15

Notes:

Part two of last chapter. Starts right off where last chapter left off

Warning: mentions of past dark Daenerys. She'll be good in this timeline though.

Took some liberties with the timeline of some Canon events. The canon series still starts in 298 AC, but Jon dies in late 302 AC rather than 300 AC, the second Long Night ends in early 306 AC.

It should be noted that much of this future timeline does not really affect the story of this fic. It is kind of just lore and background information about the other timeline.

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Realizing that he seemed to be unspokenly assigned Jon's future, Jael began, "Though at first Father actively avoided making friends at the Wall, that changed after he learned he was being an arse. He also made enemies quickly. When he took his vows, he was named a steward instead of a ranger which annoyed him until learning that the Lord Commander intended to groom him to succeed the position. Then you already know the two wight story. When Eddard is killed, Father tries to desert to aid Robb but is convinced to return by his friends and commits himself fully to the Watch. Maester Aemon becomes a good influence for father.

Jon was only half ashamed for attempting to desert, his family clearly needed him and he couldn't help but wonder if he could have saved them. The disregard for his vows did bring him shame, he thought himself honorable and true even after his lessons, to abandon the Watch would bring shame to not only himself but Robb as well for allowing him to live had he gone through with it.

"After this is the Great Ranging, a large Watch force ranges beyond the Wall to learn more about Mance Rayder, the new King Beyond the Wall as well as the undead. They travel to Craster's Keep, then the Fist of the First Men where Ghost finds an old cache of dragonglass weapons and an old broken warhorn wrapped inside an old black cloak."

Benjen wonder's how old the cache must have been, the Watch has long since forgotten about the others. The mention of the horn signified that it must have some relevance. 

"Father is then chosen by Qhorin Halfhand to be a part of his scouting party; they come across a group of free folk scouts and attack them. Father kills one but after realizing his next target was a woman, he captures her instead." Before Jael can continue Val laughs.

With all eyes on her, Val's amusement slowly dies. She continues to smile knowingly however.

"Later Qhorin commands father to kill her, but being a softy he lets her go. That night Ghost spots the free folk army and gets attacked by 'that damned eagle' as father likes to call it. They decide to head back to the Fist knowing they are being followed. Qhorin commands Father to infiltrate the free folk if they are captured and do what they ask. When that happens, Father is forced to kill Qhorin by following said command; the act is enough for the group to bring him to Mance Rayder."

Sucking in a breath, Benjen didn't know how to feel. He knew Qhorin well enough, and for him to die at his nephew's hand, even if forced, irked Benjen. But it needed to be done, he was half surprised they had never thought of the tactic before. 

"For whatever reason, Mance accepts Father. During this meeting Father sees mom for the first time but they don't speak. With the army they traveled to the Fist, where the Night's Watch force was slaughtered by wights; the bodies were gone, however. Father gets sent on a mission to climb the Wall with others. On this mission Father falls in a sort of love with the redheaded girl he lets escape, and Mom's lover at the time falls to his death during the climb."

Even if her smile faltered a little at the mention of a future lover dying, Val just continues grinning. She knew it.

"Damn Jon, was four not enough?" Theon jested.

Robb punched the Ironborn's shoulder. "Gods, read the room, Theon!"

"I want to climb the Wall!" Arya almost shouted.

Her mother pulled the girl close. Cat wouldn't allow that. "Didn't you hear someone died? It's too dangerous and didn't you learn anything from what happened to Bran?"

Defeated, Arya pouted and muttered bitterly about Bran being pushed not falling.

Rolling his eyes, Jael continued before more bickering could start. "On the other side of the Wall, Father reluctantly betrays the free folk to warn Castle Black of the incoming attack. During his escape he gets hit by an arrow courtesy of his lover Ygritte." 

Recalling tales of scorned women, Jon shivers. Having four wives might not be all pleasure. Many men would die for the opportunity and hopefully Jon doesn't actually die whilst living it, admittedly he'd probably die without regrets. A woman skilled with a dagger and a spear being one of those wives, Jon will have to choose his words and actions carefully. 

"Father succeeds in warning the keep and recovers from his injury. During the attack all the raiders are killed including Ygritte who dies in father's arms.

Sansa frowns, even if she didn't like that Jon had another woman, she felt sorrow for him. The tale was a tragic love story if there was one. She wonders if there are songs or stories written of the king's first love. 

Trying to empathize with his future self was a regretful idea. When he closed his eyes imagining how he'd have felt, grief, love and hopelessness flooded him. For an instant when he opened them again he saw wild unruly curls of flame orange hair rather than the smooth silky tresses of Sansa's near crimson locks. A different woman had been in his arms then and he had to swallow down all those feelings he summoned. He needed to stay strong like everyone else was. 

"When Mance attacks from the north with a massive army with giants, mammoths and men, the temporary leader is killed, stopping them from entering the gate. Given command, Father holds the Wall against the odds for days. At the return of Ser Alister Thorne, the master at arms for Castle Black returns with Janos Slynt, they have Father arrested for his 'betrayal.' You see, Father had a title at the Wall for standing up to Thorne, Ser Alister Bane, so they hated each other. Slynt was another asshole; he was formally the corrupt commander of the gold cloaks and led them in betraying Lord Stark as well as killing Robert Baratheon's infant bastard daughter. Unfortunately for them, Father had become well liked on the Wall so they were unable to hang him, instead they sent him to assassinate Mance during a parlay, which he did not do."

Ned, despite being one to support doing one's duty, had to hold back a smile. Jon standing up to unjust authority just reminded him of Lyanna. Plus on the petty side of things, annoying the man that betrayed him was appreciated. He couldn't help but be proud of his nephew turned son, just like he was of Robb.

"This is where Stannis comes back into play, during the parlay his knights come to the aid of the Watch. Father protects Mance's tent as Mom acts as her sister's midwife. Dalla dies giving birth to a son, our cousin. In the end Father is considered to have captured Mom and Mance's son…"

Sorrow fills Val's heart, her sister... Dalla had always been Val's primary caretaker as a child; she was raised by her sister. Her sister was always there no matter how little Val had needed her. A part of her wanted to snort at the end of her son's words, twice Jon unknowingly stole a woman. 

"As Robb had been killed, Sansa and Arya missing and Bran and Rickon believed dead, Stannis offered to legitimize Father, give him Winterfell and marry him to mom, for the price of his support but Father refused. Father in part believed that if Sansa or Arya were still alive it belonged to them and Stannis's red priestess wished to burn the weirwood as she had at Storm's End. Father could also not promise the men of the Watch or the free folk. While this was happening an election was happening, as Jeor Mormont had been killed in a mutanty beyond the Wall. Father was elected the new Lord Commander in an easy victory due to his friend's action, and Mormont's, of course. The raven, Jeor's pet raven, became familiar to Father and he named him after the Old Bear. Fearing that the priestess might burn Dalla's babe or Maester Aemon, he sends them along with a friend to the Citadel in Oldtown, Val agrees to it."

Catelyn was shocked and felt her guilt rising up again. Even with all her out of the way Jon still refused to take Winterfell when handed it on a silver platter. Without confirmation of the death of her children and the safety of the Stark's religion, he refused. How wrong was she about the boy?

He became Lord Commander of the Night's Watch through merit; Jon couldn't help but be proud of himself for that. Knowing he could do it was a nice boost of confidence. Refusing Winterfell had to have been a hard choice, and again he was impressed he didn't accept after losing all his family, gaining back Winterfell seemed desirable. Val too was desirable.

"He lets Stannis use the Nightfort but denies all other use of the Gift, this is mainly because Stannis' men disrupted the work of the Watch. Father eventually beheads Slynt for insubordination as he was refusing to follow orders after losing the election. Mom begs Stannis to spare Mance, going so far as to state she is willing to marry a kneeler." Jael gives his mother a sad but amused smile at that. "Father also requests Stannis spare Mance which he does but through his priestess' magic it appears Mance was killed but it was another man in his place. The real Mance is sent to save Jeyne Poole under the belief it is Arya. Stannis marches south, under advice from Father, wins the mountain clans' allegiance and frees Deepwood Motte before targeting Winterfell.

"Alys Karstark arrives at Castle Black fleeing her cousin and uncle who were trying to usurp Karhold by marrying her; they were in league with the Boltons and were planning on betraying Stannis. Father stops this by warning Stannis and Alys is married to Sigorn of Thenn, my wife's parents. Doing that angers some members of the Watch as well as when he releases Mom to gather more of the free folk, and for giving some of the free folk command of castles along the Wall to prepare for the undead. In general some members of the Watch didn't like accepting the free folk presence. 

"When Mom returns, together they sail to Hardhome to rescue more people; during the mission they are attacked by a massive army of wights and White Walkers, this is where Father learns that Valyrian steel can kill the Others; his friend had already discovered dragonglass worked earlier. They were only able to save a fraction of the population due to the attack. 

"Returned to Castle Black Father receives a letter apparently from Ramsey threatening him, Mom, Mance, Stannis and his family, the Watch, the free folk. Ramsey claimed he had defeated Stannis, captured Mance, and still had custody of 'Arya,' none of those applied. The letter provoked Father into asking for volunteers from the Watch and free folk to march on Winterfell; many agreed but some didn't. He didn't do enough to convince them of the necessity of the mission. When Stannis' wife picks one of her knights to marry Val, Father informs the man that free folk women have to be stolen, which proves a man's strength and a woman's acceptance if they don't kill or fight off the man. Unfortunately for the knight, the giant that Father had guarding Mom was not approving, presumably under the belief that Mom had already been stolen or captured by a certain someone. That night in the chaos caused by the knight's death Father was murdered by a group of his men in sight of Mom's chambers…"

Jon felt his heart stop. He suspected it, the mention back in Lord Stark's solar, about their bond with the direwolves. Lorys' stories explaining Jon's scars also included one about the dozen scars on his torso including one over his heart, that were a result of an attempted murder. What a pair he and Robb made, getting themselves killed by their own men, or was it the Stark curse to be betrayed. 

Once again, Cat couldn't help but think of how wrong she was about Jon. He died in an effort to protect her daughter. Jael listed other reasons but Cat knew Jon's main motive, Arya, their closeness was a point of hatred for her until recently. Jon had done more for the girl than Cat had…

Easing circles into Jon's back with her hand as she had done earlier, Val frowned. Occasionally her arm would bump Sansa's arms as the girl held Jon comfortingly. She admitted that Jon's future impressed her very much, his acceptance of the free folk and his leadership, she liked it though he failed. She is curious how he comes back, defying death is unnatural and she can't help but think of the Others.

"Men loyal to Father, free folk and men of the Watch quickly quelled the fighting and captured his killers. Father's body was put in the ice cells to be preserved. The red priestess offered to attempt a revival, and Mom reluctantly agreed. A human sacrifice was needed with the blood of kings or that was the belief, the priestess convinced Stannis' wife to use her child Shireen," Jael's breath hitched on the name. "Mother agreed. The free folk believe it best to kill those with greyscale, even children…"

Val's hand halted on Jon's back, her eyes blown wide. She got a child killed. Even if they were a danger to everyone, they were still a child. Her youngest was named Shireen, she wonders if that was her idea or Jon's. While she hopes it was her idea, she truly believes it was Jon's, he was so good or at least tried to be.

Was his life really worth that much? Jon shook as he felt the guilt his future self must live with. And Val, how could he love someone who could support such a thing?

Seeing the horror on everyone's faces, Jael tried to save his birth mother some of her reputation. "The free folk don't know of the treatment, they don't have lemons or limes, when one person gets it, the options are kill them or the whole village turns to stone. But there is a cure, though painful, it has to be done while the affliction is still surface level. Dalla knows the procedure, she learned to lessen Mom's guilt. It was discovered in the Citadel in a book on the early Ironborn. The process of their baptism by drowning derives from purposefully infecting their children then curing them for immunity which eventually gave the people a high tolerance. Children are less likely to scar if treated quickly enough. Greyscale is worse than believed, while not extremely dangerous inland away from water, if they are close to water and are completely turned to stone, they begin to turn into aquatic monster creatures with a variety of names, Deep Ones is a common name. Think of the process as similar to that of a caterpillar to a butterfly. We believe the Drowned God was originally believed to be an evil god but has since been twisted into worship."

Theon was stunned listening, his people were worshiping their enemy. They followed tradition but lost the meaning of it. He remembered the story of the Seastone Chair; it was on Old Wyk, where it had been on the Ironborn's first arrival. Had it been the Drowned God's throne? There was also a bit of pride in his people over discovering the cure to the Grey Plague.

Knowing there was a cure made Val feel even worse. Her only relief was that not even these people knew it before now. Another part of her wanted to groan just knowing they would have to deal with these monsters as well as the Others. 

"All this from a book?" Ned questioned.

"Don't you doubt my books, Grandfather!" Sara pointed a finger at the subject of her ire. "But no, not all of this was learned from books. You see, Theon's uncle is a shit. Not to skip ahead but Euron kills Theon's father or hires the man who did it, Euron attacks the Shield Islands, Euron raids Valyria or somewhere, he steals one of Daenerys' dragons through use of a magic horn, he is a sort of dark green-seer and is basically just evil. He also wins the King's Moot over Asha Greyjoy or other candidates. He does more bad stuff but we're not there yet."

He knew his uncle was not a good man, but damn, he is shitty even for an Ironborn. Theon's father banished the man for life from the Iron Islands, you have to have done something terrible for such a punishment. Not only would the man kill Theon's father but usurp Theon and his sister. Cracking his knuckles, Theon added the man's name to a list of his own.

Daena spoke up, "like the Others, the Deep One's only means of reproduction is dependent on transforming humans. Others convert mostly male infants but it is possible they have converted girls before. Neither live forever, it is theorized they have a similar lifespan to dragons, two and a half centuries of being active."

Clearing his throat, Jael gave his half sister a look which caused her olive skin to go red in embarrassment over her unnecessary speech. "Back on topic. Anyway, initially the revival does not work and Shireen's mother kills herself on her daughter's pyre in madness. It isn't until Father's own pyre is lit for hours that he is revived; at that point Mom and Ghost were the only ones still there. Father walked off the pyre naked with his wounds scared over but completely healed. He was not mentally damaged by death because his mind transferred to Ghost's in death, though he was more confident and held himself back less and a bit more wolfish, whether that was caused by death or his union with Ghost we don't know."

"Jon can't be burnt by fire?" Arya blurted out,excited as if that was what was comparable to him coming back to life, though her mother and that other man have already been mentioned to have done so.

All of the time travelers groaned. Shaking her head, Lya snorted and threw her arms upward. "Contrary to belief, we are not unburnable. We have an increased tolerance to flames and heat but are only unburnt when it comes to certain magical flames, most commonly during the hatching of dragons. Dragonfire, however ironically, is as lethal to us as anything. Perhaps, a hatchling's flames wouldn't burn."

Huffing, Jael continued, "Mom and Father are lovers at this point. Father exiles the priestess from the gift and the North. The first group to arrive at the Wall is Jeyne Poole who was saved by the tortured Theon. They jumped off Winterfell's walls into the deep snow and reached Stannis, who sent Jeyne to the Wall with a guard. Despite it not being Arya, Father, now with his vows completed, still prepares to march on Winterfell as he had intended. He had his killer's turned to wights by having them caged on the other side of the Wall. Then Sansa's group arrives. Aegon tells father of his heritage which causes delays. Aegon and Rhaenys are still hiding their identities. But he still begins marching under Sansa's claim."

Finally, Theon thought. He did something good. Perhaps there was a smidge of Stark in him after all.

Sansa looked up at Jon's face smiling. She loved that he supported her claim, she imagined it as a symbol of his faith and trust in her. Shifting onto her toes she kissed his cheek as he peered down at her in surprise. "Thank you," she breathed out in a whisper. He just smiled back at her. 

Her siblings watched on in mock disgust. Arya wrinkled her nose and turned away. Robb appreciated Jon's support of Sansa but he didn't want to see them be all kissy.

"Father, then marched to meet with Stannis. Stannis defeats a Frey host sent; the Manderlys had abandoned the Bolton loyal force, faking their participation in the battle; they were never really loyal to the Boltons. When informed of his daughter and wife's deaths, and told of Father's parentage backed by the presence of Ser Arthur, Oswell and the others, Stannis commanded his men to either take the black with him or follow Father and Mother. Father was named the heir to the Stormlands under a vow to give title to one of Robert's Bastards when possible, if ever. Continuing the march, they devised a plan to take back the North with minimal deaths. Howland arrived with a few other missing lords joining the cause. Under the parlay, Father and Sansa convince the Northern lords to betray the Boltons, this was made all the easier with Ramsey killing his father, unborn sibling and his father's new wife. The Boltons were not exactly ideal rulers so Father appealed to the lord's self-interest, a lesson learned from his death. The lords previously loyal to the Boltons captured Ramsey and secured the Castle. Admittedly not everyone was pleased with Father's paternity which had been made public nor was Grandfather exiling the men who fought at the Tower of Joy."

Feeling proud of his lords, Ned smiled. He wasn't a fan of breaking the rules of parlay, though did those rules apply when it is one's own men breaking the terms? Ned was happy Jon and Sansa were not one to jump to war, at least. A shiver did travel down his spine at the thought of Barbrey Dustin learning William lived; fortunately Ned was already dead when that happened.

"They stay at Winterfell, securing the North for moons. Mother, Sansa, to be clear, and Father end up marrying to avoid her getting forced to marry again and to avoid complications as Robb had disinherited her as to avoid Tyrion from inheriting, he also legitimized Father and named him heir believing Rickon and Bran were dead."

Sucking in a breath, Sansa fixed Robb with the iciest glare she could. "Robb…" When she saw him flinch, she relented, despite the fact it hurt as much as she imagined a dagger to the heart would she understood why he did so.

"They communicate with the Vale through Yohn. The Others are eerily quiet beyond the Wall, Rickon is returned to Winterfell having spent much time on Skagos, so Mother becomes his regent. With the Reed children, Bran is beyond the Wall training to become a greenseer with Brynden River or Bloodraven. Theon is allowed to live to appease Asha and because of his previous torture. An imposter Aegon lands in the Stormlands with the Golden Company and begins conquering castles. Mom and Father end up fighting over her support in Shireen's death; they don't have time to settle the argument before Father heads south with a small force. Both Mom and Mother are left with child, children in Mom's case, both become friendly because of this."

Ned couldn't help but groan. Of course there would be a Blackfyre added into the mix, the Stark's just had horrid luck or was it Targaryen luck this time. He hated that he was at war during the birth of his first child and wouldn't wish it on any of his children but it appeared that was not to be.

"With Jaime Lannister disappearing, the Lannister occupation of the Riverlands faced struggles in the form of a massive wolfpack led by Nymeria and the Brotherhood without Banners by Lady Stark, the Blackfish's resistance as well. Father and Aegon helped to unify the Riverlands once again under Sansa's claim as she had inherited the lordship of Harrenhall and the Riverlands from Baelish. Valemen removed the Lannister loyalists from the east, Father secured the north, the undead Catelyn the West, Nymeria the South. Brynden rescues Edmure, Roslin and Jeyne Westerling by the Golden Tooth. Though Father didn't actually have to do much as Arya may or may not have used her training to assassinate all the male Freys residing at the Twins and free the captive Northmen."

Arya gives a loud whoop before realizing her family's reactions and shrinks herself. Go Nymeria and future Arya, she cheered in her head.

Sharply inhaling at the same time as Ned, Cat reeled back horrified. It was a little hypocritical to do so considering her own actions during the time are doing the exact same thing. That didn't stop her from wacking the back of her daughter's head lightly on principle.

A loud whine emanated from Sara, "Can we get on with this? I know I can ramble but this is taking forever and my arse is starting to hurt. Besides at this point this stuff is never going to happen. So let's just cover the basics, mmkay?"

Laerra countered, "Are we not already doing so? You can't talk about a pained arse, you voluntarily sit, I'm required to sit half the damn day. At least I never had to sit myself on the iron monstrosity."

"Oh please, your cushioned throne is just so uncomfortable," Sara fought back sarcastically. "Besides you have a plumper arse than I, it is practically a permanent cushion." She pointed a finger at her second eldest half-sister.

Scoffing, Lya ignored her sister acting as the better lady. "A council happens in the Riverlands, with the Vale lords, Father, the Blackfish, the half-dead Catelyn, with reluctant approval they agree to name Father king, and he grants back leadership of the Riverlands to Edmure with Sansa's approval. She didn't want to be the direct heir again, Mother was done with all that at this point. Undead Cat slowly dies due to the method of her revival but gets to see Arya once more but not Sansa. Father meets with a Reach force to discuss an alliance against the Lannisters, Mama and Father are set to marry as not only were her past marriages unconsummated but Tommen ended up killing himself after the destruction of the Sept of Baelor, Father still wasn't particularly happy about the union. Because of the risk of the Tyrells instead allying with the fake Aegon, who we call Faegon, he had to give them a queen."

Grimacing, Marg held back a groan. No wonder she and Jon had a rough start then too. This time she avoided meeting Jae's eyes, she didn't want to know what they would say.

Sauna picked up, "Father appealed to the houses of the Crownlands gaining more support. They receive a demand from Faegon to follow succession but Father burns the letter. He has control of most of the Stormlands, but his numbers prevent him from expanding beyond that without spreading too thin. Elia revealing herself to Doran prevents Faegon from getting the support he, Jon Connington and Varys expected. After a battle in the Kingswood, Father besieges King's Landing but that doesn't last a fortnight before riots occur. Jaime Lannister who had pledged his loyalty to Father and Mother, as he had vowed to Grandmother when she released him and who was the mystery knight with Brienne of Tarth, ends up killing Cersei with his own hands once again to prevent a ruler from destroying the city she was to protect with wildfire."

The Lannisters were even more messed up then he thought. Ned couldn't believe the turn, from attempting to kill Ned's young boy to Jaime killing his own sister. What could cause such a change, Ned had no idea. Kingslaying, queenslaying, kinslaying, Jaime Lannister did it all. The worst part is that those sins were justified and saved thousands. Ned figured it was up to the gods to judge the man.

"A bit before this, Daenerys Targaryen arrives with an army of Unsullied, Dothraki and two dragons taking Dragonstone from Father's men who were mining dragonglass. Of those killed is a trusted advisor of Father and Stannis. The Stark sigil had been flying and presumably there was some confusion with Daenerys flying the traditional Targaryen sigil which Faegon was using; Father's was white on black. Some of the Reach lords defect to Faegon, though they suffered losses during their expected attempt at betraying Father."

Everyone saw where this was going. Another Dance of the Dragons, yet only one side had dragons.

"Faegon and Daenerys marry unifying their forces, presumably Jon Connington and Varys were able to convince Daenerys and Ser Barristan that the imposter was true. The union actually strengthened Father's support against the foreigners; the Dothraki presence also made some houses that had betrayed the Tyrells rejoin the cause. Faegon was able to ride the second dragon, the green one: Rhaegal. Together they launch a surprise attack on Casterly Rock with Tyrion's inside knowledge, killing many of the remaining Lannisters and looting the keep before abandoning the castle. Daenerys on her dragon destroys caravans of food stock, which really angered Father, as war had burned through most of the food supply."

With winter and the Long Night approaching Ned felt pride over his son's focus on the food. Like any good Stark he was focusing on preparing for winter.

Daena gave a sad smile, "Both sides agreed to a meeting. By this point Father also had married Muña. Varon, Jael, and Alsauna were already born as well. The meeting does not exactly go well. Uncle Egg, ends up revealing himself to the great shock of everyone who didn't know. No peace was found, even after showing a wight." She took a deep melancholic breath, "Ser Barristan refused to aid Daenerys in a war against her own kin, feeling betrayed she burned him, as well as Varys for lying to her about Faegon, Jon Connington too. That is the woman she may become, but we can save her. Her hardships, which remain unknown to us, had changed her as they do everyone."

Sucking in sharply, Jon scowled. He recalled that Daenerys was currently on the run in Essos as she had all her life, not once has she touched the mainland of Westeros because of Robert Baratheon. Unlike Jon she had no Ned Stark to protect her, only a brother, who does not appear to live many more years. She was his aunt, a side of his family different from even Aegon and Rhaenys; she deserved a home. If they can get her to return and accept his or Aegon's rule he'd happily welcome her, but he can't forget what she is capable of. They'd save her, he thought confidently, they had to.

Solemnly Jael continued, "Days later on a foggy morn, she attacked. Both her and Faegon mounted atop their dragons. Dothraki, Unsullied and Knights, pushed the gates. Ships sailing into the bay quickly found themselves trapped in a ring of thick ice and stuck in the fog. Horses slipped on thick ice surrounding the walls. The two dragons' dive to create a breach in the wall was interrupted by two smaller dragons. Rhaenys on Sundancer pulled Dornish tactics on Faegon and Rhaegal, flying in and out of the fog while attacking the Dothraki. Daenerys on Drogon fared better, but Aegon and Nymerion were better coordinated at combat despite being smaller by a year's growth. Eventually the fog cleared and Nymerion was able to lock his jaw on Drogon's neck allowing Aegon to copy Daemon's infamous jump, both armies witnessed it. Distracted by his rider's death Drogon got a wing ripped off. Aegon was caught gently by Father and Frostfyre, but he still broke an arm and some ribs, bleeding internally as well. Drogon received no mercy as Nymerion and Sundancer caught and quickly slayed him before he crushed a building. Rhaegal fled east back to Essos disregarding his rider's commands. The Dothraki fought to the last man but never pierced the Wall. The Golden Company surrendered, getting the closest they ever had to succeeding their goal."

Dragons! Arya thought excitedly. "Jon has a dragon?" She quite liked Aegon's dragon's name, he had good taste but he was a copycat. 

Sauna smiled, "Aye, Frostfyre. It's breath can freeze a lake in seconds or boil it. Same coloring as Ghost, and just as silent. Damn thing scares people to death appearing out of nowhere. Flapping its wings or breathing fire or frost, it doesn't make a sound unless it wants to, it can't even roar."

He wondered what Ghost would think of his massive scaly brother. One would think that a direwolf and dragon would result in a dragon and some fur but Jon hopes he's wrong. He approves of the coloring, the coloring of the Old Gods. Jon loved that his dragon still had some of the North in it, breathing frost and its coloring. Daenerys' death bothered him though and as impressive as it was he wishes Aegon never has to kill their aunt, that moment will immortalize Daenerys as a villain and Aegon a kinslayer. The woman was even younger than Jon.

Fucking hell, Theon thought, how is he suppose to compare Aegon? The man must be a legend in that time, though the women would have already been deprived of Theon by then. Aegon surely bathes in the wetness of women. 

Eddard tried to hide his frown. A second Dance of the Dragons, when there is the greatest threat to man around the corner, what was that Jon thinking? Trapping the ships, and keeping the city intact was wise and Ned was impressed but killing a dragon, losing another, and killing more men, not so much. The kinslaying was troubling. The mixed dragon was interesting, as were all the other dragons' existence.

"Muña conducted mass trials over the Golden Company men, offered pardons if they fought in the upcoming war with a greater punishment for crimes committed before then. Bran returns to Winterfell after training with the magical tree wizard, with him is Meera Reed and a partially undead Benjen, the children of the forest did something to him to keep him alive. Benjen becomes the Stark in Winterfell as the North begins to evacuate south, Rickon, Sansa and Val traveling to the capital with their children, Bran stays on the Isle of Faces."

Laerra smiled as she took over, "Father finally got to meet his children, from what we have been told Varon nearly pulled his pretty hair out all while laughing at Father's pain, Jael and he stared at each other solemnly before Father broke and smiled first, Sauna gave him a black eye trying to hug his face. Mom and Father make up over the Shireen incident. Then I was born a moon later and they learned it is best for Father not to be in the room when they give birth."

A large smile grew on Val's face hearing of her children's first interaction with their father. If the twins are born again, she would remember to keep her hair away from Varon, bloody grubber he'd be. She is also glad to hear that she and Jon come to an understanding even if the two additional children implied that was the case.

Sansa curiously asked, "Why?" It wasn't a common practice, but she thought it was romantic and sweet for the man to be there when their babe is born.

A smirk sent at her Father was the only warning Lya gave. "All the screaming in pain for contractions stresses Father and causes him to panic and in the case of my birth faint. That in turn stressed Mama, but she evidently was stronger. Father did manage to be in the room for Robyn and Aerea's births and behaved well."

Everyone laughed as Jon hung his head, he had a feeling he was never going to live this down. After everything his future self experienced, that was really his downfall. At least he had reason to panic, his mother died on the birthing bed, he had the right to fear for his wives!

The woman could only shake their heads amused thinking this is why men stay outside the room or the men simply didn't care. Admittedly they thought it was sweet he at least tried.

Continuing on, "Sometime, Asha and her fleet as well as Loras and the Redwyne fleet attack Euron's fleet. They were not prepared for Daenerys' stolen dragon, however. Loras died in battle, Asha survived but had to flee to Dorne on foot." Daena gave the Tyrells a sympathetic look.

They already knew it but that didn't lessen the pain and sorrow the words caused Marg and Garlan. They lost a brother, both of their closest brother.

Jael continued, "Next Euron finally attacked Oldtown in full, nothing of the city survived. But Father's friend Samwell Tarly in his fleeing of the city with a wildling, and Mance's child left the broken horn father had given him from the cache at the Fist behind at the Citadel. There is nothing remarkable about it in appearance for good reason, but this was the Horn of Winter, when sounded on the south side of the Wall, it releases the magic preventing the Other's from passing. That is exactly what happens when Euron fixes it."

Everyone inhales but Val is lost in thought. Mance was searching for the horn in an effort to escape death, but they would just be freeing death from its cage; a beast without being kept at bay was free to cause chaos. What a folly their plan was, the free folk would be in no better position, trapped between two enemies, only they'd take all of life with them.

"Before the Wall falls, Father and Aegon split, with Egg moving to protect the Reach. Father leaves a large force to guard the Neck, wisely realizing that if the Wall falls, the Others can simply starve to death every castle they are south of. Father and Frostfyre are settled in Winterfell when the Wall falls. Stannis, now as the thousandth Lord Commander of the Watch, was smart and had many men camp a distance away from the massive wall of Ice, this saved many but the blizzard and swarm of wights that followed eventually broke the secondary defenses. Stannis and his men retreated as Father came and protected them when he arrived on Frostfyre. Halfway to Winterfell though, another form appeared in the sky, larger than anything before it. Awakened from it's death on Skagos, the wild dragon Cannibal was revived as a wight. It chased Father for an indiscernible number of days, after all the endless night had begun. Father had to starve and drink the melted snow from Frostfyre's scales until they finally shook off their hunter."

The hairs on everyone's arms and necks rose. The Others had a dragon, a really big dragon. With a name like Cannibal, one could presume it had experience with other Dragons. Having less than half of Westeros surviving the second Long Night seemed more fortunate than before.

"Stannis and some of his men reached Winterfell. The force at the Neck was able to hold the Neck first at Moat Cailin, but were forced to retreat after moons when Cannibal arrived and broke the front. Aegon reinforces castles in the Reach as an army of Deep Ones walk ashore from the ruins of Oldtown and other water sources. He chases down Euron, from Oldtown, Starfall, Pyke, and many others. Bran, using his greenseeing, communicates to Father through the weirwoods as Father and Frostfyre protect the castles he's told but has to fly between the nearest weirwoods. Aegon is the attack, Father the defense. Breaking this tradition in an attempt to potentially stop the Deep Ones, Father destroys the Seastone chair but it does little. Euron is able to nearly kill him and Frostfyre but they are able to return to King's Landing, Valyrian steel armor is a pain in the arse according to Father."

Those with an understanding of Valyrian steel shivered imagining an opponent wearing such armor. The only way to reshape the steel was by reforging it, there would be no piercing chainlinks, no denting even with your own Valyrian steel. In well designed armor, you'd be invincible to anything but the damage of blunt force. 

"Rhaenys and Sundancer protected the Crownlands. But when they are away, the undead are able to breach the city and keep. Ser Arthur dies in the defense of the Red Keep, taking a third of the Others present down with him. Edric Dayne protects Mama and Lya and slays a White Walker with Dawn; Father later knights him for this. During this attack Gendry, Cassana's father, is killed saving Arya who gives birth to Cass the same day. Ghost and Shaggydog rip apart as many wights who make it into the keep as they can. The people are able to secure the city again after the fall of the White Walkers and the wights and the return of Muña. Mother and Mama are able to calm and reorganize the people left, which was mostly women and children, bringing back order. Mom had fought, killed another of the Walkers and then helped with the healing."

"When Frostfyre is healthy again, Father gets news from Bran to send Aegon and one of the roaming armies to the Isle and head to relieve Dorne and then Winterfell. Getting this news, Arya recovered from birth, rushed to the Isle seeking revenge and to protect Bran, she traveled with her wild pack of wolves and Nymeria, with Darksister in hand. While Aegon is fighting off Deep Ones and Nymerion is grounded fighting Viserion, Arya climbs Viserion's back to pierce its crown with the Valyrian blade. Atop its head, she witnesses Euron kill Bran."

Halting her tongue before she could vocalize her whoop turned Arya's reaction into a near sob. Killing a dragon and welding Visenya's blade lost all its amazement to Arya's grief. First her father, then mother, then her child's father, then Bran, how many of her family would she witness die? Clenching her fist she vowed to protect them all, the pack will survive. 

Catelyn, like her daughter, let loose a sob. It wasn't enough for her children and husband to die, their siblings were cursed to watch. Her children were good, how could the gods let them suffer? How could the gods not come to man's aid in a time like this?

"Arya chases Euron when he escapes, all we know is she is slain within a fortnight. Aegon meets Euron in battle in the boiling water of the Trident as Nymerion protects him by burning wights and melting the frozen river. Once again Blackfyre and Darksister crossed in battle and for the first time the victor was the larger blade. But that didn't end the war."

"Cannibal ends the year long siege of Winterfell, breaking open it's walls. Stannis holds the opening until his death. Father arrives just in time to help but is forced to mainly distract Cannibal. Theon atop the now roofless tall tower, mans a scorpion built under Stannis' command, bolts of weirwood tipped with dragonglass. He had three shots. Father took notice, leading Cannibal as well as he could on a path for the shot. Cannibal had a broken scale on his neck so Theon had two possible targets, that or its eye. The first shot missed, as did the second. On one flyby Cannibal was able to bite half of Frostfyre's tail off, despite Cannibal's flight heading directly toward Theon, he took his final shot, hitting the eye. The dragon's corpse destroyed the tower and Theon. Its skull remains in the lichyard where it landed. In our time the tower was rebuilt and renamed Theon's Tower."

Theon smiled despite his death; he finally did something truly heroic. He can't say that redeemed him but it helped save humanity. He helped save his home, Winterfell survived because of him. A tower was named after him after everything he did.

Giving Theon a slapping pat on the back, Robb nodded at the Ironborn. "You did good." He acknowledged but Robb would never forget what his friends had done beforehand. But he'll give the man a chance and a good punch later when nobody is around.

To hear that from Robb, ment more than Theon could comprehend, if only the other Theon got to hear that. But Theon won't make the other Theon's mistakes, he'll survive or die with the Starks rather than drown as an Ironborn.

Speaking up, Alsauna addressed Theon, "My Father once told me something in a lesson pertaining to parenting when I became old enough to take care of Robyn on my own but he references you. He said a parent is not always of blood but someone who raises you to be the person you are. He used Ned Stark as the influence on both of you. He said that no matter how much you had tried to be a Greyjoy, how much you lost, in the end the Stark was still there. You are a Greyjoy and a Stark, at least a little bit."

And he thought Robb's words made his day. Theon looked at Robb and was given a nod. Jon's serious face was still for moments before he relented and gave Theon his own nod. Ned Stark gave him the smallest smile and nodded. One by one all the Starks in the room followed. It wasn't acceptance, or even forgiveness but they were offering him a chance. Gods, he was crying and he didn't even care. 

"Anyway…" Sara said awkwardly after some silence. "After Cannibal's fall, the wights pulled back from Winterfell but continued to surround the keep, the blizzard also remained. Reluctantly Father and Benjen approached the White Walkers on foot. I don't quite understand how but Father managed to negotiate with th-"

Arya interrupted, "he negotiated with White Walkers?"

"Yes. It was that or continue the war which would either end with everyone starving to death or the living somehow managing to find and kill all the White Walkers. One which would result in an endless winter and the other an endless summer, both extremes and both are not ideal. Not to mention all the extra lives it would cost. Terms were reached and we have all four seasons each year, which makes winter much more bearable while not causing a drought to kill us all while dragons and fire wyrms enjoy our remains," Daena shrugged.

Honestly, four predictable seasons a year sounded like a dream to Ned, no need to stockpile massive quantities of food, less consequence of a bad harvest. Besides, what would House Stark's words be if there was never to be another winter?

"While Westeros suffered greatly from the war, Essos had it worse. Cannibal hunted down Rhaegal there and laid waste to any city it came upon, Braavos, Volantis, Slaver's Bay, Vaes Dothrak, all gone. Yi-Ti fared the best, but Cannibal did create a breach in the Five Forts. The destruction of Braavos was rather helpful though, no debt when those who loaned were dead. And the Crown owed a lot, millions," Lya spread her arms wide to depict the obscene size of the debt in her dark humored jest.

Ned nearly choked. Millions! Aerys left a full treasury, rebuilding costs from the rebellion and the war against the Greyjoys wouldn't have cost that much. Was it Robert or the Lannister's that indebted the Realm. 

"Things went back to normal afterwards, and Father and our mothers went at it like Rabbits, creating our massive family. They claim it was for the purpose of repopulating, but everyone knows they just like fucking eachother." Sara gave all four of her present parents a look. "Aegon finally married Mya and Myrcella, ruling Storm's End and Casterly Rock. Taking mistresses was rather common because of the massive amounts of men that died fighting. Rickon continued to be raised by Mother and Father, he even jokingly calls them his parents, but when he was to become Lord of Winterfell, he ran away with Lyanna Mormont to go on adventures. Which Mother swears was completely his choice and she didn't manipulate him at all, even now he is wild, imagine him after years on Skagos. Cass was also raised by them."

It felt like a knife pierced her heart when Cat heard Rickon calling Sansa and Jon his parents. If she understood the timeline correctly then she has no right to complain, she leaves her three nameday old babe and never returns. Another part of her heart is gladdened to hear that Sansa becomes a motherly figure to her little brother. But, gods did it hurt wondering what her babe must think of his birth parents.

"Mother and Muña propose laws, and better the realm, Mama makes everyone love the royals again and listens to gossip, Mom does what she wants and advises everyone else, and Father just mediates everything and Westeros thrives. Happy ever after," Lya exclaims in a singsong voice. 

"Also," Daena added, "With all that happened with the Second Long Night, and everything, there was a resurgence of faith in the Old Gods down south. With new religious freedom laws to protect all holy sites such as godwoods and septs and other rights. More weirwoods were planted. When none of the beloved royals follow the Seven it loses some popularity. The Faith also lost some rights, such as militarization once again. Father completely separates governance from religion."

Arya did whoop at that, no more or at least fewer obnoxious septons and septas.

Understandably, future Marg would not like the Faith. She was never particularly devout but being wrongfully imprisoned by the Faith, it would come to no surprise she would shed that falsehood. Marg will have to thank Jon for saving her all that time.

"How long was it between Jon capturing me and his death?" Val was curious how long she had to wait, because she was getting a little impatient, she didn't want to wait years to finally fuck someone. Even if Jon is not yet fully grown, she now knows he'd make a very fine partner but he has yet to consistently best her in the yard.

Jael was quick to answer, "A little more than a year. You complain about it jokingly on occasion."

Nope, she is not waiting that long this time. Val grabbed Jon's hand and started pulling him out of the room.

"What are you doing?" Jon dug his heels into the stone floor as he resisted Val's pull but was sliding on the smooth floor.

Looking over her shoulder she gave him a smile. She was glad he was resisting at least partly, but it wouldn't compare to when he steals her in truth. "I'm stealing you," she said teasingly, even biting her lip lightly.

"Stealing, as in…" 

"Yes." At this point she had gotten Jon out the door. The guard watched the exchange amused. She was putting a claim on him today.

Turning red, Jon didn't know what to think. A part of him wished to bed her but the rest was still processing everything he just heard. Now was not the ideal time for this. Not to mention they've only known each other for less than a fortnight. "Val, I don't believe this is the time for this." Despite his words he didn't fight back any harder. He truly was a desperate greenboy.

Val hummed, "I'm claiming you not fucking you, at least not yet. You made me wait over a year, you can wait until you steal me back. If you don't like me stealing you then perhaps fight it."

Sansa watched Jon get pulled outside the room as the door was shut again. She didn't understand what just happened. "What did they mean by stealing?"

Putting his head in his hands dramatically, Jael sighed tirely. "It is free folk courting, if he fights off her attempt at stealing him, he rejects her for at least that attempt, if she reaches her destination then he is claimed by her. That claim doesn't really affect you. Coupling is the end goal of a stealing, but not the definitive. As you know, Mom was stolen over a year before they did that in our time."

While others laughed, Sansa blushed, surely she was nearly as red as her hair. The idea of coupling was still so odd to her, odder still when she thinks of Jon doing it with anyone. Disappointment and anger were also in her heart but another part of her was curious about the act. She knew she wasn't going to be his first or even second or third possibly but she wished Jon would be more romantic about it when it comes to her. Jon and her won't even be able to marry for a while because of her age. If she was like Arya perhaps she would have stomped her foot and pouted like a child but she was better than that. She won't let Jon forget about her either way.

That, that… whore. Marg half wanted to march after them and either join or stop it but she knew it would only make things worse. No man likes to be interrupted from finding their release. She stopped herself from growling but she needed to leave the room, she wanted to be alone. Addressing the room she smiled, "If there is anything else to speak of we can discuss it on the morrow, perhaps. I find I already have enough to sort through at the moment and shall be in my room. See you all at supper." With that she and Garlan left after saying goodbyes. She hid her clenched fists in her dress sleeves as they walked away.

Notes:

A bunch of small things were not mentioned as they were not super important.

Yep. Aegon and Nymerion pulled the Daemon and Caraxes move off successfully. Both red dragons being smaller than their opponents. Fortunately for Aegon he had support to catch him and aid the battle with Rhaenys and Jon.

The ice/fire dragon bit was probably a bit out of place and very fanficky but whatever.

Dany never directly attacks civilians in this but she still is semi dark. Lies, betrayal, expectations, loss, all led to her attacking King's Landing. Dance of the Dragons 2.0. Only half sorry.

The Rhaenys, Aegon, Jon dragons were kind of a deus ex machina but the eggs have already been mentioned and they hatched them while waiting for the right time to join the war, leaving the dragons in Dorne to make allies first.

Next chapter will be another chapter covering a bunch of small moments before Robert's arrival.

Upcoming Chapter POV Order:

Shorts II

Ned II (Robert's Arrival)

Multiple POVs III (Robert, Jaime, etc.)

Elia II

Sansa I