A/N: Hey all. The adventures truly begin this chapter for all three groups: Egg, Rhae, and Jonsaerys (trademarked).

Enjoy and comment!

Chapter 12: Starts

The stories of Jaehaerys the Conciliator had been some of the first Rhaegar had heard. A model for any King, his maester and septon would tell him when the youthful Prince first would only speak of the Conquerors or Young Dragon. The lessons imparted their desired effect - until Ser Arthur had joined the Kingsguard, Rhaegar had taken the inspiration and became a learned young man. Focusing on books and vigorous mental challenges, the Old King was all he strove to be.

But with the new dawn of their house, the Targaryen Restoration or Sunrise of the Dragons as Qyburn and Aemon called it respectively, Rhaegar began to see the flaws in the Old King. Led by his wives, his muna, and Aemon, the Conquerors resumed their strong position in emulation, the Good Queen Alysanne remaining where she was, while those figures of Daemon the Rogue Prince - demonstrating Lyanna's influence - and even Maegor softening slightly. Decreased piety and increased dynamism and family harmony were prioritized given how close House Targaryen came to collapse, and in that regard the level of callousness the Old King had exhibited towards his mother, sister, and children due to the tragic reign of his uncle shattered Rhaegar's former adoration of the man.

Red Keep filled with his children by Lya and Lia, none of them would head to the Citadel or adorn the vestments of the Faith. He would banish none of them, nor neglect any one of them. All would be dragonriders and he would adore them all, not planning on any Saeras or Viserras rebelling, no Maegelles or Vaegons being shoved aside, and no weak Daellas.

That didn't just extend to children, and such a determination found Rhaegar enduring the unenviable task of having to come to accord with his muna after the Dowager Queen's actions in the Vale. "You do not make my life easy, muna," he sighed.

Rhaella Targaryen was less Alyssa Velaryon, and more Princess Rhaena. Fierce, drawn from former weakness into pure fire and blood through the brutality of life. Fire had driven her to fly to the Vale to bring Daenerys and Sansa back… and fire drove her to return without them even to the worry from Lord Stark and the anger of Lady Stark. Thankfully Lia and Lya took it better. "You are the King, nothing is supposed to be easy… and I am not your wife."

"Muna…"

She sighed. "Apologies." Her expression softening, Rhaella leaned forward to press a kiss upon his cheek. "You're right… I am your muna and aren't here to harm your life - but this will only help it in the future."

"Lady Stark doesn't see it that way."

"I do not cater my whims to Lady Stark, even if she is in all honesty my goodsister." Rhaegar winced, still not completely comfortable with being reminded of Rhaella's passionate relationship with Jaime Lannister. "I am a mother just as she, and for Daenerys this is the best possible place for her."

Rhaegar crossed his arms. "I am still one that doesn't grasp exactly why you think so. Please enlighten me."

A wry smirk crossed the still beautiful face of the Dowager Queen. "Why shouldn't my daughter - nor Lady Sansa - gain the same worldly experience as their future husband."

"So that's it… the betrothal of my son and heir."

"Why not? Only those with wishful thinking in regards to their own daughters deny what is coming. Your son, my grandson, emulating his kepa and taking two brides. A powerful dragonrider and a fierce wolf - who better as Queens alongside him?"

Rhaegar couldn't argue… While some would marry their sons and daughters at that age, he was on no hurry to marry off Baelon - nor Daenerys, though Sansa's fate was in the hands of Ned. "Still, it is a risk. Sending just Baelon was a risk."

"And rebelling against your kepa, Rhaegar, was no risk?" She shook her head. "Everything is a risk, my son." Rhaella reached out and took his hands in hers. "Ten children of yours, alongside three of mine if you do not include yourself. Thirteen future Targaryens - fourteen with my dear Baela - all of whom have to be properly raised."

He nodded. "I can't have them end up as Saera or Maegelle."

His own thoughts of earlier were mirrored by his muna. "Truly, the most tragic of it is that of Viserra in my opinion." Rhaella sighed. "A man so much older of a house not fitting for such a senior dragon - much as I happen to think well of the Manderlys - was a great mistake that ended in predictable grief. That will not happen with my children or grandchildren. They will marry smartly and for love."

"Sansa being half-Tully can help us mend peace in the Riverlands… yet perhaps a Dornish girl could…"

"My son," she interrupted curtly. "I will dig my heels in at this."

"Even though it is my decision?"

She laughed. "It is your decision, aye, but the only option is this marriage. Of Sansa and Daenerys to Baelon."

Rhaegar snorted. "Whatever you say, muna."

Beaming, she rose and kissed his forehead. "Good boy. Now… dragonriding puts me into a certain mood that only Ser Jaime can satisfy. I shall see you at dinner." The King tried not to grimace openly as his muna left.

"I happen to agree with the Queen, your Grace," Barristan offered as he fell into step alongside Rhaegar as they walked towards the courtyard. "It's… dangerous, but Arthur can protect the Princesses and they'd be well served with real world knowledge as would any princess."

"I know… it's why I am allowing Rhaenys to foster here in Winterfell rather than Dorne." That wasn't his true issue. "We need to make sure this looks like it was always the plan."

"Of course, your Grace." But Barristan was perceptive. "You are still worried, aren't you?"

A nod. "Daenerys… King Aerys, my kepa, he died before she was even born. I'm the closest thing she's had to a kepa, and she's like my daughter." It was true. While he would never take the right away from Jaime to be a father to Cella, Daenerys was different. "I worry for her safety."

"As I do for Sansa."

Both men turned to see a haggard Ned Stark trudging towards them, black bags under his eyes and a wary frown on his face. "Ned."

Lord Eddard Stark approached Rhaegar. "Don't worry, goodbrother… ulike Cersei, I am not angered at you or even at Queen Rhaella. Just worried for my daughter." He sighed. "I suppose all parents would be."

"Ned, Ser Arthur…"

"Aye, Ser Arthur. The greatest swordsman in the Seven Kingdoms. I am aware, I assure you." He shook his head. "This isn't as if she is in the Red Keep though. Ugh…" Ned ran his hand down his face. "Exhausting, though. Cersei is close to sobbing, while Lyanna and Elia try to calm her down, I have no one helping to calm me of my fears."

Pursing his lips, Rhaegar suddenly chuckled. "How about a spar, goodbrother?"

"A spar?"

"Aye, too many of those young fools think we're old cunts that can't swing a sword. Let's show them they are fools - that'll get us in a good mood." Extending his hand, it took only a few moments before Ned clasped it with a smile of his own.

Aware of the watchful eye of Ser Jaime and Ser Rodrik gazing down on them, Aegon trudged after his cousin to place his blunted practice blade in its proper place before collapsing exhausted upon the bench. "Seven Hells…" he murmured, panting loudly and feeling his padded coat and undertunic soaked with sweat. "Seven Hells…" Aegon repeated.

Robb nursed a bruise on his shoulder. "I think not even Baelon has kicked my ass as badly."

"Well…" Egg mused, pinching the bridge of his nose as he gritted his teeth at a particularly stubborn ache in his belly. "We've been at it for nearly a third-hour straight. Of course we get some hits in." Thankfully the bench was long enough, allowing him to lay down and gaze at the scattered grey clouds above. "Muna and kepa hold the record for longest spar, though, followed by kepa and uncle Oberyn."

"Rhae and Jon will beat that record one day." Aside from them, his little sister Alyssa was a bubble of energy in her red coat and trousers in spite of having sparred alongside them. "They are that good, and we aren't."

"Shut up, Lyssa," Robb grunted.

She shrugged. "What, I said 'we.'" Fierce as she was on the sparring court, Egg knew his sister's pride was dragonriding, a natural at it with a very cooperative mount in Stormfyre. "You, me, Egg, Dany… we're all excellent fighters, but Rhae, Jon, and Artie have us beat."

Watching Robb brood much like his valonqar, Egg chuckled and rose slowly - careful of his bruises. "Cheer up, Robb. I highly doubt that you will ever face any of the three in serious single combat."

"Somehow that doesn't make me feel better."

"Would it help to say that your dainty sister is gonna likely be a better archer than my sister or brother?"

Robb pursed his lips, thinking of Sansa's adeptness almost immediately to the bow. A natural she was, though still as a beginner. "That helps, aye. Bout time Jon and Rhae find themselves losing to someone besides each other… maybe they won't be so superior… like this one whenever the dragons come up," he gestured to Alyssa.

The Princess laughed. "Admit it, you love all three of us." Her grin changed… "Still can't believe it, Dany and Sansa rushing off to be with Jon. Sneaking out." Her fists clenched. "It's not fair… I want adventure too."

"You've got a dragon, sister, and are the fourth-born child. Wait a few years and you can fly wherever you damn well please as long as you mind your courtly manners."

"Still… mama's really angry that Sansa left, and papa's worried as all hells." Robb shook his head. "His Grace and aunt Elia are smoothing things over, but I don't think the Queen Mother will be welcome here anytime soon."

Egg laughed. "Grandmother likely doesn't care. She's the most draconic of all of us… with this little hatchling taking exactly after her." He patted Alyssa's shoulder.

"Somehow, I think that's not a good thing." Frowning, Alyssa replied by pressing a wet, sloppy kiss on Robb's cheek. She then ruffled Egg's hair and she dashed off. Rolling his eyes, the heir to Winterfell rubbed his cheek. "Why is it that our parents keep popping out more siblings for us? The ones we have are annoying enough."

Egg laughed. "I feel that they cannot help themselves… not to mention at least for House Targaryen, we need more junior branches to preserve the dynasty." His eyes centered on Rhaenys, whom Egg found walking the battlements between the keep and the godswood alongside Asha and Margaery… the former laughing with her while the latter was gazing down at… "I'm gonna ask again. Anything going on between you and Lady Margaery?"

Robb immediately grew cagey. "No… why?"

"Cause she's staring at you." Looking up, both Robb and Margaery averted their gaze not a split-second later, cheeks flushing. "Aye, something happened, spill."

"Um… um… we shared our first kiss."

Egg whistled. "Nice, with the Rose of Highgarden, no less." He thumped Robb's shoulder. "Going for older girls."

"She's only a year older than me," complained Robb. "And shut it. She's so annoying."

"Girls usually are, just gotta get used to it." Glancing back up at his sister's party, Margaery was still looking away… only to be replaced by Asha gazing down at him, her brow raised. Egg smirked and shrugged. "Uncle Ned might not want for another southern lady to marry the Lord of Winterfell, but if you ask he'll melt. Margaery's a good catch."

But Robb shook his head. "No, I'm too young. Too damn young."

Something I suppose he'll come out of soon. Robb, Jon, Dany, Sansa… they were all still at that innocent age free of such matters. Rhaenys, only three years older than they, she was so surrounded by male and female favorites that it made Egg a little disgusted to be honest. And I am that age in transition. Who would be the one to be his first, Aegon could only think.

Who would be the one for him to marry? He wasn't the crown prince but a glorious catch in all other respects. Suppose I'll be beating the girls away with a stick.

So engaged in his thoughts, he didn't notice Robb rise till he was smacked in the shoulder. "Wanna get something to eat?"

Blinking, Egg shook his head. "Nah, I need a good soak in the tub. Will meet after."

"Aight. See ya'."

Taking after his kepa, Aegon had requested a bath pre-prepared for him before he went sparring. Thanks to the hot springs of Winterfell and a proper heating system installed by Alaric Stark centuries before - a feature broken in by Queen Alysanne - the bath was a proper simmering hot when he arrived in his robe. A servant about Rhae's age was putting some last touches when he entered. "Your Grace," she yipped, curtseying. "Your bath is ready."

He nodded. "Thank you," Egg said, giving her a nice smile. She smiled in return… only for her eyes to rake over him appreciatively. The smile changed to one he'd oft seen on his munas when they looked at kepa, or each other.

"Let me know if you need anything, your Grace," she murmured. "Anything." Winking, the servant dashed off with a swing of her hips.

Snorting softly, Egg was reminded of Rhaenys and how people behaved around her. Men and women threw themselves at her… would it be that way with him? "Perhaps." Maybe something he'd have to explore later.

All left his mind as he lowered himself into the tub. Sighing wonderfully at the superheated water, what would scald a normal person was but relaxing for a Targaryen. Egg loved the baths, soothing his muscles and the aches he had more often than others. Leftovers from…

The rashes and the salves poured into the tub when he got them were painful, but thankfully none were present now. Tilting his head back, Aegon allowed his sore joints and muscles to rest against the scalding liquid.

He didn't know how long he had spaced out, for there was a tap on his head. "Dear?" he murmured, thinking it was the servant. "Yes…?" His eyes widened and he almost yelped when he lazily turned his head and saw it was someone else. "Asha! What are you…?!"

Asha Greyjoy, trying as hard as possible to hide the butterflies fluttering in her stomach, leaned forward and pressed her finger to his lips. "Shhhh, Egg. I'd rather not we be disturbed." She was clad in a thick robe, but otherwise had her shoulder-length hair loose. She looked… feminine, and pretty. "How warm is it?"

"Huh?" He was so confused.

"The water… if it's scalding like you dragons like it…" dipping her finger into the water, it was quite hot but tolerable. "Aight, I came at the right time."

Egg gaped when she shucked off the robe and revealed a nude body to his eyes - not a stitch of clothing. He knew he should look away, but for the life of him Aegon couldn't. She was… beautiful. Always slender with a thin face and a sharp nose, the whole package worked for her in one of those non-traditional ways. Lean and long legged, her budding breasts were perky and those dark brown eyes were ones he could get lost in. Aegon never saw her in this way before, but once he did it became a question of how he didn't before.

"Gonna swallow a cock or are ya gonna let me in?" Asha asked, her gruff attitude hiding the nerves she felt - slightly mollified at how Aegon gazed at her as if she was as pretty as his sister.

"Ummm…" Apparently she took it as an invitation cause she climbed over the lip and slipped in. Breasts bobbing at the surface as she sat across from him. "What in Seven Hells are you doing here?"

She swallowed in spite of herself. "Gonna fuck you, Egg." Gods, Asha didn't know how she said that without stammering. Instead it was him that did so, which steadied her. "You heard me."

Utterly shocked, Egg didn't know what to think. "Um… um… you want…" His entire mind was swimming, a chaotic morass that was close to being lost. "Why?"

"You don't think I find you attractive… or don't find me attractive?"

"No… not that. Just… you're like my sister…"

"I would think a Targaryen would find that a turn on."

He blushed. "You know what I mean. You know I've never been with a woman."

She smiled. "That's just it, Egg." Swimming closer to him, Asha straddled him, eyes widening slightly as is appendage poked at him. So young and herself inexperienced, yet without having seen many cocks Asha knew his was quite above average. "You're going to Dorne and they will take your maidenhead, Dornish girls making Rhaenys look like a maid." He opened his mouth to say something, only for nothing to come out. "Take it from me, it is better that you lose it to someone that truly cares for you."

"And…" Her body felt warmer against his skin than the water, breasts tantalizingly close to his face. "You care about me?"

Asha thumped his shoulder. "Stupid question. Of course I do." Her lip quivered. "You and your siblings could've treated me as some prisoner or whipped dog, but that didn't happen… I became family. This is the least I can do for you." A proper protection, for him to overcome his initial awkwardness and emotional baggage associated with first times with her, someone that he could trust.

Floored, Aegon shakily moved his hands to touch her sides. Feeling the soft skin, and making Asha hiss. He found he liked the sound. "I'm unsure of what to do."

Hiding her own inexperience, Asha nodded. "Let me take the lead." Leaning down, she hesitantly slanted her mouth against his, only to moan at the same instant he did. Tongues inched out to touch the other, caress the other… and then there was nothing fluid about it. Both had kissed before, but not like this and it set off something. Water splashed as Aegon and Asha attacked each other's mouths, hands fumbling over bare skin so wonderfully warmed by the tub.

It had been a wondrous idea to do this in a bath, no clothes to trip them up.

Breaking apart for air, Asha yipped when Egg took her nipple… "My… oh, my Prince," she gasped.

"Sorry," he whispered, sucking hard. "Just, always thought about this." Breasts were the first organ he noted when he started to desire the fairer sex. "Should I stop…?"

"You do and I cut you," she moaned, hesitance overcome for the most part as she clutched him. They were very clearly terrible at this in terms of technique, but by the gods did it feel marvelous.

Eventually, they kissed again, giving their mouths something to do as Asha explored his body and Aegon hers. Committing to memory every part to which her touch made him grunt, moaning hard whenever he touched a place that drove her wild… hinging on something Rhae said about the inattentive male lover. They need encouragement and hints, thus they'll drive themselves to please you.

Finally however, the moment came, his member poking at the slit of her folds. He paused there for a moment, water lapping on the sides. "Are you sure about this?"

Asha nodded. "Get on with it," she spoke with a bit of urgency, not wanting to show just how eager and nervous she was - not wanting him to know this was her first as well. She reached down to take him in her hand, other digging into his back, already quite muscular and promising to be moreso when he aged. "C'mon," she said, pulling him toward her.

All else died for them both when he speared up into her. Aegon's mouth dropped, gasping silently while Asha hissed. Hating how something that had been greatly pleasing caused pain as her maidenhead was pierced. By Egg… Egg is inside me…

"Are… are you alright? Should I stop?" he stammered out, restraining himself so obviously.

A surge of affection - one that surprised even her - filled Asha's heart. He's a kind lover. A good start. "I… just a bit big…"

"Really?" Egg sounded astonished.

She gave him a grin. "Aye, you're a big one, Egg… just a moment." She braced herself against the lip of the tub, gripping it tightly while rolling her hips around till the stinging subsided, revealing only bliss. "Brace yourself, Egg."

Going up and down, it wasn't long before they found a good rhythm. Asha riding Egg, while Egg wrapped his arms around her waist. One splayed on her ass while the other mauled her breast. Fumbling, but otherwise so enjoyable. "Amazing," he murmured.

"You… you're a natural." Another thing she picked up from Rhae, and he melted into it. Beginning to move at her pace, Egg slathered his tongue against her neck… only to pull her down for a sloppy kiss. They weren't expert at this, but didn't need to be, the sloshes of the water not even registering as they lost themselves to the sensations…

He suddenly felt a burning pressure at his tip. "Ash… Ash… ah…" he began, suddenly dissolving into a wave of spasms. "Unhhh!"

With one more thrust, she felt something hot deep in her core. "Egg? Egg… Egg… ah!" It triggered a simmering pressure inside of Asha, and she spasmed as well. "Ohhhh…" Fuck, it felt so good…

Continuing to twitch, Egg felt her collapse against him. Sighing in contentment. "I love you…" he murmured without even realizing it.

Almost saying it back, Asha realized herself and kept silent, hiding a tiny smirk. Oh, to be proven right. Thank the gods it was her that did this… her and not some whore that would take advantage of him. And how good it was… "We are doing this again," she whispered harshly in his ear. "You're gonna be a sex god for the Dornish girls when you get to Sunspear by the time I'm done with you."

"You… you're definitely my goddess, then."

She couldn't help the little catch her heart did at his words.

Few made the comparison between her and Baelon, but gazing at herself in the polished silver of the looking glass, Rhaenys saw nothing but their similarities. Truthfully all that they shared in looks was the violet of their eyes - the classic Targaryen feature harkening back to that of the great Aenar. And yet…

Such was their only Targaryen feature written plainly on their faces. Sure, Jon had the same firm beauty as their father and Rhaenys some reminiscent of their grandmother, but in all else they were their birth munas. Jon's pale skin was rugged as opposed to the almost sculpted beauty of a Valyrian, his hair that of a raven and the slight stature common to those of the North. Rhaenys meanwhile bore the different shade of black that Nymeria's kin so enjoyed. Her figure was slender and shapely, breasts almost oversized about her chest and skin a dusky olive betraying such an origin upon the tropical shores of Sunspear.

Angry as she was at some of her relatives and countrymen, proud was Rhaenys of her blood. If it was only the Dornish that successfully resisted the dragons, imagine the power of a dragonrider with Nymeria's blood in her veins.

And yet…

Alone in affixing her braids, told by Old Nan that such was how Lyanna did it when she was her age, a knock on the door found Rhaenys looking behind her. "Come in."

There was a silence. "Are you decent, niece?"

She smiled hearing her uncle Ned's voice. "Aye, come on in," Rhaenys replied, rising just as he entered. Her uncle was one of her favorite people since her earliest memories, and as such she ran into his arms. He being the Lord of Winterfell made being fostered here away from the rest of her family quite easier. "A nice surprise."

"Who am I to turn down the companionship of a beautiful woman?" he laughed. Stories were always told of his dourness, but Rhaenys always found him warm. Perhaps he is warm with his family, or aunt Cersei made him warmer. In any case, she loved him. "I hope you are doing alright."

Rhaenys shrugged. "I am saddened, no doubt. Especially since I cannot count on Sansa's companionship given… everything." That being an understatement, aunt Cersei still steaming about it. "But I am alright. Looking forward to this."

His brow raised. "Good… though I am told some by your sister…"

"What?" She scowled. "Vis, that little traitor." Alyssa could keep a secret, but Visenya was a gossip when she didn't feel a secret impacted her. "What did she say this time?"

"Now now, don't fret, sweetling." Ned kissed her forehead, which calmed Rhae. "Just on your worries… about not fitting into the North."

A sigh. "Tis nothing… just that… you know I'm not of northern blood, right?" It did worry her, though she tried to keep a brave face.

"Aye, you're not, but neither is Baelon and yet he still proudly wears the Martell sun on his shield." Ned cupped her cheek. "If you are afraid as others see you, take the story of the Good Queen."

"Dany's more Alysanne than I," Rhaenys laughed. "I'm more Visenya, much as Dany insists on playing that."

"Be that as it may, she is loved in the North. When all the Lords come to Winterfell, I suggest you take her example into account… and then you will be loved." Words to heed, her uncle Ned's always were.

It was quite the irony… only a few weeks before Rhaenys had said goodbye to Jon in the very same manner - albeit without the pomp and flourish that came with an official sendoff for the royal family as with today. Here she was, being the one to see off her entire family. Tears abounded from her youngest siblings and Myrcella, even fierce Alyssa held her tight and refused to let go. "I'm going to miss our dragonriding together, Rhae."

Rhaenys chuckled sadly. "You still have Cella to ride with."

"But she's boring… only likes to soar and glide. Nothing fun at all."

"You'll just have to make do - soaring and gliding is better than not to ride at all."

Alyssa groaned. "I suppose you're right - just come back soon. Please, Rhae?"

"I'll do my best." As Alyssa squeezed her once more, next up was Aegon. "I don't envy you, Rhaenys," he remarked as they hugged. "You'll be freezing every night while I'll get to frolic at the beach under the warm sun of our homeland."

The Princess gave her brother a look of fake sorrow. "Unfortunate… I suppose I'll need to find something or someone to keep me warm at night."

His smirk changed to a grimace. "Gross." That brought out a spate of giggles from Rhae. "Not funny."

"Oh, it is very amusing, valonqar." The humor changed to something more somber as they embraced tighter. "Take care of yourself."

"You as well."

"I asked Asha last night to look out for you." Rhaenys noticed him stiffen, to which she took as annoyance. "Be sure to accept her care, Egg. You need it."

The look he gave her was… unable to read. "Alright," he murmured.

Kissing his cheek, it wasn't long before her grandmother swept her up. "Make sure to ride Nymerion as much as you can. She needs the exercise to keep her warm in this wasteland."

Rhaenys snickered through her tears. "Of course, grandmother." Much of it was the same with her muna and kepa, tearful goodbyes mixed with loving declarations and last minute advice… until the final one to bid her farewell approached. They stood alone before each other, Queen and Princess. Mother and daughter, though many considered it generous to refer to Lyanna as Rhae's 'stepmother,' though more inclined to speak far less polite words. But looking into the much taller Lyanna Targaryen's eyes, Rhaenys saw the same loving gaze in her as Elia gave. "Here I am, muna," she said finally. "Gonna live a year in your boots."

Lyanna laughed, gaze absently flickering to her own riding boots. "It appears that you will sweetling, although a word of advice." She reached out and fixed a strand of hair blown out of Rhaenys' braids in a motherly gesture. "Yours truly vastly preferred to roughhouse with the boys. I recommend you build your own group of lady companions. Will benefit you in the future."

"You had no lady friends?" Rhae asked. "What about Aunt Dacey?"

The Queen's brow rose. "She's worse than I in that regard."

Rhaenys blinked, only to chuckle. While Brienne was the first female to take the oath of the Kingsguard, Dacey pretty much had been one from the Rebellion - much as Jonquil Darke was for Queen Alysanne. "Point taken." Her grin soon turned into a frown, lips quivering as a tear welled in her eye. "I'm scared, muna…"

No judgment in her expression, Lyanna wordlessly embraced her daughter. "Why, little dragon?" Her childhood pet name, only used by her parents, uncle Ned, and uncle Oberyn.

The same concern she voiced with her uncle came out. "What if the North rejects me?"

Pulling her face back, Lyanna gave her daughter a stern look. "That won't happen. You are my daughter as much as Visenya or Lyarra are." The Queens' gaze softened. "Neither you nor I can control the actions of a select few, but most of the North are behind you."

"But… what of the old gods?" Targaryens answered to neither men nor gods, but from the events around Jon and Egg's sickness… all in the family had grown more spiritual, much like the Starks they had married into.

"Don't think that they would reject you sweetling." She pressed a kiss to her cheek. "The North embraced you a long time ago."

Suddenly she remembered journeying into the crypts all those years ago… hearing the Kings of Winter accept her. Admit her entry. A tear falling down her cheek, Rhae hugged her muna desperately, as if a little girl again. "I love you, muna," she murmured.

Lya hugged her just like she did years ago for that adorable little girl after she skinned her knee. "I love you too, Rhaenys." She pressed another kiss, this time to her forehead. "I am not worried of you more than any mother would for your year in the North, you know why? Because while you're not my blood, you are still every bit my daughter - the greatest honor the gods could've given me."

"No… the greatest honor is having you for a muna." Because of Lyanna… because of her encouragement and training throughout her childhood, Rhaenys had earned her preferred name, one that would inspire fear in enemies and honor all her heritage. "The Viperwolf of House Targaryen," she spoke with pride, "Will not fail you, muna. I won't fail any of you."

"There was no fear that you would, little dragon."

Her muna's words echoing inside her, Rhaenys watched as the dragons took to the sky - all of them but Nymerion, whose longing hoot filled the air. It'll be alright, girl. Just you and I to keep each other company up here.

'Smells too much of wolf and lion, muna. Wanna be with the others.'

Soon, soon. Rhaenys smirked. Just think, you'll be the only dragon in the North. No competition.

A moment's silence. 'That helps, muna, thank you.'

She beamed, but that drew attention. "Thinkin' something naughty, Saucy Snake?"

Blinking, she turned her head to see the scarred visage of the last person she expected to see remaining in Winterfell. "What are you doing here, dog?"

Sandor Clegane shrugged. "Lookin' over you, Princess."

"You're Baelon's sworn sword, not me."

"Well, the Little Prince isn't here now is he? Nor the Silver Pest or Little Bird." He didn't look bothered by the cold, but Sandor usually didn't show emotion other than irritation and sometimes anger and amusement. "Prince Baelon asked me to look over you. That's why I'm here."

Rhaenys narrowed her eyes. "I don't need looking after. Get stuffed."

"Orders from the Little Prince. He overrules you, Saucy Snake."

Normally Rhaenys found pride in the nickname, opposed to Dany who hated hers. This time though it drove her ire. "That… that… you…" Thinking on it though… "Jon really asked you to watch over me?"

"Aye… seemed worried for your safety. I told him the Saucy Snake can fuckin' take care of herself but he replied that he wished not to take that chance."

Rhaenys didn't know whether to punch Jon or kiss his cheek when they saw each other next over this. Perhaps both.

Eyes wide, the young Princess had grown up among such marvels as the Red Keep, Dragonstone, and witnessing the glories of the dragons, and yet Daenerys couldn't help but gasp as the towering Titan of Bravos emerged through the fog. A fog that draped over the sea like a blanket, nevertheless thinning out as the boat approached the rocky shore of Sellagoro's Shield. The Titan, bearing the visage of an ancient helmeted warrior of the Valyrian days soared higher than the Hightower… than even the Wall, or at least the same height. Daenerys loved her native land, but was nevertheless amazed.

A sudden roar coming from the skull of the Titan nearly caused her to jump, stumbling back. Behind her, an earthy chuckle caught her attention. "It is just them signaling our arrival, young Larra." The captain of the ship, referring to her by her pseudonym. "Every sunrise, every hour, every sunset, and every ship that enters the harbor receives one. A threat receives two, in that they share such signals with the horns atop the Wall."

Of course one of the North would know that. Dany rubbed her shoulder, trying not to be embarrassed. "An… apt comparison."

He smiled. Since they had been exposed before docking in Gulltown, Daenerys and Sansa - under their assumed names of Larra and Alayne - were very popular with the crew for sneaking after Ser Aron and Eddard Snow, of whom they were taking bets over which girl Eddard would take as a sweetheart. Both Dany and Sansa would flush red whenever it was discussed, but never as red as Jon.

They were truly the butt of the crew, but in a genuine manner.

As the Titan grew ever closer and loomed ever taller, the captain gazed up at it. "In the old times, whenever Braavos stood in danger, the Titan would step with fire in his eyes. He'd wade into the sea and smash the enemies… some including the very dragonlords of Old Valyria that dared to challenge the fog and find the city of their runaway slaves."

"But it's a statue."

"Aye… which is why you need not be afraid of it."

"Trust me, captain," Daenerys heard Baelon speak behind her in his confident, mocking tone that so stirred the competitive streak inside her. "She is afraid of nothing." He sidled next to her, smirking. "Her biggest weakness and greatest strength at the same time."

She narrowed her eyes at him. "I see no reason to be afraid."

The captain chuckled. "Fearless, an admirable quality, young Larra." He clapped his hands. "Yet you are still a slight little thing."

Jon's grin widened. "Hear that, Larra? You're a slight little thing." Gods, Dany wanted to punch that grin off his face. "Best that you stick to Ser Aron or I. Our swords will protect you." He patted his blade strapped to his side.

Before Dany could repeat a profanity she had once heard one of the maids call Talisa behind her back when she screamed at a late refill of her goblet, the captain replied to Jon. "A word of advice, young Eddard. Those of Braavos are a pugnacious lot. If you wish to travel at night, do not openly wear a blade."

His brow rose. "Why? Are weapons prohibited after dark?"

"On the contrary. You're likely to tempt some young buck with a hard cock for fighting try and challenge you to a duel. Usually it's till first blood but… not always." He shrugged, wincing.

Jon snorted, but Dany seemed intrigued. "This happens just anywhere?"

The captain nodded. "It can, though they usually keep it confined to the courtyard of the Moon Pool. A tradition dating back to the days where the escaped slaves would be trained to defend themselves in case the Valyrians came to place them back in bondage… certainly much has changed since then, yet not so much at the same time." He shook his head. "Don't head over there after dark lest you have a wish to fight… and even then, I wouldn't advise it. There are several inns and alehouses there, but there are those everywhere. Do not chance it."

"Thank you for the advice, captain." Guiding her to the railing of the ship, Dany felt Jon staring at her. "Don't think about it."

She looked at him, eyes wide and innocent. "What?"

"I know you," he rolled his eyes. "Always keen on seeing how much you can get away with."

"Whatever do you mean, Eddard Snow?" Dany put on a dazzling smile, which was usually enough to melt anyone.

It sometimes worked on Jon… not this time. "You're not Princess Saera. You're more Viserra, eager for attention and excitement but never cruel or one to shirk your duties."

"Please, you love spending time with me, Jon."

"I didn't say otherwise." He managed to smile, to which Dany leaned her head against him. Watching their ship pass underneath the great Titan… the vast lagoon of Braavos emerging in the distance. The start of their great adventure together - her, Jon, and Sansa, with Ser Arthur watching over them.

Truly, aside from her first dragonride with her muna, Daenerys had never been as excited in her life.

A/N: First up Braavos.

Rhaenys will have her dragon, direwolf, and Sandor to keep her company.

As for Egg, Asha truly rocked his world - it'll be very useful to him, since for all those that could manipulate him Asha isn't one. She's genuinely on his side.

Till next time. Be sure to comment.