Dragons of Wolf and Sun
Toxicfireball
Chapter 6: Interlude
Summary:
A look of events between Roberts rebellion and Jon and Rhaenys marriage.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Following the end of Robert's rebellion. Ned consolidated the Stark rule over the North. Most of the Northern lords were disgusted over Robert's action at King's Landing. The betrothal of Jon to Rhaenys was accepted surprisingly well once he claimed "It will fulfil the pact of Ice and Fire. The Targaryens never fulfilled the pact but we will fulfil it even when the Targaryens are no more! Because we are not like these southrons! The North remembers!" He had said which resulted in cheers among the Northmen. Even the pale-faced, cold-eyed Roose Bolton had nodded in approval.
Arthur Dayne had apologised to Ned and Benjen constantly over the years. Despite his initial anger over the kingsguard, he, in the end, forgave the sword of the morning. He and Ashara had both agreed to end their relationship on the way back to Winterfell. He did not regret this as he began to love his wife. He built her a small sept in the castle. She gave him two daughters and a son. He named Sansa for the oldest red-haired daughter, Brandon for the younger red-haired brother and Arya for the youngest sister who looked so similar to Lyanna.
He brokered a marriage between Dacey Mormont and Benjen Stark. The Mormons were one of the Starks' most loyal Bannerman. They had wed and Ned had thought about giving Benjen Moat Cailin but in the end did not as Dacey was the heir to Bear island after Jorah Mormont fled after selling poachers to a Tyroshi slaver. They had two children, the oldest, Lyrra Mormont and the younger Cregan Mormont. Ned spent most of Winterfell's spare money on Sea Dragon Point.
Nevertheless, the years in charge of Winterfell and the North were not easy, Benjen and Ashara supervised the building of a castle at Sea Dragon Point. Originally he thought of putting the castles at the Stoney shore but Wyman Manderly had told him those were too vulnerable to the ironborn.
Robb and Jon grew up to be fast friends and treated each other like brothers much to his wife's displeasure. Nevertheless, his relationship with his wife continued to improve. Ashara and Arthur did their best to stay out of Catelyn's way and eventually after a few years icy politeness was achieved between Ashara and Catelyn after Catelyn realised that Ashara and Ned would not pursue their relationship anymore.
However, a few years after the rebellion, Balon Greyjoy raised his banners in rebellion, claiming to be an independent kingdom. Robert called the banners which he responded to. Victarion and Euron Greyjoy were smashed by Stannis Baratheon. Pyke soon fell. He had said that Balon Greyjoy should be sent to the wall which Robert ignored and allowed him to keep Lordship of the iron islands and gave him Balon's last son, Theon. He accepted the hostage despite the grumbles of the Northern Lords.
Rhaenys Targaryen arrived in Winterfell a few years before the Greyjoy rebellion When she arrived and was greeted by him, his children and his wife. She had demanded to meet her betrothed who his wife had insisted stand at the back. His wife treated Ser Jaime with disdain despite his best effort. Much to his surprise, the Targaryen girl soon converted to the old gods, much to the approval of the Northern lords. She had attempted to befriend Jon as he grew older but he had been extremely shy and withdrawn from her. She had even asked Ned "What is wrong with him? I cannot seem to keep up a conversation with him that lasts more than a minute!" She had exclaimed to him. He had replied "Jon is a quiet person, give him time princess. He will come around, he is a good person" Eventually, they seemed to get along but then Oberyn Martell arrived in Winterfell and asked Jon to be his squire.
Dorne had sent thousands of gold dragons as well as dozens of builders and stonemasons to assist in the building of the castle at Sea Dragon Point. In addition, many villages sprang up around the castle. It had taken almost a year of negotiations but he had managed to convince numerous houses, most notably the Umbers to give up land for the castle. The Martells had helped in the negotiations, no doubt wanting a large and secure location for one of their kin. In addition, Dorne and the North had improved trading relations; many lords, despite early misgivings, came to appreciate Dorne, especially the Manderlys as the trade has made them even wealthier. Both sides felt that they had more in common with each other than the five kingdoms in between. A few Northern-Dornish marriages had taken place. Yet he knew too much of this would no doubt raise too many eyebrows.
Oberyn Martell had arrived in Winterfell a few years later and offered to take Jon as his squire. Despite his suspicion, he agreed. Jon was so happy to leave, no doubt away from the cold eyes of his wife which was likely not helped by the fact both Ashara and Benjen treated him extremely well. At the age of ten, Jon left Winterfell to squire for Oberyn Martell.
Jon
Jon was extremely surprised when Oberyn Martell of all people arrived at Winterfell and asked him to squire for him. At first, he could not believe it but then realised that the Dornish prince was doing so to test out Jon's character. I am marrying his Niece, he wants to know if I am worthy of her. He had resolved to make a good impression. Jon had always been anxious about the fact he would have to marry Rhaenys. Rhaenys had a fierce personality and Jon could not bear to look at her at times. I am a bastard that is made to marry her to make sure her line will be sullied.
Jon had feared what Rhaenys would be like to Jon. Would she give him the stares Lady Stark would give him? Would they have children? Rhaenys had tried to talk to him at times and while he did reply he could not spend more than a few minutes before shying away. I must prove myself to her uncle and her to show her I am at least somewhat worthy of her.
The dornish Prince initially treated him rather poorly. He constantly yelled at him, made him stay up all the way up late to clean his gear and when they spar, he showed him no mercy and would leave Jon laying on the ground in his own agony.
They then travelled to Sea Dragon Point, where Oberyn wanted to see the keep for himself. He had never been there before but had tried to keep up with every single detail of the castle's progress. There they met Ashara Dayne, who had always acted like a mother to him. He remembered asking her once a few years back.
"Lady Ashara, I need to know, are you my mother?"
Ashara Dayne had looked sad for a moment before replying "No Jon, I am not,"
The castle was far larger than he imagined. It was nowhere near the size of Winterfell, but Maester Luwin had said that Winterfell was one of the biggest if not the biggest castle in Westeros. The castle being raised over the sunset sea had a tall outer wall about half the height of Winterfell's outer wall. The main keep was as tall as Winterfell's Inner wall and as large as the old keep back at Winterfell. There were numerous houses surrounding the castle under construction, much to his surprise.
"It's huge!" He had exclaimed when they approached the castle. Oberyn had simply smiled and said, "Of course, my brother poured thousands of gold dragons into it."
The Martells paid so much for this? Of course they would! Rhaenys Targaryen is their kin, they would make sure the castle she has will be as strong as possible.
The nxt place they went was white harbour. Along the way, Oberyn drilled him constantly, constantly sparing with him. He used everything Ser Arthur had taught him but still ended up each day bruised and defeated. He did not complain, however. The last thing I want is for Oberyn to dislike me. He is infamous for a list of things that would even make Roose Bolton shiver.
At White Harbour, Oberyn and him were greeted warmly by Wyman Manderly. No doubt because of the excellent trade relations the North and Dorne enjoy. After a day at the city, Oberyn set off for Braavos.On their way to Braavos, Oberyn finally opened up, saying he admired how much Jon was enduring despite the harsh training and asked him to stop being so "broody"
At the far northwestern corner of Essos.where the shivering sea and the narrow sea, stood the Free City of Braavos. The city rests on hundreds of small isles, each connected in a network of bridges.
Guarding the city is the Titan of Braavos, a massive fortress in the shape of a warrior guarding the entrance to the city. As the galley passed under the Jon could see dozens of heavy anti-ship weapons capable of inflicting heavy damage on any ship that dared enter the city uninvited. He could see the famed Braavosi fleet Master Luwin had spoken about, with their distinct purple coloured hulls all over the sea.
He followed Oberyn around the city, amazed at the city's massive size. There were performers everywhere, singers, plays and any kind of entertainment could be found. For hours they walked through the city, Oberyn would show him the different famous buildings of Braavos. The House of Black and White, The Iron Bank of Braavos, the different temples of the Faith of the Seven, R'hllor, the lion of the night and countless more. Oberyn had even asked him to cheer up saying
"So young! Yet so broody!"
Oberyn showed him a variety of food, fresh oysters fried in eggs, Skewed Codfish, Grilled chicken, fruit flavoured sweets and much more. It felt as if the known world fused at Braavos. Oberyn had even offered to take him to a courtesan place, when he had asked what a courtesan place was, Oberyn had laughed saying "Do you know how children are made broody boys? Hmmm? I wonder how you are going to please my niece…"
Jon had sputtered, red-faced and did not know what to speak. Which made Oberyn laugh even harder. In the end, Oberyn dragged him to a courtesan house. Jon had spent the night red-faced and had scurried out within an hour much to Obery =n's amusement. Later in their stay at Braavos, Jon was with Oberyn as he discussed trade relations with Dorne and the North. Allowing Braavos to be a transit point which benefited all three parties.
They had headed for Dorne afterwards avoiding King's Landing which Oberyn called "A viper's nest" When Jon said that Oberyn was called the Red Viper, Oberyn had laughed.
Finally, when they reached Sunspear, Jon was greeted by Doran Martell, the ruling Prince of Dorne and Elia Martell. He found that Doran eyed him carefully and judged every move he made but was still warm towards him. Elia Martell on the other hand was far more kind to him, much to his surprise. He had expected her to be cold and hostile towards him due to the fact he was a bastard and her daughter was forced to marry him. Elia Martell was extremely kind to him, inviting him to dine with her. At Sunspear, Oberyn constantly trained him in the use of various weaponry, most notably the spear. The sand snakes, Oberyn bastards daughter were ever-present and made Jon uneasy. They were hot-headed and beautiful yet Jon tried his best to be kind towards them and nothing else.
Oberyn took him around Dorne, from planky town and Spotswood to Starfall and the black haven. The food at Dorne was extraordinarily spicy. He had nearly thrown up when Oberyn gave him dragon pepper soaked chicken which had made Oberyn laugh for close to an hour. Nevertheless, within a few months, he got used to the food in Dorne. He had to admit that Dorne was indeed similar to the North, it could be seen as a wasteland to outsiders but stayed long enough and there was a beauty to be seen. Oberyn, however, gave Yornwood a wide berth, he said that he had killed old Lord Yronwood in a duel for honour.
Jon had heard how open Dorne was to gender roles and sex but was surprised how far it went. Women were treated as equally as men and bastards were not seen as disgraces in Dorne but rather, fruits of love and lust. Oberyn often visited brothels and whore houses along the way in which he tried to avoid, Oberyn even offered to get him a whore which he refused. When he said he would never father a bastard, Oberyn had laughed saying that bastards were nothing to be ashamed of. He had even added that he would be crazy if Rhaenys was the first woman he would ever bed. The thought made him blush but he reaffirmed that he would never father a bastard. He had stayed a year travelling in Dorne with Oberyn visiting the different Martell bannermen such as the Daynes, Blackmounts, Ullers and Yornwoods.
Back at Sunspear, Elia Martell had offered to show him the shadow city and the surrounding sand dunes. Taking along a small contingent of guards, she had shown them to golden beaches near sunspear. Jon had asked her why she was so kind to him. Elia had smiled and replied that he was to be her son-in-law. When Jon had replied he was only a bastard to sully her daughter's line. Elia had smiled sadly and said
"You are so much more"
However, on the way back to Sunspear, Elia and Jon were attacked by a group of assassins, Jon had raced to Elia's defence, the dornish guard fought back, but all of them had perished. Jon himself slew one of the attackers with a fallen spear and was just in time to stab another attacker who was about to kill Elia. It had been Jon's first kill and he was surprised he had not completely collapsed from the shock of the attack. He held strong and brandished his spear at the attackers. However, three of the attackers surrounded Jon and was about to close in for the kill. Oberyn and a group of dornish guards arrived just in time to kill the remaining attackers, save one.
Oberyn was furious with the attack and questioned the captive harshly. Doran shushed up the incident saying
"I rather not let the Lannisters and Baratheons know we have come under attack by an unknown foe less they sense weakness."
"You think the Lannisters or Barathoens were not behind this?" Oberyn asked angrily.
"Why would the Baratheons do such an act?" Jon had asked.
Doran had smiled coldly and replied "No doubt you think Robert is your father's friend. Do you know what happened at King's Landing during the sack?"
"All I know was that Gregor Clegane the mountain murdered Aegon Targaryen while Jamie Lannister killed Aerys." He had replied.
"No doubt your father wished to conceal the truth from you, less you think ill of the king" Doran replied, spitting the last word like poison."Yes Gregor Clegane bashed my sister's son head in and tried to rape my sister. If not for Ser Jamie and your father, my sister and your betrothed would be dead. Robert Baratheon allowed the murder and attempted rape and had even praised Tywin Lannister who himself admitted to the act."
Jon had been stunned by the revelation, his father always said Robert was his best friend and a great warrior but never mentioned any of this.
"My father always spoke fondly of the king! Is that why you ask me to be your squire? So you can plot rebellion?"He had asked angrily.
It was Oberyn who replied, his eyes lacking the warmth it normally had and the arrogance in him had gone out. Only pure anger was left.
"The King laughed! He rewarded the attackers! Fear not Jon Snow, we hold no ill against your father. He was the only one who stood against Robert. He had defended my sister against Tywin Lannister's dog and was the only one who argued for punishment against the mountain." Oberyn said coldly
"I remember my sister telling me that Eddard Stark threatened war against Robert when Robert demanded your betrothed. I did ask you to be my squire so I could take stock of you, Jon Snow. But you did know that did you not? Your eyes are very observant and you are rather intelligent. Yet you stayed and wanted to prove yourself a worthy husband to my niece. From what I have seen of you Jon Snow, you are," Oberyn said, softening his tone.
What? Did the red viper just call me a worthy husband for his niece?
"Your father is likely still at odds with Robert, no doubt he speaks fondly of him, he likely misses the boy he grew up with. Your betrothal to Rhaenys was meant as a punishment to your father after he threatened war with Robert. Oh so honourable Ned Stark bastard would be far more well known and he has to house the daughter of the men who kidnapped his sister,"
Doran had continued saying "Nevertheless, I do not believe the Lannisters or Baratheon to be behind this. They have no motive, Elia is a fallen princess to them. If they had the resources for such an attempt, they would try to kill Rhaenys, not Elia. I have sent a raven to your father to make sure Rhaenys is safe. It seems House Martell owes House Stark another debt. I owe you, Jon Snow"
Oberyn had then asked him to kneel, drawing a sword, he knighted Jon right then and there. Jon could not believe it, he was being knighted at the age of thirteen!
"In the name of the Warrior I charge you to be brave." The sword moved from his right shoulder to his left. "In the name of the Father I charge you to be just." Back to the right. "In the name of the Mother I charge you to defend the young and innocent." The left. "In the name of the Maid I charge you to protect all women." Oberyn said "Now, arise, Ser Jon Snow, knight of the seven kingdoms"
Jon could not believe it and was in stunned silence. Later, Elia Martell, offered her thanks saying "You have the best of your father in you Jon Snow. Eddard Stark saved me once, now you save me again. I owe you my life."
Oberyn had said that it was best for him to return to Winterfell. Jon had initially resisted, wanting to enjoy life in Dorne where bastards were not treated as horribly as they were in the south but Elia had told him to know her daughter better as they were to be married within a few years time. Elia had passed him three letters before he left, one to be given to Rhaenys, one for him that is not to be opened unless, in Elia's words, "come a time you are at a loss what to do, and who you are." The other letter was for her daughter to but not to be opened unless she "needed confirmation of someone close to her" in her own words.
Jon had then left Sunspear, Oberyn, Doran and Elia had bade farewell to him. Doran had thanked him for saving his sister's life. Oberyn had thanked him for being his sister's life and that he was proud of him. Elia had hugged him and said "Take good care of my daughter Ser Jon."
Jon had then headed to White Harbour on a dornish merchant ship. After weeks of travel, he reached White Harbour, where he was surprised to find Jory Cassel waiting for him. Jory congratulated him on his knighthood and escorted him back to Winterfell. To find out that he had a new half brother called Rickon. Arya was extremely happy to see him, Robb clasped his back and congratulated him. Bran's eyes were filled with worship and even Sansa, normally so cold towards him looked at him with respect. What made him the happiest was his father's proud smile and Rhaenys Targaryen jumping and hugging him, her eyes full of tears "Thank you for saving my mother!" He had never felt so happy, not even Lady Stark's cold glare could dampen his mood.
Rhaenys
She remembered how much she hated Winterfell when she first arrived outside the castle's walls. It had a cold, unforgiving atmosphere to it. Yet over the years, she grew to love Winterfell, enjoying its hot springs, the sheer size of the castle and many others. Her mother had not sent for a septa saying "When your brother's head was smashed and you and I were nearly killed, in the eyes of these Septons and Septas, a tree worshipping barbarian and an oath breaker saved me and you."
Her favourite part of Winterfell was the godswood, a small wood inside the castle, surrounded by walls that separate it from the rest of the castle. It was often quiet and tranquil there, the hot springs inside the castle were also a highlight, they provided much relief from the cold weather. She originally did follow the Faith of the Seven loosely but at Winterfell, she felt the Old Gods the Northmen held dear were closer to gods than the Faith ever was. Every time she entered a sept in Winterfell or Sunspear, it never felt special. In the godswood of Winterfell however, she felt closer to the gods than she ever felt in sept. Something to do with the Weirwood trees she supposed.
She had cried her eyes out when her mother had told her that she was to be sent to the opposite end of Westeros. She loved the company of her cousins, Arianne and Trystane as well as the Sand snakes. What was worse was when she was told she was to be married off to a bastard to sully the Targaryen line. She had nothing against bastards, she enjoyed the company of her uncle's bastard but she was to be forced off. Yet when she screamed and cried, her mother had hugged her and said
"My sweet daughter, in a world like this we must do our duty. I barely knew your father when I married him. You have the privilege of getting to know him over a very long period of time. If he is like Ned Stark, he will be one of the best husbands you can find in Westrose. Be kind to him, he had the same amount of power in the decision as you did."
She did not hate the North when she first arrived. It was desolate to be sure but so was Dorne to strangers. The North was a rather peaceful place. While her Dornish escort were practically freezing to death in the cold Northern weather, she did not feel as cold, she could not wear her Dornish dresses but she did not need to burden herself with layers of furs. My father's dragon blood no doubt . She had mixed opinions of her father, many had claimed he was a great man, quiet, beautiful and a great warrior. Yet he had kidnapped her betrothed Aunt, apparently raped her. Only thanks to Ser Arthur Dayne that the Northerners could find her, but when they did , they found her dead. Her grandfather, on the other hand, she had no reservations about him, he was a mad man, who was likely the worst king to ever sit on the iron throne.
She still remembered Ser Jaime slaying Ser Amory Lorch as he was about to kill her. The cat which she loved as a child Balerion was nothing like its namesake and had fled. She had hid behind Ser Jaime as he fought off Gregor Clegane and his men, she remembered clinging on to her mother and crying as Ned Stark arrived, defeating the mountain and his men. Her uncle and mother had hated the Lannisters and Baratheons and disliked the Arryns whom they called "must-have forgotten their own house words" and the Tully whom they called "ambitious trouts" yet they had spoken highly of the Starks of Winterfell.
At Winterfell, Catelyn Tully or Lady Stark was not horrible to her much to her surprise. She treated her kindly yet it was clear she hated her betrothed. She had been displeased when she converted to the old goods despite her best efforts to get Winterfell's septa, Septa Mondane to make her a more devout follower of the Seven.
Her betrothed was much more shy than the other Stark children, he was extremely quiet and shy. It was clear within the first week at Winterfell he was afraid of Lady Stark. Her uncle, Oberyn had taught her enough skills with weaponry for her to realise that Jon Snow was holding back every time he spared against his half brother, Robb. Robb, the heir to Wintefell, was red haired and tully looking. Nevertheless, it was easy to tell he and Jon were extremely close and was one of the few people Jon was close to. Despite his Tully-like appearance, he was very similar to his father in many ways.
The oldest daughter, Sansa, was also Tully-like, she looked like a younger and potentially more beautiful version of her mother. She enjoyed songs and stories of chivalrous knights and beautiful ladies much to Rhaenys annoyance. She knew life was cruel and unforgiving but she held herself from snapping at Sansa. Let her have a childhood. The youngest daughter, Arya, was another close companion of Jon. She was the complete opposite of Sansa, preferring swords to needles. She fought constantly with her older sister who often thought she was "unladylike". Arya enjoyed her company the most, as her mother made sure her uncle taught her how to fight with a sword and spears. She often indulged Arya and taught her how to fight much to Lady Stark's displeasure. Nevertheless, Lord Stark seemed to approve of such activities. The younger brother, Brandon was similar to Sansa and dreamed of being a knight while the youngest, Rickon seemed to be a wild babe. The last child at Winterfell was Theon Greyjoy, a hostage of the iron islands of the ill-fated greyjoy rebellion. She disliked him, Theon was quick to laughter and endless mocked Jon for his bastards status. She also hated how Theon would give her lustful stares as she grew older. She knew as she grew older, she became more and more beautiful. I must have inherited that from both my mother and father. While other men would just occasionally stare at her, Theon would leer at her, Lady Stark noticed it once and yelled at Theon for an hour straight.
When her betrothed was around ten, to her surprise, her uncle arrived at Winterfell and offered to take him as a squire. She suspected it was to take stock of her betrothed. For three years, Jon went off to Essos and Dorne. It was at Winterfell when she heard the news of her mother being attacked in the shadow city and how her betrothed had saved her mother by killing tw of the attackers. The news had come as a shock as Lord Stark informed her with half the guards at Winterfell. Lord Stark had increased security at Winterfell the moment the raven came, deploying a large number of patrols around the castle and putting her under heavy guard for two moon turns.
When her betrothed returned, she had jumped onto him the moment he got off his horse. Apparently her uncle had knighted him for the deed. Jon's face had turned completely red as he stammered for quite a while. Nevertheless, after he returned, Jon grew less afraid of Catelyn Stark and Sansa, once cold towards him, had warmed up to him. Bran pestered him with questions about knighthood constantly. The two of them did spend more time with each other through it was clear that Jon was still shy of Rhaenys.
Jaime Lannister was another key figure in her life. She could still remember him saving her during the sack of king's landing and she would never forget what she did. At Winterfell, Ser Jaime endlessly trained her at her mother's request, even Ser Arthur, who was at Winterfell trained her. While she did enjoy the sword, she prefered a bow and excelled at its usage. Ser Jamie was an endless companion to her, with his witty jokes and dark humour. She knew he had gone against his own father to swear his sword to her. When she asked why he had done that he had replied "Kingsguard are for life Princess"
At Winterfell she noticed something strange, Ser Arthur Dayne seemed to pay lots of attention to Jon Snow and spent almost all his time training him. Ser Jamie also watched her betrothed closely and often helped train him fiercely.
The Daynes was also a mystery to her. Ashara Dayne visited Winterfell often and acted like a mother to her. Telling her stories of what she and her mother would do back in the Water Gardens when they were younger. She spent most of their time at Sea Dragon Point, helping to raise a castle there for her and Jon. She also noticed Benjen treated Jon like a son.
As the years went by, she noticed Jon was extremely active in the construction of Sea Dragon Point, even disappearing for a long period of time to assist in the building of the castle. He often consulted her which she was all too happy to help him. She realised that Jon had been extremely hard working in the building of the castle and constantly asked Winterfell's Maester and Lord Stark how to be a good lord. For once, she was thankful for the usurper for letting her marry Jon instead of whichever son Robert sired.
Once, Jon offered to take her to the castle at Sea Dragon Point to show her which she accepted. The ride was long but when she finally arrived, she was shocked at the large size of the castle. The outer walls of the castle were relatively tall, about half the size of Winterfell outer walls with numerous strong points. The main keep was massive, with it being raised to the height that was close to some of Winterfell's taller structures. The Inner castle was nowhere near the size of Winterfell but was about three-fifths the size of Sunspear.
"You designed this?" She had asked
"Not the castle itself but many of the Inner defences and the interior I did help" Jon had replied
"He is being too humble," Ashara had laughed. "He spent an unhealthy amount of time on the castle's interior and its defences, he tried to make the interior as Valaryian and Rhoynar as possible for you! He also had a massive hand in the castle's defences, consulting my brother, Ser Jaime and had spent lots of time studying Winterfell's and many other great castles defences!"
"My Lady is being too kind" Jon had said, his face turning red. "I just wanted to make sure a Princess lived in a place suitable for a Princess,"
Without warning, she had kissed Jon for the first time. He had tensed up and his eyes widening in surprise.
He had stammered and his face had flushed red but she had replied she did not expect him to work so hard. Jon had said that it was thanks to the Martells the castle could be so huge as they had spent thousands of gold dragons on it. That had not surprised her as her mother no doubt wanted her to be safe from the Lannisters. They had spent time afterwards visiting the small town that had sprung up during the Castle's construction. Apparently, many refused to live near Sea Dragon Point as they feared Iron born and Wildling raids but with a huge castle being built, many had moved it to take advantage of the deep woods and freshwater rivers.
Notes:
I know a lot of people would have loved to see more interaction between Jon and the Martells, Rhaenys, etc. I didn't want to write half a dozen chapters on the time in between so I condensed it into a single chapter. Don't worry, you will still see some Jon and Rhaenys interaction in the future. I hope you enjoy this chapter and I would love comments and feedback. I am unsure if I should release another chapter tomorrow, so I suppose do you want another chapter?