Warg Maiden

Disclaimer: I do not own Game of Thrones

Chapter 76: Postpone

Imogen's POV

It was set.

I had accepted the gift of nature.

All that was left was the full moon to bind Jon and me as husband and wife. The Dires tried their best to be different from the Free Folk, and we did not do wife stealing. Although we do keep some customs of the First Men, the practice of ceremonies and festivities was not practical in the True North. Therefore, the Dires make weddings intimate.

In Lunar Haven, there is a weirwood tree, though it is incomplete in becoming a Heart Tree. The eyes are formed, weeping red sap, yet the face is not there. The Children never finished it, though the elders believe the gods wish to see all and nothing else. There, couples go to accept one another permanently if they are in Lunar Haven.

With the Full Moon only a few days away, it would be at the Godswood. Jon agreed to that. He seemed relieved that no extreme marital rituals existed, such as the North's customs or the Faith of the Seven. With all that Winterfell has gone through, it seemed wise not to waste any resources, especially when winter started less than a year ago. From what has been reported, the rest of Westeros had a long summer, so it would be a longer winter.

There was still more to do and choices to be made, as we would be blending our two customs together. In the end, Jon was mine, and I was his. Even with this happiness, there was some sorrow, as we both had to let go of our pasts and the people we could have had and move on with each other.

If not, letting go of my family. Boudica and the Twins will take the Dires back to Lunar Haven. Though distance will separate us, I know one day I will come back to my childhood home to show it to Jon and our family. Of course, I had to inform Jon that I would no longer be on Tansy Tea once we wed, as it was part of the Dire custom. To see Jon blush had me laughing.

In the end, we were doing this.

Though our courtship was short, the Great War brought us closer.

I don't know where it will lead us—as monarchs ruling the North or to the simple life of the Dires. As long as we are together, that is all that matters.

However, our moment was short-lived when one of the Unsullied came over. His Common Tongue was broken, and we barely managed to get what he said other than Daenerys wanted to see us in the war chamber. Jon frowned, as did I, for Daenerys was not considering leaving for battle so soon, not after everything.

We made our way, as many were called in, from the Targaryen Council, Lord Royce, and the Starks with their council. A part of me wonders why I was here. Daenerys stated she would not bring the Free Folk into the fold.

A map was set on the table with pieces that held the house crest, representing the numbers.

Grey Worm was the first to take half of the Unsullied pieces, "Half are gone."

Jon took a third of his "The Northmen as well."

Lord Royce removed half as well.

One of the Dothraki took a third of the totems for the Dothraki forces.

Lord Varys leaned over, putting some pieces on the table, "And the Golden Company has arrived in King's Landing, courtesy of the Greyjoy fleet. The palace has grown distressingly even."

The Golden Company, I thought.

I recall a lesson of the Blackfyre rebellion from Bloodraven. How Aegor took the surviving traitors to Essos to start his own sellswords army after Daemon Blackfyre fell on the Redgrass Field. Hostility and bias in Bloodraven's lectures until the Three-Eyed Raven showed me the actual past. A complicated and disastrous war over legitimacy and pride.

"When the people find out what we have done for them, that we saved them –" Missandei started.

"Cersei will make sure they don't believe it," Daenerys said. "We will hit her hard. We will rip her out root and stem."

All eyes were on Daenerys.

"The objective here is to remove Cersei without destroying King's Landing," Lord Tyrion reminded.

Daenerys gave him a sharp look, silencing him. No doubt she is upset with her Hand. Then again, many are disappointed. The number of casualties would have been less had the Lannister and the Crown Forces arrived. Lord Tyrion praised that Cersei Lannister will honor the truth. In the end, only Ser Jaime arrived. No army, and many souls in the grave.

"Thankfully, she's losing allies by the day," Lord Varys reported. "Yara Greyjoy has retaken the Iron Islands in her Queen's name. The new Dornish Prince pledges his support." He placed a piece with a silver Kraken and the Martell crest on the battlefield.

"No matter how many lords turn against her, as long as she sits on the Iron Throne, she can call herself Queen of the Seven Kingdoms," Daenerys inquired. "We need the capital."

Lord Tyrion took a deep breath, "I watched the people of King's Landing rebel against their king when they were hungry, and that was before winter began. Give them the opportunity, and they will cast Cersei aside."

"We'll surround the city," Jon suggested. "If the Iron Fleet tries to ferry in more food, the dragons will destroy them. If the Lannisters and the Golden Company attack, we'll defeat them in the field."

"Once the people see that Cersei is our only enemy, her reign is over," Lord Tyrion assured.

Daenerys looked at everyone, then turned her attention to Sansa. "Lady Sansa, you've been quiet. What are your thoughts?"

"The men we have left are exhausted," Sansa answered. "Many of them are wounded. They'll fight better if they have time to rest and recuperate."

"How long do you suggest?" Daenerys asked bitterly.

"I can't say for certain, not without talking to the officers," Sansa answered calmly, her hands behind her back."

"I came north to fight alongside you at a great cost to my armies and myself," she said. "Now that the time has come to reciprocate, you want to postpone."

"It's not just our people. It's yours," Sansa countered. "You want to throw them into a war they're not ready to fight?"

"The longer I leave my enemies alone, the stronger they become," Daenerys said sharply.

Sansa kept her composure.

Daenerys's attention turned to me, "And you, Lady Imogen, what is your opinion?"

I blinked, not expecting her to pay attention to me. If not, the others. This was not my war. I should not get involved. Then I stared at Jon, realizing this had become my war. As the Starks have told me, House Lannister destroyed their family when Bran saw a compromising event. The Lannisters executed Ned Stark because he discovered the truth about Cersei's illegitimate children and the War of the Five Kings. The Starks will become my family…I have to protect them.

"Cersei Lannister is impatient," I said.

"What do you mean?" Daenerys asked.

I took a deep breath. "During the armistice, Cersei was not pleased with your late arrival. She thought you were inconsiderate and became impatient. Impatient people falter faster than those who wait. She will expect you to strike right away for the insult she has made to all of us. But if we wait, that impatience becomes paranoid. And when people are paranoid, they will make mistakes that leave an opening to strike."

Daenerys took my words in.

"Give your men time to rest," I said. "Give your dragons time to recover. For when fresh wounds are not healed, many more will die."

She stared at me deeply, "You speak as if you have seen these wars."

I took a deep breath. "I have seen more wars than a lifetime's worth than what I have endured. Patience is key to victory. Your ancestors have done so, and so shall you. But if you choose to leave now, your victory will hold more bloodshed, and those who support you may not be there in your reign."

Daenerys's expression became neutral.

"We have asked for allies, and we are thankful for your support in the Great War," I said. "You need more allies, and not just the North and the Knights of the Vale. Get the Dornish and those in the other kingdoms."

Silence engulfed the room as everyone stared between Daenerys and me. I silently prayed to the Old Gods that Daenerys sees reason. Her grief in losing her men and Ser Jorah is clouding her judgment to rush into battle. The vendetta against Cersei Lannister is heavier than ever before. However, her army and the Northern Army had gone through a generation-worth of battle in a single night. They had witnessed their brothers, sisters, and comrades be slaughtered and resurrected again, only to be killed by their own hands once more. Everyone has been traumatized physically, mentally, and emotionally, and they need to recover.

"Very well," Daenerys said firmly. "We leave in two months."

Deep breaths could be heard, yet no one dared sigh in relief.

Daenerys stared at Lord Varys, "Send a raven to the new Dornish Prince and any of Cersei's enemies."

"Of course, your grace," Lord Varys replied with a bob of his head.

"So, if all are in an agreement…" Lord Tyrion said, grabbing a totem. "In two months' time, the Northern allies will ride down the Kingsroad with the Northern troops and the bulk of the remaining Dothraki and Unsullied."

Jon moved the chips that represented the north for Lord Tyrion.

"A smaller group of us will ride to White Harbor and sail from there to Dragonstone with our queen and her dragons accompanying us from above."

Grey Worm moved the chips to the location that was mentioned.

"Ser Jaime has chosen to remain here as a guest of the Regent of Winterfell."

Daenerys observed her Lord Hand's suggestions and nodded, "We have won the Great War. Now, we will win the Last War. In all Seven Kingdoms, men will live without fear and cruelty."

Yet tension could be felt between Sansa and Daenerys. As if they had previously had an encounter that did not go well. From what I have learned, no one honors their word. A part of me hopes that Daenerys will honor her word in letting the North be its own independent kingdom. Yet after today, something tells me that promise might be broken.

We will know the answer after two months.

Everyone except those with Stark blood left the room. Arya made her way over and stood in front of Jon.

"We need a word," Arya said.

Sansa nodded in agreement, as did Bran. Jon was cautious as he stared at me. Before I could speak, Sansa then added.

"With Jon only."

I sighed and nodded, "I will go tell my family."

Jon nodded in agreement. With nothing else to say, I went to find Boudica.

.o0o.

Jon's POV

Jon truly hated politics, especially when it involved his family. Sansa has played the game since she was thirteen, Arya sees the aftermath of politics, and Bran—well, Bran probably saw everything when learning under the Three-Eyed Raven. They took their meeting to the Godswood, for no lies can be told before the Heart Tree. Jon felt like this was an attack on him since he was raised in the Old Religion, unlike his siblings, who grew up in the Faith of the Seven.

Fortunately, Rickon was not here. Either this was a difficult subject matter or to keep the youngest Stark innocent. Either way, they stood there. Jon suspects that this has to do with Daenerys. Even though they managed to convince Daenerys to wait a couple of months, the fire was still stirring in her. One for bloodshed and the need to be home.

Let alone Daenerys and Sansa not getting along. As Maester Walkon reported of a heated discussion that happened behind closed doors. The Maester wasn't sure of the full extent of the conversation, only that Sansa asked about the North keeping its independence.

There was no doubt Daenerys wanted all of the Seven Kingdoms. However, an agreement has been made. Jon recalls Daenerys stating that she was infertile, though he doubts it. Then, she suggested political marriage for their children. Jon did not dare talk about it, not knowing his fate. And if the gods bless his children with Imogen…. he might as well plan his funeral if Imogen heard about it.

Then, Daenerys offers a reward to Imogen for killing the Night King. Jon knew Imogen asked to unite the blood of the First Men that had been severed long ago. But it also means Daenerys cannot claim the North in her lifetime. Unless Daenerys dared to break her word, everyone was on thin ice around the Mother of Dragons. The quicker they solve this problem of getting Daenerys and her army back to the Crownlands, the safer everyone shall be.

"You understand we'd all be dead if not for Daenerys," Jon reminded firmly. "We'd be corpses marching down to King's Landing."

"You defeated the Night King," Sansa countered.

"I did not kill him," Jon said.

"Still," Sansa snapped.

"Her men gave their lives defending Winterfell—"

"And we will never forget them," Sansa interrupted. "It doesn't mean that I want to kneel to someone who- "

"Who says anything about kneeling!" Jon exclaimed, that silence Sansa. Jon took a deep breath. "I swore an alliance. House Stark's blood shall rule the North while she reigns over the Southern kingdoms. She helped in our war; therefore, I have to help in hers."

"I respect that," Arya said.

Sansa's head snapped onto her sister, "You respect it?"

"We needed her," Arya explained. "We needed her army, her dragons." She then turned to Jon. "You did the right thing. And we're doing the right thing telling you we don't trust her."

Jon was getting irritated. This was Tully's talk. In other words, Sansa and Arya were acting like Lady Catelyn. This made him realize that even though they shared blood, Arya and Sansa were his cousins. No longer his siblings. They don't trust him with his decisions. It brought back difficult memories at Castle Black when he was Lord Commander. Yet, Jon wasn't sure how to subdue this before things got out of hand.

"If you only trust people you grew up with, you won't make many allies," Jon said.

"That's all right," Arya replied. "I don't need many allies."

"Arya," Jon breathed, almost pleading.

"We're family," Arya said. "The five of us. The last of the Starks."

Those words struck hard on Jon. Although Stark is his mother's maiden name, he is not a true Stark. A part of him wanted to tell his siblings the truth. About his parentage. That he was a Targaryen. But seeing how Sansa and Arya are, and Bran's ability…right now, he could not tell them.

"Do you trust me," Jon asked.

"Of course I do," Arya answered.

Bran nodded, though he had been quiet lately.

Everyone stared at Sansa to give her response. Sansa stared at him with caution, then nodded.

"Then I need you to trust me on this," Jon said. "Not only as your brother but as your king. If anything were to happen to me, I must know I am leaving the North in good hands. So, do you trust me?"

They all nodded.

Jon took a deep breath, "And we are not the last of the Starks."

"What do you mean?" Sansa asked.

Jon took a deep breath, "I had asked Imogen to marry me."

All three pair of eyes widened when hearing this.

"In the Dire Customs, we plan to wed on the coming full moon," he added.

"That's just a few days away," Sansa said, nearly scolded. "That is not enough ti- "

"The Dires do not believe in ceremonies," Jon explained. "I will not force Imogen into that formality. I will not change her after everything she has done for us."

"This will join both Stark and Wild Stark," Bran said. "Making it eight."

Jon nodded in agreement.

The girls took this in.

"If you have this mindset that everyone is our enemy, then we are no better than the Lannisters," Jon added.

Both Arya and Sansa glared at that.

"So, trust me," Jon said with determination. "Or we die from our own hands."

Bran nodded in agreement. Arya took a moment, then sighed, accepting it. However, Sansa took longer to convince until she nodded as well.

With nothing else to say, they went their separate ways. However, Jon remained at the Heart Tree with Bran. They waited until the girls were gone before Bran stared at Jon.

"When are you going to tell them?" Bran asked.

Jon took a deep breath. He should have known better than to let Bran look into his past once he had full control of his greensight.

"After the Last War," Jon said.

Bran nodded in agreement.

"I worry about them," Jon added.

"Sansa and Arya are no longer the girls we used to know," Jon murmured. "This is more than them growing up."

Bran took a deep breath, "Sansa was held hostage and abused while under the teachings of Cersei and Littlefinger. Arya…Arya saw many people die from the woes of war and was trained by assassins. They will never be the same. Neither are we."

Jon nodded in agreement.

They all have changed.

.o0o.

Imogen's POV

The moment I entered the area where the priestesses were making medicine, I did not expect the sudden shriek. I was initially confused, wondering what was happening, until Boudica came over and plucked the blue rose out of my hair. I blushed, for I had forgotten that Jon placed it in my hair. In other words, I was wearing it during the council meeting. Heat filled my cheeks, for I forgot I had it on.

"Winter rose," Boudica murmured. "One of the rarest flowers, for their rarity, uniqueness, and achieving the impossible." She examined the shade, a light blue. "If not peace and hope."

"Or Unrequited love," Eirwin murmured as she came over to see the flower.

I glared at her.

This was not a one-sided relationship. Jon has my heart, and I have his. Eirwin giggled as she patted my shoulder before going back to a table to work on a paste. I rolled my eyes.

Boudica shook her head before placing the flower back in my hair. She cradled my cheek and said, "I'm happy for you."

"Thank you," I murmured.

"But if he does break your heart, your brothers have the right to kill him," Boudica added.

"Ma!" I protested.

Boudica chuckled softly, and I let it slide, knowing it was distracting her. Even it causes me embarrassment. Either way, I helped the priestesses make medicines for the wounded. I want to do what I can to help my fellow comrades.

Time went on, as the priestesses worked, with conversation, as they talked about herbs and recipes on paste and salves. If not their personal lives. I took a moment, seeing a vision of a life I could have had if the Three-Eyed Raven hadn't taken me. Life as a priestess. The Dire Priestess were not devoted to the gods, although they took their guidance. Their duties were to the art of medicine and ceremonies. They were allowed to marry and have children. Their only obligation is when called upon; they must stop what they need to do to perform their duties. Whether it be a mother giving birth or comforting the dying. Along with passing the traditions onto the next generation.

This is followed by an inside joke that a woman is the brain and the man is the bronze, although there are exceptions from Spearwives, shieldmaidens, and elders.

I chuckled softly as the priestesses talked about their courting partners and husbands.

It made me think about the next few days and what is to come.

I smiled. Even though my heart still grieves for Fenrir, I know my father would want me to be happy. And Jon makes me happy. Even when I want to smack him, I feel hope despite all the emotions.

"Imogen," Sansa called out.

I stopped pounding the pestle in the mortar and looked up to see Sansa.

"Can I have a word?" Sansa asked.

I nodded, taking a rag to wipe my hands clean before approaching her. Sansa led us away from the priestesses and prying eyes into a private room. Once inside, Sansa stared at me, evaluating me with her blue eyes.

"Is something wrong?" I asked.

"Jon says he and you are to be married in a few days," she answered cautiously.

"Aye," I confirmed, keeping my composure and caution.

"Isn't it a bit too soon, after everything?" she asked.

I frown, "Jon is the one who gave me the flower."

Her eyes went to my head, seeing the flower in my hair, "Is that so."

I nodded.

Sansa took a deep breath, "Men rush into things…I just thought…."

"You were expecting Jon to marry a northern, noble lady," I finished.

Her eyes widened, and I knew what she was thinking. I feel disappointed for all the bonding Sansa and I have, and she still thinks of me as a Wildling.

"It's not like that," she said.

I crossed my arms, "Then what is it?"

Sansa stared at me.

"Is it because I'm a wildling?" I asked. "Because I don't have the high education of a noble. I can't do needlepoint, twirl in dances, or have a delicate persona."

Sansa took a deep breath.

"I expected more from you," I said. "I thought you were a shieldmaiden."

"It's not like that," Sansa said, looking defeated. "After everything…I want the North to be strong."

"And you don't think Jon is strong enough to rule?" I asked.

She bowed her head, "Jon doesn't understand…"

I took a deep breath, "Sansa, you grew up on Andal customs and saw the cruel court of the southern regions. Have you thought about the Kingdom of the First Men?"

She looked up at me.

"This is not about politics between Jon and I," I said. "We understand each other in more ways than…that you might not understand."

"Like what?" she asked.

"Like death," I answered.

She took a deep breath, for that was a sensitive topic.

"We understand death, obligation, and duty," I explained. "That we would give up our lives for our people. That we fought to a point, we were barely holding on. The only thing keeping us standing is each other and our families." I took a deep breath. "I don't know where our future lies; either it is ruling to protect the North or a simple life. That is Jon's choice, and I will be standing by his side."

Sansa stared at me, comprehending what I was saying, "You really do love him."

"I do," I confirmed, with a caring smile. "You may not know me long, but just know that I love him. For him, not titles or power, but him."

Sansa took a deep breath, "Very well."

I sighed in relief.

"So, there is no ceremony or anything that needs to be prepared?" she asked.

"No, we meet up and agree that we are bound to one another," I answered.

"Then how do people know you're married?"

"We simply tell them. Along with the marriage mark."

"Marriage mark?"

I nodded, pointing to the bare side of my neck. "Jon's crest would be placed here."

Sansa's eyes widened once more. It took a while for me to explain the customs to Sansa. She was surprised at how simple the union was. However, she can highlight the similarities between the First Men's marriage ceremonies and Dires. Only there were no witnesses, the male of the House giving the bride away and exchanging of cloaks. Yet the promise to the Heart Tree or Weirwood tree is there at night.

"Is there anything I can help with?" Sansa asked.

I paused, thinking about it, "That dress…The one I wore after the first battle."

Sansa smiled, which turned to a grin as if she recalled Jon's reaction.

When Bran says there are eight starks they are: Imogen, Ethan, Aiden, Sansa, Arya, Bran, Rickon, and Jon. Boudica is a Stark by marriage, not of blood. Thought I should clear that up.

Get ready for the next chapter.

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