Northern Withdrawal
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(Circa 295AC)
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“Aww.” The sound came from Ty and Alysanne as they sat on either side of me on the floor watching Arya engage in a tug-of-war with Ymir in her room. I wasn’t sure if Catelyn would approve of Arya using a doll for this, but I also didn’t care. Though given Arya’s public dislike, even at seven, I think Arya preferred the doll this way and at least she had a use for it now.
Ty was leaning into my side, her hand lazily drawing nothing on my thigh, making it clear that even though she was enjoying the show, her thoughts weren’t far from last night. This was impressive as by the time I’d finally stopped and slept, Ty had been an unconscious mess beside me. Though when she’d woken earlier this morn, she’d all but pounced on me and we had gone three rounds.
Still, while the walls in Winterfell were thick, it was obvious to all why we’d only emerged from my room just before lunch. Sansa had struggled to look my way without blushing and had left the room about twenty minutes ago as Ty’s fingers wandered. Alysanne had stayed, but every time she slouched enough that she brushed against me, she snapped to attention and moved away again. When I’d glanced her way, her eyes had generally been locked on Ymir, though the few times our eyes had met, she’d blushed so hard her cheeks looked like Sansa’s hair.
That always brought back Ty’s words that Alysanne might be developing feelings for me. I wasn’t sure how I felt about that as she was about a year younger than me, and someone with a role to play in what was to come; even if I didn’t know entirely what that role would be. However, while young, she was slowly blossoming into a woman that many had compared to Lyanna – Ned never enjoyed that though if I wasn’t looking for it, I’d have missed the subtle reactions he had – and I did wonder if the Targaryen blood would enhance her growing beauty.
“Ah!” Arya called out, and I looked to see her falling back, the doll in her hand sailing into the air. Ymir tilted his head, seeming amused as Arya landed with a thump as her arse impacted the floor. He turned and walked back to me, his head held high in victory, which made me laugh. He was a proud little fucker, it seemed.
I leaned forward, expecting him to hop into my arms, only to blink in surprise when he leapt onto Alysanne’s lap instead. She looked at me, confused by the development and possibly worried I’d take offence.
I smiled. “It is fine,” I said softly as the pup started circling, trying to find a place he was happy to snooze in. Alysanne smiled back and began stroking Ymir’s fur as he settled down, which was when Ty slid into my lap.
“I want to hold him.” Arya moaned as she knelt forward; the doll forgotten on the floor beside her. She moved closer, but Alysanne placed her arms protectively over Ymir. “No fair!”
I laughed gently at the interaction, which drew Arya’s gaze. “You can feed him later,” I said, which, as I’d hoped, removed her sullen mood. She settled down near Alysanne and reached forward again. This time, her sister let her touch Ymir, who was leaning into the pats he was getting from the pair.
“I never thought I would see a direwolf looking so cute,” Ty said softly as she rested her head against my chest. She turned and looked up at me, a smirk coming to her lips. “Then again, I guess he takes after his master.” As she spoke, one hand, the one farthest from the other girls, slid down my thigh and started rubbing my groin.
“Call me cute all you want but remember that just like Ymir, I am not domesticated,” I shot back before playfully snapping my teeth in her hair. She laughed at that only to jump slightly in my lap as my hand found and pinched her arse. “And give him a few years and I doubt anyone will call him cute.”
Ty pushed her back into my chest. “I do not know, I might say you have gotten cuter with age,” She smirked, and her eyes wandered down my body. “Bigger too.” The look in her eyes made it clear what she wanted, and if not for the others in the room, I’d be happy to push her down, pull back her clothes and…
“Why do you call him Ymir? I never heard that name before.” I bit off a snarl at the interruption of my thoughts, and after taking a second to push down the growing desire I felt, turned to look at my cousin.
“After thinking on it for a while, the name just came to me, I likely heard it from a sailor years ago” I replied with a slightly forced smile as Ty wiggled around in my lap, doing nothing to help me concentrate.
“He has got a habit for picking odd names,” Ty added as her fingers teased my groin out of sight of the younger girls. “Rian and Kaa, which is a snake he has back in Sunspear, are not names I had heard before either.”
“Unlike Quicksilver,” Alysanne added with a chuckle. She kept it soft though to not disturb Ymir as he rested contently in her lap, only reacting to the petting of the two girls. “I think Lady Stark may have been angrier about Robb naming his wolf after a Targaryen dragon than it being a direwolf.”
“Aye.” Arya laughed at that, though she stopped when Ymir lifted his head and fixed her with a glare. Once she’d stopped and Ymir lowered his head, she continued. “Did you see her face when Robb said that? I thought Father was going to have to pull her away.” Alysanne’s smile grew at that, yet there was something in her eyes that caught my attention, almost as if something about Ned and Catelyn was bothering her.
A comfortable silence settled over the room as the two Northern girls petted Ymir while Ty stroked my thigh. Eventually, I had to push her hand away as I was reaching a point where it’d be awkward if I had to move; not that I felt Ty would mind as she was gently rocking herself in my lap.
“Father said something else happened at the Wall but wouldn’t tell me what,” Ty said after pouting at me for moving her hand.
“Oh! Does this have something to do with the weirwood branch?” Alysanne asked, turning her head my way. Her cheeks reddened as she saw how Ty was resting.
“Wait? What?” Arya snapped, making Ymir grunt in annoyance, though given he was still a pup – though one already the size of a small hunting dog – it sounded little better than a baby’s whine. “How?”
"F-father mentioned a branch at breakfast, before you came,” Alysanne explained slightly, her gaze having turned away from me.
The hand that had pushed Ty away from my groin came around and settled on her waist. “Yeah, something happened at the Wall,” I began giving her waist a gentle squeeze as I knew this would upset her. “Involving an Ironborn from house Drumm.”
As I’d expected, Ty tensed at that. Arya frowned, likely not understanding why. Alysanne clearly did though as she placed a hand on Ty’s leg. Ty turned to her, and I assumed smiled, but I couldn’t see since I was looking at the back of her head. My lover then turned my way and kissed me gently on the chin, letting me know she was ready for me to continue.
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“Why are we here?”
I opened a door to a room high in the Great Keep of Winterfell, and after ensuring it was empty like I thought, let Robb inside. It was two days since we’d arrived back in Winterfell, and with Oberyn planning for us to leave soon, I wanted to start Robb on the path to bonding properly with Quicksilver, which was why I’d picked a room high in the keep: away from prying eyes and ears.
Last night after supper, I’d spoken with him to confirm he’d felt some sort of connection to Quicksilver when they’d first met. He’d been hesitant to confirm that, but upon my suggestion that it might have been a natural, primal instinct – hinting at the bonds I shared with Ymir, Rian and Kaa – he seemed to lose some of his hesitancy and confirmed things with a nod. Plus, he’d mentioned dreaming of seeing the world through the eyes of a wolf, though he didn’t sound as if he believed it was real. Still, that was why, after breakfast, I’d pulled him aside and brought him up here.
Once we were both in, I closed the door and dropped the latch, ensuring no one could accidentally walk in on us. With that done, I lowered Ymir to the floor, though he leapt the last foot or so himself. Quicksilver quickly joined him and the pair scampered around, sniffing the new environment. While they did that, I moved to open the largest window in the room and then led Robb over to a table in the middle of the room, one that while clean, likely hadn’t been used much.
“Do you trust me?” I asked once we were both sitting. It was a little blunt for starting this, but Robb seemed to respond better to straight talking. He nodded slowly which made me smile. “Good, because what I am about to explain… I doubt your mother or Septa Mordane would be happy to learn of it.”
Robb frowned, and I suppressed a chuckle at how confused he was, but it was a good sign he wasn’t trying to leave. “To be clear, I trust you. We are blood after all. Otherwise, I would not be bringing you here today, or asking you what I did last night.” He nodded again, slower this time, as the creases on his forehead increased. That was a good sign as he wasn’t just going along with what I was doing based on our familial bond or friendship. “Now, to begin with, I want you to repeat after me.”
I tapped on the table, marking out the prime numbers up to eleven, making sure to stop after each set for just long enough that it became clear that each set was a new number. A very confused Robb copied me, though the way he was looking at me, I wondered if he thought I’d grown a second head.
“Good, now no matter how still or quiet I go, just sit there and wait.”
“Huh?” I leaned back, ignoring how utterly lost Robb sounded and closed my eyes. A moment later, I was lifted high above the castle, my vision clearing as I soared effortlessly through a cloud that drifted aimlessly overhead.
As an eagle, I had a newfound perspective, my head swivelling to take in the breath-taking view from above. Within the depths of the Wolfswood, I could discern movement, but I could not determine whether it was the work of man or beast. Further south, the lake near Torrhen's Square came into view, and although the buildings were beyond my visual acuity, I could still appreciate their presence. The wind caressed my feathers, and I glided effortlessly on the currents, relishing my return to the sky.
Descending from my aerial vantage point, I spiralled gracefully in a circular motion until I caught a glimmer of light emanating from the massive Godswood of Winterfell. My attention was instantly drawn to the area, and upon focusing, I spotted Ned tending to his sword, Ice, under the watchful eyes of the weirwood tree that presided over the woods. Although Ice did not require regular sharpening, it appeared that Ned still took pleasure in caring for it, a sentiment I could relate to. Each morning, I engaged in a similar routine with my weapon, Red Rain, finding solace in the repetitive motion of polishing the blade.
As I drew nearer to Ned, my keen eagle eyesight detected a family of rabbits foraging nearby, and a fleeting thought of swooping down to capture one for sustenance crossed my mind. However, I quickly pushed it aside, reminding Rian that we had a task at hand to complete and that food would be available to him once we had done so.
It only took two circles of the Great Keep to determine my target. I angled my wings and dove for the open window. After pulling them tight to slide into the room, they spread out rapidly as I flapped to slow my speed. Robb almost fell from his seat as I appeared, and the two pups looked up at the sudden intrusion. Though once they realised it was me, they returned to their wrestling, with Ymir pinning Quicksilver down on his back.
I landed on the table, right next to my body. Seeing it like this as I skinchanged was always a strange sensation, but one I’d grown used to over the years. Though oddly, the few times I’d done so with Ymir it had felt more natural; instead feeling as if I was looking up at my pack leader and brother, which was something that brought me a sense of warmth.
Turning to Robb, I extended one talon and began tapping – well, scratching – out the same pattern I’d tapped before slipping into Rian’s mind. Robb’s face was priceless during this, making me wish I had a camera. Confusion gave way to shock and disbelief as he slowly put together what he was seeing, though it was clear his mind was struggling to understand any of it.
When I finished the pattern, I whistled and tilted my head toward my body. Robb’s eyes followed and when I blinked, settling back into my skin, I saw he was staring at me as if I was somehow no longer human. Seeing his face with my weaker, less detailed eyes after slipping out of Rian was always a little unsettling, but I’d grown used to it over the years. As Robb continued to stare, I reached into my pocket and pulled out several pieces of dried beef.
As I tossed one to Rian – as there was no way I was willing to feed him directly as his beak could easily slice my fingers – I heard scuffling on the floor. Looking over, I saw Ymir scampering toward me. Quicksilver followed a second later, once he’d worked out why his brother had suddenly stopped playing with him.
Rian hopped over to the windowsill, happily gulping down his beef even as I tore a second strip into shreds and then tossed them onto the floor. The pups rushed the shreds, and to ensure Rian didn’t try to fight them for it, I tossed him my third and last strip. He caught it in his beak, and then, with a powerful beat of his wings, took off; leaving me to deal with Robb.
“You,” he started weakly, one finger shakingly pointing at me while his face had turned a ghostly white. “Him... how… but… what?” I knew I shouldn’t laugh at his reaction, as it was just as Ty, Nymeria and Arianne had reacted, but it was funny as fuck to see the reaction every time.
I held up a hand as I laughed, making him stay quiet, and then once I had the chuckles under control, I spoke. “Sorry, but your reaction was without equal.” He glared though it didn’t work given the confusion dominating his face and posture. “So, what just happened?” I asked as I leaned forward in my seat, resting my arms on the table. Revealing this ability to those I trusted would never get old, and already I was imagining who of the Stark children would react best to this.
“Y…you… warged. Into Rian.”
I shook my head even as I continued to smile. “No, I skinchanged.” That only made his confusion worse. “To warg, it needs to be into a wolf or direwolf.” I leaned farther forward and tapped his brow. “Or did Old Nan not explain that to you in her stories?”
“Yes, right,” he said as if just agreeing with me to end the matter. His mouth opened again as if he planned to say something else. However, nothing came out, though I swore I saw the spark in his eyes as he put together what I’d just said. “Wait!” I winced at him shouting in my face. “Quicksilver! I warged into him!”
I nodded and then looked down at my feet where the pups had just finished the beef. Ymir was looking at me, hopeful for more but Quicksilver was looking around, almost as if wondering who said his name. “Aye, I think you did,” I said as I turned back to Robb. “And you’re saying you have been getting wolf dreams. Which is why I brought you here to show you this. The question now is if you want to learn more.” I left things open, as he had to choose for himself, though as he knelt and picked up Quicksilver, who’d run under the table while I’d talked, I had little doubt he would.
“Yes.” The word was spoken with conviction, and I smiled even as I picked up Ymir; his nose burying into the hand that’d held the beef.
“Good. If this goes well, then like our ancestors, you will one day be able not only to control the dreams, but enter Quicksilver’s mind when you wish, share it with him, and experience the world as the sigil of your family does.” I knew I had him as the smile that came to his face threatened to split it, and the way he looked down at his pup made it clear how much he already cared for Quicksilver. “However, this is not something you can talk to others about. In time, perhaps, you can tell your family, though I may be careful with your mother.” He frowned at that, clearly too distracted by what he could learn to understand the danger. “She follows the New Gods,” I made clear my distaste with the Faith in how I spoke, “who consider skinchanging and its ilk something done by those who consort with demons.” He opened his mouth to protest, only to stop and nod very slowly. “Now, before I leave, you should know that Ty knows I can do this, and I plan to tell Alysanne, but outside of them and us, it must remain a secret.”
“I understand.” There was a seriousness to his words, one matched by his expression, though the youthful wonder of what he was about to learn still dominated his face and body. “So, how do I do what you did?”
I leaned back, letting Ymir jump down into my lap. “Time and meditation,” I replied with a smirk. “Lots and lots of time and meditation.” I wasn’t sure if meditation would work for this, not entirely as my Interface gave me a cheat code to make skinchanging easier. However, having Arianne meditate in and around water unlocked her inherent magic so the base theory should work here as well. Plus, I did meditate about how shifting into each animal felt. It granted me a better understanding of how their mind worked, or so I thought and made future moments where we shared a mind easier to process.
Plus, since I wouldn’t be here for much longer, it was fine if Robb took time to learn how to control his new-found ability. The war was still four years away, provided it still happened, as the changes to the timeline were growing more pronounced as I aged. However, that was a problem for another day, for now, I would enjoy helping Robb take his first steps to form a true bond with Quicksilver, and further develop the bond we shared.
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“Are you sure you cannot delay leaving?”
I finished making sure the saddle bag was secure before I turned to face Alysanne. She was standing about a meter away, Ymir in her arms. “We can’t. It has been over half a year since we left Dorne and we need to be getting back,” I replied softly.
While I was looking forward to returning to Dorne – and not just because of what Ty had said about her sisters and cousin – I understood why Alysanne wanted us to stay. Apart from her knowing about my special abilities, I was so far the only person she’d trusted to know about her egg. While I was close with Robb and Beron, who was coming with us to Dorne for the next few years, Alysanne was the one whom I and Ty were closest with. Even Ty’s constant teasing about her liking me hadn’t stopped us from spending time together, though Ty was smart enough to never tease my cousin when I was present. Though she might do so when the pair spent time alone.
Their developing friendship was a touch unexpected, but both were bastards and close enough in age that it did make some sense. Ty might carry herself like a good faithful girl, but in private, with those that she trusted, she had a cheeky side that Alysanne seemed to enjoy being around. As did Arya, but she was following her older sister more than developing her own opinions currently. Give her a few years, and I could see Arya pushing to ward with Obara and Benjen to get out from under Catelyn’s yoke and learn how to fight, though whether Catelyn would allow this was anyone's guess.
Still, even though I wanted to go home, I was sad to leave Winterfell again. As before, I’d enjoyed my time here, though Catelyn did try to stop me from spending time with Robb. Not that Ned let that happen. I might be a Sand, but to him, and his children, I was family. The blood of House Stark ran through my veins as it did for Ned’s children. Still, while I was going to miss my northern family, with Beron coming to Dorne, at least one part of it would remain close.
The only downside, though I knew it was coming, was that I’d not be here to help Robb warg into Quicksilver. At least not on a conscious level. He’d spoken with me yesterday saying the dreams were coming easier and lasting longer since he’d begun the meditation, so I doubted it’d be far off before he managed to warg into his wolf. Thus, provided events hadn’t changed too much, when the others gained their pups, he’d be able to teach them how to do so as well.
“Cregan, I…” Alysanne’s voice trailed off and she looked down at the ground. A deep sigh slipped from her lips, and I moved toward her, wondering what was wrong. However, before I could say anything, she pushed Ymir into my arms and walked off. I watched her go, wondering what was wrong with her; if perhaps it was more than just Beron, Ty and me leaving.
Ymir struggled in my arms, seemingly wanting to go after Alysanne and while I shared that desire, I knew it was better to give her space. Since I’d come back from the Wall and she’d revealed the dragon egg to me, Alysanne had seemed off. At least whenever Ymir or Ty wasn’t around. Ty knew something, but she wasn’t revealing what. I’d pushed about it, but Ty had claimed Alysanne had sworn her to secrecy, so I’d let it rest yet now I wondered if that had been a mistake. Still, perhaps Ty might tell me what the matter was once we were gone from the North, though if she didn’t, I’d prod Alysanne in our letters to see if she was at least willing to hint at the matter.
My cousin quickly slipped from sight as the yard was busy with not just the usual morning business of the castle, but everyone gathering to say their goodbyes. That included the Manderlys as while Lady Leona and Wynafryd were staying in Winterfell, Ser Wylis and Wylla were returning to White Harbour with our party. Since the next northern harvest festival was due to begin in about half a moon, I had to assume Ser Wylis was returning to White Harbour to allow his father, Lord Wyman, to come to the festival.
I remembered the festival I’d been present for, and how crowded the castle had become. The children of the various lords had come down and mingled with the Starks, which I assumed would happen again this year, though things may well be different. Robb was approaching the age where he could be betrothed, and with Quicksilver at his side, he’d have a lot of attention. Hells, that was why the Manderly girls had come to Winterfell when we’d passed through White Harbour, though it seemed with Beron leaving, Ser Wylis was placing his bets on his eldest to snag Robb.
While to people in my former life, the practice of marrying off children for alliances would seem cruel and sadistic, in Westeros it was standard practice. And with how little loyalties could shift from one generation to the next, it made perfect sense. Plus, I hoped Ned did betroth Robb and Sansa early as it would remove them from the board and, I hoped, make it harder for things to go wrong if Ned still became Robert’s Hand. I’d love to stop that from happening, but currently, I couldn’t see a way to pull it off. Ned would be needed in the North for what was to happen at the Wall, not distracted by – for him at least – pointless Southern politics.
“Do not tell me you wish to forsake my delicate southern daughter for a hardy northern beauty?” I rolled my eyes as I turned to see Oberyn approaching, a smirk dancing on his face. “Or perhaps you’re lamenting not giving into her bedroom eyes and bedding her and Tyene together? A man shouldn’t turn down such an event.”
I almost dropped Ymir as I tried and failed to not picture him, my mother and Ellaria together. “S-she is ten and two!” I spluttered out as I pushed those images from my head, which only made him laugh. “Not fucking funny!” I snapped, Ymir growling in agreement. I pulled the reins for my mount and moved away from Oberyn, not wanting to deal with his teasing. For a moment I considered approaching Ty as she waited near the carriage on Wylla, however, I saw Alysanne had appeared there. Since I didn’t want to give Oberyn any more ammo, I headed instead for Beron, who was surrounded by his parents and siblings.
I shook my head as I approached the Starks, wanting everything about that little conversation gone as soon as possible. Yes, Alysanne was slowly growing into a beauty, but she was still a girl. One who’d not yet had her first moonblood!
I passed by the Manderlys as they spoke. While they were sad to part, since it was only for a short time, they were far less concerned than Catelyn was for Beron leaving.
A gentle yap from Quicksilver, whom Robb was holding for the same reasons I was holding Ymir, alerted my cousin I was approaching. “Cregan,” he said gently, letting his family know I was there. Quicksilver tried to leap from his arms, and only Robb’s quick reaction of grabbing the pup by the scruff of its neck stopped Quicksilver from racing to see his brother. I had to tighten my grip on Ymir as he’d grown excited to see his brother, and I wondered how the pair would be in the coming moons as they’d be separated for the first time since the death of their mother.
Quicksilver was excited as he tried to understand all the new smells from everyone gathering in the yard. Beron mirrored that as he tried to escape his mother’s clutches, desiring to head off and have an adventure like the Sea Snake. The rest of the Starks were sad, which made sense as Dorne was a long way from Winterfell. Hells, six of the nine Free Cities were closer to the North!
Robb’s calling of my name had drawn the attention of the adults, and while Ned gave me a soft smile, Catelyn glared daggers at me. “Lord, Lady Stark,” I began once I was close enough, lowering my head as I spoke, “rest assured, for as long as I draw breath, I will make it my duty to ensure that Beron remains safe and unharmed.” When I lifted my head after that statement, Ned’s smile had grown slightly, and he gave me a nod of thanks. Catelyn however, looked as if she was trying to turn me to ash with a thought, once more proving why she was the only thing about Winterfell – if you excluded the Sept that had no business inside the walls of Winterfell – I wouldn’t miss.
For a moment it looked as though she was going to say something – undoubtedly a venomous remark – but instead, she turned her attention to Ned. It was then I saw they were holding hands and I assumed he’d squeezed her hand to ensure her silence. A silent moment passed between them before Catelyn sighed and returned her attention to me. “We are grateful he shall have some family with him while he fosters with Prince Doran.” She spoke slowly, as if unwilling to say those words and hide her distaste for me.
“It’s not fair!” Arya snapped out. I turned to see her stalking away from Beron, Robb, and Sansa toward me, Bran a half-step behind. Each step was accompanied by a stamp that sent mud flying around her feet and splattering all over Bran’s legs as he trailed behind. “How come Beron gets to go and I have to stay!” Bran’s nodding made clear he agreed.
Ned sighed and I couldn’t help but smile slightly at how resigned he sounded, and how I’d heard her complain a dozen times in the last two days alone. “Arya, we have been over this. Perhaps when you are older, we can see about you fostering, but not for now.”
One of my eyebrows rose and for a moment I wondered if Arya knew that Ned fostered at the Eyrie when he’d been eight, meaning Arya only had another year before she could use that against him, though given how unusual it was for girls to foster it was possible it wouldn't happen until later. However, it wasn’t my place to bring that up, at least not in front of him.
Nor was what he’d decided to do with the remains of Ymir and Quicksilver’s mother. The pelt was the only item Ned had made a call upon, with it being made into two cloaks, one for Ned and one for Robb. Ned was unsure about the rest of the items - the claws, teeth and skull - though a few ideas, such as encasing the skull in steel, were being mulled.
“Did you not foster at the Eyrie, father?” Robb asked as if reading my mind and I bit my tongue to avoid snickering.
Ned turned his gaze on his eldest, and I thought Robb might wilt under it. However, he didn’t, instead matching his father’s gaze with a smile. That was a change from how he’d been before we’d headed to the Wall. Events there had forced him to grow up quicker and I hoped that would continue once we were gone so he could escape Catelyn’s yoke sooner than in canon.
“I did,” Ned said slowly, “however any discussion on fostering is for another day.” That caught me off-guard as it sounded like Ned was open to sending his children to foster. There were no hints of that happening in the canon timeline, so that could have major implications for the future. “Today, we are saying goodbye, for now, to Beron. And Cregan.” I smiled at being included with Beron. Even if I wasn’t raised in Winterfell, it was always reassuring to hear Ned considered me family.
“Have all your chests been placed on the wagon?” Catelyn asked as Beron came closer with Sansa and Robb in tow.
“Yes, Mother,” Beron replied grumpily, which made me smile. It was oddly reassuring to see that, even though she was smothering her children, she loved them dearly. Thinking of a mother and child turned my thoughts to my mother, Aliandra and the younger sibling that was due within a few moons.
“I do hope I am not intruding,” that came from my father as he approached from behind me, “but I fear if we delay much longer we shall be unable to depart until tomorrow morning.” I saw an easy smile on his face, possibly from the family scene he saw, and I wondered how desperately he wished to return to Sunspear and his other daughters. He’d also be thinking about other people like my mother and Ellaria.
“Aye, that is true,” Ned agreed. He stepped forward and pulled Beron into a hug. “Be safe.” He added before saying something else, too quiet for me to hear. Catelyn joined him in hugging their son, and she was followed soon after by the rest of the family. A family that, based on her stomach, would soon expand once more with, unless I had my ages wrong, Rickon.
I frowned when Alysanne failed to come over. Looking around the yard, the frown deepened when I failed to spot her; only seeing Ty as she walked toward the carriage. She was carrying a small chest with her, which was odd, but it was likely just personal effects she wanted to take on the carriage instead of placing it in the wagon. Since Wylla wasn’t around, and Ser Wylis was now mounted on his horse, I assumed Wylla was already inside the carriage. While Ty travelling with Wylla might offend some people, Ty had done a wonderful job impressing the Manderlys on the way to Winterfell to such a degree that Lady Leona was comfortable with Wylla spending time with Ty.
“Where is Alysanne?” Arya asked, getting that out into the open.
“She said goodbye earlier,” Beron offered, which drew my attention back to him. “Something about not wanting to cause a scene as she’s not a Stark.”
I frowned at that, annoyed that Catelyn was treating Alysanne like that. She may have been a bastard, but Alysanne was no threat to Robb. Plus, in the time I’d been in Winterfell over the years, I’d not seen Catelyn direct anywhere near the dislike toward her that the woman held for me. Ned seemed put off by it too as he tensed, and took a step away, possibly to find his daughter. Catelyn stopped him by not letting go of his shoulder.
“While she is not my daughter, she still has the blood of House Stark. When next I see her, I will speak with her and determine why she may think that.” Catelyn’s words were a surprise but based on what I’d seen of her interaction with Alysanne, they made sense. Alysanne vanishing like this didn’t, however, there was little I could do about it. Ned seemed calmed by his wife’s words and leaned over to kiss her forehead.
Oberyn stepped between me and the Stark parents and extended his arm. Ned grasped it near the elbow and the pair shook arms.
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“Though I am sure Cregan has already assured you, I would like to also reiterate, that we will spare no effort in safeguarding your son under the banner of House Nymeros Martell.,” Oberyn stated as the men broke their arm clasp. “I will see his training is to the same standards I hold Cregan to, he will be treated with respect and shown the full hospitality of Dorne.” For a moment I wondered if that would include their more liberal attitude toward sex, but given the way the Umbers spoke, I didn’t think it was just Dorne that was more relaxed about sex.
“Thank you, Prince Oberyn.” Oberyn chuckled and clapped me on the shoulder, probably enjoying that I was still shorter than him.
“Please, you raised and protected Cregan for a year, and now on his second visit to your home he shall leave with a direwolf; an animal not seen in Dorne since before the Andals crossed into Westeros.” Oberyn looked at Ymir, who had decided he didn’t like the commotion around him and settled down for a short nap in my arms. “Hells, the faces of my brother and niece when they see him would be more than fair compensation for fostering your son in Sunspear.”
“Aye, I doubt there has been a direwolf seen by any outside the North since at least the Conquest,” Ned added with a laugh. Oberyn nodded at that and then kissed the back of Catelyn’s hand. Beside her, Sansa blushed up a storm when Oberyn promised to tell tales of her beauty to the princes. As he turned to say goodbye to the other Starks, I slipped away, making my way to my horse that I’d left a few metres away when I’d approached the Starks.
It was going to be an awkward little ride until we were clear of Wintertown with Ymir, but I wasn’t going to risk him running around the place until our party was clear of others. Though if he chose to keep snoozing, I’d pass him over to Ty and Wylla. Honestly, I think Ymir would prefer their pampering and petting instead of being stuck in my lap while I was on horseback, and frankly, I’d feel the same. Well, for Ty at least though it wouldn’t be called petting.
… …
----------------------------------------
… …
“Cregan,” I looked at Ty as she sat quietly in my lap, “how long until we reach White Harbour?”
I watched the fire crackle away as I sat near it enjoying the evening meal on the third day of our trek to White Harbour and trying to not react as Ty wriggled around on my lap, settling in and feeding me while doing her best to subtly tease me. “Another day, perhaps two if we get delayed,” I replied though the only way we’d be delayed would be a bandit attack. Though given our party was over seventy strong, that was highly unlikely to happen.
We’d made better time getting back to White Harbour, even with Ser Wylis accompanying us. Mainly as for most of today, he’d ridden in the carriage at the request of Wylla who wanted to spend some time with him. Ty had graciously agreed to ride on the wagon for the day, which meant I’d spent most of the trek near her, chatting away. That said, she seemed oddly insistent I didn’t get too close to the wagon, but that might just be because she was concerned that I’d try to drag her inside to relieve some tension.
“Ah.” She turned her head and looked in the general direction of the carriage and wagon. Just as she’d done on each of the last two nights. I’d thought on the first night she wanted me to take her there for a tumble, but she’d refused both nights, which was odd. However, I could understand why she’d not want to fuck out in the cold air of the North, even if I would admit that three days of teasing without release was slowly wearing away my restraint, which might just be her intent.
After giving me a chaste kiss the last two nights, she’d turned in early. I assumed she disliked sleeping in the carriage as she had done the same on the way to Winterfell, however, there was this feeling in the back of my mind that perhaps there was more going on than I knew. I trusted Ty though, so if there was a problem, I knew she’d bring whatever was the matter to me before it became a problem. Still, I felt I should ask to be sure.
“Something the matter?” After having dipped it into my stew, I took a bite out of my bread and waited for her answer.
Ty sighed. “No.” She didn’t sound confident, but I wasn’t going to push. “Well, yes, but it is not what you think?”
“So, you are not a horny little thing trying to drive me to distraction?” I whispered before nibbling her earlobe. A soft moan slipped from her lips, making me smirk as I licked a small amount of stew I’d accidentally left on her ear.
“I… not the problem,” she replied, her voice off as if she was unsure about something. My eyes darted down to her stomach, wondering if the moon tea had failed to work and she was with child. I wasn’t looking to be a father yet and was careful when and where I came, but accidents did still happen. And if I was to be a father, I’d do my level best to raise them safe and loved. “I…” She all but leapt from my lap and I almost spilt my stew over myself. “Come on,” she said, pulling me to my feet and sending the bowl of food to the ground.
There were murmurs of amusement, and some grumbling as well, as she dragged me to the carriage. Oberyn gave me a knowing smirk, though, on this occasion, I felt he was way off-base. I caught Wylla’s eyes as she sat with her father, and the young girl blushed, clearly thinking the same thing as Oberyn; though without the details to know what Ty and I might be about to do.
The carriage was just far enough from the fires that the light died off against its side. Once Ty had pulled me around the corner, taking us out of sight, she pushed me up against the carriage, rushed forward and all but leapt into my arms. Her lips slammed into mine, her desire seeping from every pore as my hands slid under her arse, kneading the flesh as I lifted her up. Yet, for all the passion I could feel from her, it was clear something was off, which was proven a moment later when she pulled back, an odd look just visible on her face in the faint light of the moon.
“You know I care for you?” She asked after she slid down and pulled back slightly.
That was an odd phrase to use, almost as if she was ending what we had. However, that didn’t feel like what she was trying to do. “Aye, and I care for you.”
The smile that brought out made it clear she wasn’t ending this, yet it faded a moment later and she frowned and bit her lip. “I… I need to show you something, but yo… you must promise not to get angry.”
Now it was my turn to frown. The fact she said show and not tell pushed away any lingering worries about her being with child, but it created new ones with hundreds of unknowns. “I promise to try,” I said slowly as there was no way I could promise to not get angry about something I didn’t know about; especially if she was worried I would.
She took my hand and led me away from the carriage, further into the light of the moon. There would be guards out here somewhere, but their focus would be on what would come toward the party, be it bandits or wild animals, and not someone in the party coming toward them.
Once we were about ten metres from the carriage, she turned and pulled to the side, toward the wagon. My frown deepened as we approached, particularly when I thought I heard something moving around inside the wagon.
“Hello,” Ty whispered after tapping a pattern on the side of the wagon. I opened my mouth to ask what the fuck was going on, only for something to move around inside the wagon.
“Thank the gods,” My mouth hung open as I recognised the voice, and it was confirmed as a head popped out of the wagon. “I was… CREGAN!”
My eyes threatened to explode as I looked at Alysanne who’d already slammed a hand over her mouth. That would’ve reached those around the fires. I almost shouted back at seeing her here, with only the shock on her face and a feeling of dread rapidly rising inside stopping me. Instead, I turned to Ty, gripped her arm, and pushed her against the wagon. “What the fuck?!” I hissed out, my voice barely above a whisper.
Ty whimpered under my grip and hissed, but she had this coming. Somehow, not only was Alysanne fucking Snow inside the wagon, but Ty knew about it! For some insane, incomprehensible reason, Ty had all but kidnapped the daughter of Eddard fucking Stark!
“What the fuck did you do?!” I spat out; my voice so harsh that if there’d been any noise nearby, I’d have struggled to hear it.
Ty winced again. “I, I can explain,” she whispered in a pained voice. “Please!”
I blinked as her tone reached my brain and relaxed the grip I had on her arm. The wagon was all that prevented her from falling to the ground. I released my grip entirely and stepped back. “Fuck!” I spat out as I shook my head.
“Cregan,” Ty began, only to stop when my head snapped back to her. I could feel my teeth grinding against each other as I struggled to contain the rage that was rushing through my veins.
“You…” I shook my head, trying to figure out what the fuck was going on here. “Her… When… What?!” I snapped out, anger clouding my thoughts and demanding answers. “What the fucking hells have you done?!” I snarled, stalking toward the blonde.
Ty winced as I approached and sunk in on herself. She was shaking so badly I didn’t think she could think clearly, but I didn’t fucking care! The dumb bitch had, the gods knew why, brought Alysanne Snow with her when we’d left Winterfell!!!
I didn’t care why Alysanne was here, or what fucking insanity made Ty help her, at least not enough to settle the rage burning inside me like a firestorm. No, all I cared about was that they’d fucked me over and now Ned Stark was going to call for my fucking head; ruining everything I’d been working on with him and the North!!
“Fuck!” the girls both pulled back as I snapped. I turned and walked away. “Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!” the words spilt from me as I struggled to keep any form of control over my scorching anger. These two had undone years of work getting Ned, the North, to trust me. All the years of slowly building up friendships and possible alliances had turned to ash over whatever fucking insanity had overtaken these two dumb cunts!
I heard something smash into wood, and a moment later grunted in annoyance as pain flared in my hand. I looked at it, not understanding how, but I’d come back to the wagon and slammed my hand so hard into it the wood had splintered as my fist embedded into it.
“Cregan,” Ty whispered as her fingers brushed against my fist. I yanked my hand back, not wanting to be touched by her! She whimpered, pulled her hand back and stumbled away. “Please, I… I can explain.”
My head snapped around and she fell to the ground. “How? How the fuck can you explain this?” I snarled as I stood over her, struggling to keep my voice down. The last thing I needed right now was Beron, Ser Wylis, Oberyn or any of their various guards discovering what was going on here. “You have kidnapped the daughter of Ned fucking Stark!” I snarled, my arm jerking out to point at the offending girl.
“H-he is not my father.”
Those four words spoken in barely above a whisper had my gaze snap around to Alysanne. I could feel the anger flooding through my veins settle slightly at what she’d said, and it receded further by the scared but determined way she held my glare. “A-at least, I d-do n-not think he is.”
“What?” I spat out, the rage surging inside clouding my thoughts enough that I couldn’t figure out why she’d think that. I blinked a second later as the thoughts started linking together. When had she… How… I blinked again and took a step away from the girls, wanting, needing to regain some sense of rational thought. As the anger receded enough that I could work out what had happened, or at least enough to see how this insanity had happened, I spat out a chuckle. “Of fucking course!” I growled out under my breath as I facepalmed. “Of course, it had be fucking now!
“Cregan?” The faint, fearful whisper of my name from my cousin pierced through my remaining anger enough that I was able to regain control of my senses. At least enough that I wasn’t scared of losing control and doing something unbelievably stupid.
I turned back to the wagon, taking in the pained, fearful expression both girls wore. “Why?” I asked as I moved back toward them, trying to keep my voice calm. “Why are you here?” I asked Alysanne before looking at Ty. “And why in the name of the fucking Gods did you help her with…whatever this shitshow is?” I asked, some of the still-bubbling anger seeping into my tone.
They looked at each other as if drawing strength collectively. As they did, I had a moment of panic. In my anger, I might’ve revealed I knew Alysanne wasn’t Ned’s daughter. Hopefully, with my hand over my face, the pair hadn’t heard it enough to make out my exact words or this could turn into an even bigger shitshow.
“I… I do not think fa-Lord Stark is my father.” Alysanne spoke slowly, her words barely reaching my ears. It was clear she was still confused and conflicted about what she’d learnt. Or thought she’d learnt.
I sighed and shook my head, trying to smother the rage with an ice-cold focus. First, I needed to hear her reasoning for this leap of logic. Then I’d work through what made her think sneaking away with us, and Ty helping her was anything but the most insanely fucking stupid idea in the world. “And what makes you think that?” My voice was as calm as it could make it and I spoke softly, trying to make clear that most of my anger wasn’t directed at her, but at the woman who’d betrayed my trust.
“I…” Alysanne gulped and looked away, making it clear just how confused, scared, and off-balance she was. Especially after three days in the wagon with, barring yesterday, only herself for company. Ty stepped toward her and placed a hand on hers. That, rather unexpectedly, seemed to reassure my cousin, and made me wonder just how close the pair had become in my time travelling to and from the Wall.
“I have wondered about my mother for years. I asked Fa… Lord Stark about it often, but he only says that I am of his blood, and he will tell me everything once I am older.” She didn’t sound happy about that, which given the revelation she’d had, made perfect sense. For my part, it was oddly reassuring that Ned had used the same approach with Alysanne as he’d used for Jon. It also meant that once I figured out how to fix this clusterfuck without losing my head, I had a way to fully gain Alysanne’s trust.
However, prodding her for her reasoning might lead her to that thinking wasn’t something to deal with now. At least not with me directly prodding her for more information. It was better she provided what she wanted now and work from there. Or so I hoped.
“I… I always thought he was hiding something from me. As I said in the crypts when I showed you the egg.” My brow rose at that, especially how little that revelation didn’t faze Ty. Alysanne must’ve told her about it, but now I was wondering where the egg was, which meant another variable to handle for this shitshow. Absolutely fucking wonderful.
I looked at Ty, wondering if she’d reveal anything, but my lover – or possibly former lover – refused to look me in the eyes. That made the sea of rage inside begin to boil again, threatening to break my icy focus. Alysanne was young, still a child, but Ty was a woman. She had to know how fucking dangerous and insane this plan was, yet she’d gone along with it because… I honestly couldn’t see why.
Alysanne turned and slid back into the wagon, leaving Ty to squirm under my glare. “When she is done, you will tell me what drove you to this insanity,” I snarled. She nodded weakly, though wisely chose not to speak.
A moment later, Alysanne returned and lifted a small chest into view. It was hard to make out details on it in the pale moonlight, but I suspected it was the same one I’d seen Ty carry into the carriage back in Winterfell just before we’d left. As it opened, the moonlight glistened off something inside. I sighed loudly and shook my head. “Well, at least I know you are not dumb enough to leave that behind,” I muttered with a chuckle that lacked all humour or warmth.
Alysanne smiled, seemingly finding it encouraging that I could joke at this moment in time. "When I found this and felt its warmth, I wondered if I was different.” Alysanne smiled shyly as her fingers traced the edges of the egg’s scales. “When you felt the warmth too, I knew I was.” I barely resisted the urge to scream. I’d known only a minute after doing so that revealing my magic to her had been a mistake, but that it had led to the pile of stinking, swirling shit I now found myself in just made things a million times worse. “You felt the heat, you can use magic. I think I can too, like your sisters as well.”
“None of them can control fire,” I shot back, making clear that the situations weren’t the same.
“I know, but you said that maybe I could control fire like you,” Alysanne glanced at Ty, and the woman smiled at her. “I thought that, maybe, I was your sister,” an odd smile flashed over her face there, “but that isn’t right. While you were at the Wall, I talked with Ty. I told her th… I have memories, and dreams, of red mountains. At least I think they’re red. Ty told me such places existed in Dorne.” Alysanne looked at the egg again, possibly drawing strength from it. “I… I think I was… born in Dorne.”
“I do not recall ever seeing a Stark in Dorne,” I said slowly, wanting to shut this line of reasoning down quickly. “At least outside Ned returning Dawn to Starfall or Uncle Benjen watching over me.” Now wasn’t the fucking time to have her learn who her parents were, not when we were near Oberyn. I doubted he’d do anything to Alysanne, but the girl was a reminder that Rhaegar had, as far Oberyn knew, dishonoured his sister, Elia. If… When Oberyn learnt Alysanne was here, she couldn’t bring up too much of this or he’d put together the pieces before we reached Sunspear. Hells, he’d probably work it out before we reached White Harbour tomorrow or the day after; a place where there’d likely be guards waiting to arrest us for kidnapping.
“Why was he there?” Ty asked, suddenly finding her voice. “What reason was there for Lord Stark to ride south from King’s Landing instead of North back to his wife and new son?”
“Ned doesn’t have another bastard,” I spat out, not liking where this was going. “And she’s clearly a Stark!” I added, hoping to dissuade this line of thought. “If he is not your father, who is?” I asked Alysanne bluntly, hoping against hope she wasn’t about to say what I feared she would. Having Ty believe this was bad enough, but if Alysanne felt the same way then… well, we’d go from jumping the rails to tumbling down the mountain of whatever remained of the canon timeline. “The only other Stark is Benjen. So, are you telling me he somehow, at my age, snuck out of Winterfell, got past Gods-knows what was between here and Dorne, met a girl and had a daughter?! That’s just insane!”
I turned and paced away, needing to rein in my anger as it threatened to overwhelm me once more. Gods, there was no way this didn’t mean Alysanne didn’t suspect the truth and that… “Aargh!” I grunted out as I punched the carriage feeling a sharp pain as my knuckle spilt on the heavy wood.
“There is one more Stark.” My head snapped around as Ty started speaking. I dreaded the conversation going there now, but I also knew, however much I hated it, I couldn’t stop them from thinking this since they’d been talking about this for over a moon, almost two. “Though this one would not be her father,” Ty glanced at Alysanne as she stopped.
My attention shifted to my cousin, praying to the Gods, and whatever powers had brought me here, that she didn’t say what I feared she was about to.
“No!” I snapped out, cutting Alysanne off before she could say what I feared. “We are not doing this! Not here, not now!” I grunted and shook my head, trying desperately to regain some control over this narrative. “What I care about is fixing this fucking shitstorm so it will not cause a fucking war between Dorne and the Crown!” I paced around, trying to bleed my anger into the ground. “When Ned hears of this, he could call the banners, and gods help us, Robert will join him! The fucking king will bring the might of the demon-cursed crown down on Dorne and I for one will not be remembered as the fucking fool that let that happen!” My voice was barely above normal as I fought to not shout to the heavens to make my point, yet the growl within it made the two girls close ranks.
“I am not going back!” My head snapped to Alysanne, not believing what she was saying even as I laid out how the future would go if she didn’t fucking wake up. My cousin almost leapt back into the wagon as my fury landed on her for the first time. “I… uh, I mean, um, n-not yet,” she mumbled out, wilting in the face of my rage. “I-I ne-need to… I want… I can’t go back!” the last words came out with more anger than I’d ever heard from her. I blinked, caught off-guard by seeing the wolf rise in her, and even though it was entirely out of place, I laughed at hearing her develop a backbone.
“Who ca..eep!” The new voice had me pivoting, Red Rain flying from its sheath to greet the invader. It was only thanks to years of training that I was able to still my blade as I caught sight of garish green hair.
Wylla Manderly’s eyes threatened to explode as the edge of my blade rested against her throat. My eyes were locked on how close I’d come to striking down an innocent while enraged and starting a fucking blood feud with the Manderlys. An inch closer, a few milliseconds slower, and Wylla Manderly would be dead at my feet.
I pulled back my blade. “Did no one ever tell you not to sneak up on people?” I asked as casually as I could, trying to play off how close I’d come to killing her.
Wylla stayed still for a few moments before she blinked, and her hand shot to her throat. I couldn’t be sure, but I’d guess her face had gone white as she processed how close she’d come to dying. For a second, I considered stepping closer, offering to help, but after what I’d almost done, I decided not to. The last thing I needed was for her to scream before I could figure out what the fuck to do with Alysanne being here. And now Wylla too.
This night was somehow managing to get worse the longer it went on. At this rate, I almost expected the Others to appear and attack, with how bad my luck currently was.
“Wylla, are you ok?”
Wylla’s eyes snapped to Alysanne after my cousin’s question. I saw the light reflect in the Manderly girl’s eyes as she processed what she was seeing. “Alyssf.” My hand clasped over her mouth before she could shout out in surprise. Wylla panicked and tried to slip away only for my other arm to grip her tightly. I twisted her around, pulled her back against my chest trapped her arms and replaced my hand on her mouth before she understood what was going on. I’d get in trouble for this, but I didn’t want her screaming about what was going on here, not before I came up with some way to save my neck.
“I… I can explain,” Alysanne blurted out as she and Ty looked at the frantically struggling Wylla in my arms. Holding her like this would get me in trouble, but it was better than having Ser Wylis, Oberyn and the others rushing over and discovering Alysanne before I had any sort of plan for fixing this clusterfuck.
“Wylla, listen,” I said slowly, not wanting to panic the girl any further. “I only came here a few minutes before you and I still do not know what is going on. But unless you want your father coming over here and risking a war between the North and Dorne, I need you to stay quiet until I work out what the fuck we can do to fix this mess.”
I could feel the heat in her cheeks as I held her tight, and I worried she was going to keep struggling. Thankfully, she stopped and then slowly nodded. Or at least nodded as well as she could with me holding a hand tightly over her mouth.
I looked at Ty and Alysanne, making sure they were ready, before sliding my hand from Wylla’s mouth. When she didn’t instantly scream, I stepped back, releasing her from my grip, though I shifted so that, to get back to the main campfires, she’d have to rush past me. Trust wasn’t something I had a lot of this night.
Wylla lifted a hand to her face, and I assumed rubbed her cheeks. “S-so why are you here?” She asked slowly, confusion clear in her voice.
Alysanne began to explain her story to the other girl, though I was pleased she had enough wherewithal to not mention the dragon egg. The chest was gone, likely pushed back into the wagon by Alysanne when I’d struggled with Wylla. With Wylla absorbed by the story Alysanne was telling her, I had time to start thinking.
I wasn’t mad at Alysanne, at least not for anything but her having the crazy idea that sneaking out of Winterfell was a smart decision. The confusion and doubt she’d be feeling, and the need to get away from somewhere that, now, might feel like a giant lie made sense, as did moving to come with me and Ty. She was still in deep shit for this, but that was a matter for Ned.
As for Ty… Mad didn’t even come close to how I felt. Not only had she gone along with this insane plan, and helped make it work, but she’d fucking hidden it from me. And her father. I shook my head to push back another rising tide of rage.
After tonight, I didn’t know if I could ever trust her again. No matter her motives and reasons, this was a massive clusterfuck that I wasn’t sure I could ever forgive. However, as enraged as she’d made me, the bigger issue was how the fuck I was going to handle this.
I needed to take this to Oberyn at the very least. Ser Wylis as well. Better to let them sort it out and, likely, have a group escort Alysanne back to Winterfell. Of course, if they discovered the egg, or heard her story, then questions that were better kept buried would bubble to the surface, placing Ned in a very precarious position with the King.
There was also the fact, no matter how this played out, I was likely to lose a friendship. With Ned and the other Starks, that would be a huge problem for when the Wildlings and Others came, and with Alysanne it might cost me the chance to help her hatch that egg if I ever felt I could replicate what Daenerys had done. And there was always the chance this moment, and breaking Alysanne’s trust, might be what cost her the coin flip every Targaryen was said to experience when they were born.
Ned, I knew, would be beside himself. Three days without being able to find his niece, the only link he had to Lyanna, would feel like hell. He’d be trying to remain calm as nothing came back about where she was, even as he panicked that Robert or others might’ve learnt the truth. Ravens would’ve been sent to every nearby keep, and as I thought about it, I wondered why riders from Winterfell hadn’t arrived to check our party. Though perhaps he was waiting for a reply from Lord Wyman who’d be waiting for us in White Harbour.
For a moment I also considered how fucked I’d be if Alysanne did come south. Taking the last daughter of Rhaegar Targaryen, even if she wasn’t a Martell, to Dorne was akin to dancing in a snake pit. I knew Doran was planning something with the remaining Targaryens in Essos, so handing him another to use, to even possibly marry her to Quentyn and place them on the Iron Throne, would unleash chaos that even Baelish might struggle to exploit.
I sighed, shook my head, and looked down at the ground. No matter how this played out, the timeline was utterly fucked. Provided I made it out of this shitshow, I’d have to stop relying on future knowledge and begin working out how I wanted to enter the Great Game because, after this, there was no way I could avoid it.
… …
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… ….
“After that, I felt everyone should get some rest, with Alysanne joining Tyene and Lady Wylla in the carriage,” I finished slowly, looking at Oberyn and Ser Wylis as I explained the events of last night. Behind me, both Ty and Alysanne were standing while Ser Jory Cassel was behind my father. Beron was aware that his sister was with us now, as he’d been with Ser Jory when I’d gathered the men for this reveal. However, after things had calmed down at the discovery of Ned Stark’s bastard daughter, it’d been decided he was kept away from this inquest into how this had happened and currently he was off with Wylla looking after Ymir.
“My first question is, why did you wait until to bring this to us?” Oberyn asked, which drew a nod of agreement from Ser Wylis.
“Yes, a matter such as this should be handled immediately.”
“Normally I would agree, but last night when I learnt of this… I was rather upset about the actions these two had taken. I needed time to cool off, and with both of you having enjoyed some wine during dinner, I was… concerned any actions made in the heat of the night might be the wrong ones to take.” I looked at Ser Wylis as I continued. “Actions such as grabbing your daughter.” Still, I wasn’t going to hide that I’d grabbed her, but there was no way I was mentioning drawing my blade on her to her father. That would result in, at the very least, a demand for a duel from Ser Wylis. Which was how I’d managed to convince Wylla to keep quiet on that minor detail as well.
“Yes, an unfortunate act, but one I can, with my daughter’s insistence, forgive,” Ser Wylis replied slowly, his eyes narrowing as he spoke. “However, lay your hands on my daughter again and we will resolve the matter with more than words.”
“Yes, My lord.” I lowered my head, accepting the warning. Thanks to The Wolfs-blood and Blood of the Dragon’s Flames I’d developed a hair trigger on my anger. I was able to control it most of the time, but last night I’d come very close to losing all control. Hells, I was shocked I’d managed to contain the inferno inside. While Ty and Alysanne knew about my magic, losing control of it would’ve alerted everyone that something was going on.
“Hmm, I can see why you waited until this morn, when we were refreshed and clear-headed to reveal her presence to us,” Oberyn began, getting the meeting back on track. “However, the fact you two waited until we were so close to White Harbour to reveal this to Cregan is a matter I cannot ignore.” He leaned forward, his eyes showing his anger while he maintained an outer calm. “You ladies do understand the situation you have placed us, me, in?” His tone was almost emotionless, yet the rage burning in his gaze showed the difference between him and me.
His anger, his fire, burnt as hot as mine, but it was more controlled. More focused. Oh, it still came out at times, but Oberyn had learnt over the years to contain and control it, only allowing it to be released when he allowed it. That was something I was still a fair bit away from managing.
“Yes, Father.” Alysanne didn’t respond verbally, but given Oberyn leaned back, I had to assume she’d at least nodded her understanding.
“Then what in the name of the Gods, old and new, made you think that sneaking away from Winterfell was the right idea? What possible reason could be so important, so ground-breaking, that you felt a need to hide it from your families?” Some of Oberyn’s anger with them slid into his voice and the ground behind me rustled as at least one of them flinched under his fury. Yet, no reply came from either and Oberyn turned his head away and muttered something I couldn’t quite catch.
“While you are a bastard, you are the daughter of Lord Eddard Sta…”
“He is not my father!” Alysanne’s outburst cut off Wylis and brought an unexpected silence to proceedings. From how the three adults reacted, none had even suspected Alysanne’s parentage was in doubt.
“Lord Stark brought you back with him after the war,” Ser Jory said slowly, taking advantage of the stunned silence from the senior nobles. “He told all that you were his daughter, and it is clear to see you are. All can see Stark blood runs through your veins.”
“No, he is not!” Alysanne shot back, an odd amount of fire and conviction in her voice. “He cannot be!”
Silence once again fell on proceedings, and I stayed still. When faced with an inquest, I’d learnt the best option was to only speak when asked, lest a larger share of the blame than deserved often fell upon me. Eventually, Oberyn chuckled, though it wasn’t a joyous thing.
“If that is true, and it appears you believe it to be so, then it would, at least, explain why you wished to leave Winterfell,” he said slowly, offering a slight smile to Alysanne, though if fell as his eyes flicked to me. “Were you aware of this?”
“Yes, Father,” I answered with a nod, “however, her doubts about her parentage were not something I felt was my right to reveal to others.” Oberyn frowned, a hand coming up to stroke his chin.
“How can you say Lord Eddard is not your father, girl? What proof do you have for this statement?” Ser Wylis asked, confusion and concern marring his face. There was no way he knew the truth, but it seemed having to even consider questioning Ned’s word was something that made him uncomfortable. That showed the loyalty the Manderlys had for the Starks.
“I…”
“With respect Ser Wylis, perhaps this topic should not be broached in such a public place,” I cut in, saving Alysanne from having to either reveal the truth regarding her egg or concoct a story that might be semi-believable. “If her suspicions reached the wrong ears, it would be dangerous for Lord Eddard.” I was playing on the loyalty Ser Wylis held for Ned, yes, but I had to. If even a sniff of the reason got to certain people, Alysanne’s life would be forfeit, as might Ned’s. That would risk a war between the North and the Crown.
“I am as curious about this tale as you, Ser Wylis, but Cregan is correct. Mayhaps we can return to this reason once we have reached the safety of White Harbour?”
Ser Wylis considered my father’s words for a moment before nodding. “Yes, that would be best. My father will wish to hear this tale, and it will be easier for all the less it was repeated.” He didn’t believe her, which made perfect sense based on what he knew and believed, but I wondered how well that might hold up once Ned was brought into the mix. Could my uncle deny the truth when confronted with it by his niece?
“Tyene, what in the names of every God I can think of made you think that, after you heard Alysanne’s tale, made you think that the best choice was to sneak her out of Winterfell? Why, may your mother forgive me, in the Seven Hells, did you not bring this to Cregan or me while we were under the protection of House Stark?”
I heard Ty shuffle around behind me, but, for the first time since her father had married my mother, I found myself unwilling to even remotely care. She’d caused this fucking shitstorm by demonstrating a complete and utter lack of common fucking sense, so any punishment Oberyn gave her, any fury he aimed at her, was well deserved. Though I hoped she’d regained just a smidgen of rational thought because, Gods help me, if she revealed to Oberyn, Wylis and Jory that I had magic and that Alysanne might as well, as a reason for going through with this insane plan, then I’d kill her. That said, the truth that Alysanne was the daughter of Rhaegar and Lyanna would possibly, be considered even more outlandish to those determining the fate of this fucking disaster.
As Ty stayed silent for whatever reason, I could feel my rage at her actions, at how much shit she’d dropped me in, flare up like dragonfire I closed my eyes and clenched my fists. I fought to contain a desire to punish Ty, to teach her why she should think things through and bring them to me before carrying out plans that would threaten me.
“I-I can pay to stay in Dorne,” Alysanne got out, and I turned to look at her. She couldn’t be considering selling the dragon egg, could she? Yet, from what she’d know about dragons, it would make sense. Yes, she felt some connection to it, but beyond that, it was just something pretty that others would pay well for.
Oberyn laughed, and as I turned back to face him, I thought he was making fun of Alysanne, which added fuel to my anger. “Well at least you are not stupid enough to run away without some coin,” he said, making clear he wasn’t making fun of her offer, just oddly finding it amusing while this inquisition was going on. “Still, you did run away, something my daughter helped you do.” He paused and looked down at my hands. He then stood and came forward until he was right in front of me. He leaned close and whispered. “Unless you want the others to know, I suggest you control your… fire.” I frowned in confusion as he pulled back. As he glanced down at my hands, I did the same and my mind stalled in shock as ice raced down my spine.
While my fists were still clenched, the faintest wisps of smoke were rising from them. I put my hands behind my back and shook them even as I felt the fury inside recede. “I, uh, ah…”
Oberyn winked, a smirk dancing on his face. “We will talk later.” He said so quietly I had to lip-read to get the message. Once I had, the smirk fell from his face, and he stepped back. “Tyene, Alysanne, you are to stay in the carriage until we have decided how we are to handle this mess you have caused. Probably longer as currently, I wish to see neither of your faces. Tyene, if you are lucky, Lord Stark will not demand you join the Silent Sisters, but if he does, I am unsure if I will complain.”
I turned to face the girls, seeing they were holding hands for reassurance. Ty looked at me, her eyes begging for help, but I wasn’t going to give her any. Yes, she was a fucking terror between the sheets, but that wasn’t enough to save her from the punishment coming her way.
“I believe heading to White Harbour is the best course of action,” Ser Wylis remarked, drawing my attention from the girls. “No doubt Lord Eddard has sent a raven to my father, among others, regarding his daughter’s disappearance. Once there we can speak with him, and both Ser Jory and I will ensure no blame is attached to you or Cregan, Prince Oberyn.”
“We thank you for that, Ser Wylis. And yes, heading to your father is the best course for now. However, I think sending riders to Lord Eddard would also be wise. While a raven may be quicker, there is a limit to what their messages can carry.” Oberyn turned and looked at the girls. “And I believe a letter from Alysanne explaining her reasoning should be handled with care. While I doubt the veracity of your story girl, if it is true, then Cregan is right in saying it must be handled with the utmost care.”
I could see the wheels in Oberyn’s head turning and I wondered if he’s already done the numbers to determine who might be Alysanne’s father if it wasn’t Ned. That was a major problem, however, compared to the possible accusation of kidnapping, it was the lesser issue at this moment in time.
“I shall have riders made ready,” Ser Jory stated, speaking for the first time since this inquisition had begun. “Ones I trust implicitly.”
“I will add some Manderly riders to that group.”
“Keep the group small, no more than six. Any more would draw additional attention and possibly delay their return. And make clear to them that they must reach Winterfell with all haste.” Oberyn added. Ser Jory nodded and moved off to start that process and Oberyn turned back to the girls.
“Tyene, you will carry Alysanne’s belongings, however modest or heavy they may be, by yourself to the carriage. The pair of you will then remain there with Lady Wylla. You will not speak with her about your reasons for leaving Winterfell, nor why you helped her,” he pointed at each girl as he gave them individual instructions. “While she will soon learn of why this insanity happened, the less she knows now, the safer we will all be until we are under the protection of Lord Wyman.” The pair nodded. “That goes for Beron and anyone else who learns Alysanne is here.” Again, they nodded, at which point he turned to me. “Cregan, I trust you can escort them and ensure they follow my orders?”
“Yes, my prince.” I made sure to use his title and clasped a hand over my heart, making it clear I understood this was directed at me as his squire and not his stepson. After a final nod, he moved over to Wylis, who’d managed to stand in the time Oberyn had been giving out instructions.
I turned to the girls and raised an eyebrow. I didn’t want to be near either of them currently, but I’d complete the task assigned to me.
“Cregan,” Ty began as she took a step toward me, “I…”
“Save it!” I snapped, making both scamper back. Seeing that, I sighed and ran a hand down my face. “Look, I am as angry as I have ever been at both of you, and that is going to be the case for a while. However, I… understand why you did this Alysanne, and even why you felt helping her was the right thing to do, Ty. But, by the Gods, what made you think in the time you had to plan this that not bringing it to me or our father was the fucking right choice?!” Before either could say anything, I growled and waved my arm. “Argh! Forget it. I do not wish to hear it now. Just… get going.”
The pair nodded and turned to head to the wagon, though not before Ty offered me a small, uncertain smile. I fell into step about three metres behind. Close enough that I could hear what they’d say, but far enough back to make clear I had little interest in joining any conversation they might have.
As we walked, I laid out what I’d want to say, either by raven or letter, to Ned about this clusterfuck. While that was easy enough to prep for, coming to terms with the fact that Oberyn not only knew about my magic but was accepting of it would take longer. I didn’t know when he’d worked it out, or who else knew. Because of that, I’d have to rewrite even more of my plans for how I wanted to approach the next few years.
As if this trip couldn’t jump the rails any further.
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“I must say that when you arrived back in White Harbour ten days ago, I would not have expected your visit to last this long. Nor for it to bring with it such an unusual chain of events,” Lord Wyman Manderly began as he sat in his chair within the Merman’s Court – the main hall of the New Castle – looking down at myself and Oberyn. Ty and Alysanne were standing further back with Wylla, letting us handle the aftermath of their actions, which might be why I’d barely talked to either of them in our time in White Harbour. “When Lord Eddard’s raven arrived, I had expected to face a battle to determine what you had done with his bastard daughter. Instead, I find my son riding ahead to explain some of what had happened.” He paused and glanced at his son who was standing a few steps below and in front of him and shook his head. “This… story the girl has concocted sounds improbable, however, she believes it.” He held up a note for us to see. “And it appears that Lord Eddard is willing to indulge her madness.”
I released a breath I’d found myself holding. After ten days in White Harbour as ‘guests’ of Lord Wyman while this issue was settled, I was beginning to wonder if we’d ever be allowed to leave. Or when Ned was going to ride into the city with men at his back.
“In his wisdom, Lord Eddard of House Stark has granted permission for his daughter, Alysanne Snow, to travel and foster in Sunspear along with her brother Beron until he is ten and five.” My brow threatened to shoot off my forehead. I’d expected him to demand she is returned to Winterfell and Ty at least to stand trial for her actions. Instead, he wasn’t just letting Alysanne and Ty off the hook, but letting his daughter go to Sunspear for almost four years! That was… a Gods damned disaster as I felt Oberyn already suspected – and Ty believed – the truth about Alysanne’s parentage. What the fuck was Ned thinking with this move? And what had been said via raven between him and Alysanne that had made him allow her passage south with us? “However, he is insistent that she does not travel without companions. Given the growing friendship between them, I propose that my granddaughter, Wylla, be allowed to foster beside Beron and Alysanne. Now, I have yet to propose this to Lord Eddard yet, but I wish to hear your thoughts on the proposal, Prince Oberyn.”
“I must admit this was not the outcome I expected,” Oberyn began, mirroring my thoughts on the matter. “However, I am grateful for Lord Eddard’s, and your own, acceptance of the situation. Dorne would be more than willing to foster your daughter alongside Lord Eddard’s children. And of course, I will speak with my brother about reciprocation with Dornish children fostering in the North. Not only will this further improve relations between our kingdoms and houses, but with time, help us all to grow more prosperous; free of the interests of other houses in the Seven Kingdoms.”
Wyman smiled. “Yes, Dornish children fostering in the North would help further the bonds between our houses and kingdoms. I am quite sure Lord Eddard will approve of this as well.” He paused and looked beyond us. “There is also a message for Alysanne Snow. However, I admit I remain unsure of what Lord Eddard is referring to.” I turned and looked at my cousin. She took a step forward, sliding her hand from Ty’s to hear the message. “He says, no matter what, you are a Stark in blood. Might I ask what this means?”
“I… it is a personal matter, Lord Wyman,” Alysanne replied, increasing the size of Wyman’s smile. I had to assume he was pleased, like I was, that she wasn’t bringing up the meaning in public as I was aware he knew the reason for Alysanne’s reasons for running. Like his son, he failed to believe them, but he had heard them from her in the privacy of his solar. Outside of him and Ser Wylis, only Maester Corbus had heard of why Alysanne was here. Though I knew rumours were spreading the longer we dallied in the city.
However, now that she was going to Dorne, it was only a matter of time before Oberyn confirmed the truth of her parentage, and possibly even the fact she wasn’t a bastard. My mother knew that, and while I was reasonably sure she’d never mentioned it to anyone, certainly not Oberyn, Oberyn would push for details when the inevitable happened and my mother reacted to Alysanne’s presence. Unless a letter could somehow outrace the Windchaser – there was no raven to carry a message from White Harbour to Sunspear – then she’d have no chance to prepare for what was about to drop into her lap. Hells, even if she was prepared, I could tell Oberyn was curious about Alysanne’s history, and I doubted it would take him long to extract it from my mother.
All in all, that meant things were going to be very interesting in Sunspear with Alysanne’s heritage being something of an open secret among the Martells and the Sand Snakes. Now, I didn’t fear for Alysanne’s safety, as neither Doran nor Oberyn had shown an inclination to use or threaten a child, but it was still something I’d have to keep an eye on over the next few years.
Once we were underway, I had to talk with Oberyn about this, and about his apparent knowledge of my magic. I needed to see exactly where I stood before I returned to the viper’s nest.
“Hmm, very well. Wylla, speak with your father and make arrangements for what possessions you wish to take with you.” While I knew Wylla wanted to go, as I’d often seen her asking Ty questions about Dorne, this was another ripple I had to account for. Though I didn’t think Beron would mind. While he was too young to look at girls that way, he and Wylla got along so well that if they weren’t one day betrothed it would be a travesty. “Very well. It will take a few days to secure additional escorts and guards for your voyage. Until then, I hope you will all continue to enjoy the hospitality of White Harbour.”
Oberyn stepped forward, wanting to speak with Lord Wyman privately about something. I had nothing to do, so I turned and in doing so, caught Ty’s eyes. As had the case ever since that night on the road, I looked away quickly, not wanting my rage to resurface. I didn’t deny I still cared deeply for her, but what she’d done was something I was far from ready to forgive. Thankfully, she seemed to understand this, and beyond a pained smile from a distance, she’d made little effort to interact with me. Still, it was another situation that was going to make the return to Sunspear an interesting journey. Particularly if every one of importance was cowed aboard the Windchaser.
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