New Chapter. 24.

Summerhall.

Regression to the mean.

The Red Keep.

5th Moon. 297AC.

Elia smiled as Lyarra entered the tea room, curtseying as she moved closer.

"Your grace."

Elia sighed in exasperated fondness.

"I do not know how many times I will have to correct you, Lyarra. You are to wed my son and I will be your good mother in no time. I would love to hear you call me by my name. Or at least, good mother."

Lyarra smiled rather sheepishly as she sat down, accepting the cup of tea from Elia.

"I am still trying to wrap my head around the change."

Elia hummed in understanding.

"I know what you mean. I remember when I got the news from my mother that I would wed the Prince of Westeros. I was happy at first. Everyone knew about Rhaegar and the charming prince that he was. I had also met him twice before that, so like many a maiden, I will not deny my attraction for him."

She playfully winked and Lyarra's grin widened.

"Of course, it was a strictly political marriage, but I would like to believe we worked around that and made a partnership that helped out marriage."

And it did. Lyarra had watched the King and Queen since her arrival in King's Landing. Having grown up watching the obvious fondness between her Lord Father and Catelyn Stark, she had been curious about that of Queen Elia and her husband too.

She had heard that most political marriages were not the best, with it's aim mostly being either children or connection of lands and trade agreements.

As for her brother Robb, his would probably be a political one too, as the North needed a Northern bride, and Robb had not really met the single ladies yet, mostly during important feasts, and the North didn't throw many feasts.

And then there was her. Getting married to Aegon would probably be the highlight of her life, not that she minded. Being able to grow old with the one her heart holds dear was more than enough for a former bastard who had grown up without much hope for her future.

"In any case, I called you here to discuss your journey to Summerhall with my son. Seeing as others are looking to join you, and then the dragons, you will have a large retinue following you."

Lyarra frowned slightly.

"Others?"

She already knew Missandei would follow her as her handmaiden. She also knew Wylla would as well, as the girl had gotten her grandfather's approval. Of course the man was more than eager to push his granddaughter Lyarra's way, what with the change in position she'd recently had.

Elia nodded.

"Viserys and the Queen mother have expressed their interest. They will stay for a while and then be off to Dragonstone. With the number of important people, the men at arms will be a large one. A mixture of the prince's guards, some as well have been allocated to you for your protection. Then some Manderly guards as well as those from Dragonstone, headed by Ser Bonifer Hasty."

"Will we be attacked on the road?"

"Oh no dear. These are just the normal precautions taken for members of the Royal family."

Elia chuckled at the look on Lyarra's face.

"Being one of us is not as lovely as many may think. Indeed we have the riches and we have the power, but it also comes with responsibilities and a large amount of wariness. Do not worry yourself. I am quite certain you will fit in."

She leaned slightly, patting Lyarra's hand before sipping her tea.

"Also, your father mentioned a need for a sworn shield."

"For me?"

"Hm. You do need one. You are very important. Not just as a daughter of a great house, not just as the bride of the Prince, but also as the mother of dragons. Reeva and Aegarax are still young, though Reeva grows faster, but they still need your protection. And you need protection."

Lyarra tilted her head.

"I am quite capable of protecting myself."

Elia made a motion with her head.

"Perhaps. But there are others who have spent years honing their skills too. It is expected of you to have someone protecting your back whilst you are busy watching your front. Perhaps if you know someone who fits such, you can bring it up with me."

Lyarra smiled wanly.

"Perhaps a female knight would do."

She joked and Elia chuckled softly.

"A pity the Sand Snakes all move together then. Obara would have fit, but where one goes the other follows. I do not think you would enjoy having all of them in your vicinity for too long. Sweet as they may be, they were raised by the viper, after all."

Lyarra stifled a snort.

That much was true.

"You do not need to have one immediately. I could find one for you. Perhaps a letter to your Lord Uncle. Mayhaps a Dayne cousin would be interested. You haven't met them, have you?"

The silvery blonde shook her head in interest.

"Only Edric."

Elia hummed.

"Something to think about then. Leave it to me, dear. Now, tell me…"

Her eyes sparkled in amusement.

"What would you like for your name day present?"

Lyarra's eyes widened in surprise.

Small Council.
Early afternoon.

As the King settled in his chair, his Hand doing the same next to him, his small council greeted him in respect before they settled down as well with a small wave from him.

"It would seem we do not have much to discuss on this day, so our meeting should not take long."

Jon nodded as he rearranged some parchments in his hands while the council members nodded.

"Before we begin, I have someone to introduce you all to."

They all straightened up, even Jon who had no idea what was happening.

"Your grace?"

Stannis Baratheon frowned slightly in confusion. Just then, the large iron double doors strained open, and in came a beautiful dark skinned woman.

She was tall, at almost 6 feet or so, dressed in a flimsy but elegant blue dress with a very low neckline which a dainty silver chain hung down. Her hair packed up on her head and a simple gold piercing on her nose as well as a couple of gold rings on her fingers.

A chilling yet seductive smile across her face as she gases from one council member to the other, grin widening as she did so.

As for the men, confusion clouded their minds as they looked at the woman, though Pycelle's eyes popped out as he dabbed at his forehead covered in sweat.

Rhaegar then spoke up.

"My Lords, I am sure you have all wondered about the post of the Master of Whisperers. A potential candidate has been on my mind even before Varys' traitorous nature was revealed to us all. This is Chataya. She will be my discrete Master of Whisperers, or rather yet, Mistress."

His silvery and calm voice fluttered across the room while some of the small council members looked aghast at the King and the woman, Jon Connington included.

"Y-your grace!"

He forced out, an almost pleading look in his eyes.

"But… I believe many of us know that name, though we do not frequent such… establishments."

Stan is nodded firmly with distaste in his eyes while Wyman Manderly nodded once, an interesting look in his eyes as he stared at the woman.

As for Pycelle, his sweating increased profusely even as he attempted to make himself invisible in between Monford and Ser Barristan.

"We cannot allow such a woman on seat! She trains whores!"

The low muttering of agreement from Stannis and Monford increases Jon's confidence as he straightened his shoulders much to Chataya's amusement.

"A-and a woman too! It is just not done, your grace."

Stannis added, gritting his teeth as he ignored the very woman he spoke of.

The King frowned at them all. He was already used to Ser Barristan being a very quiet member of the council, only speaking out when asked or when it concerns the Kingsguard. But he knew he would never go against anything Rhaegar said as well, such was his duty.

"My Lords, it matters not what she does, as long as she fulfills her duties well and is an upstanding member of the kingdom."

"Upstanding."

Monford scoffed while throwing the still quiet woman a scornful look and Rhaegar continued.

"She is very capable of finding information, not just in Westeros, but across Essos as well. And she will not be the first woman to become a member of this body. Many women have played their parts over the years, with some even being Mistress of Whisperers. This is no time to question her ability or inability, my Lords. Now is the time to trust your King."

He turned slightly towards Jon who bowed his head though a small frown stayed. As his eyes roamed the other members who said nothing, albeit some frowns on two or three, he turned to Chataya.

"I have decided that the post will not be like that of the others from now on. She won't always be at meetings as I want many of her actions to be discreet. To walk in the shadows. She will be my eyes and ears and information will be guarded much more than during the time of Varys. Now, Lady Chataya if you have anything to say, the floor is yours."

Chataya smiled where she stood, unconcerned with the arguing from earlier as she spoke up.

"My Lords, I understand your worry. After all, what does an up jumped whore mistress know about being a member of the Small Council?"

Her eyes flashed as she stared at them all.

"After all, I am not discreet with my business. Understandable, we all cannot be discreet with things. Is it our love for specific food? Our dealings behind the curtains? The love for our own gender rather than the other? Or even spending time with whores when you are prohibited from doing so by law?"

Her grin sharpened at some members of the council who tried not to act as if this affected or included them, most especially Pycelle who gulped and Jon whose face turned beet red.

"Do not worry. I swear to uphold my duties and provide information to the King above all else. It will be my absolute pleasure, to squeeze out the secrets of many and all… regardless of their station."

She purred with a smile as she stared at them all once more, and after a feeling of satisfaction went through her, she moved with such grace, sitting in her chair and placing her hands on the large iron round table of the small council.

It was quiet for a moment, before the King cleared his throat, trying to hide an amused smile as he began the meeting proper.

Elia's Tea Room.

"You asked for me, mother?"

Aegon spoke up once he entered, leaning down to kiss his mother's cheek as she smiled at him.

"Indeed, please sit. I just wanted to discuss your plans for travel with you. As you know, your grandmother and uncle will also accompany you on your journey before they head on to Dragonstone."

Aegon nodded with a wry smile.

"Viserys has been rather excitable about spending time around the dragons. He wishes to have them painted one way or the other."

He then scowled softly.

"I keep telling him he might have a better chance with Reeva. Aegarax is as abominable as it is wild."

Elia covered a smile, having heard about the wild onyx dragon and it's propensity to see any and everything as a challenge. Especially her sweet son.

"Perhaps it has noticed your interest in it's mother."

Aegon rolled his eyes as he slumped into his sofa where he sat.

"Well I found Lyarra first."

His mother snorted at that.

"In any case, I should warn you, for the duration of your betrothal, Lyarra must remain… untouched by you."

As she said that, Aegon threw his mother a look.

"You have no need to discuss this with me, mother."

"I do. Lord Stark ensured we agreed to that. He seems to think your Dornish blood will try to appeal to Lyarra's… of course, he didn't say that, but I am sure he thought it."

"Mother… please…"

Aegon groaned slightly and Elia smiled teasingly.

"Not that I blame the poor man. My brother Oberyn has made you a man way too early. Parading you out in secret to brothels at the age of 15. What was he thinking?"

Aegon chuckled.

"Well then, you can be rest assured that I am now keeping myself for marriage."

He winked playfully at his mother who stared at him.

"You have no choice. Or I would have castrated you if you did anything to make Lyarra cry."

"I think Lyarra would castrate me if I did. May we stop discussing castration? I do not wish to become a eunuch mother. Your threats are perfectly understood."

Elia smiled in satisfaction, taking a biscuit from a plate.

"In any case, I have seen the way your eyes follow each other. Many have seen it too. Summerhall might be a private castle and so visitors have to be invited unlike the Red Keep, but eyes will still be upon you both. Do take care of her while I arrange a sworn shield for her."

Aegon nodded with a smile.

"I do so swear to protect your future good daughter, mother."

Elia's smile widened before it softened as she stared at her son.

"I believe Ashara would not mind you as her good son too."

Aegon's lips quirked slightly as she bit into a scone.

Good to know.

A few more days passed and the day of travel arrived.

The King and Queen stood out the large courtyard with their Kingsguard while Aegon spoke to his parents. Nearby, Lord Manderly hugged his granddaughter goodbye while Lyarra spoke to her uncle.

"Do not forget your training, dear niece. And be watchful as well. Summerhall is a very protected castle, but so is the Red Keep. And I wont be around to protect you."

Lyarra smiled at her uncle, knowing she couldn't break protocol and hug him. He was a Kingsguard after all, and in the presence of the King.

"Of course, uncle."

Arthur stared at her once more, placing a hand on her shoulder and squeezing tightly in comfort.

"Take care. And keep Aegon out of trouble. He is a good one but he can be fiery sometimes."

Lyarra stifled a snort.

"Do not worry yourself, I believe I have enough experience dealing with that."

She glanced into the carriage she was to sit, where the two dragons now bigger than small hounds with Reeva moving faster towards the size of a large hound. Ghost laid in the carriage as well, eyes on Lyarra. Her silent and loyal protector.

Arthur noticed her eyes in the dragons and chuckled.

"Of course, you do have experience."

And with a playful wink, moved back to his position with the Kingsguard and next to Ser Barristan.

Elia then turned to her with a soft smile.

"Do take care, Lyarra."

And with that, she brought the slightly startled Lyarra into a hug.

"We shall see soon enough."

Lyarra nodded with a soft smile even as they separated and Argon finally walked over, tall and smiling as he stared at his mother and betrothed.

"We should leave now."

He made a motion towards Gendry who nodded and stepped forward, climbing onto his prepared horse, throwing a nod at his father a little further away.

Elia nodded, patting at Aegon's cheek fondly.

"Of course. May the Seven and Mother Rhoyne guide your journeys."

Aegon pressed his forehead against his mother's before stepping back and together, Lyarra was escorted into her carriage shared with Missandei and Wylla who had a rather excitable look to her face.

In the carriage behind theirs, the Queen mother and her son, Prince Viserys also traveled, numerous men at arms surrounding both carriages.

As for the Crown Prince, he was accompanied by other known faces as well. From Gendry to Ser Bonifer Hasty and even his squire, Tion Lannister who looked like he had been through a number of things.

As the carriages began their journey out of the Red Keep, Wylla smiled as she shifted the window curtains a little and looked out with a smile.

The sun was beaming down at them.

"I cannot help myself. What do you think Summerhall looks like?"

She turned curious eyes on Lyarra who opened her mouth to reply, but Wylla beat her to it, answering her own question.

"I have heard it looks like the home of a king. But then again, so does the Red Keep! And the Stormlands! What does it look like? You think we would be allowed to go cliff diving? Oh! So much of an adventure to look forward to!"

She sighed excitedly, eyes glittering with stars in them and Lyarra exchanged an amused grin with Missandei even as she ran her fingers through Ghost's fur as he laid his head in her knee, the dragons shrieking uncomfortably as they fluttered awkwardly from the seats down to the ground again and again.

It was agreed upon that they would be allowed more time outside after a little while of travel. No one wanted disgruntled dragons after all, even though they couldn't produce fire yet.

"How long is the journey?"

Lyarra absentmindedly spoke up and Wylla turned to the silvery blonde.

"Father told me about 2 weeks."

At that, Lyarra stifled a small sigh. At least she got to see more of the seven kingdoms in any case.

Winterfell.

Bran breathed in and out as he stared at the bulls eye, so close yet so far, as he looked at it and his arrow.

It was cold but he embraced the chill as it was in his very blood.

As the cold breeze blew just right, he knocked the arrow and watched as it flew past and embedded itself a little further from the center.

"Not bad for you, pipsqueak. Even if you're still a learner."

Theon japed where he stood and Robb stifled a snicker at the put upon frown across Bran's face, making him ruffle his hair.

"Don't look too sad. You're what, 7?"

"I'll be 10 soon!"

He cried out in offense and Theon snickered along with Robb, making Bran even more offended while some men at arms practicing in the yard smiled or snorted in amusement.

"And which of you was a marksman at 10?"

The sound of the Lord of Winterfell quietened all as the boys turned to see their father walking over and Bran perked up, grasping tightly at his practice bow.

Robb smiled sheepishly even as his father patted Bran across the back.

"Keep practicing, son. I can see the talent."

Bran huffed slightly.

"I want to learn the way of the sword."

Ned stifled a smile at the look in his son's eyes.

"When you grow some more and add more flesh. Now, you can practice with the bow and arrow. Your uncle Brynden is a great marksman you know…"

The younger boy perked up at that even as his father turned to walk away, heading towards the Godswood.

As he left, Robb turned to his brother and shrugged.

"Well, you heard father. If you want to become the greatest knight in the South, you have to practice. You could even become Kingsguard one day. Ser Brandon Stark, Commander of the Kingsguard sounds good, doesn't it?"

Bran grinned.

"I'm sure Lyarra wouldn't mind."

Robb laughed.

"She'd probably celebrate having you with her."

Theon smiled though it was a little stilted even as he let out a sigh.

"Well, I'll leave you ladies to your talk. I have business in town."

Robb gave him a look.

"Of course… business."

Theon gave him a smirk as he walked off.

In that moment, Arya walked over with a look in her eyes.

"I bet I could hit the middle."

"No you can't! You're just a girl!"

"What's that supposed to mean??"

A puffed up Arya bellowed out at her brother, immediately grabbing for his hair and harshly yanking, making Bran gasp in pain and drop the bow and the two were immediately involved in a scuffle.

A few feet away where Grey Wind was seated, Nymeria and Summer picked up on their owners scuffle and engaged in a playful one.

Before it could get violent though, Robb rolled his eyes, grabbing his little siblings at the scruff of their necks and yanking them apart while shaking them like errant beasts.

"Alright, knock it off you two. If mother saw she would have you in your rooms till dinner."

The two younger ones continued to glare at each other before Arya brought her tongue out at Bran who returned it childishly.

With that, Arya kicked at Bran's leg and Robb sighed, separating them even further as he sighed ruefully.

"I'm taking you both to mother."

"Robb!"

"No!!"

Bran sniffed as he entered the godswood.

He might have been banned from a number of things, climbing included, but it didn't mean he would stop his love for adventures.

With a huff, he glanced at the weirwood tree, so giant and enormous where it stood. The carved face an almost mournful smile. It's branches long, strong and full. He stared curiously at it as the winds ruffled it's blood red leaves, a raven perched on one of it's higher branches, quiet and stuff.

With a curious look, Bran grasped tightly on one of it's lower branches. If his father saw him, his punishment would be even more severe.

But Bran did not care. He was banned from climbing the towers, and so he would find another place to climb.

And so, with a small grunt, hoisted himself up the tree, about to sit when he heard a small and weak chirping.

Looking around with a frown, he removed his hand from the branch, crouching down by the roots and bushes around the weirwood tree, the chirping a little louder yet weak.

He softly brushed his hands through the bush, jumping slightly as he felt a small creature in it's depths.

Peering through, his eyes widened in awe as right before him was a shivering and weak baby raven. It's feathers shook heavily as it chirped continuously.

"A baby…"

Bran whispered to himself, looking up at the large raven seated high in the tree. Bran jumped slightly as it met eyes with him, quiet ad ever.

"Is this your child… lady raven?"

The raven puffed up before turning away and Bran shrugged, staring down at the shivering baby raven.

A moment of indecision warring in his mind before he leant forward, slowly taking the baby in his hand and bringing it closer to his face.

The baby suddenly looked up and right into his eyes and for a second, it's black and beady eyes turning milky white before Bran blinked, and it was black once more.

Probably his imagination.

Now… how to raise a baby raven in secret without your entire family finding out. Perhaps Old Nan could help out?

He snuck off with a thousand and one thoughts in his mind, and a thousand and one eyes watching him leave perched atop the weirwood tree.

Asshai.

Melisandre sat staring into the burning fire, bathed in the ruddy glow of her Red god's blessed flames, her cheeks flushed by the wash of heat as if by a lover's kisses.

Her eyes a dark red which seemed almost orange and glowing under the fire as she peered into it, her focus nowhere else as she murmured beneath her breath, prayers upon prayers to Rhllor.

He had to answer her prayers. She had to know why there was a change in the world. Why dragons were allowed to roam once more. Why there was a certain chill in the air… one that many could not feel, except perhaps for Rhllor's most devout.

Her breath caught as the fires shifted and glowed and a she was suddenly inside a vision.

She saw many things.

She saw wolves and she saw snakes and she saw lions.

She saw krakens and she saw twisted trees with faces.

She saw the silhouette of a man with his hands raised up, and in it was a great sword made of flames.

A feeling of excitement filled her as she eagerly leaned closer, salivating with glee as she tried her best to see something that could give her a clue to who he was… but before she could get closer, the loud and thunderous roar of mighty dragons filled her head and she let out a pained shout, falling to the ground and the fires dying out immediately.

Breathing heavily, eyes wide and awed, she stared at the dead fire, heartbeat quickening as it had never done in decades.

"Westeros."

She whispered with absolute conviction.

The Jade Seas.

Across the Jade seas, many ships passed, going their way and dealing in many things. Legal and illegal and even the numerous pirates ready to attack any unsuspecting ships.

Of course, there was one that many generally avoided.

Perhaps it was by its looks alone.

A single mast ship, with black sails and dark red hulls.

Its decks were painted red to better hide the blood that soaked them almost every other day. The ship's figurehead was a mouthless maiden with one arm outstretched, made of black iron, with long shapely legs, a slender waist, and high breasts, and has streaming black iron hair and mother-of-pearl eyes.

Feared from Ib and supposedly all the way to Asshai.

A man watched as his silent crew threw moaning men out into the seas regardless of them still being alive. He stifled a sneer as he looked away.

"Weak…"

He murmured to himself.

He was pale and handsome with black hair and a dark beard, a patch over his left eye while his right was as blue as the summer sky and his lips were a pale blue, due to his propensity to drink shade of the evening.

To many, he was a rather good-looking man. Rather mysterious looking which would attract many as well as an almost wicked looking mischievous smile.

He smiled in satisfaction as he remembered his haul sitting beneath his ship.

Oh how many items of history had indeed been lost and regarded as myth.

Valyria. The lost home of the white haired bastards.

He might not have been able to plunder deep into it, but he had achieved more than many had. It mattered not that many of his old crew were dying because of it.

He still felt healthy. Powerful even. The number of things he had imbibed and had done to his body, even arcane letters carved onto him… no one could kill him as easily as other men.

For he was far above any and all, and one day… one day, he believed he would be able to do the impossible.

He would be a god unto the lesser men.

His grin widened wildly as he thought of the next place to go.

He hadn't gotten any news for over 5 moons due to his separation from the world, but now he was back.

The almost silent sound of a crew lad made him turn as he watched a boy of no less than 12 name days walk over, shaved head bowed as he raised a letter in his hands.

Euron wasted no time grabbing it and turning away, the boy quickly making himself scarce even as he yawned slightly and his mouth exposed the absence of a tongue… just like every one on the Silence, except their Lord and Leader.

Euron opened the letter and read it, his curiosity turning into surprise and then manic glee.

Dragons?

Hatched dragons?

It couldn't be!

But it was.

His informant would never dare lie to him or his entire family would become permanent members of the Silence while his lovely wife would warm his bed every night while he bled her for her life's blood.

He chuckled wryly.

"So the Targaryens have gotten themselves dragons…"

He licked his lips salaciously.

Well… not the Targaryens per se… more the betrothed of the prince.

A Stark and Dayne.

Fascinating.

No… more than fascinating.

He wanted the dragons… and he wanted the girl who could walk through fire.

He wanted to know how he could use her for his own means.

He smiled as a thought crept into his mind.

Somewhere in the letters, his brother Balon was waking from his long and grudging silence.

Perhaps it was time to pay him a visit.

He very much missed the Iron Islands after all.

"Ready the ship. We set sail for Westeros. I have family to visit."

His blue lips twisted into a wicked smile.

Tarth.

All her life, Brienne had grown up knowing she was no man's fantasy woman.

When her suitors saw her, they saw a caricature mix of a man with women features and they never hid the scorn whenever she beat them in a spar.

It used to hurt… it still did on occasions, but she had made her peace with it all.

This was who she was, and she would love herself if no other would.

Growing up with her father and elder brother, Galladon who was 4 name days older than her, she could say she was indeed happy with many things.

And though there had been some sad days. Her mother's death in child bed, or even her brothers drowning which almost resulted to his own death.

She had grown up pushing herself to the extreme, befriending the bastard daughter of the Lord Baratheon who loved sparing just like she did, albeit less.

It had been wonderful, meeting someone like her… a woman who enjoyed sparring.

And then it has gotten even better.

The betrothed of the prince enjoyed the same as well. And then the rumors of her need for a sworn shield.

It was what led her to her journey, as she turned back where she sat on a horse, waving her Lord Father and Brother a goodbye.

She looked forward once more, taking a deep breath and riding off into the distance.

Her destination, Summerhall.

Hey y'all!

Surprise chapter!!

So things are slowly picking up once again.

Ha! You thought I forgot about that creep, Euron?? Absolutely not!

Anyways, yes, some new characters introduced and your favorite sworn shield just around the corner. Hopefully it works in her favor though, cause…

Fun fact, Brienne did have a brother who drowned at a young age. But in this story, he didn't drown.

In any case, for a couple of chapters, I'll definitely be showing what's going on in a couple of places and not just around Aegon and Lyarra alone.

NEXT CHAPTER, Lyarra and the Queen mother talk. A little Night's watch Cameo that should have been in this chapter. Arrival to Summerhall. Aegon dreams once again, in the home of his long gone ancestors. And a trueborn Bolton seeks his kin.