A/N: Hey all. Checking in from the sunny state of Hawaii. Some needed vacation, but thankfully it doesn't take much time to drop an update :)

And we come to the start of the great adventure.

Enjoy and comment!

Chapter 10: Departures

"Anyone think something's wrong with Egg?"

Almost jumping out of her skin at any voice over the benign monotony of the evening, Sansa's hands still trembled a bit as she worked her knitting needles. Finishing up a pair of fuzzy woolen socks for Jon - she'd already done hers and Dany's, needed for the journey to White Harbor and all. "Ummm… what?"

Across from her, Daenerys - ever prim and proper and… deceitfully calm honed by her years of getting away with all sorts of misbehavior over the years - cleared her throat with her eyes blazing at Sansa. Don't blow this. Sansa thought the darkened violets looked wondrous, that common flutter in her stomach finding its way to the surface again, but it was interrupted by Asha's voice. "You damn well heard me, red. I'm asking if somethin's wrong with Egg."

"Damn! Damn! Damn!" clapped young Arya, ever excited to be let in with the older girls.

Dany rolled her eyes. "See what you did, Asha?"

"Jump off your dragon, Princess," the Ironborn shot back.

Rhae thumped her on the shoulder. "Don't talk to her like that, Greyjoy." The two glared at each other - the cluster of highborn girls of their age group, ranging from the five and ten Rhaenys to the seven Arya, were gathered in Lady Stark's solar for some quiet bonding time. Rhae and her elder two sisters, Dany, Sansa and her eldest two sisters as well, Asha, Allyria Dayne, Lyanna Mormont, Margaery Tyrell, and both of Sansa's friends Jeyne Poole and Beth Cassel. A fun time until Asha asked her question. "So spill, what do you think is wrong with my brother?"

Asha shrugged, rubbing her shoulder. "Nothin' much… he's just goin' to Dorne."

"So?" Allyria narrowed her eyes. "I've been to Dorne."

"You've been to Starfall, prissy. That's like half-Winterfell half-Oldtown. From what everyone says of real Dorne, where the Queen is from, makes this one look like a Septa." She pointed to Rhaenys, who groaned. "Young, pretty Valyrian boy like Egg. The girls'll eat him alive." Asha nodded. "I know for a fact his maidenhood is intact."

Rhaenys, Daenerys, Alyssa, and Visenya blanched. "Gross, I don't want to hear that!" Alyssa stammered. "He's my brother!"

Beth Cassel laughed. "So? You're Targaryens after all!" A good point.

Dany shook her head. "Sometimes the connection is there and sometimes it isn't. I suppose…" She thought of Jon, making her smile. "When there is a connection the relation is ever better. When not, then it's a normal sibling relationship."

"Gross," shook Jeyne Poole's head.

"Oh please, Jeyne. Andals and First Men marry their cousins," Visenya shot back. "It's the same thing. Familiarity creates a deeper bond if it's meant to be." Another good point.

"Why do you wanna eat Egg?" Arya asked Rhaenys, tugging on her. "Dornish don't eat Egg. I like Egg."

Many of the girls smirked at the display of innocence - except for Joanna. "Shut up, Horseface."

Arya didn't take kindly to that. "You shut up, prissy priss priss!" Foot shooting out, she kicked Joanna in the shin.

"You little!"

Stepping in between her little sisters, Sansa gave her wolfish glare that silenced them. "Enough from you two." Once they grumbled, she knelt by Arya. "Arry, what Asha meant is that when Egg goes to Dorne, all the girls there will want to be his Princess." A fair way of putting it the way Arya could understand - from the look of her friends and family it was a reasonable answer, even though some snickered while Asha rolled her eyes.

But Arya surprised everyone with what she said next. "I be Egg's Princess!" She twirled around the chamber, showing a quite girly rendition of herself that wasn't common for her in particular. "I ride Tessarion and fight and wrestle with him!"

Pursing her lips, Lyanna Mormont tried not to cackle. "Well… first you have Allyria making mooney eyes at Lord Garlan Tyrell." Allyria blushed bright red while Margaery grinned. "Then Marg here making moony eyes at Robb." Now it was Margaery's turn to flush red. "Joanna and Domeric of course."

"Shut up!" cried Joanna.

"And Jeyne at Theon."

"Say what?" Asha blurted, Jeyne trying her best to melt in the floor.

Lyanna wasn't done. "Rhaenys bedding everything with a heartbeat." She dodged something the eldest Princess tossed at her. "And I cannot forget how Dany and Sansa want to 'be the Queens that Prince Baelon will always have by his side.'" Truthfully, the two of them had nothing to be ashamed about, grinning proudly even though under the surface - less underneath in Sansa's case compared to Dany - they were nervous as all the seven hells that they'd be discovered. "Your crush on Aegon is within reason for our circle."

"Yes! Yes! He and me crush all enemies!" Arya made pretend to stab something, then made a rather butchered attempt at a dragon roar.

"Guess we now know where Tommen's warlike spirit went," Joanna quipped. "And you gave him his womanlike weakness."

"Shut up, piss-hair!"

Joanna's eyes widened and blazed. "You're so in for it now, horseface!"

"Joanna! Arya!" The authoritative bark made all the girls jump to see both Lady Cersei and Queen Rhaella watching over them, eyes hardened. "I thought we told you - all of you - to get along without bickering."

"We know, Lady Stark," spoke Daenerys, smooth as ever with those sparkling violet eyes that radiated innocence. "They were just playing around, is all. We all were."

"Was that the way of it?" Cersei asked, leading to nods. She nodded as well. "Alright then, let's get off to bed, wee ones. The hour of the wolf approaches." The customary groans were recorded, but no one was willing to challenge the Lady of the Keep. Especially not when that lady was Cersei Stark.

Filing out after saying their good nights, Sansa spontaneously hugged Cersei. "I love you, mama," she murmured.

Cersei seemed surprised, but hugged her back. "I love you too, sweetling, what's the matter?"

"Nothing." Sansa couldn't say that she wouldn't be seeing her mother for the longest time, after all. "I just don't think I say it enough." That melted Cersei's heart and she squeezed Sansa tight.

Watching, Daenerys' resolve almost broke into tears thinking of the family she wouldn't see for so long - but she was strong, and all she did was run into Rhaella's arms. "Think the same, my sweet Dany?" the Queen Mother chuckled, caressing her back like when she was little.

Dany nodded into Rhaella's chest. "I do love you, muna. You're the best muna in the world."

Rhaella could only hug her tighter, tearing up herself.

When the girls finally reached their shared chambers, Sansa sighed. "Sorry, couldn't help it."

"No, I couldn't either. We're not gonna see them again for moons are we?"

"Perhaps a year… I'm gonna miss my family."

"Me too." Dany shook her head. "But Jon started this. I'm not letting him go out alone with only Ser Arthur." She headed for her bed and pulled out a saddlebag kept stuffed underneath the mattress. "Get your clothes, Sans, and be quick about it."

Momentarily distracted by how Daenerys had bent over, Sansa blinked and nodded. "Right." On top of her own bed, Lady quirked her head at her. "We leaving our pups behind?"

Daenerys was glancing at her with an incredulous look. "I think you know the answer to that." Sansa did, hefting Lady in her arms.

Draping her cloak tighter around her body, even with the thick wool, heat off the torch, and the hot springs that Winterfell was built on, Margaery Tyrell felt as if her very bones were frozen solid. Man wasn't made to live in cold like this… She'd had her fill of hot days in Highgarden, joining her friends, her mother, and her goodsister in wearing gowns that left their arms and cleavage bare and attracted the gaze of men of any age.

Here, all she could do was bundle up, and it wasn't enough. Nothing would ever be enough even if she slept in front of a roaring hearth in her chambers.

Thankfully though, the scuff of feet found the equally cloaked Daenerys and Sansa scurrying down the corridor towards her. "Thank the Seven." Margaery hugged them - only half for their body heat. "I've been waiting here for two hours… or something like that."

Dany rolled her eyes, while Sansa offered a small smile. "Sorry. We got… sidetracked." She giggled. "These wee ones were being a pain while Ser Barristan was on duty."

Finally noticing a rustle under their cloaks, Margaery understood almost immediately. "You brought those mutts?"

Two pairs of eyes narrowed at her. "I hope you're not speaking of our pups?" Daenerys asked with a menacing tone.

Syrax may have been a small, beautiful dragon, but her ferocity could put her on par with the Black Dread Reborn - such as it was with Dany, to which Margaery responded by raising her hands in surrender. "No, that's not what I meant… but it's risky to take them."

"I'm already going to be parting from Syrax for gods know when. I'm not parting with Moonlight for a day." A snout poked out of the cloak and began licking Dany's chin, breaking the Princess' scowl and returning her to her radiant expression. "Stop it, sweetling," she murmured, giggling.

Lady, snug within Sansa's cloak, was far calmer as was her personality. Sansa was thankful for it. "Is the door latched?"

"I took the latch out, and the guard on duty takes a piss break when the moon reaches the highest point in the sky… which has yet to happen. Wait until he departs and then sneak out to the barn beside the tavern. That's where the stableboy's waiting with the horses." That had actually been the easiest part of that plan, poor lad eager to do her bidding after a few flutters of her lashes. I'll put the bar back in place before heading back to bed."

Sansa hugged her. "Thank you, Margaery."

Dany did as well, making Margaery smile. "You're a good friend… I shall reward you when we are Queens."

"Not like I had much choice to help you," Marg chuckled. "Just stay safe… and don't let Baelon get into any danger."

"We Targaryens and Starks attract danger like moths to a flame," Daenerys replied. "We'll protect him though, you can count on that." Both girls looked firm on that. Good luck then… you're going to need it.

An idle whistling made them all tense. Margaery most of all. "Go," she whispered. "I'll take care of this." The three girls hugged one more time before the Rose of Highgarden ducked back out of the narrow corridor to the main one. Managing to look somewhat casual before the shadow finally turned the corner to reveal… "Robb?"

Barely standing from his exhaustion, Robb blinked… only to wince at seeing the girl that haunted his dreams. "Lady Tyrell." Why did it have to be her? "What're you doing here?"

"Ummm… couldn't sleep." She bit her lip.

Only to release a relieved breath when he nodded. "Me too. Baelon woke me up."

"Why?" She shifted her feet.

"Get this, apparently Ser Arthur and he are going on some adventure in Essos. Like Duncan the Tall and Aegon the Unlikely."

"Really?" Margaery tried to sound surprised. "I can't believe it."

"I know, right?" Robb yawned. "I wanna sleep, but can't, so I'm getting a bite to eat from the kitchens." He began wandering towards the alcove where Dany and Sansa were. "You can join if you want…"

"No!" Marg blurted out, finding a blush creep onto her face as he looked back at her as if she sprouted two heads. "No, Robb, I mean… I still want to talk to you." Completely dumb, but anything to get him away from the exit Daenerys and Sansa were using.

Robb, unfortunately for her, was not buying it. "Just follow me. Walk and talk." Again he tried to head in that direction…

And Margaery reached out to take his hand, dress swishing against the stone floor. "I can't do that, please stay…"

"You're acting weird." Normally he was tongue-tied around her, but with his lack of sleep and the assorted churlishness that came with it - gods, she was often of that as well - made him far less inclined to appreciate her. "Get off of me. I'm busy."

He moved to brusquely shove her aside, but Margaery was thinking a mile a minute. Robb was on to her, and with her fear and harried actions it was clear anything she did would just make him more suspicious and stubborn… well, anything but one. Grabbing him again, he turned to yell at her…

Only for Margaery to act on instinct. Grabbing the lapels of his tunic, pulling him down, and kissing him hard on the lips. She heard him gasp, to which Margaery was as decisive as her grandmother always said she should be. Mimicking her brother and goodsister or the King and either Queen - or both Queens with each other - she pushed her tongue into his mouth. It was strange and awkward and neither knew what they were doing.

But just as with Robb, Margaery unexpectedly had her breath taken away from her.

Neither of them realized how long had passed, but they broke apart breathlessly. Her hands paralyzed upon his tunic and his flopped down by his sides. They breathed heavily, staring at each other even though Margaery felt quite embarrassed. It had worked, but… "Gods," he breathed.

"Aye…" She blushed bright red. "It was…"

"That was my first kiss," he remarked shyly. "Was it yours?" Margarey nodded, eyes averted. "Oh." Robb finally reached up, rubbing the back of his neck. "Can I… kiss you again?"

Eyes finding his again, Margaery felt a fluttery feeling in the pit of her stomach - a pleasant feeling. Acting on instinct, she leaned up on tip-toes and kissed him again.

Still neither knew how much time passed, but it was clearly far more than the first time.

Not even close to first light, the haze of dark grey clouds casting an ugly pallor and light snowfall over the northern landscape, the two Queens of Westeros were bundled tight as they combined to squeeze the life out of their dearest son. "Stay safe."

"Mind Arthur."

"Don't do anything foolish."

"Keep Ghost by your side at all times."

"Keep your sword by your side at all times."

"Don't talk to strange wanderers or charmers."

Prince Baelon, dressed in his winter riding outfit thick enough to provide protection against the elements - all his clothes for the lower latitudes being stored in his saddlebag - wanted to groan. In truth though, he buried himself as close to his munas as possible. Inhaling their scents, committing them to memory. "I'll miss you," he murmured.

Queen Lyanna sobbed. "So will I, sweetling." She peppered his forehead with kisses.

Of the two of them, Queen Elia had been the first to know he needed to go - but that didn't make this any easier. "You'll make us proud… but please stay safe, my son. I love you too much to imagine you hurt."

"You needn't worry about me, muna. I've learned from uncle Oberyn, and he went on many adventures."

"Aye, which is why I worry." Her brother wasn't exactly a risk-averse person. Across from them, Ser Arthur bid farewell to Dacey and his children - all three of whom would depart for Bear Island and their Mormont kin as soon as the royal procession made its way back to King's Landing. No better time for that than now. Dacey's thick dress and her hair were a bit rumpled, indicative of what they had been up to for the last several hours. Some things never changed.

After monopolizing the Prince's time for an interminable length, the Queens were soon replaced by Rhaella. "You look just like my kepa must've," she beamed, kissing his brow. "Learn as much as you can, Baelon, and remember. These experiences will be ones no Prince can ever learn while proclaiming his title."

Jon nodded. "I know, grandmother. I shall make you proud." That earned him another kiss.

Both Aunt Cersei and Uncle Ned approached him, the former kissing his cheek while the latter shook his hand. "Take care of yourself, and your pup," Ned remarked. "You're a direwolf as much as you are a dragon, so show the lands across the Narrow Sea what Theon Stark did if they cross you."

A grin. "Of course uncle."

"And stay safe." Aunt Cersei warned him, but her eyes were soft. "I don't wish to explain to your cousins if something comes of harm to you."

The things they said of his aunt in King's Landing always confused Jon. She was always sweet if firm and demanding whenever he saw her. "I promise," he replied. He noticed in the periphery of his vision that Arthur kissed Aunt Dacey one last time, ruffled the hair of Artie and Lyanna, and approached his horse. Mounting the large mare, one bred to stand the harsh cold of the North. "I know you will, but make sure Sansa's alright."

"I will."

"You didn't tell her?" Ned asked.

"I told Robb… I'm too afraid to tell her." Ned snorted and Cersei smirked - Tully that she was, Sansa acquired that sense of intimidation from her stepmother that made her wolfish traits all the more frightening.

As his Uncle Benjen and Aunt Ashara hugged and released him next, Jon suddenly found himself enveloped by a strong yet slender frame. Squeezing him tightly. "Gods forgive me, valonqar, but I don't want you to go," Rhaenys choked out. She was sobbing lightly, kissing his forehead and making Jon blush. "Won't be the same without you, Jon."

Jon hugged her back. Much as she sometimes embarrassed him, with Rhaenys he could tolerate her greatly. "You could take Theon Greyjoy to King's Landing if you want to replace me."

Pulling back, Rhaenys scowled and thumped him hard in the shoulder. "Shut it, idiot." Laughs rang out as the two siblings smirked at each other. "You're irreplaceable, Jon. Just don't lose all of your sweet innocence out in the wilds of Essos." Her frown returned. "And if you visit a Lysene pleasure house I will kill you."

"Alright, alright, point taken." He did not want her to hit him again. Rhaenys' blows hurt. "And don't worry. All I'll be is a little wiser and finally able to kick your ass at sparring."

"Never gonna happen, Baelon." Lip quivering, Rhaenys hugged him again, getting a kiss on the cheek from her brother that made her the one that blushed this time.

A hand pressed on Rhaenys' shoulder. "You'll see your valonqar again, my dear daughter." She looked up to see her kepa smiling down at both his raven-haired eldest children. Both in possession of looks unlike that of their Valyrian paternal lineage but as much dragons as he. "You'd have to say goodbye anyway for your fostering."

Wordlessly, Rhaenys nodded. "I'll let Dany and Sansa know you're gone, I promise." Kissing Baelon's forehead before finally stepping back. She and Jon sharing a tiny smile.

And now it was down to father and son. King and Crown Prince, both simply looking at each other, face to face - though Rhaegar glanced down and Jon glanced up. "So… this is it."

"Aye, kepa, this is it." He rubbed the back of his neck. "I'm excited, but also nervous. I don't want to leave all of you."

"The thought of you being away from me is more terrifying than all battles that I have fought." Jon looked skeptical, but it was the truth. Rhaegar reached out to shake Jon's hand, which became a pat on the shoulder… which led to them hugging close. "I'm so proud of you, my son."

"I just hope I can be as good a King as you, kepa." He choked back a sob. "I swear it, I will meet your standard upon my return. I will be the Prince that you were."

Rhaegar kissed the crown of his head through the black curls that so reminded him of his beautiful Lyanna. "You will exceed me, Baelon." Looking behind, Rhaegar blinked - he swore he could see two tall, imposing figures watching, beaming at him and Jon. Knowing without prompting that they were Aegon the Conqueror and Baelon the Brave.

But as soon as he saw them, they vanished. I must be thinking things.

"Remember all Arthur has told you," he said. "And heed his commands."

"I will, kepa. Watch over the family, alright?"

"I shall do my best," he smiled. A quick squeeze, another kiss upon the forehead, and father and son broke apart. The King walking back to hold his Queens as the Crown Prince headed towards his mount.

Taking a deep breath, allowing the bitingly cold air against his lungs to steady his nerves, Jon ascended the steps and mounted his horse. Not his own horse, one that could be sold in White Harbor for additional coin. He'd get used to the gelding, as well as the many other horses that would be acquired along his journey. Queen Lyanna - his muna - taught him well.

Beside him, Arthur glanced at him. "Ready, my Prince?"

Taking one last look behind him - at his kepa, munas, older sister, uncles, and aunts - Jon cast them a smile and a wave while trying to hold back his tears. A future King does not cry. Sighing, he wished Daenerys and Sansa were there but if they had been, he wouldn't be able to leave.

Love you two… take care.

'I'll watch over them, kepa.'

Jon could've sworn that Valyrax sounded… off, but thought nothing off it as he smiled at the sentiment. "Thank you, boy," he murmured. "I shall miss you."

'Say the word and I'll fly to you, no matter if valonqar grows large enough to be more than a ball of fur.'

Snorting, Jon looked into his saddlebag. Finding Ghost snug inside with enough woolen padding to keep him comfortable. The white wolf craned his neck out and sniffed his gloved hand, making Jon chuckle. "Duly noted." Finally turning back to Arthur, his eyes narrowed and lips formed a hard, determined line. "Aye, I'm ready. You?" He jerked his hood forward, falling over his face and sheathing his ears and neck from the cold.

Arthur chuckled, doing the same. "Let's go then." All eyes on him, Jon clicked his tongue and squeezed his thighs, sending the horse into a cantor through the gate of Winterfell. Straight through towards the Kingsroad as the wind whipped through his face. Nothing but adventure and discovery laid out before him. An entire world for his mind to conquer.

Little did he know that twin pairs of eyes - one grey and one violet - were watching his every move from the thick brush of the Wolfswood.

"Kepa, where's Jon?"

A simple question… seven hells, a question usually with the most simple of answers. 'He's out sparring,' or 'He's ill with the stomach malady,' or 'He's out with the dragons.'

Yet when Visenya asked it that morning within the private dining chamber of House Stark, Rhaegar could only rub his temples from stress. "It's, it's a long story, daughter."

She blinked, confused. "What do you mean?"

"Where's Jon?" Egg asked. There were three spots at the table not taken - two belonged to Daenerys and Sansa, but where were they supposed to be? Aside from a slightly nervous Margaery Tyrell, everyone assumed they were sleeping in. Since Robb seemed nervous as well and constantly glancing at the Rose of Highgarden, the assumption was her nerves had something to do with him.

Young love.

As for Jon's, Elia swept in, the most emotionally grounded of the three monarchs. "Ser Arthur and Baelon, they left."

For what felt like hours, as the servants brought in further plates of fresh bread, cheese, milk, and thawed out frozen fruit kept fresh by the cold temperatures outside that ended up mostly going uneaten, Elia told the story in detail. Informing the entire family of Targaryens and Starks of what had been planned for Jon. Silence reigned, until… "Well, and I supposed Dorne was going to be an adventure," Aegon chuckled.

Rhaenys, shaking her head, looked at Lyanna. "He has your sense of humor, muna."

Before Lyanna could roll her eyes, Benjen laughed. "Means you've evolved from when you tricked Ned into falling into the pool in the godswood."

"I have yet to forgive you for that," Ned added, earning a lighthearted glare from Lyanna.

"Wait, muna, you're telling us that Jon and Arthur are off in Essos?" Rickon's eyes were wide. "When were you going to tell us this?"

"This morning," Elia replied.

Visenya shook her head. "I didn't even get to say goodbye."

"Gods, some people have all the fun," groaned Alyssa, always one to initiate adventure. "Rhae here, Egg in Dorne, Jon gallivanting around the world with Ser Arthur." She smacked the table. "I demand to be sent to the Basilisk Isles next."

"And what, cousin, would you find there?" laughed Robb.

"They say wyverns live there. Stormfyre and I would get some proper fighting done."

Rhaegar cleared his throat. "Enough. This was what had to be done, and when the time comes all of you will be properly fostered in order to build character for your future. For the roles you will play in Baelon's reign."

Alyssa nodded. "Right, kepa, right…" She suddenly thought of something. "Wait, do Dany and Sansa know?"

No one noticed Margaery's eyes shifting around aside from Rhaenys. "Oh no," Myrcella replied, clasping her hands over her mouth. "They have no idea. They were always close to Jon and will be devastated."

Rising, Rhaella finished devouring a roll before brushing her dress. "Allow me to find them, my son. Lord Stark. It shan't take me a minute and I think it would be best for me to broach the subject while they are alone." Rhaegar nodded, and Rhaella headed for the door.

Brow raised at Margaery's actions, Rhaenys stood as well. "Allow me to accompany you, grandmother. Margaery, come."

"Your Grace?" The Tyrell's expression was confused. "What?"

"You're my Lady in Waiting. Wait on me, then." Margaery, biting her lip, did as she was told.

It wasn't long before they arrived at the door. Rhaella knocked. "Daenerys… Lady Sansa? May I enter?" Hearing no response, Rhaella entered anyway, slowly at first. "That's odd…"

"Mayhaps they are tired, your Grace," Margaery spoke haltingly. "Let's not disturb them…"

Rhaenys peeked in, only for her eyes to widen. "There's no one here?" Behind her, Margaery was biting her fingernails, obviously nervous.

Such was true, the beds were made and the place was immaculate, as if no one slept there. "Where…" Rhaella found a note on the bed. Picking it up, her mouth gaped open in horror… then anger. "That little monster… she's been a troublemaker before but this destroys all!"

In her anger, the Dowager Queen didn't notice Margaery having ducked out and disappeared to… someplace else entirely. Rhaenys, though confused, did notice. What did Marg do? What did Dany and Sansa do? Whatever it was, the 'Rose of Highgarden' was certainly involved. In any case. "Can I see the note, grandmother?" Rhaella practically shoved it into her hands, making Rhaenys' eyes widen. What in Seven Hells… She began to read the note, wondering what Dany could've said to throw Rhaella into such a draconic anger.

Muna,

I know it'll be you that reads this.

Sansa and I were quite cross with you and Rhaegar and Lyanna and Elia for sending off Jon to what could very well be his death, but in hindsight I can understand why. Our beloved Baelon needs to be the best King he can be. However, there is no chance I can sit around in the comfort of the Red Keep or Dragonstone while imagining him out there alone and unloved and unprotected.

So that is why Sansa and I had to go after him and Ser Arthur. Give him the comfort and protection that he has given us countless times over the years.

Please do not come after us. We will be fine.

Princess Daenerys Targaryen

Rhaenys whistled at the end of it. "Way to go, Dany. Didn't know you had it in ya!' She laughed merrily… only for it to fall as she saw the fire in her grandmother's eyes. "Grandmother, please, don't do anything rash…"

Lips pulled together in a scowl, Rhaella was heading to the door. "That little… she is not going to get away with this."

Running after her, Rhaenys fell in by Rhaella's side. She had a feeling that this was the moment before dragonfire was unleashed upon the world. "What are you gonna do?"

"Arthur and Baelon are stopping in Gulltown before heading out to Essos. If those two are as smart as they are reckless, they'll manage to get on the boat. And I'll be waiting for them."

Sighing, the Princess knew that her aunt and cousin would need a proper silver tongue to escape Rhaella dragging them home by their ear. "Good luck," she murmured under her breath. "You're gonna need it."

Peering into the distance, Daenerys could barely make out a faint light. "I think that's where Jon and Ser Arthur holed up." The horses were hooked up - sturdy northern breed that could withstand the cold. She, however, was a Valyrian built for the heat of the fourteen flames. The blizzard that rolled over their campsite as night shrouded the land of her goodsister Lyanna was not something she was built for.

Had Syrax been there, she'd have been fine, but without her… "Dany," Sansa called. "You look like you're freezing."

Nodding, she pointed to their own fire. "It's… not powerful enough." A whole three days' riding had found them here, somewhere far south of Castle Cerwyn and closer to White Harbor than not. Hopefully they were far enough from the search parties that were undoubtedly being sent after them.

"We…" Sansa's teeth continued to chatter. "We shoulda… thought this… through."

"I… can get some… more… firewood…" It was harming Dany more, her dragon's blood able to handle the most extreme of high temperatures but weak in the face of a massive blizzard. "It's… it's no…"

But Sansa shook her head, pulling Lady to her breast and sitting close by the fire. "Com'ere," she urged Dany, bidding her down and opening her thick cloak. "Sit beside me. We'll huddle and keep ourselves warm."

Daenerys, seeing Sansa's rosy cheeks and insistence, even her pride couldn't let her disagree. "Alright." She sat, inching herself and Moonlight close to Sansa's side. The two pups nuzzled each other's noses and rested on their mistresses' laps like sausages side by side, while Dany wrapped her arms around Sansa's middle. "This fine for you?"

Gulping, Sansa nodded. "Aye, it does." They still shivered, but the cold was lessened. "This may have been a mistake."

"No… not a mistake… just a… poor execution…" Dany held Sansa tighter, taking in all the warmth she could from her closest friend. "We need… to protect Jon…"

"Let's just… get some sleep, Dany." On her lap, she felt Lady start whimpering - starting to shift about sluggishly. "Lady, please sleep, you'll waste your strength." Another whimper, one of hunger. "I'll feed you in the morning, I promise sweetling." Eyes fluttering closed, Sansa tried to sleep. Blocked out the howling winds. Did as much as she could even as Dany shivered at her side while Lady continued to squirm…

And then her vision went white.

Blinking, head whipping around, Sansa's nose picked up a powerful scent. One far stronger than anytime before in her life. It brought a ravenous hunger as somehow her brain processed it. Food… food eat! Hungry hungry hungry! Looking around her, a tiny sliver of light through the darkness was noticed and she leapt out.

The cold was painful but she took off ambling through the snow on her paws. Sniffing the air and bounding towards the scent. The winds blocked her sounds, allowing her stealth as the scent grew closer. Ever closer. Close enough for her to leap in the air and pounce upon the small rodent scurrying towards a pine tree…

Suddenly, Sansa's eyes widened. She coughed, patting her chest as the haze gripping her head began to dissipate. "Sansa!" Glancing to her left, she noticed Daenerys looking at her with wide eyes. "You're back!"

"Wha… where… I was asleep, wasn't I?"

"No, your eyes were open… but not. And they were milky white. I was scared."

"I…" She looked around. "Where's Lady?" Only Moonlight was there, sleeping comfortably until - finally Lady emerged, a slight smear of red blood marring her snout which she licked away with her tongue. Tail wagging with enjoyment. "Now where did you run off to?" Lady yawned and snuggled in the warmth underneath the cloak. "Wait… why is it warm?"

Her attention on Dany, Sansa noticed the Princess' arms radiating heat. A heat warm enough to cause her to sweat even as the blizzard plunged everything well below freezing around them. "I think… I'm warming us?" Dany was just as confused. "I mean, I have the dragonblood… but never like this."

"Looks like we both have mysteries," Sansa mused, feeling Dany's body begin to cool to a more manageable, toasty warmth that left them both comfortable. Yawning, she rested her head against Dany's - who was wonderfully tucked in the crook of her head. "Let's sleep."

"Aye, Sans. Sleep." Feeling wondrous rest coming about her, Daenerys murmured. "Love you, Sansa."

She was out like a light right after, but the words stuck with the still slightly awake Sansa. It felt warmer than even the Princess' warm skin. "I love you too, Dany." Wind roaring about them, Sansa drifted off right next to her closest friend.

"I think I have fleas."

Arthur shook his head. "You'll like Braavos, young one," he murmured, still careful to show the Prince respect while keeping their anonymity intact. "The resting houses have baths - functioning ones."

Jon scratched his head, sighing deeply. "Couldn't we have stayed with Lord Manderly? He always has the best food and his daughters are always nice to me."

I'll bet they are. Wynafryd and Wylla Manderly were elegant and sweet, but they were as much ambitious as even the Hightowers or Tywin Lannister. Snagging a Prince's first time would be rather desired by them and Arthur was determined to prevent that. "I am not breaking our anonymity for anything unless we are in grave risk."

"I know… I know…" Jon groaned. "Still, a nice bed would be desired right now."

"Aemon and Qyburn certainly changed much in their recommendations for hygiene at the Red Keep." Pycelle had been nowhere near as clean, the cunt. "Ah, there's the ship." Guiding Jon towards the specific quay in the bustling harbor of White Harbor - the increased attention to the North swelling its traffic north of double or even triple the pre-Rebellion statistics - Arthur approached a slender man waiting at the foot of a gangplank to a large freighter. "I was told you carry passengers as well as cargo."

The captain of the Icebreaker looked up from his lunch. "Aye, I do. Heading to Gulltown. That your destination?"

"It is. We would like a cabin."

"Luck's on your side, stranger," said the captain, noticing the outline of a sword and assuming he was a hedge knight. He carried himself like a knight. "Last cabin available. For you, your son, and…" Glancing down at the dog, tail wagging and staring up with red eyes, the captain shrugged. "Fifteen silver stags."

Arthur grabbed a purse from his belt and dropped it in the captain's hand - he had more where that came from after selling their horses to the Manderly Household Guard. "That should do."

"That does very well. Have a happy voyage. Mole!" A young shiphand looked over the railing. "Get them to cabin eight!"

"Right away, ser!" Walking up the plank, Jon bit his lip. So now began his adventure, and he was excited.

Ghost licked his palm. "I know, boy, I know."

Hefting the coinpurse filled with silver stags, the boat captain picked up the still warm meat bun he had purchased and took a big bite out of it. Savoring the warmth and savory goodness that filled his mouth. Oh, how he'd make a far bigger haul of coin when the passengers would undoubtedly buy them from the cook rather than eat their own supplies or the free hard bread and cheese he would provide.

Polishing it off, the clearing of a throat drew him to look down. "Hi," beamed a young girl, cowl over her head and sack slung over her back. Beside her was another, similarly situated but with her cowl lowered - revealing a fire-red thatch of hair. "This your boat?"

He raised his brow. "Yeah, why?" His daughter was only a little younger than these two, so his tone was softer than it usually was.

The redhead gave him a brilliant smile - both of them did, almost too wide. "We would like passage on your fine ship to…"

"To Gulltown?"

A flicker of surprise appeared in their eyes, but it was quick. They nodded. "Aye, Gulltown."

"Hmmm… I don't know. Passage is quite expensive…"

The still covered girl took out a handful of silver stags from her pocket. "Is this enough? I'm sure it would be."

Now where did they get all that coin? Truthfully, it didn't matter, and he wouldn't extort them. "I'm sorry, young ones, but the cabins are all sold out. Some hedge knight and his son and dog took the last ones." A grumble came from the covered girl while the other shook her head. "Only hammock space, five silver stags each." Wordlessly, the amount was paid. "Aight, find one that's unoccupied. Meals are free, but hot meals cost extra."

"Alright, thank you good ser." The girls bounded up the plank, leaving the captain alone to count his money. "Hammocks," complained Sansa. "We're gonna have to sleep in hammocks!"

"Sansa, calm… Moonlight, calm down," Dany hissed at the squirming direwolf hidden under her cloak. "You can't show yourself off till we get below decks." She turned back to Sansa. "What surprises me is that they're sailing to Gulltown. Why the Vale? I thought they were going to Essos."

"I thought so too, but what can you do? I mean… we can't show ourselves till we're out of Westeros. Or else Ser Arthur will send us back."

Daenerys giggled deviously. "That idiot thinks he could sneak out on us. He'll get another thing coming…" Her expression softened. "Jon…"

Sansa smiled too. "Aye, Jon." Scrambling down the steps of the ship to belowdecks, they thought of the raven-haired Prince with dopey smiles on their faces.

A/N: And our two ladies have certainly sent the Crown into a tizzy, lol.

Robb and Marg :D

Till next time. Gonna enjoy Hawaii for a bit :)