A/N: EDIT: Not much feedback this time around. Ah, well. Can't win 'em all. This isn't my finest chapter, but I tried-even went back and added more content.

Maybe a vacation is in order, perhaps it might even be time to re prioritize my life.

In other news...

...I've fallen behind. The upcoming chapters for Claws of a Lion and Demon of Ashford are FIGHTING me, to say nothing of Just a Shinobi. Don't get me started on my muse. It wants to update The Forgotten Son, but as you've no doubt seen, I'm also trying to update other categories this month.

I can't afford to go on an Elden Ring updating spree just yet either. The chapters need to be longer, they HAVE to be longer...

Feels like I'm running myself ragged these days at work. At least I get paid for my pain there. Not here.

I'm sorry, you didn't come here to listen to an old man's complaints. I'm just tired.

Trying to push through...

With my fifteen year anniversary on this site finally here, I find myself reflecting on the little things in life. What was once a lazy pastime meant for me and a few friends really grew and evolved over time. There are days when I look back on the last fifteen years here and I wonder if anyone will remember me; if I made an impact, despite never making a single cent on any of these stories. Some days were happier than others, and some stories I enjoyed writing WAY too much; to the point where I'd stay up all night working on them.

And of course, there are times when I look to the future and wonder what will become of things when I'm gone.

Of course, I try not to dwell on the latter overmuch; I'm still alive and still writing. In an ideal world, I'd like to keep doing so for as long as I can. But old age is catching up to me and these days, the world is filled with so much madness and death. Feels like everyone's lost their minds, the world over. Even before that, so many friends and fellow writers I once knew are gone, now. Will I still be here in twenty years? Ten? Five? Its a chilling thought. But for now, I'm still here, still writing.

Not Q&A for a bit, as someone complained. Ah, well.

Alright, I've kept you long enough. So here we go. The fate of this story depends on you, the reader. Your feedback determines the fate of this tale, and many others.

Once more, I own no quotes, references, or memes. Not a wit or a one. NOT! A! THING!

They're all tributes to legends far greater than little 'ol me. Now then...

Finally, brace yourself. This IS Game of Thrones, after all...

Wonder if anyone gets the chapter title references.

"Go right ahead. Call your banners if you dare.

That boy rides the largest dragon known to man. I won't raise an army against that.

It will be the Field of Fire all over again! Say what you will of me, but I will not send my men to a needless death!"

~?

Kneel to the Crown

Marriage.

The word banged about in Naruto's head, ricocheting around like a rowdy rasengan. It haunted him. Tormented him.

In truth, he wasn't entirely opposed to it. It all sounded so simple on the surface. Perhaps it was. Viserys had asked him and Alicent to wed, not commanded them. No demands were being made, no orders given, and they hadn't been dragged to the altar, as it were. Instead his uncle gave them both time to think on it; to consider what might be for the best of them as much as the realm...

.

..

...thinking was precisely the problem!

In giving them time to think, Viserys had -knowingly or otherwise- planted the seed in his heart. And likely Alicent's as well. Naruto couldn't get her out of his head. He cared for her deeply, he always had, but now he'd begun to imagine her as the mother of his children. His mind had all but run away with the idea. He'd had children in his first life long ago, but the idea of being a father again was strangely...stimulating. He couldn't help but dwell on the idea.

He'd toyed with the idea of Aegon, but that was just too arrogant for his liking.

Aemon and Daemon would be the names for the first two boys, he decided, then Helaena for a girl. He'd raise them right, and any children that came afterward...well. That was a matter for another time. Best not put the cart before the horse and all that. Such a future still seemed far off, but now he'd begun to give it serious thought; to consider this madness.

Otto would probably be thrilled...which annoyed him. He'd need to speak with him soon, deal with him before he got too big for his britches-

"I believe Ser Criston would make a fine member of the Kingsguard."

Rhaenyra's voice had him blinking. "Hmm? What now?"

Naruto pursed his lips. It took him a moment to remember where he was-and another blink to recall what he was doing here. He stepped forward upon the balcony and gaze strayed toward the men assembled in the plaza below. Viserys coughed once behind him and his mind came back to the present. Right, right. They were here to choose new members of the Kingsguard, were they no.

They'd lost three in recent days; one of old age, another choking on his food. Another had simply...vanished.

...one of those three was decidedly more noble than the rest.

"Do stop spacing out, cousin."

His gaze strayed back to the armored men and sure enough, he found Criston Cole among them. The knight that had disappointed him the tourney, the one whom he'd thought might be reborn like him, reincarnated. He really didn't want to have anything to do the man, but he had to toss Rhaenyra a bone. It would be pointless to fight over something so trivial. He wouldn't let her rile him.

Why old Viserys had brought the two of them here, he'd never understand. Did he really think they would make up so easily?

"Fine." he waved a hand at her. "He's all yours."

"Will you not choose one of your own?"

.

..

...

Naruto tried to ignore the bite in her voice and the challenge therein. He really, truly did. "Rhaenyra-

"Of course, you never listen to anything I have to say." she prattled on. "Why would you now? Pick one and be done."

His temper slipped his grasp and so did his tonuge. "Why must you always be this way?!"

"I know not what you mean-

"Enough!" Viserys snapped at them both, causing each to jump. "Both of you!" Naruto and Rhaenyra exchanged a black look between one another. "The crown cannot stand strong while the house of the dragon remains divided." he glared them both into silence before they could protest. "You will cease this fighting at once. You are family. Do you understand?"

...yes, uncle."

As you wish, father."

"Good." he coughed into a fist. "Can I trust the two of you to handle this matter alone without tearing into one another...?"

Naruto looked to Rhaenyra. She shrugged one shoulder sullenly. "If he behaves, I will."

"Truce?" he offered thw word, a proverbial olive branch.

...very well."

"Excellent!" The King was all too eager to accept it; as such, he failed to see the tension simmering underneath. "I'll leave you to it, then." Another cough. Naruto couldn't help but notice just how tired Rhaenyra's father looked. "I need to have a word with Otto."

His peace said, he hobbled off, leaving them -and the knights below them- waiting in stoic silence.

Naruto spoke into it. "Can't we just get along? I don't want to fight with you...

Rhaenyra's lower lip trembled just so as she whirled away. Was it his imagination? He hoped not.

Silence reigned. His cousin sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. "Pick the next two and lets be done with this."

It was as good as he'd get from her today. Naruto exhaled in a long-suffering sigh.

"...then I'll take that one."

On a whim he looked around and picked out the most imposing of the lot, a great big brute clad in black iron armor and full helm. Though he stood head and shoulders above the rest. He bore no banner to speak of, only a great big bastard sword on his back and a massive shield in one hand. How he lifted that thing was anyone's guess. He looked strong.

And there, carved into that shield...a great black dragon not unlike that of Balerion. Well, well. What did they have here?

"You." He indicated the tall fellow with a wave of the hand. "Yes, you," he continued when the silent knight perked up. Odd. He hadn't said a word yet. Not a single syllable. Could he truly not speak? "Congratulations and welcome to the Kingsguard." he wanted nothing more than to be done with this farce and visit Alicent, but there were procedures to observe and they'd never let him leave until he finished." Kneel."

The giant lumbered forward and knelt. Even then, he made Ser Criston Cole look small.

A spark of curiosity kindled in Naruto's chest.

"Remove your helm."

A pale face was revealed, shrouded by dark hair. Keen eyes met his. A good gaze. Strong, but not arrogant. "...your name?"

"Tarkus, m'lord." here at last, the black knight spoke and finally bowed his head. "Of Black Iron."

Naruto felt his brow furrow as he failed to recall it. "I've never heard of that house."

The ghost of a smile touched the knight's face. "It is new, your grace."

"And your surname?" he asked.

...Snow."

"From the North, are you?" At his nod, he felt the ghost of a grin touch his whiskered cheeks. "Good. I hear the North has strong warriors. Have you come alone?"

"No, my lord." Tarkus bowed his head further still. "My comrade Havel took ill on the road and is convalescing at a nearby inn. As such, he was unable to present himself before you today. I stand ready to take the oath in his stead."

Rhaenyra hummed softly. "You presume much, ser."

Tarkus met her gaze, unflinchingly. "I presume the truth. The King called for strong warriors. We are strong."

Naruto ignored the byplay. Havel? Havel...? Why did that sound familiar? "This friend of yours, is he a bastard like yourself?"

"Aye."

"And is he strong?" he asked.

Tarkus lifed his chin. "The strongest in the North, my lord. I once saw him split a grown man in two with his dragontooth club."

He had a weapon carved from a dragon's tooth? Balerion might not like that. "And why have you come?"

"I'm not one for subtlety, your grace." Tarkus seemed to chew on his words for a moment, then shrugged. "Allow me to be frank." He waved him on; the men of the North were known for their bluntness. "In the old days, Torrhen Stark knelt to one dragon, and one alone. Balerion the Black Dread. We would serve that dragon again."

"You cannot be serious." Rhaenyra's complaint snapped him back to reality. "He's clearly a bastard. Why would you want someone like that guarding you?"

Tarkus raised his gaze. "Begging your pardon, Princess, but that's not for you to decide. I came here to swear my sword to the Prince, not you."

Rhaenyra bridled.

"Now, now." Naruto interposed himself between them both before someone could say something foolish. "I'll accept your oath on his behalf if I find him worthy. You will lead me to him tomorrow. As to the rest of you," He looked past him to the discontent knights. Aw, had he hurt their feelings? Tough. Bunch of up-jumped ponces, this lot. He best could them with both hands tied behind his back and blindfolded besides. Why should he care what they thought? "Thank you for your time. You are dismissed."

Tarkus bowed his thanks.

Naruto kept smiling. He didn't drop the facade until everyone was gone.

"Are you mad?!" The very moment they were, Rhaenyra rounded on him. "You haven't even met the man!"

"I will. Didn't you hear me? I intend to meet him tomorrow." When she didn't falter, he chose the gentle path. "You said the next two were mine to choose." At her reluctant nod, he barreled on. "If you can pick a man with combat experience, then so can I. We need those. You said so yourself. Better to have proper warriors with actual combat experience guarding your father than these idiots, right?"

Another nod now as she gripped her right arm. Her eyes flitted to his and away. "You ran roughshod over me in front of everyone."

"That wasn't my intent." He patted her head, drawing a fearsome pout from his cousin. "You know that, don't you?"

She glowered up at him. "Sometimes it feels like I don't know you at all."

Ouch. That hurt more than he cared to admit. His temper stirred.

"Then talk to me," he said instead, carefully concealing that burst of anger now as he took his hand from her head. "We're family, aren't we?"

...I suppose."

"Then trust in me a little." he delivered a quick kiss to her forehead, causing her to still. "As I trust you."

Well, he trusted her to be an unpredictably moody girl sometimes-but he wasn't about to tell her that now, was he? At least he didn't have to fear a dagger in the back from her. Of all the dwellers in the Red Keep, he knew Rhaenyra at last, wouldn't try to kill him. She didn't have the heart for it. And speaking of need. The Kingsguard had need of strong, loyal warriors, not tourney knights who had never tasted true blood on their blades. The men of the North were well known for such.

Hopefully she would understand that in time.

Naruto didn't linger after that; he left a red-faced Rhaenyra to her thoughts and walked away down the hall.

As he did, he let his mind wander.

Rhaenyra still baffled him, even months after their argument. At times she acted hostile-but he could tell her heart wasn't in it these days. Surely she wasn't fighting him solely for the sake of fighting. She couldn't be that foolish. He didn't want to believe it. Lashing out was understandable after losing a family member -let alone a parent, and he knew that pain all too well- but her temper was taking a terribly long time to cool. He really ought should have another talk with Viserys. Maybe he could help him make sense of this wild, chaotic, baffling girl.

"Its all worked out quite nicely for you, hasn't it, my lord?"

Naruto very nearly snarled. 'Again?! Can't a man be left to think in peace?!'

Evidently not; he looked up, torn from his thoughts once more. Seemed to be happening an awful lot today. That was the third time today. He'd need to watch that. It wouldn't do to become too distracted; someone might walk right up and knife him in the back if he wasn't careful. Not that such would kill him of course, but still, it was the principle of the matter.

But he needn't fear that today.

He raised his gaze, carefully painting a pleasant smile upon his face once more.

An unfamiliar man limped his way, leaning heavily upon a cane. He recognized him at a glance, if only because no one else had a leg like that.

"Clubfoot." Balerion growled in his head, making his express displeasure known for the first time today. "Wretched worm. Not worthy of eating."

'Shh! Don't say that aloud.'

"Lord Larys Strong." He spoke slowly, drawing out each word as one might something foul. "How fares you brother, Harwin?"

"I don't believe we've met."

"We haven't." Naruto simpered back. "But I've heard of you...only good things, of course."

That gave him pause. Good. He didn't trust a slimy soul like this. At least his father Lyonel served well enough on the Small Council. With Daemon and most of House Velaryon off dealing with the Stepstones, there was a sizable power vacuum in the Red Keep at the moment. Only natural that someone would try to fill it.

But why did it have to be him?

He shook his head, pushing aside his inherent suspicion of strangers. "How can I help you...?"

"I merely wished to meet you face-to-face." the second son surprised him with a limpid bow. "To see if you lived up to your reputation."

A pale brow rose. "And?"

"I am satisfied." his smile didn't waver. "May you have a most pleasant day, you grace. And do tell Balerion I said hello."

"Command me. I will crush him."

...no.' he said after a moment's pause. 'He's trying to get a rise out of us.'

Naruto watched Larys hobble past with a scowl.

The Game of Thrones never changed, it seemed. Someone always wanted something. Rhaenyra wanted her mother back. Alicent wanted love. Laena wanted to prove herself. Viserys wanted to preserve the Targayen line, while Otto wanted said line protected for the good of the realm.

He had no idea what Larys Strong wanted. And that worried him.

The man rubbed him wrong way. He couldn't even say why.

Perhaps he might suffer an accident in the future.

Such a shame that would be. After all...

...cripples tripped all the time.

(.0.0.0.)

Two hooded figures met once more.

Not in an alley this time, but a bar of all places.

"Must we be here?" The shorter of the two complained bitterly. "Fleabottom reeks."

"None will hear us, I assure you." The first assured the second in measured tones. "Do you have what I asked for?"

The second slid a piece of sealed parchment his way.

"Excellent." the first considered the sigil stamped into the wax for a long moment, then stowed it up his sleeve with quick dispatch. The king is weak." he continued apace, "More despair of him everyday. Most will likely abandon him in the years to come."

"And what of his heir?"

The First shrugged. "Suitable for our needs. More pliable than his father, at any rate. Though I have no desire to face him on the field.

"With luck, you won't have to."

"Luck, you says." There is no such thing as luck in this world. If there were, we wouldn't be here skulking about in the dark like a pair of common cutpurses.

"We remained united, then?"

"For now, so long as our interests align."

"Then the plan proceeds apace?"

...aye. The plan proceeds."

Two glasses clinked together. The conspirators drank deeply.

And so Westeros plunged ever closer to war.

With not a soul to hear.

(.0.0.0.)

"Have you considered leaving the capital for a time?"

Naruto clicked his tongue and bit it until the pain centered him. It brought him clarity. He'd known this was coming after his argument with Rhaenyra, but he hadn't expected it to come quite so quickly. Seeking out Viserys might have been a mistake after all. Still, it was too late to take it back now.

"Runestone might be my inheritance, but I don't intend to terrorize the Vale anytime soon." he threw himself into a chair. "Let the steward run the castle for now."

Viserys tutted softly. "It might benefit you to see the lands you would rule.

"I agree," he nodded, "but doing so would leave you undefended."

"You needn't worry about me. I can defend myself."

He frowned. Evidently the king wasn't taking the hint. He'd have to channel a bit of Daemon here, the best parts, not the worst.

"Are you that eager to step aside?"

The old king flinched.

"I know you're still hurting." he looked to him with pity, quietly quelling the silent pang of sorrow in his chest. "You had an impossible choice to make that day. It cost you your wife, your son, and now it might take your life. And then Balerion came back atop all that, only to reject you. Now even Rhaenyra's giving you a hard time.

"What would you have me do?"

"Take another dragon, uncle." he sat up to look him in the eye, hoping he would understand. "Do something. Anything. Don't just waste away like this. Show the realm your strength."

He watched him intently for some sign of strength. Something, anything, but he saw none.

Viserys sagged in his seat, weary beyond his years. "I am afraid I have little left."

Damnit. He'd come here to ask about Rhaenyra, not to deal with this.

Nauto blew out an exasperated breath. "I can't force you, but you're going to waste away like this. You do realize that, don't you?

"Perhaps that is what I want."

"And what about your family? What of Rhaenyra?

"She will have a place in the court." the King waved his words aside with his good arm. "And in yours I hope. But what of Alicent? The two of you seem rather close these days. Have you considered what I asked?"

...I have." Way to ruin his good mood. "Yes, I'm sure Otto's ecstatic."

Viserys tutted. "You still don't trust him."

He huffed. "No. I don't."

Viserys considered him for a long moment. "And who do you trust?"

"I trust you," he looked away with a grumble. "I trust Alicent. I want to trust Rhaenyra but...

"She is in mourning, nephew. Give her time."

He flung up an arm. "Its been a year!"

"We are the Blood of the Dragon, dear boy." A rare laugh left his uncle's lips. "Our tempers often run hot. Perhaps a few more months should give her flames time to cool. But onto other matters. You must be careful. The realm stands upon a knife's edge. Every lord Paramount saw Balerion on the day I named you heir, and he has been active of late. We cannot hide him much longer."

"Wasn't going to."

"You misunderstand." A hint of steel crept into the king's voice. "The realm stands upon a knife's edge. And there is...another matter."

Naruto stilled. He didn't like the sound of that.

"Lord Corlys sent me a Raven.

His throat went dry. "I thought he was still in the Stepstones."

"He is, but that doesn't preclude him from sending messages across the Narrow Sea. Here." sure enough he fished the letter in question out of his tunic. "See for yourself."

The seal was already broken.

He unfurled it slowly.

Read it, now.

"Your Grace," he mumbled the words aloud, summarizing it quite nicely amidst all the flowery prose. "It would do me great honor if your heir were to take the hand of my daughter, Laena, in...marriage?! What in blazes is this?!" His brow shot into his hair. "Me?! With little Laena?! She's just a child!"

"Then wait until she is of age." Viserys shrugged his good shoulder. "Should she find Vhagar she may have a beast to rival Balerion."

"Nothing can rival him." he crumpled the letter up and threw it in the hearth, leaving it to burn. "And didn't you say I could choose who I married? You just asked me to marry Alicent!"

"I did and you can." Despite the battered state of his body, the King didn't flinch, damn him." I am merely counseling you in these matters, as a good uncle would his nephew."

"Not very good counsel...

Viserys smiled. "You could, of course, marry them both."

Naruto nearly choked on his own spit. Was it hot in here all of a sudden?

"You're a Targaryen." his uncle prattled on, mistaking his silence for acceptance. "Moreover, you're my heir, the heir to the Iron Throne. Such would be well within your rights...

No, no, no! They were not having this conversation!

Flushing, he rose from his chair with all due haste, paced past the miniature carving of Old Valyira, and moved to the balcony. Even from here he could see Balerion on the horizon, wheeling overhead. He envied him sometimes. How freeing it must be to simply fly away from one's problems, to be so powerful that none would dare question you, let alone tell you what to do. Dragons had it easy. Being human...now that was difficult.

"I could fly to the stepstones." he mused aloud, "Burn out the Crabfeeder."

Viserys rasped laugh. "You sound like your father."

"Hmmm. You're sure you won't marry?"

"No." Viserys lifted his chin, mildly impressing him. "I will not, as I said before. It would take a remarkable woman indeed for me to even consider such." he looked past him, back to his stone carvings, and stifled a cough against his fist once more. "I will never love another as I loved your aunt."

Another coughing fit seized him, this one harsher than the last.

Naruto quirked a brow his way,. "You've been coughing an awful lot lately...

"I'm well enough." His uncle slumped in his seat. "Now, if its all the same to you, I would like some time alone."

Naruto was more than happy to grant that request. He all but fled from the room.

He had the sinking suspicion Viserys wasn't well.

And if one day, that health finally failed him...

...he dreaded what came next.

(.0.0.0.)

Marriage.

Gods be good, marriage.

Her and Naruto. Together. The thought was heady.

Dangerous, too. Alicent knew the risks of entertaining such notions. Going after the most eligible noble in all the Seven Kingdoms...she must have a death wish. Just thinking of it had her burying her face in a pillow with a keening whine. The noise was muffled in her chambers, with not a soul to hear. Thank the gods for small mercies.

Mercy. Was that what this was?

Naruto was her Prince. And the King wanted her to marry him.

She should have been happy. Delighted. Overjoyed! It should've been simple.

Nothing was simple in King's Landing. Alicent didn't dare bring this to her Father; if only because she knew precisely what his council would be. Convince him. Seduce him. Win the throne. The thought made her sick. She hadn't kissed Naruto out of some damnable duty. She was fond of him. She enjoyed his company. She wanted to be with him. To even suggest that such was a plot to elevate her family...it made her blood boil. Naruto could certainly be a bit reckless at times, but she cared for him, had cared for him, for quite some time now.

Father would pat her on the back, congratulate her, and tell her to do her duty, as if he'd planned this all along.

Piss on that! A small voice hissed in her head. We chose him. Us! Not Father!

...she really had, hadn't she? Perhaps he had chosen her.

Hadn't he? Oh gods, what if he hadn't?

What if he chose someone else...

.

..

...why in the seven hells was she sitting around for, then?! She had to act!

In a panic, Alicent burst to her feet.

She grabbed her book.

(.0.0.0.)

Someone knocked on his door.

Naruto had an inkling who it might be. The hour was late, but not so late as to refuse guests. He could have, of course; could've feigned sleep and turned them away.

But he didn't. Because he knew who it was.

Sure enough, when he swung open the door...well. There she was. Alicent stood before him, hair done up, clad in a pale white gown of finest silk...and clutching a heavy tome tight to her chest as though it were some sort of shield. He had no doubt she'd brain him with it if he said something to upset her. The thought made him smile.

She stared at his feet and nowhere else. "I'm here for my lessons."

Lessons...? Right, right, he remembered now. He was still teaching her Valyrian, wasn't he? It had been a bit since their last session.

He stepped aside and let Alicent in. Closed the door behind her.

The second he did, she dropped the book. Their eyes met.

Naruto saw the unspoken question her eyes.

He steeled himself. They shouldn't.

They really shouldn't.

This was wrong.

Wasn't it?

Alicent stepped forward and touched a trembling hand to his chest. With the other, she reached up, pulled the pins out her and let it tumble free down her back. God,s how long had it been since he'd seen her with her hair down? She looked lovely tonight. The very vision of beauty. Surely she wasn't going to-

She was gonna.

"Wait." he caught her wrist in his grip before she could do anything she might have to regret. "You don't have to force yourself."

...is that what you fear?" Her eyes held his. "No one is forcing me to do this. Not my father, not yours, not anyone." She stepped to him and he felt her body's heat press against his through the gossamer thin fabric of her gown. "I'm tired of dancing around this. I've made my decision." She pushed her hand forward, not resisting, but reaching up to cup his cheek as he continued to grip her wrist. "I choose you." Leaning up on the very tips of her toes, she planted a kiss on his chin. "Do you choose me?"

His brain fizzled.

He was still formulating that thought when Alicent tugged her hand free.

She reached up with both hands, hooked her thumbs thumbs in the shoulders of her gown...and let it drop. Fine fabric pool at her feet...

.

..

...she wasn't wearing anything underneath.

In an instant all Naruto's arguments fell flat. His throat went drier than Dorne. All semblance of thought fell to the wayside. Her hand touched his and Naruto felt a pleasant thrill shoot down his spine as he reciprocated the motion in kind. She'd worn perfume tonight; just the kind he liked. He wanted her. Perhaps almost as much as she sought him.

He wasn't sure who moved next in all fairness; him or her. It didn't matter really. Someone did, and that was that. He found hers in his arms, her mouth on his, felt his hands rise to cup her waist as he drew her closer, her own fingers fumbling at his trousers. Her mouth was warm on his, fierce and insistent, and it was all he could do to return the favor, such was her passion.

In all his years, he'd never felt so alive.

Perhaps that was the risk talking; the heady realization that someone might walk in on them at any moment. He paused, made wary by the thought.

"Don't you dare." Alicent hissed at him. "Stop and I swear I'll gut you." She realized what she'd said a moment later and flushed. "I'm sorry...!"" she gasped. "I didn't mean."

He grabbed her by the rear and drew her closer, biting her lip. "Always nice to see you show some spine...

Alicent was silent for a long moment...until her eyes flashed. Then she jumped him.

They never made it to the bed.

A/N: Aaaand scene~!

Definitely upgrading this to M soon if I haven't already.

Cookie for you if you realize who Tarkus and Havel are. I wasn't subtle.

Well? Should this be continue? What say you? Yay or nay! Really need to hear back from you all, here.

As ever, the Embers rule Remains; sad as that may sound, its the truth. If folks don't like this story...well, it won't be continued. Most likely, I'll leave the first chapter up and consign the rest to the void it comes to that. I haven't the time to write something folks don't like. Two jobs keep me terribly busy as such that I have barely any time to write.

So by all means, speak up! Your voice matters! Make yourself heard! As ever, reviews are the fuel that sustain me. Without them I cannot write a single word. Simple as that. Working nearly all hours of the day keep me absurdly busy, and I can't bring myself to write something folks don't like.

Now, then...in the Immortal Words of Atlas...

...Review...Would You Kindly!

And as ever, Le warning!

SPOILER! SPOILER! SPOILER!

PLOT DETAILS AHOY!

YE BE WARNED!

Granted, some are pretty far in the future, but still.

Timeskips are coming soon~!

(PREVIEW)

"Brave of you boy, but foolish. I thought you would've learned your lesson by now."

What can I say? I've always been a slow learner.

She'd found her.

It had taken years, but here at last, she was triumphant. Father couldn't nay-say her now.

Laena grinned like the child she still was at heart. "Found you~!"

Vhagar growled and lifted its head to glower at her, sand sloughing off its back. Fire built in the back of its throat.

"No!" She hissed in angry Valyrian and thrust an open palm forward in the face of its flame. "Obey, Vhagar! Yield to me!"

"You would choose her?!" A goblet bounced off his chest, spattering wine everywhere. "Over me?!"

"I'm not choosing anyone over anyone." he took her by the hands and guided her back to the chair. "That's what I wanted to talk to you about...

Daemon read the note. And he began to laugh. Loudly.

Naruto caught the crossbow bolt in his hand.

"Always loved crossbows." he grinned, considering the barbed shaft. "Never used 'em myself. They take too long to reload. I, on the other hand...

He whirled and flung it back, skewering them in the face. Their corpse pitched back. The others balked.

They were still balking when Balerion swooped down out the clouds and landed beside him.

"Go ahead." he cooed. "Run for it. More fun for us."

Balerion sniffed.

Who was this small mewling creature and why was his partner offering it to him? Humans were strange.

"Say hello to my son, Balerion.

His partner's mate looked concerned. She needn't be.

The Black Dread sniffed once and laid back down.

Protect the child.

"Father!"

"Ooomph!" Naruto grunted. "Jeez, you hit hard!"

The boy's mother smiled. "Is it any wonder? Your son takes after you, husband...

"Its not fair." his son sulked. "They're all bigger than me, and they all have dragons. I don't."

"You're young. There's still plenty of time," he sighed as he saw the pained look on his face. "Alright. Come with me."

"What?" the boy balked a little. "Where are we going?"

"To the dragonpit. Where else?" he slung an arm around his shoulder. "We'll enter it together. Today's the day you find yourself a dragon. I've got one in mind...

EDIT: More hints~!

Hope you enjoyed~! =D Looking forward to your feedback!

I'll be sure to chat with you all when I get back from work! Have a great day~!