Winds of Change
Chapter 16: Home
AN: Hello all, firstly as always I want to thank everyone who reviewed the previous chapter. I also want to thank those of you who favorited, added to the alerts and those who asked about updates. I don't have much to say right now so here is the new chapter.
Brienne shifted unconsciously as she stood within the cabin that she shared with Rhaenys on Brandon Stark's ship. She wore a long flowing blue dress that seemed to cling to her exposing curves she often kept hidden and pushed up the swell of her breasts in a way that was sure to call attention to them.
"Stop fidgeting. This is not the first time you've worn a dress." Said Rhaenys.
She wore a purple dress that matched the color of her dragon. Her long dark hair was pulled into one large braid that went down her back with two curled strands framed her face.
"I feel like a fraud." Said Brienne
"But you are not. You are the sole child and heir of Lord Selwyn Tarth, one day to by the Lady of Evenfall." Said Rhaenys.
"I was never good at being a Lady." Said Brienne softly bringing Rhaenys up short.
"I mean I tried for my father's sake if nothing else. I wasn't that bad with stitching; I learned the hymns and how to run a household fairly well too." Said Brienne.
"So, what's the problem?" questioned Rhaenys.
"First, I can't dance. I've always been taller than other girls and many of the boys. My hands and feet are also too big for a woman, which wasn't helped by my clumsiness. I was liable to trip and fall at any given moment. Then there are my looks, until I went North my teeth were too big and crooked, and my mouth was too wide. They used to call me horseface when they thought I couldn't hear them, that or Brienne the Beauty." Said the blonde turning so that she could look Rhaenys in the eye.
"I begged my father to let me train in arms and when King Eddard came to Tarth, I begged him to send me North. I haven't worn a dress or done anything 'befitting a Lady' since then." Said Brienne.
"Well, you have certainly changed since you left home." Said Rhaenys looking her over.
Her teeth for starters no longer seemed too big, instead they now fit her mouth and appeared straight without even small gaps between them. Her straw-colored hair had grown, no longer short and stringy like when she first met the taller woman, but long enough now that it was in a Northern braid style. Her breasts were surprisingly large, mostly because she usually hid them, both in binding and her normal choice of dress which includes her normal wolf robes.
"We will have to start your lessons in a few days after we have settled in Sunshire. We will teach you how to do all the things your lessons in Tarth did not cover or you did not take to. You'll also learn to play an instrument. Your father allowed you to embrace your calling as a warrior and so for him you will also embrace your position as a Lady." Said Rhaenys softly with a smoldering look in her eyes that usually led to clothes being removed.
Blackfyre felt heavy, even after the length of time he'd had possession of his House's ancestral sword Rhaegar still felt the weight of it. It wasn't the physical weight, Valyrian Steel was legendary for its light weight, it was more the responsibility possessing the sword entailed. Blackfyre had been in the possession of House Targaryen since before the Doom of Valyria and since the Conquest had become known as the Kings Sword for it had been the very blade wielded by Aegon Targaryen when he and his sister-wives first conquered and united Westeros.
Aside from that the sword carried with it the history of House Targaryen both the good and bad, for the last three centuries, including the Blackfyre Rebellions and the Dance of Dragons, which were only two of the major happenings the sword had been involved in. As such when Jiraiya first presented it to him when he set sail from Westeros, he'd been rendered speechless as it had been lost for some time, apparently kept by the side of Brynden Rivers beyond The Wall. When Jon had gotten far enough in his training, he'd offered him the blade only for him to decline declaring that he would forge his own, a new sword for a new era.
He'd also offered the blade to Aegon who hadn't even let him finish offering before turning it down. That did not surprise him as Aegon took after his uncle Oberyn and balked at the amount of responsibility the sword represented. He'd also stated that many in Westeros and perhaps even Volantis and Essos would see his possession of the sword to mean that he was another contender to back for the Iron Throne. In the end he'd been convinced to keep the blade and that perhaps it would remain in Sunshire for the rest of time.
Now he wielded the blade alongside Anduril, the Ethium blade that had been gifted to him after he wed Lyanna. He had not expected that he would wield his blades in war after leaving Westeros prior to the Rebellion, especially not after he'd taken over the governance of Sunshire, but he was now doing just that. For nearly two years now war had been waging across the continent and he'd gotten to see how the people of Yohai waged war firsthand. It wasn't too different from how things were done in Westeros; numbers were still one of the most important factors. The difference was in how those numbers were used as the usage of magic on the battlefield changed how things operated.
Arrows and siege engines were replaced by benders who launched fireballs and boulders at opposing forces. Shield walls were replaced by earthbenders creating rock walls to block attacks and so on. Traditional weaponry in truth only came into play when the sides were too close to rely on such magic at which points spears, swords, axes and the like would be utilized. Rhaegar had surprised many of the nobles from Yohai as he'd been in the thick of the fighting alongside his goodfather and the Wolves since their first engagement.
He'd brought the smallest force, only 300 warriors, but of that number none had fallen in battle while the same could not be said for any other noble and their forces. His goodfather had also been in the thick of the fighting alongside his direwolf Cloud, a grey and white direwolf that stood nearly to Rickard's shoulder, who himself was no small man at 6'5". Needless to see the Wolves had developed a reputation during the fighting amongst ally and enemies alike.
Rhaegar's dragon Moon Knight however had not seen any use in the battle, such a thing was considered unnecessary and beneath the dignity of a dragon according to the Emperor. Moon Knight didn't see things in such a way, but Rhaegar would admit he was glad the people of Yohai held dragons in such high esteem as while he hadn't lived it he remembered his lessons on the Dance of Dragons well and had no interest in repeating such a thing.
At the moment he was making his way to the command tent. They'd won the last battle decisively and as things looked like they would be settled here they would probably be leaving the area soon. Upon entering the tent, he was not surprised to find his uncle Aemon already inside as he and Emperor Naritono had formed a quick friendship. The two were currently sharing a pot of tea, one of the things that led to them becoming so friendly.
The tent began filling quickly after that with Rhaegar giving nods of acknowledgement to many of them that he'd come to know over the last two years. Lord Malon Galraenos for example was the father of one of Jon's betrothed Eraena and Head of House Galraenos, one of 7 lords aside from himself within the tent who was of Valyrian descent. The last to enter was his goodfather Rickard Stark, which wasn't a surprise as if he wasn't the first to arrive he was the last. His goodfather and Emperor Naritono shared a look before the Emperor motioned for the Grand Protector to begin.
The Grand Protector, Luo Zan was not a very tall man standing at just 5'9". Despite this he was considered a Master level Earthbender and was known to have mastered several different fighting styles. He joined the military as a young man and had worked his way up to his current position in less than 200 years. He was the youngest Grand Protector in history, the first to be under 300 years old upon attaining the post.
"I know we have several reports to make regarding the last battle but right now I'm putting that on hold." Said the man causing several eyes to narrow.
"I've just received confirmation that Sozin has already left Fosey and is believed to be heading to Urydale, backing the initial reports from the Wolves." Said Luo Zan
Frowns crossed the faces of many within the tent at this news. Urydale was the capital city of Zastil on the North-East side of the continent. They were currently about a day's ride to Fosey which was in Nosmil, Southern Yohai.
"Urydale is a port city, is he trying to flee?" questioned one of the men.
"No, men like him won't flee like this, his ambition won't allow it." Said Naritono
"Chancellor Jurobei believes that Sozin is trying to garner more support." Said Luo Zan.
"Urydale doesn't have the manpower to support him." Said one of the Lords dismissively.
"Still it's a cleaver move. Urydale is the top supplier of steel on the continent." Said Rhaegar
"Sozin gaining control of that supply would give him a tactical advantage, if not a numerical one." Said another of the Lords.
"Perhaps but Lord Hirayama has control of that territory, I highly doubt he'd give up control of it." Said Luo Zan.
"Lord Hirayama is amongst the most powerful Lords in Yohai correct?" Questioned Aemon
"Yes. Lord Hirayama descends from Emperor Takeo. Furthermore Lords Okino and Kamiya are his cousins, between the three of them they can control the majority of the Northeast." Said Lady Ishikura Yuki.
Lady Yuki was one of the most respected individuals in the room. She'd grown up as her elder sister was a priestess that the Emperor had taken as a mistress. Lady Yuki herself had started as a simple servant in the palace yet despite that had risen to the point that she served as the Emperors personal guard for nearly four centuries before ending her service. In reward for her service she had been granted a position amongst the nobility though no one had claimed her as of yet.
"Regardless we need to move fast if we hope to catch him and end this before winter hits." Said one of the lords frowning.
"We cannot take the entire army and hope to catch them. Armies simply don't travel fast enough for that." Said Lord Okabe
Rhaegar found himself agreeing with the man surprisingly enough. Okabe Tanemoto he'd found was amongst the snobbish nobility types that Rhaegar held disdain for even in Kings Landing as a youth. He tried not to be judgmental as Tanemoto was amongst the youngest of the Lords assembled, and a young Lord in general as far as Yohai was concerned. Rhaegar was of course the youngest person in the room though didn't appear as such due to growing up in Westeros.
"Yuki, take 10 of your best and ride ahead." Said Naritono
"Of course." Said the woman bowing towards the man before standing and leaving the tent, Rhaegar was sure his weren't the only eyes that followed her out.
"What else?" questioned the Emperor.
"A bit of lighter news for once. We've received word that the exhibition team sent to Valyria has returned. At this moment they are less than an hour from arriving in Sunshire escorting the current King of Northern Westeros." Said Luo Zan
"Why would this king leave his seat?" questioned one of the lords
"His children, my grandchildren have been in Sunshire for some time staying with us. If Eddard has come it is only for a short visit as he will more than likely be taking his children home with him." Said Rickard getting a few understanding nods.
"Go home Prince Rhaegar. There is nothing more you can do here for now anyway." Said Naritono sending a look Rhaegar's way.
Without a word and a short respectful bow Rhaegar, Aemon and Rickard stood and left the room. Rickard as usual was the only one not to bow but send a nod the Emperor's way instead. Rushing to their personal tents the three men grabbed their most necessary possessions, gave command to their seconds and left the camp. All activity in the camp stopped as a pair of dragons settled down not far from the camp with Rhaegar and Aemon climbing on to their respective dragons. Rickard's direwolf Cloud reluctantly climbed into the carrier on the side of Moon Knight's saddle with Rickard securing him in place before he too climbed onto the dragons back. Once settled the dragons took back to the sky and within a minute were out of sight.
Jon stood on the deck of the ship arms crossed as he stared out at the horizon where already he could see the shores of Chuidan and specifically Sunshire in the distance. After four months away from home he was truly looking forward to the return and to the comfort of his own bed. There was also the fact that while only four months had passed for them much more time would have gone by in Sunshire, and he looked forward to reuniting with the rest of his family and learning all that he'd missed. The dragons sensing they were close to home had already flown ahead of them back to their nest in the mountain near the village.
"Watching the shore will not make it reach us any faster." Came the unmistakable voice of his younger brother Aegon.
The words did not get him to turn away from the view, nor were they meant to as two figures settled beside of him, one to the left and one to the right. Aegon and Robb settled on his left and right respectively, both dressed in their finest as opposed to the wolf robes they'd left in much as he was. While he didn't see the point Rhaenys was insistent that they dress befitting their stations for their arrival, especially because they were returning successfully.
Jon had taken her words and put a spin on it and as such instead of just wearing the fine clothing he knew his sister wanted them to wear he'd directed his brothers to add to it and as such all three of them were currently wearing Valyrian Steel armor over their tunics rather than the overcoats they normally would have worn. The armor had been recovered from an armorer's shop in Valyria that had been surprisingly unscathed, and they'd been lucky to find some that fit them as most of it was designed with larger individuals in mind. Adding the armor was no hardship as the weight was practically nonexistent owing to the magical nature of the material.
"No, it won't. But we are close enough that it won't be a long wait." Said Jon after a few moments.
"I admit I'll be glad to be back as well. The trip was nice but there is only so much to do confined to a ship." Said Robb
"Jon is just itching to get back to his forge." Said Aegon smirking.
"There are a few other things I'd like to do as well. Sleep in my own bed and eat some quality food are the first that come to mind." Said Jon.
"There is sure to be a feast thrown for this." Said Robb
"That's what I'm talking about, good food and a nice comfy bed!" exclaimed Aegon with a grin.
Sansa stood naked as she eyed herself in the looking glass trying her best not to frown. Her vibrant red hair was pulled back and into a tail that went from the top of her head to her mid-back allowing her face with its high cheekbones and deep blue eyes to be seen clearly. In the nearly two years since Jon, Robb and the others had set out for Valyria she felt she had changed a lot. Her relationship with Margaery was now long over and while they would probably always be friends what they once had was gone. She tried not to think about that too much, it had always been destined to happen and she'd known that since the beginning.
Learning that her lover had been betrothed to Naruto along with Arya and Visenya Targaryen hadn't gone over well with her. While she was admittedly upset about the situation she hadn't caused a scene and had instead thrown herself into her training. Healing, swords, archery, waterbending, airbending and anything else that caught her attention or was presented to her and while she was already training in these things she'd put all of her focus and energy into them since then.
The result of this could be seen in her body as while she was still tall and trim she was now covered with compacted muscles including her abdominals, which had four that stood out. While she wasn't yet as tall as she knew she would be her tits were larger than they'd ever grown before with small pink nipples. Past her abdominals was a thatch of vibrant red hair that hid her cunt like a curtain. Her legs were long and smooth but with muscular thighs and calves.
Taking it all in she really didn't see why she still didn't have a betrothal set. She knew she was desirable; she was not blind to the looks she received from both men and women. Even her aunt Lyanna sometimes looked at her as if she wanted to bed her, not that it would be a difficult task for her to do if she acted. Jeyne Poole, her best friend even now, thought that perhaps she would marry Jon or Aegon, but she personally doubted that. Both would have multiple wives, and she knew her father wouldn't put her in that kind of position.
Shaking those thoughts from her mind she dressed quickly putting on her small clothes and a green dress that she personally made before releasing the bind in her hair causing it to spill down her shoulders. She was just in time as her door opened admitting her Ladies with Jeyne leading the way along with Beth Cassel and Wynafryd Manderly.
"Sorry we're late." Said Jeyne
Even as she spoke she immediately walked behind Sansa and began fixing her hair so that the curled ends looked more orderly.
"It's fine. I took a bit more time to relax myself." Said Sansa
While Jeyne worked her hair Wynafryd came over to her with a pair of flat sandals that she slipped her feet in. She would admit that she'd grown fond of the sandals as she'd never be able to wear such shoes in the North, she'd freeze her feet even in summer. Boots would always remain the footwear of choice in the North. Quickly Jeyne stepped back and Sansa turned to face the looking glass once more to take in her image.
"That'll have to do, we have to go." Said Beth.
"What's the rush?" questioned Sansa, even if they had a schedule to keep they never rushed her.
"Robb and the others have returned. The dragons arrived first and according to the scouts there are several other ships accompanying them including the Interceptor." Said Beth.
Sansa's eyes widened at that news, not just for the safe return of her family but the news of the Interceptor which was her father's personal ship. That meant her father was coming and most likely her mother and Rickon as well.
"I've already told the staff to prepare two of the unused family quarters." Said Wynafryd.
"Thank you." Said Sansa.
Wynafryd being the firstborn daughter to the Heir of House Manderly was the only one in a position similar to her own and as such was trained in how to run a household before she even came into her service. There were times like today when the older girl did things without her prompting simply because she already knew what to do in that instance unlike Jeyne or Beth, though they were learning.
"Right then let's go." Said Sansa.
As the ships pulled in and docked in the port of Sunshire, Jon wasn't even trying to hide his smile at finally returning home. Of the ships that travelled with them three took the the docks closest to the group. On the left side flew the banner of House Nymeros Martell, a red sun pierced by a golden spear on an orange background. The other two ships both flew the banner of House Stark. The ship on the right was his uncle Brandon's ship the Javelin, while the center ship, the one Jon was on was the Interceptor, the ship of his uncle King Eddard Stark. As the ramp was lowered he turned away from the crowd just in time to find the girls emerging from below deck.
His eyes widened at the sight of Brienne in a sapphire blue dress with the curves the outfit displayed clear to see along with the swell of her breasts. Her blonde hair had been released from the northern style braids it was usually in and was now being worn long flowing down to her shoulders. This he knew would garner her even more admirers amongst the populous. Rhaenys followed behind her in a deep purple dress and her dark hair was worn down though the ends were curled. Daenerys brought up the rear wearing a white and blue dress with two braids framing the top of her head like a crown while the rest of it was worn straight down her back. Following them came Dacey and Talissa the former seeming as uncomfortable in her dress as Brienne did.
"Good you are all here."
Turning towards the voice Jon was greeted by the sight of his aunt Catelyn walking alongside his uncle who had baby Rickon in his arms. Following at his uncle's side was his direwolf Maverick, the old wolf had stayed within their cabin for the majority of the trip. Jon understood, he well remembered how much Ghost had disliked travelling by sea and to make matters worse Maverick wasn't a small creature. At 14 years old the direwolf was five and a half feet, taller than many full-grown horses that Jon had seen.
"I worried we would have to send someone to collect you." Said Catelyn looking pointedly at the group of ladies.
"Well, no sense waiting here any longer, I doubt I am the only one ready to be on solid ground once more." Said Eddard before giving the command to lower the gangway.
Steeping clear of the gangway and onto solid ground they were greeted by Priestess Kitara who welcomed and congratulated them on a successful expedition. While they began the process of unloading the ships Jon and his group were led to an area where several carriages were already waiting which the ladies were quickly settling into along with baby Rickon. The men however were provided with horses to make their journey, though they were joined by The Sand Snakes who also opted for horses.
The didn't take off immediately however, instead they waited as a number of men came from the ships carrying between them a dozen chests that were soon being loaded into a wagon. The Tyrell and Tarly brothers were soon all perched in the back of the wagon as if to guard the chests while Brandon and Ashara Stark took up the coachman and passenger positions. As they got going those travelling by horse quickly took up a formation surrounding the carriages and the wagon which truthfully none of them felt was needed. Upon exiting the port and entering Sunshire proper the group were greeted to a cheering crowd as much to their surprise the streets were full of people lined up on either side welcoming their return.
Such a sight was not one any of them had been expecting. Jon recognized several children in wolf trainee attire, but he also recognized many other people who were natives of the land, many of them were civilians but he also noticed several of them wearing the garb of priests or priestesses. While unexpected Jon quickly realized that news of their journey must have spread in the time that they had been gone and many people, even amongst the civilian population now had Valyrian heritage.
The line of people formed a path that they had no choice but to follow which thankfully led them directly to where they wanted to go, the Targaryen/Stark manse. Upon arriving in Sunshire all those years ago Rhaegar had been gifted a large estate with the main house boasting 22 rooms of its own that he just didn't know what to do with. When Rickard and Lyarra Stark arrived years later Rhaegar had quickly offered them space within which they gracefully accepted.
As they arrived at the gates of the estate in front of the main house Jon was not surprised that a welcoming party already gathered outside in the center of the crowd stood his mothers Lyanna Stark and Elia Martell, accompanied by Prince Lewyn and several others dressed in the robes of the Royal Guard. His grandmother Lyarra Stark and Aunt Fringilla Stark stood beside his mother Lyanna. Arya and Bran stood with Alara and Naella and the rest of his Stark cousins at the front of the crowd having most likely been some of the first amongst their families to arrive. Sansa stood with her Ladies as well as Missandei, Alysane and Lyra Mormont. To the left of Elia stood her mother Kiera with Visenya, Quentin Martell, Ellaria Martell and Oberyn's younger children.
His grandmother Rhaella stood beside his aunt Shaena alongside Lady Tsunade and Lord Jiraiya. Naruto and Hinata along with his parents Minato and Kushina stood not too far off while Sakura and Sasuke stood a little further back though not far enough that they would be considered separate. Even Olenna Tyrell made the trip alongside her daughter and granddaughter. There were many other people as well, but the absence of his father, grandfather and Uncle Aemon was more noticeable to Jon. Before he could dwell on that a pair of roars had him looking up in time to see Moon Knight.
The bath felt wonderful after being at sea for so long, but it was the comfort of his own bed that Jon enjoyed more. When he woke he was slightly surprised to find his mother sitting at his bedside, a small smile on her face. Seeing them together most would probably assume she was one of his sisters as she possessed looks of someone in their twenties. Considering that she was only sixteen when he was born she wasn't truly old at 28 but he knew that she would age incredibly slowly going forward and would probably spend the next century looking as she did if she didn't spend too much time away from Yohai and its magic enriched food and water.
"I hear you've had quite the adventure while you were away." Said Lyanna frowning when Jon shuddered.
Standing she motioned for him to sit up which he did. Moving his pillow so that it was on its side she sat with Jon quickly placing his head in her lap. She hadn't seen Jon react with such fright in decades, it wasn't as bad as when he would wake in the night screaming, but the fear was there as evidenced by the haunted look in his eyes. He relaxed soon enough though that didn't stop her from running her fingers through his hair.
"You handled yourself very well and protected our family. I don't want you going back there anytime soon though." Said Lyanna.
"I just want to stay like this for a while." Said Jon getting a soft smile from his mother.
"You know I promised myself when you were born that I wouldn't be one of those clingy mothers, sometimes you make it hard to keep that promise my love." Said Lyanna.
"Love you too muna." Said Jon sleepily before drifting off once more.
Nearly an hour later Jon's door opened, and Rhaella Targaryen had to stifle a gasp at the sight that greeted her though she couldn't hold back her smile. Jon was sleeping with his head in his mother's lap while Lyanna had drifted off as well resting her head on one of the decorative pillows pinning it against the headboard. It was a beautiful scene worthy of a portrait and took her back to when her children were just that and she could do such things.
She wished more than anything to just let them stay as they were, unfortunately duty beckoned once more and as such she couldn't. She woke Lyanna first her good-daughter looking at her in a bit of confusion at first until her mind woke from its slumber as well. Lyanna took a few more moments, no doubt committing the image to memory before waking Jon who looked at his mother in confusion before she looked pointedly in her direction.
"Sorry to wake you dear. Your father wants us to gather in the family room." Said Rhaella
"Okay, I'll be there. I just need to get dressed." Said Jon.
As he said this he removed the sheets and blankets covering him revealing a sight that made Rhaella smile as he was wearing a set of the silk sleep clothes she purchased for him. Rather than the long nightshirts, which Jon hated and called dresses for boys, the set was instead a lightweight shirt and pair of trousers. As Jon moved to his closet the two women left him alone to dress.
It didn't take long for Jon to dress and soon after he was escorting both his mother and grandmother into the family room. The room itself was large with the far wall made of mostly glass to let in lots of natural light which went well with the furniture which was in a color called cream that he'd never seen outside of Sunshire. Multiple couches and chairs decorated the room with the centerpiece being a large custom-built 'U' shaped couch that faced the window and thus the garden, all of which were designed for comfort.
The left side of the room was dominated by a grand piano made of white marble atop of which sat his father's harp. The room had been the first joint project between his mothers when they first arrived in Sunshire and rather than decorate the room in any of their house colors they decided on neutral colors and things built from there. Jon remembered spending a lot of time in this room when he was younger alongside Rhaenys, Aegon and Daenerys learning to play music.
He'd learned to play multiple instruments, but his favorite had been the piano. Rhaenys favored the violin and the harp, Aegon liked the lute and Daenerys played the flute. His mother Elia didn't play any instruments, in her words she didn't have a gift for music. That didn't stop her from encouraging all of them to learn how to play when they were younger, nor was it stopping her with Visenya, Alara and Naella.
Upon entering the room Jon found all three sides of the family were almost fully gathered, including his and Robb's harems, with the only ones missing being Robb, Arya and Bran. Sansa sat beside her mother looking like her miniature especially as she was holding Rickon in her lap who was giggling as she lightly tickled him. Catelyn herself had changed, now wearing a dark blue dress with brown accents that exposed her midsection. She was also now adorned in golden jewelry including necklaces, bracelets, earrings and headpiece the centerpiece of which sat in the center of her forehead.
As his mother and grandmother found seats for themselves Jon was quickly pulled so that he was sitting on the couch with the twins on either side of him. The girls hadn't changed much in the time he'd been away, which he was happy to see, Visenya had gotten a little taller but that was the only change he could see.
Robb entered the room not long after he sat with Arya on his back and Bran walking beside him holding his hand. Upon entering Robb took a knee and Arya slipped off of his back landing lightly on her feet before darting across the room and climbing onto her father's lap. Bran as always followed after Arya but ended up sitting on the floor in front of his mother.
"It's been a very long time since we were all together like this. Ned thank you for ensuring they all made it back safely." Said Rhaegar getting a nod from his uncle.
"Maybe next time we gather like this Doran will make it." Said Elia getting a snort from Oberyn.
"Careful sister, anymore of us gathered like this will mean Westeros loses the last bit of sense on the continent." Said Oberyn getting a few chuckles and indulgent smiles through the room.
"Now then the reason for this gathering. I want to congratulate all of you on completing the first successful expedition to Valyria since The Doom. I want to especially congratulate Jon, Rhaenys, Daenerys, Aegon and Robb for leading this mission." Said Rhaegar.
At this there was a cheer throughout the room and Jon ducked his head at the enthusiastic applause from his cousins, aunts and uncles.
"I know you all are looking forward to a feast. However a big one is going to have to wait as the Emperor has already learned your trip was successful and will be coming here to congratulate you all himself." Said Rhaegar surprising several of those within the room.
"So tonight we shall have a smaller feast just for the family and close friends to celebrate." Said Rhaegar which was fine with everyone as they would still be eating good that night.
"For those who have not yet heard the news when they left Valyria they took all that several large ships could carry and still only took a small portion of the wealth that Valyria had to offer. According to the inventory there were several dozen chests of varying sizes containing gold and silver coins, various jewels and enough Valyrian Steel weapons to supply a small army. I have also been informed that the contents of the Sorcerer's Tower and the library were retrieved." Said Rhaegar causing large grins to cross the faces of those who hadn't known.
"In other news while you were all away a few things happened here that you should be aware of." Said Elia bringing attention to herself.
"Betrothals have been made for Visenya and Arya with Lord Naruto." Said Lyanna causing several eyes to widen not the least of which belonged to Ned and Catelyn.
"Lady Hinata approached us not long after you all left." Said Lyanna before either her brother or his wife could speak.
"She made an offer I couldn't refuse." Said Arya tucking herself into her father's chest.
"Oh what exactly was this offer?" questioned Eddard his face and tone hard as granite.
"Immortality." Said Lyarra stopping those who hadn't known cold.
"She will bond us further to our companions and when we die we will be reborn in their image in a realm that exists outside of time and all of our descendants will be able to access it upon their deaths as well." Said the woman.
"Arya you agreed to this?" questioned Catelyn surprised.
"I don't want to lose anyone again. This way we can all see each other even if something bad happens." Said Arya quietly, her father said nothing merely holding her closer.
"The betrothal includes Margaery Tyrell so that ties the Reach in with us but keeps Robb, Jon and Aegon free of Olenna's influence." Said Elia before waving a hand towards her nephew Quentin.
"Quentin will be marrying Olenna's youngest daughter Janna to further tie Dorne and The Reach together." Said Elia.
"So with Quentin marrying Olenna's daughter and Sarella marrying the Arryn heir we've tied both The Reach and The Vale to Dorne." Said Oberyn.
"I'm sorry but I don't see father accepting that." Said Arianne Martell from her position seated between Aegon and Rhaenys.
"Yes he will. While Dorne is not as bad as it was before we built the canals Doran will understand the value that this union will bring to Dorne." Said Elia
"Besides I came up with this arrangement myself." Said Kierra Martell bringing any further thoughts of protest to a stop from the Dornish contingent.
"We also arranged for Lord Tarly's daughter Talla to wed Willas Tyrell. That leaves Mace Tyrell with only two unattached sons, and he'll need them to marry women from houses in The Reach." Said Rhaella.
"Unfortunately that is not all that has occurred while you were away." Said Rhaegar bringing attention to himself once more
"While these arrangements were being made I was summoned to the capital by the Emperor. My mother, Lord Rickard and Uncle Aemon accompanied me for this meeting however one of the Lords, a man named Sozin, attempted to stage a coup while we were in the place. Attacks were made on not just the palace, but the compounds of the Emperors extended family across the continent." Said Rhaegar.
"Of the Emperor's children only four survived the attacks, all of the others were verified to have been killed. The emperor himself was poisoned though luckily Uncle Aemon was able to stop the worst of it. We hid him in Fayeview while Lady Tsunade oversaw his recovery. Since then the continent has been at war, though thankfully not every country has gotten involved." Finished Rhaegar.
"How long has this war it been going?" questioned Catelyn frowning.
"19 months." Said Rickard.
"19 months, you have dragons, grown dragons." Said Daenerys with narrow eyes.
"We do but dragons are sacred in this land, they believe involving the dragons is both unnecessary and beneath the dignity of a dragon." Said Rhaegar.
"Do you see an end in sight?" questioned Eddard.
"A true end, not for a while yet. I was on the field today, while we bested Sozin's forces on the field it was just a diversion as he slipped away before the fighting even started." Said Rhaegar frowning.
"I was thinking that the boys could use more experience. While they handled themselves well in Valyria that was an extreme incident." Said Eddard.
"You want me to take them to the front?" questioned Rhaegar incredulously.
"Aye. I was going to send Robb with Brandon on his next tour, but this opportunity presented itself." Said Eddard while beside him Catelyn did her best not to frown.
"If Robb's going Dacey will insist she go as well, as am I." said Rhaenys.
This started a chain as more people demanded to go causing Rhaegar to sigh and shake his head.
"Enough!" said Lyarra her sharp tone causing the room to go silent instantly.
"Jon you look like you have something to say." Said Lyarra causing all eyes to turn towards him.
"I wasn't entirely forthcoming with everything we found in Valyria." Said Jon.
"I told you he was hiding something!" exclaimed Brandon while Ned only grunted and tossed him a gold dragon that Brandon caught easily.
"Go ahead Jon." Said Ashara after glaring at her husband.
"Well as you know we found Tommen Lannister's ship and his diary." Started Jon getting a nod from his Stark uncles and his father.
"Truly, you found his diary?" questioned his uncle Aemon surprised.
"I have it in my quarters. I'll give it to you later today." Said his uncle Ned getting a large smile from Aemon.
"Well on the ship we found several gold chests that we kept to ourselves that Brienne has been holding onto for me." Said Jon.
Brienne, at this mention, withdrew the sealing scroll she kept on her person and handed it to Lyanna who was closest to her.
"We also found Tommen Lannister's skeleton. He stabbed himself in the heart with a dagger so he wouldn't turn into one of those creatures. More importantly, however I found this."
With all eyes on him Jon withdrew a small sealing scroll and placed it on the floor before unrolling it. Piercing the pad of his thumb enough to draw blood he placed the digit on the scroll and spread it across before quickly moving away. For a moment nothing happened before there was a plume of smoke that erupted from the scroll which quickly blew away. When the smoke cleared it revealed an unsheathed sword sitting on the ground on top of the scroll.
It was a greatsword, as wide and long as the ancestral Stark sword Ice which several of them knew was five inches wide and six feet long. The metal of blade was dark and smoky with the distinct rippling pattern that Valyrian Steel was known for. It had a straight guard with pointed ends with what appeared to be gold inlays, a handle wrapped in aged brown leather and at the end of the handle was a dirty bronze lion's head. Sitting beside the sword was a brown sheath as long and wide as the blade of the sword.
"That's Brightroar!" exclaimed Oberyn in shock.
"The ancestral blade of House Lannister." Said Sarella her tone full of intrigue.
"I knew it!" exclaimed Brandon.
"Damn it!" exclaimed Ned tossing another gold dragon to his brother who was grinning widely.
"That's not all." Said Jon much to the shock of his family.
"My father knows this already but what prompted me to go to Valyria in the first place was finding the process to make Valyrian Steel. Not only did I find a guide to create it from raw materials, but also found a guide to create those materials if needed." Said Jon.
"That's one hell of a find." Said Benjen.
"Indeed, no wonder you kept that to yourself." Said Rhaenys.
"Okay, last one." Said Jon.
Without any further word he withdrew another scroll and placed it on the floor. Swiping his still bleeding thumb across this one he backed away even further. There was once again a plume of smoke, much bigger than the last but when it cleared almost every eye in the room went wide.
"By the gods." Breathed out Rhaella in shock.
"Are those dragon eggs?" questioned Allyria.
"They are, more than any I've ever seen gathered in one place." Said Shaena.
"We have more, this is just all I was willing to unseal right now." Said Jon.
"How many?" questioned Rhaegar his voice faint to even his ears.
"140" said Daenerys casually, leaving everyone who didn't know to stare at her in stunned disbelief.
AN: That's it the chapters done. Thanks for reading and please review. Until next time, LATER.