Queenie: Hello, lovelies, here is another update for you. I know I've only been working on Game of Thrones, but I have fallen in love with the show. Thank-you, lostfeather1, for getting me started on it. I have much planned for the show like adding my own OCs who will be the "half-bloods" of the Game of Thrones universe. I have been working hard on their backstories and who they're connected to exactly. I even have them posted on my profile to show which actors portray them and a small sentence or two on who they are.
I'll probably write a few more pre-season 1 chapters before finally starting the season 1 for the story. I kind of wanted to write like ten chapters at the most, but not sure if will come to that many. I suppose we will see. Now, I hope you enjoy the chapter.
NO POV:
Ned watched from the balcony as Celena was instructing Arya during her self-defense lessons. Theon was the attacker this time since Jon was still recovering. Ned could see Theon seemed nervous as Celena stood in front of him ready to show Arya what they would be working on today. He grinned in amusement as Celena motioned Theon forward with a mischievous look in her eyes. Theon hesitated for a moment before he came Celena while going to punch her. Celena raised her hand while movingly it effortless to redirect Theon's punch, and his momentum had him falling to the ground. Robb and Jon both laughed as Theon quickly got back to his feet looking embarrassed.
"Do you see what I did there?" Celena asked looking at Arya.
"Not really." Arya admitted sheepishly.
Celena smiled patiently at the girl not seeming bothered that Arya didn't get what she had done the first time.
"I used his own strength and momentum against him." Celena said. "Sometimes you don't have to waste any effort during a fight if you let your opponent do all the work for you."
Arya nodded along as Celena grabbed Theon gently by the elbow to have him stand where she needed him. She stood beside Theon while gesturing between them.
"As you can see, Theon is bigger than me." Celena said. "But size does not determine the battle as long as you can take your opponent's strength and size to turn it into their disadvantage."
She continued to show Arya how the younger girl would take someone the size of Theon or large down with just a few simple tricks. Celena helped Arya through the movements nice and slow, so Ned's youngest daughter could get the feel of them. He continued to watch with the grin still on his face as he saw how happy Arya was as she worked with Celena. All of his children seemed to enjoy the company of the young half-goddess.
Rickon and Bran enjoyed Celena's stories of heroes from her people's history and of the creatures of her world though most of his family even himself enjoyed her stories. Arya looked forward to all her lessons with Celena, and she didn't try to skip out on them like her lessons with Mordane. Sansa enjoyed the time Celena's spends with her when Sansa is sewing new dresses for Celena even though the older girl has proven she is horrible at sewing. Robb was even taking lessons with Celena to better learn her culture and her language. However, the one who seemed closest to Celena was Jon. The two tended to spend a lot of time together that everyone was noticing it. The two trained together, they sat together at supper, and they could be seen just walking and talking on most days.
The two were practically inseparable. Ned has seen this seems to bother Robb who tries to get Celena's attention from time to time. It seemed as if his two eldest sons both had eyes for their young guest. Ned couldn't blame them. Celena is a definitely a young beautiful woman, but Ned believed the boys also liked her because she was different than all the women they've known over the years. She wasn't just a traditional young lady of a noble house. She was strong-willed and brave. She was fierce as well with a sharp tongue that she used often against Theon who she has multiple spats with.
Though despite their arguments, Ned believes the two actually see each other as comrades. He was sure if anyone else tried to hurt the other, they'd jump to the other's defense. Even if they would deny this. Celena was a nice addition to Winterfell, and he was happy to have her. He was certain Catelyn liked having her around as well. She treated Celena like a daughter, and would often do Celena's hair and chat like Catelyn does for Sansa and Arya. Ned would even say he sees Celena as one of his wards like Theon.
She is a part of the Stark Family, which means he would defend her if needed and keep her protected if he can. He knows Celena has seen battle before. She once told him of the war she had been a part of with many of her kind, which included her younger brother and her cousins—the children of her uncle Zeus and her uncle Poseidon. She told Ned that many had been lost during the war. Some that were just young and foolish who were swayed to the enemy's side. She had been exposed to that kind of life unlike his children who only knew of the long summers. Yes, there were few short winters in some of their years of life, but none of them were truly exposed to them because they had been safe here in Winterfell.
Though when the prophecy Celena brought with her comes to pass, Ned felt as if the winter would definitely be a long one. One where no one would be truly safe from its harshness. However, he would fight to keep his family safe along with the rest of Winterfell, and he was sure Celena would do the same. Though if he could prevent it…he would keep her away from such things. Keep her safe away from the battles that will come to pass against a foe neither of them knew yet. She was too young to have already gone through what she has. He wished he could take away the sometimes haunted look she gets when she's asked about her past and some of the things she's done.
He's become really protective of her over her time spent here. She really was like one of his daughters, and he hoped she knew that. Ned came out of his musings when he heard a shout from below. He looked down seeing Arya had managed to knock Theon onto his back. It was silent for a moment before Celena let out a laugh as she clapped her hands together once.
"That was beautifully done, Arya!" Celena said grinning broadly. "We'll make a warrior of you yet!"
Arya smiled with her cheeks flushed slightly because of the praise and partially by her excitement. Theon grumbled as he picked off up the ground. He dusted himself off as Robb and Jon were laughing at what happened.
"Just shut up, alright?!" Theon snapped.
Ned chuckled at the lot of them as Robb and Jon ignored Theon as Celena was still congratulating Arya. If Arya kept doing so well in these lessons, Ned just might let Celena start teaching her how to handle a sword. However, he'd wait a bit longer to decide that. Ned then turned to leave because he still had things to do as the lord of Winterfell.
CELENA'S POV:
"Then I managed to knock Theon on the ground!" Arya continued her story to Sansa as the two girls were spending time in my room as I was lounging on my bed.
Sansa just hummed at Arya's words as she was still working on the dress that I had asked her to work on. Sansa seemed to be finding it difficult to do the style I asked for, but she also seemed to enjoy working on it.
"You should take lessons with me, Sansa." Arya said. "I bet Celena can even show you how to fight someone."
"What?!" Sansa asked looking shocked and appalled. "No! Why on earth would I want to learn such things?"
Sansa shook her head as I sat up on my bed to see Arya frowning at her older sister.
"To protect yourself." Arya said. "Besides, I thought it could be something we all do together."
"I don't see the need to learn how to harm someone." Sansa said. "There is no need for a lady to fight when there a men to fight for her and her honor. And someday I'll have myself a husband who can look after me and defend me when needed."
She had this dreamy look in her eye as she said this, which had me frowning. I never agreed with the whole a woman needs a man to fight her own battles. Of course, I've always been a dependent person who preferred to fight for myself. I have to remind myself I'm in a place where it's socially wrong for a woman to fight "like a man" and to act unladylike in anyway. Sansa was just like this because she was practically told all her life that one day she'd marry a lord and she'd take care of his house and children while he's off doing "manly" things. Arya's the one who's the black sheep here along with me, of course.
"Sansa, men aren't always around to help women when they need them." I said. "Sometimes women have to take care of themselves. Not only that but not everyone in the world is virtuous. There are many out there who would try to hurt you if they could."
"I know that." Sansa said frowning. "I'm not stupid!"
I sighed guessing I might have tried to choose my words more wisely. I've realized over the course of time that I've been here that Sansa could be quite stubborn, and get quite defense rather quickly.
"Obviously you are." Arya said. "You should listen to Celena. What if someone tries to harm you, and father and our brothers aren't around? What will you do?"
"Scream for help, of course." Sansa said.
I shook my head because it's sad how I knew that was going to be her answer. It'd probably be the answer most women give me here.
"Sansa, just because you scream for help doesn't mean it will come." I said. "Learning at least a little self-defense can at least help you stun you attacker enough for you to run for help. I can teach you just a few things to at least give you a chance to protect yourself until someone can help you."
"I don't want to learn." Sansa insisted.
I frowned wondering how I could get her to agree. I've actually wanted to get her involved in Arya's lessons for a while now, but I knew this was the kind of conversation we'd have, so I've been putting it off. I had to think of some way to get her to agree. Maybe if I strike some kind of deal with her? A metaphorical lightbulb then went off in my head as I looked towards the girl.
"Sansa, what if I strike a deal with you?" I asked her. "Would you agree to take at least a lesson or two then?"
Sansa paused in her sewing to look at me curiously. I mentally smiled rather impishly. Well, at least I've got her attention now. Arya looked between us curiously as Sansa tilted her head.
"What kind of deal?" Sansa asked.
"Well, as you can tell, when it comes to acting like a proper lady, I have no idea what to do." I said. "So if you agree to take a few lessons with Arya, or even just you and I can do lessons together, I will let you give me lessons on how to be a proper lady."
Doesn't mean I'd apply those lessons, but I can at least sit through a few lessons if it meant getting Sansa to learn how to protect herself. Sansa seemed even more interested as she set down her sewing needle.
"You'll really let me teach you?" Sansa asked.
"Yes." I said nodding. "But you have to go through my lessons and actually try to learn how to defend yourself. If I see you actually trying, I will let you teach me, and I swear to try and learn to be a proper lady in return."
It was silent for a moment as Sansa seemed to be thinking my deal out inside her head. She then looked back towards me with her eyes slightly narrowed.
"I suppose one or two of those lessons of yours wouldn't hurt." She said. "But I refuse to wear boys' clothes during them."
I nodded since that seemed far enough. I wasn't going to teach her as much as I'm teaching Arya, so she won't need as much free leg movement.
"Then do we have an accord?" I asked holding out my hand.
Sansa, who was sitting in a chair by my bed, reached out to shake my hand as Arya smiled. I smiled as well while glad that worked out. I'd feel much better knowing Sansa and Arya both knew how to defend themselves when I'm not around. Because you never know when I might be separated from them and the rest of the Starks once winter gets here. While I'm out fighting I want to be assured knowing they know how to handle themselves enough to survive without complete protection. With all that settled I turned to lay on my back on the bed while wondering if I'd have any more dreams of Norah.
NO POV:
Jorah Mormont rode into the camp of Khal Drogo's Khalasar with some of the Dothraki acknowledging his presence. They know he is welcomed here because this isn't the first time he has joined up with them. He doesn't stay for long on most days, but he does pay many visits to see his nephew who has transitioned into Dothraki life well. After arriving outside one certain tent, Jorah dismounted his horse. A second later the tent flap opened to reveal who he had come to see.
"Uncle!" Norah, had heard his uncle's arrival, called out with a large grin on his face.
Jorah grinned at his nephew in return whom he hasn't seen in three months. The two men stepped up to each other to give each other hugs in greeting. Norah stepped back with the grin still on his face.
"You were gone for a quite some time, Uncle." Norah said. "I was beginning to think something might have happened to you."
Jorah chuckled as he pat his nephew on the shoulder. Norah was now a young man in his late teens though with his size in both height and muscle many might confuse him to be in his twenties. Jorah still remembers when Norah was a young boy at Bear Island that didn't even reach his knee in height.
"You needn't worry." Jorah said. "I can still handle myself."
Norah nodded when there was movement behind the two men, which had them turning to see a young Dothraki girl stepping out of Norah's tent.
"Jorah." The woman greets him with a nod.
Jorah gave his nephew's lover a kind look as she moved to stand next to Norah who had his arm around her waist.
"Nivvi." Jorah greeted with a nod. "May I borrow my nephew to take a ride?"
"Even if I say no, he not listen." Nivvi said in her broken common tongue as she nodded.
Jorah chuckled because that was true. Norah did things as he wished when he wished to do them. Norah, who ignored his lover's quip, whispered something in Dothraki to Nivvi before kissing the top of her head. He then motioned Jorah to come with him as he moved over to where he kept his own horse. Jorah led his horse along with them.
"Something must have happened." Norah said as he looked to his uncle. "You never ask to go on a ride specifically just us unless something has happened."
"You know me too well." Jorah said.
"Well, you did raise me." Norah said. "If you didn't want me to know you, you should have left me behind when I was just a boy."
He was saying this as he placed the saddle onto his horse that whinnied as it bobbed its head. Norah hushed it as he pat its neck.
"I would never leave you behind." Jorah said sincerely. "Understand?"
Norah looked towards his uncle as Jorah gave him a seriously look. Norah nodded knowing Jorah would always look out for him.
"Yes, uncle." Norah said.
"Besides, it seems as if you could use someone to talk to." Jorah said as he mounted his horse. "You haven't gotten much sleep."
He had stated his confidentially when seeing the slight dark circles underneath Norah's eyes. Norah didn't comment as he mounted his horse as well.
"Are you still having those dreams of that girl?" Jorah pushed as the two started to ride out of the camp.
"Yes." Norah said. "But I know they aren't just dreams. They mean something. She means something."
Norah knew she did. Celena…Norah has been dreaming of her for months now, and every time he sees her they are on some kind of battlefield. Though a few dreams back Norah felt as if the two made a connection as if it was the first time Celena was actually seeing him.
"Have you told Nivvi about these dreams?" Jorah asked.
Norah frowned thinking of his lover. If he had told her about those dreams he's been having of another woman, she's tried to take his head. Jorah got his answer when seeing Norah's frown.
"There is no reason to." Norah said. "It's not as if I feel for Celena. Not like how I do for Nivvi. This connection to Celena…it is like she is family, uncle. Like she is like me."
Jorah looked forward knowing what his nephew meant. Norah wasn't just the son of his late sister Loriya, but also the son of a god. One of the Seven, the Warrior. It was a secret he swore to take to his grave because if anyone learned of Norah's heritage people might try to use him as a weapon, or see him as some kind of abomination and try to come for his life. Norah is strong and can fight better than any man Jorah has seen, but even his nephew had limitations. Jorah would die before allowing someone to harm Norah just because of who he was born. Jorah swore to his dying sister that Norah would be protected and live a long life, and Jorah has raised his nephew as his own since.
"I want to meet her." Norah continued. "But I feel as if she is far from here. Though this feeling is so strong that I can't ignore it."
"Norah, she might not even be in Essos." Jorah said. "What if she is in Westeros?"
Norah frowned once more knowing that if Celena was in Westeros it'd be impossible to see her. Norah himself wasn't unwelcomed there since he had been an innocent child when Jorah dealt with slaves. He could return without the worry of being arrested or executed as a traitor. However, he would never leave his uncle. Besides, he made himself a life here. He had Nivvi as well. He didn't want to leave her, and he couldn't take her with him since she'd never ride on a ship since her people distrust the poison water as they call it.
"Then I suppose we will never meet." Norah said. "I will not leave my family. Now what is it you wish to speak of?"
"It is about the surviving Targaryen children." Jorah said. "I hear, Magister Illyrio Mopatis is trying to broker a deal with Khal Drogo using Daenerys Targaryen. If Drogo will accept her as his bride, he will give Viserys an army to invade Westeros to retake the Iron Throne."
Norah wanted to sigh while knowing where Jorah was going with this. Jorah has been trying to get them both back to Westeros for years, and he has made a deal with Varys that if he gave enough information on the surviving Targaryens that they would get a formal pardon home from King Robert who is over the entire deal. Norah had no hope for this plan, and long given up on it.
"I take it you informed the Spider." Norah said as they kept riding.
If this plan works, the only good thing that will come of it in Norah's opinion will be that he will finally meet her…Celena.
CELENA'S POV:
I let out a small yawn as I covered up my mouth. I had another weird dream when I had laid down to take my nap earlier. However, Norah wasn't a part of it. It was someone else this time. A woman who was older than me. She had been beautiful with long dark golden hair that made her look like a golden rose. However, that golden rose had been shut up in a den of lions with three prowling around her to keep her from leaving. I didn't know who she was, but like with Norah, I felt as if I had to meet her. She had to be another child of one of the gods in this world. How many were out there in this world? Would it be possible to find all of them?
It had to be lonely to be out there on their own while knowing they were different from those around them. I've felt that loneliness before. I sometimes feel it even now. Being the only one different from those around you could cause a great loneliness that eats away at one's soul. If it was like that for me, I knew it had to be for them. It had to be even worse not being able to come together to find those like themselves. I had Camp Half-Blood. A safe haven for people like me where I felt at home amongst those like me. I would give anything to give them something similar, and to show them it was alright to use their gifts and not fear them or what people might say to them about being different.
"You look terrible."
I blinked looking to the side as Jon came to sit with me at the supper table. No one else was there yet, not even Ned and Catelyn. I guess I had showed up a bit early. In all honesty, I hadn't even realized I showed up here. I had just woken from my nap in a bit of a daze while noticing Sansa and Arya weren't in my room anymore. I guess I had just ended up here after I left my room to see where the others might be.
"Don't make me break your nose again." I said as I ran my fingers through my hair almost self-consciously.
I've never had a guy make me feel self-conscious, but that little sentence from Jon had me wondering if I really looked that bad.
"You wouldn't do that." Jon said.
"Oh really?" I asked with a quirked brow. "And why wouldn't I do that?"
Jon grinned partially as he looked down at me, and I think I literally think my heart fluttered. What the Hades is wrong with me? I must be ill.
"You said it yourself." He said. "You wouldn't want to hurt my pretty face."
I held back a giggle as I kept my face straight as I took on a thoughtful look while tapping my chin.
"I suppose you have a point." I said finally letting out a small chuckle.
That and I wouldn't want to actually cause harm to Jon again. I still feel a bit guilty about doing it in the first place.
"But are you alright?" Jon asked becoming a bit serious. "You look a bit paler."
He reached out with his hand to cup my cheek, and I felt my cheeks warm as he brushed his thumb against my cheek while staring at me closely with those deep brown eyes of his. I mentally cursed while hoping he didn't see the blush.
"I'm fine." I said reassuringly.
I wasn't sure to even beginning explaining my weird dreams, so until then I'd keep them to myself. Jon looked as if he wanted to press matters, but a voice was cleared that had me jumping slightly. My eyes flicked behind Jon to see Robb standing there, and something about his expression told me that he wasn't happy. What was wrong? Did something happen? My eyes turned back to Jon to see his express turned unpleased as well, which had me confused. He dropped his hand from my cheek, and I missed the warmth his hand had brought. Again what is wrong with me?
"Are you alright, Celena?" Robb asked as he moved to take his usual seat. "You seem pale."
"That's just what I was saying." Jon said as he looked at his brother.
The two just seemed to stare at each other, which had me looking between them. Seriously, what was their problem? It's as if they were fighting or something? But earlier today they were getting along just fine.
"Um, I'm alright." I said getting the two to snap out of their staring contest. "Thank-you for asking."
Robb inclined his head to me in reply as the rest of his family entered to sit down at the supper table. Arya sat down next to me, and I smiled at her as she smiled at me. Sansa sat beside Arya, which put her between her younger sister and Robb.
"Celena after supper I need you to try on the dress I have been working on." Sansa said. "I have it nearly finished, but there are a few adjustments to be made."
"Alright." I said smiling. "I'm sure it will work wonderfully for me, Sansa."
Sansa smiled in return as Ned took his seat at the head of the table while the food was brought out. As supper started, there was much talk amongst the Starks along with laughter. I sat back just watching them with a smile on my face. It was like I finally found that large family I had always wanted. I mean, I love my family, don't get me wrong.
However, it was nice being part of such a big family setting even if it's just supper. This family…it felt as if I have become a part of it, and I wanted to protect it no matter what…even Theon who I see as that annoying older brother I'd like to strangle in his sleep. However, I will never tell him that because he'd never let me live it down. I knew the upcoming war could take them from me, but I would fight tooth and nail to keep them together and safe.
"Celena," Rickon said snapping me from my thoughts. "Once you're done playing with Sansa, will you tell us another story?"
"Of course, pup." I said warmly. "Any story you'd like."
"I want to hear about Hercules!" Bran said.
I chuckled because Bran seemed taken with stories that involved the son of Zeus. He is the mightiest of the Ancient Greek Heroes, and the most famous child of the Big Three. I would never win in a fight against him even if he returned to being mortal.
"No, we've heard about him too many times." Arya disagreed. "I want to hear about Otrera the First Queen of the Amazons!"
And Arya's favorite stories were those of the mighty Amazonian Warriors, which is no surprise to me considering all the Amazonian Warriors are strong and powerful women.
"I don't like those stories." Bran said frowning. "They're all about girls."
Arya glared at her younger brother, which had me worried she might climb across the table to start an actual fight with him.
"Both of you hush now." Ned said sternly. "If you cannot behave, you will go to bed without supper and without a story."
Both of them frowned though quietened down. Well, I might have to think of a story that wouldn't start a war between the two. It seemed I'd have to be careful on which Greek Hero I spoke about whether they be of god decedent or not. I then tilted my head thinking I might have a story that works.
"How about I tell you a story of how the gods came to rule Olympus?" I decided. "It will be a story before any half-blood was even born."
This had them both looking at me curiously, which had me smiling at them. It looks I have the right story to tell.
"It is a story of a young Zeus and his five older siblings who would become the first Olympians and rulers of Olympus." I said. "A story of how their rule started. It is a story of their beginning therefore leading to the beginning of the half-bloods."