DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN GOT OR SOIAC THEY BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS.
A/n: Ok I want to make something clear to a few people about a few things. Namely spelling of certain characters and the history of some things. I just recently gotten a bunch of reviews about certain characters spelling which I will tell you I got from both the GOT wiki website and the SOIAC wiki website. So before you start blasting me about spelling I actually had looked it up. So stop trying to tell me how to spell certain people's names.
And secondly about the contact lenses I had to look it up before I used it in my story. The history of contacts goes as far back as the 1400's and it was invented by Leonardo DeVinci. Back then it was mostly used to study the eyes, and the refraction power of the natural lens of the eye before light goes into it. The lens was very crude and very large when put in the eye so that is why it was not well known. It was not used for cosmetic or corrective purposes prior to the late 20th century. I actually do some research before I write a chapter so please just stop!
And third hair dye was around since the ancient Egyptians who used it to protect their skin and hair against the harsh rays of the sun. And certain cultures actually used it as a means of hiding their scent from wild animals and as a way of visually telling people about their status. So before people start criticizing me about things do some research for once will ya!
Also on the more worrisome note. If you had been watching the news lately my island of Hawaii the Big Island is under fire right now by one very angry goddess. So if you want to look it up just look up lava flows. I may not live anywhere near the lava, but the air quality here is so bad I can't go out doors without coughing. So if I have not written anything for a while that is one of the reasons why. The other reason is work which has been hectic and my sister's graduation from high school. Things have been completely crazy so I am lucky to even get this written!
Ok now I am done with the rantings and am going back to writing this story. So anyways always remember to please leave a review and remember no BASHINGS, LORE MONGERS, AND FLAMES thank you very much.
THE WARRIORS OF WINTERFELL
Chapter 10: Wedding in Ironrath
DEEP IN THE WOLF WOOD
Now the journey from Deep Wood Motte to Ironrath is a short trip about several days. The days spent on Bear Island after the Slaver's Incident was still on everyone's mind. Sansa had not seen what they did to the mainland till the Greyjoys came to retrieve them for their journey to Deep Wood Motte.
When Theon and Asha returned from Kracken Town they informed the group about what had happened on Pyke in full detail. Lord Jorah also informed Asha that Bear Island suffered as much as the Iron Islands and both agreed that something has to be done about these slavers. So both of them had made an agreement that had not been done in centuries. Not since the days where the first settlers came to the islands.
Sansa as a representative of House Stark and Jon of House Targaryen had sat down during the meeting. But both came to the agreement about the slavers. The Ironborn though pirates they normally are usually keep the Slaving business on the Essos side of the Narrow Sea. That is because it is against the law on Westeros to have any slaves on hand. Though that has not stopped some Ironborn from breaking that rule.
Asha shuttered at the thought of what happened to those men when those same slaves escaped.
Theon being the male of the two Greyjoys also listened in on the conversation being as he is the heir to Pyke. As they had discussed defensive tactics it took them long into the night to come up with something they could use. Both had been very tired when the final plans were laid out.
It was a few days after that, that they made their voyage back to the mainland with Asha's ship leading the way. While on their way back everyone got to finally catch up on what happened to them during their time away.
It was also at that time that they all agreed that this time they will stay together. So they made the journey to Deep Wood Motte before heading on the road to Ironwrath for a wedding.
"Wow I can't believe we have been invited to a wedding!" said Asha as they set up camp for the night.
"Don't you have weddings in the Iron Islands Asha?" asked Ramsey as they went up another hill.
"No, Ironborn don't have weddings like you do. Ours is more like the Free Folk, but mixed a bit with the Northern style. If I remember correctly we have two types of weddings those for Rock Wives and those for Salt Wives. The one people are most familiar with are those for Salt Wives. A man has to steal the daughter of anyone they are interested in and if the girl survives him then she is immediately taken as his wife. A Rock wife as either an arranged marriage or a marriage of love. That wedding is more like the Northern one and not as common. Father made sure of it as a way to maintain power in the Iron Islands." Asha said.
"So if that were the case then how come we are still pirating?" Theon asked.
"That is because father wanted the glory days when the Ironborn were rulers of the seas. It was what most people would call the days of blood. People feared us because we were raiders and pirates taking what we could and killing anyone we wished. Nowadays people just wanted to live in peace and not have to worry about such things anymore," Asha replied.
"So you think I might be able to do that?" asked Theon.
"First things first you have to win the Moot which you are not ready. Let the older men fight over the salt throne and let them rule it for now. Your day will come Theon when you are ready to sail back home to take back our right to the throne." Asha replied.
"So Asha you said that Theon could be the key to change why is that?" asked Dany as they started to climb up into the more mountainous regions of the Wolf's Wood.
"My brother unlike my father has been raised primarily in Winterfell as a ward. He learned the ways of the North and knows some of the secrets to helping revitalize the salted grounds of the Iron Islands. The dirt is the key Dany. If we can undo what the Lannisters and King Robert did to the ground then we can grow our own food. Father only attacks the shores and ships because my people are starving. I see it everyday when I return from sea. The fish no longer come to our shores because the rivers had been poisoned by the Lannisters. They poured oil into our rivers poisoning our fish and burning our villages. That oil still remains. Theon was studying ways to clean up the Iron Islands to help us live again. If we can get the rivers clean again we can grow food for ourselves." Asha said.
"Just like your grandfather did in the old days," said Jon.
"Exactly we depend on the sea just like any island nation, but the land also provides if you know how to harness it," Theon said.
"You've read that book that Maester Alonso gave you," Ramsey replied.
"Yeah so," Theon said.
"Nothing much it does one good if you know what I mean. When we finish our journey I want to become a master beast trainer. Lord Stark did comment on how I trained the hounds. He said that my father would have been cruel to starve them and force them to kill others. Me I want to teach them to help people like Bran. Maybe train them to find lost folks in the snow. He liked the idea and so I was thinking of doing that," Ramsey replied.
"Aren't your methods a bit, 'out of the box' Ramsey," Sansa said to him.
"A bit but I am winging it here. Remember I have to write a thesis when this is over," Ramsey replied.
"At least you are not Robb who has to write one on the Long Night," said Jon laughing.
"Oh Gods that is going to be fun," Ramsey said laughing.
"Oh Lords and Ladies the Great Long Night is upon us! Please spare your children and hopefully the damn Others don't come to consume your daughters and convert your sons!" Theon sang.
That received a friendly smack from Asha.
Sansa who barely said a word was busy surveying the land. Lady was to her right as the direwolf moved through the undergrowth. She along with Ghost is about the size of large wolves. They were growing fast and they needed to hunt. Luckily the North provides plenty of game for them to hunt and they had started tracking a deer not far from where they were. It was a small doe and it was an easy meal for both wolves.
When they managed to fell the doe both began to feast on the animal. Sansa only watched from a distance as they did so.
It was not long after that the trees started to part and they neared one of the many resting points before they reached Ironrath.
"This clearing is good, we should set up camp here," said Sansa as she stopped her horse near a stream and started to set up camp. Ghost and Lady returned with blood on their muzzles and started to drink from the stream and wash the blood off.
The others quickly gotten the Tent ready and set up the fire pit. The ground was a bit moist, but that was because it recently rained that morning. The weather didn't look good as well for the clouds started to roll in again. The tent that was given to them by Lord Glover was one that suited them fine. It was a large tent meant for a King or a High Lord but it was large enough for all of them plus some. The inner part of course can be used to make a fire which they did and special vents on the top allows the smoke to exit the tent. Therefore it kept the air in the tent clear of smoke.
Dany and Ramsey quickly went out to hunt for their meal while Sansa and Theon went to gather some herbs. Asha and Jon remained behind to guard the camp while the others gathered food. Asha quickly made a stew with some fish that she caught in the river while Jon cut some vegetables they had brought along with them.
When the others returned they had a good amount of game and herbs to go with the stew. The direwolves were sleeping next to the fire warming up their fur and enjoying the company of both their masters. Dany had placed the dragon eggs into the fire to help keep them warm. Her bag was also placed next to the fire to help warm it up for the journey to come.
"It is getting colder," Sansa said as she pulled her fur cloak closer to her.
"Your house words not mine after all," said Ramsey.
"True," Sansa replied as they continued to put kindling into the fire till it heated the entire tent. The sounds of the forest outside was eerily quiet save for the sounds of crickets and night creatures. With the direwolves relaxed even the sound of deer outside and the occasional walking bear was enough to get the group together.
"So what shall we do till we retire for the night?" asked Ramsey.
"I am in the mood for a song how about you?" asked Asha as she grabbed something from her pack. It was a lute.
"Where the hell did you get that?" asked Ramsey.
"I got it from one of the boys who traded it for some loot I plundered a while back from a fellow pirate from Essos. If you want the details he was a slaver from Slaver's Bay and being a Westerosi pirate didn't take kindly to them invading my waters. So I killed him and his men and took all their plunder and sent their ship to the Drowned God's home." Asha replied.
"Well that's good an all but can you play it?" Theon asked.
"For fuck's sake Theon of course I can play it! You heard me on the way back from Kracken Town!" Asha scolded her brother.
Theon's laugh was what she saw as he playfully gotten swatted by his sister.
It then turned into a night full of song as the group started to sing the songs they had grew up with that night. The direwolves howled as well to sing their songs while the fire burned away.
THE NEXT MORNING
As the sun rose in the east the fire had long since gone out with not a smoking tendril remaining. The group had long since packed and rode off with Dany's pack filled with fresh smoking charcoal to keep her eggs warm. The group continued to journey northeast towards Ironrath. The ironwood trees were dense as well as the redwoods and the weirwood trees. The forest was alive with song as they neared Ironrath. The holding was impressive though not as grand as Winterfell or Deep Woods Motte, but still it was impressive. The knots carved into the wood and the sigil of house Forester was well deserving.
The village around Ironrath was impressive as well. The Foresters took pride in their woodworking especially the art of making shields and bows from Ironwood. The large weirwood tree in the heart of the town with its many offerings is a sure sign that the people of the village of Ironrath are worshipers of the Old Gods.
"Holy shit is that a Child of the Forest?" asked Theon as he spotted someone that did not look human at all. This person looked like it came from the trees with its wooden skin.
"Aye, from what I remember Ironrath is near the mountains that is close to the Wall so there should be some trade between them both." said Jon as he spotted one selling goods at a nearby shop.
"Hey there's a smithy I bet he can let us fix our weapons there!" said Ramsey.
"There is one in Ironrath Ramsey and it best if you wait till after we met with Lord and Lady Forester," said Sansa.
"I can't wait to see what they would have at the wedding feast," Dany said while the boys rolled their eyes.
"I have a friend back in Kracken Town who wanted me to fulfill an order for him. I will meet you at Ironrath for the feast," Asha said.
"Shall I come with you sister?" Theon asked.
"No brother you are representing our house so it would be proper if you went with the others. I will be fine I just have to see if I can acquire some goods that some of the folks need," Asha said to him.
Theon nodded and watched as his sister rode off, "She will make a fine ruler of the Iron Islands someday," he said.
"Why put in for her when you should rule it?" asked Ramsey.
"Why would I do that?" asked Theon as they rode up to the gate.
"Because you are Balon's only heir, his last remaining son," Ramsey replied.
"Things don't work that way in the Iron Islands. If the ruler was killed then a moot has to decide on the new king. If he died of old age or sickness and he has named an heir then that child will become the next ruler. My father never wanted me to have the Salt Throne. That belongs to Asha since she was there with my father more then I have remember. And besides she is the elder of the two of us so the right goes to her." Theon replied.
"But she has to compete in the Moot to keep that right isn't it?" Dany asked when they stopped by the gate guards.
"Who goes there?" the first guard asked.
"I am Sansa Stark of Winterfell and my companions are Lady Daenerys Targaryen and her nephew Jon Snow, Ramsey Snow of the Dreadfort and Theon Greyjoy of the Iron Islands. We have one more companion who will be joining us later Lady Asha Greyjoy of the Iron Islands," Sansa said.
The men took one look at the group before ushering them in. The direwolves followed at a more leisurely pace.
LATER
"Welcome to Ironrath Lady Sansa, Princess Daenerys, Lords Snow and Lord Greyjoy welcome." said Lord Gregor Forester as he sat at the house seat. His wife whose stern features looked at them with admiration while their other children stood around them.
"Thank you for allowing us to come Lord Forester. Lady Mira expressed her invitation to us to join in your upcoming wedding festivities," Sansa spoke for them.
"Indeed she has spoken to us about it and we were surprised that a Stark would grace us once again. The last time we saw a Stark grace our halls it had been Robb Stark with Dominic Bolton, Torrhen Karstark and Micha Snow. I remember them well. Though you seem to carry yourself better then your brother has Lady Stark. Young Robb was a bit uncomfortable as the future Lord of Winterfell," Lord Forester said to them.
"I know my brother can be a bit of a prig at times or a coward, but trust me being the future Paramount of the North is a heavy burden." Sansa said to him.
"I know milady such a burden to befall someone so young would be hard if one is not ready," Lord Forester replied. When he did so a side door opened and a girl walked out of it carrying a tray of bread and salt for them to eat. When they all ate of the bread and salt Lord Forester opened his arms, "May guest rights protect you under our roof as you have eaten our food and sampled our drink. You are hereby guests of Ironrath may you enjoy your stay and please join us latter for the wedding," he said smiling.
As soon as he said so Mira who was near the right side of the table with her mother and sister raced down to embrace them. The others also took notice to how long she was holding Jon however and both Ramsey and Theon choked on their laughter much to their companion's disdain.
ASHA
Asha walked down the streets of Ironrath village looking for someone in particular. It was when she heard the hammering of steel she had to investigate. There she saw to her surprise a giant hammering down something on a very large anvil.
"Excuse me!" said a voice and Asha turned to see one of the Children that Theon mentioned before.
"Yes," Asha replied.
"Can I help you, you seem to be looking for something, or someone?" the Child asked.
"Aye, I'm looking for Lucien is he around here?" he asked.
"The jewelry maker? Yeah he is right over there!" the Child pointed to a shop not far from their smithy. Asha thanked the two before making her way down the street till she came towards a shop. There she entered the shop and found all sorts of jewelry there.
"Ah welcome to Lucien's trinkets come in, come in tell me what is it that you want and I can help with making it. Or is there anything you like that you can take home. I specialize in opals, wood, metals of all sorts or perhaps you are interested in crystals and amber?" he said when he came in the front.
He was a rather portly man with a large belly and a beardless face. His slicked back hair was peppered with black and white streaks and laughing crow's feet around his eyes. A dead giveaway for his age even the double chin and beefy hands that he sported.
"Ah Lucien it is so good to see you again," said Asha as she closed the door behind her.
"Asha Greyjoy! It has been many years since i'd seen you in the North. Though I heard you'd been hanging around Winterfell this whole time?" he said.
"Been mostly at Winterfell doing some studies as well as training my little brother," she said.
"Ah I heard about that. Tell me what can I do for you milady?" he asked.
"I brought these," Asha held up a bag for him to see.
When he took the rather medium size bag from her and reached in. His eyes filled with delight as he pulled up a handful of pearls. The pearls were all sorts of colors and all sorts of sizes.
"You said you wanted pearls sir. So I brought you the best ones we had. At least the ones who weren't plundered by those blasted slavers," said Asha.
The vendor Lucien looked through all the pearls and went through each and every one. His eyes were filled with delight at the size of them and the quality, "Milady you rule me such fine quality pearls are hard to come by," he said.
"Not in the Iron Islands and not in Kracken Town. Remember the sea is our home and I did promise to bring you some," Asha replied.
"How much do you want for them?" he asked.
"I want a necklace made for the bride," she said.
LATER
The door opened to their room and both girls looked up just in time to squeal in their delight.
"MIRA!" They said and hugged their friend.
Mira was also glad to see them as she too hugged them back. No longer in the southern silks, she wore her house colors well. The dark green dress with black trimings and a white weirwood tree branches embroidered into the fabric showed off her figure nicely.
"I am glad you came! Asher was looking forward to seeing you after I told him about your adventures on Bear Island. We hope this wedding would unite our house with house Whitehill and bring peace finally." she said.
"We hope the Gods are kind as well," Dany said.
That night they met in the great hall of Ironrath where House Forester was hosting a feast for the group's arrival.
"Thank you all for coming, as you all know the last time we had a feast like this was when Lord Robb Stark graced us with his visit a few years ago. Now you are here Lady Sansa with your party the esteemed Royals and the Lords of the Dreadfort and the Iron Islands." he said.
"Thank you Lord Forester and congratulations on your wedding," Sansa said to him.
She and the others are all sitting where the guests normally sit. A table adjacent to that of the high table in the Great Hall of Ironrath. Mira was sitting with her family as the courses came out. Northerners don't have a lot of courses unlike the southern nations. This is because food has to be rationed for winter and winter was coming.
The normal celebratory feasts for the North are usually three to four courses this ensures that everyone eats. Today the course is only three as the Foresters are preparing for a wedding which would take place in three days. So the food was first served with appetizers and soups. Then followed by the main course and then desert. Once the feasting is done the music starts to play.
To everyone's delight the musicians are playing the song, 'The Bear's Wedding,' which Sansa and the others recognized as the song from Bear Island. All of them had gotten a good laugh out of it, "I'd say this was way better then 'A Bear and A Maiden Fair," said Ramsey as he ate his meat pie.
"No kidding this song is lively," said Jon and Theon who's mouth was full could only nod.
After the feast the group milled around a bit before retiring. The Foresters were good hosts and Sansa was just glad that they had made it in good time.
As they slept into the night it was the growling of Lady that woke Sansa from her sleep. Dany and Asha were right beside her all three girls shared a room due to the size of Ironrath. It was not a large keep like Winterfell, but still the Foresters made due with their hospitality. Asha was busy looking at the window.
"Asha what is it?" asked Dany looking at her silhouette from her bed near the fire.
"I am just worried they might not like my present," Asha said.
"What present?" asked Sansa getting up from where she was reading a book that came in for her from Arya.
"I went to a jeweler today with some of the bounty they harvested in Kracken Town and the Iron Islands today. I asked the jeweler to make some jewelry for the bride," Asha said.
"Really? With what gems?" asked Dany.
"Pearls, Kracken Town and Great Wyk have a collection of oysters that produce pearls," said Asha.
"Wow is this one of your campaigns to make the Iron Islands independent again as far as economics?" asked Dany.
"Well yes, many men pay the Iron price for these. The rough shores of both Great Wyk and Kracken Point are dangerous. Men have died for harvesting the Oysters and raids come often from other Iron Islanders who wanted to take the pearls from those who harvest them. Even those who used other techniques to grow their pearls had theirs raided. Iron Born doesn't mean raiding. Most people want to put a stop to the raiding. They are tired of it. Traditionally I understand because my people have been doing it for thousands of years. But I just read in the library and found that my people were not always like this. My grandfather tried to bring it back but my father would not have it. Most of the captains agree with me that change must happen. We can't rely on being pirates anymore. The Drowned God is angry and he has a good reason to be. The Iron Islands had been attacked and even our brothers who had moved to the mainland had been attacked. He wants the Iron Price to be paid on their corpses and I will gladly give it to him if given the chance. However other things need to be done first," she said.
"The Moot," Dany said.
"Aye, it is a shame that I can't compete. I am a woman and women don't compete in the Moot. Even if they are declared the best captain of the sea," she said.
"Oh speaking of the sea Arya sent this to me as well as asked to give this to you," she said holding out the books.
"What is it?" asked Asha.
"For me it was about the wolf riders. For you it looks like it was about the history of the Iron Islands and its laws and governance." Sansa said giving it to Asha.
"When did it come in?" she asked.
"I found it just now when I discovered the book," Sansa said.
Asha looked at the book and her eyes widened. Quickly she snatched the book from Sansa and looked at it like a girl who had just gotten sweets.
"What is it?" asked Dany.
"It's the law book! The ancient law book of the sea! How did your sister find this?" asked Asha.
"It wasn't my sister it was Robb who found it while he was researching about the laws of Westeros. He asked Lord Tyrion if he could make a copy of it for you to keep," she said.
Asha wanted to cry then and there as she held the book out to her.
"He made a copy rather quickly," she said.
"Lord Tyrion did and the ancient printing press machine was only used one other time. The ones who built the machine are long dead. But at least they left instructions on how to work it. It's Valyrian Technology," said Sansa.
Asha took the letter from Sansa the one she had gotten from Robb.
Sansa,
I know Arya had sent you a book about the wolf riders. So with that book I figure I would send this to you in hopes you will give it to Asha. I remember when she was here last trying to find ways to be included in the line of succession with her father. I found this while studying the laws of Westeros for my ruling lessons. I am going to be Lord Paramount of the North someday and studying the laws of the other kingdoms I found to be beneficial. As I was studying I came across this old book. I thought about Asha when it was found, and asked Lord Tyrion if he could copy it for me. The machine itself is very old but the instructions on its use are still in place. However Lord Tyrion thought that by copying two books it might one day take a toll on the machine. But it never did break down. The ones who know how the machine is made and how it works are long gone so by doing so we had taken a risk. But I felt it was worth it in the end. Tell Lady Asha I said hi and tell her that she will always be like a sister to me like how Theon is like my brother in a past life.
Your packmate,
Robb
"Packmate? I swear to the Drowned God that he spends way too much time with Grey Wind," Asha said laughing.
"But it makes sense why he would give that book to you. After all you beat Theon by milestones and if I had to guess correctly then he wants you to succeed in the Moot," said Sansa.
"Really?" Asha said.
"Everyone wants the Ironborn to stop raiding their ports. They are pirates and pillagers but if that book tells you anything more then we would like to know it," Dany said.
"Alright I will look into it," Asha said smiling.
There was a whine as Lady yawned from her resting place on Sansa's bed.
"Oh alright we will go to sleep," Sansa said laughing. The other girls only giggled at the wolf's antics before they too went to bed.
THE NEXT MORNING
The next morning brought some activity as the people of Ironrath prepared for Asher's Wedding which was the day after. Dany and Sansa were in the training yard with some of the young girls who were not busy doing decorations. Mira walked out in her training clothes with a big smile on her face.
"What is that for?" Asked Dany.
"I am just happy to be out and training again. You know I had to train in secret so that they don't see my true potential." said Mira.
"Really? That must suck," said Sansa as she was practicing her fan movements.
"It really sucks trust me, but I found a room in Highgarden where I can train. Plus the swords they have helps to keep my muscles in full strength. Though I miss a good Northern Steel," she said holding out a sword for her to practice with. The sword was dulled as with all training swords and she started practicing the movements taught to her by her master of arms. The other two girls trained alongside her as they worked through the motions.
Mira it seems needed the practice as she was smiling from the bruises she gotten from their sparing match, "I needed that! You know how long it has been since I sparred with a proper northern woman?" she said as Dany helped her up.
"It would not be fair Mira for we have trained under Shifu." Dany replied.
"True but I heard she goes by the Septa of Ice now," replied Mira.
"Yes, but the North remembers her as Shifu or Sensei as well as Sempai," Sansa said as she practiced with a sword.
"No one really knows her name do they?" Mira asked.
"No one, not even us knows of her real name. Father says that she must have forgotten it long ago, but Lord Tyrion thinks that the memories behind her true name are too terrible to remember," Sansa replied.
Mira threw a punch which Sansa blocked and used her weight to throw her over. "Even so how could someone that old survive for so long? I've heard of the curse and how she died hundreds of times. Some thought she was of the dead," she said
"No Shifu is alive and well and she bleeds just like everyone else." Dany said going in for a blow which Mira blocked.
"You have been practicing but not much," said Dany.
"Living in Highgarden is a risk even when training," Mira said as she sent a high kick towards Sansa.
Both girls teamed up against Mira and the Forester girl fought hard to keep them off.
MEANWHILE
Jon, Ramsey and Theon in the meantime were working with the Forester's in the woods. Their practice is long over and the chores needed to get done. Wanting to help out with the wedding the three were sent into the forest with the herd of reindeer that the Foresters keep for harvest. There was a sick buck that needed to be brought down for meat and that is what they were going to bring in.
It was Theon who saw it first. Using his hands he signaled to both Ramsey and Jon who both nodded. Ghost stayed close to the ground not wanting to make a sound. Before they could take aim an arrow was shot from the distance and hit the buck in the heart. The animal was brought down instantly while the others went into a panic.
"Ah shit!" Ramsey cursed as all three boys made it to the trees while Ghost hid under a log. Giving a growl the wolf was the first out while the men followed him.
There in the forest was a group of men not like the Northerners or the Free Folk that sometimes pass through here. Bows aimed at the trees the three young men called them out.
"Hold who goes there?" Jon said.
There were five of them all of them dressed in armor. The armor not one they recognized for it was a hodgepodge of colors. But the swords they did recognize.
The men did not hesitate to charge and the boys were not hesitate to shoot.
LATER
"I will send men out immediately this will not be tolerated!" Lord Forester said to them.
Jon, Ramsey and Theon had all made it back in one piece with only a few wounds here and there. Ramsey was stabbed in the leg while Theon was sporting some new scars on his arm and side. Jon got some on his face where a man slashed at him with his knife. One scar was over his left eye the other going on his right from the top of his forehead down to is right cheek. Right now they are being patched up by healers and maesters while giving the lord their report.
"You boys get some rest I will make sure that no one disturbs you except for the rest of your party," he said.
"Thank you m'lord," they all said at once.
LATER THAT NIGHT
"By the Old Gods Jon look at your face!" Dany said as she helped clean Jon's face again after his stitches.
"I'm fine Dany please stop!" Jon protested as she continued to hover over him.
"No, you are my last relative and my nephew so I will hover like a mother hen," Dany said as she finished cleaning him off.
Jon could only glare, but it was not an angry one. Jon knew his aunt was only worried about him after all besides their Uncle in Castle Black. Jon was Dany's only living relative and she would go to great lengths to keep him safe and he her. After all they are family and family protects one another.
Ghost in the meantime laid on his bed curled up and fast asleep. The dragon eggs were in the fire keeping warm while the flames roared around them. When Dany was done cleaning the rest of the blood off of Jon's face she was quite upset that things happened.
"I know Dany give it a rest!" Dany huffed but she withdrew muttering about men.
"Hey don't give me that Dany they ambushed us out of nowhere. They carried southern castle steel as if someone was backing them." Jon said.
"I know, I heard you when you told Lord Forester," Dany said.
"The thing I don't get though Dany is that the armor that those men wore are hodgepodge meaning they are not just from one nation. They are far from Wildlings because Free Folk prefer boiled leathers and fur because of the temperature. And these guys are not like your typical bandits either," said Jon.
"What do you think they are Jon?" Dany asked.
"I don't know," Jon said.
A FEW NIGHTS LATER
The fire roared as the feast was held the wedding itself was over but the after wedding party had just begun. The great hall of Ironrath was filled with life. Music, dancing and laughter filled the wooden halls with light.
At the top of the stage was the bride and groom. Asher Forester and Gwyn Whitehill had happy smiles on their faces as the laughed at jokes told to them by Asher's brother Rodrick. Lord Whitehill and Lord Forester gave each other cool looks but were talking which was a good sign. The ladies of the house however had a different atmosphere. Lady Forester was chatting animatedly with Lady Whitehill and the smiles on their faces made the halls seem jovial.
Down where the guests were Sansa's party was having fun on their own. Ramsey now completely drunk was dancing with and equally Theon while Asha had several women about her from the brothel in the village. Jon was busy petting Ghost while Dany was talking with Mira. That left Sansa alone with Lady who looked just as poised as her.
The direwolf had grown a lot on their journey and is now slightly larger then a normal wolf. Ghost was even larger and if she had to guest would be the biggest amongst all the direwolves.
"You seem like you could use some company," said a voice.
Sansa turned to see a young girl in front of her. She remembered Thalia Forester the younger sister of Mira from earlier. She sang some of the songs on stage along with two of the Whitehill Bastards at the beginning of the feast.
"I could use some yes," Sansa said smiling as Thalia sat down next to her.
"What are you reading?" Thalia asked Sansa.
"Just a book my sister sent to me about the ancient wolfriders," she said showing Thalia the book.
"Are you going to ride your wolf one day?" Thalia asked.
Sansa laughed, "Maybe when she is about the size of a horse,"
"What is her name?" Thalia asked.
"This is Lady the other one is Ghost," Sansa said.
At the mention of her name Lady rose from her sleeping position feeling proud to represent her mistress. She strode over to Thalia and began to sniff her face. The girl giggled at the wolf's curious nature before a whistle from Sansa called Lady back.
"She's beautiful, can I pet her?" asked Thalia.
"Sure go ahead," said Sansa. Thalia reached out and began to stroke Lady's head. The direwolf hung her tongue out for her and began to lick her face much to her entertainment. Thalia giggled when the wolf licked her face, "Eww!" she said.
"Alright Lady that's enough her face is clean now," Sansa laughed.
Lady happily walked back to her mistress and sat down. Sansa was laughing as she drank her wine while others danced.
Thalia bid her a farewell when she noticed they were getting low on food. As she walked away it was surprisingly Gwyn Whitehill that joined her.
"May I sit here Lady Sansa?" she asked.
"You may," she said gesturing to the seat beside her.
Gwyn sat down gracefully and took a bit of fruit from across the table. She looked to the floor to see Ramsey and Theon still dancing together, "How long do you figure they will remain like that?" she asked laughing.
"Until they won the bet with Asha and your husband," Sansa said smiling to the groom whom was talking with his brother.
Gwyn laughed, "I see so they are not doing purposefully," she said.
"Nope shows them right idiots," Sansa replied.
As soon as the music started to ebb Thalia began to sing songs to entertain guests. Then several other ladies joined in adding their voices. Sansa was not amongst them. Though she was was a good singer for some reason she felt left out a bit.
"Want to contribute I know you want to," said Gwyn.
"Oh alright," Sansa replied as she stood up. Slowly making her way over to the stage she walked up the steps where the musicians were playing even the younger Forester Eathan was playing on his lute.
"Mind?" she asked.
"No go right ahead," he said and she turned to them. Her dress stitched to look like wolf fur shown to the people on stage. A pendant she made out of whalebone and wolf's teeth shown on her necklace.
Taking a deep breath Sansa began to sing,
"Here in the twilight
Under the moonlight
I feel your hungry eyes
Drums in the distance
Echoes of madness
Around the firelight
In the heartbeat of the night
Hey, hey, hey
Till the break of day
La, la, la, la, la, la
La, la, la, la, la, la
Hey, hey, hey
Dance the whole night through
Nothing gets between
The dancer and the moon"
Recognizing the lyrics to the song the crowd cheered as they all got together to start dancing. With spirits renewed the crowds started to gather to dance to the tune. The bride and groom went first followed by Dany and someone that Sansa didn't know. Jon led Mira down to the dance floor as well and started to dance with her. Theon and Ramsey tired of dancing with each other grabbed other partners these ones female and started to dance. As if recognizing the beat of the party the direwolves started to howl. Their tails started to wag to the beat of the music as the whole of Ironrath partied.
When the first song ended Sansa moved on to another one even jumping off the stage to sing in the crowd. The others laughed as they joined her. She then left the music to the musicians above to join in on the dancing. She danced with all sorts of partners both male and female and then she was dancing alone. She was enjoying herself quite a bit before she became dizzy and tired. Moving back towards the seats Sansa sat down again to drink some wine.
"Are you alright?" asked Jon as he came over with Mira.
"I'm alright I think the wine is starting to get to me," Sansa replied.
"You are only thirteen namedays old Sansa your body is not used to wine yet. Why don't you head back towards your rooms and get some rest. I will have Dany check on you later," Jon replied.
"Sure thanks," Sansa said as she made her way towards her rooms. Lady was not far behind as the wolf followed her. When she gotten to the door that led to her rooms she opened the door. As she entered she went to her bed and changed quickly out of her dress. Now in her sleeping clothes she heard the music still being played out in the distance. Ironrath is not that large and so the music echoed across the ironwood forests in the night.
As she slid into the covers with Lady sleeping by the warm fire. She did not see the dark shadow that lingered just behind the door. The wine she drank made her senses extremely dull to the movements of the person hidden in shadows. Even Lady was too encumbered by her meal to noticed the man who came into the darkness.
AT THE WEDDING FEAST
"Where's Sansa?" asked Ramsey as he and Theon had joined Jon, Dany and Mira at their table.
"She had a bit much to drink. I told her to head to bed to sleep it off. She will be feeling it in the morning," Jon replied.
"Where's Asha?" asked Theon noticing also the absence of his sister.
"She is at the brothel or she is somewhere where no one is at getting laid." Ramsey said to him.
"Really? Lucky bitch," Theon muttered only to get gently scoffed by Ramsey, "Not in front of the lady you dolt!"
"Lord Snow I've heard worse in the south," Mira replied. The others could not agree more.
LATER
Dany and Mira made their way towards the shared rooms that Dany has with Sansa and Asha.
"That was a fun wedding maybe when Robb finally finds a wife to marry you can bring your family in for a party," said Dany.
"I wish that were possible with me but I have to return south soon." Mira replied.
"When will you be back?" Dany asked.
"In a few years when my term is up with Lady Margery Tyrell." Mira replied.
"Well in that case if we don't see you before we leave I hope we see each other again," Dany said to her.
"It was an honor meeting you princess," Mira said as they approached the door to the room.
Only to find the door wide open.
"That's odd?" Dany said as they entered.
Entering the room they found nothing but silence. The fire was out and all was dark. The only sounds were the wind coming from the window and the sound of something breathing heavy.
It was with luck that the dragon eggs are with Jon in the room for the men. Quickly lighting a candle Dany was in for a sight.
Sansa's bed was in shambles and the said Stark girl was gone.
"Sansa?" she said looking around. The sounds of breathing was heard as they neared the fireplace.
There was Lady looking as if asleep but her deep labored breaths proved otherwise.
"I will get the Maester and my father," Mira said as she rushed from the room.
LORD FORESTER'S SOLAR
"The kidnapper must have waited for Lady Sansa's guard to be down before he or she struck," the Maester said.
"This should not have happened the guards were everwhere," Lord Forester said beside him was Lord Whitehill and his lady wife along with the rest of the Lord's families.
"Lord Stark will have our heads first the attack on Prince Jon and his party and now the kidnapping of Lady Sansa and her direwolf," said Lord Whitehill.
"Speaking of direwolves how is Lady?" asked Jon concerned for his cousin's most precious companion.
"The wolf will live she was poisoned by a dart but she will live. Had we arrived any later then the wolf would have died," the Maester replied.
"Who could have done this?" asked Asha.
"Someone with enough ambition to do it." he said and pulled out something that was on the bed.
It was a crimson cloth. On it was a golden lion on a red field, "I found this torn from where the bed post was located," the Maester said.
"The sigil of House Lannister," said Lord Forester.
"You think the Lannisters are behind this?" asked Lord Whitehill.
"No, Prince Jon you said that the men who attacked you had haphazard armor is that correct?" he asked.
"Yes, they had armor that obviously came from other areas of Westeros. Mostly from the Riverlands and the Westerlands but their swords were southern made, castle forged," Jon replied.
"What about their fighting style?" asked Rodrick Forester.
"They were southern style sir and obviously good fighters trained soldiers," this time it was Theon who pitched in.
"Trained soldiers? Or raiders from the Greyjoy Rebellion perhaps and I mean this as no offense my lords," he said to the Greyjoys.
"None taken though Ironborn never stray too far from any source of water. We are people of the sea and as such we fight better on the water. These men the way they fought are not Ironborn far from it. If what my brother says is true then these men are too well trained, mercenaries perhaps?" Asha replied.
"Probably or remnants of the Slavers who attacked us," said Mira.
"But why target Sansa? What is the point?" asked Asher Forester.
"Sansa is the daughter of Lord Eddard Stark the Warden of the North. So she has a high position within the Stark family. So whoever took her knew what they were doing," said Dany.
"Maester!" said a voice and the Maester turned to find a young man standing there with a vial in his hands.
"What is it Matheus," asked the Maester.
"Maester you told me to look into what had befallen the wolf. I found what was a type of sleeping agent. Its a very old agent and came from the Free Cities. I also found evidence in Lady Sansa's wine." he said holding a cup.
"But who could have done it?" asked Lord Forester.
"We should question the servants and ask if they'd seen someone they are not familiar with. I believe you should do the same Lord Whitehill," Lady Forester spoke up.
"Aye, I'll get to it as soon as possible. Lord Forester as lord of this keep you should be the one to inform Lord Stark of what is going on," he said.
"I will do that as soon as this is over as well," Lord Forester replied.
"Where could they have taken Lady Sansa not even our hounds could find her," said one of the Whitehills.
"Whoever took her knew about Northern tracking and hid their evidence well," said Ramsey as he looked worse for wear in his armor and hunting bow.
"They must have been riding hard then to be miles away by now," said Rodrick Forester.
"The best we can do is alert the other lords along the southern route. Lady Asha it is best that you send a raven to your men to see if they can't find Lady Sansa. I bet your god would want tribute," he said.
Asha smiled, "I will send the raven right away," she said and disappeared out the door. Theon remained behind until the meeting was adjured. When it was done he returned to his quarters that he shared with both Theon and Ramsey. Ghost was already there whining when he saw Jon enter. Jon stroked the wolf's head knowing that he is worried about Lady.
"Don't worry boy we will find her and make those who took her pay dearly for attacking our House," he said. The look that Ghost gave Jon was a sure sign that the wolf wanted to hunt them down and tear their throats out.
"Not yet boy we can't track them if we are tired. Tomorrow we will hunt," he said turning towards the fire.
The dragon eggs were still there safe in the flames of the fire as Jon turned them slowly. Being a Targaryen he has Valyrian blood and so like his aunt is fireproof. But he was also half Stark so the cold doesn't bother him as much as it does his aunt.
He rotated each and every egg carefully before being satisfied and returning to his bed. Undressing from his dress clothes and into his sleeping ware. Jon moved his sword next to the bed to keep it safe. He noticed that both Theon and Ramsey kept their bows and their swords ready also. All three men were ready to hunt down the men who took Sansa and they wanted blood.
MEANWHILE
Dany was looking at the fire she and Asha had just gotten ready for bed. Asha having sent the raven out to her fellow Ironborn along the coast were waiting for any signs that they are heading towards the ocean. Having sent the message there is nothing more that can be done. Now it was a waiting game one she has no patience for.
SOMEWHERE IN THE WILDERNESS
In the darkness of the Wolf's Wood shadows made themselves known. Traveling lightly across the trees these men were fast as well as smart. No one thought that they would take to the trees to escape their pursuers and the cargo they had on their back is worth more then the gold that they were promised.
"She drank all that wine and I was surprised it took her this long for the poison to take effect," said a voice.
"Quiet fool!" another voice said this one belonging to the shadow's companion.
"Why? We lost those guards a ways back! It was a smart move to head into the trees. They can't see or hear us up here and their hounds wont pick up on our scent," he said.
"Yes, but eventually we are going to have to head out of the trees soon. It is a good thing that the Ironwood forests like this are tall better to hide in. But remember we have to be careful them Northern folk is not like what we were told. They were fast fuckers that's for sure," said the second shadow.
"How much of that stuff did you put in the girl's wine?" asked the first shadow.
"Enough to keep her out till we get to King's Landing. I hid the ship a ways from here after seeing dem Ironborn at the party. At least we can catch the river to the sea and get the fuck out of here." said the second one.
"Ehehehe We is going to be well paid for selling this dem highborn eh?" he said.
"Aye, we is," with that they disappeared into the darkness never to be seen again.
TBC
A/n: So much crap is happening right now in real life that trying to find a decent amount of time to write is becoming increasingly difficult. It was by luck that I was able to get Sunday Night off to write. Now I have some time to finish this chapter and hopefully finish my latest with Alan's Dinosaurs before JWLK comes out.
Anyways here is another Chapter of Warriors of Winterfell please leave a review and remember no FLAMES, BASHINGS OR LORE MONGERS thank you.
Oh and the Song used by Sansa is by Blackmore's Night called The Dancer and the Moon.