She collapsed to the floor, unconscious. Jorah was shocked more by the clang of metal on the stone floor as the dagger fell from her limp hand. He turned quickly and was greeted with the site of Bruda holding his staff up to where the assailant had been, blue energy gently receding back into the prism on top of the metal. Jorah had never seen the mage look so angry. His face was a contortion of fury as he stepped towards the incapacitated attacker, kicking the body lightly with his boot. He was muttering under his breath, looking at her. His words were whispered fast, indecipherable to Jorah. He could tell that it was common tongue but his angry tone would have confused anyone. He shook his head and glanced at the old Bear. Bruda looked old, stroking his chin in exasperation but also pure tiredness. He felt old as well. This was the last thing they needed. They examined the person - female, seemingly young, brown hair. She looked innocent in the state she was in yet he knew that wasn't the case. Jorah didn't have a clue who it was, just presuming that it was a local. But then that rose the question of why she had decided to attack him. He locked eyes with Bruda, who's ire became directed at the knight.

"What?" he innocently asked.

"You're incredibly lucky that you're not the one lying face down on the floor right now. It's a good job I spotted you walking down here and then our wannabe killer following you. Do you know her?"

"No. Never seen her. You?"

"She seems familiar. Like I should be able to piece this all together! It's bloody infuriating. She seemed very intent on getting to you. But why? Why would a young girl want to attack an old man in cold blood?"

"I'm not that old."

"That's what you're focusing on? She wanted you dead. Daenerys is not going to be happy with this. Not in the slightest. And an angry dragon is dangerous for all of us."

"Why would she be angry?"

"Did she bang your fucking head? You were almost killed. She almost lost you for good. I don't think she'd be able to go on if you died. Seriously. I wouldn't be able to deal with her. Westeros wouldn't."

"...she'd move on eventually."

"Jorah Mormont. Get it into your stupid head. She cares deeply for you. She has completely and utterly fallen for you to the extent where, if you were to die in a dark alleyway in a mysterious city, it would break her. And the last thing she needs right now with this campaign is that amount of emotional upheaval. It would put her off course. I fear it would send her on a dark path. You may not like this, but you need to survive. For her. And therefore for the rest of Westeros. It's now my job especially to protect you. Mainly from yourself.

"I don't need protecting. Focus your energy on Daenerys, she's more important."

"If you carry on like this, I will do to you what I did to this little shit. Do you understand me? I am already tired of saving you. It's at least twice now! I should be charging you. At my age, I should be relaxing in a small cottage in the countryside somewhere, growing plants and telling stories. Instead, I'm stood in a backstreet conversing with you."

"I appreciate your efforts. As does Daenerys." Jorah found it slightly amusing how they were forgetting there was an unconscious body between them whilst they talked.

"I'd also be wary of her if I were you. When I tell her what happened, because I am so looking forward to doing so, she's going to be wondering what idiotic thought drove you to walk down here alone. She'll be furious with you. And once I've told her, I'm running away and leaving you to fend for yourself."

"...I didn't think about that. I thought you just said that your new job was protecting me?"

"I can deal with pathetic little girls or infectious disease. I'm not stupid enough to take on that woman. How do you think I've managed to survive so long in this world?"

"Speaking of pathetic little girls, what should we do with her?" He gestured to the body on the floor.

"What else can we do? We need to take her back to the ship, get everyone together and then find out what her motives were. I'm hoping this was only an isolated event and not the start of a large scale attack. We're vulnerable whilst we're here in Braavos. The sooner we get to Dragonstone, the better."

"Then we'd best get moving. Maybe we could just dump the body on the ship and then hastily leave before Daenerys finds out what I did."

"I like you Jorah. But I did enough running in Meereen. And I want you to realise the full consequences of your mistake so you don't do something similar again." Jorah's sigh was met with a smile and chuckle from Bruda. "Now, our first task is getting the body to the ship. I'm sure none of the locals will bat an eyelid at two men carrying a girl through town, right?"

xxxxxxxxxx

Her life was falling apart. Her grasp on power crumbled a bit more with each passing day until, soon, there would be nothing left. She'd be reduced to an onlooker, instead of the main player, a position she had grown comfortably accustomed to. It just wasn't fair. Her son had been taken from her, as had her father shortly after. Her daughter was somewhere in Dorne, supposedly on her way back to the Kingdom. She doubted that she'd agree. There was nothing left in this ruin. Tommen grew more distant by the day, meaning her hold on him had slipped. He was under the control of the Tyrell girl now. She had to begrudgingly commend the younger woman for outplaying her at her own game. That wouldn't save her from retribution though. She would make sure all those that had wronged her would be suitably punished when the time came. For now, lacking in any real support, especially after Jaime's departure, she had to lie low to save herself. For the time being, she couldn't be touched. She was still the Queen Regent, after all.

Cersei had fallen into the routine of languishing in her chambers for most of the day, sipping wine whilst contemplating how to rectify the situation. She didn't venture out much, only wandering the corridors of the Red Keep to keep her occupied and to remind people that she did, in fact, still exist. The King's Council would always reconvene if she attempted to take her place during their discussions. Those leeches would be the first to go. They were letting the power go to their heads. Cersei despised how two members of the Tyrell family were also whispering in Tommen's ear. And that dithering old fool Pycelle was always suggesting that he move from the traditional way of ruling. The traditional way had got them this far, why would it fail them now? The Lannisters had grown their reputation over decades, preserving their power above all else. Yet it now lay in ruins, even if they were still sat on the throne. Tommen had always been the weakest of her two sons. She doubted if he would still amount to anything other than a puppet.

The sun was intently bearing down on the city, as if it was making up for the return of Winter that the maesters said would soon be upon them. She was currently staring out amongst the crowded buildings and the constant movement of people. They were ants from this vantage point, nothing more than cogs in a system that kept her where she was. She was startled when her door swung open and she moved to see who it was. She was surprised to see that it was Tommen, clad in fine green clothes and his golden crown. He held himself differently, more assured of himself. Was the position changing him for the better? It was the first time he had interacted with her for at least a week. He always came running back to her eventually like the little child he still was.

"Tommen, it is so good to see you." She plastered a smile on her face, not wanting to make a mistake in this unexpected opportunity to regain some standing. He smiled at her gently but he still seemed nervous about something, wringing his hands as he spoke.

"I can say the same to you, mother. It has been far too long. I have just been too busy to see you, with so many people wanting to speak with their king. I hope you accept my apology."

So he was regretful and wanted her to stay in his life. She could work with this. "Nonsense. It is your duty as king to see that your loyal subjects remain loyal and obedient. By giving them even a moment of your time, they will be forever grateful to you."

"I don't want people to just be obedient because of the crown I wear. I want them to respect me for the work I do, for my accomplishments that I hope to achieve."

"Tommen, it is your right as king to be respected. The sooner you learn that, the sooner you can use that to your advantage. With the right people by your side, you can accomplish anything you want. And no one would question you, otherwise they would be rightly punished for treason. The system we have is designed to help us. Don't doubt its usefulness."

"That's one of the reasons why I came to speak with you today." She tried to act shocked that he realised that he needed her.

"Oh, well, I guess I thought your council was severely lacking in family support. It must be difficult with people trying to persuade you to do their bidding. I would of course offer my services to help you, as any mother should."

"I think you have the wrong idea, mother. I am perfectly happy with my council. They provide me with different perspectives on how to rule more effectively. And are helping me forge new alliances." She did not like the sound of that.

"Alliances? What possible alliances would you need right now? I haven't heard anything of this."

"Because you're not on my council. I have been beginning to work with the High Sparrow to enable our city to go in peace." The colour drained from her face. The last thing she needed was that fanatic suggesting inane ideas to the people with actual power.

"The Sparrow? Who suggested that? That would only be beneficial to him. It serves you no purpose to be in cohorts with him."

"Actually, again you're mistaken. I had a very productive meeting with him earlier. We were discussing matters when we were interrupted by Margaery, who was bringing concerning news. We deliberated and came to a simple conclusion that will help me go on to properly rule as king without people trying to sabotage me with their own wants and needs."

"Like I suggested then. You would have needed to have only come to me to discuss this and would have been given the same advice without jeopardising your position."

"I doubt you would have given the same advice." Something was wrong. His tone was cool, nothing like the innocent boy she was used to. She looked to the open door that he had come in through and only now noticed the three guards that stood watching. She turned her gave to Tommen and was met with a resolute glare.

"I'm concerned with what lies and propaganda you have been fed. You came here today to speak with me, which tells me that you need me. Need my support."

"You were right, you know. About one thing at least in what you've said today. With the right group of people, I can accomplish anything. Punish those that stand in my way or risk tainting my rule with their sins." Sins. A word the Sparrow used so often. "You should know that I do have the best people by my side. That should reassure you when you have time to think about your own sins, mother." Her son turned away from her and began to walk out. She tried catching up to him but the guards intercepted her, grabbing her roughly by the arms as they dragged her from her room, not listening to her screams of protest.

xxxxxxxxxx

Daenerys studied the unconscious girl carefully, anger welling up inside of her. She didn't look like anything special. Gave off no sense that she was a killer. That she'd want to take someone so crucial to her away from her forever. She had been tied up on a small wooden chair on the main ship in Daenerys's chamber so that, when she came to eventually, she could be interrogated properly. She wanted to know why this girl had wanted to kill Jorah, if that was the case. She had already exploded at the knight for his stupid recklessness and foolishness. He had seemed sheepish and had apologised profusely to her. She wasn't angry at him really, just upset that he could have so easily been lost to her. They had just gotten back together; it would have been a cruel fate to see him go again, this time permanently. They were all in her chamber, waiting for the girl to wake up. Daenerys was closest to her, wanting to do the bulk of the questioning. Jorah was, as was usual, by her side, frequently speaking to her to calm her down slightly. It wasn't working. Selmy stood watch on deck outside, just in case something was to happen. The attack had put them all on high alert as they prepared to leave the next day. Tyrion was quietly conversing with Missandei whilst they waited, talking about every topic under the sun. They had grown to spend a lot of time together, often spending evenings in each others company, drinking wine and just talking. The friendship suited them both. It helped Missandei move on from her grief and allowed Tyrion to talk to someone more amiable than Varys. The eunuch was currently off to one corner of the room, already knowing who the girl was. He had been surprised when he had seen her but had not shown it - he wanted his queen to be told direct from the girl herself so that he wouldn't be put under her scrutiny as well. Bruda was also stood away from the group, still angry with the attacker. They had thought it best that he not be too close to her when she woke, since it was likely that this time, he wouldn't hold back. Daenerys's patience was beginning to wear thin and she turned to the mage, her tone impatient and annoyed as she spoke.

"What did you do to her exactly? How long do the effects normally last?"

"Depends. I put a lot of force into it. Are you wanting to speak to her now?" His face was slightly confused as he glanced around the room, looking at the other people there.

"Of course I am. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been waiting here for so long." She didn't want to be dealing with his quirks right now.

"Oh, you should have said." He waved his hand slightly, a golden glow flaring around the girl before it dissipated, followed by her eyes slowly opening. Daenerys gave him an exasperated sigh, still appreciating the humour and pure absurdity that he brought, especially when Jorah cracked a smile at his comment. Yet she soon regained her serious expression as she turned to the girl.

She startled as she got a bearing of her surroundings, looking from one person to the next. She was met with the same dark expression on their faces, which made her feel extremely nervous. This hadn't been part of the plan at all when she confronted the old knight she had observed walking around the city streets. She looked at the woman who seemed to be in charge, trying to play to her persona as a young, innocent girl that she had abandoned many a year ago.

"Where...I am?" she asked groggily, hoping that they would let some information slip with which she could work with.

"You're in the presence of Daenerys Targaryen, future ruler of Westeros. But, frankly, you're in no position to ask questions," Daenerys replied coolly. "We captured you when your attempts to apprehend my knight went wrong. Sadly for you because I'm not feeling too generous today after what you did. You'll tell me who you are or I'll allow my friend here to finish the job on you." She pointed to Bruda who stood up when he was included in the conversation. The girl didn't think he looked like much of a threat, although in her position right now, she'd be easy pickings for anyone. She realised that, if she were to get out of this alive, honesty was her only hope. When it suited her, at least.

"Ar...Arya Stark." Jorah's eyes widened at the admission, as did Tyrion's. He hadn't realised it was her, that small girl he had once met back at Winterfell. A few years had passed and she had grown a lot. Her face, one that had been so innocent in the past, was now lined with anger and hatred. She was a different person now. Daenerys looked to her advisors, seeking their confirmation that they thought she spoke the truth.

"If that is the case, what are you doing in Meereen?"

"I had to leave Westeros. Nothing was left for me there, after what the Lannisters did to my family." It was at this point that she noticed Tyrion, anger flaring in her eyes as she saw a man who had been a part of her misery. She tried fighting against the ropes but that was of no use. They were incredibly tight, cutting into her wrists when she moved. Tyrion walked cautiously towards her.

"The Lannisters wronged me too. I am not a part of that family anymore. We are on the same side, you and I. Well, I think so anyway." Arya seemed to calm at his words although she still gave him a calculating look. Daenerys spoke up.

"That begs the question of what side you're on, Stark. You attacked my closest advisor and...friend." She hesitated slightly as she didn't know what their relationship was at the moment. She ignored his confused looks. "That makes me think that you stand firmly against me. If that is so, then I'll use you as an example to any other people who dare defy me."

Arya could see the fire in her eyes and gulped. She had never faced someone like this before. "I never intended to kill him. I saw him leave your ship. We all saw what you did to the Iron Bank. I want to return to Westeros to enact my revenge on my enemies. I thought that, by getting to him, that would buy me passage on your vessel." Daenerys didn't know whether to believe her or not. She searched her face for any signs that she was lying but her expression was impassive. Again, she looked around the room. Varys stepped forward.

"I believe she is telling the truth. And, if she is truly who she says she is, then she will want to target the same people we do. It's another pair of hands that may be useful in your endeavours, my Queen."

"She's also a Stark," Jorah said to her. "You're already forging an alliance with Stannis in the North. I believe her brother works with him too. By having her with you, it may make the process smoother when we eventually meet."

Daenerys thought over their words silently. "It seems that you're in luck. Tomorrow, we set sail for Dragonstone. I'll grant you a place on my ship and, if everything goes well, I'll see to it that you can rejoin your brother. But you will be minutely observed by my men and will have guards outside your room when you sleep. If you attempt anything that could harm someone under my authority, then trust me in that I will not hold back in punishment. It would be a shame to start my meeting by explaining how you slipped and fell overboard one night."

xxxxxxxxxx

The camp was alive with activity as everyone got ready for the trying times ahead. After their arrival at Stannis's base, it hadn't been long before he announced that they would begin their battle within the next two days. And that day had finally arrived. Jon was wandering around through the mud, looking at all the men getting their armour on and sharpening their weapons. Some were taking the time to just talk to others, with the knowledge that it would possibly be the last time that they could do such a thing. Jon thought that they had been lucky to have this much time - he was relieved that the Bolton's were seemingly keeping their men behind Winterfell walls for the time being. Although, when the battle started, he prayed that they would come out into the open, as that would give them the best possible chance of victory. He knew it was a longshot though.

He walked through the area that had been taken up by the wildling army. What armour they did possess was much cruder than what Stannis's men owned but their bulkiness and thickness would defend them more effectively from swords and spears. He locked eyes with Mance, who was talking to a small group of his men. They had agreed that he wouldn't be going with them since his injury made him more of a burden than anything. He had grumbled about the decision but it had been the right one for everyone. He stopped as he heard a horn blast through the air, signalling that they should all get into their positions.

He walked briskly to where he could see Stannis and Davos sat on their horses. His own stallion stood waiting by them patiently and he quickly climbed onto it. He noticed that the strange woman, Melisandre, wasn't with them, which was unusual since she always seemed to be right next to Stannis all the time. Davos, apparently, could tell what Jon was thinking.

"She's staying behind. War is no place for a woman. She can stay put here and look after Shireen and her mother." Jon nodded at the explanation. Davos looked at him, observing his grave expression. "You ready for this, Snow."

"Aye. As ready as I ever will be. Just my first time in a proper battle. Fighting the wildlings, it's just nothing like what I'm about to experience. Less organised, more brutal. In that sense, I should be able to cope with this."

"And just remember - we have them on our side this time. Which means that the Boltons will have to face their brutality and...spontaneity, shall we call it? They won't know what hit em, lad."

"You're more positive than I thought you would be, with what we're about to do."

"Let me tell you two things that you need to remember when heading to battle. One, the moment you lose your positivity and hope is the moment that you get impaled by a sword. You have to go into this thinking that you'll come out the other side, otherwise it's a pointless task you're undertaking."

"That makes sense. Just more difficult done than said. And what's the second point?" Davos looked at him seriously. Jon expected to hear something perhaps philosophical, that would change his life and help him survive this battle and any future wars.

"Don't die."