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.

2. Mothers, Fathers, Daughters, Sons

King's Landing 284 AC.

Jon Arryn.

The wedding had gone off without a hitch and given the sounds of the coupling, there may even be an heir born as soon as he wished for one. Jon knew full well that even though Robert had two brothers should he fall, the realm and their grip on it would be even more secure once he produced a son of his own. That it would tie the Old Lion even more fully to them could only help too. Yet there were still issues to fix, things that needed his attention, and none loomed so large as what to do about the remaining Targaryens.

It had taken them too much time to gather a fleet large enough to set sail and take Dragonstone. Time they had believed they had plenty of, for surely the dragons wouldn't give up their island without a fight, or so they'd thought. He and Robert had argued, as had Stannis with his brother, over what to do about the deposed queen and her son. Both he and Stannis had sought mercy where Robert was in no mood to see it granted to the "Damn Dragonspawn" as he'd declared all Targaryens to be. The loss of Lyanna and Ned was too much for Robert to forgive and so their pleas had fallen on deaf ears. Mayhap that was why the gods had sought fit to intervene, to deny his foster son his vengeance and to create a headache that Jon feared would last for years.

"Gone, what the fuck do you mean they're gone?" Robert bellowed.

"We found not a one on Dragonstone, your grace, no fleet to face, no ships or men to battle through. Other than those who named the island home we found no sign of anyone. There was no sight nor sound of Rhaella, her son, or the men who stood with them."

"What of Driftmark, has she gone there?" he'd interrupted.

"If the fucking dragon lovers are sheltering them I'll see…"

"She's not there either, Lord Hand, nor are the Velaryons themselves. Driftmark too has been abandoned."

"I'll scour the fucking world to find them and to see them brought to their knees. I'll kill every fucking last one of them, Dragonspawn, Dragon Lovers, all of them will feel my wrath." Robert said before storming off, his fury a thing to behold and proof that his house words were more than simply that.

"Did you take the treasury?" he asked Stannis when they were alone.

"Gone, Jon, it too has disappeared."

He'd felt that loss as keenly as Robert had felt the loss of Rhaella and her son. Jon had thanked the seven that the treasury in King's Landing had been left untouched, a million gold dragons was more than enough to see the realm right. The Targaryens had not been all he'd had to worry about either since he'd taken the pin that named him as Hand. There had been what to do with those who'd fought against them and having to rein in Robert's temper when dealing with them. His foster son wished for blood and since he hadn't been able to take the blood he wanted, he sought it elsewhere.

In the end, he'd seen sense and it was coin, prestige, privilege, and some exiled to the Wall that he'd accepted instead of heads. The Tyrells and the Lords of the Reach were only too happy to pay up in that when faced with the alternative. As were the Lords of the Narrow Sea who had not fled with the dragons and the other houses who'd risen for them had paid in lands and coin too. Leading them then to the rewards for those who'd fought on their side and how best to see those rewards dished out.

Hoster Tully had demanded recompense, he'd asked for wrongs to be righted when neither Jon nor Robert saw any. He'd gotten his wedding in lieu of the one that Brandon Stark's death had denied him and he'd get no other Stark to replace the two that had fallen. Robert was as adamant as he was that he'd not only not force Benjen Stark to marry Hoster's daughter, but under no circumstance would they consider any other Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North than Ned's son.

"I don't fucking care what agreements were made, I'll not go against Ned's last wish, not for you, not for the fucking gods themselves," Robert shouted when Hoster had made his request too firmly.

"So I'm to receive nothing for my support? Nothing for helping to put the crown on your head, your grace? My daughter who should by right be the Lady of Winterfell is to be what…just set to one side, ruined and unable to be wed?" Hoster asked angrily.

"You wish for a fucking wedding do you, to see your daughter wed. Very well then I'll fucking give you one."

"Your grace?" Jon asked confused.

"Stannis is unwed and there are far too few Baratheons in the world. Let him marry Lady Catelyn and rule over Dragonstone as my heir." Robert said reaching for the jug of wine.

"Dragonstone, she was to be the Lady of Winterfell, my grandchildren were to rule over the North, not some pile of rocks that no one wants or cares about. Even the fucking dragons don't want it."

"What do you want, Hoster?" he asked before Robert lost his temper for true.

"Storm's End, that's Stannis' birthright is it not? Storm's End and the Lord Paramount of the Stormlands."

"No." Robert said, "I want him on Dragonstone, I want him where the dragons lived. Let them try and take it back from him should they dare show their faces in my lands once more."

"I'll find someone else for Dragonstone, your grace. Hoster is right, it's the least he deserves," he said and eventually, Robert agreed.

It had bought them an even truly ally in Hoster Tully and had sorted out the Stormlands too. Jon had not agreed with Robert's plan to waste Stannis on an insignificant island. After what the man had suffered during the war, he more than any deserved his family home. Selling him on the need for a wife had been harder and yet Stannis was as dutiful and as resolute as ever. It would be a good match he felt, or mayhap he hoped it would be.

Dorne had been much harder. Robert refused to give up those who'd killed the princess and her children and only after much argument did he give up their bones. Jon had then brought them himself to lay at Prince Doran's feet and though peace was agreed to, it was a shallow one at best. Still, it was better than the state of war they could one day find themselves in should Dorne not kneel. So he left with some relief and with his head, thank the gods. With their enemies, barring whatever remained of House Targaryen, dealt with and their allies almost all rewarded, it left them with just the North to deal with.

Jon knew not what it was the North would ask for, though at least he knew they'd be asking for something, his raven from Benjen Stark suggesting as much. So he waited for the arrival of the Northern representative and got on with the business of running the realm. Robert wished for a tourney and so he gave him one, he wished for feasts and so they held them. When he wished for Lyanna Stark to be by his side or when he cried for Ned, Jon did all he could to offer him some comfort. His words though were never enough.

"My lord, Northern sails, the Merman of House Manderly I believe." his steward said and Jon readied himself for the ride to the docks.

He arrived just in time to see the Northern ship dock and to see Lord Wyman Manderly make his way down the gangplank. The Northern lord was mayhap the most southern of the Stark vassals and a good choice to send. Jon was more than happy to see the North was in good hands with young Benjen, and that Ned's son would be taught well.

"Lord Manderly," he said greeting the man warmly.

"Lord Hand, you honor me by greeting me yourself," Wyman said.

"Nonsense, my lord, any true man of the Starks is most welcome to me, most welcome indeed."

"You know why I'm here, Lord Hand?" Wyman asked.

"I do. Now come let's get you and your men settled, I was about to have luncheon and I'd much rather have it with good company."

"Aye, me too, Lord Hand. I'd be most happy to join you."

Less than an hour later they were sitting in the Tower of the Hand and eating their meal. Lord Wyman ate hungrily, polishing off a second dish when it was offered and drinking the wine sparingly which Jon was glad to see.

"Forgive my appetite, Lord Hand, it comes upon me much easier on land than on a rough sea."

"There's nothing to forgive, Lord Manderly. I'm not a man who likes to sail at the best of times, let alone when the weather is uncooperative." he said as the dishes were finally taken away "Lord Benjen is well, Lord Jon?" he asked curiously.

"Aye my lord. Lord Benjen is settling well and the babe is as healthy as any I've ever seen, a true Stark that one, and I wager he'll be the exact image of his father when he's grown." Wyman said fondly.

"If only his father was there to see him grow," he said his tone even sadder than it had been on any of the other times he'd spoken of Ned Stark.

"A great loss, Lord Hand, not only to the North," Wyman said and Jon nodded.

"A very great loss, my lord." he said before shaking his head "To business then, do you carry a proposal from Lord Stark?"

"I do, my lord," Wyman said reaching into his coat to take out a letter sealed with the Stark Direwolf and handing it to him.

He read it once, then once again. Looking over the proposal before rising to his feet and moving to one of the books he kept on the shelves behind him. Opening the pages he went to the last few years and looked over the numbers that the North paid in taxes, noticing how low they were compared to those paid in the Vale. Reaching for a quill and some parchment he began to work out the sums suggested and found that he liked them not.

"He asks for too little," he said not realizing he spoke aloud.

"My lord?"

"Lord Stark, he seeks a reduction of the North's taxes of one fifth, seeks to use the funds to build up keeps and to help build a fleet."

"Aye, he spoke to me of such, my lord."

"it's too little, it would take far too long and the other things he says here only show how well thought out these plans were."

"I thought with the Gift?" Wyman asked and Jon shook his head.

"It'll take time for the lands to produce, my lord, time and coin and the North has little of the latter." he said to a nod of Wyman's head "Leave this with me, Lord Manderly, give me the night to look it over and see if we can't do more than Lord Stark bids me to."

"My lord?" Wyman asked confused even more now.

"None bled as much as the North, Lord Manderly, none lost as much. Ned was my foster son and I grieve him as much as his grace does, I'll not see his son isn't given all the help we can give him. I'll not shame his father's memory by not doing all I can," he said full of resolve.

A week later.

It hadn't taken much cajoling of Robert, his foster son felt as he did and so the proposals Jon made had been welcomed and even added to. The voices of dissension they did face were from the Queen, who was no doubt parroting her father's words, and Grandmaester Pycelle who spoke about the faith not being happy. Those voices didn't speak too loudly or too long once Robert made his feelings clear and Jon felt much pride for the boy he'd raised when he did so.

It would be half and not a fifth of taxes that the North would forgo. Ten years and not five until they began to pay as they once had. Lord Manderly had left with one hundred thousand gold dragons to begin the works that Benjen Stark said needed to be done. With that and with a proclamation from the crown returning the Gift and Brandon's Gift back to the North. He'd slept easier that night than he had in many before or since. Had felt he'd done right by Ned and his son, and by the men of the North who'd fought so valiantly by their sides.

The worries that had led to him seeking the North to build its fleet sooner rather than later were ones that the truth of was proved mere days after Lord Wyman had set sail back North. Jon finally got word on where the Targaryens had made their home and he did not like it one bit. They were too close, too powerful still, and he feared what Robert may say when he told him. He feared what he may threaten or even try to see done. As much as he now may wish them dead too, he'd not risk a war with Braavos. For the truth was it was not one he was sure they would win.

"Fucking dragons," he muttered under his breath as he made his way to the Small Council chambers to inform his fellow council members and the king.

Winterfell 284 AC.

Benjen Stark.

His nephew was a quiet babe, which had at first worried Benjen somewhat. Jon rarely cried, not even when hungry and so he'd asked questions of Wylla and of Ashara. Questions that he'd thought so important only to find out he was worrying for naught. There was no need for him to cry when hungry because Wylla was well aware of when he needed to be fed. He'd been quiet since the moment he was born and this was not a strange or confusing thing. It didn't mean there was anything wrong with him nor was it some sign that all was not well. Quite the opposite in fact, according to both women.

It was he and not Jon who was bothered by it, they'd said. When in truth he should be relieved that Jon cried so little as it showed that he was actually most well. He accepted their words, feeling they'd know better than he. Though he did speak to Maester Luwin just to be certain. The Maester told him that given how often his nephew laughed, how much he smiled, he'd not seen a happier babe in all his years. That was something he'd taken great comfort in. For no babe deserved to be happy as much as his nephew and his joy would help Benjen find his own, or so he hoped.

At times it was hard for him to find any in anything or anyone other than his nephew. The ghosts of those he'd lost would haunt him wherever he'd look. He'd make his way to the Godswood and pray that he'd find the strength and wisdom needed to be the lord he now had to be. To carry on at least until his nephew was ready. Then he'd sit with Jon in his arms and speak to him of his mother. He'd smile with him when Jon smiled and feel that he was doing something good and true. That he was honoring his sister's true wishes for her son. Something he wasn't certain that Ashara Dayne was doing and which he'd argued with her once or twice already about.

"What is this?" he asked holding up the piece of parchment.

"The request to the king you should make."

"I can't ask for all of this?" he replied.

"You should ask for more, but this is the least you and the North should receive."

"A fleet, the Gift, reduction in taxes, I'd not agreed to this," he said angrily.

"You'd seek far too little, Jon deserves…"

"I know what my nephew fucking deserves, Ashara. But this…why do we need a fleet, who are we at war with?"

"No one yet," Ashara muttered under her breath.

"I'll not speak on that again, I told you my feelings, I made them clear." he snapped.

"You would deny Jon his birthright, then the least you can then do is protect him should the truth out."

"Don't ever dare accuse me of not protecting my nephew. I'll fight the world itself to see him safe."

In the end, she'd won and he'd bid Wyman Manderly take his letter to the Hand of the King. The Lord of White Harbor was only too keen to do so once he told him what he was seeking. After hearing him say that it was long past time that the North had a fleet and that the ships could earn much-needed coin in trade too, Benjen saw the advantage more clearly. While he still believed that Ashara was seeking it for other reasons, it helped Jon and his own plans for him too much to deny the good that her plans would bring.

The damnable thing was that he agreed with her as much as he disagreed with her. Jon did deserve to be king, he should be king. Benjen just wouldn't wage a war to make him one. He'd not dare risk his nephew's life in some folly to crown him, not when there was no need to do so. Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North, that was a good life for anyone. His nephew would get all he wished for without the need to risk himself. Surely in time, she'd see that and so he'd done his best to limit their arguments and had been relieved to find Ashara doing the same.

Alas, it was not only Ashara's plans for Jon's future that they clashed over. The woman proved to be relentless in her pestering to bring him a wife too. Name after name was brought up and discounted and whether it was the gods, fate, honor, or something else, the one name they'd not discussed was then brought up by someone else. The lady's father asked for a received a meeting with him and Benjen then found himself face to face with Lord Rodrik Ryswell once again.

"Some ale, Lord Ryswell?" he asked as the man took his seat.

"Aye, I thank you, Lord Stark."

"I'd not expected a visit so soon after you'd left, my lord, I take it you've something of import you wish to discuss?"

"That I do, Lord Stark, that I do. I wish to propose a match with you, Lord Stark. You and my Barbrey would make a fine match I believe."

He didn't mean it, hadn't been able to stop it, the ale came out in a spurt from his mouth, and only that he'd turned his head or Rodrik would have gotten a face full of it. For the next few moments, he coughed and spluttered and Rodrik grew ever more angered. Benjen finally gathered his breath and wiped his face on his sleeve.

"Forgive me, my lord." he said a little breathlessly, the look on Rodrik's face telling him he forgave him not "You caught me so by surprise that I reacted badly. Not because of the offer, my lord, more that I'd not expected that to be the reason you sought to meet," he said trying to apologize.

"And why would an offer of my daughter's hand be so surprising? You're unwed, she's a widow and of young enough age to give you an heir." Rodrik said clearly still angered.

"Lady Barbrey is a fine woman, my lord, of that there is no question."

"Then what issue have you with her being your wife, Lord Stark?" Rodrik questioned.

"I…you're aware of her and my brother?" he asked to a nod of Rodrik's head "I would find it….it would be difficult for us both….you truly can't see the issue?" he asked to a far more annoyed shake of the man's head and he noticed now that Lord Rodrik was doing all he could to keep control of his emotions.

"Yet your own brother married Catelyn Tully after she and Brandon were betrothed. He then took my Goodson, my daughter's husband with him to Dorne and led him to his death, did he not? I believe my daughter deserves recompense Lord Stark, my house deserves it."

"And that should come in the form of a wedding?" he asked incredulously.

"Aye, it should."

"I'll need some time to consider your proposal Lord Ryswell, You'll stay for a few days?" he asked.

"I'll stay," Rodrik said and Benjen called for Vayon to see rooms were given to the man, happy enough to see him leave his solar.

He left it himself a few moments later. Benjen headed to the nursery to see his nephew and to allow his time with Jon bringing him a peace he did not feel. When he arrived it was to find Ashara tending to Jon. She stood with him in her arms, the window opened as they both looked down on the yard below. Just as he was wont to do, she was telling him tales of his mother and where she'd heard this particular one he knew not. Though he'd wager it was Old Nan who'd recounted it to her.

"Fierce as any of her brothers she was, Jon. Not even Brandon could get her to back down when she'd her mind set on something. So she rode with them, she even beat them when they dared to call for a race. Something that made your grandmother laugh loudly about at dinner that night." Ashara said as she gently rocked Jon from side to side.

He remembered the day as if it was yesterday and not so many years past. Brandon had said ladies don't ride as well as men and so Lyanna couldn't come with them. His sister had made their brother eat his words and left them in the dust as they raced over the barrows. None could match her and mayhap that was how she was so easily able to unseat those she faced in the joust. Shaking the memory from his mind, he made his presence known, and within a few moments, he was holding Jon while telling Ashara what Lord Rodrik suggested.

"It's a good match. One I'd not thought of for the obvious reason, but a good one all the same." Ashara said.

"Explain it to me, tell me why this is better than some of those you've discounted?" he asked.

"The Ryswells are a large enough House, Barrowtown is a decent sized House alone. They are kin too to the Boltons through marriage, Lord Roose's heir is the lady's nephew is she not?" Ashara said and Benjen nodded wondering how she knew as much if not more about the Northern houses than he did.

"What of her and Brandon?" he asked looking for a reason to reject it or deny where he feared this conversation was leading.

"Will cause issue to us both, you for less time than I, I believe."

"You do?"

"The lady will take issue with me for dancing with him and for tales she may have heard. Given that to her mind I'll then have laid with Ned too, she'll take issue with that too. It may be difficult for us to get along because of it."

He looked at her with sympathy, only now realizing just how much Ashara had tarnished her reputation by naming herself as Jon's mother and it made what she wished for him that much more understandable to him.

"Then it's mayhap for the best if…"

"House Ryswell and House Dustin already take issue with House Stark, Benjen. Best not give them another reason to do so and as I said, it's a good match and one you should not deny."

"You think I should accept?" he asked nervously.

"I think you've little choice but to. She's an attractive woman, Benjen, young, healthy, she'll gift you….." Ashara's expression turned pensive.

"Ashara?"

"Jon. You'll need to speak to her of Jon, both the truth in time, but for now, a truth that we must live by."

"I don't understand," he said, and then he listened as Ashara told him what he needed to do and say, her words soon making things clear to him.

They held a large dinner that night, not quite a feast though he knew he'd be holding one soon, when and if the betrothal was announced. He drank much but not too much and was pleasantly drunk as he made his way to the nursery to bid Jon a goodnight before taking to his bed. Upon waking the next morning he broke his fast alone and then bid Lord Rodrik join him in his solar. Only some of the words he said being accepted happily he felt.

"I accept your proposal, Lord Rodrik, however, there are things you must know before we go any further."

"Things?"

"My nephew is Lord and Warden, Lord Rodrik, by order of the King himself. By all the laws that we live by it's my brother's son and not I who inherits. So any son of Lady Barbrey and I…."

"Things can change, Lord Stark, I'm sure if you spoke to the other lords…"

"I'll not be doing so, my lord. I'll not seek to usurp my nephew's rights. In time it'll be Jon who sits where I sit now, nothing will change that, nothing my lord." he said seeing Rodrik grind his teeth "However, the North is large and will be undergoing many changes over time. I intend to rebuild Moat Cailin and to build a keep on our eastern coast too. I've sent a proposal to the King to seek the return of the Gift and I intend to see many new keeps and many new seats created."

"So should I be blessed with a grandson, then one of those keeps would be his?" Rodrik asked.

"The largest and most prestigious of them. Be that the newly rebuilt Moat or as the Great House of the Gift."

"Then it seems we have an accord, Lord Stark. I'm sure you and my daughter will make a good match, most sure of it."

"With the gods blessing." he said to a nod "You'll ride out today?"

"Aye and return in two weeks with my daughter for a betrothal feast."

"I wish you safe travel, Lord Ryswell."

"Rodrik, we're to be kin, Benjen." the lord said smiling and Benjen did his best to bring his own smile to his face.

He didn't smile a true one until he bid the lord farewell when he left and it wasn't Lord Rodrik who was the reason for that smile. Instead, it was the men who rode in through the gate as the lord rode out who Benjen looked favorably upon. The men of the Night's Watch, and one in particular.

"Welcome to Winterfell, Maester Aemon." he said a few moments later as he greeted Jon's granduncle "Let's go inside and get you situated" he added after the Maester had greeted him and as they walked he looked to the nursery window to see Ashara holding Jon and smiling even more truly than he.

The Narrow Sea/Braavos 284 AC.

Rhaella Targaryen.

The storm had come out of nowhere and she'd not needed Lucerys to tell her that they'd been lucky they'd set sail when they had. Her Master of Ships had led the majority of their fleet to safety and she'd believed they'd make it away from Westeros without losing even one of them. Now she feared the one they'd lose was the one she, her son, and her unborn child were sailing on. Though as the pain made her cry out once more, that was not, for now, her biggest fear. Her babe was coming, nothing she or anyone else could do would stop that. So Rhaella offered two prayers to the gods. The first that she'd bring a healthy babe into the world, the second that they'd ride out this storm and make it to their destination.

"You need to do something."

"Should there be so much blood?"

"Fetch more water, more cloth."

Around her the voices were indistinguishable and the midwife once again tried and failed to clear the room. Ser Arthur, Ser Willem, neither man would leave and Rhaella both welcomed their dutifulness and cursed them at the same time for not doing as the woman bid. Was it not for the need she had to get their oath, then she'd have raised her own voice at them by now. Instead, she bid them closer, the two men were wearing worrying looks and so despite her pain, she offered them a smile.

"I need you….I need you both to promise me." she said struggling to speak and so concentrated was she on that, that she noticed not how Ser Arthur paled at her words "I need you to promise me to carry on. My son, my babe, my grandson. I need you to…"

"You have no need to speak the words, my queen, you have my oath," Arthur said.

"And mine, your grace. We'll protect them with our lives and see them safe."

"I'll see Aemon crowned, my queen. See that Prince Viserys is brought up to be the man you wish him to and your babe is given the life that she or he deserves." Arthur said resolutely.

"My son, bring me my son, Ser Arthur," she said and the knight moved immediately.

"It's almost time, your grace." the midwife said and Rhaella nodded.

Viserys looked scared when he arrived and so the smile she gave him was one she put all her effort in. When she opened out her arms, he looked to Ser Arthur and the midwife before running to her and she hugged him tightly to her chest.

"You'll be a big brother soon, my son. I need you to be my brave little boy, can you be so for me?"

"I can be brave," he answered shakily.

"I know you can, my sweet prince. You have a nephew too, my son. A son of Rhaegar's still lives and will one day be your king."

"Father?" he said before she shushed him knowing that Aerys had proclaimed him his heir after Rhaegar's fall.

"Your father was a fool, son, your brother was to be king and Aegon after him was he not?" she said and Viserys nodded "So Aemon your nephew comes before you in line, but not in my heart"

"I'll stand by my nephew, by my king," Viserys said and she kissed his forehead.

"I love you Viserys, with all my heart I love you. Now go with Ser Arthur and when next we see each other, you'll be the best big brother in all the world," she said looking to Arthur.

How she'd held in the pained scream until he was gone, she knew not, only that it was loud and long when she released it. Then it was darkness, the world going black and she believed her time was done. The loud cries she heard took her from that darkness. Her eyes then opened to see the bundle in the midwife's arms and she heard the relieved words from both Arthur and Willem that alerted the woman to her wakefulness.

"A daughter, your grace, a healthy daughter." the midwife said as she handed her the still crying babe.

Outside the storm still raged, yet nothing was louder than the babe she held in her arms. Her violet eyes and the soft silver hair on her head were a wonder to her eyes.

"A storm-born child. Daenerys…Daenerys Stormborn." she said and at once the crying stopped, her daughter looking to her and Rhaella felt her heart still when she saw her smile for the first time.

Though they'd contradict her later, she was certain that the storm stopped raging the moment she named her daughter. Certainly, the sounds of it did and she listened as the midwife told her that she needed to rest and not move from her bed for the next day or so. She barely remembered Viserys coming in and speaking to her and his sister, though Arthur later told her the words her son had spoken when he did so.

"I'm your big brother, Daenerys, and my job is to keep you safe."

After her son and the knights had left her alone, she opened her top and readied to feed her daughter for the first time. Rhaella almost cried when she felt Daenerys latch on to her teat and drink hungrily. She had feared that Viserys was to be her last, that she'd not bring another into the world. After news came from the Trident, she'd then feared even more that the babe she carried would never be born. Seeing her now, looking at her as she slept after she had eaten her fill, she thanked the gods for gifting her such a treasure.

Two weeks later.

The Sealord had gifted them the use of a manse to house Rhaella and the children and a barracks to house their men. It had taken her speaking to him for him to see the benefits of having such a fleet docked in Braavos and to reassure him that they'd come seeking safe harbor and nothing more. Rhaella had then taken to making her plans for the future. She'd first held a meeting with Lucerys, Willem, Arthur, and those closest to her to make sure they were all seeking the same things. A restoration, but one that would take time to see brought about being what she'd gotten each to agree to.

Lucerys and the other Velaryons had sought assurances that whatever fate befell Driftmark would be answered for. Rhaella quickly agreed that the crown would seek their lands brought back up to not just what they'd been when they had left, but what they'd once been before. Something that Lucerys much appreciated. When word had turned to their king, the arguments had begun. Her Master of Ships was too close to her husband and so while others ignored what Aerys had said, Lucerys tried to get her to agree to something she would not.

"His grace named your son as his heir, my queen." Lucerys said as Rhaella looked to Arthur who she could see bristled at the words "Surely we should follow his wishes?"

"My husband was a fool who caused all of this, Lord Velaryon. Had it not been for his love of wildfire and his paranoia then we'd all be still in Westeros and it'd yet be a dragon that sat the Iron Throne. I care not for his proclamations nor for any of the foolish words he spoke. My grandson is our king, he is his father's heir and it's not my son that is next in line, but he. Should this not be acceptable to you then it would seem that House Targaryen and House Velaryon's paths are no longer aligned." she said glaring at the older man.

"I have no wish for such, my queen. If this is the path we're on then it's one I'll gladly follow. Forgive me, my words."

"Words spoken fairly and truly can always be forgiven, Lord Velaryon, even ones I may disagree with. I wish for good and honest counsel. As long as it's given privately and my choices are followed once they've been made." she looked at him far more fiercely than she had ever done before and felt he welcomed seeing her so.

"Always and without hesitation, my queen," Lucerys said and she could see no lie in his words.

She had not yet told him where Aemon was, other than to say he was safe and well protected. Her words on that had not been accepted as much as Ser Arthur's were she believed. Once the meeting was over and done with, she'd then sought one with the Iron Bank. The usurper who sat their throne would not be getting as much of their coin as he may have wished for, not if she had anything to say about it. She cursed that they'd not moved the entire treasury to Dragonstone, both for the loss of the coin and the family heirlooms that she doubted she'd ever see again. There was close to a million gold dragons held in King's Landing and only the gods knew how much the jewelry was worth.

Still, they'd not suffer for a lack of coin. Dragonstone's vaults had held over half a million in gold dragons and the vast majority of their family's acquired jewelry. Though the pieces were more personal to others in her kin than they were to her. Gifts from Targaryen kings and princes to their queens and princesses and some that those queens and princesses had fashioned for themselves. If need be she'd sell them all, despite the history of some of the items. Though she'd prefer not to need to sell any if truth be told.

The Iron Bank turned out to be its usual reticent self when it came to granting her a meeting. Rhaella was sure that they were weighing up the risk and rewards of meeting with her or not. A word in the Sealord's ear, in the end, was enough to get her an audience two days from now. It gave her time to spend with her son and with her daughter. Rhaella would look on as Ser Arthur thought Viserys the fundamentals, her son taking in every little thing the knight said as if it was the word of the very gods themselves. Her time with her daughter was much different and she was prone to just staring at the wonder in her arms while she held her. Sometimes, like now, she'd speak things to her about their family, tales of the deeds great and good that they'd done. Tales fit for a babe and none that were not and so no mention of Aerys was ever made.

"My little treasure." she cooed as she rocked Daenerys gently from side to side and told her stories of the dragons that had come before her.

"He did, from one dragon to another. Yes, it must have been a sight to see though I wish it had not been needed."

"She thought the men of the watch to be the most honorable of men, the truest of us all and so she gifted them because of it."

"All three of them brought fire and blood, my little dragon, all three of them. As will we one day."

When the day had finally come to meet the bankers, she and Ser Arthur along with men he'd personally chosen and saw trained, made their way to the large imposing building. She was welcomed in with pomp and ceremony and treated as a valued guest. Even more so when she said she wished to deposit coin and jewelry in their vaults. Soon though talk turned to her true reason for being here and she saw their reticence at first hand.

"House Targaryen's private accounts are open to you, of course, your grace. But the accounts of the Seven Kingdoms are open only to the king who sits the Iron Throne." the thin Noho Dimittis said condescendingly.

"And that king is not Robert Baratheon, not by right of blood nor conquest. For my line lives still and we are not conquered." she declared.

"A noble sentiment, your grace, but our hands are…"

"Mayhap you should read your agreement with my House once more, Noho, read that small print that you bankers love so very much. I think you'll find that should a member of my bloodline still breathe then their claim supersedes all others." she said and she was pleased to see the thin man falter "Now I'd like to know the full amount held in both accounts."

There was silence for a moment, Noho seeming to be in a fight with himself and it was one that took some time for him to win or lose. Eventually, he opened the ledger in front of him and looked up the figures.

"House Targaeryen's account contains one hundred and two thousand, three hundred and six, were it to be converted to gold dragons."

"And the Iron Throne?"

"Five hundred and sixty-two thousand, eight hundred and fifty-four, your grace."

"I wish it transferred into my House's account along with the deposit I shall be making. Access is to be limited to me, my son Prince Viserys, my daughter Princess Daenerys and one other who will bear my personal seal and carry a letter from myself should he need to access the accounts," she said and Noho nodded before writing down her instructions.

Once he'd done so, he looked at her, something clearly on his mind and so she bid him speak on whatever it was.

"Our dealings with the Iron Throne, your grace," he said before swallowing dryly "With the man who sits it now." he added and she bid him continue "We cannot stop such dealings, even with the contention you have with his reign."

"Nor would I wish you to," she said enjoying his surprised look. Then she asked him a question that caught him even more off guard and led to a reply she very much welcomed "Tell me of the Pact of Ice and Fire and the account that is held in its name?"

King's Landing 284 AC.

Catelyn Tully.

The ride to the capital was one that filled her with apprehension where once it would have only left her excited. Long had she wished to see the Red Keep or to pray in the Great Sept of Baelor. When she was a young girl she'd dreamt of being wed in the Great Sept by the High Septon himself. She'd imagined the great and the good coming out to cheer her on as her wedding procession had made its way through the streets. In her girlish dreams, it had been a silver prince that she'd dreamt of marrying, just like probably every other girl in the Seven Kingdoms. Given what had happened to the woman that Prince Rhaegar had ended up wedding and to her children, it was a dream she was glad had not come true.

Her life had not brought her the wedding of he dreams. Nor the match of it either. The silver hair of a prince had been replaced in time by the dark brown of Brandon Stark and that too had then been denied to her. Instead, it was the second son, the lesser brother, that she'd been wed to and in that the gods had seen fit to curse her. Now she was a widow who'd lost her husband and child and had been shamed in the process. A bastard boy now sat where her beloved Robb should and would have were the gods not so cruel.

It was to be yet another man she knew not that she was to be wed to. Catelyn had tried her best and failed to remember if she'd ever even met Stannis Baratheon. If she had, then he'd left no impression on her which was not a good sign for her future happiness. King Robert was a towering presence, handsome, charismatic, and the kind of man that any lady would wish for her own. He was a lot like Brandon in that regard and Cat feared that his brother, just like Brandon's own, was as different from him as it was possible to be. So she was apprehensive about meeting her betrothed and fearful of what her life would now be.

"He's a good man, Cat, a true man. I can guarantee he'll never shame you or not treat you fairly." her father had said.

"I'm most grateful, father, truly I am," she said, only half lying.

She was grateful that she was to be wed as soon as she was. That it was to be the lady of a great keep and wife of a Lord Paramount that she was to be. Cat believed as her father had told her, that it left any child she may have in a most fortunate position. For surely when it came to matches with the King's own children it would be to hers that he'd look to first. Her son or daughter that would be wed to the prince or princess, that would either be king consort or queen one day. For now, that was enough to strengthen her resolve, enough to make her not fear the wedding as much as she may. To be apprehensive rather than terrified or angered. Mayhap that would be enough for her to find some comfort with her husband and with luck, some degree of love.

"King's Landing, my lord." she heard the guard say from outside their carriage, and then she felt her father's kiss on her cheek as the carriage stopped and he climbed out to ride his horse through the gates.

Less than a few moments later she was holding her nose. The smell was not something she'd expected and yet by the time they reached the Red Keep, she smelt it not. Stealing herself, she waited for the door to the carriage to open, and then she was helped out by her father. Her eyes took in her surroundings and those who waited to greet them. Her sister was standing with her husband and behind them, the red stone of the keep was something she'd not seen before.

"Catelyn, it's truly a pleasure to see you again." Jon Arryn said as he kissed her offered hand.

"Lord Hand," she said with a curtsy.

"I'm sorry for your loss, Catelyn, truly I am."

"I thank you, Lord Hand, it means much to me to hear you say so," she said and while it did, it did not at the same time.

"Sister," Lysa said far more friendly than she'd been just moons earlier, the loss of her husband and son had brought them together and Cat greeted her sister just as warmly.

"Lysa, I'm so happy to see you here, I had feared you'd have been in the Eyrie."

"My place is with my husband, Cat." Lysa said, her smile faltering for a moment "And I'd not miss the chance to welcome my sister to the city" she added, and once again her true smile was on her face.

"His grace awaits your presentation and we've put rooms aside in the Tower of the Hand, so you can be close to Lysa and me." Jon Arryn said and Cat was happy with the arrangements, though she'd have liked to refresh herself before meeting the king.

It was not to be and so they walked through the Red Keep and Cat noticed the banners of the Stag were now everywhere. There was no sign that the dragons had once ruled here and nowhere was this more apparent than in the Throne Room. She'd heard tale of the dragon skulls that were once housed here and yet there was not a one of them in sight. What there was, was a scorch mark on the floor and the sight of it made her almost lose her footing.

"Cat?" her father said worriedly.

"Forgive me father, I…" she said looking at the scorched mark and knowing now that was where Rickard Stark had lost his life, which meant that she could be standing where Brandon lost his own.

"I'd not…Forgive me Catelyn, I'd not thought." Jon Arryn said regretfully and she shook her head as they were announced and moved closer to the Iron Throne.

Robert looked exactly how a king should and beside him, Queen Cersei was an absolute vision. The Iron Throne though was a disappointment to her as was the fact that her betrothed wasn't yet here for her to get a glimpse of. Her eyes took in the white cloaks of the Kingsguard and were drawn to Ser Jaime Lannister. Cat doubted there was a more handsome man in the land and remembered how the ladies of the realm had wept when he'd donned the white cloak.

"Catelyn, by the gods look at you, you're a vision. My brother doesn't deserve such a bride." King Robert said as he greeted her.

"It's I who is the lucky one, your grace," she said softly in reply.

"I'm sorry, Catelyn, for the babe, for Ned, I…I'll kill him with mine own hands when next I see him. The Sword of the Morning will be no match for my hammer, I swear it on the old gods and the new."

"I thank you, your grace, for your concern and your vow," she said seeing the king nod as she was greeted by the queen.

She held to her courtesies well enough, despite the little bit of needle that the queen gave her. Had she been feeling more herself then she'd mayhap not have been able to or bristled more at the woman's comment about this being the third betrothal she'd faced and how she hoped this one stuck. Be it the sight of where Brandon died, the king bringing up her son, or that he believed she mourned his friend, she knew not. She knew only that she wished to be away from here and so was relieved when they were given leave to depart.

The bath she had before readying for the night's feast was one she most welcomed. Cat felt as if the grime of travel that washed off of her cleansed more than simply her body. She dressed in her best dress, put perfume on, and waited for her father to escort her to the feast. Her nerves showed as she'd been told that Stannis had arrived. When she heard the knock on the door, she almost jumped, before she calmed herself and opened it to see her father standing there and looking pleased with how she was dressed.

"Lord Stannis wished to escort you himself, Cat, but I wanted so much to be the one to do so. I know this is not what you had hoped for, but I believe you'll make the best of it and find yourself some happiness, truly I do."

"I will father."

"Come then, apparently the king's feasts are a thing to behold." her father said smiling which she did her best to return.

She saw him as soon as they entered the Great Hall. Her betrothed sat by the king and he was just as she had feared. He was not an ugly man by any means, his dark hair and striking blue eyes did not allow him to be. Yet he was lesser than his brother the king, far lesser. Not just in looks, but even in presence she felt. For where Robert shined, Stannis almost seemed to be stuck in the shadows. In a way, she was glad that she was not to be placed beside him. Instead, it was near the queen and Lysa that she sat and she enjoyed one conversation far more than the other.

When the time came to dance, he stood in front of her and she was happy to find that he danced well enough. Though the conversation they had was stilted until it was not.

"I can see you're not pleased by the match my brother and your father have agreed upon, Lady Catelyn. I'll be honest with you and tell you that neither am I." Stannis said shocking her somewhat "Oh not because I find any fault in you, Lady Catelyn, more that I was given no choice in the matter, something you too feel no doubt."

"It is the way of the world, my lord. The head of our household decides our matches and we must follow and do our duty," she said and she swore she felt him relax a little.

"I can make you this promise, Lady Catelyn, for what it's worth."

"My lord?"

"I'll never break our marriage vows, Lady Catelyn, never sully your name or reputation. I vow that on my honor."

"It means much, my lord, truly it does. I'll be the best wife I can to you, and should the gods bless it, the best mother to our children too," she said and saw his small nod, though she wondered what it would take to make him smile and if he even did so.

"I have no doubt of it, Lady Catelyn."

"Catelyn," she said offering him a smile.

"Stannis," he said without smiling back.

Later as she lay in her bed, she thought back on what she and her betrothed had said to each other. They spoke of doing their duty, he of his honor and she of the family they would hopefully have one day. Family, Duty, Honor, it was who she truly was and she could and would take comfort in that. Mayhap her marriage wouldn't be as terrible as she feared it may be, her husband to be was it seemed not as bad as he could well have been. In time she'd fill the hole in her heart that her son's death had put there, first with children and then with something even more true. Vengeance.

Barrowtown 284 AC.

Barbrey Dustin.

She wanted to hate Benjen Stark, with all that she had in her she wanted to hate him. It was his house and her husband's loyalty to it that had taken him from her. The Starks and the war that they'd been forced into because of them had cost her so much. Yet she could not, as much as she tried, she could not hate him. Had his brother returned along with Howland Reed, had it been Eddard who now sat as Lord of Winterfell, then she'd have let hate be her guide. It was he that got William killed, he that had brought him to that accursed tower and so him she could hate easily.

As she could hate Catelyn Tully, for stealing Brandon from her and robbing her of another love, mayhap even a truer love. Yet, that truth was one she was less sure of each and every day. The words he'd spoken to her were now ones that she questioned more and more. Barbrey had known she'd not been the only one that Brandon had laid with, yet she'd believed she was the only one he wished to wed. Be that because she'd needed to or because she'd seen just how true he was when he told her that he had no wish to be wed to Catelyn Tully, she could not tell for true. So yes, she could hate Catelyn Tully and so she did.

As for Ashara Dayne, the women confused her and left her perplexed. She'd heard a tale that Brandon had set his sights on her and yet, it was Eddard Stark she'd lain with and given a child. It made no sense to her. Why settle for the dour quiet wolf when you could have the exuberant wild one? A part of her wondered if there was a mummery of sorts being played, though she could see no reason why that would be so. Naming the babe as Brandon's son would have led to the same outcome. He'd still be the true Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North, maybe even more so in some people's eyes. So she'd dismissed the little voice in her head that told her that Ashara was who she should hate most of all. Instead, she knew not how to feel about the woman and her feelings about Ashara and Benjen Stark were only to cause her more confusion upon her father's return to Barrowtown.

"You've returned, father, I'd thought that you'd have ridden for the Rills," she said as she greeted him in the courtyard.

"In time I will, but first there is much we must speak on daughter."

"There is? Such as?"

"Your future husband." her father said causing her to gasp aloud.

Surely he couldn't mean to marry her off so soon after William's death? She'd not even truly mourned him yet and so while her father walked beside her happily, Barbrey scowled and readied the arguments she'd make when they reached her solar. She sent for refreshments despite her anger, took her seat, and waited for her father to eat and drink a little before she bid him speak.

"You're to marry Benjen Stark, Barbrey. To be Lady of Winterfell in all but name." her father said and she glared at him.

"I'll not, you can't make me do so either," she said as firmly as she could.

"Aye, I can't force you. You're a lady with a keep and lands and while I'm still head of our family, I'm no longer head of your house."

She felt herself relax, happy he saw things as she did.

"However, you'd be a fool not to accept this betrothal, daughter, and you are no fool."

"I've not yet…"

"Mourned William, Aye I know and I'm not saying you're to wed on the morrow, though I'd like to make the betrothal official as soon as it can be arranged."

"Why would I wish to marry a boy, father? He's not even the true lord and only serves as his nephew's regent," she asked.

"Babes don't always live to manhood, daughter. Accidents do happen." her father said shocking her and she rose to her feet furiously.

"I'll not be a party to harming a babe. When I go to the gods it'll not be with that black mark upon me." she almost shouted.

"Nor I, daughter. I mean it not how it sounds, more that it's the truth of the world. Jon Stark is but a babe and there are many years between now and when he reaches his majority. Has this war not proved just how easy it is for a life to be snuffed out? Has not what we lost shown us all just that?"

She nodded at her father's words, relieved that he wasn't suggesting what she'd feared he was, though that then raised another question she needed answering.

"Should the babe live, father, should he become Lord then what benefit do I get from being wed to Benjen Stark? What of any children we may have?"

"Benjen has sent word to King's Landing, he seeks the Gift to be returned as payment for all the North has done, that along with reductions in taxes that he'll use to raise new keeps. Should you and he be blessed with children, then Queenscrown, Moat Cailin, or a keep on the Eastern shore will be their future holdings."

"And should the gods be cruel…"

"Then it'll be Winterfell itself. We're owed this Barbrey, for what Brandon Stark promised you and for the loss of William."

"Aye, we are." she said taking her seat once more "What would you see done with Barrowtown?"

"We could place one of your brothers here, they could hold it in your name, and should you be truly blessed then one of your children could be lord here one day. If not then it'd still be our blood that held it."

"May I at least consider it? Think on it?" she asked and her father nodded before reaching out to take her hand in his.

"I don't mean this as a hardship, daughter. Nor do I wish to impede on your grief, but I believe the North would be served well with you wed to Benjen Stark. You could foster strong ties between any children you may have and Jon Stark, mayhap even seek to have young Domeric foster with you if you wish."

"I'd like that, I'd thought to ask Roose to allow him to come here, Winterfell….Winterfell would be more to his liking I'd wager," she said and her father nodded.

"Take the night, daughter. Give me your answer on the morrow. Benjen has agreed to the match but he'll not announce it until you've decided."

She watched as her father rose to his feet and moved to the door, decided not to call him back or speak any more on the subject for now at least, and instead sat alone in the solar for the new few hours. At dinner, that night she was a pleasant host, and no word was mentioned of the conversation they'd held that day. Talk instead turning to less fraught subjects and plans to be made for the days to come, should they not be days making other plans.

Sleep eventually came to her after much tossing and turning. Her dreams filled with dark brown hair and grey eyes. Words that were spoken in the height of passion and afterward of a life that was never to be hers, or so she'd come to believe. Waking the next morning it was with thoughts of living that life that she woke to. Benjen Stark was not his brother, neither of them. While she was pleased he didn't resemble Eddard too much, his blue-grey eyes marking him different, she wished he resembled Brandon a little more. Both in looks and attitude. He was a green boy, no doubt in more ways than one, and that gave her pause. Yet her father's words and the debt she felt was owed to her won her over in the end. That and she feared being alone if the truth was told. A life where she'd not again know the feeling of warm arms around her and that would lead her into spinsterhood.

So when she made her way to break her fast, her mind was made up. The words she spoke to her father pleased him greatly and a raven was sent to Winterfell and one to the Rills later that day. Three days later Rickard arrived, her brother to take over the running of Barrowtown and serve as acting and maybe even the permanent lord of what was to be her and William's keep. She was comforted by the knowledge that he'd serve the keep well and yet she still felt sad when it came time to ride to Winterfell for the betrothal feast.

It would be to the Rills and not Barrowtown that she returned from Winterfell to. Her father's home that she'd then travel to be wed once more from. She wondered if she'd ever actually see Barrowtown again and then resolved that she would. She'd bring her son or daughter here one day. Ride her with her nephew and maybe even with her step-nephew too. When that day would be she knew not, but as she wiped the tears from her eyes and mounted her horse, she turned her mind to the future. To the life that was now to be hers, to her future husband, and to Winterfell.

Winterfell 284 AC.

Aemon Targaryen.

They were cursed by the gods, had seen their fury brought upon them, and had suffered their vengeance. Those were the thoughts that filled his mind as the news about the war reached him at the Wall. Each raven scroll, every single one of them carrying worse and worse news about the fate of his house. Firstly the death of his nephew, something that hit him very badly and that he'd thought was the worst of it. Rhaegar was the hope, the future, the Prince that was Promised as he'd once thought him to be.

Then came even worse news. He mourned Aerys not, and instead blamed him as much as those who actually rebelled against his house. True enough Rhaegar had played his part, but at least his reasons for what he'd done had been pure. Aerys' reasons were the reasons of a mad man. For to do what he'd done to the Lord of Winterfell and his heir was to invite the wrath of the gods down upon yourself. Yet no sooner had he absorbed the news of Aerys' death at the hands of one of his own Kingsguard, even worse news soon followed.

The children were innocent, they had done no wrong and paid no part in their grandfather's actions. They did not deserve the fate that befell them, nor did his nephew's wife. Monsters though care not for their actions and what had been done to Princess Elia, Princess Rhaenys, and Prince Aegon was truly monstrous. It had almost broken him, almost taken the will to live from him, and had he not received the raven from Dragonstone, he was sure it would have. His house lived on, Queen Rhaella and her son had taken flight and the queen carried a new hope for the future inside of her. He took as much comfort as he could in that and it allowed him to sleep far more peacefully at night than he had been up to then.

Soon enough things went back to normal in Aemon's world. His duties at the Wall became his only focus once more and were it not for another raven, this one from a surprising source, then those duties would have been all he'd known. Little did he expect to be called to the Lord Commander's solar and to be told what he had been. Nor to be making a journey away from the Wall that was not to another of the keeps along it. Yet the gods like their games and for some reason, it was to the Winterfell that he was to travel.

"Why would the Lord of Winterfell request my presence?" he asked the Lord Commander.

"I know not, Aemon, other than he names it as something to do with the lands of the North and of much importance." the Dornish Lord Commander Qorgyle replied.

"Mayhap he seeks my head for the loss of his father and brothers?" Aemon asked and Qorgyle looked to Jeor Mormont who shook his head.

"I know the Starks well, Aemon. Even young Benjen who is the acting regent for Ned Stark's son. They hold true to their honor and never would he seek to go against a man of the Watch. You'll be treated well by him, even should he know the truth of who you are, which I doubt he does." Jeor said.

"I've asked Jeor to travel with you, Aemon, I don't doubt his words but you're a man of the Watch and he a former head of one of House Stark's Lealest Houses. I'm sure his presence will ensure your safety." the Lord Commander said.

"And was it my wish not to go?" he asked, though he'd already made his mind up that he would be traveling to Winterfell regardless of any danger he may face.

"Then we'll respect it of course."

"I'll go, we could do with the supplies and if it's my time, it's my time," he said, rising to his feet.

He'd enjoyed the travel, seeing the land for probably the last time, even were he to keep his head. His eyesight was fading and in a few years, it'd be gone completely. Aemon was well aware that should he return to the Watch unharmed, he'd not be leaving it again before he was an even older and blinder man. So he took note of as much of it as he could see, welcomed the feel of the cold breeze on his face, and not until he reached the gates of Winterfell, did he worry about his head.

The welcome he received soon put that worry to rest. For either Benjen Stark was a good mummer, knew not the truth of who he was, or he bore him no malice for what his family had done to the lord's own. Guest rights were given, they were assigned the most comfortable rooms and Aemon was given leave to wander the halls and as much access to the library as he wished for. After settling in, he found himself in the Maester's rooms and speaking to Winterfell's new Maester, a man named Luwin.

"I've long wished to speak to you, Maester Aemon. I was a good friend of someone who speaks most highly of you, Archmaester Marwyn." Luwin said and Aemon chuckled.

"And how is the Mage?" he asked to a laugh from the younger man.

"The same as always I'd wager, he still seeks answers to questions that have none and to discern the higher mysteries."

"Ever was it so, Luwin, ever was it so." he chuckled.

He found he quite liked the young Maester. Luwin was learned and not set in his ways as some who left the Citadel were. Though he divulged none of the secrets of the keep he served, other than to make mention of warm springs that Aemon would seek leave to enjoy, he did tell him something he'd not known. The true lord of Winterfell was Eddard Stark's bastard son, Jon, who'd been legitimized by the king and had arrived with his mother, Lady Ashara Dayne. Aemon 's heart stilled at the name of the woman and wondered to himself if he'd get the chance to speak to her on his kin or would he need to forgo his truth while within these walls. He hoped he'd not, that it was as Jeor and the Lord Commander had said and no blame was attached to him by the Starks, as he had many questions he'd seek answers to if given leave to do so.

They were feasted that night and he got to see the woman herself. Her beauty was something that was clear even to him, a man who had cared not for the pleasures of the flesh. Yet it was her resemblance to his mother that truly struck him. Though not exact it was uncanny and he stared as others did for most of the night. More than once he found her own eyes looking his way and she smiled at him where she did not at his brothers or some of the other men present. It was even the lady herself who escorted him to his room when the feast came to an end. Aemon, were he a different man, would have enjoyed the jealous looks aimed his way when she did so. Instead, it was her words that intrigued him as they walked.

"Prince Rhaegar would speak of you to my princess often, Maester Aemon. I'd not thought I'd be fortunate enough to meet you and yet find myself most pleased to be so." Lady Ashara said.

"And I to meet you, my lady. We share blood, you and I, my mother was of your house," he said and was pleased to see the warm smile that came to her face.

"Princess Dyanna, I was brought up on tales of her while my brothers were brought up on tales of the Swords of the Morning."

"Your brother, he…"

"Stands by his queen's side as he did his prince's," she said softly.

"But not at the Trident," he said a little sharply.

"For good reason, Maester Aemon, for good reason," Ashara replied and then he was surprised when she kissed his ear and bid him meet with her in the crypts at the Hour of the Wolf.

After agreeing to do so, he spent the next few hours reading one of the many books that Luwin had allowed him to take from Winterfell's library. This one was on the great houses of the North and one he resolved to finish before he traveled back to the Wall. When the time came, he left his room and walked alone through the halls and out into the cold night air. He felt the chill and so wrapped his robes even more tightly around him and then made his way to the Crypts. The torches were already lit inside and the sound of voices urged him forward. To say he was surprised to see the Lord of Winterfell standing by Lady Ashara's side was an understatement, but it was not to be the biggest surprise he was to receive this night.

"Lord Stark, Lady Ashara," he said warily.

"Relax Maester Aemon, you're among friends here." Lady Ashara said, putting him at ease.

"My condolences for your losses, Lord Stark," he said looking to the young man who bore a tremendous weight on shoulders that had not been cut out for the future that he now faced.

"Mine own for yours, Maester Aemon. I bear Aerys no goodwill and may he rot in whatever of the seven hells he finds himself in. The children though were innocent as was Princess Elia and while Prince Rhaegar was less so, he too is someone I mourn." Benjen said, surprising him.

"You do?" he asked.

"Aye. I asked you to come here both for the reason my letter suggested and for one more, one I and Lady Ashara believe you not only should know but will lead to your help in the building up of the North being even more true." Benjen said cryptically.

"And that reason is?" he asked curiously.

"That my son is not my son, Maester. He's the son of Prince Rhaegar and Princess Lyanna Targaryen." Ashara said and her words shocked him to his very core.

Later he sat on his bed, the smile on his face one that he'd not thought he'd ever wear so truly ever again. A son, a son of Rhaegar lived and a plot had begun beneath the usurper's nose that he'd played an unknowing part in. Robert Baratheon had set the seeds of his doom and knew it not. He'd sought the end of dragons and had only managed to pull on their tales and while he may claim that he was the fury of his House's words, he'd soon find out that their own House's were much more apt. For Aemon had no doubt that it would be Fire and Blood that House Baratheon, House Lannister, and others would feel and he too would play his part in seeing that come to pass. The Nights Watch may play no part in the politics of the realm and he was a good and true member of the Watch, but he was a dragon too. A dragon who'd see the Prince that was Promised rise.

A/N: Thanks to all who've read and reviewed. Up Next Cat and Stannis and Benjen and Barbrey are wed while Arthur heads to Westeros on a mission for Rhaella. Robert takes out his frustrations on Driftmark and learns about the loss of the crown's accounts in Braavos. Jon receives a gift that angers Benjen while Benjen receives two pieces of news that affect him and the North and in Braavos Rhaella gets an interesting offer from the Sealord.

For those following my other fics, Dragonverse is up next, Monday or Tuesday of next week.

Caraxes: That was one of the key ideas, to give Jon a mother figure and have him grow up right from the start more confident and assured. We did consider other partners for him, Margaery though as you'll see as the story progresses not only is the best choice, but the only one, and I wanted to do something different from what I've done in other fics with her which you'll see play out. Thanks for saying that, I do try.

Harisnorw: So glad you liked it.

Xan Merrick: Thanks my friend, hope you enjoy it.

Sozins: Dragonverse will be next to be updated.

Yenerys: You know never did I think so until this week, though some of my other fics are just about ready to be ended too, and I did kind of push this one out early because of not having other chapters written yet. Plus unlike GRRM I will actually finish lol. Rhaella is such an interesting character to me and yet I hate it when she does live in fics and yet plays no real role other than being there, here she'd a huge character and a key driving force of a lot of what's to come.

Mrmcnasty: Obsessive can be good though.

Apt: For this fic, she's the best choice, trust me.

Irish Hermit: That's the thing, I think there are so many changes that you can make to the original canon setup that spin the story off down interesting roads. Cat here being so close to the throne will have an effect and simply by marrying Stannis has already changed things a lot. I agree the show handled the reveal of R+L=J terribly, not only in the actual reveal but in how little it mattered. Considering just how important it is, it really should have not just almost been hand waved away. Here we've already figured out the time and reason for it. Aemon will play a larger role in things, as you see here. Rhaella was one of the two lives that were saved along with Arthur, so both will be important to seeing Jon crowned. With Dorne, we have a take on Elia that is a bit different than any I've done so far and yes Oberyn will be involved further down the road, especially with Rhaella being alive and accessible.

Dorodrigo: Your wish is my command.

The last Northumbrian: Firstly love the name, my friend. I do hope it is even more complex, the political aspects of this will be a big part of things, the plotting and the ripples from Ned/Robb's death, and how they change things will I hope make things interesting.

Uncle Dork: It's a side effect of the way I write, I end up with numerous ideas and so try to juggle them as best I can.

Chrissykat: Thanks so much for saying so.

Dunk: I think I'll take your advice and just post now which story is next to be updated in my A/N rather than speculate on when the next chapter of a specific story is to be updated. Olenna will for a while be left fluttering in the wind and trying to make sense of the new world she has to face, being a Targ supporter or suspected of being one is a worse crime in Robert's kingdom than in canon, because of Ned's death. Rhaella is going to be the main driving force behind the Targ restoration and as you see she's got far more to work with than Dany/Viserys had and also unlike Ser Willem, will make contingencies too. Hoster tried to pull the same stunt as he did with Ned, force a marriage, and was it anyone but Ned who died may have been able to get a third Stark husband for Cat. But his intervention allows for Stannis not to be punished this time and I don't think he'd have accepted Dragonstone for Cat since he'd be able to make a better match without the crown's help. You called it on Barbrey, and as you see Ashara has already told Benjen he has to tell her the truth at some time, we'll see that come up soon. You're also spot on about Benjen being able to trust Barbrey more than Ned felt he could Cat, simply because of the difference in culture that Ned faced and in religion.

King of summer: The problem with that is that it would put him on the side of Robert and the Lannisters. On the latter, I've another fic plotted out which will see that done. For me, Jon fighting against the Targs works best with him not being one. Plus I wanted Arthur to live here and once he is alive, then there is no way that Jon or Rhaella would ever not know the truth.

Scarilla: So very glad to hear that.

Nagiten: Yes two lives for two lives, Arthur/Rhaella for Ned/Robb. Viserys will be greatly changed, I don't subscribe to the he was going mad always theory. I think the pressure broke him, here he has support and with Arthur, a purpose. Not sure what you mean by the fear bit, could you explain more?

Abhisk: Ned dying by Arthur's hands will have some consequences later. I remember reading a fic once where Jon was Ashara's son and Ned killed Arthur, yet at no point does Jon not address that, here he will address the fact that Arthur killed his uncle.

Guest: No, Stannis married Selyse in 286/287. Robert sleeps with Delena Florent on their wedding night and in their wedding bed and Edric Storm is conceived, he's then born in 287 so we can pretty much be certain of when the wedding took place. Here, the arrangement with Cat comes first and so no need for Selyse.

MSKN: So glad you think so.

Huntsman: Glad you like it.

Blackace: Arthur will be by Rhaella's side mainly. I have an interesting idea for who'll be by Jon's. Different Song is in the process of being polished and redone, I've read the fic again and the writing quality is not what it should be, so it needs to be polished, I'd hoped to have it done by the end of February, I think now it'll be April and once it's done, I'll then be posting the final chapters in one swoop. Both Live as a wolf and Dark Prince will be returning in the next two weeks.

Guest: I'm so glad you set things straight, that you're able to tell from what GRRM wrote that you're right. The simple truth is that Rhaegar/Lyanna are all things to all men, they're Schrodinger's Cat, we know so little about them that each and every opinion regarding them is both right and wrong so I'll not bother and saying I'm right and you're wrong, for the simple reason either of us could be. Robert was justified in his rebellion, I've never said he wasn't, however. But in saying that, he's then the same as anyone who rebels, only justified to those who agree with him and were on his side. From the other side of the coin, he's very much not justified. To the Targs he's a usurper, to those who supported him a rebel king. History is written by the winners which is why he was able to name Rhaegar a rapist and kidnapper but had he lost, how would history name him.

Guest: They allowed it did they? With all we're shown or told, it's an interesting conclusion to come to. Betrothals had been broken before, men had run away with women before, no one could have foreseen what came afterward, not even with a mad king on the throne. But from that you got to they allowed it, very well.

Rhaegar leaving his wife as a hostage, hmm, was that how it happened? Again an interesting conclusion. Rhaella and the children were allowed to travel to Dragonstone only after Rhaegar fell, King's Landing was considered safe enough for his mother and brother when he left for battle, so why would he not think that his wife and children would be safe there too and only not safe when he fell? How do we not know that Aerys didn't agree to send Elia and the children with his wife and son only to then change his mind, especially considering that the whole idea of them being taken hostage by Aerys is literally only brought up post the battle of the Trident. Up to that point, they were anything but hostages. It was Aerys' paranoia regarding Dorne, his belief that Prince Lewyn had betrayed Rhaegar that then made him keep Elia and the children hostage to forestall any further Dornish betrayal, and all of this happened post Rhaegar's death and not before it. It's literally in the books, and kind of contradicts Rhaegar leaving Elia and the children as hostage quite a bit does it not? it's the same as the mistaken belief that while in Dorne, Rhaegar left Elia without a KG protection, when in truth she had four KG in the Red Keep and it was Aerys who upon Rhaegar's return forced three of them to accompany Rhaegar to the battle.

As for the last bit regarding Arthur, the reason I copied the words that were said at the TOJ was to show them in context. At no point does Ned make his intent to rescue his sister clear or that he's there for that and that alone. People always blame the KG for the fight, yet look at those words again and tell me why they should trust Ned for any reason or believe he was there for anything other than to harm the babe that Lyanna carried? Had he just actually said, I wish to see my sister, we can hold our arms and there is no need to fight, then maybe Arthur and the KG are in the wrong, he never even mentions Lyanna once though.

Whether they're fools, villains or tragic heroes is in the eye of the beholder. To Robert Baratheon, they are villains, to Rhaella or the Targaryen supporters they'd be heroes, to others they'd be fools. The truth lies somewhere in between all three, but every story is told in context and to expect those supporting the Targs to not see them as heroes would be akin to expecting those supporting Robert to not see them as villains, pointless.

Mal Ser: So glad you liked it.

Keb: We hope to show a different Marge than I have thus far, a more political marriage between her and Jon. Cat will cause different problems, yes, and in a way will be more powerful too.

Sibeal: So very glad you think so.

George: No worries, if it's not for you then it's not for you. Though in the laws of succession Jon comes before Benjen, even as a bastard.

Bigwilly: The thing is that everyone always blames the KG for the fight, the reason I used the words and copied them verbatim is that if you look at them, truly look at them, at what point should they believe Ned is there for anything other than to continue Robert's work? He never mentions Lyanna, never asks to see her, never suggests or seeks Guest Rights which would have at least made his intent clear. The focus is always on the KG and that they should seek to offer an olive branch but people forget that Ned is Robert's brother by choice and Robert has killed Rhaegar, presided over the deaths of Elia and the children, and given no justice to their killers, sent Ned to make the remnants of the Targ army bend the knee and then Ned arrives and says what he says.

There should have been no fight at the TOJ, but both sides were equally at fault for there being one, and Ned not mentioning his sister or his motives, doesn't allow the KG to take any other course of action.

Yanko: The Dark Prince has Jon with Myrcella.

Frenchwhitefox: I try not to have Rhaella live unless she's going to play a big role, too many times she lives and is just a character in passing, here she's the driving force behind Jon and the restoration and so will play a key role. Ashara too will be working to that goal, while Benjen will be more reluctant at first, just never as reluctant as Ned was.

Creativo: No pensé que con Ashara, podrías haber puesto mi mente en otra dirección. A Cat le resultará difícil superar la pérdida de Robb, incluso cuando tenga otros hijos.

Saydonee: I am too, it's my fave ship, the one drawback to Jonerys is so many fics have been done that it's hard to come up with different ways of doing it that don't just follow the same setup. This is why I like to use others so often.
Gunners: I am going to make a renewed effort to finish some of the others, a couple of them are very close to the end, so hopefully it'll be soon.

DBZ: You see a little of that here with him not fully on board with Ashara's plans. The thing is that he's very inexperienced and still somewhat traumatized over the losses so early on he may come across as, not weak exactly, but more pliant and reliant on Ashara and others, we'll see him grow into the role though.

Victoria: Thank you, my friend. Of course, the dragons will show up, an extra one too as Jon won't be getting one of canon three and instead be getting a new unique one. As for the wolves, Jon without Ghost is just wrong and so we'll be seeing him and his brothers and sisters later on. Hope all is well with you and things in your life are bringing a smile to your face, you know by now you have all my best wishes as always.

Guest 301: So very glad you think so. It's the reason why I think there are still so many fics contained within the canon with just a change here or there to set things off. The earlier or bigger the change, the more scope you have for things to be different. Benjen will need to gain favor, which here he's going to do early simply because he did what Ned did not, asked for a boon, and got it. Seeing the North rewarded will be a big feather in his cap, yet until he proves himself in battle, there will always be that little doubt. In regards to Jon and the crown, he'll take time to come around to it, though as you see here it's not for the same reason as Ned was reluctant.

Ashara is a big force for change here in regards to the North, Rhaella too as we'll see going forward, so yes the North is going to be much stronger. I won't say the plans for Benjen's children other than there will be some. I agree about Robb and Jon and the truth outing, I've done that somewhat in Winter King, people seem to think it would be sunshine and roses between them, but finding out someone you thought lesser is higher in status is a bitter pill to swallow and there would always be some issues because of it IMO.

You're hitting some of the points in King's Landing that I've truly considered, we will see changes based on all those points you bring up, a key one of them coming next chapter. In the same way, you bring up a lot of the political aspects that will play a huge role here. The main reason for the killing of Ned/Robb is that it resets the board and draws it differently than canon, a lot of what you say here regarding the redrawing of that board is what got me so interested in writing this fic. We'll see big changes in the realm because of how the board is redrawn, alliances that happened in canon not occurring here in the same way, and others occurring because of the changes. Jon/Marge is not going to be the same love story I've done before, they may find love, but it's going to be more political or at least I'm going to do my best to make it so. In regards to other matches, we'll see but some will become clearer sooner than others. I don't know if I'll go with Jon and another woman though, but maybe.