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cherryheairt · 3 months ago

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Dragon Dreamer pt. VIII

tags: @littleblackcatinwonderland @purple-1995 @fall-winter-heart97 @hueanhdang @beebeechaos @emery-aka-emmy @r-3dlips @watermel0nsugarhigh @delaynew @pedro-pascal-love @thelastemzy

Their morning routine continued when they woke like it was second nature. Cregan braided her hair carefully, Dusk and Morningstar took to curling up right next to each other (though Daenys could not understand why, the both of them had tended to avoid each other since they had met), and they packed up their belongings before they rode further toward the wall. Cregan estimated about nine more days left in their trip, eight if the weather favored them. Daenys had found that she was scarcely listening to his words, mind feeling like it was underwater. She continued through the day with little conversation and less focus, simply allowing Mylo to guide the way for them as he followed Red and Dusk.

Cregan stole glances at her throughout the day and hunted alone when he noticed her spacey, far away gaze had not shifted even once. He left her in the care of Dusk and Morningstar while he set his traps, returning to wait for them to take effect while he sat by Daenys. He was torn between talking her out of her state or leaving her in her thoughts. They had time, after all. Time that seemed to slip between his fingers the closer they got to the wall. Only another nine days before the Princess returned home to Dragonstone to report to the Queen. He was almost tempted to stall their journey, though it was a juvenile idea that he forced away quickly.

Daenys sat against the hard scales of Morningstar, listening to the loud purrs emanating from the beast. It vibrated against her back, almost soothing her to sleep. Cregan soon joined her in her reprieve, watching her fingers twist and pull away at the twig in her hands. Her eyes were staring at a point above her hands, simply fiddling with the stick as something to occupy her. She winced when a splinter stick itself into the pad of her thumb. Cursing slightly, she brought her thumb to her mouth to try and pry the thing out, stopped by a large hand bringing it next to her. Cregan studied her finger under the light of the sun, assessing where the splint lodged itself into her skin. He squeezed it out quickly, saying nothing as he did. Daenys only stared at his eyes while he focused on the trivial task. In the light, she noticed one was a darker shade than the other. More of a blue than the other, which was a perfectly slated grey. Had they always been like that, or was it a trick of the light and his lashes?

Cregan eventually left after she whispered her thanks, checking on his traps for their lunch and supper. Beside her leg, Dusk whined like a pup for attention. A few days ago, Cregan told her of how he used to be a silent companion, only barking for attention when he found whatever his owner sent him to search for. Daenys could hardly believe such a thing. The wolf was perhaps more vocal than Morningstar, always whining and chuffing for her attention and praise. She smiled as she stroked between his ears, pinky softly stroking from his muzzle to his forehead while he rumbled against her stomach. The actions reminded her much of a child, similar to Aegon or Viserys, who could not yet speak but found ways to ask for attention from those around him. They always succeeded, too, doted on by every member of the family greatly.

Daenys smiled slightly to herself, wondering how a babe of her own would act and look, perhaps as doted on and spoilt as her brothers, or independent and quiet. The thought left her mind quickly, watching Cregan stride back into the camp with a few rabbits hanging from a string. He attached them to Red's saddle, nodding for Daenys to come to one. Cregan lifted her by her hips onto Mylo, who shifted at the weight added. "Spotted some bear tracks around this area. We'll skip lunch and keep moving." He told her.

They walked slightly into the night, chill in the air increasing without fire's warmth or sunlight. She figured that Cregan wanted to get a few extra hours away from the bear, wherever it might be. She saw the tense look on his face beside her, knowing it was because of her. She wasn't afraid of a mere bear, not when Dusk and Morningstar could easily take one that wandered into their camp, but mayhaps he thought she would be keep awake at the thought of a grizzly beast crawling into her tent.

She found it easier and easier to sleep when Cregan accompanied her. For a reason she guessed not, though was grateful for. Her dreams were kept mild or stayed away entirely.

Cregan stopped the party at the mouth of a cave, preparing to sleep in it for the night. It was used often by those traveling to The Wall, so he deemed it safe after Dusk sniffed it out. Daenys was grateful for the cover. As they left Winterfell's expansive territory, they pressed onto the borders of house Liddle.

Neighbors to the Knotts, Daenys hoped they didn't run into any more Knott men. Though not all were exactly like Seamus, she still held a small grudge against them for allowing such a man to live.

Red and Mylo were kept at the entrance, covered only slightly by the rock and long used to the dragon who slumbered next to them. Dusk slept inside, with Cregan and Daenys. Her legs were kept well-warmed by his weight.

As the small fire burned inside, Cregan and Daenys peacefully dined. Hungry from the long day, they both ate twice as much as usual to compensate for their lost lunch.

Daenys glanced at the head on her lap, deep brown eyes staring pleadingly into her own. She sighed, slipping the wolf a cooked leg. Lazy pup, she thought affectionately.

"He'll become spoiled before we reach The Wall, Princess. Then I'll be expected to give him a peace of all my dinners back in Winterfell." Cregan spoke up, words scolding but tone playful.

"Hm. Perhaps I'll have to take him home with me. He'll be content to be spoiled at the hearths of Dragonstone." Daenys hummed pleasently.

He squinted at her. "And how might you accomplish that? Tie him to the saddle of your dragon?"

"Perhaps. If I must, I'll walk all the way to Rook Rest's harbor and catch a boat."

He laughed sweetly, "I'm not sure he'll take well to seafood."

"I think he'll learn to adapt. After all, all ladies must do the same when they are suddenly uprooted from their homes and put in their husband's. If they can adapt, Dusk can, too." She mused, chewing the lean meat after she spoke.

Cregan keenly eyed her, finishing up his own leg. "And you, my Lady?"

She hummed, meeting his eye with a lifted brow.

"Would you be content to adapt in such a way? You wouldn't be...resentful?" His tone sounded odd to her ears.

She looked into the fire, following each harsh movement it made as it flickered and lighted the cave. The heat reminded her of the feeling of her clothes being entirely engulfed by the flames of her dragon, burning for what felt like forever before leaving her skin when all the clothes had been burned to ash. She shivered.

"I cannot say. I think...marriage is inevitable for me. For any lady. I have come to terms with that since I was a babe, being taught how to be a wife by my septas." He nodded. "If I had an agreeable husband, who might allow me to visit my family occasionally and leaves me alone after I perform my marital duties occasionally, then I would be content with my life. If he were a cruel man, who isolated me in his hold, or perhaps laid a hand on me or my children, I would not know what to do."

She knew what she would do. Daenys mulled over that thought many a time in her solitude. She would not stand to live in a marriage like that, completely alone and unloved by everyone around her. At least, if she could visit her family, she would be okay.

Cregan gave her an incredulous look, exhaling heavily. "I sincerely hope you get to be the one allowed to choose your husband, my Lady. Too many do not get that fortune."

"I am, currently, allowed to do so." She informed him. "My mother told me that if I need to give an ornery Lord a reason to ally his house to her, then I should offer myself." She didn't mention that he was the only Lord she was visiting. The thought of saying such an embarrassing thing to him would surely kill her, if fire did not.

Oh, by the way, my Lord. My mother, our queen, has told me to offer myself to you for more soilders for her army.

She would rather any other humiliating punishment.

Cregan smiled sincerely, though he forced it to drop and put a sympathetic look on instead. "And have you?"

"Come across an ornery lord?"

"No. Offered your hand."

"I have not." She answered, feeling her ears grow warm.

He nodded, perhaps too quickly. For a moment, Daenys desperately wished to know his thoughts. About her, about the war, about every little thought that crossed his mind. It would make it so much easier to know him and his impenetrable wall. Why did he want to know her state of engagement? He hadn't asked for anything in exchange when she first arrived at Winterfell.

Cregan stood, offering her an arm to take. He lead her to the tent to get dressed in privacy while he put the fire out. She dressed quickly, not wanting him to wait any longer than he should have to. The thinner shift allowed for more chill to hit her, giving her gooseflesh up and down her limbs. She heard the shuffling of him changing, too, and ignored the vile thought of imagining what he might look like under his furs and leathers. How vulgar she was becoming, in the honest North.

Rhaenyra or Daemon might call her curious. Alicent would call her a woman of easy virtue like her mother. She had suspected she would eventually be such a lady, even when she was only a child. All bastards were born evil and promiscuous, the Queen said. Ever the faithful and righteous, the Hightower woman frowned upon all those who were lesser than.

She didn't know what she would label herself. Unladylike would suit for now. Cregan ambled into the tent, benching his head and shoulders to stand. Daenys gave him a curious glance. "Do you need anything before we sleep, Princess?" He murmured.

"I'm fine, thank you."

They both settled together, snug under the pelts and body heat from themselves and Dusk. Daenys waited until his breaths slowed and depended, sinply listening to his as she fell into a light slumber.

After a few hours, with no hope of sleeping completely, Daenys left the tent to tuck herself up to Morningstar's wing. If she couldn't find sleep, she might as well not disturb his with her tossing and turning. After a few minutes, her own peace was disturbed by a click of a tongue. "If you wished to be rid of me, you need only ask." Cregan jested lightheartedly, crouching under the wing.

Daenys flushed, embarrassed at being caught again. This time, however, it was for a much better reason than needing comfort from her mind. "I didn't want to bother you with my movements. Forgive me, Cregan."

"There's nothing to forgive. Can I stay with you?" He asked, hopefully. She nodded, shifting herself closer to the dragon's body to make more room for the bigger man. He was only illuminated by the star and moonlight, but his form was clear against it. Big, broad shoulders and a muscled back that was usually hidden beneath his grand attire. He lay next to her, face to face. Their breaths mingled together again, this time consciously, as they enjoyed one another's presence. She felt at ease, safe between him and her dragon.

"If you weren't a Lord, what would you want to be? Say you were born in a world where coin and titles do not matter." She asked quietly, mind too loud to stay silent. The question was meaningless and not serious. She simply wanted to hear him speak again.

Cregan grinned at the random question, thinking it over carefully. "Perhaps...a swordsmith."

"Swordsmith?" She furrowed a brow.

"Mm. I have always enjoyed the study of the sword. I think I should like to forge them, for myself and others. It is a respectable job." He nods to himself. Ah, he'd be honorable even without his titles and upbringing.

"What about you? If you were not born a princess."

She thought for a long moment. Daenys took the fabric of Cregan's night tunic in between her fingertips, absentmindedly finding something to occupy her hands. He let her, never moving his eyes from her dimly lit face while her own were locked on the threads of his black tunic.

"A sailor, I think."

"Because of your father?"

"Yes. He scarcely was able to bring me on trips, but when he did, it was better than anything. It was nice to not be a princess for weeks at a time. I would pretend we were naught but a humble fisher and his daughter."

"Hm. If I were a swordsmith and you a sailor, we would never cross paths." He brought up, ghostly touch gracing her loose hair. The touch nearly brought her to sleep, but she blinked the feeling away stubbornly.

"I don't think so. We met in this life, where I thought I would never see myself in the North. Perhaps we would meet in an unlikely event to the both of us. I might need a sword in my arduous journeys to fend off pirates." He chuckled.

"It does sound like a charming life. I must admit, I've never been swimming before."

"Not once?" She asked, agasp at his confession. She couldn't imagine such torture, being land-locked all her life.

He shook his head, amused. "The waters of the North are too cold to swim in. Though, I enjoy the hot springs of Winterfell when I have leisure time." He said.

"I wish I could show you. You are truly missing out." Daenys hummed sadly.

He soothed her hair, agreeing with her. "I should like that."

In her half-awake state, Daenys could not find the mind to keep her modesty as she should. She found warmth and solace in his arms, which welcomed her as she snuggled close to him, head buried into the bare crook of his neck. He moved the hand that was on her hair to the small of her back, pulling her closer to him and securing her. "Goodnight, Princess." he whispered, listening to her slow breathing.

🗡

"Daemon, you must allow me to fly to the North to retrieve Daenys." Jacaerys Velaryon, who had flown home immediately after treating with Jeyne Arryn and hearing the news of his dear brother's murder, pleaded with his step-father.

Daemon clenched his jaw, shaking his head firmly. "With Rhaenyra gone from Dragonstone, we need you here. Daenys will eventually reach The Wall and the raven that Winterfell sent there. We can not have one of our dragons sent out of Dragonstone. Syrax and Morningstar being gone is already known the the Greens." He spat out.

"I do not care! She deserves to know. By the time she returns, we might have already burned the funeral pure for Luke." He insisted, knowing how it would break Daenys' heart to miss her brother's funeral.

"I will ensure we wait for her." Daemon promised, resting his hand on Jace's shoulder. "Vermax is young, but a good deterant against the few dragons that Aegon has. If you take him, we will be left with an even number of dragons. What would stop them from flying here once you leave, to take us out while we are unguarded?"

Jace didn't bother answering, knowing he was right. Vhagar alone had mass even on Morningstar and Meleys. It would take multiple dragons to bring that ancient beast to the ground. He gritted his teeth. "I hate this. This standing around whilst mother and Daenys are out there—making moves."

Daemon nodded, agreeing with him. "It is our duty. We hold the council in Rhaenyra's absence, and await Daenys' success in the North. Perhaps the slow journey to The Wall will bring forth an agreeable amount of men Lord Stark."

"At Daenys' hand, I'll bet." Jacaerys grunted out. He wished he had been sent to the North instead of his genteel sister, who hated conversing with strangers (and men) more than anything. If she were forced to give her hand for footmen, Jace was sure she would suffer for the rest of her life.

"We sacrifice what we must, for family." Daemon told him, walking back to the Painted Table for a recount of their bannermen. Though secretly, he agreed. He wished he did not have to offer his daughter to a brute of the North, but they were the largest force at Rhaenyra's disposal and vital for the Crown to win.

🗡

Cregan trying to discreetly see if she's single and wanting a husband: 🧍‍♂️

Jace and Daemon thinking about how Daenys is suffering with some brutish, ugly, beast Northerner: 🤧

Daenys, in his arms as they speak: 🥱

this is the last chapter of their walk to the wall. the next will include the wall, and You Know What. sorry for the short chapter, I just wanted to wrap some more relationship building moments uo before she has to go to dragonstone. let me know what ideas you would like to see happen between cregan and daenys, i will write them into the story as little snipits of romance. my little codependent lovebirds are about to be torn apart temporarily </3

I feel like I shouldn't continue to add more moments where the action picks up, like Daenys getting into danger. She already almost died twice in a week, I feel like if I do more, it might seem repetitive and get old. Thanks for reading 🩷

#cregan stark x reader #cregan x reader #cregan stark x oc #hotd fanfic #dragondreamer #cregan stark

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