#Targaryens were foreigners who forced their rule on the people of Westeros

[pricklypear1997]

You do realize that our ancestors moved from Asia to Europe too right? Idk what kind of Balkan you are, but I’m Bulgarian, and the bulgars were a semi nomadic Eastern iranic group that settled in the Balkans and mixed with the thracians and Slavs. The Slavs also migrated from the north to that region as well… even Serbs moved around before arriving in the Balkans as well… I’m well aware that our people were enslaved by ottomans 👀 don’t need to tell me twice. I never once said that the Targaryens are EXACTLY like the ottomans, but partially um yeah. There’s definitely some similarities. For starters, they were literally foreigners who force their way in to rule a continent that doesn’t belong to them lol. The Baratheons mixed with the targs because that’s what royals do. The people of Westeros had settled into Westeros long before the Targaryens showed up. Just because they too were once foreigners, doesn’t give the Targaryens the right to just show up out of nowhere and force their rule upon the people. Yeah, the people supported the rule after 300 long years because they were weakened. How else do you think that happened? The Targaryens LITERALLY had DRAGONS lmao. Robert took back the throne and many supported him, including the Starks who were always semi independent for starters.

I really hope that the racist pattern of depicting Arya and Jon as unspecified POC while Arya's full-blooded siblings are the whitest white that has ever whited doesn't become the new "Dornish are POC". I wish this series had racial diversity as well and it's fun to racebend the characters. But there is a clear pattern of only making certain characters POC while characters they share the same ethnicity couldn’t be paler. And this better not start being treated as a faux social issue where people start demanding that Arya, Jon, and Ned can ONLY be fancasted as random POC while the other Starks MUST be FCed with white actors.

With the unfortunate trend toward racism blended with faux wokeness ramping up, that's the likely direction that crowd is going to push for soon.

[eternalbxtterfly]

The dragon bond test.

Balerion-The black dread

Personality: Like Balerion, you are quite the intimidating figure. You are commanding and not afraid to confront others to achieve your goals. You are very ambitious and brilliant, determined to set your goals and achieve them. You enjoy the athletic side of life and are a prototypical person. You often introduce uniqueness to the old traditions around you without much of a fuss due to your charisma and decisive nature. You don't really like not being productive for long and get restless easily. Like Balerion, you are powerful and assertive, making sure your dominance in most situations remain strong. However, this unfortunately makes you have few relationships that last. You do not fall in love easily and only have close bonds with a handful of people - it isn't because of trust issues, its just the type of person you always were.

Backstory: You are the child of 'Aegon the Conqueror' and the 'Dowager Queen Visenya'. You are not the eldest child but you are the middle child, younger than your half-brother, Aenys, but older than your full-brother, Maegor. When your father died and Aenys inherited the throne, you were not very interested in overthrowing your brother like Maegor was, focusing more on the goals you had in mind for most your life. You tamed Balerion unexpectedly on Dragonstone when you were visiting Maegor, and with your new bond, you and Balerion claimed Dorne and avenged 'Queen Rhaenys', forcing Dorne to submit and bend the knee. Maegor eventually became King with you as his hand (or one of his black bride's if female). When Maegor was found dead on the Iron Throne, you bent the knee to Prince Jaehaerys and helped him rule as Hand, but eventually your ambitions forced you and Balerion to fly to the distant lands beyond the Jade Sea - no one saw or heard from you or Balerion again, but there are unconfirmed foreign legends of a dragon warrior who had conquered their own Empire that are whispered in Westeros from time to time. 

Balerion Facts: - Balerion is a male dragon. - He was so large, it was said his shadow could swallow an entire town when he took flight. - Balerion the Black Dread passed of old age, he was the only dragon recorded in the Targaryen dynasty to have been confirmed dead like this.

Potential Matchmakes: - Maegor the Cruel - Princess Alysanne Targaryen Potential Enemies: - Tyanna of the Tower - Aegon the Uncrowned - King Aenys I Targaryen

Tagging: @ahogedetective @thuganomxcs @crimsontwins @acoldsovereign @thelittlepeacock @aventvrina @liecoris @crownlcsking @divinityunleashed @eraba-reta-unmei @galvanic-duelist @achercn @boomermania @countarganan @tetsuwan-atom @fctedivided @doomstarmagician and whoever else wishes to do this.

[horizon-verizon]

If Visenya, Aegon, and Rhaenys are imperialists for being “foreigners” who conquer Westeros then Harren the Black is an imperialist for being an Ironborn king ruling over the Riverlands (and they’re all separate kingdoms at that point), especially since the Riverlanders hated him.

Argilac Durrandon and Harren Hoare were warring with everyone and their mothers in Westeros for decades before Aegon’s conquest. That realm was hell for the smallfolk and it shouldn’t be surprising that the smallfolk loved Aegon so much.

“When Queen Visenya placed a Valyrian steel circlet, studded with rubies, on her brother’s head and Queen Rhaenys hailed him as, “Aegon, First of His Name, King of All Westeros, and Shield of His People,” the dragons roared and the lords and knights sent up a cheer…but the smallfolk, the fishermen and fieldhands and goodwives, shouted loudest of all.” — The World of Ice and Fire - The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest

NOTE: All of these coming quotes refer to the various regions and lords/kings BEFORE the Targs conquered Westeros.

Crazy thing is that Harren is the closer of the two to be an actual imperialist, and he certainly is more like the colonizers most of us are familiar with. He forced people to build his castle Harrenhal ("The Targaryen Kings - Aegon I"):

More on the hatred Harren Hoare accrued from those his forefathers conquered, his own conflict with Argilac, and Argilac explicitly looking for Targaryen support against Harren ("Aegon's Conquest" in Fire and Blood):

Agnes Blackwood and the Brackens ruining shit for most Riverlords in their feud with the Blackwoods ("The Riverlands" - "The Seven Kingdoms" - TWoIaF):

The wars amongst the North houses more or less lessened under the centralization-conquest of the Starks...but it occurred for at least 200 years ("The North" - "The Seven Kingdoms" - TWoIaF):

but then we have this funny little note:

And the war(s) between the North (Kings of Winter) vs the Valemen (the Sistermen and the Kings of the Mountain and of the Vale):

Dorne before Nymeria ("Ten Thousand Ships -- "Ancient History" -- TWoIaF):

Furthermore (until they finally ended more than 10 years after she landed with her Rhoynar):

The Lannisters against Valemen and the Gardners and ironborn ("The Westerlands" - "The Seven Kingdoms" - TWoIaF):

The Reach ( "The Gardener Kings" - "The Reach" - "The Seven Kingdoms" - TWoIaF):

The Stormlanders ("The Stormlands" - "The Seven Kingdoms" - TWoIaF) #1:

Quote #2 ("House Durrandon" - "The Stormlands" - "The Seven Kingdoms" - TWoIaF):

And none of these covers the extensive wars waged against the giants, those who sing the song of the earth/the children of the forest, and the ones between the Andal warriors/lords and First Men lords!

And don't get me fucking started on the Riverlands....

[synchodai]

Not saying the Targaryens are some sort of especially evil antagonist everyone has to beat. The history of Westeros is just filled with brutal wars of conquests by land-grabbing foreign invaders. Quick Westerosi history:

Planetos formed with two continents, Westeros in the west and Essos in the east.

The indigenous inhabitants of Westeros (known as the Children of the Forest) are not human. Seems like humand exclusively come from Essos.

The First Men come to Westeros, presumably via land bridge?

Children are okay with the Men until they start chopping trees to make their Men stuff. Fighting ensues.

Eventually, they make a pact for a peaceful coexistence where the children teach the Men about the Old Gods.

The First Men make the first kingdoms.

Andals arrive on ships. They are zealot invaders who force The Faith of the Seven on the First Men.

Only the Winter Kings successfully repel the Andal invasion. This is why the only First Men kingdom that survives to the ASOIAF period is the North. Everyone else are Andals (or the Rhoynar in Dorne who come even later).

Andals lords and petty kings rule the south through separate fiefdoms.

Nymeria and her Rhoynar people arrive in Dorne. They help conquer the warring fiefdoms and unify the land under House Martell (a previously Andal house that marries into Nymeria's Rhoynar lineage and culture).

Dragonstone is established as a trading post between the Westerosi kingdoms and Valyria.

The Targaryens have been lords of Dragonstone many many generations prior the Fall of Valyria. (In other words, Aegon didn't just show up to Westeros and started conquering. Targaryens have had a presence in Westeros for years prior the Conquest).

Targaryens flee to Dragonstone and take up permanent residence there. 12 years later, Valyria falls.

Previous Valyrian colonies and strongholds are now independent and in-fighting ensues in the power vacuum.

Targaryens fly east from time to time to participate in the power struggles in Essos.

Once the Essos states are somewhat stable, Targaryens turn their attention west and decide to conquer the Westerosi kingdoms for some reason that may or may not be revealed in future books.

Arguably, the only people who aren't imperialist conquerors who forced the native population to submit to a foreign invader are the First Men. They made a mutually beneficial pact with the Children of the Forest instead of threatening them with death if they don't swear fealty. Instead of forcing the children to assimilate, the First Men were the ones who took up their culture by worshipping and protecting their ancient weirwood trees.

tl;dr: Not saying the Targaryens are uniquely evil. History just be like that — brutal conquests and imperialism are just part and parcel of the semi-medieval pseudo-Anglo-Saxon vibe (see: William the Conqueror is to Aegon the Conqueror).

Not too keen on how the first scene of HotD made show-only viewers think that Aegon the Conqueror diplomatically convinced Torrhen Stark to give up Northern independence because they both believed in stopping a prophesized apocalyptic Long Night because it downplays the brutality of Aegon's Conquest.

Not the show's fault since it is realistic that Cregan and Jace would frame it like an amiable peacetalk given their current goals and circumstances (and they did touch on the intimidation aspect of it). But show-onlies don't get the context that:

Torrhen was the person who started a dialogue with Aegon I, not the other way around.

Aegon didn't fly North to meet with Torrhen. Torrhen was the one who marched south with his armies to stop the man who was burninating the entire countryside.

Because he was marching south, Torrhen saw the utter carnage of Aegon's Conquest. At least three entire dynasties of kings were extinguished at that point. Torrhen was thus faced with the possibility that the entire Stark line would be wiped out like them if he fought.

Aegon and Torrhen exchanged letters at the Riverlands when both their armies were about to meet, but those weren't what convinced Torrhen to kneel. Torrhen had to actively stop his brother Brandon from attacking Aegon's dragons when they got there. The Northern King had already made his mind prior to talking to Aegon that he didn't want to fight.

Aegon's Conquest wasn't him making buddy-buddy with the 6 kings. It was him and his sister-wives intimidating them into submission by threatening to wipe out their families.

[lilhawkeye3]

The Mark of Garth

Willas, Garlan, Loras & Margaery Tyrell 🌹

Rating: G || Word Count: ~2k ||| ASOIAF & more

Summary: "Garth Greenhand, we call him… Some stories say he had green hands, green hair, or green skin overall. (A few even give him antlers, like a stag.)" - House Tyrell does not expect the consequences of their rise to power at Highgarden. Or at least, Alerie Tyrell does not.

"There is disagreement even on his name. Garth Greenhand, we call him, but in the oldest tales he is named Garth Greenhair, or simply Garth the Green. Some stories say he had green hands, green hair, or green skin overall. (A few even give him antlers, like a stag.) Others tell us that he dressed in green from head to foot, and certainly this is how he is most commonly depicted in paintings, tapestries, and sculptures. More likely, his sobriquet derived from his gifts as a gardener and a tiller of the soil– the one trait on which all the tales agree. “Garth made the corn ripen, the trees fruit, and the flowers bloom,” the singers tell us.

"A few of the oldest tales of Garth Greenhand present us with a considerably darker deity, one who demanded blood sacrifice from his worshippers to ensure a bountiful harvest. In some stories the green god dies every autumn when the trees lose their leaves, only to be reborn with the coming of spring. This version of Garth is largely forgotten.:"

-Maester Yandel, "A World of Ice and Fire"

——————

The Gardeners held power over the Reach for longer than living memory. As long as there had been men in Westeros, there had been Garth Greenhand. As long as there had been stories of Garth Greenhand, there had been the tribe and later House of Gardener, borne of those who claimed to be his most direct descendants.

The ancient house waned and waxed through the generations, as did the stories of their primogenitor. The final blow came on the Field of Fire, when the folly of Mern IX led to his entire house and many vassals burned alive under the might of Balerion the Black Dread’s fire.

When Aegon I arrived at the gate of Highgarden, it was the stewards of House Gardener, the Tyrells, who opened the gates and bent the knee to spare the castle, lands, and her people from the dragon’s ire. Tyrell bent the knee, and Targaryen made them Lord Paramounts of the Reach.

There were many things that the foreign dragon did not understand about the lands he was conquering, even if he had visited before in his youth. Just so, there were consequences that House Tyrell did not anticipate to come alongside its ascension.

———

Willas Tyrell is born with green tufts of hair sprouting from his head.

His mother faints at the sight and does not even hold her firstborne until days afterwards, when her goodmother forces the boy into her arms. Olenna Redwyne is not about to let her son’s wife lose status by rejecting her healthy heir.

“Hair can be dyed, you foolish child!” She snaps.

Alerie Hightower looks between her husband and the fierce Redwyne and does as she is bade.

“The roots that Garth Greenhand planted grow deep within the walls of Highgarden,” Mace murmurs, doing his best to be reassuring. “Not just in the gardens outside, but the oldest foundations of the castle are… of root and mud and clay. Some magic from the Age of Heroes, likely.” His voice grows hesitant the moment he speaks of magic, but its existence in the past cannot be denied. Dragons themselves have only vanished less than two hundred years before. Only a fool would say it had never existed at all.

It is when Olenna’s words turn to the present that Alerie blanches.

“Yes, built with magic, retained with magic. It was not just pride and ambition that had the Tyrells claim Highgarden’s seat after House Gardener’s destruction. The magic that Garth Greenhand imbued would fade and die without those of its blood to rule within its walls, and what Garth planted reaches much farther than just this keep. All of the Reach—and some beyond—was once Garth’s.” Her piercing blue eyes do not let her gooddaughter turn away from the horrible truth she is speaking.

“But- but magic has gone from this continent. Dragons died, grew smaller, and eventually all—”

Olenna snorts. “My son has married an empty-headed fool if you believe dragons are the only evidences of magic. By all accounts it thrives in Essos.”

“And darling,” Mace interrupts to redirect his mother’s attention. “Forget the dragons, which only came in recent Westerosi history. What of the Wall? 500 feet tall and made of solid ice… Bran the Builder could not have created such a thing with men alone.”

Her husband is practically a stranger to her in this moment. “Mace, I have never heard you speak like this.”

“I did tell my son to warn you of the possibility before the birth,” Olenna grumps, “but what’s done is done. Willas is marked with the green hair of Garth himself. This is a good sign.”

“Mother?”

“Your closest bannermen must see this—including Old Leyton, I want to see the look on his face—because this once more cements House Tyrell’s position as Lord Paramonts of the Reach. Most old families in this kingdom can claim ancestry and thus power through descent from Garth Greenhand. This will cement our status for generations to come.

“But you must be careful. The Reach is also the seat of the Faith of the Seven, those corrupt harpies. If they hear word of magic presenting in your heir, no one will be able to stop the mob of Faith that will come for him and kill him.”

Alerie fainted at the first sight of her baby boy, but now she clutches him impossibly close to her chest. “I will not let them hurt my son!”

Olenna Tyrell’s eyes sparkle with what might be approval. “There you are, Lady Tyrell.”

——

The Reach’s earliest memory of Willas Tyrell is his formal presentation in the forgotten godswood of Highgarden as Tyrell Heir to its loyal vassals. His green hair is on display to all, and when its color does not run when water is poured over his head, the lords fall to their knees and acknowledge his inheritance.

Willas Tyrell’s earliest memory within the Reach is being taught how to dye his hair brown.

——

When Garlan Tyrell begins to grow antlers at age three, his mother screams.

They are unmistakable, especially to the lady of such a fertile land, who has seen many a young fawn in the gardens. The growing antlers had been hidden until then by Garlan’s wavy caramel hair, but now the fuzzy protrusions peek out into the open.

Mace cannot hide his shock this time, and Olenna Redwyne sighs. Even she does not deny the truth. “Once, this would have been fortuitous. But now… they would burn this child alive.”

The fury within Alerie at the thought of her boys coming to harm because of a cruel curse passed onto their house has only grown over the years. “If they touch my child, I will raze their lands.”

——

Garlan’s agonized wails and cries echo through the halls of Highgarden the first time he is restrained to have his antlers clipped and shaven down flush with his skull.

Every time he looks in the mirror afterwards, his hands rise and grip fruitlessly in the air at where the bone rack might have been, had it been allowed to grow.

——

Loras presents as completely normal when he is born. He has light hair and vibrant green eyes, but no other physical traits that appear emerald or… inhuman. Green eyes are a Tyrell trait, and before that, the mark of a Gardener. Both of her elder boys’ eyes are Hightower hazel, but this is something that Loras can wield in public to show his lineage.

Loras becomes the favorite child by no fault of his own.

——

He runs through the walled grounds, as all the children have done. He trips over unsteady feet, as all toddlers do. He scrapes his knee and cries, as is normal.

What is not normal is the way plants begin to sprout from the ground only moments after Loras’ blood waters it.

Loras brings his parents the most fear by no fault of his own.

——

When Margaery is born, Alerie weeps in relief that this time, magic has only cursed her daughter’s fingertips green.

This is something that can be easily hidden with gloves, not a curse that she must painfully remove evidence of every few months. Gloves are accepted in feminine fashions, and none need ever see little Margaery without them. If need be, it can be explained away due to delicate skin.

Margaery’s eyes open to reveal a bright spring green, and Alerie’s relief only grows. At least her beauty will have her wanted by all in the kingdoms.

——

The first time Margaery toddles out into the garden by herself, she leaves trails of blooming flowers and ripened fruit along every plant her fingers touch.

She is not allowed alone in the gardens again for years.

——

Willas’ leg is crushed in his first tourney tilt when his horse falls upon his leg tangled within the reins.

Alerie’s first thought is to thank the gods that it was not Loras, for they would not be able to explain away the garden that would have grown from his pooled blood.

Her second thought is to wonder if this accident is the price to be paid for hiding Willas’ green hair, his mark of Garth, from the rest of the world.

Her third thought is that it will be far safer to blame the Red Viper of Dorne for the incident. It is what will be expected of House Tyrell, and it is what will keep her children safe. They are of the utmost importance, and she can live with making an enemy of Dorne and their prince if that is the new price.

——

Garlan earns his knighthood in tourney but insists that he will not be a true knight until he rides amongst the Reach and other southern kingdoms, being the shield of the innocent.

It is hardly two moons past before rumors begin amongst the smallfolk of an old god returned to the earth to protect its lands. A man in the barest of armors, but with a face covered by green cloth and antlers sprouting from his head. They say he gains a point on them for each unbeliever that he vanquishes.

Mace is torn between pride for his son, the first to fulfill his dream to raise warriors, and anger that Garlan ignores his commands to return home.

Alerie begins to pray in the ancient godswood for his safety.

Olenna harumphs and comments that while the boy is foolish, at least these stories and love from the smallfolk may come in use later.

——

Loras brushes off his family’s fears and trains harder than any other. If he becomes the best knight, if he becomes untouchable, then none will know of what gifts his lifeblood brings.

If it causes his father to look at him with something other than guarded caution, if he now becomes the perfect knight Mace Tyrell wished for from his heir, that is only an added benefit.

——

Margaery is taken under Olenna’s wing. The garden always blooms grander after their secret walks, where Alerie knows her daughter is being crafted into the perfect political weapon. There is no way to deny Olenna Redwyne what she wants—that she is the functional head of house is evidence enough—and as long as Margaery’s talents are kept hidden from all others, Lady Tyrell resigns herself to let them do as they will.

If she comes to this decision after Margaery gifts her an embroidered shawl of peonies and white mums, well, the only ones that will ever know are the three ladies of House Tyrell.

——

And then Loras falls in love with a stag.

How fitting for one marked by the antlered god, whose spilled blood leads to new life.

[maestrejayde]

TEASER: STORY COMING SOON

This is my first post and it's a teaser for a story I started writing after I reread the GOT books recently. I decided I wanted to explore the Tumblr world with it. My plan is to post a teaser twice a week for a few weeks before I start posting any chapters, just because I'm still working on it and editing and such and also, need to introduce myself to Tumblr! Here's the first on! They will become less and less vague as we go on. *Will post warnings and ratings on the teasers where applicable*

Rating: E (This teaser is not explicit, but the story will eventually be mature in nature. Minors should not read.)

The nights in Planky Town are crisp. The cold often comes as a surprise to first time visitors, who travel across the Narrow Sea to trade. It’s usually not the only surprise they suffer, here in Dorne’s largest city. 

There is no other place, in the whole of Westeros or Essos, quite like Planky Town. It sits almost entirely on the water, where the Greenblood meets the Summer Sea, built up haphazardly by the Orphans who call the whole of the river their home. Instead of streets, long planks are tied to poles that are set deep into the earth below the water, making narrow alleyways that skim above the surface. Instead of traditional buildings, there are narrow boats, brightly colored and ornamented, tied together as well as to the alleys. Of course, as the city became a more popular trading post, foreign traders, inland Dornishmen and even the occasional Orphan merchant who rose above the means of his birth, would build a grand building on the land that borders Planky Town, pushing the radius of the city further out. But the soul of the city still lies on the water. 

It’s the water that brings the night air. When the burning Dornish sun gives way to the moon, winds from the river and the sea lighten the air. Typically, the Inlanders are driven inside from the cold; into pub boats, floating brothels, or anywhere else big enough to have a hearth of some sort. That leaves the night full of Orphans. 

The Orphans of the Greenblood are as unique as Planky Town. 

Thousands of years before Aegon Targaryen and his sister-wives Rhaenys and Visenya captured 6 of the 7 kingdoms, the ancestors of the Orphans, the Rhyonar, lived in flourishing city-states along the immense Rhyone River. As ancient and storied as the Old Empire of Ghis, the Rhyonish civilizations held important knowledge. For example, though the Westerosi like to tell the story of “The Smith”, the Ryonar, in their generosity, are the ones who taught the Andals how to work iron. In the same spirit of generosity, the Rhyonar welcomed the first colonists from the growing Valyrian Empire in the east. In return, Valyrians began hunting the turtles they considered sacred. When the Rhyonar pushed back, they were killed and enslaved, and their cities began to be occupied or destroyed by the invaders. Prince Garin convinced other city-state leaders to join forces under his command to face the invaders together, directing the largest army ever seen in Essos, then or now, against an army of 100,000 Valyrians, 100 war elephants and 3 dragons. It’s unknown really how, but Garin managed to push back the Valyrian empire where no other had been able to, therefore becoming Garin “the Great.” Unfortunately, the dragonlords would eventually bring Garin and the Rhoynar to heel. Only one leader, the warrior princess Nymeria, escaped Essos, along with 10,000 boats full of refugees. After much wandering, they landed in Dorne. So none of her people would have doubts about staying, Nymeria burned all 10,000 ships. 

At the time, Dorne was separated into many kingdoms that had never been unified. One of those kingdom’s leaders, Mors Martell, married Nymeria. With their combined forces, they unified Dorne and ruled together, from the Martell seat in Sunspear. Most of the Rhoynar, finally safe in this new land, a sea away from the dragonlords, acclimated. Others, however, were not so content. There were those that learned from the old mistakes of the Rhoynar, no longer trusting outsiders. They built narrowboats from the burnt remains of Nymeria’s fleet and sailed south, until they came to the mouth of the Greenblood River. On the Greenblood, they do their best to preserve their heritage, speaking their mother tongue and practicing their ancient customs. Nothing is quite the same though, here on this narrow river, surrounded on all sides by harsh desert. Always, they long for their true home, their “Mother Rhyone.” Thus, they call themselves Orphans.

[hellsbellschime]

Viserys & Bran were the same age when forced out of their homes. Why is it okay for Bran to take back his ancestral home and declare himself King but not Viserys?

Well first off Bran isn’t actually working on taking back his ancestral home or making himself king, so jot that down, and I find it interesting that you sort of moved the goalposts to create an analogy that sort of works (but still really doesn’t) instead of just actually comparing what’s actually happening to what’s actually happening? Like, if Viserys wanted to return home and just return home then that would be fine, but he was planning a foreign invasion that would have put enormous stress on Westeros and would have resulted in thousands of innocent people being raped, tortured, and murdered for the sake of his throne. If any one of the Starks were actually doing something like that I’d be against that as well. However, what Viserys was planning is now irrelevant because he’s dead, and the problem is that Dany who has no real connection to Westeros has just co-opted it for herself. 

At present Bran doesn’t seem to have a fuck to give about Winterfell or the North or what’s going on in the south because he’s on his whole Bloodraven vision quest, and the only Starks who seem to have even an inkling of returning to Winterfell are Jon and Sansa. Jon wants to go back to save Arya and has already rejected a position of power in the North because he believes it’s not his to take, and Sansa basically just wants to go home. 

And aside from the fact that none of the Starks are actually angling for the throne or even a position of power (the only one who has even spared a thought to becoming the “heir” to Winterfell is Sansa, and that is only because she’s hyper-aware of the fact that everyone is using her for her claim), the huge distinction here is that the people who ARE in power in the North are treating everyone in the North abhorrently. Luckily for the Starks, any desire that they have to take back their home coincides with something that will be massively beneficial for the people of the North, because they’re going to suffer horribly under the control of the Boltons, and to a lesser extent the Freys and Lannisters. The difference between Viserys’ goal and the aims of the Starks is that Viserys would be bringing his murderous pillaging and raping army to Westerosi shores to regain “his throne,” whereas the Starks would be defeating the murderous pillaging and raping army that has overtaken their home, and none of them seems particularly keen on “taking the throne” of the North. Not to mention, Robb didn’t ever take a crown like the Targaryens did, he was given it. Whoever ends up ruling the North now will also be given it. I have a very hard time believing that you don’t see that distinction, and I find it interesting that even when you tried to rewrite the narrative in order to make the aims of the Starks and Targaryens equal they are still pretty diametrically opposed to each other.

[kaichan24]

Favorite Royalty AUs

1. Taking Back the Reigns. King Victor Nikiforov was King in name only. A puppet of Parliament - alone, orphaned, and ostrazcized, he floundered through life with no direction and no one to share it with.

With his country teetering on the brink of WWIII, Victor must shed his playboy image and battle a generations-old political party to seize his rightful power from a corrupt Parliament. Finding himself in a morass of treason, violence and dirty secrets,Victor comes to terms with the past and finds a way forward.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/15640674/chapters/36323028

2. The Dragon Prince and the Winter Swan. Yuuri Stark is a noble son of the north, returning to Winterfell in disgrace after the latest disappointment in his checkered tourney career. He hasn't given up his dream of becoming a knight, but maybe it's time to find himself a new path, settling down at home.

Prince Victor Targaryen is the greatest swordsman in Westeros, but he no longer finds joy in competition. Things are uneasy in King's Landing, where politics are shifting and dangerous, and he seizes the chance to escape north in search of the young man who came so close to beating him in a tourney last year — and was so beguiling at the banquet afterwards.

Together they begin a journey to the great tourney of Harrenhal, with intrigue, honor, friendship and love along the way...and inevitable political conflict ahead.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/11951052/chapters/27019995

3. Through the Eyes of a King. “He was the first Japanese man that I saw in my life. At first glance, he seemed ordinary in appearance, the kind of man one easily overlooked in a crowd. But in his eyes lay passion, and the force of an oncoming storm, revealing the force of nature that he was. A man not to mess with, but to admire.

”These words, written in the diary of the young man that would one day become king of Russia, had burnt their way into the hearts and memories of the people, Russian and Japanese alike. For Katsuki Yuuri had never thought that he would ever leave his home behind. Called to a foreign court to become the teacher of the crown prince, Yuuri soon finds himself in the midst of a world so very different from his own - and in it King Victor the Divine that tolerates no dissent.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/18791056/chapters/44583775

4. The Rules For Lovers.  Prince Yuuri Katsuki has a duty to his country, above all else (his desires, his dreams, and his happiness included), and he knows this alliance will help to ensure the safety of his people. That’s the only reason he accepts Prince Nikiforov’s hand in marriage. The pleasant surprise, of course, is the part where they fall in love along the way. The unpleasant one, well…

https://archiveofourown.org/works/9645131/chapters/21790376

5. when it lasts.  It’s been three years since King Victor fell fast and hard for his Yuuri in the sleepy, seaside town of Hasetsu, and the time has finally come to pop that ever important question. However, asking Yuuri to marry him is easier said than done, especially when all the forces of the universe seem to be working against him. Will King Victor be able to overcome the obstacles in his way and make his beloved his betrothed, or will he be crushed by the powers that be?

https://archiveofourown.org/works/14707139/chapters/33987668

6. The Elusive Vermilion Rose. As the revolution builds in Larussia, a masked vigilante appears to whisk those destined for execution to safety. Not about to have his plans ruined, the king gives his two sons an offer they can’t refuse: discover this masked man’s identity if you wish to be heir to the throne.

The youngest prince knows this is his only chance at the throne, while the older prince, Victor, finds himself caught in the middle; as his curiosity about the elusive Eros dances ever closer to affection.

Meanwhile Yuuri Katsuki, a tailor from the neighboring country of Yamato, has been traveling back and forth more than usual... clearly because of the nobility clamoring to have the emperor’s own tailor make their clothes. And Yuuri and his three friends definitely don’t have anything to do with the so-called masked vigilantes in the Society of the Vermilion Rose. Nope, not at all.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/16158239/chapters/37754681

7. Chrysanthemum Petals. Yuuri Katsuki woke up one day to receive a fancy letter to tea; from his absentee father. That one moment changed his life from just being Yuuri Katsuki, sleep deprived, awkward high school student to Yuuri, Crown Prince of Japan.

Hesitant to become Heir Apparent to the Chrysanthemum Throne, Yuuri will find reason to abandon all sensibilities in the most charming Duke of Kent.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/14453952/chapters/33389637

8. And A Shimmer Takes My Eye. Walking through the streets of New York, Yuuri balances the phone call on his bluetooth headphones alongside errands for his day off. “I don’t know, Chris— 

“You’ve been alone too long, schatzi, his friend chides him. Chris met Yuuri when he was in the costume department at the Met, but since he got a coveted position at the Paris Opera, they can only FaceTime or cross an ocean for quality friend time. Orfeo closes soon, he’ll be in New York for business… at least enjoy a glass of something beautiful while exchanging a bit of small talk, yeah?

Yuuri enters the cake shop, walking past case after case of treats and pastries. A lovely cassis and white chocolate mousse cake catches his eye, and his conversation lags as he contemplates purchasing it as a gift to his cast mates for their final bow in a week. “Well. Before I grudgingly agree—

”That’s the spirit, Chris jokes.

“Is he at least… nice?” Yuuri asks.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/18991204/chapters/45095746

9. King in Disguise. Yuuri is a low-ranked Ability User with a useless power, considered one of the weakest in the Terra Stellata – the institute to unlock a User’s true potential. But what lies beneath his power was an unfathomable amount of strength unseen by the eyes of others. He dreamed to fight alongside his idol; Victor Nikiforov, one of the strongest Ability Users in existence. He finds Victor willing to protect him at whatever cost.

Will Yuuri ever discover the true worth hidden within him?

Yuuri -- "I've admired you since I was little. You are my hero and will always be." Victor -- "I will always protect you no matter what it takes. If you are my king - then I'll be your knight.

"In a world where demons freely roamed, humans were bestowed with powers beyond imagination - when things went out of control, destiny awaited for a slumbering king to claim his throne.

(Magical/Superpower Fantasy AU taking place in the modern times)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/13525623/chapters/31026489

10. moods, states of grace, & elegies. Victor Nikiforov has traveled far and wide in the company of trader Christophe Giacometti on the silk roads to arrive at Hasetsu, capital of the Great Nihon Empire. He expects to stay a winter, until the seasons change again, and fairer weather and the changing of seasons can return him to his wanderlust.He does not expect to fall in love with the Crown Prince.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/14632119/chapters/33817776#workskin

11. in my head, in my heart, in my soul.  Drawn into a conflict outside of his responsibility, Victor Nikiforov, the greatest general of the age, appears to have met his match in the shy Prince of Japan who surrenders on the fields of Goryeo.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/15994100

12. Victor the Great.  At the age of nine Victor became the Tsar of all the Russias with Lilia as regent. One day he will be the sole ruler of Russia, the man who makes all the decisions and gets to do what he wants, with one exception: he has to marry a woman from a Russian aristocratic family. Except that he falls in love with a boy who is a foreign commoner. Will he risk the throne to be able to marry the one he loves?

https://archiveofourown.org/works/12740541/chapters/29055912

13. Our Love will Always Prevail. Almost 10 years ago, Lord Yuuri of the house Katsuki was taken as a ward of the house Nikiforov. A romance blossomed between him and the eldest heir of the house, Viktor Nikiforov. But the path to happiness is not always an easy one, Yuuri and Viktor will have to fight hard to obtain the happy ending they both desperately wish.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/14636100/chapters/33828141

14. Chosen Path.  To end a century long struggle between Rus and Nihon the two Imperial families have come to a possible treaty. The only catch, the Emperor of Nihon wants the oldest Son of Rus to marry one of his retinue when he comes to Rus to sign the papers. Victor as oldest of 11 is not looking forward to getting a wife. So together with his siblings, parents, and the help of all his cousins and Palace staff, he sets out to get the one from the retinue he wants. Katsuki Yuuri never thought he stood a chance.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/16161911/chapters/37763492

15. Le soleil est près de moi. The prince moves across the grounds in robes the same shades as sapphires. He walks astride the King, not behind, as he proudly conducts the tour of the incredible grounds with ease. An austere woman follows at a respectful pace in gray and violet. She and the prince both have wide fabric belts in contrasting colors tied at their waists, and the prince’s ebony hair is styled similarly to his companion’s, though hers is vastly more complex.

“He’s quite comely up close,” Christophe continues with a wicked grin. “Though he seems a touch aloof in humor. Perhaps if I treat him to a little wine, a little of my solitary attention—

“Victor gives him a startled look. “No,” he manages, his eyes immediately locking back onto the prince. “Not…not this one, Christophe.”

https://archiveofourown.org/works/17486264

16. Serendipity.  Yuuri never imagined himself to be anything other than ordinary, but a visit from his mysterious Aunt Minako leaves him dealing with his apparently royal destiny. With it comes many trials and tribulations, and love in the way Yuuri least expects it.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/18212267/chapters/43084823

17. Fires. Victor and Yuuri are kings that govern Rossíya. They try to demonstrate, at the slightest opportunity, the love and devotion they feel for each other.

However, although almost the entire kingdom is happy and pleased by this marriage that ended with years of war against Hasetsu, Christophe, advisor of his majesty, doesn't welcome the constant trips the king makes to his homeland, for what is more than willing to discover what Yuuri hides behind them.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/20826122/chapters/49507334

17. Interpersonal Diplomacy. For the sake of ending a centennial war and protecting the lives of his family and people, Prince Imperial Yuuri of Shanjia makes an unexpected sacrifice, placing his life in the hands of King Viktor of Nova. For the survival of their nations' fledgling peace, Yuuri must live on Novan soil alone, surrounded by people his nation just recently considered enemies, and tied to their monarch by the bonds of diplomacy.

However, Yuuri will also find allies, individuals willing to welcome the peace-loving regardless of past history. If Yuuri is to carve a home in this foreign nation, he must earn the trust of the war-weary Novan people.

And in time, Yuuri may find himself drawing closer to the sympathetic but enigmatic King Viktor.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/16072742/chapters/37529747

18. Love Is Beautiful Fear. To become King, Prince Victor has to hold a Selection, to find a man or woman to marry. Yuuri is selected, but will his anxiety keep him from winning Victor's heart?

https://archiveofourown.org/works/9094546

19. love like fools. When Crown Prince Yuuri of Japan escapes his army of minders at his Saint Petersburg hotel, he thinks he’s found the opportunity to explore the city as a commoner.

When investigative journalist Viktor Nikiforov discovers the Crown Prince of Japan on a park bench in Saint Petersburg, he thinks that he’s found his ticket to redemption at the magazine he writes for.

But like the stories of those stranded during the White Nights after the bridges go up, neither of them had anticipated falling in love. (Roman Holiday AU)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/12039732/chapters/27258912

20. Like Magic Woven Through Me.  Victor was quiet about it of course, but his love for the Prince had burned bright in his chest ever since he first met him, years before, when Yuuri was just twenty and Victor twenty-four. From the moment Victor had seen the Prince, he knew he was in trouble. Raven hair, big expressive eyes, smooth skin and cherry pink lips. But above all that was Yuuri’s unending kindness, how funny he could be when he let his guard down, his intelligent conversation, the way he used magic like he was dancing. How could Victor not love him?

https://archiveofourown.org/works/21977671

21. On My Life, Love. When Prince Yuuri and Prince Victor were children, they secretly got engaged. Alas, their friendship soon fell apart.

After 14 years of separation, Victor asks Yuuri for his hand in marriage, for it turns out that his childhood promise was a magically binding oath, and now his only options are to marry Yuuri or to remain unwed forever, lest he forfeit his life.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/11844423/chapters/26738385

22. if there's a will, there's a way.  Two neighbouring countries in a state of tentative peace. Two royal families trying to protect their own people. And only one thing that can save them all from the war that is knocking on their door – a royal union that will cement loyalty, breed forgiveness and maybe somehow fix things.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/12506060/chapters/28473052

23. And all at once, you are the one I have been waiting for. “The law clearly states that the regent shall have a mate. It is widely known that being mated keeps one’s head clearer, brings joy and strengthens relations, both in one’s professional and personal life. Since I do not have a mate, nor do I have anyone in my life as of right now that I would want to spend my life with in that way, I have chosen to evoke the ‘Catarina praxi. “Lilia will give out the specific details how it will be conducted, but it will be a nationwide search for a mate for me and will require scent samples. As those of you who are familiar with the praxi knows, this means that all omegas that fall into the chosen group are prohibited from entering a mateship until an engagement between me and a chosen omega has been announced. This results in that all unmated omegas from the age of eighteen to twenty eight are now legally arranged to be mated to me, until an official engagement has been made."

The Nicholai Hall explodes with questions from the reporters as Lilia steps up to the microphone, while Yuuri keeps completely still, eyes wide and mouth hanging open, heart pounding in his chest.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/19727131/chapters/46687906

[wewritethings]

My Queen

Daenerys Targaryen x Reader

Request By Anon:  can you do a Daenerys x Reader where Dany gets the Iron Throne without burning down KL and while shes giving a speech to everyone, R arrives on Rhaegals back (hes still alive) and basically shows off and greets Dany lovingly. Everyones shocked. Then, together they rule as queens.

Written By: Rose

Words: 1,106

      The bells tolled in the towers surrounding King’s Landing. The city had surrendered, the throne was rightfully hers. Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen took a deep breath; Fire and Blood. Those were her houses words, those were the deeds of the mighty beasts that adorned her sigil. These people abandoned her family during Robert’s Rebellion. They deserved fire and blood. But she was not like her father. She was not like her brother. She closed her eyes trying to block out the deafening ringing of the bells. Trying desperately to not commit the fire and blood of her house. To be something new, something better. She thought of (Y/N).

        Sweet (Y/N), born of Westeros and stolen away to Essos. Stripped of everything she held dear and forced into a foreign land, much like herself. (Y/N) was “given” to her as a wedding present for her marriage to Khal Drogo. (Y/N) was supposed to be a slave, owned by Daenerys. Instead she became the Khaleesi's closest companion. A woman who should be full of hate and vengeance from having her life ripped away from her was instead compassionate and caring, always making an effort to find the best in everyone. She taught Daenerys that it didn’t matter that her father was mad and much of the Targaryen bloodline faced a similar fate. She could be a dragon. Protective, strong, loyal. Dragons aren’t all fire and blood, and neither was she. 

         She took off on Drogon, aiming for the Red Keep. These people, her people, would not fear her. No, they would love her. Just as she loved (Y/N). The bells continued to toll. 

                                                        ...

          Daenerys closed her eyes, relishing the feeling of gentle hands weaving her hair together in an intricate braid.

       “You look beautiful, my queen” 

         The blonde snapped her eyes open and stared up at you. “You are far better looking than me, my love” Dany kissed the hand you had rested on her shoulder, before turning to watch your reflection in the vanity mirror. She could always made your cheeks flush, and she loved when they did.     

        “Is Rheagal doing any better today?” 

        You couldn’t help but smile at Daenerys concern. Everyone thought the mighty beast had perished, but while everyone headed south for King’s Landing soon after the naval attack Rheagal’s body had washed up on shore. Rheagal was severely injured and on the brink of death, luckily enough however you stayed behind at Dragonstone. It was a miracle that you were able to heal the beast. “Much better! Sam sent me the blueprints to repair his wings. The wounds aren’t fully healed yet but he’s back to eating regularly,” 

         Rheagal had become much closer to you since the incident. Daenerys loved how much you cared about the dragons and how the dragons cared for you. “Good, I want you both there at the coronation,” Daenerys stood, making her way over to multiple racks which held the remainder of her coronation outfit. (Y/N) made quick of her work, sliding on the charcoal black outer layering, of her dress which covered her torso and much of her pure white skirt. Embroidered scales made up much of the bodice and overskirt, bright crimson thread mimicking the colors of Drogon and the Targaryen sigil. An angel disguised as a dragon, the savior of the Seven Kingdoms.

        You were left in awe as you looked upon your queen. Daeneryes looked absolutely radiant. She turned around, catching a glimpse of the slack-jawed wonderstruck look on your face. “What is it this time?” Dany questioned, she had seen the star struck look come across your face only a handful of times, most of which occurred before your affections were known by each other.     

        “Do you know how much I love you?”  

         Daenerys couldn’t help but giggle, “Not nearly as much as I love you,” She cupped your face and kissed you tenderly. You were about to deepen the kiss when there was a sharp knock on the door before it was pushed open.

          “Pardon me for interrupting my queen, but the coronation is about to start.” the Hand of the Queen stood by the door, smiling softly at Daenerys and her lover. Tyrion was the first to discover your relationship, and has been supportive ever since. You nodded towards Daenerys, signaling that she should take her leave. She placed one more chaste kiss upon your lips before you both left with Tyrion. 

         Dothraki, Unsullied, Lords and Lady’s from all over Westeros hand come from all across Westeros to watch the coronation of their new queen, including many highborns from the newly independent North as well. The Steps of the Red Keep has been transformed for the coronation. Targaryen sigils and colors covered every surface, epic tales of the Long Night and the fight for the Throne decorate every wall, hailing the heroes that fought in the battle. 

          Shadows danced a crossed the crowd, weaving in an intricate waltz. Dragons. Drogon and Rhaegal dove downwards. Perching on opposite sides of the large stone staircase. Cheers ruptured from the crowd as Daenerys stepped forward to claim her crown. 

          Tyrion stood behind his queen, holding an ornate angular crown decorated in dragon scales. Daenerys’ ears were thrumming, she could barely hear the long winded speech Tyrion was making before she felt the weight of the crown, her crown, placed atop her head. “I now proclaim you Daenerys Stormborn, Queen of the Andals and the First men, ruler of the Six Kingdoms,”

          The crowd was in an elated, the cheers were deafening. The bells rang once more, not marking treachery, but in celebration of their new queen. Daenerys looked across the sea of her people, all who loved her dearly as she loved them. 

          Daenerys turned to (Y/N), holding a hand out to you. You were apprehensive at first, never before had your affections been known to others except for Tyrion, Greyworm, and Jon. You took her hand in yours, she pulled you closer to where she was standing. 

          “I promise to you all, that we will rule justly and fairly. I will never bring honor or shame to you, my people. And we will right the wrongs made by previous rulers, for Dragons are no longer a symbol of fear, but of protection for every one of my peoples and allies for as long as we rule,”

          The crowd cheers only grew louder. Daenerys smile out at her people, before kissing your hand. With you by her side, she would not only be a Khaleesi, but a just and kind Queen to all. 

[targaryen-stronghold]

When dany s at Winterfell and sam and sansa keep talking shit about her is so stupid. Shes there to save them, wtf. Sam had a reason to dislike dany but sansa had none when dany was there to save her home.

That’s precisely why this narrative doesn’t work and the season flopped. You have to be incredibly biased to buy this nonsense. In Season 7, it’s well established Dany wants to help save the North and its people from the Army of the Dead - she says so herself in Episode 7 and she even refuses to fly to Winterfell on dragon back so the northerners won’t see her as a conqueror. Like Tyrion said to Jon in Episode 3: Dany saves people from monsters because she has a good heart. So, when she’s met with suspicion and distrust in Season 8 by all of these characters it doesn’t make sense. Well, it does for Episode 1 obviously, concerning the bad blood between House Stark and House Targaryen, but Jon himself said his family and the other Northern families would eventually come around when they recognized Dany could be trusted and was there to help them due to her good nature. However, this doesn’t happen and they try to force the “she’s unfit to rule” narrative down our throats.

In Season 7, Dany decides to travel to Winterfell to help the Starks and their vassals fighting the Night King because she saw his army and lost Viserion. In Season 8, however, her motivations suddenly change and she’s only there because she’s in love with Jon. Also, Jon willingly bent the knee to Dany in S7E6 because she came to his rescue when called upon and without expecting anything in return. Jon then recognized Dany was willing to sacrifice herself for the good of her people and therefore deserving of his allegiance. This was the central conflict between Jon and Dany in Season 7: Jon refused to bend the knee in S7E3 because he didn’t know her and she would have to prove herself worthy of his loyalty. But this is never brought up in Season 8. Instead, it’s implied Jon only bent the knee because he’s in love with Dany and is “thinking with his dick”. In this narrative, both Jon and Dany are two mindless and horny idiots whose only concern is to swag each other. But viewers know this isn’t true: they both care deeply about their people and always have. That’s the reason why Jon went to Dragonstone in the first place and the same also applies to Dany’s going to Winterfell.

In Season 7: Jon bent the knee to Dany because she has proven herself worthy of his loyalty by being willing to sacrifice herself for the good of her people.

In Season 8: Jon only bent the knee because he’s in love with Dany and is being blinded by her beauty 

So in Season 8 Dany is now a tyrannic temptress and Jon’s a buffoon. This narrative also destroys both Tyrion and Varys’ characters since they were supposed to be the smartest players in the game That “title” now belongs to the Starks, who suddenly became clairvoyants and can see through Dany’s facade. Also, the Starks are no longer preoccupied with the Army of the Dead or the Lannisters (who basically destroyed their family): Dany - someone they just met and is there to help save their home - is their true enemy.

This quote is reminiscent of another from Season 1, only this time is supposed to mean something good because we are talking about the Starks - who have the moral high ground over every other character of the series.

Cersei’s wrong because her last name isn’t Stark

But by openly disrespecting Dany, the Stark sisters are also questioning Jon’s ability as a leader, since he’s the one who pledged their House to the Targaryen cause against Cersei. Therefore Season 7 Jon’s motifs are erased and replaced with this “he only bent the knee because he’ thinking with his dick” plot because Jon’s still the main hero even tho he’s been reduced to a side character with no dialogue whatsoever. But the Stark sisters still want Jon as king of Westeros after finding out about his true parentage. But why when they so clearly doubt his judgment? However, his parentage reveal is only used as a plot device to further Dany’s “madness”, without any real impact to Jon’s character. 

As for the Starks treatment of Dany, S8 plot says they were right in distrusting her (for no good reason at all other than her being foreigner) because she ended up burning down King’s Landing. The justification is: the Starks are always right. because the Starks not only have plot armor, they have moral armor too. No questions asked. Are you not entertained? 

Jaqen H'ghar = cool killer

Daenerys Targaryen = bad killer, needs to be putted down like a mad dog

[malereader-inserts]

Of Fire and Ice

Fandom: Game of Thrones Pairing: Sansa Stark x Male!Targaryen!Reader Summary: You had a Silver Crown. She had a mind like fire. Word Count: 2,036 Request: “I'd like to send in a Sansa Stark request where she's the Lady of Winterfell and he's Daenerys younger brother, the pair have a connection and Jon sees this and suggests they marry in order for the bond between the family's to be stronger.” A/n: Still fucking fuming about how the season eight has turned out, everyone deserves so much better write off. So, I’m ignoring virtually canon from season seven :)

You had a Silver Crown.

Too much like how it was snow in Winterfell.

She told herself she doesn’t need a knight or a prince to sweep her off her feet, and yet her you were flying a fucking dragon. You hadn’t met her in the lineup when your sister and Jon came riding in, but she had seen you from the battlements. Watching in awe to see three magnificent dragons flying in Westeros. She heard tales about them and they hadn’t seen them for forever.

She could see you grinning as the air hits you, you could fly for forever, you felt free. She saw you riding the white and gold one, and even a mere second she could hear the wild scream of a man who truly enjoyed life. 

Then a bitter thought came to her mind, you were happy, a happy man and she was not. She did not know what to expect when she saw you stride into her home, you had Daenerys by your side, and you had taken her breath away. Sansa tries to ignore how the icy breath appeared upon your appearance.

She could believe that Rheagar was the most looked upon man of Westeros when he was alive, Daenerys’ beauty was unspeakable but you were, in all of your glory, positively something else. Breathtaking, glorifying, majestic. You and your silver crown, braided flawlessly, and your penetrating purple eyes.

You were a foreigner to the North, to Westeros. Born a few minutes later after your twin sister and shipped off on a boat to Esso, you had never got to know what home was to you. But, the Winter was beautiful and it was the first time you’ve seen snow. Winterfell was something you weren’t used to. 

The people of the North were cold and abrasive but you figured that they move with the season. But, what had grasped your attention was the wild red hair, her hair was a fire within the coldest parts of the realm. You slowly blink as you take in her beauty, no man nor woman of Essos has captured you in a way like she has. 

She had a mind like fire.

You could tell, the way she had ignored the pressing looks of the Unsullied and the Dothraki. You could tell her mind was raged with the blazing heat in the way she had stared, full of concern, it draws you closer than ever before.

“Sansa Stark, Lady of Winterfell,” Daenerys spoke, noticing your stare, “Jon’s sister, she is beautiful, isn’t she?”

“Truly,” You breathed out, “Do you think striking a conversation is too much? Too cutting?”

“You think too much into this, dearest valonqar,” Daenerys had wrapped her arms around your right arm, leaning her head against your shoulder, “You are sweet, just and magnanimous.”

“Those won’t mean anything to her, mandia,” You hummed, sighing, “If only I had Vis’ narcissism.”

“You already ride his namesake dragon, god forbid you’d be anything like him,” Dany scowls at you as you lowly chuckles, gazing upon her, “Our brother is not a joking matter.”

“Forgive me in my bad taste of humour, Dany,” You say, as you look at her, “But, I am not a suitor for her.”

But, you were.

You had run into her when you were looking for your sister, you had literally crashed into her. As you were standing up, you were red with embarrassment as you offer your hand to her.

“I’m terribly sorry,” You apologised as you gently pulled her up, not noticing her face slowly matching her hair, “You wouldn’t know where my sister could be?”

“No, I wouldn’t, sorry,” Sansa couldn’t help but feel hot under your attention.

She noticed when you stare at her they were gentle, not glaring and no lust within your stare, a stare she was belittled to get used to by Joffery and Ramsey. And yet, a lord of the most feared house stares at her as if she was a baby.

She wants to believe those terrible rumours, you were horrible. You would kill and rape any who stands in your way to the Iron Throne, the rumours that you were just as mad as the rest of your family. The rumours that say you were even worst than Joffery and Ramsey combined.

“You’re Lady Sansa Stark of Winterfell,” You commented, an inviting smile had captivated her.

Sansa tries to keep a stoic look however that stupid boyish smile had got her huffing an amused smile, “Yes, I am, and you’re Lord (Y/n) Targaryen of Dragonstone.”

You shrugged, “Not officially yet, my sister hasn’t got the Iron Throne, nor yet a Lord.”

“No,” Sansa falls for your purple eyes, you frowned when she turns away, “Not yet.”

She watches how you charged into the Battle with Viserion, you looked as magnificent as your sister would claim. Before she had gone to the crypts she had witnessed you slide of Viserion and whip out your sword, shouting in Valyerian to the Unsullied. 

When the dawn began, coming out of the crypts she was mortified to see the pile of the dead. However, she had noticed you stroking Viserion and Rhaegal. You were trying to calm them down, especially Rhaegal, who was injured in the battle.

Your silver crown ruined, stained with blood and dirt. 

Your ice hair matted compared to her flawless fire hair.

You managed to look over your shoulder and meet her eyes. You sighed, but there was still a sparkle in your eyes. You smile at her and she returns it back. She watches in amusement when she sees Viserion nudged his head into you, causing you to stumble back and fall into your back. She laughs even more when she witnessed the two dragons huff smoke out of their nose - almost as if they were laughing at you.

Throughout the day she and you had been exchanging looks across the way that even the most oblivious, Jon Snow, had noticed. He and Dany were standing in the middle of Winterfell discussing important matters.

“We could rule together,” Daenerys hums, stroking his hair, “King and Queen of the Seven Kingdoms.”

Daenerys knitted her eyebrows together as she noticed her love not responding, following his eyes she had noticed that he was staring at her brother, who was tending to the injuries of your Unsullied men but soon got distracted with a smitten smile as you stare at Sansa.

“They’ve been like this for a few days,” Daenerys mentions as Jon hardens his eyes.

Watching you leave your men but not taking your eyes off Sansa, running into a wooden pole before Sansa burst out into laughter - though if no one had witnessed what had happened they would think that Sansa was going mad. 

“You’re an idiot.” Sansa had mouthed to you when you grin up at her.

She grabs a handful of the snow from the railing and threw it towards you, hitting you in the face. You let out a chuckle before hoping to get her with snow.

“They work well together,” Dany commented, “Sansa has even warmed up with me, I think it’s in hopes to grab (Y/n) attention, it is certainly working.”

“They make a handsome couple.”

So, when the two were caught out upstairs before a meeting in order to take over the Iron Throne. You had stumbled in and Sansa quickly followed, in hopes to catch you and speak. To get to know you more.

“Sansa, (Y/n) just the two we’ve meaning to talk to,” Jon announced, as you shifted uncomfortably as Sansa stands up straight. 

“Jon wants to talk to you, I have no idea what he’s thinking,” Dany amends as you and she looked at each other. 

“You’re getting married?” You suggested as you smile encouragingly.

“No,” Jon shakes his head, as Dany’s smile dropped, “Marriage is involved but not ours.”

The message sinks in and Sansa’s eyes widen. She will not be given away like a rag doll. She’s been in unhappy marriages before, god forbid if she’s tied to another, but she had witnessed how you looked down to your feet, you became small. Not the man she had been overly fond of. What she observes is a man who is tied to his feelings, a man who would not disagree unless someone does.

“Cersei’s two biggest enemies are our two houses. Having us two reconcile together means a bigger threat to her and The North will support Dany.”

“Why can’t you two marry?” You asked whilst Sansa was taken back to the resentment in your voice, “You’re of blood Stark, Snow.”

It was the first time Jon had you call him by his bastard name, but Dany had known you. You were twins, after all, she had listened to you wanting a quiet life back at home. You want to be loved and have a family you found on your own. A forced marriage is nothing in your plans of love.

“I’m not a Stark,” Jon responded as you looked at him, watching him turn to look at Dany who hesitantly nods, “I’m the son of Rhaegar and Lyanna Targaryen, they had secretly married each other and had a child. I was never a bastard, I am Aegon Targaryen.”

Your eyes widen at the news, in front of you was your nephew, in front of you was your sister’s lover - who loved her as much as she did. You blinked a few times before leaning against the table and sitting down to process the information, staring at your fingers as Sansa blinks. 

Sansa understood that Jon had a better claim to the Iron Throne.

“Northern men support you, Jon,” You explains softly, almost defeat within your tone, “And you’re still a Stark, by Lyanna’s blood.”

“They’ll see more dragon than a wolf, a better unifying would be between you and Sansa, this-”

“No,” Sansa draws her eyes towards you, noticing how your hand was clenched into a fist, you narrow your eyes and abruptly standing up, “I won’t marry Sansa unless she agrees. If not, find yourself another to bring the houses together because I will not live in a loveless forced marriage.”

“It won’t be loveless,” Dany drawls out, “If anything, valonqar, you stare at Sansa almost the same way I stare at Jon.”

You looked over to Sansa, her vibrant fire hair burns out your snow-like hair. Together by house personality, by house location. You were of fire, you were a force to be reckoned with, you knew only heat. You knew how to be harsh and terrifying. You had the nature of a dragon.

But, Sansa was of ice. Cold and calculating much like a wolf hunting for their prey. Sansa takes harsh temperatures to harden, takes harsh reality by its neck to control what goes with her. But, like ice, it can be so easy to break and get in. Fire melts Ice, you had melted your way to her heart.

Anyone with half a brain could tell that there was something between you two.

However, she was fire. She will not be burnt again by men, she will not be burnt by women again. She will be the one to make people tremble her wrath. She was of fire, as her hair marked vibrant as the orange hue flames. You were ice, smart and calculating, god forbid if you were to put in battle as you will never back down until a victory was brought on a spike. And let the gods punish those who think they can trick your smart mind. You were of ice, how your hair was silver like and matched the wintery scene, inviting and friendly.

“I accept,” Sansa whispers as you looked at her with shock, “I want to settle down, if it were to be with (Y/n), then I wouldn’t mind.”

Your harden stare softens immensely as one side of your lip curved upwards.

“Okay...” You murmured, your shoulders relaxing, “I hope you learn to love me.”

“There’s not much to learn when I’m already in love.”

They say ice and fire were terrible together, but maybe, just maybe, it wasn’t too bad.

[minetteskvareninova]

How the GoT ends for to me

(Because I refuse to admit anything after 8x03 is cannon the same way many people refuse to acknowledge The Cursed Child.)

- Tyrion and all the other smart people (maybe Varys Davos and Sansa?) cook up the plan of the final attack

- First few weeks noone does anything, while Cersei plans the destruction of Targaryen forces. Daenerys takes a vacation to Essos, allegedly to deal with some made-up trouble, and Varys makes sure Cersei knows about that.

- Yara captures the Iron Islands, and Euron goes there to deal with her. Cersei lets him go, since she thinks she has time. Dornish attack him from back and Yara kills him herself.

- Bronn still comes North to murder Jaime and Tyrion, and they also offer him The Reach. However, they also ask him for something else - to go kill Cersei. Bronn obviously doesn’t want to risk his life for them, especially not by going against The Mountain, so The Hound offers himself to protect him, “to die for greater good when this c***t doesn’t want to”.

- Notherners pretend Bronn has been successful and maybe even have a fake funeral for Jaime and Tyrion. Bronn comes to King’s Landing as a Cersei’s man and meets up with her, bringing masked Sandor with him, claiming he’s the sort of man she might need. Cersei, desperate for some reliable lackeys, meets up with both of them, and they off both her and The Mountain.

- Ellaria Sand, as well as other prisoners, are given freedom, but Ellaria completely lost her mind in the meantime, which pisses off Daenerys, but people responsible for that are already dead, so there’s nothing she can do. Something happens to Quiburn, I don’t know what because I don’t give a shit about Quiburn. Maybe he survives and later tries with Dany to hatch eggs Drogon later lays? That would be cool. Golden Company just kind of fucks off? There’s noone to pay them and nothing to do, so I can’t imagine what they would do.

- Jon and Daenerys decide to get married after Sansa (of course, Jon still tells her) threatens to spill the beans, but their relationship has been soured ever since, so it’s just a political match, at least at first. Jon becomes Jon Aegon Targaryen, but everyone calls him just King Jon. Daenerys eventually has to return to Essos temporarily and will probably swing between continents for the rest of her life. In the meantime, Westeros is in the hands of Jon&co.

- I don’t know whether Jon would get over the incest thing, let alone whether this relationship would work in the long run. I guess so - these two just have a lot in common. At any rate, this would be a boring marriage, because Jon is overall a boring guy. Also, Daenerys has a baby. It’s a girl named Visenya (for Viserion). Yes, only one, because only one of her dragons has died. Maybe she decides to sacrifice one of her dragons for an heir? There’s a lot of story potential here, along with the future of dragons! At any rate, Ghost lives in capital with Jon, but if he wasn’t doing well down south, Sansa would take care of him as her new direwolf.

- At any rate, Jon is officially a Targaryen, but loves his Stark relatives and still calls them brother and sisters.

- Westeros is a complete mess after all those wars, anarchy and thugs everywhere. So the criminality has to be dealt with and it’s gonna be a lot of work.

- Stormlands are being ripped apart by power-hungry local lords, because their liege lord was long gone and Cersei had other things to worry about. Gendry is thus legitimised by Jon and given the title of lord of the Stormlands. Because he knows nothing about ruling, Jon sends Davos to mentor him and take care of the lords and various outlaws.

- The North is ruled by Sansa, obviously. She later fall in love with and marries Tyrion, but they only spend together a part of year, because he is in the Small Council and helps Jon rule. Jon seeks her advice a lot and when Daenerys returns, she has to admit Sansa is pretty good when it comes to administrative and court politics (especially since Daenerys considers the normal administrative stuff boring and focuses on big things). The two have kind of a frenemy relationship and work together for the good of the realm as The Queen In The North (a nickname, not an offical title) and The Dragon Queen, with King Jon as a peacemaker in case of a conflict. The North isn’t independent, but gets more authonomy than other lands, because they were the ones who had to fight the white walkers. Sansa and Tyrion have many children, who officially take their father’s name, but are so thoroughly northern people start to call them Lannistarks, which eventually sticks so much it becomes the official family name. They get a new sigil, probably something with a direwolf and lion.

- Arya Stark dates Gendry for several months, but when he is made the lord of Stormlands and asks her to come there with him, with the obvious implication of getting married there, she gets cold feet and with embarks on a journey with a few other people (Yara? They’d surely be besties. Tormund and wildlings? Maybe.) to the lands beyond former Wall, where they would explore whether Lands Of Always Winter are still there, what is the climate and wildlife situation there and most importantly, whether there is anything new to learn about the white walkers, since Jon is haunted by a possibility they might not be completely gone (since they are so mysterious and all). Bran helps them with all that exploration, warging into animals and going into past. In the end, she returns and decides she’s quite ready to settle, having seen and experienced in twenty years more than other people do in life, and marries Gendry, but doesn’t become a typical lady and still fights, helping her husband deal with outlaws and being sent by Jon on all sorts of secret missions.

- Jaime and Brienne get married and he becomes a stay-home dad, also taking care of the administrative in Westerlands and Tarth, while she is off being a knight. (I think Jaime’s old enough for retirement. Give him a break.)

- Varys stays Varys and is very smart and very useful as a spymaster, do you hear me D&D?! After he dies, his considerable wealth is given to the poor, probably trough some kind of charity organization.

- Missandei and Grey Worm stay in Essos and rule the cities in Daenerys’ absence. Missandei eventually earns considerable respect after dealing with all sorts of trouble and is treated as a second queen. She decides to not retire, unless Grey Worm dies (and maybe not even after that, because her queen needs her? IDK), since if she returned to Naath, she would have to leave him. You see, you can’t stay on Naath for long, because foreigners tend to get this illness called butterfly fever, and since Grey Worm isn’t from Naath... She visits the island several times, tho.

- The Unsullied generally serve untill they reach a certain age, then they are given lands and pension. Some of their training techniques are incorporated into a training regime for a new, elite unit, but most of them are deemed too brutal to be continued and so they just quietly die off.

- Dothraki divide into two groups - one returns to Essos, the other stays with their Khaleesi in Westeros and live of horse herding and breeding the way others might of cattle. They settle mostly in the Reach, because grass.

- It turns out Daenerys “breaking the wheel” meant breaking the cycle of the civil war by weakening the power of great houses and returning stability to Westeros (also end of hereditary monarchy and succession of the most worthy, like choosing your heir trough a testament or something never lead to civil war; that didn’t work anyway). One way was to modify administrative system, so that it’s more in control of chosen civil servants not belonging to any fraction. It’s not a democracy, but it’s a honest attempt to do better. Of course, after a few generations, civil war broke out again anyway, because some things never change, but the new system is still more egalitarian and generally an improvement.

- At any rate, the ending is happy for everyone involved and not bittersweet at all, but only in comparison with what they’ve already come trough; otherwise rebuilding the ruined nation is a difficult and somewhere down the line, they can always fail...

[horizon-verizon]

I love the Targaryens, but I never really got the impression that they thought women were equal to men. Don’t get me wrong, Andal culture is extremely sexist and patriarchal, but the Valyrians/Targs were not written like the culture of the Dornish/Rhoynar who do believe women are equal to men. I think the Targaryens definitely gave their women much more freedom and respect than Andals did to their women, but in the end, men were still considered the final authority.

So I think the Targaryens were more progressive than the Andals but less than the Rhoynar. Aegon I did conquer Westeros alongside his sisters, but in the end, it is only him that is referred to as the conqueror, while his sisters are not. I also got the impression that Aegon was the one who made all the final decisions even though Visenya was the eldest. So that’s my opinion what do you think?

I think both similarly and similarly: there's the fact that both Valyrian women and men flew out to Valyrian outposts to control them. It wasn't a total democracy nor did Valyria think women were perfectly equal to men, but they were leagues better and more "progressive" than Westeros.

I would not use the word “progressive” as an absolute or an accurate term for Valyria because:

Valyria developed into a slave-state and practiced enslaving people

the 40 dragonlord families seemed to have lead the entire society (there were nonddragonriding noble and common families), thus making this an oligarchy

It’s still through the man that a child inherits their surname, as we know Aegon, Rhaenys and Visenya’s mother, Valaena, was a Velaryon. The Targ family also was inherited by its men, and Aegon I had to marry his oldest sister in Targ tradition and perform his duties. Then there is the fact that Valyrian men (mostly the sorcerers) can have multiples wives (polgyny); nothing is being said about women having multiple husbands (polyandry)

and so "progressive" puts a modern political value on an ancient people and that implies that the Valyrians and early Targs were studious and aware of patriarchal and other systematic oppressions--trying uproot society from the ground up for altruistic deeds (maybe the women after Aegon I conquerors Westeros, but that’s part of the group, not the whole). 

Again, I’d just say the Valyrians were better in this one regard--gender. The Targs and Valyrians are still more about power than altruism or perfect equality, like 90% of every other person/group in power in this system and world. Until Dany, of course. What makes the Targs-as-Westerosi-rulers different from their ancestors is that they did not colonize nor run an imperialist state; they merely conquered and ran a feudal state.

Let’s also then say that the Targs/Valyrian dragon-riders provide a means of social change in Westeros because their traditions, link to dragonriding, and the looser restrictions on women gives more of its members a bit of perspective and distance. Several notable members always have had this distance partially based on the fact that they are rulers trying to maintain their rule, but also because they are a people who are also foreign in culture and ID to the Westerosi nobles. Really, it’s the Faith of the Seven and the patriarchal traditons of the First Me and the Andals which create that ideological divide.

A Kinda-Digression about Dragons

Dragons are usually associated and stand in for untamed nature and chaos (disorder), or a huge force that ushers in a great change by clearing out what is before. A creature or a force that relentlessly consumes those things in its wake. a challenge that the hero must overcome or get through to obtain  In Greek myth, the serpent Ladon twisted himself the tree in the Hesperides’ Garden of the and guarded the tree’s golden apples. But they also can be the instruments of life giving and strength, as with Chinese dragons who are repsponsible for giving life-saving--or life-ruining--rains, or are made and intrinsically tied to the weather and the elements:

The Chinese dragon, lung, represents yang, the principle of heaven, activity, and maleness in the yinyang of Chinese cosmology. From ancient times it was the emblem of the imperial family, and until the founding of the republic (1911) the dragon adorned the Chinese flag.

They are raw, overwhelming power itself--while also embodying grace and balance-maintenance. 

The fact that women could ride dragons would automatically bump them up in a society that derives its power and identity through dragon-riding, even though only a section of Valyrians actually rode dragons--the 40 “dragonlord” families. this section fought for more influence and dominion over the Valyrian Freehold--the official name for Valyria and its territories. (The Velayrons and Celtigars historically were not part of the dragonriding families in Old Valyria). 

The Valyrians had no kings but instead called themselves the Freehold because all the citizenry who held land had a voice. Archons might be chosen to help lead, but they were elected by the lords freeholder from amongst their number, and only for a limited time. It was rare for Valyria to be swayed by one freeholding family alone although it was not entirely unknown either.

(A World of Ice and Fire,  pg. 13)

We don’t officially know if women could own land in their own right and autonomously and lead their families but it is likely -- dependent on circumstances where the male was unfit or dead and there would be less resistance or room to depose them.

Landholding was and remains a key defining part of being a citizen and having the right to vote when there was some form of voting allowed. Giving military commands and participating in government from the Romans of the Republic to the first leaders of the U.S. and their own ancestors who settled and colonized the Americas. 

Since women rode dragons, they definitely had a part in Valyrian expansion and imperialism (in the way that the Romans were imperialists, not 19th-20th century Europe and the U.S.), which also means that women had similar real, substantive political power as their male counterparts and particpated in govermental activities. The wars & using dragons to win them, after all, made Valyria as powerful as it was and dragons and the ability to ride them--symbolically, psychologically, culturally, etc. would have made the basis of their moral & aesthetic values. Again, they controlled Valyrian outposts as leaders as well.

So I think that Valyrian women could own land (and thus vote) in their own right, otherwise, how can they participate in expansion fully and maximize the use of their dragons?

Jaenara Belaerys rode her dragon Terrax, alone, to Sothoryos and didn’t come back until three yeas passed. We don’t officially know if she was weird even for the less-gender-restrictive Valyrians, or if women enjoyed having power and authority even while absent enough for her to expect that she’d still be welcome back into society. But I lean towards the latter.

Read this thread to start contemplating, if you want.

[ruffiorocks]

Anyone remember Ser Barristan Selmy? He was a Kings Guard to Aerys Targaryen, he watched Aerys go bonkers and burn everyone but he believed a knight must keep his oath even if he was serving a drunk king or a lunatic.

Do you also remember the moment he was dismissed from Joffreys service he ran off to join Daenerys? He declared her the rightful queen of the seven kingdoms and could he serve her. He felt pretty shit about letting down her fam in the rebellion.

Selmy counselled her and he usually had an influence over her.

Selmy wanted to spend the remainder of his life fighting for someone he believed in.

Selmy encouraged Dany to attack Westeros with her dragons and not with Unsullied.

What do people think he would say now if he knew what she had done?

What would he do if he knew about Jon? Would he be torn between which Targaryen to serve? Jon is the legitimate son of the prince Selmy protected and the legitimate heir to the throne.

Would Selmy of encouraged Dany and her total destruction of Kings Landing? Or would he have her tempered her?

Selmy spent a great deal of time telling Dany all about Rheagar and how he got people to fight for him because they loved him and they weren't forced to fight. It was their choice to believe in him. These are lessons Dany should have heeded. As soon as she arrived in Westeros she demanded everyone drop everything and bend the knee to her , a complete foreign entity that had done nothing note worthy to the people other than have three dragons.

Dany didn't earn anyone's love, she had to be talked into helping with the white walkers. That was something she should have just helped with to begin with, it shouldn't have even been a conversation. Dany claimed to be Queen of Westeros? Well then Westeros's problems instantly become her problems. Dany helped in the fight against the White Walkers but to be fair the only note worthy things she (and Jon for that matter) did were fly about on the dragons, miss their cue to light the trench and knock the Night King off his dragon. But it was Arya that killed him. Dany did her part but she didn't do anything more note worthy than anyone else did. Lyanna Mormont did more than Dany did! Everyone had a part to play and the did it.

So because Dany decided to help fight a problem that was absolutely her problem to, or it would have been her problem to deal with if the North had fallen everyone should proclaim her their queen? Jon should never have bent the knee to her.

Dany may have been hot shit accoss the Narrow Sea but in Westeros she is just the girl with the dragons who wants to be queen. Another person who thinks they should rule over everyone just 'because'. At least with Jon and Robb they were declared Kings in the North by their own people. They never demanded it as their due.

Selmy told her that people fought for Rheagar because they had a choice. Dany didn't give people a choice, not a real one. It was fight for me or I'll burn you alive like i did to all those other Innocent soldiers I didn't bother giving a choice to. (Lannister Army). Heck everyone told her that was a dumb idea, but she didn't listen. She should have remembered what Selmy told her. She arrived threatening people, that doesn't earn you love and respect. It doesn't make people want to fight for you. The Greyjoys only sided with her because they needed her help and she was the best or rather only option.

So what would Ser Barristan the Bold of said about his rightful queen completely destroying Kings Landing and murdering millions of Innocent people? Becoming almost exactly what her father was? It's even more frightening because I don't believe Dany is Mad, she's doing the same crap her father did but she's sane! You can make excuses for an insane person but a sane one? Would he have declared for Jon? Or would he have finally understood why a 16 year old Jaime Lannister stabbed the mad king screaming 'burn them all?' I wish Selmy was still here, it would be poetic for him to become a Queen Slayer.

[truthsuniversallyacknowledged]

Now I’ve Stopped Crying: Why The Game of Thrones Ending Sucked

I needed this to exist and it didn’t. So here it is, in no particular order: 

1. Violation of its own rules 

Westeros was loosely based off of Medieval/Renaissance Europe - the filming locations were exclusively European, and all manner of cultural ‘identifiers’ - clothing, political system, ethnicity of the actors/characters - followed that of Medieval Europe. The Red Wedding is based off a real Italian wedding, Jaime and Cersei resemble Cesare and Lucrezia Borgia, a real set of incestuous aristocratic siblings, while Sansa and Joffrey also have their naming equivalents in the same family - Lucrezia’s brother, Gioffre, and his wife, Sancia. The High Sparrow is also similar to Savonarola, a religious fanatic in late Renaissance Italy, Braavos has clear parallels with Venice - I could easily continue. 

Naturally, there were cultural ideas from Medieval Europe which were clearly established in Game Of Thrones - the divine right of kings, bastardry, and discrimination towards women, foreigners, and various other minority groups - including the disabled. By pretending that Bran would have been keenly accepted not only by the aristocracy, but by the average peasant in Westeros, the plot is suddenly ignoring the framework within which the show has been operating. Throughout the show, there were two aspects a king had to have; either he could take the throne by force, requiring a large army or perhaps dragons, or he needed to be born in line - the right to the throne which has paramount to the entire series. One thing is ultimately clear; Bran as the King is jarringly wrong.

2. Compromising of characters

One thing Game of Thrones did exceptionally well is nailing politics; by the end of the series viewers had a clear understanding of the motives and principles of every character. But the ending D&D wanted would never have been allowed to happen with our set of characters around (perhaps this should have been a red flag that it wasn’t a good idea!) and so we watched as characters we’d known for years suddenly forgot who they were. Daenerys wanted to break the wheel and end suffering, and she sacrificed enormously because she wasn’t willing to take her dragons and burn the place down because that’s not the person she wanted to be - until the writers wanted her to be. I could have accepted that u-turn in character arc - if it was the only one. Jaime, after being almost killed by Cersei, finally, finally decided he’d had enough and made the choice to go to Brienne, which was the culmination of seasons and seasons of him slowly improving as a person and agonising over his feelings for cersei and his own identity. And then he just went “nah”. The Northerners, regarded for their strong loyalty, let Jon wander off into the wilderness and readily accept Sansa as their new ruler. Despite earlier reminiscing on her father’s words regarding how “the lone wolf dies, but the pack survives”, Arya decides to... be a lone wolf. on a boat.

But I’m barely getting started. Tyrion, a cunning political mastermind, not only became dumb as dog shit, but, having first-hand knowledge of the treatment of disabled individuals in Westeros, despite any ability they might have (not that Bran demonstrated ANY ability to lead well through the whole series - but I’ll get to that), he somehow didn’t see any problem with this plan. (Side note: if right to the throne and being disabled don’t matter, why couldn’t Tyrion be king?) 

Sam. Sam takes the whole goddamn cake. He is the one who discovers Jon’s parentage, and with a FULL UNDERSTANDING of how important it is. And he has watched Jon demonstrate bravery and courage and leadership time and time again - he is his best friend and strongest advocate. And so, when the time comes for him to fight for Jon: he suggests democracy? and then lets Bran take over without so much as a word in Jon’s defense? Pathetic. And so, so, wrong. 

3. “Who Has a Better Story than Bran the Broken?”

I could name a few. hundred.  We have been watching a series that clearly followed Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen, and a long list of other political players, artistocratic families and usurpers - but from the very beginning, we have followed those two, always. To suggest that the entire direction of the series was some great practical joke, designed only for an oh-so-shocking plot twist, is so utterly contemptuous of us, their loyal audience. It’s also absurdly disrespectful to the story itself, which deserved a real ending. 

4, When you play the Game of Thrones, you win or you die. 

Jon did neither. His end was a total cop-out - D&D didn’t want to kill him, but him winning would have been too predictable, so they formed a sheepish way out that they seemed to think was good enough. They were wrong. 

And as for Bran? He wasn’t. even. playing.

But this is a symptom of the biggest issue with this whole ending; avoiding predictability was more important to the writers than ending the story well. Having spent years and years watching an intricate story as it followed out its natural path, in accordance to the guiding principles of each character and they world in which they live, it’s no surprise that some audience members were bound to predict the ending. But we loved game of thrones not just for its plot twists, but also for its witty dialogue, deep and fascinating characters, and consistently captivating story - this ending had a whole lotta shock, and not much of anything else. 

5. Bran didn’t deserve it 

I already touched on why Bran would never have been accepted and how totally inconsistent his takeover was with, well, everything. But Bran isn’t at all kingly - he hasn’t demonstrated leadership of any kind, hasn’t participated in the politics of the kingdom yet still has no understanding of the everyday person, and also displays no compassion or empathy, particularly towards Meera.  He also didn’t see anything wrong with taking the throne from Jon, who not only deserved it according to the show’s framework but also deserved it in the eyes of the audience because he was, simply put, a good leader and a good person. 

We also never really got an explanation as to why Bran was Bran again - and i thought the Three Eyed Raven couldn’t take titles. This whole ending really doesn’t stand up to even mild scrutiny - evidence of the lack of thought which ruined one of the greatest shows of all time. 

6. What was the goddamn point? 

Why couldn’t Gendry be King? Or Tyrion? Why did it matter at all that Jon was Targaryen, or the rightful heir? Why did we bother watching Daenerys scheme for season after season if she was going to burn King’s landing anyway? Why did Melisandre bother to bring Jon back to life if he wasn’t going to be significant in killing the Night King or taking the throne? What the hell was the point of the white horse? 

7. An end to the post (hopefully I did a better job than they did)

I felt compelled to write this because I have yet to cease encountering people who think that this disgrace disguised as an ending was okay. And it truly upsets me that it was such a disservice to what was a truly fabulous show. 

But the last reason that this ending sucked has a silver lining; it was widlly wrong, and most of us knew it instinctively - before we really analysed it and argued about it (and it my case, composed overly long posts about it). And we knew it instinctively because we know this story - and maybe, like me, you weren’t sure what exactly to expect, but you knew it wasn’t this. We know this story, and we know the true ending - even if it’s only in our hearts. 

[scrvetherealm]

@fullcfterrors gets a dany & jon au plotted starter

          Dark wings, dark words — never had the truth been so palpable and yet it was a wedding Jon Snow was regarding. A time of joy and merriment ; if that were true why then was his stomach twisting with horror and regret? Daenerys Targaryen would be wed on the seventh eve of the summer that had broken just a year prior. In truth the bastard had been glad to see the summer again — the winter had been long, but not so long as many had thought. That hadn’t discounted it’s rage however. The northlands had scarce known temperatures above freezing for the duration and never had Jon been more thankful for the hot spring waters that ran through Winterfell’s castle walls like warm blood through a mans body.

She’d named him King in the North ; given them the independence that Sansa believed they so deserved as did Jon — still he would have been a might happier to see his half sister wearing the crown, ruling had never been a thing the Snow boy wanted. Still they had chosen him as their leader and Daenerys had seen much of the same in him — what choice had he been given, should he have refused the new Queen of the realm? It wasn’t as if he would have been able to stay by her side anyway. As selfish as Jon wanted to be the North needed him — he’d already brought back a foreign queen, how could he then abandon his people for want of her company in bed? It had been a sacrifice, a large one that had wounded both parties more than words could say but if the bastard of Winterfell had learned one thing from his Lord father it was honour ; he had a duty to his people, his family — nothing should come before that.

It’ this knowledge that fights with the feelings rumbling within his chest, the heated sour flame that licks the back of Jon’s throat as dark eyes trace over the elegantly scrawled words. ‘Queen Daenerys Targaryen, first of her name, protector of the realm, the unburnt, Queen of the Andals and the First Men, Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, breaker of chains, and mother of dragons cordially invites all of Westeros to attend her wedding to Quentyn Martell ; Prince of Dorne. Her Grace sincerely hopes to have your gracious presence . . . Quentin Martell — it’s a name Jon isn’t familiar with and in truth could very well have gone his entire life not knowing.

He can read the distain written on Sansa’s face clear as the words on the parchment he’s presented her with but it’s no secret the Lady of Winterfell never truly took a liking to the woman Jon claimed to love so many years ago. “I think you should go.”

Her words surprise him and for a moment Jon’s voice is caught in his throat. He’d had no intention of showing up — the invitation clearly stated the entirely to Westeros had been invited, a blanket statement to be sure but the facts still held true, there would be hundreds of people attending this ‘grand’ event — would his presence even be noticed? “Why?” It’s his only question, the only thing he can manage at the moment.

“How would it look if the King in the North refused to attend the Queen’s wedding? She gave us our independence — we owe her the simple token of showing up.”

“But I’m needed here-“

“I’ve held Winterfell without you before, I can do it again. Besides . . . I think it would be good for you — perhaps it would give you . . . closure.” Sansa’s words hang over him and for a moment Jon regards his sister with something like contempt before the venom dies away and his coal eyes turn sorrowful. Sansa isn’t wrong, despite the distance and lack of communication Jon Snow has loved Daenerys every day of the five years they’ve been separated. He’s never taken another lover — hasn’t had the heart to do it, to falsely lie with someone who doesn’t hold his heart. Sex is one thing but to take a bride would be . . . a farce ; at least that’s what he believes and in truth had hoped Dany would believe as well — so much for that.

It takes some convincing and urging from Sansa but soon enough the King in the North is escorted down the Kings Road, a handful of knights to keep him guard but no company to attend the ‘blessed’ event — that burden Jon will bear himself, partly because there isn’t anyone he wants to bring with him but more so because he isn’t certain how he’ll react to seeing the silver haired Targaryen in whites ; leaving the ceremony by himself was one thing — having to explain to a guest why he vanished mid ring bearing would be an entirely different folly.

Kings Landing is every bit the same as Jon remembers, but in place of golden lions dancing across pillars and emblazoned on the queens guard it’s the fiery red of the dragon — the sight of which tightens the muscles in his chest and forces Jon to draw his breath more deeply ; perhaps this was a mistake after all.

He’s greeted, of all people, by Tyrion Lannister who stands half a man tall on the steps of the keep Jon’s been given stay in. A warm smile laces against dwarfish features and both mismatched eyes seem to glimmer with the prospect of regaining an old friend. “It’s a pleasure your Grace, though I’ll have to ask you be more punctual in the future — I’ve been standing out here half the day, you should see about sending smarter ravens.” The grin that befalls the Lannister is enough to release the vice that grips Jon’s chest and for the first time since the beginning of his journey Jon his glad to be in Kings Landing.

“I would have thought a Lannister would have the means to find something comfortable to sit on — at the very least you could have made use of that mouth. Or was it what ran off all your company?” They great each other with a hearty handshake, each gripping the others forearm as warm glances are exchanged. Jon had liked Tyrion a long while and it gave him comfort to know someone so trustworthy was by Daenerys’ side. Pleasantries are exchanged for a while but it isn’t long before the conversation turns a might heavy and as Jon and Tyrion make their way down a large hall the imp asks a question that strikes the Snow’s heart like a lance straight through breast plate.

“Do you still love her?”

Silence follows as their steady pace down the hall comes to a halt. Jon gazes down at the half man, so much larger than men thrice his height, with brows knit together so tightly one might think the wrinkles there were permanent. He considers for a moment, whether or not he should tell the truth. He knows Tyrion to be trust worthy, but that isn’t the only factor at play. If Jon admits what he feels no doubt it will some how make it back to Daenerys — what then of the wedding? If her heart has been claimed by this Quentyn, then who is he to step in the way of true love? Why should his feelings matter more than her own? He swallows hard, burying the truth down in his gullet and shakes his head. “I wouldn’t be here if I did.”

 It’s simple enough but there’s no missing the twinkle behind Tyrion’s mismatched eyes. Whether he believes him or not Jon’s given his answer and ensures it isn’t he who breaks their gaze first.

                The conversation recovers from its slight hiccup in time for Jon to excuse himself to his chambers to prepare for the feast. He does so in silence and more than twice considers leaving before the dreaded affair begins. Instead he makes a margin with himself. If the feast proves too much, if the mere sight of the Targaryen is more than he can handle he’ll leave on the morrow. That was an acceptable thought. He’d made his appearance, would pay his respects and claim the north needed him for some incredulous reason. It wouldn’t be a lie, there was always something that needed seeing to in the north.