Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Rhydian violently swings his sword at a training dummy.

He lets out a low growl and breaks the training sword as he manages to break through the wooden neck of the human-shaped object.

He gruffly throws the sword down after looking at the broken blade and walks over to a rack.

"I believe that one is the tenth, training sword you've broken and the third dummy", Cersei states, "if you gave me my sword back, we wouldn't have this issue", Rhydian states and begins slashing away at another dummy making the woman sigh.

"Put the sword down", she commands, the Raven pausing mid-swing and turning to look at her as he lowers the blade that was already cracking.

"I didn't take you to be an impulsive man", Cersei states, "usually, I'm not but I have nothing better to do", Rhydian states.

He hadn't seen Sansa since he was locked up, not even when he was allowed to stroll the grounds and use training swords.

Any word about her was given to him by Cersei, Joffrey or the hound, otherwise, his ravens would be spying on her, occasionally one will make its way into her room and Sansa would talk to him as if knowing.

"I've managed to convince, Joff, that you should train some guards, about ten of them, they're to be his guards", Cersei states.

"You killed my lord and now you're asking me to train some guards?", Rhydian asks, "you want something to do, you want something to hit, you want to live instead of being slaughtered as you put it", Cersei states.

"Do this, train them, perhaps I can convince Joffrey to let you see Sansa more", Cersei asks.

Rhydian nods slowly, "fine", he breathes out.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Sansa looks up from her sewing as the door opens.

She almost jumps out of her seat as Rhydian shuts the door behind him, meeting her halfway as she cries, the man picking her up as he hugs her.

"I thought you were dead", she cries, "no one would tell me anything".

"I'm alive, little one", Rhydian breathes out, "I have to do something for them", he whispers.

The girl steps back looking at his face, "they've asked me to train some of their men for the King's guard", Rhydian states, "I thought they would have asked you to kill Robb", Sansa states.

"They want to keep me near", Rhydian states, Sansa quickly catches him as his leg shakes, making the man growl softly.

Sansa sits him in a seat and he sighs, "damn thing", he mutters.

"What's wrong with it?", Sansa, clear worry in her eyes.

"The stab hit something and it's taking a while to heal, I suppose it's a good thing I'm good at killing things without moving much", Rhydian states, "just means I will need to keep using this for a little while longer", the man states holding his walking stick.

"As if I needed a reminder of how old I actually am", he jokes, Sansa, smiling softly.

"You were there", Sansa whispers, "I saw your Raven, on top of a statue, you were there werent you?".

Rhydian's eyes soften and he nods.

"I keep my abilities a secret, I'm glad I did, the ravens are the only ones allowing me to see how you are", Rhydian states, gently taking Sansa's hand as she sits next to him at the small table.

"What happens now?", she asks in a whisper, "we play a game", Rhydian states, Sansa, looking to his eyes, "we play a game of survival, we do what we must, we endure what we must until we find a way out".

He leans closer to her, his elbow on the table as he looks into her eyes, "when the time comes and escape happens upon you, you take it, you don't look to me, you don't look for me, you run home".

"I can't leave you", Sansa whispers looking down at their hands, "yes you can", Rhydian says, "hey", he whispers, his other hand moving to lift her chin.

Her eyes meet his and he looks right into her vivid blue eyes, "You can, if you don't want to do it for yourself, do it for me, leave me", he asks.

"Promise me?", he asks.

She nods and he leans back and pats her hand, "good", he whispers.

"What have you been doing these last few days?", Sansa asks, "annoying the keep's man at arms", Rhydian states, smiling slightly as Sansa laughs softly, "how?", she asks, "I keep breaking their swords and training dummies", Rhydian muses, "It's why they're letting me train some of their guards, I'm restless".

"When do you start?", Sansa asks, "I don't know, soon, I'd hope, I don't know how many swords and training dummies they have left", he jokes laughing with the girl.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Sigrid sits on her horse, sitting on a hill as she watches the crows move past her.

Sova sits on her shoulder.

Jon rides up the hill and stops next to her, "what's happening?", he asks, "we keep moving, we'll be at our first destination soon, though, I need to check ahead, can you tell the commander to call for a stop while I do that?", Sigrid asks.

Jon nods and quickly rides off while Sigrid clicks her tongue and rides around the flock, some glancing at her as she goes, her owl following swiftly.

Sigrid's eyes narrow in on a group of Thenn's and she rides faster, drawing her sword.

Karl quickly notices her guarded expression and leaves the flock, riding after her.

"Sigrid!", he calls, "Thenns", she hisses.

Karl just keeps up with her and draws his sword, both swinging down at the Thenns that jump out.

Sigrid slides off her horse and swings.

Sigrid knew the flock would have been stopped by now meaning the one wildling who lays on the ground, she could let go.

Sigrid cuts the man's binds, "go", she hisses, "run fast".

The man's eyes widen and he quickly gets up and runs while Karl helps Sigrid cut down the rest of the Thenns.

"Ah, so the little serpent lives", one of the Thenns says, spitting out blood as Sigrid stands over him, her sword at his throat.

"We almost got to Kalliden, his people tasted delicious", the Thenn growls.

"Is he alive?", Sigrid asks, staring the man right in the eyes as hers turn lilac with the burn of her power rising but not quite showing.

"Yes", the thenn whispers and growls as he looks away from the woman's eyes, "damn you serpents and your powers!", he screams.

"I have nothing but the dead to worry about then", Sigrid hisses and beheads the man with one swift swing.

Karl slides off his horse and cleans his sword on one of the dead men.

"Who's Kalliden?", Karl asks, looking to the woman, "I'll tell you about him some other time", Sigrid says, "we need to pile the bodies in a low pit and burn them", the woman states.

Karl nods, "go get some men and warn Mormont, please?", Sigrid asks.

Karl's brows furrow, noticing the slightly distressed look in her eyes and he steps closer to her, taking her hand in his own as he presses a soft kiss to her temple.

"Whoever Kalliden is, I'm sure he's fine, gotta be if some Thenn would use him against you", Karl whispers.

Sigrid looks up at the man and smiles slightly, "thank you", she whispers and pecks his lips, "if you need me", Karl says, "You're mine", Sigrid chuckles, "I'm yours", Karl smiles and nods, separating from her and hopping onto his horse.

Sigrid cleans her blade on a body and begins pulling the bodies into a pile.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Rhydian sits in a chair as he watches the hound and another man duel.

The Raven knew who would win, sometimes it often didn't feel fair knowing the skills the Hound possessed.

Sandor knocks the other man's shield away and knocks the man off of a wall, the man splattering as he hits the ground.

Joffrey grins, "well struck", he almost mutters, "well struck, dog!", Joffrey calls, louder this time as the hound removes his helmet.

Joffrey turns to Sansa, "did you like that?", Joffrey asks, "it was well struck, your grace", Sansa says.

"I already said it was well struck", Joffrey says, "yes, your grace", Sansa says.

Rhydian watches as two men drag the body away, leaving a trail of blood which a boy quickly walks over to clean up.

"What about you, Rhydian?", Joffrey asks, "amusing", Rhydian states, "The Hound performs well as always".

Joffrey grins and looks to the announcer, "Who's next?", he asks.

"Lothor Brune, freerider in the service of Lord Baelish!", the announcer says and gestures to a man who walks over.

"Ser Dontos the Red of House Hollard!", the announcer gestures to the opposite side of the bridge but no one comes forward.

"Ser Dontos the Red of House Hollard!", the man calls yet again.

Rhydian turns in his seat as he hears huffing and finds a large man, undoubtedly drunk, awkwardly clutching his helmet and weapon.

"Here I am", he says, getting the King's attention, "here I am", he says and drops his helmet, "sorry, Your Grace", he says and picks up his helmet but puts it on backwards.

"My Deepest apologies", he says and corrects his helmet as Rhydian subtly motions to his own head.

"Are you drunk?", Joffrey asks the man, "no, uh, no Your Grace", the man lies, "I had- I had two cups of wine".

"Two cups?", Joffrey asks the man who nods, "that's not much at all", Joffrey smiles and gestures to some wine, "please, have another cup", he asks.

"Are you sure, your grace?", Ser Dontos asks, "yes, to celebrate my name day", Joffrey says, almost grinning, "have two, have as much as you like".

"I would be honoured your grace", Dontos says and bows to Joffrey, not noticing the boy look over to Ser Meryn.

"Ser Meryn, help Ser Dontos celebrate my name day, see that he drinks his fill", Joffrey says.

Ser Meryn and two other Kingsguard grab Ser Dontos and they bring him into a more open area right in the field of view of the king who grins wickedly.

Ser Dontos is forced onto his knees and Ser Meryn grabs a funnel and a barrel of wine.

Ser Meryn forces the funnel into the man's mouth and the Kingsguard with the barrel begins pouring the wine down the funnel, the drunken knight gurgling as he struggles to breathe.

"What a shit way to die", Rhydian mutters to himself, Joffrey just hearing.

"You can't!", Sansa quickly says, "what did you say?", Joffrey quickly asks, "did you say I can't?".

"What she means, Your Grace, is it would be bad luck to kill a man on your name day", Rhydian states, looking to the King who scoffs, "what kind of stupid peasant's superstition-", he asks but the Hound leans in, "they're right, what a man sows on his name day, he reaps all year", Sandor states.

Joffrey sighs and motions for the men to stop, "take him away, I'll have him killed tomorrow, the fool".

The Barrel and funnel are removed and Ser Dontos is released, puking up a mixture of blood and wine.

"He is a fool", Sansa says, "you're so clever to see it", she states, Joffrey glancing at her, "he'll make a much better fool than a knight, he doesn't deserve the mercy of a quick death", she states.

Joffrey thinks it over a moment before he nods with a wide grin, "did you hear My Lady, Ser Dontos?", he asks the man who is forced onto his feet, "from this day", Joffrey says and stands up, "you'll be my new fool".

"Thank you, your Grace", Dontos says, bowing, "and you, my lady, thank you".

Ser Dontos is quickly taken away by the Kingsguard.

"Beloved nephew".

Rhydian looks to Tyrion Lannister as he, a cut-throat and a number of Hill tribesman walk over, the people murmuring as they look their way.

"We looked for you on the battlefield", Tyrion states as Joffrey sits down, "you were nowhere to be found".

Tyrion pours himself a glass of wine and glances at Sansa and Rhydian, the man sitting up straight, leaning slightly on a walking cane that his hands rest on top of.

"I've been here, ruling the kingdoms", Joffrey states.

"What a fine job you've done", Tyrion muses and looks to Myrcella, the princess, "look at you", he grins and kisses her cheek, "more beautiful than ever", he turns to Tommen, "and you!", he almost gasps, "you, you're going to be bigger than the hound, but much better looking".

The Hound glances at the man and Tyrion smiles, laughing with Myrcella.

"this one doesn't like me", Tyrion says to the cutthroat he'd walking in with, motioning to the hound.

The man looks to the Hound and smiles wryly, "can't imagine why", he states.

"We heard you were dead", Joffrey states, "I'm glad you're not dead", Myrcella states.

Tyrion smiles and sips his wine, "me too, dear, death is so boring, especially now with so much excitement in the world", he says and looks to Sansa, his smile falling to a sympathetic look, "My lady, I'm sorry for your loss", he says, Sansa looking down at her hands while Joffrey watches them.

"Her loss?", the boy asks, "her father was a confessed traitor!".

"But still her father, surely having so recently lost your own beloved father you can sympathize", Tyrion says.

"My father was a traitor", Sansa says after Joffrey shoots her a look, "my mother and brother are traitors too, I am loyal to my beloved Joffrey", she says, almost like she'd recited it a thousand times.

"Of course you are", Tyrion says, smirking sympathetically making Sansa look away.

Tyrion looks to Rhydian, "good to see you're alive Nathair", Tyrion says, "good to be alive", Rhydian responds, watching as the man gulps down his wine.

"Well, enjoy your name day, your grace, wish I could stay and celebrate but there is work to be done, Rhydian, if you don't mind walking with me, I'd like to talk", the imp says.

Rhydian's brows furrow, "what work?", Joffrey asks, "why are you here".

Rhydian slowly stands and looks to the King who lets out a breath and nods, allowing him to follow Tyrion who had already begun walking away.

🐍💀⏳🦉

"What'd you need, Lannister?", Rhydian asks, "I'm wondering why you're alive and what happened to you", Tyrion states, "I think you know", Rhydian states, "you fool many but you don't fool me, imp".

Tyrion chuckles, "You're a Nathair?", the cutthroat asks, "a soldier", Rhydian states, "Rhydian Hrókr".

"Bronn", the cutthroat says and shakes his outstretched hand, "your people fight hard", Bronn states.

"Aye, we always have", Rhydian states.

"Is it true?", Tyrion asks the Raven, "the Nathairs only sent not even a quarter of their people?".

"It's true", Rhydian confirms, "the Nathairs have had enough of rebellions and wars over who gets what throne or what land, as the Starks say, Winter is coming and they'd much prefer to be ready for that".

"We are the winter", Tyrion says, "Nathair words, what are yours?", "We don't fly alone", Rhydian states.

"If you're a lord who's guarding your house?", Bronn asks, "a friend", Rhydian muses.

"Can I ask what you wished to talk about?", Rhydian asks Tyrion who smiles, "I just wanted to know what happened to you?", he states and nods to the way the man limps slightly.

"Got stabbed", Rhydian states, "protecting Sansa when it all went down".

"Of course", Tyrion says, "I forgot, you're close to the Stark children".

"And now you're to train some men once your leg is fully healed?", Tyrion asks, "I only got asked a day ago, how'd you know that?", Rhydian asks, "because my father sent a letter to my sister, telling her to ask you to do so", Tyrion states and smiles, "I suspect you battled with the idea".

"I did", Rhydian admits, "don't have much of a choice if I'm honest, your sister gave me a nudge though".

"What was the nudge?", Tyrion asks, "to leave me free will to see and talk to Sansa", Rhydian states.

Chapter Text

Aldrik walks along the sand of the red waste, his tall shadow shielding the Khaleesi from the sun as his eyes move to the red flared comet.

He knew what it meant and knew his people would know too.

A red comet for the birth of the three dragons.

He watches as Daenerys tries to feed Drogon, the small dragon not having it.

"What did your brother say about them Khaleesi", one of the maids asks, "he said they eat meat", she says.

"They do", Aldrik states the green dragon Rhaegal and the gold Dragon Viserion, resting on him, Viserion around his shoulders while the Rhaegal plays around his arm.

"How do you know?", she asks.

Aldrik gently holds a piece of meat up to Viserion who eats it.

"Drogon won't eat", Dany sighs, "I've heard some dragons cook their food with their breaths before eating it, perhaps that's how Drogon prefers to eat", the man suggests.

"My brother didn't know much about dragons, but you seem to", Daenerys states.

"I tend to have an interest in dragons", Aldrik admits, "seems like they have an interest in you", the maid states looking at the tall handsome man.

"Maybe", he shrugs, "are the dragons the reason you're sticking around?", the white-haired girl asks, "no", Aldrik says with a small smile and moves to place the dragons in their cages.

He hears a thud and the Khaleesi runs to the front where her white horse now lays exhausted and almost dead.

Aldrik shuts the cage doors and walks over to Jorah.

His own horse had long since died and was used as food, the only things he had were on his body, his clothes and sword, and the magic that thinly burned in his skin.

"She was Drogo's first gift to me", Daenerys says, "I remember", Jorah nods.

"I promised to protect them", she states, "I promised them their enemies would die screaming how do I make starvation scream?", "a trick I never learned I'm afraid", Jorah tries to comfort.

Daenerys looks up and around at the dead, sandy terrain.

"Does it ever end", "this is further east than I've ever been but yes, Khaleesi, everything ends, even the red waste", "and you're sure there's no other way?", she asks.

"If we go south to the land of the Lhazareen, the lamb men will kill us and take your dragons, if we go West to the Dothraki sea the first Khalasar we meet will kill us and take your dragons", she shakes her head, "no will take my dragons".

"They are too weak to fight, as are your people, you must be their strength", Jorah says, "as you are mine", Daenerys nods.

She calls her riders forward, "Rakharo, Aggo, Kovarro, take our remaining horses, you will ride east, you southeast and you northeast", "what do we seek, Khaleesi?", Rakharo asks, "Cities, living or dead, Caravans and people, rivers or lakes or the great salt sea, find how far the red waste extends before us and what lies on the other side", the men nod and head to their horses.

Daenerys walks over to Rakharo, "Rakharo, you are my last hope, blood of my blood", "I will not fail you, blood of my blood", "you never have", she smiles and he looks around and then back to her.

"This is a bad time to start", he says with a small smile and hops on his horse and rides off while she moves the Kalasaar forward getting them to a stop where they can make camp.

"Aldrik", she asks causing the male to look down at her, "you haven't eaten in months", she states, he nods, "that is correct", "are you not starving?", She asks.

Aldrik lets out a breath and shakes his head, "I was a slave once too Khaleesi, I am used to not eating, I can endure, I am fine", "how long until you're not fine", she asks genuinely concerned, he shrugs, "a little while longer".

He takes some meat from the horse carrying the dragons and gently opens Drogon's cage, Daenerys watching the man look into the dragon's eyes, the small creature tilting its head.

"Breathe", Aldrik whispers and blows on the meat as his hand lights up with an orange glow, cooking the meat.

Aldrik holds it up and Drogon eats it, cooing softly as Aldrik pets him before he steps back and shuts the cage, eyes looking to the Princess.

🐍💀⏳🦉

"Sigrid", Jeor greets the woman as he walks up to her, the woman having leant her horse to one of the watchmen who looked like he was about to pass out.

"Commander", she greets, "how far do we have to go?", Jeor asks, "not far, just over the next hill", she states.

Jeor nods and gently pats her back, "thank you", he says and continues on, following the flock.

Sigrid looks to Jon who breathes slowly as he walks over, "you look frozen", Sigrid jokes, "I'm getting used to it", Jon chuckles, "you're lucky you are".

"Aye, I'm glad my Gods listen", Sigrid admits and looks to Sam who sits on the back of a sled that Grenn and another watchman called Edd pushes.

Eddison Tollett, or Dolorous Edd says, his nickname chosen for him due to his sarcastic and pessimistic sense of humour.

"He kept complaining so Grenn gave in", Jon states, Sigrid, smirking slightly, "of course", she muses and shakes her head.

"Do you know where we're going?", Jon asks, "Jeor didn't tell you?", Sigrid asks the man who shakes his head, "Craster's keep", Sigrid states, "don't ask anything more, you'll see it when you get there".

Jon nods and they walk down the hill and fall into line with the flock.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Raiden and Quirena quietly move through the forest by their camp, Robb, and Theon not far from them.

Quirena had noticed Robb becoming stressed so she suggested a small hunt with both Theon and Raiden easily agreeing and dragging Robb along.

Theon laughs as he shoots a large cat, the four hearing a whimper.

Quirena frowns and runs over finding a small Shadowcat cub, small and underfed, its fur, not dark like its mother's but grey and tinted brown with spots instead of stripes, the runt of the litter.

The woman kneels down and gently picks up the cub.

"Should kill it, clearly that's what its mother was out here for", Theon states, "it's small, it won't survive", Robb states.

"That's what my mother said about me", Quirena states and looks to the man, "and yet I'm still here".

"Perhaps that's the god's gift to you, just as Khamira is mine and Grey Wind is Robb's", Raiden states, "Your mother had one too, didn't she?".

Quirena nods and stands up, the cub clawing at her shirt as it tries to climb, quietly meowing.

The woman gently pets the small creature and she looks into its eyes, green like hers, different from the usual pale-eyed shadow cats.

🐍💀⏳🦉

"I was born in a place like this", Edd states, looking at Craster's keep.

Sigrid's jaw clenches, "are you okay Sigrid?", Sam asks, "fine, this place puts me on edge though", she answers, "why?", Jon asks, "this is Craster's Keep", the woman states, "It's not a place I enjoy being around for the sole reason of who the owner is".

Sam's eyes almost bulge as he sees a woman.

"Are those girls?", he asks, "Craster's daughters", Edd says knowing why Sigrid was on edge.

"I haven't seen a girl in six months", Sam states, "I'd stop seeing them if I were you", Floki says moving his and Ulric's horses past the group.

"What, he don't like people messing with his daughters?", Grenn asks, "he doesn't like people messing with his wives", Sigrid says making the boys look at her.

"He marries his daughters and they give him more daughters and on and on it goes", Edd says, "that's foul", Sam says, "it's beyond foul", Sigrid growls Jon gently taking her hand in his own trying to calm the elf down.

"All the wildlings for a hundred leagues have disappeared, Craster's still here, he must be doing something right", Edd says moving forward.

"What happens to the boys?", Jon asks, "he marries his daughters, what does he do with his sons?".

Sigrid lets go of Jon's hand, "It's always best to never ask important questions this side of the wall", she says and walks off, the boys just seeing the grim look on her face as she walks to Jeor who looks to her, "I'm going hunting", she says.

"Take a group with you", he asks.

Sigrid nods and quickly finds Karl who hops off a horse, talking to the other scouts she'd chosen.

"You boys up for a hunt?", Sigrid asks, glancing at the sun through the trees.

"Definitely", one of the scouts chuckles and slides off his horse.

"The hunting grounds aren't far, it'll be easier to walk, get yourselves ready", Sigrid says and quietly walks away to find the rider with her horse and grab her bow and quiver.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Karl and Sigrid walk side by side, heading for the hunting grounds with a few of the scouts behind them, undoubtedly trying to keep up.

"Tell me something that no one else knows", Karl asks the woman who glances at him, "about me?", Sigrid asks.

Karl gives her a nod, "That's a very vast selection of things you're asking me to search through", Sigrid muses.

"How about, family-wise?", Karl asks.

The woman hums and looks forward for a moment before coming to a stop on top of a hill, Karl standing beside her, looking down at her as she looks up at him.

"I don't just have two brothers, I have four, I'm a triplet", Sigrid states.

"You never told anyone?", Karl asks, undoubtedly surprised by the information.

It wasn't often mothers survived the birth of twins but to have triplets was a miracle and he now understood why Sigrid never talked about her family.

It would have brought up questions with anyone interested and with her having two other brothers who she likely never saw, it would bring up emotions too.

"Never, not Jeor, not Benjen, not Jon, no one, I don't even think my father knew", Sigrid admits, "Only people who know were my wet nurse, Nera, a woodland elf and a man called Rhydian, a close friend of the family".

"She told me on my fifteenth name day", Sigrid states, "I didn't know about them but turns out they knew about me".

"Where are they now?", Karl asks, "one is an Envoy the other is, well it's Kalliden, he's been out here living with a few others", Sigrid states and glances back down the hill, finding the men finally catching up.

"The Envoy, he's one of the ones who think it's you who should be leading your house, isn't he?", Karl asks, "aye", Sigrid nods, "he might be the oldest but he knows he's destructively chaotic and has no desire to be a King, he's been trying to convince me for years to go back".

"Maybe you should, it's clear you were born to lead", Karl states, "You're not just another soldier, y'know, you're already leading this mission".

"I'm not, if anything goes wrong this mission it isn't going to be on my conscience", Sigrid states, "as it shouldn't be if something does go wrong", Karl says.

"Fine, you're not leading, the commander is, but it wasn't him who made the plans, chose the paths and is always at the head of the flock", Karl states.

"It's always you, making sure nothing goes wrong, now I know if you leave us at all, something is going to happen", Karl states.

"The commander doesn't have your willpower, your senses, while I'm sure he can be a good leader he's also the one who made us come out here despite you yelling at him not to come out here".

"He asked for your counsel, only good leaders listen to those they asked to counsel them", Karl states, "If you're not going to be a Lady, you should be the Commander instead".

"I think you have too much faith in me", Sigrid states, "well I don't have faith in any gods or men, so why not put my faith in the only woman who actually cares and sees things for how they are", Karl says with a small shrug.

They turn their heads as the group finally catch up.

"You alright lads?", Sigrid asks, "it's cold", one of the men breathes out.

"it's only getting colder, the wildlings have a sort of saying, three things to keep them warm, moving is good and fighting is better", Sigrid states.

"What's the third?", Karl asks, "fucking is best, but for us, that's not going to happen lest you do it amongst yourselves, you won't see me judging", Sigrid states and moves down the hill.

Karl smirks slightly and shakes his head, the men chuckling and following.

"Do the wildlings do each other too, even the men?", one of the men asks the woman, "Well, when you're this far out, in the cold, you got to do what you got to do, yes, sometimes men will lay with other men, it's the cost of survival, I suppose, unless they genuinely enjoy it", Sigrid states.

"You ever do anything out here?", one of the younger rangers asks.

"Once or twice", Sigrid admits, "was more about keeping myself alive than staying warm though".

"What do you mean?", Karl asks, "sometimes it's better to get in bed with the enemy, I make a few wildlings friends, get the favour of one and suddenly I get free passes when I'm scouting", Sigrid states.

"And a warm bed I'm guessing", one of the Rangers muses, "would be true if her words weren't so damn cold most of the time", Sigrid states.

"Oh damn, I should have known you were into women", one of the Rangers laughs, Sigrid, smirking slightly at Karl who shakes his head but also laughs.

"We're here lads, spread out keep in pairs but be careful of ice", Sigrid says to the men, "holler if you need help, we meet back here at midday, we don't want to be out here after dark".

"If myself and Karl aren't back an hour after midday, start heading back to camp", Sigrid says.

"How will we know an hour has passed?", one of the men asks.

"Who wants to carry an hourglass?", Sigrid asks.

The youngest of the Rangers puts his hand up and Sigrid takes an hourglass from around her wrist.

"Once regrouped, if I'm not here, pull the small pin lightly", Sigrid says and hands him the item.

He nods, putting it around his neck.

"Right, any more questions?", Sigrid asks the men.

The men shake their heads and she motions for them to head off, Karl staying with her.

"Women huh?", Karl asks, "my sword swings both ways, what can I say?", Sigrid muses.

Karl chuckles and quietly follows her, the woman taking her bow from her back but pausing as she sees a red comet in the sky, they'd been in the thick of the haunted forest for so long she stopped bothering to look at the sky.

"What is it?", Karl asks, looking up at the comet.

"It means Dragons", Sigrid states, "a red comet to celebrate the birth of dragons, it's been a very long time".

"How long is a long time?", Karl asks, "over a century, maybe more", Sigrid states and looks to Karl who looks down at her, "how do you know its dragons?", he asks making her smirk slightly and continue forward.

"Come on, love, don't do that", Karl laughs, "I have to have some secrets", she muses.

Chapter Text

Sigrid stands on the edge of Craster's keep and quietly turns around, heading off for an old watchtower.

It was in ruins and only had the ground floor and the second floor still standing.

Sigrid camped in the tower often when she had to scout the trails by Craster's keep.

She walks into the tower and looks at Floki and Ulric who sit by a fire.

"Where's Skender?", she asks, placing down some rabbits by Ulric who picks them up and pulls out a knife.

"He decided to get a look at Craster's keep, said he had a feeling it wouldn't be the last time he was there and he'd like to know the layout, just in case", Floki states.

Sigrid nods and takes a seat in a chair, laying her head back as her eyes turn grey, shutting them.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Skender doesn't even flinch as Sigrid's owl lands on his shoulder, the white-feathered creature flapping its wings around, ice and snow flicking from its feathers before it settles.

He knew it was Sigrid's way of watching the men, watching Craster.

Skender had gotten a good look around, it was only inside he hadn't looked at.

He steps inside and takes a seat beside Karl, giving him a nod in greeting, eyes looking to the owl that coos softly as he pets him.

"He said he was planned to stop here on his way to the Frostfangs", Mormont states, talking about Benjen, looking at Craster while the rest of the crows just take in the warmth, some looking around at the women who make themselves busy around them.

"People make all sorts of plans", Craster states, "I haven't seen Benjen Stark in three years, haven't missed him, always treated me like scum".

Skender glances at Jon who enters, warming himself by the fire while glancing around.

Craster sips his wine and almost grins, "haven't had good wine for a long time, you Southerners make good wine, I'll give you that", Craster says.

"We're not Southerners", Jon says, Skender biting the inside of his cheek.

"Who's this little girl?", Craster asks Mormont, "You're prettier than half my daughters, you got a nice wet twat between your legs?", he asks, almost laughing, "what's your name?".

"Jon Snow", Jon answers, "Snow eh?", Craster asks, "Listen to me, bastard, all you lot from South of the Wall, you're Southerners, but now you're in the North, the real North".

"The lad meant no harm", Mormont tries, "I catch that pretty little bastard talking to my daughters-", Craster threatens, "no one will talk to your daughters, you have my word", Mormont says and looks to Jon, "now sit down and shut your mouth".

Jon sits next to Skender by the fireplace and looks at the owl that had hopped down to the boy's thigh, almost as if he was hiding.

"You bring any of that good wine with you?", Craster asks Mormont, "We did, we passed through six villages on the way here, all six were abandoned, where have all the wildlings gone?", Mormont asks.

Skender notices Jon looking around at Craster's daughters, noticing some of them were watching and hiding, keeping to themselves.

"I could tell you, but I'm thirsty", Craster says, "There's a barrel of Dornish wine on the sled, bring it in here", Mormont commands a watchman who nods, "yes commander", he says and leaves.

"You want to know where they've all gone?", Craster asks the commander, "North to join up with Mance Rayder, your old friend".

Skender looks down as the owl looks to the old man, blue eyes that looked like they had a galaxy trapped in them almost seeming to pay attention.

"He's no friend of mine", Mormont states, "He broke his vows, betrayed his brothers!".

"Oh aye, but once he was just a poor black crow and now he's King-Beyond-The-Wall", Craster states, "He's been calling himself that for years, what's he king of?", Mormont asks, "a frozen lake somewhere?".

Craster looks around at the crows before his eyes land on one with an axe.

"That's a good-looking axe, fresh forged?", Craster asks the boy who nods slightly, "give it here", Mormont asks the boy who begrudgingly hands it over, "You'll have another one made at Castle Black", Mormont says and hands the axe to Craster, "here".

Craster inspects the axe, "oh that's some lovely steel", he says before bringing the axe down heavily into a log, "you want to know what Mance Rayder is doing?", Craster asks, "Gathering an army, what I hear, he's already got more men than any of your Southern kings, I suppose you should thank the Gods, the Nathairs aren't joining him".

"And where does he plan on marching this army?", Mormont asks, "When you're all the way north, there's only one direction to go", Craster says with a chuckle.

"These are bad times to be living alone in the wild, the cold winds are rising", Mormont states.

"Let them come, my roots are sunk deep", Craster says and grabs a young woman, "Wife, tell Lord Crow how content we are", he asks.

The girl turns and looks at the ground, "This is our place, our husband keeps us safe, better to live free than die a slave", she says as if reciting a speech.

She quickly moves away once Craster lets her go and Skender's jaw clenches slightly, the owl on his lap ruffling its feathers as if angry.

"Don't it make you jealous, old man, to see me with all these young wives and you with no one to warm your bed?", Craster asks Mormont who looks around, "We chose different paths", the commander states.

"Oh, aye and you chose the path with no one but boys on it and a serpent you can't touch", Craster states and stands up, "You'll be wanting to sleep beneath my roof I suppose, and eat me out of pigs".

Mormont stands up, "a roof would be welcome, it's been hard riding, we've brought our own food and good steel for you".

Craster nods and looks around, "any man lays a hand on one of my wives, he loses the hand", he warns and gestures to Jon, "and I see this one staring too long, I might just gouge his eyes out".

"Your roof, your rules", Mormont says and most of the crows leave the lodge.

Skender looks up as the owl takes off.

"Where did Sigrid go?", Karl asks the boy who glances at him, "you might want to follow I suppose, it's hard to find when you're not sure what to look for", Skender states.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Rhydian sits on a bench beside the training grounds, eyes looking to the nine men he was set to train, the tenth was late.

"My Lord, I apologise for not being on time", a voice says making Rhydian look at the man, his eyes widening slightly.

"Rhyndacus", he greets, "I believe Roy was the soldier's name", Rhyndacus states.

"Roy, I'm still going to call you Rhyndacus", Rhydian says, "who sent you?".

"Sigrid", the man states with a smile, "says you need a friend, though I can tell she had trouble just asking, her writing was, well, it seemed she was really trying".

"You know your sister, stubborn and doesn't like using the word command and Princess", Rhydian says and stands, "still fight as well as you used to?".

"Of course", Rhyndacus nods and walks onto the training grounds with Rhydian who draws his sword and looks to the serpent.

The other soldiers stop as both men clash swords, eyes widening slightly as they watch the men who move quickly and almost as if they were in sync.

Rhydian brings his sword down onto Rhyndacus who just dodges it swings behind the man who drops into a pushup and kicks Rhydacus off his feet, pulling the man to him, his sword at the serpent's throat as they breathe heavily and chuckle.

"Good", Rhydian says, pushing the man to the side and getting up as he does, both men shaking hands.

"Guess I know who's helping me", Rhydian states and looks to the other guards, "I'm not going to make this easy".

🐍💀⏳🦉

Quirena sits in a war meeting, legs crossed, the woman gently feeding the cub sitting on her lap, lapping and suckling on a device usually used for infants who didn't have a mother or wet nurse to suckle milk from.

The woman looks up as Khamira slowly walks over and sits down, bowing her head down to sniff at the small creature.

Her eyes turn to the door as a guard brings a man in.

"You're Ser Alton Lannister?", Robb asks the man who nods, "I am, your Grace", he says.

"I offer your cousins peace if they meet my terms", Robb says, getting the man's undivided attention.

"First, your family must release my sisters, second, my father's bones must be returned to us so he may rest beside his brother and sister in the crypts beneath Winterfell and the remains of all those who died in his service must also be returned".

"Their families can honour them with proper funerals".

"An honourable request, your grace", Alton says with a nod.

"Third", Robb says, "Joffrey and the Queen Regent must renounce all claim to dominion of the North, from this time, till the end of time, we are a free and independent Kingdom".

The man's eyes widen and Quirena smirks slightly, "The King in the North", Rodrik says, "King in the North", Raiden and Quirena stay along with the other men.

"Neither Joffrey nor any of his men shall set foot in our lands again", Robb states, "If he disregards this command, he shall suffer the same fate as my father, only I don't need a servant to do my beheading for me".

"These are, your grace, these are-", Alton stutters out, "These are my terms, if the Queen Regent and her son meet them, I'll give them peace, if not, I will litter the south with Lannister dead", Robb states.

"King Joffrey is a Baratheon, your grace", Alton states, glancing at Raiden and Quirena who smirk.

"Oh is he?", Robb asks the man, gaining back his attention, "you'll ride at daybreak, Ser Alton, that will be all for tonight".

"A word, your grace?", Theon asks once everyone but Raiden and Quirena leave the tent.

"You don't have to call me, your grace, when no one's around", Robb says, "it's not so bad once you get used to it", Theon states.

"I'm glad someone's gotten used to it", Robb says, Quirena smiling slightly.

"The Lannisters are going to reject your terms, you know?", Theon asks the man who nods, "of course they are", Robb states.

"We can fight them in the fields as long as you like, but we won't beat them until you take king's landing", Theon states, "We can't take king's landing without ships, my father has ships and men who know how to sail them".

"Men who fought my father", Robb states, "men who fought King Robert to free themselves from the yoke of the south, just like you're doing now", Theon states.

"I'm his only living son, he'll listen to me, I know he will, I'm not a Stark, I know that, but your father raised me to be an honourable man, we can avenge him together", Theon states.

Robb nods slowly and Theon smiles and leaves.

"Balon Greyjoy", Quirena says, "heard he's a tricky old man who wants nothing more than to be king".

"Cal always told us not to trust the Greyjoys", Raiden states, running his fingers through Khamira's fur, the large cat resting her head on his lap.

"You both have a good understanding of people", Robb states looking over at Raiden and Quirena, the woman shrugging while Raiden looks to him.

"Raiden I need you to go with my mother, protect her as you did before", Robb asks the man who tilts his head, "where are we going?", he asks.

"To the Stormlands", Robb states, "I'm sending my mother to negotiate with Renly Baratheon, he's rallied a very large army, if Renly sides with us, we'll outnumber the Lannisters, two to one".

"Does your mother know yet?", Quirena asks the man who shakes his head, "no, but she will".

"I'll protect her with my life", Raiden promises.

🐍💀⏳🦉

"Siggy", Skender calls to his aunt, finding her with a bow and quiver on her back, sheathing a sword as she walks away but stops and turns to look at him and Karl.

"Where are you going?", Skender asks, "to check something out", the woman states, "I'll come with you", Karl says.

Sigrid gives him a small nod and glances at her nephew, "if anyone asks, tell them I'm checking out the routes with Karl", she asks.

The boy nods and watches as the pair walk away before stepping into the tower.

"Where are we actually going?", Karl asks.

"You remember Kalliden?", Sigrid asks, glancing up at the man who nods, "he was living in a small camp not far from here over an old temple, I need to see what happened", Sigrid states, her brows furrowing as she looks forward.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Sigrid's eyes fall onto the camp and she quietly jogs towards it, moving through and looking through the small huts while Karl walks around, "Sigrid!", he calls.

She steps out of a hut and he nods his head towards a man sitting against a hut wall, a spear through him.

Her eyes widen and she runs over, kneeling beside the man, "Nero", she whispers and lifts his head, the man slowly opening his eyes, "Sil", he mutters, "It's Sigrid", she whispers, his eyes opening a little wider, "ah, Siggy, what are you doing here?", he asks weakly.

"The flock is camped out at Craster's, a Thenn said they ate people", Sigrid states.

Nero chuckles and grunts as the woman pulls the spear from.

"No, princess, they didn't, they wouldn't dream of touching us, he was just riling you up, it was the dead who got us, left me here to die and turn", Nero states, "as if I could", he chuckles.

Sigrid takes her knife, glancing at Karl who keeps a lookout.

She cuts Nero's shirt open, eyes looking at the wounds left on him, deep claw wounds as well as sword, arrow and even bite marks.

"I'll be fine, princess, don't bloody yourself", Nero asks, "last time you told me what you were put under for a week so you could heal from your wounds", Sigrid states.

Nero laughs, "You cut me up bad, I admit but I knew you'd feel guilty about it, it was never your fault, I lost control, I'm glad you defended yourself, really earned the other guy's respect that day".

Nero watches the woman and stops her as she goes to bite into her wrist, "don't waste your blood on me Princess", he asks, "it's not wasting if you'll heal, stop being stubborn and let me help you!", she hisses, glaring at the man who raises his hands in mock surrender.

Karl smiles slightly, his eyes moving to the woman whose canines lengthen as she bites into her wrist and brings it over the man's wounds.

He watches closely as black tendrils seem to move from the wound, lapping every drop up as the wound heals.

"You keep wondering about Kalli", Nero whispers, "stop reading my mind", Sigrid asks, "oh you know how we are Siggy, we try and try but sometimes control slips, especially when we're weak", Nero states, "he's fine, I told him to run home".

"Good", Sigrid whispers and watches as her wrist heals over.

"The other people?", Sigrid asks, "meat for the undead army", Nero rasps out, his eyes dulling as sadness moves through him, "we'll get our revenge", Sigrid whispers and looks to Karl.

"Can you help me?", she asks.

Karl nods and walks over, he and Sigrid hauling the man up.

"Where are you taking me, Princess?", Nero asks, "to Floki", Sigrid says making the man sigh, "please not the madman", Nero asks, "that madman happens to be my brother", Sigrid muses.

Chapter Text

Floki and Nero look to Karl and Sigrid who sleep curled up in a corner, the man's back resting against the stone wall while Sigrid's back presses against him, his arms wrapped securely around her.

"I thought crows weren't meant to be in relationships?", Nero asks, his voice soft, "they're not, but this is a secret we keep", Floki states.

"Is she happy?", Nero asks, "as happy as she can be", Floki whispers.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Rhydian looks to Tyrion as he walks over, "Lord Lannister", Rhydian greets, "or do I call you, Lord Hand?".

"Tyrion is alright", the man says and looks to Rhyndacus who fights the other guards.

"You're doing a fine job it seems", Tyrion says, "thank you", Rhydian says.

"I was wondering if you would train my nephew", Tyrion says, "I don't think the king needs any help learning how to kill anyone, he can have his Hound do it", Rhydian says.

"I was talking about Tommen", Tyrion says, "you've seen him, he's a soft boy who needs to learn how to swing a sword".

"You're trusting me to train your nephew?", Rhydian asks the man who looks up at him and nods, "I am", Tyrion says.

"You won't hurt the boy, this I know, you have a soft spot in your heart for children", Tyrion says, "I suppose it comes with losing your own?".

Rhydian looks to the guards and just hears the imp sigh, "I apologize, that was, a low blow", Tyrion says, "I suppose I should have expected it considering your height", Rhydian retorts laughing with the man who chuckles,

"Will you train Tommen?", Tyrion asks, "have you asked his mother?", Rhydian asks, "no, but I'm sure she will agree", Tyrion says, "ask her first", Rhydian asks.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Sigrid quietly walks through the forest that surrounded Craster's camp, finding her way to a drop in the ground, a crack that leads into a cave.

She walks off the edge and lands softly in a crouch, her eyes almost seeming to glow as she looks through the darkness.

Sigrid moves through the underground and reaches a large wall with markings all over it.

She holds her left hand up and red rings appear around her arm.

Drawing right her arm back, her fingertips begin to glow red as more circles appear, the rings drawing back almost like a bow.

She holds her hand up towards the door's symbol, a small white gem.

The carvings glow white under the magic, slowly turning red as the stone cracks open and moves aside for the elf.

Sigrid moves inside, waving her hand over a torch and lighting it before she takes hold of it and lights her way.

She just hears the footsteps of the man following her, the sound of the dust and stone under his boots sounding like rocks shifting against the stone.

The woman places the torch in a holder on the wall and it flickers out.

The halls become dark until she enters a large room where a large tree sits, the leaves glowing softly upon feeling the woman's magic.

The stones in the wall light up, showing their runes, an icy blue hue moving over the room as the light settles.

She looks over the nine statues of the gods and goddesses standing before the tree, the woman's eyes looking over each of their faces.

Right in the middle was Faðihrmir, the father, standing before the tree, the god of Time and the chief of the Hourglass, his golden eyes staring down at her.

Every time she entered a temple of the Nine Hourglasses she could feel their cold stare.

She could never tell if it was disappointment, anger or if it was just herself.

The four to his right, Jalfheilr, Hamdeon, Mercier, and Venurus, all watch the woman with stone eyes along with the four to his left, Veiskjalurr, Bwonsamdi, Opalnix, and Ekleipsis.

Sigrid walks to the stone stage and falls to her knees on it, a dusty blue pillow underneath her knees.

She places her sword on the low pedestal in front of her and looks across the dark water in front of her.

"Mercier I pray to you, allow me to talk to my Grandmother, I need guidance, I don't know what path the Hourglass has chosen for me or why you have selected it for me, please I need help", she says her voice cracking towards the end.

Jon's eyes widen as an orb of light shines above the water a woman in white appears before the elf, her hair as blonde as Sigrid's and eyes shining blue like the sky on a sunny day.

"Sigrid, lift your head, you're a lady and Princess, what have I said about slouching", the woman muses.

Sigrid looks up at the woman, "Vala", she breathes out, "hello my child, you are lost?", the spectral asks.

Sigrid nods, "my visions, they're coming back along with my magic, why?", Sigrid asks.

"You know why Sigrid, you just refuse to believe it's the reason why", Vala says.

Sigrid sighs, "for years you all told me I was destined for something", she breaths out moving to sit on the blue pillow, "You told me you had no idea but the world sat on my shoulders, you were all wrong, I am just a soldier".

"You were never just a soldier, Sigrid", Vala says sitting on her knees next to her grandchild.

She kisses Sigrid's forehead, the young elleth only just able to feel it.

"You were always meant to be a queen", Vala whispers, Sigrid looking at her, "I can never be a queen, not in this life".

"Maybe not in this one, but a new one where you are reborn", Vala states and smiles softly.

"I miss you", Sigrid admits, her brows furrowing, "I miss- I miss father, I miss Nera, I miss all of you", she sighs.

Vala smiles and waves her hand over the water, Sigrid looking in seeing Hourglass palace before it changes to a great hall, different symbols marking the banners of the building, familiar banners of serpents, ravens, and wolves.

lights shine in the sky, green and pink and blue, the massive structure sits upon a rock, with a bridge made of a dragon's spine lying across the seemingly endless pit.

"They are here, my child, with the Gods, with me, we're always watching you and we're so proud of all you have done so far and what you will do, we love you Sigrid", Vala whispers.

Sigrid smiles at her grandmother, a tear falling down her cheek, "I must go", Vala says, smiling softly, wanting nothing more than to hug her granddaughter and wipe her tears away.

The young elf nods and watches as Vala stands and walks back onto the water disappearing in bright light, the lights softening as the being leaves.

Sigrid slumps slightly, her hands holding her up from hitting the floor.

"You don't have to hide you know", she says into the empty room her voice echoing slightly.

Jon moves out of hiding and walks over to Sigrid kneeling beside her.

He places his hand on her shoulder and gently makes her look at him, Jon seeing the tears in her eyes, pulls her to him hugging her tightly.

Sigrid grips his vest as she rests her head on his chest.

"Takk", she whispers and feels the male's confusion, "thank you", she repeats and pulls back sitting on her knees while Jon watches her wipe her eyes.

"What is this place?", he finally asks after a few minutes, knowing she wouldn't want to dwell on her emotions.

"The Temple of the Hourglass Gods, my gods, many of these temples dot this landscape there is only one on the other side of the wall and that's by the Nathair's old castle", Sigrid states.

"There is a Nathair castle South of the wall?", Jon asks, a little surprised.

Sigrid nods with a small chuckle.

"There's a large Island called Nethilor, surrounded by fog and seemingly a storm so most sailors avoid it", Sigrid states.

"Going through it's like entering another world, the sky is blue, the lands lush and green and the castle towers on a hill".

"There are two different towns, the Smalltown and the temple town, a small town that sits under the Hourglass Gods temple, sitting underground in a glowing cave much like this one".

"Creatures of myth and legend used to roam the Island, unicorns, dragons, and Sirens roam the waters, and there's a ruin in the sea where you could spot them", she smiles softly.

Jon watches her, Her crystal blue eyes that look around the temple at all the runes.

Her eyes shine with happiness as she remembers the Island that many mainlanders didn't know about, "I'd love to go there one day", Jon states.

Sigrid turns her head and smiles at him, "I'd love to travel back, maybe one day, we need to survive this war first".

Jon smiles and gently cups her cheek in his hand, his thumb brushing gently caressing her cheek before he gently rests his forehead against hers.

"You're my sister, Sigrid, you don't need to hide anything from me", Jon whispers, "I know", Sigrid whispers, "thank you, Jon".

He smiles and brings his head back, placing a soft kiss on her forehead.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Rhydian looks to his door as it opens, Cersei walking right in, not even shutting the door.

"Your Grace", Rhydian greets, "Tyrion told me what he asked of you", Cersei states, looking to the man who hums, eyes looking at his sword as he sharpens it while sitting on the balcony.

She takes a knife from his table and places it at his throat, the man sits back in his seat and meets her eyes, his jaw tensing as his usually vibrant blue orbs darken to a deep-sea blue as she almost straddles him.

"You hurt my son and I-", she goes on to threaten only for Rhydian to smirk, "I happen to have a soft spot for children, I suppose your brother is right, it comes with losing my own, I will never hurt a child, I despise the thought with every single fiber of my being", the man states.

"The most pain your son will get out of training is muscle ache and small cuts and scrapes, same as any other boy", Rhydian states, "Where I come from, we don't hurt children, at all".

"Not like your first son seems to do", Rhydian states once Cersei draws back.

Joffrey had ordered for every bastard child of all the King's Landing whores to be killed and the guards certainly went all out and made sure to get his guards after those who both Jon Arryn and Eddard Stark went to before their deaths.

"I had no idea", she states and takes a seat, watching the man get back to sharpening his sword.

"Seems to be like that as of late", Rhydian states ignoring the glare shot his way.

"No one can control him", Cersei states, "no, I suppose not, feral animals are very hard to control", Rhydian states.

"He's not feral", Cersei says, "did people say that about the Mad King too?", Rhydian asks the woman, looking at her.

"I understand he's your son but when they're a king, willing to let his people die, willing to kill thousands of kids just to ensure his rule stands without question, how can he not be mad, the people will rebel, they hate you Lannisters enough as it is", Rhydian states.

"So what do I do?", Cersei asks, "you've done nothing so far because you can't do anything", Rhydian states and wipes down his sword before sliding it into its scabbard.

"What if you trained him too?", Cersei asks, "I doubt he needs any more help in learning how to kill someone", Rhydian states, standing up and pouring them some wine.

"No, but you could advise him, you're good at getting into people's heads", Cersei states, "oh?", Rhydian asks as he walks back over, "have I gotten into yours?", He asks, handing her a glass before he sits once again.

"As if you could", Cersei says making the man smirk behind his glass.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Sigrid throws Nero onto his back, the man letting out a heavy grunt as he looks up at the woman.

"Damn, okay, yes you still have it", he groans.

"You doubted me?", Sigrid asks, her voice light with amusement, "n-no of course not Princess", he breathes out and takes her hand, the woman helping him up.

Sigrid looks to Skender who walks over, "Mormont wishes to see you, Siggy", the boy says, "I'll be right there", Sigrid nods and watches the boy enter the tower.

"I'll come with", Nero breathes out, "best introduce myself to your commander".

Sigrid gives him a nod and they quietly walk away from the tower.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Sigrid and Nero walk into Craster's Camp walking over to Grenn and Pyp who cut potatoes.

"Hey Sig, you alright?", Grenn asks noticing how the woman grips her sword tightly, her body never relaxing.

"Just uneasy when I'm around here", Sigrid admits, "the old man gives you the creeps?", Grenn asks with an amused smile.

The elf nods but tenses as she feels the same presence she had been trying to avoid before Mormont called for her to see where they should go next.

"Sigrid, it's good to see you little lass", Craster says, the elf turning to look at him, her eyes hard and emotionless.

"My you've become even more of a beautiful bird since I saw you last", he says, eyes raking over her armored form.

"You're looking a lot older, the cold seems to be wrinkling your skin", Sigrid comments back making the man laugh, "still as feisty as always".

He goes to grab her wrist only for Nero to grab his wrist, the woman steps back, her eyes hardening as she begins to glare at the man.

"Do not ever, presume to touch her or it'll be the last time you touch anything", Nero growls and quietly walks away, his hand gently guiding the woman away, the old man almost growls at them.

"Thank you", Sigrid whispers, "anything for my Princess", Nero muses and smiles slightly, "I'm not your princess anymore", Sigrid states, "you'll always be your people's princess", Nero muses.

"Sigrid", Commander Mormont greets the woman who walks into the keep and kneels beside the man, looking over the map before him, "The fist", she says and points to the formation on the map, "that would be a good place to camp out, it's high, you can see for miles, the only downfall is the mountains around it, the wildlings can hide there and observe", she states.

"Last option", Mormont says, "you have a feeling something is going to go wrong here?", he asks the woman who looks out of the keep and to the crows, "They're curious with wandering hands and loose lips", she states, "I don't have much faith in staying here for long".

The commander nods and the woman stands, "from the fist, we'll figure out where to go, but until I scout out the areas I don't know where would be safest".

Mormont nods and looks up at the woman, "Thank you, Sigrid", he says, the woman gives him a small smile and looks to Nero who steps forward, the commander looking at him.

"Jeor this is Nero, he was one of my guards back at Elessar, Nero, this is Commander Mormont", the woman introduces.

"What's a Nathair guard doing this far out?", Jeor asks, his brows furrowed.

"I was accompanying her friend", Nero states, aware of the fact that the siblings didn't quite tell anyone who they were to each other, "the dead attacked us and we were taken out, Sigrid found me and helped me, I thought I might be able to travel with you?", he asks.

"Able bodies are definitely something we need", Jeor nods, "any friend of Sigrid's is a friend of ours".

Sigrid gives Jeor a smile and stands, "thank you", she whispers.

He smiles back and she and Nero leave the keep.

Chapter Text

Sigrid sits beside Jon who sharpens his sword, their shoulders just touching.

"You're never cold", Jon states, "the gift of my Gods to my family and people", Sigrid states.

Both look up as Sam walks over with a girl at his side.

"What are you doing?", Jon asks, both he and Sigrid confused as to why Sam had even risked being near the girl.

"This is Gilly, she's one of Craster's daughters", Sam introduces.

"No shit", Sigrid mutters while Jon merely greets her with a hello before quickly looking back to Sam.

"What're you doing?", he asks again.

"Sam said you can help", Gilly quickly says looking at the two people she knew Sam trusted most.

She actually felt Jealous of the woman with them, she felt that Sigrid was far more beautiful than she was.

Pink lips, Gorgeous Crystal blue eyes, a flawless face, and long blonde hair that was braided and tied in a beautiful way that made her seem like a lady while still making her look like a warrior.

Gilly quickly ducks her head, blushing as the woman catches her staring.

"Sorry but Sam-", Jon tries to say but quickly gets cut off.

"She's pregnant", Sam quickly states, "what can we do about that?", Sigrid asks, standing up and looking over the woman.

Her voice kept its soft tone so as to not scare the girl but her eyes were harsh and Sam could clearly see how she felt about this.

"We have to take her with us when we leave", Sam states.

Sigrid's eyes only harden.

Sam could see a tinge of red in them turning them lilac which only made her look scarier than she already did.

Jon stabs Longclaw into the ground and looks at Sam, "I know it sounds a bit mad bu-", Sam tries.

"No it doesn't sound a bit mad it's impossible, the Lord Commander-" Jon tries only to be cut off yet again, "We are sworn to protect", Sam states.

"Sam we can't take her", Sigrid mutters, annoyance clear in her voice but sadness also, she truly did want to take the girl.

"If we were heading back to the wall, maybe it would be possible", Sigrid says, "but we're heading further North, it's not just dangerous, it's lethal if we're not careful and as you said, she's pregnant who's going to deliver it, you?", Sigrid asks, feeling a little distressed with the idea.

"Please, Ser, M'lady", Gilly asks, "I can still run if I have to", she states clearly confident.

"It's just not possible", Jon states softly.

Sigrid watches the girl's eyes seeing the desperate look in her eyes.

"I'm going to have a baby if it's a boy-", she cuts herself off and Sigrid looks right at her.

"What happens if it's a boy", Jon asks.

Sigrid knew what happened to the boys, they were sacrificed to the wights or given as soldiers to the Wildling armies, either way, someone would be there to collect.

Sigrid sits back down continuing to sharpen her sword.

"You want us to risk our lives for you and you won't even tell us why", Jon states.

Gilly gets a clear offended look on her face before she runs off.

"Why'd you do that?", Sam asks with a whine, annoyed by the lad in front of him.

Sigrid knew where his heart was and it wasn't in his pants, he was a kind soul who would help anyone, man or woman, as long as he knew they were innocent.

"What ask her a question?", Jon asks sitting back down next to their female companion.

"You were cruel", Sam states, "Cruel?", Jon questions, "Sam are you in such a hurry to lose your hand", "I didn't touch her", Sam defends.

"No you just want to steal her, what do you think Craster cuts off for that?", Jon questions, "I can't steal her, she's a person, not a goat", Sam defends yet again.

Jon sighs, "as Sigrid said we're heading deeper and deeper into Wildling territory who's gonna deliver a baby?".

Sam shrugs, "I could try", he suggests.

"Mormont wouldn't have it", Sigrid states firmly, "I'm sorry Sam but this mission of yours is a lost cause".

Sam walks off and the pair continue sharpening their swords.

"You want to help her", Jon states.

He had noticed the sadness the woman had shown in her voice when asked to help.

"She'd be safer here, whatever happens to the boys has to be nicer than what would happen out there", Sigrid says, "in the end, your family is always right, winter is coming, and we could be stuck out there when it comes".

Jon nods understanding the woman's reason but he knew she wasn't telling him something.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Rhydian circles above the Wandering crow's camp, with his crow, Magnus, whose eyes zeros in on Arya that rejoins the camp.

"Boy", one of the men whispers from a cage making Arya look at it as Magnus lands on top.

"What do you want?", Arya asks the man who called to her, "a man has a thirst, the man does not drink for a day and a night, a boy could make a friend", the man says.

"I have friends", Arya states, "give us a beer", one of the other men growls, "before I skin you".

"A man does not choose his companions", the first man says, "these two, they have no courtesy, a man must ask for forgiveness".

The man bows his head, glancing at the crow watching the girl before he looks back at her, "you're called Arry?", the man asks.

Arya nods her head, "this man has the honour to be Jaqen H'ghar, once of the Free City of Lorath", the man says.

"Hey you little shit, get us beer!", the second man growls.

Arya throws down the wood she was holding and looks at the second man angrily, "you should have asked nicely", she almost growls and begins hitting the cage with a stick, trying to hit the man while he tries to claw back.

Magnus flies over and claws at the man's arm while Jaqen and the third men watch on, the former laughing at the exchange as Arya steps back, watching the bird claw up the man's arm bad.

She could see it now, the little blades on the bird's talons.

He wasn't a messenger but he could attack, he was a watcher, one of Rhydian's.

Magnus flies back over to his perch and the man growls at them, "come closer, bring that bird and I'll shove that stick up your bunghole and fuck you bloody".

"The boy has more courage than sense", Jaqen says quietly, watching Arya before glancing back at the Raven, slowly bowing his head.

The man who had threatened Arya quickly attempts to claw at her once more but a boy walks past, holding wood, Arya swiftly joins him.

She glances at Magnus who takes off and flies up onto a branch.

His eyes quickly move to two gold coaks who ride in on horseback, something Rhydian had been waiting for.

His eyes glance at Arya who quickly attempts to hide, "what are you doing?", the boy she was with asks, "they're looking for me", Arya whispers.

"You're in command here?", a gold cloak asks Yoren who walks over, "you're a long way from home", Yoren states.

"I asked you a question", the gold cloak says and doesn't even turn his head as a Raven perches itself on his shoulder.

"Aye, you did, you asked without manners and I chose not to answer", Yoren states.

The gold cloak pulls out a rolled-up paper and hands it to Yoren, "I have a royal warrant for one of these gutter rats you're transporting", the knight states.

"Well the thing is", Yoren says and hands the paper back, "these gutter rats belong to the Night's Watch now, that puts them beyond the reach of kings and queens".

The gold cloak tries to pull out his sword but the Raven quickly hops up onto the knight's shoulder guard, bladed talons at his throat while Yoren pulls a knife and places it to the man's leg.

"It's a funny thing, people worry so much about their throats, they forget about what's down low", Yoren says, "now I sharpened this blade before breakfast, I could shave a spider's arse if I wanted to, or, I could nick this artery in your leg, let that bird nick one in your neck and once they're nicked, there's no one around here who knows how to un-nick them".

Yoren takes the gold Cloak's sword and the other pulls his out as the Raven hops back onto Yoren's shoulder.

"We'll just keep that, good steel is always needed on the wall", Yoren states, "seems you have a choice".

"You can die here at this crossroads, a long way from home, or you can go back to your city and tell your masters you didn't find what you were looking for", Yoren says.

"We're looking for a boy named Gendry", the gold cloak announces, "he carries a bull's head helmet, anyone turning him over will earn the king's reward".

The gold cloak looks to Yoren, "we'll be back with more men, and I'll be taking your head home along with that bastard boy".

The knights ride off and Magnus looks at Arya and the boy she was with, the only one he could assume was Gendry considering how the rest of the boys turn to look at him.

Rhydian opens his eyes and looks to King's Landing and hums, "Gendry Baratheon", he mutters.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Karl quietly enters a tent, eyes immediately finding Sigrid whose ear twitches slightly, signalling she knew he was there.

He found it oddly adorable, the way her ears would twitch, flicking slightly, like a puppy reacting to a sound.

Her eyes look down at a map and she smiles softly as he stands behind her, wrapping his arms around her, his chin on her shoulder.

No one was in sight of the tent so he wasn't overly worried about having any part of him cut off.

"Where are we heading next, love?", Karl asks his lips next to her ear.

She seems to shiver against him slightly, making him smile.

"The fist", Sigrid states and shuts her eyes as blood rushes to her cheeks feeling the man softly nip at the tip of her ear.

Karl smirks as he pulls away and looks at Sigrid who tries her best to glare at him.

"I didn't know your ears were that sensitive", he muses and chuckles as she covers her ears with her hair unable to hide what he deemed to be a very adorable blush.

"They are, I don't know why they are, I'm not even sure other elves know why they are, but they are and that was a very intimate thing to do", she states.

"Then I guess I should do it again", he teases.

"Unless you plan on fucking me on this table and getting caught, I suggest you don't", Sigrid states.

"Now that, would be an entertaining thought if not for the image of Mormont cutting my head off", Karl states.

Sigrid looks at him with amusement as she finds him staring at the map, no doubt thinking about it.

The elf smirks and grabs his armour, pulling him into a kiss that's quickly returned.

"Good thing Mormont leaves us to be at night", she whispers, "I'm heading to the temple".

"I'll come with you", Karl whispers back.

Sigrid's ear twitches and she pulls back, both standing over the map as if discussing it.

Mormont and Craster enter the tent and Sigrid pushes off the table and stands straight.

"Ah, good to see you little bird", Craster greets, "I think we both know I'm far from a little bird, Craster, such a common nickname, it's almost insulting", Sigrid snips back, Karl glancing down to hide a smile of amusement.

"Leave us", Mormont commands the man who bows his head and quietly leaves.

"You have yourself a pet", Craster muses, "he's one of my scouts, actually", Sigrid states and looks to the Commander.

"I've got the next routes marked out", she states, the man nods, "good", he nods.

"How many swords and axes do we have in inventory?", Mormont asks the woman whose brows furrow slightly as she thinks, eyes looking to the table.

"Excluding the swords on the men about twenty spare swords and axes, about thirty", she states.

Mormont nods and Craster grins, "I suppose I'll take ten of each", he says and leaves the tent knowing Mormont would have the weapons to him by the end of the day.

"lying isn't very honourable", Mormont says the moment the man is out of ear range.

"When it comes to our men, I don't give a fuck about honour, all I care about is getting back alive" Sigrid states.

The man sighs and nods, "Yes I suppose it's a good mindset to have".

"Don't say it", Sigrid asks, noticing the familiar look of respect on the man's face.

"Why not?", he asks, "I should let you wear the cloak, not many would be willing to lay down their honour for their people".

"I'm not even meant to be a watchman, that's why", Sigrid states, "being Lord Commander is an honour I can do without, besides, Lady Commander sounds just a tad odd".

Mormont smiles and rounds the table, hugging her gently and placing a soft kiss on her temple.

"Ah my dear", he whispers, "You bring pride to many of us old lords who wish you were our daughter, I know Eddard Stark thought the same, and Benjen, Caldyr, I know for sure".

The woman smiles softly, hugging back, "I've had so many great men to learn from", she states.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Rhydian kneels in front of Tommen, gently moving the boy's fingers to grip the wooden training sword properly.

It was neither heavy nor light but he knew with time and training, the boy would grow used to using it.

"Do I have to learn how to use a sword?", the boy asks, his voice soft, "It's a good skill to have", Rhydian states, "I don't like hurting people", the boy states making Rhydian smiles softly and look into the boy's eyes.

"I assure you won't have to, you have guards to protect you, but just like any young Prince, you have to learn", the man states, "but why?", the prince asks.

"People can be unpredictable and heartless, should you ever find a time where you need to use a sword, you can defend yourself and those you love", Rhydian states.

The boy sighs and nods, smiling slightly as Rhydian ruffes his hair and stands.

"Come on princeling, sword up", Rhydian muses and chuckles softly as the boy lifts his sword, unbothered by the eyes of the lioness that watches them.

🐍💀⏳🦉

"He's only asking for ten of each?", Grenn asks Sigrid who shoots him a look to shut up seeing as Craster was around.

"What happened?", Grenn asks in a whisper, "I lied when Mormont asked about our inventory, I made the numbers a lot lower so the creepy old man wouldn't ask for a lot", Sigrid whispers back.

"Oh", Grenn mutters and looks to Sigrid with wide eyes, "you lied, dammit, I owe Jon".

"What?", Sigrid asks, "We all made a bet, Jon and Karl said you'd lie for the sake of others, Pyp and I said you wouldn't lie at all, we said we'd have this bet go till we made it back to the wall", the man states.

"I'm not as prideful as people seem to think I am", the woman mutters.

"I should have known considering the marks that often decorate yours and Karl's necks", Grenn teases and laughs as she lightly slaps him up the back of the head and points her finger at him, "not another word about that", she playfully hisses.

"Yes commander", he teases back and runs off as she steps towards him.

Jon smiles in amusement as he wanders over to his friend who rolls her eyes.

"You really don't like titles", he states, "no I do not", Sigrid answers and watches as the boys place the tools and swords in one of Craster's huts.

Chapter Text

Karl smiles as he follows Sigrid, the woman leading him by the hand through almost maze-like hallways.

"How do you know where you're going?", Karl asks, "I could wander these halls for years and still not be able to navigate them".

"Makes me wonder how you navigated King's landing", Sigrid teases and grins as he stops her and pulls her to him, pressing her against the wall as he gently kisses her, "where're you planning on murdering me, ey love?", he asks in a soft whisper.

"You'll see, we just have to turn this corner", Sigrid whispers and pecks his lips, escaping his hold and pulling him down a hallway.

She opens a door and lets go of his hand as he steps in, the woman closing the door and grinning at the look of awe on his face.

Smiling she takes his hand once again and brings him closer to the large tree that glows brighter in her presence.

"Welcome to one of the many worship halls of the Hourglass Gods", Sigrid introduces and looks up at the tree that sings softly, her ears flicking slightly as she shuts her eyes and listens, a soft smile on her lips.

"I've never seen a tree like that", Karl whispers, "We call it a Soul Singer tree, this is only one tree, there are many like it but the main one sits in Elessar", Sigrid states.

"Have you sung the song before?", Karl asks with a small frown, "not around anyone", Sigrid admits and looks up at the man who hums, "I feel like I've heard it before, the memory feels so distant", Karl admits and mentally shakes it off, smiling slightly as he looks down at Sigrid, "I'm sure I'll remember one day".

Sigrid smiles softly and brings him into a kiss, Karl gently kissing back as he lowers her to the floor, her head resting on the pillow often left on the kneeling altar while her fur cloak is unclipped, acting as a bedroll.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Aldrik looks up as a horse comes trotting back from the group the Princess had sent out.

He stops It holding the reigns and his jaw tenses smelling the old blood.

Jorah and Daenerys walk over.

"It's Rahkaro" he states as they look into the bag, Jorah pulling out a lock of hair.

"You don't need to see this", Jorah says to his Khaleesi.

"He is blood of my blood", she quickly says taking a look at the head.

"Who did this?", she asks, "Khal Pono perhaps, Khal Jhaqo, they don't like the idea of a woman leading the Khalasar", Jorah says.

"They will like it far less when I am done with them", Daenerys growls.

The handmaiden who Aldrik came to know as Irri walks over and begins to weep.

"They killed his soul", she screams, "shh, they cannot kill his soul", the Khaleesi states, her voice king and soft.

Irri shakes her head, "they did!" she weeps, "they butchered him like an animal, they did not burn his body, he can never rejoin his ancestors in the night lands".

Daenerys falls to her knees with the girl, holding her.

"Shh, we will build him a funeral pyre", Daenerys says looking to Jorah and then to Aldrik before looking back to Irri, pulling back and cupping her cheeks and looking into her eyes.

"And I promise you, Rakharo will ride with his ancestors tonight", Irri whimpers and continues crying, her Khaleesi holding her as she does.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Rhydian smiles softly as Sansa's door opens, the girl smiling brightly for once as he enters, turning around to hug her tightly.

"I haven't seen you around", Sansa states as they take a seat by the balcony.

"They've got me doing a lot of training and I just tend to sleep in between", Rhydian states.

"Have you been alright?", Rhydian asks, "as alright as I can be, no one has hurt me for a while", Sansa states, "what about you?".

"A threat here and there but nothing even remotely intimidating", the raven muses and glances out to the setting sun.

"Do you know anything about Arya?", Sansa asks the man who shakes his head, "with luck she's going home, I doubt she's dead, she's street smart", Rhydian states.

Sansa nods and lets out a soft breath, the man looking at her.

"I was so stupid", she mutters, "such a stupid little girl".

Rhydian stands and kneels down in front of her, taking her hands in his own, "now, now, little one, you were young, naive, you still are but we can't change our pasts only survive the future, all we can do is look forward and not wallow in the past".

The girl nods and Rhydian slowly stands and leans over, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead, "learn", he whispers, "learn from them, learn all their tactics, their mannerisms, learn what they do and use it like armor".

Sansa looks up to Rhydian as he pulls back and she gives him a small nod, "I will", she whispers.

Rhydian gives her a nod and gently squeezes her hand, "Tyrion Lannister has invited me to dinner, wish me luck", he muses.

"Good luck", she jests, smiling softly up at the man who hums and quietly leaves the room.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Sigrid and Karl breathe heavily as they come down from their high, Karl nipping the tip of her ear as she moans softly, icy blue eyes looking to the large tree that provided them with soft lighting.

He slowly pushes himself up only for Sigrid to flip them around, Karl laying his head back on the soft pillow

"I wonder what my gods think", Sigrid muses as she softly kisses the man under her, his hands slowly moving down to her hips, fingers running along her scars.

The man hums, the woman opening her eyes as she pulls back slightly, crystal eyes looking into his dark orbs.

"We can't marry but that doesn't mean we can't let them know what we are to each other", Karl whispers and pecks her lips.

"And what are we?", Sigrid asks, "I'm yours, just as you're mine", Karl whispers, a silent confession in his words, "always", Sigrid whispers and smiles as he kisses her softly.

Sigrid places her hand on Karl's chest, the man looking into her eyes as she pulls back, his arms quickly wrapping around her as he sits up.

"Love, what is it?", Karl asks in a soft whisper, noticing the Milky glaze that moves over her eyes.

"I-Sova is trying to show me something", Sigrid whispers back, hands blindly moving to his shoulders, gripping them slightly.

Sigrid finds herself looking through Sova's eyes, the white and grey feathered creature looking down as Jon follows Craster through the woods.

Sova quickly swoops down making Jon duck and hit the ground, almost shouting only to quickly silence himself, seeing the owl fly up to a branch and sit on it, galaxy-like eyes looking towards Craster who kneels down, placing a baby out in the clearing before he walks back the way he came.

The owl leans forward slightly, his eyes zeroing in as a creature walks through the snow, the snow crunching underneath it as the baby seems to cry louder.

The creature picks it up and quickly walks away with the bay, the owl turning its head to look at Jon who gasps as a hand is clamped over his shoulder, Craster knocking him over the head and dragging him along.

Sigrid jumps slightly as she's thrown back into her own mind, her eyes quickly finding Karl's dark orbs as he cups her cheek.

"What's wrong?", Karl asks softly, gently caressing her cheek.

"We need to get dressed and run back, I have a feeling Craster will be kicking us out soon", Sigrid whispers.

Karl nods and pecks her lips before she gets up and they get dressed.

He figured he'd find out what happened upon entering Craster's camp.

🐍💀⏳🦉

"Sigrid?", Floki asks the woman who looks at him, Karl behind her.

"I think we'll be kicked out of Craster's hold soon", she says, eyes looking to her brother who frowns, "Jon followed him out to the forests, a wight was there, it took a baby", Sigrid whispers.

Floki nods and quickly goes to wake their nephews and Nero.

"I'll see you at camp", Karl whispers to Sigrid who nods and pulls him into a deep kiss, the man holding her tightly knowing it'll probably be a while till they get any more alone time.

"Be careful", she whispers.

He gives her a small nod and kisses her forehead before jumping on his horse and riding off.

Sigrid quickly walks into the tower and helps the boys pack their things.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Jon is thrown through the doorway of Craster's keep just as Sigrid wanders over to the camp with Nero, Floki, Ulric, and Skender, the woman handing her reigns to Floki who gives her a nod.

"I want you all out, this Bastards been meddling where he shouldn't", Craster growls out.

Sigrid walks over and pulls Jon up, dragging him by the bicep all the way to Sam who goes off and gets some water and a cloth leaving Jon and Sigrid alone.

"You were watching?", he asks while Sigrid glares at Craster.

"The owl?", he asks the woman who looks at him, giving him a small nod.

"You and Karl got up to it again", he mutters with a small chuckle, seeing a mark on her collarbone.

"Shut up", she mutters making the man laugh.

"Grenn told me he lost the bet you have going", the woman states, "I didn't know you lot were making bets on me".

"Nothing better to do", Jon mutters.

Sam walks back over with a small smile on his face and Sigrid takes the cloth gently cleaning the blood with soft motions so as to not hurt the man while Jon tells Sam what they saw.

They all stand as the Commander walks over.

"Leave us", he commands, Sigrid and Sam bow their heads and walk off.

"So you and Karl really are a thing huh?", Sam asks.

"What?", Sigrid asks him only to see him giving her a look, "stopping you right there", she says.

"Come on", Sam grins, "what?", Sigrid asks, "you like him a lot", the man teases, Sigrid shakes her head in amusement.

"I see you looking at Gilly", She teases.

Sam blushes and ducks his head causing the woman to smirk.

"So what happens now?", Sam asks, "we're gonna have a long ride ahead of us, no doubt", the woman cleans the cloth and hands it back to Sam before walking over to her horse, running her hand along his snout.

"Why don't you ditch these lads and share my house with me, stay out of the cold lass", Craster offers the woman.

Sigrid pulls her knife from the back of her belt as she turns and presses it to the old man's throat, grabbing his coat in her hand, eyes burning red.

"I'd rather stand and fight with my brothers than share a bed with a foul old fool such as yourself", Sigrid hisses.

"Just remember I can have you killed, I do have family out here", she threatens and leans closer, lowering her voice, "or I can do it myself for neither you nor I are beholden to any laws but our own".

The old man huffs as she lets him go and pretends to walk off, going to make a move on the woman, causing a few of the Night's Watch members to walk up behind her, Jon, Pyp, Grenn, and Karl being a few of them.

Craster glares at the woman who sheaths her knife, watching as the old man glares at all of them and heads off quickly, not wishing to get into a fight he would no doubt lose.

Sigrid turns to thank the lads who smile and walk off.

Only Jon and Grenn linger ensuring the old man wouldn't bother her again both of them saddling their horses near the woman.

She truly caught the attention of many of the men which were understandable she was no doubt attractive, but this attention was more respect and friendship than attraction and desire.

Sigrid could feel the glances at her from the men.

She knew they were all watching over her and as usual, she was grateful.

No, she wasn't defenseless and she knew none of them thought that she was either.

They knew perfectly well she could defend herself but they'd always like to help her as she did them.

Though there are some who would much rather rape and hurt her, she knew it, they knew it so there were always a few lads who had their eyes on her ensuring it wasn't to happen.

Sigrid glances at Karl who was saddling his horse beside her, the man glaring at Craster, "Karl", she calls to the man who looks over, "don't", she asks the man who lets out a breath and nods slowly.

Sigrid hops on Brego and trots over to the lord commander.

"We're heading to the fist of the first men?", she asks him, the commander nods, "aye".

Sigrid looks to Nero who nods and they both ride off along the trails, keeping to the route she marked out.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Rhydian and Tyrion chuckle as they talk, making jokes for the most part but also celebrating his promotion to Hand of the King while his father was away.

"At least someone around here knows how to joke", Tyrion says and lets out a sigh, "you know, oddly enough you remind me of someone but I don't know who".

"You ever wonder why your father thought I'd be safe to have training guards?", Rhydian asks the man who nods, "I have been wondering", Tyrion admits.

"Your father was still hand of the king back then, he had heard of my house, heard we were shipping and selling things to King Landing, he came to check us out and I happened to be one of the people helping the shipment", Rhydian states.

"We met that day and soon he began requesting things, we talked a lot, I was invited around to parties that I would occasionally agree to attend and I made many acquaintances there".

"You would have met my mother?", Tyrion asks the man who nods, "your mother was as beautiful as she was smart, the only woman who could tame that lion you call a father", Rhydian muses and looks at the man who looks away sadly.

"She loved you, you know?", Rhydian asks, "she wanted you so much, she didn't care how you looked, didn't care for the measter's words, she wanted and loved you".

"Everyone despises me because I killed her", Tyrion states, "no, Tyrion, you didn't kill her, it's a natural thing, death by childbirth, even in nobles", Rhydian states, Tyrion looking at him with tear-filled eyes.

"It's quite odd, you have your father's mind but your mother's compassion, you're a better mix of them than both your siblings", Rhydian states.

"You don't blame me for my mother's death?", Tyrion asks.

"If I did then I suppose I can say my own mother was the first person I killed", Rhydian states, "Mary, all I knew about my mother was her name and how blue her eyes were".

"How blue were her eyes?", Tyrion asks, "As blue as the water that surrounds Tarth", Rhydian states.

"You must be her son then", Tyrion muses, "just as much as you're Joanna's son", Rhydian states.

"I don't think I've ever heard anyone dare speak her name", Tyrion states.

"Your father, nor your siblings are around to lop my head off for it", Rhydian muses and clutches his glass, loosening his grip as he just hears the glass whine softly under his grip.

"She was a good woman and a very good friend to have", Rhydian states, "could always go to her for logical conversation and a good game of cyvasse".

"You play?", Tyrion asks the man who nods, "let's play?", Tyrion asks with a grin.

"Alright", Rhydian agrees with a small nod.

Chapter Text

Raiden walks beside Catelyn through the crowds that cheer and shout, watching the tournament in front of them.

"Nothing like a good morale booster", Raiden mutters, people moving for Catelyn and Raiden who stand at the edge of the field, watching the two fighters, a knight called Loras Tyrell and another, a large beast of a knight who fought with the strength of a bear.

Renly Baratheon and his queen sit on their chairs, watching the fight before them.

Raiden watches as the beast of a knight tackles Loras to the ground, lifting the lord's visor before drawing their dagger, pointing it to the man's face.

"Yield", Loras says, "I yield".

The Nathair watches as the Queen sits down, disappointed as the crowd quietens.

Renly claps with a smile, "Well fought", he says, "Approach", he asks the knight who walks forward and knees before the king and queen.

"Rise", Renly asks the knight who stands, "Remove your helm".

The Knight removes their helm to reveal a lady, Raiden grinning hearing the gasps of shock while Catelyn seemed stunned.

Raiden just sees the angry and humiliated look on Loras' face, amusing him more.

"You are all your father promised and more, my lady", Renly says, "I've seen Ser Loras bested once or twice but never quite in that fashion".

"Now, now, my love, my brother fought valiantly for you", the queen says, Raiden realizing this would be Margaery Tyrell.

"That he did, my queen", Renly nods, "but there can only be one champion, Brienne of Tarth, you may ask anything of me you desire, if it is within my power, it is yours".

Immediately Brienne kneels before the king, "Your Grace, I ask the honor of a place in your king's guard", she says, people gasping around them while Loras frowns, "what?", the knight asks.

"I will be one of your seven, pledge my life to yours and keep you safe from all harm", Brienne says.

Loras stares at the king who watches her, "done", he says and smiles, "rise, Brienne of the Kingsguard".

Raiden crosses his arms and smiles slightly, "You southerners sure are odd about your traditions".

"I am not a southerner, not anymore", Catelyn says, "You are from south of the wall, to me, you are all Southerners", Raiden says, giving the woman an amused smile that she almost rolls her eyes at.

They traveled for months together and Raiden was the man she'd talk to most, finding out about his home and his people, about Sigrid and their Gods.

The Knight who had led them to the tournament nods to Catelyn, motioning for her to follow, Raiden walking at her side.

"Your Grace, I have the honor to bring you Lady Catelyn Stark", Ser Colen announces to the King, "sent as an envoy by her son, Robb, Lord of Winterfell".

"Lord of Winterfell and King in the North", Catelyn corrects and steps forward.

"Lady Catelyn, I'm pleased to see you", Renly says, "may I present my wife, Margaery of House Tyrell".

"You are very welcome here, Lady Stark, I'm so sorry for your loss", Margaery says.

"You are most kind", Catelyn says, "My lady, I swear to you I will see the Lannisters answer for your husband's murder, when I take King's Landing, I'll bring you Joffrey's head", Renly promises, the crowd roaring with cheers.

Catelyn takes a breath and continues, "It will be enough to know that justice was done, my lord", she says.

"Your Grace and you should kneel when you approach the king", Brienne says, Raiden looking at her.

They were of the same height, both towered over most, however, their fighting style was very different.

He certainly wouldn't be opposed to dueling her.

"There's no need for that", Renly says to his new Kingsguard, "Lady Stark is an honored guest".

"Has your son marched against Tywin Lannister yet?", Loras asks almost making Catelyn frown, "I do not sit on my son's war councils and if I did, I would not share his strategies with you", the woman states.

"If Robb Stark wants a pact with us, he should come himself, not hide behind his mother's skirts", Loras states, Raiden looking at him with an icy glare, the knight almost feeling cold with fear.

"My son is fighting a war, not playing at one", Catelyn almost growls out.

Renly chuckles, trying to alleviate some tension, and stands, leaving his chair and walking over to Catelyn.

"Don't worry, my lady, our war is just beginning", Renly says and motions for Catelyn to follow, the woman looks to Raiden who bows his head and follows behind, Lady Brienne also follows, walking beside Raiden.

The four come to a stop as a man with a horse walks over, "Your grace", the man greets, "Gerard, how's your foot?", Renly asks the man, "Better, your grace", the man says, and pats his horse, "They don't know their own size is all".

"Good man", Renly smiles and the four continue on.

"I have a hundred thousand men at my command", Renly states, "All the might of the Stormlands and the Reach".

"And all of them young and bold like your knight of flowers?", Catelyn asks, "it's a game to you, isn't it, I pity them", "Why?", Renly asks the woman.

"Because it won't last, because they are the knights of summer and winter is coming", Catelyn states, Renly looking to the woman.

"Brienne, escort Lady Catelyn and her friend to her tent, she's tired from her journey", Renly asks the woman, "at once, your grace, shall I return after?", Brienne asks.

"That won't be necessary, I should pray awhile, alone", Renly states as he walks away.

"If you'll follow me, my lady", Brienne asks the woman who follows, Raiden following behind as usual.

"You fought bravely today, Lady Brienne", Catelyn states, "I fought for my king, soon I'll fight for him on the battlefield, die for him if I must, and, if it please you, Brienne's enough, I'm no lady", the woman states.

The woman continues walking, Catelyn lagging behind slightly, Raiden giving her an amused look and seeing a small smile on her face.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Rhydian looks down at a man he'd just knocked down, one of the guards he was training.

Rhyndacus stands on the side and smiles slightly.

"You're getting there", Rhydian chuckles and helps the man up, "go on, all of you, rest for the night", the Raven says and motions for them to leave, the men calmly walking off and running only when they get to a corner.

Rhydian looks to Rhyndacus who helps him with the training swords.

"You're still a good trainer at least", Rhyndacus muses making the man smile slightly.

"You could disappear but you stay, why?", Rhyndacus asks the man who glances at him, "Sansa Stark", Rhydian says and shrugs slightly, "Ah yes, your connection", Rhyndacus says, "but I have a feeling you have more reasons than just Sansa".

"You'll learn one day, Rhyndacus", Rhydian states.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Raiden sits outside Catelyn's tent, fingers running themselves through Khamira's dark fur while his other hand, flips his axe.

His eyes look up as a brown owl flies over and lands on a pole, its eyes looking at him.

"Sigrid", he whispers and watches it fly off, a small smile on his face knowing his aunt was just checking on him.

"You're a knight?", a woman asks the man who quickly looks at her, "No, m'lady", Raiden says, the woman looking to Khamira who sits up, her head almost at Raiden's height, Margery smiling, "Can I?", she asks the man who gives her a small nod.

The Queen steps forward and slowly and unsurely holds her hand out, Khamira allowing her to pet her, the woman's slender fingers running along the fur of her head and down her neck, Khamira looking into the woman's eyes.

"She's very soft", The woman states, drawing her hand back and looking at the rough-looking man, "She can be", Raiden states.

"If you're not a knight, why are you accompanying Lady Stark?", the Queen asks.

"My family is pledged to hers", Raiden states, "and yet you are not a knight?", The queen says making the man chuckle, "you southerners have a certain way of looking at things, where I come from, knights, ladies, lords, they mean nothing".

"I have heard of no such place", Margaery states, "My family live beyond the wall, House Nathair", Raiden states and turns his axe to the light, showing her the symbol of the two intertwined snakes, her eyes seeming to widen slightly in recognition.

Raiden stands and looks down at the Queen, "The only thing that matters in my house is Honor and oaths, to live with honor and die with glory".

His brows furrow slightly, "if you ever find yourself in King's Landing, I have a friend there, Rhydian, should you get the chance, please tell him the Nathair remembers", the man asks.

"I will do", The Queen agrees with a warm smile.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Sigrid and Karl sit on their horses, side by side as the woman scouts ahead with an owl.

They were far from the flock and had left most of the scouts behind only a few were following.

A few of the other scouts ride up behind them and she blinks away the haze.

"We have Thenns hiding in a ditch they dug, I don't think they know we're here yet", Sigrid states.

"Thenns?", One of the men asks, "cannibals, they're wilder than wildlings, you'll know them by the scars they bare on their face and most are maddened by the flesh they consume", Sigrid states glancing at the man.

"They're the ones you don't let go", she warns.

The men nod and Sigrid slides off her horse, the others following her.

They spread out slightly as she lowers and she motions for two of the men to stay out while she, Karl, and the other scout move around the pit.

They pull back arrows and slowly move forward just hearing the men talking in another language, Sigrid listening.

"Mance Rayder, they're fools to follow him, a wildling who was once crow", one of the men states, "the dead are coming, shouldn't we be more worried about them?", Another asks.

Sigrid looks down, the scouts with their arrows aimed at the Thenns who quickly look up.

"You won't have to worry about any of it", she says in their tongue and releases, the men following her actions, all shooting them in the head.

"What were they saying?", one of the men asks her, "talking about Mance Rayder and his army, the second one was worried about the dead", Sigrid states and looks up as a hawk flies down at her, Sova quickly taking the bird out.

"I've never seen that before" Karl states watching as Sova tears the head off the hawk.

"I should get him some battle claws", Sigrid says.

"Battle claws?", One of the Rangers asks, "lightweight armored blades made for their talons, we use them on Ravens too sometimes", Sigrid states.

"I'll have to write to my brother about that one", Sigrid muses and looks down at the dead Thenns.

"Let's burn them", she says.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Rhydian looks to Tyrion as he walks over, "Tyrion", he greets with a bow of his head.

"Rhydian", the man greets, "what do you know about the dead men beyond the wall?".

Rhydian's brows furrow and he tilts his head.

Tyrion holds out a letter and Rhydian takes it, reading it over.

A letter from Mormont, requesting more men and warning about the dead.

"I was sent a warning like this from home before I left Winterfell, Sigrid was actually the one who warned me, more and more people are seeing", Rhydian states, handing it back.

"The Nathairs have told stories about the dead coming back for years, there's a common, I suppose, saying for the Nathair, A dragons rest for a thousand years, if they rise any sooner its because the world needs them", Rhydian says, "what does that mean?", Tyrion asks.

"I've been on this earth a long time, I've seen people come and go, watched people lay in ice and go to sleep, the last seventeen years they've been rising from their slumber, never knowing why the gods have willed them to wake, I think its the dead", Rhydian states.

Tyrion frowns, "You've seen the wall", Rhydian states.

The man nods, "Even the old watch members, Sigrid included, they were wary of the lands beyond the wall, Sigrid seemed the bravest admittedly".

"She grew up out there, she knows the lands and the trails, she knows her kingdom", Rhydian states, "she knows the dangers that lurk there, not because of superstition and stories, but because she feels it, all of those who live with the magic of the earth flowing through their veins do".

"You do?", Tyrion asks the man who gives him a small nod, "It's subtle but noticeable, a feeling, a tightening feeling in your chest and a fire burning through your veins, a thought that makes you feel cold", Rhydian states, "I feel it all every day, I imagine the pain would be most uncomfortable".

"But you don't feel that pain", Tyrion, "I don't feel any pain", Rhydian confirms.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Sigrid rides beside Skender, the male on his black horse, Shade while she rides her white one, Brego.

"You seem to keep zoning in and out, checking on your owls?", Skender asks the woman who nods, both coming to a stop on top of a hill.

"Raiden is in the shadowlands with Catelyn Stark, it appears Renly Baratheon is preparing for war", Sigrid states, "Quirena, she's stayed with Robb, they're making a move on a Lannister camp, Rhydian is still caring for Sansa Stark in Kings Landing while playing a game".

"They'd be thousands of leagues apart, last time I asked you also mentioned Aldrik", Skender states, "how would one owl get from one place to another within seconds, or minutes even?".

Sigrid smirks and looks at her nephew, "sometimes I feel your mind is too quick for you to be your father's son", she states and rides ahead, Skender chuckling and riding after her.

Chapter Text

Aldrik looks at an incoming rider on a new horse, Daenerys instantly noticing as she walks up next to Aldrik.

"This isn't your horse", she states.

The rider hops off patting the beast.

"It was given to me by the thirteen, The elders of Qarth", the rider states.

"Qarth?", she asks, "three days to the east, on the sea", "will they let is in?", she asks, "they say they would be honoured to receive the Mother of Dragons", he says pulling off a water bag.

"What do you know of this place", Daenerys asks both Aldrik and Jorah.

"Only that the desert around their walls is called the Garden of Bones", Jorah states, "every time the Qartheen shut their gates on a traveller, the garden grows".

Daenerys looks to Aldrik who shakes his head not knowing anything about Qarth.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Rhydian smiles and catches Tommen before the boy falls over from his swing, the man taking the training sword by the blade that cuts his skin under the force of his grip.

He wasn't wearing his gloves for the session, never needing to be around the boy.

"Your hand!", the boy gasps, lowering the sword once Rhydian lets it go.

"Don't worry yourself, little prince, I'm alright", Rhydian says, squeezing his fist shut, feeling the blood seep through his fingers, a warm and slightly uncomfortable feeling to him.

"Are you sure?", Tommen asks, "can I see?".

Rhydian sighs but gives in, holding his hand out for the boy who looks at the cut, "it's just a small cut, it'll heal, don't bloody yourself", Rhydian reassures, "I don't think your mother would like that very much".

"No she wouldn't", the boy smiles and they walk over to a bench and sit down, Rhydian wiping the blood away with a rag he usually kept on his belt before taking a strip from his shirt and wrapping his hand up.

"Why not go to the maesters?", Tommen asks, "they have other people to tend to, ones who would need it more than me", Rhydian states, "does it hurt?", the boy asks, "no", Rhydian states.

"Did those hurt?", the prince asks the man who stops his movements and looks at the burn on the back of his hand.

"No", Rhydian states, "they didn't?!", the boy asks with a surprised look, "I can't feel pain, little prince, a blessing from the gods to most, I suppose", Rhydian states.

"But not to you?", Tommen asks, "I would like to know what it's like, it's a dangerous gift, oftentimes I have to see the measters after training because I never know if I'm hurt, internally, after hard hits", Rhydian admits.

The boy looks forward and Rhydian glances at him, "you're a soft one, aren't you?", Rhydian asks, "what do you mean?", Tommen asks, "you're kind, gentle, it's good", Rhydian states and looks forward.

The two turn their heads as they hear giggling and look to Cersei and Myrcella, the girl running over and hugging her brother who grins.

"Your Grace", Rhydian greets the woman as he stands and bows slightly, his hands beside his back.

"I see Joffrey still hasn't come to you about training", Cersei states, "He should, Rhydian is really nice", Tommen grins, "he always makes sure I don't fall over when I swing, look at his hand".

Cersei tilts her hand and looks at his hand that was wrapped up, she outstretches her hand and he allows her to take it, the woman unwraps it and looks at the long cut, she wraps it up again, tighter this time.

"It's a small cut", Rhydian states, "no it's not", Cersei states, "you should have a maester look at it".

Tommen grins and pokes his tongue out at the man who chuckles and picks the boy up, hauling him over his shoulder as Tommen laughs and giggles, none of them noticing the small smile that forms on Cersei's lips.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Quirena kneels by a tree, her fingers running along her Shadowcat's fur.

The cat purrs softly as they watch Robb's wolf startle the horses.

He pads back over and she smirks as one of the two men laughs after startling the other, "Go on", she whispers to GreyWind and her cat, M'aiq.

Both creatures quickly run forward, Greywind taking the laughing man who screams while M'aiq manages to claw the other man's helmet off, enabling the large wolf to bite his head off without the metal cracking his teeth.

Quirena stands and motions for her men to attack, the Lannister men running their way while Robb takes them from behind.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Myrcella giggles as Rhydian twirls her around at a feast the king was throwing, the man holding a glass of wine as he dances with the girl.

Tommen smiles and runs over, taking his sister's hand and pulling her away, allowing Rhydian to stand straight just as Rhyndacus walks behind him and stops next to him.

"You seem comfortable", the man states, "it's a comfortable cage, what can I say?", Rhydian states and looks to Sansa who looked slightly uncomfortable but she was acting the best she could.

He admired her ability to just put up with things.

"Rhydian", Joffrey greets the man who looks at him, "Your Grace", Rhydian greets and bows his head, Rhyndacus bowing his head also and quietly walking away.

"That one will be one of my guards, I hear", Joffrey states, glancing at the retreating man, "aye, he's a quick learner and a quick fighter", Rhydian nods.

"Good", Joffrey smiles and looks at the hall, "My Mother thinks you could teach me how to fight as you do".

Joffrey looks up at the man, "can you?", he asks, "I could, not everything, but I could"

"What do you mean not everything?", Joffrey asks, "There are some skills normal people can't learn", Rhydian states, "I'm not normal", Joffrey says, as if offended, "No, you're a king but I am not talking about titles or ranks, I'm talking about things that not many possess", Rhydian states.

"How much would I need to possess it?", Joffrey asks almost making the man laugh, instead he smiles slightly and looks to the King, "It's not something you can buy, it's something you're born with and for Southerners its a rare thing, magic", Rhydian states.

"I cannot give people magic, that is up to the Gods, however, if you did possess it, there's a possibility I could teach you how to wield it", Rhydian says and looks forward again.

"And the rest?", Joffrey asks, "Have you seen me fight?", Rhydian asks, "I've observed you when you train the guards, yes", Joffrey nods, "I can teach you how to fight as they do, swiftly while still being strong and ruthless", Rhydian states.

Joffrey smirks, "I like that", he admits, "I suppose extra training wouldn't hurt".

"I just hope you won't cut my head off if I accidentally cut you", Rhydian muses, "It's a part of training is it not?", Joffrey asks, "it certainly is", Rhydian states.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Quirena walks across the field, M'aiq and a few of her men at her side.

She lost a few soldiers, though she knew both armies lost a few more, they'd won, of course, the Lannisters hadn't yet beaten them on the field and most likely wouldn't.

Her men help the healers while the woman looks over the dead.

Her eyes move to a warrior, one of her own and walks over, kneeling down beside the woman, shutting her eyes as she whispers a prayer to their gods and goddesses.

"Quirena", Robb calls as the woman stands, watching a man take the woman's body away.

"Your grace", she greets and bows her head to the man who smiles slightly in amusement, hearing the almost teasing tone in her voice.

"Did you lose many?", Robb asks the woman who shakes her head, "about four of mine were lost", she states.

"Guess the rumours were right", he states and notices a wound through her shoulder, "Your people are hard to kill", he states and frowns as she seems unbothered.

"You were stabbed?", he asks the woman and nods to her shoulder, "not the first time", she states and looks at the wound, "I'll be fine, Your Grace, worry not", she smiles

"Nevertheless, you know I will", Robb says, the woman smirking, "I saw you talking to that woman from Volantis", she states, walking with the king who nods.

"I do hope you remember you made a deal", she states making the man sigh and look down at her, the pair stopping, "Why must you remind me?", he asks.

"Because I'd rather the King in the North keep his head rather than without it", the woman states and continues on her rounds, Robb watching after her.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Rhydian enters the Throne room with Tyrion and his new commander of the guard, Bronn.

Rage quickly settles into his body as he finds Sansa on her knees before the king, her dress torn down the back, barely covering her and Ser Meryn Trant with his sword raised, ready to beat her with the face of it.

"What is the meaning of this?", Tyrion asks.

Ser Meryn holds while they walk towards the scene, Joffrey quickly looking worried.

"What kind of knight beats a helpless girl?", Tyrion asks, "the kind who serves his king, imp", Meryn says.

"Careful now, we don't want to get blood all over your pretty white cloak, this one already looks like he wants to kill you", Bronn says nodding to Rhydian who stands with his fists clenched tightly, the cut on his hand that he kept for appearances quickly reopening.

Rhydian instead loosens his fists and takes his cloak off, moving towards Sansa and placing the cloak around her, "She is to be your queen, do have no regard for her honour?", Tyrion asks the boy, "you can't do that, I'm punishing her", Joffrey states.

"For what crimes?", Tyrion asks, "she did not fight her brother's battle, you half-wit".

Sansa leans into Rhydian who whispers quiet reassurances that nothing of the sort would happen again.

"You can't talk to me like that, the king can do as he likes!", Joffrey yells, "the mad king did as he liked, has your uncle Jamie ever told you what happened to him?", Tyrion asks.

"No one threatens his grace in the presence of the Kingsguard", Meryn says, "I'm not threatening the king, Ser", Tyrion says, "I am educating my nephew, Bronn, the next time Ser Meryn speaks, hold him down and let Rhydian kill him".

Bronn nods and Tyrion looks to the knight, "that was a threat, see the difference?", he asks.

Meryn glares at Tyrion and Tyrion approaches Sansa and offers her his hand as Rhydian stands.

She takes it and stands, giving Rhydian a nod, the man stands back, letting her stand on her own.

He walks behind Sansa as they go.

"I apologise for my nephew's behaviour, tell me the truth, do you want an end to this engagement?", Tyrion asks her, the girl looking forward.

"I am loyal to King Joffrey, my one true love", she lies and continues walking with Rhydian.

"Lady Stark, you may survive us yet", Tyrion mutters, watching Sansa, her handmaiden, Shae and Rhydian leave.

🐍💀⏳🦉

"Don't do anything", Sansa says to Rhydian who sits on the railing of the window that looked at her balcony and towards the city, the man looking out at King's landing his back resting against a pillar.

"I can see it in your eyes, you want to kill someone", she states.

He lets out a soft breath and looks down at his hand, his Raven necklace wrapped around his uncut hand.

"I'm sorry I wasn't there", Rhydian says and looks to Sansa who sits across from him, her back against another pillar.

"You can't be everywhere at once, even with your Ravens, I know four of them are gone and you have the other three flying back and forth over the city", Sansa states, "you said to me we have to play a game, a game of survival, I understand you can't always be with me but I know you'll be there for me whenever you can".

Sansa gently takes the man's hand, "you have been there for me and my siblings for years, helping us, guarding us, you'd kill for us but you won't do anything that would kill us", the girl states, "You once told me about winged people, guardians of your people, well you've always been mine, my siblings, I know your ravens are your wings, the wings you always say you lost".

🐍💀⏳🦉

Raiden stands at Catelyn's side, the pair talking quietly before the tent opens, Raiden quickly draws his axe, and Khamira sits up and hisses at the man who enters.

"How dare you?", Catelyn growls out to the man, "You may have heard false reports", Littlefinger states, "You betrayed Ned!", Cat says.

"Betrayed?", Littlefinger asks, "I wanted him to serve as Protector of the Realm, I begged him to seize the moment".

"I trusted you", Cat states, "my husband trusted you and you repaid our faith with treachery".

"No, my lady", Little finger tries, "get out!", Catelyn yells at him and turns away, "Cat", he tries, only to see Raiden step closer to Catelyn, ready to defend her if he needed.

"I've-I've loved you since I was a boy", Littlefinger states, "it seems to me that fate has given us this chance", he says and goes to grab her.

Catelyn quickly takes Raiden's knife from his belt and points it threateningly at the man, making him pause and think.

"Have you lost your mind?", Catelyn asks, "Get out!".

"Do you want to see your girls again?", Littlefinger asks, "Sansa, more beautiful than ever, and Arya, just as wild as ever?".

Raiden frowns slightly, "You have Arya, too?", Catelyn asks the man who nods slightly, "both girls are healthy and safe, for now, but you know the Queen and you know Joffrey, I fear for their longevity if they remain in the capital", the man states.

Catelyn thinks for a moment before lowering the knife and handing it back to Raiden who sheaths it once again.

"What do you want?", Catelyn asks, trying to keep back her tears.

"The Lannisters will trade your daughters for the kingslayer", Littlefinger states, "of course, they will, Jamie Lannister for two girls?", Catelyn says, angrily, "Robb will never agree to those terms".

"I'm not bringing these terms to him, I'm bringing them to you", Littlefinger states, "You think I keep secrets from my son?", Catelyn asks.

"Robb has surprised them all with his skills in battle, but he's not a mother, consider it, Cat, you may not get another chance, I've brought you a gift", the man states.

"I don't want your gifts", Catelyn says and turns away again, "A token of Tyrion Lannister's goodwill, he wants you to understand that this exchange of prisoner is offered in good faith", Littlefinger states.

Two servants of the light of the seven, enter and place down a heavy box, Raiden standing taller as he looks down at the chest.

"Good faith", Catelyn asks the man and turns, noticing the servants.

The servants bow and quickly leave the tent.

Catelyn looks at little finger and her face falls as she realizes what was in the chest before her, "what's this?", she asks and slowly kneels over the chest before she opens it, looking down sadly.

"Your husband was an honourable man, he should rest beside his family in the crypts beneath Winterfell", Littlefinger states, "you may not believe-", he tries only for Catelyn to look at him with a glare, "get out", she asks quietly.

Littlefinger goes to say something only for Raiden to draw his Axe and move towards the man who almost runs out, Khamira yowling at the man, angrily.

Catelyn closes the box as she begins to cry and looks at Raiden who looks at her, his eyes showing his sorrow.

"Shall I leave you?", Raiden asks her, the woman shaking her head and leaning into the man who kneels beside her, wrapping his arm around her as she sobs.

Chapter Text

Raiden sits on his horse beside Catelyn, Renly having invited them to a meeting of the Baratheon brothers, Stannis Baratheon sitting with his men on the opposite side of the field next to a cliffside.

"Lady Stark, I had not thought to find you in the Stormlands", Stannis states, "I had not thought to be here, Lord Stannis", Catelyn states.

"Can that truly be you?", Renly asks his brother, "who else might it be", Stannis retorts.

"When I saw your standard, I couldn't be sure", Renly states, "whose banner is that?", he asks, "My own", Stannis answers.

"I suppose if we used the same one, the battle would be terribly confusing", Renly muses, "why is your stag on fire?", he asks his older brother.

"The King has taken for his sigil the fiery heart of the Lord of Light", a woman in red states, Raiden sitting up straighter on his horse, Catelyn and the lady in red noticing his sudden tenseness.

"Ah, you must be the fire priestess we hear so much about", Renly says and hums, looking over the woman before smirking at his brother, "brother, now I understand why you found religion in your old age".

"Watch yourself, Renly", Stannis warns, "no, no I'm relieved, I never really believed you were a fanatic, charmless, Ridgid, a bore, yes, but not a godly man", Renly states.

"You should kneel before your brother, he's the Lord's chosen, born amidst salt and smoke", the priestess states.

"Born amidst salt and smoke?", Renly asks, "Is he a ham?".

"That's twice I've warned you", Stannis says, "listen to yourselves", Catelyn almost growls, easily becoming fed up.

"If you were sons of mine, I would knock your heads together and lock you in a bedchamber until you remembered that you were brothers", the Lady states.

"It is strange to find you beside my brother, Lady Stark, your husband was a supporter of my claim, Lord Eddard's integrity cost him his head and you sit beside this pretender and criticise me", Stannis states.

"We share a common enemy", Catelyn states, "The Iron Throne is mine by right, all those that deny that, are my foes", Stannis states.

"The whole realm denies it", Renly states, "from Dorne to the wall, old men deny it with their death rattle and unborn children deny it in their mother's womb".

"No one wants you for their king, you never wanted any friends, brother, but a man without friends is a man without power", Reny says.

"For the sake of the mother who bore us, I will give you this one night to reconsider, strike your banners, come to me before dawn and I will grant you your old seat in the council", Stannis offers, "I'll even name you my heir until a son is born to me, otherwise I shall destroy you".

Renly looks across the field, "Look at those fields, brother, can you see all those banners?", he asks the older Baratheon, "you think a few bolts of cloth will make you king?", Stannis asks.

"No, the man holding those bolts of cloth will make me king", Renly states, "We shall see, Renly, come the dawn, we shall see", Stannis says.

"Look to your sins, Lord Renly, The night is dark and full of terrors", the priestess says, riding off with Stannis' party.

"Would you believe I loved him once?", Renly asks and spurs his mount, the party heading in the opposite direction of Stannis.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Aldrik looks ahead of the group as they make it to Qarth, Daenerys having decided to risk it for the sake of her people.

The guards march out and Daenerys looks to Jorah.

"I thought we were welcome", she says.

"If you heard a Dothraki horde was approaching your city, you might do the same Khaleesi", Jorah says, "horde?", she questions.

Aldrik raises a brow seeing thirteen men walk out one stepping closer than the others.

"My name is Daenerys Storm-", "Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen", the man says, cutting her off.

"You know me, my lord?", she asks, "only by reputation, Khaleesi and I am no Lord, merely a humble merchant", the man says.

"They call you the mother of dragons", he questions, "and what should I call you?", Dany asks.

"Oh my name is quite long and quite impossible for foreigners to pronounce, I am simply a trader of spices, but we are the thirteen", he says and motions to the other 12 men still hiding behind the guards.

"Charged with the governance and protection of Qarth, the greatest city there ever was or will be", The man says.

"The beauty of Quarth is legendary-", Dany says.

"Qarth", the man quickly corrects, "Qarth", Daenerys corrects herself.

"Might we see the dragons?", he asks.

Daenerys glances at the horse with her dragons.

"My friend, we have travelled very far, we have no food, no water, once I see my people fed, I would be honoured-", Daenerys tries.

"Forgive me, Mother of Dragons but no man alive has seen a living dragon", the Spice man says.

Jorah and Aldrik share a look both almost rolling their eyes at these men.

"Some of my more sceptical friends refuse to believe your children even exist all, we ask is the chance to see for ourselves".

"I am not a liar", Dany says, "oh I don't think you are but as I've never met you before, my opinion of the matter is of limited value", the man states.

Daenerys smiles becoming irritated, "where I come from, guests are treated with respect not insulted at the gates".

"Then perhaps you should return to where you come from, we wish you well", he says and moves back over to his twelve friends.

Daenerys walks forward Jorah and Aldrik following, hands on their swords.

"What are you doing, you promised to receive me", Dany says.

The man turns, "we have received you, here we are, and here you are".

"If you do not let us in, all of us will die", Dany says, "which we shall deeply regret, but Qarth did not become the greatest city that ever was or will be by letting Dothraki savages through its gates".

The traders begin moving towards the gates, Aldrik ready to use any bit of magic he needs to.

"Khaleesi, please be careful", Jorah warns but she walks forward, Jorah and Aldrik moving behind her as the guards raise their spears.

"Thirteen!", she calls, "when my dragons are grown, we will take back what is stolen from me and destroy those who have wronged me, we will lay waste to armies and burn cities to the ground, turn us away and we will burn you first", Dany threatens.

The man turns and looks back at the group.

"Ah, you are a true Targaryen, only as you said a moment ago, if we don't let you into the City, you will all die and so-".

A dark man steps forward, "retreating in fear from a little girl is unbecoming of the greatest city that ever was or will be", he says.

"The discussion is over, Xaro Xhoan Daxos, the thirteen have spoken", the Spice man says, "I am one of the thirteen, and I am still speaking", Xaro states.

"The girl threatens to burn our city to the ground and you would invite her in for a cup of wine?", spices asks, seeming disturbed by the idea.

"She is the Mother of Dragons do you expect her to watch her people starve, without breathing fire?", Xaro asks, "I believe we can allow a few Dothraki through our gates without dooming our city, after all, here I am, a savage from the Summer Isles and Quarth still stands".

"Our decision is final", spices says, "very well", Daxos says and steps forward.

"I invoke Soumai", he announces turning and facing the trader of Spices drawing his blade.

"I will vouch for her, her people, and her dragons in accordance with the law" he says cutting his own hand and showing it to the twelve.

"Be it on your head", the Spice man says and moves to the gates.

"Welcome to Qarth, my lady", Xaro says.

The gates open and the thirteen allow the small group through.

Daxos walks with the Khaleesi, a clear interest in her but a small interest in the man dressed in faded purple robes.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Rhydian grips his head as nausea moves through him, his mind pulling back from his Raven, Magnus.

Arya was now in a blind spot to him, unable to see through the fog that laid over Harrenhal, an old ruin of a castle that sat in the Riverlands.

He'd stayed in the old ruins once, abandoned and unkempt, he used to imagine the Envoys and Hourglass finding shelter and home there, taking over it and building it up.

It was never a far-fetched idea.

Harrenhal was a great castle, the largest one there was until it was burned down by Aegon and his dragon Balerion, a mighty sight to those who witnessed it but an end to those who were in the building.

Rhydian looks up as he hears a giggle and a soft call of his name something that makes him smile slightly as Myrcella runs over to him.

"Princess", he greets the girl who sits next to him, his eyes looking down at the material in her hands, "Mother and I were stitching today, I made a raven", she states, showing the man who smiles softly, "it's beautiful and very well done", he states, chuckling softly as the girl grins happily.

Raiden stands to the side while Renly and Catelyn talk, Lady Brienne standing guard at Renly's side.

🐍💀⏳🦉

"You swear it?", Renly asks the woman who had just revealed that her son had no interest in ruling anywhere but the North.

"By the mother", Catelyn promises, "my son has no interest in the Iron Throne", she states.

Renly looks at his cup and takes a long sip of wine.

"Then I see no reason for hostility between us, your son can go on calling himself King in the North, the Starks will have dominion over all lands north of Moat Cailin, provided he swears me an oath of fealty", Renly says.

"And the wording of this oath?", Catelyn asks the King.

"The same Ned Stark swore to Robert eighteen years ago", Renly says, "Cat, their friendship held the kingdoms together".

Catelyn sits a little straighter, considering his words.

"And in return for my son's loyalty?", Catelyn asks, "In the morning, I'll destroy my brother's army", Renly states and stands.

"When that's done, Baratheon and Stark will fight their common enemy together, as they have done many times before", the king says and walks across the tent, standing before a mirror, Brienne helping him remove his cloak.

"Our two houses have always been close, which is why I am begging you to reconsider this battle", Catelyn asks, "Negotiate peace with your brother".

"Negotiate with Stannis?", Renly asks, "you heard him out there, I'd have better luck debating the wind".

Brienne continues to help remove Renly's armour.

"Please bring my terms to your son", Renly asks the woman, "I believe we are natural allies, I hope he feels the same, together we could end this war in a fortnight".

Raiden frowns as he feels a burning under his skin and looks down at Khamira who stands up, tense just as he is.

The winds howl outside and Raiden watched as a dark cloud of mist races into the tent.

Catelyn and Raiden watch as it crawls across the tent floor, Renly watching it with wide eyes.

Brienne gasps as a dark spirit takes form from the mist, rising up behind Renly.

The dark spirit quickly stabs Renly in the back, the blade moving right through his heart.

Renly gasps in pain and the spirit hisses at Raiden who sends his hand out, his magic forcing the creature from the tent as it dissipates in the air while Raiden hisses in pain, clenching his fist.

"No!", Brienne almost screams as she catches Renly before he falls, "No".

She gently lowers the man to the ground, holding him closely.

Two soldiers almost leap into the room and draw their swords, no doubt believing Brienne to have been the one to assassinate their king.

"Follow me!", one of the men says, "You'll die for this", the other guard hisses.

"No, wait, it wasn't her!", Catelyn tries but the soldiers rush past her and immediately engage with Brienne who quickly gets up to defend herself.

She quickly kills the first guard while Raiden takes out his axe and throws it into the head of the second that comes up behind her, the male walking over and taking the axe from the Knight's head.

Catelyn stares at the bodies while Brienne looks at Renly's corpse, once again.

She staggers over to it and falls to her knees, sobbing over him.

Raiden looks to Catelyn who walks past him to the woman moving to comfort her.

"We've got to leave", Catelyn states, "They'll hang you for this".

Raiden turns his head as he hears guards call out commands to move to the king's tent.

"Khamira, to the horses", Raiden whispers to the cat who purs softly and leaves through the back of the tent, sneaking under the fabric.

"I won't leave him", Brienne sobs, "And you can't avenge him if you're dead", Raiden states.

"Over there, go!", a guard yells, no doubt Khamira causing some distraction on her way out.

Brienne gets up, drying her tears and Catelyn goes to move for the front of the tent only for the knight to pull her to a stop.

"Not that way", Brienne says and shows the pair the exit behind a tapestry.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Catelyn looks down at Raiden's hand once they're a somewhat safe distance away, nearing their horses.

She sees his veins blackened and his skin seeming slightly irritated like they'd been placed over flames.

"Magic comes with a price, a lesson I've been taught many times", Raiden whispers and takes his hand back, untying Catelyn's horse and helping her up onto the beast.

"But are you alright?", Cat asks the man who smiles, "well, we're alive, so yes", he says and hops onto his horse, his eyes looking to Khamira who joins them.

Chapter Text

Sigrid stands on the fist of the first men, looking down at the men who continue walking only just reaching their next camp location, her owl being her eyes as she flies over them.

Skender looks up as the owl flies overhead and smiles slightly, continuing to help pull a sled, Karl glancing up as well.

Ulric sits beside his aunt while Floki helps some men start a small fire nearby.

"The Fist of the First Men", Sam says, Sigrid comes back from her owl, a little startled, her mind wavering slightly as she looks to Ulric whose brows furrow.

"Being in another form for too long can be dangerous", she states, "sometimes you might just become that animal and your body will become nothing more than a soulless sack of meat and bone".

The boy nods and stands with the help of his crutches as the woman does, her hand on his back, helping steady him a little before she looks at Sam.

"Think of how old this place is, before the Targaryens defeated the Andals, before the Andals took Westeros from the First Men", Sam says.

"Before I die, please stop talking", Edd asks continuing what he was doing.

"Thousands and Thousands of years ago, the First Men stood here where we're standing all through the long night, what do you think they were like, the First Men?", Sam asks.

"Stupid, smart people don't find themselves in places like this", Edd says.

"I think they were scared", Sigrid says brushing snow from the dirt under her, she pulls her glove off and places her hand on the earth and rock.

Floki and Ulric watch her, her eyes turning lilac as visions of men and women enter her mind, a grey veil over them.

"I think they came here to get away from something", Sigrid says.

"I don't think it worked", Jon says as Sigrid comes back from her visions, the man watching the Elf.

A horn goes off and Jon places his hand on his sword.

"Wildlings?", Grenn asks, "Two blasts for Wildlings, one for rangers returning", Ulric states

"So you got to stand there waiting, wondering, one blast for friends, two for foes", Edd says, "Three for white walkers", Sam says the boys but those of the Nathair house looking at him judgingly.

Sigrid stands and walks over to Jon, standing beside him, "that's information we will need now boys", she says, "the long night will come soon enough", she states in a low voice.

"Sigrid!", the Lord commander yells.

Sigrid walks over to the man, the others watching them but unable to hear their conversation.

"I want you to scout out the terrain, I know your senses are sharper than anyone here", The commander asks.

The woman bows her head, "I'll take Nero with me", she says to the man who nods watching the woman walk to her horse, Sigrid pulling on her bow and quiver, her sword already at her side.

Sigrid whistles, getting Nero's attention and he walks over.

"We're heading out for a small scouting trip", Sigrid says and pulls on a coat and secures it to her armor.

Nero nods and pulls on a fur coat and making sure he had his sword.

"Where are you going?", Jon asks, wandering over, "Commander asked us to head out and scout", Sigrid says.

"That's dangerous just the two of you", Jon says making Sigrid chuckle, "two is better than many, honestly I prefer to head out on my own as usual", she states.

"Shouldn't you take a larger group, take out Karl and the other scouts?", Jon asks, "Please think about it, don't be stupid", he says feeling overly protective of the woman who looks at him with a soft smile, her crystal eyes meeting his.

"I like to think I'm smarter than you, don't worry Snowflake I'll be alright, besides I got an old guard with me", she states, the boys chuckling at the nickname.

Jon's features still set themselves in a frown, not because of the name, "I'll be fine Jon, you can kill me if I get hurt", she jokes and looks to the Rangers that just return.

"look it's Qhorin Halfhand", Sam says, "aye, we'll live another day, hurrah", Edd says.

"Gods I love your humor Edd", Sigrid jokes making the man rolls his eyes, the group watching Sigrid and Nero hopping on their horses which they'd take to the bottom and hand off to other watchers.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Sigrid slows her horse as she nears Karl and Skender.

"Where are you going?", Karl asks her, "Scouting, taking Nero with me", Sigrid states and glances around, "Once you and the scouts are rested have them check the base of the mountain and keep a lookout", she asks the man who nods.

Sigrid turns her eyes to her nephew, "And you, don't annoy your brother, he's having it rough".

Skender's brows furrow, "his legs?", He asks the woman who nods, her jaw clenching slightly.

"He's stubborn about it", She states, "clearly he gets it from you", Nero jokes and laughs as the woman wacks him upside the head.

"Best not keep the wildlings waiting", Nero says and rides off.

The woman rolls her eyes and looks to Skender who smiles, "Stay safe", he asks, "of course", Sigrid smiles and looks to Karl who raises a brow.

"Don't give me that look", she says, "You're reckless, love, it shows", he teases and grins as she flips him the middle finger.

She grins and sets her horse in a walk before she turns slightly to look at the man.

Sigrid places her index and pointer finger to her forehead before moving it down over her heart and extending her hand out to him, the man smiling slightly as he does the same.

"Come on uncle", Skender jokes, nudging the man who rolls his eyes and continues helping with the sled.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Aldrik looks to Daenerys as he enters her room where he was called.

Rhaegal instantly flies over landing on his shoulder, gently rubbing his head against the man's cheek making the druid smile and pet the creature.

"You were right", Daenerys says with a grin as she turns her head to see the tall man with her dragon that cuddles against his neck, almost purring.

"About what?", Aldrik asks looking to the Princess, "Drogon likes to cook his food before eating it", she states.

Aldrik smiles and bows his head, watching as Dany places a bit of meat before the small red dragon.

"Watch", she asks, Aldrik nods and Dany looks at the small red dragon.

"Dracarys", she says.

The creature doesn't do a thing, the Khaleesi raises an eyebrow at Drogon, "Dracarys", she asks him only to yet again receive nothing.

Aldrik smiles, "blása", he says, Drogon looks to Aldrik before looking down at his food, cooking it with his breath before eating it, Daenerys looks at Aldrik confused.

"What does that mean?", she asks, "breathe", Aldrik answers.

"What language is that", Dany asks, interest burning clear in her eyes, "an old Language known by very few", he says as he looks at Rhaegal who looks at him, the small creature moving down his arm and tilting its head.

"Svefn", he says, the green dragon going back to his cage and curling up inside going to sleep.

"Can you teach me this language", Daenerys asks the man who stands straight, his brows almost unnoticeably furrowing, "maybe, but teaching them High Valaryien would be better, like their ancestors", he states walking down to the Khaleesi and her handmaid.

Doreah who looks up at him with interest, but he seemed to have no interest in her or anyone else for that matter, his eyes set on Daenerys and her dragons.

He helps the Khaleesi, who was sitting on her knees, stand and both look at Drogon, the man reaching down to gently scratch under his chin, the little dragon shutting his eyes as he purrs.

"My dragons seem to like you", she states causing the man to smile slightly, "I wouldn't know why", Aldrik says, shrugging slightly, "maybe it's the magic that moves through your veins", she suggests.

"Maybe", Aldrik hums, "I must go, Mormont requires my attention before the festivities", Daenerys nods and watches the man leave.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Aldrik stands under a tree watching the festivities with disinterest.

He could feel something, a sort of unbalanced magic even with his own magic thin in this part of the world.

He watches as Daenerys talks with some people.

Feeling eyes on her she looks across to Aldrik and smiles giving him a small nod, the man doing the same before she looks back to the people she speaks with.

To Aldrik, she looked a little uncomfortable.

"You do not enjoy the festivities with the rest", Xaro says, "I am more of a watcher", Aldrik responds.

"Ah, I see what kind of man you are Aldrik", Xaro says, "do you?", the druid asks.

"A man of Mystery and Legend", Xaro announces, "Legend?", Aldrik questions.

"There was once a story of when Dragons roamed the skies, one man, a Druid of Elessar was able to speak to these dragons through their own tongue, some say he was cursed with Immortality and some say he died", Xaro says.

"Well then, it appears I'm immortal", Aldrik says.

"You are not him?", Xaro asks, "no, but I have heard of the story and I'm sorry to say to say but he did die many years ago at the throat of the world", Aldrik says.

Xaro smile and leaves the robed man heading over to the white-haired beauty, and rescuing her from a warlock.

Aldrik walks over to Jorah both of them watching Xaro walk off with Daenerys.

"You both watch over her", both men look at a woman, her face hidden by a mask, one Aldrik was familiar with, only he didn't know exactly who she was.

"Do I know you?", Jorah asks.

"I know you, Jorah Mormont of Bear Island, and you Aldrik Drayce of the many Realms", the woman says.

"Who are you?", Aldrik asks, "I'm no one, but she is the Mother of Dragons, she needs true protectors, now more than ever, they shall come day and night to see the Wonder born into the world again, and when they see, they shall lust, for dragons are fire made flesh, and fire is power", she says before walking away.

Jorah and Aldrik share a look of confusion and turn again to watch Daenerys, the Druid quietly sneaking away.

🐍💀⏳🦉

"Quaithe", Aldrik says, the woman stopping in an alleyway, "You still remember", the woman says, "I never forget", Aldrik states, "That isn't true", the woman states, "You forget who you truly are", she states, looking the man in the eyes.

"You must protect yourself and her", the woman states, "and don't trust anyone else but Silmera", she warns before walking away, the druid's brows furrowing as a burning ache forms in his chest hearing the name of the woman he once knew.

🐍💀⏳🦉

"It looked like Stannis", Brienne states, drawing Catelyn and Raiden's attention, "to me it just looked like a shadow with the shape of a man", Catelyn states.

"In the shape of Stannis", Brienne states.

"I wouldn't be surprised, he's got that damn red witch with him", Raiden states, his brows furrowing with slight discomfort.

"We should reach my son's camp tomorrow", Catelyn states, "Will you stay there long, my lady?", Brienne asks.

"Only long enough to tell Robb what I have seen, after that, I will leave for Winterfell, my two youngest need me, I've been away from them for far too long", Catelyn states.

"I never knew my mother", Brienne states with an air of sadness, eyes looking to Raiden who uses magic to start a fire, a bright blue spark igniting the tinder.

"I'm sorry", Catelyn says and looks to the fire that Raiden builds, the knight following her but staying standing as she looks to Lady Stark.

"My own mother died on the birthing bed when I was very young", Catelyn states, "It's a bloody business", Brienne states, "what comes after is even harder", Catelyn says, and takes a seat.

"Once you're safely back amongst your own people, will you give me leave to go, my lady?", Brienne asks, "you mean to kill Stannis?", Catelyn asks.

"I swore a vow", Brienne says, "but Stannis has a great army around him, his own guards are sworn to keep him safe", Catelyn states.

"I'm as good as any of them, I should never have fled", the knight states.

"Renly's death was no fault of yours", Catelyn states, "You served him bravely".

Raiden glances at Brienne, noticing a look in her eyes, "I only held him that once as he was dying", the knight states sadly.

Catelyn stands and faces Brienne who looks at her, "He's gone, Brienne, you serve nothing and no one by following him into the earth, Renly's enemies are Robb's enemies as well", the lady states.

"I do not know your son, my lady", Brienne states while Catelyn sits back down, "But I could serve you if you would have me".

"You have courage, not battle courage, perhaps, but, I don't know, a woman's kind of courage", Brienne states making Raiden smile slightly as he sits back against a log, Khamira immediately laying her head on his lap.

"And I think, that when the time comes, you will not hold me back", Brienne says, "promise me that you will not hold me back from Stannis", she asks.

Catelyn watches the woman, "When the time comes, I will not hold you back", she promises.

Brienne draws her sword and kneels before Catelyn, playing the sword on the ground before Catelyn, "Then I am yours, my lady, I will shield your back and give my life for yours, if it comes to that, I swear it by the Old Gods and the new", Brienne pledges and watches as Catelyn gently takes her hand.

"I vow that you shall always have a place in my home and at my table and that I ask no service of you that might you dishonor, I swear it by the Old Gods and the new", Catelyn vows.

Chapter Text

Sigrid and Nero slip through dips in the snow, their white and grey fur coats helping them blend in with their surroundings, the man with a fur hood pulled over his head while Sigrid's hair was turned white and her eyes glowing a blood red.

The pair slide down the side of a mountain and lets out a breath as they sit down on a rock, the woman picking up some snow and making a snowball, "there's Qhorin", Nero says.

Sigrid chuckles and pegs the snowball at the old man who immediately turns and almost smiles, shaking his head slightly before he walks over.

"See anything", Qhorin asks the pair.

"A small group of Wildlings staying in a lower section of this mountain, behind rocks and surrounded by high snow", Sigrid says and stands with the help of Qhorin.

"Thank you, Lass", the man thanks.

Sigrid and Nero jump down from a rock and land with a quiet thud, the woman barely making a sound.

The men glance at the woman who watches as they take down a group of wildlings.

Of course, Sigrid knew there was more, likely watching, but she wouldn't warn the group about it.

She knew how the wildlings worked, after all, she was partly one herself.

"A girl", Jon says pressing one into a rock.

Both women make eye contact a smirk lacing the fire-haired girl's face as she watches the elf stand, her hand on her sword.

"A Wildling", Qhorin says, "we could question her", Jon says, "we could", Qhorin nods, "she won't answer, I've known a wildling to bite off his tongue instead of talking".

"What's your name?", Jon asks, "Ygritte", the girl answers.

Qhorin picks up an axe, "she was reaching for this axe when you got to her, give her half a chance, she'll bury it in your face", the man warns.

"I gave you my name", Ygritte says, "I'm Jon Snow", he says moving off her, his sword still up.

She looks over the bodies.

"You ought to burn them you killed" she says, "we need a big fire for that", Qhorin says.

Sigrid and Jon share a look.

"But burn them we need to, build a pit throw em in with fire, should be low enough, better at night though", Sigrid says.

"Tell me Ygritte", Qhorin asks, "what waits beyond the path".

"The free folk", the woman says.

"How many?", Qhorin asks making the woman chuckle, "hundreds and thousands, more than you've ever seen crow".

"Why come to the mountains, what's in the Frostfangs your kind could want?", Qhorin asks.

Ygritte stares at Jon, "you mean to march on the wall?", Qhorin asks earning no answer, Qhorin moves over to her, Jon pulling his sword back.

"Do you know who I am girl?", the old Ranger asks.

"Qhorin Halfhand", she says, "tell me true, if your people captured me, would take me prisoner?", The man asks.

"They'd take your head off your shoulders if they was feeling kind, if not they'd kill you slow", the fire-haired woman admits.

Qhorin sighs, "we have no food for her, can't spare a man to watch her, can't let her go, she'll bring Mance Rayder's army down on us, it needs to be done, want me to do it?", Qhorin asks taking his sword out.

"No", Jon says, "no I'll do it".

Ygritte locks eyes with Sigrid who gives her a small nod, knowing the girl would get away.

"Come, brothers and sister", Qhorin says putting his sword away, "we'll leave him to it".

"We'll meet you at the top", Jon looks to Qhorin and nods, "don't take too long, we're deep in their country now".

Sigrid leaves with the men, Nero following behind.

"We'll keep wandering around", Sigrid says, Qhorin nods and watches the elf leave them knowing she was tough, maybe tougher than a Wildling and she'd be fine, especially with Nero behind her.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Aldrik places a hand on a chair, gripping it as the skin over his heart burns with pain, he stands straight and shuts his eyes, pulling off his robe and shirt.

He clenches his jaw, touching the gold and silver scales over his heart and the left side of his ribs.

His eyes look to the mirror before him and watch as they glow like fire, the cracks between the scales glowing with them.

He bows his head and moves to the balcony, taking a seat, eyes looking up at the moon before bowing his head, "Its been so long since I prayed to any of you", he whispers, "I ask you to protect my brothers, my sisters, I ask you to protect my family, human and not".

Aldrik lifts his head and looks back to the moon, tears in his eyes, "I ask you to protect my sister, and her family, give her strength to survive".

"I don't believe I've ever heard you pray", Jorah states, stepping out onto the balcony and looking at the man whose jaw clenches, "It's not often I do, not anymore", Aldrik states and stands, walking back inside the room after ensuring Jorah was looking to the sky and not him.

He shuts his eyes and lets out an annoyed breath as another scale slides through his skin, settling itself along with the others.

"Are you alright, Aldrik?", Jorah asks the man whose shoulders were tense, his muscles showing clearly through his skin.

He turns and looks to Jorah who looks to his eyes, the druid looking to the floor instead, his pupils turned to slits and eyes glowing like fire.

The man's eyes move to the scales that pulse with a soft glow, like lava burning under a rock.

"What are you?", Jorah asks, "a druid ", Aldrik says, "I've never heard of a druid that has dragon scales, you're a dragon changer, aren't you?", Jorah asks the man who shuts his eyes and lets out a breath.

"I am no longer a Drektari, I cannot change anymore", Aldrik states and pulls on his shirt, "Why not?", Jorah asks, "My sister is dead and I was bound to her by soul, I am no longer a dragon, just a man with magic", Aldrik states.

"The Khalessi wishes to speak to you", Jorah states, Aldrik looking at him and frowning slightly, his eyes dulling back to their normal brown.

"Xaro Xohan Doxas has proposed to her with the promise of ships and gold", Jorah states, "she's not considering it, is she?", Aldrik asks the man who looks away.

Aldrik frowns and quickly ties up his shirt and pulls on his robe before he leaves.

🐍💀⏳🦉

"The time is right, Robert Baratheon is dead", Daenerys states, Aldrik watching as she moves about her room "aye, he might be, but you will need Westerosi support", Aldrik states, the woman stopping in front of the man.

"I do not trust your new friend", Aldrik states, "there is something about him and I know, the moment he gets his chance he will kill you and take your children along with your crown, a power-hungry man".

"And you do not want my crown?", Daenerys asks the man, looking into his eyes, "I had power once, I thrived with it but I no longer lust for it, my days on a throne are long past and I no longer want it", the man states.

Daenerys frowns slightly and Aldrik looks away from her and to the dragons as they click, wanting out of their cages.

"You make yourself sound older than you look", Daenerys states, walking over and unlocking Drogon's cage.

"I am older than I look", Aldrik states, walking over to her, Rhaegal and Viserion immediately climb onto him while Drogon stays with his mother.

"How old?", Daenerys asks the man who looks out the window, a nostalgic look in his eyes.

"I can't remember anymore, the years blur and the times change", he states and looks to Rhaegal who climbs down his arm, Viserion as always laying around the druid's neck, snuggling into the man.

"Then give me a vague idea?", the queen asks, leading him over to a chair where they sit down.

Rhaegal moves to his lap, curling up as Aldrik runs his fingers over the creature's scales, knowing exactly where to pat them in order to relax them.

"I've watched stars collide and form worlds beyond anyone's imagination", Aldrik states, "I've watched them thrive and die, burning to nothing yet giving way for new worlds".

"I've seen the world bend and twist to the Gods and Goddesses' desires and I've watched people pray to them under different names".

Aldrik looks to the queen who watches his face, "You're as old as time?", She asks the man who smiles slightly in amusement, "Older, the concept of time came much later", Aldrik states.

"Xaro told me about a man who was older than this world, a man cursed with immortality, a druid", she states, "he means to see you question me", Aldrik states, "he asked me if I was that man, I told him that man died".

"Did he die?", Daenerys asks, "immortality takes a toll on the soul, it's hard watching the world turn, leaving you behind because you couldn't turn with it, that man is dead, he was young and stupid", Aldrik states, his mind going to the centuries he'd lived.

He spent many of them alone, oftentimes falling into a frozen slumber hoping to wake up in a better future.

After fighting the last war, he hadn't even laid down in his icy tomb before he felt the earth shift under him.

The birth of Sigrid had kept him awake and he ended up traveling to Ellessar where he met with Vala who would promptly make him the girl's teacher.

"But you're here", Daenerys says, smiling slightly as she looks down at Drogon on her lap, almost asleep.

"Why did you come to me, why did you stay, you could be anywhere and yet you're here?", Daenerys states, looking at the man who looks down at her.

"The Gods told me to go south, they sent me visions of you, they only ever do that when they want me to protect someone", Aldrik states.

"Why would your Gods want to protect me?", the Queen asks, "They keep the world turning for as long as they allow, I think they want you on the throne", Aldrik states, "you have the mind of a conqueror, but you still have a soft heart, you can be feared and loved, its been a long time since someone like you has sat on the Iron Throne".

🐍💀⏳🦉

Rhydian and Rhyndacus stand side by side as they watch a ship take Myrcella away on a ship heading for Dorne.

The girl was crying while the septons bless her trip.

Sansa glances at Rhydian who watches.

"One day I pray you love someone", Cersei says to Tyrion who had organized the entire betrothal of Myrcella and Prince Trystane Martell of Dorne.

"I pray you love her so much, when you close your eyes, you see her face, I want that for you, I want you to know what it's like to love someone, to truly love someone before I take her from you", Cersei says.

Tyrion turns to face her and Cersei continues to look ahead before the man walks away silently.

Rhydian glances at the younger prince as the boy cries, "you sound like a little cat mewling for his mother, princes don't cry", Joffrey almost spits.

"I saw you cry", Sansa mutters, "did you say something, my lady?", Joffrey asks her, "my little brother cried when I left Winterfell", Sansa states, "so?", Joffrey asks, "it seems a normal thing", Sansa states.

"Is your little brother a prince?", Joffrey asks, "no", Sansa says, "not really relevant than is it?", Joffrey asks, "come dog", Joffrey says.

Joffrey leaves followed by Sandor and they walk past Cersei on their way out, the woman staring after the skiff that would take the princess out to the Lannister ship.

Rhydian follows behind Joffrey, Sansa standing between him and Rhydacus, the two men subtly acting as her guards as they go.

"Hail Joffrey!", a man calls, almost taunting him, a joking tone in his voice, "Hail the king, seven blessings on you, your grace!".

"Murderer!", another man calls, "Bastard!".

"All hail the King!", another calls.

Rhydian glances at Joffrey who clenches his fists but undoubtedly becomes unnerved, standing closer to Sandor.

"He's no king!", a man shouts, "he's a bastard!", another states.

"Please, your grace, we're hungry", A man says, "freak", another yells.

Rhyndacus places his hand on his sword, "keep with the Prince and the Hound", Rhydian asks the guard who gives him a nod, the Raven ready to pull the sword from his back.

Rhydian glances at Tyrion who turns to one of the guards, "get the prince back to the keep now", he asks, "yes my lord", the guard says, "come quickly", the man says to Tommen, the group escorting him away.

Rhydian sends Mordacai to watch after the boy and the guards.

The people keep calling out to Joffrey who ignores them until he's hit in the face with a mudball.

Another is flung at him and the Hound and the other Kingsguard draw their swords to defend their king.

"Who threw that?!", Joffrey screams, "I want the man who threw that, find who did that and bring him to me!".

The Hound holds Joffrey back, trying to control him, "Hold on!", a Guard calls, "hold them back!".

Sansa takes Rhydian's hand, the man's jaw clenching as he looks around as a riot quickly breaks out.

"Move!", Tyrion calls, "Move!".

The Hound grabs Joffrey around the chest and guides him forward while the King scream to kill them all.

Rhydian pulls the sword from his back and he and Sansa escape from the crowd that tears many of the guard's limbs from him.

He hears some men following and stops as they reach a dead end.

"Stand behind me", Rhydian says to the girl and pushes her away slightly as he turns.

"Sansa", Rhydian asks the girl and turns his head, "whatever you see, I'm still me, okay?", he asks.

Sansa nods, undoubtedly afraid and Rhydian looks to the men who run into the room, "I'm giving you a choice", Rhydian states, "flee and you'll keep your lives and your souls, stay and I'll take them without mercy, no matter how much you beg".

"There's more of us than there are you", one of the men says making Rhydian smirk, "then I suppose I will be feasting today", Rhydian states and quickly moves around the men who run at him, trying to get to Sansa only to be cut down or injured.

Rhydian drops his sword towards Sansa who looks at him and watches as his nails grow and he rips into the men like some wild animal, ignoring their wails and screams of pain.

Her eyes widen in fear watching the man bite, rip and tear at the men, his upper and lower canines lengthened to tips while his eyes momentarily turn white, almost seeming blind, darkening to onyx black, his irises glowing red.

"Rhydian!", she calls to the man who pauses his movements, "they're dead", she cries and picks up his sword as he breathes heavily and turns to look at her, blood splattered all over him.

He gives her a nod, returning to normal and he stands, almost stumbling over to her as he regains control.

He takes the sword from her and nods for her to follow.

Sansa takes his hand despite the blood.

Rhydian pulls his cloak off just as they reach a more safe location, trying to wipe the blood off his skin as much as he could.

"You're alright, it just looks like splatters now", Sansa states, noticing his slight panic as his eyes widen.

"No one can know", Rhydian growls, "I can't let it happen again, I don't want to go through it again", he says and Sansa takes his face in her hands, calming him slightly.

"Nothing will happen to you", she states, for once seeing fear in his eyes.

She hugs him gently and he wraps his arms around her, not caring for the blood now dotted her dress.

"Thank you", she whispers.

Chapter Text

Rhydian pulls Sansa to safety, Tyrion looking at the state of the man who gives him a nod.

"What happened to you?", Joffrey asks, "there is a building full of dead men out there", Rhydian states and gently sits Sansa down.

"Rhydian", Tyrion asks the man who looks at him, "Do you know where Tommen went?", he asks, "vaguely, he shouldn't be hard to find", Rhydian says.

"I'm giving you permission, go", he asks the man who gives him a nod and glances at Sansa who nods watching the man quickly run off, just seeing him swiftly climb a building.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Rhydian growls as he lands in front of Tommen, the boy quickly gasping as he cries, watching the Raven cut down a man.

"Where are the guards?", Rhydian asks, "they told me to run", the boy says.

"Climb on my back", Rhydian says to the boy who does as told.

"Hold onto the leather", Rhydian says guiding the boy's hands, just noticing the mob that runs towards them.

Rhydian secures the boy onto his back and bolts off the ledge they were on, landing on a building and running along the rooftops, feeling the boy clutch at him.

"Rhydian, I'm scared", the boy cries, "do you trust me, little prince?", Rhydian asks the boy who nods against his shoulder.

"Then trust I will make sure you're safe", Rhydian asks, "close your eyes if you must but trust me and hold onto me tight".

The boy again nods and Rhydian feels his fear lessen.

"Hold on little Prince", Rhydian says and steps off a roof, turning as his hand grip it, catching himself and allowing himself to drop down safely.

Tyrion lets out a sigh of relief seeing the man and Tommen, the Raven kneeling down and letting the boy off his back.

"What happened to the guards?", Tyrion asks, "the boy said they were torn apart, told him to run", Rhydian states.

"Good job, Rhydian", Tyrion says, "wasn't for you", Rhydian says and leads the boy over to a barrel, sitting him on top, giving him a quick lookover.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Sigrid and Nero quietly walk through a pass.

She stops and turns slightly, quickly whipping around as another body collides with her own, pressing her to the ground.

She lets out a growl and brings her head up into her attacker's face before flipping around and kicking the person back, her eyes landing on a wildling who is quickly held by Nero.

"Sigrid Fenrisúlfr", he chuckles, "good seeing you again Rattleshirt", Sigrid says.

"Oh it's the Rattle", Nero says and lets go of the man who glares at him behind his skull mask, "I hate that name", the wildling states, "I'm aware", Nero says.

The wildling stands straight, Sigrid moving out of her attack position.

"Your crows are near, I've heard them, seen them", the Wildling says.

"And what are you planning to do", Sigrid asks.

"For now capture you", Rattleshirt says making the elf chuckle, "I don't kill Wildlings Rattleshirt, you and I both know that".

"Of course, Princess, which is why I hope you don't mind me making it look like you've been captured, Mance wants to talk to you", the man states.

Sigrid nods and holds out her wrists allowing him to tie her up.

"Can I join?", Nero asks the man who shrugs and nods, also tying up his hands.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Quirena smiles as she glances at M'aiq, the cub playing with the healer that Robb had found himself infatuated with.

Lady Talisa Maegyr from Volantis.

The woman had cleaned her shoulder wound and dressed it for her, making frequent checkups.

"He's very adorable", the woman states and looks to Quirena who watches their king.

"Eyes for the king?", Talisa teases the woman who chuckles, "Not my type, I'm afraid", Quirena says and smirks, "You're more my type", she states, the woman blushing and giggling as she looks away, the warrior smirking and looking down at her cub who places his head on her lap.

He purs and sits up, his ears standing up before he bounds away.

Quirena chuckles and stands, "I best go after him, thank you for checking on me, Talisa", Quirena says, "of course, thank you for talking to me, m'lady", Talisa says and smiles as the woman bows her head and heads off, chasing down her cat.

She slows as she finds the cub playing with a now very large cat and squeals and laughs as she's picked up in a hug, Raiden laughing with her.

"You're finally back, what's happened?", Quirena asks her cousin as he sets her down.

"A lot", Raiden states.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Aldrik pulls off his shirt with a grunt looking down at the gold and silver scales over his heart.

He clenches his teeth, his jaw tightening as he runs his fingertips over them, feeling his mind waver slightly, seeing images from his past.

The door opens and he quickly picks up his shirt.

"No need to dress for me Aldrik", he hears Daenerys say.

He turns his head and still pulls his shirt on one arm through a sleeve.

The Queen only just seeing the scars that were cut down his back.

"Your scars where did you get them from", she asks watching the male turn lacing up his shirt.

"They appeared on me when I first used magic, the more I used it the more symbols came to burn their way into my skin", Aldrik says.

"Can I- can I take a better look at them?", she asks softly.

Aldrik sighs and unlaces his shirt, once again taking his arm out of the right side.

Dany walks forward as he turns and runs her fingers over the scars noticing the male shiver slightly as she does, she takes her hand away.

"Can you show me this magic", The queen asks, "no", Aldrik says, quickly making Daenerys frown, "it grows thin here, and magic always comes with a price", he states pulling his shirt back on.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Rhydian opens his eyes as he rises from the water of his bath, eyes quickly looking to the Queen who sits in a chair.

"Do you often sleep underwater?", she asks, "It's the only place I can think with a clear mind", Rhydian states, ignoring the way the queen looks over his form that was now clear of blood.

He pulls on his pants after drying off.

"Is there a reason you've honored me with your presence, you grace?", Rhydian asks, "Tommen told me what you did for him", Cersei states, eyes looking at the man's back, eyes moving over his scars before he pulls on a shirt and turns, the woman looking down to her glass of wine she'd poured herself while waiting for him to rise from the water.

Rhydian looks to the Queen, "came all this way just to say that?", he asks, "He's my son, I think a proper thank you face to face is the only way I can thank you", Cersei states.

"I've already lost my daughter and I could have lost Tommen", Cersei states.

"I think your daughter is safer in Dorne", Rhydian states, sliding his hands into his pockets.

"The Martells hate us", Cersei states, "yet they don't kill little girls for the crimes of their parents, it's against them, they'll look after her, ensure she's happy and last I remember hearing of the boy, he's kind and a good fighter, I'm sure he'll take well to the soft nature of your daughter and treat her right", Rhydian states.

Cersei scoffs, "you just know people, don't you?", she asks, "I was trained to just, know people", Rhydian states, "to watch and learn, that's how I survive".

"They say you've been in Winterfell for years, especially after the war", Cersei states, "how would you know what this, Trystane is like?".

"I made friends all around the world, friends in high places and friends in low places, I have friends in Dorne, if you would like I can have them infiltrate the Martells and ensure your daughter's safety", Rhydian states.

Cersei looks at the man suspiciously, "you said it yourself, they don't hurt little girls", she states, "they don't but such words don't seem to ease your mind", Rhydian states.

"Why would you offer such a thing?", Cersei asks, "I think the Queen reagent would work better if she had a clear mind", Rhydian states, "a clouded mind makes a person impulsive".

"You fear I'll impulsively kill you?", she asks, "no I fear for the lives I'd take if you impulsively decided to kill me", Rhydian states.

"You're a dangerous man", Cersei muses, "I am", Rhydian nods, "thank the Gods I tend to be quite tame".

Rhydian stands taller, eyes looking down at the Queen as she stands and nears him, her fingers gently touching the wooden Raven he often wore.

"What do they call a flock of Ravens?", Cersei asks, "Depends, which one fits better, an unkindness or a conspiracy?", Rhydian asks.

"For you, maybe a conspiracy", she states, dropping the necklace and moving her fingers to touch one of his braids.

"Why do you say that?", Rhydian asks, "Because I don't know why you do the things you do, you could kill so many, get yourself and Sansa out of Kings Landing and back to her brother, yet you have no intention to do it", Cersei states.

"Maybe I feel we're better off here", Rhydian whispers, "or maybe, it's because I know we wouldn't get out alive, at least she wouldn't".

Cersei lifts her head, Rhydian looking into her eyes, seeing a familiar look of lust in them.

He forces himself not to breathe in the sweet scent of vanilla and floral scents, lavender oil coming out on top, the scent she seemed to frequently use.

"There was always something in your eyes", Cersei whispers, "A predatory look, yet this time it's different, usually you're better at controlling yourself", she almost taunts and smirks as she turns around, just hearing the growl that rises from the man's chest.

Rhydian knew what she wanted, he knew she was testing to see how daring he really was.

The man quickly moves forward and wraps his hand around her throat, bringing her back into his chest as his other hand moves to her hip, keeping her there as she feigns a struggle.

He breathes in her scent, nuzzling his face against her neck.

"You love playing with people, don't you?", he growls, feeling his teeth lengthen.

"Believe me, your Grace, I am not a man you want to fuck you, I am not gentle", He growls lowly and groans softly as he breathes in the scent of her lust.

"Who said I wanted you to fuck me?", she asks, "I can smell it all over you", Rhydian says, "I can feel your heat".

He grins wickedly against her skin, "you want to know what I'm like, I'll do it once but I think you'll end up going back to your cousin".

"H-how did you know?", she asks, "I notice the way that boy looks at you, all the lavish things you've given him, the way he awaits your every desire, it's smart", he chuckles, "A woman once told me there's nothing more dangerous than a woman who knows how to use what's in between her legs".

"Tell me, your Grace, is this you, using it, or is this pure desire and curiosity?", he asks, "Fuck me", she breathes out, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as she hears the moan in her voice.

Rhydian chuckles darkly and turns her around, their lips meeting in a harsh kiss, the man almost ripping off her clothes.

He probably would have if she wasn't the Queen.

"I hope you don't mind the marks I'll leave, It's a habit I can't control", he growls, his voice quiet yet husky, sending shivers down her spine, he lays her down on a table and a moan quickly slips from her lips as he moves to his knees.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Skender looks to Ulric and Floki who watch the lands before them.

Their eyes move to Sova who lands on a food rack.

Ulric lifts his arm for the owl that flies over and lands on it.

Ulric leans his head forward and shuts his eyes as the owl presses its forehead to his.

Imagines flash through his vision, explaining Sigrid's whereabouts, she and Nero being dragged away by a wildling.

He knew they weren't going to hurt her, it was almost like a silent pact between her and all the wildlings.

She was the Princess of house Nathair and they didn't want Winter coming for them.

Ulric draws his head back and hums, "she's been captured by Wildlings, seems Qhorin and Jon have been too", he states.

"We don't tell anyone about this", Floki whispers to the boys who nod.

Ulric looks to Karl who enters the camp with the other scouts, all of them moving over to a clear fireplace set up for them.

Karl glances over just as Ulric looks away and watches the owl take off.

"At least she warned us this time", Ulric mutters and looks to the fire.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Raiden and Quirena enter a meeting tent where they were requested to be.

"This cannot be true", Robb breathes out, reading over a letter sent from Winterfell, "We've had ravens from White Harbor, Barrowton, and the Dreadfort, I'm afraid it is true", Roose Bolton says, a lord of the Flayed men, known for their torture methods.

"Why?", Robb asks, "Why would Theon-", "because the Greyjoys are treasonous whores", Roose states, bluntly.

"My brothers?", Robb asks the man, who shakes his head, "we've heard nothing of them, but Rodrik Cassel is dead", Roose states, Robb, bowing his head.

Raiden's jaw clenches and he looks to the floor of the tent.

"I told you, never trust a Greyjoy!", Catelyn almost yells at her son, "I must go north at once", Robb says, going to leave the tent.

"There's still a war to win, Your Grace", Roose says, "How can I call myself king if I can't hold my own castle? How can I ask men to follow me if I can't-", Robb tries only to be cut off by the man who stands before him.

"You are a king", Roose says, "And that means you don't have to do everything yourself".

"Let me go and talk to Theon", Catelyn says, "there will be no talk, he will die for this", Robb states.

"Theon holds the castle with a skeleton crew", Roose says, "Let me send word to my bastard at the Dreadfort, he can raise a few hundred men and retake Winterfell before the new moon, we have the Lannisters on the run, if you march all the way back north now, you'll lose what you gained, my boy would be honored to bring you Prince Theon's head".

"Tell your son Bran and Rickon's safety is paramount", Robb asks the lord, "and Theon, I want him brought to me alive, I want to look him in the eye and ask him why, and then I'll take his head myself".

Chapter Text

Rhydian bows his head to Joffrey, "Your grace", he greets.

"Rhydian", the King greets, dressed lightly for training as he usually did.

Joffrey was making steady progress, slower than most but Rhydian suspected it was due to the current decline in his power against the commoners.

It was on his mind too often and very distracting.

"I still haven't thanked you for what you did for my brother", Joffrey states, "no need, Your Grace", Rhydian says, "he is my brother, my family, I think a thank you is required, I would make you a lord if you weren't one already", Joffrey states.

"I don't know what else I could give you, is there something you'd want?", Joffrey asks.

Rhydian's brows furrow and he hums, "If I'm honest, your Grace, the keep is starting to get a little boring, if it pleases you, I'd like to be able to wander the city", he states.

"You haven't flown away so far, I suppose I could trust you with this, don't make me regret it", Joffrey warns the man who bows his head.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Sigrid and Nero walk together, eyes watching Jon and Qhorin who walk in front of them, both no doubt grumpy.

"How'd they get you two?", Jon asks the pair, turning to glance at them.

"Got us distracted", Nero states.

"We got the big bad Banshee and her demonic friend", Rattleshirt chuckles.

Sigrid rolls her eyes while Nero glances at the man, muttering, "damn rattle never shuts up".

🐍💀⏳🦉

Aldrik moves through Quarth, heading back towards the quarters where Daenerys' people were being sheltered.

He frowns as he hears men being slaughtered and swiftly runs through to Daenerys' room, almost slamming through the door where he finds Doreah dropping a now dead and strangulated Irri.

His eyes turn to that of a Dragon's, with orange firey Irises and his pupils turned to slits.

"Aldrik", she tries and gasps as he turns, thrusting his arm out as blue circles move from his arms at the man who tries to attack him, making him fly back into a wall before the druid's sword is driven through the man's mouth.

Aldrik pulls back his sword and fights the men who run in attacking him only to turn around and see Doreah and the dragons no longer there.

He growls and turns as he's about to be stabbed in the heart only for the sword to break against his scales.

Aldrik grabs the man by the throat and snaps it before something is stabbed into his neck, his eyes widening before he falls to his knees and passes out.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Aldrik wakes up, his firey eyes blurry and his mind even worse.

He looks down at his shirtless torso, a collar around his neck and wrists chained.

He lets out a roar of anger, the scales over his heart shining gold and silver, orange burning behind them.

"You're awake", the Warlock, Pyat Pree, says.

"I will kill you witch", Aldrik growls out in his own tounge, staring at the man before him with fury.

"You hurt their mother, hurt her children and I will make sure you suffer before I rip the flesh from your body and string you up like a pig", Aldrik yells fury in his voice a dragon-like hiss behind it.

The warlock chuckles not understanding a word he says and moves around the little dragons, Aldrik noticing them chained on a pedestal as the warlock leaves a wide smirk on his face.

The creatures cry out to him, their words flowing through his ears as clear as day, all of them asking for their mother.

Crying for her to help them.

"Your mother will come", Aldrik says, watching the dragons, "She will always come for you".

The dragon quietens down, watching the man and Aldrik looks around the room before pulling at his chains trying to get free.

He hisses out curses trying to use his magic only to be unable to, surrounded by dark magic and no living Earth.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Sigrid frowns as she feels pain runs through her body and she pauses slightly only to be gently nudged forward by a wildling, who gives her a nod to keep going.

She gasps and almost falls over as pain burns through her chest, her eyes widen as they glow red, images of a tomb run through her mind, her arms are chained and three small dragons sit before her on a pedestal.

Her eyes water and she falls to her knees just barely hearing Jon call her name as a ring moves through her mind, growls of pain invading her mind, her eyes looking down to see a knife pressing against dark ashen scales that quickly burns the fingers touching them as red and blue glows under them.

Nero quickly kneels down beside her, pulling her to him at the best of his ability with his hands tied.

"Keep going", Rattleshirt says to the group who continue on, Ygritte pushing Jon along, the male watching with worry.

"Siggy", Nero whispers, "Hey Siggy, come on, come back, hear my voice".

The woman's eyes dull to their normal blue and she looks to Nero who watches her with worry.

"You're bleeding", Rattleshirt says once the woman comes back to her senses, leaning heavily against Nero, her eyes looking to the wildling, "I-I'll be fine", she rasps feeling blood soak her chest.

"Where did you go, Princess?", Nero asks, "I don't know", Sigrid mutters, her brows furrowing as they help each other up, "I wasn't me, I was sitting in someone else's place, I think it was Aldrik", she states and allows the man to gently nudge her forward.

"We'll have one of our healers check you out", Rattleshirt says.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Skender looks to Karl who sits up suddenly from his sleep, his teeth clenched together and eyes squeezed shut as his hand presses to his chest, hissing as pain burns through his wrist.
Floki glances at Skender whose brows furrow.

"Karl, are you alright?", Ulric asks the man once his tenseness loosens slightly.

"I just felt a sudden pain", the man's says, "probably just the cold", he dismisses.

"Wasn't that where you said Sigrid had done the same thing, she had blood on her shirt?", Floki asks Skender who nods slowly.

"What do you mean?", Karl asks, quickly looking to the boy.

"She was in pain too, sometimes the gods bless us with connections, the pain was dull for us, maybe uncomfortable for Jon but to find you're miles away from her and possibly feeling her pain, it means something more", Floki states.

"More?", Karl asks, "You think it was some coincidence that you just happened to look at Sigrid and care, I'm sure it confused the Hells out of you", Ulric states.

"It did", Karl admits with a small nod, "Snow elves, they often have mates, one person they'd mate with for life, I think you're it", Skender states, "would explain your experiences with pain, often in the same place as Sigrid".

"This is the first time", Karl states, "no", Ulric chuckles, "you remember way back when you were feeling aches up and down your back and particularly in your thigh and shoulder?".

Karl nods, "Think about the placements of the wounds Sigrid returned with", Ulric asks the man whose eyes quickly look to the fire undoubtedly trying to conceal his confused emotions.

"Can't hide your emotions here, Karl", Floki giggles looking away from the man who subtly pulls up his sleeve, eyes widening slightly.

🐍💀⏳🦉

"What did she say?", Robb asks Alton Lannister, the man no doubt nervous, "she admired your spirit, your grace", Alton states, glancing around at the Lords and Lady who stand around him.

King Robb, Lord Rickard Karstack, Lord Roose Bolton, Lady Quirena Nathair, and a few councillors.

"And what then?", Robb asks the man, "she, uh-", Alton says, "if every man were held accountable for the actions of every distant relative, ser Alton, we'd all hang", Robb states.

"She tore the paper in half, Your Grace", Alton states, "you've acted with honour, I thank you for it, Lord Karstark, see that Ser Alton's pen is clean and give him a hot supper", Robb asks the lord.

"Ser Alton's pen is occupied, your grace", Rickard states, "The prisoners from the yellow fork".

"Too many prisoners", Roose states, "Is there room for Ser Alton?", Robb asks the man, "does he need to lie down?", Rickard asks.

"Have the men build him a new pen, put him in with the Kingslayer, for now, have your boy watch over him", Robb asks.

"Torrhen", Rickard calls for the boy who walks over, "that will be all", Robb says.

Torrhen leads Alton out of the tent, followed by the other lords except for Roose who stays behind along with Quirena.

He moves to speak to Robb only for Talisa to enter the tent with a blood-stained apron, wiping her hands with a rag that was much the same.

"Your Grace", Talisa greets, "A minute of your time?", she asks the man.

Quirena gives Robb a look of warning and leaves with Roose who eyes Talisa for a moment.
"Am I right to assume-", Roose goes to say only for Quirena to cut him off, "dangerous to assume things", she states.

"Aye, but I remember hearing of a certain promise", Roose states and stops, the woman turning and looking at him, "He is our king, we cannot question him on such matters because he will do what he wants", she states and continues walking.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Joffrey grunts as Rhydian trips him for the tenth time that day, the boy huffing as he looks up at Rhydian who holds out his hand.

Joffrey takes it and the man pulls him up, the boy groaning softly as he feels an ache in his shoulder.

"I think that's enough for today, Your Grace", Rhydian says to the boy who nods.

Rhydian takes the training sword from the King who follows him to put away the training sword.

"How do you do it?", Joffrey asks, "do what?", Rhydian asks, "hit so hard but look like you did it with little effort?", Joffrey asks.

"Most men grunt with pain and the strain of dealing such hard blows, its often pain that holds them back", Rhydian states, "of course, you don't feel pain", Joffrey states.

"It's both fortunate and unfortunate, not a blessing to me", Rhydian states.

"You can do so many things without pain", Joffrey states, "yes, but it's also very dangerous, you could injure me, break my ribs and I wouldn't notice it till someone points out I have a rib-sticking through my shirt", Rhydian states, chuckling slightly.

"Imagine walking into court with that", Rhydian muses making the boy smile, "Blood all over the floors, the horrified gasps, actually it doesn't sound like a bad idea", Rhydian states.

"You like chaos don't you?", Joffrey, "I like scaring people", Rhydian admits, "but yes, chaos is very much welcome too".

Both turn their head as the Queen walks towards them.

"Mother", Joffrey greets, "My Queen", Rhydian greets, bowing his head.

"A Nathair ship has been seen in the harbour", Cersei states, Rhydian tilting his head as Joffrey looks at him, "I'm sure they're passing through", he states.

"They got into a fight with some guards", she states making the man sigh, "I'm guessing they're in the dungeon cells?", Rhydian asks, "they are, they won't answer any questions", Cersei states, "I came to see if you could get any answers out of them".

"I can try", he agrees.

🐍💀⏳🦉

"Rhydian you old Raven, it's good to see you're alive", a dirty blonde-haired man with vibrant blue eyes greets, grinning as he stands up.

"Eivor Guthrum and here I was thinking you'd given up your days of trouble", Rhydian states, "to be fair it wasn't our fault, they were calling us a range of slurs because of this damn war going on, we were ignoring them till one swung at one the boys", Eivor states, "and you couldn't just tell someone that instead of being thrown in a cell?", Rhydian asks.

"We tried", another man says, his name was Isak and was Eivor's, right-hand man.

"Isak, good to see you lad", Rhydian says, "and you old man", Isak grins.

"Did they send you to talk to us", Eivor asks, "they did", Rhydian states, "where are you heading?".

"I'm heading for the Citidel, the lads were dropping me off but a storm came through and we needed to stop for small repairs", Eivor states.

"Sit tight lads, I'll be back", Rhydian says and quietly walks out of the dungeons and to Cersei who was waiting for him.

"And?", she asks, "turn out this war has led to some grudges against the Nathair from your men", Rhydian states, "they were just stopping in to repair in a somewhat safe environment, said the guards were throwing slurs at them, they ignored the guards but we're a defensive people, you throw a swing and you bet your ass you'll be face-first into the ground before you can blink".

Cersei nods to a guard to let them go.

"How do you know they're not lying?", Cersei asks, "Eivor is an honest man, almost stupidly honest", Rhydian states, "like you?", Cersei asks making the man scoff, "I'm the least honest person you know", he jokes, the woman smiling in amusement.

Evior is led out with his men following, the man stopping while the guards show the others out.

"Your Grace", Eivor greets, "I apologise for my men's behaviour, this war has become a bit of a-", Cersei pauses trying to find a word, "Nuisance?", Evior asks, "it really has", he states making Rhydian smirk.

"I can agree", Cersei says, "You and your men are free to come and go as you please, of course, we have no bad blood with the Nathair, despite your people fighting on the Stark's side".

"Ah yes, I forgot about that", Eivor admits, "Lord Silas was adamant about not being a part of it but remembered his ancestor's oaths to the Starks, we don't really like breaking those".

"As I've been told", Cersei states glancing at Rhydian.

"I'll escort you to the harbour", Rhydian says to Eivor who nods and looks to the Queen, bowing his head, "pleasure to meet you, your Grace, I'll admit you're as beautiful as they say you are".

Cersei smiles and Rhydian leads the man away.

"Was that your mark I saw peeking out of her dress?", Eivor asks the man, his voice quiet, "shut up and keep walking", Rhydian mutters.

🐍💀⏳🦉

"You didn't answer my question", Eivor states, both men standing on the docks, "she wanted me so bad it was distracting not to mention I was already going through some control issues", Rhydian states.

"You get a taste of blood again?", Eivor asks the man who nods, "there was a riot, I was protecting Sansa, it's odd, she didn't seem all too scared of me", Rhydian states.

"As she shouldn't be, she'd be a fool thinking you'd allow yourself to hurt her, those Stark kids were your life", Eivor states and pats the man's back.

"Don't die on us, Rhydian", Eivor asks, "Don't kill anyone at the Citadel", Rhydian muses and shakes the man's hand before he boards the Nathair ship, Rhydian leaves the area.

Chapter Text

Rhydian quietly enters Sansa's room as she opens the door and tenses as he breathes in, the girl hugging him, or woman, judging by the scent that was lingering in the hair.

"You've started bleeding", he mutters, Sansa quickly looking at him with wide eyes.

"You know?", Sansa asks, "I had two daughters, Sansa, the scent is nothing new to me", Rhydian admits.

Sansa sighs and Rhydian wraps his arms around her, "has the Queen been told yet?", he asks, his voice soft, "yes", Sansa whispers and quickly begins to cry.

Rhydian hugs her a little tighter as he runs his fingers through her hair, her head against his chest, able to hear his heartbeat through the thin shirt he wears.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Quirena lays on her bed, eyes watching as one of her warriors, a woman, slides on her clothes.

"My lady", the warrior says and leaves the tent.

Quirena lets out a breath and shuts her eyes for a moment, sighing.

She stands and pulls on her britches and boots before walking over to a chair sitting by the fireplace, picking up the shirt, and sliding it on.

"Quirena", Raiden says, walking into her tent, "Raiden?", she asks, quickly lacing up her shirt, "The Kingslayer has escaped, they'll be having a hunt", the male says.

"Let's get ahead", she says and pulls on her coat and weapons, leaving with Raiden, their cats quickly following.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Sigrid sits away from the fire, by the cave entrance, head turned and her eyes looking to the moon.

She and Nero had been let go on the simple terms that Qhorin knew of her affiliation with the wildlings, he'd almost made it an announcement, calling her a traitor but Sigrid knew he didn't mean it, he was merely helping her out.

"Siggy", Ygritte greets the woman, standing in front of her.

"Hunt with me?", the fire-haired woman asks, "like old times?".

Sigrid looks over and gives her a nod, "like old times", Sigrid breathes out and takes Ygritte's hand, the woman helping her up.

"That crow", Ygritte says, "You're friends?", she asks the elf who looks around, brows furrowing, "yes", she says and swiftly shoots a rabbit, not far from them.

"Are you sure?", Ygritte asks, "just friends", Sigrid says and picks up the creature, "sure but have you both, you know?", Ygritte asks making Sigrid look at her, "what's with all the questions?", the elf asks.

"So you have?", Ygritte asks, "No", Sigrid says, "I have someone else", "oh good, he is an all-honorable crow", Ygritte laughs.

"He is all honorable, comes with his bloodline", Sigrid states and strings the rabbit on a rope, "come on, we have enough", Sigrid states.

"I only caught one", Ygritte says, "and I caught six, let's go", Sigrid retorts.

"Always the better hunter", Ygritte says, "I'm an elf", Sigrid states.

"Tell me about this other man?", Ygritte asks, "You've never been one to accept your heart".

"I accepted it for you didn't I?", Sigrid asks, coming to a stop to look at the woman who smiles, "you don't love me, Sigrid, maybe you do but I doubt it's the same as the way you love whoever you're talking about", Ygritte states and kisses her cheek as she passes the elf who lets out a small breath.

"Gods save me", she whispers.

🐍💀⏳🦉

"You have to step up your game if you plan on beating her, Ygritte", Rattleshirt taunts the fire-haired woman who rolls her eyes, sitting next to Sigrid who swiftly and easily skins a rabbit.

Jon could see it now, the wildling in Sigrid.

No doubt it came out every time she was north, every time she'd be forced to embrace the land as her own.

Yet she was still just as honorable a warrior, the same kind her family was known for.

She knew how to play the game and keep her balance.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Raiden and Quirena smirk as they ride up to the Kingslayer, Khamira standing over him and M'aiq next to her, hissing at the man.

"Nice attempt, I applaud you", Quirena says, "though the Karstarks are not happy".

"No, I'd assume not", Jamie states and looks to Raiden who hops off his horse and walks over, pulling the man up and tying him up just as the Karstarks ride over.

Raiden and Quirena walk around the crowd as the Karstarks drag Jamie through the camp.

Rickard Karstark swiftly approaches the crowd and draws his sword, "Get back!", he commands, "I want his head, any man who stands between a father and his vengeance asks for death!".

Raiden's brows furrow as Catelyn and Brienne move through the crowd, another guard called Jacks also with them.

"Lord Karstark, this man is our prisoner", Catelyn states, "this monster killed my son", Rickard states, "And crippled mine, he will answer for this crimes, I promise you, but not here", the Lady tries.

"I will have his head, and if you try to stop me-", Rickard threatens only to be cut off, "You will strike me down?", Catelyn asks, "have you forgotten me, Ser, I am the widow of your liege, Lord Eddard Stark, I am the mother of your king!".

"And where is our king now?", Rickard asks, glancing at Raiden who moves through the crowd, people making way for him and Kamira as they stand at Catelyn's side.

"You know very well", Catelyn says, "He has gone to the Crag to accept the surrender".

"Aye", Rickard says, "gone to the Crag, but not to negotiate, he brought that foreign bitch with him".

"How dare you!", Catelyn almost growls out, Brienne half drawing her sword, "Threatening my lady is an act of treason", Brienne states, standing taller.

"Treason?", Rickard asks, "How can it be treason to kill Lannisters?".

"I understand your grief, my lord, better than most, I understand it, but in the name of my son, the King in the North, stand down", Catelyn asks the man who finally simmers down slightly.

"When your son returns, I will demand this murderer's head", Rickard says, "Wise men do not make demands of kings", Catelyn states, "fathers who love their sons do, I will have his head", Rickard says and leaves the crowd.

"Thank you for fighting on my behalf, lady Stark, I would have come to your defense but-", Jamie tries, "take him to the stockades, bind him with every chain you can find!", Catelyn commands and begins walking away.

"You've become a real she-wolf in your later years, there's not much fish left in you", Jamie calls out, "And gag him!", Catelyn yells.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Rhydian frowns as he gets out of his bed, running his fingers through his hair as he walks over to his bedroom door, he opens up and looks at the Queen.

"Your Grace", Rhydian greets, "I can't find Tommen", she states, clear worry in her voice, "no one can".

"I'll get dressed and help you look", Rhydian says, Cersei nods and quickly walks away, leaving the man to do as he said he would.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Rhydian quietly walks through the dungeons of the castle where old treasures were kept along with the bones of the dragons the Targaryens once rode.

He stops beside a set of bones and lifts his lantern, eyes quickly finding the young prince who sits inside, crying into his knees.

Rhydian sits beside him, the Prince quickly lifting his head and looking at the man.

"What are you doing here?", Tommen asks, "Your mother has been worried searching for you", Rhydian states, "figured I'd let you get it all out before I took you back to her".

"I'm a prince, I shouldn't cry", the boy mutters, "But you can", Rhydian says, "don't listen to your brother's words, little one, it's okay to cry, in fact, its probably better that you do, its a good way to get things out".

"Do you cry?", Tommen asks, "I do", Rhydian admits with a nod, sitting back against the bones, "sometimes".

"What do you cry about?", Tommen asks, "I can't imagine you crying".

"The family I lost, I cry for my wife and kids, I miss them", Rhydian states, "It's been so long but the pain thinking about them never goes away, I cry for them sometimes".

Rhydian looks to the Prince, "what's happened to make you cry?", he asks.

"I had a nightmare, well it's not really a nightmare, Joffrey's always been mean, he likes hitting me and shouting at me, I remember he locked me in a dark room, I was so afraid of the dark, I still am sometimes", the boy admits.

"You don't have to be anymore", Rhydian says, "Why's that?", Tommen asks, "I'm going to tell you a secret", Rhydian whispers, "can you keep one for me?".

The boy nods with a smile, "Have you seen a Raven sitting on your balcony or windowsill?", Rhydian asks.

The boy nods and grins, "he lets me pet him", the boy says, "his name is Talon", Rhydian says, "a little rascal he is, playful and quick, he's a good Raven though, he likes you".

"Is he yours?", Tommen asks, sitting up slightly and looking at the man who nods, "Yeah, he's the only reason I had an idea on where to find you", Rhydian admits, "That and I come down here to think sometimes".

Tommen smiles and hugs the man who chuckles and runs his fingers through the boy's golden locks, "Don't be afraid of the dark, Tommen, Talon will watch over and protect you and if you ever need me just tell him and he'll come to get me, okay?".

The boy nods into his shoulder.

"Come on, let's get you back to your mother, yeah?", Rhydian whispers.

🐍💀⏳🦉

"Raiden", Catelyn asks the man who stands in a clearing away from the war camp.

"M'lady", Raiden greets, turning around and looking at her, Khamira bounding back over to her master.

"I know I have no right to ask you of this, but I need your help", Catelyn says, "ask away", Raiden says.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Raiden quietly follows Catelyn and Brienne through the camp, the man noticing the disorder between the people.

"Your son returns at dawn, my lady?", Brienne asks, "so they say", Catelyn answers.

"The Kingslayer won't last the night", Raiden states, "The more they drink, the angrier they'll get".

"And when the Karstarks draw their swords, who wants to die defending a Lannister?", Brienne asks.

"Come", Catelyn asks the pair who continue following her.

Raiden and Brienne follow Catelyn who follows a guard that leads them to Jamie's cage, the man still covered in blood.

"I need to be alone with him", Catelyn says, "my lady, our orders-", the guard tries only to be cut off by Lady Stark, "your orders, which I just gave you, are to leave me alone with him", she states.

The guard exits and Brienne steps outside the cage, Raiden more reluctantly doing so.

"Come to say goodbye, Lady Stark?", Jamie asks, "I believe it's my last night in this world, is that a woman?". he asks spotting Brienne.

"Do you hear them out there?", Catelyn asks the man, ignoring his words, "they want your head".

"Old Lord Karstark doesn't seem to like me", Jamie states, "you strangled his son with your chains", Catelyn states, "oh, OH, was he the one on guard duty?", Jamie asks, "he was in my way, any knight would have done the same".

"You are no knight, you have forsaken every vow you ever took", Catelyn states, almost making Jamie laugh.

"So many vows, they make you swear and swear", Jamie states, "Defend the king, obey the king, obey your father, protect the innocent".

"Defend the weak, but what if your father despises the king?", Jamie asks, "what if the king massacres the innocent?".

"It's too much, no matter what you do, you're forsaking one vow or another, where did you find this beast?", Jamie asks, looking at Brienne.

"She is a truer knight than you will ever be, Kingslayer", Catelyn states, "Kingslayer, what a king he was", Jamie muses, "Here's to Aerys Targaryen, the second of his name, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, Protector of the realm and to the sword I shoved in his back".

"You are a man without honor", Catelyn almost hisses out, "do you know, I have never been with any woman but Cersei, so in my own way, I have more honor than poor old dead Ned", Jamie states.

Raiden's eyes harden and he looks to Khamira who walks over with a low hiss.

"What was the name of that bastard?", Jamie asks, "Brienne", Catelyn asks the woman who steps into the cage.

"No that wasn't it, Snow, a bastard from the North", Jamie says, "Now when good old Ned came home with some whore's baby, how did you pretend to love it?".

"No, you're not very good at pretending, you're an honest woman, you hated that boy didn't you?", Jamie asks, "how could you not hate him, the walking, talking, reminder that the honorable Lord Eddard Stark fucked another woman".

"Your sword", Catelyn asks Brienne who draws her blade and hands it to Catelyn.

Raiden looks at his cat who runs off, Raiden just hears a scream of, "Fire".

Raiden looks to Lady Stark and gives her a nod, "We should go now".

"What?", Jamie asks looking between the three.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Cersei quickly enters Tommen's room, finding Rhydian sitting in a chair beside the boy's bed, his cheek on his fist, elbow resting on the armrest while Tommen lays in his bed, both seemingly fast asleep and at peace.

The Queen walks over and nudges the man awake, making him quickly sit up, tired eyes looking at her, "your Grace", he whispers as he stands.

She pulls him out to the Balcony where he tiredly leans against the stone railing.

"Where did you find him?", Cersei asks, "hiding in some bones in the dungeons, said he had a nightmare about, some things", Rhydian states, his brows furrowing slightly, an action that doesn't go unnoticed.

"What things?", Cersei asks, "he said his brother used to hit him, scream at him, knowing your son, I can see why he was crying about it", Rhydian states.

"What did you do when you found him?", Cersei asks, "sit down with him, you think I'm going to tell a child to shut up and quit crying?", Rhydian asks, almost offended by the thought, he shakes his head trying to push the tone down but the Queen easily notices the slight irritation in his eyes.

"You act like a beast around men but you soften up when children are present", Cersei states, "Nothing worse than the horrors of nightmares, you never know if they could become real or stay a false reality", Rhydian states.

"My own brother used to beat me, he was the monster I feared, and the monster I ended up killing in blind fear, that fear and anger stuck with me and I never want a child to fear me that way because I know what it was like".

"I know what it's like to be angry all the time, I know what it's like to enjoy killing something, I know what it's like to become a monster".

Chapter Text

Sigrid kneels out of sight by a lake, unlacing her shirt and looking down at the blood that had dried on her skin and shirt.

She dips her hand into the ice-cold water before her and wipes the blood away, her eyes widening as she sees three, dark ash-coloured scales that sit near her heart.

The woman frowns and lets go of her shirt, hearing the quiet crunch of footsteps on snow.

"You alright?", Ygritte asks.

"It's stopped bleeding, I'll be fine", Sigrid says and stands up, lacing her shirt back up, looking at her old friend.

"You people are hard to kill", Ygritte says, "I know you'll be fine, I'm asking about you, you've been away from your crows for a while now".

"Jon and Qhorin are still there", Sigrid states, the pair walking back towards the cave, "and how long till they throw you to your knees and kill you", she asks, "You're a wildling just like me, join us, Sigrid".

"You know where I've always stood", Sigrid states and turns to look at Ygritte, the pair ignoring the eyes that were now on them.

"This is no longer a war about who is on what side of the wall, this is a war of light versus darkness, a war of lions versus wolves, a war of the dead, versus the living", Sigrid states, "this world is riddled by war and the only one I'll be joining is the last as it is my duty".

Ygritte watches as Sigrid walks further into the cave and takes a seat by the fire, ignoring the looks she was receiving, slight disappointment, confusion and pride.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Skender stands on top of a rock, blue eyes looking out at the white waste that was the North.

"Brother, give it a rest, if she sent a warning then she has a reason, I've no doubt she and Nero will be on their way back once they're done", Ulric states, "You felt it too, brother, I know you did", Skender states and looks to the boy, "you saw it too".

Ulric looks to his brother and sighs, "why would she have scales?", Ulric asks, "we're not dragons, we're snakes".

"Hydra's", Floki corrects the boys, "Common misconception, you're the house of Hydras but people usually just say the house of serpents".

"Either way", Skender says, "We once had dragon changers apart of the house, what if Sigrid is somehow one?", he asks.

"They're all gone, Skender, it's been centuries, there are no more Dreki changers", Floki states, "we said that about the wights and their walkers", Skender states.

"Aye, but there was always thought that they'd come back, the line of the dragon shifters died with Silmera and her son, and her grandchildren never gained the power", Floki states and sighs.

The house knew the legends and the family always remembered the woman who was known as their Queen and protector.

A mighty woman whose family were dragons.

A wife, mother of one, and grandmother to two children who grew up to be as mighty as their grandparents.

A tree stood in the garden of Elessar, a tree that sprouted with the death of the Queen.

A quiet chime always played from it, an ethereal sound, its flowers, and white roots glowing with the presence of magic and her people.

No one could make out the song, its words but it had been rumoured to be the song of the last moments of Silmera's life.

Singing to her son who had died in her arms beside her husband's grave before Ellessar's walls were breached and she was killed, breached by what, no one ever knew.

No one but Aldrik and a few others who refused to speak about such events and often kept their identities a secret.

Few knew who Aldrik really was, Floki was just happy that the man trusted him enough to keep such a secret.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Raiden hops off his horse and pets his mane, "Head back to Quirena", he whispers to it and sends it on its way, looking to Jamie as Brienne pushes him off his mount after sending her own horse off.

He lands with a thud and groans before she sends the horse running and helps him up.

"Damn", Jamie mutters, Brienne taking his hood off.

"You're much uglier in daylight", Jamie says, looking at Brienne, "what's your name, I'm Jamie Lannister of Casterly Rock, son of Tywin".

Raiden walks over to two boats and ensures they were kitted.

"A captive knight has the right to know his captor's identity", Jamie says, "Brienne of Tarth", the woman gives in.

"Tarth", he hums, "Tarth, Tarth, Crescent moons and starbursts, Lord Selwyn Tarth, your father", the man states.

"Do you have any brothers and sisters, my lady?", Jamie asks, "it's a long way to king's landing, might as well get to know one another".

"Have you known many men?", Raiden hears the man asks, "I suppose not, women, horses, ah-".

Brienne forces him onto his knees by the boats, Jamie glancing at Raiden who was crouched down, eyes looking down, Khamira already in one boat.

"I didn't mean to give offence, my lady, forgive me", Jamie says while Brienne looks down the river, no doubt concerned with being seen.

"Your crimes are past forgiveness, Kingslayer", Brienne says, "why do you hate me so much?", Jamie asks, "have I ever harmed you?".

"You've harmed others, those you were sworn to protect, the weak, the innocent", Brienne states, "Has anyone ever told you, you're as boring as you are ugly?".

"You will not provoke me to anger", Brienne says, though she was already angry while Raiden was left very much annoyed by the man who had a big mouth.

"I already have, look at you", Jamie says, "You're ready to chop my head off, do you think you could?", he asks, "do you think you could beat me in a fair fight?".

"I've never seen you fight", Brienne states.

"The answer is no, there are three men in the Kingdoms who might have a chance against me, you're not one of them".

"She's a woman, not a man and I can see her beating you into the ground, get in the damn boat", Raiden says to the man, almost shoving him in before getting his own.

"You're so confident, unlock my chains", Jamie says, "let's see what happens".

"I'd sooner shove your face in the water and pull you out before you pass out", Raiden states and begins rowing, just noticing Brienne's small smile.

"Who are you boy?", Jamie asks, "not a knight", Raiden responds and glares at the man, "I have no issues with cutting bits of you off before we get to Kings Landing, Lady Stark said we needed to get you there alive, not in one piece".

Jamie finally pipes down and Raiden nods, looking forward.

🐍💀⏳🦉

"Rhydian", Tyrion greets the man who looks his way, the Raven in front of him flying away.

"Tyrion", Rhydian greets.

"I came to ask for some help", Tyrion states, "with?", Rhydian asks.

"It appears Stannis Baratheon is on his way, we need you", Tyrion says, "I know it's hard to ask of you, but with you and Sansa being caged here, Stannis would set you free".

Rhydian's brows furrow and he shakes his head, "no, then we'd be slaves to him, I doubt he'll let us roam, he sees Robb as an enemy and he's got a red witch with him, she'd sooner burn me than let me free, Gods know what would happen to Sansa".

"I'll fight, but not because you asked", Rhydian states and quietly walks away knowing he'd have to finish training with Rhyndacus and the guards who had made great progress and knew nearly everything they did.

Rhydian wouldn't protect Joffrey if the boy actually fought, though he knew the boy certainly wouldn't go out, secretly he wished he would.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Quirena frowns as Raiden's horse runs up to her, the woman grabbing its reigns before he hears boots, making her turn her head, looking at Robb, "where's Raiden?", she asks.

"He and my mother's guards have taken Jamie Lannister", Robb states, the woman's brows furrowing.

"Did you know?", Robb asks the woman who shakes her head, "no", she says, her jaw clenching.

"Mance is gonna march on the wall", Qhorin states in a whisper to Jon, "When he does, one brother inside his army will be worth a thousand fighting against it".

"They'll never trust me", Jon states, Qhorin glances at the elf ahead of them, who just looks back, her eye meeting his.

"They might if you do what needs to be done, Sigrid will protect you for as long as she's able", the ranger states.

"What?", Jon asks only to be pushed by the crow, "How does it feel knowing those men all died so you could skip through the snow with your little savage girl?", Qhorin yells.

"I didn't", Jon tries, looking confused and panicked, "I should have known better, trusting a traitor's bastard!", Qhorin yells pushing Jon down the hill, Rattleshirt turns Qhorin and looks at the ranger, "he's not yours to kill crow", Rattleshirt growls out.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Rhydian stands on a railing, bright eyes looking at the water of blackwater bay.

He knew the ships would be coming in on the waters.

"What are you thinking?", Tyrion asks the man who steps off the railing and down to him.

"You told me something about wildfire?", Rhydian states.

Tyrion nods, "that stuff rises in water, and goes right to the top, judging by the weather, it'll be foggy that night, he'll be expecting a fleet, send one ship floating out spilling it into the water, one well-aimed lit arrow will do one hell of a job, the other ships will come next but they'll be down a sizable number", Rhydian states.

"He's better than a book", Bronn says, Rhydian tilting his head slightly at the man.

"This one was reading books, trying to figure out a plan", Bronn states, "You were hoping to copy one were you?", Rhydian asks the man, "well I was hoping to lear-", "copy", Rhydian cuts him off.

"Thing about these things is instead of learning from books, you should look at your layout, this place has changed and keeps changing, sieges come and go and things are rebuilt differently", Rhydian states, "so you look at your layout, look at all the possible outcomes, look for the most likely outcome, he's got ships and a good way for a siege by sea is blackwater bay".

"With the right weather, we can give him a good surprise and with luck, Stannis is on one of the ships that burn", Rhydian says.

"Why isn't he hand of the king?", Bronn asks Tyrion, "that's something I can do without, the damn badge might as well be a target", Rhydian states.

"Then can you tell him how dangerous it is wearing a gold cloak armour?", Bronn asks, "he's got a point", Rhydian says to Tyrion who rolls his eyes.

"The gold cloaks were probably some of the easiest people to kill", Rhydian states, "which is why I have gotten the king's permission to dress my guard in darker colours and lighter armour without the cloaks"

"You got the king to allow for what?", Bronn asks, "now I really question why you aren't the hand of the king".

"How do you get him to listen to you?", Tyrion asks, "Training helped", Rhydian shrugs, "I don't know".

"Well you're doing something right", Tyrion sighs.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Skender and Ulric ride back into camp, Ulric sliding off his horse and balancing himself with his crutch while Skender steadies the horse.

"You alright, brother?", Skender asks the boy who nods, "I'll be fine", Ulric says and they move over to the fire, Ulric places down three strings of rabbits they caught, Skender placing down four before he crouches down, eyes looking to Sigrid's owl.

Ulric quickly gets to skinning the rabbits, with a few other watchmen helping.

"Good job boys", Jeor says as he walks over, "I'm glad you're both here".

Skender and Ulric give him a nod though their minds often were elsewhere.

"Your aunt is going to be fine, I'm sure she will return to us soon enough", Jeor states, "The wildlings wouldn't kill her".

"We know", Ulric says and looks to the man, "but the Thenns would, the giants might, the dead certainly would, we have no idea where she is, and you cannot promise us she will return".

Jeor nods, "aye, I can't promise but she can", he says and looks to the owl, "she is safe, otherwise, that owl wouldn't be here watching us".

Ulric walks over to the men who build the latrine pits for the group.

"I'm not cut out for this sort of work", Sam pants, sitting down and resting for a bit.

"I always imagined myself doing something much worse", Edd states and looks to Ulric whose bright blue eyes look around.

"We're digging latrine pits at the end of the world, I can't imagine anything much worse", Grenn says.

"You lack imagination", Ulric says.

"Your eyes are blue, Ulric", Edd warns the boy who looks at him, "course he knows that", Grenn says, "the whites of his eyes you mop", Sam says and looks to the boy, "Are you alright?", he asks.

"I'll be fine", Ulric says, "legs are a little rougher out in the snow".

"Where do you think Jon is right now?", Sam asks after a moment of looking around at the white waste.

"He went off with the Halfhand, he didn't come back, a betting man would go with dead", Edd states, "he's not dead, no, Jon's a great fighter".

"Well he's better than me and a lot better than you", Grenn states, "he's got a Valayrian steel sword", Sam states, "so did his father", Edd states.

"And Qhorin Halfhand is the greatest ranger alive", Sam states, no doubt trying to ease his worries.

"Great rangers never get old is the problem, shit ones neither, it's them in the middle that lasts a long time", Edd states.

Ulric looks to Grenn as his shovel hits something, Grenn frowning slightly before uncovering the thing.

"The first men made these marks", Sam states, looking at the round stone cover, markings on it.

Ulric blinks as his mind flashes with visions of a man, carving the symbol.

"Help me with it?", Sam asks Grenn who lifts the stone and finds a bundle wrapped in a cloak underneath.

"Look", Grenn says and pulls it out, "if you find something you're not supposed to, the best thing to do is pretend you've never seen it", Edd states.

"That's a Night's Watch cloak", Sam states as Grenn places it down on some snow, "it's been here a long time", Grenn states and opens the bundle to reveal a set of obsidian knives.

Ulric frowns and Sam hands him two of the knives, Ulric leaning against his crutches as he looks at them.

"Dragonglass", Ulric says, "Dragonglass?", Grenn asks.

"The maesters call it Obsidian", Sam states, "Why would a brother hide it here?", Grenn asks, "I expect it's cause he wanted somebody to find it", Edd says and keeps digging.

Chapter Text

Sigrid sits up from a snow wall, her eyes turning from grey back to blue.

"Where were you this time, Princess?", Rattleshirt asks the elf who looks at the cave floor, her eyes holding a sense of worry.

"Essos", she states, "I was trying to find someone, I cannot", she says, "I fear he's dead".

"Not family?", Ygritte asks her, the wildlings knowing full well of the Nathair family ties.

"Close enough", Sigrid says but shakes her head, "not by blood".

"What is a man of your house doing so far south?", Rattleshirt asks, "I didn't know you knew where Essos was", Sigrid snips and smiles as the man throws a bone at her.

"I don't know why he's gone so far", she states and looks out of the cave, covering her lie.

Of course, she knew why he was so far South, she knew he had a connection to the dragons that now live and grew a world away and she knew he'd protect them and their mother.

It was his nature and the will of their Gods.

The will of his family.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Rhydian and his guards pull on their armour, Rhyndacus giving him a nod.

They were preparing for the siege and knew chances were they'd be helping till the siege actually happened and figured it was better to be ready.

"I'll meet with you soon", Rhydian says to Rhyndacus who bows his head.

Rhydian quickly leaves the armoury and heads up to the keep where Cersei had requested him when he was ready.

A guard knocks on the woman's door, "Lord Hrókr, your Grace", the guard announces, "let him in and go away", the Queen says.

Rhydian enters on his own and shuts the door, "your Grace", Rhydian greets the woman looking at him.

"It's good to see the armour fits you, suits you too", she states.

Rhydian stares at her, silently telling her to get to the point.

"I need you to make sure my son is safe", she states, "I've already ordered the- whatever we are to stay with him", Rhydian states.

"I've heard whispers, the men calling you the Dark Cloaks", Cersei states and walks over with a red and gold ribbon, tying it to his bicep, "take my favour", she asks.

"This isn't a joust", Rhydian states, "no, but take it anyway", Cersei asks the man who glances out the window, his jaw clenching.

"Do you think we have enough men for this siege?", Cersei asks, "I think we could use more", Rhydian states.

"Have you ever had to go through something like this?", Cersei asks, "more than once", the man admits and glances down at his hand, his Raven necklace tied around his wrist.

"It never gets easier, with each year warfare changes, the only thing I could do was change with it", the man mutters.

"And that's what made you a dangerous man, a long life and instead of sitting down and ruling a castle you chose to travel and leave your home to someone for safekeeping", Cersei guesses.

"I suppose", Rhydian says, "if this is all your Grace, I have to help my men", he states.

Cersei catches him before he goes and presses her lips to his, the man not responding.

She pulls back and looks into his eyes, "I told you, once and only once", he states, "we both enjoyed it", she whispers, "aye, we did, but I'm true to my word, once and only once", Rhydian states.

"Your grace", he bids and bows his head, quietly leaving the queen.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Rhyndacus sits next to Rhydian under the cover of darkness, their men sitting below them, talking and laughing, some had gone off to lay with women on a night that might just be their last.

"What's on your mind", Rhyndacus asks, "of all the years I have lived, never once did I think I'd be fighting with Lannisters", Rhydian states.

"Aye, I'd drink to that", Rhyndacus chuckles, "of all the people they sent, why you?", Rhydian asks, "when they told me Siggy had sent a letter requesting some men to come down here and protect you, I had to", Rhyndacus states, "She trusts me to be here, I won't fail her, or you".

"You're tense, perhaps you should find a whore", Rhyndacus states, "or perhaps the Queen", he whispers.

"Shut up", Rhydian mutters, "You're a demon Rhydian, you like that she lusts after you, it's in your nature to cause sin".

"I made a promise", Rhydian states, Rhyndacus scoffing, "you can drop promises, you'll fight better if you're not so tense, I swear to all the gods and goddess-".

"Fine", Rhydian huffs, "go release your tension too, I'll meet you in the morning", the man says.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Cersei's eyes widen as she opens her door, Rhydian staring at her before he gives in and steps forward, slamming the door shut as he kisses her, the woman's hands immediately moving to the strings and clips of his armour.

🐍💀⏳🦉

"Tyrion", Rhydian greets, entering the man's room, and finding his servant, Podrick Payne helping him dress in his armour.

"Rhydian, come sit", Tyrion says.

Rhydian instead walks over and stands in his spot, "Did you enjoy my sister?", Tyrion asks, "yeah", Rhydian answers, shrugging slightly while Podrick looks absolutely mortified.

"How did you manage to do it, she can't control you, I don't think anyone can", Tyrion states, "I have urges too", Rhydian admits.

"And who better than a queen", Tyrion muses, "You know I've noticed my sister staring at you, I think she likes you".

Both men laugh, "She likes no one but your brother and her children", Rhydian states, "I guess I'm just good at the things I do".

"Oh, do tell?", Tyrion asks, "When you go to brothels, is it about you or the whore?", Rhydian asks, "both, I suppose", Tyrion says, Rhydian nods and chuckles.

"What?", Tyrion asks, "nothing", Rhydian muses.

"You don't like sex?", Tyrion asks, "I do", Rhydian states, "I just don't make it about me at all, I'm more of a giver instead of a taker".

"Is that your secret?", Tyrion asks, "You make it all about your partner?".

"Close enough", Rhydian says and turns his head as the door opens.

"Ah, Rhydian, pleased to make your acquaintance", the man says, "and you, Lord Varys", Rhydian greets, playing along.

"I'm surprised you haven't met yet", Tyrion says, "yes, it's quite unfortunate, he's always training", Varys says, Rhydian smirking slightly.

The man walks over to the window as they hear the bells go off, signalling Stannis' army has been spotted.

"I've always hated bells, they ring for horror, a dead king, a city under siege", Varys states.

"A wedding", Tyrion says, trying to lighten the mood.

"Exactly", Varys says and looks to Podrick, "Podrick, is that it?", Varys asks the boy who nods.

"Is that it?", Tyrion mimics, "nice touch, as if you don't know the name of every boy in town".

"I'm not entirely sure what you're suggesting", Varys says, "I'm entirely sure you're entirely sure what I'm suggesting", Tyrion retorts.

"Do you trust them?", Varys asks, referring to Rhydian and Podrick.

"Oddly enough, I do", Tyrion says, "Good", Varys nods and unfolds a map before them, Rhydian looking at it.

"The map you asked for", Varys says.

Tyrion steps down from his stool to study the map and Podrick continues to dress him.

"There must be twenty miles of tunnels beneath the city", Tyrion states.

Rhydian smirks slightly knowing there was more, more hidden and built without anyone knowing, built by the Envoys and hourglass, marked with their symbols.

"Closer to fifty", Varys states, "the Targaryens built this city to withstand a siege and to provide an escape if necessary".

"I'm not escaping", Tyrion states, "strange as it sounds, I'm the captain of the ship and if the ship goes down, I go with her".

"That is good to hear, though I'm sure many captains say the same while their ship is afloat, you look well suited for battle my lord", Varys states.

"Well I'm not", Tyrion states, "for all our sakes, I hope you are wrong, my little birds tell me that Stannis Baratheon has taken up with the red priestess from Asshai", Varys states and glances at Rhydian whose jaw tightens.

"What of it?", Tyrion asks, "you don't believe in the old powers, my lord?", Varys asks, "Blood spells, curses, shape-shifting, what do you think?", Tyrion asks.

"I think you believe in what you see and in what those you trust have seen, you probably don't entirely trust me", Varys states.

Tyrion hums, "don't take it personally, I don't entirely trust myself", "and yet I have seen things and heard things, things you have not, things I wish I had not", Varys states, "I don't believe I've ever told you how I was cut".

"No, I don't believe you have", Tyrion states.

"One day I will, the dark arts have provided Lord Stannis with his armies and paved his path to our door", Varys states, "for a man in service to such powers to sit on the Iron Throne, I can think of nothing worse and tonight, I believe you are the only man who can stop him".

Podrick hands Tyrion his war axe and the imp quietly leaves with Podrick behind him.

"Will you be showing us some of your powers, Rhydian?", Varys asks, "outwardly, no, but I'm known for tearing out throats, that won't escape me", Rhydian states, quietly leaving the room with the man.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Rhydian walks through the halls of Kings Landing and he stops as he hears a voice call out to him making him turn and look to Tommen who runs his way.

"Little Prince", Rhydian says and kneels for him, the boy quickly wrapping his arms around the man's neck.

Rhydian's brows furrow and he gently hugs the boy back.

"You should be with your mother", Rhydian states, "I am", the boy says pulling back just as Cersei turns a corner.

"Tommen!", the woman calls, "I just wanted to wish Rhydian luck", the boy says as the man stands.

"Your Grace", Rhydian greets, "I'm surprised you're not already out there", Cersei states, "I was just heading out", Rhydian states.

Cersei nods, "good luck", she says, "thank you, your Grace", Rhydian says and ruffles the young prince's hair before he turns and continues out.

🐍💀⏳🦉

"Almost thought you weren't going to make it", Rhyndacus muses to the man, "where have you been?".

"A lot of people seemed to want to talk to me, My last stop was Sansa", Rhydian states.

"Of course", Rhyndacus says, "You know it amuses me".

Rhydian looks to the man, "You are a lord who chose to serve a house to the North and now you're a lord and a commander to a guard and about to fight with Lannisters", Rhyndacus states.

"It amuses me too", Rhydian states and turns his head as he hears war drums.

Rhydian smiles in amusement.

"Shadows with me!", Rhydian calls to his men who follow him, "Rhyndacus you and three of the men will stay with the king, if the king retreats into the keep, join us".

"Yes sir", Rhyndacus says and nods for two of the men to nod, signalling they know what to do.

Rhydian leads the others to Tyrion.

"Shadows", Tyrion greets the men who walk over.

"Lord Hand", Rhydian greets and looks out to the water.

"Where's our fleet?", Lancel Lannister asks, Cersei's cousin, one she gifted many things to for his loyalty.

"On the way", Tyrion states, "why isn't it here now?", Joffrey asks, "they're coming", he almost yells, Tyrion ignoring him.

"Hound, tell the hand that his king has asked him a question", Joffrey commands, "the king has asked you a question", Sandor says, annoyed and slightly bored.

"Ser Lancel, tell the hound to tell the king that the hand is extremely busy", Tyrion says, "the hand of the ki-", Lancel tries only for Rhydian to cut in.

"With Respect, your Grace, The Hand has a plan, one we've talked about and improved on over and over again, you'll see, part of me thinks you'll even enjoy it", Rhydian states making the boy nod and cast a glare at his uncle before looking forward.

"Has the ship been sent out?", Rhydian asks Tyrion who gives him a shake of his head, "If all goes well and you're hoping to hear a, you were right, we haven't won yet", Tyrion says.

"I never claim to be right, this is only part of it, I left the rest to you, I'm sure you'll provide us with a victory", Rhydian states.

"I hope you're right", Tyrion mutters.

"Will we be seeing you fight today, Lord Hrókr?", Lancel asks the man who looks down at him, "I sure hope so", Rhydian states, "I hope to see you on the field too, Lannister, I'd like to see if that knighthood you were given was actually worth it".

Lancel glares at the man, clearly offended while the Raven grins wickedly, scaring the boy who steps away from him.

Rhydian turns to the scene before him and smirks, "here they come", he says, all the men staring ahead.

"Archers to their marks!", Tyrion calls, "Archers to your marks!", a soldier calls to the archers who quickly do as told.

"Archers, nock your arrows!", A soldier calls.

"Hold fast", Tyrion calls, "Hold fast!", a soldier yells.

"What are you doing?", Joffrey asks, "we need to attack them!", he yells.

"Hold fast", Tyrion says to the boy, "Boulders ready!", a soldier calls while another calls out to the archers to continue holding as one Lannister ship sails out of the harbour.

"There's only one ship!", Joffrey states, "where are the rest of them?", he asks, "where are the rest of them?!".

"Your Grace", Rhydian asks, "please, just watch".

Joffrey almost huffs and continues watching.

"Rhyndacus", Rhydian says to the man who nods, "stay with the king", Rhyndacus says, Rhydian giving him a nod as he watches the ships pass the one ship they sent out, Rhydian just seeing the faint green glow in the water.

Rhydian and the other shadows had spilt more wildfire into the water during the day, knowing they'd want a bit of extra flare for the fight.

Some men bring more rocks up and a man lights a torch and hands it to Tyrion.

"Now", Rhydian mutters to the man who drops the torch.

Rhydian looks to Bronn who gets the signal and lights his arrow before launching it high into the sky.

The flaming arrow soars over one of the ships and they watch as the water sets alight with green fire that crawls towards their ghost ship.

Rhydian smirks as the ship blows up, spewing green fire everywhere.

Joffrey shields his eyes and Rhydian glances at Sandor whose eyes widen in fear.

His eyes turn back to the sight before him and he momentarily shuts his eyes listening to the sounds of agony and screams of fear, watching the men jump into the water.

"And here comes the other ships", Rhydian says, "ready to land".

Chapter Text

"He's a serious man", Tyrion says, "Stannis Baratheon".

"They're coming", Joffrey states, watching the men reach their shores in boats, "they're coming ashore".

"Rain fire on them", Tyrion commands.

"Archers!", a man calls.

"There are too many of them", Joffrey states and looks to Sandor, "Hound, form a welcome party for any Baratheon troop that manages to touch solid ground, Pod, run to the King's Gate, bring any men guarding it here, now", Tyrion asks.

"Yes, my lord", Podrick says.

"You've seen wildfire in action before, have you?", Tyrion asks the Raven who nods, "I have", he admits, "I've felt it too".

"Shadows", Rhydian says and walks away, drawing his sword from his back, watching as flaming arrows are rained down on the Baratheon men.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Rhydian growls as his sword cuts through a man.

He'd barely walked out onto the field and he was already covered in blood, he and his men.

Rhydian roars as he feels his blood rush through him, his fangs bared as he cuts through another man.

He backhands another man and turns to block an arrow from hitting him.

His teeth clench as he sees more men coming and he just hears a call to fall back, "commander?", a man asks, "fall back", Rhydian says to the man who nods and signals for the other men to follow.

Rhydian growls and he and the Lannister men fall back to the keep.

Tyrion looks to Rhydian who walks over, covered in blood, "What's happened?", Tyrion asks, "more are landing, a call to fall back was called", Rhydian states, Tyrion just noticing the man's lengthened canines.

He seemed more beast than man at that moment.

"Your shadows?", Tyrion asks, "alive, getting a drink", Rhydian states.

The hound walks in through the gate and Tyrion looks down at the man, "fuck the water, bring me wine", The hound commands.

Another soldier gives him wine and the man drinks it as he moves through the yard, passing Tyrion.

"Can I get you some iced milk and a nice bowl of raspberries too?", Tyrion asks the man.

"Eat shit, dwarf", the hound growls, "you're on the wrong side of the wall", Tyrion states, "I lost half my men, the blackwater's on fire", Sandor states.

"Dog, I command you to go back out there and fight!", Joffrey yells, the man looks down, clearly defeated, "you're the Kingsguard, Clegane, you must beat them back or they're going to take this city, your king's city", Tyrion states.

"Fuck the king's guard", Sandor says looking at the men, "fuck the city, fuck the king", he says and walks away while Joffrey and Tyrion look shocked.

Rhydian couldn't say he was surprised.

Tyrion looks back to Rhydian only to find him gone.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Sandor looks to Rhydian who falls in step beside him, "will you take her with you?", Rhydian asks, "I am going to offer but I won't make her", Sandor states and stops, the two men looking at each other.

"Why don't you go?", Sandor asks, "Because I can do a lot more for my people here", Rhydian states, "go and go quickly, they'll be after you once this is all over".

Sandor glances at the man who walks away, blending in with the shadows as he goes.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Tyrion looks to Rhydian who walks back towards the group of soldiers.

"Rhydian!", he calls to the man who stops and turns to look at him.

"I need you", Tyrion says to the man who bows his head.

Rhydian walks up the steps as he sees Lancel, Rhydian punching the man right in the arrow wound that makes him scream.

"You were supposed to be out there", Rhydian growls.

"I was", Lancel quickly says, "was", Rhydian growls, "and the moment you're hurt you run".

"Rhydian", Tyrion asks the man who growls and steps away from the man.

"Your Grace, the queen has sent me to bring you back to the Red Keep", Lancel says, standing, "if you won't defend your own city, why should they?", Tyrion asks the king.

"What would you have me do?", Joffrey asks his uncle, "lead, get down there and lead your people against the invaders who want to kill them", Tyrion says.

"What did my mother say exactly?", Joffrey asks Lancel, "did she have urgent business with me?".

"She did not say, your Grace", Lancel says.

Joffrey hesitates and Rhydian looks at the men fighting.

"All men to the battlements!", a soldier calls.

"Ser Boros, Ser Mandon, stay with my uncle and represent the king on the field of battle", Joffrey commands the two men who nod.

Rhyndacus looks to Rhydian who gives him a nod to follow him.

"Tyrion, I need eleven horses", Rhydian states, "why?", Tyrion asks, "you lead the men around the side, through the tunnels, the shadows know how to fight like the Dothraki, you know what they say about Dothraki screamers", Rhydian says.

Tyrion nods and he calls for a guard, "Get us eleven horses!", he yells and looks to Rhydian, "how will you get them through?", Tyrion asks, "Envoys have their secrets", Rhydian states.

"Shadows with me!", Rhydian calls to the men who follow him, all of them leading their horses away.

🐍💀⏳🦉

"I see you still know your Envoy ways", Rhyndacus says to the man, "hard to forget, some of the most enjoyable days of my life", Rhydian muses.

They make it through a heavy door covered in cut stone to make it appear like a part of the wall.

Rhydian shuts it once the others are out and they jump on their horses.

"Ready to die lads?", Rhydian asks the man who nods, "let's go", he says and they quickly set their horses in a gallop, drawing their weapons.

Rhydian hops up, kneeling on his saddle while his other leg sits in the stirrup, keeping himself balanced as he draws back an arrow and shoots at one of the men who hide under a boat causing the boat to topple.

The men look at them, ignoring the men who run up from behind them, taking them all out.

Rhydian frowns as he looks forward and they quickly fall into battle once again.

Rhydian turns his head as a hoard of horses gallop in behind them, Rhydian looks to Tywin Lannister who rides over, both men cutting down Stannis' men.

"Rhydian", the man greets.

"I usually wouldn't say this damn am I happy to see you", Rhydian says.

"You and your men, ride with me", Tywin says to the man who nods and calls for his men, the twelve of them riding into the keep followed by Ser Loras Tyrell and his men.

They walk through the empty halls and Rhydian and Loras open the doors to the keep, Rhydian's eyes quickly finding Cersei and Tommen on the throne.

Loras pulls off his helmet and they make way for Tywin who walks through, "The battle is over, we have won!", he announces to his daughter who clutches her son as she cries with relief.

"Rhydian", Rhyndacus whispers to the man who wavers on his feet, the man looking down, trying to find the source of his weakness.

"You have two arrows in your back and I think those are a few stab wounds", Rhyndacus states to the man who nods, "let's get you to the masters, we can celebrate with the rest after".

🐍💀⏳🦉

Rhydian looks down to his bandaged form before he moves to his window and looks out.

His jaw tenses and he turns his head as his door opens.

Sansa quickly runs over to him, crying as she hugs him, the man holding her tightly as tears fall from his eyes.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Tywin enters Rhydian's chambers, finding the man pulling on his armour.

"Lord Tywin", Rhydian greets the man as he turns around.

"Rhydian", the man greets, "I see you still haven't aged", Tywin states.

"No, unfortunately, I have not", Rhydian states and walks over to the man, shaking his hand.

"It appears Joffrey will be announcing you as head of the Shadow guard", Tywin states, "and here I thought you wanted nothing to do with the throne".

"I still don't, I was supposed to be training them for his King's guard, I wasn't to be included", Rhydian states, leaving the room with the man.

"Yet they follow you, they said you were a great commander and would follow only you and the king and no one else", Tywin states.

"Poor judgement", Rhydian muses, "I think its excellent judgement, I've heard our men talking about you and your Shadows non-stop, they fear and admire you", Tywin states.

"You still fight as well as you used to as well, even better if the rumours are right", Tywin states.

"Rumors?", Rhydian asks, "you fight like a nobleman, a berserker, an hourglass, an envoy, a Dothraki, a Dornishman and from what I remember, I could add on you sail like an Ironborn, even better, a Nethalorian", Tywin states.

Both men stop and look at each other, "is there a point to this conversation, my lord?", Rhydian asks, "We need your expertise, I would like you to tra-", Tywin tries but Rhydian shakes his head, "no".

Tywin glares and Rhydian glares back, "I have already trained ten of your men, I made a promise to hack their heads off if they dared to try and train anyone else, I will not train any more men to be like me", Rhydian states.

"You are one of the most dangerous men alive", Tywin states, "and I would like it to stay that way", Rhydian states.

"Ten at a time, that is my offer, if one of my shadows fall, I will train a new shadow to replace him, but only ten", Rhydian says.

Tywin nods and they continue on.

🐍💀⏳🦉

"How is he?", Rhydian asks Podrick, both men looking down at Tyrion who lies in his bed, unconscious.

He'd been given a smaller room, Tywin taking up the Hand's chamber now that he was back.

"The Maester says he'll be fine but he'll be out of it for a few days", Podrick states, "Call on me when he awakens or is up for visitors", Rhydian asks the boy who nods.

"I saw you spear that king's guard, good job", Rhydian says to the boy who smiles, "I was just protecting my lord", he states, "a good cause", Rhydian chuckles and pats the boy's back, "I suspect you'll make a good knight one day", he states and quietly leaves the chamber, Podrick smiling as he watches the man leave.

🐍💀⏳🦉

"Rhydian!", Tommen calls, running over to the man who picks him up in a hug, the boy hugging him tightly.

"Are you alright?", Tommen asks, "Few cuts are all, little Prince", Rhydian says.

"A lie", Cersei says as she watches the man place down the boy, "It's rude to lie to a prince", "It's worse to worry him", Rhydian retorts.

Tommen smiles up at the man who chuckles and ruffles his hair, "fine, just a few wounds, nothing to be worried about".

The boy nods and grins, "we're going for a walk through the gardens, will you come with us?", Tommen asks, "if your mother wishes it", Rhydian says, glancing at the Queen who gives him a small nod.

🐍💀⏳🦉

"They said your head shadow was almost dragging you to the maesters", Cersei states, walking with Rhydian as they follow the Prince.

"I didn't know I was bleeding till I felt myself wavering", Rhydian states, "of course", Cersei says, "many men talked about the fact that you were so covered in Baratheon blood that even the rain that poured down on you wouldn't wash it away".

"I wish I could have seen it", Cersei states, "I'm glad you didn't", Rhydian states, "why because you looked like a monster?", Cersei asks.

"Close enough", Rhydian states, "they said you had fangs, that you looked like a monster", Cersei states, "men say odd things when faced with something they fear", Rhydian chuckles and stops as the woman does, looking to his eyes.

"And yet I have seen that beast in you, you think I haven't?", she asked, "you're good at acting subtle, you're good at control, I've seen why you needed it, the grazes you gave me as you fucked me was a good enough indication, the low growls you made as you controlled my body to both our delight was in no way human".

"You look so human", the woman states, "I remember you now, only just, I remembered after I saw you just as I was about to kill my own baby boy, just when I was going to kill myself, you seem to be the only one who noticed".

"The soft look in your eyes, you used to stare at my mother that way", Cersei states making the man stand taller, his adam's apple bobbing in his throat as he looks away.

"You loved her, didn't you?", Cersei asks, "she was kind to me, a good friend, I'm a fool to say such a thing but she was genuine", Rhydian states.

"Did you ever fuck her as you did me?", Cersei asks, "no", Rhydian states looking into the woman's eyes, "I wouldn't and I couldn't, she was my friend, that's all she was to me".

"I've cared about very few people in this world and your mother just happened to be one of them", Rhydian states.

Chapter Text

Sansa looks to Rhydian who pulls on his arm guards.

"You're really going to be a part of his guard?", Sansa asks the man who nods.

"Not only will I be able to protect you this way as best I can, but I also have men who will follow me to do it", Rhydian states.

"Will they follow you or the king?", Sansa asks the man who looks at her, "I can't answer that out loud", he states.

"How do you do it?", Sansa asks, "how did you do it?".

"Do what?", Rhydian asks, "It's like you shut off your emotions, you shut off how angry everything makes you, you do things despite despising them", Sansa states, the man slowly looking at her.

"You've been my guard even before I was born, I know you despise what you've become", Sansa states and stands up, standing before the man.

"You act like you don't care how they speak about my father about my brother but it angers you, you act like you're perfectly fine becoming a commander for a boy you secretly despise, how do you do it?", She asks.

"I learned from a young age that I can't control a lot of the things that happen to me, that I can only make things better for myself and those I care about, I will cast my pride and anger aside to protect those I care about", Rhydian states.

"So long as I can keep you safe, I will continue to do things I wish I didn't have to do".

🐍💀⏳🦉

Rhydian stands to the side with his Shadows as Tywin rides into the throne room on his horse, moving down the middle and past the people.

The King stands in front of his throne.

"I Joffrey of the House Baratheon, first of my name, the rightful King of the Andals and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm, do hereby proclaim my grandfather, Tywin Lannister, the savior of the city and the Hand of the King", Joffrey announces.

A servant bows before the king, presenting with a pillow that holds the Hand's brooch.

The King steps forward and places the brooch on the man.

"Thank you, Your Grace", Tywin says and turns his mount and exits.

"Lord Petyr Baelish, step forward", Joffrey asks the man who steps forward and kneels before the King.

"For your good service and ingenuity in uniting the Houses of Lannister and Tyrell, I declare that you shall be granted a castle of Harrenhal with all its attendant lands and incomes to be held by your sons and grandsons from this day until the end of time", Joffrey offers.

"You honor me beyond words, Your Grace", Baelish says, "I shall have to acquire some sons and grandsons", he jokes making the crowd laugh as he returns to his spot.

"Rhydian Hrókr", Joffrey calls to the man who steps out of his position and kneels before the king, brushing his hood back.

"Your Grace", Rhydian says and stands as the boy motions for him to do so.

"You and your men have lived up to everything you said you would, I officially announce the existence of the order of the King's Shadow Guard and pronounce you their Commander", Joffrey says.

Rhydian bows, "Thank you, Your Grace", he says through the cheers and clapping and moves back to his former position.

"Ser Loras Tyrell", Joffrey greets the knight who steps forward from the crowd and kneels.

"Your house has come to our aid, The whole realm is in your dept, none more so than I", Joffrey states, "If your family would ask anything of me, ask it, and it shall be yours".

"Your Grace", Loras says, "my sister Margaery and her husband was taken from us before-", he pauses, "she remains innocent and I would ask you to find it in your heart to do us the great honor of joining our houses".

Joffrey considers it for a moment and looks over the woman, "Is this what you want, Lady Margaery?", the boy asks.

Margaery takes a few steps forward and stands beside her brother.

"With all my heart, Your Grace, I have come to love you from afar, Tales of your courage and wisdom have never been far from my ears, and those tales have taken root deep inside me", Margaery says.

"I am uncomfortable", Rhyndacus whispers to Rhydian who almost fails to control his stoic expression, forcing him to subtly pull up his hood and cover his face with his face mask.

"I too, have heard tales of your beauty and grace but the tales do not do you justice, my lady", Joffrey says, "it would be an honor to return your love, but I am promised to another, a king must keep his word".

Rhydian glances at Sansa who stares at the scene before her, anxiety seeming to hold her looks.

"Your Grace", Cersei says, gaining her son's attention.

"In the judgment of your small council, it would be neither proper nor wise for you to wed the daughter of a man beheaded for treason, a girl whose brother is an open rebellion against the throne as we spear", Cersei states, "for the good of the realm, your councilors beg you to set Sansa Stark aside".

The crowd begins to murmur and Rhydian finally looks to Margaery only to find her already taking glances at him while trying to keep her eyes on the King.

"Damn, the beautiful ones always look at you", Rhyndacus jokes in a whisper, "shut the fuck up", Rhydian whispers.

"If you get under this one dress will you tell?", Rhyndacus asks, "a gentleman doesn't kiss and tell", Rhydian muses.

"Margaery!", the crowd calls, "we want Margaery!".

Joffrey stands from his throne and gestures for the crowd to quieten down.

"I would like to heed your wishes and the wishes of my people but I took a holy vow", Joffrey states.

"Your Grace", Pycell says, gaining the attention of the King, "The gods do indeed hold betrothal solemn, but your father, blessed be his memory, made this pact before the Starks revealed their falseness, I have consulted with the High Septon and he assures me that their crimes against the realm free you from any promise you have made to them in the sight of the gods".

Cersei glances at Sansa, pleased while Sansa begins to look worried, undoubtedly for her safety, but he knew it would be a relief for her no longer be engaged to the boy king.

"The Gods are good", Joffrey says, looking to Margaery, "I am free to heed my heart, Ser Loras, I will gladly wed your sweet sister, You will be my queen and I will love you from this day until my last day".

Rhydian watches as the crowd applauds while Sansa walks away quietly, looking Solemn.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Quirena walks with Roose Bolton, the pair having just left Robb alone with Talisa, "Your family has always served the Starks and no one else", Roose states, "aye", Quirena states.

"How do you feel about Robb's ruling?", he asks and comes to a stop, Roose turning and looking down at her.

"What are you asking me, Lord Bolton?", Quirena asks, "Robb is my friend, my king, are you asking if I'd turn on him?".

"Your brother has", Roose states, "But not his family, Raiden has always done what he believes is right, if there is any possibility that giving the Kingslayer back to the Lannisters will get the Stark children back to their mother, he'd do it", Quirena states.

"He's always had hope, it's gotten him this far and he won't stop till the Stark children are home again", the woman states.

"And you?", Roose asks, "what do you believe?", Roose asks, "That right now our king is making a mistake and I don't think I'll be making it home for a long time", Quirena states, and continues walking, the man staring after her.

"I think you of all people will survive this war, Lady Nathair!", Roose calls out, "we'll see, Lord Bolton", she calls back.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Raiden pulls his boat to shore, Brienne doing the same.

"You're a virgin, I take it?", Jamie asks the woman almost making the woman roll her eyes and push him forward, no doubt annoyed.

"Walk", Brienne says.

"Childhood must have been awful for you, were you a foot taller than all the boys?", Jamie asks, "they laughed at you, called you names, some boys like a challenge, one or two must have tried to get inside, Big Brienne".

"One or two tried", Brienne states.

"Ah, but you fought them off, but maybe you wished one of them could overpower you, fling you down, tear off your clothes, but none of them were strong enough, I'm strong enough", Jamie states.

Raiden rolls his eyes and moves ahead, Khamira trailing in front of him.

"Not interested", Brienne says, "of course you are, you'd love to know what it feels like to be a woman", Jamie says and they look forward as they come across three hanged women in the trees.

"Ah, they lay with lions", Jamie reads, "Tavern girls, I'd say, probably served my father's soldiers, maybe one of them gave up a kiss and a feel, that's how they earned this, the glorious work of the Northern freedom fighters".

"Must make you proud to serve the Starks", Jamie says to the two, "I don't serve the Starks, I serve lady Catelyn", Brienne says.

"Tell yourself that tonight when they swing in your dreams", Jamie says and grunts as the woman almost slams him into a tree, tying him up, "what are you doing?", Jamie asks, "burying them", Brienne states.

"We shouldn't stay here, we should get back on the river", Jamie states, "I think these women would understand if I don't care what you think", Brienne says, neither noticing as Raiden moves into the trees, hiding.

Raiden watches quietly as three men walk towards the pair who just notice Raiden wasn't around.

"I didn't leave it here", one man says, "I had my dagger", the second states.

Jaime tenses slightly, no doubt a little nervous, "Untie me, now!", he almost growls at her.

"I gave it to you to cut the rope, and now I don't have me dagger no more", the second guy states,

The three men approach, in leather armor and bearing swords, no doubt Stark men.

"So unless it got stuck in your arse on its way to your cunt, it stands to reason that it's gone", the second man states, the pair finally noticing Brienne and Jaime, "whoa, what's your business here?", the second guard asks.

"Traveling a prisoner", Brienne states only to be laughed at by the three men making Raiden's jaw clench, and slowly taking an axe from his back.

Khamira growls softly beside him, her eyes slitting as she readies herself to pounce on her master's command.

"You're a woman, a woman!", the first man states, "well, fuck me!", the second man says.

"If you've quite finished up-", Brienne says only for the men to laugh harder.

"All right, we'll be going", Brienne says and turns to untie Jamie.

"Whoa, Whoa", the first man says, "who do you fight for?".

"The Starks", Brienne says, "What did he do?", the man asks, "apparently eating is now a crime, who knew?", Jamie muses.

"No, stealing is a crime", Brienne says, playing along, "but it's not a crime to starve, that's justice for you", Jamie says.

"Where are you taking him?", one of the guards asks, "to Riverrun", Brienne says, "Why Riverrun?", the guard asks while Brienne unties Jamie swiftly.

"Steal from the Tullys, it's their dungeons you rot in", Brienne states, "why not kill him?", the guard asks, "For stealing a pig?", Jamie asks.

"I don't give the orders, he must be important to someone", Brienne says, "Sending him with you, how important could he be?", the guard asks but Brienne doesn't answer.

"All right, have it your way, my lady", the man says and goes to walk only for the second man to lean closer, taking a look at Jamie, "Do I know you?", the second guard asks.

"Have you been to Ashemark?", Jamie asks, "No", the guard says, "Then you don't know me", Jamie retorts.

"Do you ever go to the river market at Salt Rock?", the guard asks, "Is it near Ashemark?", Jamie asks, "No", the guard states.

"I've never been there", Jamie shrugs,

Brienne unties him and looks to the men who look up at the stringed women.

"What do you think of these beauties?", the guard asks, "I hope you gave them quick deaths", Brienne says, "Two of them we did, yeah", one guard says.

"Wait, I do know you, that's Jaime Lannister", The second guard says, "I wish someone had told me, I wouldn't have had to steal that pig", Jamie states, "If this is the Kingslayer, I think I'd know about it", Brienne says.

"How do you know what the Kingslayer looks like?", the first guard asks the second, "I was at Whispering Wood, I saw him, they dragged him out of the woods and threw him down before the king", the second guard says.

"He's not the Kingslayer", Brienne says, "sorry to disappoint you, if he was, I'd only be traveling his head".

Again, Brienne tries to move them along but the guards try again, "I have a question for you both, and I want you to answer it at the same time, I count to three, you both answer", the first guard says, "what's his name?", the man asks.

"One, two, three", he says.

Brienne quickly pushes Jamie to the side and stabs the guard while an axe embeds itself into the other.

"Two quick deaths", Brienne says to the last before Khamira jumps out of hiding and claws the last to death, the man screaming and shouting before he chokes on his blood.

"One slow", Raiden says, coming out of hiding and taking his axe back.

"Those were Stark men", Jamie states, "I don't serve the Starks, I serve Lady Catelyn, I told you I'd take you to King's Landing, and that's what I'm going to do", Brienne states, "Stay".

Brienne turns and chops the rope holding the women up and Jamie winces as the bodies drop with a thud.

"And what about you?", Jamie asks Raiden who pets Khamira, "in the end, I'm a Ymir, not a Nathair, I only bow to those who deserve it, I follow Lady Stark's order", Raiden states and looks to Jamie, "she's asked me to help Brienne, I intend to do so".

Chapter Text

Rhydian sits at Tyrion's bedside, blue eyes looking at the man who wakes up.

"Rhydian?", He asks, his voice soft as Rhydian watches him, "aye", the raven responds.

"I was wondering when you'd visit", Tyrion states, "every time you do, Podrick and I find you passed out again, I figured since I had time I'd just sit with you this time", Rhydian states.

"Commander of the Shadow Guard, quite the title", Tyrion states, "bit much", Rhydian states, "but entirely suitable", Tyrion states.

"I can't remember much but in my haze, I was watching you, I could see you, you had horns and broken wings around you, your eyes were black", Tyrion states.

"I've seen your fangs, Rhydian, tell me the truth, is your long life really because of the Nathairs?", Tyrion asks.

"No, it's not", Rhydian states, simply and easily.

"I'm a demon, a godless creature who thrives off lust, chaos, and fear", Rhydian states.

"And yet you're softer than most men I've met", Tyrion states, "for very few", Rhydian admits.

"Every one of my name days, a book would arrive for me, a present from a stranger", Tyrion states.

"Every year it would be a new book, different from the last, from stories to lessons in politics".

"They were always the one thing I enjoyed looking forward to on my name day", Tyrion states.

"The lessons and the stories came from someone who felt more like a parent than my own father did and I had never even met them", Tyrion states.

Tyrion looks at the man.

"Before I passed out I saw images of myself when I was younger, and a man with eyes as blue as the waters that surrounded Tarth".

"He always came to my side when I needed him, he was always there to comfort me, and he felt like a father and a best friend".

"One night, he disappeared, the same night he slept by my bedside, I remember waking up, finding him there, he looked uncomfortable so I woke him up", Tyrion states.

"He wasn't grumpy like I thought he'd be, it must have shown because he smiled instead and sat up".

"He asked me why I was awake and I didn't know so he told me a story, a story of a Raven who had lost his family".

"I never got to hear the end of the story because I fell asleep, but suppose there wasn't one, was there?", Tyrion asks, looking at the man.

"Your father and I only ever got into one argument", Rhydian states, "it was that night after he insulted you in front of me after he told me things I never wanted to hear, I told him you were his son, a Lannister through and through and nothing could change that, that killing you would make him a coward, I knew what I was risking but I'm glad he might have listened".

"Did you also send me the books?", Tyrion asks with tears clear in his eyes.

"Your sister had her role as a Lady, your brother, a knight, you loved the stories I'd tell you so I figured someone has to have the intelligence", Rhydian states.

"You never forgot me", Tyrion cries, "And I won't ever forget", Rhydian promises.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Aldrik looks up at the Warlock who continuously tries to pry the scales from his body.

Many more cuts littered the area around his scales, some cuts still bleeding, others dried over.

Yet again the Warlock begins to pry at the scales, Aldrik hissing and growling as he watches the Warlock.

His eyes burn orange, his pupils turn to slits and his runes and the cracks between his scales begin glowing the same fiery color as his eyes.

The Warlock hisses as his fingers burn on the heated scales and he draws his hand back, looking to Aldrik who chuckles darkly.

"You will die today Warlock, I have seen it", Aldrik hisses out.

The small dragons screech at the warlock who decides to leave the bloody knife lying near Aldrik's feet.

Aldrik looks up once again, hearing quiet footsteps, and mentally prepares himself, ready to be cut again only to find Daenerys.

"My Queen, you shouldn't be here, the Warlock will hurt you", he states, "not if I kill him first", she answers looking over her children first before turning as the Warlock walks back in.

"They miss their mother but at least they had their father", The warlock taunts.

Aldrik lets out a low hiss.

"They want to be with you", the Warlock states, "do you want to be with them?", a mirror of the Warlock asks appearing on the other side of the room.

"You will be, when your dragons were born, our magic was born again, it is strongest in their presence, it only got stronger when we captured Aldrik", he states.

Daenerys finally looks at the druid, seeing the gold and silver scales that protected his heart and grew along his body.

"And they are strongest in yours, you will be with them, through winter, summer, winter again across a thousand, thousand seasons you will be with them and we will be with you until time comes to an end".

Aldrik lets a low dragon-like growl come from his throat as the warlocks chain Daenerys up, "welcome home Daenerys Stormborn" the warlock says.

"This is not my home, my home is across the sea where my people are waiting for me", Dany says.

"They will be waiting a long time", the Warlock says.

Daenerys looks to Aldrik who nods knowing what she is planning something he wasn't able to do since the Warlock wouldn't stay in one spot and the dragons were often too distracted.

"Dracarys", she says, and the dragons cough steam.

The Warlock steps back as Drogon's fire is thrown at him burning his arm first, he steps back into Aldrik who feels his magic burn through him in defense, watching with slitted eyes as the Warlock tries to brush the fire out.

The dragons breathe more fire at the warlock that screams in pain, the sound music to the old dragon's ears.

The Warlock drops in front of him and the chains turn to dust.

Aldrik's arms finally drop and he lets out a quiet groan of pain as he falls to his knees.

Daenerys quickly walks over to the druid checking him over as she cups his cheek in her left hand her right moving over the hot scales.

"I can't answer your questions Daenerys", he says, "not now".

Daenerys nods and both look at the small dragons.

Daenerys picks up Aldrik's robe and hands it to him.

He nods in thanks and pulls it on still shirtless but it was enough to hide his scales for the most part.

Rhaegal and Viserion climb onto him while Drogon climbs onto Daenerys who cradles him gently and the two humans walk out with the dragons who chatter quietly.

🐍💀⏳🦉

"We should be there by sundown", Ygritte says as they walk, "won't be a fun night for you, Mance knows how to make crows sing" she states hitting Jon with his own sword.

"If you know what to say, you might just make it through the night".

Qhorin looks to Sigrid and Nero who stands around the back of the group, looking tired, her mind clearly elsewhere.

"Not talking's not the way to go", Ygritte states whacking Jon again.

"Careful with that you might cut yourself", Jon responds.

Ygritte goes to swing the sword only for Jon to duck under it.

"Never swung a sword have you, you look like a baby with a rattle", Jon teases.

"Enough of that", Qhorin growls and takes his sword from his captor knocking Rattleshirt away and attacking Jon.

Qhorin knocks him down and Sigrid crouches in the snow as Qhorin is pulled back, eyes watching the man.

"Stop!", Jon yells, "why traitor so you can give Mance Rayder an invitation to Castle Black?".

"I think we should let them fight", Sigrid says to the wildlings knowing what Qhorin was doing.

"let em fight", Rattleshirt calls out to the wildlings who watch as the two crows fight.

Sigrid watches as the two men fight, Qhorin taunting Jon, making him angry, and bringing up his father being a traitor and his mother, a whore.

Jon manages to disarm Qhorin and finally pushes his blade through him.

"We are the watchers on the wall", Qhorin whispers to Jon before falling over dead, painting the snow with his blood.

"You can tell Mance, that's the man who killed Qhorin Halfhand", Ygritte says.

The wildlings look at Jon in shock, Rattleshirt cuts Jon's binds and Sigrid picks up the old man's sword.

"Burn the body", Rattleshirt growls.

Ygritte looks at Jon who looks sad and confused, "Come along, Jon Snow", she asks.

Sigrid watches the pair for a moment before she continues on, her jaw clenching slightly as she reminds herself of who she was, strapping Qhorin's sword to her back.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Jon watches Sigrid as she moves swiftly on top of the snow, walking over it rather than through it like the rest of them.

"You have a way to get down this hill faster why don't you use it?", Ygritte asks her.

"Because I prefer to keep my humanity intact right now", Sigrid states, "your losing it again aren't you", Yigritte asks, confusing Jon.

"Haven't been this far North in a long time Ygritte, don't be surprised", Sigrid says looking over the large encampment of Mance and his people.

"But why don't you give it a try?", Ygritte asks the woman who lets out a breath and looks at her, "You never stop pushing, you're the most persistent woman I've ever met", Sigrid states.

"And yet I remember you liking it", Ygritte retorts with a grin, Jon looking between the pair, Sigrid looking down at the fire-haired woman.

"Don't tell me you've forgotten", Ygritte says, "I'm just surprised you haven't", Sigrid says, "how can I?", Ygritte asks, "best sex I've ever had", she states.

Sigrid smirks and continues forward.

"Not as honorable as you seem", Ygritte taunts the woman, "not as good of an archer as you make yourself out to be", Sigrid retorts and laughs as the woman runs over to her, swinging her bow at the elf who ducks under it and flips the woman onto her back.

Ygritte giggles as Sigrid helps her up, the fire-haired girl kissing her, Sigrid doesn't kiss back, unable to find it in her to do it.

"Awe, you don't kiss back anymore, that crow you told me about must be a special one", Ygritte says and walks away.

Jon walks up to Sigrid, walking next to her, "you and her?", Jon asks the woman who looks at him, "Jon, when you're this far south, a warm bed and a warm body are always very much welcome", Sigrid states.

"She was the first person I trusted", Sigrid states, walking with the male, "Seems like more than just trust", Jon states, Sigrid, smiling slightly, "perhaps once".

"But not anymore?", Jon asks, "I don't know what that kind of love is anymore Jon, I really don't, maybe I never knew", Sigrid states and looks between Jon and Ygritte.

"Or maybe I do know what love is", she whispers, "I just don't know it yet".

🐍💀⏳🦉

"It's all a lie", Jorah states looking at the Khaleesi, and the Dothraki moving around them, placing things in bags, or taking them out to the carts and horses to be sold.

"Looks real enough to me", she states picking up a gold plate, "real enough to buy a ship?", she asks.

"Aye, a small ship", Jorah nods.

Daenerys looks at Aldrik who still had Rhaegal on his shoulders, resting around his neck.

Aldrik feels the woman's stare and looks over at her, their eyes locking together.

He sends her a soft smile, Daenerys sending one back both their actions not going unnoticed by Jorah who almost huffs, having been in love with her for a long time, but it seems he wasn't the only one falling for her.

Aldrik looks back down placing more of the fake jewels and gold into bags, Rhaegal nuzzling himself further into the male's neck and shoulders.

Aldrik gently pats the little dragon and then continues Rhaegal falling asleep on him.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Quirena sits with her men, her eyes looking at the fire before her.

She had declined Robb's invitation to witness his marriage to Talisa and instead chose to sit with her warriors.

She was a Nathair, through and through yet all her mind kept going over was the survival of her men, of her people.

Robb had her doubting him, making her think of breaking the long-formed bond with the Starks, of returning North and back to her people where they would need her.

She knew breaking the Oath with the Freys could and possibly would lead to their death and she needed to keep her family safe.

Quirena sighs and rubs her temples, shutting her eyes.

"M'lady", one of the Warriors asks the woman who looks up, "Are you alright?", the man asks, "I'm fine, Gideon", she whispers.

"No you're not", the man states, Quirena looks at the man, "I don't know what to do", Quirena, "We live with honor and die with Glory, but that doesn't mean we always have to be honorable", Gideon states.

"You are honorable", Gideon says, "there is no taking that away from you, you will always put your house and family first, you will be honorable for your own house, and you owe none of these Lords anything".

"We are beholden by oath", Quirena states, "maybe, but sometimes, oaths must be broken", Gideon states.

"We will see", the woman whispers and looks towards the Stark camp where men cheer and sing, unaware of their King getting married in secret.

The woman's jaw clenches and she stands up, M'aiq quickly follows the woman who sees an owl head for the woods, the woman following.

"You're always watching", Quirena says to the bird who lands on a rock in a clearing, the brown feathered owl shaking its wings of water.

"Auntie, I don't know what I have to do", she whispers, falling to her knees before the owl, "He will get us killed, you know it too", Quirena states, "I can help fight this war but I want my men and women to return home", she states.

The owl lowers its head and flies off, Quirena sighs and shuts her eyes only to hear the beat of wings come back, the woman opens her eyes as she sees a stick land before her, cracked and broken.

The owl once again flies off, leaving the decision to her.

🐍💀⏳🦉

Floki, Skender, and Ulric sit on their horses, heading back for the Fist as they hear the horn go off.

"One", Floki whispers, "Two", Skender says as they hear another, the three waiting and hearing one more, "three", Ulric says, the three riding towards the fist as quickly as their horses would allow.

Skender yells in pain as he hears a loud screech that seemed familiar to him, as though he'd heard it before.

"Skender!", Ulric yells to his brother as the male almost falls from his horse, Ulric catches him and brings him onto his own.

"Skender!", Floki calls to his nephew who swiftly passes out.

"Uncle!", Ulric calls, "we keep riding", Floki calls back to the boy who holds Skender's horse's reigns and pulls it along.