A Song of Ash and Smoke | a continuation of A Song of Ice and Fire

𝐉𝐨𝐧

It had not taken long for Tyrion and Jojen to set sail for Dragonstone. Jon knew that wasn't what Danaerys wanted, though. Still, he'd shook Tyrion's hand and bowed curtly to the prince before letting them go. Arya had given her ship, The Discovery, captained by a man named Waren Gylian. As she'd put it, "I've nowhere to go at this moment anyway." 

Waren Gylian was a rough looking man. Something about him was honest, though Jon couldn't quite put his finger on it. Arya had found him in Lys, and together they'd explored all of the west of Westeros. He'd been staying with the rest of Arya's crew in the Red Keep, in an empty servant's quarters and so Jon had seen little of him until the day they departed. But he looked at Jon, as if he knew much more than he let on, and quietly said, "I'll watch over her."

Jon had watched as they raised the banners for House Stark upon their sails and not long after, they set sail. It'd been a fortnight and Jon grew restless waiting for word. That is, until Arya burst into his rooms with a scroll.

"Waren has sent word. They've made it."

"Does it bring news on how they were received?"

Arya shook her head. "He wrote very little, only enough to say that she had openly received Tyrion and the prince."

Jon mulled it over. That was good to hear, he supposed. He wondered how quickly her good spirits may change when she demanded them to bend the knee. Standing up from the plush violet chaise that stood near the window of his room, he made way to the door. Certainly, Bran would know more information than them. If he wasn't occupied with his new ward, that is. 

"What of Brienne and Prince Oshen?"

Arya was evidently relieved to speak on that matter instead. "She's sent word that she's reached Horn Hill. Bronn has sent word to his banners to prepare themselves, and his banners have begun to, per her letter."

"Aye. She is to help Gilly rally?"

"It's a good place to start. Gilly has little experience in holding a banner, especially in times of war. She already struggles to maintain her men's patience. They only respect her because of Bran; she's a wildling and the Great Houses are not like to forget that any time soon. We need control of the Reach. Bronn's son of course has begun to rally in Highgarden and will make way with his men to Horn Hill to meet Brienne. They are to house the banners in Harrenhal, to rally the Riverlands when they finish in the Reach."

"A good move. This is the new lord of Riverrun's opportunity to show his banners that he is capable. Oshen's presence will help, I imagine."

"We still struggle so with Dorne. They want naught to do with this conflict and said as much to Bran. They've declined his invitation to court." 

Jon's head jerked up. "We need Dorne to feed the banners, as much as we need Highgarden."

Arya sighed. Jon could see that she tired of the politicking, the preparing for war. Still, she knew what coming back to Westeros meant when she did, and she complained very little about her role. She'd surprised Bran by volunteering herself for Master of War, but already Jon saw the strain it put upon her. She was the best suited for the role, perhaps outside of Jon himself. Bran had relinquished him of his duties as Lord Commander of the Night's Watch to keep him at court. The Night's Watch had little to do with the conflict, however, and Jon had no knowledge of its functions presently. Now Jon was just a man carrying a bastard's name again. 

"Bran said the dragons were eating Dorne's livestock and destroying their crop," Jon asked, dismayed. "Why in the seven hells would they refuse conflict?"

"Perhaps Danaerys got to them first, Jon. She isn't stupid. She knows she cannot make her way with the Unsullied and Dothraki alone."

A bang on the door interrupted their conversation. Podrick's voice chimed through the door, before he entered and bowed.