NOTES

Like a few previous chapters, this one is shorter and serves as a bridge between past and upcoming events. It sets the stage for significant developments in the story.

"I am still looking for a beta reader."

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.

RIVERRUN 299 AC

The atmosphere in the Riverrun meeting room was thick, charged with a palpable tension that felt like a storm about to break. Hoster Tully, pale and his face etched with worry, leaned heavily on his cane. Despite his determination to project strength, the recent capture of his son Edmure by the Lannisters consumed him from within. It had been weeks since they had any news of him, and the uncertainty about his fate added to the weight of the war that threatened to ravage their lands.

Jasper Arryn, his face still marked by the pain of his father's recent loss, paced back and forth, his restless steps echoing against the stone walls of the room. The thirst for revenge against the Lannisters burned within him, but the shadow of uncertainty about the future of the seven kingdoms loomed over him.

Maester Vyman, his brow furrowed with worry, watched the lords cautiously. The reports from his ravens were discouraging: the Lannisters had divided their forces, one army heading for Harrenhal and another approaching Riverrun from the west, threatening to besiege the fortress. The decisions they made in that room could determine the fate of the Riverlands and the entire kingdom.

"Lord Stark," Hoster began, his raspy voice betraying the anguish that gripped him. "We are grateful that you have arrived with the aid of the North, but time is running out. Tywin Lannister advances on two fronts, and we must not cede any more ground. My son Edmure..." his voice cracked for a moment, "is in the hands of the Lannisters. We must act swiftly."

Jasper Arryn stopped abruptly, his eyes locking with Eddard's. "My father was murdered by the Lannisters, Lord Stark," he said in a strained voice, his words laced with a mixture of pain and rage. "And I will not rest until justice is served. We need a plan, and we need it now."

Eddard Stark maintained his serene gaze, though a cold fire burned behind his grey eyes. "I understand your urgency, Lord Arryn, Lord Tully," he said calmly. "But there is an even greater threat looming over Westeros, one that makes our disputes seem insignificant."

Hoster Tully frowned, confusion clouding his gaze. "What are you talking about, Lord Stark?"

"I speak of the White Walkers, Lord Tully," Eddard replied, his voice echoing gravely in the room. "Creatures of ice and darkness that rise beyond the Wall, threatening to destroy everything we know."

Disbelief spread through the room. Jasper let out a bitter laugh. "White Walkers? Ghosts and tales from the North? Lord Stark, with all due respect, we have real problems here and now. Tywin Lannister is at our gates. We cannot be distracted by legends."

Maester Vyman nodded, supporting Jasper's words. "Lord Stark, the stories of the White Walkers are just that: stories. It has been thousands of years since one has been seen, and there is no evidence that they have returned."

Eddard Stark stood before them, the weight of Westeros' fate on his shoulders. He knew the news he brought would be difficult to accept, especially for men who had seen so many wars and betrayals. He took a deep breath, anticipating the difficulty of convincing them. "They are not just stories, Maester Vyman. My brother Benjen, who has spent years beyond the Wall, has witnessed their return. And if we do not act quickly, that darkness will spread throughout Westeros, consuming King's Landing, Highgarden, Casterly Rock... until there is nothing left but ice and death. And we are not alone in this fight. Valyria..."

The name of Valyria fell into the room like a lightning bolt on a dark night, plunging the place into a dense silence. Jasper Arryn, his eyebrows raised, stopped pacing and stared at Eddard, his expression filled with disbelief and caution. "Valyria? And what do they have to do with us, with this war?"

MINUTES LATER

The air in Riverrun's hall thickened with each word exchanged. Distrust, like a palpable veil, spread across the faces of the assembled men. Hoster Tully, despite his age, retained in his gaze the cunning and determination of one who has weathered countless storms. Beside him, Jasper Arryn stood with his arms crossed, his face tense and his lips pressed into a thin line of suspicion.

"This is a dangerous game, Stark," Jasper snapped, his voice vibrating with contained rage.

Hoster Tully watched Eddard with skepticism, though a glimmer of fear flickered in his eyes. "Lord Eddard Stark, you ask us to trust in alliances forged in secret with an empire that resurfaced fifteen years ago and has seemingly remained inactive since then? What assures us that Valyria harbors no hidden agenda? Why should we trust them... or you?"

Eddard gritted his teeth, feeling icy fury course through his veins, but he maintained his composure. "Because they too perceive the shadow that looms over us," he replied firmly, meeting Hoster's gaze directly. "They understand that the fall of Westeros would be an ominous portent for Essos, and for Valyria itself. Let us not be naive, Hoster, there are political realities at play here, strategic advantages to be gained. But there is something more, something that whispers beyond the calculations of lords and treaties," Eddard's voice softened slightly as he continued. "I recognize the look of a woman in love, the look of a mother who gives her all for her children. That look that only true love can evoke, a devotion that transcends words, a fierce loyalty that cannot be feigned. That same depth of feeling that I see in Catelyn, that I have witnessed countless times as she cares for our children, I have seen it reflected in the eyes of Elaena, Benjen's wife, when she looks at him, and in the way Vaella, Torrhen's betrothed, looks at your grandson. These are not simply alliances of convenience, cold and calculated. These are bonds forged in affection and trust, alongside the political necessities, in shared hopes for the future. Valyria is not here merely for their own interests; they are here because they understand that what threatens us, threatens them as well. They are here because, like us, they have much to lose, and because they have come to care for what we care for."

Turning to Jasper Arryn, he continued: "Lord Arryn, your father, Jon Arryn, was like a second father to me. From him I learned about honor, about justice, about protecting those who cannot protect themselves. I would not dare put our people at risk if I did not believe the threat was real. I do not intend to deceive anyone."

Jasper stared at him, his expression softening for a moment at the mention of his father, but distrust still lingered in his eyes. "And yet, here we are, talking about dragons and the dead that walk. If these Valyrians are truly our allies, where are they? Where are the dragons that should be protecting us?"

A tomb-like silence fell over the room. Finally, Hoster Tully broke it with a hoarse but clear voice. "Unless I see dragons soaring over Riverrun, offering their protection to our lands, we will continue with our preparations to face the Lannisters in battle."

Jasper Arryn nodded, supporting the old man's words. "I agree."

Eddard watched the two lords, feeling the weight of their decision. A bitter taste lingered in the room, like a promise of even darker times to come. "As you wish," he said gravely.