AN: Let us jump right into it.

JON SNOW

CRYPTS OF WINTERFELL

Jon thought he saw Rickon run into the crypts, so he ran after the youngest Stark. He and the others had split up to cover more ground after Rickon had flown past them. Or rather, jumped past them with a huge gust of wind.

Whereas he, Robb and Sansa had inherited Waterbending, Bran and Rickon had inherited Airbending from one of their grandmothers. Both Lady Stark's mother and Father's had been as such.

This chance of birth meant that catching Rickon had gotten much harder, ever since he had gradually started to realize he could move the wind itself. He was unrestrained, and unlike water, Air was constantly around you.

But, if Rickon had thought he could hide in the Crypts, that was a mistake. It was not dangerous exactly, but stale air often found in underground rooms was more of an issue for Airbenders. It was why putting them in underground dungeons was seen as the standard punishment. The only group radically different was Earthbenders, who would be more likely imprisoned in wooden boxes and hung from there, unable to connect to the ground. Jon had heard that it could get quite maddening, months on end.

Meaning, the faster Jon found Rickon and got him out, the better it will be for all involved.

Jon passed by the most recent generation of Stark dead. His aunt Lyanna, Uncle Brandon, and grandfather Rickard. His Grandmother Lyarra was not interred here, despite having the right to be. Jon wasn't sure why. He passed them by, continuing on in search of his brother.

He passed more and more statues of Stark dead. Row upon row of his family. Or rather, His father's family.

'This is the dream.' Jon realized. It was a recurring one he had had multiple times. Exploring the crypts by himself. And every statue of a previous Stark stared at him, telling him he did not belong among them.

Step after step, Jon passed them, going back in time from the Lords, to the Kings.

"Rickon! Where are you? Come out, it's dangerous." Jon bellowed, hoping to get his brother's attention quickly and find him.

NED STARK

?

It was a dream he had dreamt a hundred times. But it had started earlier than it had ever done before. It had never gone back this far before.

He sat and watched as the festivities went on around him. He sat underneath his family's Direwolf banner, and watched the other great houses interact with each other.

His elder brother Brandon was dancing with his soon to be wife Catelyn. The two seemed to be at peace, with Catelyn leaning against him and closing her eyes in bliss. Which, unfortunately gave Brandon the freedom of redirecting his eyes towards the other women in the hall. Ned sighed at seeing his brother retain his more dishonorable traits.

Ned left them be. He knew how their story would end. He next saw Lyanna and Howland. The She Wolf of Winterfell was teaching the nervous Crannogman how to not make a fool of himself when dancing. The fierceness of her Wolf's Blood was absent, and she seemed far calmer than Ned had ever seen her before.

His eyes finally saw the sight he had been yearning for. Ashara Dayne. He had seen her with Princess Elia earlier, and found himself constantly searching for her from afar.

A large hand then struck Ned's back, almost pushing his spine out his body.

"So, that's the woman that our little Ned has finally fallen for." Robert noted as he took the seat next to where his brother in all but blood sat. "Why don't you go and introduce yourself?"

"Don't start with it Robert." Ned chided his fellow ward.

"Why not? You gotta start somewhere, I suppose a dornish woman is as good a place as any. What is House Dayne? Airbenders, right? Let me tell you, they can be very open to a single night of passion." Robert goaded him.

"It's not that simple." Ned said. "I can't just go up and ask her-"

"Why not?" Benjen's young voice spoke up. He had returned from speaking with the Husband of Khionne who had come down from the Wall. Robert had made a jest that if he joined, he could finally be able to satisfy the winter spirit that had hundreds of husbands.

"It's just a dance." Benjen pointed out.

"You two can not just team up against me like this." Ned brooded as he was caught between them. He turned towards Ashara again, she had just finished a dance with Ser Barristan Selmy, of the Kingsguard. The legendary knight then returned to the head table where the King feasted, watching everyone with his nervous eyes. As Barristan rejoined, Ser Oswell went off to mingle with the lords and knights. The newly chosen Ser Jaime was nowhere in sight, but the king never had less than four of his Kingsguard near him.

"Your brother and my cousin speak truly. And I am sure Arthur will not deny his sister your company." A voice spoke, grabbing Ned's attention.

He turned away from the King, only to be greeted by the Avatar, and Prince of Dragonstone. Beside him was the Sword of the Morning, Ser Arthur Dayne.

"Avatar Rhaegar." Ned and the others stood up, only for Rhaegar to hold a hand signalling to sit back down. The Prince took a chair for himself, while Arthur remained standing. As if the Avatar actually needed protection from a nonbender, even one as renowned as Ser Arthur.

"Eddard, I believe?" The prince asked with an easy smile. Even back then, Ned could see a sense of sadness hidden behind it.

Rhaegar leaned in closer. "Life is short, in the grand scheme of things. The day will come where we are all just names in the Maester's histories. So, I recommend you go over to Lady Ashara, and ask her for the next dance. And if you complain, consider it a command from your prince."

"Ha!" Robert let out. "See Ned? Even the Avatar can tell that it's time for you to get some experience."

"Maybe not that far so fast." Arthur muttered while starring daggers at Robert.

Taking a deep breath, Ned stood, and walked over to Ashara Dayne.

She saw him approach. She saw how nervous he was. Nothing like the gracious men she had previously danced with. She smiled as Ned stammered out the question. She laughed as she agreed to it. As they danced, he saw similar smiles on the faces of everyone he cared about. From Catelyn and Brandon, dancing beside them at one point, to Benjen, Arthur, Rhaegar and Robert as they congratulated themselves on pushing him.

The next day, all of their smiles died, as a dragon gave roses to a wolf.

NED STARK

?-VALE-?

Ned stared at the letter that had arrived to him from the Capital. He stared at it, reread it, then stared at it again. He had been doing so for the past few days, ever since it had arrived. He knew he needed to talk to Jon about it, but how could he?

'Best just to get it over with.' Ned thought as he stood and left his room at the Vale. He needed to move things along quickly, in order to protect Ashara. 'Father will be angry, but he only made plans for Bran and Lya. So it shouldn't be too bad. He might actually think it a good match.'

He arrived at the Solar, but instead of the Lord of the Vale, it was the Lord of the Stormlands who greeted him with a large smile. "Was wondering where you've been. I got a new bending move to show you. I heard about it, but I didn't think it would actually work." He said to Ned.

"Robert?" Ned asked confused. "Why are you here? Where is Jon?"

"No idea. A servant just told me to come here, then they went looking for you. Said Jon needed to speak to us." Robert shrugged. "I wonder if another servant girl forgot about Moon Tea. Probably called you in to help chastise me."

Ned inwardly groaned at his future brother by law's lax attitude towards bastards. He knew Lyanna hated it just as much, though she had only heard word of it. And considering his own issue… He might as well tell Robert.

"I am afraid that I have no room to stand on." Ned said as he showed the letter. A letter from King's Landing, with a broken wax seal showing the Sigil of House Dayne.

Robert's grin faded. A look of astonishment on his face. "Ned… Did you…?" He tried to ask, at a loss of words. "When?"

"While you were back at Storm's End, about two moons ago." Ned explained. "Ashara was flying here, to see an old friend who married a knight. A storm forced her to come here, rather than go back to the Capital. She and I talked about Harrenhal, she remembered our dance, one thing led to another, and I… I gave in." Ned said, shame in his voice.

"So…" Robert asked, leaning forward. "What are you gonna do about it?"

"The only thing I can do. I'm going to marry her." Ned said, as it was the only honorable action he could take.

"And if she says no?" Robert asks. "Take it from me, the Dornish are more relaxed when it comes to fucking and bastards. Her having one may not be the spoiling the rest of us see it as. I heard that some Dornish lords and smallfolk demand a woman have a bastard first, in order to show they can have any kids at all."

"Then…" Ned tried to think. "I don't know. But I have to at least try something. It's my fault that this is happening. As for my family, I will have to accept whatever their reactions are."

"Hey now Ned." Robert said. "Don't think you're going to do this alone. You're not the first Stark to make a Snow, I know that much. And even if your Father is angry with you, I can bring you to the Stormlands. Give you a keep, closer to Dorne if Ashara says yes, and you and Lyanna will still be close by."

Robert's offer was a kindness that Ned had not considered. He had never really thought about living outside of the North, after his wardship was done. He always thought that he would serve under Brandon, but Robert was also his brother, and soon would be for real.

Just then, the door burst open, and Jon Arryn came rushing in. "There you two are. We need to speak."

Ned stood up to greet his second father. When it came to Robert, Ned knew he would take it the best. But Jon would be more critical. He hated the idea that he had disappointed the kind man.

"I need to speak with you as well." Ned said.

"Later Ned, if there is even time. I have terrible news, but I need you both to stay calm." Jon interrupted, worry evident on his face.

"What's the matter Jon?" Robert asked.

"Lyanna." Jon said. "She has been taken. By Rhaegar."

JAIME

KING'S LANDING- SMALL COUNCIL

"The Avatar," Robert announced. "Must be in Bravos."

Jaime watched the faces of those on the Council react to the King's latest guess.

Varys offered a halfhearted shocked face, but was already preparing a rebuttal against such an idea. Baelish raised an eyebrow in curiosity over Robert's reasoning. Renly let out a small chuckle, Ser Barristan got a pained look on his face, and Pycelle was stuttering and wheezing. Stannis ground his teeth in annoyance. Lord Tytos Blackwood seemed tired, as though he had better things to do than listen to the King's delusions. Jon Arryn was the only one who seemed actually concerned with Robert's declaration.

"It makes sense. Each of the Free Cities has had at least one Avatar over the Millenia of their existence. Each of them, save for Bravos. It is a well known fact that not a single Avatar has been born in Bravos. Several have lived there for some time, often to learn Water or Air bending. But it has always been a sore point that they could never claim an Avatar of their own. It would be a perfect place to hide. The Sealord would do anything to keep them hidden." Robert explained his reasoning.

Jaime considered it. To his credit, it did make some sense. Save for the fact that everyone in this room, most of the people in the city, and the majority of the people in the known world knew that the Avatar had died out on the Trident, at the hands of the very man who proclaimed him to still exist, in front of thousands of witnesses.

"Your Grace." Varys spoke up. "I have heard nothing from my birds. Even if the Sealord were to do such a thing, he would have to make noise that they would hear."

"Mayhaps your birds aren't as good as you claim. Or else their loyalties can be changed." Robert said. "He is out there. I know it. We need to find them, before they can become fully realized. Else none of us will stand a chance."

Jaime knew no man would openly defy Robert on this point. They would grumble or whisper, but not rebuke him to his face. The last time someone did, well, the end result had been that it allowed Baelish to join the council.

Robert stood up. "Find him. Or her. That's an order from your King."

Robert turned to Jaime and Ser Mandon. "We're going to the Training Yards."

They left Ser Barristan to deal with the Council business. Jaime knew how it would go. Varys would be ordered to send more birds to Bravos. They would not get any further word until after Robert thought of a new location for the Avatar to hide in. That was how it had gone ever since he had taken the Throne.

They arrived at the training yard. Ser Aron Santagar was already there, and with him were Ser Beric, and the young princes, Tommen and Cerion. The boys were just beginning to learn their way around a sword.

Joffrey should be around here, practicing Earthbending, but neither he nor the Hound who constantly shadowed the prince were around.

Robert's squires, Lancel and Tyrek were also already here. They instantly ran over to the King, who threw off his crown and shirt, which the two boys barely managed to catch.

Jaime would not deny, for how bad he was at kingship, Robert was as good a warrior now as when he first sat on the throne. He never let himself go longer than half a week without pushing himself in intense training.

Robert grabbed a spear and ripped off the point. He stuck it in the ground and a makeshift warhammer was formed as the stone ground was ripped off and onto the spear. It was something only an Earthbender could wield. And even then, Robert could simply overpower anyone who tried to take control from him.

"Kingslayer. You and Moore come at me! That's an order."

Jaime was used to this. Wordlessly, he unsheathed his own blade, as did Mandon. Neither of them were benders. In fact, Robert and his squires were the only benders in the yard right now. They two knights began circling the king they were sworn to defend.

Jaime already knew how this was going to end. Mandon would put up a good fight, but go down. Jaime would also fall, but not without reminding their onlookers why he was named the youngest Kingsguard in history, despite being a nonbender.

NED STARK

?-GREEN FORK-?

The three lords were inside of a blue tent, ready to split off to do their own separate parts for their survival. Parts that the youngest still had issues with.

"But she was supposed to marry Brandon." Ned said.

"I know Ned, but with Brandon dead, and Benjen so young, it falls to you to marry in his stead." Jon said.

"We need the Tully's men. They can either join us or fight us, and if they fight, we will be too spent to face the royal forces." Robert said as he poured over the map of Westeros, as if doing so would reveal where the man responsible for this war was hiding. In any case, the stone pieces representing their forces were shaking from Robert's rage. The Stormlord paid little attention to

"Does Hoster Tully think that the Mad King would let Lady Catelyn and his family go free? He wants Robert's head for being Lyanna's betrothed. Why would he not want the same for Brandon's?" Ned said.

"Lord Hoster can close in Riverrun and fend for himself. By doing so, he shows that he is no friend of ours, and thus can negotiate with the Crown. An option we can not hope for." Jon explained. "But with the offer of Winterfell and the Vale for his grandchildren, that will be just enough to make him take the gamble. And it will also help shore up your own hold on the North. Very few Non Benders have reigned as King or Lord of Winterfell. Right now, they follow you more for vengeance against the South, than loyalty to you specifically. The Northern lords will always hold it against you. But if you marry Catelyn, a Waterbender, you can assure that future generations of Starks will be benders like her and the rest of your family. But if you wed Ashara, then your children would be more likely to be Airbenders. The occasional different bender is accepted. A handful are tolerated, but a complete change in bending forms in families are feared by many of the more prideful houses."

"My mother was an Airbender." Ned pointed out.

"But that was evened out by your father being a Waterbender." Jon pointed out. "It is cruel, but it is the burden of non benders to always be questioned."

Ned felt his throat dry up. Brandon was supposed to be the one to marry Cat. He was supposed to be with someone else.

"But, Ashara…" Ned whispered, but both men heard him.

"I know Ned. But your duty to the North is more important than your duty to a single woman, no matter how you feel about her." Jon said. In the chaos that had come, Jon had learned about Ned's weakness. He had been comforting, but then the ravens brought word of Brandon and his Father's fates. "Selfless duty requires you to sacrifice your own honor, in order to end this war justly."

An old Airbender philosophy. And it did hit Ned, but that was not the end of it.

"Ned." Robert said, seeing the remaining hesitation within Ned. "What is more important? Your honor, or Lyanna?"

Ned couldn't think. "That is not fair."

"None of this is fair!" Robert shouted. "But that is the choice we have to make. You two need to get to Riverrun, but I can reach the Stormlands and start calling my banners. Stannis should be able to hold Storm's End. Once I cut the Reach's advance, we can meet up and head to the Capital. Aerys and Rhaegar are probably there, or Rhaegar will have to come out. Then we can get Lyanna back."

The scene faded, and suddenly Ned was in Riverrun, surrounded by lords from the Vale, North, and Riverlands. He draped his cloak around the woman he had expected to call sister, and the Septon announced them wed.

"I'm sorry." He whispered, too quiet for anyone other than Cat to hear. His first words as a married man. To her, it undoubtedly meant, 'I'm sorry I'm not Brandon.' And he was.

But the apology was meant for another. With dark hair and violet eyes.

NED STARK

?-THE TRIDENT?

Now, the dream changed once again.

Ned raised his shield just in time to save his head from the rock, but he still fell off his horse.

They had fallen on the Royal army without being spotted. But the larger force had finally reorganized into a formidable force. Local spirits were also all around, affected by the negativity of war, acting as wild beasts attacking any who got too close. Some benders from both armies were trying to contain them or get them to leave, but the spirits seemed endless.

Before he could stand, he saw white armor shine in the sun.

A Kingsguard was his opponent.

Ned rolled out of the way of the sword falling towards his head. He got up as quickly as possible and blocked another slash. But doing so let the knight get closer to Ned.

"The Tower of Joy. That is where you will find Lyanna."

Those words were whispered, yet somehow still audible to Ned. As if the din of battle paused just so he could hear it. The voice had a dornish accent, revealing his opponent to be Prince Lewyn Martell.

Ned roared with anger as he swung his own blade, but the Dornishman jumped backwards easily.

Both were Nonbenders, but that meant nothing to the Kingsguard.

A Northman tried to save his lord, but Lewyn gutted him with a single swing.

A Waterbender froze the water the Prince was in, but he pulled himself out before it got too solid and bashed the man's head in. But that required him to turn around.

Ned tackled the Kingsguard from behind, and pulled out a dagger, searching for openings. He found one, and plunged it as deep as it could go.

A gust of wind from a Dornish soldier pushed him off, and he saw Lewyn get up, only to lose him in the battle.

The next time Ned saw the man, it was after Prince Lewyn became a corpse, courtesy of Ser Lyn Corbray.

Ned stood again, trying to tell friend from foe. His confusion was settled when he saw a figure in black armor start to glow, while a knight with antlers on his helm raised his warhammer to meet him.

NED STARK

?-TOWER OF JOY-?

Once again, the dream shifted. The Rebellion was officially over. But the cause of it still needed to be put to an end. Three faces Ned would never forget appeared in front of him.

"I do apologize, Ned. Rhaegar and I both knew you would be the one to suffer the most. But it had to happen this way."

Arthur Dayne's words were a strange mix of composed and guilt stricken.

"Why?" Ned asked, the men by his side preparing to fight, either by bending or drawing blades. "Why would my suffering be more than Brandon's, or my Father's? Or Lyanna's?"

"I am afraid that is not for us to reveal. If you have not figured it out, you must not have heard." Arthur said. "Once this is over, please, return my blade to Starfall. If Ashara can be saved, then please save her."

"Ashara?" Ned asked, confused. His thoughts had turned to her, after he had started for Dorne. But Lyanna needed him, and Catelyn was his wife. He could not face her.

"I have said all I can." Arthur said as he donned his helmet. "I wish you luck in the wars to come. Now it begins."

"No." Ned said. "Now it ends."

NED STARK

?-STARFALL-?

Ned, Howland, Wylla and Jon arrived at Starfall. Ned held Dawn, though he could feel the blade reject him, as though it was alive. As they approached its waiting place, it seemed to calm down. Wylla held Jon, keeping the babe safe.

Wylla was the only one who could navigate them to Starfall, but she had been quite otherwise. She spent her time caring for Jon, but allowed Ned and Howland to hold the boy as well.

'Promise me Ned.'

Words rang in his head every time he looked at his nephew. No. He had to think of him as his son. It would be better that way. The Lion would not allow a dragon to live, even if he was half wolf. The Mountain would come, just as he did for the other dragons.

Outside the gates of Starfall, a man waited. A bow, but no quiver was by his side.

Ned recognized him. Addam Dayne. Lord of Starfall. Elder brother of Arthur and Ashara.

"Lord Stark." Addam said, his voice strained.

"Lord Dayne." Ned said.

"She waited for you, you know." Addam said. "But we received word of your marriage to Lady Catelyn. I suppose congratulations are in order."

"I never meant to dishonor her." Ned said.

"No, I know you did not. And Ashara understood. Airbenders must learn to let go of attachments. But that has always been harder for her. Especially when the babe came." Addam said.

The Babe.

Ned was a father. He had heard word of Catelyn being with child, but he was already a father. His mind tried to go through different possibilities. He could claim Jon and the babe were twins, but that would take several moons, perhaps even a year for them to grow to be the same size. Jon would be too young, even a smallfolk could tell. Would it be better to claim he had been with two women?

"How is the babe? Where are they?" He asked.

Addam did not answer.

"No." Wylla whispered. "Arthur feared, but I had prayed…"

"The babe is dead." Addam said. "She was named Artoria, in an attempt to honor her uncle Arthur. She lived for just under five moons, but then she died. Ashara has refused most visitors ever since. We haven't made any announcements about her death though. Nor even of her birth, but I am sure word of the pregnancy got out to the Smallfolk."

Ned felt his heart drop.

Dead. His first born. His daughter. Was dead.

It was not unheard of. Babes died in the crib far too often. He remembered being told to be prepared for Benjen to die before walking, as House Stark was seen as too lucky to have all the children survive. They had all survived, but half of them were dead before the next generation had even started.

Any hope for the happiness he had imagined in the Vale disappeared. Ned Stark, the second born son who would loyally follow his elder brother, had nothing left for himself. All he could do was maintain what he received from those he had lost. His brother's lordship and wife, and his sister's son.

Ned got off of his horse, which had originally belonged to Lord Willam Dustin, and presented Dawn to Addam. "This belongs to your family."

"No." Addam said. "It is more that we just keep it safe, until it chooses one of us to fight beside."

Addam was careful to avoid touching the actual blade. He looked at Ned. "She is inside, if you wish to talk with her. We can also bring you to the crypts, to see Artoria." He offered.

Ned's party walked in, and Ned was led up the Palestone Sword Tower of Starfall. "These rooms are reserved for us Airbenders of the family. A better connection to the sky. She hasn't left in a month. Since Artoria died. Try to help her. A single room is not what an Airbender is meant for." Addam explained. "I'd brace myself, if I was you. It's a miracle she hasn't tried anything yet."

JON

CRYPTS

Jon could still hear footsteps besides his own. Rickon was definitely still in here. Unfortunately, the light from his torch was not showing him much farther than a few feet in front of him.

"Rickon! This isn't a joke. Come out already. I'm sure everyone is worried about you." Jon said.

He kept walking, heading down to lower and lower levels. Rickon couldn't be that far ahead of him, could he?

Eventually, Jon realized that he himself could not recognize any of the statues. They had gone farther than he had ever before.

'Torch won't last much longer. Perhaps I should turn back.' Jon thought. 'Rickon could have been hiding behind one of the newer statues, and left already. If not, then I can grab one of the Earthbender servants. Have them help.'

Even so, Jon could still fear the eyes of past kings gazing down at him, as though bringing an Earthbender and risking disturbing their remains was a terrible idea.

'I'll just look for a few more minutes. Then I will head back.' Jon decided.

Right as he thought that, he came to a side room. Jon could not say what about this particular room was different. But he found himself stopping and looking all the same.

There, quieter than he should be, was Rickon. Sitting on the first step of the only coffin in the room. Right next to the stone Direwolf, larger than most others, and fashioned using Earthbending, rather than the sculpted wolves of younger kings. The statue of the Stark was on the other side.

"Rickon, there you are." Jon said, putting aside the strange feeling as he found his brother. "C'mon, you need to head back up."

"Who is it?" Rickon asked, without looking at Jon.

'A good question.' Jon thought. The feeling took over the reason of his mind. He wanted to know as well. Jon slowly approached the tomb, looking for any runes or markings that would identify this particular ancestor.

He lowered the torch closer. He should know who this was, but he didn't know why.

With his other hand, he touched the tomb.

NED

?-STARFALL-?

Ned entered the room, and was immediately startled by the mess. The pillows and several dresses laid ripped apart. In the corner of the room, was the woman he had loved. Harrenhal seemed a century ago, but he could still recall their dance. Now, she sat there, curled up, tears streaming down her face.

"Ashara." Ned said. Unsure of what to say.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry." She repeated like a chant. It seemed like she did not even know he was here.

Ned kneeled down and put his hand on her shoulder, startling her out of her mutterings and bringing her into focus.

"N-Ned?" She asked, seeing him for the first time.

"Hello, Ashara." Ned said, turning so he was sitting next to her. He had no idea what to say at this moment, but he had to try.

"I… I heard. About Artoria." He said solemnly.

Ashara took in a breath, tears pouring renewed from her eyes. "I'm sorry. It's all my fault."

"It's not." Ned assured her. "You have nothing to apologize for. I should have been here for you."

"No. You had your duties. You couldn't be here." Ashara said. "I wish you could have seen her, Ned. She was so beautiful."

"I am sure she was." Ned said. "Afterall, she was your daughter."

A small smile appeared on her face. "She had more Stark in her than I thought she would."

Ned felt his heart fall at those words.

What was he supposed to do? What was he supposed to say?

Addam had said that Ashara had not left this room. Was this where Artoria had died.

"Come. You should get some fresh air." Ned said as he stood.

"The windows are open." Ashara pointed out.

"Then you need to walk around. Come on. For me." Ned pleaded.

Ashara slowly stood up. She seemed weak, like she could faint at any moment. Ned stayed close, and they opened the door and walked down.

'She needs help.' Ned thought to himself. 'But what can I do?'

They passed by Addam, who seemed relieved that his sister was out of her room. They found a room where Wylla and Howland waited, while Jon, who was laying in Wylla's arms let out a laugh upon seeing Ashara's face.

"That laugh." Ashara whispered. She looked up, noticing Jon for the first time. Her breath hitched. "How..How old is this child?" She asked, fear in her voice.

"My lady?" Wylla asked worried. But Howland did not notice.

"About a moon ago." He answered simply. Lyanna had held on, but they had only managed to make it to her final hours.

"No..." Ashara muttered, approaching Wylla and Jon. "By the gods, not that."

"Ashara?" Ned asked confused. Was seeing a newborn too much for her? She had just lost her own. It was possible.

"I'm sorry." Ashara said, stroking Jon's head. "I just didn't want my daughter to suffer. But all I did was push her fate onto you."

Ned's mind stopped working upon hearing those words. A sense of dread entered his heart. 'No. She couldn't have.' He thought.

"Ashara. What happened to Artoria?" Ned heard his own voice ask.

"She, she seemed normal. I didn't think anything when the Raven's came, announcing the deaths of the Trident." Ashara said. "But after King's Landing was sacked, Artoria fell ill. She sneezed. And her crib almost caught aflame."

Realization hit Ned. An ancient lesson brought itself to the front of his mind. 'No man is as accursed as the Kinslayer.'

"Robert had sent an announcement to every kingdom. The Avatar was to be hunted down and killed, once and for all. I knew that sooner or later, Varys would learn of Artoria. That she would be hunted by the might of the Iron Throne. I didn't want her to suffer through that. So I… I took a pillow, and I held it to her face. I sang to her, so she wouldn't try to cry out. I prayed that the next Avatar would be born in the Shadow Lands, or Sothoryos. Somewhere Robert would be unable to follow." Ashara kept explaining. Kept Confessing. "But I see that I failed to even do that."

Ned and his two companions were at a loss of what to say. Jon just kept laughing at the sight of this woman. The woman who strangely, could claim to be the child's mother.

Ashara ran back, before Ned could even think. She had used Airbending to increase her speed, and took to the steps three at a time. By the time Ned had put his foot down on the first step, Ashara was already at the top.

When he took his third step up, Ashara had already hit the ground outside Starfall.

With that, Ned awoke.

AN: Apologies for the wait. I have been quite busy. In the last month of college, getting the Vaccine, and searching for jobs.

As for this story, well the question you have been waiting for has been answered. The Avatar is Jon. Maybe a bit obvious, but it was always the plan. I had actually thought of having him correct Maester Luwin a bit in chapter one at one point, as a sort of hint. But I decided against it. I did not yet know the specific direction to take this story at that point, but now I have more of an outline.

I wanted both Jon and Rhaegar to be the Avatar, but realized the only way that could work is for a middle Avatar to have been born and die within the short few months that separate them. So, Artoria, a Fate reference, took that place. Ashara realized she was the Avatar, and when word reached her that Robert would continue to hunt them down, she decided that killing her would be a mercy. Only for her to do so right when Lyanna was going into labor. We get the whole story through Ned's dreams, but I interrupted them with other POVs to keep it from being too long.

So, Jon finds a tomb while searching for Rickon. This is the true starting place of the plot, if you will.

Jaime gives us a look at King's Landing. A Robert who knows that Rhaegar was not the last Avatar, and as such has been honing his bending for the eventual rematch he knows is to come.

You may have also noticed a new name in Jaime's POV. Prince Cerion. Third in line after Joffrey and Tommen. He also has a younger sister Joanna. The reason for this is simple, I made Joffrey the only Bender among the Royal Children. With Bending being a sign of power, Robert and Cersei would be under pressure to have more children who are capable of bending, but so far Joffrey remains the only one. And while I am at this, I may as well mention: Of Tywin's line, Joffrey is the only Earthbender. Tyrion and the Twins are all Non Benders, despite Tywin being so renowned that he was Rhaegar's teacher. Other branches of the Lannisters are more evenly split, so Lancel, Tyrek and even Joy Hill are all Benders. So it is a bit of a sour point to him.

With that, I leave you for now. Next story I am going to focus on is Power Shift.

Hope you all stay safe and I wish you luck in all your endeavors. See you all later.

Jaehaerys Joestar