The Rose Road 298 AC.
Loras.
The last few days had been hectic and he had found himself as busy as anyone, both with his duties as his sister's Kingsguard and with his preparations for the journey ahead. Ser Barristan and he had sparred every chance they got and he'd even managed to beat Garlan more than once, evidence of his improvement clear now for everyone to see. That his brother took it in good spirits also showed how much both of them had grown, as there had been a time when Garlan would have sulked and Loras crowed.
At first, he'd felt annoyed to be left here while Jae flew off with Walder and Arthur. The idea that he was once again going to both miss the battle to come and not be by his king's side, something that he had trouble coming to terms with. He had missed the Battle at the God's Eye, though seeing the aftermath of it he wondered how much use he would have been there anyway. Then when they'd left to come to Highgarden and found the battle had begun he'd felt a tremor of excitement, though he had to admit he was happy when Jae used Rhaenix to basically end it. The fight had been far too close to his home for his liking and his worries for his family were too much to concentrate on the battle itself.
Later talking to Garlan and finding out what had happened in his home, what had almost happened to his family, Loras felt somewhat different. Garlan had confided that he had thought the end near, his brother telling him about the cavalry charge that Rhaenix's flames had stopped. Hearing the worry in his brother's voice and the idea that he'd accepted he was to die was hard for him. Loras had reached out to place his hand on Garlan's shoulder only to find himself grabbed in a hug, something he had never done so emotionally with his older brother before.
Even after hearing of the attack on his family and even though he wanted nothing more than to protect them and see them safe, when Jae asked him to walk with him Loras had felt upset about being left behind. He wished to see action, to stand by Jae's side and raise his sword to keep him safe, to see this war won as quickly as possible, and yes, to see Satin again. More than that though he was beginning to feel that compared to his brothers, his Kingsguard brothers, he was lesser in Jae's eyes. Something his goodbrother soon removed any doubts he had that he was.
"Arthur, Walder, and I will be heading to deal with Dorne. I wish you and Ser Barristan to stay here, act as both Margaery's Kingsguard, and to keep my heart in its chest where it belongs." Jae said as they walked in the gardens, the moon high in the sky casting it's light down upon them.
"Your grace, I could…" he interrupted
"Loras, it has to be you, gods if I could get him to stay I'd leave Arthur here, but the similarity to my father would never allow him to agree. He'd not be able to and I'd not force it upon him. Though for me this is that important. I'm asking you to do it because there is no one I'd trust Margaery's safety to more, no one who'd put my mind at ease better than you. You're my brother Loras, by choice, and now by marriage, if I can't rely on you who can I rely on?"
"Jon."
"Jae, Loras, I know it's difficult after everything we've been through, but I find myself hating the name I was given by my uncle. To share it with that man." Jae said shaking his head, his face scrunched up "My mother and father named me and that's the name I'd wish to be called."
"Jae." Loras said and saw him smile "I'll protect her with my life, my king."
"I know you will, just, both of you, Ser Barristan will be staying also, don't take any chances Loras, remember Ghost, Fang, if they show any worries or concerns heed them. Marge knows this and Sansa does also, so if they even growl at someone then you keep them away from your family, away from my wife."
"I will, Jae, you can count on me."
"Aye, I know that and I do, brother." Jae said hugging him.
After Jae had left, Ser Barristan had spoken to him about their duties and of what it meant to be a Kingsguard. Ever since he'd been handed his white cloak, the pride of it and of knowing that while it was true that his king was his friend, his brother and that he had earned it. That men like The Bold and The Sword of the Morning felt him worthy of it, Loras had felt pride in doing his duty. In serving his king and queen and while he'd once heard people speak of the Kingsguard as glorified bodyguards, Ser Barristan had quickly set him right.
"The Kingsguard is more than that, they're a symbol, Loras. Of their graces, the crown, the realm itself. His grace knows this and more than any, he understands that it's who the knights are here." Barristan pointed to his heart "More than who they are here." he touched his sword "Or here." pointing to the rose on his armor "That's of the true importance."
"I don't understand Ser, surely their skills?"
"Of course a man must be skilled, the very best of them. But there are men out there who've been as skilled or more so than Kingsguard before and I'm sure there are some now." Barristan said though Loras doubted other than Jaime and Jae there weren't many as skilled as Barristan and none close to Arthur.
He looked at the knight who seemed to be in deep contemplation as if he was both searching for the right words and at the same time remembering something fondly.
"His grace told me his grandfather despite his madness had the greatest Kingsguard ever. I argued, both out of a sense of modesty and for other reasons. Mine own failures and those of my brothers are…." Barristan trailed off.
"Ser?"
"What, sorry forgive me, where was I?" Barristan said shaking his head.
"The best Kingsguard ever?" Loras said.
"Aye, that's right, anyway I argued with him, spelled out my reason and the king just looked at me and smiled. He said Lewyn and Jonathor gave their lives fighting by his father's side. That I stood side by side with him on the Trident and that in Dorne Ser Gerold and Ser Oswell gave their lives protecting his son."
Loras listened on eagerly as Barristan spoke, it was rare when he spoke of his former brother so introspectively, using speaking of them more in general terms. He'd speak of Ser Gerold's resoluteness and Oswell's biting wit, of Jonathor steadfastness and Lewyn's ability to bring humor to any situation. He'd while in his company barely mentioned their deaths though at times Loras felt the knight felt he should have been there with them, and it made Loras wonder what would have been the outcome of that fight if he had been.
"Arthur, you know he was on the verge of death and all he cared about was our king. He was made an offer for his life and turned it down." Barristan said softly, regretfully and Loras wondered was he thinking of his own acceptance when Robert spared his life "As for Jaime, god's look at what he's done, we're here because he was the truest of us all."
"Aye." Loras said smiling, he largely was here because of Jaime Lannister also.
"But the king looked at me and said something which had stuck with me. My grandfather was an evil man Barristan, the king said. A truly evil man and yet he had seven of the greatest knights, greatest warriors who ever lived wear the white cloak for him. Did they fail at times, Aye, more than once. But in the end, they stayed true, why?"
Loras looked at him, wondering if he was asking him the question, only to realize he was still relaying what Jae had said.
"They stayed Barristan because they believed in the future. Lewyn, Jonathor, and yourself fought with my father for that future. Gerold, Oswell gave their lives fighting for that future even after all was lost. Arthur Dayne was willing to die for that future and only walks today because he was promised it would come to pass, and Jaime killed his king and suffered scorn for it. He took a boy raised as a bastard and gave him a purpose because of it. My grandfather had the best Kingsguard ever Ser Barristan, had he not then I'd not be here to tell you so. That's what the king told me Loras and who am I to argue with the king?" Barristan said with a small smile on his face.
He looked down at his white cloak, pristine and ready to be donned, his armor shined and sparkling, his sword gleaming. Dressing he readied for the day ahead and the journey to come. They were setting off today and soon they'd be in King's Landing. He'd see his sister and Goodbrother crowned and wed and take up his room in White Sword Tower. He smiled at that, the thoughts of them all being in the same space, and as he tied his cloak and walked from the room he made an oath to himself. Jae may think his grandfather had the greatest Kingsguard ever but he and his brothers would prove themselves even truer, in time it would be them he said it about.
Looking at Highgarden and wondering when and if he'd see it again, he found that he was far less upset than he had been any other time he'd left his home. He was going to be what he always wished to be and serve a king and queen he believed in completely. To be part of an order of men he respected and he was going to see his love once more. His heart was full for the first time ever, both sides of who he was finally in perfect balance. He was Loras Tyrell, Kingsguard and he was in love with a man who loved him too. Loras smiled as he thought of Satin and being in his arms once more, of standing by Jae or Margaery's side in the Red Keep, and of sitting with his brothers and making japes and telling stories.
King's Landing 298 AC.
Robb Stark.
The young lad who'd saved him Jacelyn Waters had become a lad he found he enjoyed spending time with. Hearing that he was from Flea Bottom and that his mother had fallen ill and been looked after by a healer sent by Jon and Margaery had been surprising. Less so was that then the boy had taken the offer of heading North to heart and he and his mother presently lived in Wintertown. For Robb, it had been an eye-opener, and learning just how different life was now for the people who'd come North made him incredibly proud.
"Will you be heading back South now that we have a new king?" he asked and Jacelyn shook his head.
"No my lord, we've built a life in the North. I'm to be married and help with the tavern my intended runs with her father." Jacelyn said.
Robb smiled at that before thinking of his own intended. They'd be married soon and this was the longest he'd actually been apart from Wynafred in almost three years. He had asked Ser Wendel not to send a letter to her regarding his injury, not wishing to worry her. Though his hip still pained him some he'd been assured he'd recover and barring a little limp when it became too uncomfortable for him to walk, it pained him not.
"Jacelyn, what say I wait to introduce you to my brother until Lady Margaery arrives, would you prefer to meet them both?" he asked.
"Aye, very much so, thank you, my lord." Jacelyn said smiling back at him.
"Good lad." he was about to say something else when he saw his father walk his way, Jacelyn nodding to him as he left and Robb rising to his feet.
"How're you feeling son?" his father asked, Robb, biting the urge to answer sarcastically.
"Good, how fares things with Jon?"
"Jaehaerys, Robb, or your grace, we have to remember that." he said and Robb nodded and sighed, it was hard thinking of Jon as anything but Jon. even when he'd not been as close to his brother as he was now he still thought of him as Jon.
"So how is our king?" he asked glad it had come out how it did and not more snotily.
"Busy, they're preparing for the coronation and sorting out the council. I'm just glad to be out of it." his father said and Robb smiled, his father had no wish to take up a role even despite the Northmen desiring it.
"So you're not going to be the next Master of Coin, or Whisperers then?" Robb chuckled, his father laughing too.
"I'm going home, back North where I belong. I've enough to do there as it is, no, let someone else be Master of this or that. I'll stay and see your cousin wed and then we head North."
He didn't correct him for once, something he usually did when he called Jon his cousin. Both he and Jon and he knew Sansa, Arya, and even Bran were sure what he was to them. Cregan was a cousin, he thought of him like that and knew that he thought the same way about him, Jon was and would always be his brother. That wasn't the only reason that he didn't correct him though. He and his father had somewhat resolved their argument, though not yet fully, and he didn't wish to start it up again.
No matter what his father said Robb felt shamed that he'd been left behind when they had snuck into the Red Keep. More so when he heard that the Smalljon had joined his father. Listening on jealously as The Greatjon spoke with pride at the part his son had played. He understood and after speaking to his brother about what had happened and seeing the armor for himself, he knew his father was right. Yet still, he'd not been happy when he'd been told and still wasn't.
"What do you mean I can't go?" he shouted
"Robb, son, keep your voice down."
"No father I won't. I'm your son, your heir and I've barely tasted battle while here. How do you think that makes me look?"
"You fought as well as any of them during the battle. Gods Robb it was one battle and what happened to you could have happened to anyone, you're lucky to be alive."
"I know that, but I've had no chance to prove my mettle, father. I barely used my sword and now you're all going on some secret mission and I'm left behind again."
"I'll not bring you in on this, even where you not injured. This is Wildfire Robb, you think I'd bring my son and heir anywhere near Wildfire, you think I'm that foolish? That careless? Were your cousin not going in himself then I'd be nowhere near it either."
"My brother, gods, Jon is my brother. And you're willing to risk our king, but not your son?"
"I'm not willing to risk either of you, Robb. I can't stop Jaehaerys from going, I can and will stop my son and heir from doing so. Should the worst happen then you need to lead the North, Bran is a boy, you're almost a man grown, act like one." his father said angrily.
"Father."
"No, I've spoken on this, think of me however you wish but on this, I'll not be moved. I lost a father and brother to Wildfire, I'll not lose a son, bad enough I'm forced to risk my own and my nephew's lives." his father said storming from the tent.
It had been hard to take and things were not yet fully where they should be with them, though Jae had explained it to him later also.
"Have you spoken to Cregan?" he asked looking to his father.
"No, he and Lord Gerion have been absent from most meetings I've been too, I've barely even seen Dusk."
"I heard they were spending time in a tavern rather than the Red Keep." Robb said and his father frowned "I don't think he's been drinking father, I think it's more Lord Gerion and Cregan is just there with him."
"Aye, you're probably right, I'll try and have a word with him later."
"Do you think he'll go for it?" he asked hopefully.
"I don't know, son, I'd like to think so, we need someone to run a keep there and I'd prefer it to be family. I had my doubts over the idea, I'll not lie." his father said and raised his hand up when he went to speak "But the truth is going to out and we're going to have to deal with that truth soon enough."
"Aye, I think it's for the best."
"You're probably right. Ser Richard tells me that the ship has left White Harbor." the smile on his father's face more at Robb's blush than anything else.
"Then they'll be here within the week."
"Aye, Arya too I'd imagine."
"Elle?" he asked and his father shook his head.
"Closer to a moon. Anyway, I believe your brother will be sparring soon, I thought you may like to join him?"
"Aye I would." he said smiling as he followed his father to the yards.
He was a bit nervous about the truth of Cregan coming out and in a way had been glad that he'd not been with them fighting, or seen to be fighting. Bad enough that he'd not truly shown what he could do but to be upstaged by his cousin, his trueborn cousin who technically had a greater claim to the North than he did, Robb knew how that may look. That was partly why he'd been so adamant about wishing to take part in the mission beneath the Red Keep.
Jon and Arthur had both reassured him once again that Cregan didn't wish the North, his cousin had done so countless times and had even gone so far as to say he wished to swear an oath publicly to that effect. Robb had been caught completely by surprise by this and hadn't known what to think, but it had given him an idea. Sea Dragon Point and a lord to hold it would be needed in the North, their western trade relying on the security that it would bring. Bran would be named Lord of Riverrun soon and so that left them with no one to hold it other than the son of one of their bannermen, Robb felt it better to have it in the hands of family.
After speaking to his father and convincing him of the merits of the idea, he had been looking forward to seeing Cregan's response to the offer. Only to find his cousin's absences to be a regular thing. It had taken him some time to figure out the reason and to find it had to do with Lord Gerion. Robb deciding, for now, to leave his cousin to his own devices, though his father hadn't stopped trying to find him. He knew that he wished to have it all sorted and agreed to by the time Cregan's truth would out. That now with Jon as King, both Cregan, and his mother would be soon revealed as who they really were. To be able to present it all to the Lords of the North would remove any potential problems too and while Robb hated to think politically, he found he had no choice. He was to be the Lord of the North one day, married, and with children of his own, it would be the least his Goodfather would expect of him also.
He smiled when he heard the clash of swords, even more so when he looked down at the crowd of people watching as his brother and Ser Richard Horpe sparred. Jon having taken to spar at the same time each day and the crowd of people who turned out to watch their new king growing larger each time. Moving his hip he felt the momentary pain and decided to ignore it. Jon had sent him to the Grandmaester and he had been told to rest, but smiling as he looked at Ser Richard yield, he hoped for a chance to face his brother today.
Winterfell 298 AC.
The Blackfish.
Though he'd been raised in the light of the seven, he'd not spent a lot of time praying to them and rarely visited the Sept. He knew from letters he'd received from Cat early on in her time in the North that Ned had built one for her in Winterfell, but it was long gone now. There was a larger one in the village for those who wished to use it, mainly the people who'd come from the south and had found a new life in the North, but Brynden never visited that one either.
Instead, he found he enjoyed the peace and serenity that the Godswood offered, the simplicity of it, and had according to Elle, taken up one of Ned's old habits. Brynden laughing at that when she'd told him and finding that each day he'd come here he'd pick the cloth up and rub it down his sword, just like the Lord of Winterfell was wont to do. Today as he sat there doing just that he had no idea just how much that peace was about to be shattered.
"Ser Brynden." he heard Elle's voice call out and he turned to see the woman, the swelling of her belly ever more apparent now.
"My lady?"
"A raven from king's landing Ser, the war is over, but I'm afraid there is some bad news." Ella said and the look on her face made it clear that the news was far worse than he'd expected.
She handed him the scroll and that she stayed was perhaps the only reason he didn't break down and cry, the words not what he had expected in the least. Edmure he had resigned himself to losing, his nephew had dug his own grave years earlier and nothing anyone could have done would have been able to help him. Lysa though, her son, his nephew, gods the boy was no more than six namedays old. He looked to Elle and saw the concern in her eyes and he nodded as reassuringly as he could.
"If I may have a moment alone, my lady." he said and the woman nodded, touching him on the shoulder before she turned to walk away.
He wept then openly and fully, perhaps for the first time since his mother had passed. For the past and the future he wept and for his lost kin. For Edmure and the boy he was, not the man he had become. The boy who'd wished to be just like him when he was older and who were it not for Hoster's stubbornness he may have been able to mold. He wept for Lysa, not the woman who at times scared him with her pronouncements, but the happy smiling girl who'd picked flowers and sat on his knee. For Robert he wept for the future the boy would never know, the man he'd not become and he wept for Cat who now other than her children were the only family he had left.
That she wasn't mentioned in the letter at least gave him that to cling on to, though he found himself worrying about where she was and whether she was safe too. The boy had told her that he didn't plan to kill her and Brynden clung to that, hoping his love for his siblings saved his niece's life. Walking from the Godswood he saw Elle was standing at the gate waiting for him with Summer by her side and he looked to see the concerned look on her face. Bran was asleep and he was glad of that, not knowing if he could face his grandnephew this morning.
"Will you be heading to King's Landing?" he asked as he and Elle walked to the keep.
"Aye, Ned asks me to come to the coronation and wedding and there are a few moons before the babe is to be born." she said rubbing her belly "We'll ride to White Harbor and take a ship from there."
"There's something I must ask of you." he said and she looked at him once more, nodding eagerly "If I gave you a letter for the king, could you deliver it to him for me?" he asked.
"Of course." she said "I'm sorry Brynden, for your losses."
"Thank you, I'll take an early night." he said once they reached the keep.
He didn't sleep, finding himself writing and rewriting the letter over and over, trying to get it and the tone right. Though he knew Ned would probably see it done, he needed to do this, to ask for it himself, and have it handed to the king. His kin belonged to the river and he wished to give them back to it and he had to try for Cat's sake. Pleading for her life and for her to be allowed to live out her days in the Sept or with the Silent Sisters, anything but exile or death.
It was a hard thing for him to put down on paper, Brynden not a man of fancy words or of expressing feelings and yet he poured his heart and soul into the plea. Were he to stand in front of the man himself he'd drop to his knees and beg, even if the entirety of the realm was there to look on. He'd swallow his pride to save her life and hope that would be enough. Were there to be a trial he'd fight for her, even though it would more than likely end with his death.
Brynden ignored the voice in his head that said she wasn't worth his life, the one which said she wasn't worth his tears. She was his family and that's all that mattered and while he'd never forgive her for what she tried to do, it was his duty and honor that would force him to do whatever he could to see her live. The next morning he handed the letter to Elle and over the next few days, he doubled his efforts with Bran. The boy was his last hope and though he'd not bear their name he'd bear their sprit. The mistakes that had been made with his brother's children would not be made with Bran. With luck and the grace of a man he called his brother, then perhaps the lad would still have a mother to speak to when he took up his seat in their family home.
King's Landing 298 AC.
Ser Richard Lonmouth.
He, Jaime, Tyrion, Daenerys, and Shiera sat in the small council rooms, waiting for Jae and Oberyn to arrive. Oberyn had heard about his brother's death and he and Jae had been locked in talks together. The Red Viper had taken the news badly and Jae had asked to be there for his uncle. For Richard himself, he'd been glad of it, the news something he had welcomed. He'd not agreed with the sentence that the king had imposed and found this incredibly fortuitous, so much so that Jaime had actually asked him was it him that had killed the man.
Something he had denied most emphatically and even though he admitted he'd not mourn Doran and was glad he was gone, his denials had seemed to do the trick. Tyrion had taken it badly for a different reason, worrying about his betrothed and how she had taken the news. Were it not for all they needed to do here and for the trip to the Wall the prince and princess were organizing, then Richard felt that Lygaron would have been heading South. When he heard the door open he like the others began to rise, Jae's hand bidding them sit and Richard noticed that the king was alone.
"My uncle has begged off any meetings for the foreseeable future, I've suggested flying him to Dorne or having one of the Pinnacle ships take him but he wishes to remain here, Ellaria and his daughters have already left and so…"
"Do we have any idea of who or how it happened your grace?" Jaime asked.
"Only that he passed on the ship to Ghaston Grey, Lord Hand. I doubt foul play as who has a motive?" Jae said and he saw both Jaime and Tyrion nod.
"Does this change things?" Daenerys asked.
"Other than personally for Oberyn and House Martell, no." Jae said.
"Can you get a letter to Arianne, Richard?" Tyrion asked and he nodded.
"We need to speak on other matters, so for now we'll leave this one to one side." Jae said "The High Septon says the coronation will be within a moon, will all those who need to be here have arrived by then?" Jae asked looking to him.
"They will your grace. I'm sure you already know better than I that the Tyrell's have left, your sister has departed Bear Island and the Pinnacle ship has left Casterly Rock." he said nodding to Jaime and the king "And we already have most of the lords here." he said and Jae nodded.
"When Lady Olenna and Lady Alerie arrive we can begin preparations for the wedding and once I've been crowned we can hold the trials." Jae said.
"All the trials, your grace?" Daenerys asked.
"No, we'll be holding one before then, House Targaryen only." Jae said and Richard smiled, the mummer dragon soon to face the real ones.
"Lord Arryn?" Jaime asked.
"Will lose his head, my lord." Jae said simply.
"The others?" Tyrion asked.
"I'll take input from you all when it's closer to the time. I'm sure you won't be the only ones with an opinion." Jae said with a smirk.
"Looking forward to having a wife tell you what to do, nephew?" Daenerys said making the king laugh.
"Looking forward to seeing my wife, aunt." Jae said.
They spoke then of appointments and the city, Jae speaking of his uncle at the wall and Tyrion saying they'd go once they dealt with the mummer. Jae then telling them it would be that very soon much to their surprise. He was asked to stay behind and Jae nodded to Jaime when he left, telling him he'd speak to him privately later.
"How are things here, Richard, truly?"
"Good, my king, the work you've done before, the speech in the Sept, the songs, Robert being well Robert." he said and the king smirked "All of it has given the people hope, they see a chance for a better future, the wedding, the coronation, the trials, and a tourney, all of it will only add to that."
"You really think we need a tourney?" Jae asked.
"Aye, a new king and queen are being crowned, a new future, the people will expect one so give them one my king."
"I will. The Stormlands Richard, how well-liked is Lord Renly?"
"He was liked because he was friendly my king, not because he was a good lord, it'll also take the man some time to recover if what the Grandmaester says is true?"
"A long time, aye."
"Then stick with your plans, your grace, Lady Shireen is a better choice."
"What of Edric Storm?"
"No, we can if you wish to, give him a holdfast somewhere. In the West preferably, but no a male heir of Robert Baratheon is an issue, especially an acknowledged one."
"Very well, the others?"
"Most have been set up in comfortable homes my king, Gendry as you know is doing well and you're sure about Mya and Mychel Redfort?"
"Aye, I made them a promise."
"Very well, we can see them given a keep in the Vale. Have you thought more on the Vale itself?"
"Constantly, but I wish to wait until I have a fuller council. I could demand this Hardyng fellow to come here or fly there and take him out myself, but I need to know my next step and as of now I don't."
"I'm sure you will, your grace." he said when the king rose and he joined him. "One last thing, Jae."
The king turned to him and looked him in the eye wondering what was so important he'd used his name.
"Richard?"
"Lord Gerion, he's been acting strangely, he spends all his time in the tavern Lord Jaime owns."
"He's drunk?" the king asked shocked.
"No, he drinks but not excessively, he just sits there, Jae, he and your cousin."
"Cregan is with him?"
"Aye, every day since we took the city."
"I'll go and see him, or have him brought here, whichever Arthur feels is best." Jae said looking at him "Thank you Richard, for everything."
"Your grace." he said nodding.
He left the small council chambers with the king and watched as Ser Walder and Ser Jors followed behind him, Richard heading down to his own rooms to look over his notes and send out his own orders. The spider's former rooms were sparse and though he wasn't a man who needed comforts, he needed more than they offered and so he'd moved to different chambers, ones more suitable. Richard still kept his own building and places of doing business in the city, but he worked out of here more often than not since they'd taken the city.
His own guards were men he could trust and who he knew were loyal, bards who'd been happy to give up a life on the road and settle down. Though they looked like simple guards, he'd back them against most in the realm. Jarrod was waiting for him when he entered, his steward to all intents and purposes though the man's role was far more important than that and Richard smiled when he handed him the notes. As he took a seat he began to read over the kisses from his lips, eager to find out anything that could be a danger or threat to the king and nip it in the bud if need be.
Dorne.
Snakes shed tears not skin as they mourn a father's passing, sadness, relief and a lack of suspicion rather than anger or vengeance there hearts desire. Small snakes gather around a larger one and look north, eager to be a family once more. Strange occurrences in a stable where horses cause concern.
The North.
Wolves ready to leave the snow and head to warmer lands, Krakens fear a dragon's rage and fishes mourn losses. Yet wild wolves howl at night in the wood.
The Reach.
Roses bloom and seek to be shown off at a different table, while a fat flower ushers snakes south and White Cloaks seek to join their brethren. In the sky, birds sing a strange song.
The Vale.
A baby falcon plots and plans and looks out at empty courtyards, some rejoice, some despair, and some worry but none dare risk a dragon's wrath. In the mountains tales spread of goats with white eyes, while rumors of mockingbirds and fish demand a lip's attention.
The Riverlands.
The spoils of war have begun to march North, a wall gaining many bricks to keep it upright. The tiny worry who will force them down or lift them up now the fishes no longer swim in the streams. Birds gather and fly off in odd directions, acting more like hawks than sparrows.
The Iron Islands.
A Kraken falls and soon one will rise again, though their tentacles are far less than they had once been. Yet mice scurry far braver than before, more of them in more places than most have ever seen.
The Stormlands.
Stags are mourned and yet not, as questions are asked whether it's to be a doe or a buck to lead their pack. In the woods, a large elk is spoken of, one not seen in many years.
Dragonstone.
Seeds rejoice the dragons return and their joy is only increased by news it's a Dragoness that they're to follow. Gulls congregate and croon and are looked upon warily.
After finishing the notes he looked at them again, had he not been there when the king had done what he had done then these references to animals would mean nothing to him. But he had been and it made sense or at least what it was referring to made sense, that anyone could do what it said certainly did not. Unlike others who at times grew concerned with what the king could do though, Richard welcomed it, appreciated it, and was damn glad for it. He knew the others worried about what it may do to the king, what having this power may cost him.
As for Richard, he looked simply at the benefit. Rhaegar had lost and the realm had suffered because of it, had he been able to do anything like his son could then he surely would not. One day he wouldn't be here, Arthur, Jaime, Barristan, Olenna, and others the king relied on would all be gone, and who then would keep those who wished to test a dragon at bay. His king was kind and gentle, yet firm and ruthless when he needed to be and the day he didn't need him, would be the day that Richard could finally relax.
Beyond the wall 298 AC.
Leaf.
Not only had it worked but being in his presence had allowed her to see some of what he saw, the gods giving her an image of the prince as she stood beside the Three-Eyed Raven. The large city was his now as was Westeros itself, Leaf seeing the way the realm had come together to name him their king. It pleased her greatly, almost as much as the knowledge that her gods had not forsaken her had. As for the man in the tree, a part of her wished to kill him, to end him now lest he hurt more people or do as he had always done, use her people to do so.
She had never questioned, never doubted, everything she had been asked to do she had done. Now though the realization that she may not have always been doing her god's bidding weighed heavily on her heart. The lives she and her brethren had taken over the years since he'd come to her, now lives she wasn't sure deserved or needed to be taken. Killing men had never caused her concern, it was men who'd forced them to retreat so far, men who'd almost ended her people. So she had while not taken pleasure in it, felt it necessary, needed, and knew her people felt the same.
Yet now she questioned it, realizing for the first time that she'd killed more men in the last forty years than she had since the war with the First Men so many years previously. Acorn, Nut, Dapple, Twig, all had killed their share but Leaf had usually been the one to take it upon herself to do the deed. Crows, Free Folk, travelers, she'd killed them all when the Three-Eyed Raven had bid her, now the question of why he wished them dead preyed on her mind.
"The raven says the prince is near." she heard Acorn say happily.
"That he will come soon." Dapple added.
"Leaf?" Nut asked as she walked into the place they slept, the cavern that had been their home for centuries.
"The raven speaks true, the prince is near, his time is almost here." she said to excited chatter from those in the cavern.
Taking her seat she began to plan out what to do from here, she needed them all free of his influence, all out of his sight and it would take time. Laying down she felt herself near to sleep, her tiredness new to her and she wondered if it was an effect of the sap, of being free. Did his control extend that far she wondered, as though the children slept it was never sudden tiredness that caused it, more something they did at the end of the day.
The grass was greener than she had ever seen, the trees whiter and more plentiful. She felt the power of this place, the magic and she felt it surround and seep into her very core. Feeling more alive and attuned to the world around her than she had since before men came and drove them away. When she was a mere seedling and her people were many she remembered feeling this way, but that was almost before time, before a Wall and before men.
She skipped across the grass happily and then she saw him. His dark green skin, his horns, and she immediately dropped to her knees and turned her eyes to the ground. She was unworthy to look upon a god and so she'd not.
"You've done well my child, but your work is far from done." the god spoke and Leaf raised her head looking into its dark eyes.
"I did as you bid my god?" she asked rather than stated.
"That you did child and you shall be rewarded for it. Free your brethren but carefully, slowly, the ones you trust first and then the others, over time all will be free."
"The raven?" she asked worriedly.
"Will pay for his lack of faith, for his blasphemy, but you, my child, you and yours will be welcomed into my arms. The prince will come and when he does and the raven is no more, here you must bring him, to this sacred place."
"I cannot, I am not worthy of such a task." Leaf said shaking her head.
"And who deems your worth child, who calls you one of his very own if not I. Just like the prince you were chosen, your people were my first and are held close to my heart. Free your people child, then with the prince come here and be at peace."
She woke up the next morning and felt a renewed sense of purpose, her god had given her the gift to blind the raven to her actions. To see what it was he wished to see and for those touched by her god's grace to walk free from his sight or influence. Leaf had seen the visions of what the Raven would see, the deaths that had not happened, her actions that were not real. He'd seen the red priestess and her men fall and they too were now lost to him, their actions and presence hidden from him. It was time to do the same with her brethren for soon the prince would come.
"Acorn, can you help me gather more paste?" she asked and Acorn nodded enthusiastically.
The Rose Road 298 AC.
Olenna.
She had considered going to Oldtown and setting sail and in the end, discarded the idea. It would be far better to be seen travel by road Olenna felt. The procession and party she was bringing to the capital was far larger than at any time she could remember. Even traveling to the tourney's she'd attended there had seen them bring fewer people. Less of her family too as all three of her grandsons and her grandaughter were with her, her daughter Janna too had joined her as they passed Cider Hall. While Mina along with her other two grandsons and her other granddaughter had more than likely set sail already from the Arbor.
Loras had japed that with the amount of Tyrell's on the road it truly was a rose road now and though she had glared at her grandson, she had chuckled inside. The only member of her family who was missing was Mace and for once it was not out of his usual uselessness, as he had actually done what he'd set out to do according to her spies. Her son would join them, according to the letter he had sent with riders, in Bitterbridge, something Garlan doubted and she knew to be false.
If Mace was only half over-promising, something she doubted, then he'd meet them in the Grassy Vale. Knowing her son though she expected that they'd arrive in King's Landing before him. She felt excited, happy, and was enjoying her travel for perhaps the first time ever. Even going so far as to indulge her gooddaughter's wishes along the way and allowing them to rest far more than she would normally. Alerie was right though, as much as they needed to be in King's Landing as quickly as possible, it wouldn't do to arrive worn out.
When they reached Bitterbridge even Olenna welcomed the offer of a night under a keep's roof, even it that keep belonged to the weak Lord Lorent. The Lord himself had raced on ahead to prepare the keep for the future queen and when they arrived the welcome they received surprised even her. Lady Caswell beamed upon seeing Margaery, the woman, and her two young daughters calling her Your Grace repeatedly, while Margaery smiled and thankfully didn't correct them as had become her custom. While the rooms they were given were the same as those she'd stayed in before, the way people deferred to them was much different, something Margaery picked up on quickly.
"Is this how it's to be from now on, grandmother?" Margaery asked as she sat in her room, her granddaughter rubbing the white wolf behind his ears and the fierce creature looking like a giant puppy under her hands.
"You are to be a queen, sweetling, did you not expect things would change?"
"I did but not until I was crowned, not until Jae and I were married." her granddaughter sighed.
"Never did I think the trappings of what you would become would bother you so?" she said with a smirk.
"It's just strange grandmother, people who I know and who I've always known, they walk as if they're afraid the noise of their footsteps would cause me displeasure. When they speak, make a comment or a jape, they look to see if it's caused me offense rather than allow the conversation to flow."
"All?" Olenna asked.
"No, Sansa is the same as ever and Mira too but even my cousins act this way. I've spoken to Elinor, Megga, and Alla, and I may as well be talking to the wall." Margaery said frustratingly.
"I'll speak to them, no doubt their fear is of causing me displeasure as much as it is you."
"Thank you grandmother, I understand things are different and why that is so, but I need people around me who remember me, lest I lose myself."
She got up from her chair and walked over to her, the white wolf raising its head and then lowering it again, one eye on her all the time and even that was enough to make her shudder. Though she would admit it to no one the wolf scared her and even her granddaughter and Jae's own control over it was not enough at times to remove her fears. When she reached her granddaughter she bid her stand and then embraced her feeling her move into the hug and welcome it.
"Listen up child, you, Jae, the day you both forget yourselves or lose who you are is the day the realm falls. Bever have I been prouder of you Margaery, and not just because you're to be queen. I know what's in your heart granddaughter and though it vexes me sometimes." she heard Margaery's soft laugh "I'd not see it changed or removed for it's what makes you who you are."
"Thank you grandmother." Margaery said smiling at her.
They feasted that night, a small quiet feast and she watched as men looked at her granddaughter and grandsons. Garlan with Leonette both of them laughing with Ser Jon and Janna, Willas sat with Sansa and Lord Lorent, engaging one and she felt given how Sansa spoke and looked to him, enrapturing another. Margaery sat speaking to Lady Caswell and Olenna could see the proud way the lady sat, the smile on her face as she spoke to Margaery of House Tyrell and not the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms.
Alerie sat with some of the other ladies who'd joined them, Lady Ashford, Tarly, and the olive-skinned Taena of Myr whose husband Lord Merryweather was both excited and worried about a new Targaryen king. Both Kingsguard stood behind Margaery, their white cloaks standing out in the dim lights of the room, though none so much as the white wolf who never left her granddaughter's side. Her own concerns aside Olenna had to give the wolf credit for its dutifulness. No Kingsguard was more feared or alert than Ghost was and she remembered what Margaery had said to her about the attack on their home each time she looked at him.
"He led me away grandmother, down halls, corridors, into rooms, he attacked when he needed and then led me away. I never felt afraid with him by my side."
Yes, her own discomfort about the wolf meant nothing next to that. Her granddaughter's safety and peace of mind more important than even hers. After saying her goodnight's and taking an early night she slept well. They broke their fast early the next morning and were soon on their way again, King's Landing growing ever closer and Olenna's excitement rising. She was stunned when they got to the Grassy Vale and found Mace had beat them to it. Finding herself feeling oddly prideful of the fat oaf for one of the very few times she could remember.
When they reached the King's Road though she had almost rejoiced. Garlan insisted they send riders on ahead to tell the king they'd be arriving in a few days and she laughed when Sansa, Loras, and Margaery said he already knew. She slept even more comfortably that night, and though it was still in a tent and not in the Red Keep itself it mattered not. It had taken them a moon a half to get here and in the next moon a half she'd see her family grow stronger than they'd ever been.
King's Landing 298 AC.
Jaehaerys Targaryen.
He sat listening to the fat man drone on and on, speaking of services and prayers and things he knew nothing about. Were it not for Ser Bonifer sitting beside him then he'd have been lost even more so than he already was. He'd asked both Jaime and Tyrion to sit in on this meeting and each of them had laughed at him, telling him he was as faithful to the seven as they were. It was Ser Richard who'd suggested Ser Bonifer, and Jae had let him be his guide. Something he was most grateful for now as the fat man just wouldn't stop speaking.
"My betrothed will arrive within the week High Septon, House Tyrell has ever been true supporters of the faith and my future queen shall leave you in no doubt I'm sure, about our intent and the faith's importance." he said hoping this would be enough to at least get the man to leave.
"Of course your grace, I look forward to seeing you attend service when her grace arrives." the fat man said standing up.
"Indeed High Septon." he said with a false smile that he'd gotten used to having on his face lately.
He nodded to Tommen who smirked as he saw the man to the door, his squire having become invaluable to him here. The boy happy to be finally acting a true squire and even more grateful when Jae told him that of course, he could still keep cats in his room. It had been something that worried him a little, how Tommen would take to being here, his room not as luxurious as it had once been. Though they'd found that there was a room close by and so he would still stay in the Royal Apartments, which was something Jae was grateful for.
"How did I do?" he asked Ser Bonifer when the man had left.
"You kept calm, your grace. For that you should be applauded, that man is faithless." Ser Bonifer said angrily.
"Truly?" he asked surprised.
"Aye, I know you keep to your own gods your grace, but you have faith and are willing to allow people their own."
"It doesn't bother you that I don't follow the seven?" he asked and Bonifer chuckled.
"No your grace it does not, I'd pick a true man like you over a false one like the High Septon any day."
"I thank you for your help Ser and for the time you've spent with my aunt." he said and Bonifer smiled.
"I've been most pleased to offer my services to you both, your grace, truly."
After Bonifer left Jae looked down at the list in front of him, almost laughing at it. Jaime had taken to write out things that he was supposed to do since apparently he had a habit of not keeping to a schedule and doing what he wished. This to Jaime's mind included far too much time sparring, but for Jae, it was needed, it relaxed him and he was having difficulty being relaxed here. His duties were plentiful and in some ways, he was in over his head, even with a council and numerous people to advise him.
There were regions to sort out, the Vale being one, the Stormlands, and the Iron Islands too. Appointments to be made to the small council and it needed to be expanded upon also. Then there were some of the more radical changes he wished to bring and of course the key one, his queen. He needed her here with him by his side, to calm him down and help him when he felt as if he was drowning under the responsibly of being a king.
War he'd found was far easier than peace, it had a single objective, win. Peace was like a many-headed beast and each time you cut one head off, another seemed to rise. He closed his eyes and reached out and was again almost overwhelmed by what he saw. If he for the briefest moment didn't concentrate then he'd find himself walking in and out of doors and having no idea where they led to. But if he did then he was walking down corridors he knew well, the vaults in Casterly Rock where he knew all the rooms and who each belonged to. Or the family wing where Jaime's room or Joy's were as familiar to him as his own. It'd be like Winterfell and there would be the Great Hall or the Maester's rooms.
At the end of the corridor, though now he'd see the differences in the doors themselves, lighter woods for those his bond was only beginning to take hold with, darker for those he'd been in more than once, and darkest of all for those he was closest to. Though none could compare to the three he looked at now, he smiled when he saw the dark brown of Winter's door, the blue and white of Rhaenix's, and the bright white of Ghost's. Opening it he walked in and saw her lying there, the tent barely moving in the breeze and he knew they were close.
"Jae, Jae." he heard his aunt's voice and looked up.
"What?" he said embarrassed as he had fallen asleep just as Ghost had.
"Were you actually asleep?" Dany said smirking.
"I was tired." he said defensively and she chuckled.
"The Grandmaester wanted to give you these I took them from him." she said handing him the ravens scrolls.
He looked at them and smiled seeing the lion seal and rose, breaking them open only to see to his disappointment that they were just confirming they'd left and not anything more personal than that.
"My wife and her family and Lord Jaime's are on the way." he said and Dany smiled, his aunt having teased him mercilessly about Margaery once he'd told her of their marriage.
"Good, I look forward to meeting my Goodnieice."
"Dany."
"Jae." she said and both of them laughed, his aunt quickly having figured out how to both irritate and amuse him at the same time, something he was most grateful for.
"Did you come for any particular reason, Dany or was it just to amuse yourself at my expense?" he asked his smile still on his face.
"I did actually, the amusing myself is just a bonus." she said looking at him "Tonight Jae, are you sure about this?"
"I am, we have to do this all of us, House Targaryen, not the realm or the crown." he said and she nodded.
"Dragonstone?" she asked and he nodded.
"I know it's not what you'd prefer to happen on your island, but it has to be there, Dany." he said and she nodded.
"I'll see you then." she said as she got up and moved to the door.
With that, she was gone and Jae again found himself laughing, both his aunts were as different as they were alike. If you saw them both dressed and standing together you'd think Shiera was Dany's mother until you looked at their eyes. Yet if you saw them both dressed how they preferred, saw how both acted you'd think they had never spent anytime together whatsoever. He wondered if it was the company Dany kept that made her so, or was it just this is who she really was. Either way, he knew some people had been shocked by how she acted and that his aunt didn't care, nor did he, though he looked forward to Sansa and Arya seeing her. He was somewhat lost in these thoughts when the door opened.
"Your grace, Lord Jaime." Tommen said and Jae nodded, watching as his Hand walked in and took a seat.
"I had hoped to hide away in here all day." he said with a smirk.
"You and me both, though I was found in my solar. Did you really think you'd not be found in your own?" Jaime said looking at him.
"You're right, we need new hiding places, put that on your list for the morrow." he said to a snort, Jaime reaching over to pick up said list and look it over.
"Did you actually do these or just cross them off like last time?"
"You wound me so." he said shaking his head and laughing.
"The fat man?"
"Thinks I'm a Northern Heathen though according to Ser Bonifer that's not a bad thing."
"The wedding will fix that. I've actually come about something else, your uncle, Jae. He's spending a lot of time with Jon Arryn."
"I had heard, I thought it was just reminiscing and condolences over Robert."
"As had I, but I fear he may try and speak for him." Jaime said and he looked at him in shock.
"He wouldn't."
"He can't." Jaime said.
"Aye, I know. I'll speak to him when I get back later."
"You're sure this is right?" Jaime asked and Jae nodded.
"Come let's spar." he said and Jaime shook his head.
"Some of us have work, your grace." Jaime said getting up and walking from the room.
"Aye, don't I know it." he said grumpily.
He could hear Jaime's laughter all the way down the hall, Jae wondering what that looked like to those who passed him by. The Hand of the King walking around laughing to himself suddenly being an image he found incredibly funny. Though soon enough it was thoughts of another Hand that filled his mind. His uncle had a sense of honor that was frustrating at times. Even after seeing the wildfire for himself and after everything Jaime had done for him, Jae knew if he'd asked him then Ned would probably still say Jaime should be punished for killing his grandfather.
Yet after everything Jon Arryn did, everything he'd caused and even what he'd done to his own wife and her son, his uncle may be considering speaking up for the man. He couldn't, Jaime was right on that, politically that'd be a disaster and worse, personally, for their own relationship, it would be even more so. He'd need to speak to him but he had time to do so, for now, he closed his eyes again and reached out his sister waiting for him once he got there.
He got up from his seat and walked to the door, Arthur and Walder the Kingsguard on duty today, nodding to them both and to Tommen, he began to walk the halls. Thoughts of uncles preying on his mind. Oberyn was still coming to terms with Doran's death, Jae having sent a message to Arianne about using the ice to preserve the body so that he could see him buried. Tyrion was though he didn't show it, still trying to be a Targaryen Prince and trying to understand what that meant. His aunts were both helpful in that regard and he had no doubt that Aemon would be too when they brought him here. Tonight being the only thing keeping them from flying to the Wall and bringing him home. Now he also had to worry about Ned's state of mind it seemed.
"I really need to spar." he said to a bright smile from Tommen and to laughs from the men behind him.
Later that night the carriage carried them all, Dany, Shiera, Tyrion, and himself sitting inside, none of them speaking as it made it's way to the Dragonpit. He had thought of doing this here but he knew he couldn't, too many people would see and this was not for their eyes. Once they reached it he was glad to see the five dragons there waiting for them and he nodded to Arthur to drag the mummer over to Rhaenix's back, Aegon struggling against his bonds and muffled noises coming from his gag. Once he was secured Jae looked at the others and then they climbed up, Arthur looking on nervously.
"We'll be back in a couple of hours, Arthur, I've five dragons as my Kingsguard and the prisoner is tied and chained."
"Your grace." Arthur said simply.
When they took off he felt her annoyance at having this pretender anywhere near her, this false dragon who'd dared claim to be their brother.
"You're finally on a dragon, Aegon, one last ride before you die." he said bitterly and enjoying the squirming beneath him.
When they saw the Dragonmont he closed his eyes and went looking for the door, pushing it aside before he began to show the boy the truth. Richard had found notes in Varys's old chambers, nothing truly incriminating and without knowing some of the story you'd never find the truth in them, but Jae knew the truth and it was time to show it to the mummer's dragon. Illyrio Mopatis was his father, his mother the man's wife Serra who was the last of the Blackfyres, well almost the last, and Aegon he now bombarded with those images.
When they landed he saw the stake had been placed where Dany had asked it to and he dragged the now kicking and screaming boy to it, removing his hood and after looking at the others his gag too.
"Lies, lies, I'm the king, the rightful king." Aegon shouted and Rhaenix roared, though it didn't quieten him.
"You're a false dragon and you insult my brother's memory. Look at you, your face, a dragon doesn't burn Aegon, I've shown you that." he said touching the boy's scarred skin.
"My son did this to you." Dany said stepping forward "After you dared to think you could take a dragon, my son burned you proving you false."
He watched as Sandorix moved closer, Dany reaching up and touching the dragon's head, whispering to him how proud she was of him and Jae hearing the trill of the dragon from where he stood.
"Five dragons stand before you, four have riders, one doesn't. Do you think you can claim one?"
"I am a dragon, a true dragon, and neither a bastard like you or a whore like her can tell me different."
Sandorix, Rhaegal, and Ellagon roared as Dany smirked, his aunt walking over to look Aegon in the eye.
"Get away from me whore." Aegon spat.
"Even a whore wouldn't come close to you with a face like that." Dany said as she brushed her fingers down his scarred face once more.
Jae had to agree. The damage was extensive, an eye had been burned away and a dark black hole where once it rested was all that remained, half his mouth was gone and the skin over his jaw had burned away. The damage extended down his neck and one of his arms was a withered useless thing. That he'd been able to wield a sword at all had been a testament to the potions that the Half Maester had been giving him.
"Aegon Mopatis, Blackfyre," he said and Aegon turned from his aunt.
"I am Aegon Targaryen." Aegon said once more and Jae closed his eyes and began to show him once again.
"You're a Blackfyre, a mummer, a boy who lived a lie and were that all you were then you may have lived this day. But you're an insult to my brother's name, his memory, a thief who tried to take what wasn't his to own. A dragon." he said and Sandorix roared "A sword." he said removing Blackfyre from its scabbard "And a Throne."
He looked at the boy as he struggled against both his bonds and the images he'd seen, deciding that he had one more card he needed to play before the end.
"Serra." he said and Aegon crumbled.
Jae looked at the others, seeing them nod back, and then he readied to pronounce sentence. He was ready to end a war that had raged for over a hundred years and had cost lives, honor, and so much more.
"Aegon Blackfyre, for crimes against House Targaryen, I, Jaehaerys along with my aunts Shiera and Daenerys and my uncle Tyrion sentence you to death."
He watched as the dragons moved closer, five heads facing the boy as he began to scream and as one four voices rang out across the night sky, a single word spoken loudly.
"Dracarys."
A/N: I've no idea what's going on with the site, all reviews seemed to have stopped showing up and none have since sep 27 and So i've not been able to answer any, If they do I will but I'd as always like to than you for taking the time to read and review anyway. Up next as Jae and Margaery are reunited, he clashes with his uncle and visits Jon Arryn. Margaery finds her nervousness to be for nothing as she sees a city welcome her and Dany and Tyrion fly to the wall while more family arrives in King's Landing.
