Chapter 3.1: Their History

414 14 1
                                    

Over the first month of summer break, Lyanna spent most of her time talking to Melisandre using a pair of enchanted mirrors, one of which she had mailed to the woman. Each night, as soon as the household had gone to bed, Lyanna would lock herself in her room and summon Melisandre's reflection, eager to learn more about her mysterious lineage.

Lyanna's first questions revolved around her mother, Daenerys Targaryen. Melisandre began her tale in a low, hypnotic voice, painting a vivid picture of the exiled princess of the Targaryen dynasty.

"Your mother, Daenerys, was born amidst the storms of Dragonstone, the last stronghold of the Targaryen dynasty after it was overthrown in a bloody rebellion. Orphaned and exiled, she grew up in fear and isolation, constantly on the run from those who sought to extinguish her line. Her brother, Viserys, often reminded her of their lost glory and the Iron Throne that was rightfully theirs."

Melisandre described how Daenerys evolved from a timid and abused young woman into a powerful and determined leader. "She was known for her compassion for the oppressed and her desire to bring justice to the world. Her journey began in the harsh lands of Essos, where she married Khal Drogo, a Dothraki warlord. Their union was a turning point. From a frightened girl, she emerged as Khaleesi, the queen of a vast nomadic tribe."

Lyanna listened, enraptured, as Melisandre recounted Daenerys's rise to power. "Your mother was a complex character with both strengths and flaws. Driven by a sense of destiny to reclaim the Iron Throne and restore her family's legacy, she amassed an army, freed slaves, and inspired fierce loyalty. Yet, her journey was marked by difficult choices and moral ambiguity. She faced numerous challenges and made controversial decisions that had a profound impact on the world around her."

Melisandre's voice softened, tinged with sorrow, as she recounted the latter part of Daenerys's story. "In the end, Daenerys turned mad. The weight of her destiny, the betrayals, and the loss of those she loved pushed her to extremes. Her final act of destruction in King's Landing was a tragic culmination of her struggle between justice and vengeance."

Lyanna felt a pang of sadness, imagining the tumultuous life her mother had led. Seeking solace, she then asked Melisandre about her father, Jon Snow.

"Jon Snow," Melisandre began, "was raised as the bastard son of Eddard Stark, the honorable Warden of the North. Honor was Jon's defining characteristic, stemming from his life as a bastard. Everything he did was in an effort to live up to the standard set by his father-uncle and to prove himself worthy of the Stark name, even though he could never truly have it."

Melisandre narrated Jon's life at Winterfell, his camaraderie with his siblings, and his decision to join the Night's Watch. "At the Wall, Jon found his place among other outcasts and misfits. He rose through the ranks due to his bravery and integrity, eventually becoming Lord Commander. His time with the Night's Watch allowed him to view honor in a more nuanced fashion. He was sweet and insecure and not entirely afraid to show it."

Lyanna was particularly moved by the story of Jon's relationship with the wildlings and his struggle to unite the North against the threat of the White Walkers. "Despite his bastardy, he was a leader who commanded respect through his actions and kindness. His love for Daenerys was deep and tragic, marked by the revelation of his true parentage and the resulting turmoil."

Melisandre spoke of Jon's ultimate betrayal of Daenerys, driven by his love for his people and his understanding of the threat she posed. "In the end, he chose to protect the realm, a decision that cost him dearly but was true to his character. He was compelled to listen to his conscience and the advice of Tyrion Lannister, leading him to put an end to Daenerys's reign before it even started."

Lyanna's heart ached as Melisandre continued, "In the end, nobody sat on the Iron Throne. Forged by a dragon and destroyed by a dragon. Daenerys never got a chance to take her place as queen. Her dreams of a better world, of breaking the wheel, were shattered by the very person she loved and trusted the most."

Lyanna felt a surge of anger and sorrow for the mother she never knew. "Why did it have to end like that?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Melisandre's eyes burned with a fierce intensity. "Because destiny was not finished with the Targaryens. The story did not end with Daenerys's death. There is still hope, Lyanna. There is still a chance to set things right."

"What do you mean?" Lyanna asked, a flicker of hope igniting within her.

Melisandre leaned closer, her voice a whisper of ancient prophecy. "Have you forgotten what I've told you? Our real mission is to turn back time and change the outcome. It was a Targaryen who united the Seven—make that Six—Kingdoms. To remain united, a Targaryen must sit on the Iron Throne. That Targaryen is you, Lyanna."

Lyanna's eyes widened in shock. "I wouldn't be so sure—"

"You have the blood of the dragon, Lyanna," Melisandre interrupted. "You have the strength and the spirit of your ancestors. You are the rightful heir, and you must reclaim what was lost. The past can be changed, and with it, the future of the Six Kingdoms."

The thought of changing the past, of undoing the tragedies that befell her family, seemed impossible and yet tantalizingly within reach.

Melisandre smiled, a knowing glint in her eyes. "The God  of Light, before sending us here, showed me a glimpse of ancient magics and rituals that can alter the fabric of time and the universe. It will not be easy, and the path will be fraught with danger."

~~~

With each passing day, Lyanna grew more confident in her destiny. She was a Targaryen, the rightful heir to the Iron Throne, and she would stop at nothing to reclaim her family's legacy and unite the Six Kingdoms once more.

Forsaken Bloodlines {HP x GOT}Where stories live. Discover now