Sister's Keeper
Edited by xXFallenSakuraXx52
Disclaimer: I do not own Game of Thrones
Languages:
Common tongue
Valyrian
Dothraki
Chapter 76: The Armistice
Alysanne's POV
It was evening, a day since returning to Dragonstone. Ser Terrance and Captain Aurane have been occupied in sending messages to the Valyrian settler islands informing them of the greater threat. Prince Quentyn has done the same, although because of the distance, it will take some time to get the message across and if Prince Doran will cooperate in lending aid in the Great War. Lady Olenna stated she will send word to Lord Willas, although with the numbers needed a marriage to get the Stormlands involved was required. Apparently, Lady Elain is from House Wensington, once brother house to House Durrandon before the adoption to House Baratheon. After the War of the Five Kings, House Wensington have been trying to maintain the Stormlands since Stannis and Renly Baratheon are dead.
Tyrion also sent a raven to King's Landing directing Ser Jaime to arrange the armistice meeting. So, we can show Cersei the true threat and unite the Seven Kingdoms against the Army of the dead. It will be a few days before we get a response. In the morning, Varys came in reporting that the Unsullied had taken over the Riverlands and freed Lord Edmure Tully from the Freys. Lord Edmure sworn allegiance to House Targaryen to serve when needed. Although there was a slight problem, the Rivermen population has decreased drastically on soldiers thanks the War of the Five Kings, the Red Wedding, and the Black Fish Rebellion. Any more battles and there won't be any men left to populate their kingdom. After talking to my Small Council, including King Snow it was decided to not get the Riverlands involved. Only that they ensure the soldiers safe crossing and supplies if there are any to spare.
I sighed after a long day, entering my chambers with Missandei. Inside the fireplace a fire still kept going with the three dragon eggs still inside. I thought if I kept the dragon eggs warm there might be a reaction.
"Anything on the dragon eggs?" I asked.
"No, Your Grace," Missandei said drawing a bath in the bathing chamber.
I sighed, as I thought, Fire and Blood.
Is that how they are supposed to be born from the dead?
I sighed stripping from my clothes and entered the bathing chambers taking a long-deserved bath after fifteen days of not caring for myself. The bruise on my back nearly gone, yet the coldness still lingers on that small area. Missandei sat behind me and washed my hair. She was my friend, and confidant, doing so much for me.
"Missandei," I spoke.
"Yes, Your Grace?" She replied.
"Call me Alysanne in private, no need to be formal with me," I informed her.
"Of course…Alysanne," she said, finding it strange to use familiar term.
"Are you afraid?" I asked.
Missandei paused taking in what has happened in the past day after seeing the Wight. "I am."
I nodded, "So you know, if you wish to leave and return to Naath before the Long Night you are free to do so."
"Thank you, Alysanne," she murmured. "But I will stay and stand by your side."
I reached over and took her hand, "As you have been my friend. You have done more for me than my small council."
She gave a smile of appreciation for the compliment. I know one day she will ask me to sail back to Naath. Loyal as she may be, she was a gentle butterfly and her Island needed aid. Once the Long Night is over and the armistice comes to an end, that I retrieve my home, I'll make sure there is a campaign to free the Naath from slavery. By having the Unsullied who were native there to protect their lands. I recall outsiders barely stay in Naath no longer than a day. Something about their butterflies being poisonous. Only the natives were immune.
Anyway, we both enjoyed our silence listening to the waves as they crash against the shores.
.o0o.
A few days later a raven from King's Landing arrived. A meeting in the Chamber of the Painted Table was assembled along with the War Council. The letter was from Ser Jaime agreeing to the armistice meeting under Cersei Lannister's terms on where to meet. The meeting will take place at the Dragon Pits of King's Landing. Only the Small Councils of the three parties were allowed. The Crown, The North, and the Targaryens. Also, Cersei Lannister demands that the war generals who were held captive be released in exchanged for Tyene Sand.
"Do we follow these terms?" Daenerys asked.
"Yes," I said. "Also, to ensure Lord Tarly is with us, we will hold his son to guarantee he follows through on his agreement."
Ser Barristan nodded, as he pointed to the map of King's Landing. "We will have the Unsullied and the Dothraki position at the North and West gates of the city. The fleet will be a few miles out from the bay, which only three ships will come in to escort the company in. They will most likely have you all dock near the Iron Gate."
"Hopefully this doesn't lead to battle," King Snow said.
"As long as Cersei Lannister keeps her word," Captain Aurane replied.
"Since when does Cersei keep her word," Lady Olenna muttered.
I looked at my company, "Lady Olenna, Prince Quentyn, and Ser Terrance, I ask that you do not attend this armistice. Lady Olenna, you already have history with the Lannisters, and Ser Terrance and Prince Quentyn, if the Lannisters get hold of you, you might be held for ransom."
"Of course, Your Grace," Prince Quentyn obliged.
We continue the discussion of setting battle plans if Cersei dares attack us. Much to King Snow dismay. In case of a siege, we were relying on the Unsullied, the Dothraki, and the Velaryon, Celitgar, and the Redwyne Fleet. Along with three dragons. It was best we be prepared. Tomorrow those who are going will sail ahead while Daenerys and I remained a day behind before flying towards King's Landing.
For the first time in almost two decades I was going home. I will see King's Landing again and confront the woman whose family stole mine from me.
.o0o.
King's Landing
It took a two-day sail to arrive at King's Landing. Only three ships arrived at the outer docks where the representatives for the North and the Targaryens arrived. Earlier in the day the Unsullied had arrived taking formation at the Old Gate near the forest. All twelve thousand men standing at attention with the trebuchets and war elephants ready. At first Ser Jaime thought they had the lead, until the Dothraki charged in traveling around the Unsullied in their battle cries. Back on the ship, Dickon Tarly remained to secure House Tarly doesn't go against their word. Lord Randyll Tarly found his trust being disrespected, but knew it was a means of security. Oaths were not what they used to be.
Jorah, Missandei, Ser Davos, Jon, Varys, and Tyrion were on the Vhagar as the ship pulled into from the bay, as they stared at Iron Fleet that was consisted of six hundred ships.
Jon observed the armada and the city of King's Landing.
"How many people live here?" Jon asked.
"A million, give or take," Tyrion answered.
The population had doubled since Robert's Rebellion for the city.
"That's more people than the entire North crammed into that," Jon noted. "Why would anyone want to live that way?"
"There's more work in the city," Tyrion explained, then looked at Jon. "And the brothels are far superior."
Ser Davos snorted, though he was a married man and kept to his vows. Although he hardly communicated with his wife, not after the Battle of Blackwater Bay. He couldn't summon the courage to tell Marya that Mathos was dead. He still has younger boys of Devan, Stannis, and Steffon. All four of them living in Cape Wrath at the Stormlands.
When they docked, they journeyed to the gate. The Iron Gates opened for them. Archers were still on guard, aiming their bows at the ready in case the Dothraki dare to strike. Jon knew tensions are high, as he and his company headed upwards on the trail. Tyrion who knows King's Landing, lead the way to the dragon pits.
Along with Missandei, Jorah, Varys, Ser Davos, Theon, Captain Aurane, Ser Barristan and the Hound who was supervising a donkey-pulled wagon carrying a crate. Missandei observed their surroundings, seeing the difference in architecture from Dragon's Bay, Naath, and Dragonstone. Seeing a sample of the Westerosi culture. Although she noticed a stench, especially when Ser Davos pointed out the location of Flea bottom as they walked through Rhaenys's Hill. She was curious about the location where they were going, The Dragonpits.
"Why did they build it?" Missandei asked.
"Dragons don't understand the difference between what is theirs and what isn't," Jorah answered. "Land, livestock, children…Letting them roam free around a city was a problem."
"I imagine it was a sad joke at the end," Tyrion murmured. "An entire arena for a few sickly creatures smaller than dogs. But in the beginning, when it was home to Balerion the Dread, it must have been the most dangerous place in the world."
"Maybe it still is," Ser Davos suggested.
Up ahead was Ser Bronn followed by Lannister soldiers wielding spears, shields, and swords. Among the company was Lady Brienne representing for Lady Sansa, along with Podrick. The Hound noticed Brienne getting a sense of discomfort and bitterness since the tall woman beat him in combat, bit his ear off, and almost killed him. If falling off a cliff and broken limbs were a near death experience. Brienne saw Sandor Clegane and tried to avoid eye contact. Tyrion, on the other hand, was seeing two old familiar faces. The last he saw Ser Bronn and Podrick was in his cell after Joffrey's death.
Ser Bronn stepped forward, "Welcome, my lords."
The Dothraki stared at him, not understanding the common tongue. Missandei had to translate for them.
"Your friends arrived before you did. I've been sent to escort you all to the meeting." Ser Bronn continued, gesturing the way as the Lannister soldiers turn to the side granting passage.
The Dothraki generals looked at Tyrion before taking the lead, followed by the others. Podrick walked over to Podrick. Being almost three years since he last saw his lord.
"Pleasant surprise in an unpleasant situation," Tyrion greeted.
"I never thought I'd see you again, my lord," Podrick replied.
"Supporting the enemy, no less," Tyrion said.
"Hard to blame you," Podrick said.
"Cersei will anyway," Tyrion muttered.
Podrick nodded with a smile, "I'm glad you're alive."
Bronn came over, "Come on! You can suck his magic cock later."
Podrick held back his chuckle. Tyrion rolled his eyes and shook his head at the old joke. They joined the others catching up.
One Lannister soldier was curious what was inside the crate. He could hear what sounded like growls. "What's in there?"
Sandor looked at him annoyed, "Fuck off."
He turned his attention to Lady Brienne. The female warrior sensed eyes on her and glanced over their shoulder seeing Clegane. She paused waiting for him to catch up till walking beside the Hound.
"I thought you were dead," Brienne said.
"Not yet," Sandor countered. "You came pretty close."
"I was only trying to protect her," Brienne explained.
"You and me both," Sandor agreed gruffly.
"She's alive. Arya." Brienne told him.
Sandor looked at her, "Where?"
"Winterfell," Brienne answered.
"Who's protecting her if you're here?" Sandor asked.
"The only one that needs protecting is the one that gets in her way," Brienne answered.
Sandor smiled proudly, though hidden under his beard. "It won't be me."
Tyrion and Bronn soon made the front of the group.
"Here we are—the heroes of Blackwater Bay. Strange place for a reunion," Tyrion said to his old friends.
"It is, my lord," Podrick agreed.
"I don't think I'm anyone's lord, anymore, Podrick," Tyrion said. "Save the titles for Ser Bronn of the Blackwater. "
"I'm sure your new Queen will be happy to restore yours if she ends up on the throne." Bronn sarcastically replied.
"You've been thinking about our new Queen?" Tyrion asked. "Perhaps you've been considering your allegiances. Remember my offer – whatever they're paying you, I'll pay double."
"And that would be double what now, exactly?" Varys asked, listening to their conversation.
"Don't you worry about me. I'm doing all right. Looking after myself," Bronn assured.
"Are you?" Tyrion asked. "Helping me to arrange this meeting wasn't exactly looking after yourself, was it? You put yourself at risk."
"I put yourself at risk. Important difference. It's your head Queen Cersei's offered a bag of gold for, it's not mine. Now, thanks to me, she's got two traitors' heads coming right through her door. She can lop them both off as soon as she gets tired of the clever words that pour out of their pieholes. All thanks to Ser Bronn of the 'fucking' Blackwater. If that's not looking after myself, I don't know what is." Ser Bronn said.
Tyrion was quiet for a moment then murmured, "It's good to see you again."
Ser Bronn looked at him, with a slight smile, "Yeah, you, too."
They soon arrived at the Dragonpit. Sandor secured the donkey but noticed the numerous Lannister soldiers. "Anyone touches it, I'll kill you first."
The young Lannister soldiers gulped, glancing at the crate.
Afterward, they entered the Dragonpit. Once a massive arena for the dragons to reside in has fallen to ruins. The first destruction happening during the Dance of the Dragons. The Storming of the Dragonpit it was called, when ten thousand starving smallfolk lead by a prophet called the Shepard stormed the den and killed five dragons. Shyrkos, Morgul, Tyraxes, Dreamfyre, and Syrax falling victim towards their species extinction. The second of its destruction, was during the Great Sickness, the Hand of the King at the time, Lord Brynden Rivers placed the corpses that died from the illness and set the bodies aflame with wildfire. So much sorrow of many ghosts who died here. A place that was meant to be the dragon's sanctuary turned into a cage of death.
Inside the ruins on a stone platform were three shaded canopies representing the Crown's color, Lannister colors of crimson red trimmed in gold. In the center canopy, was supported by ornated filigree. There were four chairs, one larger signifying the rulers' place. On one side were banners of House Stark while on the other side was House Targaryen. All around the ruins were the Lannister soldiers, standing there with the lion shield, while the banners of golden lions of a red field hung about.
Ser Bronn gestured where people should sit. Tyrion examined the area wondering where the Crown and Small Council were. Ser Barristan and Ser Jorah examined the archers from the platform making sure the area was secured for the Dragon Sisters. Making sure that this was not a trap.
Bronn came over to Podrick, patting his back, "Come, Pod. Let's you and me go have a drink while the fancy folks talk, eh?"
Podrick stared at Lady Brienne for her consent. The Maid of Tarth nodded, both men thanked her before leaving. Silence engrossed the pit, hearing nothing but the wind. Tyrion standing on the edge looked at the entrance wondering where his siblings were. Sandor came over to the once Lord who his family had served since his grandfather saved Lord Tytos from a mountain lion.
"I left this shit city because I didn't want to die in it. Am I going to die in this shit city?" Sandor bitterly asked.
"You might," Tyrion answered.
"And this is all your idea," Sandor noted. "Seems every bad idea has some Lannister cunt behind it."
"And some Clegane cunt to help them see it through," Tyrion murmured.
Footsteps could be heard along with the sound of heavy armor. At the entrance, Cersei arrived with Ser Jaime by her side along with Qyburn and Euron. Behind them was the Queensguard, dressed in black armor. One stood out, which Sandor recognized to be his brother who was leading the royal party. Everyone went to their position, taking a seat, though Tyrion stood there watching his siblings passed by. If not noticing the loathing glare much sinister than Tywin Lannister. Ser Jaime passed Brienne, though focus forward. Captain Euron saw his nephew Theon giving him a deviant smirk. The Crown and Small Council took their seat.
Sandor walked over to the Crown's canopy, though The Mountain stepped forward in case he was going to attack the Queen. Instead Sandor stared at the red eyes of Gregor, seeing what the helm allowed of grey disfigure skin.
"Remember me?" Sandor asked.
Gregor remained silent.
"Yeah, you do. You're even fucking uglier than I am now. What did they do to you?" Sandor asked. "Doesn't matter. That's not how it ends for you, brother. You know who's coming for you. You've always known."
With that said, Sandor left to retrieve the crate while Gregor returned to his post to guard his queen.
Time went on as the gathering waited for two missing people. The Dragon Sisters. Cersei sat there bitterly annoyed.
"Where is she?" Cersei asked.
"She'll be here soon," Tyrion promised.
"Didn't travel with you?" Cersei asked.
Tyrion hesitated, "No."
Cersei heaved a sighed and glanced on the North's spotting Lady Brienne who was glancing at her brother, Jaime who in return was staring at her. Until Jaime felt Cersei's eyes on him, and looked away from the Maid of Tarth.
Suddenly the sound of screeching caught everyone's attention. Majority of everyone, except for Cersei stood up, spotting the three dragons flying in the sky. They soar around the Dragonpit, until Drogon and Viserion landed at the front of the entrance up on the walls while Rhaegal continue to fly overhead. Drogon gave a roar, before both dragons climbed down revealing their riders. Daenerys in an elaborate dark coat with her hair pulled back and Alysanne in her dragon armor. The Dragon Sisters climbed down, and once on the platform, Alysanne removed her helm revealing her face.
Cersei held back a sneered, seeing the features of a Targaryen for the first time since the Tournament of False Spring. The unique traits of the Targaryen of flawless pale skin, purple eyes, statuesque beauty, and most prominently their white hair. She noticed Alysanne having a golden-white, while Daenerys with a silver-white locks. However, she can see the features of Rhaegar in Alysanne while Daenerys was more in favor to the late queen Rhaella. The prophecy of Maggy the Frog whispered in Cersei's ear.
Queen you shall be... until there comes another, younger and more beautiful, to cast you down and take all that you hold dear.
The Dragon Sisters walked over to the canopy for House Targaryen. Once they took their seat their Small Council did as well. Alysanne and Daenerys center, with Tyrion on the Khaleesi side and Ser Jorah on the Queen's side. Varys sat next to Tyrion, while Missandei, Ser Barristan, Theon, and Captain Aurane sat from behind while the Dothraki stood.
.o0o.
Alysanne's POV
I sat down and stared at Cersei Lannister. The False Queen who stole the throne from her own son after his death. She has no King's blood of Aegon the Conqueror in her veins. The woman who dared to taunt me with a minstrel to sing the Rains of Castamere sat there, with cropped blond hair and green emerald eyes. She held a beauty, although the roundness of her cheeks showed indications of drinking. On top of her head was a silver crown with an intricate design that was impossible to tell symbolism, while wearing a texture black dress and coat.
"We've been here for some time," Cersei said.
"My apologies," I replied calmly.
Her lips tighten, wanting to counter back but didn't.
I turned to Tyrion and nodded to him to begin the armistice.
Tyrion got off his seat taking the center of the platform, "We are all facing a unique –"
"Theon!" A man sitting by a Maester in dark robes called out. If I'm correct that he is Euron Greyjoy. The man who offered his hand in marriage for his armada, Captain Euron "I have your sister. If you don't submit to me here, now . . . I'll kill her."
Tyrion was confused, "I think we ought to begin with larger concerns."
"Then why are you talking?" Euron replied coldly, standing up walking over to the Tyrion. "You're the smallest concern here."
Tyrion turned to Theon, "Do you remember when we discussed dwarf jokes?"
"His wasn't even good," Theon jabbed.
"He explained it at the end, never explain. It always ruins it." Tyrion said.
"We don't even let your kind live in the Iron Islands, you know," Euron murmured. "We kill you at birth. An act of mercy for the parents."
"Perhaps you ought to sit down," Ser Jaime said bitterly.
"Why?" Euron challenged.
"Sit down or leave," Cersei commanded.
The largest knight, who is rumored to be Ser Gregor Clegane stepped forward. All eyes were on Euron to see what he will do. Instead of responding with a sarcastic remark, he stepped back returning to his seat.
Tyrion started his speech again, "We are a group of people who do not like one another, as this recent demonstration has shown. We have suffered at each other's hands. We have lost people we love at each other's hands. If all we wanted was more of the same, there would be no need for this gathering. We are entirely capable of waging war against each other without meeting face-to-face."
"So instead, we should settle our differences and live together in harmony for the rest of our days?" Cersei asked sarcastically.
"We all know that will never happen," Tyrion answered.
"Then why are we here?" Cersei asked.
King Snow stood up to stand beside Tyrion, "This isn't about living in harmony. It's just about living. The same thing is coming for all of us. A general you can't negotiate with. An army that doesn't leaves corpses behind on the battlefield. Lord Tyrion tells me a million people live in this city. They're about to become a million more soldiers in the Army of the Dead."
"I imagine for most of them it would be an improvement," Cersei murmured.
King Snow scowled as he stepped forward, "This is serious. I wouldn't be here if it weren't."
"I don't think it's serious at all. I think it's another bad joke," Cersei replied and turn her attention to me. "If my brother Jaime has informed me correctly, you're asking us for a truce."
"Yes. That's all," I answered.
"That's all?" Cersei repeated with a bitter smile. "Pull back my armies and stand down while you go on your monster hunt. Or while you solidify and expand your position. Hard for me to know which it is with my armies pulled back until you return and march on 'my' capital with four times the men."
"Your capital will be safe until the northern threat is dealt with," Daenerys promised. "You have our word."
"The word of a would-be usurper." Cersei challenged
This coming from the woman who married a Usurper,I thought.
"There is no conversation that will erase the last fifty years," Tyrion inserted. "We have something to show you."
A few minutes later the sound of chains rattling caught our attention. Sandor coming up from the tunnels that was beneath the platform. Once on the platform, he set the crate down and carefully removed the lid. Sandor stared at Wight who must be dormant at the moment, knowing what was inside the crate, I waited as did everyone else. Sandor growing impatient kicked the container over. A rotten decay corpse tumbled out laying there.
Suddenly it shrieked, as it stood up and ran towards Cersei. The False Queen gasped, pushing back in her seat, as her guards rushed in to protect her. The Wight was all decomposed, muscle practically gone with bone and skull exposed. Of its face, there were no lips, exposing its rotten yellow teeth, and the nose is gone. What stood out the most was the solid icy blue eyes. Immediately, Sandor grabbed the chain, preventing the Wight from attacking Cersei, although the creature continued to reach out with its skeleton hands a mere foot from Cersei's face as she sat there petrified.
Sandor yanked on the chain pulling the Wight back. It turned around, charging at Sandor who yanked at it again getting its attention. The Wight shrieked, standing up lunging at the Sandor, who drew his sword. Just as its skeleton hand lashed out, Sandor cut the corpse in half from the torso. The upper body crawled trying to get its target while the lower half kicked about. Once close enough to Sandor, reaching its arm out did he cut it off. It showed no sign of pain, while the hand still flexes.
All eyes were on Cersei. Everyone watching the False Queen comprehending what just happened. That in front of her was a Wight, something that should be a mere legend. The once Maester known as Qyburn stood up, as he collected the hand which was still moving. King Snow came over which Qyburn gave the hand to him. Ser Davos used a flint lighting a torch giving it to Lord Jon, as he addressed us.
"We can destroy them by burning them," he said, lighting the hand on fire. Resulting in the Wight screaming in agony. He dropped the hand, pulling out a dragon glass dagger, "And we can destroy them with dragon glass. If we don't win this fight, then that is the fate over every person in the world."
King Snow walked over to the Wight, grabbing it by its arm lifting it into the air. In one strong swoop, he stabbed it in the monster chest. It shrieks one last time until finally becoming what it truly was. A corpse. All its limbs stopped moving.
"There is only one war that matters – the Great War," King Snow said, looking into my eyes meaning it. "And it is here."
Cersei was still shocked by this
"I didn't believe it until I saw them," Daenerys said. "I saw them all."
"How many?" Ser Jaime asked still baffled.
"A hundred thousand, at least," I answered.
Euron stood up, walking over to the corpse examining it. "Can they swim?"
"No," King Snow confirmed.
"Good," Euron said. "I'm taking the Iron Fleet back to the Iron Islands."
"What are you talking about?" Cersei asked.
"I've been around the world. I've seen everything, things you couldn't imagine, and this…this is the only thing I've ever seen that terrifies me." Euron explained, his eyes widen from the adrenaline of shock. He came over to Daenerys and I were. "I'm going back to my island. You should go back to yours. When winter's over, we'll be the only ones left alive."
I refrain from giving the pirate a response while Daenerys gave a slight smirk. After saying that comment, Euron left the Dragonpit abandoning his alliance to House Lannister. So much for the adventures of Captain Euron.
"He's right to be afraid. And a coward to run. If those things come for us, there will be no kingdoms to rule. Everything we suffered will have been for nothing. Everything we lost will have been for nothing." Cersei said, stiffly. "The crown accepts your truce. Until the dead are defeated, they are the true enemy."
Daenerys and I nodded in appreciation while King Snow sighed in relief.
"In return, the King in the North will extend this truce," Cersei continued. "You will not take up arms against the Lannisters. He will not choose sides."
"Just the King in the North?" Daenerys asked. "Not me?"
Cersei gave a weak chuckle, "I would never ask it of you. You would never agree to it. And if you did, I would trust you even less than I do now. I ask it only of Ned Stark's son. I know Ned Stark's son will be true to his word."
King Snow paused contemplating the decision that Cersei Lannister has offered him. An offer of neutral ground. One that keeps the North out of the war between the Targaryens and the Lannisters. It was an easy decision, focus on his people and stay out of it. Not taking part of the war in who sits on the Iron Throne. As much as House Stark holds a vendetta against the Lannisters, will Jon Snow choose between vengeance or security. He stared at Cersei before staring at Daenerys and me.
"I am true to my word. Or I try to be," King Snow said. "That is why I cannot give you what you ask. I cannot serve two queens. And I have already pledged an alliance to House Targaryen."
My eyes widen not expecting that nor did anyone else. Honorable that he is in the truth, his decision to refuse Cersei's offer and explain the reason why has forfeited the truce.
As Cersei scowled, "Then there is nothing left to discuss," as she stood up. "The dead will come north first. Enjoy dealing with them. We will deal with whatever is left of you."
With nothing else to say, she stormed off with her council.
I turned to my attention asking in Dothraki, "What did you say to him?"
Knowing that Daenerys spent quality time with King Snow on the ship back to Dragonstone.
"I said nothing," Daenerys whispered back.
For some reason I do not believe her.
Once the Lannisters were gone except for their guards, we gather center of the stage. Ser Davos came over to King Snow.
"I wish you hadn't done that," The Onion Knight muttered.
Daenerys and I got up walking over to him.
"I'm grateful for your loyalty," I said. "But we risk so much so that we could be here. If it's all for nothing, then all of it is for nothing."
"I know!" King Snow exclaimed.
"I'm pleased you respect our Queen and the alliance," Tyrion said, getting everyone's attention. "I would have advised it, had you asked. But have you ever considered learning how to lie every now and then? Just a bit?"
"I'm not going to swear an oath I can't uphold." King Snow said, controlling his anger. "Talk about my father if you want, tell me that's the attitude that got him killed. But when enough people make false promises, words stop meaning anything. Then there are no more answers, only better and better lies. And lies won't help us in this fight."
"That is indeed a problem," Tyrion said. "The more immediate problem is that we're fucked."
"Any ideas as to how we might change that state of affairs?" Ser Davos asked.
Tyrion looked at the Red Keep, "Only one. Everyone stays here, and I go and talk to my sister."
I walked over to Tyrion, "I didn't come all this way to have my Hand murdered."
"I don't want Cersei to murder me either. I could have stayed in my cell and saved a great deal of trouble." Tyrion said.
"I did this," King Snow said. "I should go."
"She'll definitely murder you," Tyrion countered. "I go see my sister. Or we all go home, and we're right back where we started."
I sighed in defeat and nodded. Putting my trust in Tyrion Lannister to solve the problem. I pray to the Seven that Cersei doesn't kill him, and he can fix all this. Although a part of me knew Cersei will not collaborate so easily.
.o0o.
The Dragonpit
Jon, needing some space, walked along the walls of center of the dragonpit. He knew he messed up the truce, but he can't rely on lies. It was the morals he grew up by, by his father Ned Stark. Last time he lied, it almost killed him when confronting Mance Rayder after the Battle of Castle Black. Lying wasn't his thing, he barely made it through his teeth when the Wildings held him hostage. Only Ygritte and Orell could tell he was lying.
He noticed a jawbone and picked it up. He examined the bone, doubting it was the remains of the last dragon, it looked about to be a goat or maybe a dog. His best bet a dog that died here and rot away to nothing but bone. He sighed, looking up to the sky.
Daenerys came over to give him comfort. On the ship back from Eastwatch-by-the-sea they talked while he recuperated. Nothing happened, no forging oaths of which Queen or House. After some time, Daenerys understood why Alysanne was giving the North's its independence. A peace offering after what their Father and Rhaegar did to House Stark. A decision of lust destroying a deep alliance in the last three hundred years.
Jon sighed, fidgeting with the jawbone, "No one is less happy about this than I am."
"I know," Daenerys murmured. "I respect what you did. Wish you hadn't done it, but I respect it."
She came closer taking the jawbone and caressed the teeth. She looked around the ruins for what was supposed to be the dragon's sanctuary.
"This place was the beginning of the end for my family," Daenerys commented. "Zaldrīzes dohaeriros iksos daor. A dragon is not a slave. They were terrifying. Extraordinary. They filled people with wonder and awe, and we locked them in here. They wasted away. They grew small. And we grew small as well." She looked at Jon. "We weren't extraordinary without them. We were just like everyone else."
Daenerys finally understood in her sister's lessons. Just because they were immune to fire thanks to their Great-Grandfather, Aegon V's attempt to resurrect the dragons, does not mean they were immortal. Not the god complex Viserys described to them. The Magic of Old Valyria was gone, burned away since the Doom. Only a small fragments of dragon magic remains through their connection of the dragons. And based on her encounters of the birthing bed, and Alysanne's constant injures either from Viserys and their enemies they can bleed as well.
She handed him the jawbone which he accepts.
"You're not like everyone else," Jon assured, stepping closer to her. "And your family hasn't seen its end. You're still here."
Daenerys appreciated his words, but sighed sadly, "I can't have children."
"Who told you that?" Jon asked.
"The witch who murdered my husband," she answered.
"Has it occurred to you she might not have been a reliable source of information?" he asked.
Daenerys smiled slightly since her sister mention that before. Maybe the curse is her hopes for Drogo returns of being sterile. Although, when she was with Daario for over a year she used no protection, and she never conceived. Then her thoughts went back to Alysanne, remembering her sister forced to be intimate with Viserys. In their years of marriage, the two only had one conception of a pregnancy until Viserys terminated it with his blind rage. Could Daenerys have the same fertility issues as Alysanne, still fertile but need a stronger seed? She hasn't flowered in so long, then again, growing up she barely bled like most girls.
Changing the subject, she glances at Jon, "You were right from the beginning. If I had trusted you, everything would be different."
"So, what now?" he whispered.
"I can't forget what I saw north of the Wall," she murmured. "And I can't pretend that Cersei won't take back half the country the moment we march north."
Jon nodded slightly, "It appears Tyrion's assessment was correct. We're fucked."
Daenerys chuckled slightly through her nose. She liked Jon Snow. A bastard he may be, yet he was quite amusing once you get over his brooding behavior. He was different from the others, from Drogo and Daario. He wasn't a hero, well, not someone who is seeking for glory. He cared about his people, the same as she cared for the Dothraki and her family. Also, he's quite handsome in a northerner kind of way.
After some time, the sound of footsteps caught their attention. All eyes turning to the only entrance where Tyrion came forward. Not far behind him was Cersei with her Queensguard and Ser Jaime.
Jorah glanced at Alysanne who held a cautious look. Something doesn't seem right, and when Alysanne gives that look he is on guard. The same expression when the wine merchant tried to give them free wine. The Lannisters stood on the other side of the platform. Cersei standing there holding her hands as her attention was on Dragon Sisters and Jon.
"My armies will not stand down," Cersei announced. "I will not pull them back to the capital. I will march them north to fight alongside you in the Great War."
The others were in disbelief.
"The darkness is coming for us all," Cersei continued. "We'll face it together. And when the Great Wat is over, perhaps you'll remember I chose to help with no promises or assurances from any of you. I expect not. Call our banners. All of them."
Emerald eyes stared into indigo eyes as the two queens read each other's mind.
Not trusting one another.
I know, it's somewhat similar to ADIALD. I tried to make some difference.
And yes, I did the High Valyrian version of "A Dragon is not a slave" not the mixed version of High Valyrian and Low Valyrian.
Thanks for reading and please leave a review!