DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN GAME OF THRONES OR SONG OF ICE AND FIRE THEY BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS.
A/N: You guys have been so patient with me over the last few years since I started this fic and I thank each and every one of you.
Now as you all know Dany and Jon are at the Dragon Sanctuary learning how to be dragon handlers and riders. And how Rob and Ned Stark are looking for a bunch of robbers that are using teleportation magic. Sansa and Arya are in King's Landing trying to figure out who the slavers belong to. While Catelyn is working with Tyrion on what the Lannisters and the rest of Westeros is up to as far as Robert Baratheon's death. That leaves Bran who is about to go learn from the Three Eyed Raven in the True North, and Ramsey, Theon and Yara in the Reach dealing with happens there. So many things are happening and I am glad I am working on it in sections even though things are a bit slow in terms of the writing department. But I have not given up on this story yet so don't get mad or sad about it. It just takes time to blend the elements together into writing. I already have the plot mapped out I just need to make it make sense.
You get me?
Also to the reviewer who went on about the inconsistencies of the chapters and about the Septa in general. READ THE CHAPTER BEFORE REVIEWING! God's I am so tired right now and I have to deal with this crap. Let me spell it out to you read the chapter. The Septa is in name only! She is not an actual Septa it was a misunderstanding between the Rivermen and the Northmen when Ned Stark gotten married. The men that came with Catelyn Tully thought the Septa who goes by Shifu in the North was an actual Septa. So they name stuck! Get it now, she is not a real Septa. Gods, I really hate it when nobody pays attention and they take things too literally. Alright I am going to bed.
Alright enough rambling I am going to start the chapter. I have at least oneor two more before I move on to the next group since this will be a short one before the next segment.
Anyhow here it is folks.
THE WARRIORS OF WINTERFELL
Chapter 28: What's the First Rule
NORTHERN GROVE DRAGON SANCTUARY, TRUE NORTH
It was a new day and Jon and Dany had been training at the dragon sanctuary for over a month or two.
All they did was basically, get up, get dressed, break their fast, and then go into the sanctuary itself to clean dragon shit off the main fields and then learn about how to take care of a dragon. So they basically gotten the basics down. How to clean up after them, how to know when something is wrong, and how to properly care for them to keep them healthy. This means know what to do for different situations. From what kinds of foods do they eat such as what meats to consume and how to check for injuries or basic skin problems. So many things go into care for a dragon and it has wore the two Targaryens out.
"Who knew caring for dragons is such hard work," said Jon as he leaned on his shovel.
"I thought I could just do whatever I want with them and let them do whatever I want," Dany replied as she also stopped what she was doing to address her nephew.
They were both out cleaning the pen of one of the dragons who had recently had a bad case of poisoning. The dragon had eaten something it shouldn't have out in the field and is now regretting it since it made it get such a horrible belly ache.
Thankfully the dragon is still young and learning. It was one of the wild dragons and had not had an owner. But as part of the sanctuary the dragon needs to be cared for just like the ones that are claimed by a rider. The dragon was about four years old and well into its adolescent stage. It was being aggressive to anyone other then its own parents which are the head of its pack. However both parents are out hunting and are used to dealing with the keepers of the sanctuary. So they have no to worry when the parents return. It was however people the parents don't recognize that it becomes dangerous.
"Awk will you stop shitting for one minute," said Jon as was forced to take the nearly liquid pile he had scooped out of the sand and into the wagon to be properly disposed of.
The dragon only squealed as it sprayed again. Dany was busy rubbing its belly trying to sooth it.
"Alright class the first rule when it comes to caring for dragons is to make sure you clean them often. For a dragon is a very clean creature, but some places on their body are hard to reach. So as a caretaker you must understand this rule if you are to take proper care of your dragon." With this Oonu walked up to the baby dragon and began to scrub it using a brush and some oil. The dragon croons when he does this and stretches out a wing for better access to its back and membranes.
"If you oil a dragon especially a young dragon then it would be easier for them to grow. You see in the wild dragons seek out places with certain mud and mineral qualities. Those living near the ocean often times go for swims in the kelp forests harvesting the plants to rub themselves against and eating lots of fish, whales and seals for their oils. Here we combined the two to this oil extract to help with skin problems.
Dragon's skins are very sensitive also at this stage in their lives so be careful when applying it. The main parts are around the wings, which are still growing despite their age and their backs where they can't reach. Mainly between the shoulder blades. But you must apply it all over the body including the head." Oonu said as he finished scrubbing the baby dragon.
The little dragon crooned as it leaned into him like a large cat. Laughing Oonu petted the dragon enjoying its attention. When he was done he moved away to put away the tools.
There was a bucket and some things on the side. Oonu put the brush into the bucket and the bucket of oil into another cabinet.
"The brush needs to be cleaned or else it would be ruined by the hardened oil. This here cabinet is heated to let you keep the oil at a certain temperature ready to use. This bucket is simply water mixed with a special soap we make to break down the oil on the brush. Leave it in here for about a day and then retrieve it. When you do rinse it with water and then it will be ready to go." Oonu said before walking back to the dragon in question. Sensing its attention Oonu then grabbed its snout and opened its mouth.
"Now when you do your inspections not only do you have to oil your dragon but you need to do a health check as well. Part of caring for your dragons is to ensure that the dragon's growing skin is properly cared for. Dry skin leads to lesions and those can get infected. The skin becomes brittle and when it does happen a dragon can get sick, and you don't want to deal with a sick dragon," Oonu instructed them.
Jon and Dany took it all in as they watched and practiced how to care for a young dragon. Everything on how to feed it to how to groom it day in and day out. Each lesson was new and different and both seemed to be immersed in it.
This carried on for several weeks with the same routine of getting up and getting dressed. Then heading down to break their fast and then their lessons. It was pretty much hands on with a lot of work and patience with both Jon and Dany. However things changed when someone came knocking at their door.
Jon quickly rushed to open the door and saw a rather thin boy standing there waiting for them.
"The master wishes to see you," he said and turned around and walked away. Both Dany and Jon followed him out the door and down the hallway. Luckily for them they had just gotten dressed so there was no need for the boy to wait. As they walked they could see several other apprentices waiting for them.
"You called for us Master Oonu?" asked Dany as they spotted the man just outside of the main hall.
"I have indeed summoned you. Where is the wolf?" he asked looking for Ghost. Jon whistled and a white blur came bounding out of the building.
When he had gotten to them the man smiled, "Good now get on," he said and made a signal to the dragon who crouched down low. Zīragon could only stare at them as they crawled onto his wing and then onto his back.
"Where are we going?" Jon asked Oonu as Dany gotten in front of him since she was shorter.
"To the outpost at the foot of the mountains. It was where you met that spider on your wolf's head," he said pointing to Baesa who remained on Ghost. She had grown a bit since they had gotten her, but the spider was still able to ride Ghost. She was about the size of a large cat though Ghost was a direwolf so he was about the size of a horse. The dragon was more then happy to have him ride on it's back.
Ghost had been situated behind Jon who is behind Dany. Holding her to make sure she doesn't fall she also held on to Oonu as he situated himself in front by holding on to Zīragon's spines. As he held on the had them also lean forward as Zīragon opened his wings for take off.
The force that they felt when the dragon first took off was something they would not forget. As the wind started to rush through at them the dragon's wing muscles could be felt under the scaly skin. Unlike the fire drakes an ice drake's scales is more rigid to suit the environment that it lives in. As they reached over the ridge Jon was glad that he is from the North or else he would have frozen to death.
The freezing winds make it hard for him to see as Oonu expertly maneuvered the dragon over the mountain that they called their home down the pathway of the mountains towards the outpost as the foot of the mountain. As they dipped down for a landing the ride was too short for both Jon and Dany. When they landed Zīragon lowered himself to allow everyone to get off. As soon as that happened he rose on his hunches and took off again to go hunt.
"Why did you bring us here?" Jon asked not that he was complaining. Riding a dragon was amazing! It was far faster to fly to the place they were going instead of riding which would have taken them several days. At least this way they were here at the outpost within an hour's ride. As they started walking towards the buildings something came running towards them. Or should they say towards Ghost.
The direwolf gave a few happy barks as he was suddenly attacked by a gray blur. That became apparent when that blur turned out to be Graywind. The other dirwolf was more then happy to see his brother again as they tussled in the snow despite the protests of Baesa. The spider leaped off and started to head towards Dany, but was nearly attacked by another direwolf this one of a golden color. Thankfully Ghost managed to protect her just before she was torn to shreds.
"Summer no!" a voice said and they turned to see a pair of figures approach from the nearby buildings.
"Robb! Bran! What brings you here?" Jon said as he rushed towards his brothers with Dany in tow. Instead of a handshake Jon gave Robb a hug and Dany did the same to Bran and they both switched giving each other long awaited hugs. Bran being in his wheelchair was unable to get up so everyone had to bend down to hug him.
"I, I mean 'we' are here to say hello," Robb replied as he gave them a quick over.
"Why don't we head inside I am feeling a bit cold," Bran said and they all headed over inside one of the buildings reserved for guests. Bran being pushed by Robb the whole way.
SOMETIME LATER
"Baesa? You named that thing that?" asked Robb laughing.
They were inside the guest home reserved for Robb and Bran since they are only visiting.
"Yeah, I mean the name fits after all. She is rather sweet especially with Ghost," Dany said laughing and they turned to see the spider snuggled up to the direwolf. The other wolves also made themselves known by sleeping close by.
"Well Lord Stark we received your raven and thankfully brought them over to see you before you head off," said Oonu as he enjoyed their company as well. Being a chaperon he was enjoying the quiet of the outpost as compared to the noise and the openness of the busy sanctuary.
"So after catching up what brings you this far north Lard Stark. After all it is not every day that the two sons of Lord Eddard Stark are this far north?" Dany asked them getting to the point.
"Alright I am actually here to drop off Bran at the Sacred Tree," said Robb looking at the younger boy who was enjoying the sight of Jon and Dany once again.
"Bran? Why?" asked Dany.
"The Three Eyed Raven came to me in a dream. He said that I am to come north to meet him. And I have been selected to get the greenseer training," Bran said to them and both Jon and Dany's eyes lit up.
"That is a rare gift to be received by the Three Eyed Raven of all greenseers. It must mean you are powerful with the gift of sight if that is the case," said Jon as he rubbed the top of Bran's head much to the protest of the other.
"Not only that but Bran here along with all of us are skin changers," said Robb much to Jon's surprise.
"Skin Changers? You mean Wargs?" Dany said just as surprised. Her violet eyes were large in shock at the sound of Robb's declaration.
"Aye, discovered it a few weeks before Bran's accident. Had to ask father to change my schedule so I can take some classes with the other Wargs. But apparently the Starks were wargs or had the blood of wargs for generations," said Robb sounding serious.
"So I can be a warg too?" Jon asked him.
"Aye, and young Daenerys too if she has the gift," said Oonu as the man had taken a drink from his wine cup. Thought the contents was not wine but warm ale. The rest of the room looked at the man as if he had grown another head.
"So if Jon has the gift what does that lead us?" asked Bran speaking up for the first time.
"It means that magic is returning to the world. The rest comet is nearly upon us. When it arrives is when magic is renewed," said Oonu looking at the boy fondly.
"Except for the wall," said Jon remembering what Lord Stark said back at Winterfell. That thought made Jon's face full of worry.
"Don't worry yourself too much my prince. Soon we will find a way to renew the magic that has kept the White Walkers and the Others from entering the rest of Westeros." Oonu replied as he leaned back on his chair.
Still Jon did not settle nor did the other members of the room. It was a false claim and they all knew it. The only sound was the clicking noises of Baesa as she groomed Ghost as well as Greywind and Summer. Thought the later two was weary of the spider. As they sat there ignoring their ale and food something else occurred to Jon.
"Robb, any word on Sansa? Have they found her yet?" he asked referring to anyone in the North with any sort of knowledge of Sansa's journey throughout the North.
"Aye, they found her in King's Landing. Apparently she escaped on her own and joined up with Arya. Father sent Arya out to King's Landing to put her ear to the ground to see if Sansa were shipped to Essos to be sold into slavery. But she managed to catch up with Arya and now both of them are on a mission to find out more on King Robert's death," said Robb sounding serious. As he said it both Dany and Jon both gave sighs of relief at the news that their cousin is alive and well. And that she is now serving a mission for Lord Stark.
"Robb tell them about the bandits that father found near White Harbor and Castle Cerwyn!" Bran said wanting something a bit more exciting to know about even though the boy's eyes had started to droop.
"Oh alright and then afterwards you are off to bed since it is a long journey," said Robb in a scolding fashion.
"But I am not tired," said Bran as he wanted to protest, but Robb was not relenting. "No you will go to bed after this. When we are done catching up we must make way to the tree. We've already delayed long enough and the Three Eyed Raven only allowed us two nights of rest here at this outpost and to catch up before we have to move on," Robb said back to Bran much to the younger boy's protests.
"Alright so what did happen? Since the tree is more towards the east isn't it a bit far to travel a-ways from the main road towards the foot of the Frostfangs?" Jon asked them.
"Bran was adamant that he sees you two before we head over to the Sacred Tree which is near the Fist of The First Men. We had him ask Lord Bloodraven if it was alright if we made a detour so that Bran can see you," he said to them and both Targaryens nodded in understanding. After all Bran wanted to see his older siblings for sometime other then Robb. It would be good for the boy to get some familiar support before he goes into training.
"Who else is with you? Other then Bran?" said Jon.
"Just myself and Bran and a few men from Castle Black. After all they are joint outposts like this throughout the True North," said Robb before he went on telling his tale about how Lord Stark went to Castle Cerwyn to find out more about the slavers, and to answer a complaint from Castle Cerwyn and White Harbor about some thieves. Robb was then disguised as a guard to ensure that no one knew that he was spying on the men in the keep. It was hilarious when only the Manderlys knew who Robb was and how they figured out that the theives are using transportation portals to go from the North to somewhere else. The guess was somewhere in King's Landing.
"So Lord Tyrion is now at the Red Keep is that correct?" Jon asked Robb once he set Bran to bed. The boy was in a separate room and Robb sent Summer in there to keep an eye on them. Knowing that Bran might try some of his Warg powers on Greywind, Ghost or Baesa he had the wolves go out and hunt so that way they are kept in the privacy of their conversation.
Thankfully however Bran was exhausted by the journey to this outpost to care. So he was sleeping deeply when Robb closed the door.
"Father is worried after the news of Sansa being in King's landing had reached him," said Robb as he took another drink of his ale.
"How worried?" asked Dany as she leaned in closer. Her eyes showed their curiosity.
"Very worried, after all if we suspect what happened to Aunt Lysa and to Sansa was any coincidence then something much worse then the Murder of a King is at state. At such a time as the arrival of the Great Long Night the North can't wait to play petty games at the courts just for the amusement of some idiot southern lord. So Lord Tyrion will try to convince his father to take over as Hand. That way Lord Stark can stay in the North and Lord Tyrion can resume his duties as Librarian of Winter.
"I thought Lord Tyrion is exempt from performing in any royal duties?" Jon said to Robb.
"He is, it is against the law for him to participate in any sort of court duties, but he was asked by Lord Lannister to hold the keep till his arrival in four months time. After all Lannisport is on the other side of the continent. It would take sometime before Lord Tywin makes his way to King's Landing unless he goes by boat," said Jon remembering what Asha had said to them when they were traveling to Bear Island. That one can travel faster by sea or by air then by land. That way as long as the sea is calm and the winds are good then they can arrive at King's Landing in half the time.
"I would not be surprised if he went by boat, but then again he could just travel by land just to make the people in King's Landing piss their pants," said Oonu as he took a swig of his ale.
"Aye that is true. After all he would want to check up on some of his holdings. But if time is of the essence then he would go by ship. He is not a very patient man from what Father has told me," replied Robb as he too took in some ale and some snacks. The others nodded in agreement remembering what was said about Lord Tywin Lannister. The man who wiped out a house just because they rebelled against him. Drowned them in their own homes and even killed the servants. He even participated in killing off Dany's family including the children of Lady Elia Martell.
"I still have not forgiven him for what he did to my family," Dany said feeling the old anger creep up on her. But then again Lord Stark had been nice enough to inform her that she currently has the second son of said man working as the Librarian of Winter. But then again you can't judge a man by the sins of the father. Jaime Lannister on the other hand was the murderer of her father. What they call him these days the Kingslayer. The man had become a Kingsguard to his biological son Joffrey the spoiled brat. His sister and brother the true heirs are in danger of being slain if they are found out. Not only that but King Robert wasn't exactly faithful to his wife either so any of his bastard children could take up arms to claim the throne as was their birthright.
But with all that is going on down south the true enemy is slowly gathering its forces to the north to make their way towards the Wall. If the Wall's magic is not renewed by the time they arrived then the North will be under attack almost immediately," Oonu said to him.
"Maybe we can get the dragons to help!" said Dany remember the Ice Dragons.
Sadly however Oonu shook his head, "We can't risk the dragons against the Night King. Ice Dragons feed on cold winter nights. The Great Long Night is a time for nesting for the Ice Dragons. Their eggs will be strongest when the moon does not show itself. After all they are creatures of cold frosts and dark winters. After all their magic derives from the ice not the flame. Fire may come from their maw but their fire is as cold as the frigid snows of the lands of Always Winter. That is why it burns so much for it burns cold not warm. A Fire Drakes on the other hand has fire that is as hot as the sun. That is why when one is burned by a dragon they are immediately turned to ash," he said to them making both Targaryens look down in shame.
"You said that the fire within the sanctuary is slowly dying why is that?" asked Robb. Suddenly curious when Oonu mentioned it a while back and only then he remembered.
"The magic within the sanctuary is on the verge of renewal. During the time of the Great Long Night the fire which has warmed the crater goes out and the crater is plunged into eternal cold. When that happens the dragons go into breeding mode. Luckily for us the First Men had prepared for this when they first stumbled upon the sanctuary. They made sure that there is enough warmth to keep us going throughout the Long Nights when the eternal fires of the crater are at their weakest. So we will be watching and waiting to see what happens, but in the meantime until then the fire eggs are safe," he said to them.
"We should start to make plans then to head south again if that is the case," said Jon and Dany looked at him worried. Her worry was seen on Jon's face as well.
"If that is the case then where can we get fire hot enough to hatch the eggs? There is no where in Westeros that can do that!" said Dany.
"You will need to travel to Essos and to the remains of Old Valyria. Seek out the fourteen brothers, their fire should be enough to help your dragons hatch," said Oonu. His face was impassive but the two understood a dismissal when they saw it.
"When would be a good time to travel?" Jon asked him.
"You've been with us for what a month? Two months? And already you are doing leaps and bounds. But first you need to know how to properly deal with a baby dragon when it first hatched. That is the first rule. I've taught you how to care for them after when they are older, but you need to learn how to care for them when they first hatch. And trust me fire drakes are a lot harder to care for then ice drakes when they are that small," Oonu said to them.
"So when do we start?" Dany asked.
"As soon as we get back to the sanctuary," Oonu replied.
"If you do travel to Essos take the Shadowtower they have a port there you can use to catch a ship to Essos." Said Robb.
"Actually I can take them to White Harbor. I have to report to Lord Stark on the whereabouts of the Night King and the other Freefolk still out and about in the Haunted Forest." Oonu said to them and they got up with excitement.
"So you will take us to Winterfell and then to White Harbor?" Jon asked them.
"Yes since it is along the way I can make a detour to White Harbor. After all they are used to Ice Dragons coming and going all the time. We provide them with scales, hide and horn for trade. Not only that but we also trade in other goods that are only grown in the True North." replied Oonu.
"Alright since that is settled then I will send a Raven to father and to Lord Manderly to prepare for your arrival. That way when you do arrive you won't surprise any lords," said Robb.
"At least we can get to Winterfell much faster by air then by land," Dany said to Robb. Robb was more then happy to nod in thanks but then a thought came up.
"You know if that is the case then I can send father my report through you then Jon instead of having to send a messenger to Winterfell. That way it can reach father faster." he said to him and handed Jon a book.
"Is this it?" Jon asked him and Robb nodded, "It is the latest ranger reports from the brothers of the Night's Watch. Ranger teams have been seeing sightings of White Walker scouts in the haunted forests lately and even some rogue Wildlings raiding Free Folk bands. If that is the case then we need to prepare for possible raids as well," said Robb.
"We can't afford such raids at this time. With the Great Long Night approaching every bit of supply is vital," said Dany.
"I know that is why we need to hurry back at first light," said Oonu and with that he stood up.
"I don't know about you, but I will turn in. We will resume at first light and then head back to the sanctuary so that way you can prepare for your journey. I will let the staff know to pack some food and water for your travels." he said and then walked out of the room. That left the three of them by themselves.
"I am sure father will be thrilled that you have a spider as well as a direwolf," said Robb teasing Jon because Baesa had chosen that moment to wrap both Greywind and Summer in a blanket of silk. Both wolves growled but Ghost seemed to be used to it and wagged his tail as if to thank the spider. He just slept soundly afterwards. The other wolves having sensed their brother's contentment decided that they too should just follow Ghost. The white wolf only remained asleep as Baesa scampered back into the comfort of Ghosts fur content to sleep.
All three of the Stark children watched them with a sense of awe as the animals proved that they could be trusted. As soon as he left the three of them waited till he was out of the room. Robb quickly went to the door and looked out and around the area to make sure that he was gone before coming back in. When he closed the door the others were waiting for him.
"Bran it is time for bed young man," said Robb even though Bran was struggling to keep his eyes opened.
"But Robb I can stay up a bit more I promise!" Bran protested as he was lifted from his chair and taken to a separate room. Summer gotten up from his sleeping position to guard his master. The silk blanket made by Baesa was still around him. When Robb returned the boy was sound asleep as the door was shut. But just to make sure he had Greywind guard it along with Summer. That way in case Bran decides to use his Warging to spy on them.
When he returned to his seat the conversation changed.
"Oonu is right about the fires in the sanctuary. The magic that has been protecting it is fading and so is the magic on the wall. Father has told me that Bran has to see the current Three Eyed Raven, Bloodraven Brynden Rivers. As a wolfrider it is my duty to take him there personally. To guard the next raven as he ascends to the realm of dreams," Robb said.
"You are not making sense Robb you said that Bran is to study with the Three Eyed Raven why do you have to escort him when you have guards to do it?" Dany asked Robb.
"Because Brynden Rivers is dying. Bran has received the call to train with him. However When I had arrived at Castle Black we had received a raven from the Sacred Tree. One of the children attending the tree has said that the Raven has fallen ill and they found that he is dying. He can no longer guard the realms against the enemy. But then again he has been there for over three hundred years. So it is time for him to return to the earth and another one to take his place. Someone belonging to the North and to the First Men." said Robb.
"But Bran is half Andal, his mother is from the south?" said Dany.
"That is what makes him special," said Robb as he sat down. His face looked worn and tired.
"Lord Bloodraven said that the Night King has grown stronger then he can hold. His power comes from the Great Other in the lands of Forever Winter. He has been gaining strength in the last century or so in order to grow his power for the Great Long Night. With the fading magic of the sun and the rising magic of Ice and death the Night King has been getting stronger by stealing the infant sons of the Free Folk namely a man named Caster. He turned the children into loyal generals for his army and have been raising the dead into a massive force. Scouts have reported the army in the Thenns gathering their strength as they march south. Already the Freefolk of that area are evacuating towards the Wall and to Border City. The brothers of the Night's Watch are at ready, but we need fire drakes to help us. The Ice Dragons are already in a panic and are fleeing the hold of death on our world. They are seen flying south. The Night's Watch reports when we were heading here were not good and Uncle Benjen. Uncle Benjen has been injured during a scouting mission in the Thenns." Robb said to them. Both Dany and Jon looked at each other in worry.
"How can we help get the dragon eggs to hatch faster then Robb? Oonu mentioned heading over to Essos?" Jon replied. Robb nodded his face grave of emotion as he pulled out a map.
"I am sure you heard Oonu when he mentioned Valyria. The Fourteen Brothers are still there and still smoking after all this time. Though now the freehold is full of stone men, but the fires there are still the same. If I were you I would head over to Ashai first and look for one of the priests of R'hllor. Their fire magic can help in making the environment perfect for dragon hatching. I would start there if possible," said Robb looking at them with a solemn face.
"We will once we get back to the sanctuary to retrieve the eggs," Dany said to him.
"I will head to the Sacred Tree with Bran to drop him off then head back to Winterfell. Father would like a report on the findings I saw here in the North. Oh and Jon, father did mention that you can ride Ghost now as a steed. The wolf has reached the perfect size to do so. He also gave me this book to help you. Arya found a copy of it in the Library and made duplicates for the rest of us," Robb said as he handed Jon a book. Jon looked at the title in surprise, Tales of the Wolfriders were written there.
"Good luck brother you are not only a Targaryen, but you are also a Stark. Same with you Dany. You may not have our blood but you have our backing. The North will be with you when the time comes to retake the throne," Robb said to her. She nodded her head, "My nephew will be the king one day it is his birthright. Let the Lannisters and the Baratheons rule for now for when the dragons return after the Night King is defeated. Ageon Targaryen will have his throne once again and we will ensure that the wheel is broken once and for all," said Dany.
"The true enemy is out here in the True North and the first rule is to deal with the dead. 'Bring balance back to the land of the living,' that is what Shifu has taught us. We must remember it." Robb replied.
With that said the two went to their own room to sleep leaving Robb to his thoughts and to their new task. When Jon entered the room already the fire was high and Ghost was fast asleep. The wolf is clearly about the size of a horse now and far too large for sleeping inside the room. But thankfully the houses and huts that make up the outpost include a spot for animals due to the combined heat being brought into the room. The bitter chill of winter a sure sign of the changing seasons.
"So we must leave for Valyria and learn from our ancestors," Dany said as she sat down on the bed. She was already in her sleeping clothes.
"Aye, it seems that fate has guided us in a different direction. If what Robb said is true then we need to be ready for anything when we get to Ashai." Jon replied as he stripped down to nothing but his trousers and an undershirt. Since he and Dany were little they were made to share a room. Such is common for family members of nobles whose members are so small that there is not enough room for separation. Siblings are made to share rooms which also adds to keeping them warm throughout the winters. However since he and Dany are the last of the Targaryen line. Lord Stark found it appropriate for them to be living together like siblings knowing the gender difference. Jon hadn't really put much thought into his Aunt as a woman. All he knows is that she is family and nothing else.
For as long as they grew up together she is viewed as a sister of sorts. A kindred spirit who was also as lost as him when it came to being an orphan. To grow up in a world full of ice when they are children of fire. The only other person that would understand was the Septa or Shifu. She has lived for centuries and can relate whatever they had in common with her. She was there in Valyria when the Doom happened. He saw it in the mirrors and saw for himself the fall of the great free hold. It was part of his private history lesson with Shifu as well as an introduction to where he came from and who he is. He and his aunt are the only two of their house to survive the purge. Jon taking on the mantle of a Northern Bastard and Dany as the banished child of the late king.
Well now that their conquerer is dead and murdered the realm is falling to despair at the new king Joffrey as far as Jon knows. But now is not the time to get his revenge for what happened to his father. First and foremost he has to focus on the true enemy the Others. The White Walkers who follow them are to be killed first and they need dragons to do that.
As he and Dany looked at one another both know that one day they will have to decide if they want to follow the old tradition of incest or if they want to choose their own lovers. Frankly both he and Dany hadn't discussed it yet due to other issues. But Jon feels in his gut that soon they will have to discuss it.
As he laid down on his bed and looked towards the ceiling his mind began to wonder at what the future would bring them. What Valyria would give them once they entered the cursed grounds.
Such as the travel to Essos and the journey to discover what it truly means to have Valyrian blood. As his eyes began to droop Jon turned to look at Ghost and Baesa who slept soundly in the nearby horse stable. Ghost truly had grown rather larger. In fact he failed to notice in his travels. But if what Robb said was true then Jon needs to learn all he can while on his journey. Maybe learning all there is with being a Targaryen as well as a Stark will bring the turmoil in his mind to a close. He could not help but think that maybe this journey that he is about to go under is the Old God's way of preparing him for the future. If that were so then...then he will be ready. He and Dany both will be ready to face that challenge.
TBC
A/N: Ok I was going to add an additional scene with Shifu but decided against it simply because it will not make any sense whatsoever. That and I was also dead tired from a long night at work. But I apologize for taking so long to get this up and on to the site but things in my life have come up that were out of my control. And as a result my many projects were left behind and only now I am playing catch up.
But by the time the shit happened I had already written a good chunk of this chapter already. Now I had finished the rest. So anyhow Dany and Jon are now going to go off to Valyria to help get their dragons to hatch. Since the fire magic in the sanctuary is not sufficient enough to do so. And for the final part in the Jon/Dany part of this segment will be them on their journey to get to Essos. Then I had decided thanks to some coworkers that the next one on my list will be Tyrion, Asha, Theon, and Ramsey Snow's story arc since I had not done them yet. Though Tyrions will tie in with Sansa and Arya's segments but at the same time be on its own. Things are getting interesting and I apologize to those who complained that the story is progressing too slowly. But to build up a good drama sometimes slow is best.
Till next time and please leave a review I would like to hear from you. But remember no FLAMES, LORE MONGERS, OR BASHINGS, CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM ONLY! Thanks and take care!