Finally, sorry for the wait. This was a hard chapter to write and writeen three times before it made sense. After this, One more chapter before the BIG wait and then, war.
Jon
The days passed quickly and before anyone knew it, the armies of the world had begun the great march to the Wall, and perhaps even to their deaths. Instead of riding the dragons straight to the Wall, Jon and Daenerys chose to go on horseback with the armies. Even if they wanted to ride the dragons they wouldn't be able to. For a few days before everyone left Winterfell, the dragons had been a bit more aggressive and territorial to everyone including Jon and Daenerys. Jon at one point tried to warg into them all to keep control, but their instincts overpowered him greatly. For some reason they were all in a very protective state, especially towards Ygris. She was in pain when Jon tried to control the dragons and couldn't understand why.
Not wanting to let the red dragon egg be so close to a battle, Daenerys left it in Winterfell under the care of those too old and too young to join the march. Such a thing was too precious to her to let near an evil so great. Her doing that reminded Jon of why he sent Ygris and Lyarras away from the Night's Watch when he hatched them almost two years ago.
The march itself wasn't any obstacle for anyone. They days and nights were kind without the presence of snowfall and with the Free Folk at the head of the march, leading all to their destination, the time they were making was perfect. They were followed by the Unsullied and behind them rode Jon and Daenerys with the forces of the North. The Dothraki rode at the back, taking advantage of the snow being packed down hard into a good path for their horses.
Evening began to creep over the Westeros by the time the armies crossed over the Last River. There was a small settling of trees not too far away that would provide enough wood for fires to keep the warmth that was disappearing the further North they all traveled.
As they host of soldiers ceased and the tents were raised, the stars began to appear as the light of the sun disappeared beyond the horizon. With no moon out that night, there were more stars than possibly imaginable. The cold of the snow gave the light riddled darkness a strange presence, one that was mystifying and marveling.
With the fatigue of travel and spell of weariness befalling everyone, there was no time left in the day for a command meeting with a few of lords. So without any argument all who could went straight to sleep. But in the day that came, so did a small storm. It was no blizzard, but it was enough to prevent a continued journey North for at least another day.
The delay was not the only problem however. To keep the horses warm, the Dothraki and other soldiers surrendered their tents to their mounts to keep them warm, but those that did succumbed to sickness. There wasn't enough maesters to tend to all, but some of the Free Folk had knowledge of medicinal treatments for the cold that were unheard of but very effective. One of which was a drink stronger than any ale, it would heat up the body to combat against the cold.
Daenerys was taken away to a private council with Tyrion, Jorah, and Varys so Jon desired to be in the company of his family. But unfortunately for him, they were all occupied elsewhere, be it practicing fighting or something else. Instead he chose to oversee if everything was ready to resume for the march first thing the next day. He had Sam and Ser Davos join him on a walk through the camp while. They had no specific destination, but Jon wanted to look around to see the mood of the army. Ghost joined them as well, keeping close to Jon vigilantly.
The three of them walked passed many wagons and carts covers with large fabrics to protect their cargo from the snow. "Has there been word from the Wall yet on the construction?" Jon asked.
"We received a raven this morning," Sam informed, "the weather up there is worse than it's been with us. We'll only have one trench dug and the battlements for the archers posted outside the pass being made will only range half the length of it."
"It'll be the best we get," Ser Davos said, "we already have the upper hand with our strategy. We just need to hope that the White Walkers accept the challenge and face us head on."
"Don't worry," Jon said as the passed a large wagon that contained ten ironwood helmets made for the giants, "they will. Was there anything else in the raven Sam?"
"Yes," Sam replied in a sullen tone, "there was an accident and several of the builders died."
"What happened?"
"Some ice on the west side of the Wall broke from the top and fell near the inside of the passage. It crushed the men and there's hardly anything left to burn."
Jon felt upset that such a thing happened, but there wasn't anything he could do and nothing he can do about it now.
"We could hold a service of gratitude for them a day before we prepare for battle." Ser Davos suggested.
"Aye, we'll do that." Jon agreed. "They died working to help protect the world, they deserve a burial of some kind at least. Is there anything else the scroll said?"
"No," Sam said, "just those."
Not much relief was felt with only a short message. Construction was behind and they living was already suffering losses before the battle even arrived. But they couldn't dwell on such things and had to accept what was available to them. "What about inventory? We have the dragonglass, but there are over a hundred Valyrian weapons in Westeros. Do we know how many are going to be used on the battlefield?"
"The maesters and I did a count and we have forty-seven Valyrian Steel swords, twelve axes, several daggers, two spears, and three of the Dothraki arakhs. Ser Jaime advised that the best fighters should be armed with the weapons when the strength and speed of the White Walkers was explained. I even entrusted my family's sword to the Hound."
"Clegane?" Davos inquired. "I'd call you a fool to think he would return such a weapon if he was the same as he was before he left King's Landing."
"It'll be in much better hands than mine. I'll remain with the archers since I can't swing a sword very well. And most of the one's who brought their ancestral weapons are too old themselves to fight with them."
"Let's just hope none go missing before the battle." Davos said. "A coward would only need one blade to run away and trade it for more gold than most Houses have."
To be honest, Jon wouldn't blame any who would run away from the dead. That's most that any could usually do when in the presence of such evil. "Aye," Jon said, "let's hope that it doesn't. But if any try and get caught, I'll take their heads myself for desertion." The three men and Direwolf came to a clearing where a few campfires were made and soldiers gathered around. Some of them singing songs or just talking. Anything to brighten the mood. Jon turned to face Sam and Ser Davos. "Sam, that's all I'll need from you today. Go be with Gilly and enjoy your time together."
"Glady Jon." Sam pleasantly left to go find Gilly who was among those treating the sick. While she joined the armies to serve as a healer and a cook for the armies, Little Sam had to be left in Winterfell under the care of some of the old folk who aged too much to join the fight.
"Ser Davos," Jon said, "I free you from the demand of my company if you desire to be elsewhere."
"Actually, my desire right now is to discuss something I haven't the chance to yet since I've been busy working with Gendry and the other Stormlords."
"Of course. What troubles you?" Ser Davos took the lead of the walk and Jon followed next to him.
"I heard about the situation you had with Ser Bronn regarding him disrespecting you."
"It wasn't me, it was my family. My brother and father died by traitor's hands and I won't let others mock or joke about such things. I won't take heads, but I won't stand for it to go without consequence."
"That's perfectly fair, as is your right. However, I was actually referring to his blatant disrespect regarding you as King."
"He hasn't had a problem with it ever since." Bronn had returned to his usual attitude days after his punishment, but he did show more courtesy to Jon and others.
"He hasn't but you do. I heard that you told him you don't give a damn about the crown or the throne. You're only accepting one and pursuing the other because you need to."
"Aye, I couldn't care less about being the King of Westeros, so why is that a problem?"
"May I speak freely, your grace?"
"I welcome it."
"If you have no desire, then why should we follow you? You have the claim and you're a far better choice than Cersei, but without a desire to be what we need, what's the point in swearing our fealty to you?"
He made a good point. Up until being crowned King at his wedding feast, Jon only did what he thought was right because that was all the reason he needed. His people respected him for that and were loyal because of it. "It doesn't matter right now. Fighting the dead does."
"Aye, they do. But how are we going to face them? Will Jon Snow lead us into battle, or Jon Targaryen, the King of Westeros?"
"I used to have the desire to be a leader. I felt pride when I was elected the Lord Commander of the Watch and even enjoyed the power I held for the time. But the pride and desire disappeared when I died."
"You got to experience betrayal on the side of the betrayed," Ser Davos reminded, "a thing that many men suffer in their lives, but only a few are able to strive through it. I thought you did at first when you came back and took Winterfell from the Boltons. But then you remained as you are now. A Brooding man acting like the world in on his shoulders and his alone. It doesn't have to be. You can let others help you carry such a burden."
"I know I can, I just… I can't help but be careful to not be reveling in my position."
"It's not that you're trying to be careful, it's that you're afraid to embrace what you are. You're afraid that people still see you as Jon Snow instead of Jon Targaryen."
In all truth, Ser Davos wasn't wrong. Even after all of the things Jon has had to do and the things he has done for everyone, there were those like Bronn who saw him a bastard still. "I've tried what I could. I've fought for the people time and time again, and I've died for them."
"I hate to say it, but having the will to die for your people isn't good enough. Maybe you should try living for your people and give them something to die for. I know it may sound selfish, but it might just make people actually want to fight for you aside from with you. If the only reason you're King is because you need to be without any desire, then it doesn't show that you care much."
The weight of Ser Davos' words carried a weight that Jon was familiar with as a man of the Watch. The memories of those who gave him guidance rang in Jon's mind.
'Do you want to lead these men?' Jeor Mormont asked, demanding to let Jon express his desire.
'You'll find little joy in your command, but with luck you'll find the strength to do what needs to be done.' Aemon Targaryen said, counseling Jon that some of the hard choices are the ones we must learn to take.
"You're one of the most honorable men alive," Ser Davos told Jon, "but it's time you stop being a man, and be a King."
"I don't know how to do that." Jon admitted. He could rule and commands, give counsel to the best of his abilities and fight for his people, but he didn't know how to be a real King.
"Then it's a good thing you're married to someone who does. Maybe you should try asking her." Davos took his leave and left Jon alone with Ghost.
Jon looked down to ghost and saw curious eyes looking back at him. "What do you think boy?" Jon asked his direwolf while brushing his hand over Ghost's head.
Ghost took a few paces forward and stopped, looking back at Jon, waiting for him to follow. Jon decided to see where it was his direwolf wanted him to be so he followed behind at a brisk pace. Many who were in Ghosts' path of direction quickly got out of his way, looking terrified and cautious of what would happen if they didn't. When Jon would walk by the men, they would all give quick bows with their heads and break from their spell of fear.
It didn't take long for Jon to find himself led to the entrance of Tyrion's tent. Two Unsullied stood guard at the entrance and didn't even flinch when Ghost strut right inside paying them no heed. When Ghost's body entered halfway, Jon heard Tyrion yelp, presumably being surprised by Ghost's sudden entrance. Ghost backed out of the tent and sat next to Jon as sounds of laughter were heard.
It wasn't a moment later that Daenerys and Tyrion walked out of the tent to see Jon and Ghost waiting patiently. "Your grace," Tyrion said, "I must admit that I would appreciate it if your greetings weren't as surprising as this one."
"I won't make any promises."
Tyrion sighed, disappointed that he might be subject to the mercy of a direwolf. "I see, is there something you need?"
"I was hoping the queen would be available by now."
"We're not entirely finished with our discussion, but I suppose we could use a break." He turned to face Daenerys. "We'll resume in the evening."
"Thank you, Lord Tyrion." Daenerys said before Tyrion reentered his tent. "Is everything alright?" Daenerys asked as she took Jon's arm and they walked away from Tyrion's tent.
"What were you talking about?"
"It began as planning for the future of the country if we win the wars to come."
"Anything worth mentioning?"
"Since we're having to boys, he brought up the conflict about succession to the throne. He even dared to throw in the idea of the possibility that our sons would fight each other for the throne and go to war for it."
"He should be glad I wasn't there. I think I would've punched him."
"Well I did slap him when he said that. I refuse to believe in that horse shit about the gods flip a coin when Targaryens are born. But he did redeem himself with another idea."
"As expected of him to be clever."
"He thought about dividing Westeros in half at the Neck. With the Walker dead, there will be more land to explore and things to discover. The two kingdoms would be of an equal size to each other and the North would get the independence it's always wanted."
"It's an idea, but with the majority of the lands beyond the Wall being nothing but winter, there wouldn't be a proper equity between the kingdoms."
"Then I'll make sure you join us this evening. But enough of that, what was it you wanted to speak to me about?"
"I had a talk with Davos just now."
"About what?"
Jon didn't answer at first, he didn't know where to begin. "Is it odd to ask why you want to be Queen?"
"Not at all. But why are you asking?"
"I suppose it's because I'm trying to find a reason to want to be King."
Daenerys looked at him questionably. Not from suspicion, but concern. "I want to take back what is ours by right, back form the usurpers who have sat on it since the Mad King and let the country fall apart. I became sick of everyone around me trying to make me their pawn to get the throne for themselves. I vowed to claim it, for my right was the only right. I was planning to bring our legacy to those who wronged me when I sailed back here. Fire and Blood. But then I met you. You reminded me why that I came here to be different than the ones who stole the throne from the Targaryens. And you gave me something to hope for the future. I want to and will be Queen so that I can give a better world to our children and for everyone who had to suffer in the mess that was made."
Jon thought over here words. What began as a quest for vengeance turned into a quest for salvation for Daenerys. But compared to him, she spent far longer seeking after these types of things for those who followed her. Jon only sought after survival for his men and people. Even that didn't give him desire to be King in the North. "I can't say I don't want a better future for our children, Dany. But after the wars are fought and if we win, what do I do then?"
"You'll be the King of Westeros, you can do as you please. I cannot tell you what you want to be as a King, only you can."
Jon tried to think if there actually was anything he wanted. "I once told you that people follow you because they believe you make the impossible happen. I want to do that too, but-"
"But what? We are the last chance our family has to transform into one of the greatest Houses in the world once again. What is it that you believe is stopping you?"
"I can't when people look at me like I'm still a bastard."
"If you truly believe that you can't make the impossible happen like that, then I married a fool. It wasn't Aegon the Sixth of name who saved the Wildlings from the White Walkers and let them south, it wasn't him who defeated the Boltons and restored order to the North, and it wasn't him who won my heart over, it was Jon Snow. If you could do those things as a bastard, imagine what you can do as a King."
'Kill the boy, Jon Snow, and let the Man be born. Kill the man, and let the King rise up.'
Jon let her words sink in as he took a chance to think of what he could do as a true king. He wasn't one to think highly of himself, but he indulged himself this once and thought of the impossible things Aerys Targaryen said he would do before going mad. Maybe Jon could actually do that.
Jon halted their walk as the came to the edge of the camp. About a mile away was the river and foliage that grew on the banks of it. "Thank you, Dany."
"I'll always be here for you when you need me." The two of them looked out to the view just as the snow stopped falling. "It's a beautiful sight."
Jon looked down to Daenerys and saw her in a beautiful bliss. "Yes, it is."
My biggest concern is if the dialogue sounds believable. Show me the MONEY!
