THE FIRST NIGHT IN WINTERFELL
It was now night time in Winterfell and Lyanna, Eddard and Jai sat together in Lya's sleeping chambers atop her four post bed that seemed so luxurious, such finery they weren't at all accustomed to. They had just finished eating an excellent and filling dinner. They weren't accompanied by their father or Aunt, and Jon apologized as it was highly important that he arrange plans for the journey with Sansa which would take up all their time.
The children each had their own chambers that were huge with a fireplace and tables covered with all sorts of pickings such as fruit and cheese and other delights. Jon had assigned handmaidens and squires to deliver to them their every request during the day and they were to begin private lessons with the Maester on the morrow. Jon had wanted them to be and to feel as comfortable as possible.
The three siblings looked curiously around the stone walls and Stark tapestries trying to get used to their new surroundings. They were supposed to be asleep in their own chambers hours ago but they found it hard to be apart… especially in such a foreign place that yet weren't used to.
Lyanna grasped at the fur blankets nervously, she had a lot on her mind… her Aunt Sansa had just told her the harsh reality of who her mother really was. The Mad Queen and her terrorizing past. It was hard to hear such stories. Lyanna appreciated someone finally telling her the full truth though and she had a new respect for her Aunt.
"Lya… you're not wearing your braid?" Ed asked, noticing her acting a little distant.
Lya ran her fingers along her simply combed out dark hair. She would normally have it in a braid at night… just like her mother but… after spending time with her Aunt today… She didn't want to braid it anymore and she found herself grateful for something she had never thought she would be grateful for… for having her father's black hair and not her mother's silver Targaryen hair.
"I know." Lya replied. "I don't feel like braiding it tonight."
Ed looked at her oddly. He wondered why she had all of a sudden had a change of opinion on it… maybe it was because mama wasn't here to do it right.
"When are you and papa going to leave?" Lya suddenly asked him to quickly change the subject.
"Tomorrow I believe…"
Both Lya and Jai looked down sadly. They were both sad to not be going on the trip with him. They were sad that they were going to be separated. Their older brother was their anchor right now and they felt safe when they were all together.
"It's for the best. Papa and I are going to save mama and then we will come right back. I promise." Ed said, grabbing both his brother and sister's hands.
Lya looked up at him with remorse and gave him a sad smile. He was going to save their mother… She felt a bit guilty for knowing more than he did about their mother's past. She wondered if he would still want to go if he knew of the terrors that she had caused… how much devastation she was responsible for. How many deaths and losses that were stained to her name.
Ed was about to question his sister with the look of apprehension on her face but before he could speak, a knock came upon the door. At once, their heads shot up.
"Who is it?" Lya anxiously called out.
"It's your father." Jon replied back. "May I come in?"
Lya looked at her brother's with a sudden worry as they weren't supposed to be here at such a late hour. Ed nodded for her to let him in, knowing that their father would not get mad at them… unlike their mother who had told them off numerous times for staying up late together.
"Yes, of course papa…" Lya called out.
Ed smiled at hearing her call him that. Ed already held such a love for his father that he only ever wanted to respect him and be the best son he could ever ask for. He already looked up to Jon.
Jon opened the door and in prodded Ghost, the giant white direwolf. The children gasped in amazement and instantly jumped up to greet him. Jon smiled at seeing how fearless they all were of Ghost… then again… they did just jump off the back of a dragon… so he imagined a direwolf was nothing to be fearful of compared to Drogon.
"Hello there boy!" Ed said scratching under Ghost's chin.
"Aw he's so cute!" Lya said as Ghost turned to lick at her face.
Jai wrapped his arms around Ghost's body, his head resting against his white fur.
"He has hair like mine!" the boy cheerfully spoke.
Jon smirked, enjoying seeing them all bonding and having fun with Ghost. Ghost seemed to love the attention too. He closed the door stepping into the room.
"His name is Ghost. He's been a loyal friend to me since he was a pup."
The children were laughing as they played with the giant friendly direwolf. Ghost enjoyed the attention and playfully nipped at their hands.
"What happened to his ear?" Jai asked, looking up at Jon with concern. .
"Ghost and I have fought alongside each other throughout many battles… we each have a share of scars." Jon replied.
Ed stared up at his father with a look of admiration and interest.
"Really? You've been in many battles?" Ed eagerly asked. "Will you tell me about them!?"
The boy ran over to his father with a beaming curiosity. Ed had always wanted to meet a soldier! He couldn't believe that his own father was one! Jon smiled at him and tousled his hand through his son's hair.
"One day I will, if you wish," he replied.
Jon's smile slightly faded as he thought back to the memory of all the battles he had been in… It wasn't exactly heroic or a pleasant story to tell a child actually…
"I have a present for you. All of you." Jon said, changing the subject and revealing a package between his arms.
The three children became excited and surrounded him curiously to have a better look.
"Here. One for each of you." Jon said, separating the packages into three and handing them over one by one.
Lya unwrapped the sheet off of it and gasped when she saw what it was.
"Needle!" she delightfully cried out as she unsheathed the small sword.
The swords were beautifully made. The pummels on each of them were molded into the head of a direwolf to match Jon's own sword.
"Aye. I want you all to start training with the master of arms tomorrow." Jon said. "Ed, you'll train with me… on the road to King's Landing."
Ed smiled, extremely pleased and unsheathed his sword halfway to gaze at the steel. It was the perfect length… the perfect weight… the perfect balance. He ran his thumb against the direwolf's silver head with pride. He saw his future in the dire wolf's eyes. He wanted to be a soldier, a good one at that.
"Thank you…" Ed said to his father.
Jon smiled seeing the three children admiring their swords and looked on proudly at Lya who positioned herself into a stance that perfectly matched Arya's typical Bravoosi style.
"I'm glad you all like them… I hope your mother won't mind…" Jon said.
The three siblings looked at each other unsure of what she would think of them owning swords… Jon smirked seeing how all of a sudden fearful they had become. Daenerys was probably a strict mother who didn't allow their children to get away with much… At that thought, Jon would be sure not to undo all of her great work, he would be strict when necessary too.
"Alright… time for bed. Make sure to put your swords in a safe place and to treat them with respect. A sword is no toy." Jon said firmly.
The children immediately obeyed their father and took in his advice
"Will you tell us a story papa!" Ed asked, sheathing his blade and running over to Jon.
Ed grabbed his hands and looked up at him with bright and hopeful eyes. Jon looked over to the other two who had the same look.
"Of course…" Jon spoke. "Everybody, into the bed."
The three children perked up with cheers and quickly placed their swords carefully against Lya's trunk and then went to lie in the bed that was a perfect fit for the three of them. Ghost followed and laid down at the end of the bed. Jon smirked and gently sat himself down on the edge.
"What story are you going to tell us papa?" Ed asked.
Jon thought for a bit. He didn't know very many… but he did recall a favorite that Old Nan used to tell him and the other Stark children when he was a child.
"I may not be very good at remembering all the details but… there was once a musical traveler who-"
As Jon began he was immediately cut off by his son.
"No no. Not a story like that… we want you to tell us a real story! Like… a story of your past…" the boy said sitting up. "Did you go on many adventures?"
Jon gaped a little… His past wasn't exactly pleasant or joyful…
"Well… I guess… I could tell you about the first time I saw the Wall." Jon said.
"The Wall? What is that?" Jai questioned.
Jon looked on at the children curiously. They didn't know of the Wall?
"Did your mother ever speak of Westeros? Did she ever tell you any stories?"
"No. She never did." Lya said bluntly. It only occurred to her recently how very little they did know about their mother.
Jon looked away knowing that Dany had probably kept her past a secret from their children for their own sakes.
"Well… the wall is seven-hundred feet tall made of solid ice." Jon began.
"Impossible. There's no way!" Ed said in disbelief.
"No, really it does exist. The wall was built by one of your ancestor's Brandon the Builder."
The three children looked at each other in amazement as they repeated the name.
"I traveled to the Wall to join the Night's Watch. An army of brave men who withheld the Wall from enemies."
"What sort of enemies?" Ed questioned.
"Well there were at the time, wildlings, white walkers, giants…"
"Pfft… giants aren't real…" Ed said.
"They are real. I've seen them. You would say the same thing about dragons but yet… they're real."
The children looked at each other and agreed.
"The first time I saw the Wall… It was magnificent. It was so tall that the very top disappeared into the clouds."
"I wish to see the Wall one day. Will you take me papa?" Asked Ed in amazement.
"Of course, son."
Ed smiled as Jon went on to tell them about his first few days of training and he also mentioned a few names like Samwell Tarly and the Lord Commander, Jeor Mormont. Jon was getting a little carried away with reminiscing all his old memories. It was nice to remember and talk about them aloud and the children happily listened. After a while, it was getting far too late and Jon decided to end the story on a happy note talking about how Ghost really enjoyed living at the Wall in his natural habitat. Jon soon stood up to tuck the three younglings in.
"How did you meet mama?" His daughter suddenly asked as Jon tucked her in.
Jon paused for a moment wondering how to answer that question.
"We met in Dragon Stone. Dragon Stone is where your ancestors, the Targaryens used to live and rule."
"Rule?" Jai asked.
"Used to? Do they not anymore?" Ed asked.
Jon softened his eyes. It was clear that the children were completely oblivious as to who their ancestors were. Now wasn't the right time to tell the children of the violent massacre of their family that ended the Targaryen reign.
"Another story for another time." Jon said with a somewhat sad smile.
"How did you and mama fall in love?" Ed suddenly sprung on his father.
Jon chuckled at his question. He was certainly not about to go into detail about that. "Again, another story for another time. Good night. Get some rest."
"Good night Papa." All the children spoke.
Jon leaned forward and kissed their heads. He then tucked them all in making sure they were snug and warm. He petted Ghost's head who would remain with the children for the night and then left for his own chambers.
Tomorrow will be a long journey heading to King's Landing. Jon laid awake that night thinking about Daenerys… he wondered if she was alright.
DECISIONS
When Arya had arrived at the Small Council room, she was surprised to see that Bran was already seated at the head of the table waiting for her with clasped hands and a knowing stare. Immediately, Arya could tell that her brother knew everything.
Arya and Bran sat together contemplating what they were going to do with Daenerys Targaryen. Bran sat quietly in deep thought while Arya sat on the edge of her seat trying to convince him that a public execution was in their best interest and would be the next best way to earn the respect of the citizens after failing to bring Drogon back.
Bran sat quietly, thinking deeply about the situation. He could order Daenerys's execution to be displayed to the public in order to bring justice to the citizens and their deceased who were murdered in the fire storms, however, once word would get out that Daenerys was alive, he imagined that those who were still loyal to her would be on the shores of King's Landing in a matter of days insinuating another potential war.
"Why is Lord Tyrion not here?" Bran asked Arya. "We should consult with him and hear his opinion."
Arya scowled. The imp's loyalties were always changing. He couldn't be trusted with such classified information.
"I think we should keep this information strictly between us and maybe Sansa and Jon. I don't think anyone else should be informed of this… even Lord Tyrion…"
"Sansa and Jon are aware of Daenerys's status," said Bran.
"What? How?" Arya questioned.
"The children are in Winterfell. It seems Daenerys sent them to Jon and he is coming to King's Landing."
Arya brought her hand to her forehead feeling even more stressed about the situation. She was certain that Jon's loyalties would lie with his family but this meant more delay in making a decision on what to do with the dragon whore. The longer she remained alive in King's Landing the more danger they would be in.
"I could do it…" Arya spoke with a cold and quiet voice. "Before anyone would have the chance to find out. I could kill Daenerys and people need not to know about her ever being resurrected… and then we can go back to trying to warg into Drogon. Jon could help us… Targaryen's are the only ones who can tame dragons and bring them to heel."
There was silence for a moment as Bran took Arya's words into consideration.
"I don't want to make any hasty decisions." Bran said. "Let us wait for Jon… In the meantime, give Daenerys a proper room and have her nourished and bathed. I wish to speak to her." Bran finished.
"A room? Why? She's a criminal." Arya seethed. "She should rot in a cell."
Bran gave her a knowing stare ordering her to do just do it and Arya sighed in annoyance getting up from her chair and leaving the room.
The Dragon and the Cripple
Daenerys hadn't slept at all that first cold and dreadful night in a dark and damp cell. She has stayed awake, hugging her knees with her head buried deep into them. All she could think about was her children. She prayed for their safety and she cried missing them dearly.
Jon would protect them. Dany kept reminding herself that he was a good and honorable man who wouldn't let anything bad happen to their children. They would be okay with their father… she had made the right decision in sending them away and paying for her crimes so that they won't have to.
Dany suddenly heard the lock of the cell door click open and in walked Arya who looked down at her with a scowl full of hate.
"Come on, the King wishes to see you." Arya ordered.
"Am I to be executed?" Daenerys asked in a shrill voice.
Arya smirked and didn't reply. Before seeing the King, Daenerys was permitted to bathe and she winced as she came to touch her bruised face courtesy of Arya Stark. The cuts and bruises stung but it was nothing compared to the ache and worry for her children that was built up in the pit of her stomach.
She was brought some fresh clothing to wear and a plate of food that she could barely touch.
Daenerys was forced to wear a hooded cloak so as to cover her hair which meant that even those who were living in the Keep did not know of her revival yet. Only Arya kept guard of her and only Arya escorted her throughout the castle.
Arya roughly handled her by the arm and practically threw her to the floor in front of Bran who sat in his wheelchair in the Small Council Room. Dany looked back at Arya with a frown then sighed standing up and straightening her cloak. She took off her hood before coming face to face with Bran… the crippled King who also called himself the Three Eyed Raven…
Bran and Daenerys locked eyes staring deeply into one another's souls. They both could instantly tell a lot about each other just by a look. Dany could tell that through those monotone eyes, Bran was tired, exhausted and things hadn't been going as planned…
Bran already knew what Daenerys had been through, he had seen it firsthand.
"Kneel." Arya said as she kicked at the back of Daenerys' knees in order for her to kneel before Bran. "You're in the presence of the King…"
Though unwilling to do such a thing, Dany stayed kneeling before Bran in order to plead her case. Daenerys cleared her throat before she spoke, her eyes were glued to the stone floor as she refused to look at him as she addressed him.
"Your Grace…" she said… "By now you may know the news… of my children…"
Bran only looked down at her as she spoke to him, showing no emotion.
"Please… I beg you to not hold any grudges against them for the crimes that I have committed in my past. I beg that you show them mercy and aid them so that they are protected from those who would do them harm… if people know that they are my children…" Daenerys struggled to hold herself together as she let a few tears fall from her eyes... remembering how she had to run all of her childhood… "Then… the assassins will come after them… there will be bounties and they will die."
Daenerys was now crying and Bran looked on at her with a solemn stare. In truth, Bran had no intention of punishing his brother's children for the crimes of their mother.
"I can assure you that the children are safe. They are with their father in Winterfell." Bran announced to which Dany was relieved to hear.
She allowed herself to breathe and be grateful that her babies were okay.
"I will do what I can to harbor and protect them, but, my sister, thinks it is in my best interest to order a public execution for you."
Daenerys could have cared less about her own safety. She had been expecting this…
"Do what you will with me. Just please… protect my children. That is all I ask of you." Dany whispered now looking up at Bran with desperate and teary eyes.
Bran nodded to Daenerys assuring her that he would keep his word.
"They are Starks. Of course we will protect them…" Bran said completely disregarding the fact that they were more Targaryen than Stark. "I have had a room prepared for you to stay in while the small council makes a decision which I will be honest with you will likely result in your death."
Daenerys brought her hand to her heart to feel where her scar was beginning to throb. She had already met with death once and she wasn't afraid to meet death again. Dany nodded.
"If it means my children will be saved… then I will gladly give my life."
Goodbyes
Jon, Sansa and the children stood at the gates of Winterfell at the peak of dawn, the sky a cloudy blue and the air giving off a slight chill.
Jon and Ed were fully equipped for riding and two horses were saddled waiting for them.
"It's a few weeks' ride for Kings Landing… we should be back in Winterfell before winter arrives." Jon said to his sister.
Sansa nodded and hugged Jon tightly.
"Be safe…" she said to him.
"I will." Jon replied.
Ed hugged Lyanna and Jai who were crying that their big brother was leaving them.
"I'll miss you." Ed said.
"Me too…" said Lyanna.
"You're in charge now… you have to take care of Jaehaerys." Ed told her in high Valyrian.
Lya nodded and comforted her little brother who leaned into her side.
Jon helped Ed to sit atop his horse. Once Ed was attached to the saddle, he turned around to his daughter who looked at him with big teary eyes.
"Don't worry, your father will protect your brother and your mother. You have my word." Jon told her.
Sansa let out a quiet sigh and rolled her eyes at Jon's words, annoyed that he was being nice about Daenerys. She hoped that he was just saying that because she was their mother. Lya noticed Sansa but didn't react. She nodded at Jon and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. Jon pressed a kiss to her head.
"I love you. Be sure to keep your brother safe." Jon said to her.
"I will Papa."
Jon let go of her and gave her a small smile and then tousled his hand through Jai's hair who went back to leaning into his sister.
"I'm leaving Ghost here with you." Jon said to Sansa. "Thank you for looking after them."
At first Sansa looked at him with a sour face but then broke a small smile.
"Of course Jon. They will be safe here."
"I know." Jon replied fully trusting her words.
He then climbed up on his horse and soon the father and son duo were trotting off South, on their way to King's Landing.