A/N: Hey guys apologies for a break between chapters! Life has been busy and 2020 is the year that keeps giving and not in a good way :( Plus I've had a bit of writers block happening lately! Enjoy this instalment, this is a bit of filler before we leave for Westeros :)

Chapter 31: The War Council

Westeros is covered in the silence of snows, across the entire land it is quiet and subdued. Cold winds blow through the deserted towns and cities, blowing debris over places where men, women and children died. Their lifeblood frozen on the ground in numerous patches the only sign of their existence. Oldtown is covered in snow and emptied of existence, the great tower standing proudly in the absence of life. Highgarden is bare, the famous gardens that Grace its walls withered and dead. Winterfell is broken and empty, the scars of the battle with the undead clear to see. Not even the animals are brave enough to be seen, the ones that live anyway. Harrenhal, the melted castle is covered in snow, the lake nearby frozen over, trees covered in ice, frozen in drips to the ground. Winter has arrived and it looks as though it isn't leaving any time soon. Across the continent, is silence. Sounds of children's laughter, horses neighing and the clash of swords such a distant memory now. The land is lost and broken, it's people dead or fled. The great Heart Tree on the Isle of Faces is covered by snow as are the other trees that cover the island. Under the trees, caves created by the immense root systems of the trees hide the remnants of the Children of the Forest. The elders had ordered the youngest members of their race into the deepest caves into hibernation. Using magic to put their cherished young into hibernation among the roots of the weir wood trees and hiding them with magic. The elders looked at each other worried and ventured back out to the surface together.

"How long do we have?" whispered Leaf to their Leader called Ren. The remaining Elders huddled around them grim faced.

"They will be here soon, I just hope it's not too late" replied Ren, rather shakily.

"Have we been tracking his movements?" asked another elder called Cedar.

"As much as we can," conceded Ren, "he hasn't left the shores of Westeros yet"

"Will he?" asked another elder, female and as aged as he.

"He's considering it, but for him to cross without a dragon is risky, his magic isn't powerful enough now he's lost his army to freeze the seas."

"What have you seen?" pushed Leaf in hushed tones.

"He will come for us" says Ren definitively.

"Will we survive?" says one from the outer edge of the group.

"That depends on our friends who we wait for, if they come soon we live. If they're delayed at all, we die. All of us"

"Even the young?" asked Leaf, as all their eyes fixed steadily on their leader.

Ren closed his eyes, the pain of the visions he viewed fresh, "Yes, even the young"

The group fall silent and look to Ren desperately, "You need to contact her," said Leaf decisively, "tell her it's time, now. We need her"

The snow falls steadily over the island as the group huddles under their sacred tree whispering frantic plans of survival.

VFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFV

The energy in the room was tense, Valreon and Westerosi were planning together for the first time and despite several forming strong ties it wasn't enough for everyone in the room. The War Council hadn't gone to plan, several Westerosi members opposed the plans of attacking the Night King.

Tywin leaned on the table his sleeves rolled up, face flushed with anger glaring across at his eldest son who glared back at him equally angered.

"You can't just fly back in and take back what we lost Father!" thundered Jamie, "you haven't been there, you have seen a wave of dead men engulf living soldiers and then those soldiers rising as members of his army. How can you plan to fight someone you've never met in battle?!"

Jamie's voice rose in anger and with emotion over what he saw as they desperately evacuated their homeland.

"If he is so easy to beat we could've done it ourselves," continued Jamie, "and then we wouldn't have needed to leave and find-"

"Our people?" interjected Vyseryn Aelleron, Raeylion and Raenas father, "Whatever happened back there you're right we will never understand it, but when will you understand our power can defeat him?"

"We thought we could win, we had magic-" retorted Jamie.

"No you didn't" spoke a woman, "you didn't have our magic. And you only had one person with powerful enough sight to find us. Our power far surpasses Brans imagine what more of us can do"

The woman stood proud and tall, clearly middle aged and in her youth would've been a great beauty.

"Krysaena, he doesn't believe we are powerful enough to defeat him" smiled Vyseryn.

While the debate continued about how to proceed Tyrion was engrossed with the War Council meeting room. A whole wall had been dedicated to a painting of Westeros, they had every small detail there and more than what even the best painters from home had ever depicted. He was engrossed in the painting when he was jerked back to the moment by Arya shoving him forward. He stumbled towards his father and brother now in each other's faces, flushed with anger and barely restraining themselves.

Hastily pushing between them neither of them noticed he was there until he loudly cleared his throat, "come on Father, you should listen to Jamie after all you haven't seen the way the dead fight. Jamie has"

Tywin glared down momentarily to his dwarf son and wordlessly stepped back, straightening his shirt he conceded, "Fine, Jamie tell us how you would approach this Night King"

Jamie turned and looked over to the map, pointing to a region he began.

"We lure him into the Vale, he will come for dragons and his army can breach the Bloody Gate. Once we are in there we attack from above, decimate his numbers where they can't reach us and this will weaken him enough to target him"

"Good idea," spoke a familiar voice, "but it will fail"

Jamie turned stunned to see Alaerya enter the room with the help of Raeylion and Qaeryis. Slowly she shuffled to a seat and sat, taking a deep breath and sinking into the chair.

"Well what do you propose? He will have collected whoever stayed behind, he could have up to ten thousand in his army again. We don't know how many stayed behind

...this is madness planning an attack without knowing numbers!" he exclaimed barely being able to contain the anger that was coursing through him.

"Jamie," said Alaerya gently, "it's very good what you're saying but I saw it play out and it failed. We do it another way, don't be disheartened young man. You've got a good mind for this"

Knowing better than to argue with Alaerya, Jamie still flushed with anger hastily nodded his head, "I just can't-, we don't have enough!" his words came tumbling out of his mouth and Alaerya patiently let him speak.

"What you're proposing is, is suicide! You can't fly to Westeros with a hundred dragons and two people on the ground for the Night King alone! We have only been able to get close to him once! And Bran Stark had to sacrifice himself for that privilege!" his anger boiled over and Jamie came close to putting his fist through the wall.

He slammed his hands on the wall and put his forehead against it breathing heavily, all the feelings of hopelessness and defeat came rushing out of him. He felt hot tears sting his eyes as memories of his last moments in Westeros resurfaced.

The room stayed silent and Alaerya sat quietly looking at Jamie, Jon stepped forward.

"I have to say I agree with Jamie. We can't beat him with just two people on the ground. He will have how many thousands at his command, how can we hope to win?"

Alaerya smiled slightly, "You're right my lads, from what you've seen numbers make sense. And with any other army true you need numbers to beat numbers, but that's not the case with this battle"

Jamie turned and looked at her as if she was insane, "You don't know what you're saying- no disrespect but..."

"If you don't want to be disrespectful then don't talk" snarled Tywin angrily

Alaerya held up her hand and everyone was silent, "You Lannisters are a passionate bunch, calm yourselves this is not the time for a family argument"

Tywins face flushed angrily and in embarrassment all at once, he looked down at his hands and waited for what was to come next.

Vyseryn stepped forward, "How do we proceed? We have an eager army, the dragons will be fitted with specialised armour, any numbers we are talking can be matched or surpassed. What do we need to do?"

"First of all we need to agree and that's not going to happen anytime soon, unless-" Alaerya smiled at her last words and the room darkened.

The Westerosi looked around with uncertainty, "The only way for someone to know is for them to see with their own eyes" said Alaerya's voice, inside their minds

Before they knew it the room was filled with the undead, their unearthly blue eyes shining bright and snow covering their shoulders. The Valreon present looked at them with interest and whispered and pointed amongst themselves. While the Westerosi shrunk away from them, Sansa visibly shaken huddling against Aeyrelin. Arya's face was dark and she was alert, her hand on her weapons ready for an attack.

"Are they really here?" questioned Arya not taking her eyes off the undead. One snapped its head to look at her and she drew her weapon, it advanced on Arya and as it struck a blow dissipated in fizzling green energy.

The Westerosi were shaken by the appearance of the dead, the room grew colder and icicles formed over the ceiling. They crept along making cracking noises as they formed, running down the wall encasing the room in a frozen tomb. The Night King appeared in the room and Jamie and Tyrion looked terrified.

"It's not really him, this is my energy recreating him with magic. No harm will come to you" said Alaerya's voice again in their heads.

The Night King strode around the room and glared at them all for a while before they all disappeared and the room was dark. The scene changed and Oldtown appeared, the army of the dead swept through the city in a huge wave swarming over the living and killing all who's heart still beat. The Valreon representatives were quiet, their faces closed but they gripped their own hands tightly. As they watched the memories of Oldtown falling some of the Westerosi sobbed slightly as women, men and children were slaughtered. Some of them Arya recognised although she had known them in different forms.

"These people, were they-"

"Yes dear they were killed before Kings Landing was invaded and destroyed"

Arya simply nodded in response and looked slightly pale.

Jamie stepped forward, "I still don't see how we can defeat him. He will still have more numbers than us and no one can get close to him-"

Alaerya remained seated, "What have you seen today Jamie?"

Jamie looked flustered at the question, "The dead? You brought them here somehow"

"I created them Jamie, I created his own army but with my energy, with my magic. Do you understand now what this means? Why sacrifice people who live to kill his army when we can simply create one?"

"Right say we create this army, it will take time to kill them. We don't even know how many he has!"

Jon stepped forward, "Forgive us my Lady, you know I have nothing but respect for you. How are two living people and an army that you're controlling with magic still going to defeat all of them, and him?"

Alaerya put her hand out and a vial of green liquid materialised, Tyrion instantly recognised it.

"Wildfire? You have wildfire?" he said in confusion.

Tyrion stepped forward and looked closer, "How did you find this?"

"I didn't find it, I have the recipe for it. I got it from Westeros"

Jamie and Tyrion looked at each other stunned, and Jamie looked to Alaerya.

"The only people who had that recipe died by my hand the day i slayed the mad King my Lady, how could you possibly have it?"

"That is a very long story but in short you didn't kill them all. One of them made it here to me with the recipe"

Jamie looked stunned, "How many more surprises do you have Lady Alaerya?"

Alaerya smirked, "If I tell you it won't be a surprise Jamie"

"Forget about how you got the recipe," said Tyrion irritably, "what will you do with it?"

"Good question Tyrion, I'll show you"

And with a wave of her hand a battle scene played out, flashes of green exploded all around them and the intense heat could be felt. Pieces of undead flew all around them, and the screams reminded them all of the terror in Kings Landing.

The battle scene faded but it was clear the undead were being overpowered, everyone from Westeros was relieved when the scene dissipated.

Jon looked concerned, "You still haven't discussed exactly how we defeat him, this all means nothing if we don't kill him this time."

Alaerya sighed, "This is where I need you all to trust me. If I tell you what I've seen you won't proceed with the plan"

Jon's brow furrowed deeper, "What can you tell us?"

"It will be just me and you Jon, no one else is to come"

Sansa and Arya made sounds of protest.

"We won't sacrifice Jon for a suicide mission!" said Arya angrily emotion across her face, "I won't lose another member of my family!"

Sansas eyes were full of tears and fear but she remained quiet, Jon looked to the floor and shook his head.

"I'll do it"

"Jon no!" said Arya and Sansa at once.

He turned to look at them, "It has to be me, I've seen it. Any other way will fail"

"What have you seen Jon?" said Arya tightly.

"Enough to know I need to be there, something is unfinished between us"

Arya reluctantly nodded and Sansa buried her head in Aeyrelins shoulder and sobbed. Jamie and Tyrion were quiet, faces drained of colour. No one felt good about this plan, especially Jamie.

Tywin had been quiet for the longest time, he cleared his throat, "We are asking you to put your trust in us. We haven't given you reasons to mistrust us so far. Put your trust in us now too"

"Us?" said Jamie, "aren't you from Westeros anymore father?"

Tywin fixed a cold glare on Jamie, he was at the end of his patience with him. "I'm from Westeros yes but I've been planning this expansion for a long time. I live in Valreos, I'm married to a Valreon woman. My focus is here, ensuring these people grow and that we all survive"

Jamie looked at his father in disbelief but held his tongue, acutely aware all this meeting had done was show just how at odds the men were. Jamie knew a major part of that was anger on his behalf, and stubbornness that he hadn't resolved it.

"What about after?" said Sansa suddenly cutting through the tension, "If we win, what comes next?"

"We restore Westeros, the nobility who live retain their positions. Those unmarried nobility will be betrothed, the married nobility their children will be betrothed."

"Who will rule in Westeros?" said Arya tightly, "There's no use in winning if a war for the throne starts from the survivors"

Tywin looked to Alaerya who nodded to him, "The way Westeros is ruled will change, it cannot stay the same as it was. There will be a council of Valreons and two rulers, one male and one female. One from Westeros, one from Valreos. Rulers will be in power for five years and then new rulers will be voted in by the members of the noble families and the council. It will be evenly ruled between both races"

"It will force your people to put aside their issues and get along with each other, otherwise you're right, war will destroy who's left" said Alaerya with finality.

"Does anyone object?" said Tywin tiredly.

"I have a question," said Tyrion, "anyone from nobility can rule?"

"If you're voted in by your peers yes Tyrion, even you could rule" said Tywin to his son unable to hide the venom in his voice.

Looking thoughtful Tyrion simply nodded, the others still remained doubtful.

"Can we all agree to proceed?" said Alaerya looking around the room.

She was greeted with silence for a time before one by one they nodded to her to show they agreed.

VFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFV

The meeting ended with everyone stone faced and solemn, the time had come to finally vanquish their common enemy. The nobility left first followed by the Westerosi, Jamie planned to intercept Tywin but he swept from the room after Alaerya. Deep in conversation with her not even glancing his way, this perplexed Jamie. Internally he still grappled with Tywins presence but he knew it needed to be addressed sooner than later. He was wanting to get many of his unsaid feelings off his chest. Trying to keep up with them he ducked and weaved through the leaving members of the Council. He could see him up ahead just out of reach, exiting the Temple searching for him he just caught sight of a large red dragon lifting into the air. Tywin and his wife were heading back to their Dome, Jamie watched and let out a frustrated breath, shoulders slumping.

"You both have a lot of grievances" said a voice behind Jamie

He slowly turned and glanced over his shoulder, Alaerya sat behind him in the shelter of the Temple entrance.

"We must look like fools to you", returned Jamie with defeat in his voice.

Standing shakily Alaerya shuffled across to Jamie, inside he winced at how painful her movements looked in her old body.

She gripped his arm when she got closer and he felt the power streaming from her touch into him. It jolted him, and he felt lighter for it.

"The only fools are the ones who hold onto the weight on their shoulders when they can easily just let it go"

Alaerya stared steadily at Jamie still gripping his arm, he felt lighter and less angry.

"Life hasn't easy for me, or any of us lately" he replied honestly feeling comfortable enough with this woman to discuss how he truly feels.

"You don't learn anything when life is easy lad"

Jamie raised an eyebrow and tilted his head to the side, "That's putting it nicely"

"You need to make the first move with your father, stop being stubborn" she said directly.

Jamie looked down at the woman and knew she was right, "You really know him well don't you?"

"We share many mutual interests, one of which is the continuation of our line. We have grown to be friends of a sort, and it helps he married one of my descendants."

Jamie started to speak and Alaerya stopped him, "Enough Jamie, go to him."

Jamie looked out across the islands and saw the red Lannister dome in the distance standing out brightly, proudly displaying who it is and what it stands for.

"Here," said Alaerya as a carriage pulled up. "My dragon prefers to spend time in the caves at the moment. Join me in here"

Jamie watched as she slowly made her way to the carriage and sat waiting for him. He grimaced and at the last moment surged forward and sat in the carriage with her.

The trip was faster than Jamie expected, he always forgot how far reaching the magic of these people was. Before he knew it the red tower was looming in front of him and his stomach churned in many emotions. Before he had a chance to turn away he saw a silver haired woman approach him from the gardens.

"Jamie?"

He looked at her blankly, she extended her hand. He took it and felt her soft skin touch his and the characteristic tingle in her palm showing her magic.

"Kasarra...Lannister" she said as a look of acknowledgment came over his face, his fathers wife. She was present at the meeting but he hadn't really taken notice of her. She was also tall, long silver hair and sparkling eyes. Her calming presence was comforting to Jamie who felt nervous.

"Come inside, you'll miss all the food we have prepared for your arrival if you stay here all night" smiled Kasarra.

"You're...expecting me?" asked Jamie confused, Alaerya looked amused as Jamie exited the carriage.

"No fighting Jamie," said Alaerya in warning, "come see me when you're ready. I have some interesting artifacts I think you'll like"

Jamie smiled and nodded his thanks as he left the carriage.

Kasarra bowed her head to Alaerya as the carriage magically drove away to Valreon House.

"To be frank Jamie I've been awaiting your arrival since your last visit. You Lannister men sure are stubborn" smiled Kasarra in amusement and Jamie was struck by her beauty. He imagined she mirrored what Alaerya would've looked like in the flush of her youth.

Jamie quirked the corner of his mouth at her jive and slowly followed her into the Lannister residence.

"Can I ask you something Lady Kasarra?" asked Jamie as he followed her through the gardens inside the dome.

She turned back to smile at him, "I know you want the story," she slowed at his puzzled look, "of how it came to be your father remarried"

Jamie shook his head slightly, "I'm still coming to terms with it"

"There's not much to tell really Jamie, when he arrived here he was given a home and told of what lies ahead. He remained as he was for a time, then he answered a summons from Alaerya and discovered he had arrived at his wedding"

"She forced him to wed? Had you met before?"

Kasarra smiled wryly, "We had met before but he wanted to deny he had feelings. Because well you know he doesn't really do feelings" she spoke heavy with sarcasm.

Jamie scoffed a laugh, "Oh I'm familiar with that"

"Anyways," continued Kasarra, "it was years before your arrival and Alaerya wanted to settle Tywin amongst us. So he conceded and we wed, it's taken time and hasn't been easy but we have gotten to a place where we are satisfied in life." She shrugged, "That's all that matters to me"

The pair rounded a garden and arrived at the back of the Lannister dome, and came upon Tywin and his children. He was playing with them, fighting with a mock sword, but playing. Smiling even. Jamie stopped in shock, he had never thought he would ever see a smile cross his fathers lips. Upon seeing Jamie his face hardened again and the children followed his glare.

"Come Lions, meet your brother"

The three children bounded up to Jamie and stopped short with uncertainty. He knelt down to look at them all evenly, taking in the fact he had two sisters and a brother now. Tywin came up behind them and put his hand on his daughters shoulders.

"He's a bit late arriving but here he is. Children say hello to Jamie"

In unison while looking at the ground shyly they all replied greetings followed by a short awkward silence.

"I've never seen them shy in their lives!" exclaimed Kasarra, "Introduce yourselves then!"

None of them moved, Tywin began " This is Vhaeren, the youngest, then we have Jaerya, our second and our oldest is the beautiful Krysaela" he planted a kiss on the top of her silver head and she smiled looking up to him.

Jamie was dumbfounded he had witnessed actual affection from his father and began questioning if this was his father at all. It must have been written all across his face.

Kasarra shortly after led them towards lavishly presented dinner where Jamie got to know his siblings and step mother better. Kasarra was from one of the noble families and a member of the Temple of Storm and Temple of Shaeyra. She also wielded powerful dragon magic, and was teaching their children to fight and use their skills with dragons. Jamie began to warm up to the idea of having more family and the reality of what his father had been doing the whole time here. Yet it didn't dispel some of the questions burning in his mind that only grew louder the longer he spent with his siblings.

Kasarra peeled away with the children after dinner leaving Tywin with Jamie, the awkward silence returned. A glass materialised in front of Jamie and he didn't hesitate to drink it.

"You...can do magic?" He stuttered through coughs as the strong liquor hit him.

"Only basic practices. The real talent lays in how I think and plan, my wife holds the magic abilities more than me" muttered Tywin as he drank from his glass.

The men sipped quietly until Jamie couldn't hold it in anymore.

"You were here...the whole time. Did you know Cersei and your grandchildren would die? Did you think about any of us when you were here making a new family"

Tywin braced himself and slowly looked up at his son, "even if I wanted to do something, which I did, i was forbidden to. For one how would I get there? The docks are guarded and monitored, and two where would that leave us now? We'd all be members of the dead, crumbled underneath Kings Landing. And to answer your last question, yes. I thought of you, I've felt guilt all these years that I didn't do more of some things. That can't be changed now, but here we are, we are alive and we go on"

Deflated and realising he wanted more of a fight Jamie resigned himself to keep drinking. The liquor burned momentarily but gave way to a pleasant sweetness followed by spreading warmth. Jamie thoroughly enjoyed it and began to relax.

"Why did it take you so long to come?" asked Tywin not looking at Jamie.

"You can't blame me? It's taken some...adjusting. Getting my head around this has been difficult"

Tywin sighed and put his drink down looking to Jamie, "I'm glad you're alive, both of you. And when this is won you will return to Casterly Rock and do your duty. Both of you. I've been hammering this into your heads since you were children and the only one that really listened to me was Cersei. Not that she did much good with it, can you both just do as I ask, for once?"

Shocked at his fathers candour all Jamie did was raise his glass, "I'm willing to try a new way"

He smiled slightly and Tywin nodded his head returning to pick up his drink.

"When you say do your duty father does that mean I'm arranged to be married?"

"Yes you are to marry, and don't worry she will have blonde hair. I hear that's what you like" Tywin replied bitterly.

Jamie's face blanched in embarrassment at his fathers stinging words as he realised the context.

VFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFV

Tyrion wandered through the Great Library, he now spent everyday there combing the shelves and flicking through various texts. His lessons with the children were enjoyable to him and he learnt a great deal about Valyrian history and culture. His teacher was impressed with his dedication and he grew a friendship with him. Spending time discussing historical events and sharing things of interest he found in the library.

Today he chose some books and sat by himself to read the texts, the pages absorbed him and he spent most of the day engaged in reading. People came and went from the library and Tyrion remained, absorbed in reading accounts of the Ghiscari wars, the set up of Valyrian territories and government documents from Old Valyria. His teacher Alaerion joined him after hours of self study, sitting across from Tyrion and peering over at the book he read.

"Ah you've found the documents from Old Valyrias High Governors Office! The story of how we came to acquire these is not written down in this volume but a later one written by the former High Governor himself, Vaeris Jaelyn. His House continues here to this day but now they have business in mining rather than ruling."

Tyrion glanced up and flicked through his books, "I believe I was planning to look through the book written by Vaeris, Ah yes here it is"

He pulled out a thinner ageing book and flicked through it, "I'll get to this one later. I'm really fascinated by the details of how their Governments ran and the detail included in these works is incredible. Like page 251, the account of disputes between the Houses Ballaer and Valreon. I've not been able to find any more information about House Ballaer anywhere in the government accounts, it's like they just...disappeared. Only other mention of them is on pages 101 to 103 when there is another dispute over property and accusations of murder."

"I think you'll find the answers in Vaeris book on pages 61 and 63. There is an account of what became of that family. What else have you read Tyrion?" questioned Alaerion with interest.

Tyrion smiled slightly and pointed to the books on his left, Alaerion looked impressed.

"You read these just today? What can you tell me about them?" said Alaerion as he read the titles in the spines.

Tyrion looked taken aback, "How long do you have? There's so much to these Ghiscari wars, the strategies, interaction with Ghiscari rulers and accounts of the battles themselves. They're much more interesting than the history of battles in Westeros"

"I think we have discovered something here little Lannister" smiled Alaerion tapping his fingers on the stack of books on the table by Tyrion.

"What are you talking about?" said Tyrion absentmindedly flicking through pages and reading as he goes.

Alaerion leaned forward, "There is a talent in our magic for memorisation. All of us possess the ability to do it, but others," he looked around the library, "others can memorise this entire library in great details. Even going so far as being able to recite the contents of whole books. You're showing abilities of this trait"

"How is this possible? I'm not Valyrian" scoffed Tyrion at the notion he had any kind of magic.

"No you're not but there is obviously some hint of magical talent from where you're from. This skill will be highly useful as we continue expanding into a full fledged empire. Knowledge is where true power lies"

"What importance could I possibly have? I'm a bloody dwarf who enjoys reading" laughed Tyrion.

"Tyrion as our people expand we need to receive and record new information and teach that to others. It's a job that has no end, one which I believe would suit you. It's very important to be in control of a civilisations information, without information our ancestors would've remained herders in Valyria"

Tyrion looked thoughtful, "Alright I'll work with you on this, but I don't have high hopes I'll show much more talent than this"

He smiled and returned to his reading, by the end of the day he had finished the books in front of him. Thoroughly enjoying the book written by Vaeris, the last High Governor of Old Valyria. Tyrion especially enjoyed the end where Vaeris discusses his resignation and leaving his rival to succeed as the Doom was unfolding.

By the end of the week Tyrion had memorised and read the whole section on the Ghiscari wars and documentation on the Old Valyrian government. Alaerion was unsurprised by his ability to memorise and recall hundreds of books in intricate detail.

As part of his report to Alaerya, Alaerion ensured he passed on this detail to the woman who would be most interested in this new development.

VFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFV

The armories and forge workshops were working at full capacity, men crowded and worked in the blistering heat. They crafted enhanced dragon armour to protect their prized dragon friends from attack. Dragon glass and crafted steel were fused together and powerfully activated with magic and finished with blasting by dragon fire. The armour was tested by men who shot arrows and attacked with swords. Nothing could penetrate or break the armour, not even using magic was the armour damaged even in the slightest. Satisfied the master forgers approved the fitting of the armour to dragons, teams of men carried the armour to the waiting area where dragons and their riders awaited fitting. Gendry was part of this team working in the forge, his apprenticeship in forging magical artifacts was taken up a notch. He learnt more in preparing for war than he had his whole apprenticeship in Kings Landing. His skill advanced so quickly his mentor was satisfied he was skilled enough to work on his own, checking on his work periodically to ensure all was well. Every now and then he would make a suggestion or correct his symbols but mostly Gendrys work was of high quality and didn't need altering. He worked constantly, passionate and without a break, his blood singing as he worked. He didn't remember feeling this engaged in his work ever, as he continued he built up a large stack of potentised weapons.

"Enough for today lad" spoke his mentor Gaellyn, Gendry kept working on one last piece.

"When I finish this piece I'll help fit the dragons" he muttered while he poured, his mind flashing with images of the weapon he was creating. The images haunted his dreams causing him to toss and turn through the night. Symbols flashing across his vision, burning into his mind. His last inscription complete, he raised the war hammer high above his head and the symbols burned bright and fizzled loudly. The pink sapphire and large diamonds glowing and emitting light, he turned it over in his hands. It was extremely light for a war hammer, the blade incredibly sharp and the handle fit perfectly in his grip. Satisfied he placed it with the others destined for activation and dragon fire.

"This one returns to me" he told the runner responsible for transporting the weapons. The man bowed his head and hurried to the waiting dragon. Wasting no time Gendry assisted the dragons being fitted for their armour. The dragons patiently sat as it took time for each piece to fit their unique shape and size. Gendry watched in amazement as his mentor manually altered the pieces that didn't fit correctly. Using the magic in his hands to meld the pieces to fit each beast perfectly. At the end of the fitting process the dragons were fitted with body armour and helmets of the finest dragon glass and steel material. In laid with enormous magically activated gems which glowed as they came into contact with their skin. Gendry watched in awe as the dragons departed after their fitting, feeling hopeful that the Night King would be defeated. Suddenly he remembered there was still much to do and he hurried to return and continue assisting.

VFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFV

Jon was loathe to leave his children behind, and he didn't want to leave behind Aerylle either. She had taken to slipping in late at night and surprising him with her mouth in different places each time, or straddling his face. He had never had such an intense physical connection with a woman before, and he'd never had such a sexually hungry woman before. Internally he worried he might not be able to keep up with her, and then he would find himself at the end of a long session with her and the euphoria would replace his doubts. Today he was fitted with his battle armour, dragon hide and adjustable, it was light but incredibly tough. Aerylle seductively fitted him, her hand grazing parts of him unexpectantly which would cause him to jump and smile. She would smile in response and giggle as she continued his fitting, lastly she presented him with Blackfyre, his ancestral sword. At his touch the magic fizzled into his fingers and the sword and symbols flashed a fiery light.

"The sword likes you, I've never seen one so responsive to its owner before. It's been a long time since one of your blood has touched it. It's missed you" she spoke fondly looking over the sword.

"You speak of it as if it lives" replied Jon as he proudly sheathed it.

"Everything has an energy" shrugged Aerylle.

She stood behind Jon looking over his shoulder into the mirror, he looked at her momentarily as she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.

"You'll be returning, I've seen it" she murmured into his ear.

"I'm not used to visions being a good thing, in the past it spelled doom" returned Jon with worry in his tone.

"With time, you'll get used to it my love. Are you feeling prepared?"

"I never feel prepared to meet the Night King. I feel like we have waited here too long. Who knows what we face when we return there" his voice was tight with the unresolved frustration he felt at their delay.

Aerylle knew nothing she said would calm his nerves, she turned him to face her and looked up at him with her big, bright purple eyes.

"You'll come back to us, we have a life to build together. He can't defend the magic in this" she indicated the sword, "feel it through your feet and project it through your hands"

She showed him the movement of the energy from the sword and Jon looked at her with an amused smile, "I don't know what you mean-"

"You will" she replied simply as she looked over him one last time, satisfied she smiled and drew him out by her hand. Sansa and Arya waited impatiently to see him, smiling knowingly at Aerylle. It had quickly become known that Aerylle was sneaking into Jons room when the noises became regular. Arya had told Sansa after she and Gendry returned from a night sparring session in the gardens they had seen Aerylle naked leaving Jon's room smiling.

The Stark sisters flung their arms around him, he took in the feeling of them and looked at both of them seriously.

"Until we meet again," he said solemnly.

Arya looked him over and started at the sight of Blackfyre, "Jon, is that-"

"The lost Targaryen sword? Yes it is" he replied and he looked to Aerylle and nodded slightly. Without hesitation she unsheathed Long Claw and presented it to Arya, the symbols which now adorned the blade glowed darkly. Arya looked to Jon, confused.

"My time with Long Claw has finished, Alaerya had this sword enhanced and charged me to pass it on to you"

"You seem to be making a habit of giving me blades when you go off on adventures" joked Arya.

She reverently took the blade from Aerylle thanking her, at her touch the sword made high pitched singing sounds. The symbols glowed white hot illuminating the room, she strode away from Jon and Sansa, swinging the sword and water dancing. Every swing the sword hissed with light and sent a shower of sparks in its wake. Arya was mesmerised, sheathing the new sword on her belt she ran to Jon and hugged him fiercely.

"Come back to us brother" she whispered in Jon's ears doing a terrible job of hiding her fear for him.

"I plan on it" replied Jon gruffly.

After one last hug, he left to see his children once more flanked by Aerylle.

After a heartfelt goodbye to his children Jon faced the grim reality of what he needed to face, the unfinished business with the Night King. Since Hardhome they had clashed and neither had bested the other, the Night King seemed to actively avoid fighting Jon in hand to hand combat. Aerylle accompanied Jon to the front of the Temple of Healers where Rhaegal was waiting. He turned to look at her smiling at her beauty, the wind slightly ruffling her hair and her steely purple gaze looking at him. She made the first move passionately grabbing his face and pulling him in to her before whispering in his ear, "Return to me, I'm not done with you and I don't think I ever will be. Don't leave me here without you" her husky voice thick with desire sent a chill down Jon's spine.

Discreetly she ran her hands down his body and finished by grabbing him below and kissing his neck. He smiled in amusement and hugged her.

"I'll return to you, I hope it's after a victory"

She studied his face for a moment and then stepped back, "Beware Jon, the blue eyes can switch sides"

She touched him between the eyebrows and it sent an unpleasant feeling down his spine.

Feeling emotions rising in him he pulled Aerylle close to him and felt her slender form pressed against his, it rose desire in him he needed to push down.

"I love you" he said quietly in her ear and she blushed slightly in response.

Jon turned from Aerylle and mounted Rhaegal, he looked across the bay and saw groups of dragons on each island. They were all eager and ready to depart, on the first island he could see the massive form of Alaerya's ageing dragon Vaella. As he watched the dragon lifted into the sky and let out a blood curdling screech. He watched in awe as the dragon riders whooped with joy raising their glowing swords into the sky as their dragons lifted into the air. Jon braced as Rhaegal lifted into the air and joined the first formation of dragon riders leaving Valreos.

VFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFV

Naath was known for its beauty and tranquility, it stood rising out of the ocean with towering volcanoes and lush forests. Butterflies littered the entire island giving it a surreal image. The Westerosi survivors had arrived and the peaceful Naathi were welcoming to them all. It had shocked the survivors that the dragon Queen had failed to join them on Naath. This left many questioning who would lead them and resulted in many squabbles for power. It had caused many meetings of the remaining noble families to disintegrate into shouting and sometimes fights. The Naathi are the most peaceful people in the known world, abstaining from violence of any kind and living on a diet without consuming meat. The show of violence from the Westerosi had shocked the Naathi and some of their people had retreated deep into the forest for safety. Only a small number remained to man their shores and cultivate their fields. The survivors on arrival were forced to drink a foul potion created by the Naathi Healers. Without the potion they would soon succumb to the deadly breed of Butterfly known to cause death from Butterfly fever. Shocked at losing the dragon Queen and Jon Targaryen the survivors had been split over what action to take. Until the day a lone ship arrived carrying Missandei, Grey Worm and Sandor Clegane. The Naathi were overjoyed at the appearance of Missandei, the only child taken into slavery to return to Naath. They had relayed the news of Jon's survival on some islands a full day of sailing away. Naturally many wanted to join the Targaryen but were told their orders were to remain and plans were in place for returning to Westeros. This sparked a fresh round of debate about what they should do, many were too impatient to stay on Naath and wanted to immediately sail to these new islands. Ellaria Sand was impatient and angry, not wanting to wait for anyone. While Brienne of Tarth was calming and insistent they remain as they were ordered despite frustration over how little information they were given. The disagreements went on for what seemed like forever, nobility shouting over one another to get their point across.

They were truly displaced and disgraceful, upheaval had made many of them paranoid and mistrusting of even their own people. Having enough of the conflict Brienne stood, whistling loudly and striding to the middle of their meeting which was in disarray.

"I'm sick of hearing you all complaining and fighting. I'm taking charge! We have been given orders, we remain here until we hear otherwise"

Dramatically she drew her sword and twirled it around in her hands, throwing it in the air and catching it again.

"If anyone wishes to challenge me as temporary leader, come and fight me for it"

Shocked at her sudden show of authority the group fell silent, Bronn looked amused, everyone else was shocked.

"Good, we have been given orders by the King to wait, and wait we will"