Davos Seaworth
Countryside close to Castle Black
Davos rode slowly, part of the group heading west to Castle Black, his mind wondered. 'The world had changed so much from the one he had once known. Life had been simpler before he saved Stannis during the blockade back when he was just a smuggler.
Now, he found himself escorting the heir to an ancient house discovered on an island where he'd expected to find cannibals. But the truth was far different: the islanders were rowdy, strong-willed people, fiercely protective of their ways and traditions.
His journey's purpose was twofold: to reunite the boy with his brother and to bring him before Stannis. Stannis, who had lost the battle for Winterfell, clung to hope. The Manderlys had sworn their support, but only if he found their liege lord.
And here he was, a wild seven-year-old with unkempt hair and an untamed spirit, riding a massive black direwolf. Rickon Stark had endured many losses. He lost his home, family, and friends, yet knowing he would soon see his brother made the boy smile when he heard the news in Skagos, at least that the wildling woman Osha had told him.
Then there were the Skagosi, ten armored warriors wearing chain mail, riding fricking unicorns. Yet they spoke about Jon Snow, as he was some sort of hero. Like the stuff Melisandra talked about, he had heard the talks in Skagos before they left. That two massive dragons had been sighted, but Davos didn't believe them.
Yet when they arrived at East Watch by the Sea. They heard from Cotter Pike that Jon Snow had died and returned from the dead and that two dragons had hatched with him. Two massive dragons had arrived at Castle black, yet the orders were to not spread the word about them.
What he found strange was that the orders seemed to be coming from Jon Snow. How was no longer Lord Commander? A man called Eddison Tollet was. So what was happening with Stannis? Surely, Stannis would spread the word if he had dragons under his command. It would make many flok to his banner's declaring for the true King,' Davos wondered, confused.
"Castle Black, two hundred meters away!" a ranger at the front of the group called out.
Davos looked up, his gaze settling on the tops of the distant towers and the familiar creak of the elevator that clung to the colossal Wall. He had seen it before in his smuggling days, but its sheer enormity never failed to amaze him. The blue sheen of the ice, stretching endlessly upward, was both beautiful and foreboding.
The party slowed, then came to a halt. "Come, my Lord. It seems we have visitors." He said to Rickon, whose face lit up. Together with wilding Osha, they road to the head of the group.
Ten armored Northmen riding horses waited for them, 'not one of Stannis, his men.' Davos noted. Then the ten all gaped and smiled brightly. All their face going toward the young Stark lord.
"Lord Rickon, it's good to finally meet you," said a smaller man, his voice calm, and warm. "I'm Lord Howland Reed. And who are your companions?"
'So this is Howland Reed, Davos mused. 'The Lord of the Neck.'
Rickon ignored the question entirely. "Where is my brother?" he asked sharply.
Howland's smile didn't falter. "Waiting for you in the courtyard."
Davos seized the moment to answer on behalf of the group. "Lord Reed, I am Ser Davos Seaworth, Lord of the Rainwood and Hand of the King to Stannis Baratheon." At the mention of Stannis, Howland's face briefly tightened, but Davos pressed on. "To Lord Rickon's left is Osha, a spearwife of the Freefolk. Behind me are Lord Ballard Magnar, Lord of Kingshouse, and Lord Mudin Stane, heir to Driftwood Hall both lords of Skagos."
Howland inclined his head politely, though his attention seemed to remain fixed on Rickon. "Very well. One thing to note be prepared as you approach the castle. Outside the walls, two dragons lie sleeping."
The group exchanged glances at the mention of dragons. Lord Ballard leaned close to Mudin and murmured, "See, the warrior of fire and ice wakes the beasts from stone to bring the light."
"True," Mudin replied with a faint smile. "Fire and ice, like our isle."
Rickon urged his direwolf forward, trotting up to ride beside Howland. Osha gave Davos a sidelong glance. "Mmm, Lord Smuggler, looks like we're in for something big."
"That we are," Davos replied quietly.
Chapter 9: Orys Targaryen
Orys Targaryen
Castle Black
Orys waited there with Shireen by his side. 'Something that rarely wasn't the case, and he would wed her on the morrow, binding her to him forever. Yet his mind was on something else. His little brother, he thought dead, was coming to him soon. Bran might still be alive somewhere across the Wall. Sansa disappeared after having helped Tyrion murder Joffery, although he doubted that was true. Then there was Arya, not word about since my uncle's death in Kingslanding, and she is probably dead too.' He mused and sighed as he gazed at the gate.
"Orys?" Shireen said, glancing at him.
"Just thinking about my siblings... cousins now," he replied with a faint smile. "Rickon will be the only one left. The rest are gone, scattered. The pack is divided."
Before Shireen could respond, the door creaked open. In came serval riders, yet Orys gaze fell on the rider on the black direwolf, and he knew right away who it was. Rickon. Though his hair was wilder, he looked so much like Robb had at that age, with the red hair and the dark blue Tully eyes.
Rickon dismounted quickly, catching sight of Orys. Without a word, the two ran to each other, closing the distance in an instant.
"JON!!" Rickon screamed as they collided in an embrace. The feeling was almost overwhelming, and he had to bite back a sob. Rickon didn't, and soon, he felt the boy sobbing in his neck. He felt something of pure joy then, like when Shireen was in his arms. 'I have you back I thought you were gone for so long. I will protect you with my life.' Orys swore inwardly.
"Oh, I'm here, little brother." He said as he held the boy in the air as they embraced."You are alright. You are safe with me." He added Rickon just kept on sobbing. "They are all gone. Papa and Mama left, Robb left, Bran left, and they all left me." Rickon sobbed.
"I'm here now, and we will be together for a long time." He said as he finally put Rickon down. "Promise," The boy asked. "I do," Orys replied, kissing the boy on the forehead.
"So, Rickon. Why not tell me who you have brought." He asked as Rickon took his hand and turned to the rest of the arrived group. Rikcon smiled then as he wiped his tears away. "Right, that's Osha. She protected me all the way from Winterfell to Skagos and back to here," Rickon replied, smiling, as he pointed at a Freeflok woman with shaggy brown hair and a slim build that reminded him of Yigrrite.
"Then there is Davos, Muldin, and Ballard. The rest are men of Skagos and the Night Watch." Rickon went on as he received chuckles from the group.
He looked the group over and glanced to the side as he saw Shaggydog and Ghost playing. 'The last of the littler, still together.' Orys thought with a smile.
"Very well," He replied, as padded Rickon on the shoulder
"Welcome to Castle Black. I'm Jon Stark, King in the North. To my right is the Princess Shireen of House Baratheon, and to my left is Lord Commander Eddison Tollet." Orys proclaimed and looked at faces. The Skagosi all smiled. The Nightwatch frowned but nodded. Yet Ser Davos gaped at him and then looked at Shrieen for an explanation.
"Ser Davos, it is good to see you again, I feared you were dead. That Maderlys had beheaded you to prove their loyalty." Shireen started. "As to what the man to my left said, it is true. He is also my betrothed, and tomorrow, we will be wed under the watch of the old gods."
"Princess, your father is the King, and what he is doing is treason. Or has Stannis fallen? If so, you are the rightful Queen of the Seven Kingdoms." Davos replied.
"King Stannis has fallen that much, which is true, but not in the way you think," Orys said, his tone measured. "This is not a conversation to have out in the open. Come to us in the Kingstower, and after, as I suspect, you all could rest and have a warm meal." There were murmurs of agreement and approving nods from those gathered. Orys glanced at Shireen, who offered him a warm, reassuring smile.
"Ser Davos, my lords, please do as King Jon says. We soon explain everything once we are inside." Shireen added with a kind smile.
"As you say, Princess. And you, King Jon," Ser Davos added wearily, looking between them both.
Before more could be said, the lords of Skagos stepped forward. The first was a broad-shouldered, brown-haired man who carried himself with the confidence of command.
"Your Grace," he said, his deep voice echoing in the chill air. "I, Lord Ballard Magnar of Kingshouse, renew my fealty to House Stark and to you, King Jon, warrior of fire and ice. I promise to be faithful and defend him against all enemies in good faith and with our deceit. " He knelt, bowing his head in solemn respect.
Jon regarded him with steady eyes. "I accept your fealty. I swear, by old gods and the new, to ask you no service of you that will bring dishonor, protect you in your hour of need, and bring you justice if I'm called upon to do so. When the war with the Boltons is over, your oaths will be reaffirmed so that all the North may rise as one."
A younger lord, closer to Jon's age, stepped forward next. His unkempt hair and dark beard gave him a wild appearance, yet his words carried the same weight of solemnity as he knelt. "Your Grace, lord Muldin Son Dalbert, Lord of the driftwood hall, renew my fealty to House Stark and to you, King Jon, warrior of fire and ice. I promise to be faithful and defend him against all enemies in good faith and with our deceit."
He nodded and spoke again, his voice carrying authority. "I accept your fealty. I swear, by old gods and the new, to ask you no service of you that will bring dishonor, protect you in your hour of need, and bring you justice if I'm called upon to do so. Together, we will rebuild what has been broken."
With the pledges made, Orys and the others returned to the solar.
Kingstower – Castle Black
Soon, they were in the Kingstower, Davos, the two lords of Skagos, Howland, Rickon, who wouldn't leave his side, and his protector, Osha the Spearwife. "So, Lord Seaworth, I have you to thank for my brother's return and Lord Wyman, too, if I'm correct?" He asked the now warm, famous smuggler.
"It is Your Grace," The man said hesitantly. "The whole thing was a ploy to get the Frey's to release Wyman's heir. After that, I traveled with the mute Ironborn man to Skagos." Davos added.
"He found me there in the care of the Skagosi. They learned how to speak the old tongue, hunt, and fight." Rickon proclaimed proudly, looking at the two Skagosi lords. Both seemed to puff their chest at the praise.
"Well, thank again, my lords, for taking care of my little brother. You could have gained a nice reward for his capture had you ransomed him." Orys added, grinning at them.
"We remember our oaths; the Starks are the Kings of Winter, and you are the light that will bring the dawn. We follow you both." Lord Ballard proclaimed, and Muldin nodded in approval, Both bashing against their chest to show their commitment.
"Well, my lords and Osha, thank you all for returning my brother to me. For that, you have my gratitude and my eternal friendship until the day I die." He replied to Lords.
"It's an honor," Lord Muldin added, smiling brightly.
"The North Remmebers," Lord Ballard egoded.
"I love the little pup as if he is my own. I die for him, and I stay by his side until I die or until he asks me to leave." Osha replied, smiling as she hugged Rickon. "Never, I will never send you away," Rickon replied quickly. Hugging Osha back fiercely. Orys smiled. 'It was good he had someone who loved to care for him.'
"As for you, ser Davos, I suppose this change you returned to much been a shock?" Orys asked, union knight. "It has, but I want to know where my King is?" Davos asked.
"My father has taken the black. To answer for his crimes of trying to burn me alive," Shireen replied, her voice sharp as a knife.
Davos looked like a fish at that moment, his mouth gaping, and his eyes looked like they were about to pop out of his sockets.
Howland spoke then to the Union Knight. "It's true, I saw them light the pyre with King Jon's dead body and dragon eggs lying upon it, and then Shireen was bound to it. Maege and I were too late to stop it. Soon, the fire engulfed them both. I thought, what has this world come to? That Stannis Baratheon would fall this low. I'm not sure what worse, the Red Wedding or what he tried to do." Howland ended, looking sadly at him and Shireen. Throughout the tale, he holds Shireen's hand tightly.
"Yes, I only remember waking to find a terrified Shireen. Her Greyscale mark is gone, the both of us surrounded by flames, and two small dragons are crawling around us. Then we walked out of the flames to find the black and silver dragon waiting for us. Then, I ordered Mellisandre and all those responsible for the crime to be imprisoned. Stannis was sentenced to take the black to live with his actions." He added sternly. Davos just shrunk into himself, his eyes full of sadness.
"I'm sorry, Princess," Davos said weakly, then he fell to one knee. "I, Davos Seaworth, Lord of the Rainwood, declare my fealty to Princess Shireen of House Baratheon and her betrothed King Jon Stark. I promise to be faithful and defend them against all enemies in good faith and with our deceit." Davos pledged.
"Thank you Ser. I accept your fealty. I swear, by old gods and the new, to ask you no service of you that will bring dishonor, protect you in your hour of need, and bring you justice if I'm called upon to do so.
Now go find your son. We will discuss some other matters later. As Devan has been quite helpful to me. He returned from his post at the Nightfort quickly after he heard what had happened. I named him my steward. You raised him well." Shireen said, smiling.
"Thank you, Princess. May have a good night's rest." Davos said as he bowed and took his leave.
Once Davos was gone, Orys and Shireen turned back to the gathered Skagosi lords and Rickon.
"So, we will have a queen?" Lord Ballard mused, his eyes gleaming with amusement. Then, with a broad smile, he added, "Congratulations to you both."
Shireen glanced at Orys, who pulled her close. "Thank you. We're both excited for our future together."
Lord Muldin nodded. "It will be an honor to stand by you both. We shall see you at the evening feast."
Orys inclined his head. "I look forward to it. Until then, my lords."
The lords took their leave, leaving only Orys, Shireen, Rickon, and Osha in the room.
Orys turned to Rickon, his expression serious.
"Rickon, there's something you need to know. Something I learned a few weeks ago," he began, taking Rickon's hand in his. "It's about our father."
Rickon's grip tightened slightly, his face clouding with concern.
Orys took a steadying breath. "He was not the man who sired me, but he was the one who raised me. And that will always mean something to me, and for that, I love him."
Rickon frowned. "What are you talking about?"
Orys hesitated, then continued. "He kept a secret from me, us. One I had spent my whole life wanting to know." His gaze locked onto Rickon's. "Do you remember what it was?"
Rickon's frown deepened, but then his expression softened with understanding. "Who your mother was." He gave a sad smile. "I remember. You always wondered."
Orys nodded. "And now I know. You know I died, right?" His voice was quieter now, the weight of that truth settling over them.
Rickon nodded, his fingers tightening around Orys's.
"When I died, I met my mother," Orys said softly. "And I met my father."
Rickon's eyes widened with hope. "You saw Father?"
Orys shook his head. "Not your father, mine." He took a deep breath. "Rickon, I'm your cousin. My mother was Lyanna Stark, your aunt. My father was Rhaegar Targaryen. My true name is Orys Targaryen."
Rickon's lips parted slightly, his breath catching. "So… Father lied to all of us. You're not my brother?" His voice wavered.
Orys gripped his shoulders firmly. "By blood, no. But in every way that matters, I am. I always will be." He pulled Rickon into an embrace. "That will never change."
Rickon buried his face against Orys's shoulder, his voice thick with emotion. "You may be my cousin," he murmured. "But you will always be my big brother."
Chapter 9: Shireen Baratheon
Shireen Baratheon
The following day, The Godswood - beyond the Wall
Shireen stood still, feeling the weight of every gaze upon her. Before her stood the man she was about to marry, and at her side, steadfast as ever, was Davos Seaworth. That morning, she had asked him if he would give her away. He had smiled, his eyes crinkling with warmth, and accepted without hesitation.
Now, she stood draped in a gown of white, embroidered with black stags, her House's sigil stitched into the fabric beneath thick furs, behind her maiden cloak of yellow and black, made from the previous flag of the army.
The snow fell all around. It seemed winter waited for no one, not even a wedding. The chill bit at her skin, but she barely noticed. Soon, Orys would be her husband. Something she had once thought impossible. A few weeks ago, she had feared she might never find love. But now, she knew she had.
"Are you ready for this, Princess? And soon, my Queen?" Davos asked gently, pulling her from her thoughts.
She turned to him with a smile. "I'm ready to be wed."
"As you say," he smirked, offering his arm. "Let's get you married."
With that, they stepped forward together.
On either side, their allies stood, a gathering of those who had vowed to fight for her and Orys to stand against the coming darkness and set the realm to rights. Their presence was a silent promise of the battles yet to come, but today, for this moment, there was only the godswood, heartree, and the man waiting for her.
Then, she saw him.
Orys stood cloaked in Stark grey, the colors of his mother's House. For now, he would wed her under Stark's name, yet she and Orys had spoken of it, that they wanted to remarry under Hearttree in Winterfell after they had taken it back. So he could cloak her under his true family name. Even though Rickon had firmly insisted on that name or not, Orys would always be a Stark.
As they drew closer, a flutter of nervousness stirred in her chest, but it was a good kind of nervousness the thrill of stepping into something new.
Shireen Baratheon, the lonely, greyscale-marked daughter of the late Lord of Storm's End and Dragonstone, was about to wed Orys of House Targaryen. She was very hopeful it would close the dark chapter of bad blood between their houses.
As they reached the front, Orys smiled at her a kind, warm smile, the same one that had first made him seem both kind and handsome in her eyes. To his right, Rickon stood with a bright, happy grin, while at the center of it all, Howland Reed waited with a solemn nod.
When he spoke, his voice carried through the godswood, marking the moment that would soon bind them forever.
"Who comes before the gods this night?" Howland asked.
"Shireen Baratheon," Davos Seaworth answered for her. "A woman grown, trueborn, and noble. She comes to beg the blessings of the gods. Who comes to claim her?"
"Jon, of House Stark, King of the North, and regent to Lord of Winterfell Rickon Stark. Who gives her?" Orys replied. At his words, Shireen's heart swelled, and warmth spread through her cheeks. Behind her, she caught the murmurs of those gathered, whispers rippling through the crowd at the announcement.
"I do," Davos said. "Davos Seaworth, Lord of the Rainwood, her guardian, and former Hand of the King to Stannis Baratheon."
Davos turned to her then, his expression gentle. "Princess Shireen, do you take this man?"
She took a steadying breath before answering. "I do." Her voice wavered slightly, but she smiled.
Orys took her hand, his grip warm and reassuring, and together they knelt before the heart tree. As they bowed their heads in prayer, he leaned in just slightly and whispered, "You look beautiful, Shireen."
Her blush deepened, and she had to fight the urge to giggle.
For a moment, they prayed. She prayed for happiness, for love, for the life that lay ahead with her husband. 'Her husband.' The thought sent a quiet thrill through her.
When they rose, Orys reached behind her and carefully removed her maiden's cloak, handing it to Davos. Then he accepted the bridal cloak, a thick woolen piece adorned with the grey direwolf of House Stark. With steady hands, he draped it over her shoulders, claiming her as his own.
Then, at last, they turned to face each other.
Before the heart tree, beneath the old gods, they kissed.
Applause erupted around them, cheers and calls filling the air. As they turned to face the gathered lords and ladies, Howland Reed's voice rang out over the godswood.
"My lords, my ladies, and all those gathered. I give you King Jon Stark and Queen Shireen Stark!" In the background, two dragons roared in approval.
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