DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN GAME OF THRONES THEY BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS.
A/n: I am glad you folks like the inspirations I had for this part of the fic. I tell you the Untamed and Mo Dao Zu Shi (Despite the whole overly sexed gays in it) are rather good inspirations for this fic. And it helps with easing the plots along nicely. Now as you all have not heard yet I have started accounts on both Wattpad and AO3 but the only stories on it so far is The Last Western Spirit which is my Untamed fanfiction, and Alan's Dinosaurs. When I get the chance I will post this story and a few others to those websites for more people to see what I have to offer.
Ok so back to this story. So where we last left off Ned Stark is heading towards King's Landing and by request and yes by two people's request I am going back to Dany and Jon since it has been a while since I wrote about them. And frankly I have a few ideas that come to mind for them. So the next few chapters will be about them before we jump to the Greyjoys so here we go folks another chapter of…..
THE WARRIORS OF WINTERFELL
Chapter 26: Icicle Dragons
SHADOW TOWER, THE WESTERN SIDE OF THE WALL
It has been nearly two months since both he and Dany had been brought to the Shadow Tower. And thankfully Jon Snow felt that he could not have met a more endearing group of Night's Watchmen then the ones in the Shadow Tower.
The most western settlement of the wall the Shadow Tower got its name for the coloration of the stones used to build it. Being as dark as shadows and because the sun shines upon it last when it rises in the east. The Shadow Tower still looks as pristine as it once did in its hay day.
"What you doing out here in the cold Lord Snow?" said a voice.
Jon turned to see a man in dark furs sitting behind him sharpening his sword. The man had dark hair making him look like a dark raven among the many ravens flying in the sky. Hence why the Freefolk sometimes calls the Watchmen 'Crows.'
"Just came to see The Wall one final time before we head north towards the Northern Grove Dragon Sanctuary," said Jon as he sat down next to the watchman. The man more then happy to lend him some of his fire since it is very cold on The Wall. The braziers that are built along the wall are constantly fed through a fuel system tied in with the sewage of the watchtowers. It was found that human waste contains a gas that can be used to power the braziers and keep the watchman warm. It also helps with keeping The Wall frozen since the pipes that feed the fires also insulate against the heat. And the cold from the northern air hardens the ice making it harder near the pipes which is ideal for keeping The Wall strong throughout the millennia.
"Aye, so I've heard, how's the side doing?" he asked Jon indicating the injury that Jon sustained when he and Dany were attacked on their way to the Shadow Tower.
"Healed up nicely thanks," Jon said to the man.
"If you weren't the son of Eddard Stark we could have used ya on da Wall," the Watchman replied with a genuine smile.
"I'm sure you have plenty of good men here to fight with ya," Jon replied to him returning the smile.
"Aye, the Freefolk help with the food and we help with the weapons. A fair trade and the Gift helps with the veggies. Good food and a good job though times are turning this winter and I've been through plenty," the man replied.
"Aye, my house's words are here," Jon replied the man again nodded as they both looked out into the True North. The winds still blow but the snowstorm had long since past leaving behind a blanket of white beyond the wall.
"Aye, they say in the east, 'The Night is Dark and Full of Terrors,' things I've been hearing lately have been giving me terrors in my sleep. But then again the things I've seen have given me terrors Lord Snow. Tread carefully when you go out there for the dead are said to walk at night," he said and Jon nodded his acknowledgment of the man's words as he walked away from the edge of the Wall towards the elevator that would take him down.
When he got down he was met by Dany who was just finishing practicing her archery with a few Freefolk women. They would train with the men of the Night's Watch to help them hone their skills better. Dany looked up to see her nephew watching her and waved at him. Right beside her Ghost whined as if begging for his attention. Laughing Jon rushed down the stairs from the elevator to meet her and Ghost.
"So is everything ready?" he asked her. Dany nodded as she looked at the bags near their horses.
"Yeah all we have to do is wait till dawn tomorrow and we can set off. The smith is just finishing up the final touches to the dragon pouch right now," Dany said to him. Jon nodded his acknowledgment. The blacksmith who is with them is from the True North beyond the wall. One of the Children of the Forest. He is a short male of their species but he wields a hammer with as much strength as a fully grown man or a giant.
Right now however he is weaving a special bag to house the three dragon eggs currently incubating in his furnace.
"I see, so they will be safe there until we get them in the morning is that right Dany?" Jon asked his aunt who nodded her reply.
"Oh yes! And I also got new tents and food for the trek north. The horses are of the northern breed so the snow should not bother them so much," Dany said referring to the horses in the stables. The animals are indeed fine beasts with their dark coats and long manes to keep them warm. Their thicker more robust bodies makes them better for the snow then the horses further south. Also they are good for climbing mountains in case they have to climb them. It was something that Jon hopes will help them when they go beyond the Wall.
Dany then accompanied him towards the barracks where their rooms are located. Not many southerners know that the Shadow Tower has barracks located into the shadow of the Wall hence the name. The tower itself is what they call the elevator that takes them up towards the top. It has both a stair case and an elevator that takes people to the top of the Wall. A secondary elevator is used for the barracks as it is multi-story. The barracks itself houses all the occupants including the servants and the Commander as well as any guests the Commander brings. Family units are also in the barracks for those who bring their families with them. Even though not many Northerners allow such information to leak southwards. As far as the South knows the Night's Watch is a place as bleak and as nasty as one thinks.
But as Jon and Dany pass many visiting families stay within the family dorms. This brings the men some comfort to know that they are still thought of despite their crimes.
One such man is now the commander of the Shadow Tower.
Commander Denys Mallister greets them as they enter his office to discuss the final preparations before their departure the following morning.
"Prince Aegon, Princess Daenerys," he said as he gestured for them to enter his holdings. Both entered and he closed the door behind them.
"Commander," Jon greeted and Dany followed as they sat down.
"All the supplies are ready for your departure. Since the tithes for the Northern Grove Dragon sanctuary are due I am sending a team of rangers with you to deliver the supplies. Some of the Freefolk are also accompanying you to help with further supplies and to deliver trade to other villages along the way." he said pointing to a few on his map between the Shadow Tower and the Northern Grove Dragon Sanctuary.
"I've heard they are running into some trouble with the ice dragons there in the last raven they sent," Dany inquired.
"Yes, two days ago four of the dragons began to flee towards the southern part of the Frostback Mountains. The handlers are trying their best to bring them back, but so far the dragons have eluded them. If you see them on your travels you are asked to send a raven immediately," said Commander Denys.
"We will keep watch though our priority is our own dragons," said Dany and the commander nodded his acknowledgment of their case.
"So it is my prince, princess," said the Commander.
"Anything new we should know about before we take our leave Commander. We have to set out first thing in the morning," said Jon.
"No, I just wanted to make sure you are aware of why we are having such a large party go with you. This time of the year heavy trade is expected to happen. And as such Lord Stark has asked me to make sure that you have everything you need for your journey north." he said and the two nodded their thanks.
When they left the rooms both Dany and Jon were met with Ghost who looked like he had just come back from a hunt. The direwolf's muzzle was slightly red from a kill and Jon rolled his eyes before he patted Ghost on the head. The wolf responded by giving an affectionate nip before following them towards their rooms. They were given a single room with two beds. Since they grew up together nudity was not a problem for them as both changed into their night clothes before settling in for the night.
By the next morning everything was ready to go with horses saddled and fully supplied. Jon held his sword out to examine one more time before placing it into his scabbard. Dany did the same before she also tested her bow to ensure that it was ready to go. With everything set she made her way towards the blacksmith's area to collect the dragon eggs. The smith gladly placed them into the satchel and ensured that markings were placed on the bag to ensure the eggs remain warm.
Checking in with their party the group then set beyond the gates of the Wall into the True North. As they traveled it became obvious that The Wall was a lot thicker then one would have imagined. Then again it was made by giants and magic. When the True North came into view the townsfolk on the other side greeted them as they exited. There was a guard post stationed next to the gate and the traffic on both sides was indeed light this early in the morning.
The town that resided just on the other side of the Wall was a city mainly composed of Freefolk. The people around here dressed in furs suitable to the harsh life here. Yet there are those who are dressed like Northerners and some baring the colors of the southern folks. There was even a blacksmith making steel in the Northern style. Vendors and traders from different parts of the world also sold goods here. The stalls though filled with icicles at their entrances gave way to many warm hearths and beds.
The party that is going with Jon and Dany are thirteen rangers from the Night's Watch, several Freefolk traders with varied skills. Women and children that were passing through on their way home from a trade expedition. And several wagons of goods for both the outlining villages and the Dragon sanctuary.
As they crossed into the snow covered streets of this town which both would later remember is called West City. They manged to feel the true bite of winter as they made their way out of the city walls into the true wilderness of the True North.
Ghost was more then ecstatic to be able to run into the woods again. He was glad to see the forest and the trees as well as smell the fresh game that came from such a place. Jon and Dany wore thick fur cloaks and wool clothes rode out in front of the group. The rangers remained behind to guard the caravan as they made their way down a well used road.
It was a long journey and things were going good till about a week into their journey. They stared at the foot of the Frost Fang Mountains and they saw the road that led through them. Dark clouds circled over them indicating a passing storm.
"The outpost is just an hour away we should rest there before making our way into the mountains," said one of the Rangers.
Jon and Dany nodded in agreement since the journey is long. They take a rest at the outpost which is a fortified Freefolk village that guards the trail into the mountains. Much like the Night's Watch at the Wall. This place is for Freefolk to remember their duty to guard something sacred.
Now the chief of this outpost is a man named Lerod Goatskin. A hunter with climbing skills unmatched by anyone else in the outpost. He was given the name because they claim he can climb the rock like the wild mountain goats do. Which drives most people insane. But to Jon and Dany he was the perfect person to ask for the right directions to the Northern Grove Sanctuary.
"Ah the dragon royals, I've heard of you! Trained in Winterfell and came here to seek the knowledge of the Dragon sanctuary! Well you are in luck because it is only three days from here if you go this way," he said showing a map that is on the wall.
"When you enter the roads go up by about a day. There you will come across a fork, take a left for six days till you see a sign that points you towards the western peaks nearest the border of the Frost Fangs. Here you will find a patch of burned ground belonging to a Cerberus. That is a good place to rest out the night before making your way further north from there. Follow it till the end and you will find the outpost that borders the sanctuary. When you are rested the path leads up the slope to a valley. Where that valley is, is the sanctuary." he said.
"Have you been there?" Jon asked Lerod and the man nodded, "Aye, a few times. Gotta deliver supplies once in a while or they ask us to help them find someone who had gotten lost."
"So when do we leave?" asked Dany looking outside at the snow storm that is blazing.
"We leave after this storm ends I'd say a day after this storm ends. Because here storms come and go pretty quickly so as soon as this storm ends. We give it a day to make sure no other storms are following and then head up the mountain." Lerod replied and then indicated that they turn in for the night. Both Jon and Dany were lead to their own hut to wait out the storm. Thankfully the way the huts were built and the high walls blocks out most of the wind and snow. It made it easier to get around to their own place.
When they entered their own hut the warm fire greeted them and warmed their bones. There talisman and rune markings were along the walls adding to the heat and the clean air. The dragon eggs were in the blazing flames to keep them warm and to keep the pack hot. Both Jon and Dany were used to being naked around each other so they stripped out of their travel gear and laid them down on their respective stands. There are two beds in the hut since it is built for multiple guests. And by Freefolk standards it is perfect for families to bunk together. If it was a private hut then they would have gone alone. Since they are sharing they are used to seeing each other in their sleeping clothes.
"Dany?" Jon asked as they went to their respective beds. Ghost had already claimed one bed by sleeping at its foot. Jon didn't mind as he was going to climb in anyways. Dany wanted to laugh at the sight of the direwolf, "He is almost as big as a horse," she said. Jon then noticed just how large Ghost had become.
"Aye, soon I think I might be able to ride him," Jon said and Dany looked at him skeptically.
"What? I read about it in a book once at the library and then Arya sent me a copy of that same book here," he said pulling it out of the bag. Dany quickly grabbed it and laughed when the title Wolfriders came to light.
"So you will be riding Ghost?" Dany asked.
"Just until Rhaegal is old enough to ride. But Ghost doesn't mind one bit. In fact one of my wolf dreams was of me riding my dragon with Ghost riding in his talons having fun," Jon admitted since he had not told her about his dreams.
Laughing Dany only turned over before letting herself settle down for the night. Jon followed as he too settled down. The storm howling outside as they settled down for the night.
LATER
Jon and Dany awoke to the sound of Ghost growling low in his throat. The direwolf's fangs are bared as his gaze was outside the hut. Both Jon and Dany reached for their weapons when the sound of something going past them made them alert.
It was a large ice spider as it ran across as if in a panic. Others of its kind also ran as a stampede seems to be happening. They were running from something and they never seemed to want to stop. It was then that the hut's curtains opened and in came Lerod. He was covered in ice but he looked fine. He looked outside with a spear in his hand.
"Don't worry about the spiders they normally go through here at night. The thing that hunts them however is much larger and luckily we have a concealment talisman ready in case it is nearby.
Just as he said it a cry came from overhead. A large dark shadow overlapped the moonlight as it came past. The sound of flapping wings could be heard as it came after the spiders. Then one spider had gotten unlucky and was met with a swift end. Large talons came down onto it tearing into its body and a massive beak tore through its flesh. Large white wings came down as it took the body of the spider and consumed it. Then in an instant they felt a huge gush of wind rushing through the door and there was nothing but darkness outside. The rest of the spiders vanish with a smaller one crawling into the hut for protection. It went up towards Ghost who growled low at it. The spider didn't move and instead only seemed to cock its head before leaping onto his head and crawling into his fur.
Ghost caught by surprise tried to shake it off, but the spider only made itself home on the top of his head and seemed to settle down. When that was over the two Targaryens started laughing which eases the tension in the room. When no more spiders ran past them they began to sheath their weapons ignoring the spider that appears to be sleeping on Ghost's head, much to the direwolf's displeasure.
"That was an Ice Roc it lives along the mountain regions here in the True North. A hunter of these spiders, it comes every night only looking for spiders and mammoths. It feeds are large animals. Direwolves fortunately are not on the Roc's menu," said Lerod. He was smirking when the spider didn't move. Ghost began to whine and beg for Jon to remove the spider.
"Well it seems as if your wolf has a new friend. For Ice Spiders are normally docile creatures. They normally feed on fungus and plants and are quite vegetarian. The fangs are only used for defense. We often use their silk for the inner layers of our clothes and frostback spider silk for armor as well as their venom for defense. Ice Spider venom is non lethal unlike their cousins, but it does knock you the fuck out," Leron said smiling as he finished looking outside. The Ice Spiders have gone leaving the little one on Ghost's head. The spider didn't seem to mind and is in fact started to groom the wolf.
The wolf began to whine but Jon was not having any of it as he was laughing too hard for anything else. The spider seemed to be disturbed by this and rose up just a bit but it was enough for Jon to safely and delicately remove it from the wolf's head. At first it fought him until he treated it like a puppy and started to stroke the top of its head?
As soon as he did that it settled down and began to bob its rear end up and down. Jon thought it was cute and so did Dany as she petted the spider as well. The spider raised its legs and started tapping them softly before settling down again.
"I think I will call it...wait I don't even know if its a male or female?" said Dany as she looked at the spider with interest.
"I can be the judge of that," said Leron as he gently grabbed the spider and examined it closely. Turn it over gently he took a good look before returning it.
"It's a female, for she lacks the specialized legs that males use when mating," he said and sure enough all the legs are straight.
"Ok, then how about….Baesa she said to Jon. Jon seemed to nod in acceptance as he picked up the newly named spider. It wiggled for a bit before seemingly going limp. It then made something of a happy sound something Jon has never heard of in a spider.
"I think she likes it," Jon said to her, "Ice Flower," Jon said to her. The spider seemed to get a happy sound even more as Jon put her back onto Ghost who whined the whole time.
"Oh get used to it. Sooner or later I will be the one on you, you big lug," he said to the direwolf as he patted him on the head. Ghost was more then happy to lean into the scratches. Then as soon as he was done Lerod had bid them farewell stating he has to check up on the rest of the outpost before they turned in for the night. Ghost resumed his position while Baesa made her nest on his furry head.
They both then turned in for the night after an event such as this. They both are exhausted but not before checking on the dragon eggs. When that was done they both turned in for the night glad to see that things are settling down and the night grew quiet again.
TWO DAYS LATER
It was early when both Jon and Dany entered the mead hall. Everyone in the outpost is enjoying breaking their fast. When the two Targaryens entered no one noticed when they took the head table next to Leron and his lieutenants. They ate in silence till it was time to speak. When they did everyone became familiar with their new friend that seemed attached to either one of them.
Baesa the spider enjoys clinging to either Jon or Dany. The little one would ride on Ghost's head much to the direwolf's displeasure. When she is on Dany or Jon she would ride on their forearm. Much to their surprise the spider was pretty light and her light blue coloration made her look like a painted decoration then an actual animal. Both Dany and Jon would then take some of the salad on the table to help her eat. She seems to enjoy them while Ghost who is just outside got to eat an entire moose.
"So how often does the spiders cross here?" asked Dany noticing the men picking on the dead spiders that are littered across the outpost.
"They cross ever few days or so. The Roc just hunts for them once a moon. Normally it does not hunt this side of the mountain ranges. It prefers the snows just west of here on the ice sheets of the Western Tundra. There the mammoths are wild and untamed. Not like the ones we have here that are cared for by giants. I think the roc prefers wild prey to these tame ducklings," Leron said to Jon and Dany.
"So does anyone wish to kill the Roc?" Dany asked Leron while she drank from her ale.
"Fuck no, the Roc does more then hunt spiders. It keeps out the worst the wilderness has given us. The undead for example hunt to the east in the Haunted Forest. To the west where the Ice River clans roam it hunts for dire seals and dire polar bears. Here in the mountains it eats trolls. And also it guards the dragon's den. The Roc built its nest within the sanctuary to protect its chicks from harm. In return it guards the dragons as they roost and play within its domain. It never harms them. Since dragons are not on its menu but the Roc from what I understand is a noble creature. We do it respect by allowing it to hunt on our outpost and kill off a few spiders," he said looking at Beasa.
LATER
Jon and Dany mounted their horses with Ghost trotting beside them. The wolf was more then happy to leave and so were they. Now that the storm has past Leron will be guiding them towards the sanctuary. As they trotted off out of the gates towards their destination which is a mountain trail used by merchants. The goods they have with them are still sound as they made their way up the winding roads.
By midday the sun was blazing down on them but yet it was very cold. The freezing temperatures allowed them to stay cool despite the sun shining down on them. The wind however was another factor as it seems to burn with winter air the higher up they went. Luckily for them the horses and even Ghost doesn't seem to mind. In fact the direwolf enjoyed this time to himself...well himself and Baesa. The spider had taken up a permanent residence on his head and seemed to enjoy the cold air. She was more then happy to look around but remained on Ghost.
Leron led them further towards an old site where they camped for the night. The night itself was bitter cold but at least there were no fear of beasts. If what Leron said was true then the mountain trolls that would inhabit other mountains would not dare harm them. For the Roc was always seen flying around high above and occasionally it would dive down to grab some prey whatever it was before flying off to feed.
As they came near a fork in the road Lerod turned left which they followed as well. The road continued to wind further to the west which was what he was hoping. As they continued to travel day by day the land began to change from white to nearly burnt. It was on the sixth day that they reached the Shadow Peak.
"It should not be long till we get there about another two days till we reach the outpost at the border of the Dragon Sanctuary." said Lerod as they neared a peak that was shrouded in shadows.
"Ah here we are the Shadow Peak. Here we can rest away from the Roc and the marching dead," said Lerod as he dismounted at a cave.
"Why is it safe from the dead or the Roc?" asked Dany as she unpacked their camping gear.
"The Magic that came from this rock is the reason princess. This magic is fire magic from deep in the earth. The cave itself leads directly towards the fiery hells of the underworld. There is a Cerberus that lives here. It made its den here to rest for a time every few centuries. Its master would then have another guardian watch while the creature rests in peace. Anyone who comes onto this land has to pay his or her respects to the Cerberus before moving on. That is why I brought this," Lerod said holding up a freshly killed goat.
"When did you kill that?" Jon asked.
"While you were setting up camp. I spotted it not far from here and killed it. It is a worthy sacrifice to offer to the guardian of the underworld." Lerod said as he walked towards a bare patch in the ground surrounded by dead trees. They had not noticed it before but something was there. As it stirred they could make out three heads as Lerod placed the goat in front of it.
Jon and Dany watched it eat the goat before turning back towards their companions. It then sat on its hunches and all three heads opened their mouths in a friendly manner. Lerod returned to them with a smile.
"The Cerberus offers his protection for the night. Nothing will harm us here," he said and the group breathed a sigh of relief as they started to make their way towards the cave. The giant three headed dog watched them in a friendly manner. As they made camp and sat around the fire to stay warm. Even though the land looked scorched and burnt the cold mountain winds still blew through the rocky crags.
"So tell me Lerod, The Cerberus? Its name is strange to us. Where did it come from?" asked Jon.
"We don't know where the name comes from that much I can tell. But from what I remember my elders telling me it came from a time long before The Age of Heroes. The creature was discovered here sleeping on this mountain when our ancestors first settled the land long ago. From what we could tell it never speaks but it understands us. At first we were going to kill it, but then the immortal one came and things settled. She was the one who explained that the Cerberus is the guardian of the underworld. A creature that ensures that the dead pass into the underworld to await judgment. And then he prevents souls from escaping back to the land of the living. And he is the one who is sends hell hounds to bring back runaway souls. At least that is what I am told by my elders," he said looking at them.
"From what I understand the Cerberus is a noble creature despite its looks. Maybe I can pay some respect to it when we leave to thank him for allowing us shelter in this cave," Dany said as she took out the dragon eggs and placed them in the flames. As she did so she could hear footsteps approaching. Something large had come towards them. Looking behind her she was startled when the Cerberus sat down behind her and leaned down to examine the dragon eggs.
"They are fire dragons from Valyria," she said to it. The Cerberus seemed to have nodded! This shocked them all as it looked to each one. Then it sniffed Jon and Dany as if looking for any sort of deceit. But finding none it returned to its bed to rest. Letting out a breath they never knew they had the duo looked to the eggs as they were kept warm by the flames. A fire array was placed to keep the fire going and the wood lasting so it would not go out. Dany renewed the magic in the bag to allow the eggs to be kept warm. She could see into the eggs and the three dragonlings growing inside.
"Look Dany they are about half way through," Jon said pointing to them. Dany smiled as she reached in and stroked each one. Jon followed her as they made their bed rolls and fell asleep.
The following day was the same after they bid their farewells to the Cerberus. The three headed dog did the same as he wagged his tail at them. Ghost whined and then gave a quick bark to the dog who responded in kind. Though it sounded like a pack of dogs since it has three heads. The rest of their caravan bid the dog farewell as well and one person even gifted him with a whole deer to thank him for his protection. When they disappeared into the morning mists they looked back to see that the hound was gone.
The rest of the journey was uneventful leading towards another turn in the road that would lead them to the outpost. This time they made a right and then another left as they made their way slowly north. One of the wheels for the caravan had broken at one point so it took sometime for it to be replaced. When it was done the wagon driver was more then glad to be back on the road. After all the Northern people of Westeros always pays tribute to the dragon sanctuary in the True North.
It took them another three days till at last they came to the outpost that is at the entrance to the valley. It looked more like a fortress then an outpost with its high towers and obscure walls. The walls themselves were rather high with how thick they were Jon and Dany could only imagine what they were trying to hold inside and out. The door itself was also large and the bridge that allowed them entrance was huge. Large enough to hold a dragon.
As if to emphasize on the dragons in the valley a loud roar could be heard and over them flew very large dragon. It was followed by another one of nearly equal size. The shock was enough to scare everyone in the group even Dany and Jon. They flew overhead as if inspecting the group before flying over the walls into the valley. At least to Dany and Jon this group of dragons is thriving unlike those of the southern regions in Essos which are practically extinct.
The doors to the fortress opened and a man stepped out from inside. He was dressed in a thick fur coat which is lined with dragon scales. The man stepped in front of them and gave them a salute. Both Jon and Dany saluted back.
"Prince Aegon, Princess Daenerys, the Northern Grove Dragon Sanctuary welcomes you," he said and guided them and their caravan into the outpost all the while the dragons greeted them overhead. They both turned towards Lerod who remained at the gates.
"Will you be joining us Lerod?" asked Dany.
"Nah, I have to return to my own outpost. It was nice chatting with you lot. May the stars guide you home my friend." he said and rode off back down the road.
"Come my friends I am sure there is a lot to talk about in the next coming weeks while you are here," said the man in front of them. They followed him into the outpost closing the gates behind them. The streets of the outpost are larger then those of the previous one they had been in. For the people here seemed to have come all different parts of the far north. Many of them with various beasts from mammoths to sabertoothed animals. Baesa seemed excited to see the spiders here. Jon and Dany rode on ahead while their caravan seemed to have stopped in the square to offload its supplies. Their journey is over while the 13 rangers that accompanied them seemed to have disappeared.
"Where are the rangers?" asked Jon as he noticed they were gone.
"Don't worry about them they are fine," said the man as he led them towards the main building in the outpost square. The building itself was rather large with a sort of strange design. It was also very old from the looks of it and still in good condition. Strange markings seemed to mark the walls, but Jon and Dany knew they were ancient runes to ward off evil and protect the contents that is inside the walls. As they were led inside servants quickly came and took their horses while Jon, Dany and Ghost made their way into the main hall. Dany held onto the pouch containing the eggs.
Inside the main hall they were both surprised by how warm it was inside. For here there was a very large fire in the middle with several animals roasting on it and carefully being turned by a strange contraption. But both of them were used to it seeing a similar thing in Winterfell. There is probably a windmill above that turns the spit which frees the people who are preparing the meals to do other things.
There were people drinking and eating in the hall of all classes. Most of them were Freefolk but Jon and Dany were surprised to see some who looked similar to Ironborn. But the familiar black cloaks of the 13 rangers were seen feasting and talking to others. Jon had never managed to speak to any of them seeing as they are not so talkative to himself or Dany. They kept away from them, and so the duo kept away from the rangers. As they followed the man towards his own table there was a woman there dressed in furs but designed like a dress. This meant that she was the chieftain's wife. The children around them were also the chiefs as the man sat down at the large chair at the head of the table.
Dany and Jon sat on either side the side with the men and women respectively.
"Welcome, princess Daenerys, Prince Aegon of Westeros. We are honored to have you here with us," he said and gestured to the food and they both welcomed themselves to something to eat and some warm mead. As their bellies were filled and soup was being administered to help their weary bodies the chieftain did not waste his time to introduce himself as Tora Ravenshit the name had the two snickering. But Tora waved them off and explained.
"You see I got my name from a raven that was particularly stubborn with trying to give us his message. It was an important message and so he would squawk till we tried to kill it. But he managed to shit on my head before we finally understood that he wanted to give us his message. It was a message from my father at the time. He was head of the outpost and he was dying. You see I was out hunting in the valley when the raven came. When I rushed home to attend to my sick father he gave me the name Ravenshit he meant it as a joke to make everyone happy here." Tora said to Dany and Jon.
Jon could only laugh afterwards and the rest of the day was given to talking and warming themselves up. When they managed to get out of the feast Jon noted many things about Tora. For one he was rather tall and lean for a Freefolk man. His fur cloak made him look more like a bird then a man, but he carried himself like a lord. Which was probably a good thing. The feast hall as Tora explained is for the community. They all use it to warm themselves up especially during the nights here. The houses are warm but they are not suited to eating. It is also an emergency defense post for if they ever were attacked. Which happens often in this part of the Frostbacks and not by wild beasts. No the dragons take care of the beasts.
"The undead come up more often then not these days with us being so close to the Lands of Always Winter. Thankfully you had the rangers accompany you here," he said pointing to the 13 just off to the side. They were laughing and drinking while they were chatting.
"Most of our meat and food comes from the valley itself. The ice dragons don't mind since it in turn provides them with some form of comfort. The land is very fertile from the years of dragon shit," Tora said to them.
"So the supplies?" asked Jon.
"Mostly trade goods, medicine that we can't grow ourselves and things we trade for. We in turn trade metals and dragon parts from dead dragons that died of natural causes. It keeps the valley clean and the dragons appreciate it a lot. You see ice dragons are peculiar about cleanliness. They don't like sleeping on a ground littered with bodies. We here at the sanctuary have dedicated ourselves to making sure the dragons are well cared for. It also helps keep the coin flowing." Tora explained. Dany looked at him with skepticism but Tora smiled serenely.
"If you don't believe us then tomorrow we can take you down into the valley to show you. After all your own fire drakes will enjoy the inner inferno that keeps the valley warm." he said and Dany smiled faintly at the idea.
LATER THAT NIGHT
Ghost was sleeping soundly with Baesa on his head. The spider was in the process of cleaning his fur much to Jon and Dany's amusement. It turns out the spider does eat some form of meat but not the flesh of animals. Rather she had eaten the fleas and ticks off of Ghost's fur as a sort of tribute to allowing her to stay warm on his head. He was enjoying this moment of comfort as the annoying pests were being dealt with. And in turn Baesa was getting a well deserved snack.
Dany was getting a bath in one of the famed hot springs while Jon was cleaning his armor. Their clothes had already been washed in the wash bin just off to the side and is currently been hung to dry.
"So, what do you think about them selling dragon parts to other areas of the world?" Dany asked Jon. The other Targaryen sighed as he looked at her.
"I would mind, but I think the dragons here are different from our fire drakes. From what Tora has said they liked their nests clean and don't like to waste their dead. I remembered reading about it in the library at one point before we left Winterfell. I even asked Shifu if she had any images in the mirrors of ice dragons. She let me see a few of them and they are indeed clean individuals. She even told me once that if the people hadn't come along and clean up the dead from the valley then the dragons would eat their own kind. In turn they would get sick." Jon explained and Dany had a horrified look on her face.
"You mean they ate each other!" she said shocked. Jon nodded showing that he was just as horrified remembering.
"Aye, they were horrified when they saw it and when the dragons were slaughtered during the first Great Long Night. The undead that came from them ate their corpses as well. So in order to prevent that the people had taken the parts of the dragons including the bones and sold them. They in turn cleaned the nests of debris and basically became the dragon's servants. In turn the dragons would grant them protection from the undead and the bandits." Jon said to his aunt as he finished polishing his sword. He then set it to the side and started working on his bow making sure the shaft is still good and doing some work on it. Dany sighed as she rose out of the bath and dried off. She then walked over to where her night clothes were kept to put them on. Jon ignored her as she slipped on her sleeping clothes. Jon had already had a bath so he was clean. Dany then started on her own weapons to make sure they were in good condition. When they were done they both went to bed early seeing as with the rise of the new day things will be different.
THE NEXT DAY
The next day brought many new things out with them. One of them being that they are to travel into the valley and see the dragons up close. In fact one of them swooped by them as if curious before flying off. This dragon looked similar to the ones they will be hatching soon. The differences is that the dragon looked to be a lot spikier then the Valyrian breed and their colorations are also slightly different. The scales are more plated then those of the Valyrian species and when they breathed fire it is blue instead of red.
The ice dragons had gotten their name from their appearance as well as the fact they breathe ice instead of fire and they only appear during the winter. At least that is what they are told. The dragons themselves are fierce animals and are highly territorial. They would attack other dragons that came at their nests. Luckily for Jon and Dany their dragon blood only raised curiosity in a pair they met when they reached the valley floor.
It just so happened that the Roc they had seen earlier had a mate that lives at the top of the cliffs. There it sat on a pair of eggs while the bird itself brought food to feed her. Dany was smiling when she saw them and then she heard a strange sound. She turned to see an ice dragon do the same for her own brood. Just below her gigantic body were dozens of eggs. Many of them looking similar to their own only theirs was more crystaline and shiny.
"This way," said Tora as he guided them towards the center of the valley.
Jon and Dany followed quietly fearing any noise would set things off. Thankfully that hasn't happened and they found themselves traveling towards the center with ease.
At the center stood a building with many animals there grazing and a farm where many people are happily working. The air here was warmer too with steam coming from the ground.
"There is an underground lava pool just below the valley. It is what keeps the heat in the valley. This valley used to be a volcano once long ago and the lava that lived here disappeared after the dragons came to this place. That is the other reason why we have the peace. Their ice magic keeps the valley at a right temperature but recently we had been having some problems," Tora said as he guided into the building.
"What sort of problems?" asked Jon when they entered the building. People were busy walking around doing chores of all sorts. Shouting could be heard from a ways off and Jon and Dany looked to see a couple arguing about something. Tora led them away towards the back where they were met with a woman who looked more Northerner then Freefolk with her long dress. Yet the dress was made of furs and homespun to be more for traveling. She saluted them and they saluted back.
"Ah these must be the dragonfolk Lord Stark mentioned in his raven," she said to them.
"Aye, Pasha this is Prince Aegon Targaryen also known as Jon Snow and Princess Daenerys Stormborn," said Tora introducing them to the woman. She huffed at his title before she turned back to them. "Prince and Princess of a fallen family line tsk, tsk," she said to them. Then that sour look turned into a smile and she started laughing.
"Oh my how things change! We are graced by Valyrian blood after nearly four hundred years of silence! Come, come we have much to speak about and I am sure your dragons would appreciate your use of our fires," she said as she guided them in leaving chief Tora in the main hall. When Dany and Jon turned back the man was gone. Instead Pasha guided them into a very hot room where a deep pit was being kept. Inside were many eggs of different forms being tended to by other folk dressed just like Pasha.
"These are salamander eggs so they help to keep the fires hot. You can place your dragon eggs in the incubators they will be fine," she said and Dany quickly placed the eggs in empty holders and one of the workers lowered it into the vats.
"The fire is hot enough to keep the eggs warm so we don't have to worry about them dying, or having to recharge the spells on your pouch. When the Valyrians used to visit us they would offer us their eggs to keep warm when away from the 14 brothers." Pasha said as they walked further and further into the compound.
"While you are here you will learn about dragon husbandry and how to properly care for your dragons. It has been several centuries since fire drakes roamed the skies and to care for them is the same as with the ice dragons. So in three days you will start to learn how to work with them until your dragons are ready to hatch." Pasha said much to the delight of both Dany and Jon. She then led them towards the dorms.
"Siblings tend to stay with each other however they have separate sleeping rooms. Jon your sleeping quarters are on the left, Daenerys your is on the right. Now if you are having your moonblood Daenerys there are toiletries for them in the cupboard just above the latrine. You are in charge of cleaning your own rooms, polishing your own weapons and armor, cleaning your dragon gear and tending your fires. Meals will be served promptly so there is no delay. Any questions?" she asked and Jon raised his hand.
"Yes?" was the reply.
"Where is your Raven Rookery. I wish to send a message to Lord Stark to inform him that we have arrived at the sanctuary safely," Jon asked.
"The Rookery is located just down this hall to the right. Take the stairs to the top and you will find the raven rookery. So any other questions?" Pasha asked.
"Do we bathe in our rooms or communally?" Dany asked her rather shyly.
"You will bathe with the rest of the juniors here. Females have their own baths as well as the males. When you are older you will be given private baths, but for now until your dragons are ready you will bathe with the rest of the community." Pasha replied and without further questions from the two of them she turned around and left. Jon and Dany were left alone to take care of their personal items before going down for the afternoon meal.
As they ate in silence the found that there are several others who are living with them. Most of them are Freefolk and some are Northerners like themselves. Though most have come from peasant families and only several of them came from noble houses. Three of them from House Forrester, one from Bear Island from house Mormont, two from House Umber, and one from House Whitehill. There was no one else from any houses and so the others were peasants. But Jon and Dany didn't care because they are used to manual labor. The meal is served in a hall similar to that of the one at the outpost above. Fire spits working day and night and a large hearth was at the center of the room. There are talismans carved into the walls along with old runes and decorations. They didn't notice at first when they came.
Now that they are here however things will be different that much is known. As they pondered this a few people were playing music to soften the silence that was expressed while eating. There was a person playing the flute another playing the lyre and a third playing the lute. All three sounded harmoniously as they played. But the song they played was not from the Northern area. Jon and Dany recognized the song as one from Dorne. The song 'The Dornishman's Wife,' played on their lips as they sang the lyrics.
But Jon and Dany ignored them as they played preferring to the silence. Not only that but both were exhausted after their journey to get here despite having to rest along the way.
It was not till after the meal that Dany and Jon walked outside to look at their surroundings that a shadow passed over them. One of the dragons that inhabit this valley flew overhead as it chased after a heard of animals not far away from them. It then unleashed blue fire that froze the ground before it swooped in and picked up a herd beast and off towards a place to eat.
Both watched as it disappeared to the far end of the valley. As they stood there other dragons flew overhead. The sky was littered with them all of them pale in colors but still a wonder. Many of them flew overhead and when they looked down smaller ones were on the ground. Some of them being tended to by several people from grooming to feeding. Dragon husbandry was still alive here and they knew they are soon to be apart of it. It is just that they hope they can get their dragons ready in time for the long night.
TBC….
A/N: Ok this has no action whatsoever but it was a major plot builder. I figure since you people wanted more of Jon and Dany I should give it to you. So here you go folks another chapter this one sort of a filler chapter but still a chapter. So how about it folks! It was inspired by the late Anne MacCaffrey's Dragonriders of Pern Series and the Elder Scrolls Skyrim. I figured Dany and Jon need to learn how to properly care for their dragons somewhere so why not. And for your information, No I have not played the Tell Tale Games version nor have I seen all of the playthrough videos on youtube. I just did some reading and gone with the flow. So anyhow just remember to please hit that review button leave a comment but remember no FLAMES, LORE MONGERS, OR BASHINGS PLEASE.