Sunspear 299 AC.
Tyrion.
He paced the room and tried to ignore the giggles that came from Dany as she sat and looked at him, which was hard as Tyrion's nervousness only increased as time went on. Why his nephew had decided he had to do this before the wedding he had no idea, but as night began to fall he knew that he couldn't get married without him here. That it amused his sister greatly was no comfort to him and even his glares at Dany did nothing to stop her laughter.
"You look like a fool, brother." Dany said as he turned to pace once more.
"Where is he?" he asked frustratedly.
"He'll be here Tyrion. Do you really think our nephew would miss your wedding?" Dany asked.
"Why did he have to do this today?" he asked finally taking a seat.
"You know why. It needed to be done and he wishes to leave early on the morrow." Dany said as she moved from her chair to sit beside him "Jae will be here, brother." she said softly a moment later as she reached out to take his hand.
"Aye, I know." he said rubbing her hand with his own.
He was feeling better just for having her here with him and yet as he looked at her, he found he couldn't resist teasing her a little "Why didn't you bring Aurane, sister?" he asked as she moved her hand from his.
"Why would I do that?" she asked snipplly.
"Dany?" he asked looking to her with concern, his sister turning away from him.
"He feared he'd not be welcome, that because he's a bastard he could not be seen with a princess. He vexes me so, as if I care of his birth, as if that or what people may think of it makes a difference to how I feel." Dany said with a loud sigh.
"Did you tell him this?" he asked softly.
"Many times." she said her frustration clear.
"I think he needs to hear it from someone else." Tyrion said looking to her.
"Tyrion, don't please." she said a little panicked.
"No me, sister, Jae." Tyrion said.
"Tyrion, I've not, Jae and I have not spoken on this, don't, please. I'll not accept him telling me what I can or cannot do." Dany said moving from him.
He was about to tell her that Jae would never tell her that and that once Aurane knew the king had no issue with their relationship then things would be better. Tyrion remembered his own conversations with his nephew where he shared his worries about him and Arianne and how Jae had reassured him and helped him to get over them. A small smile came to his face as he thought back to their conversations and how he'd been given the courage to think that he had a future with the woman he loved. He was still thinking about this when a knock came on the door.
"The king has arrived back." Bronn said as Tyrion nodded and bid him leave them alone.
"Dany speak to Jae, trust me he knows better than to tell you what you can or cannot do and you and Aurane will be for the better for it." Tyrion said looking at her.
"You believe so?" she asked hopefully.
"I do, sister." he said leaning forward to kiss her cheek "Now go, leave me to make ready for my bride." he said making her laugh and then laughing himself at her response when she reached the door.
"I'll tell her you'll be along in a few hours, after all, it'll take you an age to make yourself ready, brother mine." Dany said as he threw a cushion at her that missed and hit the door.
With her gone from the room he took a deep breath and made his way to his bed-chamber. His outfit lay on the bed and he looked down at the black and red colors and at the three-headed dragon crest. He called for Satin and began to undress, his squire helping him put on his clothing and Tyrion noticed that his movements were almost perfunctory. He'd hoped that seeing him and Loras speaking together at Oberyn's wedding would have changed things between them but he feared looking at the boy now that they had not. Still, Satin gave him a smile and Tyrion returned it as he sat down on the bed and waited to be called.
"My uncle?" he heard a voice say from outside his bed-chamber.
"Inside your grace." Satin said and the door opened to reveal his nephew dressed just as he was, Jae, taking a seat beside him.
"Forgive my lateness." Jae said looking to him.
"You're here, that's all that matters." he replied with a small smile.
"As is someone else." Jae said as the candles were then brought inside, Tyrion looking to Jae as he took the candle and then as it lit up "I'll leave you to it, make sure you hand it back to Tommen, I promised Jaime that he'd be a part of the proceedings.
He nodded as Jae left the room, Tyrion looking to the candle and seeing his brother's face, Jaime smiling back at him as he began to speak.
"I wished to be there, thankfully now I can be." Jaime said as Tyrion smiled at his brother.
"I wished you here also." he said as Jaime nodded.
"I'm not the only one who wishes you well, brother." Jaime said, Tyrion shaking his head when Joanna called his name and when Dacey held young Jon up so she could take his hand and wave at him.
He wiped a tear from his eye as he looked at them, the smile on his face like the tears that fell showing that his joy was true and honest. After speaking to them for a few moments he called for Tommen and handed him the candle, Jae walking back in once the boy had left.
"Uncle, we should go, your princess awaits." Jae said as Tyrion nodded.
They walked together from his chambers, Tyrion taking a last look at them as they did so. Even though he'd spent each night since he had arrived here with Arianne, he had also kept his own chambers, something that would no longer be the case after tonight. He felt his nerves dissipate the closer they got to the Throne Room. The wedding ceremony itself was to be held in the place they would then take up their seats and rule from, as would the feast to follow.
Entering the room he looked to where Dany, Aemon, and Shiera were sitting, his family giving him warm smiles with his sister's the truest of all. He looked to his uncle Gerion who gave him a nod and to Bronn who winked, Tyrion rolling his eyes as he walked to the front of the room. Once there Jae took the robe from Ser Arthur and handed it to him, his nephew patting him on the shoulder before he walked over to take a seat beside Margaery. Tyrion barely had time to settle once he did, as he turned to the back of the room to see Arianne being led inside by Oberyn. His betrothed looked as stunning as always, her golden yellow dress matching the colors of her house, the red accents only making the yellow look like a beautiful sunset.
He smiled at her as she knelt and then Oberyn took the cloak from her shoulders, Tyrion moving quickly to cover her in his own. The three-headed dragon stood over a lion that was his personal sigil, both were standing out proud and he felt her shiver when he cloaked her. Kneeling down beside her he listened as the Septon began the prayers, her hand holding his own and he was relieved to find that he wasn't shaking or sweating too much. Before he knew it they'd been bid to rise and they turned to face each other. The cloth was wrapped around their hands and he looked up to her smiling face as they began to speak the words.
"Father, Smith, Warrior, Mother, Maiden, Crone, Stranger. I am hers and she is mine, from this day until the end of my days." he said, smiling broadly at her as he did so.
The rest of what the Septon said was lost to him, some words about him being the Prince Consort of Dorne and what the gods had joined no man had any right to break apart. Tyrion found himself lost in her eyes as he moved to kiss her, the feel of her lips on his own making his heart race, just as it had the very first time he'd kissed her. She led him to the seats and took her own in the Spear Seat, Tyrion sitting in the Sun Seat that was to be his from now on. It was his nephew who stood up first, the King of the Seven Kingdoms being the first to lead the cheers.
"My queen, Princesses, and Princes, my Lords and Ladies, I give you Princess Arianne Martell and Prince Tyrion Targaryen now newly named as husband and wife, the Princess and the Prince Consort of Dorne." Jae said as the cheers rang out.
Tyrion felt a shiver at being named as such, one that only increased as he leaned in to kiss her once more. To be a prince or a prince consort was nothing to him and it meant little compared to the true boon he'd received this day. Looking at her it all became clear, all he'd ever wished for was embodied in the woman who sat beside him. His wife, she was his wife and from this day to the end of his days they would be together. He kissed her as the cheers rang around and saw her smile at him when they parted, his wife, his love.
Sunspear 299 AC.
Margaery.
The feast was pleasant and yet for some reason, she found she wasn't enjoying herself. Why that was she couldn't quite tell and so she tried her best to ignore the feeling and to just concentrate on those who were. Tyrion's happiness was clear for all to see as was his new bride's, Arianne and he almost seemed to be put out when people interrupted their time together to wish them well. Even when they'd received their gifts it had almost been as if they were being disturbed from their own private moments. It was something that Margaery could relate to as she had felt that way at her own wedding as well.
There she'd wished to be alone with her husband, she had welcomed the joy others had felt for her but had wanted to be with Jae alone and away from them all. Something as she looked to Tyrion and Arianne and saw their almost pained expressions she was sure they wished for too. She felt her husband's breath on her ear and she smirked that he was so able to sneak up on her, her eyes closing of their own accord as he nibbled on her ear gently.
"My wife seems much distracted." he said softly his tongue tracing her ear and making her shiver.
"My husband seems to be in a mood to distract me even more." she said her voice husky.
"Always." Jae said making her chuckle as he moved a little away from her, her head turning to face him and finding him to be waiting for her, his lips soon on her own.
"I find myself not enjoying this as much as I wished." she said a moment later when they'd stopped kissing.
"Then I must redouble my efforts for it seems my kisses are not having their desired effect." Jae said as she laughed and slapped his shoulder.
"Not your kisses my love, this feast, tonight, I find my joy to be fleeting." she said softly, her voice worried and confused.
"You fear the morrow, my love, and knowing we shall part. I find myself feeling it too, despite how much I wish to enjoy my uncle's night. I too find myself dreading the morrow that comes after it." Jae said softly.
"Do you really have to go?" she asked softly, her eyes almost pleading as they looked into his.
"It'll only be for a short while and I'll meet with you in White Harbor and we'll ride from there to Winterfell, but this is something I must do. I've wished to return them for so long, Marge, the flights to Oldtown and Harrenhal will take but a day or two, and once done I'll be waiting for you in White Harbor, I give you my word on that." Jae said as the tables were moved and the dancing and music was about to begin.
"Swear to me that's all you'll do, swear you'll not fly further North and will be waiting for me in White Harbor." she said looking to him.
Jae leaned forward and kissed her, the feel of his lips on her own soon drowning out the noise around them and she felt herself leaning closer to him, her arms going around him as she did so. Whether it was the coughing of those beside them, the words someone was speaking to them, or that the kiss just naturally stopped she couldn't tell but she soon found the whole room looking their way. Tyrion japing that he and Arianne had work to do to catch up with the King and Queen providing more laughs. Margaery looked to her husband and saw him nod, Jae, leaning in close to her once more.
"I will fly to Oldtown, Harrenhal, White Harbor, and to nowhere else, not even the gods themselves will change my mind on this. My wife has spoken and I have heard, I give you my word my love." he said and she felt a weight lifted from her chest.
When the music began he reached out and took her hand, her worries and concerns soon far behind her as they moved across the dance floor. Later she smiled when he danced with Arianne, Sansa, Joy, and most of his cousins. The image of him dancing on the floor while holding both Dorea and Loreza in his arms one that brought smiles to her and most of those at the high table's faces. When he was asked to sing, Jae did so happily, his songs quick and upbeat and soon people were clapping along with them. He had just readied to finish when Arianne spoke, her words catching both Jae and her by surprise.
"Your grace, we've all enjoyed your songs and my aunt and uncle were most pleased with the one you dedicated to them." Arianne said and Margaery looked to see both Oberyn and Ellaria nod their agreement "However, we've not heard you sing a song for your wife." Arianne said and Margaery caught the look in his eyes as he looked at her.
"I've written many songs for my wife, Princess, but aye, you're right. I've been most remiss as a husband for not singing one of them here and so I shall rectify that immediately." Jae said looking to her, Margaery nodding and smiling back at him as he readied his harp.
The room hushed as Jae seemed to take his time, his fingers moving slowly over the harp as if he was searching for the right place and time to begin. Time seemed to stretch on without a sound and then all of a sudden Jae stopped before he then straightened up only to turn and look at her.
"As I said, I've written my wife many songs, some I've played for her with people around and some when we're just alone together. My father as those who knew him will attest, was wont to do the same. Four years ago my wife and I pledged our love to one another before the Heart Tree at Highgarden, I asked and she agreed to be my wife, and each day since I've known just how fortunate my life has been because she did so. The song you're about to hear was written that day and has never been played before." Jae said softly as he looked at her.
She found herself edging forward in her seat, her hands gripped tightly to the sides of the chair as the music began. The soft sounds soon filling the rooms as Jae looked at the harp and then her, smiling before he began to sing.
She's like the wind through my tree
She rides the night next to me
She leads me through moonlight
Only to burn me with the sun
She's taken my heart
But she doesn't know what she's done
Feel her breath on my face
Her body close to me
Can't look in her eyes
She's out of my league
Just a fool to believe
I have anything she needs
She's like the wind
I look in the mirror and all I see
Is a young old man with only a dream
Am I just fooling myself
That she'll stop the pain
Living without her
I'd go insane
Feel her breath on my face
Her body close to me
Can't look in her eyes
She's out of my league
Just a fool to believe
I have anything she needs
She's like the wind
Feel your breath in my face
Your body close to me
Can't look in your eyes
You're out of my league
Just a fool to believe
(Just a fool to believe)
she's like the wind
The tears fell and before she knew it her eyes were being wiped and it was to her husband's that she found herself looking up at. Jae held the handkerchief in his hand and she nodded to him, the smile on her face showing it was not upset that had made her tears fall. The rest of the night was a blur to her, Margaery finding herself leaning close to her husband and feeling his arm around her as around them people continued to celebrate Tyrion and Arianne's night. When Jae took her hand to lead her to their room she welcomed it, as she did his arm around her shoulder as they walked together from the hall.
It was comforting, the feel of his arms around her and of her own wrapped around his waist. As they walked she found that she almost believed they were the only two people in the world. The sights, sounds, and even smells around them all fading away. Soon enough they were in their chambers and she was looking into her husband's eyes once more. She felt it then, her hunger for him, she saw it replicated in his own eyes and as one they moved closer together, Margaery shrieking happily when he took her in his arms and carried her to his bed.
"I love you." he said as he kissed her neck "More than anything in this world, I love you, Margaery, with all that I am, I love you." he said as she felt his lips seek out her own, her response muffled by his tongue touching hers.
She knew he didn't need to hear the words, that he knew how she felt about him, and yet she needed to speak them aloud. Margaery finding a strength she didn't know she had as she denied him, temporarily at least.
"I love you too Jae, with all my heart, I love you." she said as he kissed her again.
Sunspear 299 AC.
Arianne.
She looked over at her husband, his chest rising and falling as he slept and her fingers reached over to brush the hair from his face. Their wedding and wedding night had been all she dreamed it would be and as she moved away and picked up the chain to put it on her neck, she knew she'd let him sleep for longer. Arianne felt the power of the ruby as she placed it around her neck, the gift coming from Shiera instead of Jae and Margaery like her uncle and aunts had but the meaning behind it was the same. Illness, sickness, poison, these were things she'd not need to worry about as long as she wore the ruby. Shiera telling them both that as her family they deserved all the protection she could give them.
Arianne smiled at that as she dressed, the idea of another family was something she'd never thought she'd have wished for and yet one she welcomed most readily. That she had so little of her own family left to her may have had something to do with that and she felt her thoughts darken as she thought of her father and brother. She cursed them both for not being here to share her joy with her. Though their absence had made her more appreciative of Trystane and of Oberyn and now of Jae, Margaery, and the Targaryens too.
"You didn't wake me." Tyrion said as he sat up in their bed, her husband reaching for the jug and pouring himself some water.
"I felt my husband needed his rest, especially as I expect him to be fit and ready for me tonight also." she said as she giggled before sitting down on the edge of the bed, her dress barely tied behind her.
"The night I'm not fit and ready for you wife is the night I'm dead." Tyrion said kissing her shoulder as he began to tie her dress for her.
"We should go break our fast, Jae will be readying to go and Margaery will leave on the tide." she said as she leaned her head to one side, Tyrion's lips kissing her neck and threatening her with the barest of bites.
"Aye, we should, though I'd much prefer we stayed in bed." he said making her laugh.
She left her husband to get dressed and walked from the room, almost gliding down the corridors of the Old Palace such was her happiness. Behind her Areo bore a smile on his usually stoic face, Arianne giving the giant guard a quick nod as they walked to the dining room. Entering the room she was happy to see the eldest of her cousins waiting for her, Oberyn and her four youngest cousins were all absent though which she found strange. Arianne looked to see Ellaria speaking to Margaery and Tyene, her aunt noticing her and giving her a warm smile as she took her seat.
"Did my niece have an enjoyable night?" Ellaria asked teasingly.
"Most enjoyable and I so dearly hope I was not the only one?" she asked seeing the queen blush and Arianne decided to give her a cheeky wink which quickly brought a smile to Margaery's face.
"You were very much not." Ellaria said with a chuckle.
"His grace, my uncle?" she asked both women, Margaery looking at Ellaria who answered for them both.
"A race, niece, I find I'm not sure who the biggest child is my nephew or my husband." Ellaria said smiling, her amusement and fondness clear.
"Jae, definitely Jae." Margaery said to laughs.
She listened as Ellaria told her that along with Joy, Jae had challenged Oberyn and their girls to a race. The older ones had declined as they wished to spend time with Arianne while the younger ones and Elia, in particular, were all for it. As they were speaking Tyrion walked in, her husband kissing her cheek before sitting down to eat. Soon enough Dany and the other Targayens joined them, Arianne looking on as Dany said something that made Tyrion smile truly. She raised her eyebrow questioningly and was soon noticed by her husband who informed her of what had been said.
"Dany was just telling me that she'll not be heading North with the rest of the party. Instead, she'll be spending some time in Sunspear before she heads to Dragonstone." Tyrion said Arianne smiled at her husband's clear happiness in having his sister stay longer.
"Then I shall need to show her more of what Dorne has to offer, Ellaria, you will stay for a while too?" she asked her aunt who nodded before answering.
"I will, Oberyn and I will not be returning to King's Landing until their graces do." Ellaria said.
"How long will that be?" she asked curiously.
"A moon or so." Margaery said and Arianne welcomed it, her mother had been set to return to Dorne and she'd hoped it would be in time for her wedding, but she'd been delayed and so she now found herself hoping that she'd arrive while the others were still here with her.
They ate slowly, breaking their fast and allowing the conversation to flow. Arianne finding herself enjoying this time even more than she did the previous night's feast. Here in this room, they were a family and she welcomed the feeling of being with people she thought as such. Her eyes, however, kept drifting to her husband, and seeing Tyrion look her way was something she welcomed just as much. The hunger for her in them something she very much appreciated.
"Mama, mama." she heard Dorea's excited voice say as she ran into the room "I rode with Jae, we won mama, we beat them even Elia." Dorea said as she hugged Ellaria.
"Did you now, my little snake." Ellaria said ticking the girl and making her squirm as she laughed.
"Aye, I could not have done so without Dorea's help." Jae said as he walked into the room, Oberyn behind him holding a sleeping Loreza in his arms while an annoyed-looking Obella, Joy and Elia followed in his wake.
"He cheated." Obella said and Arianne chuckled as both Joy and Elia nodded their agreement.
"Obella." Ellaria said reproachfully.
"He cheated mama, he said ready, steady but he left before he said go." Obella said folding her arms in front of her and glaring at Jae who moved quickly to her side.
"I said Ready." Jae said before reaching out to grab Obella "Steady." Arianne and the others watched as Obella moved a step back from him "and then Dorea said, Go." he said his voice almost a whisper on the last word, and then it was the sounds of Obella's laughter that were heard when Jae lifted her into the air and spun her around while holding her tightly to his chest.
"See, a child." Margaery said her smile as big as the one on Obella's face as she fought their cousin off, Jae spinning and tickling her as he moved to lay kisses on her cheek and neck.
Soon enough their fun was to come to an end, Jae grabbed some food while making faces at Joy and Elia, both girls not best pleased with him and not so easy to forgive his cheating as Obella had been. She watched as Jae kissed his wife and then spoke to Dany, Aemon and Shiera before he spoke softly to Ellaria and then Oberyn. Jae finally coming over to kneel beside Tyrion and then her.
"I must take my leave, cousin. I'm happy for you and for my uncle and I wish you both the very best of good fortune in the days to come. It fills my heart with joy to see you both so happy and I hope to see you both soon." Jae said as Arianne looked to Arthur and Walder who were both dressed for travel.
"You too, cousin, I thank you for coming, it means a lot to my husband and me that you did so." she said smiling at him as he nodded.
It took him some time to say his goodbyes to everyone, Jae speaking to their cousins before hugging both Joy and Sansa and telling them he'd see them soon. She looked to Margaery who rose from her seat, Arianne feeling sympathy for her even though she knew they'd only be parted briefly. That none of them left the room to say their goodbyes with them was down to their wishes not to intrude on the private goodbye that a husband and a wife would wish to share. Arianne looked to her husband and happy that he at least wouldn't be saying goodbye to her for a very long time.
Later that day she stood at the docks and both she and Tyrion waved off the Dragon's Breath, Dany, Oberyn, Ellaria, and her cousins standing with them looking on as the ship sailed North. Arianne held her husband's hand and they waited until it was out of sight before heading back to the Old Palace. They'd return to King's Landing one day and both Jae and Margaery would visit them no doubt, but their lives would be different from this point forward. They were of Dorne and it would be to Dorne they would look first. Arianne finding herself to be very excited for the future that together they'd chart.
"Shall we?" she asked and Tyrion nodded, Arianne, looking to see Bronn standing to one side along with Areo, both men ready to guard their backs and shield them from any who'd dare wish them harm.
"Aye, wife, we have much to do." Tyrion said smiling at her as they walked from the docks.
King's Landing 299 AC.
Jaime.
He spent the day working on papers or handling petitions and it wasn't until late afternoon that he had the chance to go and spend time with his wife and children. Jaime happy for the respite and looking forward to seeing each of them. Entering their room he found Dacey to be feeding Jon, his son's appetite clear for all to see. Joanna sat on her new wooden horse, his daughter for once not rocking on it as she instead looked to her mother and brother.
"Papa." Joanna said excitedly as he lifted her from the horse, her little arms wrapping themselves around his neck.
"And how is my little cub today?" he asked, Joanna soon telling him of her day and how it was spent, her eyes then looking to Jon who was finally finished eating.
"Cub was hungry, papa, very hungry." she said laughing as Jon belched.
"He was, and you, were you hungry too little cub?" he asked and she shook her head "Not even for some candied fruits?" he asked smiling as he looked at her.
"You have fruits, papa?" she asked looking at his empty hands.
"Always for you little cub." he said reaching into his pocket to take one out, Joanna smiling happily as she took it from him.
"You'll spoil her appetite." Dacey said as he kissed her cheek.
"Perhaps I should try and spoil his." he said with a nod before he kissed his son's cheek.
"That would be impossible, I swear it my love but our son is never full." Dacey said as she played with Jon while he lay on the bed.
He looked down on his son, his fair hair had turned a brighter blond and his green eyes sparkled as they looked back at him. When he'd been born he'd been such a small thing and yet looking at him now it was clear just how much he'd grown. Jaime reached down to touch his cheek as his son giggled at his mother's attention. Jon, his son, his boy, it had been the only name he could give him and the only one that felt true and right for him.
Many years earlier he'd met a boy that he'd grown to love, a boy who'd become a son to him. Though his name wasn't truly Jon it had been that to him for many years. It was as Jon the boy that he'd come to think of him as and not asJaehaerys his king. The boy had meant more to him because of who he was in his heart than who he was born as, he'd made him feel things and forced him to accept a life that he'd never thought possible. A life that had brought him the woman beside him and the two children on this bed. That Jon was good and true and had a heart that was as big as the world, he was his son by choice and he could think of no man he'd wish to name his son by blood after more than he.
"Jaime?" Dacey asked and he turned and looked at her, his smile still on his face.
"Will all be ready for tonight? He asked and she nodded, Jaime, standing up from the bed and walking into the other room.
"Papa?" Joanna asked and he heard Dacey tell her he'd be back in a while. Jaime walkedinto the room and sat down at his desk before reaching down to take the two glass candles out and placing the first of them on his table.
Later as he ate dinner with his family he found himself reflecting on his conversation with Tyrion, he'd told his brother how much he loved him and Dacey, Joanna, and Jon had all said their own hellos to him. He found himself eager to see the wedding itself though and so he was happy to see that both his children seemed ready for their beds. Joanna almost falling asleep at the table and by the time he'd eaten, Dacey was looking at him and motioning to his daughter's room.
He carried Joanna to her bed, his daughter fully asleep by the time he tucked her into it. Jaime then walked back into his room to see that Jon was already laid down in his crib and sleeping. Looking at Dacey he could see his wife was tired and ready for her own bed and so he told her to do just that. Something she argued with him about but finally agreed to. After kissing her goodnight and knowing full well she'd be asleep by the time he joined her, Jaime then went back to take his seat at his desk and placed the candle on top of it.
The wait wasn't a long one and when the images finally appeared so did the smile on Jaime's face. Seeing Tyrion as he stood in front of the Septon and as he covered Arianne in her wedding cloak was enough to make him feel as if he was sitting in the hall with them both. He listened to the words being spoken, watched as his brother kissed his new wife, and as they took their seats. Jaime even taking the time to enjoy some of the feast before he took to his bed. He'd looked on as Tyrion and Arianne were gifted, as Jae sang and danced with Margaery, and as his brother's happiness had shone through. Eventually, though he felt his eyes begin to close and so leaving the candle still showing the images of the wedding he made his way to his bed.
"Was he happy?" Dacey asked her sleep disturbed by him despite how quietly and carefully he tried to join her.
"Aye, very much so." he said kissing her cheek "Sleep, my love".
Waking early the next morning he found Dacey to be already up, Jon was in her arms and Jaime dressed as she fed their son. Joanna too woke early and he was glad that it was something she did of her own accord as despite how much he enjoyed breaking his fast with his family, he had no wish for his own need to be up early to cause them to rise as well. It was something though he didn't need to be concerned about, his daughter rising early so she could spend time with her brother, mother, and himself was something that had just seemed to occur naturally.
"Go riding papa?" Joanna asked as she ate her meal, Jaime chuckling as he finished his own.
"You wish to?" he asked his daughter, the smirk still on his face and as much as he'd like to curse his king for instilling this need in her, he welcomed it truly.
"In the Jaewood." Joanna said and Jaime found himself laughing fully as he nodded, he'd tried in vain to correct her and tell her that it was the Kingswood but his daughter had rightly pointed out to him that Jae was the king.
"Aye in the Jaewood, cub." he said seeing her smile broadly, her mother shaking her head and rolling her eyes as she looked at them both.
Once he finished his meal and after making sure that Joanna had finished her own, he kissed his wife and son and taking his daughter by the hand he made ready for their ride. This he was sure was the true reason Joanna woke early, his daughter hurrying him along when he slowed and glaring at him when he stopped. It was a little game he liked to play with her and they continued it all the way until she saw Loyalty. His mare was the calmest of the horses he owned and the offspring of Honor who had sadly passed.
Jaime moved to his daughter and lifted her up so she could stroke the mare's head, Joanna giggling all the time as she did so. He looked to Jors and handed her to the Kingsguard, climbing up on Loyalty's back before Jors handed Joanna back to him. Despite how impatient she was to begin which he could feel from how she fidgeted, his daughter said not a word. She waited until their escort was mounted and then he leaned down to her and told her to tell Loyalty to move, starting yet another little game they played.
"Go horsey, go." Joanna said and he heard her laugh as the mare did as she was bid.
Later as he sat in the small council office and watched as Ser Richard, Olenna, Wyman, and Willas made their way into the room, he knew the smile was still present on his face. The day would be a long one as they had much to cover and after this, he had petitions to listen to, and yet his mood was as good as ever. The balance he had been searching for his entire life was something he was starting to find. He was Hand to a king he believed in truly, he was helping the realm and his family and he was a husband and father. For a man who'd once thought he was nothing more than a sword, he'd come a long way and as Olenna began to speak he found himself thinking but one thought, he was happy.
The North 298/299 AC.
Cregan.
They had sailed to White Harbor and ridden on from there, his uncle changing up their route so that Cregan could experience as much of the North as quickly as he could. He had found riding through the North to be an experience that he'd never forget. Finally seeing the places he'd only heard about from his mother or from Jae or that he had only seen on maps. He'd traveled through the Neck and they'd stayed at Moat Cailin. While there he'd met the new lord and who was soon to be the new lady, his cousin was not the only one who was to be married in the next few moons, Cregan had found. Eddard Karstark was almost as typical a Northman as he'd come to know them as and as for Meera Reed, she though small and slight could have been a Mormont given how she acted. An atypical lady just as Dacey, Maege and so many of those Northern ladies he'd met were.
The two seemed to genuinely care for each other too and he tried not to feel envious about that, though he found he did. The thoughts that he too would need to marry in the North filling his head and they were not helped by both his cousin's japing and his uncle's more subtle mentions of a lord's duty. They spent only a day at the Moat and were soon riding again. Cregan soon hearing a tale of his father and his time in the Barrowlands and a mention of a Lady Dustin from the Greatjon that his uncle didn't much appreciate.
He stayed at Castle Cerwyn and was introduced to its heir Cley, the boy a little younger than he but keen to spend time with him. Cregan hen found himself to be the center of attention when they sparred one morning, Robb, Cley, and Eddard Karstark who along with Meera had joined them as they were heading to Winterfell, all trying their luck against him. His uncle and some of the men looked on as he beat each one of his opponents. Lady Maege then sending her daughter Jory to face him and then the Greatjon sending the Smalljon to do the same
"Well done Stark." the Smalljon said as Cregan brought him to his knees, his sword pointing to the man's neck and as he helped him up he saw Eddard Karstark was speaking with his father and the older man was watching him intently.
Later when they passed through the Barrowlands for true he found himself involved in a race, losing it to his cousin Arya who he was beginning to think was half horse. His uncle told him as they camped that night that she was just like his aunt Lyanna, Jae's mother, and given how Jae himself rode, Cregan could well believe it. His first view of Winterfell took his breath away, the large imposing keep standing out high in the distance. The town around it was nothing like he'd expected either. His mother had spoken on Wintertown and what it had been used for and though Robb, Jae, and his uncle had told him it had grown, he'd not expected it to have been as it was.
When they reached Winterfell he felt his heart begin to race, his eyes threatening to water as he looked at the men and women who were lined up to welcome their lord back to his home. Some of these men had known his father and Cregan found himself longing to speak to them and to find out every single thing about him that he could. For now, though he was to settle in and so he did as he was bid and made his way to his rooms. He washed, dressed, and enjoyed the feast they had to welcome his uncle back and for the next few days, he was shown around Winterfell by his cousins. His uncle finally coming to him after he'd been there almost a week.
"There is something I need you to see Cregan, follow me." his uncle Ned said and Cregan did as he was bid, following him from the great hall and out into the courtyard.
He was led to a large double door that looked old and he felt the coldness of the air when he walked through it. His uncle taking a torch and leading the way as Cregan followed behind him silently. After a short walk, his uncle stopped and turned to him with a sad look on his face that caught him by surprise. Cregan could see the shape of figures behind him but there was no sound and he wondered why they stood so still.
"After your father's death, your grandfather's and your aunt's, I had statues made. Likenesses of them so they'd be remembered in all the years to come. I had no remains of my father and brother, only my sister and so for them, it's just the statues and some of their things that are buried here. But I thought you'd wish to see it. I'll give you some time but I won't be far should you need me." his uncle said as he put the torch on the wall and touched his shoulder before walking away.
Cregan turned and looked at what he now knew were statues, one was of an older man, the other a young woman, and the last a man not much older than her. He moved to the younger man's statue, his eyes staring at the likeness and he felt the wetness of the tears as they fell down his cheek. This was his father, the Wild Wolf as he'd heard so many call him, and just looking at the statue he could see the likeness they shared. It was as if he was looking in a looking glass and his hands reached out and stroked the face, his fingers tracing it as he looked at his father for the first time.
"Father." he said softly, wiping his eyes with his sleeve as he took in as much of his father's appearance as he could.
He stood there for some time before he moved on to the other two, finding his aunt was exactly as he'd imagined her. Arya shared so much with Jae's mother, his own mother, Arthur and even Jae himself had told him this and as he looked at his aunt it was clear that she'd never be gone for as long as Arya lived. Moving to his grandfather he found his feelings conflicted, he loved who the man was, and yet he found he hated the man too. Cregan had asked about him to his mother, his uncles, all of them and had gotten no reply. Only Jae willing to tell him the truth of their grandfather and he knew that it was only Jae who would be able to truly understand his pain at seeing him. It had been his wish for a southern alliance that had forced his father to travel to Riverrun. Were it not for that then he may have grown up knowing far more of his family than he did, were it not for that he may have grown up knowing his father for true.
Composing himself he walked from the crypts after saying prayers for each of his fallen kin, even for his grandfather despite his mixed feelings. For his aunt both for him and for Jae and his father for him and his mother. His uncle Ned waited at the door and held a piece of parchment in his hand, Cregan looking at it curiously.
"Jae asked me to give you this after you saw them." Ned said as Cregan took the parchment and opened it up, the drawing was of his mother, father, and of himself, and looking at it he began to sob, his uncle's arms around him and allowing him to do so with some privacy.
Over the next few weeks, he listened to stories about his father from those who knew him, Ser Rodrik Cassel telling him that he fought like him at times when they sparred in the mornings. Together with Robb, Cley, Eddard, Jojen Reed, and some others he rode to Sea Dragon Point and was stunned to see a village that was full of life and the beginnings of a keep already being built. Robb telling him that his uncle had started to build it after they'd met and that Jae was helping with the funding.
Cregan looked over the lands, spoke to the builders and they spent a few days camped at the site. The men welcoming his ideas and he even got to lay some stone down himself before they had to ride back to Winterfell. They arrived back at the keep just in time to welcome some lords, Cregan seeing Eddard Karstark look both happy and nervous upon seeing his father and brothers. Robb telling him that it meant Eddard's own wedding would be occurring soon. Though there was no true feast that night there was a celebration of sorts. The food, the music, and even the dancing all something that he enjoyed. Although he did find himself lost for words when a young redheaded lady stood in front of him and asked him to dance.
"My lord if I may be so bold, would you dance with me." the girl said as Cregan looked around nervously hoping she was asking someone else before realizing to his dismay that she was not.
"I'd be honored my lady." he said as she smiled what he thought was a most beautiful smile at him.
He took her hand and soon enough they were dancing together, the first one was nervous and almost caused him to run away. When she didn't let go of his hand and he realized that he'd have to dance with her once more, he surprisingly relaxed. Something she picked up on given her smile. By the time they danced a third time he was speaking to her, the two of them laughing and japing a little as the music came to an end and he then saw Eddard Karstark walk his way.
"If I may dance with my sister, Lord Cregan." Eddard asked as Cregan looked at the girl.
"Sister?" he asked looking from Eddard and then back to the girl.
"Lady Alys Karstark, my lord." Alys said with a small curtsy as Cregan nodded.
"An honor my lady, truly." he said with a smile as he took his leave and walked back to his seat.
The smile rarely left his face for the rest of the feast, Cregan happy to see Alys look his way more than once and as for his own eyes, they seemed to be drawn to her also. Were he more attentive then he'd have seen her father sitting with his uncle, both men speaking animatedly and seeming pleased by the outcome of their conversation. Cregan though was completely unaware that another wedding may very well be occurring in the future.
Oldtown/Harrenahl 299 AC.
Jaehaerys Targaryen.
Were it for any other reason than this then he'd not have left Margaery to travel to the North without him. This though was something that needed to be done and so they were now camped by the Brimstone with Hellholt in the distance. Jae looked to Arthur who seemed even more quiet than usual, the knight's eyes were drawn to the chests on Rhaenix's back while his own were drawn to the man and to the sight of the keep in the distance. Had his emotions not already been tested by what he was doing then it would be with thoughts of Rhaenys that he'd have spent most of the night. The queen who'd fallen and who's death the Dornish had celebrated even though it led to The Dragon's Wroth.
The truth of what happened that day was lost, Meraxes fell and some said that Rhaenys survived only to be tortured to death by the Ullers. Jae though didn't believe that, given what Aegon did and what he was planning, they'd have used Rhaenys as a hostage and so he believed that her body had never been recovered. Looking to the chests on Rhaenix's back he found himself thinking on that and nodding before he rose to bid Rhaenix goodnight. As he moved to walk to his sister he resolved to right that wrong too.
"Your grace?" Arthur asked seeing him rise.
"I'm just bidding my sister a goodnight Ser." he said and Arthur nodded, the knight quickly going back to his quiet reflection.
When he woke it was to find that Arthur hadn't slept, Jae chiding the knight but to no effect. They broke their fast and were soon flying once more. Rhaenix he could tell was enjoying the time spent in the air with him on her back, if not the reason for that time. Upon seeing the Hightower in front of him, Jae had Rhaenix fly over the city before landing some distance away. Arthur removed the chest bearing Ser Gerold's bones and after waiting for the Hightower men to arrive and seeing Ser Baelor among them, Jae told Rhaenix to go eat and rest.
"Your grace, we were not expecting you." Ser Baelor said looking to him and Arthur who had handed him the chest upon seeing the horses ride their way.
"An unexpected visit, Ser Baelor, perhaps we can speak back a the Hightower?" he said and the knight nodded, motioning to his men to give him and Arthur horses to ride.
They rode back slowly, Jae not telling Ser Baelor what was in the chest but asking if his father and sister were present, the knight told him they were and both would be most pleased to welcome him. While he thought that was true to an extent, he also knew that what he had come to do would take some of the shine off a visit from the king. Or perhaps it would for the Hightowers at least, as for the men and women of Oldtown it seemed to do anything but. Jae waving to people who had come out to see the Dragonking and smiling as people cheered as he passed.
"Hail the Dragonking."
"Good King Jaehaerys"
"House Targaryen."
As they arrived at the Hightower he was surprised to see both Lord Leyton and Malora were waiting for him, the Lord standing with his other sons and some knights and all of them dropping to a knee when he dismounted.
"Oldtown is yours, your grace." Lord Leyton said, his smile a true one as was the one on his daughter's face.
"Rise my lord, Lady, Good Sers." he said and they did as they were bid, Jae then turning to take the chest from Arthur.
"You honor us with your visit your grace." Leyton said as Malora looked to the chest and then nodded to her father.
"I wish it was under better circumstances my lord." he said softly as he moved to him and whispered in his ear, the lord nodding and then speaking to Malora who rushed on ahead of them.
"I'll arrange it as you asked, your grace." Leyton said and he nodded.
They were shown to some rooms, Jae taking the chance to wash his face clean of the dust and to wipe down his armor with a cloth. He had wished to dress normally but as a concession to Margaery had agreed to wear his armor at all times. That it had been fixed and seemed better than ever he could only put down to Gendry's workmanship. The Three-Headed Dragon stood proud on his breastplate and he smiled as he looked at the small golden rose that the smith had incorporated into his helm. Once it was shined and polished he put it back on with the help of a squire that had been sent to him by Ser Baelor and then he waited to be called to see the Lord of Oldtown and to do what needed to be done.
"Your grace." Arthur said and Jae nodded, quickly tying Dark Sister to his side and then handing the squire his helm before picking up the chest.
They walked slowly to the Great Hall, Jae looking to Arthur and giving the knight a nod which he returned. The herald announced them as they walked into the hall and towards the man who sat in the Lord's seat. Leyton was surrounded by his family and the hall was filled with the great and good of Oldtown. Jae saw the Archmaesters from the Citadel, the Septons from the Starry Sept, and a welcome face in Samwell Tarly who he nodded to before he walked past them and stood in front of Lord Leyton.
"Your grace." Leyton said rising to bow before Jae motioned for him to take his seat once more.
"My Lord, forgive me for the abruptness of my visit but I've waited for far too long to see this done. As you know the events of the rebellion were fraught with lies and untruths, good men died because of the ambition of men far less worthy than they. My Father, mother, brother, my sister, and their mother were lost amongst them, and had those men had their way then I'd not be here today.
I am because of good men my lord, good men and true, men who risked their lives like Ser Arthur Dayne the Sword of the Morning and men who lost them like Ser Oswell Whent the Black Bat." Jae said his voice firm though he struggled to say the words.
He heard the murmurs of the men and women in the room and waited until they had calmed before he spoke, and as he did he took a knee and held out the chest before him.
"Men like your uncle, The Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, The White Bull Ser Gerold Hightower. A good man and true and one that I was robbed the chance of meeting and whose debt I shall forever remain in. For far too long he's rested where he fell my lord and while I can never right the wrong of his death, I can at least right that wrong. It is with great honor, humility, and sadness that I am here to return a great knight to his family." he said as Leyton rose and took the chest from his hand.
"On behalf of my family I thank you your grace and on behalf of my uncle, I say only this. Ser Gerold could not have been in the service of a greater man than you when he fell and I know my uncle would be most proud of that and of his king, as am I." Leyton said to loud claps from all those present.
They feasted that night, Jae sat with Lord Leyton and spent the night speaking to him and to Malora. The woman telling him that she was feeling so much better but then asking if she could speak to him privately before he left the next morning. He spoke briefly to Samwell Tarly, to the Archmaesters, and to the Septons, the men telling him that he had done a good thing in allowing Ser Gerold to be buried within the faith. Jae smiled and nodded and was glad for their absence when he left them in the hall and took to his bed.
Malora rode with them to see Rhaenix the next morning, Jae had said his goodbyes to Leyton who told him that he'd be ready when he called. The hidden truth in the man's words one that Jae understood completely when he looked to Malora. When Rhaenix landed he was surprised to see Malora walk to her and be unafraid, the woman stroking her as if she was a small hound and not a dragon. Jae then walked a small distance away from his sister when Malora asked him to.
"For your journey, your grace." Malora said before handing him a map, Jae looking down at it and seeing what looked to be the wall, a hill, a glade, and a giant Weirwood tree.
"Where is this?" he asked.
"Beyond the Wall, your grace. They await you there, they and Lord Bloodraven." Malora said.
"They?" he asked curiously.
"The Children of the Forest. I only ask that when you bring them to where they need to go, you take me to them." Malora said looking at him.
"Why?" he asked suspiciously.
"The world needs a Three-Eyed Raven your grace and only they can prepare me for what I must become." Malora said.
"Is this what you wish, truly?" he asked and she smiled as she kissed his cheek.
"You saved me, your grace. I was lost and you saved me, this is who I'm supposed to be and it's only because you saved me that I can rest." she said and he nodded.
"I'll return for you." he said softly as she nodded.
He said his goodbyes to her and then watched as she and her escort rode off, Jae nodding to Arthur and they were quickly back in the air. They had one more chest to deliver and another keep that they needed to visit.
Harrenhal.
Jaehaerys Targaryen.
It took them the rest of the day to fly to Harrenhal and when they landed it was to fading light. Jae allowing Rhaenix to land far closer to the keep than he had in Oldtown. The few guards that came their way showed not just their surprise at his arrival but the lateness of the hour and he was glad the men at least seemed clever enough to know who they were. The ride to the keep itself wasn't a long one and he looked up to the towers to see the true extent of Balerion's work. Dark, twisted, and leaning to one side, the dragon's fury was still clear to see all these years later.
Once inside the gates they were taken to the Widow's Tower and Jae found himself looking around at the disrepair of the keep and yet there was a strength here that he knew would serve his family well. He had waited until now to speak to Lady Shella about his plans, wishing to do this first before he told her what was to come. Now as he walked into the Great Hall and saw the men and women sitting around it, he wondered if he should have done so sooner.
The Lady herself sat at the high table and looked at him curiously, she bore him a smile and though aged she didn't seem it as she sat straight and poised and then rose when he neared the table.
"Harrenhal is yours, your grace." she said with a small curtsy, Jae smiling and nodding before bidding her sit.
"Lady Whent, an honor truly. Forgive me both for the lateness of my visit and the reason for it. I bring you sad tidings and yet ones that seek to right a wrong." Jae said as she looked to the chest, her eyes closing and then opening as she looked sadly at it and then at him.
"I bid you all rise, his grace has something he wishes to tell us. Please continue, your grace." she said softly.
"Here in this very keep my mother and father fell in love, my lady. A love that was good and true and yet was used by men who were anything but. They made mistakes true enough, but one mistake they did not make was to put their trust in a knight of House Whent. A man whose sword was as true as his word, a man who stood by my father's side, by my mother's, and by mine own.
Ser Oswell Whent is a name that should be spoken of with the greatest respect, let no man or woman doubt that. A man of the White Cloak, a Kingsguard, a True Knight. A friend." he said his voice soft as he said the last while looking to Arthur.
He saw the eyes of the room look to the chest and he stepped forward before taking a knee in front of the table. Lady Shella walking around from behind it and looking at the chest that he now held in his outstretched hands.
"I beg forgiveness for the delay in returning him home my lady and it is with great sadness that I do so. But I wish you to know that not a day goes by when I don't regret his passing and wish he was here by my side. Ser Oswell Whent, the Black Bat, Kingsguard to a most grateful king." he said as she nodded and took the chest from him.
Jae rose to help her place it on the table as her hands were too weak to hold it. She asked for and received a moment of silence and then the chest was carried from the room by some knights. Arthur looked to him and received his permission to go with it which he did, leaving Jae to sit beside Lady Whent. He declined the food and drank some water, asking the lady if they could speak on the morrow which she agreed to. They had much to discuss about the future but now was not the time, not when they still needed to honor the past.
Making his way to the rooms he was given, Jae found himself both looking at the walls around him and at the map he held in his hand. Later he found sleep hard to come by and as soon as the morning light began to shine he rose. To his surprise it turned out that Lady Whent was an early riser too and so after breaking his fast with her and Arthur, he asked if they could speak in the Godswood. He offered her his arm which she took and as they walked they spoke about Oswell, her memories of him and Arthur's were both happy and sad he found.
The Godswoord at Harrenhal was enormous, almost six times Winterfell's, and the large Weirwood was just as big as the one that rested there. Though the face that it bore was not a welcoming one and Jae found himself fascinated by the Thirteen Marks that were cut into it.
"These were made during the Dance were they not?" he asked and Shella nodded.
"They were your grace, they bleed every spring." she said and he turned to look at her, bidding her take a seat as he did likewise.
"It's true that you have no family my lady?" he asked as they sat.
"It is your grace, when I die my home will be fought over by distant relatives, I believe your cousins may have a claim." she said with a sad smile.
"It is about that I wish to speak to you Lady Shella. You have heard of my plans for the realm?" he asked and she shook her head "The regions of the realm are disparate my lady, it allows for a disconnect between those who live in them and those who rule over them. This disconnect can breed resentment, lead to ambition, and create strife, and is something my family has suffered most from. As king I intend to take steps to ensure as little strife as I can." Jae said looking at her.
"A wise choice your grace." she said smiling.
"To that end, I intend House Targaryen to be represented throughout the realm. My aunt will hold Dragonstone in her own name. Queenscrown in the North, The Tower of Joy in Dorne, Dunstonbury in the Reach, Tarbeck Hall in the West and I've yet to decide upon where exactly in the Vale. All of these are to be held by members of my family, either mine own children or my aunt or uncles. Two keeps however are to be held by mine own for sure, Summerhall is one and…"
"You wish Harrenhal to be the other." Shella said and Jae nodded.
"I will rebuild the keep, my lady, start it now with you present. I'll garrison it and while you live see that you and your lands thrive under your name. I'll see your sigil incorporated with mine own, the Black Bat and the Three-Headed Dragon flying high, I ask only for your consent." he said softly.
"And should I not give it?" she asked curiously.
"Then I'll wait until you pass and take the lands, my lady. I ask out of courtesy for you and for Ser Oswell but not out of necessity. I ask you to grant me this and live your final days out knowing that just as Ser Oswell did, you too my lady will be helping to shape the realm to come." he said looking to her.
She was quiet for a moment before she smiled and rose, Jae, looking as she walked over to him and touched his shoulder.
"It pleases me that Oswell served a true king, your grace, that his death had meaning and he died for a cause and king he believed in. It is to the honor of my house that his name shall be remembered alongside your father's and your own. You honor me once more by coming to me and speaking to me yourself and by naming one of your children to be the new Lord or Lady of Harrenhal you honor me greatly. You have my consent your grace, but more than that you have my best wishes. I wish you and your family nothing but good fortune and my only regret is that neither Oswell nor I will be around to see the world you build." Shella said as she walked away.
Jae looked to Arthur who nodded and then he knelt down in front of the Heart Tree, his prayers were for the future, for his children, and for the world he'd leave them to inherit. After finishing he rose and walked from the Godswood, Arthur behind him as they headed out the gate. When Rhaenix landed he climbed onto her back and looked to the walls to see Lady Shella standing there looking his way. He nodded to her and was sure she nodded back and then he looked to Rhaenix and North. They would reach White Harbor by late afternoon and he wondered if his wife had arrived yet, smiling he gave Rhaenix the order to fly and hoped that he would rest in Margaery's arms tonight.
"Sōvegon Rhaenix, jī Jelmor." (Fly Rhaenix, we go North.) he said as Rhaenix took to the sky.
A/N: Thanks to all who've read and reviewed. Up Next Sansa and Willas reunite and discuss a falcon, Jae and Margaery arrive at Winterfell to ready for a wedding and Jae returns more of the fallen. Aemon finds something that shakes him to the core beneath Winterfell's Crypt and a wedding is held before Jae heads to the Wall and readies to go Beyond it.
The Sphynx: A new poem for a new year, perfect.
Daryl Dixon: Very much so but he's incredibly upset and his anger will fade.
Anarchicmind: So glad to hear that. I hadn't thought of that with Bronn, how knows maybe he can do both. It was a very brief mention of it way back during the tourney of HG which is almost half a story ago lol so it's no surprise you forgot. I think they're a good match though. We can certainly hope, though really anything should be better than 2020.
Jessicanightmarewolf: I've always wanted to see it used as more than simply this place where Jae was born, I hope when it's finished you'll enjoy what was done there. I promise a very extensive Epilogue to explain it all.
Biohazard: So glad you liked it.
Celexys: We'll be getting a more extensive look into Dorne in a few more chapters, showing how Tyrion/Arianne are settling in and also a look into what Bronn has been up to. It is one of the things I missed most in the show, they narrowed the world down to almost nothing, and by the end, they pretty much define Westeros into one family deciding its fate.
Vfsnake: The trip North is the setup for Bloodraven's reappearance so within the next four or five chapters we should have our confrontation between those two anyway.
HKt29: In some ways that's the true essence of ASOIAF, those left behind to deal with the mistakes their families made, Brynden here being a good example of it. It's not done often enough in stories I think, the remains being brought back, I think if Jon had the chance to do it then it's something he'd do, obviously in the world of GOT he never gets that chance.
Emeraldduke: Calm before the storm perhaps? You too my friend, hope you had a great new year.
Anja: So very glad you enjoyed it.
Zeon07: really glad you enjoyed it, I hoped the wedding would be sweet and the tower was meant to be emotional. We're now getting into the North and the Free Folk, Jae should be meeting Mance next week.
Creativo: Realmente es su camino, simplemente no se iría en silencio.
Supremus: not sure how you get to her not deserving it unless I'm reading that wrong and you mean it shouldn't have happened because Jae had said he'd not. As for Brynden winning a TBC, he wouldn't, if there had have been one then it was Arthur he'd have faced and Arthur smokes him easily so all that would have happened would have been a dead Blackfish.
Guest: I hate that, it's almost the way of the world we live in now, we either have to do lots more work or we have none to do. Ellaria was teasing Jae a bit, so I'm not sure if this will actually change their behavior, it's one thing to play with others when you're not wed, another when you are and so we'll see. Tyrion/Ari though wishes for no one else to share their beds. Benjen/Val will be far more involved over the next few chapters as they too head north.
Kingofwarhammer: I can understand that, the lore can sometimes be as fascinating or more than the story and you almost at times wish to read so much more of it. On the heraldry, you can see here with Jae's talk with Shella that the Black Bat's will be incorporated, so you're going to have some changes based on where they are, the Three-Headed Dragon will be everywhere but it'll have some changes to it too. I understand the difference between longbowmen and archers, I think the Raven's Teeth, Bloodraven's archers were more Longbowmen tbh. They were specialized which Longbowmen really are. As for the makeup, there will be a version of pikemen, both a light and heavy cavalry and more specialized units. Jae is going to incorporate some new ways to form an army which we'll see more of upon his return to KL. House Velaryon have been given the Master of Ships position, further trade, and coin boons to make them rise once more and will be getting their own ships too. Should Aurane marry Dany then you can rest assured there are even more boons coming their way.
Lady Octarina: it was more on the Downlow than Tyrion/Arianne. One was almost agreed from early on where Oberyn/Ellaria was agreed only after Jae legitimized her. That was one of the reasons it was so fluffy at the beginning so it would contrast with Jae at the TOJ. Arthur is fully on board yes, I wanted that to come across clearly. I thought long and hard about Jaime and what he'd name his son after, hope the above explanation does its job. The BF was angry, upset, and not really thinking clearly here, he will come around, he and Jae will never be friends though. Glad you liked the Bran/Myrcella bit.
I'm looking forward to the Wall parts too, thankfully they're coming next week. There are a few things I've wanted to do with them for a long time which I'll be showing too.
Silverglow: He was very angry and upset but he's not a fool and for him to do anything would cost him his time with bran and it's not worth it. It was Lancel/Wylla who had an attraction but because Lancel is now his father's heir and Wylla because Wynafred is marrying Robb is his, both Wyman and Kevan agreed on Martyn/Wylla as the betrothal. There are a couple of mentions of it, one at a feast where we see Martyn/Wylla dancing and I think it's Sansa who comments, and another during Kevan's attack on the IB where he thinks about his road to that point.
I wanted to show Jae with family, it's such a big thing for him and yes, Ghost really doesn't appreciate the ships. To then have a fun wedding was a key thing as later the chapter was going to be a bit more downbeat and sad. It was so important and it plays in with other events as you see here with Shella and Malora.
The best thing about Stannis is everyone knows he doesn't lie and so you have that in your favor. Mance kinda went through the wringer here a little and so it was nice to leave him with a little more positive news.
I hope all is well and you had great holidays my friend.
