Dragons and Thrones: An Unusual Union

Chapter 21 of my crossover story, enjoy.

Reviews

Boris Yeltsin: Thanks.
mr I hate znt nobles kill em: Well, not exactly, just wait and see what happens.
Marina Ka-Fai: Thanks.
Veridissima: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it; glad you like him, he is a very complex character, there's always more to him than meets the eye.
Wolfgirl2013: Thanks :)
wazzup11: Yeah, he also has a specific destination in mind too.

Now onto the story.

Disclaimer: Game of Thrones belongs to George R.R. Martin. Dragon Age belongs to Bioware.

Arya

Arya let out a low breath of surprise as she and Syrio finally entered Denerim; the capital city of Ferelden. She was amazed by the size of the place, it was as big as King's Landing, yet something was different about it.

'It's not as filthy; the air's…cleaner.' She noted. 'But no doubt, like any city, it'll have its poor districts.'

She sadly noted that seemed to be the way of places like this; but one thing caught her eye. She could see many guards patrolling around the city; at least half of them, were women. She smiled at that.

'If only people back home were so…fair; if only things were like the way they were here.' She thought forlornly.

She was jolted out of her thoughts by Syrio. "Arya, stick close, we're approaching the market square."

She looked up and nodded.

"Right; so…how should we…?" She queried.

Syrio shook his head. "We don't want to draw too much attention, we need to get you home quickly. Let's ask around, we might not need to disturb the King and Queen of this…fine country."

Arya nodded. "I…I guess you're right."

"Oh Arya; I understand what you're thinking, but Westeros is home, that's where you belong." Syrio told her. "Do not despair; why would your father have hired me, if not to give you that chance you so desperately seek."

Arya nodded; feeling a little better; but still, she felt that was just her father, the rest of the family would never accept, never.

Nonetheless she distracted herself from her thoughts and fears, by joining Syrio as they asked around the market place. The people they spoke to were polite and friendly, many of them very welcoming.

One of them, a blacksmith named Wade had begun to excitedly jabber and comment on Needle when he saw it. Apparently admiring the artistry of the blade, its fine make, the expert way the steel was fashioned, so the blade took on the form it had, light, yet still deadly. Arya had been understandably taken aback by this and was grateful to Wade's assistant Herren for restraining the man and giving Arya time to escape.

In the end, she met Syrio in the market square.

"Well, I know more about the city and the people who live here." She said. "I asked about finding anyone who'd know where to find a boat. They pointed me to the Gnawed Noble Tavern."

Syrio nodded. "I received much the same information, I guess our destination is set then."

Arya nodded and together they made their way towards the tavern, following the directions they had received. As they approached Arya felt a strange sense of foreboding and made sure she stayed close to Syrio. She didn't know why, but she felt like something wasn't quite right.

Inside the tavern was moderately busy; there were a few people all seated around, talking and drinking, some of them eating. Compared to the tales of other taverns she had heard, mostly from Theon, this place didn't seem so bad.

Arya pondered that. 'Probably something to do with the name, Gnawed Noble Tavern, a tavern for nobles, these men and women are all Lords and ladies…they have manners drilled into them.'

She knew it probably wasn't completely accurate or fair, but it was as close as she could figure. She stuck by Syrio and approached the tavern keeper; he looked up at them and smiled.

"Welcome, what can I get you?" He asked kindly.

Syrio shook his head. "Just…information thank you. We're looking for say, a ship captain, or anyone who owns a boat. We're looking to cross the sea…"

The bartender nodded. "Well, the docks are full of just such people."

"True, but are any of them willing to travel to Westeros?" Arya then asked.

The bartender paused, biting his lip. "One of those new lands…I don't…"

"Why do you want to know?" Another voice asked.

Arya and Syrio turned to face the speaker, Arya talking as she did so.

"I'm from there and I want to go back, back home." She paused before adding; somewhat belligerently. "What's it too you?"

She finally got a good look at the man who had spoken.

She was surprised by what she saw, the man was clearly old, around sixty, but he didn't look much like it. He had short black hair parted in the middle, rough black stubble, grey eyes and fair skin. His brow was deeply lined, as was the area around his eyes. These were, in fact, the only signs of age on the man, he also had a muscular build and was clad in blue and white armoured clothing, bearing a silver griffon insignia.

The man narrowed his eyes and spoke. "I was going to go to Westeros myself; cross the sea…seek help due to, certain circumstances taking place here."

Arya quirked an eyebrow at that while Syrio smirked. "And who are you supposed to be."

"You remind me of my daughter girl." The man remarked shaking his head. "Only younger."

"Excuse me?" Arya replied.

The man smiled lightly and then revealed. "She has the same sharp tongue…which serves her rather well as Queen of Ferelden."

That shocked Arya; this man was comparing her to this country's Queen; not only that, he seemed to be the Queen's father.

"To answer your question." The man then said. "I am Loghain, one of the Grey Wardens. As someone from Westeros, you probably don't…"

Syrio quickly spoke. "We know…something of your order, we read about it while learning about Ferelden before we came here from Redcliffe."

Loghain nodded and Arya bit her lip; here was a chance to get home. But she was worried her comments may have just closed that door in their face.

There was an awkward silence before finally Loghain spoke.

"So, you're seeking to go to Westeros too; in your case, to return home?" He remarked.

Arya nodded. "Yes, so…Will you take us with you?"

Loghain shrugged. "I'm not sure, how do I know I can trust you?"

"We could ask the same of you?" Syrio replied."

"True enough, I suppose we…" Loghain started but then looked towards the tavern entrance and cursed. "Andraste's blood."

Arya followed his gaze and saw a small group of men entering; men dressed like Loghain, Grey Wardens.

Loghain shook his head. "This is bad, we have to leave, now…The Wardens have been acting strange lately, some have even gone rogue."

Arya tensed at that but it was too late; without a care as to the patrons of the tavern, the Warden's spotted Loghain and immediately target him. Arya was horrified to see them targeting her and Syrio too, likely just due to them talking to Loghain.

At once Loghain and Syrio drew their weapons and met the attacking Wardens. Arya pulled out Needle and her dagger, yet she hesitated.

'These aren't monsters or animals.' She fretted to herself. 'They're humans, people, like me, but…'

She had no time to dwell however as one of the Warden's attacked her. She reacted, not even thinking and suddenly impaled him on Needle's blade, running him through. The man choked and gurgled, the light leaving his eyes right in front of her, blood spilled from his mouth and the wound. Arya staggered back, pulling Needle free and the man fell dead.

It was certainly a shock to the system, killing a human, to see the life leave them. A strong wave of nausea suddenly overcame her; sickened at the thought of what she just did. Syrio thankfully was able to block and kill the Warden that tried to attack her; which meant she escaped injury as she lurched away from the bodies and retched.

'Urgh, what I…This shouldn't…' Her thoughts raced but then she finally stopped.

At that moment Syrio was there, pulling her upright. "Breath deep, compose yourself."

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have…"

But Syrio's eyes were kind and he shook his head. "No, if you did not feel sickened by death, especially your first kill, always the hardest…Then you are more monster than human."

Arya grimaced, trying to ignore the foul taste in her mouth and nodded. Loghain then cut down the last Warden and turned to them.

"We must hurry, there's no time." He said; before turning to the patrons and tavern owner. "Sorry about the mess."

With that he led them out, ignoring the shock and shouting from the other people. Arya hurried to keep up, thankful she and Syrio still had plenty of supplies. They soon reached the stables where Loghain hired three horses and they mounted up before riding away from Denerim. Trying to clean her mouth out, Arya took a gulp of her water.

Finally she asked. "What now, how do we get to Westeros from here?"

"I have another ship, some distance though, a long ride." Loghain told them. "It's on the Storm Coast, just follow me…I guess you're coming after all. It'll be a longer boat ride; but with the Rogue Wardens likely watching the official docks…it's our only option."

Syrio nodded and they rode on, Arya biting her lip. She withdrew into herself, still seeing the haunting face of the man she had just recently killed before her eyes.

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

Well, Arya's had her first kill; certainly not an easy experience, especially for one so young.

Right, with this chapter, apart from Loghain, who is next, all the POV characters now have only one chapter left each.