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Chapter Text

Jon, Loras and Gilbur rode at full gallop in the direction of the Watchtower in search of Anárion, they knew that Elendil's youngest son could not be that far, but it felt as if leagues separated them.

Until finally, they saw a silhouette in the distance.

"It's King Anárion!" Gilbur said, filled with joy at the sight of his King.

"Anárion!" Jon shouted; his voice carried over the plains like a summer's wind; this caused the son of Elendil to nearly fall off his horse in surprise.

"Ser Jon? Ser Loras? ... Gilbur?" Anarion asked in surprise.

"King Anárion, praise the Valar ..." Jon said, happy to have made it on time.

"You must turn back; this is foolish," Jon said, staring at Anárion, but Elendil's son shook his head.

"No, I must hurry ... My men need me, Benegar needs me, though he is a mighty warrior he cannot hope to face a Worm of Morgoth I must ..."

"You must listen to reason; your friend was foolish leading, so few men to face a beast such as that, he could have returned to the city and asked for aid from your father... You will do the same, do not abandon reason for madness, my lord I beg of you, "Jon said, hoping the man would see the folly of his actions.

"I can't abandon my friend," Anárion said in a stern tone and prepared to ride off, but Jon stopped him by grabbing him by the shoulder.

"I also had a faithful companion once. He was my cousin, but we grew up as brothers, and I loved him as one, his name was Robb, and he became king, despite his youth and inexperience, he proved to be a skilled warrior and a brilliant military commander, he won every battle he fought, filling himself and his men with glory ... But he proved to be poor in wisdom and reason ... He made foolish mistakes, turning all those loyal against him, alas when he finally came to his senses... it was too late; those who had sworn to serve him unto death slew him at his own wedding, and his corpse left for the carrion, a cowardly and dishonourable way to die. Especially for a king, "Jon said, sadly remembering Robb's fate.

Loras was taken aback he knew that the death of Robb Stark was something that still tormented the hearts of Jon and his sisters. The Knight of Flowers did not expect him to speak of it, and less for such a purpose, but Jon hoped to make Anárion see reason.

"That was cowardice and a disgusting act of betrayal," Anárion said, outraged by Jon's tale.

"It was ... But ... the truth is that my cousin was responsible for what happened to him ... He did what honour dictated ... But not reason, despite numerous warnings from his advisers and as so they needn't lift a sword to defeat him, my cousin Robb did not listen to reason ... He paid the price for it with his head and a dagger in his heart, "Jon said sadly.

"I'm sorry for what happened to your cousin ... But if you wish to stop me ..." Anárion began.

"I want you to see reason and not throw your life away on a whim", Jon said with severity.

"I will go to the Watchtower of the border to ask for the location of the worm's lair; then I will go to join Belegar and battle this servant of shadow," Anárion said with conviction.

But Jon, Loras, and Gilbur realized it was folly.

"My Lord, that plan is ..." Gilbur started, terrified.

"It is not wise, King Anárion ... A Wyrm of Morgoth ... It is one of the most dangerous beasts in Middle-earth, its armour is like tenfold shields, its teeth are swords, and its claws spears, It took a great company of Dwarves to lay low one of the foul beasts... If you venture into that lair, you shall never return, "Jon said with grim determination.

"Listen to this young lord King Anárion ... For pity's sake, we have already sent messengers to your father; a stout company of warriors is but a day away ... Do not take such risks," Gilbur pleaded.

Anárion listened to his words, and for a few moments, his face softened.

"My dearest friend shall perish ..."

"Anárion ... He's probably already perished, your friend made the same mistake as my cousin ... he didn't listen to reason... And he jumped into danger as his honour demanded and got several good men killed, just as you are doing now ..., think of your father and brother have they not seen enough of fire and death do you wish to bring more grief upon them "Jon said with steel in his voice.

For a few moments, Anárion stared at him, and Jon did not know if Elendil's son would hit or threaten him until tears began to flow from his eyes.

"What am I doing? ... Must I lose yet more to the shadow of Sauron," Said Elendil's son suppressing a sob.

Jon felt true sympathy for the young Prince and sighed.

"Prince Anárion, we can still avenge him; our companion Robar sought out your father and delivered these grim tidings. Surely an army is being marshalled to slay this worm," Loras said, speaking for the first time and remembering the death of Renly along with his vow of revenge against Stannis.

"It's true ... We can still avenge all the knights who have died against this foul worm; you must show restraint", Jon said.

Anárion sighed, and after waiting a moment, nodded.

"You speak wisdom. My father will never tolerate the existence of a beast as he is so close to Annúminas; he shall muster the knights of his house," Anárion said with a smile.

"And then?" Loras asked.

"We will go to the Watchtower and wait for you there… I will wait to avenge my best friend, but nothing will stop me from sticking my sword into the heart of that worm," Anárion said fiercely.

... Well, at least we prevented him from marching to his doom ... Jon thought resignedly.

"Thank you, Anárion," Jon said, nodding and thus, the four knights, after letting the horses rest for an hour, set off to the Watchtower to wait for Elendil's army.

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There stood a tower of marvellous shape. It was fashioned by the men of Arnor, and yet it seemed a thing not made by the craft of Men but riven from the bones of the earth in the ancient torment of the hills. The tower had been visible for some time a great spear of pearl in the vast wilderness; As they neared the tower, they saw that its great oaken doors were inlaid with silver. And there were several small cabins near its base, and Jon and Loras assumed that it was where the knights charged with guarding the border rested.

"It is beautiful" Jon whispered entranced by the beauty if the pale white stone.

"Yes, but I'm afraid it is not completely finished yet. Also ... It lacks men, there should be at least Fifty knights here, but something tells me that we will be lucky if there are at least ten," Anárion said sadly; they approached, and the door began to open.

"Do they expect company?" Asked a surprised Loras.

"Probably, brother ..." Jon said, curious to see inside the tower.

As both Jon and Loras entered, they were greeted by two men of middling height. They were clad in fine leather hauberks stitched with the sigil of Elendil's house. They also wore fine helms and carried great bows of horn and yew; the men were clearly surprised to see Anárion and Gilbur in the company of two strangers.

"King Anárion," Said both knights bowing respectfully to Elendil's son.

"Rise, Sarogas, Brenec ... Are you the only ones remaining in the tower?" Anárion asked, getting off his horse.

"No, there are other comrades of ours upstairs guarding the borders ... Captain Benegar left us in charge of this tower until help arrived for ..."

"Yes, I know ... A Worm of Morgoth "... What a great calamity fell on Arnor to find such misfortune near beautiful Annúminas.

Arnor's knights only nodded with sadness and concern on their faces.

"But do not worry ... My father is already aware of this, and at this moment, he is marshalling the household to slay the worm before it reaches Annúminas," Anárion said, hoping to raise the knight's spirits.

"Your Highness, if I may be so bold ... Who are the young men accompanying you and Gilbur? ... New recruits?" One of them asked, watching Jon and Loras curiously.

Anárion only smiled slightly but shook his head,

"They are my father's guests; they were going to attend the welcome feast, but ... I'm afraid that in my madness to face the Great Enemy's beast, they gave chase, hoping to stop my folly. I was foolish," Anárion said resignedly as the two knights nodded silently.

"We thank you for saving the son of our 'Great King' from himself, as well as welcoming you to this tower that guards the borders of Arnor. I am Brenec," Said the younger of the two.

"I am Sarogas," Said the other.

Jon just nodded and got off his horse.

"Well Met, I am Jon Snow, and he is my brother in arms, Ser Loras Tyrell; we come from the lands west of west, and we are friends of Elendil, your king," Jon said as respectfully while Loras nodded and made a slight bow.

"Prepare everything, surely my father will arrive with his army tomorrow at midday... Then, we will rest, tend the horses, would you," Anárion said.

"Right away," Both knights said at the same time.

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Jon and Loras were resting in one of the cabins below the tower; they had eaten and practised with the soldiers impressing everyone with their swordplay, although Jon realized that the guards were highly skilled warriors, easily besting the knights of Westeros in swordsmanship.

"They are excellent", Loras acknowledged, all the while devouring a roast chicken thigh.

Anárion decided to also participate in sparring and astonished Jon and Loras with his skill at arms; Jon knew that the fight would be challenging and he was not wrong ... Elendil's son was an accomplished warrior as he quickly countered most of Jon's attacks and feints and the force of his blows dented the borrowed shield, Anárion was far mightier than Helediron which forced the young Targaryen to rely on all his training. After an hour of trading blows, the spar ended in a draw, but Jon shuddered to think how swiftly the duel would have ended if the Lord of Minas Anor had thought him an enemy.

While Jon was pleased, he had matched Anárion, his thoughts were troubled, "I must become far grander a warrior if I hope to best Anárion.

"Yes, although it shows we are still children," Jon said with humility, recognizing the skill of the lords of Westernesse.

"Speak for yourself.. My Prince," Loras said with a smile, knowing how much Jon hated that title.

He did not answer and decided to take a bath but not before giving Loras a blow to the head when he drank his wine, causing him to stain his tabard scarlet.

"Damn you, Jon!" Loras yelled, annoyed.

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After all day of waiting for Elendil and his hosts as well as practising with Loras and Anárion, Jon needed to rest, so bidding Lora's goodnight, he ventured into the small guardhouse and collapsed onto the straw bed.

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Jon did not know how long he slept, but in his dreams, he ran through the forest hunting with his sister while waiting for his master's companions to leave the silver city to go after him; when they left, he ran in search; of his master.

Jon woke up with difficulty when he heard a strange sound in the window; he rubbed his eyes lazily he sighed.

He had entered Ghost's mind again while he slept since he returned from Harlond Jon had begun to learn more about his powers as a skin changer, he had gained some control over his powers, but as he delved into the recesses of Ghost's mind, Jon discovered he was becoming hot-blooded and wilder, but fortunately he rarely pried into Ghost thoughts alas it meant he still had a great deal to learn about the arts of a skin changer.

The knocks on the window interrupted his thoughts, and after rubbing his eyes, Jon realized that a huge figure was outside ... But that did not frighten him because he knew his inopportune visitor.

It was the gryphon that Lord Manwë sent to him; it was trying to get his attention.

"By the Valar ... What does that animal want?" Jon grumbled, surprised but annoyed at being pulled from his sleep because, in all the time that gryphon has been following him, the animal had never come looking for him, although lately, Jon had the feeling that the gryphon was beginning to grow fond of him.

Jon stepped out of his cabin and watched as the first rays of sunlight began to chase away the darkness.

"The sun is rising" Jon thought as he approached the majestic creature.

"I'm here… what do you want?" Jon asked without bothering to be polite to the animal as the gryphon had never been polite to him.

The gryphon only growled at Jon's disrespect and pointed to something tied to its back.

Curious, Jon focused his sight and realized that it was the mithril armour he had claimed in Khazad-dum; at that moment, the gryphon launched a mutter in the direction of the cabin and with its beak pointed to Ringil and Ghal-Maraz, which were leaning against the wall.

"Do you want me to take them?" Jon asked, intrigued, and the gryphon nodded. Although he was curious about the gryphon's intentions, Jon did not ask, and after taking his weapons, he returned with the gryphon who was waiting patiently for him.

"Yeah .. Now what?" After that, the gryphon dropped Jon's armour at his feet.

"You want me to put it on ..." Jon asked in astonishment, and the animal nodded again, after which Jon began to have a bad feeling.

When he finished donning his armour, the gryphon inclined his head, insisting that Jon mount him.

"Where are you taking me?" Jon asked, but the gryphon only grunted, indicating that he was losing patience and a jaded Jon decided not to argue with the animal, and after meditating for a few seconds, he mounted the beast, and the gryphon spread its great wings and took flight.

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The sensation of the icy wind had woken Jon, and he wondered where the gryphon was taking him as it flew eastward into the highlands.

"How did he get the armour in the first place," Jon wondered as they flew through the sky.

As they flew the scenery below him began to change, gone where the rolling pastures and babbling brooks to be replaced by a burned and devastated land as if a great fire had consumed everything, and the air was filled with the smell of ash and charred flesh.

Finally, the gryphon began its descent until it stopped at the entrance of a vast cavern in which the remains of charred axes and shields could be seen.

Jon's heart began to pound the moment he guessed where the gryphon had brought him to the worm's lair.

"Why did you bring me here? .. We must wait for the knights of Elendil," Jon said frantically, hoping to leave before the worm of Morgoth discovered him.

The gryphon, however, ignored his claims and simply flailed until Jon fell to the ground and the proud creature pointed its beak at the entrance to the cavern.

"Do you want me to face this beast myself? ... That's foolish!" Jon yelled, losing his temper for a moment, but the gryphon seemed to be ignoring his pleas.

Jon was about to walk down the smoky path that led to the cavern when the gryphon spread its wings and blocked his path; Jon gritted his teeth and, for a few moments, had the intention of attacking the animal until he saw that the gryphon's eyes had changed. Where once there dwelt pools of gold, now glittered a pleasant shade of blue, they looked as if they were sparkling sapphires, but brighter as stars in the night, and fearsome as a lightning bolt.

Eyes that Jon had already seen years ago and that he would never forget even if where he saw them was in a dream.

"Lord Manwë… Is it you? Or do you act through this Gryphon as I do my wolf?" Jon asked reverently as he bowed before the gryphon.

"I cannot refuse ... If this task ... is being given to me by the King of Arda, I must believe that he has a motive and obey ... I know that he would not send me to my death ... But I still wish my friends were here with me"

Resigned and still scared but now with a new impetus and courage, knowing that the King of the Valar was watching him, Jon rose and began his descent in the worm's lair.

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Jon walked for several minutes on a dark and rocky path downwards, trying to make as little noise as possible. However, he was utterly sure that the beast heard him perhaps not in his footsteps but rather to the incessant beating of his terrified heart, never in all his life he imagined finding himself like this, as he got closer and closer to what would be one of the most extraordinary feats he would ever perform or his inevitable death. Jon can't stop remembering all the moments he spent in Winterfell and Highgarden, including a conversation he had with his Uncle Eddard when he was a boy, his uncle had ordered him to attend his first execution of a deserter from the Night's Watch, and the man was trembling with fear at his imminent death yet his uncle cared little and loped off the man's head, when he finished, Jon asked his uncle if a brave man was one who was never afraid.

Only when a man is afraid is at that moment that he can be brave ... Jon did not understand the meaning of those words at that moment, but now he did after studying with so many wise men, alas knowing the meaning of those words did little for him, but Jon clung to them so that his courage and determination would not waver.

Finally, the path became wider and wider, and he realized that there were weapons and bones strewn about, blackened and burned beyond recognition. But Jon could see the faint outline of the White Tree upon the face of a battered shield, and after touching them, he realized that they were still warm. That means they had battled recently.

There were the remains of the men who left the Watchtower under the command of Captain Benegar it seems the poor fools had suffered greatly before their demise.

And I'm following in his footsteps ... Jon thought, terrified.

Finally, after what felt like an age of walking, Jon ended up reaching an opening large enough for six men to walk abreast that led into a cavern. Jon knew this must be the beasts' abode and ventured into the cavern.

It was an immense cavern lit with moonlight and stars through holes in the ceiling, but it was filled with horrible suffocating heat, so much so that Jon felt a great desire to remove his armour, and about him on all sides stretching away across the unseen floors, lay countless piles of precious things, gold wrought and unwrought, gems and jewels, and silver, red-stained in the ruddy light. Behind him, where the walls were nearest, could dimly be seen coats of mail, helms and axes, swords and spears hanging; and there in rows stood great jars and vessels filled with a wealth that could not be guessed.

Despite the fact that his heart and whole body begged him to flee immediately, Jon gathered all his courage to continue advancing through the enormous cavern and thanks to the light emanating from the gold, he found his way towards the far side of the chamber.

Jon sighed and, closing his eyes, surrendered to the mercy of the Valar as he struck the cavern floor with Ghal-Maraz.

"Come face me worm of Morgoth for I am the blood of dragons, and you shall bow before me or perish," Jon said with all his might, and his words rang clear in the vast cavern.

He didn't have to wait long. A few moments after the last echo died, a deep rumble echoed through the cavern… And to his horror, it was a laugh like a clap of thunder echoing from the high ceiling.

There was more than mere darkness floating upon the high ceiling. Now that Jon looked back, two bright red eyes looked down upon him.

The twisting darkness seemed to unfold, and the great reptile detached itself from the darkened ceiling with an indifferent lack of haste. There was little in the tomes of the elves that could do justice to the might of this beast. This Worm of Morgoth bore little resemblance to his kindred in Valyria; he was akin to a great serpent, of such might that the beast was perhaps greater than the black dread of old.

The light emanating from the gold and torches allowed Jon to see the enormity of his foe; the shadows glittered and danced upon his jade scales. His long pale belly was crusted with gems and fragments of gold, and the spirals of shadow flowed together and descended to the ground in almost complete silence. There, at last, he gazed upon the Wyrm of the Great Enemy.

Long and cruel jaws filled with countless teeth each the length of a sword, and the glance of his fell eyes were keener than that of eagles as he assessed this new guest. The beast was long enough that it could have shattered the walls of King's landing. He thought the beast might have great wings, but instead, it moved on four stout legs, each larger than a lance and tipped with monstrous, sharp claws that left deep indentations in the stone of the cavern where the dragon walked. It moved like something halfway between a lizard and a snake, its lower belly barely touching the stone floor as it moved in a fluid, undulating motion.

"What is this that I see before me?" Perhaps another knight of Arnor? Are you here for dinner? And I have had little time to make my humble abode presentable, "The dragon said, suddenly amused to see the scared expression on Jon's face.

A wave of hot, stale air swept through Jon as the dragon spoke, and it was all he could do to keep from choking on the stench. Instead, he rose up hoping to appear menacing.

"I am no knight of Westernesse, and I do not come seeking death. Although it is likely that one of us will not get out of here alive," Jon said, mustering what courage he could.

If it was possible for a Dragon to smile, was certain it did. A meandering tongue came out for a brief moment before disappearing again.

"If you do not seek death, then you would be wise to avoid it," Said the dragon, as he got a little closer to his guest. He looked at Jon with obvious interest.

"And yet, do not cower in my presence ... That or you hide it very well ... Don't you know that Death itself is before you? ... fool," said the dragon in a contemptuously.

"I am Jon Snow, and although I fear death, I will not cower before you."

The dragon only gave another mocking and sinister laugh.

"You should be afraid because I have already smelt it, I have heard it, I have heard it since you entered this cavern ... Your heart beating with terror, even now ... I can almost dance to the rhythm with which it beats ... Your death is near "So close that I can almost ... Taste it, so sweet ... Can you see it? Can you feel your end nearing, the rushing jaws of death?" Bounding towards Jon till he was but a few feet away, the beast great red eyes gazing at him unblinkingly. 

Jon felt a chill run through his body, despite the horrible, stale, burning stench of the air he mastered his fear to run would be a waste there was no escape he must fight or perish.

"I do not fear you worm," Jon said, drawing Ringil, whose silver glow caught the dragon's attention.

"Is that what you think? That I don't know who you are or where you come from?" The cavern trembled at the Dragon's wrath, and fear gripped his heart once more this creature was of keen mind and cruelty but how much did he truly know?

"They warned me of your arrival and of the arrival of your companions and concubines who even now march to this cavern-like the pathetic ants that they are," said the dragon with venom.

Then suddenly, the dragon's rage was gone, and the monster's voice turned soft, almost honeyed.

"My lord's apprentice is not blind. He saw your arrival before you decided to leave the Elves' Harbors. His Eye sees all that you are and all that you could be ... If you so desired," said the dragon staring at him.

Jon's eyes widened in surprise at the dragon's words as there was only one being in Middle Earth who would be described like this.

"Sauron," Jon said as he realized who the beast was referring to.

"The Valar and the elves have poisoned you and your companions against him; he is aware of it ... Don't look so surprised, I can ... smell the elves stench on you even now," Said the dragon spitting out the word Elf as if the sound of the word was an affront to its diction, even a being as monstrous as he clearly possessed manners.

The dragon drew back, and with a flick of its enormous tail, it slashed through the stone behind Jon and the tunnel through which he had entered collapsed. The grinning monster drew in a long breath and fouled the air with dust and ash.

"It has been a long time since I have tasted something as succulent as you ... Your stench is vaguely familiar, mannish yet entirely foreign to me ... There is something about you ... Something that intrigues me, you know for a moment I considered letting you live ... As my slave, but now ... I think our little game is over ... I have to taste your flesh and your blood. "

At that moment, the dragon's head turned and suddenly, the entire cavern turned uncomfortably warm as the dragon's vast jaws opened and a massive puff of fire erupted from its throat; and the light of his flames lit the the hall from floor to ceiling like scarlet lightning.

He could now see that many bones were lying, and among them were broken swords and axe-heads, and cloven shields and helms all burnt black by dragons flame.

The flames came at him swiftly and Jon hadn't time he run, he prayed to the Valar his blood would shield him from the worst of the blaze... And thankfully, the blood of Valyria shielded him from the worst of the blaze, it did not hurt, but still he felt the heat of dragons fire.

When it was all over, he fell to one knee weary beyond measure, yet no hurt was done upon him rather his skin had taken on a rosy hue; Jon looked towards the dragon and the beast was undoubtedly astonished and laughed.

"Now I see why my master's apprentice told me to kill you if he couldn't convince you to join him; he bid me come here and devour these fools until you came to slay me. In exchange for the gold you saw, then I would feast on his flesh, and in return, I could claim his city as my own, "said the dragon with a cruel smile.

To which Jon laughed.

"Like a simple mercenary, is that how you behave?" Jon said, stealing his courage by provoking the creature, although he ignored Jon's words.

"I shall admit my dear morsel, you are not like those foolish knights who came before guided by that pompous captain ... Therefore, I shall tell you who slay you today ... Learn this Fire Warrior, you will be slain by Herenlókë The Great and Magnificent! bellowed the dragon with pride.

"Then face me worm of Morgoth come and meet your doom; only one of us will come out of this cave alive." Jon bellowed in fury

"Oh yes, I'm afraid that is inevitable, fool," said the dragon pouncing on Jon.

The young Westerosi moved with great speed and barely dodged Herenlókë blows; Jon saw the tip of the dragon's tail moving like a snake and, acting instinctively, swung Ringil with all the strength he had could muster. The legendary sword proved its worth as a creation of Aulë by cutting the stunned beast's jade scales as if they were paper staining the ground with hot blackened blood.

The dragon roared in pain and surprise at how his skin was pierced with such ease and quickly turned towards his prey with the intention of devouring him whole.

"I see that the rumours of that sword are true! The only weapon capable of wounding my master, it will give me great pleasure to add it to my collection after feasting on your flesh," roared the dragon, his eyes glowing with the fell spirit of Morgoth.

"If you want it, come and claim witless worm! Jon shouted, provoking the dragon and getting away from the monster as quickly as possible because he knew very well that even Ringil and the work of Durin's folk would not save him from the dragon's strength and rage.

At that moment, he managed to run towards the mounds of gold, reasoning that the dragon would not try to damage his own treasure. But unfortunately, the dragon's anger had mitigated his greed and ignoring his gold, he lunged towards Jon, hoping to devour him, and although Jon managed to escape the attack, the dragon used one of its legs to throw him several meters back until Jon crashed hard into one of the walls and was left hanging on one of the pillars of the cave.

The force of the impact was terrible, and Jon knew perfectly well that he was only conscious because of the quality of the armour he was wearing, but another blow like that would cave in my chest.

"You will not escape!" Herenlókë roared, bringing Jon out of his daze, and thanks to the dim light coming from the ceiling, he could feel the huge figure of the dragon approaching, ready to finish its work.

"If it weren't for this armour I'd already be dead" He would have to thank King Durin if he managed to get out of this pit of rot alive.

Jon roared in rage and jumped from where he was standing and fell right on the head of the Herenlókë, who moved with such force that Jon slipped down his back and thinking quickly stabbed Ringil into its neck as he tumbled down, creating a deep gash that oozed more blackened blood, staining Jon's armour and causing the dragon to roar in pain, showing that he was not used to being hurt.

"CURSE, YOU INSIGNIFICANT WRETCH!" The dragon shouted once more, who moved frantically, managing to get rid of Jon and to the horror of the young Westerosi, he used his tongue to remove Ringil from his neck and threw it aside beyond Jon's reach.

"Damn it ..." Said a horrified Jon when he realized that he had lost Ringil. With no other option, he brought out Ghal-Maraz to defend himself until he devised a plan to recover Ringil.

"Oh ... Look, another trinket ... A beautiful Warhammer that matches the armour you are wearing. I recognize the craftsmanship of dwarves; even I must compliment their skill when I kill you, I shall claim all three it shall make my victory ever sweeter," Said the dragon gazing spellbound at the beautiful golden hammer.

"I'll tell you the same as with the sword. If you want, come and claim it," Jon snarled.

 Herenlókë was confident, now that he had separated Jon from Ringil, resumed his attack, trying to crush Jon with one of his legs, but the young Targaryen took the opportunity to hit the monster with Ghal-Maraz with all his might, and the impact caused a great crash. Although the dragon did not shrink from the blow it received to his bewilderment, it broke away several scales from its hide.

"Is that all you can do without your weapon?" The malicious dragon scoffed, hiding the fact that while the attack did not hurt him as it did Ringil, it did hurt much more than expected.

"Damn ..." Jon cursed, realizing that if he wanted a chance to be victorious, he needed to retrieve his sword immediately.

Jon knew that now that he had lost Ringil, the dragon probably regarded him as just another piece of trash and would make reckless mistakes ... And he would need to make the most of them slay the beast.

It would start with controlling the incessant beating of his terrified heart.

Jon began to dodge the dragon's attempts to crush him, but the weight of his armour and the pain of his wounds were sapping his strength ... That was when he saw it ... Thick vines hanging from the walls.

... If I can get to one, then I could get to where Ringil is ... But I need a distraction.

At that moment, with an idea, Jon ran to hide behind a pillar, already beginning to feel the weight of fatigue and his armour, along with the throbbing pain of his broken rib.

... I'm starting to get tired ... I need speed ... Jon thought

"Come my morsel, keep it up, make this cat and mouse game more fun!" Said the dragon mocking Jon.

Knowing that he could not dodge the dragon forever, he made a drastic decision; he quickly began to remove his armour to gain speed despite knowing that a blow would be fatal in that state.

When Jon finished removing the helmet, the dragon got tired of playing with Jon and knocked over the pillar. When the dragon realized that Jon had taken off his armour, he tried to devour him once more, but Jon was far quicker using Ghal-Maraz to crush Herenlókë's serpentine tongue, causing the Great Worm tremendous pain.

The dragon had not started screaming and cursing Jon when the young Westerosi had already begun running; ignoring the pain of his injuries and knowing that he would need both hands to reach Ringil, Jon made the painful decision to leave his hammer behind.

... I'm sorry, my friend ... I promise I'll come back for you ...

And so Jon began to climb the wall hoping to reach Ringil, but Herenlókë who had recovered and had observed Jon's attempts to climb the wall and Herenlókë quickly deduced what the young man was trying to do and furiously smacked the walls, that unfortunately caused Jon to lose his balance although he managed to hold onto the vine.

Herenlókë opened his enormous jaws hoping his meal would fall, but to the colossal reptile's anger, Jon managed to regain his balance and pushed himself towards where Ringil was. Then, Herenlókë fearing the sting of the blade, released a grand torrent of flames. But, alas, the dragon did little but fill the cavern with smoke.

"Damn…" said an increasingly desperate Jon as he continued scaling the walls. Herenlókë again tried to knock down the rock wall by hitting it with his powerful arms, but it was useless because Jon, despite the difficulties, managed to reach Ringil and, using all his strength, pulled it out of the rock.

With his hopes renewed, Jon dropped towards the dragon, cushioning his fall as best he could.

And he quickly cut the scales off the dragon's right leg, causing the great dragon pain.

Jon quickly ran to hide behind a pillar of the angry dragon, but this foolish plan was expected, so ignoring the pain caused by Ringil, Herenlókë did not lose sight of his opponent and saw where Jon had hidden, now the great beast had grown tired of toying with the young warrior he would have his meal.

Feigning ignorance about Jon's location, Herenlókë silently slid his tail towards the pillar and, when he neared his prey hiding place, Herenlókë flicked his tail with great force.

That was something Jon wasn't expecting, and the dragon's tail was like the shock of a thunderbolt; he then felt the most excruciating pain he had ever felt.

The dragon's blow had broken his left arm.

Despite Jon's efforts to suppress the pain, the agony was too great, and he screamed, causing sadistic satisfaction to Herenlókë, who only laughed sinisterly as he approached the pillar.

"Poor thing, can't you see that you are suffering? .. Come out and let me put an end to your agony since you have far more amusing than those drab Numenoreans. I shall grant you a boon ... I will kill you quickly and without pain, "Said the dragon with a soft and honeyed voice, but Jon felt the malice behind the false compassion and understood that his words were just lies.

"Never!" Jon shouted as he felt Herenlókë was approaching, and his instincts were correct because the dragon knocked down another pillar only this time it had a consequence ... Many rocks began to fall from the ceiling ... The cave was collapsing.

Jon ran frantically, fleeing as much as to get away from the dragon as much as to shelter himself from the rocks, but in his frantic attempt to take cover, he fell into a pile of gold wounding his arm further; Jon bit his lip so as not to scream, Alas Jon began to despair would this truly be his end crushed by a falling stone and his remains eaten by the "Worm of Morgoth".

Fortunately, the rocks stopped falling to the ground, and the entire cavern was silent; for a few moments, Jon thought that the dragon had been crushed by a rock, but then he heard the thunderous tread of Herenlókë who had lost track of his prey.

In that moment of despair, Jon looked for a way out of his situation until he recalled in one of his history classes in the Gray Havens that Turin Turambar had slain the great worm Glaurung. It was said Glaurung had an "armour of horn, harder than iron, but below he had the belly of a snake.

Jon understood that he could repeat the feat of Turin in his precarious situation, and with Ringil, he could easily pierce the scales of Herenlókë. However, he quickly reprimanded himself for his stupidity; he had a broken rib and arm, he was exhausted and hungry, this was surely the last attack he had left, even with Ringil, if Jon pierced the wrong place, Herenlókë would devour him whole.

Considering all this, the young Targaryen closed his eyes, calmed his mind and struggled to control his breathing as he listened to the thundering footsteps of the dragon growing ever nearer.

Finally, when he opened his eyes, Jon could perceive the shadow of the beast's belly, and after waiting a moment with a cry of rage, Ringils stout blade slammed home between the Dragon's hard scales, pushed deep into its heart.

 Herenlókë thrashed about in the fires of its own making. Unafraid, Jon righted himself. Jon walked forwards into the searing flames and plunged Ringil beneath the beast's eyes. The menace was vanquished once and for all.

Jon got out as fast as he could from the basin in which he was with his sword in hand in case the dragon feigned his defeat, but when Jon saw the red eyes of the beast, now opaque and lifeless, He had won.

For a few moments, Jon didn't believe it; he just stood in silence with his heart hammering in his chest. He then fell to his knees, gasping when he felt a warmth in his head and saw a familiar light peaking through the walls of the cavern.

The sun, that meant that it had already dawned and Jon and Herenlókë had fought for hours although for Jon it felt from a few minutes to an eternity ... It was then that Jon could not resist anymore and shedding a few tears he gave a cry of joy with all his remaining strength before falling unconscious near the corpse of Herenlókë.

------------------

Jon did not know how long he was unconscious, only that he was floating in a cold and dark place when suddenly he could perceive a beautiful and warm light bathing his dirty and battered body.

Jon, despite his fatigue, opened his eyes completely to perceive the light, but it was useless; it was too pure and bright.

At that moment a silhouette began to form from the light, it seemed to have long hair to the knees, it was golden and shone radiantly like the sun but also gave off a silver glow like the moon and stars ... It was a marvel, almost like the light of the "Two Trees" that Lord Ulmo had once shown him.

The figure lifted him from the ground very gently and carefully as if Jon were something extremely precious to her, and Jon was amazed by the warmth of her touch so soft and gentle that it could only belong to a woman she spoke to him. Still, he could not understand her, Jon wanted to ask who she was and how she got there, but the words did not come out of his mouth; Jon felt that he knew this woman and that no harm would come to him in her care.

This incomparably beautiful woman laid him in her warm and soft lap. During what seemed to Jon entire Ages that passed like seconds, she continued stroking his cheeks and hair as if she was comforting him for all the sufferings and sorrows that he had felt during his life; Jon not could help but smile when he felt the softness of her hands on his skin, her warm breath on his cheeks while that woman was giving him some unintelligible words of comfort, but above all her smell, the wonderful aroma of this woman. This scent reminded Jon of the purest and sweetest fragrance of flowers.

The happiness that Jon felt for having his head lying in the warmth of his soft lap could not be described in words, or if it was possible Jon had not yet learned them, all he wanted was that that feeling never ends; he wanted to stay like that for always. It was the most beautiful feeling that Jon had ever felt in his life ... Or so he thought until the woman with golden hair that shone like the sun and the moon gave him a kiss on the forehead; it filled him with newfound courage and healed his woes, for a moment he felt as if he were all and all were him ... Restoring the strength to his exhausted spirit ... There were no words to convey Jon's feelings, only young Westerosi didn't want it to ever end.

It was at that moment that Jon wanted to see the face of his mysterious caregiver, but he was too tired, and the light that emanated from her was too pure and bright to distinguish anything; however, he managed to perceive that her eyes were a brilliant blue like the summer sky and the stars of the firmament and besides they were as deep and powerful as the vast ocean, the last thing Jon saw was he dazzling smile.

... Is she an elf? ... Jon thought, surprised.

-------------------------------------------------- -----

Jon woke up with his face bathed in sunlight; for a moment, he was disoriented since he did not remember where he was or what he was doing, he felt the cold stone of the chamber floor, and when he stood up, the pain of his broken rib and arm caused him to groan.

That was when all the memories returned to him, the fight, the dragon, his fatigue and pain, everything returned to Jon who had to find the strength to stand up, and it was when he saw the vast corpse of Herenlókë, still giving off an abominable heat and Jon gave the monstrous dragon a fierce look, but now he didn't want to gloat over his death, he just wanted to get out of there and return to his companions and lovers.

What was he going to tell them? That he didn't want to do it? That Lord Manwë's gryphon led him to face the dragon? The explanations weren't credible, even to him.

... They will kill me; they must have already discovered that I left ... Loras, Robar and my Ladies ... Not to mention Lord Glorfindel and Lady Írimë, I have to admit ... Even for me, this was a new level of foolery…

It was then that the last memory of that beautiful woman who gave off light invaded him, and Jon remained impassive, marvelling at the warmth that the memory of that dream brought him.

… Was it really a dream?… Was it so real… Could it have been a vision?… But it was so real, I could almost swear I was awake… I wonder who was she?… She was an elf, I'm sure of it, although I couldn't see her face ... I'm sure I know her ...

Jon sighed and picked up both his sword and hammer and began to pile up the parts of his armour scattered around the shattered pillar where he left them. And Jon got a wonderful surprise; despite the dragon's weight and the rocks that fell on them, they were undamaged.

... Thank goodness there is no doubt that the skill of the blacksmiths of Khazad-Dûm is incomparable ... King Durin would not have been pleased had a dragon ruined a prized suit of armour ... He told me it was one of his best works ... Although you will be delighted to hear that your hammer wounded a Worm of Morgoth

Before departing, Jon decided to take a trophy from the great dragon and, using Ringil, He took a portion of its iron-hard skin for a new cloak and one of its horns.

Jon made it to the cave entrance but found it demolished by the dragon at the start of their battle. Herenlókë apparently continued to toy with him despite his death.

"Damn it, Herenlókë, you still don't plan on letting me go, do you?" Jon muttered wearily, and in his situation, he had no choice but to start pounding the rocks with his hammer, hoping to make an exit.

... This will take a while ... Jon thought bitterly until he remembered his bond with Ghost.

... It's true, I can try to call him ... Jon concentrated and cleared his mind, letting his spirit search for his partner despite the distance.

... Jon was walking through the woods leading a considerable troop of men to the cavern where his master was ...

... The night before the hunt with his sister and companion, he noticed that his teacher's scent was leaving quickly; his companion did not want him to follow. He returned to the city by the lake in search of his red-haired teacher and so so much so that he followed the scent of his master, and it led him to the Gryphon; the animal looked at him with shining eyes and knew that it was someone else. Still, he did not give it more importance and toured the interior of the cave that gave off a fetid smell of death and burned corpses; he wanted to enter, but the entrance was blocked ... Resigned, he returned to seek help, and after meeting his master's companions, they followed him, now he takes them to his master.

Jon happily broke his connection when he learned that Ghost had already brought him help ... His faithful direwolf always watching over him.

"Thank you, Ghost ... I owe you a great deal," Jon said, pleased.

He decided to sit on the ground and rest for a moment before looking at the dragon's lifeless corpse.

"Pity for you old worm ... you should know stealing another's gold is rather rude ..." Jon muttered in amusement before continuing to pound the rocks with his hammer while ignoring the pain from his broken rib and arm.

---------------

Finally, after a long ride into the highlands, Glorfindel, Elendil, Loras, Robar, Anárion and Jon's lovers, along with a great host of Numenoreans, were led to the cave by the knights who survived the encounter with the dragon and by the direwolf known as Jon.

"I can't believe Jon would be so foolish," Loras said, disappointed in Jon ... His brother had left them behind and gone to fight the Worm by himself.

The sun had barely risen when Loras went to look for his brother in arms at his borrowed cabin, but when he arrived, he did not find Jon or his sword or his hammer; at first, the Knight of the Flowers did not worry because he thought that Jon was practising, but as time passed and Jon did not appear, Loras became more and more restless, and when finally King Elendil and Lord Glorfindel arrived with numerous troops, Loras furious and feeling betrayed by Jon as well as saddened by his decision had to admit it, his brother in arms had left them behind.

"Me neither ... By the fucking Valar ... Why? ... Wasting his life like this ..." Robar said, fighting back his tears.

"Enough the two ... We still don't know if he died ..." Arianne said, holding back tears.

"Lord Glorfindel, is there a chance that Jon is still alive?" Lady Írimë asked the Lord of Golden Flowers, but his gaze darkened.

"I do not know my Lady ... Jon has become a mighty warrior, my heart tells me that my impulsive and irresponsible apprentice is still alive ... But fighting alone against a dragon, oh what madness consumed him?" The Lord of the Golden Flowers said to the Princess of the Noldor, who only put a hand to her mouth and shed a few tears.

"Do not worry, my Lady, the young Westerosi as well as all my men will be avenged, although I understand that this is only a miserable consolation", Elendil said in a dark voice.

"Jon ... Didn't you think of your sisters, Sansa and Arya?" Said a devastated Ashara being consoled by Shiera, who was no better than her.

The Stark sisters had been left in Annuminas to keep them safe; they did not know anything about the dragon or what had happened to Jon; they were kept ignorant for their safety ... But when they returned, they would have to receive the devastating news ... Ashara's heart broke as she imagined the pain that both girls would feel when they found out what happened, and it was a great tragedy because they had only just recovered from the horrors of Westeros. And now they would suffer once again because of their cousin.

The only ones who did not speak were Rhaella, Daenerys and Rhaenys since for them all this was a nightmare from which they could not wake up ... It was something horrendous ... Losing another member of their family just for the desire for glory.

The knights of Elendil's household were wroth at having women in their ranks, saying the battlefield was no place for a woman, something that Elendil and Anárion agreed. However, Glorfindel informed them that Arianne, Rhaenys and Daenerys were skilled warriors to whom he had trained and were on par with any man, be it an elf or lord of Westernese.

As for the Ladies Shiera and Ashara, the ancient Lord of the Golden Flower said that they were exceptional healers and could heal the wounded.

And finally, Queen Rhaella, along with Lady Írimë, insisted on coming to make sure Jon was well. However, they wouldn't be dissuaded ... Both had an innate authority in their voice that made Elendil and his son Anárion hesitate in such a way that they accepted that both women would accompany them, but it was made clear to them that they must remain with the soldiers at all time.

-------------

However, just a few hours ago, when it was dark, and they were on their way with Elendil and Glorfindel along with the others, and the troops were on their way to the Watchtower that guards the borders, they could see in amazement how the gryphon that was defending Jon quickly arrived and remained floating in front of one of the tower's windows as he bellowed furiously.

All the vigilant guards that were in the tower were surprised to see the majestic and mythical animal but none other than Sansa and Arya, who were at that moment in Jon's room wondering where their brother and the others had been because they went to the only ones who did not take with them what seemed unfair. Still, no one wanted to tell them the nature of the trip, only that both sisters noticed that they had a dark expression, so Sansa and Arya decided to stay in Jon's room until he returned.

It was late at night, and both girls were sound asleep when they heard knocks on the window, and Arya woke up Sansa, who lit a candle; when clearing her eyes, both Stark sisters looked in amazement at the gryphon who growled annoyed at them and with his beak was already pointing incessantly the armour that King Durin gifted Jon.

"Do you want to take it to Jon?" Sansa asked in surprise, and the proud and intelligent animal nodded.

The daughters of Winterfell were confused because that rude, haughty animal never showed their cousin any respect, but feeling this was very important, they nodded quickly and, with much effort, diligently tied Jon's armour to the Gryphon back before he set off towards the east once more.

.

... Please be safe, Jon ... They both thought at the same time, worried about their cousin.

--------------

After a few more hours of travel through burned farmland, the Faithful had arrived at the dragon's lair and saw Jon's wolf, Ghost, who was waiting for them at its entrance, and he was not alone; next to the great wolf was the gryphon that Manwë sent to watch over Jon.

The mythical animal was sitting staring at the entrance without paying attention.

"It's Jon's Gryphon," Loras said, surprised.

"So that's how that little bastard got here so fast", Robar deduced.

"But if he's here, it means that Jon is still alive", Daenerys said, crying with joy.

Upon hearing their dearest might have lived, they rushed towards the entrance but were stopped by Glorfindel, Loras, Robar, Elendil and Anárion.

"Where do you think you're going?" Glorfindel asked.

"I'm going to get my brother ... now step aside," Rhaenys said, desperate to find Jon.

"The same goes for you, Glorfindel", Lady Írimë said with a grim expression.

But for all the knights and the Great King of the Dunedein remained in their places.

"I'm afraid not, my Ladies, have you forgotten that there is a dragon here? "Snarled Glorfindel.

"We know it is…" Daenerys started to say, but the Knight of Vale stopped her.

"First, we will send scouts ..." Elendil said unquestioned, and with a gesture from their King, a group of 5 soldiers got off their horses and warily entered the cavern.

Everyone waited nearly an hour for the soldiers to leave the dragon's cave; but it felt far longer, so much so that Arianne and Rhaenys had to be stopped several times, but suddenly and to the confusion of all the soldiers, they came out relieved and happy as well as with expressions of astonishment.

"What's wrong? Why do you look content?" Elendil asked, confused.

The amazed and happy soldiers bowed to their King.

"My King, we bring you magnificent news ... The dragon is dead," Said the leader, unable to contain his excitement and happiness.

For a few moments, no one in the small host said a word as they could not understand what the soldier had said.

"Explain," Elendil ordered with authority when he regained his voice.

"My companions and I went to explore the cavern, and by Eru it was vast, there were burned bodies and ruined weapons strewn about until we reached the end of the tunnel, but we realized that it was blocked"

"Was it blocked? ... Did the dragon seal itself in?" Anárion asked, surprised.

At that moment, the soldiers who returned from the cave burst out laughing.

"What is so funny to you?" Glorfindel asked.

"My Lord Glorfindel ... The dragon was indeed the one who sealed the tunnel, but he did it because he wanted to prevent Jon Snow from escaping," Said the knight with satisfaction.

As soon as they heard Jon's name, the Westerosi, as well as Glorfindel and Lady Írimë, widened their eyes in surprise and approached the group of soldiers eager to hear from him.

"What happened to my grandson?" Queen Rhaella asked with tears in her eyes.

"He's alright?" Glorfindel asked with emotion in his voice.

"More than alright, my Lord ... He is now as mighty as Túrin Turambar," Said the leader of the troop with admiration in his voice.

But nobody understood anything because the soldiers murmured among themselves as if they were under some spell.

"Explain," Elendil demanded.

"My king ... Jon Snow, who is the leader of the blessed" Emissaries of the Valar "... He killed the Great Enemy Worm by himself and lives to tell the tale," Said another of the soldiers.

As soon as everyone heard those words, they were stunned and in the case of Loras, Robar, and Anárion began to imitate the fish, the Ladies of Westeros and Lady Írimë began to cry with happiness when they knew that Jon was safe. In the case of Glorfindel, he cried in joy and also with pride for a feat such as this has not been attempted since Earendil slew Ancalagon when the world was young.

"Tell us everything," Elendil said, recovering from the shock.

"Well, my King will see ... We went to the cavern as you ordered us and when we thought that we would not see the end we found it blocked and we were relieved that the monster had sealed itself in, but at that moment we heard the sound of a hammer hitting rocks, and suddenly the hammer stopped, "said the commander.

"A voice was heard from the other side, the voice of a young man spoke to us, he asked us if we were part of the Great King Elendil's troop, we curiously answered yes," Said another soldier.

"And then?" Anárion asked.

"The young man introduced himself as Jon Snow, the one who was called by the King of Arda from the Lands beyond the East; he told us that he had slain the dragon but that it has collapsed the cavern to prevent his escape. And he has been using his Warhammer to break the rubble. However, the beast managed to break an arm and a rib, so his efforts are limited, we tried to help him out, but we need help, "said the squad leader.

"Praised be the Valar for their mercy ..." All Westerosi murmured.

"It seems Glorfindel has trained another warrior of renown," Elendil said, looking at the nobleman of Gondolin with a smile, and the old elf returned it.

"That seems like King Elendil; I must add that I never expected Jon to slain a Worm of the Great Enemy ... I really have no words," Glorfindel said, still surprised to discover Jon's feat.

The Great King Elendil sent a new group of soldiers, this time intending to help Jon out of the cave, even Loras and Robar volunteered as they wished to punish Jon for his bullheadedness as well as Anárion, who was upset with Jon. for not sharing in the glory of slaying the dragon, something Elendil and Glorfindel accepted with amusement but exasperation.

The Ladies of Westeros eagerly awaited the return of the knights and their beloved dragon as much as to kiss him as to punish him, although physical punishments will have to wait.

-----------------------------

After walking for what seemed like several hours with impatience, Loras, Robar and Anárion, along with the soldiers, reached the blocked part of the cave where they heard an incessant hammering.

"Jon? It's you?" Loras asked excitedly.

"'Loras? ... Is Robar with you?" His friend's voice answered.

"Oh ... Praise the Valar ... What madness possessed you to do this?" Said the Knight of Flowers, crying with joy for his friend.

"Do you have any idea what trouble you got yourself into? Outside this place is Lord Glorfindel, your grandmother, your Ladies and the lovely Írimë, and with the exception of our master, they all want to tear you apart because of your stupidity ... and I'm tempted to help them. "Robar grunted.

"Believe it or not, I didn't want to come here ... I was ordered to ..."

Loras, Robar, and Anárion were shocked by Jon's words.

"Explain, Jon Snow ..." Anárion replied, impressed.

"Prince Anárion, is that you?" Jon asked, surprised.

"Yes, now speak plainly," the Prince ordered impatiently.

"I will, but please ... The story is very long, and I really want to get out of here ... Help me," Jon said longingly this time, and the three knights sighed as they understood that getting Jon out of the cave had priority.

"After twenty minutes, the last rocks fell away, filling the passage with foul-smelling air, and in the entryway, they could see the battered and bloody figure of Jon smiling at them with tears in his eyes. And instantly, Loras and Robar embraced him.

"Thank you, my friends ..." The young Targaryen said.

"You're a bloody stupid ... did you know?" Loras replied, happy to see his friend safe and sound ... Almost.

"You said that you would not do this, that you would only go and bring King Anárion," Robar said equally happily.

"I know, believe me, that I was going to fulfil that ... But something changed; I will tell you everything, I swear, but please, I want to get out of this well of rot," Jon replied, crying.

"Come on ..." Loras said, helping an injured Jon out until both he and Robar and Anárion looked at the vast corpse of Herenlókë with a shocked expression.

"How did you kill this monster alone?" Loras asked, utterly stupified.

"It required all my skill, ingenuity and luck, my brother ... I know it is an incredible feat ... But I don't want to talk about it because the mere thought is heavy on my spirit, so I want to get out of here first, and then I will tell you what happened here… "Jon said with a grim look.

"You didn't find my friend Benegar, did you?" Anárion asked with tears.

"No, I'm afraid not, the dragon had already killed him and those who accompanied him ... I'm sorry," Jon said, feeling sympathy for the man in front of him, but Anárion shook his head.

"No, don't be sorry ... You were right, Benegar did not listen to the reason and paid the price for it ... I thank you for avenging his death and that of the others ... Now come on, let's get out of here ..." Anárion said, gazing at Herenlókë's corpse with loathing.

"My armour... I had to take it off during the battle... there is also a vast horde of gold and jewels if anyone wishes to claim it ..." Jon said.

"It's yours, Jon Snow, you earned it, consider it a war prize ... We better get out now, my father must be getting impatient", Anárion ordered, and the three Westerosi smiled.

------------------------------------

It has been about an hour since Loras, Anárion and Robar entered the cave together with a group of soldiers, and the Ladies Shiera and Ashara had improvised a small nursing tent for Jon; they had bandages, hot water, ointments and everything they needed except for their patient.

"How much longer will it take?" Rhaenys asked, impatient to see Jon.

"Easy cousin, our dear Jon will return to our arms very soon", Arianne said, containing her own impatience.

"Yes, but ..."

"Look!" Daenerys yelled with tears in her eyes when she saw Loras and Robar carrying Jon to the exit.

Seeing her beloved wounded, bloody and with such a grim expression.

"JON!" They shouted simultaneously, Arianne, Rhaenys, Daenerys, Rhaella, Shiera, Ashara and Írimë running towards Jon, who, when seeing them put an expression of pure happiness.

"Hello .." He said almost without a voice from how exhausted he was.

"How could you be so stupid?" Ashara asked through tears.

"You are selfish," Rhaenys said, also crying.

"You're an idiot, Jon," Daenerys said with tears in her eyes.

"Your deed was reckless young man; you caused us all great anguish," Lady Írimë said, watching Jon sternly and the young dragon felt intimidated by Finwë's daughter.

At that moment, footsteps were heard, and Jon found himself in front of King Elendil and Glorfindel, looking at him with respect in their eyes.

"King Elendil, master ..." Jon said, not knowing what to say when he saw Glorfindel's stern face.

"Hello Jon, I hope you have an explanation for all this ..." Glorfindel said sternly.

"And I hope to hear it as well .. now speak quickly," Elendil added.

"You're out of the cave, Jon, now explains this madness of yours", said Robar angrily at Jon's recklessness.

"Why did you face a 'Worm of Morgoth' by yourself?" Rhaella asked, furious with Jon, although happy to see him alive.

Jon sighed and told them everything that happened since Manwë's gryphon woke him up before dawn, and to Jon's surprise, he bore the armour King Durin had gifted him, as he took him to the dragon's cave and a terrified Jon tried to leave, but the animal stopped him, and It was there that Jon saw Lord Manwë's eyes and understood that this was a fight that the King of Arda wished for him to slay this loathsome worm.

He recounted how he entered the cave where he found the remains of the knights who were led by Belegar to their death and how the dragon confessed that he had actually been sent by Sauron to try to put Jon and his friends against the Valar and that if he could not convince Jon to join the "Enemy" who executed him, that all the actions of the dragon were only part of Sauron's plan that he already knew that the Westerosi would arrive at Annuminas and that they would go searching for the dragon with the hope that the Great Worm would slay Elendil; in exchange, Herenlókë would claim the City of Annuminas as a lair and all its treasures.

Upon hearing this, Elendil and Anárion clenched their fists in indignation and anger ... "The Enemy" had not only survived the Fall of Númenor but had offered his beloved City as payment to a vulgar worm.

After that, Jon finally told his battle with the foul dragon, hearing the story of how Jon faced such a monster, everyone who listened to the story was surprised by Jon's ingenuity and skill in fighting the beast., There is no doubt that he had become an accomplished warrior ... But this? No one had words to express the pride that Jon made them feel at that moment.

"Jon ... As your mentor and weapons master ... You cannot imagine how proud I am of you right now; not only did you control your fear, but despite your youth, you faced a monster that is usually slain by a thousand, you have proven that you are worthy to stand beside the heroes of the First Age, Hador, Húrin, Túrin, Huor, Tuor and Beren himself even in their mighty company you shall not now be ashamed," Glorfindel said bowing to his student as Jon's eyes filled with tears at the praise. And Jon's lovers, despite being furious with him, could not help but feel proud of him since in Westeros there has not been and will not be a hero of Jon's stature, ever. Even the King's guard whom had revealed their true nature ... The attack dogs of disgusting kings and knights with a selfish sense of honour.

"Thank you, master, to receive such praise from a lord of Gondolin, I feel honoured... But I feel I have a great deal to learn before I stand in such lofty company," Jon said humbly.

"In time, you will surpass me, I am sure," Said the noble elf.

"Still, it was very unwise to come alone, Jon, you worried us," said Lady Írimë said, clearly annoyed with Jon.

"I swear I never wanted to come here or face that monster, my Lady ... But ... Aaah," Jon complained when Robar accidentally pressed his broken arm.

Realizing Jon's state, all his lovers stopped their admonishments and sighed.

"I think we should leave our story here," Elendil said, acknowledging the severity of Jon's injuries.

"First things first, we must attend to those wounds ... Come with us, Jon," Shiera said with authority, and Jon smiling, agreed.

"As ordered, my Lady," Said the cheeky young man with a smile but the beautiful bastard had an impassive expression.

"Don't even try, you're in trouble ... Believe me when we get to Annúminas ... You will wish you didn't leave the cave", Shiera promised, and Jon gulped.

A smiling Loras and Robar led Jon to the girls' tent and left him in the care of Shiera and Ashara.

-----------------------------------------

Jon's treatment lasted only an hour; they bathed him in hot water to remove sweat, blood and mud and used splint bandages for his arm and ribs as well as ointments to help with the pain. In the end, Jon felt like he was lying on a cloud of comfort and fell asleep in the arms of Shiera and Ashara, who, despite everything, smiled when they saw the expression of tranquillity on the face of their beloved dragon.

"Rest ..." Ashara said, kissing Jon's lips, followed by Shiera, who did the same.

-------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- ------------------

Galadriel closed her connection with Jon knowing that he was out of danger, the Lady of Light still remembered how she woke up in terror to have a vision of Jon Snow fighting a dragon alone, but her terror turned to horror when she discovered that it was not a vision but that it was something that happened at that moment.

Because he was fighting a dragon?

She did not know, but it was the same; the young man would probably die. And Finarfin's daughter could not help him, which caused her misery unrivalled because now she would have to see him die, which filled her heart with anguish. However... she underestimated him, Jon Snow proved to be a skilled and resourceful warrior, and he devised a strategy that allowed him to defeat a Worm of the Great Enemy.

.

Galadriel did not understand why, but she was proud of him. However, he ended up seriously injured after the battle, and she only wanted to help him but did not know how she was leagues from him.

However, the connection between the two gave her a solution; somehow, Galadriel managed to send a little of her spirit to bring him comfort and ease the burden on his heart for facing that monster, despite not being physically present. The ancient elf lady could feel everything around her as if she were there; she could feel Jon's skin, his tired breathing.

She couldn't explain what she had done. Next, she laid him on her lap, comforted him, pampered him and then gave him a tender kiss on the forehead as if Jon were hers, her husband, her lover; Galadriel couldn't explain why she had done that.

Jon Snow was only a means by which Galadriel satisfied her lust, so why did she kiss him? She did not understand, which terrified her; it terrified her of doing something that would hurt many, especially her husband Celeborn and aunt Írimë.

But seeing him like that, Galadriel could not contain herself; she comforted him and, the Lady of Light swore that she would never allow anyone to hurt him.

Notes:

Thanks to my co-author great_red