Dragonstone – Daenerys
« Is that a good idea ? « ask Varys as he sat on his chair, joining the reunion of the councel. I mean, of course we need allies but the north again… No excuse but your family, my queen when we look at the past, they somehow often get burned by dragons…
- Does that make a problem to you, Varys ? Daenerys gave him a bad look, she didn't appreciated how he spoke about his family You saying that my family are just a bunch of murderers ? She continue to rise her tone Did you forget what they did ?! Stark and Baratheon at the War of Trident ?! They allowed murders of babies, crushed on the wall, Ned Stark was there too. I got exiled because if not I don't even want to imagine what Robert would have done to me and Viserys !
- I assume that the responsabilities of those atrocious acts reigns in the two houses… But what I want to know it's… Can we trust this… Jon Snow ? ask Ser Barristan with a peaceful tone,which had an effect on both Daenerys and Varys. They all turned to Tyrion who was the one who voted for a meeting between his queen and him.
- As far as I remember we can rely on him. He is Ned Stark bastard son and he was raised by the Starks, He is a good kid and you can be sure that the fellow young man is full of Ned Stark's values. Daenerys wasn't convinced by his words My queen… I know that is not the time to have trust issues as we are on the final road to the throne but … At the moment Jon Snow his our best chance to convince the seven kingdoms to ride for us.
- Your man seems to be very important to people's eyes… said Daenerys a little annoyed by this. So if he bend the knee and only so, the Iron Throne will be on our hands… But I can just take the Iron Throne by myself with my armies and my three dragons. I don't need your man for that…
- Of course you don't need him for that but what the people will think ? We are not here as far as I know to repeat the same mistakes of the past. We're here to break the wheel not make her roll over and over again. And to break that circle we need to reapproach the way we consider them, by giving them chance…
- To betray us ? To disappoint us ? I can't put my faith in a stranger… replied Daenerys looking all of her councelors. Tyrion was frustrated but could't say more.
- My lady… began Ser Barristan Do not rely on your mistrust and give him a chance to surprise us… Missandei nodded in signs of agreement.
- At the stage of what we are now, he is the best to surpass our expectations concluded Varys. Daenerys took a look at all of them and managed to finally agree with them
- Fair well, let's give the northmens another chance to play with the fire…
Jon Snow
Jon's leaving Winterfell. He couldn't help but think about what he left behind him. The North, his sister, his people and also the upcoming danger of the Night King. As he traveled on his ship with his hand, Ser Davos. He became more and more tensious. He was preparing himself to be ruthless, to unleash his rage if the situation goes crazy. In fact, Jon has confronted himself with blood lust. He could feel his sword Longclaw shivered in his belt, excited and asking about blood. When he took a look to the pommeau of his sword. He saw the wolf roaring, possessed and tempted by vengeance.
The sword asked for more punitions and his direwolf could feel it too. The darkness started to take place in Jon's mind. The constant reflections of his own murder where coming in his spirit. It wasn't a vision. He was alive just as his heart beating and he could see the temptation ready to devour him. Davos saw the young man disturbed by his own conscience. But at this time usually, he was coming to take the weight of the shoulders of Jon but he was scared. By the look of someone who have seen death in the King of Crow's eyes. Jon was determined. He was going be ruthless and just as a wolf ready to kill his victim. The ship has finally landed to Dragonstone. The beach is bonded by dothraki mens.
They're rested and taking their own culture alive by having those disturbs manors on this beach. An alarm ringed. Everybody was aware of their arrived. The silence took place and the swords were making the noise. From those savages, a little man emerged. He was standing on his feet, with his dark coat, brow hair and his scar on half of his face. A symbol was on his coat. He seems to be very important. On his right, a lightskin woman with curly hair wearing a long dark tunique crossing her arms behind herself. They knew he was his coming and they're were prepared for it. Jon saw that machination and ask his mind patience instead of violence.
He regained his calm and jumped out of his ship with a tense look. He was staring at these peoples like they were insects. But then remembered who he was, a little bastard. The sun bright on his sword and showed his very long dark hair tightened by an elastic. He had the hair of a princess, Davos thought. His dark beard was graven and fit him very well. He had that strong stature and charismatic look. The little dwarf was very surprised by this man that he knew a long time ago. They took a moment to stare at each other to realize how much time have passed in their own eyes before cutting the silience :
- You… You are Ned's stark bastard…. You look just like him but more elegant…
- The little dwarf recognizable by thousands ! How a dwarf like you managed to get a scar on his face bigger than himself ?
- I didn't know that you reveal to yourself a sense of humor, I thought you were always that little virgin kid always too timid to talk….
They started to laugh at each other, how much time had passed between those two. Their faces, their allegiance, their status have changed and here they were there again, reunited by the old gods
- Besides all of that… What a man like you doing here… I mean, I am King but you… I can see that you came from being a lion to becoming a dragon…
- Times changes, things happened, and the world keep advancing. It takes several struggles to a man to abandon his allegiance…. I'm sure you can understand that King Jon… Tyrion then realised the presence of Ser Davos. Shit ! What this bald head doing here ! I have already enough of bald heads he thought. Ser Davos ! Welcome to Dragonstone, I hope you don't have any feelings of what happen in that battle ?
- Times changes, things happened and the world keep advancing like you said. I'm here now that's what's counting with a new king to serve but a wiser one…
- I see now old man… I knew you were a decent man… Maybe the old gods will be on your side this time… remember from the time Stannis tried to takeover Port-Real
- Don't get too cocky little man. I'm still strong enough to handle you. said Davos mocking Tyrion.
- I doubt that that is not true… Well gentlemens ! It's time to meet our queen until we gettin' our asses burn by the sun A lady started to advance in front of these mens.
- Without introducing me first ? Those mens were looking at her, a beautiful lightskin woman with tremendous curly hair. Tyrion was annoyed by this. Ser Davos was surprised. Jon was the only one showing some interest by her venue.
- You are ? He asked her with a strong look on his face. He was started to being suspicious and he erased completely his sense of humor.
- Missandei of Naath. I am the interpret and advicer of Queen Daenerys. You must be King Jon ?
- That's who I am. We don't often see people like you in Westeros. I am not saying it is bad thing, it is just surprising.
- It's because I was a slave at Astapor. I was captured me and my brothers, and we were sold to slave masters. I couldn't even speak with you, if Queen Daenerys didn't save me back in those dark days when my only dream was to find death…
Jon took a look at her. He saw what her queen did for her. She seems to care about people he thoughts. But he was not convinced. One thing he knew it is to not trust people so quickly. That can drives him to death. Especially when you having responsabilities of all of a kingdom. He was doubtful and without noticing he was staring at her for a little moment. She felt a discomfort and disturbed. She was patiently waiting for an answer :
- Your queen… with a sarcastic tone She seems to be very sensitive… She must have a big heart… saying those words with a malicious smile on his face. Davos wasn't feelings Jon's attitude recently. He was too « out of control » Tyrion was amused by this. He didn't expect that from Jon and was wondering what other tricks he might have learn in his journey that leads him to this place. Missandei felt some anger but she restrained himself. She couldn't but like that kind of self-confidence and all of his mimics on his face who makes him more likeable and more attractive :
- She does. She says that with a smile showing her amusement. Do you have any problems with it ? She stopped her walk to confront him
- I am just a very curious man… He was showing his strong confidence with his fancy smile. He continues his walk to enter the famous castle. Peyredragon is a volcanic island located at the mouth of Nera Bay, created by the volcano, Montdragon. The island is humid and dull. The castle is a small fortress located on the face of the volcano. Outside its walls is a small fishing village on the stormy coast. The subsoil of Montdragon is rich in Verredragon or obsidian. There are many of them in the old tunnels under the mountain. Most of the obsidian is black, but there are some green, rare red or purple ones.
As a result of the mischief of many Targaryen lords and princes over the years, many of the island's inhabitants are descendants of this dynasty, and are called Dragon Seed. Peyredragon, though old and strong, commands the allegiance of only a few small lords whose islands are too sparsely populated to provide large numbers of troops. They do, however, have some naval power. To the west of Peyredragon is the island of Lamarck, which is the seat of the House of Velaryon, historically a naval power. The Celtigar House of Pince-Isle, the Mervault House of Cap de l'Ire, the Bar Emmon House of Pointe-Vive, and the Solverre House of Sweetport Sound are the sworn houses of Peyredragon, which are descended from the Valyrians. At least two members of the Maison Lamûre serve at Peyredragon. As he penetrates the castle, they asked to give up their swords :
- It would be preferrable if you give up your swords to us. The queen will see this as an act of trust and full conviction to develop a proper relationship. Tyrion says this looking at Jon who wasn't too happy about this.
- Take my sword then… He releases Longclaw from his belt and give him to the dothrakis. Davos did the same showing signs of disbelief.
- But my wolf is coming with me… I am sure you can understand that don't you ? He gaves a little tap on Tyrion shoulder by lowering himself.
He then regain his posture and walk inside of the room with conviction. He was analyzing the room, the decors, the atmosphere, the painting of dragons on the walls, the long corridor between the throne and himself, and the soldiers, around the blonde queen on her throne. He kept his look on the one on his right who gave them a fierce look, showing that if the situation goes wrong, he would be ready to solve any problem with his long stick. « Another one who must have been saved by the queen he thoughts » He was thinking by the man Grey Worm. Another man step inside the room. He was an old man but a famous one. Known around all of Westeros due to his battles Ser Barristan Selmy. He was smiling without stopping himself. Very proud to see that the Starks have finally regain what they deserved, and as a bonus, someone who seems to carry the will of the late Eddard Stark. Jon was surprised by his presence. A man that he admired all of his life, hearing late nights stories about his successes and battles by his uncle Benjen or his late father Ned Stark. A man truly honorable who everybody respects. He was relaxing himself until he saw the last man enter the room. He was beginning to become suspicious. Ghost his direwolf could sense it too and his red eyes were focusing on that person. Everybody glanced at the wolf. They were amazed by him and by his size, he was representing his master and the North himself. The man was Daario Naharis. A sellsword who managed to find a place in the counsel of Daenerys. What a clever snake he was. He was going to try his own tactics on her. He was disgust by Jon and he was intending to make him feel about that. Jon direct his look on » another bald head » Ser Varys :
- It seems that you and this man have something to share… He glance at Davos saying those words with a mockery tone. He smiled and approched him. Your hair are receding together…
- Fuck you Jon… It's not the time to make joke. Look at her on her throne… She distanced herself from us because she thinks, she's ahead. That we are not in the same lane. You should worry about how she thinks that you are inferior to her, instead of caring for my hairline, bastard…
Jon giggled and then responds to his advicer :
- I am kidding… I am trying to relax the atmosphere… Besides I know that she already think that she have won by seeing us here circle by her mens. She have to remember that we are the North and that we are not in time to make compromises… The night king is coming and winter too. We will see what kind of queen she is…
- This is what you came here ? To see what kind of queen she is ? He was looking at Jon surprised by his answer
- I am here to see what kind of queen she think she is. You know, it's real when you are who you think you are. They said that she care about people… Let's see what the word « care » means to her… And then we will propose an offer… Now, just watch the throne…
Jon was looking at her in a mix of admiration and mistrust. He often imagined what she could look like but it was nothing like he could imagine, she had surpassed his expectations. « She literally was built in a mine of diamond « But he couldn't think of her that way, that early. At this moment right now she was his enemy, and that thought just makes him more nervous and tense. He wouldn't let his people, the North again be involve in a war against a Targaryen plus with the army of the dead, they weren't safe.
He gave her an intense look at Daenerys sitting on her throne. She saw that but she wasn't impressed at all. In fact, she was just amused to see them planning their speech in front of her. She didn't remember any lords, kings doing that. « He is impredictable » she thoughts. The north mens are known to remain loyal especially the House Stark. Their honour it's what they drives them to death. But this man in front her, wasn't a Stark. He was a bastard and even if he have been by raised by Starks, what's gonna stop him to show his true nature ? She heard different stories about Jon Snow the man who beats « Death » himself. A lot of mysteries surrender the fellow King In the North and she was ready to clear all of this right now :
- You stand in the presence of Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen, rightful heir to the Iron Throne, rightful queen of The Andals and the first men, protector of the Seven Kingdoms, The Mother of Dragons, The Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, The Unburnt, The Breaker of Chains… Everybody was now looking at Jon and Davos very curious about their answer :
- This is Jon Snow ! King in the North ! Davos said that loud with a smile noticing Jon's smiling too. We made a long road to be there… We hope that the queen will listen to us…
- I will. Daenerys says that in a convince tone. She was still analysing Jon's reaction. He was amused by all of this, like a child ready to do some foolish things. She was looking at him intensely like a predator waiting for a prey to do a mistake. She then breaks the silence and answer :
- I am very honoured, my lords that you respond and came here. I am sure it was felt like a trap an invitation given by a southern ruler, besides of House Targaryen. Our families have been linked in the past in glorious days but also in tragedies. Today, it's a new world and I want to give new opportunities to my people such as yours. In order to that, I need you to bend the knee, right here and give your allegiance to my house. Acknoledge me as your Queen and the rightful queen of Westeros and together we will built a better future for our people.
- Hmmmm… First of all, I am no lord. I am a King, and the North is under my responsabilities. I would like to be… buddy-buddy with you but we northerners have some little… issues with south… Especially with… House Targaryen. You see… It is difficult for me to come all this way to bend a knee, it is literally stupid. There is something much more important that your political issues…
- I thought you were more polite but you are going straight to the point, Lord Snow… She insisting on this in order to anger him. Tell us what you came here before we throw you out of here… She dares him to respond, she gave him a bad look, she wasn't feeling his cocky attitude at all.
- Come out of your throne and then we will talk like adults, little girl…
The smile on his face was wild and his mimics too. Davos was in shocked, he couldn't believed how arrogant Jon was. Tyrion was scared of Daenerys reaction and gave a look to Varys who nodded in sign of agreement. Missandei was angered and tempered her rage by seeing Jon Snow disrespect her queen this way. Daario was giggling thinking that Jon signed his death at this moment, Ser Barristan had an hand on his sword ready to do what's necessary if something happen. Grey Worm spit on the floor, very angry of the attitude of Jon. Everybody was confused and shocked about the turn of this situation. Daenerys was angry but she hides it with her self-confidence and come out of her throne to approach Jon. When she was near enough, she stops herself, doing all of her action with determination and an intense look on her face. She then confronts him :
- Now talk. She said that in a fierce tone. She was pissed by him. He looked at her in the eyes and realised that she was entirely focus on him. He had her attention « Finally » He took a deep breathe to deliver his message :
- I came here to see… The queen that the people say you are.
- That's all ? very pissed by his attitude, she gave him a bad look. Jon could felt that and breath twice knowing that he really hit her someway
- I also came here because I want something that means more than politics. If the Missandei and my little dwarf says that you care about people, you should listen to me. He let that sink in. I am not surprising you when I tell you winter is coming. But you don't wanna know what's coming with it… We discovered another type of « people » that you seems to love so much. They are beyond the Wall. I know that because I was a brother of the Night Watch until… Nevermind. Either way, these people represents a threat. We call them « white walkers » They are old creatures older than human existence. They are based to being a myth but they manged to become a reality… I saw them because I fought them me and the wildings at Hardhome. We saw what their leader, the Night King is capable to do. He can bring back people to life. At the moment as we speaking, him and his army are coming. We better stop them because if we don't… The seven kingdoms are doomed…
Daario couldn't help but to laugh at Jon's speech to his queen. He was very amused by his stories about white walkers :
- So you are basically telling us that you made all this way from you little kingdom to talk about a tale from a time that surpass all of us in this world. What kind of a man are you, Snow ? Jon looked at him in a wrong way, Daenerys saw that so she interrupted Daario
- Daario close your mouth, don't be a fool. Daenerys glanced at him to make him notice his behaviour.
- Listen to your queen, little dog… Jon stared at Daarion saying those swords. Davos assisted Jon by mimicking the sound of a dog. Jon remained silent despite his strong will to laugh. Daenerys was smiling in her head to see Davos doing childish things and then answer :
- And what makes you think that I believe any word that you are saying to me ? she said with bored by him and his demand
- Don't play those games… You believe in dragons, so believe in white walkers. You can't ignore there existence…
- I only trust what I can see with my eyes, plus what guarantee that I have that is not a trap from you ?
- Come on, we are really discussing about tricks ? After what you father did ?
- Don't play with fire, you might burn yourself just like you grandfather… Besides it was due to my father madness and not my decision. Don't judge a child by the sins of his parents… I have been very clear. We will only talk about you… white walkers stories only if you bend the knee, if not…
- What ? You gonna burn me alive ? The night king and his army doesn't care about all of this ! He only care about destruction and death ! He don't care if you are Stormborn, the Breaker of Chains, or Khaleesi or the Great Sea or whatever the fuck you are ! We still a threat to him and he will comme at all of us without giving a damn about any titles, any kingdoms we possessed ! We are nothing to him and he will kill us all. Unless, you join us The North to fight them with all you got. There's only a little chance, a little hope and we would be idiots if we are not taking the risk of it…
- If I was you, Jon Snow, I'll remain very calm, said Lord Varys wondering the answer of his queen who sometimes could be surprising.
She listened to him and his devotion for his cause. » He was a good leader » He was showing signs of a great king, a protector of his realm. But she wasn't feeling it. Gave all of her strength to someone that she never knew, that wasn't the time to take risks, she thoughts. She had also another war to prepare with Cercei for the Iron throne, she couldn't divised her strength and she had to be in one side. She chose Port-Real. Anything that Jon could say, wasn't gonna change her mind. Ser Davos tried to give assistance to his king :
- I understand, my lady that you cannot place your trust in these young king… But please, I ask you to see the greater picture of it… It's about protecting peoples now… I didn't see from my own eyes what it is talking about, but I believe in him. Such as the wildings believed in him when he lets them passed the wall as Lord Commander of the Night Watch. Such as the North believed in him when they chose him as King in the North, a little bastard like him. You see. Jon is someone who wasn't born for all of those things, but he lived for them, he fought for them he di… Well he di everything to fulfill his duties… So we ask you, I am asking you to put your faith in him and gives us your help. If you are a queen who protects and care about her people… Prove it.
He was literrally giving her a challenge by saying those words. What a convincing man he is she thoughts. She wanted to give them what they asked but she couldn't afford it at this moment. She had other things to do and white walkers weren't a priority, something that she never saw. She wanted to be ruthless with anyone that doesn't bend the knee but with them she didn't have the will to throw them away. Something had convinced her and she knew the need of an ally. The North was large and had enormous lands, and peoples, they can almose become independent by themselves if they really wanted too. She didn't want to contrary them but not pleased them either. « What a issue that is « The only thing that emeerged on her mind was « time » She needed time to think about all of this and decide what's next with her advicers. She then proceeds to answer :
- Hmmmmm…. I heard you, Jon Snow and Ser Davos you and your demands. I will consider your demands with my advancers and I strongly recommend you to bend the knee. Until I call you for a new meeting, you will stay there. With her most autoritary tone who even surprised Jon.
- Am I a prisoner ? Jon said this while watching her distances herself from him and Davos :
- If you said so. She then regain her throne by sitting on it. Jon and Davos were driven out of the room and taken to their rooms in a wait of an answer by Daenerys :
- Fuck… I think… We screwed, Davos… He said that by looking at him with sign of despair.
- I think we pretty well fucked up… But she won't kill us. She need us alive… She can't play those games of murder right now…
- She must want something from us, much deeper than our allegiance to her… said Jon looking at Davos
- She wants our support to convince the people and specifically our people to trust her as queen of seven kingdoms… I think that little bastard of dwarf anticipated that. He knows that the northmens are not the type of people to just giveaway their trust like that. To gain our confidence you must earn it and what better support she would have if Jon Snow, the King in the North himself give to her that support. You know how many people trust you and have faith in you, Jon… You the North himself…
- If she wants that, She have to deseves it, we can play like that and risk our lives this way. We have the Night King to deal with so I can't offer myself a conflict with the South and at the same time fighting the white walkers, it don't make no sense…
- So we have to find a commune agreement to solve that situation because she can't continue to keep us here like we are her prisoners or anything else… Those Targaryens they always bitching about this and that… Jon was amused and relieved by Davos, he trusted him by his all
- And me I thought that you were more polite, Ser Davos… He smiled as he imitated Daenerys
- She owned you at that moment, you know that don't you ? He started to giggle
- My response wasn't that bad... I think she was surprise as how direct I was with her…
- That's why I asking myself… You've been such straight-to-the-point these days… What happened to you ? Isn't that Sansa, who said to be ruthless ? raising his eyebrows.
- She played her part too but also, I am just tired to take my time. I don't have time to waste time and we have to hurry and find a way to find a solution. We are in Dragonstone, so she must have something that can be useful to us… Something like… Dragonglass ? Jon said that with excitement
- Really ? Dragon glass ?
-Yes, you goddamn right, dragonglass ! Maybe I knock some sense in Tyrion's big head… He might be the only one willing to listen me… said Jon as he focused on the door that was lock.
- I mean you can try son… But what if you miss ? We screwed and we don't have nothing else to propose…
- You are my advicer you're the one to think about that not me… It's all or nothing, we are not here to make look ourselves like victims. Never compromise.
- Even in front of the face of the Dragon Queen ? Davos challenged Jon by saying this to see how far he was determined
- No fucking way. Said Jon with a fierce tone.
- So… said Davos as he stand up from his chair We put all of our eggs in the same basket right ?
- Do I look like I can do it in a other way ?
- Fair well, King Jon… Let's do it …