Sister's Keeper
Disclaimer: I do not own Game of Thrones
Epilogue
Alysanne's POV
Ten years later
Two statues stood opposite from one another as they guarded the gate of the Keep. Both statues were made of wood, as the years were shown with the paint fading away to nonexistence. Moss and vines decorated their feet while the different shades of brown, green, and grey merged into the wood.
The male statue stood stall, with muscular brooding features, yet time took away his details. He had an ax ready in one hand while on the other was a shield. His clothes were that of the First Men wore, in armor. There was a bear cloak; the hood was an actual bear's head. Meanwhile, the woman stood statuesque, wearing a gown, as the cleavage exposed her breast. In one arm was a baby, as the infant suckled her breast while her other hand rested on a pommel of an ax, the blade resting along her foot. A shield was secured along her back as she wore a bear cloak.
They were not gods.
They represented the First Men of Bear Island.
There have been conflicts in ancient times with the Ironborn trying to claim Bear Island and the raids from the Wildlings back in the day. And yet, the people of Bear Island stood firm in defending their home from outsiders.
Bear Island was not one for luxury or finery. The beautiful remote island gets it from nature, as it contains old gnarled oaks, tall pines, flowering thorn bushes, moss-covered grey stones, and steep hills with streams. Something about the Old Gods painting the lands to see serene. The natives are not like the other Kingdoms. Not even the North, as the keeps and castles held a presence of dominance. No, the keeps here were made of wood.
Mormont Keep is a wooden wall castle with a smoky keep. The halls are built with massive logs and are surrounded by an earthen palisade. At the gate stood the carvings that captivated me more than the other statue. As the woman wore a bearskin with a babe sucking at her breast in one hand and a battleax in the other.
My family barely gets a chance to visit Bear Island. But when we do, all formality is non-existent, and we live a simple life. There were no masques, no mummer shows, no balls or fairs. Of course, there were the occasional festivals, but they were a gathering for all in the changing of the seasons. Although, seasons might pass without anyone even noticing it. Yet when the people do, they celebrate in gathering for all, not the selected few.
Small hands clenched at my skirt, giving a tug. I smiled, looking down at my youngest child. Daenerys. My sweet little Daenerys, who was four years old. Born at the beginning of the summer. Winter had lasted five years, and spring two, and now we were in the summer. Westeros was fortunate, as we did not have a long winter. And I was thankful for how fruitful the Seven Kingdoms have come.
Daenerys looked at me with her violet eyes. One would say she was the reincarnation of my late sister. And though my daughter inherited her aunt's eyes, she had her father's fine fair hair. She smiled, wearing a simple blue dress with a leather woven belt.
"When are Papa and brothers coming?" Daenerys asked.
I chuckled, combing my fingers through her soft curls. "Soon, my little dragon."
Daenerys made a pout, "Why couldn't I go?"
"Well, you are young, and your father took Joren and Barristan out in the early hours," I explained.
Ever since arriving at Bear Island, the boys would talk their father's ears off to go see a bear up and personal. We could see the bears from the Keep. Yesterday, I saw a mother bear crossing through with her cubs. However, Joren and Barristan insisted on seeing a bear much closer. Jorah merely chuckled and complied, stating he'll wake them up in the early hours for the hunt.
Joren was ten years old now, and Barristan was seven. After giving birth to Joren, I didn't think I would be pregnant so soon. Well, two years, to be precise. I had stopped taking the Lys Elixir and let my body be natural. Allowing the gods to decide when I shall be with child again. And yet it happened, and this time I could tell I was pregnant immediately. My second-born son was born near the end of winter. The name Barristan was set in stone, for I had promised the once Commander of the Queensguard to name him. Jorah made a compromise and asked his middle name to be Jeor. I smiled and allowed it.
Crown Prince Joren Jaehaerys Mormont-Targaryen
Prince Barristan Jeor Mormont-Targaryen
Princess Daenerys Rhaella Mormont-Targaryen
My three dragons.
A sound of footsteps could be heard. I turned around to see Lady Lyanna with her younglings. She had married when she turned eighteen. A young man who came from a large family. I still wondered how Caleb had the courage to court Lyanna. However, rumor has it, it was Lyanna courting him and asking…well, more like demanding marriage.
I remember when Grand Maester Gormon brought the raven scroll sent by the Maester of Bear Island. When the announcement was made, Jorah made something between a laugh and a groan. As he says, "I pity the young man."
Now Lyanna has two children and one on the way. Caleb was generous to relinquish his family name and change it to Mormont. So far, they have two sons, Liam and Jorell. Both are under the age of five.
"Still waiting for my cousin," Lyanna asked bitterly.
"Yes, Auntie," Daenerys announced. "They take forever."
"Sometimes it takes a woman to get things done," Lyanna grumbled.
I chuckled, shaking my head, "I take it you did not sleep well."
Lyanna sighed, "I hate being pregnant."
"It's a curse for us women and a blessing in the end," I murmured, staring at Jorell and Liam, who started to play with Daenerys.
Lyanna sighed, crossing her arms, "I'm debating on castrating Caleb."
I couldn't help but laugh.
My thoughts then linger on another individual who has been castrated. Grey Worm and his lover Missandei. Grey Worm tried to marry Missandei, yet the Naathi did not believe in marriage practices. Yet, she did some Naathi commitment ritual that eased the Unsullied. The two have been staying in Naath with Naathi-born Unsullied in protecting the Island and performing trade. From what Magister Illyrio and Varys reported, Slavers were struggling to capture slaves, and some Free Cities were considering taking the Westerosi approach of doing trade with the Natives instead of capturing them. However, the Island was still lethal from the butterfly sickness. How Missandei keeps Grey Worm from being infected is a mystery to me?
The last I saw them was three years ago after having Daenerys. Missandei and Grey Worm gave their report and introduced the children they had adopted. Missandei held joy and love for her children. Even if they are not biologically her own, she cherished them. Grey Worm also seemed to be proud as he trained his sons to be defenders.
The Naathi were peaceful people, and they did not believe in violence. Yet Grey Worm ensured his children knew how to defend themselves when the Unsullied were not there to protect them.
"Mother!" A young voice called out.
The hunting party returns with Barristan and Joren rushing over to us. Barristan ran towards me with his dragon following along next to him. When Barristan turned one, I noticed that one of the dragon eggs that had always been in the hearth went missing. The copper egg. Furious, I ordered the castle to be locked down and to find the egg. The staff and guards searched everywhere for the dragon egg until the Septa came over saying she found the egg, but there was a small problem.
We went into the nursery where Barristan was asleep cradling the egg while Joren watched his brother asleep. When I asked how this happened, Joren explained.
"Granny Visenya told me to place the egg in Bari's crib," Joren answered. "She says he'll make it hatch."
I was baffled to hear this. Yes, it was an ancient custom to put a dragon egg in the crib to see if the child was a dragon rider. But I did not expect Visenya to communicate with Joren. Jorah sighed, not even going to talk about the communication with the dead and about to take the egg. The moment he did, Barristan was screaming, and the egg moved. Not hatched, but moved that Jorah almost dropped it. Barristan hugged the egg, not wanting to let it go. I placed my hand on the shell and felt movement. The dragonling was alive.
Everyone thought the eggs were set in stone since we didn't do the ritual that brought Drogon, Viserion, and Rhaegal back. Somehow, they were still alive. I debated that Daenerys had done this, and the dragons in the eggs were waiting for their rider.
When Barristan turned three, the egg finally hatched to reveal a copper and bronze scale dragon. The dragonling looked nothing like current dragons but a cross between the Cannibal and Sunfyre. More slender with fewer spikes. Barristan and I went through the names of Valyrian gods and dragons throughout history since he was about to call him Copper. After much convincing, Wyvern, although he had said it made it cute and a lot of practice to pronounce.
However, Wyvern's growth was not as drastic as his brothers. He grew slowly, almost to Barristan's. Maybe when Drogon, Viserion, and Rhaegal grew rapidly, I wonder if it was because of their breed or how the rider grew. Currently, Wyvern is the size of a deerhound.
The boys tried the dragon eggs on Daenerys; unfortunately, none of the two eggs hatched. Jorah assured the boys Daenerys would have her future. And it doesn't help when Joren sneaks his siblings to ride on Drogon. I clarified that the children would have to wait until age ten to ride the dragons without an adult. Right now, Joren is allowed to ride Drogon by himself. I usually take Barristan and Daenerys flying on Viserion.
I combed my fingers through Barristan's hair with a smile.
"We saw some bears," Barristan announced happily.
"You did?" I asked.
"They were huge," Barristan answered, opening his arms wide.
I chuckled softly, "I'm glad to hear that."
Jorah made his way over and gave me a kiss on the cheek. His beard covered his cheek with grey strands. I smiled softly, cradling his cheek, and gave him a kiss. The boys made a disgusted face, yet we ignored them.
"Were they good for you?" I asked.
Jorah nodded, "They were. Though, Wyvern scared a deer away."
"But he caught a few rabbits for you," Barristan protested.
Jorah lifted a bundle of rabbits that were a bit torn up.
I couldn't help but chuckle.
"I think he caught his snacks," Jorah grumbled.
Barristan merely grinned as he petted Wyvern, who purred softly.
"Come now, you all must be hungry," I said.
"Starving," Joren exasperated.
Jorah and I shook our heads as we made our way back to the Mormont Keep.
.o0o.
We all gathered in the great hall as the food was being served. Everyone enjoyed the food, as fish was cooked with venison, berries, herbs, and root vegetables. It was a simple meal, nothing luxurious, and the children didn't mind. Yet I could see Daenerys sneaking her least favorite food to Wyvern, who munch on fish heads and tails.
A maester came over and handed me a raven scroll. I thanked the man and broke the seal to read the message. It was a message from Tyrion. I sighed, shaking my head.
"What is it?" Jorah asked.
"It's from Tyrion, wondering when we will be back from our holiday," I answered.
Jorah shook his head.
Tyrion has done an excellent job in being the Hand of the Queen. He has redeemed himself by helping me rule the Six Kingdoms. He can do remarkable things when you separate the drama from the Lannisters. He did many projects in rebuilding King's Landing sewers and aqueducts. The reconstruction of the Great Sept. However, Tyrion doesn't like it when Jorah and I go on our holidays or visitations for an extended period of time. It's not like we travel by carriage or ship on the regular. But when the entire family is not at the Red Keep, Tyrion gets questions constantly. We have barely been gone for a week.
Nevertheless, I found it amusing when Archmaester Ebrose sent a copy of his work. It was a hardcover, barely a foot thick, with a cover that said "A Song of Ice and Fire." I traced my fingers over the surface. Tyrion was impressed when the book was handed to him to take a look.
"Archmaester Ebrose's history of the wars following the death of King Robert," Grand Maester Gormon announced. "I'm impressed by the title. He usually is terrible at them."
Tyrion turned a page, "I suppose I come in for some heavy criticism."
"Oh, I wouldn't say that," Grand Maester Gormon said hesitantly.
"Oh, he's kind to me," Tyrion was impressed. "Never would've guessed."
Varys and Illyrio tried to keep a straight face when Tyrion said that.
"He's not kind?"
Grand Maester Gormon tried to explain the situation, "He…."
"What? What does he say about me?" Tyrion asked, flipping the pages.
"Unfortunately, you are hardly mentioned…except for your trial," The Grand Maester explained.
All eyes were on Tyrion, who was scrolling through the pages. His name was there, but not the full details of what he had contributed in the Battle of the Five Kings and his position as Hand of the Queen. There was a chapter on his trial. Only the dishevel trial had more detail than anything, along with his capture by Caitlyn Stark, that contributed to the war.
The Small Council tried hard not to laugh, even I.
"Do not worry, my small friend," Varys spoke up. "I still remember all your great deeds."
Poor Tyrion. I had to hire a scholar to write a book to get all the facts together. After everything he has done, he serves to have his name in the books.
Anyway, Varys still sends me messages on Tyrion's progress. The Spider has been faithful to his word in doing what is best for the realm. He had reported when certain houses started to oppose my reign. By catching it early, we managed to soothe the tension and prevent a possible war.
Illyrio also shows his loyalty to House Targaryen and the Realm. When Lord Willas served two years as Master of Coin, he and his family moved back to the Reach. Illyrio took over, pleased by his new position and proved himself. He has gotten trade, especially providing the Crownlands food during the winter. He even secured a stable account with the Iron Bank, so my family would have money if another siege happened. Never again will my family rely on finding hosts if they were to go into exile.
What Illyrio did that surprised me was funding the reconstruction of Summerhall when Barristan was born. He found enough money for the project to ensure my son has his inheritance when he comes of age.
Prince Quentyn has been a loyal Master of Law. Like all Martells, he has brought order and peace. Especially when it comes to King's Landing. He even got married to Yasmine Drinkwater, a twin. Apparently, the twins kissed Quentyn in his younger years, and he spent years trying to figure out who until Yasmine finally confessed. The two had gotten along and they married, having a son.
Meanwhile, Princess Arianne finally married a Dornish man with Prince Doran's approval, who accepted the Martel name and allowed his wife to lead the kingdom. They two have children, and unfortunately, gout had claimed Prince Doran three years ago.
Then there was Lord Paxter, who had to resign last year as Master of Ship. I had asked Captain Aurane Waters to be Master of Ship, which the once bastard proudly accepted. There was some protest since Captain Aurane was a bastard. But I would rather have a bastard who knows how to run a navy than an imbecile.
Grand Maester Gormon has been faithful, professional, and authentic.
Those were the changes so far in my Small Council. "But we just got here," Daenerys said.
"I know. I'll inform Lord Tyrion that we will be back in a month," I assured.
"As long as he doesn't burn the city to the ground," Jorah muttered under his breath. "Again."
I snorted, shaking my head as he was referring to Meereen.
"Can we go to the North?" Joren asked.
"You are in the North," Liam reminded.
"No, Bear Island," Jorell corrected.
Lyanna shook her head.
"I'll see if the Starks are open to the idea for a visit," I said. "But I can't make promises."
Mentioning the Starks had brought up a memory. After being crowned as Queen, The Starks returned to Winterfell. Jon waited until they returned home to inform Sansa and Arya of his true parentage, and let's just say, they had mixed feelings. Not because he was a Targaryen, but the secrets and waiting this long to find out. Arya assured Jon that she still found him as her brother, as did Sansa.
It would be two years later did Jon decided to abdicate the throne. The Lords of the North was furious since they had chosen him to be the King in the North. Yet Jon did not enjoy being King nor held the ambition to rule. Instead, he prefers to travel and find himself again in the North. The True North, as he joined Tormund and the Free Folk to reestablish the Wall for easy crossing and Beyond the Wall. I probably get a letter from Jon once a year to get an update on how he is doing.
Before he left for the North, he had chosen Sansa to be the Queen in the North. Sansa was baffled by this, but the North had flourished under her rule. She has not married yet, no rumors of courtship or any lord seeking her hand. I think she was married to the North and to her responsibilities after a horrific experience she had in her past. So far, she is doing well with Bran by her side. Rhaegal has been around now and then for a visit.
As for Lady Arya, she set sail for an adventure to travel beyond the West. No one has heard from her since. But the Starks still have hope for her return.
Once supper was done, the children left to play in the nursery. Lyanna got up and went with Caleb to rest. Along with other people. I looked at Jorah, wondering what he would like to do. He stood up, offering a hand.
"Let's go for a walk," Jorah suggested.
I nodded, accepting his hand as he helped me up. We left the Keep, walking along the palisades. The weather was excellent, with warm air. Not too hot and not too cold. There were clouds in the sky but no indication of rain. As Viserion and Drogon flew about.
"It's so peaceful here," I noted.
"Indeed," Jorah agreed.
"I wish we could come here more often," I confessed
Jorah nodded in agreement. It was quiet here on Bear Island. It did not smell like a city, and everyone was working peacefully. There was no conflict. No enemy around the corner. Just utter peace until the season changes.
Jorah secured an arm around my shoulder and kissed the top of my head. I smiled happily at this gesture.
"Ten years of marriage, and look where we are now," I murmured. "Ruling Six of the Seven Kingdoms and raising three children."
"So far, our children have not become troublemakers," he joked.
I snorted, for that is not true; Joren and Barristan were troublemakers. And when Daenerys decides to join in, may the Seven have mercy.
"Remember when they pranked Tyrion?" I asked.
Jorah couldn't help but laugh, "by putting sheep dung in his pillow."
I chuckled, "And they were rewarded with honey and feathers."
There was a slight prank war between the boys and Tyrion. When things got out of hand, Jorah and I stepped in, putting an end to it. However, Jorah was met with a bucket of water on top of the battlement when he and I were checking the reconstruction with Tyrion by their side.
"Gods have mercy when Joren is king," I sighed. "And Barristan choosing his path."
Jorah nodded in agreement.
Suddenly he pulled me to the side, and I gasped, not expecting it, as my back was pressed against a tree. We were hidden from everyone, and I stared at my husband, wondering what he was doing. He had a mischievous sparkle in his blue eyes. I got a better look at my husband, seeing the whites and grey strands in his beard. His hair was short, curling back with a slim receiving line while age could be read on his face. Then again, he was in his fifties, and I was in my thirties.
No doubt I have changed. I was no longer thin and lean. The years of childbearing have altered my body; my hips were wider, my breasts large with some curves. I tried to continue my training, yet the warrior body was gone. The years of serving the realm have added stress that I had a slight crow's feet and smile lines. And yet, Jorah still finds me beautiful.
"My shieldmaiden," Jorah murmured.
I smiled softly and cradled his bearded face, "My bear."
Jorah leaned down and gave me a kiss. I kissed him back, feeling his beard scraping along my cheeks, but I did not mind. For I savor every kiss, I get. His hands rested on my waist while mine was on his shoulders. We took every moment we could, whether it be a kiss or something more intimate.
After all this time, we still love each other.
We fought hard to be together.
We pulled back to breathe and stared at each other.
"I love you," Jorah murmured.
"I love you too." I replied.
We were about to lean in for another kiss.
"MOTHER!"
Jorah pulled back, amused, while I groaned.
"FATHER!"
"You think we know how to manage our children by ruling six kingdoms," I grumbled.
Jorah gave a deep chuckle knowing the feeling.
We pulled away and moved around from the tree to see Daenerys and Joren being chased by Barristan and Wyvern. I shook my head and summoned Viserion. The golden dragon came down, landing on the other side of the stakewall, and had his head over the spike fence, giving a warning growl. Immediately, all three children and the dragon stop.
"Children, how about we go flying?" I offered.
All three grinned.
Therefore, we gathered the harnesses. Joren and Barristan wanted to ride Drogon. Thus, Jorah was stuck with them. I got Daenerys as we got on Viserion. We took to the sky, exploring Bear Island. Daenerys was strapped to my front as we savored the moment as a family. We could hear the boys cheering while Jorah ensured they did not fall off Drogon. As Wyvern tried to catch up in the chase.
I would never have thought my life would be like this.
And I am thankful that the Gods have been there for me on this long journey.
I was home.
We have finally come to the end of Sister's Keeper. After three years, I want to thank all who have been here since the beginning. All of you have inspired and encouraged me to finish the story. Never have I thought this story would reach over 1200 reviews.
Thank you all for the support.
Thank you, xXFallenSakuraXx52 and DesertMortician, for editing the story and plot ideas.
There are still some Game Thrones stories if you are interested to read.
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