Dragon Wolf
A/N: I just want to give an enormous thank you to EspressoPatronum13 for such an amazingly wonderful review. This chapter is dedicated to you hun for making me want to write another chapter despite being utterly exhausted lol.
Chapter 5 – The War Begins
The next morning Visenya woke to Ghost staring her in the face silently and huffed a soft laugh at him.
"Alright Ghost, I'm up."
She refused the maids that wanted to bathe and dress herm choosing to handle it herself. She chose a long flowing lavender gown with open sleeves and a semi-modest neckline that still managed to show a little cleavage, though it was still tame compared to what she'd seen on some of the Dornish women the day before. She allowed one of the maids to guide her to the breakfast hall and watched in amusement as the girl tried to tell Ghost he wasn't allowed into the room, at least until Oberyn spoke up from the table.
"I doubt anyone will be able to force the wolf to part from his mistress, especially after recent events. Leave it be Marla."
"As you wish, My Prince."
Visenya chose to sit beside Oberyn, with Daemon on her other side and Ghost at her back watching everyone around them closely with his unnerving red eyes. Oberyn introduced her to the man at the head of the table, his brother Prince Doran.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Stark."
"That's umm…not…Oberyn…"
"I told you I would tell no one until you were ready…I keep my promises."
"Oberyn…Care to explain brother?"
"Prince Doran…My true name is not Visenya Stark. It is Visenya Targaryen, true born daughter of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark. My Uncle raised me as his bastard to protect me from King Robert's hatred of all things Targaryen."
"A wise move on his part. Regardless of your name, I welcome you to Dorne and I assure you you will be safe here."
"Your brother already promised me that."
"Did he now? You must have made quite an impression on him."
"She has. She is a very…special woman. Not many women can hold their own against Daemon in a fight…and nearly win at that."
"It was a close fight, My Lady."
"Care for a rematch later, Ser Daemon?"
"Anytime, anywhere, My Lady."
"I think I should come and see this skill on display. Perhaps your daughters might wish to come and watch as well Oberyn."
"Most likely. First we have some important things to discuss."
"Such as?"
"How to deal with the Lannister threat. Tell him what your uncle learned about the royal brats."
"Oh come now Oberyn…Tommen and Myrcella aren't bad…Joffrey's the horrid one."
"They are still Lannisters."
"You mean half Lannister."
"No, Prince Doran…they are all Lannister. The Queen's children were not sired by King Robert Baratheon but rather by her own twin, Jaime Lannister. They are bastards born of incest."
"I see…do you have proof of this?"
"Aside from the fact that all Baratheons have been born black of hair, even when marrying a blonde Lannister? No, though Cersei's reaction to my uncle finding out her secret and foolishly confronting her about it was to have him arrested for treason…and then her vicious little bastard had him beheaded in front of my poor cousin. Gods…Sansa must be so frightened and alone…and Ser Jaime killed Jory for trying to keep him away from the tower…"
"You have suffered much as of late, Lady Visenya."
"Lady Sansa is a wolf of the North…like you. She is stronger than you think."
"Thank you Oberyn."
Gendry wandered in at that point and greeted Visenya before anyone else, something that pleased Oberyn as it showed where the young man's loyalties lay.
"Mornin Milady, did you sleep well?"
"I did, Gendry, thank you. Prince Doran, this is Gendry. He's been a good friend and protector on my journey here to Dorne."
"Then I am honored to meet you Gendry."
"Same…Milord."
"Gendry is possibly the only surviving bastard son of Robert Baratheon after Cersei ordered her men to hunt them all down and kill them to remove any claim to the throne other than her own children."
"I see. You are safe here as well young man. Any enemy of the Lannisters is an ally of Dorne."
"Thank you Milord. Might I ask a question?"
"You may."
"Is there a forge nearby I can work at?"
"You are a smith?"
"He apprenticed with Tobo Mott in King's Landing and was nearly finished his training."
"In that case Dorne would be honored to have your services. I will have the royal smith show you how to make Dornish style weapons as they are quite different from what you are accustomed to."
"You do me a great honor Milord."
"Gendry…sit down and eat something…please?"
"As Milady commands."
"If you don't stop calling me that I will throw something at you."
"Yes…Milady."
"Gendry!"
The men shared a laugh at the exasperated female before Oberyn remembered his other promise from the night before and stood to offer Visenya a hand up.
"I do believe I promised you ravens last night to send letters to your family. Shall we go and do that now?"
"Yes, thank you."
"After that we can take you for a ride on a Sand Steed, the pride of Dorne."
"I would love that."
The men sparred together while Visenya wrote out her letters, three in total. One to Sansa to tell her she was safe and not to worry about her and to take care of herself…to stay strong no matter what they might try and do to her. She sent another to Arya asking how she, Bran, Rickon, and their wolves were doing…and how her sword lessons were going. The last letter was for Robb and Theon. She missed her brothers fiercely and hoped they were being safe. She asked about Greywind, and told them she was safe in Dorne and not to worry for her. After she sent the ravens off to their destinations she sat on a sandstone bench and tried to reign in her emotions. This was when the men noticed she was finished and Oberyn chose to check on her, finding her sniffling and trying not to cry.
"It is alright to cry when you are upset, little one. You have been through quite a lot recently, it is only natural to be upset."
"I know…I'm just…I don't like it."
"Don't like what, little one? Being vulnerable? No one likes it, but sometimes it is necessary. You are among friends here, and we understand the pain of loss. He may not have been your father by blood but he was your father in every way that matters."
"Thank you Oberyn."
"Lady Visenya!"
"For the love of…Daemon! Stop calling me that! Gendry stop laughing!"
Oberyn watched as the two men kept laughing and Visenya launched herself at them, tackling both men to the ground and shoving their faces into the sand. He chuckled at the stream of laughing apologies coming out of both men as Doran joined them in his wheeled chair.
"Quite a fiery spirit that one."
"She is that, Doran."
"You like her."
"What's not to like? She's beautiful, amusing, intelligent, a skilled fighter."
"Oberyn…I intend to throw the full support of Dorne behind her if she decides she wants to claim her birthright."
"You are certain of this?"
"I am. The Iron Throne is hers by right…and I can think of no one better suited to rule."
"I agree. Ah, there are my lovely daughters."
Visenya turned as a Oberyn was tackled to the ground by a group of young women and girls who all looked a bit like him and realized they must be his daughters…the infamous sand snakes. She couldn't resist teasing him a bit though.
"And here I thought the Red Viper would be able to defend himself better than this. Brought low by a group of young ladies…such a pity."
"I will show you…such a pity…come closer Little One and we shall see which of us comes out on top."
"You'll have to wait your turn. I already promised Ser Daemon a rematch after all."
"I am a Prince…HIS Prince…he can wait."
"Oberyn! You're acting like a spoiled child."
"What? You get me riled up and then deflect my advances little one."
"You are impossible…"
Doran was fighting the urge to laugh at Oberyn having met his match. She was more than capable of handing his sass right back to him, a rare treat for the elder brother to witness.
"Father? Who is this?"
"This is Lady Visenya, my friend and an ally of Dorne. Be nice."
"They don't have to be nice if they don't want to Oberyn. If they do not like me that is their choice. I promise you it will not hurt my feelings."
"You fight then?"
"I do."
"I was told the women north of Dorne were not allowed to fight."
"It is different in the far North where I come from. If a woman wants to learn to fight she can because if the men are out hunting and their home is under attack she needs to be able to defend herself. I learned to fight with my brothers."
"She also beat me in our first fight…though I assure you I will be winning the rematch, My Lady."
"Oh will you now? Care to make a wager on that, Ser Daemon?"
"If you wish. If I win…you give me a kiss."
"Someone is feeling rather bold…but I'll agree. If I win…you will have to help me find any information about dragons available."
"An odd request, but I'll agree to that."
Oberyn noticed a little smirk on the lady's lips when she agreed to Daemon's terms and wondered if she had noticed the same loophole that he had in the wording. Her request surprised him as well but he decided that even if she lost he would help her find the information she was seeking.
"Alright…the terms are set…what weapons will you be using?"
"Daggers again, My Lady?"
"Yes, daggers…and if you keep calling me that you're going to find one lodged in a very sensitive place before this is over."
Oberyn chuckled when Daemon paled slightly at the threat he was positive she might actually follow through on.
"Weapons at the ready…begin."
The two fought much like they had the first time, however…Daemon made one mistake in challenging her. He had forgotten how much turmoil she had been through recently and the fight gave her an outlet for all of her pain and anger. It did not take too long for Daemon to find himself on his back with a dagger at his throat and his manhood while a viciously grinning female sat on his stomach. Oberyn's laughter soon pulled the woman out of the battle haze her brain had fallen into and she rolled off of Daemon with an apology, one that he quickly waved aside.
"No apology is needed, Visenya. I should not have made the mistake of taunting you knowing how volatile your mood would be right now."
"I've never been that…vicious in a spar before."
"You have been through a great deal of turmoil little one, the fight gave you an outlet. Now…how about that ride I promised you?"
"The Sand Steeds? Can we?"
"Of course, I keep my promises little one, always."
Oberyn and Daemon led her to the royal stable, Oberyn's eldest three daughters following them out of curiosity over the woman their father seemed to be extremely interested in. When they entered the stables Visenya immediately gravitated to coal black stallion that reminded her of the mare she'd had to leave behind in King's Landing. Daemon attempted to warn her away from the normally volatile creature but went silent when the stallion seemed to decide he liked the woman and butted his head into her hand for attention.
"What is this one's name?"
"That is my stallion, Night Storm."
"An interesting name."
"He does not normally allow anyone other than myself to touch him, occasionally Daemon but he has been nipped a few times."
"Nipped?! He nearly tore my arm off once."
"You exaggerate, my friend. He seems to have taken a liking to you, little one."
"Must take after his master then."
"I suppose he does."
Oberyn had walked up behind her and was now pressed against her back with his hand over hers where she was petting the stallion's velvet-soft nose. He could feel her muscles tense up at how close he was and wondered what was going on in her head. Visenya could feel his muscled frame against her back and he mind wandered back to the day he had kissed her soundly outside of the tower. She couldn't help but wonder why he did that…and if he might do it again.
"I believe the mare next to him might be easier for you to ride, little one."
"You don't think I can handle him?"
"I highly doubt it, but you may feel free to try and prove me wrong if you wish."
"Just watch me then."
Oberyn allowed himself a smirk at her stubborn fire while Daemon backed up with wide eyes as she led the stallion out of his stall to be saddled. He watched as she easily vaulted herself onto the stallion's back and the thing didn't even seem to care.
"What sort of spell did you put on that beast?"
"It's not magic, Daemon. You just have to know their language. Horses communicate mostly through body movements. I presented a strong front and showed him from the start that I'm of a higher rank than he is and he responded in kind. One of my father's banner men, a close friend of the family, is a breeder of the best northern horses there are. I learned a great deal from him when I showed interest in the horses he brought for my brother's and I to pick from."
"Right…I still say that beast is a demon…juts like his master."
"Careful Daemon, I might juts accidentally hurt you when we spar again."
"Fight nicely boys."
The two turned to her with raised eyebrows and she laughed softly for a moment, her mind wandering back to a freer, happier time in her life.
"Apologies…I used to say that to my brothers when they would bicker and fight."
"Shall we ride then, My Lady?"
"Daemon…I am seriously going to hurt you if you don't stop calling me that."
"Would you prefer princess?"
"Oh Gods no…that's even worse."
"Right then…princess it is."
The glare she levelled at him had the man nearly falling over he was laughing so hard, until a riding boot hit him in the head and he actually did fall over. Now it was everyone else laughing at him. He gave the irritated yet amused female a mocking salute and chuckled when she rolled her eyes at him.
"Let's get going before I actually do end up hurting him."
Obara, Oberyn's eldest daughter, decided that this woman wasn't so bad…she was a good fighter and held her own with intelligence as well. She shared a look with her sisters and they nodded in agreement. They would watch her, but they would not try to chase her off as they had with others who sought out their father's attentions. This one seemed to actually be trying to resist him which they had never seen before.
"Father? We will not be joining the ride. We'd like to practice our fighting some more."
"Of course, go and have fun."
After they'd been riding for some time Visenya plucked up the courage to ask about the girls' mother. Oberyn shook his head with a derisive snort as he told her about the woman.
"Her name was Ellaria Sand, a beautiful woman I had thought myself in love with. As it turned out she had her eyes set on my family's throne. She attempted to assassinate my brother Doran with the intention of convincing me to take the throne and marry her."
"That's horrible. I'm so sorry you had to deal with that."
"I survived little one. It has taken some time but I have moved on and I am better off for it. I went to the Tourney as a way of proving to myself that I was still who I always had been…and then I met you. The most interesting and challenging woman I have ever laid eyes on."
"I find that hard to believe."
"Oh? You do not think you are interesting or challenging?"
"Challenging yes…that I believe…interesting? How could I be? I'm just a boring nobody from the North who up until recently was considered a bastard."
Oberyn pulled both of their horses to a halt and turned her face to look at him, his face serious and his dark eyes boring into hers.
"You are not, nor were you ever, a nobody. Anyone who told you such a thing was a fool. As to the last bit…that would not have mattered here in Dorne, bastards are seen as products of passion and not something to be thrown aside or looked down upon."
"I see…"
"I certainly hope so, little one. I will not allow anyone to insult you…not even you."
"Thank you…Oberyn."
He simply could not help himself as he leaned in and captured her lips in a much gentler kiss than the first one he stole from her, and was rewarded with a soft breathy gasp of air as she clung to his arms…until Daemon cleared his throat and Oberyn glared at him.
"Daemon?"
"Do not growl at me Oberyn. We need to be getting back if we're to make it in time to get ready for the feast."
"Feast? What feast?"
"Doran insisted on holding a feast to honor your arrival here in Dorne."
"Why? I'm not…"
"Do not finish that statement, little one. You are…that simple. Now come…you will need time to get ready."
"What exactly am I supposed to wear?"
"I took the liberty of purchasing a lovely dress for you to wear tonight and it will be in your chambers with a maid to help you."
"That is really not necessary Oberyn."
"I disagree…and I can't wait to see how you look tonight, little one."
They eventually made it back to the stable and Visenya was ushered away to get ready, Oberyn and Daemon trying not to laugh as she protested the entire way as the maids hurried her along. When she later entered the dining hall both men felt all of the air leave their lungs. Her hair was left to fall down her back and shoulders like a dark curtain but the dress Oberyn had chosen for her was what had thrown them both for a loop. It was form-fitting on the top and hugged her breasts, a sharp V dipping between them, and the rest was a semi-sheer fabric that danced around her legs as she moved. The deep blue color of winter roses suited her. Doran leaned in to whisper to his brother.
"I believe you managed to outdo yourself with that dress Oberyn."
"I think I stabbed myself in the foot choosing that one. Gods she is a vision."
Daemon was utterly speechless for once and even Gendry had to pick his jaw up off the floor, having never seen her look like that before.
"Gentlemen."
"My Lady…you look…I mean…wow."
"Gendry…if you are attempting to say I look nice then thank you."
"I believe the poor man was attempting to tell you are gorgeous, Lady Visenya."
"Thank you, Ser Daemon."
"You look absolutely ravishing, little one. I knew that gown would look wonderful on you but you far outshine the gown with your beauty."
Oberyn was pleased when she actually blushed at his compliment as he guided her to sit between himself and Daemon, much to Doran's amusement. He had just witnessed his brother looking at this woman in a way he had never seen him look at any other before…and now he had hope that maybe, just maybe, he might get to see his wild brother settle down.
When the meal was finished the music began playing and Visenya found herself being swept into a lively round of dances with Oberyn and Daemon. When the music changed to something slow and sultry she tried to quietly escape but Oberyn was having none of it and pulled her back against his chest, using his hands on her hips to guide her in the movement of the dance. Eventually she felt herself getting lost in the rhythm of the music and the dance, and the feel of his heat at her back…and her eyes slipped closed. She felt another presence in front of her and opened her eyes just enough to see Daemon pressing her between himself and Oberyn. Her face flushed with heat as they moved together, Oberyn's hand roaming her sides while Daemon caressed her throat. Her entire body felt overheated and her breath didn't seem to want to cooperate anymore and she felt a bit frightened of the feeling until she managed to get out from between them and all-but bolted from the room, leaving two very confused men in her wake. Slowly Oberyn's brain re-engaged and he realized they had spooked her by coming on a bit too strong.
"I forgot she's still quite innocent in the ways of men…"
"Should we go after her?"
"No, that would only make it worse. Give her some space and let her calm herself. We will see her tomorrow."
"Oberyn? Was that really necessary brother?"
"Apologies Doran…we simply got carried away…"
Doran could see his brother kept looking in the direction she had sped off in and shook his head. Oberyn was falling hard and didn't even realize it…but Daemon seemed to be just as bad. If nothing else this could prove entertaining for him…and humbling for his younger brother.
A few days later the ravens carrying her families responses finally came in and Visenya found herself curled up in a corner of the water gardens to read them with Ghost laying next to her with his head on her lap as she read them to him. Oberyn and Daemon were nearby in case she should become emotional again.
"Listen to this Ghost. Arya says her lessons are going well and she can actually land a hit on Robb once in a while now. Your siblings are doing very well too. Nymeria's growing into a fierce girl, Shaggydog is as wild as ever, and Summer is apparently the mature one of the three. She says Bran is doing better. Lord Tyrion gave them plans for a special saddle that keeps him upright so he can ride again…how thoughtful of him."
The two men watching swore the wolf looked like he was not only listening but actually understood her as his ears perked up at each of his sibling's names.
"Shall we see what Sansa has to say next? Oh…oh no…Sansa…poor Lady…"
Ghost pressed himself again his mistress as she started to cry and growled lightly at the two men who made to move closer.
"It's alright Ghost…I'll be alright."
"Visenya? Has something happened to Lady Sansa?"
"The so-called King Joffrey had her wolf Lady executed for trying to protect her from him. He…he had Sansa's dress torn in front of everyone and had his king-guard beat her until Tyrion stopped him. That horrid little beast. She doesn't deserve such treatment. She writes here that she had to have the letter smuggled out by a knight she trusts as the Queen reads anything she tries to send out and won't let her send anything bad about them."
"The boy will get what he deserves sooner or later little one."
"Not soon enough."
"You have two more letters little one, perhaps they bear happier tidings?"
"Robb has apparently declared war against the Crown and the Lannisters for what was done to his father…and the men of the North have named him their King in the North. Oh boy…that's gonna go straight to his head. He says he wants to form an alliance with me should I choose to seek my rightful place in the Iron Throne. Has he lost his mind entirely? If I let the truth get out there they'll have assassins after me the next day."
"We would keep you safe, little one…not that assassins can easily enter these areas in the first place."
"What of the squid-boy? What does he say?"
"His name is Theon, Daemon…not squid-boy. He says Robb named him hand of the king…great now his ego will inflate too. He says they miss me and can't wait until I'm home again. I miss those two idiots."
"Of course you do, they are your brothers in all but blood. You were raised together, learned together…you have a strong bond between you."
"They stayed by my side when I was sick with a fever as a child that nearly took my life. Those two refused to leave my side, each of them holding one of my hands to keep the fever from stealing me away is what they told Lady Catelyn. She didn't have the heart to tell them it didn't work like that…but it seemed to work. I started improving the longer they were with me, as though I was drawing strength from them, and in no time I was back to my normal self. They didn't leave my side for weeks after but eventually they relaxed. Then Sansa was born and they went into mother hen mode over her instead."
"You have a loving family, little one. I hope one day to see you all reunited."
"You and me both, Oberyn…you and me both."
A/N: And there you have the next chapter in Visenya's crazy life. Updates on the happenings around Westeros with her family…and of course more sass and fire…and a little seduction too. She's still not used to that kind of intense male attention…Theon's flirting was more in fun and Jory wasn't entirely sure how to go about it all…bur Oberyn and Daemon are experienced and she's more than a bit shy and unsure about all their attention. That will change eventually though…of course. Hope you all enjoyed this one.
