Of Wolves and Northern Dragons

Chapter 12

Robb Stark

He had just finished putting Bran and RIckon to bed, Now he headed to the crypts, Greywind walking at his side. He reached the stairs and walked down. On the way he picked up one of the torches, and walked to his father's tomb. He reached out and touched the statue.

"Father why?" He asked the statue as if it would give him an answer. "Were you ever going to tell us the truth about Jon?" Robb reached up and wiped a tear from his eyes. "Our family father, it's been torn apart. You should have never gone south. We should have stayed here where we'd be safe." He yelled at the statue. He was mad at his own failings, but he was also mad at his father. If he had just said no to that fat oaf Robert, then their family would still be together in Winterfell.

"Lord Stark." He heard the voice of maester Luwin behind him. "We've received a raven from King's Landing. It bears the Stark seal." The old man said, holding the letter up. Robb reached out and took it from him, before they both turned to leave the crypts. He stopped briefly at his aunt's statue, reaching out to touch it.

"You'd be proud of him." He said to the statue before following Luwin from the crypts. He walked to his solar looking around at the room that his father used to use. He looked at the letter, wondering what it might say. He finally broke the seal on it, and began to read.

Robb my sweet son,

I am writing this to tell you I am well. Your sister Sansa and I are to leave for Casterly Rock tomorrow morning. Sansa will marry Jaime Lannister to ensure your cooperation. Me and Sansa will be safe for now. I pray that this letter finds you safe back at Winterfell. Tell Jon he has my thanks for saving you from the Boltons and Freys.

Robb you must be strong now. Do not answer any summons from the south, they wish to have your head. Live my son, and continue to make the north stronger. I worry that your sister has fallen under the Lannisters spell. I will continue to talk to her, and remind her what these people have done to our family. You are the Last Stark son. I know your heart must still be breaking because of Talisa. She was a sweet girl, but you must marry again. There must always be a Stark in Winterfell.

I still have had no news of your sister Arya. I fear the worst for her, but I will continue to pray for her safety.

I pray that someday we may be reunited, but until then you must do your duty. Build the north back up Robb. Make it strong again. Think before you act. Do not forget us, but do not come for us. We are safe and well.

I love you my son,

Catelyn Stark Lady of Winterfell

Robb felt the tears fall from his eyes. He had failed his family again. He rose from his seat and walked down to the cells. Greywind rose from his spot on the floor to follow him. As he made his way to the cell he was looking for, he found Theon laying on the floor.

"How could you?" Robb asked, his anger boiling up as he looked at Theon. He watched though, as Theon didn't move or say anything back. "Dammit Theon answer me, how could you do this to us?" He yelled, finally causing Theon to stir. Theon managed to sit himself up against the wall of the cell.

"Tell me Robb, do you have any idea how it feels to live as a prisoner in your enemies home?" Theon asked.

"You were never treated as a prisoner here. My father raised you like another son." He yelled back.

"Oh yes the honorable Lord Stark took such good care of me. Constantly reminded of how good I have it as a prisoner in the home of my enemy. Yet when I go home I am treated like an outcast by my actual father." Robb looked at the floor as Theon slowly rose to his feet. "When I brought your offer to my father, he laughed in my face. Said I had gone soft, that I'd forgotten what it means to pay the iron price." Theon said as he walked to the bars.

"Our father was here in Winterfell. He was killed by Joffrey in King's Landing. We marched to war to save our father Theon." Robb said angrily. Now it was Theon's turn to look down at the ground. "You never had to choose Theon, you were a Stark and a Greyjoy." Robb said before turning away from the cell.

"What will happen to me?" He heard Theon ask. He couldn't bring himself to look at his former friend.

"We have not decided yet, even though most of the lords still want your head." Robb answered back, before walking out of the dungeon.

Margaery Tyrell

Standing on the deck of the ship, Margaery looked out at the sea. She had read the letter from her grandmother. She thought about the letter she was to give to Daenerys Targaryen. That was if she could get to the woman. She looked around for her brother, finding him unsurprisingly bent over the railing of the ship. She walked towards Loras as he again heaved into the sea below. She gently began to rub his back. They had been at sea for two days, and Loras was quickly shown to be less than stellar on a ship.

"How much longer?" Loras almost whimpered out.

"The captain says we should be there tomorrow if the winds hold strong." She answered, smiling down at him.

"Not soon enough." He replied before leaning over again and letting loose another stream of vomit.

"I take it you won't be joining me for dinner this evening?" Margaery asked with a smirk. She had to fight not to laugh when Loras only groaned in response. "I'll leave you too it then brother." She said before turning and walking to the steps leading below deck. She was still confused about why her grandmother was sending her to Essos. Her letter had given her some insight, but there were still questions that needed to be answered. Did her grandmother plan on supporting Daenerys's claim to the throne? Why send her then? Surely her grandmother would want to join their house to the crown, in which case one of her brothers would be better. She finally made it to her room and found the unmarked letter. It wasn't sealed, and she was incredibly tempted to read it. Ultimately she decided to keep her grandmother's confidence, and tucked the note away in her chest.

She made her way to the galley of the ship. The food left much to be desired, but she sat and ate all the same. Once she had eaten she went back to her room. After preparing herself for sleep, she laid down and thought to herself about what she would see in Essos. She knew that they would be staying for a week with a man named Illyrio. Apparently he was a business associate of their grandmother. Soon she was drifting off to sleep, hoping they would indeed make landfall tomorrow.

"Marge wake up." She awoke to the sound of Loras voice. Opening her eyes she saw her brother standing over her. She noticed that he looked much better than she had last seen him. "We're about to dock, there's a group waiting for us to land." He said before walking from the room allowing her to get dressed. She washed her face, and then picked out a dress. Slipping it on, then doing her hair up in a simple braid. She sorely missed her ladies at the moment, so she focused on making herself presentable. Arriving on deck she saw the group that Loras had spoken of. A covered cart, with several guards in matching armor. In front of it stood a man who was very well dressed.

"It seems we will at least be able to ride in comfort." She said, looking to her brother. She finally noticed that he was wearing his armor, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. She smiled at him, and was thankful her grandmother had sent Loras to protect her. She would be well at ease with her brother around her.

"Indeed, although I do hope they brought a horse for me." He said beside her. The gangplank began to lower, allowing them to leave the ship. Once they came to stand in front of the now noticeably large man, Loras bowed his head and she curtsied to him. "Illyrio Mopatis?" Loras asked the man, who nodded in response. "A pleasure to meet you my lord, I am Loras Tyrell and this is my sister Margaery." Loras introduced them. Illyrio bowed lowly to them, surprising Margaery with how limber he seemed.

"My lord and lady Tyrell, it is a pleasure to meet you." He said, taking her offered hand and kissing it. "I do hope you will enjoy your stay, and I look forward to our business in the future." He stepped to the side allowing her to enter the cart. Coming closer she realized it was a proper carriage, the top and upper walls being removed. The posts remained, and held a large canvas which shaded the seating area. He then called for a horse for Loras, which her brother gracefully mounted.

"So Lord Illyrio, have you known my grandmother long?" She asked the man. she was glad the carriage was open, or else she thought the scent of all the perfume he wore may choke her.

"Actually no my lady." He said smiling out at the city, which she had to admit was very pretty to look at. "I was put in contact with her by a mutual friend, and offered to host her here." He explained as he turned to smile at her. "Unfortunately she was unable to come, but sent you and your brother instead." He turned his head back to the city, in time for her to see a large mansion appearing up ahead. "Ah home sweet home." The man said, causing Margaery to look up. They rode through the gate before Illyrio stepped out of the carriage. He then helped her down, as Loras dismounted his horse. "I've had baths drawn for both of you, andI hope you'll join me for dinner tonight after you've freshened up," He said before bowing and walking into the manse.

"If you'd follow me to your rooms." A petite girl said, motioning for them to follow her. She and Loras followed the girl for a moment until they reached two large doors. "My lord you will be here." She said bowing to Loras. "And my lady you will be here." She said with another bow.

"Thank you." Margaery said with a smile, before she walked into her room. She breathed a sigh of relief at the sight of the large tub filled with water. Dipping her hand in, she was happy to find the water hot. Quickly she removed her dress before sinking down into the water. Humming as she felt herself relax. After taking her time washing herself, she finally rose from the tub and got dressed. No sooner had she finished, and sat down to comb her hair did she hear a knock at the door. Rising to open it, she was greeted by the same girl who had escorted her to the room initially.

"My lady magister Illyrio has decided that I will serve as your hand maiden during your time here." The girl said with a small bow.

"Oh that is most kind of him." Margaery said, opening the door to allow the girl in. "And what is your name?" She turned and asked the girl, before sitting back down in front of the mirror. The girl quickly picked up the brush, and began to run it through her hair.

"My name is Ellysia." The girl said. Margaery smiled at her through the mirror, and began to look the girl over. She had tanned skin, small brown eyes, and long black hair, worn in a simple braid. She couldn't have been older than twelve, making Margaery wonder how long she had been in Illyrio's employ.

"How long have you worked for the Maegister?" Margaery asked, earning a confused look from Ellysia. "How long have you been here?" She tried again, seeing the girl nod.

"Magister Illyrio purchased me almost 5 monthes ago." Ellysia stated matter of factly. This caused Margaery to frown. Purchased, that meant this girl was a slave. She was forced to wonder how many more of the people here were slaves as well. "We should be going to dinner soon my lady." Ellysia said

"Very well then." Margaery said standing up, and following Ellysia from the room. Margaery found the girl to be quite smart, as they talked on their way to the Magister's hall. "I would love to see your home Ellysia." She said, causing the girl to look down.

"My village is gone my lady." Ellysia responded as she opened the door. Inside Margaery saw Magister Illyrio sitting, clearly already having had several drinks. Beside him Loras looked bored as he sipped his own glass.

"Ah lady Margaery so nice of you to join us." Illyrio said, rising from his seat. "Come, come the food is delicious." He motioned for her to sit next to Loras. Once she had sat, she noticed another man at the table. She noted his gruff appearance, and the sad look in his eyes. "Don't mind my associate Griff. He's always been a somber sort of man." Illyrio told her. She sat and ate her fill idly talking with Loras, and listening to the Magister prattle on about many subjects. Once he had had a few more cups of wine she finally turned to him.

"Magister, my grandmother has said we are to travel on to Meereen. I was wondering how much it would cost to take Ellysia with me when we depart?" She asked sweetly, leaning forward and smiling.

"Ellysia is a fine girl. Bought her from some YiTi'ish bandits, after they attacked her home." She looked at Loras, who seemed confused and angry. She knew she would have to explain things to him. She had no intentions of keeping the girl as a slave, but she couldn't mention that right now. "For her I'd need 500 gold dragons." The fat man said. Margaery looked at him leaning forward more so the man could clearly see her cleavage. She had to repress a shudder as a lecherous grin spread on his face.

"She is but a single girl my lord, surely she is not worth that much. Perhaps 250?" She asked, tapping her chin to appear as if she were thinking through what she said.

"Maybe not to you my lady." Illyrio replied, before he took another drink. "But as a pleasure slave from YiTi, there are men who would gladly pay triple what I ask." Margaery couldn't help the disgust she felt towards the man in front of her. She had to fight to keep the dainty smirk on her face, as he refilled his cup and took another long drink. "Though for you perhaps I could accept 350." He finally said.

"That sounds like a fair offer Magister, and I accept." She declared, causing the man to smile.

"Very well, I shall have White Rat write up the bill, you can give me my coin before you depart."

"Of course my lord." She said, standing to curtsy to him. "Now I think I shall retire for the night, Loras would you join me?" She asked him. Loras looked at her angrily before rising from his seat, and taking her arm. Once they were out of the hall, he pulled away from her spinning around to glare at her.

"Just what the fuck was that Marge?" He angrily whispered to her.

"To my room brother, I'll explain it there." She said back, before walking around him. Once they arrived, she smiled at Ellysia as soon as she saw her.

"My lady you're back." The younger girl said standing and walking towards her. Margaery held up her hand, causing the girl to stop though.

"Brother Ellysia please take a seat." She said, watching as Ellysia sat back down looking confused while Loras continued to glare at her.

"Ellysia if you could, would you return to YiTi?" She asked, causing Loras to realize what she was doing.

"My lady, my family is all dead. I do not know what I would do if I returned." Ellysia looked down at her hands as she finished. Margaery walked to her, kneeling down and taking her hands.

"We will be departing in two days time to Meereen. I have made an agreement with Magister Illyrio, and you will be coming with us." Ellysia looked up at her even more confused now. "Ellysia I bought you from Illyrio, but I have no need nor want of slaves. I want you to come with us to Meereen, from there you can go wherever you would like because I am giving you your freedom." No sooner had she finished than the girl threw her arms around her neck and began crying. Margaery hugged her, and began rubbing her back to calm her down.

"You really did this?" Ellysia finally asked as she pulled out of the hug, wiping her eyes.

"Yes I did. I would love for you to stay with me, but only if it is what you desire. You also will not be a slave, you will be paid and taken care of. If ever you wish to leave you are free to do so." She said as she stood up.

"It would be my honor to come with you lady Margaery." Ellysia said standing and hugging her again.

"Good, we will be going out tomorrow to buy you some proper clothes. You are no longer a slave, and I refuse to have you looking like one." Margaery said, before she hugged the girl again.

"I'm sorry sister, I should have known you would never take part in something so vile." Loras said from his seat.

"There is nothing to forgive Loras. I just couldn't say anything about this to the fat oaf." She replied, earning a laugh from both Loras and Ellysia.

"He is rather round, isn't he." Ellysia said, causing all of them to laugh together.

Jon Snow

The gates of Castle Black were finally in view. Jon heard the horn blast, as they approached. Someone in the distance shouted to open the gates, and soon enough they did. He rode in noticing several of the men reaching for weapons when they saw the wildlings he rode with. Finally someone approached them, as he dismounted pulling him into a tight embrace.

"What are you doing back here?" He heard his uncle ask. Instantly Jon returned the hug, before taking a step back.

"Uncle I must speak with the Lord Commander." He said looking at his uncle Benjen.

"Well then you shall follow me to his office." Benjen replied. Jon saw him look at the wildlings and grimace.

"They will come with me uncle. It is them we must speak about." He said motioning for them to come forward. Val was the first to approach, Tormund following behind her while Ygritte remained standing by the horses.

"Follow me." Benjen said before turning and walking towards the Lord Commander's quarters. Jon followed after him, before turning to look at Ygritte. I would recommend coming with us, I doubt you'd be safe out here." He told her, before turning to follow his uncle once more.

"Ygritte come off it, and get up here." He heard Val say behind him. A disgruntled huff followed by the sound of footsteps told Jon that she was coming as well. Once they arrived at the office, another brother opened the door allowing them in. Jon looked around the room, noticing his uncle stoking the fire.

"When will the Lord Commander be joining us?" He asked, taking one of the seats in front of the desk. He watched as his uncle stood up from the fire, before he walked around the desk and took a seat.

"He's right here nephew." Benjen answered, smiling at him. Jon was surprised by the revelation that his uncle had become the Lord Commander. He hoped that this would make things easier, but he knew he still more than likely had an uphill battle. "Now why have you brought wildlings into my office?"

"Benjen Stark former first ranger, you're the Lord Commander now?" Val said as she stepped forward.

"Indeed I am." His uncle answered, crossing his arms.

"Uncle I have a letter for you from Robb." Jon reached into his doublet as he said this. Handing the letter to his uncle. He watched as he opened it and read. Once he was done he set the letter down, exhaling a long sigh. "It must be done uncle. The north was devastated by the war. I'm sure you have heard what happened to Lady Catelyn and Sansa." Jon said looking right at his uncle. Benjen leaned forward in his chair.

"Nephew what happened? Are they safe?" His uncle asked.

"Sansa is held captive by the Lannisters. We've heard no news of Arya or Lady Catelyn, so we can only hope that they are safe. I fear the worst though uncle. Lady Catelyn was with us when the Boltons and Freys betrayed us." Jon stopped to take a breath. "I was unable to get her out when I pulled Robb from Walder Frey's hall."

"So you want to come through the wall then?" His uncle asked Val.

"Yes, Mance Rayder has gathered together almost all of the free folk. He will soon march on the wall, and you will be overrun." Val said. "He has over one hundred thousand behind him, the Night's Watch will not stop him." His uncle sighed again.

"The men will not like this Jon. We've been here for centuries keeping the wildlings out." He said.

"It's said that Bran Stark built the wall after the long night to keep the others at bay uncle." Jon said, causing his uncle to scoff. "I know it's far fetched but I doubt the wildlings were the enemy that the wall was meant to stop."

"As odd as it is I agree with you. We've been getting reports of things beyond the wall." His uncle leaned forward again clasping his hands together. "Fine I will allow you to go and meet with this Mance Rayder, but don't expect to receive a warm welcome when you return. If you return." With that his uncle rose from his seat. "You'll stay in the Kings tower tonight." He headed towards the door, opening it for them. "I trust you still remember the way?" He asked, causing Jon to nod. "Good lad."

"Uncle I wish to speak to you on something else." Jon said. "It needs to be private." His uncle nodded his head

"Come back once you've gotten them settled." Jon nodded again, turning to leave.

"Uncle is Aemon still the Maester here?" Jon asked. He watched as his uncle nodded his head. "Have him here uncle. He will want to hear what I have to say as well." Jon said before turning to leave the room. As soon as he stepped out Ghost appeared at his side, following him to the Kings tower. Once he got Val, Tormund, and Ygritte inside he set Ghost to guard the door. He hoped none of the watchmen got any ideas about attacking the wildlings, but he knew Ghost would do his job.

End

Holy crap, sorry I kinda fell off for a bit there. Things have been kinda hectic. First of all I hope you all are safe and well. First me and my wife brought home a dog to foster. Let's just say he had some issues, so it made it hard for me to write anything for the first week. Then with all the Covid-19 nonsense going on I've been busier than normal with work. Yay railroad, so that has also cut into my writing time substantially. But here is the chapter, and I should have another one finished which I will try to post tomorrow to make up for the week?, 2 weeks? Off. As always thanks so much for reading. Feel free to leave a comment, I love reading what you guys think of the story. Again, stay safe everyone shit is getting crazy right now. See you hopefully tomorrow.

Time Parad0x: I know the marriage seems odd, but Tywin has other plans for it which we will see in the future.

ATP: I'm not sure what you mean?

Jean d'arc: Thanks glad you like it. Yes we get to see Arya using more of her skills, which is just a blast to write. As far as Dany goes, while I don't like what the show did with the mad queen nonsense I do believe it was always there. She is very resolute when she makes up her mind on something. She's not going to suddenly go crazy and burn everyone, but the violence is very much part of her character. Glad you liked the wedding, I like Kevan too. I think he is an interesting character so I'm glad I can involve him more. Oh Cersei and Olenna, this is far from the last time we'll see them trade barbs. It's interesting trying to write two very different strong smart women in ways that keep them faithful, but still allowing me to accomplish what I need to in the story. Thanks again for reading, hopefully you enjoyed this chapter as well.

Daspeedforce: While that may be true today, the time this is based off of and the world it's in this is totally legit. Women in Westeros had literally no say in who they would marry, and we've seen in the past winning lords would take the daughters of their vanquished foes as wives (The founder of house Baratheon being a prime example). So the union is totally acceptable, plus Tywin has other motivations for it, which we will learn of in the future.

Kmhappybunny240: Mmhmm, we got our first taste of what happens when someone wakes an actual dragon. As far as the wedding, well no one wants either Sansa or Jaime dead so it went off without a hitch. No one turned purple at this wedding.

Guest: Honestly part of me just wanted an excuse to reuse Tyrion's line. It's too good to go to waste. You also have to remember Jaime isn't exactly tickled about the marriage either. Sansa is using it to help her family, and he is using it to get back at Cersei. What it develops into from there will just have to be seen.

Guest: There is still a lot of story ahead. I'm not into character bashing, not saying that you are. I want their stories to be believable (or as believable as they can be in a story about a made up place with magic and dragons). I'm not going to go out of my way to make things miserable for them.

Lambymom: Yea it is kinda rough to find a match that makes sense in the story, that helps his cause. I do think that we're still early enough in the story that Dany would be more accepting of Jon. Not saying she's just gonna step aside for him though. Margaery in the T.V. show and book Margaery are very different IMO. We never get a POV from Marge in the books, and therefore have to rely on other peoples thoughts on her. I like to think that she is not nearly as manipulative as we see in the show. She is smart, and driven yes, but I'd like to portray her as a more tempered version of Olenna. She was afterall raised to be a "perfect" Queen, so she knows how she must portray herself. I think though that she is still her own person, and willing to make her own decisions. I hope you liked her part in this chapter, and I'm glad you're enjoying the story.