Chapter 1: Chapter 1
Notes:
I will be adding my own personal sketches (some will be good... some won't be...) in because I can... plus experimenting with something.
Chapter Text
The Head Maester stared down at Jorah and the progression of the greyscale across his arm and torso as it started to crawl it's way up his neck and across his belly.
"There is nothing that we can do Ser, the Grayscale has progressed too much even for our medicines and elixirs. We will have to ask you to leave before the madness sets in and you become one of the stone people."
"So, this is the end is it?" Jorah said looking at the note on the table that he had written to his Queen. He would have to figure out how to send it to her… maybe cross into the city and send with a raven before he took himself on one last ride before turning the sword on himself. He thought that he might have had a chance to save his own life, but it seems that he was at the end. Thinking of Daenerys, he wistfully and sadly looked at the writing on the page before turning his attention back to the Head Maester.
"We will allow you to collect your things, but you need to leave now. I am sorry Ser Jorah." At the curt and impartial tone, Jorah hung his head and turned to gather his things as the Maester stood watching. Once he was packed he turned back to the old man and followed him out of the stone room not sparring a glance to where he was sequestered. The cold of the dungeon didn't affect him as the infection progressed besides the pain there was almost no temperature feeling even as they climbed stairs and finally the steps where Jorah was left at the great doors of the Citadel. When the doors closed to him, he raised the hood of his travel cloak and began his trek.
As Jorah crossed small towns to a major city, he stalked his way through the streets to keep his hand and arm unexposed as he looked for a horse master. He came across someone looking to sell a horse. With what little he had left he bought the horse and climbed on forgetting or intentionally not looking to send his letter out, better that his Queen never find out anything more and he would take to his grave the love that he has for her and his shame that he had disobeyed one last time the orders he was given.
On his travels out he had not realized that he was being followed at a distance by something that many in the city had been avoiding, blue-fire eyes tracked the dying Bear Island Knight as he cantered the horse along the road. Making the clicking sound the figure began following on horseback, but the shadows and the light played with the eyes of civilians who swore that there had been blue flames coming off the socks of the horse as it trotted by. Turning and rushing away the people prayed to keep the evil away as it moved like an omen of death. Indeed Death was coming but it wouldn't be from who they thought it would be from.
-Days Later-
Each day that Jorah got closer to Old Valyria the more that pain wracked his body, his arm and chest burned as he took each breath. He refused to bow and kill himself with the sword just yet, but he wasn't sure how much more he could take of this. The skin was hardening, stretching, breaking, bleeding, healing and repeating its cycle repeatedly with each movement. On the fourth day, he made it to the outskirts of the ruined town where the old stone structures met with nature having taken over years and years ago. Taking himself to an old ruined home with a worse-for-wear thatch roof he dropped off his horse and groaned in pain as it radiated through his body. Groaning he gingerly reached up and tied his horse off to a low tree limb and gathered his things for the evening, swinging his bundle over his non-insured shoulder he went into the home and set about making a fire and setting up bedding for the night. In the morning he thought to himself, he would explore the city in whatever days he had left and once he was satisfied he would end his life, he lived a long and storied life, not all of it was good but the last several years with Daenerys were the best after his sorry previous life of selling Slaves and losing his wife to another man.
As he sat in front of the fire what heat he could feel caressed his flesh, closing his eyes he thought of his Queen's hand on his face, one of the rare times that she touched him and this night he remembered the past and allowed the heat of the fire to be her hand and he sorely wished that he hadn't been a coward or spy and that he had told her from the get-go that he loved her.
No. Better that he doesn't go there, even if he told her before she sent him on the quest to find a cure that he loved her. Sighing he opened his eyes and in the shadows of the ruined home he took refuge in for the evening he saw blue flames hovering in the air before a face faded out of the darkness into the light.
"Jorah Mormont… of Bear Island, you have taken the coward's way out." Jorah was on his feet so quickly and his sword was drawn with a shink from its sheath and pointed at the face of the man whose eyes burned with the blue fire.
"And I have heard of the stories, you are the Night King" Laughed rose from the man who stepped further into the light which illuminated black armour with lined fur under the shoulder pauldrons. A skull fashioned on the right, the left shoulder pauldron with spikes running in rows diagonally and at the bottom edge. The Chest Cuirass was made of linked pieces of solid plate covering over the chainmail hauberk underneath, but the eyes of the skull on the chest glowed blue with power a cloak attached to points but out of the way. As Jorah took in more of the armour, it looked heavy but the figure moved with ease as if it weighed nothing. Fur lined the leg armour that was belted to the waist guard, which was also a skull that glowed blue at the centre buckle. The gauntlets and armoured greaves had skulls lined with fur at the edges as a hand hovered over the fire as if it wasn't there or affecting the leather palm.
Jorah took a step back but stood ready to fight before his mouth hung open at the figure's following question.
"What are you willing to give to go back to the Queen of Dragons, the one that is to sit on the Iron Throne?"
Jorah's adam's apple bobbed as the sword tip lowered slowly.
"Anything…" he half whispered in what now seemed to the silent room, even with the fire going in the middle of the room that he had claimed for the night. The figure looked up and looked into Jorah's soul or so it seemed, sadness radiated off the man in the armour as he sighed softly but heavily.
"To be back with the woman you love… It is a difficult thing… are you going to repeat any more mistakes Ser Jorah?"
"No," Jorah said with strength and finality, the tip of his sword down now resting on the stone floor, the blue-flamed eyes never wavered off of Jorah even as the hand above the fire played with the rising heat against the leather palm which started steam or looked like it steamed before watched the hand raise up more with a motion as if to grab for Jorah. Wanting to move Jorah found that he could not and that he was pinned to the ground, looking to the ground Jorah saw that skeletal hands had come from the ground and were holding him in place, trying to step away or kick his way out of the grasp.
"I am not sorry for what it to come… however, it is the only way." Looking up somehow silently the figure had moved and grabbed him by his throat as warmth held him at his throat before a blue frozen hue, followed by a blood-like hue and finally a sickly green hue cycled its way, almost as if it was a trick of the light. Jorah tried to fight but his sword hand stayed and as Jorah's vision started to falter he heard another voice but couldn't make out the words, feminine in nature speak.
The last words that he heard before blacked out were, "Yes… My Queen"
Voices sounded through his head or at least that was what he thought, flashes of colour, images of a world that held more dragons sored the skys and around a tower that he had never seen before. Flashes of war, the dead, creatures of green, giants and more flew through his mind's eyes. A warrior… no a king in steel armour similar to the armour of the man he had just choked him… but different. A great dragon rising from ice yet completely different to the Dragons he had watched grow in his time. What is going on? What is happening?
Turning he heard sword clashes, and magic being used. People turning into creatures and more fighting. A man was stabbed through his chest plate as a woman screamed so loudly that Jorah thought that it would raise the dead. Blood followed what was a silent dead heart to a thump… followed by another thump… then more and louder and louder. It was a heartbeat!
"Ser Jorah the Andel… Ser Jorah Mormont of Bear Island… You need to come back from your mind… and you need to come back to the world of the living… your queen needs you"
The voice was disembodied and hollow sounding but suddenly Jorah's eyes slammed open but a hand and less embodied voice kept him in place.
"Steady… let me continue my work… I'm surprised I managed to stop this at the stage that it is at…" Blinking and looking around Jorah saw the man who was previously in armour now sitting at his side at his chest level.
Jorah turned his head to the other side to realized he wasn't lying on the ground, he was laying on a table with what looked to be his torso flayed but no longer housing the Grayscale Infection, hissing in pain Jorah turned back to the man who was removing a section of Grayscale with a knife and his fingers.
"What are you doing?" He managed to hiss out, he was struggling to pull his arm away but found that he couldn't move from the vice-like grip that took hold of him. Fear of passing on the infection even to this man made him struggle but to no avail.
"Stop moving… I'm cutting away what your body was trying to turn into, but you don't have to worry, you aren't able to pass this on anymore, so removing this will help you heal as well providing you with mobility again."
"But the infection?" Jorah hissed out as more flesh was cut away. The man looked at him and leaned into his face so he could see him better.
"It is not a worry anymore, once I have cut this away. You will be cured, but I have also cured other… problems…" The man said cryptically, unable to keep awake to the pain any more Jorah fell asleep as a dark shadow moved out into the light of the fire as the man worked.
"Are you sure Lord Destler… are you sure that the Dragon Mother will not reject him?"
"My Queen… if she is anything like Jaina… she'll take him back, but we need him and the Daenerys Targaryen to fight what is to come. The Night King is no Arthas… but he is just as dangerous… I will not Westeros fall as Azaroth did centuries ago… I will not let it happen."
The man looked at the woman who bent over Jorah her curved horns from her head almost as long as they were thick almost touching Jorah as she observed him. A red hue was dully coming around Jorah's body.
"I see you gave him the Blood trait… why not the others?"
"Because this will allow him the closest to living, and because neither of the other two traits I believe he would feel comfortable with. He would rather be in the thick of it than using anything else. Once he comes into his second nature… he will not leave the Queen of Dragons here… He is bound now not to me… as one would expect after doing what I did, he is bound to her in all ways." Finishing the cutting of the stone flesh off the man, the figure known as Lord Destler bandaged up the wounds and went to a corner where a brace of dead fat rabbits were being bled over a bucket. Taking a cup and filling it Lord Destler walked back with the bloody cup gently raised the man's head and helped him to drink it, the injuries on his chest, arm and hand that were not covered began to close and knit themselves back leaving just the scar of what had infected him.
"I leave you Lord Destler… may we meet in the future…"
"Yes… Queen Alexstrazsia" The man bowed his head as the tall horned woman left and disappeared into the ether, the man sat in his seat as he watched movement under the wraps, even years and years later he couldn't keep his eyes on the worm-like movements under the bandages and set about cleaning up the mess he had made before sitting back down in his chair waiting for the man to awaken.
"At least you'll get to see the one you love again… I never will. Don't waste this chance Ser Jorah…" Looking to the fire Lord Destler ran a hand through his greying-black hair and over his beard. It was going to be a long night and going to be an even longer journey once they set out.
Closing his eyes all he heard were screams followed by "ERIK! DON'T LEAVE ME! YOU PROMISED ME!"
Chapter 2: Chapter 2
Notes:
Thank you to those have commented and have followed my story. I just want you all to know it means the world, but I also much make a confession. Like I have stated on Fanfiction.Net.... I am notorious for not updating for a multitude of reasons ranging from depression, me working, lack of desire to write and so on. However, when I write (granted it isn't like it was about a decade ago for me where writing was my vise and I could get away into my worlds that I create with characters that I borrow.) I am trying to get back into a mindset so that i can write my novel that I have been sitting on for the last.... 6 years. And then to finish it and publish it. Thanks for helping with my journey in coming back as a writer... cheers!
Chapter Text
Chapter 2
A steady thump-thump, thump-thump followed the cold of the morning chill awoke Jorah as he blearily opened his eyes, expecting pain that he was aware he was coming to grow accustomed to the last several weeks. Feeling a dull ache and mild throbbing in his shoulder and torso, he turned to the side and saw a man slumped over in a chair. Dark and greying hair swept forward barely over the man's closed eyes, catching what seemed to be a beard. Jorah closed his eyes and turned to face the ceiling that hadn't collapsed in on the stone house. Opening his eyes again, with a grunt, he moved to sit up and once sat on the table that he had been lying on with bandages wrapped around his torso and arm. Bringing his hand up to examine it, Jorah saw his hand free of the greyscale; however, he was left with the scars that were fully healed. Looking down at his chest, Jorah started unwrapping it, seeing a fully healed chest with all the scarring from the greyscale, which the sleeping man had removed.
Images sparked through his mind that made no sense. Running a hand across his chest, Jorah heard the chair creak as the man's head stretched and cracked before it rose. Eyes that Jorah had sworn the night before burned a blue fire were just brown. Confusion ran through Jorah as he turned so his legs were hanging off the table's edge.
“Take it easy there, Jorah Mormont. You have had a… trying night.” The man rolled his head in a circle before standing up and walking to the fire that had died at night. Bending down, the man stoked what embers were left and tossed a few cut logs onto what would become a fire again. Jorah moved so that he could lower his feet to the ground, and once he was standing, he saw his vision waver before it cleared, and he could move under his power.
“What did you do to me?” Jorah asked, finally finding his voice. He watched the man stand and turn to face Jorah. There was a look on his face that was a cross of apology and non-apology; he cocked his head to the side and looked to the pile of armour he had taken off the night before to do the work that he had done on Jorah.
“I gave you a chance, but much like what had happened to me… I took your choice in a matter of speaking.” Jorah looked at his hand and dropped both hands to his sides. He looked at the fire that was now roaring, pushing heat around and warming Jorah, who now realised that he could feel the heat even across his damaged skin.
“What do you mean, and who are you?” The man smiled sadly and walked towards Jorah. With the fire to the back of the man, blue fire flared through the man's eyes before brown was returned.
“I will explain it briefly, but as you have asked, my name is Lord Erik Destler. I am very far from home; however, I have come to these shores to help the one who is the ‘Mother of Dragons' and the Bear that watches and protects her. “
“Are you speaking of a prophecy?” Jorah wasn't sure how to follow this conversation. He was lost, confused, alive, and healed. As he stood there, the man Erik walked over to his armour and a bag. Bending down, he rifled through it and pulled out a wrapped piece of meat before walking over to Jorah and handing it to him.
“Here… you are going to need this…” Jorah looked down and took the wrapped meat, and when he unwrapped it from the waxed cloth, it was still raw. Snapping his head up to Erik, the other man pointed to the meat and waved his hand to the fire. “It is your choice how you want to have it, but you will at some point crave raw meat… and you don't have to worry about food poisoning.” Jorah's eyebrows rose to his hairline before they furled, and he walked to Erik.
“Explain, NOW", Jorah, 's voice barked; he was losing his cool as Erik watched Jorah's eyes flare red before a brighter blue before they settled in their regular blue colouring. Erik’s eyebrow rose before it lowered; he walked back up to Jorah and stood inches away.
“You died… and I turned you into something much more…”
Jorah laughed. There was no way he was dead; he was awake, and his heart was beating. He looked at Erik, stepped to the side of Jorah, and let his eyes flare blue fire while Jorah's flashed before flaring red.
“I am what you are… a raised knight. Brought back to life to protect what is most precious… in your case, it is not the one that brought you back, but your queen. The Dragon Mother.” Jorah started to reach his hand forward to Erik only to see the skin of his arm ripple as a purple hue began to form around his hand and slowly reached for Erik in a skeletal fashion. Pulling his hand back, Jorah looked scared before turning to Erik again.
“What is happening to me?” The purple hue disappeared as he turned over his hand several times before lowering it. Fear flashed through Jorah's eyes; Erik looked sadly at Jorah as he walked up and stood at his side. “You are the first I have created in centuries… before what you know the world of Westeros to be. The world as I knew it was called Azeroth, and there were many more creatures and things before most of them disappeared to another realm. You are what the world used to fear… we were called Death Knights… raised by a man who gave his soul to a sword. When I was raised, I kept my soul, but I became much, much more… eventually, I became the one to take down Arthas, and I took his place… but I refused to be the thing that he was.
Eventually, I was given more power when the Aspect of Life, the Dragon Queen Alexstrazsia, chose her successor in me; I’m an undead knight… made a living by her breath. As time went on, I found that there were some…. Added benefits, but you will find that out in your own time. Right now, I think you should dress, and we should look for your Queen; I'm sure she would like to have her… Bear… Dr….Knight back.” Erik moved away to his armour as he began with waist armour. Then, Jorah realised Erik was wearing black breeches and a grey shirt tied up just under his collarbone.
Watching him take his thigh armour and belting it to the waist and then around his thighs, he stood up from his bent over position, shaking his legs out before bending down, picking up the blackened Chainmail Hauberk and throwing it on before straightening it out with what looked like an entire body shake to settle it. Picking up his Cuirass and pulling it over his head, he belted his sides as if he had been doing this forever. The metal was well taken care of, and having watched Erik the entire time, it was amazing to Jorah that help wasn't needed, especially for the type of armour he wore. Jorah remembered the last time he wore plate armour and had trouble putting it on.
Watching him belt the straps of his upper arm armour, Jorah shook himself and went to where his bedding was and opened his bag, pulling out another shirt; the gold shirt that he had been wearing for years was not something he wanted to wear again on the off chance that there might be the infection on it. Pulling the cleaner navy-coloured shirt on and tying up the ties, Jorah looked for his cloak but realised it was his blanket on the table where he had left it. By the time he was finished, he had turned to see Erik standing with a helmet under his arm with tusks on either side of the cheek panels that had come down to where a mouth guard had gone around and had been melded together so that only his eyes would be shown if you could see them.
“Are you ready to go?” Erik asked as Jorah gathered his pack together. Whatever Erik had for travel gear was hidden by his cloak. Slinging his bag over his shoulder, he nodded and tied his sword to his waist.
“As your Queen's Knight, where would she be heading to?” Jorah lowered his head and looked off as if to think. “She has the might of the Kahalasar, the Unsullied and the Second Sons… I don't know if she has returned to Meereen yet, but… there is a chance…”
“Well then, to Meereen, it is; however, we need to get you in clean clothes and new armour. I will take you to one of the last remaining blacksmiths from my time to build you what you need.” Leading Jorah out, Erik walked to a Black Stallion and rubbed his nose before strapping his small bag to the saddle and climbing up. Jorah walked to his horse and strapped his things to his horse's bridle, and he, too, climbed up onto his saddle and followed Erik as they rode into the mists of the forests.
In the following days, Erik led Jorah through lands that he didn't think would have existed. They came closer to a cave in the heart of a mountain that rose high above what had caused the Doom of Valyria. Riding into the cave, Jorah felt his vision darken, and his horse started to spook before flares of blue fire ignited at the socks of Erik's horse and followed the eyes. In the low light of the blue fire, Jorah watched as Erik held the reins in one hand while lifting the other and closing it as a fire ignited around Erik's fist, making it a torch of sorts. Looking on in awe, Jorah watched as the fire didn't move to engulf the summoner nor smell any burning flesh, leather, or metal. As if it was magic or a part of who Erik was. As they slowly made their way into the mountain, a light started to illuminate what seemed to be a carved-out home of sorts; the sounds of banging metal on metal started to softly echo before it got louder and louder as they got closer as they entered a massive open cave space lit up by the fire of an open forge, and an anvil off to the side with someone working at them.
Erik pulled his horse to a stop in front of a stone home as the fire around his one hand smoked out of existence, as a short-of-stature figure was working a hammer on a piece of metal held in tongs with such skill as a blacksmith. Erik and Jorah climbed off their horse and tied them off, with Erik leading the way to the blacksmith.
“Hello… Magni… I see that you have taken back the smithing of your family.” The dwarf stopped hammering, wiping the sweat off his brow, and looked to Erik. He put his hammer down, fully turned, and took a knee, which surprised Jorah.
“My Lord Destler, you honour me with this visit.”
“Raise, my friend, you never need to bow to me. I'm just glad to see that you are working again.” The dwarf Magni stood and walked over to Erik, holding a hand, which the latter took and shook before attention was turned to Jorah.
“And who is this?”
“Another one I didn't think I would have to make ever again…” Magni's eyebrow dove into his hairline as he walked over to Jorah, with his height only coming to Jorah's waist. Magni circled the man with Jorah, catching the dwarf's eyes flaring blue, then silver before looking back to Erik.
“He's of your line… but not… what is the meaning of this?” Erik chuckled softly.
“He is bound to the Dragon Mother, Daenerys Targaryen. I may have brought him back… but he has long made his choice.”
“That has never happened before,” The Dwarf turned back to Jorah before he took his hand, and Jorah was thrown into his mind's eyes; there was something that was being searched for, and the images went at such blinding speed that when it stopped, Jorah found that he has been dropped to a knee. He felt the ache in his knee that had slammed to the ground before the dwarf took off to the anvil, and looking in a basket at the side, he looked through what he saw ingots of dark metals.
“Lord Destler… a full suit and a sword?” Jorah's head snapped to Erik, who had come up to him holding a hand leather palm out to the man.
“Yes, Magni, no helmet… he won't require one. He's not me and not from our world… make sure he has a decent collar.” Jorah took Erik's hand and was allowed to be pulled to a stand.
“What exactly did that… dwarf do?” Erik smiled at Jorah, letting the man's hand go once he stood.
“He dove into your mind looking for armour that would befitting Jorah Mormont of Bear Island. Nothing more, but you will find that his work is made of the same material as some of the most coveted swords in Westeros and the Eastern Kingdoms.
“Valyrian Steel was produced by the dwarves here that once inhabited this mountain. They remained hidden, but some of the material made it out into the world, and other blacksmiths learned of the magic used to forge the material. You are getting the very steel as a suit of armour. Mine is made of something this world will never see again… but it will bend to your will once Magni is done with it. For now, let's go and get you clean up and out of those ragged clothes, hmm?” Erik turned on his heel, leaving Jorah to watch as the fires of the forge off from the anvil burned bright and hot; however, in this cave, there was almost no difference in heat, or so Jorah thought as he followed Erik into the cave-built home.
Watching the man put his helm down on a table, he undid the points where his cloak was attached before swinging it around and laying it on the back of a chair. “Follow me, Jorah; I might have some clothes that should fit you here; occasionally, I return here to escape the world. However, I can no longer stay away from the situation that we are in.” Erik began taking off his armour, leaving him in his armoured boots as Jorah looked around the home that he walked into, taking in the tables with scrolls and bookshelf after bookshelf of books. Seeing the paintings of what seemed to be history that he had never heard of, Jorah turned to see the fire burning hotly in a fireplace with a chimney that led to somewhere. Erik waved Jorah over to a chest, and then he realised he was the same height as Erik, who bent down at a chest that he had lifted open and shuffled through several things before pulling a few clothing items.
Closing the lid to the chest, Erik stood, walked over to Jorah, and held out the bundle of clothes. “Here, take these, in the room beyond that one,” Erik pointed out down a hall off the room they were in, “There is a hot spring bath and clothes there to wash and dry off; take your time there, and when you are ready… come and find me. I won't be that hard to miss." Jorah took the bundle as Erik clapped him on the shoulder once, walked away, and out the door to where the dwarf was working. Jorah turned to where Erik had pointed to the hall, and he started walking to and down it; the further he got, he passed open stone rooms that had vast random items, beds, armoury, and a collection of things that made him wonder exactly how all this had been hidden of hundreds or thousands of year judging by the pile-up of some of the rooms.
Making it to the bath, Jorah was shocked at the size of the place; it was more significant than some of the baths of the Eastern and Western lands. Kings Landing didn't even have anything as substantial as this. Several stone benches had been carved out of the cave itself, and as Jorah put his bundle down on one of the closest to the water, he knelt to see the bench's craftsmanship. Seeing carvings of dragons and mythical creatures that only had been tales of legends, Jorah stood up and then sat down on the space beside his bundle. He had untied the belt of his sword, laid it against the side of the bench, and proceeded to strip down.
On the other end of the bench, a few feet down, was a basket with cloths; once he was unclothed and he had a cloth in hand, he went to the end of the pool that was the bath and climbed in, letting out a groan of contention as the heated water hit all the stiff and sore muscles that he didn't realise had been aching him. He sat on a carved seat in the water just above his shoulders and closed his eyes; he was glad that he didn't have any images come through his mind other than the one that snuck in like a thief in the night. The one he had confessed his love to, the one he did everything to be next to and near even if she didn't love him in return: his Queen, Daenerys Stormborn… the Mother of Dragons.
His mind raced with thoughts that once they were done here, however long that would be, he would be leaving with or without Erik, but it seemed like the man wanted to help him in his way… Magic included… to be by her side once again. The Greyscale was cured, and he wouldn't have to tell her how it happened or that he had been killed and brought back to life… no he would leave that to the wayside and never tell her. Jorah was still in denial that Erik said he had killed him, and then suddenly, he was back. What magic brought him back?
It could have been Blood Magic… but there was always a cost to Blood Magic so that it couldn't be that, and with the fire that the man has summoned around his hand, could he have been a follower of the Fire God of the Eastern Country?
No. It made no sense, as Erik or Lord Destler said he was far older than even the country, and he mentioned something… Az… Azeroth? Jorah had never heard of that name before, but he also hadn't sailed the entire world yet. Maybe there was something else in the world that hadn't been explored, and that was where Erik was from.
Shaking his head to rid himself of the multiple questions that kept piling up one on top of the other, he took the cloth in hand and began to clean himself in the hot spring, getting all the dirt off his body that had accumulated over the last several weeks. Watching his blond hair, he used the water to slick it back before looking at his torso and arm, which had once been infected with the Greyscale.
The scarring was thick and mangled, but it didn't seem to affect his ability to move. It was clearly a reminder that he was still human, at the very least, and when he put his hand to his chest, he felt a strong heartbeat against his ribcage.
“So how could he be dead but living?” The question echoed through his mind; he shook his head again and continued with a soldier's efficiency at cleaning before he climbed out and went to get another cloth to dry off before he put on fresh, clean clothing and his boots before putting the two clothes into what seemed to be a ‘used' bin while holding in hand his dirty and dusted clothing. What Erik had given him had fit exceptionally well, and it was an excellent guess that he and Erik shared height and size. Walking to where he had put his things down on the opposite side of the table to where Erik had put his things, including his armour, Jorah walked out to where the Blacksmith was working only to be met with a gaze that shocked him to his core.
Grey-white smoke poured from the maw of a snout filled with teeth; black and red scales greeted Jorah's eyes, but it was the size of what he saw… followed by burning blue eyes that swivelled to Jorah and focused on him.
Chapter Text
Chapter 3
Grey-white smoke poured from a massively scaled maw as Jorah took in the sight of the dragon, but he hadn't expected that the wings were not the arms that he usually saw of Drogon, Rhaegal, or Viserion. There were actual forelegs with the wings coming off the back and shoulders. This dragon was very different as the head shifted and turned sideways, moving towards Jorah, who stood there with mild fear. The dragon's nose stopped short of Jorah as a jet of hot air hit the man. The dragon then straightened up and shook itself like a dog would. As the head looked down, the dwarf looked up at the dragon, raising something in his tongs. The dragon’s maw lowered, opening up as fire struck out and hit the metal being worked on.
The Dwarf brought down the tongs and the metal and went back down, working the material. Jorah watched this for hours, wondering where Erik was. A dragon of this size should have been loud and shaken the area when it came in, but the fact that the bath was further into the home and mountain made it possible that the sound didn't carry.
His attention was brought back as a low rumble had come from the massive beast, and the dwarf spoke to the dragon over the banging of the hammer, but Jorah couldn't make out what was being communicated. The fire illuminated the dragon, and Jorah saw that the black and red colouring of the dragon seemed to wave in colour, and it wasn't just scales being mixed colours of black and red. From one angle, the dragon was a solid black; however, from a slight change of angle, it was blood red. Jorah was mesmerised by what he was looking at before the metal of a hammer returned to banging the metal that the dwarf had in tongs.
It continued like this for hours, where the dragon would hit the metal at such an angle to not hit the dwarf while continuing to make the pieces required to form the many layers pieces to what seemed to be a cuirass, followed by what seemed the vambraces, made next were the faulds and tasset pieces. As the pieces were made, Jorah realised that the armour being created for him looked like his armour from Meereen but with some differences here and there.
The blacksmith was never idle or sitting and waiting for a piece to be heated unless it needed a quick blast, and soon, the work was done hours and hours later. Jorah hadn't realised how much time had passed until the Dwarf put his hammer down and put the pieces he had worked on in a spot to heat so they could be quenched in a pool of water or oil situated just off the anvil.
A massive amount of smoke enveloped the Dragon, and from the smoke emerged Erik, striding from it as if it were nothing. Erik looked to Jorah, who took several steps back away from the man… dragon… whatever he was.
“What are you?”
“Magic not from this world or this time. I am… a product of a world that was destroyed. I watched the world burn; I watched as the ones that I love grew old, died, and turned into monsters. I died in ways that make what you went through a drunken night.
I watched as the people who had been my friends and family came back from the dead and were used in ways that would have broken lesser men. I can and have died over and over. My guts ripped out, my head almost taken off, I have been disembowelled and yet the words that my family have always gone by…
Here… I… Stand.” The shock on Jorah's face was evident as he stumbled back further away and honestly looked at the man before him. The face, the structure and the eye shape were similar. But it was how Erik held himself, the jaw square and firm, shoulders broad and set.
Was Erik someone from his ancestry? He had to be. They had the same fair skin but didn't share hair or eye colour. There were more than enough elements that made the two men similar in fashion.
“As a man… as a Death Knight… as a Dragon… It is why you have an affinity for them and bonded yourself to one without knowing it. The Dragon Queen will need protectors, and she will need someone to stand by her side from here to now and til … you can not anymore.” Erik stepped towards Jorah as the shadows of the lights splashed the shape of the dragon around him.
Jorah looked to the ground, trying to call on his family's strength. He raised his blue eyes up to Erik, and they flared their red hue as Erik cycled the blue, green, and finally the red.
“Here I Stand…” Erik intoned again; Jorah set his shoulders back and jaw set.
“Here I Stand,” Jorah said.
When the two men separated, Jorah was left with his own room, and he had been sitting at the desk in the room with the letter that he had started writing to Daenerys. Running his fingers over the ink and the words her wrote, Jorah took another piece of paper and picked up the quill that had been provided to him, and he started to pen another letter. Two pages later, Jorah put the quill down and sat back in his seat from his hunched-over position. Looking at the words that he had written, Jorah looked at the scars on his left hand and pulled his sleeve up to look at the left of his left arm and the rest of the scarring that he had that he knew was across his torso and neck.
It would be a few more days before his armour was completed, and he and Erik would head out. Thinking about where they would be heading next, Jorah contemplated the actions, the fact that she had the Horde with her, and the ships that would be required to take on anything in Westeros.
Closing his eyes, Jorah thought about the woman he had given everything to without giving anything more than a second thought. He had admitted to her that he loved, and with it, he was ready to die; he still was prepared to die for her and everything that she stood for. Even if she couldn’t give him what he was willing to give her.
Getting up from his chair, he walked out to where Erik was sitting in front of a great fire. It was clear he was sleeping and not in a bed. A goblet was hanging out of his hand as he twitched a little. Jorah walked over and was about to take the goblet, but his hand found the man's shoulder and shook him instead. However, Jorah was pulled into the man's dreams, or rather, his nightmares.
Looking around, Jorah found that the world around him was on fire; off to his side, he caught what armour he had seen Erik wearing. Running over the rubble and all the dead bodies lying around, Jorah saw Erik swing a sword, grabbing it as he ran his blade through a woman's body before dropping her to the ground without thought. In the distance was a church with a force of people. Around Erik were several more people who wore similar armour of different shades of colours; some of them burned, most covered in blood and gore. A voice rang out, giving the commands to attack the church as a voice echoed throughout. It was cold and evil, and Jorah looked up as if a man had appeared with a sword that whispered promises and evil.
The church forces and the forces Erik had been part of ran to engage before a blinding light hit Erik and his fellows. The screams echoed throughout the space were some of the worst that Jorah had ever heard of; the scene shifted as Erik swung his sword again, meeting another. The sword whispered evils; the two engaged men battled it out before the impossibly tall silver, tarnished armoured man picked up Erik by his throat and threw him some distance on an ice field. Jorah looked around and shivered as the cold penetrated his bones; Erik ripped off his helmet, which had a slash through his right eye. It was something that Jorah didn't realise was there even healed; Erik stood using his sword as a crutch before he reached out a hand, turned it and closed his hand into a fist. Jorah turned in time to see ice pillars rising from the ground as chains wrapped themselves around the other man. A woman who had been previously entrapped in ice ran to Erik as he fell to a knee; she brought a hand to his face as she looked at him for a moment before he heard the ice cracking, and the woman at Erik's side was rushed. Erik pushed her away before taking the sword through his armoured chest. Grabbing onto the blade, Erik pulled the man closer and smiled. He put a hand out to the side as purple started to enshroud his hand.
“I won't demand; I ask the dead here for one last service… to rise one last time and take on the very evil that enslaved you. I ask you to serve one last time… and then you can rest. What say you? Because… Here I Stand… giving you the power and the strength to end Arthas one last time…” The ground shook, and for those that had fallen, the purple light shot from his hand and hit every dead body. The dead pushed themselves to a stand one after another as he held onto the blade that had impaled him, keeping him tied to the Death Knight that had grown in power and strength to rival the Lich King.
All the bodies that Arthas and his forces had used to raze the heroes and army that had come to fight for the living stood ready to fight once more. It was the end, and they all knew it as power flooded Erik and an aura of cycling blue, green and red as the scene shifted. Erik was lying on the ground with the sword having been ripped out of his body and laid off to the side, shattered in many pieces. The man that he had been fighting had been ripped apart as blood coated the ice.
The woman who had run to Erik previously held him in her lap, crying and screaming. The armour that Erik had been wearing, Jorah realised, was pitted, full of dings, stab marks and holes.
“Erik… no… please… stay with me…”
Erik swallowed the blood that was in his mouth as he looked at the woman lying there. He lifted a hand as his leather palm met her cheek, and she leaned in.
“I’m sorry, Jaina…”
“You can't die…” He smiled sadly, and Jorah watched her cry more and more, he had to look away as Erik's hand fell, and he heard the worst sort of scream that he had ever wished to hear from anyone. “ERIK!!! DON’T LEAVE ME!!! YOU PROMISED ME!!!”
The vision changed as red fire engulfed Jorah's vision, and he screamed as pain ripped through his skin. Looking at his hands, he saw his skin boil and peel, revealing brown-gold scales with blue edging. Yelling, he felt his body change, and wings sprouted from his back. He started to fall forward as his hands hit what seemed to be the ground.
He felt his entire body change as he stood up on all fours as a dragon.
Notes:
For those where in the Warcraft Lore I am going and taking stuff from. Other that my character who is Death Knight, I didn't wanted to go past Cata expansion for Lore. But there will be the spells that are going to be the combination of what I treed in Wrath and Cata. But I basically wanted to make and Anti-Arthas where the soul of Erik would be the strength as opposed to the soul that Artha's lost to the sword and the Helm of Domination and the Spirit of Nur-Zhul and Orc who had created the first Generation of Death Knights that you see in Warcraft Tides of Darkness.
Erik is very clearly the Second Generation and Jorah... well minor spoilers (possibly) is the third generation, but there is something else. As we know at the end of Cata the Aspects give up their power and for the most part there is unspoken thing about who would be the new 'Aspects' We know Thrall took Deathwings spot, and there are others. I just took the liberty of changing some things and make it so that after the original 5 dragons flights and the 6th coming from the Time Flight I wanted to introduce a new flight, one that was born from my brain.
Chapter 4: Chapter 4
Notes:
Sorry... sorry... I was taken away from home for a couple of weeks and I got back a few days ago. I did try to write a little bit every night, but I couldn't focus enough as I was out of town on a job. But alas, I think I did leave a note somewhere that if I don't write then it could be because I was away. I have something here, I don't know if it's the best place to end it cause I wanted to write a really big chapter, but eh...
Anyways.. thank you for reading,
Hedgie
P.S: This is raw so.. if there are MAJOR Glaring errors... I'll get to them eventually
Chapter Text
Erik suddenly jerked up from his sleep as Jorah stepped back to look at his hands. It was nothing but flesh and his clothes as he patted up and down his chest, Erik stood and turned looking to Jorah.
“What is it you need Jorah?” Erik ran a hand through his hair as the two men looked at each other. Jorah shook his head and dropped his hands before sputtering out a response.
“I was just coming to see what you were doing out here, I think I am going to retire and get some sleep. If we cannot find Daenerys in Meereen, we would have to turn to Dragon Stone… it would be the next logical place for her to go if she has the ships and has sailed. Jorah didn't mention to Erik about the Slavers or any of the history that he and Daenerys shared so it would be hard enough to get back to her once it was all said and done.
Heading off to bed Jorah bowed his head to Erik and sat at his chair and picked up the letters he had written and reread them before he folded them up and he readied himself for bed.
The following week, Jorah found himself standing or exploring the mountain that housed the caves he was staying in. The trees where that were there grew tall and wide, a small lake stood nearby that had fresh water that he sat near. Erik had taken some of the time during their week to train Jorah in some of the powers that he had command of, some of which scared Jorah.
A purple glow surrounded Jorah’s hand as it extended out forming another skeletal hand that reached into the water grabbing a fish and bringing it back to the real hand. It was not the most conventional use of the magic which Jorah had learned was designed to incapacitate for a short while. The purple hand brought the fish out of the water, and it dropped at Jorah’s feet. A scant few feet away a fire he had started hours ago still burned. Picking up the fish and smacking it to ensure the fish was dead Jorah pulled a small dagger he had and used it to gut the fish and clean it before he went to look for a solid-looking stick in which to attach the fish and cook it. With the fish set up on the stick and up by the fire, Jorah went to a small practice target that he had set up and Jorah held his hand out in front of him, his body canted slightly off to the side. Closing his eyes he focused on the cold of the Northern Islands, the snow of the Bear Island as he felt the cold begin to bend to his will.
Jorah started to raise his hand up slowly as he heard ice breaking through the ground. The target started to be surrounded by the pillars moments later as Jorah thought of it chains of ice wrapped tight around the target. Opening his eyes Jorah dropped his hand and the ice remained as he stepped up to it and stared at it… looking down Jorah’s pain and rage began to grow within him as he thought about how unnatural he had become.
Bringing a fist up he pulled his hand back in the movement of a punch and as he brought it forward to connect his hand glowed Green as a skull started to form around his fist and as he connected, he blew up the ice and the training target. Stepping back and looking at his fist he shook it before dropping it to his side fist uncurling, sitting down before the fire. Jorah stared into the fire before he looked up hearing the flapping of wings. A dark shadow flew overhead but it wasn't Erik… it was Drogon. The Dragon that had been injured last that he had seen in the Arenas was flying close by, Jorah stood up and wanted to call to the Dragon but ended up just sitting down on the log he had set up by the fire.
As night started to fall, Erik came out of the mountain walked to a log by the fire and sat on it a few feet from Jorah.
“Your armour is complete" Jorah looked up and saw Erik leaning with his elbows resting on his knees staring at the man.
“We should leave for Meereen in the morning…” Jorah said as he gazed into the fire as Erik spoke up.
“Or… we can fly… or rather you can fly on me.” Erik offered his descendant, Jorah took a deep breath and let out a slow long sigh. It was an option, it would shorten their travel time but as Jorah thought about seeing Daenerys again, he started to feel nervous. The last time that they had spoken there seemed to be forgiveness, but he had spied on her and it led to her hating him, but in the pits… he had fought for her and he had been the first to kneel when she burned the Khals when she was taken. He wasn't sure if there would be anything there for him with her if he returned to her.
“If they aren't at Meereen, we don't have to worry about crossing the ocean. I will take you to her.” Jorah quietly nodded, it was going to be a long night for him for them both as they sat in silence as they watched the fire and the embers.
The following morning Jorah took to the chest that was put into his room, kneeling to lift the lid what greeted his eyes was a followed fur cloak, the two buckles had a Bear on the right side and on the left where it would go over his heart was Targaryen Triple headed Dragon. Running a finger over the metal, he lifted it out and started pulling out all the pieces that had been made for him. Changing his clothes he picked up a blue scarf like the one that he had worn in Meereen. Pulling his chest armour on over the light weight Hauberk, he strapped on piece after piece til he felt like he was the Queen's Guard back on Meereen. Swinging the cloak over his shoulders he attached his cloak and looked to the Vambrace that was strikingly the same as the leather one he had that the Dothraki had given him years ago. Tying his sword and daggers to his waist Jorah looked to the folded letters on his desk and he gathered them putting them under the armour plate against his chest before he walked out the room that had been given to him.
He stepped out into the main hall where Erik stood in his armour with his helm in his hands as he looked at it, the firelight dancing off the tarnished almost black-looking metal. Erik looked to Jorah nodding at the fit of the armour before he started for the entrance. The dwarf that had made him his armour met the two and the three said their goodbyes after a few moments of conversation. Erik walked Jorah out of the caves and to the opening before he looked to Jorah,
“Time to go to Meereen… and whatever you do Jorah… do not let go of whatever hold you can find. “ Erik placed his helm on and started to walk with purpose towards to the lakeside opening as smoke exploded from his body before the form of a great Dragon landed on all fours.
A mighty bellow echoed through the trees and the mountains before Erik lowered enough for Jorah to climb up onto his back between two of the spines that lined his back. Holding on as tightly as he could Jorah wondered what would become of the horses but he was pulled out of it as Erik with a few wing beats was up in the air circling the mountain of Valyria before they headed north over the Smoking Sea a couple of hours later before entering into Slaver's Bay. Jorah looked down from their height, it took hours before Jorah was comfortable with being on a Dragon’s back let alone Erik's. To their north, as they used the thermals to glide Jorah saw the Black Cliffs and patted Erik who moved his massive head to see what Jorah was pointing to. The Slaver’s Bay looked empty and it seemed like the Targaryen Flag was flying off the Pyramid in the distance from what Jorah could see.
Daenerys wasn't here, there were no ships and nothing to show that she was still here, her Dragons were nowhere to be seen and Jorah knew if they were unchained they would be in the skies. Pointing down Erik nodded and whuffed before angling down towards where there was no one at the beach. Landed as gently as possible, Erik shook his head before he turned his massive neck to look at Jorah.
“She isn't here, the last time I saw her, there were at least 100 boats in the harbour… there is nothing there. She has left for what I hope is Dragon Stone… the Targaryen Hold.” Erik nodded and turned around closing his eyes before they opened and as if by some sort of magic guiding him took off into the air and banked again. Jorah wrapped his cloak around him as he pulled something to nibble on. It was going to be a long flight, what conversation Erik and Jorah had, if Jorah had seen that his Queen wasn't in Meereen, Erik would have flown them to the next location and with his size and wingspan the flight would be much shorter than if they sailed.
The spines alone on Erik's back kept Jorah safe as he drifted along the thermals, the man he wasn't aware of what he was doing other than that he knew he was still there snug as a bug. Jorah had shown Erik a map of the lands and pointed to where Erik would need to fly to if Meereen was not to be their destination. Flying through a stack of islands and heading north where the temperatures started to drop. Erik flew through the sunset and the night into the early morning. In the distance, Erik heard the screech of a dragon and he realized that he was getting close. He would have to be quick landing and when he saw the fleet of ships he realized that he would have to go around so that he could avoid the dragons that would and could engage him.
Looking back at an island where there was just land and a couple of fishing villages Erik gently banked to that and he let his chest vibrate and he felt Jorah jolt before grabbing him tightly of his spines. Once they landed, Jorah climbed from Erik's back who then shook his body before smoke engulfed him and Erik's armoured form stepped out of the smoke. The wind started to pick up more and while it wasn't a problem up in the air it was down on the ground. Jorah for his time on the back of Erik's back the fur-lined cloak that he had been given kept him warm even as he slept on the dragon's back. The heat that Erik provided made it easy to sleep and because of his massive size, the height that they were in the air was kept away from Jorah so any fear that he might have had was covered by the sheer size that was the dragon.
The two men walked to one of the villages and Jorah had to do the deal as to not scare off the people. His armour made him look much more respectable compared to Erik's armour which housed several skulls, Jorah led Erik to the docks and the two climbed into one of the boats they took off in what would be a couple of hours before they arrived at Dragonstone.
As the two got closer and closer to a private beach, the two paddled their way through several large ships before they ground the small vessel on the beach. Several men in furs and leathers stood by waiting for the two after being made aware of visitors.
One of the tall men in leathers stepped up as Jorah walked to the men and the two men exchanged words in a language that Erik didn't know was being spoken. The rest of the men looked between Erik and Jorah before they turned, and they led the two up to the castle and through the main gates to the open lands where several figures stood by either discussing something of import.
“Jin mahrazh asta meme okeo shafki, zhey khalessi"
Daenerys turned around to see a group of Dothraki leading someone, her eyes were drawn to the one person he hadn't expected to see but had prayed every night that the man she wanted would appear, ignoring entirely the man in the darker fur cloak behind her she started to take a step forward then another as Jorah stepped between the group of Dothraki.
The cloak that Jorah held down around his body because of how strong the wind was tried to move from his grasp, the leather collar to his armour was tall covering the scars that showed how far the greyscale had progressed across his body.
Daenerys responded in kind to her Dothraki as Jorah spoke loud enough, but softly. “I return to my Queen’s Service… if she'll have me…” The hesitation in his voice was hidden under the little strength of his voice as he looked to the ground at her feet. Daenerys took further steps until she was right in front of Jorah who looked up from his knelt position seeing the wet shimmering eyes. Jorah wanted to reach up and brush those tears away that threatened to fall and he watched as she choked back a sob before falling to her knees and wrapping her arms around him. In a slight panic, he didn't wrap his arms around her in time and she almost pulled away at his inaction when he gently and firmly wrapped his arms around her holding her tightly whispering in her ears.
“It's okay lass, I am here…”
“Jorah…” Daenerys wrapped her arms around Jorah's neck and drove her face into his neck crying softly. The man that had come with Jorah looked to the younger man behind the Bear Island knight and the woman in his arms watching as a scowl crossed his face and he left the two. There was something between the two and it looked like it made him angry for some reason. The Dothraki stood by letting their Khalessi be comforted by the man before them, the fully armoured man had stood with his head bowed but they were unable to see anything more than his eyes in the light of the day.
Jorah gently pulled his head back from where he had his face beside Daenerys' tucked face, “I have someone that I think you should meet, he saved my life and he is the reason that I am here.”
The wet eyes looked to Jorah's blue eyes before she had turned her gaze to the man in the helm and full armour covered by the fur cloth and leather cloak.
“Dragon Mother…”
Daenerys gently removed herself from Jorah's arms as the two walked over to Erik who stood there watching them approach, there was a look on her face as she looked back to Jorah for a moment before she held out a hand. Erik took her hand and he bowed his head to her.
“Who is the man that has saved my knight?” Erik released her hand and reached up to take his helmet off with both hands bringing it down from his face as Daenerys saw the eyes glow blue with fire before brown took their place.
“Lord Erik Destler, I have returned your knight to you and to stand at your side., no strings attached.”
“Why would you heal Ser Jorah, you do not know him?” Erik smiled softly cocking his head slightly,
“It is because he loves you… and because I think that you might love him in return. The two of you need each other.” The two looked at each other softly before Daenerys turned back to Erik bidding him to kneel.
Erik knelt and put his helmet on the ground with the faceguard facing Daenerys, his cloak spread out around him revealing only certain areas of his armour and the cloak clasp attached to his cuirass.
“I have nothing to offer but my body and my life. I have no lands, no army but I can promise that I can provide you with a single warrior should you need.” Erik knelt as if he had done this more times than he cared to, and it was as if he was meant to serve. With his hands on top of Helm, Erik watched feet walk to him before they dropped to become knees and as Erik looked up, he saw the face of Daenerys before she threw her arms around Erik who caught her and used one arm to wrap around her back while the other was on his horned helmet.
“Thank you… I would have been lost without Ser Jorah. I would have been lost if I never had a chance to tell him… I'm scared to tell him. As a queen, I wouldn't know what to do or how to tell him.”
Erik smiled softly as she whispered brokenly into his neck, he gazed at the man standing behind her looking a little perturbed. Erik angled his mouth so it was next to her ear so only she could hear over the wind.
“Then tell him as a woman, sometimes just because you are a queen doesn't mean you put the woman to the side. She has just as much say. Forget about politics, forget about places... be the woman that yells it to the skies that she loves the man for all faults has returned to you.” Daenerys pulled her head back from Erik's neck, small as she might feel, as scared and childish as it might have been for her actions just now, looking at the man she just hugged, she could tell there was age and wisdom in his voice and something else… wistfulness as well, and maybe some sadness.
Standing up from her position Daenerys took Erik into her service bidding him to report to her next council meeting the following morning. Picking up his helm Erik looked to Jorah as the Dragon Mother bid the other man to follow her it seemed there was something she wanted to share with her Bear, but not in the public eye. Left standing there Erik turned to gaze at the open field when suddenly three Dragons appeared and landed without their mother being there.
The three stared at Erik as a shadow of wings appeared around him or was it a cloud passing by?
Chapter 5: Chapter 5
Notes:
Sorry, this is super short. Depression slapped me in the face and after losing a number of work contracts to underbidders and trying to figure out this costume issue before I go to CombatCon, I've been having a hard time trying to do anything. I turned on the playlist I created for writing this, but I felt that this had to be a short chapter as I figure out the introduction of the evil that is coming which I think I will be doing for the next chapter.
I just have to figure out who from the Warcraft Realm I want to bring in because... all I know is that this is going to be EPIC...
and for those wondering what names I have brought in, Ysera is the former Green Dragon Flight Mother, Kalecgos is the Leader of the Blue Flight and there will be a VERY lovely cross over with the GOT Dragons to the WoW side of things. If you know, then you'll have an inkling as to what I am going to do with our three boys... or not. Anyways I need to go to bed it's 1AM for me as I type this.
EDIT: I screwed up the dragon colour of Viserion and I meant to put in Nozdormu which is the gold dragon in WoW.
Oh.. and at this time of night... I'm having a hard time writing Tyrion...
Chapter Text
Chapter 5
Daenerys had led Jorah towards the castle, but she decided and ended up leading them Aegon's Garden where the two walked amongst all trees and past the roses that had been well cared for until they found a stone bench in which Daenerys beaconed Jorah to sit. The Bear Knight looked forlornly at his Queen and was unsure if he should. He did remember her banishing him, and the threat of death, but he also remembered the order she gave him to find a cure for the Grey Scale.
“Please sit…”
“Your Grace… I…”
“Jorah. Sit down please, there are many things in which I would like to tell you.” Daenerys took a seat and placed her hands together before putting them on top of her knees as she watched the man before her struggle with himself. Eventually he sat down and kept the cloak around him tight like a cocoon as he turned to his head to look at her, a bit of the scarring of the Grey Scale peeking over the top of the leather collar. Sadly, the woman shifted over if only to have a closer look but Jorah shook his head and looked ready to pounce out of his seat.
“I want to apologize Ser Jorah.” This was shocking to the Bear Island Knight, and he watched as his queen lowered her chin just so, her gaze locked at the fabric of the cloak.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Erik looked at the three dragons before him with the black and red dragon Drogon lowering his head, much like a wolf would before it would attack. A low rumble came from the throat of the beast as keening sounds came from the other two dragons. With the wind wiping through and wrapping Erik’s cloak around him, the man took a step back watching closely. Drogon snapped forwards as Erik moved off to the side swinging his fist into the side of the dragon’s face, which had it been any other man nothing would have happened, however, Drogon’s head snapped to the side from the force, but as quickly as it snapped to one side it came back just as fast as Erik’s eyes started to flare as the win shifted directions.
Drogon came back wanting to bring his mouth around the man that had hit him, fire started to burn in his belly as smoke started to form out of the corners of his maw. Viserion and Rhaegal looked between the man that had brought their mother’s human back, the angry dragon let burst of fire as Erik shot a left-hand palm open and out facing the fire as the flames started to ball itself and never once touching the knight or making it to him. Once Drogon had finished his burst and he saw that that man was not harmed, the dragon watched as the man closed his hand around the condensed ball and form of fire before crushing it as the first crawled up along the man’s arm and across the body before dissipating.
“Your great-great- great grandmother would be very upset with you; your brothers seem to be the smarter ones, great beast.”
Drogon snapped his head back in confusion shaking his head a couple of times as the other two shuffled forward stretching their heads out to sniff the man. Once they managed to sniff the man, they caught a scent that was deeply ingrained in their beings before they looked to Drogon who chittered. Drogon looking apprehensive before he stretched out his head to the man and sniffed, the dragon’s eyes widened before all three bowed to the man.
Erik sighed and patted the three dragons before looking around and lifting his helmet off to gaze at the three.
“And no Drogon… I am not here to take you into the fold. I’m here to fight alongside your mother, evil is rising again, and I don’t know if I can stop it alone. You three need to be careful, don’t so anything that could get you hurt.” Viserion nudged Erik’s shoulder causing the man to smile as he held his helmet in one hand.
“Your dame was a great lady young man; she would be very proud have seen you hatch.” Rhaegal lowered himself as small as he could make himself and crawled up to Erik as well, having his head on the ground in front of him looking like an overly large puppy.
“I’m sorry there are no more dragons flying around, the mountain took almost everything. But there are other eggs hidden in the world. There can be other dragons, but it would be a matter of finding them. I am the last of my kind, but you are the future of all dragon kind.” Rhaegal blinked making a low rumble, Erik stepped up to the Green Dragon and placed a hand on the snout of the dragon. “Ysera would have been proud that you gained her colouring. And you Viserion… Nozdomu would have loved to have met you. Dreamfyre was a great woman and exceptional dragon.”
The three chittered and rumbled with Erik raising both his hands up as he closed his eyes and dropped his head a touch before he opened his eyes again. “Alright. Alright. Daenerys is your mother, yes.” Drogon grumbled before he chittered and the three dragons looked at Erik before they left, watching the beasts leave he placed his helmet back on and turned towards where he knew where the castle lay.
A group of eight in leather armour carrying spears marched towards him, “Our Queen wishes us to bring you to the castle and show you a room in which you will be staying.” The wind had whipped his cloak around him covering the armour and thus preventing the new men from seeing the gothic looking armour and possibly seeing him as a threat.
“Lead the way”
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Jorah had been standing in his room on Dragonstone as he glanced about. Whatever his Khaleesi had salvaged from his room in Meereen was here in this room. While it wasn’t much, there was his old sword that he had left. There was his armour stand that she had created for him when she had found one day that he had to put it to the side or at his table when they had first arrived and taken over Meereen.
Walking to the window that was open to air out whatever dust had originally settled in the room he placed his hands on the frame and let his mind wander back to the last hour or so that they spoke in the gardens. He placed his gloved hands on the frame as the wind that was coming through ran its way through his hair.
“I love you…”
Was what had echoed through his mind as he looked out to the castle lands below him. A knock on his door had him turn and there stood the diminutive dwarf Tyron.
“You shouldn’t be here Mormont. The queen was unwise to bring you back into the fold.”
“And you shouldn’t be speaking, I’m surprised that you don’t have a drink in hand already.”
“Oh how I have missed you Mormont” Came the short laugh, the Lannister came in and saw the armour that the Bear Island knight was wearing and noted that it was almost all metal and not the leather that he had seen in boat when they sailed from Voltanis and yet looked almost identical to the one he had seen right down to the Bear sigil at his waist.
“Did Daenerys have that made for you? Did she know you were coming back?” Jorah just looked at him and didn’t say a word. “No, she has no idea. You have no gold, no have nothing to trade… how did you come across the gold to get the armour?”
“How he received the armour is of no concern of yours Little Lion” came a voice that made Tyrion jump about a foot before turning seeing the tusked helm of the man that he had heard had brought Ser Jorah back. The almost black armour was covered by the heavy cloak that wrapped around him in an almost sinister vision. Tyrion couldn’t see the man’s mouth as the mouth guard covered showing nothing.
“You... You must be Lord Destler. Strange that I have never heard of that family name.”
“And you won’t because it died out long ago, there is no recorded history because I ensured that there never be any.” Tyrion stepped away as the dark knight walked into the room and the dwarf angled himself so that he could have a clean get away from the door. “Then how are you a lord with no lands, no title, no name?”
“You may never know, and as I have heard through the years… you are apparently the man to know everything. This, however, you will not. Not yet anyways.” Erik nodded his head to the door, as everything in the Little Lions body told him to flee, which he did quickly as he could. There was something about the man that unnerved him, and he wasn’t going to figure out why with the fear of death and that was what was coming, his nightmares lately told him so its what drove him to drink so much.
With Tyrion gone from the room, Erik lifted his hands to take his helmet off and glanced about the room. “I take it the two of you talked?”
Jorah had just taken the whole situation in and was left speechless, and he heard Daenerys’ words repeat in his brain, when he finally came back to himself, he nodded unable to bring his voice to bare.
“Good, I wanted to make sure you were alright. I am going to take my leave. I will be there at the meeting in the morning.” Erik started for the door before he stopped and turned his head as if he was going to turn entirely. “Don’t let this go, you were given this chance. I wish I had the chance to tell the one that I loved that I did. She loves you as you love her, don’t let your fears root themselves. Queen or not… she’s still a woman that needs the love and devotion that you provide.” Erik walked out the door leaving that to percolate in Jorah’s mind as the other man shut the door behind him with a soft click.
As Erik walked down the hall, the man that had found him in the fields turned into the hall with no spear in hand but there was a look of reverence in the man’s eyes.
“You… are the Great Aspect…” Erik stood tall as the man looked around him as if looking for ears. Stepping up to Erik the man closed his right hand and brought it up to his left chest in a salute, “I am… Grey Worm, my name.”
“Lord Destler, it is nice to meet you Grey Worm. What do you know about the Great Aspects?”
“You ageless. You come from long time.” Grey Worm dropped his arm and stood but steps from Erik and lowered his voice. “I read your history. My people, they pray to Aspects. I… this tongue…” Grey Worm struggled to speak what he wanted to say until Erik switched and spoke the old tongue.
“Is this easier?”
“Yes! I know of you Lord Destler, Aspect of Life that took over the role of Mistress Alexstraszia, Dragon Queen to all” Erik had an interested look on his face as urged the other man on, “I am Unsullied, I used to be a slave and I was freed by Queen Daenerys. She and Jorah the Andal saved us all. But when I was younger my mother before I was taken would take me to the shrines and pray to the aspects… to the old world. I remember.”
“Not many remember, do you remember the old stories of the evil from before?” Grey Worm nodded looking around the hall again. “It is coming back, we need to be prepared. I cannot tell your Queen yet, but you have felt the cold yes?” Another nod, “I will fight for her, she and Jorah the Andal are the future, as are her dragons. You will have a place amongst the warriors of old… Torgo.” Grey Worm stood proud and tall and Erik placed a hand on the man’s shoulder before Erik left heading for his room.
Grey Worm looked like he was going to cry a tear but his training forbid him from doing so and thus he turned and started to set up the next round of patrols of Unsullied and the Dothraki. The hall stood empty as a cold wind blew subtlety before it became less oppressive.
Chapter 6: Chapter 6
Notes:
Sorry, sorry, again this is a short chapter, I wanted to get this out, but I wanted to at least start the introduction of the hell I am going to be unleashing. I am also further connecting Warcraft Characters Lineage wise to some of the Houses in the GOT Series, I am using a current WoW Map, but story and lore wise I will NOT go past Cataclysm Expansion and I have started to retcon at least for my story some story elements to bring forth to this.
Things are about to wild now, I'll write an appendix at some point so people aren't entirely lost. Thanks for reading!
Chapter Text
Chapter 6
Far in the North where winter never ends, beyond a dark tall wall used to protect the land of the living against what hid in the dark. The world may have changed, the earth beneath the feet of the living having broken apart, melded back together, renewed and more, but what had not changed was the evil that always manages to make itself at home. What in the far past used to be called Northrend is now just a shadow of itself and people south of the wall called the place The Lands of always Winter.
Buried in the icy depths and sitting on a throne sat one of the oldest evil’s to have graced the world. In the First War he was but a shaman who had perverted his power and learned the powers of dark magic, he had poisoned everything around him in his quest of power after he had taken ill advised Blood Pact with another.
During the Second War in a bid to escape he tried using his magic to create magical gateways back to his home world for this world was not his own, however, in the end he had been killed but his spirit persisted and thus because of his heavy use of magic he had become a spectral spirit and bound into an armoured helm before being locked away in ice.
Wars had come and gone but Ner’Zhul had always tried to keep himself separated until the struggle with Arthas as the powerful Lich King. Once Arthas had been destroyed and Ice Crown started to fail, Ner’Zhul took his place in the helm once more and raged as he was bound to another human who’s spirit and soul were intact. Bolivar the Jailer of the Damned. None of what Ner’Zhul wanted came to pass and when the Cataclysm happened followed by the end of that dramatic event magic started to fail, the world started to become less and less with species ending, realms closing off.
The age of the dragons began their final death when the Doom of Valyria shut down what magic was left to the world. The old gods faded and lost their strength and power to a fraction of what they once held, and the age of man took rein. However, there was magic still held in the Children of the Forest and in the icy fields of the north.
Where Ner’Zhul sat on the now finally dead Bolivar, he reached out with what influence he had from what now was known to history as the Castle of the Dead. South of the Castle was the Temple of the Great Other, but what the world and even the Children of the Forest that he influenced with his power in the remains of Ice Crown brought him another body, one that he worked his magic and influence on. It had taken many, many generations to manipulate, but he finally had what he was looking for. The long march of what would be his greatest creation would finally arrive and he would have his revenge on the world, the Lich King would never die and once he was made form, all the dead that were milling about listlessly, would once again ravage the world as a cohesive force once more.
The Scourge would return and there would be no one to stop them.
On horseback, the blue skinned horror that had once been a protector to the world of man surveyed from the hill the castle below him, whispers penetrated his mind leading him, guiding him to this place. The undead horse shuffled on its feet before the Night King urged the creature on, there was around him a small army that was following him, he had a couple of commanders that he managed to raise to help ensure that the drones would follow orders. The journey to the castle was one that ensure that the world of men would die, and all would bow before him, and before the might of the Scourge. An evil laughter echoed through the wind that had started to sweep up, the closer that the Night King got to the Castle, the colder the world started to feel, and it would carry itself south to the wall and soon, beyond it.
The crunching of the snow echoed in a great chamber as undead feet milled about and the Children of the Forest milled about in the Temple of the Great Other, locked away in a great ice tomb stood an obscured figure as dark whispers entered the mind of the of the figure inside the tomb glowing eyes opened in the tomb as cracks began to form.
Chapter Text
Chapter 7
Erik had been sitting in a chair in front of the fire, sleep eluded him as it had for a very long time. The years hadn’t been kind, but he could guess from his appearance in the water of his wash basin that aging still wasn’t entirely a thing for him. Though that was not to say that the ages hadn’t shone in his eyes when he looked into them through the reflection. Bringing the cup he had in hand to his lips to drink the wine his mind wandered far from Dragonstone, far from what was Westeros and to the past, far into the past to where he had one bright spot in his life after he was resurrected by the Lich King Arthas.
-STORMWIND AGES PAST-
Fear was always a thing when it came to the Death Knights, the citizens and the rabble always looked in on fear of the fearsome warriors clad in black but eyes glowing blue. Some kept away from the main cities and preferred to stay with the Ebon Blade at Acherus and some just wanted to live in peace and some just wanted that peace of death that they felt that they had earned.
The one Death Knight that man had not feared for he was one of the heroes at the end of the of the Third War was Lord Destler. Many knew of his exploits both living and undead and even more so when the very few that witnessed the Dragon Aspects relinquishing their power to the new Aspects.
The city was warm and sunny with the smell of bread making it’s way through the bakeries as children ran happily around. Erik walked through the city, he wasn’t wearing his helm which allowed others to see him and many of the ladies smiled as he walked through the crowds. He chuckled as he overheard a gaggle of ladies talk about him and wanting to do things or see what was under the armour and if the rest of him matched the face.
As Erik continued his walk through the city, he made his way up a long stone ramp that led into the great Stormwind Castle. The guards nodded their greetings to him and some of the higher officers echoed their greetings as well, there was no daily business in the throne room today, but Erik wasn’t here for the king or any of the royal family he was here for someone else. Stopping in a quiet hallway Erik closed his eyes and let the feeling of magic pull at him, he was searching for a softer, more familiar pull and when he found it, he followed the pull up the castle stairs to one of the spires.
Gently opening the door to a mage’s quarters, he looked around the expanse to all the instruments on tables, or telescope on the balcony. But it was the figure that had been hunched over a worktable playing with an experiment while a glowing mana wyrm turned to look at him. The creature almost made a noise, but Erik shook his head and put a gloved finger to his lips warning the creature that looked like it wanted to bounce around excitedly.
Minding his steps considering his armour and the sword at his waist Erik moved silently or as silently as he could behind the bent over figure who was so clearly enraptured in whatever it was they were doing. Putting his mouth beside the ear of the figure he spoke softly.
“I see your attention is elsewhere Miss Proudmoore.” The woman shot herself to a stand but her back met Erik’s armoured front before she spun around to retaliate but was silenced in whatever misgivings she might have had, when Erik pulled her by her waist and soundly kissed her. When the two pulled back from their kiss Erik offered a loving look that started with his smile to the ever bright and happy eyes.
“Erik, you scared me!”
“I apologize Jaina, you were very much into your research. This is one of the few times that I could sneak up on you.” Jaina raised her hands to either side of Erik’s face and pulled his head down so their foreheads were touching, both closed their eyes before Erik wrapped his arms around her. Jaina lowered her hands to his breast plate and rested her head just under his chin.
“I didn’t think I would see you again…” Erik ran his gloved hand in a slow circle on her back the other lay at her lower back. A slow deep sigh left Erik’s body as he kissed the top of her head.
“I know. I didn’t think I was going to make it either, however, it seems life has other uses for me. Or in the Dragon Queen’s case, she needed someone to take her place.” Jaina pulled he head back and looked Erik in the face, there was something different that she couldn’t quite put her finger on til Erik offered her a smile again through his eyes and the crinkle at the corner of his mouth, his eyes… his eyes! They were no longer the flaming blue that marked him as a Death Knight, his eyes were brown!
“Your eyes, they aren’t glowing blue with power… your eyes are brown” Jaina exclaimed excitedly. Erik took her hands from his breastplate, and he undid the straps on one side before taking her hands again and slotting one of them under against his chest, against his heart. “Your heart. It’s beating!” Erik gave a broad smile and leaned in, kissing her again as Jaina pulled her hand out from under the armour and wrapped her arms around his neck.
Once they had finally separated, Erik re-strapped his breastplate into place he was dragged to a chaise lounge and the two sat holding hands. “How?”
“Queen Alexstraza chose me to be her champion and to take her place as the Aspect of Life, the sundering of the Dragon Soul after they placed their power into it made it so that they couldn’t quite take the power back after they used it on Neltharion. New Champions or Aspects had to be chosen, she chose me. I thought being undead meant a lifetime of just being… dead. But she chose to bring me back though I still hold all the powers of a Death Knight especially after I defeated Arthas.”
Jaina looked at their hands threaded together; she looked sad as images seemed to have flashed through her mind’s eye. Erik gave her hand a squeeze to let her silently know that it was okay.
Their last encounter was not a happy one and she had been screaming to the skies and gods as she had cradled his bleeding and broken body. He had survived Arthas a little worse for wear, but fighting Neltharion was a completely different story as Erik’s armoured had been broken, punctured and he was bleeding from more holes than he wished to have. He had expended all his considerable power to take on the Dragon Aspect of Earth with a number of other Heroes but it was him that used the Dragon Soul on the black Dragon.
With his broken body trying in someway to heal and with no healers near by to attend to him, he let himself give in to the finality of death and that he was happy to have saved the woman he had started to fall for and whom he had loved, the only issue is that he had never uttered the words and as he tried to his vision had faded to black.
Being brought back to the present at that point, the two just sat there comfortable with each other’s presence until a blue portal started to form on the balcony. A tall blue haired human stepped out and Jaina was on her feet as Kalecgos stepped into the room.
“Jaina Proudmoore, I see that Lord Destler is here and reacquainted himself.” The tips of Erik’s ears flared red as Jaina blushed, the Blue hair man hugged the woman and looked to the Mana Wrym all but attempted to tackle the man as it wrapped itself around his arm in greeting.
“Kalecgos, I thought you would be with the Kirin Tor!”
“I am, but I wanted to make sure you were okay, but I see that Erik has beaten me once again in that regard.” Jaina hugged the other man but released him going back to Erik and standing at his side.
“I’m sorry Kalic” The man put his hand up and waved it, before his features turned serious, Jaina and Erik noticed the difference in the man as they glanced to one another.
“Jaina… you and I need to talk, without Erik here. I have something that I must ask you and I do not want there to be any conflicts once I have explained to you.” Erik nodded and started for the door opening it before he glanced back to Jaina.
“You know how to find me.” He offered her a smile before he walked out the door shutting it softly behind him.
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Erik was brought out of his memories as there was a knock on his door and Erik blinked looking to the window and finding that night had ended, and it was now morning.
“Lord Destler, your presence is required, do you need help getting ready?” Came a voice from behind the door, shaking his head Erik blinked a few times and stood up walking to the table and placing his cup on it.
“You may enter” Erik said gravelly, his had to clear his throat as a servant girl game with a pitcher of water, another girl came in with food and placed it on the table before making herself scarce. The first girl stood after she poured fresh water into the wash basin and Erik quickly did his hands and face, the girl handed him a cloth to dry his face off as he looked to his personal belongings from the saddle bags he had brought with him and chose a clean grey tunic and clean black breeches. He took his current shirt off and handed it to the girl who had eyed all the scars across his back and chest before he disappeared behind a divider to change his pants. Once he had come back out he handed her the breeches and socks as he walked barefoot across the stone floor, the cold of the rock soothing and yet biting. Gathering new socks Erik dressed and pulled his boots on as he began strapping his armour on and occasionally getting the help of the servant girl, thanking her Erik dismissed her to go about her duties and Erik picked up a piece of meat from the food plate that had been brought to him and put it into his mouth chewing. Leaving his helm on the table Erik grabbed a few more pieces of meat and a grape bundle and left the room where two guards stood by escorting him to the meeting room.
By the time that Erik had made it to the meeting room, albeit late it seemed like there were several heads being butted about some sort of decision that he had missed.
“If we can get a wright and bring it Cersi and show her that all the realms need to work together. We can survive this Long Night.” Came the voice of the curly haired black furred man, Erik’s gaze was pulled to the Dwarf who spoke up.
“Cersi may be a monster, but she won’t risk her unborn child. I know her”
“Lord Tyrion, are you suggesting that we send people to get one of these monsters? What if who we send does not return?” Spoke up Daenerys, to her left stood Jorah who looked to Erik as he walked into the room and stood off the side listening.
“I do your grace, this is the only way that we will be able to get the Lannister Army and all the nations to come to the fight.” Jorah looked down to Daenerys who looked up to him silent in their conversation, there was a subtle shake of the head before she turned back to her council.
“Lord Varys, what do your birds whisper, has this news made it to anywhere else in the Realms?”
“No your grace, but I haven’t received my reports from several of the northern lords and lands yet. If Jon Snow is in deed correct about these… monsters they would still need to cross the wall.”
Daenerys turned her gaze back to Jon asking the one question that no one wants to know the answer to. “How many are there?”
Jon shifted in his seat uncomfortably and looked around the table. “100,000 … At least.” The look of fear made its way around the table, but Erik stood off from the side but his emotions played on his face and no one saw it other than Jorah who gently touched Daenerys' shoulder and gently nodded to Erik whose face darkened before he realized he was being observed.
“Lord Destler, what would your recommendation be in regards to trying to secure an ally that wishes to do me harm, destroy my work here and to kill me for being the last of my name?”
“I believe that I do not have enough information to know what to advise you on, you will have to catch me up on the meeting that I have missed" A man with missing fingers on a hand, balding and with grey and dark hair spoke up.
“Lord Tyrion has suggest that we go beyond the wall to capture a wright that Jon has sworn he has seen to prove the existence of an undead army that is on it's way to kill us all. I personally think and agree that we do no such thing, we do not need to antagonize the Mad Queen sister of the Lannisters.” The short man glared at the other before he spoke up not turning to the new guest.
“As the Hand of the Queen, my suggestions and knowledge of who we are dealing with is sound. Cersei will not risk harm to her child and will do everything in her power. You can't say that she doesn't have the mother's instinct regardless of whatever else she may be. She will join our side. We must send a team there to get one and bring it back.”
Erik hung his head and walked to the table standing at an empty gap before he put his leather palmed gloves down showing off the armoured plates that were attached on the top of his hands and knuckles. As people looked to the vambraces as a blue glow dully radiated in the open air the air started to chill the stone room even with the use of the fireplace.
“I would advise against any journey north, I know of the enemy that you face and with numbers that large it would be unwise.” Everyone turned to Erik and he was wondering how much he should be telling them, but then surprising them with anything else from him could be an issue if he didn't forewarn now. If the Scourge was back and Bolivar had failed in his duty as Jailer, then they were very much in trouble.
After the death of Arthas, Bolivar and another knight struggled with who would have to give up their life to ensure that control of the undead would stay there in ice crown now turned the Land of Forever Winter. They could not afford to have a return of the Third War from his age, looking to Jorah and gritting his teeth Erik stood up and let his cloak cover him fully as the room began to grow colder and the others looked on in fear.
“What do you know of what I have seen?” Jon bit out, his hand on the hilt of his sword at his seat, the cold never bothered him in fact there were times that he could never really feel the cold because he had always run hot. The others in the room began to start shivering with other exception of Jorah whose hand on the hilt of his sword was gripped tightly as well, but his glare was on Jon.
Erik's eyes began to burn and they had ignited into a blue fire as he turned his gaze towards Jon who shoved his seat back pulling his sword and readying to attack, the rest of the table stood up with Jorah having pulled his sword but he held the tip of his sword towards Jon as he pulled Daenerys behind him.
“White Walker!”
“That sword isn't going to do shit Jon Snow of House Stark" Erik started to circle the table, Jorah glared at Jon a dangerous rumble coming from his throat.
“Put it away lad," Jorah saw the hilt of the sword that Jon was carrying and noted that it was missing the bear head, but he knew that blade from anywhere. It was Long Claw, it was his family's sword. How had he gotten it? It was last with his father before he ran away in disgrace. “Where did you get that sword?”
“Your father, before he died defending the Black,” Jon snarled out keeping the tip of his sword pointed at Erik who was but steps from him. Varys, Tyrion, Davos all looked ready to bolt. The others of the small council Grey Worm and Missandei stood by in awe, as the people of Naath knew of the history of well before the original Targaryen Family.
“Look here, Valyrian steel kills White Walkers" Jorah couldn't fast enough to intercept Jon, but Erik was ready as he stepped into Jon's space stopping the swing by grabbing his wrist and tightly in his left hand, Jon struggled to pull his arm back but found that he couldn't as Erik shot his right hand out and grabbed Jon by his throat and began lifting him up in the air. Davos shot away from his seat but was stopped by Jorah who had his sword at the mans throat shaking his head in but a few steps.
With Jon hovering a few inches off the ground, Erik growled low, a draconic like rumble as he started to speak.
“I am not your enemy wolf, however, your ancestors had better sense than you.” Bringing Jon in so that they were eye to eye, despite Jon’s height being shorter that Erik’s, his feet were just off the ground his toes scraping the ground. “While you are correct that Valyrian steel kills the monsters, it is because of the imbued magic, otherwise you are stuck unable to destroy the creature. What you call Dragon Glass is just a magically imbued ore that once used to be abundant on this world, but it too can be used with some refinement.” Erik had glanced to Jorah as he had moved to defend him but the look when he saw the sword pulled meant that it had great meaning to Jorah. Tightening his grip on Jon's wrist the man's hand opened against his will and clattered to the floor where Erik kicked it toward Jorah before turning his attention back to Jon. The murmurs from everyone else started to become a buzz and Erik dropped Jon who grabbed at his throat glaring at Erik coughing.
“Let me tell you exactly what these things are. They are an unending force that had been once living beings, however, someone decided to poison and plague the populace then resurrect them via necromancy. They ended up under the control of various... Kings we shall say. You know them as White Walkers or Wrights… I know them as the Scourge…”
Notes:
I am going to start putting notes in at the bottom,
The Scourge is a force that came about during WC3 but was talked about as a starting force for the Burning Legion (demons), however Ner'Zhul and ex-Orc Shaman/Warlock was killed and his spirit persisted and he became the first Lich King. He orchestrated a plague to wipe out humanity and more to increase his forces and thus we get Warcraft 3 Reign of Chaos followed by Frozen Throne and then we don't see the Scourge again until Wrath of the Lich King.
P.S.... I dislike Jon...
PSS EDIT: Yes... I realized I might had done something stupid... I edited some glaring issues...
Chapter Text
Chapter 8
“You know them as the White Walkers or Wrights… I know them as the Scourge" Erik's voice was ominous as his flaming blue eyes looked around the room and each person. Every person in the room had an almost visceral reaction to Erik; Varys cowered in fear almost hunching over waiting as if Erik could harm him, Tyrion looked as if he was going to piss himself, Davos the only other older man next to Jorah and Erik was unsure of what to do, but then there wasn't much he could do with Jorah's blade under his throat, but he didn't looked nearly as un-nerved as the other two men. Grey Worm and Missandei were just off behind where Jorah had placed Daenerys who had the widest set of eyes and a look of fright and surprised mixed together.
Erik reined in his magic and the room started to warm up as the blue flames in his eyes started to lessen before they withered out returning to the brown colour they were before. Stepping around Jon and moving to stone fire place of the council room Erik let the lights of the flames bath him as all eyes moved to him.
“The Scourge, where to begin… I was once a knight of a realm that no longer exists, hundreds of years before first Targaryens, before the sundering which changed the face of this world.
I was part of a garrison of men that were sent to Stratholme under the command of Arthas Menethil, a Paladin Knight. He used to be an honorable man before the sword, he had a mighty warhammer, but it was the sword… Frostmourne.” Erik hung his head a touch before he rose as if to look towards the mantle of the fireplace. “I had only met him a few times before the sword and remember him a lot under the sword. Originally, we were told to wipe out the grain that had been plagued, something had been infecting the people and there were many that started to get sick, we didn't know what it was but the only common denominator was the grain that made up the bread and a bulk of the food. So we had our orders to burn it. Until Arthas showed up, he, Jaina Proudmoore and Uther the Light Bringer, they all realized it was too late, too many of the townsfolk had been infected, Mal'Ganis a demon and those of the Scourge started to bring the population back to essentially create an army to take out Lordaeron which was my home city. I had been part of an order called Knights of the Silver Hand, but I had believed that to protect the people outside of this city… we had to do the unthinkable, what I didn't know of at the time that was it was a fools errand to have killed everything there… all those people…” The room was silent as those in the room just thought about what Erik had told them, that he had basically participated in a genocide of a city, not a town, but a city.
“I managed to survive and I had followed Arthas until I couldn't anymore and I had been basically branded a traitor to him. I was killed and in very short order I was brought back to life, I had no consciousness, no drive to protect the innocent. I was remade to kill the world of men,” Erik started to hunch almost as if he was in pain but he straightened up and he shook his head taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly. The disgust with himself was very apparent that even Jorah who had been brought back by this man looked upset and unnerved and so far he was the most unaffected of the room.” Turning on the spot Erik lifted his left hand palm up as a green energy started to gather and begin to form into the shape of a human skull. Turning his hand in one direction allowed the skull to spin one way, turning his hand in the direction allowed to the skull to twist the opposite direction before he closed his fist and the skull crushed itself into nothing.
“Magic started died in this world when dragons long ago gave up their power, very few avenues remain where magic is gathered. When the three dragons outside were born, magic had begun to come back in strength. The Scourge at the end of my war were bound to a man that had acted as their jailor, if Jon Snow has encountered them before on the other side of the wall, they would not be this far south of the remains of Ice Crown… Yes… you need an army, but it shouldn't be at the expense of men's lives that you have here, there is no reason to go North of the wall… I can help explain the situation, but you will never be able to get a single wright for it will cause deaths.”
It was clear that Erik was skipping over some very serious history from the way that he jumped from one time of space to another or even a different area of topic, but the magical display seemed to get people to come out of their panic.
“Do you think that you would be able to convince Cersei, and without something to prove to her?” Tyrion asked being one of the first to recover, he had seen some things in his time but now he was stone cold sober.
“I might be able to, but what I know of your sister Lion… she won't budge, I've watched you all fight and squabble. It is not my place to meddle in your affairs, but your forbearers would be so upset to see what his family has turned into. Do you know where your lion sigil even came from?”
Tyrion looked like he was going to answer but then he caught himself and shook his head, if this man, creature before him was older than Westeros then what exactly did he know? “Well, at least Anduin can't see what his Lion family has turned into” Erik muttered to himself, Jorah sheathed his sword and looked to Davos who backed up a step or two before Jorah reached to pick up Long Claw, he looked at the Wolf Head pummel and covered it with his hand before walking to Erik and holding out the sword.
Erik took it and looked it over: long, long ago this sword used to be part of larger two handed sword from what he remembered. “This sword belonged to a Mormont that I knew in my time, your family has been around for a very long time, your ancestor was a good man. If only a little heavy handed. Lets return this to how I remember" Erik held the sword by it's blade and put a hand over the pummel as Jon began to protest, the Wolf magically warped and changed into a bear's head and it looked how Jorah had remembered it.
“That sword is not yours Jon Snow, but there is one that is yours if you can find it, but you'll have to do with something else for the time being.” Erik it seemed had ignored the previous conversation until he sighed and relented. “I will help you capture one, but your sister will betray you. I do want you to be aware of this Lion.”
“Who are we going to send out to gather one of these creatures?”
“We aren't going by ship… we are going to fly. We can cover more ground, and load up one of things, I will even help ensure that it is loaded. That is if you permit such things your grace?” Everyone turned to Daenerys who looked around before looking to Jorah standing at Erik's side.
“Allow me to serve you and be part of that party, let me fly with you Khalessi.” Jon sneered a little wolfishly, but he had to play his role and ensure that this Lord or creature or whatever he was didn’t turn on humanity.
“You want to fly the Dragons, we should be sailing, bringing the dragons would be seen as provocation of war!” Erik looked to Daenerys and walked to the painted table, looked at the map, it was very different than the lands he knew but there were enough markings on the table for him to see where the wall and the other towns could possibly be an issue. “Provided that we keep to the coasts, we can fly and avoid the cities. No one has to know; we could move quickly and swiftly, we can be back before there are any real concerns”
Tyrion looked between Lord Destler and Jon Stark, the magic that Lord Destler presented was compelling, however Jon was trying to play power because he was from the North. On one hand what could be seen as evil was willing to get a creature for Tyrion’s idea to ‘try’ and convince his sister, but it was made known that even if Cersi believed that there would be creatures of such nature realistically… what would be the chances that his sister would come to their aid. Looking at Daenerys, Tyrion was beginning to realize that maybe he wasn’t quite cut out to be Hand of the Queen. His mistakes were starting to pile up and it caused her several failures, rubbing his hands together he looked to Davos who stood at Jon’s side the older man trying to calm down the man who looked unhappily at the other Knight.
Varys sidled over to Tyrion and looked to his friend, “What are you thinking about?”
“If my decisions are helping, the fact that Lord Destler is willing to entertain gathering something that might not actually help.”
“I think we should be looking to that possibility, and with Ser Mormont back, we should be concerned about if this is the best for the realm.” Tyrion looked up to his friend before his head snapped to Daenerys, shaking his head he looked back up to Varys.
“No, she has done nothing but make the best of choices while he was her advisor. Nothing we had done once we joined her was anything but negativity. She grew up in Essos and how she went about changing for the better without our interference means that it’s what we have been doing. Maybe, we should listen to her, her Bear and Lord Destler…” Varys just stepped back away from the dwarf as there was a silent conversation between the two aforementioned people before they looked to the Knight and Jon.
“We’ll take the dragons, how do you suggest that we get a wright and bring it back with us?”
“Your dragons could pick one up with their claws, do a snatch and grab. If we are concerned about damaging the creature I can get off which ever dragon you would like me to ride, and I could bind it before getting back on the dragon and a dragon picks it up and we leave.”
“Your Grace, this is folly. He will lead you to your doom and death… we should sail!”
“Jon Snow! My decision is made, we will fly. If you wish to sail, you may wait here on Dragon Stone, and I will leave with Ser Jorah and Lord Destler. In fact, I believe that is what my order is going to be. If you and Tyrion wish to try and convince Cersi that we are not faking any of this then it would be easier to just have one person per dragon. I don't know what is going on with you, however, it is Lord Destler that has returned Ser Jorah to me, and that particular man means more to me than whatever it is you want from me.” The temper of Daenerys was making itself known as she spoke, and it was clear that she was not going to take any more failures and to her if she wanted something done right, she was going to do it herself much like she had done with the advice of Jorah, Missendai, and Grey Worm before Tyrion and Varys had joined her council.
“We will leave as soon as we are prepared, Ser Jorah when do you think you can be ready to leave?”
“I can be ready to leave as early as the next sun rises” Daenerys turned her gaze to Erik to await his answer.
“I am ready to leave when you are Your Grace.” Erik responded, Davos took Jon from the room, and they were left Tyrion as Varys had followed moments after leaving the four in the room.
“Your Grace, do you think it wise that you go?”
“Lord Tyrion, I am the only one that controls the dragons, and frankly your recent blunders have cost me dearly. You will rule in my stead for the time that I am away, do not squander this chance. Let none of the other lands know that I have left Dragonstone, you are dismissed.” Tyrion bowed and left the room leaving the three. Daenerys pointed to a seat that was vacated by Davos and just off Daenerys right as she sat back down.
“Come sit Lord Destler, I have questions of you, and I would like answers” Erik took this seat and leaned back in it as Jorah was signaled to sit down on Daenerys right. Missendai and Grey Worm stepped up behind their Queen looking on in awe. Missendai knelt and looked to her queen before whispering something in her ear and they turned to look to Erik who tilted his head to the right. He spoke in Valyrian causing heads to swivel to him again.
“It seems your handmaiden and your general know of me, they have a wealth of history that was told them in their youth and from where they originally were from”
“You speak our language?”
“I was raised with it, it was called something different to me in the olden days, and I am that old.” Erik said with a slight smile, Jorah looked confused as he spoke neither high or low Valyrian.
“So, what exactly are you?” Jorah asked, for Daenerys and for everyone else in the room.
“I am what the very, very old world called a Death Knight, I was raised from the dead to serve a master who controlled me right up until he lost control of a number of us. Our souls were enslaved and bound to his will, while we tried to fight for control of our minds he broke and melded us into something different. The magic that inhabits our bodies is of three different… traits we shall say. I can manipulate the cold, ice and bend it to my will. I can raise the dead and command them to do my bidding, and if some of your stories are to be believed… blood is life. I have numerous abilities that liken me to a vampire of lore. There is more, however, there are enough ears around that my telling you anything else could create problems. Magic, depending on who sees it, could be seen as evil and cruel or in the right hands a savior.” The group listened to Erik, and they spent a few more minutes asking questions before they were all dismissed.
Heading to his room Erik found that his door was open and a Spider in his midst.
“Lord Varys, why am I not surprised that you are here?”
“I serve the realm and her people, you are dangerous.”
“The same can be said about you, I have heard of your exploits and what you have done in the past. Don’t think that I don’t know who you poisoned and who you didn’t. Don’t think that you can take the Queen from her goal, you are moving her from her goal.”
“And what do you know? Demon.”
“Oh how I have missed the old name” Erik walked to his table and poured a glass of wine with Varys watching him intently with his hands together in his sleeves. Keeping his eye in line with Varys’ he drank the entire cup and put it down before he smiled as his skin started to take a sickly green hue, Varys had started to smile but that smile was removed from his face when Erik returned it with glowing green eyes. The sickly green pallor dissipated from Erik as his eyes returned to flaming blue before the brown. “I know enough, and while I will not let the Queen know that you tried and unsuccessfully tried to poison her new member of court, know that I will be keeping a close eye on you… you can leave.” The absolute fear of the Spider ran of him that it left a sickly smell as the man left as quickly as he could, putting a hand on his stomach as the man left Erik released a belch and he groaned slightly before he shook his head.
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Jorah and Daenerys had returned to her quarters, and they sat down before the hearth, Jorah watched as she sat with her hands in her lap fiddling with her ring, the only thing that was left of her mother.
“Jorah. Do you think that if we do this, we might secure Kings Landings as allies?”
“No Khaleesi, I think that Lord Destler was correct that even if we provided the proof, Cersi will just abandon us. Tyrion is blinded by his family and his hopes that good nature will win out, however, we all know this to not be the case. Look at what she did to her brother, if the stories are to be believed he killed his nephew at his wedding no less.” Daenerys turned her gaze to Jorah who leaned his elbows on his knees as he glanced back. “However, that does not mean that there is no harm in trying, but we have to be prepared that the Lannisters will not back us and the North when and if we ride to defend them.”
“Jon Snow all but demanded Dragon Glass from me several days ago, said he fought and killed these creatures. But I am afraid of what Lord Destler said, this Scourge… if the dead come from the north and they breach that wall… what can we do?” Jorah reached a hand over and laid on hers to stop her from playing with the ring.
“Then we fight for the world, we fight to break the wheel and free the people. We have your dragons, the Unsullied and whomever we can bring to your cause. Maybe we should look at the Seven Kingdoms not as something that falls all under your rule. Maybe we should look at freeing them from themselves and giving them their ability to learn what you gave Essos. A Chance.”
Daenerys smiled laced her fingers with Jorah’s as they leaned shoulder to shoulder with each other before she put her head on his shoulder and the two stared at the fire. With the information and their talks, they had decided to do as Daenerys wanted to do, break the wheel and create a new world especially between themselves.
Notes:
Yes, I know there isn't a lot of Jorah or Daenerys action however, next chapter will be an adventure of the two with Erik and we will get to see more and we will go further some horror.
And yes... I am mildly Jon bashing... (There has always been something about him when I watched the show that just... bugged the shit out of me.) HOWEVER! There might be some redeeming... maybe.. we'll see how I flesh him out and too his connections to WoW... we shall see.
Let me know what you think of these chapters.
Chapter Text
Chapter 9
The following morning Erik had in his hand his saddle bag as he stood waiting in the courtyard waiting for Jorah and Daenerys. He had dreamt not only about Jaina Proudmoore but also another woman that he had thought he was going to promise himself to considering their extra martial actions of their youth.
This was prior to the fall of Stratholme, and his own personal fall. After his death and rebirth he had come across his youth love who had a young boy at her side that looked strikingly like him, the two had shared words, but the man that had come up behind her and putting a hand on the boy’s shoulder told Erik all he needed to know. He had sired a boy but because of how close in hair colour the two shared there would be no way to know who the father was, however, she knew and she offered Erik as a Death Knight a chance to know his son once before moving on.
The Streets of Stormwind
Erik had been limping through the streets after his narrow win over Arthas, he hadn’t been wearing his armour because the pain that radiated through his chest, and his leg was too much. And so he was in leather breeches, a tunic and a vest; his eyes burned a soft hue of blue as he slowly moved through the crowds. Many stopped to see the hero fallen knight when a young boy ran through the crowd hearing that the vanquisher of the Lich King was near.
A woman with a basket in arm called after her son when she stopped seeing the man that was smiling painfully to the people around, shocked she moved to Erik’s side and with her voice got the crowd to disperse when she pointed out the injured man probably wanted to be left alone.
Once the crowd was gone, she went up to Erik who gently pushed her son back towards her mother before their eyes met.
“Marie-Ann?”
“Erik?” The woman went up to Erik and put a hand on his chest but pulled it back promptly when he hissed in pain, and he tried to back away.
“What happened to you?” she asked worriedly as she led him gently to a stone bench by the waterways. The two sat down as he struggled with the pain and his breathing, Marie-Ann saw the glowing blue eyes and it was then that she realized why she never saw her young love years ago. It was because he had died and there was no way for anyone to know that the two were sharing a bed unwed, he never got a chance to find her after.
“Stratholme, then some other place I cannot remember. Followed by a blade to my heart and darkness. I see that you had a boy, are you married now?”
“I am… but…” There was a hearty happy bellow off down the way and the boy that had been at his mother’s side in silent awe of the Hero of Ice Crown left to see a bear of a man. The man was a knight and when the boy reached him, he was pulled up on the man’s shoulders as they made their way. “He’s not his…” Marie Ann hastily said as she stood up from her seat. Erik’s eyes went to the boy, and he quickly shifted his gaze to the boy and back to the woman.
The man bear walked up and put his boy down ruffling the child’s hair before coming to attention to the seated Death Knight.
“Lord Destler, I am glad to hear that the Hero of Ice Crown is up and about. I heard from the garrisons coming back Northrend that you and several of the Argent Dawn were severely hurt. I didn’t think Death Knights could die again”
“Sir, you have me at an disadvantage, you are?” Erik asked, gently pushing himself to a stand and holding out his hand to the other knight.
“Sir Jonah Mormont, Stormwind” The two men shook their hands before the knight looked down to the boy at his side and he introduced the boy to Erik. “This is Garret James Mormont, my son.” Erik’s head swiveled to Marie-Ann, she had given his middle name to the boy before he dropped to a knee in front of the boy with a pained look on his face as his ribs protested at the movement, his legs began to scream, but he looked the boy in the eye as he softly spoke. The other knight oblivious to what the two had previously shared due to how much pride he had for the boy.
“It is a pleasure to meet you young Garret, and how old are you?”
“I am four!”
Erik looked up to the boy’s mother and she nodded softly, it was about four years ago the two had last seen each other, and it right before he had to leave for Stratholme with the Silver Hand Knights. Erik was staring at his son, a son he would never get to know, a son that would grow up never knowing who his father was, a son that had the name of another man. He saw the shape of his eyes and nose staring back at him with the dark brown hair he had once had before the war gave him mostly brown and grey hair.
Erik offered a smile as he held a hand to the child who took his hand in his large one and tried to do what his ‘father’ did and shake it. Releasing it Erik grunted and was helped to a stand and he caught the pommel and hilt of the sword the knight was carrying at his hip seeing a bear’s head.
“Interesting pommel, why a bear?”
“I have been told I fight like one and am as hardy as one Lord Destler. The war was a tough one and very few of us made it back from Northrend.” Erik nodded and looked to Marie-Ann and saw a tear in her eye that she quickly brushed away, he offered her a slightly tilt of his head knowing their positions.
Looking back to Jonah Mormont he gave the man a rueful smile at his comment and he offered something that would stick with the man and the rest of his line for generations to come. “And yet… Here we stand. I take my leave so that you may continue your day Sir Mormont, Madame. Be well Garret James Mormont, may your future be bright, long and fulfilling.” Erik bowed his head and as he hobbled away a pain rippled in his heart, he glanced one last time as the family walked on and Marie-Ann glanced back at Erik one last time before looking to her husband smiling.
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Erik was brought back to reality as Ser Jorah and his Queen walked into the courtyard the man was carrying travel bags with a couple of guards carrying other items and provisions for them. It seemed like they were going to take those items with them somehow. But with no way of strapping it to the dragons Erik was very interested into hearing what idea Daenerys had for her children to bring this.
“Lord Destler, I see you are ready to travel.”
“Good morning Your Grace, and I am. I do not require much, and I have what I need to secure a wright. It will be an interesting challenge.” Jorah had on his shoulders two saddle bags that seemed to be filled with bare travel provisions that could fit within the bags.
“Our Grace and I have planned out the route and it will require several stops over the next couple of days to set camp. A search of Dragonstone Castle and where the Dragons used to be housed has yielded saddles for the dragons. We are going to attempt to put them on two of them. And we are going to have to hope that Drogon doesn’t decide to buck off the saddle.” Jorah looked mildly put out as Daenerys with her fur lined gloved gently smacked her knight who grumbled. It seemed the Bear did not like the idea of flight, but he was willing to do it for his queen. Erik smiled under his helmet and was glad for it because it wouldn’t do for Jorah to see such things… yet.
“Ser Jorah, Drogon will wear the saddle and he will do what his mother commands, it is a matter of if Lord Destler will ride Rhaegal or Viserion. You should see my children Lord Destler, they are magnificent creatures.” Erik bowed his head, again he smiled under his tusked helm and he almost let out an audible chuckle, he in his mind wondered what her thoughts would be when her dragons ‘officially’ meet Erik for the first time.
“Your Grace, it will be a pleasure. Let us head out and get going so that your remaining council don’t burn down your castle in your absence.” Jorah glanced at Erik sharing a knowing look as they headed down to where the dragons were roosting in the caves. Many people including a blacksmith and a leather worker had come to Daenerys and showed her saddles they were in good condition despite their age, and they were rather large it would take several people to saddle the dragons and make them ready for flying. As Daenerys, Jorah and Erik stood off a stone jetty the three dragons made their way in, and they went straight for their mother chittering and calling softly to her. Drogon being the bigger of the three gently lipped at his mother while keeping the other two back for attention seeking reasons. As Erik moved to the side and took in the sight of the three, Viserion and Rhaegal chittered excitedly and moved to Erik forsaking their mother and leaving Drogon to get all the attention. They vied for Erik’s attention and pets as Daenerys looked confused but with a smile at her children, what exactly was going on here as Drogon bumped her hand demanding scritches while Erik patting the other two dragons on the head with no fear.
“It seems my dragons like you Lord Destler, normally they would be snapping at other people just to see them jump.” She said rubbing Drogon’s snout.
“I have that affect on certain animals, and I have seen more than my fair share of things over the centuries…” Erik said, he looked to a group of people coming up with the saddles and Drogon started to snarl while the other two just looked on chittering softly to each other. Viserion and Rhaegal it seemed were ‘talking’ amongst themselves with Rhaegal demanding one last rub from Erik before he moved away and Viserion moved his body and lowering it so that the one of the saddles could be put onto his back.
The shock was evident on Jorah and Daenerys’ face as the dragon’s head turned and laid down next to Erik who gave him pets.
“Viserion? I think he wants you to ride him, he is the sweetest and gentlest of my three… but I didn’t think him so eager.” Daenerys gave Drogon one last pat before walking over to her golden scaled son who just licked Daenerys’ hand with the tip of his tongue and giving her puppy eyes. Drogon grumbled and he too turned his body and put himself into a similar position as his brother giving said dragon a slightly sour look. Viserion just tried to make himself as innocent looking as possible and it caused Jorah to laugh, never had he seen the great, wild and seemingly untamable beasts act this way before.
Not looking a gift dragon in the mouth people moved to put the saddles on the dragons and strapped it into place after some trial and error before they quickly backed off as the two dragons shook themselves to see about the fit, everything was in place and they both went back to their ‘respective’ people. Drogon gave Jorah a side eye before he faced his head forward allowing for Daenerys to climb up into the saddle as she was handed to the two saddle bags to hold as he too climbed up uncomfortably into the saddle at a space for himself and he strapped the two bags down. Other items were handed up and strapped down as well as Erik did that as well after climbing onto Viserion’s back. Netting, rope and a camp set up for one and food. With everything ready and people safely settled into their saddles. Daenerys comfortable on the back of the dragon regardless of saddle or not had Drogon lead out with Jorah who had hands tightly on her waist and staring at the handles and reins not unsimilar to a horse.
As Drogon roared the other two dragons roared in return and they left Dragonstone heading on their way up into the skies, Jorah looked at Erik over his shoulder and watched as Erik strapped something to his waist and he leaned forward with his elbow on the front open space of the raised saddle-handles area and his fist under his chin under the helmet watching with flaming blue shining out from under the gapwhere the eyes were before light hit the helmed face.
Jorah had to wrap his arms around Daenerys waist as the dragons took off and once, they were gliding he checked to make sure that Long Claw was still strapped to his waist and sheath, Bears, it seems… really didn’t do well with height as Viserion swayed back and forth with Erik looking like he was born to be in the sky. For a human with a dragon form or a dragon in a human form the man looked like he was at home. Daenerys put a hand over Jorah’s bringing him back to the now and he tightened his hold as she leaned into his chest the sun shining on them as they flew, the wind comfortably flowing through their hair even if it was a touch chilly.
As they flew for most of the day it was when the sun was starting to set that they stopped just north Widows Watch in a bay that was not watched by anyone. Landing her dragons just up from the beach where there were trees the three dragons found themselves a good spot where they could comfortably surround their charges and yet be able to allow them to set up their camp and get firewood.
Erik, who an old hand of setting up his camp which consisted of his sleep roll, a couple poles for his canvas lean too style of tent watched as Jorah set up his camp for Daenerys which consisted of a bed roll, furs and more. It wasn’t like when she rode with a Dothraki and it being warm, no, they were heading North, and it was the cold that he was worried about. She was a creature of fire, not the ice of his people from Bear Island or the North in general. She was bundled up in his secondary fur cloak that he had brought because he was quite sure that despite her bullishness, she had not brought enough warm clothing or items to be in the icy north.
The fire that he had set up before he set up camp was in full roar as she sat near it a fur blanket on her legs. Erik had set up a pot and provisions to be cooked, his helmet by his sleep roll and his sword beside his own furs.
“Are you warming up Your Grace?”
“I do not know how you two are so comfortable in the cold. It is too much” she said as she hugged the bear fur cloak closer to her. Even with the dragons surrounding them asking as wind break and providing their own body heat, the wind that came off the water was biting.
Jorah spoke up first as he finished setting up and he knelt beside her by the fire having a look at the food that Erik was cooking.
“I grew up with snows, and ice of Bear Island. It’s a hard land and I might have swam in the waters once or twice…” Jorah looked non-concerned at Daenerys who looked at her knight with incredulousness. Her attention turned to Erik who looked her blinking, it seemed she was expecting an answer from him and as he stirred the soup in the pot he deadpanned his answer.
“I died…” Daenerys pouted and crossed her arms under the furs as Erik began to laugh, Jorah relaxed in his relationship with Daenerys smiled and chuckled softly. Erik took one of their bowls and filled it up handing it over with a spoon to Daenerys who took it gratefully. Jorah filled his own bowl and saw beside his Queen and love as Erik filled his bowl and sat at his spot on the opposite side of the fire. He spoke up again with a smile on his face. “To be honest, I had travelled around so much and been to so many places that unless you have been to Northrend and Ice Crown this is nothing. When Iron Forge the home of the real dwarves is nothing. The world has certainly changed.” Erik said with a sigh, he dug into his meal as Jorah passed a water skin to Daenerys. The three dragons having fed before they finally settled in slept with full happy bellies.
“Tell me of before Lord Destler, what was the world like before?”
“The world? It was different, there were certainly more dragons flying… more than before the Doom and your family fled to Dragonstone.” Erik took a spoonful of soup and watched as Daenerys sat enraptured, she was expecting a story.
“Before Dragonstone, before the Doom and the fall, before the Cataclysm there was Azeroth… Several continents that were home to the most exotic of places and peoples. I had been born in a nation called Lordaeron. It was the capital of the human cities before it’s fall and then Stormwind became that Capital. I was but a young boy during the second war and invasion of the Horde, signed up and became a knight to fight and I saw the dragons for the first time in an assault on a village. Great winged beasts that had been enslaved by the Orcs. They chained the Queen down and stole her eggs, they had threatened her with the death of her children if she didn’t provide a fighting force for them. Eventually those dragons were freed, and they flew the skies openly their mother joining them.” Erik remembered seeing them fly by once they had been unchained, he hadn’t been part of the ones to rescue the dragons from the Orcs, but he had seen for the first time Dragon Queen Alexstrazsa fly high above him. Her massive size overwhelmingly dwarfing the forces on the ground, she was larger than a castle in some places and her roar when she released it pounded against his chest from the vibrations.
“She was amazing, is… I had never seen anything so majestic in my life at the time. Then over the years I had seen the other dragons, there were other flights… different colours with different meaning I had found out. Gold for Time, blue for Magic, green for the emerald dream, black for the earth and red for the vibrancy of life.” Erik looked at the two across from him staring through the fire that was now lower but still no less warm, they looked in at awe at the man before them and he offered a half smile as he continued to eat and tell his story. Jorah and Daenerys continue eat and drink as the sun finally down over the ocean presented the stars as a twinkling light above them.
“I didn’t know fully about the other dragons until I had to make my way to Northrend after my rebirth. There is a place there called Dragonblight, and there at that land is tower… or temple called Wyrmrest Temple. The seat of power for the Dragons, but also a graveyard to dragons that have died there. Politics it seems is a never-ending thing and even the dragons then had that going for them, one way or another. Sadly, each flight had their issues, but none was ever so bad as when Neltharion became Deathwing the World Breaker. But I think that is enough of that, no need to go into that story tonight.” Daenerys had long since finished her soup and had set the bowl down with Jorah’s, she had moved to lean against the man who had an arm around her to help keep her warm and she was starting to drift off to sleep.
Jorah looked down at his sleeping queen and he looked to Erik who nodded, and he got up from his spot and headed to his sleep roll and furs. Laying down he had gotten himself comfortable. Jorah carefully got up with some mild finagling he carefully picked her up cradling her to his chest and went to their sleep setup and laid her down covering her before he settled down beside her as she snuggled her nose into the furs facing the side of Drogon. Drogon shifted slightly awake and moved a wing to cover his mother and Jorah from the cold and with a half-cracked eye looking at Erik glanced at the man before closing his eyes and going to sleep. Soon everyone was asleep with the fire dying out some time in the night, yet everyone seemed to be warm as Erik slept on his back ankles crossed and hands on his stomach, he had stayed in his armour while Jorah had not, and Daenerys had been buddled up in her clothing.
The following morning Erik was awoken to a snout bumping him gently, he tiredly opened his eyes to see the sun beginning to rise but it was Viserion’s snout followed by the look in his eye that was angled at him that he unwrapped himself from his heavy fur line leather cloak to see Drogon was staring him. He had lifted his wing slight to show that Jorah was on his back with Daenerys half on Jorah with his arms wrapped around her to keep him to her. Erik smiled as the wing went back to resting over the two, yawning the man pushed himself to a stand and he walked away from camp to go and relieve himself. He wasn’t that far from the ocean and he had gone to it to wash his hands and then stand at the surfs edge taking in the sight as a voice came off from his right through the wind.
“She will lead the Targaryen’s into an era of peace much like my grandfather and my cousin.” Erik looked to his side as a figure was struggling to form in the morning mist that was making itself known. She was a regal looking woman, older looking than Erik would have thought, but then he remembered, and how did he remember her.
“She will princess… just as you will be returned to this world.”
Erik saw the shadow of a dragon behind the mist formed woman the two mouths of the woman and dragon moving as one.
“This is still very strange to me… hundreds of years ago… and yet… It feels like no time at all here… wherever here is” Erik chuckled softly and nodded, he might not ever know what that feeling would ever be like, but the dead had interesting ways of coming back, some even given another chance in unexpected ways.
“What do I even do? Everything feels warm, but I feel like I want to break out” Erik looked the woman in the face while seeing the form behind her.
“You do what you need to, and you find your way. I can not help you; I have left you in the fires to be nurtured, she is near enough I would think. Do you think you can find her and find your form before you make your appearance Princess?” Erik heard creaking and cracking on the wind, a smile forming on his face. Magic was truly a wonderous thing as in the wind carrying distance south of them was a mighty bellow, a Princess and the Red Queen had been reborn.
Notes:
I did a thing, I did a thing, I DID A THING!!!! *sings*
And I DID ANOTHER THING!!!
That is all...
Edit: Mild word edits, now I sleep
Chapter 10: Chapter 10
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Chapter 10
~200 Years Ago, Rooks Rest~
The roars of dragons ran through the air, screams and the horns of war echoed through the fields. Fires ripped through the field as two great beasts attacked each other through the air. Erik sat on his black decayed horse with low blue flames at the horse’s knees down to its hooves almost invisible to the naked eye. Hands resting over top one another on top of the horn, reins in lower hand, watching the Red Dragon attacking the Golden scaled one as it ripped open its ribs exposing the lungs, the burning oil that the dragons stored in their torso flinging in the air hitting people below with screams. Sighing, Erik let his shoulders and torso involuntarily shake before he gazed at the woman riding the Red Dragon before gazing to the beast itself, the people around knew her as Meleys but Erik knew her as one of Alexstrazsa's great, great, great grand-daughters.
When Erik looked up to see the massive 'grey' scaled Vhagar the older of the three Dragons engage, he sighed. For all of Erik’s age and what he had been tasked with, he wanted to step in, but the power of the Aspect was never to be used for desires that were too personal especially when it came to those of his queen and her children. His own dragons of his flight were vastly different to the other flights, but his mind was pulled from his thoughts as the Red Dragon Meleys ripped down the old grey girl.
Erik’s horse shifted under the massive ground shaking, but it settled as Erik looked down to the top of his hands closing his eyes under his tusked helm. The cries all around him in the fields and further around him reminding him of the past. It was the thump in the air and the dying sounds of a dragon that had Erik look up in time to see the dragon and its rider crash into the ground. Squeezing his heels into his horses’ sides Erik went forwards onto the field where chaos, smoke, dust left him mostly unmolested by those around him.
As people around him were trying to get their wounded away, or engaging in fighting, to Erik he cared less about the politics of the Greens and their war with the Blacks. He had followed along with what he could with the Targaryens including their split with the true Dragons under the rule of Rhaenrya and the Greens who had been shadow ruled by the Hightowers.
Trotting up to the large body of Meleys, Erik let the smoke cloak him and his horse as he climbed off and he walked over to where he saw the body of Rhaenys who it seemed had been protected in the very end by the dragon, but even still there was no way that she was going to live through the next few hours.
The older woman who had blood coming from her nose and the corners of her mouth spotted Erik in his black armour as she laid there, her left leg bent at a very off angle and her right arm and shoulder clearly out of its socket.
“Princess…”
“Wh… wh.. who ar.. are… you” Erik looked at the great beast’s head and neck, it had bent back to protect it’s rider in it’s very last seconds to act as a buffer. His queen would have been very proud.
“I am… death… and I am life…” Erik reached up and removed his helm before he knelt so that Rhaenys could look him in the eye without struggle. “Your dragon loved you and she was very special indeed, however, neither of you should be dead nor dying. So, the question I ask you. If you could share a life with Meleys… and to bind your soul to her. Would you?” Erik watched as the woman’s left hand moved to the scales of her dragon with whom they both shared a life after the death of her cousin’s mother. Seeing the woman nod Erik let thick smoke filter out from under his cloak and Rhaenys watched as a Dragon’s head came out of the smoke followed by the shadow of a large body, no one on the field was paying attention to the sudden appearance of another dragon as their eyes were on each other killing, and the dragon Vhagar in the sky.
Opening his maw Erik felt what was the left of the spirit of Meleys and he bound it to the spirit of Rhaenys in a spray of fire. The woman had closed her eyes as the Red Queen’s spirit formed the shell around the heart of the woman whose body burned in the dragon’s fire. The magic that Erik evoked was part of that of his power as the Aspect of Life, his fire created the egg of his dragon flight, unlike the previous dragons flights where you needed a mated pair, he was able to preserve life, souls and bonds creating new dragons that would grow to be part of the new world.
With the breath of fire done, smoke enveloped the dragon and Erik's human form walked out to the burned corpse of Rhaenys where he pushed a hand into the burnt cracked chest cavity pulling out a dragon egg. Cradling it with both hands Erik smiled as he felt the life within and the mind that was curled up with the dragon’s soul. Smiling Erik bent down and picked up his helmet with his left hand while carefully holding the egg in his right. Walking through the smoke to his horse Erik climbed on and cantered away leaving the war behind, the fall of Rooks Rest would be a tale told and the stories would say that Rhaenys was burned beyond all recognition but Erik knew better as he took the egg elsewhere and laid it in a cave surrounded by fire that would be taken care of by him over the years until it hatched.
Notes:
SUPER TINY!!
This will be the smallest of all my chapters
Edited: Mildly
Chapter 11: Chapter 11
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Chapter 11
While Erik stood at the waters edge Daenerys awoke to the thump-thump of Jorah’s heartbeat and his soft snores, warmth moved through her body as she wiggled lightly in his arms as she blearily opened her eyes. Somehow through the night she had ended up sleeping on Jorah’s chest and over them was Drogon’s wing and the fur cloak being used as a blanket.
Closing her eyes again she drove her face into the chest of the man that had given up everything for her, who taken knives to cut the infected skin away scarring him for her, and his desire to return to her service and her. Snuggling as deeply as she could, she felt his arms tighten around her and his breathing changed, Jorah was beginning to awaken. A rumble of noise turned yawn made Daenerys smile as if she was witnessing a bear awaken from hibernation. The tensing, stationary muscle stretching and awakening followed by relaxation made her giggle as Jorah low rumble of a voice sounded in her ear.
“What is it your grace finds amusing this morning?” His answer was nothing but a soft rubbing of his chest and a kiss to where his heart was, placing a hand at the back of her head he gave her a gentle squeeze and released her. Drogons’ wing lifted off the two of them as Jorah removed the furs around Daenerys who groused at the fact that the warmth was leaving to the air of the beach.
Jorah turned his gaze to where Erik should have been but found that the man was not there at his sleep roll, just his sword and helmet remained. Getting the two of them up, Daenerys too looked around and did not see Erik in their camp, as they left the safety they looked towards the beach and saw that Erik was standing at the waters edge watching. Jorah and Daenerys watched the man briefly each wondering what was going on in the older man’s head as he stood stone still, as if he was guarding something or themselves.
Gently Jorah took Daenerys to the beach and as the two walked to the waters edge towards Erik, the man’s head shifted as if hearing them when they were but 30 feet away. Turning head over his shoulder fully Erik offered a smile to the couple and as he fully turned to face Daenerys and her knight he bowed his head.
“Your Grace, Ser Jorah… I trust you both slept well?” The couple looked to each other, and they smiled softly before turning back to Erik and nodded. It was Daenerys that spoke up as Jorah lowered his head and crossing his hands at his front that he was known to do regularly.
“We did, thank you Lord Destler. I trust you slept well and did not stand here at the beach too long?”
Erik smiled and shook his head, “No your grace, I awoke early and decided to stand and watch the sun fully rise.” Looking to his right to the sun now above the horizon of the sea, turning his attention back to the two, “If you two are willing to restart the fire, I will come join you for food before we leave for the last of our flight.” The two nodded and they left to retreat back to the camp as Erik turned back to the water as in his heart, he felt that a dragon had hatched and he smiled as he heard in the wind that only he could hear the dragon’s roar.
“I look forward to seeing you princess… whenever you are ready” Erik said softly to the air.
Jorah and Daenerys made their way back to camp as Drogon, Viserion and Rhaegal moved to a stand shaking off their sleep before they took off to go and hunt food for themselves. As they arrived back to the dead fire and their camp Jorah took some of the chopped wood they had piled for the night and he set about reigniting the fire. Daenerys watched as Erik started walking about from the water slowly, she watched as every step the man took look tired and aged, but there was a power that seemed to radiate off him.
“Ser Jorah…”
“Mmm?” Jorah looked up from the little tiny fire that he had managed to start with the flint and stone from his fire tools. He looked up to Daenerys who watched the man that brought him back to life and to his queen who looked concerned for the man.
“You never told me what he did to save you…” Jorah's eyes snapped to the fire and he stared at it. Feeling the hand on his neck and his vision going black before he awake to his damage diseased flesh being cut from him and ultimately being healed by the magic that had been imbued.
“It is not a story that Your Grace should hear, nor is it something that I would like to remember or retell. Suffice to say that it was painful, gruelling and long process.” Jorah looked up again to see that Daenerys move to be beside Jorah as she pulled back part of Jorah's collar of his shirt that he kept tied up under his furs. He had reached up but she stayed his hand opened his shirt and pulled the collar away to reveal the marred flesh, tears started to well in Daenerys eyes. Reaching up with a hand Jorah brushed away the tears before they fell, he offered a soft look before he moved his hand to the back of her neck and her pulled her forehead to his.
“It's alright lass… I'm here, I'm not leaving you… never again" feeling the head of the fire the two held their position as Erik walked up and sat at his bed roll, he smiled at the two through the fire that lit them up.
Erik looked down as if he had been intruding on a special moment between the two as he was reminded of him of his own past as he set his jaw and he quietly went into his saddle bag and pulled his morning ration of dried meat and he tore a strip off as he quietly stood up and walked away from the two to walk several paces away and stood guard.
Jorah opened his eyes and as he pulled his head away from Daenerys seeing Erik gaze at them before he left the fire and camp just enough to give them space. It was then that it hit Jorah that there was something in Erik that Jorah was reminded of, and it was his earlier love how Daenerys treated him before he was sent away multiple times and before he was ordered to find a cure. Erik was clearly missing someone that he too loved, but from what he knew the age of the man who had lived centuries. He had no one where as he, Jorah now had someone who was in his arms. He understood now why Erik had pushed the two of them together looking to Daenerys in the eye and kissed the top of her head as she wrapped her arms around Jorah and wept silently into his neck.
After the two separated and they had their morning rations Jorah was helped with his armour being strapped to his body after Daenerys carefully and loving wrapped her blue coloured scarf around his neck and covering it carefully with his collar before placing his breast plate on and tightening it.
Once they were ready to leave after clearing up camp the three dragons came and landed with mighty thumps. Drogon went to Daenerys as Viserion and Rhaegal went up to Erik fighting for his attention and getting head pats from Erik before he looked behind him to Daenerys and he said something to the two dragons and they went over to their mother as the older man had a smile on their face.
Drogon looked at Erik as the man walked to them, all three dragons went onto their bellies as they gazed up to their other in an imitation of massively over grown puppies. Whatever it was that Erik said the dragons each day as wild as they should have been were less and less.
“Shall we continue Your Grace?”
“What did you say to them?” Erik smiled again and cocked his head to the side and said nothing, he was standing between the Viserion and Rhaegal before he went to his gear and he picked it up and he slung it on his shoulder and he climbed onto Viserion as Daenerys and Jorah looked to each other and they climbed up onto Drogon and they took off towards the wall.
The flight through the rest of the day grew colder and colder, as Daenerys started to shiver with the wind blowing through them Jorah wrapped his armed around her and pulled his bear fur cloak around her tight to keep her warm. When they made it to the wall the three dragons landed and they chittered nervously as the three climbed off, it was clear beside the cold there was something bothered them. Jorah dug through his bags and he found what he was looking for as Erik stood ready gazing into the snow, the cold clearly didn't affect Erik with every step that he took away from the three dragons and the couple.
Every step that Erik took in the snow that crunched under his boots, heightened his ‘undead' nature. As he stepped further with the blowing snow caking his armour and cloak he heard the creaking and cracking sounds of the ice below him, they had landed on a ice lake, but there was something more as off to his right his eyes began to burn a extreme blue fire which flared out of the slot of his helmet.
Jorah and Daenerys had run to Erik upon hearing the noise, as it was in the growing darkness the sounds all around them echoed around them. The three dragons crawled up and low behind the three careful of their footing with each step they took, a low rumble in their throats ready to burn at the command of their mother.
In the darkness there was flare of blue, followed by another, and another, the dead had come and with them so too had the white walkers. Erik pulled his sword from it's sheath and Jorah had done the same while he put Daenerys behind him and nudging her to the dragons.
Erik made some sort of guttural, growling sound and Drogon took position over Daenerys while the other two dragons flanked, it was as if they were taking orders from Erik which surprised Daenerys as Drogon’s head came low and by Daenery's head.
The sun had begun to fully set and as true darkness set in Erik’s left hand started to emanate a vibrant purple before he shot his hand out and the purple light went forwards and it went to something, closing his fist he made a pulling motion and something seemed to be moving through the fog of the cold. The other blue lights started to become more and more as Daenerys yelled out.
“DRACERYS!!!” The three dragons lit up the darkness and in the light of the fire there was an army of the dead shambling for them with a number of the blue lights coming from those on horse back including the one that was more terrifying that anything than she had ever seen before.
As the rushing purple bound figure came to Erik towards his left hand the purple light disappeared and the dead creature skidded to a halt in the snow on it's front, Erik held out his left hand as an ice spear form and he drove it into the creature to pin it to the ice lake. Turning his head Erik yelled to Jorah.
“Get the rope, now!” Erik turned back as some of the fire ignited dead started to drop but the fire was put out by the cold and it didn't last long. Some of the dead started to rush for Erik as he rushed forwards as the dragons tried to provide support but they started to crawl backwards. Jorah had run to his bags on Drogon's back and the dragon because of his lowered stature twisted his torso so that Jorah could get into his bags and get the rope that he also had in his pack as he heard through the snow the clanging of metal on metal and battle grunts. The horse back mounted creatures carried ice spears and one got ready to throw but was suddenly bound by pillars of ice and chains that had come out of nowhere wrapping around the undead horse and creature as there was a grunt that came from Erik as he took a hit. The undead were going for Erik but the man was trying to cover for the dragons providing fire support the best that they could. Some of the undead creatures died but some on fire rushed Erik as Daenerys' cried out for Erik who rose and arm and took a sword that was stopped by his forearm but that didn't mean that he didn't feel the hit.
Swinging his sword in an arc, green skulls had rushed from his sword hitting their brace of targets as he turned to see Jorah having run up and breaking the pinned walkers arm so that he could bind it to the other one. Struggling to bind the creature Jorah watched as Erik cut down two walkers before he took a sword through his armour which surprised him. Grabbing onto the blade Erik pulled the creature closer to him and the blade as Daenerys screamed in fear.
After finishing the binds of the creature, Jorah dragged it towards to the dragon, Rhaegal crawled forwards setting fire past Erik to the creature he held in place and to more of the undead. Jorah turned away from the burst of fire, the green dragon in his claw picked up the creature and took off at Erik's command gutteral command. Erik turned towards Jorah who ran to his side fighting his way and cutting down what he could to Erik as Viserion and Drogon kept shooting off bursts of fire while slowly backing off and keeping their mother near them. Turning his gaze Erik stood with a dagger buried deep in his chest along side the sword and the dark liquid of blood running down his chest plate, the blue fire of his eyes dimming.
“Get her out of her, don't look back… I'll buy you time… protect her" Erik swung his head right and blocked a sword as he saw another horse back mounted rider readying it's spear and Erik shoved Jorah towards Daenerys who screamed for the two men to come back. Jorah ran as Erik watched the spear launch but he managed in time throw how a globe of blue as a ice pillar shot itself up from the lake of ice and the spear hit it stopping it's advance which was aimed for Jorah.
The horse mounted riders stopped as did the dead, Erik took a step back as Jorah had reached Daenerys and all but forced her onto Drogon who looked at his mother then chittered to his brother who started for Erik, but the other man roared for them to leave as one particular horse mounted ride came forwards and Erik's gaze went to the helm that was melded to the thing’s head.
“No….” Erik snapped his head to the side where the dragons and the couple were and he yelled at them. “LEAVE!!!!”
The horse bound monster that Erik turned back to summoned a number of spears as Erik let the old magic emboldened his armour as he ran for the creature who threw a number of spears at Erik who knocked a couple of them away as Drogon and Viserion against their wishes of their mother who ordered to them to fire did not and they took off as the last spear that was thrown by the helmed creature went in an arc aimed for Drogon and his riders. Erik yelled and he launched himself up into the air and with a roar he took his dragon's form as it spear hit him in the side of his chest and he crashed into his pillar of ice before he flew off struggling to stay up in the air keeping his massive bulk between the two smaller dragons and the monsters below them.
“Lord Daemon… you still live… I will have my revenge…” came the hollowed, gruff voice from the helm mounted warrior. “The Lich King has not died… but you will.” As he turned his army away and slowly made his away to another location of the ice frozen lakes, he was looking for something and when he did, the living would again fall the might of the Scourge.
The Dragons had been flying for a number of hours, they had barely escaped, Viserion looked worriedly at the dragon as they had flown away, his gaze went to his brother who held the bound undead in a claw before looking to his mother.
Daenerys looked on as her dragons had made their way from the wall at Lord Destler's command and she was trying to still wrap her mind around the fact that he was a dragon, a very clearly different looking dragon to her children, but one none the less. The cold had started to become less and less oppressive as they flew above the ocean as the massive dragon following them stuttered in wing beats, pain was clearly on the dragons face as there was the spear in his chest, as was other bleeding marks.
Erik's dragon's eyes met Daenerys’ in an apology before his eyes closed and his head dropped, the dragon’s wings faltered and had become slack completely over the Bays of Seals. As Erik started to fall smoke surround his body and his human form took and came out of said smoke and he headed towards to the water from their high height head first.
“LORD DESTLER!!!” Jorah and Daenerys cried out as they watched and could do nothing as water rushed for the man.
(For anyone wanting to know what Erik's Dragon form looks like)
Notes:
Sorry for the delay... Been dealing with some head stuff and I am not home as I am in Las Vegas for a convention before I head home next week wednesday. Hope you like this, I tried to up the stakes, hopefully you like it.
Chapter 12: Chapter 12
Notes:
Sorry, sorry..... Shit came about, life has been sucking. Just I know I started a new story, but its not really new, just a reposting of something old.
I was struggling with this chapter and what I wanted in it, anyways...
Chapter Text
Chapter 12
Watching Erik fall was possibly the worst thing to witness considering the stories that he told them the night before, it almost seemed as if he was immortal. Jorah held Daenerys fast in his hold as she tried to angle Drogon to dive after the man, but even then her dragons as they eyed the man falling didn't give chase because of whatever order that Erik had given them in their draconic guttural sounding language before he roared at them to leave.
And as much as Viserion wanted to diver after whom he had given ride to, he flew in close formation with his brothers to protect his mother their prize back they almost died to get. It was in the wind that dragons heads perked swiveling, to Jorah his ears picked up some sort of sound before the keening of another dragon echoed in the air as leather wings flapped below them. Below was a massive red dragon, larger than Drogon and yet not as large as Erik in his dragon form, the beast sped its way to the falling man with it's forearms similar to Erik's dragon form outstretched reaching. Daenerys looked at the head in her mind she remembered art about the Dance of the Dragons and her family history and that it looked familiar somehow, but she couldn't place where or whom.
The dragon spun so it's belly was upwards to the sky it caught Erik in its arms moments before he hit the water. There was a splash of water from the dragons tail as it held Erik carefully, the dragon flapped it's wings as it sounded up to the three dragons above it, Daenerys' children responded in kind. They flew until the sun started to come up and they landed not quite where they were the two nights ago. Rhaegal landed carefully as to not destroy what they had hunted for, Viserion landed with a massive thud along with Drogon as Jorah and Daenerys scrambled off the dragon as the red dragon that had saved Erik from his fall landed, not quite sure of its footing it landed awkwardly dropping Erik who still had the spear in his chest along with the spear and sword from the dead that he had been fighting while Jorah had bound the undead creature.
Running over to where Erik lay in the sand his helmet had fallen off from the impact, Jorah and Daenerys skidded to a halt, wet sand caked his face and hair as he laid on his side propped up by the blade of the sword, and the ice spear that gave off dark magical coldness continued to bleed that evil. Daenerys moved first grabbing at the staff of the spear only to rip her hands back from the pain that shot up from her hand towards to her elbows. Jorah pulled the leather and fur gloves to see red skin as if she had frost scalded her hands, twisting to look to Erik, Jorah put his foot on the mans side and grabbed at the spear staff and gritting his teeth through the pain that went up his arms and hands he ripped the spear out pulling tissue and gore from the man's chest as semi-frozen blood leaked from the hole. Throwing it to the side, the other red dragon set the spear on fire and it's magic overrode the spear destroying it. Daenerys shook her hands and knelt down taking Erik's head in her lap as tears sprang in her eyes. Jorah knelt down and removed the sword and the dagger from the man’s chest as blood came from the wounds, turning Erik so that he was on his back Daenerys cradled the man tighter as she looked to Jorah as to what to do.
“Your Grace… I don't know… I…” thinking back on the fact that Erik was not just a dragon but the undead previously or still… Jorah stood running to Erik's saddle bags on Viserion ripping them open. In them were things that he had never seen including a glass bottle that was carefully wrapped. Unwrapping it Jorah broke the seal and he popped the cork sniffing when he smelt the copper tang of blood, his mind went back to something Erik said.
“Something of a vampire of lore…” pulling a leather case out from the saddle bag it looked like something of a medical kit. Running with it back to Daenerys he the kit dropping it at her side, it looked like they would have to camp here for a few days if Erik was to have a chance of living.
“See if you can't get his armour off, I'm going to start a fire.” Jorah ran to the forest line and grabbed what he could of dried fallen wood and tinder. Rushing back Jorah set up and rushed to start a fire, but each time he tried to get a spark to take in his next of tinder it would die out.
Daenerys had put Erik down and kneeled over unpinning his cloak pins before moving to his side and unbuckling his chest armour peeling away the top plate that had the massive holes and damage from what pierced it, the back plate stayed where Erik was laying. The blood soaked tunic was ripped where the spear had been as Erik's destroyed lung sat exposed next to a weak heart that was barely beating, the two stab wounds from the dagger and sword were the less hideous of the injuries.
“Jorah, I don't know what to do, his injuries” Jorah looked over and he swore under his breath as he turned back and finally started the fire with a shout.
“COME ON!!”
Coming back over to Erik, Jorah knelt down taking the bottle of what he had assumed was blood and handed it to Daenerys who held the bottle carefully and looking confused with her blood coated hands. Reaching for the leather satchel Jorah ripped it open and found rolls of bandages and cloth padding, taking those he stuffed them into the chest hole and with a fistful he pulled Erik towards him by the back of his neck and stuffed some into the hole at his back. There was a grunt of pain as Erik regained wakefulness only to shut his eyes in pain, his dull glowing blue eyes saw Jorah's and he tried to mouth something but blood had leaked out of his mouth and down his chin, because of the damage to his body he couldn't take a breath and he not could he exhale to make his vocal cords work. Struggling against the blood loss he moved his hands to his chest where Jorah had already stuffed the hole and tried to point to something.
“The bottle… I'm going to help you drink the bottle” Said Jorah as he took the rolls of cloth and wrapped up Erik's chest the best that he could, once he was done Daenerys helped Jorah semi-sit Erik against Daenerys’ lap and stomach. With Erik's head lulling back in Daenerys' arm Jorah took the bottle and opened it gently pouring it down the man's the throat. The more that Erik imbibed, there was a power that was starting to return to him as a once weakened hand came up and covered the hand that was helping him drink.
Blood started to come out of Erik's eyes as his eyes opened and they started to flare a power glowing red, Erik held the bottle now in both hands as Jorah went to Daenerys seeing the hunger in the man's eyes and an evil that seemed to emanate from the man. Pulling her away from the injured man Jorah pulled his sword pointing it at Erik. Daenerys yelled at Jorah as the injured man was pitched off to the side from the motions but his attention was on the bottle of blood that Jorah had correctly guessed. When Erik finished the bottle and he tossed it to the side before he wrapped his arms around his torso as a look of pain crawled across Erik’s f ace as he curled in on himself on the ground.
The red dragon and the other three moved closer to see what was going on, the larger red one cocked it's head as Erik let out a sound for the first time and it was a pained roar, rolling around on the ground he struggled to a stand with his arms wrapped around his chest as he started for the forest but was blocked by the red dragon that chittered and lowered it's head bumping him back where he stumbled to the ground. There was a strange crawling up and down under Erik's bandages, it got larger and it looked like it wanted to rip out of the bandages but somehow they couldn't. The Red dragon chittered and Rhaegal took off into the air for the ocean before he dove and it seemed like it was minutes when he resurfaced and came back with a rather large looking shark in his maw when he landed again. Water poured off his scales as the ocean creature snapped it's teeth as it crashed to the ground when the dragon released his catch. Jorah moved Daenerys back as Erik started to crawl towards the shark, but something else caught his attention, there was a noise in the back of his mind as the dragons continued to chitter amongst themselves but there was something else.
“How… d…e…el….im?”
“Ge….so….th…li…ng..”
“I… o…be…..ig….ck…”
“….urry,…not…..it….”
Shaking his head Jorah swore he could hear the dragons speaking, but his worry was the look of horror on Daenerys' face, the dropped shark squirmed in front of Erik who leapt onto the creature and drove his teeth into the skin of the shark, it was the widening of Jorah's eyes as he realized what finally burst out of Erik's wraps as blood and gore ran the man's chest and waist as giant maggot like worms attached to the shark and started to devour it through various holes they created.
Drogon moved himself so that he was blocking his mother’s view, it was something that he didn’t want his mother to see or the man before them. The look from the dark dragon was telling before he laid down with his brothers as the Red Dragon stood by watching.
Taking the horror struck Daenerys back to the fire that he had built, he sat on the bed roll he pulled from Drogon's saddle moments before. Holding his shaking Queen, his mind was taken back to the man who on the other side of the dragons was one of the most horrifying things he had ever seen besides the undead creature that Rhaegal had dropped when he landed about a fifty metres from where they sat.
“Ser Jorah… what is happening to Erik?”
“I don't know your grace… I never heard or seen anything like that…”
“He should be dead, I could see into his body… and yet... and yet he still lives"
“That he does Khalessi…” Looking down to Daenerys hands, he saw that she was looking at her hurt hands and it was then that realised that he hadn't seen to her needs. Taking the leather case there were a few bandages remaining. Jorah cleaned up and wrapped Daenerys' frost burned hands and kept them warm within his own as they heard the dragons chittering and keeping Erik separated from them. There a fear from the roars and yells coming from the man, for what seemed like it was forever.
When Viserion finally stepped to the side it was the following morning, Jorah had stayed up all night and watched the four dragons who in turn watched the man within the circle of the dragons. He had after leaving Daenerys alone for a little bit set up camp for the night and had laid his fur cloak over top of Daenerys and watched as she slept uneasily. He had turned his back long enough for her to change out of the blood soaked clothes and watched as she climbed onto the bed roll and slept as much as she could with the horrific images running through her head.
She had finally managed to be asleep for a few hours as Jorah watched Erik stumble tiredly towards the camp with torn bandages, a bloody chest, mouth and back. The red dragon moved away from the siblings and carefully moved up to a stand as it walked up to the man, lowering its head Jorah watched the man put his hand on the side of the massive dragon's face and rest his forehead against the scales and whisper something to it. The dragon gently nudged Erik so that he stood more upright again, and he started towards Jorah who sat with his sword across on his lap, much he like had done with the Dothraki after the death of her son.
Standing up Jorah held his sword in hand but ready to bring the tip up in defense, but it was for naught as Erik shakily rose a hand in tired, pain filled greeting.
“You can put that.... away Ser Jorah, I am… better.” Erik gingerly tore the remains of his bandages from his chest that had served their purpose and threw them into the remains of the fire that Jorah had kept low for Daenerys’ sake and should Erik have rushed them in whatever it was that he had gone through in the evening.
Sheathing his sword he cautiously walked to the man and rushed to catch him mid stumble before righting the man helping him to camp and helping him sit on a fur before the fire near his things.
“What happened to you?” Jorah asked quietly not wanting to wake his queen, the other man reached for a cloth that had been previously wet and he tried to clean himself off as best as he could as Jorah watched only to jerk back from his kneeling position as something rippled under the skin of his chest.
“What…”
“This is… normal…” Erik rubbed his chest and whatever the large worm like things were that were under the skin settled down. “When I get as injured you have seen… especially when my heart stops… the undead portion of me actively looks for a way to stay functional. The things you saw… it’s almost a last resort to keep me alive in a sense. It’s the vampiric nature of the Death Knight rearing its head.” Erik reached for his bags that Jorah had brought from Viserion to the camp and dug through the leather bags finding his spare shirt and breeches that were not soaked in blood.
With Daenerys still asleep, Jorah watched the man strip down and quickly re-cloth himself and he noted the new scars that littered the already excessively scarred one. Jorah thought that he was scarred, but Erik. Erik was covered in centuries of scarring from wars that he never thought had existed, in battles that looked like they had been terrifying to be in. The new scars from his back to his chest and from the knife were pale pink compared to the older darker scarring. Once Erik was dressed again he took his chest plate in hand and looked at the damage with a frown, he thought back on his long life the last time that he had been hit with this kind of magic. Jorah saw the frown and questioned the man,
“What is the problem Lord Destler?”
“This particular magic, I haven't seen or felt in over two hundred years. The imbued magic of the spell obliterated the area of enchantment that is taking its time to rebuilt. It opened up my armour like it was a piece of leather. That is magic from someone that I had long thought that I had destroyed.” Erik frowned and though his travel of time into this world now there had been rumblings of a Long Night and the undead creatures that would or could one day come to wipe out the world of man. It was not something that he was looking forward to as the new Lich King Bolivar had promised to keep the dead in the remains of Northrend and in Ice Crown under his control, so who took the crown from him?
If someone had taken out Bolivar who was the last human that he knew that had been given the gift of life from Alexstrazia then this world was very much in trouble. He would have to very much step in and help fight once more. The creature that threw the spear at him wore the helm of Domination that Arthas had fought Illidan over at the top of Ice Crown before Arthas took the throne. The voice was the same, it unsettled Erik as he placed the armour to the side watching Daenerys sleep with a frown on his face.
“We need to convince man to work together, and I might have to see if there anyone left of the old world or any of their descendants that are willing to fight. I know the Horde and their ilk have been removed from the world… but there might be some of the Worgen… or human wolves. Pure, true magic has been so weakened in this world, but the three dragons now four are what keeping the magic alive. The dark magic, part of what you feel when I brought you back is crawling with force, we have to keep it at bay.” Erik said looking at Jorah, the two men shared a look before they nodded to one another, standing up Erik walked to the new dragon that was standing awkwardly with the three brothers looking very confused as to what to do.
Once Erik was close enough he got the red dragon’s attention and gently placed a hand on the side of the dragon's face pulling the creatures face to his so that he could look it in eye.
“Thank you Rhaenys, I take it you are having a hard time structuring Meleys in your mind and getting your body to do what you want it to now?”
The dragon blinked and nodded, Erik could see the two minds in the dragons' eye and he smiled, “Let her guide you, and guide her when you are in human form because I need to help and the brothers into such form. It is a bit of a learning curve, however I think your descendant might be excited to meet you if I can get you there.” The dragon's head shot up and swiveled to the camp and the other figure that was being helped out of the fur bedding to a stand, the two turned their gaze to Erik the Red dragon that had saved Erik from his freefall both groups just staring, but it was the dragons comical head movement that made Erik chuckle.
Bringing its attention back to Erik, the dragon listened to the man and his instruction as he spoke, it took a number of tries but soon a dark grey smoke emitted from the red dragon and out of the smoke stumbled a middle aged woman who seemed to have found her footing as she clung onto Erik who held her up with an arm around her waist. Silver-white hair in messy braided bun shone in the morning sun as Jorah and Daenerys rushed over with a cloak in hand. The woman had both her arms around Erik’s neck in support as she carefully and gingerly stood. The last time she remembered standing was before she climbed onto Meleys and their last battle, said dragon was now sitting quietly in her minds eye as she watched her rider navigate the world again.
“Easy… easy… welcome back Rhaenys.”
“Lord Destler… or should I be calling you Lord Daemon?”
“I used to be called that… but my true name is fine. I am sorry that I could not do more for you in your last battle. I did not want to interfere, however… In the end I did just that, didn’t I?” The woman moved her arms from his neck to his shoulders to keep her standing as she looked the man over, she felt the power and knew what it was that he did and what he was. The time she spent in the egg before she hatched was spent learning the history of the man when he would come to the egg, and what Meleys had told her after sharing her memories with her rider.
It was then with Daenerys coming along side the too that the older woman realized that she was absolutely naked and that the cloak being held out was to cover her modesty and that it was cold because they were near the beach.
“Thank you for saving Lord Destler…” Daenerys started and it was then that she took in the hair that looked shockingly like her, and the features of the woman screamed Targaryen.
“Daenerys, might I introduce you to Rhaenys Targaryen… I believe she is your great, great, great aunt… if I am not Mistaken…” Erik took the cloak from Daenerys and wrapped it around Rhaenys and watched the shocked look on her face form as well as the look on Rhaenys whose gaze softened to the girl. Carefully letting the older woman stand on her own… Daenerys who had thought was the last Targaryen embraced the older woman who held the future in her arms as she looked to Erik with wonder at the gift of life she had been given.
Chapter 13: Chapter 13
Chapter Text
Chapter 13
Standing there Erik lowered his head but kept his gaze on the generational reunion, Jorah looked between Erik and the embracing family with his jaw slack.
“Would you care to explain exactly how Rhaenys Targaryen is here… and how she is a dragon?” Erik lowered his gaze, and his feature took on a thoughtful soft smile, as he placed his hands behind his back.
“As the history is told by the Maesters… Princess Rhaenys fell at the Battle of Rooks Rest, her body so badly burned and charred that no one should have thought that she would have survived. Her dragon’s head was cut from its body where it had fallen and paraded through King’s Landing.” Rhaenys turned her head to look at horror at the story that Erik had begun to tell, she had no idea that her dragon had been desecrated in such a way that stoked a rage in her belly. Meleys in her mind’s eyes soothed her rage and reminded her, that she had already bound her soul to Rhaenys before her physical form passed on.
“However, the story couldn’t be that far off from the truth. I was there when Greens attacked. I watched and did nothing as it was not my place to interfere with battle or the war. I watched my dragon kin fight with each other and I saw a woman that not only was a warrior, a dragon rider, but someone that was willing to give it her all and lay it on the line for all.
When I saw her and Meleys fall, my original thought was to leave the battlefield and continue on, to continue through time and observe. I, however, could not. I rode through the battlefield through the screams of the dying, through fog of war and making one of my own. I arrived at the fallen Meleys who in her last moments twisted just enough to not entirely crush her rider. Rhaenys was going to die and she saw me even in her twisted and broken form. Meleys is a direct descendant of my Dragon Queen Alexstrazia, I could save the soul of the dragon, but to save the soul of the rider… I offered Rhaenys a choice… she took it.
I bound the two souls together in fire… but that fire came at a cost… it completely charred the princess’ body. I put my fist through her chest and pulled a dragon egg out. My magic besides it being partly of death is also one of life.
I am the Aspect of Life… the dragon part of me… the other part of me is the Aspect of Death… I am the balance of both, it is what my queen bade me to be.” Erik looked up to the three as Drogon, Viserion, and Rhaegal came over to the three humans, walking to the dragons Erik gave each of them attention and pat as he turned to Daenerys offering her a smile.
“These three… while not roosted by you… they are your children. You gave them birth, you tended to their needs, gave them love even if one of them was rebellious… such is the nature of young men. Each of these dragons have some of the lines of the previous aspects. Earth… Time… the Dream…” Turning back to the three Erik spoke to them and they each cocked their heads before looking to each other before turning their gaze back to Erik. There was screwed up look of concentration in their eyes before they too turned to smoke and out walked unsteadily on two feet three young looking children on the verge of becoming teens.
Erik chuckled as the black haired one took a step and ended up tripping onto his face and returning to his dragon form almost instantly, he groused at Erik who just laughed. Rhaegal with his green hair looked to his feet then hands as he opened and closed them making fists. Looking to his mother who stood there in shock he offered her his first smile to her then shifted his gaze to Jorah who had raised him alongside his mother, he closed his eyes and bowed to him showing the man his respect before he too joined his brother in his dragon form again as he chittered to Drogon excited at the prospect of a human form.
It was Viserion, who unlike his name’s sake was as Daenerys had told others was the gentlest of the three, he looked at his mother, then to Jorah, to Rhaenys but it was to Erik that he canted his head and thought about something before he opened his mouth to speak but found that he couldn’t get his throat to work. Daenerys shakily walked to the young-looking boy and knelt in the sand as the dragon-boy looked deep into his mother’s eyes. Daenerys slowly rose a hand to Viserion’s face who offered her a soft smile and unlike his brother’s he surged forwards and hugged Daenerys tightly. Daenerys gazed at the rising sun, which was shining off Viserion’s golden hair, tears clouded her vision as she wrapped her arms around her dragon-son and broke down crying. Drogon and Rhaegal watched the exchange and roared to the sky offering what they could to their mother.
Stepping back Viserion did what he could not in his dragon form and gently raised a hand to whip away his mother’s tears from her cheeks and was the first of his brothers to continue to surprise his mother and those around him apart from Erik.
“I love you mother…” Taking another step back he burst into smoke and was soon back to his dragon form as he gathered at his brother’s side.
“Did… did he just speak?” Jorah asked shocked, Rhaenys was floored, and she had thought that she had seen everything, but Meleys was laughing in her mind. Daenerys did not know what to do, but when she stood, she slowly made her way to her sons who had gathered around her. Jorah for everything that he had thought he had seen wanted to sit down and try to understand exactly had happened.
“Yes. He did. I figured he would be the first to use the common tongue, his brothers are going to take some work.” Jorah rounded on Erik and strode up to him looking him in the face.
“Are you telling me that those three would have turn into forms of man at some point?”
“No, not without someone guiding them and their magic. Dragons are their own creatures; they must want to use their innate magic for anything else than what they know in their gullets to do.” Erik’s hard look stared Jorah down who stepped back as three gazes watched Daenerys with her dragons who lavished their mother with their love.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Once they had moved back to their camp Daenerys dug through her clothing to find something for Rhaenys to wear who ended up sitting beside Daenerys after she had dressed sharing food that Erik had cooked for the three shell shocked people.
“How did you figure out all of this Lord Destler?”
“I didn’t, not entirely. I knew Dreamfyre’s eggs were of the combined aspect flights and their magic they had imbued into the future generation’s. Any that were to be born was tasked to ensure that they come into the world with a putpose. Those are true dragons born of one of the originals. The dragon’s that I ‘create’ for a lack of a better term are those that have a strong connection to dragons first and foremost.” Erik had taken a spoonful of porridge that he in his bowl as the others ate waiting for him to continue. “My magic, might one day run out… one day I might die, and I will have to stay dead, I have to make sure that there is magic in this world in one form or another” Jorah looked at Erik with a look of concern, before he turned back to his own meal.
There was something in what Erik said that his magic had to remain in the world with some form of connection, if Rhaenys was life of a dragon, what did that make him? Jorah had been brought back from death with Death’s magic… but there was something else that was bothering him, he swore that he had heard the dragons speak but he wasn’t sure he had been imagining it. It bothered him that there was this kind of magic, but there was also the magic that had taken away Daenerys’ son Rhaego. There was so much to this world and yet all he could think about was that he was a man that had been thoroughly put through something else and yet… yet. He turned his gaze as it softened to Daenerys who looked at her aunt who smiled whispering something to the woman that he loved.
Their little family was growing, and he had no idea what do with it, he was a knight, a soldier… he was… Jorah shook his head not wanting to let his mind float to the dark thought and how he had been brought back.
The four had cleaned up camp after they had discussed the plan going forward, it would be a flight back and Erik would take control of the ghoul/creature that was trying it’s best to get to them but with it being entirely bound it was unable to move except to wiggle. After informing Rhaenys about their intentions to get the Lannisters to stop their stupid war with Daenerys and to fight the war that could wipe them all out, the older woman shook her head after being told of Cersei Lannister and her insanity of wanting to continue her rule on the Iron Thone and the Seven Kingdoms.
“I know you want to reclaim what is yours, but I would like to posit this with you. Let the throne go, it has done nothing but destroy families, generations… if you want to take the Seven Kingdoms and rule as you have ruled from where you have came from… destroy that throne… break the chains that your forbearers could not.”
Daenerys looked to her dragons then to her aunt and saw in her aged face the history of the Dance of Dragons and that she had been one of the few major losses with the war with the Greens long ago. Daenerys had read her history from books provided to her, and she wanted to break that wheel, however, she wanted what was taken from her and what was taken from her family, but with what she had seen beyond the wall… did she want to take the chance of that Throne over being what the world needed with the help of Erik, Rhaenys, her children… Jorah?
What was her future worth if all she continued to care about was the Throne over the lives of the people that she wanted to free from the cold, dark, evil future?
“I will not let innocent people die over a throne. You are right, the throne is not worth the lives of everyone else in the world, not with the monsters out there.” Erik bowed his head, Jorah brought attention to himself as he spoke up.
“Shall we return to Dragonstone your Grace? We have a meeting to set with Cersei”
Daenerys turned her head to Jorah and two shared an unspoken conversation, he nodded his head and turned to ensure that their gear was stowed, Erik had taken his two torsos plate and strapped it to his saddle bags, he had been wearing everything else and cross strapped his shoulder armour and arm armour to his body but his torso would remain unprotected until he could get the armour fixed, or the magic repaired itself.
Rhaegal clambered over to the bound creature and looked to Rhaenys calling her over, he wanted her to rid him as he was the only one remaining without a rider. Viserion went to Erik and laid down allowing him to place his bags and climb on. Drogon nudged his mother and gently nudged Jorah to hurry along and soon all three dragons were mounted and they continued their flight back to Dragonstone. By the beginning of early evening all three dragons landed carefully one at a time in the courtyard of the Dragonstone Castle dropping off their precious cargo. Rhaegal was the last to land and deposit the bound creature and Rhaenys when Tyrion came out on his stubbly short legs with Varys in tow followed by Grey Worm and Missandei.
“Your Grace, you have returned!”
“Indeed I have, and I have also returned with someone else as well. I would expect a tailor, and a council meeting. We need to send Cersei a Raven and get this meeting set sooner rather than later later.”
“Yes my Queen, thank you for making this decision. Cersei will listen to reason.”
“I highly doubt that Lannister” Rhaenys said finally having found her regal footing again, she would not make the same mistake that was made with Rhaenrya, her niece and she would endeavor to ensure that Daenerys would not faulter.
“I don’t think we have met before, you are?”
“Rhaenys Targaryen, I had been hidden away because of the tragedies that have befallen my family, no more” Tyrion’s eyebrows rose into his hairline as Varys looked on with no real shift in his facial features except a tick in his cheek. He gazed at Erik who in return let his eyes flash blue fire before bent down and picked up the wiggling form of the creature from one of the ropes that he managed to get his hand to wrap around.
“Your Grace might there be a box or crate that I can put this creature. I would like it stored away safe until we can present it to Cersei?”
“Grey Worm have the Unsullied look for a crate and help Lord Destler”
Grey Worm salute and helped Erik carry the creature away as Rhaenys and Jorah stood at Daenerys side, Daenerys looked to Tyrion who stood looking like his feet might be about to catch fire.
“Let us go to the council chambers, there is much to discuss.” Daenerys walked by with Jorah and Rhaenys in step on either side of her as Missandei followed. Tyrion and Varys glanced to each other before they too followed giving orders to guards to go and get the rest of the council as well as gather their other guests.
Chapter 14: Chapter 14
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Chapter 14
Upon their return to the castle, the hive of people was bustling as it could be clothing was found for the newly found Targaryen, a crate with a bar lock was dug up to store the undead creature and cogs began to move into place to prepare for the upcoming events.
Erik had been informed while he was dealing with the creature that he was to appear to the council when had finished his duties with the creature and when he was dressed. He stood shirtless in his room that he had been provided with, Erik had been using a washcloth to properly clean himself when the door to his room had opened and he heard a voice.
“Lord Destler…” Erik had turned to face Varys as he shut the door behind him with a soft click, Erik put his cloth down and picked up a dry one to wipe down before he changed into his pants.
“What can I do for you Spider?”
“Who is this woman that you have brought back, I know every family, every hidden detail within the realm. Rhaenys Targaryen does not exist. That name died with her when the rest of the Targaryen's died.”
“This concerns you how?”
“You are bringing ruin to this kingdom!”
“Please, you have done that on your own with your own games Spider. The world of old is returning and you are finding that you are about to lose your position in said world because you can not control it.” Erik reached for his tunic and fur vests when he heard the metal withdrawing from a leather scabbard. “You tried to poison me, you failed. Now you are going to try and stab me… have you seen the scars on my body?” Erik stood profile to the man as he watched the husky silk robed man and his movements.
“You are but a man, and men die…”
“Do you really want to try this again and do this right here, right now?” This time Erik's eyes didn't flare, but they did harden as the Spider started towards Erik in a slashing motion. Stepping offline of the attack Erik snatched Varys' wrist and twisted it with a snap to the man's wrist. A scream issued from Varys as Erik ripped his door open and he saw guards rushing to him but saw the blue fire that was coming through and stopped. Smoke formed around Erik as he dragged the Master of Whispers down the hall screaming even louder and when he stepped through Erik was fully clothed with his missing attire of his stockings, boots, tunic and leather vest.
“Guards! Get this man off me!”
“Oh, don't try and play the victim Spider, the one thing that you will further learn about me Lord Varys is that I have ways of making people talk. And tell you shall in front of the council.” Erik continued to drag the man to the council room bursting through the doors and tossing the man to the ground before everyone at the council table as everyone stood suddenly.
“Your Grace, a Spider has tried to poison the well and decided get his hands dirty…” Everyone turned to the man cradling his broken wrist on the ground with a whimper. Ice began to form on the stone flooring surrounding the man as Jorah stood ready to put Daenerys behind him hand on sword hilt at his waist. Daenerys looked around the room taking in the looks of her guards, Grey Worm, Rhaenys, Jon, Davos and finally a guilty looking Tyrion who looked like he wanted to step in for his friend.
“Lord Tyrion… would you care to explain what is happening and why Lord Destler has brought my Master of Whispers to me in such a condition?”
“Your Grace… I would like you to know that I serve you and I serve the realm. However, we know nothing of Lord Destler or the woman that was brought forwards. We can not confirm that this is a member of your family and there are no books that chronicle another Targaryen birth, especially of one that puts her at her … advanced age. No offense. Is it unreasonable to think that this man is a false wizard, and that woman is some plant made to make you look like a fool?” Tyrion asked, his hand twitched as low ice pillars started to form as wispy smoke gathered itself around Varys before there was a heavy metal clang from the chains that bound themselves around the Master of Whispers.
“I am no wizard dwarf, and you would remember that.”
“Yes, well… you are only using said magic to ensure that YOUR will is done, I doubt you are here to see the Queen rise on her own. Is this not true?” Tyrion had to think quickly, he had to take control of the situation and try to save his friend. Daenerys gazed at Erik and having had her personal witness to what he was willing to do to protect Dragons and herself, she shifted her eyes to her Hand. The Hand that had caused problems for her, the Hand that had broken her trust and created several mistakes.
No wizard could have come back from what had happened to Erik, and no wizard would ever bloody their hands and take swords to get an undead creature, they coveted power if Daenerys were to be honest with herself.
Jorah pulled his hand on his sword away and looked down to his queen, the look on her face was one of trying to figure out how to navigate. It was her turn of gaze to Rhaenys and the look that the older woman was giving her that gave her the strength to make her following decision.
“Lord Tyrion, you are here by removed from your position as the Queen’s Hand, you will remain on this council, but I will no longer have a lion trying to lead a Dragon astray. You do no know of what you speak, and with all your knowledge and your mind… You are like most that have tried to change how I lead in Essos. You think that a woman could not make up her own mind and that you hold my family as something that was wrong.
This woman is my family, family that I thought that I lost. I will not allow you to belittle her, I will not allow you to continue to have a position on this council if you are going to go behind my back and with your ‘friend’ attack someone that has done nothing but be willing to take a sword, a spear, a dagger for what you think would work.” Daenerys signalled to her guards in the room, and they marched on Tyrion as Daenerys strode forwards to the smallest Lion who was held in place and removed the pin off the man’s lapel and turned walking confidently and around the room slowly making sure that every word was heard by each person in the room.
“You will no longer have power; I want to hear why Lord Varys has attempted to as to my knowledge now twice tried to assassinate Lord Destler.” Erik stood behind the man in question chained to the floor, he was beginning to shiver underneath the cold of the floor, and he felt the weight of the chains and the cuffs around his ankles and his wrists. The pain was starting to grow in his broken wrist as he tried not to whimper, he looked up and to the council around the table as his captor stood behind him like a spector of death.
Erik took in the surprised, fearful, annoyed looks with in the eyes, but what he noticed the most the respect that Rhaenys had for her kin and the power and control that Daenerys welded in that moment. Had Erik been mortal he would have given everything to her, this was a Queen to follow, this was the beginning of a new era in the world and if he had anything to do with it, he would give up everything to ensure that her and her family would continue as they were meant to.
Turning on her heel Daenerys walked back to the council table and stood with her back to the two traitors looking at the profile of Jorah’s face before it turned, his eyes going to hers. There was an unspoken conversation that the two had and a hand on her wrist before she placed a hand on his offering a smile.
“I am breaking the wheel; I am taking the chains off the past. How it was that we led in the past will no longer be a thing in this new future. Rhaenys Targaryen, would you accept the position of the hand?” Jorah nodded Daenarys and offered her his smile, he was content to be in his position as Lord Commander, her personal guard, her love.
“My queen, I would be honoured.” Turning to her head away from Jorah’s loving gaze, she looked at her Great-many-times Aunt and held out a hand as Jon, Davos looked to each other in confusion and concern. Jon did not like where this was going but if he wanted help with what was to come in the north, he would have to accept this after Davos cornered him after the last meeting. Magic or not, this was something he needed to swallow as he remembered his conversation with Daenerys before Jorah reappeared in her life.
"I spent my life in foreign lands. So many men have tried to kill me, I don't remember all their names. I have been sold like a broodmare. I've been chained and betrayed, raped and defiled. Do you know what kept me standing through all those years in exile? Faith. Not in any gods. Not in myths and legends. In myself. In Daenerys Targaryen. The world hadn't seen a dragon in centuries until my children were born. The Dothraki hadn't crossed the sea. Any sea. They did for me. I was born to rule the Seven Kingdoms, and I will."
Rhaenys took the pin and held it in her hand, fist closed tightly around it, unlike in her time she would not make the mistake of not being the Hand to Rhaenyra, Erik had explained to her quietly as she grew into her dragon form in the egg the rest of her family’s history and she took hard, but she was glad that her husband had taken up her position and represented her family as best he could until the end.
Spinning around harshly Daenerys glared at the two men that had brought her nothing but trouble and almost ruined her relationship with Jorah after the Fighting Pits in Meereen and after she brought them into her service.
“So, you better speak as to why. Why you think you should assassinate in my home!” The roars of her children echoed outside the walls as the walls shook with Daenarys’ rage that was now beginning to show.
“Because you are mad! You are all mad!” Screamed Varys from his position on the ground, Tyrion snapped his head to the side with fear, he hadn’t expected his friend to speak up, but the cold was clearly doing something as his gaze turned back to Daenarys. “You have no right, you will destroy the seven kingdoms with the foul, the fake, the false, and the insane. You are no queen, as the true king of the seven kingdoms is in this very room.”
Everyone’s gaze snapped to Varys who slowly turned his head and his gaze to everyone before it landed on Jon Snow. Eyes slowly turned to Jon as his eyebrows shot up into his hairline.
“What are you talking about?”
“You are… not… a Stark, boy” Vary’s shivered hard as he held his wrist carefully to not make it hurt any more than it should have. Jon shook his head as he made his way over to the Master of Whispers.
“Why are you saying that? I am Ned Stark’s bastard son; I am a Stark.”
“No, you are the son of Rhaegar Targaryen. I found the information while looking into the books here and there was a journal that I’m sure was to be hidden away. You are the rightful King, not this man woman” Erik glanced at Daenerys who looked at him for any information or insight about the family she had recently found. Erik did not follow much of the Targaryen’s after the fall, but there had been almost no rumours of anything other than the death of Rhaegar, Daenarys’ brother. Looking at Jon snow, Erik let his senses flood him before he pushed them out letting them gather around the man, there was very little of anything Dragon based, there was more fur and violence wanting to rip out of the man but there was a tiny glimmer. A glimmer of something so small but it was hidden away beneath what the boy would find out in his own time.
Turning his gaze back to Daenerys he gave her a small cock of the head, as if to say ‘He had the name, but he is no dragon… ‘
“Are you saying that Jon Snow is my nephew?”
“He is KING!” Varys shouted as Erik stepped up and put his hand on the man’s shoulder, cold and pain radiated down the man’s form which shut him up and he whimpers. Tyrion tried to pull away but was stopped by one of the Unsullied who had a hard grip on his shoulder to keep him in place.
“I am no king and I do not wish to be king. My queen, even if this is true… I came to you for help. I don’t wish to lead anyone; I just want to help my people.” Jon said as he turned to Daenerys, his gaze was honest even with the rage that was behind it at finding out he wasn’t Ned Stark’s son and if that was case, who was his mother? “Who is my mother?”
“Lyanna… Stark…” Varys whispered out, looks ran about the room as Jon strode to the fireplace and stared into the flames as the room fell into silence. The cold from Vary’s confines began to retreat as Daenerys looked about, thoughts and plans began to run through her mind. She found too long and too hard to see the world fall to the Lannister’s and the dead, family or not she was going to do what right.
“Get them out of here, I want Lord Tyrion held in his room and he is to not leave the room until we leave for Kings Landing. He is to be guarded at all times, and he is not see Lord Varys.
And as for you Lord Varys, you have done enough damage, and I will not allow you to continue with this. Lord Destler… do what you must.” Erik stood directly behind Lord Varys who was sitting on his knees. Fear started to permeate the room as Erik’s eyes flared with a blood red fire, picking Varys up by the back of his neck he lifted the man inhumanly with one hand off the ground as he tried to flail about trying to break the grasp that Erik had. With his other hand grabbing at the broken wrist something crawled out of Erik’s skin and into Varys’ and the screaming began as Varys began to wither before everyone’s eyes once it was all said and done Erik’s skin looked more flushed and fuller with life as Erik withdrew his hand he lowered the now dead man to the ground and looked to Tyrion and shook his head to keep him from speaking.
“I am going to call and end to this meeting; we will reconvene once I have spoken to several of you myself. It seems that there is another Targaryen, and he needs to decide who he is to be. If you do not wish to be King, then you will need to decide what you do wish to be.” Unsullied guards came into the room and picked up the husk that was Varys while the other Unsullied took Tyrion to his room to keep watch.
Jon was led out of the room by Davos while Missandei, Grey Worm and Jorah stood by Daenarys speaking quietly. Erik left the room without real leave, and he stood in the hall watching Tyrion being led away, there was a presence behind him as Rhaenys stood at his side.
“Are you okay?”
“I am still weak… the shark was not enough even after the potion… the darkness is gathering, and I can feel the call of the Lich King in my head. His voice echoes in the back of my mind, reminding me of all the horrors I committed. We will need that Lion to talk to his sister and even if there is no hope, we must convince the world of man that death is coming…” Erik felt a hand on his back and he closed his eyes lowering his head, he was getting too old for these fights, and he was worried that even as the Aspect of Life that while he held Domain over Death, that the Lich King was something far more terrifying.
“You will survive this… you have everything else.”
“But at what cost… your family? Mine?” Erik and Rhaenys shared a look, and it was then that the older woman realized something, there was something about Jorah that looked familiar to her, and it was the look that he gave her, it was the same one that she noticed that Jorah gave Daenarys when she didn’t know the man was giving her. It was concern, concern that he wouldn’t be able to protect her.
“He’s your blood… isn’t he? The bear?” Erik turned his gaze to Rhaenys and offered her a sad smile.
“He is… and he will never know…” Erik said softly, he didn’t want to tell Jorah Mormont, but perhaps… one day.
Notes:
Going through a very, very rough patch... sorry for the lack of updating
Chapter 15: Chapter 15
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Chapter 15
Several weeks later and the meeting's organization was moving ahead for Kings Landing. Progression and keys points were discussed to the smallest detail and soon they were ready to finally make the journey. Daenarys and Rhaenys spent most of their days together with Jorah in the meeting room or around the castle discussing the past, the politics of them and now to prepare Daenerys for the meeting ahead that they ended up packing right up to the night before.
The time that Jorah and Daenarys spent together in the evenings was simple, easy and it was beyond anything that Jorah had thought that he would experience with Daenerys. The morning before he was leave Jorah and Daenarys laid in bed curled up in each others’ arms with Daenerys running her fingers over the deep scars and chest hair.
“I don’t want to leave without you, but I know that you need the time it takes to sail…”
“Khaleesi, your appearance is that what will irk Cersei and be a show of power. When all three dragons appear, your sons will stay near it will remind Cersei she cannot win this war with you, however, by that same token if she choses to not with with us then she will be looking to options for the dragons. Rhaenys and I with Tyrion will be the first voices she engages with, Erik being the one to bring the creature in as his show of power once he arrives with you.
Jon, Davos, and his party from Winterfell will be there to provide the stories needed and we have the promises to ensure that they keep their end of the bargin in not revealing any of the hidden information that we learned.”
Nodding her head Jorah’s chest, she gently glided her fingers against some of the much deeper scars before a hand stopped her and she tilted her head up to see Jorah’s face as he smiled softly at her. Moving so that they could kiss Daenarys was about to climb on top of Jorah when knocking sounded and Missandei’s voice sounded and they groaned at the interruption.
“Many apologies your Grace, Sir Jorah, but Rhaenys and the others are ready to depart toward the ships... and they are awaiting Sir Jorah.” A chuckle broke out between the two and they climbed out bed with Daenerys pulling on her slip from the previous night while Jorah gathered his clothing and proceeded to dress.
“Sir Jorah, your things has been packed and loaded onto the ship ahead of you.”
“Thank you Missandei, Lord Destler is sure he will fly with Daenerys safely?”
“He will, the creature as he has told me requires that it stays cold else it will stink up the ship and the rot will attract unwanted sickness to the living. “
Jorah thought about what the smell would be coming from the warming corpse and had to agree, he had no desire even with his new living state, to be exposed to anything that could possibly make him or anyone else sick.
Once they were respectably dressed the two headed to where the group was awaiting them in the meeting room with Tyrion eying the two as they arrived between his two guards. Erik stood by Rhaenys in less armoured wear speaking quietly amongst themselves before they separated.
“Your Grace”
Everyone greeted together, the group sat and discussed the travel time by sea and when Erik with Daenerys would arrive at the former Dragon Pit in Kings Landing. Once the group split Erik and Daenerys stood at the castle wall watching the ship depart with mixed feelings
“Are you alright Daenerys?”
“I am…” she started quietly keeping her eyes on Jorah who was watching her from his place on the deck of the ship.
“You will see him again soon… would you like to go and fly?” Erik asked her gently. Her gaze shifted to Erik and he offered her a smile letting her know what she was feeling with Jorah not there.
“Maybe… would it be possible to fly on you?” Erik nodded with a wide smile.
“We can, but I do think that we should wait until the ship won’t notice a vastly different Dragon suddenly appearing in the skyline. However, I think we can work on helping your children into their human forms before such adventures” The smile that brightened Daenerys’ face was worth everything to Erik as he offered her his elbow and she looped his arm with her hand and was led to the Dragonstone Dragon Pens where her children denned themselves.
Arriving to the pens the Dragon Mother’s children rushed her for attention as chittering voices talked amongst themselves. And while she couldn’t understand what her children were saying that did not mean that Erik couldn't as he smiled about the topic of food, their mother and the special Dragon Erik. Once they drifted through topics Daenerys gave her children each a pat down as he spoke up.
“Shall we work on getting your children into more shall we say compact forms?” The Dragons turned from their mother to Erik as Viserion sidled over to Erik and lowered himself as small as possible with his belly on the ground nodding his head like a puppy. The other two looked back to their mother and reluctantly moved over apprehensively but they were happy when their mother moved to stand at Erik's side.
“How do they change forms?”
“It is through their desire as well the magic that the dragons have innately, any one of the dragon bloodlines can change, the ability for man to turn into dragons is very… limited, as those from history have tried... There are very few prior to myself and those that I have turned to have that ability as well. But… they have history and magic.” Erik reached over and gently patted Viserion who closed his eyes and listened to Erik with a dragon’s pur.
“Alright boys, I want you to focus on what I showed you before. But you must hold it longer, Drogon, I know that you dislike the human form but if you want to be closer to your mother you will have to learn to control your temper. The human form that you take must be controlled, you must have balance with yourself, many a dragon from my time learned and loved in the human form because they didn’t have to worry about how they were going to fit into smaller places… yeah?”
The three Dragons glanced to each other and chittered before Viserion’s body emanated smoke and soon stood a small blonde-haired boy with green eyes who looked to his hands playing with the ability to open and close them. He looked to his brothers and him being the steadier of the three carefully walked to Erik and his mother. Daenarys brought a hand to her mouth with a sharp inhale as Viserion cocked his head to the side.
“Are you happy mother?” The tears in her eyes answered the boy’s question as he continued to learn about his movements and body before running around in a circle with his arms out at his sides.
Erik chuckled quietly as the other two dragons scrunched their eyes in concentration and soon two other child like boys took place of the dragons. With a look of concentration, they too carefully with unsure bodies stumbled their way around. Drogon had tripped on a rock and fell in front of Erik and there was a fire in his eyes and he looked ready to burst back into his dragon form, but it was the look on Daenerys’ face when she walked over to him and crouched down offering a hand that the young boy’s face softened and he calmed his mind and reached up taking his mothers hand and was brought back to a stand before being engulfed in a hug in which Drogon wrapped his arms around his mother’s waist.
“You did very well Drogon” Daenerys whispered into the top of his head, Erik watched on as sadness flooded his mind, he was glad that Daenerys had her back to him. He was reminded as to his own son that he never got raise, watch become old, only that he knew his bloodline had continued and it was with Jorah Mormont that it might end.
Several hours later, the boys had managed to learn to walk confidently, were speaking basic words unless it was Viserion who just spoke whatever came to his mind and whatever came to his mouth. He was helping his brothers out and in Viserion, Erik could see elements of Chromie and the time power that the Gold Dragon Flight had in its height of power. Drogon was very much a dragon of the Earth and when he was at his mother’s side, he was looking at the rock structures around him with a hand on the walls, he had the aggressiveness of Natherion’s line but the respect before that dragon had become Death Wing. Rhaegal like Viserion was inquisitive and he took to his brother and the two took time to speak and the two were sitting beside their mother learning, growing.
Erik was currently sitting on the steps of the pit his elbows on his knees and his eyes vacant. His thoughts wandered, he hadn’t realized that Daenarys had walked up to him until he noticed her feet and the bottom of her heavy cloak standing in front of him. Shifting his eyes up he blinked til her face focused and he cocked his head to the side.
“Your grace?”
“You seemed to be far away Lord Destler”
“I was… very far away. Have your children tired themselves out?” Daenerys frowned at the change of topic but she stepped to the side to reveal her children back into their dragon forms and sleeping with their heads next to each other. Erik smiled softly before he looked back to the young queen.
“Time for your flight.” Erik pushed himself to a stand and stepped past her heading down the stairs. She watched as with every step he took that his body immitted a heavy grey smoke that expanded around him before his massive dragon form stepped out of it and over her sleeping children. Once he was on all fours, he shook his form out and he turned back towards the queen heading to the jetty where the dragon riders used to mount their dragons from.
Daenerys walked slowly and marveled at Erik who sidled up next to the mounting platform with his head turned to her. When she approached Erik, she looked to his great big eye and saw sadness there, placing a hand on the side of Erik’s face she put her head on his scales and whispered softly.
“You are alone… aren’t you?” Erik blinked once slowly for yes and he opened his eye again looking at her, there was so much emotion there that she almost cried, but he chittered softly and gave her a gentle nudge as if to say he was okay and that he would be alright. Daenarys nodded and climbed up onto Erik’s powerful neck and she found her spot holding onto the spines that came up from his neck and went down his back. Turning Erik rumbled softly and went for the exit, once outside he looked to the skies and stretched his massive wings out. With a burst of speed and a powerful wingbeat he took to the skies and let out a powerful bellow as he took Daenerys for a ride around Dragonstone and about the ocean. Daenerys watched as Erik moved through clouds with grace, let his claws skim the waters bringing the ocean salt up towards Daenerys who closed her eyes and let the wind and the freedom she had flow through her.
It was much too short for her, but when Erik landed it wasn’t back at the pit, but he had in fact landed surprisingly gentle on the castle and climbed down to the courtyard. She had screamed in surprise when she was suddenly engulfed into the heavy grey smoke that she had no idea that she had suddenly been clinging to Erik’s back and neck in human form as he walked out.
“Apologies your grace… didn’t want you climbing off my neck here” Daenerys dropped off Erik’s back onto her feet to the stone coemuetyard, she had just realized that she had her first ‘piggy-back’ since her brother Viserion had done so once or twice as a child before he turned cruel.
“I should apologize, I… I haven’t done that since I was a child”
“Well, you got an unconventional one on a dragon… man…” the two chuckled before nodded to each other and Daenerys left leaving Erik standing in the courtyard. There were people milling about that were not part of who had to leave for Kings Landing, nodding to them several looked at Erik in surprise and shock that moments before a dragon had stood where the man had been but Erik ignored it and headed into the castle for his room after stopping by the kitchens long enough to ask if food and drink could be brought to his room.
Once alone in his room, Erik sat himself in front of his fireplace as he had done for the last several nights, and he let his mind wander again much like he had earlier that day. He was very much distracted as the Lich King wormed his words into his mind throwing his thoughts into disarray and into pain. He was shown rememories of his past as well the fear he had sown as Lord Daemon, staring into the fire Erik fought mentally before he was left alone in his misery. He didn’t even realize that food had been brought to him until he heard a voice, one that he hadn’t heard in centuries and as he turned his head to the voice, he saw the image of the one that he didn’t think he would ever see again.
“Jaina…” Standing up Erik started for the image before it wavered and disappeared into thin air before he could reach it, an evil laugh echoed in his mind before he shut his eyes and hung his head.
-A couple weeks later-
Time had passed with Erik and Daenerys spending time with her children, speaking about whatever came through their minds. Erik was looking more and more tired, but he promised Daenerys that he was okay not revealing to her the personal torment he was under by a force so old and evil that he had thought he finished with it centuries ago, but having been forced to watch the fall of Bolvar Fordragon and the march of the dead towards to the wall he was struggling to not crack.
Erik stood at the Dragon Pit with the crate of the dead creature, the Dragons stood by; Rhaegal would take the crate and Erik would fly alongside Daenerys on Viseron’s back, Daenerys would land first and would signal Erik who would land with other two. It was a discussion that the two had had the last couple of days over and over.
With his repaired armour on Erik held his helmet under his arm as Daenerys arrived her face hardened for what was to come. Today she would be facing Cersei who held her throne, but it more than that now and with the world threatened by something worse than the Lannisters. Daenerys wondered if there was any decent bone in that woman’s body, from what she heard, that was not something that was possible.
“Ready when you are my Queen”
“Are you ready Lord Destler?” Erik nodded and put on his helmet before walking to Viserion who stood by ready. Climbing onto Viserion, the dragon led the way out with Rhaegal picked up the rope handle that Erik had made for the dragon and it took the crate out of the cave. Daenerys climbed onto Drogon and followed out. Once all the dragons were out of the pit and outside up in the air they circled Dragonstone once before beginning their travel to the Dragon Pit of Kings Landing. It took several hours but as they got closer Erik nodded to Daenerys to sped off leaving Erik with Viserion and Rhaegal to fly in leisurely. In the distance Erik watched Drogon flew over the old Dragon hold with a roar, the sounding signal roar echoed after a time and Erik came in Viserion side by side with Rhaegal as Drogon lingered on the old building looking ominously at the group of people that were eying not one, not two, but three dragons. Rhaegal carefully put the crate down before he flapped away and posted himself somewhere else on the ruins within eyesight of his mother. Viserion with a heavy thud landed and lowered his body to the ground letting Erik climb off, guards looked on worriedly as Erik appearance was more armoured and skull filled than the monstrosity standing at Cersei’s side.
Talk had already begun and Tyrion had been kept on a short leash, but he kept to his word and tried to sway his sister to their side but Euron Greyjoy wasn’t having it, and it seemed like some of the Northern men beside Jon looked like they wanted to rebel. The council assembled clearly was fractured but Erik was hoping with some small, tiny measure that the Lannisters would side with the world of men… considering who their family once was.
“And what is this creature you speak of brother, come… it cannot be. The stories… are just stories.”
“They are not Lioness…” Erik spoke up through his helmet, his eyes the only thing visible as he took the rope to the crate in hand dragging the crate to the center of the meeting space. As he looked around taking in the square configuration; Daenerys and her people off to Cersei’s right, and Jon across to the Cersei’s left, the middle was filled with Cersei and her people who looked on with amusement as Erik knelt at the crate. Erik looked through his tusked helm slot above the crate as he unlocked it as he removed the locking bar. Opening the lid he reached in and reached inside which caused the Lannisters to chuckle at the spectacle before them. Lifting his head enough Erik gazed at the group before he saw the nod from Jorah at Daenerys’ left. Lifting out the undead creature Erik held it by the back of the neck as the thing hung limply in his hand, Cersei looked to her brother who looked to her before shifting his gaze back to the thing being held up. Tossing the creature before Cersei, the creature landed with a thump before it twisted, shifted and sprang up to its feet with it’s eyes glowing blue fire, it rushed for Cersei who brought her arms up to protect herself and scream.
Notes:
Sorry for not posting for almost a month... things have gotten worse, lost A LOT of work and money from this movie, trying to get my 3D printing business going in which the money was lost making things for this project. However, if you would like to support my little business as christmas is right around the corner I am happy to take some orders, you'll just have to connect with me here.
On top of that depression is a real bitch which didn't help so the struggles are indeed real and it made writing really difficult or just not there, but because of some people wanting to support me they ordered from me, but it doesn't mean that there isn't stress still. Work outside of film has also been NOT there as well so trying to survive a thing right now so please bare with me as I try to make things work.
EDIT: Damn I needed to edit this thing... Sorry guys
EDIT 2: see this is what happens whe. Your brain is all scattered, apologies for the raw bad post. Hopefully this reads better than my first run.
Chapter 16: Chapter 16
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Chapter 16
The first thing that hit Cersei as she screamed was the smell, with her hands up to protect her face, the bodyguard, the reanimated golem now with his sword out about to swing suddeny stopped as the creature did not get to it's target. A rope around the middle of the creature kept it but mere inches from her face as it snarled and struggled to reach her. The man that had thrown the creature at Cersei was holding the Undead thing by the rope and with a sharp tug the man pulled the creature back as it turned to face him with it’s arms out, hands grasping at nothing but air going for him only to jerk it around. The others with the exception of Daenerys and her people had jumped clear out of their seats with what the man had done, clearly the Dragon bitch and her fellows did not fear the creature and it put Cersei off a touch as she lowered her hands from her face watching the creature and the man with the tusked helm.
“This is but one of hundreds of thousands of Undead that are marching on the wall to your North.” The knight led the creature around to show everyone exactly what they were dealing with, every time the creature turned it’s attention away from the knight, he gave it a sharp tug turning it back to himself. Cersei had to lift a hand to her nose to stem the growing nausea that was flooding her stomach, she looked to Jamie to her left and saw the look of concern as his jaw tightened, she looked to her other side to her Hand who was watching the creature with fascination.
Lowering her hand she looked to the ‘Queen' and spoke up trying not to throw up and expose herself as weak to everyone around her.
“What do we do?”
Tyrion spoke up as he looked away from the show and tell, he had hope in his eyes.
“We gather all our forces and send them North, only then with the Northmen, the Dragons and everyone can we hope to defend the Wall and save the world of man.”
Jon spoke up, “They are weak by fire, if there is Valyrian Steel that will kill them, but what I saw when I was past the wall… you need to kill specific Undead… Wights…” Cersei looked to Jon Snow and saw that he was not entirely impressed with the display but it looked to be that he was not lying. He was rubbing his arm and the haunted look he had, it was clear that he had seen something over the Wall.
Jamie to her left looked to his sister and lover before looking to the gathered, “If you need fire, you have the Dragons, why do you need us?”
“Because this is the only war that matters… if we fail, and that wall falls… what does it matter what Kingdom is left when there are no living to rule over?” Jon answered, it was the knight in the tusked helmet that spoke up again.
“Dragons are not immune to cold, in fact they become slower and less likely to be able to move well enough, they are temperate and hot blooded creatures. Imagine a dragon not being able to breath fire, then imagine the enemy reanimating a dragon and instead of red fire, you have a creature that you can not kill, and you can not injure or burn.
This enemy is not just some mindless engine of death, this enemy is being led by a creature so vile that he will take every man, woman, child and march it south once he is through. There will be no subjects to take tax from, there will be no people to lord over. You will be come his unwilling slave, and he would rather let you die and bring you back as one of these until the world of man is nothing but death, decay and destruction. This Night King of your Legends is no Legend… he is very real and he is here at the head of this Army.” The Tusked Knight yanked hard and pulled the creature to him as his slammed his hand around the creatures throat lifting it up off the ground, he had his other hand on the creatures shoulder and with a roar he separated the head from the body with part of body and a single arm hung off the separated piece the other part of the body dropped to the ground, the arm flopped about trying to grab something while the head and a single arm flailed about as he dropped that to the ground and started to walk away before Jon rushed out of his seat taking a torch that Davos had lit up and he set the pieces ablaze looking at the Tusked Knight before Daenerys Stormborn.
“I don't care about the crown or the Throne, I care about my people. I care about the North… I care that we survive this, because there is nothing more important.” Cersei watched the exchange an then looked to Jamie again who as her General nodded, he agreed with the sentiment. Cersei sighed and nodded covering her mouth again to keep her stomach from rebelling at the even more apparent smell.
“Fine, a truce… I will send the Golden Army North with whomever else we can gather on the way, I would prefer that there be a Kingdom left to rule if possible…” Looking to her right and past her Hand she watched as her Lord of Ships stood up and looked to her, to the remains of the creature and shook his head.
“I have seen things you have never seen, but this…. This scares the shit out of me, so if you excuse me. I am taking my ships, my fleet and I am leaving. Can these things swim?”
The Tusked Knight shook his head, but it what he said afterwards that shook everyone there.
“No… but it does not matter because they will walk the bottom of lakes, rivers, oceans and they will come no matter what is in front of them" All eyes turned to the burning corpse as it continued to move in stutters before it finally stopped and the eyes in the skull popped leaving fettered fluid to seep out onto the rock in which it lay.
Notes:
I have ideas of where to take this, but I'm at loss as to if I should even continue the story, I of course will have the ideas in my head and I can always imagine the scenarios in my brain as I lay down to sleep, but I have found that the accusation that I use AI or whatever that crap was from that one commenter that I left on... put a really sour taste in my mouth and if that's what people actually think.
I have never ever used AI, as someone that works in the film industry that idea of AI even replacing crew members is disgusting, it's wrong. Film, TV, Writing is an art. Some of it can be bad, some of it can be good or great, but to have someone generated by something that isn't from ones own brain... or from a collective of people. That doesn't sit well with me, fanfiction is just that... fanfiction. It is an idea or ideas from people that want to fix an idea, put certain pairings together, fix seasons, storylines, etc, and it allows us more time with characters.
I personally have never been able to write smut, or love stuff, I'm horrible at it. But I thought I found a thing in writing relationships, ideas that cross over and that connect them to other worlds if only for shits and giggles... it's why I put Warcraft with Thrones. There is a idea of a connection that I was like, sure why the hell not?
Now, I'm just meh... maybe it's the depression, maybe it's the jerk that said I write so badly that it can only be AI, to which... frak off. Anyways, I wanted to try and force myself to write and even if it's only in little chunks, I am trying. I need to get out of this funk, get out of this horrible head space. I do hope that because I don't edit much and if it is that bad that someone at least says, "HEY!! there is a typo or error somewhere" I can take constructive critism... but refuse to told I use AI... and if it really is that bad... let me know... I'll stop writing and posting.
Chapter 17: Chapter 17
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Chapter 17
The return to Dragonstone was quiet and peaceful, Erik stood on the deck of the ship, he and Daenerys chose not to fly back leaving her children free to fly around, fish and flame their meals while Daenerys and Jorah stood on another part of the ship speaking amongst themselves.
“Lord Destler…” Erik turned his head to see Rhaenys come beside him seeing the bags under his eyes and stress that was in his posture.
“Princess”
“You haven’t been sleeping have you?”
“I have, just not fitfully”
“Daenerys is concerned about you and your health.” Erik turned his gaze back to the ocean and leaned his forearms along the railing, he took a deep breath and let out a slow breath. He hung his head a fraction as Rhaenys leaned her back and elbows on the railing looking out along the deck to the activity around them, “Your eyes show everything. How bad at the nightmares?”
“Is that coming from Meleys?”
“She has mentioned as such, she told me some of the history that had been passed down to her and that you were one such legend of fear, she also tells me of this Lich King that you took down as well.”
“That Lich King has returned, to the rest of the world you know him now as the Night King, the turned soldier by the Children of the Forest, evil is evil, and it has returned. I am tormented by the past and shown the memories of when I committed such evil that it would make everyone here shrink. The men… the women… the children that I slaughtered and raised into undeath to fight for me, for the Scourge.” Looking up and over to Rhaenys he watched her face to see what she thought of what he revealed but found that she was concerned but not horrified.
“You have suffered that much is clear, but you are letting it affect you and that is what is concerning. You are far more powerful than this Lich King, or so you have explained that you are akin to a god. Is that wrong?”
Erik stood up straight and gazed at the woman setting his jaw, Rhaenys was not wrong. For all intents and purposes when Alexstraszia give him her power, he was the combination of both Life and Death and the dragon he was made to be. But the pain of his past and what he did tempered his use of the power he was given, and he would rather live as a man as much as he could.
“When was the last time you used your extensive powers?”
“I haven’t… granted… I gave a gift or curse… depends on how he looks at it” Erik turned to look at across the ship deck to where he watched Daenerys lean against Jorah who had wrapped his cloak around her to keep the bite of the cold of the ocean away from her.
“The scars that he carries… it killed him?”
“No. I killed him; the greyscale curse he carried would have killed him and turned him into a creature even worse. I killed him and turned him into what I was first turned into, it stopped and kept the curse at bay, but I had to cut out the cursed flesh. I gave him the chance and choice to be one of my flights, but that is up to him if he wishes to acknowledge that power and let it be part of him. His resurrection is but a small bit of power, he must want to use it… it has to be his choice.”
“You saved him, as you saved me Lord Destler…” Rhaenys said reaching a hand over and placing it on his forearm.
“If only it was that simple,”
“But it is, you have enabled and ensured that there would be defenders to this world. If you had not been here and you allowed the world to continue, there are chances that the world of man would fall. The Night King that my grandfather dreamed of, that my family has dreamed of for generations would wipe us all out.
We now stand a chance, the question is are you going to let this monster do what he did in your time or are you going to stand up once more?” Erik just stared at Rhaenys and he could see Meleys in her eyes, the dragon had raised an eyebrow as if asking if she was wrong. He could see the great-great-grandmother and his Queen Alexstraszia in her and he hung his head in shame before looking back up again.
“Yes… yes I will stand up once more.”
“And your family will survive… as will mine… you gave him that chance, just as you gave her that chance.” Rhaenys and Erik turned their gazes back to Jorah and Daenerys.
-Dragonstone-
Once they had returned back to Dragonstone a council meeting had been called to discuss moving the Dothraki which where horded outside of the Dragonstone walls and crossing to mainland to begin their travels North to the Stark Hold amongst other topics.
“We will begin plans for the Khalasar to go across and begin their trek. Jorah was it your recommendation for getting Essos involved? If we do not have enough men to fight Essos will fall next.” Tyrion spoke up from his place at the table.
“Your Grace, I suggest we return to Meereen and speak with Daario and get the Second Sons, maybe even look further east. Lord Destler, what was the death toll in your time?” Jorah asked looking from his place. He watched Erik’s response and his body language, he saw the stress, pain, fear in the man’s face.
“Millions and it just added to the Scourge size, it is a mix of Undead, Ghouls, other creatures but I have not kept an eye on Northrend after the death of Arthas because there was someone that had been there to act as jailer. That is no longer the case so there might be creatures beyond our wildest dreams and horrors that will terrify you in the mix.” Erik leaned back in his chair and looked around the table, he was wondering who was hidden and who would come out to fight the Lich King one last time. It would require him to fly back into the mountains of Valeria and see Magni and hope that there is enough power to see who and what would be around to fight.
Erik thought back to the last time he had seen the elves, he knew that the Orcs, Dranei, Tauren had either left the world through dark portals to another world or dead. The Undead after ‘living' for so long had decided to end their lives and had all but wiped themselves out, the Forsaken all gone. The trolls had hidden themselves in the world to the point that even if Erik could find were they might be, they would never consent to fight again. That left the Elves, whatever Dwarves and Gnomes remained if they even wanted to come out of hiding and they had hidden themselves well. The Worgen had evolved and they all but fallen but some of the major family lines remained now but the power to change had all but disappeared, Erik had yet to see any of the Worgen with the exception of the Starks keeping the Wolf Banner, but Erik hadn’t noticed much with the bloodline with the exception of Jon Snow who was by birth half-dragon and half-worgen. Erik didn’t feel any of the Dragon in him so that left the Wolf which did make up a great deal of his power if he ever figured it out.
Erik let his eyes drift down as they glazed over and unfocused, Daenerys watched her knight and dragon close his eyes before they slowly opened and kept staring at nothing. Looking to the rest of her council she continued the meeting and occasionally asked Erik a question until they called an end to the meeting. People shuffled around and Daenerys had ordered everyone to leave the room. Jorah looked between her and Erik knowing that she would be protected but at the same time wondered why she wanted to speak to the man alone. Rhaenys took Jorah out off the room and quietly shut the door behind her with one last glance at the pair in the room. Jorah looked at the older woman who cocked her head.
“Yes, Sir Jorah?”
“What exactly is going on with Erik?”
“He’s in pain… his past has caught up to him and he is being tormented daily with the voices in his head from the Night King, he is being shown memories of his past of actions he had a hand in. He is like any other, and like any other who has seen wars and atrocities, some are haunted.”
Jorah looked at the door and frowned, maybe that was something Daenerys and Erik shared, the horrors of the past and loss. “All is well though, Erik will stand with us, and he will do everything in his power to make sure the past doesn’t come back.”
-Inside the Council Room-
“Erik?”
Erik’s eyes were still heavily unfocused, and his face was gazing towards the table, his elbows on the chair arms twitching lightly. There was a light sheen of sweat on his brow line as if he was falling ill. Moving around the table to wear Erik sat Daenerys put a hand to the man’s cheek and his head slowly tilted back as the eyes tracked up to Daenerys’. The unfocused eyes were flaring between different colours as Erik’s hands twitched and gripped the arms of the chair, there was a moment of clarity before Daenerys was pulled into Erik’s gaze and ultimately his mind where she screamed out to no one.
-Erik’s mind-
The clanging of steel and screams echoed all around Daenerys who swung around calling out around her for Jorah, but no one came in the cloud covered dusk. Her feet kicked a woman’s body as she started to run in an unforgettable and unfamiliar location. Buildings were on fire as people ran about, children crying and people yelling. Yelling out around her Daenerys could get no one’s attention as she turned a corner and there stood a familiar form. The blackened armour that Erik wore were adorned with more prominent skulls with glowing eyes along his shoulder pauldrons, his gauntlets and his boots and greaves. The helmet was the same but the blue fire that bled out from under it was not the same softness that he was used to, it cold, evil. Swinging his sword in his right hand he took the head off an unarmed man and Daenerys watched the body collapse as hideous creatures crawled out of the ground and took the body to a wagon that had turned the corner followed by something so terrifying that Daenerys couldn’t help but scream in fear. The overly bloated body was stitched together at the stomach but leaking feted, raw fluid. Eyes mismatched and in wrong sizes in a very wrong and sewed-on skull with grey rotting flesh. The hook in hand was so massive that it almost hid the sewed on armed that was coming off the upper back holding the skull of a child missing its jaw. It rumbled with whatever vocal cords that it had.
“What… is… masters… bidding?”
“Take the corpses to the Kel’Thuzad and to see to it that the plague wagons are loaded with what we are after” Erik’s breath with every word he spoke was but a vapour, Daenerys’ eyes widened as she watched a group of five knights tried to rush Erik who turned and met the attacks. A sword block to stop the incoming sword, an axe coming from Erik’s left hand into the armour once, twice, three times as the knight screamed before Erik kicked him away. Another knight tried to shield bash Erik only to be met by an explosive force knocking the knight to the ground with half of his leg missing.
The meat of the leg was pulp with the bone nothing but a white paste, the explosive crater was made by the axe still in the ground somehow imbued with a glowing blue light. The other three engaged Erik who blocked, parried, swung back, it wasn’t a fair battle and Daenerys watched as Erik took a sword to his helmet before he struck back and a brace of skulls launched themselves from Erik’s sword slamming into the three men. Moment’s later blood erupted from one of the knights as an ice spike split through the man’s back and chains ripped the corpse down leaving gore. The last two men started to scream in agony as a red circle formed under the two knights with such brightness that Daenerys could see the unfeeling gaze of Erik’s face suddenly look towards her before it was shadowed again leaving the blue cold fire. The bodies of the two men started to decay after their death was not fast, Erik stepped out into the field of the bodies he had created and it was clear to Daenerys that the bodies all around her were from Erik and that scared her more than she thought possible as she watched him lower the sword as the tip dug into the ground and he lifted his empty left hand palm down outstretched. A purple glow started to emanate as tendrils of purple shot out from the glow surround his hand, one struck the woman’s body near her leaned up against a wall, another went into the knight with the blown apart knee, many more went into various corpses as they started to shift, move and then with glowing blue eyes like Erik’s obey his command.
“Rise for the Lich King and take everything… rise for the Scourge and kill the living”
Daenerys watched in horror as bodies moved to the will of their new master, looking to the sky she saw as a figure in a horrific crown came through the clouds almost as if it was a vision and an evil laughter echoed out all around her and so loudly through her head that she screamed when a hand landed on her.
“This is my nightmare Daenerys… this was what I was…” Daenerys’ eyes slammed to Erik’s who was now standing in front of her, he was covered in blood, gore but instead of the evil glow she had seen in Erik’s eyes, this time the glow was softer, this was the Erik that she had grown to know over the last weeks. “He calls… but I can’t answer… so he makes me relive everything that I have done.” Standing still, Daenerys called upon her dragon heritage, and she shakily reached up to Erik’s helmet. He was about to stop her, but she stopped mid-movement and thus he stopped. He watched as she nudged his helmet off and dropped it into the mug beside them on the ground.
“Don’t let him…” Looking around to everything that she had seen, Daenerys was reminded of what Erik was willing to do to protect her and Jorah. He was not the monster here that she had witnessed. He was so much older, but it did scare her that when he wasn’t tempered that he was capable of so much destruction. “You are so much more than what you are shown, you have taught my children. You have protected me, and you from what you have told me would die protecting what is important to you.” Erik’s shoulders dropped as he turned on the spot and looked to the clouded vision of the Lich King, he looked to his side to Daenerys as a huge shadow fell over him a fire warmed his back and melted its way into his cold core. A mighty bellow echoed out and around as a fire started to burn around them, Erik had pulled Daenerys to him and wrapped them both up in his tattered cloak as the vision was cleared.
The buildings were returned to new, the mud and streets no longer full of the dead, but the might shadow remained as Erik released Daenerys and they turned to see a mighty, might red dragon with gold adorned horns. Erik looked up in awe and reverence before he fell to his knees, Daenerys’ eyes blew up with what she was seeing. Never in her life had she seen a dragon so big, never in her readings did she think that they could get so big and she new the Black Dread was so large, but this one was clearly so much bigger than even the Dread.
The Dragon looked down staring at the two before the vision cleared and Daenerys blinked, she was back in her meeting room, Erik’s eyes were wet with regret and pain. Letting his face go she wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly, Erik cried silently letting go finally, his queen had come back and supported him and through Daenerys gave him some level of peace.
“She’s beautiful”
“She is”
The two held onto each other, the memory that was shared was not just a memory but something that was shared and bonded the two together further. But it was through the Dragon that had appeared in the memory as an outside force that Daenerys appreciation for the world of before and the world now was a world worth fighting for.
Notes:
My world has... interesting lately... Did a movie thing... might be doing another movie thing... being in a crappy head space... but... I did manage to write something... things are going to be getting darker in the story now. But it's kind of the nature of this beast as I start delving more in the WoW side of the world.
Anyways the spells used from the game are
Death Strike
Obliterate
Death Coil
Chains of Ice
Death and Decay
Army of the DamnedI tried to do it in order, but hopefully some of the descriptions help. I don't explicitly call them out by the name.
Chapter 18: Chapter 18
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Chapter 18
Daenerys and Erik tiredly walking out into the hall of the council rooms to see Rhaenys and Jorah standing and waiting for them. Erik looked like he was going to collapse, but he was standing under his own power. Jorah took to Daenerys and the two stood having their unspoken conversation before looking to Erik who was slowly making his way towards the living quarters, as Rhaenys gently took Erik’s arm and led him off.
As the two made their way the older woman saw just how worn out the man was and wondered if there was a way to help the man rest, in her mind she spoke to Meleys gently.
“How can we help him?”
“My Grandmother saw to it, he should sleep well now.”
“What do you mean?”
“The bond that Erik shares with Daenerys when she entered his mind and memories allowed for my grandmother to break the hold the Lich King had over Erik, we dragons have a way of healing even if we are not seen anymore.” Cryptic as ever Rhaenys helped Erik into his room and into his bed as he laid out on his back and sound asleep before she could take his boots off. She was able to open his vest and tunic to allow him to breath and little and she threw a fur over him as Erik for the first time in weeks was sleeping soundly and deeply. Leaving the room after looking at Erik for the last time for the evening she walked out and past servants and house staff before coming by Grey Worm and Missendai talking quietly amongst themselves on a balcony. Walking towards her room, she stopped long enough to have food brought to her room and she thought about the future, they would need to be all rested for what was to come as the three dragons outside roared as they flew around Dragonstone.
Jorah took Daenerys back to her room and sat with her in bed as she curled up around him, their boots off on the floor and a fur over their laps.
“What happened in there?”
“Lord Destler was not well. I was brought into his memory like the ones that I had in Essos. The magic was powerful, and it was evil, but something beautiful happened… I saw that Dragon that was larger than the Black Dread… she was beautiful, and she broke the darkness that was hanging over Erik…. I saw what he did… his nightmares… what he was… Jorah… it was nothing like I had ever seen. The monsters… he wasn’t lying to us. I saw things that made my skin crawl. Evil that turns the Iron Throne desire off to such a point that I want all men to live. I want all my people to survive. I don’t want what Erik suffered through to come to pass. The throne isn’t worth any lives… yes, there needs to be a king or queen… but not at the expense of what evil is coming. Cersei better send her army, and we need Essos…”
“Then we shall send a Raven to Essos and Darrio in the morning, we will be ready to fight”
When Erik woke up the sun was high in the sky, the air coming from his window turning his head to the window he couldn’t remember the last time that felt rested. His mind was clear and relaxed, he wasn’t haunted by memories or the past. Pushing himself to a seated position, Erik yawned let himself stretch the muscles that demanded attention, eventually he stood up and placed the furs on the bed and he poured himself a cup of water. Taking it to the window he looked outside as a knock on his door.
“Enter”
Lifting the cup to his lips he drank the water in one good before he turned to see Rhaenys walked into the room with her hands together at her stomach.
“How are you feeling?”
“Surprisingly well, I can’t remember the last time that I slept as well as I did.”
“Then it shouldn’t surprise you to know that you slept for several days then my Lord” Erik raised an eyebrow looking at the woman.
“No… it shouldn’t,” Walking back to the table where the food lay, he put the cup down and picked up the bread and broke a chunk off. “What has been happening since I have slept?”
Rhaenys walked over and sat down before Erik who joined her at the table, “Daenerys has sent ravens to Essos and to a man named Darrios, we are awaiting on responses. The Dothraki have begun their sail to the mainland, and communications with the Starks have been icy since Jon found out his heritage. The books have confirmed that he is tied to Daenerys. He left the castle to go North to smooth over and get ready to receive the Horde, a letter arrived from the other Lannister in King’s Landing. Cersei is taking any supporters and keeping them in the city, Jamie Lannister is taking those loyal to him and riding against Cersei’s wishes. We have received news that he and those loyal to him are to be killed. They are staying off the beaten paths.
And in the letter… Cersei has taken the Golden Company, who is now the main army in Kings Landing.”
Erik ate the bread quietly, chewing thoughtfully he leaned back in his seat as Rhaenys filled a cup of water for herself and drank it slowly.
“I will need to fly to Old Valerya… I need to see who will come from the old world and if there is anyone willing to fight again…”
“When are you planning on leaving?”
“Today. I will cover the distance by evening. I will need to see if I can find the elves, but I need to also get my armour repaired… the magic in it requires repair, and no one here can do that.” Erik picked up an apple and took a bite of it, chewing thoughtfully.
“What would you have me do while you are away?”
“Keep an eye and send me a Raven if there is anything major. I will have to be gone for a week or two…” Rhaenys nodded and put her cup down after she finished the water and picking up the bread and breaking off a chunk to eat alongside Erik.
“When do you forsee needing to travel to the mainland and to the north?”
“Soon. The more defences that we can muster, the better chance man has.”
“What happened to your dragons?”
“I don’t have many of my flight… and I don’t know where they are. Each of them are their own, but I don’t want to force them into a fight they do not want to be apart of.” Erik finished his apple as they spoke and he put the core down onto the plate. Standing up he put his hand on the table and looked at Rhaenys and saw that Meleys was scoffing at Erik’s reasoning, much like her Great-Grandmother.
“I will see if they will fight Meleys, and against my better judgement, they probably will.” The Dragon in Rhaenys’ eyes snickered and retreated back into the woman’s mind. “Tell the Queen, that she can sail and head north without me, if I am not back in a week, I will find you and the others up north.” Heading to his chest where a bag sat, Erik knelt down and picked it up and began loading his damaged armour into it before he closed it up. Looking down to himself he closed up his tunic and his vest. Changing his stockings he pulled on his boots as Rhaenys watched on with interest, Erik once he was mildly better dressed he picked up his bag and slung it before he went to his balcony, Rhaenys stood suddenly from her chair and raced after the man after he threw himself over and the next thing she knew a dragon shot out and a bellow like chuckle echoed out, people screamed as massive wings flapped up leaves. Daenerys who had been in a meeting, rushed to her balcony of the council room and watched as she saw Erik fly away across the ocean.
Notes:
Sorry for not having written anything in over 6 months, been dealing with a lot of things and I wanted to put in a small chapter, I think that I'm going to do a couple more filler chapters before I really get to the war. I need to lay out a few more things and groups before we get to the shit going sideways.
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