Hardhome 300 AC.
Daemon.
He climbed on Lyanax's back and took to the sky, beneath him dead men lay. Some were burned and some not and though he thought about having Lyanax lay down her flames he decided not to. His dragon had done enough and she deserved the chance to rest he thought. Daemon knew that he too would need to rest but he did not look forward to the shadows and their nightly visit. What he'd had them do required far more of them and the price he'd pay because of it was sure to be a steep one.
All of that was forgotten though as he reached the settlement and looked down and those below. After promising them that more of them would live if they listened to him, he was now relieved to see his words proved true. How many losses or what losses they had suffered would soon be known but as a people, the Free Folk had survived and they would prosper. He ignored the cheers that went up when the dragon was seen and instead looked down for a place to land, seeing a large open space and directing Lyanax to it. No sooner had he climbed from her back than he heard the people come his way and so after telling her to go and feed and rest up, Daemon turned to see Thoros racing his way.
"You are unhurt?" Thoros asked as Daemon grabbed him in a warm embrace.
"I am, you?"
"It seems our god has more work for us to do, my prince." Thoros said smiling as he patted his back.
"That he does, how bad were the losses?"
"Dragonrider." a loud voice called out and Daemon found himself almost carried feet away as Tormund grabbed him and squeezed him far too tightly.
"You live." he said with a smile as he slapped the man's back.
"Aye, me and many others thanks to you and your great beast, where is it, I'd like to give it a big kiss." Tormund said his smile beaming as he looked around for Lyanax.
"Maybe not the best idea." he said and the man laughed once more.
Soon enough Mance and Val joined him, Daemon happy to see them both. When he asked about Leaf he was told that one of their number had fallen and she and the others were seeing to the funeral rites.
"How many?" he asked Mance who named one or two that he knew and said they'd lost maybe five to ten thousand though it would take him time to be sure.
Daemon was taken aback by the numbers, he'd hoped for far less, and seeing the sheer number of those still alive had been certain of it. In the end, he was happy enough to find it was just a little over four thousand and he found himself glad the Free Folk weren't that great at sums. He, Thoros, Tormund, and Val walked to the caves, Daemon telling them to close their eyes while he extinguished the flames, and soon enough he was standing with his aunt.
"You are well?" he asked her and was happy to see her nod.
"I am, it's done?" Shiera asked.
"It is." he said and watched as she bid the others in the cave to step out into the daylight.
Daemon took down the flames in the other caves and soon those inside were walking around seeking their families and loved ones out, some finding they'd lost a husband, father, brother, sister, or wife. That it was far less of them than they could have lost wasn't a great comfort to him nor to them, it seemed and he knew it would take them time to recover and move on. Together with Shiera and Thoros, he walked through the camp and spoke about their return to King's Landing, all three of them eager to make their way back to see their own families and friends. Tormund making it clear to them that they could not do so before the morrow as tonight the Free Folk would wish to celebrate.
"You will stay, Dragonrider?" Tormund asked hesitantly.
"I will stay." he said to a broad smile from the large man who left him to go speak to his children.
He and Thoros helped gather the bodies of both sets of the dead. Daemon then moving to Leaf to find her and the other children had already said their goodbyes to Speckle. Seeing how sad they were he was ready to leave them alone but he felt they wished him to stay and he was proved right as Leaf asked to speak to him a moment later. Daemon followed the child to a quieter part of the camp and wondered what it was she wished to speak to him about.
"You are leaving?" Leaf asked.
"On the morrow."
"You will take us with you?" she asked her voice almost sounding worried.
"You wish to come to King's Landing?" he said surprised.
"Where the raven goes, we go." Leaf said looking at him.
"But men?" he said not properly able to put into words his concern.
"You can keep us safe from men." she said her voice pleading.
He looked at her for a few moments, trying to figure out what he could actually do with her and the other children. They would cause a stir in King's Landing and create far too much interest in themselves, from the faith, the people, even his family but what alternatives for them was there truly. Leaf seemed almost lost and when he looked further behind her he could see the other children were all watching keenly.
"I have a place, it's not much larger than where you stayed with the raven, it's above ground and has grass and trees, some bearing fruit. It's in the middle of the city but it would feel not also, perhaps you could stay there until we find something for you?" he said and saw the child smile.
"I will tell the others, thank you." Leaf said before running off to speak to the rest of the children.
Daemon turned and headed back to the camp proper and found Thoros sitting with Shiera by the fire, both of them holding drinks in their hands, and soon enough so was he. Mance, Dalla, and her babe, Val, Mother Mole, and so many of the others soon joining them. It soon was clear the celebrations were to start early and they'd just been waiting on him. He drank eagerly, hoping it would dull the pain for what was to come later that night, and listened as tales of the men and women who'd fought were told.
After some time tales of the bravery of those who were lost were spoken of and drinks were drunk in their memory. As songs were sung and he even joined in with them, laughing and japing when Tormund got up to sing only to find the man had a decent voice on him. When the darkness began to fall and the fires were lit through the camp, Daemon knew it was time to go and pay the price for the service the shadows had provided and so he bid his goodnights. He gave Thoros a quick nod letting him know to keep watch on his tent and he hoped the screams he made were not too loud.
When he reached the tent he lay down and was soon asleep, the shadows already lined up and waiting for him the moment he closed his eyes. The whips cut through his skin and the pain was far worse than it had ever been and yet Daemon bore it well. Each time he paid the price he asked himself but one question, was it worth it? And tonight he found he didn't even need to wait for a reply. He'd helped save a people and the price he paid was tiny compared to that.
King's Landing 300 AC.
Rhaella.
Her grandson had been gone only a little over a moon and yet each day felt like an eternity as they awaited news or a sign of the dragon in the sky. The not knowing made it so much worse she'd found out as it allowed images of Daemon's doom to fester in her mind for far too long. Many years earlier when she'd arrived back from Dorne and had found him missing, her anger had delayed her worry. When it receded and the worry took over, Rhaella had felt helpless and had hated the feeling. Now as she stood in her room and felt that way once more, she found she hated it still.
She'd done her best to be the voice of reason, to be the strong one that the others sought out and the one with words of comfort for them to hear. Rhaenys had split her time between throwing herself into work with Tywin Lannister, her new romance with Willas Tyrell, and spending time with her, her mother, Myrcella and Dany. As for her daughter, Dany had been her own pillar of strength, Rhaella finding her daughter to be able to comfort her far more than she'd expected. Dany having an innate ability to make her while not forget her worries over Daemon, allow them to temporarily recede as she spoke of other things.
Myrcella though was the one she couldn't get through to, her words falling on deaf ears as the days went by. Even the girl's mother not being able to offer her the comfort that she so sorely needed. Were it not for Melisandre, Grey Worm, Ghost, and Ser Davos then Rhaella doubted anyone would have been able to stop the girl's tears. Daemon's people had taken her under their wing and told her tales of how their prince always returned and how they knew he would this time as well. For Rhaella it was only Bon who was able to speak to her in the same way, her love telling her constantly that Daemon would return, just as he was doing right now.
"It's only been a moon, my love. Given how far the Wall is let alone beyond it, for all we know he's on his way back right now." Bon said as he placed his arms around her.
Rhaella welcomed the embrace and the words as she always did, though her worries and fears remained. After being held for a few moments she kissed him deeply and then readied for the day ahead. They broke their fast with her son and daughter. Viserys had come around to her presence more and more and she wondered if there was a role her son could play in the future of the kingdom. If she could get him and Daemon to be closer then it could only bode well for their family and so she resolved to see where he could be of use.
"Will you be joining me today, mother, at the orphanage?" Dany asked as she ate her food.
"Not today sweetling, I've to meet with Elia and Rhaenys and I wish to speak to Lady Cersei also." she said.
"I'll join you if you'd like." Viserys said much to her daughter's surprise.
"You?" Dany said with a chuckle.
"I can help." her son said almost put out at his sister's reaction and she nodded to Dany when she looked at her.
"Well, then I look forward to seeing you with the children." Dany said with a giggle.
They spoke of joining up for dinner later that night, Rhaella finding once again this to be one of the highlights of her days. Just being able to sit and eat and speak with her children with no arguments or angry looks, just them together being something she realized now just how much she'd missed. When they were finished eating both Dany and Viserys came and kissed her cheek before leaving. Rhaella then finishing her own food and making ready to leave also.
She headed first to the Red Keep, Bonifer and men of the hundred along with some of Daemon's unsullied as her escort. As she arrived she noticed Prince Oberyn's daughters were sparring in the yard, both of them looking her way and neither wearing a look that she appreciated. Above them watching on was Princess Arianne and she at least had the political sense to keep her own glares far cooler, not that Rhaella cared for or feared snakes. Smiling at the two girls she saw how the oldest grip her spear a little tighter and she chuckled to herself as she walked through the keep.
"You think that wise, my queen?" Ser Bonifer asked her quietly as they moved down the corridors.
"The Dornish will move against us soon enough, Bon, better to let them know I'm ready and waiting as it'll give them pause." she said.
"Do we really wish them to move?" he asked softly.
"What we wish matters not, move they will. Daemon's return has changed the game and the snakes won't lay in the grass for long." she said and Bon nodded.
She wondered what Elia would do when they finally attempted something. Her gooddaughter had tried to play the role of mediator between the two factions that aimed for the crown for most of her life. Doing perhaps a far better job of it than Rhaella gave her credit for, but now the factions and those leading them had changed, as had the game itself. No longer was it her two children facing off against each other and Elia caught in the middle, now it was her family on one side and Rhaella's on the other.
Aegon was out of the game and even Rhaella had found herself looking upon her grandson differently and wondering if they too could have a better relationship, just as she and her children now did. Rhaenys was completely on Daemon's side and given that she and Willas Tyrell had agreed to wed it left Dorne even more isolated. Doran wouldn't accept it she knew and it was only a matter of time until he made a move. Rhaella trying her very best to predict what move that would be and finding so far she was unable to do so. As for Oberyn, his moves would be far more predictable and his own arrival back in King's Landing would be soon. Thoughts for later she decided as she reached the door to Elia's rooms.
"Her grace is expecting me." she said to the Ser Jonathor when she reached the door, the knight knocking before letting her inside.
She walked into the room to find Elia playing with the young girl, her great-granddaughter was a vivacious little girl and that she was her blood was clear for any to see. How Aegon had managed to keep her hidden in a city that thrived on rooting out people's secrets was beyond her but she was glad of it. As she was that the child had been able to help her grandson heal where none others could.
"Can we go to the gardens Gamma?" the girl asked and Elia shook her head as she looked at her namesake.
"In a little bit sweetling, I need to speak with auntie Rhae and Great Gamma." Elia said "Why don't you have Sara take you to the kitchen, I'm sure a slice of peach pie awaits, and maybe you could take some to Egg."
"Egg likes Strawberry only." her great-granddaughter said.
"I'm sure you can find some for him, Sara if you would." Elia said
Rhaella saw the little girl hug Elia and then run to Rhaenys to do the same before she turned to her, Rhaella dropping to her knees so she could be run to and soon enough she too was being hugged. Her fingers tickling the girl and making her laugh before Sara took her hand and led her to the door.
"Bye Bye Gamma." she heard the girl say and Elia's warm reply was drowned out by the door opening and then closing.
"She gets even more precious each time I see her." Rhaella said with a smile as she took a seat.
"That she does." Elia said her own smile still on her face.
Tea was soon brought in and they spoke of random things, their meetings, as usual, taking some time to reach the crux of the matters at hand. Rhaella who prided herself on getting to the point had found that she preferred the relaxed nature of these meetings though or perhaps it was the company that she shared them with. Soon enough the talk of which lady was interested in whom or which match was being sought or what knight had behaved badly was done and it was time to speak of why she'd come.
"Oberyn has left Sunspear and should be here within a day or two." she said looking to Elia and Rhaenys who were both sitting a little straighter now.
"My brother won't cause trouble, Rhaella." Elia said her voice a little doubtful.
"Will he not? I intend to place extra guards on Myrcella just in case, your brother is grieving and at the best of times is not a man who holds back his temper. If he does blame Daemon for Tyene and I believe he does then he'll seek some sort of retribution." she said and saw that Rhaenys agreed.
"He won't blame Daemon." Elia said and Rhaella shook his head.
"I hope you're right but I'll not take the chance either way."
"Maybe Daemon will be back himself before Oberyn arrives?" Rhaenys said hopefully.
"Maybe." she said softly "How are things going with Lord Tywin?" she asked.
"Good, I'm learning a lot and I've been spending time with Lord Stannis too, he has some interesting ideas." Rhaenys said and Rhaella wondered what they could be but decided she didn't need to know for now and so turned to a subject that she did need to know about.
"And my son?" she said looking to Elia.
"Misses his own and wants to announce his abdication." Elia said.
"I had thought, what Daemon said?" she asked confused.
"I know, I think he wants it done, he's tired, Rhaella, he's tired of all of it." Elia said looking to the ground.
"We'll speak when Daemon returns." she said and both Rhaenys and Elia accepted her words gladly, both that he would and that they could have this discussion then.
After asking about Viserys and a potential role her son could play, Rhaella spoke far less on the subjects that she truly wished to know about. Instead welcoming the small talk they soon found themselves sharing and it was only when Rhaenys announced she had to leave that Rhaella decided it was also time for herself to go. She knew she had more to do this day, her next stop being the Lannister Manse but she'd enjoyed being lost in conversations about things that had taken her mind from her grandson. Finding that her mind when idle would drift to the darker thoughts of what may or could have befallen him. Bidding her Gooddaughter and granddaughter farewell, she walked to the door, and with a nod to Bon she readied to go and meet with Cersei Lannister.
Hardhome 300 AC.
Thoros.
He guarded the tent and kept all away from it, the sounds that came from inside having drawn far too much attention and Thoros now wishing that they'd placed their tents further away from the rest. As dawn broke the sounds trailed off and he knew then it was done, Thoros quickly walking inside and helping Daemon to the nearest fire. His prince was in worse shape than he'd ever seen him and he knew the cost he'd paid had been a terrible one. Thoros seeing his pale face and drawn features and Daemon almost collapsing when he briefly let him go.
Watching him place his hands in the blazing fire was as it always had been something which unnerved him. That he and Melisandre were the only ones that had actually seen the toll the shadows took and the gift that R'hllor had given Daemon to endure that toll, was quite simply for the best. Should anyone else know the truth of things then he wasn't sure they'd have been able to accept it or their prince's need for the shadow's help. But need them he did and Daemon had always said that the price was one he was happy to pay.
"You are well?" he asked when Daemon pulled his hands from the fire.
"I am." Daemon said standing up and once again Thoros was amazed by the change.
"Come, we should eat and say our goodbyes, we leave today?" he asked.
"We leave today, with some extra passengers." Daemon said.
They walked from the fire through the camp and to where people were eating, Thoros seeing Val along with some others sitting there and directing Daemon their way.
"Daemon, eat." a voice called out and he looked to see one of Tormund's younger children holding a plate that he'd perhaps gathered for himself.
"I'll grab my own, you sit and eat, Dryn." Daemon said and a few moments later his prince returned with two plates, one for each of them.
"You are leaving?" Val asked as they sat and ate.
"We are, our work here is done, we go from here to the Wall and then on to King's Landing." Daemon said and Thoros saw the disappointed looks on people's faces.
"What if they come back?" Dryn asked worriedly as he ate a large sausage.
"They cannot, their eyes are shut forever." he said as Daemon nodded.
"And the crows?" a voice called out and Tormund turned to see the Weeper walk their way.
"The Crown and the Free Folk have an agreement, one signed by your king and myself and soon to be signed by my father. Any who break that agreement will face retribution, be they Free Folk, Crows or the Lords of the North or South." Daemon said and Thoros saw the smiles on some of the faces.
"You would fight for us again?" The Weeper asked.
"If you are wronged then I'll seek to put it right." Daemon said.
After eating and saying their goodbyes to those who came to wish them farewell, he and Daemon made their way to Mance's tent. Thoros seeing Lyanax come and land and Shiera and the children of the forest make their way to her. Outside the tent Tormund was waiting, Thoros watching as he and the prince embraced before Daemon spoke some words to the man and then headed inside to speak to Mance.
"You are truly leaving us?" Tormund asked as he waited outside for Daemon to be done.
"We have more fights to come Tormund, more eyes that need to be closed." he said.
"Like the cold ones?" Tormund asked.
"Like the cold ones." he said.
"Should you ever have need of it, you or the prince, should you call then my axe is yours." Tormund said and Thoros nodded.
"With my god's grace we'll never need to make the call, my friend." he said with a smile.
"Will you return?" Tormund asked his voice sounding almost sad at the thoughts they would not.
"My prince has made many friends since I've known him, we've parted from them many times and said our farewells but never our goodbyes. We will return, my friend, on that you have my word." he said to a loud laugh.
"Then I'll make sure the Goat's Milk is especially sour." Tormund said laughing still.
It took some time for Daemon to come out from the tent, Mance with him as he did so as was Dalla and the babe. Thoros watched as the King Beyond the Wall and the Prince that was Promised embraced as friends and marveled once again at the different men they'd befriended over the years. Westerosi, Unsullied, Dothraki, and now Free Folk his smile grew brighter on his face as he wondered who they'd meet on the morrow.
"The ship will come Mance, the men sent by me and bearing the king's words, they'll show you how to mine what we found and offer you a fair price. They'll see the materials are brought to you and in time you'll be able to build here and perhaps even buy foods from elsewhere." Daemon said.
"We do not understand such things but you've earned my trust and the trust of the Free Folk, I'll trust you in this too, Daemon." Mance said.
"I'll speak to the Crows and see my father's will is known to them, Shiera will keep an eye facing North to make sure that what we agreed is kept to, on both sides." Daemon said.
"Aye, I'll see it done and leave it to you to see it done with your people." Mance said.
"Until next time we meet, Mance." Daemon said offering his arm.
"Until next time we meet, Daemon." Mance said gripping the offered arm.
They said more goodbyes, Daemon speaking to Mother Mole and him to Styr and his sons before they walked to where Lyanax waited. Shiera and the children were already on her back and he and Daemon both climbed up quickly, the dragon soon taking to the sky and Thoros looking at Hardhome as it faded from view and wondering when he'd see it again. It was dark when they reached the Wall and the appearance of Children of the Forest soon caused a stir, though it was Daemon's words which caused far more than that.
The Night's Watch wasn't happy that basically in one swoop Daemon was making them meaningless though the threats the prince made soon had people listening to the words he spoke.
"Should they break the accord then they'll be dealt with, should it be you who do so then I'll see to you myself. Don't test me on this. I've just agreed to something with them that benefits the entirety of the realm and gives peace to those north and south of the wall and I won't stand for it to be threatened because you can't get past your outdated ideas." Daemon said angrily.
"Outdated ideas, the Watch was formed to protect the realm from wildings." Jeor said loudly.
"Was it indeed? Was it wildings who brought war to the realm for centuries? Who were the greatest threat the realm ever faced? Do you truly believe in such stupidity or are you so set in your ways that you can't see beyond your petty hates?"
"You've not dealt with them for as long as me boy, nor have you seen their true nature." Jeor said his voice loud.
"Out of the two of us Lord Commander I believe I've seen the true nature of men far more than you. I've seen it in its evilest most vile forms, seen the things a man can do to another just because he can. I've seen what this world has to offer from it's best to it's worst while you've been stuck here at a Wall. So don't dare try to tell me you know any better than I, believe me, you don't ever want to see the things I've seen." Daemon said slamming his hand on the table.
Thoros watched as Daemon reached into his pocket and took out a piece of paper and handed it to Jeor who read it and then threw it to the table.
"This means nothing." Jeor said.
"This means everything, it's signed by myself and the King Beyond the Wall, and while here I act for the king." Daemon said.
"Act for but are not." a voice said loudly.
"Not today no, but soon I will be and my father will sign it regardless. I make this warning to you all, the lands beyond the Wall are as those to the south of it, free and without interference under pain of a king's wrath. I also make this promise, should my will be tested on this then it won't be my father's men you face but me and when I come I'll come to burn. Think on that before you decide to act and decide if it's a Dragon you wish to anger."
He turned as Daemon did and together with Shiera and the children they walked from the room and out through the gates. Lyanax landing in front of them and soon enough they were in the air once more. The flight was far shorter and when they landed, Daemon led them across a pathway and into a tower by a lake. Thoros sending the children to gather firewood and watching on as his prince stood looking out to the water and at the reflection of the moon on its surface.
"Was I too harsh?" Daemon asked after a few moments.
"No, they needed to be forewarned." he said.
"I meant it, Thoros, I meant every single word. I'll not have them act in such a way." Daemon said.
"We made a deal, Daemon, I believe the Free Folk will live up to their parts in it."
"Then we had better live up to ours." Daemon said.
"We had better, my prince" he said patting him on the back.
They ate fresh fish that the children caught for them while the children ate berries and roots and he slept far more comfortably than he'd thought he would. After breaking their fast early the next morning they were soon on their way again, Thoros hearing the excited words of the children as they flew over lands that some had never seen. Lyanax rested at the White Knife and they then flew over White Harbor and then the Vale. The children's excitement ever-rising the further south they traveled and the warmer it became.
When they reached the God's Eye, Daemon landed at Leaf's behest and she and the children waded into the lake itself singing happily as he, Shiera, and Daemon looked on and laughed. They camped there that night and the next morning were back in the air once more. It was just turning dark when King's Landing came into view, Thoros feeling Daemon tense up in front of him when they saw the lights of the city in the distance. A moon and a half they'd been gone for and one part of the prophecy had been fulfilled. He found himself wondering how long they'd be given to rest before they would need to fly once more and to where they'd next be taken to.
King's Landing 300 AC.
Myrcella.
Laying in her empty bed at night was getting harder and harder. Myrcella finding she missed the feel of Daemon's skin against her own, the feel of his fingers and lips touching hers, and the many things they did together. Ghost had stayed by her side almost constantly, the wolf only leaving her alone when he needed to relieve himself. Not even to go hunting did the wolf leave her side and so she'd ensured he was well fed, and that he got the choicest cuts to reward him for comforting her so.
Grey Worm, Ser Davos, Lady Melisandre all stayed close by her too, and while Myrcella split her time between her family's manse and Daemon's own, it was rare that not one of them was more than a few feet away from her. She welcomed their presence and even more so their tales, Ser Davos making it clear that when it came to Daemon she really didn't need to worry herself. The knight's own worries were hidden far better than her own she had come to realize. Lady Melisandre split her time between her duties at the temple and speaking to her, the woman too pointing out that should any harm befall her prince then her god would tell her so. Myrcella took far more comfort in that than she did in most of the other words that were spoken to her.
The Unsullied's faith in her husband was true and total and Myrcella wondered what it had taken for Daemon to earn such loyalty. It intrigued her so much that one day she found she could bear it no more and so as she sat to eat her meal, she turned to Grey Worm and asked him the question outright.
" Why?" she asked.
" Why, princess?" Grey Worm.
" Why are you certain Daemon will return?".
" This one knows his prince, princess. Daemon freed us, all, not just this one but all. We've seen him fight and seen him on his dragon, seen him walk in places that even I would not. Daemon will return, our time together is not at an end." Grey Worm said simply.
It was strange to her, the idea of slavery and of being owned and then of suddenly being free. She found she had no context for it, no idea of what it could possibly mean to have someone own you and then someone not. That alone she had thought was why the Unsullied followed Daemon so, yet she knew now that alone was not the reason. True it was part of it, a large part no doubt, but the men of the Unsullied respected what Daemon could do as much as they did what he had done for them.
They were not alone in this, Ser Davos, Melisandre, Thoros she knew too all felt the same way, and while the Red Priests named him as their god's chosen, she felt they had chosen him too, just as she had and he, her. That more than anything was why she missed him so, he had chosen her above all others, he'd picked her as who he wished to be with. Not because of her House or her name but because of something that only he had seen and she found she wished him back so she could find out just what that was.
As the days turned into weeks and the weeks into a moon, her worries increased and fewer people and fewer words made them go away. Myrcella even finding herself offering up prayers to the Red God and getting into an argument with a Septa when she walked from the temple and was heading to her carriage one day. The woman calling her a heathen and saying she'd be damned by the seven and that she and her heathen husband would feel the gods wrath. It was the wrong thing to say to her on the wrong day and Myrcella felt her cool disappear and be replaced by a wave of fiery anger which she soon unleashed.
"Who do you think you are? You dare speak to me that way, dare threaten my husband with your faith in your so-called gods? Was it your gods who brought Prince Daemon back from death itself? Your gods who brought the dragon back to the world? Did your gods allow us to cross through the flames and come out unburnt?" she said loudly as a crowd formed.
"Heathens, just as I claimed you to be" the Septa shouted loudly.
"Not heathens no, my husband and I believe in a god, a god that is good and true, the God of Light and Shadow has shown what he can do, can your gods do the same? Be careful next time you speak Septa, my husband is his chosen and you and your gods don't ever wish to face a true god's wrath." she said as she walked away.
Myrcella was called to her grandfather's room that night and found him to be most displeased with her, as was her mother too. She sat and listened as she was told that the High Septon had complained that she'd without provocation unleashed her words on a Septa, who'd only asked her to join her in prayer for Daemon's safe return. The Septa apparently seeing her distress and coming to her aid unbidden, Myrcella snorting as she heard her grandfather speak.
"You find this amusing?" her grandfather said.
"This is most serious, Myrcella, the faith are not best pleased." her mother said.
"What care Lions for the opinions of sheep." she said and saw the small smirk appear on her grandfather's face.
"We do not, the opinions of the faith however we do." her grandfather said.
"That woman lied, she accosted me as I walked from the Red Temple, called me and Daemon heathens, and said my husband would be dammed by the Seven. So I showed her what happens when you pull on a lion's tail, grandfather, especially a lion that's wed to a dragon." she said and saw that brief smirk once more.
"Be more discreet in the future." her grandfather said and that was the extent of his anger at her, Myrcella feeling the High Septon would soon be on the receiving end of the Old Lion's truer roar.
Her actions and words soon had an unintended effect as more and more people began to pay visits to the Red Temple. Myrcella soon throwing herself into the charitable work they did which only spread the word even more. She knew it was petty of her to do so especially since she wasn't sure she had given up her belief in the faith she'd been brought up in,. The truth was though they'd irked her and so she sought to irk them back.
When not with Grey Worm, Melisandre, Ser Davos, or her family, she spent her time with Daemon's and had grown much closer with both Rhaenys and Daenerys. Myrcella finding out that Daenerys was actually in love with another woman and not that it was something she simply took pleasure in. She had also found out that Willas and Rhaenys were growing closer each and every day. It pleased her that they were both so happy and also that her brother and Margaery Tyrell seemed to be growing closer too. Tommen and the Rose of Highgarden being a much more appealing match now to her than it once may have been.
Myrcella spent time with Queen Elia too, learning about her future role her mother had told her, and she had found out if it was indeed so then it would be a daunting one. Though the Queen and Daemon's grandmother both told her that they'd each help her as much as they could. Her time alone with Rhaella was much different than her time with anyone else. They both cared most of all for Daemon and while Elia was preparing her for what her future role would be, Rhaella was teaching her more of how the game was played. Which was why when she came to her and spoke about Oberyn and the Sand Snakes, Myrcella listened most carefully and took her warnings to heart.
"You really think they'll seek to harm me?" she asked as they sat in Rhaella's room after dinner one night.
"I think they seek revenge on Daemon, to hurt him, and what better way to do so than to hurt the ones he loves." Rhaella said.
"And are you taking precautions too?" she asked and Rhaella smiled as she nodded.
"Always."
They were sitting discussing how she was to keep away from them if she could and not to be in a position where they could actually do her harm. Rhaella explaining how certain poisons worked as she felt that would be how they came at her should they truly wish to see her dead. As she was being told about not accepting gifts from anyone she knew or any who didn't give them to her personally, Ser Bonifer came rushing into the room.
"Daemon has returned." the knight said and both she and Rhaella were soon rushing through the Manse and heading to the garden.
She saw Lyanax had landed and Thoros, Shiera, and what looked like children to be standing by the dragon while Daemon climbed down and looked their way. Myrcella running the last few feet to close the gap between them and soon finding herself being swung in her husband's arms as he kissed her face repeatedly.
"It's so good to see you, Cella." he said before kissing her deeply and taking her breath away.
King's Landing 300 AC.
Shiera.
She looked at her nephew kissing the girl and it made her think about what Brynden had told her and what she'd seen of their future. That one of Daemon and Myrcella's children would wield the power that she was having difficulty dealing with made her worry so, even despite it being made clear to her that he'd wield it well. It made it hard for her to look to her nephew and his wife. So together with Thoros she moved with the Children of the Forest and tried to find a place for them to stay.
It was no true surprise that they wished to sleep in the open, Leaf following her through the gardens and to the small grove of trees and hedges that sat near the middle. That it was far enough away from the Manse itself and the walls so that they'd be relatively undisturbed made it ideal in some ways. As did the berries and fruits which grew there and the large pool of water that sat in the middle of the grove itself.
"There is no shelter should it rain." Shiera said as the children made themselves comfortable.
"We could set up some tents and perhaps build a small hut of some sort." Thoros said as he looked around.
"That would do, tents for now." Leaf said and Shiera turned to see she was laying in the grass her arms and legs moving as she spoke.
She looked on as Thoros called for one of the unsullied to see that some tents were brought out and it didn't take too long until they were set up. Leaf settling for three for the time being and Thoros saying he'd see that they began work on a hut on the morrow. Once the children were settled they made their way to the Manse and found Daemon, Myrcella, Rhaella, and Ser Davos all sitting around the table. Shiera could see that Myrcella wasn't letting Daemon out of either her sight or her touch, nor was Ghost who lay on the floor by their feet. She took her seat as warm food was brought out and placed in front of them all, at Rhaella's behest no doubt as the woman looked to her grandson and bid him eat.
Her hunger surprised her and she wondered if it was the quality of the food itself or the fact they'd been flying and had been eating so badly for so long. Either way, she almost devoured the dish and gladly accepted another as did Thoros, Shiera soon laughing when both Myrcella and Rhaella teamed up to make sure that Daemon did likewise. As soon as they finished the questions began and she could sense just how reluctant Daemon was to tell everyone the true extent of what they'd faced. Her nephew speaking more on the Free Folk and the children than the blue-eyed monsters they'd put an end to.
"They're really Children of the Forest." Myrcella asked.
"They are, the last of them." Daemon said.
"Why did you bring them here?" Myrcella asked and she caught how Daemon looked to her.
"They have no place else where they're safe, Myrcella, had we left them behind then eventually men would find them, and…." she said not needing to finish the thought.
"So you intend to protect them?" Rhaella asked.
"They are under my protection yes." Daemon said and she saw Myrcella lean in slightly closer to him.
"And the Free Folk?" Rhaella asked.
"Have signed an accord, grandmother, they wish to be a part of but apart from the realm." Daemon said.
"I don't understand." Ser Davos said.
"Think of it like Braavos or Pentos, Davos. The Lands Beyond the Wall are free and have their own rules and customs but rather than exist free they've encroached into the North and the Night's Watch have retaliated, almost leaving both of them in a constant state of war." Thoros said.
"And now they've signed a peace accord." Myrcella said as Daemon smiled at her.
"Exactly, along with a trade one. This will turn out most beneficial for the South too, the Free Folk are sitting on incredible wealth, they'll have need of things and have the means to buy them. So we offer to trade and they will do so if they're allowed to live in peace." Daemon said.
"And the threat they faced from Beyond the Wall?" Rhaella asked.
"Is no more, grandmother." Daemon said.
They spoke some more until Daemon looked to Myrcella and whispered in her ear, Shiera or none of the others needing to have heard it to know what he said. She watched as he got up from his seat and spoke softly to his grandmother before he bid them good night and he, Ghost, and Myrcella almost hurried from the room. Their own reunion now bound to get far more physical she felt. It once again made her feel strange as she now found herself thinking about their coupling and wondering if this was the one which would lead to Myrcella being with child. It was not something she wished to think too much on and so she was relieved when Rhaella began to ask questions of her own.
"He is unhurt, truly?" Rhaella asked.
"He is, what he did, you'd be most proud of him, he saved thousands, Rhaella, tens of thousands." she said and saw the small smile on Rhaella's face.
"And this, about the Free Folk, it's not just my grandson's wishful thinking or him believing something because he saved these people?"
"It's not, they have incredible wealth, gold, silver, gems and they need almost everything. In time The Reach, West, the North itself will all be trading with them and Hardhome could very well be one of the biggest ports in Westeros in the years to come." Thoros said.
"Then I'm most pleased you've all returned." Rhaella said as she got up from her seat and walked from the room.
They were soon joined by Grey Worm and Shiera listened as Thoros told more of the tale, finding that she had no wish to hear it so she bid them goodnight and made her way to her own room. After undressing and climbing into bed she found she needed to know and so she closed her eyes and began to look. Past, Present, and Future, she saw it all and was soon looking down on the Free Folk and flying over the wall as she warged into a bird to see more. Shiera only barely touching the tip of the power that she felt inside her.
King's Landing 300 AC.
Daemon.
He'd tried to reassure his grandmother as best he could, though he knew they'd need to speak even more, and yet for now he had one other person that needed his reassurance just as much. So after speaking as much as he could on the things that they needed to know, while at the same time holding back on those they did not, he led Myrcella to their room. Once inside she basically attacked him, her lips on his as she pushed him to the bed, Daemon realizing that for now, it was physically that she needed him most of all.
Hurriedly he undressed and almost laughed aloud when she did so just as quickly, Myrcella nearly tearing her dress as she almost ripped it from her body. He didn't even have a chance to take in the sight in front of him as before he knew it she was straddling him and he felt himself sliding inside her. That he was already hard and ready for her was a surprise to him, the fact that neither of them lasted very long was not. Myrcella almost frantically bouncing up and down on hi, before she collapsed on top of him as he spent inside her.
"I take it you missed me." he said when they had both caught their breath, Myrcella laughing as she rolled off him and walked to the privy to clean herself.
By the time she came back he was already under the sheets, Myrcella joining him and Daemon embracing her and pulling her tight. She laid her head on his chest and he began to tell her a little more of what had occurred, speaking to her about how sorry he was that he had to leave at all and though he didn't promise he'd not leave again, he did say he hoped he'd not have to for some time. When she began to snore he found himself chuckling out loud, the sound of her sleeping though soon relaxing him enough so that he too was asleep not too long after.
She woke him the next morning and this time their coupling was very different, both of them taking the time to explore each other far more thoroughly and neither content with just one release. They broke their fast with his grandmother and Shiera, Ser Davos was busy elsewhere and Thoros still rested. Daemon could see that his grandmother wanted even more answers and so once they were done, he and Myrcella joined her in her room so he could give them to her.
"I should go and speak to Rhaenys and to the King." he said and they both nodded "But I know you both have questions, so ask of me what you will."
"You said it was done, this thing R'hllor wished of you, yet Melisandre suggested this was only part of it?" Myrcella asked.
"One down, two to go." he said seeing the frowns on both their faces.
"Which two?"
"Red Eyes and White Ones." he said.
"I don't understand?" his grandmother said.
"R'hllor chose me, but just as I am his champion, the Great Other has his own. The one with blue eyes I've beaten, which leaves two more, one with red eyes and one with white ones." he said.
"You have to fight again, to leave again?" Myrcella said worriedly and he moved to her.
"I have to fight and leave, but it may not be for some time and I will return." he said softly.
"How do you know?" His grandmother asked.
"R'hllor showed me, many years ago." he said looking to see that she was just as worried as Myrcella was.
"No, how can you be sure you'll return." Myrcella asked and Daemon could see that was what his grandmother had meant also.
"I can't. I believe I will and I have a reason to." he said touching Myrcella "and these are not the only visions I know of."
"There are more?" his grandmother asked.
"Many more."
He spoke to them both for another hour or so, telling them of what Shiera had said and what Bloodraven had suggested. Daemon didn't go so far as to tell them about what would happen with one of his children but seeing the fact that he was to have any at all have the desired effect. When he was done he kissed them both goodbye and was glad to see that Thoros was now up and awake. Telling his friend to go eat as he was going to go and speak to his sister and to the king.
"You're going to speak on your mother?" Thoros asked.
"I am." he said patting his friend on the back as he left the Manse.
The conversation he was about to have with his father was one that had been years in the making and one he wasn't sure either of them was truly ready for. But it was one that needed to occur and so as he walked to the Red Keep he found his steps quickening and his heart beating that much faster. He arrived just at the same time as the Dornish party did and as he entered the courtyard it was to see Prince Oberyn looking his way. Both of them sharing a look that went on for some time and one that neither of them seemed willing to break away from.
"Daemon." he heard the excited voice call out and he turned to see Rhaenys run his way and yet as he hugged his sister tight he could swear that Oberyn stared at him still, this time with a smile on his face that he liked not one bit.
"Lets go inside, we have much to talk on" he said as he left the Dornish behind, Oberyn still staring at him but Daemon now paying him no mind his thoughts with his sister and the conversation with his father to come.