The Legacy

Part 25

Viserra felt as she was lost in a memory. She packed her belongs into her trunk. looking on to the bed and wishing she would Bantis asleep quietly snoring. The last time she packed her belongings her entire house was killed. She sent Arya away hoping she would remain safe. Viserra knew it was the right choice at the moment, but it didn't worry her any less. Everyday she prayed to the old gods to watch and protect her family. Silent prayers were said for Arya, Robb, Aunt Cat, Jon, Theon, Bran and Rickon. Never knowing if the prayers were heard she lived with the worry.

She moved to packing her hairbrush and mirror when she caught sight of her reflection. Her eyes a dull violet and dark circles. She noticed she had more white hair than she thought. Before it was only the crown of her head, but now it grew in small patches. Strings of silver glittered throughout the black waves. Before she could examine further Sansa came in. 

"Lord Tyrion is here"

"Alright, are you fully packed?" Viserra closed her trunk.

"Almost" Sansa aimlessly picked up one of Viserra's shirts.

"Finish up we leave at first light" Viserra left the small bedroom they shared and met Tyrion in the parlor they had.

"Viserra"

"Tyrion"

"I spoke with Cersei and we have reached an agreement."

"Oh" Viserra sat down and offered him a seat. "And that agreement?"

"Sansa and Joffrey's engagement will be called off"

"Good we will leave tomorrow morning" Viserra began to stand.

"Just one thing" Tyrion continued and Viserra sat back down. "Sansa will be free to leave King's Landing, once you have returned"

"Returned?"

"Cersei asks that you escort Princess Myrcella to Dorne, as a personal favor. She is aware and confident in your abilities as a warrior and is aware of your nurturing side."

"A favor? For Cersei?" Viserra scoffed.

"Yes, you escort her to Dorne and upon your arrived Sansa will be free of her engagement and to return to Winterfell" Tyrion tapped his fingers on the small table between them.

"Just Sansa?" Viserra raised her brow. "I noticed you said Sansa will be allowed and not you and Sansa"

"I still think what you and I are accomplishing will not only help end the war but build a better future for all of Westeros" Tyrion explained passionately. 

"That's dramatic" Viserra laughed. "At most we have only improved the lives of those here at the capital"

"And that is progress I am proud of."

"Fine, when Sansa and I return from Dorne, I will stay. Gods know the North will need a voice here"

"Ah, Sansa will not go with you. Insurance for princess Myrcella. Cersei insists" Viserra rolled her eyes.

"Fine I suppose it is insurance for both families. When does the princess leave?"

"Coincidence enough, tomorrow midday"

"Excellent. I don't want to waste anymore time than necessary." With that Tyrion said his goodbyes and Viserra told Sansa of the plan. Sansa seemed unhappy with being left alone, but understood it was necessary. 

The next morning Viserra sent multiple letters to family and allies of new developments. Letters to Robb, Jon, Aunt Cat, and to Winterfell were of hope and well-wishing. The letter sent to Roose Bolton was confidence and support in his abilities in advising her cousin. Viserra began writing to the Boltons in the beginning when fury consumed her. A house of that reputation was necessary in war. In the few letters they had exchanged Roose made her feel comfortable in their alliance. 

Sansa and Viserra walked to the harbor just outside the walls. There Viserra saw Tyrion, Bronn and Podrick who was the first to greet the two Stark women. 

"Lady Sta-" Podrick stopped himself.

"It's alright Podrick." She placed a hand on his shoulder. "May I ask a favor of you?"

"Anything my lady" Podrick answered.

"Keep an eye out on Sansa and Tyrion. Gods know they'll need it"

"It would be my honor" Podrick bowed in agreement.

"Thank you" Viserra smiled and turned to Bronn. "I ask the same favor of you, I just need to know your price"

"We'll settle up when you return, as you know I'm not cheap" Bronn smirked.

"Cheap is the last word I would use to describe you, Bronn" Viserra laughed. The group became quiet when the queen arrived with Myrcella and Tommen.

"May I have a word?" Cersei spoke to Viserra who followed before agreeing. Now that the women were alone and away from listening ears. "I am sorry for what Joff did to Sansa"

"I think you should tell Sansa that" Viserra looked over to the group that stared in her direction.

"I'm telling you so that I'm clear. If anything happens to my daughter, the same will happen to Sansa. I care for the girl, you may not think I do, but I see a bit of myself in her. A young and beautiful girl being sent to the capital to forge an alliance. Sansa is a beauty, it would be a shame if anything happened to her." Cersei was stoic in her words.

"No harm will come to Sansa and no harm will come to Myrcella. They are unfortunate souls who are caught in the middle. I'm glad we have an understanding in the importance of their safety. It would be very unfortunate for you, if any danger befell Sansa." Viserra's tone was cold as winter.

"Then we are in agreement" Cersei ended the conversation and walked toward her daughter. Sansa bowed to the queen and hugged Viserra.

"I'll be back soon pup" Viserra tightened her embrace. It felt as she was saying goodbye. "If you need anything let Tyrion know"

"Do you trust him now?" Sansa laughed with small tears in her eyes.

"I have to now." Viserra kissed Sansa on her forehead. "I love you, I'll be back as soon as I can"

Once goodbyes were said Viserra and princess Myrcella stepped into the small row boat that would take them to the ship in the distance. Those on the dock became smaller and smaller. Myrcella began weeping. Instinctive Viserra pulled the girl close to her.

"Shhh, shhh princesses don't cry" Viserra soothed. Myrcella shot into a mix of sobs and words. She couldn't understand why she had to leave her home. Viserra knew the little princess had became a bargaining chip in the game. Viserra said nothing more and just held the young girl. Oh how she reminded her of Sansa when she was younger. 

The rocking back and forth of the rough waters made Viserra sick. She couldn't ground herself enough to control her stomach. Poor Myrcella was just as sick as the waves battered and bashed against the ship. Eventually their journey came to and end and no sooner than expected they were in a similar small row boat heading to the shores. The sun was beating down on Viserra's face, she felt as if she was melting. Once they reached the dock it took every ounce of strength to climb out of the boat. 

There stood Prince Doran Martell and his son Trystane. Formal greetings were exchanged and Viserra's mind slipped in and out as if in a dream. Small bursts of consciousness could be strung together, but she had no energy to make use of it. Viserra sensed the smoothness of the sheets  that clung to her skin. She had no strength to open her eyes, all she could do is listen.

She just collapsed... Get my brother... Now!

What was she given?

She's dying...