As they walk on the stoney shore of Dragonstone, Sansa feels a sense of doom looming over her party. She can see the shadow of Drogon soaring above them. Ahead a dozen of the Unsullied stand awaiting their arrival, staring into her soul it seems. Jon grabs her hand and squeezes it assuredly. "We'll be fine. Just let me do most of the talking, okay." With a smile and a wink, he pushed through his people to stand front and center. As they approach, the Unsullied separates to make room for their Queen and her Hand, Yara Greyjoy, to walk through to meet their guests. Sansa thinks she hears Jon gasp when he sees his Dany, his queen. "Lord Snow. Thank you for coming in such a timely manner," Yara says with a sneer. She loves her Queen, it's plain to see. "We came as soon as we recieved your raven. My sister and I are eager to speak with you and our Queen." Queen Daenerys looks to Sansa with a quizzical brow. Sansa bows her head in respect for the Queen and smiles genuinely. "Lady Sansa," Daenerys begins, "it is you that I wish to speak with first. Walk with me?" Sansa nods in agreement and walks forward to link arms with the young queen.
"I take Jon's statement as meaning that the North has agreed to bend the knee, Lady Sansa?" Sansa nodded her head, "Yes, your grace. We have decided that it would be for our best interest as well as a sign of our gratitude for all of your help and sacrifice during the Long Night. I am sorry for not doing this sooner. It was a difficult task to help them understand but Bran and Arya did it. I beg you to show mercy on me. I know I should not have told Tyrion about Jon, but please know, I have told no other soul, I swear it. Tyrion is my most trusted friend and my beloved. Please don't kill him." At those words, Dany stopped and faced her. "Your beloved? Lady Sansa? Are you saying that you are in love with my former Hand? I have been told he is at the Wall, taking the black. Are you aware of this?" Sansa sobbed and in her understanding, Dany pulled her into a hug. "I love him as well, sweet girl. Not near as you do. Mine is more of a brotherly love, a kinship. My heart broke when he left me and I do admit, I was livid, but I could see why he left." Sansa's blue eyes met Dany's violet ones, "Could you forgive him? Do you think you could reach deep into your soul and see that Tyrion only left out of fear. His brother is dead and his despicable sister as well. He is the last Lannister. He can live out his days on Casterly Rock with me, if he'll have me." Dany's face fell. "As long as he did not take his vows. I will welcome him with open arms." Sansa nodded her head in understanding, kissed the queen's cheek and rejoined her party.
Jon walked up to the queen next. "Dany. May I speak to you?" The Queen nodded to Yara, and the party left Jon and Daenerys on the beach to talk. "Jon, I, oh." Before she could speak, Jon kissed her with a passion she hadn't felt since that day by the waterfall where the Stark family used to hunt. She fought it at first but could not stop the yearning she felt for him. She wrapped her hands around the back of his head as they were engulfed by his curls. "I'm so sorry I left," he said between kisses, "I cannot fight my feelings any longer," Jon stated as he placed his hand on either side of her face, staring into her eyes. "I needed you. I was angry and afraid. Tormented by my hatred for Cersei. You and Tyrion left me and I thought I would be without two of the dearest people I had left in my life. Ser Jorah is gone, as is Missandei, forever. What if you leave me again, Jon?" Jon shook his head, "Never again unless you ask me to. Dany, I love you. I want you to be mine forever. I'm not afraid anymore. Please believe me." he pleaded. He couldn't lose her, not now that he was finally ready to let go of the past and follow his heart.
Dany looked shocked. She'd wanted this, but never thought in a million years it would happen. "What changed your mind?" Jon told her about his talk with Sansa on the ship, and how she finally helped him see that love is a precious gift that most people are not lucky enough to find. Dany felt more and more surprised about Sansa Stark the more she heard. "Greyworm tried to convince me that I needed to strike down anyone else that hurt me, including you and Tyrion. But, I just couldn't. I love you both too much.," Jon searched her face, "So, will you be my wife?" Dany gave him a sweet smile, "Of course you idiot."
The cavernous entry to the castle was dimly lit by torchlight. Sansa hoped Jon and the Queen were having a good, long conversation about what the future held for them all. She felt more at ease after her talk with Daenerys and was eager to send a Raven to Castle Black for Tyrion. Her thoughts were interrupted by the voice of Yara Greyjoy. "My brother died for you Starks. I just knew that I would never see him again. Tell me, did he fight long before the Night King struck him down?" Sansa had tears in her eyes at the thought of her savior Theon. "Aye, he was in the weirwood protecting my brother, Bran. He was the last man standing and even knowing he wouldn't stand a chance against the Night King and his Lieutenants, I am told he tried to strike him down, as outnumbered as he was. Theon saved me from the Bolton bastard, such horrors he witnessed done to me. I loved him for the man he'd become. Noble, honest, true, and a great warrior in the end." Yara had tears in her eyes, "That he was. I will still be angry with myself for letting him go, but I couldn't really stop him, now could I?" Sansa gave Yara's hand a squeeze and nodded her head, "No, I suppose you could not. His conscience would have nawed at his heart until he could no longer bear it, which, knowing Theon, would have lasted about 20 minutes." Sansa sighed, "I was glad to have spent the last few hours before the battle with him. It will truly be my most cherished memory." Yara half smiled. She knew Theon secretly harbored romantic feelings for Sansa, but she would keep that to herself.
That evening during a grand feast, an announcement was made. The Queen would wed the newly legitamized and declared Jon Stark, warden of the North. His brother, Brandon Stark, would now be Warden of the North as Jon would now rule with Queen Daenerys of House Targaryen, first of her name. Sansa beamed at her brother and her soon to be new sister, Dany. She embraced them both and wished them joy. "Sansa, I have sent a Raven to Tyrion at Castle Black telling him he is forgiven as long as he promises me one thing." Sansa looked worried so Dany laughed, "He had to promise me to wed my new sister and give her a beautiful life." Sansa laughed and kissed Dany on her cheeks. Sansa noticed a lot of joy in the room, but one person stuck out like a sore thumb. A look of disgust and anger on his face as he stood staring at their jolly party. Greyworm, the leader of the Unsullied, looked liked he could just throw a spear and skewer everyone at the head table, including his Queen. Sansa felt very uneasy. She felt like he was planning something devious, but what?
Meera Reed had been traveling alone to the North for 10 days now. Whenever she felt weary, she'd stop and make camp, and that's when he'd land on a nearby branch to watch over her. Bran would warg every night into his raven to find her and watch over her. Sometimes she would talk to him, of course, he couldn't answer, oh, hiw he longed to answer her. Luckily, she had a horse this time, so it would not take her as long as last time to reach the North. By the time she had reached White Harbor, Meera decided to give her horse a days rest and stay at a local inn. She stayed in her room all night while a certain raven perched himself outside her window watching her as she slept. Meera slept easier knowing her raven friend was nearby.
Refreshed and eager to leave, Meera paid the innkeeper and bought some more bread and cheese for the ride to Winterfell. It would take a fortnight longer, and she was becoming more anxious the closer she got to Winterfell. "Well, Bran. I hope you have more to say to me than when I left Winterfell last time. I play that moment over and over in my head. 'Thank you' pfft, after all the time we spent together. You really hurt me. I thought we were getting close." CAW CAW CAW! Bran yearned to be able to tell how he truly felt. How he'd only bid her a simple thank you as his farewell because he was scared to tell her how he really felt. He blamed himself for Jojen's death. How could she ever love someone that caused the death of her dear brother? "You seem upset at my words. I shall bid you farewell for now. I am well rested and so I am going to ride until dusk and then make camp. I know you will find me; there's no doubt about that." She stroked his soft, silky feathers and gave him a rare Meera Reed smile, then she watched as he flew away. "Come on, girl. Fast as you can."
Bran shook himself out of his warging and motioned to Josiah that he was ready to go back into his chambers. "Could I get you anthing Lord Stark? I could call for Miss Mary in the kitchens. Anything at all, my lord?" Bran was hungry but dinner would be served in the next hour, so he decided against it. "I do not need anything at the moment, Josiah. I will rest in my chambers until dinner is served. Thank you."
He thinks of Meera. She would arrive at Winterfell in less than a fortnight. What would he say to her? How could he broach the subject of marriage or of his being in love with her? When he thought of her face, her big, dark eyes, her creamy white skin, he felt a twinge in his pants. He hadn't yet told anyone, not even the Maester. He would sometimes touch himself as he lay in bed at night. He felt almost a man, he only wished he could feel his legs. It gave him hope though. If he was getting feeling back in his manhood, then maybe, just maybe, he'd get his legs back too.
He knew it wouldn't matter to her if he did or not. He'd heard her speaking with her Lord father. Yet, he felt less of a man for it. Bran sighed and let his eyes close for a moment. Josiah would be back soon to bring him down for his evening meal, and he really needed to clear his head so he'd stop feeling sorry for himself. Just then, he heard a knock on his chamber door. "Come in." Bran's door opened and it was Maester Walden. "My lord, a Raven has just arrived from your brother, Jon. The Queen has legitimized him as a Stark, and they are to be wed. You are now the head of House Stark. Your sister, Sansa, is well and Lord Tyrion has been forgiven for abandoning the Queen. They are hoping you can make the journey to Dragonstone for the wedding but understand if you cannot."
Bran sighed. He couldn't possibly. A Stark must always be at Winterfell. They know this, but I would still like to send my congratulations and well wishes. Please bring me some parchment and ink. Maester Walden, I have a guest coming to Winterfell. She should be arriving on horseback in less than a fortnight. Please notify the guards to expect Meera Reed of Greywater Watch. She is to be allowed entry, and you can tell Miss Mary in the kitchens that I wish to have a quiet dinner alone with her. No big feasts or fanfare. That's not Meera. With any luck, we'll have a new Lady of Winterfell."
Maester Walden looked surprised at first, but it quickly turned into the biggest smile Bran had ever seen the quiet man give. "Lord Stark, I couldn't be happier for you. Have you need for anything at all, just let me know." He noticed the man look down at the wheelchair Bran sat in and then his face fell. "My Lord, does she know that you cannot, well, I mean..." he trailed off the last sentence and looked to Bran for any emotional reaction. Bran gave him a small smile. "Yes, she actually was the one to help me go beyond the Wall. Her brother, Jojen, used his greenseeing abilities to find me. I have also been meaning to discuss something with you. I have been having some feeling coming back below my waist." The Maester looked amazed, "Your legs, oh wonderful news. We can start trying rehabilitation and different exercises for regaining strength." Bran cut him off. "No, not my legs." Maester Walden looked confused for a moment but then a look of acknowledgement washed over his face. "Oh, I see what you mean. Well, then that is wonderful news as well. That means you may be able to sire children after all. It isn't absolutely certain but the possibility is very strong." "Hope", Bran thought to himself. If Meera agreed to marry him and wanted children, there was now hope that he could give them to her and that was all that Bran needed.
They'd arrived at Storm's End less than a week ago, but it felt like a year had gone by. With no Lord around, the state of the castle was a mess. Luckily his new wife was a whiz at reconciling the books or Gendry would have been fucked. Arya took over the books, Ser Davos helped get his guard set up and organized, and Gendry watched and waited. Once they figured out how much their home had to keep staff, help the people, and grow their community back up, he would start seeing the people to hear any complaints or concerns. Gendry was not looking forward to that, but luckily Arya would be there to help. She was starting to really show, so she had no other choice but to wear a gown. She hated it but at least she did not need to wear any corsets or crazy undergarments. Gendry had the seamstress in the castle keep the gowns as light and comfortable as possible for Arya. She kept her hair down though. She never let anyone touch her hair and it always made Gendry chuckle.
"Arya, miss, your hair is getting long. If you would allow me, I could put it up real sweet you see." Arya looked at the young girl her husband hired as her lady's maid as if she was trying to burn a hole through her. "Don't touch my hair, Jane. I don't want to be bothered with this again." Jane looked annoyed, but sighed and started picking up the robe Arya had just discarded to change into her dreaded gown. She missed her tunic and pants. Arya was glad of one thing though. After weeks of begging not to be called Lady Baratheon or Lady Arya or my lady, everyone in the castle had finally just settled on Miss or Arya. Gendry laughed at her annoyance and she smacked him lightly on his shoulder. "What?" he said with a chuckle. She smirked at her husband. 'Such a shit.' she thought to herself.
The night had come and they were getting ready for bed, when all of a sudden Arya jumped up, "Oh gods! What the fuck was that?" she squealed. Gendry rolled over to see what was going on. "Wha-what is it? What's happened?" Arya was sitting up in bed with her hands over her belly. "Arry, is something wrong with the baby?" he asked worriedly. "Felt like it's trying to bust out! Scared the shit out of me. Feel!" she explained as she grabbed his arm so he could place his hands on her stomach. Gendry waited and then it happened. The baby kicked from inside the womb and Gendry's eyes grew wide and then the sweetest smile spread across his face. "That's amazing, Arry! She's a fighter like her mother. Our little spitfire!" Arya laughed, "Oh, it's a she, is it? Feels more like he's hammering on my insides, like his father! Oh, that sounded dirty." They laughed. "Well, it's true, but I know you meant to say it as if he was in the Forge smithing." He gave her belly a sweet kiss. "He or she; doesn't matter to me one bit. Just hope it's healthy. Love you already." He gave her belly another kiss as the baby kicked again. Arya combed her fingers through Gendry's hair as he cuddled her growing belly. Eventually this lulled the pair both to sleep.
It seemed like a century had passed since she'd set foot on the Sapphire Isle, but as soon as her first toe touched the ground, Brienne was home. Pod was by her side and offered his arm. She no longer wore the heavy armor she'd grown so accustomed to, but a beautiful, blue gown and her hair was growing longer just passing her chin. "You look lovely, my lady." Pod and her had become closer on the journey from the North. Now that he was no longer her squire, he felt more comfortable showing his sweeter side. He sang beautiful songs to her belly at night. Brienne felt herself beginning to feel things for Podrick Payne that she'd never thought she'd feel. She found herself watching him as he slept next to her in their cabin. They had not been intimate; the closest thing being a soft caress of his hands on her growing stomach or her brushing his hair off his face as he slept, but she started wanting more. Maybe once they were wed, they would.
"Ah, my beautiful girl!" she saw her father coming towards her and smiled brightly. "That's my Lord Father, Pod. He's very affectionate so don't be surprised if he hugs you." she said with humor in her voice. Pod loved when she spoke like that and he loved her smile. Lord Selwyn seemed like a jolly old fellow and that made him smile at the man. "And you must be the young man who has finally won my dear girls heart. Great to meet you, sir." They shook each other's hands and made their way to Evenfall Hall. "Father, we must tell you something." Lord Selwyn smiled, "Well, if you're going to tell me that you are with child, don't bother. Unless that is a ham you're hiding under your gown." he said with a laugh. "So, you are not angry with us, my lord?" Podrick asked with a quizzical brow. "Of course not! I am gaining a son AND finding out I'm getting a grandchild all in one day you silly man!" He hugged Pod lifting him slightly off the ground. Brienne breathed a sigh of relief and not being able to control herself, pulled Podrick away from her father and gave him a kiss right there. They both blushed as it was their first real kiss. "Look at you both. Still blushing at one another, huh? Ahh, young love!" Brienne stared into Pod's eyes as she held his hands. He then pulled her hands up to his lips and kissed her knuckles softly. She could feel the warmth pooling in between her legs, but had to get ahold of herself. After all, her father was watching, so she cleared her throat and said, "Shall we get inside and find our chambers?"
The room was hers all of her life. All of her things were just as she'd left them. Pod smiled as he saw her wooden sparing sword in the one corner. "This is sweet, my lady. Cozy." Brienne turned to face him, "Now, Pod. Please just call me Brienne Or do you want me to start calling you Podrick Payne every time we converse?" He smiled then sauntered over to where she stood until he was directly in front of her. "I'll call you whatever you want me to, Brienne. Now, about that kiss." She felt her heart beating fast and the warmth began to pool in between her legs again. He cupped her face and brought their mouths together. His tongue begged for entry so she gave in. One hand stayed cupping her face as the other went to the small of her back. As if they had a mind of their own, Brienne felt her hands working their way through Pod's hair and slightly tugging causing him to moan into her mouth. Breathless, she pulled away from their kiss. "We should stop. Wait until our wedding night. Don't you think?" she asked him. "Is that what you want?" he practicality whispered searchimg her face for an unspoken answer. She thought for a moment and then began to take off her gown. "No, that's not what I want. I want you. I need you." Pod started to undress as well, "Thank the gods! i didn't know how much longer I could wait."
Quick as a rabbit, he was undressed and in bed waiting for her. She was tall, slender, and womanly without all of that armor she wore before. she looked nervous. He knew she'd only been with Ser Jaime before and that was brief. He took her in his arms and let her feel his body against hers. Next he trailed his finger's lightly acrossed her skin causing her to shiver with pleasure. Then he put her on her back and began to explore her breasts with his mouth, lightly kissing each purt nipple. Brienne never felt this much pleasure before. With her few times with Jaime, he'd never been this slow and she was enjoying every second. She could feel how wet he was making her. He gently kissed her protruding belly but then his fingers found her center and she almost jumped into the air from the sensation it gave her. Pod smiled then continued his travels. By the time he'd finished playing with Brienne, she was ready for him. "Pod, please. I need you inside me now." She spread her legs so he could get in between them and as he entered her for the first time, they both breathed out a soft moan. They found a good rhythm. The way she was moaning was making it hard for him to last long. She never felt so good. As she locked her legs around his waist, she found her hands traveling past his back and squeezing Pod's ass to hold him in place. "That spot, right there, oh gods!" Pod smiled into her neck as he felt himself spill inside of her. They were panting like dogs, sweat glistened on their brows and Brienne felt sated. "Damn." she said and Pod looked at her confused, "It's true. You are gifted." She smiled and he kissed her one last time before closing his eyes.
Well, this took me forever to write. Sorry! Hope you are enjoying it so far! *