A/N: And here is the start of bringing Westeros and Valreos together...I decided to post the next part quicker because I'm excited the story has lead here.
Thanks for the reviews! Even the one from the guest bringing a small typo to my attention from all the way back in chapter 2. I plan on updating the earlier chapters soon and rewriting things a little to clean up the story and seperate the scenes. The earlier chapters I wrote so quickly to keep up with how the story played out in my head. I missed some typos here and there but will fix them soon ;)
Enjoy!
Chapter 28: The Saviours
Jon rushed to the deck, land, something they had begun to give up hope of finding. There was no mistaking, land was ahead growing closer. As they slowly approached Jon saw movement in the sky, and his jaw dropped. There was a lot of movement in the sky, he was startled as he heard screeching above their boat and looked up to see Drogon and Rhaegal fly ahead. Their wings beating eagerly taking them to meet their kin. Screeches were heard in the distance as dragons flew out to meet them, Jon watched as they hovered in the air momentarily before engaging in a beautiful dance of wings and swooping. He'd never seen the dragons behave like this before, it was as though they were extremely happy. The crew and passengers crowded onto the deck, all exclaiming in amazement as the islands came into view. These weren't islands of tribal people, these were fully developed cities, four of them in total. Tyrion gasped as he saw the buildings, and nudged Jon who bent down as Tyrion whispered, "These are Valyrian buildings! I've seen sketches of buildings like these before!" He bounced excitedly on the spot and Jon still solemn looked amused for a few seconds.
Jon did not know what arriving here meant for the survivors, he didn't look excited like Arya and Tyrion. If anything this could be danger for them, Valyrians could be ruthless conquerors from what Jon had learned from his lessons. The bedraggled ship made for the ports, it's mast and deck broken and battered. It was a sorry sight. The people whilst relieved for land were apprehensive about what was waiting for them. And the marvel of seeing the islands for the first time was overpowered by fear among the majority on the vessel. Several people waited for them on the docks, some priests in long green robes, an aged woman and four stern looking Valyrian men. The ship was tied to the port by workers, and a walkway gave passage to the men, the priests and the old woman who was assisted aboard. They boarded the ship without hesitation, the Westerosi parting for them on the deck. The men guided the old woman to the middle of the crowd and stood to her side. She looked around at them all with a sharp piercing gaze, an ornate chair materialised behind her causing many gasps and whispers. No one in Westeros was capable of such acts and they were very unaccustomed to this. The woman sat slowly, and once comfortable looked around at them all again, settling her gaze to rest on Jon after looking over them all with familiarity.
"You've had quite a journey to get here," she spoke with softness but a steely authority was behind her words, "we have been waiting for your arrival".
Jon stepped forward bowing his head at who he assumed ruled these lands.
"Forgive me we don't know your name, we don't even know where we are. We have been through a lot to get here..."
"Yes Jon, you're correct your people have lost almost everything and you have lost much yourself" the woman paused, "we have the last surviving Targaryens here my sons" said the woman looking up at the men to her side. They all glanced amongst themselves, and back to Jon.
"This is Jon Targaryen, a rather interesting young man and his four children are on board also" continued the old woman calmly.
Jon looked shaken but tried to maintain his composure, "How do you know this?"
"There will be time for the how, as for the who...my name is Alaerya Valreon and I founded these islands."
There were some murmurs from the Westerosi as they stole glances at the advanced civilisation that lay beyond the port. Jon looked behind him briefly to request their silence.
The woman sat and watched him patiently, she glanced up at one man to her side and nodded. He bowed and took another into the inside of the ship. The priests and priestess behind them fanned out and began administering healing.
"These are our trained healers, do not be frightened they are helping you. The voyage has been very hard on you all, we are here to help." spoke the old woman gently. The tension in the air among the survivors relaxed a little as the Healers worked through the crowd.
"Where are they going?" asked Jon feeling panicked as he watched the men disappear below deck.
"To bring up the body of Queen Daenerys Targaryen, we cant leave her on this ship my dear. We will bring her ashore and give her the proper Valyrian funeral rites as per her heritage".
Jon's head was swimming, he wasn't sure if their landing here was good, or if they were still in danger. He looked around as his mind reeled and Tyrion saw he struggled with the situation and he strode forward.
"Forgive us my Lady," began Tyrion taking her aged hand and kissing it, "we have seen and experienced much on our journey here and have seemed to have arrived in an unexpected place."
"You are exactly where I wanted you to be" smiled Alaerya.
Momentarily Tyrion looked shaken, "Really? How so?"
"Yes my Lord Lannister, those storms you came through were part of the protections I had around my islands. They are what keep us hidden from the known world, and you were allowed passage, however the magic in place was resisting as you do not hold the key to pass through here. I apologise, thankfully nobody was seriously hurt"
The passengers of the ship looked uneasily around at what this woman was saying, where they came from there wasn't really any magic. And it made some people uncomfortable, especially considering the healers were using magic to treat the worst of the passengers.
"Why were you expecting us my Lady?" said Jon apprehensively looking at the deck, hand on his sword.
"Because my dear, I can help you defeat the Night King".
Jon looked at the woman sharply, brow furrowed. Tyrion's face darkened as did Sansa and Arya. The memory of the Night King sacking Kings Landing was still a raw wound for the whole ship.
Her words were met with silence, and disbelief. After what everyone had been through and witnessed they doubted anyone could defeat him.
"There are others" spoke Jon, voice full of emotion as he processed their arrival to a foreign land, "we were sailing with them to Naath"
"And they all arrived safely to Naath, we will get message to them that you survive" replied Alaerya knowingly.
Jon looked unconvinced, "How can you know that? I'm struggling with this whole situation"
Alaerya smiled, "Where do you think those distinctive ships came from that your people evacuated on?"
Jon's face drained of colour as he realised this woman had played a part in their evacuation, and it was at this point he felt his body weakening from the stress of the voyage. That combined with this situation was making his head hurt. Every time he spoke with this woman he had more questions but didn't have the strength to keep up with everything he wanted to know.
The Healers had meanwhile looked over everyone and reported back to Alaerya while Jon composed himself, "You will all recover in the Temple of Healers, when the time is right Jon I will summon you and important members of your party. We will talk more when you're all stronger, please feel safe and comfortable here. You have nothing to fear from us" spoke Alaerya addressing them all. Shortly after she finished speaking Daenerys was brought out from under the deck, a stretcher floating along covered in vines and flowers. Jon's eyes stung with tears when he turned and saw her, she looked like she was sleeping and looked more beautiful than ever.
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The survivors arrived at the Temple of Healers, exhausted and sick from their traumatic journey. The Temple was on the last island, and stood amongst luscious gardens of medicinal herbs and flower gardens, flower mazes and plots of vegetables. The Temple itself was enormous, covered in vines and flowers, inside the plush interior looked fit to house any of noble birth. Ferns littered the inside along with murals of beautiful Old Valyrian scenes, it was fresh, cool and welcoming. Ornately decorated in green with accents of gold, stunning green and gold marble pillars made this Temple look extravagant. Prominent throughout the halls and rooms was the sigil of the Temple, a dragon with wings outstretched grasping plants in its claws. The survivors looked around at the splendour as they were escorted to their rooms but were too exhausted to do much else. Jon was housed in a large wing with Sansa and Arya, the children were in a nursery next to his chambers. While his cousins were across the very spacious sitting room. The first night Jon sat on his bed looking around in disbelief, this time last night he had laid by Daenerys side and prayed to any god that would listen to save them all. Now he was granted his wish he still didn't feel safe or positive that these people could help him. Even after the magic he had witnessed he doubted anyone was or could be more powerful than the Night King. Jon remembered the woman's words as he ensured his people's safety in this Temple. Try as much as he could, he just couldn't feel comfortable.
Despite resisting the Temple at first, they all eventually began to feel comfortable after a couple of days recovering, the ice in them beginning to melt. The healers administered healing potions and food four times a day, helping them all regain health and strength. They also attended a Healing Priestess who would channel magic into them and another Healer would release trauma by accessing their memories.
Sansa always returned from her time with the healers eyes red rimmed and quiet, choosing to spend time alone for a few hours after. The Stark's sitting room was lavishly decorated with Valyrian murals, Arya's favourite depicted Valyrian dragon races in an elaborate stadium. She didn't realise, the dragon riders were all famous racers who had died in the Doom. She analysed their faces and watched as they waved to her and smiled.
She looked back at Jon who was busy with the children, the eldest two were awake while the younger two slept peacefully. He glanced at Arya and smiled slightly as she laughed at the murals coming to life. Arya crossed the room to sit across from her cousin, picking up Lyaena and smiling down at her. The baby broke into a wide happy smile as she tugged at Aryas hair, babbling and blowing bubbles over Aryas shoulder.
Jon still looked troubled.
"It's hard to trust now isn't it" stated Arya.
Jon raised an eyebrow, "After what we've been through it's hard to trust anyone who..."
"Isn't us? I know someone else who said the exact same thing. And I always thought she was crazy" returned Arya with a raised eyebrow, Jon smiled sadly in response.
Arya jigged Lyaena on her lap and the baby broke into beautiful peals of laughter.
"What does the future look like with these people in control?" said Jon quietly.
Arya shrugged, "They've done nothing but care for us. What good did our own people do in Westeros? Fought over an ugly chair and killed each other in pointless battles. I'm the least trusting of all believe me, but look around at what they've created the whole time our world was falling apart. Maybe we need to listen to what they have planned"
Jon didn't feel so sure, was he over reacting?
"I haven't seen Daenerys since we arrived. Where did they take her?" his words clearly showing the aching inside him at losing Daenerys.
"I'm sure if you ask they'll take you to her. We aren't prisoners here. No one has stopped me exploring the city when it pleases me" said Arya as she jigged the baby on her lap and made faces to make her laugh.
"What have you seen?" Jon looked up interested.
"What isn't there to see? The monuments are made of gold and really look alive. The buildings are some of the most beautiful I've seen and the dragon hatchery well, that was the only place I needed an escort. I was permitted to go anywhere else I wanted"
"Why is that? They don't know us" he returned defensively.
"They know everything about us Jon, these aren't just another group of people. They're Valyrians, the most powerful ones obviously came here. They knew all our names, they know our Houses, they know about what happened in Kings Landing. We can't hide from these people, they know us" she emphasised the last words and he understood.
Sansa entered the room, eyes still puffy after being alone for hours following her time with the healers. While she had begun to feel the benefits of her healing, re experiencing some of her most traumatic times had rattled Sansa again. Jon's expression softened at her arrival, he had been conscious of her change after they left Kings Landing. When he learned she was supposed to die detonating the city he was floored, and thankful Melisandre took her place. It was something Sansa still grappled with.
Sitting with a tight smile Sansa reached over and took Edric from Jon. Jon relaxed into his chair and looked over at the sleeping children, his heart warming.
"Jon," started Sansa, "I know we haven't always agreed and I haven't always been a very good cousin to you. Now isn't the time to feel this way, we have ice in our veins and it makes us question and mistrust everything and everyone in our path. That needs to be put aside now, the future is changing we can't avoid it. And these people are part of that future, we need to accept it"
Sansa looked to Arya and Lyaena, the little baby staring at her with intent, before breaking into a smile at Sansa.
"I agree with Sansa," said Arya, Jon looked surprised considering both these women had strongly opposed Daenerys from the beginning.
"Think about it Jon, we just arrived here for help. Would you welcome foreigners to your protected home? They've done nothing but help" said Sansa leaning forward as Edric grabbed towards her face.
Jon looked thoughtful but still doubtful, Arya remembered the words Bran spoke to her in her mind.
'You will trust them, The people waiting for you are the people you've always wanted to know'
His words echoed around the depths of Arya's mind as the family sat momentarily in silence. Each one of them deep in their own thoughts.
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Jon and Tyrion had been summoned by a guard of Valyrian men, they were escorted from the Temple of Healers through the islands. They headed to the enormous iridescent white marble palace on the first island, Jon's expression was tight and Tyrion looked around with wonder. He hadn't been well enough on the way to the Temple of Healers after their arrival to notice the wonders as they passed. This time he drunk it all in with his eyes, muttering in wonder at what he saw around him. The Temples, buildings and monuments were on a far grander scale than anything from Westeros.
He looked to Jon, "You can't deny what they have here is impressive. They clearly know how to build and run a successful society"
Jon followed Tyrion's gaze and tore himself from his thoughts and allowed himself to take in the city. Tyrion was right, and even though he found it hard to trust them he liked what he saw they had achieved.
"There are things here we had always considered lost to the world," said Tyrion with wonder, "there are so many questions I want to ask"
"I have many of my own as well" replied Jon quietly.
Tyrion glanced at him, "I know trust doesn't come easy to you Northerners, especially not after recent events and all. We are not in danger here, that's been made abundantly clear. As your advisor I simply ask you to go in to this meeting with an open mind"
"You're my advisor now?" smirked Jon at Tyrion's comment.
"Well I was Hand to the Queen, you were her consort and father to her children. So I've taken on the role of your advisor as well. Do you have any complaints?"
Jon smiled lightly, first time he had smiled like that for a long time.
"I have no complaints, you never steered Daenerys wrong. I know you cared for her"
"I honestly felt she was the best Queen for our people, and now I feel the direction we are going in is best for us too. Not that we have much choice"
The carriage arrived at enormous translucent gates flanked by two life size and life like dragons. Tyrion swore he saw the dragons breathing and smoke coming from their noses, he turned back to investigate and as he did the gates dissolved to allow them passage. After they entered the gates returned, trapping the Westerosi men inside. Jon's face hardened in seriousness at the uncertainty that was to come, waiting at the grand entrance were several men. Different to the men who were on their boat, they were younger and looked friendlier. The men approached and smiled, extending their hands, Jon hesistated and shook their hands.
"Welcome to House Valreon" said one of the men warmly, Jon felt better about this meeting to see a friendly face.
"We have heard much about you," spoke another.
"We hope this is the start of something great for us all" smiled another.
Jon began to feel overwhelmed, it was odd having these strangers knowing his name and history. And him knowing nothing in return.
At that moment a voice from below spoke, "I'm here as well you know"
The men all looked down at Tyrion and laughed, due to his height no one had seen him. The Valyrians all bent down to look at him, laughing.
"And who are you?" Spoke the main one.
Tyrion stuck out his hand, "Tyrion Lannister"
Jon noticed the Valyrians look at one another and wondered what that look was about, but he shook it off.
"I'm Raeylion" said one shaking Tyrion's hand.
"Xaeron" Said another sharing Tyrion's hand.
"Qaeryis" said another shaking hands.
"Aeyrelin" smiled another hand extended.
"Jaeryn" smiled the last.
They began filtering into the entrance hall and Tyrion looked around in wonder. Inside the architecture was breath taking, the columns were iridescent marble with statues of famous Valyrians around. Murals lined the hallways of true Valyrian scenes, famous Valyrian people and places. He marveled from one thing to the next, the young Valyrian men smirked as he walked, jaw wide open.
"I wanted to ask more about your families and who is in charge here but now I have so many more questions I want to ask" muttered Tyrion.
Aeyrelin walked alongside Tyrion and Jon, "There are four main families here, we have a lifetime alliance amongst our families which was brokered by our ancestor Alaerya Valreon. We have intermarried for the longest time, so we are all related in some way. We each hold power equally, we all have lucrative business interests and we all contribute to training the dragon riders and the military."
Jon looked interested, "You have soldiers? Ready to fight?"
Aeyrelin looked over to Jon, "You'll hear about all of that soon. But yes, we have a very well trained and eager force at our hands, not only do they wield weapons with skill, but magic also."
While Aeyrelin spoke Tyrion did his best to pay attention while scouting the walls to take in the sights he was seeing.
"I always dreamed of going to Valyria" he muttered
Aeyrelin smiled down at him, "Well my friend you can't get much closer than this"
Jon and Tyrion were escorted into a lavish meeting room, the men from the docks were waiting for them with the frail form of Alaerya. Others were seated around the outskirts of the room, everyone was mingling and smiling amongst each other. The feeling in the room was warm, this helped cool Jon's feelings of apprehension. Jon and Tyrion were dressed in their Westerosi cloaks and looked very out of place amongst the Valyrians who were all dressed in sleek leathers or tight fitting gowns in the case of the women. When they entered with the younger men the room quietened and many whispers could be heard.
"Our Lady" bowed Aeyrelin, "our guests have arrived"
"Thank you my dear" smiled Alaerya, as he moved to the outer edge of the room and began sipping a drink that materialised in his hand. Tyrion looked longingly at the drink, Alaerya swept her hand out and indicated the table nearby with drinks waiting for them.
Tyrion picked his up and saluted the crowd who returned his gesture, Jon politely declined his drink. Tyrion coughed at the strength of the drink, "What is this? It makes my insides burn inside but I feel alive!"
Alaerya chuckled, "This is our finest Valyrian whiskey, it is brewed in the volcanoes and is very potent. This is our most aged bottle we only use for celebrations"
As she spoke the ruby at her throat began to glow, Tyrion walked forward transfixed by it and pointed to it.
"I've seen one of these before, the wearer was not so popular in our land"
Alaerya smiled and touched the ruby, it pulsed at her touch, "The artifacts that you know of and that I'm wearing are made here in Valreos. The priestess you spoke of was given these from her Temple who is the biggest customer of our works. We have been in business for centuries, but that does not mean we share the same ideologies Tyrion. I do not support the actions of fanatics"
Tyrion looked at her thoughtfully as he spoke, and sipped his drink slowly after mulling over her words. Alaerya smiled and the ruby glowed transforming her appearance to her youthful beautiful self. Tyrion gasped and Jon looked surprised.
"Rubies can be used in powerful spells of glamour my Westerosi friends, they can make your age disappear and show you in the full flush of your youth no matter what your age. It has helped many users get themselves into advantageous positions, using their ways to persuade kings to follow them and do terrible things"
"If you don't mind me asking and I truly do not mean to offend you," started Tyrion, "hold old are you my Lady?"
"Well it's been 400 years since the destruction of our Home and I was 34 when that happened. That makes me 434 years old, and believe me when I say I feel every one of those years when I'm not in this form"
Tyrion edged forward with interest, "The ruby makes you feel and look younger?"
Alaerya nodded in return and smiled, her smile was brilliant and transformed her already beautiful face.
"Do not be deceived though Tyrion, living to this age was a choice and not one I've enjoyed making. I chose to outlive my husbands and children to see this day and ensure it succeeds"
"What do you mean by this day?" questioned Jon, Alaerya turned to look to him.
"The day when your people arrived on my islands, I knew of your impending arrival 400 years ago. I've waited a very long time for this"
They regarded each other for some time, Jon eventually becoming uncomfortable by her gaze and breaking the connection.
"If you knew all this time why are we only just joining together now?" Asked Jon looking at the floor his face angered, "Many died fighting the Night King, we could've used your help earlier"
"I understand you're angry, especially after Daenerys, but I was told to remain in waiting for the day you would come to me for help"
Jon felt anger rising in him, "Who told you to wait and not help us?"
"Your cousin, Bran Stark"
Jon felt his stomach drop and knew he should've known, his head swam and he had more questions the more they spoke.
"This is all very, overwhelming my Lady" said Tyrion sensing Jon's overwhelm, "we have lost, well everything. It's hard for us to comprehend help has been here all along"
"I understand Tyrion, I was told by Bran I was to be your last hope if all else fails. And it seems it has, in the mean time we have been preparing and training our armies with help from your Maesters and an experienced battle commander from Westeros. We waited for you to arrive before we began our campaign against this Night King"
"You have Maesters here?" said Jon, "how?"
Alaerya smiled and her face changed to the face of Teniros from Braavos.
"I travelled to Old Town and hired them myself" spoke the man, then Alaerya's face returned.
"You're a Faceless...man?" said Tyrion confused.
"I wield a great number of various Valyrian magic and I'm the first Valyrian to be able to change faces. Did you know the first Faceless man was actually Valyrian? I knew him as a child"
Tyrion's head was spinning, so many new things he had learnt and needed to process. Now he was getting overwhelmed, he looked at his empty cup and it refilled in his hand. Without a thought he emptied it and felt the warm burning glow as the whiskey spread through him.
Tyrion turned to smile around at the room and crumpled to his knees as he saw a man step forward through the crowd at the rear of the room. Dressed in lavish Lannister armour stood his father, Tywin Lannister with a lion head Valyrian steel sword at his hip. His glare bore into Tyrion's soul and his displeasure was clear, Tyrion almost fainted on the spot from shock.
Jon had never met Tywin and he was dumbfounded at his arrival his mouth gaped open at the turn of events, Tywin strode forward and peered into Jon's face.
"Wise of Ned Stark to keep you in the North. I would've recognised Rhaegar's only living son the moment I laid eyes on you." spoke Tywin sternly.
Tywin glanced at Tyrion struggling to comprehend his appearance, "You're drunk. I'm not surprised that hasn't changed. Tell me, was it satisfying killing me?" He glared down at his son who looked up in shock.
Tyrion's mouth had gaped wide open, "Please, change faces now. I don't like this game"
"This is no game" said Alaerya calmly, "the man you killed was not your father"
"But- but Jamie and Cersei buried you. He saw your dead-"
"Who or what he saw was not me. I can assure you despite your best efforts I remain very much alive".
"Father, I-" started Tyrion, he stopped talking becoming overwhelmed with emotion. He put his cup down on the table and turned away from Tywin.
"I committed a great crime over a lie" as he hung his head in shame.
Tywin sighed in annoyance and received a stern look from Alaerya, he rolled his eyes but knew internally she was right to look this way. She had warned Tywin not to be harsh on Tyrion and yet here he was, slipping back into his old ways.
"I wasn't going to have you killed Tyrion," said Tywin still speaking sternly, "and for you to think I would've bedded a foreign whore, after she's been in your bed also is more disappointing than the fact you killed me"
Tyrion looked around at his father, eyes reddened, "You never?"
"No" boomed Tywin angrily, "she came to my quarters yes, to demand more money to leave. I granted her wish so long as she remained wherever she went. I saw her leave my chambers, I was attacked when I went to relieve myself and was brought here"
"How do you know all of this?" said Tyrion weakly
"I showed him," spoke Alaerya, "I share similar skills to your Bran. I can see things as they happen, things that have happened and what may happen."
Tyrion stared blankly before scooping up his refilled drink and downing it in one gulp.
"Jamie isn't going to believe this"
"And you won't tell him," said Tywin, "you'll be summoned when the time is right and all will be revealed to him then. Not a moment before" he added, pointing the scrolls in his hand towards Tyrion. He held his powerful gaze at Tyrion until he nodded in agreement, satisfied he turned to face Jon who looked on dumbfounded. A table materialised between them and Tywin unrolled some scrolls.
"This is not the war council meeting but these are the plans we have for defeat and conquest," began Tywin, "the first scroll outlines our military plans and the second outlines our plans for alliance once Westeros is ours. To secure the alliances and bring home the survivors there will be numerous alliances of marriage and betrothals of children, yours included"
Jon looked up sharply and began to protest, Alaerya stood and looked commanding.
"Jon, this is essential to succeeding. We cannot lose sight of what we want to do by aligning our people together. Your family line interbred and killed themselves with stupidity, we need to align our families and grow in strength. My people have waited in the shadows and watched the world from afar, we will save your people and rebuild the world anew but different to how it was before. The same mistakes cannot be made again. We are your only chance at survival, and your children will be betrothed for strategy, but they will come to find love with their matches as well. I would not seek to betray our alliance by doing them a disservice"
"Had your true identity been known earlier young man you would've been betrothed before you had a chance to be given your first wash" said Tywin sternly, fixing Jon with an icy stare.
Knowing better than to argue the point Jon moved towards the scrolls and looked over them. Certain castles were circled, one with a large cross over it, in total there were six castles marked on the map. He pointed to the castle with the cross, "Why are these marked?"
"These will be the ruling castles in the regions," explained Tywin, "Westeros will remain seven kingdoms, consisting of crown lands and six provinces controlled by these castles" Tywin pointed out the castles and looked to Jon, who had begun looking over the list of alliance marriages and betrothals.
Jon looked to Tywin, "You've betrothed children that aren't even born yet?"
Tywin smirked slightly, "We know many of the noble families survive on Naath, newly born children from these alliances will be betrothed to the previous ruling families of their respective regions tying the new rulers to the old through marriage. It's the only way to ensure peace."
Jon looked with uncertainty at the list, scanning down he saw marriage arrangements for his sisters and smirked.
"You'll have a hard time with this one," he pointed to Arya's name to Tywin and Alaerya.
"We know, this is one of two names I'll allow a change be made to" said Alaerya.
Tywin looked at Aryas name and back to Alaerya, "Why is this? The Starks are a strong family and they need to be matched accordingly"
"I agree Lord Tywin, it is fated that Houses Baratheon and Stark be joined in marriage and their children will be betrothed accordingly from there"
Alaerya and Tywin looked to Jon, he gave a small nod and continued looking at the betrothals. His heart stopped in his chest as he saw his own name next to a Valyrian woman's name.
He shot his eyes up to Alaerya, "my name is on here? I haven't even buried Daenerys"
"Just because your name is on there boy doesn't mean you'll be wed tomorrow. It took me decades to marry another" said Tywin casually while he looked over the scrolls next to Jon. Tyrion's head shot up from his glass, shaken from his shock immediately.
"I'm sorry what did you just say father? Wed another?"
Tywin glanced up at Alaerya who had an amused look on her face, Jon just looked confused.
"You heard right Tyrion, I've wed again. What of it? Had I have remained where I was you would've shot me with an arrow. You take issue with me remarrying?"
Tyrion shook his head as if trying to wake from a bad dream to the amusement of Jon and Alaerya.
After looking over the scrolls Jon had only one question, "When do we begin? We need to return now and take back Westeros. While he's weak"
Alaerya stood and came to stand across the table from Jon, "We have more preparations first Jon, and we don't move until I get assurances from within Westeros that it's time"
Jon looked confused and felt angered by the lack of desire to sprint into action, "Assurances? From who? Everyone is dead" his face flushed with anger.
"The people might be gone but not all the living on Westeros were under his control. We wait until I hear the word, only then do we strike"
"What if that word never comes? What if they die before we act?"
"You forget magic used to rule before people arrived in Westeros, the children of the Forest will not die before they signal to me it's time"
Jon and Tyrion were shocked this foreign woman knew who and what the Children were.
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Following the meeting Jon returned to the Temple, after a long meeting with many surprises he was exhausted. Internally he was thankful he wasn't being organised to rule, ruling was more than he could bear. Especially with so many big personalities. Sansa and Arya were sitting with the children and Gendry, all four children had begun to roll around on the floor. His cousins and Gendry were laughing as they watched, the Fire was dancing on their flushed faces. The colour and spark had begun to return to their eyes from the great food and the Healers. At his arrival they looked to him expectantly, he sat heavily next to Sansa and smiled tiredly.
"What a day. I don't even know where to start" exhaustion clear on his face.
"I take it went well then" said Sansa, "you have no bloodstains on you and your sword looks clean. That's a good start"
Arya chuckled as she across from them with Gendry, Jon noticed their hands were close together as if they'd been holding hands.
He blinked and noticed Sansa staring at him, waiting for a response.
"Well yes, it went well. I am beginning to see they aren't to be feared but there is still a lot to work on. I just want to get back to Westeros as soon as possible"
"Will we be here much longer?" said Arya
"I'm unsure how long we will be here, they won't leave until they have word from Westeros that it's time"
"Word from Westeros?" started Arya in confusion.
"The Children of the Forest communicate with these people somehow"
Everyone in the room looked shocked.
"Can you tell us the plan?" asked Arya leaning forward slightly in anticipation.
"I don't know everything yet, the war council will go into details. But I do know theyre planning to divide the kingdoms into ruling provinces and set up plenty of marriage alliances. Ensuring peace through marriage"
Sansa shifted uncomfortably, she had never had a good experience with being arranged to marry.
"Who is in these agreements Jon?" she asked tightly.
"Everyone who's alive, yes, that includes us. All of us" Jon looked around at them all, they all looked uncomfortable and with various levels of shock on their faces.
Gendry shook his head, "Jon, no I'm not marrying anyone unless I get to choose. I'm just, no, I'm not doing it"
Arya looked at him amused, Gendry's cheeks had flushed in anger.
Jon also looked at him amused, "We don't have a choice, what is agreed upon will be happening. Whether we like it or not, we need peace" he emphasised the last few words, goading Gendry a little.
Gendry stood, getting angry and Jon laughed. Gendry looked confused.
"Gendry, calm down. You are going to marry the one you want. Apparently your Houses are meant to be together"
Gendry and Arya looked confused.
"Jon, what are you saying?" said Arya.
"Everyone else is arranged to marry Valyrians, you two are the only ones exempt from that. Because you're marrying each other"
Arya put her hand on her hip, "What if I want to marry a Valyrian?"
Gendry looked shocked and hurt, Aryas face remained serious for the longest time before she broke out in laughter and hugged him. Gendry shook his head looking at her, suddenly he cupped her face in his hands and kissed her.
Jon smiled and looked around at Sansa who looked downcast.
"I know what you're feeling Sansa"
"My whole life I've been a pawn in someone's game Jon, and this feels the same to me. These arrangements never end well for me. I'm not even sure I want to marry again"
Jon's smiled faded and he became serious again.
"I met your betrothed today Sansa, you have nothing to fear."
She looked to him for a short while and nodded slightly, "I trust your judgement but I'm still not happy about it. I've been through too much pain-"
Jon took Sansas hand and squeezed it, she smiled a small smile and hugged Jon.
"Trust me Sansa, I won't agree to anything that would put you in harm ever again" he whispered to her as a tear fell from her eye.
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The following morning Jon woke to the Healers tending to the children who were crying, he dressed quickly and came to see what the noise was about. He stopped in his tracks when he saw his children, they were crying and straining to get back to their beds. Sitting in their beds, was a beautiful dragon egg for each child.
He looked bewildered to the Healers.
"When were the eggs brought in?" he said as he took Rhaella as she was the closest.
"Through the night the children were settled with their respective eggs. This morning we picked them up to start the day and they did not want to be seperated. Apologies for waking you Lord Targaryen"
Hearing himself be addressed this way always made Jon feel awkward but he moved past this and helped the healers settle his babies. He regretted not spending much time with them.
The main Healer Aerylle approached him, "Lady Alaerya has requested you join her at the Heart Tree. Rhaegal is waiting, breakfast will be served to you there"
Jon looked slightly taken back and reluctantly nodded, he followed Aerylle as Arya came from her room. She looked shocked to see him up early, and he saw why when he spotted a flash of bare skin in Aryas bed. She averted her gaze shyly but Jon laughed and followed the healer out. He was more in disbelief that his family was growing up, and he felt immense sadness that Robb hadn't secretly been saved like Tywin. True to her word Rhaegal waited for Jon at the steps to the Temple, the Healer accompanied him the whole way.
"Jon, I've been in service to your family and I was hoping to have a word to you. Please do not fear us, we are not the ones to turn away from. Your people are very mistrusting" spoke the healer.
Jon grimaced, "If you knew some of the people who we have known you'd understand why we are the way we are. I'm coming to see your people differently, it just takes time"
Aerylle smiled and he noticed she was beautiful, then he remembered Daenerys and his heart hurt.
"Thank you Aerylle" he said tightly trying to remain polite and hide his conflicting emotions.
He put his hand on Rhaegal and watched as the Healer smiled and turned to re enter the Temple. Jon felt conflicting emotions keep swirling inside of him as he mounted his ride and watched her leave.
Rhaegal leapt into the air and flew towards the main island, it had been named Aeyrelos in honour of Alaerya's husband and first born son. Both whom had passed away long before the survivors arrived. Rhaegal knew where to take Jon and before he realised the dragon was circling around an immense heart tree. The largest Jon had ever seen before, he landed a short distance away and Jon approached Alaerya's familiar frail form.
He looked above as Rhaegal swooped and flew away to play in the distance, he smiled at the dragon and wondered where Ghost was and if he had survived. All of these thoughts swirled through his mind as he approached Alaerya, she was seated under the heart tree with food spread on tables to her side. She was eating and drinking an unknown drink when he arrived.
"I didn't know the old gods had a place here" said Jon as he craned his neck to view the enormous tree.
"Jon please you're hungry, eat first before we talk. You'll need your strength"
He looked down to her, her piercing purple eyes, her hands laden with jewels and the diamonds adorning her neck. She looked more royal than anyone he had ever seen before in his life, it felt surreal that he was standing here. He noticed also a large Valyrian sword stick up from the back of the seat behind.
"Jon," she said warningly and she clicked her fingers, "get out of your head. Eat, questions later"
She pointed to the food, he smiled feeling amused in a strange way she had reminded him of Catelyn. As he filled his plate he realised how hungry he really was and ate hungrily, the food on Valreos tasted unlike the food of Westeros. Everything tasted so much nicer, the meat and vegetables were so much more flavourful and filling. Alaerya and Jon ate together in silence as the Heart tree waved and whispered above and around them. It was so huge it's lower branches dropped to graze the ground creating raspy sounds as the breeze blew. Jon eyed the great sword with a sideways glance as he ate, the hilt was a dragon styled entirely from diamonds. The wings were the cross handle and along its body were symbols. Jon's brow furrowed as he noticed them, Alaerya caught his eye.
"You just noticed the secret between why your sword is different to mine" said Alaerya quietly.
"Excuse me?" said Jon not hearing her properly.
"You noticed the symbols, does your sword have those?"
"No it doesn't have symbols, what are they?"
Alaerya put down her cutlery and turned to face Jon fixing her piercing purple eyes on him.
"I remember as a child our people decided to trade our dragon forged steel with outsiders. This posed major debate amongst the high nobility because our swords possess great magic. Many opposed trading objects of such power, there were many heated discussions in the meetings regarding this," she smiled fondly at the memory, "in the end it was agreed we would sell our weapons without the sacred inscriptions. This rendered them useless to us, only children spar with swords that have no magic, but others found their quality and weight to be highly desirable. Over time it turned out to be profitable for us and provided your society with many treasured swords. Many opposed the trade especially those who were involved in our war councils, they didn't want our own weapons used against us in war. Makes sense when you think about it, so it was agreed only a very small number of these weapons would be allowed to be made. After Valyrias fall prices of Valyrian steel became incredibly expensive and we filled the void with very limited pieces being produced and exported"
Jon was perplexed, he had not long ago wished for a large cache of Valyrian steel to be found to defeat the dead army. Alaerya noticed his expression darken and felt his thoughts.
"Jon I know you struggle to accept we were here and didn't help, I'm sorry for that" she said sincerely.
Jon continued to eat quietly, "I wouldn't feel this way if I didn't experience Kings Landing falling and losing Daenerys," he said after a time, "I'm tired of losing my Lady. Im struggling to accept that someone can defeat him"
Alaerya smiled, "That's exactly why I summoned you to join me my dear. You can't feel confident in our chances if you don't know us. Take this chance to Ask me anything you want"
Jon's head swam, he had many questions.
"There's so many people who could help us now who died for nothing, why Tywin?"
Alaerya chuckled, "I didn't save him, that choice was not my own. Every death, every birth, every battle brought you to me. One of the major lessons you're taught when you wield advanced Valyrian magic is, don't meddle with the threads of time that don't concern you. Yes I could've saved people but would that have changed the course of your life and led you in some other direction? The man you are today is because of all the losses and successes you've had. Is it my right to take that away from you?"
Jon nodded feeling hollow, and missing multiple people at once, memories of his uncle and cousin stirring melancholy in him.
"I know how you feel, I've been without a person who was like another part of me for 400 years. I miss him every day and wish he was here now to see this all come to pass."
"What happened to him?"
Alaerya sighed sadly, "We sent a search party back to Valyria to recover what we could, the earth there holds potent fire magic. It had become dangerous and unstable, it rose up and my husband Aeyrelis died. I should have been there but I was carrying our last child. 400 years later it's still not easy"
"Did you ever remarry?" asked Jon and she knew the question was directed at his future marriage prospects.
"Yes I did", spoke Alaerya very slowly, "and after he died I never took another husband. Knowing I'd love and outlive another was too painful to go through again. The pain is too much to bear, I had five children with Aeyrelis and two with Jaehserys. I've outlived them all, and grandchildren too. I've lost and lost over the years, I've lived to see my grandchildren grow to bear children and die. I've seen the same with my great grandchildren and my great-great grandchildren," she sighed, "my old body can't take anymore grief. I look forward to the day of my death, I'll have many people waiting for me"
"Do all Valyrians live as long as you?"
Alaerya shook her head as she finished her drink, "No one else, just me. The only one foolish enough to do so"
Jon felt sadness in his heart, he knew what he was feeling was minuscule compared to the losses she had seen through the years.
"Why did you hide? Your people could've easily ruled the world already"
"True, we could have. I have many gifts Jon, I can see things like Bran could. We would've ruled but our rule would've been marred by many wars and uprisings. From Westeros and in Essos, our rule would've been resisted over time and our people would be weakened by outside influences. Remaining hidden helped us grow in strength, it helped cement solid alliances between our people that are now centuries old and can never be broken. Because we are family now after so long, look at the bond with your cousins. You would do anything for those women, this is why marriage alliances are so important. It doesn't prevent every disagreement but it softens any that do arise."
Jon finished eating as she spoke and a goblet of drink appeared in front of him. He tentatively sipped and the taste was refreshing and fruity, he instantly relaxed and felt happiness sweep through him.
"What is this?" he smiled as he looked at his goblet.
Alaerya smiled fondly, "That is very special wine, my daughter in law Krysaella grew the very first crops of those here on the islands. She was very talented with earth magic, we have grown it ever since, exactly the same way she did it. We call it Krysaelion, a mixture of Krysaella my daughter in law's name and my first born son Aeyrelion."
"It is the best wine I've ever tasted, but I don't drink very often"
"I know" smiled Alaerya as she sipped.
Jon smiled, feeling bold he spoke directly, "It's strange sitting here with someone who knows everything about me when I know really nothing in return"
"Let me show you then, if I was to tell you my whole life you'd be an old man by the time I'm done"
Jon started to say something but the ruby on Alaerya's neck began to glow and she touched his hand. Their eyes rolled milky white, and he felt like he was falling in the darkness, he felt out of control and began to panic.
'Breathe Jon, you're safe' said Alaerya's voice, in response Jon sucked in breaths urgently and his anxiety began to quell.
As he felt calmer the images began, he watched Alaerya's life like a movie, he saw her husbands, her children, saw her successes and failures, felt her happiness and her pain. He felt her pain as if it was his own, crushing and heavy in his chest. He had never had such an insight into another person before and he felt ashamed for being so mistrusting of her. He watched her tirelessly try to save people in Valyria, care for her people when they settled here and cry in agony when her children all died. When the visions subsided he was in the darkness again, emotions washing over him like waves in a stormy sea. Slowly a new vision came into view and his heart stopped, Winterfell. They stood beneath the heart tree in Winterfell, before them stood Bran and Daenerys. Bran was standing and Jon looked confused.
"I'm not bound by my broken body anymore Jon" spoke Bran simply.
Jon smiled in acknowledgement and walked forward, Alaerya laid a hand on him.
"Whatever you do Jon, don't touch Daenerys. Their energy is much higher than ours it'll send you back to your body and break the connection"
Jon bowed his head and turned to Daenerys, she smiled at him and was radiant.
"I'm sorry I left you all, I watch over you every day"
"I miss you Daenerys, I'm sorry we weren't together much towards the end. I wish I had come to DragonStone instead of Kings Landing"
Daenerys shook her head, "You needed to be there, all of you. It was the right decision"
Jon's heart broke seeing her and not being able to touch her, "We will meet again Jon. In the meantime don't be afraid to love again"
"How can I after you? I've lost two loves in my life. I don't want to, I can't, go through it again"
Daenerys smiled kindly, "You will love again and it will make you feel alive again. Don't close off that part of you"
"Jon," interrupted Bran, "it had to be this way"
Jon looked to his feet, noting the snow crunching under his feet.
"I'm coming to accept it Bran, I just wish I had some knowledge of it" he said as he looked at his cousin, struggling with their sudden appearance.
"You would never have allowed me to be left to him like that. I needed to die, I needed to lure him there. He had seen another future where he kills me in the same place. Everything had to be exactly as it was, otherwise he wouldn't have risked his whole army the way he did"
Jon looked up at his cousin and his love, he nodded and Bran smiled, "Daenerys where do you want me to bury you?"
"I want to be close to you Jon, I don't want to be far from you. As long as I'm near I'll be pleased"
"Do you know about the children?"
"Bran has told me our children will be important in new alliances in Westeros. Please Jon when they're old enough tell them I didn't leave them easily."
Jon was speechless, this was overwhelming for him to be talking with two people he cared for that he had recently lost.
"You're doing everything right Jon, don't be afraid of these people. This alliance will succeed" said Bran, "my death secured your success. It's time to trust"
The vision faded and Jon was in the dark again, the last time he saw Daenerys she smiled at him her eyes wide and happy. He felt his heart aching again, and when he returned to his body the magic he'd been exposed to made him violently ill. He felt the warmth of the air, the breeze on his skin, and his blurry vision focused on green robes and a cup pushed to his mouth. He drank this potion greedily and felt his strength return, looking around Alaerya sat eating as if nothing had happened.
"Don't worry Jon, you'll be perfectly fine. After hundreds of years magic has less of an effect on my body. Youll grow to cope with it also"
Jon weakly tried to smile but it failed him and he gulped down more of the potion to subside the sensation he was spinning on the spot.
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Jamie had questioned Tyrion endlessly about the meeting with the Valyrians and Jon. Tyrion struggled to keep the secret from Jamie, many times he came close to blurting out the reappearance of their father. Somehow the words never managed to actually come out and this perplexed Jamie. He knew something was being kept from him, and Tyrion often noticed Jamie eyeing him suspiciously. They broke their fast in silence the next day and out of nowhere Jamie blurted out, "You're hiding something, tell me right now what it is"
Tyrion ignored him by emptying his goblet into his mouth and praying for it refill continuously until someone entered to save him from this moment. He was disappointed when it emptied and did not refill automatically.
"Stop looking for your refill and talk to me" said Jamie gently, he looked hurt. He knew something was wrong.
"I can't tell you, you'll know soon. At the War council I suspect"
Frustrated Jamie slammed his plate on the table and it broke, pieces of plate and food fell to the floor. Tyrion averted his gaze and jumped in fright but avoided looking at Jamie who he knew was looking at him intensely.
"After all I've done..." started Jamie.
The doors opened dramatically and their Healer stood with a scroll in her hand.
"Raena, thank the gods you're here please tell me that is the news I'm waiting for" said Tyrion snatching it from the shocked healer. She smiled and exited sensing a need to leave.
Tyrion unrolled the scroll and let out an exasperated sob, the scroll read "Tell him, then come to the red dome on Aeyrelos. You'll know the one".
Tyrion slowly lowered the scroll and looked at Jamie's questioning face.
"I have something to tell you, I think you should sit down. And have a drink ready"
Jamie remained where he stood looking defiant.
"I won't tell you what it is unless you sit and have a drink. Believe me you'll need it"
Tyrion was right, after plenty of stammering and stopping the words came tumbling out of his mouth. Jamie's mouth gaped open at first, he started to ask a question, then he stopped and emptied his goblet. Then he looked for a refill, it refilled and he emptied the second one.
On the third one Tyrion marched over and snatched the glass from Jamie and emptied it for him. He tossed the glass away and it dissipated into the air, Jamie looked sad to see it go.
Jamie looked perplexed, "Who the hell did we send to Casterly Rock for burial?"
Tyrion shrugged, "No one knows, he was kidnapped by Faceless men so my guess is one of them."
Jamie looked around the room, confused, grappling with the news.
"He's alive?!"
"He's alive Jamie, I saw him myself"
"How do you know it's not another Faceless man?"
"Jamie, it's him. He knew how to insult me perfectly. It's him"
Jamie began pacing the room and Tyrion watched calmly from his seat, hand firmly grasping a new goblet.
"What did that scroll say?"
"It's time to tell you and to go to his dome"
"His dome?!" exploded Jamie.
"Ah yes, another small bit of news..." Tyrion put his face in his drink and said as quietly as he could, "Father remarried"
He spoke the words so quietly and fast Jamie barely heard him, but he heard him. Tyrion drew out his drinking as long as possible watching Jamie hoping he didn't have to keep talking.
"That old dog, remarried? And we have been battling through shit all this time, Cersei's madness and bloody dead...men. He's been alive, and remarried?!"
Tyrion stared blankly into the distance and nodded.
"I'm not going" said Jamie simply
Tyrion looked up sharply, "Yes you are"
Tyrion leapt up and crossed to where Jamie stood, "You are coming whether you want to go or not. I will drug you and drag you there if I have to"
Jamie raised his hands in surrender, "Ok I'll go. Calm down, don't shoot anyone or drug anyone Tyrion."
Tyrion looked back to his brother and laughed at his low blow, it was the first time Jamie had joked about Tyrion's actions which had caused him so much internal pain through the years.
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The carriage approached a large red dome with enormous lion statues bordering the premises. It was definitely Lannister, the only red dome and the only house not using dragon sigils. Tywin hadn't bent to the Valyrians and taken on the dragon for his house, Tyrion smiled at this thought.
Approaching the gate a stern guard approached them, they stated their names and the guard and the gate vanished.
Jamie looked astonished and Tyrion looked straight ahead to take in the sights of where their father had been living this whole time.
As the gates opened a small road led to the large crystalline doors opening into the family dome. A slender silver haired woman was chasing some children and she stopped to look as they arrived. Jamie watched blankly, Tyrion watched his expression carefully.
"Who's children would be here? Oh," said Jamie, "oh you're kidding me. He's had more children?" He looked to Tyrion incredulous and shocked.
Jamie craned his neck to look at the children as they scattered and ran inside. The silver haired woman waited for their arrival, Tyrion and Jamie climbed down and looked at her expectantly.
"Master Lannister is waiting for you, please follow me"
She turned and led them inside, Jamie making shrugging faces to Tyrion. Inside, the house was nowhere near the grandeur of House Valreon, however it was still extremely lavish compared to Westeros standards. There were beautiful lion fountains and interior gardens, the floors were a stunning white marble with red veins running all through it. Everywhere the red of House Lannister featured, the woman took them through to an outdoor terrace that overlooked the rear of the property.
Tywin was sitting and looking out at a woman who sparred with some children and another Valyrian woman giving stern instructions. They were learning to fight, there were two silver haired girls and a boy. Jamie and Tyrion joined Tywin, he didn't acknowledge their presence just silently sipped his drink.
Jamie looked at him dumbfounded and after a time of silence he broke it.
"You've been here alive this whole time, making a second family and you've got nothing to say to us? To me?" anger flashing across his face.
Tywin put down his drink and slowly turned to Jamie fixing him with his trademark cold glare.
"What do you want me to say? I've known you were coming since I arrived here, I knew you'd survive and I'm glad you're here. Don't expect anything else Jamie"
Tywin glanced at Tyrion, "At least you're angry, Tyrion got drunk and emotional"
"Im allowed to get emotional father, I did kill you after all and then there you are, still alive"
Tyrion lifted his hand and a drink materialised, he drank deeply and thankfully.
"Mmm what is this wine? It's so fruity and refreshing"
"It's called Krysaelion, they've been growing it for 400 years here. Best wine I've tasted"
"I'll agree with you on that" replied Tyrion drinking deeply again.
"This is madness, we are sitting here talking about 400 year old wine with a father we thought was dead. Did you know your death was the end of Cersei's sanity?"
"Cersei's sanity died with Tommen"
"It died before that" snorted Tyrion drinking more wine.
Jamie looked around incredulously, "Father you better start talking or I'm leaving and this will be the last conversation we have. Until this morning I thought you had died, I grieved you and wished you were still alive for a long time. I nearly killed my brother to avenge you on Cersei's orders. And you were here the whole time?! No, I'm not having this" he started to stand to leave.
"Jamie calm down, I was kidnapped. You make it sound as if I planned to disappear." replied Tywin glaring up at his son.
Jamie glared back at him defiantly.
"And you remarry? Have more children? Are you as good a father to them as you were to us?"
"A man should always aim to better himself, of course I'm trying to be better"
"Who is your wife?"
"Kasarra is her name, Kasarra Valreon"
"You married a Valreon father? One of Alaerya Valreon's great-great grand children?" smiled Tyrion.
"Yes what of it? I wallowed and grieved your mother long enough, I've chosen to be happy. You should try it"
Jamie scoffed in disgust, "After all the years and how you treated Tyrion..."
"My wife didn't die and I wasn't left raising three children on my own, I lived with that grief long enough", boomed Tywin in response.
The woman and children looked up from their training momentarily before continuing. Tyrion watched in interest, they were quite skilled with their weapons and they flew through the air. Attacking and fighting while air borne, it was quite skilful and violent at the same time. It was obvious they were using magic.
"Father, are these your children?" questioned Tyrion.
Tywin sighed, "Yes, they're mine. You have two sisters and a brother to meet"
"They're using magic aren't they?"
"All children of nobility learn to wield magic, yes Tyrion they're using magic to fight"
"I'm impressed. They're incredible fighters and they're only children"
Tyrion raised his glass and drank again, not deeply though. Jamie looked shocked.
"Tyrion you can't tell me you've accepted this" he looked to his brother for support.
"Jamie, our father is remarried with more children. I'm happy as long as he doesn't try and have me killed again"
"I feel the same about you Tyrion," said Tywin drily, "I'll say this once and once only so listen carefully. You're not to blame for your mother, and you're never allowed to have a crossbow in my presence."
"Agreed, I'm a terrible shot anyway" returned Tyrion and Jamie's face looked shocked.
"I can't believe this," said Jamie, "I just, can't"
Tyrion looked across to Jamie struggling to take this in, "If I was brought here when I found out father was alive I'd feel the same way Jamie. Maybe this morning right before coming here wasn't the best way to find out"
Tyrion threw a pointed look at Tywin who rolled his eyes and looked away.
"Perhaps not" was all Tywin managed to say, "but you're here now and I'm pleased you got out of Kings Landing alive. Now let's get on with what our family needs to do"
