Dragons and Thrones: An Unusual Union

Chapter 10 of my Crossover story, enjoy.

Reviews

Boris Yeltsin: Thanks.
Marina Ka-Fai: Thanks.
Veridissima: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it, glad you like the talk.
Wolfgirl2013: Thanks :)
wazupp11: Oh dear, more assumptions; Robb isn't going to war, there is no war (yet), just the Lannisters attacking Riverrun since Catelyn captured Tyrion, don't forget, Ned is still alive. He's going to battle, not war, there's a difference.
UmbraVenator: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it, here's the next one.

Now onto the story.

Disclaimer: Game of Thrones belongs to George R.R. Martin.

Arya

Arya looked around as they stepped out of the Chantry into the village. She let out an amazed gasp as she looked around.

'This place is…incredible; it's different from King's Landing.' She noted. 'So much space, a proper village, yet everyone seems comfortably well off and looked after. The people here are happy.'

There wasn't any snow and it was somewhat warm, but besides that, Arya found that Redcliffe almost reminded her of home.

The thought made her heart ache. 'It's been so long since I last saw Winterfell; I miss it…I miss my family…'

She sighed and followed Syrio down the stone steps leading into the village properly. She gazed over at the lake nearby, the waters shone in the sunlight. She also noted a small crowd of people, all kneeling with their hands clasped, heads bowed. The young woman who had been tending to her when she woke up was standing before them.

She wore a headdress along with her robes now and was singing; Arya guessed it was some sort of hymn. Although she didn't know it, she found it curiously uplifting and her mood improved. She smiled lightly as she continued to look around, the song still lingering in the back of her mind.

As she looked around she bit her lip; there were villagers walking about; a few looked their way curiously, no doubt noting them as the strangers who must have suddenly appeared out of nowhere.

Yet something struck Arya as odd; her usual behaviour after all was only barely tolerated back home, in fact, her sister and Septa did not tolerate it at all. That was why her sword lessons with Syrio had been secret and why she had been careful to avoid being seen in public, clad in breeches and a tunic, despite her hatred of dresses.

She was confused as she thought to herself. 'That's strange, I keep expecting the people who look at me to be outraged, or raise an eyebrow at my clothes and the fact I'm carrying a sword…But, no, nothing. They barely bat an eye.'

She was so confused she hadn't realized she'd stopped walking; until Syrio called her name.

"Huh, oh, sorry." She stammered, taken by surprise.

Syrio shook his head. "Always be alert remember. Now, let's go, we're heading for the castle, up there."

She followed where he pointed and noted the castle; a large stone structure, built atop what looked like a hill in the middle of the lake, a bridge connected it to the village. As they walked, Arya couldn't help but be curious.

She decided to ask. "Syrio, I don't understand, back home, me dressing like this, carrying a sword. It would be frowned upon. But here, here nobody has said anything to me, or looked at me disapprovingly."

"I thought this might come up, so I asked around before you awoke." Syrio replied with a grin. "As it turns out, with some exceptions, women here in this land…in all of Thedas in fact, are permitted to bear weapons and even learn to fight and be warriors if they choose. Some women even rule their own lands; not as regents until their sons are old enough, but as actual rulers."

Arya couldn't deny she was impressed by that and grinned, suddenly feeling more at ease.

They soon began crossing the bridge, making their way towards the castle. On the way Syrio spoke again.
"I am aware you despise being called by your title Arya, but I must ask that you endure it." He remarked. "After all; it just might be the key to getting the answers that we seek."

Arya turned her head towards him. "What do you mean?"

Syrio explained. "These people have their own…hierarchy if you will, for lords and ladies and such, their own titles…Banns, Arls and Teryns for example. The man we're going to see is an Arl; he rules Redcliffe. If it's known you are a noblewoman, even one from this new land across the sea. Well, it might help."

Arya sighed but nodded; she could see what Syrio meant; so, she prepared herself and they soon reached the castle. A small group of guards stood by the doors, the moment they saw them approach they raised their weapons defensively.

"Halt, who goes there?" The one who seemed to be in charge demanded.

Syrio nodded to Arya and she stepped forwards. "I do not know how my companion and I ended up here; but we've come seeking help. My name is Lady Arya Stark; I am the daughter of a noble family, in the land of Westeros."

She noticed the look exchanged by the guards.

The one who spoke before, spoke again. "You're a noblewoman, from one of those new lands across the sea?"

"Yes; and we'd like to get back there; I have to get back to my family." She explained in reply. "We came seeking the help of the one who rules these lands; the one in charge of Redcliffe."

There was a pause and then finally, the guards let them inside the castle; escorting them through to the great hall.

They soon found themselves face to face with the man in charge of Redcliffe. He was seated upon a somewhat simple throne; a man of middle-age with auburn hair and brown eyes, clad in stately clothes. He smiled gently as he greeted them.

"Welcome to Redcliffe; I am Arl Teagan." He said. "I am told, young lady, that you are a noble from these new lands?"

Arya bowed. "Yes…I am…I'm sorry I don't…

Teagan smiled. "It is fine, we may address each other by name, and yours is…?"

"Arya."

Teagan nodded and smiled, standing up. "We should really talk; there is much we could learn from each other."

Arya bit her lip. "That is true; but I'm stuck here and I'm trying to get home; to get back to my family. I ended up here after that…explosion."

Teagan's expression darkened at that.

"Ah yes; we're still no closer to finding out about that." He sighed. "I understand your wish to go home…But none the less, you would benefit, if you knew more about Ferelden."

She couldn't deny his logic so she agreed and soon, she and Syrio were spending time within Redcliffe Castle's library, studying what they could about where they were.

They also spoke with Teagan whenever he had free time. He told them more about Ferelden and in return, Arya told him about Westeros. One thing that stood out to her was his shock and disbelief at women there not being allowed to fight.

"That is unheard of here; yet you…?"

Arya smirked. "I guess I'm a…exception to that rule."

Teagan laughed at that and soon they resumed their research.

Finally, a week later; Arya and Syrio entered the great hall; Teagan sat, waiting for them.

"I've been thinking things over and I may have a solution to your plight." He told them at last.

Arya tensed. "Truly?"

He nodded. "Yes. Your best bet is to head for the capital, Denerim. There you should find a ship captain at the docks, willing to take you there. Here, these should help."

With that he presented them with a map of Ferelden and a pouch of Thedas money, somewhat different from their own. They thanked him graciously and soon were on their way. Arya hoped that this lead would work out, that she would indeed find her way home.

End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.