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fakexface · 4 years

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Season 8

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 𝓢𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓽𝓲𝓶𝓮𝓼 𝓘 𝔀𝓸𝓷𝓭𝓮𝓻 𝓲𝓯 𝓖𝓸𝓭 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓹𝓻𝓪𝔂𝓼 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓶𝓮. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

•Upon arrival in the North, Rhaegar, Daenerys, Jon, and their combined forces march through Winter Town on their way to Winterfell. The townspeople cast the Targaryens many suspicious looks, and Jon reminds them that Northerners have a long-established distrust of outsiders. Rhaegar gives a tight smile and replies that he deserves these looks- the blame they give him. He was the one who took Lady Lyanna from them, after all. Immediately following this exchange, Vhagon, Meraxal and Rhaenyx fly overhead, startling the townspeople and causing Daenerys to smile proudly. Rhaegar lets out a soft laugh as he watches the trio fly overhead.

•In Winterfell's courtyard, Jon introduces Daenerys and Rhaegar to Sansa; the two women exchange a civil but tense greeting while Rhaegar drops into a low bow, surprising everyone present, and states that Lady Sansa favors her mother, Catelyn.

•Later, Rhaegar is seated at the high table in the castle's great hall along with Jon, Daenerys, and Sansa. Tyrion attempts to calm the slightly hostile Northern lords by telling them that the largest army ever seen has been assembled, but Sansa asks how she is supposed to feed such a force along with three dragons. When she asks what dragons even eat, Daenerys replies, "Whatever they want." Rhaegar cuts in, giving his sister a harsh look, before replying that the dragons will hunt outside of Winterfell; they are capable of feeding themselves. One of the Northern lords makes a passing comment of how Targaryens know treason better than anyone else; Rhaegar does not reply.

•While inspecting the preparations for the coming battle, Daenerys remarks to Jon upon Sansa's apparent dislike for her. While Jon assures her that Sansa wasn't overly fond of him when they were growing up, Daenerys rebuffs him by saying that they don't need to like each other, but she will be respected as hand to the King. Several Dothraki approach the pair and mention that the dragons haven't been eating as much as they normally do.

•Rhaegar can be seen standing before Rhaenyx, worry evident. He asks for Daenerys and Jon to take them out, away from Winterfell- the dragons don’t like the cold, and flying would help warm them up. When Daenerys asks if Rhaegar will join them, he shakes his head and states that there are matters that he needs to attend to.

•Daenerys mounts Vhagon, planning to take him for a ride, and suggests that Jon mount Meraxal. After much trepidation, Jon does so, and the dragons take the pair on a wild ride over the snow-covered landscape, Daenerys being somewhat pleased at Jon's almost instant connection with the dragon. Eventually, they land near a waterfall in an area where Jon used to hunt as a youth. Away from all concerns about the coming battle, Daenerys and Jon share a brief moment of intimacy. Rhaenyx can be seen continuing to fly farther south before circling around, almost as if he were playing the role of scout.

•Rhaegar finds his way into the catacombs of Winterfell, and he takes his time, walking past the tombs slowly. He stops before Lyanna’s, and tears can be seen falling from his eyes. He finally breaks down after a moment, all but collapsing to his knees, sobbing softly and apologizing over and over again for leaving her alone, for dragging her into everything, for not making it back to the Tower of Joy in time. Tyrion, having followed Rhaegar, does not approach and instead, stays hidden behind a corner, listening to Rhaegar cry.

•Daenerys and Jorah later encounter Samwell Tarly in Winterfell's library. After praising him for realizing the secret behind dragonglass and curing Jorah of his greyscale, she asks if there is anything she can do to repay him. Sam jokingly asks for a pardon for stealing books from the Citadel and for taking his family's ancestral sword without permission. Upon hearing his surname is "Tarly", Daenerys realizes that he is in fact Randyll's son, and proceeds to tell him the difficult truth that his father and brother are being held on Dragonstone for rebelling against Rhaegar, and will have a trial for this crime after Rhaegar takes his throne. Sam is speechless for a few moments before asking to leave the library.

•Rhaegar is on the battlements, studying their composition and how many men could fit without it becoming too cramped when a commotion erupts in the courtyard. He quickly leaves, making his way down, only to pause when he sees who was causing the commotion: Jaime Lannister. He moves quickly, with purpose, striding across the courtyard. He calls out to Jaime by using his title of Kingslayer, and as the Lannister turns, Rhaegar snaps out, striking his jaw with a harsh uppercut that caused a split lip to form. Jon Snow sees what happens and runs forward, separating the two as Rhaegar snarls out how he had trusted Jaime, how he had put him on duty to watch his father because he trusted him, before yelling out why he didn’t try to stop the murder and rape of his wife, Elia Martell, or their children.

•Later, Rhaegar and Daenerys are once again seated at the high table with Jon and Sansa. The two women harshly berate the Kingslayer for his past actions and question whether his loyalty to their cause is genuine. Rhaegar makes idle comments on how Jaime stood by while his family was slaughtered “like cattle”. Only when Brienne of Tarth vouches for Jaime does Sansa trust him, and Daenerys allows his sword to be returned to him. Rhaegar, after a moment, relents- there are bigger monsters to deal with currently.

•Rhaegar finds himself alone in the mess hall, a much needed moment of peace and quiet. He stands, staring at the flames, when Bran wheels himself in. Rhaegar turns, and before he can say anything, Bran says two words that have Rhaegar stilling: he knows. Rhaegar does not attempt to dance around the subject, simply stating that it was not Bran’s place to tell Jon, that he had plans. Bran does not reply. Rhaegar, on his way out, pauses, and states that he had a relative, Bryndyn Rivers, who was rumored to have been the last Three-Eyed Raven. Bran agrees, stating that he is the one who taught Bran and passed the mantel onto him. Rhaegar places a hand on Bran’s shoulder, but he does not speak. He leaves a moment later.

•Jon finds Rhaegar in the chambers Sansa appointed for the Targaryen, and approaches him, distraught over what Samwell has told him. Rhaegar does not speak at first, prompting Jon to grow distraught and ask if it was all true, what Sam had said. Rhaegar replies that yes, it is- that Jon is, indeed, his son. His given name was not Jon, but rather, Jaehaerys, named after Rhaegar’s grandfather, the last sane Targaryen to sit on the Iron Throne. Jon grows angry, asking why he left, why he never tried to reach out, to which Rhaegar, just as distraught, tries to explain what had happened- how he had been nearly killed, and by the time he reached Dragonstone, it was too late and he had to run. That he had correspondence with Ned and Maester Aemon over the years, keeping track of Jon.•He wanted to see him, to visit and be a part of his life- but it would be far too dangerous. Jon then asks if he was ever going to tell him, to which Rhaegar replies yes, he was- after the war was over. Jon then asks if Daenerys knows, and Rhaegar, after a moment, states that she doesn’t; she believes that Rhaegar’s children are dead. Jon doesn’t stay, leaving Rhaegar alone in his chambers. Rhaegar, in a rare fit of rage, tosses a chair across the room, causing it to shatter against the stone wall.

•Later, Daenerys speaks privately with Sansa, addressing some of the thorny political issues involved in their alliance. She also openly confesses her love for Jon, explaining she has had only one goal - retaking the Iron Throne - until she met Jon and now she's in the North helping him fight the Night King and the army of the dead. Although a greater understanding appears to develop between the two women, Sansa remains firm in her conviction that the Northerners will never truly accept an outsider as their ruler again, and bluntly asks Daenerys what Rhaegar’s plans for the North are once the dead have been defeated. The awkward moment is interrupted by Maester Wolkan announcing the arrival of Theon Greyjoy and his men.

•Rhaegar is already within the room when Sansa arrives to greet Theon, and he watches with curiosity, having met the boy back on Dragonstone. After they have their moment, he clears his throat and asks where Yara was, and if he knows what has happened with Ellaria Sand. Theon replies that Yara was the only one on the ship when he arrived, and that he doesn’t know what became of Ellaria. Rhaegar, crestfallen, thanks him before leaving.•Surprisingly, Sansa comes after him, finding him standing upon a battlement overlooking the front gates to Winterfell. She asks him how he finds Winterfell, and he replies simply that it is much colder than he expected. She then asks what his plans are, after he gains the throne- to this, he turns to her and studies her for a long moment before stating that while she favored Catelyn in looks, her strength and biting resolve were that of Lyanna’s. He then explains that after the Throne is taken back, he will call a council of those who are the new heads of the houses of Westeros, and from there, decide on where to go. A change needs to happen, he states with a shake of his head; the time for total control is over, that much he learned in Essos. His ancestors- Aegon, Rhaenys, and Visenya ruled together. He wants something akin to that- multiple rulers, not just one person, or one council.

•When the survivors from Eastwatch bring the news that the army of the dead will be at Winterfell's gates within a day, preparations inside the castle begin to move forward at a feverish pace. Rhaegar meets with all the prominent commanders and heads of houses to discuss battle strategy. Daenerys finds herself in the crypts with Jon. While standing in front of Lyanna Stark's statue, Daenerys recounts the story of how her brother Rhaegar kidnapped Lyanna and drove Robert Baratheon to rebel against the Iron Throne.

•On a prior urging from Samwell, Jon finally reveals the truth about his parentage to Daenerys. She is utterly stunned, and immediately questions the validity of the story. When Jon assures her that it's true, she realizes that Jon actually has a better claim to the throne than she does. Daenerys leaves in a hurry, leaving Jon behind in the crypts. She finds Rhaegar in his rooms, polishing his blades, which is where she demands to know the truth. Rhaegar tells her quickly- yes, Jon in his son, yes, he knew it was him from the moment he saw him, yes, he planned on telling her, and no, he did not kidnap Lyanna. This brings out frustration and anger, and he begins to tell her the full story of how he and Lyanna fell in love; however, before either can discuss the matter further, a horn sounds three times to signal the arrival of the army of the dead. They exchange a look before leaving quickly to find their dragons.

•Rhaegar, Daenerys, and Jon watch with Vhagon, and Rhaenyx, and Meraxal from a distance as the Dothraki charge the army of the dead, but when the Dothraki are slaughtered, Daenerys breaks away from Jon's plan to wait for the Night King and attacks the army of the dead with dragonfire. Rhaegar curses and quickly follows after his younger sister, with Jon trailing behind. Rhaegar keeps lower than Daenerys or Jon, watching the battle unfold. Rhaenyx leaves the dragonfire to Vhagon and Meraxal. Daenerys and Jon's visibility is cut off when the White Walkers summon a blizzard, however. The pair take to the skies above the blizzard while Rhaegar keeps low, circling Winterfell the best he can. Daenerys suddenly plunges on Vhagon, drawing Rhaegar’s attention. When he realizes who she is aiming for, he screams for her to pull up, but his voice is lost in the sound of battle. He watches from the back of Rhaenyx in horror as Vhagon blasts the Night King with fire- but to no avail.

•They escape as the Night King hurls an ice spear at Vhagon. When Jon is surrounded by newly risen wights, Daenerys and Rhaegar save him with Vhagon and Rhaenyx, burning through wights and creating a path for Jon to rush into Winterfell to help Bran and stop the Night King. Rhaegar leaves shortly after, trying to find where Meraxal had flown off to, and is horrified to see the dragon being covered by wights. He and Rhaenyx dive down, freeing Meraxal. However, Rhaegar is thrown from Rhaenyx’s back as Rhaenyx attempts to keep the wights away from Meraxal, leaving Rhaegar to be surrounded with two angry dragons.

•He manages to climb atop Rhaenyx and take to the skies with Meraxal, injured but able to fly, following after. He panics when he realizes that Dany is nowhere to be found. He takes Rhaenyx over Winterfell and blasts what dead he can while Meraxal flies further south, to safety. As Daenerys watches over Jon, wights climb onto Drogon, and Daenerys falls off while Drogon flies away. She is protected by Jorah, who dies defending her, leaving Daenerys crying hysterically while Vhagon wraps around them after the Army of the Dead falls. Rhaegar, having dropped from Rhaenyx’s back, is fighting alongside those in the courtyard of Winterfell and growing overwhelmed by the minute, until the Army of the Dead suddenly falls.

•After the battle, which saw a living victory, Rhaegar and Daenerys mourn the dead outside Winterfell, lighting a pyre. He steps forward with Daenerys to light their funeral pyre; she kisses the dead Jorah's forehead and whispers something to him before Rhaegar lights the pyre. Later, the siblings celebrate at the feast inside Winterfell. Tormund makes a toast to Daenerys, "To the Ruby King!"- a new title for Rhaegar, and Daenerys stands up herself, toasting Arya Stark as the "Hero of Winterfell." However, despite her initially celebratory mood and the smiles she exchanges with Jon, Daenerys's mood grows downcast when she finds herself worried over Jon's popularity among the Northmen, Valemen, and wildlings compared to Rhaegar’s popularity. Rhaegar, on the other hand, is celebrating just as much- congratulating Jon and toasting. Daenerys rises to leave, but Rhaegar stops her with a hand on her arm, shaking his head. It is then that Tyrion speaks up, requesting a song from Rhaegar. The hall falls silent, as many who are there have heard of the Targaryen’s voice moving people to tears. Rhaegar, flustered but still reeling from their victory, agrees and begins to sing The Night That Ended; no one joins in, and the hall is surprisingly silent as he sings. Daenerys sits beside him with a fond smile.

•Daenerys finds Jon in his chambers that night and they kiss, beginning to undress, before Jon stops himself due to learning of their relation. Daenerys laments that she wishes Jon never told her about his true identity because otherwise, she'd be happy- they’d both be happy. Daenerys tells Jon it doesn't matter what he wants or how many times he swears fealty to Rhaegar - he didn't want to be King in the North either. Jon gets on one knee before her and says that Rhaegar is his king. Daenerys begs Jon not to tell anyone else about his parentage, fearing that it will destroy them. Jon insists he must tell his sisters because he owes them the truth about who he is, certain it will work out and they can all live together. However, Dany believes the only way they can live together is if Jon keeps his identity secret.

•Rhaegar spends the night alone, walking the halls of Winterfell until he finally grows too restless and goes to leave, only to be stopped by Sandor Clegane, who asks him what he was planning on doing. Rhaegar confesses he needed to get out of Winterfell for a bit; The Hound decides that he’s going to join him. The pair walk out of Winterfell’s gates in relative silence. Sandor breaks the silence by asking if Rhaegar plans on killing Cersei or Jaime or his brother. Rhaegar hesitates before answering that Cersei will have a trial once King’s Landing is taken; while he would love to kill the man who took his children and beloved away from him, he believes that the honor should belong to Sandor. The Hound doesn’t reply, and leaves Rhaegar to be alone afterwards. Rhaegar, instead of returning to Winterfell, continues his walk, eventually finding the dragons, each asleep. Rhaenyx awakens first and watches as he approaches, but does not stop him. Rhaegar settles down on the ground beside the dragon, who lowers his head and covers Rhaegar, all but hiding him from view. In the silence of the night, Rhaegar allows himself to grieve for those he had lost.

•Come morning, no one can find Rhaegar. A panic sweeps through Winterfell before Arya arrives with Rhaegar trailing behind, the pair both looking amused at the situation. Arya explains that she had watched him leave Winterfell the night before, and curiosity drew her to look for him- and get a closer look at the dragons. Rhaegar then leads a war council for the resumed campaign against Cersei Lannister for the Iron Throne. They will not sail immediately to King’s Landing, despite Daenerys’ argument that they should march now. Rhaegar counters, agreeing with the Lady Sansa that their men are exhausted and injured; marching to King’s Landing right now would be marching them all to their deaths- again. They would wait five days, giving the men time to rest. He ends the meeting, though requests to speak with Daenerys and Jon alone. However, Jon has already disappeared, leaving the siblings to have a tense stand off before Daenerys leaves without a word.

•Later, Rhaegar is in the crypts beneath Winterfell once more, standing before Ned’s statue. Sansa finds him here; she makes to leave at first before he speaks up, stating that while she may favor the Tully side in looks, her personality was purely Stark. She takes this as a cue to approach him, and she admits that she did not know Lady Lyanna, but had heard plenty of tales. Rhaegar smiles and tells her the story of how Lyanna poured wine over her brother’s head. A moment of silence passes before he turns and studies her, before sighing and asking if Jon has spoken with her and Arya. She says that he has- that she had, admittedly, been looking for Rhaegar to ask if it truly was so- that he was his son. Rhaegar nods slowly, and Sansa gets a pensive look about her before asking why he didn’t come after Jon. It is then that he begins to recount to her the tale of Elia, Lyanna, and himself as they make their way back to the surface: the murder of his father, his mother’s death giving birth to Daenerys, how they had to flee Westeros completely and seek shelter in Essos. How he sent ravens to Ned and Aemon, asking after Jon. How assassins had been sent after himself and his siblings, and how dangerous it would be if the world knew that he had a living heir in Westeros.

•They depart from one another afterwards, where Sansa runs into Tyrion and tells him of what she had learned. Rhaegar, meanwhile, went to find Daenerys and Jon; they would be leaving at dawn. He gave Jon the choice: travel by dragon, or ride by horse. Jon, after a moment, admits that he isn’t used to riding on the back of a dragon yet, and relents to lead their forces by horseback. Rhaegar agrees.

•As his fleet is sailing back to Dragonstone, Rhaeagar rides Rhaenyx next to Daenerys on Vhagon, with Meraxal trailing behind, when suddenly three bolts are fired, narrowly missing the dragons. Rhaegar yells for Daenerys to fly higher while Meraxal soars ahead quickly, weaving towards their fleet. Euron's Iron Fleet reveals itself from behind Dragonstone's rocks and tries to take down Daenerys and Vhagon as they escape, but are unable to do as they pull back. Rhaenyx turns and takes them around the back of Euron’s fleet, allowing Rhaegar to get a look at just what he was dealing with. To his dismay, the part of the Iron Company he had left behind had joined with Euron. Euron instead targets Rhaegar’s fleet, destroying it and capturing Missandei in the process.

•Rhaegar, furious with this outcome, returns to Dragonstone. There, both siblings become tempted to storm King's Landing. However, Rhaegar is brought back down by Varys, who reminds him that while it may be a tempting idea- there were far too many innocent lives at stake. Daenerys, Tyrion, Varys, and Grey Worm parley with Cersei outside the gates of King's Landing, where Cersei threatens to execute Missandei in front of them. She taunts them, asking if Rhaegar had decided to give up, to turn tail and flee like he once did, when the roar of a dragon is heard. Rhaegar soars overhead upon Rhaenyx, landing upon a spire beside Cersei. Rhaenyx takes out two scorpions with his tail, and another with dragonfire before Rhaegar dismounts. He asks Cersei if she knew of the casks of wildfire beneath the streets. On cue, a burst of green flame shoots into the air, startling Cersei and giving Rhaegar the chance to grab Missandei and pull her behind himself. In the midst of the chaos and confusion, a Scorpion looses a bolt- only for it to fly wide and crash into the road below.

•Rhaegar gives Cersei an ultimatum: give up now, and King’s Landing will not suffer. Refuse, and come dawn, King’s Landing will no longer belong to the Lannisters. Cersei commands for the Mountain to kill Rhaegar. Before he can move, Rhaenyx releases a blast of dragonfire close enough that it scorches Cersei’s dress, allowing Rhaegar and Missandei to climb atop Rhaenyx, who takes to the skies quickly and retreats to safety behind their lines. Missandei and Daenerys have a tearful reunion before Grey Worm takes her into his arms.

•Rhaegar states simply that Cersei would not compromise. Come morning, King’s Landing would no longer belong to the Lannisters. He leaves them, then, despite Tyrion calling after him, and makes his way towards the camp that had been set up. There, he meets with his guards, who had caught Jaime attempting to sneak into the city. Rhaegar sits down with the man, removing his chains and offering him a cup of wine. Rhaegar does not speak, allowing the silence to grow until Jaime finally breaks and asks if Rhaegar intends to kill him and Cersei. He replies that no- Cersei will not die. She will have a trial- but she needs to abdicate the throne, lest Rhaegar be forced to take it by force. Before Jaime can begin to defend her, he adds that her sentence would be less severe, should Jaime bend the knee. He knows that Cersei is pregnant, and guesses correctly that the child is Jaime’s.

•Jaime, after a moment, settles down onto one knee, and bends the knee to Rhaegar. Rhaegar takes this time to ask Jaime why he did it- why he killed Aerys. Jaime replies that Aerys would kill Rhaegar if he knew about Lyanna, and that Aerys would had been killed anyway because Tywinn would not have let him live. When asked about Elia, Jaime falls silent and admits the fault was purely on his part, that he should have gone to them, and he regrets it every single day. Rhaegar agrees- that he, too, regrets not being here. He admits that he can still hear Elia’s voice singing Dornish lullabies to Rhaenys and Aegon.

•It is in the early morning hours that news breaks; Varys had spread word of Jon being Rhaegar’s son. Daenerys becomes enraged, saying that it should have been kept a secret, that Jon should never had told Sansa the truth. Rhaegar counters that Jon was not raised to be a Targaryen, that he was a Stark, and those were his sisters- his family. The ones he had grown up with, lived with, eaten with. However, it was not Varys’ place to spread word. Rhaegar brings Varys to Dragonstone, where they hold a mock trial; Rhaegar explains that, by all means, he should kill Lord Varys. He should allow Rhaenyx to snap his spine and burn him alive. Rhaenyx even begins to creep forward, but Rhaegar stops the dragon. Instead, he states that he will allow Varys to live. This was the first time he had crossed Rhaegar- and the last. Should it happen again, he would not live to see the dawn. He leaves Varys on the rock outcropping as the sun begins to rise over the horizon, painting the ocean vivid hues of orange, yellow, red- like dragonfire.

•Later, Rhaegar calls Daenerys and Jon into a private bedchamber to talk. He begins by saying that the room they were in had once been his; it was now striped of everything that had belonged him. He turns to them, and asks Jon if he was okay with word now spreading that he is Rhaegar’s child. Jon hesitates, conflicted; he states that he hadn’t meant for word to spread. Rhaegar replies that it is too late now- the Lords and Ladies of Westeros would soon know the truth, and that Jon should prepare himself for that. Rhaegar hesitates for a moment before stating that he has not chosen an heir- that, technically, Jon should be his heir, but Daenerys had a viable claim since she is his sister. He leaves them afterwards to talk amongst themselves.

•Rhaegar consults with Tyrion on how best to go about this; Euron’s fleet would need to be destroyed, as would the Scorpions atop the battlements. However, he does not wish to end innocent lives if at all possible, which Tyrion agrees with. Daenerys asks why they wouldn’t simply storm King’s Landing and destroy it. Rhaegar replies that while it had never been Dany’s home, it had once been his, and the people within King’s Landing were innocents, held hostage by a tyrant- ever since Robert Baratheon had died. Tyrion responds that the smallfolk are afraid of Cersei because Cersei will punish any rebellious acts. Daenerys counters that Cersei is using mercy as a weakness against them but Cersei is wrong, mercy is their strength - her mercy for the future generations of Westeros, not those in the present. Rhaegar shuts her down quickly, reminding her that they are not Aerys- that, as much as he would enjoy seeing the Red Keep fall- they would not burn the city. They would give them mercy.•Before Tyrion leaves, Rhaegar informs them both that Jaime was caught by his men trying to get past their lines. Rhaegar informs Tyrion that Jaime is not a prisoner- that he has bent the knee and swore to serve Rhaegar once more. Daenerys asks Rhaegar if they can trust Jaime, to which Rhaegar and Tyrion reply simultaneously with a simple “yes”. Come morning two days later, Rhaegar flies over King’s Landing- high above, hidden by clouds, though the sound of wings beating could be heard. It is as if the city stands still as they listen; Cersei can be seen peering into the clouds, looking, listening, straining to catch a glimpse of Rhaegar.

•Daenerys attacks Euron's Iron Fleet atop Vhagon as the Battle of King's Landing begins, sinking the fleet and destroying the scorpions. Rhaegar suddenly appears, looking as if Rhaenyx were falling, when suddenly the pair sweep low along the walls of King’s Landing, destroying scorpion after scorpion while Daenerys lands Vhagon atop a tower. Meraxal appears, and upon his back sits Jon Snow, who lands outside of the gates. Terrified screams can be heard from the people below.

•Rhaegar has Rhaenyx fly up once more, taking to the clouds over King’s Landing, where the silhouette of Rhaenyx can be seen through the clouds, casting a shadow over the city. Daenerys destroys the gate and its walls that the Golden Company guards, killing many of the sellswords from the debris that falls upon them. This allows the Dothraki, Unsullied, the Northern and the Vale armies to destroy the remaining sellsword contingent and charge into the city. Overwhelmed, the Lannister soldiers surrender despite Cersei not ordering it, ringing the city's bells. A piercing cry from Rhaenyx has Vhagon and Meraxal taking to the skies as the bells ring out. While the two dragons circle King’s Landing like dogs herding cattle, Rhaenyx suddenly plummets once more, settling atop the Red Keep. Rhaenyx cranes his neck down, allowing Rhaegar to see Cersei, in which he informs her that her soldiers have surrendered their arms, that her people are being evacuated, and that as they speak, Unsullied are making their way through the Red Keep, slaughtering her soldiers. She barks back that Euron’s fleet was still there, to which Rhaegar shakes his head slowly. She asks about the Golden Company- and he shakes his head once more.

•He asks her if she will abdicate the throne peacefully, or if he needed to take it by force. The sound of battle can be heard growing closer; she can be seen casting a wary glance to the doors, to the Mountain, before looking back towards Rhaegar. Just before the door breaks down, she relents.

•Rhaeagar gives her a small, sad smile. Rhaenyx releases another cry, which Vhagon and Meraxal echo. He informs her that, should she attempt to escape, he would kill Jaime (a bluff, though she is not aware of it); that he has him outside of the city, surrounded by Dothraki screamers who are dying to bloody their blades. She relents, and the Mountain leads her and Maester Qyburn down from the tower; the steps are cleared of her soldiers, and Rhaegar’s Unsullied remain. At the bottom of the steps stand Daenerys and Grey Worm. On Daenerys’ order, Grey Worm shackles both Cersei and Qyburn.

•The Hound appears, then, and the battle between brothers commences. Daenerys orders no one to intervene, despite her growing horror. Finally, Sandor has Gregor on his knees, and decapitates him, ending the Mountain once and for all. The Hound falls to his knees, grievously injured, though he does not succumb to his wounds.

•Thousands of the surrendered soldiers and innocent civilians are gathered outside of the Red Keep and in the streets with Northmen and the armies of the Vale. In front stand the Unsullied; at the very back, the Dothraki sit on their horses, screaming and cheering. Rhaegar stands above them with Daenerys to his right and Jon to his left. Jaime stands off to the side beside Tyrion. Here, Rhaegar gives his speech to the people, proclaiming that the Lannisters are no longer the rulers of Westeros. Cersei has abdicated the throne, the very same throne that his ancestor, Aegon Targaryen, forged. He explains that he will take the throne as the Rightful Heir, and they will begin to rebuild the damages caused to King’s Landing, as well as holding a trial for the crimes that Cersei Lannister has committed, as well as one for Euron Greyjoy, who had been captured by Theon and Yara Greyjoy. Maester Qyburn would be stripped of his chains, and held accountable for the crimes he’s committed.

•He adds that a Great Council will be formed in the coming months of the Lords and Ladies of Westeros. Things would be changing; no longer would a tyrant rule. He leaves it at that as the crowd cheers.

#Rhaegar Targaryen #rhaegar lives au #daenerys targaryen #jon snow #Cersei Lannister #Jaime Lannister #game of thrones #game of thrones au #fakexface writing #my writing

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christabellanikolai · 5 years

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Winter’s End, Chapter 4

I promise that when this all over, we will be together again.

Archive of Our Own Link

Sitting within among the Gardens of King’s Landing, there was a sense of warmth. Something that had not been felt in a long time. The smell of fragrant flowers filled the air with a sweetness that had been once lost during the winter. Those who walked the grounds gave her looks of concern or sympathy. She didn’t need it, nor did she want it. She was to them by now, the scars, she accepted they weren’t going anywhere. She was finally at peace with everything that had happened.

“Aunt Sansa!” she turned just in time to see the small child running into her, as he grabbed for her hand. “Come with me you have to see this!” Aegon then pulled her arm forcing her to stand up and follow him.

“Aegon, slow down.” Sansa laughed as she was forced to crouch as she ran, her height much taller than the little prince. “I know it must be something of great importance, but I don’t think my guards can keep up.” She turned to see her guards, made up of men from Riverrun, Knights of the Vale, and one outsider, her own personal knight, Sandor Clegane. She imagined seeing all of them charging through the gardens, led by the young prince was quite comical.

“Look! Look!” shouted Aegon, excitedly pointing forward. In front of her, she saw a tree, it appeared to contrast with the other plant life, though it stood tall. “Mother had it planted here a few weeks ago.” Sansa was at first unsure what about the tree excited Aegon. It wasn’t until she picked him up off the ground and he reached forward. “The lemons are finally growing. Maybe when they are bigger, we can pick them and make lemon cakes in the kitchens.”

“You remembered I liked lemon cakes.” said Sansa with a smile. She had first met Aegon when she visited King’s Landing during her last name day celebration. The Queen had put together a small feast that included a batch of lemon cakes, just for her. She found it hard not to share with them with the young prince. “You have grown so big since the last time we met.”

“Now that I am four, Mother says I can start learning to shoot a bow and arrow.” said Aegon, proudly. “The Dothraki are even going to show me how to shoot from horseback.”

“That sounds quite exciting.” said Sansa “Did you know your Aunt Arya is a wonderful archer, she could even outshoot her brothers when we were growing up.”

“Even Father?” asked Aegon.

“Even your Father.” said Sansa “I am sure she would love to show you how to use one. You have to ask her when she arrives.”

Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of the gates of the private entrance rising. They both looked over the balcony to see the arrival of a group. Riders in the front carrying the banner of one of the more recently established houses. “A bear looking upon a maiden.” recalled Aegon “That’s House Giantsbane.”

“It is,” said Sansa smiling at her nephew and from the excitement of seeing Brienne again. “Shall we go and greet them?”

The two headed from the gardens to the gate. Once there Sansa saw a familiar face in the back of the wagon, struggling to lift one of the trunks. “Podrick?”

“Lady Sansa!” said Podrick, surprised to see her he ended up dropping one of the trunks, the sound loud enough to make the young Prince jump in her arms.

“Oh for fuck's sake, what was that?” they all heard Tormund say as he made his way to the back of the carriage. When he saw Sansa his face changed from one of annoyance to happiness. “Sansa, what a surprise, Brienne come see who is here.”

“Sansa!” said Brienne, in her arms were two young children. She passed them over to her Tormund before wrapping her arms around the redhead. “You look strong my lady. How are you feeling?”

“I am quite healed now.” said Sansa. The last time she had seen Brienne was at the Citadel when her burns had been covered in infection. “Only the scars are left.” She now hid them with dresses, and cloaks, though she felt safe to have some when around family and friends.

“I am sorry I could not be here for your name day.” said Brienne, motioning toward Tormund and her twins. “Renly and Cat have been keeping us very busy.”

“It’s quite alright, the gifts you sent were exquisite,” said Sansa as she and Aegon went to greet Tormund and the twins.

“He has got his Mother’s color but his Father’s features now.” said Tormund as Aegon stared up at him. “He even looks at me, wide-eyed, just like his Father did.” He passed the twins to Brienne and Sansa before kneeling down toward Aegon. “You’re Father kneeled the first time we met, he thought I was the King.”

“You don’t look like a King.” said Aegon, everyone laughing at the boy's forwardness. Tormund reached out, mussing the boy's blonde locks before speaking. “Aye, you are right little one. He is already brighter than his Father ever was.”

“I want to hear more about Father.” said Aegon.

“You will little one.” said Tormund before motioning for the group to head toward the Castle. Aegon running ahead to keep up. “But first we have to greet your Mother.”

Walking into the throne room still gave him a feeling of uneasiness. Though so much had changed for the better, the memories of what this castle was, what happened in this room and it’s chambers, still remained with Tyrion. It was the iron throne, seeing Daenerys having to sit in the same spot as so many awful rulers before her, made his stomach turn. Each time he saw it empty, he wanted to destroy it and build a new one, more worthy of his Queen.

“Lord Tyrion.” he heard Varys say as he made his way toward the throne. His hands remained in his sleeves as he walked, another thing that had not changed. “If I may have a private moment before we go into the small council.”

“Of course.” said Tyrion “What is it?”

“As you know, now that Winter has come to an end my little birds are able to travel much faster.” said Vary’s, Tyrion held up a hand rolling his eyes.

“Please Varys, I do not have much time. What whispers have you heard?” asked Tyrion.

“It’s from the North,” said Varys, his face becoming sullen. “Some families say they received letters from the wall. Their contents spoke of winter coming to an end and that King Aegon has returned. They say he scaled the wall to reclaim Westeros.”

“A fairy tale.” laughed Tyrion “The Night’s Watch just got a bunch of recruits, they must be going mad from the Cold. Why are you bothering me with such nonsense.”

“There is more,” said Varys holding up his hand as if to ask to continue. “An innkeeper says he saw a man who looked like Jon, even had the same sword. He believed they were headed South for Kings Landing.”

“Ah, so you believe an imposter roams among us.” said Tyrion “It would not surprise me, it has happened before. Was there not a man who claimed to be Aegon and others have claimed to be Rhaegar?”

“Weak minded individuals who had no purpose.” nodded Varys

“Sooner or later this was going to happen.” said Tyrion “There is still no need to bother our Queen with this information. I will inform Grey Worm to keep a lookout for and arrest anyone claiming to be Jon.”

As Daenerys entered the throne room, her guards in tow both men bowed. Daenerys motioned for them to follow her into the small council chambers. As Tyrion did, he found the room more crowded than usual, Brienne, Tormund, and Sansa standing at the table. He nodded toward the redhead who had once been his wife, she smiled in return.

“Please sit,” said Daenerys as she sat at the head of the table. “As you all know I have been considering reports from both the Citadel and various Maesters. I think it is time that I formally announce that winter is in fact over.”

“Aye.” said some agreeing with her as their fists hit the table. A northern custom that had now made its way South.

“Tomorrow at midday is when I will make the announcement.” said Daenerys “I want you all there with me. Each of you played a role in helping the people of Westeros survive this winter.”

“What about Arya?” asked Jorah “Should we wait until she arrives with Gendry. She fought during the wars as well, I would say harder than most of us.”

“I don’t think she would mind.” assured Sansa “She is not one for this type of thing, the wedding is more than she is used to.”

“Gendry’s letter made it sound as if just getting her to agree to the wedding was a fight in and of itself.” said Davos. Some in the room snickered amongst themselves. Tyrion noticed that both Brienne and Sandor seemed to most amused, almost nostalgic, at Davo’s words as they glanced toward one another.

Though it was night, he could see the city in the distance. Lanterns lined the windows. Those who lived there sleeping soundly, their safety the result of their Queen. The sight filled him with pride, and his longing to see his Dany continued to grow. They once again had to stop, or their horses would not make it to the city. They now rested at a camp just along the Kingsroad. Jon had struggled to sleep during the last few nights of his journey. The dreams and visions he had experienced at the Godswood continued each night. Each time Jon closed his eyes they became more evident, yet he still couldn't understand. He now only slept when the exhaustion finally overtook him.

“You can’t go!” she begged him, standing within their tent. “Jon you aren’t in the Night’s Watch, or an infantryman anymore. You are a King!”

“I need to stand beside my people on the battlefield,” he told her. “If I am not there to lead them right now, this could all fall apart.” In reality, Jon remembered it was more than fear of losing control of his army that brought him to the front line. Something called him to the battle, it was as if a voice were telling him to go. His duty to the North reminding him that he needed to defeat the Night King.

“Then let myself and my army go with you.” said Daenerys as she grabbed the hand he used to fasten a scabbard containing dragonglass to his bet. Jon took it into his own before shaking his head. She tried to protest but he pulled her closer, bringing their foreheads together, both their eyes closed as the only sound left in the tents was their steady breath.

“You know I can’t let you do that.” whispered Jon. “You have sacrificed so much in this war, and there will still be another once this all over.” Not only had she lost her dragon, her child, but her numbers had dwindled. Many Dothraki fell during a long and cold battle, their bodies scattered among the north before being burned by Drogon. The Unsullied which had been assigned to Winterfell perished when the castle went up in flames.

“I don’t care about any of that…” she shook her head, tears were beginning to fall. He halted her movements, bringing his hands to rest upon her cheeks, gently caressing the skin with his thumbs as he brushed away her tears.

“Yes you do,” whispered Jon. “You have spent your whole life fighting for what you deserve. I won’t allow you to lose it, nor will I allow you to question your worthiness of it.” Before she could speak, he brought their lips together, both of their arms wrapping around the other as they kissed. A sense of longing, and fear driving their movements. She continued to pull him toward her, even when they broke apart she again brought their foreheads together.

“I can’t lose you.” she whispered. “I need you by my side. I don’t need you to be this hero, to go off and do something stupid and die. You said it yourself there will be a war after this one, we need to take back what is ours.”

“But first I need to take back my home.” said Jon “Please...understand that I have to do this, I have to.”

“I do.” she nodded “I understand, but you have to come back to be. Promise me you will come back to me.”

“I promise.” He whispered. “When this is all over, we will be together again.”

“I was an idiot to promise her.” said Jon allowed. Unable to sleep he had instead sat and watched the fire. The last of its embers now died as the sun began to rise.

“What?” asked Theon, as he too began to rise from his slumber. Sitting up he looked at Jon with a concern. “Are you having those dreams again?”

“They aren’t dreams, they are memories.” said Jon “Before I went to...before the final battle... I promised her I would return. I told her that we would be together again. I lied to her.”

“You couldn’t have known what the outcome would be.” said Theon

“But I was a fool to tell her that.” said Jon “I knew what war was, what that battle meant. I knew there was a chance that I wouldn’t return, yet I just said it like some kind of fool.”

“She is your wife, you love her.” said Theon “Love makes people do foolish things.” Theon’s words reminded him ones he heard long ago. “Love is the death of duty.” Somehow that day his duty was stronger than his love for her. A mistake he would regret for the rest of his days.

That morning Jon commanded that they move as quickly as possible. Before the sun rested among the clouds, they were riding hard toward Kings Landing, finally reaching the gates just before mid-day. They had chosen to enter through the cities main gates, giving Jon a chance to see what Daenerys had done. The city appeared different since the last, and only time, Jon had been there. It was more vibrant, more alive, it’s people seem happier. Banners of House Targaryen flew above, blowing just as two large Dragon’s circle the Red Keep.

“When she took the city, it was a shell of its former self. The people were starving, their homes turning to ruins.” said Theon as they rode toward the keep. “Even during the coldest parts of the winter, she was determined to help them. Now that winter is coming to an end they can rebuild their lives.”

They found it hard to ride toward the Red Keep, many people seemed to be making their way toward the steps. When they realized they would be unable to make it to the castle by horseback, they decide to instead continue on foot. As they boarded their horses at one of the cities many stables, people seemed to stop to personally welcome them to the city. As they walked Theon reiterated the respect that had grown toward the Night’s Watch after the war with the Night King.

“What is going on?” Orwen asked a merchant as they came upon a crowd standing upon the steps of the Red Keep. They were held back by the Unsullied and Dothraki Guards.

“Her grace, Queen Daenerys is said to be making an announcement soon.” said the merchant. From where he stood behind Theon and the others, Jon could see the man light up with pride when he spoke of the Queen. As he looked around, he found that others seem filled with excitement toward seeing her as well. The sight filled him with a hope that maybe she had not been bothered by any feelings of loneliness during these last 5 years.

They were able to make their way closer to the stairs as some cleared the way for members of the Night’s Watch. As they were, the doors of the keep opened, and the crowd began to cheer. Shouts of “My Queen,” “Daenerys”, even “Mhysa” rang out around them. From where he stood Jon watched as her the leaders of her guard stepped outside, Qhono, Grey Worm, and Jorah. They followed by Davos and Sandor Clegane. Yara, Tormund, Brienne, and Varys soon followed. Even over the sounds of cheers, somehow Jon could hear the sound of a chain, sounds he heard among the halls of Winterfell. His longtime friend Samwell Tarly came out, escorting his sister Sansa. A small child followed them, while Jon did not recognize him the crowd seemed to cheer louder and another set of Queensguard stood close by him.

Tyrion and Missandei were the last to step outside before he finally saw her. As she stepped outside, the sound of the crowd was almost deafening before everyone fell to one knee. Even as he did, he couldn’t help but look up her. She wore a simple white gown that hung off her shoulders, a red cape slung across her left shoulder. Her hair hung low with small braids to hold it back under her crown, a silver, and gold piece made to look as if dragon wings rested across her forehead. The smile she gave the crowd as she motioned for them to stand rivaled even the most gorgeous of sunrises.

“You stand in the presence of Queen Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen, First of her name…” Missandei had stepped forward as she gave the Queen a formal introduction. Jon didn’t seem to hear her as he stared up toward his wife. She seemed to also be looking among the crowd, her gleaming smile turning to a gentle smaller one as she was preparing to speak.

“I first want to thank not only my honored guests but all of you for being here today.” Jon’s heart began to race at the sound of her voice. He found himself clinging to every word as if they were a necessity he needed to remain standing. “Today is a day for celebration. Many days ago I received a raven from the Citadel, a white raven. Afterward, I asked that the Maesters across Westeros send me their own reports. On their recommendation, along with the recommendation of my small council, I am in agreement with the Citadel. Today, I would like to announce to you all that this winter has come to an end.”

The crowd roared, fist pumping into the air as she made the announcement. Those who alongside Daenerys applauded. Jon watched as families among the crowd embraced, thankful that they had survived the winter together. Even among the celebration, Jon was beginning to feel like something was off. As he looked around, he saw a handful of people who were not celebrating. While the faces around them were marked with excitement, theirs remained sullen and determine. They looked upon the Queen with anger and contempt.

As the crowd became quiet Jon stepped forward, trying to get closer to one of the men. Even as Daenerys continued to speak, his focus turned toward the man. Theon, and the others not far behind him. As Jon moved forward, he watched the man reach for something on his belt, within the sunlight he the reflection and shine of a small blade. He wasn’t close enough to stop the man as he reached his arm back, even as people coward away from him. Jon was unable to prevent the dagger from flying through the air, directly toward her. There was only one desperate thing he could do.

“Dany, Get Down!”

“We remember those we have lost during the winter, their sacrifices will never be forgot-” A gasp from the crowd, followed by a commotion and then she heard it.

“Dany, Get Down!”

Before she knew what was happening, her guards were in front of her. Qhono using his curve blade to prevent the dagger from touching those who stood on the steps. The Unsullied push who retreated toward them back while the Dothraki pushed herself, and those around her inside the castle before slamming the large doors shut, the sound shaking them all where they stood.

“Daenerys are you hurt?” asked Missandei as she and Grey Worm began guiding her to a safe area of the castle. She pushed them away, looking around for a small mess of curly blonde hair. ‘He should be crying? Why can’t I hear him?’ she thought. Her worst fears were confirmed when she heard Tyrion speak.

“The Prince?” Tyrion yelled, “Where is Aegon?”

“One of the guards grabbed him.” said Sansa as she brushed off Sandor and Brienne. “He should be in here. Aegon come on out, it’s okay.” The group looked around, not even the sound of breath could be heard as they did. After a few moments and there was nothing. The sound of Daenerys crying out as she charged for the door filled Sansa’s heart with fear and sadness she had not felt in years.

“My Queen you can not go out there!” Grey Worm ordered as he pulled her back from the door.

“My son!” she yelled as she reached for the door “I need to find my son! Where is he?”

“Sandor, Grey Worm, we need to go back out there and find him.” said Jorah. The two men nodded before all three returned to the front of the castle, slipping through a small crack in the door.

“They have to find him.” Daenerys begged as both Sansa and Missandei held her. “They have to, he is all I have left.”

He was pushed forward, those within the crowd, chaos had immediately erupted after the dagger was thrown. “Get back!” he ordered them as he ran forward, grabbing the man who had thrown the dagger. Ripping his head back Jon brought placed one of his smaller blades under the man’s chin. “Who are you?” he yelled. The assassin simply smirked at him before flinging his head forward, his jugular landing on the blade. Blood spattered across Jon’s face as he dropped the man to the ground.

He could see Theon and the others fighting other would be assassins. As he tried to join him, another sight caught his eye. The young boy who had been standing with Sansa and Samwell was in the arms of one of the Queensguard. Though instead of rushing inside with everyone else, they now ran toward the crowd, away from the keep. Something about the situation was not right.

“Why aren’t we going with Mother?” he heard the little boy cry out as he got closer. “I want to be with my Mother!”

As he reached out to stop them another assailant ran between them, a blade swung toward his front. As Jon retreated backward, he unsheathed Longclaw from his hip. He moved forward to strike the man, both swords clanging together. As his attacker swung lower, toward his stomach, Jon saw an opening. He swung high in a quick motion, killing the man with a slice to the chest. Jon ran through one of the alleyways in the direction he saw the guard go. He could tell that he was headed toward one of the gates that lead to the Blackwaters docks. His grip around Longclaw tightened as he found the two. The guard appeared to be trying to force the child into some type of basket, possibly a cage on the back side of a cart.

“No!” he heard the child scream. “Take me to my Mother!”

“Shut your mouth!” yelled the guard before striking the boy in the face. The young child cried as he retreated into the basket.

“Stop!” yelled Jon. “Don’t touch the boy any further.”

The guard turned toward Jon, an annoyed smirk crossing his face. “Run along back to your wall boy. This doesn’t concern you.”

“That boy should be in the Red Keep.,” said Jon as he stepped forward. “Let him go and leave now.”

“What a fine offer.” laughed the guard as he pulled a sword from his hip, pointing it toward the child who screamed. “Unfortunately I will have to refuse.” Jon felt a sudden rush of heat travel to the palm of the hand that held his sword. He lifted the blade to that it had come alive with fire. Both men were startled for a second before Jon launched forward in a rage.

“You’re him…” gasped the man as their swords clashed. Each of Jon’s strikes pushing him back. “The one from the statues.” Jon continued to charge at him, ignoring his words. “You should be dead; no matter I will kill you again.”

With a shout, Jon launched forward, the flames from his sword dancing in the air. He quickly brought the blade down against the other man's sword before swinging it toward his left flank. The Valyrian steel easily cutting through the man’s flesh. The guard screamed as his body erupted in flames.

Once the battle was over and the flames disappeared, Jon sheathed his sword into his belt. He gently approached the cart, holding out his hand toward the young boy who was frozen in fear. “It’s alright.” he said, “It’s over now, come, I won’t hurt you.” The boy crawled out toward him, a tiny shaking hand reaching out toward him. “Careful now, you’re bleeding.” The boy had a small cut to his army, while it didn’t appear deep his white sleeve was now stained the color of crimson. “Let me have a look.” Jon ripped a small piece of cloth from his cloak before taking the boys arm his hand. The little one flinched as Jon tied the cloth over the wound. “I am sorry if it hurts. We will get you back to the Keep, and the Sam can look at it.” The boy gasped before looking back up at Jon, his little eyes getting wider.

Jon looked down at that the boy, smiling. “My name is Jon, what is yours?” The boy lurched forward with a gasp, wrapping his arms around Jon and burying his face into his chest. “Okay…” laughed Jon, gently mussing the boy's hair before pulling his hood over his head. As he stepped forward, he pulled his cloak to shield the boy from any spying eyes as the two made their way toward the Red Keep. “Your Mother lives in the Red Keep?” he asked. The boy silently nodded against his chest. “She is probably more worried then you are, we will find her.”

As the two left the alley, they were met by Queensguard. Jon froze as speers were pointed toward them both. Jon tightened his grip on the boy until a familiar face approached them “Grey Worm…” he said before pulling removing his hood.

“Put the boy down.” Grey Worm ordered, both his voice and expression serious. “Do it quickly.”

Jon did as he was told, lowering the child to the ground. The boy was hesitant, unwilling to let Jon go. His hands shaking as he clung to him, pale knuckles clutching the straps of his cloak. “It’s okay.” Jon whispered, “They will take you to your Mother.”

The boy slowly ran toward Grey Worm before being carried back to the keep by another Guard. “Grey Worm, it’s-” before Jon could finish he yelped as he was pushed to the ground. He turned only to find a Dothraki holding him down. “What is going on?” Jon demanded as his hands were tied behind him. He looked up to find Grey Worm standing over him, a look of confusion quickly switching to determination.

“By order of the Hand of the Queen, Tyrion Lannister, you are under arrest for the impersonation of His Grace, the late King Aegon of House Stark and Targaryen.”

#game of thrones fanfic #jonerys #jonerys fanfic #jonerys fanfiction

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dizknowzmoviezandtvshowz · 7 years

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Game of Thrones Season 7 Episode 1: Dragonstone

After more than a year of anticipation, theorizing, yearning, over-analyzing, and re-watching, Winter is finally here. I want to take time to both analyze the episode, and hypothesize about what is coming next. If you haven’t watched yet, mind the meme above, Spoilers are coming.

In King’s Landing:

We see Queen Cersei, first of her name, speaking with the commander of the Lannister forces Jaime Lannister.They converse about being surrounded on all sides by enemies (Olenna Tyrell to the West, Jon Snow to the North, Sand Snakes to the South, and Dany and Tyrion to their East). Jaime points out that they have no allies, nor heirs for this new dynasty, Cersei says something about being the queen anyway and that she has an idea. During this whole conversation I thought of this...

To me Cersei is everything we feared Joffrey would be. She’s unpredictable, lacks diplomacy, and doesn’t seem to have a plan that doesn’t involve killing all who oppose her. We then get a smash cut to Euron Greyjoy pleading his case for an alliance (and a marriage which Jaime wasn’t crazy about) with the Lannisters. We hear about commonalities between the two (traitorous family members) and more importantly we hear of some of Euron’s backstory.

Maester’s Note:

Euron was a major part of the Greyjoy Rebellion which took place roughly six years after King Robert’s Rebellion. Euron and the Iron Fleet destroy the Lannisters ships and sack Lannisport (the trade hub of the west). Balon declares himself King of the Iron Islands. King Robert sends a force consisting of Stannis Baratheon, Eddard Stark, Tywin and Jaime Lannister to crush the upstarts from the Iron Islands. The end result was a Greyjoy defeat. Euron was exiled, and all but one of Balon’s sons were killed. The surviving son Theon was given to Eddard Stark as a hostage.

Now in KL Euron was not able to gain the alliance he desired initially, but vowed he would not return until he had a “priceless gift” for Cersei. What this gift may be has many fans hypothesizing. Many that I’ve spoken to think it’s going to be Tyrion, but that seems both too obvious and way too difficult (more on Tyrion later). My sister thinks it will be one of the spare Sand Snakes to go after the vengeful Queen’s heart. But I think a much more perfect target will be fan favorite Olenna Tyrell. She’s old, she has no family, she is presumably in Highgarden still, and her death will be both extremely satisfying to Cersei, and actually help their cause of feeding their troops during the Winter.

In the North:

Bran, Meera and the vastly underutilized Dolorous Edd are at the Wall. Bran mentions Hardhome and the army of the undead to seemingly convince the Night’s Watch to allow the two safe passage. Word of Bran will surely reach Jon at Winterfell and could further complicate things.

Jon and Sansa have their first argument in regards to the Umbers and Karstarks, in which ultimately Jon overrules her and forgives the children of these traitorous houses. Sansa and Jon have an extremely tense conversation about this decision. Sansa believes Jon is being too soft and seems to be channeling her inner Cersei “Be smarter than father and Robb” though if we think of their mistakes Robb killing papa Karstark for defying him and killing the young Lannister cousins, and Ned both failing to side with Renly, ordering Sandor Clegane’s death, and trusting the wrong people. Jon seems aware of this and understands the two bigger pictures. The Night’s King and the White Walker army, and another thing that reminds me of the great Tywin:

Littlefinger tries to deepen the wedge between Sansa and Jon. Tormund flirts so hard at Brienne, Lyanna Mormont shows she’s the baddest motherfucker in Westeros, but not much else of note happens in Winterfell.

In the Riverlands:

Arya continues to warm all of our hearts by killing the Frey’s and then she runs into Ed Sheeran and other Lannisters men at arms. Arya seemed surprised by how human and how likeable these men are. The novels do a great job of this with Daven and Genna Lannister while Jaime helps them take back the Riverlands. Arya vows to kill Cersei, all laugh, and I’m left longing for a Nymeria reunion. Further North, and presumably to the east towards the Vale, we see The Hound, Beric Dondarrion, my dog Thoros of Myr, and the rest of the Brotherhood without Banners heading north. We learn that their purpose is to stop the army of the Night, and they are heading for Eastwatch-By-The-Sea which will lead to the Brotherhood meeting up with the Night’s Watch, and hopefully Jon.

Everywhere Else:

Samwell Tarly is in Oldtown training to be a Maester (and you thought you had a shit job) and we learn 3 things. Jorah is being studied for his Greyscale. There is a mountain of Dragonglass at Dragonstone. Finally the Maester’s believe Sam, but they see this as no major threat as long as The Wall stands. (spoiler alert this means the wall will fall)

I’ll end this with where the episode ended it. Dragonstone. Daenerys finally walks on Westerosi soil. She’s accompanied by her usual crew. They tear down the Flaming heart of the Rightful King Stannis Baratheon, and get to work. Based on their location, I imagine them plunging further inland than marching straight to King’s Landing. I see a battle at Harrenhall coming, which would lead to a beautiful parallel with the books, and the past. It was at Harrenhall where Aegon the Conqueror scorched the great fortress during the first Targaryen Conquest.

Predictions:

We see Ellaria and Yara enjoying a smooch, then Yara demanding they march on King’s Landing...cool...more importantly we see Northern lords saying the Targaryens can’t be trusted. Another possible wedge between Sansa and Jon will come up. Will Jon mirror Torrhen Stark and be the Stark King to bow to the Targaryens? Or is marriage going to be the next most likely option? I can’t wait for this season.

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