NOVEL NEXT Chapter 31: Winterfell
[Winterfell]
(Third Person POV)
Inside the main hall of Winterfell, Lady Catlyn was directing her servants as they hurriedly moved stuff amongst the tables.
"Make sure we have enough mead and wine for the Lords when they arrive." She told them, "They have big bellies and a barrel per Lord is not enough. Also, have we made sure that Ser Rhaegon's room is clear of rats? He likes his room to be warm with the fire and I know those little creatures will be attracted to the heat."
She was looking at a list as Maester Ludwyn approached her, "My Lady." He said, "About the beast, she has been taking an extra two sheep per feeding. What should we do about it?"
Lady Stark walked towards a table as the Maester followed her, "King Rhaegar has sent monthly funding for the Keepers and Dragonguard, we shall take it from there."
"I understand, but the people have been complaining." Ludwyn said, "They don't like the fact a dragon is taking their livestock."
Lady Catlyn stopped and looked at him, "The Crown sends their own livestock as recompense for the feeding of the Princess's dragon." She said, "And since the Prince and Ser Rhaegon plan to spend time here, he has sent more coin and sheep ahead of time."
"They can be quite vocal, that is all." Maester Ludwyn said
"I'll speak to my Husband about it." Lady Stark said
"Speak to me about what?" They turned around and saw Ned Stark walking through a group of servants
Ludwyn bowed, "My Lord." He said, "I am discussing the dragon's eating habits."
Ned Stark stood in front of them, bags under his eyes a sign of lack of sleep. He looked at the Maester. "The King has been generous in his monthly funding for his sister's Dragon and its keepers." He said, "And as for the Prince and Ser Rhaegon... well, Robert has sent his own share of coin to compensate for the boy's dragon."
"The people are complaining about their lack of livestock, Ned." Lady Stark said
"Ah," he said as he crossed his arms. Well, we'll speak to the Prince and Ser Rhaegon if they wish to spare some of their feed. I know Rhaegon and his dragon occasionally hunt for their food, and the Prince's Dragon isn't much of a glutton like this white beast is."
Ned Stark looked around, seeing that the Hall's transformation from empty to full with decorations and plenty of tables was nearly complete. His tired eyes said it all, he was impressed.
"Where is Robb?" Lady Stark asked, "And Bran, Sansa, and Arya? They told me they were going to help us organize these tables."
Ned looked at the Maester, "Fetch the girls and Bran, Maester." He said, "And Theon if you can, he's out hunting with Jon. As for Robb, he and the Princess are taking a walk and checking on the dragon."
[A/N: As far as the books are concerned, Jon is not Rhaegar and Lyanna's son. We'll find out, of course, but I'm taking the route that he's Ned's. We don't have a definite answer, though. For this Fic's sake, I'll take a different approach. Let me cook.]
Maester Ludwyn nodded and walked away without saying a word.
Lady Stark shook her head, "You know how I don't like Robb near that thing...." She said with a hushed tone
Ned smiled, "Relax, do you not trust Daenerys?" He asked
"I do, it's the dragon that I don't trust." She said, "She's been too aggressive these past few months."
"I know, Daenerys is growing tired of her unusual behavior." Ned said, "The Princess says it is because she is growing lonely. But worry not, soon Robb and her will have children and Robert says that Princess Shaena will send some eggs our way."
"The North cannot sustain more than one Dragon, Ned." Lady Stark said, "You know that."
"Aye." He said, "But we'll do what King Rhaegar tells us to. You know he's aided us more than we can ask."
"Of course, His Grace has been quite generous." She said, "I regret that he and the Queen won't attend the Feast."
"He'll attend the Wedding, make no mistake." Ned said as he looked at the tables being prepared,
"I just worry about the Prince and Ser Rhaegon for now."
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Outside of Winterfell's walls, several hundred meters away and near some caves, the young lord Robb Stark walked alongside Princess Daenerys Targaryen. There was a bit of snow falling from the sky as it landed on the Princess's already white hair.
She wore a thick white dress, white gloves, and a black scarf, gifted to her by her promised.
"As always...." Daenerys said as she opened her palms, "The North shares its beauty with me....I never imagined snow to be so.....amazing...."
Robb stopped and smiled, his hands behind his back, "You've been here a year, Princess." He chuckled, "Every time you come outside Winterfell, you're surprised to see the snow."
Daenerys looked at Robb and smiled, "I've lived on an island most of my life, Robb..." She said, "I'll always be amazed by this....."
Robb looked to their left, in the distance, several structures were seen; a massive gate with guard towers next to it. In front of the gate, several armored men stood guard, wearing red and gold armor and fur capes.
This was Winterfell's Dragonpit, a barracks alongside a gate and a few walls built in front of Shrykos's Cave, where Daenerys's dragon resides.
"She has been quiet today, so far." Robb said as he looked at Daenerys
Daenerys frowned, "Thank the gods...." She said softly, "I apologize about last week, she almost burned you...."
Robb chuckled, "It is okay." He told her, "I knew what I got myself into."
"I think it is because she's alone, in the cold....." She said, "She used to constantly play with Morghul..."
"Rhaegon's dragon, huh?" Robb said, "I heard word that he's in the North, down in White Harbor."
Daenerys looked at Robb, a glint of light in her eyes, "Rhaegon's coming?"
Robb nodded, "He is." He said, "He's been on tour, from what my father told me. He flew all around the Realm, hearing marriage proposals out. From what I'm told, he's considering Lady Margeary Tyrell and Roslin Frey."
Daenerys frowned, "Frey?" She said, "Is that wise?"
Robb chuckled, "I don't know, but that's what I heard. I could be wrong, though." He said
Suddenly, both Daenerys and Robb heard a loud shriek coming from the Dragonpit. Shrykos's song was loud and could be heard all the way to Winterfell's halls.
"Oh no...." Daenerys said as she walked in front of Robb, "What is wrong with her now? H-Hey! Open the Gates! Let her out!"
She was telling the dragonguard in front of the gate, hoping they could hear her. Without a second thought, the guards did as she said and opened the gate.
Suddenly, a massive white figure burst forth from inside, barreling towards Daenerys and Robb.
Robb placed his hand on his sword, getting on guard as the dragon was letting out a roar.
Daenerys raised her hand, "Dohaeras, Shrykos!! Lykiri!"
The Dragon slid to a stop in front of her as it shook its head, it's bright white scales reflecting the little sunlight they were getting. It's beautiful blue eyes looked at Daenerys who stood in front of it.
Shryko, the white dragon, leaned forwards as Daenerys smiled at her, letting out a rumble and blinked.
"It's okay, my dear...." She said, "Please, behave yourself in front of my betrothed...."
Shrykos snorted as her eyes darted to Robb and she let out a slight growl.
"Shrykos..." Daenerys said with a more commanding voice, "Enough...."
Shrykos then sniffed the air, her eyes immediately darting upwards and she backed up, letting out a roar.
Robb frowned and looked up, seeing a massive shadow in the snow clouds above them, "W-What the...."
A louder roar than Shrykos's was heard as a massive black figure burst through the clouds.
Daenerys widened her eyes as she saw The Black Lord glide towards them, "Rhaegon!"
Morghul let out a roar as it looked down in which Shrykos returned. Atop Morghul, Rhaegon was seen, wearing proper Northern clothes that kept him warm. He had a calm and neutral look on his face as he looked down at Shrykos who was giving a welcoming roar to Morghul.
"Didn't think he'll get here today...." Robb said as he looked up,
"Rhaegon...."