Back south

(Location: The She Bear)

(Time: Evening)

As the She-Bear, a sturdy boat designed for navigating treacherous waters, sailed towards Bear Island, Daeron, Arya, and Sansa stood side by side, their eyes fixed on the approaching shores. The winds whispered through their hair, carrying with them a sense of anticipation and uncertainty.

Shiera flew in the clouds above them, she'd grown even more now, it seemed eating a dozen people did her some good, she's been bothering Daeron to ride her but he hasn't found the time to yet.

Daeron was a little upset and more than a little angry, when they arrived at Castle Black Arya and Sansa came running up to him both speaking at the same time in a panic, it seemed a letter at come to Castle Black and most likely all the other manned castles. It was a letter from Kings Landing stating that Daeron Sand, previously Jon Snow has kidnapped Lord Starks daughters as well as Myrcella Baratheon and is somewhere in the North with them.

It also gave out the description of all three of them, though they seemed to be lucky in that regard since Jon looked a lot different now then he did before, Sansa cut her hair so it now rested above her shoulders, Arya didn't have any distinguishing features when looked over so hopefully it would be enough for them to go unnoticed.

The wives of Crasters also littered the deck both above and below, Daeron hoped he could convince the warrior women of bear island to take them in, he had enough coin for them to buy their own house with some land, Daeron hoped it would be enough.

There was another thing that bothered Daeron, Coldhands neglected to tell him that he had been marked. At least that's what Nissa said to him in a dream. Adara, that's what he discovered her name was, she had followed him beyond the wall, something she wouldn't of been capable of before but due to her marking Daeron it allowed her to get past the spells woven into the wall.

It made Daeron feel uneasy but she hadn't caused much harm yet, she only appeared when he was alone and didn't cause any problems, he didn't engage in any intimacies with her fearing that it would decrease the time he had before he was a walking corpse. Though at least he had a plan regarding that.

(Flashback)

Daeron found himself in the forest that he sometimes visited when Nissa wanted to speak with him, even after all this time he felt awed by the sheer beauty of the forest, though recently it hadn't looked as bright as it usually did and the strange amazing creatures that populated the area were far fewer than normal.

Daeron shook it off and made his way to the camp sight where the purple haired beauty was sat. He took a seat next to her and like always she leaned her head on his shoulder. For a while they would sit like this, it seemed to make Nissa feel better, she'd been alone for so long, she recognised Daeron wasn't her husband merely a reincarnation of him but it still felt nice being with him again.

"You're an idiot you know" She hums out as she rubs her head on his shoulder getting closer to him.

Daeron chuckles, he'd heard that a lot recently "I'm sure it will turn out okay" Daeron says with a smile.

Nissa huffs "I can't blame you for this, it was bound to happen"

Daeron looks confused at her words and Nissa sees it "your magic awakening would've happened eventually, though it would've been a lot easier on your body had you not lost your Targaryen magic" she says as she glares at him.

Daeron winces and gives a helpless smile at her glare "Now you must do something dangerous in order to stop your body from turning into a wight" Nissa says with a sigh.

"What must I do?" Daeron asks resolutely.

Nissa smiles at his determination "In Valyria, the Balaerys family was among the most powerful, they had the largest dragons and the most powerful sorcerers, the reason for that was they had discovered an old relic of the golden empire"

Daeron found himself listening a lot more closely now "The God-King of the Golden Empire may have possessed the spark of divinity but he was still mortal, so he was gifted something by the Maiden Made of Light. It was a pool of water that possessed a drop of her blood, it was called the Fountain of Eternity"

Daeron was awed at the revelation "Since he possessed the spark of divinity it allowed him to live forever as long as he bathed in its waters regularly. Though for the Balaerys as they did not possess it they just received their enhanced magic and their dragons would be far more intelligent and bigger than other families" she explains.

"Your Targaryen magic isn't gone, it is just a spark waiting to be ignited again, so go and bathe in the pools, but be warned once your magic balances each other out the prophecy will be complete, you will be the song of ice and fire and the responsibility of being so will be heavy" Nissa says with a low tone and a frown on her face. Before Daeron can ask her anything she snaps her fingers and Daeron is ejected from the dream.

(Flashback end)

They could see the small port to bear island in the distance, the island was beautiful old gnarled oaks, tall pines, flowering thornbushes, moss-covered grey stones, and steep hills with streams. The Mormont's were not a rich house having little to no natural resources and that was shown as the town that housed the keep was made of wood and looked more akin to a fishing village. The keep was the only building that used stone In it's structure though most of it was still wooden, it also had a wooden palisade stretching around it with a few watchtowers by the gate.

"Do you think they'll teach me how to use a mace" Arya asked excitedly as she looks at Daeron.

"Don't be stupid Arya, we can't let them know who we are or they'll send us back to Winterfell" Sansa snapped at her sister causing her enthusiasm to die.

"I'm sorry Arya, you'll have to put up with me teaching you how to wield a sword for a bit longer" Daeron says with a smile, she still doesn't regain her previous level of enthusiasm but she does smile.

Sansa feeling a bit bad for snapping at her tries to cheer her up too "Don't forget that we are going to where our friends are, and amongst them is Arthur Dayne, The Sword of the Morning, I'm sure if you ask he'd be happy to teach you"

"And if he doesn't I'll make it a command from his king" Daeron chimes in. This has the desired effect they both want as Arya once again regains her enthusiasm and starts bombarding the two with questions.

They have to stop talking as they finally dock at the small port of bear island. Daeron hands the captain a gold dragon and tells him to hold off unloading till he comes back.

Daeron then looks at the girls "I'm going to go meet with the Mormonts, considering my new looks they shouldn't recognise me, I'll come back when I've made a deal" he says getting a nod from both the girls.

As Daeron stepped foot onto the port of Bear Island, he took in the sight of the small yet well-constructed coastal town. The modest houses, devoid of any ostentatious adornments, lined the clean and orderly streets. The island's humble charm was evident, reflecting the resilience and practicality of its inhabitants.

Walking through the town, Daeron observed the bustling activity and the hardworking people who filled the streets. The poverty that lingered in the air was tempered by the strength and vitality emanating from the locals. Their robust frames and healthy appearances hinted at a community that thrived despite the scarcity of extravagant luxuries.

Upon reaching the keep of Bear Island, Daeron observed its humble yet sturdy construction. The Mormont residence, a testament to practicality and resilience, stood as a modest structure within the island's rugged terrain. The keep, while lacking grandeur, exuded a sense of strength and resourcefulness.

Surrounded by a wooden palisade, the keep was fortified by a series of watchtowers strategically positioned along its perimeter. The towers, rising above the palisade, offered vantage points for surveillance and defense, keeping a vigilant eye on the surroundings. The wooden gate served as the main entry point, providing access to the inner grounds of the keep.

While the main keep itself boasted a stone foundation, the majority of its structure was crafted from wood. The stone foundation provided a solid base, reinforcing the stability and durability of the building. Wooden beams and walls comprised the rest of the keep's construction, embodying the resourceful approach adopted by the Mormonts to accommodate their needs within their island's limitations.

The gate to the keep was open as the Mormonts felt it important during any raids that the small folk have a place to flee to and they've learned over main raids that every second counts.

Daeron went up to the two guards dressed in boiled leather armour and each sporting a Morningstar, noticeably they were both women as well.

"I wish to speak with the Lady of Bear Island" Daeron stated loud and clearly. Daeron stood there for a moment waiting for a reply, it seemed he had underestimated how distracting his looks were now as they had given him an otherworldly look, especially his eyes that seemed to draw women's attention the most.

Clearing his throat the women looked abashed as they stood up straight "What business do you have with Lady Maege" one of them asked in a clear voice.

"I wish to purchase a house and some land" he replied, one of the guards nod at the other and they tell Daeron to follow them.

He's led through the courtyard of the keep where he sees a tall beautiful woman sparring with two smaller women. Daeron slightly remembers her as Dacey, the Mormonts would attend anything the Starks invited them too though when such grand feasts occurred he would usually spent most of it outside hitting the training dummy, so he had only ever seen them in passing.

He's taken into the Great hall where servants seem to be setting the hall up for supper, at the centre on the high table was the woman he was looking for.  With grey hair that seemed to stick out in every direction and a hefty build, Maege Mormont looked every bit the She-Bear that people saw her as, besides her with long brown hair was a little girl that Daeron could only imagine was Lyanna, though he hadn't met her before.

"Lady Maege, this man here wanted an audience with you regarding the sale of a house with some land" The guard stated. Maege looked up from her cup of ale and studied Daeron.

"Everyone out!" She shouts, causing the servants and guards to leave the room without question, leaving only Maege, Lyanna and Daeron.

Daeron feels nervous as Maege looks at him, he feels his hand twitch and move slightly towards his sword "Take a seat" she says in a low gruff voice, and Daeron finds himself instantly doing so.

"For what reason do you wish to purchase a house with some land, Bear Island is not known for place to have a summer home" Maege asks as she narrows her eyes at him.

Daeron clears his throat before matching her intense glare with his own, though this causes visible surprise on her face "A wildling north of the wall had been keeping his wives captive and then marrying his daughters making more wives, I killed him and promised that I would find them a new place to settle down free of danger, women on this island are respected just as much as the men, so I thought there no better place to bring them" Daeron explains.

For a while Maege doesn't say anything she just sits there with a sad look on her face "I'll sell you the house and land... Jon Snow" she says out causing Daeron to get up drawing his sword.

Maege laughs at his display "Put that steel away Jon you'll find no enemies here"

Daeron looks confused, and both the girls find his look of confusion amusing "Sit down, you do not need to worry about us sending any ravens to Winterfell or holding you captive"

Daeron sat back down sheathing his sword "What gave me away..." Daeron asks curiously drawing a laugh from Maege.

"If your hair and eyes had been their original colour I would've recognised you immediately. It was the glare you gave me... it was just like the one your mother used to give when I refused to teach her how to wield a mace" Maege says wistfully

"Though she did manage to sneak a few lessons in whenever I'd come to Winterfell, I wish she could've fostered at Bear Island, she would've done well here" She says with a sad smile.

Daeron smiles as well, he liked hearing stories about his mother, though it did hurt as he missed her and wanted to see her again "You say we are not enemies but you haven't told me why, Lord Stark as told everyone I've kidnapped his two daughters" Daeron says warily. 

Maege smiles and holds up a letter "Your brother loves you very much"

She hands him the letter "I believe he sent this to every Lord in the north, without your fathers permission I imagine"

Daeron took the letter from Maege and began reading it, it filled him with joy to know Robb had his back.

*To all Lord's and Lady's of the North, I am writing in response to the letter sent beforehand in which my brother Jon snow or Daeron sand is said to have kidnapped both my sisters. This is not true, I gave my permission as heir of Winterfell to both my sisters to go with Jon, while some of you may not recognise my authority you will have no choice but to recognise that both my sisters went of their own will. My father believes that they are now in the hands of a foreign power, that Jon will use them to harm the North, but I ask you is Jon not of the North? Whether you call him Jon snow or Daeron sand or even Targaryen, do not forget that he is my Aunt Lyanna Starks only son and would never harm his family. I ask in her name for you to provide protection or sanctuary for them if they need it. I love my mother and father but right now they are leading the family on the wrong path so I have no choice but to send this letter no matter the consequences I face*

Robb Stark

Heir to Winterfell

Daeron did feel a bit guilty that he had placed Robb in this position, he never wanted to cause a rift in the Stark house, but it proved to be difficult when one of them wanted him dead and the other wanted him sent off to the wall. He just hoped Robb was okay and he wasn't punished too harshly.

"Eddard Stark may be the head of House Stark. The Mormonts swore fealty to House Stark you are a Stark in all the ways that matter, the North remembers Lyanna Stark even if your uncle does not, Bear island is yours for as long as you need" She says to Daeron with a serious look on her face as she stands up and bows, Lyanna following her lead.

Daeron stands up and gestures for them to raise their heads "I appreciate your hospitality and loyalty to my mother, but I will not be staying, me and the girls need to get down south" Daeron goes into his knapsack and withdraws a small chest a little larger than his hand.

He hands it to Maege who tries to refuse, but Daeron shakes his head "Take it, Bear island is not a rich place, and I promised those girls a new life, that is a promise I aim to keep" he said seriously, causing Maege to sigh and slowly nod as she takes the chest full of gold dragons.

"I'll send Dacey to the ship to show the girls to their new home" She says to Daeron getting a smile and nod from him.

Daeron then turns around and heads to leave the keep but a shout from Maege holds him back "Remember Jon, you'll always have friends in the North"

———————————————————

(Kings Landing)

(Midday)

Petyr Baelish was in his solar in the Red Keep, he'd not had much luck finding out the contents of the letter that seemed to have the King and the Hand so spooked, there was more to it than just the mentioning of this new Targaryen.

Suddenly one of his servants knocks on the door, he voiced his permission to enter and the man comes into his solar. "Apologies milord, I was told to give this letter to you right away" he stated before handing the letter to Petyr and immediately leaving.

The letter was plain and had a plan wax seal on it, giving no indication of what house had sent the letter. Opening it Petyr was met with news that made him frown.

*Lord Varys knows you've been embezzling money, mayhaps he's going to use that piece of evidence to frame you for supporting the Targaryen in exile*

From a Friend

Petyr had guessed that Varys would probably know of his embezzlement, he had his little birds everywhere. However he had never moved this overtly to remove him from the game, something must've spooked him enough to do so, perhaps it involves the original letter the king received.

Petyr had to plan, removing Varys from the game wouldn't be easy, but he would have to strike soon, less he be the one without a head.

———————————————————

Varys did not like being kept in the dark, he was a man who was very used to having all the information available. Which was why it frustrated him to no end when he couldn't get the damn letter that was sent to the king. It was kept with him at all times, it made him nervous as the King and the Hand started acting strange and would often times leave Kings Landing and have their meetings in open fields where they could not be spied upon.

Varys was looking upon the courtyard where Jaime Lannister was attempting to train his son Joffrey, though he was failing, it was clear Joffrey had no martial talent and only had talents in torturing small animals and his younger brother.

Once Joffrey became king Aegon would easily take the realm from them and the people would welcome him.

He was snapped out of his thoughts by one of his little birds tapping in his side, he had a letter in his hand. A plain letter that had no wax seal, taking it from the boys hand he handed him a small silver stag and then the boy proceeded to run off.

*Lord Baelish is planning to remove you from the board, mayhaps he has discovered your ties to Aegon VI Targaryen long may be reign. Protect our future King by removing the threat*

From a Loyal subject

Varys frowned, the letter had information few people knew, however if Baelish had acquired such information then it is likely he'd use it to remove him from the game.

Varys needed to start planning, it seems the great game has entered its next phase.

(AN: A bit of a filler chapter, setting up Old town which will be a lot more exciting, hope ya enjoyed it let me know)