Warg Maiden
Disclaimer: I do not own Game of Thorns
Chapter 51: Dragonglass
Imogen's POV
In the following days, Jon, Ser Davos, Skadi, our men, and I scavenged the beaches for caves that would lead us to dragonglass. Sam wrote in his letter to Jon about the possible location from the citadel's library. We found several caves that led to hot springs and a cluster of dragonglass, but not enough to forge weapons for an army.
Jon picked up a large chunk off the ground and handed it to me. The elements had smoothed it, making it appear like sea glass, as Ser Davos called it—a dark, opaque hunk of black glass. However, when I took a small hammer, I carefully chipped into it, which caused it to crack in layers, revealing the black volcanic glass.
I smiled as the torchlight reflected on the black glass. Jon picked up a shard and hissed as the sharp edges cut along his fingertip.
"Careful," I warned, taking his injured hand to assess the damage. "Dragonglass is sharp when broken."
Jon nodded as his eyes stared at me. I concentrated on his hand, noting it was a small cut. No need to waste material to mend it. Thus, I took his finger into my mouth, sucking the blood, tasting the salt and copper, before pulling it away, noting the wound had stopped bleeding. I looked up at Jon, and I saw his eyes wide. However, with the torch's light, it was hard to tell if there was a blush on his cheeks.
I cursed, for that was probably not normal with the Southerners. Letting go of his hand, I went to Ser Davos to show him the chunk's interior and the difference between sea glass and Dragonglass. Avoiding Jon's stare.
No words were said between Jon and me unless necessary. Our expedition continues as we search for more dragonglass. We found one at the end of a beach. It was a far distance as we reached the end of the beach. The cave was massive, while the entrance was slanted.
"Let's be careful in this one," Ser Davos said, "This part of the beach is known for uneven rocks."
We all nodded, lighting our torches, and began our search for dragonglass. The entry started wide, yet the further we got in, the narrower it became. Until we found a massive circular carven. From floor to ceiling, it was covered in dragonglass. There were also more tunnels. Jon noticed this and decided to call out. Ordering everyone to stay close to one another and not go into the other tunnels without a partner. I stay close to Ser Davos.
We continued as the rocks slowly began to turn into dragonglass. Not just a vein or a cluster but a significant amount of dragonglass along the walls and ceilings. I placed my hand on the smooth and rough exterior. I glanced at Ser Davos, who was quite impressed.
"I'm glad to see you approve," Ser Davos said.
"It's just…it takes words away," I replied
Ser Davos nodded as we continued. There was a black void up ahead. I raised the torch to make sure that there were no pits or drops. Ser Davos took a step forward, and that was when I heard a rumble. Going on instinct, I grabbed Ser Davos, pulling him away. Just as I did that, the sand beneath our feet crumbled away. Not thinking, I pushed Ser Davos away as I fell into the darkness.
"Imogen!" Ser Davos cried out.
I try to ground myself, grabbing onto anything. Pain engulfed my limbs with several cuts. I tumbled further into the darkness and then crashed on hard ground. I groaned as shock went through my body.
"Imogen!" Ser Davos called out.
"I'm here!" I shout back.
"Stay where you are, I'll go get help," he ordered.
I forced myself up and leaned against the cavern wall. I took several deep breaths, trying to regulate the pain. No doubt not one of my proudest moments. If Ethan and Aiden were here, they would have a laugh. Then again, any time I had a slip-up was amusing for them. I sighed, thinking about my brothers, wondering what chaos they were causing unless they had matured.
The torch was still ablaze as I reached for it. Picking it up, I used my other arm to help myself and looked around the cavern I was in. Pain rattles my ribs, and I lean against the wall, seeing the lights shimmering off the dragonglass.
As I raised the torch, I was face to face with the blue eyes of a White Walker.
.o0o.
Jon's POV
Jon and the men were making their way out of the cave. He winced seeing the light from the sun but was glad. This cave is an excellent start to harvesting the dragonglass. Skadi sat there tense. Jon frowned when seeing this and came over to her.
"What is it?" Jon asked.
He looked around to see if any threats were around. There were no dragons, the Dothraki, or Unsullied. So why is Skadi acting up unless…Imogen.
"Jon!"
Jon turned around to see Ser Davos running over. He stopped to catch his breath and looked at him. However, Imogen was absent.
"Ser Davos… where is Imogen?" he asked.
Ser Davos looked at him, "There was a pit, and the ground collapsed…. Imogen….she fell."
Jon cursed as he grabbed some rope and ordered a few men to follow. Ser Davos led the way to where Imogen fell. It was dark, but he could see the torch, barely making out Imogen in the limited light.
"Imogen!" Jon called out.
She did not respond. Not sure she was in shock, he tied the rope around himself as the men held the other end. Jon went over to the edge and slowly made his way down. Being careful to avoid the rough edges of dragonglass. When he reached the bottom, he untied himself and made his way over, placing his hand on her shoulder.
"Imogen," he murmured.
She turned her head to face him, her eyes glistening. He stared at her condition, noting a few scrapes and a cut on her forehead.
"Are you alright?" he asked.
She took a moment, blinking a few times, which made Jon wonder if she had another vision. However, she was standing and not having an episode. Could it be a concussion?
"What's wrong?" he asked again.
"They were here," she whispered, as a smile formed on her face.
Jon was confused, "Who was here?"
"The Children," she answered.
She lifted her torch, showing cave drawings of what could possibly be the White Walkers and small drawings with runes. The images of the First Men with weapons. Willowing carvings of what he assumed were the children of the forest. There was excitement in her tone despite her limp. She looked as if she had found something from her past. After all that had happened, she found relics of her second family.
"They were here!" She said again.
Jon followed her, seeing all the remembrance of the Children of the Forest.
"Jon!" Ser Davos called out. "Is Imogen all right?"
"She's fine!" Jon replied back and looked at Imogen.
Although it was hard to say with limited light.
Jon placed his hand on her shoulder, redirecting her attention to him. He could see all the emotions in her silver eyes—all the emotions she held when she was under the weirwood tree with the Three-Eyed Raven and the Children of the Forest, let alone the vision she had of their deaths.
She blinked a few times and bowed, "I'm sorry. I…I don't know what came over me."
"Imogen," he murmured, cradling her cheek, gently forcing her to look up.
She stared at him again.
There was an urge to kiss her. She held a wild beauty, especially when she was not in her warrior paints. However, Jon knows that this is not a good idea. With a sigh, he removed her hand.
"Let's find a way out of here," he said.
He did not feel comfortable climbing back up with her condition. Carefully, he took the torch away and used his other hand to hold hers, keeping a firm grip to avoid losing her in the darkness.
"We're going to find another way out!" Jon shouted. "Block the entry so no one can fall in again."
"Be careful!" Ser Davos replied.
Jon grunted as he led the way through the chamber to find a way out. He tried to calm himself, yet that moment of worry got to him. He wondered how injured Imogen was if she was unconscious or dead. Although he was thankful she wasn't, the feeling of worry brought back memories of Ygritte during the Battle of Castle Black.
Tightness filled his stomach.
He needed to stop comparing Imogen and Ygritte. Although they were Free Folk, they were different from one another. Ygritte was outgoing, while Imogen was reserved. Ygritte was the bow, while Imogen was the spear and blade.
Jon clenched his fist, and Imogen finally spoke, "Jon."
He stopped and turned to face her.
"Are you alright?" she asked.
"I think I should be the one to ask you that," he replied.
Her eyes narrowed, "Jon…"
"I'm fine," he assured her, forcing a small smile.
Imogen stared at him, then sighed, "You think the runes will be convincing?"
Jon paused, considering her words. The cave drawings and runes might convince Daenerys to join the Great War.
"It might," he guessed.
Imogen nodded, "hopefully."
Jon nodded as he spotted a tunnel and led the way out. There was an incline, a good indication of ground level. Slowly, they made their way out. As they entered the original cavern, he still kept his grip on her. Jon continued onward until they exited the cave.
Skadi spotted them, rushing over and nudging Imogen. The Warg winced slightly, which caught Jon's attention. Ser Davos came over.
"Are you alright?" Ser Davos asked.
"Just some bumps and bruises are all," she answered. "I've dealt with worst."
"Still, we should have a maester check on you," Ser Davos advised.
Although, Jon doubted there was a maester here.
"Did you mark the area off?" Jon asked.
"Aye, we did." Ser Davos answered.
Jon nodded, "We should probably look for more weak spots. Tomorrow, we will start mining."
Everyone nodded.
"Ser Davos, take Imogen back to the castle and see if there is a healer to take a look," Jon ordered calmly.
"I'm fine," Imogen argued.
"You have a limp," Jon countered.
Imogen glared at him.
"For my sake, please," Jon sighed, hating that he had to ask.
Imogen looked at him for a moment, then sighed, "Fine."
Jon held back his sigh of relief.
Skadi knelt down, and Imogen got on. She looked at Ser Davos and said, "Want a ride?"
"I prefer walking," Ser Davos grumbled.
Ser Davos led Skadi and Imogen back to the castle with nothing else to say. Jon watches them leave before focusing on securing the mine.
It would be dusk when Jon returned to find Imogen in the solar, as Ser Davos was examining her arm. She was wearing a tunic, rolling the sleeve up her shoulder. Jon could tell a bruise was taking form. Noting that Ser Davos was checking her wounds, Jon assumed no maester or healer was on this island.
"From what I could see on your arms and legs, you'll be bruised for a bit," Ser Davos declared.
"And the cut on her head?" Jon asked, getting their attention.
They both looked at him, and Ser Davos said, "Just a minor cut."
"Told you," Imogen grumbled as she lowered her sleeve.
Jon stared at the runes and band marks that held vine designs. A different tattoo than the wolf one on her neck.
"You said you landed on your side. I can see if Missandei can check your back," Ser Davos added.
Imogen looked at Jon as she pointed her thumb at Ser Davos, "This man worries too much."
Jon smiled a little, "Could you blame him."
Imogen sighed, shaking her head.
Ser Davos expressed his amusement. "Well, I'm going to see if we can have our meals brought up. Enough excitement for today."
Jon nodded as he watched Ser Davos leave. Once the knight was gone, Jon stared at Imogen. He noted that even with the candlelight, she was exhausted and had some discomfort from the fall.
"Should I ask Daenerys to send for a maester?" Jon offered.
Imogen shook her head, "She has other priorities."
Jon knows that this is true of the war between the two queens. The Dragon Queen is already at a disadvantage as Euron Greyjoy has eliminated the Dornish Fleet with the Greyjoy siblings. Jon wasn't sure how he felt knowing Theon was still alive at the time. Even though Sansa told all that Theon has done as Ramsey's slave…the actions he did to Winterfell, Rickon's account expressed Ser Rodrik and Maester Luwin's death.
"Are you sure your back is fine?" he asked
Imogen groaned, "Yes."
Jon snorted while shaking his head.
"If you want to see, go ahead," she added.
Jon felt heat in his cheeks, and she bluntly offered it. Yes, he had seen Imogen topless, yet the exposure of her breasts was once while she was being flogged. The next time he saw her topless, she had wrappings and bandages while she lay on her stomach. Although, when she grabbed Gilly, he saw the roundness.
Then he remembered the injuries she succumbed to from the flogging. He assumed her wounds had healed, but it had been some time. Based on her behavior, he assumed she was fine. Should he check on her back or ask Missandei to check?
"That won't be necessary," Jon said.
Imogen nodded as she looked at him. Those silver eyes seemed to illuminate, except in actual darkness. A part of him wondered if she was actually human.
Imogen sighed as she pulled out a small canteen, uncorking it before taking a swig. She leaned against the chair, "I thought I would never see their runes again."
"The Children of the Forest?" Jon assumed..
Imogen nodded, taking another swig, "When the Three-Eyed Raven wasn't showing me the past, or Bloodraven educating me…. the Children raised me. They taught me their language, how to hunt, how to fight, and how to heal. So, seeing their runes and drawings…I was overwhelmed."
Jon nodded, recalling how she reacted to the shock from the fall.
Imogen took another sip from her canteen before offering him some. Jon was hesitant before taking the canteen and sniffing it. A burning scent indicated it was liquor, but not as foul as fermented milk. There was also a fruity note to it, with herbs. Cautiously, Jon took a sip and was conflicted as he swallowed it down. A burning sensation went down his throat while the taste of elderberries and herbs lingered.
"Elderberry moonshine," Imogen said. "Fenrir left me a canteen before heading out."
Jon nodded as he handed it back to her. Imogen put the cap back on.
"One way to dull the pain," she said, then sighed.
Jon pondered about her drinking. Then again, he hasn't seen Imogen drink excessively…well, maybe the aftermath with blackberry wine with Sansa. Yet he always saw her take sips when traveling, but not enough to dull the senses. But taking a sip of that moonshine, as she called it, would be dangerous. The canteen seems full, so she hasn't been splurging on it.
It irked him that he was so focused on her.
A true thorn in his side.
Although, she did stab him one time.
Needing to change the subject, "We'll show Daenerys the mines and runes. Hopefully, that will convince her."
"I doubt it," Imogen said, resting her head on one hand as her arm was bent on the table. "She is like Stannis. Nothing matters but power."
Jon nodded to that.
After a while, Ser Davos appeared as if food was being brought. No words were said as the Unsullied dropped the tray. There was small talk as they ate their food. Jon noted the seasoning was from Essos with salt on the fish. Imogen once more was baffled by the taste as her eyes widened. Ser Davos couldn't help but comment on it as he tried to detect what the seasonings were.
.o0o.
The following day, they went back to the mines. Jon had requested that Daenerys come and see the mines. He had waited at the bottom of the steps while Skadi, Ser Davos, and Imogen got a head start. His men were already there as they set braziers in the mines to provide light.
As he waited, his thoughts lingered on how to convince Daenerys to support their cause and let the North be its own Kingdom. He thought about forging alliances through trade. Or support Daenerys in reclaiming the Iron Throne as allies. The last thing he wanted to do was forge a marital alliance.
As he looked up, the sounds of footsteps and women talking caught his attention. Missandei had a smile, and one woman gave after telling a person a moment that was pleasing. Daenerys was trying to pry more information from her advisor.
"Your Grace!" Jon called out.
The two women glance at each other with a smile. As Danerys took a step, her Dothraki generals followed. She turned around, speaking in Dothraki, which had them stay before she made her way down. Missandei and Daenerys came down to the sands, and Jon escorted them along the beach, heading towards the cave.
It was some distance, yet they made it. Skadi sat on the ground, and Ser Davos held the torch. Jon assumed Imogen was inside already. Ser Davos gave him the torch as Jon led the way.
"I wanted you to see it before we started hacking it to bits," Jon said.
Jon took the lead as the tunnel slowly became narrow. He led to the main cavern, where a brazier was. Igniting the brazier, the flames illuminated the room, exposing the dragonglass all over the cavern.
"Well, this is it," Jon said. "All we'll ever need."
Jon stared at Daenerys and Missandei's amazement at seeing the dragonglass. Obsidian may be a useless gem in value, but it holds a beauty that no one can deny.
"There is something else we wanted to show you, Your Grace," Jon added.
As Jon led the way.
.o0o.
Imogen's POV
I was in the cavern where the Children of the Forest left their marks. I can not say if they were written by my second family, but seeing the designs brought back memories of those under the Weirwood Tree. I roamed, tracing each rune and staring at each drawing.
So many emotions filled me, wishing I could preserve this cavern and allow no one in. However, that would be selfish, as dragonglass decorated the walls and ceiling. Jon promised this cavern would be the last to be mined. Allowing me a few weeks in this area.
I missed it so much.
I wish I could understand why they let me go. Did they somehow manage to communicate with Bloodraven and all agree that being the next Three-Eyed Raven was not meant for me? Were they trying to protect me, for I had become one of their children?
I will never know until death claims me. There, I will see them again and get the answers I desire. Even though Bloodraven gave me his, I still want to know theirs.
The sounds of footsteps caught my attention as Daenerys and Jon entered, each holding a torch. Daenerys stopped to see the runes on the walls.
"The children of the Forest made these," I announced. "Long before the Andals and the Rhoynar."
"When?" Daenerys asked as she looked at me.
"A long time ago, when they and giants roamed these lands," I answered.
Daenerys stared at the spiral runes in fascination, "They were right here, standing we're standing. Before there were Targaryens, or Starks, or Lannisters."
"They were not alone, as our ancestors traveled across the Arm of Dorne during the Dawn Age," I said, and Daenerys stared at me.
I gestured, and she followed as I showed her the cave drawings of the First Men. Though not as refined as the portraits I have seen in Winterfell, the silhouettes of men wielding weapons with helm-shaped heads indicated they were the First Men. Behind them were smaller drawings of the Children, while in the far back were the giants.
"They were here together, The Children, the First Men, and the Giants," I explained.
"Doing what?" Daenerys asked. "Fighting each other?"
"They did in the beginning," I answered before I moved across the chamber to reveal the answer. "But they found a common enemy." As the skeleton figures with blades and blue eyes. In front was the Night King, who had his horns of crowns on top of their heads. "Despite their differences, they worked together."
She stared at me, "How do you know all this?"
"Because they raised me for a time," I answered. "A child scared away by the Wights. Separated from her tribe and family. I thought my kin were dead, and they took me in. Raised me as their own."
"And where are they now?" She asked with fascination.
Took a deep breath, "The Night King found them and killed them all. They were fighting to protect their allies. Together with Man.""
Jon came over as he stood next to me, "We need to do the same if we're going to survive." He stared at the White Walkers, which Daenerys and I followed. "'Cause the enemy is real. It's always been real."
Daenerys faced us, comprehending what we were saying. The cavern was engrossed in silence. I pray to the Old Gods that she understands the true threat, which is not political.
"And you say you can't defeat them without my armies and my dragons?" Daenerys asked.
My chest tightens, for I know the answer she is about to give.
Jon looked down and then back at her. "No, I don't think I can."
Daenerys stepped closer as she stood in front of Jon, "I will fight for you. I will fight for the North."
Hope was written in Jon's eyes, yet like all ambitious people, they wanted something in return.
"When you bend the knee," she added firmly.
Jon expressed disappointment, saying, "My people won't accept a southern ruler. Not after everything they've suffered. "
She took another step forward, her violet eyes trapped in Jon's dark orbs, as she murmured, "They will if their king does."
I did not like this.
"They chose you to lead them. They chose you to protect them," she said, focused on Jon. "Isn't their survival more important than your pride?"
I step in between them, not liking how close she was to Jon.
"And does your pride demand more?" I asked sharply.
She blinked, staring at me.
"Does your pride demand things from others who fought for what is right?" I added. "You fought to protect. Why must you take?"
She stared at me, taking my words in.
"Can we not be allies, as you rule the South while Jon rules the North?" I asked once more. "The North doesn't want more power or this political game to rule them all."
She took a deep breath, "I will think about it."
I sighed because it was the best we had.
With nothing else to say, Daenerys headed out. I glanced at Jon, who expressed something I had hardly seen and could not describe. He bobbed his head in gratitude. I gave a small smile before following Daenerys to the main cavern where Missandei and Ser Davos waited. Nothing was said as we made our way to the beach. However, Lord Tyrion and the bald man stood while Skadi kept guard.
"What is it?" Daenerys asked.
"We took Casterly Rock," Lord Tyrion answered.
"That's very good to hear," Daenerys said, yet both men held a grave expression. "Isn't it?"
I assumed Castterly Rock was one of the Lannister territories. The name sounded familiar, yet Westeros has so much history that I don't remember much from it, only that it was built by the Casterly, something about mountain lions and gold.
However, according to Lord Tyrion, it has ruined our chances of Daenerys joining our cause. The Unsullied have conquered Casterly Rock, except Euron Greyjoy's fleet destroyed what remains of their naval forces.
Daenerys became furious, as was expected, as she stormed her way back to Dragonstone. Everyone followed her as we made our way back. Lord Tyrion and the bald man whose name has been given as Lord Varys, tried to speak reason with her.
"You'll want to discuss this amongst yourselves," Ser Davos suggested. "Perhaps—"
"You will stay," Daenerys ordered.
Jon glanced between Ser Davos and me. We kept our distance from the Mother of Dragons. Even Skadi walked beside me as I kept a hand on her furs.
"All my allies are gone." Daenerys ground out, trying to contain her wrath. "They've been taken from me while I've been sitting here on this island."
"You still have the largest armies," Lord Tyrion tried to reason.
"Who won't be able to eat because Cersei has taken all the food from the Reach," Daenerys countered.
"Call Grey Worm and the Unsullied back. We still have enough ships to carry the Dothraki to the mainland. Commit to the blockade of King's Landing." Lord Tyrion advised. "We have a plan. It's still the right plan."
"The right plan!" Daenerys bellowed, glaring at Lord Tyrion. "Your strategy has lost us, Dorne, the Iron Island, and the Reach."
"If I've underestimated our enemies-" Lord Tyrion started.
"Our enemies?" Daenerys interrupted harshly. "Your family, you mean."
Lord Tyrion stood his ground but was cautious.
Daenerys continued, glaring at Lord Tyrion, "Perhaps you don't want to hurt them after all."
The dragons screech, gaining our attention as they fly to the ocean. Daenerys turned her attention to them.
"Enough with the clever plans," she said, looking at us. "I have three large dragons. We are going to fly them to the Red Keep."
"We've discussed this," Lord Tyrion warned cautiously, not as a threat but as a reminder.
"Our enemies are in the Red Keep," she challenged. "What kind of a queen am I if I'm not willing to risk my life to fight them?"
"A smart one," Lord Tyrion objected.
Daenerys turned her attention to Jon, ""What do you think I should do?"
This caught him off guard, "I would never presume to—"
"I'm at war. I'm losing. What do you think I should do?" She clarified, coming over until she was right in front of him. Her violet eyes stared deep into his dark eyes.
I clenched Skadi's fur, not liking how close she was.
There was a screech as the gold and green dragon flew about the ocean.
Jon pulled back, staring at the dragons, "I never thought dragons would exist again. No one did."
Jon Snow looked at me, "The people who follow you know that you and your sister made something impossible happen. Maybe that helps them believe that you can make other impossible things happen. Build a world that's different from the shit one they've always known." He glanced at the dragons, "But if you use them to melt castles and burn cities, you're no different." He looked her in the eyes, "You're just more of the same."
Daenerys glanced at her dragons as she made her decision.
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