I have restarted this story under the nameThe Stark
This will be where I will post everything.
I'm changing Leon Stark to be where I'll post my rough draft so I can listen to it . Which will help me fix errors and I can add more content.
The journey through this rugged terrain was challenging. The forests were dense, full of hidden paths and secret glades. Despite the harshness of the land, there was a rugged beauty that captivated the senses. The windswept plains with golden grasses waving in the breeze. The rocky cliffs and crags of the mountains were awe-inspiring, and the forests were alive with the songs of birds and the rustling of leaves.
As we continued our journey towards the southernmost part of Westeros, we encountered many different landscapes and terrains. The dense forest turns into rolling stony mountains. our carriages struggled to keep up with the pace. This is the worst terrain to try to drive a carriage through. We had to replace six wheels. Thank the old gods I was so insistent in bringing three spares for each wheel. We spent a half a day just digging one of the carriages out of a hole. Just as we were about to continue our journey, we were hailed by lord Beric Dondarrion and his forces as they were traveling back to Blackhaven. With the help of Lord Dondarrion and his men we were able to have an easier time, navigating through the region.
I had placed Theon Snow as my second in command and had him help me organize and lead the 200 men. He and Lord Dondarrion seem to have spent time together at the Stoney Sept. Each night, we would make camp and Lord Dondarrion and Theon would regale me with stories of his adventures. They spoke of battles won and lost, of comrades fallen and enemies vanquished. After traveling together for eight days, we finally arrived at Castle Blackhaven. As I rode next to Lord Dondarrion as we crossed the bridge over the moat, and into the castle. I took my time admiring the black basalt walls that defended the castle. We only stayed the night and thanked Lord Dondarrion for his hospitality. I wished we could stay and enjoy his company longer but I explained how urgent it is that we find my aunt. Before heading out Lord Dondarrion was kind enough to top off our water and food supplies.
Four days before we arrived at the prince's pass the landscape slowly began to change. The marshlands gave way to rocky terrain revealing a harsh and unforgiving landscape. As we were climbing down the side of the mountain and into the pass a storm hit us out of nowhere. The sky darkened and it poured down rain for almost an hour. Only through luck we were in a high area that we didn't need to worry about being washed away by flash flood. I order the men to make camp and at least wait a day before continuing to let the ground dry up again. Surprisingly by the end of the day most of the water had vanished into the ground or had evaporated.
Before I left Kings landing, I had carved some rune into five barrels that would work like dehumidifiers pulling water from the air so we will have fresh water to drink. They were not permanent and probably would last us another two months before they would start deteriorating the barrels. Already the water had a hint of a strange taste to it. The next leg of our journey was through the deserts of Dorne. The heat was oppressive. We were grateful for the extra food and water that Lord Dondarrion had provided us.
What I did find interesting was several plants that we ran across in our journey, many of them mundane but useful. The greatest finds were on the day after the flash flood. I found several magical plant specimens that I recognized. I admit I have not been looking at the fauna and flora while traveling through Westeros. Because of the slow pace of our travels. Having to deal with the carriages and the terrain. We took long breaks. While sitting down one day and digging my fingers through the dirt I discovered Blackroot Dittany. Blackroot Dittany which has extremely potent healing sap in the roots. The stems of the plant when soaked in water for a day will turn the water toxic. It will kill off all bacteria and harmful parasites. If you let the water sit for a month, poison will dissipate and become harmless. You'll be left with pure clean drinking water that has a small healing effect.
I was able to uncover several more magical plants. I was extremely surprised to run across shriveled figs after the flash flood. I climbed back up the mountain to where the water flowed down from. I found a whole bunch of shriveled figs growing on the western side of the Red Mountains. I was surprised to find them in Dorne since they normally grow in cold environments.
Several days into our trip through the princes pass I was informed that the mountain was starting to smell that his broken arms and legs may be infected. It took me several days to figure out how to create this unholy healing concoction without the proper equipment. Making a syrupy mixture using the sap of the Blackroot. I force the concoction down the mountain's throat. It will not fully heal his arms and legs but should get rid of the infection. I also used what was left in the pot to dose sir piggy.
Looking over the map in my tent. I've calculated how far we have traveled, and how far we still have to go. If I've read the map correctly. We should arrive at the tower of joy early in the afternoon the next day. Only two days before Ned should have arrived in canon. So, my aunt shouldn't have gone into labor. As pleased as I am with the situation of finding magical plants. I'm annoyed at how close we are to the canon timeline. I was hoping to have more time and even move her to Starfall before she went into labor.
Just after dark my sentries were notified by the scouts that we had riders coming. A few minutes later Ned Stark rode into the camp followed by Howland Reed and of all people Roose Bolton. I groaned inwardly as I saw this moron and wondered what he's going to do to mess things up. He climbed off his horse and walked towards me angrily. I invited him into my tent to talk and rest. Once inside the tent he asked me why I abandoned him in King's Landing. He accused me of sneaking out of King's Landing.
I rolled my eyes and asked him if he was accusing me of sneaking 15,000 soldiers from three different kingdoms without being noticed. He looked away and flushed with embarrassment for how stupid that sounded. All along I was grinning inward to myself, because that is exactly what I did. I didn't want him hanging about potentially questioning everything I was doing. trying to bud in when he is not needed. So, I had placed a small compulsion on him and Robert to kind of forget about everything that's happening around them and just enjoy their time together. I also encouraged his morals to be loosened so he can go drinking and whoring with Robert without feeling guilty or worrying. Who knows we might get a Jon for Catelyn to hate and worry about.
Looking a little hurt and angry I explained that I tried to get his attention several times before leaving the Red Keep. Each time he was too busy to listen because he was off with his best friend or he was passed out in a tavern or a brothel.
He tried to change the subject again and brought up Stennis and how he was angry that I showed him such disrespect. I then cut him off again and informed him that Stennis is being dramatic. I lifted the siege and saved him and his people's lives from starving. On top of that I negotiated for him to get a quarter million gold to help rebuild Storms End. When I found out about where aunt Lyanna was, I was more focused on that than having to deal with his power plays. I then told him to go find a place to sleep out of my tent since I do not have time to hear him whining and complaining. Ordering my bodyguard to escort him out.
Though I was annoyed to see Ned, what I was happy about was the fact that Bolton was here. I have been thinking of a way to get rid of that family and take possession of their land. I want to have a harbor in Stark land. while thinking about Bolton. I recalled a day ago seeing a Red Viper slithering across the sand. From what I recall you would need to take the antivenom in the first ten minutes after being bitten. If you don't, you'll likely die. I decided that I would need to keep an eye out for another one.
Around midday, we could finally make out the tower of joy situated on a huge slab of stone at the base of the mountain. As we slowly rode up the hill and dismounted near the rocky entrance to the tower of joy. I ordered my uncle to stay back but of course he didn't listen and rode up ahead of me with Bolton and Reed. Speaking to Theon Snow, I order him to have my men ready to fight and have my crossbowmen take a position, so they can have a clear sight of the Kings guard. After that I walked to where Arthur Dane was talking to my uncle. Ned was about to say something in response to sir Arthur Dane. Before he could I had my bodyguards yank him, Reed and Bolton from behind and push them to the ground. Looking down at him I told him to keep his mouth shut and if he ever disobeys me again, I will have him flogged. Before turning to talk to sir Arthur Dane.
"Sir Arthur Dane I know you are a man of honor and integrity. So, there must be more to the story of what happened to my aunt than what I have been told." in a quiet, but audible tone "I am hoping the rumors that I have heard that she was not kidnapped is true." I continued; I told him. "I do not wish any harm on her or to any child she might have had. She was always kind to me." "That I would kill any man who would threaten her or try to kill anyone with my blood." pleadingly I asked him. "I would ask you to allow one of my guards and these healers that I have brought with me to see my aunt and to get the true story of the event that transpired." letting out a sigh say "Please do not make me use my men. I do not wish to have your death on my hand since I have the highest respect for you."
Arthur looked to Lord Commander Hightower and after a minute commander Hightower gave me permission to go in and talk to my aunt unarmed. He informed me that my bodyguard would have to stay outside but I may take the healers with me. My uncle was about to argue before I glared at him and my bodyguard moved in front of him. Causing him to shut his mouth before stomping away towards his horse. I order Theon Snow to have the men watch my uncle and especially Bolton and if they see anything suspicious to subdue them.
Walking up the stairs I was anxious and worried since I haven't made my decision on what to do. I did like Lyanna and she was kind to me. Having her around wouldn't really be a hindrance to me. Honestly the only thing that I truly worried about was having the King's guard still being alive. The only one I don't want to kill is Arthur Dane. I had good impressions of him from my past lives. Though the only thing I can recall about him is from the TV show.
There is also no way that I'm going to have my Targaryen cousin ever be named King. It might be easier to have him die in childbirth. Though it would be nice to have a source of willingly given Targaryen blood to play with. I only had a few more pieces of enchanted parchment to get people to agree to my ideas. I was hoping to save it in dealing with Dorne. I might have to use them to get the best solution to this situation.
As I walked into the room I could see my aunt sitting up in bed which is a good sign I think. I actually have no idea of anything to do with childbirth but I've been listening to stories when I had the time from the midwives that I brought. She seemed happy to see me and got up and walked over to me to give me a hug. Before I knew it I realized that I had tears coming out of my eyes and I was actually really happy to see her. These emotions caught me by surprise. I knew I cared for her but I didn't realize how much. Panicking, I started to search my feelings and felt some relief knowing that as much as I care for her that if she stepped in my path I wouldn't hesitate to remove her. I would feel really bad and shitty but I wouldn't hesitate. I sighed with relief knowing that.
Wiping the tears from my eyes she tried to pull me onto her lap while sitting down. Her belly was so big that I nearly fell off her lap having to brace myself with one of my legs so I didn't fall. Laughing, she had me sit next to her on the bed. Before we continued, I told her I needed to know about what happened to her, that if I don't get in contact with my men. I'm afraid they're going to attack the tower. I also asked her if she has enough healers that I had vetted the ones that I have with me and would like them to look her over to make sure everything will be alright. She looked at me curiously commenting about how mature I've been acting. I blinked. This is the first time anyone has seen through my charm bracelet. I've been around her for more than a couple of minutes and usually when I start speaking, the compulsion on the bracelets makes people overlook my age.
She told me the story of how she didn't wish to marry Robert. How grandfather kept receiving letters from Ned and Jon Arryn encouraging the marriage and writing about all of Roberts' virtues. How grandfather still wanted his southern alliance even more than before. She was not happy with it, but was resigned until she met him at the tournament of Harrenhal. That most of the time she interacted with him he was drunk or getting drunk. how he would come up to her after crawling out of a tent of a camp follower still having the woman smell on him. When he was sober he would make promises after promises to her. She seemed to think that he was more excited about becoming Ned's brother than actually marrying her.
Then she told me about the Knight of the laughing tree and how Prince Rhaegar and Sir Arthur Dane found her. How she listened to him sing how they ran into each other several more times at the tournament. How she felt being given the crown of beauty. How she's received several letters from him secretly sent to her. When he asked her to run away with him she willingly left. She told me about her marriage, and when she got the news about my father and my grandfather. They didn't hear about their death until almost two months after it happened. She was planning on going with Rhaegar, but had a really bad episode of mourning sickness.
When I asked her if she sent any letters she informed me that she sent a letter to Riverrun addressed to my grandfather and father since they were on their way to visit and negotiate with Holster. That actually caught me by surprise. I know my father and grandfather went on a trip. I was under the impression they were going to the Vale to meet up with Lord Arryn and Ned as well as negotiate with Robert. I knew my father went ahead with a bunch of his friends and my grandfather was going to take a boat from white harbor. They wouldn't be discussing marriage proposals since Holster without my influence wouldn't marry his daughter to a second son. My father was married as much as he pretended he was not. On top of that I was his legal heir.
I then introduced my aunt to the midwives and healer. Telling her that I have a nursing maid as well with us. She looked at me questioningly asking me why I would have brought them. I told her seriously that if she was kidnapped the likelihood of her having a child was high. I am happy that she is with child and there was no kidnapping.
Again, she looked at me oddly. commenting again about how mature I am acting. That sort of freaked me out. Perhaps when I first arrived the magic may have not weaved into her mind since it has been active for such a long time but it should have sunk in by now. I would think something is wrong with my bracelet, but no one else seems to think that it was odd. As I left the tower to go talk to my men. I started fiddling with my bracelet making sure the runes were not damaged and it still had power running through it. Everything seems to be correct. I can still feel the power flowing through it. I would have to examine it more carefully later but so far it looks like it should be working. Gathering my troops as well as my uncle, Howland and Lord Bolton I told my aunt's side of the story. Not leaving anything out during the discussion of Robert, many of my men were glaring at Ned. Secretly I was glad to see my whisper campaign to have him viewed less favorably in the North is working.
I know people will say why am I picking on him. Mostly I just do not trust him in any position of power that might affect me. He's a simple man who likes simple things. For example, I don't believe he likes change even if it would improve the lives of the people of the North. I am not saying that Ned is stupid because he is rather smart and well educated for a second son. It is his notion on how the world should work. It was his belief that he taught to his kids that almost destroyed house Stark.
