8

Summary:

After being left alone with her children Margaery get to know them better. The Tyrells learn more of the alternate future and start making plans and moves. Margaery splits with some of her family and begins her journey north.

Notes:

This picks right up or a few minutes after the end of Margaery's last chapter. So it is just Margaery and her kids alone in the meeting room on day 1.

So some of the Telltale game characters will be either in this or mentioned. I never played the game so I'll write them how I want. They will hardly even be side characters, just mentioned a few times.

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

"So... What is your father like?" All Margaery's training went out the window when she learned that these were her kids, from the future... possibly. She had to kick herself to remember that it was still possible they were not who they claimed. But there was a part of her that just naturally believed them, and she can see the Tyrell blood in their features.

Since her family left, everyone had been silent, though some of the group conversed between each other with looks. It was awkward, even after Marg's inquiry.

The handsome silver haired prince looked thoughtful as he compiled an answer. "Quiet, serious and brooding. He is intelligent, kind, and good. Selfless, sometimes to stupidity. Quite boring if he doesn't open up to you from what I've heard. And one of the best kings since Jaehaerys the First and Aegon the Fifth. Though that is in big part because he wisely surrounds himself with men and women just as good as himself." He pointedly looked at Margaery to make it known that she was one of such people.

Lorys snorted. "Boring is quite accurate. Father is very practical, frivalries be damned in his court. His crown is iron. Just iron."

"Oh, and don't forget handsome. Also, don't tell anyone but he is a huge softy and loves cuddles, only in private of course," Haella mischievously added. 

Every little thing they mentioned made Marg smile despite the fact a manipulatable king would be ideal for her family's plans. The mention of Jaehaerys the First damn near made her swoon. Rather than having to control her husband she might be able to work with him and become the Good Queen to his Conciliator. They would fix the realm and she would be known as one of the best queens to grace the Seven Kingdoms. She is no Cersei Lannister. "I'll be sure to give him the only the best cuddles. Is our marriage good? It sounds so lovely and there are six of you..."

Strangely, Aerea looked greatly confused by the number. "Six?"

The eldest male put a hand in the little girl's hair to ruffle it. "Yes Aerea, there are six of us." His proud tone had the slightest touch of pleading in it as if to convince the girl to go along. The girl to her credit noticed this too and seemed to understand, though not without pouting. They were hiding something…

"Oh yes, you have quite the happy marriage despite the rocky start. Anyway, father is by far the best of your husbands if you can call the other three that." Laerra adopted a bitter and annoyed speech.

Husbands. Three of them not including her future childrens' father. Had her family miscalculated so many times. She was confident that fact did just wonders for her reputation. Even her children seemed bothered over her previous marriages. Margaery could not help but ask: "Husbands?"

An almost cruel smirk grew on Lorys' face, it was not directed at her but the door. It quickly fell and was replaced with a sad foreign frown, that must be his father's. "The old crone tried to whore you out to anyone claiming to be a king. You got lucky though. Renly only touched my namesake. Joffrey was murdered by the old bat at your wedding when she realized he was more likely to parade you around beaten and naked then bed you. If the Lannister's didn't have some morals then she would have had you bed a bloody child half your age." His dislike of her grandmother seemed quite justified...

Miscalculated appears to have been an understatement. With each failed marriage comes shame and failure. Every marriage after the first shows just how desperate and ambitious her house is. In trying to escape the title of upjumped stewards they would become known for their reaching and desire for power. 

Renly, Joffrey and presumably Tommen. If the Baratheon princes are indeed illegitimate then she married two bastards of incest. Perhaps even knowingly. Though she can recognize the hypocrisy in her distaste, the future father of her children is currently believed to be a bastard and is from a family that traditionally practices incest. All her other marriages seemed just as pleasureless as it would be if she married King Robert. Though Lorys' words seem to imply she never-

"You never bedded any of them. If it makes you feel better. Regardless, your family's previous allegiances made you not so easily accepted by Father." Aemon did not say what his words implied. His father did not marry her for anything but the resources of the Reach. 

The idea stung more than it should. Margaery never expected to have a true loving marriage, she was intending to control her husband by all means necessary after all. She was to make her husband love her but to not love him back more than her house's sigil. But the fact that she does have a loving marriage and it starts with him distrusting her so, makes everything different. Him marrying her for all the reasons but her, irked her. At the very least it proved he was not stupid.

But this time it would be different. Everything will be different.

The topic of her other marriages seemed to kill the conversation and even Margaery did not desire to speak. She wanted to go riding or hawking or something, she wanted to think about something other than her family's ambitions. There was nothing that could prepare her for this. They came and changed her future and hopefully she would end at the same place without all the unneeded and unsightly bits. 

Eventually Laerra stood from her seat with a serious face. "I understand that we can do plenty of good here but we need to know how to return home. I'm the queen, I cannot just disappear without any notice. Mama and Father likely took over the rule and are looking for us. Plus…" The future queen clasped a hand over her mouth in an effort to hide a gasp. She quickly turned and stormed over to the doors to the balcony. 

Margaery stared at her eldest daughter's previous location. She could understand the worry to return to her own time but again there was something more. Moving her eyes to Aemon she raised a questioning brow.

With a hearty exhale the silver haired man slumped into his chair. "Lya has a three nameday old daughter. She doesn't like being away from her. And as you can tell we have little idea of the current happenings back in our time."

A granddaughter! Her line was prospering! Another Targaryen princess with Tyrell blood. Margaery could understand her daughter's fears, she would not wish to be separated from her children. Even now when she had yet to birth or even conceive any of them. But surely the girl was well looked after. "She must certainly have someone there to look after her safety? Your father, Laerra's husband, or I are surely with the girl."

"Yes, all three should be there and more. I assume what bothers Lya the most is the unknown. We don't know what brought us here. If anyone else experienced something similar. If her daughter was affected… There are plenty of unknowns. Lya just needs some moments to get her emotions and fears under control before she takes over and makes the best of our scenario." Aemon gave his sister's back a look of faith, trust and confidence, though worry was still present. 

Even Margaery could not escape the fears, she half wanted to run back to the weirwood to ensure there was not a little girl present. The arrivals were staggered before, perhaps her granddaughter was there but she had doubts. "You seem to know Highgarden well perhaps one of you could run and check the Singers for her, for confirmation." 

Lorys popped up. "I got it, Ma." Before he could rush out the door he stopped and turned to her sheepishly. "Can I get a note or something to prove to any guards I've permission to move around freely in the castle." 

Using the supplies in the meeting room she supplied her future son with a note with her signature and seal. When Margaery was done and the boy disappeared out the door, she appraised the room. The youngest child was now out of her seat and attempting to comfort Lya. Maenara, who has been extremely quiet, just took everything in with observing eyes. The other silver haired woman: Haella, was impatiently tapping a melody with her nails on the table. Marg still knew so little about them. "I fear you all know so much about me but I know so little of you. Care to fix that?"

That seemed to have been the right thing to ask to drag Maenara into the conversation as she proceeded to talk and talk and talk. She explained the siblings' namesakes, their interests, and more. Margaery learned that Lya and Aerea were actually referred to by different variations of their names in the North compared to the southern kingdoms, Laerra was Lyarra and Aerea: Arya. Haella was the only one without a real namesake, though slightly inspired by Rhaella. Laerra, after her paternal great-grandmother. Unlike Margaery's prediction, Aemon was named for Aegon the Unlikely's elder brother rather than the Dragonknight. Surprisingly Maenara was named for Marg's father and would have been named Maesara but there were complications. Aerea was named for Arya Stark, who was told to be her father's closest 'sibling.'

The conversation lasted long enough for the sun to begin its fall and for everyone who left to regroup back in the room. Lya was still in a rather bad mood which was only darkened with Lorys' empty handed return. The Tyrell family seemed to pick up on this and hopefully would not poke the bear or rather dragon anytime soon. Unlike before the seating was more intermingled with Haella and Maenara trapping their grandmother, Aemon by Willas, and Lorys looking admiringly at Garlan from the adjacent chair.

After supper was set before them and the servants vacated the room, Willas addressed the table. "While away, I considered the opportunity we now have. I came to the conclusion that it would be in our best interest if we beat the king to Winterfell and prevent an alliance between the Baratheons and Starks."

Olenna nodded along. "I agree. The Stark girl being married to the prince will only cause Ned Stark to have even more split loyalty. Bastard or not the prince has no land or allegiance that won't be taken when Margaery and her husband take the throne. Besides there are few daughters of great lords of age to marry and plenty of boys."

"Would you be able to make it in time? There is a great distance to cover and the king has a head start." Like Garlan, Mother was not one to usually speak up in these more political meetings. She did bring up a good point, King's Landing was a great deal closer to Winterfell. The King's Road was also a more direct path compared to the Ocean Road which would be the quickest route from Highgarden to Winterfell.

Smiling at their mother for her contribution, Willas put her fears to rest. "That thought came to mind but considering Cersei Lannister is joining the retinue and is presumably in her wheelhouse the royals will be moving slow. Especially if you add time for Robert's pleasures and visiting lords. My calculations estimated the Stags to arrive there in two moons at earliest. On strong horses half that would be possible for us. Though there would be many long days in the saddle."

The ride would be a big factor in deciding who would go. Margaery was a rather skilled rider if she said so herself, but even she believed a moon of doing nothing but riding sounded dreadful. "Neither Willas nor Grandmother would be suited for such travel." 

"Even if I was; I wouldn't go. That sounds like utter hell. You dear will have to go. You have been trained well and I know you are capable of doing what must be done." Her grandmother's praise would have meant a lot more if Margaery wasn't dreading how sore her thighs and rear will soon be from the ride.

Aemon interjected before the Tyrells could further their plans. "She will also have our support. I think understandably it is in my siblings and I's best interests if we secure our parents' union. Our knowledge will also be beneficial."

Eying the Targaryen, the Queen of Thrones let out a huff. "That is if you are telling the truth. Only Eddard Stark can confirm the boy's parentage. We could still inform the king of his best friend's and wife's treacheries and have Margaery become queen as easy as that. No wars, necessary."

Margaery paled at that thought. "Please don't."

Everyone of her family's eyes snapped to her. They were surprised, there were very few times when she verbally protested her family's plans for her.

"While I was getting to know them, they revealed my marriage to their father was my fourth, the other three were unconsummated but none healthy. They mentioned Joffrey was so cruel Grandmother had him killed at our wedding." Margaery wished to marry her children's father even if it resulted in less returns for her family. She knew he was smart and hopefully he would take her input to consideration but the most important thing was she was said to be happy. Their relationship would also start on the right foot if she does not marry any 'Baratheons.'

Her family were shocked by the reveals. The number of marriages was concerning regarding the image of their house. While they had gotten reports of some hints of the prince's state of mind, they and Margaery never would have believed it to be so bad. 

Father quickly stood or attempted to, his belly pushing the table. "My daughter will not marry such a boy. The Tar- Stark lad seems a much better choice." She felt her heart warm seeing her father's reaction, he clearly cared for her even if she already knew that. 

"Presumably, that would be why I had the boy killed. I would think that the younger prince was another of her husbands?" Grandmother asked her question but everyone knew she already had figured the answer.

Down the table another person stood: Lorys. "Are none of you going to comment on the four husbands part?"

Olenna's lip curled in annoyance. "Many women remarry after the death of a husband especially if they remain a maid."

Another of her children stood and glared. Gods, Laerra had eyes that could kill. Her mood had clearly not gotten better. "Not in a span of five years and all of them king's or more accurately claimants. Surely you recognize what that does to both Mama's reputation and that of House Tyrell. Mama is not queen because Father needed or wanted her or the Reach but because it helped unify the realm. If you had been smart you would not have even joined the war. You would have been better off. Perhaps I'd have gotten the chance to meet at least one of my grandfathers or all of my uncles." 

The comment once again sobered everyone especially Mace and Olenna. Despite her beratement of Margaery's father, Olenna did care greatly for him. The old woman gave a sigh, she was not used to being challenged, more so with her own failures. "How?"

"After Joffrey, Mama married Tommen. Whom you tried to have her consummate the marriage with but the Lannister's had more morals, which is rather telling. Because Mama annoyed Cersei for being well... normal? Anyway long story short: Cersei got Mama imprisoned by the Faith for a false claim of adultery. Cersei herself got punished by the Faith she let remilitarize. When Mama's trial finally came, when Cersei realized Margaery would be deemed innocent she left. Realizing something was wrong, Grandfather, Mama and the others left shortly before Cersei blew up the Sept of Baelor with wildfire. Grandfather was slower due to his weight and when guards recognized you all, he forced Mama and the others to escape. Loras actually died later in battle defending the Reach at sea after Cersei let the crown's fleet get stolen..." Haella's summary was made all the more sad by how well her voice carried emotions and tones. 

Pushing away his food, for once, Mace glared at the table silently before slamming a fist down on the table. "Margaery will marry the Stark boy." His tone left no room for argument.

Knowing that the Targaryens will win eventually and that the Lannisters do not seem like a very inviting option, there was not much choice. Everyone seemed to understand this.

After a few moments of silence with the family picking at their food or not eating, Aemon returned the conversation to the original topic. "There are other reasons it would be prudent to intervene at Winterfell. If we do not by the time the king's party leaves the castle, then our father will go to the Wall and take the black."

Margaery involuntarily let out a gasp. "He joins the Night's Watch?" The surprise was enough for neither her face nor words to be masked. 

Grumbling, Laerra again seemed annoyed at the fact of her father's past. "Oh, don't get me started on this topic. It is stupid in all regards. Ned Stark is a lucky idiot since that decision somehow was privital to prevent the end of the world. Not to mention…" She cut herself off before she could rant any longer.

"Eddard Stark let the Targaryen heir join the Night's Watch? I know he is an honorable fool but where is the honor in that?" Her grandmother seems to find the idea as an amusing level of stupidity. 

On the other hand Margaery could not help but think of what was to become of her if her future husband says his vows. But did he not do so last time? "If he says his vows, how did I marry him, if I recall men of the Night's Watch cannot take wives."

Maenara was the first to answer, "Father completed his vows." Her answer gave little explanation on the surface but eliminated the option of desertion, pardon or discharge. The only way to complete one's vows would be death…

Leaning over the table to better address the time travelers Willas responded, "Correct me if I am wrong, but are the Night's Watch vows not for life?" 

"You are not incorrect. To fulfill one's vows they must serve until death." Laerra left the bitter meaning of her words unsaid. 

Everyone wanted to verbalize their curiosity but only Garlan did. "How? How did he come back?"

Clenching her jaw the queen explained, "there are many methods, some more pleasant than others." Once again there was a dark implication there. "Our father returned mostly the same, but death changes anyone. He was fortunate his mind was with his direwolf during the time his body was… unworking. A red priestess was present and managed to revive him but magic always requires sacrifice."

There was many things that caught Margaery's attention in the speech: the man was changed by death, the direwolf, the priestess, the magic bit, his mind being in his direwolf like the skinchangers of the stories.

"On the bright side, his death allowed Father to reclaim the North and then unite Westeros behind him. Plus he got some nice scars. I mean a lifetaking scar above the heart just begs for kisses from women." When every single pair of eyes turned to Lorys he stilled. "Not that Father beds anyone he is not married to." He completely misread the environment. 

To be honest, she never expected her husband to stay in her bed. Actually that was one of her plans even, though it would be done discreetly. It would keep the man happy and distracted while gaining her husband's favor. Ideally that would not be necessary. 

"Direwolf?" Of course Willas' attention would be focused on the direwolf. He was a breeder to the core. 

A massive grin appeared on Maenara's face. "Yep! We all have one! Mine is named Silver."

After sighing, Aemon too smiled. "Yes, we all have one. The Stark kids from this time should all have one by now including our father. The white wolf on our sigil is actually based on Father's wolf: Ghost."

"Where is Smokey?" Aerea's question brought attention to her frown and sad eyes.

Laerra lifted the young girl from her seat to her lap and embraced her. It was probably a mutual comfort considering the queen wished for her daughter's presence. "Smokey is with Mama and Father." Lya looked absolutely beautiful without her scowl and it was only amplified by how motherly or sisterly she appeared with her youngest sibling. She turned those dark violet eyes back on the rest of the group. "What Aemon forgot to mention is that we are bonded to our wolves as we are wargs or skinchangers, whichever term you prefer."

Mace's good mood had quickly returned at the news of his grandchildren's magical bloodline. There was little that anyone could probably convince him now to marry Margaery to anyone but the Targaryen-Stark, that was likely why Laerra told them, smart. "Skinchangers," Mace said almost reverently.

"To various degrees but all of us have a bond with our wolves and a few of us with other animals such as Lorys with his horse. Our Stark aunts and uncles also have the gift." Aemon added. "But I believe it would be best we return to the topic of traveling north."

Most of the table seemed hesitant to leave the lighter topics for something productive but Willas and Grandmother held the greater sway in the family. Willas continued where he left off earlier. "If my predictions of the royal party's travel speeds are good then if a group leaves on the morrow they would have a little more than a moon to negotiate. That is if they move swiftly on the road."

"I'd say we best leave within a sennight, fortnight at most. The quicker the better. We have enough to secure an alliance easily enough but training the Starks to lie will take a greater effort." Laerra actually reminded Margaery of Olenna there, passively insulting the Starks.

The old woman nodded in agreement for once. "A fortnight would be an unnecessary risk. Three days, I say. Margaery shall represent the interests of our house and meet Eddard Stark's supposed bastard. Garlan goes as well. I want some of you to stay, however." Her last command referenced the time travelers. 

Before Lorys could protest, Lya responded. "I have to agree. My silver haired siblings' presence would be another risk. Aemon is said to look very much like our other grandfather and his grey eyes would not help his case with Robert Baratheon. I believe he would be better suited to travel to Dorne." 

Margaery had to agree, though she did not wish to be separated from any of her future children. There is still so much she does not know about them. Securing Dorne's allegiance would also be extraordinarily helpful. With the North, Riverlands, Reach and Dorne they would have the numbers when or if it came to war. The Vale was also more likely to side with the Starks or Tullys. Loyalty problems were a concern however. The three northern kingdoms supported Robert against the Targaryens and they may have trouble supporting one. 

"Dorne!" Her father's near shout pulled Margaery out of her thoughts. His grudge against Oberyn Martell and all things Dornish had never lessened over the years. She sometimes wondered if it was he was simply projecting his own guilt about Willas' injury.

Picking up on his sister's plan for him, Aemon answered. " Yes, Dorne. We have important allies there. Acquiring the entirety of Dorne's support would also be greatly helpful. The Reach borders the Westerlands, Crownlands, and Stormlands, all of which are going to be hostile if it comes to war. You are also vulnerable when it comes to the Sunset Sea. Best you have an ally close by. Willas' friendship with Oberyn should be able to convince him to not do anything reckless that could cause us trouble." 

Intersecting on the conversation, Lya added in, "Your son does not hold any ill will against Oberyn, I recommend you respect your son's opinion. Being friends is not what we are asking of you but you must be willing to work with them. Forgiveness does not mean forgetting. Willas' injury was neither Oberyn's nor Willas' fault. You must accept your own role in the incident if you wish to blame anyone, just as you must accept that accidents happen." Laerra's words took any lingering fight out of her grandfather. The queen in the woman was clear as day. 

The table gave a few moments of silence for the Lord of Highgarden to process the words and for everyone to eat their cooling foods. 

When enough time passed Margaery brought them back to business. "So Lya, Lorys, Aerea, Garlan and I head to Winterfell in three days While the others and possibly Willas go to Dorne in the next moon or so. There is still the matter of how many guards we take and if we bring anyone else such as any of my ladies." She already knew that many of her ladies would rather not go, with the exception being possibly Mira who may wish to return to the North for a visit. 

Willas nodded in agreement. "Easy enough, we should also send a letter to inform the Starks of your travels. Horses bred for distance are limited and valuable so the party should be no more than twenty if we can help it. Going to Dorne is a simple matter of ships."

"Both Lorys and I will also be armed so the only ones requiring protection will be Aerea, Mama and any ladies that join us. But a party of twenty seems fair and quick. I also propose two stops on our journey, one of which will add a day or two of travel." Laerra tapped the pommel of her blade to remind everyone that she is a warrior queen. 

The mention of detours caught Olenna's attention. "Where are these stops?" Even the queen's siblings seem to be curious.

A slight mischievous grin appeared on the purple eyed woman's face. "I'd like to visit the Crag and the other would be the Twins which we would have to pass through anyway if we take the Ocean Road."

"What do you want with the Westerlings and Freys? They have little worth." Grandmother eyed Lya as if she was trying to pull the secrets out of her. 

Laerra gave the old woman a slight shrug. "It is likely a bad political move but Jeyne Westerling married Robb Stark in our past and I rather like her as an aunt. The Freys proved to be a pest in the war last time, I would like to be ahead of them this time and give them no room to demand anything. I would also like my lord of the Trident to be born." 

The most disappointed look Margaery had ever seen appeared on her grandmother's face. "You wish to make a Frey the lady of Riverrun and a Westerling the lady of Winterfell? Are you dense?"

A raised eyebrow and another half hearted shrug of her shoulders was Lya's physical response. Her voice was flat and serious when she spoke up. "I am more favorable to genocide but marriage is considered far more moral."

Margaery felt her jaw drop as she stared astonishedly at her daughter. The rest of the room was silent besides Alerie's initial gasp of horror at the words. There were only two who seemed amused by the comment: Olenna and Aerea who probably did not understand what was just said but took enjoyment from the reactions. 

"I was jesting. Sort of…" Laerra gave a slight grimace at the looks she was getting and scanned the rest of the room for any support. When she found none she slumped back into her chain and mumbled something which only Margaery and Aerea could hear: "If Aunt Arya wants to, I won't stop her."

The clearing of a throat brought everyone's focus from the queen to Aemon. "It should be known that the Freys killed our uncle Robb Stark, his mother and many of his followers under guestrights at Uncle Edmure's wedding. They then proceeded to sever Uncle Robb's head from his body to sew that of his direwolves in its place and paraded the corpse around. They also threw his mother's body naked into the river as an insult to her traditions." 

All the Tyrells were equally disturbed as they were understanding. Everyone's appetite was certainly gone but most already had their fill. It made Lya's comment all the more justified though still dark. Compared to Tywin and Reynes or Tarbeck it seemed all the more reasonable. Margaery also felt confident her daughter did not intend to kill the child or women if she did go through with her 'jest.'

After a few moments Margaery's mother stood from her seat. "I will ensure rooms have been prepared and notify the seamstresses to be ready to take your measurements after breaking your fast. We can't have you travel the Westerlands in that, can we. I will see you all on the morrow." She gave a slightly forced smile that was returned genuinely by her grandchildren. Swiftly the silver haired Hightower departed through the door.

"Good job, Lya. You scared off Grandmother." Lorys turned a mocking smile to his sister and started a slow and quiet clap.

Haella turned on her little brother in defense of their sister. "It is not her fault the world is a pretty terrible place, you little shit."

And just like that the productive conversation died and turned to sibling bickering. After watching amused for a few moments the rest of the Tyrells slowly funneled out and with each departure halted the arguments momentarily for an exchange of goodbyes. The only two that stayed were Willas and her.

But eventually Willas too stood to leave. "I best go and write that letter to Winterfell now so it can still be sent today." He gave his niece and nephews smiles and nods.

"May I accompany you? I would like to add a coded message just on the chance that we are not the only ones displaced. We did appear beneath the weirwoods afterall. For all we know our father is in Winterfell two times over." Aemon stood looking to Willas for permission.

Willas gave a nod of acceptance. "That may be wise. You would have to explain the code to me however. For security reasons, I'm sure you understand."

Beating Willas to the door, Aemon gave a smile. "Of course," he said as he held the door for his uncle. 

And then it was Margaery and five of her future children. But she too had duties. "I hope you can understand but I must talk to my ladies tonight so any that accompany us north have a reasonable time to prepare." At their nod she stood. "I shall first guide you to your rooms... Well the ones I believe are your rooms. Mother forgot to tell me which. You best cover the dragons again. And Lorys don't forget your armor by the Three Singers." The way her reminder caused him to perk up told Margaery he did indeed forget. 

Three days later they were in the entrance courtyard in riding breeches. As Margaery expected, Mira was the only one of her ladies that desired to join the party heading North. The Forrester readily jumped at the chance to visit the North even if she was unable to return to her home. Her lady's excitement brought some warmth to an otherwise sad day.

Over the two full days after the arrival of her children, Margaery spent a lot of time with them. But the day to separate from her silver haired offspring came all too soon. She would miss them. The bond between them was still forming but it felt more akin to siblings than a parent and child. That was not the case for them though, whenever Aemon showed off his intellect his eyes would travel to her in search of his mother's reaction without the ever present bias of his birth giver. Haella would play or sing any song Margaery requested and her music would become even better after it elicited a reaction from Marg or Alerie. Maenara constantly sought to be the center of her mother's attention and spent her time away from Margaery drawing or painting for her. Perhaps it was rather vain of Margaery but she loved the attention, she loved the subtle need for her approval but she also loved them already. 

Yet here she was, leaving them. Riding north while they soon would be sailing south. There was the possibility that she would never see them again, they might disappear before then and their seed might never take root in her. That reality hurt, it felt like killing them with her own hands. She tried to memorize every bit she could of them even if she was technically eavesdropping on their private moment, but she is their mother, in her case it is supervising.

Aemon was currently spinning Aerea around in a loving embrace. When he finally set her down he kissed her forehead as the little girl squirmed. "Stay close to Lya or Lors, okay? Don't cause trouble and sneak around. It'll be uncomfortable riding for so long but you are tough like a dragon, right?"

The girl's lip quivered as she nodded and wiped her eyes. "I'm tough and good!" She was rewarded with another kiss to the forehead though Aemon's hand made a move to ruffle the girl's hair before realizing it would ruin her riding braids. "I'll miss you Aem!"

"I'll miss you too little sister but I won't be the only one. Go say goodbye to your sisters. I love you tell Father I say hi if you see him." Aemon smiled and nudged the girl towards Haella and Maenara. 

Quickly the girl was squashed between the two silver haired women and peppered with hundreds of kisses. The melodic voice of Haella rang with laughter, "We'll miss you Smalls!" 

The rest of the goodbyes between the siblings went how they were expected. Aemon made sure Lorys promised to protect the girls. Lorys got flicked on the head by the two sisters before they kissed his cheeks. The two eldests shared words of wisdom and wishes for good luck. Lya gave her middle sisters a firm 'don't go falling in love with any boys' before amending 'or girls' for Haella. 

When they reached the Tyrells was where things got interesting. She can't imagine what it must look like for all the servants to see their lord's family so close with these random strangers. Fortunately there was little chance any rumors spread would be correct and they already had a cover story planned.

The farewell between her mother and Aerea was one of the sweetest things she had ever seen. Both looked so happy but sad at the same time. The two somehow ended up in a game of who would give the last kiss to the other's forehead. Everything about the little girl was the sweetest. The trend seemed to continue with her interactions with Mace and Willas. Somehow she even coaxed a hug out of her great grandmother.

Laerra's goodbyes were formal but she gave each a hug. 

Trying to be tough Lorys gave nods and handshakes but stopped before the small old lady to stare. "Crone," he said with a closed off nod.

"Brat," though Olenna said the word with annoyance, Margaery thought there was a sliver of fondness in it. She continued to stare back at her great grandson's eyes with her antagonizing smirk. The Crone eventually won the contest when the boy backed off muttering curses about the small hag. 

Margaery was so focused on observing the others that she nearly forgot to say her own farewells. She quickly moved and embraced her eldest son. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Son.'' It felt awkward to verbalize, but she did so by whispering it to him. When neither pulled away she continued, "I hope to see you again, I would be tremendously lucky if I birth you again in this lifetime."

She felt Aemon's lips press a soft kiss to the top of her head before he whispered back to her. "Thank you mama. Love you. Stay safe and knock some sense into Father if you need to." He finally pulled back with a smile and like Aerea nudged her towards the others. 

Her two daughters quickly pulled her into a soft womanly embrace, and it was nice. Maybe the attraction between the same gender was genetic, Loras and her daughter both had the taste for it, and Margaery could understand the appeal. It was probably not a good trail of thought though when in the arms of two of her daughters. The sadness returned when she realized how little she still knew them beyond the surface level of traits. "I hardly got to know you. I wish we had more time. You two are so wonderful. I'll miss you."

"Mama, we love you. We'll meet again, I just know it. I'll have a song ready and one day I'll sing it to you. Hopefully this year rather than in thirty years." Haella whispered softly as she snuggled her head in the crook of Marg's neck.

Maenara mirrored her sistered actions on the other side. "I'll make a wonderful painting of our whole family for you. Then you can't forget us. We love you mama. Miss us."

She could not help but giggle at her children. "I don't think I could forget you all. I'll miss you two." As she pulled back the two gave her the Aerea treatment of kisses. Margaery gave them both a kiss on the cheek before moving to the other part of her family.

"Sister," greeted Willas her with open arms. "Show the Starks how wonderful you are. Prick them if you need to." He gave a small laugh as he smiled at her. 

A grin appeared on her own face. "I'll be surrounded by briars. If the North is as dreary as they say I'll be a welcome sight."

He too kissed her forehead. "Did you remember what I said about how to avoid chafing when riding so long? Chap lips too?" Gods, Willas mothers her more than their actual mother. 

"Yes and yes, I'll be pretty and healthy on arrival." Giving one last embrace to her brother she continued down the line. "Mother!"

Near instantaneously she was swept up in another hug. "My little girl! Do make sure to wait for me before you wed, your father and I would like to be there for the moment. We'd like to meet the lad as well." Her mother confessed patting and rubbing Margery's back.

Giggling Marg jested, "I'll be sure to share him." And just like that her mother smiled sadly and passed her off to her father.

"Soon you'll be a queen. My daughter." He puffed up his already rather bloated belly. "The boy will surely see how wonderful you are and if not he is blind. The others will certainly be able to convince him if you cannot. Do not be afraid to promise food in your talks, We'll be sending some up as a gift anyway. Your nameday too if you stay so long."

"Father," Margaery stated firmly to halt his speech. "It is doubtful we can bribe the Starks, getting an alliance shall be easy their trust though will have to be earned."

His smile only grew wider and more proud. "See, you are already smarter than me. A great queen you will be." Pulling her into a suffocating embrace in his soft chest. "I will miss you, my beautiful girl."

Finally Margaery was before her grandmother. "I shall ensure our family's goals are met, Grandmother."

The old woman gave a slight smirk before speaking in that cutting but caring tone of hers. "Shut up and hug me. I can't stand around all day." That earned a chuckle from Marg as she did as the Queen of Thorns said. "You best not forget your duties if you find the lad too handsome."

"That may be harder than it sounds, his kids are pretty and not all of that is my doing. I will be queen, fear not." Margaery's reassurance was more out of principle than anything, it was doubtful Olenna needed it.

The snort she got in return from her grandmother told of the woman's slight amusement. "Let the boy be the one who loses his mind, just like his father. I have no fears you will fail, I knew you were a queen the moment I saw your head crowning out of your mother." That was an image Margaery could have lived without.

Leaning down Marg gave the old woman a kiss to the crest of elderly's head. "I shall miss you and your advice Grandmother," She admitted as she straightened. 

"I have beaten you on the head enough with my words, you probably have more of me in that mine than you." She cackled to herself. "Now go and charm that boy of yours."

With all the farewells out of the way and everything packed on the saddled horses they were finally ready to depart. Aemon beat Garlan to helping her mount her horse, with one last goodbye he left her to return to the group. After sharing nods Lya with Aerea on her lap was the first to lead her ride to the gate. Everyone followed her lead. 

Margaery gave many glances, waves and smiles back towards her family before they were soon no bigger than ant.

The Ocean Road was the path forward for their journey, her house and her.

Riding damn near a hundred miles per day was in Margaery's opinion: hellish. They were only eight days in and her rear hurt, her thighs hurt, her back hurt, everything hurt. They made it to Lannisport a day behind schedule because Lya and Aerea frequently had to relieve themselves. Regardless they made it to the city in a fair amount of time. Banners of gold roses on green were hidden as they did not wish to gain Lord Tywin's attention just yet.

They were currently in an inn for the night with all four girls sharing a bed so their whole party could stay at one inn. It was here they watched Laerra cursing to herself and the gods.

The woman was spread out on the stone floor in just her lower smallclothes. Her breast bindings for riding had been another subject of her profanity during their travels. Being irritated by something the whole ride, Lya had passed the responsibility of Aerea to Margaery on the fifth day. 

Despite the situation Margaery could not help but be jealous of the woman's chest. Margaery knew herself to be pretty but she could recognize she was rather plain in coloring. Her small breasts were something that rather irked her though she had nice hips and she was still growing but not for long. Her children seemed to only inherit the best from her which while fortunate bothered her a bit.

"What do you think is wrong with her?" Mira's whisper startled her. They had been staring at the older woman on the floor as she groaned and whined for who knows how long.

Margaery did not know. Was her daughter not healthy? Should they take her to a maester? It did not seem to be anything too serious. All Marg could say was that her children sure were a dramatic lot.

Somehow overhearing the whisper Laerra flopped her limbs on the stone. "Ugh. I am with child. Fuck my luck." 

Oh.

If it was not for the mood of the room Mira probably would have let loose the squeal that she held back. The Forrester managed to stay quiet though she was not able to hide her reaction.

Margaery felt similar, she had a grandchild in that belly. But there were so many questions that came to mind. "Are you sure?"

"Yes," Lya snapped at her but she quickly looked guilty. "Sorry. Yes, I am sure. I've been puking my guts out a quarter of the times I say I'm pissing. Plenty of other signs too." Now that she knew Margaery could spot the signs: breast pain, frequent urination, the shifting moods...

Frowning, Marg could not help but ask the bitter question: "How long have you known?" She would like to think her daughter would have told her and her family. The lord and lady of Highgarden would have loved the idea. 

Another groan came from Lya, whether from pain or the question was unknown. "Since I started cursing the world earlier today. We are not stopping our travels because of this. I'm perfectly capable of riding though we may have to stop often. And stay away from fish. I smelled the market on our way through town and nearly painted a woman with my inners." 

That was reasonable. But this would cause problems. What if her children stayed so long the babe was born before they returned to their time? Would traveling back to their time cause problems with the child? What if it gets stuck in this time? So many unknowns that can only be answered with time. 

Two days later they were over half the way to the Crag when Lya pulled Marg away from the camp. They were still close by and in no danger of attackers be it men or mountain lions but still far enough to have privacy. 

Laerra sat with her legs crossed and patted a rock across from her with her foot to signal for Marg to sit. "There are a few more things you should know about our father."

The topic was always one of interest. The more she knew the better she would be able to seduce him. Margaery's less dutiful side also desired to hear about her future husband. "Oh, do tell."

A 'you asked for it' look was sent at Margaery by her daughter. "If there were no changes at Winterfell other than our letter then my father is still ignorant of his parentage."

Margaery felt her jaw slacken a bit. The surprise mostly stemmed from how trusted and involved Margaery was in her own family's political moves. But the more she thought about it the more she realized how different the Starks were. "Wait! I thought Aemon said he joins the Night's Watch. Surely he would not join voluntarily if he knew his claim. Or is he..." She casper a hand to cover her gasp. Her family never even asked if he was trueborn. He could still be a child born of rape.

Reading Margaery's reaction, Lya seemed to understand her mother's thoughts. "Oh! No, no, no! Father is trueborn. Rhaegar and Lyanna married and loved each other. He does not learn his parentage until after his death. He joined the Watch voluntarily because he felt it was the only place he could make a life for himself, considering without Eddard Stark in Winterfell he was not exactly welcome to stay with Lady Stark."

That made her scowl, how dare they treat her future husband like that. He was a king and they sent him to a wall of ice like criminals and the unwanted. Would she have married Renly or Joffrey if he was not at the wall in the other life? Laerra's words also relieved her, everything was perfect. He was trueborn and made with love, that'll mean less reason for him to brood when he learns the truth.

"There is one more thing you should know…" The woman did not look like she wished to say this one but she did so anyway. "You are Father's third wife of four in a polygamous marriage. Your children are the royal heirs though." Lya had her eyes closed in a grimace, not wanting to see Marg's reaction.

All Margaery could do was stare. She knew everything sounded too good to be true. Yes, it annoyed her greatly she would not be the queen but just a queen but from the sounds of it; she got the best deal of the four. The situation would also prevent her from having a solid control of her husband, another setback. She may be able to prevent the other marriages this time, however there is a chance her children might oppose it. "Do I know of any of the other wives?"

Laerra's eyes popped open wide, she looked greatly taken aback by Marg's lack of reaction. Eying her mother skeptically, she answered, "Yes, well no, not yet. By name yes. Technically he had five wives but the first was killed long before he took the first of your four. The one that died was Ygritte, a Freefolk or a Wildling, their coupling was not exactly intentional on his part. Next is Val, another Freefolk. Then there is Sansa Stark who you shared your bed with regularly at the start of the marriage. You. Then Rhaenys, who is the ally in Dorne that Aemon is getting. You all get along and help improve Westeros greatly."

The biggest thing that stood out to Margaery was the name Rhaenys. "Rhaenys? As in Rhaenys Targaryen, Elia Martell's daughter? She lives. What of Aegon? Would he not be higher in the line of succession?" 

The other woman sighed. "Targaryen succession is a mess. Aerys named Viserys his heir after Rhaegar's death but this was not written down. There are no exact terms for when a conquest is valid if ever. Viserys died but named his sister his heir. By Dornish succession Rhaenys would have a greater claim. Father is technically behind Uncle Aegon but Father was better suited to unite Westeros at the time so he was chosen to be king. Aegon was also still in hiding of sorts because of an imposter. You and Father made laws to help clean up succession in the future. Hell, I'm not even the oldest of Father's children." 

She had to admit that was a mess. Margaery was glad that she worked to prevent such problems in the future. Lya also confirmed that both Rhaenys and Aegon live, Margaery wondered if it would be better to marry Aegon over his younger brother. "I never asked but what is your father's name?"

"Jon Snow. Jaehaerys Targaryen in truth though Grandmother named him Aegon even though she preferred Jaehaerys. Again it is complicated." 

Margaery could not help but smile at the name, she could still be the Good Queen to his Jaehaerys. She did not even want to get into the mess of the two Aegons or three if there was an imposter. "Gods, you Targaryens never do simple do you?"

Chuckling Lya nodded in agreement. "Though Father loves simple, it is a rarity in all our lives."

When a pleasant silence settled over them Margaery had to ask: "I assume you would like your family to be remade in this time?" Margaery was not completely opposed to sharing her man but her family would surely take insult to it. 

"I would. I rather like my siblings, mothers, aunts and cousins. If it helps in the future you would not wish your marriage to be any different. Their children are your children, and your children are their children. You are very happy, everyone is very happy. Though everyone has someone they wish they could have saved. That is what I'm trying to do, save everyone's someone." Lya smiled sadly at the cloudy sky. 

Gods, Margaery could already guess that the hero complex of Lya's came from the woman's father, there was no way that came from a Tyrell that was not Loras. The thought made her smile anyway. She liked Laerra, smart, capable and kind. "I like you."

Turning her smile to Margaery, the queen giggled. "I would hope so. I like you too Mama."

"So, are you going to name that little one after me? Or is babe number one Margaery Targaryen?" Wiggling her eyebrows to convey her half jesting intent.

Shaking her head with a false frown Lya struggled to keep a straight face. "Sorry but babe number one is named after Grandmama Alerie. We shall see about the second, it may yet be a boy."

"A hundred dragons it is a girl."

"Since I have no money, I'll have to name her Margaery if this one is a girl instead. So you have a deal."

"Lovely."

Notes:

Why do chapters just keep getting longer and longer? I doubt you all are complaining much though.

Safe to say, Ser Oswald is proud there is now Targaryen who enjoys dark humor.

The goodbyes were definity a bit long but I saw it as a nice chance to add some more to the characters and get a better sense of them. Margaery may seem a bit too close with her children at this point but knowing they would be separating kind of pushed her that way.

Next chapter will be another Multi-POV with shorter perspectives from Benjen, Willas, Maester Aemon, and either Robb and/or Arya. It might be a long chapter or split into two.

Upcoming Chapter POV Order:

Multiple POVs II

Elia I

(1 or 2 more chapters)

Cat II

Ned II (Robert's Arrival)