Warg Maiden

Disclaimer: I do not own Game of Thrones


Chapter 47: Two Raven Scrolls

One Month Later

Imogen's POV

A moon cycle has come and gone.

It has been a routine. I wake up and have breakfast with the Starks before doing a morning ride on Skadi to check on the Free Folk camps. Sent by my parents to secure protections for Winterfell. Although, I think it was a small army for my protection. A thousand Dires to my beck and call. They have helped in training the citizens of Winterfell. They have accepted us as we help train them and mend the structures of the Keep and city. As I see it, my people are fascinated by the southern side of the Wall.

Once I check on my people, I help train the children and daughters. Even though Dark Sister was strapped to my back, I showed them how to fight with bows and spears. As for the littles, I showed them how to wield knives and daggers. The children tried hard, yet they did not have the strength. The boys had some because of the chores they did. But the girls were…. delicate, with mild calluses from brooms and milking.

I tried my best to be positive, encouraging them that strength takes time. After each session, Skadi would come in, lie down, and allow the children to pet her. I think she does it for all the attention—being spoiled. Adults were scared, as those in battle had seen how Skadi fought or the fact that she was a wolf. Yet when Ghost joined for the pets and rubs, they seemed to ease.

Jon came over and saw this as he stood next to me. "What did you do to my wolf?"

Even though it sounded severe, there was a hint of humor as his lips twitched a small smile.

"I did nothing," I chuckled, shaking my head. "But children love rewards."

Jon nodded as we watched the children play with the direwolves. Bringing back memories of Lunar Haven, as one of the children's chores is tending to the pups with the mother wolves. The She-Wolf would signal whether it is okay to approach. We know that the direwolves are dangerous creatures, as some of the Dires lost a few fingers, a hand, or a leg. Yet we have made a relationship. Direwolves were not domesticated, but they joined us with their choice.

After training the children, I taught the adolescent girls. They were all nervous as they tried to fight. However, they struggled in their dresses and skirts. Thus, I created an uproar by having the girls wear pants. The men of fathers and grandfathers protested. But Jon and Sansa supported me, saying if it helps the ladies fight, then so be it. There was a slight compromise, as Lady Brienne suggested gambesons since they reach the knees or mid-calf. The men grumbled but conceded.

Lady Brienne helped me as she taught swords while I did spears. It was nice to have another female warrior. Although we don't talk much socially, Lady Brienne protects Sansa and trains others. Primarily, Podrick. But when she does, we share a good conversation. We kept suggesting a duel; however, we kept being interrupted before we could draw our blades.

Lady Brienne has a Valyrian sword. At first, I thought it was a well-polished sword with a pommel of a feline. I thought it was a shadow cat, yet Lady Brienne told me the feline was a lion.

"Oathkeeper," Lady Brienne told me its name.

I handed Lady Brienne my sword, and her eyes widened as I said, "Dark Sister."

She traced over the flame pommel, "The Sword of Visenya Targaryen."

I could only nod, recalling the vision of the white hair woman who fought valiantly like a shield maiden and spearwife.

"Where did you find Dark Sister?" Lady Brienne asked as we returned each other's swords.

"Under a weirwood tree in a cave," I answered. "Though Stannis stole it along with the Boltons."

Lady Brienne nodded, "Take good care of that sword."

I frowned, for I had spent nearly a year without it because of Stannis Baratheon and Ramsay Bolton. Lady Brienne frowned, staring at the blade as if she knew something but didn't say. We soon went our separate ways, as by late afternoon, I was with Jon and Ser Davos as we tried to compromise on a plan.

The Free Folk manned the Wall at East-Watch-By-The-Sea and the Night Fort. However, I found it humorous when a raven arrived from Commander Cotter, chewing Jon out for sending 'Wildlings' to his castle. He was lucky that he liked Tormund. The two have become drinking buddies. Commander Mallister has taken arms to man the Wall. If not, Edd is the new 999thLord Commander guarding Castle Black. All three gates allow any Free Folk to go through on the safe side of the Wall. Hearing this was shocking, as Jon gave a small smile of approval.

Meanwhile, my parents run the Nightfort, securing the locations of the abandoned castles along the Wall with House Overton's aid. Fenrir would warg a peregrine, and using my ability, we can communicate. Although peregrine was common, Fenrir could not warg in a far distance, so there were occasionally other birds.

So far, there haven't been any sightings of the White Walkers and wights. At least not a hundred miles north of the Wall. I can sense a heavy presence as many weirwoods gather around. Until I came face to face with the heart tree. It held the same aura as the heart tree back in the burrow.

I kneel before the heart tree, praying to the Old Gods. Made her way to the pool. Skadi, I felt the welcome presence as I placed my hand on the weirwood tree. Slowly, I allow my soul to connect, asking the Old Gods for their aid. A soft breeze assured me they would, especially regarding what I must do if Bran arrives.

If my dream had been true, Bran would have become the host of the Three-Eyed Raven, something that would have been my fate. Now, a boy contains an ancient spirit as the Night King seeks them. If I had Frigg, I would have her fly in search of Bran and Meera.

The thought of Frigg made my heart tighten.

I miss the Snowy Owl dearly. I miss being one with her in the sky, as she allows me to be, just as Skadi does on the earth. I had taken the fallen twigs to make ash for tattooing, and I was planning on making an owl on my skin. However, I couldn't come up with a design.

Thus, the godswood was my place to escape.

I placed my hand on the heart tree, allowing me to see the past. I saw many of Bran the Builder's descendants, the bloodline of Kilan joining now and then, and how House Stark was united for two thousand years…until the Andals came. I saw the separation as the kings of the North slowly forgot the past yet kept to the motto of 'Winter is Coming.' Many kings, with weddings and prayers in the Godswood.

I was watching a man sitting by the black water pool. He sat on the root, holding a great sword as he sharpened it. He had a long face and brown hair. A trimmed beard was beginning to gray, making him look older. His dark gray eyes were similar to stone. He wasn't handsome with a solemn expression, yet he found peace here.

As he sat there sharpening his sword. A great sword was simple, for the pommel was rounded, nothing ornate. Yet I could tell it was Valyrian steel from the dark smoke that rippled inside. Ice. House Stark's Valyrian sword, except Ice, was no more.

A sound of footsteps could be heard. The man raised his head, seeing a woman. However, my vision changed as Jon came into view with Ghost. He came over and sat next to me while Ghost went over to Skadi, a tired expression on his face.

"Long day?" I asked.

"And it is not even noon," Jon answered.

I chuckled softly as I stared at the common trees. There was a ring of weirwood, while in the center was the heart tree. Beyond the ring were chestnut, elm, hawthorn, ironwood, oak, sentinel, and soldier pines, along with bushes of blackberries. The sky was the brightest shade of gray, nearing white, but there were no blue skies.

We sat in peaceful silence.

Lately, when nothing needs to be done, we have enjoyed each other's company. Words were not required. And when we talk, we try to avoid discussing the Great War. Jon mentioned his past, how he never knew his mother and his childhood. As I told him, mine. He dealt with the Lady of Winterfell, and I with the Three-Eyed Raven.

It was our distraction.

But we can't linger on the past.

Maester Walkon came over. Jon stood up and walked over to the Maester. The older man bowed, handing Jon a small raven scroll before leaving. Jon held a confused look, staring at the seal. I couldn't make it out, other than it was black. Could it be a message from Edd? Jon broke the seal and began to read it. Many emotions were written on his face.

Curious, I got up and went over to see what it read. I stood next to Jon, noting the fine penmanship. On the edge of the scroll was a three-headed firelizard. One I recognize from under the burrow and the past. A three-headed dragon of House Targaryen. From what I've been told, House Targaryen has been extinct for over two decades, with the exception of Maester Aemon. I glance at who signed it.

"Ty-ri-on?" I asked.

Even though Bloodraven taught me how to read and write, names were difficult, especially when they came from different origins.

"Tyrion," Jon corrected.

I nodded, "He has fancy writing."

"That he does," Jon murmured.

I read the content or try to read it, then frown. Some woman who claims to be the rightful ruler of the Seven Kingdoms wants to forge an alliance and for Jon to bend the knee. Not long ago, the Queen in the South, Cersei Lannister, demanded Jon bend the knee. Now, this woman named Daenerys commands it, too.

"What's with women demanding you to bend the knee?" I asked.

Jon was lost in thought.

"Jon?" I murmured.

I reread the letter, seeing references I didn't understand until I saw something in the message: three dragons. This woman has three dragons. I thought firelizards went extinct during the Dance of Dragons. Bloodraven said some survived but fled Westeros.

I glanced at Jon as he stared at me.

"Dragons?"

.o0o.

We found Ser Davos with Sansa at the inner curtain. They were watching Rickon train with children around his age on archery. Even though Rickon was still recovering, the little wolf did not want to be weak. Much to Sansa's protest. Therefore, she watched as the archers trained him with caution.

Jon handed Sansa the letter before staring out to watch Rickon train. Sansa read the letter. I didn't quite understand what was happening, as the fancy writing made it hard to read. However, Jon and Sansa were able to read it with ease.

"You really think it's Tyrion?" Sansa asked. "It could be someone trying to lure you into a trap."

"Read the last bit," Jon said.

Sansa went back to the letter, "' All dwarves are bastards in their father's eyes.' What does that mean?

"It's something he said to me the first night we met," Jon explained. Then he looked at her. "You know him better than any of us. What do you think?"

Sansa did say she was married before Ramsay. To a dwarf who was kind and never touched her. Was Tyrion that man?

Sansa was hesitant as she thought about it, "Tyrion's not like the other Lannisters. He was always kind to me. But it's too great a risk. 'Seven Kingdoms will bleed as long as Cersei sits on the Iron Throne. Join us. Together, we can end her tyranny.'"

Ser Davos gestured for the letter, which Sansa handed over. He took a look at it.

"Sounds like a charmer. Of course, the casual mention of a Dothraki horde, a legion of Unsullied, and three dragons, a bit less charming," Ser Davos listed.

"Dothraki?" I asked, saying the harsh word. "Unsullied?"

"Dothraki are native horse tribes in Essos," Jon answered. "And Unsullied…uh…. eunuch soldiers."

Cockless soldiers, that's new, I thought.

Ser Davos paused, then looked at Jon.

"What?" Jon asked.

"Fire kills wights, you told me." Ser Davos replied. "What breathes fire?"

I paused and was the first to say it, "Dragons."

The realization struck us that there are three dragons. Three Firelizards that can fly and breathe fire. An advantage to burn wights. I have seen the power the dragons have. As I watch Aegon's Conquest to the Dance of Dragons. That their fire can melt stone and turn people into ash.

"You're not suggesting Jon meet with her?" Sansa asked with cautious worry.

Ser Davos shook his head, "No, too dangerous."

"But?" Jon asked.

"But if the Army of the Ded makes it past the Wall, do we have enough men to fight them?" Ser Davos asked in return.

All became silent.

"Imogen…" Jon spoke, then stopped.

I sighed, "The Night King woke up three hundred years ago. He has cursed the land for over three decades."

"Thirty years of getting an army," Ser Davos added.

"And Hardhome," I finished.

The number of wights might outnumber us.

As we let that information sink in.

.o0o.

The next few days, we all thought about the letter.

I had just finished my bath and washed my hair in the evening. Having a bath in a copper tub is a strange luxury, not like the bathhouses in Lunar Haven or the hot springs. Hot water was easily acceptable in the castle, which rested on hot springs, with piping in the walls that kept the castle warm in the colder season. It made me aware of how advanced the Southerners were compared to the Free Folk. Then again, the Free Folk had been separated for six thousand years.

I dressed in a borrowed evening gown while sitting by the vanity to brush my hair. Noticing my hair has gotten long enough to reach my waist. I debated on giving it a trim, but then again, it took several years to group out to this length. As nutrition is not the same. I stared at my reflection, noting the weight I had gained. The roundness in my cheeks, while my collar bone lesson in view. I wrapped my hand around the other wrist, realizing my fingers could barely touch my thumb.

Ever since Jon became Lord Commander, I had barely starved. Having at least two meals. I have changed physically, but I have truly changed inside and out. Sighing at the thought, I combed the brush through my hair. I stared at my reflection, thinking about how to braid it while humming a song.

"I am my mother's savage daughter

The one who runs barefoot

Cursing sharp stones

I am my mother's savage daughter

I will not cut my hair

I will not lower my voice

0

My mother's child is a savage

She looks for her omens in the colors of stones

In the faces of cats, in the falling of feathers

In the dancing of fire

In the curve of old bones."

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.

"Who is it?" I called.

The door opened as Sansa came in. She doesn't really present herself, unlike the others. Then again, she is the regent of the castle. She stepped in, noticing puddles by the fireplace and my appearance. The servants had come in collecting the copper tub and water not long ago. The She-Wolf was in her evening gown with a heavy robe.

"Sansa," I greeted.

"Am I disturbing you?" She asked.

"No," I answered, gesturing to her to join me by the fire.

She nodded, taking a seat in a chair. I went over, taking the other chair.

"You must have something on your mind if you are here at this hour?" I started.

Sansa sighed, "I don't know how I feel about the letter."

"About Daenerys Targaryen?" I clarified.

Sansa nodded.

I leaned over to take her hand and squeeze it. She stared at me with those blue eyes.

"I have seen many parts of history. All of Westeros, yet I can't seem to grasp all that has happened in the last fifty years. Can you tell me why you are hesitant with House Targaryen?"

Sansa took a deep breath, "House Targaryen…over twenty years ago, was ruled by Aerys the Second. He was known as the Mad King. He did horrible things, executing people by wildfire and deemed everyone a threat."

"Wildfire?" I asked.

Sansa grimed, "A green flammable substance that can be hot as dragon fire when ignited."

I scowled when hearing this.

"The Mad King had two sons at the time. Crown Prince Rhaegar and a boy named Viserys. During the False Spring, a tourney was held in Harrenhal. Rhaegar won the match and had chosen Lyanna as the new queen of love and beauty, placing the crown of blue winter roses on her lap. But Rhaegar was already married to Elia of Dorne, who was present at the tourney. And Lyanna was betrothed to Robert Baratheon, who was sitting right next to her with my father."

I took this information in.

"Barely a year, and Rhaegar kidnapped Lyanna. My uncle Brandon, who was heir at the time, was in Riverrun preparing for his wedding with my mother. They were betrothed…. Brandon heard of this, fearing the worst, and went to King's Landing to demand his sister's return. But neither Rhaegar nor Lyanna was in King's Landing. But the Mad King was and took Brandon's words as a threat. He imprisoned him, demanding my grandfather, Rickard, to come to the Red Keep to defend his son's action."

Hatred shimmering in her eyes.

"What happened?"

"I don't know all the details, but Rickard came, and a trial by combat was demanded. Instead of a Kingsguard to fight Brandon Stark… The Mad King chose wildfire, hanging my grandfather over it while my uncle was strapped to a contraption that strangled him as he reached for a sword. My grandfather was burned alive, and my uncle was strangled to death. Yet the Mad King was not satisfied. He ordered Lord Jon Arryn for the execution of my father, who was a ward at the time, and as a precaution, the death of Robert Baratheon."

"Which started a war," I assumed.

Sansa nodded, "My father married my mother to bring the Tullys to the fold. We won a bloody war when Prince Rhaegar came out of hiding. Both he and Robert fought at the Trident, in which Robert killed him. Meanwhile, the Lannisters joined the war and sacked King's Landing, killing the Mad King and Rhaegar's wife and children."

"You mentioned another brother, Viserys?"

"The Mad King sent his pregnant wife and son to Dragonstone. I don't know much of the details other than the queen died giving birth to a daughter during the worst storm in Westeros's history. Supporters took Viserys and Daenerys away to Essos, never to be seen again."

"And your aunt, Lyanna?"

Sorrow filled her eyes, "My father went to the Tower of Joy in Dorne. That was where Rhaegar hid her. He fought his way, only to find his beloved sister in a bed of blood. We assumed she was murdered, so our family could never have her back."

I squeezed her hand, "I'm so sorry."

Sansa took a deep breath, "It was a long time ago."

"Still, your family lost so much," I said.

Sansa nodded.

"And you think Daenerys will be like her father?" I asked, letting go of her hand.

"Most Targaryens are selfish people," she answered. "They take what they want."

"And you fear Jon will give the North back to her in exchange for dragons," I assumed.

"We fought for the North," she said. "After everything that has been done to us, we fought for our independence. If she demands, if Jon bends the knee… I will never forgive him."

"I don't think I would either," I agree. "I might stab your brother again."

"Again?" she asked.

"That's a long story," I chuckled to suppress those mixed emotions.

"That's something I want to hear," she smirked.

I chuckled, then glanced at the table. "If I'm going to tell you, we will need some wine."

Sansa gave a rare grin as I stood up and went over to the table where a pitcher of blackberry wine was, pouring two goblets. I gave her one before telling her the story of what happened during the battle of Castle Black, followed by the death of Ygritte.

As I felt my heart weep silently as I mentioned my wild sister's name.

.o0o.

Jon's POV

Jon entered the private dining room to find Rickon eating while both Sansa and Imogen seemed unwell. At first, he was concerned until he got closer to see Sansa nursing a cup of tea while Imogen was nibbling on some bacon. He recalled Sansa going to Imogen's room last night. Though, he wasn't sure when the conversation ended. Yet he recalled some laughter. Seeing this expression with Robb and Theon meant one thing…. they were hung over.

"I see you ladies had a good night," Jon said, slightly loud.

Imogen grimaced, "Shut up."

Sansa groaned and took a massive sip of her beverage. Jon chuckled, glad to see Sansa was slowly becoming herself again. And that Sansa has become friends with Imogen. Jon also had slight concern for Imogen since her father went back to the Nightfort and Tormund was at Eastwatch. Yet she managed, and the people of Winterfell have shown her some respect…. Minus the women wearing pants for training.

"What did you girls drink?" he asked as he sat down next to Rickon.

"Blackberry wine," Sansa mumbled.

Jon raised a brow, not thinking that blackberry wine would cause a hangover.

He decided not to ask any more questions as he made his plate. Imogen gestured to Sansa to eat, pointing towards the bacon and toast. Sansa complied as she ate. The two boys watched as the girls sobered up, yet Jon could tell they were slightly sensitive to their environment.

"Do you have training?" Jon asked.

Imogen shook her head, "The kids won a bet, and most of the women are bleeding."

Heat filled Jon's cheeks, for he did not want to hear that.

"Bleeding?" Rickon asked. "Are they alright?"

Sansa chuckled softly, "They're fine." She then stood up, "I need to go. I have to go over the inventory."

Rickon nodded as he stood, "I got training."

"Don't overdo yourself," Jon warned.

Rickon nodded as he left the room with Sansa.

Jon finished his meal and glanced at Imogen. "What were you two talking about that requires a lot of wine?"

"History," Imogen smirked.

Jon gave a questionable look, "About?"

"Robert's Rebellion, when I stabbed you," she listed. "Your most embarrassing moments."

Jon scowled, for when Imogen stabbed him…it was right after Ygritte's death. Over a year has passed. Ygritte will always have a place in his heart. However, he slowly moved on. Although mentioning the stabbing, and possibly Ygritte probably made Imogen drink more last night. They haven't talked about Ygritte since the pyre's burning back then.

Tormund said the Free Folk simply burn the dead and move on. However, after watching the Dires burn the dead, it was different. A part of him wanted to learn more about the Dires. Why were they different from the others? Maybe it's because they were led by the Wild Starks.

Jon sighed as he finished up breakfast. He needed to find more dragonglass and other Valyrian weapons. Imogen decided to follow him. Either to help or in need of a quiet space. Either way, her presence was welcomed. For the next few hours, they stared at maps.

"Where did the Children get their dragonglass?" Jon asked.

Imogen stared at Either way, the map was lost in a memory. "Snowylocks mentioned her people obtain dragonglass on the eastern coast in the southern region."

"So, we look in the east," he said.

Imogen stared at the map, "Dragonglass…obsidian…it's not like normal gems."

"It's volcanic glass. It comes from a volcano," he explained.

"Like the ones in Valyria?"

Jon nodded.

"Shouldn't we seek Valyria then?" she suggested.

Jon sighed, not sure how to explain that Valyria was a dangerous place. She had a good idea; however, after the Doom, Valyria was plagued. As he heard, people who contracted with Greyscale were doomed to become stonemen.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.

"Come in," Jon said as he stood up.

It was Maester Walkon, "A raven, my king. From the Citadel."

Jon was surprised. Then, one person from the Citadel came to mind: Sam. A year. Quickly, Jon took the scroll, thanking Maester Walkon. He opened it and read its content, confirming it was Sam. And Sam gave the answers he was looking for.

"What is it?" Imogen asked.

Jon stared at Imogen, remembering Lord Stannis mentioning dragonglass at this specific location.

"We're going to Dragonstone."

.o0o.

An assembly was brought in as the Lords of the North were called upon. It took nearly two weeks for the Lords and Ladies to arrive.

Jon held both letters, and he raised Sam's. "This message was sent to me by Samwell Tarly. He was my brother at the Night's Watch, a man I trust as much as anyone in this world. He discovered proof that Dragonstone sits on a mountain of dragonglass."

That seemed to please the Lords, as Lord Glover took custody of the message to read it. However, Jon knew the next letter would cause conflict. He took a deep breath and lifted it up.

"I received this a few days ago, from Dragonstone." He said. "It was sent to me by Tyrion Lannister."

Protests echoed around.

"He is now Hand of the Queen to Daenerys Targaryen," Jon continued. "She intends to take the Iron Throne from Cersei Lannister. She has a powerful army at her back. And if this message is to be believed, three dragons."

The disbelief and protest could be heard. Jon knows it is a risk not only taking word from a Lannister. But to forge an alliance with House Targaryen, knowing the wrongs they have done to House Stark. Jon knows his history, but seeing the army of the dead and knowing that it was rapidly growing, they needed all the help they could get.

"Lord Tyrion has invited me to Dragonstone, to meet with Daenerys," Jon said, then faced his siblings. More precisely, Sansa. "And I'm going to accept."

The protest continued as Jon raised his voice facing the lords, "We need this dragonglass, my lords! We know that dragonglass can destroy both White Walkers and their army. We need to mine it and turn it into weapons. But more importantly, we need allies! The Night King's army grows larger by the day. We can't defeat them on our own. We don't have the numbers. Daenerys has her own army, and she has dragon fire. I need to try and persuade her to fight with us."

Knowing he needs his council, he decides to take Ser Davos and Imogen. He did not bring a member of the Free Folk, which made recruiting difficult. Not giving the Free Folk a chance. Imogen was Boudica's daughter, an envoy for the Free Folk. It seemed best to bring her.

"Ser Davos, Imogen, and I will ride for White Harbor tomorrow then sail for Dragonstone," Jon finished.

The two were sitting next to each other and nodded.

"Have you forgotten what happened to our grandfather?" Sansa snapped, though restrained. "The Mad King invited him to King's Landing and roasted him alive."

The lords agreed.

"I know that," Jon confirmed.

"She is here to reclaim the Iron Throne and the Seven Kingdoms," Sansa continued. "The North is one of those Seven Kingdoms. This isn't an invitation, it's a trap."

"It could be, but I don't believe Tyrion would do that," Jon said. "You know him. He's a good man."

Lord Royce stood up, "Your Grace, with respect, I must agree with Lady Sansa. I remember the Mad King all too well. A Targaryen cannot be trusted. Nor can a Lannister."

The lords agreed.

Lord Royce sat back down, but Lord Glover stood.

"We called your brother king. And then he rode south and lost his kingdom."

Lady Lyanna stood, "Winter is here, Your Grace. We need the King in the North in the North.

The lords agreed, pounding on the tables.

Jon appreciated their concern, but he knew this had to be done.

"You all crowned me your king," Jon reminded them. "I never wanted it. I never asked for it. But I accepted it because the North is my home. It's part of me, and I will never stop fighting for it, no matter the odds. But the odds are against us."

Lord Glover and Lady Lyanna sat down.

Jon took a deep breath, "None of you have seen the Army of the Dead. None of you. We can never hope to defeat them alone. We need allies. Powerful allies." He faced Sansa. "I know it's a risk…but I have to take it."

Sansa stood up, "Then send an emissary! Don't go yourself."

"Daenerys is a queen. Only a king can convince her to help us," Jon explained. "It has to be me."

Sansa got frustrated, "You're abandoning your people! You're abandoning your home."

Jon smiled softly. "I'm leaving both in good hands."

"Whose?" Sansa demanded.

"Yours," Jon replied.

This baffled Sansa.

"You are my sister. You are the regent of Winterfell. Until I return, the North is yours."

Rickon stood resting a hand on Sansa's shoulder to show his support.

All eyes were on Sansa.

Jon knows he is making a wise choice.


Savage Daughter by Sarah Hester Ross

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