Casterly Rock 297 AC (first Moon).

Jaime.

It had been a week since Viserys was killed and Jon had barely spoken about it. Beric and Domeric had left to go back to their keeps, with Thoros staying on for some reason and while that should have concerned him, it was Jon that truly did. When Loras returned from Highgarden he came to him within a day of being back, he too worried about his friend and telling Jaime that while he said he was well, he felt he was lying.

He and Genna discussed it, he and Arthur also, he even spoke to both red priestesses and to Sarella, all of them telling him basically the same thing. Jon was holding it in, burying it deep inside and that if he didn't release it soon, he'd explode. Sitting in his room holding his daughter in his arms, watching her laugh and smile at the shadows on the wall, Jaime tried to decide what to do.

"Give her to me." Dacey said from behind him and he turned not even having noticed she had come in.

"What? No, it's alright, I can hold her." he said looking back down at Joanna.

"I know, give me her and go speak to him, spar, take a ride on the dragon, sit by the beach, whatever, but it's bad enough he's brooding, I'll not have you do it also.".

"Dace?."

"No, go Jaime, you know you wish to and he needs you, go.".

He stood up and handed his daughter to his wife before kissing them both and then walking from the room. The sun was still out and he breathed a sigh of relief, the idea of a dragon ride was not something he looked forward to. Stopping off at the stables he had them saddle Honor and Winter, along with Star, Arthur's horse. Jon having gifted him the stallion he'd won from the race in Highgarden and Arthur being overwhelmed by the gift from his king.

Walking down to the vaults he soon passed Melisandre's rooms, the red priestess and her two companions were sitting in there along with her guards and he shook his head, he knew that they could not stay here for too much longer and hoped Jon understood. He found him standing on the beach, just staring out on the water as he had done after they'd seen Viserys's execution, no murder, it was murder, a voice in the back of his head shouted.

"How long?" he asked Arthur who was standing with Jors.

"Most of the morning.".

"Jors, why don't you go take a break, Arthur and I will take it from here.".

"I'd rather stay my lord." Jors said and Jaime smiled at him.

"I know, but go anyway. I'm going to take him for a ride, it'd be for the best if it was less of us." he said and Jors nodded and looked to Arthur before walking away.

"Just you two?" Arthur asked.

"No, you also." he said before he walked to stand beside Jon.

They stood silently for a few moments, Jon just staring out on the water, while up further along the beach Ghost seemed to be chasing the waves. The white wolf's antics not even being noticed by Jon as he stood there. After the silence began to feel too much for him, Jaime turned to Jon and saw the expression on his face more clearly. It wasn't sadness or even anger, there was something else there and he couldn't quite make it out, though he decided to not even try for now.

"Come, we're going for a ride." he said and Jon didn't seem to hear him "Jon, Winter, Honor, and Star are saddled, come." he said and Jon nodded before turning to follow him back up the beach.

They were no sooner out of the Rock than Jon was off, he and Ghost racing far in front of them, Jaime and Arthur doing their best to catch him up. Though he never left their sight he was too far ahead of them to catch, he seemed to be pushing Winter to almost her limit. When they did catch him up he was by the stream, Winter drinking the water as Jon stood beside the mare speaking to her softly.

Jaime walked to him and touched him on the shoulder before motioning to the open space to the left, once they walked there he touched him again and then took out his sword. Tapping it three times on the ground he waited until Jon did likewise and then the spar began. It was quiet at first, both of them concentrating on getting into a rhythm, the edged blades coming dangerously close to contact on more than one occasion.

There would be no hits and no points, the spar more a loosening up than an actual contest. It didn't take too long for him to see how relaxed Jon got, how the smirk came to his face as they moved faster. After no more than ten minutes Jaime called a stop to it and Jon nodded before walking over and taking a seat by a tree, Jaime soon following and sitting down beside him.

"They all said he was mad, just like my grandfather, that he'd have been a threat to us, to me and my crown." Jon said.

"And you don't care." he said.

"He was my uncle, my blood, there's not so much of it around that I can just accept the loss of more." Jon said angrily.

"There was nothing you could have done Jon." he said.

"I could, we could. I knew he had him and I did nothing, I could have done more, I should have done more." Jon said shaking his head.

"Jon..".

"No, there are two members of my family out there in Essos, from what Kinvara told me there are people after them, this Magister Jaime, he's involved in something and I don't know what it is." .

"Richard.".

"Is busy with so many things, this has to be a priority, the magister can wait. I want him dead but I can wait for that, for him, for Robert, for Jon Arryn, I can wait because it must be done right. But Dany, Shiera, I can't, Jaime, I can't lose more family." Jon said as the tears began to flow.

Jaime leaned over and wrapped his arm around his shoulder allowing him to cry against him. After a few moments, he felt Jon stand up and so did he, no sooner had he than Jon hugged him tightly, no words were spoken between them and Jaime just patted him softly on the back.

"Thank you." Jon said as he moved away from him.

"Jon, I'm here for you, always, we'll fix this." he said and Jon nodded.

The ride back was slower and much different, Jon was in a far better mood even japing with them both as they rode. His mood improved even more over the next couple of days, both Jaime and Arthur sparring with him in the mornings and watching as he did so with the others throughout the day. Seeing him laugh with Brienne and Loras, with Satin and Sarella, almost making it seem like he was fully himself again.

Though it was the raven from Castamere which truly brought him back, Gerion and Joy were returning with Ashara, and Cregan and Jon's happiness at the news was infectious. Jaime was relieved also when he was told that Thoros and Kinvara would be leaving before then, something Genna was even happier about. Putting Joanna in her crib that night he smiled when he saw her sleeping, kissing her forehead before he walked to his bed and climbed in beside his wife.

"Jon is better?" she asked and he nodded "Good then perhaps we can go about making him a new brother or sister." Dacey said softly biting his ear.

Kings Landing 297 AC.

Jon Arryn.

The small council meeting was fuller than usual, Stannis having arrived from Dragonstone with the prince to pretty much only the boy's mother's delight. Sitting at the table with Petyr, Lomas, Stannis, Renly and to his chagrin Grandmaester Tyrell. He'd reluctantly accepted that nothing he could do would change the Citadel's decision and yet despite his own distaste for having a Tyrell at this table, the man had already shown himself a better sort than Pycelle, even if he was a little too focussed on the death of his predecessor.

"What news Lomas?" he began, the Maester of Whisperers being a man he enjoyed speaking to.

"Tidings from the West my lord, apparently it's not just a single red priest who's visited the Rock, but three of them." Lomas said.

"Three?" he asked.

"The one who's been staying there, another who arrived recently from Essos and Thoros of Myr." Lomas said.

"Perhaps Lord Jaime means to convert." Petyr chuckled.

"This is no laughing matter Petyr, it's bad enough his wife and former squire are tree worshippers, should he now seek to convert to whatever heathen religion these red priests espouse there would need to be consequences." Jon Arryn said and Petyr nodded.

"Perhaps it's prudent to speak to the High Septon my lord." Lomas said and Jon nodded.

"Anything else.".

"Yes, I want the prince removed from my keep." Stannis said shocking them all.

"But the king.." he began.

"Can raise his monstrous son himself. I fear for my daughter near that boy, his cruelty and pettiness knows no bounds." Stannis said.

"You have the freedom to discipline him however you wish Lord Stannis." Jon said.

"No amount of discipline can change that boy, but fine I'll speak to the king myself." Stannis said.

"Coin Petyr, how are we situated?".

"Good my lord, Illyrio's loans and taxes have been beneficial, though we are down some because of the Manse and extra buildings we've gifted him.".

"I find myself in agreement with the king on that Petyr, the rewards were well earned." Jon said.

"Indeed my lord, but the loss of income does take a toll, however, we've more than enough in reserve at the moment.".

"Good, his grace wishes a tourney, a large tourney, he wants the whole realm to attend to celebrate Viserys's death.".

"Truly a death worth celebrating." Renly japed.

"It is for the king and so celebrate it we will. Maester Tyrell, the ravens are to be sent today." he said handing him the pile of papers he'd spent the night writing up.

"I'll see it done Lord Hand.".

"Good is there any other business?".

"No my lord, that seems to be all." Lomas said.

He asked Petyr and Lomas to walk with him to the Tower of the Hand, having the Master of Whisperers wait outside while he spoke to Petyr in his solar. Offering his friend a glass of wine he wondered how to breach what he wished to, not sure how much he could even tell his closest friend.

"Her Grace Petyr, have you noticed anything different about her?" he asked.

"Different my lord, in what way?".

"I don't know Petyr, just different. I, it's strange but I find something not quite right and I wonder if it's just my imagination.".

"I cannot say I have my lord, though I've been most busy, however I shall endeavor to take a closer look, to see if I notice anything out of the ordinary." Petyr said with a smile.

"Very good, Illyrio Petyr, how fare we truly with his gold?".

"We are in tremendous debt to him of course Lord Hand, over a million gold dragons already, however, we've also managed to remove some of the debts to the Lannisters and the Tyrells.".

"The Lannisters and the Tyrells can sing for their coin for all I care, but Illyrio has no issue?".

"No my lord.".

"That plan you were working on with the Tyrells, is it completely dead?" he asked a moment later.

"I've had no real opportunity, my lord, Lord Mace has been most quiet in terms of tourneys and Lord Renly was busy in the Stormlands when Ser Garlan wed.".

"Perhaps at the tourney, we can place them together?".

"I'll see it done my lord." Petyr said.

"Thank you Petyr.".

Once he had gone Lomas walked in the man sitting down while Jon reached behind him and grabbed the bottle of wine, pouring both of them a glass he looked to his Master of Whisperers eager to hear more.

"These Red Priests, how long have they been in the West?".

"Thoros and the other one arrived a few weeks ago, the other's been there for more than a year.".

"A year?".

"Aye my lord.".

"Does the High Septon know of this?".

"I don't believe so my lord.".

"Good, I'll speak to him on it, any other new you didn't wish to share in there?" he asked.

"A few things my lord. Lord Wyman Manderly is sailing to the West, his ship bypassed here to get to there, also more and more people seem to be taking up the North's offer to move there.".

"Our people?" he asked surprised.

"People from Flea Bottom my lord?".

"What's the offer?".

"A better life my lord, food, shelter, and work.".

"Keep me informed of this, as long as it's the wretches from Flea Bottom I've no issue with it, if it's more substantial people, tradesmen and people of a higher standard then I wish to know. What else?".

"Strange reports from the Riverlands my lord." Lomas said.

"Of?".

"Scorched areas of land, Aurouch's carcasses burned to a crisp, and there have been sightings my lord, sightings of a... sightings of a dragon.".

Jon Arryn almost doubled over in his laughter, the mere idea of it, a dragon out there somewhere just flying over the Riverlands.

"My lord?".

"Forgive me Lomas, a dragon, who came forward with these sightings." he asked still chuckling.

"Some shepherds my lord.".

"No doubt looking for the crown to recompense them, sheer nonsense of course." he said and Lomas nodded "Is that all Lomas?".

"The Whispering Skull my lord." Lomas said.

"The what?" he asked looking confusedly at Lomas.

"I believe I'm not the only one looking into events in the realm my lord, there's someone else, someone I've recently become aware of. I know very little other than I believe he's referred to as the Whispering Skull.".

"He works alone or for someone?" Jon asked worriedly.

"I do not know my lord, however, I've set my own little birds to find out. I just wished you to be aware that someone else is out there doing as I do." Lomas said.

"Find this man Lomas and find who he works for.".

"I will my lord." Lomas said as he stood up and bowed before he walked from the room.

The Lannisters? Tyrells? Illyrio? Or someone else? it could be anyone. He poured himself another glass of wine as he began to think things through. The idea of someone working actively against them hadn't been one he contemplated though he began to consider it now. This smelt of Olenna's work, the withered old rose would seek to learn all she could and it would explain why she was so resistant to their efforts, taking a quill he quickly wrote a note to Lomas asking him to look into the Tyrell's more closely.

Later that day he knelt in the Sept of Baelor, having decided to go visit the High Septon rather than have him come to see him. He felt he needed guidance and so prayed to the Father and then the Crone. Kneeling there he soon found himself contemplating all his failures and mistakes. He had intended to go to his gods happy, content in knowing he'd done his duty and that he'd brought the heathens into the fold, that his life had not been in vain.

Yet the North was further from the faith than ever, the West was in danger of slipping away too and he felt his age as he struggled to stand up. Making his way to the High Septon's solar he passed the other statues, the Warrior, the Stranger, the Smith, the Mother, and the Maiden, each of them he'd prayed to at some time or other and his time was coming when he'd soon see them all in person.

"Is his holiness inside?" Jon asked and the septa nodded before opening the door to allow him enter the room.

"Ah Lord Hand, an honor indeed to have you grace my humble solar." the fat one said and Jon Arryn tried not to grimace as he looked at the anything but humble surroundings.

"The honor is mine High Septon. I come to you with a matter of the gravest urgency." he said taking a seat and accepting the wine the fat one offered.

"A fortuitous visit indeed Lord Hand, I was planning to come speak to you myself.".

"You were?".

"I was. I received a most strange letter from Riverrun my lord, Lady Catelyn joining in her husband's request to dissolve their marriage and see it annulled.".

"She did what?" Jon asked raising his voice so he was almost shouting.

"A strange request and yet one not without merit, she quotes many passages from the good book and many tenets of our own treatise. She also raises some interesting points regarding the North itself.".

"Such as?" he asked trying to stay calm.

"That this would show the North in it's true light, paint them as the heathens that they are. It would allow her to seek to educate her son in the shameful way she's been treated and to use the faith to do so." the fat one said.

"I, this cannot be allowed High Septon, surely you're not considering such a thing?".

"I and the most devout will speak on it later and Septa Mordane personally brought the letter to me. She spoke most favorably on the voracity of Lady Catelyn's faith.".

"The king would not be pleased by this High Septon." he said trying to keep his voice steady.

"A matter to be discussed later then, once the most devout have made a decision and not before. Now Lord Hand to your own matter.".

He told him of the Red Priests, glad to see the man seemed worried and concerned, and even more so that he began to threaten action against Lord Jaime should he even consider converting. Heading back to the Red Keep he was called to see Robert, finding the king drinking while looking up at the head on the spike. Viserys pained features staring back down at him.

"The tourney Jon, it's arranged?" Robert asked.

"It is your grace, the ravens will leave tonight.".

"Good, I want them to see him, Jon, I want them all to see him." Robert said laughing and drinking his wine.

The North 297 AC.

Ned.

His conversation with Maester Aemon was a difficult one, the recriminations coming thick and fast and Ned not having anything he could really say against them. Everything the man had accused him of was true and something Jon, Benjen, Howland and others, not to mention he, himself, had felt he had done wrong. Though he was glad at least to see that the man recognized and welcomed that he was supporting Jon now.

Their talks over their kin were friendly and happy though, Aemon telling him how proud he was of the man their nephew was growing to be, Benjen speaking of his own pride. Yet through it all, he felt there was something off, something not right and it was only when he broke his fast the next morning that he realized what that was. Elle, she had been absent from their conversation, unable to be a part of it and that felt wrong to him.

So once she had finished her duties, her lessons with Beth and Jeyne finally ending, Ned asked her to join him in the Godswood and he was sitting there with Lya and Frost when she arrived. The two wolves had been inseparable since Benjen's arrival, so much so that his brother suggested he take them both to Moat Cailin with him. He watched as Elle gave them both a quick rub and then smiled at him as she took her seat.

"Elle, there's something I need to tell you, a secret I've kept even from Cat but one I cannot keep from you." he said and she looked to him.

"He's Brandon's isn't he?" she said softly.

"What?".

"Jon, he's not your son. I, none of us truly believed it Ned, of Brandon yes but of you no." she said smiling softly as she looked at him.

"Jon is not my son, but no he's not Brandon's either." he said as he took a breath "Jon is the trueborn son of Lyanna and Rhaegar Targaryen." he said as she gasped.

"But how? I don't...".

"The rebellion was built on lies Elle, over the years I've found that out. There were forces at work to remove the Targaryens and they used my sister and Rhaegar to help them do it.".

"But he was married, was he not?".

"Annulled, I've seen the papers myself Elle, there were letters sent and intercepted, some were destroyed, but people knew and kept the truth hidden.".

"So Jon is his father's heir?".

"Jon is king in all but name Elle, soon to be that too." he said and she looked at him.

"You would fight a war for him?".

"I already am. I'm not alone, Lord Jaime, Lady Olenna, Prince Oberyn, the West, the Reach, Dorne, and the North is his.".

"Why are you telling me?" she asked.

"When I married Cat I didn't know her not truly. Even after what happened with Lyanna, I didn't know the full truth of Jon, only that who he was placed him in danger, so I claimed him as mine own son and hid the secret deep.".

"You never told her anything?".

"I could not, at first I felt it was to keep Jon's safe, over time it became how she felt about the boy, how she…. God's if you knew the half of it, but I couldn't trust her and I'm not sorry I didn't tell her." he said as Lya walked over and rubbed against him.

"You don't think she may have..".

"No. she wouldn't have loved him or cared for him, the threat she believed he posed would have just manifested differently. Rather than a bastard who wishes to usurp Robb, he'd be the danger to all our heads." he said interrupting her and seeing her nod along.

"You trust me?".

"I do." he said smiling at her.

She leaned forward and kissed him softly, the kiss quickly becoming more passionate. When she moved away he looked to her and saw her nod.

"I've seen Robert more than once, he stayed at our Keep when he came North after the rebellion and how he acted in Highgarden, not to mention his son. Jon is a far better man than he and he'll be a far better king, so if he's who you seek to support then he has mine too." she said and he kissed her again.

They left two days later and began the ride to Moat Cailin, stopping off at Cerwyn and speaking to Medger, telling him that the wedding would be held soon and that all they were waiting for was the chance to tell the children. Once that was done they would be wed and Medger was very happy at the news. Even more so when he saw that Ned had kept to his agreement, his daughter's honor intact.

Arriving at the Moat a little over two weeks later, he was surprised to see Howland and some of his men waiting for them, the look on his friend's face causing him some concern. After settling in, he, Howland and Elle sat in the solar of the Gate Tower, Howland had greeted Elle warmly and seemed happy with his news.

"What is it Howland?" he asked as Elle poured them all some ale.

"Viserys Targaryen is dead." Howland said.

"What? How?".

"Robert took his head himself, Ned." Howland said shocking him.

"I don't understand, I thought he was in Essos?".

"He was, I don't know the details either, not fully, only that Robert executed Viserys personally and that he wishes to throw a tourney to celebrate.".

"A fucking tourney to celebrate the killing of a boy, how old was Viserys?".

"Eight and Ten." Howland said.

"A boy still." Ned said and Elle nodded.

"Aye." Howland said.

"Any word from Jon?" Ned asked and Howland shook his head.

"Can you get a raven to him? "Elle asked, Ned turning to smile at her gratefully.

"Aye, I'll make sure one is sent.".

They spent the next few days looking at the Moat itself as well as the lands around it, fixing up the keep wouldn't be a huge issue, they could bring in stone and the ground where the old wooden keep had stood could be cleared. The Drunken Tower would need some sort of support built to stop it's lean, as for the Gate and Children's tower, the work on both was more cosmetic.

Over time they could build more towers and the walls to the north and east would need to be worked on. But to have it up and running as a fully functional keep wouldn't take them too long. Which left the issue of an income and supplying the keep. Howland took him for a ride along the Fever River, the fish were plentiful and some of the small settlements allowed for some income he supposed.

The river itself though could be something else though, a trading post, a stop-off point out into Blazewater Bay. This was beyond his capabilities, he could see the potential, the possibilities, and yet he knew not enough about trade to see how to take advantage. Deciding to speak to Jon, to Luwin and Wyman, he'd leave this for another day, but he could see that they'd need to build a watchtower overlooking the river's headwaters.

"How did you get on?" Elle asked as they rode away from the Moat and began their journey back to Winterfell.

"It's lesser than I imagined, over years perhaps it could be brought back to almost how it was. For now there's not a huge amount of work to turn it into a decent keep.".

"Have you decided who to give it to?". she asked.

"I don't know, one of Rickard's boys is best I think."

"Eddard?".

"Aye, he'll need a decent match.".

"I'd say one of Maege's girls but she'd hit me with her mace." Elle said making him laugh.

"Aye, best we not then." he said as she laughed too.

The ride back was different, somber as he thought of how his nephew may be feeling, he didn't know much of Viserys Targaryen and had been relieved when there was no mention of Daenerys. But he knew how Jon would see it and it worried him, even more so when he rode into Winterfell knowing he'd soon see another of Jon's kin, someone else who'd be hurt over the death of more of his family.

He resolved to speak to the old Maester later, to offer him what condolences he could, to tell him of the note he'd sent to Jon and hope that was enough. Though he knew it was not, if anything it was a poor offer he was making them both, words wouldn't right this wrong. Not his, nor his house's, this wrong would be answered by the Targaryen's and answered in Fire and Blood.

Casterly Rock 297 AC.

Jaehaerys Targaryen.

Speaking to Jaime had made him feel somewhat better, but it was the plans he had been making in his head and then hearing that Joy was soon to return which truly did. While people may have thought him sullen or brooding since he'd watched his uncle die, Jae was doing anything but, he was planning how to take the throne, discarding and trying to play out certain events in his mind.

War was inevitable, even were he to attack King's Landing and kill Robert, his brothers, his supporters, would quickly bring the war to his door. So he needed to be ready for it, his armies would need to be ready for it and risks would need to be taken to get them there. The shadows had been his friend, each step almost calculated to limit word of who he was leaking out. Viserys's death only reinforcing the reasons for that, but he couldn't hide much longer and nor did he wish to.

His wife was hundreds of leagues away, both of them parted by distance and the shadows he hid in. Jae wasn't sure how much more he could take of it and so that too preyed on his mind. The conversation he was to hold with Thoros had been changed so many times in his head, that he almost laughed as he was now back to the one he'd discarded but a day ago. Still, he walked into the room and saw the five servants of the red god sitting and waiting anxiously for him to speak.

"Thoros, I'm not sure how much you know of me, or what Melisandre and Kinvara have revealed?."

"Only that you are important to our god and that I should look to the flames to find the truth." Thoros said.

"Have you?" he asked.

"I've looked and seen nothing." Thoros said almost annoyed.

"Would you look with me?" he asked and Thoros nodded.

"The blood my prince." Kinvara whispered as he passed her by and he nodded.

He walked to the fire with Thoros and once he reached it, took his knife and reopened the cut in his palm, the scar barely having time to heal since he'd cut it last week. Allowing the blood drip into the flames he heard a gasp behind him and then turned to see Kinvara's smiling face, Thoros beside him though was instead staring intently into the fire.

When Jae looked at the flames he saw the Tower of Joy, he saw his mother's face and his father's smile from days long past. He looked on as his father played with a young silver-haired boy, the boy no more than five name days old looking happy and laughing as Rhaegar threw him in the air and caught him. A woman standing there smiling as she watched them play, her hair the same color as his father's and the boy's, and her eyes alight. He saw the boy stand beside the throne while a straggly haired man spoke to him, a knight wearing white then walking him from the room.

Thoros's voice took him from the flames, Jae's vision blurred as he looked at the red priest through teary eyes. With the cuff of his sleeve, he wiped his eyes as he saw Thoros take a knee.

"My sword is yours, my prince. Ask of me what you will." Thoros said.

"Rise Thoros, rise and let us speak some more, there is something I believe you'd like to see." he said and Thoros did as he asked.

Standing in front of the dragons, he, Thoros and Melisandre spoke of things to come, of what may need to be done. Kinvara would leave with Thoros and Melisandre's guards on the morrow, they would take a ship to Bear Island and be given supplies and horses to travel to the Wall and beyond.

Thoros would meet up with Lord Beric, he promised he would do his best to convince the lord to join Jae when the time was right, or to keep him from the fight. Melisandre was to head to Essos to meet up with the Company of the Rose and to bring them a letter from him, a request and offer of a reward he hoped they'd accept. If they did not then she was to head to Volantis, to gather men of the Fiery Hand, and to seek his aunt out.

"We will do as you bid my prince." Melisandre said.

"I look forward to seeing you all again, to stand with you all in the fight to come." he said his voice full and true.

"As do I my prince, I'll speak to our allies, ready them for you coming." Kinvara said.

"Stay safe my lady, stay safe and I shall come." he said as Kinvara nodded.

"My prince, I shall do my best to bring him on board, I give you my word." Thoros said and he nodded.

"Lady Melisandre a moment." he said as they were walking back up the beach.

"My prince?."

"I want to thank you, my lady, for all you've done for me, if I've not shown my full appreciation then let me do so now. I've welcomed your presence here and I wish you a safe journey and a safe return." he said and Melisandre smiled.

"R'hllor brought me to you by his will my prince, should he will it, I will be returned.".

"Then if I'm truly his chose he'll grant me the favor and bring you back safely." he said and she smiled as she walked away.

He wrote the letters through the night, one to Daenerys and one to the Company of the Rose, one to the Free Folk and one to Ser Jorah, and finally one to Arya. Some carried offers and requests, and others words of affection and love. He hoped they were accepted for what they were and that he was doing the right thing with them. Handing them to Kinvara and Melisandre the next day, he bid them farewell and prayed to both his own and their god to see them safe.

It was a strange mood he found himself in as he rode back, he'd put some things in motion and others he and Jaime would speak to Richard on, inform his uncle Ned and Lord Wyman and Lady Maege of, and send word to Lady Olenna and Margaery about. The shadows would hold him back a little while, but the light was starting to peek through and he couldn't hide among them anymore.

"Jon." he heard the excited voice as he stepped out of the lift before suddenly he saw her running towards him.

"Joy." he said happily grabbing her and lifting her up when she jumped into his arms.

"I missed you, Jon, so much, did you miss me?" she asked as he spun her around.

"Of course I did princess, so much, wanna see how much?" he asked and she nodded.

Letting her free from his arms he spread them as wide as he could, watching as she looked at him.

"This much, this is how much I missed you." he said and when she smiled he felt his own appear almost instantaneously.

Kneeling down he called her close and whispered in her ear, her eyes going wide and she looked to see if he was japing, when she saw he was not she nodded happily and he kissed her cheek. During dinner, she told him all about her time at Castamere, Cregan nodding his agreement almost as if on cue at certain points of her story. Jae looked to Gerion and Ashara who sat close to each other and to Cregan who seemed to have no issue with it, Joy too taking it as how things should be.

When the time came to take her for her story, they took the lift to the bottom, Joy having not changed from her riding clothes since she came back. Soon they were out on the beach and Jae held her hand as Rhaenix came from the cave, Lygaron following behind his sister. Walking over to the dragons, he told Lygaron and then Rhaenix what he wished to do, his sister happy to have Joy with them for the night's flight.

"Ready Joy?".

"Ready." she said with no nervousness at all in her voice, her face full of eagerness for the ride to begin.

Helping her up on the dragon's back, he made sure she was sitting safely in front of him and then wrapping his arms around her, he leaned forward.

"Sōvegon Rhaenix." he said and felt Joy breathe deeply as they took to the sky.

They flew slowly at first and he almost laughed loudly when he felt Joy fidget, as much as she was enjoying herself it was speed she wanted and so it would be speed he gave her.

"Sōvegon adere, hae se jelmio Rhaenix." (Fly fast, like the wind Rhaenix) he said and his sister obliged.

Joy's laughter echoed through the quietness of the night as Rhaenix flew fast across the water. They flew higher and dipped low, turned swiftly, and dropped fast, and through it, all Joy laughed and looked back at him. Seeing her smiling face, her hair blowing in the wind, each minute he spent with her was like a balm to his soul. By the time they had landed, he couldn't tell how long they been flying, only that it was he and not Joy or Rhaenix who had decided it was enough.

"Kirimvose mandia." (Thank you sister) he said leaning into Rhaenix's head before he turned to Joy and walked back up the beach.

"That was fun, can we do it again, how about tomorrow, can we fly again tomorrow Jon." Joy said and he found himself laughing even more.

"How about we go for a ride on the horses tomorrow Joy?." he asked and almost doubled over with how she answered.".

"Horses, oh well they'll do I suppose." she said sighing.

He read to her that night and found her enthusiasm for the flying had worn her out, Joy falling asleep before he had even really begun. Their storytime had developed over time, Jon almost turning it into lessons now, stories had become little tests with Joy passing them all with ease. He kissed her forehead and made his way down to his room, Richard would arrive soon and he fount that he couldn't wait to get to work.

Casterly Rock 297 AC.

Wyman.

The Merman's Trident pulled into the docks of Lannisport and Wyman, his granddaughters, and Robb had been standing on the deck watching the city as it came into view. Now looking down to the docks themselves Wyman smiled to see Kevan and his son, along with their guards waiting to greet them. He could see Robb and the girls seemed a little disappointed that Jon wasn't there, but he was not, having expected Jon to greet them in Casterly Rock rather than here.

"Wyman, it's good to see you." Kevan said as he welcomed him warmly.

"You too Kevan, may I present my granddaughters Wynafred and Wylla and my squire Lord Robb Stark." he said as Kevan greeted them all as warmly as he had him.

"My son Lancel." Kevan said introducing his boy.

Soon they were riding through the streets of Lannisport, Lancel speaking to Robb and the girls and Kevan while not outright saying something was wrong, his manner suggesting it. Kevan's home was large and luxurious and as they arrived they were met by his other two sons Martyn and Willem, Kevan having explained that Dorna was resting in bed, a new babe was soon to be born to them.

Lancel and his brothers escorted Robb and the girls to their rooms and he walked with Kevan to his solar, the offer of going to his own room turned down for now. He was no sooner sitting down than the meal was brought in and he was glad to see Kevan eating with him.

"What's wrong Kevan?" he asked as he ate.

"You haven't heard of King's Landing?" Kevan asked and he shook his head having heard nothing "Viserys Targaryen was executed by Robert, the fat stag doing the deed personally.".

"I thought he was in hiding somewhere in Essos?" he asked.

"He was, Mopatis the magister who's funding the crown brought him to Robert." Kevan said.

"I take it Jon's aware?".

"He is, more than that, he saw it Wyman, don't ask me how other than he saw it, as did Jaime and Arthur.".

"By the gods, I take it he's not handling it well?".

"Surprisingly he is, but he's become even more determined, I think it's brought things closer Wyman, we're not far from war and it's good you've come when you did." Kevan said and Wyman smiled as he took a swallow of the wine.

"Our men in Essos?".

"Ha, the Company of the Rose Wyman, that's' who I was asked to negotiate with and that's who I went to. They damn near threw me from the room until I mentioned Jon's name" Kevan said with a laugh.

"His true name?".

"No, Jon Snow, they'd heard of him, once I brought his name into things and told them Northmen had died along with my own, they took the contract, I'm expecting word soon.".

"Good, The North Remembers." Wyman said.

"As does the West, my friend." Kevan said as he raised his glass in a toast.

They were feasted that night, Wyman getting to meet Kevan's goodfather Harys and his wife Dorna who was feeling a lot better. He smiled when the dancing began, his granddaughters dancing with all of Kevan's sons and Wynafred more often than not with her betrothed.

When he noticed that Wylla had not only danced twice as much with Lancel as anyone else but that she seemed to laugh and smile quite a bit with the lad too, he found himself looking over to see that Kevan had noticed it too, a smile on his face as he looked at them. If they got along then perhaps they could come to an arrangement, it would be a good match bringing their houses closer and something he felt Kevan would be in favor of to.

The next morning they were taken on to Casterly Rock, they'd be staying there for a few nights before returning and then spending a week or more with Kevan. Wyman was surprised but happy when Lancel accompanied them, he and Wylla speaking animatedly on the ride to the Rock itself. Arriving at the Rock and then seeing it in person was awe-inspiring, it rose high into the mountain itself and he was relieved and happy to learn that there was a lift to take them to the top. In the courtyard waiting to greet them he saw Lord Jaime and Dacey, Lady Genna and her children and beside them Jon standing with a blond girl and his friends.

"Lord Wyman, welcome to Casterly Rock." Lord Jaime said as he stood in front of him.

"It's an honor to finally see your home Lord Jaime." he said and then greeted Dacey and Genna before he was standing in front of Jon, his king smiling as he looked at him.

"Lord Wyman, a pleasure, truly." Jon said and Wyman nodded and smiled back.

"For me also, Jon.".

After the greetings were done and they were shown to their rooms, he knew he'd have to wait to speak to Jon and Jaime. He had no wish to go behind the king's back and his granddaughters and Jon's brother would take up his time, for now, instead, he just enjoyed being at the Rock. Walking down to watch as the spars took place, seeing Jon spar up close being something he enjoyed immensely, more so than Robb did, though he did smile as he yielded.

Once again they were feasted that night and once again Wylla spent more time dancing with Lancel than anyone else, Wyman and Kevan looking to each other more than once. Jaime was friendly and Dacey very keen to know of the goings-on in the North. Wyman also found himself enjoying speaking to Lady Genna, the woman's wit and cleverness a stark contrast to her husband's lack of both.

It was as he was drinking some wine that Jon came over to him, the king purposeful in his walk and his expression. Wyman stood up and met him halfway and then followed him when he directed him to. Jon leading him to a small balcony just off the main room. Wyman noticed that Jors was standing at the door while Arthur stood a few feet away, his king making sure they had privacy for whatever he wished to say.

"Forgive me, my lord, I had wished to allow you to enjoy the feast and to speak to you on the morrow, but time is pressing and there are things you need to know and see before we speak further.".

"Of course Jon.".

"You heard of King's Landing?" Jon asked.

"I have Jon, I'm sorry for your loss.".

"I thank you my lord, but there is nothing anyone can say or do to make me feel better about it. Only bringing Robert Baratheon to his knees would do that. To that end, before you go to your room tonight I ask you to join me in the vaults, Robb and Wynafred too." Jon said.

"Wylla?" he asked wondering why his youngest granddaughter was being left out.

"I know they both know the truth my lord and I'm not leaving Wylla out for any lack of trust, my reason is far more practical." Jon said.

"Lancel?" he asked and Jon smiled.

"They make a good match and I've not seen Lancel so keen before my lord. I believe he'll seek to escort her to her room and I'd not put any obstacle to it unless you're not keen on the match?" Jon asked.

"It's a good match Aye Jon, even were Kevan and I, not friends, or if Kevan didn't get along with Wylis which he does, so Aye I'm in favor of it.".

"Then we should not do anything to mess it up. For now Wylla will be left out of what I'm to show you, later when Lancel is not around I'll bring her myself.".

"Very well Jon." Wyman said.

He found himself nervously awaiting the end of the feast and then when it did time seemed to just stretch on. Finally, Robb and Wynafred knocked on his door and he and they walked to the lift to find Jon and Arthur waiting for them. They took the lift to the bottom, Jon telling them he was taking them to the Vaults where his rooms were located, and then to the beach beyond.

They laughed and japed on the way down, Robb teasing Jon over something and Wynafred stepping in and backing up her betrothed when Jon got the upper hand. Grey Wind and Ghost just looking on as the two brothers caught up with each other. He was glad that Wynafred was coming and that Wylla would be shown whatever it was to see later. Once Robb had been told the truth then Wyman knew he had to tell his granddaughter's, both of them taking it far better than he had expected.

"When you see them don't be alarmed, you're quite safe." Jon said as they walked through the corridor of the vaults.

"You sleep down here?" Robb asked.

"Aye, I need to be close to her, to them." Jon said and Wyman knew then it was the dragons he was speaking off.

The cove was dark but peaceful and Jon directed them to where Jors, Loras, Brienne and Cregan and another girl were standing. Wyman soon finding out that she was Prince Oberyn's daughter Sarella. Jon whispered in Robb's ear and then walked away, Robb's excitement clear as he leaned in to speak to Wynafred. All of them then looking eagerly to the cave that Jon walked into, and then all three of them gasped at what came out of it.

The bronze dragon had to be at least sixty feet long, it sparkled in the light, and then within the blink of an eye it was in the air, normally that would have been enough to draw their eyes, instead, it was what came out next that did. The white dragon was almost twice the size of the other, it was huge both in length and sheer size, and seeing Jon walk calmly beside it was jarring. Where the bronze one had moved across the ground awkwardly, it's front legs being its wings, the white dragon walked on all four and moved far more gracefully across the ground.

"He's not, is he?" Wynafred said as Wyman looked and saw Jon lean into the dragon and then climb up onto it's back.

"He is." Loras said and were it not for the fact that it was just then that the dragon took to the air, Wyman may have turned to look at the boy.

The dragon glided easily and they looked on as it then flew from their sight in mere moments, not seeing anything for a while they were stunned when suddenly the sky was lit up, that flames against the blackness of the night sky forcing a shiver run down his spine. When Jon flew over them he was no more than fifty feet off the ground, the wind from the dragon's wings moving the sand and almost knocking them off their feet.

He landed gracefully twenty feet from them and climbed off easily, standing in front of the dragon he leaned against its head and began speaking words in a language that Wyman didn't know. Soon he was walking towards them and the dragon was back in the sky, heading out to sea for why Wyman wasn't sure.

"The bronze is Lygaron my son, the white is Rhaenix, my sister." Jon said looking at him and all Wyman could do was nod and smile, dragons, they had dragons and they were clearly ready for whatever was to come.

Casterly Rock 297 AC (Second Moon).

Jaehaerys Targaryen.

Robb had been amazed to see the dragons in flight and even more so when he promised to take him for a flight one day. Rhaenix and Lygaron had enjoyed showing off and when he had asked them to produce their flames, even he was surprised at just how easy and how large they were. Rhaenix's he'd had some idea of, but Lygaron was growing quickly and his flames were far further along than Jae had expected.

He had needed Wyman to see, Kevan had, Genna had, and Jaime had, all already knowing that the dragons were ready. While Lady Olenna hadn't seen the flames, she had seen the dragon, his visit to Highgarden not being allowed to end without him showing them all how he had truly gotten there.

"You're sure about this?" he asked and Lady Olenna nodded.

"It's a dragon Jon, you were able to fly here on a dragon and I wish to see it for myself.".

"Her." he said.

"Her, I wish to see her. I'm sure your wife and sister would like to see her also, as does Willas. You're flying over the realm Jon, people will speak and should this get out then we'll be at war, I need to know that they're ready." Olenna said.

"They're ready." he said smiling.

After making the arrangements for the ride to where Rhaenix would meet them and having Olenna agree that only Left and Right could travel the last few miles. They set out with Jae, Margaery, and Sansa riding together, while Margaery had seen Rhaenix before, this was Sansa's first time and he felt nervous about how she'd react. Explaining the dragon had been difficult enough, it was one thing speaking of a dragon as it was, to then say it was your sister really added to that strangeness.

Sansa though had accepted it and looked forward to seeing Rhaenix, Jae feeling his big sister's eagerness to meet her too. They left the escort at the edge of the forest, Olenna relaxing when both he and Sansa confirmed that there were no people around for miles, Fang's instincts and Rhaenix's presence confirming that to them both. He heard the gasp when she came into view and looked to see it was Olenna and not Sansa who had done so.

"She's so beautiful." his little sister said and Jae couldn't' agree more.

He helped Margaery and Sansa from their horses and Olenna from the cart she'd reluctantly swapped her carriage for when they were at the edge of the woods. Holding his wife and sister's hands and with Arthur walking with Olenna, they moved to where Rhaenix was. Margaery reached out to touch Rhaenix's head with no hesitation and when Sansa saw her do it, his sister did likewise. Lady Olenna having to almost be goaded into doing so.

"She will grow more?" Olenna asked.

"She will, for many more years she'll grow." he said and saw her smile.

"And she can produce flames?" she asked.

"If she wished to she could burn this wood down completely." Jae said and felt his sister agreeing in his head.

After many more questions and promises to both Sansa and Margaery that he'd take them for rides when he could. He and Arthur escorted them back to the rest of their guards, Jae said his goodbyes, hard though they were and Olenna whispered that she was ready when needed in his ear and then he and Arthur walked back, ready to fly back to the Rock.

Now.

It was with that knowledge that he knew he would need to show others, to have them see for themselves just how ready the dragons would be when needed. Though he had not expected to find himself rushing to make ready for war. He had thought they had more time and practically they had, but Visery's death showed the folly and dangers of waiting, the war needed to come on their terms, at a time of their choosing, and it needed to be sooner rather than later.

He walked to the room and found Jaime, Kevan, Genna, Gerion, and Wyman waiting, there were more he wished to speak to. Richard would arrive soon according to a whisper he had been given and he'd like to speak to his uncle Ned, though Wyman could relay a message. He also wished Tyrion was still here, that he had waited and then he could travel with a message to Oberyn, and instead he hoped his ravens would arrive as his uncle did.

While Jors and Walder waited outside, he asked Arthur to join him inside, the knight glad to be included in the planning stages, and Jon wishing for his input. Unfortunately, he found out when he arrived that Robert had another surprise in store for him.

"Jon." Jaime said handing him the raven which he took and read quickly.

"He's nothing if not consistent, gods what a fucking fool." he said as he looked to the others.

"What do we do Jon?" Genna asked.

"We go, anything else would seem strange, we go and enjoy Robert's last tourney." he said to nods.

"My niece and nephew?" Genna asked.

"Myrcella I don't know, I need to speak to Barristan, Tommen I'll sort out personally." he said and Genna nodded.

"What are your orders my king?" Wyman asked.

"We need to move, to bring in all who we can or will need, it's time the Lords of the North found out the truth Lord Wyman, the Lords of the West and Reach too." he said and watched as Jaime nodded and Kevan looked to him before nodding a moment later.

"We can use the tourney to bring more to the fold but we need to be careful, my father tried to do the same and in the end, it cost him his and my mother's life along with far too many of my family, and I'll not have King's Landing be my Harrenhal." Jae said.

"Loyalist houses only during the tourney my king, those on the fence once we're safely back in the West." Arthur said.

"Agreed, we make no move until Tyrion is back either. We do nothing until we know that all those we care about are as safe as we can make them." Jon said and saw Kevan nod in approval.

"The dragons are ready?" Gerion asked.

"They are, Lygaron and Tyrion are as one, and Rhaenix and I are ready." he said to nods.

"The ships?" Jaime asked.

"Are practically warships as they are, two new ones should be ready before the tourney ends. I'll have them fitted out even more fully, Wyman?" Kevan said.

"I'll see two of my own fitted as such also." Wyman replied.

"The Magister?" Jaime asked.

"Richard will take care of him, I'll have the letters to deal with Baelish ready myself." Jon said.

"Then we're agreed, once the tourney ends we prepare for war?" Genna asked.

"Agreed." Gerion said.

"Agreed." Kevan said as did Wyman and Jaime and then Genna herself.

"I thank you all for what you'd done and will do for me, I'll not forget it." Jae said as he walked from the room, eager to tell Rhaenix it was almost time.

There was much more to be done, he needed to speak to Richard and he had letters to write to his uncle Ned and others, but taking the lift down with Arthur, Jors, and Walder beside him, Jae felt better than he had in some time.

"Are you with me?" he asked simply.

"To the death my king." Arthur said as did Jors and Walder and Jae nodded closing his eyes and praying it wouldn't come to that for any of the people he cared for.

Beyond the Wall 297 AC.

Bloodraven.

War was inevitable and had always been coming, he'd started and taken part in more than one, he'd helped instigate others since he had come here. Some were mere battles and one in which he had almost achieved his goals, only for the old gods to find a way to interfere. While he was deep below the sea he had watched and waited and though it had taken him some time, he had found the thread he had sought.

Family ties no longer bound him and he had taken his kin's life before and would soon again, though this one would be a fight for the ages. For years he had tried to stop it coming, done everything in his power to influence events to see it not come to pass. Better to kill the warrior before he became who he was to become than to face him afterward.

Things he had tried though had failed, he had killed the mother and father only for the child to be born to another. He had seen both of them dead only for the child to be born anyway, he had influenced events so the child would never grow as he should, only for the gods to take a side and work against him. Had it just been the old gods then he may have been their match, may have been able to keep his intentions hidden. But their brother too played his role, sending his own favors to the boy, his own wisdom and influence.

Death scared him because he knew what awaited him there, it was why he'd taken their offer and why they were fools to give it to him. Now along with their servants who he'd so conditioned to be his, it was time to play once more and the stakes in this game were higher than they had ever been.

"You are sure of this?" Leaf asked.

"I am, you must see them fall, they come to serve the great other and they come soon." he said and Leaf nodded.

"Where?" she asked.

"Wait for them near the Fist, they should come to you within the next two moons." he said and Leaf nodded "End them Leaf, give them no quarter as they'll not give you any." he said and saw her determined look.

Strange bedfellows were nothing new to him and he knew here he was making an ally of the strangest of them all, but self-preservation trumped anything else for him. Let the Night King have the Free Folk or most of them anyway, the boy would win but lose to him in the process and he would be free to move once more. He felt the link growing ever stronger, the blood bond soon to be fully realized, when the time came he would have the upper hand and he thanked Aemon for giving him the opportunity.

Closing his eyes he saw her different colored ones, the pin resting in her hand as she pierced her skin, he doing likewise and the bond had formed, the link between them lasting for some time. It was when she left that it stopped working, only remnants of what had once been left within and it was why he had no reluctance in giving it up. Though even he had never imagined it would play such a crucial role in his plan.

"I'll see you soon my prince, your dreams will be mine to play with." he said as he closed his eyes and dipped down below the sea once more.

A/N: Thanks to all who've read and reviewed. Up Next as the realm prepares to go to a tourney Richard arrives in time to enact Jae's plans, Robb gets a big surprise and Tyrion arrives in Dorne, in Essos we check in on fAegon and Dany comes under attack, while Cat receives news from the High Septon.

Mrspotter: Nope, not a slave at all, I had thought so much about how Vis would meet his end, this serves a decent purpose.

XanMerrick: Thank you my friend. With Ramsay I agree, the problem is that Richard is kinda a pro, he'd imo just get it done and try and make it seem accidental to an extent, Tyrion will relive the dragon flying over and over in his head. For Garlan best present ever lol. The crown will as you say, for the supporters it'll be huge.

Silverglow: Sorry about that, it occasionally happens if I type too fast, I must have just mixed them up.

Denotldn: Thanks so much, I hate the Meerenese Knot it just gets worse and worse, so to have Dany hit some of the points differently, to allow her have her own journey but not the same one was important. Glad you're more on board with the ship. The COTR will play a larger role to come. I will finish and I hope to tie everything up and not leave any plotlines unfinished at the end, I know where it's supposed to go and so that's a good thing. In terms of a sequel, either this story will carry on through to the War for the Dawn and get a fitting epilogue after, or a sequel will cover that, I'll see what people think as I get close to that point. You stay safe and well too my friend.

Chapter 96.

Daryl Dixon: So glad you liked it.

Thesphinx. Succinct, witty and to the point, excellent work.

Anarchichmind: I hate that so much about a few things in ASOIAF, we get some cool stuff and then nothing, the COTR will play a larger part as for Viserys, logically this is great for Jon, emotionally this hurts, so he'll feel the loss but in the end the loss is a good thing. Arya/Lyanna have some big moments coming up.

Debatormax: We'll see, the problem is that who is there in the Iron Islands you can trust enough to make a deal with.

Anja: So glad you liked it.

Zyrus: With the COTR, there is a little clue in how they think of Jon in their section which shows that who he is may play a bigger role in how their motivations may play out. It's one of the downsides to certain characters and the distance of where they are, sometimes you need a reason why you may see them and so they can kinda be forgotten about, Benjen here for example.

Remi: The Iron Born will play their part as for Euron he right now is facing his canon exile so we'll see what happens when he comes back. With Viserys, it's hard for Jae to think of him how people say he may be, instead he just sees it as another member of his family taken by Robert from him, so it's logic vs. emotion, logically this is good for him, emotionally not so much. Illyrio is so on his hit list and fAegon even is Essos is too.

Victoria Terros: So good to hear from you my friend, hope all has been well and safe in your life. Cat will pop up next she'll move closer and closer to what she wants and yet because we're getting closer to the truth, further away also. So glad you liked the Ned and Dany parts and we'll see more Olenna soon. Jon C will find out the truth at some point, we'll see how he reacts and Tyrion, Dorne and Doran and Oberyn ware next. We're getting so close to the war and unfortunately that means people will be in danger. Stay safe and well my friend.

Biohazard: So glad you liked it.
Jessicanightmarewolf: Dany will see Sandorix very soon, next weeks chapters for sure. Tyrion is next and we'll see if this changes Doran's plans. You're spot on for Jae this gives him even more motivation to get to Robert.

Carick: That's the thing, for Jon no one can tell him how to feel about Viserys's death, even knowing the truth of him won't make him feel any better, but here it gives him almost a kick up the arse so to speak in terms of you must move and move soon and it's a lesson also, no matter what you can't save everyone. We'll see with Dany.

Jman007: He hasn't no, but it was more he thinks he's really ended the dragon line, Dany being a woman causes issues but not as much as a man does.

Creativo: Robert ha encendido tanto el fusible y se está quemando rápido.

Jacobgamble: Really glad you enjoyed it.

Guest: I try and do that, have events play out differently so I'm glad you see the differences between the Jon and that one, the gods being the key one. With Viserys it's more what he was than who, you're right for the person he was he deserves not one piece of Jon's sympathy, but being his blood and it would be wrong of Jon not to feel the loss and more so for it not to force him forward. It was also a timely reminder that you can't save everyone, that no matter what you aren't a god. Glad you liked the bit with all the visitors.

Vfsnake: He really is, and it's not far away either.

Liza: Thank you my friend. That's it and he's family, as Jon says here it's not like he has so many he can just be happy losing one, even one such as Viserys. We'll see Sandorix and Dany reunite next week. The Bolton's won't betray as in canon, the option isn't there and well Jon is tying them even closer. No, couldn't send him away, they've been parted for too long, we'll have some look into their time away from the Rock soon also. We'll see with COTR soon, Mel is carrying the deal with her. I couldn't agree more, I think you need to show the COTR as different, so I really wanted that to be something here, also the White Wolf line that Torrhen uses is important. For Tyrion he's next, in terms of formally court, it's hard to say as he'll more try and convince Doran more than anything. He does have allies in Dorne though and Bronn is by his side.

Chris: That's a big thing, Robert is so unaware and how he'll react when he finds out will be interesting, It's in a way tragic, he has all this love for Jon and Jon is just like Lyanna completely uninterested in it.

Dunk: Robb knows, he found out about the dragons and Jon in HG, as for Arya you're in a way right, the others though will be happy too, but this is what should have happened to her in canon imo. It's hard to bring in someone he doesn't like, we kinda had it early with Harry and he'll be back, but even with his status most would seek to befriend him as he's kinda important, so for someone to be outright hostile is difficult. We'll find out his rider in a bit, but he and mommy won't be parted for much longer. FAegon and Jon C are well backed with Illyrio's gold and he's going to find out what happened to them soon enough, as for the North, you see some of the plans happening here. Viserys is a good thing for Jon, it removes the threat, as I said to others, logically great, emotionally not so much. You're spot on about the Tourney as you see.

Grammaton: More than likely, given what he's done that Jon knows of and what he's a part of, once they find out, he's so in trouble, though they may move for him before then.

HunterorAremis: No worries my friend. On Robert and the others, the time is coming close and they'll find out about Jon soon enough, Cat will pop up next and will attend the tourney. Dany and the dragon will be next week for sure. Domeric is one of those character where you can see how interesting he could be and yet like a few with GRRM he kills them before we get to see them and so it's left to fics.

Guest: Thanks for the pointer, will change that and Willas will get a pov soon so we'll see his thoughts.

Spartan: Hmm cake and ice cream, so jealous of you right now. Dom is an interesting character we'll see if he gets the happy ending here. You're totally right on Viserys, but even what he's like wouldn't make much of a difference to Jon mourning him, it's a good thing, but he'd still be sad about it. On the Golden army, it's not a hard clue so yep, it's the GC.

Xand007: Thanks my friend: The issue for Illyrio is that he's so focussed on putting Faegon on the throne and he knew the risk going in, he'd probably still move and try for it anyway. The problem is without Varys he's in the dark really in Westeros, so he's looking to Robert/Jon Arryn as the threat when there's a far bigger one out there, if he knew of Jon he'd perhaps have been far more cautious. On the gamelan by Jon you've almost nailed it spot on, make sure your rear is protected, the people you care about are as safe as you can make them and then move. You too my friend stay safe and be well.

Lady Octarina: Wow did you call that one right lol, people are so talking about the priests, one is one thing, three far too much. This so should have been Ned's plan for Arya, for all anyone talks of him being a good lord and father, he was fostered, he should know better, had he sent Arya to Bear Island to Maege, he'd have gotten a true northern warrior lady for his daughter. Dom is one of those lost characters, a what if and so it's good to see him given a chance to be something. I wanted the logic of Benjen being called to actually be addressed, rather than it just be something that Ned could do when he wished, so glad you liked that part.

On Viserys you're completely right, it's a huge boon and it stops Jae having to make a really hard decision. There will be some pushback over Jae moving for the throne, however remember that ever since the last tourney it's Jae who along with Marge has been feeding a lot of the people in Flea Bottom and who's through the North given them opportunities to have better lives, so all in all he kinda trumps Robert here. Beside the Mob cheered when Ned lost his head also.

We're in the last stretch before the reveal and the war, Jae and Dany won't meet before it happens though.

Xan Merrrick: Thanks my friend. The COTR will play a larger part as we go forward. With Richard and Barristan it was a little like with Jae himself, being forced to watch and what that made them feel. That's another of the things with the Viserys death, it's focussed Jae and also it will rise the ire of many of the Targ supporters, helping them bring them on board. Oberyn won't find that out until he and Jae next meet. We'll see some more of Aemon in a few chapters.

Battlemage: That's a huge thing for Jon, the idea of Viserys being killed by Robert and who he is, trumping anything else and so yep catalyst wise this is huge. Glad you lied the battle, it was hard to write it properly because it was more a massacre than a fight and it was also a little of a dry run, I think it's easier to write a battle than a destruction if you get me, you need the other side's moves too.

Hope that makes sense.

On the WF plot we'll see more of that later, I get what you mean about Frost/Lya and I hope to show that better as we go. With Dany you're spot on to a point, one part of it was me looking at the map tbh, realizing that where I was sending them would have been more of a delay than having them turn back and the other was needing to give Dany the reason to turn back. Basically they're in away being sent further away from where they should be for reasons they don't understand, so I wanted to give her a reason to go against that and needed it almost to be a pointless journey if you get me. Now of course that means it comes across as a pointless journey, but again that's kinda the point of the section.

She's been sent east but needs to go west and now heading North when truly where she should be going is south. On the title that's the biggest problem with chapter titles, you won't them to be vague so they don't give the game away but not too vague so they're just random words, sometimes you get it right, others, not so much.

Ajgranger: That's it with Jon as I've tried to show all along family and the loss of it and those he considers family is such a huge thing for him. Viserys never got to be the guy he was in canon here and so despite him being a horrible brother and a potential future threat to Jon, he's really just a poor guy who's used a s pawn. What Illyrio doesn't realize is that it's in a way kicked Jon in the ass and forced him to move.

So glad you think that with Dany/Sandor, it's been my intent and for a partnership that I'd no intent on doing when I started, it's something I think just works. I Think with Arya this is who she should have been, be the warrior and not lose who you are in the process so glad you liked that, with Robb it's the slightly different path he's on, and how that affects him. Barry is getting his reward soon enough and will be a larger part of things. We're almost at the reveal.

Bellaswan: The death of Viserys is the catalyst, as you see Jae is sending out the orders and the houses are getting ready to be called, more and more people are about to be told the truth, though that could lead to a bigger chance of it coming out.

Vwchik: Very much so, we'll see if Illyrio lives long enough for Dany to find out though.

Orthang: Really well thought out and I'm so glad you remembered your epiphany, shame on you though for using my own words against me (just kidding Lol).

One of the things with Drogo is that with a different Dany he would need to be a different man himself, now forget the rights and wrongs of how they started in canon but it's clear to Dany at least she loved him, people can call it Stockholm syndrome, knowing no better or what they want, and trying to ignore the beginning and the age difference is damnable hard.

However it's clear she loves him and he loves her by the end, it's when she stands up and fights against him almost that he really falls for her. Here this Dany is already there which creates a different dynamic. Drogo too is different, it's clear in what he says to her that he knows more of things he shouldn't, the line about him knowing what his son is supposed to be is evidence of that.

Now I wanted to create a different first meeting, to as I said with Dany have canon characters meet her but not necessarily have canon play out. To that end I have from the beginning had a match in mind for her. However when I started this Jaime wasn't going to be matched and Ned/Elle was not a thing, sometimes you go where the words take you. Dany/Drogo will meet again and as I write that meeting I'll have a better idea of if or if not they should be matched, if not then I'll go with my original plan, if so then I'll go with them. I've no doubt I can write a different Drogo, as I said certain events have played differently changing even him, so we'll see.

On Ramsay, I get exactly what you're saying, we need to see him suffer and get a death worthy of him and I didn't do that here,. My reasoning was simple, it was Richard and not someone else killing him, so basically he was killed by a pro, rather than someone who bore a grudge, the same way Richard just killed Varys, rather than made him suffer. I kinda wanted the difference to be clear say with how Jon killed Amory Lorch to how Richard killed Ramsay, make it more real.

We'll see with Robert's upcoming pov what he did in public is far lesser than what he did in private. There will be a little element of that with Joff, the idea of Viserys somewhat wiping the slate clean with Joffrey. The biggest problem Cat faces is that LF has to be aware how Lysa would react, so LF in a way will be looking at the ups and downsides of getting what he wants and will perhaps not be as keen as Cat is, either way we'll see it during the tourney.

Irish hermit: I'm so with you, here he is more pitiable and that's kinda the point, the Robert thing is supposed to be a hollow victory, here he thinks he's killing a rival, he's not and if anything he's making his rival ever more determined.

Jae has sent a letter to Dany, we'll find out what's in it sometime in the future. On Illyrio I wanted him to also have this hollow success, and then to find out what happened in Essos, in terms of the Brave Companions though he won't care, they mean nothing to him. The rest though is going to hurt him a lot.

The Last Dragon was such a play on words, Robert has no idea that they're very much alive and that he's just woken one.