Forsaken Bloodlines {HP x GOT}

Chapter 5.17: The Heart III

Che crew called out that the ships were ready to set sail. Lyanna gave a curt nod, her expression hardening as she turned toward the bow.

"Let's go," she commanded, her voice carrying over the deck.

As the ships left the harbor of Braavos behind, Lyanna stood at the bow, her silver hair catching the sea breeze. The North awaited, with all its dangers and uncertainties. 

The winds grew colder as the ships pressed northward, biting at the skin of everyone on board. Lyanna tugged her coat closer, silently grateful for the kindness of the Braavosi woman who had offered them warm clothing before they left. The coat was a work of art—deep charcoal gray with intricate silver embroidery tracing the edges of the fabric like frost on a windowpane. The high collar provided warmth to her neck, and the sleeves, lined with soft fur, shielded her hands from the worst of the chill. A sash of deep crimson wrapped around her waist, adding a touch of color that seemed to echo the fire in her veins. Beneath it, she wore sturdy black boots and thick woolen trousers. She might have looked regal, but her outfit was as practical as it was beautiful, designed to withstand the North's brutal climate.

After nearly two days of relentless travel, Karhold finally emerged on the horizon. Its outline was stark against the white expanse of snow, the castle's tall, weathered towers standing like sentinels in the cold. Lyanna studied it as they drew closer, her expression calm but her mind racing. This was a critical moment, and she knew that the outcome here would set the tone for the rest of their journey.

The ships docked at the frozen harbor, and Lyanna disembarked first, her boots crunching against the icy ground. Her breath puffed in the air as she surveyed the small party of Karstark soldiers waiting for them. The men were armed, their weapons glinting coldly in the weak sunlight, and their expressions were wary, if not outright hostile.

Lyanna raised her hand in a gesture of peace, her calm demeanor betraying none of the tension she felt. As if summoned by her silent command, Drogon descended from the skies, landing beside her with a powerful thud. His red eyes gleamed like embers, and the soldiers flinched, gripping their weapons tighter.

"I am not here to harm you," Lyanna said, her voice steady and clear. "Take me to your lord or lady. I have no intention of spilling blood."

~~~

Inside the main hall of Karhold, the tension was palpable. The air smelled of pine and smoke, the walls lined with thick tapestries to keep the chill at bay. At the head of the room stood Lady Alys Karstark, her pale blonde hair pulled back into a loose braid. She was dressed in a thick fur cloak, her expression as cold and sharp as the northern winds.

Lyanna stepped forward, her posture poised and regal despite the weight of the journey. Drogon remained outside, though his distant growls were a reminder of the power she wielded.

"Lady Alys," Lyanna began, her voice respectful but firm, "I am Lyanna Targaryen, and I come to you not as an enemy, but as a traveler seeking passage."

Lady Alys studied her with calculating eyes. "A Targaryen," she said, the word laced with distrust. "There are whispers of one rising in the East, with a dragon at her side. Whispers that she seeks to claim the Iron Throne."

Lyanna allowed a faint smile to touch her lips, her tone smooth and convincing. "There are many whispers, my lady. Some are true, most are not. I am not here to claim anything, least of all the North. My purpose lies beyond the Wall, and all I ask is safe passage for my people."

"And why should I believe you?" Alys countered. "You travel with an army and a dragon. That doesn't speak to peaceful intentions."

Lyanna took a deep breath, stepping closer, her voice unwavering. "Because I have no interest in ruling over anyone. My bloodline is complicated, my past even more so. I am not here to conquer; I am here to find something—something that will help me feel complete, something I believe is tied to who I am. Beyond the Wall lies the next step in my journey, but I cannot take it without your blessing."