Daenerys on horseback looking at Drogo and his people.
Jorah Mormont: You need to drink, child... And eat.
Daenerys Targaryen: Isn't there anything else?
Jorah Mormont: The Dothraki have two things in abundance: grass and horses. People can't live on grass...
"I can imagine that eating horse meat can't be easy, and not something you can have every day if you're not used to it" Rhaegar muttered, blanching at the thought.
"Horse meat is anything but easy to eat" Oberyn nodded his head, remembering his time with the second sons.
Jorah Mormont: In the Shadow Lands beyond Asshai, they say there are fields of ghost grass with stalks as pale as milk that glow in the night. It murders all other grass. The Dothraki believe that one day it will cover everything. That's the way the world will end… It'll get easier.
"That's an interesting way of thinking about how the world would end" Jon mused. It did make sense if anyone thought about it. The Dothraki lived and fought on horses. Without grass, the horses would not survive. And without the horses, The Dothraki would either adapt or be wiped out. In both senses, their world would end, either to start fresh or cease to exist.
Arriving at camp, Daenerys looks exhausted from riding.
Doreah: Khaleesi!
Irri: Your hands.
"She will get used to them" Rhaegar spoke, reassuring their mother when he saw the look of worry on her face. But even he was worried about his sister.
After Daenerys is escorted away, Jorah and Viserys are alone.
Jorah Mormont: We're still not far from Pentos, your Grace. Magister Illyrio has extended his hospitality. You'd be more comfortable there.
Viserys Targaryen: I have no interest in hospitality or comfort. I'll stay with Drogo until he fulfils his end of the bargain and I have my crown.
Jorah Mormont: As you wish, your Grace.
Viserys Targaryen: Well, Mormont, as brutish as this life is, I suppose it is preferable to beheading. What did Ned Stark want you for? Buying from a slaver?
"Yes, even we are curious about that" Brandon leaned forward, stealing a look towards his younger brother. He looked calm but curious.
Jorah Mormont: Selling to one... Some poachers I caught on my land.
"Ah," Brandon nodded his head. That was understandable.
"Valid reason to want his head. He broke the law" Ned muttered, flexing his hands. It did not hurt oddly. Maybe it was because they weren't here physically that it did not hurt him. Jaime Lannister had also not been injured from the onslaught of punches either, which only supported his thoughts.
Viserys Targaryen: Under my reign, you won't be punished for such nonsense. You can rest assured of that.
"More of a reason to not see him on the throne" Barristan made a face. One Aerys was enough, no way he was going to serve two in his life.
Joffrey finds Tyrion asleep in the dog's pen of Winterfell.
Joffrey Baratheon: Better-looking bitches than you're used to, Uncle. My mother's been looking for you. We ride for King's Landing today.
Tyrion Lannister: Before you go, you will call on Lord and Lady Stark and offer your sympathies.
"He hasn't even done that bare minimum," Rhaegar thought in disgust. It was the duty of any visitor to offer their sympathies during a crisis in the host family. A prince should have been taught better than that.
Joffrey Baratheon: What good will my sympathies do them?
Tyrion Lannister: None. But it is expected of you. Your absence has already been noted.
Joffrey Baratheon: The boy means nothing to me. And I can't stand the wailing of women. (Tyrion hits Joffrey).
Tyrion Lannister: One word and I'll hit you again.
Joffrey Baratheon: I'm telling mother! (Tyrion hits Joffrey again)
"It feels like that was long deserved" muttered Robert. The boy was spoiled rotten and it showed in the way he acted. It was all his mother he was sure, he must have neglected the boy through his childhood and had not disciplined him properly. Bloody Lannister through and through then. He didn't even look that much like him, or at all. He took completely after his mother's side of the family.
"Wait," Robert sat straighter, eyes narrowing on Joffrey on the screen. Golden hair and green eyes. He didn't even look remotely like a Baratheon. And then Cersei and Jaime fucking.
"He isn't yours" Raven confirmed the thoughts.
Robert blinked a few times before turning to glare at Jaime. The knight had his head ducked, not looking away from his feet. Beside him, his father looked stoic, other than the lividity in his eyes. Robert decided he'd deal with that bastard later.
Tyrion Lannister: Go! Tell her. But first, you will get to Lord and Lady Stark and you will fall on your knees in front of them and tell them how very sorry you are, that you are at their service, and that all your prayers are with them. Do you understand?
Joffrey Baratheon: You can't... (Tyrion hits him again)
Tyrion Lannister: Do you understand?
"One of your sons seems to have inherited a capable head on his shoulders" Olenna pointed out. The only response she received from Tywin was silence. She clicked his tongue in distaste.
Sandor Clegane: The Prince will remember that, little lord.
Tyrion Lannister: I hope so. If he forgets, be a good dog and remind him. Time for breakfast...
"I like this one" Oberyn laughed. The last time he had seen Tyrion Lannister was when he was just a babe in a cradle, subject to the cruelty of his older sister.
Tyrion walks from the courtyard to the dining hall where his family is eating breakfast.
Tyrion Lannister: Bread. And two of those little fish. And a mug of dark beer to wash it down. And bacon, burnt black.
Jaime Lannister: Little brother.
Tyrion Lannister: Beloved siblings.
Myrcella Baratheon: Is Bran going to die?
"One of them at least cares" Lyanna sighed. Maybe not all of Cersei's brood were as rotten as Joffrey.
"Is it just me or are there similarities between Joffrey and Viserys?" Brandon whispered loud enough for Ned and Lyanna to hear.
"No, I see it too" Ned muttered back. It was distressing, especially considering how Joffrey was the next in line to inherit the throne.
Tyrion Lannister: Apparently not.
Cersei Baratheon: What do you mean?
Tyrion Lannister: The Maester says the boy may live.
Cersei Baratheon: It's no mercy, letting a child linger in such pain.
"Yes, I'm sure that is what worries you" Catelyn snarled, hate towards the woman burning through her veins.
"It's not going to happen this time" Ned swore. The two looked at one another, sharing some silent conversation before they both looked away.
Tyrion Lannister: Only the gods know for certain. All the rest of us can do is pray. The charms of the north seem entirely lost on you.
Cersei Baratheon: I still can't believe you're going. It's ridiculous even for you.
Tyrion Lannister: Where's your sense of wonder? The greatest structure ever built, the intrepid men of the Night's Watch, the wintry abode of the White Walkers.
"The Wall does sound interesting if he puts it like that" Edmure whispered.
"The view from the top is something worth revelling in" Rickard nodded. He had been to The Wall at least once. As The Lord of Winterfell, he had visited many times. The view always mesmerized him.
Jaime Lannister: Tell me you're not thinking of taking the black.
Tyrion Lannister: And go celibate? The whores would go begging from Dorne to Casterly Rock. I just want to stand on top of the Wall and piss off the edge of the world.
Cersei Baratheon: The children don't need to hear your filth. Come.
Jaime Lannister: Even if the boy lives, he'll be a cripple, a grotesque. Give me a good clean death any day.
Tyrion Lannister: Speaking for the grotesques, I'd have to disagree. Death is so final, whereas life... Life is full of possibilities. I hope the boy does wake. I'd be very interested to hear what he has to say.
"Sounds to me like he knows something" Doran mused.
"Or at the very least suspects something" Elia added.
"Odds are he does know but isn't likely to tell anyone" Oberyn added.
Jaime Lannister: My dear brother, there are times you make me wonder whose side you're on.
Tyrion Lannister: My dear brother, you wound me. You know how much I love my family.
In Bran's room with Catelyn at his bedside, Cersei coming to console.
Catelyn Stark: I would have dressed, your Grace.
Cersei Baratheon: This is your home. I'm your guest. A handsome one, isn't he? I lost my first boy, a little black-haired beauty. He was a fighter too... Tried to beat the fever that took him. Forgive me. It's the last thing you need to hear right now.
"Is it true?" Robert looked at Raven who nodded.
"She did love you at first, and many times you have bedded her. But after the loss of the child you two had, things became more distant between the two of you. And it eventually led to her falling into Jaime's arms."
Another failure to my name then, Robert thought, gently hitting the arm of his seat with his fist.
Catelyn Stark: I never knew.
Cersei Baratheon: It was years ago. Robert was crazed, beat his hands bloody on the wall, all the things men do to show you how much they care... The boy looked just like him. Such a little thing... A bird without feathers. They came to take his body away and Robert held me. I screamed and I battled, but he held me. That little bundle. They took him away and I never saw him again. Never have visited the crypt, never. I pray to the Mother every morning and night that she return your child to you.
Catelyn Stark: I am grateful...
Cersei Baratheon: Perhaps this time she'll listen.
"Does she? Hope that the mother listens?" Catelyn asked the venom in her tone from before fading.
"She is a mother herself. I suppose seeing you in that state reminded her of the child she lost, and she is being genuine here" Lyanna answered.
"Or maybe this is a farce she is putting" Ashara injected. All three women looked at Raven, who stared blankly at them before looking away. He was not answering them it seemed.
Near the Smith in a courtyard of Winterfell.
Jaime Lannister: A sword for the wall?
Jon Snow: I already have one.
Jaime Lannister: Good man. Have you swung it yet?
Jon Snow: Of course I have.
Jaime Lannister: At someone, I mean. It's a strange thing, the first time you cut a man. You realize we're nothing but sacks of meat and blood and some bone to keep it all standing. Let me thank you ahead of time for guarding us all against the perils beyond the Wall... Wildlings and White Walkers and whatnot. We're grateful to have good, strong men like you protecting us.
"You seem like you care" Stannis raised an eyebrow.
"He has his moments" Arthur answered for Jaime, who had stoically watched the entire time. The Kingsguard threw a worried look at his brother in arm but said nothing.
Jon Snow: We've guarded the Kingdoms for 8 000 years.
Jaime Lannister: Is it "we" already? Have you taken your vows then?
Jon Snow: Soon enough.
Jaime Lannister: Give my regards to the Night's Watch. I'm sure it will be thrilling to serve in such an elite force. And if not, It's only for life.
"He has his moments" Arthur sighed. Typical Jaime Lannister.
Arya's room, packing things for her trip to King's Landing, having her direwolf assist her. Jon comes in to say goodbye before he leaves for the Night's Watch.
Arya Stark: Thank you, Nymeria. Septa Mordane says I have to do it again. "My things weren't properly folded", she says. Who cares how they're folded?! They're going to get all messed up anyway.
"She isn't wrong" Edmure chuckled. Beside him Catelyn just sighed, a fond smile on her lips.
Jon Snow: It's good you've got help.
Arya Stark: Watch. Nymeria, gloves.
Jon Snow: Impressive.
Arya Stark: Shut up. Nymeria, gloves!
"I don't think Direwolves would do what normal would" Brandon muttered, amused at what his niece was trying to do.
"You never know" Ned just smiled at the image of his daughter.
Jon Snow: I have something for you. And it has to be packed very carefully.
Arya Stark: A present?
Jon Snow: Close the door. This is no toy. Be careful you don't cut yourself.
"He gave her… a sword?!" Catelyn shrieked. "What need does she have with a sword?!"
"It could come in handy, especially where she's heading" Oberyn joked. Catelyn did not appreciate it, choosing to instead scowl at him.
"It wouldn't be the worst thing, having her learn how to fight," Elia said kindly. "She can learn to be a lady and fight."
"But she doesn't need to learn it" Catelyn argued. "She has brothers to protect her, and her father and the house guards. She's not going to dive into battle or anything like that."
"Better safe than sorry" Elia still held her smile. Catelyn backed away with a soft huff.
"She's a southern lady through and through" Ashara whispered to her friend who chuckled.
"It's alright" Elia smiled over at Catelyn, who was now looking back at the screen.
"Water Dancing would suit her, and that sword of hers" Oberyn commented. Elia gave him a curious look but he did not elaborate.
Arya Stark: It's so skinny.
Jon Snow: So are you. I had the blacksmith make it for you special. It won't hack a man's head off, but it can poke him full of holes if you're quick enough.
Arya Stark: I can be quick.
Jon Snow: You'll have to work at it every day. How does it feel? Do you like the balance?
Arya Stark: I think so.
Jon Snow: First lesson: Stick them with the pointy end.
Arya Stark: I know which end to use.
"He's a good big brother," Ned said softly, smiling at the sight of his children.
"He is" Lyanna smiled back. "Better than someone we know."
"I am a magnificent big brother" argued Brandon. When he got blank looks from his siblings, he huffed at them.
Jon Snow: I'm going to miss you... Careful... All the best swords have names, you know.
Arya Stark: Sansa can keep her sewing needles. I've got a needle of my own.
Jon walks into Bran's room, where Catelyn is still at his bedside.
Jon Snow: I came to say goodbye to Bran.
Catelyn Stark: You've said it.
Jon Snow: I wish I could be here when you wake up. I'm going north with Uncle Benjen. I'm taking the black. I know we always talked about seeing the Wall together, but you'll be able to come to visit me at Castle Black when you're better. I'll know my way around by then. I'll be a sworn brother of the Night's Watch. We can go out walking beyond the Wall if you're not afraid.
"He might be pushing his welcome" Lyanna mumbled, ned nodding to his words.
Catelyn Stark: I want you to leave.
"You could have been nicer to him" Lyanna frowned.
"It hasn't happened yet" Catelyn defended herself. But she saw the point Lyanna was making. Jon has been nothing but loving to Arya, and she did not doubt that Bran was also loved by him. It might be the grief that was making her so mean.
Eddard walks into the room, Jon kisses Brandon on the forehead and exits.
Catelyn Stark: 17 years ago you rode off with Robert Baratheon. You came back a year later with another woman's son. And now you're leaving again.
"Seventeen years" Brandon mumbled, "dead for seventeen years."
"Not this time" Ned swore and the older brother smiled.
"Aye," Brandon smiled.
Eddard Stark: I have no choice.
Catelyn Stark: That's what men always say when honour calls. That's what you tell your families, tell yourselves. You do have a choice. And you've made it. I can't do it, Ned. I really can't.
Eddard Stark: You can. You must.
"Such is life," Olenna said. "There will be many times in your lives that you'll have to suck it up and push on, girls. Remember this well. In the absence of your husband, it is you who holds the house together. You need to be strong and you need to do the job better than what is expected" Olenna advised. The women all nodded their heads at her words.
In the courtyard, Jon prepped his horse to leave for the Wall.
Robb Stark: You've said goodbye to Bran? He's not going to die. I know it.
Jon Snow: You Starks are hard to kill.
Robb Stark: My mother?
Jon Snow: She was very kind.
Robb Stark: Good. Next time I see you, you'll be all in black.
Jon Snow: It was always my colour.
Robb Stark: Farewell, Snow.
Jon Snow: And you, Stark.
"They remind me of us, in some way," Robert said to Ned.
"Minus all the whoring and drinking on your end" Ned added, making Robert laugh.
At the split between the Kingsroad and the road that will take Benjen and Jon to the Wall.
Eddard Stark: There's great honour serving in the Night's Watch. The Starks have manned the Wall for thousands of years. And you are a Stark. You might not have my name, but you have my blood.
Jon Snow: Is my mother alive? Does she know about me? Where I am, where I'm going? Does she care?
"You haven't told the poor boy about his mother?" Lyanna asked, surprised at the action of her brother.
"I suppose letting the memory of her die was something I did so Catelyn wouldn't be so hurt" Ned shrugged. Lyanna frowned at him but did not say anything more. She didn't agree of course. He could have at least told him and made him remain silent about it.
Eddard Stark: The next time we see each other, we'll talk about your mother. I promise.
"I won't lie, but that sounded ominous for some reason" Edmure muttered as his body shuddered. He shuddered again when Catelyn gave him a sharp look.
"They will see each other again," Catelyn told him sharply and prayed for Ned's return silently.
Stopping for rest along the Kingsroad. Robert has a mini table set up full of wine and food.
Robert Baratheon: Gods, this is country! I've half a mind to leave them all behind and keep going.
Eddard Stark: I've half a mind to go with you.
Robert Baratheon: What do you say, just you and me on the Kingsroad, swords at our sides, a couple of tavern wenches to warm our beds tonight.
Eddard Stark: You should have asked me 20 years ago.
Robert Baratheon: There were wars to fight, women to marry... We never had the chance to be young.
Eddard Stark: I recall a few chances.
Robert Baratheon: There was that one... Oh, what was her name? That common girl of yours? Becca? With the great big tits, you could bury your face in.
Eddard Stark: Bessie. She was one of yours.
Robert Baratheon: Bessie! Thank the gods for Bessie and her tits.
"Honestly" Lyanna muttered, squirming in discomfort at the talk Robert and her brother were having.
"I'm sorry" Robert mumbled.
"Apologies can go only so far" Lyanna looked at him, and then looked away.
Robert Baratheon: Yours was... Aleena? No. You told me once. Meryl? Your bastard's mother?
Eddard Stark: Wylla.
Robert Baratheon: That's it. She must have been a rare wench to make Lord Eddard Stark forget his honour. You never told me what she looked like.
Eddard Stark: Nor will I.
Robert Baratheon: We were at war. None of us knew if we were gonna go back home again. You're too hard on yourself. You always have been.
"It still doesn't make it okay" Ned muttered under his breath. He was a married man. Regardless of how proud he was of Jon, he had still been married when he had done it, he had a wife and he dishonoured her.
Lyanna reached out and patted Ned on the hand, and Brandon gripped his shoulder. They both agreed with Robert, he was too hard on himself.
Robert Baratheon: I swear if I weren't your King, you'd have hit me already.
Eddard Stark: The worst thing about your coronation... I'll never get to hit you again.
Robert Baratheon: Trust me, that's not the worst thing. There was a rider in the night.
Eddard Stark: Daenerys Targaryen has wed some Dothraki horse lord. What of it? Should we send her a wedding gift?
Robert Baratheon: A knife perhaps, a good sharp one, and a bold man to wield it.
Eddard Stark: She's little more than a child.
Robert Baratheon: Soon enough that child will spread her legs and start breeding.
Eddard Stark: Tell me we're not speaking of this.
Robert Baratheon: Oh, it's unspeakable to you? What her father did to your family... That was unspeakable. What Rhaegar Targaryen did to your sister... the woman I loved. I'll kill every Targaryen I get my hands on.
"You can't crucify the child for the sins of her father" Elia argued. "She wasn't even born when those things happened!"
"I know, I know" Robert sighed. "I haven't gone through half the things that man there has. I don't know how good in the head he is. You can crucify him all you like but don't pin it on me!"
"Easy" Ned put a hand on Robert's shoulder. "I'm sure she didn't mean it like that."
"I'm sorry, I'm just reacting to what I'm seeing," Elia said softly, gripping Oberyn's arm, who looked ready to challenge Robert to a fight.
Robert nodded and looked away from her.
Eddard Stark: But you can't get your hands on this one, can you?
Robert Baratheon: This Khal Drogo, it's said he has 100,000 men in his horde.
Eddard Stark: Even a million Dothraki are no threat to the realm, as long as they remain on the other side of the Narrow Sea. They have no ships, Robert.
Robert Baratheon: There are still those in the Seven Kingdoms who call me Usurper. If the Targaryen boy crosses with a Dothraki horde at his back, the scum will join him.
"You've grown paranoid" Ned stated.
"The throne does that I suppose" Robert grumbled. "How much are you willing to bet I'll go crazy like Aerys by the end of this?"
"You're not going to become like him," Ned said sharply. "I of all people would hit you back into sense."
"And probably be the only one to get away with it" Robert chuckled.
Eddard Stark: He will not cross. And if by chance he does, we'll throw him back into the sea.
Robert Baratheon: There's a war coming, Ned. I don't know when, I don't know who we'll be fighting, but it's coming.
On their way to the Wall, stopping to set up camp for the night.
Benjen Stark: Sit. You'll be fed. Untie them.
Tyrion Lannister: Rapers. They were given a choice no doubt... Castration or the Wall. Most choose the knife. Not impressed by your new brothers? Lovely thing about the Watch... You discard your old family and get a whole new one.
"Is that what The Wall becomes in the future then? A place to banish the outlaws and criminals?" Rickard muttered. In his time there were still highborn men who joined The Watch and they outnumbered the criminals and outlaws. It was starting to feel like the dynamic was soon shifting.
Jon Snow: Why do you read so much?
Tyrion Lannister: Look at me and tell me what you see.
Jon Snow: Is this a trick?
Tyrion Lannister: What you see is a dwarf. If I'd been born a peasant they might've left me out in the woods to die. Alas, I was born a Lannister of Casterly Rock. Things are expected of me. My father was the Hand of the King for 20 years.
Jon Snow: Until your brother killed that King.
"Until I did what?" Jaime looked up in shock. Him, kill the King? The Mad King? Aerys Targaryen died by his hands? That's not possible, he was a Kingsguard. Why would he go against his vows? There was no answer to his questions, just looks of shock and disgust.
Tyrion Lannister: Yes, until my brother killed him. Life is full of these little ironies. My sister married the new King and my repulsive nephew will be king after him. I must do my part for the honour of my house, wouldn't you agree? But how? Well, my brother has his sword and I have my mind. And a mind needs books like a sword needs a whetstone. That's why I read so much. And you? What's your story, bastard?
Jon Snow: Ask me nicely and maybe I'll tell you, dwarf.
Tyrion Lannister: A bastard boy with nothing to inherit, off to join the ancient order of the Night's Watch, alongside his valiant brothers-in-arms.
Jon Snow: The Night's Watch protects the realm from...
Tyrion Lannister: Yes yes, against grumpkins and snarks and all the other monsters your wet nurse warned you about. You're a smart boy. You don't believe that nonsense... Everything's better with some wine in the belly.
"I wish it was just that" Brandon muttered. He had believed them to be stories to keep misbehaving children in line. The misbehaving children included him at that age. To know they are real, to see them for himself. He wished they weren't real now.
Bran's bedroom, Catelyn still at his bedside, Maester Luwin walks in.
Maester Luwin: It's time we reviewed the accounts, my lady. You'll want to know how much this royal visit has cost us.
Catelyn Stark: Talk to Poole about it.
Maester Luwin: Poole went south with Lord Stark, my lady. We need a new steward, and there are several other appointments that require our immediate attention...
Catelyn Stark: I don't care about appointments!
"Catelyn"
"I know father" the younger Catelyn rubbed her face. She had expected this. She was seeing a nightmare every mother had, their child was sick and threatening to leave this world before them. She felt sorry for her future self.
Robb Stark: I'll make the appointments. We'll talk about it first thing in the morning.
Maester Luwin: Very good, my Lord. My Lady.
Robb Stark: When was the last time you left this room?
Catelyn Stark: I have to take care of him.
Robb Stark: He's not going to die, mother. Maester Luwin says the most dangerous time has passed.
Catelyn Stark: What if he's wrong? Bran needs me.
Robb Stark: Rickon needs you. He's six. He doesn't know what's happening. He follows me around all day, clutching my leg, crying...
"I'm sorry" Catelyn whispered to herself, apologising to her unborn son Rickon. Or more to soothe her guilt.
Catelyn Stark: Close the windows! I can't stand it! Please make them stop! (Wolf's howling repeatedly)
Robb Stark: Fire. You stay here. I'll come back.
"You're not supposed to be there" Edmure muttered.
Assassin: You're not supposed to be here.
"Did he just-"
"Edmure hush" Catelyn hissed.
Assassin: No one is supposed to be here. It's a mercy. He's dead already.
Catelyn Stark: No!
The man draws his blade, and Catelyn begins to fend him off. In the process, her hands are both sliced. The man walks within inches of Bran and his direwolf comes in and mauls the assassin.
"Loyal to the bone" Ned muttered, letting out a shaky sigh of relief.
"Remind me to never let that wolf away from him in the future" Catelyn whispered, falling back in her chair in relief. Her son was safe.
In Daenerys' tent across the Narrow Sea.
Daenerys Targaryen: Have you ever seen a dragon?
Irri: Dragon gone, Khaleesi.
Daenerys Targaryen: Everywhere? Even in the east?
Irri: No dragon. Brave men kill them. It is known.
Jhiqui: It is known.
"Brave men huh?" Rhaegar mused. It had always been the belief that the dragon pit had been why the dragons slowly lost their size and vitality until they were being born stunted and malformed. They had stuck to that belief for years. But the words of this girl were making him think. What if they were wrong and someone had sabotaged their strongest assets.
Doreah: A trader from Garth told me that dragons come from the moon.
Daenerys Targaryen: The moon?
Doreah: He told me the moon was an egg, Khaleesi, that once there were two moons in the sky. But one wandered too close to the sun and it cracked from the heat. Out of it poured a thousand and thousand dragons and they drank the sun's fire.
"I'm not sure they are right about that" Rhaella said with a chuckle.
"Where did the dragons come from?" Lyanna asked in genuine curiosity.
"My grandfather used to say that the dragons were brought to Valyria by people from Asshai, who taught them how to hatch the eggs and how to bond with them. Our blood had it, the magic to do it. Which was why keeping our line pure has been a necessity for us. So the magic does not get diluted and eventually become too weak to work" explained Rhaella.
"So the families of Valyria intermarried?" Ashara asked.
"Not all. The rivalling families would sometimes do it to consolidate power. The lesser families, like ours, did it amongst the lesser families. But usually, we kept it in the family" The Queen explained.
Irri: Moon is no egg. Moon is goddess... wife of sun. It is known.
Jhiqui: It is known.
Daenerys Targaryen: Leave me with her.
Irri leaves the tent.
Daenerys Targaryen: Why did the trader from Garth tell you these stories?
Doreah: Men like to talk when they're happy. Before your brother bought me for you, it was my job to make men happy.
Daenerys Targaryen: How old were you?
Doreah: I was nine when my mother sold me to the pleasure house.
Daenerys Targaryen: Nine?!
Doreah: I did not touch a man for three years, Khaleesi. First, you must learn.
"That does not make things better" Elia looked a bit green at the thought. A girl of two and ten, pleasuring grown men and women. The perversion made her sick.
Daenerys Targaryen: Can you teach me how to make the Khal happy?
Doreah: Yes.
Daenerys Targaryen: Will it take three years?
Doreah: No.
Jon, Tyrion, Benjen and company arrive at the wall and look at it from afar.
Benjen Stark: Welcome.
Catelyn is on the ground where Bran's body was discovered, below the tower he fell from. She looks up and sees the window. She now is looking through that same window where Bran fell. She investigates the room, noticing a cleared patch on some flooring, and finding a long strand of blonde hair.
"You've found a clue" Ned smiled in earnest. They will not get away with this. With Robert's help and this proof, they'll be able to set things right.
Catelyn holds council in the Godswood with Robb, Theon Greyjoy, Rodrick and Maester Luwin.
Catelyn Stark: What I am about to tell you must remain between us. I don't think Bran fell from that tower. I think he was thrown.
Maester Luwin: The boy was always sure-footed before.
Catelyn Stark: Someone tried to kill him twice. Why? Why murder an innocent child? Unless he saw something he wasn't meant to see.
Theon Greyjoy: Saw what, my lady?
Catelyn Stark: I don't know. But I would stake my life if the Lannisters are involved. We already have reason to suspect their loyalty to the crown.
Rodrick Cassel: Did you notice the dagger the killer used? It's too fine a weapon for such a man. The blade is Valyrian steel, the handle dragon bone. Someone gave it to him.
"First to push a child to his death and then try to assassinate them" Hoster spat in disgust. "How low will they go?"
Tywin could only clench his fist in anger. He had nothing to say, nothing or nobody to defend. He saw it as they had, and he couldn't deny that the most logical step would be what Catelyn Stark had surmised. He felt rage and disgust at his own children. There were many things he needed to change, the first of which was already in motion.
Robb Stark: They come into our home and try to murder my brother? If it's war they want...
Theon Greyjoy: If it comes to that, you know I'll stand behind you.
Maester Luwin: What, is there going to be a battle in the Godswood? Too easily words of war become acts of war. We don't know the truth yet. Lord Stark must be told of this.
Catelyn Stark: I don't trust a raven to carry these words.
Robb Stark: I'll ride to King's Landing.
Catelyn Stark: No. There must always be a Stark in Winterfell. I will go myself.
Robb Stark: Mother, you can't.
"Cat, no" Ned looked at his future wife who this time around would be his sister-in-law.
"Ned, Robb needs to be there. He is a Stark of Winterfell, and there must always be a Stark in Winterfell. If I can't do it myself out of fear, then what right do I have of making other people do it?"
"I think you were wrong there, Princess" Brandon called out to Elia, who jumped a little at being addressed out of the blue. "She's more than adapted and accepted being a Stark. And she's not even one yet officially."
"Indeed, I suppose I did judge her too soon" Elia chuckled. "My apologies, Lady Catelyn."
"No, no it's alright princess" Catelyn muttered, blushing furiously yet glowing from the praise at the same time.
Catelyn Stark: I must.
Rodrick Cassel: I'll send Hal with a squad of guardsmen to escort you.
Catelyn Stark: Too large a party attracts unwanted attention. I don't want the Lannisters to know I'm coming.
Rodrick Cassel: Let me accompany you at least. The Kingsroad can be a dangerous place for a woman alone.
Robb Stark: What about Bran?
Catelyn Stark: I have prayed to the Seven for more than a month. Bran's life is in their hands now.
"A month has gone by?" Rickard asked in surprise.
"I'll only show what is necessary" Raven answered.
The Lannisters, travelling Starks and all royal guards have stopped for the evening to rest on their way to King's Landing.
Sansa Stark: Pardon me, Ser.
Sandor Clegane: Do I frighten you so much, girl? Or is it him there making you shake? He frightens me too. Look at that face.
"He's one to talk" Oberyn smirked, "wonder how he got those scars."
"We'll probably find out soon" Elia hummed.
Sansa Stark: I'm sorry if I offended you, Ser. Why won't he speak to me?
Sandor Clegane: He hasn't been very talkative these last 20 years. Since the mad King had his tongue ripped out with hot pincers.
"Ser Ilyn Payne," Rhaegar thought with a sigh. HE knew the story of the man. His father The King had Ser Ilyn's tongue ripped out for calling Tywin Lannister the real King, for how he ran The Kingdom. If only he could have undone that injustice.
Joffrey Baratheon: He speaks damn well with his sword though. Ser Ilyn Payne, the King's justice. The royal executioner. What is it, sweet lady? Does the hound frighten you? Away with you, dog. You're scaring my lady. I don't like to see you upset. The sun is finally shining. Come and walk with me.
Sansa Stark: Stay, Lady. I probably shouldn't have any more. Father only lets us have one cup at feasts.
Joffrey Baratheon: My princess can drink as much as she wants. Don't worry... You're safe with me.
"I don't think anyone is safe with him" Edmure muttered softly.
In a field next to a river, off from where everyone else is.
Mycah: I'll get you!
Sansa Stark: Arya!
Arya Stark: What are you doing here? Go away.
Joffrey Baratheon: Your sister? And who are you, boy?
"I think it's obvious that they are just playing" Oberyn scoffed.
"I don't think he cares about the answer" Elia muttered.
Mycah: Mycah, my Lord.
Sansa Stark: He is the butcher's boy.
Arya Stark: He's my friend.
Joffrey Baratheon: A butcher's boy who wants to be a Knight, eh? Pick up your sword, butcher's boy. Let's see how good you are.
Mycah: She asked me to, my Lord. She asked me to.
Joffrey Baratheon: I'm your prince, not your lord, and I said pick up your sword.
"He's being unnecessarily cruel" Lyanna growled. She remembered another boy who was once targeted like Mycah there, by three knights at a tourney. Some things, she supposed, never changed about the quick to rise to glory and the highborn spoiled brats.
Mycah: It's not a sword, my prince. It's only a stick.
Joffrey Baratheon: And you're not a Knight. Only a butcher's boy. That was my lady's sister you were hitting, do you know that?
Arya Stark: Stop it!
Sansa Stark: Arya, stay out of this.
Joffrey Baratheon: I won't hurt him... Much. Filthy little bitch!
Sansa Stark: No no, stop it, stop it, both of you. You're spoiling it. You're spoiling everything!
Joffrey Baratheon: I'll gut you, you little cunt!
"And he shows his real face" Stannis muttered.
He's acting like Cersei a bit, Jaime thought.
Sansa Stark: Arya!
Arya then steps in and fights with Joffrey, disarming him and putting him on his back. Her direwolf sees this as a thread and runs in to defend.
Arya Stark: Nymeria!
Joffrey Baratheon: Please don't.
Sansa Stark: Arya, leave him alone. My prince, my poor prince, look what they did to you. Stay here, I'll go back to the inn and bring help.
Joffrey Baratheon: Then go! Don't touch me.
"This is not going to end well for Arya is it" Catelyn mumbled in fear.
"I don't know" Edmure mumbled back.
A hunt has begun for the direwolf that attacked Joffrey.
Soldier 1: The wolf's not here. Look down by the stream.
Arya hid from everyone telling her direwolf to leave.
Arya Stark: You've got to go. They'll kill you for what you did to Joffrey. Go on... run. Go! Leave now!
"They wouldn't" Ned muttered in disbelief, "Nimeria was just trying to protect her!"
"They wouldn't care," Brandon said grimly. "Not Robert, he might give you a pass. But Cersei? I don't think she would let this go."
"But Robert would fight her against it, right?" Ned looked at his friend, "You would right?"
"I don't think that version of me has the fight in him" Robert muttered grimly.
Jory comes to tell Ned that his daughter has been found.
Eddard Stark: Where is she?
Jory Cassel: She's been taken directly before the King.
Eddard Stark: Who took her?
Jory Cassel: The Lannisters found her.
"Of course they did" Rickard grumbled.
Eddard Stark: Right, get back.
Jory Cassel: The Queen ordered them to bring her straight to him.
Eddard Stark: Back! Back to the inn. All back!
Now back at the Inn where everyone is staying.
Arya Stark: I'm sorry.
Eddard Stark: Are you hurt?
Arya Stark: No.
Eddard Stark: It's all right. What is the meaning of this? Why was my daughter not brought to me at once?
Cersei Baratheon: How dare you speak to your King in that manner?
Robert Baratheon: Quiet, woman. Sorry, Ned. I never meant to frighten the girl. But we need to get this business done quickly.
"I'm sorry" Robert mumbled, eyes closing and body sagging in defeat.
Cersei Baratheon: Your girl and that butcher's boy attacked my son. That animal of hers nearly tore his arm off.
"You know, it's really surprising she would say that a butcher's boy and a little girl were able to get the better of him, a prince who should be well versed in being able to protect himself" Oberyn pointed out.
"I think it's clear she wants to get them in trouble and doesn't care about how she words it" Elia muttered.
"But the wolf is a real threat, and she would demand it be taken care of" Doran pointed out.
Arya Stark: That's not true! She just... Bit him a little. He was hurting Mycah.
Cersei Baratheon: Joffrey told us what happened. You and that boy beat him with clubs while you set your wolf on him.
"With… clubs" Brandon raised an eyebrow. "She really expects people to believe that?"
"She's Queen. What she says is the truth now" Rhaella muttered darkly. It was a statement Aerys had told her many times.
Arya Stark: That's not what happened!
Joffrey Baratheon: Yes it is! They all attacked me and she threw my sword in the river.
Arya Stark: Liar!
Joffrey Baratheon: Shut up!
Robert Baratheon: Enough! He tells me one thing, she tells me another. Seven hells! What am I to make of this? Where's your other daughter, Ned?
Eddard Stark: In bed asleep.
Cersei Baratheon: She's not. Sansa, come here, darling.
"That conniving wench" seethed Catelyn.
"She intends to use Sansa against her own family?" Ashara looked shocked.
"Cersei sniffed out Sansa's desire to be Queen fast. She knows Sansa is scared and would not want to make Joffrey unhappy" Elia muttered darkly. "To think she'd use that against her. Against them!"
Robert Baratheon: Now, child... Tell me what happened. Tell it all and tell it true. It's a great crime to lie to a King.
Sansa Stark: I don't know. I don't remember. Everything happened so fast. I didn't see.
Arya Stark: Liar! Liar liar liar!
Sansa Stark: Arya!
Eddard Stark: Stop it! That's enough of that.
"Damnit" Ned shut his eyes in displeasure. They had lost this one the moment the two sisters, who do not get along, were pit against one another. She played a good hand and Ned felt the urge to clobber her like he did Jaime.
Arya Stark: Liar liar liar!
Eddard Stark: Stop! Arya!
Cersei Baratheon: She's as wild as that animal of hers. I want her punished.
"Does she expect me to whip her through the streets?!" Robert growled, angry at how useless he was being at that point. He was thoroughly disappointed in what he saw in his future self, this only adds to it.
Robert Baratheon: What would you have me do, whip her through the streets? Damn it, children fight. It's over.
Cersei Baratheon: Joffrey will bear these scars for the rest of his life.
Robert Baratheon: You let that little girl disarm you? See to it that your daughter is disciplined. I'll do the same with my son.
"Joffrey really seemed ashamed at disappointing his father there" Edmure pointed out.
"He wants to make his father proud. But doesn't know how to" Raven clarified. "He has tried it in many ways. He looks up to him in a way."
He gets that from me, Jaime thought with a sideways look at his father.
Eddard Stark: Gladly, your Grace.
Cersei Baratheon: And what of the direwolf? What of the beast that savaged your son?
"Put some medicine and a bandage on it and be done with it!" Lyanna snapped.
"A scar would do that boy some good" Arthur mumbled.
Robert Baratheon: I'd forgotten the damned wolf.
Soldier: We found no trace of the direwolf, your Grace.
Robert Baratheon: So be it.
Cersei Baratheon: We have another wolf.
"Lady did nothing wrong!" Catelyn stated, aghast.
Robert Baratheon: As you will.
Eddard Stark: You can't mean it.
Robert Baratheon: A direwolf's no pet. Get her a dog. She'll be happier for it.
"Who are you to kill a familiar like that" snarled Rickard, surprising his children who had never heard their father take that tone before.
"I… apologize" Robert mumbled, lowering his head.
Rickard grunted and looked away.
Sansa Stark: He doesn't mean Lady, does he? No no, not Lady! Lady didn't bite anyone! She's good!
Arya Stark: Lady wasn't there! You leave her alone!
Sansa Stark: Stop them. Don't let them do it. Please! It wasn't Lady!
Eddard Stark: Is this your command... your Grace?
Cersei Baratheon: Where is the beast?
Soldier: Chained up outside, your Grace.
Cersei Baratheon: Ser Ilyn, do me the honour.
Eddard Stark: No. Jory... Take the girls to their rooms. If it must be done, then I'll do it myself.
Cersei Baratheon: Is this some trick?
Eddard Stark: The wolf is of the north. She deserves better than a butcher.
"Ned-"
"I will not let them desecrate one of our own" Ned's eyes hardened, frigid rage pointed towards The Lannister woman.
Once outside, before Eddard lays to rest the direwolf.
Eddard Stark: The butcher's boy... You rode him down?
Sandor Clegane: He ran... Not very fast.
"What the fuck" Edmure shakily breathed out.
"He was an innocent boy" Catelyn mumbled, tears building in her eyes.
"I'm sorry" Robert mumbled, yet to raise his head. He repeated his apology again when he heard the swing of a sword and knew Ned had killed his wolf.