BEN

He watched his sister begin to heal, and noted that she'd fallen asleep. The mental conversations had ceased, and he knew he needed to discuss his sister's trauma with Robb. While Robb had been in battles, Ben estimated that it had been what his brother in law had expected—blood and steel—backed by his bannermen. Zipporah had experienced mysticism and darkness, and she had exhibited a brutality that few could muster and then stomach after.

"She killed him alone." Ben stated as Lord Eddard Stark entered to hear the admission.

Ben watched the older man close the door and pace to stand by his eldest.

"Killed who alone?" He asked as his light eyes darted to the slowly healing woman. Ben inwardly sighed. 'I see why you have so much internal dialogue, sister.'

"The Night King. " He paused and quipped, "The white walker leader."

The two northern men exchanged doubtful expressions. Ben's eyes narrowed, "His sword created that ice wound." He paused again and asserted, "She saved all the people she could. Had me blow the tunnel for the Wall. And she disappeared into the darkness only to start the biggest fire I have ever seen. It took days. She killed him. I felt it."

Robb glanced at her with a worried look and questioned, "Why didn't she tell me?"

Ben snorted, "She's not here for glory. She wanted Aiden safe. He was her sole reason for going off alone."

He watched his brother-in-law's face harden, while his Father conceded, "Aye, a mother's bond and love with her child knows no bounds. Robb, don't hold it against her."

Ben continued, "She loves you. Not the red headed buffoon. I know that his presence bothers you, but he was one of the tribal leaders Zi won over."

The young king sharply inhaled and questioned, "So, she and him, uh, weren't together? He carried her like she was his."

The force wielder smirked, "Oh no. No. My sister just has a high patience level. He begged her to reconsider her marriage to you, and trust me, she adamantly refused every time. She loves you. But she admits that your guy's love is young. Both of you found each other in a time of peace–"

The Young Wolf cut him off, "So what? You're saying our marriage won't last? That's treason."

Ben looked to the older man for help. The man placed his hand on his son's shoulder and comforted, "He's trying to tell you that you're both not mentally young anymore. Your love is going to change. Probably deeper."

Ben pushed, "Her self esteem is in the vac tube. I'm warning you right now that she won't handle any type of woman aside from your sisters and mother near you. My sister is a jealous woman."

Robb blinked a few times and remained silent. Ben gave him an inquisitive look.

"Have you—"

Robb shook his head, "No. No. Jealous? Why would she be jealous?"

Ben pinched the bridge of his nose and muttered, "Even Hux wasn't this dense." He clarified with annoyance, "She's been away from you. She worried that you found another."

Robb gave the room a wild look, "No, no. How could I? She is mine as I am hers. No other woman compares."

Ben hummed and warned, "She'll kill whoever challenges her position with you. That battle changed her. I can sense her morality shift."

It didn't bother Ben in the slightest. He'd taken down an entire empire for his love interest, and they'd never be together. Now, they were a balance between worlds.

Robb chuckled, "At least we're even. I am prepared to sentence that red headed wildling to death."

Eddard sighed, "It's settled then, yes? Once the queen awakes. She and the king will be given time to reacquaint with one another. Now, we must speak of the South."

Ben shrugged, "What of it? Zi and others said that winter halts the southerners from trying to advance."

The older man gave the younger a long look and stoically explained, "Yes, the weather halts troop movement, but that does not stop them from amassing power."

Robb nodded but countered, "We have Dorne. The Stormlands are in shambles. Highgarden is also with us. Jon's Aunt is gathering her own army. I care little for what the twat–"

Ben watched the older man grow frustrated but he quickly buried it to appear calm.

"Robb, the Lannisters are always a threat. Never doubt them. We should plan a contingency."

Ben was torn. The logistical side agreed with the older man, yet he saw the younger man's retort.

"Eddard's right. Never underestimate a driven enemy, especially when their goal is power."

The young king mulled over their words and conceded, "A meeting then? I'll send for Jon."

And Ben groaned, "And as much as it pains me, get Han Solo too." The force wielder was well aware that he had to address their differences and begin to truly heal their family.

ARYA

Narrowing her eyes, she began to go through the form that her swordsman had taught her. He watched from the corner, eyes following her somewhat smooth movements. "More fluidity." He advised. Arya's teeth clenched with determination. She would achieve this movement and make her House proud, especially her warrior sister-in-law who was rumored to have taken down the darkness threatening the realm. From the whispers she had heard in the halls, the Northern Houses had never been so certain of their leadership, even House Bolton had settled. She imagined that the Bolton's contentment was a temporary situation, but nevertheless, security was achieved—no white walkers, no more wildling attacks—only peace and preparation for when House Lannister decided to strike. Arya wasn't sure if the Lannisters had enough backing to actually muster a full assault, but she knew they were crafty and ruthless.

"Stop thinking about legacy. I can see it. I can assure you that the Queen has little care—"

Arya halted her attempt and angrily snapped, interrupting her teacher, "She always cares! I need to be as good as her."

Syrio pushed himself off the wall and questioned, "And why is that?"

Arya glared and stated in a matter of fact tone, "She's the Queen. She can't keep running off to battle. Someone should take her place." She'd seen Robb's personality change with his wife gone. More stoic. More prone to anger. House Stark needed the ease and familial connectivity to re-emerge and blossom. Arya knew that someone had to take up Zipporah's mantle. She'd do it.

"And you presume that to be your role?" He stalked toward her with concern in his eyes and yet his swarthy face appeared somewhat amused.

The shorter girl vigorously nodded, "I have not one doubt in my mind." She didn't. Dresses, husbands, titles were all stupid to her. She knew in her heart that she wasn't "lady" material and needed to pursue the avenue that would allow her to be true to herself.

"Then I will have to push you harder. Less breaks. Less kindness. Because we must tell Death not today." He informed her with a guarded look as he sought to discern that she truly understood the cost of this decision.

"I can take it." She stated with resolution. She could. She would.

"Let us begin."

HAN

The old smuggler paced to the meeting room as Robb had summoned him. He wasn't sure why he was being called to this meeting. He wasn't familiar with this land's territory or customs. He'd barely gotten the layout of the castle and who is who. Han would rather be in the nursery and spend time with his grandson. He'd failed to be there for his own children; the very least he could do was be there for Aiden while Zipporah recovered and Robb reigned over the North. He'd spend plenty of time with his son-in-law's mother, Catelyn, who was strong in her own way but not overtly loud or dominating. The opposite of his late wife. There were quiet moments where Han missed Leia and her knowing looks. They'd always been tumultuous and passionate, but Ben's defection to the Dark Side had shattered their relationship where Han was always away from her. She reminded him constantly of his failures. He was well aware of them and sought to distract himself from the losses. He and Chewie returned to smuggling because that was ultimately what they knew what to do. A comfort. An ease. A thrilling familiarity that eventually led him back to the Falcon and into the heart of the Resistance movement to take down his son's organization.

Entering the room, he found Robb, Jon, Eddard, and Ben pouring over a large map. Ben's head snapped up first and greeted, "Han, I need your opinion on something."

Han inwardly soured at being "Han" instead of "Dad." He thought the lightsaber through the chest might have eased their relationship here, but instead, Ben reverted right back to their stiff and stale dynamic.

"About what?" He quipped as he meandered over to where Ben's large hand rested over an area of the coast that was labeled "The Fingers."

"Possibilities of successfully smuggling." Ben relayed back to him in an amused tone with the quintessential Solo smirk resting on his asymmetrical features. Han immediately perked up. A smirk of his own spreading across his weathered face. Something he knew and excelled in.

Han took in the map's features and questioned, "You're thinking of coastal movement?"

Ben grinned, "Possibly a few skilled individuals to head South and solve a problem or two."

Han shrugged, "Depending on currents and weather—"

Robb interrupted with authority, "My wife is not going on any more journey's or battles. She's needed here."

Han could feel Robb's hatred of the prospect of her leaving him again. Her absence had been difficult for everyone, especially him. They possess a connection that needs to be fostered and cared for. Distance and violence would surely destroy them. He wouldn't let his daughter's relationship mimic his.

Ben waved him off, "I was thinking of myself and Jon." Han knew that Ben wouldn't jeopardize his sister's health. How could the king even believe that Ben would plot that? Then again, Robb was probably establishing early perimeters, and Han knew that the younger man was a keen strategist.

The quieter man agreed, "Aye. We could do it, Ben."

Ben hummed, "A small contingency plan should the brute in the South make a move that is lacking."

Han knew that tone. Indignation and pride. His son struggled with pretentiousness. Han blamed Leia. The throwing around of names, legacies, etc for political clout had led Ben to learn to behave a certain way, and him being powerful with the force did not help his learned/adopted behavior.

Han's eyes noted the caves and hummed, "These would be good cover should they have lookouts, but I imagine you'd be moving in the night and resting during daylight."

"So that's one contingency if we need a quick assassination, but what if they march North?" Ben mused aloud as his dark eyes tightened to gaze upon the map.

"We have lookouts across the North." Robb informed the room, "The Neck is seized, and we have plenty of allies in the South. Highgarden being the main one."

Eddard pointed to Seagard, the port town that received traffic from Ironman's Bay, and muttered, "I've placed two of ours to keep an eye on the Iron Islands and for any movement against us."

The men all shared a look and it was silently determined that the North was secure, for now. It was now a matter of healing, and Han knew they had plenty to do, starting with Zipporah.

JON

From what Jon could tell, the tea had gone well. They'd discussed some of the family circumstances and then moved on to other topics that were much more innocuous and helpful in learning about one another. He could admit that she was beautiful and sharp, but he knew deep down that they were not meant to be. If anything, she was more suited to be someone's side that was louder and more assertive. Jon played everything close to the chest, and she did too. Having two people do that in one relationship would prove to have a relationship with too many secrets.

He escorted her out of the solar and as they walked, his dark eyes found Ben's. The slightly older man was conversing with his father Han. Jon glanced at Margaery who was watching Ben with curiosity. Jon knew exactly what to do. Leading her over to the two foreigners, he introduced, "Lady Margaery, this is Ben Solo, older brother to Queen Zipporah." He paused and added, "And this is Han Solo."

Han chuckled, "I'm their Dad."

Jon watched Ben ignore his father's laugh and politely greet her, "Lady Margaery, pleasure to meet your acquaintance."

Jon knew that he wasn't meant for the woman on his arm. Duty would say he had to fulfill his cousin's plan, but maybe Ben could take his place. Jon couldn't shake that he'd be needed elsewhere. He didn't believe for one moment that he was destined for castle life where titles were everything. Before Zi's arrival, he did not possess a title, rather he was a bastard, potentially destined for the Wall. Now, his lineage was more, and he wasn't sure he wanted to fulfill that either. Jon Stark was torn, and he knew better than to drag this beautiful woman into his personal quagmire. He had certain milestones to accomplish: fix the broken saber, study the eggs, investigate his inheritance from House Targaryen.

"A pleasure, ser. You're the Queen's brother?" Her voice richly questioned with kindness and amusement.

Then a sentiment struck Jon–at the core of his being. He could not be Jon Stark. He had to be who his mother truly named him, and only his uncle knew the name.

"Excuse me, Lady Margaery, Ben. I must speak with Lord Stark."

Walking briskly away, Jon found that he could breathe a little easier and he no longer felt awkward, and a glance over the shoulder told him that Ben was more than capable of carrying on a conversation. Another skill that Jon needed to work on. Stoicism could only get him so far.

As he reached the reception room, he found his Uncle reading over reports, and he quietly asked, "Lord–"

The older man, his father figure, cut him off, "Jon."

Jon decided to be straight to the point, "I need information."

His Uncle glanced up at him, "Oh?" Jon could tell that he knew what he was going to ask.

"My mother…did she name me Jon? Is that my real name?"

The Warden gave a brief shake of the head, "No. I gave you that name to protect you. Your mother named you Aegon. Your father demanded a lineage name for you."

Jon let the information wash over him and mumbled, "Thank you."

His Uncle let out a hmm and informed, "They loved you. Fought a whole war for you. Ultimately, die for you."

"Aye." Jon shakily returned as he abruptly left the receiving room and headed for his room. His mind was spinning with the information. Upon entering the empty room, Jon tested a new declaration for himself and eventually the realm, "I am Aegon Targaryen."

ZIPPORAH

She knew days had passed. Robb had been beside her, talking to her about everything and anything. She'd bet her lightsabers that Ben had advised that he simply spend time with her, build rapport and distract themselves from the recent events.

"Aye, so I approved Winterfell to be slightly expanded. Ben offered a few details that would help with our efficiency in the winter." His strong voice explained as his coarse hands held her limp one.

She mulled over everything, especially their small hiccup in conversation. He'd been faithful. She wouldn't bring up Tyrell again or that loathsome maid from the Lannister battlefield. Instead, she would spend her time with him and grow back what they had before she selfishly trimmed it in the name of security. Granted, there were now no looming threats north of them, but she knew the South would always be at odds with them until Jon's aunt arrived and potentially led King's Landing to a renaissance, and even then, Zipporah would advise Robb to keep the North the North's business. A treaty would eventually be constructed as dragons didn't scare her, and she had plenty of ideas of how to handle them.

Examining herself, she found that she had enough energy to wake and see him, not simply feel. It was time to wake but not move. Her torso was still too damaged to do more than wake and conversate. 'And potentially kiss.' She joked to herself. Kriff, she missed his affection.

Forcing her eyes open, their shades of blue met and a huge smile spread across his bearded face. "My love." He crooned as he stood to gently stroke and hold her pale face. Her eyes watered at his sweet gestures, and he whispered, "Aye, you stubborn woman. I love you."

Swallowing tears, she croaked back, "As I love you. Forgive me..my jealousy…my,my—" His lips softly captured her chapped lips to cut off her apology. Her eyes fluttered closed in contentment and relished their connection. As he pulled back, he shook his head, "There's no need to apologize. You saved my family, the North, and the realm."

Zipporah vowed to herself there and then that she was done with the wars, at least for the time being. She'd be able to enjoy her time with Robb, Aiden, and hopefully more children as the sword wound had missed her actual womanhood and taken some of her intestine. The small being had been a cruel deceiver that she'd almost fallen prey to. Sweet words laced with poison that would have assuredly brought destruction. Now, Zipporah knew the voice to listen for in the whispers of the Force, and she knew she'd have to train Bran to combat a similar enticing voice.

"It was all a selfish endeavor to keep you and Aiden safe." She admitted and then joked, "It seemed to work out."

He rolled his eyes, "Oh yes. Your half-cocked plan worked, and now, I need you to rest and be by my side." She knew he did. A king needed a queen. A balance.

"By your side." Zipporah confirmed and lightly jested, "With some adventure here and there?" She knew they could go riding and exploring. There was so much of this world she had yet to see, and she wanted to see and experience it all–with her family there beside her.

Robb grinned as he kissed her forehead, "Aye, some adventure here and there."

FIN!

Thank you so much to everyone who's voted, commented, etc. I apologize for the massive delays with this story. I ended up with a terrible case of writer's block and tried so many times to write something and it was just…too much or too little. Again, thank you for your support and kindness. I hope ya'll enjoyed the ride. :)

–Safelyliving