A/N: thanks for the recent reviews!! I appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment here :) and good spotting naruto about Alaerya. I do address this point in the upcoming chapters.
Enjoy!
Chapter 27: Return of the Long Night
The bells were ringing across Kings Landing, the attack was near, the air was thick with frost and the soldiers along the city walls breathed out in clouds around them. A storm was approaching from the north, an unnatural storm being brought by the army of the dead. The soldiers peer out into the freezing mist shivering and fearful.
The Night King lands overlooking the city and surveys his armies advance towards Kings Landing. He feels it, victory, and it's close. A smile spreads across his face as he sees the vision of his new world playing in his consciousness. The humans had surprised him, they obviously didn't understand the power they had wielded. He knew they had no more works of magic in them, it was amusing they thought they could try. Ahead, the immense army marched mindlessly on, his White Walker commanders interspersed keeping a watchful eye on them. The undead dragon let out a horrifying screech, it was large and powerful, it's terrible cry echoed across the city. Gaining this dragon had greatly accelerated his gains into the lands of his former home. It had been a very long time since he was a man, it feels like too distant a memory now to be true. The power and coldness coursing through the Night King's body was invigorating, and energising. He never felt tired, or weak and it was addictive. With every life he collected, he felt his strength becoming more and more unstoppable.
The undead army marched and came to a stop outside the city gates, the gates were shut and barred with multiple thick steel bars. The men on the city walls were armed with weapons, all was quiet.
Suddenly the bells began to ring again, all across the city people scrambled to seek safety. The boats at the port had left carrying those who had already sought safety elsewhere. Some that stayed didn't believe the city could be breached, after all Stannis had failed. Surely it would stand, others knew the fall was inevitable but wanted to delay it as long as possible. The bells continued to toll as the commanders yelled out their commands. The scorpions were manned, looking to the sky to injure or kill the wight dragon. The Night King smiled from his lookout, as he looked on ominously the clouds covered the city. They were thick and gloomy, seeping down to the ground, blocking the view of what's coming a metre in front of people. The soldiers became uneasy, it was one thing to fight the dead, but to fight them with no visibility was another thing. Vyserion launched high into the sky and flew over the city, screeching and spewing blue fire in the air. Underneath on the walls the scorpions spun around following trying to catch the dragon with a lucky shot. The undead army unleashed at a fast pace, advancing on the city, piling up on themselves they quickly gained height. The defenders barely had time to notice them, as quick as they could the soldiers poured wildfire down over them and threw torches down. It burned through the entire group of wights, and little by little the wights were being held back. They hadn't breached the city, the living had extinguished thousands just pouring wildfire over the walls. The White Walkers watched a distance away as countless numbers of the dead fell to wildfire. After a time, they advanced towards the city walls and fanned out at certain points on the walls. The archers above saw them, and had been briefed of the importance in killing the White Walkers. High up on the walls, the archers notched their arrows made from dragon glass. Breathing plumes of air in the cold, in unison the archers pulled back their strings. The sound creaking loudly as they did so, and waited for their command. The White Walkers moved closer as was their command, there was a shout above as the archers loosed their arrows. A barrage came down on each Walker, several were vanquished, others quickly brought up shields that were destroyed by the dragon glass. Some chose to retreat out of range, the surviving White Walkers looked enraged, some looked pleased knowing their opponents faced certain defeat. They shared their leaders smug attitude, some of them came together and bent down to the ground. At their touch the ground tumbled and shook, sending shock waves along the ground, cracking and disrupting the city walls. This created a natural ladder in the wall, the wights immediately started climbing as the defenders of the wall recovered their footing. By the time they regrouped it was too late, the wights were clambering over the wall sweeping over the groups of defenders. Some of the living detonated their wildfire, sacrificing their lives to try and put a dent in the advancing attackers. They did kill many hundreds of wights in their attempts, but the numbers were simply overwhelming. Slowly the city walls began to fall as more wights poured over into the city, they swarmed in such numbers they looked like a wave of scrambling death. People fled terrified, but were unable to escape for long, the dead were much faster and brutal. Survival was futile.
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Cersei watched from the Red Keep, her guards by her side looking nervous. It was misty but she could see the city walls and watched expressionless as the dead poured into the city.
"Your Grace do we have a plan for evacuation?" asked the guard fearfully.
Cersei's jaw tightened and clenched in annoyance, "If you wish to flee we have preparations for evacuation. Ships are waiting in the bay behind the Keep, go now if you wish. Others will join you as the city falls."
"Your Grace, you need to leave" implored one of the guards.
Cersei raised her head determined, "I won't leave until I know I have them all within the walls"
"It'll be too late then we must leave now!" continued the guard.
Cersei turned and looked at them icily, "Leave. I can manage"
They backed away uncertainly, the only one who remained was the Mountain.
"Ser Gregor it's your duty to protect me on my way out," she looked at him, "no matter what"
He solemnly nodded his head, that was the most communication he could manage now.
Cersei continued to watch as the dead poured into the city, from afar they appeared to be a terrible black waterfall. It was beautiful and devastating to watch, when the undead were entirely in the city, Cersei turned to leave, "Ser Gregor follow me, we need to place Bran Stark in the Godswood"
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The prisoners heard the bells ringing, they heard the sounds of battle faintly, the terrible screeching of the dead and the screams of men dying. They knew what was happening in spite of the fact they couldn't hear it loudly. Sansa felt the cold seep all around her, Tyrion looked at Jon and Jamie ominously. Alone in his cell, Sandor cursed every god he could think of wanting to get away from those dead fuckers.
"We definitely aren't leaving the city alive now" said Jamie peering up to the ceiling.
"How long until the city falls?" said Jon.
"It's hard to say, I'm sure Cersei has a plan though. She wouldn't just let them take the city, there has to be some plan in place" said Tyrion with certainty.
"She still has an escape plan" said Jamie looking at Tyrion
"Of course she does, that is very Cersei" replied Tyrion scornfully.
Some of the other prisoners began to shout for the guards, begging to be set free to save themselves. But the guards had gone, the dungeons had been abandoned long ago, the prisoners left to die.
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Ser Gregor carried Bran Stark as Cersei led them into the Godswood, it was quicker than pushing his chair, time was important now. The castle would be breached any minute, and the escape plan needed to be begun. The Godswood was deserted, Bran pointed to a seat under a tree, huge and leafy.
"Here, put me here" he said simply to Ser Gregor.
The tall knight placed him on the chair and Cersei looked at him with an odd look on her face.
"Ser Gregor, ensure the path into the castle is clear and come back for me" commanded Cersei. The Mountain nodded and strode away, usheathing his great sword. Cersei looked back at Bran, Aryas face returned and she hastily hugged Bran.
"Please tell me there's another way to do this" she whispered desperately, tears stinging her eyes.
Bran looked into his sisters desperate face, "There's no other way"
Arya looked down, defeated and looked back up tears spilling down her face.
"I can't leave you" she spoke quietly
"You must, others depend on you" spoke Bran putting a hand on her shoulder.
Arya fiercely hugged her brother, tears splashing onto his shoulder as her heart was breaking into pieces in her chest.
She looked at his face once more, and ran off resuming Cersei's face over her own.
"The pack will survive" called Bran after her.
Cersei continued running tears streaming down her face.
Ser Gregor stormed back to Cersei, blood on his sword, she didn't ask whose. There was no time for that now, he followed her through coridoors and down into the dungeons. They heard screeching and scrabbling as the dead began breaching the castle. Several times Ser Gregor cut down small groups with his sword, once Cersei was cornered up against the wall by snapping snarling death. Ser Gregor saved her. Running to the dungeon door, they swung it open as a mass of undead swarmed towards them.
"Shut the door!" Screamed Cersei, and just in time Ser Gregor pulled the heavy door shut and locked it from inside. The door pummelled and shook, it would hold for now, but not much longer.
"Come on!" She called to him, his huge bulking presence towering over her as she ran to the dungeons where her family and friends were.
Fumbling the keys, she unlocked the doors, first out came Sansa, followed by Jon, Tyrion, Jamie and Sandor.
"Get to the ships! Follow me!" she screamed to the prisoners.
Arya had dropped Cersei's mask in haste and the group broke into a run, they ran past a cell and Arya stopped to unlock it. Bran had made sure she opened this one, Ellaria Sand stumbled out, eyes crazed and full of grief.
Arya grabbed her shoulders, and shook "Follow us or you'll die!"
There was a huge crash and screeching filled the coridoors echoing terribly, followed by a rushing sound.
Arya and the survivors ran for their lives, their legs burned and their lungs felt ready to explode but the fear for their lives over rode physical exhaustion. Slowly they saw light, and a fresh surge of energy overcame them, they tore into the sunlight and saw the ships moored ahead. As they ran towards them Arya faltered, she was standing there waiting, Melisandre.
The others streamed past her, Sansa stopped and looked confused. Melisandre looked at Sansa.
"Get on the ship child, I will give my life for yours"
Sansa looked uncertain, "But Bran told me to-"
"I know what your brother said, but he didn't have any other choice. I will go. Leave this place, Valaer Morghulis" Melisandre bowed her head to Sansa as tears streamed down Sansa's face.
She bowed slightly to Arya, "It won't be by your hand but my death is assured"
Arya looked the priestess over and nodded turning and running with Sansa to board the ship.
Ser Gregor waited at the entrance, Melisandre took a torch and place her small hand on his huge forearm. In the distance at the ship, Sandor looked at his brother before Arya ran up to him and shoved him aboard.
"Ser Gregor, delay them as long as possible" spoke Melisandre calmly as the screeching grew louder and more terrible.
He turned and readied his sword, the priestess watched them boarding the ship and leaving the shore, Melisandre ducked and entered the city's catacombs.
She had seen this change of events and saw where it lead, smart boy, she thought. She walked fast as she could, and she heard them enter the tunnels behind her that meant Ser Gregor had fallen. Swarming and screeching, searching for her. She broke into a run knowing she hadn't made it to where she was needed to be. On and on she ran until she felt the liquid oozing around her legs, she looked down and it was unmistakeable. The green wildfire oozed all around her, she stopped and shone her torch around. High above her head she saw countless urns of wildfire, all leaking slowly to the ground. All of them full of the liquid that would seriously damage the undead army.
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Bran sat in the garden, taking in as much of the sights as he could. At the end of his young life, he had seen, felt and heard so much. His young body felt old, and he welcomed certain death. The trees swayed in the fogginess and danced mesmerisingly. He closed his eyes and felt the breeze on his skin, the small things people take for granted. He felt them and savoured them for the last time, knowing his death is necessary. His death will ensure success, and save the known world. Knowing he was leaving this world he felt out for someone to transfer the power to that was given to him. As he pondered this, he felt the dragon approaching and his heart faltered. It was one thing to know you were going to die but every step closer to that moment was difficult. The undead dragon landed a short distance from him, the Night King glared at him from Vyserion's back. He waited and looked around, and Bran knew, the Night King had seen an alternate timeline where he was heavily guarded here. In the timeline there had been a surprise attack, but it had failed and the Night King had won anyway.
Bran guarded his thoughts carefully, he thinks he's going to win, he thought Bran.
In the timeline the Night King had focused on he had won, decisively, and brought the whole world under his icy grasp. Bran would not let them fail this time. The Night King dismounted from Vyserion and the world moved in slow motion. Bran watched emotionless as the Night King approached, seeming to savour the moment that he doesn't have to fight anyone or ruin what he's wanted for so long. Vyserion remained and waited for his master, Bran looked up at the Night King and waited patiently. With a slight satisfied smile the Night King unsheathed his ice sword and raised it ready to strike. Bran watched and waited for the right moment, as the sword came down ending his life in physical form he entered into the flock of ravens in the trees. His body slumped on the chair as his blood spilled onto the ground thick and fast. The Night King had sliced him open from his throat to his stomach, and as his life extinguished the Night King relished the moment. Complete dominance had prevailed, he looked around and felt what must be happiness welling inside him. Victory was assured now.
Under the city Melisandre watched them come for her and she smiled, as they jumped to maul her, the Ruby on her neck glowed bright and she dropped the torch yelling "Valaer morghulis". And as the wildfire detonated she poured her fire magic into the flames and the city of Kings Landing exploded into violent and furious eruptions. In her death Melisandre and her magic ensured none in or near the city escaped the wrath.
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The ships had sailed away from the city and the survivors watched from Blackwater Bay as they fled. The city was overrun with the dead, and some of the undead soldiers had stood on the shore and watched the boats sail away. The sight of their skeletal forms staring after them was unnerving and Jon felt exactly the same as he had at Hardhome, helpless. Arya saw Vyserion land where Bran had been left behind, she watched anxiously willing Bran to do something, Anything to kill the Night King and save the land. Shortly after Vyserion landed a flock of ravens flew high and fast away from the city and Arya knew. She collapsed to her knees and sobbed, her head resting on the deck. She glanced up at the Red Keep certain the Night King would come for them next, only to see the entire city torn apart in an enormous green explosion. The shock wave knocked them all from their feet, and the heat was intense. The city had crumbled and imploded, the sound of Kings Landing dying was deafening. They grimaced with their hands over their heads in pain as the sounds continued. The current moved them away from where the city used to be and after some time the pain from the explosion ceased. Slowly people uncovered their ears and looked back to Westeros, exclaiming in shock that the city was gone. It was now just a smoking crater in the ground, rubble and melted rock where the city once stood. There was no movement, it seemed the entire army of the dead had been wiped out. Ashes and rubble in the sky high above where the city once stood.
"Did the dragon make it out in time?" asked Tyrion looking around at the others, "Did anyone see it survive?" he repeated frantically.
Arya shook her head, "I was watching the dragon, it didn't take flight"
Sanaa's face was puffy from crying, knowing her brother died there to save them had been hard for Sansa. And knowing it was actually her fate to die there too detonating the wildfire was sobering. Seeing where she was supposed to die had rocked her to the core.
"Why did she save me?" said Sansa quietly, "she could've come to DragonStone and saved me instead"
"She knew I wouldn't have allowed that to happen. I told her I would kill her, she exchanged your life for hers. And she's no longer on my list" said Arya gripping Sansa's hand tightly in hers.
Sansa didn't respond, she stared back at Westeros the entire journey, she was rooted to where she stood and spoke to no one. Knowing Sansa was in shock Arya left her be, and decided it was time to process the events her own way. Removing her blades and water dancing invigorated Arya and refocused the objective at hand, the Night King. It wasn't clear if he survived, and knowing him, he did survive. Without his dragon he was weakened and that was ideal for the survivors on DragonStone. It gave them a chance to keep their lives. Jon was brooding under the deck, shocked at the loss of Bran but relieved he was finally seeing Daenerys. The boat ride was mostly taken in shocked silence as the images of the city falling in green deathly fire haunted them. Tyrion wished he had a drink as he thought of his former home the Red Keep being destroyed. Deep in thought Jamie sat by his side, confused about where Cersei had been when the city exploded. Land was a welcome sight and Jon went on deck, Rhaegal and Drogon were flying overhead ready to welcome him home with screeches. He smiled slightly as he saw them, Rhaegal felt Jon's presence and flew alongside the ship. Jon standing at the helm of the ship, Rhaegal flying by his side, that's how Daenerys saw him arrive. At the news of ships approaching she had been helped down to the beach. The explosions of Kings Landing had been heard and felt at Dragonstone, and the refugees there were worried for those in Kings Landing.
After the ship anchored they rowed to shore, still silent and in shock. Daenerys stood in the water, as it swirled around her legs, her large swollen stomach wet. Jon jumped into the water and picked her up, kissing her fervently and crying at the same time. Jon put her back down and he crumpled to his knees on the beach sobbing and heaving in grief. It had hit him, everything in Westeros was gone.
Daenerys looked concerned and glanced back at Missandei who was stone faced and guiding the survivors of Kings Landing off the boats.
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No one spoke until the next day, Jon had refused to eat and went to rest with Daenerys in their chambers. Sansa had retreated to a quarters still coming to terms with all that had happened. Arya had found Gendry and led him away to somewhere private. Jamie and Tyrion decided to drink, finding as much wine as they could carry they found a part of DragonStone and sat drinking in silence. After a time, Sandor came and joined them, also drinking in silence. It was the least amount of talking anyone had ever done in their lives.
And yet many survivors were present on the islands, Bran's plan had saved thousands. They were camped out over the island provided shelter by what was left of the Dothraki who expertly built large tents to house people. Fires dotted the landscape of the part of DragonStone which wasn't mountain. Jon and Daenerys called the meeting the next day in the room with the painted table.
"I'll go first," started Jon,"we have the last of our people on these islands. We are still within range of the Night King. We can't stay here long, dragon or not he will come to collect us for his new army. And after what we saw at Kings Landing I'm not letting him take another soul on my watch"
The room was quiet, Jamie stepped forward, "Where do you think we will be safe?"
"Nowhere is safe, but for now anywhere is better than where we are"
Jon rolled out a world map, "The further away, the better. But also the most dangerous, the seas can be terribly rough and we could lose many in the waves. Our closest options are the Summer Islands, Naath and the Basilisk Islands. The best option is the Summer Islands, it's the closest but far away enough for now. I say we sail there and regroup, recover and go from there"
"Is there no way some of us can stay here? It would make sense to know what he's doing" spoke Gendry
Jon shook his head, "I'm not willing to risk the lives of innocent people on a maybe"
Tyrion quirked his mouth, spoken like a true king, he thought.
Nobody else spoke, Daenerys looked around the room "If nobody else speaks we follow Jon's orders and sail to the Summer Islands." she said commandingly.
She looked to Jon, "Will we have more fighting to do on these islands?"
"I speak the common tongue from those islands," spoke Missandei, "I would make a suggestion we sail to Naath. They are my people, they're peaceful people and would be welcoming to us all."
"It's not much further from the Summer Islands to Naath, possibly a day or two at the most" said Jon, "If you know we will be safe on Naath we will follow your word Missandei"
She bowed her head deeply to Jon, "It would be an honour to return to my home with a King and a Queen"
Jon blanched at being called a King and rolled up the maps, he looked at Gendry, "Baratheon, take Sandor and Tormund, get the ships ready we sail tomorrow"
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After the meeting Daenerys felt a strong urge to visit the volcanic caves where they had mined the Dragonglass, Jon almost refused to go but she begged him.
He gripped her hand and she looked at him pleadingly, her big eyes looking at him that way had won. Missandei, Grey Worm and some Dothraki accompanied them to the caves.
"Why do you want to come here?" asked Jon as they entered the caves.
"I don't know" replied Daenerys slowly, "This is the only part of DragonStone where I truly have you to myself" She turned and looked back at him, her silver hair shining in the light of the torches that were set up for lighting in the cave.
Jon smiled and pulled her close to him, kissing her and feeling her body against his. Something he had dreamed of daily in the Kings Landing dungeons when he felt he would never lay eyes on her again.
Daenerys pulled away from him and walked slowly through the caves, Jon followed protectively. Worried for her as her large stomach made her balance unstable.
Daenerys laid her hands on the wall of the volcanic cave, it was warm and she felt the heat slide up her arms and all through her body. She breathed out deeply, and felt a rush of emotions as she closed her eyes.
"What's wrong?" asked Jon.
"Nothing, this is the right place"
"The right place for what?!" asked Jon, confused.
Daenerys opened her eyes, Jon stepped back in shock as he saw her eyes glowing white.
"The babies are coming" she spoke deeply, a voice that's not her own.
Jon stepped back not knowing what's going on, he shone the torch to the floor and he saw it, her waters had broken on the floor of the cave. Jon sprinted out of the cave to get Missandei, she sent the Dothraki to bring the birth attendants.
When they returned to the cave Daenerys was panting and pacing in pain, Missandei sprung into action helping Daenerys labour in a comfortable position.
Jon felt helpless, especially when the screaming begun, Daenerys let out the most primal out of body scream and it sent chills down Jon's spine. It sounded like a dragons roar. Daenerys body rocked with the force of contractions, her face straining and squeezing and in between, the moments of calm came. She drank water and breathed deeply, this went on for hours. Jon was feeling exhausted from just watching and the baby was no closer, Missandei changed Daenerys position to laying on her back and it began again. The screaming, the quiet and more screaming, Missandei began to look worried. One of the Dothraki returned with a very old woman who looked over Daenerys and lay her on her side. She begun massaging her back and manoeuvring Daenerys into strange positions.
Jon went to Missandei, "What is she doing?"
"She is a wise woman from the islands near mine, she says the baby is facing the wrong way and is causing more pain than usual. Hopefully both mother and baby survive"
Jon's heart dropped at those last words, he lost his mother this way he couldn't lose Daenerys like that too.
He knelt beside her as she rested between pushing, and gently took her hand kissing it. She looked up at him weakly, "You are the blood of the dragon" he said to her firmly. He didn't know what else to say but in the moment it felt right.
She looked into his eyes and nodded, his words seemed to have woken her up. Next contraction she pushed harder and was more present, the old woman smiled and motioned to continue. Daenerys persisted and before Jon knew it a baby appeared, squalling and covered in fluid. The woman placed the baby gently on Daenerys naked chest and Jon came to look at them, his family. He was in awe of what had just happened, and looked on in shock. Daenerys fondly stroked the child's brow and smiled for a moment, then she grimaced and the old woman looked up sharply. She motioned to go again, Daenerys pushed and panted, another head appeared. Jon was not prepared for this, one baby he had just come to terms with but two? This one was thrust into his arms as the old woman took the precaution of examining Daenerys. The woman clucked her tongue as Daenerys grimaced again, and a short time later a third child was born. Missandei was given the third child and she sat close by staring at the child smiling. The old woman massaged Daenerys stomach and looked over her, she was understandably exhausted. Drifting in and out of consciousness having lost some blood and been in labour for almost two whole days. The old woman smiled at her patient, and looked at Missandei speaking in the native island language.
"What did she say?" asked Jon with concern.
Missandei smiled, "She said she is a strong woman, good at making babies, but there is one more"
Jon's face dropped, "One more? Another baby?"
Missandei nodded, and a moment later another cry could be heard. Daenerys had slipped into exhausted sleep and the old woman cradled and cooed to the last baby, helping to wrap all four babies in blankets. They were nestled into makeshift beds until they left the cave and proper beds could be made for them. This was too much for Jon, he called for some wine and fast. He helped carry Daenerys to the castle after she birthed the placenta and the old woman continued to check over her once she was settled in bed. At last she covered her with blankets and rubbed some herbal lotion on her arms and forehead, leaving her to recover. The old woman approached Jon where he stood, she bowed to him and looked up into his face.
"Thank you" he said.
Missandei came to his side and translated for him, the old woman waved and bustled from the room. Missandei laughed at his exhaustion and passed him his goblet of wine as Tyrion entered the room.
"Have I heard correctly? We have a new child for the ruling couple?"
Jon sunk to his chair, face pale and exhausted, "No"
Tyrion looked confused followed by devastated, "Oh no, did we lose the baby?!"
"No Tyrion, there wasn't one baby, there was four"
Jon took his goblet and drunk long and deep.
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The delay due to Daenerys childbirthing gave them time to prepare the ships properly. Every ship was assigned proper crews and experienced sailors for on high seas. The ships were planned to leave with members of families and regions together. Jon chose to sail with the survivors from Kings Landing and they did not protest. They all seemed to want to spend time in each other's company following that experience. Daenerys was recovering well and eating hungrily. She had to in order to keep up with the milk supply needed to feed four babies. Wet nurses were found and were to sail with them to assist Daenerys along the way. Four babies was an incredible gift and a great challenge at the same time. The Targaryen couple had been blessed with four children in total, 2 girls and 2 boys. All were strong and adapting well to the outside world, they were yet to be named but there would be plenty of time for that on the journey to Naath. Daenerys was tired and had begun to look flushed, Jon visited her resting in bed.
He stroked her forehead, she was sweating.
"Are you feeling alright?" he questioned her quietly, concerned for her.
She shook her head weakly, "I feel weak Jon, taking care of four babies is draining me"
"Well I'll get more help for you and I'm getting Missandei to find that woman to look over you"
"I'll be fine Jon please don't worry just get us to safety"
He kissed her forehead, she felt like she was on fire. He rushed from the room and found Missandei tending to the babies.
"Have you seen Daenerys? She's unwell" he said, anxiety filling his chest.
Missandei looked up at him concerned, "She said she just needed a rest"
"Have her looked over again. We sail today I want to make sure she's fine before we leave. I'll stay with the children, go"
Without a word she left the room and returned a while later with the woman, they took her to see Daenerys and she examined her. Her face was grave, she gave Daenerys some potion to drink.
"What did you give her?" demanded Jon beginning to worry
The woman looked at Jon kindly and patted his cheek, she spoke to Missandei and when she was finished Missandei looked to the ground. Her head bowed, in sadness.
"Missandei, what is it? Tell me" said Jon looking desperately to her face.
"There is some impurity in her blood, from the birth. Now she has an infection, she will be lucky to make it to Naath"
Jon felt like the air had been knocked from his lungs, he struggled to breathe and crouched on the ground momentarily. Head in hands, head swimming with worry and impending grief. Suddenly he stood, and looked to Missandei.
"Prepare to leave, prepare the children and Daenerys. We need to get her to the islands and we need to get away from here" he spoke with the most assertiveness he could muster in his grief, his heart held hope she was strong enough to make it.
Missandei nodded slightly grief still written across her face, she swallowed slightly and sprung into action. She had made long journeys before and she knew what needed to be done. Jon continued the organised evacuation of DragonStone, all the ships were loaded and had begun departing for Naath. The last boat to leave was Jon and Daenerys, the others had been informed by Tyrion of Daenerys failing health. The mood on the ship was somber, they carried her on followed by the babies. Wrapped tightly and securely they each had beds secured into the wall of the cabin, close to Daenerys who was still sleeping soundly from the potent potion she had been given. Jon joined Arya and Sansa on the deck who looked at him sympathetically.
"I'm aware you're not fans of Daenerys..." started Jon.
"Jon, we didn't want to be subjected to another ruler after Cersei. The lands had been through too much for a Targaryen we didn't know. It was never personal" said Sansa.
Arya remained silent, watching Drogon and Rhaegal flying by the ship. DragonStone was slipping away behind them and Jon watched his ancestral home fade into the distance.
"I can't lose her" he said to his cousins, "I'm tired of losing"
They stood by his side and hugged him tightly.
The journey through the narrow sea was uneventful, the smooth rocking of the ship became familiar and silence soon gave way to talking, laughter and the occasional cry from the babies. Jon spent most of his time in the cabin with Daenerys, who slipped in and out of consciousness. The babies were fed by the wet nurses and sometimes Daenerys woke enough to put one to the breast. Scared for his love, Jon laid with her and watched her rest, and spent time bonding with his children. The shock of four babies still hadn't subsided, he looked over their tiny sleeping forms and couldn't believe just one encounter with Daenerys had created four children. He worried that if she lived through this and it happened again he might have eight children. Jon was showed how to clean the children, the correct way to hold them and changing their garments when soiled. Not his favourite job but he committed to being a good father, he wanted more than what he had growing up. He wanted to do what's right. Missandei kept administering Daenerys with healing and sleeping potions trying to stem the infection. She seemed to remain the same, she was asleep more than awake and when she woke she often didn't make sense when she spoke. This is what worried Jon the most, he felt her slipping away.
The second day of sailing they sailed past Dorne, from the distance snow could be seen on the sand. Something no one ever thought possible, and Jon asked if anyone had told Dorne to evacuate.
"Grey Worm went to Dorne, he reported they managed to evacuate most of the people. Some refused though"
Jon nodded and looked across the sea, it was good to know where the Night King would raise his army next.
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Once in the open sea the journey was different, the seas were rougher and the winds blew strong. No one came up on deck much except for the crew, they nestled in the warmth of the cabins drinking and talking amongst themselves. As the journey went on the conditions became rougher, a massive storm hit their ships and the night had been wild. The boat was tossed to and fro over massive waves, many were sick from the motion and fearing for their lives. Jon cradled the children he could hold while Sansa and Arya held the others. Missandei sat with Daenerys to make sure she wasn't thrown from her bed, her complexion had taken on a sickly, weakened look and she was breathing erratically. Her temperature had risen with the turbulent weather and Missandei feared for her Queen, and friend. No one slept through the night, they were too scared to close their eyes in case they never woke. The storm lashed them for the whole night and through the morning, the clouds began to break around midday and the seas calmed. The angry waves that were lashing at them slipping down into calming, rolling waves. The entire ship was relieved, they continued sailing for another few days. The captain made daily reports to Jon, they were off course but they could still make it to Naath with the rations they had. Jon told him to get them back on course as fast as he could, knowing Jon was wanting to get Daenerys off the ship he agreed to do what he could. Jon closed his cabin door and returned to his Queen and their children, she looked no better today and he knew the end was near. It didn't make it any easier to deal with and he passed the time with his children. He had come up with names for them, to honour his Stark family he chose Edric and Lyaena, his younger children he was unsure about. Missandei suggested something to honour Daenerys mother and father, so Jon chose Aeryon for his son and Rhaella for his daughter. A balanced mix between Stark and Targaryen, he was satisfied. He lay beside Daenerys and spoke to her telling her about their children, how he named them and after who. He stroked her hand, smiling at the memories of the short time she had with her babies. She had marvelled at their features, the girls had the Targaryen white hair and the boys had dark hair with white streaks. All had purple eyes except for Eddard, who's eyes were bright silver. Without knowing it her life had been fulfilled at becoming a mother to the babies of her womb after she was devastated by the loss of her child with Khal Drogo. The day slipped into night and with it, a fresh storm. The captain and crew secured as much as they could on deck as the winds howled and swirled around them. The weather was so wild this time under the deck crashing and cracking sounds could be heard. The captain grimaced at these sounds and looked fearfully at his passengers and crew. This did not make anyone feel safe at all.
Jon, Tyrion and Jamie held the children in his cabin while Daenerys slept, her breathing laboured and erratic. Jon knew she was dying.
The storm whirled around the boat, a spinning vortex of fury and waves, lashing the boat while it swung wildly from side to side. Under the cabins everything in storage was thrown from the shelves, people were tossed from side to side. The babies were screaming, deafening the men trying to keep them safe and ringing in the ears of the other passengers who were trying not to think of their watery deaths. The storm raged for what seemed an endless amount of time, the crashing and cracking above coming and going and the thunder making them jump with fear. Suddenly the rocking steadied, and the noises quietened. The captain shakily stood and investigated the damage to the deck and if this was the eye of the storm or the end of it. He looked back from where they'd come to see a whirling, violent weather system in their wake. Trailing behind them pieces of their sailing equipment which had been broken in the fury of the winds. He looked up to what had once been a grand ship, it was now bent and broken. Useless. He knew if they didn't find land soon the next storm would sink their ship for certain. He told Jon and his face blanched in worry but he simply bowed his head back into his cabin. Tyrion looked at him questioningly.
"If we don't find land soon we won't make it through the next storm"
Tyrion's face hardened and his eyes flicked to Daenerys. Jon checked on her, the storm had been rough on her too. She'd been thrown from bed once and had cried out in pain. Her body was a sickly mottled yellow and blue, Jon knew that wasn't a good sign. When Jon checked her this time though, she was cold. He checked her again frantically and nothing, she was icy cold. Her breathing had stopped, Daenerys was gone. They had fallen in love on a boat and their love had ended on a boat. Jon knelt beside her kissing her hand fervently and dropping his head to the bed. Jamie and Tyrion exchanged looks and Jamie rushed from the room to get Missandei. When she entered and saw her Queen dead, she broke down and joined Jon on the other side of Daenerys, stroking her face tears pouring down.
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The broken and battered ship sailed without incident for another two days. The captain assured them no more storms were on the horizon and the passengers were relieved. Jamie had sat on the deck looking out over the sea, amazed that it could be capable of such violence. He heard someone sit next to him and looked to see Arya Stark. She smiled shyly at him, "Is it ok if I sit here? I wanted to come and talk to you"
He returned to gazing out to sea, "You can sit where you like Lady Stark"
For a time they sat in silence before Arya looked at Jamie tentatively.
"Cersei is dead"
"I know, she couldn't have survived that destruction"
"She died before Kings Landing fell" replied Arya quietly.
Jamie looked at her surprised, "How do you know that?"
"Because it was me, I killed Cersei"
He should have known it would be a Stark after everything she had done to them.
He was silent for a time, looking at the deck and back out to sea.
"She was a monster, someone needed to do it. I didn't have the guts to do it myself."
"You almost did though"
He looked from the side to Arya, "How do you mean?"
"You were going to strangle her, you thought about it but you stopped"
Now he looked shocked, "How could you?"
In response Arya changed faces and Cersei was sitting on the deck next to Jamie, she slipped her hand in his and laid her head on his shoulder. He felt like his heart had dropped from his pants.
"I don't blame you if you want revenge for Cersei" said the voice of his sister.
He struggled to comprehend how this had happened.
"What? When?"
"That wasn't Cersei who came to your room that last time. It was me"
He looked down and Cersei had changed back to Arya, she looked up at Jamie and returned to sitting next to him.
"You threw me in the dungeons?" he asked incredulously.
"It was the best place to keep you all to evacuate. Otherwise we might have left people behind, that wasn't an option. Do you understand?"
"I don't like it but I understand now. I'm glad I didn't know before now"
"You didn't answer my question Jamie"
"I don't want revenge. You're right I wanted her dead and I was too weak to do it myself. I'm glad she's gone, I can finally move on with my life."
Arya went to say something but was interrupted by a shout, an excited shout.
"Land! Land ahead! Land ahead!" yelled the crew happily and pointing into the horizon.
Jamie and Arya leapt to their feet, at first they couldn't see anything but slowly on the horizon, shadowy lands appeared.
"What waits for us on these lands I wonder" muttered Jamie.
"By the old gods I hope something good" said Arya as they sailed towards their salvation.
