Dragons and Thrones: An Unusual Union

Chapter 22 of my crossover story, enjoy.

Reviews

Boris Yeltsin: Yeah, it was a shock to the system and unfortunately yes, that will sadly be the case.
Marina Ka-Fai: Thanks.
Wolfgirl2013: Thanks and I told you at the end of the last chapter, nonetheless, here you go.
Veridissima: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it; glad you liked all that stuff, yeah, I'm guessing you mean the bit with Wade, any Dragon Age fan BTW will know what I meant about that scene with him.
wazzup11: Yup, they have, well, read on and see what happens :)

Now onto the story.

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

Loghain

Loghain had to admit, this was the last thing he ever expected to be doing. Here he was, pursued by rogue members of the once proud order he served, fleeing Denerim on horseback, accompanied by two people from Westeros. He glanced at them carefully, the girl still had a faraway look in her eyes, likely still haunted by the death she caused. Her companion luckily was just as wary as Loghain himself, riding easily and keeping his eyes and ears open.

Loghain had overheard what they said. 'Her first kill…That's always the worst, she can't be that old either. This must be a truly difficult time for her. Nonetheless, I need to know…'

He cleared his throat and then spoke.

"If we're going to be travelling together; I should get to know you better." He remarked. "So, no time like the present."

The man nodded, the girl bit her lip. "True, but we should get to know you…"

Loghain nodded. "Indeed, well, we have plenty of time, it's a long ride to the Storm Coast."

The girl sighed at that and there was silence for a while as they all gathered their thoughts, preparing to talk. Finally, the man spoke up.

"What is it you wish to know?"

Loghain pondered for a moment before answering. "I think I should know your names and know more about Westeros too."

"Very well, although I myself am from Essos." The man replied. "Syrio Forel."

The girl then replied. "Arya Stark; I'm from Westeros, let's see, where to start…?"

Loghain prepared himself; something about the girl made it clear there was something that set her on edge after all.

Finally, with a sigh, Arya began to speak.

"Well, Westeros was once known as the Seven Kingdoms, those lands still exist, but are under one King now, rules from the Iron Throne. I…I'm the youngest daughter of Lord Eddard Stark, Lord of the North, one of those Kingdoms."

Loghain raised an eyebrow at that. "You're noble?"

Arya made a face. "Yes; of course that means I'm expected to behave a certain way…Not like here."

"I don't understand." Loghain responded; he certainly was confused, what did she mean by that?

It was Syrio who answered. "In Westeros ladies, especially noble ladies, are expected to behave…properly, to learn things like sewing and whatever else, to be gentle and find a good husband. Ladies fighting or even carrying weapons or acting against this…is frowned upon."

"Let me guess." Loghain replied as the pieces started to fit. "Lady Arya, you do all these things that are…frowned upon?"

Arya nodded, frowning at the use of her title. "Yes, I want to use a sword, to be a warrior, but no, nobody understands. They think I'm wild, acting out, they don't see, all that stuff, being ladylike…That isn't me, it's my sister, but not me."

Loghain nodded slowly; he could see now why Arya seemed to be in two minds about going home. It was home, her family was there, but she chafed under the restrictions she faced. He glanced over at Syrio who nodded in confirmation.

"Yet there is hope for things to change." He added. "After all, it was Lord Stark who hired me to teach Arya Water Dancing, my own personal style of fighting."

Arya brightened a little at that. "Yes…although it's a shame…Won't get to use it on someone who really deserves it."

"And that is?"

Arya glowered. "Joffrey Baratheon, he's King Robert's eldest son, he's a liar and a monster and deserves nothing less."

That surprised Loghain; he hadn't expected such venom from a girl no older than fourteen, and to direct it at a prince.

He shook his head.

"I must admit, I don't exactly…care for my daughter's husband, our King, but I would never dream of speaking about him the way you speak about your Prince." He remarked.

Arya snarled and remarked savagely. "He's not my Prince, he's a Prince, but he'll never have my respect…What about you anyway, who exactly are you, father of the Queen?"

Loghain nodded. "Yes; Loghain Mac Tir; formerly Teryn of Gwaren and Regent of Ferelden during the Fifth Blight."

"The Blight, I recall reading about that when we were studying this land." Syrio said suddenly. "You were the one who…quit the field at Ostagar…"

Arya's eyes widened as she realized this too.

Loghain sighed. "Yes, yes, I am the one who left King Cailan, my former King and my daughter's former husband to die in a battle where victory was impossible. I am not proud, neither am I ashamed, it is what it is…If you've read about the Fifth Blight, then you know most of my current history. Now a Grey Warden, with no lands or titles, fought alongside the Hero of Ferelden to end the Blight, yet somehow survived."

Arya then spoke again. "That's true, you became a Grey Warden and your daughter…Queen Anora?" Loghain nodded and she continued. "Married Alistair, King Maric's bastard son…He's the current King?"

"That's right." Loghain replied. "For the past nine years, they've ruled Ferelden together and I must admit…I had no doubts about Anora, but I am impressed by what Alistair has accomplished, even with her aid."

He saw them share a look at that and decided to let things lie; no sense explaining something like that. A personal matter.

Soon enough the skies began to darken and they stopped to rest for the night. Having told Loghain of their former encounter, he assured them they weren't near any spider nests. Throughout the trip, whenever she thought they weren't looking, Loghain had noticed Arya's expression change, becoming haunted again.

At other times she put on a brave front; likely trying to avoid 'burdening' them with her possibly breaking down due to her first kill. Soon the camp was set and, after eating, Arya did not take long to fall asleep. Loghain remained awake however, as did Syrio.

"So, that was her first time killing?" Loghain queried.

Syrio nodded. "Killing a human yes, it's different from killing Giant Spiders."

Loghain sighed. "True…There may be more death to come, I just hope she is up to the task."

"I have faith in Arya, I've taught her myself; she is by far the best pupil I've ever had, eager to learn, quick to learn too." Syrio responded.

"Yes, I did notice that." Loghain stated. "It's rare, seeing somebody with such…potential as a warrior. Is it truly wise for her to return to Westeros, where that potential will be stifled?"

Syrio shook his head. "Despite how she feels in that regards, she misses her family and will miss them even more if she does not return. Besides, there is hope for her potential to not be stifled. Hope for…compromise."

"I suppose so." Loghain replied quietly. "We best be prepared Syrio Forel; with the Warden's pursuing us, the death I said we would be facing, might likely be our own."

Syrio narrowed his eyes. "I am prepared for death…so long as Arya is safe."

Loghain nodded. "Then it is agreed."

Syrio nodded in confirmation and settled down to sleep, with Loghain taking first watch.

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

Well, we're nearing the end now, each of the POV characters now only have one chapter left each.