The Last Wolf and the Northern Dragon

by Alperez16

Two lives are taken and two not, changing the game forever. Jon Snow is raised by his uncle Benjen to be Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North while Rhaella Targaryen escapes to Essos to raise her children and plot her revenge.

3. Knights' Oaths ,Ladies' Duties,

King's Landing 284 AC.

Ser Jaime Lannister.

They had laid together far more sparingly than he'd wished for, though it was him and not Robert Baratheon that had taken her first on her wedding day. Still to stand and watch and not be able to touch her had been hard and was getting harder. As it was to not be able to comfort her after she'd gotten rid of the babe. That it was Robert's and not his had been clear to them both, so in that regard, it was a good thing. However, Cersei felt the loss somewhat as if it had been a child of theirs and he'd been unable to be with her as much as he wished after it.

Instead, he'd gone about his duties as best he could. He'd accepted the scorn aimed in his direction by Ser Barristan and others, and tried not to think on much of anything. Jaime knew that the moment he began to press down on the still open wounds of the rebellion, it would raise questions that he wasn't sure he wished to answer. At night though, when he was alone in his room in White Sword Tower, then those questions would invade his dreams and wake him in the middle of the night.

Should he be here?

Should he not be by their sides?

Would they accept him or kill him if he went to them?

What would Arthur think and say of him?

What would his queen think and say of him?

After yet another night where he slept little, he made his way to the sparring yards to train some before his daily shift began. Today was a big day for the King, and so all of the Kingsguard would be on duty in some form. There was a time when that would have excited and enthralled him. A time when he'd have woken up eagerly and looked forward to the day and the wedding to come. That time was not this and the reason for his lack of enthusiasm was twofold.

He cared not about Stannis Baratheon's marriage to the Trout. Other than for the brief amount of satisfaction that a mere look to Catelyn Tully brought him, as it would remind him that Eddard Stark breathed no more. Yet even this was not the true reason for his apathy. That was down to his brothers, to the men he served alongside, and to the fact they were far lesser than the men they should be. Not only in their own deeds and capabilities but in comparison to men like The White Bull Gerold Hightower, Prince Lewyn Martell, Jonathor Darry, Oswell Whent, and Arthur Dayne. Boros Blunt, Meryn Trant, Mandon Moore, Preston Greenfield, and Kennat Brackwell were not of the Kingsguard and yet they had been chosen to wear the white cloak regardless.

What had possessed the King and his Hand to name such men was beyond him, as was why Barristan had raised no objections. Other than the Lord Commander feeling as apathetic as him, he could see no reason to explain it. Had they been on better terms, was he not blamed for a good that no one knew of, then mayhap they could share their apathy and take some comfort in speaking to each other of their doubts. In another life, mayhap they would reach a conclusion that this was not where they were meant to be and he could see his Queen and Arthur again as friends. Instead, when next he saw Arthur Dayne it would more than likely be with Dawn in hand and with his life on the line.

"You're slow today, Jaime." Addam Marbrand said after it had taken him far too long to beat him.

"I slept not last night and I wished to give you a chance," he said getting a groan from his redheaded friend.

"Don't tell me you're nervous about this damnable wedding?" Addam asked as he shared the jug of water with him.

"Nervous, no. Bored and annoyed by it, very much so." he japed to a small laugh.

"No doubt you'll all have to be seen to be on duty, so there'll be no celebration for you tonight."

"What's there to celebrate, Addam? A miserable dour fuck like Stannis won't even be able to raise a smile himself today and as for the Trout, what's this now, her third betrothal and second marriage? If I was Stannis I'd run far away, that woman's luck with men is not a thing to be marveled at." he said to a louder laugh.

"There's truth in that. You see her father?" Addam asked and Jaime shook his head "He's strolling around as if his daughter is marrying the king himself, no doubt he's already planning for one of his future grandchildren to sit the throne."

"They're welcome to it," he said meaning it not.

The sight of Ser Barristan stopped all talk for now and instead he was bid to join the Lord Commander in a meeting with the rest of the Kingsguard to go over their duties for the day. Then it was to his sister's room and to escort her and the king to the Great Sept and the wedding itself. Cersei's expression as they moved to the carriage showed just how much she loathed this day and Robert, while he looked somewhat happy, looked bored too. Eager to get to the feast and the wine afterward no doubt. That was enough to bring a smile to Jaime's face. Knowing that there was a chance that he and Cersei could find some time together after the feast, allowed him to bear the day to come.

It was much needed. The pomp and ceremony bored him. Stannis made probably the most miserable-looking husband he'd ever seen and even Catelyn Tully seemed somewhat put out by the lack of eagerness that he showed. Jaime wondered if Stannis had begun to think as he had early about the women's luck with men. Other than Hoster Tully and Jon Arryn, few if any seemed to welcome being there in the Great Sept and all seemed glad it was over and done with. The High Septon even moved through the ceremony far more quickly than he had the one with Robert and Cersei, thanks be to the gods.

The feast was as he expected it to be. Robert was his usual boorish self and shamed his sister as much as he possibly could. Stannis seemed to have cheered up somewhat when the time came for the bedding, and Jaime believed he saw the first-ever excited expression on the man's face when it was called for. Given that his bride was, despite everything else, a very beautiful woman, Jaime could understand the reason for that expression. Catelyn Tully blushed and hurried from the room and by the time Stannis had joined her, his excitement wasn't only clear in his expression. This wedding was soon to be consummated and it was the cue for the king to seek to sate his own lusts.

"I believe I'll retire for the night." Cersei said rising just after Robert had left to rut with one of the ladies from the Riverlands, a Bracken, Jaime believed "Ser Jaime if you'll be so kind."

"Of course, your grace," he said eagerly.

They lay together twice, the first time hurried and frenzied while the second was very much not. By the time he took his place back at the door, it was early morning and the king still hadn't made his way to Cersei's chambers. He was relieved that morning by Ser Kennat and decided to break his fast before heading to his bed. Jaime was doing just that when Robert and then Stannis made their way to break their own, and he left just as Stannis was bristling under Robert's words about the bedding of his wife.

Arriving back in White Sword Tower, he found Barristan sitting at the Weirwood table and reading the White Book. The look on the Lord Commander's face was one that he recognized all too well and he didn't need to see which pages Barristan was looking over. He thought about taking his seat beside him and asking him the questions that plagued his mind. Jaime wished he was able to and they could speak as brothers once more and on things that he knew by the look on his face, that Barristan was thinking of too. Yet they were no longer brothers in truth, so he offered up a simple nod and made his way to his room.

Sleep eluded him once more. His thoughts went to places he wished they would not. Memories that he both hated and longed to make more of. He saw her silver hair, her violet eyes, and the pleading in them as she passed him by. Jaime even swore that he heard her voice call out to him, bidding him take his place by her side. At one point he swore he saw Arthur standing there holding out a white cloak, beckoning him to come and take his rightful place. Yet his feet wouldn't move, no matter how much he willed them to, his feet wouldn't move and the images soon faded away.

Winterfell/The Wall 284 AC.

Aemon Targaryen.

His grandnephew was a quiet child, he rarely cried or made a sound. His dark grey eyes though were alert and took everything in and his smile when he graced you with it was a thing of pure joy. He'd held him in his arms more than once. Had told him stories of their house and of the dragons who had come before him. Tales of Egg and Aemon the Dragonknight, of Daeron, Daemon, and then the Conqueror himself. No one questioned his presence in the nursery or wondered why he seemed so keen to be there. Aemon later found out that Lord Stark had told people that he sought the best possible care for the Lord of Winterfell and so he would take advantage of having an extra Maester staying in the keep.

Jon was the reason he stayed as long as he did. To spend time with his kin and to help prepare the North to keep him safe ended up being the goal for this visit. It was a goal he welcomed and one he offered up his best advice for. When word had returned from King's Landing of what boon the North had been given, Aemon had tried not to laugh loudly. The thoughts that the usurper was in part funding his own end were ones he enjoyed greatly. He knew the return of not just the Gift but Brandon's Gift too would be huge boons to the North and his grandnephew. As would the coin that had been gifted, 100,000 gold dragons would go a long way to building a fleet and to raising new keeps. Hearing of the tax reduction had brought him to Maester Luwin's rooms with a request to see the books. Both he and the young Maester worked their best to come up with a way to best utilize the coin that would soon come in.

"You're sure of this?" Ashara asked as they waited for Benjen Stark to return to the keep.

"I believe so, Ashara. Given how prudent the North is, how freely available some material is, I believe this could be done."

"I thought Benjen misspoke about an eastern keep, that he meant a Western one to fend off any attacks from the Iron Born."

"Mayhap he did, but to the crown, it'll look as if he's seeking to protect against the threat from the East, which in turn will allow for much better trading opportunities."

"But all these keeps, I'd not…"

"In time, some will need to be built from wood at first, but in time it can be done if he keeps to the figures I've laid down and in even less time if the trade goes better than I've foreseen."

"You'll stand with me when I make this suggestion?" Ashara asked and Aemon nodded.

Their words had been listened to keenly, more so by the man who was to be Benjen Stark's new goodfather than by the young lord himself. Ashara later explained to him that they knew not the truth of Jon as of yet and so believed him to be who the realm did. When he was asked to stay for the wedding, he accepted, even though Jeor and the other brothers had needed to go back to Castle Black. Benjen himself spoke to the former Lord of Bear Island and doubled the number of supplies he sent back with him.

Aemon had never been to a Northern Wedding before, so to see one before his eyesight failed him was something he was grateful for. He smiled at the nervousness of the young lord and the somewhat reticence of the woman he was to be wed to. The reasons for each were more than clear to him and yet he, like others present, felt there was enough promise in the first kiss shared between man and wife to bode well for the future. As he did even more so the next morning when they broke their fast and seemed happy enough to do so together.

His first real talk with the new Lady of Winterfell, came when he made his way to the nursery one morning to find her standing over Jon's crib. She wore a look on her face that relaxed him and the soft words she spoke showed she bore his grandnephew no ill will. Something he'd feared somewhat when he'd been told of the match that had been made.

"Forgive me, my lady," he said when she noticed him at the door.

"There is naught to forgive, Maester, though I don't see anything wrong with the babe?"

"Lord Stark worries so for his nephew's health my lady, I believe it's a result of the losses his family incurred."

"They are the last of their line, Maester, I believe my husband will worry about young Jon until the day he takes over here as lord and then every day thereafter," she said with no bitterness or reproach that Aemon could hear.

"The curse of loss, my lady. We fear it more and more after experiencing it. My own time here is almost at an end and I've come to enjoy my visits with the young lord. I believe I'll miss him greatly when I'm back serving at the Wall." he said truthfully.

"He grew on you that much?" she asked curiously.

"Look at him, my lady. Look at how small and precious he is. How innocent of all the wrongs in the world and pray ask me such again."

She did as he asked and Jon must have picked that exact moment to smile given the look that soon appeared on the lady's face. Had he not been there then he believed she'd have lifted the babe in her arms, since he was she instead bid him farewell and left him alone. Aemon then was the one to hold Jon until Ashara and Wylla made their way to the nursery an hour or so later.

The night before he was to depart, he made his way to the crypts and met with Ashara for the last time for who knew how long. Mayhap they'd never see each other again, though he hoped that was not to be their fate. He found her standing by the statue that Benjen Stark had commissioned to represent Jon's mother. A look on her face that was pensive and full of restrained emotion and he worried that something had happened to his family on the other side of the Narrow Sea. In this, he was right and wrong.

"I received word from my brother, Aemon," Ashara said softly.

"All is well, her grace, the children?" he asked worriedly to a nod of Ashara's head.

"More than well. It seems it's not just the Stag and the Falcon who wish to see the North prosper, the queen does too. To that end, we're to receive a visit from a representative of the Iron Bank to discuss trading opportunities and to enact the Pact of Ice and Fire." Ashara said and Aemon gasped.

"I had thought…."

"You know of it?" Ashara asked and Aemon nodded.

"Prince Jacerys and Lord Cregan Stark agreed to it for the North's aid during the Dance of Dragons. It was said that a daughter of Prince Jacerys and the firstborn son of Lord Cregan were to be wed, but the actual text was much vaguer. Stating simply that a prince or princess of House Targaryen and a son or daughter or House Stark would they be joined would deem the Pact enacted." Aemon said.

"Rhaegar and Lyanna."

"Would make it so, yes," he replied.

"What does it entail?" Ashara asked.

"I know not, other than when my father sat the throne, each year a payment was made to the Iron Bank to an account set up by Aegon the Dragonbane to honor the pact."

"How much?"

"I know not," Aemon said shaking his head.

"Queen Rhaella suggests we set up a way to speak to each other using you as a go-between, Aemon. That a letter will arrive at the Wall for you to show you how to get a message to her and we, of course, can share words through ravens. I know the Night's Watch plays no part in…"

"He is my kin, my king, Ashara. Rhaegar honored me by naming his son after me, I will play whatever role I can in seeing my grandnephew takes back that which was stolen from him." Aemon said firmly.

"I am most relieved to hear it, Aemon, truly. Benjen is a good man, in time he'll come around and realize what must be done, but for now, he seeks his nephew only to Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North. We must do all we can so that when the time comes, he is ready to be who he must be and that the North is ready to stand behind him when he moves for the throne."

"I have things that may help, some that may mean much to the young king. A gift that I know now was never mine for true and one I thought to be a relic. While another that was left in my safekeeping by a man with a thousand eyes and one. I'll see the first to you before the year-end, the second I'll hold for my grandnephew until the time is right." Aemon said and he was surprised by the hug he was given.

"I am glad to not be alone in this," Ashara said and Aemon smiled at her, the last thing she'd be was alone.

He said his goodbyes to his grandnephew that night and again the next morning. Aemon was happy to see Jon in Ashara's arms as he was readying to leave. When he spoke to Benjen Stark he offered him whatever aid and assistance he could give him, told him to simply send word with any request he would make of him and he'd see it done as soon as he could. To Luwin he made the same offer and arranged for him to send ravens to and from the Wall when needed. Then he mounted up and with some more supplies and guards from House Stark, he rode North and back to his duties.

A moon later.

Life had slipped back into a routine, a dull and annoying one at that. Each morning he'd wake it was with the knowledge that he'd not be seeing the smiling face of a babe. That he'd not get to hold a member of his kin in his arms or speak to him of things that he believed the young boy should know of his family. There had been some arguments among the Watch about the king's proclamation regarding the returning of lands to the North. Aemon taking the side of the Starks and not the Watch in this regard. For the truth was they had wasted the bounty of those lands and not put them to use, and with lords there they'd at least get supplies from them.

When the letter came from Ser Arthur, he rejoiced. His kin was indeed as safe as he hoped for and well protected. While they'd always face troubles from those wishing them harm, they had enough good and true men around them to see that remained so for a long time. Their messages would pass from here to Eastwatch and then Essos. In a little over a week what he wrote down or what Rhaella or Arthur did, would be in the other's hands. Within another few days, it would be in Ashara's too.

The first of them had already been decided upon when the raven arrived from King's Landing. Aemon had read the words and taken no more than a moment to decide what to do. As he watched the raven fly an hour later, he found himself hoping that the news not only arrived as quickly as he wished, but was acted upon just as quickly. The thoughts of the message it would send to the realm brought a smile to his face for the rest of the day.

"Let the great game begin anew," he said softly as he made his way to his bed that night.

Braavos 284 AC.

Rhaella.

She held her daughter in her arms as she looked out the window of the manse and to the open yard below. Viserys was there as he had been each morning since Ser Arthur had left, practicing his forms and striking the straw dummies as diligently as if he was being taught by the knight himself. It and the little gurgle from Daenerys as they looked out the window brought a smile to her face. Arthur had left her son instructions and his training was being overseen by some of their men. Rhaella was happy to see that disappointed that he was in not having the knight here for a few weeks, Viserys had still kept to the schedule that he'd been left.

Her son had come on greatly under Arthur's tutelage. It and his sister gave him a purpose and focus that he'd not truly had in court. Something about being an older brother suited her son and she'd often find him standing guard outside the nursery when Daenerys slept. Viserys was as vigilant as the true guards who kept her daughter safe. So far they'd not truly been needed, the usurper who she'd learned had been wed to Tywin Lannister's daughter, had not yet sent men after her. She did not expect the lack of an attempt on her and her children's life to last long.

Rocking Daenerys from side to side, she looked down to see the bright violet eyes staring at her intently. Her fingers brushed over the slightly chubby cheeks and her smile grew even larger when her daughter smiled back up at her. She hoped that her grandson was being held and loved as much as her daughter was. Rhaella believed that he was. Ashara was a good woman and she thanked the gods that she was by Aemon's side and that in his uncle too he'd found favor. It had been the one thing she'd worried about when Arthur informed her of the plan he'd agreed to. The one doubt in her mind amongst all the positives that she felt him being raised at Winterfell brought. A small element of fear that he'd not know the love that he deserved.

The letters that she and Ashara had shared had somewhat removed that fear, the ones that she and Aemon did so even more. Though it wasn't only mentions of her grandson and his life at Winterfell that those letters bore news of and she offered up a small prayer to the gods to see Arthur's mission a success. Noticing Daenerys was drifting off to sleep, she moved to the crib and placed her down softly in it. Her daughter's eyes soon closed for true and though she wished she could just spend the day looking down on her as she slept, she knew she could not.

"Call me when it's time for her feeding," she said to Mara as she walked from the room, the woman quickly taking her place inside to ensure that nothing happened to cause her any concern.

Even though she was as healthy as she could be, the first year was always the most dangerous time with babes and Rhaella had lost two babes she'd thought were healthy too. She'd take no chance with this one, for she feared were something to happen to her daughter then it would break her. With a nod to her guards, she walked from the nursery to her solar and had only just reached it when the first of her morning meetings arrived. Rhaella then spent the early part of the day going over the needs of her men and she was thankful for Ser Willem's help when she called for him.

They'd not yet firmed up their plans other than finding a place to settle their men, ships, and putting their coin to work as best they could. She'd set Lucerys to seek out trading opportunities, to use some of their ships in this regard both so they were not all in the same place, lest the usurper sought to seek them damaged, and because the more coin they had then the more secure they would be. All in all, she had close to 5,000 men under her command. Nowhere near enough to launch a restoration and so despite it not being something she wished to do, she'd given leave for a sellsword company to be formed. Ser Bonifer Hasty taking charge of it in her name.

It had been hard when she'd seen the knight again, the old feelings that she'd held for him were somewhat still there on her part, and certainly on his. Yet it could never be between them. Much though she'd have liked to be selfish in this regard, she could not be. Especially not when she would be making decisions that affected her family's future with more than just their happiness in mind. Both Aemon and Viserys would need to be wed for the gain it brought them and not for what their hearts desired. Daenerys would be the only one that she'd seek a match based only on love for. It was harsh she knew, and so if she was to deny her son and grandson so, she'd forgo her own heart too. Lucerys, Willem, and Arthur had all put forward their ideas for matches. Yet Rhaella believed that she was in the right in the decisions she'd made.

"It's to be Olenna's granddaughter for my grandson," she said after listening to the names that Lucerys and Ser Willem had brought up.

"You'd reward them with a queen, your grace? After their showing in the rebellion? Had they but marched…"

"I know full well what would have happened had they marched, Lucerys. Don't think I've forgiven Mace Tyrell for sitting by a damn keep while my son lost his life" she said angrily "However who else offers as much as the Tyrells? Who brings us the Reach as easily as they?"

"Perhaps we could seek the other granddaughter, your grace." Lucerys said and Rhaella bid him continue "We'd show we don't approve of Mace Tyrell's actions, but not slight Olenna nor her ambitions."

"I've considered such already, Lucerys. On one hand, what you say makes perfect sense and I'm loath to see Mace Tyrell rewarded, believe me. But Olenna sees Highgarden as her home and it's her son, not her daughter that she's closest to. So it's Mace and not Mina whose daughter she'll wish crowned. I'd not fracture the Reach when I wish them all brought to bear."

"The Reach lords are Leal, your grace." Ser Willem said and Rhaella looked to Arthur who shook his head.

"Some men are more Leal than others, Willem. But even if some of the Lords of the Reach came when called, would all? If the Tyrells held back would the Hightowers? Others?" Arthur said.

"Ser Gerold.." Lucerys began only for Arthur to cut him off.

"Breathes no more and can't be used to bring his kin to our side. Oh, they may come anyway, but who is Mace Tyrell married to Lucerys? Who is his daughter's grandfather?" Arthur said and Lucerys nodded.

"What of Dorne, your grace?" Willem asked.

"They are not enough alone as the Trident proved, Willem." she said to a nod from Lucerys and then from Willem himself "Even were they, there would be issues regarding my grandson that don't aren't there regarding my son," she added seeing Lucerys smile slightly.

"Dorne and the Reach, our own men, it won't be enough, your grace," Lucerys said and she had no need to do the sums to know that was true. She may not be a woman versed in military tactics but she knew numbers well enough and their numbers alone wouldn't be enough.

"No, which is why we've much work to do."

She'd still not told Lucerys about Aemon being named as Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North. Her reasons were ones that she was both annoyed at herself for and yet felt good and true too. He'd always been too close to her husband and while she believed him, Leal, to their cause, him knowing of Aemon would give him a bargaining chip that would gain him much was he to sell them out. Both Arthur and Willem didn't agree with her on this point, the two men were sure that he'd never dare to do such a thing. Rhaella had simply asked them if they'd have believed that Tywin Lannister would have done what he did to Elia and the children, even given all they'd known of him. Their answers or lack of were enough to let her know she was in the right on this.

"A letter my queen, from the Sealord." Ser Willem said as he walked into her solar.

"Another invitation to dinner no doubt," she said as she took it and opened it.

The words shocked her, so much so that Ser Willem looked at her and moved to the door to call for some aid, only for Rhaella to stop him from doing so.

"Some water, Ser," she said letting the letter fall to the table.

"My queen," he asked worriedly as he handed her the glass of water and she shook her head and drank it down quickly.

"I'm good, Ser Willem, a shock is all."

"Has something happened, your grace? Ser Arthur?" Willem asked worriedly.

"NO, NO, nothing like that. I just…"

"Your grace?"

"I've just been asked for my hand in marriage, Ser Willem. The Sealord seeks me as his bride," she said still shocked.

King's Landing/Driftmark 284 AC.

Ser Barristan Selmy.

Each day was a struggle. To rise, to do his duty, and to stand by the door of a king or queen that he believed in not. Even when his shift ended and he made his way back to White Sword Tower, the despair he felt would only grow. These men were unfit to wear the white cloak. They deserved not to be held in the same regard as the brothers he'd lost. It said much about them when a Kingslayer and an Oathbreaker were the best of them.

He'd not even put up a fight when the names were suggested to him. Barristan had simply gone through the motions and allowed the Hand of the King and the King himself to nominate and name men who were unworthy in both skill and character. As he'd not fought to see Jaime Lannister stripped of his white cloak for what he'd done. Why would he? For he cared not for the king he served and he was as unworthy of the cloak as they. Had he not broken his oaths? Had he not abandoned those he should serve?

He had and was. Every morning he opened his eyes it was to this realization and every night he closed them it was with thoughts that tomorrow he'd do what he should have done the moment he'd heard of their escape. That had been one of the only truly good days he'd had since the Trident. Finding out that the queen had not only managed to escape the fate of the rest of the royal family but there standing by her side was a man who was truly worthy. A man who'd protect her from the inevitable knives that would come for her in the night. Arthur.

"If only you'd been with his on the Trident, old friend," he said softly as he dressed and readied for yet another day in whichever of the seven hells he found himself.

He broke his fast, gave out the duties for the day, and locked eyes with Jaime Lannister once again. It had become something of an irregular habit between them. For as much as he despised the man for what he'd done, he at least understood some of what it meant to wear the white cloak. Jaime too had served with better men than these and each time they looked to each other, he'd see in his eyes that he longed to be doing so still. Alas, it was not to be. Those days were long since past and only these ones remained.

After walking through the courtyard and up the steps to the Red Keep, Barristan steeled himself for the day to come. He passed by Lord Varys who looked at him curiously, the eunuch having come from the king's chambers, and was he still a man who cared, he'd wonder why that was. Instead, he barely nodded to the man, and then as he reached the royal chambers, he heard the shouts and soon found himself smiling once again.

This only became even more true when he stood outside the Small Council chambers. The noise from within was like music to his ears as Robert Baratheon ranted and raved about his lost coin. It had taken him mere moments to find out what had happened. Robert's rage didn't allow for him to keep his mouth closed after all, and he'd shouted out loudly that his coin had been stolen from him. Queen Rhaella had not just managed to take the treasury that had been held on Dragonstone, but she'd cleaned out the royal account in the Iron Bank too.

Listening as the ranting and raving continued, Barristan felt as good as he had in moons. As he did when talk turned to taking the Royal Fleet and sailing to Braavos to take back what was rightfully his. Not only did they not have the ships, without using every single one that was held by any House in Westeros, but the Sealord had given the queen safe haven. To attack Rhaella in such a way would be to instigate a war with Braavos, and it was one that Jon Arryn wasn't sure they'd win. Sailing an army to take a city was not marching one to war and risked a loss before you ever even got to bring your men to bear. Be it to the seas themselves, to men more equipped to fight on said seas, or as you tried to land those men.

"I WANT HER DEAD!" Robert's voice shouted out so loudly that Barristan was certain that the entire Red Keep and maybe even the entire city heard him.

He went to his bed that night and slept a peaceful sleep for once. His dreams weren't filled with specters of those who'd died a truer death than was one day to be his. There was no sign of Prince Rhaegar or Prince Lewyn, Jonathor or Oswell and no sign of Ser Gerold Hightower. Barristan was not forced to face the recriminations of their looks or their words. Nor was he forced to see the disappointment in the White Bull's eyes as he shook his head at him. Instead, it was simple and blissful sleep and he welcomed it.

Waking the next morning, he broke his fast while he was still in a good mood. Only for the mood to be broken when Jaime Lannister made his way into the room. The look on the man's face did not bode well and as he took his seat at the table, Barristan considered speaking to him to find out the reason for that look. In the end, he had no need to, Jaime instead being the one to initiate a conversation, and Barristan for once listened keenly to what the man said.

"He was wroth this morning, Ser Barristan, more so than last night. He was sober too." Jaime said when they were alone.

"No doubt hearing of what Rhaella did being the reason for it," he said while trying not to give away just how much it pleased him.

"Indeed." Jaime said wistfully, "But I don't know, Barristan. There was something I…"

"Jaime?" he asked using the man's name for the first time in only the gods knew how long.

"I worry for the queen." Jaime said and Barristan almost sneered "He seeks her death and not even Jon Arryn can talk him out of a foolish plan to sail to Braavos."

He looked at the man he'd been happy to name a brother once, a look he'd not given him in many a day. Barristan had thought he'd meant his sister, that she was the queen he worried over. It was not, or at least not so on this occasion. Instead, it was the same queen that he himself worried over and so he offered reassurance where once he'd not.

"She has Arthur by her side," he said to a smile from Jaime.

"Would that Dawn found itself facing a hammer." Jaime said and the two of them actually laughed together. Only stopping when one of their other brothers entered the room.

A week later.

Jaime had been right, the king would not let this go, and yet he'd been talked out of sailing to Braavos. Instead, it would be knives in the night and letters sent from the crown to the Sealord that they'd act directly against Rhaella with. Robert's anger though required a target. It needed to be let loose or the realm would get no peace and Barristan had been shocked and stunned at what had been suggested to bring the king some calm.

Forty ships they sailed with. The King, his brother, half the Kingsguard, and most of their armed men, though they were needed not. Yet Robert wished this to be a show of force, a message that rang around the realm and beyond and one heard all the way in Braavos too. Seeing the sight of the island when it came into view sent a shudder down Barristan's spine. The one comfort he had was that it was this and not another island that had been chosen.

Men, horses, and more tools than he'd ever seen in his life, all were taken from the ships and the people who named the island home looked at them warily. Robert strolled around the docks and wore a smile that never left his face. He reveled in the fear and concern that he saw on the faces of the people of Driftmark. As he did when the time came to mount his horse and they began their ride to the keep. Behind him rode more than two thousand men, armed and armored, warriors and craftsman, and other than for show, they needed less than half the number they'd brought with them. When they arrived at the keep, he and the Kingsguard with him dismounted, and then the king himself did.

"Empty the keep, loot it and take anything of value but see it emptied before night falls." Robert's voice boomed out and Barristan moved to take up his place beside the king.

For the next few hours, the sounds of wailing babes, mothers and children crying out for their fathers to be left alone, and people being shuffled about rang out. Though orders had been given not to harm those who'd named the keep their home, not all were followed and some men lost their lives despite there being no need to. His complaints to the king fell on deaf ears and at one point he struck a man from the Stormlands and almost brought his sword to bear.

"Act like a knight, Ser, even though you are not one," he said as he moved the young mother and her children away from the man.

It was only that he was who he was or the man may have felt in his rights to fight against him. The glares he got from the king when news reached Robert of what he'd done, were ones he actually welcomed. What they'd come here to do was fell business as it was without them besmirching their honor even more by giving into their base needs. It was what he said to the king when he was eventually brought before him and Robert's response only made him hate the man even more.

"I swore vows to protect the innocent, your grace. To offer my sword and my life for theirs," he said angrily.

"You swore vows to your king and those come above all. Who cares if one or two dragon lovers lose their lives or what little virtue they have left. My men do the king's work here today, my work. I'll not begrudge them the spoils they go with it."

"What spoils? This is not a battle nor a war, your grace. This is not the work of good men and true."

"MY WORK! AND DO NOT QUESTION IT!" Robert shouted angrily.

He heard the laughter as he walked away. One of the men sitting near the king said something and Robert named him a dragon lover too. Barristan cared not, he could take insults to his name for he'd hold his honor up against any of these men. Even though he broke one oath, he still lived up to far more than those he rode and stood with. Other than one it seemed as he found out later that he was not the only man who'd called out the king for the actions of the men he'd brought to this island.

Stannis Baratheon had actually sentenced two men from Storm's End to the Wall after they'd been caught attempting to rape a girl of no more than three and ten days. The argument that the two brothers had was heard throughout the camp, though not by him. Robert had actually wished to pardon the men only for Stannis to say he'd not accept them back into his service and then to bring up Lyanna Stark to win the day.

Once again his sleep was troubled and he woke up to a sight the next morning that almost brought a tear to his eyes. The work had begun and the keep already looked lesser than what it was. Each day they stayed on the island, more and more of the stones were removed. Barristan had stopped even looking in the direction of the keep and either kept his eyes down to the ground or looked out to the sea when he passed it. Robert had grown bored, he drank, sought the company of women, and moaned about the weather and the time it was taking.

Eventually a little over a week after arriving, he walked with the king over the ground where Castle Driftmark had once stood. Other than a few stones, you'd never know this was anything but open ground and Robert's smile was one he liked not. It was something the king noticed and was not best pleased about.

"You think I went too far, that this was not a good act," Robert said looking at him.

"What I think matter's not, your grace."

"No, you should remember that too, Ser Barristan. This may have calmed my rage for now but I've not forgotten what the cunt stole from me and I will have my due. Rhaella, her Dragonspawn, Arthur Fucking Dayne, I'll see them all in the ground, I'll not rest until they're dead. On that, you have my own fucking oath and vow."

They sailed that day and arrived in King's Landing the next night. He was relieved from his duties and made his way directly to White Sword Tower and to his room. How long he sat there in the dark, he knew not. It was mayhap the Hour of the Owl when he moved from the room and made his way to the White Book. The words he wrote in it took him no time at all and once he was finished, he then made his way back to gather his things.

By the time the Hour of the Wolf fell, he was ready. He carried little with him for he owned little. A change of clothing, his armor which he wore, a cloak to cover himself, and his coin purse. He moved through White Sword Tower and had reached the main door when it opened in front of him. Jaime Lannister standing there and blocking his way. The two of them stared at each other for a few moments and then Jaime moved to one side allowing him to pass.

"Protect them, Barristan, protect them as best you can and tell Arthur that I'm sorry," Jaime said looking at him with a look that he couldn't name.

"Come with me," he said and Jaime smiled before shaking his head.

"Would that I could, but she's my sister, Barristan, my queen."

Later as he stood on the deck of the ship and watched the city fade into view, he felt a lightness in his heart that he'd not in moons. He may be heading to his death, may soon lose his head for the breaking of his oath, and yet he cared not. If that was to be his fate then so be it, if not and he was accepted back into his queen's service then when he finally breathed his last, he'd feel worthy. When he saw his brothers again he longed to feel that way more than anything.

Braavos/Eastwatch 284 AC.

Ser Arthur Dayne.

He'd been pleased when Ser Bonifer and other men had arrived. They'd not been alone, but some men he'd sent on their way not trusting their tales while others, like Bonifer, he knew could be trusted completely. Close to 5,500 men they had now under their command. Enough to see the queen and her children safe from almost any who wished them harm. He'd set to work immediately after they'd arrived in Braavos, going through their men to seek out the best swords, most vigilant and truest amongst them. These would be the men he'd place in charge of the queen and her children's own protection. Not Kingsguard but more lethal and capable than ordinary guards.

Others he'd put on more general guard duty. The manse was large enough to house almost four hundred armed men and Arthur had placed them all under Ser Willem's command. The former Master of Arms was a good man and true as Oswell had said and though he was not of the Kingsguard, he felt that Gerold would forgive him this. Between them both, they'd see the royal family was even safer here than they had been on Dragonstone.

When talk had turned to what else they were to do, Arthur had been more than pleased by the suggestions the queen had come up with. A sellsword company would allow them to gather more men, men who'd be bloodied in battle and would serve them well in the future. Ser Bonifer would be a good man to lead them too. Though he had to admit he'd thought that the queen would seek to keep the knight close, as Rhaegar had once told him of the feeling they shared. It was listening to his queen's words about their plans regarding matches that showed him the reason why that was not to be.

"I like this not, Arthur, I'll not lie," Lucerys said after the meeting.

"Her grace is in the right on this, Lucerys. We need the Reach if we're to stand any chance of taking back the throne."

"The fucking Tyrell's, Arthur. Had they but…"

"I know, my friend. "he said placing a hand on the older man's shoulder "But when we march for true, it won't be Mace Tyrell in command, on that you have my word."

"What of the princess, Arthur?"

"I believe our queen would see herself wed again not for love rather than see her daughter go through the same fate as she."

"I am shamed, Arthur, truly. I knew what he…."

"You were not alone, Lucerys, let's think not on the past and instead look to the future."

"I'll sail on the morrow, see that Aurane is put through his paces, will you. I'll see him trained before I see him on the sea."

"I bid you good fortune, Lucerys."

"I bid it for us all, Arthur."

Rising from his bed, Arthur shook the thoughts from his head. He dressed and tied Dawn to his shoulders before he left the cabin and made his way to break his fast. Fifty men he had brought with him and he believed it would be enough. Should all go well, when they set sail again it would be with the addition of another hundred or more. Leal men that would help them greatly in the days to come. After untying his sword, he took his seat and ate hungrily. The colder weather brought with it an appetite that seemed to be shared by his men.

Once he'd finished, he made his way to the deck of the ship and felt the chill even more. He had never traveled to the North before, though he'd heard much about it from Lyanna while they'd stayed in that accursed tower. She spoke of it fondly, longingly almost. Her wish to see it again and for her son and husband to share it with her, ended up being one that the gods had cruelly denied. 'Though at least her son would know it as she had' Arthur thought fondly.

A part of him wished he could ride on to Winterfell. That he could just go there and take Aemon and bring him to his grandmother, uncle, and aunt. Were it not for Ashara's letters, then he'd probably be unable to fight the need to ride there anyway. Yet her letters filled him with a resolve he may not have had otherwise.

He is loved, Arthur, truly and without reservation, he is loved.

That one line along with the knowledge that he had made the right choice on Aemon's behalf, would be enough for now. Seeing the shore come into view, he made his way to the captain and was told that they were indeed at Eastwatch. It took them another few hours to dock and while their presence didn't go unnoticed, they faced no questions or no obstacle as they departed the ship and made ready for what they'd come here to do.

The letter from Maester Aemon had been clear, the words it carried were enough for his queen to task him with this mission and Arthur would see it done. Riding from the small village, they did so with extra horses, a cart full of weapons and armor, and more supplies for the men they'd come for. He'd been against this at first, more so when he was ordered to lead the men himself. Yet his queen had been adamant and had brooked no argument.

"They are Leal men, Arthur, I'd not see them suffer for their oaths," Rhaella said.

"As you command, my queen."

His first night camping in the cold of the North was one he'd remember for the rest of his life. The chill in his bones made him wonder why anyone would seek to name these lands their home. Not even the fires which were kept burning brightly were enough to bring him some warmth and he longed for Dorne or Essos as he lay down to sleep.

It was the same the next night and the night after. He and the men suffering silently and so when their outriders brought the news, it was most welcome. Arthur gathered the men and made certain that they knew his wishes. There were to be no deaths if it could be helped. They were simply to use the show of force that their numbers and his presence would bring. With luck and the gods' favor, they'd be back on their ship by the next night and back in Braavos by week's end.

"You all know what to do, follow my lead, and fight only if we're given no choice."

"You wish us to kill or wound should we be forced to bear arms, Ser?"

"Kill only if there is no other option."

"For the queen." one of the men called out, a young man from Dragonstone's household guard.

"For the queen," he repeated and they mounted up and rode hard but not too hard.

They found them soon enough, two black brothers and six guardsmen. All of them looked warily at them when they surrounded them.

"Name yourself friend?" one of the black brothers said, the man a dark-haired stooped shoulder man who looked at him warily.

"Ser Arthur Dayne," he said loudly. There being no need for him to lie and his queen wishing what was done here today to be known "I come on orders from her grace the Queen Regent Rhaella Targaryen."

"King Robert sits the Iron Throne." one of the guards called out.

"True, but it's a most uncomfortable chair when you're unworthy to place your arse upon it." he said to laughs from some of the men behind the guards "And not one that's his to sit."

"What business do you have with the Night's Watch, Ser Arthur? We play no part in fights for the throne." the black brother said.

"No, you do not. I have no quarrel with you, Ser?"

"Yoren, I'm no fucking knight." the man replied.

"I've no quarrel with you, Yoren, nor with the Watch. These men you transport though have been unjustly sentenced by a false king. My queen forgets not the man who were Leal to her house." he said and he saw the excited looks shared by some of the men behind Yoren and the guards "Any man sentenced to the Watch for their support of the true king, I seek them and them alone. Any man sentenced to the Watch for ought else, feel free to take with you, Yoren. But that's the limit of my goodwill."

When one of the guards went to move, he unsheathed Dawn and let the white blade do his talking for him. The message was clear and with numbers alone he'd win this day, yet it was the sight of Dawn that truly did so.

"Those four at the back, those two there and the three huddled together. All rightfully belong to the Watch. The others were sentenced for refusing to bend the knee. As I say we play no role in the fight for thrones. I'll not seek to stop you from taking those men with you." Yoren said.

"The king." one of the guards shouted as he moved forward.

"Is not here this day, mores the pity. For my sword longs to taste the blood of Stag before it rests," he said chillingly.

It took them close to an hour to gather the men, arm them, and have them mounted up. Some doubling up on the spare horses or on the ones his men rode upon. One of the true prisoners tried to claim he too had served House Targaryen only for a man that Arthur recognized and Yoren himself to tell him that he'd not. Ser Alliser Thorne was a man he'd seen in King's Landing at the Red Keep more than once and one he was happy to see now.

"I bid you farewell, Yoren of the Watch, and offer you this gift from my queen." he said motioning for the chest to be handed to the man "Tell the Lord Commander that Queen Rhaella sends her regards," he called out and then they were riding away from the men and back to their ship.

They faced no obstacle to their ride, no one chased after them or tried to hinder them in any way. When they arrived, he bid the captain set sail as quickly as he was able and they were at sea by nightfall a day after they'd released the men. He'd seen them fed, clothed, allowed them to drink good ale, and had even put one or two of them on guard duty when they'd sought more to do. As he stood on the deck a day later and felt the first stirrings of the warmer winds that told him they were in Essosi waters, he allowed himself a smile.

"Ser Arthur." he heard a voice from behind him, turning to see Ser Alliser Throne and Ser Jaremy Rykker standing there.

"We'll be arriving in Braavos within a day and night, her grace will be most pleased to see you both, as well as the rest of the men."

"I'd not thought…I'd not hoped…" Ser Jaremy said.

"Her grace forgot you not. See that you remember that in the days and years to come," he said to nods from both men.

Laying down to sleep, his thoughts turned to both the king who was in Winterfell and the Prince in Braavos. While he wished he could stand by one side more than another, the task in front of him was the same. Protect, train, and make ready for the wars to come and he'd do so to the best of his ability. He only hoped that Aemon would have someone to do so for him one day too.

Winterfell 284 AC.

Barbrey Stark.

She was nervous as she walked to her destination. Winterfell was already full of life and she didn't want Benjen to know of her whereabouts. Not that he would forbid her to do what she wanted. He was pretty lax in this aspect and had learned in the few moons they'd been married that she was a true Northern Lady with a strong will and an even sharper mouth. But she had also learned that contrary to her beliefs, he too was a wolfsblooded Stark and he would react fiercely to any provocation. Thinking about his temper made her smile fondly as she remembered the first night that they had lain together.

She arrived in their chambers in her smallclothes, no matter how her brothers and father had tried to protect her from being completely undressed, they had been no match for the Umbers and the Karstarks. Barbey had hated the bedding ceremony but insisted on it when Benjen asked if they should forgo the custom, thinking not about herself but him facing the Ladies of the North. She hoped that fighting some women adamant to see what was hidden under his smallclothes would loosen his spirits, and couldn't help but laugh at his sullen attitude when he managed to get inside their room.

"I swear, those women behaved like a pack of hungry bears!" he whined, making her laugh louder. "This is not funny, Barbrey! Maege Mormont tore my pants and scratched my arse!"

"I'm sorry, Benjen." she lied, still laughing.

"You're not. My humiliation is far too amusing to you," he said sullenly.

"Just your attitude. You're behaving as a pup, not a wolf! Come, let me see the damage that was done to my poor husband's arse." she beckoned and he approached her, pouting slightly.

He indeed wore marks all over his body, as if he had been injured by a wild animal, so Barbrey took upon herself to sit him down and assess the marks while he grumbled about revenge.

"I'll get her tomorrow in the sparring yard." he resolved.

"That you will," she replied with a chuckle.

"You don't believe me?"

"I do, but now it is the least of my concerns," she said, feeling him tense when she grazed her finger upon his torso as their gaze locked.

"You… You want to go through with it? Truly?" he gulped, tensing under her touch.

"Why wouldn't I?"

"Because… You know…You were my brother's lover, and now… It must be strange for you to be with me now. I feel like I'm betraying his memory by being with you, and…"

"And what?"

"I'm… I'm not him, Barbrey." he finally sighed, looking away in pain. "You've already said to me that you never stopped loving him."

"I… I did. I am sorry, but I mourn him still." she admitted sadly.

"I do too, but I don't want to be compared with him in every domain, especially not this one. "

"I would never -"

"You already did and you didn't even realize it," he growled while stopping her hand with a firm grip, making her gasp. "You said that I behaved like a pup. Brandon was the wolf. I've never laid with a woman, I am not as strong as him, I could never ride or fight as he did… And I probably will not be as good as a husband as he would have been. But I am me, Benjen Stark, and you will have to do with me. If you think you cannot, then we will live in separate quarters and I will not lay with you. Not if you cannot ensure me that you will not see me as his replacement."

The firmness of his voice, the steel of his blue-greyed eyes, and the strong grip on her wrist made her shiver. Benjen was far from being unattractive, and she felt weak under his intense gaze. This was someone who she knew could understand her, as she understood his will to be his own person and not to live in the shadow of his brother.

She bent down to kiss him slowly, sealing with her lips her silent agreement to his request and was pleased to see him respond in kind.

Laying with him was easy. He was eager to be with her once they started and was keen to learn how to please her, and she slowly but surely saw his confidence grow as he took part in their coupling. It was hard to think of him as a green boy now, especially in the comfort of their bed. They both used the other to satisfy their needs, hoping that soon enough they would be able to grow their family.

It was something that unnerved her, regarding her situation. She had been married already and had produced no heir to House Dustin, and she knew people were waiting for her to be with child. None more so than her father. He knew of her arrangement with Willam and had never pressed her on it, but now she was nearing her two and twentieth nameday and with someone who actually shared her bed, so there was no reason for her not to be with child already, according to him. She wanted to do her duty to House Ryswell, but also to House Stark, so she reluctantly accepted the Maester to examine her and figure out if she would be able to bear children.

She didn't like Maesters, didn't trust them, and never hid her disdain for Luwin every time he tried to engage in a conversation with her. Winterfell's former Maester, Walys, was the one who pushed for the disaster that had been the Stark children's betrothals, breaking her dream to wed Brandon and causing unrest between him, Lyanna, and their father. Barbrey knew from Brandon that Lyanna was very vocal on her betrothal and didn't like the thought of being married to someone like Robert Baratheon, nor did Brandon the idea of marrying the Trout they wanted to bind him with. Her dislike for the grey rats, as she called them, didn't waver after Walys' death. But Luwin seemed to really care for the Stark family, especially Jon, who had probably captured all of the household's hearts at that point.

The babe was growing up well, despite Benjen being worried at what he thought was a lack of expression. Luwin had assured both of them that Jon was healthy and a happy babe, so Barbrey got used to japing that he had inherited the dourness that plagued Jon's father and grandfather Lord Rickard, which would make him fit right in the North. Benjen had actually smiled at that, thanking the Gods that his nephew didn't have the wolfsblood that Brandon, Lyanna and he had as children. Speaking about his family made her husband as sad as it made him glad to be able to do so with her and Ashara Dayne.

Barbrey disliked the woman and if it weren't for Benjen and Jon's sake, then she would completely ignore and avoided her. Instead, she had made a deal with the Dornishwoman before her wedding and had held up to her part of the bargain ever since that fateful moment she had gone to pray the night before her wedding.

She was surprised to find the Dornishwoman kneeling in front of the Heart Tree, and her gasp made Ashara turn in fright, prompting Barbrey to apologize quickly.

"Forgive me for interrupting. I didn't know you kept to the Old Gods..."

"I don't. I just find this place peaceful and the Heart Tree... Moreover, there is no sept around, so it helps me pray."

Barbrey nodded and kept looking at the woman. The conflicted feelings raged inside of her. Ashara was the mother of her future goodnephew, she would become family at some point because of Jon, yet Barbrey couldn't forget that she was a Dayne. That she was the sister of the man who had killed her previous husband, who had kept Lyanna prisoner and led to her death. The sister of a man who was indirectly responsible for her first love's death. Benjen seemed to have accepted her because she had birthed his kin, yet it looked like Ashara didn't mourn Ned Stark at all. If anything, she showed no remorse for the part her family had played in the Starks' demise and it unnerved Barbrey greatly.

"I'll leave you to -"

"How do you do this?" Barbrey cut her off sharply.

"My Lady?"

"How can you be so... How can you act as if nothing happened?" she clarified, clenching her fists to contain her anger.

"I'm just trying to move forward, for Jon," Ashara replied and she couldn't help but scoff at her supposed candor.

"You want me to believe that you're doing all of this for your son?"

"I don't..."

"Your family's actions will not be forgotten. Never. No matter how much you want to forget it and your role in this disaster." she said much too snippily.

"I played no part in them. If anything, I am one of those who suffered the most because of all that happened! I don't feel as if I deserve to bear the brunt of your scorn. For I lost all that I hold dear. My family is in shambles, my brother running for his life-" Ashara said sadly yet Barbrey let her anger be her judge and interrupted her.

"Your brother killed the father of your child, as well as my husband." Barbrey retorted harshly, making Ashara gasp. "He helped with the kidnapping of Jon's aunt and his actions led to many losses for the North and for Westeros. I would kill him with my bare hands if I could and I'm certain I'm not the only one to feel that way here."

"There are things you don't know about the Rebellion," Ashara said firmly.

"The only thing I need to know is that my husband is dead because of your brother," Barbrey replied with anger.

"And now you're set to wed another. Not the one you wanted, granted, but you're going to be a Stark. You are moving on."

"Does that bother you? That I am the one to get the Stark name and not you?" she asked, her curiosity winning out for now.

"Not at all. Benjen is a good man, but -"

"Not the Stark you wished to wed..." Barbrey ended up and Ashara nodded.

"We both lost much in this war, my Lady, and I understand your resentment. All I ask is that you do not blame my son for what happened. "

"We do not blame children for the sins of their parents," she replied instinctively.

"Why are we talking about this, then?"

"Because sooner or later, Jon will have to be told the truth about his family and what their actions have caused. He will have to live with this fact when he grows up because no matter how much the truth hurts it's still the truth. And that truth is that his maternal family ruined his paternal one."

This seemed to shake Ashara's confidence. Barbrey could see the woman's mask slip and her pain shining through her eyes.

"I see... Do you think the other Lords will resent Jon for this? That me being his mother will cause problems to him ruling the North?"

"We only judge people by their actions, and I'm certain Benjen will help him to be a respectable and beloved Lord."

"Will you help him too, my Lady? Can Jon count on you to make him the Warden the North deserves?"

Barbrey was startled at the question.

"I'm not sure..."

"He will need you too, my Lady. He will need your support, no matter what you may feel for me. He has an uncle who loves him dearly, but he will need an aunt to protect him and care for him when his mother will not."

"Are you planning on leaving?" she frowned, taken aback.

"No. But life is not always how we want it to be. If something happens to me, I want to be sure that Jon will be taken care of."

"Benjen will make sure of that."

"That's not enough." Ashara retorted. "I want him to foster a good relationship with you and his future cousins. I want him to have a family that will protect him. I promise you in front of this Heart Tree that should you treat Jon as your own, you will not regret it."

"Why would you -"

"My love once told me while speaking about his family that the lone wolf dies but the pack survives. Have you ever heard of that, my Lady?" Ashara asked, looking straight into her eyes and making her shiver as the words Brandon once said to her brought back some memories.

She nodded, unable to form a response.

"By marrying Benjen, you become my son's family. His pack. Family is important for the Starks, and Jon will be raised as a Stark. I want him to grow up so he, his pack, and the North all prosper."

"What do you gain from this? From seeing the North prosper?" Barbrey asked, feeling there was an ulterior motive to Ashara's desire.

"Nothing but the satisfaction of watching Jon get what he deserves."

Barbrey kept looking at Ashara, trying to judge her sincerity, and finally nodded, feeling exhausted. She might never like the woman, but Jon was an innocent babe and it would do her no good to hold his parentage against him. Not only would her relationship with Benjen suffer because of it, but the Dornishwoman was right in the end. Fostering a good relationship with the future Warden of the North would be beneficial to her and her children.

"I hope we can at least be cordial, for Jon's sake." Ashara ended. "With your leave..."

"Barbrey."

"My lady?"

"Call me Barbrey. Your son will become family soon, the least I can do for him is to be cordial to you... Ashara." the smirk Barbrey received at naming her so mirrored her own.

Since that talk and once she had become Lady Stark, she then took it upon herself to spend more time with Jon. Seeing him and holding him made her dream of having future children with Benjen, but also of what it could have been had her deal with Brandon not fallen through and ended with his death. She would have birthed his babes and they surely would have looked like Jon. Though maybe somewhat more exuberant and noisy than he was, especially given who their sire would have been.

She was still wary of his mother and didn't like how much she wanted to involve herself in the affairs of the North. She understood her need to look for the best for her son, but Ashara tended to meddle in everything regarding the running and future of the North. Benjen was attentive and thankful for her nephew's mother's involvement at the start, which resulted in the North gaining back the New Gift as well as Brandon's Gift. That the idea had come from Ashara proved how astute in politics she was, and it made her even more suspect in Barbrey's eyes.

When word telling of the prisoners sent to the Wall being attacked by Ser Arthur had reached Winterfell, she felt that Ashara had played a hand in it. She had denied it as soon as the Lords from the North turned on her, but Barbrey hadn't been fooled by her meek attitude. Ashara was a Targaryen supporter, she had been Princess Elia's former lady-in-waiting, and her brother had stolen into the North to abduct Targaryen supporters. Men who had been justly sentenced to live the rest of their lives at the Wall for their part in the conflict and their refusal to kneel.

Benjen immediately sent people to investigate and Barbrey heard him and Ashara argue loudly in his solar about it. Barbrey herself went to the lady and she swore that she hadn't been the one helping Arthur. It angered Barbrey to no end and she resolved herself to have them talk further about the issue. She let the guard announce her presence and walked into the solar, her glare directed at Ashara who had brought Jon with her as if his presence would shield her from being questioned.

Clever. Very clever.

"Did the men find anything?" she asked Benjen who sighed loudly.

"Nothing. They were long gone by the time Yoren signaled the attack to those at Castle Black. So when they sent the ravens it was already too late." he said and Barbrey noticed Ashara burying her nose behind Jon's body as if to hide her contentment.

"Damn them." Barbrey cursed. "Damn them and those who had a hand in helping them. You must be happy, Lady Dayne, to see all your friends free from their fates for now." she accused.

"These were not my friends, but no, I will not deny that I am glad they escaped. They simply followed their Lieges, their King at the time, and they shouldn't be punished that harshly because of that."

"They were punished because they didn't kneel to Robert Baratheon." Barbrey retorted and frowned when both Benjen and Ashara twitched at that. "You don't think they should have, do you?"

"What I think is irrelevant, Lady Stark," Ashara replied, needling her name as she previously did. "They escaped on Northern lands, proving my point that the North deserves a fleet. Had you, as Jon's regent, possessed such a fleet, then you would have been able to bring them back."

"So, all of this happened so you could prove your point?" Benjen frowned, his icy voice chilling even his wife.

"It was not premeditated, Benjen."

"How can we trust you, Ashara? How can I trust you when… By acting rashly in Jon's lands your brother now brings the focus upon my nephew. How do you think Robert will react when he finds out? Who do you think he will blame?" Benjen asked angrily.

"You…"

"And you! You're Arthur's sister, for the Old Gods' sake! Your little game is putting a target on my nephew's back!"

"I… Robert wouldn't dare harm Ned's son. Nor would he do so to his brother." Ashara said with confidence.

"Barbrey, bring Jon back to the nursery. Now please," her husband ordered.

Benjen's tone left no room for discussion and Barbrey quickly obeyed, relieved to see Jon unperturbed when she took him in her arms. She still though heard a snippet of the conversation as she left.

"You're playing a very dangerous game, Ashara. I tried to be lenient and understanding before, but this… This will not do. As of today, if Ser Arthur Dayne ever sets foot in the North again, then his life is forfeit." Benjen declared, making Barbrey's heart fill with pride.

"You can't!" Ashara exclaimed, seemingly horrified. "He's -"

"He is nothing to me." Benjen spat. "I know you think me too young, naive, and stupid. I know you think you can play the games as you want so that you can use my nephew as a pawn and get your wishes, but you're wrong. I will not let you do whatever you please and then hide behind Jon."

She didn't walk to the nursery, though, going instead with Jon to the crypts, where they had just finished installing Brandon's statue. He looked nothing like he had in his life, much to Barbrey's dismay. His smile hadn't been captured as it should be, the mischievous glint in his eye was absent. Still, she sat down and looked at the statue of him, thinking back to all of their adventures in the Barrows.

"Your uncle Brandon loved riding…" she started telling her goodnephew, who looked at her with interest. "But there was not a woman faster or truer on a horse than your aunt Lyanna. Brandon would complain every time she would come to the Rills and beat him in races. His reaction to her winning was priceless, and we loved to tease him for it…"

She continued her story, pleased to see him react when she smiled and she was touched when his little fingers went to dry her tears when she couldn't keep them at bay.

"When you get older, I will gift you your own horse, so that you'll become an even better rider. Better than even your aunt Lyanna was," she swore, her heart soaring as he gave her another smile. "Aye, you will be the best rider out there, and the best Warden the North could wish for. This I promise you…"

Barbrey could love this babe, this son of a Stark. She would love him. For had her heart not belonged to another son of a Stark and did it not belong to him still.

Winterfell 284 AC.

Benjen Stark.

Had someone asked him a few moons earlier, then he'd have been able to say that it was Jon and only Jon that he was hurrying back to Winterfell to see. The moon he'd been away from his home had made him miss his nephew greatly, yet Jon was not the only person he missed. Nor was he the only reason for his hurry. He'd found in his time away, though truth be told he'd found it some in his time at Winterfell too, that he enjoyed spending time with his wife. He felt something for her, something that while not quite love was as close as he'd ever known of it.

There was a comfort between them, a challenge at times and one he quite enjoyed. Barbrey helped with the burden of being Jon's regent, and unlike with Ashara, her intent could always be trusted by Benjen. Not that he didn't appreciate having Ashara there too and no one could doubt the boons she'd brought to the North, not least in the protection her name brought Jon. At times though what she sought, no matter how much she seemed to adhere to his demands, was far more than Benjen thought prudent.

Barbrey on the other hand wished to see the North prosper for the North's sake. She knew not the truth of Jon and so believed only what he'd told her. They'd spoken on what was to become of any children they may be lucky enough to have together, something more and more likely given how frequently they lay together, and he'd been clear in what their futures would be. Something she'd accepted without question much to his relief, and something she worked as diligently as any to see was a prosperous one. Which given what first Wyman and then the man from the Iron Bank had brought to him, was now far more attainable now than ever before.

"Is this a jape, Wyman?" he asked as he, Barbrey, and Ashara sat in his solar with the Lord of White Harbor.

"I'd not be man enough to make it one, Benjen. Those terms were handed to me by Lord Arryn himself and then signed in my presence by the king. Lord Arryn felt that we sought too little, Benjen, that given our losses we deserved far more." Wyman said smiling.

"Aye, we did," Barbrey stated emphatically.

"Both the Gift and Brandon's Gift, a half reduction in taxes for ten years and how much coin did you say Lord Manderly?" Ashara asked.

"One hundred thousand gold dragons, my lady."

"We can do much more with this than even I'd hoped," Ashara said and Benjen nodded as he looked to see both women and Wyman Manderly all deep in thought, thoughts that he'd seek the truth of later as they'd know how best to put all of this to work.

It alone would have been enough to force the journey he was now returning from. A visit to the Gift, Brandon's gift, Queenscrown, White Harbor, and finally the lands nearest Oldcastle. His talks with Lord Locke had been productive and as for those with Wyman, never had he seen a happier man when he'd appointed Ser Wendell as head of the soon to be formed Northern Fleet and shown where he wished the docks and barracks built to house them.

Wendell would have Oldcastle no more than twenty miles from him and a covered bay to keep them from the worst of the storms. That it was to be simply a military posting and Benjen was not creating a new trading hub, had more than pleased Wyman too. As had his order that they were to be supplied from both White Harbor and Oldcastle, through coin from Winterfell. In time he'd build a western fleet too, but for now, it was to the east that he'd look.

Ashara and Barbrey had both come up with plans that would see one hundred thousand gold dragons stretch to cover most of their initial needs. The tax reduction that he'd now take four-fifths of, the other fifth remaining with the lords, would help greatly too. Yet it was the coin that the Iron Bank would provide that would truly see them prosper. Benjen knew full well the reason for them receiving that coin and while it gave him pause, it benefited the North and Jon too much to turn it down.

"I must admit, I'm surprised by your visit, Lord Nestoris." he said to the thin banker.

"I am no lord, Lord Stark, simply a man of the Iron Bank, you may call me Tycho."

"Tycho." he said trying the name and not liking how it sounded in his northern brogue, something that was clear the banker liked not either.

"The Iron Bank has had dealings with your House before, Lord Stark, yet not in recent times. However, I come bearing news that I believe you'll most enjoy hearing."

"I'd be surprised at that, but it's early, go on, surprise me." he japed.

"You are aware of her grace, Queen Rhaella, and her flight to our fair lands?"

"I'm aware," he said narrowing his eyes.

"Upon arriving, her grace paid a visit to the Iron Bank and provided us with some news, news which has led to the need for my visit. What know you of the Pact of Ice and Fire?" Tycho asked and Benjen shook his head.

He listened as the man explained it, feeling his anger rise, and was about to tell the man to leave, only for his words to calm him somewhat.

"The Iron Bank cares not for the things it cares not about, Lord Stark. What story the realm is told means nothing to us and we have no desire to speak of the truths we know to any but yourself. I'm here simply to conduct a transaction." Tycho said and as he moved to take something from the pack he had with him, Benjen wondered how much this was going to cost them.

"How much do you seek for your silence?" he asked angrily.

"Oh no, oh no, Lord Stark, you misunderstand my reasons for being here. I'm not here seeking coin, quite the opposite in fact" Tycho said with a chuckle "I'm here because the terms of the Pact of Ice and Fire have been fulfilled. To that end, I present you with the following letters of credit. I sought them broken down into smaller increments rather than a single large one."

Benjen took the papers from the man and seeing the amount on the first one, he let out a gasp. Twenty thousand gold dragons, the Iron Bank was giving them twenty thousand gold dragons. So shocked was he by this that it took him a moment to realize he had more than one piece of parchment in his hand.

"How Much?" he asked as his head swam with figures.

"In total, three hundred and forty-seven thousand, four hundred and fifty-two gold dragons. Lord Stark."

He dropped the papers to the table and reached for the jug of ale. With shaky hands, he poured himself a mug and then drank it down almost in one swallow. It had the desired effect and he felt calm enough to continue the conversation. Tycho then told him that he had a chest with him that contained the odd number.

"How much?" he asked.

"Forty-Seven thousand, four hundred and fifty-two, which leaves three hundred thousand in your account in the Iron Bank and which can be redeemed by you presenting one or more of those five and ten notes of credit. I look forward to dealing with you in the moons and years to come, Lord Stark, and by your leave, I'll be on my way, for I've many miles to travel before I rest." Tycho said rising to his feet.

"I thank you, Tycho, and wish you safe travel," he said to a small smile from the man.

"One more thing, Lord Stark," Tycho said turning back to him when he reached the door "From her grace," he said handing him a letter sealed with the three-headed dragon of House Targaryen.

Benjen waited until he was gone, then with shaky hands, he opened the letter.

Lord Stark,

I wish this letter could speak more of the truth of things. Yet even in the hands of a man who few would seek or dare to impede, some truths can not be spoken openly. We both lost much in the Rebellion, far more than either of us was able to give. We gained too, in ways I'll not speak of, though I'm sure needs no words to be spoken.

I offer you good fortune in the years to come, Lord Stark, to you and to your nephew. May he grow up to be the man we both hope he was born to be. Know that when he rests at night and dreams his sweet dreams that it won't only be the gods who look down upon him and wish him nothing but peace and prosperity. But in a land far from where he rests his head, a woman who lost much and wishes only to think of what she's gained, will make those self-same wishes.

Queen Regent,

Rhaella Targaryen.

Seeing the large grey walls finally come into view, Benjen cleared his mind of any thoughts but those of who and what he'd see. Riding in through the gates he was happy to see his wife standing there with the household. The look on her face was one that both seemed to welcome him home and suggested something had happened, which gave him pause. He dismounted more quickly than he'd planned because of that look and moved to her, surprised by the curtsy and the kiss to his cheek.

"Winterfell is yours, my lord," Barbrey said and the way she looked at him stirred something in him, it stopped him from speaking his thoughts too.

"It's good to be back home, my lady."

"Your journey went well?" she asked curiously.

"More than well, come we'll talk inside. Jon is with Ashara?" he asked and Barbrey nodded though something about the way she did so raised his hackles.

Despite wanting to go to the nursery, first of all, it was to his solar that he was led and he followed quietly. Once they reached it, he heard Barbrey send for refreshments though he waved them off, as he was far more eager to find out the reason for that strange look on her face.

"Barbrey what is it? Jon has something happened to Jon?" he asked when they were alone.

"Jon is well, my lord, more than well," she replied, yet something still felt off.

"Barbrey?"

"I'm with child, Benjen." his wife said and before he knew it, he was lifting her in the air and spinning her around, her laugh a true one he felt.

"You are pleased by this news," she said laughing still.

"Aye, more than pleased. You, you're well, happy?" he asked when he let her down.

"I'm well and happy," she said smiling even more truly now.

He was in the midst of telling her they needed to organize a feast and to send word to her father when the food and ale arrived. Benjen poured himself a mug full which he drank happily.

"About Jon, Benjen," Barbrey said after a few moments.

"I've seen to the lands, Barbrey, our child will be more than provided for, of that, you can have no doubt," he said misinterpreting her words.

"No, I wasn't…I know that, Benjen. I…"

"Barbrey."

"While you were away, we received a present for Jon's nameday, or to speak more truly Ashara did, a gift from the Maester at the Wall, Aemon was it?" she asked and he nodded his head.

"And Ashara gave it to him even though his nameday is not for a few more days." he said to a nod "I'll not begrudge her doing so, nor my nephew getting an early gift."

"Nor would I. Though it vexes me why a Maester would gift Jon and why this gift in particular."

A few moments later he found himself walking to the nursery, his anger threatening to make him explode. Of all the damn foolhardy things that either of them could do, this may very well be the dumbest he'd ever heard. The sound of the laughter that rang out from the nursery did calm him somewhat, yet he was still furious when he opened the door. Only the sight he was presented with once he did so was enough to chase his anger away completely.

Jon was standing up, in front of him was a dragon egg. White as snow with pale blue flecks running through it. His nephew was pushing the egg and walking behind it, both using it for balance and yet very much not. The smile he wore was one that Benjen soon joined in with, yet it was the sound of his voice that truly made his own smile beam just as much as his nephew was.

"EGG!" Jon shouted out happily.

A/N: Thanks to all who've read and reviewed. Up Next we take a look into Tywin's reactions to the events in the realm and a trip to Dorne to show how Oberyn and Doran see things. In Highgarden, Olenna tries to make sense of the new world she finds herself navigating, and in Braavos Rhaella welcomes two new members to her shadow court and prepares for a wedding. While in Winterfell, things come to a head between Ashara, Benjen, and Barbrey, as a secret is readied to be revealed.

King of summer; It's funny the story of Bael the Bard almost lends itself to the scenario you suggest. Jon being raised in WF unaware of who his father is, if you had Rhaegar survive the Trident somehow and then lead an invasion later, you'd set up the perfect conditions for it. So it's a thought, maybe someday for me, but given how much work I have on my plate, how many ideas, for now, it'll have to remain that.

Guest: Cat won't be a cold fish completely here. In a way, she'll thrive in the south and she and Stannis, though not being her and Ned, will have a happy enough marriage. She'll give him an heir and she's not Selyse, so it'll be a happier union. In regards to how she feels about Jon, it'll always be there, but unlike at WF, Jon is out of sight and so at times he'll be far out of mind. As for Marge, well things politically are much changed. Robert hates the dragons and their supporters, even more, Renly is less important, and with Cat in the Stormlands, the RL will be closer to it than the North making a gap in the market so to speak. When you then add in Rhaella's Manipulations, you'll see how things develop.

The Sphinx: So good to hear one of your poems, my friend.

Daryl Dixon: Really glad you like it.

Zhoverak: I do think Viserys while maybe having some of that temper and even the potential to go a bit nuts within him, was a product of his upbringing more than anything. Here he'll have a mother's support, a mentor in Arthur and any time he steps out of line, someone to rein him in. He'll be very different than canon in time.

Lawkeeper: I always take a long time just thinking before killing anyone off, with Robb/Ned, trust me I spent a long time trying to see if I could get where I wanted without it being one or both of them, but it's needed. Jon raised as Lord could work another way, I know, but my thing with Ned and this is something that bugs me in a lot of fics with him, is that for him not to simply be his canon self, you need to introduce elements of change. He's not just going to name Jon as his heir when he's not his heir, nor just seek to crown Jon unless he's almost forced to, we see in canon what Ned does in certain circumstances and so you need to change them to get him to change. Someone finds out the truth about Jon, that may force his hand, yet far too often people just have him suddenly play the game with no reason other than, wouldn't it be nice if Jon was king. Same with Robb, randomly having him release Jon from his vows or bring him back from the NW, doesn't really work unless you've changed a lot of things before then.

So to have him as Lord, which is much needed here, it's either make him Ned/Brandon's son, which doesn't work in this context, or kill them off and go the route I did, which is what I decided.

I always wonder how much of Stannis not coming to the marriage bed was down to Selyse, we see with Mel, it's not like he can't want sex, just that with Selyse he rarely does. Cat is a beauty in the books, and she's going to give him sons and daughters, so in some ways, he'll be a far happier man, especially when you add in Storm's End too. Cat too in some ways would be happier in the south and while Stannis was not who she wanted to wed, he won't have the Jon stain on his early on. So while they'll not be Ned/Cat and what it grew into, they will be somewhat happy and content.

That was my thinking with Benjen, now obviously he's going to eventually come around and he doesn't have Ned's loyalty to Robert playing a part anywhere, but for him to just jump on board with a plan of Jon going for the throne is too big a leap. Jon is far better off here than canon, he has a future, so that argument will be there between him and Ashara for a while.

My thought with the kids is that while in one aspect they'll be stand-ins for some of Ned/Cat's kids as well at least one of Cat's, they, I hope won't be copy and pasted. There will be differences, even if one or two may bear the same names.

Dorodrigo: The plot bunnies are heavy with me on this and so for now I'm almost writing it on top of other stuff. Plus I have my co-writer to help me which halves the workload too. After the next chapter we'll jump forward a couple of years, then another jump in a chapter or two more to the Greyjoy Rebellion. So there will be more than one jump forward in the first ten or so chapters, and then more to come after that.

Gaones: There is literally nothing that the king can't do when it comes to the allocation of lands. No matter what their origin. Robert can take Highgarden from the Tyrells if he wishes, Winterfell from the Starks. So why can he not take Brandon's Gift from the Watch? The Watch may play no part in the politics of the realm, it's still beholding to them though. Robert and Jon A are mourning Ned, both are trying to make up for that and care not about the Watch, or certainly not as much as they do about Ned's son.

Would the North accept it? Of course, they would. It's not like the Watch actually does anything with the lands, if anything it helps them out to have lords there who both can supply it with materials and can be called quickly should they be needed, so no, they'd not be bothered in the least.

If Queen Alysanne can gift the Watch the New Gift and take those lands from the North and the North while bristling, accepts it, then the same is true in giving both it and Brandon's gift back to the North, some may bristle, all will accept it. As for the other lords, yes again some are going to see it as overly generous, some may not be happy and some will just be happy that Robert/Jon A aren't taking their lands from them. Taking lands from the Watch is in essence no different than attainting a lord and taking his lands and giving them to someone else, something that Robert and the kings that came before and after him did plenty of.

Whatever Alysanne's motivations, it matters not, dragons or not, it matters not. The options are simply twofold, 1. Accept it and be annoyed by it 2. Rise up and try and fight to stop it. Who in the North is going to go with option 1? Who in Westeros is going to stand up to Robert's will?

Yes I know it's too much, but that's the point, it's to show that Robert/Jon A are not thinking with logic and foresight, but are acting on emotion. Had Ashara sought it, they'd have probably said no, but she didn't and timed it perfectly, later on others (Tywin especially) will be pissed, but it's done and dusted, as for the Watch, again they don't use the land and can only benefit by having lords upon it.

On House Dustin, they have no more power over it than they would in canon with Barbrey there. The power doesn't come from that, it comes from Barbrey being wed to Benjen. The fact they are now kin by marriage would mean that Benjen would seek them to be stronger though too. He has no family, if it is to be one of his and Barbrey's children should they be lucky enough to have so many then so be it, but House Ryswell is now tied into House Stark far more than they are to anyone else. What you suggest would be like saying that in canon were Robb to marry Alys Karstark then he'd not seek to put one of her brothers as Lord of Moat Cailin or somewhere else, because it would mean that House Karstark is too powerful. Where it's the fact that they're now wed that would make that more likely than were they not.

There is no other Dustin around, Barbrey's inheritance was uncontested and the alliance between House Ryswell, Dustin, and Bolton was a far more dangerous and powerful one because it held no ties to House Stark. Of curse House Ryswell will be powerful here. But they are kin to House Stark now, more so than to House Bolton, which actually makes them more likely to sand with the Starks above all than canon does.

It just annoys me with the KG getting all the blame, they were in the wrong, very little in that whole affair isn't someone being in the wrong, but Ned's words are the words of a man acting for his king and not those of a brother seeking his sister. Had they been, then who knows how things were to play out and why people can't understand that it falls on Ned to tell them why he's there as much as it does on them to explain the truth, is beyond me.

Btw. I hope my tone in answering your queries doesn't come across as angry or annoyed, sometimes when typing you fear that it may do, I welcome the points you raise and am more than happy to answer them, so please take them in the manner they're meant, an answer, not an argument.

LadyDemetria: Thanks so much for saying so. I found the idea so interesting that I couldn't stop myself lol.

Syrius: Hope you liked this first look at Barbrey. The North will rise a lot in this, Benjen is not Ned and with Ashara, Barbrey, and other factors at play, he'll not be as happy with their lots. They will make plans and events will also work out in their favor too.

Celexys: So glad to hear that. Ashara is certainly team Targ here, she wishes to see Jon crowned and Robert, Tywin, et all to pay, Barbrey wants to see the North prosper and Benjen to see Jon safe, so those dynamics will at times be at odds and at times working to the same goal. I like Ashara as a character and she'll have a major role to play here in some big events.

The Last Northumbrian: Again, love the name, my friend. Glad you're enjoying it.

Supremus: The last thing here will be Ned being bashed since most of my issues with him can't come to pass with him not alive. If anything he'll sort of be sanctified a little. You may enjoy where I go with Theon here, though at first, it may look as if I'm not treating him well, I do have far more plans for him in this fic than in most of my others and a different path than I've ever seen him walk before.

Sassey J: My earliest work makes me cringe, both in sentence structure and grammar. I can honestly say that I had no idea what I was doing and with some good and helpful advice from those who reviewed, as well as trial and error, I am far happier with what I write now than then. My first intent was to improve and I feel I've done so, so it's much appreciated to see you say so.

I have so many little plot bunnies in my head regarding Jon, so many little roads that he can travel, and more than anything I'm still enthused by writing the fics. The show's ending may have left us all wanting, but in one respect it helped me greatly. Without it, I'd never have considered writing a fic because the Jon Snow I saw at the end was not the Jon Snow I read in the books. So there will be many more fics to come and I thank you for your kind words.

Nagiten: I think I mean that she wished them to fear her, to look over their shoulder and wonder when she's coming for them. This bit here with Arthur in the North is to play with that idea, so I must have missed a word or put it in the wrong context, but that's what I meant.

The pact will be huge for the North, as for Rhaella her taking of the coin has already had an effect on Robert's mood. Well, Domeric will play a big part here and he fostered at Barrowtown in canon, guess where he's fostering here? The North will grow very strong here, Benjen is not Ned and people like Ashara, Rhaella, and others will have their own reasons to see it so. As for Ramsay, we'll not see him for some time, but we will see him.

Irish Hermit: So glad you liked that, I felt it was exactly what she'd do, to give that middle finger and take as much satisfaction in that as she could. I think like you. Nurture far more than nature was Viserys' problem, here he has a mother who loves him, a mentor in Arthur, he's aware of Jon being the king, and should he act out, he has someone to rein him in, he'll be a far more competent and capable character by the time canon comes about. Jon being Ned's is the perfect cover in this scenario and is why Howland was able to get Arthur to agree. Had he been bringing him back to live his canon life, then no way Arthur allows him to go, but as Lord and with Robert's blessing, he's safer than Arthur himself is. So glad you see it that way with Barbrey and it's a sign of just how clever Ashara is, it nullifies a lot of problems that were let fester. Dom will foster in WF, he did so in Barrowtown in canon and was Barbrey's pride and Joy and so yes Roose will be closer, but still Roose too.

Guest: Jon/Marge is one of the most underused parings, it's also for certain setups the most logical one which is why I've used it more than most. Here it's not Jon pulling the strings, not his choice to make, and will be more of a political match. In regards to Dany, the issue is that once you make certain changes, then to have Dany follow her canon arc makes no sense. Her canon arc is a journey that leads her to who she becomes, if she doesn't rescue slaves she never becomes Mhysa, but why would she seek to rescue slaves if she's not set on that path in the first place? So I accept that I nullify her journey in favor of Jon's since Jon is my MC in all my fics. But you can't have Dany go for a throne if she's aware of Jon from the start, nor seek to free Slaver's Bay from the masters if she's not sent there on her journey in the first place.

Without spoiling things here, what I'll say is this, Dany has a different journey she'll undertake here and it's one I'm excited about, but she's not going to be the queen she is in canon, nor seek to do all she did, because why would she.

Thrandull: I can't find any mention of a Dustin anywhere other than the main branch and I'm loath to sue OC's however, the North will be growing far stronger here, a number of keeps to be built and lands given in both Gifts, so if you could find me one, then I'd consider using them.

Creativo: No se preocupe, Ash está ahí para eso y para ver que Jon está listo para lo que está por venir, tanto como Lord como King. Lo que pasa con Stannis es que su amargura lo llevó por un camino determinado, aquí estará menos amargado y ¿recorrerá el mismo camino?

Dunk: Exactly that, all three of them will at times work together and at times be at odds with one or more of the other two. Their goals will align and diverge until they align fully. I can't say when Benjen comes fully on board, but I feel it would be far too early yet and that his position makes sense. Cat will have more than one child, I think Selyse was just unable to and she had many miscarriages. Hoster wanted his reward far more than actually thinking he was in the right of things, so he's happy enough with the Stormlands, Cat on the other hand doesn't care about the North, not truly, if it was Benjen's she'd not even blink an eye. But she sees Jon as both proof of Ned's shaming her and is angered that he lived when Robb died, so she wanted it to take it from him, more than anything. At times Jon is going to be out of sight our of mind here, but when he's not, those old feelings will rise up again.

Rhaella and Ashara and Aemon are all in communication and we'll see, as we did here, Rhaella somewhat interfering in Jon's life before they meet. So yes she'll have a hand in a lot of it and will be the driving force behind the match. She will be a force to be reckoned with and will have a shadow court of sorts in Braavos, a powerbase there and elsewhere in Essos. Aemon we'll see make a couple of visits to WF before his eyesight fails and he has much to impart o his grandnephew.

There will be more than one jump, the chapter after next will jump forward a couple of years and then a couple of chapters after that we'll jump to the Greyjoy Rebellion. After that, we'll have a couple of more to take us to the canon timeline too.

Xan Merrick: Thanks my friend, so glad you liked it.