Notes:
This is a story based on the Game of Thrones books and TV series, but be warned, it's a very AU (Alternate Universe) story. If you're someone who doesn't enjoy a story that deviates a lot from canon, where certain characters may act out of character, or if you're not a fan of romance with a good amount of fluff, and a story that ultimately has a happy ending, then this may not be the right story for you.
Chapter 7: Old legends
VALYRIA (Targaryen Manse) 284 AC
Elaena's voice quivered with excitement. "Incredible! There is a different kind of magic at play here, something beyond our understanding. Look at the candle; it holds a magic unlike any blood or fire magic we know." Her gaze remained fixated on the mesmerizing candle, unable to tear her eyes away from its glow.
Shifting her focus back to Jon, Elaena inquired with fervent curiosity, "Lord Jon, could you please enlighten me about the surviving members of my family? Additionally, I am eager to uncover the identity of the mother whose child's spirit embodies that of a Dire Wolf." A sense of anticipation mingled with her inquiry, permeating the air with intrigue.
Jon, still entranced by the dancing flickers and astounded by the revelation that the younger progeny of Aerys II and Rhaella lived on, and furthermore, that Rhaegar and Lyanna had brought forth a child, responded without hesitation.
"Aemon Targaryen, the ancient dragon, currently resides on the Wall in the icy reaches of the North, bound by his duty to the Night's Watch."
"The dragon who refused the Crown," Elaena Targaryen and Aelora Balaerys thought in unison, their memories vividly recalling Elaena's vision from the previous year.
"Jon," Aelora interjected, her tone filled with intrigue, "Before you proceed, might you reveal if Aemon Targaryen was ever tempted with the throne of Westeros?"
Caught off guard by the question, Jon Connington replied, his voice betraying his surprise, "H... How did you come to know? Yes, the Council of the Realm extended him the offer of the Iron Throne, but he declined, bound by his sacred vows." As Jon spoke, he observed Elaena and Aelora exchanging glances, confirming that his revelation aligned with information they possessed.
"All in due time, Jon. Rest assured, the information you've shared regarding Aemon Targaryen has shed light on a matter of great significance," Aelora assured, a subtle smile playing on her lips. "Please, continue."
"The Young Dragon, slightly elder to Aegon and Rhaenys, and the newborn dragon are the younger siblings of Rhaegar Targaryen, the father of Aegon and Rhaenys. The Young Dragon goes by the name Viserys, whereas the name of the newborn dragon eludes me. Their mother, Rhaella, remained with child when circumstances forced me into exile," Jon Connington revealed, his voice tinged with melancholy.
Pausing briefly, he then continued, "The mother of the child, whose spirit embodies that of a Dire Wolf, is Lyanna Stark, of House Stark from the North."
His words echoed through the room.
Aelora's eyes widened in astonishment as she turned to Elaena, her excitement bubbling over.
"Elaena, do you recall our conversation in the Senate? My suspicions about the enigmatic magic that dwells in the North of Westeros, distinct from the familiar blood and fire magic," she exclaimed, her voice brimming with anticipation.
She paused, allowing the memories to resurface, emphasizing the significance of their past discussions. The recollection of their previous conversation held a weight of importance in light of the current revelations.
Elaena regarded her with understanding, while Jon, taken aback by this revelation, spoke up in surprise.
"My Lady," he began, his tone laced with respect. "I must confess, I have ventured to the North and even stood atop the Wall, yet I have never witnessed any display of magic." Jon's eyes briefly shifted to the flickering candle, a thoughtful expression crossing his face.
"However," he continued, his voice thoughtful, "considering what I have witnessed tonight, I find myself unable to refute your words. It perplexes me, though, why this magic has remained hidden within the North and the Stark lineage. I have personally known the Starks, and they have never exhibited any magical abilities."
Elaena spoke with conviction, her words carrying a sense of truth. "Magic is returning to the world for the first time since the Doom. Fire and Ice are both growing stronger," she asserted. She looked directly at Jon, who maintained an inscrutable expression on his face, and added, "Lord Jon, last year I had visions, one of which was 'the dragon who refused the crown,' aligning with the information you shared about Aemon Targaryen. It confirmed the validity of the vision."
As the weight of Elaena's words settled in the room, she continued, "It's possible that this magic has been dormant for centuries and is now beginning to awaken."
In response to this revelation, Jon shrugged and replied, "My lady, in the face of this evidence, I must acknowledge that the legends and myths surrounding the people of the North, particularly the Starks from the era of ancient heroes, do hold some truth."
Elaena's curiosity was piqued, her eyes shining with anticipation. "What kinds of legends and myths are you referring to, Lord Jon?"
"Lady Elaena, there are countless tales," Jon replied. "If you permit, during our meeting tomorrow, I can delve into the events of Westeros and shed light on the legends and myths of the North. It is an extensive topic, but I can offer you a glimpse, should you wish."
Observing the eager expressions on Elaena and Aelora's faces, Jon cleared his throat and took a moment to gather his thoughts. "Allow me to confess, my ladies, that while I am no expert in these matters of legends and myths... I shall endeavor to provide a summary."
Pausing again, Jon continued, "Within the realm of the North... three captivating myths endure." He allowed the words to sink in before continuing, "It is whispered that certain individuals possess extraordinary gifts... such as the abilities of wargs, skinchangers, and even greenseers."
He proceeded to paint a vivid picture with his words, "Legend has it that within the North, there are individuals blessed with a profound connection to wolves and direwolves. Through their eyes, they can perceive the world, melding seamlessly with these majestic creatures. They transcend the boundaries of ordinary existence, becoming one with the beasts. These remarkable beings are known as 'wargs.'"
Impressed by this revelation, Aelora whispered, "It resonates with our own affinity for dragons. Truly extraordinary."
Elaena couldn't contain her curiosity any longer. "And what of the 'skinchangers'?" she inquired, her voice laced with anticipation.
Jon Connington met her gaze, understanding the depth of her desire to unravel the secrets hidden within these myths. His eyes held a glimmer of ancient wisdom as he answered, "The 'skinchangers' walk a parallel path with the 'wargs,' yet their abilities extend beyond wolves alone. They possess the uncanny ability to merge their spirits with an array of creatures—birds soaring through vast skies, bears roaming majestic forests, even reptiles lurking in the depths of ancient swamps. It is a profound and sacred communion with the very essence of nature itself."
Elaena's mind soared, envisioning herself gliding through the vast heavens not just with Dragons but with birds, and sprinting through the wilderness alongside mighty bears. The sheer magnitude of these extraordinary abilities conjured a sense of awe and wonder.
"And then there are the 'greenseers'," Jon continued, knowing he had captured their attention. "The 'greenseers,' my ladies, are a select few among the wargs and skinchangers who possess an even rarer gift. They possess the ability to pierce the veil of the present, venturing into the depths of the past and peering into the veiled tapestry of the future. They are the seers, the visionaries who unravel the ancient mysteries that lie dormant, waiting to be discovered."
Aelora Balaerys found herself captivated by the allure of those ancient myths, but she sensed the potential for the conversation to drag on indefinitely. Recognizing that all three of them were in need of rest before their crucial meeting the next day, where they would delve into the complex political situation in Westeros and devise plans to reconnect with the surviving Targaryens, Aelora furrowed her brow and spoke with a blend of authority and concern. "It would be wise to set aside further discussions until tomorrow. We must all take the opportunity to rest," she declared.
Jon Connington nodded in agreement, feeling relief flickering in his eyes. "I concur, my lady. A good night's sleep will refresh our weary minds."
Although a tinge of disappointment clouded Elaena's eyes, she understood the wisdom behind Aelora and Jon's suggestion. With determination shining in her gaze, she acknowledged their decision. "You are both correct.. Let us gather our strength and reconvene tomorrow," she asserted. "Furthermore, there are pressing matters we must address. We need to discuss the whereabouts of my absent family members and formulate a plan to establish contact with them. That remains my top priority."
"Agreed," Aelora responded, fixing a resolute gaze upon Elaena and Jon Connington. "Additionally, we should focus our attention on the current political landscape in Westeros. Identifying potential allies and adversaries will be crucial in our quest to restore a Targaryen to the throne. This demands clear thinking and unwavering focus."
Aelora fixed her gaze upon Jon and said, "Jon, promise me that once we have concluded our discussions regarding the political situation in Westeros and Elaena's family members, we will continue our conversation about the legends and myths in Westeros. I am eager to delve into the topic of the Wall and what lies beyond it."
Jon Connington met Aelora's gaze with a solemn nod. "You have my word, Lady Aelora. Once the pressing matters are addressed, we shall unravel the mysteries of the Wall and explore the myths that shroud it."
WINTERFELL 284 AC
In the quiet depths of Winterfell, where the ancient stones held the memories of countless generations, Ned Stark found himself awakened by a dream that transcended the boundaries of ordinary sleep. As he slipped into the realm of dreams, an unexpected surge of energy coursed through his body, transporting him beyond the confines of his physical form.
Ned's consciousness melded with something ethereal, and suddenly, he was soaring through the night sky above Winterfell. The grandeur of the castle unfolded below, bathed in the soft glow of the pale moonlight. His keen eyes focused on a particular room where his twin sons, Robb and Torrhen, peacefully slumbered in their cribs.
The dream was vivid and surreal, and as abruptly as it began, Ned woke with a start, his heart racing. Urgency pulsed through his veins, compelling him to rouse Catelyn from her slumber. With a gentle shake, he whispered urgently, "Catelyn, come with me to the nursery. Something extraordinary has occurred."
Catelyn, a mix of concern and curiosity etching her features, stirred awake. "What is it, Ned? What has happened?"
"I cannot fully explain, my love. It was more than a mere dream. There was magic in the air, and I found myself soaring through the sky, watching over our sons from a window. We must investigate," Ned explained, struggling to convey the profound nature of his experience.
As they approached the nursery together, the tension thickened. Ned and Catelyn exchanged determined glances before opening the door. Inside, they were met with an unexpected sight—a raven perched on the windowsill, its ebony eyes seemingly peering into the darkness.
The couple hurriedly checked on their children, finding Robb and Torrhen peacefully asleep. Relief washed over them, and Ned turned his gaze back to his sons. "They are safe," he whispered, his voice filled with restrained emotion. "Our children are safe. That is what matters most."
Catelyn nodded softly, a comforting sigh escaping her lips. "Yes, Ned. Now we can focus on unraveling the meaning behind all of this and determining if it poses a threat to our family. We must find a way to protect them."
Side by side, they returned to their chamber, only to find Ned's younger brother, Benjen Stark, waiting for them with a worried expression.
"Brother, what brings you awake at this hour?" Ned inquired.
"Ned, Cat," Benjen addressed them respectfully before revealing the reason for his late-night visit. "I have just come from Jon's room."
"Is Jon safe?" Ned asked, his concern palpable.
"Yes, brother, he rests peacefully. However, the reason for my late-night visit stems from an experience that leaves me uncertain whether to label it as a vision or a dream," Benjen disclosed, his voice tinged with intrigue.
As Ned and Catelyn exchanged nervous glances, Benjen continued, "Ned, Catelyn, did you also have a vision tonight?"
"For a fleeting moment, I believe I inhabited the mind of a raven, Benjen," Ned responded. "I soared through the skies, venturing beyond the castle walls until I reached the window of Robb and Torrhen's room. And in that precise instant, I awoke."
"Ned, I too had a kindred dream," Benjen interjected, his eyes shimmering with a blend of fascination and concern. "A raven, much like the one you beheld, perched upon Jon's windowsill."
Catelyn's gaze shifted between the two men, her expression a mixture of curiosity and trepidation. "What does it signify, Ned? Could these dreams be heralds of a greater force at work?"
Ned's gaze locked with hers, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts and endless possibilities.
"My love, if you had asked me just a few months ago, I would have responded with skepticism, dismissing the notion of magic as a relic of the past, confined to the tales spun by Old Nan. But with the rumors swirling about Valyria's resurgence..."
He noticed the tension in both Catelyn and Benjen as he mentioned Valyria, yet he forged ahead.
"Legends have always whispered of ancient gifts bestowed upon the Starks, the ability to commune with creatures and become skinchangers. Though generations have passed without any signs of these abilities, could it be that the time has come for us to embrace our true lineage and unveil the hidden secrets within our blood?"