Chapter 14
Meanwhile in Storm's End
DANY
Dany woke to the cries of Barra and as she walked towards the cradle when two small figures appeared at the door of Jon's chambers, where she, Arya, and Barra slept while Jon was away. They were the twins, (Julie and Tyrone) Jon's half siblings from the Westerlands, who were believed to be dead but found and smuggled away by Tristram before they died from their wounds due to the order of Cersei Lannister and had Nessarhose heal them during her stay in Storm's End. Dany smiled as she took Barra in her arms and nodded her head at the twins who looked like they woke up from a nightmare. They approached Dany while she seated at the window seat holding Barra. She urged them to come and sit with her and asked.
"Was it the dream again?" Dany asked
"Yes, she will never leave us be" Julie sobbed
"Every night she comes to hurt us, just because we were born." Tyrone said as he comforted his twin.
"There, There, my darlings. She will not hurt you anymore for you are safe. We are family, we protect each other and nobody gets left behind. As Starks say, 'In the winter the lone wolf dies, but the pack survives'." Dany said as she enveloped the children in a motherly embrace.
"Oh, how I wish Jon was here to share this embrace. O gods above, keep him from harm and bring my love home to me." Dany said in her thoughts
Unseen by the young lady whom he had fostered, Ned watched Dany with pride and joy as he witnessed the heart-warming scene unfolding in front of him. And yet he felt a tinge of sadness, as he realizes that the little girl that he saved from death had grown into a fine young lady. Leaving in silence, he left with a smile on his face.
After the fight near the River Road
Rhaegar had killed Gregor Clegane and their group annihilated Clegane's men, however they suffered the loss of 15 bloodriders. Jon sent word to Robb of their small but significant victory. With Nessarhose completely satisfied that her "dead" cousin was avenged, Liam had felt that a great weight in his heart has been lifted to see his godchild at peace. He sent Tristram and the girl they saved to do an errand for him in the Westerlands which included a letter from Tyrion Lannister to his daughter.
"I must go to Dorne" Rhaegar said as he stuffed the remains of Gregor Clegane into a sack
"May I come with you, my lord? I've always wanted to see Dorne." Rose asked
"Will you allow her to come with me, Liam?" Rhaegar asked
"Of course, just keep her at arm's length at all times lest her mother will geld me if she is harmed." Liam replied as he handed her a package Tristram packed for her.
Rose took the package and opened it, to find a sheer, silken white robe designed with her sigil: the phoenix.
"Thank you, Godfather." Rose said gratefully while donning the robe over her short white dress as she threw her arms around Liam, who spun her round
"You needed the distraction" Liam whispered
"I am sure that she won't be much trouble." Rhaegar said
"Oh I assure you, when it comes to her, danger is not far behind" Liam said while Rose stared at him with daggers, he pulled Rhaegar aside and said
"Besides, I need you to watch Rose for me for awhile, old friend"
"Of course but if I may ask; where are you off to?" Rhaegar asked
"I am meeting old acquaintances" Liam said as he left.
Jon approached Rhaegar and said
"Dany, will be expecting you to return with us."
"I will only be there for a week at the most." Rhaegar replied as a white figure hovered above them and landed in the clearing.
Rhaegar loaded everything on the dragon's back and assisted Rose on to the beast as they mounted then he urged the dragon to fly south. Jon watched as his future brother-by-law left when a messenger from Riverrun arrived.
"Lord Stark has called you to Rivverrun. Lord Baratheon, the Lannisters have Lady Sansa Greyjoy."
Dorne
RHAEGAR
Both of them were silent as they flew above Longtable when Rose squirmed in discomfort,
"Rose, please stop squirming" Rhaegar asked
"How can you expect me to not squirm when I am holding a man's severed head?" Rose said as she shook the sack that contained Clegane's head.
"Then why did you seat in front of me?" Rhaegar asked in frustration
"You're the one who put me here!" Rose replied equally annoyed
They slipped into silence for a few moments as they flew above Summerhall, after which Rose squirm again and asked
"My lord, please release me for a moment"
"Of course" he said as he moved his hand from around her waist.
"Ailes de l'amour, ela se mena"
Next thing he knew Rose jumped off the dragon. Without his urging, Daemon dived to catch Rose but she disappeared. Rhaegar looked around but then heard a giggle from above.
"Looking for someone, my lord?" Rose giggled
Rhaegar looked up and was shell shocked as he saw Nessarhose flying above him with wings as white as the northern snow, her golden eyes glistening like the Sunset Sea, her star-white golden hair flowing in the warm Dornish breeze, and sunlight shining behind her outlining her celestial figure. With his eyes wide and mouth a gape, he stared mindlessly as though he looked upon the "Maiden" herself. His mind drifted back to Lady Lyanna.
"Such beauty, yet deadly; No wonder Velkan is head over heels besotted with her" Rhaegar thought
"Well, are we going to Sunspear or are you planning to turn your mouth into a raven's nest?" Rose asked
As Rhaegar gathered his wits, a thought suddenly popped into his mind.
"Now that you are airborne and comfortable, I wish to challenge you to a race to Sunspear. So do you accept?" He challenged
Rose's face lit up and said
"Last one to reach the Tower of the Sun must kiss Jaime Lannister"
"As you say in Aleanarnith 'May the odds be ever in your favor'" Rhaegar accepted the terms
"May the force be with you, my lord for you shall need it" Rose retorted then flew away like a speeding bullet
Castamere
Few hours before she was rescued
SANSA
It has been two days since the invasion of Lannisport. When Joffery found out about the Ironborn launching an attack on Lannisport, he took Sansa to Castamere, which was held by his half-cousin Lady Laryssa Lannister, the adopted daughter of Tyrion Lannister (in reality the daughter Jaime Lannister and a Northern noblewoman). After hours of abusive beatings, Sansa found herself bewildered by the fact that she is still with child despite feeling the pain of each bruises she suffered. She still wore the silken shift and corset (think of Frodo's mithril shirt) that she had received from Velkan Draculesti (when it was really from Lady Nessarhose and was made by Lord Liam) days before she was abducted.
TRISTRAM
Tristram lead the girl Rose saved from Clegane, who was disguised as handmaiden to the chambers of Lady Sansa
"Girl, if I may ask what is your name?"
"Iseult, my lord"
"Iseult, I need you to find Lady Greyjoy's belongings, I need you to do it with all haste and when you are done, go straight to the wheel house." Tristram requested then moved to leave.
"Wait my lord. If I may I wish to repay your kindness for healing me" Iseult said as she kissed Tristram then did what she was bid.
Tristram began to look for Lady Sansa. He took a left turn to a passage near Lady Laryssa's chambers when he heard a scream which brought him back to the Forbidden Tower from 5 centuries before. Quietly and moving like a bat out of hell, he blocked Joffery's sword before it hit Lady Sansa's skin. Lady Laryssa appeared and knocked Joffery out before he gains his bearings and stabbed him with a small dose of Helianna's breath, which will last five days. Tristram walked towards Sansa, who fell asleep because of the pain and took her to her chamber to gather her strength as Lady Laryssa lead back Tristram to Lady Sansa's chambers.
After being rescued by Tristram
The castle was sleeping while Sansa was glad to find herself in her chamber when she woke to a knock on her door. She was surprise to find that her caller was Lady Laryssa.
"Lady Sansa, make haste and get changed. Do not worry about your belongings. I've already sent them ahead, in the care of Tristram of Aleanarnith." Lady Laryssa said
"What of Joffery?" Sansa asked
"Think not of him, he will not bother you anymore. I knocked him unconscious and made arrangements for him to be sent to Riverrun, where he will be executed for deserting the Night's Watch and for abducting and abusing you. However, you will allow me to 'avenge' you for the humiliation and pain that he caused. He is to caged in only a cloth covering to hide the worm that he calls, a manhood and branded by fire so he will always bear his shame" Laryssa said nonchalantly
"I do not know what say. Why are you helping me?" Sansa said as she grabbed the only remaining dress which was in Greyjoy and Stark colors in her closet and wore it over her nightshift while gathering her necessities.
"I just want to show you that not all Lannisters are selfish gits and I've had enough playing my sweet Aunt Cersei's game. My father Tyrion taught me to always use my mind. I am tired of this war. I must send you home by my father's request. Now follow me." Laryssa said and lead her to a passage which leads to the stables then returned and locked herself in her chambers
There was a wagon which was to be driven by Tristram. Lady Sansa left in great haste to their intended destination.
5 days later in Riverrun
Having eliminated the outriders and scouts prior to the Battle of the Whispering Wood, the Lannister force was still divided in three camps in order to besiege Riverrun properly. Ser Brynden Tully leading the van attacked the Lannister camp north of the Tumblestone. His force cleared pallisades and finished off any remaining scouts. The sleeping, leaderless camp was overrun. Men from the other camps, roused by the noise soon attempted to come to the aid of the camp under attack. Lord Brax led his men to the rafts and attempted to make a crossing. Riverrun began pelting the rafts with thrown rocks and soon the rafts were flipping and sinking. Among those killed on the rafts was Lord Brax. The camp between the rivers was overrun too, this time by men led by Robb Stark and Edvard Caspian, Lord Umber and members of House Mallister coming in from the west.
While every soldier was focus in the battle, a pale haired man infiltrated the Lannister Camps and found the tent which held Lady Stark. Her guards were the Hound, who was roaring drunk, already asleep, and Vylarr. The pale haired man appeared behind Vylarr and with lightning speed he strikes him hard on the back of his head breaking his neck and when he was done, Vylarr was on the ground, dead. He entered the tent after disposed of the body, which awoke Lady Stark
"Who are you?" She demanded
"I am deeply sorry for the intrusion but I am here to help and protect you." The masked man said as he changed his form into that of the person he just killed.
Back in the battlefield, the Lannister force attempted to form a shieldwall but was taken in the rear by a sortie from Riverrun led by Lord Blackwood.Lord Umber fired the siege towers and Lord Blackwood released the prisoners taken in the Battle of Riverrun. As victory was assured, hundreds of Lannistermen and sellswords arrived from southwest, to aid the Lannistermen. With their numbers dwindled and most of their remaining soldiers wounded or exhausted, the odd of the Starks winning was now beyond their grasp. However a sudden mist appeared, covering the battlefield and when the mist cleared, Liam stood between the two opposing forces, accompanying him were six warriors each varying in appearance, one was clad in white with a stern face and black shoulder length hair (Anthos), another also clad in white but had an appearance of a young boy with icy white hair (Arktikos). Next to him was a man clad in a red armor with long black hair and a rolled parchment behind his back (Animus), standing beside him was a white haired man, clad in blue armor with his arms crossed(Amnus). Lastly, a tall handsome looking man clad in blue, holding a long red spear, (Lance) and a small girl clad in revealing attire, with four knives behind her back (Jacquelynne). Behind them were 85 bloodriders led by Jon, who went to fight beside his cousin. Liam turned towards the six warriors and said,
"Remember to use only the names I gave you, even when you are alone and please, do not show off too much and leave some for the Tullys and the Starks"
"Yum" said Jacquelynne
The seven dashed forward following Jon's men eliminating the reinforcements from the opposing side. After less than an hour, Animus came out of the woods nearby. Lance arrived with both hands on his spear, which was covered in gore. Amnus and Arktikos appeared from the cold battlefield, soaking wet with blood and water. Anthos finished off 30 sellswords, and his doublet was as white as it had been before the fray, then his sword reformed in to its original state. Liam was fighting the last one out of 350 Lannistermen that he had faced in an elaborate 'dance' of death. As they gathered Liam was alarmed at the absence of Jacquelynne, then Lance said.
"Where's the girl?"
"Well don't look at me, I was busy with my fight" Animus said
"We all were" Amnus added
Then Anthos cleared his throat to catch the attention of the others and pointed to his right. They all turned to where he was pointing and saw a dome of thick mist covering a large area, once the mist cleared. They saw Jacquelynne walking towards them licking blood off her fingers while holding a bloody knife in her other hand. Liam sighed and scratched the back of his neck in annoyance.
"I thought I told you not to eat anyone" Liam said
"Sorry, I couldn't help it" the little girl said as the mist faded
"Listen, I am sending Animus, Amnus, Anthos and Artikos in the North to aid Benjen and Markus Stark in guarding Winterfell, when Lady Lyanna Stark and Lady Armea Targaryen escorted by Velkan are on their way to Storm's End for the union of Jon Baratheon and Daenerys Targaryen." Liam said
"Finally, somewhere cold and away from this infernal Southern heat" Artikos blurted out as Anthos nodded and said nothing
Robb and Jon approached Liam their eyes quickly went to the little girl, while Jon thought,
"Why is there a child in a place like this?"
Robb blushed and thought;
"Why is she wearing those clothes?"
Liam noticed this and motioned Anthos to cover the child with his cloak, to which he did.
"Before you ask, I will not answer any question about the girl nor my other companions." Liam said.
They both shook their heads then Robb said
"We only wish to thank you and your companions for assisting us."
Animus let out a robust laugh and replied
"It was nothing. We were glad to help."
While the others nodded in agreement, Lance was about to speak when Liam stared at him with a look that says 'Dont say a word!' to which he closes his mouth with a single drop of sweat running down the side of his face. Robb and Jon were slightly shocked by the imformality of Animus' manner but let it slide and went into the castle.
With the Stark victory at Riverrun, two days after the fight, the colors of House Tully replaced the Lannister Lion upon the castle's battlements, which showed that Riverrun is in the hands of the Tullys. It was there that the North once again had a King.
Prince's Pass
NESSARHOSE
As Rhaegar made peace with his good family in Dorne, Nessarhose was given a tour of Dorne by Nymeria Sand and enjoyed seeing the place. However, after five days of evading Oberyn and Quentyn Martell's "lusty" advances for her, but with Rhaegar's help she was able to avoid most of them. They left on Daemon as quickly as possible, leaving a letter of thanks. As they were cruising above Prince's Pass, Rhaegar spoke;
"Tell no one of Oberyn and Quentyn's attempts of getting you into their beds lest Liam will flay me alive and throw me back to Valyria"
"You do not have to tell me twice, my lord. By the goddess, you should have told me about the lustiness of Dornish men, I would've gladly kissed Jaime Lannister instead!" Rose cringed
As they flew towards Storm's End when a flash of light appeared and Rhaegar watched with his mouth agape as Rose was being inappropriately kissed on the lips by an unbelievably handsome winged youth. When he released her lips to inhale the scent of the morning breeze in her hair, with an expression of shock, longing and delight, Rose giggles while wrapping her arms around the youth.
"I would rather commit incest with you than have you kissing than bastard with shit for honor, my sweet sister." the youth stated then continued
"Your lips are far too sweet and pure for him."
"Glad you detest the Lannisters so much to want to commit something that will give my father the right to geld you. It is good to see you too, dear Deserus." Rose smiled wiping the messy lip rouge on the sides of his lips
"For the love of our mother, PLEASE you two get your own chambers!" yelled a voice that belonged to another winged youth that materialized behind Deserus.
"And you too, dear Erius" Rose said in delight as she embraced her brother
"You should behave yourself Deserus! Be thankful I let you come with me to help Rose. Unfortunately I'll have to agree with you on what you said brother, that vile excuse for a man is not even worthy of our sweet sister's attention. Let alone be blessed to behold her ethereal beauty and be kissed by her pure lips." Erius said as he released Rose from his embrace.
While the three conversed, they failed to notice Rhaegar still in shock with mouth agape, eyes wide and pupils blank, with his consciousness gone from his body. Daemon noticing his master's stupor, he loudly grunted and slighty shook Rhaegar back to consciousness, to which he did. He coughed to catch Rose's attention and said
"If I may interrupt, I wish to ask who are these men, how are they acquainted with you?"
"Forgive my lack of propriety, my lord. May I introduce my older twin brothers, Erius and Deserus Kythira" Rose said as she pointed to the two men, who bowed together after the introduction then Rose continued facing the twins.
"Erius and Deserus, this is Rhaegar Targaryen, the true heir of the Iron Throne otherwise known as Daevon Caspian the head of House Caspian in Braavos"
"While I like to be more formal with the introductions, I believe we should be off to Storm's End now." Erius said, to which they agreed and prepare to go on.
"Before we leave, all of you must give me your words and swear that what happened here and in Sunspear stays with us" Rose smiled threateningly causing the three men to nod compulsively as they left. Half an hour later, they arrived in Storm's End
Ten days later at Storm's End
It was morning when Dany was roused from her sleep by Lady Lyanna and Rhaenys to make the preparations for the wedding in two days. She was being measured for her wedding dress when Ned came in with Rhaegar behind him and announced the arrival of the Stark forces. Running to the castle gates, she found Robb, who greeted her by ruffling her silvery-blonde hair. Dany recognize Jon, who stood through the mess of his hair and his thick beard. She found herself in the arms of her bethrothed, who lifted her off the ground and spun her around. Dany embraced Jon passionately as she convinced herself that she was not dreaming and that this was really happening. After two moons of waiting, he was in her arms where he belonged.
"Please, let this not be a dream" Dany wept
"No, love I think not but if this is a dream, then I do not wish to wake" Jon whispered
Holding her tightly, he reluctantly released her to look into her violet eyes that haunted him so and in what seemed like a lifetime, he lowered his lips to meet hers and kissed her with the surpressed passion he kept within himself. In that moment, the world dissolved and they were completely oblivious to the people around them. Liam walked with Nessarhose, being escorted by her brothers and saw the scene unfold before them
"Mother is working her magic again" Rose said and sighed dreamily
"Ah, young love! So beautiful and so sweet" Erius said
"You've seen nothing yet" Deserus said as he prepared to "help" but Rose stepped in and said
"Down boy, not yet dear brother, save it for after the wedding." Rose said in a sultry voice
"For you, I'll surrender happily" Deserus said as Rose ran her fingers through his sunshine gold hair
Liam hit his forehead with his palm and said
"Like mother, like children"
Meanwhile across the courtyard, Rhaegar, Aegon, Robb, and Eddard Stark watched the very public display of affection that the Stark army feasted their eyes on.
"Should we stop them?" Robb asked
"Give them a moment" Rhaegar said as Eddard, Robb, and Aegon just looked on while cringing at the awkwardness of the situation. Lord Renly entered chuckling to heart his heart's content when he spied his nephew.
"Finally! Some Baratheon blood in that boy, now I am sure that he is Robert's son." Renly jibed as Loras laughed behind him.
Unable to take anymore of the torrid kissing after three minutes, all six men coughed to get the attention of the lovers.
"Are you done you yet or should we wait until winter comes?" Robb asked sarcastically
Jon and Dany blushed and moved away from each other as Jon greeted his lord uncles. Then Lady Margaery appeared out of the window and screamed
"For Gods sakes! Lady Daenerys, must you walk out of your fitting for your wedding dress! Unless, you want to get married in sackcloth I suggest you march back into the castle this instant!"
"Margaery!" Renly and Loras snapped at the same time
"Don't Margaery me, my lord. This is tenth time she left her fitting. She can not last a bloody hour without her blasted dragons"
"Did your wife just swear?" Robb asked a shell shocked Renly.
Mortified at Lady Margaery's outburst, Dany snapped out of her reverie when Aegon grabbed her arm
"Sweet Aunt, I must agree with Lady Baratheon and escort you to them" Aegon said then continued facing Jon.
"Lord Jon, forgive me but I must steal my aunt from you until you are wed. Lady Calcaire insists that it is forbidden for the groom to see the bride before the wedding."
Dany followed her nephew obediently with Rose and her brothers behind them. After an hour of fitting dresses, Rose was able to coax the seamtress into giving her the measurements of Jon and Dany. Walking towards the edge of the woods near the sea where she found her brothers fishing for a gargantuan clam, Liam with golden gloves catching fire from Daemon with Rhaegar coaxing the dragon to breath out the flames.
"What are you doing to that poor dragon, godfather?" Rose yelled
"Making a gift" Liam said as Rose looked at Rhaegar in shock and then said
"My lord, what are you doing here?"
"I am here to assist Ser Corleone with the gifts and discussing the 'other' wedding." Rhaegar said with a hint of a smile
"You know?" Rose asked
"Of course, I knew your father and Ser Corleone in my boyhood" Rhaegar replied
"So what gift is this?" Rose said as she recovered from the shock then Liam pulled a scroll from behind his back and threw it to Rose
The scroll held the secret on how to preserve fire in crystal and how to create never melting ice. When she finished reading the scroll, she returned the scroll along with the measurements then spoke;
"The measurements are there. When do you leave?"
"After, I'm done with my work." Liam replied while working
"Since you're still here, I need your help" Rose said as Liam finished sculpting from the crytalized fire and from the never melting ice.
"I'm listening" Liam said inquisitively while the twins dragged a gigantic pearl-white clam out the sea then rushed towards Rose and Liam as Rhaegar left to tend to the wedding on Daemon then Rose spoke to them
"My lords, shall we 'strengthen the bonds before the knot is finally tied?'"
The men grinned and nodded in understanding of the true meaning of Rose's words.
"When do we start?" Deserus asked excitedly
"Now" Rose said as they disappeared into thin air.
Back at the training yard in Storm's End
Jon was sparring with Robb in the yard while Dany was watching them spar from the open window seat seven floors above while teaching her dragons how to feed themselves and coaxing them to breathe fire by giving them uncooked meat.
"Dracarys" Dany said then Balerion breathed flames as black as night and then meat was cooked instantly then Balerion and his brothers feasted on the cooked meat.
She asked her handmaiden to put the dragons back in their cages when they finished eating. As she stood to walk back for her fitting, when she slipped on the floor, which was suddenly wet, and she fell out of the window, screaming her heart out. Jon heard the screams and saw his beloved falling towards the ground. He dropped the sword and frantically tried to catch her. When he 'thankfully' caught her in time he slipped backwards on to a haystack which was conveniently place there. When Dany lifted herself from Jon's chest, their eyes met and felt the love they held for each other escalate. Jon stared into her eyes as she did his and slowly lean forward towards each other's lips when Lady Lyanna yelled at them, causing Dany and Jon stop what they're doing and looked at each other. Then Lady Lyanna scolded her son for not being able to wait for the wedding then dragged Dany back to her fitting while the King in the North laughed to his heart's content as he looked on.
The next day
Dany was in the gardens and Jon was playing with Ghost while watching his younger brothers Gendry, Stephan, Edric, and Tommen when Snow, Dany's mischievous direwolf took Jon's Valyrian steel sword and ran to her mistress with Jon running after her through the rose bushes. Dany was sitting near a tree when Snow appeared with Jon's sword in her jaws as she walked towards her direwolf, Jon suddenly appeared covered in leaves with a bunch of roses in hand. Feeling the awkwardness of the situation; he quickly gave the roses to Dany, who reached out, took the flowers from Jon, smelled them, and then smiled while blushing red as the roses she held. When they tried to kiss again, they heard a cough from behind Dany and saw Rhaegar and Aegon looking at them with arms crossed. Sensing danger, Jon ran for his life.
A few minutes before sunset
Dany was reclining on the balcony at her chambers waiting for the sun to set while relishing in the calm silence. Jon rode by and saw Dany's form on the balcony. He admired her beauty then having the sudden urge to hold her. He saw a long vine that reached the railing of the balcony. He climbed up and walked towards her.
"What are you dreaming about, my sweet dragon?" Jon asked as he held her in his arms then she nodded towards the setting sun
"The wedding" Dany whispered
"Are you unsure? I hope you are not getting cold feet." Jon said sounding very worried then Dany turned to face him and said fervently.
"Jon, as sure as I have lived in the North my entire life, save these past few moons of late. My feet are as warm as the fires from my Balerion. So, do not fret for I have always been yours but I can hardly wait to be your wife"
"One day more, my love; Then nothing, not even death can separate us" Jon declared
Dany looked at the horizon and finally believed that Jon was truely there and that she was not dreaming.
"Beautiful isn't it?" Dany breathed
"I think not. Not when you stand in comparison. You are the sun of my life and nothing is more beautiful to me." Jon said
Feeling the warmth in his words, she faced him with eyes glittering like the stars, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissed him passionately as the sun hid it's face to bring forth the night. Unknown to them four beings stood beneath the balcony listening to the conversasion the entire time.
"Ah, How I love my charge!" Erius whispered loudly in Aleanarnithi
"I love it more. Well done, Rose" Deserus said kissing her cheek
"Oh it was nothing! Controlling water is my specialty and what can I say I have a 'green thumb'" Rose replied in gratitude while petting Snow on the head.
"Indeed" Liam said while poking droplets of water that stood motionless in midair, then continued
"Well, I better be off I need to finish the preparations for the 'other' wedding. Rose, you know what to say to them. Boys behave!"
Liam prepared to leave but Rose stopped him.
"Aren't we forgetting something?" Rose said pointedly
"Oh, Right" Liam clasped his hands then said
"Temps Restauré"
As he said those words time returned to flow normally and the bustle of the wedding preparations echoed throughout the keep then Liam left bearing the gargantuan clam on his back. When things returned to normal, Rose and her brothers busied themselves in the preparation as well.
The next day, Dany woke up and asked for a bath. She spent an hour thinking and relishing in final moments of being Daenerys Targaryen before becoming Daenerys Targaryen Baratheon of House Stark. When she finished her bath, she was met by Armea and Rose, who entered Dany's chambers to style her hair in a single braid that went around her flowing hair like a silver-blonde halo making her look like angel and helped her into her wedding dress made from the finest silks and the best lace Myr has to offer, a gift from her late brother, Viserys. It was brilliant white with silver-blue flowers adorning the bodice, the skirt and the train, which was 4 meters long with golden lining. After helping Dany get into her dress Armea and Rose left. Dany spied the trunk near the bed she opened it and found the velvet box which held the necklace that Jon gave her on their nameday. She took it and wore it around her neck. Lady Lyanna entered the chambers escorted by Daevon, who was wearing Caspian colors of bronze and pitch black with the tiger on his breast and a black cloak on his arm. Behind him was his son Edvard, who was wearing Caspian colors.
"Dany, first you will be escorted by Edvard until you are at the entrance of the Godswood then Daevon and Ned will be the ones to escort you to Jon. Understood?" Lady Lyanna said
"Yes, my lady" Dany replied
"Before you are to be wed, sweet sister; you deserve to wear the colors of our house" Rhaegar uttered his voice thick with emotion as he unravelled the black cloak revealing the red Targaryen dragon.
"It is beautiful" Dany said
"Mother made it herself while she was carrying you within her." Rhaegar said as he put the cloak on Dany's shoulders
"I wish she is alive to see me and Viserys as well." Dany sobbed as Rhaegar took her in his arms to comfort her.
"Dany, when you love someone even if they are not of this world, as long as you hold them dear. Their memory will never die and they always remain alive in your heart." Rhaegar released her to tie the black and red ribbons around her wrist and kissed her on her forehead.
"I know" Dany whispered
"So no tears. For today I forbid it, you must be happy for you have much to celebrate, my dear sweet sister." Rhaegar said as he coaxed a smile on Dany's face
"My lords, if you could give us a moment please?" Lady Lyanna asked
Rhaegar nodded his head and urged his son to follow him outside
"My dear girl, I cannot believe this day had finally come but I am absolutely and incandesantly happy. The two children I held in my arms are now to be man and wife. I am pleased to finally be able to call my daughter, my sweet girl. You and Jon belong together though time had gone too fast you have grown into a lovely young lady and my son into a strong young man. Never forget that he has always loved you ever since you both were very young." Lyanna said then embraced her would be good daughter and breathed
"Take care of each other and never forsake one another"
"I promise, my lady. I will love him until my dying day" Dany said
Then Rhaegar knocked on the door and said
"My ladies, it is time."
Lady Lyanna said a few words then dutifully left for the Godswood. Dany walked out and hooked her hand to the crook of Aegon's arm as they walked towards the Godswood.
"Are you nervous?" Aegon whispered
"A little but I am excited as well" Dany said
"Don't be nervous. You look beautiful, but something is missing." Aegon said
"What?" Dany asked looking worried
"These." Aegon replied as he held a bouquet of ruby roses, silver calla lilys, and golden hydrangeas.
"Oh, they're beautiful." Dany breathed as she embraced her nephew
"Though you are to marry the usurper's eldest son, he has proved himself worthy of you in my father's eyes. He is more of a Stark than he is a Baratheon and is very fortunate and blessed to wed the most beautiful woman in all of Westeros. My dear aunt, I wish you much joy and happiness in your marriage." Aegon said as he handed her to his father and Eddard Stark and took his place beside Rhaenys and Annalysse.
"Dany, you look beautiful. Though I considered you as one of my daughters, I gladly welcome you to the family as my good niece." Ned said good-naturedly
Dany smiled in response as they walked down the aisle towards the Heart tree (one which Nessarhose revived from a stump). She was battling her nerves until she saw Jon smiling at her in a gray doublet with a white cloak. Robb was by his side and looked pleased. It was there that Jon felt like he was hit by a ton of bricks when he saw his beautiful bride as Dany felt the same. Unknown to them, Erius was chuckling gleefully beside his twin and younger sister as his magic was starting to take hold on the bride and groom.
"Who comes?" Jon asked when they neared him.
Ned replied, "Daenerys of Houses Targaryen and Caspian, comes here to be wed. A woman grown and flowered, trueborn and noble, she comes to beg the blessing of the gods. Who claims her?"
"I do," Jon answered smiling widely. "Jon Baratheon of House Stark, heir to Storm's End. I claim her. Who gives her?"
"Eddard of House Stark, Lord of Winterfell, and Warden of the North"
"Daevon of House Caspian, Master of Trade in Braavos, I come here in the name of the late Viserys of House Targaryen."
Ned and Rhaegar looked down at Dany, smiled and said.
"Lady Daenerys, will you take this man?"
Dany calmed her beating heart and replied, "I take this man."
Maester Cressen approached and said
"If anyone here present bears reason why this man and this woman should not be bound in marriage; Speak now or forever hold your peace"
No one stepped forward and so the maester proceded
"Lord Baratheon, do you come before the gods with a whole heart and a free will?"
"I do" Jon declared
"Lady Targaryen, do you come before the gods with a whole heart and a free will?"
"I do" Dany said
"Then in the sight of the gods and of all here present. Say your vows to each other. Lord Baratheon, if you please"
"Daenerys, remember the words I said to you the night of our bethrothal, I fully intend to keep my promise. Again before the gods, I promise that you will want for nothing and I swear to keep you and our children safe. I will never look upon another and will ever be true to you. I promise you, I will never be like the man my father became for I so deeply cherish the love we share. I swear before the gods of my ancestors to keep you, protect you, honor you, die for you if need be and love you until my last breath." Jon vowed as Dany cried tears of joy
Lady Targaryen, your vows?
"Jon, I remember them and I will hold you to them. Ever since we were children, I have loved you with every fibre of my being, with every breath that I take and with every single beat of my heart. Before the gods I swear that I have and always will love only you. I promise to be a dutiful wife and a loving mother to our children. I will be faithful. I swear to be true and I put my trust in you. I swear before the gods of your ancestors to keep you, protect you, honor you, die for you if need be and love you until my last breath."
Then the septon stepped forward and said;
"Now that you have said your vows, I bid you say the words"
Jon faced Dany and together said;
"Father, Smith, Warrior, Mother, Maiden, Crone, Stranger. I am hers/his and she/he is mine, from this day until the end of my days and by the Old Gods and the New, I swear myself unto you."
Lord Renly holding the gold and black ribbons to symbolize House Baratheon and Lady Lyanna holding the white and gray ribbons of House Stark, handing the four ribbons to Lord Eddard as Jon removed the black and red ribbons of HouseTargaryen and gave them to Lord Daevon, who accepted them. Then Lord Eddard tied the Baratheon-Stark ribbons to bind Jon and Daenerys' right hands and said
"With these silken ribbons, we bind two hearts to live as one"
Then Lord Eddard and Renly escorted Lady Lyanna to her seat as the septon approached and released Jon's right hand and the ribbons on Dany's wrist and announced:
"Now we have the exchange of cloaks."
Jon undid the clasps holding Dany's maiden cloak around her shoulders and handed the cloak to Lord Daevon, who then sat beside Lady Lyanna. Robb handed a white cloak to Jon and unravelled it and revealed the Baratheon stag and Stark direwolf running side by side in field of white. With a flourish, he wrapped the white cloak on Dany's shoulders and secured her new cloak, which symbolizes that she is under the protection of her husband.
"With the exchange of the red dragon for the gray direwolf and black stag, you are Daenerys Targaryen no more. Now you are Lady Daenerys Targaryen-Baratheon of House Stark. In the sight of the Seven and with the blessings of the Old Gods and the New, I now proclaim you husband and wife. Cursed be the one who come between them. You may seal your solemn pledge of love with a kiss." Said the septon
Jon moved closer towards Dany and leaned in then pressed a sweet lingering kiss on her lips. As if by magic, all six dragons painted the sky with six different flames in time with the kiss.
After the wedding ceremony, Jon led Dany into the Great Keep and where they sat on the high table. After a 50 course meal, Robb stood up and spoke;
"In honor of the bride and groom, I would like all the ladies of the age two and ten onwards to stand in the middle of hall and may I request Lady Calcaire to step forward and assist me in explaining because I heard from my father that there is a wedding custom in her home that the bride insisted on doing tonight."
Rose stood from her seat next to Velkan and said.
"Well, this one is like a game for the ladies, where the bride throws her bouquet to the young ladies with the bride facing away from the girls and whoever catches the bouquet is the next one to get married or if not, love will find them when they least expect it." Rose said as the young ladies moved to the center of the hall
"I think I look forward to watching that. So Dany please stand in front of the high table and face your husband then I will count to three and when I say "go" throw your bouquet over your head" Robb said as Dany nodded and moved towards the front of the high table as Rose started to count to three then Dany threw the bouquet and it went straight into the hands of Arya Stark, who punched a smirking Gendry in the stomach, Lord Eddard smiled while the look on Robb and Jon's dismayed faces were priceless.
After the bouquet toss, a group of singers sang for the newlyweds but they were in for a pleasant surpise when Velkan sang an Aleanarnithi love song and was looking at Rose the whole time. A masked man appeared with a cloaked lady and a knight. The man stepped forward and said.
"My lords and my ladies, I am a spy formerly in the service of House Calcaire but I found myself working for Daevon Caspian. My last task was to spy on the Lannister Camps during the battle for Riverrun. I was tasked to protect Lady Catelyn Stark."
As soon as her name was heard, the lady dropped her cloak and Ned stood up as soon as he saw the familiar flame of his wife's hair and as he saw her face, he took her in his arms.
"Lady Catelyn has been safely returned. Let us celebrate! Play a volta." Lady Margaery said
While everyone was dancing, Rose went out for a walk when she saw Velkan looking at the stars at balcony and dranking a large bottle. Knowingly, Erius and Deserus watched the scene in front of them with anticipation
"Why are you not dancing?" Rose asked
"I should ask you the same question. Robb Stark is looking for you and hoping for a dance." Velkan said as he took a huge gulp from the bottle while struggling to get changed.
"Maybe I prefer to dance with my godfather." Rose said
"Yes, dance with him. He is quite the charmer when it comes to Lady Cypris and to you as well it seems. If I were your father I would keep Lady Cypris on a shorter leash when Lionheart is around. I saw them kiss after you left the Westerlands in grief." Velkan said as he took another gulp of from the bottle as a warm thick red liquid dripped on the side of his lips.
"Oh, just you wait and I'll deal with him later. Speaking of the bloody bastard what is taking him so long? He is getting late!" Rose scoffed as she changed into her royal blue dress with astonishment that she didn't mind undressing in front of Velkan. While her brothers looked away, Velkan marvelled longingly at Rose's beauty as he felt an ache down his core.
"Rosie, I deal with time and order. Therefore, I am never late for I see everything that happens and so I know what to expect." Liam appeared as the twins went ahead to Aleanarnith
"Well, I bet you did not expect that I'll do this." Rose seethed as she grabbed Velkan by the collar and kissed him passionately then Rose had a glimpse of a memory that has yet to pass.
She was holding their little girl and Velkan, her beloved husband was holding the little girl's twin brother as they stood in the palace facing the sea.
"Velkan, how?" Rose breathed as she embraced Velkan
"Foolish girl! What have you done?" Liam said to Rose as her eyes filled with tears when she longed for her children
"Ser Corleone, I suggest that we address this matter another time. We still have some work to do." Velkan said as he held on to Rose, who was still dazed at seeing his memories of their family.
"Well, this is just fantastic! One work done and disaster soon follows. The things I do for her!" Liam sighed deeply as he ran his fingers through his hair then said;
"Rose, kill the lights and Velkan, prepare the key. Erius, Deserus help Rose! We must be quick."
Jon and Dany were dancing in each other's arms when Lord Umber yelled for the bedding but before anyone can grab Jon or Dany. Everything and everyone stopped and stood in place then there was darkness that shrouded them. Fear crept into their hearts as they feared for each other's safety. Suddenly a figure walked towards them Jon prepared to draw his sword and pulled Dany to his back, when the figure came closer they saw that it was only Liam wearing a black waistcoat and black breeches. Rose behind him was wearing long royal blue, plunging neckline backless dress (a longer Grecian version of Marilyn Monroe's iconic white dress in the Seven Year Itch and it has a long slit from her thigh to her ankle). Velkan was wearing a gray pea jacket with a white waistcoat and black breeches undearneath.
"Ser Corleone, Lady Calcaire, What is the meaning of this?" Jon asked as resheathed his sword
"Do forgive me for this intrusion but I wanted to convey my sincerest apologies for being unable to attend your wedding, so now let me show you my gift." Liam said as he snapped his fingers
Suddenly the darkness was replaced by sight like no other. They were in place where its beauty cannot be put into words. They were standing in hallway of mirrors that lead to the ocean and near the shore was a shell altar. The newlyweds looked in awe as a tall, handsome figure appeared and said
"Welcome to Aleanarnith" the figure said merrily
"Well, somewhere in Aleanarnith" Liam whispered to Jon and Dany then Caliz shot him a glare
"I am Caliz of House Calcaire, father of Nessarhose Calcaire. You stand on sacred ground known as the Altar of Love, where the Goddess professed her undying love to the Lord of this realm" Caliz said as he embraced his daughter
After a few explanations, Jon was whisked by Velkan into the room in the next hall. Rose took Dany to the back chambers and helped her get out of her Westerosi wedding dress and showed her a beautiful gown worthy of the princess that she is. It had a brilliant ivory color with ruby and obsidian trim and silver lining.
"This dress was especially made for brought you here because the gift of Lord Liam is not just another wedding it is also the blessing of eternal love from the goddess. Before we go on you need four things to wear in an Alaenarnithean wedding. For something new and something blue is the dress. For something old is a token from my father, a veil from the time of the Doom of Evades." Rose said as she secured the veil under Dany's braid as she continued
"Lastly, something borrowed is my crown of blue lilies and winter roses.
The crown had brilliant sapphires in the shape of lilies and rare aquamarines in the shape of roses all held together by a silver circlet.
"It is a priceless treasure. Why?" Dany said
"You are a princess it is in your blood. You deserve to marry the man you love, in your prime as a princess. This only loan but it means the world to me for it is my only treasure that was made by the man I love. For love is the reason we are all here. A wedding in Aleanarnith is not a matter of alliances, of successions or of business but a celebration of love and union of two hearts yearning to share one love and one lifetime. Never in all my life have I seen a love so true like yours and Jon's. I pray you treasure this wonderful gift for it is very rare and precious." Rose said
"I will wear it with pride and take good care of it." Dany said as Rose pinned the crown on Dany's hair then Rhaegar appeared wearing Targaryen colors in his arm was a silver haired woman with lilac eyes and on her hair was the crown of Westeros' last Targaryen queen. Rose left giving them privacy.
"Dany, meet our mother" Rhaegar said
Dany's eyes pooled with tears of joy as the former queen took her daughter into her arms.
"My sweet daughter, I am so proud of you. Fiercely proud" Rhaella said as she kissed her daughter's forehead
"Mother, how?" Dany cried as she clutched into her mother's embrace
"They say a mother's love is a true undying and unrelenting love there is. Because of that I was given a day of life to see you marry for love and not for an alliance." Rhaella said
"Come now, dry your tears. Are we not going to a wedding?" Rhaegar said sarcastically
"Let us be off. We cannot keep your love waiting." Rhaella said
Rhaegar walked to Dany's right and Rhaella to Dany's left as they went down the hall of mirrors. As they emerge into the beach the witnesses were members of Rose's family and Jon stood in front of the shell altar with Robb by his side. Rhaenys was standing opposite Jon and Robb, behind her was Velkan who was sitting beside Rose, who looked pleased, not showing her earlier distress. Erius and Deserus then stood by the altar. Jon was mesmerized as he watched his bride walk down the aisle and was even shocked to see the mother of the girl he loves accompanying her. As Rhaella smiled at Jon as if to give her approval, he bowed his head in gratitude and respect. When they reached the altar, the silver queen said her prayer
"May the gods bring you joy in life and grant you both an eternity of happiness and love. I give my daughter to you, to cherish and to protect with your life. I pray that she will protect you and keep you"
"Now, comes the goddess of this land, the embodiment of love, beauty and desire" The twins said
Once the words were spoken, with a flash of light, the shell altar opened revealing the goddess of the love and desire and the mother of Nessarhose; Lady Cypris Aphros. As she stepped out of the shell, she gave her blessings
"Ever-present as the four winds, Constant as the shining stars, Pure as glistening water, Strong as the earth itself and fiery as the flames of old, I bless this marriage with a love that is steadfast and never ending. I bless this two lives to bound by one heart in happiness or in sadness, in joy or in grief, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health as they long they both shall live. Death hath the power to separate lives but it hath no power over love. I bless their love."
The guests stood and clapped in rejoiced. Robb handed a white dove to Jon as Rhaenys did the same to Dany and together released them to fly as far as their wings could carry them. Then as the dove landed the door to Westeros opened and Jon lifted Dany in a bridal style as he carried her over the threshold which took them back to the feast while Dany's mother looked on with tears in her eyes as she waved her daughter goodbye with Viserys by her side as he stood from where he watched the wedding. Now, back in their wedding feast, Jon was wearing his Westerosi wedding attire and so was Dany. They saw Robb dancing with Annalysse in his arms, Rhaenys dancing with Aegon and Rhaegar dancing Lady Lyanna. Rose was dancing with Lord Liam and Velkanwas drinking from a bottle, when Renly, Aegon, and Robb took Jon away and Margaery, Arya, and Rhaenys lead Dany the other way before Lord Umber yelled for the bedding.
VELKAN
Velkan watched with a heavy heart as Rose danced with Liam. He took another gulp of the fresh and warm blood, emptying his bottle before Liam led Rose into the empty corridor. Liam asked for forgiveness while kissing her forehead and then without warning he snapped the back of her neck with his back of his hand. Velkan walked towards the girl he loves with a heart that was bearing the pain of looking at her cold and dead form. He knelt before her and held her in his arms. Death had come upon her as he closed her still open eyes of amber gold. A storm came the moment she had died Velkan knew that her father knows what happened to her.
"Old man Caliz is not going to be happy." Velkan said as he cried silent tears
"No, he will not; but he knows that she must die if she knew too much about her future. Don't think I don't know what you did; I'll deal you and your big mouth later. Now take her to her chambers. DO NOT TOUCH HER!" Liam ordered
Velkan took her tenderly in his arms as he walked to her chambers.