Sovgarde. Hall of Valor
Songs and sagas rang across the great halls, with mead and meat aplenty, as ancient heroes of old shared their tales and drank for the deeds of each other. Loud rang the feast in the Hall of Valor, as the endless feast continued, yet as all engaged in earned feasting, one sat still and unmoved, his brow furrowed and plate and cup full to the brim. He was the master of the Hall and one who had created Sovngarde for the finest and worthiest sons and daughters of races of men, to be their reward in death for all they had accomplished in life. Seated upon his throne, he watched with his piercing gaze the endless feast, yet sight no longer brought him any joy, for he knew that the days of the endless feast and his rule over Sovngarde would soon come to an end.
He is the Missing God, creator of Nirn and Mundus, who was slain by Trinimac for his supposed ruse. Many names mortals have given him- Lorkhan, Sheor, Shezzar, Sep, but his dearest was Shor, and here the many heroes called him such from Skyrim and beyond. Though killed by the Elven God, Shor never died in a complete sense, and throughout the ages, he continued to actively influence the world of Nirn and lives of mortal races, only not as a god, but as an avatar of himself.
Azor Ahai, Brandon the Builder, Pelinal Whitestrake, Ysmir Wulfhart, Talos, Aegon Targaryen- those are but the most well-known and revered of his incarnations throughout the world by men, with one even rising to become a new Aedra. Many times Shor had changed the destiny of the world and nations of Men and Mer.
When he was not in the land of mortals, he was here, ruling over Sovngarde and partaking in feasting with those that came here. However, it has been a long time since heroes of Sovngarde sow Shor drink his mead and eat the meat. Though feasts and music never seized here, all knew that their God was in deep thought, though none could tell what was on his mind and what bothered him. For years and years, they haven't seen him smile and feasting, and for some this was starting to become unsettling, though they did not show it in any way or form.
Deciding that he would not find any resolution or peace of mind in the Hall of Valor, Shor rose up from his seat at the head table, and in the next instant, he was already outside of the Hall, on the other end of the Whalebone Bridge. There he found his loyal friend and companion, Tsun, his shield-thane and the one who tests all those that arrive here if they are worthy to enter the Hall of Valor via Whalebone Bridge. The mighty guard turns immediately to face his lord and bows before him.
"My Lord, what brings you out here?" Tsun asked in a polite and revered tone.
"Thoughts, my old friend. Thoughts of the future, and what is to come, and of the one who shall return to Mundus." Shor said in a cryptic manner, as he gestured Tsun to raise his head. "I've sensed it for a long time now, Tsun. The Hungry Worm is returning."
"Alduin?" Tsun asked, surprise and shock evident upon his face. "But he had been defeated ages ago. How can he be back when it is not yet the time for the End?"
"Defeated he was not, do not forget that. He was merely sent forward in time, removed from all plains for ages." Shor reminded Tsun. "My brother's firstborn was too mighty, too powerful for even his own kin to stop him, and only through trickery the victory was achieved. Now it is all for naught, because he is returning. I can feel that it will not be long until he is finally free."
"Do the others know of it?" Tsun asked of him.
"Most may not, but Akatosh and Talos may have sensed it too." Shor said, as he looked into the vastness of his realm. "The barriers have weakened and his window will soon appear, and when he returns it means that he shall set his sights on both Skyrim and Sovngarde at the same time, and there won't be anything I can do to stop him."
"Sovngarde is your domain, My Lord. Surely you would be able to drive him out here in an instant." Tsun stated with confidence.
"No, Alduin's power is too much for me to challenge fully. I can only shield this small plot of realm when he comes, but the rest will become his hunting grounds." Shor explained to his shield-thane. "Just like in the ages past, The Hungry Worm shall hunt and devour souls to wax his power, and what better place for him to do so than my Sovngarde? He won't even have to stalk and kill those that have enough power to feed him, and when he has satiated his hunger then all of Nirn and Mundus will truly shudder."
"There has to be a way to stop him, but if even the Dragonborns of old couldn't stop him, then there is not a chance for Men and Mer of this age." Tsun stated, with both knowing that this was true. "Do the other Aedra know of his return?"
"Akatosh and Talos may have sensed it already, as have Alduin's kin, even those that he casted away." Shor told him. "But I fear none of them will confront Alduin directly, for all of them have sworn an oath to Akatosh and Mara, parents of the Worm."
"Then it is up to the mortals to stop him, but as they are now, there none who stand a chance. And there are none who have the Blood of the Dragon in them, and even if there were…" Tsun did not finish his sentence, for he did not need to.
Both Shor and Tsun knew all too well, that Alduin was far too powerful enemy for any creature to face, as he was impossible to kill in Nirn, no matter how badly he was wounded or beaten. Akatosh and other Aedra were connected to Nirn, and as long as the realm existed, they would never seize to exist, and Alduin was the same way. His physical form was impervious to harm and he was immortal, free from the shackles of death, but that was only part of his might.
Another part of his power came from the hundreds of powerful souls that he had consumed over the ages, souls of Men, Mer, Daedra, Dragonborns and even Dragons. All those that opposed him when he rebelled against the designs of his Father and Mother and desired to take Nirn for himself were made food for him. Even many Dragons, his own kin, who did not wish to enslave and command the mortals, stood against him, and most of them became food for him. Those few who survived only escaped his wrath and hunger thanks to Shor and Kynareth, who shielded and saved them, in exchange for their fealty and service.
Each soul devoured empowered Alduin, and over time, his power grew to the point where not even Gods could safely challenge him and with this, he changed the Dragons from noble and loyal followers of Aedra to oppressors and tyrants, who enslaved Men and Mer alike in Atmora and Skyrim. For centuries, only those Dragons that Shor and Kynareth had saved stood against Alduin and their brethren, until even they were reduced to less than twenty souls and were forced to flee.
However, their bitter battle did inspire some Dragons to return to their more noble ways, most importantly Paarthurnax, who would be the one to teach mortals the power of Thu'um, and then Shor, Kyne and Akatosh had granted the gift of Dragon blood and soul to mortals, creating the Dragonborns.
Their appearance changed the face war and now the Dragons faced those that could not just fight and devour their soul, but who were also much stronger than normal mortals were. Dragonborns were naturally gifted with greater strength, might in magic and speed of body and mind, afforded to them by the Dragon blood and soul, and with every soul of Dragon devoured, they grew stronger and stronger. This was the only way through which mortals could face the Dragons. Thu'um was a mighty weapon, but Dragons were inheritably far more powerful on a physical and magical level, and would only grow stronger with every enemy slain and devoured. Therefore, the children of Akatosh faced an enemy that was their equal in abilities, and the tide seemed to turn in favor for the mortals.
Unfortunately, while the war was now waged on more even ground, no victory could be achieved so long as Alduin reigned over his kin and there were none of the Dragons that would dare to challenge him. Moreover, as for Dragonborns, many have tried to stop Alduin, but each fell and had their souls devoured, serving to strengthen the foul World Eater further to the point where his kin dismissed even a notion of betrayal. Dragons, unlike the mortals, first and foremost followed the strongest, for among them strong Dovah was considered the wise Dovah and best suited to lead, and betrayal was something that happened very rare and only under extreme circumstances.
Had Alduin not been sent through time, Shor knew that the victory would belong to him and his followers and that would be the end of not just Skyrim, but all of Tamriel and then Nirn. And now The Hungry Worm was coming back and something needed to be done about it. He to reincarnate into a Dragonborn and fight him on his own, but Shor had put that idea away, as Alduin had acquired a taste to his avatars, as in the past he had tried and failed to defeat him in such way.
No, this time he needed to do it differently, find an alternative way to defeat Alduin definitively and completely, not incapacitate or weaken him, but beat and destroy him. A simple Dragonborn or even Shor himself in mortal flesh would not be able to achieve it, because to destroy Alduin would require an Aedra, and none that existed now was capable of killing him…
"That exist now…" When those words rang in the mind of Shor, an idea came to mind, one that would make even Sheogorath smile. "If none of current can make do it now, then we make a new one…"
A mad idea, one that was not attempted before… And one that could succeed in achieving all that needed to be done and even more, since aside from Alduin, Shor sensed that another ancient enemy of his was returning from the slumber, only on the other side of the Nirn. An enemy he personally defeated and put to rest, but now once again was stirring from their slumber at the whim of their master. Though Shor saw them not as great a threat as Alduin, they were more than enough to warrant the attention of Aedra, and that they shall gain.
Shor knew that this was not an endeavor he alone could accomplish, and therefore he would have to work together with others to even gain permission to take one step into the Nirn. And so after giving his old friend one last nod, he teleported onto the highest peak in his realm and sent a call to his divine siblings, calling upon those that he needed to accomplish his scheme.
And in an instant they answered his call, as four Aedra appeared near Shor and looked upon him. Mighty war God Talos, gentle mother Mara, his beloved Kynareth and finally, his brother and essential Akatosh all stood near Shor, looking upon him and awaiting for the explanation as to his sudden summon into his realm.
"Greetings, my fellow divines." Shor greeted them with a bow. "I am happy to see you answer my call so swiftly."
"It is not every day that you allow other deities entry in your Sovngarde." Talos spoke, his voice near identical to that of Shor, yet bearing some difference.
"This is the first time since Merethic Era we meet like this, and something tells me that there is a reason for this, Lorkhan." Mara, ever perceptive, knew that her brother-in-law had a reason to call them all here. "What scheme have you hatched this time, dear brother?" She asked with voice lacking malice and bearing only curiosity.
"One that could save the Nirn and prevent a catastrophe from happening. But before I speak of it, there is a certain something that all of you must know." Shor spoke up, as he looked at his golden brother, "Your devoted followers, the Thalmor, have disabled the White Gold Tower, bringing them ever closer to reclaiming "immortality" that they so desire."
"Do not assume that Altmers and Thalmor follow my commands, Lorkhan. I've given them no commands and I do not wish for the destruction of what we all had built with such care." Akatosh retorted. "This is known to me, and though it is disabled, the barrier between Nirn and Oblivion holds still. The threat of Daedra is contained for now. And aside from that, we felt no changes in the Nirn yet"
"You may believe that to be so, brother, but that is where you are wrong." Shor stated to him. "The disabling of that Tower had a rippling effect with caused two things to happen. One of them being the disturbance of The Others and their stirring from slumber." That piece of news caused all to exchange looks, mainly with Kynareth.
In the lands that are known as Westeros and particularly the North, Kynareth's influence was stronger than any other Aedra's, for she was worshipped and revered by them, perceived to be one of deities known as the Old Gods, with the other being Shor himself. The Others, White Walkers and however else they were known as were abominations created by those Aedra that despite participating in creation of Nirn, grew spiteful and bitter, wishing it's destruction to regain their form. In their insanity, they created the Walkers, soulless and inhumane creatures, whose purpose was to destroy all life, and they started with the Aedra that created them, gaining their freedom, yet soon trading it.
Daedric Prince Molag Bal was quick to bring them into his own fold and make them into a weapon of his own against the world. Only through much effort and sacrifices, those monsters were driven out and put to slumber, with Shor himself constructing The Wall to guard the mortal realm from them. And though he was physically dead and couldn't once again walk the Nirn, Kynareth was alive and de-facto reigned as the only divine in the North.
"I've sensed them stirring up again, yes, and I have already put into motion a plan to stop them." Kynareth spoke. "A pact that was agreed upon by descendants of Shor's two avatars will produce someone who can save Westeros, and I have already nurtured and blessed the one to bear the child. A member of one of your bloodlines, Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen, heir of Aegon Targaryen, shall give us the solution to defeat the Walkers."
"I have seen your work, and while I hold nothing against giving Lyanna your blessing, like you did her mother, she is not as devoted to you as you may seem, as I saw how she looked upon Rhaegar and how she reacted when she heard him speak of his vision of the prophecy." Shor could see that his wife was not very pleased with what she heard. "But that is only the secondary reason to summoning you here. The real reason why I called you here is because that ripple from disabling the tower has affected the currents of time, and the one that was imprisoned in them. You all know of whom I speak." The revelation dawned upon all of their eyes.
"Alduin… My son is returning?" Mara asked of him, before she turned to Akatosh. "Akatosh, is this true?"
"Yes… It is. Alduin's imprisonment is now at an end and he shall be back. It shall be 14 years from now in mortal realm when he returns to Nirn." Akatosh revealed to all, as he turned to Shor. "You too have sensed it, haven't you?"
"We both crafted Nirn, and though I no longer can exist in it as I am, I am still its creator and retain my link to it." Shor told him. "I do not need to tell you what his return means to Skyrim and Nirn in general. And we all know that there is no force that can stop him, thanks to the oath that we took and you can't take back."
"Though my heart aches at what he has become, he is my son, Shor, and I will never allow anyone of us to kill him." Mara told him.
"And because of that there is none that can seriously challenge him in battle, and there no Dragonborns who could pose a threat to him. My line is gone, and those Dragons that exist are not powerful enough to take him on. And there is also the fact that he is like us, an Aedra and therefore can't be killed in Nirn." Talos reminded all.
"Yes, that is all true… However, what if there was a way to actually defeat Alduin, once and for all? To bring him down and allow you to reform him?" Shor asked of them.
"Shor, what have you thought about? You know that not even your avatar can defeat him." Kynareth reminded him.
"I know, and that is why I called upon you here, because, like it or not, Mara, but we need to stop Alduin." Shor told them. "Now, we all know that neither I, any Dragon or Dragonborn will be able to stop him, nor Daedric Princes are not an option for us. And since none of the currently existing Aedra can kill him… I propose that we create someone, who will be able to challenge Alduin and defeat him."
"Lorkhan… Are you actually suggesting that we create…" Talos tried to ask, but Shor interrupted him.
"Yes, we create a new Aedra, or rather someone close enough to us to be a threat to Alduin." Shor told them all, as he went on to elaborate. "A mortal Man, imbued with blessings from all Divines, and bearing the blood of Akatosh and me. One that would have the potential to become the greatest of all Men and Mer, someone who could one day achieve the status of Divine. And one that would have both the claim and power upon the position of Alduin."
"What you are proposing… This has not happened since Pelinal Whitestrake, and his blessings were made upon his arms and armor and he was your avatar. To grant a mortal so much… We are risking creating a monster that could surpass in cruelty and malice even Alduin." Kynareth stated. "Remember the atrocities that Pelinal had caused, and what it took to stop him, and if we do as you say, we may create someone who would be an even greater threat than some Daedric Princes."
"Or a hero, that could stand fast and strong before all threats to Nirn, internal or external. For ages, Daedra that eye it with greed and malice has threatened our creation, and how many times has Mehrunes Dagon invaded our realm? The last time he nearly succeeded, and only thanks to Martin Septim's sacrifice, he was stopped." Shor reminded them all. "For ages we fought for Nirn, and now it is threatened the most, and it must be protected. I propose that we create our mightiest champion, one to stop both Alduin, Molag Bal and everyone else who would dare to strike at our realm."
"Even if we agree to this, there is still the matter of how to defeat Alduin, since in Nirn, he is invulnerable, like all of us." Mara reminded. "I yearn for my children to return to their old ways, but while Alduin stands strong that will never happen."
"In Nirn, he will never be defeated, but in Sovngarde…" Shor's chuckle was enough for others to understand what he meant. "Before his defeat, The World Eater found his way into my realm and devoured souls of fallen heroes to increase his power. This land has become his snares, and now it shall serve as a snare to him."
"That could work." Akatosh admitted, as he looked into his brother's eyes. "Yet even with all the blessings, without proper upbringing and grooming, the child's talents will be stunted and weakened. And once he or she is born, it will be clear as day to mortals that he is different from others."
"All those have been born with our gifts have been clearly seen as different. Sometimes mortals shunned them, others they have embraced them." Mara reminded to her husband and everyone else. "It is the choice that the mortals make, and it is not what we can take away from them, even if it means putting our plans at risk. However, the question stands: if we agree, who shall be our choice?"
"There is one…" Kynareth spoke, getting the attention of everyone. "Lyanna Stark is soon to give birth to her three children, two boys and a daughter. My blessings have made her strong enough to survive the childbirth, but one of the boys will not survive. The child is weak and may pass away, while his siblings will live. One of the surviving children would be capable of stopping the Walkers, but if we decide to intervene…"
"We would be rewriting the entire destiny and throwing a prophecy out the proverbial window, as the scholars would say…" Talos chuckled.
"Would we?" Shor suddenly asked of them. "A child would still be born from Ice and Fire, and a Dragonborn he will be, so all the prophecies align. And even if not, destiny and fate are not concepts that we are not slaves to. Those are concepts for those without will to make a choice and move one, and we are not them. And the child will not be ruled by those concepts, like his father."
"Maybe. Hopefully he shall be better than him in that regard." Kynareth said, for she was disturbed with the fact of Rhaegar's reliance upon prophecies to act. "Regardless, I have already set in motion events to happen such way that Lyanna and Rhaegar survive this war that they have sparked. Rhaegar now fights with his cousin at Trident River in Westeros, and Baratheon seeks his head, but he shall not get it, since he has a protector there."
"You've sent one of our children to fight for him?" Mara asked, realizing that Kynareth's plan involved those Dragons that swore allegiance to Shor and Kyne. "You realize what will happen if he is discovered to not be a man? Targaryens are obsessed with their Wyrms, and they see a True Dragon…"
"Calm yourself, sister, and recall, that all those Dovah that pledged themselves to me and Shor have discarded their previous looks and took on the appearance of mortals, though immortal and immensely powerful." Kyne reminded her, with Mara calming herself down. "The one fighting with Rhaegar is one of the strongest warriors that have battled against Alduin, and the one with Lyanna is his chosen soulmate, so both shall be fine."
"I can see whom you have sent, sister, and you have chosen well. Anarion will make short work of Baratheon, and Miriel will take good care of your chosen." Akatosh praised her choice, before making the final decision. "Though Shor's plan is unlike anything we had attempted before, it is not without potential and with Anarion and Miriel close by, the child should be safe, should Rhaegar and Lyanna not fulfill their duties as parents. I agree with it."
"And should they not prove themselves proper parents for him?" Talos asked of them.
"Then they shall know that deities are not as kind to bad parents as they may believe themselves to be. It will be the test to them." Mara stated to them, as she turned to her husband, and then to Kynareth and Shor. "My blessing and favor shall be his."
"As will mine." Talos agreed, seeing the potential in his de-facto progenitor's plan. "But there is one crutch: if the child is weak and even if it will survive, it may not be able to fully use our powers. How do we deal with this?"
"Through this." With this said, Akatosh produced a bright red object, floating and pulsating, with all looking upon it.
The Heart of Lorkhan, one that Trinimac had to carve out of Shor's chest and which serves as the heart of all of Nirn. Once hidden deep under the Red Mountain, but later becoming an instrument through which the Tribunal had achieved their immortality and godhood. Only when Dagoth Ur came back to life and obtained the Heart the Divines sow a chance to reclaim the Heart. When Azura's champion, the reincarnation of Indoril Nerevar, destroyed the link between Dagoth and the Heart, he also broke the connection of Tribunal to it, and once it was gone, Akatosh reclaimed the Heart.
Since then the God of Time and his fellow Divines have become the guardians and custodians of the Heart, keeping it safe from the hands of those that would make use of it. In return, the Heart has strengthened the Divines and increased their powers, and right now, they were at the peak of their might, and thanks to the Heart the barrier between Oblivion and Nirn has grown stronger, despite no Dragonborn emperors ruling over the Empire.
All looked upon the Heart, before Akatosh touched it and produced from a single drop of Shor's blood from it. Though long severed, the Heart continued to produce blood, and that blood was a container of a great power and a possible conduit for great magic. In the next instant, the glowing substance crystalized in a form of red tear, as it now bore the blessings of Akatosh and Shor.
"With this, we shall be able to grant him all that he will need to stop Alduin and Molag Bal." Akatosh told them. "With this, he shall have the power unheard of among Men and Mer."
"He could become the best of them all, or the worse than all before and after him." Kyne said, as she sealed her own blessing in the crystal. "Once we place the blessings, all we can is hope that he will be what we need him to be."
"As if that is new for us." Shor chuckled, as all of them placed their blessings into the crystal, before he looked upon his brother. "Until we meet again, brother."
"Until we meet again, brother." Akatosh repeated, as he, Mara and Talos disappeared from Sovngarde, while Kyne was left with her husband.
"How long have you thought of this plan?" Kyne asked of Shor directly.
"It came to me only today, when I thought of ways on how to defeat Alduin." Shor admitted to her. "I saw Miriel and Anarion in Westeros, but thought nothing of it, being preoccupied with what I sensed. Alduin's return will shake the world and it is needed, despite how desperately we needed it not to happen."
"Because with him shall come Dragons, and they are powerful enough to wipe out The Others and stop Molag Bal." Kynareth said, as something came to her. "You knew that The Others and Alduin will return, and that is why you saved the Dragons that stood against Alduin. You've been planning all of this since the start."
"No, not from the start. I saved them because they were our best chance against Alduin and the Walkers, but now… Now we have a chance to tip the scales firmly in our favor." Shor told her. "The Dragons follow the strongest among them, be they covered in scales or possessing the flesh of a mortal being."
"It is still quite a gamble, even for you, Shor." Kyne told him. "How do you know that it will succeed?"
"The same way that I knew that Nirn would be created." Shor told her. "I have hope."
Nirn. Westeros. Trident River.
A chorus of metal clanging, screams and shouts fill the air, as blood flowed into the now crimson river, with men from both rebel and Royal armies falling into the river. Thousands already laid dead, yet more shall die before this battle is over, and amidst all of this chaos two figures stood apart, fighting to the death for the woman that now belonged to one of them. Rhaegar Targaryen and Robert Baratheon, the Crown Prince of the Seven Kingdoms and Lord Paramount of the Stormlands, exchanged blows from their respective weapons, crying to strike one another down.
And though Rhaegar was a skilled and excellently trained warrior, the raw power and fury of Robert were simply overwhelming him, and though he had deflected many swipes of his war hammer, several still found their mark in his armor, and now he felt the pain and stress overtake him. Another swing- and Rhaegar's shield breaks and he plunges into the waters of the Trident, unable to stand up or move away. He looks up and sees Robert beginning to bring up his hammer for one last time, to crush the Crown Prince's head.
"Go to hell, damn dragonspawn! For Lyanna!" Robert roared and then brought down his hammer, waiting for it to smash Rhaegar's chest…
…only for the hammer to be stopped, when a longsword's blade stopped it right before it could reach the breastplate of the prince. Furious glare of Robert was drawn to the bearer of that blade and he saw the one who denied him the pleasure of dealing the last blow to his hated enemy. The one who stopped him stood at the same height as Robert Baratheon and just was just slightly less muscular, dressed in pale steel plate armor on his legs, wrists, shoulders and torso, with chainmail covering the rest of his frame. An open helm revealed the face of a young, yet mighty warrior, bearing the black long hair and bright amber eyes, Valyrian features clear upon his fair skin, mixed with those of an unknown kind.
With a powerful move, he lifted the war hammer and the tackled Baratheon away from Rhaegar, nearly making him fall into the waters, yet managing to retain his balance. The warrior puts himself between Rhaegar and Robert, bringing up his blade and preparing to strike one more time, as Robert collects himself.
"Out of the way, you Volantene bastard! He is mine!" Robert roared, as he discarded his shield and gripped the hammer with both hands. "I'll smash your damn face with my own face for standing between me and my justice!"
"You'll first have to kill me first, Baratheon, and you've failed to even graze back at Harrenhall." The warrior replied, as he glanced back and saw Rhaegar rise up from the water, his sword in hand. "Your Grace, best you leave this fight to me."
"Stand aside, Anarion. It is my duty to defeat him, for both the Realm and Lyanna's sakes." Rhaegar defiantly stated, as Barristan Selmy and a group of Crownlands' knights finally made their way to them.
"Your duty is to live and win this battle, Your Grace, not fall and become another dead useless corpse. You spoke of changes to this Realm and how you will make it happen. They won't happen if you are dead, Your Grace." Anarion stated him, with Rhaegar understanding him. "Ser Barristan, I shall handle Robert Baratheon here. Do your duty and protect His Grace." Barristan nodded to him and put his hand on Prince's shoulder
"Good luck to you, Anarion." Rhaegar said to him and left, fighting their way to the center of the battle.
"If you had only stood aside, I would've granted you forgiveness and honors after the battle, but now I'll just crush your fucking skull!" Robert shouted at Anarion.
Without giving him another word, Anarion charged Robert, catching him by surprise at the ease and speed with which he moved through shallow waters, swinging his longsword at him. Robert was forced to bring up his hammer to parry, but the attack was a feint, and at the last moment, Anarion redirected the overhead strike into a swing on the right. The blade cut into the steel and chainmail, breaking them and piercing flesh, with blood dripping. Though it was shallow wound, it was enough to make Robert cry out in pain, as he tried to strike at Anarion again, but the Volantene swordmaster easily evaded and the thrust his blade into Robert's thigh, piercing and slowing the Lord of Storm's End.
Robert still manages to force Anarion away from him by frantically swinging his hammer, though the nimble and swift swordsman evaded all strikes. As much as Robert may loath and detest the idea of this foreigner being better than he is, deep down he knew that this was true. A bastard son of a noble from an Old Blood and a freedwoman, Anarion did not have much prospects in Volantis and so left it to become a sellsword. For years he fought in Disputed Lands, fighting for Lys against Tyrosh and Myr, having earned himself a reputation as a deadly and fearsome swordsman. He continued being a sellsword until he moved to Dragonstone, where he married one of Lady Elia Martell's ladies-in-waiting, which brought him into contact with Rhaegar Targaryen.
Few knew how this foreigner had managed it, but Crown Prince had first made him a member of his household guard, and then, when his Master-at-arms died from sickness, Anarion became the new Master-at-arms. A strange decision at first, but all rumors disappeared when they witnessed Anarion participating in the melee at Harrenhall tournament.
The foreign swordsman showed, that his reputation and position were well earned, as he defeated many prominent knights and fighters, including both Stark Brothers, Robert Baratheon, and even Gerold Hightower. Ser Arthur Dayne only defeated him by managing to break his chipped sword, with Anarion yielding the victory to the Kingsguard. Had the sword he wielded was in good condition, chances were that Anarion could potentially beat the Sword of the Morning, since the two fought at their hardest that day.
Now this man stood here between Robert and his vengeance and Lyanna, which rightfully belonged to him and only him alone. And he will be damned if he allowed some foreign upstart bastard stop him from taking it all for himself! With a mighty and defiant roar, Robert lunged himself at Anarion and brought his hammer from left and swung it at Anarion. Dragonstone's Master-at-arms evaded the attack and then suddenly grabbed the hammer with his left hand, before kicking Robert into the wounded thigh, eliciting him to cry out in pain even more, before Anarion managed to drive his blade into Robert's side, piercing his ribs.
Evading another swing, Anarion collected himself and then went on the offensive against Robert, evading another swing and then swiftly cutting both his legs and finally forcing Robert to drop on his knees, his horn helm dropping from his head. Moving to face him, Anarion grabs the hammer away from Robert's hands as he tried to swing it again at him, taking it away, with Robert facing him with a tired and pained expression, as Anarion prepared his sword.
"Wait… wait…" Robert wheezed out him. "I… I am Lord and…"
Without sharing any last words with Robert, Anarion swung his sword and cut Robert's head off his neck, letting it fall into the Trident River, before Anarion knelt and picked it up, looking into the shocked eyes of the dead warrior.
With this act, he has fulfilled the command of his Lady and ensured that the Crown Prince would live, and so he began to make his way across the battlefield, so as to present the proof of this Rebellion's end.
Five hours later. Royal army's camp.
The sounds of cheers and screams of the pained filled the camp, as Anarion made his way through the packed encampment, avoiding already celebrating soldiers and lords, along with the prisoners, which were being led into cages. After Robert's death became a known fact, the battle tipped firmly in favor of the Royal army, and two hours later it was finally finished. The Stormlanders were the first to break, followed by the Rivermen, with only the North and The Vale continuing resistance, but after a while, they too have finally laid down their arms, after both Lords Arryn and Tully were captured. Anarion, who led a small force of Donishmen, also captured the latter when he attempted to flee back to Riverrun, having dragged the greying man off his horse and brought him before Rhaegar, after the battle was over.
As he moved through rows of tents and passing soldiers and knights, a number of them have hailed him as the Stagslayer, for his act of killing Robert Baratheon, or as a Fisherman, for capturing Hoster Tully. Not the most original nicknames that Anarion had received in his life, though he had certainly heard worse, much worse over his years of life and service to Shor and Kyne. He personally wasn't all that interested in the names that people have given him, instead preferring the one that he himself took when he pledged to serve the mortals against Alduin, just all those Dovah that have shed their scales and wings in favor of flesh and blood of mortals, yet immortal and bound for Sovngarde upon their death. His has yet to come, unlike for so many of his brothers and sisters, but Anarion is not just yet ready to throw down his blade and die.
"Sir Anarion!" The thoughts of once Dovah were broken when he saw Prince Lewyn Martell make his way to him, with a smile and open arms greeting him.
"Prince Lewyn." Anarion nodded in greeting to the Dornish Prince and Kingsguard. "I see you are better now."
"Yes, at least the world isn't spinning around me anymore. I wished to thank you for saving my life back there." Lewyn Martell gestured Anarion to move with him. "Those Valemen would've decimated us, if you hadn't killed Robert. You have saved many lives today, though I must admit that I am somewhat surprised that you have not taken him captive. A shame we wouldn't get to see him tried for his treason."
"His fate would've been the same as the one I gave him: death. Either by headsman or a slow one on the Wall, or worse, he could escape." Anarion told Lewyn, who agreed with him.
"Hm, when you speak like that, I can't deny you your logic. Still, as I was saying, you have my thanks, both for my and Prince Rhaegar's lives, especially the latter." Prince Lewyn thanked him again. "I know that some of my brothers have not been as welcoming to you as Ser Barristan, but I assure you that there was no malice behind our animosity towards you. Just seeing a foreigner of your origin rise so high and to have the Prince's trust… One can't help but feel somewhat suspicious."
"I have never implied to be insulted or hurt. I would be more insulted if you had welcomed me openly, since that would imply that you are not as well suited at being Kingsguards as you claim." Anarion spoke respectfully, with Lewyn chuckling a little. "And as for the Prince's trust and interest in me, I neither asked nor wished to be so close to those that hold power. In my experience, that often involved unwanted attention at the court from sycophants, schemers and the rest. One of the reasons why I left Lys was exactly that." The two have reached the tent of the Crown Prince, with Ser Jonothor Darry standing guard.
"Ser Lewyn, the Stagslayer." The Kingsguard greeted earnestly the two, though Anarion didn't react to the nickname. "His Grace is still accepting the capitulation of the Lords, though he did say to let you in when you arrive."
"Then we shan't keep him waiting any longer." Prince Lewyn responded and moved the covers for him and Anarion to go inside the tent.
The spacious and lavishly decorated place was packed to the brim with Lords and Knights, with three persons standing in the center, surrounded by all others. Eddard Stark, Hoster Tully and Jon Arryn, all stood in front of Rhaegar Targaryen, with Barristan Selmy standing close to him, ready to draw his blade, with the Crown Prince being in process of talking with the three. Anarion decided to discreetly move into the crowd, while Prince Lewyn directly joined his brother and Crown Prince.
"Though I know that my father's actions are inexcusable and numerous, your own crimes are not excused because of them." Rhaegar spoke with a powerful tone. "For hundreds of years, House Targaryen had ruled over the Seven Kingdoms, and for as long as we have ruled, your Houses known prosperity and security in your position. Lord Arryn, has my family been unjust or cruel to you?"
"You took our rightful position and freedoms. Only because of your dragons did we obey you, but they are long extinct, and so is the time for your House to go!" Jon Arryn stated with disdain and anger. "My House ruled the Vale for hundreds of years and the Seven have blessed our rule. You and your inbred family hold no right nor power to lord over us anymore, and so it was time for you to go!"
"And so you have plotted to take what was not yours, though treachery and force. That is why you and people like you have destroyed Summerhall with all those that were inside it." Arryn's eyes widened when he heard of it, shock clear on his face. "For decades you've planned our downfall, Lord Arryn, and for that you shall answer. Once this war is over, House Arryn will no longer hold the lordship over The Vale, nor will ever rule anything at all."
"You wouldn't dare!" Jon Arryn shouted at him. "My lords and vassals will not stand for it, you godless spawn!" Before he could rant any more, Rhaegar motioned to have Lord Arryn removed from the tent, as he moved to Hoster Tully.
"Lord Tully, while Lord Arryn's betrayal is something I can comprehend, I fail to see the reason behind your sudden betrayal. Was it not my ancestor, Aegon Targaryen, who raised your House to rule all of Riverlands in his name? Was it not my House that brought peace and prosperity to your House and lands? Is this how you repay for all we have done to you, with treason and betrayal?"
"Lord Arryn was right about you and your House, and I supported him. The Seven long have demanded your House be removed from the face of Westeros, and I do not regret what I have done." Hoster stated.
"And because of that you've lied to Brandon Stark about his sister and me?" Rhaegar asked of him.
"That fool… I wished him to wait for his father and unite our armies against you. Instead he rushed and got himself killed, but that doesn't matter anymore." Hoster told them all, with Eddard not even reacting to this.
"Your malice and ambitions have caused this war, and thousands have died because of your lies, and your entire family shall answer for this after this war is over for good." Rhaegar ordered Lord Hoster be removed from the tent, as he moved to Lord Stark. "Lord Stark, though you were a part of this rebellion and fought against the Crown, I know your reasons and I know that what you did was not out of greed, ambition or malice, but out of justice and duty. I shall not punish a man trying to gain justice for an evil done to his family, and who was made use of by those with greedy ambitions."
"You have my thanks, Your Grace." Eddard answered to him, his voice quiet, yet with steal in it.
"I know that Lords Tully and Arryn had basically forced you into a marriage with a woman you wished nothing to do with. After all you have heard here and now, if it is your wish, I shall petition the High Septon to annul your marriage, so you may take a wife of your own choice." Rhaegar offered him.
"Thank you, Your Grace, but I do not wish to annul my marriage and leave my lady wife alone, with the child from me that she bears. I've married her before the eyes of New and Old Gods, and I do not intend to break my vows." Eddard replied to Rhaegar, surprising him and many. "I only ask you that you show mercy to Lords Arryn and Tully, Your Grace, if you wish to make amends to my House."
"I'll see what can be done, but I can't promise you anything, Lord Stark. They and their Houses have committed treason against my family and their liege lords, and that is not something that can be forgiven." Rhaegar told him. "But I do promise you, that once justice have been served, I shan't seek any more vengeance than which was delivered upon them. And once we have reached the capital, I will have you ride south and bring back my Queen and your sister, Lyanna."
"As you wish, Your Grace." After that, Rhaegar ordered the meeting over and most left the tent, with only Rhaegar, his Kingsguards and Anarion remaining inside.
"Ah, Anarion. You should've come directly to me, for I wished to honor you in front of all the lords for your actions in battle." Rhaegar told Anarion with a smile. "Thanks to you, we've all but ended this Rebellion, and you've even captured Lord Tully, sparing us a potential siege of Riverrun, had he reached it."
"I felt that it would be improper for me to steal the focus off those that deserved it." Anarion replied. "And the Rebellion is not yet over, Your Grace. The Storm's End still remains untaken, and after Robert Baratheon, I believe his brother Stannis inherits his claims."
"It is only a matter of days when the keep surrenders to Lord Tyrell. They have been besieged for over half a year now, and they must be running out of food. Any sensible Lord would surrender and plead mercy after so long." Prince Lewyn noted.
"Most would, but Baratheons appear to be a determined and stubborn kind, if one takes their words into the account." Anarion replied, before turning to Crown Prince. "Best you ride south and take the Storm's End for good. End this Rebellion for good."
"I agree with Anarion, Your Grace. As long as Storm's End remains untaken and Stannis has not bent the knee to you and the Kind, the war is not over." Barristan added to what Anarion said, with Rhaegar agreeing with them. "Still, one can't deny the fact of you killing Robert Baratheon and capturing Lord Tully. You deserve to be honored and rewarded, Anarion, with knighthood at least."
"I have no interest in taking the vows that I'll have little interest in upholding, and if you wish to reward me, then send me south, into my wife's warm embrace." Anarion honestly responded, with Lewyn and Barristan chuckling, while Rhaegar simply smiled.
"Few men are as eager to return to their wife's side as you are, and less are inclined to reject a Royal reward." Rhaegar said to him. "If that is your wish, then I shall fulfill it. Once we've taken the Storm's End, you shall ride with Lord Stark and Prince Lewyn south to Tower of Joy, to reunite with your wife and bring my Queen and our daughter to the capital. And after that, I shall show what true Royal gratitude is, to both you and your wife, to whom I owe as much as I do to you."
"Your Grace, forgive me my curiosity, but what are your intentions towards my niece and her children?" Prince Lewyn suddenly asked, with Rhaegar and Barristan turning to him, with the Dornish Kingsguard looking serious. "You have taken Lady Stark as your wife and claim now that she will bear you a daughter. I fear that I must ask you, what you shall do with Elia and your children with her?"
"Ser Lewyn, it is not your place to question His Grace and…" Barristan tried to interject, but Rhaegar interrupted them.
"You may rest easy, Ser Lewyn, for I have no ill intentions towards my first wife and Queen. I love her as deeply as I ever have, and I will not separate myself from her, or take our children from her. Once Lyanna and Visenya arrive, we shall live together." Rhaegar explained to him, with Lewyn calming himself a little, while Rhaegar noticed that Anarion did not look as convinced. "You do not seem as convinced in my belief as I would like, Anarion. Do you have doubt in me?"
"My opinion on the matter is not worth your attention, Your Grace." Anarion replied to him.
"I wish to hear it still. None have your gift for truth and honesty, when it comes to speaking to me." Rhaegar asked of him. "That is why I value your council and wish to hear it."
"As you wish, Your Grace." Anarion replied. "Though I do not doubt that you love your Queens, I fear that the way you make your decisions is not a very sound one, Your Grace. Your reliance on the prophecies and council with magic, bordering on dependence, are not usually indications of a good future King."
"You still lack faith in the prophecy, my friend, yet it is going to come true, and soon House Targaryen shall have a third head to its dragon." Rhaegar told him.
"A dragon, much like man, needs only one head to live, Your Grace." Anarion pointed out.
"Yet the banner of our House has a three-headed Dragon, symbolizing Aegon, Visenya and Rhaenys. And soon that shall be so as well, and you will witness it as well." Rhaegar told him, with Barristan and Lewyn exchanging looks, a thought passing through their minds, of Rhaegar seemingly trying to convince Anarion of his truth. "With them at his side, my Aegon will usher in a new golden age for the Realm and its people."
"Or bring a new dark age, for all we know." Anarion calmly stated to Rhaegar, his smile withering a little. "It is not the Gods, but Mortals who shape the history of the world, and they do this not as puppets, but architects of their lives, through one freedom that they are all afforded: a freedom to make their own choice in life be it for the good of others, selfish, or cruel to others."
"This is the first time I ever heard you speak of Gods, my friend. I never thought you've held such views on the subject." Rhaegar noted to him, surprised to hear Anarion speak like this.
"I simply exercised my right of choosing, by not sharing my views on the matter." Anarion simply replied to Rhaegar. "And now, if you would permit, I shall exercise my right of choosing by offering you a piece of advice, if you would hear it."
"I did say that I wished to hear your council, so I wish to hear it." Rhaegar told him, with Anarion nodding to him.
"Then here is my council: make decisions based on necessity, need and your own wishes, not on cryptic passages that could've been reinterpreted a thousand times by a thousand different men and women." Anarion told Rhaegar, who was surprised to hear Anarion say it so openly.
"And is that all you have to say?" Rhaegar asked, expectedly.
"If there were more, I would say it right now." Anarion replied. "Apologies for not providing mysteriousness and metaphorical elements, Your Grace." To that, Rhaegar chuckled.
"That might be one of your best qualities, Anarion." Rhaegar told him, as suddenly Jonothor Darry walked into the tent.
"Your Grace, a messenger from the Capital just arrived and brought this." He handed the scroll to Rhaegar, with the seal of Master of Whisperers on it, with Rhaegar breaking it and reading the scroll quickly.
"Your Grace?" Barristan Selmy asked in concern, as he saw Rhaegar's face betray surprise and worry.
"Tywin Lannister has mustered an army of over 12 thousand men and is now heading down the Goldroad." Rhaegar stated to all that were here. "Varys believes that Lord Lannister intends to siege and take the King's Landing by force."
"Attack the city? He would be mad to do such a thing, especially now that we have won." Darry stated in disbelief. "He probably means to join us now, to show his loyalty to the Crown."
"Yet he doesn't know of our victory, since it only just happened." Barristan noted. "Why would Lord Lannister march out now, if he intended to join us?"
"Had he intended to join, he would've done so long ago. No, this must be something else." Lewyn Martell stated, with Rhaegar turning to Anarion.
"What say you, Anarion? Do you think that the Spider is right?" Rhaegar asked of him.
"I do not know if he is, but what I do know is that Lord Tywin is a proud and ambitions man, whose pride was wounded many times by the King. Such people do not let go slights." Anarion told Rhaegar, who agreed with him. "Regardless of his reasons for marching out, if he has just marched out from Casterly Rock, it would take him at least a moon to make it to the capital. Less so, if he mustered his forces in advance and marched out earlier than this. Either way, he aims to be at the capital's gates sooner than later."
"Ser Barristan, Ser Lewyn, marshal all the needed forces and form a vanguard. You are to ride ahead with all haste towards the Capital and defend it and the King, should Lannisters try to take it. Ser Jonothor, assemble the war council immediately, with Lord Stark and other pardoned lords to be present as well." Rhaegar commanded them, and they rushed outside, with, while he turned to Anarion. "I wish you to ride with Selmy and Martell, Anarion. And…"
"I'll protect your family, Your Grace." Anarion assured him calmly.
"I know you will, but… Today you demonstrated that you would do anything to achieve victory, even defying a Prince's command." Rhaegar noted.
"Only when it is for the better good of the said Prince, yes." Anarion noted to him humorlessly.
"And would you… Do something that would forever paint you as shameless and honorless, if it were for the better good?" Rhaegar asked of him.
"Your Grace, as I have stated to you when we first met: opinions of others matter little to me." Anarion told him. "What is it that you wish me to do?"
"If my father… If the King should see you coming not as allies, but as enemies, and should he have done something to my family…" Rhaegar's voice was quiet, yet firm. "I want you to put an end to his reign, permanently. Do you understand what I ask of you?"
"I do, and I'll do as you command." Anarion simply answered. "If you will excuse, I must prepare for a long ride south, Your Grace." And with that, Anarion was excused and he left the tent.
Fortnight later. Outskirts of King's Landing.
The vanguard of Royal army, consisting of knights, riders, and the most battle ready infantry and archers was making their way to the small hill overlooking the city and nearby roads. After an arduous forced march all the way from Trident to the King's Landing right after the battle, riders and their horses were tired, but the soldiers and commanders were determined and ready for whatever were to come their way.
Anarion and the two Kingsguards made their way on top of the hill and looked at the Capital, with Anarion being the first to see the crimson banners, blazing with golden lion, moving inside the city.
"We are too late. Lannisters have already entered the city!" Martell exclaimed. "Have they managed to breach the gates?"
"If they did, we would've long heard the noises of battle. No, they were let in willingly." Barristan stated. "Did Tywin bribe the City Guard? Or did His Grace willingly let him in?"
"He may've let Tywin's vanguard in, but not his full army is not yet inside." Anarion suddenly said, as he pointed towards the long column of red approaching the capital, raising the large clouds of dust. "He must've heard about the Trident, and sent his vanguard ahead of the army, in aims of making a foothold in the city before he arrives and takes it."
"Does he really intend to take the King and Royal family hostage?" Darry asked aloud.
"I do not know, and I don't intend to stand here and find out. Lewyn, take fifteen hundred riders, ride towards the Lion Gate, and shut it. Take command of the City Watch and make all the needed preparations. Hold it no matter what until we send a message, or the prince arrives Anarion and I will make our way towards the Red keep." Anarion and Darry nodded to Barristan and all made their way to their intended destinations.
Barristan, Anarion and their contingent quickly rode to the Iron Gates and Ser Barristan rode ahead to announce who it was. Unfortunately, the gates remained closed to them.
"Open the gates! I am Ser Barristan Selmy of the Kingsguard, and I demand entry!" Selmy shouted.
"Ser Barristan, we have orders from the King to not allow you, or any of the Prince's forces entry!" One of the Gold Cloaks shouted.
"Not allow us entry… Has he gone completely mad?" Selmy asked aloud, deducing that the King now fully believed Rhaegar to wish him harm.
"He has, and a long while ago, I'd say." Anarion commented, before shouting aloud. "Open the gates, you fools! We've come to join you in defending our rightful King!"
"But… You are from the vanguard of the Prince…"
"And why do you think there's a Kingsguard leading us, and why there is no Prince's army in sight?! We have come not to fight for the Prince, but for the King, to whom we all serve! Now let us all in, before Prince Rhaegar arrives and lays siege to the capital! Do you want to stand there and deny us saving our King, then do as you wish!" Anarion shouted, and after a few minutes, the gates started to open up, with him turning to Selmy. "We best ride as fast as we can to the Red Keep, before their find out whom we really serve." Selmy agreed, and once the gates opened wide enough, the two of them and all riders rode as fast they could towards the Keep.
Shouting out orders on their way to the Keep, Selmy and Anarion quickly made their way to the Keep, rushing off their horses and up the steps of the castle, where ten soldiers of the Lannisters greeted them. They were immediately stopped at the gates, with the soldiers withdrawing their blades.
"Stop, by the order of the King and Lord Lannister, you are to be arrested for treason and…" The man did not have the time to finish his speech, as Anarion's dagger found his throat and sliced it, while his sword left its sheath and slashed another man's face.
Without wasting any time, he moved towards another soldier, pinning his sword with his and driving the dagger into his skull under his chin, before removing it and then sending it into another man, piercing his skull and helm. The rest finally began to react and moved to stop him for good, with Barristan Selmy drawing his sword and covering for his companion, slicing open one of the Lannisters when he tried to strike Anarion from behind.
Picking up one of the swords in his free hand, Anarion moved towards his opponents, easily outmaneuvering them and slashing them with both his weapons, showing strength, speed and precision that Barristan Selmy had seen displayed only by Arthur Dayne, yet when he compared him and Anarion… He found Anarion to be possibly better than his brother, and he questioned for a second, if Anarion was even taking this fight seriously, as he seemed to effortlessly end his opponents. When the other Lannisters saw it, with Anarion turning to face them, they've lost their nerve and decided to flee, instead of being killed. With the fight over, Anarion dropped the sword and picked up his dagger back into the holster, as they entered the Red Keep.
"That wasn't necessary. We could've went through it without killing them." Barristan told him, displeased that Anarion had to resort to violence so soon.
"We are short on time, and Lannisters are already in the Keep, with the King already declaring us traitors." Anarion simply reminded to the man, as they prepared to open the gates, when a man in Alchemist's robes opened them and prepared to leave.
"Rossart? What are you doing here?" Selmy asked aloud of the man, but before he could answer, they heard a loud shout from Jaime Lannister.
"Stop him! The King ordered Wildfire to be placed! He means to burn!" Not a moment the message reached the pair, Anarion's sword disemboweled the alchemist and the pair smashed opened the gates of the Great Hall, where they saw Jaime Lannister with a drawn sword, moving towards the King, as he moved back towards the Iron Throne.
"Ser Jaime, put your sword away. Remember who you are and the oaths you took!" Selmy asked of the young man, with Jaime turning towards them, and Anarion using this chance.
Focusing magical energy and converting it into a telekinetic push through a small incantation in his mind, Anarion casted a spell, unnoticed by none, aimed at Aerys Targaryen. The spell hit him squarely in the chest, and for those that had no knowledge of magic and School of Alteration, it looked as if the King had slipped on the floor or his robes.
Whatever it was, the result was the same of Aerys Targaryen losing his balance and landing on the multitude of the swords that dotted out at the beginning of the steps. All eyes diverted immediately to the now deceased King, who's head, throat, back and chest were pierced by the many blades. The trio approached the corpse of the King, with Jaime and Barristan trying to understand if what had happened was real.
"I… I was just about to…" Jaime said, shocked at what had happened.
"But you didn't, and that is what counts in the end." Anarion told him simply, as he looked at the King. "Ser Barristan, didn't you say that the King often cut himself while sitting on the Iron Throne?"
"He did, he did so quite often indeed." Barristan confirmed to him, as he turned to Jaime. "Looks like the Gods have saved you from doing something terrible, Ser Jaime."
"That is if you look at it from one perspective, but if I were in his place, Ser Barristan, I'd do the same." Anarion commented, but before Selmy could retort, Anarion spoke again. "Are there any other Lannister soldiers in the Keep, and where are the Royal Family?"
"Princess Elia and her children are in the western wing of Maegor's Holdfast, and Queen Rhaella and Prince Viserys are in Maidenvault, with many other noble ladies. Ser Gregor Clegane and Amory Lorch commanded the vanguard and… they seemed to head towards the Holdfast." Jaime said, realizing what might just be happening.
Without even hearing Selmy speak, Anarion rushed out of the Great Hall, using all of the speed and strength afforded to him by his divine Father and Mother, as well as Kyne and Shor, he hurried into the Holdfast. Caring not if he is heard or not, he spoke several incantations, granting him even more speed and stamina, and thanks to that, he was able to traverse the massive castle in a matter of a few minutes, as he made his way towards where Princess Elia and her children were.
He first found Princess Rhaenys' door opened and Anarion rushed inside, finding the little girl thrown into her bed by Amory Lorch, as he raised his blade to stab her. Without a second thought, Anarion ran inside and before the man could bring his blade down, he grabs him and turns around, before stabbing him in the stomach. The surprise and shock on Lorch's face are evident, before the life leaves his eyes, and Anarion lets him fall, bring his sword out of his body. Once he has done so, he sees the little Princess cowering in fear and crying. Anarion put the sword back in his sheath and moved to her, calming her.
"Hush, hush, little Princess. Your Daddy will soon come and punish all the bad people who make you and Mama scared." Anarion soothing voice, and a small hidden Illusion spell, do the trick.
"S-ser Anaron?" Rhaenys asked, with Anarion nodding to her. "Are you here to protect us?"
"Always, little Princess. Now, where is your…" A shrill cry of a woman alert Anarion as to where Princess Elia and her son are, and he rushed out of the room and towards it's source.
When he arrived, he saw the destroyed door into the nursery of Aegon, with a mountain of a man moving inside, intending to kill the infant and the now Queen. Anarion's body moved on the instinct and his left hand took out his dagger and flung it right into the Mountain, imbedding it right in his back and causing him to cry out of pain and turn around and move towards Anarion. Not even bothering with the sword, Anarion moves away when the Mountain charges him and then gets behind him with a swiftness of a wind, grabbing a hold of his long dagger and pulling out. Right after that, he thrust it where Clegane had his liver, piercing flesh and organs and forcing him to shout in pain. Evading his massive form and strikes, Anarion manages to get in front of him and then imbeds his blade in Gregor's head, finally ending the monster.
Withdrawing his blade and wiping the blood off of it, Clegane's dead carcass fell down, not moving, with Queen Elia stepping out, holding her son close to her. Anarion notes her appearance for a second, recalling how the thin, sickly looking Dornish Princess has flourished into a true beauty of the hottest Kingdom of Westeros. Gone were thinness and frailty, replaced by alluring olive skin, with the woman's figure having gained quite a good bit of weight since her days of constant sickness. Motherhood has transformed Elia from a fragile little flower into a beautiful alluring cheetah.
Before the birth of Princess Rhaenys, it was believed that the childbirth would be the end of Princess Elia, yet not only was she able to give birth to a healthy child, but she did so without any risk to herself, and the same happened with Aegon later, with her health stronger than ever. Few in the kingdoms knew that ever since her marriage to Rhaegar, Elia was in the care of Anarion's wife and soulmate, Miriel, who was very knowledgeable in areas of Restoration, healthcare, alchemy and many other areas.
Though the Royal couple knew not that she was an immortal formal Dovah, they did know that she had great knowledge in matters of health and magic, and after she managed to quickly improve Elia's health through just a few sessions, Rhaegar permitted Miriel to become Elia's lady-in-waiting. To both Prince and Princess, Miriel was born in Lys in a relatively minor noble family, where she had learned the arts of medicine and alchemy, with magic being learned by her from her mother. Though a foreigner of noble birth, her talents and application of her craft earned her the ear and trust of Rhaegar and Elia, which in turn allowed Anarion to become part of their household.
None knew that both Miriel and Anarion had known each other for much, much longer than they had led them to believe, and that they have been together even before Valyrian Freehold had even been established, but they needed not to know it. It was safe to say that both Miriel and Anarion had the complete trust of the two, and that is why they were the witnesses on the wedding of Rhaegar and Lyanna on God's Eye Isle, and why Miriel was with Lyanna, making sure that her child would be safely delivered, while her husband fought in the war.
"A-Anarion?" Elia asked, still in shock after what had happened.
"Yes, Your Grace." Anarion answered, as he let out a sigh. "His Grace had sent me, Selmy and Darry ahead of the army, to secure the capital, but we were a little late, from the looks of things."
"Is Rhaenys…?" Elia was about to ask, when subject of her question appeared.
"Mama!" Rhaenys cried out, and ran into her mother, Elia embracing her daughter warmly and with love. "Ser Anaron make a bad person sleep!" She said, with Elia turning to him.
"Sleep?" She asked, questioning him.
"Permanently, Your Grace." Anarion's implication was enough for her to understand what it meant. "We should be safe, at least for an hour or so, but soon most of the Lannister army will be at the gates, and the rest of their van will probably make their way here. And with the late King's last orders to not Prince Rhaegar in, we are in pretty dangerous spot."
"Late King? Was King Aerys killed by Lannisters?" She asked of Anarion.
"No, he fell on the swords of the Iron Throne." Anarion stated with serious tone, with Elia not believing it. "Your Grace, I believe I have established already the fact, that I have a somewhat lacking sense of humor, when it comes to telling the facts."
"He truly has fallen on swords, all on his own?" She asked, still doubtful of the fact.
"You may ask Ser Barristan and Ser Jaime of it, they were also in the hall. If it makes you feel better, we can say that the Gods have finally decided to punish him and so made him fall upon the swords, like they did with Maegor the Cruel." Anarion said to her, with Elia deciding to believe him. "Now, thankfully we did get most of our vanguard inside, and with any luck, Ser Lewyn Martell has taken control of the City Watch and the gates. If not, then we will hold the defense here, with those forces that we have, until the King arrives."
"And do we have enough to defend the city? And how many does Rhaegar have?" Elia asked of him.
"We have 6 thousand men, 8 or 9, if the garrison joins us. That's enough to deal with Lannisters' van in the city, and to hold off the army should it try to storm into the city. And as for Rhaegar's forces, they are more than enough to crush Lord Tywin twice over." Anarion assured her. "Now, let's get you and young Prince and Princess somewhere less messy." Anarion told her, and they've finally left the bloody hallway.
Months later. Prince's Pass
Once the Royal family was secured and the Keep cleared of all the Lannisters and disloyal soldiers, Barristan Selmy and Lewyn Martell had managed to regain control of the city's garrison and it's Watch. Anarion was left in charge of crushing the Lannister vanguard that was already in the city, and thankfully he had managed to get their leaders to surrender after he showed them the heads of Gregor Clegane and Amory Lorch, with promises of even more deaths to follow, should their persist. In the end, when Tywin Lannister had finally reached the gates of King's Landing, he found the gates closed and walls manned by loyal Targaryen soldiers. It was clear that his gamble had failed and when a few days later the Royal army appeared, Lannister sued for peace and Rhaegar decided to accept it, having grown weary with all the fighting and wars.
Tywin actively denied the fact that he had given any orders to Clegane and Lorch about Princess Elia and her children, stating that it was likely the orders from late Aerys, who had long since openly despised the Dornishmen. Jaime Lannister, when asked if that was true, stated that the King spoke of many unsavory things in their presence that could be interpreted differently by different people. The answer given by the young Kingsguard was less that satisfactory for many, safe for Tywin, who wished for his son to be relieved from the Kingsguard. Fortunately, the newly crowned King Rhaegar, with an advice from Anarion when he was asked to give it, decided to keep the Lannister in his place, as a precaution for the future, and as a punishment for Lord Tywin's actions.
Once Rhaegar was crowned and he accepted the oaths of all those that were with him, he quickly made his decisions in regards to the realm. As he had promised, he removed House Arryn from power and made House Royce, the second strongest House in the Vale, ruling in the Vale, with Bronze Yohn Royce taking the titles of Lord Paramount and Warden of the East. The Eyrie was gifted to a nephew of Lord Jon Arryn, Harold Hardyng, who would rule it with the assistance of a regent, since he was but an infant. Jon Arryn, along with Hoster Tully, were tried and sentenced to death without the right to go to Night's Watch.
House Tully was spared by Rhaegar further punishment, as he had settled only on taking the head of Hoster Tully. His son, Edmure, was made swear fealty to King Rhaegar and made Lord Paramount of the Riverlands, with his uncle Brynden acting as his Regent until he came of age. Many nobles and Lords saw this sudden mercy from Rhaegar as concerning, though few dared to voice, yet all could see that the young Tully Lord was not going to forgive Rhaegar or his family for what had happened. Anarion, as well as Elia Martell, suspected that Lord Stark, whom Rhaegar wished to befriend, influenced this decision.
Whatever the case was, it didn't matter since as soon as they were capable, Lord Stark, Anarion and Prince Lewyn Martell departed the capital towards the south, with a small contingent of Northern and Dornish riders and footmen. Their first stop was Storm's End, where Lord Stark had managed to finally end the siege after informing Stannis of Robert's death, and with that information revealed, Stannis finally surrendered and with his younger brother Renly and Lord Tyrell and his bannermen, traveled north to swear fealty to the new King. Lord Mace Tyrell on his part, offered all the hospitality and honors to the defeated enemy, though it was clear that this was made to show off his supposed triumph. With this, the Rebellion was now over for good.
Throughout their journey south, Anarion had actually managed to find common ground and respect of the Northerners, who took a liking to his direct, composed and somewhat reserved nature. In turn, Anarion took a shine to Northerners for their respective character, similar to his own and that of Nords of Skyrim and ancient Atmorans. They were most certainly a good change after the haughty Southerners and mercurial Dornishmen with their hot-blooded tempers and snake-like cunning. There were many times when Anarion missed the company of his fellow Dovah, both true ones and those who became Fallen, as Alduin labeled them, those that chose to serve Shor and Kyne and shed their scales and wings.
Brushing aside his thoughts and focusing on their path ahead, Anarion continues to ride ahead of the group, serving them as their guide, since he has been to this place before with Rhaegar. As he rides, he hears another rider come closer to him, soon revealing him to be Eddard Stark, brother of Lyanna and new Warden of the North, approaching Anarion. Since they have set off from the capital months ago, they have barely spoken, despite Anarion now being a regular guest near the Northerners' campfires.
Anarion didn't personally mind not receiving attention from Stark, knowing that the man was close to Robert, possibly closer to him than to any other of his siblings, and that his death, along with deaths of Jon Arryn and Hoster Tully have affected him, and not in a good way, though he hid it behind brooding. Ancient Fallen Dovah wondered, if he shall be a problem later for Rhaegar to deal with, even with his sister as a new Queen, though a second one.
"Ser Anarion." Eddard greeted him. "How far away are from the Tower?"
"At our current pace, we should reach it within a few hours, probably by the noon." Anarion honestly answered, not expecting this conversation to continue. "And it's just Anarion. I was never knighted by anyone, nor wish for knighthood to be bestowed upon me."
"I heard that most call you Ser, with many of my bannermen being no different, so I assumed you were a knight." Eddard told him. "Did His Grace not award you for your service to him during the war and before it?"
"He did, and he offered me to be knighted several times. I refused, since I saw little point or interest in it, and I would make a poor lord." Anarion responded to Eddard's question.
"And how did he reward you for killing Robert?" Eddard asked with a steel tone, with Anarion not flinching at the threat. "How did His Grace award you for his death?"
"By letting me go with you and reunite with my wife, Lord Stark." Anarion responded to him, turning to face the young man, his piercing gaze making Stark shudder a little. "I know that you grieve the death of your named brother, Lord Stark, and that you grieve the death of Jon Arryn, whose ward you were. I know that you've lost most of your family and many friends in this war, and you have every right to feel angry at the late King and even current King. However, if you think that I will lower myself to the point of gloating or trying to anger you, then you are wrong. It was a battle, your friend tried to kill His Grace, I intervened and we fought, and I defeated him." Lord Stark was taken aback with what Anarion just told him and could not reply for a few seconds, before collecting and calming himself down.
"Did Robert… Did he fight well?" He asked of Anarion.
"As well as one could expect of a man of his skill. He fought better than he did at Harrenhall's melee that is for certain." Anarion replied to Lord Stark. "Aside from that, all I can say is that I made sure to end it quickly."
"Did he try to surrender?" Eddard asked of Anarion.
"If he tried, I had not heard him say it." Anarion answered to him. "If he did, I would have considered taking him captive, but I doubt that he would've allowed himself to be taken captive, one way or the other."
"What makes you say that?" Eddard asked of him.
"I've seen men like him many times, and whenever they were captured, they wouldn't surrender for good. They would pretend and wait for an opportunity to strike again at the one who insulted them." Anarion spoke from experience. "From what I heard, Robert was not someone who liked to have been defeated in either martial or other fields, and I doubt he would ever have settled for someone having stolen his betrothed, even if she was against their engagement in the first place."
"How would you know that?" Eddard asked. "You've spoken with Lyanna?"
"Only briefly, but I heard of this from my wife while we were together at the Tower." Anarion answered to Eddard. "We were among those who escorted Lady Lyanna and His Grace to the Tower. While we were here, I had little to no opportunity to converse with her, since she and His Grace kept each other's company for most of the time. I am afraid that I wouldn't be able to tell you much of her time here."
"I see." Lord Stark said, deciding to change the subject. "If you do not mind, can I ask you a question?"
"You may, Lord Stark, and if it is in my capacity, I will answer it." Anarion told him.
"Your wife, you said that she is also at the Tower." Eddard received a nod from Anarion in return. "Why did His Grace order her here with my sister, to what purpose was she placed near her?"
"To care and make sure that Lady Lyanna's pregnancy went as smoothly as possible, and to make sure that nothing endangered her health." Anarion told him. "My wife has gifts and talents in areas completely opposite to mine, you could say. Where I am proficient in ending lives, she is proficient in saving them. I know that my word means little to you, but I will say that Miriel is far better suited in handling delivery of children than every Septa and Maester in this land."
"I've heard rumors of her, back at Harrenhall, about her… sorcery crafts." Eddard noted, with Anarion not reacting to it. "Some have said that she sacrificed children so as to allow Her Grace to have children."
"What is sorcery to some is science and art to others, Lord Stark." Anarion simply answered to him. "Most people can't understand the basic principles of medicine and how to utilize them. My wife has had the opportunity to study the basics and more, and that has served her well during her time as Queen Elia's lady-in-waiting. And as for those rumors, their validity is the same as those which claim the Northerners to be uncultured barbarians, and yet I found those rumors to be unfounded."
"As you say." Eddard told him, having eased up a little. "Do you miss her? I mean, did you miss her during the Rebellion?" Anarion simply looked at him with a curious gaze.
"Yes, I did and still do." Anarion answered. "I would ask if you miss your wife in return, but I feel like I know the answer to that question."
"Do you?" Eddard asked of him. "And do I miss her?"
"Not as much as I miss mine. That much is certain." Anarion responded to him. "Your bannermen and friends have talked about it during our journey, and I happened to have heard them. You have nothing to be ashamed of, given the circumstances you've been put in."
"Do you think I care for your opinion?" Eddard asked, without any animosity in his voice.
"I believe our conversation so far gives us both an answer to that question." Anarion pointed out to Eddard, with him agreeing to it, though slightly uncomfortable with the way he had started talking with the man. "You can calm yourself, Lord Stark. Whatever you've said or asked me won't be known to anyone else."
"And what if the King decides to ask you about it?" Eddard asked of him. "I have noticed how he seemed eager in trying to learn more about me, and please me."
"If he does ask, I'll say that we've talked of things that only two men of our respective positions can talk about." Anarion responded to Eddard Stark. "His Grace does indeed wish to make you a friend to him and to heal the rift created between the Targaryens and Starks. He feels sorrowful for what had happened with your father and brother."
"It wouldn't have happened if only Lyanna wrote directly to father…" Eddard muttered aloud, anger present in his voice. "If only she had minded her duty and did as she was told…" At that moment, Prince Lewyn Martell decided to join in, and Eddard shut himself.
"Making new friends, Lord Stark?" Lewyn Martell asked in a carefree manner. "Oh, you will like Anarion. He is so much like you northerners that we at times think that he actually came from the North. If not for his mixed looks, he would look like your typical northerner, wouldn't you say?"
"I wouldn't know, Ser Martell. If you will excuse me…" Eddard Stark simply went back to his men, leaving Anarion and Lewyn alone.
"Did I say something? It's like he isn't glad that we are so close to his sister and our new Queen." Lewyn Martell shared with Anarion.
"He has been through more than most can handle, Prince Lewyn. I find it understandable that he is less than enthusiastic about reuniting with his sister." Anarion told him, with Lewyn catching a certain double meaning in what he said.
"Do you think that he blames Her Grace for what had happened with his father and brother?" Martell asked in a serious tone. "Could he and his men pose a threat to her and us?"
"I do not know Lord Stark's thoughts, I only make assumptions, and as for his men, the North loves Lyanna Stark, and they fought only to get her back and free, not so Robert Baratheon was allowed to get his hands on her." Anarion stated to Kingsguard.
"And yet… Do you think he could be plotting something behind our backs, Anarion?" Martell asked of Anarion. "His Grace has asked us to treat Lord Stark as if he were his own brother, and yet this man had been a ward to Jon Arryn and closest friend to Robert Baratheon, not to mention had fought against His Grace."
"He has lost almost everything in that Rebellion and all he has now left is his sister, so he either comes here to bring her back where she belongs, or do something, for which his Northern bannermen would lose all respect and loyalty towards him." Anarion pointed out to Martell the situation. "I know that in Dorne plots and conspiracy are treated as part of some sort of game, but Northerners are different. In their eyes, it is a sign of weakness and frail character, something that I happen to agree upon." With this said, Anarion decided to simply speed up and go ahead, wishing to be left alone for a bit.
The next several hours Anarion spent in solitude with his thoughts, until he and the others have reached the Tower. Once they rode to it and stopped right at it's doors, they were met by the three Kingsguards that were left here to guard the now second Queen of Westeros. Gerold Hightower, Oswell Whent and Arthur Dayne all eyed the approaching group with suspicion at first, but upon seeing their brother with them, they have calmed down, though Anarion could see them eyeing him with irate eye.
The man has always had the ear and trust of Rhaegar, with the right to give council and speak his mind to the Crown Prince, and that was not something that the Kingsguards liked. In their eyes, Anarion was a foreigner who put all the wrong ideas into Rhaegar, even though that was not true and even when Anarion spoke and advised the Prince, Rhaegar tended to ignore his advice. In Anarion's own eyes, Rhaegar liked and kept him close because he was someone who didn't hold back what he thought, and could speak plainly and without flattery to him. And while Anarion personally could see that Rhaegar had the makings of a good ruler in him, he always found it concerning, how the man was swayed with prophecies, mysticism and other such things, making him do irrational decisions without considering the consequences.
Although Anarion himself served Shor and Kyne, he was not guided fully by the divine will of Gods or half-truthful prophecies, but his own beliefs and principals. This was something he took pride in, and he had tried to advice Rhaegar to follow same way, but if there was one thing the Prince didn't lack, it was his stubbornness. The same stubbornness that had caused this Rebellion and thousands of deaths…
Anarion, Lord Stark and Ser Lewyn approached the three Kingsguards, greeting them.
"Lord Stark, Ser Lewyn… Stagslayer." Oswell Whent spoke up, with Lord Stark grimacing a little when heard that nickname, while Anarion simply locked eyes with the foul humored man. "We've heard of your deeds at the Trident. Tales of a stag slaying Fisherman have reached us well in advance of your arrival."
"I've merely did my duty to His Grace, as you were doing it here." Anarion responded, while his more acute senses picked up the cries of several babes, and pained shouts of a laboring mother, which have yet to reach all the rest. "His Grace, King Rhaegar, First of His Name, King of the Andals and so forth, has sent us to escort Queen Lyanna back to capital, so she may take her place at the side of His Grace. Although… It sounds like our departure may be a bit delayed by the sounds of it." Anarion noted when all heard Lyanna cry out in pain, panic appearing on the face of Eddard.
"Lya… Is she…"
"She is, Lord Stark. She has been at it since dawn and so far, all we know is that the Gods have blessed our Queen with three children, with a boy and girl already born. The third, however, proves to be the most stubborn one and refuses to come to this world peacefully." Arthur Dayne informed them, as he turned to Anarion. "Your wife refused to let any of us enter under the threat of her cutting us down if we did." He noted with dry humor, to which Anarion cracked a smile.
"You are wise to have heeded the threat, Ser Arthur." Anarion noted, as they have all suddenly heard another, third child finally cry out. "Looks like your vigil is over." And without any further word, the six of them finally moved into the Tower.
It did not take them long to reach the chambers of Lyanna, which were finally opened and they've carefully stepped inside, where all saw the young Stark She-Wolf, exhausted and tired, laying in the bed, as two servant girls placed near her two children, a silver haired girl and a dark haired boy. Lord Stark immediately moved to his sister, while Anarion quickly searched the room and found the one he looked for the most at this time, an elegant and refined woman with long luscious silver as moon hair, beautiful grey eyes and a face that made many maidens and women jealous. His Miriel was dressed simply, her attire covered in bodily fluids of Lyanna, as she was currently in the process of cleaning Lyanna's third child.
Carefully he moved to her and gently placed his hand on her shoulder, making her turn to him, and a single glance between the two conveyed so many things and emotions, that no words on any language of Men, Mer, Beast or Dovah, could speak. For thousands of years they were joined in a union of soul and life, and after all this time, they need not words to relay their love and devotion to each other. A single look was enough for both to make their parting worthwhile. For a moment, they have forgotten about the world, yet the world reminded them of itself, when Lyanna called out and asked Miriel to bring her the child.
Breaking the eye contact, Miriel obeyed and after covering the child, she carefully brought it to Lyanna. All was well in the room, as all continued to observe the mother taking her child into the arms…
…until she had nearly dropped him, a look of horror on her face and a scream piercing the room.
"GET THAT MONSTER AWAY FROM ME AND MY CHILDREN!" Was what Anarion heard from Lyanna, when she saw her third born child.
Hours later.
It took Miriel, Lord Stark and others a good part of the day, as she was hysterical after seeing the child, without coherently explaining anything to anyone, and leaving all guessing and puzzled at what they had seen there. It was already evening, and Anarion found himself outside of the Tower, look at the darkening skies and listening to his senses, as he felt the presence of that child even from here. It took him an hour to feel that there was far more to the child, and now he felt like he understood why Lyanna reacted to him, or at least partially.
It had been centuries since he sensed the presence of such a strong Dragon soul, and it had been even more since he sensed it in a human. There was no doubt in Anarion's mind- this child was blessed by father, Akatosh, and was gifted the soul and blood of a Dovah. A new Dovahkiin was born, and all the way here, on this side of the world… Was this why Kyne wished him and Miriel to be here, to serve Rhaegar and his family? Questions filled his mind and he wished for the answers, though knew that he best be patient about it all.
A creak of the gate alerted Anarion and he turned, only to see his wife emerge from the tower, having changed her dress and washed up a little, but it was clear that she was tired. Delivering these children and saving Lyanna's life were more exhausting than she expected, and it showed.
"A-Anarion…" Miriel made a step towards him, and had nearly fallen down, if not for Anarion instantly rushing and stopping her from fall.
"Easy, my love, easy." Carefully, he led her to the stone and let her sit, with him sitting near her, as Miriel recuperated her strength. "Do you need anything, Miriel? Water, food?"
"No… Only my husband, whom I have madly missed all these months, as he fought for a foolish Prince." She said with a weak smile, making Anarion crack up a little. "I should've gone with you to that war…"
"You detest and abhor war, especially when it is caused by such fools as these two." Anarion reminded her, speaking softly to her. "At least it is over now, and Westeros has a new King, and a new Queen to his first one."
"As well as three children, or two, if Lyanna does something stupid…" Miriel let out a tired sigh. "Her first two came out easily and without a problem, but he… He didn't come easily, Anarion, and even though I was here to save Lyanna… It didn't come for free."
"She'll never again have children?" Her nod was all the answer he needed. "Does she or anyone else know?"
"No, and if she did, it would just strengthen that fear and horror she holds towards the child." Miriel told him, as she looked at him with troubled look. "That boy… He is not a simple child, Anarion."
"I've sensed it already. The blood and soul of Dovah are very strong in him indeed." Anarion told her, yet his wife shook her head. "A new Dragonborn, after so many centuries, born in Nirn… I can hardly believe it."
"It is not just about him having our father's gifts. He holds more than that, far more." Miriel tells him, as she rises up and leads her husband into Tower. "Best if you see him for yourself and understand what I mean."
"Was the child put in different chambers?" He asked of her, as they evaded the servants and nobles, before reaching the doors and opening it.
Inside, there was a small crib, enough to hold only one child, and none were inside, aside from him. Both Miriel and Anarion approached the sleeping child carefully, and once they reached him, Anarion was able to get a good look at him. Raven dark hair, darker than that of his mother and sibling, adorned his small head, yet that was not what had attracted Anarion's eyes first. It was a mark on his small body, in form of a crimson red tear of blood, placed on his chest, almost resembling a gash of blood on his body. Anarion's eyes widened when he fully sensed the child's soul and spirit, taking in his nature and understanding what his wife meant.
"He… He holds the blessings all of Nine and Shor's own blood?" Anarion asked in disbelief, as he looked at the birthmark on him, which almost seemed to glow red. "By the Nine and One… He is…"
"Marked by all of them, and born with gifts from all of them." Miriel told her husband, looking at him. "Anarion… Our Lady has informed me of his coming, and I too could not believe it, but he is here. The Aedra did what never was done before, and now… This child holds the greatest potential and power of all mortals that were and will be after him."
"But for what purpose would they give it to him? Why gift all this to him?" Anarion could not understand.
"Because his power and might will be needed in the future, my love, when the World Eater comes back." The mention of Alduin shook Anarion to the very core. "Yes, my love. Our old nemesis and one who devoured souls of our children will return, and when he does the remaining Fallen won't be able to stop him and his once more revived host of Dovah. There is but one way for this war to end, and Kyne showed it to me… and Lyanna, much to my horror."
"What? Lyanna saw a vision from Lady Kyne?" He asked of her. "What was that vision?" And when he asked, she placed her hands on his temples, and spoke in Dovah.
"KORAAV HAHNU VAZEEM." And with this, Anarion saw the vision.
Planes of Skyrim burned and thousands laid dead, as many more fought, tangled in a battle whose victor was not yet known, yet unimportant, for far above them raged a war far greater and more vicious. On top of the Throat of the World, countless dead Dragons laid dead, their bodies turning to ashes, as the souls that once held them now gone to the one who slew them.
He stood in armor, black as midnight, towering over all mortals, as his grey blue eyes turned golden with fire of Akatosh, as red glow inside his armor strengthened. Long black hair framed his beautiful and powerful face, as his right hand gripped a long forgotten blade, forged in fires of First Flame of Valyria for a ruler that created the greatest empire Essos and Westeros knew. A mighty golden shield, reforged for his size, was strapped to his left hand, ready to protect his bearer. A black crowned helm with nine dragon's fangs laid in his left hand, which took and put on himself, turning to face the final foe.
His wings brought storm with him, as his frame darkened the skies, when he flew towards his enemy, sun hiding from him. Massive was this dark dragon and red were his eyes, dwarfing the man and revealing himself in all his might and power to the mortal. His jaws filled with razor sharp fangs, scales as hard as ebony armor, and his Thu'um could split the skies with but a single word.
And as he approached the mountain, he shouted an infernal Thu'um at the man, and man took the storm of fire and withstood it. Lowering his shield, he spoke with the might that rocked the Nirn and reached Sovngarde.
"FUS RO DAH!"
Anarion let in a sharp intake of air, as his body and spirit trembled at what he just saw and it took him a few minutes to collect himself. Such might and power, this mighty Thu'um… There was no denying its power, and purpose.
"Feyn Do Alduin…" He whispered in Dragon Tongue the ancient myth that his kind had awaited to come for ages. "He is the one, Miriel. The Aedra have finally answered our prayers…"
"They have, and Kyne sent the same vision to Lyanna. Only instead of deliverance and hope, it brought her dread and horror, influenced by the damned false legends that Rhaegar has filled her head with." Miriel said with sadness. "In her mind, this child is the bane of House Targaryen, cursed by the gods to bring ruin to the world, like she and Rhaegar believe was nearly done to Valyria before she truly flourished… If only they had known the truth."
"Whatever the case may be, this child won't stay here, and he will come to the capital. I will try my hardest to convince Rhaegar that the child is no danger to him or anyone." Anarion assured her.
"That deluded fool has not yet once heeded your advice, no matter how sound it was." She reminded him. "Whatever the case may be, Lady Kyne and Lord Shor would not have us here without purpose, witnessing his coming to the world."
"You are right." Anarion told her, as he turned and looked at the child. "Both mortals and immortals will want to see him dead, for such a person would tip the scales of power in whoever held his allegiance. The Daedra especially will want him gone, since he is the one thing they fear the most- someone who could potentially put them all down for good. We'll make sure he is protected, until he is ready."
"And if Rhaegar and Lyanna do not find love for him, only see horror in him?" Miriel asked of him.
"Then we'll give this child the love and care it will need." And with these words, Anarion and Miriel have sealed their fate with this child.
Phew, now that is one heck of a long intro into the story… Hi, my name is Ronin, but you can also call me Alex, which ever suits you better. For quite a long time I have been a fanfiction writer, and until now, I've not tried tackling two of the biggest fantasy universes that I adore: The Elder Scrolls and The Song of Ice and Fire. And after a prolonged respite and recuperation from writing block, and extensive inspiration, I decided to tackle these two at the same time, making a crossover of the two. I'll combine the two universes into one, with my own personal elements for more spice and help.
Now, this story will center on Jon Snow, the quintessential protagonist of the ASOIAF, though here he shall be drastically different from his typical self, so be warned of it, as he will even have a different name, since his origin has completely changed. Now I won't spoiler everything, but I will say that this Jon (gonna use it just for convenience) will be not just powerful, but OP, a virtual demi-god that would be able to stand up to Alduin and Daedra Princes. Since Skyrim is effectively a power fantasy, I shall exploit it and make my Jon Snow into what could only be described as equivalent of Feanor from Silmarillion of Tolkien. Also, I am still deciding with the name for him, so if you have suggestions, feel free to tell them.
As you may've guessed, this story will not favor Lyanna and Rhaegar and many others favorites, so be warned. I have not yet decided on the pairing completely, but I do not feel like any of the Westeros' ladies will be up our demi-god's alley, but I could change my mind. Feel free to give me your opinion on the subject, story and other elements I may would want to include or not.
Next time: Royal family's fears; A lone Dovah in Red Keep; A Dovah does not fear a Dragon.
PS: Since I've recently logged in AO3, this story will also be published there as well tomorrow.
