Night was falling fast, as they trekked through the swampland on horseback along some unmapped, narrow trail between the bogs. The sounds of chirping crickets and frogs were all around them and a noxious odor filled the air. Dany was still hot with fever and Jon listened for the sound of her breathing obsessively as he used one arm to hold her against his chest.
Ser Barristan rode behind him and Ghost loped along silently in the dark. Jon could only barely make out Lord Reed's form in the fading light, but he did his best to stay close behind him, knowing if he fell behind, they'd surely be lost in the immense swampland.
Suddenly there was a great splash in the distance and he clung to Dany tighter as he scanned the dark for movement, half expecting to see the jagged teeth of a lizard-lion.
"Don't worry," he heard Lord Reed call to him. "They know to stay away. Follow me, My King."
Jon felt himself tense. "My King? Thought that was how you addressed my brother."
"Of course. He's the King in the North, but I know you to be the true king."
Jon's heart stilled in his chest. "You were at the Tower of Joy with my uncle."
Howland kept his eyes on their path as he spoke. "Of course. You and I have met before. Although then you mostly slept… and when you weren't asleep, you cried terribly. I didn't know babes could grieve before then." Jon felt at a loss for words as Lord Reed continued. "I swore an oath to your uncle, never to utter your true name, but I suppose we're past that, Aegon Targaryen."
"I was told you knew my mother?"
"Aye. I knew her. She was wild, and fierce. It was one of the great honors of my life to be counted among her friends."
For all the long years Jon had spent wondering about his mother, he found himself struggling to come up with questions. Before he had time to think on it further, Lord Reed was reigning in his horse, as they reached the edge of a great swamp. "We've arrived."
As his own horse stilled, Jon strained his eyes to see what the pale sliver of moonlight would show him. A faint glimmer of light reflected off a great turret reaching up toward the dark and cloud covered sky, and Jon could only wonder what it might look like in the light of day.
A soft moan from Dany had his heart pumping again. "We need to hurry."
Ser Barristan came to his side quickly and he allowed him to take Dany into his arms as he dismounted. The ground was soft beneath his feet and as he joined Lord Reed near the edge of the murky water, and he nearly startled when he saw a man he hadn't noticed before waiting on the shore beside a skiff.
Climbing down into the boat straight away, Ser Barristan lowered Dany back into his embrace gingerly, both mindful of her round belly. He held her close as they glided over the water, the cool mist a contrast to her skin, still hot to the touch.
"Just a little longer, Dany," he whispered.
As they drew nearer, he was able to see a great keep situated on an island, surrounded by towers on islands of their own, each connected by rope bridges. The skiff slided gracefully next to a floating dock leading to the entrance of the strange keep, and Lord Reed led them inside with swift and purposeful steps. They followed him down dark corridors, adorned with three pronged spears, leather shields and the grey green banners adorned with the black lizard-lion, the sigil for House Reed.
The craggoman brought them to a homely but neat bed chamber, already alight with candles and a fire blazing in the hearth. Without hesitation, Jon laid Dany in the bed and knelt by her side. It was then he noticed a water basin and a stack of linens on a nearby table. He had not seen Lord Reed speak to any servants since they arrived, and yet it appeared the room had been prepared.
An eerie feeling came over Jon, and his eyes sought Lord Reed just as the man was closing the door. "How did you know she was sick, My Lord?"
All of a sudden, Jon saw a small child cautiously approaching the other side of the bed, and his mouth fell open when he realized it wasn't a child at all. The creature had nutbrown skin, dappled like a deer and great gold eyes slitted like that of a cat. He could make out pointed black fingernails and great ears on the side of its head.
Ser Barristan drew his sword and the creature hissed and jumped back.
"It's alright," Lord Reed said calmly, holding up his hands. "She won't hurt her."
A look from Jon had Ser Barristan putting his sword away and they both stared in wonder at the being before them.
"Is she…?" Jon began to ask.
Howland moved to the creature's side. "A child of the forest. Aye, and a friend I made during my time on the Isle of Faces. I'm afraid it is quite impossible for most to say her true name, but at Greywater Watch she's known as Ash."
Ghost approached the creature carefully, neither seeming afraid of the other. He gave her an inquisitive sniff before returning back to Jon's side.
Ash took soft steps toward them again, pinning Jon with her great big eyes as she spoke in a language he had never heard before, her voice high pitched and soothing.
Howland waited respectfully for her to finish before he spoke. "I'm afraid she does not speak the common tongue. She said, 'We've been waiting for you, Dragon King. For you and the Dragon Queen.'"
Jon was in no mood for riddles. "What do you mean? What is going on? What's wrong with her?"
Lord Reed regarded Jon patiently. "She has visions? Your silver queen."
"Aye," Jon replied, noticing how pale Dany's skin had become.
Howland nodded slowly. "Sometimes the visions take their toll. My son, Jojen, has terrible fits when they come. I sent him and Meera to Winterfell to join Brandon Stark."
"What does any of this have to do with her being sick? You said you could help her, now help her!"
In a flash, Ash climbed upon the bed and sat perched by Dany's side, and Jon could see she had green leaves weaved into her hair. She looked smaller than Arya, but her eyes told that she was much older than anyone else in the room. She placed her pointed little hand on Dany's forehead and began to sing a song in the True Tongue, and all at once Dany's breathing returned to normal. The song was haunting and mysterious and made Jon sad to hear but it also left him feeling calm, assured Dany would be alright.
When her song was sung, she scrambled from the bed as quickly as she had come. Jon breathed a sigh of relief, finding Dany's skin cool to the touch, her fever finally having broken.
"Thank you," Jon told her sincerely. "How did you know this would happen?"
Howland gave Jon a grave look. "We know none of this makes sense to you, so I'll get to the point. There's a powerful force growing beyond The Wall, ancient and devastating, the Long Night come again. You know of what I speak, don't you?"
Jon flexed the fingers of his burned hand remembering the fire. "Before I left Castle Black… I killed a wight."
Howland nodded. "Then you know it is true. Brandon Stark has a part to play, and so do you."
Ash began to speak again, and though he didn't understand a word, Jon felt the significance all the same.
Howland waited patiently for her to finish and then began to translate. "Death rises in the north, mankind's greatest foe, an army of putrid nightmares and sickening grief… Wherever they march, darkness will follow until we are only rotted flesh and bones."
Jon felt the hair rise on the back of his neck and he wondered if this had all been a strange dream.
"Jon?"
He whirled around to see Dany's wide violet eyes staring back at him as she tried to sit up.
"Dany! Thank the Gods!" he cried, pulling her close and pressing his forehead against hers. "You're safe. I'm here."
She clutched his arm as she laid eyes on the creature who had aided her. "Jon… what is happening?"
He kissed the top of her hand. "We're at Greywater Watch. You became ill and Lord Reed's friend was able to help you." He cleared his throat. "She's a child of the forest."
"A child of the forest," Dany repeated dumbstruck.
Lord Reed bowed before Dany. "My Queen, your husband tells me you have dragon dreams. My son has his own sort of dreams. If I may ask, what have you dreamt lately?"
Jon clenched his jaw. Stories of dead men rising beyond the wall were the last things he wanted her to worry about just now.
Dany sat up straighter and ran her hands along her arms as though there was a draft in the room. "I dreamt of darkness, and cold. Terrible cold. Snow…. And blue eyes watching me… a sea of blue eyes…"
Dread formed in Jon's gut like a heavy stone. Whatever cruel plans the gods were intent on burdening him with, he did not want it to pass to her.
"And what of your son's dreams, Lord Reed?" Dany asked.
Lord Reed stepped closer. "He told me he dreamt of you, My Queen, of you and your husband. He saw a fire across the narrow sea, and dragons. He saw you take vows before a heart tree and then sick and feverish on the road. He said he saw dragons with riders in the Land of Always Winter and castles buried in smoke and flame. He saw a world under threat, men, women and children dead and dying… screaming, under attack by some unknown foe… and then he saw the dragons again, and where the dragons went, the screaming died."
Fear flashed in her eyes for only a moment before she asked, "What is it we're meant to do?"
Ash spoke then, offering an answer only Lord Reed Could understand.
"She says, 'Bring the dawn'", Lord Reed translated. "Green dreams are never very clear, My Queen, but based on what my son has told me and your own dragon dreams, you may find the answers you seek at Castle Black."
Jon stared daggers at Lord Reed. "The Wall? You expect me to take my wife to the Wall?"
Lord Reed gave a humble nod. "I expect nothing, My King. It is not for me to decide your fate."
"I'd like to be alone with my wife," Jon replied curtly.
He waited for the room to clear before crawling into bed with her and pulling her into an embrace. "Are you alright?"
"I'm alright. I feel alright," she replied, laying her head against his shoulder.
"I thought I was going to lose you. I need to get you someplace safe."
She looked at him sadly. "What if no place is safe?"
"Winterfell is safe. The Wall has stood for 8,000 years. Whatever they say is happening, the Wall will hold."
"You said yourself that the Night's Watch is in shambles."
"We'll talk to Robb. He'll send more men."
She closed her eyes and wrapped an arm around his middle. "My dreams were so cold and terrible… it felt so powerful like whatever it was... nothing could stop it. What if Lord Reed is right? What if we are meant to go to the Wall?"
Jon could hardly believe they were having such a conversation. "Castle Black is a dangerous place manned by robbers and rapers recruited from dungeons around the Seven Kingdoms."
Dany propped herself up to meet his eyes, and took his hand in hers. "Why do gods make kings and queens if not to protect the ones who cannot protect themselves?"
He could find no words to refute her, but he wasn't ready to realize the weight of such a responsibility. In reality, the rest of the world didn't matter to him until he had made sure she would be safe from harm. Holding her close, they each tried to find rest before morning.
Sunrise came quickly, and his eyes were still heavy with exhaustion as Lord Reed and Ash escorted their party to shore where horses were ready and waiting to take them back to Moat Cailin. Dany's eyes were shining brightly and he was grateful to see that color had returned to her cheeks. He felt an urgency to tell Robb of what they had learned straight away. If what they said was true, the North would need to begin to prepare.
They bid farewell to Ash who would not be making the journey with them.
"Could it happen again?" Dany had asked her. "Could a vision make me fall ill?"
The question had not been far from Jon's mind either and he listened with rapt attention as the creature responded. Her voice was a haunting melody and as she spoke she placed a strange trinket into the palm of Dany's hand.
"It's a charm," Lord Reed interjected. "Made of weirwood and obsidian. She says if you keep it close, it will ease the discomfort that the visions bring."
Dany's eyes went round as she turned the little charm over in her hand. "Thank you."
She tucked the gift away, and Jon helped her climb onto their mount. He'd gotten her to agree to ride with him for fear of what could happen if she fell. The sight of her growing belly troubled him, and he couldn't risk anything else happening to her.
The return trip through the swamp was only a little easier in the daylight, and Jon was grateful to have spent his life living on dry land. Shortly after they had set out, he'd turned around to get one last view of Greywater Watch, only to find it already out of sight. Surely Lord Reed kept his castle hidden by some magic.
As Moat Calin came into view, Lord Reed bid them farewell. "My King, My Queen. House Reed will be ready to serve you when the time comes."
Jon and Dany watched the craggoman disappear back into the forested wetland.
"I think that was the strangest encounter I've ever had," Dany said.
"Aye. I don't think even my father ever saw Greywater Watch."
"We'll have to tell Robb discreetly… I don't think this is something we want Lady Olenna to know… at least not yet."
Jon nodded. "Lord Reed said his son saw dragon riders flying beyond the Wall. Neither of us has done that. I think at the very least, we have time."
It was early afternoon when the grey towers of Winterfell first came into view. With only a few hours' journey ahead of them, Dany chose to ride horseback, and Jon's body surrounded her with warmth. She'd created a picture in her mind of the ancient castle when they had first set out to Westeros but it was more than she had imagined. A great and expansive keep, though not as monstrous as Harenhall, their ancestors left no marks on it's shining towers.
Dany looked over her shoulder to see Jon had his eyes trained on the castle.
"It's incredible," She told him.
His mouth curved into a smile when he met her gaze. "You've no idea how much I've longed to bring you here."
They rode behind Robb as they passed under the gates, the Stark girls following behind them as Ghost and Grey Wind loped alongside. Dany could feel the curious eyes of servants and soldiers upon her as they entered the courtyard where Lady Stark stood waiting for their arrival. A small boy stood at Lady Stark's side with a massive black direwolf with bright green eyes.
Sansa did not wait, dismounting and rushing into her mother's open arms. Dany could see Lady Stark's stoic composure break as she hugged the sobbing girl. After helping her dismount, Jon joined Robb in greeting little Rickon while Arya joined Lady Stark and Sansa. Even the direwolves grouped together, the brothers reunited.
Dany was content to stand back and watch the scene unfold, but her heart grew warm when Jon took her by the hand and introduced her to the youngest Stark and Shaggydog. He looked up at her with wide eyes while his wolf sniffed her hand. She imagined he had never seen anyone with features close to hers.
Then Sansa asked her mother where Bran was and Dany's heart sank.
Lady Stark bent her head. "He's gone," she told them before forcefully adding, "He disappeared in the night along with Jojen and Meera Reed. We've had no word from him. Ser Rodrik took a group of men and is searching for them."
Before they had set out from Moat Cailin, Jon had informed Robb of all that they had learned from Lord Reed, including Bran's departure from Winterfell.
"We'll speak more on this soon, mother," Robb told her as the Tyrell carriage entered the courtyard.
Margaery emerged first, eyes bright and smile hopeful as she looked about the place that would be her new home. Her grandmother followed soon after, scrutinizing her surroundings.
While the Tyrell women exchanged pleasantries with Lady Stark, Jon whispered in Dany's ear. "Let's find our rooms. I'm sure you need to rest."
Jon led Dany through the warm halls of the great keep with the sure steps that could only come from knowing a place well. She noticed immediately that the halls were pleasantly warm just as he told her they would be and she tried to imagine the pipes inside the granite walls, pumping in warm water from the hot springs. Letting go of his arm as he opened the door, she walked right to the window to see the courtyard down below.
"Is that where you would train when you were a boy?"
Jon knelt before the hearth, tending to the fire. "Since I was old enough to walk."
Suddenly feeling heavy with exhaustion, she turned her attention to the great bed and ran her fingers over the thick, rich furs longingly. As though he could hear her thoughts, Jon came to her side and helped her to climb up. With every passing day, Dany longed to be able to do the simple tasks she had taken for granted. She was all the more grateful as Jon began helping her to unlace her boots, her feet aching to be freed.
"Was this your bedchamber before you left?"
Jon smirked at her before climbing onto the bed beside her. "No," he told her, kissing her brow. "It seems with you here, Lady Stark saw fit to grant me better accommodations."
"This isn't for my sake alone," she said as he helped her scoot back toward the pillows. "She cannot malign you the way she once did. You are a king."
Jon sighed wearily. "King, Lord… I'm sick of these titles and the way they're used as veiled threats and slights. It was so much easier when I was only a bastard."
Sitting up as best she could, she pressed her palm against his chest. "Let them have their petty insults. It will only make our victory taste that much sweeter. Iksā dārys isse ñuha prūmia." (You are King in my heart)
The corners of his eyes crinkled up in a grin and he brought her hand to his lips. "Se iksā dāria isse ñuhon." (And you are Queen in mine)
She hummed happily to hear him speak the language of their ancestors. "You're learning so well."
The smile slipped from his face and he pressed his hand against her cheek. "How are you feeling? I have hated everything you've had to go through, and all with our babe inside of you."
"We both knew this road wouldn't be easy."
"I thought it would be easier than this. The last few nights I have not been able to stop thinking about every terrible ordeal you have had to suffer."
"We have both suffered, and I'm afraid we'll have more to suffer still."
"I promised you I would keep you safe, and I've failed miserably."
His words stung at her heart. "No, my love. When I'm with you, I am always safe."
"I wish that were true."
She laced her fingers through both of his hands, before meeting his eyes again. "It is true. We have faced monsters I'd never have believed existed and we're both still here… we'll face worse monsters still, but I know that if I am with you, all will be well."
He kissed her brow again before giving her a serious look. "Going forward we need to be smarter… and we have to trust each other… everything will depend on it."
Her pulse quickened. "I trust you with my life."
"You didn't trust me enough to tell me about your visits to the kingslayer."
She didn't like to think of the incident with the kingslayer. It had been wholly stupid, but hard to resist. "I told you I was sorry. I didn't think you would understand. I didn't want you to try and stop me."
There was still a hurt in his eyes she didn't like to see. "I want to understand you. Do you really think me foolish enough to believe I could stop you from anything you wanted to do? At least I could have been there to protect you."
"I know," she said solemnly before playfully adding, "The next time I decide to visit a Lannister in their cell, I shall make sure to invite you along."
His laughter was a relief, and she kissed his cheek before asking, "What about you?"
He narrowed his eyes at her. "What about me?"
"The issue of trust?" she replied with a raised eyebrow. "While you were captured… Did you truly believe I could betray you?"
She watched him as he struggled to look at her and scratched at his beard. "Dany… I… that was never about you as much as it was about Robb."
"It didn't feel like it was about Robb."
He blew out a breath before looking at her again. "Robb is my brother. I love him, I am loyal to him, but you must understand, my whole life I've been living in his shadow. No matter how good I was at anything, whether I bested him or not, he was the one on top. I've never cared for anything more than I have cared about you. No castle or title matters to me more than you. It terrified me that I could lose you to him as well."
"Do you know me better now?"
"Aye," he replied with a soft smile.
"Good," she stated, sitting up straighter and placing her hands atop her belly. "Now that we fully trust each other, tell me honestly, have you been thinking about going to Castle Black without me?"
A line appeared between his brows. "Daenerys…," he started, voice already strained with frustration. "What kind of man wouldn't want to keep his wife and child safe?"
Her heart sighed at his care but she had resolved to be unwavering. "You're the best sort of man, Jon Snow. Now promise me that you won't try to leave me behind." He shook his head, but she persisted. "Promise me."
He pursed his lips. "We don't even know for certain what Lord Reed told us was true, and we certainly have no idea what we can even do about any of it, whatever it is."
Dany took the strange amulet Ash had given her and turned it over in her hand. "What about what she said? That we must bring the dawn? Did you not believe her?"
He looked away for a moment and when he turned back to her, his eyes shone with concern. "I'd give anything to keep you here, safe and warm." It was a plea, she knew, but it was not a comfort they could afford.
"I know," she told him sadly, "but promise me anyway."
"What are you going to do at the Wall?" His question was more of a challenge as he ground his jaw.
"I don't know," she pleaded with him. "I only know that we are meant to go. You know it's true. Promise me."
His eyes searched hers a moment longer, sadness clouding his features, but he sighed and conceded, "I promise."
A homecoming feast had been prepared, and for the first time in his life, Jon sat at the head table with his younger siblings seated down below. He could not deny how good it felt to be home, surrounded by his brothers and sisters again, but for all their smiles, he could feel they were different. They had all seen too much of the world to stay the innocent children they once were. Bran's absence was a black hole, and wherever he was with the Reeds, he could only hope he was safe.
After they had left Greywater Watch, Jon had taken Robb aside to relay to him the things they had learned. He had scarcely believed it, but upon learning of Bran's disappearance, he could not deny it. Robb had agreed that more men and provisions would be sent to the Wall as well as a raven for the Lord Commander requesting news from the Watch.
He pushed the dark thoughts from his mind and turned his attention to Dany who was seated beside him. Never in his wildest dreams would he have thought he would return home with a girl like her.
He leaned close and whispered in her ear. "When I was growing up, whenever there were feasts, I'd have to sit back there." He pointed to the back of the room. "If I was permitted to come at all."
Dany raised her eyebrows. "I did not attend many feasts as a child."
He regretted his words instantly. "I suppose I was luckier than most."
"You were," she told him with a playful glint in her eye. "If I had been here with you, things would have been different."
"Would they?"
"Yes," she told him, taking his hand. "I'd sit right beside you, outcasts together, poking fun at those seated at the high table while we'd drink too much wine. Your siblings would grow jealous of how much fun we'd be having seated in our lowly place, and then as dinner went on," she slid her fingers across his palm, "I'd whisper into your ear all the things I'd want you to do to me when the feast was over…"
He felt his blood rush. "Gods, you do make everything better."
"It isn't just me. It's us, together. There isn't any obstacle we won't be able to overcome as long as we're together."
Jon took her hand and kissed it.
When Dany awoke, the fire that had once been roaring in their hearth had been reduced to orange embers. She'd quickly fallen into a deep sleep in their warm and cozy chambers, and now she was wide awake. Jon was sleeping beside her under the furs and Ghost lay before the fire. No monsters could reach her here and she felt truly at peace. Restful sleep or no, she found her hips and back still carried a dull ache, and with great effort, she pulled herself into a seated position. Managing to climb down from the bed, she pulled on a dress robe, and patted Ghost's head. His eyes blinked open and he stretched his limbs silently before following her out into the hall.
The air was chilly on the covered bridge and she rubbed her hands down her arms to stay warm. She'd thought to look out the window over the courtyard, but to her surprise, she found Theon Greyjoy standing there. He met her eyes as she approached but he did not offer a smile nor greeting, before looking back out the window again. She'd never liked Theon nor trusted him, but with Ghost by her side, she had nothing to fear from him.
She stopped a few feet away from him, looking out to see the gentle light of the sun as it began to rise. "Good morning," she greeted him. "You must be happy to be home."
He sneered at her. "Home? This is no more my home, than it is yours."
Dany was at a loss for words when Jon appeared on the bridge and came to stand by her side.
"Dany, are you alright?"
Theon's eyes grew distant. "Good day, My Lady," he told her before heading back toward the keep. Jon and Theon exchanged cold stares as he passed by.
Jon's eyes were still heavy from sleep as he pulled her against his chest. "I wish you would have woken me."
Dany rolled her eyes. "I'm perfectly capable of walking on my own."
Jon looked at her sheepishly. "You're right, of course. Perhaps I'm being a little overprotective."
"Yes," she sighed. "I just thought at least one of us might sleep."
"Come on," He said kissing her cheek, "I'll take you someplace warm."
The trees were thick within the godswood and steam could be seen rising off the pools in the cold morning air. She followed him through the dense wood until they reached a weirwood, with its bone white bark, and crimson leaves. It's face was not as eerie as that of the one in Harrenhal.
He helped her to sit at the edge of a pool, and she leaned against him as he sat beside her.
"If I had the choice," he said softly, "This is where I would have married you."
"Could you have waited this long?"
He chuckled. "Gods, no."
A shriek overhead had them looking up in time to see the dragons fly overhead.
Dany smiled to see them. "I think they like the north."
"What about you?"
She cupped his cheek. "How could I feel anything but deep affection for a place that is so much a part of you?"
He kissed her lips tenderly. "Lady Stark will not be pleased with our presence. Nor Lady Olenna. They'll see us as a threat to their power."
Dany brushed loose hair away from his eyes. "No, they will not be pleased, but what is that to us? Winterfell will not be our home."
He kissed her again, deeper this time. "Do you realize, this is the safest we have been since we set out together?"
"This is the safest we've been since we met. We should enjoy it."
Jon's eyes softened. "Aye, we should."
"It's so peaceful here," she said, resting her head against his chest. "I could fall asleep."
"Sleep then, love. I'll watch over you."
A crisp breeze rustled through the dense canopy of the godswood, the pale sun speckling the mossy earth beneath her feet as it rose higher in the sky. They'd returned to the keep to break their fast and this time when they passed back under the iron gate, Robb and Margaery were with them. Margaery took in the surroundings, her large brown eyes sparkling in wonder. She would let go of Robb's arm to kneel before the steaming pools, letting her dainty fingers trail over the calm water.
Part of Dany wondered if the Lady's reactions were genuine but a greater part of her was simply grateful to have another moment of true peace. The high walls of Winterfell sheltered them from the dangers of the outside world, and for now they didn't have to think of the wars to come or the mysteries that may await them.
They visited the glass gardens, warm and humid and sweet smelling with lush flowers and fruits growing under the reflective light of green and yellow panes. Dany brought the frost colored petals of a winter rose to her nose to take in it's fragrant scent. For a place as harsh as the North was said to be, it certainly held beauty as well, and her heart was at ease.
Margaery was eager to go outside of the gates to see Winter Town, and though Robb seemed puzzled by her excitement, he was more than happy to fulfill her wishes. Jon had pulled Dany aside to ask if she needed to rest, and though exhausted, Dany wanted to push through and soak up these moments of frivolity she'd known so little of.
They rode horseback down the muddy streets of the quiet town, past rows of small houses of wood and undressed stone. The market square of Winter Town was all but deserted, only a few of the wooden stalls being occupied by merchants.
If Margaery was trying to hide the dejected look on her face, she was failing. "It's quiet here," she remarked, "I thought there might be more people."
Robb cleared his throat. "In spring and summer, Winter Town stays quiet, but come fall and winter, it will be overflowing with the good people of the North."
"Spring and summer there aren't many people but come fall and winter, it will be overflowing."
Margaery gave Robb a bright smile, and then reigned in her horse near a stall, speaking warmly with the merchant there. Robb followed after.
"They do make a charming couple," Dany whispered to Jon.
Jon hummed. "If she is sincere, they may be happy together."
A man dressed in Stark colors rode down the street, splashing up mud as he made his way to Robb.
"Your Grace," the man spoke quickly, "Lady Stark has requested your presence for an urgent matter."
Dany exchanged a look with Jon, and soon they were all riding back to Winterfell's gates. There in the courtyard stood Lady Stark beside Lady Olenna, her mouth a thin line and ice in her eyes. At first, Dany thought Lady Stark's icy gaze was fixed on her, but she quickly realized it was Jon her cold eyes were boring into. Robb dismounted quickly and approached his mother, while Jon carefully helped Dany down.
"What's happened, mother?" Robb asked.
Lady Stark spoke loud and clear. "The dragons have burned a farmer's entire flock of sheep."
Dany felt her heart leap into her throat as she looked up at Jon.
Robb blew out a breath. "Is that all? I thought something serious had happened."
"It's quite serious," Lady Stark continued. "Today it is a flock of sheep, but what will they destroy tomorrow?"
Lady Olenna shook her head. "The Mad King's daughter and grandson with unruly dragons, how encouraging."
Margaery's mouth fell open. "Grandmother!"
Dany's face was burning with anger, and she stepped forward to tell the Queen of Thorns what she really thought of her when Jon took her hand.
"Dragons are unruly by nature, My Lady," Jon replied calmly. "They go where they want, eat what they want, and take what they want. Of all the people in the world, they answer to only two. Perhaps you should speak more sweetly to them."
"We'll see to them straight away," Dany added, her heart swelling with pride.
"See that you do," Lady Stark retorted before heading back into the keep, Lady Olenna and Margaery following.
Robb approached them, a weary look in his eye. "While I do think my mother is overreacting, I cannot have dragons burning up sheep and Gods know what else."
"I will take care of it," Jon replied firmly.
When they were alone again, Jon kissed her brow. "Go on inside, I'll tend to them while you rest."
"No. I'm going."
She was growing sorer, silently cursing each bump as the horse cantered toward the hillside where the dragons had taken up residence. The wind had picked up as the afternoon pressed on and gusts of wind blew threw her hair as they approached their children. Sitting on a hill, smoking and charred bones scattered about them. Viserion slept while Rhaegal and Dreamfyre continued to pick at any flesh that might be left on the bones.
Dany felt a single tear roll down her cheek. That the dragons had burned a flock of sheep did not trouble her, but that they had no clear idea how to stop them in the future made her feel helpless. Today it was sheep, but Lady Stark was right in stating they did not know what tomorrow would bring.
Jon put a hand on her shoulder. "It will be alright, Dany."
Dany took a deep breath, and began climbing the gentle slope of the hill toward her largest and most difficult child. He stopped picking at his bones to cock his head at her curiously. When she was close enough to touch his snout, he chirped happily and she was happy to find him in a pleasant mood. She continued to pet him and spoke soothing words in her mother tongue, and gradually, she moved down the slope of his scaly body until she reached a dark wing. She ran her hands over his spiny wings contemplating her next moves.
"Woah!" Jon shouted. He rushed to her side and Dreamfyre screeched at him. He took her by the arm and pulled her away. "What do you think you're doing?"
Dany pulled away from his reach. "He's bigger than a horse now."
"Aye and a thousand times as dangerous," Jon told her, his voice tightening. "You were thinking you'd go for a quick ride?"
Dany gave an irritated huff. "I am not a fragile egg, Jon Snow! I don't think he'd hurt me..."
Jon threw his hands up and walked a few paces away before coming back to her. "You know it's too dangerous. What are you trying to accomplish?"
Dany felt more warm tears roll down her cheeks. "We need to find a way to deepen our connection with them. It's the only way we can stop them. Lord Reed's son saw us flying."
Jon wiped away her tears. "I don't care about anyone's visions. You're in no state to attempt such a thing."
"You're right," she sniffled. "Maybe you should try?"
His eyes narrowed. "That's not going to happen."
"Why not?"
"Because if by some chance I am successful and Rhaegal doesn't murder me… I know you'll just try again."
She shook her head. "You're right, but we need to find answers."
Weeks passed within the safety of Winterfell's wall and Jon watched Dany become as content and relaxed as he had ever seen her even as her belly grew all the more round. Every morning they tended to the dragons, providing them with livestock and company and they had received no further complaints of livestock being burned. They'd begun writing to Maester Aemon and he could see Dany's eyes light up whenever they received a raven from him.
"I cannot wait to meet him," she told him, overjoyed to speak with another survivor of house Targaryen.
Dany had been right and Lady Stark and Lady Olenna had been much too preoccupied with the wedding to pay either of them any mind, and even tension between him and Robb seemed to have lessened. In fact, most afternoons he would train or hunt with Robb and Theon while Dany would walk the grounds with Lady Margaery and Sansa. The two were engrossed in making their plans for the ceremony and wedding feast but near every time he saw her, Dany had a bright smile on her face. Ghost almost never left her side, except at night when he left to hunt, and Jon wondered how much of that was because of his own growing anxiety as her time drew ever nearer.
Late afternoons were his favorite time of day when he and Dany would escape to the godswood where they could be alone, resting beside a steaming pool. They could spend hours there, reading every book Maester Luwin could recommend them on dragons, white walkers and the higher mysteries. He had made it clear he thought all of it was nonsense but he had been helpful all the same. It was comforting for Jon that Maester Luwin would be the one to help Dany when her time came. He wasn't sure if the old Maester held any love for him, but he was sure that he would help her to the best of his abilities.
His fear for her labor was growing steadily with each passing day and he tried to keep his mind busy to shield himself from dark thoughts, but inevitably, as they sat by the hot pool, she would fall asleep against him, some old tome slipping from her grasp. Not having the heart to wake her, his mind would wander to the darkest places. He thought of his own mother dying on her birthing bed, and of Dany sick with fever; the wretched state of Castle Black and the thought of walking back through its gates with Dany holding onto his arm. When the light had all but gone from the sky, he ended his misery by gently waking her and helping her back to the great keep.
They had been at Winterfell a little over a month the morning the raven came with news of King's Landings, sitting together with Robb and the rest of the Starks as they broke their fast. Robb had read the news aloud; Stannis Baratheon had sailed to Blackwater Bay to take the capitol for himself, but was soundly defeated and sent limping back to Dragonstone. Jamie Lannister had proven himself to be a capable battle commander, aided by a host of mercenaries from Essos. The biggest blow, however, had come from the Kingslayer's use of wildfire, burning a substantial portion of the Baratheon fleet.
"No matter," Dany had told him with a quipped tone upon hearing the news. "Let the lions hang onto what they have left of power. I did promise Lord Jamie we'd see each other again."
Later that day, Dany wished to return to the Winterfell library, the old room filled with the smell of parchment and candle wax. Together they'd read as many books as they could find that so much as mentioned dragons and things beyond the Wall, finding little that was useful, but she was insistent they keep searching.
She waddled through the isles tirelessly. "There's one," Dany told him pointing to a tired old volume on a shelf just beyond her reach. "Dragons, Wyrms and Wyverns."
He pulled the heavy book down for her. "I'm sure you've read this already," he told her, turning it over in his hands before handing it to her. "In fact, I think I have too."
"Yes, but I might have missed something."
"I don't think we'll find the answers we need here, certainly not about dragons or what's beyond the Wall. Everyone believes it's all just stories told to scare children. I learned more about White Walkers and the Children from Old Nan than we've found in any of these books."
"Perhaps we should talk to her."
Jon chuckled. "Aye, you should. Perhaps she'll tell you of the ice dragons or better still," he stepped closer to her and held his fingers up like claws, "the thing that came in the night."
She giggled and pushed him away. "How can there be so little known about events that caused the first men to build as great a structure as the Wall."
"I wish I could write to Sam, but Maester Aemon said he set out with the Lord Commander, and they've not yet returned."
Jon looked over his shoulder as he heard approaching footsteps, and saw none other than Tyrion Lannister strolling in as though he were a guest rather than a prisoner with Theon following close behind him.
"Is this alright?" Greyjoy asked. "I usually bring him when no one else is around but you'd think it was a matter of life and death when he doesn't have something to read."
Tyrion gave a half smile. "Remember what I told you about books, Jon Snow? A mind needs a book like a sword needs a whetstone?"
The dwarf's presence made him uneasy, but Dany shrugged and returned to searching the shelves.
"It doesn't matter," Jon commented, turning back to help his wife. "We're almost done here."
Instead of searching the shelves for his own book, the little Lannister sat at a table. "Look at you, My Lady, you're about to pop." Jon cast a warning look his way while Dany rolled her eyes. Undeterred, the dwarf went on, "What subject are you looking for? Perhaps I could help. This is, after all, my second time getting acquainted with the Winterfell library."
Dany raised an eyebrow at him. "I'm sorry, My Lord, but I've developed a distaste for Lannisters, though I must say, I do long to meet your brother again. One last time."
The corners of Tyrion's mouth turned up. "He's alive then? I take it Stannis' campaign was unsuccessful?"
Jon narrowed his eyes. "You haven't heard?"
"He's heard," Theon said dryly. "The imp won't shut up about it."
Dany stared blankly at the dwarf. "It seems the Lannisters have been able to buy themselves out of trouble once again."
"Yes," Tyrion gloated. "I hired the mercenaries before I left for Harrenhal, but that wasn't the only defense I left my family with…"
"The wildfire?" Dany answered his challenge, the pitch in her voice rising. "Yes, you're exceedingly clever. Thankfully, your brother isn't half as clever as you… and wildfire won't stop me."
"Perhaps not, My Lady, but you'll be contending with my sister as well and my horrid nephew. I wonder if you'll have the stomach for it?"
"That's enough," Jon snapped, the little love he had for Lord Tyrion fading to nothing.
"Have I angered you, Lord Snow? Are you going to take one of my limbs? If so, please, take my left hand. My sword won't mind but my cock would surely mourn."
"You've a lot of nerve for a prisoner," Dany told him. 'A spare prisoner."
"Your brother put his hands around my wife's throat. Allowing him to keep breathing is the biggest regret of my life. I'd like to think his suffering is only prolonged until we meet again, and I finish what I started." His eyes darted to Theon. "Take him back to his cell."
The great hall was decorated more elaborately than Jon had ever seen it with rich fabrics and linens decorating the walls and tables. Golden rose banners hung beside the grey direwolves, and serving maids ran along the isles filling cups with arbor gold. Jon and Dany sat together in a place of honor before the head table.
Margaery looked the part of a radiant northern queen and Robb seemed completely taken with her. The newlyweds had barely taken their eyes off of each other, and Jon hoped this would mean true happiness for his brother. The evening was as calm and clear as anyone could have wished for a wedding in the godswood, the stars just beginning to peak out as the sun sank below a purple and orange sky. Dany had held to him tightly, leaning on him for support, and he was all too grateful to get her back inside.
Maester Luwin had told them that Dany's time could come any day now, and Jon had been on edge ever since. She was ready for it, hopeful everyday labor would start as she grew more and more uncomfortable. Jon wasn't sure what he wanted. He longed to hold their babe in his arms but the thought of Dany going through such an ordeal terrified him.
The hall was full of merriment. Music resounded about the hall and all around them the people laughed and talked excitedly, their cups continually refilled. The celebration represented not only the wedding of the King in the North, but a successful end to the Northern campaign. Many lords and ladies would be returning home with their forces in the days following the wedding. Even Lady Stark and Lady Olenna seemed to be getting along, engaged in what appeared to be a cheerful conversation. Sansa was laughing together with Jeyne Poole and Arya had found the Mormont sisters.
Suddenly Dany sucked in a breath.
"What's the matter?" Jon asked.
"It's nothing," she told him with an irritated huff.
Dacey Mormont approached their table and took a seat next to Dany. "We had quite a journey, Mother of Dragons. Didn't expect to be returning home alive, but here we are. We'll be heading back to Bear Island in the morning."
Dany took her hand. "I am very sad to see you go, Dacey. Your friendship has meant a great deal to me."
Dacey wrapped her in a hug as best she could with her belly. "Aye, but we shall meet again soon. There are more battles to be had once you set your sights on the Red Keep."
"You're a true friend," Dany replied, her eyes glistening.
Dacey stood up and offered Jon a smile. "Take good care of her, Jon Snow."
"Always," Jon told her, standing to hug the young woman across the table.
Shortly after Dacey walked away, Dany jerked forward with a grunt, holding her belly.
"Alright," Jon said, his heart starting to race. "Let's go find Maester Luwin."
Dany breathed a sigh of relief as her body relaxed. "Not yet. I'll just be confined to our chambers. I'm not ready."
Jon ground his teeth but nodded his concession.
Lady Olenna had gotten up from her seat at the high table and was talking loudly to a noblewoman Jon didn't know. "Winterfell is a great keep but not nearly big enough for two queens."
Jon felt his blood boil at her words. He did not like the Queen of Thorns and looked forward to the day she left for High Garden.
His thoughts were interrupted by Dany slamming her fist down onto the table. "Alright," she said through gritted teeth. "I need to go."
Jon stood quickly and gently pulled her to her feet. The wedding guests were so engaged in their merrymaking he thought they might be able to leave quietly without drawing attention to themselves. Until they crossed paths with Arya.
She was standing in their path beside the Mormont sisters, and Dany had stopped abruptly, appearing to double over in pain.
"Seven hells!" his little sister exclaimed none too quietly, "Is she in labor?"
Dacey barked out a laugh, and set down her cup. "I guess there is one more battle to be had before we leave, Alysane!"
The three followed them through the crowded hall and just as they opened the door, he heard Robb yell above the crowd. "Raise your cups to my brother! He's about to become a father!" A boom of cheers followed just as the door closed behind them.
It was a long walk back to the great keep and Dany had to stop every few minutes as a contraction rolled over her small frame. They were getting worse as time went on, and she soon began to cry out when they hit her.
Maester Luwin met them outside the door. "It's alright, child. It will be over soon enough."
Dany waddled into the room with Alysane and Dacey following behind her, and soon he found himself standing outside the door feeling helpless.
He nearly jumped when he realized Arya was still beside him."You look like you're going to be sick."
Jon groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Not now, Arya."
She stepped closer, her hands resting behind her back. "I'll keep you company."
"Maybe you should go, little sister. I will be terrible company tonight."
"Aye," she nodded, looking around the empty hall, "but I'll stay just the same."
Jon looked at the door, and wondered how Dany was faring behind it. "I should be there with her."
"Men aren't allowed except the maester. Besides, if she sees you in this state it will only add to her distress."
Jon barely heard his sister's words as his mind began to race. "I never took care of her properly as a husband should. Gods, the things she had to endure while carrying my child… She should have been here, instead she was on the road, surviving all manner of things..." His stomach turned as fears he could never say out loud ran through his mind.
"Come on," Arya said, putting a hand on his shoulder. "We can't stand here all night, and I don't think either of us wants to be here when the screaming starts."
He shook his head at her words, wishing this had been any night other than Robb's wedding night so his brother could be here to distract him from his torturous thoughts. Arya looked up at him and he saw sincerity shining in her eyes. "Alright, little sister," he told her, ruffling her hair. "You can come along."
The courtyard was deserted with everyone still enjoying the wedding feast, and the stars were shining brightly now against the black sky. He turned to look back at the great keep, and felt a stab of pain in his heart. "I think I should be there."
"No point, Jon," Arya told him, pressing forward. "They aren't going to let you in."
"Perhaps you could go… find out how she is?"
Arya blinked. "I am not going in there. Seven hells. Don't you remember what it was like when Rickon was born?"
Jon chuckled despite the fear turning in his belly. "I remember what it was like when you were born."
His spine began to tingle as they descended a long winding stair and passed through the slanted iron door leading into the crypts. The path was narrow with pillars moving two by two, the sepulchres of the dead seated on thrones between. Direwolves snarled at him from their master's feet, but when he reached his mother's likeness, he felt calm. Suddenly he found it comforting to be in such a still and quiet place.
"All those times I just passed by," he said softly.
"She was here the whole time," Arya replied. "Watching over you."
"I could have been bringing her winter roses."
Arya rolled her eyes. "Gods, is this how you're going to be all night? You can start now. There should be some growing in the glass gardens. Let's go."
When they were back up in the open air, Jon strained to hear any sounds that might be coming from the great keep, but there was nothing, only the sounds of distant cheering still resonating from the great hall.
It was still warm within the glass gardens even without the benefit of the sun. Jon felt deep affection blooming in his chest for his sister, as he clipped the stem of a pale blue rose.
"I always knew there was more to you, you know," she told him. "That you were special. Didn't guess you were King of the Seven Kingdoms... but I knew you were meant for more than the Wall."
His words made him feel warm but he did not feel worthy of them. "I'm not special, and I don't know what I'm meant for… I just know I have to protect her, and our babe."
Arya's eyes grew soft. "I can't really believe it. You're going to be a father, and Robb's married… seems like just yesterday you were covering yourself with flour to scare us in the crypts. We've come home but everything has changed."
"It's us who have changed. All of us. We've all been through things we wouldn't have come up with in our nightmares. Don't think I've forgotten that you saved me from that cell, little sister. If it weren't for you, I might not be here waiting for the birth of my child."
A corner of her mouth lifted. "You'll repay me, brother. When you learn how to ride Rhaegal, you're taking me for a ride… and when you leave Winterfell, I'm coming with you."
Jon laughed. "We'll see what Rhaegal thinks of that…"
"He likes me!"
"And Lady Stark will not let you go."
The smile fell from her face. "Aye, but Robb's in charge now. He'll listen to you."
Returning to the crypts, Jon lay the single rose in his mother's hand.
"There," Arya said, "She'll watch over Daenerys and the babe."
Jon felt his eyes grow moist. "Thank you, Arya."
They spent the next several hours roaming the godswood and later training in the yard. Arya had picked up a few tricks during her time on the run, but she still had much to learn.
His nerves had finally settled, and he was feeling gratitude toward his little sister for distracting him when they heard a harrowing scream. Jon's insides twisted in anguish as he looked to the great keep. Tradition be damned, he couldn't stay away any longer. He dashed toward the Great Keep when he heard her scream again and he took the steps three at a time. As he ran down the corridors, her screams intensified until he was standing outside their chamber door again. Arya, who had managed to keep up, was panting beside him.
The screams had died and he felt the blood drain from his face, but he mustered enough courage to push open the door. His limbs were heavy with fear, unsure of what he might find within. His eyes instantly darted to the bed where he found Dany sitting up, as a maid dabbed sweat from her brow. Her skin was as pale as it had been when she had fallen sick with fever but her eyes were bright, and his mouth fell open to see her holding a small bundle in her arms.
"Jon," she whispered, her voice sounding hoarse.
Jon felt frozen in place for a moment and then Maester Luwin put his hand on his shoulder. "She's perfectly well. A strong young woman. The birth was short and rather easy, as births go."
Jon grinned as tears welled in his eyes.
Dany beamed at him. "You have a son."
A tear escaped the corner of his eye, and as gingerly as he could, he climbed onto the bed to sit beside them. The little one was fast asleep, a little tuft of dark hair on top of his head.
Jon realized he had never seen Dany look happier. "You did it, you darling girl," he said, kissing the top of her head. "May I hold him?"
She passed him into Jon's arms carefully and he was surprised how light the babe was in his arms.
"What should we call him?" Dany asked.
He remembered Maester Aemon's words: what is duty against the feel of a newborn son in your arms?
Jon looked down at the small, perfect features of the son he thought he'd never have. "Aemon."
Dany leaned down to his little forehead. "It's perfect. Aemon."
