he got back but no as Lord of the North it was his job to handle it. Plus, he knew that Lelouch would give said paperwork to Robb or Jon and call it a lesson in ruling. By now Lelouch, Robb, and Theon should be arriving at Dorne with the hope of opening up talks with them in hopes of some kind trade agreement or alliance. He knows his son would succeed in this, but a small part of him wishes he wouldn't for it just meant more paperwork to deal with. To add to his headache, he also had to deal with Cat who made it quite clear on now she felt about them going to Dorne. Cat had yelled at him all night and would not talk to him for a week after Lelouch left.

Yes, he really hated his son sometimes Ned thought.

"You're thinking of Lelouch right, now aren't you?" Ned hears a giggle as he looks to his right and sees his wonderful and beautiful daughter Sansa sitting down looking over some of his paper work.

She is a Gods send to him for she has become so smart and capable that she takes the time out of her day to help him with his paper works. Sorting and filtering it for him as he gets done with it. She even goes so far as to pick out the most important ones and toss out the useless ones for him. "Indeed, I was." He says as he smiles at her

"And what were you thinking about father?" Sansa asks with a knowing smile for she could guess what it is he is thinking about.

"I just thought that when your brother gets home, I should push all this paperwork on him. Let him suffer with it for a bit." Ned smiles a bit at his joke.

"Please don't do that father. You know he would just push it on Robb or Jon saying it for training or something." Sansa giggles.

Ned lets out a small but joyful laugh as he knows this is very true. "Are we almost done I am sure you have other things you would like to do. Maybe make another one of those dresses your mother has been telling me about." He smiles at her. Over the last handful of months, his daughter has been spending her free time making new and different types of dresses. Already they were the talk of the North and many of the lady's where sending letters to have one made for them. He could not be prouder of Sansa for like her brothers she was starting to stand out on her own.

"Yes, father we are almost done just a handful of papers left to look over." She smiles at her father for taking notice of what she has been doing in her free time. "This one here comes from Lord Whitehill saying he has found a small amount of gold and silver around the hills of Highpoint. He is asking for men and tools to be sent there for the mining of said gold and silver." She hands him the paper.

Taking it from his daughter, he looks it over before signing it. Whitehill is not one of the houses that Ned can trust, but he knows that Lord Whitehill will not look to betray him now that House Bolton has fallen and with this new finding it will just make him even more unwilling to do so. "What is next?" He hands the paper back to his daughter.

"I have a letter here from Domeric Bolton. He says that he has no wish to take up the lordship of his ex-house and that he gives up all claims to said land and castle. He also apologizes for his father's actions and will remain a loyal vassal to House Stark." Sansa says as she hands the letter over to him.

Taking the letter, Ned thinks on it for a time before he looks at Sansa. "We will send him the gold from the Dreadfort. It's the least we could do for him." Ned could not blame the boy for his father's actions and somewhat wish he would have come back to the north to take up the lordship of the Dreadfort but understood why he didn't. Even if Ned didn't hold anything against the boy, the other lords of the North would. It was safer for the young Bolton to stay in the Vale with Lord Redfort.

"As you wish father. I will have Maester Luwin write up a letter to send to Lord Reed telling him to send the gold to The Redfort." She goes through some more paper and pulls out one. "Jon sent a letter saying all is well at the Dreadfort and the tearing down of the castle will start as soon as you give the word to Lord Reed. After that, all material will be sent to the Moat for rebuilding."

Ned smiles as he takes the letter and looks it over. Jon has done well for himself over these last couple of months. From the message he has gotten from both Lord Reed and Lord Umber, Jon fought well at the Dreadfort against the men there that refused lay down their arms. He was not happy at first with Jon going there seeing as he knew he would most likely end up having to take part in the fighting there but Lelouch had to talked him into letting him go. After a fight with the remaining man at the Dreadfort Jon and Lord Reed set to the task of getting things ready for the tearing down of the castle. "Have Maester Luwin send a letter telling him that he and Lord Reed have the go-to start."

"Yes, father and the last two things you have are a letter from Ser Royland Degore. He says he is both honor and happy to take up command of the Northern fleet when it is ready." Seeing her father nod for her to keep going she picks up the last letter and reads it. "The last letter is from the hand of the king Jon Arryn saying we have both his and the kings blessing to act as we see fit with the building of the fleet and Northern army." She hands the letters over to him.

Ned reads both letters himself and thinks on both of them. Ser Degore is a loyal man of the North who has served House Forrester as its master of arms for many years. He knew he had pick well in offering the man command of the soon to be fleet. Next, he reads the letter from Jon Arryn the man he thought of as more of a father than his real one. Going by what Andre has told him when he sent word to Robert about his wish to build an army and fleet for the protection of the North it sent uproar throughout the capital. Many of the lords there called on Robert to put a stop to it, and some of the more daring people like the queen told Robert that he could be planning a rebellion. Of course, Robert didn't believe them at all and put a stop to it in the only way Robert knew how. With lots of yelling and threats of violence for insulting his friend with such accusations.

"If this is all you may go now, sweetheart." Ned smiles at his daughter. He is pleased that he listened to Lelouch and let Sansa help him with his work. Now he is much closer to her then he was before even if sometimes it still feels like they are miles apart.

Getting up Sansa walk up to her father and kiss him on the cheek. "Ok father try not to over work yourself too much." She bows to him and walks out of the room.

Smiling as his daughter takes off from the room he stands and walks to the window and looks out at the ever-growing town that is now more like a small city. He should feel happy at what he sees but Lelouch keeps coming to his mind. He loves his son, more so than most would think, but there was something about his son that didn't feel right. When he looks into his eyes, he saw someone far older than just a boy of 14 name-days who was far wiser than any Maester. He can still recall a night with his family when this stood out more than any other time. Maester Luwin, Theon, himself and the rest of his family were sitting in front of the fire in the hall when little Arya asked him if happiness could take a shape what did he think it would look like. He had no real answer to give her, and everyone in the room had their own answer to her question. Maester Luwin gave the best response when he told her that happiness was like light and darkness. It didn't have a shape, but you could tell what it was. Many agree with him till Lelouch started to chuckle a bit to himself. He didn't like his son laughing at Maester Luwin's answer and told Lelouch if he had a better one, he should give it. He didn't think his son had one and was going to make Lelouch apologize to Luwin for laughing.

Instead, Lelouch just got a look in his eyes like he was recalling a memory from long ago and answered in such a way that Ned and all the others in the room would never forget what it was that he said.

-Flashback-

"Ya Lelouch if you so smart why don't you tell us your answer." Robb jeers at him.

Smiling at his brother, he sits up straight and looks at his little sister and answers her. "If happiness had a shape little sister, I would say it was more like glass."

Everyone had a look of confusion on their faces at his answer, but it was Arya who ask him "What do you mean Lulu?" Giving a cute look on her face as she asks him.

With everyone looking at him Lelouch answered them. "Well you see sister like glass you don't always notice it, but it is there. You merely need to change your point of view slightly, and then that glass will sparkle when it reflects the light."

-Flashback end-

The beauty of his words were not lost on anyone, but as he looked into Lelouch's eyes, all he saw was sadness like he was an old man who's family was long gone and was never coming back. Ned wished to question him on that look, but he could never get the nerve to ask. For he feared the answer Lelouch would give him.

"What are you planning son, what do you want and are you really happy with your life?" Ned asks out loud to no one but himself.

-Sunspear Shirly's dressing room-

It was the day of the meeting between the heir of the North and the ruling Prince of Dorne. Everyone was getting ready for the day and that included Shirley and her sisters. They were all in her room getting dress and making sure they looked their best for their coming guest. As they were picking out a dress and putting on makeup Arianne couldn't help but feel a bit pissed off. Why was she pissed off? Well, it was because if someone were to look into her room, then Shirley's they would see that she had way more dress, makeup, and jewelry then her. Now she is not typically such a petty person about such things, but the fact that lords, traders, and smallfolk came running up to Shirley to give her stuff like she was the heir of Dorne and not her makes her a bit mad.

"I said no Shirly I am not wearing that so get lost," Obara says with some anger in her voice.

"Oh, come on you would look so beautiful in it." Shirly smiles widely at her.

"I don't care what you say sister I am still not wearing a dress so gets lost," Obara yells at her more.

"Why not the others agreed to wear them, and Uncle Doran says we should look our best too." Shirly looks to reason with her. Nymeria, Tyene, and her other half-sisters stand to watch on with some amusement. They all know that in the end no matter what Obara says she will break down and give in to Shirly.

"I don't give a fuck that they agreed. I am not putting on a dress, and that is final." Obara states and is about to turn around and walk away.

"But big sister I made it just for you," Shirly says letting out a few tears that everyone in the room can tell are fake. Even Obara knows this, but it matters little.

Unlike everyone else, Shirly is the only one that Obara really cares about. Even as kids she felt a need to keep Shirly safe and protect her. Be it from harm or seeing her feeling hurt, Obara would make sure she was ok. Which is why she can't say no to her for very long. Walking up to Shirly with a pissed off look she says, "Give me the fucking dress." She grabs it and starts to undress and change into it.

"Oh, Obara thank you so much. You're the best big sister I could ever ask for." She says as she jumps and claps her hands in joy.

Everyone in the room looks at her with more than a little irritation. She all ways says something like that when she gets her way. "Go to hell Shirly!" Obara shouts out as she starts to put on the dress. Once is done however she finds she is not wearing the usual type of clothing. What she has on is a more feminine type of clothes her father wears. It shows off all her womanly assets with its open front that shows a goodly amount of cleavage but at the same time give off a sense of power.

"Oh, you look so beautiful, big sister, I bet all the boys and girls will be looking at you with lust in their eyes." The honesty in Shirly's voice makes Obara feel a bit better, but she is still very pissed off.

"Go fuck yourself Shirly." She says as he puts on the shoes that go with the outfit and walks off with a look on her face that just screams 'mess with me and I will hurt you.' The guards give her a wide berth so not to get caught in her wake of said anger.

"You know she is going to be looking to get you back for this right?" Nymeria warns her sister.

Shirly looks at her with to sweetly of a smile for her liking and then walks up to her. "Oh no no no dear sister that makeup will not do, and this dress is far too loose. We need to make it tight to show off that nice round ass of you." Shirly says as she reaches around and grabs her ass as she ignores what Nymeria has told her.

"Shirly stop that!" Nymeria says with some anger but at the same time accepts what her sister has done. It's not like she can stop her anyways.

-Planky Town-

The battle with the Silence and its now dead captain Euron Greyjoy didn't take very long. So, it willing only add a couple more days to their trip. When they docked their ship at the mouth of the Greenblood they took row boats Planky Town where they found some men form House Martell waiting for them with some horses. Now finding themselves riding though Planky Town Theon and his brother starts to take in the sites.

"Wow looks at the women. I have never seen such beautiful women in my life." Theon says as they ride pass a brothel.

"I agree with Theon. They are so exotic," Robb says forgetting he is a lord of the North and should behave himself according to one of his station. Something his big brother would take great joy in reminding him of.

"Stop gawking brother and sit up straight. Remember you are representing both the North and our house.'' He smiles when he hears his brother quickly sits up. "As for you Theon, you can enjoy the sight but no partaking till after we are done here understand."

"Yes, milord." Theon answers but never takes his eyes of the scantily clad women.

Robb doing as his brother told him is a bit upset about being talked to like a child. "Can't you give me a break brother? It not like we are home where mom would lecture us if we have a bit of fun. Plus, you can't tell me you don't find them appealing."

"Yes, they are beautiful, brother, but unlike you, I don't need to stare like a child who just saw some new shining thing they want." Lelouch's lips turn up as he knows he just got on his brother's nerves once more.

Theon bust out laughing for a bit till he realizes what has just been said. "Wait does that mean you see me as a child milord."

Turning his head to look at him Lelouch smiles. "Why Theon of course not, I see you more as a simpleton than anything else who happens to make me laugh from time to time."

Now it was Robbs turn to laugh with pisses off Theon who has but all forgotten what happened a couple of days ago out on the sea. "Ya well, at least I know what it is like to bed a women milord. When have you ever kissed a girl?" Theon says hoping to unbalance Lelouch.

"A woman who you had to pay to have sex with you. That is a bit sad Theon and let's not forget those same women have more than once offered to have sex with me for free." His deadpan voice hits the mark as Theon turns his head with an unhappy look seeing as he knows Lelouch is right about that last part.

"I have bedded girls who were not whores before milord," Theon says then starts to tell a story about some servant girl, but Lelouch is no longer paying any attention to him.

As they keep riding Lelouch's mind wonders to other more important things. Like the upcoming meeting with the Martells, the fortifying of the North, the training of the army and of course the upsetting news Diana gave him. It wasn't bad news by any means it was just the name that she said that had made him upset.

-Flashback 3 months ago-

Lelouch was sitting in his office/room listening as Diana told him about all she had heard and seen in her travels around the kingdom. For what she has told him so far, she has had fantastic success in her task and has made the North just that much richer. Much could be done with this new income she has just earned them and plans where are ready forming in his mind on how to use it.

"Last thing milord I have met the twin daughters of Lord Mace Tyrell, one Margaery Tyrell, and Euphemia Tyrell," Diana says in the professional way she always uses when talking to her lord.

When Lelouch hears the name Euphemia he grabs the chair he is sitting in tightly for the name hits him like a lightning bolt. He does not show any outward signs on his face of being upset as he hears this name, but his mind is running a mile a minute looking to come up with answers on why someone in this world would have the same name as his dead sister. So as not to seem odd Lelouch says to Diana plainly. "I am sorry Diana my mind was somewhere else. Can you repeat what you just said?"

"Of course, milord. I said that I have met and talked with the twin daughters of Lord Mace Tyrell, one Margaery Tyrell and her sister Euphemia." It's not very often that Diana has to repeat herself to Lelouch but then with all her success she has had his mind most be filled with ideas on how to use the new money she has made the North. So, she brushes it off as one of the few times she has to lift her lord with no room to think because how great of a job she has done and even smiles feeling very proud of herself.

Lelouch grips the chair hard one more time as he hears that name and does his best not to show anything. Looking at Diana with the same calm look he always gives and says "It not every day that a noble woman will stop to talk to a merchant. Did you talk about anything that could be of use to us?"

Diana answers him with a smile. "Well, the youngest of the two sisters Euphemia said she was looking to buy some glassware. When I showed her my best stuff, however, she started to ask questions about you. Seeing no harm and giving her a bit of information, I told her the very least I could. Once I told her a bit she and her sister wanted to hear more and not waiting to give anything away I told them that I have never really met you and only my brother has. I think the youngest has a thing for you my lord and I would like your permission to tell her a bit more so I can get closer to them and maybe push my way into their inner circle."

Putting aside his questions about the name he has heard for the time being Lelouch starts to think over Diana's idea. "That is not a bad idea Diana. Of all the houses in the kingdom, House Tyrell has been the hardest for your brother to get his spies into. No doubt it is because of the Queen of Thorns Olenna Tyrell's ever watchful eyes." Thinking more on it Lelouch makes up his mind, "Do as you feel Diana but be careful of Olenna, she is a wise woman, and well sees through you with ease if she ever thinks you are anything more than a trader looking to make money."

"Yes, milord I will be careful and keep my guard up at all times." She stands and bows to her lord and takes off from the room to start to set things up for her next trip to the Reach.

When she is out of the room, Lelouch stands and goes to the window and takes a deep breath. He does not know what it means for someone to be named Euphemia in this world, but he is not one to believe in coincidences. This girl could be his dead sister reborn into this world with no memories of her old life, or she could be like him and have all of them. In the end, it matters little for he was reborn here for a reason and he will see to it that he does what must be done no matter if she is his Euphemia or not but god, he hopes it's just a coincidence.

-Flashback end-

So, lost in his thoughts Lelouch does not even realize they are almost at Sunspear the capital of Dorne till one of his men say something. "Milord we are almost at the capital of Dorne."

Looking up he and his brother are greeted by the site of one of the most magnificent castles in all of Westeros. Robb, Theon, and the men are in awe of its beauty, but Lelouch looks at it with a look of indifference. "Robb, Theon and the rest of you remember to be on your best behavior here. We are guests here, but the South has never been known to hold guest rights to the same degree as the North. Watch your back and keep on guard." Seeing that his brother, Theon and the men are now a bit worried Lelouch moves to reassure them. "Don't worry too much however for if something happens to us take heart that all of Dorne will pay the price for our deaths."

Everyone sits or stands a bit taller at his words. They knew the love King Robert has for his friend Ned so any attack on them would be met with the full fury of the king.

-Tower of the Sun-

Every member of House Martell waited patiently for the arrival of their noble guest from the North. To help pass the time they talk amongst themselves. However, a lot of time going by, more than what it should have taken for them to travel from Planky Town to Sunspear. Most did not seem to mind the wait, but others like Oberyn and his daughters were starting to get a bit impatient.

"What the fuck is taking them so long. It does not take this long to travel from Planky Town to here." Oberyn says out loud not liking the waiting.

"Calm yourself, brother, I am sure they are almost here. You forget they had a long sea trip and most likely stop to rest before they came here." Doran told his brother, but he was no fool. He knew that the heir of the North was doing this on purpose. If he were on time, it would show he found this meeting to be of the greatest of importance to the North, but if he were late like he was now, it would say this meeting is of no real important, and he didn't have to be here. It was a bold move, and one that could be seen as an insult to his house but then what did the North have to lose if things didn't go well with this meeting.

Arianne, Ellaria and Shirley were of the same mind as Doran but didn't say anything. If they did, they knew they would just piss off Oberyn even more once told. The truth was they were somewhat pissed themselves, but they understood the reason. The North was holding all the pieces, and they had nothing to give back. Dorne had everything to gain, and they had nothing to lose. Yes, they would have played it the same way if their positions were reversed.

Just when Oberyn was about rant some more the doors of the throne room open to let in three young men of no older than 14 name days with no guard. Again, a political move to show they had no fear and were putting their trust in House Martell to do them no harm. This was not lost on anyone, but once more nothing was said as they just took in the looks of the young men in front of them.

All three of the young boys were very handsome and clearly show they have been training from a young age in the art of war. The tallest had red hair and short reddish-brown hair with a stocky build. He looks more like a Tully then a Stark but the look of ice that all Starks are known for clearly shows he is one of them. Seeing as he is standing behind with the other boy they can only guess this is Robb Stark the younger brother of the heir of the North. The boy next to him has dark hair and has a cocky look on his face mix with the confidence that could only be found in all young boys who thought way too highly of themselves. Best guess is he was Theon Greyjoy, the heir to the Iron Islands. Both are dress in furs that you would find the people of the North wearing. They both look hot and uncomfortable but try to hide it as best they can.

Both young men are impressive in their own way, but it is the one that in front that stands out the most. From the moment he stepped in to the throne they couldn't help but pay attention to him. The boy has plan brown hair with a face so handsome one could hardly tell is he was man or women at first look, but his cold gray eyes make it clear that he is a man and a man you didn't wish to cross. Even Doran and Oberyn who both have seen war and death find the cold look on the boy's face a bit disturbing to look at. He walks with the grace of a king and holds himself with power that told all that the world could fall on him and he would not bend or move. Everyone in the room knows right away that this boy would be a very dangerous enemy to have. This is the heir to the North Lelouch Stark.

For Shirley, the feeling is not the same as everyone else. Her heart starts to beat faster, and her legs go weak as she looks at the young man in front of her. "It's him the boy from my dreams," she tells herself but how could that be they were only dreams. She is fighting the blush from her face and trying to calm herself down, but it is not working. Over and over she tells herself she can't be falling for someone she has never met, and she will not be some silly little girl by doing so. Her own words are not helping however as she keeps blushing and heart keeps pounding in her chest.

When Lelouch stops about halfway between him and Doran, he gives a slight bow to show some respect but at the same time showing that he sees them both as equals. Lelouch then introduces himself, his brother and Theon. "Greeting Prince Doran lord of Sunspear and Prince of Dorne. I am Lelouch Stark heir of Winterfell and future Lord of the North. To my right is my brother Robb Stark. To my left is Theon Greyjoy, heir and future Lord of the Iron Islands.

Doran looks at the boy as he gets done with his greeting. The way he says everyone's titles like they mean nothing at all and the sound of complete boredom showed Doran that things like fancy titles carry no weight to him. This boy will not be easy to deal with at all. "Welcome Lord Lelouch to Sunspear it is good of you to come. May I introduce my children." Pointing to the young lady sitting to his left he starts. "This is my daughter and heir Princess Arianne. To my left is my son Prince Trystane. Standing by my side is my brother Prince Oberyn, his Paramour Ellaria Sand and his daughters Princess Shirley, Obara Sand, Nymeria and Tyene." They all bow to their guest in respect as do Lelouch, Robb, and Theon.

Lelouch saw all of them when he walked into the throne room but now that he was closer and could see better his eyes land on her. Princess Shirley, she looks just like his Shirley from his old world. He is able to hide in his shock from everyone in the room and keep his mask of boredom on if just barely. When their eyes meet, however it feels like time stops and they are the only ones in the room. All the guilt, all the pain, and sorrow come back to him hard, and with so much force he feels his knees go weak but once more he does not show it. Not trusting himself to keep his mask if he keeps looking at her, he decides to move on quickly and says, "It is an honor to meet you all." He bows to them once more his eyes never leave Shirley's.

"Now that the introductions are done, I would like to get down to why you are here? The letter we got was vague, to say the least, and only said that your father Lord Stark wished to open up talks between the North and Dorne."

Taking his eyes away from Shirley he looks Doran right in the eyes and answers him. "Why he just wishes to open trade with Dorne Prince Doran."

Everyone starts to whisper at his answer, but it is Doran that speaks up and asks. "Is that all you are here for? Is it to talk about a trade deal?" Doran's eyes show he does not believe the boy at all.

"Why of course it is the reason. Of all the lands in the kingdom, Dorne is the only one we do not have an open trade deal with. It would be foolish of us not to open one with you seeing as it would cost us less to send ships here then it would cost you to buy second hand good for the other kingdoms." Lelouch says knowing how much it would cost to ship goods to Dorne and how much they were paying for second-hand goods.

Doran knows it does cost his people more than the other lands for Northern goods and the fact that they are all second-hand does not please many of his people. The cutting off of most ties with the rest of the kingdom after the death of his sister had saw prices go up by quite a lot. However, from the moment Lelouch walked into the room Doran knew he was here for far more than a trade agreement. "That may be true, but do you honestly think that I would believe that Lord Stark would send his son and heir here to talk about nothing more than trade."

"You need not believe anything you do not wish Prince Doran. The fact is that we have just lost one of our biggest trade partners as I am sure you already know. Dorne just so happens to be a convenient replacement for said partner. Now if you are asking for more than a simple trade deal, I can't say I don't have the permission to talk about such things."

Dorne's eyes narrow at the meaning of Lelouch's words. He indeed does know that the North has had a falling out with the Lannisters. Over what he didn't know but it must have been something big because they had increased their prices to an amount that even the Lannister's couldn't pay easily. It was something that pissed off the Queen and her father a whole lot, but Doran and Oberyn were delighted to hear about it. There was more than one way to go from here but knowing now that Lord Stark back at Winterfell is open to talking about deeper ties with Dorne he knows the open court is not the best place to have such talks. "Well, I can say on behalf of Dorne that we are more than happy to discuss a layout for trade between the North and us. If such talks go to something deeper than that all the better, for now, however, you and your brothers must be tired from your long trip. My servants have prepared rooms for you and your men. We have also prepared a feast for later tonight."

"I thank you Prince Dorne. My men and I are indeed tired and could use some rest before dinner." Lelouch bows to Dorne slightly and walks out of the room.

Once Lelouch is gone everyone in the room relaxes not noticing how tense they felt till he was gone. It is Oberyn who speak first. "That young man is dangerous, brother." His voice is flat, and without his usual joking tone or smile, he usually is seen with.

"Yes, he is very dangerous, brother but so are we. If he crosses us, then we will deal with him." Dorne says to his younger brother but does not feel so confident in his own words. He does not know why but something tells him that if Dorne and the North came to blows, it might not end well for him or his people. He does not know that Oberyn feels much the same way but to a lesser extent.

"Shirly are you ok you seem a bit out of it," Nymeria asks her with a bit of worry in her tone.

Hearing her voice, Shirly wakes from the dazes and quickly starts to clap. "Oh my, did you see how serious they looked. It is going to be so much fun breaking them out of that."

Nymeria shakes her head at this along with everyone else in the room. "Of course, you are excited at causing a bit of trouble." The smile Shirly gives her makes her start to laugh along with everyone else.

Even Dorne can't help but chuckle a bit at his niece, smiling fondly at her he tells her "Shirly don't go making too much trouble with our guests now."

"No promises uncle." She hops over to him like a little kid and kisses him on the cheek as he shakes his head at her.

- Later that night at the feast-

If you were to look at who was sitting at the head of the table, one would see the Princes of Dorne, Lelouch, and Robb sitting enjoying the banquet laid out before them. Well everyone was but Lelouch and Dorne. Robb was busy talking with Theon about something or the another. Oberyn and Ellaria were talking, kissing, groping or anything else that they felt like doing. None of this mattered to Lelouch for his eyes were only on the form of Princess Shirly. She looked so much like his Shirly that he could not keep the old memories of his past at bay. So, lost in the past, he barely hears the question ask by Ellaria who is slightly drunk on wine.

"Tell me something black wolf have you ever been with a woman before," Ellaria asks with a teasing smile.

Dorne gives her a look that screams disapproval, but Lelouch only looks at her with a somewhat amused look on his face, before he can answer, however, a very drunk Theon answers for him. "Ha Lelouch with a woman, never going happen. He is too caught up in his books and toys to care about those of the fare sex."

"So, you have never been with a woman. I find that hard to believe seeing as you are so handsome. Well if you ever what to have a go I am sure Oberyn and I can accommodate you." She smiles at him full of sexual intent. Across from her, however, if one where to look you would see Shirly glaring at Ellaria with some anger.

Giving an amused laugh Lelouch responses to her "Why think you Lady Ellaria for your kind offer but I can assure you much like you and Prince Oberyn if I wish to bed a woman, I could find one on my own. Unlike my drunken companion here who can only pay for such a thing." The room fills with giggles and laughter.

"Then what do you do for enjoyment if not take part in the pleasure of the others," Shirly ask with a genuine look of curiosity.

Looking over at her with a smile on his face that makes her feel a bit light headed he answers. "Why princess for fun I change the world."

"That is a bold statement for one so young and barely away from his mother's tit to make," Oberyn says as he keeps drinking. He does not dislike Lelouch, but as long as his father was friends with that fat pig of a king, he would not accept him being here with open arms.

"Is it?" Lelouch just calmly looks at him with that same board smile on his face that he had on when they were in the throne room. Oberyn hated that smile for if feels like he is saying that he finds him and his whole family unimportant. "Tell me Oberyn where did you get that glass cup from? It looks very well made. It is too well-made to have come from anywhere but the North."

"So, you can make a glass cup big deal," Oberyn says back with some heat in his words.

"Oh, but it's not only the glass cups. It's the steel tools, and the improve windmills, watermills, and new farming techniques. All of with I have come up with to enrich my home to the point that it is now one of the most powerful houses in the land. When you compare all this to let's say your accomplishments Prince Oberyn, well you come up a bit short."

The look on his brothers' faces as Lelouch answered him was in a way both funny and sad to Dorne. The heir to the North had just insulted his brother but then Oberyn had started it. On the plus side, this could be a humbling moment that Oberyn needed. After all, what Lelouch had said was right, compared to him Oberyn accomplishments where noting and that went for most of the lords of Westeros as well.

"It is true you have made some wonderful discoveries and have invented some wonderful things. I most ask why you have not joined the Citadel?" Maester Caleotte asks Lelouch.

Looking over at the Maester that was invited to the feast Lelouch answers him coldly. "Now why would I do that Maester Caleotte?"

"Well to learn and study at the most prestigious place of knowledge in all the known world," Caleotte answers him with pride in his voice.

What happens next no one saw coming. Lelouch laughs at this, and not the kind of laugh where one finds something funny or joyful but one that says you are so wrong its funny. "That is very amusing to hear from you Maester Caleotte but let me ask you this. When was the last time your order has done anything to improve the well-being of the people with you so called knowledge?"

Maester Caleotte does not have an answer for him becomes in truth he has no answer to give.

"It has been what 300, 500 years sense the last time your order has done anything of any real note and what it does know it is unwilling to teach others outside the higher class." Lelouch keeps going not giving the Maester time to answer.

Caleotte finds his tone of voice very insulting and answers him with some venom in his voice. "We know only what the gods allow us to learn and as far as keeping knowledge from others you can hardly be justified in that regard seeing as the North has shown no wiliness to teach the South anything of its recent discoveries."

Smiling thinking he has gotten the better of Lelouch, Caleotte smiles but if one were to look at Robb and Theon, they would see a look of amusement on their faces knowing that Lelouch is far from beaten. "I can't deny what you say is true Maester Caleotte but then can you blame us? Out of all the lands it is the North that has got the least amount of help from the Citadel and the other houses. Time and time again we have been insulted, look down upon and overall forgotten by Citadel and why becomes we have different gods than you. Gods that in my opinion are far better than yours."

"Are you saying your gods are greater than the Seven!" A no name septon shouts out.

Not even looking over at the man, Lelouch answers. "Yes, in my opinion, they are. After all, it is in the godswood under the heart tree that all my ideas come from. So, of with, I have given to the rest of the kingdom."

Everyone starts to talk in whispers around the hall. Did all his ideas come from the old gods? What if they did and we have been following the wrong gods? These are just some of the questions being asked around the room.

Looking around the room, Dorne raises his hand to quiet them down before an argument, or worse hostiles can start. After all, it would not end well if the Septon tried anything against the Northern heir. " Perhaps we should get back to the feast. We are here to celebrate after all the arriver of our new friends from the North."

Looking to his side at Dorne Lelouch say "You are right, let's get back to the enjoyment of the night and forget our differences for the time being."

With that said people start to calm down if only a bit and begin to drink, eat and dance once more. Lelouch goes back to just sitting there, sometimes talking with Dorne, Robb or anyone else who speaks to him but once more his eyes go to Shirly. She dances, jokes and plays some pranks on people including Theon who had gotten a little too fresh with one of her sisters. These playful pranks remind him eerily of Milly, and a bit of a cold shiver runs up his spine at the thought but at the same time makes him smile. She looks so happy and carefree, and if she is his reborn love, then he is pleased to see her like this, getting up from his seat he walks up to her when she is not looking and stops in front of her.

When she turns around and sees him her eyes open wide. "My I have this dance Princess?" Lelouch asks her with a soft smile and his hand out.

For the first-time sense before she could talk Shirly finds that no words will come to her. Her face is red as she just nods and takes his hand as he leads her to the dance floor.

Her whole family is surprised to see her like this. They have never known Shirly not to have a joke or quick jab to give someone. They are not the only one who are surprised for in all the time he knew his brother Robb has never seen Lelouch smile so softly at anyone that was not his family.

As they start to dance everyone watches them. It just seems like they fit together perfectly in their eyes.

"You look tired," Shirly says as she looks into his eyes.

"I had a long trip," Lelouch says plainly.

Shaking her head "No I mean you look like someone who has seen too much and needs to rest."

Smiling at her with some sadness he says to her, "I have seen too much, but I can't rest yet. Too much rest on my shoulders for me to rest now."

They may not have the same color as in her dreams, but those eyes are without a doubt the same. Yes, this is the same young man from her dreams she knows this now. "I don't know why you are here, but you don't have to do whatever it is you feel you most alone. One's soul can only take so much pain and loneliness before it can't be healed again."

Looking into her eyes deeply, he can tell she knows who he is and want he has done, she is the same person, or at least she is a different person with the memories of her past self, "I have long ago tossed away my soul for what must be done, if loneliness is all I have to look forward to and if forgiveness can't be given then so be it."

"Nothing is unforgivable if one truly feels bad about what they have done. It is only that they don't wish to be forgiven for the acts than having committed. Don't force yourself to be alone just because you can't let go of the past." Shirly looks at him with sadness and understanding.

The dance ends, and without a word, Lelouch walks away. As she looks at his back as he leaves, she thinks what cruel god was it that sent him here if only to suffer one more.

-Later that night back in the guest rooms-

Looking out into the night sky over Sunspear Lelouch thinks about what happened tonight. To say he was not shaken up after tonight would be a lie. This Shirly was not the same as his. He could tell that much from the way she acted before they dance, but it was clear she had the memories of her past self. Was it Death that sent her here or some other cruel god that just wanted to miss with him. He didn't have the answers to his question.

"Can't sleep, brother?" Robb asks from behind him.

"I have much on my mind. What about you why are you still awake?" Lelouch asks as he keeps looking out the window.

"I find it hard to sleep in this place. I feel like the moment I let down my guard something will happen." Robb sighs out.

Smiling to himself, Lelouch answers back, "Then you have learned well from me, brother. We have no friends here and even if we did it is never a bad idea to keep one eye open at all times."

"I guess" Robb stops talking for a bit as he looks out the same window as Lelouch. "Brother, I have to ask what was all that about."

"What do you mean Robb?" Lelouch asks him.

"Don't pretend that you don't know what I am asking Lelouch. What you said at the feast, we both know you don't believe in the old gods or the seven." Robb looks at him waiting for answers.

"I see you wish to know why I would use the faith of our family in my conversation with that fool Caleotte. Well, the answer to that brother would be to change people beliefs to those of the North." Lelouch answers him with a cold voice.

"What do you mean brother?" Robb glares at him.

"Robb no one cares about reason, but they all love miracles. Turning the North into a prosperous land where one can make a new life from the cold hard place that is a miracle." Lelouch says to his brother but can tell he still does not fully get it. "Brother, what is the one thing that can bring people who don't know each other to together to accomplish something?"

"Faith, faith in the belief that the work they do with each other can accomplish what they believe they need to do," Robb answers him quickly.

"Excellent Robb. Faith is a compelling thing. Faith that you are right, and the other is wrong, Faith in your lord to do what is best for you. Faith in that your religion is right, and others are not. Did you know the smallfolk in all of the Seven Kingdoms are saying I am blessed by one of the seven if not all of the seven become of my inventions? By saying however that all my ideas come from the old gods as I sit under a heart-tree I have made them start to question there said faith. There forward making those who move to the North for a better life start to question if they should convert to the old gods. Those that do convert would then be not only more loyal to our house but more willing to fight and die for us when asked." Lelouch says with an evil smile on his face.

Robb is very disturbed by what his brother says to him. "Are you looking to start a religious war brother?" He asks with some worry about the answer he will get.

Looking at his brother like he is a fool for even thinking like that, Lelouch answers him. "Of course, not brother. I well accept anyone no matter what their beliefs are. It would just be better if they believe in what most of the North does." Lelouch shanks his head at Robb and is a bit disappointed that he didn't come to that conclusion by himself.

"I can't say that makes me feel any better brother. Your willingness to use other people's religious faith is wrong and well only damn you to hell." Robb looks disapproving at his older brother.

"If I most suffer in hell after I die for the safety of my family and my people then it is a small price to pay. Now go to bed brother we have a long day ahead of us." Lelouch says back to him.

Robb is more fright full then comfort by his brother's words. He is happy that Lelouch loves them so much that he is willing to do anything to keep them safe, but it is that same willingness that frightens him so much.

-Meeting Room-

Doran knows that whatever was going to be said in this meeting could not be known to anyone else but his most trusted of vassals, so he made sure no little birds were anywhere close by. His heir Arianne was not even let in for worry that she may let something slip. The only ones he allowed in here where his brother and Ellaria but even then, it was only after much thought on the matter. Setting across from him was his adversary Lelouch Stark with his brother Robb Stark. Why adversary, well it was because Dorne didn't see the boy as an ally and it would be best to treat this meeting like one would have with an enemy.

"Now to start why don't we both agree to skip the fake pleasantries, double meaning and just get down to the point of this meeting," Doran says as he gives Lelouch a hard look.

Not being affected by Doran's look at all Lelouch answers, "I can agree to that so long as you have taken care of any would be birds."

"I have, now tell me what does the North want from Dorne? And don't tell me it's a trade agreement. It's clear to see that is not the reason whyy you came here." Dorne knows that he can't intimidate this boy, but he will not stop giving him a hard look.

Lelouch puts his hands together and answers Doran in the same way that he always does when dealing with people. "Before the Rebellion my aunt Lyanna was kidnap, my grandfather and uncle murder. At the end of said rebellion, my aunt was dead, and your sister was rape and murder along with her children. The difference between us is my family got justice, and yours did not."

The anger on both the Dornish brothers faces says all there is needed to be said about how they felt about this topic but before either one can say anything, Lelouch says "I wish to help fix that mistake."

This catch's both brothers off guard. It is Ellaria who specks first seeing as both brothers are trying to take in what has been said. "What do you mean little lord?" She asks as she gives him a hard look. "If looks could kill", Lelouch thinks to himself.

"What I mean is we now have the same enemy milady, and I wish to see if my enemy's enemy can be my friend or will he be my enemy" Lelouch answers coldly.

"And what has Robert done to make himself an enemy of the North?" Doran asks after he gets over his surprise at Lelouch's words.

Rising his eyebrow, a bit Lelouch is honestly surprised Robert is the first one Doran thinks of. Pity he was hoping he was smarter than that. "King Robert had done nothing to wrong us. It is the main person responsible for what happened to your sister that I talk about."

Doran catches on fast, but Oberyn does not and says as much. "That fat bastard is the most responsible one for what happened to our sister. If it were not for him, my sister would never have died." Oberyn shouts out in anger.

"Really from what I can tell the only thing Robert had done wrong was to doing nothing. Up until the end everything Robert had done could be justified in one way or other. Or are you telling me you would not have gone to war if your friend's family was murdered and the women you love was kidnaped." Lelouch says condescendingly.

Oberyn is pissed, no he is beyond pissed and wishes nothing more than to shove his spear into Lelouch at this moment. Doran feels much the same but raises his hand to stop his brother from doing anything foolish. If this boy dies here, then his house is doomed and this boy knowns it. "That may be true but none the less he was responsible for the inaction he took that day and well pay for it. With that said why don't you tell me what Tywin Lannister has done to anger the North."

So now he gets it right at least he is smarter than his brother, Lelouch thinks to himself. "Robb if you will hand him the letter."

Robb gives Doran the letter as told and goes back to standing by his brother's side. As Doran opens it and starts to read it his eyes go a bit wide at what he reads. "I am sure you now understand why I am here," Lelouch says with an even tone.

Looking at his brother and seeing the look he has on his face Oberyn ask his brother "What is it, Doran? What does it say?"

Not answering his brother right away he hands the letter to him and lets him read it for himself. Oberyn's eyes like his brothers go wide at what he reads. "Brother this is-"

"Yes, it is a promise of aid to the now ex-House Bolton in the remover of House Stark as the ruling house of the North," Doran says flatly.

Ellaria turns her head quickly to look at her lover and then takes the letter from him and reads it herself no believing Lord Tywin would be so foolish as to send a letter saying that. Before she can finish reading it, Lelouch speaks up. "Of course, the letter does not say as much, but the message is unambiguous if you can read between the lines."

"Indeed, it is but tell me why not just take this to your father's friend the king. Surely, he would not let this pass." Ellaria says before Doran can say anything.

"Because the fool can't do anything. All Tywin has to do is say the letter only meant that if House Stark fell he would support House Bolton as the ones to take over. Add in that Tywin can bankrupt the kingdom at any time he wants, and it ties the king's hands." Doran answers her question for Lelouch.

Smiling at Doran for knowing the answer already Lelouch speaks up. "Excellent Prince Doran. Now we come to the matter of is my enemy's enemy my friend or not."

"Your father would never betray Robert so long as he lives," Doran answers him.

"Indeed, you're right my father never would but then with the way Robert drinks and whores all day and night he well kill himself sooner or later. After he dies, well I am sure you have heard about how his son is." Lelouch says back to him.

Doran does know now the would be king is. By all reports, he is a cruel, stupid boy who will no doubt make more enemies than his father when he comes to power. "You are saying your father is willing to turn his back on his friend's son?"

"Of course, not. My father is too much of an honorable man to do that, but then I am sure you know how the Queen feels about the North and how we have been treating her family. She will look to have her son force the North to give up all its secrets. When we refuse to do so I am sure the foolish boy well call for war on the North. At with point the rest of the kingdom well have to make up their minds, are you on the Lannister's side or the Stark's side." Lelouch finishes with a cold look that chills the other people in the room down to the bone.

"There is no guarantee that things will go as you think they well young wolf," Doran says back.

"Ture but then it does not matter if they don't. One way or the other the would be king will do something just as stupid no matter what. It only a matter of time." Lelouch cold simile does not leave his face.

What a frightful boy, he is not looking to start a civil war, he is counting on one to happen no matter what. Ellaria thinks to herself as she looks at him now feeling somewhat small compared to him. She is not the only one in the room with the same feeling.

"Let's say things go the way you say they well or something else entirely different happens. What would the North give us to make us take your side?" Doran asks.

Now we get down to the real negotiations. "What we offer you is to share our glass making techniques, along with the promise the sale of weapons and armor that we are unwilling to sale outside the North. We will also make sure, that all steel tools sold outside of the Riverlands can only be bought from Dorne. Of course, we expect to see a share of the profits."

"And now much would that be?" Questions Doran.

"Let's say 30% of the total income. I think that is a far amount for what we are offering." Lelouch answers him.

"I am thinking more like 20," Doran says back.

"25 after all Dorne has more to gain from this deal then we do." Lelouch smiles at him.

He is right Dorne has far more to gain from the deal than the North. Well, that is in till this boy comes up with something new that makes up the profits lost from this deal. "It all sounds good, but something like this only last so long as both sides have a reason to keep it alive. That is why most alliances are made with a marriage between the two houses."

Lelouch saw this coming, but that does not mean he likes it. He has never agreed with arranged marriages, but then it is now this world works. Best he makes this work, so none of his brothers are sisters have to go into a loveless marriage. "Indeed, that is how it is done most of the time. I assume you have someone in mind already for this marriage."

"That I do young Stark. I propose you marry my daughter Arianne or my brother's daughter Shirly." Doran says as Oberyn looks at him with some distaste. He knew this might happen, but that does not mean he had to like it. The thought of his lovely daughter going to the cold North in a political marriage was on something he enjoyed thinking about.

"I agree to your proposal. Well so long as one of them agrees to it as well. No matter how beautiful they both are I will not marry an unwilling bride." Lelouch says to Doran.

Ellaria can't help but smile at the boy for his words. It is very rare that a boy cares about anything other than a women's looks when it comes to something like this.

Doran now ever is not as happy for now he has to talk to both Arianne and Shirly about this. A conversation he knows will not go over well. "Agreed but may I ask you to stay in Dorne for a while to get to know the two of them."

"I don't see why not. The North can do just fine without me there for a while yet." Lelouch gets up and shakes Doran's hand then turns to take off from the room.

Once Lelouch is outside of the room Oberyn says to his brother. "Are you sure it is wise to make a deal with that boy. It's clear he is looking to use us for some bigger plan."

Doran is honestly surprised his brother is thinking along the same line as him. "I don't know brother. All I do know is there is a new and very dangerous player in the great game."

"I disagree, Doran," Ellaria says to him.

Looking to his brother's lover Doran ask. "What do you mean Ellaria?"

"I don't know, but something tells me that he has no care for the great game. As my love said, however, he is aiming for something big and whatever it is we best be ready for it." She says, and both Doran and Oberyn take her words to heart.