The Dragonborn's Song of Ice and Fire
Prologue
After a prophetic dream, Jon Snow leaves his home in Solitude to go home for the first time is 7 years. He returns to Westeros with untold riches, lifelong friends and allies, a family he created for himself, and knowledge and power beyond measure. The Legendary Dragonborn sets out on a new adventure, will it be his last? Or will he be able to save the world once again? For when the night is dark and full of terrors, when Winter comes for them all, so does the Dragonborn, with fire and blood he will protect that which he loves and take what is his.
Chapter One
Like many of Jon Snow's adventures it started with a dream.
Jon stands at the base of a giant wall of ice. The cold winds bite his cheeks like shards of glass, his raven locks scattered in every direction. The wall reaches so high it seems to rest among the clouds. Before long the beautiful sight gives way to darkness.
He now stands in a snow-covered forest, three figures running for their lives. He watches as these men are hunted down by moving corpses, much like the draugr of the Nordic Ruins. He is frozen, unable to help, as all but one of the men are slaughtered. One of these dark creatures walks slowly to the lone brother, and before Jon can see his fate, darkness come again.
He realizes after a moment that he is flying. He is looking down at a snow-covered field that seems to go on forever. Then he sees them, The Others, horrors right out of Old Nan's stories. A vast army of dead, as far as the eye can see. There are too many to count, hundreds of thousands of dead men covered the field below.
The Dovahkiin had felt fear before, fear came with the job. But never had he felt it so keenly. It felt like a fist around his heart, a numbness in his head. It made him colder than even the fiercest of Skyrim's storms.
He flew over the field a few moments longer until there was a break in the dead's formation. There, surround by the army of dead, was a lone figure who looked to be made of ice. Their armor was dark and covered in frost, their skin as white as the snow-cover ground. Its lips were blue, and its head was covered in spikes, forming a crown upon its head. Suddenly, the figure moved and looked at him.
Pain exploded in Jon's head. Darkness overcame him and still the pain persisted. Then, nothing. Suddenly images flew through his head almost too fast to follow.
The same wall as before, crumbling before his eyes like a dead leaf under foot.
A beautiful ocean as far as the eye could see. The water was clear and glistening, the beach full of life. Then dark clouds appeared, and the light was gone completely, seemingly forever. Snow seemed to consume the land, destroying its once serene beauty. Before long the ocean itself started to freeze and the dead started their march.
He saw his Father, hunched over a map, more upset than he could ever remember him being. He had dried tear tracks on his face and despair in his eyes.
He saw a beautiful woman with golden hair and eyes the shade of emeralds in an intimate embrace with a man of identical beauty. Just as their lips meet the scene had changed again.
A falcon soared through the sky and over a shimmering lake where it makes its nest by the bank. Suddenly, a trout springs out of the lake. The trout and the falcon collide and fall into the lakes glimmering depths. Only the trout emerges and makes its way to the falcon's nest to squeeze the life out of the falcon's chick. All the while a mockingbird watches from a distance.
A group of strong and majestic stags stand proudly on a field-stained ruby red. The stags fade away, only to be replace with a single fat stag, who grazes lazily away as the lions close in for the kill.
Under the cover of darkness, a dragon and a wolf meet. As the two reach out to one another they transform. The dragon is now a man, with long silver hair and deep indigo eyes. The wolf is now a beautiful woman with dark hair and intelligent grey eyes. They gaze at each other with passion and . . .
"Papa! Mother said its time to get up!"
Jon slowly opens is eyes to the sight of his youngest daughter, Sofie, standing beside his bed. The hand she had used to shake him awake still on his shoulder.
Jon gives her a soft smile, "Thank you sweetling, I'll be down in a moment."
Sofie returns her fathers smile with one of her own. "Don't take too long or Lucia will eat your bacon again."
Chuckling, Jon makes to get up while Sofie leaves him to prepare for the day. After the door is shut Jon stays seating for a moment, gathering his thoughts.
I had suspected this day would come, but not like this. He had always wanted to go back to Westeros, if only to visit his family and show them that he yet lived. Now it seems he would be returning much sooner and with much more urgency.
Westeros wasn't on any of Tamriel's maps. He had mentioned to Elisif that all of Westeros's maps ended west of Westeros. She had promised to investigate, as a favor to a friend. Together they had assembled a ship and its crew to try and find his homeland.
He managed to plant a few of his own men on the ship. He had task Brynjolf with keeping tabs on all the crew and keeping him updated. He had gotten news from him 5 moons ago that they had been successful, they had found Westeros. From there he had ordered him to infiltrate Kings Landing and send him all he could find on its people and nobility. Brynjolf had went even further and started a branch of the Thieves Guild in Kings Landing. Jon had been waiting for Elisif to tell him, not wanting her to know that he had an informant on the ship. He would need to talk with her about it at today's meeting.
After enduring the perils of Skyrim, Jon had considered the merit of Old Nan's stories. As a child he had listened to them, enraptured by the mythical creatures of legends. All those creatures could be found in Skyrim, and more.
This was no normal dream. If it were normal, I wouldn't have been able to feel the Winter's chill on my cheeks, wind in my hair, or the pain in my head. This was not the first time the young Dragonborn had such a dream. The Daedric Princes were known to use these methods to lead him where they wanted him. It hadn't taken long to figure that out.
His houses words were Winter is Coming, and the Stark were always right in the end. The army he had seen was beyond comprehension. Jon knew what he had to do. Skyrim would always be his home, but so was Westeros, so was the North. He had missed his family with all his heart, but he had made his own family here, in Skyrim, a family who was waiting for him downstairs.
Having made up his mind Jon started getting ready for the day. He dressed in a light grey tunic and dark breeches. Serana would most likely make him change into something nicer for their meeting with the High Queen. She always reminded him to mind his manner. The day he had married Serana had been one of the happiest of his life. After she confessed her feelings, Jon hadn't seen her for months. Then one day she had popped back up, a human, cured of her Vampirism.
They had married not long after and she had officially adopted his daughters. They had thought her baren, due to her time as a Vampire. Imagine their surprise, after five months of marriage, discovering Serana with child. Kodlak was a true blessing from the gods, named for Kodlak Whitemane, Jon's mentor who had been like a grandfather to him. He was a healthy and happy babe, with Jon's dark black curls and, surprisingly, vibrant purple eyes. They had been perturbed by the purple coloring at first. Neither of them had purple eyes in their families. Then Jon had remembered the rumors that Ashara Dayne had been his mother, now all but confirmed. Regardless, Kodlak was adored by all residing in the city of Solitude, where they had made their home.
Although Jon owned properties in all the holds of Skyrim, Solitude's would always be his favorite. Here he had the most friends and lots of children for his daughters to play with. He also enjoyed teaching classed at the local Bard's College three times a week. He taught the Harp, as well as singing to his ever-growing class of students, as well as admirers, much to his chagrin. When he wasn't with his family or at the college he could be found in the Blue Palace, having tea with Elisif. They had formed a close friendship over the years.
With his many titles, such as Great Thane and Dragonborn, Jon was a member of the great council of Skyrim. There had recently been a vote amongst the Jarls and Thanes concerning the right of succession. High Queen Elisif had no heirs, and so there was a vote. Much too Jon's utter dismay, he had been chosen. He really shouldn't have been surprised, he had literally saved not only Skyrim, but the world, when he defeated Alduin. After a lengthy discussion with his wife, he had accepted his heirship.
Jon followed the scent of bacon, seating himself amongst his family.
"Good morning, love." Serana gives him a devious grin before plopping his son into his arms. "Glad your finally down, I need to get ready for our meeting with the Queen." After a quick peck to his lips, and a disapproving glace at his cloth, she makes her way to their room. Kodlak was big for his age, he had been a big newborn as well. Jon sat his son on his knee and began to break his fast.
Jon glances at his daughters, giving them a warm smile, "What do you girls have planned for today?"
Lucia is the first to speak. "Me and Sofie will be going over to Kayd's to play, Svari will be there too." Lucia was a spirited girl, she often reminded him of his sister, Arya. Both of his daughters were brave and tough. They had to be to survive in the harsh lands of Skyrim.
"Just be safe and be home in time for your sword lessons." Both girls easily agreed and went back to eating.
"Greetings, my Thane. I have many letters and missives for you." Jordis sets down a large pile of letter on the table next to Jon's plate. Kodlak makes as if to grab them but finds them just out of reach. This causes everyone to smile fondly, except Kodlak himself. The boy gives a very indignant huff and leans back into his father's chest.
Jon gives a fond chuckle at his son's antics. "A very curious mind, much like his parents. Will that be all, my Thane?"
"Yes, Jordis. Thank you. Please, have a seat and break your fast with the rest of us."
"Apologies, my Thane. I have many errands to run. I broke my fast earlier."
"No apologies needed, safe travels." After Jordis leaves, he turns back to his son, who is now attempting to pull Jon's plate towards himself. This is not helped by Sofie, who is nudging it forward, assisting her brother in his attempt to cause more mischief.
Jon glares, jokingly, at Sofie before handing his son a slice of peach. Content with his handful, he and his family start to eat once again.
Jon picks up the stack of letters that Jordis had left for him. Many of the letters were congratulations on his son's first name day. He has letters from Delvin and Tolfdir, both of whom he had left in charge of their respective factions.
Delvin gave a positive update on the guild's activities. Business was well with Lady Luck on their side. Tolfdir's letter was less than good news. A student had practically blown themselves up after a spell backfired on them. Jon made a mental note to have him tighten safety procedures and make sure they are enforced.
Not long after he was married Jon attempted to, mostly, settle down. He had enchanted boxes for all his properties and organizations he ran. He had also gifted one to all the Jarls of Skyrim, so that they would have quick access to Jon's services when needed. These boxes where all connected to a single box in the Dragonborn's possession. When a Jarl or Housecarl wanted to send him a letter, or even small to medium sized items, they would place it inside the box and shut the lid. Once shut they would touch the enchanted gem on top and the contents would be transported to Jon's box. The was also how he kept up with Brynjolf in Kings Landing.
Skyrim was at peace, well, as peaceful as Skyrim could ever be. Jon would be summoned for the occasional dragon slaying quest, maybe even clearing out some bandits from a cave. A couple of times he had to mediate some squabbles between the defeated Stormcloak soldiers and Imperials. He tried his best to find a peaceful solution, but bloodshed cannot always be avoided.
Those squabbles had all but vanish in the past year. Soon after his son's birth the Altmeri Dominion had made their move. They saw a weakened Skyrim; they saw an opportunity to assert their control.
Their biggest mistake was not accounting for him, The Dragonborn. They assumed that because he wasn't a Nord he could be deterred by their overwhelming force. They were sadly mistaken.
When over one-hundred thousand soldiers in the Altmeri Dominion touched down in Skyrim, their fates were already decided. With the help of Paarthurnax, Jon assembled a legion of dragons. When the Altmer were assembled on one side of the field and the Nords and Imperials on the other, the Dragonborn came.
The Soldiers tell many a tell of that day. They say the dragonborn descended from the sky atop an ancient dragon, with a small army of dragons at his back. He looked like Akatosh reborn, like a God, raining divine fury upon the sinners below. When all was said and done less than twenty thousand Altmer remain. Most were heavily burnt; none had any fight left in them. The battle, if you can call it that, became known as The Dragonborn's Wrath.
The White-Gold Concordat had been broken. The Altmeri Dominion were soundly defeated and banned from ever returning to Skyrim. Talos worship was legal once again and the remaining Stormcloaks were appeased.
Once he was almost finish with his letters and feeding his son, Serana came back downstairs. Jon glances up from his letters to watch his wife walk towards him. Two years later he was still astounded at her beauty. She was wearing a maroon dress with black trimmings. The dress accentuated her curves, he would have to remember to thank Endarie, not that she would care.
"You look lovely today, my lady." He stands with his son still in his arms and makes his way over to her. She walks towards him with a gentle smile on her face.
"It's been a whole year, I still don't believe he's real sometimes." Serana walks into his free arm that isn't holding their son, wrapping her arms around him and resting her head on his shoulder. "I never imagined I would get to be a mother. I thought that path closed to me forever."
They both stare at their son in awe for a moment, "Aye, I had never thought to have children because of my bastard status. I never wanted to put my child through what I suffered. I suppose none of that matters anymore, it never really mattered to begin with." Serana smiled proudly up at Jon and pulled him into a brief kiss. Not one to be left out, Kodlak gives a shout before tugging on his father's curls. Before he can pry his hair out of his sons' tiny fists, he hears two sets of feet run up to them. Moments later two sets of arm wrap around him and his wife.
"Don't forget about us!" Lucia snuggles into Jon's chest while Sofie snuggles up to Serana. Kodlak seeing his sisters lets go of Jon's hair. Instead, he reaches over to Lucia's head and gives it a few pats before grabbing a fist full and giving it a firm yank.
"Oww! No baby should be that strong, that really hurt!" Everyone breaks into laughter at Lucia's cry of dismay, even her.
For Jon it was moments like these that made all the hardships he had to endure worth it. His daughters smiling faces and giggles. His wife smiling softly at his cooing son. Though, Jon thought darkly, this could all be taken away if the threat across the sea and beyond the Wall is not delt with. I will have to disturb the very peace I've fought so hard for if I am to preserve it in the long run.
After taking their son too Angeline, they made their way to the Blue Palace. After the war that claimed her daughter's life, Angeline had officially retired and left Angeline's Aromatics to her niece, Vivienne. Angeline adored Kodlak, she was always happy to watch him when his parent attended to their duties.
They were escorted to Elisif's sitting room. The Queen herself walked in as they were getting seated.
"Jon, its so nice to see you! And Serana, you look lovely." Elisif gives them both a genuine smile before taking her seat across from them.
"You look lovely as well, my Queen."
"Oh, none of that! We are far from prying eyes, call me Elisif. Unless you want me to call you Prince Jon?"
Serena gives an amused snort when Jon winces. "That won't be necessary, Elisif."
After being made the Queen's heir Jon had gained, yet another, new title. He was now a Prince of Skyrim and since he was married his wife and daughters were Princesses and his son, a Prince. Luckily, the people of Skyrim, for the most part, didn't treat him very differently. The children still played in the streets with his daughters and most of the towns people still called him Jon or Dragonborn. There were still those that called him Prince Jon. Worse of all was when his had to attend court, which was much more often now.
At court he was announced by all his titles: Prince Jon Whitewolf, Heir and Great Thane of Skyrim, Protector of Solitude, Dragonborn and Master of the Thu'um, Harbinger of the Companions, Archmage of the College of Winterhold, Slayer of Alduin, Dragon Slayer, Vanquisher of the Altmeri Dominion, and Defender of Skyrim.
Elisif's face takes on a more serious expression. "I have news of Westeros. My men arrived two moons past. I didn't tell you till now because I needed you here. As your position as Heir is secure, I thought it best to inform you. We have made contact with Westeros."
Jon widens his eyes in feigned surprise. This wasn't news to him, best not to let Elisif know this. "That is wonderful!" He looks too Serana, who is listening with a neutral expression. "We must make preparations to go within the moon."
"Not so fast Jon, it isn't that simple. You aren't just a son going to visit his father and siblings after a prolonged absence. You are a Prince of a newly discover, foreign nation. When you go to Westeros you will be representing me and all of Skyrim."
Jon frowns, considering her words. "What would you have me do?"
"Go to Kings Landing with three of our fastest ships and present yourself to their court as my heir. They will be expecting you. One of my men had a letter of introduction, written by me, for the King of Westeros."
Serana, who had been listening attentively until now, speaks up. "What did this letter say?"
"It told of our people and of our reason for seeking Westeros out. All they know is that we heard of a land called Westeros and sent a group of our men to find it. We were given a map of Westeros and of all the nations they know of. The letter said that if Westeros's King allowed it, I would be sending my heir as a diplomatic representative to foster relations between our people. They know that you are not my son and that you were elected by the nobility of Skyrim as the next High King. I said nothing of Westeros being your homeland."
It was silent for a moment while Jon and Serana thought this over. Finally, Jon spoke. "Was anything mentioned about magic or the many races who live in Tamriel?"
"After your warning about The Seven I thought it best to leave out as much as I could about magic. However, there was a Denmer and Khajiit in the group of men that delivered the letter to the throne room. I was told that they received many stares and whispers. The King even asked about their appearance. I told my men that they were to tell Westeros's people about all the races of our people. I thought it best to have as few surprises as possible between us and them. "
Jon wasn't so sure. "I hope your right. However, I would still expect some back lash from the people of Westeros. They aren't exactly known for their hospitality to those who are different." Jon thought about the Children of the Forest, who were butcher to near extinction by the First Men.
"So, as I understand it, Jon must present himself to the King and Queen of Westeros and only then may he go and see his family." To most Serana would sound and look in different. But Jon knew her better than most. He could see that she didn't agree with the Queen's judgment.
"Yes, I believe that would be best. I know you have missed your family, and I am truly sorry to ask this of you. When you agreed to be my heir, to one day lead the people of Skyrim, you agreed to put our people before yourself."
Jon could see the wisdom in her argument. Still, he could work with this. As much as he wanted to see his family as soon as possible some things just couldn't be helped.
"Alright, I will meet with the King. But, as soon I meet with him, I will tell him who I am. I will stay as long as I need to before going North. I have spent 7 years away from my father and siblings. I will wait no longer."
Elisif smiled proudly back at Jon, "That is more than acceptable. You are a good man; you will represent Skyrim well." Elisif rose, "Now, how would you like to meet the crew who will be taking you to Westeros?"
After talking to the crew, Jon made his way home. Meanwhile, Serana went to pick-up their son from Angeline. The girls were out back with Jordis doing their sparing lessons. Jon watched them for a few moments, inspecting their form.
Lucia was by far the better sword maiden. She was good for her age, and fast. She has been so small and sickly, back when Jon had seen her on the streets of Whiterun. At first, he has paid for a bed at the local inn, as well as food, for her. Once he had been able to afford his first home, he had asked Jarl Balgruuf to officially adopt Lucia. Balgruuf had been surprised, after all Jon was only fourteen at the time. Jon had seen his little sister in Lucia, he would do his best by her. She was very tall and strong for her age, but no less beautiful. She idealized his friend, Aela. She wanted to join the Companions as soon as she was of an age.
Despite being only a year younger than her sister, Sofie, was almost a head shorter. While not as good with a sword, she had a talent for conjuration and restoration magic. Jon and Serana gave her lesson on magic themselves, she was a fast and eager learner. Sofie has almost broken his heart trying to sell flowers for food on the cold streets of Windhelm. He had decided to adopt her that very day. He was spoken too Windhelm's Steward and taken her home as soon as his business in Windhelm was concluded.
He still remembered the battle for Windhelm like it was yesterday. After the fight, while still on the battlefield, it had occurred to him that Sofie could have been killed during the battle if he hadn't taken her home with him. The thought still saddened him greatly. She was a very kind and gentle soul, always smiling and helping others. Serana had joked that he would have to beat the suitors back when she was of an age to marry. He doubted that would be much of a challenge with the help of her sister.
"Alright girl! That's enough for today. Looks like your father is home." Both girls looked in his direction and beamed back at him.
"Where's mother?" Sofie was always the first to notice Serana's absence.
"She went to get Kodlak. You girls head inside and get cleaned up, me and your mother have some big news."
The girls gave each other curious looks and headed inside. "I wonder what it could be?"
"The last time dad said that he told us we were going to be princesses." Lucia said this was a pinched look on her face. It was no surprise that she was not best pleased when they had told her. An opinion she and Jon had shared.
Once the door had shut behind them Jon turned to Jordis. "You should hear this as well, it affects all of us."
She gave him a curious look but nodded her head before they both made their way inside.
Once Serana was home and everyone was gathered Jon told them of his dream that morning. Serana and Jordis looked resigned, and more than a little concerned. The girls were understandably afraid but curious.
"You saw the White Walkers? Like the ones from your stories?" Lucia, ever the brave one, spoke first.
"Yes, there were more soldiers than I could count. More even than the battle of The Dragonborn's Wrath. I watched the Wall that protected Westeros fall and the storm freeze even the sea. I fear that if I don't stop, them the whole world could be swallowed by that storm."
After a time, Jordis spoke, "Are you sure this wasn't just a dream?"
He shook his head immediately, "No. You don't feel cold and pain in your dreams. This was a vision. It was showing me what will happen if I don't intervene."
Serana was looking at him, they made eye contact and stared at each other for moment, speaking to each other in a way only they could. Finally, she smiled.
"So, I guess its time for the Dragonborn to save the would again, huh?"
