Chapter Text
THE NEW REALM.
THE HALL OF GODS AND GODDESSES.
During all of the awakenings happening among their followers, powerful Gods and goddesses from different religions were watching what was happening from the realm they newly created. To look after their champion. To protect their Princess that was promised.
The magnificent Hall they were in was a new addition to the realm and Old Gods of Forest were hopeful this one would survive until the end of the time (and would not be destroyed in a moment of anger by one of them like the earlier ones they had created) since most of the Gods were finally tired of fighting with each other and stealing each other's worshippers.
The hall resembled a grand banquet hall with towering figures observing passersby. These entities were either Higher Being's subjects that were awarded for their loyalty by being given something close to immortality or some New Gods who have ruled over the world in their respective eras and were currently inactive due to having very limited followers and influence over the world. They were here to act as guardians and servants of the most powerful Gods and Goddesses and their duties included keeping an eye on time and the divine plans of the higher beings they followed when the said beings were busy with numerous meetings they had with each other.
The hall's interior was a spacious hall, with a pavement of white marble. Overhead was a lofty dome, supported by long rows of pillars of fantastic architecture, the idea of which was probably taken from some enchanted edifice in the tales one of them came across in the other worlds they watched over.
In niches and on pedestals around the hall stood the statues and busts of all the gods and goddesses who in every age have been rulers and their beloved chosen warriors, most of them from the era called 'Age of Heroes', some of them like Aemon the Dragonknight from the recent years, they liked to honor and remember with fondness from time to time.
In the center of the hall was a grand table that was rarely used since the higher beings usually liked hanging around by the windows. This was due to the said windows of the hall having a breadth and grandeur of design and an elaborateness of workmanship that had nowhere been equaled in the eyes of the Gods and Goddesses. The windows also admitted the light outside only through stained and pictured glass, thus filling the hall with many-colored radiance and painting its marble floor with beautiful or grotesque designs; so that its inmates breathe, as it were, a visionary atmosphere and therefore causing the higher beings to spend most of their time either around the said windows or the in the beautiful garden that was created by Mother Rhoyne herself.
These peculiarities, combining a wilder mixture of styles, made the realm they created very enchanting and exotic in the eyes of Gods and Goddesses, which probably caused the realm to flourish with every passing moment.
During one of their meetings, a guardian named Joramun passed among the fantastic pillars of the Hall and came to a spot where several powerful Gods and Goddesses were clustered together in the light of one of the great stained windows, which seemed to glorify the whole group as well as the marble that they trod on.
Most of them were powerful Gods and Goddesses of the world with meditative countenances, and thoughtful, inward eyes; yet it required but a trifle to summon up mirth, peeping out from the very midst of grave and lofty musings. Some strode about, or leaned against the pillars of the hall, alone and in silence; their faces wore a rapt expression, as if bittersweet music were in the air around them or as if their inmost souls were about to float away in song. One or two, perhaps, stole a glance at the others, to watch if their poetic absorption was observed. These were all forgotten gods, Joramun realized and felt sorry for them.
Others stood talking in groups, with a liveliness of expression, a ready smile, and a light, intellectual laughter, which showed how rapidly the shafts of wit were glancing to and fro among them.
As Joramun lingered near them, — for he felt an inward attraction that had united him to their order, one of them noticed him and tilted her head to the side to ask what he was doing in the hall. Joramun cleared his throat, bowed down after having the attention of everyone that was inside, and pressed his head to the floor with respect as he offered up a wood snuff box, with integral wood hinges and deeply carved with images of weirwoods and children of forest on the lid. The scenes from the time Children of Forest and First Man agreed to a peaceful coexistence by shaking hands and signing the Pact were carved to the sides and front as well. The beautiful box was carved by one of the Green Man at the end of the Dawn Age and Old Gods liked it so much, they were not ashamed to bring a replica of it to their newly created realm in honor of the pact.
The Old God of the Forest took the beautiful box, opened it more carefully and tenderly than usual, and stared into its depths. For a moment, nothing happened. Then the box began to glow and shake which lasted a few seconds and it suddenly crumbled and turned into the sand after its glow ran out. While the particles of sand fell to the ground from God's hands, The Other Old Gods gasped and threw angry looks towards the gods and goddesses around them.
With a deep sigh escaping from his lips, the Old God who had the box in his hands earlier, turned towards Joramun and silently ordered him to leave the hall with one of his hands. Then the Old God turned his gaze towards the Many-Faced God and the Stranger ''Which one of you stole the souls that belonged to us?'' he asked. His voice was halfway between a whisper and a shout, deep, rumbling like an earthquake that was happening.
''Wait, what? What are you accusing me-'' started saying Many-Faced God but then turned to the Stranger with his many eyes turning into black with anger and rage, ''You little soulless bastard! Which souls did you steal?'' He yelled.
Shrugging his shoulders carefree, the Stranger said, ''Just the souls that were used to bring Visenya Targaryen back to the time'' and started to play with his black-clad to avoid the other Higher Being's gazes.
The Many-Faced God glared at the Stranger for stealing his thunder. ''You little- how can you do this without consulting me-'' he said but then suddenly stopped talking when some of the other Gods and Goddesses sent him a sharp look, some of them cleared their throats while the smoke started to come out of Balerion's nose and one of the Old Gods of Forest hit the ground in anger and caused the ground to crack which caused MMother Rhoyne to send her a very nasty and threatening look.
Many-Faced God quickly corrected himself. ''I mean, without consulting us. Brother, you shamed me!'' After seeing more smoke coming from Balerion's nose, the Many-Faced God corrected himself once again, ''I mean, us. You shamed us!''
''Excuse me but-'' said one of the Goddesses Called Moon-Pale Maiden, taking a threatening step towards Stranger and Many-Faced God and starting to play with water she has called to her hands while she was talking, ''Were you two chuckleheads planning something behind our back?'' She asked and then continued after throwing the water she was playing with to the Stranger and Many-Faced God's faces ''AGAIN?!''
''I thought we were not going to do anything without consulting each other first.'' said another, stamping his foot on the ground and causing the hall to tremble with the impact.
''Easy, easy.'' said Drowned God while gesturing to the ornamental fountain he had just added to the hall yesterday. The water of the fountain continually throws itself into new shapes and snatches the most diversified lines from the stained atmosphere around. Its endless transformations have been something the Drowned God was proud of and he did not want it to be destroyed. ''Don't you guys make me mad by destroying this beauty.'' He said, throwing a glare at all the gods and goddesses around him.
''How can you betray us like this?'' asked the Many-Faced God, whining, turning towards the Stranger.
''Like you weren't thinking of doing the same or maybe even worse.'' Answered back the Stranger, his arms crossed and smiling, ''Don't look at me like that, brother and my fellow comrades. We are all on the same side here.'' Then after taking a second to give them an airy wave of his hand, he continued, ''And their lives were mine to take and mine to be given away''
''THEY WERE NOT!'' yelled one of the Old Gods of the Forest and then growled. ''You've stolen what was ours''
''They were not all your worshippers'' said The Stranger, rolling his eyes.
''Their lives were given to us, Stranger. This is the reason why we were able to gather enough strength and-'' answered back the same Old God, his eye starting to twitch.
''Oh yes. Sure. Do whatever you want. '' said the Stranger waving his hands in the air carelessly, once again. ''Just like I'm going to do whatever I want.''
Most of the other Gods and Goddesses in the hall all rose their voices and started talking over each other, while R'hllor was busy thinking deeply and seriously in the corner, stroking his chin. Meanwhile, Lion of Night and Maiden Made of Light were both having a secret telepathic conversation between them, their eyes closed. The Drowned God squinted his eyes when he noticed them and started watching them with suspicion, tilting his head to the side.
''ENOUGH'' yelled Vhaegar, hitting the ground harshly with her tail and causing another crack on the ground which caused Mother Rhoyne to send her one of the sharp, hard looks.
''We are all so sick of your smugness, Stranger. Said Balerion, leaning closer and squinting his eyes with menace. ''Should I remind you that we are in this mess BECAUSE OF YOU?!''
''You can't blame me for Faith of the Seven's worshippers being dumbasses.'' Said Stranger, taking a step towards him but Many-Faced God pulled him by the arm and pushed back, signing deeply. Then muttered silently after facepalming himself, ''Hero we go again.'' And suddenly multiple Gods and Goddesses started arguing by talking over each other.
While one of the Old Gods of the Forest was busy yelling at Balerion about how two-faced he was being with scolding the Stranger since it was him, the Balerion, screwed up at Valyria, Balerion was whining that these past mistakes being brought up during every meeting and Vhaegar and Syrax were defending Balerion with reminding the Old Gods of Forests all mistakes with Children of Forest and First Man. The whole time, Balerion had a look on his face as if he was debating whether he should hit the Old God of the Forest or not, while the said Old God argued back and front with Valyrian Gods calmly.
Meanwhile, the Stranger was busy arguing with those around him. After growing tired of watching all the fighting, Drowned God turned his gaze from Lion of Night and Maiden Made of Light towards them and crossed his arms, smirking slightly. ''So you admit they are dumbasses'' said the Drowned God, ''Remind me, how does one's worshippers create six fake Gods and end up forgetting to pray to the real one?''
''I meant that those who follow the fake Gods of the 'Seven' were dumbasses. Not those who pray to me.'' replied the Stranger, his shoulders stiffening, ''I was trying to stick to our ground rules and not get involved too much. You self-righteous bastards remember our rules, right? Or is it just me? Anyone?'' said Stranger, casting glances at everyone around him, but everyone averted their gaze.
Arms crossed and his chest held high, The Drowned God sent a very sly look at the Stranger and opened his mouth to make fun of the Stranger once again but Mother Rhoyne cut in by raising her hand and caused the Stranger's stiffened shoulders to relax. Anything but those fake gods, thought silently the Stranger. Anything but that.
''Please for the love of the sea, don't you start'' begged Mother Rhoyne. ''I really like this realm.'' Then after calling a huge ball of water to her hands stared at everyone around her blankly, quirking an eyebrow, she asked, ''Will you idiots be able to talk without destroying this hall or should I just throw you all out?''
''No need, my beautiful Goddess'' said one of the small fire Gods. ''There shall be no fight today''. Then he turned to the Drowned God and continued in a mocking tone, ''Anyway, why do you keep making fun of the Stranger, when what you are doing is even worse? I mean you are asking your worshipers to drown themselves in the sea just to be able to talk to them and yet they still misunderstand your teachings, aren't they? Now, that's something''
A few of the Gods around them let out big waves of laughter while Mother Rhoyner and some of the others sighed deeply and shook their heads.
''Ah, do not remind me'' said the Drowned God uncrossing his arms, ''If you guys just allowed me to bring Grey King back-''
''ABSOLUTELY NOT!'' Shouted at once pretty much everyone.
''He has ruled for 1,000 years, what more do you want?'' said one of the Old Gods of Forest, rolling her eyes.
''He has ruled for 1,007 years and it was still not enough'' whined Drowned God, pouting.
''That's even worse since you promised us that he'd only live for 1,000 years. Where the hell did the extra 7 years come from?'' said Many-Faced God in a scolding tone. Then, once again he started whining. ''And why you are the only one who was allowed to do shit like this?!''
''I'd also like to point out that he is right on your side. You know, since he is your right-hand man? Most devoted servant? Hmm? Don't you see him every day? If he went back, wouldn't you miss him?'' said one of the Old Gods of Forest in a very calm tone.
''Oh, it would indeed be hard to find another right hand as good as him. I need him here. What about-''
''NO'' Shouted at once every one, once again.
''Why do you guys have fun all the time while nobody allows me to do shit?''
''Look who's talking'' said Many-Faced God and started counting with his fingers one by one, ''Merlings, sea dragons, Krakens… should I continue?''
''You did have enough fun when you were young.'' Said Arrax cutting in with a grunt, ''Enough for all of us.''
''Maybe I should send them some visions or send some of my merlings to meet Visenya since at least they still listen to me.'' Said Drowned God, rubbing his chin in thought. ''They do still exist, you know. I'm sure Visenya would be really pleased to meet them''
''Please don't. I still get shivers when I think about the last time'' begged the Many-Faced God, clearly remembering his last interaction with the creatures.
''How about a sea dragon, then?'' asked the Drowned God in a very excited tone.
''We'll talk about it later'' said one of the Old Gods of Forests gently, as he patted the pouting Drowned God's back. ''However, my friend,'' he continued waving his branches excitedly, ''If you want to make Visenya happy, maybe you should tell your worshippers not to attack North?''
''They are too idiot for that'' said Drowned God, sighing deeply.
''And you ask why we never let you have fun'' said Stranger rolling his eyes which caused Drowned God to send him a very angry look.
''Don't start fighting amongst yourselves brothers'' said Bakkalon of the Sword who was a god favored by soldiers in Essos, trying to come between them to defuse tension. ''We all need to be wise about this. We can't help humans too much. Our previous attempts were all turned to dust due to-''
''This is all of you conceited bastards fault, anyway'' said Balerion with smoke coming out of his mouth with anger. ''Ah those golden old days, before the Doom of Valyria, if I was allowed to send someone back in time as well''
''The doom happened for a reason and we can't intervene every time our followers make some really questionable choices'' said R'hllor still rubbing his chain, only listening to those around him half-ear, and his mind is so far away.
''Oh, were you here? I never noticed'' said Many-Faced God, gravelly.
''It is easy for you to say when you still have so many followers.'' Said the Drowned God hitting the ground with anger and throwing a hard, angry look at the Stranger. All around water suddenly surrounded them, flying in the air.
Mother Rhoyne raised her voice in anger when she realized the damage. ''Have I not myself been clear before? I'll throw everyone outside if one more person hit the ground in anger or damages the hall at all''
''Hey, it was you who destroyed the earlier one. Why are you yelling at us now?'' whined one of the Gods.
''Exactly'' said Mother Rhoyne smiling evilly and causing the Gods and Goddesses around her to gulp with fear. ''Remember the last time and tread lightly from now on.''
After a moment of silence, Mother Rhoyne rubbed her hands together as if trying to conjure sparks for a sea storm which caused everyone around her to get their pupils dilated and pulse elevated because that was exactly what destroyed their previous hall the last time. ''Now. All of your filthy worshipers better not ruin everything this time. This is the last time we interfere. The last chance we have given. That was what we agreed when we decided to listen to Visenya Targaryen's pleas. Agreed, my friends?''
''Agreed''
''Agreed''
''Agreed''
Everyone in the hall said they agreed either verbally or by nodding their heads, everyone except R'hllor.
''R'hllor?'' asked Mother Rhoyne tilting her head to the side in wonder. ''Are you still with us? You've been way too silent''
R'hllor was still rubbing his chin in thought, muttering to himself. ''Was the vision I've shown to that stupid dragon enough? Should have I given him more?''
''What the hell are you doing?'' asked Arrax. ''You better not mess up with Daemon. We need him''
''Yes, I quite like him'' agreed one of the Old Gods of the Forest.
''Are we sure he is the right person for Visenya, though?'' questioned one of the others, worried.
''Don't worry sister.'' answered another Old God, with a devious smile, ''I've got the perfect person in mind to deal with him if he crosses any lines with Visenya''
''We should have totally killed that idiot Viserys. Just let me send one of my followers and-'' said The Many-Faced God.
''R'hllor?'' asked Mother Rhoyne regardless of others around them since they were all acting as if they had the attention span of a small child and not as actual Gods they were. ''You better agree with us and don't do anything else. Also, don't make me get angry''
R'hllor rolled his eyes. ''Fine. Agreed. My champion-''
''OUR CHAMPION'' yelled the rest of the Gods that were all in the hall.
R'hllor rolled his eyes again and huffed dramatically. ''Our champion deserves some happiness. And since humankind is so untrustworthy, we all need to surround her with capable people that won't stab her this time. While I do not agree with the people who were chosen for this mission and not that our champion needs any rescue, everything seems to be going according to our collective plans. We should not make any other moves without talking among ourselves, however. Agreed?''
''AGREED.'' Yelled everyone.
''That means we can't bring anyone else since it would mean breaking our divine rules and would cause Great Other to attack us all so-'' Said Arrax in his usual unemotional tone.
The Drowned God started to whine once again in an instant, ''But I've wanted to bring back those Quellon Greyjoy and Victarion Greyjoys fellows. Maybe even Theon-''
''Over my dead body. You'll be breaking NO RULES!'' said one of the Old Gods of the Forest.
The Drowned God pouted this time. ''Like what you guys have done wasn't breaking rules?''
''We have broken no rules.'' One of the Old Gods of the Forest began to argue. ''We have just given back the lives we have taken or were going to take. Nobody was brought back to life. Doesn't count as cheating.''
''What about Cregan Stark? He wasn't supposed to be born yet'' said Syrax while she was wagging her tail up and down in wonder.
''We need him'' said all of the Old Gods of Forest together.
''There are other Starks.'' pointed out Syrax.
''Not like Cregan.'' The Old Gods all said softly. ''We have broken no rules, we just… played with time a little bit. Great Other is not going to notice''
''Excuse me but that was what you said the last time'' pointed out Bakkalon, his frown deepening and his lips pursing in displeasure.
''That was not our fault'' argued back the Old Gods of Forest.
''You did not do anything else to the timeline, correct?'' asked Vhagar.
Old Gods of Forest stayed silent for a moment then one of them opened his mouth to explain. ''Well,'' he said. ''It is not like she would notice…?''
''…or care'' added another Old God, nodding his head.
The Stranger snorted, while a few Gods burst into a half bitter half mocking laughter. R'hllor rolled his eyes and silently muttered to himself about how two-faced the Old Gods were being.
''I hope the Great Other, Lady of Darkness thinks this way, too.''Said the Lion of Night, cutting in, ''She has been a little bit quiet thus far. There is no way she could have been unaware of what we did.''
''To be entirely honest, my fellow friends, I'm a little terrified of her rage, '' said The Maiden-Made-of-Light, biting her lip in dread. This spurred The Lion of Night to grab her hand from his side and entwine their fingers, peering down at them. ''Us shattering or at least softening our rules means she can also do that,'' The Maiden-Made-of-Light added after squeezing The Lion of Night's hand with nearly all of her strength in the hope that some of his courage might flow into her. ''With all the things we have done lately, we have also sort of conceded and demonstrated her point that perhaps she was correct all along.''
''This time, we have to be careful to keep the peace amongst us,'' Balerion spoke, his voice slightly wavering as dread took hold of him. ''We might have to fight back against Great Other ourselves''
''I hope we didn't make things more difficult for our champion,'' Maiden-Made-of-Light remarked, scratching half of her face with a maternal combination of dread and fury.
''How much more difficult could it be?'' wondered the Drowned God, crossing his arms. ''She was on the verge of death. We took the necessary action. We can't let Great Other's supporters prevail. She'd come after us again if we lost all of our followers.''
''If only we hadn't lost the majority of them because of someone-'' one of the Old Gods lamented, glancing over at the Stranger.
The Stranger sighed in disbelief and crossed his arms across his chest. ''Why are you folks always blaming me?'' he sighed, expecting another confrontation. ''Didn't all of this happen because Children of Forest helped create white walkers anyway? Then Great Other had to take pity on them and bestow new abilities on them so they could battle our champions. See? Not my fault.''
''However, the Faith of Seven nonsense was entirely your responsibility. Try not to shift the subject.''
''Who would have expected Andals would be so stupid?'' grumbled the Stranger. ''If only I could reclaim Hugor of the Hill's life. I'm still mad at him.''
''If only they hadn't arrived in Westeros,'' sighed one of the Old Gods. ''Without Starks, we would have lost all of our grace. Let's face it, my friends, the day they struck the covenant with the Children of Forest saved many of us from extinction.''
Everyone agreed, and they all became lost in their thoughts for a few seconds.
''This is the last time I care about humanity,'' the Drowned God muttered, his voice sorrowful and desperate. ''My worshipers are stupid, but given what occurred in Valyria, I'm hesitant about assisting them.'' Then after a few seconds, ''It's not like everyone of us can offer them with visions,'' he remarked in a thick and scratchy voice, feeling absolutely fatigued.
''It's not my fault that my heavenly powers are so powerful,'' R'hllor grumbled, ''or that your followers continually misinterpret your intentions.''
''Like yours are superior,'' the Drowned God retorted angrily.
''You little-''
''By the way, how far did you send back those unfortunate souls?'' one of the Old Gods interrupted the Stranger.
''Just a week before Visenya arrives, '' muttered the Stranger, frowning. ''Why do you inquire? Was one week not enough time?''
''ARE YOU FUCKING MAD? '' shouted all the old gods of the forest and Valyrian, and the hall shuddered with force. ''DO YOU KNOW HOW FAR WINTERFELL IS?''
''Why? Where is Visenya going to appear? ''Mother Rhoyne wondered.
''Dragonstone, where else?'' Balerion said.
Everyone gazed at each other, and all hell broke loose.
Joramun was at his position, guarding time, while the Gods argued.
''Is everything all right inside?'' inquired one of his fellow guardians, concerned. ''I know I'm new at this, but it seemed so much easier when they couldn't get along.''
Joramun bent his head to one side and made an effort to allay the concerns of one of his fellow comrades. ''Do not be concerned. They enjoy arguing with each other. This happens on a daily basis. They lead fairly dull lives, therefore speaking with one another brightens their days.''
''Well,'' whispered another guardian as he moved closer to them. ''I wish Visenya would come upstairs and give the Gods a piece of her mind.''
''This is getting boring, but at least the hall is still here,'' commented another, before the building rocked from top to bottom and Mother Rhoyne's insults from inside the hall reached the ears of the guardians.
The guard swallowed, pursed his lips, placed his hand to his head, and smacked his head. ''Oh, I spoke too soon.''
''Happens to all of us,'' shrugged another guardian. ''Should we wager who will demolish the hall this time?'' she suggested, her eyes twinkling.
Joramun was occupied with signing and daydreaming while the other guardians were having fun. 'Ah, how glorious were those days when we brought down the Night's King together, Brandon,' he thought. 'What became of those golden days? I miss you so terribly, my friend. I wish you were here to see your descendants, my king of winter. How proud you would be. But don't be concerned, my friend. I'll honor my word. I'll make sure your seed thrives. I'll make sure that our efforts were not in vain. I will see to it that the promised princess, who is of your blood, lives this time.
Then he returned to overseeing the passage of time and the fate of humanity in order to guarantee Visenya Targaryen and her fate were secure. He had a vow to uphold, after all.
Notes:
The new chapter may take a while. Meanwhile, you guys can check out the first chapter of my new story about Maegor/f!Jon. It's the second part of this series. It starts a bit depressing but it'll turn out to be a really fun and full of angst story.
Extra information for this chapter & Gods:
Joramun was the king beyond the wall who blew the Horn of Winter and "woke the giants from the earth" and brought down the Night's King alongside the King of Winter, Brandon the Breaker. I imagine Brandon and him starting as enemies and then turning into buddies.
Grey King was a legendary monarch of the Iron Islands who is said to have ruled for 1,007 years, slew the sea dragon Nagga, took a mermaid as his wife so his children could live on land or in water.
Quellon Greyjoy is Theon and Asha's grandfather. He is considered by many to have been the greatest lord of the Iron Islands having made numerous efforts to reform the Iron Islands' society and to integrate them in the Seven Kingdoms by freeing the thralls, discouraging the use of salt wives, forbidding most reaving and bringing new maesters to the Iron Islands.
Bakkalon, aka Pale Child/ Bakkalon of the Sword is a god of death worshipped in Essos and its statue is most commonly visited by soldiers. My boy Bakkolan had very few lines because the Drowned God stole all of them. I have no idea why Drowned God had so many lines this chapter, it just happened. I find his whining about his followers misunderstanding him really hilarious, to be completely honest.
Moon-Pale Maiden is a goddess most commonly visited by sailors so I've given her water based powers.
Lion of Night and Maiden Made of Light are worshipped in Yi Ti and they were totally chilling this chapter because Yi Ti is so far away hahaha. Its believed that The Lion of Night is believed to have fathered the world's first emperor (a YiTish) with Maiden-Made-of-Light, and the Lion's wrath nearly ended the world ;)
The Great Other, also known as Lady of Darkness is goddess of the White Walkers in my story. She is also considered the enemy of R'hllor since one is made of fire, the other is made of ice.
You probably heard of Old Gods of Forest (Gods of first Men/North), R'hllor, Mother Rhoyne and Gods of Old Valyria before. I've only used Arrax (Ruler of Gods, law and order), Balerion (God of Death), Vhagar (Goddess of war) and Syrax (Goddess of parties, chaos and ecstasy – WTF was Rhaenyra thinking with naming her dragon after this goddness, OMG). I did not name the Old Gods because I have no fucking idea how to name them.
Why Gods fucked up so much with the timeline: They were a bit afraid to look closer after the doom of the Valyria and Gods have no real concept of time, space, and how far Winterfell is fucking away, and oh, Valyrian Gods totally sent Visenya to Dragonstone because of Daemon so 😏😏😏