Chapter 14: Black Hole Sun, With A Hint Of Red

Tyrion

Since his father had assumed the role of Hand of the King, the city of King's Landing had seen some recovery from the poverty and despair that had inflicted it during Tyrion's short reign. Tyrion knew from what Bronn had told him that many of the citizens of the city blamed their hard times on the Lannisters and Joffrey, and thought that the Tyrells were sent by the Seven to bring holiness back to a city that had forgotten it. Tyrion of course thought this the height of hypocrisy; it was as if the small folk of the city had completely erased from their memories the fact that it had Lord Tyrell and his reachmen that had prevented food from coming into the city in the first place.

Then again he supposed that since they had taken up with the Lannisters they had done everything they possibly could to win the city's hearts and minds; distributing food to the common folk in the name of Margaery Tyrell, Margaery Tyrell herself often went on long walks around the city speaking to the small folk and more of than not winning their hearts. It was all rather infuriating for Tyrion, for though others especially his sweet sister might claim otherwise, it was because of him and his thinking that the city had not fallen to Stannis Baratheon during the Battle of the Blackwater, the presence of their father and the Tyrell's armies had just been an added bonus. There was one small thing that Tyrion could take delight in and it was that when the Tyrells had arrived in the city after the battle to be presented before the court, they had arrived without Lord Tarly and 20,000 men. Mace Tyrell had had to rather sheepishly explain to Joffrey that Lord Tarly had been sent to take Riverrun in Joffrey's name but had defected and had gone over to Jon Targaryen. That news had stunned half the court into silence, Lord Tarly was one of –if not- the best battle commanders and warriors in the whole of Westeros and also had a firm sense of duty and honour so the fact that he had deserted the Tyrells was a huge shock. At least it had been until Tyrion had thought about it for a long time afterwards. Lord Tarly had been the one to inflict the only defeat on Robert Baratheon's forces during Robert's Rebellion, at Ashford though Mace Tyrell took the credit for it. And during the Greyjoy Rebellion it had been a host led by Lord Tarly that had come to the rescue of Lannisport when Victarion Greyjoy had put it to the torch, though once again Mace Tyrell took credit for that. Tyrion believed though he had not said this out loud, that Lord Tarly had joined Jon Targaryen's side in the hopes of finally getting some sort of recognition for his achievements, and potentially the wardenship of the south should the boy come out the winner at the end of this all.

As he entered the small council chamber however, Tyrion tried to drive all other thoughts from his mind apart from one, he was curious as to why his father had called this small council meeting and why he had called for it to be held during the middle of the night. As he entered the room, he saw that Lord Tywin sat at the head of the table resplendent in Lannister crimson, Cersei sat to his right also looking resplendent in Lannister Crimson. Grand Maester Pycelle was doing his best not to fall asleep where he sat, though he was failing miserably if the dropping of his head every five seconds was any indication, and Varys sat in a chair next to the vacant chair to Lord Tywin's left dressed in lavender robes and smelling of a vague perfume that Tyrion with half his nose gone could not place. Tyrion sat down in the empty chair to his father's left hand side and waited for Lord Tywin to begin speaking.

After a moment of silence, Lord Tywin began. "Thank you all for coming at this late hour. I would not have called the council together if the need was not urgent. Cersei where is Joffrey? As King he should be here."

Tyrion watched with some satisfaction as Cersei squirmed uncomfortably under their father's gaze before she said "I thought it best that Joff sleep, father. He is young and should not be troubled by some of the more trivial matters of ruling."

Tyrion inwardly cringes at Cersei's words, and Lord Tywin gives his daughter a deathly cold stare that looks all the more terrifying due to the flickering of the candles in the chamber. When he speaks Lord Tywin's voice is as hard as iron and as cold as the ice on the wall. "Trivial matters? You think I would have called this council to meet in the dead of the night if the matters I wished to discuss were trivial? Are you such a foolish woman Cersei? No, send one of the Kingsguard to get Joffrey now, and have them be quick about it."

Cersei looks shameful as she gets up out of her chair and walks to the door, where Ser Meryn Trant stands guard, Tyrion hears as she asks for him to go and wake Joffrey and bring him to the small council chamber immediately. Tyrion looks around the room and notices that his uncle Ser Kevan is not present, something that is beyond passing odd. In every small council session that Lord Tywin has called since he has been in the city, Ser Kevan had always been present. Tyrion thinks to ask his father where his uncle is but before he can, Cersei has sat herself down and Lord Tywin speaks once more. "Whilst we wait for Joffrey to come here, I shall tell you how the war goes."

Tyrion leaned forward as did Cersei. Lord Tywin continued. "Mathis Rowan and his host of men fought a bloody battle with 15,000 men led by Lord Tully and Lord Bolton. Tully and Bolton were soundly beaten but managed to escape back to Riverrun with 6,000 men. Lord Rowan assures me his losses were minimal, and is camped on Trident waiting for further instruction."

Cersei blurts out "Why did Lord Rowan not give chase to Tully and Bolton, why did he let them get away so that they could continue to plague us?"

Tyrion feels like slapping Cersei how could she be so blind as to not see why Lord Rowan let them go. Lord Tywin looks at Cersei coldly before replying "Because I ordered him not to give chase. We are trying to win a war here Cersei, we are not playing at jousting. Lord Rowan allowed them to live and flee back to Riverrun, to dishearten their men and show them that we are not finished. As they wait for our next move they will be more anxious and may make more of a rash decision that could be their downfall."

Lord Tywin stopped speaking for a moment then continued. "Lord Tyrell continues that foolish siege of Harrenhal. His sons Ser Garlan and Ser Loras cut off the food supplies coming to Harrenhal from either Riverrun or the Vale. Mace Tyrell expects to starve the Lord Royce into submission, but the man is a fool if he expects a man from the Vale to yield. Lord Royce may not be Stannis Baratheon that is true, but the man will never bend so long as Jon Targaryen lives and Lysa Arryn does not order him otherwise. We shall need Lord Baelish to marry Lysa Arryn soon if we are to end this foolishness once and for all. Pycelle." Pycelle had been dosing off, but shot awake when he heard his name being said. Lord Tywin looked unimpressed with the old maester and continued "Write to Lord Baelish and tell him that he is to marry Lysa Arryn the minute he sets foot in the Eyrie, I want to hear news of their marriage before Joffrey is wed. Make it clear to him that we gave him Harrenhal, we can easily take it away as well as his life."

Pycelle nodded. "It shall be done, my lord."

Just as Lord Tywin was about to continue speaking, the door to the council chamber opened and Joffrey walked in still dressed in his sleeping outfit, and looking rather grumpy and sullen. But in front of Lord Tywin the boy dared not complain, lest he be thought weak and unfit to rule. Lord Tywin glanced at Joffrey before speaking once more, "Of Stannis Baratheon we have had little to no news, Varys what have your little birds been telling you?"

Tyrion heard Varys swallow beside him before he spoke. "My little birds report that Stannis Baratheon sits and broods on Dragonstone. He lost half his men after the battle of Blackwater; they either deserted completely and returned to their own holdings or joined Jon Targaryen. He has only 1000 men with him on the island and even fewer ships than he had at the end of the battle. It is said that the Lyseni Sellsail he hired for the battle has abandoned him for richer pickings."

Joffrey was surprisingly quiet after Varys had finished speaking. Tyrion had expected his nephew to make some foolish comment about sailing and attacking Dragonstone at once. Perhaps Lord Tywin's presence and the lateness of the hour prevented his nephew from making such comments.

Lord Tywin spoke again and said "Then Stannis Baratheon is done and shall not trouble us again. Once Lord Redwyne has seen to his ships, we shall take Dragonstone and kill Stannis Baratheon and that red woman of his." Lord Tywin was silent for a moment before he continued. "There is other news as well. This is more grievous than expected. Casterly Rock and Lannisport have fallen to the Targaryen boy."

Tyrion and the rest of the small council were struck into a shocked silence. The Rock had fallen, how that was possible, it had never fallen. Cersei was the first to speak "How?"

Lord Tywin looked at her as he spoke "It appears that the Targaryen boy was not so badly injured fighting at Castamere that he could not plan an assault. Lord Tarly navigated around Oxcross and struck Lannisport from the east, and put the city watch to the sword and the fleet to the torch. Robb Stark led his northmen up Lann's Mountain and stormed the walls and put the garrison to the sword." Lord Tywin's voice sounded pained as he spoke though his face gave away none of his emotions.

There was silence for a few more minutes, before Tyrion spoke and asked "What of our losses father, there were Lannisters in the Rock, how many of them died?"

Lord Tywin was still looking at Cersei as he replied "Ser Damion, Lucion, Red Walder Frey and Martyn Lannister were killed. Put to the sword for refusing to surrender."

Tyrion felt his heart plummet as he heard his father's words, Martyn had been no older than Robb Stark himself, he felt sorrow bloom in his chest for his uncle Kevan, one son dead, the other a captive in Riverrun. Tyrion dreaded what the answer to his next question would be but felt compelled to ask. "And what of Uncle Emmon and Aunt Genna and Aunt Dorna. What of the girls?"

Tywin still looked at Cersei as he spoke, though his voice sounded deeply pained "Taken prisoner, held hostage."

Finally Joffrey spoke, and he sounded angry. "And why are you still here Grandfather? Why have you not ridden out of the city to deal with this Targaryen bastard? Why are you here behind the city walls, hiding like a craven just like you did during my father's rebellion? If you shall not march out and face this bastard then I will."

Lord Tywin turned to look at the king, and gave him a cold hard stare, it was a stare that made Tyrion shiver just looking at it, it was a stare of a man who was close to doing something in anger, and Tyrion had never truly seen his father angry, though the Reynes and Tarbecks had and they had not lived to tell the tale. In a voice laced with coldness and barely concealed anger Lord Tywin spoke. "His Grace is still too tired. Pycelle seem him to his room and give him a draft to sleep."

Joffrey's protests were ignored as Pycelle ushered him back to his chambers, all the while Lord Tywin continued to stare at him with a cold look in his pale green eyes. Once Joffrey was gone Lord Tywin turned to Cersei and fixed her with his cold stare, and asked "Hiding like a craven am I, like I did during Robert' Rebellion? I wonder where did the boy get that from?"

Tyrion saw Cersei shudder and say "He meant nothing by it father. It was probably something Robert said to him when he was younger."

Lord Tywin continued to stare at Cersei before saying "Indeed. Varys you may leave us. Tyrion, Cersei both of you shall stay."

Varys walked out of the council chamber his slippered feet making not a sound on the hard wooden floor. Once the door had closed behind him Lord Tywin looked at Cersei once more and said "Whilst Joffrey sulks, we shall need to discuss your marriage options."

Cersei spluttered "Marriage options? Whatever do you mean father? I am the Queen I do not need to marry again, nor do I wish to."

Lord Tywin though was unmoved by this. "You shall do as you are told for the good of the family. I shall suggest a marriage between yourself and Willas Tyrell, when Lord Mace returns to the city. We must quell these foul rumours that Stannis Baratheon has spread."

What if they are not so foul and not rumours at all, what would you do then father? Thought Tyrion. Though he knew that if he said such a thing out loud, it would be his head adorning a spike on the walls of the Red Keep.

Cersei looked cowed, and Lord Tywin then turned his attention to Tyrion. "Would that we could marry you to the Stark Girl. But alas she is not here. We shall need to find a match for you soon enough Tyrion. In the meantime, I mean to see an end to this war."

Tyrion leaned forward eagerly as did Cersei, wondering how his father planned on ending the fighting. Lord Tywin said nothing for a few moments and then said. "Joffrey's wedding will go ahead as planned. I will call Lord Tyrell and his men back from Harrenhal, and instruct Lord Rowan to lead his men on Riverrun. The Targaryen boy will be overconfident after taking the Rock and will likely try something foolish. That shall be his undoing."

Tyrion had to ask this though. "You have heard the rumours that the boy has a dragon have you not father?"

Lord Tywin looked at him then and said "The dragons have been dead for hundreds of years. I will believe that they are alive again when hell freezes over, and Stannis Baratheon develops a sense of humour."

Catelyn

With Sansa and Arya both in Riverrun, the castle seemed to have livened up considerably. Or perhaps that was just her. After not having her daughters with her for so long, Catelyn was determined to spend as much time with them as possible. She did not despair as much as she had before the war had not started about making Arya into a lady, nor did she try to. She was more than willing to allow Arya to practice with her Needle with Brienne so long as Brienne was not busy doing other things. She spent a good deal of time with Sansa also, sewing with her and talking with her. It was clear that Sansa was very excited for her marriage to Jon, more so than she had been when she thought she would be marrying Joffrey, and Catelyn was glad of it. Her daughter had been so much already in her young life and she deserved some happiness and love, and from the way Jon had looked whenever he spoke of Sansa, she knew that that was exactly what her daughter would get from him.

There were still times of course that she worried for her two little boys back in Winterfell. Bran ever the adventurer who had still been asleep when she had left for King's Landing all those years ago, and fierce little Rickon who had been no more than a babe when she had last seen him. She tried to reassure herself that her presence in Riverrun was justified. They could not head north with the girls until the Ironborn were out of the lands, and Robb would need her help choosing a bride for him from Lord Frey's brood, he had been quite insistent about that when he had last seen her. Also her father Lord Hoster was close to dying, his waking hours grew shorter and his tortured dreams grew longer. He constantly kept speaking of a Tansy, though Catelyn and the rest of the household of Riverrun knew not who this Tansy was though Catelyn had a sneaking suspicion it had something to do with her sister Lysa. Lysa who refused to answer any of the ravens that had been sent to her, who refused to send anymore aid to Lord Royce at Harrenhal. Lysa who if word was true was being courted by Petyr for the Lannisters at this very moment. Lysa who had always been in love with Petyr who had given him her maiden's gift.

There was some concern within the ranks of soldiers at Riverrun though. Her brother Edmure and Lord Bolton had led a force of 15,000 men to do battle with Lord Rowan's larger host at the Trident. Their force had been almost annihilated, and they had only managed to retreat with the help of a savage and large pack of wolves led by a fierce she wolf, who it turned out had been Nymeria, her daughter Arya's wolf who had followed Edmure and his men back to Riverrun and had not stopped whining until Arya had spotted her in the courtyard, and since the two had been neigh on inseparable. But that was not the cause of concern for the soldiers and the people of Riverrun were well used to the direwolves that her children had. It was the fact that Lord Rowan had not given pursuit to their force as it retreated that worried them, even her uncle the Blackfish had said that it was passing odd, for Lord Rowan though he was not as skilled as Lord Tarly in the arts of war was a fierce warrior who did not like letting his enemies live. All thought that perhaps this was some ploy to drive them into a false sense of security and tempt them into doing something rash.

Her uncle had spoken to her after the battle had ended and had shared some of his more worrying thoughts. "It was a rout well and true, Little Cat. " The Blackfish had said still covered in blood and dirt. "But that is not what worries me. No what worries me is that Bolton led his part of the army straight into the middle of Lord Rowan's host."

That had surprised Catelyn, Lord Bolton was not known for being a rash or hasty man, he was a man who was known for his caution and patience as he had shown on the Green Fork, this action of his was certainly out of character.

Her uncle had then continued to voice his doubts. "His host was destroyed, his men butchered yet still he continued with the assault even though he himself held back. It is a wonder that he lived and that Harrion Karstark did as well. Edmure did not see this for he was too busy killing and trying to win some glory. Afterwards Lord Bolton seemed very happy for a man who had just led his men to butchery. I like it not Cat."

Catelyn remembered the first time she had met Lord Bolton, many years ago in Winterfell. Ned had had to hold a feast after the war, when summer had broken, and she had met Lord Bolton at that feast. He was a cold and pale man who seemed to show little emotion, though she had soon learnt of the enmity between House Stark and House Bolton in ages past as well as Bolton's bastard who had caused all matter of problems for the north and for Ned over the years. Last she had heard Bolton's bastard had forced Lady Hornwood to marry him and then locked her away in a cell, and then disappeared no one knew where he was and Lord Bolton seemed not to care.

Catelyn's musings were interrupted when she heard a knock on the door, calling for whoever it was to come in she found herself looking at Sansa. Sansa seemed to be simply glowing with happiness as she entered the room even the sight of her grandfather fast asleep though clearly dying could not reduce her happiness curious as to what it was that could have made her daughter so happy Catelyn asked "What is it Sansa? Do you or Arya have need of me? Has there been word from Winterfell? From Robb and Jon?"

Sansa was silent for a moment before she spoke; obviously she had been wanting to say whatever it was for a long time. "A letter has just come from the West from Jon. He writes that they have taken Casterly Rock and Lannisport and plan on coming back to Riverrun soon."

Ser Rodrik

Defeating the Ironborn in Moat Cailin, he had mustered some 1000 men from the surrounding area around Winterfell and with help from men from House Manderly and House Frey they had attacked the Ironborn from three sides. It had been a vicious battle, the Ironborn had been unwilling to submit peacefully and so it had come down to man on man close combat. They had taken the drunkard's tower relatively easily throwing the Ironborn out of the tower three men at a time. The Children's Tower had been so lightly held that Ser Rodrik's men had had no trouble cutting down the men who held it and retaking it. The Gatehouse Tower had taken slightly longer to hold, it was held by one of Victarion Greyjoy's second in command and the man and his men had fought fiercely that had been a bloody battle and had taken the lives of many a man on both sides, until young Eddard Wull beaten and bloody had beaten Rodrik Blackbone in single combat and won the northmen the Gatehouse Tower and with it the Moat Cailin.

It was then that a rider from Winterfell had arrived and informed them of the Ironborn siege of Winterfell led by Balon Greyjoy himself. Rodrik had ordered that the iron fleet or what was left of it be burned. But there was hardly any of it left, it seemed Victarion Greyjoy had either fled or had been expecting their approach and may possibly be in front of Winterfell with his brother laying siege to it. Ser Rodrik had taken the strength that remained with him as well as some cranongmen and had marched north at once, along the way he was joined by men from Karhold, Barrowtown and the mountain clans and now they were quite close to where the Ironborn had camped.

Their plan was simple a force led by Arnolf Karstark would attack the Ironborn near the East Gate, whilst Ser Rodrik would attack the Ironborn camped near the Hunter's Gate and hopefully take out Balon Greyjoy himself. He signalled for the horns to be blown, and when they were Rodrik drew his sword from his scabbard and spurred his horse on and led the charge. They caught the Ironborn by the Hunter's Gate by surprise and managed to use that to their advantage cutting them down where they stood next to their tents and fires, the Ironborn unable to draw their weapons in time before they were ridden down by Ser Rodrik and his men.

The closer they got to the Hunter's Gate though, the more prepared the Ironborn appeared to be. These men were already armoured and ready for combat, and gave as good as they go, cutting down many northmen as many of their own were cut down. Ser Rodrik himself managed to fell many a Ironborn swinging and hacking any man who was foolish enough to get in his way. He cut his way through the Ironborn looking for the waving crowned Kraken banner that would signal that he was near Balon Greyjoy's tent. He saw it in the distance guarded by many men and many tents, riding with some 100 men he cut his way through the men one by one, staining his sword and the ground red with their blood, as his men lighted torches and threw them onto the Ironborn tents burning them to the ground and with them many Ironborn who had not gotten out in time.

Soon Ser Rodrik found himself nearing the Hunter's Gate and with it Balon's tent. He cut down some of the man's guards, only to find the man standing outside his tent, sword drawn waiting for Rodrik. The man had the driftwood crown upon his brow and a sneer on his lips as he spoke "So the Greenlanders have come back have they? What is dead may never die."

And with that Balon Greyjoy charged forward and slashed at the mounted Ser Rodrik, who managed to bring his shield down to deflect the man's swing. He replied in kind catching Balon on the chin, and drawing first blood. Soon though they were engaged in a ferocious dance of steel as one blow followed another until Ser Rodrik's horse had been slain and was bleeding to death on the ground nearby, whilst Ser Rodrik and Balon Greyjoy circled round each other both breathing heavily and wounded beyond measure. Greyjoy though it seemed was not willing to give up just yet, for through a mouth of blood he spat "You think you've won this battle. Ha. This has only just begun." And with that he swung again, Ser Rodrik lunged back and then brought his shield down on Balon's head bringing the man down to his knees, Ser Rodrik knocked the man's sword out of his hand and then in one swift motion brought his sword down on top of the man's head, cleaving it in two.

Though Balon Greyjoy was dead, the Ironborn continued to fight on. Ser Rodrik found himself swinging and hacking his sword well past the point of exhaustion, though the Ironborn seemed to just keep on appearing and fighting him and his men. Briefly he thought of how Arnolf Karstark was doing and whether he too was facing the same problem, when he heard the sound of a horn being blow. He wondered at that for the only horn blowers were with him and they were both dead. Could this be more Ironborn or help from the northern houses?

As it turned out it was neither, the men wore the flayed man of Bolton on their armour and cut down Ironborn with such fury, at their head was a man who looked half beast, swinging his sword like a man possessed and with such hate in his eyes Rodrik was surprised that he didn't burn with it. But the change came when all the Ironborn lay dead or dying and the Bolton men began to attack their fellow northmen cutting them down to pieces, Ser Rodrik was about to protest when he felt an arrow pierce his chest, and then two struck both his legs as he fell to the ground he could have sworn he saw the Bastard of Bolton emerge out of the fray and look down on him with a mocking smile.

"But, how, why?" Ser Rodrik managed to stutter.

Bolton's Bastard replied with a mocking smile. "What is dead may never die, is that not what the Ironborn say? But what about those that never died in the first place, what of them noble ser? You shall make a fine skin to wear in the winter. Boys take him to the dungeons."

And with that Ser Rodrik felt a blow to the head before he blacked out.

Jon

His wounds were healing slowly but surely. It no longer pained him to move his arms though it still pained him if he put too much pressure on his right leg as he had found out when he had fallen down whilst sparring with Robb one day during a break in their constant meetings and discussions. Since the Rock had been taken, they had had to spend a great deal of time discussing their next move. Some urged to march straight for King's Landing with the Tyrells having spread themselves out between Harrenhal and the Trident, they argued that King's Landing was a clear road. Others such as Lord Tarly and Ser Barristan cautioned against such an approach stating that it would leave their rear open to attack should Lord Tyrell move from Harrenhal, or Lord Rowan from the Trident. Eventually it had been decided that they would march for Riverrun. That discussion in itself had lasted a month as they had had to discuss what they would take from the Rock with them back to Riverrun, most of the Westerlands livestock was in the Riverlands, most of the gold from Castamere and the surrounding areas was as well. But they had discovered vast oceans of gold and plunder in the vaults of the Rock, which after having been shared out equally between the Lords and the soldiers was still plentiful. With the amount left, Jon had decided to take some back to Riverrun and leave the rest in the Rock.

He had also then had to decide what to do with the prisoners that they had taken during the battle. Ser Emmon Frey, Jon had executed for the crime of treason. But his wife and son and grandchildren had been spared. Lyonel Frey was to take up the black and his grandchildren Tywin and Willem Frey were to be hostages to Jon once the war was over. Walder Frey otherwise known as Red Walder had refused to surrender and as such Jon had been forced to execute him along with his father. He still had nightmares sometimes about all the blood he had shed during this war, and sometimes wished that it was all just a dream and that he could wake up and find that he was still in Winterfell with his family and that the King had never come to Winterfell at all. The women would be coming with them as prisoners to Riverrun except Cerenna Lannister whom would wed Torrhen Karstark and become Lady of Casterly Rock whilst Torrhen became Lord of the rock. It was a decision that had surprised many, including Lord Karstark, though he did not complain once it became apparent that his son would become Warden of the West and part of one of the richest houses in the kingdom at the end of the war. Torrhen and Cerenna's wedding had taken place a fortnight ago and Torrhen it seemed was smitten with his new wife, as she was with him, which pleased Jon. He did need allies in these parts after all. Before Torrhen's wedding however, all the remaining Westerlords had come to Casterly Rock to swear fealty to Torrhen and recognise him as Lord of Casterly Rock, as well as to swear fealty to Jon and recognise him as their king.

After that, Jon had then had to spend a whole day and a half rewarding those who fought bravely at Lannisport and at Casterly Rock. He had knighted Dickon Tarly himself, had promised Lord Tarly Wardenship of the South once the war was over as well as all the land currently belonging to Highgarden and Brightwater Keep. He had also raise Ser Leyton Appleton, who had fought bravely and defended a wounded Dickon Tarly during the battle, to the Kingsguard giving him a grand total of three of seven white knights. He had also overseen the marriage of various Westerlords daughters to northern lords or heirs to secure their alliance further.

It was with some relief then that Jon found himself mounting Serrax his black dragon who was now so entirely massive in size and stature he blocked out the sun, ghost was in between Serrax's claws. They were heading off to Riverrun today and it promised to be a enjoyable flight. Jon turned to look down at Robb who was mounted on his horse below him and said "I'll be seeing you soon Stark."

Robb grinned and replied "And I you Targaryen."

And with that Jon nudged Serrax and the dragon took flight. He soared above the ground in the air, and Jon marvelled at the beauty of the land, the fertile green fields and the hills and lakes that littered the Westerlands. For the first time in a long time Jon felt that perhaps being a dragon rider was not such a bad thing if he got to experience and see things from this point of view away from all the blood and squabbles of the land.

As the holdings of Wayfarer's rest came into view beneath him Jon's hear gave a little flip, he was so close to Riverrun now, so close to Sansa. He urged Serrax on, urging him to fly faster and Serrax responded by beating his wings furiously and by issuing a slight roar, which sent birds flying from the nearby trees and cause the people in the fields to look up in fright. Jon did not care though for once he allowed himself to think merely of what he wanted, and right now that was to see Sansa again, to hold her in his arms again.

Soon Wayfarer's Rest departed beneath them, and the great castle of Riverrun came into view and Jon felt his chest a flutter with nerves and excitement. As he got closer to the castle he could see the tents of the armies of the Riverlords and the Dornishmen flying their banners as well the his own banner, and acting on an impulse Jon steered Serrax away from the tents where he was originally meant to land, and steered him closer toward the castle. As he did so he could hear the people of the castle beginning to shout and point at Serrax, ignoring them Jon urged Serrax closer to the castle and the courtyard, and then as Serrax prepared to dive in for landing Jon shouted "Clear the way." And like a horde of ants the people of Riverrun moved away from the courtyard, and ran inside or onto the battlements, as Serrax dived into the castle and then straightened out to land in a crouching position in the middle of Riverrun's courtyard.

Jon jumped from Serrax's back and helped Ghost come down from his dragon's mouth. He then made to fix the saddle and take some of the bags down from Serrax's back to ease the dragon's burden, but before he could do that he was attacked by a bright auburn haired person, who jumped into his chest, forcing Jon to wrap his arms around them. It was only when the person began peppering him with kisses that he realised that it was Sansa.

"I'm happy to see you too Sansa." Jon said laughingly.

Sansa stopped her kissing of him to look up at him through her lashes and she took his breath away, she had gotten more beautiful since he had last seen her. "I'm more than happy to see you Jon. Or should I say your grace." She said, disentangling herself long enough to give him a curtsey.

Jon growled and said "None of that Sansa, come here." With that he pulled her flush against his chest, and not caring that half of Riverrun was watching, kissed her full on the mouth, kissed her long and hard, trying to convey all he felt for her in that kiss. She seemed to respond well to it for soon she was kissing him back with equal ferocity and their tongues were duelling in the other's mouth. Jon was the one who broke the kiss, and though he felt his heart swell when he heard Sansa give a little moan of protest, he had noticed Arya and Lady Catelyn walking towards them.

Keeping an arm around Sansa, Jon gave Arya a one armed hug and then kissed Lady Catelyn's outstretched hand, before saying. "My ladies it is a pleasure to see your faces again. I fear that the men will not be here for some time yet, for I lost patience with our dithering and decided to fly out alone myself."

Arya laughed at that and Lady Catelyn smiled and said "It is good to see you again Your Grace. Though I do believe you may have something to ask my daughter if I remember correctly."

She gave him a pointed look, and then Jon realising what she was hinting at removed his arm from around Sansa's waist and got down one knee and took hold of Sansa's right hand and kissed it before saying. "Sansa Stark, I have loved you since the day you were born and I have always wished to be yours and yours alone. I know that I may not be the shining knight that you wished for, but I promise to love and protect you till the end of my days. Sansa Stark will you marry me?"

Jon looked up at Sansa through his curls and saw that she was crying, but they seemed to be tears of joy, for she brought their entwined hands up to her heart and held them close before saying in a shaky voice. "Yes, Jon. A thousand times yes."

Jon smiled then and got up and kissed Sansa again, his heart full to bursting.