The Dragon in the North

Talk with a Mother

High Valyrian is in italics

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'You're most likely with child.' Daenys looked at her grandmother with wide eyes. Pregnant? Now? No, that couldn't be. Not right now. There's so much going on and she can't be pregnant. Daenys ran back to her dragons as quickly as possible and climbed onto Meraxe's back. The she-dragon took off straight away and flew towards Winterfell with Daenys on her back. Meraxes knew exactly what her young rider needed, a mother, and who was always there for the young girl? Nora Stark.

Meraxes landed at her usual spot near Winterfell and Daenys got off the she-dragon's back. Nora realised that a dragon had landed and made her way to the spot. Once there, she saw Daenys climb down from Meraxe's back. 'Oh, Daenys. It's so nice to see you. Is everything all right?' 'Hello Nora, I need someone to talk to. Don't worry, it's nothing to do with bad news. As far as I know, Cregan and his people are fine.' 'That's a relief. Let's sit under the tree over there and then you can tell me what's on your mind.' Daenys and Nora walked together to the tree Nora had pointed to earlier and sat down at its trunk. 'So, then start talking. I'll listen to you.' Nora looked at the young girl next to her with an encouraging smile. Daenys began to tell her everything. From how her mother had changed to what her grandmother told her before her hasty departure.

'Oh, that's quite a lot. I never expected this from Rhaenyra. I hope nothing happens to your younger siblings and they arrive safely at their destination. Your mother must be careful what she does now, if her 'allies' get wind of all this, she won't have many left. Because I know for a fact that many of those fighting by her side have sworn their allegiance to you, and you alone. For Aemond Targaryen, you are now the greatest threat to his power, but he has only seen Vermithor and not the other two, so he will not know what awaits him. I have to be honest; I don't know if it makes sense to inform Daemon or wait and see what comes next. I can well imagine that you could be with child, because the love between you and Aegon is so wonderful. I would wish for it, but I also understand your fear. No matter what happens, whether you are really expecting a child or not, you will get us all through this war well. You are one of the best strategists and a caring person who wants to avoid as much suffering as possible.'

Daenys was on the verge of tears. 'Thank you, Nora, I think I needed this more than anything. I am so grateful to have you in my life. You, Cregan and the North are my second family, and I will do everything I can not to let down the people who believe in me.' Daenys and Nora sat like that for a while, savouring the silence. It had been far too long since the two of them had been able to sit next to each other in such peace. Towards evening, Daenys made her way back to Dorne with Meraxes. The two women said their goodbyes and Daenys climbed onto Meraxes' back.

The flight back was quiet and uneventful. Daenys was away for several days and when they landed near the other dragons, she was eagerly awaited by Rhaenys and Jace. 'We were worried. Where have you been?' 'I needed to clear my head and talk to someone who's known me since I was a baby. I was up north.' 'Don't ever do that again.' 'I promise!' After the little lecture from her grandmother and brother, Daenys decided to see a Master to find out if she was really expecting a child.

'Hello Princess Daenys, how can I help you?' 'Can you tell me if I'm expecting a child?' The Master scurried straight across the room and prepared everything. After the tests, he was just about to tell her the results when an out-of-breath Jace stood in the doorway. 'Two dragons have been sighted. It's impossible to tell from a distance who the two dragons are.' 'I'm coming!'

Should she hear what the Master had to say first, or should she go straight outside to see who it was?