Holy crap guys! I'm so sorry for not being able to continue this! I was in a horrible burnout and was afraid that people may not want to read again as the hype pretty much died down a bit and the responses were a little low. And I myself got caught up with another fandom. Plus, I wasn't sure how to write this part, so I had a lot of thinking to do.
With that said, I finally got this one written, and I hope you guys enjoy this!
The next day, Jon and Illyrio went to their spice wares again for his next destination deliveries. However, something tells the young white wolf that this may be a different occasion.
"My boy," the fat man exclaimed excitedly as they exited their carriage and head towards the house, "Yesterday was your test with horses, but from that alone, I saw a huge deal of strength in you."
"Thank you," Jon nodded.
"As for that, I want you to join my best team," the fat businessman said with so much pride and enthusiasm.
Jon blinked, "You mean those horses weren't…."
"Nonsense," he snorted, "They were meant for shorter routes, but you brought those deliveries with a snap of a finger!" He clapped Jon's shoulder, making him cough, what's this man's deal? "And that's why I think you will be suitable to help the best team here!"
"What's the difference?"
"More spices and raw materials to delivering, and to places a little further and harder. Horses have their limits, but shifters," he led them to another path from the warehouse and there is a bigger carriage on stand-by, "are far more delicate."
In front of it stood bigger and different species Jon had never seen before. One of them is a centaur, and the rest are different types of big dogs some would call mongrels and wolves with less fur, except that they seemed smaller, smaller than Ghost. Illyrio seemed to be picking up misfits.
"Now this," Illyrio raised his right arm, "Is my ace team." He exclaimed proudly, "They are the top team of my business. Except," he said, "They need a bigger fish."
The young wolf felt dumbfounded as his eyes set on the brown-skinned centaur, his shoulders and chest looked broad and fit, "I thought you have one."
"Well, ya see," Illyrio walked him slowly towards the carriage and his head moves to his closely, speaking nearly in a whisper, "The centaur is an Unsullied, we call him Grey Worm. Their kinds are not quite accepted here or any other towns since they are….well….. literally cockles…" he sounds guilty when saying that, "Anyways, they are mostly used as slaves as well for an army, but I found a better use of them when I found him," He looked at the centaur, "Grey Worm is a good one, you might get along well."
"I see," Jon looked at his new 'pack', never did he think that he was going to work with a pack of different species. He was trained to follow wolves in the past, now…..
"So," Illyrio changed his mood fast, his voice raised and nearly startling Jon, "Grey Worm here will help give you directions to the next town…."
Jon looked at him with disbelief, "Hold on, you are just going to make me go on my own without inspecting me in this new pack?"
"Oh, I trust that you know what you're doing," he clapped his shoulder again, "I've seen what you did yesterday, boy. I have trust in you." Trust, Jon pursed his lips. He never really has those back in Winterfell, and this man just willingly gave them. Did he have an agenda? He wanted to pry with him, but it doesn't seem right to ask him now. Not with him being away from Dany.
"Alright," he complied, "Is there anything that I must be aware of?"
"Run fast," the fat man said as if it's the most obvious thing in the world, but with a serious tone, "take care of my team, spending my expenses for more team is not within my budget, boy. Time is harder now, it's a crueller world here. Not when slaveries are on the rise in markets, one of the members could be one if not careful. Buying them back won't be easy."
If Dany is here, she would not want to hear what he just said. It seems slaveries are much harsher than he had expected. No wonder he was so willing to have him in. Jon nodded, "Alright."
Illyrio nodded, "Good," he then walked towards Grey Worm and suddenly, he spoke another language he had never heard of before. Jon doesn't have a single clue what they were speaking, to which he was astonished. Most of the people he interacted with here could speak a common tongue, is Grey Worm is an exception? Or perhaps he's not from this city? The centaur nodded and the fat man turned back to Jon, "My boy, Grey Worm here would like to see your form."
"Wait, can he speak the common tongue," he jumped in, how are they supposed to work together if they can't communicate?
"A little, only the basics because it was required a little when I first got him. But otherwise, I don't think that's a problem. You only need to follow his lead."
Jon didn't like where this is going, "At least can I have a translator for this? What tongue were you both speaking anyway? And how do I know if the other side would speak the same as I do?"
The fat man sighed, "You are one demanding working man, aren't you?" The Fat Man didn't look like he was happy with what Jon requested, but he didn't want to impose as well since he was generous enough to give him and Dany jobs and a house to reside in. "No matter, I do not have any other labours that can help translate for you. I believe you will do just fine together."
"Hey! But…." Jon wanted to protest, he has a couple of servants able to speak a common tongue in his household, how can't he get one to work with him?
Illyrio, as if aware of what had happened in their first meeting, walked the other way, "You'll do just fine, I don't have a translator and Grey Worm can teach you just fine. Now I must return to teach Daenerys of her book keepings," and at that, he waved his hand and walked towards the carriage. Even if Jon wanted to catch up, something tells him that it's no use to turn the situation around. And the mention of Dany tells him that he needs to be at his good side.
"Jon Snow," a deep voice called behind him.
The young wolf turned around to see Grey Worm looking at him, "Yes?"
The centaur raised his chin as if wanting something yet stayed silent. But from the way he stared down at him, it seems that he wanted to know what his form is. Jon nodded, "Right," he then shifted and turned to Ghost. His direwolf form nearly made Grey Worm look like he was facing his predator, but if the centaur does feel that he didn't show it at all. Ghost wants to respect whatever he thinks of him since Grey Worm will he his leader anyway. Best to follow what he wants.
The centaur looked at him silently for a while before nodding, then he turned the other way and looked back at him. Ghost guessed that he must follow him, and so he padded towards him.
Greyworm led him to the front of the carriage, where he is positioned at the far back than the rest, not that he minds. It's his first time anyways. Beside him is a brown desert wolf, it is smaller than him, but bigger than a regular non-shifter, "Issi ao arlie kesīr?"
Ghost's heart sank, it doesn't look like he will be able to communicate with any of them at this point. Forgive me, I don't speak your tongue.
The dessert wolf cocked his head, "ao ȳdra daor ȳdragon Valyrīha?"
The White Wolf caught only one word from it, Valyria. If he learned his history right, Dany is a pureblood of Valyria. This wolf must be asking if he's a Valyrian or if he could speak that tongue, perhaps he was speaking Valyrian. Ghost shook his head, Sorry, I don't speak Valyrian.
The dessert wolf huffed as if looking disappointed. This is going to be a long day.
Grey Worm, who had been silent all this time, cleared his throat. Ghost had nearly forgotten that he was still here. In his hands is a vest for him to wear, and without asking permission, the centaur placed it around his neck. Unlike the day before, there were people helping him adjust the vest, but it looks like he has to do it on his own now.
Thankfully, he remembered how to put on the vest, though he's struggling to pull it to his back. Just as he's trying to get one adjust as his back, to which he's getting frustrated to get it on, the dessert wolf beside him pulled the ropes for him, tightening to his back. Ghost turned to the wolf, Thank you.
The dessert wolf only nodded.
Greyworm suddenly shouted something in Valyria, and the rest of the dogs suddenly crouched. Unlike the rest, only Greyworm wasn't strapped with the vests that the rest wore, perhaps he'll be the one guiding them.
Ghost didn't know what to do and turned to the desert wolf beside him, the brown wolf rose its shoulders up and down. A sign as if ready to pounce, a signal he was familiar with back with his former pack. Ghost then followed. It seems that the running is about to start.
And at the top of his lungs, the centaur shouted, "JIKAGON!"
The White wolf did not understand what he said, but as soon as he shouted that, the front of the carriage hit his rear, to which he yelped. The carriage kept moving forward, and so did the rest of the dogs in front of him. Great, messed up my first day in the ace team.
"Run, Ghost!" Greyworm's call made his ears perk, for only he has the white pelt in the team. Ghost turned to the side to see the centaur running beside him, "Run." Perhaps he does know a bit of common tongue.
The white wolf shook himself quickly as he padded and quickly began pouncing with the rest of the team.
And the team followed the centaur's lead to their destination.
"You sent Jon on a journey with a team he can't communicate with?" Dany exclaimed with horror as they sat in the dining room. She was delighted to hear that her husband's talents impressed the fat man, but when he mentioned that they were local people from another land of Essos, it got her suspicious. Viserys did mention that Essosi people don't usually speak the common tongue, and he was right, "How will he be able to speak with one another?"
"Grey Worm has basic common tongue knowledge thanks to dear Missandei here," the fat man gestured to the worker who placed their teas on the table. The servant only smiled at him before returning to the kitchen, "I say it's good practice for Grey Worm and young Jon."
"How is this good? Jon can't speak a single Valyrian word!" Dany protested.
"Perhaps this might help the lad," Ser Barristan spoke up beside her, "When I first learned Valyrian, I had to learn with the commoners here."
"You speak Valyrian too, Ser Barristan?" the young dragon asked, she knew that he has incredible strength as a warrior, but knowledge of learning another tongue is something she didn't know he possesses.
"Well, when one had had the pleasure of spending a lot of their time with Prince Rhaegar and Queen Rhaella for quite a while, my lady, you'd be surprised that you'll pick up a few things of the tongue they spoke all the time," Ser Barristan smiled warmly at her, making her feel closer to her family hearing from her. Perhaps he'll tell her about them sooner or later, now that they are far away from the place where talking about the dragons was considered taboo.
"Precisely," Illyrio hummed, "Jon Snow has given quite a remarkable result with his test yesterday leading the horses."
"But he was with another person who knows common tongue," Dany said, "It's not fair to place him in a team he can't speak with each other."
"He has Grey Worm, my lady. He might not be able to speak more than the basics, however," Illyrio leaned forward to the table, "The lad must know his place," he suddenly sound serious, "Just because he's the son of whatever royalties or important pack of another country, it doesn't grant him special services here, my lady. This is Essos, not Westeros. You'll find the way we all do our daily activities here far from different."
Dany did her best to remain her composure, she wanted to protest again. Except that, another part of her said that he might be right. If someone were to help him, it'd be strange for others and people will notice.
"You might find Essos a more savage place than Westeros, my lady," Illyrio said with a tone similar to Ser Rodrik when he was disciplining his training cubs. And this might mean that he meant business. "Now, enough about young Jon. As I said, the lad has proven himself with his strength and intellect. As far as I know, he'll be fine, and his destination shouldn't be far. He should be back by night. We can now proceed with your bookkeeping."
The white dragon nodded, but inside, she wants to accompany Jon. How can he survive with people who don't understand him? If she shifts to her dragon form, she might find him, "I look forward to it."
He nodded and stood up from his chair, "Good, I'll grab a few copies at the front desk," and at that, he left the old man and white dragon. Meanwhile, Daenerys's face was disappointed that her husband wasn't given a proper tool to help him succeed in his task, how is this different from how the other cubs treated him back in Winterfell?
"I know what you're thinking, child," Ser Barristan said with a deep tone without looking at her, "We are to proceed as planned and let him do his part on his own."
"I didn't say anything," Dany answered a little harshly, she had never got mad at anyone she likes.
"Jon will be fine," he said, "Have a little faith in your mate, his talents have been denied in Westeros. Perhaps this task he has now will change that."
"He can't speak Valyrian," she worries someone would deceive him, betrayal is not common to her, "What if someone were to lie to him?"
"Jon is a wolf, a direwolf to be precise. Their kinds are intelligent in picking up senses and tracking, so communicating from body language to know what the other is trying to say wouldn't be a problem to him. He is intelligent, he will know and learn. Finding people who lie to him would not be hard for him too," the Old Lion took a sip of water, "Besides, he'll send you back if you were to go to him now."
"Fine," Dany sighed, Jon has an incredible instinct to fight and sense trouble. All her time patrolling with him made her wary since she's not with him, especially with strangers.
"Have faith in Jon, young Daenerys. He'll be fine, I've seen how he ran and fight, he's a fighter. And if it makes you feel better, I'll have him learn Valyrian tongue with me at some point," Ser Barristan assured her.
"That'd be nice, Ser," She slowly smiled at him, feeling a little bit at ease now, "Who will teach him though? I suppose you want me to…"
"No," the old knight immediately said, which astound her, "I have no doubt that you were taught Valyria by Viserys. However, you are a distraction to Jon. He will not concentrate if you were the teacher."
She began to fume a bit at his remark for his accusation, "I beg to differ…"
"Don't try me, young lady," he countered rather quickly for an old shifter, "I've seen how inseparable you are since I was assigned to stay with the pack. And if he were to learn quick, he is going to need to concentrate."
"Then who will teach him?"
"Either me or that servant, Missandei," he answered, "But most likely me. Maybe on some occasion, you may be able to join, but I'm afraid not too often."
"Missandei?" Dany felt dumbfounded, "Why her?"
"Aye, I have spoken to Illyrio about the servants working here. It seems that she is a sharp one among all, being able to speak more than three different tongues. I can see why he bought her."
"Can we trust her?" There's a small pang of jealousy stung in her heart.
"For now," he said, "She'll just have to teach him High Valyrian, nothing more and nothing less."
"I still don't like it."
Ser Barristan took one look at her before chuckling, "Do not worry, princess. Jon only has eyes on you, seeing that you are going to be a family soon." Dany's face felt warm at that mention, her hand began to ghost to her belly. Ser Barristan leaned forward to the table, resting his arms there, "Jon loves you very much, he has those same eyes as his father when he laid eyes on Lyanna Stark. He won't let anything happen to you."
"I know," she sighed, "But it's why I'm worried about him too. My brother died for Lyanna, who is to say Jon will….."
"The difference between your brother and husband is that Jon has both the blood of the dragon and wolf," he reassured her again, he adjusted his body so that he was facing her, "You have seen how he would come back to you no matter what happens. After all, you both have been through, especially after the incident with the Lions, would that stop him from coming back to you?"
Dany pursed her lips as she thought back to all those times, she had been with him. The White Lion is right, he had never left her side in nearly anything. They were very close friends at first, but something happened along the way, and here they are: mates for life. Jon once died, but Melisandre brought him back. Why she can't be sure. But one thing is for sure, he loves her, and she him. Perhaps it was inevitable for this to happen too? "I suppose you're right."
"Perhaps your current state has increased the worry inside you, I think it's right that you have a little distraction," the old knight chuckled and sat back in his seat.
Just then, the sound of footsteps from the fat man returned, and in his hands carry a few piles of books. The books aren't thick, but their height looked taller than the books she read in Winterfell, "I hope this won't surprise you on the business I do, but the experience is a better teacher," the fat man said proudly, while Dany's eyes widened of the materials she may need to absorb.
"A lot of distraction I suppose" The Old Knight laughed before he got up and leave her and the fat man to study.
Ghost had never run this far before, let alone running under the blazing hot sun and the sand beneath his paws. This running is way more challenging than the running trained under Ser Rodrik, his was uphill and under the land. This is the hot sand!
The White Wolf had never panted to lose so much heat in his life, it was a good thing he asked Dany to shorten his fur the other day. Otherwise, he doesn't know how he'll be able to handle this heat.
The centaur had been running from side to side of the carriage, checking on his team and the barrels on board. Ghost didn't know where they went to drop the barrels, but it was another town beyond the dessert. It makes sense that he needs shifters to pull them, and luckily, throughout their journey, no one bats an eye on him. They only took one glance at him but didn't seem interested in him, most likely it's because of his pelt and his size. But other than that, they didn't seem to care about him, which he likes very much.
When they arrived, Grey Worm did most of the talking as he handed the barrel and received a sack of what he believed are coins with the sound of the clinks and rattling. The pay seems very handsome. The next town they went to is near the beach, and once again, Grey Worm took the lead. The town is similar to the areas of Illyrio's, much like Westeros.
While they were waiting for Grey Worm to finish, Ghost looked at the horizon of the ocean. He wondered if he could fly further there, he can reach Westeros. Does the pack miss him? How are Robb and Arya? Have the Lions left the North alone?
"Ghost," Grey Worm called him, making the white wolf turn to him. The centaur had a bucket filled with water and he placed it in front of him.
Thank you, Ghost nodded to him and drank his share of water.
"We will travel again," the centaur remarked again, "Be strong."
The White Wolf looked up to him again and nodded, I shall do my best.
Greyworm nodded and picked up another bucket to fill for his other members. Maybe he will be able to speak with the centaur after all.
While the White Wolf is drinking, his eyes caught the attention of a man with a bare broad chest and long braided hair standing at the beach. He tried to act as if he didn't notice, but the way the strange man stared at him made him anxious. He doesn't look like he's from Westeros nor the local people here, who is that person?
"Done?" Greyworm's voice caught him off guard, making him spit his water a bit.
Ghost nodded, Aye ser.
The centaur nodded, and then he shouted something that made the rest of the dog shifters stop drinking and got ready.
Ghost turned back to the strange man he saw, but he disappeared from where he stood. His heart sank, he hoped that they are not here for him or Dany. But knowing that he won't stay in this town long, he doubts that that strange man would even come after him. He doesn't know where he stays anyway.
It was probably nothing.
Perhaps.
Ser Barristan looked through the letters in the living room while Daenerys and Illyrio are discussing book keepings. From what he sees, Daenerys picked up her lessons very well. Benjen was right when he said Dany is quite a learner, she is gifted just like her mother. If only Rhaella can see how much her daughter has grown.
It has been quite a while since their study has gone, even after their lunch the young dragon is still energetic to learn. It's amazing how much energy she still has even when pregnant. But what he did notice is that the servant cooked her something that didn't make her feel ill. He wondered if they know.
By late afternoon, Ser Barristan decided it was time for her to rest, "My Lady," he interrupted their study, "If you don't mind, I believe it's best for her to rest. She has been studying since sunrise."
"Oh, it's alright, I can still learn," Daenerys insisted, but the old man can see her eyes are starting to be a little droopy.
"I would still like to see if you still remember your training with me," The old knight countered, "A balance between books and running will do you good."
"Ahh, I see," Illyrio hummed, "He's right, my lady. You have proven yourself quite well, I believe the old man is right. You need to balance your mind, take some rest, my lady."
"Alright, thank you Illyrio," Daenerys nodded and closed her book before stacking them in a nice pile. Then she turned to Ser Barristan, "I'm ready."
The Old Knight gave her a warm smile, oh how much she resembles Rhaella. "Come, my child. We shall give you a warmup in the sands."
"Yes, ser," she followed him out the house and the old knight shifted into his lion form as their feet made contact with the white sand, the White Lion's mane touched her arm and he made sure he stayed close to her. She never realized how soft they are, "Is it alright if I hold onto you?"
"Of course, my lady," Ser Barristan gently rumbled in his throat, and Daenerys didn't hesitate to bunch the mane on his neck, "Come, walk with me." They both walked on the soft sands, it's rather warm today for a walk, but the wind blows nicely.
"Are we not going to train with my form?"
"We can do that another time," he said, "I would rather have you stretch your legs and have you get more used to the idea of more physical activities. Shifting would be better if Jon is with you, for you both know dragon forms far better than me. And you two do better when together, so let's just take a walk for now."
"I see," Dany said, "Jon will probably be home late too."
"Aye, and while he's away, I thought you might want to know more about your own family," this made Dany turn to him a little too fast, making her lose her footing a little. The White Lion quickly stepped forward so that she can lean on him, "Careful now, child."
"I'm alright," she got back on her feet, "Just my stomach."
"The sickness is coming again?"
"For now," she said, "But it's just the early stages, so it should pass soon."
"Would you like to ride on my back?"
"No, no. I'm alright. As you said, I need this walk to stretch," the young dragon said as she dug her heels into the sand, rather enjoying the feel of something different other than soil and ground.
"Alright, but if things get too hard for you, we can turn back."
"Yes, Ser."
"Good," his throat rumbled, and they continued walking, "Your mother was just like this when she had Viserys and you in her."
"Was she in pain?" She asked.
"I believe when it comes to children, your mother would endure any pain. But I always made sure that she is safe and comfortable," he answered, reminiscing the time when he was in service of Queen Rhaella and Prince Rhaegar. When his feline eyes turned to her, he can see the same eyes of his Queen and her son looking at him. "What have you heard of your family?"
The young dragon's hand fumbled in his mane, "Just stories from others. Viserys doesn't say much about them, just about how caring my mother was and how my big brother loves killing. Just that. The rest were from others, and telling me that my family were….well…."
The White Lion understands her point of view, having heard nothing about her family but bad things. No one was allowed to say anything positive about the Dragons, and that made him a little melancholy. His Queen and brother were wonderful people, and her daughter deserves to know about them, "Your mother was a kind woman. A Queen that the realm needs and a wonderful mother to your brothers. And to Rhaegar particularly, she would listen to anything he has to say. You can really tell she was a great listener."
The young dragon's eyes twinkled, "Truly?"
"Oh yes, if anything, your brother would always look for her instead of your father. They would get along very well," he recalled, "And we would call your brother his mother's son because of how he resembles her more than his father."
"Were they close? My brother and mother?"
"Aye, they were. Most probably because they lean on each other during your father's outbursts, and as royalties of the realm, they were not allowed to show any sorts of weaknesses in the public," he said sadly, "Aerys was once a good king, but sadly, something came up to him that made him mad."
"I see," Daenerys hummed sadly, "I suppose it's a good thing that he is gone too, my mother and brothers must have suffered a lot because of him."
"I didn't think they suffered since they depended on each other, but it made Rhaegar a good prince. If he were alive today, I believe he'd make a fine King. For he had seen his father's example and told me once that he will not repeat his father's mistakes. He tried very hard to fix what your father tends to destroy or madly disagree and would blame himself for it," when he said that someone else came up to his mind. And he can't help but chuckle, "come to think of it, young Jon resembles your brother. With all the broods and seriousness," he laughed, making the young dragon giggle, "I can now see why you both got along very well before you come to love each other."
The young dragon's cheeks began to turn red under the sun, "Jon is good. Perhaps more than that," she wasn't ashamed to say it.
"Aye, no matter what his status was, he would always prove himself loyal to the pack. Just like his mother and father."
"You've met Lady Lyanna?"
"Aye, a few times. If you'd like to picture Lady Lyanna, all you need to do is recall young Arya."
Daenerys then burst into laughter, "She behaved like a boy?"
"Oh yes, if anything she resembles your ancestor Visenya. She was never fond of fancy dresses, had no problem speaking what's right, and loved sword fights. I think Jon has that from her."
"And that's why my brother loved her?"
"I believe so. She was always a fighter, wanting to do what was right and brave to stand up to people who were probably bigger than her. And your brother loved her courage."
Daenerys hummed, "What was my brother like?"
"Rhaegar never liked killing, he loved singing," The White Lion recalled his days when it was the golden age of Westeros.
"Rhaegar loves singing?"
"Aye, your brother made me go with him down from the red keep into the streets of King's Landing," the lion's paws stepped lightly on the light sand, it felt smoother than before.
"Why?"
"We like to walk among the people, he likes to sing to them," He rumbled softly.
"He sang to them?"
The White Lion chuckled lightly, "Yes, Rhaegar would pick a spot on the hook or the Streets of Seeds, then he sings. Just like the other musicians."
"And what did you do?" The young sister of Rhaegar asked with eagerness just like a child.
"I made sure no one kill him," he said rather darkly that making the young dragon's eyes blink, "Then I collected the money, to see how much he can make."
"He was good?" her eyes twinkled in awe.
"He was very good," Ser Barristan turned to face her, happy to tell his stories.
The light in her eyes came back again, "So what did you do with the money?"
"Well one time, he gave it to the homeless down the street. One time he gave it to an orphanage in flea bottom," at this point, the young Targaryen gave him a warm smile, "And one time," the Lion made a small grin, "We got horribly drunk."
This made Daenerys laugh quite hard, making the old knight happy to see she don't have to feel sad about her family's tragedy, "Truly?"
"Aye, it was entertaining to see him drunk. Well, to see each other drunk I suppose."
"Was he happy too?" She asked.
The White Lion stopped in his tracks for a while before continuing to pad alongside her, "I am not certain it was in Rhaegar to be happy."
"What do you mean?" Her smile began to fade a little, "You make him sound so sour."
"Not sour, no, but ... there was a melancholy to Prince Rhaegar, a sense of…." The Old Knight hesitated, not wanting to ruin the happy picture. His eyes turned to her whether he should continue, and her eyes looked like they are ready to hear the truth and would pry more if he holds back, "Doom. He was born in grief, my lady, and that shadow hung over him all his days."
"I see," her head slowly leans on his neck, much to his surprise but he didn't want her to move away too quickly so that she can have someone to lean on. Knowing the fate of a family must be too much for her to bear, "I wish I could have known them. My mother and brother."
Ser Barristan was debating with himself on his next move, but the cub may need the comfort she needs. The White Lion turned his head so that her front had a little more warmth from him and not just for her side as they walked slowly, "They would be proud to know you."
"How do you know?" She said in a rather whisper, no doubt she questions herself when she had been shunned for nearly the rest of her life, especially by her own brother.
"You are the first dragon that has ever emerged in hundreds of years, a dragon living amongst the wolves, no dragons have ever done this before. You are the bridge to peace for the clans. I have no doubt that you are destined to do something greater for us all."
Daenerys sighed, "I don't know what I am capable of."
"Neither did your brother. But I knew that had he lived longer, he would be a better King for the realm. And that's why I would follow him to any battle."
She was silent for a moment before he felt her head turn, "You watched him that day, didn't you? The day Robert killed him?"
The White Lion didn't hesitate to nod, he knew he must tell the truth. That's as much as she deserves, "Aye, I was injured that time. I wasn't in time to save your brother when he was fighting the Stag," he then turned to the sister of Rhaegar Targaryen, "I am very sorry I could not save him, my lady."
He felt her shake her head, "It's alright, you did everything you could," she scratched his mane a little, "You brought us safely this far."
"And I shall continue to do so until the day I die, I swear it," he said with determination.
"Thank you, Ser Barristan," the young dragon said genuinely as she turned to meet his eyes, "Thank you for telling me about my family too. Will you tell me more about them?"
At that moment, under the afternoon sun where its rays of shine upon the young dragon, glowing onto her silver hair, he could've sworn Rhaella was speaking to him instead of her daughter. With the same smile and those vibrant violet eyes of the queen he once served and loved, Daenerys is a spitting image of her.
The day when he heard that there is a surviving dragon cub, he knew he had to come along to see the daughter of the Dragons. When he saw her healthy and well, he was relieved about this, and knowing that she was under the protection of the pack from the Lions and Stags, he knew that the cub would live well. When Ned Stark approached him to come and watch over the Dragon cub, he didn't hesitate to accept, some doubted his skills since he has come of age, but he swore that he will use his last strength to help the cub. There were times he would question whether he did the right thing.
And seeing that same smile of Queen Rhaella Targaryen in her daughter told him that he had. His heart felt at ease and it was as if that guilt was replaced with forgiveness.
The White Lion nodded, "It will be my honour, my lady."
It has been near to a moon more since they stayed in Essos. Perhaps more, the three of them could not recall when did they leave Westeros. Jon and Dany have coped quite well in their new home, and so did the old knight. There haven't been any sights of danger, and it was rather near to peace.
Telling Illyrio that Dany is pregnant was rather unusual for them. In fact, the two cubs were afraid that he would kick them out for having another mouth to feed. But they cannot hide this secret any longer when her stomach has grown now, it would not be right to leave this information from the man who gave them a home to stay in.
The fat man was rather relaxed taking in the news at the dining table when they were having supper, thankfully. "So, how far along are you, my lady?"
"I think nearly two moons," Dany confessed shyly, her hand went to her stomach, "I wasn't sure until I haven't been feeling well as of late."
"I see," Illyrio hummed, "Oh well, it makes sense if you both need heirs anyway. I don't see any problems, though I would be more careful if I were you. Shifters can't change their forms while carrying children."
"I understand," she said, "Are you alright with this?"
The fat man shrugged, "It's fine by me, but will this interrupt your lessons and work?"
She shook her head, "Not at all, I'll let you know if things get rather too much for me."
"Alright then," he said, "though I must say, this small manor isn't exactly a place to raise children. It's not big nor small either, but it will be quite crowded once your children come along. I don't know how the young ones are going to cope with it."
"We'll think of something, but for now, Dany needs a place to give birth," Jon said, not wanting to be a bother for the man, "But I'm grateful that you're willing to still accept his."
"Not a problem, my prince," Illyrio said, "Well then, that's that. I suppose your food is going to need to change after this, I'm going to have to speak to Missandei. But I suspect she may have seen the signs already far earlier before you told me."
"Yes, I think she certainly did," Dany nodded.
From that point on, their daily routine goes on. The three of them adapt Essos quite well, if anything things were similar to Westeros where they still have to work for the pack. In this case, they work to help the man who gave them a home.
Jon still had training with Ser Barristan, and so did Dany. Though Dany's training on shifting has become less and less often so that she won't hurt the cubs in her stomach. Eventually, she stopped her training, but Ser Barristan made her walk around so that her legs won't be too stiff.
As for Jon, it was the complete opposite, rather gruelling. His training was rather gruelling compared to when he was back in Westeros, the old knight had him not only run but training within sword fights, which Jon barely touched back in Winterfell when the forms were the earliest training for cubs.
"Keep your legs straight, and stop slouching, Jon," The Old Knight commanded, "Pay attention to your opponent, try to predict their next moves."
The white wolf groaned and continued to follow his instructions disdainfully. This old man can still bite at his age.
Another that made the wolf inside of him a little insane was when he was forced to take Valyrian's tongue to understand whatever blasted words his members were speaking. The first time he told this to Ser Barristan, it seems that Illyrio had already informed his team members. Thus, in his daybreak, he was given lessons by the old man.
Jon rather finds Ser Barristan a strict mentor, most likely because he had served to be a Kingsguard for quite a while. Unlike Ser Rodrik, he trained younger cubs to be full-fledged members of the pack. Ser Barristan trained skilled warriors such as Jaime Lannister. As much as he was alright with his way of discipline, it was rather irritating because he tends to be a perfectionist.
Dany would come in and help him from time to time, she was rather helpful and patient with his studies. Ser Barristan was opposed to this idea at first, but he gave it a try anyway to see if this might motivate him to study. It helped somewhat, "No, you got it wrong again," she laughed.
Jon sighed in defeat and pushed his papers away, "I don't think I mind not being able to understand that tongue. So, the others can just leave me alone and let me do my job."
"Come on, Jon. You can't just talk to your team, you must get along together," she shook his shoulder, "Come on, Jon. It's not that hard."
"Says the one who learned this as a cub," he grumbled, still looking up the ceiling.
"You just need to memorize a few definitions of it, that's all," Dany insisted, "Come on, you lazy wolf."
The wolf inside of him grumbled again, "I think I'd like to rest…."
"Is there a problem here?" The deep voice of their strict mentor appeared from the entrance, making Jon jolt back to his seat.
"No, Ser," Jon cleared his throat, pretending to be studying again. Dany giggled at his reaction before shoving more papers to his face, to which he managed to dodge.
There was a reason why their peace was nearly peaceful when they began to cope in Essos. It could have been near perfect if it weren't for the news they got one day.
That day was the day the two dragons received certain news that made their hearts sink. It was sunrise, Jon is breaking his fast while Dany helped prepare his clothing and satchel for his travel when the White Lion appeared in the hallway with a folded piece of paper in his hand. "Jon, Daenerys." The two cubs perked from the dining table, "Will you please come with me for a moment?"
Jon was gnawing his bread, "But I have to go in a moment."
"You may need to hear this, lad," their mentor said rather seriously, which is odd for him since he'd be quite an enthusiast at first light. He raised the piece of paper, "Benjen gave me a message."
At the name of his uncle, his eyes widened, and he dropped the bread he was eating, "Truly?" He stood up and his face lit up with so much joy.
But Ser Barristan's face did not reflect the same joy Jon showed, "Please, come with me, cubs. Do not make me ask twice." The old knight walked out to the door that led to the beach.
The two dragons looked at each other rather worriedly, but without another question, they followed their mentor out to the beach. The wind blew a little colder today in the morning, Dany had to stick by Jon to keep herself warm while wrapping herself in her shawl.
When their sandals touched the sand, Ser Barristan turned back to them, "A letter from your uncle," he gave the paper to Jon and said nothing else.
From the look of their mentor, it didn't look like it was any good news. His heart began to thud unsteadily, "What happened?" He unfolds the paper.
"Something happened in Winterfell…." And the White Lion trailed off.
Jon began to read, and Dany peered from his side.
To S.B
It is with grave news I bring to you that my brother is dead, succumbed to his wounds. R will take his place as Alpha. Winter is upon us, I'm afraid you may not be able to return yet until another year or more. We pray that there will be no wars between the realms, but we have increased our defences due to the increase in tensions between the clans. Please, watch over my niece and nephew until the day they are ready. Forgive me for causing you all this trouble.
Ranger of the Night's Watch, B. S.
After he finished reading the letter, he had to re-read it again to see if he read it correctly. But Dany's gasp confirmed it for him, he looked up to his mentor with so much fear on his face, "My father is dead?" he knew that Ned Stark is….his uncle. But he raised him. He is the only father he had ever known.
Barristan could only nod in silence, looking away from the cubs.
"Ned Stark is gone?" Dany seemed to want reassurance too, hoping that it'd be a lie.
"When did this happen?" Jon asked again with so much panic in his heart. How could this happen?
Their old mentor pursed his lips before he had the courage to look up to the two shocked cubs, "This came three days ago, but I hadn't had the time to read it. I read it last night."
The White Wolf placed his hand on his mouth, feeling shocked…. He didn't know how to describe it any more. It is overwhelming. Everything just came crashing down to him. The man who raised him as his own treated him as his own, trained him as his own, protected him from his own, and became the father he needed….
Gone. Smite out of existence.
"Why? How did this happen?" Jon's voice became rather hoarse.
"It must've been the lions, isn't it?" Dany's whimpered, "He died the day I became a dragon?"
"I imagine so," Ser Barristan sadly said, "No matter, Lord Alpha Stark is now gone. Robb Stark is going to take his place as Alpha."
Jon's mind is already in many places, but one thing is for sure, Robb is in war. The whole Westeros may be in danger, and Winterfell will need all the help they can get. He began to stride back.
"I know what you're thinking, Jon," Ser Barristan shouted behind him, "You mustn't return to Winterfell."
This made the dragon inside of him burn and boil with so much anger, "WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO? SIT HERE WHILE MY BROTHER IS GOING TO WAR?" he had trained for this moment, his family needs him. Why can't this old coot understand this?
"Don't you forget the reason why Tywin has been in turmoil since the beginning is because you saved Daenerys," he said rather harshly, yet he didn't sound guilty about it either.
Jon's blood boiled to the top, he turned back to Barristan rather quickly and stomped towards him, "Don't you bring Dany into this…."
"I am speaking the truth," he said calmly, "I was there when Tywin got back from your little pack council the first time you saved her. He wanted to kill you ever since you stood up against him, the same goes with Ned Stark. And he had done just that."
"All the more reasons we should kill him! He doesn't know I am dead!"
"And how do you think the people will react if the Lions know that you are alive, boy?" He challenged him back, "Remember, you were not in favour when you brought Daenerys into the pack. If it weren't for your family and Lord Alpha Stark, they would never have brought Daenerys into the pack, and she would be dead by now. If you were to reappear again, there is no way that they would side with you. They would gladly sell you to the Lions, killing you, Daenerys, and your expecting cubs in the process."
"So, we just sit here and do nothing? Is that what you're proposing?" Jon looked at him with so much astonishment at what the old man proposed. How could he just do nothing? He's a Kingsguard! "My brother needs me!"
"And so does your wife and cubs," he said calmly, "Or are you going to leave them fatherless and a widow? Leaving Daenerys all alone because you can't think rationally?"
That did it. Ghost leapt from his inside and charged at Ser Barristan. The White Lion emerged too and dodged the charging raging wolf. "Control your emotions, boy!" The White Lion growled, "Discipline your mind!"
But the wolf did not hear him, My father was a great man! The wolf snarled at him, I've followed every instruction I've ever received from everyone so that my pack will be safe! Even from myself! And yet…., he could not finish his words as a whole lump of it is stuck in his throat, his mind is too emotional already.
And the Lion could sense that from him, and he took the chance to take him down from his constant charging by pulling him down to the ground with the weight of his own force. Ghost yelped in surprise when the White Lion's teeth sank into his leg and pulled him down as he charged, as he tried to get up, the lion's paw stomped rather roughly on his head, rendering him useless to get up, "You are here because your safety is the priority of your father's," his mentor growled, "He did all he can to save the pack and you, if you throw those chances away, you are wasting your father's entire sacrifice because you are too god damn naïve to understand that you too are the future of the pack."
Ghost's chest heaved with anger and grief, he became too tired to even move now. All he can do is listen, but even that he didn't even want to.
"Your brother is groomed to be an Alpha, he can lead the pack to victory. You need faith in your brother. When the time is right, you can reunite with him."
Why can't I just go now, Ghost whimpered.
"If you go now, your brother's entire pack will sell you to the lions. They will blame you for what you have done for Daenerys, your brother's protection has its limits just like Ned Stark's. You cannot return yet," he said rather bluntly, "They do not know that they need you and Daenerys yet, but they will one day. They do not know it yet, boy. But they will learn," he repeated rather sadly. Ghost didn't have the strength to struggle anymore, and when his squirming became rather weak, the White Lion released him from his vice grip, "None of this was any of your faults, no one is to blame."
Ghost slowly got up rather weakly with sorrow, All this happened because I protected Dany…
"And you did the right thing, you protected your future wife and cubs. If Robb Stark was the one who found Dany, the whole pack would've been dead because the Alpha's son protected her and not the bastard cub. There will be a declaration of war because of that," Ser Barristan said as he padded towards his weeping wife, tears flowing down her cheeks. The White Lion nudged her towards Ghost gently until she is by his side, the White Wolf rested his head on her shoulder while she strokes his ears for comfort, "You are not to blame as well, Daenerys. You are not at fault, you were loved by Ned Stark. Both of you. He died to protect you both because he believed and loved you two very much. Please do not let his sacrifice be in vain, Jon."
The White Wolf's ears drooped sadly, I….I just want everyone to be safe, that's all.
"And more lives would be spared in Winterfell if you stay here and wait until the time is right," The White Lion said, "You are about to be a father, the least you can do now is to be strong and be there for your cubs and mate. Do not let your cubs be fatherless."
At that mention, Ghost sat down in defeat, I…..I understand, he reluctantly said.
Ser Barristan nodded, "I shall tell Illyrio that you will be late, you need time to grieve. The both of you, we can speak again tonight," he said gently, "And Daenerys," the young dragon looked back at him, "You are not at fault, my child. Do not blame yourself, if it weren't for you, your husband would never find the other form inside him." Ghost didn't feel her nod, but he heard Ser Barristan's footsteps leaving them.
Once the padding of Ser Barristan's steps slowly disappeared, Ghost laid down on the sand in defeat, head laying between his paws and he let out a puff from his nose, making the sand fly in front of him. Dany sat beside his large neck, stroking his fur, "Jon," Dany croaked, "I am so sorry."
Ghost slowly moved his head to her lap, Ser Barristan was right, it wasn't your fault. There was nothing we could do to save him, he whimpered softly, He moved us here to be safe and perhaps from the pack too, his ear pressed on her growing belly, you know how they were to us.
"Yes," she hugged his head, and began to feel her tremble, "But I miss him so much."
Ghost pressed his ear to her stomach gently, wanting to hear a sign of life after the news of death, Me too, love. Me too.
"I wish there's still some way to save him…., if it weren't for me, he….." she sobbed, "I want him back…."
Ser Barristan is right, love, he whimpered softly, we must respect his sacrifice. There's nothing we could have done.
Dany sadly nodded, "He would've been a lovely grandfather."
The White Wolf nodded with a sad pant, Aye, he would have. The White Wolf remembered his childhood with him, he was an amazing father to him even though his status as a bastard. Not once did he ever raise his voice or treat him as a runt. He taught him the same way he did with Robb, just as any loving father would do, which also explains why he also defended Dany from the Lions and Stag sighed a bit before he used his paw to bring Dany closer to him so that she is hugging his neck while he pressed his head on her side, Dany?
"Yes, love?" she croaked.
I never regretted the day I found you, he wanted to reassure her. He doesn't believe that she fully understood her part to his uncle, And I never regretted the day I knew I loved you.
Dany took a moment to respond to him with a nod, "Even if that means you are far away from your pack?"
Even if it means that Dany, he said if I never met you, I would've been with the people of the Night Watch. Never to marry nor love someone like you.
His mate gave him a weak smile, "I hate it when you belittle yourself like that," she rubbed his furry cheek.
No one has ever pushed me forward the way you did, Dany, he licked the tears trailing down her cheeks, tasting the salty water and earning a smile in return, which always warms his heart, And I am grateful that you did.
Dany pressed her face on his pelt, breathing in his summer air fur, "I hope Winterfell is safe."
He nodded, we must trust that Robb will lead them all well, Winterfell will be safer if we're not there, his red eyes looked at the horizon, the sun is still hiding behind the clouds. His eyes searched far beyond the sea, hoping to see the shadows of the hilly mountains of the North. We can only hope.
While the two cubs are grieving, they did not know a pair of savage eyes were looking at the strange new creatures before they vanished into the bushes.
Sorry for the lateness everyone. Was in bad writer's block. But I'm back! Hoping to write some more. I had to rewrite the original cuz it turns out it won't make any sense, and I still want it similar to the Song of Ice and Fire.
I made grey worm a centaur shifter as I see he's a loyal man, and centaurs are known to be quite noble too. Centaurs, as far as I read in myths and from popular cultures, are herd creatures. So it makes more sense if Greyworm is one.
The other shifters I made them mutts and dessert wolves to fit the habitats of animals you may find in Essos and hot climate areas.
I also thought Ser Barristan and Dany need moments together, as it's important to their relationship, especially in the main books. I hope their conversation seem natural.
With that said, I hope this will suffice! Do let me know what you think of it! I'll try to write more consistently.
Claire