Chapter 16
JAIME
FLASHBACK
Two days earlier, at Bitterbridge
As he reclined on his chair, Jaime slowly fell asleep, he sees a beautiful woman he hardly recognised, weeping as she looms into view
"My lady, how may assist you?" Jaime asked
"Are you going to forget your own father as you have forgotten me, my son?" Joanna said
"Mother" he realised
"I watched you grow into the man that you've become, a knight and Cersei, a queen and as much as I am pleased of your achievements. I am sorely disappointed of the both of you. It breaks my heart to see you broken by your choice to love your twin. I am ashamed of every failure that you committed for the whims of your sister. The love you held for Cersei has caused you a woman who truly loved you and you let her die. You've depraved her of her right to hold her daughter, your daughter. Irena loved you so much as she carried Laryssa while you were away. She pined for you as you were holding Cersei in your arms. As she laboured for your babe it was your name she cried out for while Cersei was seducing you in the chambers next to the birthing room. You maybe glorified knight, my son; but you are greatly deficient and unworthy and you are anything but a knight. To the world you may be a man but all I see is boy who has learned nothing. You have to right your wrongs, Jaime." Joanna said as she disappeared and the dream faded. Jaime awoke to a rustling and saw a blond haired girl of four and ten standing at the entrance of his tent.
"Follow me" said the girl with a soft voice and ran out of the tent
Jaime stood and followed the girl. She stopped at the tent where Joffery was kept.
"There is not much time left. That boy can still be saved but only by his father." Said the girl as she eerily glowed
"What must I do?" Jaime asked
"Prick him with this" The girl whispered in Jaime's ear and handed him large needle with a black pearl on its head.
"Who are you?" Jaime said but before an answer was given the girl disappeared.
Jaime stood silent for a moment then went and entered the tent. He saw his son by Cersei sleeping on a cot. Thankful that Cersei was being escorted by Laryssa back to Harrenhall in his stead. He recalled all the memories he had of Joffery as a child and regretted not being able to be a father to him. He slowly approached the bed and took a last look at his son and found a letter addressed to Sansa Stark clutched in Joffery's hand and took it promising to send it to Lady Greyjoy.
"Forgive me, Joffery" Jaime whispered then kissed Joffery's forehead and stabbed him with the needle. Joffery's skin went pale as sheet as the needle was absorbed into his body. Jaime laid his head on Joffery's chest to listen for a heartbeat but heard none. Jaime sobbed then noticed the blond haired girl holding a green eyed, golden haired baby in her arms, this gave Jaime peace knowing that Joffery was saved.
"This night never happened." The girl said then Jaime saw no more.
Jaime awoke to the sound of Cersei's scream of sorrow and finding himself in Harrenhall. He ran to Lord's solar and saw Cersei cradling Joffery's corpse in her arms bowling hysterically and Laryssa weeping silently on Tyrion's shoulder. With Daemon and Edvard Caspian and Tristram telling them that Joffery died in his sleep.
"NO! JOFFERY!" Cersei cried
Storm's End
Presently at Storm's end
As the light faded Rose descended from above the pool towards the floor in a gracefully elegant manner, dressed in a sheer bright azure sleeveless gown with an ivory shift underneath. While the trio stared, wiping the water from the pool off their faces save Crymzon who hid behind his 'son', Liam commented to Rose.
"Can you get even more like your mother?"
Rose just smiled then suddenly kicked Liam in the groin with all the force she can muster, as Liam kneeled in pain. He was then thrown into the pool and was suck into massive whirlpool.
"That is what you get for killing me. Either way, you can't have children. " Rose said
"She really is Cypris' daughter." Crymzon smirked then Rose walked towards them while Drakarius eyed her from head to toe.
"SHE HAS CURVES?!" Drakarius blurted out in surprise as Rose blushed into a bright red
Liam jumped out of the whirlpool and yelled.
"STOP THAT NOW, DRAKARIUS!" before getting sucked back in.
"My fondest greetings, Lord Crymzon, Swordsman of Light. Fancy seeing you here, Ser Drakarius, The Grand Hunter." Rose said
"How did you know my new name, doll face?" Drakarius asked
"Even the dead have ears, my good ser" Rose said as she bowed her head to them but Crymzon lifted Rose's head to look into the young girl's eyes.
"You needn't be so reserved, my sweet. We are like a family here." Crymzon said
"As you wish, my lord, Are you here to punish me?" Rose politely replied
"No, my sweet child but you should know that he is sorry for what he has done and that you are at fault as well for breaking the rule which led him do what he did. However, I am not here to do so. Instead, I am here to give you a task that you need to finish but first, call Tristram and have him bring 'her'." Crymzon said as Rose left and he patted his holster then turned to Drakarius with an open palm.
"What?" Drakarius asked innocently
"Give it back." Crymzon said accusingly
"...Fine." Drakarius gave in as he handed Blackfyre back to the older man, who just stared.
"What? I just wanted to look" Drakarius said nonchalantly
As he placed the sword back into its holster, Crymzon walked towards the pool to where Liam was leaning on the side with his head resting on his arms
"You know, for a man who is merciless, you are too kind hearted Liam, to allow yourself to feel pain of her attacks." Crymson said
"Well, I did deserve it, and besides I've been through worse" Liam said as he jumped out of the pool.
"How unusually sweet of you, Liam" Crymzon smirked
"So what are you really doing here? I know it's not just to help with the sword. I am capable of doing it myself." Liam asked
"Nothing really, I just came by and thought I could offer some my assistance." The older man chuckled as Liam turned to Drakarius
"What's your reason?" Said Liam
"Coincidence?" Drakarius shrugged
"Alright, fine." Liam grumbled then continued
"Just be sure not to interfere too much." Then Rose appears with Tristram then Liam set to work on infusing the purified soul of Nieseryne into Blackfyre. Five hours later, Crymzon slipped the sword back to Jon and Dany's chambers.
Meanwhile, Theon and Sansa, who are expecting the birth of their babe any day now, were being entertained by Velkan, who regaled Sansa with stories of love, knights, and romance from Aleanarnith and even showed her the ways of courting a woman through dance. He asked Giulianna to assist him in dancing (The Waltz to the song Dark Waltz instrumental version) a gliding dance where they held each other so closely their faces touched, much to Ser Tully's dismay. Robb came in with his cousin Jon escorting his lady wife Dany, were utterly shocked by the improper display. Sansa noticed how her older brother openly looked at Giulianna with a burning passion and longing as Velkan led Giuly to a cycle of cross-steps after he spun Giuly then lifted her (one hand on the waist while the other supporting her thigh) before ending the romantic dance with a turn about the room and pulled Giuly in what appeared to be a lover's embrace in shadow position with Giuly's hand caressing Velkan's right cheek(think Dirty Dancing poster). Sansa was thrilled by the beauty of the dance, motioned her husband Theon, who knew what was on his wife mind as he already knew of the King of the North's hidden desire for his old friend since before Jon's wedding. While Robb was fuming at the improper contact but clapped for Giuly nonetheless but Robb's mood changed and he looked ready to kill when Velkan was about to kiss Giuly full on the lips but before Robb can get him; an enraged Rose charged at Velkan violently. Everyone, save Giulianna was shocked at seeing Lady Rose and her behaviour, most especially Velkan.
"Welcome back, mistress" Giulianna said as she pushed Velkan towards Rose, and deeply bowed to her older surrogate sister (who appears very much younger than Giuly) while Rose looked into Giuly's eyes as if to express a silent message.
"Rose!" Velkan gasped in shock and joy.
"I don't why but I know that you had something to do with what happened to me the last five days." Rose seethed then hit Velkan on the groin, much to Robb's delight
"My lady, I am so glad that you are awake" Velkan said weakly to her, unable to say anything else through the pain.
"Ser Draculesi, we need to talk." Rose said with obvious effort to hide her rage then walked out of the room with Velkan following behind her. When the two left, Sansa elbowed Theon and motioned to Giuly and Robb. As Giulianna sat with Sansa, Theon immediately went to Robb's side and coughed to get the king's attention.
"Well?" Theon began
"What is it, good brother?" Robb asked
"Forgive me, if I say this but you are a fool if you let this opportunity pass you by" Theon said
"I don't know what you are talking about" Robb replied
"Are you just going to stand there? What are you waiting for, The White Walkers?! You know you want to, Go dance with her!" Theon pushed Robb to where his wife sat and Giulianna stood. As Giulianna was about to leave, the next thing she saw was the King of the North moving towards her, as they collided and lost their footing, Robb quickly embraced Giulianna and moved so that he will be the one on the floor. The next thing they knew Giulianna blushed as she realized that she was in the arms of Robb Stark while he grunted at the effects of the impact while momentarily forgetting that he held Giulianna on his chest. Sansa stared daggers at Theon, who simply shrugged and smiled sheepishly. Robb got his second wind and he immediately looked at Giulianna, who made her way off him then Robb stood up and helped her get on her feet.
"I apologise for what happened, my lady." Robb said sincerely
"There is no need for no harm was done." Giulianna said politely
"May ask for the honour of a dance, my lady?" Robb replied
"Of course, I'd be delighted." Giulianna chirped
"But, you'll have to teach me." Robb whispered as Giuly giggled
"Take my hand and rest it on your shoulder then gently placed your other hand on my back and just take the lead. Let the 'music' in you free" Giulianna said softly as Robb began to move. Satisfied, Sansa and Theon joined in after Jon spun his lovely wife in to his arms. Renly took his wife Lady Margaery to the floor as the Tullys and Lord Willas and Ser Loras Tyrell looked on.
Meanwhile, in the outskirts of Storm's End
Liam was strolling towards the beach when he passed by an outhouse where, he saw Rose dragging Velkan by the neck towards it. Knowing what Rose intended he thought to himself.
"I hope Velkan brought protection"
Ignoring the scene, he went on but before he can take a step further he heard a female's high pitch scream of rage and a male bellow of agony.
"Oh well, she can't kill him anyway" Liam thought.
As he trudged on he sensed a familiar presence then spoke
"Are you really trying to hide from me, of all people?"
After he said those words, the winds started to howl, gathering the leaves into a vortex, which took the form of a person. Lightning then struck the leaves, which burned off, to reveal a man (with a pose similar to Henry VIII of England).
"Well?" the man asked
"Nice try, Caliz, but Rose was better." Liam flatly said
"I tried" Caliz shrugged and before Caliz could continue Liam cut him off
"If this is about Rose; then don't."
"I only want to speak with her" Caliz replied
"Haven't you spoken with her during the wedding? And besides she is little "ocupado" at the moment" Liam said, snickering at the end
"By "ocupado", you mean?" Caliz enquired with his eyebrows raised
"Let's just say the boy is lucky that he is immortal" Liam hinted at that point Caliz turned red with rage
"Don't be too hasty. It's not what you think" Liam chuckled
Caliz lightly punched Liam's shoulder in remark then they continued walking towards the edge of the cliffs then Caliz mentioned Cypris.
"Weren't you too harsh on her?"
"I admit that I may have been 'cruel' but it was the only way for her to listen." Liam said
"I understand that, but why did you have kill my daughter before her time?" Caliz questioned
"For the umpteenth time, she is immortal, so killing her has no meaning. Yes, I did kill her but she is back and well. End of discussion." Liam said (as he broke 'character') then continued.
"Please stop worrying. You almost sound like a father of a mortal maid. It's unbecoming."
"She may be immortal but she is still my daughter and I am her father." Caliz retorted
"And I am her godfather and guardian, Everything I do is for her sake." Liam stated
After a long walk on the ocean Caliz asked Liam;
"You know, It has been ages since our bout, how about a little sparring session?"
"I don't think so, remember Evades? Pangaea?! Atlantis?! Pompeii?!" Liam reasoned
"You know it was bound to happen. We just sped it up the events and I was just a boy then I have better control now." Caliz rebutted
"...Oh very well" Liam sighed then continued
"But this time I am putting up a barrier around us. I don't trust your judgement." Liam conceded
As Liam put up the barrier, both he and Caliz separated and stood on opposite sides facing each other.
"Are you ready my 'old' friend?" Caliz sneered as wind, water, lightning, and fire danced around him in a violent torrent.
"Of course, let's begin." Liam replied as swords, spears, axes, and maces appeared, floating in the space behind him.
And as they stared at each other, all was silent, until they began...
Meanwhile
Rose was cleaning her hands in a pool she summoned while Velkan lay flat on the ground, face first, and unconsious. She turned to look at Velkan and was gripped by confusion and regret her actions towards Velkan. She walked towards him and tried to revive him with a slight pinch of lightning then Velkan woke and stood up in shock
"Mother, I am sorry I did not do it!" Velkan said instinctively then Rose hit him on the head with her sandal.
"Do I look that old, my good ser?" Rose snarked
"I apologize" Velkan said
"It is I who should be apologizing for my actions" Rose whispered
"It is no less than what I deserve, my lady" Velkan said romantically as Velkan tried to kiss her but Rose stepped back then she said
"I feel it will not be appropriate for our lips to touch." As Velkan stood in disappointment but then Rose put her hands around and kissed Velkan through a thin barrier of water
Velkan became rigid in surprise then softened and allowed himself be engulfed by the passion of the kiss. Though he could not feel the flesh of her lips he could still feel the love she poured in to the kiss. They stood there in silence until a loud explosion interrupted them.
"What was that?" Rose said
"Can't catch a break, can I?!" Velkan thought to himself as he took Rose into his arms and went to where the explosion was, unaware that they were being followed.
As they arrived, they were greeted by an extraordinary sight. There in the distance was Caliz and Liam with relaxed faces. They stood upon a semi-shattered frozen patch of sea, scorched by lightning and fire, littered with weapons piercing the top of the ice.
"What in the name of the twelve gods are you doing?!" Rose shouted in outrage, as Velkan stood there in utter amazement.
"Rose, my sweet daughter, you certainly made my visit complete alas I must go for I must see you for only a few moments." Caliz said sadly as disappeared into the winds, leaving Liam to explain everything.
"...And he does it again. This is so like Pompeii." Liam sighed
"And Atlantis, and Pangaea, and not to mention, Evades! Have you not learned from those disasters?!" Rose added in a burst of annoyance
"Do not fear, my child, I put a barrier this time." Liam responded
"Even so, how will you explain that large explosion?" Rose smart mouthed
"Don't worry, I took care of that" said a man from behind them who appeared to be Liam's father standing next to Drakarius.
"See, there was nothing to fret, besides, the 'explosion' from the outhouse might have been louder" Liam said sheepishly as Rose blushed and looked down in embarrassment while Liam winked at Velkan conspiratorially. Rose left with Velkan behind her while Liam 'cleared' the evidence of the battle.
Nightime, Outside of Wintertown in The North
Jaerys (as Ser Lucius) was returning from the Wolfswood and rushing to avoid the incoming heavy snow fall after gathering some firewood for Lady Armea when came upon a small cottage and to his surprise he saw a man lying in the snow. He approached the man to see if he is alive. The man suddenly jerked up and said
"Greetings; Nice day isn't it?"
"I say, good ser Have you lost your senses?" Jaerys questioned while shivering
"Why do you say so?" the man answered
"You were lying on the snow covered ground; surely you are aware this is the North, it is hard and cold and shows no mercy. You make an easy prey to the wolves." Jaerys said then the man sat up and countered
"What wolves?"
Jaerys was about to respond when he noticed the stillness around him and remembered that it has been days since he last heard the howling of wolves and he sneezed.
"It seems that it is you who should not be in the cold" the man said then continued
"Please come in"
"Thank you for your kindness. I am Ser Lucius Ulysses of House Caspian." Jaerys said
"I'm Ha…Animus" Animus said frantically as a snowball hit his head and turned to see a boy with snow white hair and a man with ash white hair scowling at Animus, who nodded apologetically as the two went inside.
Confused but eager to get out of the cold, Jaerys was about to enter the cottage when Velkan appeared out of nowhere with eyes that glowed blood red and fangs bared while saying
"Darklyn, quit fooling around. The Boltons are practically at your doorstep."
Jaerys was about to reply when Animus interrupted
"Velkan, my boy. How near are they?"
"Sir, They will be here by midday." Velkan replied
"Seven Hells!" Jaerys cussed
"We best get inside and tell the others" Animus said as they all entered and discussed strategies.
Midnight, back at Storm's End
The castle was asleep when Sansa woke up in pain as she felt dampness in between her thighs then she screamed waking her husband Theon, who jumped off the bed and facing the floor. He scrambled for his sword and said
"What is it? Who's attacking?"
"No one, put that thing down you big oaf! The babe is coming" Sansa whimpered as she felt another pain
"Are you all right? Why haven't you called the maester?" Theon admonished
"Well, that is the most ridiculous question I've heard, as you can see that I am not all right and in my state do I look like I can stand and call the maester?!" Sansa shrieked
"Right, well I suppose I should get the maester?" Theon said in a panicky voice and ran out the chambers clad in breeches and raced to the Maester's Turret. He knocked and called the maester.
"Maester Cressen! I need your help! Maester Cressen!" Theon shouted… into an empty room.
He looked around and saw a note that said that the maester had left to replenish his supply of herbs in Griffin's Roost. After reading blood drained from Theon's face and with much thought, he decided to deliver the babe himself. He rushed back to Sansa, who was preoccupied with the pain to notice him. Sansa felt that someone was there. At first she thought it was the maester but saw that it was Theon she screamed then kicked Theon's trunk to push him away.
"What in the Seven Kingdoms do you think you are doing?!" she yelled while panting
"The maester is not here so I decided to deliver the babe myself, I am sure it is no different from delivering foals" Theon said arrogantly
"DO I LOOK LIKE A MARE?!" Sansa shouted sounding insulted
"Quiet down, woman and let me help you" Theon said
"I swear, my lord, if you touch me, I will kick lower" Sansa threatened Theon
"My lord and lady Greyjoy, If I may intrude, I can help." Another voice said
Theon and Sansa looked at the door and saw a young woman with ash blonde who somewhat resembles Rose and Giulianna.
"And you are?" Theon asked
"I apologize. I am Ilithyia Argos, I am a relative of Nessarhose Calcaire. I came to see her but I see that you are in need of my assistance and-" Ilithyia said but was interrupted
"We appreciate your offer but I am fully capable of doing this myself." Theon arrogantly responded
"Well if you are sure-" Ilithyia said but was once again interrupted
"Oh no you won't, my lord" Sansa said then looked at the young woman and continued
"He may not need your assistance but I do" Theon was about to protest Sansa again spoke threateningly
"If you speak one more word, rest assured you won't be able to bear another child with anyone" Sansa gasped as she felt another pain
Ilithyia instructed Theon sit beside Sansa and let her recline on his chest as Sansa began pushing and holding in her screams
"My lady, you can scream. Do not hold it in" Ilithyia said
"If that is the case my lord could you please come closer." Sansa said politely as Theon obliged her
"YOU DID THIS TO ME, YOU WHORE OF A MAN!" Sansa screamed while panting then continued
"HAVE YOU ANY IDEA OF THE PAIN I AM ENDURING FOR YOU AND YOU DARED TO COMPARE ME TO A HORSE!"
Theon kept quiet as he sat in shock of his wife's outburst and for the first time felt a tinge of fear in the face of a woman. After a few hours of pain, pushing, and loud cursing, Sansa gave birth to Thyia Greyjoy in honor of Ilithyia Argos.