(This chapter takes place before, during and after the war)

Oldtown 298 AC.

Jaqen.

For almost three moons he had traveled to get here and then for a further three he'd planned. Taking up residence in a small room and waiting to see just how he'd get inside. Had he been aware of the death and disappearances of the men before he got here then he'd have been able to come and go even more quickly. As it was security within the Citadel had been tightened and the men he needed to get to rarely left except under guard.

Even when he had taken a different face and became a guard himself it had brought him no closer and the Many-Faced God would only let him take one more to see his work done. The problem was whose should he take? There were many to choose from and yet which one would get him to where he needed to be. Initially, he had made friends with the fat boy after finding out that he slept near the Archmaesters themselves.

Over time he had come to like Samwell though, not that it would have been enough to stop him becoming a gift for the Red God, though it had given him pause. Had he been certain that Samwell would lead him to finish his mission then he'd have given him the gift, but he was not and so he waited some more. When it came it came by accident, or was it fate? Either way, he had been ready when the boy drunkenly staggered into the Scribes Heart and had helped him into the Citadel itself.

Though he'd been challenged it was not greatly so as Samwell's drunken state had served his purpose well. After helping put the boy to bed, Jaqen quietly left the room and began to move through the darkness. One, just one is all he needed, a face that would allow him to become someone who could come and go as they pleased. A face though wasn't all he needed, the face he chose must also have something more, many links on their chain, and an iron key.

"You, help me with these." a voice called and Jaqen turned to look at the man, almost smiling to himself when he saw the chain he wore.

"A man will help the Maester." he said moving to him.

"Archmaester, Archmaester Ryam, now help me carry these books." the man said grumpily.

"A man will do as the Archmaester demands." he said lifting up the books.

They walked in silence down a corridor and then down another before finally reaching an iron gate. Jaqen watching on as the Archmaester reached into his robes and took out a chain with an iron key on it and opened the gate before locking it behind them. Through another corridor they walked and reached another gate, Ryam stopped and opened this gate also, looking at him and seeming to decide something before bidding him follow.

"You're from Lorath?" Ryam asked as the walked in the darkness.

"A man was born there."

"Yet you came to Westeros?" Ryam asked.

"A man was searching for something." Jaqen said as they reached the desk and Ryam motioned for him to put the books down.

"Did you find it?" Ryam asked.

"Not yet." he moved quickly, the long thin knife piercing the brain through the ear, Jaqen catching the man as he fell.

By the time he laid him on the ground, the man was dead and Jaqen knelt over him and said a prayer to the Many-Faced God, offering the death to him. Then he began to do his work and removed the face before he moved the body. Wearing a new face was different for each of them, some simply took on the mannerisms and speech of the faces they wore, all took on their appearance. Some though became them somewhat, their thoughts, their feelings, and who or what they were in life becoming who you were when you wore their face.

While the extent of the man's knowledge would never be his, certain things were and he knew how it wasn't just the iron key which had required the man's face, Jaqen happy he'd gone about his mission this way even more so now. He now knew that there was a room where bodies were stored to be examined, and so it was to that room he took Ryam and it was in there that he took his head before leaving.

Looking to see the night was almost at an end, he made his way to the Archmaester's room and laid down in his bed, closing his eyes and sleeping in a face that wasn't his. He woke no more than a few hours later and readied for the day ahead. After dressing and breaking his fast he had no choice but to take the Maester's lessons. Mathematics and Economics were the Archmaester's areas of expertise. Jaqen soon speaking on things that he had no knowledge of before as if he'd been studying them all his life.

"Ah Ryam, have you eaten?" Ebrose asked and he shook his head.

"No, what's the fare today?" he asked and Ebrose looked at him with a smirk.

"Roast partridge my friend, peach pie too, come I'm starved."

By the time he actually got to begin to do what he had truly came here for it was late in the afternoon. Ryam it seemed loved lectures and lessons and filled his time with both. More than reading or expanding his knowledge during the day, that he seemingly left for the night. Still, when the time came no one stopped him or questioned him as he walked through gates and opened doors before heading downstairs.

Lighting a candle he kept going down and finally found the locked vault's a place he knew he'd be spending a lot of time in for the next few days. He opened the door to the first and walked inside, books, artifacts, unpolished gems, nothing to interest him and he began to wonder just how long it would take him to find what he'd come for.

In the end, it took him almost a moon, the first few were in the same place and he thought he'd end up lucky. That perhaps the Many-Faced God was guiding his hand only to find out it was just some and not all and not even the most important of them. For the next few weeks his life became a routine, he'd sleep, hold classes, eat and speak with the other Archmaesters and then once his duties were done, he'd come down here and begin his search. That his behavior raised suspicion was not surprising, it had been bound to, though he waved it away.

"What is it you do down there all the time?" Perestan asked, the man wore an Archmaester's chain and yet even Jaqen wondered how he'd managed it.

"I read, study, there are treatise down there on economics which though dated offer insights that could be helpful."

"This newfound interest of yours, what's brought it on old friend?" Ebrose asked.

"I find myself eager for knowledge, insight, I know not why." Jaqen said shrugging his shoulders.

"Mayhap we have another Mage on our hands." Zarabelo said causing the others to laugh, Jaqen joining in.

"The day I turn into Marwyn is the day you should remove my chain." he said and the laughs began anew.

It was three days later when he found the four pages that he needed more than any other, putting them with the stack of other scrolls and papers he found. It took him almost two hours to secrete them on his person and then he finally was ready to leave. Strolling through the corridors he heard the heavy footsteps behind him and turned to see Sam running his way.

"Archmaester, Archmaester, your dropped this." the boy said holding a small scroll in his hand.

"Ah, thank you Sam."

"You're welcome Archmaester." the boy said as he handed him the scroll a small nervous smile on his face.

"Later night reading Sam?" he asked.

"I'm trying to get another link Archmaester."

"Then let me not keep you, good luck." he said and Sam looked at him oddly before nodding and walking away.

Jaqen only realizing later that it was him and not Ryam who'd wished the boy well and that the Archmaester never would have done so. Not that it mattered as he was soon walking the streets of Oldtown and by the time he reached his room he was wearing his own face once more. He smiled at the innkeeper and made his way up the stairs and into his room, quickly dressing and placing the scrolls in a small leather satchel before taking his leave.

As dawn rose he was leaving Oldtown itself, the ship taking him to Lannisport and from there he'd make his way to see the prince, though perhaps by then he'd be a king already. He stood on the deck of the ship and watched the Hightower fade from his view, a small smile on his face as he turned and walked to his cabin. A man's work was not yet done and he had miles to go before he could go home.

"Valar Dohaeris." he said softly to the wind.

Iron Islands 298 AC.

Victarion Greyjoy.

The Iron Victory sailed into Lordsport and his anger still hadn't subsided, less than thirty ships were all that remained. His niece and nephew were gone and he presumed them dead and his fleet had been decimated. Ships could be rebuilt, of course, it was the men that had been lost that he was angry about. Good men, hardy men, and men not easily replaced. There was no sign of the Cleftjaw or any of his men, few of his niece's true warriors had made it back and none of his nephew's.

When he disembarked it was to the inn he went rather than ride to the keep, he needed a good ale and he needed to know more, and he needed both now. It was truly only the second that he got, the ale was pitiful though he drank it down and as he listened to the stories it was clear he'd underestimated the size of their defeat.

"They took her, she's alive though where they brought her I'd hazard to guess." he heard a voice call out, Victarion soon finding out they were speaking of Asha.

"Bloody Starks no doubt, they already had one of Balon's children, was that not enough for them."

"Where did the wolves come from, I thought they were at war?"

"They're wolves, they hide and lay in wait and attack as a pack."

He had enough and didn't need to learn anymore and so he and the few remaining men that he trusted made their way from the tavern and began the ride to Pyke to face his brothers. Knowing full well it was the crazy one who'd make more sense, Aeron may be mad but he was not a fool and it was clear now that Balon was. The ride gave him more time to think and wonder what to do, ponder on how to remove this stain from his name.

Twice now he'd gone into battle against the Greenlanders, three times if he counted the ambush he'd planned for the Pinnacle ship. Each time he'd been roundly defeated and all because he'd not done his own scouting. Had he known the size of the fleet Baratheon was able to gather then he'd not have faced them at Fair Isle. Had he known of the reserves the North had then he'd have prevented this folly, this farce, and saved face and many lives in the process.

By the time he reached the keep he was spitting mad, his countenance removed any comments and not even a hello did he get from the guards as he stormed in to see his brothers. Aeron stood whispering to Balon who sat the Seastone Chair, Balon having the gall to glare at him angrily when he saw him.

"Ah, hail our defeated Lord Captain, the man I've twice chosen to lead my fleet and the man who's twice lost the battles I've planned so meticulously." Balon said his voice dripping with contempt.

"Meticulously, meticulously, and I thought him the crazy one." he shouted pointing at Aeron.

"I gave you the plans, the timing, the North is off fighting a war and what have you brought me? The spoils of war? The trappings of victory? Vengeance and justice to the usurper's dog? No, you've brought me less than I gave you and lost me, my children, in the process." Balon said and was he not his brother and just his king then he'd be dead where he sat.

"Your folly, your foolishness has now cost us twice. Just like nine years ago when it cost us a fleet, our dignity, and two of your sons, why? Because you knew better, you had a plan, a vision and where did that vision get us, brother? Oh, king of mine? Where, the same place your vision got us this time, fucked in the arse with not even a whore's payment for the privilege." he spat.

"You dare speak to me that way, I am your king." Balon said and Victarion laughed.

"King, king of fucking what? Our fleet was almost destroyed brother, we lost most of our best men, and when the dragon takes his throne where will he look next?"

He moved closer and glared at Aeron who seemed lost in prayer and Balon who looked back at him just as angrily.

"We've attacked his kin, his home and he either has my niece and nephew or they're with the Drowned God. Either way, he'll be looking here and when they come brother and come they will, I wish you good fortune."

He turned and walked away hearing Balon shout and scream behind him, stripping him of rank and title not that he cared. An Ironborn was only as powerful as the ships they controlled and the ships would follow him and not Balon. He'd sent them to losses twice and no Ironborn would follow him a third time.

The drink at the inn was well-received that night and the men's spirits were high as he explained his plans. They were reavers and it was time to reave, given what would soon be coming for them time was not something they had much of anyway. The dragon was a Stark and had connections to the West and the Reach and soon the largest fleet in Westeros would be his to command.

Robert had made a mistake and left Balon in charge, he doubted this Jon Snow or Jaehaerys Targaryen would do the same. The Northmen would be eager to come and beat down the gates of Pyke once more, he may as well enjoy himself for the few remaining moons or years he had left.

"Captain, Captain." he heard someone shout, his head thumping as he lay in his bed.

"What is it?" he shouted back, his own voice hurting his head as he did so.

"The King, captain, the King is dead."

He dressed quickly and found men waiting, horses ready to be ridden and he knew then what he'd heard had been true. Riding hard to the keep, he saw the group of men below it and his brother standing among them. Victarion jumped off his horse and ran towards them seeing the body when he got there.

"He fell from the bridge, Lord Captain." one of the men said and Victarion shook his head.

"There was a storm last night, the winds were heavy." another man said.

"The King is dead, it's time to pick a new king." Aeron said looking to him.

Victarion looked at the body of his brother, did he jump? Would Balon kill himself? Had someone pushed him, murdered him? He didn't know but he knew his brother hadn't fallen and in the end, it mattered not. Balon was dead and with him gone perhaps there was a chance, peace it would need to be peace with the Greenlanders and only a king could grant them that.

"Organise the Kingsmoot." he said simply turning away.

Bear Island 298 AC.

Arya.

After the attack, they'd doubled their patrols and then word had come for other keeps in the North, the Iron Born had been defeated and driven back to their shitpile of rocks. Arya and Lyanna both loved saying that when Alysanne wasn't around, Lyra didn't mind when they did but Alysanne was far stricter. Arya thought though it was only because Lady Maege had left her in charge as before the war had started Alysanne would be the one encouraging them and laughing when they used rude words.

Her favorite use of it had been when she'd snuck down to the dungeons to look at Theon Greyjoy. The cocky self-assured grin he wore when he was in Winterfell was completely gone now and though he'd recovered somewhat from his injuries, Lyra had told them that he'd never force himself on a girl again. It had taken Arya some time to find out what unmanned had meant, but she was certain if anyone deserved it then Theon did.

That and the jibes and insults she'd send his way when she and Lyanna snuck into the dungeons. At Winterfell, before Jon came to visit and Theon fell from grace, she'd had to endure insults from him and so she felt it was only right he received the same from her. Especially after what he had tried to do that night. One of the benefits of being attacked was that her training and Lyanna's had changed since then. While they still did their archery and went hunting, they'd also begun to truly train with maces also.

Arya had at first been upset not to use a sword, she'd seen how Jon and Loras had used theirs in Winterfell and wished so much to be like them. But both Lyra and Alysanne had convinced her that not only were neither adept but she was a she-wolf of Bear Island now, something Arya was very proud of. So it had been a mace she was handed and very soon Arya had found the mace to be an easier weapon to get a handle on, something she was doing now.

"Swing it with all you might, Arya, no, no, it doesn't matter if you miss the head, just make sure you hit something."

"That's it Lyanna, excellent."

Lyra's voice shouted out as both she and Lyanna moved through the dummies, left and then right, low and high. While Lyanna was more purposeful in her steps, Arya added moves and spins to hers, something she'd seen Jon do when he fought. Alysanne had encouraged her to develop her own style, telling her that she was a Stark and should fight like one.

The first time she'd said it Arya had taken it wrong, thinking that Alysanne was telling her that she'd never be a Mormont like them. Something that was clearly put out of her head that evening when Alysanne explained that it was her body she was speaking of. That other than Dacey all the Mormont women took after their mother and that Arya most likely would take after her own, her body shape wouldn't allow her to fight as they did. So she'd redoubled her efforts and now she fought like a Stark. Arya Stark of Winterfell and Bear Island she thought to herself smiling as she hit the last target.

"Gods you're slow." she heard Lyanna say.

"I'm faster than you." she said back.

"No you're not, I beat you" Lyanna said.

"I beat you yesterday."

"How about a race then?" she said only for Lyra to look at them both.

"Enough or I'll make both of you clean the stables." Lyra said and as always it quickly shut them up.

They weren't arguing, they never argued, she couldn't not with Lyanna. She and the littlest she-bear were the best of friends, they pushed each other, knew what to say to annoy each other, and to make each other laugh. When she woke up in the mornings she was guaranteed to see Lyanna before anyone else. Either she'd come to Arya's room or it would be the other way around. More than her training, the freedom she'd been allowed to do things that always got her in trouble at Winterfell, the studies she did, or how there was no Septa to annoy her, Lyanna was the best thing about living on Bear Island.

She'd always made friends easily, the cook's daughter, some of the guard's children, and some of the orphans in Wintertown. Unlike Sansa, though she had never had a friend that she was with constantly, a friend that she could speak to about anything, not until she came here and now she knew she couldn't live without that. After Lyra had finished scolding them for a fight that wasn't a fight, they were made head off to their studies.

While at them she heard the news that things had changed and Arya found she'd be leaving Bear Island far sooner than she had expected. They'd been learning about the King's of Winter and how her house had held the North for 8,000 years. The Maester telling them how from the moment Rodrik Stark had gifted them Bear Island, House Mormont had stood side by side with the Starks, never once breaking faith. Something which made Lyanna just as proud as she was. They'd just begun to speak on House Mormont's history when it happened, the servant coming in and telling them that Alysanne wished to see them both.

They looked at each other as they walked, both trying to remember what pranks they had done that may have been discovered. Neither able to remember doing one today, which in of itself was unusual. By the time they reached the Great Hall, they were equally nervous until they heard the happy sounds inside, Lyanna looking at her and then both of them rushing inside.

"Girls, come we have news to share, great news." Lyra said when she saw them, Arya seeing the mug of ale in her hand and noticing the mugs in almost everyone else's.

"Come girls." Alysanne said.

They both moved eagerly to the chair where Lady Maege and now Alysanne in her absence would hear petitions. Arya seeing the large smile on Alysanne's face and knowing now without any doubt the news was good.

"We've received word on mother and on your father and brother, first from Winterfell and then from King's Landing." Alysanne said confusing her, King's Landing, why would they get news from King's Landing.

"Mother is well, Jory?" Lyanna asked while Arya tried to figure it out.

"They are, your father and brother too, as well as your cousin."

"Jon is my brother." she said annoyed and Alysanne chuckled "I meant your other cousin, the one with the wolf."

"Oh." Arya said though she'd been told not to speak on Cregan she had excitedly told about him one night and hoped her father would forgive her.

"The North has won a great victory against the Knights of the Vale, mother, and Jory no doubt played their part. As did your father, brother, and cousin, Arya and they're all safe I'm happy to say." Lyra said moving toward them.

"Jon?" she asked nervously seeing Alysanne's smile.

"It's over Arya, they've taken King's Landing, the war is done and soon we'll have a king to crown." Alysanne said, Arya, finding herself overjoyed with the news, even more so a moment later.

"That's not all, tell her Ally." Lyra said swallowing the last drops of ale from her mug.

"Aye, I suppose I better had. You girls are going on a little trip, you're off to King's Landing to see a king crowned. Your brother requests your presence Arya and where you go I've no doubt my sister will follow." Alysanne said smiling at Lyanna as she did so.

"Really, we're really going?" she asked excitedly.

"Aye, as soon as The She-Bear returns, both of you and Lyra, I'd join you but.." Alysanne said and Arya couldn't help herself, Lyanna too by the looks of things as they both hugged her, hearing her chuckle as she hugged them back.

It took another week for the ship to arrive, Arya finding each day longer than the next and when it finally came she still wasn't ready. Instead, she had almost been forced to leave most of what she wished to bring behind, and were it not for Lyanna getting a servant to help her pack, she'd have been going with only one change of clothing. Alysanne went with them to the docks and Arya felt herself frown when she saw Theon Greyjoy being brought on board, the Ironborn chained and limping badly.

"Why is he coming?" she asked.

"He committed a crime against the crown Arya and the crown will punish him." Lyra said.

"I thought he committed it against our island?" she said to a warm smile from Alysanne.

"He committed it against the King's sister, I think your brother would be less than pleased if he didn't get to deal with it himself." Lyra said and Arya nodded, wondering then what Jon would do to him.

"Now you girls be careful, stick together, and try not to get into too much mischief. Let them not say we raise savages on Bear Island, both of you act as the warrior ladies I know you are." Alysanne said and one after another they hugged her, Arya first and then Lyanna and finally Lyra.

"Thank you Lady Alysanne for everything," she said and felt the woman muss her hair.

"Go, sail away and leave me all alone, I'll see you all on your return."

As sad as she was looking at Bear Island as it faded from view, Arya felt happy that she was traveling. She'd see father soon and Robb, Sansa, and Cregan, and she'd soon see Jon. Looking down at the Nymeria who lay snoozing on the deck she looked forward to the pack being together once more.

Riverlands 298 AC.

Cat.

Each day she'd hidden in this god awful place the news had come and it had gotten worse and worse. That her home had fallen hadn't been a surprise and she took comfort that she and Edmure had been far away from it when it did. She had then put her faith in the Knights of the Vale only to find that they too had fallen and though word hadn't reached her of Edmure, she feared the worst. Something which inevitably happened, that Petyr knew about it and didn't tell her bothered her, his answers not ringing true this time.

"I didn't wish to upset you anymore than you already were my love." he said his eyes full of concern.

"I'm a grown woman Petyr, I understand the nature of the predicament we're in, I don't wish to be kept in the dark."

"Forgive me Cat, I had thought I was doing what was right, I'll not keep anything from you again." he said looking at her with a soft smile.

"I can't bear it Petyr, not from you, it was keeping secrets from me which caused this." she said and he nodded.

It was true too, had Ned not kept it from her then she'd have never ended up hiding out in a brothel on lands that used to be controlled by her family, lands that surely would never be again. Yet while he'd said he'd understood and he'd not do so again, Cat wasn't sure she believed him. Whether that was due to the nature of Ned's duplicity or to something else she didn't know, but she had taken to sneaking around and trying to find things out on her own.

She had felt both relieved and shocked by his plan when he had brought it to her, Essos she couldn't go to Essos. Not even temporarily and certainly not for an extended period of time. Yes, she wished to keep her head, but if she could get to Ned, if she begged him for their children's sake, surely he'd not see the worst happen to her. Though the little voice at the back of her head screamed that he already had, he's seen her family brought low and had not been content with just his shaming of her.

They had just reached the Crossroads Inn when the rest of the news came and the reason for their haste and hurried departure from the brothel became even more clear. Robert Baratheon was dead, beaten in single combat by the bastard, and then executed by the Sword of the Morning. Cat finding her breathing ever more difficult upon hearing about Ser Arthur Dayne. Everything had been a lie, everything, Ned, Brandon, the bastard, what had happened in Dorne, the rebellion, her life, all of it a lie that she'd been unaware of.

"What do you mean dragons?" she heard Petyr say and she shook her head, her thoughts having obviously made her mishear.

"Two of them milord, one at the Trident flew by the prince and one at the God's Eye flew by the king." the barkeep said and Cat glared at the man for speaking such nonsense.

They rode on and didn't say in the inn that night, instead laying in the undergrowth. Cat was annoyed and upset and in no mood when Petyr began to remove her clothing. Still, she let him have his way with her though she took very little pleasure in the act. She'd not since they'd been married and even less so this night. Her mind was filled with fear and concern and even was it not, Petyr didn't stir her heart how it once had been. For all the things she blamed on Ned now, the lies and secrets he'd kept hidden from her, the shame he'd brought on her, and how he'd made her feel. He still compared far more favorably to her new husband when it came to matters of the flesh, the pleasure he had brought her a stark contrast to the nothingness she felt with Petyr.

Why that was she couldn't be certain, was it Petyr himself or was there a part of her that had been broken by Ned and his bastard? A part of her she'd lost that she'd never get back. She couldn't be sure and so most nights with Petyr were a mummery, an act and one he fell for completely, tonight there had been none and she was unsurprised to find he cared not either way. Rolling over on the ground she felt her eyes closing and she hoped her sleep would be a dreamless one, something that was becoming ever rarer.

She was running through the woods, the howls of the wolves closing in and her hands and feet hurting from where she'd fallen and dragged herself along the ground. Her dress was ripped from the branches and her face marked from the thorns of the bushes she'd hid in when the wolves had gotten too close. Breathing deep breaths she looked around trying to find a way out of these woods and then she saw them. The red eyes pierced her very soul and when the clouds passed the moon, the white fur became clear to her.

As fast as he could she took off once more and began to see the woods get a little more sparse, finally seeing an opening in front of her that she raced towards. When it landed she screamed out, it's white scales and deep purple eyes staring at her and daring her to leave the safety of the trees. Behind her, she could hear the wolves gaining ground and so she turned and ran off in the only direction that was left to her. Soon the sounds were far behind her and then she heard the birds, the caws louder then even the dragon's landing had been. She looked around to see hundreds of them, thousands perhaps, and heard it in her head.

"A thousand eyes and one I have, you can never hide from me." The bastard's voice sending a shiver down her spine.

She ran again and then she felt it over her and she looked up in horror, the dragon looking even bigger now. It's white scales reflecting in the moonlight, its wings an even deeper and more vibrant blue than her eyes. Feeling the wind from those wings she tried to run only to fall to the ground when she saw him on it's back. His dark hair and grey eyes marking him out and the look he gave her one that filled her with terror.

"Please, I'm sorry, forgive me." she begged looking up at him and then seeing him smile.

"Dracarys." he said and the dragon opened its mouth, Cat seeing the flames inside as they began to build.

She woke up and ran to the nearby stream, her stomach emptying into it and then moving down from where she was she wiped her mouth and drank some of the cool water and threw some on her face.

"Cat, Cat, my love what's wrong?" Petyr said and she grabbed him tightly.

The next morning after breaking their fast they rode on and two days later when she finally saw Wickenden she felt some relief. They were on the ship a day later and sailing by that night, Cat feeling somewhat more relaxed on the ship than she had been on land. Though this too didn't last too long, as one night when she had been too scared to sleep, she ended up walking on the deck of the ship and found Petyr talking to one of his men.

"I need her with me, she's the only thing that'll keep me alive." Petyr said.

"That and her being your wife, my lord."

"Married life is not what I expected I have to admit, but as long as she's with me the dragon won't come."

"The fingers won't be safe my lord."

"Hah, nowhere is safe from a man with a dragon, a king with one even less so." Petyr said.

Cat snuck back down to her room and feigned sleep when he entered an hour or two later. By the time they reached the Drerfort she'd spent more time pretending to sleep and going over things in her mind than she had actually sleeping. When they were together she played the dutiful wife and her mummery when he did his business with her was certainly something he appreciated. Petyr smiling more and more at her and Cat learning which of them were true and which were not.

They heard that the bastard had taken King's Landing and would soon be holding his coronation, that he and Lady Margaery would soon be wed and Cat felt those old feelings stir up once again. This time though she pushed them down, for it wasn't for once the bastard that was her greatest concern, instead, that honor now fell to her husband. Words and phrases, small moments, things said and unsaid all of it preying on her mind.

When she heard Lysa and Robin had died she knew it for true then, the tales Gerion Lannister had told her, the song that Petyr hated hearing so much, and his own response to the news proving the lie as a truth. Cat soon wondering just exactly what else Petyr had lied about and finding to her dismay that she was now sure he'd rarely told her a truth.

"We will leave for Essos soon my love." he said to her as she looked out the window of the Drearfort one day.

"We will?" she asked a smile on her face and she saw the glimmer of his true one once more.

"Aye, some more arrangements to make, and once there we can plan for our return."

"You have plans to deal with the King?" she asked.

"Oh my dear Cat, if you only knew the plans I have." he said kissing her forehead and leaving the room.

She needed to be away from him that much was clear but where to go and how to get there, these things she hadn't figured out as of yet. Petyr though was no savior, no hero who'd come to her rescue. So far from that was he that she was beginning to think him a villain as responsible for her current state as much if not more than she was, and that was not a man who had her best interests in heart. She saw it then looking at her, the bird's eyes on hers and she shuddered.

"A thousand eyes and one" the voice said and Cat began to cry as she realized how very trapped she was.

Skirling Pass 298 AC.

Kinvara.

They had ridden hard and yet found no other trouble on the road since Leaf had left them, something both she and Val were happy about. Not that Kinvara ever truly felt in danger when she walked in her god's light, she knew her time would come eventually and that her death was many years from now. She found she liked the Free Folk lady, for a lady she was despite her rough edges. Had she been born south of the Wall then Val would have been a lady that men would fight wars for, just like the Prince's mother had been.

Val loved hearing her tales though she snorted and shook her head when she told them. Kinvara well accustomed to those who were fascinated and those who pretended otherwise. Though it was the fire that really intrigued the woman, Val still seeming awestruck when Kinvara or her men showed off their gifts. She knew that here in this cold place the mere idea of being able to set a fire with no spark was something that they'd give anything to be able to do. Which meant that regardless of anything else she had a power that would help her win them over.

The next day they were joined by a large group of men, a large man with a big belly and a white beard looking at them suspiciously and at Val with relief. Kinvara took in the man's appearance and though he was dressed the same as the others there were differences too. The golden bands that he wore on his arms would be worth a lot of coin, yet it was the writing on them she found most interesting, the old tongue she'd hazard a guess. He wore ringmail and when she saw how she was looking at him he smiled broadly.

"You look like you want to taste me cock." a booming voice called out.

"For fuck's sake Tormund, be bloody quiet for once, where's Mance?" Val asked and Tormund's smile faded.

"With your sister, she's poorly Val." Tormund said.

"She is ill, perhaps I can help?" Kinvara said.

"She's with child." Val said looking to her hopefully.

"Lead the way and I'll do my god's bidding Val."

"Val, who are these kneelers?" Tormund asked glaring at her and her two guards.

"It doesn't fucking matter, come take us to Dalla."

"Jarl, the others?" Tormund asked and Val shook her head.

The men with him soon surrounded them and they were then led to a large tent, Val running from them when she heard the screams from inside. When Kinvara reached it, she looked to Tormund who for a moment didn't seem to understand, before it dawned on him what she was asking.

"Just you." he said and she nodded before entering the tent.

Inside a woman was in pain laying on some furs with another woman leaning over her, a worried man with dark hair held her hand while Val looked back at her pleadingly. Moving the other woman out of the way and hearing Val say something to the man, Kinvara placed her hand on the woman's forehead before she did so to her belly, shaking her head when she felt it.

"Val, what I need to do must be done, for your sister and her babe, it can't be stopped if you want them both to live."

"Who are you? Val?" the man asked.

"Trust me, Mance, she can help." Val said.

So this was the King Beyond the Wall Kinvara thought as she glanced at him briefly, realizing now that this woman was his wife and Val's sister, making her need to save her all the more pressing.

"Don't stop me no matter what you see, is that understood?" she said looking to the man who looked at Val and then nodded.

Cutting her hand she rubbed the blood on Dalla's stomach and placed her uncut hand on it before moving the cut hand to her ruby. She closed her eyes and prayed to R'hllor, feeling the flames on her fingers as they touched Dalla's skin. She didn't listen to the shouts behind her and instead continued her prayer. Soon seeing images of the woman dying, her babe dying. Val screaming her pain and heartbreak out in the snow and the King Beyond the Wall as a broken man walking alone on an ice-filled field.

"Water, I need water." Kinvara said and the other woman brought a mug of it towards her.

Nodding to the woman she let her tilt the mug back and drank it all down, shaking her head when the woman went to take the mug away. She felt the fire inside her and then she spit the water back into the mug, the water steaming now as if it had just been boiled.

"Give it to her, you must drink it, all of it" she said and Val looked to her sister and nodded vigorously.

Dalla did as she was bid and drank it all down, not needing the woman to move it away even once. When Kinvara saw the flame on her fingers rise up, the light go bright she smiled and removed her hand. It was an hour later that the boy was born, his cries echoing in the tent and after handing him to his mother, she watched as Dalla's color came back to her face.

"The Lord wills you both a long life." she said looking to Dalla and seeing Val's smile when she looked back to her.

"Who?" Val, who is this woman?" Mance asked as he touched his fingers to his son's head and kissed his wife before looking back to her.

"This is Kinvara, a priestess of the Lord of Light, she's been sent to help." Val said.

"By who her god?" Mance asked doubtfully.

"No by my Prince, my God's Chosen and the man who wishes to save your people." she said seeing the look of surprise on Mance's face.

Beyond the wall 298 AC.

Bloodraven.

He looked on as Leaf moved, the men she faced no match for her. The two red warriors cut down as if they were nothing and then he watched as the blond wilding ran at her, only to see her stomach opened and her insides pour out onto the snow. The priestess ran and Brynden smiled, the red god had no power here, this was his side of the wall and while he shared his domain with gods, soon even they would fall.

When he saw her die he felt relief, things were back to normal and progressing once again how they should. The Free Folk would fall as much as they had to and the balance would stay as it needed to be. He looked south and saw events play out just as he had expected, the war that was not a war only ever having one end. Then he found himself smiling for the first time in years, she was here, his love had returned and soon he'd be able to do what needed to be done.

He looked North and found them just where they had always been, watching, waiting, and soon they'd march truly. The course had been set and the die was cast and though others would play the game, it would be he in the end who'd win. Closing his eyes he went back down deep beneath the sea, his true plans needing to be hidden from those who'd try to interfere.

Once again he found himself swimming in the river and the current took him back further than he had intended to go. No matter how many times he'd come here he'd not been able to see that which he desired. Valyria's magic was still more powerful than his and things were hidden even to a man who sees all. Daenys was one of these things, he could see her, hear her speak, and had heard the warning many a time, yet never could he see her truth.

The book was a mystery to him, he'd see her writing in it and yet never what was written and it irked him to see so much and yet so little. He left Valyria behind and found himself traveling upstream, past the Conqueror, and the Dance even past his younger self and when the river became quicker and harder to swim in, he knew he was past the time he was in now.

"No my love I'm fine." Jaehaerys said

"Are you, you look pale, Jae?"

"Magic requires sacrifice and I always recover."

"Is it necessary?"

"Aye, my love it is. Come we promised to have dinner with my aunt."

"Should I wear this truly?" Margaery said picking up the pin.

"I'm sure she'd love to see it again." Jaehaerys said.

He felt his excitement rise as he saw them, as he saw her and then her face and how quickly she moved Brynden began to laugh.

His eyes opened and it was to see Leaf standing in front of him, the child looking up at him eagerly.

"Did you see the prince?" Leaf asked.

"Aye I saw him, things in the south are happening how we wish, the prince is soon to be a king." Brynden said seeing the smile on the child's face.

"Then he will come?" Leaf asked.

"Soon it'll be time. Did you burn the bodies?"

"I did, magic knows magic and I'd not let him get his hands on them."

"Good, you have helped our prince greatly, Leaf, taken care of a danger to him that he was unaware of. I'll be sure to mention it when we meet him." he said and saw Leaf smiling, prideful as ever these children he thought.

"I'll let the others know. " Leaf said and Brynden watched the child leave.

He heard her tell them what she'd done and that soon the prince would come and so he closed his eyes once more. The Free Folk were as they were, the Night King soon would be ready to move, all the pieces were in place, all he had to do now was wait and be ready.

Casterly Rock 298 AC.

Sarella.

Her work was almost done, the papers written and as she looked over them she was stunned by just how much she had learned. There wasn't a person in this world she felt other than Jon himself who knew as much about dragons as she. Few she'd imagined who knew as much about magic as she did either. Though she missed having the dragons here and the Maesters who she'd come to think of fondly, it was Melisandre she wished to see again.

Marwyn was an interesting man who'd helped her understand certain things, but his interest was more in her work than in speaking to her about his own. While the magical aspects of it were something Jon would allow her to share, both Marwyn and Loamara were far more interested in the dragons, and on them, she spoke only briefly. Melisandre though showed her things she'd found fascinating, things she didn't share with anyone else other than perhaps Jon.

She explained how blood was the key to almost everything when it came to magic, it was the source of power and the fuel that drove that power. Like a fire needed wood and a flame, magic needed blood, Melisandre had said. It had made Sarella make certain leaps which she wasn't sure anyone else had. She had spent a lot of her time tracing bloodlines and looking at the magical aspects of them.

When she had asked Jon about them his own insights only added to her knowledge. Both sides of his bloodline were infused with so much magic that she wondered if that was why only he could fulfill the prophecy. Melisandre called him the Song of Ice and Fire and that he was no doubt, but it wasn't just Stark and Targaryen blood he had in him.

"My family married the Warg King's daughters, bringing their bloodline into our own, they say Bran the Builder married a Child of the Forest and was the son of Brandon the Bloody Blade, himself a son of Garth Greenhand." Jon said.

"You believe it?" she asked.

"I know there is strong magic in my mother's blood and through her mine, and in my father's also." Jon said.

"Those of Valyria were always said to possess magic blood." she said in agreement.

"And the Forty even more so as they were the only ones who controlled dragons. Think about it there are others out there who can claim a Valyrian ancestry, Sarella, and yet only those tied to my family could ever ride dragons. House Velaryon is a noble house as old as mine own and yet it's only through their ties with House Targaryen that they've even had Dragonriders."

"You think the Forty is the reason?"

"I think Valyria has secrets that none of us know and maybe never will, I know magic knows magic, so maybe one day you or I will figure it out. But blood is the key of that I'm certain."

She had traced the bloodline as far as she could. Paying great attention to House Targaryen and it's many marriages and had then made a startling discovery quite by accident. One she had only been able to because of the news from the war. They'd been eating one night when the note had been handed to Genna, the lady letting Dacey and Ashara know of the victories at Riverrun, The Trident, and the God's eye, and that both their husbands were safe and well. Sarella seeing the same look on their faces as she had worn when she had been told of her father's victory in the Stormlands.

"Sarella, can you join us." Genna asked when the meal was done.

She walked from the hall with Lady Dacey, Lady Genna, and Lady Ashara, the former's belly swelling and it would only be a moon or more until another babe was born. When they entered the lady's solar she saw more concern than she had expected and wondered if she'd misheard the news, or if a mummery was being played out for the benefit of morale.

"Dragons Sarella, how does a bond work with them?" Genna asked catching her by surprise.

"From what I can gather my lady, only someone with the blood of House Targaryen can bond with a dragon." she said confused as to why the lady would ask such a question.

"And how strong does this blood connection have to be, could it be anyone with the blood of House Targaryen in them or does it need to be direct?" Ashara asked.

"Direct?" she asked.

"Father to son?" Genna asked.

"I don't think it works quite like that, During the dance, there were…may I ask what your concerns are my lady, I feel there is something you're not telling me?"

She listened as Genna told her that apparently there was a boy claiming to be her cousin, a boy who'd been backed by the Golden Company and she worried that he could take Jon or Tyrion's dragon from them. The woman fearing another dance it seemed and Sarella felt glad that she was able to reassure her.

"Once a dragon has bonded my lady, only death releases it. Lygaron is Tyron's mount and not even Jon could take him from him nor could Tyrion take Rhaenix from Jon."

"So even if this so-called Aegon was actually who he claims to be?" Ashara said her tone leaving her in no doubt that the boy who claimed to be her cousin was anything but.

"Even then my lady." she said seeing them relax.

It was later on that night when she was thinking on it more clearly that it hit her, the boy had to be a Blackfyre and as she looked at her tracing of Jon's line she saw the shift. The split-off point between the Blackfyre's and Targaryen's was more than just a break up of a house, it was a break up of the line. A change in it and one which led her to another fact about magic she'd not realized until then.

After the last dragon died magic as the world knew it changed and ever since then the world had been trying to right itself, none in the world more so than House Targaryen. While it was his appetites that no doubt were the biggest cause for how he acted, the Unworthy may very well have been driven to it also. Sarella looking once again at the split and seeing the connections form.

House Targaryen and House Blackwood were interchanged from this point on, First Men and Old Valyria trying to come together and she began to see it not just as lust from an unworthy king but magic seeking magic and it changed everything. While House Blackfyre too formed from the Unworthy's escapades, it was here the lines diverged, Sarella looking at the names and tracing them down to Jon, the current Jaehaerys Targaryen.

"Daeron to Maekar, Maeker to Aegon the Unlikely who was himself was married to Betha Blackwood, Aegon to Jaehaerys, Jaehaerys to Aerys who married his sister Rhaella, to Rhaegar who married Lyanna Stark and finally to Jon, Jaehaerys Targaryen, the Song of Ice and Fire" she said as her fingers brushed the page.

There was something here, something more a plan at work and she could see it almost clearly and yet felt there was something she was missing. For the next few days, she went over papers and looked through connections, and all along the way it was there, magic seeking out magic. When news came that the war was over and that they'd be heading to King's Landing, Sarella was eager for the trip, gathering up her papers and putting them with the rest of her things.

She looked forward to speaking to Jon when she got there, to show him what she had found and to try and figure out just exactly what it all meant. What she knew for certain was there was whatever the reasons behind it, Jon Snow was the end result and she felt it was something that he needed to know.

Around the realm 298 AC.

The Vale.

Elbert Stone.

The goats were even more active tonight, moving around and refusing to be milked, Elbert struggling to keep them calm. Even Patches who was the most docile of them had tried to kick him more than once. Why? he didn't know though he feared a storm, the animals always got a little more jittery when they knew once was on its way.

He dragged the next one over and finally calmed it down, the milk coming quickly as if she wished to be elsewhere and all he could think of was that he was glad at least one of them was being helpful. The bleating he heard was so loud it made him fall off his log. Had he not moved quickly he would have been kicked in the head, so eager was the goat he'd been milking to get away from him.

Elbert stumbled to his feet and looked over the small herd and saw them all bleat at Patches and move away from her as she stared them down. He moved over to see what was wrong and then hurried from the shed, the milking could wait until tomorrow he said over and over to himself as he practically ran to his home. Even sleeping that night he couldn't get the sight from his mind, he'd never seen a goat with white eyes before and he knew that Patches' eyes hadn't always been that color.

The Riverlands.

Hoster Blackwood.

He was leaning against a tree taking a piss and then he felt it, the hairs on the back of his neck pricked and he quickly finished and drew his sword. Though the battle was done and he had nothing to fear, something felt wrong and as he moved away from the tree he looked up to see the birds in the branches. To see a sparrow so brazen was a rare thing, the birds usually far warier when men were around. To see four or five of them sitting on the same branch staring down at him was something he'd never seen before.

It spooked him and he felt a fool for it, his family were well known for the ravens they kept and their affinity with birds, and yet for some reason, he felt nervous as he looked at the birds in the tree. He moved away and turned to head back to camp when the birds began to chirp all at once. The song they sang sounded pained to his ears though and when he turned to look back at them he froze. There were more than a dozen there now as if they'd been called together and Hoster wondered why that was.

He moved closer and looked up and then as one they looked down at him, the bird's eyes were white and he knew they'd been warged, but how anyone could warg so many at once was beyond him. As he looked at them all of a sudden they took to the air, each of them flying off in a different direction. Hoster felt himself shiver and hurried back to the camp, it wasn't quite a thousand eyes but it was far more than two dozen and he knew found himself wondering, not how it was done, but who had the power to do so.

Dorne 298 AC.

Arianne.

The night was cool and she stood on the balcony, the moon high in the sky and it's light bathing the city below in a unique hue. She loved nights like this, when the ideas and plots were less invasive on her thoughts and when she could instead think of the future without worry. Worries for the daytime, for unpleasant nights, and she had worries aplenty, tonight was for dreams she thought with a smile.

Dreams she had many and none more pleasant than when she dreamt of her lion and wondered if he was off somewhere dreaming of her. She believed he was, hoped he was and each day she woke she prayed he'd be safe. It was an unusual situation for her and not one she'd imagined she'd ever be in. Love not something she had ever dared to dream about or ever thought she'd feel.

Her thoughts were shaken from her by the sounds of hooves on the ground, the whinnies, and neighs coming from the stables to her left. Dressing quickly she called for her guards and found that there was nothing wrong, no danger though something had spooked the horses. She asked them to take her to them as she was worried about her own steed and was soon standing in the stables.

Whatever it was had seemed to pass and as she stroked her horse's mane she felt his pleasure as he leaned against her. After making sure there was nothing wrong she turned to leave for her bed and yet something forced her attention back to the horses behind her. Arianne turned to see one of them look at her, staring at her as if it was contemplating who she was and deciding her worth. It for a moment annoyed her and then she was taken aback, it's eyes whiter than the moon she'd been admiring just earlier. It was only when falling to sleep that night she began to wonder had the mare's eyes always been so white?

Around the realm 298 AC.

In the Wolfswood the pack howled and the prey scattered, the sound unnatural and forced, the pack felt threatened, and yet she did not, her eyes looking forward and taking everything in. Seeing it all as if it was new and as the pack ran she knew she was not alone and would never be so again.

He scurried through the cracks of the ship sensing the food just ahead, the men above him were no longer a threat, he felt braver, no longer scared of them and their steel hands. When he saw it he grabbed it and was gone in moments, faster, cleverer, he felt different. It had hurt and he had not known what to do at first but the presence was comforting, and he had direction now. As he crawled back into the hole he felt his young and could sense it on them too, their on eagerness and lack of fear was something he welcomed.

She flew through the air and looked at the mountains below, the rocky shore ahead of her, and the trees off in the distance. Her eyesight had been fading and yet now it was as it had been when she was young. Everything seeming more vibrant and even the scent filling her senses once more. When she saw the prey below her she dived and took it without any trouble, something that for days, weeks, or even moons she'd not been able to do.

She'd lived on scraps and knew her time was nearing an end, an eagle who couldn't hunt was no use to the world and it had been a long time since she'd been fast enough to do so. Yet once more she was what she had once been, an eagle supreme in the sky, her wings beating as if she was a hatchling and her heart raced. When she landed she ate the meat she had captured, fresh and juicy and it's taste invigorated her even more. She'd welcomed the presence as she had been in no fit state to fight it and now she was glad she had done so.

To the air, she took once more, her destination far away but she would fly to it, for this was a life, a second life and she'd not squander the opportunity she'd been given.

The Stepstones 298 AC.

The Pirate King.

It was done, finally, the moons of fighting brought to an end, and even though it had been mere days since he'd done so, he found himself bored yet again. He had reveled in the bloodletting, in testing his mettle against weaker men than he. But then he was a god and what fear a god have from mere men. Why he had come here though he had no idea, for hadn't been Valyria and Volantis that he had thought to go?

Wasn't it Qarth and its warlocks and to Asshai and it's Shadowbinders he had meant to sail? Didn't he have work for them all? Or so he had thought. Yet as he sailed by the Stepstones he had felt it in his head, the same voice he had felt all those years ago. Here he was to stay and here he was to rule and here to wait until it was time to sail home once more. It had been nine years since he'd heard that voice and he'd over time begun to question even himself about it, wondering whether it had been a dream or the madness like his brother had said.

He knew the truth though he had always known the truth. He was not mad, no he was a god and it was his destiny to rule. These islands and then others and finally Westeros itself, Essos too would fall and his name would be spoken in whispers from sea to sea. Wherever men had tongues to speak they'd speak his name with fear in their hearts, they'd speak of the Pirate King of the Stepstones and call him by his true name only if he deigned it so.

As the men celebrated he drank the blue liquid and allowed the visions to overwhelm him once more. Smiling as he saw the Seastone Chair and himself sitting on it with the Driftwood Crown upon his head. The first of many he'd wear in his life the voice promised and who was he to argue.

"We sail on the morrow, enjoy your night for soon we'll have more blood to spill." he said as he moved from his seat, the hall filled with men and women in various states of undress.

Those who followed him would be greatly rewarded and as for those who didn't, well their heads decorated this very hall. Men who'd dare stand up to him and who'd called his vision madness. They'd spoken of dragons as if a god would fear such a thing as if he couldn't just take one for himself should he desire.

They set sail the next morning, 100 ships leaving the Stepsones behind, his crown laying on a table in a room full of the dead. He laughed as he stood on the deck, his blue eye sparkling as the Silence led the way. It would not be the last crown he wore nor the last he discarded, he was destined for greatness, and while men needed kings and king's need crowns. Euron Greyjoy needed neither, for what use did a god have of anything.

A/N: For some reason, the site has once again stopped publishing reviews after Sep 27, so any who are missed in this will I promise be addressed once the show up in the next day or two, I've not forgotten anyone and I'll put them in separate to the others next chapter once I see them. Up Next Jae settles into life in King's Landing, Loras reflects on his journey thus far while escorting Margaery to her new home and we check in on others as they travel to crown a king, Aegon faces justice.

Biohazard: So glad you liked it.

Original fan: As you see we see some Cat here.

Thesphinx: Perhaps the best ever.

Guest: all will be revealed in time, but it was never to be Shireen here.

Guest: Here we got a little bit of Cats pov.

Darydixon: Oh they will be I guarantee it, Cat is already suffering somewhat.

Celexs: The next war will be much harder, but we'll have some peace first.

Jman: Aemon will be, the Wedding will be a little later, maybe 126/127.

Remi: I do have plans for the wildfire, it can still explode but it's very much harder to do so, easier to transport though. That's one of the key things to come, we'll see some I don't want to say world-building, but we won't just be rushing into the next war. More make his own and his queens than restore them but trust me has as many big plans just for that as he has for anything else, not even including what the books/scrolls will gain him access to.

Zyrus: It was a little nod to that, here Jaime will actually be more suited since he's had an experience of being a lord, in canon he pretty much only cared about his sword.

Mrspotter: So glad you enjoyed it.

Jessicanightmarewolf: The Tyrell's will go out of their way to make the wedding special and Jae has his own ideas too. Sandorix is going to be very eager to have Aemon on his back.

Ladyoctarina: I thought they myself, it's only Ned who could ask such a thing. I with the hand cutting was always setting it up to be a kinda dumb boy thing, spend years cutting his palm to gather the blood and Shiera is like, use the leeches, idiot, lol. We'll see more on the pendant next, glad you enjoyed the other parts. Omg, I didn't know that lol, I swear when I started this I had no idea it would ever be even a fifth of the size, I think given what's to come I'll hit that mark too.

Debatormax: I had considered it but a lot of the setup for the war is in this or will be in this and to then do a sequel would mean you're going to have to cover some of the same ground and may lose some of the people who read this in the process, so I've decided to just follow through to the end. On the infrastructure that's going to be a big theme of the next few chapters.

Spartan: Glad you liked the sand idea I got it from Thoros he dips his sword in the sand to put the Wfire out a lot, winter's war will be longer and harder than the war for the throne.

Ksveela: There will be some political difficulties to face but he'll have Marge and others by his side to do so. I hadn't thought of that with Arthur until you wrote it and now can't stop thinking about it lol. Dany may or may not see her future in Westeros but I wanted Jae to want her to be here and give her a reason why she should stay, plus I have some ideas regarding any future children that will I think help House Targaryen.

Ace Venom: Weird, it must have updated twice by accident, we're only on 123, so it must have messed up the numbers.

Creativo: O quizás el tipo Sansa del programa. Aemon será el jinete durante mucho tiempo.

Msladyaries: We'll see.

Natruto: They really are a good option on your side. With the work, he intends to bring to Kl the small folk could be in for a very interesting time.

Guest: We should see it in the next three chapters.

Dunk: We'll see with Dany but she will have a love interest and here I'm not making her gay as I have in other stories. I do have a plan for the wildfire. With all my other work, it's going to take me time for my new routine to kick in, maybe then I can give a bonus. Aemon will be there for the wedding, the next few chapters will see a combination of both the pomp and the politics.

Badwolffor3ever: That was very smart of you I think both chapters kinda worked better in one sitting.

VFSNAKE: We'll see that with Jon's A's pov before his trial, Faegon is up next his is more a private trial.

Zenjack: Thanks so much.

Guest: We will see more, Dany/Tyrion will be flying to the wall and so we'll see some there and Jon/Shiera in KL. Aemon will meet a very eager Sandorix too, as for how/why he's able to fly we'll see. On Dany, DS may or may not be her final destination but with Drogo, we'll find out soon was it a little bit of a young girl crush or more. Shiera will get her pov next, it'll be interesting.

Foxyfloof: Cat tharis lol That's the big thing security that'll be one of Jae's key driving forces.

Kellarblar: Thank you, my friend, glad you liked it and sorry to see you go.

Bkshadow; So glad you're enjoying it, I update twice a week, Tuesday and Thursday so hope you continue to like it going forward.

Dievalgo: Oh it won't be a single or even a set of battles, the Long Night will be far longer than the war here,

VWCHick: We will see that be explained to Jae at some point the idea that not everyone is able to be warged into.

Forgottenprince: So glad you've been enjoying them, really hope you like where we go from here.

Mf42: Thanks so very much for saying that, it means a lot.

Mattjackson: No worries, Ser Bonifer Hasty in canon was in love with Rhaella he once wore her favor and crowned her QOLB once at a tourney. By all accounts it was mutual and Rhaella loved him too but she was a princess and he a lowly knight and no way would he ever be allowed her hand. After the prophecy was given and Rhaella was forced to marry Aerys, Bonifer formed the Holy Hundred, knights dedicated to serving the good and honorable image of knighthood and upholding the faith of the seven.

Resilient soul: I thank you so very much for your comments it means a lot to me that you have and are continuing to enjoy the fic.

Dragonfire: Well we got our first look at Tormund and it certainly won't be the last, I'll be explaining a lot of the changes over the next few chapters, Jae is going to make a lot, glad you liked the holy hundred, it kinda defeats the purpose of a Kingsguard when you have more than a king or queen tbh, like 7 men to guard a family, it's just impossible.

Anja: So glad you liked it.
Hunterofarameis: No worries, I've been reading your own story and haven't had a chance to review it yet, love the premise though and I will get you a review as soon as I'm able.

Denoltdn: So glad you liked it, and the reunion. As we see here the Faceless Men have an agenda, we'll see Jaqen speak to Jae very soon. We're going to have a down period, politics, realm building preparation, etc, the war won't be for a few chapters so some time to breathe and some relaxing things ahead, a wedding, coronation, tourney, etc.

Guest: The funny thing about it with the Throne and again it's an example of how big a pair of idiots the writers are is that in their explanation for it, and I kid you not, Drogon only accidentally burned the throne, he wasn't specifically aiming for it, just the wall behind, yes ladies and gentlemen these two idiots can't even get out of there own way in stupidly.

I don't think a Targ can not have the Iron Throne, it's such a big symbol, so I think you alternate it, show them both sit and make judgments from it to empathize the point more clearly if they're ruling monarchs, than having new ones made. On Dany it's hers and her children if they have any yes, Jae has other plans for his own, more strategic, and spread out and yes Summerhall is part of them. With Shiera we'll see, I won't spoil it for now.

Kingof war hammer: Jon A will die, on the army we're looking at initially two thousand but soon more than that, I'm doing research to find which house can call on the most men, the house themselves and trying to see if it's logical that House Targaryen could have a standing army of that size, for any Targ post the rebellion not to have one is IMO dumb, they've been shown what happens when they rely on others. Bloodraven is Jae's enemy and as for Stannis he'll not be killed off.

Irishhermit: As you see Cat now knows the truth about a lot of things, yep the trials will be up next week. The Blackfish won't come to Kl, has to be a stark in Winterfell and that falls to Bran but we'll see him soon. I think with what happened if a Targ doesn't organize a standing army they're in trouble. Renly is a hard case in that technically he did very little wrong, so I don't know if sending him to the wall is the right call, he'll not get Storm's End though.

CheryPollock: I think a lot of those questions are answered here. On Robert's body, Jae won't desecrate it because it would paint him as the same as Robert so he'll be given an honorable burial which he really doesn't deserve. Over the next few chapters, we'll see the children discussed, Jae facing both questions on his plans for them and some pushback from people thinking he's being too forgiving for them too.