White Harbor 299 AC.
Sansa.
While she had enjoyed visiting Dorne and the weddings themselves there was something missing and now as they sailed into White Harbor she knew exactly what that was. Seeing the Western Wolf already docked Sansa felt her excitement begin to rise upon knowing that Willas was here. She quickly looked to the dock and couldn't see him, her eyes making out figures that she couldn't recognize, and for the briefest moment, she began to worry. Had he not come? Had something gone wrong? Did he not wish to see her as she did him? These thoughts though fleeting caused her to frown worriedly and it was picked up on by Margaery.
"Look Sansa, Jae, and Willas." Margaery said drawing her attention to the two men who moved from behind some others, Sansa's smile beaming when she saw both her brother and Willas were here.
How she resisted the urge to wave she knew not though she heard Margaery's laugh when Joy waved for all of them. Sansa looked to the docks to see Jae waving backing at Joy and the smile that appeared on Joy's face when he did so was a true and full one. Her eyes were soon drawn to Willas though and her own smile grew bigger when she saw he was looking at her too. Sansa found herself to be much looking forward to the upcoming night in White Harbor and the journey onward to Winterfell.
"Come we should make ready." Margaery said and Sansa, Joy, and Elinor followed the queen to her cabin. It would be some time before they docked and the weather in the North was something she'd not felt in some time, meaning it wasn't only Margaery who'd be changing her clothing.
She took one last look at the docks and then Margaery drew her attention to Martyn who now they'd moved away was waving at a green-haired girl who waving back at him. It took Sansa a moment to realize that it was Wylla he was doing so to. That comforted her somewhat, the knowledge that she was not the only one who was looking forward to reuniting with the person they cared for. She, Margaery, and Martyn all shared this in common and as she looked to Margaery she could see that it wasn't just joy that Jae was here that the queen was feeling. There had been some trepidation too she felt that Margaery was now letting go of. Some fear that Jae wouldn't be here when they arrived that had now been put to rest.
They were ready by the time the ship docked, the Kingsguard escorting Margaery down the gangplank to where Jae welcomed his queen as only he would. No protocol or propriety and instead they embraced and kissed each other deeply, Sansa looking from them to Willas and wishing they could do the same. She then grew impatient as she waited to greet Willas. Jae may not have cared for protocol but there was some to be followed and so Lord Wyman greeted the king and then Jae greeted Joy who just happened to have moved in front of her.
"It's good to see you, little sister, the journey went well?" Jae asked as he finally greeted her and Sansa told him it had before he smiled at her and moved her along far more quickly than he normally would, his little nod to Willas telling her that he was doing it for her benefit which she much appreciated.
As the others were greeted, Sansa found herself standing in front of Willas, the smile on his face as true as her own.
"Lady Sansa, it's so very good to see you again." Willas said formally though the smile never left his face and his eyes stared into hers as he spoke.
"You too Lord Willas, I trust your journey was uneventful?" she asked.
"It was my lady, though I'm most pleased now I'm here, most pleased." he said as he kissed her hand, Sansa feeling a little shudder run up her arm as he did so.
"Will you be traveling in the carriage with us my lord?" she asked eagerly.
"I believe you and I are to share a carriage, my lady, his grace wishes to ride with her grace, and Lady Joy I've been told." Willas said looking fondly to where Jae was down on his knees having his face licked by Ghost and watching as Tommen led Winter and Apples from the ship.
Were this another time and occasion and were Willas not here then Sansa would have felt put out that it was Joy and not her that was riding with her brother. As it was she could only smile warmly at Jae and thank him silently, as she knew he'd arranged this for her benefit. It took a little time for Jae to get Joy into the carriage, the girl asking why they weren't riding their horses and being told they'd be doing enough of that on the morrow. Eventually, though Willas offered her his arm and led her to their carriage, opening the door and helping her inside before climbing in to sit beside her.
Who kissed who first she not only couldn't tell but she didn't care, only that the kiss soft and sweet and one she welcomed greatly. As she did his hand when he reached out to hold her own just as the carriage set off. They spoke of their journeys, Willas asking her about the wedding and Sansa asking him how long he and Jae had been in White Harbor. He told her that he'd arrived the day before and that Jae had already been here a day or so before that. Both of them falling into an easy conversation as the carriage made its way to the New Castle.
"What happened with Lord Hardyng, Sansa?" Willas asked catching her by surprise.
"What? Nothing." she said trying not to think about it.
"Sansa, something happened, Ser Richard told me to keep an eye on the man, what did he say to you? Did he do something?" Willas asked worriedly and Sansa shook her head.
"He made some comments, but it was nothing truly and Fang soon sent him on his way." she said softly.
"What comments?" he asked and she looked at him having no wish to tell him of the insults that the foolish lord had directed his way "Sansa please."
She took a deep breath and told him how she'd been walking with Elinor and some of the other ladies when Lord Harrold came their way. The Lord at first was nothing but pleasant and polite until she'd made it clear that his attention wasn't something she welcomed or desired. When she got to what he'd said about Willas she hesitated but then when she felt him squeeze her hand she continued. Telling him that he'd called him a crippled lord and said that a lady such as herself needed a man who had the use of all his limbs. How she was being wasted on half a man and she should go to her father or the king and seek to break her betrothal.
"I told him, I'd not, I'd never. That you were twice the man he was and yet he wouldn't stop, only when Fang moved to him did he." Sansa said her anger rising as it had when she'd set Fang on the falcon.
"Fang moved or you made her move?" Willas asked with a smirk.
"He was being rude and annoying and he had no right to speak of you that way, no right." she said firmly, hearing the small laugh from Willas and then turning to him only to be kissed once more.
"My fierce she-wolf." Willas said as he moved from her and she felt her pride rise at his words.
"He's a fool." she said with a giggle.
"Very much so if he dared to raise the ire of Sansa Stark." Willas said smiling.
"He did raise my ire. I'm sorry I didn't speak to you of it." she said softly.
"I was not needed, my honor was defended most capably." he said making her grin as she leaned into him, Willas holding her hand as she leaned against his shoulder.
That night while Jae danced with Margaery and Joy and never once asked her to leave her seat just as she had hoped he wouldn't, Sansa sat and spoke to Willas. The two of them lost in their own world and despite the music, dancing, and feasting that was going on around them, it was that alone which made the night worthwhile to her. Of course the kiss they shared when he escorted her to her room later on that night didn't hurt as far as she was concerned.
The North 299 AC.
Margaery.
Spending the night with her husband even in a strange bed, was something she found she was now missing. The tent while comfortable was no substitute for being indoors even if Jae seemed to be enjoying it immensely. He'd teased her more than once on the journey from White Harbor, her husband taking great delight in telling her that she'd been spoiled growing up in a warm keep in the south. Something she had pointed out repeatedly to him that he too had also done.
That his only reply was a childish sticking out of his tongue at her, had at least led to laughter on her part and showed his mood to be one she'd not expected. Especially given the solemness of his tone when he had talked about returning Ser Oswell and Ser Gerold's remains. It was something she welcomed though even if she was getting a little annoyed with the teasing aspect of it. It was why she was now wearing riding britches and was rubbing down her horse herself as she was determined to take part in this race, Jae having teased her that she could never win much to her annoyance.
"Are you sure about this, your grace?" Elinor said from behind her as she heard Jae's laughter as he spoke to Martyn, Loras, Tommen, and Joy, and to the others who were taking part.
"I mean to teach my husband a lesson, Elinor." she said determinedly.
"As you say, your grace, I wish you good fortune." Elinor said and then Margaery heard the gasp and the footsteps behind her.
She turned to see Jae standing there and pretending to glare at Elinor, her cousin looking from her to him and almost pleading to be dismissed.
"Choosing sides, Elinor, that's so disappointing of you." Jae said and Margaery rolled her eyes at his teasing of her cousin.
"I...Your Grace…Her Grace is…." Elinor stumbled through her words.
"Jae, stop teasing my cousin." she said shaking her head and laughing, Elinor looking to her and then to Jae who smiled at her.
"Forgive me, Lady Elinor, I meant no harm." Jae said and Elinor nodded before she walked away hurriedly.
"Did you really need to do that?" she asked chidingly.
"I didn't need to, wanted to though." Jae said and she snorted before she squealed a little when he grabbed her "Does my wife need my assistance to mount her horse?"
"I do not, I'll have you know I've been riding horses as long as you have, Jaehaerys Targaryen." she said as she went to mount only for Jae to stop her.
"You don't need to do this Margaery." he said softly.
"I intend to beat you, Jae, both you and Joy." she said and he looked at her with an annoyingly cocky look on his face, Margaery felt her determination to show him up rise even though she knew she could not actually beat him.
"We should wish the others good fortune, my queen." Jae said and she nodded as she walked with him, the others all mounted already, and as she walked towards them she felt there was something off with the way they looked at her.
She felt it, even more, when Jae mounted Winter as soon as they reached the others and she looked to see him smirk at her as she realized he was going to start the race without her.
"You wouldn't dare." she said to a smile as she moved to stop him.
"Dare to what?" Jae said looking innocently at her as she heard the giggles that came from those already mentioned.
"Jaehaerys Targaryen, don't you…." the shriek which came out of her mouth then was drowned out by the loud voice of Ser Walder telling them to get ready, set, and go, and then horses began their race.
Then the only sound that was louder than the beating of the hooves across the frozen ground was her laughter. As she'd readied to argue with her husband, Ser Walder had come from behind her and lifted her up, Jae taking her hand and before she could even react she was sitting in front of her husband on Winter's back. Margaery enjoying both the feel of his arms around her and the speed of Winter as she covered the ground.
"I thought." she said her voice barely heard over the sound of the horses.
"My wife wished to beat me and now she's in front of me is she not, now we just need to win." Jae said as they passed Loras and Martyrn leaving only Joy now ahead of them and Margaery looked to see the smiling face of the girl as she looked over her shoulder at them.
She willed Winter to ride faster, feeling her heart race as the gap closed and hearing Joy's own laughter as the turning point loomed in front of them. They were beaten to it and as they turned around it she saw how far they were ahead of all the others. Soon enough they were almost neck and neck with Joy and the finishing line was not more than a short distance away. Margaery wondered if her being on Winter with Jae was going to result in their defeat. As it turned out it was not and by the slimmest of margins, they crossed the line first.
"See you won." Jae said as Winter slowed down, Margaery turning to kiss him as they came to a stop.
"I almost had you." Joy said happily as she brought Apples over.
"Margy beat us both, Joy." Jae said and Margaery almost fell from the horse when Joy gave her a bow before riding Apples away from them.
"I thought she would be a sore loser?" she said softly kissing him once more.
"No that's only when I cheat." Jae said laughing.
He helped her down from Winter and they rested the horses and watered them while they pulled up their camp and made ready to ride for true. Margaery deciding to do so on her horse rather than the carriage and finding the cold not to bother her as much after the race. Each time she looked to Jae she could see how much he enjoyed having her with him on horseback rather than the carriage and so she resolved to arrive in Winterfell this way. Unfortunately, it was not something she was able to do as on their last day of travel the snows began to fall forcing her to ride inside the carriage after all.
Jae, however, rode through the snows, Ghost, and Fang by his side as he led the way and when they finally arrived at Winterfell it was to a muted welcome. They'd sent a rider on ahead to let them know that no greeting was required. It was something that Margaery had expected would have been what Lord Stark did anyway only for Sansa to say her father would have sought to welcome the king appropriately, even with the weather as it was. In the end, it was a welcome that she was most pleased had been changed to take place indoors.
They arrived to an almost empty courtyard and they were quickly brought to the Great Hall, Lord Stark, Lady Elle, and most of the Lords of the North already on a knee waiting for them. She looked to Jae who nodded and they walked to the front of the hall and allowed Lord Stark to follow the protocol and welcome them to his keep and to the North.
"Winterfell is yours, your graces." Lord Stark said and Jae smiled at him.
"I thank you for your welcome uncle, please rise, my lords." Jae said turning to the others in the room and soon enough they were all on their feet.
The rest of the greetings were thankfully short. She spent some time speaking to Lady Elle and asked her about her babe, slightly disappointed to find he was sleeping in his nursery. When they were brought to their rooms she felt more than ready for her bed. The tiredness she'd not felt on the journey soon hitting her as she almost collapsed on the bed.
"No sleeping my love, we've got a feast to attend." Jae said laying down beside her.
"You go, I'll stay here." she said half in jest.
"Are you truly that tired?" Jae asked rolling over to his side so he could look down at her.
"Not truly no, I just, the feast Jae can we retire early?" she asked.
"Is my wife well? Jae asked worriedly before he reached over to touch her forehead "Should I fetch uncle Aemon?"
"No, I'm well. I, just the thoughts of a long night is not something that fills me with joy." she said looking to him.
"Then I'll ensure it's not too long, my love." he said making her smile.
He was true to his word and they stayed just as long as was polite to do so. Jae speaking to his uncle and Margaery noticing some of the looks the Northern Lords sent their way when they bowed out of the feast. Let them think that was the reason for their departure she thought and on some occasions, they'd have had the right of it. Even now after almost a year of marriage, she welcomed her husband's touch eagerly. Tonight was not to be one of those nights though as she felt her eyes grow heavy when they reached their room.
Jae helped her undress and even brushed her hair for her, Margaery trying as hard as she could not to drift off to sleep as he did so. When he carried her to their bed she snuggled up close to him and even more so when he lay her down on it and climbed in beside her.
"Thank you." she said softly as she rested her head on his chest.
"Sleep my love, the storm will be gone by the morrow." Jae said and she closed her eyes, almost as soon as she did so she welcomed the darkness of her sleep.
Winterfell 299 AC.
Ser Rodrik Cassel.
Seeing the king and queen act, not as a king or queen with those around them was eye-opening for him. Not because of the people they were but the roles he had assumed they'd have been forced to take. He's seen how Robert had behaved and how little the man cared about those that didn't interest him, or how with Lord Stark he was very much different than he was with him or others around him. While not dismissive of them it was clear that he felt them to be beneath him. A sentiment that King Jaehaerys and Queen Margaery clearly did not share as he watched them treat all equally.
True enough they were clearly the king and queen and there was an aura about them that he was sure he was not alone in noticing, but be it the servant who brought their food, a lord, knight, or guard, or those they named friends and family. They were like night and day compared to those who had worn the crown before them, Jaehaeerys and Alysanne come again he'd heard some name them, and it brought a smile to his face when he heard it. For him seeing that king be Jon Snow, Jaehaerys Targaryen as he was rightfully now known as was something he much appreciated. The boy had grown into a fine man and even before he actually wore the crown, the North had benefited from him greatly.
He stood watching as the boy sparred with the two young squires, the older of whom was clearly the more talented, and yet neither of them were treated differently by the king. Just as he had tried to teach Lord Robb and Jaehaerys when he had been fortunate enough to have trained the future King and Lord of Winterfell, he thought with a wry smile. Hearing the footsteps behind him he turned to see Jory walk his way, his nephew standing and looking with him as the king put the boys through their paces.
"Does it make you proud, uncle?" Jory asked.
"What?"
"To know you played your part. Look at the guards." Jory said and Rodrik looked around at the Winterfell guards and noticed just how many were looking at the sparring in front of them.
"He was trained by Lord Jaime and Ser Arthur Dayne, Jory." Rodrik said modestly.
"And by Ser Rodrik Cassel too, uncle. Don't take my word for it, Ser Walder, Ser Arthur, both of them say it's something the king says when he speaks on where he learned the sword. It's fine company to be in uncle, and company you're worthy of." Jory said patting him on the back before he walked away.
He found himself smiling more truly at that, looking at the spar more eagerly as Jaehaerys took both boys on. When the king caught his eye he was beckoned over and soon the truth of Jory's words was even more apparent. Rodrik listening on disbelievingly as Jaehaerys told the two boys who he was and as both of them looked to him and asked if he'd give them a lesson. Swelling up in pride he did as he was asked and soon enough he was putting them both through their paces, Rodrik noticing the crowd that was watching now also included the queen and most of the Lords of the North.
"Ser Rodrik, I was hoping to speak to you and Jory in private, could you meet me in the Godswood in an hour or so?" the king asked when Rodrik was finished and placing the swords back on their rack.
"Of course, your grace." he said.
It took him some time to find Jory and as he stood in the Godswood he wondered what it was that the king wished to speak to him about. Jory looked almost as eager as he was to find out exactly what it was and though they didn't have long to wait, he found it to be an agonizing one. He found that the chill in the air and the stillness and quiet of the Godswood though peaceful was not welcoming for some reason. When the king arrived Rodrik was surprised to see him carrying a chest when he walked their way. Ser Arthur and Ser Loras walked with him and the two knights stood a little distance away as the king approached them.
"Your grace." he said with a bow which Jory matched.
"Ser Rodrik, Jory." the king said his voice soft and almost a whisper before he continued "Secrets are terrible things I've found, necessary at times but terrible all the same. They allow for lies to spread, for untruths to be believed and sometimes the consequences of those untruths are far too much to bear."
"Your grace?" he asked confusedly.
"Letters were written and hidden or destroyed, lies were spread and before it could be stopped a realm was at war and all our lives were forever changed. At a tower in Dorne, seven men rode believing these lies, they rode to rescue my mother and me, though they knew it not. They faced men who strove to do their duty and protect their king and because of secrets, lies, and untruths, good men fell and though they were mourned, they were never given their due or their chance to rest with their families. I beg you to forgive that it's taken me far too long to right that particular wrong." the king said and Rodrik looked to the chest and then gasped when the king took a knee and held the chest out in front of him.
He turned to Jory to see the realization dawn on his face of just what was contained in the chest. His nephew's eyes beginning to water as the king spoke once more.
"It is with great sadness and the utmost respect I now return Ser Martyn Cassel back to his family. I dub him a knight of the realm and a good man and true and I swear to his blood in this sacred place that his name shall not be forgotten and his deeds not unrecorded." the king said as Jory moved to take the chest from the king's hands.
"I thank you, your grace for returning my brother to me and to his son." he said his voice choking up.
"It was my honor to do so, Ser Rodrik, Jory." the king said before rising to his feet.
He left them alone to mourn Martyn, Jory looking to the chest and after a few moments opening it to look at the bones inside. Rodrik was pleased to see they'd been given to the Silent Sisters and had been cared for so well. Both of them standing quietly for some time before Jory nodded and placed the chest on the ground. His nephew knelt and said a prayer at the Weirwood before he rose and they left the godswood together.
Over the next few days, Rodrik saw as the king gave back the bones of Ser Ethan Glover, Ser William Dustin, Ser Theon Wull, and Ser Mark Rysewell, only the latter was not one that was knighted in death by the king. Each time he did so the king would spend the next few hours in the sparring yard alone and going through forms. It was only when he had done the last of the returns that Rodrik interrupted him, surprised to find tears in Jaehaerys's eyes when he turned his way.
"Forgive me Ser Rodrik." the king said as he wiped his eyes.
"There is nothing to forgive, your grace. I wished to thank you again, for what you did. For Martyn and for the others." he said softly and received a sad nod from the king at his words.
"It should have been sooner, though in truth it should have not happened at all. Those men did not need to fall." the king said as he drank some water from a mug.
"All men fall, your grace. Neither you nor I have the power to stop that, only the gods." he said looking to him.
"My mother.."
"Was a true wolf, your grace. Rightly or wrongly my brother may have ridden out for a lie but that he rode for your mother, that he died believing he was doing so for your mother, that was something he'd have accepted with honor. So let no man ever try and convince you that he did not so with a full heart." he said to a nod.
He turned to walk away and then stopped, turning back to look at the boy and seeing him with his eyes closed. Waiting until he opened them, Rodrik wondered if the words he was about to say and whether they would bring the comfort he meant them to, he hoped that they would.
"Had he lived he'd have been proud to call you his king and to offer you his sword, as am I, your grace." Rodrik said turning and walking away as the king shed more tears.
Winterfell 299 AC.
Robb.
He looked down at the clothing he was wearing and couldn't quite believe the quality of it. Not that he'd not always dressed well but simply that even on the very best and most important of occasions he'd not dressed this well. Standing in the Godswood had been one thing, the wedding held just before the snow fell and it had been quick and simple. Wynafred had been led to him by her father and then they'd knelt and sworn their vows before the old gods.
After which the High Septon had held another ceremony, one in which he and his wife, as that's what she was now he thought with a smile, had sworn another set of vows only this time to the seven. She'd not asked it of him, nor had her father and it was Jae who had given him the idea for it. It had been something that his father had both welcomed and asked him if it was what he truly wished to do. Robb now thinking on his words as they walked into the Great Hall.
"You don't need to do this son, you're of the North and our gods are the old gods." his father said.
"They are but there are those in the North who follow the Seven father, not just Wynafred and her family but now in Wintertown as well. If one day I'm to be their lord then I must be married in both faiths, they are to be my people after all." he'd said.
Robb looked to his father and Elle and could still see the same look of pride on his face that was on him after he'd told him that. They walked slowly, Robb holding Wynafred's hand and Jae and Margaery for once not leading the way. King and Queen, they might be but his brother had told him that the day belonged to him and to Wynafred and Robb had found himself in complete agreement with him. Once in the hall, he led his wife to the High Table, pulling the seat out so she could sit down on it and watching as he smoothed her dress before she did so.
From the first moment he'd seen her, he'd thought her to be beautiful. Even with his childish mind and heart, he'd felt something for her. Fostering, spending time with her, speaking, arguing, and just looking at her over the years had shown him what those feelings truly were. Now looking at her and knowing that she was his and he was hers, Robb knew it would take an army to wipe the smile from his face.
"My husband is happy?" Wynafred asked looking at him.
"My wife makes me blissfully so." he said as he took his seat, the smile on her face sending a jolt to his heart.
It took some time for everyone to be seated, Wynafred's family, Jae, and Margaery, his father, and Elle all sitting at the High Table while around them the Lords and Ladies of the North were placed based on Wynafred's choices. His wife had a head for politics that even his father didn't possess, not only knowing who to sit where but why certain people needed to be seated with them. Robb saw the Umbers sitting with Reeds, both houses were to be tied by marriage when Jojen and Lyarra came of age. Torrhen Karstark the Lord of Moat Cailin sat with them, he and his own betrothed Lady Meera seeming to be a good match.
He looked to see the Rysewell's, Dustin's, and Bolton's sitting together, Lord Domeric and Lady Myranda sitting with his kin. The Targaryens sat with the Mormonts and the Lannisters, houses that were joined by bonds of marriage and family, as Jae was almost as much a Lannister as he was a Stark. Robb looked to see Cregan's eyes were drawn to where the Karstarks sat with the Glovers. His cousin and Lady Alys had been spending a lot of time together and he knew that his father favored a match.
"Could you have placed Lady Alys any closer?." he asked whispering softly.
"There is perfect my love." Wynafred said and it took Robb a moment to realize that both Alys and Cregan were facing each other and at no point would they not be in each other's line of sight.
"How could you…" he asked wondering how she'd known how to do so, only for his wife to silence him with a kiss.
His father rose to give a welcoming speech, thanking the king and queen for coming to his wedding and the gods for making it such a joyous occasion. Then the feast began in earnest and immediately Robb noticed the difference in this than in any of the ones his father or Lady Elle would throw. While still a Winterfell feast there were distinct hints of White Harbor in it too. The dishes, the pageantry of it all was something he knew more from his time at the New Castle than at Winterfell and he found himself enjoying it all the more because of that.
He drank little though, something that his wife noticed and blushed at knowing his intent and he felt she was pleased by it. Jae certainly was as his brother nodded and gave him a smile when he saw him sip the ale rather than drink it down greedily as others in the Great Hall were. Robb wished to be present when they retired to their room for the first time. Wynafred deserved nothing less and they'd waited a long time to be together as man and wife, so it was the least he could do. Not that he wasn't incredibly nervous about laying with a woman for the first time, but at least in that he could sense his wife's own nervousness when she looked to him and he took some comfort in that.
Watching as the last of the dishes were cleared, Robb found himself almost eager to be out on the floor dancing. To hold his wife in his arms and look into her eyes and to feel her holding him back was something he very much wished for. However there was one more thing that needed to be taken care of and so he looked to Jae and nodded, his brother rising to begin the gift-giving.
"My lords, my ladies, it's time to gift the newly joined." Jae said rising as he took Margaery's hand and they walked from the table.
He looked on as Ser Arthur and Ser Walder walked into the hall carrying two saddles and he found himself to be almost disappointed by them when they were laid on the floor in front of them. Not by the saddles themselves as they were incredible things to look at but that this is what they were gifted by the King and Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. It seemed so impersonal and lacking somehow something, that he began to see his disappointment was reflected in the looks on the faces of some of those in the hall.
"Many years ago I received two gifts that have served me better than any I've received since. They became part of my life, they became my friends and no man could have asked for better friends than they." Jae said confusing him and Wynafred who was firstly staring at the saddles and then looking at him.
Jae smiled at him and closed his eyes briefly before opening them once more and looking to Margaery and then continuing.
"One of those gifts was of the North, a white wolf that all of you I'm sure know by now." Jae said to laughs "The other was a horse that was bred by my wife's brother Lord Willas. Winter, who again I'm sure has left an impression on those who've seen here. Recently Winter birthed two foals, a colt, and a filly and I can think of no one who is more deserving of these horses than my brother and his new wife. "Jae said smiling at him.
Robb looked to the saddles again and then to his wife who was smiling broadly, the gift itself now taking on an added meaning. It was not as he had thought impersonal, far from it, his brother instead was gifting him something that was very much personal to him.
"I thank you, your grace, on behalf of my wife and I, I thank you most gratefully." Robb said as his brother nodded to him.
"To ride of course you'll need to be dressed for it." Margaery said and he looked as two packages were carried to the table by Ser Loras "I hope I got the sizes right." Margaery said as Wynafred opened the package and smiled beamingly.
"Your grace, you honor us." Wynafred said holding up the britches and tunic, riding gear that was in the style that Margaery herself wore and that Wynafred had commented about to him only the day before.
Jae and Margaery took their seats and his father and Elle were next, a sword and dagger set for him and more clothing for Wynafred as well as coin to furnish their household.
The rest of the gifting took some time, practical gifts, linens, furnishings, offers of crops, and hunting rights. He was gifted an incredible bow by Lord Reed and Wynafred was gifted jewelry by the Lannisters. When Lord Wyman stood in front of them the gift he gave them was twofold. A group of men to act as their guards and paid for by White Harbor and a sum of coin that seemed extravagant but was to ready their new rooms truly.
As much as he welcomed the gifts though he was very pleased when they were done, more so when the tables and chairs were cleared and he finally got the chance to dance with his new wife. He barely listened to the music, he knew Jae had sung, and yet he barely heard his brother so focussed was he on the woman in his arms. Somehow dancing with her, watching her dance with Jae as he did with Margaery, somehow it made the night seem to almost fly by, and before he knew it the chants were going up around the hall.
"Bed them."
"Aye, it's time to bed them."
He felt his ire rise and was ready to rise to his feet to tell them all loudly that there would be no bedding and no man would lay eyes on his wife but he, only for Wynafred to reach out and touch his hand. His wife smiled softly and told him not to worry as she looked to his brother and Robb despite his anger and worry listened to what she said.
His fears did turn out to be for nothing, or they did at least in relation to his wife. Robb almost laughed loudly when it was the king and the Kingsguard who escorted Wynafred to their rooms. He certainly would have when Walder slapped someone's hand away from Wynafred, had it not been for the fact that at that point his own clothing was being ripped from him. Where so many ladies came from he knew not but by the time he reached his room it was only his hands that hid his modesty.
"My poor husband." Wynafred said as she laughed when the door was shut behind him, his wife fully dressed as he stood with his hands cupped over his member.
The cold air was soon not enough to stop him from feeling as if he was going to burn up though, as with a smile his wife began to undress. Robb looking on as the dress was placed on a chair and she untied her hair to let it fall down onto her shoulders. He almost moaned aloud when she began to remove her small clothes, his wife's eyes on him all the while, and his hands were no longer large enough to cover his rising member.
"Come to bed husband." Wynafred said looking at him in a way he'd never seen a woman look at a man before.
"Happily wife." he said and heard her little gasp when he removed his hands so he could take her offered one.
Winterfell 299 AC.
Aemon.
He'd been blind the last time he came here, a blind man who hadn't been able to appreciate the sights of one of if not the oldest keep in Westeros. It was something he was making up for gleefully now though as each day he'd been here had been one of discovery. The hot springs, the glass gardens, the godswood, and its magnificent Weirwood and the library. All of it was new to him and he found he couldn't get enough of what Winterfell had to offer.
Shiera too seemed to be just as keen as he was to explore the keep, though it was the flowers in the glass gardens that took her attention and the blue ones in particular. They were sitting there looking at them when their nephew walked in. Jae smiling when he saw them and almost laughing when he saw how Shiera seemed to be reveling in the warmth of the place.
"Miss Essos that much aunt?" Jae asked jovially.
"The warmth is welcome Jae, especially here." Shiera said as Jae reached to touch one of the blue flowers with an almost wistful and sad look coming over his face.
"These were my mother's favorites. When my father crowned her his queen of love and beauty it was with a crown made of these. I find they evoke memories of that in me now, where once they only made me think of the sadness and loss I felt about my mother, now they leave me with a sense of….."
He didn't ask what it was as he allowed his nephew to drift off, his thoughts seeming lost even to himself for a moment and Aemon did not wish to interrupt or interfere with them.
"Forgive me." Jae said softly a moment later and then he took a seat.
"You've not come here just to speak on flowers, have you Jae?" Shiera asked and Jae shook his head.
"I've not, aunt. I leave on the morrow, to the wall and beyond it. I intend to meet with the Free Folk and see if we can reach an accord but I've somewhere else I need to be and someone I must deal with, Bloodraven." Jae said looking to Shiera.
"You wish me to come with you?" she asked and he nodded.
"I was selfish and unprepared when I set off to deal with him, I was so focussed on what I felt needed to be done that I forgot there were others that Bloodraven must answer to, aunt. Ser Walder was not best pleased with me, as I supposed you were not also." Jae said with a small laugh.
"I both long and fear seeing him again, Jae, but it's what must be done." Shiera said softly.
"Do you have any idea where he is, Jae? The lands beyond the Wall are vast." Aemon said looking to his nephew.
"I do, I was given a map to his location, apparently he's in a glade along with some Children of the Forest. One of them I'd imagine is the one that Kinvara spoke of and is on our side, one at least." Jae said before he rose and bid him do likewise.
"I know you wished to see below the Crypt's uncle, I think it's for the best if we do so now."
"It is, Shiera?" he asked looking to his aunt and seeing her shake her head.
"I'll leave that to you both, I should make ready for our journey. I'll go and see that Rhaegal and Rhaenix are well rested and fed." Shiera said as all three of them walked from the glass gardens.
Ser Arthur and Ser Walder both awaited them outside and Aemon walked beside his nephew as they headed to the crypts. He found himself almost as excited as he had been as a boy when he would see Dragonstone in the distance. The knowledge that he'd soon be walking in the place of his ancestors had for the longest time been what he'd put that feeling of excitement down to. Over the years though he'd realized it wasn't that, it was the excitement of learning something new that gave him that feeling. Books, new experiences, seeing new things or visiting new places all making his heart beat that little faster.
Entering the crypts he felt this way also, the cool air did nothing to diminish his eagerness, and even when Jae stopped to speak softly to the statue of his mother Aemon found himself almost willing him to hurry forward. When they reached the door he watched as his nephew stopped and reached into his shirt to take out a pouch. He then smeared blood on his hand and Aemon looked on as Jae grabbed his own and smeared some on it before putting them both to the door.
"Is mise an Geall, an té a roghnaíodh, an Dragon Geimhridh. Iarraim iontráil ar an taobh thall agus freagraí ar dhaoine gan cheist." (I am the promised, the chosen, the Winter Dragon. I seek entry to the beyond and answers to the unquestioned.) Jae spoke the words in a language that he didn't understand but recognized as the old tongue.
He almost jumped back when he felt the jolt in his arm and then when he saw what he could clear now see were runes begin to light up, and then just when he thought this couldn't get any stranger the door began to open. Though he'd seen a similar type of magic on Dragonstone, this felt even older than that, ice magic a voice in his head said and he tried to dismiss it but found he could not. Jae still holding his hand led him down into the darkness and Aemon felt some of his excitement begin to fade. The dark feeling was oppressive and heavy and the thoughts that he didn't belong here were soon threatening to overwhelm him.
"Jae?" he said his voice cracking.
"All is well, uncle, we're almost there." Jae said and soon enough Aemon began to see a light that was coming from beneath them.
"How?" he asked as the light grew more true and he began to make out the walls of the cave and the steps they walked down.
"Magic uncle, Old Magic, Ice Magic." Jae said making him shiver a little.
When they reached the bottom and he saw the images on the walls for the first time he almost fell to his knees. Seeing a white and bronze dragon laying down flames on a field filled with men whose eyes were blue. A figure with a flaming sword battling a figure made of ice and a white wolf and a white dragon looming protectively over a figure that held a flaming sword high in the air while he knelt.
He could see there were more images, small children, kings, weirwoods, dragons, men fighting battles, and men falling. There was something that looked like a storm that loomed almost as if it was watching the battles beneath it and then there was an image of a sun shining brightly where the storm had once been.
"What is all this, Jae?" he asked turning to is nephew.
"Destiny uncle, and it calls to me." Jae said looking to the walls.
Winterfell/the Wall 299 AC.
Jaehaerys Targaryen.
As happy as he had felt with Robb's wedding and with being with his family once more, each day somehow had him feeling worse and worse. No matter how much he tried to enjoy spending time with Margaery, riding with Joy, Arya, and Lyanna Mormont, or sparring with Martyn and Tommen, it felt as if he was only putting off the inevitable. He felt like a hungry man whose appetite couldn't be sated or a thirsty one who had no water, and each new morning he woke only made those feelings grow.
Jae felt as if he was trying to fit a lifetime into the few days before he left and no amount of praying in the Godswood, spending time with Ghost, or speaking to his sister could stop him from feeling this way. He knew Margaery noticed and that she never brought it up was something he was grateful for. The idea that he'd actually express how he was feeling was something that to his mind would only make those feelings seem even more true.
It was why he had welcomed returning the bodies of those who fell at the Tower of Joy, even despite the sadness he felt in doing so. It took his mind away from thinking that he'd be leaving here soon enough and that he didn't know what it was he was leaving to. Was it a knife in the back from the Free Folk? A failure to reach an agreement with them and all that would mean? Was it a battle with a foe that was more powerful than he? The doubts at times threatened to bring him to his knees and he wondered where they were coming from? Why was he feeling this way, when he'd not felt like this for anything he'd ever done before?
It took him until he was beneath the crypts with Aemon to understand, Nan's words coming back to him and when they did he smiled. The ravens may be his but they had no power here and so while Aemon looked at the images on the walls, Jae took a knee and reached out to his sister and asked for her help, her strength. He reached out to Ghost and did the same and after making arraignments with Aemon so he could stay for as long as he wished, Jae made his way back up the stairs and out of into the crypts themselves.
He spent some more time with his mother and then walked out into the courtyard, his eyes looking around the keep until he saw the raven looking at him. The noise of its pained cawing soon had people thankfully looking to it and not him, given Jae the peace to force the presence from its mind and giving it a warning as it left.
"I'm coming for you." he said softly as the raven was free once more.
The rest of the day was something that he found himself enjoying immensely. He spent time with Joy and Sansa before going to the archery range with Arya and Lyanna. He spoke to his uncle Ned and Ella before spending some time with Rickon. He talked to Cregan, to Gerion and Ashara, and to Loras telling him that he needed him to stay by Margaery's side while he was gone. Finally, he went for a walk in Wintertown with his wife, the two of them along with their Kingsguard stopping and speaking to men, women, and children alike. Margaery asked if they needed anything and he could tell she was pleased to learn they did not.
When he saw the tavern he smiled and took his wife's hand, Margaery looking at him curiously as he led her inside. Once there he soon saw Ser Jacelyn standing serving drinks beside a young woman whose eyes were wide as she looked their way.
"Your grace." Ser Jacelyn said moving to take a knee as the others in the tavern did too, Jae holding his hand up and bidding them all keep their seats.
"Ser Jacelyn, my wife and I would like to try some of your fare and to buy these fine people an ale." Jae said and Jacelyn looked at him as if he was jesting.
"Your coin is no good here, your grace." the young woman said as she saw him reaching to his coin purse.
"Nonsense Lady Marla, I'll not see you out of pocket, for your troubles." he said placing the pouch on the table in front of him, Marla looking at him as if he was mad and yet smiling all the same.
"Perhaps you and your good lady would join us, Ser Jacelyn." Margaery said to a gasp from the woman.
"Your grace, we'd be honored to." Jacelyn said after a moment's silence.
They sat, talked, Jae praised Ser Jacelyn loudly for saving his brother's life and the young man humbly said he was just doing what was right. The ale flowed and by the time they left, it was nearing night. There was a chill starting to rise in the air and Margaery leaned closer to him as they walked back to the keep. His wife was tense about the morrow he could feel but she seemed to be in good spirits. She was tired though and the night they shared together was not the one he'd envisioned because of it.
Waking the next morning he began to dress only for Margaery to almost drag him back to their bed, the look on her face one that clearly showed her intent.
"My husband will surely not leave me unsatisfied?" Margaery said her voice light though there was more than that behind her words.
"Never, my love." he said as he kissed her.
Later that day as he was standing by Rhaenix in the clearing he was glad he'd asked her not to join him, even though it had hurt them both to say goodbye so soon. He didn't think he could bear to have her there though, didn't think his resolve could stand seeing her not wishing him to leave. So they'd bid their farewell's alone in their room and then briefly as he'd left Winterfell. Jae finding that while it was wrong that he'd left how he had when he'd flown to Valyria, it was much easier on his heart too. It wasn't just his wife that he had needed to say his goodbyes to, his sisters, brother, uncle, Gerion and Ashara, and even Ghost all wished to spend some time with him before he left.
"Are you ready for this?" he asked Walder as he and Arthur climbed up on Rhaenix's back.
"I must do this, your grace." Walder said and Jae looked over to his aunt as she climbed up onto Rhaegal's.
"Sōvegon Rhaenix." (Fly Rhaenix.) he said and within moments they were flying over Winterfell, his eyes quickly drawn to the figure standing with the two white cloaks behind her as she looked over the walls when the dragons flew by.
It took them two days to reach Castle Black and Jae found himself not wishing to stay for any longer than needed. The dragons landed outside the castle's gates and those who'd not seen them before now stared at them in awe. Walking in through the gates the feelings of not wishing to be here only grew as Jae could see men of the Golden Company and Dornish men looking his way. Their looks were not friendly and he noticed how both Arthur and Walder's hands hovered over their swords.
"Your grace." Jeor Mormont said as he came rushing down the stairs.
"Lord Commander." he said with a smile as he greeted the man warmly but not overly friendly, the eyes of the men behind around him were upon him and they made him feel that it was for the best if they were unaware of how high Jeor was held in his esteem.
"We received a raven from your uncle, your grace. He and the wilding woman have arrived at Eastwatch." Jeor said.
"Then I shall need to be on my way quickly if I'm to reach there tonight, may we speak, Lord Commander, privately?" Jae said and Jeor nodded to him.
As they were walking up the steps he heard a cough from Arthur and turned to see the knight motioning in the direction of some Dornishmen that were grouped together. Jae glanced over at them casually and saw Quentyn Martell to be amongst them, the look on his face one that made him nod to Arthur knowing that he'd keep him in his eye line for the duration of their visit. They refused the offer of food and ale when they entered the Lord Commander's rooms, Shiera though welcomed the chance to stand by the fire as did Arthur himself.
"You know where I'm going Lord Commander?" he asked.
"Aye, I know. I wish it wasn't so but I know." Jeor said shaking his head.
"Should we reach an accord I'll be bringing them through the Wall. I'll be settling them on my lands Lord Commander, under my protection and subject to my laws. I know that you and some of the men of the Watch may take issue with this but it's what needs to be done, I believe that most truly." he said looking to the man.
"I do not, your grace. But you are my king and it's not my place to tell you what you can or cannot do. You've more than proved many times that you're of the North. I may not agree with what you're doing, but I will support you in it." Jeor said.
"That's all I can ask for, Lord Commander." Jae said with a smile and a nod.
"Your grace."
"The Dornishmen and the Golden Company, are there any issues with them?" he asked curiously.
"No, the princeling is a bit of a pain in the arse but he does as he's told." Jeor said with a chuckle.
"If there are issues, you'd let me know?" he asked and Jeor nodded before he got a serious look on his face.
"There is an issue you may be able to help me with, your grace." Jeor said.
"Ask it of me, Lord Commander, if it's something I can do I'll do so gladly."
"Stannis Baratheon, your grace. I named him First Ranger to replace your uncle Benjen, a couple of moons ago I sent him ranging beyond the wall and he's yet to return. It's not like the man, your grace." Jeor said worriedly.
"You think the Free Folk may know of him?"
"I believe so, your grace. Stannis is not a man who shirks his duty." Jeor said.
"That he's not, I'll speak to them, Lord Commander."
"Your grace." Jeor said with a small bow.
He felt relieved leaving Castle Black, Arthur telling him that he disliked the way that Quentyn and the Dornishmen looked at him and should they need to return here they should bring more men. Seeing the concern in his face, Jae agreed that he'd do so and he felt Arthur only truly relax when they were flying towards Eastwatch.
They arrived as night was beginning to fall and were welcomed by Cotter Pyke, the commander doing so with surprisingly good cheer which Jae later found out was due to the many supplies that Benjen had brought with him. He embraced his uncle and spoke briefly to Val, finding that he was hungry and tired and not much in the humor for conversation or company. Laying in his bed that night he tried not to think how cold and empty it was and though he wished to he did not warg into Ghost. It was hard enough to sleep alone, to do so with the image of his wife doing likewise he found to be a bridge too far.
After they broke their fast he walked to the dragons and found Rhaenix to be agitated though not as much as Rhaegal was. Jae looked to his aunt who seemed to be having difficulty calming the green dragon down.
"What's wrong?" he asked Rhaenix,
"That Wall Jae, he won't fly over the Wall." Rhaenix said as he stroked her head.
"Why?"
"He says he cannot, he will not."
"And you?" he asked looking into her eyes.
"Where you go, I go, always." she said and he smiled as he leaned his head closer to her own.
He walked over to his aunt and told her to let the green dragon fly back to his brother in Winterfell and Shiera looked at him before nodding her head. Jae looked on as she told the dragon that he didn't need to cross the Wall and as he calmed almost instantly. His aunt took some more time with Rhaegal before he took to the air and was then heading south almost in an instant. She walked with him and climbed onto Rhaenix's back, she, Arthur, Walder, Benjen, and Val, and Jae almost laughed at the nervous look on his uncle's face as they flew into the sky and then over the Wall.
Winterfell 299 AC.
Aemon.
Almost four days and nights he'd spent down here, he'd slept here, ate here, he'd even relieved himself down here so keen was he to take note of the images and to see what story they told. He'd found they were almost a story in of themselves, a beginning, middle, and end. There were parts covered by dust that he'd uncovered and parts of it further along in the caverns that showed different points of that story. Some that he knew that even his nephew had not seen for if he had then he feared his reaction.
A life almost foretold and with many different events depicted. It was a tree almost with one trunk and many branches and yet all of it led to the same point. A fight between a man wielding a sword of fire and one wielding one of ice. It was what led to that point that had taken his attention and forced him to spend so much time uncovering it. A king with a sword in his back, a lone tower covered in red, a white dragon, and a keep covered in green flames. There were images of archers firing from a hill and images of dragons fighting in the sky over a lake.
The more he looked at it the more he was sure it was the chronicles of his house, a field of fire, a king kneeling to another. A dragon falling from the sky with a bolt in her eye and a woman on her knees as she cried over its body. This was his house and yet it was not, some were not true, or hadn't happened or perhaps were supposed to happen a different way. Aemon had just kept following the images until the last one had brought him to his knees.
He grabbed his parchments and he ran up the stairs, almost falling in his haste to leave this accursed place. When he reached the doors the two guards were stunned to see him slam it behind him, closing it, sealing it, and hoping that it would never be opened again. He shook off their hands and moved quickly through the crypts and as he stepped out into the light he almost crashed into the very last person that he wished to see at that time.
"Aemon, are you well, should I send for Maester Luwin?" Margaery said to him and he shook his head, his look of panic though having her call out for the other man.
"I'm well, your grace, just tired, I think I need to rest in a bed, I'll be back to myself once I've slept." he said his voice calmer than he had expected.
"You're sure, Aemon?" she asked and he nodded as he moved from her, not looking back into those golden-brown eyes and knowing they were looking at him as he almost ran into the keep.
Once in through the doors he hurried to his room and poured himself some water, drinking it down quickly before he poured himself another mug. His breathing finally settled and his heart began to beat a little slower, so he moved to the window to gather some air into his lungs. He saw her as she walked across the courtyard, she was smiling, japing, and taking the time to speak to people. A queen, a true queen, and the woman his nephew loved more than life itself and as he looked at her he began to weep.
"Nissa Nissa." Aemon said softly as he fell to the ground and cursed the cruelty of the gods.
A/N: Thanks for reading and reviewing. Sorry for my lateness, I spent the entire day at the dentist's and am not feeling good lol. I will get to the reviews next chapter though. Up Next. Jae and his party travel beyond the wall and meet with a king before arriving at Bloodraven's glade. In Dorne we take a look into Tyrion's new life and what Bronn was doing for him while he was there. As Margaery and the others head back south we take a look at a meeting between the son of a wild wolf, his mother, and the woman who loved him first, and in King's Landing, we take a look at the Red Faith and their issues with the Seven.
