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.

11. The North is Full of Wonders Part One

The Trident/Greywater Watch 290 AC.

Jon Snow.

His uncle had cleverly timed their stay for the night so they could be camped near the crossing. Some of the Lords who were present with them talked about the battle and once again Benjen had proven his cleverness by suggesting that they pay their respects to the fallen, so they would be led to the exact place the battle had happened. Jon knew full well that it was a means to lead him to it without seeming suspicious. He felt the need to bring Egg with him, yet he did not, for he knew it would upset the rest of their retinue and he did not want to agitate Benjen more than he already had with his request.

As soon as they got there and he felt that it was truly here that his father had fallen, Jon felt his emotions threaten to get the best of him. Only the lessons regarding his lordly face stopped them from doing so.

"So many people lost their lives here. People of the North and of the South. Good and true men we knew and some we would have been blessed to." Benjen started, lifting a mug of ale to perform a northern remembrance ritual. "War is not an easy thing for either side and we should remember the good men who fell because of their loyalty, whether or not we named them ally or enemy. Here now, however, we remember our own, our families, and our loved ones. To those who fell. The North Remembers!."

"The North Remembers!"

"The North Remembers!"

One by one, those in attendance poured part of their drink into the river. Try as he might, Jon couldn't restrain his tears and he was glad Benjen was there to comfort him. His uncle had spoken about all those who perished here and Jon was touched that Benjen had somewhat included his father in his speech. That his uncle couldn't name Rhaegar as good and true regarding the lie that had been said about his sire, however, broke Jon's heart, yet he understood that it was the way of the world. Still, he was thankful when Benjen brought him back to do the same ritual for his father by the cover of the night.

'I wish I could have known you, Father. I hope you and Mother are reunited and watching over me. I hope I make you both proud and that I will never disappoint you.' he thought, not daring to say it out loud as he dropped the contents of his mug into the water, letting his sobs out freely this time.

A few days later they met up with Ser Symon as they made their way to the Neck. The knight's presence was a balm to Jon's heart and a reminder of his Mother, for not a day went by without him missing Ashara. Ser Symon's words that she was welcomed warmly and spent her days surrounded by her loved ones comforted him. Though he felt her absence more and more, as days went by, he knew it was for the best that she left.

While he was surprised to see a group of Crannogmen waiting for them on the Kingsroad, his Uncle Benjen seemed not fazed in the least by it. The Lord of Greywater Watch had apparently always been a mystery to some, yet a friend to the Starks, and how he knew they were traveling to his keep, Jon knew not. He had learned long ago that Greywater Watch had no rookery, no Maester, and that no raven could reach the ever-wandering keep.

"How do they know when to come if we need their banners, then?" he'd asked Benjen during a lesson.

"The Lord of Greywater Watch is blessed by the Old Gods in ways we cannot comprehend, Jon. When we meet Lord Reed, you'll understand."

Greywater Watch was a wonder, a true display of ingenuity and adaptability from those who wanted to live in the Marshes. His aunt Barbrey and Uncle Benjen had talked a lot about the Neck and the Crannogmen and more than once Jon had dreamt of the Marsh King's riding lizard lions to battle as in Old Nan's tales. Yet even the dreams of the Neck and Greywater watch paled in comparison to what truths he was soon to learn.

Though it wasn't Greywater Watch and its people that were in Jon's thoughts as he woke up that first morn. Once again since he had visited the place where his father had fallen, and so dreams of a battle between a Dragon and a Stag had led to a not-very peaceful night's sleep.

The keep itself was a simple one and the people living there were friendly and accommodating. Howland Reed's interaction with his subjects reminded him much of his uncle. It helped to allow him to more easily understand some of Benjen's lessons in being a lord. Seeing the fruits of those lessons even more clearly by observing the way people looked up to the Lord of Greywater Watch.

"A good Lord has to know the people he is ruling over. He should know their families and their trade, know his servants by name and show them respect to be respected in turn." Benjen said.

"Mother says that I should behave so that I have a good relationship with my Bannermen. Is that the same for the people in Winterfell?"

"Yes and no. As the future Warden, everyone depends on your rule, Jon. They will come to you to settle conflicts and yes, in that aspect, your Mother is right. This is not the same for the people in your keep. I grew up with most of them, sparred with them and my family, and watched my father break bread with them during feasts. During our house's most dire times, each and every one of them has always supported us. Some went to war, some helped me out when I was the Stark in Winterfell. All of them have mourned our family and welcomed you fondly. Each of them in their own way has done their bit to make sure you were nurtured and cared for." Benjen looked at him keenly as Jon nodded.

"Is that why Gage gives me more sweets than Bran?" he asked innocently.

"Aye, he always had a soft spot for you. He keeps saying that you are less wild than my children, and I must admit that you are." Benjen chuckled as he ruffled the boy's hair. "Keep that to yourself, lad, will ya? We don't want your cousins to raise hell and bother Gage."

"I won't tell Brandon. I swear. Beth already knows I suppose, because I share them with her." Jon laughed.

Jon watched with a smile as Brandon and Lord Reed's son Jojen played together during breakfast, his cousin was far less reserved than he was around people they had just met. As for himself, Jon tried to engage much in conversation with Meera Reed, who he had been told would join them on their way home. She and Domeric Bolton would be fostering there, along with Loras Tyrell. The girl and he had already bonded thanks to their desire to be protective of their kin and Jon knew that he had to make her feel welcome amongst his family, for she dreaded being parted from hers.

"Father told me I need to learn more about the North and its people, so I can help out Jojen when he becomes Lord of Greywater. He even japed that he wished for me to be able to offer more aid than Mother did when they were wed." Meera said with a small smirk on her face." I want to explore the North, I do, but I don't understand how I can help if I'm away from Jojen." she added, speaking truthfully.

"Well, I think this has to do with us being friends. Jojen is too young to foster with me, and since we are the same age mayhaps we can have a stronger bond than he would later on. Though I swear to you that I will also try my best to become friends with Jojen too when the time comes."

"Will you allow him to come to visit me? Will I be allowed to go back home whenever I wish?" Meera asked worriedly.

"Of course, Meera! Family is very important to me and I know how it feels to be parted from mine own. Uncle Benjen will never force you to stay should you be unhappy and I swear to you that I will make sure that Jojen can visit anytime he wishes to."

"Thank you, Jon. Truly, thank you." Meera said, looking happier than she did before their conversation

Though it was that conversation that later made Jon think back on his mother's words.

"I don't like Lord Hornwood, Mother. He's being unkind towards you. Disrespectful"

"You need not like him, yet you need to be on your best behavior with him, Jon. 'Tis your duty as future Lord of Winterfell to be polite and respectful to your bannermen, and it will serve you well to spend time with them and their children as it will allow you to understand them better."

"What if I don't want to understand him?" he asked irritably.

"He is not the only member of his house. Do you dislike his son? Has Daryn ever done anything to displease you?"

"He hasn't and he is quite nice with me and whenever he has spoken about you."

"He is his father's heir, and will surely rule Hornwood when you will become Warden. If you do not wish to be amicable to Lord Hornwood, think of Daryn and the rest of his family and make sure to always work in their best interest. Having a friend or more from all the Northern houses will help you maintain a good relationship with your Bannermen. You will be the one to rule them, how you treat them will determine how they will follow you."

Jon could see that now. How being more involved and closer to the heirs of the other Northern houses could have a positive effect in the future. He had noticed how his words about Asha Greyjoy had been listened to by his relatives and how things had been better for her in Winterfell since then. Yet up to now, he hadn't grasped how much his opinions could be valued outside of his house.

Moved by his determination, Jon finished his meal, and set to talk to his uncle about his request, only to find Benjen visibly shaken in the keep's prayer hall.

"Is something the matter, Uncle?" he asked, startling the man.

"Oh, no, lad. Just a disagreement between Lord Reed and I."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"All is well, Jon. You need not worry about me." Benjen assured.

"We are family, Uncle. Of course, I worry. I worry about all of you."

"You're much too young to do so. Enjoy your youth while you can, lad. You'll have all the time in the world to carry the weight of your duty on your shoulders."

"Well, I… This is the subject I wanted to talk about," he said and noticed as Benjen tensed. "I think it is time for me to get more involved than simply having lessons with Maester Luwin. I need to know what is going on in the North, Uncle. What the people need and how to help them more than we may be doing."

"Those are huge responsibilities, Jon." his uncle touched his chin contemplatively.

"Aye, I know, and I know too that you are doing your duty as Regent most well. It's just that… Mother used to tell me everything. How to behave, who to be wary of, and with her gone I keep making mistakes." Jon sighed.

"Jon -"

"This thing with King Robert. Me endangering myself because I let my emotions get the best of me. Loras Tyrell fostering. I saw how it weighed on you, how unhappy you were with my actions and I need to know more to prevent any mishap before Loras arrives."

"I understand how you feel and I agree with you. We need to be more careful now, more than ever. I do not know what the Tyrells' plans are, but I know enough to know that they do have one and I realize now that I have been remiss in your education."

"You had a lot to do, Uncle and Mother always kept me informed. With her gone, I feel like I have to step up and be more serious about it." Jon stated, making Benjen sigh.

"I guess Howland was right." he heard his uncle mumble.

"Lord Reed?" he asked, confused.

"He told me you were ready to take your place as Lord of Winterfell, but -"

"I am not." Jon retorted. "I need you still, Uncle. You and Aunt Bey and Mother, I need you to advise me, to show me when I am wrong, but I also need to prove myself. If I don't make an effort now, then when will I be ready?"

"I don't remember me nor my siblings being this wise at seven namedays," Benjen said, shaking his head. "Very well, from now on, I will tell you all I know of Northern politics and let you make some decisions. Not all, but some."

"Can one of them be to travel to my foster companions' keeps before going back to Winterfell? Since Meera is coming with us, I think we should give the others the same courtesy of coming to their lands and letting them say their farewell to their families."

"You mean for us to travel around the North, now?" Benjen asked and Jon shook his head.

"No, I mean for me to travel. Alone. You and Bran need to go back to Aunt Bey, Beth, and Little Ben. They no doubt miss you as much as you do them, and I will not prevent you from being reunited with our family because of my wishes."

"You're too young to travel alone, Jon."

"Ser Symon will watch over me, and I'm certain that with a raven sent to the Houses, they will provide a guard for me to be safer still."

"I… No."

"Uncle -"

"You're asking too much of me, lad. Way too much." Benjen growled. Jon then even more truly felt his uncle's worry and desire to protect him through his next few words. "What if something happens to you during your journey? Do you realize what it would do to Ashara? Barbrey? Your cousins? Me?"

"I'm asking you to trust me. I don't know if I'm in the right, but that is something I feel the need to do. To assure the Lords that their children will be treated with the respect they deserve and to show them that I do not intend to stay idle anymore. I won't act as rashly as I did with Robert Baratheon, but they need to be reminded of the consequences of their actions."

"You're talking about Hornwood, do you?" Benjen snorted as Jon gave him a wolfish smile. "Aye, too much of your mother you are… She didn't like Halys either. What do you have in mind?"

"He didn't want to allow Daryn to come to Winterfell to foster with me. I will not leave him a choice and I will take both of his sons with me." Jon said determinedly.

"You want Daryn and Larence to foster together?" Benjen frowned.

" Daryn is a bit older than me and Larence is too young to foster, but that is what I want, aye. To show that I don't care about his sons' status and that I am fairer than him when it comes to judging people. 'Tis not uncommon for bastard brothers to be raised together in Dorne and at one point so too it was in the North. For was Brandon Snow not raised with his brother? I would see that bastards are given more opportunities here too, should they be worthy of them."

"It looks like you've really thought this through."

"I have, but I will always welcome your opinion. If you truly think now is not the time for me to do this, then I will defer to your judgment." Jon said, waiting with bated breath for his uncle's response.

"Your Aunt will have my hide for this. Best you enjoy your journey, Jon, for I think she will forbid you to leave for at least seven years as soon as you come back." Benjen chuckled.

Jon laughed, relieved to hear the jape from his uncle, though there he had no doubt, especially knowing his aunt Barbrey, that she would do exactly as his uncle said. He thanked Benjen profusely, grateful for the amount of trust displayed by his uncle, and then Jon promised himself he would not disappoint his family.

Later they discussed more of Jon's own ideas for the North, along with talk regarding Ser Jorah's upcoming wedding, and the agreement made between House Mormont and House Hightower. The fostering of Loras Tyrell was also discussed, Ashara's involvement was surprising to Jon as much as it wasn't, for she always told her son that he needed to learn more of the South. Benjen's reluctance to it was also understandable, and Jon felt conflicted hearing his uncle's thoughts about a possible involvement from his family in Essos.

He believed it showed that despite his own words, his grandmother still wished for him to become king. For there was no other reason that Jon could think of to explain his grandmother wanting to build a friendship between the Warden of the North and the second son of the Warden of the South. He would have to ask her directly in his next letter. Though he would keep his correspondence hidden from Benjen for now, at least until he got further details.

Lord Reed accompanied his daughter and the rest of Jon's party to Moat Cailin, where Benjen and Jon would part ways, as the boy's journey would lead him to White Harbor and his uncle's own would take him back to Winterfell. The keep was still under repair, though most of the outer walls had been consolidated and, according to Benjen, it was much closer now to its former glory.

As Jon expected, Brandon threw a bit of a fit when faced with their separation.

"Where you go, I go!" Brandon stated stubbornly, warming Jon's heart as much as it despaired Benjen's own.

"You two will be the death of me, I swear." his uncle lamented while his cousin remained unfazed as they said their farewells. "Be careful, lad. Don't take any chances, Send word to me along your journey, and whatever your plans, do not mess around with Roose Bolton. The man will not take kindly to such."

"Aye Uncle. Give my regards to Beth, Ben, and Aunt Bey for me. Don't forget to give her the letter from me."

"If your aunt doesn't kill me beforehand, I will." Benjen sighed loudly.

"She'll forgive you. Me on the other hand…"

"Don't think about your punishment already. Enjoy your journey and safe travel. Watch over your cousin." Benjen said as he moved closer to where he and Brandon stood.

"I will. Thank you for this, Uncle. I…"

"Do not get sentimental on me, lad," Benjen said, ruffling his hair, though Jon could see in his glistening eyes that he felt the same.

Within the hour, Jon rode towards his new destination, his heart beating with excitement and anticipation. He looked forward to seeing White Harbor and to start learning how to become a true Lord of the North. To one day be as respected as his grandfather and as loved as his Uncle before him.

Starfall/Braavos 290 AC.

Ashara Dayne.

The closer she got to Braavos, the more nervous Ashara became. For as much as she tried to comfort herself with the thoughts of seeing Arthur again, it was seeing Rhaella Targaryen that most preyed on her mind. Ashara believed she was right in how she'd approached the Tyrells, she was certain of it. Yet, she feared that Rhaella would not agree or that she would think that Ashara had overstepped.

Her thoughts were confused and worried as they had been since leaving Starfall. Ashara may see Aemon as her son, yet they shared no true blood and she was soon to meet with those with whom he did. That she was still upset over events at Starfall helped her not in this regard either. The loss of her Goodsister would be a hard one for Vorian and young Ned to take. While her departure had hurt Allyria too, even with the promise that she'd return as soon as she was able.

Laying on her bed, eyes closed, Ashara thought back to her time in her family home as fondly as she could. She missed it far more now than she had when she'd decided to travel to the North. Partly because at the time she'd done so, she'd had Aemon to worry and think about. More so because she knew that her family needed her and once again she was letting them down a little. The greater good was not so easy to live up to when it came to the bonds of family, or so Ashara had found.

"Mother, let my parting from them be shorter than the last time. I beg it of you." Ashara prayed silently.

Starfall two moons earlier.

Ashara wept upon seeing it again. The Torentine was as crisp and clear as she remembered it, the island stood as resolute as ever. Even from the distance that she and Richard were away from it, the Palestone Sword loomed majestically over everything around it. She shook her head when Richard offered her his handkerchief, as she wished to enjoy the tears and felt they were worthy ones to shed here of all places.

By the time they arrived at the gates, Ashara had composed herself somewhat. The guards recognized her too, which she much appreciated as she feared she'd been forgotten over the years. Entering the courtyard, she allowed Richard to help her down from the horse and looked around taking it all in as he did so. It was just as she remembered, forever held within her heart and in her dreams.

"Ash, thank the gods," Vorian said as he ran down the final few steps to greet her as a brother and not a lord. His arms were most welcome when they embraced her.

"Brother, oh Brother. 'Tis so good to see you again," she said, holding back more happy tears, or she did until she saw them both looking at her.

Allyria had grown from a gangly young girl into a beautiful one. Her sister was one and ten or two and ten, and Ashara was unable to concentrate enough to do the sum in her head at the moment. Taller than Ashara had been at that age, Allyria bore all the beauty that she herself had been famed for and would soon have suitors banging down Vorian's door for her hand.

Beside her, young Ned looked like Arthur in miniature. Three Namedays old and with the most amazingly expressive dark blue eyes. He looked at her curiously and warily at the same time. While Allyria bore a far more hopeful look on her face as she waited for their brother to confirm that it was indeed Ashara that she looked at.

"Allyria, Ned, come say your hellos to your sister and aunt."

"Ashara?" Allyria asked softly and a nod of Ashara's head was enough to set her running towards her, little Ned following after as quickly as his legs would carry him.

"By the Seven, look at you both. Gods, Sister. You've grown so much. And you, little one. I'm your aunt, Ashara." she said, hugging the one and then lifting the other up into her arms.

"Ser Symon, I welcome you to Starfall." She heard her brother say to Richard, then with Allyria's hand in her own and Ned in her arms, Ashara walked into the keep.

They ate together as a family that night and then after tucking Ned in his bed and reading him a story that she'd often read Aemon, Ashara spent some time with her sister. Finally, it was to her Goodsister that she made her way to, Daella looking like a shadow of the woman that Ashara had last seen almost seven full years ago.

"You've come." her Goodsister said happily, straining to speak though she was.

"Of course. I wish it had been sooner," she said to a cough and a laugh from her Daella.

"If you were to wish for something, Ashara, then wish you'd need not make the journey at all. God's help me, I've wished it often enough."

"I…I don't have the words, Daella. I…." she said shakily, thankful for Daella's interruption

"Tell me that you'll look after them. That when you do as you must, you'll come back and look after them. They need someone, Ashara…Allyria she…and Ned…gods, Ned will.." Daella pleaded.

"I'll return. I give you my oath on that," she said and Daella smiled at her. The Maester then came in to tell her that her Goodsister needed to rest.

From her Goodsister it was to her brother and his solar that she went. Vorian put on a brave face for her and Richard and so she bid the knight to give them a few moments to themselves. Not even when their mother had passed had she seen her brother weep as openly as he did in her arms then. Her whispered words offered little if any comfort and yet she spoke them all the same.

"I will return, brother. I must travel, but I will return."

Daella died a few days later, peacefully, or as peacefully as anyone can shuffle from this mortal coil. Especially when they're taken too soon and have much to do still. She was entombed with their family and over the next few days it was clear just how much Ashara was needed in Starfall. Vorian was lost, Ned understood not where his mother had gone and Allyria tried so desperately to be brave and strong.

It made Ashara stay long after Richard had headed back to the North. Longer than she'd planned to and yet each day she did, she felt the call from Braavos grow ever stronger. Eventually, she had no other choice and so she spoke to her brother and told him to be strong. To Ned, she promised that when she returned she'd bring him a gift from his uncle. Then she and Allyria argued and Ashara could deny her words not.

"You're leaving. Again you're leaving. We need you here. I need you here." Allyria spat.

"There are things I must do, sister."

"Things that are more important than your family?"

"For now, aye. But I will return."

"Will you?" Allyria mocked.

"I will, I Promise."

"Your promises are like the wind, sister. They mean nothing to me." her sister said as she stormed from the room. Her words were hurtful and yet Ashara could blame her not for them.

Had it not been for the arrival of Aemon's letter before she left, then Ashara would have done so far more tearfully than she had. Instead, her son's words gave her the strength she needed and so she said her goodbyes. Then along with an honor guard gifted to her by her brother, Ashara set sail for Braavos.

Now.

Thoughts of the letter soon had Ashara reaching for it, a warm smile on her face as she once again read the words.

Mother,

I write to you hoping that your travel went well and you were welcomed truly back at your home. The tourney was interesting and somewhat enjoyable, while the king was his usual self. I'm afraid I acted most recklessly but I find it hard to wear my Lord's Face when speaking with Robert Baratheon. Nor do I like his attitude and the things he says, suffice to say, that my recklessness paid off, for once, and I was most chastened by my uncle because of it.

We shall soon be welcoming a new foster to Winterfell in Loras Tyrell, who seems a decent sort from my limited time spent with him. Though him being from the South does give me pause as they are all very much how you named them to be. So I shall remain as vigilant and wary as you would wish of me.

Brandon and I are now set to travel a little around the North, to see and speak to some of my future bannermen and their sons and daughters. Ser Symon has returned and along with Syrio and a decent-sized guard, he will serve as my escort.

I miss you so much, Mother, and keep your gift close to me always. Knowing I carry a piece of you with me is something I welcome. Be safe, Mother, safe and well. Give all my love to my cousins and uncles. Tell my family I long to meet them and count the days until I do so. Mostly, know that I carry you in my heart, Mother, I carry you there and I know we'll see each other again.

Until we do, I remain your ever-loving son.

Jon.

Ashara placed a soft kiss on the letter and put it back amongst her most treasured things. She'd gifted Aemon a small handkerchief that bore a falling star and a wolf, both done in the lilac of her House. Doused in the perfume that she often wore, she had hoped and was glad to see that Aemon used it to remind him of her. As she used the small wooden toy that he'd gifted her and made with his own hands. The wolf looked more like a horse and yet was just as precious to her as the son who made it.

Closing her eyes, she drifted off to sleep and when she awoke the next morning and broke her fast, they were passing under the Titan and entering Braavos' harbor.

It took her no time at all to gather her things and make ready to disembark from the ship. Vorian had sent four guards with her, men from Starfall who had been long in their service and who had well earned her brother's trust. Together, with them, they said goodbye to the ship's captain and crew and began the short trek to the Sealord's Palace. Ashara was under no illusion that it was a trek that went unwatched or that before she made it, Rhaella would know of her arrival.

She believed too that within the moon, Varys too would have received word, though whether the eunuch would share that with Robert Baratheon and the Small Council, she knew not. The man had always been a law unto himself and the only thing that could be trusted about Varys was the fact that he was untrustworthy. Whose side he was truly on, and what his goals were, not even Aerys or Rhaegar had been able to ascertain. Ashara hoped that Rhaella and Aemon would prove far more successful in that endeavor. Upon reaching the gates of the Sealord's Palace, her thoughts once again turned to the queen she was soon to meet, and to her brother whom she'd not seen in far too long.

"I've come with news of import to share with Queen Rhaella," Ashara said when the guards stopped them from entering. "Tell her that Ashara Dayne has arrived from the North and Starfall."

"You wait here." the grumpy young guard said and Ashara did as she was bid. Happy to find her wait was not a long one and happier to see who had been sent to greet her.

Arthur looked exactly as she had remembered him. His white cloak was pristine, Dawn's hilt could be seen over his shoulder, and the smile he wore when he looked and saw her was a true one. As too was her own when she pushed past the guards and ran to her brother as if she was a much younger girl. Her embrace was one that was returned in kind, as too were her words.

"Gods, Arthur, I've missed you so."

"You too, Ash."

After a moment, they parted, and Arthur nodded to the guards which were enough to allow her own to enter the grounds. Another nod of her brother's head as a way of greeting men he had grown up with was more than enough to put those men at ease. Arthur led them down some halls and corridors and out through some doors, away from the more public parts of the palace and into the private family quarters. Ashara heard the voices long before she saw them and it did her heart good when she finally did.

A part of her had expected a ceremony or a show of sorts. While you could argue that's indeed what she was faced with, it was a far more welcome one than she'd thought it might be. There right in front of her, was the family she served and who named Aemon kin. Acting not like the royals they were, but a family that reminded her much of her own. Viserys was going through his forms and practicing his swordsmanship against one of the Sealord's men. Tall and lithe, his silver hair tied up in a ponytail, the young prince looked so much like his brother had that for a moment, Ashara almost found herself in another time and place.

Princess Daenerys was a tiny little thing. Her violet eyes looked curiously in Ashara's direction and the smile that appeared on her face was blinding. Next to the princess, a young boy played quietly, he too bearing all the looks that the Targaryens were famed for. Ashara would name him as the queen's son with the Sealord, Prince Maekar. As for the queen herself, Ashara had never seen Rhaella look as resplendent or as happy as she did now. Nor had she ever seen a woman's face change and then revert back to how it had been a moment earlier in such a quick fashion.

"Your grace, my sister, Lady Ashara of House Dayne," Arthur said and Rhaella offered her a warm smile, before whispering something to the princess and young prince.

"But I wished to hear of Aems, Mother." Princess Daenerys said and Ashara saw Rhaella whisper something to the young girl and get a nod back in return.

Prince Viserys stopped his morning spar and walked over to her as Queen Rhaella rose to her feet, the young prince almost seeming to look her up and down before smiling a most disarming smile at her.

"My lady, it's a pleasure to finally meet you. Mother has spoken so much about you and my nephew. He is well? As are you?" Viserys said as he kissed her offered hand.

"He is, my prince, as too am I. I thank you for asking."

"Mayhap later you can tell some tales of Aemon, my lady? My sister, and brother and I would be most keen to hear them more directly than from a letter." Viserys asked hopefully.

"I would be most happy to do so, my prince. Your nephew bid me to pass on a greeting to you all. He wished to tell you how much he looks forward to finally meeting you one day. That you are in his thoughts always." Ashara said, her words garnering a true smile from the two princes and the princess while a sad one from the queen.

"As do we, Lady Ashara," Viserys said, before moving to join his brother and sister.

Arthur led her and Rhaella down a short corridor and into a set of rooms. Ashara barely noticed it when Ser Barristan and another white-cloaked guard moved to follow after the princess and the two princesses. What she did notice was just how secure the Sealord's Palace was and it brought a smirk to her face that was noticed first by the queen. Rhaella turned then to ask her what amused her so.

"How much this must truly frustrate Robert Baratheon and Tywin Lannister, my queen," she said, which earned her a chuckle from Rhaella.

"I live to do so," Rhaella said, smiling as they entered the rooms and took a seat. "My grandson is well?" Rhaella asked almost the moment they'd sat down.

"Aemon is more than well, my queen. He, his uncle, and cousin have returned to the North after attending that silly tourney that Tywin Lannister hosted."

"I had heard. Some business too with traveling through the North that I like not." Rhaella frowned.

"To visit his Bannermen and get to know them, my queen. Aemon knows better than most young boys just how important that is." Ashara said, Rhaella looking at her and bidding her to continue. "While he's not yet fully on board with what it is he must be, I've taken steps to train him for it when it comes. As too have his aunt and uncle, though they seek not to see Aemon crowned."

"Yet crowned he will be and he must be ready to accept that is to be his fate," Rhaella stated firmly.

"He will be, my queen. In truth, you've no greater ally in seeing that happen than the Stag who sits on the Iron Throne."

"How so?" Rhaella leaned forward, her curiosity clear.

Ashara told her of Robert's request to foster Aemon, of the words that he'd said to her when he'd been feasted in Winterfell, and Aemon's reaction to them. When she then spoke of his attack on her in her rooms, both the Queen and Arthur even more so, were livid. Her brother promised that he'd see Robert bleed before the man was taken from this world.

"Aemon would do it for you," Rhaella said and Ashara shook her head, not sure if the queen was testing her or being serious and caring not either way.

"My son will never know of this, not if I can help it." Ashara declared. "Emotion gets you killed in a fight, my queen, my brother would be the first that tells you so. Let Aemon continue to make his own mind up about Robert Baratheon and you'll find that enough to turn his eyes to the Iron Throne."

"Very well, I'll speak of it not," Rhaella said and Ashara nodded. "Now tell me of your meeting with the Tyrells."

For the next hour or more, Ashara spoke of her journey to Highgarden and what words she spoke to the Tyrells. As she had expected, Rhaella liked it not that she had not been more direct, yet when Ashara spoke of why that was, her words were accepted. The danger to Aemon outweighing even the desire to retake the Iron Throne in Rhaella's mind now too. She spoke then of the fostering and that as long as Robert didn't offer the Tyrells a better deal, something that she believed he'd not, things would go just how Rhaella wished.

"In time, we can bring the Tyrells closer to the fold, my queen. Yet, not until the risk is one we can truly live with."

"Indeed," Rhaella said, looking as if she pondered on something or other. "Your plan is better than mine own, I applaud you for it. You'll return to the North?"

"Not for some time. I have duties that can't be put off at Starfall and though it hurts both me and Aemon, it will do us both some good to be parted."

"It would?" Rhaella asked doubtfully.

"Left to his own devices I fear Aemon would look more North than anywhere else. Where I to stay there with him, then it allows him the comfort of having his mother close by. With me further away, the desire to travel and see me will become one that he can resist for only so long."

Both Rhaella and Arthur looked at her curiously. Neither of them was sure she was in the right of things and yet it was something that Ashara had given much thought to. Aemon's future lay in the South, he needed to travel through it, to see it. While he'd always wished to visit Dorne, he'd not do so if she was by his side. With Ashara in Starfall, he would most certainly come and away from Barbrey and Benjen, her son would look at things with different eyes. In the end, Aemon would still make his own choice on the future he wished for, yet just like Benjen and Barbrey wishing to push him one way, Ashara and Rhaella both wished him to go another.

"We'll speak later, Ashara. When you're more settled. You'll join my family and me for dinner this evening?"

"I would be honored, my queen," Ashara said as she rose to her feet.

"You've done sterling work with my grandson, Ashara, I cannot thank you enough for being there for Aemon when neither I nor the rest of his family could," Rhaella said, her regret clear on her face as she spoke the words.

"He's a good boy, my queen. A boy you can and will be proud of. It's been no hardship to have been by Aemon's side, far from it." Ashara smiled.

"Then I hope it won't be too long until you see him again."

"As I hope for you too, my queen."

Rhaella nodded at Arthur and so her brother escorted Ashara from the room. He led her to what was a most luxurious set of rooms that were to be her own while she stayed here, for however long that would be.

"'Tis truly good to see you again, Arthur. We'll speak later?" Ashara said, only for Arthur to shake his head.

"I'm yours for the rest of the day, sister mine. Come no doubt you have many tales to tell as have I." Arthur said, offering her his arm which Ashara took happily.

"So many tales, my sweet brother." she giggled, as they began to speak on days past, both recent and those much longer ago.

White Harbor 290 AC.

Wyman Manderly.

The raven that arrived had come from Moat Cailin, Wyman smiling to see the Direwolf of House Stark and to read the words of the Regent of the North. He was pleasantly surprised to read the words contained in the scroll and immediately set about making the New Castle ready to receive a visit from his liege lord. Wylis, Wynafryd, and Wylla were mayhap even more excited than he, and the only dampener on that excitement was knowing that Wendel wouldn't be traveling with young Jon and Brandon Stark.

Still, a visit from the future Warden of the North and potentially the future King of the Seven Kingdoms was something to be joyful about and so Wyman counted down the days. An escort was sent out, led by his cousin Ser Marlon, to show just how valued their guests were and when they finally arrived in the city, Wyman hurried from his seat in the Great Hall to greet them. He thanked the gods too that Marlon had seen fit to send a rider ahead to give him the time to prepare. His cousin had shown great aptitude in doing so.

Lined up outside the New Castle, his son, gooddaughter, granddaughters, and himself, Wyman looked down the paved road and soon saw the party that made their way to him. Wyman noticed that Jon Stark sat on a horse well as too did his cousin Brandon. While Ser Symon Lake had joined them as had some men from Winterfell and Wyman knew that there was more on the way. A raven had arrived from Lady Barbrey saying as much. Watching the two lads dismount with no need for help, Wyman held back a smirk as Jon Stark took in the sights of the New Castle and White Harbor. The look on his face showed that his liege seemed suitably impressed by both.

"White Harbor is yours, Lord Stark," Wyman said when the young man walked along with his cousin and stood in front of him.

"I am most pleased to be welcomed so, Lord Manderly. To finally see the North's greatest city as well as the keep of one of the North's most loyal and true men. I am honored, my lord, truly." the lad spoke honestly to Wyman's mind.

"It is us who are honored, Lord Stark."

"My cousin, Brandon, Lord Manderly."

"Lord Brandon."

"Lord Manderly," Brandon answered, less assured than his cousin but then he was a little younger than Jon Stark was.

"May I present my family, Lord Stark." Wyman asked, turning to where Wylis, Leona, and his granddaughters stood.

"I'd be most pleased if you did so, my lord." Jon Stark replied, a warm smile on his face as he greeted Wylis, Leona, and then Wynafryd and Wylla. Kissing each of his granddaughter's offered hands and bowing his head slightly to his son.

Again young Brandon was much more nervous here, following his cousin's lead and looking at Jon more than once as he repeated his actions.

"I'll escort you into the New Castle, my lord, and show you some of its delights."

"I thank you, Lord Manderly."

Polite, and respectful, the young lad had been trained well and was more accustomed to courtesy than Wyman expected. Though he would wager some of that came simply from Ashara Dayne's teachings and some had to do with what may one day be his true future. A Warden of the North could be rougher around the edges than a king could ever be after all.

Wyman believed the balance was right in this regard, thus far anyway. So as they walked, he sought to see if it was as true in others. To his delight, it seemed that young Jon was very well educated. He'd heard tell of this from those who'd met the lad where he had not. Of how he read voraciously and was writing long before a boy of his age really should. Yet to see it so clearly and to find himself conversing with a boy who at times spoke like a man, was both disconcerting and welcoming at the same time.

"We received a raven from your aunt, Lord Stark. Your Mother, Lord Brandon."

"All is well at Winterfell, my lord?" Jon asked, slightly worriedly.

"It is, Lord Stark. Your aunt wrote to inform you that Syrio Forel and a detachment of guards have left and now make their way to White Harbor." Wyman said to a small frown from the boy.

"To add to our guards when we travel further north, My lord." Ser Symon said to a curious look from the young lad.

"At your request, Ser Symon?"

"At your mother's, my lord." Ser Symon replied.

The small smile that came over the lad's face was one that took Wyman back to a She Wolf and the smirk she'd get when she had done something she should not have. It confirmed the words that had been spoken so many years ago to him by Benjen Stark. Not that those words had ever needed any more confirmation than that.

"I'll have you shown to your rooms, Lord Stark, no doubt you and your cousin are tired from your journey."

"I'd have words with you first, Lord Manderly. Some ideas that I wish to speak on if you can spare the time."

"I'd be most happy to, Lord Stark, most happy indeed," Wyman said, again pleasantly surprised.

He looked on as Jon whispered something in his cousin's ear and Brandon nodded, before then leaving with some guards from both those he'd arrived with and from Wyman's own. Wyman led the way to his solar and took a seat across from his liege lord and possibly a future king. After ordering some refreshments brought for them both and for Ser Symon, they ate and spoke in generalities.

"You heard of Lord Jorah's marriage, my lord?" Jon asked.

"Call me Wyman, Lord Stark, 'tis but the two of us here. And Ser Symon of course."

"Only if you call me by mine own name, my lord."

"By your leave, Jon," he said to a nod of the young lad's head. "Aye, I've heard, both the marriage and some new trading arrangement or other."

"It's that I wish to speak to you on, Wyman. Trade."

"Jon?"

"We're soon to have Lady Olenna's grandson as a foster in Winterfell. My uncle seeks more and I believe even one of your granddaughters may be joining us?"

"Aye, Jon, Wylla soon will be making her way to foster with your cousin, Bethany."

"I look forward to welcoming Lady Wylla to Winterfell as warmly as you've welcomed me here, Wyman." Jon said and Wyman chuckled as he nodded his head "The trading, Wyman. Something struck me as strange in one of the items that Lord Hightower wished to trade with Lord Jorah." Jon said, handing Wyman the list.

"Indeed, I can see why that would be so," Wyman said looking at the coal dust.

"Yet, if House Hightower seeks such, would that not mean that it's a valuable resource?"

"It would indeed," Wyman replied, his mind working as he began to understand where the young lad was going.

"And a plentiful one in the North?"

"Certainly an underused one, Jon."

"Hmmm."

Wyman looked at the young lad, his dark grey eyes stared at the table while his finger touched gently against the palm of his hand. In a matter of moments, it seemed a decision had been made and Wyman found himself most keen to hear what that decision was.

"I would suggest we seek our own markets for this, Wyman. For this and other resources that we may have in the North and have not taken advantage of. Our own ways to exploit whatever bounty we can gain from exporting and where we can do so without causing issues with House Hightower and House Mormont."

"A wise idea, Jon."

"I can leave this in your hands then?"

"You can, Jon. I'll send word to you and to Lord Benjen at Winterfell and we can go forward from there once I've found out more."

"I thank you for listening to me, Wyman, and for your counsel."

"Any time, Jon."

"I'll see to refresh myself before we eat tonight, mayhap we can discuss other matters concerning White Harbor or the North while I'm here?" Jon asked, almost as if he feared he'd be told that it was for the best if Wyman did so with Benjen.

"I'd like that, Jon."

"As too would I, Wyman," Jon said, offering him another warm smile before he rose to his feet and bid him farewell for now.

He watched the young lad walk out the door, Ser Symon behind him. Three days Jon Stark would be staying at White Harbor before he then traveled further north. Hornwood, the Dreadfort, Karhold, and Last Hearth were all due to be visited before he returned to Winterfell. Wyman wondered if Jon would speak to the lords of those keeps as freely as he had to him. He both hoped he would and would not. Yet for now, he just looked forward to getting to know Jon Stark better.

The lad already had his support as Warden, he'd have it as King if he wished it. Wyman's loyalty and fealty were owed to the Starks by right, to Jon, he wondered if it would be given by choice too. He believed it may very well be and the thought of such was one that he was happy to entertain.

That night's feast was a pleasant one and Wyman spent much of the night watching the two young lads who sat at the high table with his family. Brandon Stark seemed more at ease here and laughed and japed at something that Wylla said to him. His cousin, Jon, wore an easy smile and conversed with Wylla and Wylis equally. When it came time for dancing, Wyman was pleased that both boys not only asked his granddaughters to dance but proved themselves quite accomplished too. Even despite their young ages, it was clear they'd both been given extensive lessons by either Lady Barbrey or Lady Ashara.

They spoke to each other just briefly that night, Wyman keen for young Jon to enjoy himself and more eager to watch and form an impression, than to do so through conversation. At the next morning's meal, he spoke to his granddaughters who had naught but good things to say about their guests. Wylla, Wyman found to his delight, was even keener on her fostering now that she'd met the two young lads. So try as he might, Wyman couldn't stop his mind from considering a potential match for either of them. If one was forthcoming, then it would more than likely be with Brandon rather than Jon Stark, as he doubted that Queen Rhaella had his daughter in mind to be the future queen of the seven kingdoms.

'More than likely she'd seek it to be the Rose of Highgarden' he thought as the two young lads arrived.

Greetings, good mornings, happy conversations with both his granddaughters and hearty appetites were the story of the day. Followed by morning sparring sessions where it was clear that both lads were well-trained, but that Jon Stark would always be the better sword. Wynafryd and Wylla showed the two lads more of the city, both of them wishing to see the Wolf's Den and pray at its Weirwood.

Though they held a quieter feast that night, it was just as pleasant as the one before and the guards from Winterfell and Syrio Forel arrived after they'd broken their fast the next morning. Again Wyman found himself watching the two young lads as they sparred and his thoughts were only proven even more true this time. Watching Jon Stark and his cousin face off using a mix of Northern and Southern styles showed a gap between them. Watching them face off with a mix of the Braavosi style added in, showed a chasm.

"By the gods he's fast," Wyman said as he stood beside Ser Symon looking on as Jon Stark and Syrio Forel now practiced together.

"That he is." Ser Symon said proudly. "Syrio told me that when Jon is of age there won't be a swordsman who's a match. That all his life he'd wished to train someone so diligent and so young."

"You can certainly see the benefits, Ser Symon."

They held one more meeting together before Jon and Brandon Stark said their goodbyes to White Harbor and to Wyman and his family. Another meeting about trade and a request from the young lord for Wyman to keep him informed about what they could do to increase theirs and the north's exports of such.

"I'd ask to be sent ravens along with my uncle, Wyman. I wish not to keep things from Benjen or my aunt, nor do I believe they'd keep things from me, but I'd request when it comes to this at least, that two messages be sent."

"One for you and one for the Regent," Wyman said and Jon nodded.

"Both equal my lord, as I said I've no wish to be told something that my uncle is not, but I'd like it to be seen that I'm being told."

Wyman looked at the young lad, a half smile on his face as he did so.

"You wish to be seen to be learning how to be Warden and Lord," he said.

"Aye. I've spoken to my uncle on such, I feel ready for some of my duties, even if most will still be carried out by my Regent."

"I'm most pleased to hear both, Jon."

"You don't think I'm too young for such?" Jon asked unsurely.

"Not at all. You seem to have a wise head on your young shoulders. I say it can only help in the future and even now, given your ideas."

"I thank you for your confidence, Wyman. It means much to know I have it." Jon said, relieved.

"That you do, my lord," Wyman said, offering the lad a sly wink which brought a smile to his face, his mother's smile once again.

His granddaughters were sad to see the lads leave, as was Wyman himself. Yet it was a good thing that young Jon and Brandon were doing. The Lords of the North would welcome seeing them, especially those who'd soon have children fostering in Winterfell. While Jon had confided in him that he intended to visit those lords on the other side of the North sometime in the near future. As well as traveling to the Wall to meet with the Lord Commander of the Night's Watch when a chance presented itself to do so.

Yet as he watched them leave, Wyman found himself almost keener to arrange a visit to Winterfell and so he resolved himself to travel there with Wylla when she was ready to start her fostering. For now, he had work to do and he intended to have much to show for that work when next he and Jon Stark met.

Braavos 290 AC.

Viserys Targaryen.

He took his lesson from the Bold today, as Arthur was spending time with his sister who Viserys too looked forward to speaking to. Lady Ashara could tell him things about his nephew that not even his mother could. Things that Dany hadn't seen in her visions or that the one letter he'd received from Aemon hadn't covered. Yet, Viserys understood that he'd have to wait his turn to speak to the woman that most in Westeros named as his nephew's mother.

Sword in hand, he listened as Ser Barristan spoke about his stance and his footwork. The knight was older and more experienced than Ser Arthur was and yet in some way, their lessons mirrored each other's. Regardless, Viserys ate them up as he always did and then smiled when he was told the time for sparring was at hand. It had quickly become his favorite part of the day, as he tested himself against the greatest living knights in the known world and while still coming up short, Viserys knew that he was improving all the time.

Today he even managed to get more than one hit on the Bold. Something which had him feeling almost ten feet tall when both Ser Barristan and later Qarro complimented him on it. With one lesson done, it was to the next lesson that he then readied to take himself. This one was a much different type and yet just as important. For both his mind and body had to be trained if he wished to serve his nephew in the future.

Putting the swords away, Viserys nodded and thanked the Bold for his lesson and wondered if he'd be training him later too or would Ser Arthur take the rest of the day. Hoping that he'd not, it was to the Maester's chambers that he walked to and he arrived to see Marwyn waiting for him. Taking a seat, he reached for the parchment and dipped the quill in the ink pot, and for the next hour, he was presented with numerous questions on military tactics and training.

"Mostly right again, my prince. Though this is too aggressive a tactic I believe."

"I think it may work, Maester. Showing your enemy only what you wish them to see and allowing them to think you're weak when you're very much not." Viserys argued his point.

"Indeed, however in doing so, you would always bring the fight to you, my prince. At times it is for the best to stop one before it begins." Marwyn said as he looked at him keenly.

"Very true, Maester. Yet, those we wish to fight against will bring the fight regardless. Tywin Lannister or Robert Baratheon will seek to crush our forces, not avoid them. Will they not?"

"Ah, I see. Then you have my apologies, my prince. I had not considered you had a specific enemy in mind. Yes, when it comes to the two men you mentioned, then this is a most useful tactic to remember." Marwyn said proudly.

They spent the next hour going over some of the other things that he needed to know. Houses in Westeros, who they were allied to, and why. Trading routes and how to disrupt them when needed. As well as the importance of a secure supply chain and that should the chance come up to attack their enemies' supply lines, it should be welcomed.

After that, it was to more mundane lessons and while he did his best to concentrate, his disinterest led to mistakes that he knew his mother would chide him for. Still, by the time it came to eat his midday meal, Viserys was feeling most pleased with himself. It was why as he strolled past the gardens and saw Ser Arthur speaking to his sister, Viserys offered them both a friendly wave and why he was even happier to pass by his brother's rooms.

"Vis," Maekar called out, happy to see him. His brother sitting on the floor and playing with his small wooden toys.

"Meks," he said, smiling broadly as he took a seat beside Maekar and helped him play whatever game it was that his brother was playing.

Viserys knew that just as with Dany, Maekar too had been given a gift from his egg. Though he himself had not truly received one as of yet, or not one as apparent as his brother and sister had from theirs, Viserys worried not. Nor did he feel jealous of them about it. They were children and the eggs influenced them and Aemon in ways they did not his mother or himself. Or had not yet at least.

"Hungry Meks?" he asked and his brother nodded, Viserys lifting him up from the floor and carrying him in his arms to where they would take their midday meals.

His brother's personality was more like Dany's than his own. Where Viserys was outgoing, Maekar at times was quiet and contemplative. He would sit and look at them or through them as if he was a million miles away, and then he would say the strangest things. Viserys had heard Marwyn tell his mother that Maekar had his own version of dragon dreams and yet he wasn't quite sure if he believed that. More he thought it was that Maekar was playing the same games in his head that he at times played with his toys. Games that Viserys suspected were far more than they seemed.

In his arms, however, his brother was talkative and playful. Viserys chuckled as Maekar pulled on his hair and frowned as he tried to do the same to his own. Maekar's hair had not yet reached the length that Viserys believed his brother wished it to be. He'd wager that when Maekar's hair was the same length as his and Dany's, then his brother would never allow it to be cut any shorter than that.

"DANY!" Maekar cried out happily when they entered the large open room. Their sister sitting at the table and looking tired in Viserys' eyes. Not that you'd know given how enthusiastically she welcomed their baby brother.

"MEKS!" Dany called out.

Struggling to hold him in his arms, Viserys lowered Maekar to the floor and watched as he ran to sit by Dany's side. Taking his own seat, he asked Dany had she not rested well the night before and she spoke then of the dreams she'd had and which had kept her up for most of the night.

"You should rest sister. Take a short nap or something."

"I will, Vis, once I've spoken to Mama."

They ate and were soon joined by their mother, Arthur, and Ashara, and all Dany's tiredness seemed to leave her in almost an instant at the sight of Arthur's sister. Both Dany and to Viserys surprise, Maekar, peppered the woman with questions about their nephew. Viserys ate and then moved to speak to his mother, telling her quietly about Dany's dreams and how much they'd taken out of her.

"She needs to rest, Mother. I don't think they were anything bad, or too bad, but…"

"I'll speak to her." his mother said firmly, Before then moving a lock of his hair from his face and asking him how his morning had been. Viserys telling her and then finding out he'd be spending the rest of the day with Lord Jon Connington and not with the Maester as he'd imagined.

"For why, Mother?" he asked curiously.

"To learn about Dorne, Viserys."

He wished to argue and almost was about to make a scene, yet he held his tongue. Dany needed his mother's attention far more than anything else this day and so for now he spoke not and simply nodded. The argument about his mother's plans for him was put on hold for a little longer at least.

It had been something he'd not been meant to hear. A conversation he'd come up on quite by accident and it had left him furious. He, Aemon, and Maekar were to be sold off to bring allies to their side. They were to be given little to no choice in the matter and their brides, other than Maekar's, had already been chosen for them. While Viserys took some comfort in the fact that Dany was not to face the same fate as he was, he liked not having his future decided for him. Not when he had his own plans for that future. Plans that included no wife, not even a princess of Dorne.

To be a Kingsguard, to wear the white cloak and shield his nephew's back, and protect Aemon and their family. That was what he wished for most of all. Viserys dreamt of being the Dragonknight reborn or even being like those who had served his family truly even if they shared no blood with them. Men such as Ser Ryam Redwyne or Ser Duncan the Tall. Though in truth his own heroes were much closer at hand and as he walked from the room and made his way to Lord Jon's chambers, Viserys looked back at the Sword of the Morning and the Bold.

"I'll make Mother understand. One day she'll know my heart," he whispered as he walked alone.

Later that night he listened to his mother speak of Dany's dreams and as he had suspected, they were far from bad ones. Viserys was more than happy to find his sister had taken an early night and after training once more and eating a late meal, he made his way to Dany's rooms. A nod to the guard on duty and a quiet opening of her door was enough for him to look in and see Dany sleeping peacefully. Closing the door even more quietly, it was to his brother's room that he then made his way to. Maekar was awake and eager to see him when he entered the room.

"Story Vis?" Maekar asked eagerly.

"Of course little brother," he said, taking his seat and picking up the two books that he'd gifted his brother for his last Nameday. "Battle or Tourney?"

"Battle," Maekar replied firmly. Viserys smiled at his brother as he opened the page and began to speak of Redgrass Field and the Hammer and the Anvil.

He had just reached the point where Bloodraven and his Raven's Teeth unleashed their arrows down upon Daemon Blackfyre and his children when he noticed that Maekar had drifted off to sleep. After carefully placing the book on top of the table, Viserys leaned forward and kissed his brother's forehead.

"Sweet dreams, brother," he whispered before he walked quietly from the room.

Before he finally retired for the night, Viserys first went on his rounds. It had become part of his nightly routine and while to some it may look as if he was simply strolling and taking in the night air, he very much was not. Instead, he looked for weak spots in their defenses. Sought out guards to see if they were slacking in their duties and while thus far he'd not found a single one who'd done so, Viserys would only rest easy once he'd seen it again and again.

Less than an hour it took him and once he was done, it was to his mother's chambers and rooms that he took himself off to next. Smiling to see both Ser Alliser Thorne and Qarro were on duty and that his mother was abed. Some nights she'd very much not be and on those occasions, Viserys would not sleep until she did. Tonight it seemed that all was well and nothing of note was on his mother's mind, which was more than could be said of his own.

Sleep was hard to come by and Viserys tossed and turned for hours on end. The lessons with Lord Jon and what the truth of those lessons was about not letting him truly close his eyes for the night. As too did another truth and it was one that he was starting to consider more and more. His mother was a determined and driven woman. Their family had needed her to be so else they'd have all fallen instead of just some of them. Yet, that determination extended even to her children and grandchildren, and at times she was blind to its effect on them.

Viserys more and more was beginning to fear that when it came to his future, that blindness wouldn't allow his mother to see what was the right path for him to walk. For it was certainly not to serve as Prince Consort in Dorne or to marry a woman he had never met before. Eyes now fully open, Viserys considered Dorne more and more, and in the end, he resolved to speak to Lady Ashara about the lands and its princess on the morrow. He needed to see if there was some other way to bring them to their side. One which didn't involve him being wed to their princess. As he needed to find a way to bring just as powerful an ally, just in case he could not.

"I will be one of my nephew's seven. I swear it to the gods, I will," he spoke resolvedly before sleep finally came.

Winterfell 290 AC.

Barbrey Stark. (Covers before and after Jon's arrival in White Harbor)

She thanked the Gods once more for the little babe that was in her arms. Little Ben was a calm babe. Though he disliked sleeping, he wouldn't make a fuss once he was put to bed, and Barbrey prayed he would stay this way. The birth had not been difficult, yet she had been grateful for Benjen's help in the days afterward. It had been a long time since they had cared for a babe alone and so she had been terrified to do so this time. Wylla had been in Winterfell ever since Jon was brought back from Dorne and had cared for her children when Barbrey was taking care of the household and running Winterfell in her husband's absence. Her absence weighed on Barbrey's mind and she had had to change her ways to compensate for it. She had welcomed the wet nurse recommended by Old Nan and yet had only left Ben with her to deal with the petitions and the urgent affairs of the North.

Barbrey felt the true weight of her duty there, as she ruled in her nephew's stead, and her husband's absence had never felt so wrong.

He should be here. And so should Jon.

The raven she had received from Benjen after the tourney had only increased her worry for her nephew, and the letter she received later detailing what had happened had done nothing to lessen that worry. If she hadn't already been warned of Ashara's visit to the Tyrells and if the woman hadn't explained her reasoning, then she would have been as furious as her husband.

It took some time for her to decipher the letter. Maester Aemon's system had been hard to learn, yet she was proud to be able to read what Ashara had to say.

Dear Barbrey,

Went to the Garden Keepers as our Eastern friend wanted to set up a betrothal.

Asked for fostering instead to buy more time.

Went myself so I could control the narrative else they would be in the know.

Will visit our friend as soon as I can to explain that his safety is what matters above all.

Always.

Lady Ashara Dayne.

Building a relationship between the Reach would be beneficial for Jon and the North in itself and Barbrey didn't begrudge Ashara for acting on the fostering proposal sent earlier by the Tyrells. That it helped placate Rhaella Targaryen's ambitions was a boon and it gave Jon time to figure out what he wanted before any betrothal was made on his behalf. Barbrey wasn't naive to think that Ashara hadn't discussed the subject with the famed Queen of Thorns, yet she understood what a union between the Warden of the North and the daughter of the Warden of the South would entail.

She had hated Rickard Stark for trying to marry off his son to Hoster Tully's daughter. Babrey understood the need to foster strong relationships with trading partners, but the Riverlands brought nothing of import to the North. They had been self-sufficient during summer and people were used to making do in winter, so there was no true need to engage all of his brood with southerners, as she was certain he was contemplating a southern bride even for Ned.

She, however, wasn't blind to the opportunity a fostering would offer to Jon, as the Reach wouldn't hesitate further to engage themselves in a war should the Tyrells become infatuated with him and the truth about his parentage come out. A truth that Ashara ensured would not be divulged to them under her watch. Barbrey just wished life would not be as complicated and that the woman she now considered a friend would stop playing this dangerous game, for their family's sake.

"My lady, a raven from Bear Island, and one from Moat Cailin, bearing the sigil of House Lake." Maester Luwin said, handing her the missives, and Barbrey couldn't help but smile as she read the first one.

"It seems we will have to travel for a wedding in the upcoming moons." she declared. "Ser Jorah Mormont has found an agreement with Lord Hightower and will be marrying the Lady Lynesse Hightower on Bear Island."

"A good union, hopefully, both for the couple and from the North."

"Have you seen to my husband's request?"

"Aye, my Lady. We have enough coin to fund the ships for Bear Island, as for the reimbursement plan, I will need to discuss it with Lord Benjen to see if he intends to put interests -" Luwing began only for Barbrey to interrupt him.

"There will be no interest added, Luwin. We will increase the tax on their benefits and grow our coffers this way. The more successful they are, the more coin we receive."

"Indeed, my Lady, but shouldn't Lord Benjen oversee -"

"Do you doubt my capacity in conducting trade agreements, Maester?" she frowned.

"Of course not, Lady Stark. I was merely saying -"

"My husband entrusted me with the drafting of the deal during his absence. I have been taking part in my father's trade deals, then my former husband's, and I also know the ways of the North. We do not know how long it will take for Benjen to return and these ships are part of the agreements between Ser Jorah and Lord Hightower. Do you think we can make our most loyal bannerman wait when his future is at stake?"

"No. You are more than right."

"Send word to Lord Glover to start the construction, then."

"As my Lady commands."

"Good. It is time for your lesson with the girls, isn't it?"

"Aye, my Lady."

"How is Asha behaving?" she inquired and frowned when the maester did the same.

"She is improving and her presence seems to emulate little Beth. Though I still am wary of the liberties we are giving the Greyjoy girl, regarding her status."

"I would rather her knowing the way of the world, should she one day go back to the Iron Islands, and realize that everything she knew about it and her father was false," Barbrey explained. "She is starting to understand that there are other ways of living than reaving and stealing. It may come in handy later. How is she with Bethany? Have you seen any worrying signs?"

"Quite the contrary, my Lady. She is serving the girl well and is quite protective of her, I should say. She is still teaching her how to use a bow and helps her chase cats for Syrio." he answered to her relief.

"I have neglected my daughter quite much these past days, with the babe and my duties. I am pleased that she still has company."

"But their closeness could pose a problem, should Balon Greyjoy get back on his word…"

"We made a promise to our nephew, Maester. We promise to treat Asha well and show that she can be anything else than Balon's daughter."

"You will still have to kill her by order of the King," he pointed out.

"We may, or we may not. Only time will tell." she sighed, taking the second missive to read it.

A wave of confusion, worry, and anger threatened to overwhelm her body. Ser Symon informing her that they would need Syrio's service in White Harbor to serve as Jon's protector made her understand that her husband's journey was far from over. Why did they feel the need to travel there, she had no idea, nor did the missive give any indication on the matter. The fact it was Symon and not Benjen who made the request worried her too. Barbrey knew she was being irrational as she would be notified if something had happened to her husband. Yet there was that nagging feeling in the back of her head ever since their departure that nothing good would come from their journey. A feeling that apparently wouldn't be quieted down for a while yet.

Whilst part of her wanted to deny this request out of spite for the upset she felt at that moment, she nonetheless summoned Syrio Forel to inform him of his mission. The former First Sword of Braavos was gone the next day, with ten guards from the Stark garrison, Jory Cassel amongst them.

It was not her husband's journey that gave her the most grief in the upcoming days, but the surprise announcement she received a few days after Syrio's departure.

To say that Barbrey had been flabbergasted while receiving news of the Tyrells' upcoming visit had been an understatement. That they had decided to surprise them by only informing them when already traveling from Sea Dragon Point had been beyond irritating. She would have to make preparations for not only Loras Tyrell, but also his parents, grandmother, and sister. Once again she had felt cornered, pressed by time and politics. Barbrey had no idea what had been said between Olenna and her husband, other than the fact that young Loras was going to foster in Winterfell.

Damn you, Benjen Stark. Damn, you to the seven hells.

It was left to her to make the best of a terrible situation and so she prepared as best as she could, setting a room for Loras in the family quarters and more in the Guest House for Olenna Tyrell and her family. She spoke with Asha, telling her that some of her privileges would be restricted for the duration of their stay, meaning that she would not be able to train Beth nor be alone with her girl for a while.

"Why?" the Ironborn asked, her expression sullen.

"They may not get our stance regarding your status within our keep. Most of our bannermen don't understand either."

"So you're going to make me a prisoner once more?"

"No. You will still work as a part of our household. I just don't want any Southern to meddle in our affairs."

"Yet you let them in a way," Asha smirked. "And here I thought Barbrey Stark feared nothing."

"I fear little, wench. However, I dislike a lot of things. Being questioned on my motives is one of them. If Luwin, who lives here and teaches you, does it freely, how do you think people from the South who hate your guts for being born an Ironborn will behave?"

"You don't mind putting the Maester in his place though." Asha pointed out.

"He isn't Warden of the South. Look, there are a lot of things at stake here that you do not and will not understand." Barbrey explained truthfully. "We gave you lots of liberties first because Jon asked us to, then because you proved yourself useful and lived up to your word. Yet you still are a prisoner and your place in the household will be a point of contention for the Tyrells. My nephew and his regent's judgment are on the line. Until they are back, we shall not give others ammunition to put them down with."

"So we are playing a mummer? For a Northern Lady so proud of being true to herself, you sure behave like the Southern ones you dislike so much. I would be disappointed if I didn't know better." Asha spat dejectedly before leaving, making Barbrey tense.

The girl's words stayed on her mind until the Tyrells' arrival, and even after they'd done so. Barbrey watched as the famed Queens of Thorns studied her every move and she oft found herself doing the same as their exchange when they first met still preyed on her mind.

She had welcomed them in the courtyard with a properly behaved Bethany at her side. Her daughter for once not making a fuss about bathing and putting on a dress as she'd been told they would have company. Barbrey had been pleasantly surprised when Domeric arrived, two days before the Tyrells. Roose had apparently sent his son away as soon as he arrived in the Dreadfort, which still angered Barbrey greatly. Yet she took comfort from the fact that Loras Tyrell wouldn't be alone in the keep.

"Where is Lord Stark?" Lord Mace had asked, frowning.

"My nephew and my husband have not come back from the tourney yet, my Lord," Barbrey answered, trying not to let her anger at both show at the moment.

"Have they not been informed of our arrival?" the Queen of Thorns quipped.

"They have, but you caught us all by surprise, my Lady. We did not expect Lord Loras for a few more moons at least."

"Since my sister, Lady Lynesse was traveling North for her upcoming wedding to Lord Mormont, we thought it a perfect time to do so too. Mayhaps should we have informed you before leaving Highgarden?" Lady Alerie said, the look given to her goodmother being a rather peculiar one that Barbrey took more than a moment to determine.

"Nonsense. They should have been back by now. What is taking them so long?" Lady Olenna asked irritably.

"My nephew expressed his wish to spend some time at the Neck, as we do not get to travel much to this region of the North."

"I guess he wanted to thank the Crannogman for helping him win his wager against King Robert." Olenna scoffed and Barbrey tensed at these words. "Well, we will have to make do and wait for Lord Stark to come back so we can discuss my grandson's fostering."

Barbrey hadn't been pleased with her answer nor with the comments made about the North and Winterfell throughout the visit she had organized without notice. The keep was, with the Wall, one of the wonders of the North, for its construction, its situation, and the myth surrounding both of them. Yet the Queen of Thorns talked about the keep as if everything was beneath her station, from Loras' room to the lord's solar. Only the glass gardens piqued her interest as she inquired about them and their functioning.

While Lady Alerie was being a gentle guest and far more tolerable than her goodmother, the same couldn't be said about young Margaery. The girl had obviously spent a lot of time with her grandmother and mirrored each one of the things Barbrey disliked about Lady Olenna, the most. Margaery was always complaining, though she tried to do it discreetly, about the cold, the lack of activities, and Beth's cold attitude towards her. As Barbrey's daughter was not willing to play much with Margaery rather than spend time with her cousin and with Loras.

Barbrey knew that it was unreasonable to dislike a young girl. She also knew that Margaery would grow to be a beautiful lady. Yet the prospect of seeing her tied to Jon, of her being wedded to her nephew in the future made Barbrey react badly to her very presence. She endured their annoying presence and the barbs sent her way by Mace and Olenna with as much grace as she could, cursing once again Benjen for making her do so alone.

Finally, news of her husband's arrival reached her, and rather than the annoyance she felt; it was the relief of seeing him again that overwhelmed her. Beth was elated to hear of the news, as were both Domeric and Loras who were excited to finally get to know Jon and Brandon.

Barbrey almost ran when the scout came back telling them of their sighting, only the feel of Little Ben in her arms as she was nursing him preventing her from doing so. Soon the household was lined up, the Tyrells too present and showing signs of impatience.

"I'm cold, Grandmamma," Margaery whined and Barbrey rolled her eyes.

"I told you to wear the furs Lady Stark had gifted you today, sweetling." Lady Alerie chided.

"But it was sunny outside, Mother. We don't wear furs when it's sunny at home." Margaery complained.

"You're right, but we are not at home, love. Now, you'll go get them."

"Just send someone to get the furs, Alerie. Margaery cannot miss Lord Stark's arrival over something so trivial." Olenna snapped.

"She knows where they are, it will not take long. We still have some time, right, Lady Stark?"

"Martha, get my granddaughter's furs. Now.' Olenna ordered before Barbrey could answer.

The Northern Lady felt a pang of sympathy for the blushing mother as her authority over her children was completely overlooked. Barbrey could see the woman was trying to instill some useful lessons in her daughter, only to get stopped and undermined by her controlling goodmother.

No wonder why the girl sounds bratty, if her grandmother keeps spoiling her…

The gate opened and Barbrey now focused on the arriving procession. Benjen was riding at the front, looking much older than he had been when he left a few moons ago. Though his demeanor remained unchanged, Barbrey knew what to look for and how relieved he was coming home to his family. His eyes lit up when he saw her and her heart unwillingly skipped a beat as his gaze fell onto the babe in her arms.

She felt Beth getting agitated and frowned as she saw her daughter looking at her with tears in her eyes.

"Where are they?" the little girl asked, biting back her sobs.

"Who, dear?"

"Jon and Bran. I can't see them. Where are they?"

Barbrey gasped, feeling her heartbeat quicken, and searched in the procession, finding herself breaking protocol and walking straight toward Benjen as he was dismounting.

"What happened? Where are the boys?" she asked between her teeth.

"They are well. I will tell you la -"

"You're going to tell me now or so, help me I will gut you here in front of everyone." she threatened, making her husband tense.

"The Tyrells, Bey. You cannot make a scene," he whispered.

"Fuck the Tyrells. Fuck making a scene. Where. Are. My. Boys?"

"They should be in Hornwood by now."

"HORN-"

Benjen's icy glare stopped her from yelling, yet she could not contain the fury boiling in her veins. She turned around and nodded towards Asha who immediately came to her side, looking startled.

"Bring the babe to the nursery and look after Beth," she ordered before addressing their guests once little Ben was secured in the girl's arms. "My Lords, my Ladies, my apologies. I need to confer with my husband on an urgent matter."

"Barbrey -"

"NOW!"

She heard Benjen sigh and apologize in turn and her hold of his arm tightened as they walked to their solar, anger, worry and panic now battling in her mind stronger than ever.

"Hornwood! You left my babes alone in Hornwood? Are you out of your damn mind, Benjen Stark?" she yelled after slamming the door behind them.

Winterfell 290 AC.

Loras Tyrell.

He had been scared at first when his father told him he would leave his home to stay North. The Reach and Highgarden most particularly were all that he knew, and while traveling had been exciting ever since he heard the news, the stories he'd heard about the North were scary and not at all reassuring.

When Lady Ashara came to visit them, she talked about her son Jon, who was taught to become the Warden of the North, and how she described him intrigued Loras very much.

"My son is already a man in his mind, my Lord. He has a lot of responsibilities due to his future status and has inherited the seriousness and sense of duty of his father. He is loved by his cousins and is fiercely protective of his family, yet there is something missing in his life. Something I would like for you to help with."

"Me, my Lady? How can I help?" Loras asked curiously.

"By being his friend. Do you have any friends, Lord Loras?"

"Well, I train with Garlan, and I learn how to hawk with Willas, and… Margaery is my friend, I think…"

"No, they are your family. My son does everything with his cousins, yet sometimes 'tis good to form a bond with someone who isn't family."

"But family is everything, right? They will always try to protect you and make you grow strong," he said with determination. His grandmother's words were ingrained in his mind.

"Does it happen when you spar with your brother, that you know he is going easy on you?" Ashara asked and he nodded. "It is frustrating, yes?"

"It is, but I just need to get better so that one day I can beat him fair and square."

"How can you be certain that he won't hold back then?" she asked and he frowned, thinking hard before shaking his head. "That is why friends are needed. You grow together, spar together, and are not afraid to give your all so you can get better together. Your success fuels the other, and his yours. You constantly challenge each other and learn lessons together. That's what I want you to be for my son, and what I hope my son will be for you."

When he met Jon at the Tourney of Lannisport, he found the description Lady Ashara had given to be accurate. While his cousin Brandon showed excitement and spoke loudly, the future Lord of Winterfell was guarded around everyone, his rare smiles being directed at his family and, surprisingly, Loras himself when they had talked about the tourney.

"I hope to be a knight soon!" Loras had said with excitement.

"And I hope I will be there to see this day," Jon said, smiling.

"Mayhaps we will be ordained together?"

"I'm afraid I will never be one myself, unfortunately. I have to be a Lord." Jon said, smiling sadly.

"My father is a Lord and a knight. You can be both, you know?" Loras retorted, making the boy gasp.

"Aye! Ser Jorah is a Lord and the king knighted him after the battle of Pike!" Brandon added in. "Plus, you're the best fighter I've known in Winterfell! Ser Rodrik always says so."

"You're right. I forgot about Ser Jorah… But-"

"See! There's no reason you cannot be both." Loras exclaimed.

"Uncle Benjen will not let me fight in tourneys, so I will never prove myself."

"You still have time to make him change his mind," Brandon said.

"Your cousin is right. Do you wish to be a knight?" Loras insisted.

"I… I never thought it would be a possibility."

Loras then understood why Jon's mother wanted him to have friends. He seemed so unsure of himself that it made the Tyrell boy sad on his behalf.

"If… If I foster with you, if I train to be a knight, would you train to be so with me? I will need a partner to challenge me sometimes."

"I… I can be your partner." Jon answered, his smile a true one this time.

"Can I train with you too?" Brandon asked shyly.

"Of course! The more the merrier!" he said, the fear he previously had was replaced with determination at that moment.

When his grandmother informed him that they all would be traveling to Winterfell to see him settled, he almost exploded with joy. Only his sister's sadness prevented him from doing so openly.

Margaery wept for days when she heard the news of his fostering. She and Loras were close in age and played a lot together, yet Loras didn't think she would react this way, as she was closer with their cousins Elinor and Megga and always complained about him being a boy.

"They say the north is full of savages. You can get hurt."

"I will be safe in Winterfell."

"What if the Wildlings come? Or the Ironborn?"

"The Wall will protect us from the Wildlings and we have already defeated the Ironborn. All will be well, Marge."

"What about the cold? What if you die because of it?" she asked once more, making him roll his eyes.

"If I am too cold, I swear that I will come back."

"You swear it?"

"I do," he said solemnly, chuckling as he embraced his sister.

Margaery had made a point of complaining about the cold every moment she could ever since they landed at Sea Dragon Point, which Loras found both annoying and endearing, as he knew she did so for him to come back to Highgarden with her. His grandmother quickly caught on to her game, too, yet contrary to what they'd been used to, for once she didn't indulge in Margaery's whims and antics.

The North was far from the dreadful place Loras had heard in tales. It looked naught like the Reach, for true, yet the keeps and villages they rode through were not so different from those surrounding Highgarden. The fact that they had arrived unannounced yet were still received politely by Lord Glover in the newly built keep of sea Dragon Point stuck to Loras' mind, as well as what his grandmother said.

"The North is rising, Loras, its young Lord, and his Regent are doing good and true work and you will be there to witness all of it coming to fruition."

He was disappointed to learn that Jon wasn't there when they arrived at Winterfell and then surprised to find another boy in his stead. Domeric Bolton was Lady Stark's nephew and would too foster with Jon, a fact that his grandmother apparently appreciated. Within a day they had both started training with Ser Rodrik, who evaluated their forms and made them spar together. Loras was not used to Domeric's style of fighting, which Ser Rodrik qualified as being northern, and he enjoyed the difference as well as the corrections he was given so that he could counter Domeric's attacks. Spending time with the heir to the Dreadfort and his little cousin Beth was pleasant, though Margaery was clearly jealous of the attention he gave them so he tried to divide his time fairly between his sister and his new friends.

"That will be all for the day, lads." Ser Rodrik yelled, to Loras' dismay. "Time for your lesson with the Maester."

"Can we train a little bit more, Ser? The lessons are boring!" Domeric whined.

"I'm sure Luwin will appreciate your opinion on his lessons!" the knight chuckled. "The lady has been clear, three hours of training and three hours of studying."

"But -"

"You won't go against your aunt's wishes, will you, lad?" Rodrik frowned, making both of them gulp. "That's what I thought. Off you go!"

They complied although reluctantly, none of them wanting to face Barbrey Stark's fury. Memories of the previous day came into Loras' mind, the argument between her and her husband so loud that it frightened even his grandmother.

"I deeply apologize to you, Lord Mace, Lady Olenna, and most of all to you, Lord Loras. Had I been made aware of your arrival sooner, I wouldn't have agreed to let Jon travel to retrieve his fellow foster friends." Lord Stark declared, looking as if all his energy had been drained from him, once the yelling stopped and the couple appeared to greet them properly.

"I guess the fault lays at our feet, Lord Stark." His father replied. "It was to my understanding that Loras would settle as soon as possible in your keep, and as the opportunity of traveling with my goodsister arose, I thought it would be no trouble -"

"We are more than happy to host young Loras in our midst." Lady Barbrey cut him off. "I only regret that neither Jon nor Brandon was present to greet him properly."

"As I do, my Lord. A raven has been sent to inform him of your presence as soon as I was. I will send another to make sure he knows he has to come home as quickly as he can." Lord Stark added. "In the meantime, I heard that you already got acquainted with young Domeric?"

"Yes, my Lord. Ser Rodrik has made us work on our form and steps." Loras said, his voice firmer than he feared it may be.

"Good. Lady Meera Reed will join your training on the morrow."

"A girl?" Loras' father gasped.

"Aye, she will foster here, train and take lessons with the others." Lord Stark said.

"Is this appropriate, my Lord? She's a girl! Surely you don't mean for a girl to fight alongside boys!" Mace insisted and Lors wanted to run from embarrassment when Lady Stark answered.

"It is not uncommon for Northern Ladies to learn how to fight, Lord Tyrell. We intend for more young ladies to join and learn about both womanly and martial matters. As a matter of fact, my daughter has already started her training."

"She is so young…" Loras' mother whispered.

" And she will be a fine archer when she gets older." Lady Stark retorted proudly.

"There are more coming, you said?" his grandmother asked.

"Aye, Lady Olenna. Jorelle Mormont, Wylla Manderly, and Lyarra Umber, all will foster with my daughter in due time." Lord Stark explained.

"And they will all train with Loras and your nephew?"

"And my son, as is what is expected of them. Is that a problem?" Lord Stark asked, frowning.

"Not at all."

"Mother!" His father exclaimed

"We will talk about any questions you have later, my Lords, my Ladies. I have been far from my family for too long and I long for spending time with my children."

"Of course, Lord Stark," Olenna said, bowing her head as the Regent of Winterfell and his wife exited the room.

"Mother, you can't possibly -"

"I understand your concerns, but there is naught we can do about this. You heard them." Olenna interrupted her son.

"But this is -"

"The way of the North, and if we want Loras to stay there, we have to abide by the North's customs. You don't mind, do you, dear?" she asked, turning to him and he shook his head. "Then it's settled."

Loras had been glad to see his father not arguing further, as he wished not to leave Winterfell. He was ready to fulfill his promise to Jon and didn't care to have to endure sparring with girls to reach his goal. Though given how he saw Meera fight her straw dummy when Ser Rodrik evaluated her form, she was without a doubt a fierce and well-trained one.

"My father always told me that men and women from the Crannog were not to be underestimated," Domeric said as they walked to their lessons. "They leave in harsher conditions than we do and have to survive in the marshes. They chose to remain there because they are used to being close to nature and the Old Gods repay them by making them more apt to fight in their environment."

"Is that so?"

"Aye, I doubt any of us would stand a chance against a Crannogman in the Neck."

"You wouldn't." Loras jumped as Meera's voice rang behind him.

"How? I didn't hear you -"

"And that is why you would not stand a chance. You are not aware of your surroundings." Meera said, smirking.

Loras stood dumbfounded as she elbowed him and walked proudly to the Maester's room, shaking his head in embarrassment while Domeric chuckled at his expense.

They waited another moon for Jon to arrive, and he could tell that his grandmother was displeased by it. Though he had been surprised to receive a letter from the young lord himself begging for his understanding, Olenna Tyrell had not been pleased and made it clear more than once.

"You are free to leave, Lady Olenna. Though we are honored to host you and your family while Loras is settling, no one is forcing you to stay if you feel disrespected as a guest." Lady Stark challenged

"You will not get rid of me so easily, Lady Stark. Lord Jon's mother assured me that her son would be the perfect companion for my grandson, and I have yet to judge if it is the case."

"Then wait you shall, for being vocal about your impatience will not make Jon arrive earlier."

Loras had never heard someone stand up to his grandmother as openly as Barbrey Stark did, and his admiration for the woman grew as Olenna didn't seem too angry about it. Which in itself showed she too was impressed, for not many people dared to talk back to her, not even his own father who was the Warden of the South.

The convoy led by Jon and his cousin was less impressive than the one led by Lord Stark, and Loras could see how nervous both boys were as they arrived in the courtyard. Bethany Stark had been the one breaking protocol to rush to his cousin and brother's side when they dismounted, and her actions helped to alleviate the tense atmosphere.

"I missed you, cousin. I have lots of presents for you." he heard Jon say, making his cousin beam with happiness before heading to his aunt. "How long will we be punished, Aunt?" Jon asked worriedly.

"I have a mind to do so until you come of age." Lady Barbrey grumbled, though she then hugged Jon warmly.

"Aye, I knew you would say that. Please do not be too harsh on Brandon, though. He missed you a lot."

"We will talk about it later. You have guests waiting for you. Lord Mace Tyrell, his wife Lady Alerie, their daughter Lady Margaery and son Lord Loras, and of course Lady Olenna." Lord Stark introduced them.

"My lords, my Ladies, a pleasure to meet all of you properly. I am truly sorry for not being there sooner, but I needed to set things in motion for the fosterings in the North to happen under the best auspices." He said, bowing his head towards Loras' father and kissing the ladies' hands. "May I introduce Loras' future companions? There is of course my cousin Lord Brandon Stark, Lord Daryn Hornwood, Lord Torrhen Karstark, and Lord Kyle Flint. Lady Jorelle Mormont and Lord Brandon Tallhart are set to arrive in a few days."

"A pleasure to meet you all, my Lords," Loras said excitedly.

"I thank you, Domeric, Meera, for keeping Lord Loras company while I was away."

" 'Twas an honor, Jon, truly." Meera retorted with pride in her voice.

"I wish to refresh myself and then, with my aunt and uncle's permission, mayhaps we can sup together so as to get to know each other?"

"I think our Aunt has a mind to lock you in your rooms for the days to come, Jon." Domeric japed.

"I've brought some gifts for her too, let's hope the bribes will be enough to let me do one more thing before my punishment," Jon added chuckling.

"Not a chance, lad." Barbey retorted, making the Lord of Winterfell sigh loudly. "We will however feast your return as it shall be. You and your cousin may not stay long, for you will be of stable duty on the morrow before your lessons."

"Aw! Mother!"

"Don't you dare Mother me, Brandon Stark!" Lady Stark growled and the boy knew better than to argue, as Loras expected from someone whose mother was Barbrey Stark.

The excitement he felt never left as they celebrated the new fosters' arrival as well as the Stark boys' return. He was introduced to Ser Symon Lake, who he would squire for, and to Syrio Forel, a former First Sword of Braavos who was in charge of Jon's training. Just the prospect of spending time with all these promising boys as well as his tutors made Loras happier than he had ever been.

Loras was confident that he would enjoy his time as a foster in Winterfell, yet as he broke his fast with his family the next day and saw his little sister's unenthused face, he realized that not everyone would. He hoped that Margaery would come around and be happy for him by the time they would leave. As he did that his grandmother's words to him were not as he thought they were. That she wasn't asking him to spy on the Starks and Jon Stark in particular and didn't have any plans regarding those he fostered with. Although each time he saw his grandmother frown when Margaery and Jon Stark all but ignored each other, Loras felt those words come to mind once more.

"Jon Stark seems a good lad, yet most do at first glance. Should that not prove to be so, then I'd seek to be aware of it, Loras. Remember, we only grow strong if we all play our parts."

A/N: Thanks to all who've read and reviewed. Again sorry for how these updates are taking, things have yet to improve work-wise for me and so it is what it is.

I've also seen some comments that this fic is slow-paced, it is and by design, there is much setting up to do and we're just about there, one more chapter before we begin to jump forward a bit and bigger events kick in. So bear with us. Chapter 10 Reviews will be answered next chapter.

Up Next: In Essos Ashara spends more time with the Targaryens and speaks to the children about their nephew and about themselves. While Dany has visions of the future. We take a look at House Velaryon as Lucerys joins the Holy in asserting the might of the House of the Dragon. In King's Landing Varys plots and the King and Queen welcome a new arrival. And in the North the Tyrells say goodbye, Margaery is given a surprising gift and Olenna makes a discovery.

For those following my other fics, The Dark Prince is up next, sometime during this week, probably Wednesday/Thursday.

Chapter 9 Reviews.

Daryl Dixon: So glad you liked it.

Alberto: I wish the pandemic was back, then I was working from home and able to get 3 chapters most weeks, now, I can just about manage one.

Florenz: Jon won't be happy about the arrangement, no. Glad you're liking the change with Benjen. As for Ashara, she will be staying South for a while.

OneDoc: I'm not sure what you mean in regards to Dragon Cub. But I do intend for there to be clear differences. The Jon/Marge relationship will be different as to will be Jon himself, here while yes he's to be king and so has been gifted certain things, the other Targs and Rhaella herself will play a larger part and complement those gifts. Jon won't be the driving force for every single change either, as Rhaella, and others play their parts. So while it may hit some of the same beats, I'm hoping a lot will sound different and that other than the pairing, the story will flow differently.

One thing we do intend is to show less of Jon's growing life, so while it seems like we're showing the same amount, there are time jumps to come after chapter 11/12. We'll be moving much more quickly to bigger events.

Keb: We'll see more of Jon's povs as he ages, but we deliberately wanted to show the other povs before then and even afterward. Barb, Ash, Benjen, as well as Rhaella, are pretty much-driving things at the moment, though as Jon ages that will change somewhat. I get that in regards to Cat, here especially she's like 90 percent a really decent person, her one flaw is Jon and the North and I think given the fact that she lost Robb and so when she thinks of Jon, she sees him get all that should have been her sons, it sort of works even better than any canon attempt to make her and Jon, enemies. For a lot of her povs, Jon and the North will be out of sight out of mind, though, so hopefully there will be some sympathy or understanding of her character. Stannis always felt like he'd not been given his due, so he had this chip on his shoulder. Here, he got Storm's End, has a beautiful and loving wife, and has his son and heir, so he's a happier man.

Lady Octarina: Hah, I'd not thought of that, but wow, that's sort of an interesting idea in of itself isn't it? Lysa with children to raise, hmmm, puts that in the future fics plotlines lol. Yes, Beth is sort of Arya and Cassana/Sansa, though Beth will also turn out like an Arya who got the proper attention if that makes sense. I always got the impression that while Catelyn loved her children, she didn't quite like Arya, so Sansa always got more of her attention. Arya was almost tolerated, and while not given up on, as like I said, I do think Catelyn loved all her children, she was always a disappointment. Here, while she's allowed to be Arya-like, she also has to do some Sansa like things and Barbrey is much more focussed on her and so Beth does those things too. Maybe Lyanna is more of an archetype. Where she could be both a proper lady and very much not. As for Cassana, she's far more in tune with Sansa, as not only is Catelyn raising her the same way, but they're in the South too. So glad you liked Ashara be how she was. Her, Barbrey, and Rhaella, are all strong women and so we're hoping to show that as much as we can. I'm not a believer in the a woman can only be strong if you make the men weak form of modern writing we see so much of. Ashara or Barbrey bring different strengths to the board and so by highlighting them, it doesn't make Benjen or Jon or anyone else weaker IMO. As for Asha, we have big plans for her and she and Beth will almost be like big/little sister.

Vasdos: The thing with enemies is that logically they have to make sense for me. So when I come up with a scenario, I.E. Jon has dragons, is magical, and has most of the realm behind him. Then it's sort of hard to come up with a logical enemy that would actually trouble him. Honestly, once you put dragons in the mix at all, then logically it's game over. Aegon won with 3 and 5,000 men.

For as powerful as Tywin is, Robb almost had him beat. Had Stannis and Renly combined, then he would have been easily defeated. That's a logic bomb that's hard to ignore. In Canon, Jon faces obstacles mainly because he has few allies and fewer men. Yet mainly he overcomes those obstacles easily enough, which to me is almost more Gary Stu than giving him the men and means to do something and then him doing something. I mean, Alexander was a great military mind, he also had the army to win his battles and so lo and behold, he won those battles. So it really boils down to how much of an assist you give at the start. In the Dragon Cub, I gave Jon magic, and dragons and had him bring the West, Reach, Dorne, North, and most of the Riverlands to his side, so guess what, he won the war easily. In Honor So High, it's lesser, so it'll be a harder victory. Here, again it'll be a different fight, but should the Targs bringing all their might to bear at the same time, they'll win, that's just logic.

Do you believe had Robb gotten Jon with him when he marched south and knew the truth about who Jon really was, that Tywin still wins? Or would it not be more likely that Jon being who he is, brings in loyalist targ houses and that Olenna marries Marge to him rather than to Joffrey? And if so, does Tywin have a chance in hell of beating the combined force of the North/Reach and whoever? Logically to me, there is only one outcome and so I always try to bear that in mind.

Sorry for the long drawn-out answer, but I felt the need to explain my thought process.

Dunk: So glad you liked that with Olenna/Ash, sometimes it's fun to show two equals engage in a battle of wills. As for Olenna, well one thing we all almost agree on is that Jon remaining only in the North did help a lot with Ned's cover story. I always go back to the fact that for some reason Ser Barristan, the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard didn't accompany Robert and the entire Royal Family to Winterfell. I mean, it sort of makes no sense, unless you're deliberately trying to make sure that he doesn't recognize any of Rhaegar in Jon. Same with Maester Aemon just conveniently happening to be blind when Jon arrives at the Wall. So with Olenna, there is an inherent danger in her spending any amount of time near Jon. Yes as you see Marge joined them and we're aiming for a non-love at first sight story, it'll hopefully be a worthwhile journey to see them eventually get together, but equally a rocky one.

So with Daenerys and you've seen it with Jon too, as you will with the other Targs, all are influenced by the egg. For Dany, the thing is that being so young, she's missing some of the moments in her visions, though we hope to show how they work in an upcoming chapter and there will be foreshadowing in them. As with Dragon Cub, Loras may find more than a friend in his fostering. I'll say no more.

Knighthunter: Yes, as much as it's likely Olenna would simply accept, the danger is there too and Ash knows this all too well, so instead she just gave enough. We've more than one big tourney to come, a series of chapters where there will be one following the other as well. So I don't think we're going White Walkers here, simply because we've done that already and instead want to focus on other enemies, but that could change. Jon here is born in 283, so he's 7 at the moment, almost eight.

Myafro: So glad you liked it. Catelyn would never allow Cassana and Jon to happen. Nor would Barbrey or Ashara. Never mind Rhaella.

Victoria: Lysa can be cruel and vindictive and yet loving at the same time, she's not fully the Lysa we see in the show as of yet. Thank god.

Celexys: So glad you liked it. I do so love how by introducing just a little or even a big change, things can go so much differently.

Irish Hermit: Very much so with Mace, you just couldn't take the risk and it's far better if he's against everything lol. I agree completely with Cersei, though I also understand her reasoning for not wanting a son of Robert's too. I think she wanted the purity of the Lion's Blood also, which doesn't bear thinking about. But hubris is almost her go-to state lol. On Asha, it's not really Benjen who's calling the shots here, and also, unlike with Theon in canon, there is method in the madness here. The Starks are planning ahead when it comes to the Ironborn, and unlike Ned, they're not being naïve about it. You'll see more of it as we go, but really it's Jon leading the way here in that regard.

Anarra: Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed it.

The Sphynx: No worries my friend, happy you liked it.

Creativo: Me temo que no conozco la película, así que no estoy seguro de a qué situación te refieres. ¿Puedes elaborar?

Keiveela: Thanks so much for your kind words, they're much appreciated. I sort of agree about the Tyrells, my main thing with them (other than liking Jon/Margaery as a pairing) is that they're the easy way to bring the Reach on board. Also, there are so few potential brides for a King of Westeros, Jon in particular. I mean in Canon we have, Sansa (which I'm sorry is just ehwww to me, they may not have gotten along but they were raised as brother and sister), Arianne, which is complicated to do, given who Jon's mother is. Margaery, the most logical choice for a Jon going South and claiming the Iron Throne, and Dany, who only works really well either if Jon goes east early or if she arrives when she does in the show. Other than that, you have so few. A rare pairing can be fun, and I do love Jon/Val, but once he's going for the Iron Throne, they don't work as easily. I also hate doing OCs, even though I've done one.

The big question on the Tyrells is can you lay the blame on Mace's shoulders alone, I think you can and so you just limit him later, as Willas is a decent man to have on your side.

I'd not thought about the Faith vs. the Old Gods, that could be an interesting full-on story. Jon standing as the Old God's champion and actually fighting a religious war of sorts. Hmm, much to consider.

Stevem: Thanks so much.

Xan Merrick: Thank you, my friend.

Ellie Cast: So glad you decided to join us. While I think Cat could be made to go this way in regards to Jon, one reason we went with Ned dying and Benjen being lord is that it's almost easier for it to happen. For me, Ned would need a major reason to go against Robert, and Cat learning early may change her mind, yet she'd maybe never fully be behind Jon. Until she needed to be. Here, with Barbrey, she's a different personality and Benjen has no direct connection to Robert and so it makes it easier for them to be as they are.

So glad you're liking Ash/Barb, we tried to show the evolution of their relationship, how they went from not liking each other to being firm friends. They can disagree, but not fall out and both want only what's best for Jon. Hope you enjoyed Ash and the QoT, I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on it.

With the Targs, you'll see it more and more, but the Eggs affect them differently, Jon is more mature and thoughtful, Viserys more driven, and Dany has her dragon dreams, as for Rhaella and Meeker, it's coming Lol. The meet-ups in the future are ones we're so looking forward to and Viserys journey here will be hopefully a fun one. As for Jon/Margaery, it'll be a rocky road between them, at first anyway.
Guest: Not abandoned and hopefully the next update will be just a couple of weeks away, it's almost ready to go.