After a solid month of travel by sea and two weeks on horseback, they were back in the cold North. With an army of Unsullied marching through the streets of Winter Town and Dothraki riding on horseback, the Northern folk watched in awe and astonishment at the massive number of soldiers. But what caught their attention was two individuals, one they recognize as their Northern Queen, and the other, a silver-haired man who they no doubt knew was the last Targaryen. Both sat on their saddles, confident and regal as they rode side-by-side as equals.
Aegon kept his face straight as he felt the cold stares of the Northerners. He knew he would receive no love from them due to the history between his father and the previous Warden of the North before Ned Stark. While their judgmental gaze did sting a bit, he was determined to prove them wrong. Glancing at Lyra, he noted how calm she looked among the cold, how she hardly shivered in the icy breeze. Hard places breed hard men, they say. Proves no different for women either.
Lyra breathed in the cold crisp Northern air, how she missed the land of winter. The South felt humid and suffocating in dung, but here, while it may be cold, the air felt much cleaner by comparison. While she couldn't see the fortress, she knew where Winterfell castle is located.
She felt Aegon's gaze on her, making her glance slightly in his direction and give him a soft smile as they rode out of Winter Town. Ever since that night on the boat, they hardly left each other's side. While the journey North was cold, most of the trip at sea was spent within her quarters under the bedsheets where they kept each other warm as they made love. Winter was definitely the best excuse for fucking. While they did become intimate in bed, they took time getting to know each other on an emotional level. She shared fond childhood memories she had of her siblings, and he told her of his longing for home after leaving that Braavosi house with a lemon tree and a red door.
"You nervous?" Lyra asked as they trotted towards her home.
"Meeting judgmental Northern Lords? No. Meeting your siblings on the other hand...maybe a little." Aegon admitted. From what Lyra described of her sister Sansa, time in the South and the constant terror and abuse by evil men left her distrustful of anyone outside the North.
"Sansa is a good person, she just had bad experiences with kings and Southerners. Tyrion was the only one who was ever kind to her." Lyra added, anticipating all the questions her sister will have for her.
"What about Bran and Arya?"
Lyra sighed, feeling doubtful and nervous. "I'm not sure. It's been years since I last saw them. Tragedy has changed them. But they did grow up with stories about the Targaryen dynasty. They read about all the rulers' history could tell them, the good and the bad." She breathed out a slight laugh, "Arya is especially fond of Visenya, the wielder of Darksister. Plus, she dreamt about riding dragons when she was little. Maybe you can offer her that experience."
Aegon chuckled, "That's one way to win over a future in-law."
"They'll be your family too." Lyra assured him, knowing his lonely childhood growing up with only an abusive older brother.
"How should we break the news to them?" Aegon asked, since this is a big deal for them.
"We'll tell them first before we announce it to the Northern Lords." Lyra stated since this is a personal family matter.
"Together?"
"Of course." Lyra said as they entered the gates of Winterfell. She breathed out a sigh of relief. Home at last.
Sansa stood outside in the courtyard with Bran in the wheelchair beside her, looking calm and detached as ever. Behind her were the Northern Lords pledged to House Stark and Queen Lyra. After several months of waiting, she's finally able to see her older sister again. The first one to enter the courtyard was none other than Ghost, who's massive form shocked everyone present as though he rose from the snow himself. She smiled as Ghost circled the courtyard and howled towards the winter sky, announcing the upcoming arrival of their Queen. He took his place beside Sansa, blood red eyes met her blue one to assure her that her sister is coming home.
Sansa turned her attention to the gate, holding her breath in anticipation as she saw a dark figure pass through. Lyra Snow, eldest daughter of Eddard Stark, Queen in the North, has finally returned to Winterfell. The last time Sansa saw her sister, she looked as though the world was on her shoulders. Which it was. But now, she seemed different, much lighter compared to before. There was more confidence in the way she rode, and despite being blind, her gaze is much brighter, more hopeful.
Her eyes then turned to the man riding beside Lyra, and her voice caught in her throat at the Targaryen features that everyone could see. Though this is her first time seeing a Targaryen, she read enough stories and heard many accounts of their silver beauty. Had she been younger, she would've fallen head over heels for this regal King. But things were different, she's older, the pain and loss she suffered made sure of that.
Lyra dismounted; her eyes switched to Inner Sight. All around her were a variety of spiritual animals representing their souls. Her gaze combed through until she saw the beautiful red wolf among the darkness, the same one she first saw upon reuniting with her younger sister. With long purposeful strides, she made her way to Sansa.
Sansa stepped forth, her hand reaching for Lyra's before they pulled each other into a sibling embrace. Sansa breathed a sigh of relief just as she first reunited with Lyra back at Castle Black. "Welcome home sister." She whispered against the woman's fur cloak, noting a different smell was attached to her sister's clothes.
Lyra pulled away and cupped Sansa's face in hers. "It's good to be back." She said with a soft smile that enhanced her natural beauty.
Sansa smiled before she led her to their brother. "Lyra, this is Bran." Sansa said as she guided her hand to the young man's shoulder. Lyra's hand followed the neck then to the face of her younger brother. She smiled as a tear ran down her cheek, imagining that sweet adventurous boy transform into a man before her. But her Inner Sight showed her not a Direwolf, but a black raven with three eyes. It stared back at her with as though he was seeing into her soul. There was sadness in its gaze, but there was also wisdom. Whatever this creature has seen, it has shared its knowledge and pain with Bran. She bent down and embraced him, though he was different physically, emotionally, and spiritually, this was still her brother. "Bran, you grew up." She whispered as she pulled back to smile at his unsmiling face.
"As have you." Was all Bran said to her in a detached tone.
So many questions flew through her head, what happened to Bran and how did he change so drastically? But she reserved those questions for much later. "Where's Arya?" She asked Sansa.
"She's lurking somewhere." Sansa said with a feint smile, knowing their sister will want their reunion to be private. Lyra smiled, sensing her sister's thoughts before turning her shadowed gaze to the Dragon King.
Aegon hung back with Jorah Mormont, patiently watching and waiting while the Stark siblings have their reunion. He felt a pang of jealousy at their bond, how comfortable and happy they are to display their closeness for all to see. Something he never had with Viserys. He glanced at Jorah to see him catching the gaze of a little black-haired child who watched him with a fierce expression and a bear sigil on her cloak.
"Your niece?" Aegon whispered to his sworn sword.
"Cousin. Lyanna Mormont. She's head of House Mormont." Jorah stated as he bowed his head to his cousin as a sign of respect, one she returned despite knowing the reason for his desertion and the disgrace towards their family.
"She was named after Lyanna Stark. She certainly lives up to her namesake." Aegon stated, remembering his conversations with Lyra when she told him about the fierce she-bear that helped her win back Winterfell.
Lyra turned to Aegon, giving him the signal to approach so she could introduce him. Aegon walked with calm and leisure strides until he stood beside her and before Sansa Stark. Seeing the trueborn daughter of Eddard Stark and Lyra together, he could see absolutely no resemblance between the two women. While Sansa was indeed younger, she stood about an inch taller than Lyra. Her bright blue eyes held distrust and pain as he expected, but there was a strength within her which he felt resembled Lyra.
"King Aegon of House Targaryen." Lyra began as she glanced between her precious people. "My sister, Sansa Stark, the Lady of Winterfell."
"Thank you for inviting me into your home Lady Stark. Your Queen has told me much about the North and you Lady Stark. I am honored to finally meet a member of Her Grace's family." Aegon said cordially and respectfully, never forgetting his fiancé's titles, hoping it will please his future-in-laws.
Sansa steeled her expression and responded, "Winterfell is yours, Your Grace. Chambers have been prepared. I'm sure you're all tired from your arduous journey." She offered like a gracious host, not forgetting her manners while also letting him know who's home he had entered.
Aegon nodded, "That is most gracious of you Lady Stark. Thank you."
"After everyone is well rested and settled, we have much to discuss with the Lords about the recent happenings in the South and preparations for the Long Night." Lyra stated as everyone murmured in agreement.
Sansa turned to Maester Wolken who bowed and led the King and his Council to their lodgings. Aegon followed, but not after glancing at Lyra one last time. While she couldn't see him, she felt his all too familiar gaze and sent him a smile that told him she'll see him soon.
Lyra was left alone with Sansa and Bran as the other Lords dispersed. "I'm glad you have returned Lyra." Sansa said as she pushed Bran's chair while they walked beside their sister.
"As am I. So much has happened since my time away." Lyra said as Ghost came to her side and guided her through their home. Her hand buried itself in his warm white fur on reflex.
"You have no idea." Sansa responded as Lyra realized a change in the air, something was missing.
"That Mockingbird, Lord Baelish isn't here. Is he hiding somewhere with another one of his schemes?" Lyra questioned, not sensing that creature's soul anywhere in the vicinity, which is a bad thing considering his personality.
Sansa breathed out a laugh, "Not anymore. We had him executed, Arya slit his throat in front of the Northern Lords at his trial."
"You killed him without me? Sansa!" Lyra whined at how she was left out of experiencing the joy and relief of killing the bastard who got their father killed.
"He tried to turn me against you and Arya. He thought he had me, but I had him right where we wanted him." Sansa smirked just like when Ramsay Bolton was killed by his own hounds.
Lyra smiled in approval, "Good, one less snake to worry about."
Sansa hummed in agreement, "Now there's only Cersei."
"And the Night King." Bran chimed in for the first time since they started walking. "You bought us some more time when you saved Viserion from his clutches."
Lyra's eyes widened at what he said. "How do you know that?" She asked, the only ones who knew about her insane rescue were Aegon, his Council and Ser Davos.
"Bran can...see things the way other people cannot." Sansa said, though she could not explain how Bran's power really works.
"I see the past, everything that has happened, and things that are happening right now." Bran explained, his eyes just as vacant as he stared off into the distance. "I saw the night you ended your life, and the moment the Red Priestess brought your back." He paused as Lyra's eyes widened, "A power beyond man's understanding was bestowed upon you as it was bestowed upon me."
Lyra listened to the new Bran Stark, his lack of emotion frightened her a little. "Our sights are similar then."
"Similar, but not the same. You see the souls of those around you, you saw mine. It's no longer a Direwolf. It's-"
"A Three-Eyed Raven." Lyra finished, remembering what she saw through her Inner Sight. "That's what you've become."
Bran nodded solemnly, "Yes. And you're more than a Snow. You are a Queen." He said with a small yet mysterious smile.
Lyra shrugged, "It wasn't my intent."
"Yet here you are."
Lyra paused at the mouth that led to the Godswood. She sensed someone in there, someone familiar.
Sansa glanced between the woods than at Lyra. A smile crept on her face. "Would you like some time alone?" She asked, knowing who is hiding in there.
"Yes. I'll meet you in the Great Hall." Lyra said as she and Ghost left the Starks to venture into the Godswood while Sansa wheeled Bran back inside.
Snow crunched underneath her boots as she walked through the Godswood, nostalgia and peace filled her as she smelled the leaves of the undying Weirwood tree. She stopped before the carved face of the tree. Closing her eyes, she breathed in the natural scents that surrounded her. How she longed to be back here.
She opened her eyes as a familiar scent hit her, one she never thought she would smell again. Lyra slowly turned around, switching on her Inner Sight to see a grey Direwolf with a white face and muzzle.
"Arya." She whispered, unable to believe whose soul she was seeing.
"Hello big sister." Arya said as she was face to face with her older sister. She could see how Lyra changed after so many years of fighting, loss, and tragedy. Her attention went to the older woman's eyes, no longer seeing the Stark grey they shared. She didn't want to believe Sansa when she told her how their sister could no longer see. Thinking about how Lyra is blind made her remember the fear and isolation she experienced when she temporarily lost her sight.
Lyra raised her hand in front of her as she came closer to Arya who ran into her sister's awaiting arms. The two sisters embraced each other tightly, Lyra smiled in relief as she felt Arya's familiar warmth envelope her. Out of all her siblings, Arya is the one whom she had the strongest bond with. She pulled away and brought her hands up with Arya's face, picturing that mischievous little girl transform into the warrior she knew the younger would become.
"Arya. You grew up so beautifully." Lyra sighed in wonder and sadness as she traced the girl's face from her eyebrows to her chin. All of her siblings had to fight the world on their own against enemies that wanted them dead just for being Starks.
Arya's hands came up to cup Lyra's cheeks as she stared into her shadowed gaze. "So, it's true. You can't see."
Lyra gave her a sad smile. "Not with human eyes."
"How did you survive a knife in the heart?" Arya asked, remembering the stories she heard regarding her sister at the Wall.
"I didn't." Lyra answered with that same smile. "Did you keep the sword?"
Arya stepped back and unsheathed it; the sound of thin steel rang through the Godswood. "I call it Needle."
"Skinny and sharp. Just like you." Lyra stated as she recalled the last time she saw Arya. The little girl was fast asleep in her bedchambers with Nymeria tucked in beside her. She laid the sword on the table as her last gift to Arya before she left for the Wall.
Arya smirked at Lyra who watched her through her shadowed gaze. "Have you used it yet?"
"Once or twice." Arya admitted, remembered the people she killed with it. Some for survival, most to avenge the people she cares about.
Lyra knew what it's like to kill someone for the first time. The guilt and shame of taking a life always weighed heavily on her. People said she was good at it, but honestly, she never liked it, and it never got any easier.
Ghost came up to Arya and sniffed her as she combed her fingers through his white fur. Seeing him reminded her of Nymeria, their last meeting in the woods. She was happy her precious pup was alive and strong, leading a pack of her own. But was sad and never stopped hating herself for pushing her out of her life that day. Even if it was the only way to save her from Joffrey, it felt like a part of herself was ripped to pieces.
"Nymeria's alive." Arya said, not looking away from Ghost's blood red gaze.
"Are you sure?" Lyra asked, since all the pups from the litter which were given to each of the Stark children were dead.
"Yes. We were face to face. Her pack surrounded me, ready to kill me. But she recognized me, she knew who I was." Arya said, her voice cracking slightly. "I threw a rock at her years ago to save her from Joffrey. She should hate me by now. Not that I blame her."
Ghost licked her hand to console her. "Arya, you did what you had to do to protect her. If she knew who you were, then a part of her must have forgiven you." Lyra said to her as she felt her sadness.
Arya sniffled, "I hope you're right. You should've seen her; she was so big. Not as big as Ghost, but large enough to cause trouble in the South." She breathed out a laugh, "There were stories about a massive wolf leading a pack and causing terror within the woods. No one could catch her, and those that have seen her, most don't come back alive to tell the tale." She said with a proud smile.
Lyra chuckled, "She's definitely your Direwolf." She said as Arya smiled with pride.
"I saw three dragons flying over Winterfell." Arya stated with an excited smile. "They're just as the legends say, beautiful and terrifying."
"They're also the Dragon King's children, the large black one is Drogon, the green is Rhaegal, and the golden one is Viserion. They're all magnificent." Lyra said as she wrapped an arm around Arya as they walked away from the Weirwood tree.
"Have you ridden them?"
"Only Viserion, but it was the only way to save him from the Night King that day. I never got the chance to actually enjoy it." Lyra explained, remembering how tired, freezing and terrified she felt that day.
"What else happened while you were gone?" Arya asked, intrigued by what she heard and was craving for more.
"Well, where to start..."
At the Great Hall, all the Northerners gathered, talking and yelling over each other as the leaders of House Stark and Aegon of House Targaryen sat at the large table overlooking the hall. After everyone refreshed and rested up, they all met in the Great Hall with Queen Lyra sitting at the center of the table with Sansa to her right, followed by Bran and Ser Davos who chose to stand while Arya stationed herself behind Lyra as a guard and Ghost close to his mistress. Aegon sat to Lyra's left followed by Tyrion, Missandei, Varys, and Grey Worm, while Ser Jorah stood not far behind him.
Lyra raised her hand, immediately quieting the Great Hall. "My Lords, I thank you all for gathering, and for keeping the North safe in my absence. These were long trying months, but we have secured Dragon Glass and formed an alliance with the Dragon King." Aegon remained silent as his fiancé addressed their audience. "We have also successfully agreed to a ceasefire with Queen Cersei of House Lannister." This brought whispers from the Lords, "She knows what's at stake, and we'll expect her armies in the coming months."
Lord Manderly stood up in response, "Pardon me Your Grace, but how can you expect us to believe that Cersei will do as she promises?"
"I don't. I have very little reason to trust her." Lyra sighed through her nose, "But I want to trust that her love for her unborn child will give her enough reason to stop the Night King."
Her revelation caused an uproar among the Northern Lords, many of whom called Cersei a 'brother fucking whore' and fearing the coming of another like her first bastard Joffrey.
"That whore should've been killed the first chance you got!" Lord Glover bellowed in anger, "If she were to birth another like that cunt Joffrey, we'll end up having to deal with another Mad King!" Shouts of agreement responded to his statement. He then turned his distrustful gaze to the Targaryen King, "That is, if we aren't already dealing with one."
"Lord Glover, you will refrain from making such accusations to our allied forces." Lyra commanded as Ghost growled.
However, that never fazed Lord Glover, "And why not?" He turned to all the Lords present, "Have we forgotten what the last Targaryen King did to Lord Rickard Stark and his eldest son? They were burned and strangled trying to get Lyanna Stark back." He turned to face the gaze of their blind queen, "And you expect us not to expect the same from his dragon spawn."
"The fact that I'm alive should be your first clue. Or perhaps you're talking to an already dead woman." Lyra deadpanned. Aegon and her siblings gave her a look at that terrible joke.
Aegon reached a hand to touch her fingers, making her turn her head slightly in his direction. No words were spoken as she nodded for him to make his own address to the North.
"My Lords, I understand why you don't trust me, and I can't blame you for feeling the way you do." Aegon began, "What my father did to you and all the realms was unforgivable and has broken faith and trust between our Houses. Believe me I wish there was some way to change what's been done in the past. But that's impossible, and I've seen many impossible things in my life, and seeing the Army of the Dead, and the Night King has been the most recent by far." Aegon swallowed his saliva, "Very few people in this room saw them. But I saw it all with my very own eyes when I didn't want to believe it. The Night King almost took one of my dragons." This illicit surprised murmurs from the crowd. The fabled fire breathing dragons deemed most powerful creatures in the known world was nearly felled by another that was considered legend.
"Your queen risked her life to save him from the Night King's grasp." Aegon turned to Lyra, "She bought us more time to prepare for the Long Night."
Sansa caught the look the Dragon King was giving her sister; it was filled with admiration and respect.
"I didn't come to conquer the Seven Kingdoms, I'm here to end the Night King before he enslaves all the realms." Aegon declared with all the resolve within him, "I know this won't fully make up for my father's evil, but I do want to mend the trust between our families." Aegon let out a quiet sigh, "You're not the only ones who fear the rise of another Mad King. I have those fears too. Which is why I'm trusting you all to make a promise." Aegon paused for a moment to gather his courage, "I have no desire to see the realms burn. However, should the day come where I've lost myself and have fallen into the same madness as my father, all of you must do whatever means necessary to put an end to my life." Lyra turned to him in surprise, how can he even suggest such a thing at a crucial time like this.
The only other Northerner who remained silent as she silently listened and observed was Lyanna Mormont. After hearing the order from the Dragon King, she stood up and made her voice known. "Your Grace, what you suggest is also considered madness, but there is also valid reason in that." She made direct eye contact with Aegon who inwardly smiled at her fearlessness. "You're right, we don't trust you. However," She turned to all the Lords present, "many of us have learned that not all children are like their fathers or mothers. A good father can raise their son, but that son can also make a mistake and dishonor himself." She glared slightly at her cousin who bowed his head. Her gaze then turned to Tyrion, "A bad father can neglect his child, but despite that, they can still make something better for themselves and those around them." She turned her gaze back to Aegon, "I believe the same can apply to you as well. While I don't completely trust you," She turned to Lyra, "I trust our Queen. She's made good on her promises, and you're willing to set aside your quest for the Iron Throne to help us. I'll reserve my judgement of you until after the Long Night is done." Lyanna Mormont sat down after her speech.
Aegon bowed his head in respect to the little she-bear. She truly lives up to her name.
"She's right in that regard." Lyra spoke, calm yet commanding as the Queen she is. "We should not judge a son for the sins of their father. As it stands, we have more fighting power to even the odds against the Long Night. Fire breathing dragons, dragon glass weapons, seasoned warriors, and more armies. But preparations are not done. The fight is not here yet and we still have to train for the upcoming battle."
"But what of Cersei?" Arya was the one who spoke, standing close to her sister, "How can we be sure she'll keep to her word?" The way she spoke promised vengeance should something go wrong.
"We don't." It was Tyrion who answered, "However, if anyone survives the war to come, we'll have Lyra Snow to thank. She risked her life to show us the threat is real. Thanks to her courage, we have brought together the greatest army the world has ever seen. And soon the Lannister army will ride North to join our cause." Grumbles of distrust and disagreements were his response.
"I know, I know, our people haven't been friends in the past." Tyrion spoke over the crowd, "But we must fight together now or die."
"May I ask," Sansa directed her question at her former husband, "how are we meant to feed the greatest army the world has ever seen? While I ensured our stores would last through winter, I didn't account for Dothraki, Unsullied and three full-grown dragons."
"You needn't worry Lady Stark," Aegon leaned back in his chair, "We brought food resources after the Lannister army took Highgarden. Your stores will be safe."
Sansa looked a little relieved but then addressed the next question, "Well what about the dragons, what do they eat, anyway?"
"Whatever they want." Was Aegon's simple answer before he and his future sister-in-law turn to narrow their eyes at each other.
Lyra sighed quietly as she felt the tension between them. This was gonna be harder than she realized.
"Well, that meeting could've gone worse." Tyrion said flippantly as he Varys and Aegon walked onto the battlements overlooking the fields lined with tents and Northerners. Unsullied stood guard in front of the tents as everyone worked hard to prepare for battle.
"I wasn't expecting a warm welcome." Aegon stated as he looked at the training grounds where men women and children over ten learned the way of swords and archery. Among them he saw Ser Jorah talking with Lyanna Mormont. Though he couldn't hear them at this distance, their body language was enough to tell him what was happening. Ser Jorah was apologizing and bowing his head in respect towards the Lady of their House. Lyanna stood with her back straight with a hand on the pommel of her sword as she listened to her cousin. She seemed annoyed but was rational enough to forgive him for his actions.
"Thank the Gods for House Mormont." Varys said, glad for the support from at least one Northern House who is willing to give Aegon a chance.
Tyrion turned to Aegon with a questioning look, "Just what in the world were you thinking giving an order like that?"
Aegon never looked away from his sworn sword, "I needed a contingency plan should something happen in the future. Giving them my trust and permission to kill me if I ever become like my father is the best way to at least earn some of their trust."
"It was still risky." Tyrion stated.
"Wars can't be won without taking a few well measured risks." Aegon turned away from the training grounds to face his advisors.
"Yes, and a betrothal to their queen is also a well measured risk. Perhaps we should have announced it back there." Tyrion suggested.
Aegon was quick to turn that down, "Not yet, Her Grace wants us to tell her siblings first before we make it public."
"That seems like the best option. Winning over her siblings could help with gaining support from the rest of the Lords." Varys stated, "Although, given their experience with anything that isn't from the North, that may prove difficult."
"No one said it would be easy." Aegon sighed as remembered the distrustful glares he got from Sansa, the calculating stares from Arya, and the soul piercing gaze from Bran. Admittedly, he has more work cut out for him in winning his future in-laws over.
"Yes, who wouldn't want a Targaryen for a brother-by-law?" Tyrion joked, earning him a glare from Aegon and an exasperated look from Varys.
"Too soon."
"So you can see the souls of everyone around you?" Arya asked as the four remaining siblings of House Stark sat in front of the hearth within the Solar, bathing in its warmth while all four regaled stories from their adventures.
"That's right." Lyra said softly, clouded gaze staring into where the fire burned. "Everyone's soul is unique, it can be an animal, light, shadow, even a monster."
"What does my soul look like?" Arya asked, interested to know what her sister sees through her power.
"A grey Direwolf, fierce and unyielding. Father would be proud." Lyra softly said as she held her sister's hand beside her. How long it's been since she held her little sister's hand. Her skin was calloused from years of surviving and fighting. Arya truly hardened herself into the warrior she's always meant to be. Lyra wished things had been different, that Arya grew with her sibling instead of facing the world on her own.
Arya smiled sadly at the thought of their father. "The statue they have of him in the crypt doesn't look like him at all." She said in disappointment at how the statue could never hold the likeness of Eddard Stark. "It should've been built by people who knew him."
"We're still here though." Bran stated, voice monotone and dead, "We're all that is left of Eddard Stark. The last of the Starks."
"We won't be the last, Brandon." Lyra spoke to her brother, "I swear, I'll make sure we all have a future beyond the Long Night. I brought hope with us."
"You brought the Targaryen King here." Sansa stated, sitting to her older sister's right.
Lyra sighed through her nose as she turned her head in Sansa's direction. "You don't like him."
"I don't trust him. None of us do." Sansa glanced at Arya who nodded while Bran remained silent as he stared off into space.
"I didn't either, at first." Lyra said, "And he didn't trust me. It took time, patience, and rescuing his dragon from the Night King for us to finally find common ground. We have long since earned each other's trust." Lyra sighed, "Sansa, I know why you don't want to put your faith in him but give him a chance and you'll see he's a good man."
"But will he be a good King?" Arya was the one who asked.
Lyra nodded, "Yes. He already is. Because he's here to help us."
"There's something else he wants." Arya stated, suspicious of the Dragon King since the moment he rode into the North. She remembered how close he and her sister were when they lead the armies through Winter's Town. There was a strange fondness and hidden smiles as they talked to each other on the way to Winterfell. Back in the Great Hall, he still gave her that look and touched her hand for a lingering moment. It wasn't hard for the assassin to figure out.
Lyra smiled, "Yes, there is." She couldn't lie to her siblings, but she didn't want to tell them yet until they got to know her future husband better.
A knock on the door brought the siblings out of their discussion.
"Enter." Lyra spoke before the door opened to reveal Maester Wolkan. "Forgive me Your Grace, my Lord and Ladies, but this man here says he brought something from the Citadel that can aide us in the war."
"Send him in." Lyra said as she and her sisters stood up while Arya turned Bran's wheelchair to face the door.
The smell of books was the first thing she noticed when the man entered the Solar. The only other people she met in the past that carried this sent was Maester Luwin, Maester Aemon, Maester Wolkan and-
"Samwell?" Lyra asked as she sniffed the air, picking out the sweat she remembered her friend carrying whenever he was moving and the heavy footsteps that brought him closer.
Samwell could not believe who he was seeing for the first time in forever. Her eyes were completely different as everyone says. He didn't want to believe it. Yet the way her gaze searched the room as though in darkness, proved him wrong.
"Hello Lyra." Samwell greeted with tears in his eyes, happy to see his best friend after so long.
Lyra breathed out a small laugh as she held her hand in front of her to find Samwell before the bigger man came over and engulfed her in a hug. The two best friends laughed as they held onto one another tightly.
All three siblings plus Maester Wolkan smiled at the heartwarming sight.
Lyra pulled away to hold her friend by the shoulders before her hands found his face and noted the extra fuzz he grew on his cheeks. "Samwell, it's been too long." She said with that blinding smile that was rare for anyone to see.
"It has." Samwell laughed out as he got a better look at her eyes, "So it's true, you really are blind." He said, remembering how Maester Aemon lived most of his life in the dark.
Lyra nodded, "Yes, but that's not important right now. How are you? Are Gilly and Little Sam okay?"
"They're fine, they're here in Winterfell." Samwell glanced at Bran but he shook his head. They knew they had to tell her, but not yet.
"Your Grace, there is something I need to show you." Samwell brought out a tube case containing the rolled-up parchments. "I took these from the Citadel."
"What are they?" Lyra asked as she brought her hand up to touch the case, wishing she had her eyesight so she could read what is inside.
Samwell's smile widened, "A way to make Valyrian Steel."
Aegon entered the council chamber with Tyrion, Varys and Ser Jorah. They had just been summoned by the Northern Queen, saying it was important and that she needed his assistance.
They saw Lyra with her siblings, Maester Wolkan, Ser Davos and a man Aegon's never seen before. However, Ser Jorah knew him.
"Samwell?" Ser Jorah exclaimed upon recognition.
Samwell looked up and was surprised to see the son of Lord Commander Mormont again. "Jorah Mormont?"
The bear knight smiled as he approached the younger man and pulled him into a hug. "What in Seven Hells are you doing here?"
"I came to make sure we win the fight." Samwell said with resolve.
"How did you two meet?" Lyra asked in bewilderment at this development.
"When I was infected with Grey Scale, I went to the Citadel to find a cure. The Maesters said it was too late for me, that there was nothing they could do." He turned back to Samwell, "But this man saved my life. He risked himself to remove the Grey Scale and restore me to health."
"After everything your father did for me, it was the least I could do. You look well." Samwell said after a quick observation.
Aegon finally stepped forward, his eyes wide as he beheld Samwell. "It was you who saved my sworn sword. How did you do it?"
Samwell shrugged, "I read a book and followed the instructions."
Silence followed his answer as a smile crawled onto Aegon's face before he began to laugh, which was soon followed by Jorah, Lyra, Arya, Davos and Tyrion. Varys looked impressed while Sansa smirked. Bran, his expression never changed.
"You, Samwell, have more than earned my respect and gratitude. You saved one of my dearest friends. I don't know how I can repay you." Aegon said after he calmed down enough from his laughing fit. He probably surprised everyone in that room.
"Actually, there is something you can do." Samwell said with an excited smile as he led them to the table where the tube case rested on.
With haste, Samwell opened the case and pulled out the parchment before unrolling it flat onto the table.
Everyone stared at the foreign scriptures, but the one thing that stood out was an artfully drawn-out sketch of a sword. "I couldn't find a way to translate the writing, but luckily another Maester was kind enough to tell me what this means, 'Forge Valyrian Steel'."
Aegon's eyes took in the words of his family's ancient tongue. "This is...Samwell, this was long forgotten." He said before reading the High Valyrian words that explains the process of forging Valyrian Steel.
"What does it say?" Lyra asked, curious to know what was being read.
"Well, Valyrian Steel is the rarest form of metal, especially today." Aegon began as he carefully translated the words, "This says that dragon fire must be used in order to forge the weapons."
"That's it? Just have one of your dragons breathe fire on a piece of metal and we get Valyrian Steel? Should be easy enough." Arya shrugged, but a section in the parchment made Aegon pause. He squinted his eyes as looked closer with a discomforted expression.
"It's not just dragon fire." Aegon said as he rose to his height, "According to this, Valyrian Steel has to be forged with dragon-fire and infused with magical spells." Aegon sighed, "Blood magic, to be precise."
This made everyone pause as they processed his words. Tyrion broke the silence, "So what it's telling us, is that we need magic to make Valyrian Steel. I don't suppose there are any witches around here?"
"No, there aren't. The last one we had was banished for burning Princess Shireen of House Baratheon to death." Davos explained as he looked away in anger and sadness over the memory.
"There's gotta be someone who knows even a bit of magic. Was there anyone at the Citadel that practices this?" Lyra asked Samwell.
Samwell shook his head, "No one. The Maesters are either against magic or don't believe in it." He sighed and shook his head, "They don't like believing in anything. Unless we find someone with some knowledge about handling Valyrian Steel, it's hopeless."
Varys cleared, "Actually, now that you mentioned it, there was someone in King's Landing who could reforge Valyrian Steel. Tobho Mott, a Qohorik master blacksmith. He was skilled in his trade that he melted the ancestral sword Ice into two swords."
"Our father's sword." Sansa added, glaring at the mention of what became of House Stark's weapon.
Varys bowed his head, "Yes. Tobho Mott is dead now."
"Of course, he is." Tyrion muttered in annoyance.
"However," Varys added at the deflated look on their faces, "his apprentice should have some knowledge of the trade. In fact, we brought him here with us."
"And you're just mentioning this now." Tyrion said as he turned to glare at the Spider. "Well, who is he?"
"Gendry Waters," He turned to Aegon and added, "He is the last surviving illegitimate son of Robert Baratheon."
The blacksmith Gendry was nervous as he was called the council meeting with King, Queen, Starks and the advisors. He entered the room trying to keep his cool before he stopped before the monarchs and bowed his head.
"Your Grace," He glanced at Lyra and hastily added, "and Your Grace."
Aegon smiled in amusement but kept his composure. "You are Gendry Waters, son of Robert Baratheon?"
Gendry swallowed his saliva. He knew about the bitter history between their fathers, and he prayed to the Gods that Aegon is not mad at him just for being his son.
As though reading his mind, Aegon quickly explained, "Relax, I didn't call you here to bring up the past. We need you here because we believe you can help us achieve a future." This made Gendry look up as Aegon beckoned him closer.
Gendry turned and saw Arya Stark standing beside her siblings. Last time he saw her she was much shorter, and a wild little pain in the arse. Now she looks different, surer of herself, and deadlier.
Davos greeted him with an encouraging nod before he was guided to a piece of parchment on the table. Upon closer inspection he read the words on top. "Valyrian Steel?"
"Yes, there's very few people in the country that know how to reforge such weapons, and you were apprentice to one of them." Varys explained as Gendry looked up at the mention of his former master. "We were hoping he taught you a few tricks."
Gendry let out a breath, "He taught me enough about reforging Valyrian Steel. He was rather strict about it. However, I never witnessed him do such a thing."
"But you have the general idea of how it's done." Lyra stated, her blind burning into Gendry's soul.
"I do." Gendry sighed, "But there's not that many Valyrian Steel weapons in the North for me to melt and reforge."
"We're not asking you to reforge." Aegon said, "We need your help to make more."
"I'm sorry?" Gendry asked, feeling lost.
Aegon pointed at the parchment, "This tells us how Valyrian Steel is forged, dragon fire and blood magic. Was there anything your master taught you that may give us something."
Gendry rubbed the back of his head, "He often complained how reforging Valyrian Steel took a lot of sweat and blood out of him." Gendry thought long and hard about it before he came to a conclusion, "I believe the steel has to be dipped in blood after the fire. Then it will come out as Valyrian Steel."
They all turned to each other, though it sounded crazy, it seemed like the most logical answer to how Valyrian Steel can be made.
"How fast can you make one?" Aegon asked, looking certain.
"Regular swords, I can make twenty of them in half a day. Valyrian Steel?" Gendry smirked, "Let's find out."
After Aegon retrieved dragon fire from one of his children, he made it to the forge and brought the fire bowl to Gendry.
"This should work." Gendry nodded as he was handed the flames and lit the furnace with them.
Aegon watched the flames come alive and turned to the blacksmith, "I leave the rest to you Gendry."
Gendry bowed his head, "I will not fail you, Your Grace."
"Good luck." Aegon smiled as he left the forge, his cloak billowed behind him.
He asked a servant to direct him to the library before he followed the path that lead him to his destination.
Upon finding the darkened library lit up by a few candles, he searched between the bookshelves until he heard the familiar scribbling from a quill.
"Samwell?" Aegon called as he spotted the man he was looking for.
"Oh." Samwell looked and quickly rose to his feet faster than he realized. He brushed himself off to make himself more presentable to the Dragon King.
"Sorry for disturbing you. I just wanted to give my thanks again." Aegon gave him a friendly smile, "I realize it wasn't just Ser Jorah you saved, you also helped Queen Lyra and the world. It was you who discovered the Dragon Glass underneath Dragonstone, and you found a way for us to make more Valyrian Steel. I'll have to make some changes to the Citadel when I take my throne. Great service merits a great reward." He said, truthful and just in his words after seeing the lengths this man went through to get them here.
"It's my honor to serve you, Your Grace." Samwell smiled at the praise.
"Well, there must be something I can give you." Aegon insisted, he didn't want this man to go unrewarded.
Samwell paused as he thought about it before speaking, "If it's not too much trouble, I could use a pardon."
Aegon raised an eyebrow, "For what crime?" This guy could not have committed anything bad, he's too nice.
"Um," Samwell looked guilty then confessed, "I borrowed...a few books from the Citadel."
It took everything with Aegon not to burst out laughing. To him, it didn't seem like such a crime, though he supposed in the Arch-Maester's point of view, stealing sacred knowledge is considered blasphemy.
"And also a sword." Samwell added.
"From the Citadel?" Aegon asked since he was sure the place of knowledge doesn't have weapons.
"From my family." Samwell explained, "It's been in House Tarly for generations, it would've been mine eventually. But my father had other ideas." He said sadly as he remembered the last time he spoke to his father. How unkind, unaccepting and disappointed he was in his eldest son who he deemed unworthy of inheriting Horn Hill.
Aegon's smile vanished the moment he heard that name. "Not Randyll Tarly?" He hoped he heard wrong and that this man was not the son of the man he executed for treason against House Tyrell.
"You know him?" Samwell asked in surprise.
"I offered to let him to retain his lands and titles if he bent the knee." Aegon sighed through his nose, there was no way around it. "He refused."
Samwell's face twitched and his lips quivered upon realizing the fate that befell his father. He swallowed his saliva and kept his emotions down. "Well," He breathed slowly, "at least I'll be allowed home again, now that my brother's the Lord of Horn Hill." He said, trying to look on the bright side of this news.
Hearing that statement made Aegon realize that the relationship between father and son was strained. Randyll Tarly was a hardened soldier, but Samwell was more of a scholar given his love for books and all forms of knowledge, but never on the battlefield. He must've never approved of Samwell at all.
With a deep frown, know that what he says next will hurt him more, he informed Samwell, "Your brother stood with your father."
Samwell's face twitched uncontrollably as he registered what Aegon just told him. He didn't want to cry, least of all in front of the man who killed his father and younger brother. He inhaled sharply and looked down, blinking his eyes rapidly.
"Thank you...Your Grace...For telling me..." Samwell's voice cracked as he struggled to keep himself from sobbing. "May I..." He couldn't get the words out, he couldn't stand being in front of Aegon a second longer.
"Of course." Aegon nodded, he knew Samwell needed to be alone.
Samwell left the library and Aegon watched him go. He sighed, while he didn't regret killing Randyll and Dickon Tarly, he feels shame and guilt for causing pain to a good man.
He wasn't sure how long he stood there stewing in his guilt before he left the library to find his Queen. It was already nighttime, but the sounds metal clanging and the forges burning went on. Many have chosen to take shifts into the night, never stopping in their preparations for the Long Night. He smiled slightly at their devotion and hard work, having something to fight for and someone to fight beside. True Northmen.
"Your chambers are the other way."
Aegon turned quickly, his hand flashing to his dagger until he realized who it was. "You're Arya Stark." Aegon relaxed, but only slightly. He lived his life on the run from Robert's assassins. Normally he never lets his guard down. But this girl was quiet and swift, inhumanly so. "Forgive me, I didn't see you there."
"That's the idea." Arya said cooly, hands clasped behind her back as she assessed the Dragon King. "You seem to be lost."
Aegon composed himself, "Yes, I was actually looking for the Queen in the North, there's something I need to discuss with her personally."
"She's currently bathing in her chambers." Arya stated, catching the way his eyes widened and a glint appeared in his violet hues. "Whatever it is you need to speak with Her Grace about can wait until morning." She was testing him, wanting to confirm her suspicions firsthand.
Aegon pursed his lips and contemplated his options. But the mental image of his future wife bathing and water running down her pale skin, the answer was too obvious for him.
"I'm afraid it's rather urgent." Aegon stated, trying to hide his discomfort, he desperately needed out of these clothes.
Arya smirked and tilted her head down the corridor, "Down that hall first door on the right."
"Thank you." Aegon said as he resumed his journey.
"The tub is big enough for two adults."
Aegon paused, nearly stumbled as he turned to see her mischievous smirk. "In case you're wondering."
Red faced and wanting to get out of her presence, he sped walked to where his Queen was located, needing her now more than ever.
That smirk never left her face as she shook her head, "That was too easy." She said as she left the corridor.
Lyra groaned as the hot water took all the tension from her aching road weary body. How she has longed for a bath since their stop at the Inn of the Kneeling Man.
With a long sigh, she looked up at the ceiling, but could never see the details above her. Today has been a long and arduous. There was still tension among the Northern Lords and distrust for the Dragon King. She hoped that with time, they can see Aegon as a worthy King as they did with her. Though trying to get her siblings to get along with Aegon will prove challenging.
The door clicked as quietly as possible before it creaked open as that familiar scent wafted towards her.
"Hello Egg." Lyra greeted as Aegon quietly shut the door.
"I was waiting until everyone was asleep. Mostly everyone." Aegon muttered to himself.
"I trust your journey here was without obstacles?" Lyra asked, crossing her legs underneath her as she leaned her head lazily in her hand.
Aegon grinned as he started to undress. "Well, I did run into your sister on the way here."
"Which one?" This caught Lyra's attention as she heard his clothes hit the ground.
"The frighteningly silent one. I have reason to believe she trained as an assassin before coming back here." Aegon theorized as he removed the last of his clothing before approaching the tub.
She raised her hand to touch him before her fingers were engulfed in his warmer ones. Aegon smiled as he kissed her knuckles like a gentleman before joining her in the tub, the water felt nice on his muscles.
"Well," Lyra moved closer until she was straddling his lap, "You're not wrong. After what happened at the Red Wedding when Robb and Lady Catelyn were murdered, she went to Braavos and trained with the Faceless Men." She explained as she held his massive shoulders while he grasped her hips.
"When I was little, I heard stories about killers who change their face the way man changes clothes. Your sister really learned from them?" Aegon asked as she traced patterns across his chest.
"Yes, and it turns out it was her who destroyed House Frey in one night after killing Lord Frey and wearing his face to poison his many sons, grandsons and great-grandsons."
Aegon's eyes widened, "One girl, in one night."
Lyra nodded, "I knew she would be capable with a sword, but I never thought she would become an assassin." She sadly said as she remembered the stories her precious sister told her that lead her back to Winterfell.
Aegon cupped her face, "Lyra, we all did what we have to do in order to become strong. It was never a straight road to begin with, but we're all here now. Take comfort in knowing that your sister can protect herself now. She needs those skills more than ever to fight in this war. I saw the Valyrian Steel dagger at her belt, she knows how to use it."
Lyra sighed as she leaned into his touch, how she longed for these hands. "Did she say anything to you when you bumped into her?"
"Not in many words, but I think she already knows the real nature of our relationship." Aegon said, feeling sheepish at being found out by his future in-laws.
Lyra breathed out a laugh, "You and I are not good at subtlety."
Aegon smiled, unable to argue about that. "So, when do you think is the best time to announce our betrothal."
Lyra grabbed the cloth that floated in the water and ran it along his skin. "Let's give it a few more days, maybe over family dinner. We want my siblings to like you." She said as she squeezed water over his head then ran her fingers through his wet tresses.
Aegon sighed at the feeling of her calloused fingers combing through his hair while he traced the soft curved of her well-toned body.
"It'd be nice for them to stop hating me." Aegon said as his face filled with sadness, "Gods know I've earned that from another."
She caught the feeling in his tone as she stopped her actions. "Egg, did something happen?" She asked, worried for her Dragon King.
Aegon looked into her tender clouded gaze that glowed in candle's light. How could he tell her that he hurt one of her precious friends? Especially one who has done so much to get them here? Fighting his own battles to help them win a war.
Letting out a resigned sigh, he held her close. "There is a person here I've indirectly hurt. I killed someone they cared about, someone who...committed treason against the realm and the House they were sworn to."
"Do they know it was you?"
"Yes, I told them. I felt they had the right to know what happened to them." Aegon sighed out through his nose, "They couldn't stand to be in the same room with me. Not that I blame them." He said, feeling so much guilt for hurting Samwell like that.
"Did you tell them the reason behind killing them?"
"I didn't have time to. Not when they were fighting like hell not to cry in front of me." He said remembering how Samwell struggled to stop the grief from crippling him.
Lyra gave him an understanding and sympathetic expression. "I know. I had to kill men who have done so much wrong. They had relatives who were good and decent people and believed that the bad men they've raised and grew up with could do no wrong." It was Lyra's turn to sigh, "Even when we explain the situation, it doesn't change our actions."
Lyra held his cheek, "Give them time to mourn their loved one. And when you see them, tell them what really happened, and apologize. Even if they can't forgive you, help them understand the reason behind your actions. I know this, because even though I hate killing, I have taken too many lives to ever earn forgiveness." She stated, reminding herself of the gut-wrenching guilt of ending one life after another. Even if it was war and in self-defense, she never felt peace at the action.
Aegon was silent as he contemplated her words before pulling her face forward for a kiss. Lyra responded, slowly igniting the flame that burned within her core that was eager to be quenched.
Lyra gasped as his hands grabbed her buttocks and pulled her against him, rubbing their lower parts together as they awakened the dragon and the wolf. She ground herself into his hardening manhood, she broke the lip-lock and held his shoulders tightly as he rained kisses along the column of her neck while tracing her curves. He groaned into her neck as she continued to gyrate against him before lifting her up and gently guiding his cock into her moist heat.
Both held back their moans as they became intertwined with each other's flesh, becoming one once again. It took her a minute to settle before rising up and coming down slowly, building their passion as they held each other. Aegon groaned quietly held her hips guiding her meet his thrusts as their bodies melded as one. Water sloshed around them with their movements, spilling over the tub and splashing onto the stone floor.
Aegon sucked on her neck as Lyra gasped sharply, biting her lips as she shuddered in her climax, triggering his as he groaned deeply into her neck. He thrusted into her a couple more times before unlatching his lips from her neck to give her a sweet passionate kiss.
Aegon felt the tension leave his body as they basked in the afterglow of their love making. Lyra fluttered her eyes close for a long moment as she came down from her high. Letting out a sigh, she ran her fingers through his hair and smiled before rotating her hips slowly, feeling him harden inside her again.
"I'm not done with you." Lyra whispered seductively as shivers ran through his body.
Aegon smiled, not one to complain at her initiation. "I'm all yours my Queen."
After SIXTEEN MONTHS, I am so glad to get season eight rolling. I know in the TV show Samwell revealed the truth towards the end of the first episode of season eight, but I want to take a little more time and let there be more build up.
Lyanna Mormont is my personal favorite character. Still sad she died on the show, but she went out like a boss. Mad respect for the Little She-Bear.
The Stark siblings, mainly Sansa, doesn't trust Aegon. But don't worry, he will win her over.
I couldn't resist Arya sneaking up on Aegon like that. Perfect opportunity couldn't waste it.
Okay, yeah, I know the lemon at the end was short, but I wanted my main focus to be on their arrival in the North.
Next chapter will have that dragon flight and Sansa consulting with Tyrion, plus something extra.
Thank you all for your patience after an arduous year long wait. I moved twice this year, wasn't pretty.
