Author's Notes: I want to apologize for not updating this a lot sooner. We got stuck, then a lot of RL stuff came up which further drove us away from GoT. Now with Archer83 gone from FF due to some serious RL issues, well, I didn't know if I wanted to try to get this going again or not. Now though, let's just say I'm motivated to try at the very least. Let's hope I can do this the justice it deserves once more.
Chapter 8: Broken Family, Broken Dreams
Artemis didn't know where Catelyn had crawled away to, her focus was only on the grinning bastard that had the gall to call himself her father. All she saw was an enemy, someone that threatened the Starks, nothing more. "Before I kill you, just tell me one thing. Who sent you?" Looking down the point of an arrow, most people would have been far more wary of their chances of getting out of there in one piece.
Lawrence wasn't most men. If anything, the amused smirk behind his mask was all too easy to hear in his voice as he stared into his daughter's eyes. "You, kill me?! That's a good one." Lawrence laughed and shook his head in utter disbelief at her threat. "You've learned to talk big baby girl, but you and I both know you can't beat me, let alone kill me. You would have done it years ago if you were anything like Jade, which we both know you aren't."
"You'd be surprised of what I'm capable of these days." Artemis said in an even tone as she glanced to the right where Catelyn had since hesitantly stood to her feet, the dagger clutched tightly in her right hand. That subtle glance was all that Lawrence needed to close the gap between them, his left hand leading in an open palm strike aimed for her head. Artemis ducked and retaliated just as quickly, having fallen into the routine as easy as breathing as her right leg snapped up and slammed into her dad's side before she spun the other way, her left elbow raised to smash into his chest.
The arm block was expected, but the arm around her throat was something new. Pinned, for the moment, Lawrence used the lull in their fighting to start running his mouth again. "Tell ya what kiddo, help me do the old bag and the kid and I'll give you half the reward. Easy peazy. It'll be just like old times."
"We never had any 'old times' dad." Lawrence was stunned as Artemis viciously headbutted him, instantly breaking his nose. Before he could tighten his hold, she had slipped free and had flipped him over her shoulders. He recovered just fast enough to avoid her followup heel drop, rolling to the left at the last second. "And is this the part where you tell me we can rule the galaxy as father and daughter?"
Crock grinned despite the blood flowing freely down his chin as he blocked her right hook and slammed his fist into one of her kidneys. Artemis was forced back several steps, but wasn't given time to regain her breath from the vicious blow before Lawrence grabbed her by the front of her head and slammed her against the stone wall. Stars exploded behind her eyes as she was allowed to fall to the floor in a heap. "Not really. But how hard could it be to claim this medieval shit hole for ourselves baby girl?"
"This 'shithole' is my home!" Artemis growled as she struggled to regain her footing, her vision blurry, the room violently spinning around her. Before she could even get her knees under her, a heavy boot pressed against the small of her back, slamming her face first into the stone floor once more.
"This looks all too familiar baby girl." She couldn't see the grin on his face, but Artemis knew it was there as Lawrence lifted his boot only to step on her left hand, just enough so that his point was made before it fell on her back again. "Time for you to give up these idiots and come back to the family Artemis."
If he thought she was out of tricks, he had another thing coming. "These people have been more of a family to me than you ever were dad." Just get it over with. Artemis took a breath and pulled Hagan's old dagger out of a hidden sheath under her trousers. "You aren't half the maaaaghhh!"
"Careful now sweetheart, you're beginning to hurt my feelings." Lawrence snarked as he dug his boot deeper into his daughter's back. "Had enough? Or should I just snap your spine? Your call."
Don't do anything Cat, just stay there. Even from her prone position, Artemis could see the Stark woman was torn between going to her aid and staying by Bran's bed, but she hoped Catelyn saw her subtle shake of her head and stayed out of the fight. The last thing she wanted was for Lawrence to kill all of them out of spite rather than professional courtesy. So long as his precious reputation was on the line, he'd keep casualties to a minimum. It was the only thing that was keeping the rest of the people in Winterfell alive, his pride as a professional of his particular skillset.
"Last chance Artemis." The blonde girl howled in pain as her right arm was cruelly wrenched behind her back. "Share in the spoils, or die like the rest of these wild wolves."
Just get it over with. "Gahhh! Stop, please, just stop! I'll do whatever you want!" With a satisfied laugh echoing in her ears, Artemis felt the pressure on her back decrease about the same time as her arm was released.
"There we go baby girl. See, was that so harrraaahhh!" Lawrence only saw the glint of the blade a split second before it was embedded into his right shoulder. Blinded by the searing agony from his right shoulder, he missed when he tried to backhand Artemis, only to be dropped to his back when Artemis ducked and swung her left leg through his feet.
"That's for Cheshire! And this is for me!" Before he could hope to get to his feet again, the archer had already slammed her fist into Lawrence's exposed neck, all but crushing his larynx. Ignoring his gasps and grunts for air, Artemis slammed her fist across Lawrence's jaw hard enough to knock two of his teeth out.
"It's true what they say..." A gasping Lawrence ripped the dagger out of his shoulder with a grunt of pain. "Being nice always bites you in the ass. Time's up baby girl. I don't plan to go into overtime!" Grabbing her fist as it descended for another strike, the assassin used his superior size and strength to flip them over so that he was on top, her own dagger already in line with her chest. "Just give it up and I'll make this quick."
"Not….happening!" Artemis growled, fighting for every inch as she tried to keep him from digging her own blade into her heart. Having grabbed her dad's fingers locked around the dagger's hilt, she pushed against him as much as she could, but it wasn't enough as slowly but surely, it descended ever closer. The tip of the blade had since pierced the top layer of her fur overcoat and the leather underneath, but Artemis didn't focus on that, even when she felt the tip of the blade cut into the skin underneath. "I didn't...survive all this….just to be killed by you!"
"No hard feelings Artemis. Too bad you're so weak, just like your moth-" Artemis had to blink away the blood that gushed out of Lawrence's throat when Catelyn jammed the valyrian steel dagger through his neck. He fell to the side, taking Hagan's dagger with him before it clattered harmlessly to the floor. An approving bloody smile spread across Lawrence's face as their eyes locked before the light left his brown gaze and the assassin slumped to the floor.
That was a distant concern for Artemis as she stared, dumbfounded at how easily it had all ended. One well placed strike and the source of over twenty years of terror had been silenced. Even Robb and half the castle guard running into the room didn't immediately register for the shaken archer until she felt someone's hands on her shoulders. With a jolt, she met Catelyn's concerned gaze, Robb right next to her, before the last few seconds started to hit home for her like a massive hammer blow. Sitting up, she couldn't take her gaze off her still father, sprawled out with his own blade sticking through the back of his neck. She didn't know she had started to cry until Robb pulled her against his chest while Catelyn gently draped a blanket over the black direwolf before turning to the guards. "Take his body to an empty field for the wolves for all I care. As for Cheshire...she will receive all the honors deserving of a true Northerner."
Scrambling over to the fallen man as they began to drag him away, Artemis held up a hand. "Wait!" The guards didn't need a nod from Robb to do as she asked as they respectfully backed away. No one in the room was more surprised than Artemis herself when she wrapped her arms around her bloodied father and slowly began to sob as she held him tightly. Neither Robb nor Catelyn needed an explanation as they silently watched the guards carry Cheshire out of the room.
Before she knew what she was doing, Artemis had lifted Lawrence over her shoulder before carrying him down the stairs and out into the courtyard. She had no idea where she was going, or if she was followed, she only knew she needed to bury him before she lost it.
"Artemis..." Robb had followed her after all, but it was a distant concern of hers.
"Stay with Cat, she needs you." The words sounded dead, flat, and far away to her ears, and she didn't care.
"Mother and Bran are safe thanks to you and Cheshire. Right now, I'm more concerned about-" He trailed off when Artemis looked over her shoulder, her gray eyes alight with her pain and rage.
"Thanks to me?!" Artemis didn't slow down as she tried not to stop and drop Robb to the dirt for his comment. Instead, she opted to simply yell at him as she finally stopped a suitable distance into the godswood and unceremoniously dropped her heavy bundle to the ground. "Your mother stabbed my father in the back of his neck and you want to thank me for saving their lives?!"
Robb held up his hands in an effort to placate the emotionally distraught archer. Despite the fact Lawrence had just tried to kill his brother and mother, his thoughts were focused on Artemis alone in that moment. "I meant no offence, please...allow me to help lay him to rest. Mother was overcome with rage, and rightly so. But even the most horrible of men deserve better than the wolves."
"Leave." It wasn't a warning.
The Lord of the North didn't move a muscle as he stared holes through the back of the blonde's head. "I will not cower away while-"
Spinning on her heel, Artemis's tear and blood stained face was mere centimeters away from Robb's, her livid gray eyes full of anguish and rage. "GET THE FUCK AWAY FROM ME!"
"No." Robb softly spoke, daring her to strike at him, to push him away. Pulling off his right glove, Robb slowly placed his hand on her cheek, gently wiping away the tears streaming down her face.
That single action broke whatever defenses she had left as Artemis fell against his chest and screamed herself hoarse, her body shaking like a taut bowstring from the force of her sobs against him. He withstood the storm, his arms wrapped tightly around her back. He would have rather felt the pain of a hundred arrows piercing his heart than the fiery anguish he felt from staring down at the inconsolable young woman in his arms. He never knew how long he stood there, Robb only knew that some time had passed before he noticed that the shaking from Artemis had subsided, as had her heart wrenching cries. Looking down, he had to blink in mild surprise when he saw she had passed out on her feet.
"My lord, has she found a measure of solace at last?" How the old man had gotten so close was another mystery, but Robb was grateful when Maester Luwin had stepped out of the shadows.
"A measure of peace at the very least Maester Luwin." Robb said, wondering how he was going to get out of this predicament.
"Good." Luwin threw down two farming spades before turning his patient glance towards the peacefully dozing girl. "I strongly suggest that you wake her up. If she finds herself in a bed and her father buried, you might not live to see the next sun set." The wizened old man gently brushed a hand against her golden hair tucking a few loose strands behind her ear, a feat he would never be suicidal enough to try had she been conscious. "Be kind to her, and above all, patient. I shall leave you to your work my lord."
Robb could only nervously chuckle since Luwin, as usual, was right in his assessment. He didn't get to move before he looked down and saw two, red rimmed gray eyes staring up at him. "If he touches my head again, he'll be breathing through a straw."
Robb sighed and was glad Luwin had since left them alone. "A straw? It might be rather hard for him to breathe with hay stuffed into his mouth."
Artemis blinked in confusion for a moment before shrugging her shoulders. "Even better." Taking a moment to gather herself, the archer hesitantly pulled away from Robb's embrace and looked down to her father. "You have no idea how many times I imagined him dead, but now that he is, I want him back." The tears didn't start again, but her voice still quavered as she picked up one of the spades and immediately set to work in digging a hole. "I know….there was no other way this could have ended Robb….especially with him having taken a hit out on your brother of all people, but he was still my dad."
Robb's only response was a somber nod of understanding as he grabbed the second spade and assisted her with the grim task at hand. The hard, cold earth was slow to give into their efforts, but eventually, they had dug out a suitably sized hole in the earth before Artemis dropped her spade on the edge, and climbed out with Robb's assistance.
"Should we say any words?" Robb asked at last, breaking the heavy silence that had fallen between them.
"He always said 'the dead can't hear us baby girl' and he's probably right. Besides, he talked enough for three people." Artemis replied, a hint of scorn filtering into her voice and her eyes until she looked up at the man next to her. "Just help me get this taken care of. Then I plan to fall into bed and hope that when I wake up, all of this was just a very vivid dream."
Again Robb only nodded, Artemis making it a point to pull the dagger free from Lawrence's neck and handing it to Robb before pushing the hulking blonde giant into his newly dug grave. Goodbye dad. I always loved you, even when I knew you didn't deserve it. With that somber thought and casually tossing his mask onto his chest, Artemis picked up her spade and walked over to the nearby mound of dirt as she started to fill the grave. It only took half the time to fill the grave as it had to dig it, and before she knew it, the mound of dirt was gone. Having fallen into a trance of sorts, the only reason she stopped was when Robb put a hand on her shoulder. Once again, she felt Robb's hand on her cheek as she found it in herself to start crying again. Despite the tears running down her face, Artemis chuckled weakly as she leaned into his hand. "Thought I was all cried out already. Guess not."
The sound of a twig snapping drew their attention elsewhere. Robb turned just as Artemis fixed her stunned gaze on the last person she had expected to see again. The hooded man that had stepped out from behind the shadow of one of the nearby trees held out his hands when Robb made to grab the hilt of his sword. "I'm a friend, and someone that has spent the past two years trying to find her again." Slowly reaching up to lower his hood, Robb knew who it was that had addressed them when his stern gaze fell upon the man's blue eyes and the short stubble that covered his chin and upper lip. The green hood and over shirt were also a dead giveaway, as was the intricate longbow and the equally impressive quiver that hung over his right shoulder. "I take it she mentioned me once or twice." The man said when he saw the recognition on Robb's face.
"You could say that Ser Oliver Queen." Robb stated as he let his hand fall away from his sword. Neither man was surprised by the stunned look on the blonde archer's face.
"Ollie?" Artemis looked ready to faint as memories of their time together flashed through her mind.
Over ten years ago.
Starling City National Bank.
Midnight
"Almost to the ground baby girl?" Lowering his daughter down from the skylight on an improvised pulley system wasn't the easiest way they could have done this, but it was the safest, especially for her first time out on a job. While Lawrence Crock was many things, a caring father wasn't one of them, but there was no point in getting the girl killed their first time out.
Strapped in tactical rappelling gear, wearing a black bodysuit and ski mask, Artemis Lian Crock made sure her bow and quiver were tight against her back as she slid down the rope slowly but surely. Too much pressure on the rope between her hands and she wouldn't go anywhere, not enough and she'd slide down too fast and end up hurting herself when she hit the floor.
As much as the ski mask wearing young girl wanted to be anywhere but here, she knew the price for failure was severe. She had the scars to prove it, as did her older sister who she hadn't seen since she left that night more than four years ago. "Just a little further. Alright we're good." As soon as her feet touched the linoleum floor, Artemis unclipped herself from the safety harness and waited for her father to join her on the ground, before they moved on with the rest of their plan. She was fast and efficient, just like her dad had wanted her to be from day one, as she brought up her bow and did a quick check of the area. Other than a few cameras situated around the bank, there was very little noticeable security. The few motion sensors that had been a part of the place had been deactivated already while they were on the roof. A quiet whisper was the only sound heard in the dark lobby. "Clear!"
"It better be baby girl." Lawrence said as he quickly slid down the rope and landed lightly beside his daughter. Despite his immense size, he was as sure and light footed as any assassin. "Let's get moving, before some guard gets tired of sitting on his ass and wanders into us out of boredom." Casually tossing one of his specially made javelins at the nearest camera, an electrical pulse instantly fried the bank's internal security network. As much as he hated passing through airport security, even in disguise, at least here he didn't have to worry about the feds getting another picture of his face anytime soon.
Having his image captured was the least of the man's worries as an arrow pierced his leg, pinning him to a nearby desk. It had struck him below the armored knee pad he wore, making it a very uncanny and accurate shot, especially in the dark. Despite the pain the arrow caused the man, Lawrence didn't acknowledge it as he and Artemis looked to where the shot had came from to see the Hood walking out of the shadows from the back of the bank. "Lawrence Crock...you have failed this city!"
With only a mild grunt of pain, Lawrence ripped the arrow out of his leg and merely laughed as he crossed his arms over his chest. "I'll hand it to you Hood, I never saw you coming. Shoulda killed me though. Imagine the street cred I'll get for gutting Starling City's annoying little vigi. Let's go baby girl!" Oliver only narrowed his eyes as Artemis fired a shot at him, only to have the arrow caught by the elder archer before it reached his chest. It was a distraction however, allowing Lawrence to draw forth another javelin and launch it straight at the man's heart. Oliver barely dodged the projectile, receiving a deep cut to his right arm instead of being impaled.
He's fast, but I'm faster. Artemis was the game changer. Her loyalties were uncertain, a factor he could potentially use to his advantage, if he could get through to her. Even if she was taking shots at him, Oliver could practically sense the hesitation from across the lobby. She was distracting him at best, with shots just inches away from Oliver's body. Someone who could aim that well could have easily hit him several times by now, a fact that wasn't lost on her father apparently if the deepening scowl in his brown eyes was anything to go by. "What are you doing?! Quit trying to shoot him and shoot him!" Lawrence growled as he tossed another javelin at Oliver's back, and instead wound up hitting the desk he had jumped behind, as graceful as any cat. The only problem however was that this javelin exploded after a three second delay, sending the archer skidding across the floor and into the far wall, dazed but otherwise unharmed.
"No more excuses baby girl, take the shot or don't bother coming home." Artemis nocked another arrow in place and drew up the tension on her bow. If her many near misses hadn't been proof enough of her hesitation to kill, then her shaking bow arm was clear as day. Oliver's hood might have hid his face, but his eyes were still visible if the angle was just right. Even at this distance, it was clear that he was waiting for her to make her choice. Continue down the path her father wanted for her, or walk away from the life that had been forced upon her.
The arrow she fired harmlessly embedded itself in the wall next to Oliver's head, proving what he knew already. She was no killer, despite what her father might have wanted her to be.
It wasn't until she turned around did Artemis realize that Sportsmaster was already ascending the rope out of the bank, muttering curses the whole way as he pulled himself up hand over hand. Before she got a chance to follow, Lawrence had already cut the rope from the pulley, leaving her behind and without an exit that didn't involve going through the front door and any cops that were waiting for her and her new pal, the Hood. If she thought that was the end of their 'relationship' however, Artemis was sorely mistaken when she felt a dart pierce the right side of her neck. "No...you can't! Don't leave me!"
"I just did baby girl. Have a nice nap! And just so you know, this is your own fault. Maybe you'll remember that when you wake up, IF you wake up!" A precisely aimed arrow hit just underneath his hockey like mask and grazed the side of the enforcer's face. The long, ragged, and bleeding cut from chin to temple was enough to take away the man's arrogant smirk. Oliver only had time to watch Lawrence disappear into the night as he caught the stumbling blonde girl before she had a chance to hit the floor. Whatever had been in that dart was already taking effect from what he could see.
"Stay with me Artemis!" Oliver shouted as he pulled the dart out of her neck and made it a point to put it into his hood for later analysis. He needed to know what was in it just in case his herbs he had brought back from the island didn't work to counteract the poison. Seeing terror in the eyes of those he fought usually gave him a sense of satisfaction, but seeing it in this young girl's grey eyes was another story altogether. Pulling his cellphone out with one hand while gently lowering Artemis to the floor, Ollie called the only person he could trust. "Dig, get the lab prepped; I'm bringing her back and she's been poisoned. I'll be there in ten." He didn't wait for a reply as he hung up before slinging the girl over his shoulder. This was shaping up to be a very long night.
Winterfell
Present day
She didn't know who came out of the crushing hug more bruised, her or Oliver, nor did she care as she pushed the memory of their first meeting into the back of her head. Unbeknownst to her, Oliver was doing the same thing as he squeezed the blonde archer tightly against his chest. "I'm sorry I wasn't here sooner." He whispered, having seen them bury her father before he had made his presence known to them.
"Shut up Ollie." Artemis hissed, too emotionally derailed to think coherently as she sobbed against him. "Just shut up." He smiled despite her harsh words, knowing it was her way of saying everything she wasn't normally able to express. At least, as far as he was concerned anyway.
Looking up to Robb when he approached at last, Oliver looked up from the tall blonde's face and met the young man's intense gaze. "I take it you're one of the Starks of Winterfell I've heard about?"
"Robb Stark, the eldest son." Robb confirmed as he nodded his head to the master archer he had heard so much about. "It's truly an honor to meet you at last, but I wish it had been under better circumstances."
Before Oliver could say a word, Artemis managed to choke out, "How?" as she looked up into his face. She suppressed a pained gasp when his fingers brushed over the back of her head, where she had hit the stone floor no thanks to Lawrence.
"Sssshhh, I'll tell you later, I promise." Oliver whispered as he pulled his right hand away from the back of Artemis's head and found blood on his green glove. "You need time, time to rest mostly." He knew better from experience than to push her too hard, especially now. Suggesting anything else would be a very bad idea.
Much to their relief, Artemis didn't protest as he and Robb gently led her away from her father's freshly dug grave. She didn't say a word as Robb went to find Luwin so he could tend to her wounds that she had left unattended. Her mind was awhirl, going through what had happened in so many hours. First she sees her dad slain by Catelyn, and now she gets Oliver back? It was too much, but she was grateful for one thing, Oliver had found her. Oliver had found her just as he had all those years ago, and things were going to get better. They had to, because they certainly couldn't get worse.
Morning….
Despite what had happened, Artemis had fallen asleep thanks to Luwin giving her a glass of milk of the poppy before he had started to clean and bandage her injuries. It was about the only way she would have been able to keep her hands from accidentally snapping the man's neck since a person in pain was unreliable. Even after all this time, having someone tend to her injuries while she was awake was a bad idea, or waking her up from a nightmare for that matter. Sighing at the thought that last night had been a horrible dream, Artemis simply had to touch the bandages wrapped around her head to know that wasn't the case. Lawrence Crock really was dead and he wasn't coming back.
Looking to her right, she managed a weak smile when she saw Oliver, asleep in a chair. Or at least, that's what he wanted the casual observer to think as a smirk pulled at his lips. "It's good to see you too Arty."
"Shut up Ollie." She grunted as she sat up and groaned when she felt the small puncture from her own dagger in the center of her chest. Oliver's smirk disappeared at the sound, but she waved him away before he could even begin to get up. "I'm fine."
"Artemis-" Oliver began, but she cut him off long before he could get started.
"Don't. You can't just walk in after two years and expect everything to be fine. What the Hell took so long anyway?!" She roared, grabbing him by the front of his vest after all but flying across the small distance between them.
"I was dead for part of it." That got her attention, causing Artemis to blink her gray eyes in befuddlement. "Long story short, Malcolm Merlyn created a situation that I had to choose to either let the League kill Thea, or I had to take the fall for her." Oliver explained calmly, even if that particular experience and the weeks following it had been anything but calm.
"And being the idiot you are, you decided to try and take on Ra's Al Ghul himself and lost. Which means his little Pit's real." Artemis grumbled, pushing him away even as tears formed in her eyes.
"Something like that." Oliver rubbed at his chest where the Demon's Head had stabbed him. That was one scar he wouldn't ever forget. She didn't need to hear how an old friend and his wife had intervened on his behalf, literally bringing him back from the dead. What she needed then, more than anything, was just him being there, supporting her as he had always tried to do since they had ran into each other. Or rather, he had gone after her father, only to end up saving her instead, in more ways than one. "The important thing is, I'm here now." He whispered, and put a hand on Artemis's shoulder. "And I'm not going anywhere." Once again, Oliver grunted as she wrapped her arms around him, almost crushing him in the process.
"Just shut up you big, stupid, overgrown moron." Artemis sobbed and chuckled at the same time, torn between dozens of emotions. She had lost so much and gotten some of it back all in the same day. She wasn't about to let Oliver go if she could help it.
So when someone made the mistake of knocking on the door before opening it, Artemis was tempted to pull one of the many flechettes that she knew Oliver kept up his sleeve and throw it at the offender. A restraining hand on her upper arm stopped that, and she was grateful for Oliver when she saw it was Robb. "Forgive the intrusion, but my mother wishes for us to meet in the godswood. She's found something you need to see."
"Alright." Oliver said before catching something in Artemis's gaze. "You know what this is about I take it." He stated, sensing a story he needed to hear if he was going to help here at all.
"I'll explain on the way, but yeah, I do." Artemis said, her mind going over the recent events that had rocked the castle, the most recent of which was the attack on Bran.
As expected, Robb, Theon, Catelyn, Luwin, and old man Rodrick were standing around the tree that had a steaming pond of hot water at its base. The valyrian steel blade was in Rodrick's hands, sheathed but visible by its intricate gold hilt. Artemis wouldn't forget it for the rest of her life, she knew that for sure as she stood in front of the gathered Starks and their ward and closest allies. When Rodrick and Luwin gave Oliver curious glances, Artemis shrugged. "You can trust him." She stated flatly, making it clear with her terse response that it wasn't up for debate.
"His honor is without reproach. Artemis vouches for him, so that is enough for me." Catelyn stated firmly, earning a grateful, solemn nod from the blonde archer that had become a part of their lives.
"Thank you. You have my thanks for taking care of Artemis this whole time." Oliver replied before nodding to the dagger in Rodrick's hands. "I'm just sorry I didn't get here sooner to stop Lawrence from trying to assassinate your son Lady Stark."
"Which brings me to why I have asked you all here. What I'm about to tell you must remain between us." Catelyn began after the others had shifted uncomfortably at how close this attack had been in its near success. As for her request for silence, everyone nodded their agreement, as did Oliver despite being new to the area, so to speak. Once she was sure that there was an understanding, Catelyn began new. "I don't think Bran fell from that tower. I believe he was thrown."
"No surprise." Artemis muttered under her breath.
"The boy was always sure footed before." Luwin agreed, his comment meant for Rodrick more than anyone, but everyone still heard it just fine.
Catelyn ignored the interruption although a quick glance to everyone's respective faces, as well as the man Artemis had spoken so highly of since her arrival, revealed they were thinking the same thing. It both relieved and saddened her to have to confirm their suspicions. Relieved because they wouldn't argue against her, but it saddened her because there were only so many ways they could answer both attempts against Bran, and all of them involved bloodshed to some extent. Anything less would not achieve the justice they had every right to seek out. "Someone tried to kill him twice. Why? Why murder an innocent child?" She asked, intent on getting this business done and over with now, "unless he saw something he wasn't meant to see."
"Saw what, my lady?" Theon asked softly.
"I don't know. But I would stake my life the Lannisters are involved." Catelyn stated, and did her best to ignore the grimace that passed over Artemis's face. She had been thinking it too, and the fact two of her closest friends were working for one of the Lannisters most likely wasn't sitting well with her. But it had to be said, had to be laid out for all those in attendance so there was no confusion later. Besides, they were in it now, speaking of such things as this was too close to treason, and they all knew it. "We already have reason to suspect their loyalty to the crown, especially if Zatanna and Megan's suspicions are to be believed."
Artemis was quick to back up Catelyn's claim by going over what she had learned from her two friends, surprising Oliver a little but there was nothing for the revelation that they were in with the Lannisters, so to speak. Jon Arryn's death had been prompted by questions, questions into what she didn't know, but it was enough to solidify everyone's opinion on the matter, as well as what they'd have to do. And then there was the assassin himself to consider, along with the dagger he'd been given. "Did you notice the dagger the killer used?" Roderick asked as he pulled the weapon partially out of its sheath. "It's too fine a weapon, even for such a man. The blade is valyrian steel, the hilt dragonbone. Someone gave it to him."
"I'm finding it hard to believe someone just happened to send Crock's own cunt of a father after Bran," Theon began, but he was quick to hold up a hand to stop Artemis, for once not looking for a fight with the archer.
She fell silent, and couldn't help but feel grateful for Theon's choice of words once she had given them a chance to sink in. Robb's answer, when it came, was predictable, but was also received with a measure of gratitude even as Roderick gave Artemis an inquisitive glance. "It doesn't matter if they knew or didn't know who it was they were sending. What matters is that we invited them into our homes, and try to murder my brother. If it's war they want-"
"If it comes to that I'll stand beside you." Theon agreed a little too quickly.
"Have you seen war before?" Oliver asked before Luwin could open his mouth. "Those that have seen it for themselves never wish for it again." While he'd been looking at Theon when he said it, his ominous words had been meant for everyone. He took some of the sting out of them though with what he said next. "I understand, even if I haven't been here long, but words can lead to action far too easily. You want justice for your brother and your father's friend, but you can't rush into this complicated situation. You need to be careful."
"Wisely said Ser Queen." Luwin agreed before casting his gaze over Robb and Theon alone. "Besides, would you spill blood within the godswood, hmm? No. As has been stated already, words of war often become acts of war. We don't know the truth yet." He paused for only a moment so he could address Lady Catelyn next. "Lord Stark must be told of this."
Artemis didn't need to hear Catelyn's words to agree with them since her mind had gone the same route. "I don't trust a raven to carry these words. And I know you would ride to King's Landing, Robb," Robb fell silent the moment Catelyn cut him off, "but there must always be a Stark in Winterfell. I will go myself."
"You'll want to keep the group small then." Artemis stated, cutting off Roderick because like Theon and Robb, their reactions were predictable when it came to their liege lady's protection. It was also apparent she wouldn't take no for an answer, so she didn't even try to talk her down, as the others didn't although not quite for the same reasons. "There's no way we're letting you go alone Cat, so don't even try, but too large a group would just draw unwanted attention."
"I'll go with you my lady." Roderick declared, seeing that there was no way to dissuade Catelyn from this course, not that it was his place to try as Artemis well knew. Duty would always trump wisdom with these people. "Besides, we all know the Kingsroad can be a dangerous place for a woman alone."
"I'd feel better if at least one other went with you mother." Robb said softly, and reluctantly let his gaze fall on Oliver and Artemis in turn, but Artemis knew the truth of where his mind had gone. "Ser Queen, I know I have no right to ask this of you, but Artemis has spoken often of your role in her life."
"You only just met me. You would trust me with such a responsibility?" He asked, his eyes widening in surprise.
"They trusted me pretty much the same day they met me Ollie. Besides, I have my responsibilities right here." Artemis replied, surprising Oliver further as she gestured to the castle at large. "I owe them my life, Ollie, but more than that, I belong here. I...can't just leave, not now."
The weight of her words was what convinced Oliver as he nodded minutely in reply. The sheer amount of pride and awe in his gaze however didn't go unnoticed by anyone as he let his hand fall on her shoulder before turning to Catelyn fully, the silent gesture and its meaning not lost on Artemis herself. "Alright. If you'll have me then Lady Stark."
"I too would feel much better having you at my side Ser Queen." Catelyn said, the silent nod from Luwin having helped her decision in letting this unfold at all.
But Robb wasn't done, not quite. "And what about Bran?" It was a simple question, but one that had so many connotations for the Starks still within Winterfell. No one could blame him for asking it either despite the way Catelyn's strength almost failed her then and there.
To her credit, the matriarch gathered herself, but for the more perceptive among them, it was a near thing as she made it clear she was committed to the path before her. "I have prayed to the Seven for more than a month. Bran's life is in their hands now." The finality of her words silenced further protests from the rest as plans were finalized and preparations were soon underway, but Oliver noted the way Artemis trailed after Catelyn Stark as she left the godswood. She truly had changed, for the better, and in ways that he hadn't expected to see. He truly was proud of who she had become, but he couldn't help but wonder what trials awaited them all. And as much as he wanted to stay and catch up, she was right in that too much time had passed for them to simply go back to the way things had been between them.
Bran's room…
Artemis watched, vigilant as ever as Catelyn silently crossed the space between the door and Bran's bed as she carefully hung a talisman she'd been working on over the head of Bran's bed. Some charm made to represent the Seven gods, the meaning of which was lost on her, but she said nothing since if it helped Catelyn through this turbulent time, she wasn't about to say anything about it. Neither did she say anything when Catelyn leaned down and ran her hand across Bran's cheek before she placed a firm kiss on his forehead. She remained silent still as Catelyn gently pushed past the archer and shut the door behind them. The whole thing had an air of finality about it, as if Catelyn didn't expect she'd see the young boy again or his brother Rickon.
"Thank you...Artemis," The words caught Artemis by surprise as Catelyn looked up at last, her cheeks wet with fresh tears. "For being there….as always."
"I'm the one that should be thanking you." She replied before hugging the older woman. Despite what had happened with Lawrence, Catelyn had simply done what needed to be done to protect her family. Artemis didn't blame her for that, what it had required to end the threat to the people of Winterfell, even if that threat had been her father. No, Artemis didn't hate Catelyn for ending him, and she conveyed that through their embrace, much to the elder Stark's immense relief. When they broke apart, Artemis only nodded silently, promising she'd be here when Catelyn returned.
"Thank you." She repeated, firmly, strongly, her gaze clear and her course laid out before her. "May the old gods and the new protect us all."
"Good luck Cat." Was Artemis's simple reply. What else was there to say? She watched Catelyn go before turning to the door, where Bran's wolf, Summer, was likely resting next to the boy. After the last attack, no one was about to argue about the direwolf sleeping in Bran's bed.
Pentos
Conner Kent
A week earlier
The Dothraki wedding had come at last, and as expected, Viserys was still pissed over their last little 'talk'. His impatience was also noted, but Conner could have cared less as he stood just below the new Khaleesi and her husband, Drogo. The fact Dany had asked for Conner to stand above her own brother hadn't gone unnoticed by Viserys, and it had made the kryptonian clone quite happy to be valued more than the supposed 'dragon'. Even Drogo had taken an interest in the stranger his new wife seemed to love more than her own blood, and looked at the black haired youth with benign curiosity.
As for the wedding itself, it was just as strange and barbaric as the people themselves, but he couldn't help but admire them at the same time. There were no secrets among them, and that seemed almost appropriate given what he had heard of the Dothraki since first hearing about the fearless horselords. He had seen at least three of Drogo's fellow riders take women right there in the crowd, and while Conner didn't approve of it personally, he didn't stop them either since it was how they chose to do things. Dany wasn't so skilled at hiding her distaste, but she too said nothing at the display as food was brought up to her and the Khal. Connor frowned, noting she was too scared or disgusted to eat anything, but he honestly couldn't blame her. He found his own stomach wasn't feeling that great.
"Something troubling you Kent?" Viserys sneered smugly, having noticed the man's discomfort with what these Dothraki savages called food. Horse meat, lamb, even a few dogs, along with far more mundane foods such as fruits, vegetables, spiced wine, and ales were brought to and from the Khal and his new queen before anyone else was served. It didn't help with the smell though, something Viserys knew and was glad to see was affecting the man so strongly. "Never thought I'd be happy to be among these savages, but if it makes you uncomfortable, all the better." Ignoring the glare from Conner that comment got, Viserys turned to Illyrio. "When can I speak to the Khal? We need to start planning the invasion."
Illyrio's response was expected since Conner knew more about the Dothraki than he did apparently. "If Khal Drogo has promised you a crown, you shall have it. When their omens favor war." He explained, earning a scowl and a curse from Viserys. It was Conner's turn to smile this time as he crossed his arms over his chest, ever the vigilant, unmovable guardian.
And then he saw someone that immediately struck his interest. The man was older, and was dressed as a Westerosi knight, a sword strapped to his side and a stack of books under his arm. Presents were expected at any wedding, and Khal Drogo and the new Khaleesi had received many already, mostly exotic silks, weapons for Drogo, foods, things of that nature, but no one had brought books yet. To make it even more interesting, the stranger greeted Drogo in his native tongue, to which Drogo responded in passing respect with two words Conner understood. "Jorah." and "Andal." They sounded too purposeful to be another word in Dothraki. Jorah of the Andals then.
"A small gift for the new Khaleesi." The knight began as he handed the books over to Dany, all the while ignoring the sounds of a fight breaking out behind them even as Conner tensed, prepared to jump in if on the off chance it spilled out into the crowd. He had been told to expect such activities, so did his best to ignore the sounds of swords striking and grunts of efforts as Jorah continued without breaking stride. "The songs and histories of the Seven Kingdoms."
Dany was touched by the gift made to her directly as she accepted the books with a sincere note of gratitude. "Thank you ser." She stated before waiting half a beat to ask the question Conner had been about to. "Are you from my country?"
"Ser Jorah Mormont of Bear Island. I served your father for many years. Gods be good I hope to serve the rightful king." That was a lie. Conner could hear Jorah's heartbeat pick up ever so slightly upon its utterance, but he kept that to himself. The whole thing with Jorah appearing seemingly out of the blue alone, bearing gifts, didn't sit well with the clone, and while he had no proof to base his suspicions on, his instincts didn't stay quiet about the man either. And then he lies about his intentions? Or perhaps he had simply lied about who he was there to serve and swear his loyalty to? Sure he had looked to Viserys when he said the words, but it was likely expected of him. Deciding to reserve judgment, not that he could have done anything here without drawing unnecessary attention to himself, Conner remained silent as Jorah exchanged his pleasantries with the Targaryens before walking away.
No sooner than he had did Illyrio beckon two of his slaves forward, bearing a heavy metal chest between them. Having no idea what was inside the box, Conner had no way of knowing the significance of this moment as three oval objects, cradled in red velvet like three sleeping infants, were revealed to everyone within eyesight of the chest. "Whoa." He uttered under his breath, entranced by their singular beauty despite their rather strange appearance. Something about them just...drew the eye for some reason. What that was he couldn't say, but he was far from the only one entranced as Dany too couldn't look away from the three objects before her.
"Dragon eggs, Khaleesi, from the Shadow Lands beyond Asshai." Illyrio explained to his rapt audience, "the ages have turned them to stone, but they will always be beautiful." He finished as Daenerys picked up the jade egg between her hands and held it before her face. She didn't get to admire the egg long because Khal Drogo stood to his feet on some unspoken signal, just as the crowd fell silent. Heading off some distance away, Conner just saw a flash of a silver mane before someone blocked his view, but he had a pretty good idea where Dany was meant to go as he fell in behind her and on her right side. Ignoring the curious glance Jorah shot at him, Conner continued unabated. This was where he belonged, close at hand to the new Khaleesi.
Jorah soon caught up with them once Dany had stopped to marvel the most beautiful white haired horse with a mane of purest silver he had ever seen. "She's beautiful." She breathed out, once more entranced by the animal with her richly adorned saddle. Dothraki custom dictated that the newly wed would ride off into the sunset and consummate their marriage under the light of the stars, and since Drogo already had a fearsome warhorse to match his status, it only seemed fitting Dany get a horse of her own, but the gift was still more than Conner had expected as Dany turned to ask Jorah how did one say thank you in Dothraki.
"There is no word for 'Thank you' in Dothraki." He replied, which oddly enough didn't surprise neither she nor Conner.
Dany didn't fight as Drogo helped her to the saddle, easily lifting her as if she weighed nothing, but his gentleness surprised the kryptonian before he too was astride his own horse. Ignoring Viserys's whisper of 'make him happy', Conner made it a point to whisper something of his own in a passing Dothraki accent after sidling up to Khal Drogo's horse. While crude, even for the horselords, it got his point across. "Hurt her and you'll answer to me." Drogo shot him a curious glance, but said nothing in response, but the slightest crinkling of his eyes said he had understood the threat and its intent. If anything, there was the briefest bit of respect felt from that otherwise stony face that had remained largely impassive since meeting the feared horselord before Drogo and Dany rode away into the sunset.
Jorah waited until Viserys had wandered off to stand next to Conner. "You threaten a Khal and he respected you for it. I don't think many people could have gotten away with that and lived, Ser Kent." Despite the slight reprimanding tone in Jorah's voice, Conner nodded to the knight in respect of a different sort. "You care for her more than her brother." He stated rather than asked, confirming Conner's suspicions that he was more perceptive than most around them.
"I do. So you can understand why I said anything." Conner replied, confirming Jorah's well founded suspicions in a single breath.
"I do." Jorah stated simply and nodded once more, his hand never leaving his sword's hilt, although the fact it merely rested on the weapon rather than wrapped around its hilt said he was no threat and didn't plan to make himself one. Smart, even if he didn't know who or what he was dealing with.
Present day.
On the way to Vas Dothrak
A kind of routine was soon established on their way to the Dothraki's homeland, where the rest of the great roving bands of horselords were to gather to commemorate Khal Drogo's marriage. They had rituals for almost everything, so it made sense they had a sacred place where no weapons were to be bared, and no blood spilt upon the ground. All past grudges and slights were to be left at the door, so to speak, or there would be hell to pay for the offenders, and like any laws, there were ways around killing someone that didn't require blood be spilt. But as for the routine, Conner and the rest rode for hours straight before setting up camp for the night, before they'd go at it again at the break of dawn. While hard for those unused to long stretches of riding at a time, Dany was able to withstand the rigors of it well enough.
It was the nights that Dany had to endure as Drogo's new bride that worried Conner. While he hadn't hurt her, Dany herself having assured him of that despite the slight limp she had sported and the gingerly way she tried not to rub her thighs together, he hadn't exactly gone easy on her either. But Dany was made of stronger stuff than most people of this world, and despite the 'rough riding', and the mundane variety they endured daily, she still sat on the back of her silver horse's saddle as straight, if not straighter, as ever. The ride to Dothrak seemed to be making her stronger for some reason, as she slowly shed the rest of her past life and embraced this new, unknowable future.
That didn't stop Conner from hovering near her side as surely and often as Jorah did now however. A kind of silent agreement had sprung up between them as to their charge and their shared goal in keeping Dany alive. And while Conner had known her the longer, her belligerent brother included, he couldn't help but respect the Westerosi despite his lingering doubts about the man as he explained some of the Dothraki's beliefs, mainly how they believed the world would end. Covered in ghost grass, the kind that 'murdered all other grass', it was simple yet somehow poetic at the same time, especially given the importance they put on their horses. As for Jorah, he was quickly becoming a wise advisor, and he carried himself with the utmost respect around the Targaryens and the Dothraki. Even the slaves the horselords used in their day to day were given a modicum of respect by the man, which only made Conner like him more.
That didn't mean he wouldn't watch him of course, but he had started to like him, especially since he wasn't the blind sycophant he made himself out to be for Viserys's sake. When he wasn't around, he spoke plainly for Dany and himself, just as he was doing now. "It'll get easier." He reassured her, both he and Jorah having noticed where Dany's gaze had fallen. Conner nodded silently when her gaze fell on him next, before she rode off, leaving him and Jorah behind. "How long have you been in their service?" Jorah asked once some distance had been put between them and Dany's silver mare.
"Two years, almost three." Conner replied before letting his gaze fall on Jorah fully. "It seems strange, seeing a Westerosi knight out this way."
Jorah chuckled wryly but nodded. "I imagine it is. Lord Eddard Stark, the Warden of the North, and I had a difference of opinion. I caught some poachers on my land and when he heard I had sold the men to some slavers, he had an order sent to have me brought to Winterfell to await execution. I fled, taking only my armor and a sword and little else."
"Why?" Conner asked.
Jorah needed no clarification as to what he was truly asking. "Let us say people do foolish things in pursuit of love, or what I thought I had in this case." While it wasn't the whole truth, Conner could tell it was still the truth as Jorah soon turned the conversation back to him. "And what of you, how did you get to be in their service, and more importantly, why have you remained?"
Conner took a moment to gather his thoughts before letting his gaze fall on Dany's back. "I'm not from around here, but when I saw she was in trouble when kidnappers or assassins tried to take her, I didn't stop to ask questions, I just acted. It impressed Viserys, and I've been at their side since."
"Few men are so noble as you make yourself out to be." Jorah replied, his tone sincere in the respect he had for Conner's actions. "But in your case I believe the tales I have heard of your deeds, few as they are Ser Kent. That is why I am sure we will work well together, and why I would not dare press my luck against you. It's not everyday you hear someone capable of hitting a man so hard with their bare hands their heads fly from their shoulders."
"Maybe, but I didn't enjoy it." Conner replied and looked away, not liking those particular memories even if there had been a good reason for the deed in question.
"You don't strike me as the type to enjoy the bloodshed others revel in. Put a sword in a man's hand, and something dark is able to come to the surface. I've seen it enough times to know the truth of it." Jorah trailed off as he looked towards the horizon. "But maybe the times will change."
It was then Conner realized Jorah was looking towards Dany rather than the setting sun. And he found he had to agree with the man's line of thought.
End Notes: It's been too fucking long. I do sincerely apologize for the delay, but as I said before, life and circumstance got in the way. My dad was put in prison, Archer83 had to leave FF due to some pretty bad RL stuff, and things have just been rough in general. But I never forgot this story, and with the release of Season 6 of GoT imminent, I decided to finally dust this off and get it going again.
And yes, I included a bit of an AU Green Arrow in the form of Artemis and Oliver. And no, Oliver is not going to be betraying anyone despite his rather abrupt appearance lol. Beyond that, I can't promise anything, so expect the unexpected. Anyway, see ya folks, and it's good to be back.