#in my heart of hearts Jon and Dany go explore the rest of the world on dragon back

[daenerysstormreborn]

I still think there’s a chance Dany doesn’t become a villain in the books because her characterization IS different in the show but I don’t think it’s really fair to claim the only reasons people think she’ll become a villain are misogyny and hatred of her and desire to see her get a bad ending. Yes there are Dany haters and misogynists who believe this but those are not the only reasons.

I love Dany. What I desire for her is not necessarily what I believe will happen in the story. I’m still split on what I think will happen and I’m keeping an open mind. What I want for Dany is a happy ending where she is loved and can live in peace. If I was in charge of the story, I’d have Dany participate in the battle against the Others and, in the process, really get to know and understand the people of Westeros and realize that claiming the throne could not happen peacefully. I want her to choose the path she wants deep down and not the path she was told is owed to her. She does not seem to particularly enjoy ruling. Based on my interpretation, what Dany wants is a home. She wants love and acceptance and belonging. But growing up with Viserys she’s come to believe that she is owed the throne and has a duty to rule and she doesn’t know what else to do. This isn’t because I think she’d be a bad ruler (it is hard to judge who would it wouldn’t be a good ruler when they’re young teenagers). I just don’t think it would lead to a happy ending for her. I don’t want the IT for ANY of my favs.

However. This is just what I WANT for her. There are many things in the show that are clearly made up completely by D&D, like replacing Jeyne Poole with Sansa. However, I don’t think something as major as Daenerys, one of the main characters who has been presented as a hero thus far, destroying King’s Landing is something D&D would just pull out of their asses. It’s just such a major event that effects literally every other surviving main character. It’s hard for me to buy the idea that villain Daenerys isn’t an idea that GRRM at least floated to them. It was super rushed and poorly executed, as was the rest of the show. But it’s just hard to buy the idea that these men whom GRRM trusted would do something that entirely betrays his ideas for the story. And GRRM REALLY had faith in them. He did NOT want there to be an adaption of his series but they won him over. I do NOT want this to be the trajectory of Daenerys’s character but I just can’t pretend it’s not a very real possibility.

And then there’s the original outline. Yes, many things have changed since then. But George refers to Dany as a “threat.” This demonstrates that at least at one point, he has toyed with the idea of her ultimately posing as an antagonistic force to Westeros. Is this enough evidence to say without a shadow of a doubt that this is what George will do? No I don’t think so. Not a single one of us can say what he’s going to do with this story. There’s also a very real chance that Winds is taking so long because he decided to make major changes after seeing how GoT was received by the public but I’d like to think he has more integrity than that. But again, I just don’t know.

I want Daenerys to be a hero. The ending she got in the show was so, so tragic and would be heart wrenching if it had been executed well. As a big ol Jon lover, I don’t want that ending for him either. There are characters who are obviously on different trajectories based on major changes the show made to events (Sansa), characterization (Arya), or statements GRRM made (Jaime). But I just can’t say for sure that that’s true of Daenerys. If any other Daenerys fans who are 100% convinced without a show of a doubt that she will remain strictly a hero, I would love it if you’d add onto this post and tell me why!

[jackoshadows]

“Needle was Robb and Bran and Rickon, her mother and her father, even Sansa. Needle was Winterfell's grey walls, and the laughter of its people. Needle was the summer snows, Old Nan's stories, the heart tree with its red leaves and scary face, the warm earthy smell of the glass gardens, the sound of the north wind rattling the shutters of her room. Needle was Jon Snow's smile. He used to mess my hair and call me "little sister," she remembered, and suddenly there were tears in her eyes.” - Arya, AFfC

I am not sure how anyone can read this beautiful, evocative little paragraph and not be hit right in the feels by Arya's very visceral longing and love for home.

ARYA STARK WANTS TO GO HOME. She's just been on the longest adventure from hell. She has traveled, seen places and new cultures. She has met new people, learned new languages. It's been the most traumatizing, harrowing experience of her young life. She has seen what power does to people, she has seen the absolute cruelty of men, the helplessness of the smallfolk.

If Arya does end up leaving Winterfell at the end of the story, it would only happen if she's forced to do so and not by choice. There's so much Winterfell in her story, in her thoughts, her emotions, in her memories of her father, in her fondness for Winterfell's people. She's never letting that go again.

Arya has been trying to go home to Winterfell, to her brothers, right from her first chapter in King's Landing. In one of the best parts of the book, she is unable to give up Needle - which is symbolic of her home, it's people, her family and Jon Snow.

Polliver had stolen the sword from her when the Mountain's men took her captive, but when she and the Hound walked into the inn at the crossroads, there it was. The gods wanted me to have it. Not the Seven, nor Him of Many Faces, but her father's gods, the old gods of the north. The Many-Faced God can have the rest, she thought, but he can't have this. - Arya, AFfC Needle! The last link to Winterfell and Arya. The Faceless Men want her to give it up because they recognize it’s importance. - GRRM She's with the Faceless men because where else does she have to turn to? - GRRM

At the end of the series, she's going to be at the most 12/13. She has just had the worst childhood. Why in the world would she want to traverse the same path where she has experienced the worst trauma?

Would anyone suggest that after the series ends Sansa would like to do exactly as she wanted at the start of AGoT? That's nonsense right? Because Sansa has changed as a character from where she was in book one. She no longer wants any of that. Everyone acknowledges that Sansa wants to go home to Winterfell and therefore she will end up there. Why is the same not okay for Arya who also desperately wants to go home?

Arya is in a really dark and depressing place in her TWoW chapter. I want to see her get away from there and be united with family and home. And yet, again and again, we get this incomprehensible opinion that Arya is not going to be happy at home, she just wants to travel and meet new people. Makes no sense at all to me.

And then there's the whole theme of power that's explored in the series. Our main characters start off in the story as the underdogs and outcasts. They are at the mercy of an unjust and cruel society.

Jon Snow for example has to climb the ladder to the top, to effect reform and change as Lord Commander. Dany, especially as a young girl in a man's world, had to have the power to free slaves and reform Meereen for the better. Tyrion was at his craftiest as Hand of the King, involved in diplomacy and strengthening Lannister control despite being shunned by society for his disability. Same with Bran being seen as less of a person on account of being disabled. Arya is treated as being less than her sister for not conforming to Westerosi patriarchal ideals.

The point of their stories is not that they can't fit into Westeros, that they will never fit into Westeros and therefore have to fade away at the end of the story. That would be utterly nihilistic and I doubt this is what GRRM considers 'Bittersweet'.

The point of their stories is that because of who they are, because they have the empathy of understanding what it's like to be different and treated differently, because they want things to be better, because they are ambitious and reach for power and get power, they will do things different this time around and try and make Westeros a better place for all it's people.

Putting Arya and Sansa's subplots, themes, characterization and character growth side by side, the only reason someone would say that Arya's story does not vibe or resonate with leadership while Sansa's does is because of sexism.

I can't think of any other reason why readers can't visualize Arya Stark trying to help the smallfolk, as a leader with the hard power to help them, when she personally experienced and sees their suffering. What is the point of entire books of it being hammered in again and again of Arya recognizing how the kings and nobles at the top don't really care for the smallfolk?

Varys, a long term tactician, says this about an ideal king.

"Aegon has been shaped for rule since before he could walk. He has been trained in arms, as befits a knight to be, but that was not the end of his education. He reads and writes, he speaks several tongues, he has studied history and law and poetry. A septa has instructed him in the mysteries of the Faith since he was old enough to understand them. He has lived with fisherfolk, worked with his hands, swum in rivers and mended nets and learned to wash his own clothes at need. He can fish and cook and bind up a wound, he knows what it is like to be hungry, to be hunted, to be afraid. Tommen has been taught that kingship is his right. Aegon knows that kingship is his duty, that a king must put his people first, and live and rule for them."

Foremost amongst the qualities mentioned is a connection with the smallfolk. Something that is inherent and deeply embedded into Arya's 31 POV chapters. What is the point of this long story arc and characterization if at the end she's going to jump on a boat and be 'liberated' and learn new languages? She's already done all that in Braavos.

Again and again, the point is made, that a good ruler has to put the people first.

Why do the gods make kings and queens, if not to protect the ones who can’t protect themselves?”  -  Daenerys, ASOS

I am the shield that guards the realms of men. Those are the words. So tell me, my lord—what are these wildlings, if not men?” - Jon ADwD

I was trying to win the throne to save the kingdom, when I should have been trying to save the kingdom to win the throne.” - Stannis, ASoS

“What is the life of one bastard boy against an entire kingdom?” “Everything."  - Davos, ASoS

What good is peace if it must be purchased with the blood of little children? - Daenerys, ADwD

"Wolves, she thought again. Like me. Was this her pack? How could they be Robb’s men? She wanted to hit them. She wanted to hurt them. She wanted to cry.” - Arya, ASoS

And then there's the North itself. A harsh place with tough people, who send off their old to fight because there is less food. Where Robb Stark only gains the support of Greatjon Umber because Greywind chews off his fingers! Where we already have an example of female governance in the Mormonts. Why couldn't Arya Stark - the Ned's little girl, Valiant Ned's precious little girl, for whom the North is marching now in the harshest winter - become a leader who wants to help her people in the same way they tried to help her?

One can try to cover it up by saying that Arya wants to fly free and be liberated and go sailing - she's already done all that and it's the most harrowing, traumatizing, painful experience of her young life. All she wants to do now is go home.

I really don't see how one can read a story that's chock full of Arya being a leader of her little pack, Arya being intelligent and strategic with a desire for justice, a keen understanding of right and wrong, compassion for her fellow man and say that her story does not resonate with leadership? I don't get it.

[stilesssolo]

Kisses 3 for the prompts 💋

3. Kiss on the nose

We got about fifteen inches of snow today so this felt appropriate :) I hope you enjoy! 

Ned Stark had been right, when he’d told Dany the cold in September was nothing compared to true winter in the North. 

She’d wondered how it could possibly get colder, but she sees now that the weather during the photoshoot was practically balmy compared to this. 

Her boyfriend, of course, has the nerve to look unperturbed. 

He glances over at her again, a smile creeping at his lips when he sees how badly she’s shivering. “You alright?” he teases, though he clearly knows the answer. 

“Why does anyone live here?” she demands, and he laughs, deep and wholeheartedly. The sound warms her up, but just a bit. 

“Seriously, Jon,” she says, teeth chattering, but there’s a smile on her face, because he’s looking at her in a way that is so soft and endearing, she can’t help it, and her heart is fluttering in that way only he can make it do. “I’m wearing three pairs of socks. Two pairs of pants. And I am still cold.” 

“You were the one who wanted to come with me on this trip, you know,” he says, arching an eyebrow at her. He’s not even wearing a hat, the bastard. 

“I wanted to see it snow again,” she says. “I didn’t want to lose my toes to exposure.” 

In front of them, Ghost hops through the snow— which there is easily a foot of, if not more— like this is the best thing that’s ever happened to him. Dany simply doesn’t understand. Sure, the rolling snow-covered fields of Winterfell visible from the Starks’ expansive property are breathtakingly beautiful, but she might have to take them in from inside in the heat for the rest of the long weekend. 

Of course, that also means the possibility of running into Catelyn, so maybe the outside is better. 

“I guess we can’t ever go see the Frostfangs then,” Jon says, shrugging. Dany pouts, and he laughs again, pulling her into his arms. She can’t actually feel his body heat through all their layers, but his solid figure blocks her from the chilly wind, and that helps tremendously. 

“But—” she says, because she wants to see those too, someday. She wants to see everything with Jon, she’s found. Exploring the world with him is all she wants to do for the rest of time. 

“I’ll get a thicker coat,” she says. “And another pair of socks.” She shrugs. “And then you’ll just have to listen to me complain the whole time.” 

He laughs, hugging her tighter. “That seems fair.” 

Ghost barks with delight, nosediving into the snow and then rolling around, legs flailing as he attempts to make snow angels, it seems. His white fur is full of fresh powder, but he seems beyond delighted. 

“How does this not bother him?” Dany demands. “Isn’t he freezing?” 

“No,” Jon says with a shrug. “He loves the snow. Always has. It’s the husky and malamute in him. And his fur keeps him warm.” 

“You should design a coat with Tyrell that’s as warm as his fur, then,” Dany says. “I’ll call up Margaery once we go back inside and my fingers regain feeling.” 

“Oh, seven hells, don’t get her started,” he says, blanching. “We just finished everythin’ for the winter line. At least give me a little time before she pounces on me again.” 

Dany laughs, snuggling into his chest. Mm, she decides, the cold definitely isn’t as bad when he holds her. 

“So,” Jon says, gloved hands smoothing over her arms. “You regretting your decision to take the long weekend off and follow me up here?” She can tell he’s joking, mostly, but there’s still that hint of uncertainty in his voice. She turns in his arms so she’s facing him, fixing him with a look. 

Dany gets it, though. It’s difficult unlearning so many years of isolating herself, protecting her heart with iron walls. But with Jon— well, it’s becoming easier and easier, every single day. 

“Never,” she tells him. “Even if I’m freezing my bloody arse off.” 

He smiles at her, eyes crinkling, ducking down to kiss her freezing nose. She laughs, sure that he can’t see the blush on her cheeks because her face is already ruddy and red from the icy wind. 

“I couldn’t even feel that,” she tells him, and he grins at her before bowing his head towards her again, foreheads resting together. 

“How about this?” he murmurs, before kissing her for real, lips warm against her own freezing ones. 

Dany grins into his mouth, arms winding around him. “Mm,” she hums, her icy nose nudging his before she kisses him again. “Much better.”

[ladyalice101]

jonsa fic recs

alright, i’ve had a couple requests for recs, so here is my list. these are all fairly recent fics, all written this year i think. all of them are from my bookmarks on ao3, but i picked the recent ones which are my god-tier recs, my oh-my-god-i-love-this-so-much-i-think-i’m-going-to-die, the ones i reread. they have very little in common, but if you don’t find anything on here that tickles your fancy, then feel free to check out my bookmarks. i have just over 100 on there, and every single one on there are fics that i think are absolutely phenomenal.

for @abi117 @why-cant-i-be-careless and @orangeflavoryawp

canon divergent

Victory by moutainsbeyondmountains. one-shot, 5489k.

“You won already, Your Grace,” Tyrion said mournfully. “Enjoy your victory. There are no lands left to conquer. And there are no more dragons.”

if you read no other fic on this list, read this one. seriously. it’s d.ny pov, and glorious. genuinely, i couldn’t give this high enough praise. i reread this A LOT. like, a lot a lot. i could probably quote this fic.

I Want Something so Impure by @asilentfrenzy. one-shot, 10166k.

“You have caused this, you and your queen. You allowed her to speak to me that way, allowed her to order my obedience in my own home as if I’m to be her new dog to train. I am the Lady of Winterfell, and your inbred aunt has no right to-”

“Aye, you are the Lady of Winterfell,” he growled, his eyes flashing with an added flame of fury at the mention of the woman’s newly found relations to him. “The same Lady of Winterfell who not too long ago advised me to be smart, yet it seems that you can’t follow your own advice.”

“Be smart,” she repeated, filling her face with a look of mocking humor. “By kneeling? By allowing her to seize my title and command my people? Perhaps I should offer her these chambers as well. Better, I’ll just offer them to you again, seeing as I’m sure you’ll be sharing a bed. Shall I fuck her as well? As I want to be just as smart as you, Jon.”

so if you couldn’t tell from the summary, this one is sassy af. it features darkish/dominant!jon, which is my jam, and is pretty much just 10k of smut, which is also my jam.

it’s a small crime, and i’ve got no excuse by mxash. 5/5, 8214k.

“did you see her?” sansa snarled, a hand come to pull at his collar, pulling his mouth down only hairs from her own. “your targaryen queen has dressed as though she was a whore to catch your eye.” jon smirked as she bit his lip. what was this? dany had almost recoiled in her disgust and shock, but she hadn’t been able to pull herself away from the horrific sight. my lover and his own sister.

this one serves some dark!jonsa realness, and it deserves more comments/kudos. it is written entirely in lowercase, but don’t let that distract you. the characters are dark, and devoted, and who doesn’t love d.ny catching jon and sansa fucking? seriously, this one is a must-read.

Dark in Bloom by @orangeflavoryawp​. oneshot, 8304k.

"His gravity wavers, the axis of his world tilted to the measure of her lips." - Jon and Sansa. The stain of desire bleeds slowly between them.

yeah orange, i’m reccing one of your own fics to you. seriously though, this is just like ... mindblowing. i cannot overstate how much i love this one. i literally will just randomly remember it sometimes, when i’m just going about my daily business, and i’m like “shit, that fic by orange was a masterpiece. love it.” so, yeah, if that doesn’t tell you how much i love it, then idk what will.

what i’m asking by @amymel86​. oneshot, 1173k.

"I'm not here to talk about that," Theon says, setting off another, thankfully smaller coughing fit. "I'm here to talk about Sansa."

Jon can feel the blood drain from his face. "Is she ill?"

Theon shakes his head, lifting his eyes to Jon as he coughs into his fist. "No," he finally says, his lungs giving him a small reprieve. "The Queen is in her prime. Which is why you are needed."

okay, ya’ll obvi know of amy. she writes so much fantastic fic. but i feel like this one kind of flew under the radar? which is a CRIME tbh. this fic was so ... it was so heartbreaking, but in the best way. it’s not that divergent from canon, bc the main thing that is truly different is that theon lives. seriously love this fic.

A Toss of the Coin by Paige242. one-shot, 3793.

Years after the war, the Queen in the North and the pardoned Queenslayer welcome their first child. Old traits emerge, and Jon worries about this Dragon in a den of Wolves.

ok, so this is a future fic where jon and sansa married. i don’t even know how to describe this one. it isn’t jonsa focused, but that doesn’t make it any less brilliant. it is so unique, and i’m yet to read another fic that explores the idea of one of jonsa’s kids inheriting some targaryen madness. there IS a part two, which was just as amazing. pls do yourself a favour and read this!

Choose by @esther-dot​. oneshot, 5630k

“I know the cost of our loves. I know too well how they fall on the scale, one outweighing the other. I know what you tried to tell me. I know.” She was looking at him now, and he was afraid, but he would say the words that he had been unable to silence. “I never had the chance to choose you, but I would. I would choose you every time.”

THE DIALOGUE IN THIS IS INCREDIBLE. i just reread this to try and find my fave quote, but i actually can’t even pick. there are just so many amazing conversations, between sansa and jon, sansa and d.ny, arya and jon .. ugh, the list goes on. love this, please read.

Wink Wink, Nudge Nudge by alltheshinywords. one-shot, 3187k.

Post 8x03, slightly AU. Tormund and Jaime inexplicably find themselves becoming matchmakers when they notice a certain chemistry between Jon Snow and Sansa Stark. Extreme fluff and silliness.

this one is the least angsty on the list, and honestly it’s just such a good time. i remember reading this while s8 was airing, and honestly it was just so light hearted that i laughed out loud several times, despite being heartbroken over what happening in the show.

canon, but alternative universe

leave behind a love story by aetherae. one-shot, 9562k.

Maybe if things had been different, they wouldn't be like this. They would be worse.

ok, so, despite the summary, i naively went into this expecting a happy ending. yeah, so, no. however, this was one of the most interesting fics i’ve read in a while, because each universe it explored was so different to the ones i usually see floating around. and the writing was SUPERB.

i fell in love with a war (and nobody told me it ended) by mountainsbeyondmountains. one-shot, 18752k.

In which the North and the South have been at war for years, and Sansa unexpectedly finds herself on the run with a certain Targaryen bastard.

this is an avatar/bender au, and it is GLORIOUS. after i read this, i promptly devoured every other fic this author has written bc i loved it so much. the bending is just a backdrop to the amazing enemies-lovers this fic delivers.

modern au

Fuel and Fire by @zarahjoyce​. currently 4608k, 4/?, WIP.

"You see?" Sansa says, smiling now. "If you really have to have a room far away from me, seems like you need to move into a different hotel." As an afterthought she adds, "Or to another planet."

"Bet you'd just love that, wouldn't you?" Jon asks her.

"Loads," she snarls.

He takes a deep breath, all the while just looking at her.

Truth be told Jon will give anything in the world to be able to just-- just--

-

Jon and Sansa, and all the tropes applicable to them.

All. The. Tropes.

ok so zarah in general writes AMAZING fic, they’re always so creative and inventive and i’m always genuinely shook by the fic they write. but like, this one is the god tier one BC TROPES.

when we kiss: mmmm, fire by @dancemajicdance​. 8/8, 39705k.

Sansa might be seeing someone casually, but thanks to Arya, Robb, and Theon, it’s Jon who’s got the inside track on how to get Sansa to take him seriously.

aka: the one where jon finds out that sansa has a daddy kink, and he uses it to seduce her away from the dating scene and into his arms, heeeey-oh!

yes yes, it’s a daddy kink fic, and it’s fucking glorious alright. if that’s not your thing though (even though i’m pretty sure this fic is EVERYONE’S thing) then please, for the love of god, check out the rest of their stuff on ao3. you won’t regret it. even though they don’t write much jonsa anymore, the prolific contributions they HAVE made will go down in history as some of the best jonsa ever written imo.

As Long As We're Going Down by @alienor-woods​. 9/12, currently 42228k, WIP.

Four years after Stannis Baratheon wins the Battle of the Blackwater, Sansa Stark finds herself summoned back to King's Landing to serve as a bridesmaid at Crown Princess Shireen's wedding. When King Stannis tries to marry Sansa off to his illegitimate nephew, Edric, she thinks quick and tells him she's already married--

--to her bodyguard, Jon Snow.

i actually don’t know how to explain how much i love this. it’s written so beautifully, and it’s so realistic and just ugh. read it. the adaption to modern royalty is the best i’ve ever read, and the characters are very raw, and very realistic. (also, yes, the characters have gotten together at this point in the story, in case you were scared of committing to a wip without the satisfaction of some hot and heavy scenes).

[aegon]

now that I’ve had time to process what happened, I’m not as emotional about the ending as I am just fucking furious at the insult.

you spend years - I still had goddamn braces, put hearts over my i’s and was at my peak gothic phase when this bullshit first started so fucking years - building an inherently thoughtful narrative that was just so rich and complex and emotional with a fascinating range of strong characters, all leading towards an epic conclusion of the end of the world, of the ultimate fight for survival that explored such intricate concepts as life, death, justice blah dee fucking blah.

you spend so much time making me give a shit about these characters, of showing me how painfully human they are, their tragedies, their journeys, their redemptions, their rise and fall and every bullshit in-between.

for it all to the thrown away in single-handedly the most expensive piece of shit I’ve ever seen. the producers pretty much took a massive dump while jerking each other off, sprinkled it with benjamin franklins, threw in some gratuitous dragon cgi, and called it a day.

nothing matters. that’s the lesson. the ones that won are the ones that did fucking nothing to deserve it, and the ones who lost are the ones who sacrificed everything for the ungrateful gremlins we’re apparently supposed to be rooting for.

and everything else? yeah, fuck you and your redemption arc, jaime. oh hey rhaegar, guess what, you asshole? your kids mean diddly squat. no, really, the whole prophecy and prince who was promised garbage was all shits and giggles. the wood witch was high on crack and azor ahai is an anagram for “kiss my ass, you dumbfucks.”

arya didn’t need to learn how to change faces. she could have literally spent years learning how to knife flip and stabbing a block of ice, and nothing would need to change from this last season. nymeria? wolf pack? lmao who gives a fuck, certainly not the writers. then she peaces the fuck out after spending five hot minutes with her fucked up family, probably to find some good plot because fuck knows you can’t find it in this wankfest.

bran’s warging abilities and his grand mystical journey were all about him eyefucking whatever poor soul walked by or cosplaying as a bird and flapping about fucking uselessly until he could roll up dramatically in the end like “hey fam I’m here to be king lmao, look I brought starbucks.”

jon didn’t actually come back to serve some great purpose. the truth is, he fucking bored everyone in the afterlife with his impressions of a miserable puppy so the lord of light told mel to get him the fuck out because he was ruining game night.

and sansa? oh well our darling sansa did nothing for two seasons but sow discord in her own family and endanger a valuable alliance that was made to save her useless sack of shit of a home. if we’re supposed to see dany executing slavers as villainous, why in the fuckity fuck should I be rooting for a girl whose greatest asset USED to be courtesy and being kind and missing her family, but who’s now some knock-off cersei/littlefinger lovechild whose throne is built on the ashes of the bridges she burned to get there. she’s left all alone in some cold ass, broke ass, racist ass kingdom with no one she loves and no one who loves her because they’ve all peaced out, and that’s supposed to be a happy ending. power cravings are a hell of a drug. but hey, we got our yaaaasssss queeeeeeen moment and that’s enough for a certain portion of her fandom so good for her.

and dany? dany spends years fighting for the people and for freedom and justice and to break away from the toxicity of her family’s tarnished legacy to reestablish the vision of what house targaryen should always have been. but fuck that bullshit, bells are her kryptonite, and she’s the big bad evil for using harsh methods to rid the world of assholes. the audacity. dany should have done what tyrion and jon do to their enemies which is give them a hug and ask them pretty please with sugar on top not to be evil because westeros is a pacifist continent and no one has ever used violence ever. fuck me.

the dothraki just kinda forgot they’re supposed to follow a khal but it was really very sweet of them and the unsullied to care so much about westerosi customs as to wait for the punishment of the man who murdered their queen to be processed in an orderly and lawful fashion. how quaint.

and then they kindly fucked off before seeing the sentence through because they’re so stupidly trusting of a bunch of dickwad lords who wanted their queen dead. mmkay. also let’s just ignore the fact that either sansa or bran could issue jon a pardon the way robert issued jaime a pardon but clearly neither of them gave enough of a fuck for their brother to give him the choice for where he’d like to spend the rest of his life. also his name and blood makes him a threat to both their thrones so condemning him to the wall strips him of any right, whether he likes it or not....so bye forever jon try not to die again xxxx

the pack survives? nah, the pack used each other as a means of reaching their goals then cast each other side the moment they had what they wanted.

ned stark’s legacy, my fucking ass.

but all that aside, you know what the most insulting part of all this is?

in their pursuit to break clichés and give us some bullshit moral lesson about leadership, they contradict themselves to an idiotic degree where even the biggest dumbass could see through it.

the whole argument that was literally shoved into our face for episodes and used against dany was that the “one who doesn’t want to be king, would be a good king.” ignoring the fact that ambition is an incredibly important factor in any good leader, this lesson serves to insult d&d’s favourite character.

enter: sansa stark, character dreaming of the throne for an entire eight seasons. are d&d implying she won’t be a good queen because everything she’s done is because she wants to be queen? or were they too busy jerking themselves off to sansa to see the picture they were painting of her reign?

the next argument the show failed to realise they fucked up: the lannisters, the tyrells, petyr baelish - all were punished for adopting a ruthless machiavellian sociopathic mindset to win the game of thrones, betraying everyone around them and sacrificing family and allies along the way.

enter: house stark. sansa betrays jon’s trust (and is rightfully not given forgiveness for it because fuck that). bran apparently knew that king’s landing would burn and that his brother and sister would suffer for it but lmao he’s about to be king so who gives a fuck. arya does not see or feel the need to stand by her family to see them through this fragile transition of power because she wants to go exploring. no one in this godforsaken family apparently loved each other enough. and yeah, welcome to the new house lannister. wolves and lions aren’t so different. both prey on the weak, after all.

and finally, fuck you, bronn, you fan-serviced jumped up fuck. a mercenary with zero development and who offers nothing to the narrative is now the lord of the richest region in the realm. nice.

okay, i’m done now.

[moon-ruled-rising]

as the rain hides the stars

Read the full story on ao3...

ix: just an arrogant son of a bitch

You can’t blame me darling,

not even a little bit.

And I’m just an arrogant son of a bitch,

who can’t admit when he’s sorry

-Harry Styles, “To Be So Lonely”

Sitting in the cavernous official office of King Rhaegar Targaryen felt unsettling. Whether it was the dark color scheme or the dragon statues leering at him, Jon couldn’t say, but the subject they were gathered to discuss certainly didn’t help.

They were situated around a smaller table in the room, not the impressive desk at the other end. Papers were splayed around and Ned and Rhaegar spent hours discussing each point in the new contract. Daenerys stewed in silent rage across from Jon, as she had that morning.

The Starks were invited to breakfast in the formal dining room with the royal family. Jon expected another stuffy, extravagant hall with a mile long table weighed down by hundreds of food options. The Targaryens basking in the glory of their ostentatious wealth. What he got surprised him. 

The impressive chandeliers were off in favor of the natural light from the tall windows. The mile long dining table was much more modest with just enough seats to fit all of them in. And the light breakfast foods were offered on a platter in the center. 

The only open seat was across from the Princess and Jon swallowed down the curses he wanted to utter. She had her back to the windows, the morning sunlight making a halo out of her white gold hair. The princess looked up when he entered, something strange flickering in her eyes before she tore her gaze away. Under any other circumstances, Jon would’ve appreciated the beautiful scene and maybe tried his hand at a compliment, but considering their confrontation the night before he thought it best if he kept his mouth shut.

Just the look of her brought back images of last night. Wet hair over a black clad shoulder, a whiskey bottle clasped in a pale hand. The drenched, see-through slip and a pair of violent violet eyes trying to conceal their anger at the world.

She avoided eye contact with him the whole time, preferring to push her food around her plate and throw a few disinterested comments Elia’s way. 

She spoke to Jon only once, breaking her pointless silence to say, “I trust your jacket made it back to you.”

“In perfect condition,” he answered. 

They returned to their silence for the rest of the breakfast. Occasionally, Jon would sneak a glance at her, only to find that she was looking at him too. They both averted their eyes and went back to their food.

The two played the same game as Rhaegar and Ned discussed yet another point on the treaty. 

“There is one thing I would like to propose as an amendment to the contract,” the young woman spoke up, straightening her posture from the slouched, disinterested pose before.

“What’s that Daenerys?”

“The Crown Matrimonial.”

King Eddard sighed and Jon tightened his hands around the arm rests to keep his face from betraying him.

Reading the change in demeanor the princess asked, “Is there a problem?”

Eddard began, “No, it’s-”

“You’ve no right to it,” Jon blurted

She arched an eyebrow at him, tilting her chin up in defiance.

“What my son means is that traditionally the crown matrimonial is-”

“I know. Only granted when the consort in question proves themselves worthy through an act of honor or great courage. I think entering a lifelong commitment to provide your country with supplies to make it through winter is an honorable action.”

“Dany…” Rhaegar sighed.

As she turned her head to look at her brother, Jon noticed the numerous braids in her hair. All wrapped and pinned around each other with precision. She looked like a queen sitting on a war council, carefully planning her next strategic move.

“Normally, the honorable action is childbirth or, in ancient cases, serving in war. It’s a title that must be earned, not bartered away. I hope you understand that this is the reason we withhold the crown matrimonial.” Ned explained.

Rheagar and Daenerys exchanged looks, the King’s eyes burning in warning.

“Is there any way we could keep it on the table?”

“Of course but the final decision rests with the Council of High Lords.”

Jon didn’t want to believe what he was hearing. Were they really so desperate? 

Daenerys hummed, “No crown, no contract.”

With that she stood and strode from the room, as though it was a casual conversation between passers-by.

“I’m very sorry about her. She just needs time.” Rhaegar collected the papers and put them into a folder marked with the Targaryen crest.

Ned nodded, “I understand.”

“She asked that we give her a month before anything is finalized.”

“And if she decides against this?” Jon asked.

Rhaegar reached for a second folder and opened it, “ I doubt she will but, just to be safe, we planned a month-long tour of the North. If you give her a chance to see why your people need her, she’ll be sympathetic. Daenerys may not act it but she has the biggest heart in this family.”

The tour of the North was strategic to say the least. The first stop in White Harbor, a public appearance at one of the homeless shelters there, then to Winterfell for a few days before setting off to the Mountain Clans. They would arrive in time for Midsummer celebrations. 

It would be fun to watch the southern princess try to understand the ancient celebrations. He couldn’t wait to see her reaction when they told her it was rude to not participate.

When he returned to his rooms he found Robb and Sansa planning a night out. And before he knew it he was dressed up and towed to a rented car.

Sansa made a big deal about wanting to spend more time exploring the city instead of stuck in the castle where they felt like outsiders. Jon knew she just wanted to be seen by the somebodies of King’s Landing.

“Sansa, where are we going?”

“I heard a couple of ladies talking about the Dragonpit last night.”

“The Dragonpit?” Robb rolled his eyes.

Everything in the damned city had a dragon theme to it even when the business didn’t exclude dragon energy.

“It’s super exclusive with tight security and I think we should go.”

“What makes you think they’ll let you in? You’re still seventeen.” Jon joked.

Sansa protested in her usual way, “And three-fourths! Besides, my age doesn’t matter because I’m somebody.”

“Yeah, everyone in the South knows who we are.” Robb’s sarcastic comment had no effect on her positive disposition.

“They will by the time we leave.”

The Dragonpit was in the basement of a high rise in the New City. Cameramen crowded the entrance, held back by a velvet rope. The flashes of their cameras like lightning in a summer storm, their shouts the accompanying thunder. 

Sansa walked down the paved path with all the confidence of a queen. Flipping her hair and smiling for the cameras, flanked by her brothers. Robb gave his best performance but Jon couldn’t find it in him to fake anything. The bouncer didn’t even try to stop her and as they descended the stairs, they found themselves in another world.

The name ‘The Dragonpit’ insinuated a medieval vibe but the space beneath the building was ultra modern. The dance floor was crowded, the people revealed through flashes of the stage lights surrounding the DJ’s booth. Low red lights around the club signaled where the extra seating was. Sansa went straight to the dance floor, Robb following to keep an eye on her. Jon however, went straight for the bar. 

The backlit liquor options and the black marble countertop were too fancy. The heavy bass from the music made it so Jon had to shout his order to the bartender. His unwillingness to be there doubling by the second. 

A commotion at the entrance drew his attention. The song blasting through the speakers faded out and the DJ proclaimed over his mic, “Looks like a special guest just dropped in. Ladies and gentlemen, Her Royal Highness Daenerys Targaryen!”

This time Jon did swear, the applause and cheers loud enough to drown him out. The Gods had it out for him, he was certain of that now.

The track switched back on, the bass reverberating through the crowded club again. Jon’s eyes followed her as she was swallowed by the people on the dance floor. The bright strobe lights reflected off her silvery hair and the impractical hoops hanging from her ears threw it any which way.

It wasn’t long until she made her way to the bar.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” she complained when she saw him. 

Her hair was still braided from earlier but the short red dress was a complete turn around from the soft grey sweater she’d worn that morning.

“If you care to know, my sister dragged me here.”

“You’re sister? Isn’t she a bit young to be going to clubs?”

“No one tells Sansa no.”

“Maybe someone should.” Despite her previous rudeness upon seeing him, she sat next to him.

“I understand you changed your mind,” Jon said, eyeing her.

“I didn’t change my mind, I bought myself time.”

“So you can try to wiggle your way out of having responsibility?”

Instead of the deathly stare he expected, she arched a brow at him.

“So I don’t have to spend the rest of my life with you.”

The bartender came around and took her attention away.

“A Braavosi Apple Martini and a Dragon’s Blood.”

“Cocktails? You were drinking stronger stuff last night.”

“I’m here with Missandei and I’m banned from drinking in public.”

“Whatever you say,” he smirked.

He knew what game he was playing. It was how he got Theon to do anything stupid. Jon didn’t want Daenerys to embarrass herself but their love of liquor was the only thing they had in common.

“You don’t know anything about me,” she sneered.

“No, but I’ve heard plenty.”

Her jaw tightened and she lengthened her neck. Jon learned quickly that it was her little way of gathering confidence, preparing for battle.

“Fine,” she declared and reached over the bar, “If that’s how you want to play it.”

She slammed down two shot glasses. The bartender came over with her previous order and she demanded a bottle of Crown Royal.

He knew he should’ve stayed away from the alcohol, it never ended well, but the princess was a challenge he was determined to beat.

“Let’s turn it into a game. We make assumptions about each other. For each one you get right, I take a shot and vice versa.”

“I have to warn you, I’m very good at reading people.”

“Unfortunately for you, I’m impossible to read.”

Jon shook his head, no one was impossible to read. Bastards had to learn to notice things and that aspect of his nature was honed during his military time.

“Ladies first,” he offered, sliding his original glass out of the way.

She narrowed her violet eyes at him, scanning his face.

“Your best friend is your brother.”

Jon took the shot then considered Daenerys as she refilled his glass.

“You’ve played this game before.”

“That’s obvious,” she pointed out, the edge of the glass hovering in front of her lips.

The nude shade she wore was soft and inviting unlike the vicious red of the night before. Jon found himself watching as they parted into a smirk before taking her shot.

“You smoke. You told everyone you quit but you still do it.”

Jon took his shot.

“How the fuck did you know that?”

“When you gave me your jacket last night.” she reached into her bag and slid the pack across the bar. “You left your pack in the pocket.”

“And you’ve been carrying it around with you?”

She shrugged, “There might be a couple missing. Your turn.”

A few shots later, Missandei came over to see what was taking Dany so long. She saw them together and simply grabbed her drink and told Jon to keep an eye on her.

“You joined the military because you felt like you had something to prove.” she stated.

Jon couldn’t refuse her and took the shot. The previous assumptions were light, simple things that barely scratched the surface of a person, but Daenerys made it clear that she wanted to move on. She had ripped away the skin and was ready to tear into the meat of her prey. 

“You ran off to college to escape your family.”

“And this dreadful city,” she added before tipping back the glass.

“Your father is the reason for your discharge from the military, not an accident, like your profile said.”

Shot. It was only half true.

“You’ve been with more than three people.”

Shot.

“You’ve never been with anyone.”

He allowed himself a stupid smirk as her eyes shifted from the shi\ot glass to him.

“Am I wrong?”

 “Yes.”

She looked at him as though she didn’t believe it before reaching over the bar and taking the shot for him. 

“For getting one wrong,” she excused.

As they carried Jon felt the pressure building in his head as he tried to come up with something.

“Your relationship with the Dothraki Khal was much deeper than people know.”

Her jaw ticked as the words left his mouth. She furiously threw the shot back, setting the glass down with more effort than needed. He’d really struck a nerve. He should’ve backed off and sober him would’ve but the alcohol made him bolder. It blurred the lines between the self he presented and the one that looked at the world through a bitter lens.

They continued, the world blurred around the edges but both of them were determined to get the other to quit. Especially Daenerys. 

“You hate me.”

Gone was the diplomacy and tact. She was messy, trying to get as many hits on him as she could, trying to get him where it hurt. Jon thought he saw how ruthless she could be last night but she proved herself to be even more devastating now.

He clasped his hand around the shot glass but when it came time to take it, he paused. He wanted to take the shot, to throw it in her face that she didn’t phase him and her little games were pointless, but something deep in his mind stopped him. 

She took note of his hesitation, “Well?”

The smug look on her face was all it took. Before he could second guess it, the liquor was sliding down his throat. He found comfort in the way it burned. 

“Good because I can’t stand you either.”

He didn’t need to think hard on what he would say to her, he’d figured it out last night. 

“You’re in love with that Tyrohsi millionaire- what was his name? Daario Naharis?”

From the way her eyes widened Jon knew he caught her off guard. The corner of her mouth twitched like she wanted to say something, but she snatched up the glass and downed her shot.

She slapped money down on the counter for their alcohol and leaned in close, “Don’t ever say that name again.”

 “I thought you didn’t get attached.”

She released a bitter laugh, “I don’t usually. But I’m a woman and we’re known to get too emotionally involved. The press has been profiting off of that my whole life.”

“If you weren’t so public with your exploits, the media wouldn’t have so much stake in your life.”

“Let’s think about this critically for a moment. If you were to exhibit the same behaviors-”

“I wouldn’t-”

“Don’t interrupt me,” she snapped.

Jon didn’t think the look in her eyes could turn any more venomous but it did.

“If you were to do the same things, people wouldn’t bat an eye because you’re a man. I don’t care what higher moral authority you think you have but don’t assume for one second that makes you better than me. If the roles were reversed, your reputation wouldn’t be affected at all.”

“That’s where you're wrong,” Jon corrected.

“Oh really? Explain it to me.”

“I was born a bastard. When I was legitimized that title didn’t go away, it was put under a magnifying glass. If I stepped out of line there would be more than whispers in the court. It’s not only my reputation on the line, it’s my family’s.”

He stopped himself before he could mention the underlying tensions with the other high lords. That was deeper than he needed to go. And there was no need to discuss private matters of state with a woman who could care less.

She was quiet in that contemplative way when people thought things over. Jon was reminded of last night, when his outburst led to her reconsideration of the marriage contract. That same night he realized he was the only person who had ever told her off. She could’ve used that during their meeting to free herself from the arrangement but she didn’t. Not for the first time did Jon wonder what was going on in that pretty, stubborn head of hers.

���Do you think I have a higher moral authority now?”

“No. But I’m not one to ignore the pressures and restrictions monarchy puts on us. Let’s call it a truce. At least until you give me another reason for an alcohol fueled confrontation.”

She held her Dragon’s Blood cocktail up, her face betraying no emotion. Not even a smile at their hastily made peace. He clinked her glass with his empty one. She retreated to the dance floor where her friend was, surprisingly sturdy on her high heels with the alcohol she’d consumed. Then again, she boasted about her ability to hold liquor. 

He had no interest in joining the mass of bodies and heat that was the dance floor. He preferred to observe what kind of foolishness took place.

Sansa danced near the edge of the floor, Robb kept an eye on her from outside the commotion. He was usually in the middle of it all but Talisa gave him quite the talk before they left. It was a good thing Robb was taking it seriously. Jon liked having Talisa around.

One of the spotlights blazed across the crowd and Jon’s eyes followed. When they landed on the braided, white-blonde hair of Princess Daenerys, he didn’t look away. She mouthed the words to the song with her eyes closed, head thrown back and body moving with the beat. The track ended and as the crowd on the floor responded to the DJ, she looked dead at Jon. A new bassline rumbled through the club and she was leaving.  For the second time that day, she was storming out because of Jon.

[noisemakerreviews]

Game of Thrones, 8:3 “The Long Night”

It’s been a while! What better way to come back from the dark is to review an equally as dimly lit episode of our favourite TV show. 

So, let’s get right into it.

Also, needless to say, this post is dark and full of spoilers, so beware.

We won’t get into the mechanics of strategy on Dany’s part, because sending the Dothraki in head-first while everyone else stayed behind and waited didn’t seem like the best course of action, but nobody questions the Unburnt without getting torched themselves, so you do you, Khaleesi. Let’s dissect that scene a bit more, because what more could we have asked for within the first five minutes than the Dothraki wielding fire-swords into the night? (I guess better lighting... thanks, Melisandre.)

This episode was chock-full of haunting and powerful images. Firstly, the Dothraki slowly being extinguished, both literally and figuratively. This is a huge loss for Daenerys and her army, and the Night King is chuckling from the cloud’s with the late Robert Baratheon’s, “Only a fool would meet the Dothraki in an open field” line all the way back in season one. 

The battle commences and all the MVPs are charging: Brienne --- ahem, Ser Brienne --- Jaime, Podrick, Sam, Edd, Tormund, the Hound, Beric, Grey Worm, Jorah, the list goes on. I must have gone into cardiac arrest at least seven times during the episode. I didn’t know I could hold my breath for an hour and a half, but here we are. The Battle of Ice and Fire had a very Battle of the Bastards-esque feel to it, which worked, and was full of action --- sometimes to the point that I couldn’t even make out if someone was dying or not. (Looking at you, Brienne, Tormund, and Jaime...)

Let’s move on to Jon and Dany exploring a whole new world atop Rhaegal and Drogon. An airborne fight that severely stressed me out, the aunt-nephew duo went after the Night King to try and end the fight before it began. Essentially, the only thing that was accomplished was the Night King being thrown from Viserion and Rhaegal getting injured. This scene was frustrating because I think that they could have used the dragons far more effectively, i.e., lighting up Viserion at the very least. We find out later that dragon-fire doesn’t have any effect on the Night King, but there’s no reason to believe that it wouldn’t have fatally injured Viserion. 

The crypts were, shocker, unsafe. But let’s hone in on that chilling scene between Tyrion and Sansa. Did anyone else think that a murder-suicide was about to transpire, or was that just me? The once-married couple shared a funny, but slightly heartbreaking conversation earlier on, and Sansa deemed Tyrion “the best of” her list of husbands. We see them later huddled behind a likeness of a late Stark, Sansa clutching her dragonglass dagger that Arya gifted her, and Tyrion taking her hand and bestowing a kiss against it. It’s a glimpse into the humanity the show captures beautifully amidst the literal end of the world. 

Moving on, we have to talk about our queen, our lord and saviour, our absolute G.O.A.T. ... Lyanna Mormont. Move over, Arya, we get that you saved the world, but we all know who the true woman of the series is. From the beginning, Lady Mormont was a force to be reckoned with and an instant fan favourite. Though we knew her chances for survival were slim to none this episode, I couldn’t have imagined a better way for her to go out. She struck fear into the hearts of men twice, even three times her size, all while looking cute as a button. Rest in power, Killer of Giants. 

Speaking of powerful, tiny women who men underestimate, we’ll discuss our other queen, Arya Stark. From the beginning she’s been an outcast, proving that she will not succumb to societal norms expected of women in Westeros. The only people who seemingly nurtured this tendency were Jon, who gave her the strong advice, “Stick them with the pointy end,” --- a line repeated to Sansa just before the battle began --- and Ned, her late father who we all still dearly miss. Arya snuck her way through the halls of Winterfell, her kill count climbing faster than she could run. Stress levels were high and I worried that the Girl with No Name was going to be no more, but the Kill Bill sirens activated and the Hound and Beric Dondarrion came in with the assist. Though we lost Beric, his purpose was finally served, and Melisandre greeted the Hound and Arya to reassure them that the Lord of Light’s plan is still in action.

Plus, Syrio Forel totally came back to us through the Red Woman. 

Theon is one of the most rounded characters on the show, and his development is astounding. It rivals that of Jaime Lannister, and as much as I want to hate the last male Greyjoy heir, I just can’t. His real life began and ended within the walls of Winterfell. The downfall of his journey started when he overtook Winterfell back in season two and ‘burned’ Bran and Rickon alive to gain power and stock with his followers. Of course, the youngest Stark boys were unharmed, but that doesn’t excuse the fact that Theon murdered two innocent children. Bran has since forgiven him, calling him a “good man” before the fighting begins. Theon fights until the end, and suffers an honourable death at the hands of the Night King, protecting Bran and keeping his promise until his dying breath. 

Just when we think all hope is lost, in true Game of Thrones fashion, a twist flies through the air (literally) and Arya’s talented knife-work ends the Long Night. I’m sure you screamed as loud as I did when every second of A Girl’s training led up to this moment, and all prophecies were fulfilled. 

I thought this choice to give the kill to Arya was a smart one. The Night King directly and physically embodies Death, and Death isn’t concerned with a power struggle, kingdoms, or battles. As Bran stated, the Night King is only concerned about the Three-Eyed Raven, and cleansing the earth of the living --- has he been talking to Thanos?

A fight with Jon would have been exciting, but it was evident by his survival of dragon-fire that the Night King cannot be defeated by sheer force or strength. Arya was the only one who could outsmart him, and the Night King could have only been feasibly defeated by a game of wits. Also, who doesn’t like a badass, strong female lead killing the second coldest villain in the show? Behind Cersei, of course.

Speaking of whom, I am sincerely anxious (and excited) for the latter half of the final season. Dany’s army has faced serious losses, such as the Dothraki and the Unsullied, and essentially she just has the manpower that survived the inner walls of Winterfell. Both of her dragons have been injured, though we see in the preview that they are able to fly. Cersei has 20,000 fresh troops, dragon harpoons, a mind sadistic and strategic enough to blow up half the city, and presumably the wildfire to bring that possibility to life. 

There is still a lot to come in the last three episodes, but if the Night King subplot is over, then this episode made all the waiting and speculating worth it. All in all, a solid episode with a solid plot, and a twist that people will be talking about for weeks, months, maybe even years to come.

All images courtesy of HBO. 

[wiseabsol]

A Selection of Abby’s Favorite Fanfics

Artemis Fowl: The Aztec Incident by AgiVega  

Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/2055830/1/Artemis-Fowl-The-Aztec-Incident

Fandom: Artemis Fowl - Eoin Colfer

Summary: 26-year-old Artemis Fowl gets the greatest surprise of his life when Commander Holly Short pays him a visit, pleading for his help. They need to team up to save their son, whose existence Artemis has been unaware of….

+

Artemis Fowl: The Sword of God by AgiVega  

Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/2593669/1/Artemis-Fowl-The-Sword-of-God

Fandom: Artemis Fowl - Eoin Colfer

Summary: Sequel to the Aztec Incident. Despite having Holly at his side, Artemis is depressed, he cannot overcome the loss of his genius. Only time can heal him… in both senses of the word.

My thoughts on this duology: One of my favorites as a teenager, which I printed a hard-copy of. It has great comedic timing and, all in all, is a fun adventure romp.

A City of Fortune and Failure by justadram  

Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9287426/1/A-City-of-Fortune-and-Failure

Fandom: A Song of Ice and Fire - George R. R. Martin

Summary: Amidst maneuvers and intrigue, heartbreak and betrayal, bankruptcy and political scandal, the players jockey for power, money, and prestige in a game of business, politics, and love in New York City. Modern AU. Multi-ship. Central ships: Ned/Cat, Cersei/Jaime, Dany/Jorah, Jon/Sansa.

My thoughts: A masterful modern AU of the ASOIAF universe, with a happier ending than one would think, given the source material.  

Disengagement by turtle_paced

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/1142807/chapters/2312623

Fandom: A Song of Ice and Fire - George R. R. Martin

Summary: The killing of Mad King Aerys Targaryen by person or persons unknown worked out well for virtually everyone, including Jaime Lannister. Disgraced for failing his king (if only they knew) and tasked with protecting no-longer-a-Princess Rhaenys Targaryen until she can be wed to Robert’s eldest legitimate son (whenever Robert gets around to producing one), Jaime must go north with the Starks (a prickly, judgmental lot) to look after her. Cold, bored, and guarding a five-year-old, Jaime might yet learn to be a truly honourable knight – but even far from King’s Landing and Cersei, his dangerous secrets might catch up with him. Worse, his aren’t the only dangerous secrets in the North….

My thoughts: One of my go-to AU stories when I need something that is kinder to Rhaenys and when I want a solid political story to sink my teeth into. turtle_paced’s take on the ASOIAF world is spot-on, so if you want something that feels like Martin’s work, this is it.  

The Princess and the Septa by Julia_Martell

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/4141185/chapters/9340335

Fandom: A Song of Ice and Fire - George R. R. Martin

Summary: Septa Eglantine’s duty was to accompany Myrcella to Dorne. Princess Arianne’s duty was to graciously receive her. But neither woman was quite prepared for the other.

My thoughts: This poignant story will break your heart and fill you with father-daughter feels. It also acts as a lead-in to the Dornish theatre in the books.  

A Wedding in Sunspear by Julia_Martell

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/4903933/chapters/11247469

Fandom: A Song of Ice and Fire - George R. R. Martin

Summary: The Seven Kingdoms have been at peace for ten years as the great and powerful gather in Sunspear for the marriage of Princess Loreza Nymeros Martell. But old tensions are just below the surface. Love and duty, hate and pride, anger and ambition. There’s nothing like a wedding to make emotions run high.

My thoughts: If you’re looking for a lovingly detailed exploration of Dornish culture and how it grates against Westerosi patriarchal norms, this is a great story to dig into. Alysanne’s chapters in particular leave me gutted every time.  

The Not So Dead Ladies Club by La Reine Noire

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/series/801072

Fandom: A Song of Ice and Fire - George R. R. Martin

Summary: Two women survive Robert's Rebellion and everything changes. An Elia Martell/Lyanna Stark story.

My thoughts: This story satisfies the part of me that desperately wanted Elia Martell and Lyanna Stark to have more agency in ASOIAF, and for them and their children to have a hopeful future. Also, who needs Rhaegar?  

dream of the lotus in bloom by Pulpo Fiction ��

Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8442158/1/dream-of-the-lotus-in-bloom

Fandom: Avatar The Last Airbender / The Legend of Korra

Summary: Fourteen years ago, a masked man intercepts a letter to the White Lotus, breaks into the home of a young Water Tribe couple, and leaves with their only daughter. Now, she is seventeen. An Equalist!Korra AU.

My thoughts: This story take the potential of season one of LOK and ramps it up, giving more weight to the Equalist movement and making Amon’s and Korra’s relationship much more complicated and painful.  

Of Finding Innocence by FanficwriterGHC

Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/7176396/1/Of-Finding-Innocence

Fandom: Castle

Summary: When Kate Beckett went to get her book signed by Richard Castle, she never imagined that she'd end up meeting his daughter, much less offering to babysit for the afternoon. AU.

My thoughts: Pure, fluffy goodness. This is what I re-read when I need something tooth-achingly sweet. The romance between Beckett and Castle also builds slowly, after months of friendship, which makes my demi heart happy.

Forward by Peptuck  

Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/4099993/1/Forward

Fandom: Firefly

Summary: Following the Miranda broadwave, there’s only one direction for Malcolm Reynolds and his crew to go. Post-BDM, Series.

My thoughts: An AU continuation of Firefly and Serenity, in which Book and Wash survive and continue going on adventures with the crew. Book’s backstory here is much more interesting than the version in the comics; the sci fi plots--namely surrounding psychic experimentation--are more fleshed out and chilling; and the sexism in the show surrounding Kaylee, Inara, and River has mercifully been ripped out.    

Harry Potter and the Nightmares of Futures Past by S'TarKan

Link: http://www.viridiandreams.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=5545

Fandom: Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling

Summary: The War is over and Voldemort is finally dead. Too bad there's no one left to celebrate. Harry risks everything, even returning Voldemort to life, for a chance to go back and do it right this time.

My thoughts: This is an emotional time-travel fic that gives secondary characters like Ginny, Luna, and Neville more chances to shine. In general, it’s a fun action/adventure ride, albeit one that is more violent than the original series.

Time, Interrupted by Madm05  

Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/2948865/1/Time-Interrupted

Fandom: Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling

Summary: After she is murdered, Hermione’s soul is sent back in time in order to prevent Harry from becoming the next Dark Lord, but quickly learns her task is not as easy as she thought it would be. A second chance story, with a twist. Eventual HHr.

My thoughts: This is one of my favorite Harmony fics, because it is super sweet (with the exception of a few dark moments) and Remus and Sirius become prominent figures in Hermione and Harry’s childhoods, thanks to some time-meddling.  

Vox Corporis by MissAnnThropic

Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13323228/1/REPOST-Vox-Corporis-Original-Author-MissAnnThropic-NOT-MY-STORY

Fandom: Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling

Summary: Following the events of the Goblet of Fire, Harry spends the summer with the Grangers, his relationship with Hermione deepens, and he and Hermione become animagi.

My thoughts: My favorite Harmony fic. It’s a slow-burn romance, building on the friendship between Harry and Hermione over the summer following GOF and through their next year of school. It also deals with the trauma that Harry has gone through, both from the Dursleys’ abuse and from Cedrick’s death, and Hermione’s insecurities from being bullied before Hogwarts.

Psychic AU by Laughsalot3412

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/series/431476

Fandom: Leverage

Summary: He had a sniper rifle scoping the girl’s bright eyes and the guy’s smile. An Eliot/Parker/Hardison AU.

My thoughts: The OT3 is wonderfully written, the exploration of Eliot’s trauma from Moreau is respectfully handled, and the importance of consent during psychic mind-melding is underscored.

Team 8 by S'TarKan  

Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/2731239/1/Team-8

Fandom: Naruto

Summary: What if Naruto had been selected for a different team? What if he’d had a different mentor? Who would guess the consequences would be so large?

My thoughts: This is everything that I wanted Naruto to be--an action/adventure story with a strong character focus, heartwarming friendships that support mutual growth, and some ruthless villains and conspiracy plots to keep things interesting. I’m also deeply in love with S’TarKan’s version of Kurenai, who is the inspiration for at least two of my OCs. She alone makes this fic worth reading, but the rest of the story is also stronger and more streamlined than the original story.

the fatal plunge by maleficently

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/series/29748

Fandom: Once Upon a Time (TV)

Summary: Emma has hidden her face behind a curtain of unruly hair for now, but manages to tip it back on command--and Regina looks down at Emma’s chest and the heart she knows is beating there; wonders absently if any of her problems would be solved if she just plucked it out and kept it in her jewelry box upstairs--and looks at her with the kind of anguish that really and truly doesn’t befit a storybook savior. “The curse. It didn't break right, so how do I fix it?” Part 1 of a 3-part post-curse AU that mostly ignores Season 2 developments.

My thoughts: This series was what made me start shipping Emma Swan and Regina Mills in earnest. The story doesn’t shy away from Emma’s flaws or Regina’s ruthlessness, and in general feels like a more emotionally true take on what should have unfolded after season one.

somewhere, someone must know the ending by maleficently

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/521505/chapters/921864

Fandom: Once Upon a Time (TV)

Summary: “I’m here because...I think my kid is having some kind of delusional breakdown because he can’t cope with the fact that...Mayor Mills and I split up.” Dr. Hopper pushes his glasses up his nose in a measured movement. “What makes you think that?” “Well, among other things, he thinks his mother is about to cut Mary Margaret Blanchard’s heart out of her chest, before pulverizing it and sending her into a coma that only her true love can rescue her from.” AU. Here, “fairy tale land” is merely a product of Henry's imagination during a difficult time.

My thoughts: I am a sucker for AU fics, especially ones that re-envision canon in interesting ways. This one chronicles the aftermath of Emma Swan and Regina Mills sabotaging their relationship, but then working together to make it more open and healthy.

The Patchouli Series by Renn Ireigh  

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/series/22751

Fandom: Pokemon

Summary: Is the indulgence of interactions with human society worth the cost? Giovanni and Sabrina debate. Manga/game canon compliant more or less. Winner of the “Best Romance” category in the 2005 Serebii Forums Winter Awards.

My thoughts: This quiet series focuses on Sabrina as she struggles to grow out of the restrictions that her abusive mother--and then Sabrina herself--placed on her to control her psychic powers. It features her siblings as well, who are also trying to overcome the abuse they went through, and Giovanni, whose relationship with Sabrina could evolve with her, if she gives it a chance.    

Sailor Moon 4200 by Angus MacSpon  

Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/2590354/1/Sailor-Moon-4200

Fandom: Sailor Moon

Summary: Centuries after the Fall…a new band of senshi must come together. Some of them are new faces. Others are old friends, reborn yet again. But all of them are in trouble—because the enemy that destroyed Crystal Tokyo is out there, waiting for them…

My thoughts: This is an old classic, but an emotional and engaging story about the reincarnated senshi team. Glimpses are given into the fall of Crystal Tokyo, and there are a few old faces still around from that age to guide us through. I remember this best for how tense the new world is and for Artemis’ and Luna’s granddaughter.  

Heretic Pride by Fialleril

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/13455561/chapters/30844053

Fandom: Star Wars

Summary: Like most Republic citizens, the Naberries have never spent much time thinking about the Jedi. But that changes with the birth of their daughter Ilaré. Or, the AU where the third Naberrie daughter is a Jedi, Padmé offers Naboo as a sanctuary for runaway slaves, Shmi is a conductor on the Tatooine freedom trail, and Anakin jump starts a reformation. Or maybe a heresy. It all depends on your point of view.

My thoughts: Or how the prequel trilogy would have gone, if it hadn’t been a tragedy. Anakin refusing to cut off his ties to home and being more well-adjusted for it, Shmi being a conductor of the Tatooine freedom trail, and the scenes set in Little Tatooine on Naboo are all wonderful and welcome changes to the story. Also, Anakin and Padme’s romance feels genuinely sweet and earned, and Anakin has a very cute mentor-student relationship with her little sister. 

[hellsbellschime]

IDK how you would feel about doing a meta on this episode and the ending in general? Also maybe a whole meta on Sansa and her ending

Absolutely, because I think that this finale was curious in a lot of ways and although it’s not nearly as bad as I think some make it out to be, it’s ultimately disappointing for one incredibly obvious reason. The best analogy I can think of to describe it is following the letter of the law instead of the intent behind it. 

At the heart of every single character and relationship on the show and in the books is an underlying theme, and although these are some really beautifully complex characters and stories they’re at their heart something very basic and simple, and in some bizarre trick of writing the writers managed to give them all an ending that makes sense but still misses the mark of WHY it actually makes sense. 

Take Jon for instance. We all know that Jon is the man who wants to do the right and honorable thing in the end, even if the cost would be too much to bear for some people. He’s absolutely willing to sacrifice his own life to save the life of thousands, and he’s even willing to agree that dying for what he does may be a just outcome for his decisions. But his punishment is... to return to the Night’s Watch? Yes, his reign as the lord commander of the Night’s Watch didn’t end well, but in so many ways the Night’s Watch, the men there, the North, the free folk, and the land beyond the wall is the absolute ESSENCE of who Jon is as a person. Jon is never more Jon than he is when he’s there. So to end his story with that being some kind of punishment that he has to endure for the rest of his life is a really bizarre way to write it. 

Same thing goes for Bran. Bran becoming the king of the remaining kingdoms does make sense in a lot of ways. No one knows more about human history than he does, no one can avoid making the mistakes of the past better than he can, and he’s so far away from his own humanity that his own passions would never lead the world down a dark path again. And Tyrion, one of the smartest people in the entire series, essentially suggests that Bran becomes the king because he has a good story? Literally WHAT?! 

As for Arya, yes her character has had the most exploration of any character in the show, but having her leave again to explore parts unknown just seems SOOO far off to me. Arya is someone who spent almost her entire character journey running away from her pain and plotting revenge FOR HER FAMILY. She has literally been beaten, tortured, and abused in attempts to separate her from herself and the people she loves AND IT LITERALLY NEVER ONCE WORKED. Even when she wanted it to work she couldn’t leave her true self behind. So to say that someone who loved her family that much, who did everything she could in her power to avenge them from start to finish, would then leave her family and possibly never return is beyond baffling to me. 

Sansa’s ending is the only one that felt completely complete and fully right to me, thank god, but the rest of the characters had endings that just felt kind of like ambiguous nothing. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, I mean it makes sense that a lot of them would go back to what they’re good at or what they love, but I expected the Night King and the end of Dany to have a cataclysmic impact on the world and it all just feels like a much softer landing than I would have expected. To me the most unfortunate aspect is that the lone wolf dies, but the pack survives. In one way or another, family has been the one thing that has driven every aspect of every character and every event, so to let the one family we have left just blow about like leaves on the wind just completely misses the point of it all in my opinion. The ending could never have been perfect for everyone, but I think if they had actually gotten down to the roots of the story it would have been much better than this.

[scrapyardboyfriends]

part of the reason that game of thrones in book format and the early seasons felt so inviting and real was because GRRM, the reader, D&D and the viewer spent tiiiiime traversing that world with the characters, getting to know them, knowing the land and learning the mythology as you went along. now we're at the eleventh hour, except the hour has been reduced to a minute and they're trying to t(s)ell us a legend in 60 seconds? the characters deserved more than that. we deserved more.

Oh I hear you anon. I really do. This is what I just wrote in my podcast show notes:

The thing I struggle with, with the end of this show, with the last couple of seasons is somewhere along the way, they just lost the heart and soul of it. Events (plot points) stopped having the same sort of weight and meaning they had at the beginning. They became about shocking people, about spectacle. We rarely get to see how these events really affect the people they’re happening to. The characters don’t talk to each other enough about what is going on in the story, unless it moves a specific plot point forward. I want to know more of how Jon is reacting to the R+L revelation rather than one scene when he finds out and the next time he speaks about it, it’s like he’s reading from a history book. I want to know what Cersei’s feeling leading up to this battle, what she’s feeling as she’s trying to hold onto the tenuous power that she’s grasped on the backs of all her children dying. I want to know how Dany is doing with all of the loss and grief and loneliness that she’s feeling. If they’re going to shove Jaime back towards Cersei, I want to know how he got there. I want to see him conflicted about the fact that everyone is heading off to go kill Cersei. Not just changing his mind abruptly as soon as he gets one bit of news. I want to see some of Arya and Hound’s journey to King’s Landing, hear what this revenge journey is going to mean to them, build it up. The thing with these last few episodes/seasons, is that there’s no real build up to these plot points, no real stakes while it’s happening and no real effect afterwards. Winter is coming for seven seasons and then it meant nothing. The Night King is this big villain and killing him amounted to nothing but dying another day. The Hound is fighting the Mountain finally and it means nothing because there are no stakes and it doesn’t mean anything no matter what happens. Jaime dies with Cersei and it’s not tragic, it’s silly. So much of the big three, Cersei, Jon and Dany has to be conveyed in various looks because they don’t have the dialogue to explain their motivations and actions and it’s frustrating. They’re doing a lot with what they have but it’s not enough. Sigh.

—

The first few seasons and the books explored so much of the rich world that this story is set in, so much history and backstory, so much magic and mythology and all of that should tie into the ending but it doesn’t. And I understand for the TV medium, they had to cut things, but the thing is that the show isn’t even capitalizing on the bits of that content that they did include at the beginning because they decided it was more important to shock people instead of building on the story they started in a lot of cases. And this final conflict feels so small in so many ways because they’ve reduced the entire thing down to just Dany vs Cersei or Dany vs herself in a lot of ways apparently and I have no idea what’s happening with the rest of the seven kingdoms or the world. They brought in the Golden Company for no real reason despite their rich backstory and trying to install a Targaryen on the throne again in the books. That was their one link to the outside world. They mentioned the new prince of Dorne, but who is that? How did that happen? Dany sends Gendry off to be the new Lord of Storm’s End but what is even happening there? The Lannisters technically hold Highgarden and Riverrun but we only hear about them in the dumb pointless (and even more pointless now) Bronn Plot. What’s happening in Oldtown? Where did Sam and Gilly go? Did they stay in WInterfell, did they go to Oldtown? Horn Hill? What does the Citadel think about all of this? 

I don’t know, the show just makes me sad, especially this last bit. And I have no idea how they’re even going to attempt to wrap this up in the last episode but I’m sure it won’t be remotely satisfying, which is a shame on multiple levels. 

it’d be nice if George could finish the books (which have their own current issues but still..) Give us the ending that is more fitting of this world. 

[christabellanikolai]

Winter’s End, Chapter 3

I saved thousands that night, but I couldn't save my family.

Archive of Our Own Link 

They had been riding for what Jon had assumed was two days straight, only stopping for a few short times to eat. As they continued south along the King’s Road their horses became tired, slowing their pace. Finally, Theon and Jon had decided to take a break, setting up a small campfire along the road, cooking their first proper meal in days. Two other members of the Night’s Watch had also joined them. Jon did not recognize them, he assumed they had joined after he had become King in the North or even Warden of the North.

“Is it true you climbed the Wall?” asked one of the men, Jon had learned his name was Crann. “What was it like?”

“Hell,” said Jon, unsure if the boy was speaking of the steps or when he scaled the side to cross over with the Free Folk. “There is a reason we have a lift.” All four laughed as Theon began to pass around pieces of charred meat. “What about you two? How did you two become members of the Night’s Watch?”

“Our families died in the wars your grace.” said the boy who had introduced himself as Orwen, his face similar to that of Grenn. “When there was nothing left for me I ended up riding North to help rebuild, somehow I found myself at the Wall.”

“I was living in the foothills just outside the Eyrie when the fighting for King’s Landing broke out. My family refused to take sides and was murdered by the Lannister army. I ran and hid out the war in an abandoned holdfast.” said Crann “When it was all over I began to wander, explore what was left of Westeros. The Lord Commander found me and brought me to the Wall. The first time I saw it, it felt like I had reached the edge of the world.”

“I am glad to see that the Watch is prospering,” said Jon

“It really is the Queen’s doing.” said Theon, “Jaime says she is the first ruler on record in many years to actually visit Castle Black.” Jon then remembered what one of the boys had said in passing that night in front of the statue on the Wall. How Daenerys had lit the flame herself. “She told me she wouldn’t let the Night’s Watch die, she wanted it kept alive in your memory.”

Later that night Jon lay awake, staring up that stars. Each time he closed his eyes he saw her face. At first, she had been smiling down upon him, memories of their blissful nights together. Though as the hours' pasts and the cold winds began to blow her face changed, tears pouring from her eyes as she begged him not to go, to stay back as his armies fought one last battle with the Night King.

“Jon…” his brother Bran’s voice ringing in his head. “Jon, go down the hill, there you will find a Godswood.”

It was as if his feet began to move on his own. Soon he found himself standing face to face with a heart tree, the eyes streaked with red sap. “Reach out your hand.” he heard Bran say. “You must begin to see.”

Jon did, just as his hands touched the bark he felt the world around him disappear. No longer was there a Godswood in front of him but his Brother Bran, his hand held out. “Don’t be afraid, soon you will understand.” Flashes of images played out in front of him, they were so quick he struggled to see them clearly. In one he reached for Longclaw, stopping suddenly as he found the blade ablaze. He then swung it toward the Night King, hitting him in the abdomen. Just as the Night King’s form began to break apart, a spear made of ice was pushed forward. He felt the sharp end enter his stomach. A flash of pain before his hands fell upon warm blood as it poured from the wound. “Dany…” he whispered as he fell to his knees. “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.”

“It’s too late. He is gone.” he heard an unfamiliar voice say. He saw himself lying on stone, his body surrounded by branches. Children of the Forest stood around him. “We need to try.” another voice said.

“Do it.” he heard his Brother say. He looked up to find Bran among the branches, standing above him. “This is the only way to prevent the Army of the Dead from ever rising again.”

A sudden stabbing pain in his chest, he heard himself scream out as his body lurched upward. Slowly the scream turned into one that was no longer his own, but Daenerys. He turned his head looking for her, terrified by her cries of pain. “No!” he heard himself yell. “No more!”

He ripped his hand away from the tree, once again within the Godswood. His heart was racing and his breath unsteady. “Jon!” he heard Theon yell as he ran toward him. “Jon, what’s happened?”

“I should have been there,” Jon repeated. He couldn’t understand why he was saying this, nor did he know where he was speaking of. Only that whatever had made Daenerys scream in such pain, he should have been there to protect her. “I should have, she shouldn’t have been alone.”

“Jon, what are you talking about?” he felt his friend placing his hands upon his shoulder, pulling him back to reality. Theon looked toward his friend and then the heart tree, he somehow understood what was happening. He heard rumors of Northmen having such abilities. “What did you see?”

Jon swallowed hard as he continued to breath heavy. Clutching his chest. “I was beyond the wall, the Night King stabbed me but Bran he was there. I heard Dany, she was screaming, but I couldn’t find her. It was awful.”

Theon took Jon’s shaking hands in his own as he kneeled in front of him. “It’s over now, look at me. You aren’t there anymore, you are with me in the North, and we are going to King’s Landing. Daenerys is Queen now, she is waiting for us.” It was something he had found helped not only himself but his sister as well. Whenever their past traumas haunted them, they simply needed to be reminded of the present. It seemed to help Jon as his breath began to slow and he was able to rise to his feet. “Let’s get back to riding for the capitol. We should be near Winterfell soon.”

“My Queen, please accept these gifts.” One of her subjects stood before her in the throne of the Red Keep. She sat upon the iron throne, holding court with the people of Westeros. While the lines had been short during the early days of her rule, they had grown longer as the weather began to change. “Your gentle yet strong leadership saw that not only Westeros, but the lands beyond the Narrow Sea survived this long and hard winter. For this, we bring you jewels from across the waters. They are from lands you once visited while in exile. I hope they serve as reminders of how far you have come.”

“Your gesture is wonderfully kind.” said Daenerys as her she admired the set of jewelry held within a small trunk. From where she sat she was unable to tell by the cut of jewels where exactly they were from. She nodded toward her Queensguard as the man closed the trunk before passing it to one of the Unsullied soldiers. “If there is anything you need to rebuild please do not hesitate to ask. We hope to provide any resource needed to help people rebuild their homes.”

“Today I only hoped to say thank you my Queen.” said the man as he bowed, taking his leave.

“Was that the last one?” she asked Missandei who nodded. “Good, Tyrion have Yara and Davos brought to my chambers.”

As she headed toward her private chambers she could hear her son receiving a lesson from Samwell in one of the studies. “Whose sigil is that?” she heard him ask. She stood in the doorway, watching the two look over a large book containing the sigils from each of the houses in Westeros.

“That is a new one.” said Sam “A bear looking upon a maiden. House Giantsbane, they live in the North. Your Father helped to bring them from beyond the wall.”

“They knew Father?” asked Aegon, his face lighting up at the mention of Jon.

“Yes, Tormund was a great friend of his.” said Sam “Maybe he will visit us for the wedding. You could ask him how your Father thought Tormund was a King the first time they met.”

“He will be here.” said Daenerys as she sat down across from them. “Brienne once served in your Aunt Arya’s own personal guard.”

“My Queen! I am sorry I did not see you come in.” said Sam as he struggled to quickly rise to his feet. Daenerys giggled, shaking her head at the unnecessary formalities. “Is there anything I can do for you?”

“Yes, I was just hoping to ask if you received any more responses from the Maesters.”

“Not since yesterday, but I did receive this one from Jaime at Castle Black this morning.” He passed a rolled up parchment toward Daenerys. She took it, her hands shaking with worry that it may be a response to her request. Sam took her hand in his, shaking his head.

‘Theon Greyjoy and 2 others have begun their journey toward Kings Landing. They should arrive in time to represent the Night’s Watch in the celebration of the union between House Stark and House Baratheon. They bring with them a gift for both Arya Stark and her grace Queen Daenerys. - Jaime Lannister, The 1000th Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch.’

“A gift for myself and Arya?” asked Daenerys confused by the wording of the letter. She ended up rolling her eyes as she read it once again. Sam laughing in response to her candor. “Of course he would be vague.”

“It seems any gifts should be shared among Gendry and Arya, not between the Queen and the Bride.” said Sam causing Daenerys to smile.

“That has always been the only tradition I have known,” said Daenerys before heading over toward Aegon. The boy wrapped his arms around his Mother and pulled her closer. “When you finish your lessons we can have dinner in the Gardens.” She whispered before heading for her chambers.

As she stepped inside, she watched as Yara and Davos rose to their feet, bowing their heads. “Sit, sit,” she ordered. It had been a long afternoon of holding Court, and she was done with formalities. “These silly things really do waste time. Yara I am sure you are probably wondering why I asked you to here a bit earlier than the rest of the guests.”

“I believed it was because you have missed my company.” said Yara in her sarcastic flirtatious tone. “Though if it is for an arranged marriage between this man and myself, I am afraid my Queen that you are far off from my preferences.”

“I would never do such a thing.” smiled Daenerys. “No, I have a proposition that involves both you. As it appears Winter is over, traveling the Narrow Sea should be much easier. You two know more about traveling the seas than anyone in the Seven Kingdoms. I also think it’s time I grow the Small Council. Yara I would like to make you Master of Ships and Davos I would make you the Master of Trade.”

“What of my duties as Master of Law your grace.?” asked Davos, having previously put in charge of keeping order among the people and maintaining the Dungeons during the Winter.

“Ser Jorah has agreed to take on that role should you accept this new position.” answered Daenerys. “You two would obviously be working closely which is the reason I have brought you both here.”

“What would you like us to do first?” said Yara, immediately agreeing to the Queen’s request. She was exciting not only by the opportunity but also the fact that another woman had recognized her skills and abilities such a way.

“Ser Davos meet with the people of Flea Bottom, I want you to work with them to identify something that is only available from across the Narrow Sea. It needs to be something people will buy, Flea Bottom will then become the hub from where it is sold.”

“My Queen…” said Davos “This is a brilliant idea. I am quite sure the people of Flea Bottom will be grateful for this opportunity, thank you.”

“It is a small step, but if we are going to build that part of the cities economy then we have to set them apart from other traders in the city, may even the country.” said Daenerys “Yara, your first task will be to go to the harbor. There are some old ships, left by the Lannisters and your brother’s fleet, I want you and your men to see what needs to be done to convert them into trade ships.”

“Yes my Queen,” said Yara.

“Good, I want regular reports from you both at Small Council meetings.” said Daenerys “Also we should be sure to share our plans with Gendry when he arrives. He grew up there and would have invaluable insight into what can be done there.”

“Yes your grace.” agreed Davos “I hope he is excited for this as I am.”

The highest towers were gone, the stones surrounding the walls were crumbling. They stood on the hills overlooking Winterfell. He was finally able to see the damage that had been left over from the last time he stood within the walls of the Northern capital. As he rode forward toward the gates, he thought of the last time. He was riding hard away from the gates, toward a dragon, his wife calling to him. Above him he could see the Night King surrounding the castle, riding upon the back of Viserion. In his arms was Arya, screaming for him to allow her to go back for her.

They were quickly able to ride through the gates. All of them silently dismounted from their horses before walking into the courtyard. The entrance ways and halls had been burned out. Many of the structures had collapsed or were on the verge of doing such. He walked toward what was once the entrance to the training yard, an arrow, it’s tip made of Dragonglass lay on the ground. A small reminder of that horrible night.

“Winterfell fell that night.” said Theon “But it was on that night that you began to push the Army of the Dead further North. You saved thousands in the South that night.”

“Thousands, yet I couldn’t save her.” said Jon

“Who?” asked Theon.

“My sister, Sansa,” said Jon, his head hung low. “I tried but the flames... this courtyard went up so fast. My men pulled me away, I was even lucky enough to grab Arya when I did.”

“You don’t know…” said Theon, his voice low. “I feared you did ride off before the raven arrived.”

“What are you talking about?” asked Jon “What raven?”

Theon had rescued his sister from Kings Landing just before Winterfell fell. While he had wanted her to return to the Iron Islands, she insisted on going North to fight with Daenerys. The seas wouldn’t be safe. Instead, they had sent a ship as a decoy, sailing toward White Harbor. They then began to travel North by horseback. When they came upon Winterfell, they saw the destruction left over by the attack. They walked the courtyard in silence, stepping over charred bodies of those left behind. “This can’t be…” said Theon, fearing his allies and friends were dead.

“There was no sign of the army south of here.” said Yara “They must have pushed them back North, we have to keep going.”

They quickly began collecting any of the dragonglass weapons that had been left over. As they did, they heard a voice shouting to them from the trail leading to the crypts. “Greyjoy! Get over here now!”

“Clegane?” asked Theon, both himself and his sister ran toward to crypts. There they found Sandor Clegane, the Hound motioning for them to follow him. “You have to help me get her out of here.”

“Who?” asked Theon, but his question was answered as he came upon the tomb of Ned Stark. There at the foot of the statue lay Sansa. Her skin was burned, she was shaking, and Theon was unsure if she was conscious. “Sansa! What’s happened to her?” Theon fell to his knees, pulling the young woman toward him.

“Theon…” he heard Sansa say as she weakly reached her arms around him. “What are you doing here?”

“She was in the main hall when the army of the dead arrived.” said Sandor “Fire, there was..blue fire everywhere. She must have somehow made it out of the hall and came here. When I was running something hit me in the head, when I came to, I found her while looking for survivors.”

“Smart little thing.” said Yara “This whole area is made of stone.”

“She has been too weak to move these last two nights.” said Sandor “We need to find the closest Maester, bring her South if we have to.”

“If we bring her South then Cersei will surely have her killed.” said Theon

“What would you have us do then Greyjoy?” yelled Sandor “There are no Maesters left North of here, and we can’t just leave her here to die.”

“Calm yourself Hound!” said Yara “East, we can bring her East and then go South if we have to. There is a Maester on the Iron Islands, he could help her, and it would put distance between her, the fighting and Cersei.”

“No…” Theon heard Sansa say. “It hurts too much, just go and leave me. Jon and Daenerys need you.”

“I’m not leaving you to die alone here.” Said Theon rising to his feet with Sansa in his arms. He ran with her as the statues of those he had previously betrayed looked on.

“We got her to the Iron Islands on a stolen ship we found in the bay.” said Theon. Jon stood silently staring toward the entry to the crypts. “The Maester there helped her the best he could, but we had to bring her to the Citadel when it was safe.”

“But she is alive?” asked Jon.

“Aye she is alive.” smiled Theon, “She wrote to me a few months ago from Riverrun. Though I imagine she will soon head to Kings Landing for your sister’s wedding.”

“Theon…” said Jon as he stepped forward, pulling the other man to him, his arms wrapping around him. “Thank you.”

“Riders are approaching!” yelled Crann from the gate. Theon quickly reached behind Jon pulling the hood above his head. “What are you doing?” he heard Jon say as he tried to stop him. “This is still my home.”

“Do you remember how you said you wanted to get to your wife quickly.” said Theon “That will not happen if you are found here. Now do your best to keep yourself hidden and let me do the talking.”

“What are men of the Night’s Watch doing here?” they heard the riders asked they came through the gates.

“My apologies if I have disturbed the ruins.” said Theon “I was raised here and just wanted to pay my respects on my way to King’s Landing.”

“And who are you?” asked one of the riders. Jon was able to see them now, though he continued to keep his face hidden. They too wore black cloaks, though a sigil of a dragon and a wolf was embroidered on the front. They were from King’s Landing. He assumed they had been ordered by Daenerys to keep watch over the ruins until Winter ended and it could be rebuilt.

“Theon Greyjoy.” informed Theon “I was kept as a ward here for many years. I am on my way to the wedding by invitation of Queen Daenerys.” Jon watched as Theon handed the man a scroll, he assumed it was the invitation to King’s Landing from Daenerys.

“Apologies.” said one of the guards. “Your companions, they are members of the Night’s Watch as well?”

“Yes,” said Crann before introducing himself and explaining where he was from. Orwen also did the same.

“You over there.” said one of the guards toward Jon. “Who are you? How did you join the Night’s Watch?” Jon froze at the question, a feeling of uneasiness passing over him. In anticipation of traveling King’s Landing, and in trying to figure out what exactly happened to him and his family, he had forgotten to plan for this type of moment. He turned to see Theon, a look of worry and anticipation across his face.

“My name is Clovis,” said Jon in an almost hush voice. “Joined the Night’s Watch when my home was destroyed in the war with the Night King.”

“Think you are gonna become the next King in the North with that sword there.” said the guard in a joking tone as he noticed Longclaw on Jon’s hip. “So many boys running around with Longclaw replicas. Saw one almost burn his hand off dipping his into a fire the other day.”

“Well we won’t be doing that.” said Theon “Now I think we should be heading for King’s Landing.” The four men then began to head back toward their horses. As Jon made his way toward the gate, one of the guards stopped him by grabbing him by the arm. Jon froze as the man looked closely at him. “Sorry, I thought I recognized you from somewhere,” he said before letting him go.

Jon quickly mounted his horse, riding forward, ahead of the rest of the group. While he could hear them shouting for him to slow down, he ignored them. There was a fear that he had been discovered and if word got out, it would slow him down. He needed to get as close to Daenerys as he could before any of that happened.

[jackoshadows]

Do you think that Daenerys will burn kings landing in the books? She did it on the show and she has to show the strength of her dragons in Westeros like in Essos.

For the answer to this question, I would direct you to Dany blogs that dissect her story arc using the books. You could read their theories and speculations based on the books and come to your own conclusion on this.

As for my speculations on this,

1. Dany has done nothing so far in the last 5 books that leads towards her going on a random rampage in KL. She has shown a lot of concern and care towards the civilians and common folk of Essos. More than the likes of Robb Stark for example.

2. Dany burning down KL would turn her into her father. This goes against what I think is GRRM’s message in the series -  that the younger generation can rise above their birth and the societal biases against them.

3. That said, I do think that the author means for us to question and speculate, along with Daenerys, if she would turn into her father. This is an internal conflict that the character is struggling with and a part of her story. More on this below the cut.*

4. I think there will be a second dance of dragons between Young Griff/Aegon and Daenerys in KL. Going back to the original outline, the second book of the original trilogy - titled the Dance of Dragons -  was supposed to be about Dany’s conquest of Westeros. There will be casualties in this war. GRRM has been explicit about the consequences of war on the small folk due to the WOT5K.  Robb Stark may have had a just cause but innocent people suffered and died due to his war for independence. Even with Stannis’ march to Winterfell, we see a 14 year old soldier being burned to death as punishment for cannibalizing a corpse because he was so hungry and there’s no food. War is brutal.

5. Dany can win KL without massacring thousands. The Lannisters did it in the books when they sacked KL and no one - not even the honorable Ned Stark - complained about it. She could have done it on the show and won - except, suddenly pacifist Tyrion kept advising against it. In fact if the dragons act as a nuclear deterrent, there will be less casualties. Aegon the conqueror won the North without a single casualty.

5. Westeros is already in a bad way and winter has come to KL by the end of the fifth book. Dany will end up in charge of a war torn Westeros down south. By which time, the North is overrun, Winterfell is lost and the survivors head south. IMO, the Others will not be defeated at Winterfell in 30 minutes like on the show. They are the central antagonists and the last book will mostly be about the rest of Westeros uniting against them. Dany will acknowledge the central premise of the series - ‘ When dead men come hunting in the night, do you think it matters who sits the Iron Throne?’  and joins Jon, Bran, Arya and others to defeat the army of the dead.

6. I have no idea how her story will end in the books. Considering she dies on the show and if it’s the same in the books, I would think that if she goes out she will go out a hero and not a villain. There’s a lot of prophecies associated with her and I would speculate that her character is instrumental in defeating the Others. Fire and Ice and all that.

7. And speculate is all we can do, considering we will never get the last book and a conclusion to GRRM’s version of the story.

* Now to expand a little bit on the point number 3 above.

I would like to comment on a line of thought/discourse regarding Daenerys Targaryen, Jon Snow and Targaryen madness.

I have seen a few posts from time to time making the assertion that if one speculates on mad queen Dany, but does not do the same for Jon Snow, then this is sexism. I disagree.

Now, if one is making that argument that by genetics, Daenerys Targaryen is designed to go mad and she will go mad, burn down KL and die while Jon goes on to be King or goes into exile etc. then yes, this argument would indeed be sexist, IMO. If we are going to speculate based on Targaryen genetics, then, not much is different between Jon and Dany. They are both Targaryens. Dany is not fire proof and neither is Jon. While Dany has some strongly prophetic dragon dreams, there are indications that Jon’s dreams are prophetic as well.

“Sleep came at last, and with it nightmares. He dreamed of burning castles and dead men rising unquiet from their graves”

He has dreamed of Winterfell burning, of Ned being executed, of being told that he is not a Stark by the old kings of winter in the crypts where his mother is buried and of Bran as a weirwood.

Jon’s dream here is very similar to what Dany dreams of:

“Snow,” an eagle cried, as foemen scuttled up the ice like spiders. Jon was armored in black ice, but his blade burned red in his fist. As the dead men reached the top of the Wall he sent them down to die again. - Jon Snow

That night she dreamt that she was Rhaegar, riding to the Trident. But she was mounted on a dragon, not a horse. When she saw the Usurper’s rebel host across the river they were armored all in ice, but she bathed them in dragonfire and they melted away like dew and turned the Trident into a torrent.- Daenerys Targaryen

We know zombie ice spiders are going to be a thing. And the armor of black ice that Jon references here could be Euron Greyjoy’s black valyrian steel armor.

So if Dany is going to go mad because of genetics, then there is every chance that Jon will as well.

But from a narrative point of view, the author wants us to question if Dany will go the same way as her father. The mad king Aerys III is a part of Dany’s story. She questions if she is going to become her father. Other characters – allies and enemies – do the same. It’s a conflict that Dany wrestles with as she comes to terms with her Targaryen identity. It’s an obstacle she faces as she takes on both enemies and friends.

"Freedom to starve?" asked Dany sharply. "Freedom to die? Am I a dragon, or a harpy?" Am I mad? Do I have the taint? (ASOS, Daenerys VI)

A shadow. A memory. No one. She was the blood of the dragon, but Ser Barristan had warned her that in that blood there was a taint. Could I be going mad? They had called her father mad, once. (ADWD, Daenerys II)

The old knight did not blink. "Your father is called 'the Mad King' in Westeros. Has no one ever told you?"

"Viserys did." The Mad King. "The Usurper called him that, the Usurper and his dogs." The Mad King. "It was a lie."

"Why ask for truth," Ser Barristan said softly, "if you close your ears to it?" He hesitated, then continued. "I told you before that I used a false name so the Lannisters would not know that I'd joined you. That was less than half of it, Your Grace. The truth is, I wanted to watch you for a time before pledging you my sword. To make certain that you were not . . ."

". . . my father's daughter?" If she was not her father's daughter, who was she?

". . . mad," he finished. "But I see no taint in you."

And then there is the discourse that her enemies start about her being mad. The propaganda that she is just like her father. Propaganda that will no doubt be also used in Westeros.

The clever Volantene swordsman who always seemed to have his nose poked in some crumbly scroll, thought the dragon queen both murderous and mad. "Her khal killed her brother to make her queen. Then she killed her khal to make herself khaleesi. She practices blood sacrifice, lies as easily as she breathes, turns against her own on a whim. She's broken truces, tortured envoys … her father was mad too. It runs in the blood." (ADWD, The Windblown)

Madness and the mad king is nowhere in Jon’s story arcs or narrative themes. GRRM still thinks that R+L=J is some big secret and was so impressed that Benioff and Weiss figured it out he gave them the show. The author does not question whether Jon is going to become a mad Targaryen with a fascination for burning people to death.

Jon’s internal conflicts and the problems he has to surmount are different in nature. He is a bastard born of ‘lust and deceit’. If we want a connection here to the Targaryens that explores Jon’s narrative arc, then there is the Blackfyre rebellion. Daemon Blackfyre’s attempt to usurp the throne is used as an example in Westeros to be wary of all bastards, noble or base born.

So if the speculation is that Dany is going to turn into her father and become the mad queen, then the narrative equivalent for Jon would be that he would be a deceitful usurper who takes Winterfell from his trueborn siblings.

And this is something that is explored in Jon’s story.

When Stannis offers Winterfell to Jon, the only reason he does not accept is because of his oaths as a NW brother and his reluctance to burn down the heart trees in Winterfell. But in his heart, he wants it.

He wanted it, Jon knew then. He wanted it as much as he had ever wanted anything. I have always wanted it, he thought, guiltily. May the gods forgive me. It was a hunger inside him, sharp as a dragonglass blade. A hunger … he could feel it. — Jon Snow, ASOS

Just as Dany wrestles with whether she will turn into her father, Jon wrestles with his feelings of wanting Winterfell and feeling ashamed of those feelings.

His dreams in regards to this are interesting:

The world dissolved into a red mist. Jon stabbed and slashed and cut. He hacked down Donal Noye and gutted Deaf Dick Follard. Qhorin Halfhand stumbled to his knees, trying in vain to staunch the flow of blood from his neck. "I am the Lord of Winterfell," Jon screamed. It was Robb before him now, his hair wet with melting snow. Longclaw took his head off. Then a gnarled hand seized Jon roughly by the shoulder. He whirled …- Jon XII, ADWD

Jon literally beheads Robb in his dreams.

There is a lot of speculation here that after he comes back from the dead,  we are going to get a darker Jon Snow who is going to go after Winterfell and not care much about the trueborn siblings ahead of him in the queue. We could see conflict between Jon and Rickon or Jon and Sansa. The original outline hinted that Jon and Bran would not get along.

And just like Dany faces the ‘Mad Queen’ propaganda because of Aerys III, Jon too faces the biased prejudice against bastards because of the actions of Daemon Blackfyre.  While prejudice against bastards existed before then, the Blackfyres are often used as an example to caution against them.

Catelyn’s hatred for Jon Snow is based on the fear that someday he would usurp and take away Winterfell from her children.

“Not unless he’s legitimized by a royal decree,” said Robb. “There is more precedent for that than for releasing a Sworn Brother from his oath.”

“Precedent,” she said bitterly. “Yes, Aegon the Fourth legitimized all his bastards on his deathbed. And how much pain, grief, war, and murder grew from that? I know you trust Jon. But can you trust his sons? Or their sons? The Blackfyre pretenders troubled the Targaryens for five generations, until Barristan the Bold slew the last of them on the Stepstones. If you make Jon legitimate, there is no way to turn him bastard again. Should he wed and breed, any sons you may have by Jeyne will never be safe.” - Catelyn, ASoS

Similarly the Blackfish – having not even met Jon Snow – distrusts him.

"I will permit you to take the black. Ned Stark's bastard is the Lord Commander on the Wall."

The Blackfish narrowed his eyes. "Did your father arrange for that as well? Catelyn never trusted the boy, as I recall, no more than she ever trusted Theon Greyjoy. It would seem she was right about them both..." - Jaime Lannister, AFfC

The existing prejudices against bastards in Westeros is strong.

"Trueborn children are made in a marriage bed and blessed by the Father and Mother, but bastards are born of lust and weakness." - Jon Snow

Orys Baratheon was a baseborn half brother to Lord Aegon, it was whispered, and the Storm King would not dishonor his daughter by giving her hand to a bastard. The very suggestion enraged him.

Go away, I wanted only Freys up here, the King in the North has no interest in base stock.— Walder Frey to little Walda Rivers

Bastard children were born from lust and lies, men said; their nature was wanton and treacherous. Once Jon had meant to prove them wrong, to show his lord father he could as good a true son as Robb Stark -  Jon Snow

So both Jon and Dany face internal conflicts and the author wishes to interrogate if Dany can overcome her own self doubts with respect to her father and society’s opinions of her and if Jon can overcome his desires and personal ambition for Winterfell and society’s opinions of bastards as untrustworthy and deceitful.

If a reader is therefore making the argument that Dany will become the mad queen like her father and burn down everyone – they should also rightfully be arguing for Jon turning against his family for a selfish power grab and essentially turning into Daemon Blackfyre.

Remember how Daemon took the Targaryen sigil with colors reversed – a black dragon on red giving him the nickname ‘The Black Dragon’

Jon was referred to as the ‘White Wolf’ on the show and as per the books, two bastards have reversed the sigils. Jon’s direwolf Ghost is white and he would therefore have a white wolf on a grey background as opposed to the Stark grey direwolf on a white background.

The sexism arises when Dany is singled out for turning into exactly what her enemies expect her to be, while the Starks overcome societal prejudices and expectations and end up the heroes. That, while Dany turns into her father, Jon Snow continues to love his Stark family (i.e Sansa Stark) so much and would sacrifice everything for them.

The show’s thesis and final message for these Targaryens is that they cannot rise above their birth and are exactly what society makes of them. That their final destiny is decided from birth and that they cannot change it no matter how much they tried. Daenerys turned into her father, randomly burned down KL for no reason and massacred thousands. Jon Snow pretends to support her, gets close to her, deceives her and kills her. He becomes a kinslayer, a queenslayer, a traitor – deceitful and untrustworthy and is exiled. It was an utterly nihilistic ending for house Targaryen.

I strongly believe that GRRM is not heading in this direction for these characters. It would be very disappointing if this is what he intends for them. It would indeed be sexist if GRRM wrote Dany as turning into her father, while Jon remains good and faithful to his family. From my reading and interpretation of these books, the story is about these underdogs triumphing over their internal conflicts. The conclusion of this tale would be Dany not turning into the mad queen, Jon not turning into a deceitful traitor, Arya not fleeing Westeros because she does not belong, Bran becoming king despite being a cripple.

But that is the final answer. In the meantime, GRRM means to explore these characters and their narrative themes and conflicts. In that context, it’s valid to question and theorize whether a possible direction for Dany’s story is her becoming her father. Five books in there is nothing to support this theory, but it is a theme that GRRM is interested in examining for the character of Daenerys Targaryen.

[fortunatelylori]

The more i get into this, the more I realize just what a mammoth task the writers of got have ahead of them. I'm only scratching surface in my fic and I'm having to write reveals, confessions, bring people together that haven seen each other years. I honestly don't know how they're going to do all that they need to do in 6 episodes. does anyone confirmation the eps are feature length as opposed to the usual 1h of previous seasons?>

[kellyvela]

THE STARKS ARE THE HEART

Everything started with THE STARKS:

RS: You've talked before about the original glimpse of the story you had for what became A Song of Ice and Fire: a spontaneous vision in your mind of a boy witnessing a beheading, then finding direwolves in the snow. That's an interesting genesis.

GRRM: It was the summer of 1991. I was still involved in Hollywood. My agent was trying to get me meetings to pitch my ideas, but I didn't have anything to do in May and June. It had been years since I wrote a novel. I had an idea for a science-fiction novel called Avalon. I started work on it and it was going pretty good, when suddenly it just came to me, this scene, from what would ultimately be the first chapter of A Game of Thrones. It's from Bran's viewpoint; they see a man beheaded and they find some direwolf pups in the snow. It just came to me so strongly and vividly that I knew I had to write it. I sat down to write, and in, like, three days it just came right out of me, almost in the form you've read.

—Rolling Stone 2014

But what about the dragons?

Meduza: The world of “Game of Thrones” is very convincing and very realistic, so why did you decide to bring magic into this world? Did it need walking corpses and dragons? What prompted you, as the writer, to introduce magical elements?

GRRM: I did consider in the very early stages not having the dragons in there. I wanted the Targaryen’s symbol to be the dragons, but I did play with the notion that maybe it was like a psionic power, that it was pyrokinesis — that they could conjure up flames with their minds. I went back and forth. My friend and fellow fantasy writer Phyllis Eisenstein actually was the one who convinced me to put the dragons in, and I dedicated the third book to her. And I think it was the right call. Phyllis, by the way, is distantly related to your Eisenstein, the maker of the great Russian films, “Battleship Potemkin” and “Alexander Nevsky.”

—Meduza 2017

THE STARKS are the center of the story:

Collider: In creating this world, did you start out with one family and then branch off into the rest of the world?

GRRM: Well, the Starks are certainly the center of the story, when it begins. It all begins at Winterfell, with occasional cuts to Daenerys across the ocean, because there was no way I could get her into Winterfell. But, we bring all the characters together at Winterfell, and they’re all there for a while before they start to go their separate ways. By the time you’re done with the first book, pretty much all of them have gone their separate ways. There are no two characters together anymore. From that point forward, the story spreads and grows progressively larger. I also introduce more characters, players and factions, in later books, to thicken the plot a little more. But, the Starks are the center of the book and, to a lesser extent, the Lannisters. They are still the major players. I write from this tight third-person viewpoint, where each chapter is seen through the eyes of one individual character. When I’m writing that character, I become that character and identify with that character. So, when I’m writing a Tyrion chapter, I’m in love with Tyrion. And then, when I switch to Jon Snow, I’m in love with him. Same with Daenerys. Even the characters who are perhaps not the nicest people in the world, and who are deeply flawed and might even be considered villains, if I am writing from their viewpoint, I have to identify with them. Nobody is a villain in their own story. We’re all the heroes of our own stories. So, when I am inside the head of a character who would otherwise be considered a villain, I have a great deal of affection for that character and I’m trying to see the world and the events through their eyes.

—Collider 2011

THE STARKS were always at the heart of this, always very central:

Collider: When you went into this, did you intentionally take the children, put them in an adult setting and force them to be in very adult and complex situations?

GRRM: Yeah, the children were always at the heart of this. The Stark children, in particular, were always very central. Bran is the first viewpoint character that we meet, and then we meet Jon and Sansa and Arya and the rest of them. It was always my intention to do that. As for the harshness, the whole series is harsh. My inspiration have grown, not only from Tolkien, but also from history and historical fiction. I tried to blend some of the tropes and traditions of fantasy with those of historical fiction, while doing this. If you read about the real Middle Ages, as I do all the time, it was a brutal time for everybody – for men, women and children. Children weren’t sentimentalized, the way they are today. They were frequently made to work, from a very early age. They were taken into battle. Boys become pages and then squires. You’re riding into battle with your knight, as a 12-year-old squire, but you’re there, and people are hacking at you with swords and shooting at you with arrows. You’re not at home, being protected. It was a different age with a different mind-set. I did want to reflect that.

—Collider 2011

But what about Jon and Dany?

RS: Given the complexity of A Song of Ice and Fire, did you have concerns over how faithfully it could work onscreen? 

GRRM: (...) Some people I met thought we have to find the story’s through line. Who’s the important character? Somebody thought that Dany’s the important character – cut away everybody else, tell the story of Dany. Or Jon Snow. Those were the two most popular characters to build everything around, except you’re losing 90 percent of the story.

—Rollingstone 2014

Time: It must have been a leap to allow this adaptation to happen, knowing it could never be as internal as a novel could.

GRRM: (...) I had a number of meetings long before David and Dan, with people who said this is the next Lord of the Rings franchise. But they couldn’t get a handle on the size of the material, the very thing that I set out to do. I had all these meetings saying, “There’s too many characters, it’s too big — Jon Snow is the central character. We’ll eliminate all the other characters and we’ll make it about Jon Snow.” Or “Daenerys is the central character. We’ll eliminate everyone else and make the movie about Daenerys.” And I turned down all those deals.

—Time Magazine 2017

THE STARKS are the heroes:

SI: What about the families: Are the Starks, say, the Green Bay Packers? 

GRRM: Whenever I propose analogies like that, fans jump in with their own ideas, but it depends on what team you root for. To me, the Starks are heroes, so they would be the Giants.

—Sports Illustrated - 2014

But what about the Targaryens? Isn't Dany the hero?

Question: Why do you think the political institutions in the Seven Kingdoms are so weak? 

GRRM: The Kingdom was unified with dragons, so the Targaryen's flaw was to create an absolute monarchy highly dependent on them, with the small council not designed to be a real check and balance. So, without dragons it took a sneeze, a wildly incompetent and megalomaniac king, a love struck prince, a brutal civil war, a dissolute king that didn't really know what to do with the throne and then chaos. 

—Fan Chat in Guadalajara, México 2016

Vulture: When civilizations clash in your books, instead of Guns, Germs, and Steel, maybe it’s more like Dragons, Magic, and Steel (and also Germs).

GRRM: There is magic in my universe, but it’s pretty low magic compared to other fantasies.

Dragons are the nuclear deterrent, and only Dany has them, which in some ways makes her the most powerful person in the world. But is that sufficient? These are the kind of issues I’m trying to explore. The United States right now has the ability to destroy the world with our nuclear arsenal, but that doesn’t mean we can achieve specific geopolitical goals.

Power is more subtle than that. You can have the power to destroy, but it doesn’t give you the power to reform, or improve, or build.

—Vulture 2014

THE STARKS are a huge part of the story, the central part:

The kids [Sansa, Arya, and Bran] are a huge part of the story, in many ways the central part of the story. And I always intended to separate them and set them on their own paths.

—GRRM, Inside HBO’s Game of Thrones: Seasons 1 & 2 - [x] 

(...) And no, before someone asks, I had no idea when this all started where it would lead... or how long the road would be. That picture of me up above was taken in 1995 in Scotland, after I'd signed the contracts for the first three books but before I'd delivered any of them. Back then, I'd thought the whole story could be told in three books, and that it would take me three years to write them, a year per book. That picture was taken just a few weeks after I blew my first (bot not my last, oh no) deadline on the series. Ah, how innocent I was... little did that guy in the picture imagine that he would be spending most of the next two decades in the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros with Tyrion, Daenerys, Arya, Sansa, Jon Snow, Bran, and all the rest.

—Not A Blog 2016

But Sansa is not part of the “five central characters” in the original outline

(...) George said he was "pissed" that the outline was posted in the office building and that someone took photos and shared them. He said it was a letter for him and the publisher only. He was very firm when telling this and it showed on his face.

He then said that he is not good with writing outlines, making book deadlines, and that often in outlines he was "making shit up", and "characters changed along the way".

—Balticon Report 2016

—Not A Blog 2011

[joannalannister]

Death and Life in ASOIAF

“I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo. “So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”

When I say that I think Jon and Dany and Tyrion are dying at the end of the books to save the world, I think people tend to fixate on the “dying” part. But for me, it’s not about the dying. 

In a series of books that promises, repeatedly, that all men must die -- a fantasy series that reminds us that death is life’s only certainty* -- dying becomes an indelible fact. Something commonplace. Colorless. Drab. 

(I don’t choose those words lightly. At the end of A Clash of Kings, Tyrion’s fevered dreams depict a dead world devoid of color, a world where the ashen corpses are piled high. From an author who claims that “We read fantasy to find the colors again,” Tyrion’s colorless, macabre dream of black and white and grey -- which, incidentally, are the colors of “truth” in Martin’s world** -- has always stood out to me.) 

The books insist that death is meaningless: “Men's lives have meaning, not their deaths.” It’s not about the dying. It’s not about dying gloriously, so that “they will surely sing of us”. It’s not about dying at all. As Catelyn says, “life is worth more than a song.” 

It’s about living. 

In the books, “All men must die” speaks to the ephemeral nature of life.*** The best we can do is a defiant “Not today,” a mere postponement of the inevitable. These oft-repeated phrases are all part of a theme about how life is precious because it is fragile and fleeting, the same way that a light in the darkness is precious (especially when all other lights go out, to steal from Galadriel). (And Dany, Jon, Tyrion, Bran, etc etc -- they’re all lights burning brightly in ASOIAF’s darkness. That’s why we love them.) 

ASOIAF is about living, but even more than that, it’s about what we choose to do with the limited time that is given to us. Death is coming, GRRM warns us. Death is coming, so “savor every last sweet moment” (ADWD). Live it up, he says. 

Some of the characters (like Ramsay, Tywin, Randyll, etc) take this admonishment to heart by trying to maximize everyone else’s pain. They ~live it up~ by taking the lives of others and/or robbing them of their humanity, which is why we can safely call them the villains of the story. 

The heroes, like Jon or Dany etc, are trying to do the opposite - they do whatever they can to restore the humanity of as many people as possible (former slaves, wildlings, etc). GRRM’s heroes are not perfect, and they stumble a lot along the way, but on the whole they’re trying to lessen the amount of pain in the world significantly more often than they’re trying to increase it. 

(And some characters, like Tyrion, are still on the fence about this whole moral alignment thing as of ADWD. But that’s one reason why Tyrion is so much fun to me. He’s a “wildcard,” if you will. I know Jon Snow is going to do the right thing in the end, but Tyrion? All bets are off, and the stakes are so high.) 

So when I say, “I think Jon and Dany and Tyrion are dying at the end of the books to save the world,” their deaths aren’t The Point, in my opinion. 

The Point, imo, is that when the darkness is closing in, the clock is counting down, and The Heroes have paid every price -- made every sacrifice -- except one -- what will they choose? Is life precious enough that they would give everything for it? Does life matter enough to them that they would save the world?

Everyone dies. 

It’s what the heroes do with their time that means something. It’s the choices they make. To me, there is nothing greater that Jon and Dany and Tyrion could do with their lives than make the choice to save the world. To me, in my opinion, their story arcs can have no greater climax. 

In that one beautiful moment of saving the world, their choices will be above reproach, because they’re acting in the interests of all humanity, for the good of all. In that moment, they would be infallible, soaring above us all. In that moment, Jon and Dany and Tyrion would become something more than mortal, “alive as dreams are alive, more real than real … for a moment at least ...” and then gone. Very bittersweet, but also, like, archetypal fantasy. 

But if a “Targaryen Restoration” were to happen, Jon and Dany and Tyrion would be like Icarus, falling back to Earth. Our Heroes would sink back into the mud. They would become fallible again. They would make mistakes again, like taking Gilly’s baby away. And that’s not a bittersweet ending; that’s a fucking tragedy to watch your heroes fall. Just look at Robert Baratheon. Anything that might come after saving the world -- taxes, border disputes, executions, all the day-to-day duties of government -- all these mundane things ... that would take the shine off. 

A hero who loses his shine is a far greater sadness, to me. 

(To put this on the record for myself, that GRRM quote about exploring “Aragorn’s tax policy” in the books has never suggested the future of the books to me. In the same quote, GRRM has said that he has “tried [past tense] to get at some of these [hard decisions of ruling] in my books,” which suggested to me the stuff he has already written. Like, that quote is about where the books have been, not where they’re going. 

I’ve read 95% of GRRM’s stories and he tends to leave his endings ... open. Not everything is tied up neatly. And if we have a typical GRRM ending with a lot of loose ends in ASOIAF, it would just be the beginning of a Targ Restoration, assuming that happens?? And the beginning of a Targ restorartion would simply look happy? Not bittersweet at all?? It would just look like the heroes starting the rest of their lives because the evil is defeated??? So that?? Can’t?? Be?? The? Ending??? idk I just see this theory a lot and I just personally think a Targ restoration isn’t happening in the books. Maybe I’m wrong tho idk.) 

.

..

* The exact quote to which I’m referring here is Ned Stark’s line: “In this world only winter is certain. We may lose our heads, it's true … but what if we prevail?” (ADWD). I interpret “winter” to be the cold, darkness, and death that permeates the books, and which our heroes war against. 

** “Black and white and grey, all the shades of truth.” --Ned Stark 

*** Do you know how much I hate that show line, “But we are not men”? Do you?? My hatred is vaster than empires. If “All men must die” speaks to how little time we all -- aLL! ALL OF US!!!! -- have in the world and reminds us how precious life is, then the show’s followup “we are not men” immediately undercuts that theme by turning it into a cheap joke. idk why I’m wasting my time talking about it, but I just hate it that much, like it’s definitely in my top 10 show things i hate

[shazyloren]

The Room: Chapter 53 - Researching the Dragons

Link:

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Dragon mothers breathe fire on their eggs to keep them warm. They do not keep their eggs in nests. The dragon's first fire breaths, usually accompanied by thick grey smoke, appear when the dragon is around six months old. However, the ability to fly is normally developed later, at around twelve months, and the dragon will not be fully mature until it is two years old and ready to live on its own. 'Dragon Breeding for Pleasure and Profit' states that you are to feed a baby dragon a bucket of brandy mixed with chicken blood every half hour.

Daenerys was struggling to read the passage of text she'd been trying to absorb for nearing an hour now...

Not much is known about dragon behaviour, however it seems that, at least with the Chinese Fireball, females are generally larger and dominant over males. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them states that sometimes females oust males from their territories like spiders or other insects who sometimes leave the male or in certain cases eat them, at least with the breed known as the Antipodean Opaleye.

She needed to find something about the dragons that would give her an idea of how to defeat them when she faced them in the tournament...

It takes almost half a dozen wizards just to stun a dragon. Muggles believe that dragons are a mere myth, but have been known on occasion to glimpse these beasts. To prevent them from being seen by Muggles, and to protect them from poaching, dragons are kept on dragon reserves around the world, most of which are far from human habitation. Dragons cannot be domesticated, despite individuals trying to do so. However, it is possible to condition them via torture to make them somewhat subservient, as Gringotts had done to the one guarding the lower vaults, who had been trained to expect pain upon hearing a certain noise.

Just one more chapter...

Dragons have long serpentine bodies, with proportionately long necks and tails. Their bodies have four limbs: two short back legs and two large wings as forelimbs, a body-plan similar to a bat. Artwork over the years has sometimes depicted them as having six limbs - two wings growing out of their backs in addition to four legs - but this is inaccurate. The teeth and claws of adult dragons are as long and sharp as swords. Dragons are covered in scales, as well as spines that run down their backs from head to tail. Dragons are obligate carnivores, with diets consisting entirely of meat. Dragons need to roast their prey with their fire-breath before consuming it - the only animals apart from humans who prefer cooked meat.

"Nope, not helping" She couldn't do it anymore, the same four pages in her copy of Dangerous Animals and their habits driving her up the wall as she rereads it over and over again hoping to grab some helpful information as to how on earth they were both going to defeat this dragon. She and Jon had been at this for hours, their heads in book after book all Sunday researching everything they possibly can about them.

For such well known creatures there still isn't an awful lot known about them, only that they're suppose to be very intelligent. It's a pain that all the books they'd got seemed to go over the same facts, none of them really offering anything new to the table. Daenerys almost wondered if he asked Professor Lannister, perhaps he would grant a short, supervised visit to her house where all the Valyrian books are kept. There was bound to be something about Dragon riding or the bonds Valyrians used to have with the dragons in them. It was information that escaped her memory right now.

She'd been over everything she remembered about Dragons from the books with Jon. Long before the doom, the Targaryen lineage had been involved in a civil war. As they were known for incest, like many other Valyrian families, the line of possession became very cloudy. The Dragons were kept out of the fighting for a long time, they were weapons that could cause mass destruction and they'd destroy Valyria in a breath. One Dragon, Daenerys remembered something about him being called The Dread, was so big and ferocious that to not scare the natives in Valyria, the Targaryens kept him in hills far from the city.

But one member of the Targaryen family got greedy and tried to take Balerion to be his own Dragon. Balerion destroyed the man and his dragons after being attacked in his hills and caverns that the hot breath formed Dragon-glass instantly. Of course this was all hearsay passed down the generations and it was more associated to the Dragon-glass than the actually Dragons themselves but it was all she had.

"All we've deduced is that they can show loyalty" Jon sighs in agreement as his head rests on the book he was reading and his eyes close. He started babbling questions out loud and Daenerys couldn't help but find it cute. His hair had flopped over his face and his arms just hung by himself as he mumbled and grumbled. He's so adorable. "But it's historically known that they're not pets, they can never be pets. So what made the Valyrian be able to do it?"

"Jon, are you alright there?" Daenerys laughs as she sees him break down in front of her.

"I don't know, maybe. It's just we have to face a dragon in four weeks and i have no fucking clue how we're supposed to do it or what we're going to do if it eats us" Daenerys decided they needed a break and so she got up from her seat and walked over to his by the bookcases. She closed his book he was reading and moved his hair out of his face so she could kiss him on the side of his cheek. "If it does eat me, I might have to leave Robb my broomstick..."

"Alright, Morbid Mary. We're not going to die, okay? We'll figure something out but for now you've done enough study and deserve a break" Daenerys demanded of him. She too was feeling like a thousand horkclumps had been exploding inside her head so she decided it was time for some food and a rest. She kissed him again in an attempt to make him follow her but she regretted it as soon as his hands found her jawline and he began returning kisses. She had not expected this.

But that didn't mean she did not like it...

Daenerys had gotten used to the kissing now, in a way. Of course every time it occurred she got all flustered and her senses felt heightened, but it didn't scare her in the same way it had done before. Viserys was still very raw to her, she was tainted by his touch and the initial kisses she'd been given by Jon had pushed her over her limit. But he respected her boundaries, and slowly they'd explored it together. They could not sometimes go up to fifteen or twenty minutes without stopping, providing Jon's hands didn't get carried away. And for Daenerys, this was a remarkable improvement in how comfortable and safe she felt with Jon.

So now, even though he's caught her by surprise, it was a welcome one as their lips slicked and softened against each others. Daenerys knew Jon had kissed many girls before, so she'd always imagined he's be good at it, but this... it was not anything she'd expected. She'd heard from Missandei that kissing could bring some people up from the lowest of lows and Daenerys always wondered what it meant. And now she knew.

The way he ran his thumb along her jawline, light pressure almost teasing her skin to flush and bring her freckles out. The way his eyes poured into hers with emotion and intensity set her heart ablaze and made her feel a little weak for him. The way he used his lips, his soft and plump lips to plant kiss after kiss along the place he'd brushed with his thumb, on her sensitive spot on her neck. And the way their tongues had collided and her sense had filled with him. It was enough to completely bring her up from a low mood.

And so now, with Filibuster fireworks dancing in her brain and her bundles of nerves in her lips excited beyond compare, their tongues collided once more and Daenerys finds her knees give in a little from the intensity. Jon catches her and brings her onto his lap where they continue to kiss for a while. Daenerys realises what she's doing when it's too late, her legs somehow find themselves either side of Jon on the chair as their kisses intensify.

"Dany" Jon moaned slightly as their mouths parted slightly, perhaps they were both getting a little carried away. But the sensation overwhelmed all of Daenerys rational thought as she put her entire being into the kiss. Jon responded, his hands on her trousered thighs as he softly caresses them. He can't help it, she can't help it. They're trapped int his moment. But Jon, he comes to his senses. "Dany"

The second he says her name she stops, her throat lacking oxygen as she pants with her forehead against his. She's thankful, her fear has caught up with her before she did something of immense regret. It reminded her how easy it was to get lost in him, and she was lucky. Had it been anyone else she'd fallen for, would they have stopped or continued to take advantage. That was reckless, she tells herself.

"Thank you" She sighed against him, resting her head on his shoulder as she hugs him. "I trust you even more now"

And she'd meant it. "Thank you, I was getting carried away too. You're insatiable, I can't get enough of you"

Daenerys cheeks coloured and she was thankful her face wasn't on show for him. She regains her composure before she got off of his lap and walked over to pick her bag up, still not looking at him as she tried to ease her breathing out. It's okay to feel this way, you bot have a deep connection. It's okay to be in love, you've never experience it truly before. She told herself these things because it's what Missandei had told her when she'd expressed concern over her and Jon kissing each other so easily.

"Let's go get food, Dragons are doing my head in" She states as she throws him his satchel.

"Daenerys, it's ten in the evening..." Jon states. Daenerys eyes widen, she turns to see the small clock in their room, he's right. They've been in this room together for eleven house now. She makes a snap decision then, they needed to go to the Kitchens to get food. She grabs his hand and even thought they're both Head boy and girl, both allowed to be in the halls at ten in the evening for Patrols and such, she felt like a child breaking the rule. She felt gleeful.

"Let's go see Pyp!" She said excitedly, as if she'd suddenly been possessed, or she was drunk.

Jon rolled his eyes at her. "Fine, but I'm getting to the bottom of this Dragon problem. I'm not becoming Dragon food!"

"Please, you should be more worried about getting a reversal on that ice bomb. Two months Jon and it's still there" Daenerys says quietly as they sneak out of their room on the seventh floor. The coast was clear and so hand in hand, they wandered the halls down towards the kitchen. They came to the corridor in question, which had officially been sealed off as unusable thanks to Jon's spell.

Daenerys couldn't believe how much damage the spell had caused. It was a true show of how strong Jon was in Defence against the dark arts, not that it was ever in doubt who was the master. He should be able to defeat a dragon, one dragon. But it also depended on the type of Dragon they got, all they knew is it wouldn't be Ironbellies as they were the largest ones in the world. But Jon could dispel Boggarts and cast the most incredible Patronus, it should be her that was worried about the Dragon, that should be worried. Yet there was something inside her that wasn't scared...

"I could use it on Dragons, although I don't know if it would work. Dragon's are very strong in their magical power, would be interesting to see if Ice can take down fire" And there it was, he'd be fine. "Though without a counter curse i'd be screwed in saving the dragons from frozen death. And I don't want to kill them; that's against the rules anyway. You shouldn't be harming the creatures in the tasks"

This reminded Daenerys of something she needed to speak to Jon of. Looking around her and behind, she cast a muffilato charm around her and stopped in her tracks. "Have you heard anything about Durmstrang?"

"No, everything is quiet on that front. It doesn't mean they're not up to something" Jon admitted. "Professor Lannister was very sure that there is a snake amongst the lambs there at Durmstrang. I still have my suspicions on Professor Baratheon, he's not very good when it comes to being social or nice shall I say with the other student body. I see him lurking the corridors often"

"And you don't think to follow?" Dany snorted.

"Of course I do, he just usually disappears before I get a chance to" Jon shrugs. "and there's still the deal with a traitor in school. Professor Lannister refuses to use Veritaserum on the teachers out of principal. It could be any of them. Professor Mormont, Professor Lewin, Master Marwin... Doesn't even have to be willing. they could be imperius-ed for all we know"

Daenerys sighed at everything that lied ahead of them. "There's really no hope is there"

"Oh there's always hope" Jon snickered. "We can hope to improve your Defence skills, for one"

"Screw you" Daenerys smacked him before stalking away down the Grand Staircase, his laughter behind her.