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One Giant Growth Spurt (ASOIAF Giant SI)

Discussion in 'Creative Writing' started by Flightless Man, Sep 8, 2021.

?

Do I play nice with Rhaella?

Poll closed Oct 1, 2021.
  1. Yes. Go straight to Stepstones

    9 vote(s)
    17.3%
  2. No. Attack Dragonstone

    10 vote(s)
    19.2%
  3. Middle of the road. Work with her

    21 vote(s)
    40.4%
  4. Dies in childbirth

    12 vote(s)
    23.1%
Loading...
  1. ThedudeManBro

    ThedudeManBro The Dudeliest Man on the block, Bro!

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    *Comes into your thread*[​IMG]*leaves refusing to elaborate*
     
    Last edited: Sep 17, 2021
  2. Jarski

    Jarski Know what you're doing yet?

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    I'm struggling to stop laughing! Perhaps wasn't the best idea to read this update on public transportation.
     
  3. Flightless Man

    Flightless Man Versed in the lewd.

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    Added a few lines(one that really matters) and reworded a few chunky sentences. I'm happy now.
     
  4. ATP

    ATP Experienced.

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    So,they win with little loses.Only question is if King Landing would burn or not.
    P.S Leng woman had averagely 7 and half foot - which mean,that tallest should have 8 and half foot,and not many suitors.Maybe concubine? useful,especially if she really had problem there and wonted anybody who would save her.
     
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  5. Flightless Man

    Flightless Man Versed in the lewd.

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    It's looking that way, but their is still time for something to go wrong. KL is the big problem.

    Someone else mentioned this on SB a few days ago, I had actually forgotten about them. It's actually a possibility. I have 11 of Crasters wives I've claimed as daughters (should help getting cersei on side) and Osha/Tormund. I have room for 3 more kids, so a Leng concubine is on the table.
     
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  6. ATP

    ATP Experienced.

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    She could be even 9 foot tall,if you add magic would be perfectly capable of suring children with your SI.And she must be relly running from Leng,otherwise your SI get enemy agent.
    Maybe cousin of empress/hence magic/ which tried coup ? or ,at least,supported it ?

    About KL - in long term burning it would help - nobody would supporte Targeryns for next 100 years after that.Not that your SI would let it happen if he can save city,he is giant,not Machiavelli.
     
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  7. Threadmarks: Chapter 16: I Guess It's Time To Fill You All In
    Flightless Man

    Flightless Man Versed in the lewd.

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    Chapter 16: I Guess It’s Time To Fill You All In
    283 AC

    Getting wide eyed stares from his that I’ve started to notice since being given my glasses, I follow Oberyn down into the belly of the Dornish Galley. The stairs creak worryingly with each step, but thankfully none of them break on me.

    Mors Umber catches my look before coming down himself and stops Sandor with a hand on his arm. “You wanted to learn how to fight on a ship, didn’t you?” He gets an eager nod and grins back at the boy already as tall as his chin. “Let’s go steal a couple of the Prince’s men, they should be able to give us a workout.”

    I wait for the heavy footsteps to fade before frowning down at Oberyn. “You really aren’t going to like what I have to say.”

    “You do seem to be rather… forceful.” He winks saucily and helps Ashara take a seat. “So tell me, what is going to upset my wonderful mood?”

    “Rhaenys and Aegon won’t be able to go back to Dorne with you.”

    His eyes shift from relaxed to deadly in half a heartbeat. “You had best explain quickly.”

    “We’re going to have a lot of Targaeryan children, almost enough to ward one with each of the great families.” That doesn’t seem to sway him at all, so I try again. “It’s either that or flee to Essos with them. Because Dorne, the Reach, and whatever is left of the Crownland forces won’t last long against the united rebels.”

    “As much as I would like to deny that claim, the tide has been turning far too fast for me to ignore.”

    “Which is why Lyanna is going to finally marry Robert, so he’s willing to let the children live.” Lyanna isn’t happy, but doesn’t argue like I had feared. “If we tell him Lyanna is barren and his choice is being King or marrying her… I know what he’ll choose.” Even if it’s only because he has no desire in ruling.

    “Which leaves the Kingdoms in need of an heir.” Oberyn can finally see all the pieces in my plan and smiles. “We decide this with a Grand Council and even if Lyanna gets with child, it matters not.”

    Scrunching up her nose in distaste, Lyanna consents after a few moments of tense thought. “Each Great House gets a hostage to raise and a Targaeryan to marry. It could work.”

    “I wasn’t expecting Bran to be this old, we really need to get him to Winterfell as soon as possible.” It will be a little hard to get used to, but it is fitting for Ashara’s babe to be named after his father. “Otherwise it will be nearly impossible to claim him as Benjen and Osha’s.”

    “What?” Hissing at me in frustrated shock, Lyanna is quick to defend her younger brother from my plotting. “But hes just a boy!”

    “He’s almost the same age as when you ran away with your Prince Charming,” I correct her firmly, taking only a very minute amount of pleasure from her wince. “Benjen swore give his nephew a true born’s name, something Ned is unable to do and still maintain a happy family.

    Something in my words makes Oberyn smirk at me. “Speaking of a happy family, I have been told of the rather unique betrothal you are brokering with the Lannisters. You have my sympathies.” It looks like he considers his next words carefully, but I can tell by the glint in his eyes the speech is rehearsed.

    “You are rightfully worried about laying with a woman of small stature, but the women of Leng should be closer in size.” His teasing has Lyanna looking aghast, which prompts Sir Andar Morrigan to speak up.

    “Prince Oberyn, I must protest. That is not language fit for ladies as fair as these two.” The Stormlander Knight is a father himself and has been showing his protective streak since we left Starfall.

    That just makes the cocky prince snort and lock eyes with an amused Ashara. “One is a mother and the other is soon to be. Both are well aware of that which I speak.”

    “What about me?” The new mother demands casually, but I’m not fooled by the false calm. “How am I to be near Brandon?”

    “You had best begin learning the ways of the Old Gods and how the blend them with the Faith of the Seven.” I’m going to need someone to do it, I barely know enough to pay lip service myself. “Septa Lemore.” Who better than someone that can add the spice of the Rhoyne right from the beginning?





    While we snake along the Eastern shore of Tarth, I enjoy the fresh if salty air after another day under the deck. Stepping onto the deck under the starry sky, I inhale deeply and nearly gag on the smell. The wind carries the stench of salted fish and onion, making me whistle for the crew.

    “Find the ship with the black sails, it will reek of onion!” With the Reach blockade broken and scurrying home without even a cursory inspection, Davos will no longer be needed at Storm’s End. He’ll get his title once he gets Bran to Winterfell and I’ll even let him keep his fingers.

    “The wolf’s got the scent,” Jorah points to Winter on the prow, with her head pointed sraight at the smell of onion in darkness. “Pull hard to starboard and get out the grapples!”

    “Get the man unharmed, that kind of daring is nearly unheard of.” Out of everyone, Davos is one of only a handful of characters basically everyone hails as a pillar for good. I’m not finding a better smuggler who still has his morals.

    He’s the only reason I’ve had us follow the coastline North, instead of cutting across to the far safer shores of Essos for the trip. Outside of this incredibly narrow window, I have no idea how to find the Onion Knight... I will not waste this chance.

    “What’s the meaning of this?” The thick accent of Davos cuts through the night. “I’m just bringing my catch back to King’s Landing.”

    “We all know what black sails at night mean and all these onions...” Oberyn swings down to the small black ship on a grapple line. “It’s pretty clear someone was after a reward for sneaking past he Redwyne blockade.”

    Knowing he’s caught, Davos hangs his head in defeat as the Prince brings him on board. “I thought if I brought the hungry lords food, I’d have a chance at finally finding a better life for my family.”

    “It’s a good thing I need exactly that kind of daring,” Davos frowns in confusion and tries cleaning out his ear.

    “Begging your pardon, but I must have heard you wrong.” He looks ready to take his chances swimming to shore, so I’m forced to explain fast. “If you swear yourself to my service, I’ll make sure the Realm overlooks your less than legal past.”

    “What do you need from someone like me?”

    Chuckling at his suspicious smell, I clarify my future plans openly. “I’m going to be taking the Stepstones, I’m sure you can help us find those crews who are only in sch dire straits as your own.”

    I can smell the stench of Flea Bottom on Davos, even with his days of exposure to the salty wind. “The Freefolk will need a period of adjustment once I bring them South. I plan to work through the differences in our people, by taking from thieves.

    Using the excess funds we claim from the pirates to take in as many refuges as I can from this rebellion, should put relief on the other Kingdoms whose stores will be dangerously low by now. King’s Landing alone is around half a million people and they’ll all be homeless winter, I may as well start laying the foundations for my own banner men.

    “No one likes pirates, so I’m going to shape the Freefolk into a fleet of privateers.” It let’s them continue stealing… just from approved targets only. It will take decades to hammer the unruliness from the Wildlings, which I could better spend going with the grain of their culture.

    “I’ll need loyal and capable...” I trail off momentarily, as I consider what titles I can twist best for my purposes. “Thanes and Jarls, to rule my new lands.” Those should give me an equivalency to lords and landed knights, while sounding just foreign enough to the common tongue to sell it.





    The Royal Fleet parts when approach Dragonstone, with two boats escorting those of us on the flagship to port. “Mors… you should probably stay on the ship while we meet with Queen Rhaella.”

    “What’s that supposed to mean?” He barks back in irritation, making me twist my words to soothe his ego.

    “It means I don’t trust anyone else to hold this ship if they try to board while we’re inside.”

    A massive smirk crosses his face and he claps Howland hard on the back, sending the small man tumbling to the deck. “Well alright. Since you value my skills so highly, I can stand first watch.”

    “More like he values a civil conversation,” The Reed Lord shoots back with no real anger, well aware Crowfood is still getting used to he rocking of the deck. “You’ll spend the whole time bragging about all of our kills, which won’t really help our image here.”

    “Of course I would, how else will we awe the Dragons into submission?” His cocky grin makes me frown in grim realization that nothing will cow Aerys.

    “We’re going to need Varys and his little birds.” He’s the only one I know of that can get word spread among most of the city in time. “His job will be making King’s Landing revolt and overwhelm any loyalists who remain at the gates.”




    Notes: I was about 200 words away from finishing a chapter at Storm’s End, only to realize my changes would have had the Reach ending the Siege because of the Lannister’s attack. Had to delete it all and scramble to adjust my plans. Next one should be back on schedule.​
     
  8. Flightless Man

    Flightless Man Versed in the lewd.

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    I'm looking over my options, or more like Oberyn is for me.


    True, I want to save as many as I can.
     
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  9. Jarski

    Jarski Know what you're doing yet?

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    I've suddenly got a song from the Les Misérables musical stuck in my head.
     
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  10. LandWhale172

    LandWhale172 Not too sore, are you?

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    Yup, I’m loving this, just breezed through from start to now XD
     
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  11. ATP

    ATP Experienced.

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    Then your SI is in good hands.Oberyn as cupid - what could go wrong ?
    Jokes aside - if Varys knew secret passages,then taking Red Keep in night is doable.
     
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  12. Threadmarks: Chapter 17: Control Was Only Imaginary
    Flightless Man

    Flightless Man Versed in the lewd.

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    Chapter 17: Control Was Only Imaginary
    283 AC

    Lyanna and I are led inside the foreboding throne room, to find the striking Queen Rhaella awaiting us on her throne. Her silver hair reflects the torchlight beautifully, while her face goes through a variety of expressions during my tale.

    The white cloak standing watch over her is not Jaime, which makes the scowling old man Ser William Darry. By the end of my tale Rhaella’s face has grown stormy, making me begin to worry.

    “You expect the Targaeryan dynasty to just step aside for your whims?” Her words are a signal, with Varys being carried out in chains. “I have learned you even had plans to insert a Blackfyre into my family, with none of us being any the wiser?”

    “I am sorry my friend, but the rest of us are not so willing to hand away our family legacies.” Oberyn and his men draw their spears, waving the incredibly relieved Ashara away from me. “We are incredibly grateful for your words of warning, but your lucky guesses have proven wrong at last.”

    Rhaella gives holds up a hand to silence the impulsive Prince and keeps her blazing eyes locked with mine. “I have heard many things about you. Some have spoken of your claims of being kin with the ‘Storm King’, others tell that you seek to claim the Stepstones, and the most disturbing by far… is the tales of you seeking Dragonstone for yourself.”

    “For the lives you have saved, we shall spare yours in return.” Now she stands and is nearly eye level with me. “So let me tell you our offer. You will leave with the Stark girl and stay out of the war for the mainland.”

    “We are not pieces for you to invent a new game with,” Oberyn paces theatrically between me and the Queen. “We are Unbowed, we are Unbent,” He’s nearly screaming each word with raw intensity. “And we most certainly do not allow our family to be broken up by Northerners!”

    “You will return to the North with the Stark girl and abandon any of your plans for my family.” She shifts her scowl into a tender smile for Lyanna alone. “Go home and since the Duke is so intent on having a true born Stark, you have until the birthing to choose… will the child be known as a wolf, or a dragon?”

    Oberyn gives me a half smile and shrugs. “Stay out of any further battles in this rebellion and we will uphold the agreement you have made to claim the Stepstones.”

    “I keep out of your family secrets and you keep out of mine?” I know I can probably kill everyone in the room who tries to fight, but even a single cut could kill even me. The Dornish are known for poisons that can drop an elephant and I have over twenty spears pointed at me right now.

    “Make sure you bring the Blackfyre with you,” Ser Darry barks at me when it’s clear the conversation is ending. “We do not kill children here, but that protection will end if she goes West of your islands... after she flowers of course.”

    “You will say your smuggler barely escaped our fleets and never take arms against Dorne.” Oberyn explains with a relieved hiss, his tension releasing as it becomes clear I’m not going to fight my way out. “Swear to these terms and you can go North for your people.”

    “We’ll not betray our Lords!” Roars the incredibly loyal, but also incredibly idiotic Andar Morrigan. “Draw steel an-” Whatever else the Stormlander was going to say is cut off along with his head.

    Duncan Lipps from the Vale is quick to throw his hands in the air and disavow our companion. “My lips are sealed!” He gasps out his house words and Darry settles into a defensive stance. The main reason I selected Duncan for this journey at all, is no being used against me.

    We came for Lyanna and we have her,” Assures Howland with his ever calm voice. “I see no further need to shed blood in the South.”





    When our Manderly escort passes through the gates of Winterfell and Lyanna is home for the first time in over a year, the cheers begin. Men and women alike stop in their duties to welcome her back and praise those of us who made it so, but my mind is whirling with guilt.

    Lyanna’s furs hide her belly from the crowd and we are led inside the main hall by one of the Cassels. Seated in the Lord’s chair is an ecstatic Benjen, while beside him in the Lady’s is a flushed Osha.

    Something is off with her smell and I take a deeper whiff, only to suddenly exclaim in shock. “You’re pregnant!”

    “You told me to steal him, so I did.” She shrugs with no shame, but a blushing Benjen hides his face in his hands. The smirk on her face shows she knows exactly how much this screws with my plans.

    “How far along are you?” I sigh heavily, the shock having taken all the fight out of my bones.

    Osha grins wide and pretends to think about it. “How long have you been gone?”

    “Almost seven months...” I did cut it pretty close with Lyanna, she’s going to pop any day now.

    “Well that’s your answer.” I guess she really wanted that castle.

    Unable to hold himself back any longer, Benjen dashes to his sister and holds her as tight as he dare. “Don’t worry, we decided twins sound wonderful.”

    “He’s not making you?” Lyanna nearly sobs into his unruly hair, desperate to hear the words from his own mouth.

    “No, not at all.” He pats her on the back delicately before finally releasing his vice like grip on his sister. “Not anymore than you made me be your squire and start all of this chaos.”

    “You really are the best brother in the world.” She smiles softly and allows him to introduce her to Osha. “And I’m really excited to get to know you Osha, it sounds like you found a way to motivate Benjen here.”

    “He does like to mope, but that just made it easier to jump him when he went off alone.” My daughter gives Lyanna knowing grin and I realize I really do think of her like that now. It seems she stole me along with her Stark lord.

    “That’s my girl!” Mors blurts out equally enthralled by our ‘kin’ and spins her in a hug.

    Realizing we still have one child more than expected, Benjen points to the Blackfyre girl in Howland’s arms. “Now who might that be?”

    “Meet Jaenara Bigfoot... my daughter.” I get shocked gasps when I reveal her name, which just makes me sigh heavily.

    “I have a problem alright... I like babies and you and your ‘siblings’ are ready for lives of your own now.” And maybe Varys is blackmailing me, but I’m not going to admit that unless I have to. “You and Tormund aren’t the first and Jaenara will not be the last.”

    “I’m going North at first light,” I really do need to start gathering the Freefolk, or all this work getting the Stepstones has been pointless. “I’ll send word with the Watch when I am ready for the Manderly fleet. It’s a race against Winter now.”


    Notes: This marks the end of the prologue. My Great Grandmother who I live with/look after, is in need of more help than I can provide by myself anymore. I’m going to be spending the next few weeks packing up her things so she can get better care.

    Because of the mood today I’ve had a really hard time on this chapter and especially making it funny. I’m going take a few weeks off on the move and finding a new place to live, I’ll be back with chapter 18 sometime in october.

     
  13. Jarski

    Jarski Know what you're doing yet?

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    Having been one of the main carers of my Great Aunt along with my mum about a decade ago, I can understand a bit of what you are going through. Don't stress if it takes over a year for the next update if life becomes more chaotic than expected.

    Just make sure to set aside some time for yourself each day and find humour where you can. The next few weeks will be stressful but they will be worth it.
     
  14. ATP

    ATP Experienced.

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    Go help great Granmother.And ask her about past if you have chance - family stories died when people do not hear them.
    That aside - It seems,that Lannister deal would not work.And it is good,that Blackfyre plot do not worked.
     
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  15. Flightless Man

    Flightless Man Versed in the lewd.

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    It's hard doing everything you can and knowing it's only a delaying tactic. I'm just trying to stay busy and not think about it. I'm sorry you and so many others understand what it's like.

    She really wanted to vote and it tired her out, so once she was napping I needed something to do and stay quiet. I'll probably be getting chapters out, but it will be sporadic and require a good mood.
    Thank you for and everyone else for being so compassionate.

    Good advice, I will.


    The Lannister deal will definitly have some hiccups. Yeah, Varys was too rushed to pull everything off.
     
    ATP likes this.
  16. Threadmarks: Book 1: Keeping Promises. Chapter 18: Laying Foundations
    Flightless Man

    Flightless Man Versed in the lewd.

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    Book 1: Keeping Promises
    Chapter 18: Laying Foundations
    283 AC

    When the sun is still creeping over the horizon in the early hours of the morning, my party gives our farewell to the yawning Starks. Even Osha seems to have grown accustomed to the comfort of a regular schedule, because I just caught her rubbing sleep from one eye.

    “You all have done so much already for my family, it doesn’t seem right sending you North of the Wall so soon.” Benjen is trying to look as firm as ice, but his wobbling knees reveal the truth of his wakefulness.

    Snorting at the little Lord’s attempt, Mors just reaches over and ruffles his hair. The Cassel I still haven’t learned the name of scowls, but that is likely due to the time we made him get up. He was quite festive last night, at least until he decided to flirt with Maege... Cassel’s black eye is quite telling of how that turned out.

    “We’re family now Lord Benjen,” Mors smirks at Osha’s belly, which just makes Benjen go red as a tomato again.

    Ser Desmond Grell just sighs shamefully. “No one’s believed the Watch has needed help for hundreds of years, my Lord won’t believe anyone’s word but mine own on what is really beyond the Wall.”

    “I need to go back to Bear Island, so you had better look out for my aunt,” Jorah winks at me even as she glowers back at him darkly. “As you can see... she packs quite a mean wallop.”

    “Shut yer mouth dear Nephew of mine, or I’ll show you just how mean I can be.”

    Stepping out of range of Maege’s back swing, Howland has an amused grin dancing across his lips. “The Starks will only need one of our word as ‘proof’, I shall leave this task to you my friends.” He offers one of my bows unprompted, which I gladly return with a light touching of our heads.

    “Just make sure you don’t kill my messenger,” I remind Jorah with a growl. “I’ll be sending Sandor across the Bay of Ice in a few months. You better be ready to bring him and Toothpick to my betrothed.”

    “You’re giving Maege an island of her own, on the other side of Westeros...” Jorah ducks away from a not so playful swing from Maege’s fist. “This is by far the best bargain I will ever receive.” Who better than the She-bear to train my Amazons?

    “Just make sure to check in on Tyrion, I don’t want him slacking off on his lessons.” After a year of all these man sized buildings, I really would like something designed for me. “I will be bringing the first of my people South by winter’s end. This one isn’t going to last long, I can feel it in my bones.”

    This winter can only last a few months max, because it’s summer again by the time of Daenerys’ birth and the year is almost done. I need to be ready to move on Dragonstone, or I wont be able to claim the Stepstones. I’ve made a lot of promises, I’m going to need to start following through on some of them.

    We say farewell and depart as a light snow begins to fall on us, proving winter really is here. Wintertown is already starting to bustle with activity, but we just hurry through the streets.

    “Now that we’re away from sensitive ears...” Mors growls at me, with Howland and Jorah keeping their horses firm beside him. Lipps and Grell are behind them, but just as involved in this decision. “We need to talk to you about somethings.”

    “Like what?”

    Maege has no time for niceties and slams her mace against my backside. “When are you going to get Brandon Snow back from that Dornish whore!”

    “And you better not even think of leaving us out of the rescue mission,” Snarls Mors in agreement. “This was some of the most fun I’ve had in years.”

    “Why do you think I need my people so bad now?” I admit with more than a little shame. Both in how I’ve been treating them and my glaring mistakes on the journey. “I’m at the limits of what one Giant can do now. I need an army, land, and resources to rescue Bran… but we will.”

    Jorah locks eyes with Howland and growls his response, while Mors and Maege share their own glance of confirmation. “The North remembers and we wont leave Stark blood to die in the South.”

    “They killed Ser Morrigan and that could have been anyone of use.” With a raspy voice that sounds like he’s been strangled five too many times, Ser Lipps of the Vale shares his own thoughts on the matter. “We need to bring his bones back to his family and I’m only a third son… I’m kind of hoping you throw some land my way next.”

    “If that’s the case, remember who was first to offer our kin a welcome hand.” Mors winks at me playfully, but I realize rewarding him is only fair.

    “How does Jarl Mors Umber sound?”

    He grins in excitement and snorts out his reply. “Like a damn good deal.”

    “Well I guess you had better spend this winter finding those in your lands, who desire warmer climates.” I smirk at his scowl, but he relents after only a few moments of feigning anger.

    “See, you can’t do this when you go after Bran!”


    ...


    Jorah breaks off when we reach the first fork in the road heading Northwest towards Bear Island, with Howland soon turning South when we reach the King’s Road. We don’t really notice their absence at first since both are relatively quiet men, but when Mors leaves for Last Hearth… the only one filling the silence is Maege.

    “What’s wrong with you lot?” She throws a ball of snow at my face when the silence begins driving her crazy. “Jorah said you went on adventures, this is more like a funeral procession!”

    Stopping to scoop up as much snow as I can pack into one and, I smirk back at her and get a feral grin. “I guess your right, we need a little target practice to get the blood flowing!” I let loose a bellow and throw the snow at Desmond.

    It knocks him clean of his horse, only for him to leave an imprint in the nearly waist deep powder. “Oh it’s war I see, come Ser Lipps, we must show the Lady Maege we are not Southern dullards!” He uses his shield as a scoop and flings a good amount into my laughing mouth.

    “Sandor!” I feign injury and collapse on my back. “You must avenge me, do not let these brigands defile my body.”

    “To me lad!” Maege is already flinging a supply of snowballs she’s been preparing for some time it seems. “Let’s show these knights how to really bite.” She throws a barrage at Ser Grell, but he shields himself and waits for an opening.

    “Don’t let the Lady’s honeyed words turn you from your heritage, us knights need to stick together Clegane!” Desmond barks out playfully, but this decides what side my squire fights for.

    Roaring at Desmond, Sandor leaps off his horse and brings the two down into the snow. “I’m not going to be a damn knight, I’m going o be a Thane!” They wrestle in the fresh powder, while Maege circles the now very afraid and very alone Ser Lipps.

    “What was that about sticking together?” She laughs when the knight swallows heavily, but grins when he doesn’t back down. “You’ll find winter shows who you can really count on!” She kicks snow into his face and chuckles at the sputtering sounds he makes.


    ...

    284 AC
    Arriving at Castle Black only days after the year changes into the next, I’m surprised when Jeor just growls at his sister. “I came here to get away from you, what possessed you to come visit?”

    She just back hands him in response and pulls him into a headlock. “Best be careful brother, you aren’t my Lord anymore.”

    “I need to prove my claims to the Kingdoms, they’ve come to be witness to the horrors beyond the Wall.”

    “It was months before our rangers found any evidence, but Blackears and his men got ambushed in the first blizzard of the season.” Jeor’s eyes sag heavily. “It was only a group of Wildling women and their Baron who saved them.”

    One of his fellow rangers who has both ears blackened by frostbite jumps in. “I brought back a trophy.” Pointing at a head skewered on a spear, everyone who isn’t expecting it to move jerks back in shock.

    “It’s still moving!” Sandor snarls in a panic when he sees the piercing blue eyes. “How is it doing that?”

    “The Others make the dead serve them, with winter now here… expect us to encounter more on this trip.” I warn the boy. “Fire and steel will destroy the wights, but the Others require something more.”

    “Still haven’t seen these ‘ice spirits’,” Grumbles Blackears through his thick blonde beard, but he’s more hopeful than mocking.

    “You’ll need obsidian or Valyrian steel to kill one of the Others.”

    Desmond blinks in realization and gives me a confidant grin. “That’s why you wanted Dragonstone, for the caves!” That’s one reason, but I could have gotten it cheap from anyone who holds the island. It also technically still falls outside my deal with Oberyn, since it’s not the mainland.



    Notes: Well I said I was taking a break, but I can’t really do anything loud while my grandma sleeps. After an hour of silence, I needed something to keep my mind busy. So I guess just expect regular updates for a few weeks, but only when it’s quiet I’ll be able to write.​
     
  17. Flightless Man

    Flightless Man Versed in the lewd.

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    So I woke up to to awesome news. My mom who is a nurse is stepping up and coming for daily check ins. I don't have to pack up and move this month. I'm super happy and will be getting another out tonight.
     
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  18. Maydae010401

    Maydae010401 Getting sticky.

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    Glad things are seeming better for you, not a lot of people would have stepped up to look after family like that it's great that you're at least getting help.
     
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  19. Black Fyre

    Black Fyre Versed in the lewd.

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    Um since this is book cannon did you forget Skaggos trades in dragon glass? I mean the Nights watch should have that in its records because they would have been trading for it at least a hundred years ago.

    If Sam found records hundreds of years old he should have found that.
     
  20. Flightless Man

    Flightless Man Versed in the lewd.

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    Thanks, today is suddenly way less stressful.

    Actually yeah, I did. Because of the Half Giant SI on Skagos I have done 0 research and kind of put it out of my mind.
     
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  21. Threadmarks: Chapter 19: Other People Matter Too
    Flightless Man

    Flightless Man Versed in the lewd.

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    Chapter 19: Other People Matter Too
    284 AC: Cersei Lannister

    Enduring these shameful new lessons of learning the Old Tongue, I consider my upcoming betrothal to the Giant’s King. Jaime is coming home soon, Father promised me! The raven from Dorne came with conditions for Jaime’s release, but Father agreed to all of them.

    But why wouldn’t he? Father is free to ravage the Reach, he just has to keep our armies from Dorne and he gets his heir back. As I glance over at the Grumkin hunched over his notes, I realize that I might have been given exactly what I want.

    I just have to be discreet, but I was given permission to lay with whoever I desire… encouraged even. A smirk of delight slips onto my face when I realize Jaime would be fully expected to step in as a father figure… at least until my betrothed returns, I even let out a giggle.

    “Dearest Sister, are you ill?” Tyrion peers at me with his ugly misshapen eyes and my smile vanishes. “Or are you planning some new torture for me? It has been strangely pleasant to dine with you these last few months.”

    “Father is having you scurry about in the sewers, I have no need to heap more on you at the moment.” Turning my nose up at the little pest, I smirk coldly and cut deep with my last remark. “The rest of the castle will be doing that for me soon enough.”

    Looking sick at the thought, he hangs his head and goes back to his plans. The Maester however isn’t pleased to have been interrupted, even to scold the cretin who stole his far-eyes.

    “Lady Cersei, how do you say ‘I’m sorry’ in the Old Tongue?”

    I’m saved from admitting I don’t know, when the door is slammed open by my fuming father. “The rebels faced off with Rhaegar and the Reach Forces on the Meadow’s lands.” His hands are shaking in frustration. “The so called Storm King, was slain at the battle of the Bloody Miles.”

    My heart hammer in my chest at how this could affect everything. “The Prince is marching on King’s Landing and has called a Great Council once he brings ‘stability back to the throne’.”

    “Did you tell him about the Wildfire?” Tyrion asks carefully, still wary of Father’s wrath being brought down on him again.

    “In the chaos of the retreat, neither I nor the other Lords seemed to remember.” The calculating coldness in Father’s eyes remind me of who I need to be in this world. Weakness only leads to death. “So we agreed the Council will be held at Harrenhal… once the Prince’s plans go up in flames of course.”

    “Which doesn’t leave me long to claim lands in the Reach, I intend to add Oakheart and Crane lands to our own.” He graces me with a rare smile. “The Rowan and Kidwell lands I find insufficient, so I have sent the Mountain to make our new additions ready for the Lannister flag.”

    I’m worth at least all of that, which means Father has already decided to accept the Duke’s offer. At least Jaime said the beast was now shaven like a proper King, my senses will be spared when next we meet. This is not so horrible, he did say he arms his women as well as his men. I will just need to ensure these Amazons answer to me, it would only be proper for women to comprise my guard.

    “You have received a raven from Winterfell.” He hands me an already open letter. “Your betrothed has promised Darksister’s delivery by winter’s end. He also asks for you to create the sigil and words of House Bigfoot.”

    Father’s gaze pierces my skull and I am made fully aware of this great honor… and responsibility. “You will ensure it appropriately reflects your heritage as a Lannister.” He turns to a Tyrion and quirks his lips into a confused grimace. “You had better not squander your time here, prove to me that at least some of your blood has worth.”


    ...

    Varys
    I can’t believe how easily everything is falling into place. As I lead the last hundred towards the docks, I can only hope the rest take my warnings seriously and flee the city. Rhaegar will be here in only a few days and we have already filled the ships to the brim. It shames me to admit it, but many will die for my plans to bear fruit.

    Davos has proven himself incredibly useful and I only wish I had wrapped him in my web years ago. Thirty six captains with ships of various sizes have sworn to ferry us North to the Gift, which will at least let me save nearly seven thousand this night.

    This will be the last ship we manage to sneak through the blockade, so it’s best for me to be on it. I hand of a bag of coins to one guard, who slits his partner’s throat and joins our exodus along the docks.

    “Hurry up and remember, if you make to much noise… we will do the same to you.” Can’t have any witnesses, we won’t be outrunning active pursuit.

    “None of my recruits you wont, they’ll face my fist.” Garret Hayford the Night’s Watch recruiter counters with a snarl. One man in every family has had to swear themselves to the watch, which has given them over a thousand recruits once we arrive.

    “My apologies Garret, I of course only misspoke.” I may not have been able to get Jaenaera in place with the Targaeryan royal family, but this new Northern Aegon will have to suffice. The royal children are out of reach for now, but the Giant will name Jaenaera the Baroness of Dragonstone.

    He accepts my apology with a gruff word, before leading us onto the ‘Unsinkable II’. “The name doesn’t fill me with confidence I must admit.”

    “I guess you plan on swimming North,” The captain spits out with breath reeking of cheap ale. “What are you, a Merman?” Chuckling himself and not waiting for my answer, he guides the last of this trips refugees under the deck with the others.


    ...

    Eddard Stark
    Victory celebrations had broken out when word of Lyanna was brought to our camp, only to be ended early when the Reach forces had been seen marching with Prince Rhaegar. I wish Benjen had never sent that damn raven, Robert lost his rage and it seemed that Rhaegar was the one who found it.

    Our battle was turned into a retreat once Robert fell, with several miles blood left fouling the river in the Meadow’s lands. Only the knowledge that Lyanna is safe in Winterfell keeps me going forward. I just want to go home, this war has taken nearly everything I care about.

    The Duke will be bring his people South soon and I need to be ready to greet him. I snort when I realize we have a wedding to plan once, if word of Benjen finding love is true.

    “You’re going to need to hide that grief for the Great Council, we can’t have the Warden of the North showing such weakness.” Jon Arryn chides me with a stern grimace, but the kind eyes I have always known him for.

    “Robert got almost everything he wanted… more than most men get in life at least. Lyanna was brought home safe, his brother told a joke however terrible, he died in glorious battle… and he even got out of being King.” I wipe my eyes and focus on the coming battle of words.

    I never was good at those, they twist words so much down here it all sounds like hogwash to me. “I’ll just do what Robert always advised. Speak as little as possible and keep the Northern scowl on my face.” We share a laugh, but it rings hollow to both our ears.

    “What will you do if the Prince insists on Lyanna’s return?” My good father asks from Lord Arryn’s other side.

    “Do what I should have done years ago,” I admit with shame turning my cheeks pink. “I’ll ask her what she wants first. This all would have been avoided if I listened to her back when I first introduced Robert to Lyanna.”

    As I realize not all have been informed, I speak the grim words. “Which of us will tell Lord Stannis?”

    “I will tell my good son,” Hoster sighs heavily and squints when the afternoon light nearly blinds him. “I should have met him before the wedding, but after he kept Lysa during the siege… Stannis is deserving of a proper thanks.”

    “What are we to do about the Giant?” My foster father’s face is tight with annoyance. “Word has already come in of King’s Landing Refugee’s sailing past the Vale.”

    “As long as they remain in the Gift’s old and new, it is none of my concern.” The Watch really doesn’t appreciate interference. “As long as he brings his people to sea, I am fine repaying him with the use of the Manderly fleet. I’ve already had them begin construction of barges to be ready for spring.”

    “If Tywin hadn’t joined with us, we would have been crushed by Rhaegar’s attack.” Growls Hoster, annoyed having to give thanks to the man who offered his dwarf son for Lysa only a few years ago. “Dok Tur has earned his shot at the Stepstones as far as I’m concerned, but he’s doing it on his own.”

    “Since he had given Robert the task of giving him a Southern name, I believe that task falls to us.” Smirking at me, Jon starts to share his ideas.

    Each one is perfectly crafted to get revenge for having Walder Frey as family now, but I have to stamp down the most obvious. “He’s no fool, so if you insist on using this as your revenge… it must be something he only realizes days after he has begun using it himself.”


     
  22. Oddboy

    Oddboy The Trash Cat

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    Huh. Robert died and Rhaegar lived? Didn't see that coming.

    The canon train was already switching tracks, but now it's off the rails entirely.
     
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  23. Flightless Man

    Flightless Man Versed in the lewd.

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    Varys' portion was supposed to foreshadow Rhaegar won't last much longer.

    I never want to compete with canon, I don't think I'm capable of sticking to it really to be honest
     
  24. CmirDarthanna

    CmirDarthanna Connoisseur.

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    Enemy interference if I've ever seen one. Everyone forgot to mention the magic napalm under the city? How convenient.
     
  25. Flightless Man

    Flightless Man Versed in the lewd.

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    Most definitly.
    Dorne wants Rhaegar punished, the captured rebels didn't have time to be interrogated properly and they know what happens if they stay quiet for a week or so. the rebels managing to shoot down the raven from Dragonstone to Rhaegar, has left him unaware. The siege and Lannisters in the Reach left Rhaegar/Reach forces uniformed and this will leave the Kingdoms with no single person to rally behind.
     
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  26. ATP

    ATP Experienced.

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    Dorne let million people burn to get Rhaegar? coldblooded,and waste of resources.How they suppose to rule without KL ? They could always use poison.
    Wait.Maybe they do not want Westeros united anymore ?
     
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  27. Flightless Man

    Flightless Man Versed in the lewd.

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    Now you get it.
     
  28. ATP

    ATP Experienced.

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    It would work.Tywin would be happy to be King,Stannis take it as duty,Ned the same....Only proplem become Ironborn,they would raid anybody and his dog.

    And Giant could get Stepstones,and probably Dragonstone,too.
     
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  29. Flightless Man

    Flightless Man Versed in the lewd.

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    It's what I thought. And this means anyone can go after the Ironborn if they do.
     
  30. Black Fyre

    Black Fyre Versed in the lewd.

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    Let's see.

    Balon: The 7 are no more. Let us raid and pillage.

    Is smacked by Quellon's Pimp Hand (tm)

    Quellon: Do you not see kings landing burning? Do you think its an accident than Tywin Lnnister is now fucking richer than before.

    Do you think he will tolerate us messing up his peace or share?

    Victarion: we can retake our kingdom on the mainland. Bear island and Harrenhall will..

    Quellon smacks Victorian before he can finish his sentence.

    Quellon: DID YOU NOT HEAR ABOUT WHAT 1 GIANT DID TO 3 FUCKING SHIPS BY HIMSELF? The north is giving them the Step Stones. He is fucking king of hundreds of giants and tied by marriage to 3 fucking kingdoms including the Riverlands.

    Euron: With surprise we could..

    Takes a good look at his father's mood and stops talking.

    Quellon: Please tell me how you intend to surprise the giant who prophesied where and when Lyana fucking Stark was and dug up the last gods damed Blackyre? Fucker even found the damned sword.

    Piss him off and he's like to show up here at Pyke just to step on yee's puffed up heads. Not that much would be lost.

    Enters Roderick the Reader. He is Lord of Harlaw and his sister is married to Balon.

    Roderick: Goodkin I bid thee good day. I hope I am not interrupting your teaching moment.

    Quellon: No, though I doubt it will do much good without a proper club.

    Roderick: Be that as it may I have received a missive from the Duke. It also bears the signatures of the rebel leaders. There is also a letter marked for your eyes only.

    Quellon takes a good look at it and a smile creeps across his face.

    Quellon: It seems the Drowned God smiles on us. We are invited to teach these free folks how to"honestly reave" by land and sea. It also says we get reduced port fees for trading any goods that aren't people. Its good for twenty years anywhere on Westeros.

    Hell it says the Duke thinks the Bravosi will get in on it.

    Balon: Never. We are Iron born never will we take scraps from hairy....

    Gets knocked the fuck out with one punch from Quellon's massive fist.

    Later on after reading the secret missive Euron is allowed to raid the Reach. Unfortunately the shield islands earn their moniker and Euron and his crew meet the Drowned God.

    Later Euron and his closest crew stand before the halls of the Drowned God.

    Drowned God: Hell no! Get your ass down to hell with Gregor and Aerys!
     
    Last edited: Sep 22, 2021
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