No One, No More

by joen1801

Arya Stark has spent five years serving the Many-Faced God, she convinced all of her comrades she was truly no one. When opportunity arises to have justice for her family she dons her own face once more and walks a different path.

5. Chapter 5

AN: Hey so here's another chapter

Birdy1210: Really happy you enjoyed the fight scenes. It took me a while to decide how I wanted to write those. I figure Arya will be reunited with Nymeria sometime in the next two chapters, I don't actually work off an outline but I have a good idea of where I want things to go and when I want those things to happen.

Khrystaline: Yeah there won't be nearly as much action in terms of fighting in this chapter but the story is going to progress both on personal levels and the main war effort. I always found the connection to the direwolves really interesting to and as to when they meet it will probably be somewhere in the middle.

Guest: Awesome here's more

naleight: You shall not be disappointed as Aegon and Arya have that conversation this chapter, I hope you like how I handled it. Glad you liked how Tyrion and Aerion handled Aegon. Like I said to Birdy1210, I'm really glad you liked the battle scene, I wanted to depict the battle realistically and make it where you could actually envision what was happening for them while in the field, I figure if I managed that I did what I wanted with those scenes. And I agree with you, I am not a fan of battle scenes that are all of four sentences long before suddenly the winner is decided. As to Arya and Aerion not being invincible, their skilled not some god-like swordsman who can't be touched, I wanted that to come through in the fight. Thank you as always for your review.

Fox of the Blood Moon: I shot you a PM but if you didn't see that I would like to thank you again. I'm trying to put out a good story with good development, action and relationships; that you consider it art is truly flattering.

gw82: Hope it continues to be amazing in the future.

Note: There is a lemon scene with a clearly denoted start and finish. If you do not wish to read it feel free to skip.

Disclaimer: A song of ice and fire is the property of George R. R. Martin no copyright infringement is intended and no profit is being made from this story.

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As the numbers came in it became clear that the battle was an incredibly bloody affair. Of the Reach's near 80,000 men just over 40,000 were either burned alive in their own armor, trampled by the stampede of horses and elephants or struck down by the sword's and spears of Daenerys's army, another 3,000 lay injured. Of those 43,000 men the vast majority were common men… soldiers who likely wanted nothing more than to return home to their family. However, the nobility had not been unaffected by the battle, more than one noble or knightly House was snuffed out under the strength of the Targaryen queen. Of the houses from the Westerlands that fought in battle, houses Crakehall, Marbrand and Lorch were completely extinct, from the Reach houses Oakheart, Caswell and Osgrey had met the same fate. They were extinct in the male line at least and the remaining maidens of the family would be married off to whoever became the next lord of their land.

Daenerys's army had seen far less damage done to their ranks though it was no less keenly felt, 17,000 men lay dead along the banks of the Blackwater Rush after giving their lives in service to the Dragon Queen. Only 100 of the 300 elephants remained and they had lost 2,000 men and horses from their 8,500 cavalry. The Unsullied had sustained the fewest deaths as only 1,100 of their 9,000 men had fallen, the former slaves who had taken up arms for their Queen had lost 3,000 of their 20,000 men, the sell-swords led by Daario had lost nearly 2,000 of their 12,000 men, Harry Strickland had lost 1,500 men from the Golden Company's remaining 9,000 men and the forces of Dorne had seen a loss of 7,400 men of their 25,000 most of which perished under the command of Jon Connington when he allowed the surge that nearly turned the tide of the battle. The Targaryen army sustained far more injury than the army of the Reach as another 8,500 were unfit for battle, almost all of them being from the infantry. A raven had been sent to the fleet that lay to the South and a number of ships would return for those from the Bay and return them home once they were fit for travel.

Silent sisters arrived in droves at the conclusion of the battle. They did everything they could for the wounded and as many as could be were saved. They gave last rights and prepared the bodies of those who would die. They were instructed to only collect those from the Bay. Before departing these men had requested, that should they fall, they burn in the fires of their Queen's dragons. It was for this reason that two days after the battle Arya and Aerion stood amongst the remaining 53,000 infantry and 6,500 cavalry and watched as the three dragons gathered around the massive pyre built in honor of their fallen comrades.

Each man was laid down with both his armor and blade. It had been argued that perhaps Daenerys should forge her own Iron Throne from the blades of her fallen soldiers and those of her enemy but she had immediately ended that line of thought. She was fighting to reclaim her family's throne and had no interest in making another. Besides there are far more blades to melt than when Aegon unified the kingdoms and I have seen the Iron Throne; the Red Keep can't hold anything larger.

As the three winged beasts landed around the pyre, flames burst from their maw and the air became thick with heat, the colors melded and licked at each other; red, black, green, and gold, became one as the bodies and the wood they were placed upon turned to nothing more than ash. Arya turned to Aerion and despite the somber mood she couldn't help but be amazed by the beauty of the fire dancing in his amethyst eyes. Aerion turned to her and had much the same reaction as the fire reflected on her metallic grey eyes. They managed a small smile before returning their attention to the blaze in front of them.

Daenerys walked forward, in her hands she carried the sword of Strong Belwas who had died of his wounds after the battle. As she approached the fire, her dragons ceased the seemingly endless torrent of heat and watched her approach. Everyone present understood in that moment what it meant to be blood of the dragon as she reached her hands into the flames and placed the sword of her fallen Queensguard amongst the body's. The sword heated cherry red and as she released it her hands and arms looked no worse for the wear. Arya couldn't help but glance in Aegon's direction. The princeling looked slightly pale seeing his aunt being licked at by the flames. Somehow I doubt he is pale out of concern for Daenerys, I think it more likely that he is imagining himself wreathed in flame had she been less kind during the negotiations.

The platinum haired young man seemed to sense her eyes on him and he turned to meet her gaze; Arya was not expecting the obvious hostility that overtook his visage. He may not have liked me when first we met but he certainly wasn't that angry. It would appear that I would do well to be wary of his intentions as well. The flames burnt for hours after the onlookers had dispersed and when finally they went out all that remained was the melted down swords and armor of thousands of men and the ash of their bodies.

The Queen called a meeting in her tent, it had been decided that Lord Garlan would be sent into the city to treat with his sister and good brother. She wished all of her commanders and advisors to be present to hear her terms. Lord Garlan stood in the center of everyone bereft of the flowered finery that he wore in battle; instead he wore a simple tunic and trousers. He looked more the common man than he probably had in his entire life, all be it still a handsome common man. The queen sat at the head of the table as always with Tyrion and Ser Barristan at her sides. She was having a whispered conversation with the Lannister Lord. Probably some last minute stipulation he is either trying to convince her for or against. They finished their little aside and everyone quickly brought their attention to the Queen as she addressed their prisoner.

"Lord Garlan Tyrell you will enter the capital and inform your sister and King Tommen," there was a hint of distaste in her voice at calling Tommen a King, "of our demands."

"What are your demands your Grace?" Garlan had impressed many with his humility since their loss, he always addressed Daenerys as your Grace, something that could not be said for some of their other noble captives; if anyone had deigned to ask him why he merely would have informed them that even if she was not yet Queen of the Seven Kingdoms she still ruled the Bay.

"They are simple," Daenerys spoke clearly, "Tommen Baratheon will abdicate the throne to me. He and your sister will be allowed to remain in the capital where no harm shall come to them or should they choose they may travel to Highgarden."

The queen was unceremoniously interrupted by her nephew, "Not only do you refuse to see justice done upon those who destroyed our family but you would also allow them free roam of your Kingdom?" He kept his voice surprisingly calm even as he was clearly seething internally.

If looks could kill Aegon would have dropped dead in an instant, he quailed under the fierceness of Daenerys' gaze, "I learned a long time ago that vengeance against those who did not truly wrong you is far less sweet than you would imagine. As they have done nothing to wrong either me or the realm they shall not feel my wroth… I will win far more support and loyalty by showing them a kindness than holding them as captives or worse."

Daenerys promptly turned back to Garlan, ignoring Aegon's petulance, "The former Queen Cersei Lannister will be given into my custody to face justice for the murder of her husband, the false accusations against Eddard Stark and the incestuous affair between herself and her twin, Jaime Lannister."

"Your Grace," Garlan started hesitantly, "Cersei Lannister was already accused by the Faith of a number of crimes and was found innocent in a trial by combat."

Daenerys smirked slightly at the idea of Cersei being innocent, "As far as I am to understand it she won a trial by combat with the help of a Kingsguard who everybody saw, as of yesterday, was nothing more than a reanimated abomination. I think they will understand if I feel that her crimes should be revisited," Garlan nodded in recognition having heard the story of Aerion's victory, "Besides which as far as I am told she only some of what I accuse her of was brought against her by the Faith," again Garlan nodded, "Should they agree to my terms they will open the city gates to me and my army and no harm will come to any man, woman or child. I am not Tywin Lannister; I do not feel the need to make a further statement when I have already won. Should they refuse my generous offer, my army will sack the city even if I don't wish to destroy the legacy of my family."

"I shall do as you wish your Grace, I only pray that they accept your offer; we need no more bloodshed here." He said the last more to himself than the Queen but she heard him all the same.

"I think we can all agree to that." With that he turned to leave and Daenerys's ire immediately became focused solely on her foolish nephew. "Do not think to interrupt me in such a manner ever again. Prince you may be but that does not give you leave to question me in the middle of delivering peace terms." Her nostrils flared as she tried to control her anger, "You knew I had no intention of seeing harm done to them yet still you felt the need to question me."

Aegon looked far from repentant as he retorted loudly, "Yes I knew, but I did not know that you meant to give them free reign of your kingdom once we had taken the city. Tommen Baratheon is the biggest threat to your throne; he and Margaery will likely incite rebellion and bring more bloodshed upon this country." Ah so that is Aegon's intention, he wishes to make Daenerys look the fool.

"They are no more a threat to my future rule than any other," the implication was lost on no one though both Connington and Aegon were wise enough to keep their mouths shut, "the fact that I am not decrying Tommen as a bastard born of incest and will allow him to continue to live his life in peace should be enough to ensure his loyalty, particularly once I continue my generosity even after justice is done to his mother. The Tyrells and their forces will likely side with me the second they hear of my intentions to eradicate the Ironborn threat... a threat that still attacks them along the Mander."

Aegon visibly ground his teeth before replying, "Of course your Grace." With that he and Lord Connington left the tent. The others with the exception of Tyrion, Aerion, and Arya left the Queen's tent after asking her leave.

Tyrion laughed, "Is it not customary to receive the permission of the Queen before leaving her presence."

Daenerys smiled ruefully, "My nephew, for all of his education, is far too hard headed for his own good." She stifled a giggle, "Seeing him so embarrassed was worth his lack of decorum."

Tyrion nodded, "That it was but I believe there is more to his frustration than meets the eye." Arya agreed she was beginning to see a pattern beyond a desire to see his family avenged.

"I agree with Lord Tyrion, your Grace." Both of their attentions moved to her, "It would appear to me that the real reason for his frustration may be that he does not wish you to form lasting bonds with your enemies. The more allies you gather amongst the people you conquer the less likely he will see his own goals come to fruition."

"My thoughts have been much the same on the matter." Dany said slowly, clearly thinking something over in her own mind, "If I alienated what little remained of the Great Houses he could easily jump in and offer himself as an alternative. In that scenario he wouldn't even need to attempt to remove me as there would be so much opposition to my reign he would likely have every man still in Westeros behind him; and dragons or no dragons I doubt I could withstand that number."

Tyrion spoke up once again, "He must think because of your lack of actual education in politics and ruling that you would be unaware of these possibilities. He obviously expected you to handle this situation the same way you did the conspirators in Slaver's Bay, not realizing that you would never order the deaths of people who only protected themselves; of course, should you hear of any plots or schemes I have no doubt they will meet the same fate as the slavers."

Daenerys sighed, "This just makes it all the more likely that he and Lord Connington will turn to more clandestine means of seeing me removed."

"We are prepared for that as best as we can be, if nothing else."

---

The reply came quickly. The capital surrendered without further bloodshed. A contingency from each group that made up her army was brought into the city, they were told in no uncertain terms that any man caught breaking the laws would be quickly shown the folly in their actions. This was of course not a concern for the Unsullied but the sell-swords, former Dothraki, and Dornish were liable to do things that their Queen did not condone. The small folk have suffered enough because of the game, it is good that Daenerys wishes to see them safe.

They entered the city, Daenerys at the front of the conquering army atop a beautiful white horse that was apparently similar to her first gift from Khal Drogo, Silver. The people of the city lined up in droves to watch her entrance, the Gold Cloaks watched the event intently having been commanded to stop any disturbances amongst the people and defend should the agreed upon peace be broken. No man disobeyed the Queen's command, there was no rape or ransacking, no destruction.

The Dornish, who she feared would desire revenge for what had been done by the Lannister's when they took the city twenty-two years ago, did nothing but march along with the rest of the army. They had taken to heart her ideal that those who did the wrong be brought to justice not the innocent who gave no offense. Tywin Lannister was dead, Gregor Clegane was dead, Robert Baratheon was dead, and everyone else who had offended Dorne had been brought to justice so they would follow their Queen's command. The sell-swords under Daario and the Dothraki were most likely to break her command which was why they had been put directly next to the Unsullied who would see no issue in correcting any inappropriate behavior.

Garlan had informed them upon his return that while all of their demands would be met, Cersei was in the Maidenvault defended only by Ser Meryn Trant. Arya had smiled internally at that thought. Two people on my list and just a door separating them, hopefully Daenerys will allow me to retrieve them. The Kingsguard would allow no one entrance by express command of the Lannister woman, for some reason even Tommen could not get him to leave his post. They were nearing the Red Keep and Tyrion freely gave his opinion on the matter. "She had no problem fucking Lancel and Kettleblack, it would not surprise me if now she takes Ser Meryn to her bed if it will see her freedom extended even a little longer."

The Queen frowned disdainfully, "Well she will need to be removed from the Maidenvault sooner or later. You and Arya will retrieve her for me." The pair looked at one another their eyes alight with something rather malicious.

"However," Daenerys' voice brought them back from their more unsavory thoughts, "I expect her to come to me unharmed. Ser Meryn you may do with as you please. Should the man refuse you entrance as he has all others to this point, deal with him with." Arya would be more than happy to do that.

"Of course your Grace." Their retinue had reached the Red Keep, Margaery and Tommen awaited their arrival, Lord Mace stood just behind the pair.

Looking at the former King of the Seven Kingdoms his mother's infidelity was absolutely obvious, at fourteen years old there was absolutely none of the Baratheon look to him. He had the golden hair that adorned both his parents' heads, he had the emerald green eyes and his facial features were Jaime Lannisters through and through. I suppose it is good that Cersei killed her husband when she did because even being constantly drunk he would have noticed the obvious similarities as Tommen grew older. I suppose that is the only small kindness as Robert never had any care for the plight of children when it was their fathers' crimes. My father nearly ceased being friends with the man after he condoned the murder of Elia and her children. Margaery was every bit as beautiful as she had been described but it was the intelligence behind the woman's eyes that was more impressive. The former rulers of the Seven Kingdoms bowed as Daenerys reached the steps of the Keep.

Margaery spoke up and it was readily apparent that she was the voice in the relationship, "Queen Daenerys we welcome you to King's Landing. We have removed our things from the Royal Quarters and have made them ready for your use. My father has removed his things from the Tower of the Hand and we each reside in one of the castle's many extra guest quarters." Tommen and her father merely nodded their acknowledgment. Tommen never had the temperament to be anything more than a figurehead. He was a kind child from what I remember, he hadn't been gifted with any of the cruelty Joffrey had been but he lacks the convictions necessary to rule. Not that one could blame him, he had a drunkard for a father figure, a conniving and manipulative mother and his wife is much the same without the outright maliciousness of Cersei; though at least he is not the sycophantic moron that Margaery's father appears to be. Lord Mace had taken to speaking to all of the seemingly important members of their retinue, attempting to ingratiate himself with their company. Even when they've lost they still grasp at power.

Daenerys eyed the former hand with well disguised distaste before smiling in Margaery's direction, "Thank you, Lady Margaery. You are of course welcome to stay in your current quarters for however long you wish, my offer was an honest one, you may remain here or journey to Highgarden." She dismounted her horse and gestured for Tyrion and Arya, "Now, I have assigned two of my party to go retrieve the former Queen Regent."

Margaery immediately brightened slightly, clearly she had no love for her good mother, "Of course," There was a hint of eagerness in her voice, "I assume Garlan told you of the situation. Allow me to escort your people to the Maidenvault."

Tyrion who to that point had gone unnoticed because of his stature after having dismounting his horse spoke up, "That will not be necessary we," he gestured in Arya's direction, "are not unfamiliar with the Red Keep." Tommen's head had whipped around at the sound of his uncle's voice.

"Apologies Lord Tyrion I did not see you there," Margaery turned to Arya and was clearly trying to discern her identity, "I am sorry I do not know who you are, you certainly have not been in King's Landing during my time here." Tommen had turned to look at her and one could see his mind working to grasp at an old memory. Not that it matters much, sooner or later everyone will know who I am. I have no doubt that Cersei will remember my face, the woman will no doubt be enraged to see that another Stark lives despite her best efforts.

Arya favored Margaery with a small smile. She understood when it was necessary to play the game, "I lived here for a time before your arrival my Lady." She bowed her head slightly, "I am Arya Stark of Winterfell." It was incredibly difficult to restrain the laughter that attempted to bubble up in her stomach at the absolutely dumbfounded looks that appeared on their faces. Well I suppose it isn't every day that somebody returns from the dead. Of course we Starks seem to have a tendency of it these past few years, between Rickon and myself I almost dare to hope that Bran and Sansa are out there somewhere alive and well. Margaery recovered quickly, a testament to her years of tutelage under the Queen of Thorns.

"A pleasure Lady Stark," She returned Arya's bow, "it was believed that you perished after the unfortunate business that led to your father's execution. It is good to see you alive and well."

"Thank you, Lady Margaery." Arya actually smirked in Tommen's direction as he still hadn't lost the wide-eyed stare. Arya turned to Daenerys, "By your leave, we shall search out the Lady Cersei." Daenerys nodded her consent. With that Arya and Tyrion began their trek through the Red Keep. Tyrion, ever talkative, began a conversation as they walked.

"Tell me does returning here bring back as many bad memories for you as it does for me?" The question was innocent but surprisingly brash for the usually cunning man. Perhaps he just wishes to find a sympathetic ear. He faced a great deal of hardship in this city too.

"Yes it brings back many bad memories," Arya admitted stiffly, "I do not look forward to seeing the Sept of Baelor again. Watching my father's execution was the single worst moment of my life." Her voice took on a faraway quality as she thought back to that fateful day, "It is not easy being back where my family was first torn apart." She shook her head to clear her thoughts, " But there are good memories too, I plan to visit the dungeons and view the great dragons' skulls and go to the Tower of the Hand where I practiced with Syrio… and watched him die. What of you Lord Tyrion is there no good to balance the bad?"

He laughed but it was hollow, "Oh there is some good, I saved this city from certain demise; that is a good memory and probably my finest moment." The smile on his face was false, "Unfortunately, no one seemed to remember my actions once my father arrived. I was forced to marry your sister and while it was not an awful thing it is not a good memory. I watched Oberyn Martell die in a trial by combat because of boastfulness, I will never forget the crunch of his skull."

"Then there was Shae," He snarled out the name, "I do not talk of her often but she was a whore who I had come to love. She spoke against me at my trial, I killed her." Arya remained silent, "But I will remember fondly slapping the shit out of my nephew after the riots, watching him choke at his own wedding, and finding out that my father did not, in fact, shit gold. So yes, I suppose there is some good to balance the bad."

Arya smirked, "Well I suppose that is good then."

"I have a question for you Lady Stark," Arya looked over eyebrow raised at the use of her title, "what will you do when this is over?"

Arya though for a long moment, not expecting the change in conversation, "Should I live, I will remain here should Daenerys desire it, return north should she give me leave, or take up Ladyship of one of the now vacant seats thanks to the constant warring." She shrugged her armored shoulders, "I am no longer a Faceless Man and I have a duty to my House."

"And what of Aerion?" Tyrion questioned seriously, "Will you simply leave him should he decide that his place is back in the Free Cities?"

Arya stopped, such a thought catching her off guard. Her voice was thoughtful "I do not think he would do such a thing, I am as important to him as he is to me. He knows I wish to stay here in this place and has given me no indication that he would not do the same."

"Food for thought and possibly future conversation that is all." They fell into silence as Arya was now wrapped up in her own thoughts. He would not leave me should I desire to stay in the Kingdoms; yes, he may wish to return to the Free Cities for a time and so would I but I do not think that he would begrudge staying in a place where we could both do the most possible good. All thoughts were wiped clean from her mind the second she saw the hated face of Meryn Trant underneath his enameled half helm. He stood stiffly outside the door to the Maidenvault. Tyrion addressed the unpleasant Kingsguard.

"Ser Meryn it has been a long time." His voice rose in volume, "Move now! I am here to retrieve my sister."

"Imp," the man sneered, "I do not take orders from you and I never did."

"Oh that is most certainly true, you would have never taken part in the torment of a young girl had you been taking orders from me." There was steel in Tyrion's voice now, "Tell me Ser Meryn, do you think yourself so skilled that you can withstand 50,000 men, Ser Barristan amongst them, who would gladly remove your head from your shoulders at their Queen's command."

"I will not leave my post," the foolish man said defiantly though a flicker of fear could be seen behind his dull eyes."

Tyrion sighed "As you wish, don't say that I didn't warn you." He nodded at Arya who drew Needle.

Ser Meryn sneered, "A woman… you would send a woman to fight me. I am a sworn brother of the Kingsguard not some brigand in the streets." His boasts availed him nothing as Arya lashed out and drove Needle through his shoulder, passing through steel and flesh and out the other side to lodge in the wooden door behind him. He made a pitiful sound as he stared into furious grey eyes, Arya looked truly beautiful in her fury though Ser Meryn was far too terrified to take notice.

"You killed my friend six years ago." Her voice was soft enough so that only they could hear, "He was my dancing master and one of the finest men I knew."

"You're that wolf bitch that slipped away," Ser Meryn mustered some bravado despite the situation, "I remember killing the Braavosi bastard, the moron tried striking at me with a practice sword."

Arya's nostril's flared as she wrenched Needle free from one shoulder and drove it through the other. A piteous scream was Ser Meryn's response. "It is sad to see how far the Kingsguard has fallen. It once boasted such men as Arthur Dayne the Sword of the Morning, Gerold Hightower the White Bull, Aemon the Dragonknight and even Jaime Lannister," Arya sneered distastefully at the whimpering man, "now all that remains is Meryn the Moron. A man so slow of whit and lacking in skill that he didn't even have the sense to draw his sword in defense of his life."

The man gasped out, "You… you expect… me to… believe that you… are going to kill me."

"Believe what you want but the Many-Faced god always has his due," realization dawned in his eyes as Arya once more withdrew her blade from Meryn's flesh and this time brought the slim blade across his throat. Blood poured from the wound and gushed from his mouth; he struggled briefly against Arya's hold before the light left his droopy eyes. "Valar morghulis," She bit out as she wiped her blade on the man's tunic, "Rot in the deepest hells you piece of shit." Arya felt good finally avenging her fallen friend but she was not giddy; she never had it in her for that level of cruelty. That was the territory of mad men the likes of Aerys II or Joffrey and she was mindful to never walk down that road.

Tyrion quickly moved to the door after Arya removed Ser Meryn's body from the threshold. He forced the door open and entered the room. Sitting in a large, red silk covered chair chair looking as striking as she had five years ago was Cersei Lannister, preparing to drink from a vial, what Arya could see from years of practice, was a poison. Acting quickly Arya removed a dagger and through it at the woman's hand and forcing her to drop the still full goblet. Tyrion appeared enraged.

"Taking the coward's way out Cersei. What would father say?" His tone was patronizing and edged with a deep-abiding hatred, "Though it's not entirely surprising considering you can't use the treasure between your legs to see yourself out of this situation."

"Shut up you little monster," she snapped with all the venom she could muster, "I couldn't care less what father would have thought; I merely wished to deny you the opportunity to kill me, that is why you are here after all." She turned to Arya and actually laughed just after recognition lit in her emerald eyes, it was a manic laugh and she seemed mad in her uncontrolled state.

A whole minute later, during which time Arya and Tyrion merely eyed her warily she controlled herself, "The gods must jest. It isn't enough that the Imp will kill me but a Stark is here to watch it happen," she glared at the younger woman, "I had every spy under my command looking for you and not even a whisper of where you might have been was heard, yet here you stand. I suppose you will think my murder justice after what was done to your father." The last was said more to herself than Arya.

"Your death will be justice." Arya snapped instinctively, "My father did nothing but his duty to the realm and to his family, he fought wars for the right reasons, unlike Robert, and you destroyed his name and our family," She visibly restrained her temper, "but your death will not come at my hand nor Tyrion's, at least not this moment. You are to be brought before the Queen. She will see that justice is done for your multitude of crimes."

Cersei snorted and glanced at her brother, "I find it hard to believe that my brother will let me live long enough to meet this Dragon Queen. His hatred of me is far greater than you can understand; I know this because it is only rivaled by my hatred of him."

Tyrion roared, "Your hatred is nothing compared to mine! You hate me for offenses I did not give; I did not kill mother, I did not kill your son, I have done nothing but exist and yet you have hated me. Yes I killed father but that was only when there was no other road left to me. Of course I may not have been inspired to such action had he not been sleeping with the whore who I loved and who I thought loved me. The hypocritical bastard deserved the bolt I shot through him." Well it is a rare thing to see Tyrion so enraged but I suppose if anyone can bring this out of him it is his sister.

"Oh I have many reasons to hate you volanqar," Tyrion did not appear to recognize the High Valyrian word but Arya did, "I was told long ago that it would be by your hands that I would meet my death." Cersei stared blankly at the wall, muttering softly to herself, "I wish I had never gone into that tent, meeting Maggy was the worst decision of my life."

Arya chuckled and Cersei leveled her with a glare that did nothing to intimidate the younger woman, "You think because a woods witch told you that your little brother would kill you it justifies the way you have treated Tyrion? If anything, should he kill you, you are the mastermind behind your own death as he would be far less likely to desire your life if you had simply treated him as the person he is instead of the monster you perceived." Cersei fell into a stunned silence, so Arya pressed her harder, "And need I remind you that he is not your only little brother. Whenever people would speak of the Lannister twins they would talk of Jaime holding your ankle as you left your mother's womb."

Cersei did not take kindly to that insinuation, "Jaime would never harm me!"

Arya raised an eyebrow in disbelief, "No… tell me why was he not your champion than? It is of little consequence though," She was enjoying tearing into the woman responsible for her father's death. Joffrey may have given the order but it was her actions that saw him dead, "did the witch actually specify your little brother?" Arya smiled in victory at the stricken look that crossed Cersei's face, "So it could be any little brother not just yours. There are thousands of little brother's in this world yet you alienated a man with the sort of mind necessary to actually help you in your endeavors."

Tyrion caught Arya's eye and nodded his thanks, "Yes Cersei, I think you fail to realize that should you be put to death or put in a cell I have still taken your life from you." Her eyes snapped to meet his and he smirked victoriously, "All your life you have desired power, you thought yourself father with a pair of tits; well now you shall be nothing whether you live or die. I have helped see that happen, I have taken that from you and in the process helped to give the Seven Kingdoms a Queen far superior to you, in beauty and more importantly in mind and soul."

Tyrion was unaware that he had stumbled upon Cersei's other Maggy induced fear. She had thought that Margaery was the woman but she was wrong… Daenerys had cast her down and taken what she held dear. The realization that everything Cersei sought to avoid still happened shook her to her very core and she crumbled to the ground in a pitiful heap. Tyrion approached her, a small smile on his scarred face for his final victory. He held a pair of shackles in hand. The cold iron dug into her delicate wrists.

Tyrion turned to Arya then, "Come Arya we must take her to the Queen." Arya hefted the former Queen to her feet and began pushing her toward the door. As they passed the body of Ser Meryn, Tyrion stopped momentarily, "We will have to send someone to dispose of his body." As Cersei seemed sapped of any will to fight after the conversation they had she put up no further struggle, they quickly made their way to the throne room.

When the trio reached the throne room, Arya gave it a quick scan and realized that it had been redecorated since last she was in the Keep. Where once there had been hunting tapestries now there were flower decorations likely because of Margaery and Mace's influence. I wonder if Daenerys will have the Dragon skulls brought back up from the cellars or maybe she will leave them there and someday it will be her dragons' heads that adorn this hall. Though in truth it was hard for Arya to imagine a time where the great beasts would perish. They will live long after this war and all the men who fought in it are dead and gone.

She quickly spotted Aerion amongst those gathered, the company being much the same as it had outside, and approached him. He was currently talking amiably with Lord Garlan. He caught sight of her from the corner of his eye and quickly excused himself. He glanced in Cersei's direction as he hugged the young woman who held his heart.

"I see you were able to retrieve the former Queen," Aerion looked Cersei up and down disinterestedly, "not that I doubted you would. What became of Ser Meryn?"

Arya gave him a look that told him just how foolish the question was but answered him nonetheless, "He is dead, slashed across the throat with Needle."

"One more name off the list then?" He whispered softly against her ear, his finger tangling briefly in her dark hair. There was no judgement in his tone because he understood it was about more than just vengeance. Sometimes she forgot how little he judged her; instead, he understood that for her this was necessary.

Her voice was thicker than usual as she thought on its significance, "Yes one more off the list, I look forward to the day I have no more names to say; no more faces to haunt me."

"That day shall come sooner rather than later I think." Aerion leaned in and kissed her gently on the lips. They broke their embrace then and watched as Daenerys addressed Cersei. Everyone in the room had divided leaving the former Queen kneeling in front of the new Queen between two rows of people. It would seem this is all the trial that Cersei is going to receive.

"Cersei Lannister," the Queen's tone was level and her gaze analyzing, "I have heard tale of you and what you have done from every one of my advisors over the years. The act of incest you committed outside of your marital bed," Daenerys was no hypocrite she could not attack the incestuous nature of Cersei's relationship with her brother but she could decry her infidelity, "the defiance of your husbands dying act, your unjust murder of Eddard Stark for attempting to expose your crimes. Of course these are just the things that are actually known; I here rumor that you may also be responsible for the death of Jon Arryn and attempted murder of Bran Stark."

A derisive noise from Cersei halted Daenerys's speech, "I have done many things in my life but I played no part in the death of Jon Arryn despite what he may have known. My brother shoved Brandon Stark from the tower," apparently her loyalty had reached its end just as Jaime's did some time ago, "and it was my son, Joffrey, who hired an assassin to finish the job."

Arya couldn't restrain the question that bubbled up, she wanted to hear with her own ears exactly why it was Bran had been harmed, "My brother, he caught you and Jaime in the middle of one of your trysts, didn't he?"

Daenerys gestured for her prisoner to answer the question. Cersei scowled and refused to speak, as well as acknowledge Arya, for a long moment until finally she bit out through clenched teeth, "Yes, he was thrown from the window in hopes that it would kill him and end any possibility of someone finding out our secret. That didn't work out the way we intended as it only caused more suspicion to be leveled in our direction." She said the last bitterly.

Arya wasn't finished though, "You had your husband killed because you knew my father would tell him what you had done didn't you?"

Emerald green met metallic grey eyes, "Yes your father was a foolishly noble Northerner who acted predictably," Cersei announced to the room unrepentantly, "I did what was necessary to protect myself and my family." Arya had a suspicion that it was much more about protecting herself and her power than her family.

"Then you admit to your crimes, that your children are a product of incest and you killed and lied in order to ensure that you and they remained in power." Daenerys seemed surprised that the Lady Lion was freely confessing her crimes. Arya wasn't though; She has nothing left to hide and no way of escape, she is finished whatever Daenerys's decision the only thing left for her is to try and save her remaining children. Of course she can't understand that Daenerys actually understands kindness. She won't hold a grudge against children who have done her no harm; it must be quite the foreign concept to Cersei who jumped at every perceived slight to her pride.

Cersei held her head high as a last act of defiance, "I admit willingly that I killed and deceived in order to retain the throne but only Joffrey was a product of incest. I believe it is what caused his madness." Well that and you raised him to be a self-absorbed, conceited, pompous piece of shit who looked down on everyone who he deemed lesser than him.

Daenerys nodded, she saw her confession for what it was; if she could not save herself she would do everything possible to save Tommen and Myrcella from the ridicule and derision that would come with her disgrace. "As you say, as there has never been a marriage between Lannister and Baratheon prior to your marriage to Robert, there is nothing to refute your claims."Everyone present forced themselves not to react to that comment, even Tommen realized exactly what his mother was trying to do and that Daenerys didn't wish to destroy himfor his mother's mistakes.

"Still your crimes are numerous and you must be held to account. You are gathered here before some of the most influential Lords in the Seven Kingdoms and the commanders of my army; all of us shall be your judge not just me." She turned to the other occupants of the room, "So should this woman meet death or be forced to live out the rest of her days a prisoner, her only companion her own demons? I say she die here and now." Arya was initially surprised that Daenerys decided to leave her fate to the judgement of others but realized the reason quickly. She doesn't want anyone to claim that she does not follow the laws of man. By doing it this way no one can claim she didn't give Cersei a fair trial and whatever the outcome she will be permanently dealt with. There were fourteen people present not including the Queen and only Tommen and Lady Margaery deigned to vote for her to keep her life and even Margaery seemed to do so out of obligation to her husband.

Cersei set her jaw firmly, "Am I to burn like Rickard Stark? Will I meet the flames of your dragons?"

"No," Daenerys said much to Cersei's surprise, if not her relief, "I will not use my dragons to kill a prisoner when they only recently bathed the bodies of good loyal people who died in service to me; however, I have no executioner in my service" She paused in thought, "but there is one here that deserves to take your life far more than any other." She turned to Tyrion who initially looked rather pleased before a grimace marred his face.

"No your Grace, though I have dreamed of taking her life a thousand times I will not stoop to her level. I helped to see this happen and that is enough for me; I already killed my father, I will not kill my sister as well." The decision seemed to actually hurt the half-man.

"If that is your wish Lord Tyrion," she turned to Arya, "your family suffered more than any other because of her actions, would you take her life?"

Deep down, Arya truly desired to but something her father said stuck with her, "I would gladly your Grace, but the man, or in this case woman, who passes the sentence should administer justice. My father said that if you can't look into the eyes of the person you condemned to death and hear their final words then perhaps they don't deserve to die." Arya sighed, "I couldn't claim to be avenging his death while ignoring one of his most important lessons."

Daenerys nodded slowly as she took those words in, "A noble sentiment," she turned to Ser Barristan, "your sword please Ser." The old knight quickly unsheathed his blade and handed it to the Queen. If the blade was heavy in her hand she did not let it show as she approached the prisoner. "Do you have any last words Cersei of House Lannister?"

"I did what I did to protect my children first and foremost," the words sounded hollow, the last plea of a condemned woman. No one who knew her and what she had done believed the words but they were meant to ease a guilty conscience not convince an audience.

Daenerys lifted the sword and, knowing that she would be unable to cleave the woman's head from her shoulders, thrust the sword through Myrish red silk, through her breast and punctured Cersei's heart. A soft gasp was Cersei only reaction, blood began to seep slowly from the wound as Daenerys pulled free the blade. The body fell to the ground, emerald eyes staring lifelessly up toward the high ceiling. Daenerys was kind enough not to clean the blade on the dead woman's clothes. Tommen was the only one distraught at her fate; he was being embraced by his wife. Arya mentally crossed another name off of her list. Daenerys returned the blade to Ser Barristan before coming over to Arya.

She weighed her words for a moment before speaking softly, "Your father was a wise man, I would have liked to have met him," she looked at Cersei's body, "it's her fault that I never will."

"Wise?" Arya repeated with a small smile as she thought of her father, "Maybe but I feel that was only a product of his morality. He believed you could not allow other's to do your killing for you otherwise you would forget the significance of death." Arya looked down at Cersei's lifeless body, "Having served as an assassin for five years, I have snuffed the life from both good and terrible people in my time. I am not proud of every life I took but looked them in the eye as often as I could."

Daenerys nodded, "I must say it is good to know after all this time I still have lessons to learn about ruling."

Aerion spoke up from Arya's side, "We must always seek to be better, and I would say it is more important for you than any other to do so." Daenerys acknowledged his words with a slight upturning of her lips, clearly lost in her own thoughts. Those present dispersed to make ready their respective quarters.

---

Two days after their entrance into the city, the bulk of the army was still outside the walls though they entered in shifts to patrol the streets. Nothing untoward had happened as of yet though the men did frequent the cities brothels as often as possible. Daenerys knew she could not deny them their pleasure. The people of the city were very welcoming once they realized Daenerys's army wouldn't be pillaging their storehouses for the war effort.

Word had even been sent to Highgarden that trade routes were open again for the first time since Aegon landed at Storm's End two years ago. It was expected that Willas Tyrell would send forth some of what was now a massive surplus after the Reach lost over 40,000 men.

Aerion was sparring with Ser Barristan again though it was beginning to seem more for the old knight's benefit than the young man's. Arya begged off training in the yard today; instead she was venturing areas of the castle she hadn't seen in six years. She found herself in the cellars, she was looking at the skull of Balerion the Black Dread. Drogon's may be larger when all is said and done. Daenerys was happy to find the skulls still intact and had commanded they be brought into the main hall again but only the skulls of the Conqueror's dragons. Arya came to view them before they were moved.

As she weaved between the white monuments, she heard footsteps behind her. As they came closer Arya recognized Aegon's silver blond hair and lilac eyes in the dim light. He was dressed in silk finery, embroidered with the Targaryen sigil that seemed far too ostentatious for Arya's taste. She herself was in a leather breeches and a cotton shirt. Even if she was a Lady, she was a Lady of the North. She would wear gowns when the situation demanded it but they were still in the middle of fighting a war and would dress as such. She carried her weapons with her at all times, even Blackfyre though she did what she could to conceal its distinctive hilt. Obara had taken to doing much the same which made the decision all the easier.

Aegon bowed his head when he noticed her presence, "Lady Stark, what a surprise to see you here," Arya sincerely doubted their being alone together was a coincidence, "I wished to view all of the dragon skulls seeing as only the first three will be brought to the Great Hall."

Arya decided civility was the best course of action for the moment, "Understandable, Prince Aegon," the word left a sour taste in her mouth. Though nowhere near as bad as addressing Joffrey by the honorific, "I will leave you to enjoy the relics yourself."

He stepped in front of her as she made to leave and Arya quickly backed away. She had no fear of the man but distance was always a good thing to have if it came to violence. He raised his hands at her reaction, "No my Lady stay, I would speak with you. I have not had the opportunity since two armies became one."

"You were busy." She said tersely, "I am sure the work of a Prince is never finished, meeting with me was the least of your concerns." Playing to his pride may abate whatever anger he had toward her. Arya did not want this to come to blows after all, she had no desire to kill the crown prince. Well not quite crowned as Daenerys refused a coronation until all Seven Kingdoms were hers.

"You would have been correct." Aegon told her politely, "Until the battle, while I had a desire to meet a member of the family most responsible for my father's death, it was not pressing, but now I find it of greater importance." He drew slightly closer to her, the torchlight touching shining more clearly on his face.

Arya had to restrain an eye-roll at his comment about her family, "And why did you feel it so important to meet with me after the battle?"

He began pacing in front of her. He probably thinks to intimidate me. "Imagine my surprise when in the midst of battle I see you draw a sword that by all rights should be mine." His polite demeanor fell away entirely to be replaced by anger.

Ah so this is about Blackfyre, I thought I had managed to keep it from his sight but battle is far too hectic to worry about him seeing what sword I'm using. "It was a gift from our Queen that will be returned to your family at the conclusion of this war." She explained calmly, "I have no intention of keeping it but I will not say I didn't appreciate its presence on my back during the battle."

"It was not hers to give!" he cried indignantly.

"Wasn't it though… last I checked she is Queen and it is hers to gift to whomever she chooses." Arya spoke as she would a child. Aegon's ears reddened in anger as she continued, "She chose to give it to me, you should abide her decision and protest the fact in silence as no one will care for your bleating on the matter." She scowled having lost her formerly cordial demeanor.

He glared back at her, "The last time that sword wasn't given to the rightful heir of the Seven Kingdoms it resulted in the Blackfyre Rebellions."

"No," Arya refuted immediately, "ambition resulted in the Blackfyre Rebellions and it was their undoing." There was a distinct threat to her words.

Aegon breathed deeply, and clenched his jaw tightly, "If you shall not give it to me willingly, I will simply have to take it from you." He seems to have been relieved of all his senses. Arya reacted quickly as he approached her, she smashed her knee into his stomach forcing him to twist over in pain.

"You would dare strike a Prince!" he wheezed out with all of the venom he could muster as he tried to catch his breath. Arya couldn't help but compare his attitude to Joffrey's all those years ago. If he goes running to Jon Connington the way that Joffrey ran to Cersei I may just have to kill him on principle.

She leaned in close and her voice was as cold as northern winter winds, "It wouldn't be the first time, although it was my direwolf who maimed Joffrey." There was no mistaking the terror in his eyes at her words, "You may be a Prince but you are not King, your actions are in direct violation of Daenerys's decision… I would recommend that you not pursue this any farther."

Despite his fear, the moron did not seem to know when to keep his mouth shut, "I would recommend the child of a traitor and the niece of a whore know her place." He snarled out the words as he straightened up.

Arya's nostrils flared, and her voice grew quieter instead of louder in her fury, "My father was a great man who did what was necessary to see justice done for the deaths of his family… we are much the same in that way."

"As for my aunt," She spoke more loudly now, "she loved your father and he loved her. There are stories, I'm sure you've heard, that when he fell into the Trident, armor collapsed in at the chest, his last word was Lyanna. It was not Elia that fell from his lips in his dying moments." The Prince's face reddened and she decided to show him just a little pity, "That does not mean he did not love your mother but it was a love born of duty, what he felt for my aunt was love born of passion and a shared connection and the Seven Kingdoms bled because of it."

He pointed a finger at her, "I have heard tell of the story you spun my aunt to gain her favor and I claim it false."

Arya laughed right in his face, "I care little for what you think. My words were honest then and they are honest now," Arya stared unblinking into his lilac eyes, Their much lighter than Aerion's she noted idly.

Arya stepped passed him and leaned in close, "Do not presume to do something of this nature again," She warned emotionlessly, "if you have heard what I said to the Queen than I am sure you have also heard tell of what I did with the past five years of my life. I will not be trifled with and should you approach me in anger again without just cause I will be happy to react with far greater force." To Aegon's credit he stared back at her defiantly.

"I will remember this in future, of that you can be sure." He meant it as a threat but she cared little for his words.

"As will I, of that you can have no doubt." This time as Arya walked away she was unimpeded. He stared after her angrily as she left. Well that may come back to bite me but it can't be any worse than what happened the last time my actions caused the injury of a Prince.

Evening that same day found Aerion and Arya alone in her quarters, should anybody enter they would likely ask what the joke was as Aerion was laughing heartily. Of course, for some it would not serve as much of a joke as Arya had just told him of her little encounter with the Prince.

Arya merely chuckled alongside him more amused by his reaction than anything else. After regaining control of himself he looked over at Arya amusement in his eyes. "Damn, I wish I had been able to strike the man for harassing you. Though I must say you didn't handle it quite the way I expected."

"Well I had no intention of harming him initially," Arya said with an innocent little grin, "but I will not be attacked, even by a Prince… It helps that this Queen likes me far more than the one who held sway the last time I injured a Prince. And in my defense, I did a very good job with diplomacy and civility before he made an attempt to harm me."

Aerion looked at her disbelievingly. She guffawed in indignation and smacked him on the head. He laughed loudly and raised his hands in surrender. He rubbed at his arm in feigned pain as he spoke thoughtfully, "Honestly, I am even more surprised by his approach to the whole thing. I would have found it more likely that he attempt to win you over with kindness than with aggression. For his level of arrogance an attempt at seduction wouldn't have been out of the question."

Arya shuddered in disgust, while the young man was not unpleasant to look at his personality left much to be desired, "I am glad that he does not think clearly when his anger has risen, should he have tried at seduction the result would have been far worse."

Aerion laughed again, "I have no doubt," he paused a moment and the mirth left his eyes, "of course, after he recovered from your tender treatments I would have had my own words with him, words that likely would have been doled out in the training yard, sword in hand."

Arya smiled beatifically, "Well it is good to know you would let me have my say first before handing out your own punishment."

He put a finger beneath her chin and stroked the pad of his thumb beneath her lower lip, "As I have said in the past I trust you to take care of yourself, it is part of what makes you who you are."

They ate dinner in comfortable silence and when finished, Arya decided she would like to hear a story from him, "So tell me something about you that I haven't heard yet."

Aerion stopped and pondered the request for a moment, "Alright then, I told you that three years ago I began traveling the Free Cities again in order to gain experience with the blade." She nodded as he continued, "I went to Qohor first, I worked in a small village along the outskirts of the Forest of Qohor; there were maybe a hundred people in total who made up the village. It was only maybe thirty-five miles from the city itself. They employed men to fight bandits and raiders who made camp in the forest. I volunteered thinking it a noble cause, I was provided a house amongst the people of the village and given sup since I refused any other payment.

He spoke with a distinct fondness at the memory, "I came to enjoy the people of the village even if I wasn't particularly close to many of them. There was one younger couple maybe five years older than me who had just had their first child, they were called Marian and Erick." Arya was surprised by the Westerosi style of their names, "They had lived for years in Qohor but tired of the hustle and bustle of the city. They were extremely kind and just… good people attempting to make a living."

He paused for a moment and Arya took the opportunity to comment, "Sounds like a nice enough place."

"It was a very nice place," He smiled his agreement before returning to the story, "I spent two months there and steadily gained respect amongst the other defenders. Bandits had been unifying more often and making direct assaults on some of the smaller villages along the forest. Based upon the pattern, we were able to discern they were quickly making their way toward us. The city could not be bothered to deal with the issue so we took it upon ourselves."

He took a drink from his goblet and breathed deeply before continuing, "They looked to me for my opinion as I was the only one with formal training in combat; I suggested that we go into the forest to meet them instead of waiting for them to come to us. Everyone agreed and we along with the defenders from three other villages ventured into the forest in search of them," His became strained, if only barely, "I remember before I left promising Marian and Erick that the bandits would be dealt with and they would be perfectly safe." Arya quickly realized where this was going.

"We went out into the forest and after a week came upon the bandits' camp." He tapped his fingers on the table in front of him, "There were maybe a hundred of them and they were far better organized than was usual for the area. We had only sixty men but we decided to attack anyway. What followed couldn't even be called a battle, and lasted less than an hour."

"These men were marauders who loved preying on the weak; they were not expecting to be opposed in such numbers. I'm sure you know the sort?" Arya snorted her agreement. She had met more than her fair share of that sort, "When all was said and done only ten of their number remained, including their leader, his name was Vaymin. The victory was bittersweet after we learned of their plans."

"The one hundred men at the camp were not the entirety of the bandits' strength," He told her, remorse heavy in his voice, "they scouted our movements and timed their attacks to when there would be no defenders to stop them. They believed they would be able to stop our force when we came to fight them. We waited for the others to return and destroyed them. In the end we captured twenty-five and killed the other hundred and thirty or so."

He took a deep breath to collect himself for the unpleasantness to come in the story, "When I returned to the village I was devastated to find that Erick was dead. He defended his family and took three men down in the process. Marian and her son were unharmed having hidden when the attack came. Unfortunately, of the hundred occupants of the village half had been injured or killed in the attack." He shook his head as if to shake the bad memory, "Marian was completely devastated and wouldn't even talk to me. In truth I couldn't really blame her; it was my suggestion that led to her husband's death."

"You had no way of knowing the bandits were scouting the village, people of that nature don't usually have that sort of foresight." Arya protested.

Aerion smiled gratefully, though his voice was no less strained, "Thank you for saying that but at the time I was dead set on accepting the blame for what happened. I went into the same type of mindset I had after the incident when I was six. I fought harder and trained harder than ever before after that failure."

He straightened in his seat as he finished the tale, "I left the village after that as our attack had nearly eradicated the bandits in the forest. I took every opportunity I could for six months and endeavored to stay uninvolved with the people I protected." Arya grabbed his hand and squeezed it in understanding, "I did some fighting in pits; not the Slaver's pits of the Bay but fighting pits that were voluntary. I took the pay for those victories; I have a couple of scars from that time."

"How long did that continue?" Arya asked a small hint of concern in her voice.

"It was six months before I was broken from my stupor, if you will." He admitted unrepentantly, "I returned to Pentos for a time and my mother quickly had the tale from me. My family was able to bring me back from the edge. It happened one other time since then."

Arya decided to give voice to Rhea's concern, "Your mother… she feared that should you fail here it would be the end of you, whether the failure kills you or not."

She expected Aerion to react more angrily but he merely smiled sadly at her, "I know why my mother was so against my coming here but… if I am honest my past failures have taught me enough that I will not fall prey to the same single-mindedness that has come upon me in the past." What he didn't say was that there was one thing that could bring him to the edge again but Arya understood the unspoken words nonetheless. Arya smiled and leaned over to place a kiss on his cheek.

"I believe you," Arya assured him, "but your mother has seen what happens to you and was concerned. She asked me to do what I could to help you should something happen."

Aerion smirked, "I appreciate it even if I don't believe that something will happen."

They continued talking long into the night. It still amazed Arya just how comfortable she was with him. Stories left her lips freely, he didn't need to cajole her, and she actually wanted to share who she really was with him. When I was younger the idea of binding myself to a man was entirely repulsive. I thought that anyone who I might meet would simply want to change me, I thought that I would never be allowed to be myself. I suppose I was wrong.

It was nearing midnight when finally Aerion decided to return to his own quarters. He hugged her and kissed her gently and then made to leave. Before he reached the door Arya came to a decision. She tired of lying alone at night, thinking of him when he could be there beside her. She called to him, "Aerion," he turned to her, "stay with me tonight."

His eyes widened marginally, "Are you sure?"

She looked him in the eye intently and nodded. Even if we do nothing more than sleep I want him here with me. Though, she actually snorted internally at the idea that they wouldn't be doing anything beyond sleeping, she wanted him and she had denied herself for the sake of the battle. They were safe for the time being and she planned to give herself to the man that she chose. He followed her as she walked toward her bed chambers. The room was dark but bathed in the light of a pale winter moon.

LEMON START

Arya went to disrobe but felt strong hands halt her wrists, he leaned in to whisper in her ear his hot breath sending shivers through her body that had nothing to do with the cold outside, "Let me Arya." She nodded without turning to face him. She had made his job easy for him if nothing else as she wore no shoes and her distaste for being constantly clad in a dress meant there were far fewer knots between him and her bare skin. He untied the laces of both her jerkin and trousers.

He first pulled the jerkin over her head, leaving her in only the thin cotton shift she had on underneath. That was quickly removed and he began placing soft kisses along the exposed flesh; every one left a fire on her skin. He leaned down and divested her of her trouser leaving her lower body covered only by her small clothes. She felt his breath on her thighs and her core moistened at the soft touch of his fingers. She stepped from the pile of clothes and turned toward him. As she began walking backward toward the bed she pushed her small clothes down her hips. He just stood there taking in every curve of her body.

After a whole minute had passed, Arya was beginning to think he either didn't like what he saw or he liked it too much and was trying to collect himself. She was loath to admit her own insecurities, as while in her mind she knew she was a beautiful young woman it didn't stop her from remembering the years of being called Arya Horse-face.

She smiled coyly at him from the edge of the bed, "Aren't you going to join me."

Her voice pulled him back from wherever he had been and in the pale light his eyes appeared black with the desire she saw there, the sight almost made her gasp, "You are so incredibly beautiful Arya." She smiled at him and gestured for him to join her.

He divested himself of his black shirt leaving him bare chested before her. She didn't even attempt to stop the flush in her cheeks as she licked her lips subconsciously at the sight of him. She noticed a few faint white lines that crossed his chest. We both have our scars. As he approached she expected him to immediately begin to ravage her.

In her experiences whilst in brothel's that was the way of things, men sought their own satisfaction first and foremost, those who were good at the act outlasted their partners to the finish. That is why she was surprised when he did not push her back onto the bed but instead kneeled between her legs. The hair above her cleft was trimmed as she found it an annoyance, should she allow it to grow wild, when she was training. His fingers brushed against her tentatively and she gasped at the electric shock it sent through her being. He slowly began to rub her petals as his mouth kissed along the inside of her thighs. She was surprised when she felt him place a lingering kiss along the scar she had received during her time as a Faceless man that was situated just below mid-thigh.

When he reached the top of her thighs, he kissed around her cleft as he finally inserted a finger into her body. Arya couldn't help the little whimper that escaped her lips or the slight arch of her back. She felt like she must have died or fallen into some wondrous dream as her body responded to his ministrations. She gyrated her hips in time with his thrusting fingers, eyes lidded in passion when suddenly she felt his tongue part her petals. Her eyes shot open as every nerve in her body felt as though it were on fire. A knot was forming in her lower stomach and she knew, at the rate Aerion was driving her ever higher, it would soon untangle violently.

Arya began to wonder how his tongue could do such wonderful things. I think I found the real reason people should call him the Snake, the way his tongue is wriggling certainly makes it more than appropriate. Suddenly his tongue flicked up as his fingers curled inside of her. He simultaneously attacked both her clit and the bundle of nerves at the back of her tunnel and Arya let go a silent scream as the knot that had been steadily growing tighter ripped apart. It was the single best orgasm of her young life as every nerve in her body exploded in pleasure.

Meanwhile, Aerion simply continued his ministrations until she came down from her sexual high. As she recuperated from the explosion Aerion moved himself and her up the bed, resting himself on an elbow to look down on her. Finally after a full minute had passed since her orgasm she gasped out, "I...I wasn't… expecting that."

He smiled down at her, "You looked so beautiful down there and I just wanted to kiss every inch of you. I will be sure to repeat that for you at some point."

Arya smirked mischievously, "You expect me to believe that is the first time you have done such a thing."

Aerion blushed slightly, "Well yes, though I may have overheard Daario speak of one of his many conquests and took notes."

Arya didn't want to ruin the mood of the moment but couldn't stop the question that bubbled up inside of her, "There has been no one else for you?"

Aerion's eyes darted away for a moment, "I have kissed only three girls in my life, you being one of them. The other was another one of the musician's when I was ten, she was twelve and it was merely an innocent childish kiss. The only other for me was a young woman I met not a year and a half ago, I cared for her but unfortunate things happened and we parted on less then pleasant terms."

Arya brought her hand to his cheek and stroked it slowly, "I'm sorry love, I did not mean to pry."

Aerion was not upset though, "No it is fine, someday you will know all of my stories." She smiled at him as he ran a hand through her hair, "Sooner or later you will hear the full tale. I count myself lucky though now that things worked out the way they did otherwise I may never have been in that little town north of Braavos." He leaned in to kiss her and it quickly became heated as their passions rose again.

Arya toyed with the knot of his trousers and made quick work of them. He rose and removed them, and his small clothes in one quick motion. Arya's eyes locked on his rigid member. Well he is bigger than most men I was unfortunate enough to see on my assignments. He was somewhere between eight and nine inches long and slightly bigger than Arya's wrist around. Arya felt a strange mix of apprehension and excitement as he leaned over her.

Before this went any further Arya knew she needed to voice one more thing, "Aerion, you cannot finish inside me." Aerion's eyes showed no small amount of confusion and a little bit of hurt. Seeing this Arya quickly explained, "I'm not saying I don't want you to and someday you will but not at a time where my being pregnant would interfere with everything we are trying to accomplish." Understanding dawned in his amethyst eyes and the former hurt was replaced with the all too common love she had come to know. He lined up his hard cock with her still drenched tunnel and began pushing into her tight body.

"Fuck," Arya exclaimed as she felt herself stretched wider than ever before. Aerion grunted his ascent to her sentiment. He slowly pushed deeper into her body and each inch was agonizingly pleasurable. The slight pain of it was washed out by the sheer ecstasy. When about a third of his length had entered her body he reached her barrier.

Aerion leaned down to kiss her before surging through her innocence. The pain of it was surprisingly slight, years of being an active little girl and woman as well as enjoying being on the saddle of a horse had made the experience substantially easier for Arya. He sped slightly then and soon his entire length was buried in ide of her. She felt incredibly full and somehow complete. She heard a mutter, "So tight," before he began withdrawing his cock from her.

The entire process was beautiful for Arya. What little pain she felt left her quickly and as he began to pick up speed she started meeting his thrusts as that familiar knot began forming in her stomach again. She pleaded with him to go faster and he obliged her every time the word left her lips. The grip on her hips tightened and she had no doubt she would have bruises from where he had held her.

He leaned down and his head found the hollow of her neck. His hips slammed ever more forcefully as he sucked and licked at the sensitive flesh along her neck and below her ear. He whispered lovingly at times while at others his passion overtook him, and every strained obscenity that left his mouth was like a sweet music to her ears played to the drumbeat of their wet flesh meeting, again and again. She shrieked in pleasure when his head went lower and lavished attention on the nipples of her pert breasts. She pushed her hand into his hair and held him there firmly, even as she brought her hips up to force him deeper into her grasping depths.

After what felt like hours but was really only minutes of ecstasy, she felt herself begin to cum. Aerion's name left her lips as a screamed prayer as her body rippled beneath him in rapture. He was able to do as she asked and two thrusts after she finished her orgasm he pulled from her body and with a grunt exploded upon her stomach. He shot seven ropes of his thick cum upon her body. When finally he recovered he smiled down at her lovingly. She appreciated that he did not collapse on her after he reached completion.

He untangled himself from her and went into the other room. Arya was perplexed by this until he returned a moment later with a wet cloth. He gently cleaned her body of the evidence of his orgasm before lying down beside her and pulling her to his chest. They simply basked in the afterglow of their lovemaking for a couple of long minutes before his deep voice pulled her back to the present. "I love you Arya."

"I love you too Aerion." They kissed and quickly began their second venture into the physical realm of their relationship.

LEMON OVER

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The pair did not finally fall asleep until late into the previous night. Arya was woken by sunlight pouring into the open window. Aerion's arms were wrapped around her midsection which made her smile happily. She found that her body was sore in the most delicious of ways. Well I look forward to experiencing that soreness many times.

Arya pushed away from her lover and moved to prepare herself for the day. As she returned to her bed chambers, a self-satisfied smirk crossed her face when she saw Aerion was still dead to the world. Yeah I did that. She made her way over to the bed and laid a kiss on Aerion's lips, the attention she was giving him quickly stirred him from his slumber. "Morning love."

Aerion rubbed the sleep from his eyes and then smiled at her widely. His voice was raspy as he spoke, "Morning, I see you are ready for the day."

Arya leaned down and ran a hand along his chest, "As much as I would like to spend the rest of the day in bed and let you do the same wondrous things to my body you did last night, I believe Daenerys intended to discuss the war effort today." She slapped him lightly in the chest before moving away from his wandering hands.

He chuckled, "Right I might have forgotten about that… other things on my mind."

Arya rolled her eyes but couldn't help the smile on her face, "Right, well now you remember so get your lazy bone out of that bed." He just smiled at her as he quickly made himself ready for the day. A knock was heard at the door and one of Daenerys's servants stood at the door.

"The Queen wished for me to inform you that a meeting is to take place in the Great Hall. You are to arrive there within the hour."

"Of course." Arya responded kindly.

The messenger looked nervous, "If you happen to know where the Serpent is could you inform him of the meeting? He wasn't in his chambers." Apparently the young girl was afraid that she wasn't able to accomplish her entire task.

"I know where he is and will be sure to tell him, no need to worry." The messenger was visibly relieved at the news and, after bidding Arya farewell. made a hasty retreat. Arya made her way back to the bedroom where Aerion just finished dressing, "We are to be in the small council chambers within the hour."

"Good, time enough to break our fast." He leaned in to kiss her and after a moment he pulled away, "An hour is a lot of time though, we could always go back to the bed." He waggled his eyebrows suggestively.

Arya laughed at him good-naturedly, "Is that all I am good for now, the bedroom and nothing else?"

Aerion kissed her forehead affectionately, "No, I have yet to find anything about you that isn't good but that doesn't change how much I desire you."

"Good response," She spoke with a soft affection before pulling away. She continued louder, "Nut we still don't have time for that. Besides if last night is any indication you and I will need more than an hour to finish that sort of business." Arya's smile was mischievous and more than a little suggestive.

"I suppose based on the evidence you are right," he sighed overdramatically, "you win, I will just have to wait till later to ravage you again." He punctuated this comment by giving her bum a brief squeeze. She gasped and slapped his hand away playfully in response.

Thirty minutes later, the pair found themselves entering the small council chambers. The table in the room was larger than the one that was once used. As expected, Daenerys was already present as were Garlan, Mace, Edric, Obara, Harry, Tyrion, Ser Barristan and the ever present yet almost perpetually silent Missandei. They were waiting on Daario, Grey Worm, Prince Aegon, and his would-be Hand. Of course Arya wasn't sure whether or not Tommen and Margaery had been invited considering the presence of the other leaders from the Reach.

Twenty minutes later, the last of those invited to the meeting, which did include the former King and Queen, arrived. Arya was surprised to find that Aegon chose to sit next to her after the events of the previous day.

Before the Queen began the meeting, Aegon leaned in to speak with her quietly, "I would like to apologize for my actions yesterday. I acted the fool and you were most certainly in the right." Arya knew there was no point in refusing his apology, she had no problem forgiving his moment of stupidity but she would never forget and nor would Aerion.

"Of course, my Prince, your apology is accepted. Let us hope that nothing of that manner happens again between us." The edge to her voice had Aegon quickly ending the conversation.

"Thank you for your understanding." He turned back to speak with Lord Connington. Arya glanced at Aerion and noticed his attempts at concealing a laugh, she quickly nudged him in the stomach which helped him gain control. Daenerys glanced in their direction as she stood and they both merely smiled in response. The Queen resisted the urge to laugh at their antics. The longer they were together the more freely they showed who they were and Daenerys greatly enjoyed that about them.

"Before anyone deigns to ask," Daenerys began, a warning her eyes as she looked to her nephew, "the Tyrell's and Lord Tommen are here because our discussion directly affects the Reach. Our war effort has three courses of action to take. We can either make to eradicate the Ironborn threat, take the army to engage the Lords of the Vale, or we turn straight north and attack Roose Bolton and the forces of the Westerlands under his command." The remaining men from the West had sworn fealty to Daenerys and accepted Tyrion, who was to become Lord of Casterly Rock when this was all done, as their liege lord. The people of the Reach swore fealty to Daenerys as well.

Mace Tyrell spoke up, "The Ironborn raiders are a danger to the entire realm, it is our lands that provide the most food and will see us through the winter." Arya was surprised to hear such wisdom from the man who had been described to her as a bumbling idiot. Then again it wouldn't surprise me if Margaery talked him through this last night.

Daenerys looked pleased with the input, "My thoughts were much the same. Between us, our forces number over 90,000, more than all of our enemies combined. I can only hope that the Lords of the Vale will surrender without a fight and that the remaining forces of the Westerlands will leave the service of Lord Bolton; should that happen the army will be bolstered and only Bolton's forces from the North, Stannis, and the Ironborn will remain in opposition. It is for that reason that I suggest we split the army to deal with two of our issues at once."

Garlan spoke up, "Which two issues do you wish to address?" he was most concerned about the Ironborn threat as they raided close to Brightwater Keep and he worried for his wife and young son.

"Half of the Reach's remaining forces, some 20,000 men, will be sent to meet with my ships. From there you will sail north to destroy the Ironborn."

"We will be allowed to crush them then?" Garlan asked eagerly and it was clear from Mace and Margaery's reaction that they desired much the same.

"If that is what is necessary, yes." Daenerys frowned as she consider her words, I must inform you that my dragons will not be available for this fight; I hear tell that this Euron Crow's Eye has acquired a horn from Old Valyria and he could use it to pull them from battle at the worst possible moment should they be present. I would not have you rely on something which could be taken from you. Besides I will need their presence to cow the 50,000 armed men of the Vale."

Edric asked loudly, "Would this horn actually bind your dragons to the Greyjoy?"

Daenerys shook her head slightly, "No it merely calls dragons, but I fear what they may do were they pulled away from me; I somehow doubt they will be able to discern friend from foe." All present simultaneously grimaced at that idea.

Obara decided to make her opinion known, "So this is our course then? We will attack the Greyjoy's and try to force the Vale to submit." Daenerys nodded, "And who shall be going where?"

"I have discussed this with both Lord Mace and Lord Garlan, and after speaking with Lord Tyrion, I have come to a decision," she paused for a moment, "I shall lead the forces to the Vale as the dragons are necessary there; of those of us who joined together at Summerhall, all but Tyrion, Aerion and Arya shall join me in the journey to the Vale."

She looked to her Hand, "Lord Tyrion will remain here to rule in my stead. He will still be part of the overall war strategy but I think everyone here can recognize that he is not best suited to the battlefield. Aerion and Arya will be under the command of Lord Garlan. As far as I am to understand it, Lord Mace plans to return to Highgarden." The odious man nodded his head vehemently.

Aerion asked the question on both of their minds, "And why are both Arya and I to go with the Tyrell's to take the Iron Islands, will you not have need of your champions in the Vale?"

Tyrion spoke up, "No she won't, Petyr Baelish is not my sister and he will have no reason to attempt a delay of that nature when he has the mountains to his advantage." Arya and Aerion could see the logic in those words, "As to why you shall go with them, you may not be much of a sailor Aerion but you are the best sword we have and will be invaluable to them once the fighting reaches the actual islands. Beyond that the Queen must speak to you in private."

Garlan was clearly happy with the development, "I know my men will breathe easier with you two amongst us, as will I."

Daenerys smiled, "It is settled then, and do not worry you two. The larger part of the army will take longer to get moving; it would not surprise me should the Ironborn be dealt with before we even reach the Vale." She addressed all those assembled, "That will be all everyone, thank you. Aerion, Arya would you both join me in private please." It was a command not a request and they both quickly followed her, Ser Barristan close at hand. They quickly reached the Queen's quarters.

"You will be going with Garlan for two reasons, the first is the one I stated during the meeting just now." She looked over at Arya, "The other is so that you might kill Euron Greyjoy before every Ironborn is put to the sword."

Arya was surprised though she did not show it, "You believe his death will end things so easily?"

"I do, from everything I have been told the man is mad but his brother, Victarion, can be reasoned with. Kill the Crow's Eye and we may be able to avoid greater bloodshed." Arya nodded, "Of course should battle continue after his death I have no doubt that your presence will help bolster our odds."

"Very well your Grace it will be done," Aerion answered dutifully, "is there anything else you would ask of us?"

"Yes find the Valyrian horn and destroy it." Both of them raised an eyebrow in question, so Daenerys elaborated, "I have my own and it shall be an heirloom of my House, I would not have the unknowing with that kind of power. The fool would bring dragons down upon him when he has no hope of controlling. I would not have others thinking along the same lines."

Arya voiced a small thought on her mind, "Why send us together?"

Daenerys cocked her head at that, a mischievous glint in her violet eyes, "I would have thought that obvious. I knew you would not be parted from each other. And from the smiles and slight limp to your walk this morning, I have no doubt that now you are even less keen to be apart." The Queen smiled triumphantly at the small blushes that adorned their faces. "Of course, I also know that the two of you together will be even more effective than if I sent only one of you."

"And should somebody call for a single combat despite Lord Tyrion's skepticism?" Arya asked trying to return to a less personal topic.

Ser Barristan responded form the Queen's side, "I shall fight, I would not have been able to stand the Mountain's reanimated body but I doubt there is any knight of the Vale who could withstand me."

Daenerys gave them a look that ceased any further questions, "It is settled. I have the utmost faith that you shall succeed in this, though I must admit I will miss you both."

"Your Grace," the pair responded and quickly bowed as they took their leave.

Daenerys called after them, "Oh and congratulations." There was no doubt in either of their minds what she was referring to and they quickly hastened their steps

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AN: Hope everybody liked the chapter. I just wanted to comment on why I didn't have Tyrion kill Cersei. In my mind, his real victory was being part of taking everything from her, actually being the one to end her life was superfluous at that point.

As always if you find any glaring issues grammatically or in the actual story let me know and I will be sure to fix them. I'm pretty sure all my numbers add up for injuries and the remaining size of each army but if anyone finds any mistakes let me know.

Feedback is always appreciated so if you liked it leave me a review or just fav or follow. If you didn't like it still feel free to review, it's still feedback.

Thanks everybody