Queenie: Hello, lovelies, I just wanted to tell you that I redid the ending in chapter twelve, and moved this scene with Norah to the beginning of chapter thirteen as you can see. So if you don't want to be confused, I would suggest going back to chapter twelve to read from the end of Celena's fight down. Thank-you for your time.
NO POV:
Norah rode on with the Khalasar with his mind elsewhere even as Nivvi spoke to him while holding onto Jorao. He has been troubled since this morning as he woke from a dream concerning Celena. In the dream, instead of seeing the confident strong woman he always does, he saw a saddened woman curled up crying over a young boy who could be no older than ten. Norah had felt her pain, and felt guilt he could not prevent it.
The need to meet her to fight alongside her grew after that dream, but he felt as if she was going through more hardship than the boy who lay still in his bed. As if someone else had brought pain into her life. Norah did not know who hurt her, but he felt the need to avenge her to ease her pain. But knew it was impossible for as long as he was here. So perhaps this plan of his uncle's wasn't so bad. However, there was no guarantee Norah could keep Nivvi and Jorao with them, and they have both became his world. He could not just give them up.
"Norah," Nivvi called to him thought noticed he didn't react. "Norah!"
Norah's head jerked in the direction as he finally came out of his thoughts. Nivvi looked at her lover in concern as she balanced Jorao in one arm to reach out with her free hand to place her hand on his arm.
"What troubles you, my bear?" She asked in her native tongue.
Norah lightly sighed not sure how to explain to her about his dreams, which he has still kept to himself. He didn't know how to tell her about Celena, and how her current troubles made him want to run to her side to help her. Norah then grinned trying to look as if everything was alright.
"Nothing, my night sky." Norah replied in Dothraki as well. "I am just lost in my thoughts."
Nivvi didn't look convinced, but she merely nodded her head before going on with Jorao to join some of the other mothers of the Khalasar. Norah sighed once more knowing he couldn't keep things from her forever. Sooner or later the truth would come out. Norah then looked up while seeing his uncle had stopped to speak with Daenerys. Curious, Norah rode forward while finally getting close enough to hear what was being said.
"You need to drink, child." Jorah said then turned his horse. "And eat."
Daenerys sighed not looking interested, so Norah decided to put a word in himself.
"Starving yourself will not help you feel better." Norah said.
Daenerys glanced at Norah with a frown, and he just looked at her calmly. She sighed once more before taking the food that Jorah had offered her.
"Isn't there anything else?" She asked.
Norah chuckled with a grin spreading across his face as he turned his horse to stand in the same direction as his uncle and Daenerys.
"No." Norah said shaking his head. "You will find the Dothraki do not have much. The only things they do have much of are horses and grass."
"People can't live on grass." Jorah added.
He then watched as Daenerys took a bite of the meat he had given her with an unpleased expression.
"It is not the best tasting." Norah agreed. "But it will keep you alive, and survival is what is most important, Khalessi. Remember that even when all things look like they're turning to shit."
Norah gave her another grin before he went on to join Drogo who was riding by. The Khal turned towards Norah with his lips turning up into a grin. Daenerys watched them as they spoke.
"Why are they so close?" Daenerys asked. "The Khal treats him different than the others."
"That is because the two grew up alongside each other." Jorah said. "When I fled here with Norah, we came across a young Drogo and the Khalasar he had been born into. He was older than Norah, but the two often could be seen together whether practicing battling or riding horses. They rode into many battles together until Drogo before a great Khal of his own. Norah is one of Drogo's blood riders, blood of his blood. Probably one of the first outsider ever given such a title."
However, Norah really wasn't an outsider considering he grew up amongst these people. They were more his people than his kinsmen back on Bear Island. Which made Jorah worry that in the end, Norah wouldn't be able to go through with their plan.
"Does he not wish to go home?" Daenerys asked.
"I do not know." Jorah said honestly. "I believe to him…this is home."
Jorah continued to watch his nephew while noticing that even though Norah was speaking with Drogo with a grin that there was a troubled look in his eyes. It must be the dreams. The dreams of Celena. If Norah keeps having these dreams, it might drive him to return to the Westeros with Jorah.
Once they found a place to make camp, the Khalasar ended their long ride for the day. Most of the camp was already put up for the night. Norah made sure Nivvi was comfortable in their tent before going to join his uncle who was stopping his sword not far behind Daenerys and her horse. Norah noticed the girl looked weak. Drogo had to have been rough on her on their wedding night, but she would learn how to take it as cruel as that sounds. As she went to get down from her horse, Norah saw she was too weak to do it herself, so he went to her side as his uncle was dismounting his own horse.
"Here let me help you, Khaleesi." Norah said as he grabbed her by her waist.
She didn't argue while putting her arms around his neck to let him pick her up. As he was setting her down, her handmaidens hurried to her side while sounding worried for her. Nivvi appeared as well from the tent she shared with Jorah to hurry to their queen's side. Norah let the handmaidens take Daenerys with Nivvi looking to her hands.
"We must see to her hands." She said to the other three. "Come, Khaleesi."
She led the young woman into the Khal's tent as she was being supported by her other handmaidens. As they disappeared into the tent, Jorah came up to stand beside Norah.
"She isn't made for this life." Norah said. "She isn't made to be the wife of a Khal."
Jorah said nothing then looked to Viserys who was walking past them at the moment.
"We're still not far from Pentos, Your Grace." Jorah said to the Targaryen prince. "Master Illyrio has extended his hospitality. You'd be more comfortable there."
Norah was sure Jorah was only trying to get rid of the snobby prince, which was fine with him. Norah did not like the prince in the slightest. In fact, he's fine with killing him. Norah wishes no ill will towards the princess since she has done nothing to him. However, Norah was sure everyone would be better off without the prince around.
"I have no interest in hospitality or comfort." Viserys said. "I'll stay with Drogo until he fulfills his end of the bargain and I have my crown."
"As you wish, Your Grace." Jorah said as he folded his hands in front of him.
Norah didn't hide his displeased expression as he exchanged a look with his uncle. It seems as if they have to deal with him longer. However, Norah was certain the little man wouldn't last long amongst the Dothraki.
"Well, Mormont, as brutish as this life is, I suppose it is preferable to beheading." Viserys said. "What did Ned Stark want you for? Buying from a slaver?"
"Selling to one." Jorah corrected. "Some poachers I caught on my land."
Though if he could undo it all, he would because his choice to try and cater to his expensive ex-wife's whims, not only made him an exile, but his nephew as well.
"Under my reign, you won't be punished for such nonsense." Viserys said. "You can rest assure of that."
He then walked away leaving the two born natives of Bear Island alone. Norah shook his head as he looked to his uncle.
"If we have to kill a Targaryen why not him?" Norah asked then walked off to check on his son who was starting to cry from inside the tent.
For some reason the king was more concerned with Daenerys than her brother. Though considering he is no fighter, Norah can almost understand the king's reasoning.
CELENA'S POV:
I looked down at Bran as he continued to slumber. He has yet to wake, and it had me worried. There has to be a way to get him to wake. A way to heal him, so he may walk again because Maester Luwin doesn't believe he'll walk ever again after this.
"If you want to help him, I can help you." That voice from before whispered to me.
I stiffened while looking around for the owner of the voice. The only one in the room besides Bran and myself was Catelyn, and she was still fast asleep. Who was speaking to me?
"I am." The voice purred.
I whirled around to look behind me to see a dark shadow in front of the closed door to Bran's room. I couldn't make out a face, but the shape of the shadow was that of a woman.
"I can help you save the boy's ability to walk." The woman in shadows said. "But for a price."
I narrowed my eyes thinking this woman very much reminded me of a certain goddess of balance and revenge—Nemesis. I do not know this world's counterpart of Nemesis, but I do believe I am becoming acquainted with her now.
"Are you willing to give something up for this boy, Daughter of the Stranger?" The woman asked.
I wanted to answer yes, but I had to be cautious. I had a war coming up that I needed to fight. I had to be careful with what I gave up. I couldn't risk anything that could cost any battles to come.
"What must I give?" I asked.
Even though I could not see her face, I felt as if the woman was smirking at me.
"I don't want much." The woman assured me. "In fact, I don't truly need anything from you. However, there is something I need retrieved that was stolen from me. If you can find it and bring it to me, I will restore the boy's legs."
I tilted my head wondering who could have stolen anything from a goddess until it was another immortal or child of an immortal.
"What must I return to you?" I asked. "And where might I find it?"
The woman chuckled, which had me worried that this quest would be a hard one, and I am a bit out of practice at taking quests. I suppose this will help me train for the other hardships that will come with the war.
"You will find it at the Wall." The woman said. "In the hands of a blacksmith named Adriarah."
My eyes widened because I knew who Adriarah was, of course. It has been some time since I have dreamed of him though. I suppose since I have been so distracted by Bran I forgot about my fellow half-bloods. This brought guilt to my gut.
"He did not take it from me." The woman continued. "He took it off one of those wildlings he had killed north of the Wall. I do not how you take it from him. Just return it to me, and I return the boy's legs. Is that a reasonable request, child?"
I looked to the side for a moment while knowing I wanted to meet Adriarah just as much as I did the rest of the half-bloods I have dreamt about. Also this could be a way to help Bran. However, I wasn't even sure if it was possible for a woman to visit the Wall. I would have to speak with Ned about it. Hopefully he can convince Benjen to let me travel with them to the Wall to stay for a bit. I needed to speak with the Men of the Night's Watch of the walkers anyway. However, I had to hurry because everyone—even the ones heading for King's Landing—were getting ready to leave Winterfell today. I looked back to the shadow woman.
"And how will I know what belongs to you looks like?" I asked her.
"Trust me, child, you will know it when you see it." The woman said. "Now do we have an accord?"
She held out her hand to me, and after a moment of hesitation, I stepped forward while taking her hand.
"I will bring what is yours back to you." I swore to her.
The woman cackled while tightening her hand around mine, which had me worried I made the wrong kind of deal. However, if it helped Bran, I would risk going to the Wall, and I would return because there was still much work to do.
"I will hold you to your vow, child." The woman cooed. "Until our next meeting."
She vanished in an instant with her grip lasting a moment longer before it left as well. I heard stirring behind me, so I turned my head to look at Catelyn as she was waking.
"Celena?" She murmured. "Is anything wrong?"
"No, milady." I said to her. "All is well."
I then bid her farewell while opening the door to Bran's room. I paused when seeing Cersei there. Though I did not like her, I bowed to her.
"Your Grace." I said. "Please, pardon me."
She silently stepped to the side, and I walked on knowing I needed to speak with Ned right away.
"You say this goddess said she would heal my son?" Ned asked as I stood with him and Benjen.
I had found the two speaking together near the stables, and cut in as politely as possible. I told Ned of my meeting with his goddess, which led to explaining to Benjen exactly who I was. He took it better than I thought. However, I guess he has seen all sorts of unexplainable things north of the Wall.
"Yes, Lord Stark." I said. "I only need to retrieve something for her. Something being held by a boy named Adriarah."
I looked to Benjen as I said this, and watched him shift slightly at the mention of the young blacksmith.
"The Wall is no place for a woman." Benjen said. "Some of the men—especially the new recruits—won't hesitate to try and take advantage of you."
"If they so much as look at me in a way I find disturbing, I will turn them into eunuchs, and display their balls out for everyone to see." I said without hesitation. "Or perhaps I will feed them to Persephone as they watch."
Said direwolf—who was about the size of a normal wolf now—looked up from her spot at my feet. She licked her chops as if she knew what I was talking about. Benjen looked to Ned with a questionable look while probably wondering if I was being serious. Ned nodded his head while looking almost amused by my words.
"I understand the Wall is dangerous." I said to Benjen. "And I appreciate your concern. However, I will do this for Bran. Besides, your lord commander needs to be warned about the dangers to come. You all need to be."
Benjen still didn't look happy though he didn't protest anymore about me joining him and his men back to the Wall.
"Visitors are allowed at the Wall." Benjen said. "You will be the first woman, however."
"Then I will be sure to be on my best behavior as long as the men are." I said. "And I won't stay long, I assure you. Once I get what I need from Adriarah, I will return to Winterfell."
I walked to Sansa's chambers because there was some business I had to do with her. I already told my temporary farewells to Rickon, Catelyn, Bran, and Arya. Now I needed to speak with the eldest Stark Daughter.
"Sansa," I called as I stepped into her room.
Sansa, who was putting away some of her things, looked up as Lady came to greet me at the door. I reached to pet the direwolf on top her head before she went back to her place on the floor.
"I see you're almost ready to go." I said to Sansa. "Though I have something else for you to pack."
Sansa looked at me curiously as I walked forward with those blades I had especially made for her in my hands wrapped up in clothe. I set the cloth on her bed while unfolding it to reveal the blades. She frowned at them then went back to packing.
"I have no need for them." Sansa said. "A lady needn't fight. Besides, my beloved Joffrey will ensure to keep me safe."
I sighed at her love struck look while wondering what she saw in the blonde prick of a prince. He might know how to use the sword at his hip, but I highly doubted he ever had the need to use it. That means he'd be useless in protecting anyone.
"Sansa, it's time you get your head out of the clouds." I said sternly. "Prince Joffrey isn't some knight in shining armor. The second a fight broke out, he would be hiding behind you if it meant saving his own skin."
Sansa frowned at me with her eyes narrowed. She obviously didn't like me speaking of her precious Joffrey like that. However, I did not care.
"What I say is the truth even if you don't like to hear it." I said. "You need a way to defend yourself when someone else isn't around to do it. You promised me you would learn to take care of yourself in a fight if I took your lady lessons. I held up my end of the bargain, and it obviously that hand-to-hand combat isn't your forte. Hence why I am giving you these."
I picked up one of the blades while holding it out to her. She made a displeased face though did reach out to take it carefully.
"They're tiny, so they may fit underneath your clothes." I said. "I suggest altering your dresses, so you may keep the blades hidden though pull them out when needed."
"I won't need them though." Sansa insisted. "King's Landing is much different than here I am sure."
"Yes, it is." I said. "There will be more dangers there than here, I assure you. Now just promise me you will carry these with you always."
Sansa looked as if she wanted to protest, but I was about to let her do that because I needed peace of mind that she and Arya would be alright.
"Sansa!" I snapped getting her to jump before she could get the words out of her mouth. "Enough. You will carry these with you wherever you go because guess what—not everyone is a nice person, and you can't rely on only men to protect you. You do that, and you will get a rude awakening the second you are in trouble with no man around to help you. This is for your own protection, understand?"
Sansa went quiet while looking at the blade in her hand. I could tell she still didn't want it, but as long as she kept it with her, I didn't care if she hated it.
"Fine." Sansa said as she looked at me. "I'll keep them."
I let out a sigh hoping she was telling me the truth. If not, hopefully I could rely on Arya talking some sense into her. I then stepped forward to hug the younger girl.
"I'm sorry for being so rough, but this is for your own good." I said to her. "Now, please, be safe in the capital, and don't feel too broken hearted when the prince disappoints you. Believe me, you don't want the pain."
I said this while thinking about Jon who had to be preparing for the journey to the Wall right now. I sighed wondering if I could even handle prolonging the time before our farewell.
NO POV:
Jon let out a sigh as he carried his saddle over his shoulder while heading towards his horse. He has said his goodbyes to his siblings except for Robb, but his farewell to Bran hadn't gone too well since Catelyn once again pushed him away. There was also one more he has yet to say farewell to, but she hasn't spoken to him in over a week. She was still upset with him—not that he could blame her. Especially after what he said. He partially lied when he said there was nothing for him here. She was more than enough to be a reason to stay.
He wanted to stay with her. He wanted to remain at her side, but that wasn't what was best for her. Robb would make her a more suitable match. Not only would Robb keep her safe, but also if they were to marry, Celena would become Lady of Winterfell, which would be much better than to be the wife of some bastard born boy. At least at the Wall he could fight to keep the White Walkers from crossing the Wall. He wouldn't let them get south of the Wall to hurt anyone—especially her. Jon came out of his thoughts as he noticed Robb fall into step with him.
"You've said goodbye to Bran?" He asked.
Jon just nodded not wanting to speak about his goodbye to Bran because it'd only bring up Catelyn—Robb and Bran's mother.
"He's don't going to die." Robb said. "I know it."
"You Starks are hard to kill." Jon joked.
Robb chuckled in amusement as Jon shouldered his saddle before it could slip off.
"My mother?" Robb asked as they reached Jon's horse.
He was worried his mother might have done something to ruin Jon's farewell to Bran. It was no secret that Catelyn Stark detested Jon. However, Robb saw Jon as his brother, and did not like how his mother treated him.
"She was very kind." Jon lied as he put the saddle on his horse.
"Good." Robb said as Jon turned towards him. "Next time I see you, you'll be all in black."
"It was always my color." Jon jested.
The two then just stood silent for a moment before Robb guessed it was time to say his farewell to his younger brother.
"Farewell, Snow." He said.
"And you, Stark." Jon said.
"Why don't you two give up trying to be manly and hug each other already?" A new voice cut in.
Both of them turned to see Celena standing there holding the reigns of the horse that Ned had gifted to her. She was also dressed in her riding close, which were just some old clothes of Jon's as usual. Jon straightened up at the sight of her while guessing this might be his only chance to say goodbye to her.
"And where are you going?" Robb asked her. "I was not told you were going to King's Landing."
He hoped not. Though he supposed it was a possibility since Sansa and Arya were going.
"I'm not going to King's Landing." Celena said. "I am to go to the Wall to speak with the Lord Commander about my dreams and the White Walkers."
She then looked to Jon who looked at her in shock as was Robb. He couldn't believe it. Ned consented this?
"It seems as if we will be riding companions for a bit." Celena said.
CELENA'S POV:
I road alongside Tyrion as he kept with the small group heading for the Wall. Apparently, I wasn't the only guest the Night's Watch was going. Jon was at the rear of the group speaking with Ned as we traveled with those heading to King's Landing until it came time to separate from each other. There was also two Lannister guards coming along with us, and they were on either side of Tyrion and me. Apparently the little Lord told his men to protect me as if they were protecting a Lannister. I appreciated the gesture, but I believe I have proven that I can take care of myself.
I glanced towards the carriage, which carried the Queen and her children as I thought of Jayderia. We hadn't spoken much during her stay, and I never confronted her about what she was. Honestly, I didn't see her being much help in the future events to come. She may be the daughter of this world's Zeus, but she was not a warrior. It was best to leave her King's Landing. If ever a time came that she needed aid, or if she needed a home, I would help her if possible because she is of my kind. Until that time comes, best to leave her be.
"Celena," Ned called from the rear as Jon was leaving him.
I turned my horse around to have it walk back to him, and as Jon was passing me, he reached out to grab my wrist, which brought me to a stop.
"As long as you travel with us, you do not leave my side." He said. "And before you protest, I am doing this to put my mind at ease—not because I see you as weak."
He stared intensely into my eyes as he waited my reply as I let out a sigh. I suppose it was the least I could do considering how upset he had gotten when he first learned I was joining him. He and Robb both had went to protest to Ned, but the Lord of Winterfell refused their pleas of me staying in Winterfell.
"Very well." I said.
Jon stared into my eyes a bit longer before he nodded his head as well. He let go of me then went to catch up to the others. I continued over to Ned while stopping my horse beside his.
"Be careful while at the Wall." Ned said. "Benjen was right when he said any of those men could try to take you even if just for a night. Most of them are rapers and thieves. You cannot trust them."
I nodded my head while knowing where I was going wasn't safe. It wasn't dangerous like those quests where monsters awaited me at every turn. It was a different kind of dangerous where men were my enemies—not monsters.
"I will keep safe, I promise." I said. "And Persephone will be with me as well if I need her."
I looked towards the young direwolf as she and Ghost ran around the country side while staying close to the group, but also exploring a bit.
"Yes, I am certain she will look out for you." Ned said. "All I ask is that you do not do anything risky while at the Wall. For example, try to go beyond it."
"Lord Stark, do you really think I would do something so foolish?" I asked.
Though I won't lie. The thought has crossed my mind. Go beyond the wall to see the walkers for myself, and to see if I could find the man amongst them.
"You are not a fool, but you try to take too much on by yourself, child." Ned said. "Just promise me that you will not go beyond the Wall."
He gave me a stern look. A look I'm sure a father might give his daughter, which actually filled me with warmth. I wish my own father could take the time to be concerned about my safety like Ned it.
"I promise." I said.
Ned nodded then leaned over to place a kiss on top my head. He then road off to catch up to the group going to King's Landing. I watched him go for t a moment then turned to follow after my own group. I couldn't waste anymore time. I just hoped we reached the Wall as quickly as possible. The sooner I met Adriarah to retrieve the shadow woman's trinket the sooner Bran would be healed.