NOTES:

Aemon Targaryen in this story is not blind

This is a story based on the Game of Thrones books and TV series, but be warned, it's a very AU (Alternate Universe) story. If you're someone who doesn't enjoy a story that deviates a lot from canon, where certain characters may act out of character, or if you're not a fan of romance with a good amount of fluff, and a story that ultimately has a happy ending, then this may not be the right story for you.

Chapter 10

Mole's Town 289 AC

Elaena arrived in Mole's Town, her violet eyes revealing her impression of the village. In this remote corner of Westeros, the overwhelming feeling of having reached the edge of civilization took hold of her. The contrast between the grandeur of Valyria and the modest dwellings of White Harbor was further amplified upon her arrival in Mole's Town.

At first glance, Mole's Town seemed a stark deviation from everything she had known. The imposing towers of Valyria were a distant memory, and the unassuming homes of White Harbor seemed opulent compared to the humble abodes of Mole's Town. The discreet entrances unveiled a collection of simple yet functional underground dwellings, reflecting the resourcefulness and adaptability of the inhabitants in this remote village.

As she inquired about the location of the acquired property, Elaena couldn't help but marvel at the practicality of the underground dwellings. These shelters not only provided refuge from the dangers of the outside world but also offered a clever solution to combat the unforgiving cold that prevailed on the surface. The earth itself provided insulation, shielding them from the harsh weather.

Upon reaching the property, Elaena immediately noticed the family who would serve as her cover, waiting for her. "Ravens are truly useful for communication here in Westeros," Elaena thought, recalling what she had been told in White Harbor about the use of ravens to announce her arrival.

Observing them closely, Elaena understood the reason behind Jon Connington's choice of Lysene individuals and why she would pose as a resident from Lys. Jon had mentioned that among all the former colonies of the Freehold, the people of Lys retained stronger Valyrian features in their appearances. Although Elaena noted some physical differences, she knew that these distinctions would go unnoticed by someone who wasn't from Valyria.

Her gaze settled on a young girl, around ten years old, with bright blue eyes and golden hair, who seemed to look at her with eyes filled with gratitude.

After the meeting with the adult members of the family, during which they presented her with a report on Mole's Town, Elaena proceeded to give detailed instructions to the family members, explaining their responsibilities in maintaining her cover. As they conducted a tour of the property, Elaena was delighted to find a considerable amount of decoration and furniture imported from Lys. The resemblance to Valyria created a sense of familiarity and comfort.

Hours later, as the night fell over Mole's Town, Elaena sat alone in her room, engrossed in a book about The Wall and the heroic tales of old. The flickering candlelight danced on the pages, capturing her imagination. Her reading was interrupted by a gentle knock on the door.

Doreah, the young girl Elaena had summoned, entered the room cautiously, holding a plate adorned with a dessert that bore a striking resemblance to the delicacies of Valyria, both in appearance and fragrance.

"My Lady," Doreah spoke with deep reverence, her voice tinged with nervousness. "You requested my presence."

Elaena's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she observed Doreah closely. "Tell me," she began, briefly glancing at the Candle of Truth she had lit earlier, noticing its radiant glow. "How long have you been enslaved? Share with me the story of your parents."

"My Lady," Doreah's voice carried a hint of sorrow, "I never knew my father. My mother remained silent about him. She worked as a cook for a noble family in Lys. She passed away two years ago, and burdened by debts, I was sold to magister Illyrio Mopatis."

Elaena's gaze shifted between Doreah and the dessert she held before proceeding. "Doreah, I summoned you here because there is something of great importance I must give you," Elaena said, her voice devoid of emotion. Doreah noticed Elaena rising from her seat and approaching a nearby table, strewn with various papers. With purpose, Elaena selected a document and extended it to Doreah.

"This letter is signed by Jon Connington, and it is addressed to you," Elaena declared.

"My Lady," Doreah replied with a tinge of embarrassment, "I cannot read."

Elaena took a moment to absorb Doreah's words before deciding to read the document aloud, ensuring Doreah could grasp its contents.

Doreah listened intently, her gaze fixed upon Elaena as she absorbed the words. When Elaena finished reading, Doreah's eyes widened, tears welling up as she looked at Elaena in utter disbelief. "I... I am free?" she whispered, her voice trembling with a mix of awe and disbelief.

Elaena responded with compassion, "Yes, Doreah. You are free. Jon Connington asked me to deliver this document, granting you your freedom."

Doreah, still overwhelmed with emotion, spoke softly, "My Lady, I... I don't know what to do with this newfound freedom. My mother is no more, and in Lys, I have no one. The people here in Mole's Town have become my family, treating me with kindness and respect."

Elaena, who had been observing Doreah intently, turned her gaze toward the Candle of Truth once more, witnessing its continued intense radiance. She then directed her attention back to Doreah and spoke, her voice filled with warmth, "Doreah, tell me something. Did you prepare this dessert yourself?"

"Yes, my Lady. I spent the entire afternoon crafting this delicacy for you," Doreah replied, her voice quivering. "My mother taught me how to prepare it when I was very young. It is an old family recipe, dating back to the time when our ancestors still resided in Valyria."

Elaena's smile deepened as she appreciated Doreah's response, but an underlying pang of sorrow tugged at her heart. She couldn't help but reflect on how much the world had changed in these four hundred years. Here before her stood Doreah, a girl who, despite not belonging to the esteemed Forty Families or the ruling Triarchy, shared the blood of Valyria with her. The realization that there were descendants of Valyrians living in slavery weighed heavily on her heart.

Elaena kept her thoughts to herself and smiled, saying, "You spent the entire afternoon preparing this dessert for me. I am grateful for your dedication and your ability to bring joy through your cooking."

Taking a moment to reflect, Elaena decided on her next course of action. "Doreah, I have an idea," she began, her voice filled with warmth and genuine care. "I want to offer you a position as my assistant. Your responsibilities will involve assisting me within the household, attending to my needs while I am here. I will inform the others in this house that your previous duties are no longer required."

Doreah's eyes widened, surprise mingling with gratitude on her face. "My Lady, I... I would be honored," she replied, her voice carrying a newfound sense of purpose. "To have the opportunity to work for someone like you would be a dream come true."

Elaena nodded, a reassuring smile playing on her lips. "Consider it settled, then," she said resolutely. "From this day forward, you shall be my esteemed assistant."

Doreah's face lit up with joy, her eyes shimmering with gratitude. "Thank you, my Lady," she said, her voice filled with genuine appreciation. "I will do my best to serve you faithfully."

Elaena reached out and gently placed a hand on Doreah's shoulder. "I have no doubt about that," she said warmly. "You have already shown great dedication."

Once Doreah left the room, Elaena sat in contemplation, whispering to herself, "Jon, I intend to fulfill my promise to you. I will care for this girl as if she were my own daughter."

Turning her attention to the dessert Doreah had left behind, Elaena picked it up and took a bite. As the flavors exploded on her palate, her eyes widened in amazement. "Indeed," she exclaimed, "this tastes of Valyria." A smile graced her face as she savored the familiar essence of her ancestral home.

One week later

"Lady Elaena," a voice called from outside her door, interrupting her thoughts. Elaena, somewhat surprised and concerned about the late hour at which Doreah was knocking, asked, "Is everything alright, Doreah?"

Doreah's voice trembled with nervousness as she replied, "There is a man outside asking for the true owner of the property, but he doesn't seem to be from Westeros. The unknown man handed me a sealed message addressed to you."

Elaena motioned for Doreah to enter the room, and as she did, Elaena noticed the fear in her eyes. "Has he threatened you or anyone else?" Elaena asked, a flicker of anger momentarily crossing her face.

"No, my lady," Doreah said, appearing somewhat calmer. "The person has been polite, but I still have my doubts, my lady."

After Doreah handed her the sealed message and left the room, Elaena gazed at the envelope and observed the seal. "A spider," she muttered to herself, then proceeded to open the letter.

Elaena's heart raced as she opened the message. Her eyes widened as she read the words, "I hope the sacrifices I made six years ago have borne fruit. How are Aegon and Rhaenys?"

A mix of emotions flooded Elaena as she realized that the sender of the message was Varys, the Spider, a character she had heard about. She recalled Jon Connington's words about how Varys had saved the children. The mention of sacrifices and the questions about Aegon and Rhaenys sparked a storm of thoughts and possibilities in her mind.

Collecting herself, Elaena instructed Doreah to bring Varys inside the property and have him wait in the sitting room.

Elaena glanced at the armor and sword she had brought but quickly dismissed the idea of taking them with her. Instead, she searched for one of her black truth candles, deliberately selecting it.

When Elaena finally entered the sitting room, she observed the man who purportedly was Lord Varys. "There is more than meets the eye," she thought as she scrutinized him, sensing an aura of exceptional intelligence and calculation.

"Lord Varys," Elaena finally addressed Varys, who had been curiously examining the room.

Varys cautiously looked at the candle, which had an unusual shimmer, and said, "It would be courteous to know your name, considering you know mine. I assume Lord Jon Connington informed you. Speaking of which, how is he?"

"Indeed, he is very intelligent, perceptive, and observant," Elaena thought. Ignoring Varys' question about Jon Connington, she replied, "I apologize, Lord Varys, for my lack of manners. I didn't expect someone to come here asking for me. Before I reveal my name, please forgive my suspicion, but how did you come to know of my presence here in Mole's Town?

"Well, about a year and a half ago, my Little Birds brought me some very peculiar news about the relocation of some rather unique families in the North, specifically in White Harbor and Mole's Town," Varys responded.

"What's so strange about that?" Elaena asked, feigning ignorance. "Trade between Westeros and Essos has been happening for thousands of years."

Varys almost chuckled and replied, "I find the connection between Lys and Mole's Town rather hard to believe."

Varys continued, "Initially, I didn't pay much attention to it. True, it seemed odd, but according to the information I received from my sources, they were families from Lys, nothing more," said Varys, observing Elaena closely.

Elaena maintained her composed demeanor and probed further, "Then what made you come here, Lord Varys? And now that you are here with me, have you witnessed anything unusual or out of the ordinary in this house?"

A slight smile appeared on Varys' face as he responded, "Yes, my dear and mysterious friend." Varys paused briefly, glancing at the peculiar black candle that emitted an unsettling glow.

He thought to himself, "She is testing and probing me. I must be clear in my words." He continued, "You are what I found peculiar and out of the ordinary. As I mentioned before, the arrival of those families in White Harbor and Mole's Town, though peculiar, did not catch my attention. However, four months ago, I received another piece of news from my Little Birds that did pique my interest." He paused again.

Elaena, sensing Varys' fear as he spoke to her, remained silent, allowing him to continue. Varys took a breath and continued, "As I was saying, I received news that a ship of a remarkably strange appearance had docked in White Harbor. Only one person disembarked, a woman. I assume that is you. My little birds followed her to the same house where one of the families from Lys was staying. Months later, I was informed that the same woman had hired a group of mercenaries to escort her here to Mole's Town. Upon receiving this news, I decided to come."

As Varys concluded his words, he noticed Elaena's gaze shifting between him and the peculiar candle. A smile graced her lips for the first time as she addressed him, her voice radiating warmth. "Lord Varys, I am Elaena Targaryen. The younger sister of Aenar Targaryen, I remained on the peninsula while my brother and the rest of our family migrated to Dragonstone in Westeros almost four hundred years ago."

Elaena paused briefly, her eyes locked with Varys's as she continued, "Regarding Jon Connington, he is living well in Valyria. And before you inquire, I must inform you that Aegon, Rhaenys, Viserys, and the youngest of them, Daenerys, are safe and sound, receiving their education on the peninsula."

Varys's expression softened, a glimmer of relief shining in his eyes. "Lady Elaena, you have given me great news," he replied, his voice filled with a mix of gratitude and intrigue. "To know that the blood of the dragon still thrives and that your family's legacy endures brings hope to our cause."

He paused again, his gaze fixed on Elaena, and with a deep bow, he added, surprise evident in his voice, "Perhaps I am in the presence of the most powerful and dangerous person in the world outside of the peninsula. And truth be told, never in my wildest dreams did I imagine meeting that person in a place like Mole's Town."

"Mole's Town and Valyria, two words I never imagined speaking in the same breath," he added sarcastically.

Varys entered a deep contemplation, organizing his thoughts. "My Lady Elaena," he began, "there's a missing piece to this puzzle, and that piece seems to be in a place that defies all logic."

Elaena, understanding the direction of the conversation, gestured for him to continue. Varys obliged, "What brings someone like you to such a remote location, far from the seats of power in Westeros? I see in your eyes the desire for a descendant of your brother Aenar to reclaim the Iron Throne."

Elaena maintained her enigmatic demeanor as she replied, "Lord Varys, there are powerful and dangerous players at work here in Westeros, far beyond your imagination, and it is precisely my mission to uncover them."

Varys, visibly concerned upon hearing this, responded, "And these players are at play in this remote northern area?" Noticing Varys's worry, Elaena chose her words carefully. "Lord Varys, not here, but beyond the Wall. I have spent a week here, attempting to find a way to reach Castle Black and meet with the Lord Commander and the Maester."

Varys's eyes widened with a mixture of surprise and apprehension. "Beyond the Wall¡" he exclaimed. Sensing Elaena's serious expression, he continued, "My Lady Elaena, in the southern regions of Westeros, including the Royal Court in King's Landing, little attention has been given to what lies beyond the Wall. The Night's Watch is no longer what it once was, with only a few thousand members remaining. The recent Lord Commanders have spent years pleading with the kings to acknowledge the potential threat posed by the Wildlings."

Varys paused, but before he could continue, Elaena interrupted. "Lord Varys, I apologize for interrupting, but it is not the Wildlings that concern me. I have compelling and personal reasons to believe that ancient and malevolent forces are on the verge of awakening beyond the Wall. Forces that would endanger not only Westeros but the entire world."

Observing Varys's signal to proceed, Elaena took a deep breath and continued. She explained her visions in Valyria and the subsequent meeting with Jon Connington, where it was confirmed that one of her visions aligned with a vision of Aegon the Conqueror.

As Elaena concluded her explanation, she noticed the tension in Varys's demeanor. Varys cleared his throat and spoke with a tense voice, "My lady, I am a pragmatic man who does not believe in coincidences." He locked eyes with Elaena, his determination evident. "Before coming to this location, I visited some informants I have in Mole's Town, and I witnessed certain Night's Watch officers entering pleasure houses. A few of these officers owe me favors, as I aided them during Robert's Rebellion. I believe they could deliver a letter from you to the Lord Commander and the Maester."

Upon hearing this, Elaena's eyes sparkled with hope, and she asked, "Do you believe that the Lord Commander and Maester Aemon will receive me?" Varys replied, "My lady, I am well aware of the dire situation at the Night's Watch. As I mentioned earlier, I have witnessed their pleas for assistance to both Aerys and Robert, as they are in need of more men. I am confident they will be willing to receive you." Varys paused, studying Elaena intently, and a smile escaped his lips as he continued, "Furthermore, you are the sister of Aenar, the ancestor of all Targaryens born in Westeros. Do you not think that Maester Aemon will be pleased to see not only a Targaryen but a Targaryen from Valyria?"

After an hour had passed, during which Elaena and Varys collaborated on crafting a letter, Elaena carefully sealed it, her eyes radiant with gratitude. She spoke up, "Lord Varys, before you depart, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for saving Aegon and Rhaenys." She paused, noticing Varys' expression becoming blank once again, and continued, "Jon Connington told me all the details of the Red Keep's sacking and how you and Jaime Lannister came to their rescue. These acts of heroism, Lord Varys, it's something my family and I will never forget."

Varys replied, his voice tinged with conviction, "My lady Elaena, my loyalty lies with the realm. I serve the realm, and the realm yearns for peace. I can only hope that when the time comes, Aegon will prove himself a worthy king." Elaena clasped Varys' hands gently and affirmed, "He will, Lord Varys. I promise you that."

As Varys readied himself to depart, a curiosity sparked within him, and he inquired, "My lady, enlighten me, how vivid were Jon Connington's recollections of the Red Keep's plunder?" Varys noticed a fleeting sparkle in Elaena's eyes. With a sense of quiet satisfaction, she responded, "My esteemed Lord Varys, his account was intricate enough to know that Gregor Clegane and Amory Lorch are already dead. They might still be alive, but they don't know they're already gone. As for Tywin Lannister, I do not include him in this fate because his life was saved by his son's actions."

A shiver coursed through Varys' spine as he absorbed the weight of her words, and with a nod, he bid his farewell, retreating into the shadows.

One day later (Castle black)

Maester Aemon was deep in his studies in the library when a gentle knock echoed through the room. "Clydas, could you kindly attend to that," he requested. After a brief pause, Clydas approached and handed him a sealed letter. Aemon's curiosity piqued, and he eagerly broke the seal, his eyes scanning the contents.

As he read, his eyes widened, captivated by the words that unfolded on the parchment. Sensations long dormant stirred within him, a surge of emotions he hadn't experienced in quite some time. Finishing the letter, Aemon's eyes sparkled with a renewed sense of purpose and excitement, as if a long-lost fire had been reignited within his soul. "Clydas, Chett," he said, his voice trembling with a mix of urgency and determination, "I need your assistance. I must meet with Lord Commander Mormont."

Four days later (Castle black- Lord commander tower)

Days later, within the Lord Commander's Tower at Castle Black, Lord Commander Mormont was seated at the head of the table. To his side were Maester Aemon and a young Benjen Stark, who had not yet taken his vows, all awaiting the arrival of their anticipated guest.

In the days preceding this meeting, Jeor Mormont had engaged in multiple discussions with Maester Aemon. Initially dismissive of the significance of the letter, Mormont's perspective had shifted after a lengthy conversation with Aemon. The maester revealed that one of the visions described in the letter aligned with those experienced by Aegon the Conqueror. This revelation sparked concern within Mormont, leading him to believe that if the other visions held any truth, they would require all the assistance they could gather, regardless of its origin.

They had also debated the suitability of including Benjen Stark in the meeting, considering he had only been at Castle Black for a month and had yet to take his vows. However, his mention in one of the visions convinced them to involve him in the gathering.

As they engaged in their conversation, a knock at the door interrupted them. "You may come in," Jeor Mormont called out. Shortly after, one of the tower guards entered and informed them that the visitor they were expecting had arrived.

After a brief moment, the door creaked open, and a figure slipped inside. The person was completely covered from head to toe in a cloak, obscuring her face. Once inside and realizing that only the three individuals she sought were present, she gracefully lowered her hood.

It was a woman, tall and slender, with cascading silver hair and eyes of vivid violet. Lord Mormont couldn't help but raise an eyebrow in surprise as he caught a glimpse of the gleaming steel at her waist. Meanwhile, Benjen Stark couldn't help but think that the woman revealing her face was the most stunningly beautiful he had ever laid eyes upon.

Approaching the table, the woman bowed her head respectfully. "Lord Commander Mormont, Maester Aemon, and Benjen Stark, I am Elaena Targaryen, senator of the Valyrian Freehold. I have come to speak with you in peace."