A/N: Longclaw: Hey everyone. It was a long time, but a lot has happened. Got into Med School and gonna have a baby :D

Bruh: It's been a really long time. Longer than usual. But we have some other shit going on, unfortunately.

But, enjoy.

Chapter 55: They Don't Wish to See

Only when the sunlight angled directly through the high window into his eyes did Jaime Lannister move. If only to shift out of the way. He hadn't done much activity since arriving on Dragonstone. Confined to his chambers, Jaime mostly laid around, spending time in his mind. The same was true then, laying on his back on the bed. With all the time he had to himself, he had not much else to do but to ponder on things, and he was much more comfortable to do so than in the Black Cells.

What did Jaime Lannister think of? He thought of Cersei… a lot. His father too. He wondered if there was anything else he could've done. House Lannister used to be so damn proud. Now, they lay in waste. He doubted that he or Tyrion would procreate at this point. The name would probably be carried out by his Frey cousins he hadn't seen in eons.

Wonder what you'd think about that, father.

Tywin would've been so irate. Jaime thought about that plenty. How ashamed his father would be of him. He tried not to let that bother him. But it did. Tywin had been gone a long time. His death had been a shock given how Tyrion did it after Jaime had assisted his escape. He felt partly to blame. Not that he regretted freeing his brother. He had just always wished that Tyrion made a different choice. Tywin wasn't the best man, but he kept things in order. A lot of the many events after his death became uncontrollable.

Jaime wondered what things would be different if his father hadn't died.

The door to his chambers flew open, breaking Jaime from his thoughts. "A visitor, Lannister," an Unsullied guard muttered as he entered in a weak common tongue. The Lannister in question, Jaime, glanced up. Jon Stark came strolling in. The guard shut the door behind him.

"Well, hello there," Jaime said, huffing.

"Lannister," he replied, crossing his arms. "You look like shit."

A snort. "And feel like shit." He studied Jon. "Ironic… you defeated me at North Hill and I never once got a glimpse of you."

"All the mud covering me must've been quite the disguise, or so what I've heard. Garlan Tyrell says they'll teach that victory for centuries." Bragging didn't suit Jon Stark well, though whether he was bragging wasn't apparent. "How are you holding up in here?" Jon said, looking around.

"As well as to be expected, being a prisoner without being in the cells."

Jon rolled his eyes. "You are not a prisoner here. Trust me."

"Suppose you might know better," Jaime relented. "Suppose I should know too." Black Cells, the pigpen in Robb Stark's camp. Three for three. "So, you come to chat?"

Stepping toward the end of the bed, Jon nodded. "Somewhat. I need some insight."

"Ooh," Jaime got up from the bed and stood. "That sounds fun. Here's an idea, why don't you sweet talk that Unsullied into letting us go for walk? I desperately need to leave these chambers."

"I would, but I don't think that would work. Even if I wanted to I don't think I could communicate that well with the Unsullied guard," Jon said.

"Ugh," Jaime sighed. "Try?"

"No," Jon replied. "It's better we're here so there's little chance of someone overhearing."

"Ah, I see," Jaime pursed his lips. "Tyrion and Varys are getting to you."

"Aye."

"Learning the game better than your father, I am sure he'd be happy about that." He rose from the bed, feeling the creak in his knees. "What would you like me to do about it?" Jaime chuckled. Moving find a seat at a table near the wall.

Jon mirrored him. "I need insight. As I said."

"Insight about what?"

"Tyrion. You know him best."

"This may be true," Jaime said. "What is it you want to know?"

"Something of use to get him off my back," Jon sighed. "He is convinced I'm a spy."

Jaime smirked. A gesture that would've had maidens to matrons fainting back in the day. "Well, I can understand how he got to that conclusion. Can't you?"

"No, I know why he thinks that," Jon shook his head. "I need to know how to work around it. Or talk him out of it."

"Well, what is he doing?"

"Your brother has constantly put himself in opposition to me. I never wronged him. In fact, I once thought we had a shared kinship," Jon said with a sigh.

"With Tyrion, he tends to hold a grudge," Jaime pursed his lips. "I was the only one that he never hated. We never butted heads. As opposed to our father and… Cersei. Do you have any idea what might've happened between the two of you that caused this rift?"

Jon scratched his chin, "No."

"Really? No clue?"

Jon exhaled, "I confronted him about his treatment of me. I wanted–"

"I'm sure that went very well," Jaime said, dryly.

"How'd you know?" Jon poked back.

Jaime waved his hand, "Sorry. Continue."

"Well, he'd been attacking me at every opportunity during these meetings will Dany's Small Council–"

Jaime jumped in, "Dany? Who's – Oh. Daenerys? You have a pet name for Daenerys Targaryen?" He laughed. "That's interesting. I had a pet name for Cersei."

"Must you keep interrupting me, Lannister? Seven Hells…" Jon sighed. Jaime said nothing, just smirking at him. "It's not a pet name."

"It sure sounds like one," Jaime snorted.

Jon ignored his sentiment, going on with his story. "I went to Tyrion's chambers. I stood at the door wondering if it was even worth it to try." Jaime opened his mouth but Jon stared daggers at him. Jaime closed his mouth shut. Jon continued, "But I knocked away. He let me in. I just wanted to talk him out of thinking I'm Stannis' double agent sent here to seduce Daenerys and report back her secrets."

"That is what Stannis sent you here to do, correct?"

"Yes, obviously. But that's not for Tyrion to know, obviously," Jon huffed. "Also, that's not what I'm actually doing."

"So you didn't seduce Daenerys?" Jon Stark had Eddard Stark's glare, but it was far more menacing. "Right, but Tyrion has always been fairly good at figuring out those sorts of secrets," Jaime said, shrugging. "I'm not surprised he's figured it out. It's also futile to 'talk' him out of it. He will have to be convinced by concrete evidence."

"Which I don't have," Jon said.

"Anything you say to him trying to talk him out of it just won't work. He won't give you the time of day."

"Yes, I'm aware. I experienced that."

"Then you know this endeavor is fruitless."

Jon scoffed, "Then what shall I do about it then? He moves to block me or demean me publicly at every turn."

"Is Daenerys on your side?"

Something… quite familiar crossed Jon's face. An expression Jaime had oft seen in the mirror. "Aye."

"Then what do you have to worry about?"

"He is poisoning everyone else against me, except for Missandei, possibly Theon. Garlan Tyrell is neutral but he's not important in the scheme of things. Tyrion, Barristan, Varys, and Grey Worm… they are the vocal majority. They could move against me at some point. I wouldn't be surprised if they did it out from under Daenerys," Jon shook his head.

"I doubt they'd do that."

"It's not impossible. Fucking Daario Naharis did it. He was just one man. I'd be horrified to know what Tyrion and Varys could do to me with my back turned," Jon said, pacing slightly. "This concerns you as well. If something happens to me you'll meet Drogon face to face."

"Calm down, as I said, convincing Tyrion otherwise is impossible. What about the others? Could you convince them?"

Jon froze, "Perhaps."

"Who?"

"Barristan, mayhaps."

"One person?"

Jon's eyes widened, "Well, there's Ser Jorah. He's just arrived. There's a chance I could get to him before Tyrion. He may hold a heavy sway because of his closeness to Daenerys."

"Would he listen to you?" Jaime frowned.

"I don't know. But there's a chance. I should try," Jon said.

Jaime nodded, "If you think he'll listen you should try. Anyone for that matter. You have to get more people on your side. I'm not sure what Tyrion may do. I once freed him from prison. But he killed my father with a crossbow… I never imagined that."

"I had heard about that."

"He definitely didn't have to," Jaime scowled. "I had just freed him. Varys had secured his passage out of the city…"

"Unfinished business," Jon muttered.

"Is that what you'd call it?" Jaime clenched his jaw. "Tyrion shot him with a crossbow while he relieved himself. I never understood why."

"He had felt slighted and tormented by Tywin his whole life, correct? Perhaps he called it revenge," Jon shrugged. "Wasn't he awaiting execution at the time?"

"Tyrion had just been condemned to death for poisoning Joffrey. Tywin had ruled over the proceedings. But Tyrion hadn't done it… he was innocent."

Jon nodded. "He was, Daenerys told me the truth on it - apparently Baelish killed Joffrey at the behest of Lady Olenna Tyrell."

Jaime's eyes widened. "The Queen of Thorns?!"

"That's what they call her. Never met the lady, but apparently, she left quite the big footprint if they still speak of her after her death. As for Baelish… he seems like a complete cunt."

"Oh, you're not wrong about him." Jaime covered his face in his hands, sighing deeply. "Makes sense now, on that… I'll think on it later, but I'm glad Tyrion's innocence was proved. If only father…"

"From what I know of Tywin Lannister," Jon interrupted. "He would've gone through with it regardless. Executing his son for a crime as judged by the gods is not kinslaying… I can understand Tyrion's bitterness, but directing it at me is simply mad." He pinched the bridge of his nose. "What must I do, then? You know him better than I."

Jaime, for once, was at a loss. "He has changed so much… I can only say you prove your loyalty to his Queen."

"I can't do the overt actions you ask me to, not yet. All I can do is ensure you're kept alive."

He bristled. "I'm not yet ready to swear an oath to Queen Daenerys, much as I feel her as less odious than Stannis."

A shrug. "No one's asking you to." Jon reached out to pat his shoulder. "You're the only one from the Black Cells with me that remembers what we discussed."

"Your point."

"Just keep your mind sharp and wait for my return…" He rose and headed to the door. "You're officially under my supervision as the most neutral party in this entire keep. I shall return forthwith."

With the door closed, Jaime fell back onto the cot, huffing. My security under the dominion of the Dragon Queen's lover. How… delightfully ironic.

"I look utterly ridiculous."

"Nonsense, you look wonderful."

"Says the girl that prefers to dance with a spear over a man… or woman." Hearing Elia giggle at that, Tyene rolled her eyes at her sister. "And I would vastly prefer my trousers, or at least a dress of my homeland that isn't so… confining." She had paused to confer upon the correct word. It was correct, concerning her outfit. There was the familiar orange and mustard yellow was close to gold she supposed, but the black trim that denoted her as a new member of House Baratheon wasn't. The cut of the dress also was quite claustrophobic, a high line covering her neck and exposing no skin, while the trim waist hugging her upper body contrasted with the poofy skirt that billowed out around her legs.

Again did her sister giggle, reaching out to pinch her cheek in spite of the perfectly applied makeup. "You are the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, not a bastard Sand Snake. Best remember that, for you wield more power than you could do with your knives."

"And I suppose you say this is my armor? Tyene meant it with a huff but eventually smirked. "Can't run or fight in it, but I find myself more dangerous."

"That's the spirit, Ty… or should I say, your Grace now?"

This time she did huff. "Shut it." But they smiled, the moment lightened. "And I do have my blades if need be."

"Your husband will be scandalized if you display your leg to get at them." A garter attached to her thigh, a perfect hiding place.

Tyene laughed. "Knowing him, he'd likely become more beast than man." Her husband was not a man of surprises… except for that. Inclined to devour her he was, but considering what they said of the previous Queen Selyse Tyene was not herself surprised. Never did he bed a woman of any physical beauty worthy of his station, poor cunt. "In any case, I must depart."

"Will you be needing my services as more than a Lady in Waiting?"

She shook her head. "I would wish you could be my sworn spear, but I'm already unconventional enough of a Queen. Lest not remind the old farts on his Small Council more of the fact." They both chuckled and embraced, bidding each other farewell for the moment.

"Your Grace," spoke Ser Andrew Estermont in his Kingsguard armor, bowing to her as she left the Queen's chambers.

"Ser Andrew," Tyene nodded, beginning her walk through the corridors as he followed. Among the Stormlands-dominated Kingsguard of Stannis, he was one of the few that held no ill will to Dorne given that Estermont's island keep was more threatened by Stepstones pirates rather than the Dornish over history. As such, he was assigned to watch over her. "Am I to meet my husband for lunch?" That was usually when they met, except on days when he asked for her to remain in bed with him all during the night.

The Kingsguard shook his head. "Small Council meeting, your Grace. They are present already but his Grace wishes to wait for you to arrive."

Tyene was surprised. "Truly?"

"Aye, Lord Commander Edric told me himself."

She was… somewhat touched. Mostly delighted that her position was so valued by her King, given what she could do with it. "Let us hurry then."

True to form, the Small Council chambers were quiet as all waited, directed by the silent King. One not inclined to boredom and instead very patient, a rather welcome trait after the reigns of Aerys, Robert, and Joffrey. However, Stannis' face lit up as he spotted Tyene. "My Queen." Infatuated deeply as if he were twenty years younger, Stannis rose unsteadily to his feet and accepted Tyene's outstretched hands. Drawing her close and kissing her cheek, and then a peck on the lips. "I was growing worried."

Tyene only giggled, batting her eyelashes. "One cannot be perfectly groomed with just a shave and some fine armor as a woman. Forgive my need to appear a proper Queen."

The effort to prime him worked, and he merely smiled. "'Tis alright. A Queen you must be and one I desire you to be." He gestured for Tyene to sit next to him, across from Baelish and the place of honor. She noticed Randyll Tarly glaring at her, but otherwise, the rest merely accepted it.

Baelish… he looked almost placid. Immediately she knew him to be the most dangerous but made her way to her seat. Not after running a hand down Stannis' left arm in a rather flirtatious manner. Reveling in his adoring smile.

Such a man was so easy to charm.

"So," Stannis began, shifting in his seat upon which a proper cushion had been placed in regards for his leg. "Now that my beautiful Queen has arrived, we can start this session of the Small Council." The chamber was quite spacious, the burning heart edition of the rearing Stag placed all over the place to leave no one in doubt over which house had claimed King's Landing and the Iron Throne. "What news of Lord Stark?"

"Your Grace," stated Baelish, bowing his head. "Lord Stark has sent a letter speaking of his efforts." He produced a dispatch. "Essentially he states that Queen Daenerys will not depart from Westeros."

Randyll scoffed. "I could've told anyone that a dragon would never give in. They are… close to madness that way."

"Like her father, she is," said another of the council, just whom Tyene did not recognize. She would need to do so if she were to survive here. "I say find a way to assassinate her."

"No, I trust Jon Stark to find a solution." Stannis was firm. "Baelish, does he have some sort of optimistic outlook at negotiation?"

"None that I believe is more than mere wishful thinking."

"That means he must have something." All eyes were on Tyene as the flirtatious Sand Snake changed into a firm viper. "Allow me to read the letter."

"Your Grace, you can be sure of…"

Stannis met her gaze and then turned to Littlefinger. "Give her the letter, Baelish." Sighing, Baelish did so while keeping a smile. Hiding his true attitude. As Tyene looked it over, Stannis waited. "Something, my Queen?"

Tyene nodded. "Lord Stark thinks that he's found a reasonable compromise. An arrangement in which that you both shall have the Throne."

That caused quite the shock. "Share the Throne, as if co-Kings?" Randyll scoffed.

"No, according to him, Daenerys would be Stannis' heir given they are related by blood."

"Explain," Stannis demanded, more to the absent Jon Stark than to Tyene.

Clearing her throat, Tyene went on. "He states, 'You, my King, shall rule in Westeros until your death. Upon which Daenerys, being your second cousin by virtue of your grandmother Rhaelle Targaryen, shall succeed you. After, your eldest child shall marry her eldest child and thus fully merge your two houses. I believe her Grace is amenable to it if her council seeks different occurrences.'"

"See, while she may be a whore that can be seduced, the Imp won't allow for it."

"Silence, Randyll, let me think!" Stannis brooded, glowering and rubbing his chin as he thought in silence. "And she will make peace?"

"Lord Stark claims so."

"I see…" Stannis sighed and gestured to Littlefinger. "Write to him and inform Jon that he is to tell the Dragon Queen that if this is the case, I will demand she stay in Slaver's Bay for as long as I live and that I will need to approve any husband she is to take to father such heirs that she would need to marry my heir."

"I advise you not to consider this…"

"And I advise that you do," Tyene countered Littlefinger.

Stannis nodded. "I know the true war is to the North, where I will bring the Dawn. The Iron Throne is mine, I can afford to be magnanimous as long as I maintain my control." Herself having won the day in her first as a Queen part of Stannis' inner circle, Tyene suppressed her smile, wishing not to push.

From the focus of Littlefinger's shrouded gaze, it didn't work. Battle lines were drawn. Is this what you dealt with father? Mother? There was no wonder Oberyn fled for a life of adventure, but Tyene was stuck. By the gods, and her native Dorne, hopefully, she wouldn't find the same fate.

Lord Stark,

Your terms are quite unprecedented and lacking in tradition, at least since after the Targaryens united Westeros. The maesters informed me that it had happened once in the past, when the petty Kings of the Golden Tooth submitted to House Lannister, and in regards to the act of alliance between the Starks and the Boltons. I feel that is where you obtained the idea from.

Looking up from the letter, Daenerys peered at Jon with curiosity. "Is that where you obtained it?"

Jon shrugged. "I conceived of something along those lines, and Sam did the research from the library. When he found that little tidbit then I was hooked."

"Hmm… you are much more of a diplomat than when I met you."

"I hope that is a compliment."

Daenerys smiled, leaning in to kiss his lips. "Aye, very much a compliment. A Queen needs someone with a clever mind and the knowledge to which best deploy his physical prowess." She looked back at the letter, only to smirk.

"Do go on," he spoke, mollified. Dany did.

Lord Stark, as you are a son to me…

She looked up at him. "A lover to a Queen, a son to her rival King. Did Cersei Lannister see you as her father?"

"Perhaps she'd have not gone mad if that were the case." Chuckling, Dany continued reading.

…I trust you implicitly. I do not trust the Dragon Queen, however. Mad she could easily go and finish what my goodsister started, and her advisors are enemies of all that is good and just in the realm. For her to be my heir as you suggest, I could not in good conscience do without verification.

She must agree to remain in Meereen and her other holdings until I pass on from the world. If she is to marry and bear an heir, then she must only take a consort to which I also approve of.

If I didn't know that your Stark nature would find you unwilling to marry the daughter of the one that slaughtered your uncle and brother - and sister of the man that raped your aunt - I would ask you to complete your seduction by marrying her and being secure in her obedience.

Dany scoffed, "'Complete your seduction?'"

"Aye," Jon sighed. "Tyrion did sniff that out. That is the reason that Stannis sent me here. But I was the one who planted the idea, truly. He also thinks I'm informing on you."

"Surely he'd be surprised to learn the truth, I imagine."

"I do need to keep this message private. Tyrion and Varys cannot know."

Dany nodded, then kept reading.

If you would, then I would be much more inclined to accept, relieved I would be. Though I always had aspirations for you by my side as Lord Commander of the Kingsguard.

Inform me of her answer to my demands.

Stannis Baratheon, First of his Name

King of the Seven Kingdoms

Waiting for Daenerys' response, the nature of being the lover of a dragon and privy to her most intimate and personal of moments meant that Jon needed not to wait for her response. "He makes demands of me?" She shot up from where she sat next to him, the bedchamber almost shaking as she bellowed. "This insect makes demands of me! When I could find his home and turn it into a smoldering pile of ash as Aegon the Conqueror did Harrenhal!"

"Daenerys," he began, standing until he faced her. "Please calm yourself."

Ignore him she did. "No! He will not do this to me! Stannis makes no demands of me when I have been nothing but generous towards him! I should've burned his armies when I had the chance then dealt with Cersei!"

"You mean while I was in his council?" His words seemed to have their effect. Easing the white hot dragonfire that Daenerys was spitting. "There is not in here… any unreasonable offer."

"Jon… I love you, but do you seriously expect me to give up all that I've strived for since I walked into the flames and birthed my three dragons? My children."

Turning towards her, Jon reached out to touch her sides. Willing her to relax and accept his words without anger or indignation. Thankfully she did, but her searching glance remained. "Dany, no one can take away from you that on which you won, and as long as I am here you will always hold the loyalty and respect of much of the Seven Kingdoms, but your situation is dire. No one knows you in Westeros as anything but a conqueror and the daughter of a tyrant."

She bristled. "I am not my father!"

Jon leaned in to kiss her brow. "I know that, my love, and I know you would be the greatest of all rulers." Daenerys bit her lip, crossing her arms - but in her eyes shone love for him. "Your dragons… it is not a threat to all to hear of the dragons of the Conquerors, or Jaehaerys and Alysanne, or even Maegor and the Targaryens of the Dance. They are long dead and a name in a book cannot harm those of the present, but yours are alive… and therefore cause fear."

Opening her mouth to say something, Daenerys stopped herself. Instead sighing. The tension left her body as she walked into Jon's embrace. "How do I show that I do not wish to be a Queen of the Ashes? That I wish them the same prosperity and respect I gave to the slaves of Meereen, Astapor, and Yunkai?"

"If it comes to war, you could win against Stannis. You hold a vast advantage against him," Jon said. "You could even have me fighting for you."

She glanced up. "Could?" Her lips curled into a smirk.

"Well," he grinned back. "I am an excellent swordsman. A general as well."

"I seem to recall I beat you in our one engagement."

"And it was a close run thing even with your dragons, I seem to recall people telling me." It was a dangerous line of thought, discussing the time when the two lovers had clashed with each other on the field of battle. "Though I would venture to say, with your dragons behind me, I would be fairly unstoppable."

Daenerys cooed, nuzzling his neck. "You just might." Had their conversation been any less serious, likely she would've dragged him to her chambers for a mid-afternoon romp. She was Queen after all. But that would have to wait. "But you do not wish to seek a military solution?"

He nodded. "Who would be seen as greater than a woman who could've burned to ash all her enemies but chooses to make peace with them? To end the war and dying… while coming into ownership of the Seven Kingdoms anyway? I may be biased, but you cannot lose."

"Biased, because this is your negotiated solution?"

"No, because an outcome such as that removes a much different story of how another Targaryen burned down cities and towns, people in their beds. It changes the way the people see you, Dany. This is important."

Again, he managed to see her soul fill with warmth through her violet eyes. "There will not be a great clamor for such an agreement within my council."

"Aye," Jon sighed. "I do imagine they'd be confused at the mere notion of it. Especially Barristan and Grey Worm. Realistically, you would win. Possibly even easily. Decidin' to not take that opportunity would cause an uproar."

"Can you blame them? Jon, I could have the Iron Throne in a matter of days if I wanted. And… I do want it that badly. I understand if I do that way maybe innocents will be caught in my wake. But, I can see why my advisors would be skeptical of your plan," Dany said. "Truthfully, I am skeptical as well. It would be a defeat to retreat back to Meereen. Biding my time until Stannis fades away."

"I understand how you'd feel that way."

"What about a siege?" Dany asked.

"Well," Jon pursed his lips. "They could survive for a while. Even if you cut off supplies from the sea. But then the townsfolk are trapped inside. They'd turn on each other eventually. I'd imagine it would become rather chaotic. All because you trapped them inside the gates. Not quite as bad as burning the city down but they'd still hate you."

"I spend so much time trying to avoid this hatred…" Dany muttered. "I'm starting to believe it may be unavoidable."

"Dany, they just need to see you for who you are."

"They don't want to see me in that way," Dany replied. "Perhaps they can't."

"You have to show them that you're not what Stannis says you are," Jon said. "That's why you find a bloodless way to win the Throne."

She pulled away from him and wandered towards the window, white dress brushing against the floor - since his return, she'd started to dress in a manner more gentle than the previous battledress. Partly for the sense of peace, but Jon figured she also meant to entice him. He followed her. "Your plan… The bloodless way. Many of my small council will not be in agreement. I highly doubt they will be in favor of it. Missandei might, for she would rather finish the liberation of the Essosi cities. Jorah… he'll back me in whatever means necessary, but the others…"

"Varys and Barristan distrust me, as does Grey Worm to a lesser extent," Jon summarized. "Theon… I believe it is time that I forgive him for he has finally picked the Starks to support. Lord Garlan would simply be happy to get his lands back." Those, were the easiest, as he steeled his breath. "Tyrion hates me."

Daenerys was like him, not one to mince words. "Aye, he does. Why, I cannot fathom."

"Jealousy is my suggestion, though insecurity is possible." He shrugged. "In any case, only your will is what matters."

"To take my lands that I have conquered… Dragonstone included. To have Garlan confirmed as Lord of the Reach and Arianne given all rights back, plus I will need a husband that Stannis would find acceptable and I would, for I grow tired of such games. That the man I marry not be someone I wish not to share my bed with till I pass on." A grin crossed her face. "Perhaps I should take Stannis' advice and marry you."

Jon smiled sheepishly - only half a front. "If it pleases your Grace." He thought he noticed a flash of something sorrowful before a smile covered it up. "It does please my Queen, no?"

Dany approached him - she was Dany at this moment, not the Queen. "It does." Their lips slanted together, and soon all was forgotten for the present moment.

"Arry… slow down!" It should've been quite impossible for anyone so impressive in size and strength to be dragged by a girl that could barely raise over five feet - but no one knew the determination of Arya Stark. "I think we've passed the same sarcophagus three times."

Arya snorted. "No, we didn't, stupid bull." To be fair to Gendry, no one other than a Stark or the most learned of Maesters could make any sense of the snaking tunnels of the Winterfell crypts. Thousands of years of Kings of Winter and later Lords of Winterfell were carved into the rock and laid to rest. Her father was there, as was her brother Robb, uncle Brandon, and aunt Lyanna. At least for Robb and her father's statues, they looked nothing as they were - Arya vowed she'd make sure hers was secured while she was alive. To show her in her prime. I am Arya Stark, and they will know me. "Just shut up and follow me. Need to be away from it."

Yet again he peered at her. "Who are you talking about?"

"The Raven."

"Arry, there are no birds down here… flying rats perhaps but no birds."

Rolling her eyes for the fifth time, Arya finally shoved him into the alcove between the tombs of Rickon VI and Brandon III… or Rickon III and Brandon VI - the inscriptions were covered in dust and cobwebs. "Enough with your fear of fucking bats." Why did she put up with him?

Cause she cared for him? No other man would simply let you guide him deep into the crypts to mollify your paranoia. He cares about you too. Somehow her little voice sounded exactly like Sansa.

Sighing, Arya tugged on his shirt. Planting a kiss on his lips when he bent down. "Thanks for putting up with me."

Gendry nodded. "It sounded serious, and you wouldn't be so serious lest it was important." Sometimes the Stupid Bull was quite clever. "What is it then? Who is the Raven?"

"I'm…" She bit her lip. "I'm not sure. Gods, I don't even know who the fucking Raven is."

"Is he the same one that caused Podrick to go mad?" Arya gaped at him. "I mean, he seemed quite normal. The kind of guy that his mates would drag him blushing into a brothel cause he didn't have the stones to do it himself."

That drew a chuckle from her. "I think that did actually happen to him once." It was… bittersweet, given his death. Given Sansa's pregnancy, which was progressing healthily. "He never would've done this if he was in his right mind, and Jon managed to come to a conclusion in regards to him. That something called the Raven was the cause."

"And you know nothing about the Raven?"

"Next to nothing." She bit her lip. "From what he told me in his letter, there resides information at the library in Castle Black… and I'm going there."

Gendry nodded. "You wish me to come with you?"

Arya peered at him. "And if I was to ask you something else?"

"I'd listen, but resolve to come with you whether you wished it or not?"

"Cause you think I can't take care of myself?"

A slight smirk. "No, but better to have backup… and I think you would want my company to ward off the cold."

Arya opened her mouth, only to groan. "Damn you for being as warm as your forge." Gendry laughed and picked her up. Kissing her again and making Arya moan into his mouth.

Both were unaware that even deep in the dominion of the Kings of Winter, they were being watched.

A/N: Longclaw: With Aemon's death in the rearview mirror, we see the new issues developing. Dany and Jon are working to a negotiated solution while Tyene and Baelish try to guide Stannis in different directions. Meanwhile we see Jaime again, and Arya begins her journey to seek out the truth

Until next time! Please comment!