#I have a targaryen dr. tyrell dr. stark dr. and a lannister dr.

[star-realities]

I have multiple game of thrones dr and I’ve never seen/read it LMAO

[selfproclaimedunicorn]

Pls Tell Me More about How Politically Scary Ella's Marriage to Robert Tyrell actually is.

Robert being related to everyone started out as a fucking bit, & now Robella is literally one of the most terrifying matches in the fucking fic.

I talked about the premise of the branch of House Tyrell that Robert is from here. The tl;dr is that the Lord Tyrell during the beginning Jaehaerys's reign had a bunch of bastard sons, & I made one be legitimized as a backup heir. That son, Ser Luthor the Knight of Thorns, is the late uncle to the current Lord Tyrell who, at the moment, only has daughters. So, with all that in mind: we are immediately starting with "Ser Garth Tyrell, the current Knight of Thorns & Lord of Thorn Hall, is the direct cousin of Lord Mathos Tyrell & the son of the guy who almost inherited High Garden. He is affable & well liked, & if he was more ambitious he could push to inherit over his cousin's daughters." Lord Mathos is, overall, jazzed that his cousin has net zero ambition & genuinely likes not being in charge of the entirety of The Reach; the threat is still there though. This isn't aided by the fact that Garth's wife, Lady Danielle Reyne, would absolutely love for her husband to push for High Garden. She's kind of ambitious for the sake of ambition, but that's just sort of how House Reyne is in SOTF. (Also, I feel like naming your son "Garth," or really any "g" name in The Reach is the equivalent of a Targaryen naming their son "Aegon." That kid is named the equivalent of "King McHeir" at that point)

Through just the Thorn Hall Tyrells Robert has connections to:

House Oldflowers by way of Ser Luthor's widow/Robert's grandmother, who are the last (& most direct) verifiable descendants of House Gardener/the guys who had High Garden before the Tyrells.

House Oakheart by way of one of Garth's sisters (Cathryne) being Dear Bosom Companions with Lord Oakheart's sister. House Oakheart is one of the oldest & most powerful noble families within The Reach, trace their lineage all the way back to Garth Greenhand old & powerful.

House Hunt by way of one of Garth's brothers (Ser Gregor) being married to one of them. The Hunts are just Tarly bannermen, but that's still something & could potentially bring in the Tarlys themselves if push came to shove (depending on how close Aunt Caryss is to any family members who married into House Tarly)

Oldtown & The Citadel by way of another of Garth's brothers (Garlan) having become a maester

House Strong by way of Garth's other sister having been Lyonel Strong's second wife, & the mother of Larys. RIP Delylah Tyrell, we will never know if having had you in his life would have made Larys normal to be around

House Pommingham by way of Garth's oldest son/Robert's older brother's wife. The Pommingham's are kind of a nothingburger House, but that's still a noble family Robert has ties to.

Then you factor in Robert's mom's side of the family bringing in connections & it gets more ridiculous:

House Reyne, Robert's mother's birth House who is already pretty powerful & influential within The Westerlands

House Stark, by way of Queen Alysanne's friend Alarra. Robert's maternal grandmother was Lord Alaric Stark's daughter/Cregan Stark's Great Aunt

House Serrett by way of Danielle's younger brother (Lord Samson) being married to Lord Serrett's niece. Like the Pommingham's kind of a nothingburger House within canon, but that is, y'know, still a family Robert has some kind of connection to.

House Strong again, because Robert's cousin & the heir to Castamere, is married to Lyonel's oldest kid/Harwin's older sister

Danielle's Aunt Elisha/one of Robert's Great Aunts, is the mother of Lord Humfrey Bracken (the dad of the guy who got murdered in Boremund's living room). Y'know, the Brackens? The guys who keep fighting with the Blackwoods about who's more important?Those guys.

Danielle's Aunt Ceira/Robert's other Great Aunt is the mom of Jason & Tyland Lannister. I don't think I have to explain how being related to the Lord of Casterly Rock is a big deal.

So Robert is related to fucking everyone, including 2 guys on the small council. This shit gets fucking worse when you factor in Ella.

Ella is a Royce. The Royces just are one of the oldest & most influential families in The Vale. They control the vast majority of The Vale's coastline, & her brother is not only married to a Baratheon, but the Baratheons love him.

One of Ella's cousins is Jeyne Arryn, her grandpa was her regent until he got Medieval Prostate Cancer & retired back home. Jeyne loves her Royce family, she's got good memories with them & they've always defended her

Ella's Great Aunt is the Head of House Mormont, which isn't that impressive, but that's still an old family who is regularly fending off the Iron Islanders. This Great Aunt also has a Manderly for a husband--a Manderly who encouraged his nephew (the current Lord of White Harbor) to foster Ella's baby brother.

Regardless of the fallout with Laena, Yorick is still friends with Laenor & Rhea was friends with Rhaenys. That pulls the Velaryons in at least a little bit.

Ella's Aunt Rina is married to the Lord of House Costayne. That's one of the Hightower bannermen, & within the canon of SOTF, Aunt Rina's husband is the cousin of Hobert & Otto Hightower. Like, those guys' mom just is sotf!Owen Costayne's aunt.

Ella has friends strewn across the Free Cities thanks to her hot girl gap year

The Strongs are once again being brought back out because Lyonel & his third wife were friends with Lady Rhea, & their daughter is married to one of Ella's cousins

There is, of course, the elephant in the room of her being related to House Targaryen. Ella's uncle is the king, she is maintaining a friendship with at least one of his kids at all times, & she's friends with his second wife.

Not only does Ella have a sentient WMD she takes on joy rides, so do her 2 brothers. And these are some of the largest & oldest of the dragons that are currently alive.

If Robert Tyrell had loftier ambitions than just being a professional trophy husband, boytoy, malewife he would be the most politically terrifying man in Westeros. He has connections to most of the Great Houses, several of the oldest & most powerful Houses within Westeros, most of the eastern coastline of Westeros & part of the western coastline, Essosi nobles & politicians, the royal family, 3 guys on the small council, & an insane wife who rides Jumbo Peepaw Vermithor

[findyourrp]

Please be 21+ to interact!!! ❤️

21+. She/Her. Looking for some various fandom roleplays. I'm only interested in canon x canon pairings. I have a strong preference for MxM ships, but I'm willing to do some FxF and MxF too. I like canon/canon divergent plots and write on Discord (third person, past tense, 200-400 words on average). I'm a sucker for romantic relationships and don't mind/encourage writing smut but with a healthy does of plot. I'll be sharing my strongest muses (the name on the left) for each and my greatest ship desires for them (the names on the right). I do have other muses, and I'm willing to discuss other ships. But, if you want me at my most enthusiastic, what I have listed is what I'm most interested in.

Doctor Who:

Eleventh Doctor - Jack, Rory, Clara

Fifth Doctor - Turlough, Ainley!Master

Fourteenth Doctor - Jack

Sixth Doctor - Ainley!Master

Tenth Doctor - Jack, Simm!Master

Fantastic Beasts Franchise:

Albus Dumbledore - Grindelwald, Theseus, Newt, Jacob

Theseus Scamander - Dumbledore, Grindelwald

Game of Thrones/House of the Dragon:

Beric Dondarrion - Thoros

Daemon Targaryen - Laenor, Criston, Otto, Rhaenyra (preferably before the 10-year time jump), Laena

Daenerys Targaryen - Margaery, Jaime, Jorah

Jaime Lannister - Bronn, Dany, Sansa

Margaery Tyrell - Dany, Sansa, Stannis, Joffrey

Petyr Baelish - Renly, Sansa

Roose Bolton - Stannis, Tywin, Sansa

Stannis Baratheon - Roose, Davos

Thoros - Beric

Tywin Lannister - Roose, Aerys II

Marvel:

Benjamin Poindexter - Ray, Matt, Karen

Bruce Banner - Tony, Natasha

Bucky Barnes - Zemo, Tony

Carol Danvers - Valkyrie

Eddie Brock - Venom, Wade, Andrew!Peter, Dan

Loki Laufeyson - Thor, Mobius, Grandmaster

Nathan Summers - Wade

Andrew!Peter Parker - Dane!Harry, Matt, Wade, Eddie, Tobey!Peter, Gwen

Ray Nadeem - Dex, Matt

Tony Stark - Bucky, Dr. Strange, Tom!Peter, Bruce

Wade Wilson - Eddie, Cable, Andrew!Peter, Comics!Peter, Dopinder, Colossus, Wolverine

Supernatural:

Arthur Ketch - Dean, Mick

Azazel - Sam, John

Chuck Shurley - Sam, Dean

Crowley - Dean, Bobby, Cas

Dean Winchester - Ketch, Crowley, Chuck, Benny, Lucifer, Garth

Lucifer - Dean, Sam, Nick

Mick Davies - Ketch, Sam

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Franchise:

Drayton Sawyer - Open to discussing whatever

Johnny Sawyer - Leland, Sonny, Julie

Nubbins Sawyer - Danny, Maria

Tex Sawyer - Open to discussing whatever

If you'd like to work something out, please message me (HIGHLY preferred) or like this post and I'll message you.

In either case, in your first message, please tell me about your writing style, what fandom(s) you were interested, and what ships you might be interested in or characters you were interested in writing against. I WILL NOT be responding to simple "I was interested in your ad" messages and other ones of that nature. 99% of the people who don't say much tend to eventually ghost me.

.

[reignof-fyre]

Another glaring moment of a double standard that irks me beyond belief between the Starks and Targaryens is how little difference there is between the Boltons and Tarlys.

Roose Bolton actively worked against Robb with Walder Frey and Tywin Lannister to have Robb, his men, mother, and pregnant wife killed. Roose himself stabbed Robb in the heart and said, "The Lannisters send their regards."

The Boltons killed their chosen king, rightful Lord and Warden of the North, and usurped the Starks position in Winterfell and Ramsay was, well, Ramsay.

Now, moving on to the Tarlys:

Randyll Tarly was a bannerman of House Tyrell, and proud of his loyalty to them despite them having bent to Robert at the end of the Rebellion and being well-known Targaryen loyalists.

Randyll demands to know how Cersei hopes to defeat Daenerys when she has 3 full grown dragons, and when Jaime pulls him aside he says, "I come when my queen commands it, and I know what she does to people who deny her."

Meaning he knows she burned the Sept to the ground. He knows she's behind decimating the House his House has sworn loyalty to for thousands of years, and he even mentions having known Olenna since he was a child. He also expounds on his absolute loyalty and how House Tarly aren't oathbreakers, that they don't stab people in the back.

But then Jaime says, "Cersei will need a new Warden of the South once the war is over."

And Randyll jumps on that immediately. He actively agrees to betray Olenna and fight against Daenerys. All for a title and new, pretty castle.

This is Randyll's face when Jaime mentions it: he's considering it...and he's accepted :)

So the Tarly men, along with the Lannister army, sack high garden and kill men they've known for years. Dickon even mentions this, that he used to hunt with some of the men he killed.

After Daenerys defeats the combined armies of Cersei's, she offers the men a choice: join her or die. This makes sense. It's a war, and she really doesn't have room or the resources to keep prisoners and they did fight against her (don't come at me saying Dany burned the food, she didn't. Drogon's flames only hit barrels of ale evident in the way they exploded). They knew what they were doing.

Randyll thinks he's being a big tough guy by not kneeling when Drogon roars at the army, and Daenerys addresses him. She gives him three choices: 1, go to the Wall (often a choice for prisoners of war), 2, keep his lands and titles and bend the knee to her, 3, or die.

Randyll blatantly refuses the first 2 options, because Dany isn't "his queen."

So who is, Randyll? The daughter of the lord you swore fealty to and Cersei murdered? Or Cersei herself, who is a kingslaying, queenslaying, kinslaying murderess? Or the daughter of the last Targaryen king, a family you professed such great loyalty to that you defeated the Usurper Robert Baratheon in battle for him?

Cersei, apparently. 🤔

So, more parallels between the Boltons and Tarlys. They both ended up supporting false monarchs that had no actual claim to the throne despite sitting on it (Joffrey, Tommen, and Cersei).

And what did the Starks do to the houses that betrayed them? Killed them, of course, and the audience went wild with cheers because they're the bestest house everrrr (that was sarcasm).

So Randyll and his son, Dickon, refuse to kneel/swear loyalty to Queen Daenerys and Randyll says she doesn't have the authority to send him to the Wall because she's not his queen, so what's left? Keeping him prisoner? They're in the middle of a war and everyone knows that food stores are tight during a war.

Randyll betrayed his leige's house by swearing to Cersei and assisting in killing the Tyrell matriarch, also stealing from them, and accepting that his house would one day be the new Wardens of the South and Lords of the Reach.

The Boltons did that.

Daenerys had every right to execute the Tarlys for what they did. It was, in actual fact, justice.

Tl;dr: the Boltons and Tarlys were the same scumbags that betrayed their leige lords and got the justice they deserved and it pisses me off when antis use Dany executing the Tarlys as another sign of "madness" when the starks did the same to the Boltons. :)

[aegor-bamfsteel]

What does “beneath the gold, the bitter steel” mean?

This is a great question because while other writers have analyzed the content of this phrase and its various symbolic interpretations, there isn’t enough analysis on how it is used: “Beneath the gold, the bitter steel” is the battle cry, and not the motto of the Golden Company (which, much less known, is “Our word is as good as gold”). It is absolutely necessary that we define a battle cry versus a motto/house words in the ASOIAF universe before we can interpret this phrase in its intended context.

Catelyn Stark defines what mottoes/house words mean in AGOT: “family words are mottoes, “touchstones, prayers of sorts, they boasted of honor and glory, promised loyalty and truth, swore faith and courage.” They are official words of the house (usually placed on the coat of arms with the sigil in real life, though that doesn’t seem to be the case in Westeros) that for the most part proudly boast of their honor, strength, or of their legendary traditions: the Tully words take this most literally (As “Family. Duty. Honor” is nothing but a simple statement of their good character), the Arryn words (”As high as honor”) are similar though only honor is emphasized, the Baratheon (”Ours is the Fury”) and Lannister (”Hear me Roar”) and Tyrell words (”Growing Strong”) boast of their strength, the Greyjoy (”we do not sow”) and Martell words (”Unbowed. Unbent. Unbroken.”) are reminders of the unique traditions both houses have held since before the Conquest: that of the Old Way of reaving and that of resistance to being ruled (this dates to before the Targaryen Conquest as Meria explains; and likely in reference to the constant fighting between the small Dornish kingdoms). 

The official words of the Golden Company bear the most similarity to those of the Tullys and Arryns, as it is a pledge of loyalty and honesty, but unlike theirs there is a condition: those who are not loyal in return (in other words, those cities that cannot pay the gold they promised) will not receive it. These words are perhaps more important to understanding the character of Aegor Rivers than the better known war cry, as a motto is more official and it’s more likely he chose it personally around 212, as opposed to the battle cry that probably developed among the troops he led; he believed keeping one’s oaths were of utmost importance, but that reciprocity was equally so. This is sensible characterization for someone who made a 40-year oath to place the Blackfyre family on the throne, and apparently swore a blood pact with Lord Torwyn Greyjoy, but also hints to his refusal to support those who would not support him in turn (consider that the Golden Company was founded very shortly after the disastrous Second Blackfyre Rebellion Aegor refused to play a part in). The fact they alone seem to have words at all whereas most of the other companies (Stormcrows, Windblown) just have banners speaks to their refusal to consider themselves Free Company sellswords and instead a free brotherhood with the trappings of a Westerosi noble house.

A war/battle cry is used very differently from a motto in the series. Here are some examples:

Rodrik Cassel shouts “Winterfell!” and Ser Willis Wode shouts “Harrenhal!” before fighting Tyrion’s men, the names of the castles of their liege-lords. (agot)

During the Battle of the Green Fork, the northern men shout “Lord Eddard!” and “Winterfell!” after their injured/imprisoned Lord’s name and castle. The mountain clans of the Vale in Turn shout “Halfman!” after their patron (agot)

Alyn Ambrose shouts his betrothed’s name “Elinor!” as a battle cry during the Battle of the Blackwater, which her cousins think is very romantic. (asos) Tyrion himself shouts “King’s Landing!” after the city; he notes to the clans it’s not Joffrey’s name (the king/lord of KL, who he hates) or Casterly Rock (his birthplace), because that’s the city Stannis is trying to sack (acok)

Asha Greyjoy calls the howling of the mountain clan attackers of Deepwood Motte “the war cry of the North,” referencing their overlord Stark’s sigil. (adwd)

The Golden Company shouts the ancient battle cry of House Connington “A griffin!” to confuse the defenders during the invasion of Griffin’s Roost; of course, the griffin is the sigil of House Connington and makes up part of the name of their castle. (adwd)

I think these instances are sufficient to define a war/battle cry as 1-2 word phrases meant to identify oneself on the battlefield and give oneself courage; they are reminders of what the shouter is fighting for: their liege lord, sometimes identified through his castle or sigil. The Golden Company’s war cry is far longer than these examples and is nearly as long as its official words. While it’s possible that some might shout the entire phrase as a sign of battle prowess (they’re able to keep talking long enough/with enough breath despite fighting), I believe in practice the true battle cry is “Bitter Steel!” (as battle/war cries are invariably unique nouns).

Notice that many battle cries are the name of a liege-lord’s castle. Despite being knights sworn to the Golden Company, the Company itself does not have a castle the way House Whent or House Connington or House Stark or House Lannister do, but is an assembly of skilled warriors constantly travelling in Essos, living in battlefield tents with no permanent home. The idea of the Golden Company being homeless is made clear in the nickname “Homeless Harry Strickland”, but extends to its other members such as Laswell Peake or Young John Mudd wanting to return to Westeros after 100 years or calling themselves Westerosi despite clearly being mostly Essosi in ethnicity. So until the Golden Company reaches Westeros and establishes a base there, it will not have a proper battle cry as those knights sworn to castles do.

The Golden Company has no castle, and it has no sigil device as a Westerosi house does (sigil device by which I mean objects like the Tyrell rose or the Stark wolf; the GC has banners of plain gold like the Night’s Watch has banners of plain black or the Kingsguard’s plain white; all three are non-hereditary military-like organizations that require oaths to join), but what it does have is a founder/liege-lord/(captain-general). As Half-man is the somewhat affectionate nickname the mountain clans use as a cry to show their allegiance to Tyrion, Bitter-steel is the Westerosi nickname of Aegor Rivers, the closest approximation to a house founder the Golden Company has that it can use as a war cry. The difference is that Tyrion is the clans’ current employer (as Lord Eddard was still the Northern Lord Paramount at the time of the Green Fork Battle), while Bittersteel has been dead since 241; calling out for him makes it seem as if he is still leading the Golden Company long after his death, symbolizing his/its immortal goal of returning triumphant to Westeros.

tl;dr “Beneath the gold, the bitter steel” is a full war cry that embodies the unusual position of the Golden Company: not just another Essosi sellsword company, but despite its banners and motto and knights certainly not a Westerosi noble house or oath-bound organization; they roam Essos with no permanent home until the time they can fulfill their old dream of going back to Westeros, a dream that keeps alive the memory of their unconquerable founder: Bittersteel.

[girlonfireice]

Tagging Game!!!

So I saw this on @a-libra-writes Blog and thought why not?

If you want to get to know lil old me better please feel free to read my darn long post

Here we go~~~~

Rules: answer 20 questions and tag blogs you want to get to know better!

Name: My user name here on Tumblr is girlonfireice but in real life it's Althea🙃

Zodiac Sign: Sun and Mercury on Aries ♈. Moon on Cancer ♋. Y E E T

Height: 5'3 / 5'4 ish hehe yeh I know I'm short😪😤

Languages I Speak: I am fluent in speaking the languages English and Filipino(Tagalog)(my mother tounge). I can kinda speak a bit of French but I'm no pro.

Nationality: Filipino 🇵🇭

Favorite Season: Since I live in the Philippines, a tropical country. I have only experienced two seasons, wet and dry. In this case wet season all the way!!!

But if I were to choose, I would really love to experience autumn and winter.

Favorite Flower: Sunflowers 🌻 🌻 🌻

Favorite Smell: Hmm... There's simply too many smells that I admire but I guess the smell of books, coffee, something cooking/baking, Sampaguita(it's a type of flower that is so fragrant I'm in love with smelling it, especially the one planted in my garden), and this may sound weird but I really love the smell of old things, probably because I was raised in our ancestral house where I am surrounding by antique objects.

Favorite Color: I am absolutely fond of the color sunset orange or any sunset related color. I dunno sunsets are just really meaningful to me. To me it means that even after experiencing different stressful moments there will always be a time where you can rest and get to see the beautiful mix of colors that will lead to the serenity that the night brings.🙃

Favorite Animal: I'm a major dog person. But all animals are cool with me with the exception of spiders and insects, like thanks but no thanks.

Favorite Fictional Character(s): Oho here we go 😅

This is gonna be long... Have fun! 😅

I'm going to categorize them by fandom.

Game of Thrones or A Song of Ice and Fire(yes, that's where I got my user)- Tywin Lannister, Jorah Mormont, Stannis Baratheon, Roose Bolton, Petyr Baelish, Tyrion Lannister, Olenna Tyrell, Lyanna Mormont, Ned Stark, Hodor, and Daenerys Targaryen. Yes if you have noticed most of them are dead👻🙃

Sherlock bbc- Sherlock(ofc), Mycroft or should I say Mycake 🎂 , Mrs. Hudson, and Moriarty.

Kingsman- Galahad and Merlin. Hubbies😍

HP/Fantastic Beasts- Severus Snape, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, Minerva Mcgonagall, Neville Longbottom, Hermione Granger, Barty Crouch Jr., Newt Scammander, and Gellert Grindewald.

MCU- Tony Stark(1/2 of my otp IronStrange. Iron ass/dick. Revoludicktion of the IronDick y'all 😔✊), Dr. Stephen Strange (1/2 of otp IronStrange. Wizard), Peter Parker(Underoos), Natasha Romanoff(Nat😍), Beyonce-i-mean-Wong, Bruce Banner(jolly green giantXD) , Thor Odinson(Goldilocks. Hammer time), Clint Barton(Legolas. Katniss. Merida), Loki Laufeyson(Reindeer Games. Emo brother), Nick Fury(Patchy the Pirate), Phil Coulson(agent not Phil), T'challa(Whiskers), Okoye(slay!queen!), Logan(slashy,slashy boi), Drax(can!t see him🤷‍♀), Groot(bby UwU), and Rhodey(actually the smart one between him and Tony).

BBC Dracula- Dracula🧛‍♂ and Agatha/Zoe.

Slashers- Hannibal Lectre(both Hopkins and Mikkelsen), Jack Torrance, Jason Voorhees, and Freddy Kruger.

Other universes - Mr. Darcy (Colin Firth 's)(pride&prejudice)(tbh I'm pretty much in love with all of Colin's characters😅), Negan(twd), Castiel(spn), Shouta Aizawa(bnha), Naruto/Jiraya (Naruto), James Bond (Brosnan, Connery, and Craig), Joker ( Nicholson, Ledger, and Phoenix), Spock/Bones/Scotty(star trek), Obie wan Kenobi/Han Solo/Leia(star wars), the six F.R.I.E.N.D.S cast and Richard, Big Bang Theory too.

Told y'all too many😂 This isn't even all of it🤷‍♀😅

Tea, Coffee, or Hot Chocolate: Being raised in a household where we basically worship coffee(not even kidding, we have a coffee farm here in the coffee capital of the Philippines, Amadeo. My mom is from Amadeo and we just inherited the farm.) Kapeng Barako is really strong. Aromatic with a kick that will surely wake you up.

So coffee all the way!

Average Sleep Hours: What even is sleep? 😂 jk. I guess it depends on whether it's a school night(I'm in uni) or if I suddenly decided I don't need to sleep xp. I guess it's either 2 to 9 hours. I can be an early yet a grumpy riser or I can sleep in till you think I'm dead😔✊

Cat or Dog Person: I am a D O G person through and through!!! Although I have nothing against cats(I adore them too) I just prefer furry bby dogs.

Pic of my dog

Maine💛

Dream Trip: I would really love to go on a train/road trip through Europe. There's something about experiencing things first hand by going in a road trip and meeting new people and embracing new cultures, you can't get this by simply going to hotels and planned famous tourist attractions. In my opinion to get a full grasp of the soul of a country and its culture, you have to discover it yourself with good company and good food. Spontaneity at its finest.

# of Blankets I Sleep With: 😂 I have around 8 to 10 big, fluffy blankets in my closet. What can I say? I am a blanket connoisseur of sorts. XD

Blog Established: Pshhh... I dunno some time around May???

Followers: 20, I think? I dunno, I don't keep count 😂

Fun Fact(s): I dunno what you'll do with this information but... I like to think I'm a decent cook 😂 (my family and friends complements my cooking so I guess that's something?🤷‍♀), I'm a complete geek/nerd for my fandoms(if you haven't noticed), I can play the guitar/bass/ukulele/harmonica/flute, I can sing? Kind of, I know how to survive in the wild,

I once almost died because of my stupid self thinking that stepping in a glass table and jumping on it was a smart idea. I was five when this happened. I escaped without a scratch. I was scolded to death by my lola(grandmother). I was the one tasked to clean the mess after being talked my ear outXD

Alright ladies and gents! Tagging time! 🙃

@hoefordarkness @mymagicsuitcase @my-fanfic-library @allis143 @lets-talk-about-claes-baby

Love y'all. Stay safe! Eat cake! 😂 stay inside your homes! Wash your hands!

Honestly during this time of being quarantined I have never been more happy. Stuck in my house with food, wi-fi, books, cellphone, laptop, my dog, Netflix, and unlimited amount of fanfics??? Umm. Yes please! I don't even have to human 😍

💛💛💛

[wildcard47]

I set a challenge before you, should you accept it: which GoT houses would the Terror characters belong in?

VALAR DOHAERIS, FRIEND! The night is long and full of Terrors, so here we go:

House Lannister

James Fitzjames

I just don’t see him being a Targaryen sort of bastard, since they were all exiled and JFJ basically waltzed into London with his foster dad like “HELLO I AM ENGLISH, THE MOST ENGLISH” and stuck around till people believed it.

Sir John (Tywin Lannister energy/status, none of the intelligence)

House TyrellGibsonJane Franklin (she has Queen of Thorns energy)James Clark Ross (if anyone is going to mimic Loras Tyrell’s hair/tourney skills but without getting killed, it’s gonna be JCR.)

House Stark 

all moral & honorable, either die way before their time or improbably live to become even more badass

SilnaLittleGoodsirIrvingBlanky?

House TullyIf Blanky’s not a Stark, then he married in and was a Tully, I don’t make the rules but a lot of those bastards are too ornery to die and real good at strategy and swordplay

House BaratheonDr. Stanley (he has that Stannis the Mannis pedant energy, you know he corrects everyone’s grammar even if they’re just telling him they have stomachaches)Collins (starts strong, ends badly after some Dark Magic shit hits the fan)Bridgens in a reverse-Onion Knight storyPeglar is probably the actual Baratheon that no one cares about, who Bridgens tutors and adores

House Mormont

CROZIER

because he would be from a solid but not main-tier-level House, also would have a dad who punishes him for Obvious Sins

Great At Fighting, Bad At Emotions

would easily fall in love with hot femmedom queen or hot femme fake aristocrat boy, lbr

probably has a tiny niece back home on the island who tells old men to GET REKD and commands authority on the regular

House Targaryen

Hickey. If that dude found a dragon egg, he’d DRACARYS the shit out of everything and get an empire before too long.

House MartellSophia Cracroft, mainly bc I think she’s not straight-up psychotically vicious enough to be a Lannister, but she’s cunning and independent AF. Could also be a Tyrell, I’m not picky.

House GreyjoyTozerDesVoeux

House Arrynuh I’m gonna say the Hartnells, they tried their best but the Sickness got ‘em

That’s all I got, I know Red Viper deserves better and I’m sure I left a ton of characters out, don’t @ me.

[mmazzeroo]

Jonerys Advent Calendar 2018

@helloimnotawesome 

Dear Val! I’m so excited (and nervous) and honoured to be your Jonerys Secret Santa!

Just a real quick shoutout to Val’s story ‘I Chose You’ - go read it if you haven’t already! *hearteyes*

Never done anything like this before, but got this crazy idea in my head and just couldn’t get it out. So I thought why the heck not?! Why advent calendar you ask. Because they are a vital piece of Christmas celebrations in my part of the world, and as a child I loved them so hoped you might too. Beginning your day with a small piece of chocolate what’s not to like, right? (I still do sometimes even when it isn’t Christmas, please don’t tell my mom). There are advent tv-series where children (usually) somehow end up saving Santa or Christmas or both. So I thought I’d try to transfer the concept into writing by giving you a little drabble-ish sized bite each day from Dec. 1st to 25th.

Fair warning: Virgin fanfic writer (written non-fic pieces though). Un-beta’ed, so apologies for that. English isn’t my native tongue. Any and all grammatical and spelling errors, plot-holes and messed up timelines are entirely mine, and I own them proudly. Since this is based on fiction I’m not trying to make it realistic, just plausible enough to be believable. Totally ball-parking everyone’s ages! Also, because it’s Christmas time I’ve tried to keep the story light and cheery despite the underlying current of heartbreak. (Did I give too much away now?)

Hope you’ll enjoy the story - and the ride! Can be read here below or on AO3.

NB: All rights belong to George RR Martin and HBO. Also, all lines and quotes from various movies, tv series and songs belong to their respective writers / producers / owners. I own none of the content.

ARYA I - What A Shit day!

"Sir! Sir! You need to lay still! We're here to help you, ok?"

She was looking into steel grey eyes as wide as saucers. Like a deer caught in the headlights. Wide with fear and pain. Always the same mix only the degree of either varied. The grey eyed man unfortunately seemed to learn towards fear. Damn it! Fear only made her job more complicated. Fear was only a few steps away from panic and panic was lethal. Panic shut down the brain and prevented her from reaching or reasoning with the patients.

"My wife!" He grabbed her collar and pulled her closer to his face. "Save my wife! She's 8 months pregnant! Please!!" His voice broke at the last word and he loosened his grip on her jacket. Yup, definitely need to calm him down. Shit! She took a quick look towards the tree-line feeling like she was being watched.

"Sir, your wife is being tended to as we speak, ok? She's in good hands. Now can you please tell me your names?"

His lips moved but she couldn't hear a thing over the helicopter taking off just then. Brilliant! Thanks Rakharo! She resisted the urge to roll her eyes. By the old gods and the new please keep the woman and her child safe. Brienne was an amazing paramedic and always did everything within her power to keep everyone alive. She had to have faith, yet she could never help herself to say a little prayer whenever she was on a scene. Especially one like this.

Detective Bronn from King's Landing City Watch had already arrested the drunken sod who'd caused this mayhem. SUV hit in the side, pushed off the road, rolled down a hill and burst into flames. Metal pieces, glass and blood spread heavily all the way down. Pools of blood where the bodies of the driver and passenger had landed. Strange how being thrown out of a vehicle could suddenly be looked at as 'lucky', but it had prevented them from being trapped in a burning car. The blood was all too easy to see in the snow even though the only light available was that from the flames of the burning car - which the firefighters were working on putting out - and her own headlight strapped to her forehead. Both bodies had appeared unresponsive until she and Brienne had managed to get close enough. The drunken driver had gotten off with a broken nose and a busted eyebrow. Fucking asshole! If any lives were lost this evening he'd have a much worse hangover than he could possibly imagine. DA Martell would make sure of that!

A couple of decades ago the Starks and Targaryens had entered an unprecedented partnership. While the Tyrells and Martells were battling over who should reign supreme over Westeros, the wolves and dragons set out on a different mission: They united their medical skills for both humans and animals alike. Under one roof. Together. So today when an emergency call was made they sent out paramedics and a tracker for the hurt and scared animal. To help all injured beings. At first there was the usual scepticism when someone does something new, but gradually people began to understand. Her dad and the late Commander Targaryen both believed the idea of 'leaving no one behind' must include ALL family members regardless of number of legs or wings or scales etc. President Tyrell had successfully managed to get a law past about a decade ago which clearly stated that 'a life is a life' and 'any life taken by outside forces will henceforth be considered a criminal offence and proper authorities shall investigate as such'. So if Tormund and his bloodhounds didn't find and come back with a living breathing dog belonging to the grey eyed man...well then mr. drunk-with-a-busted-eyebrow would be waking up to murder charges tomorrow morning.

"Can you tell me your name, sir?"

She had leaned closer to try to maintain eye contact with him. His eyes blinked once, twice, then closed, she felt his breath on her face and felt his hands slip from her jacket, fall and landed limply in the snow. There was a cry from the woods sounding almost like a wolf, but there were no wolves this far South.

"Clegane! CLEGANE!! Get your arse over here! We need to get him out of this godsdamned snow!"

Sandor Clegane was by her side in a few big strides. He helped strapping the man to the board and helped pull him uphill. He hopped in the driver's seat while she went to work in the back of the ambulance.

"Don't you dare die on me now, buddy! C'mon!" Still no reaction. "C'mon damn it! Wake up!!" Fuck! Cutting his clothes to get to his torso she was met by a sight she'd never seen before. His upper body was covered in scars. Some clearly old while some looked to be pretty resent. Seven hells! What's happened to you?! If only she knew his name. People tend to respond well to hearing their name. She kept working on the man while listening to a symphony of Sandor cursing the King's Landing late night traffic. There was a strong pulse again. Good.

"Yes! He's stable again. ETA?"

"5 mins"

"Roger that."

She searched his pockets for any ID's or papers of any kind but came up empty handed.

"Sir, can you tell me where you are?" She gently placed a hand on his shoulder.

"We, we just..." His breathing was shallow and laboured. "We just wanted to find our family." Tears started to pool in his eyes and he was visibly shaking now from trying to keep himself together. "And now," he took a deep shaking breathe, "it's all gone to shit." Tears rolled down his cheeks as he closed his eyes. Once again crashing.

"Damnit man! Stop doing this shit, it's getting real old! You hear me?!" We're so close to the hospital, just hold on a little longer. Leaning in she whispered in this ear, "Your family needs you."

When they arrived at the emergency entrance at the Lyanna Stark Memorial Hospital, Dr. Lannister was already waiting for them.

"Male, injured in vehicle accident. In and out of consciousness, but stable for now. Seemingly superficial wounds to left side of the head. Broken ribs and possible punctured lung on the left side of the chest."

"Has he said anything, Stark?" Dr. Lannister lifted his eye from his notes and looked straight at her. He didn't mean to she knew that, but the fact that he was so tall he literally looked down at her tend to make her feel like a child being scolded whenever he spoke to her. She did not like that feeling. Despite being one of the best surgeons Dr. Lannister wasn't arrogant though. Sure he would often state the fact that he's better than most, but does telling the truth make you arrogant? She wasn't sure.

She lifted her chin towards him and said, "Only few words here and there about his wife and family, doctor."

"Alright. I'll take it from here then. Time to go fix this daddy!"

He started pushing the gurney down to the lift. She took a few steps down the hall.

"Know anything about his wife?"

"Dr. Martell and Dr. Stark are working on her and the babies as we speak. They're in good hands, Arya." His kind green eyes met her own concerned grey ones.

She nodded.

"Wait! Babies? Plural?"

"Twins!", he shouted before the lift doors closed and he disappeared up to the OR.

Twins! Now she hoped even more that Robb and Dr. Martell could work their magic. She knew her brother was a skilful paediatric surgeon, but rumours had it that he was particularly skilled in neonatal care including surgery. Had to be why else would someone like Dr. Martell pick him as resident? Not known for doing favours she wouldn't give two fucks who his dad was if he didn't have any knowledge and skills of his own. Deep breathe. Ok, so overall the country's top surgeons were busy working on her grey eyed patient and his family. That had to be enough. It had to be!

Normally she'd go check the status of the affected animals over at the vet wing, however not expecting Tormund and his hounds to be back already and since technically her shift had ended while out on the call, she went straight to 'Hot Pies & Ale'. Not exactly the most inventive of names, but as Davos said 'we do what it says on the tin.'

Much to her surprise she heard the rambunctious wildling's voice the second she set foot in the pub.

"For fuck sake Bobby, stop licking Bessie's tits! At least buy her dinner first, you dog!" Tormund shook his head as he took a sip of his beer.

"Well, he is a dog so what did you expect?"

"Ha! Little Stark! Smart as always. Bobby B's a dog, aye, but does that mean I want to listen to him licking his girlfriend's tits all night? Tell me that!" He said challengingly, his eyebrows up and chin raised.

"I'm not 'little Stark'—", she said through clenched teeth

"Only because Bran's sitting in a chair!" he bellowed.

"—and 2nd, I don't know what the hells you like listening to!"

Turning towards the bar she hopped onto one of the stools and nodded to Tyrion and Viserys sitting side by side chuckling, probably at her and Tormund's little exchange.

Giving them an annoyed side glare, idiots, she turned around slightly to face the red-haired man. "Didn't expect you back this early. Is that good or bad news?"

"Good. Found it not too far off in the woods. Growling like a motherfucker though, had to sedate the poor thing. Must've taken some hits in that tumble down the hill. Had a few burns as well not too bad all things considered."

She remembered all too well the sound of the growling coming from the car as she had manoeuvred around the vehicle to get to the man. When the firefighters had managed to cut the lock to the crate open all she saw was a flash of white fur, and it was gone between the trees.

"Dr. Tyrell and Sansa was with him when I left."

Giving him a puzzled look he clarified, "Dr. Targaryen isn't expected back until tomorrow. Anyway, Dr. Tyrell says the dog should be back up and running in a jiffy." Giving her a reassuring smile he continued with a wistful look in his eyes, "Could swear it looked like a winter dog. Albino one at that. White as snow. Big gorgeous beast!" He ended with one of his signature big grins.

"Do winter dogs howl?" she asked while taking a sip of the soda Davos had placed before her.

"This one did that's what led me straight to him. Up North they do and the wolves will reply. Can keep you up all night with their howling banter", he laughed out loud and shaking his head as if remembering something. "We'll know for sure tomorrow when Dr. Stark comes."

"Dad's coming??", she asked perhaps a little too excited.

"Aye, Dr. Tyrell called him down for a consult to make sure. If it is a winter dog then he's more wolf than the huskies she's used to."

"Speaking of howling", Viserys interrupted and looked at Tyrion, "your sister was causing quite a ruckus this evening," he chuckled.

Sighing deeply Tyrion asked, "Do I even want to know what she did this time?"

"She kept yelling for more wine", Viserys laughed trying to immitate Cersei "More wine! MORE WINE! MOOOORREEEE WIIIINNNEEEE!!" Leaning back on the barstool, hand on his stomach laughing out loud he continued, "she almost couldn't sound more looney even if she tried!"

Everyone laughed out loud at that including, and especially, Tyrion.

"I swear rubber cells were invented for the likes of my sister."

"Tyrion!", she slapped him on his arm, "she may be crazy but she's still your sister."

"That's exactly why I say it! If set free she'd be a menace to society." He took a big gulp of his beer. "Speaking of menace, have I ever told you the story of the jackass, honeycomb and brothel?" he asked with a grin wiggling his eye brows.

Leaning closer to him with a big smile on her face she answered "Ooh do tell Mr. Lannister!"

"Well, I once brought a jackass and a honeycomb into a brothel—"

He was interrupted when the pub door was ripped open and the voice of a furious woman yelled, "Hey! Watch where you're going fuckface!!"

Stepping through the door she practically threw her bag to the side as she stomped straight to the bar.

"Dany! Good to see you again, sis", Viserys leaned in to kiss her on the temple, "Flight catch some disturbance did it?" he chuckled.

"Oh if only it was the flight", she growled, "Davos, give me a shot of your Dothraki booze."

"As m'lady wishes", Davos poured a shot while exchanging a look with both Vis and Tyrion. "Here you go."

Dany put the glass to her mouth and threw her neck back taking it in one shot. Resulting in heavy coughing and wheezing. "Gods! I hate that stuff! Give me another one. Now, Davos!"

"Hey, why can't I have any of that by the way?", she suddenly asked pointing her index fingers at everyone's drinks.

"Because Arya," Gendry, having been quiet this entire time, said and raised his hand to point at the sign hanging at eye-level clearly saying '21', "you must be this high to ride this ride." Everyone around her laughed out loud with him. A smug look on his face indicating he was very pleased with himself.

"Fuck you! I'll be 21 in just a few months!"

"Few months isn't 21 today, sorry Arya", Davos said sympathetically.

"Whatever!" She left 5 dragons on the bar and jumped off the stool marching to the door.

Gendry called out to her, "A soda's only 4 dragons."

As she swung the door open she looked back and said, "Keep the change...you filthy animal!"

She heard a choir of laugher as the door closed behind her. What a shit day!

[theunreliablewriter]

Request Info

Hello, everyone!

I write Character x Fem!Reader stories/imagines/headcanons. Fluff, angst, and smut are accepted as long as they follow the guidelines. I also accept platonic requests.

I will not write about eating disorders, weight loss (physical insecurities are fine), nonconsensual sex, emotional/physical domestic violence, sexual degradation, physical punishments, or anything not listed here that I find myself to be uncomfortable with.

Also, I am a lesbian, and sometimes, I simply can’t get inspired to write for men. I will try my hardest to tap back into my twenty-one years of experience with comphet, but I can’t promise my AuDHD brain will find the motivation for it. I’m sorry in advance, if I can’t fulfill your request.

And, as mentioned above, I do have ASD and ADHD. My hyperfixations play a significant role in what I want and can get myself to write. So, again, I apologize if I cannot fulfill your request — at least not right away — due to this.

Fandoms/Characters/People:

* = Favorite to write for.

Crossed Out = Not currently writing for.

Harry Potter

Hermione Granger*

Harry Potter

Ronald Weasley

Severus Snape

Lucius Malfoy

Star Wars

Rey*

Qi’ra

Kylo Ren*

Marvel Cinematic Universe

Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow*

Agatha Harkness*

Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch*

Yelena Belova*

Rio Vidal*

Okoye*

Melina Vostokov

Loki*

Tony Stark/Iron Man

Dr. Stephen Strange

Twilight

Bella Swan*

Rosalie Hale*

Leah Clearwater

Alice Cullen

Carlisle Cullen

Edward Cullen

Jasper Cullen

DC Extended Universe

Diana Prince/Wonder Woman*

Harley Quinn*

Clark Kent/Superman

Game of Thrones (TV Series)

Daenerys Targaryen*

Margaery Tyrell

Brienne of Tarth

Cersei Lannister*

House of the Dragon

Rhaenyra Targaryen*

Daemon Targaryen

Wednesday

Wednesday Addams*

Larissa Weems

Enid Sinclair

American Horror Story: Hotel

The Countess/Elizabeth Johnson*

WNBA

Caitlin Clark*

Kate Martin*

Musicians/Actresses

Lady Gaga*

Kathryn Hahn*

Aubrey Plaza*

Daisy Ridley

Emilia Clarke

Scarlett Johansson

Florence Pugh

Emma D’Arcy

Emma Watson

Jenna Ortega*

Margot Robbie

Adele

Taylor Swift*

Important: Please, when you request, give me a good bit of detail. Don’t just simply say, “Wanda Maximoff x Reader.” Let me know what it is you want, and please specify if you want angst, fluff, etc.

Also Important: I will try to update as much as possible, but I am battling some personal issues with depression, which affects my motivation to write. So, please, be patient. :) Also, English is my first language, but I am dyslexic, so please excuse any word/letter flipping and misspelling I overlook, since I am a very lazy proofreader.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to shoot me a message!

Thank you! Have a great day!

[ladywolfmd]

Serva me, serbabo te

Summary: "save me, save you"Jon is a Trauma Surgeon while Sansa is a Neurosurgeon who both work together in Eastwatch Veterans Memorial Medical Center where they eventually get together. It's their 9th month and even though they haven't reached a year yet, Dr. Snow believes that they were actually two decades in the making. He reflects on their past and notes that they've only had three significant encounters before Eastwatch starting with the time Jon taught Sansa how to tie her first successful surgeon's knot using a two-handed throw. This 9th month would also be their reunion after six months of being separated due to Sansa's overseas fellowship and Jon means to make it the last by giving Sansa one last lesson in knot tying. That is, if things would just go the damn way he planned.

You can read this in AO3 too: http://archiveofourown.org/works/11655798 (The formatting is better there and there are also images) 

 During surgery, knot construction involves two distinct steps. The purpose of the first step is to secure precise approximation of the wound edges by advancing either a one-throw or a two-throw knot to the wound surface.

October 18, 2017

7:49pm

Rooftop/Helipad, Eastwatch-by-the-Sea

Jon checked his watch for the hundredth time and he straightened his tie for the thousandth time.

And lastly, he patted the inside of his coat, took out the small black box, and opened it for good measure for the millionth time.

He breathed out a sigh of relief when he saw the ring.

It was...a simple white gold band with a princess cut sapphire. But what made it special was the design Jon insisted on.

He had it designed in a way that the band held the sapphire in a perfect surgeon's knot with the double throws. He even had to demonstrate how it was done many times - much to his sister Rhaenys' amusement when she went with him to look for the right jeweler. Jon cringed at the memory of flying off to see her in King's Landing in a panic because though he knew he wanted the knot design, he couldn't answer when he was asked what cut he wanted, what shade of sapphire or if he wanted to look at other blue gems. In his mind he just needed something that would match Sansa's eyes. After telling him to relax and calm himself, she made a call to her friend, Dr. Brienne Tarth, an Orthopedic surgeon she worked with whose family owned a sapphire mine and an artisan jewelers. They flew to the Sapphire Isle then and it was there that Rhaenys pointed out the star sapphire from the collection, joking that it would remind him of his Northern bride-to-be.

"What?" he remembered staring at her dumbly before looking at what she pointed out. Rhaenys looked at him weirdly before arching a brow. "You know? What do they say in the North... 'Look for the Ice Dragon and chase the blue star in the rider's eye' and you'll find yourself North."

At the look of shock on his face he remembered Rhaenys smirking at him as she placed the stone in front of him. "What do you know, my brother is a true dragon after all."

Then he looked at it and saw the exact shade of Sansa's eyes with the winking asterism in the middle.That coupled with the Ice Dragon constellation whose blue eye always pointed North he did know about, was too much. There in the middle of the jewelry store he started to cry. Rhaenys took the reins then and dealt with the jeweler as Jon collected himself, only looking up when she asked him a question about engraving but he could take his time in thinking of that one if he wanted it.

He did. His hand traced the engraving he had done on the inside after a week of searching. It was another latin phrase but when he read it he knew the words were what he wanted.

He thought, that was it, just as he thought, she was it. The ring was finalized and ready just as he was too. A soft smile found its way to a corner of his mouth while a free hand made it's way to the back of his head.  

serva me, serbabo te

A latin quote from Petronius Arbiter that meant, "Save me, save you."

Jon chose it because he thought it was an accurate description of their relationship with how many times they saved each other in more ways than one.

Sure they were just on their ninth month of being official, but if they looked back, they were actually almost two decades in the making - at least that was what Jon believed.

Two decades with only three significant encounters. Jon couldn't help but laugh at that, shaking his head in disbelief.

Three.

A summer workshop at Highgarden as med students.

A rooftop confession on Casterly Rock as a resident and a fellow on a medical convention.

And a whirlwind night in King's Landing as junior consultants off duty.

Only three major encounters - South, West, East.

All by chance and that only made those meetings more meaningful despite a tinge, bittersweet. Three chances. Three beautiful cities but all it took to have a meeting that lasted more than a night was to meet at the edge of the North.

So truly, it's fitting that I seal the deal and we stay in the North - he almost cried again, blinking away the tears and swallowing the sudden lump in his throat.

But it was no use to resist because every time he closed his eyes, he'd see it. The large black and white house that had a blue door with its wide porch, a large yard where Ghost and Lady could play, a balcony that on one side, overlooked the White Knife, while on one side, you could see the harbor still as it opened to the Bite...a garden that was still empty save for a lemon tree that he planted himself. It was all there so clear. In his mind, he opened the blue doors and imagined the living room with the fire place, the huge ass kitchen that had all the works so she could bake and he could cook, a study that was also a library and an office, four bedrooms - a master, three spares, one that could easily be converted into a nursery... everything they needed to start a new life together.

That is, if Jon wasn't too late...again.

His eyes snapped open and he couldn't help the anxiety that was building up once more as he thought about what this day meant first and above all - a reunion.

It's been six months since he last saw Sansa. She was on a Spinal Surgery fellowship in Volantis. One he practically pushed her to do. Well, one of the things he made her do.

Because barely a month after she agreed to move in with him, his father, Prime Minister Rhaegar Targaryen, along with Sansa's mother, Senator Catelyn Tully-Stark (who almost unleashed her wrath on her daughter's poor treatment at the hospital she loved so much), arranged for Sansa to just be a visiting consultant in Eastwatch Veterans Memorial Medical Center, transferring her to New Castle Presbyterian Hospital in White Harbor on his insistence and Sansa's ire.

It took a lot of fights - too many tears and yelling that almost ended them for good but in the end, it was one, the promise that she'd still be in Eastwatch twice a week, still as the department chair with Dr. Leo Tyrell in Last Hearth, and Dr. Domeric Bolton in Dreadfort to cover for all the hospitals for the Eastern North for Neurologic and Neurosurgical cases; two, the accreditation to offer neurosurgery residency in NCP with all three of them and the chief Dr. Theomore Lannister as their attendings. Residents meant more doctors for the specialty after all, solving the service scarcity in the North.

He was happy for her. He really was.

But he missed her.

Terribly.

After a month of coming home to her, or her coming home to him, or them going home together - seeing her everyday, with most days she's the first thing he sees in the morning, and the last he sees before he sleeps, the temporary separation - logistically, only logistically, he always had to add -  was painful and there was always the fear that she might still leave him for good even if she told him she missed him everyday too. He can't forget how she didn't want to go in the first place. Well she did a little though she wanted to stay more. But he would damn himself before he stopped her from advancing her career just as he knew she would never keep him from doing the same.

She's done so much for other people, she needed to do this for herself. In the end whatever she gained there she'd use in her practice so it's really win-win.

"What is this?" She came home that day, seeing her luggage packed, a crumpled letter containing an invitation for a Spinal Surgery fellowship in Essos Jon found a week prior, and plane ticket in his hand, her eyes looked at him with so much accusation.

He wordlessly grabbed her hand then placed the letter and the ticket there. Sansa looked at it, her eyes widened as she realized, misting in a mix of hurt and anger as she looked at him and waited for an explanation.

He had to steel himself that day - had to keep from backing out and apologizing profusely. So he started going over the details. "Here's your passport and your other documents. Your flight leaves in two hours, which is enough time to drive you to the airport. I already forwarded your acceptance. I've printed out their reply and other details. It's all there. And this is the loft where you'll be staying. The building is owned by your sister-in-law's family and Talisa already talked to her younger brother and her parents to assist you in any way. My aunt Dany can visit you too or you could go to her. You've met Drogo, her husband right, at Casterly? Dr. Tyrell and Dr. Bolton have you covered here and would update you. I can take care of Lady, no problem, though Arya promised to take her too in case I need help. New Castle Pres is aware of this too and will be waiting for your return. What else am I missing?"

All throughout his rambling, Sansa was silent. And he just knew that if he looked at her face he'd lose it so he kept avoiding that for as long as he could. She would say no and get mad at him. Or worse. She'd walk out. He hadn't felt so terrified as that moment but he knew how much she denied that she wanted to go - if not for her but for Bran, her crippled brother, and who he represented.

Finally, he couldn't stall forever. He needed to be firm. And he needed to say it to her face.

And there it was - those painful silent tears that streamed on her heartbreaking face.

He stepped closer to her then and grabbed both hands in his. "Sweetheart, I don't want to be apart from you - not even for a second, but I can't keep you from this too. I know you feel you need to be here more if not for yourself, but for Bran, or even for me, but you have to, my love." He framed her face. "I love that you want to stay here more - truly, I love you even more for that, but I don't want you thinking of what-if? It's not about fearing that you would resent me in the future if you miss this. It's just, opportunities like this don't just happen. But what I can assure you is that no matter where you go, you can always, always come back to something - to me - to our home. I've waited for years, I can wait a few more months. I won't go anywhere. Just try. Try and then come back anytime. As long as you would have me, baby, I'm a constant until you say otherwise. But this opportunity - is not. Everything will be fine. Just do what you have to do."

"But we just - I can't just - I haven't even," she struggled for words, her breath catching with each pause. "I had just agreed to White Harbor. Why?"

He pressed his forehead against hers. "I know. And now I'm pressing this too. And everything you agreed to will still happen when you return. Getting this fellowship  now is more important."

"Why are you pushing me away again?"

"I'm not. I'm pushing you towards your dream. Isn't Spinal surgery your dream?"

"I can't do this right now."

"If not now, when? I talked to them. They won't have another slot like this in the next two years."

"This is six months, Jon. Six months. We've only been together for four. It's too soon."

He felt like crying then too but forced a smile and kissed her once. "Four amazing months. But...What's six months to sixteen years, Sansa?" He brushed his thumbs across her cheeks.

"Take it."

She did but not before giving Jon a parting gift.

"I love you Jon."

It was the first time she said it out loud and she did so with tears in her eyes but a loving smile on her face and this time, Jon couldn't hold back his own.

They had each other desperately then and much too quick - making it all the more harder to part as they clung to each other all the way until it was time for her to go.

There would be no flying back in between or visits from Jon as they both agreed, though they promised to call each other as much as they could.

While she was in Volantis, Jon made sure to make good use of those six months to prepare for their future.

He smiled while looking at the ring again.

Jon jumped and stood up straight, the ring shoved back inside his coat pocket, as the door to the rooftop opened and much to his disappointment, that flash of red hair didn't belong to the blue eyed, leggy, wonder woman love of his life.

Instead, it was Tormund.

He sat back down immediately, frowning while his fellow Trauma Surgeon, Dr. Giantsbane laughed loudly as he approached.

"Well, don't look too disappointed, Snow."

Jon sighed and offered a weak smile. "Sorry, d'you need anything?"

Tormund shook his head. "Nah. Just wanted to check up on you."

"Thanks," Jon replied, checking his watch again.

7:15pm

His brow knotted. Sansa was due at seven and she's never late.

"Maybe her flight got delayed?"

Jon shook his head, his hand running across his hair as he checked his phone with his other hand. "She texted me as soon as her plane landed in Winterfell and then again when she said she's driving."

"Well, she probably stopped for gas or something," Tormund tried to reassure him but the worry had already started to take root and Jon began to pace at the beat of his accelerating heart.

Something was wrong.

He wanted to call her or text her but she was driving - anything could happen.

Tormund's reassurances was heard as if he was underwater and all he could focus on was his worry over Sansa.

Did I say I love you before she left?

When she called?

Oh Gods.

He was starting to panic as worse case upon worse case scenarios kept playing in his mind.

It was only when Tormund pushed him to put his head between his knees that he realized he was hyperventilating.

Why did he wait until now to -

I should've asked her the moment she said she loves me back.

Why did I make her go to Volantis?

"Breathe. Breathe, Jon. Come on."

He did.

"It's going to be okay," Tormund said unbelievably gentle as he kept his large warm hand clamped firm on his shoulder. "Just nerves," Tormund tried to ease him into it.

Just as Jon was on the verge of relaxing, Tormund's pager sounded. He felt him tense and that made him hold his breath and tense too.

Raising his head at him, he looked at Tormund who was already striding quickly towards the door.

"What is it?"

Tormund avoided his eyes and simply answered over his shoulder. "Code Orange."

Code Orange meant mass casualty or disaster, alerting the hospital for an onslaught.

And just like that Jon felt the world crashing over him as he sees his worst nightmare take place before him.

Before Jon could nag him, Tormund's phone rang. "What?"

And then Jon knew. It was only a split second but Jon saw Tormund instinctively glance at him.

Jon couldn't take it anymore so he grabbed him by his arms. "Tell me."

Tormund considered him before nodding and beckoning him to follow.

"Before that, I know you're not one of ours anym-"

He shook his head. "I'll help. But first I have to know. Please."

As they rode the elevator Tormund sighed then quickly told him.

"There's been a mass collision at the King's Road. The driver of a ten-wheeler had a stroke, swerved, and totalled a Prius. There was considerate traffic, eight vehicles directly involved. Five dead onsite, seven gravely injured, fifteen minor injuries. One of the cars was a red Hybrid."

"That's Sansa's car!" All the colors drained from his face and he bolted towards the emergency room as soon as the doors opened, one hand pressed call.

Sansa, love, please be okay please answer, please Oh Gods please not her.

It rang and rang then went to voicemail.

Hi. This is Dr. Stark. Sorry, I'm not available right now please leave-

He shoved his phone back his pocket but before he could enter the backdoor to ER, Dr. Karsi Rayder - his former teammate, apprehended him.

"Jon-Jon she's okay, she's okay! Sansa's okay!"

His chest loosened somewhat. "Where is she?"

"On the way. She stayed behind the site to do damage control earlier."

"How'd you know?"

"EMTs and she just called. It's bedlam there but we sent Val and Domeric there to relieve her. She's bringing in a multiple trauma herself."

Just then the double doors opened and there with her hand pressing on the torso of a patient and had improvised trache in his neck - one nurse hooked bagging there, was Sansa - Sansa with her red vivid hair straightened half up and mussed, wearing the green dress he loved on her was here.

He didn't think, just ran to her.

Closer as she yelled out orders while trying to apply pressure on the patient's abdominal wound, Jon looked her over immediately.

Her hair was mussed a little, there was a rip on her dress, and blood was splattered everywhere, on her hands, her arms, her dress, some on her face. He prayed to all the Gods that none was from hers, selfishly.

That moment, he wasn't thinking like a doctor.

It was Sansa. Only Sansa he was concerned about.

"Sansa," he managed.

Her blue eyes saw him then and she briefly took in his appearance before giving a sort of smile, her eyes softening for just a moment.

Six months, mussed hair and bloodied, she was still the most beautiful thing he would ever see.

"Jon," she breathed out before her hand was replaced by a nurse's and instruments were being handed to her after pumping disinfectant on her hand and slipping on sterile gloves as she started working on stopping the bleeding.

Another nurse was tying a mask around her face and Jon realized that despite the tender yet too brief greeting she gave him, she was going to be a doctor first. He slid his jacket off then, rolled his sleeves, and took over nurse's task of slipping an apron on her.

While he tied it around her back, he inspected her for any sign of damage. It was when he was pulling her hair up and tucking it inside a cap when he saw that she was bleeding too from a two gashes on her temple secured by surgi-tapes.

"Sansa, you're hurt!"

"I'm fine. The bleeding will stop eventually - I put in a tape. I don't have a concussion, I promise," she said in a clipping tone Jon doesn't usually hear her doing.

"That will still need stitching," he insisted.

Sansa looked at him squarely then. "Later. Right now I'm way below the triage. Go stitch up someone else." She turned her back to him without another word and Jon stared at her as she declared that the patient had to have an exploratory laparotomy here and now. Nurse Satin Flowers told her that either she do it or the patient waits because currently, all the surgeons on deck were occupied this unexpected night shift.

She didn't say anything, just nodded while Satin left to get her everything she needed while she helped with getting a second central line in because Nurse Gilly Tarley was the one applying pressure on the wound. It was only when Dr. Larence Hornwood, the anesthesiologist came in did he regain himself. Sansa was by then, replacing the improvised trache with the standard tube.

"I got here as fast as I could. Here, I'll hook him up the respirator. You're going to do the lap Dr. Stark?"

"I'm going to have to."

"I'll do it."

They both looked at Jon. "I'll do it," he repeated. "There might be someone who needs you more. I've got this."

Sansa nodded then and started walking over to the triage officer but before she passed Jon completely, she touched his arm and squeezed and then was off.

"Are you back, Dr. Snow?" Larence prompted him.

Jon took a deep breath and gave a firm nod. "Let's go."

He had to take his cue from Dr. Sansa Stark - who, by the grace of all the gods, was alive and here.

So now, he had to be Dr. Jon Snow.  

The second step in knot construction is the addition of a sufficient number of throws to the knot so that it does not fail by slippage.

Supply room

11:48pm

Jon grabbed alcohol swabs, gloves, several 4-0 Nylons, a Mayo-Hegar needle holder, scissors, and a pack of sterile gauze, then placed them on a tray. The crisis at the E.R. was finally resolved with the doctors on duty shooing those who weren't away.

Despite only having a skeletal force of six surgeons, three surgical interns, they were able to sort out the fifteen people who came in, in record time. Most of that was due in thanks for Sansa, Val, and Domeric doing as much as they could onsite.

Jon had to do three ExLaps at the E.R., several minor wound surgeries, and some bone resetting. But it was when the patient swung an arm at him as he reset his dislocated shoulder did he get the gash down his collar when he stepped back and slipped, falling on the tray with the wound repair set. Thank the Gods they weren't used.

He needed stitches himself but copied Sansa by packing it with a thick gauze and tape first then worry about repairing it later.

It was finally later.

And Seven hells did he feel the throb of the contracting wound now, blood still seeping through the gauze.

He could've asked anyone there to help him but he didn't want to bother them anymore so he slunk towards the storage where he intended to do it himself.

Just as he was untying the disposable surgical gown they threw haphazardly at him before, the door to the storage opened and to his surprise and delight, it was Sansa.

His heart started skipping then as he looked at the same surprised expression she was wearing, her mouth slightly opened and partly covered with her pushed down mask.

"Jon?"

He couldn't help but grin then, walked - almost ran towards her, his arms wrapped around her at once - he released a breath he didn't know he was holding til then.

He buried his face in the crook of her neck and he felt her warm, soft, body sinking into him as she returned his embrace and sighed deeply.

They were drenched in sweat, in blood, and other fluids as they were still wearing the gowns and now tears joined the mix.

His shoulders were shaking as he held on to her tight. "Sansa... oh Sansa..." he kept repeating her name and alternated squeezing and stroking her as if he still couldn't believe she was there.

Sansa only tightened her hold on him, her hands gripping his shirt and gown tightly.

"I thought I -

Sansa shook her head against his chest. "I did too but I'm not. I'm here."

Jon pulled back, slid her mask down, and kissed her then, his hands flying up to her hair as he kissed her desperately. Sansa held on to his arms and kissed back just as fiercely.

After what seemed like an eternity, Jon pulled back and cradled her face as he bent down and narrowed his eyes at her. "Don't you ever scare me like that again."

Sansa let out a laugh amidst the tears. "I told you I'd come back. Have I ever broken a promise before?"

Jon couldn't help the deep sigh . "I'm so happy you're finally here." He brushed his thumbs against her cheek after he leant his forehead against hers. "I don't know what I'd do - Gods."

"Come on Jon. Not you too. Don't get too sappy on me, my phone hasn't stopped blasting from the pack. I'm fine. I'm here. For good," she tilted her head at him.

Jon let out a deep breath and rolled his head back. "Thank the Gods! These six months were torture - pure torture."

She smirked then. "Hey, this was your idea, might I remind you." She poked at his chest causing him to wince and her eyes to widen in shock.

Jon tried to play it off but it did hurt. "I'm fine."

"Jon! You're bleeding," she didn't wait and started yanking down Jon's gown as well as the grey button down he wore. When she saw the wound she tsked at Jon then after seeing the tray he set down on a bench, she grabbed it, tucked it in between her arm and chest, then pulled at his hand, dragging him towards the on-call room.

Jon just shook his head and laughed as he let her drag him away.

Once they were inside the on call room which was, as expected this busy shift, empty, they removed their disposable gowns and threw them in the hazard bin.

Sansa made him sit down on the floor. Once he was settled, she set the tray on the bed then sat across from him. It was only when Sansa was unbuttoning his shirt that he realized they were still wearing their more formal date clothes underneath their disposables.

He watched as Sansa slipped on her gloves, clamped an alcohol swab and started disinfecting the wound. He noted that before the incident, she was on her way dressed up just for him. With her long red hair down the way he loved it, and the damn green dress that was his undoing time and time again the rare times she wore it.

Now her hair was still hidden and tucked in her cap but there were a few wisps that escaped and curled around her exquisite face that was poised in fiery concentration, blazing behind those blues he missed so much, that often drove him mad with want. Her mouth was pursed as they were whenever she was focused. Her lipstick had faded and her lips had little indents where she must've been biting it as she did when she was worried. There was blood drying on her arms and dress. He tried not to frown when he noted that there were tears at the hem of that dress. This would be the last time she'd wear it.

"I'm going to give you some Lidocaine now- what? Why are you looking at me like that?"

Their eyes met then and Jon couldn't keep from reaching over and pulling her cap off, watching as all that red came tumbling down her face, her neck, and her back. He looked back at her face and saw she was blushing and giving him a knowing look. He brushed the strands away from her shoulder then cupped her neck.

"You are so beautiful."

Sansa's eyes softened and she ducked her reddened face, picking up the syringe she filled with the local anesthetic before looking back at me. "I'm going to give you the lido now."

Wanting to tease her, he leant forward and kissed her lips again before leaving it to kiss a trail down her neck. Gods did I miss this - miss her.

"Jon -"

"Go on. Stitch me up. I don't need the lido. This is better than any anesthetic." He started rubbing at her sides, switching to kissing her ear, his hands urging her closer.

He felt her push him then and he sat back grumbling.

Sansa smirked and shook her head. "No. It's distracting."

Jon mirrored her smirk. "Yeah?"

She rolled her eyes. "Come on. The sooner I'm done -

Jon leant forward again, excited. "Yeah? You'll what?"

But before she could say anything, Jon saw her head wound again and frowned. "Wait. Maybe I'll do you first."

Sansa grinned devilishly. "Oh, don't worry, Dr. Snow. You can certainly...do me later. But not before I do you first."

Jon couldn't help himself then and grabbed her and kissed her again. Sansa let him for a solid three seconds before she shoved him away, shaking her head but grinning. "No open wounds while doing strenuous activity."

Jon sat straight then and kept his arms behind him. "Then by all means, stitch me up quickly."

She laughed before injecting the lidocaine anyway. Then she grabbed the Mayo, clamped the 4-0 curved needle, and held the toothed forceps with her left hand. "Ready?"

Jon smiled at her, trying to push down the desire that was burning him up. He's seen Sansa operate many times and knew how delicate she held each tool and how precise and with finesse she handled each stitch and cut - having learned to handle the most sensitive organ of the body - the brain. She was so skilled and now even if it was terribly simple for her level, he can't wait for her to use her talented hands on him.

She was about to kneel when he stopped her. "Wait." He grabbed a pillow and placed it on the floor in front of him. Sansa kissed his nose then. "Thanks."

Jon's breath hitched when she pushed the pillow closer to him and positioned herself kneeling in between his legs.

"Hold still," she murmured.

Believe me, I'm trying.

"Relax, I'll just do six stitches."

"One for each month you were away," he didn't mean to blurt out but that earned him a laugh.

He watched her then as she sew the first suture - a simple interrupted stitch. It was almost hypnotic as he watched her loop the nylon around the the needle holder, then grasped at the other end, pulling it inside the loop, closing the stitch then cutting. It was all he could do, watch her stitch and cut, trying to ignore the way he felt her warm breath on his naked chest and the smell of her hair, the touch of her hands...

When she got to the last stitch, before she closed it, she dropped the instruments back on the tray then with a small smile, tied the final knot using the two-handed technique Jon taught her.

"All done," she whispered, her nose almost touching Jon's.

Jon was about to lean in when he froze.

"What? What is it?"

Knots!

He stood up then and began patting his pants pockets.

Fuck, it's in my coat pocket! Seven hells where is my coat?

"Jon, what's wrong?"

Jon looked at her then, still kneeling down and looking at him anxiously too, scratching at her gash unsuspectingly.

He swallowed then and pushed it all aside for now, kneeling down in front of her and cradling her head. "It's nothing." It's just a ring. He kissed her forehead and smiled as he pulled away. She's here and she's alive. That's all that matters right now.

He gently touched the side of her head that was starting to bruise. She probably hit her head on the wheel as she swerved to the side to avoid the collision. She winced a little and he cursed.

"Are you sure you don't need to get a CT at least?"

She shook her head. "Just a flesh wound," she grinned.

Jon rolled his eyes at her reference. "Well, Black Knight, it's your turn to be stitched up."

"Mm, by any chance can't you get your uncle to do it?" she teased.

Jon snorted. "I stitch better than that ass no matter how famous he is in the Plastics world."

She giggled. "I was only kidding. Stitch me up, Dr. Snow." She purred.

How she switches from being adorably innocent to a seductive siren in a snap I'll never know.

Jon removed the gauze and the tapes and assessed it. "Well, you're right. It's shallow enough that you might not scar that much. And lucky for you, I only see three stitches."

Sansa started snickering then, trying to cover it with her mouth. "Now you'll tell me three stitches mean something cheesy like 'i love you.'"

Ha! If only you knew what 'three' really meant for me. He kissed her head again. "Something like that, now hold still."

He felt her hand on his waist then. She bit her lip as she looked up at him with wide eyes. "Sorry, I need to hold on to something I can squeeze later."

Jon bit back a groan as his mind started to give him filthy ideas. "S'alright."

She nodded then.

He brushed her hair away as he tilted her head up then started working.

He worked as quickly and as gently as he could, feeling her squeeze just that once in the beginning. After cutting the last stitch, he covered it with a gauze and a kiss.

"You have an incredibly light touch for someone with large hands," she beamed at him.

Jon traced her cheek then with the back of his finger. "Probably just for you."

She shook her head slowly, pressed his retreating hand back to her face, closed her eyes, and leaned in. "Mm. If you say so...Jon?"

"Yeah?"

"Did you miss me?" her voice was small and it shook while she kept her eyes shut. Why was she suddenly unsure?

"Sansa - sweetheart, will you look at me please?"

Her eyes fluttered open then and Jon sighed as he caressed her cheek. "Even now, at this second, I miss you."

Her mouth opened and there was that wrinkle between her brows again. "But I'm already here," she whispered.

Jon's mouth twitched. "I know. I can't describe it." He rubbed the back of his neck. "It's just. I always want you closer. Even in our most...intimate, I still want you closer. All. the. time. I don't make sense, do I?" he chuckled.

But she didn't laugh with him as he expected.

The intensity of her stare was almost too much that he could do nothing but stare back.

This time, it was Sansa who leaned in. She wrapped her small hands to cup below his ears, her mouth a whisper above his own while her eyes were half-shut. "It makes perfect sense to me." Then she kissed him.

Hard.

Sansa didn't usually initiate kisses - and he could recall each one she did. But it was never like this - like she was filled with the same painful longing as he was. "Jon," she breathed when she broke away for air, Jon didn't stop kissing her, his lips attaching themselves back to her ear, her neck, and lower. "Please don't send me away again."

Jon looked at her then.

"I love you," her lip trembled as she said them, tears spilled from her eyes. "I love you so much Jon. I'm sorry I never - I don't." She swallowed. "I'm sorry I don't say it that -

Jon silenced her with a kiss but he was crying too. "I know. It's okay. I know. I love you so much too."

She shook her head stubbornly. "No. It's not. You say it all the time. I should too."

"Sweetheart, it's not a contest. And you say it all the time too. You don't always need words to say things."

She kissed him again and he was just as willing to oblige and return.

"Jon," she started giving him tiny pecks across his face and down his neck then collar, her hands stroking his bare chest. "Jon, make love to me."

Without a moment's hesitation, he took her in his arms and brought them both on the bed, his hands sliding her long skirt up her waist, skimming her hose covered legs. Without breaking their kiss, Sansa lifted her hips and helped him roll of her stockings followed by the slip, slide off her silk blush and damp underwear.

Jon groaned against her lips just as she answered with a moan when he felt her moist heat beneath his fingers.

"Jon, now."  She panted roughly, tugging at his belt. He helped her then and only ended up with his pants and boxers low enough to release him then entered her immediately, both of them moaning loudly.

Jon kissed her deeply then, one arm braced above her head to steady him while his other hand explored her over and under her dress as he thrusted.

It's been too long and it felt too good that Jon knew he wouldn't last long yet he tried to go as slow as he could, pulling back almost completely before pushing back all the way in.

Sansa wrapped a leg around his waist and scratched at his back so hard that if it weren't for the shirt that was still hanging open on him, she'd leave bloody marks, not that he would care.

This isn't what he planned for their reunion love making. He planned on taking her slow. Kissing every inch of her and bringing her to completion many times with just his mouth and fingers first until she could take no more and only then would he take her.

Sansa must've sensed this as she clutched him tighter. "It needn't always be gentle. I want you to fuck me Jon."

Jon gaped at her. Sansa wasn't that very vocal in bed - always struggling to keep from making too much noise and she rarely cussed.

"Say it again," he demanded, wanting to know if he didn't imagine it.

"Fuck me Jon," she practically whined, spurring him on.

"Fuck," he grunted as he hitched a leg higher and held on to it with his hand as he plunged into her faster and harder, Sansa meeting him with her hips as she pushed up at him.

He was so close so he started sucking at her neck while reaching down and rubbing at her as their hips were starting to snap at each other erratically.

"Come for me, Sansa. Come for me again sweet girl."

"Jon."

"That's it. Fuck. You feel so good, love. It's so good. It's been too long."

"J-Jon."

He felt her walls fluttering around him then as she gave out a loud cry coaxing him for his own release.

He came and spilled inside her with a roar. Both of them collapsing and panting after.

Jon rolled off her but pulled her against him so he could drop kisses on her head in between breaths.

When they were calmer, they smiled at each other languidly.

"Wow."

Sansa giggled as she traced patterns on his chest. "Happy 9th Jon," she kissed his chest."

"Happy 9th Sansa," he grinned and stroked her hair.

She looked up at him then. "Now will you tell me why you panicked earlier?"

Jon sighed. Of course Sansa wouldn't let things like this just pass. But this wasn't just things. It was the ring, the keys, and the moment he lost. Though honestly, all those felt inconsequential when he almost lost her.

"It doesn't matter."  He stroked her hair and almost laughed when she pursed her lips.

"Tell me."

He sighed again and wanted to laugh at the old gods and the new. So this is how it's going to happen, eh? Fine.

He sat up slowly then bent down to kiss her cheek, pulling on a blanket and covered her beautifully debauched body. "Wait here."

He grabbed the left over nylon thread and went under the blanket with her.

Sansa sat up with him then and eyed him curiously.

Some of the nerves came back but one look at Sansa's soft smile - the one he knew was only for him and knowing that he almost lost this forever, his resolve won over.

He took her left hand in his, making Sansa's eyes wide and shiny, her mouth parting slightly as it was dawning on her what he meant to do this night.

"Sansa, I wanted to do this differently - make it special and unforgettable but obviously, the gods kept messing with me today."

Then he slid off the bed and dropped on one knee before her, earning a gasp.

Jon looked her over, her hair was a beautiful mess, her lips were red and swollen, her skin was flushed and her green dress was barely hanging on to her, one strap already down exposing more of her creamy flesh. Now. No more waiting. He had to do it now.

"I was panicking earlier because I realized I lost the ring among other things. But that's just a ring. I'll buy you ten more - I'll buy you the whole jewelry store if that's what you want but for now...I can't wait anymore."

He paused and showed her the suture thread and she knew what he was going to do, her blue eyes already brimming with happy tears that made Jon's heart race.

"Dr. Sansa Stark, will you marry me?"

Sansa was sobbing and laughing as she kept nodding yes at him. "Yes!"

Jon grinned and leaned up to kiss her then.

They kissed for a while, their foreheads pressing together when they broke away.

Jon leant back and took her left hand again, placing it on top of her knee.

He kissed that hand before taking the thread again and positioned it around her ring finger, making her sigh happily. "One last lesson Dr. Jon Snow?"

He attempted to wink at her. "You bet."

"First of all, the initial position is crucial just as the first throw must be anchored just so," he did the first knot. "Is it too tight?"

Sansa shook her head and bit her lip as she fought from laughing.

"Good. But more importantly, you have to make sure you throw in just enough throws above it so you're sure it would hold."

"Ah. Jon, that's too much my love," she stopped him just as he made it to three knots.

Jon smiled at her sheepishly. "Can't blame a guy for wanting to tie you up snugly to him."

They both looked at the knot he tied on her finger then.

Jon thought the black thread looked so plain on her pretty finger and the image of the ring he had made kept poking at him.

"I know it's not -

It was her turn to silence him with a kiss. "I love it. And I can't believe you thought of doing a surgeon's knot on me."

Jon blushed and rubbed at his neck. "Well...Casterly." Was his only explanation, followed by showing her the keychain with the tied knot she hasn't seen since she gave it to him almost six years ago.

She looked at him in shock. "You still kept this? It's been six years!"

"Well, in all honestly, you kept it first for nearly a decade."

"Gods, we're so stupid aren't we?"

Jon laughed all out then and grabbed her hand. "I'm just happy we're here now."

"So all this. Asking me to wear something nice and meet you on the rooftop, you really meant to propose?"

"Didn't you expect it even a little bit?"

"You know I'm bad with expectations. But I knew you wanted to do a special and over the top dinner  - but not this - but now I'm starting to think maybe I should've. I mean dinner at the place where we first kissed? Where we finally got together?"

"Sansa."

"What?"

"Shut up."

A grin spread slowly on both their faces as they started reaching for each other again.

This time, they were completely bare and under the scratchy blanket, writhing against each other on top of the creaky cot inside their stuffy on call room.

But before they could go further a booming knock interrupted them and Jon cursed knowing they didn't bother to lock the door.

"Are you guys done yet?"

Val.

Jon groaned while Sansa looked horrified.

"Maybe they'll go away if we ignore them," Jon reached for her again but Sansa swatted him and started pulling her clothes back on.

"Come on, wrap it up so we can have it clean again. Some of us do use this more than just to fuck." Tormund.

Jon reluctantly sat up and slowly started dressing. Let them wait. I've had to put up with theirs. But the next voice made him bolt upright.

"I'm going in."

Jon and Sansa dressed at record speed then when they heard Rhaenys' voice.

And then there she was.

"My, my, my. Baby brother and my Baby girl making babies already. I'd hug you both but you both reek of sex and surgery," Jon's gorgeous older sister was standing in the middle of the room with her hands on her hips, looking at them like a mother busting her children. She looked at her former younger colleague in Visenya Hill Medical. "So should I set you up with an appointment with me, Sunshine? Sometime in the next two weeks? Did you do the position I told you about to make sure babies?"

"Rhaenys!" Sansa turned beet red and Rhaenys noticed her finger.

She turned on Jon then and raised a brow. "Baby brother. I'd congratulate you both but this can't be. You do this right. I told you to treat Sansa like a queen."

"Rhaenys, it's okay. It doesn't matter," Sansa meant to argue some more but Rhaenys simply raised her brows at her, then turned to Jon again.

"I lost the ring," Jon finally admitted, hanging his head.

Rhaenys grinned then and called for Tormund to come inside and once he did, Jon saw that his coat was draped on his arm. "The box is inside too where you left it," he barked as he handed it back to Jon.

"Now here's what's going to happen.I know Sansa already said yes to your silly but yes romantic knot tying, but now that all the shit has already happened tonight, you two heroes deserve the night you were meant to have. So now, Jon, go and follow Tormund while I make Sansa even more drop dead gorgeous."

She walked over to Jon and poked his arm. "You do this right or I swear I'll shave your hair off."

Jon cringed then couldn't do anything but agree.

"Meet you on the roof?" he threw over his shoulder.

"You know I'll be there." Sansa said sweetly.

"Okay, break it up. More of that later."

Sansa blew him a kiss then while Jon grinned at her before he was shoved off the room where Sansa could hear he was greeted with hoots and whistles.

She looked back and Rhaenys was already pulling out a dress from the carrier she had. Sansa's heart picked up when she saw it was white.

"Okay, my Cinderella. Let your fairy good-sister work her magic on you but I hope you don't mind if my reinforcements are not mice or a duck."

"Eww, this room stinks of sex.'

"Arya."

Sansa turned around then and saw her mother and her sister bickering.

"Mom! Arya - what are you-

Catelyn pulled her into a hug that Sansa reddened some more knowing she smelled of Jon but her mother didn't think any of it as she hugged her tight. "We saw the news, darling girl. Everyone is here," Catelyn explained. "We almost lost you - he almost lost you. It's time darling."

"W-what?" She looked at the white gown Rhaenys was holding up.

"Oh no, not this yet," she said, her eyes twinkling when she caught Sansa looking at the dress.

Arya chuckled as she smirked at her, giving her a half hug and a nose wrinkle. "You're gonna have a record breaking shortest engagement ever, Sans."

"Need an extra pair of hands?"

"Dr. Targaryen!"

"Please, it's Elia, or if you would prefer, you can call me mother too. And here's your dress."

"What is happening?" Sansa threw her hands in the air, her skin looking perpetually flushed from both embarrassment and from Jon and then she saw that they were all wearing gowns too - even Arya.

The women all laughed in answer, pushing her out the room and towards the female locker room.

"Everything, my sweet," Dr. Elia Martell-Targaryen crooned before shutting the door behind them.

If the trauma surgeon fails to construct secure knots at the beginning or the end of the laceration, knot slippage will occur, resulting in wound dehiscence.

Shock was the understatement of the night but this night has been a series of 'not-this-way-Jon' enough for him to question anything. And now he was in one of the doctor's lounge with the Prime Minister, the Northern Governor, the Major General of the Northern Army, and the Lieutenant General of the Airforce.

Or rather, Jon's father, Sansa's father Ned, her older brother Robb, and Jon's older brother Aegon.

Bran and Rickon were here too and somehow Jon felt all kinds of anxiety.

Thank the Gods that it was Aegon he saw first who pushed him into taking a shower then handed him a new suit - black this time and surprisingly, a white button-down and not red.

When he was dressed and groomed, Aegon tossed the ring box at him and smirked. "Didn't know you had it in you, little brother. Sansa Stark is too good for you," he teased.

Jon grumbled. "Don't I know it."

"Hey, just kidding. You know I tried asking her out more than once. She turned me down each time."

Jon raised his brows at him.

Aegon shook his head while laughing, his long silver hair swishing as he did. Jon couldn't believe it. Girls usually fell for his older brother, often using him to get to Aegon. And now he can't stop the smug look that was building at the thought that she chose him over his pretty brother.

Aegon rolled his eyes at him. "Don't look too smug."

"Can't you just give me a few more seconds to gloat?"

He snorted. "No. You don't have time. Everyone's here," he grinned impishly at Jon.

Jon stopped smiling. "Everyone?"

"Yes. Including the wolf pack. Ready to join your new leader? Oh and you're welcome by the way. Ned and Rhaegar wanted to come get you from the on-call room. Good thing Val warned me."

"Shit." Aegon laughed. "Why?"

Aegon didn't answer and just said "Good luck, bro," before shoving him inside the lounge.

Jon couldn't contain his shock when he saw all of them with matching smiles on their faces. And there he knew at once that Rhaenys Targaryen and Ned Stark could not keep a secret.

He had ask Ned months ago for his blessing and then he remembered telling his father that he was going to marry Sansa one day but didn't say when. Wait, maybe Ned did keep his word and it was Rhaenys who told the rest.

But why were they here - all here and now.

Rhaegar strode over then and clapped his back. "I hear congratulations are in order."

"How did you - Rhaenys?"

He chuckled.

"Still doesn't explain why you are all here. This is my night to propose. It was meant to be private."

"Well, considering we almost lost the two of you today - oh come on, we know what you would be if anything happens to her. Anyway, son. We've all waited long enough."

"But - I was just planning..." Jon's eyes grew wide when he saw everyone looking at him with matching knowing grins - all of them were in either suits or in full decorated mess dress uniforms.

Tormund went inside then, still in his scrubs as he eyed him then broke into a laugh. "Finally caught on?"

Aegon snickered and elbowed their father. "I think he gets it now."

Jon still couldn't believe it. "But...you don't think it's too soon? I mean, I barely got her to move in with me. I was planning on giving her a long engagement," he started rambling in panic. It was true. He just planned to propose knowing he wouldn't rush her to the altar even if he wanted to. He'd give her all the time she needed. He just wants her to know how serious he was with her and get her to accept that. And now they were all here and telling him that it was time.

What if she says no?

She already said yes.

Robb and Ned exchanged looks before Robb moved forward, his medals clinking as he walked. "I'm sorry Jon. Were we misinformed? Didn't you already ask her...earlier?" He said with a hint of a teasing frown when he said earlier and Jon wanted the ground to swallow him up.

Yes, he and Sansa had unprofessionally used the on-call room to... consummate their reunion. But in his defense, it was the start of the Night shift and how was he to know that his family and hers would be here to see the most awkward - and not to mention, dangerous walk of shame in the history of the world (Aside from Ned and Robb,  Arya was in special ops. But most of all Senator Catelyn Tully-Stark was here and she could cut you with just a look. Seven hells, they could still call the Blackfish who was the Admiral.)

Not even his father or brother could save him from the wolves - never mind that he was half. Though Rhaenys might've had a chance, but she probably loved Sansa more than she did him.

You do this right. I told you to treat Sansa like a queen.

Having a quickie in the on call room was not royal treatment especially since she was injured. Fuck.

Robb laughed again though his nose wrinkled too. "We're not too keen on how we...found you two, but since my baby sister is alive and happy we all decided that we want her to stay alive and happy and while we are completely convinced she is capable of the former, we all know she can only get the latter if she's with you. And from what we heard, she agreed to spending the rest of her life with you."

"But -

Robb sighed then. "Come on Jon. You two are already living together. And if I know Sansa, she's not like the rest of us. Not a reckless bone in her body. Plenty stubborn but she doesn't just dive unless it's a sure thing."

Hearing that made Jon feel warm and light. He knew that of course, but it certainly helped to hear somebody else say it. But there was just one more thing that's stopping him. He rubbed the back of his neck and looked at each of them.

"I know. I want to but I also want to give her the wedding she wants - a wedding she deserves," he said slowly. "Even if the planning takes months - years."

Some of the men groaned, some sighed, some laughed but Rhaegar frowned at Jon and frankly looked insulted.

"I don't know where I'm most insulted. That you think you'll get married here or that none of us - especially me could pull together something less than ostentatious? No. We're just here giving you time to get the proposal you planned out of the way before we fly the two of you to White Harbor."

Jon gaped and his handsome father smirked, indigo eyes flashing and he looked at Aegon.

Aegon whipped out the two-way radio we used when we were younger. "Dragon 2 to Dragon 1, do you read? Over."

"Dragon 1 here. Affirmative in that. Go ahead. Over."

Aegon grinned. "Update on Red Wolf. Over."

"Red Wolf will be up in 300 seconds, do you copy?"

"Roger on that. Dispatching the Ice Dragon. Over."

"Good. Dragon 1 over and out."

Aegon smirked at him. "Well, soldier, what are you waiting for?"

Jon grinned and gave them a salute before sprinting out but not before getting butt whacked by everyone.

When Jon reached the rooftop, the food he knew that grew cold was already gone and replaced instead with a bottle of vintage red, and a plate of fresh new lemon cakes and everywhere there were new winter roses.

Jon took out the box then and reassured himself that the ring was still there and when he saw it he let out a relieved breath.

Checking his watch it was already half past two in the morning.

"Jon?"

He froze for a moment before turning around, his jaw dropping when he saw Sansa.

Sansa was wearing a blue dress that was a shade darker than her eyes under a white fur trimmed coat that complemented her still flushed skin. Her hair was half-up in an intricate braid and flowed down in gentle waves and curled at the ends while her makeup was redone but subtle. Just a hint of cream on her eyes, and pink a shade darker than her natural color on her lips but the blush she carried was natural.

He looked down at her clasped hands and saw that the knot he tied around her finger was still there.

When he looked back up at her she was smiling so softly while her eyes were incredibly tender.

Jon walked over to her and took her hand, leading her slowly near the edge so they could see the dock and the Bay of Seals below.

Sansa looked around, gazing in wonder at how Jon transformed the roof top. And when she looked back at Jon he was looking at her so intently, a hint of a smile on his face.

"Jon?"

Jon shook his head. "Let me do this right, Sansa."

Sansa wanted to say something but seeing the expression Jon wore, she nodded and waited.

"Sansa, I know it seems so fast but the more I think about it - think about us, we're almost two decades in the making. Do you know when it started for me?"

Sansa shook her head.

Jon nodded and fingered the knot on her finger. "Sixteen years ago in Highgarden, I saw a pretty girl with a long red braid, struggling with her knot tying."

"Oh Jon -

He shook his head. "Let me finish. Sansa, three times. Sixteen years and we only had three important dates." He chuckled. "Can you imagine? Just three but those three moments meant so much to me."

"Three. Highgarden. Casterly. King's Landing. All three were by chance and in all three you were tying knots."

Sansa smiled so tenderly at him, tilting her head as her eyes swam with emotion.

"Each of them were by chance. And each of them involved knots. Do you remember?"

She grinned and nodded.

"I can still remember when I taught you how to tie your first surgeon's knot. You were a quick study and you did so with finesse it's amazing. While you beautifully tied your first knot in me, I believe I didn't follow my own advice. Because I was too dense to see that I should've secured my knot with you from there. And then nine years later, Casterly," he sighed.

"You did it again. Tied another knot but I couldn't do the same because you were with someone else then," he stroked her hair remembering how it was shorn then as a sign of dedication to her residency training.

Sansa frowned and looked at him apologetically. Jon leant his forehead against hers and shook his head. "Then I had another chance three years after in King's Landing. You don't know how much I wanted to kiss you then."

"Why didn't you? I mean when we were at my doorstep, it could've happened."

"Because I knew I wanted more than just a night with you. No, let me finish. A part of me reasoned to take what I could because what if that was all I could get? But the more reasonable part of me knew that if I want anything with you, it has to be more - it has to be all.  And we couldn't have that then. Because I was from King's Landing and I ran North to make a name for myself, just as you were from the North and you left to pave your own path too. We were running in different directions. And...it was the first time I saw you free and happy and I knew from Rhaenys that you were thriving there. I wasn't ready to come back to the capital and I wouldn't want to keep you from where you were too. And though I'd try long-distance, I'll be honest enough that I can't do that. I barely made it a week when you left for Volantis but it was your promise that it was only temporary that got me through it," he cupped her face. "So I thought that maybe it was time to move on since every time it wasn't the right timing - maybe it wasn't meant to be. That time I thought you finally closed with a final knot."

"So imagine my surprise when my father called, telling me that Ned Stark's golden daughter was joining the staff here - here in this dingy hospital, telling me to look out for her and make her feel welcome. I didn't believe it until the day I actually saw you here. Sansa Stark was here and was staying. I didn't know how to handle it and you even lived across from me! I thought I've moved on but then I fell for you again - or maybe it was never lost but the moment I knew I couldn't wait anymore. Do you remember that night? The one where there was an accident at Castle Black?"

She blushed and nodded.

"I found you here like I did back then in Casterly. Exhausted and underappreciated. I wanted nothing more but to rectify that."

"You ambushed me with a kiss!" she narrowed her eyes at him playfully.

"Hey I waited sixteen years for that kiss," he smirked then his expression softened. "I wasn't going to allow myself to be stupid any longer. I knew I had to do it - had to tell you I wanted to be with you. I told myself that day that, Sansa Stark was a capable woman who would make all her dreams into reality. A strong woman that doesn't need protection yet I found myself wanting to try anyway. I just want to be part of it - part of you. Part of something that's so amazing and beautiful."

Jon gripped her hand. "With you there's no middle ground. I give you a grain, you give me a harvest. I give you a harvest, and you only take a grain. It's incredibly frustrating and unfair but I understand why you do this. I see it all the time. It's how you treat, it's how you heal, it's how you save," he paused, choking a bit as he cupped her face with both hands.

"Sansa, you always give the best of yourself in everything but for some reason you can't get it past this beautiful stubborn heard of yours to accept praise and recognition. You always say that you're just doing your job and that you always always want to do more. I get it. But love, you have to accept some of the returns too. You can take too. So I'll keep giving you the harvest and let you take as much as you are willing until you're comfortable enough to take it whole too."

"Three knots you gave me and not once was I able to tie one on you that was secure enough. Now I'm going to give you back three tonight but you have to close those knots yourself."

He opened her palm and dropped two sets of matching keys - all tied with surgical knots identical to the one she gave him years ago. Sansa looked up at him in question while he just smiled and pointed to the first set. "These are keys to our clinic in New Castle Pres. I've already given my notice for Eastwatch. I'm still an affiliate but my main practice is in White Harbor."

Sansa's hand flew to her mouth. "But Jon -

He shook his head and pointed at the other set of keys. "Now these ones... okay, Sansa don't freak out, okay? We still own our unit at the Gift but I gave up our apartment in White Harbor. I know it's a big step but ever since you've agreed to move in with me, I've wanted to give you a house - a real one. It's a big house that's pricy but I wanted one where you can have a view of the port and the river and have a garden too. I made sure the kitchen is complete - it's so big. We have a porch, a yard... and it's...the part of the old Wolf's Den and you can change anything you want - we can even move. I'll let you choose. Anywhere, my love. But for now, if you want it, we have our own house. I've already moved our things there. I made sure it was ready before you come back."

"And lastly..."

Jon went down on one knee then and took out the black box, opening it and showing Sansa his final knot. "I know you already said yes, but now I'm asking more of you, more than I ever asked of you before.

He rubbed her left hand with his thumb. "Sansa Stark, will you start a new life with me today?"

Sansa flung herself to him then, sobbing and nodding. "Yes. Yes, I will. I don't want to wait either."

Jon smiled like he never smiled before as tears pricked at his eyes. "Hold on - let me put this on you."

Sansa pulled away then and extended her hand.

"There's no backing out of this Stark. I assure you, I've had years of practice tying knots and once this one is -

"Put a ring on it, Snow."

He grinned as he slipped the ring on top of the knot he tied earlier on her finger, kissed her hand then kissed her.

They stood there wrapped around each other as they lost themselves in the moment.

When they pulled away, they were smiling brightly.

"Just for the record, you did say yes to marrying me today right?"

Sansa laughed. "Yes, silly. My family and yours made that very clear to me that it was happening today."

Jon was about to tell her that he doesn't care what they think that they'd marry when she wants of her own free will when she cut him off.

"Besides, I'd like that when you carry me over the threshold of our new home, I'd be Mrs. Sansa Snow in White Harbor," she looked up at him.

Jon choked again and he was crying within seconds.

Sansa was crying too but she was smiling and laughing as she kissed away Jon's tears. "I love you Jon."

Jon crushed her to him then. "I love you too. So so so much Sansa."

Sansa looked up at him from her lashes. "Jon?"

He brushed her hair behind her ear. "Yes?"

"Thank you for saving me."

Jon stared at her. "Sans-

"You did. Time and time again. Even when I didn't want to. Even when I didn't even know I needed to be."

Jon let out a breath then and smiled at her, tracing a finger down her cheek. "It's only right I keep trying. You save me too. Not only my life is tethered to yours, but someone who saves so many lives need to live longer."

She beamed then blinked. "But Jon, you're leaving Eastwatch -"

"And you left King's Landing" Jon countered.

"But -

"White Harbor is in the middle, don't you think? The best of both worlds? It's still in the North but it's near the South. It has a dock, and it has an airport in case we need to go away."

"And now it has you," Sansa beamed. "That's enough for me."

"Of course I'm there because you will be. Where you go, I go. I've learned my lesson."

She laughed. "Well, it's time n-whoa!"

Jon swept her up in his arms then. "To the altar - stat!"

"Ugh, you're so cheesy!"

Jon laughed at her then and nodded at Aegon and Robb who were waiting by the door, with Robb holding it open for them and Aegon speaking on the two way again when the P.A. system called out.

"Paging Dr. Jon Snow and Dr. Sansa Stark, please proceed to White Harbor for your wedding. Congratulations."

[thearabkhaleesi]

Game of Thrones 7x4 “The Spoils of War” Recap/Review

WARNING SPOILERS AHEAD

All my Game of Thrones episode reviews/recaps are sorted by location & contain no spoilers based on leaks or set photos, but might include predictions for the following episodes/rest of the season. 

King’s Landing

Not much action at King’s Landing in this episode, but Tycho Nestoris strongly emphasized that Cersei has to pay off the debt so that she can gain the support of the Iron Bank. We saw Jaime take the Tyrell gold at the very beginning of the episode, and then Randyll Tarly tells him that all the gold has safely crossed the border into King’s Landing; this means that she’ll be able to pay the debt to the Iron Bank, and in return they will back her against Daenerys by giving her more money, armies, weapons, and more…💸 Cersei also mentioned edthat Qyburn managed to get the Golden Company to fight for them, which is definitely in her favor; the Golden Company is a mercenary, assassin group located in Essos, with a military of about 10’000 fighters… I have to say seeing Cersei gain power is scaring me because I obviously don’t root for her, and she’s stronger and more merciless than ever.

Winterfell

OH. MY. GOD! I’m trying my best to make this professional, so let’s start in chronological order. First of all, we finally see the Catspaw dagger! If you’ve been following me for a while I’m sure you’ve seen that I discussed it many times before, and the fact that there was a magazine cover months ago with Arya holding the dagger. As Littlefinger mentioned, the Valyrian steel dagger, “Catspaw”, was given to an assassin to kill Bran in season 1 (most likely by Jaime Lannister.) I DID NOT expect it go down the way it did, with Littlefinger giving it to Bran, who gives it to Arya! As Sansa said, Littlefinger giving it to Bran is without a doubt suspicious, since he never does something without expecting something in return, as he’s always after his own benefit only. He even subtly refers to Bran as “Lord Stark” because he thinks it might start a rift between him & Sansa. I still think he has tricks up his sleeve and I really thought Bran would have a vision of Littlefinger betraying Ned Stark in season 1, but that could still happen.. I have more predictions but you’ll have to wait for my episode 5 predictions post for more! Notice how during their discussion, Bran tells Littlefinger, “Chaos is a ladder”. Those words are exactly what Littlefinger says to Varys in the 6th episode of season 3, about how he likes to stir up trouble and then seize opportunities for himself amongst the chaos (which is exactly what he’s been doing all throughout the series; Bran mentioning it to him could be his subtle hint to Littlefinger that he knows his true intentions, what he did in the past, and what he wants to do in the future. - Meera left! Even though Bran was pretty emotionless when they said goodbye, I felt sorry for her & a bit sad to see her go, especially considering all that she’s done for him. I also thought it was interesting how Bran says he’s not “Bran Stark” anymore, but remembers what it feels like, and that the real Bran metaphorically died in the 3-Eyed Raven’s cave. Bran’s speech in this scene reminded me of how Arya was training to become no one & leave her identity behind.

Aaaaand.. WE GOT THE STARK REUNION!😭❤️ I don’t know how many times I cried during the reunion this episode. I was in tears from the second Arya looked out from the hill onto Winterfell. Then the scene of her trying to get in the castle was so perfect, and so Arya, & it was a callback to season 1 when the guards at King's Landing didn't allow her to get into the Red Keep. Seeing her happiness just to be at Winterfell and seeing the Stark banners made me extremely happy.❤️ When the guards inform Sansa of Arya’s arrival, Sansa was looking through Maester Luwin’s papers & letters, and I think there’s a possibility Sansa could discover something in the letters in the next episode. Seeing Arya & Sansa reunite in the Winterfell crypts was so emotional for them & for us! I’m so happy that they’re happy and that Arya’s truly smiling again.💙Arya also mentions that being Lady Stark suits Sansa, which is a callback to the last episode where Littlefinger says that leadership & being in command suits Sansa; it’s also a callback to a scene between Ned & Arya where he tells her that she’ll be lady of a castle one day and she says “That’s not me”. And It’s true, being a Lady suits Sansa rather than Arya and I’m just so happy to see them reunited!😭 I loved the conversation between them, with Arya thinking Sansa killed Joffrey and Sansa’s reaction to Arya’s kill-list, which shows that they both really grew and went through so much, and then Arya’s reaction to knowing Bran is at Winterfell and alive was pure joy and it just all made me feel so warm and fuzzy. The full Stark reunion with Bran was so heartwarming, and Bran giving Arya the Catspaw dagger was the cherry on top, I’m so glad Arya has a Valyrian steel weapon now. The shot that got to me the most was most probably seeing the three of them walking around the castle together, showing their bond as a family, walking in their own home after all they’ve been through.😭❤️

I LOVED the scene of Arya and Brienne sparring at Winterfell. It was such a perfect and genuine scene for the two characters; I love Arya & Brienne’s chemistry and am so happy we got to see them reunited in this way, as their past interaction wasn’t quite as happy. I also really liked the nod to the Faceless Men when Brienne asked Arya who taught her how to fight like that and she said “No one”. I hope we see more of their bonding in the future.❤️ It was so evident that Arya saw right through Littlefinger at the end of the scene, she knows he’s playing games and gave him such a knowing look that was awesome.👀 I really really liked Arya in this episode because I felt like it was the first time in a long time that we’ve seen her the true Arya; she’s been through so much and we can clearly see that she has grown & matured, but back to being herself which made me ecstatic. I also loved the detail that Arya was dressed almost exactly like Ned did in season 1.😭❤️ Everything to do with Winterfell in this last episode made me so emotional, the Stark reunion was perfect, I couldn’t stop crying, and I just hope we get to see Jon reunited with them again. (he & Arya especially were the closest, and he’s the one who gave her Needle).

DRAGONSTONE

I like seeing Daenerys & Missandei being so close, and that Dany finally knows that Missandei & Greyworm like each other. Next we see Jon showing Daenerys the cave, filled with “all the dragonglass they'll ever need”, as Jon says. I’m so pumped and excited for them to start mining the dragonglass and turning into weapons, which of course would be vital in fighting the White Walkers.❄️ He then shows her the ancient cave drawings by the Children of the Forest and humans, which convinced Daenerys further that Jon is telling the truth about the White Walkers; & to me it felt like Daenerys does actually want to help Jon but the reason she wants him to bend the knee first is because she needs his guarantee that they’re allies. And in Jon’s defense, the Northerners are already against him for even agreeing to meet with Daenerys, so bending the knee to her could definitely result in a rebellion against him. I understand both of their viewpoints, but they’re both stubborn and proud people who want to help each other, and in due time, they will come to an agreement.🙌🏽 The scene between Jon, Davos, and Missandei was really cute and when Missandei was confused why Jon isn’t a Stark, and maybe I’m reaching here but her not understanding that concept felt like a very subtle to nod to Jon actually being a Targaryen. Missandei’s words about Daenerys also further convince Jon & Davos that she’s a good person and a good leader, since her people believe and have faith in her for who she is. I also think that starting from this episode, we can also see Jon slowly falling for Dany and Dany in turn trusting him. We also get a quick unpleasant reunion between Jon & Theon, with Jon telling Theon he would’ve killed him if he didn’t help Sansa. To be honest, who could blame Jon? If I were Jon I would’ve beaten him up a little too When Tyrion informs Dany of what happened at Casterly Rock, she's furious and at this point she’s had enough; Tyrion has lost her so much and every single plan that he had has failed, proving that he’s a good politician but a bad general. She’s ready to take Lady Olenna’s advice and be the dragon that she is, by taking charge of the situation on her own terms. Asking Jon’s opinion shows that she’s beginning to trust him and knows that he’s a good military commander and eventual ally; therefore, instead of taking her dragons right to King’s Landing and going against the people, she decides to go herself right to her enemies at Highgarden…

HIGHGARDEN

What a battle! The last time I was this tense was during BOTB! Daenerys & Drogon’s entrance was EVERYTHING🙌🏽🐉 The second the appeared with the Dothraki, it was obvious that the Lannister army didn’t stand a chance. Jaime tried to pretend like he was brave and that they could hold them off, but he was clearly afraid and to me it felt like he knew they weren’t going to win. Daenerys, Drogon, and the dothraki were so tough and epic, I love seeing the dragons in action and every time Daenerys yells “DRACARYS!” I feel chills.🔥 I couldn’t be more surprised that Randyll & Dickon Tarly are still alive, as this would’ve been the perfect timing. but I guess we’ll just have to wait and see…👀 I’m pretty sure we all hate Bronn now? When he took out the “scorpion” (aka the dragon-killing machine), I felt a lump in my throat. I didn’t expect it to be there and actually started feeling afraid for Drogon. I was cheering so much when he kept on missing the shot but the second Drogon was hit, I started yelling. Seeing Drogon fall through the sky broke my heart and made me so upset and worried that I actually felt like it happened to my child (I don’t call myself khaleesi for nothing)😭🐉 When Daenerys & Drogon landed for Dany to take the spear out of Drogon, to me it felt like Jaime was in awe for a second, until he decided to run at her with a spear. The way Jaime ran towards Dany is also a callback to the way he killed her father, the Mad King, which is through the back. But then Drogon immediately defends his mother, Dany, and was just about to roast him if it weren’t for Bronn rescuing him at the last moment by pushing him (&himself) into the water. Now, Jaime is obviously not dead. It’s too early for him to die, & we’re most probably going to see him wake up in the next episode. As for Bronn, I hope the dirty rat drowns or lives until the day Drogon burns him to death. I thought it was very interesting to see Tyrion there, obviously on Dany’s side, but also wishing his brother makes it out alive; after all, Tyrion & Jaime have a good bond and Jaime was the one who helped Tyrion escape King’s Landing at the end of season 4. A lot of people thought that the Lannisters lost the Tyrell gold during the battle, but that’s not the case. As I mentioned, Randyll Tarly told Jaime beforehand that the gold has made it into King’s Landing; the gold that was thrown on the floor belonged to Bronn only, it wasn’t the Tyrell gold and neither were the barrels that Drogon burnt. Those barrels were the food that Cersei has ordered to be taken from the region.🔥 People have also said: “Why did Daenerys take Drogon into battle on the first attack in Westeros? He’s too valuable, she should’ve taken Rhaegal or Viserion!” WELL to that I tell you that actually in GOT, once a dragon has a rider, that rider cannot ride any other dragon. So Daenerys wouldn’t be able to ride Rhaegal or Viserion into battle, but she could command them as we’ve seen last season. The whole battle (and episode tbh) was epic and mind-blowing; the battle is also a callback to a very important battle during Aegon's Conquest (Dany’s ancestor who first took over Westeros), in which House Targaryen defeated House Lannister using dragons, which resulted in the Lannisters bending the knee to Aegon.🐉🔥

[aegor-bamfsteel]

Since GRRM seems to prefer Blackwoods, do you think Daeron II arranged a marriage between a powerful lord and his half-sisters Mya or Gwenys? It's never mentioned who Leo "Longthorn" is married, too. Is it possible he was married to Mya or Gwenys? I

(2/2) I was thinking that if Mya or Gwenys did marry the heir to Highgarden, the Tyrells would then have Blackwood/Targaryen blood (one of the most magical bloodlines in Westeros), so that would make it easier for Garlan and Willas to defeat Euron and whatever he conjures to terrorize the Reach. Otherwise I think one of them might have been married to the Tullys, making the Starklings part Targaryen. They are already part Blackwood through Ned and Cat is probably part Blackwood as a Riverlander.

I personally believe that Mya and Gwenys died young, perhaps along with their mother in whatever life-threatening childhood accident gave Bl00draven his greenseeing powers (whatever pox scarred Maekar maybe?). That makes more sense to me than them never being mentioned in any prior source material to awoiaf by any characters like they should be, only to suddenly get importantly wed by the Feminist(TM) Da3ron II (who most certainly didn’t arrange marriage for any of the other Great “”Bastards””, considering Daemon/Rohanne was Aegon IV’s idea; Shiera was a female illegitimate child, so why not also arrange her marriage if he was so interested). According to this non-canon but likely to become canon family tree (considering Ellyn is the last Storm Daughter we have no idea what happened to, and GRRM gave these family trees out to help with the RPG), Melissa Blackwood is already closely related to 3/7 Great House heads: her mother was a Baratheon, her grandmother was a Lannister, and her eldest brother is married to their first cousin Marian Stark (why an old but relatively unimportant Riverlander House gets these ridiculously high-status marriages for no logical reason is beyond me, but that’s what the Saintly Blackwoods are owed! I’m hoping at least GRRM tones this down a bit by F&B2). But tl;dr the Blackwoods have no problem finding Great House matches for their children.

I’d like to add that I don’t believe the Tullys have any recent Blackwood blood in them. Hoster wanted Blackfish to possibly marry Lord Bracken’s daughter, which likely wouldn’t’ve been suggested if the Brackens had 1) rebelled during the War of the Ninepenny Kings (Catelyn Stark says both lords Tytos and Jonos were among Hoster’s most loyal vassals, but only Lady Bracken is suggested while her contemporary, Alyssa Blackwood, is the 4th wife of Walder Frey. Which could mean a closer connection) 2) Hoster had any particular kinship ties to the Blackwoods. Furthermore, the name ‘Catelyn’ is used for one of Jonos Bracken’s daughters and nowhere else aside from Catelyn Tully-Stark, which could be to curry favor with liege lord Hoster, or it could signify that Catelyn is an Andal Riverlands name used for the Brackens. If the Tullys have a blood connection to either Tytos or Jonos, I’m betting on Horse House.

[mmazzeroo]

Chapter 2: DANY I - How Does She Do That?

@helloimnotawesome - Happy 2nd December <3

Chapter 2:

DANY I - How Does She Do That?

"What a shit day!" she mumbled as she idly ran her finger round the edge of the shots-glass. That lousy piece of shit! It was her third and last glass for the night. He's not worth your tears, Dany, remember that!

She could feel Viserys edging closer. Holding up her hand, she closed her eyes and sighed. "I don't want to talk about it, Vis. Not now."

"Alright sis," he placed his arm across her shoulders, "just say the word if your brothers need to 'wake the dragon' on someone's ass, yeah?"

She nodded and couldn't help the little smile that crossed her lips.

Giving her a tight squeeze and a kiss on the head he whispered, "you know where to find me when you're ready."

Her sweet brother. Always loving and protective. Both of them though she was closer with Vis than Rhae. Could be very funny too, but couldn't think of that now. She could feel the anger coursing through her veins, needing to project it somewhere. She just couldn't deal with it right now.

"And what's with all the fucking elfs and gnomes and lights and relentless singing everywhere?! The noise. Oh the noise! Noise! Noise! Noise!", she cried out. Pissed off at Christmas because of an asshole? Good choice Dany, not a cliché at all. At. All! She rolled her eyes at herself.

"'tis the season", replied Tyrion calmly. "So just hakuna your tatas there for a sec 'Grinch'."

"'tis the season", she said mockingly, "yeah season for all the rats to crawl out of the sewer. Hope the turtles are enjoying the peace and quiet. I know I would!" She knew she sounded bitter but she couldn't find it in her heart to care. Not now. "Besides", she continued, "it was Halloween like last week! No reason to break out Santa and the reindeers just yet if you asked me."

"It was Halloween a few weeks ago...and no one asked thus the lovely cheery decorations everywhere", Tyrion said sarcastically. In the background Tormund muttered something about reindeers and farting.

She sighed again staring at the glass in front of her. He's not worth your anger either, Dany. Just drag your ass to bed, sleep it off and start afresh tomorrow. Gently pushing the still full glass away she slid down from the stool. Staggering a bit she blinked a few times trying to gain her balance.

Davos' gentle voice sounded behind her, "I'll have this added to your tab Dany-girl, don't worry."

She gave him a half-hearted thumps-up.

When he stretched his arm over the bar and padded her on the shoulder she reached her own hand up and gave his fingers a gentle squeeze. Thanks, Dadvos.

The old sailor had a good heart. He had landed on their shores some 12-13 years ago with a badly infected leg wound. In the end Dr. Stark had to amputate the leg below the knee to save Mr. Seaworth's life. Having lost his own family to war he had dedicated his life to helping others caught in the same kind of chaos. On that fateful night his ship docked in King's Landing he had been dragged into the ER by a shouting Gendry. They'd barely managed to dock before Davos had collapsed. What no one knew at the time was that the ship was loaded with Dothrakhi refugees. Scared, hungry, many wounded, and almost all of them seasick, but what parent wasn't willing to risk almost anything to save the lives of their children? Even crossing the poisoned water if it meant safety.

Gendry, being Gendry, had of course confessed to Dr. Stark after a day or two not knowing what else to do or where else to go. So her mom and Dr. Stark had pulled a few strings and somehow managed to get DA Tyrell (current President Tyrell) to reward Mr. Seaworth with amnesty for his heroic actions instead of being charged with human trafficking. They had showed up at the docks with food, water and meds for the refugees before sending them over to Dragonstone where a Dothrakhi community had long been established.  

Since then the Stark pack, Vis and herself had basically adopted Davos as their uncle, or 'Dadvos' as they lovingly grew to call him. Not entirely trusting his footing with an artificial leg he had given up sailing; not for good but no more rescue missions. Instead he and Tyrion had established a little pub which served as the front end of their 'shelter for cripples, bastards and broken things' as Tyrion proudly referred to it. Hot Pie and Gendry had been the first beneficiaries — Hot Pie had been sent to culinary school and now worked as head-chef at the pub. Overseeing trainees was part of the job description but Gendry and Davos made sure to alway be around. Hot Pie was a good guy, but a few sandwiches short of a picnic so to speak, so some of the kids liked to try to play tricks on him once in a while. Something that did not sit well with Dadvos! Gendry helped work the bar and being a pretty good handyman as well he would fix up whatever needed a brush up here and there. And Tyrion? Well, being a Lannister he obviously provided the cash, and though being trained as a psychologist, he also managed the business side of the pub. Loving every second of it. The heart of the place was Davos himself - always ready to listen, play games, give advise, or simply let people have their space.

Reaching the door, bag in hand she heard Tormund call out to her, "Whatever stupid shit the fucker did, where I'm from his woman would cut off his cock and wear it on a string around her neck as a trophy!"

"A pecker that small could never be anyone's trophy", she replied dryly stepping out in the snow.

Out in the cold she remembered why cold weather and alcohol is such a bad mix. You only feel warm because of the booze, Dany, don't let your body fool you. She could feel her head buzzing. Breathe! Stay focused! Luckily the hospital and thus the Stark and Targaryen residence was just across the street.

Watching the ground as she walked trying to steady her steps in the slippery snow, she didn't notice the man coming towards her. Inevitably they collided in the hospital foyer.

"Oh, I'm so sorry!"

"My apologies, miss!"

With the speed of light a strong arm was wrapped around her back preventing her from falling on her ass. Looking up she saw a familiar face.

"Commander Selmy", she smiled, "what a surprise! Sorry for, literally, bumping into you like this."

"Could say the same to you, Dr. Targaryen." He removed his arm from her back and gently resting his hand on her upper arm. "Was just informed that you weren't expected back until tomorrow or, technically, later today." He smiled back at her.

She cleared her throat. "Yes well, complications arose, ensued, were overcome."

Narrowing his eyes slightly Commander Selmy gave her a long inquisitive look. She did her best to look back at him with as much confidence as she could muster at this hour. Just breathe, Dany. Whatever you do he'll know something's up anyway. Whatever his conclusion he just gave her a tight nod and warm smile.

"Right, I best be on my way now, have something for the lab." He lifted his hand slightly holding up a paper-bag.

"Oh? Has there been any trouble here?" She looked around the foyer for any signs of an altercation of some form, but saw nothing other than the usual few anxious relatives and a couple of nurses sitting behind the reception desk working quietly.

"There was a serious traffic accident earlier in the evening. A family of five was brought in, but no ID's so..." He trailed off. When anyone was admitted to the hospital without any kind of identification fingerprints and blood samples were taken to hopefully verify the individuals' identity that way.

"So standard operating procedure was followed. Got it!" She nodded absentmindedly eyes again scanning her surroundings. "But why you though?" Her head shot up, eyebrows furrowed, giving him a puzzled look. "It's usually something the City Watch handles, but you're Commander of the Gold Cloaks. Must be very high priority." She  tilted her head to the side and narrowed her eyes suspiciously. What in the Seven Hells is going on?

He shifted his weight from one foot to the other, eyes looking over and behind her clearly avoiding direct eye contact. Looking very uncomfortable he cleared his throat and said, "Just a precaution. Wish you a good night Dr. Targaryen." He was out the doors before she could respond. What the fuck was that about?!

As she crossed to the private lift at the back of the foyer she was approached by Margaery.

"Dany! Didn't think you—"

"—you'd be back until tomorrow, yeah I know", she finished exasperated.

Margaery gave her an amused look trying to hide a smile. "Won't ask", she said smiling holding up her hands as if surrendering. "Since you're here though would you be up for doing me a favour?"

"What's up?"

"Grey is currently sitting watch at a dog we got in this evening. The poor thing was in a terrible vehicle accident. Thing is he's beginning to wake up and..." Margaery looked at her expectantly.

"And you'd like me to go have a look to see if I'm going to get my head bit off, is that it?" she asked with a smirk while crossing her arms over her chest.

"Exactly!" Margaery grinned.

"Give me the headlines as we walk." Work! Nothing focuses the mind like work! Maybe that's why I enjoy it so much? Who do you think you're kidding, Dany, that's exactly why you love your job! That and you get to help. Helping does make me feel useful. She could feel the anger from earlier slowly began to subside, her body felt more relaxed. The alcohol had done it's job now it was time for her to do hers, and with a task at hand she quickly felt sober again. Strange how the mind can clear up like that. Damn it Dany, pay attention to Marg now!

"He came in sedated so we had to work quickly. The x-rays only showed a broken front leg. Lots of bumps and bruises though and some burns, but overall just getting away from that alive is a miracle."

"How so?"

"According to Tormund the vehicle took a tumble downhill and burst into flames."

She gasped in shock. Poor guy! "What about the rest of the family?"

Margaery waited as she dropped her bag off by the door to their break-room. She heard Margaery sigh next to her. The normally optimistic woman was clearly hesitant.

"They didn't exactly get away that easily." Another heavy sigh. "The man was patched up by Dr. Lannister and is currently stable and expected to wake up sometime within the next few days. His wife on the other hand..." She trailed off and dropped her eyes to the floor.

Her heart dropped. Oh gods! "She didn't make it." The words came out only as a whisper.

Margaery closed her eyes and shook her head slightly. "Sadly no." She lifted her head again and looked at Dany, "but Dr. Martell and Robb were able to save the babies so I guess there's a bit of a silver-lining?"

"Babies? She was pregnant? How far along was she?!" She could feel her eyes grow big in horror. Does this story just keep getting worse?!

"Robb said based on weight and length they estimate she was about 36 weeks, so based on that alone the babies are quite well and safe." Oh thank the Gods, but there's a 'but' there's always a 'but'. "But" Yup, fucking knew it. "because of the rolling, falling and  various hits their mother suffered Dr. Martell wants to keep them under observation for a while just to make sure they're as good as can be. Robb's up there with them now."

"Wow! Can't even imagine what it must be like for him when he wakes up." She couldn't find any words to describe how she felt for that man somehow losing and gaining everything the same night.

They walked in silence until they reached the pens at the back of the vet wing. The smaller animals had cages where they could rest and heal, but the bigger ones had a pen. Basically fences only about 50 cm high as the animals kept there were not in a condition to stand up on their own, and this way also made it easier for the caretakers to check on them, change bandages etc.

In the pen in front of her was a big fluffy ball of white fur with two red eyes squarely fixed on Grey. He's gorgeous! Teeth barred and a low growling.

"Hey there sweetheart", she said tenderly as she carefully stepped in front of Grey. "I know this is scary. Unknown surroundings, unknown humans, and bet that foot of yours hurt too." She was gently guiding Grey away from her and towards Margaery and the door. "I'm sure those wounds on your leg and shoulder is stinging as well." She kept talking in a calm and gentle tone until the dog stopped growling.

"Atta boy, just breathe, I won't let anyone hurt you." She was holding a palm against the fence letting him get a proper sniff.

Glancing towards Margaery she asked, "do we know his name?"

"His name tag said 'Ghost' which by the looks of him is a very fitting name I'd say."

Grey smiled and nodded.

"Ghost", she whispered. The dog looked up. Didn't care when Marg said your name? "Hmm like my voice, do you?" She couldn't help the smile forming on her lips.

She opened the gate of the pen and took a seat in the corner next to the dog's head. A bold move but a necessary one. For a few tense seconds the dog just laid there looking at her. Then, as if he'd made up his mind about something, he put his head in her lap.

She carefully stroked his head and neck. "I'm so sorry this happened to you and your family," she whispered, "and I promise we're all doing everything we can to make you feel better."

She moved a bit lower so that Ghost was resting his head on her stomach. That way she could rest a bit as well.

Last thing she heard before dozing off was Grey's voice, "How does she do that?"

[mmazzeroo]

Chapter 15 - NED IV - That’s A Big Campfire

@helloimnotawesome - Chapter 15 updated. I’m SO sorry for the long wait. Thought I forgot about you, didn’t you ;) Well....finally there’s a new update for you as well as a new mood board :) Enjoy, my friend! <3 

EDIT: Posted this earlier with the mood board but it got flagged!!! Stupid Dumblr, so while waiting the staff to realise their mistake here’s a repost and you’ll have to go AO3 to see the mood board. Sorry about that sweetie <3

NED IV - That’s A Big Campfire

"In a heartbeat, Dr. Stark!"

"Thank you so much, Sam," the boy is still so formal, "and Sam?"

"Yes, Dr. Stark?"

"Call me Ned, please." He smiled to himself.

"Ah right, yes, of course Dr. Stark...Sorry! Ned..." He could practically hear Sam blushing over the phone.

"Good! Now, once again thank you for helping with this, Sam."

"My pleasure, Dr. S..Ned."

Again, he chuckled at Sam's overly politeness. "Won't take more of your time. See you in a couple of weeks," not waiting for Sam's answer he hung up the phone. Crossing the big field of grass behind Dragonstone castle, he walked over to his wife and Rhaella currently busy cooing over his grandchildren who were rolling around on a blanket placed on the grass in the shadow of a beautiful old tree.

"Just spoke to Sam - it's all set."

"Wonderful, honey! He's going to be so surprised!" His wife was beaming up at him.

"Hopefully only in a positive way. I don't exactly have a good track-record when it comes to surprising my eldest son." He sighed as he looked around searching for the man in question.

"Oh stop it!" Rhaella grabbed his arm and pulled him down to sit between her and Catelyn. "He'll be so excited I bet he'll go speechless. You didn't see his sad puppy face when he was on the phone with Robb that day and had to tell him no. He looked like he thought he'd be ruining his brother's big day because of it. We didn't see him again until nightfall."

"He was always an emotional boy, Ned. Considering what he's lived through it's remarkable he's still able to be this empathetic." Catelyn gently stroked him down his cheek and kissed him. "Jon has a good heart. Been put back together with countless stitches yes, but at it's core still true and pure. He'll be over the moon when he sees what you and Robb has arranged."

He couldn't help smile at his wife's wise words. My sweet gentle sons. Trying to catch up on the time they lost together. "You're of course right - both of you." He quickly smiled at both women sitting on either side of him. "Instead of worrying I'll look forward to seeing some joy on my son's face." Joy! Wouldn't that be a sight!

"That's the spirit!" Rhaella gave him a big smile and light-heartedly nudged his shoulder with her own. "Now, not that I didn't know already, but I must say Robb has made a fabulous choice for his future wife." She nodded her head slightly to the riders further down the field.

Margaery and Sansa where on each their horse accompanying little Rhaenys on her pony between them. Rhaenys was in awe of both. Earlier in the day they had been sitting in the grass braiding each other's hair, adding flowers to the braids and even making garlands that they'd been wearing like crowns. He had to admit he found it adorable how the two took the time for Rhaenys and indulged her. Arya, on the other hand had rolled her eyes, pretending to gag and walked away. Oh how he loved his two girls. So different yet so similar. Just don't tell them that! They had the same fierce spirit, though when it came to expressing said spirit they'd chosen different ends of the spectre. Arya was, for the most part, hit first ask later. Sansa, on the other hand, would take the hits yet refuse to give in. My wild wolf and quiet wolf. Interestingly, he'd noticed a change in both over the past 5-6 months that Jon had been here at Dragonstone and everyone had made sure to make frequent visits whenever schedules allowed. The only one flying in a few times a week was Viserys for his therapy sessions with Jon. Arya was gradually beginning to show signs of something he could've sworn was a foreign concept to her - patience. Who would've ever thought! And Sansa, oh Sansa! She was slowly coming out of her shell, walking and talking with a little more confidence every day, and she was biting back. When Catelyn had told him that Sansa had suggested wearing a sleeveless dress as a bridesmaid, if Margaery agreed, his eyes had overflowed with tears. His shy, broken girl wanting to proudly put her scars on display like that to the world made his heart melt with pride and fatherly love. If I ever get my hands on Joffrey or Ramsey I'll smother them with my own bare hands!! Margaery, of course, had happily and eagerly agreed, knowing what a huge step this was for Sansa.

He couldn't help wonder what it was that caused all these changes. Has Jon returning helped fill a void we each had in our hearts? Is our individual healing contributing to us heal as a family? Have we all found our 'missing piece' in our lives and souls? Or are my girls just growing and maturing at their own natural pace? No, it was all connected to Jon one way or another. By his attempts to reconnect with his siblings and family for his own healing he was helping them with theirs as well. He knew Jon didn't necessarily do this knowingly. After all, the young man was simply trying to regain what he thought he'd lost. However, when he saw anyone in need of help - in anything - he immediately jumped in to provide any assistance he could. He'd always done that even as a little boy. Jon didn't want to see anyone in pain or suffering for any reason. Once again he was taken aback by his son's willingness to help others even if it meant at the expense of his own health. He had done so for years as a member of the Night's Watch, and it became even more ironic when taking into account Jon's blood type. O negative, also known as the universal giver because all other blood types could receive it without trouble - Jon however if given any blood type other than his own would die. It was as if the Gods had forged him to endure heartbreak, pain and suffering for the sake of others, to shield others, to help and save others. What was it Jon had said a few months ago? 'The same hammer that breaks glass forges steel'. That's it! Jon is teaching Sansa that she's steel while all this time she thought of herself as glass! Except he's hitting her with buckets of love. Ha! Jon you brilliant man! He made a mental note to go properly thank the gods when he returned to Winterfell before the wedding. Gods, the wedding! For a minute there he'd completely forgotten everything about it.  

He was happy for Robb and Margaery, but at the same time he couldn't understand his little boy had grown up so fast. Oh Ned, you sentimental old fool. Every parent thinks that. He shook his head slightly. In just a few weeks his son and heir to the title of Lord of Winterfell would be marrying the granddaughter of President Olenna Tyrell. It was quite a match and the media and the public loved it! The media! Damnit! Another thing we need to try to prepare Jon for.

Just after New Year's the Starks and Targaryens had sent out a joint press release informing the public of the miraculous return of Jonathan Dayne, heir to Starfall and the son of Eddard Stark and late Ashara Dayne. The families asked to kindly give Jon and his family time and space to recover from the shock, and any press inquiries could be directed to Mr. Tyrion Lannister. Shortly after the President had made a public statement that the Starks were collaborating closely with the authorities, and that further investigations into the events of the years since Captain Dayne's kidnapping and the people involved were already under way, and how she was hoping to hear about more families being united despite all the time passed. The public had responded overwhelmingly positive and sympathy messages online and offline had poured in. Especially messages from Dorne and the city of Starfall was filled with excitement of how they'd welcome him back home with open arms. Luckily, Jon and the cinnabons, thank you for that nickname Arya, had managed to remain sheltered on Dragonstone for the past almost 6 months. Now though it was time for him to step out into the limelight and take his 'rightful' place in the media as the Lord of Starfall. Viserys had assured him that Jon was ready for the circus and that he'd be alright surrounded by family. At least he'll have Dany by his side as well.

"Speaking of future spouses," his wife interrupted his busy mind, "your daughter has made a wise choice herself, if I may say so."

"Indeed! She's had a few trial and errors, but I have a good feeling about this new man in her life." In a mirthful tone Rhaella continued, "I have on good authority that he's from a reputable family, and he's even a war hero!"

"Oh my! What a catch!" Catelyn played along with Rhaella's joking tone and comically pretended to be fanning herself. "But is he handsome? No fun in bagging a man if he's looking like an oaf!"

"Believe me my friend when I tell you he's the prettiest in all the lands!"

He couldn't stop himself from rolling his eyes. Giggling like school girls!! Gods!

Catelyn wrapped her arm around his waist. "Oh c'mon, Ned, have a laugh!"

"Not as long as you call any son of mine 'pretty'!" He said feigning offence.

"But it's the truth, dear Neddy!" Really don't like it when she calls me that. "Next month at Margaery and Robb's wedding there'll be swooning left and right over all of your sons, but in particularly your eldest. Oh Cat, can you imagine how dashing he'll look in his uniform?! I might even swoon!"

All three of them laughed out loud at that image. Rhaella herself so much she had her head leaned back and holding on to him to keep from toppling over.

They all sat quiet for a bit trying to catch their breath again.

"On a serious note though, I do have a good feeling about those two. They are clearly good for each other, and in due time I expect it to naturally end in vows as well." Rhaella stretched her arms and tickled little Adei and Amador on their little chubby baby stomachs and the air was instantly filled with delighted baby giggles. "They are both mature enough to understand that this is something that needs to be done slowly. It warms my old heart to see them take their time to get to know each other and enjoy each other and not rush in like headless chickens." She turned her head a gave him and Catelyn a warm smile.

"They grow up so fast don't they?" His wife was looking at the babies with a wistful look in her eyes. "Oh by the way before I forget, Margaery and I have managed to colour coordinate Dany's maid-of-honour dress to the colours on Jon's uniform. Wasn't easy as the blue and red doesn't exactly go with the colour scheme of the wedding, but we made it work." She flashed a satisfied smile before adding, "with a little help from Sansa as well."

"And what did my daughter say to the changes?" Rhaella had an amused look on her face as if fighting to hold back a laugh.

"She doesn't know. We didn't want her to keep secrets from Jon. Not telling how the bride and her maids will be dressed is one thing, but in this case the reason why would be a big secret."

"Thank you!" He leaned in and give his wife a tender kiss on her temple. She clearly understands how sensitive Jon is about secrets. Gods I love her!

"When she questioned it, Sansa told her that all the Starks were colour matched with the bride as a way of symbolically welcoming her to the pack. Dany of course still looked a bit sceptical." She chuckled at the memory. "So Margaery simply told her it was a bride's prerogative to change her mind."

"Of course!" Rhaelle chimed in clearly amused at the story.

"So that means she'll be as surprised when she sees him as he will seeing her?" He was a little puzzled.

She chuckled. "Yes. She's just expecting him to show up in the traditional morning suit."

"Oh, we better be ready to catch two pairs of young lovers when they see each other that day then!" Once again Rhaella and his wife were giggling like school girls. Once again he caught himself rolling his eyes at them.

Catelyn cheerfully slapped him on his arm. "Don't tell me you weren't thinking the same thing, Ned." Actually I wasn't. "Jon won't even notice the bride walking right behind Dany, nor will Robb notice anyone in front of Margaery!" Again he was surrounded by contagious laughing and he willingly joined in. Gods, she's right!

"I take it Arya enjoyed joining the boys for her first tailor-made suit?"

"Immensely! Although she did find the whole 'having to stand still'-part very tedious." Both women joined in his laughter.

"Well my dear, she is our wild wolf after all." There was so much love in Catelyn's eyes and voice when she said it that he had to kiss her.

Pulling back he looked in his wife's beautiful blue eyes and said, "that she is."

Rhaella cleared her throat as she with an innocent voice said, "want me to leave?"

"Oh stop it, Ella! You're just jealous." Catelyn teased back

"I am actually but that wasn't my point." Laughingly Rhaella wrapped little sleeping Adei in a blanket and stood up.

Catelyn wrapped up Amador, still looking curiously around. As she stood up she placed the little boy in his arms and she packed up the big blanket they'd been sitting on.

"Should I be concerned though," he caught the two women's curious look now, "that our little wild wolf will throw a fit because she won't fit with her new favourite brother now?"

Catelyn and Rhaella shared a look he couldn't quite decipher though there was a hit of worry there.

"Well...," his wife looped her arm with his, "what colour tie and waistcoat will she be wearing?"

"All groomsmen have grey waistcoats and colour of tie is set to match the bridesmaid. Being Arya she of course chose a gold coloured tie, and though her and Bran have switched places I don't think you'll get her to change the colour of her tie. Sorry ladies."

"Oh no, gold should fit well with the golden pieces on Jon's uniform so we should be in the clear. Thank the gods!" His wife huffed out a sigh of relief and Rhaella was just chuckling next to them.

As they were crossing over to where the boys had made camp Catelyn suddenly stopped by his side, pointed and laughed. "How much wood did you tell them to use, Ned? That's big a campfire!"