Ages (at end of the chapter): (Decided to age some up and down)

17 - Aidin, Doron

13 – Theon, Viserys, Rhaenys

11 - Visenya, Robb, Aegon

10 – Daenerys, Joffrey

9 - Sansa, Myrcella

8 - Arya

7 – Bran, Tommen

4 - Rickon

The Gift

Upon reaching the North, the temperature drastically changed. It gotten a lot colder, but it wasn't too bad due to the fact that a lot of the area in The Gift was in the plains. The bad part was because of the open area, they had decided to construct the castle at the connection from the mountains to the plains. Or to be more accurate, they started building the castle into the mountain, in order to give it more protection. They already had the villagers living in the Gift move to where the castle was being built so that the village was built around it.

So, while builders were making the castle, the villagers were making the village. They had already started before she even arrived. The King had ordered it to start immediately after he agreed for it to happen. So right at the start of the rebellion. Paid in full too. Well, the past king since upon them arriving, they were informed of the King's death.

Good riddance too. He was a monster that needed to be put down. Now the only thing that needs to be finished is the rebellion which should be soon. Reports already came in that they were sieging the capital.

Wrapping the fur closer to her body from within her large tent, Visenya looked over the book on the lap of her cross legs. It contained a lot of information she needed to learn about the area. The King's Guard had already left back to King's Landing leaving her with the twins and a small army of men consisting of some Northerners and from the Targaryen army. They were currently patrolling the area and assisting the builders with the construction of the castle.

While she didn't have to pay taxes to the North, she did have to pay taxes to the Crown. So, she needed a way to grow and bring in income. The only two methods she knew that could work, would be using the plains for farming and stone from the mountains. The stone in the mountains is probably why it made it easy for the builders to build. There was an abundance of it waiting to be mine. All of the Kingdoms could use stone, which is something needed now to rebuild from the rebellion. The North and the Wall needed food for the winter. She can provide it for them and cut off the Reach. A form of revenge against them for not answering her plea for help.

She just needed workers and seeds. She can have people put the word out that the Gift is looking for workers and soldiers. It would take time but if people wanted to make a living to support their family, they will come. She can buy some seeds from Dorne and traders from Essos. That should at least get them off the ground until more adjustments are made. She after all had a year to get ready before sending her forces beyond the wall, according to the deal. It would be hard to do but not impossible.

This also all depends on if King Rhaegar will follow through with the deal. Knowing him and the royal family, they would forget about me again, and leave me to myself. Something I would be happy with as I want nothing to do with them. So, I will stay here quietly. I will learn how to rule and manage these lands. Learn how to lead an army and become a better fighter. And I will master the use of magic. When the castle is fully built and things are normalized, I will hatch my babies. Secretly of course. She also needed to have people to trust around her. She couldn't do everything alone.

And that's what started to happen.

A couple of moons later, reports came in that the rebellion was over. Balon Greyjoy swore fealty once again and his son Theon became Lord Eddard Stark's ward. Instead of returning back to their castles, all of the Lords returned to King's Landing to see Rhaegar officially crowned and to swear fealty. It was a way to promote peace and strength. To wrap up the events Daenerys gave the family a gift she snuck from King Aerys. Dragon Eggs. One for Rhaegar, Rhaella, Rhaenys, Aegon, Viserys, and herself. A statement that the dragons were still strong and will become stronger than ever.

They done this while King's Landing was still in repair and without noticing she wasn't present. They were so caught up with the events that they didn't even know that the stone they were using to repair the area was being bought from her. They just wanted it quickly and from whoever was selling it, allowing for her to reap the benefits.

Her coffers were starting to overflow with gold from selling stone to King's Landing, Riverlands, Westerlands, and the North for repairs. Something that quickly drained to low amounts since she had to take that gold and put it into her land. Paying for expansions to the castle, better walls, barracks for her army, defenses, better equipment and gear for everyone, things to fill up the castle, staff, and finally her own banner designs. A black background with a blue dragon and dire wolf chasing each other in a circle. A representation of her lineage.

It was only when the Northern army returned to the North that the castle was built to live in but the additions, she paid for were still underway. During this time, she got to know three maids who came here looking for work. One from King's Landing, another from Dragonstone, and the last from here in the North. Saera, Milla, and Vayon respectively. Saera was someone who surprised her having brunette hair and purple eyes. There might be some Valyrian ancestry within her. Most likely a bastard but she didn't care. Saera gave off a bubbly and happy personality that she just loved to have around. Vayon having blonde hair and blue eyes, gave off the serious attitude to most but soft with the people she cares about. Milla having silver blonde hair and blue eyes gave arura of competence and reassurance. She was also deadly with a blade, having blades hidden on her body for herself and the groups protection.

Once in a while after escaping her maids who at times felt like family, left with some of her men to surveillance the area. She knew that the North had springs of hot water in random locations. She just hoped to find one close to the castle, which as the gods would have it, she was in luck.

"So, you found a hot spring. What do you plan to do with it besides melt your skin off?" question Doron from his horse next to her looking at the steaming springs. He knew they were hot from the reports some men had given in when they tried to relax in it. A very bad idea for them. The temperature is unpredictable. It can be warm and relaxing one moment and then scorching hot the next.

From on top of her white horse she unrolled a map to show the Gift with the castle. "I'm going to hire workers to dig a small stream underground from here to the village and castle. The heat will rise up into the rocks and dirt to heat up the surface. Not big enough to destabilize the ground" she explained as he nodded in awe. This would definitely do well for when it gets colder.

She started getting into more detail with him when the sound of a horse approaching them was heard. Turning to the direction she noticed it was one of her soldiers. Giving a bow he approached her and gave her a scroll. Opening it up, she read the contents of it with a frown.

"It seems Lord Stark is coming to pay us a visit with his family". Pulling her horse around, she started walking it back to the castle with the rest of the party following her.

"His family? Did he say exactly who?"

"He is bringing his wife, two of his sons, and his two daughters. He is also bringing his ward."

"Why so much of the family?" Aidin asked confused. "Maybe he wants to introduce them to their cousin for the first time. He is also meeting you for the first time as well" stated Doron making her hum in the sound of thinking.

"Well as long as they don't interfere with my duties, my plans, and how things operate here, there shouldn't be an issue. For now, we have to prepare a banquet and ready their rooms. I want to set a good impression" she finished.

With news that House Stark would be arriving, preparation of the days went full into effect. The castle was cleaned up as much as possible with areas closed off due to builders expanding and improving. Food and drink storages were topped up with the cooks preparing for the nights banquet. The rooms they would be staying out were freshly clean with new bedding. Making sure everything was in order for their arrival she had guards waiting at the entrance to the village to escort them in when they arrive.

Village Entrance

The Stark party which including their guards had traveled not too far of a distance North into the Gift. They terrain had changed from the dense trees to the plains with small sections of trees in between. Traveling over a small hill they came across a field of crops going towards a village surrounding a beautiful average size castle. It was stunning to look at with the amount of work that was put into.

Upon reaching the village entrance Lord Stark was greeted by some guards welcoming him to "Eanverness". That being the village name and castle was called "Azgul Fortress". Leading them through the village the party could see that they were still growing with a lot of construction taking place, but they were doing well. Coming closer to the castle they could see the designs carved into them were of dragons and dire wolves. A perfect blend of the two but with no banners at the moment. They were probably getting made.

Pulling the horses and carriages near the stables, the members of House Stark got out of their carriages or off their horses to look around in amazement. "This is amazing" spoke the young girl known as Arya looking around at the designs and art.

"I'm glad you think so" answered a soft voice approaching them. The party turned their heads to see a beautiful young girl dressed in a white winter dress approaching them. They easily recognized her as Visenya Targaryen with her long white hair and purple eyes. Eddard easily recognized her because she looked so much like her mother, his sister. "Lyanna" he muttered.

Walking behind her were two guards in black armor of large built. They gave off the build of the 'mountain' but a bit smaller.

"My princess" called Lord Stark kneeling with the others of his party following his lead. "Rise, Lord Stark and welcome to Azgul Fortress. The servants will help all of you settle into your rooms. I shall give you a tour while they do so" she greeted.

"Thank you for welcoming us. This is my wife Catelyn, my heir Robb, my daughters Sansa and Arya, and my son Brandon" he stated standing up and introducing them. Taking in their appearance she gave a kind greeting before leading him into the castle.

They walked through the halls for a bit as she showed him around before he steered the conversation towards another direction. "Are you okay after everything that happened, princess?"

"Visenya. You can call me Visenya. But yes, I am fine. I have my peace and quiet here as well as my duties. The crown doesn't bother me as they seem to forgotten about me. I like to keep it that way" she answered making him frown.

"The duties according to the deal is to lead an army to combat the wildlings. That shouldn't be your responsibility" he stated making her raise an eyebrow at him.

"And what are supposed to be my duties? Marry whoever the crown says for an alliance, stay locked up in a castle to pop babies and raise them? I think not Lord Stark. Regardless of how you may see it, this is the most freedom I ever had. More freedom the most women in the Kingdoms. All I have to do is protect the North and that's it. No dealing with lies from King's Landing or others controlling my fate. Do not let your honor take away my freedom" she warned making him freeze.

The look she gave him reminded him so much of Lyanna. And taking her freedom of choice led to war and her death. No, he couldn't allow that to happen again because of his honor and personal feelings. "But you are so young. Why did this have to fall on your shoulders" he muttered but she heard him.

"King's Landing and King Aerys forced me to learn fast. The rebellion just increased that" she answered.

"I don't want to drive you away from me, so against my better judgement, I won't say a word to change this for you. I will also provide any assistance I can if you require it. You can also call me Uncle. No need for titles when it's just us family. Just don't take on so much that you are not ready for and if you are ever in trouble. Come to me. Me and the North will protect you" he offered making her give him a grateful nod.

"Thank you for respecting my wishes and for your assistance….Uncle"