A Dance of Frost and Flame

Chapter 2. The North

Visenya and Jacaerys Velaryon's journey was tiresome. They first arrived at the Eyrie, wherein Lady Jeyne Arryn had welcomed them. She allowed her brother to play his part in this one, to which he had successfully won over the Eyrie for the blacks, under which she was given dragonriders for protection. Lady Arryn soon knelt before the prince and princess, followed by her swordsmen, all swearing fealty to the twins and their mother.

Their next stop was a quicker one, Sisterton. Successfully earning the support of the Three Sisters. Soon after they arrived at White Harbor, where Visenya's hand in marriage came into question, Lord Desmond Manderly requested her to be betrothed into his house, much to Visenya's dismay. The two twins discussed it at length later that day and came to the conclusion that she would not, in fact, marry a Manderly. Instead, their younger brother Joffery was betrothed to Lord Desmond's youngest daughter. With the support of White Harbor, they could finally travel to their main destination.

It was late afternoon when the two left the Manderlys; Cannibal and Vermax had once again feasted earlier that day, quickly becoming acquainted, to the surprise of Visenya. Cannibal's dislike for the North did not go unnoticed, and she had told Jace their journey must be quick, for who knew what would happen when a formerly wild dragon became unhappy with its rider's destinations.

With a light snowfall, the twins landed outside Winterfell's gates and were welcomed in by Cregan Stark's guards. The Warden of the North was seated in the hall when the two were brought before him. It was dimly lit, cold, and smelt of wood, meat, and metal. Visenya's eyes soon adjusted to the change in light, and spotted Lord Stark in a thick dark gray cloak. He was rather handsome, with fine features and subtle facial hair, Visenya was stricken at the northmen's beauty. For they were said to be thick bearded, wide, and rigid people.

"I bring you Jacaerys Velaryon and his twin, Visenya Velaryon, son and daughter of Rhaenyra Targaryen." A short and stubby man introduced the two.

Cregan Stark stood from his seat, dismissing the man beside them, "Leave us." The shorter man scurried from the large, stoned hall, shutting the door behind them with a loud thud. The northman stepped around his lengthy wooden table, reaching for two cups on the other side. He poured wine before walking over to the boy prince, offering him the cup. Jace took it, with a glance sideways at his sister.

Cregan then stretched his arm to the princess, she offered her own out, to which he landed a delicate kiss on the back of her hand, then gave her the other cup. "Winter is on its way, I have been busy with preparations." He started, returning to the table, leaning against it. "I take it you do not bring good news." To what do I owe this visit?"

Jace stepped forward to address him, "Not exactly, my lord. I apologize for the intrusion, and on no notice. We were-"

"A war may be coming," Visenya spoke before her brother could finish, eager to get to the point, "as I'm sure you've well heard."

Cregan's eyes darted to the girl, squinting with curiosity. "Ah, yes. Has Viserys' time come? I send you my sympathies. I'm sure Aegon, Second of his name, King of-"

"King of nowhere, flea bottom perhaps. He is a usurper, that is his title." She stepped to stand beside Jacaerys, taking a sip of the wine. She held back a cough, clearing her throat.

If not admirable, Lord Stark seemed taken aback by the interruption. He pointed to the cup, "I'm sure it is not what you are used to, stronger, perhaps, than the wine down south. Still good, nonetheless."

Jace stared at her sister, brows furrowed as he silently addressed her lack of discipline in front of the Warden of the North. Visenya shrugged subtly, "As it is, we are not here to discuss wine preferences."