The Known World

Robyn watched the waves from the balcony, her mind having drifted even further then that. The moon hung over the horizon, reflecting on to the water below.

It wasn't often Robyn felt fear, but she did. She couldn't help but think what would happen once Flint---Robb Stark, returned to the North, he'd have his family back, she knew how much he loved his sister, she was almost jealous of the affection, she could only imagine what he would do once he returned to this old life and had his family back. It was easy to say how he wanted to be rid of his old life, when he thought he had nothing left.

She rose the bottle to her lips, and allow the liquid to calm her mind. He said he'd return with her, he was taking his sister home, and finding his brother, and then, she could have him all to herself.

She hoped that was true, she didn't want to lose him. She didn't think her heart could take it.

"Have I told you lately...." Robyn smiled as his hands slipped around her waist, and he caressed her from behind.

How beautiful you are..." He said, peppering her neck with kisses. She could only close her eyes and hum out a soft moan.

She let that continue on for a moment before turning to him, wrapping her arms around him, resting them over his shoulder, the bottle of rum, hanging loosely from her fingers.

She memorized his face, every sharp curve, every color, she committed it to her mind.

She wanted to tell him not to leave her, beg him even, but she could see in his head, he had no plans on doing so, but that fear still touched her, instead, she pressed an almost desperate kiss to his lips, letting that speak to her words for her.

"Vos, no. I'm not going to kill you Jack Dandy, you're tongue is safe."
Jack stumbled forward as Khal Jinn's hand clapped his arm. He found his footing quickly and stood up right then adjusted his clothes as Khal Jinn's eyes went to Tenanye and Jon.

"Come, lets here what Jon Stark has in mind." He said, and Jack nodded, practically craning his neck to look up at the large man. "Alright." He said with a smirk, and began walking with the large man. Jack felt good, walking side by side with the fiercest fighter in the Pits. Jack always knew it was best to make friends in this place, but he never thought he'd make friends with him. He thought the Khal liked killing so he'd tried to avoid him most of the time, it probably helped that he thought he didn't speak a stitch of Common Tongue. The men around who used to beat Jack up, thought differently now, seeing that the Khal was at his side.

They approached Jon and the Empress and Jack took a seat beside Jon while the Khal looked to the Empress as she spoke, who smiled at Jack. Jack swallowed but for a different reason that he had with the Khal.

"The Khal's assistance you shall have, Jalan." He said and the Empress smiled at him as with a nod, his face seeming to soften in response.

"You speak Common Tongue?"Jon asked and Jack chuckled ruefully. "Yea..and apparently, Khals ride horses, Kings sit in big chairs..." He said with a roll of his eyes.

The Empress patted a place at her side for the Khal to sit and looked to the two of them, She was about to speak, when her words were stopped short by the sound of a horn.

She didn't know what that meant, but all three of them did.

"What is about to happen?" the Empress asked and Jack looked down. He was not looking forward to seeing her fight.

"We have to go back to our cells...It's time for the matches." He said mournfully.

It was at that moment, that the guards came for her though one reproachful look from the Great Khal, they stopped.

She rose, reached over and lifted Jack's chin with a finger. "Worry not, Sweet Jack, I have yet to eat...." She said, moved toward the guards, walking with them toward the cell, very regal in her movement and Jack looked at Jon and the Khal.

"Wh-what does she mean by that?" He asked, and Jon figured they'd find out.

Tenanye allowed the guards to lead her to her cells, while the others filed into theirs. Jack and Jon right across from her, with the large Khal taking his sweet time entering theirs.

"Gentlemen, if you don't mind, I need a bit of question, and try not to....worry." She said, choosing her words carefully.
She then sat on the floor, crossing her legs and closing her eyes. With a deep breath, she allow her mind to wander, it reached out and touched the world around her. She gave a grin, as she felt it. Hundreds of them, hidden beneath the sand, she reached out to them, touching their minds once the connection was made, she felt her body lurched and she heard Jack gasp.

Her eyes opened, and no longer did they hold any other color but black.

"Oh shit!" she heard Jack cried.

"Shhh, Jack...." She urged in a soft voice, and she heard a hand, be it Jon's or his own she could say, cover his mouth.

Unable to see through her own eyes, she maneuvered through the mind of the friend she made.He was large, the color of sand,his mind fought hers but it gave it. If she were home, it would not have been hard to find her warging partner, Nanji. His mind was so used to sharing hers, there was no fight.

Instead, she had to make a new friend. She watched through his eyes as he crawled up from the sand, and maneuvered through the labyrinth that was the fighting pits, rolling on it's legs. She saw Jack looked on the thing with horror, his mouth still covered, and the Khal looking on with a mix of concern and integrity, Jon's face was unreadable at the moment. Her new friend slipped into her cell and crawled right up to her own body, she could see herself, her face calm, her eyes wide and black. She then pulled her connection back, and looked through her own now normal eyes, at the creature before her.

"E-Empress?" Jack asked, Tenanye smiled at him as she allow the creature to crawl into her hands. "Yes, Sweet Jack?"

"Wh-What is that thing?" He asked, his eyes wide. Tenanye chuckled. "My friend, he is going to help us," She said and rose the creature to her face with a loving smile. "Is that right, friend?" She said with a smile at the creature reached out one of it's eight legs and brushed it against her face, she giggled and pet it's head with a finger.

Dae was been down in the crypt, watching as her father's statue was seated with drums in his lap, his hands permanently playing. He stood across the tomb with the other fallen Starks. Jon had told her that when it was his time, he could be down here, with the rest of her family.

She walked down the corridor, memorizing the faces of the long dead Starks. Her father by law, Eddard Stark stood strong, a massive sword in his hands. Ice, Jon told her it was called. Her mother by law, Catelyn Tully-Stark, stood in profile, a jumping fish of her house leaping proud. His brother, Robb Stark, stood proud with his direwolf at his side, his mother's features evident on his face, but what was soft on hers had sharpened on his. His half sister, Clara Snow, held out her hand, a book clutched to her chest, her wavy hair spiraling down her face and a necklace hung around her neck, the only thing that wasn't made of stone. Jon told her how he'd gifted it to her, on her 10th name day, a proud white wolf with red eyes. he'd told her how much Clara would have loved her. How close he and his sister had been, Clara Snow had been a bastard, an outcast, and Jon, just never really knew how to interact with people, making him an outcast as well. They were misfits but the best of friends to one another. Their deaths hit him the hardest, it still weighed heavily on his heart. They'd never found their bodies, and it was up to Jon to describe them to the crafter. All that could be found when they searched for them was Clara's necklace, the rope that held it was stained with blood as it had been severed with a knife.
The thought of him, made her heart ache.

The crafters thought to build a statue of him too, but she refused vehemently. "My husband is not dead, We will find him!" She cried and damn near struck the crafter for his lack of faith.

Next was Sansa Stark, beautiful and soft, after her were the youngest Stark Boys. Bran and Rickon. They stood together, she could almost see the hope in their young eyes, as if life was a long as it should have been.

A tear touched Dae's eyes. There was so much death in this family, nearly as much as hers.

Something shifted in the shadows beyond the tomb, catching Dae's eyes. She thought it was a flicker of torchlight, but she suddenly felt as if she was being watched. "Hello?" She called but silence was her reply.

She narrowed her eyes, her heart racing. "Answer me, I know you're there?" She said, as she slowly approached the edge of the tomb, where an empty stall stood, awaiting the next statue for the next Stark to fall. Her footsteps echoed as she approached, her heart thumping in her ears as she stared into the black abyss before her, low growling rumbling from within.

Suddenly, red eyes appeared out of the darkness and Dae gasped.

"Ghost..."She breathed, a hand to her chest. "By the Gods, you scared me." She said, until she saw that Ghost was growling at her, his ears raised, his tail straight, stalking toward her. "Ghost?" She asked, fear raising in her chest. "It's me, Dae...." She offered but his growling wouldn't cease. Instead, he barked and she jumped. "It's me, Boy." She told the wolf, unsure of why she wasn't running from it and trying to talk to the beast. She remembered oddly, of how she met the beast, Jon laying in the snow, bleeding, after Mance Rayder's soldiers had shot him, she approached Jon's unconscious body and the beast held her heal him.
Finding the salve she need to clean his wounds.
Why was he anger with her?

It was at the very moment, Ghost barked and then leaped up and over her head, causing her to fall to the ground, she scrambled to her belly and watched with wide eyes. He was not growling at her, he was growling at a man, clutching a blade in his hand, while Ghost tore at his throat with his massive teeth.

The man cried out, while Dae got to her feet, smacking the blade away. "Stop Ghost." She told the beast, but it was too late, the attacker was dead.

Ghost came up to her, nuzzling her hand with his massive head, his white fur stained red. "Thank you, Boy...." She said, and dropped to her knees, hugging the beast and sobbing into his fur. Someone just tried to kill her....

Jon stared in shock. He never knew such magic existed in all the world. He'd heard of the Fae of course, heard of Anansai and all the fantastical things they were supposed to be capable of but to see it was something else entirely. Jon wondered, daring to hope, that if she was capable of such a feat while restrained what Tenanye Anansai was capable of once she was free. Such power would make an escape almost a sure thing. For the first time since coming here Jon felt confident, that a way home was set before him. He would see Dae again, and Arya, and Ghost. He would see Winterfell again, he would not die here, not in this pit.

"Northman!"

Jon turned, suprised to see a pair of guards instead of the usual one who would just bang on the bars and beckon him out to fight.

"What is it?"

"You're up, with her."

One of them said, pointing to Tenanye. His heart sank it was as if they knew, like they could sense the melting away of despiar and the coming of hope. She was his only chance of escape, all of their only chance for escape. The cold winds in Jon's heart blew and his veins chilled.

"I wont fight her."

He warned, defiantly. His response seemed to amuse the guards who chuckled.

"Not today you're not Northman. It's a pairing, you two against six. Head to the gate anbd collect your weapons."

For a second time Jon was suprised. He exchanged a look with Tenanye before heading to the gate of his cell. He was relased and joined Tenanye on the walk to the main gate to the pit where weapons would be waiting. Jon glanced at her, she walked with purpose and desire, not fear. Everyone else, even some of he veterans of the pit entered the arena with varying levels of trepidation but not her. It was as if she had not a care in the world. Jon wondered if her power was so great she had no fear of death because she couldn't be killed, or possibly no one was strong enough to do it.

The reached the main gate and were left by the guards beside a table of weapons. Jon chose two short swords, and turned to Tenanye.

"If... you need a weapon, Empress, you have your pick. They'll let us out here where our opponents should be waiting. When it's over, if any of our opponents are still alive the crowd will voice their opinion whether they should live or die. The final choice is up to you however."

The sun trickled through the windows, the sea air danced on the wind as Flint and Robyn slept, their naked bodies entangled in one another. Flint blinked his tered eyes awake with a yawn, stretching his arms out. The movement roused Robyn enought to open her eyes, a soft smile touched her lips. He kissed her and bid her good morning.

"I'll get the men ready, when you get up could you collect my sister?"

Robyn sleepily muttered her agreement before rolling back over. Flint smiled and pinched her ass before getting out of bed. He got dressed, and headed out of the room, leaving the sleeping Captain of The Harbinger comfortable in a mess of bed sheets. As he made his way through Noonan's his mind was grappled with itself. While he was aexcited, even anxious to see The North again, to look for his long lost brother beside Clara he was frightened as well, frightened of what it would mean going back, frightened of the memories he'd left at Winterfell. He did his best to stow his worries away as he descended the stairs where he found is men.

Few of them made it to the second floor, many of them had gotten drunk here in the tavren and passed out. Flint walked up to one of the tables and banged an empty flagon on it's surface three times, rousing the men. They all shot up with groans and curses, many no doubt suffering from the past nights debauchery.

"Morning gents."

Flint said casually.

"Oi... mornin Flint..."

One of them replied tiredly as he rubbed his head in pain.

"You lads look like you've had quite the night. Best shake it off and make yourselves useful. We've got a tide to catch. Captain wants to be gone before we lose the morning wind."

The crew started to assemble, slowly but they got themselves together. As they collected themselves the ships new boatswain Hal Gates approached him.

"Captains got us shoving off again? Where to?"

Flint flashed a wolfish grin.

"The North, Mr. Gates. We're headed to The North."

Rhaegar stood overlooking the city he'd controlled for little under a year. He remarked how peaceful thing looked from this height. He wondered if this was how Daenerion saw everything while she flew. He looked down and in his hand was a simple strap of leather and cloth, a bear embossed on the leather. It was Jennas, she'd left it after he'd banished her the first time, he'd never managed to give it back to her before he banished her the second time. He ran the strip between his thumb and fore fingers as his mind rippled in remembrance.

It was hot that day, the Meereenese sun beamed on the city cooking the sand stone buildings. Beads of sweat trickled down Rhaegar's neck as he waited in his throne room. The news Ser Barristan had brought him had unsettled him greatly, yet his ire was only matched for his desire for hope, his need for it. She couldn't have betrayed him, not her, not his oldest and most dear friend. There was something about the way she walked into the room, the guilt on her face, the shame and regret that dashed his hopes before either of them had spoken a single word. Jenna Mormont had been with him since he was a boy. He'd met her through Illyrio Mopatis when he was only thirteen years of age. A world weary and wizened warrior woman from The North, a fantastical place called Bear Island. She used to tell him stories of her home land, of the towering evergreen trees and the eagles as they soared over the lakes to fish for trout. She'd been at his side as he and Daenerys met with members of the Targaryen Restoration. She held him as he mourned Dany's death and witnessed the birth of his dragons. She'd been with him through the Red Wastes and seen him through the trials of Qarth. She fought beside him in Astapor. She'd stood at his side when it came time to sneak into Yunkai and open the gates as well as when they arrived at Meereen. Now she stood before him, accused of treason.

"Why did the Usurper pardon you?"

Rhaegar asked calmly, his voice even and measured despite the storm in his heart. Jenna swallowed hard, sweat beading off her brow. Her long brown hair, dotted with greys pulled back into a messy braid.

"If we could speak alone."

"No, speak to me here. Explain it to me."

She pleaded tentatively but Rhaegar stopped her. Whatever the truth was he would have it here and now. If she was innocent he'd be glad to hear it, if she was guilty he would know it from her lips.

"Who do you think sent this to Meereen? Who profits? This is the work of Stannis Baratheon or one of his minions. He wants to divide us, if we're fighting each other we're not fighting him."

She was still counselling him, even now. He almost smiled at that, almost.

"The pardon was signed the year we met. Why were you pardoned? Unless you're saying this document is forged?"

He threw her the life line and prayed she'd grab hold. If she told him it was a lie, if she told him they sought to turn him against her he'd believe it. He'd believe her and put this whole mess behind them, if only he could be so lucky as to have this be some cruel ploy and not what his heart feared it was. Her jaw tensed and he could see the conflict in her. She was too much the knight, too honorable to lie to him. He almost wished she had.

"It is not forged."

She plunged the knife deep with those simple words. Rhaegar's voice hardened then as he stared down at her.

"Why then?"

"I sent letters to Varys, the spymaster of Kings Landing."

He asked the question but he already knew the answer.

"What was the contents of these letters."

"Information."

"What information."

She played coy and he was not amused, following up her shallow response sharply.

"When you and Daenerys arrived in Pentos, when Illyrio called a meeting of your allies, his plan to win you the Iron Throne, when... your sister died."

He knew what it meant, what she was saying and what happened as a result of what she'd done. He almost couldn't believe it, couldn't believe that the woman he trusted so deeply had betrayed him.

"You told them where Dany was that night?"

He posed it as a question but in truth it was more of an accusation. She wavered under his gaze, under the fire in his eyes.

"I..."

"Yes or no."

"Dragon-"

"Don't call me that. Did you tell them where Daenerys was that night?"

He had no interest in her pet name for him as a boy. He wanted answers, he needed to hear it. The betrayal had to come from her mouth and she would admit it to him. She faltered, unsteady on her feet. Her eyes seemed unfocused and hazy, wet with emotion. To her agony she admitted the truth.

"Yes..."

Rhaegar rose, slowly. His stare full of fire and blood.

"That wine merchant, tried to poison me because of your information."

"I stopped you from drinking his wine."

"Because you knew it was poisoned."

He said as he descended the stairs, looming over her. The boy no more but a king, a dragon king in all his vengeful might.

"I suspected."

Was all she could say, she had no defense. None he would hear at this point.

"You betrayed me.... from the first."

She broke in that moment, her shame too great and the pain of his hate filled stare to heavy to bear.

"Please forgive me. I never meant.... Please Dragon."

She pleaded, begged him on her knees. She fell before him, the bear knelt before the dragon and wept.

"You sold my secrets to the man who killed my father and stole my brothers throne and you want me to forgive you?!"

His rage had sparked and none would withstand his fire. Jenna fell silent, not daring to speak again. She stared up at him in horrible sorrow and regret. She looked so weak and full of anguish, she was the proud shield maiden no more. He couldn't look at her, he couldn't stand her sight. He turned when he heard her voice. Fear was gone, as was sorrow but the shame was still there, a different kind of shame. A shame she has held onto for a long time.

"I have loved you."

Her voice turned him around and his eyes glinting off the fire light in the room as he looked down at her in disbelief.

"Love..."

He breathed at first, almost in a laugh.

"Love? How can you say that to me? Anyone else and I would have you executed but you I do not want you in my city dead or alive. Go back to your masters in Kings Landing, collect your pardon, if you can."

He was done with her, the very thought of Jenna Mormont disgusted and enraged him. He looked past her, as if she were nothing more than a bad smell in the air. She rose to her feet and took a step forward, reaching out to him. He snatched his hand away and stepped froward, almost daring her to try him.

"Don't ever presume to touch me again or speak my name. You have until dusk to collect your things and leave this city. If you're found in Meereen past break of day, I'll have your head thrown into Slavers Bay. Go..........Now."

Rhaegar blinked and the memory vanished. The sting of her betrayal was still there, as was the hurt of losing her. he held the strip of cloth out, prepared to toss it over the balcony. He held it for a long moment before closing his fist tightly around it and heading back into the pyramid.

Robyn barely registered Flints words until he pinched her. She jumped and smacked at him, with a sleepy chuckle before closing her eyes for a few moments more.
She didn't used to sleep this well. Laying with him, was the only way she'd been able to sleep, knowing that she was safe, in his arms, it allowed her to relax.

He wasn't in bed anymore so she pulled herself up, her hair a tangled mess from his fingers, and her skin a little stiffen from his love bites.
She ran her fingers through her hair, brushing the dark waves back into their original position, before she made her way around the room, collecting her clothes.

She left the room as The Crimson Lady, her face hidden behind a mask that only Flint could remove, she made her way downstairs to find Max seemingly not to happy with one of her girls. Robyn watched the events unfold.

"How much did you charge that man?" Max asked, it was clear at least to Robyn Max knew exactly how much.

The girl was a mousy looking thing, she was ample in the chest, but she wasn't much of a looker.
"What I was supposed to, Max." She said, clearly testing the waters and Max cocked her head." What you were supposed to?" She asked, "You charged him 20 pieces....I know this man, I know what he likes, and Mothering cost 10 pieces...." She said.

The girl rolled her eyes "Give him the money back." Max ordered and the girl turned up her nose. "I will not, I don't know why you are even here, Max, You were just Eleanor's bitch until she threw you---"
Max hand came up so fast, the girl didn't see it coming. Robyn did, and she chuckled.
"Watch yourself, This is my house, and you live in it, Give him what you owe him, and perhaps I will forget what you just said." She said, and The girl huffed, reaching in her chest and pulled a purse from her breast. She pulled the coin and handed it to the man.
"Good, Go wash up, you have another client, He likes to use his fingers..." She told him and the girl swallowed before dashing off and right passed Robyn.

"What, you have something you want to say, so say it." Max said and Robyn laughed. " I was just going to congrulate you on that." Robyn said with a thumb toward where the girl rushed off to. " They all tried it, to pull one over on me, they think because I was never one of them, I don't know how to run this place."

"Well up until a few moments ago, I believed that very thing." Robyn said with a shrug. "Are you sure what to leave all this?" She asked and Max took a breath. "I have to find my brother, let him know that I'm still alive, but I never I was going to stay...." She said, and Robyn saw she wasn't just speaking for herself. "You make him happy, and he does the same for you..."

"Ah ah, don't do that, Max, whatever word magic you do with them, you will not do with me." Robyn said with a chuckle, and was only half joking. She was eerily good with her words, Robyn saw through it only because she knew the truth, the others, didn't stand a chance.

Max held up her hands. "Fair enough," she said and Robyn sighed. "So you think you'll be able to return to all this, once you've had a taste of your old life."

"My old life wasn't the best, it was just a gilded cage, I was supposed to be married to the son of a horrible man, I didn't even get to see what my husband looked like, I never met him, I was just supposed to ride out, and marry him just like that. I'll be able to return without regret." She said and Robyn frowned. "Robb was supposed to be married too,"
Robyn looked at her, with wide eyes. " What?"

"Same horrible man wanted him to marry one of his ugly daughters....That's where we were on our way too, He doesn't like to talk about it, what happened that day, but you should ask him, The Stark Men like to retreat to themselves when things get complicated, you have to coax him, and he'll come around." She told her and Robyn could see that her mind drifted for a moment, someplace dark, her hand rose to her neck and the small scar there. "Alright, are you ready?" She asked, and Max nodded. "Yes," She said and they both headed up to her room and gathered her belongings. "So who is going to be running things while your gone?" Robyn asked. "A friend of mine, Marden, between you and I, I don't have a worry that he'll be partaking in the product." She said and Robyn's brow hit the top of her head. "ah, well, very well then. Let's go." She said, and soon they met up with her brother and Gates. "Headed to the North?" Gates asked and Robyn nodded. "Indeed." She said, looking at Flint, there was a smile on her lips but a question in her eyes. She wanted to know what happened, why he thought he died that day, she wanted to know all of it, but she figured it would come later. There would be many nights between here and the North. She would learn about the man she loved.

Tenanye sat with her little beastie on her shoulder, while the others looked on in shock. She would set him loose tonight, once all of this was over, and everyone sleeps, she'll send him through the pits, have him navigate the exits and entrances, and try to find out who was running this place, and what magic they used to control it.

Northman!" It was then that a pair of guards stood before Jon Stark's cell. Young Jack Dandy stiffened a bit.

"What is it?" Jon said and Tenanye watched with a cocked head.

"You're up, with her."spoke one of the guards, gesturing to her. Tenanye rose to her feet, a frown creasing her dark brow. She would not fight Jon Stark. "I wont fight her." He said and Tenanye reached for her shoulder. One bite from her new friend would end all of that.

"Not today you're not Northman. It's a pairing, you two against six. Head to the gate and collect your weapons." Tenanye rose a brow then toward Jon, who seemed equally as surprised. "Very well, then." She said, setting down her new friend. "Look after the boy." She whispered to it as they opened her cell, allowing her to walk out with Jon to the main gate. She walked toward the hanging weapons, eying them curiously. What need has she for mortal weapons. They must have thought her weaker then that. She needed no weapons, not now, she was hungry.


"If... you need a weapon, Empress, you have your pick. They'll let us out here where our opponents should be waiting. When it's over, if any of our opponents are still alive the crowd will voice their opinion whether they should live or die. The final choice is up to you however."

Tenanye gave a nod. "Well, I don't see a bo staff here, so I will do without." She said, shifting through the weapons dismissively. "I should warn you, Jon Stark...while normally I would not chose such course of action, I fear, I must in this case. I have not eaten, and I am ravenous." She said, and tested the length of her chains. It was just enough so that she could maneuver. Once she ate, she'll be able to break them for better mobility for now she had to make do.

He looked equal parts confused and disturbed. "Just stand back a little." She said, and with that she walked out into the ring, while the crowd all went silent. They did not know she'd be here. A cheer went up as Jon Stark made his entrance.

This was all about entertainment for them. She had to make this pretty....or at least do this with a certain amount of finesse.
There six opponents rounded on them, standing in a circle. She stood with her back toward Jon’s. “Remember stand back. This will get messy.”
She told him before she eyed her fist opponent. He was a large man, outweighed her by at least ten stones. Bald head, a wicked sneer like he was ready to do horrible things to her. Yes, he would make a fine meal.
He looked her up and down and Tenanye smiled at him, darkly. She rose her hands, as if surrendering and he moved toward her. “You aren’t going to hurt me?” She asked him, playing coy and he snickered. “Oh I am going to hurt you, but you might enjoy it.” He said and she chuckled. “Ah, well then.” She said, and she beckoned him with a hand.
He smirked and walked up to her, and slammed his hand across her cheek. She rolled with it , a smile touched her lips, before she turned back to him, a clear liquid dripped from the corner of her lips and he stumbled backward, holding the hand that struck her at the wrist as his fingers began to sizzle, and melt, flesh peeled off of the skin revealing the bone beneath.

“Demon!” he screamed, and the crowd watched silently. “No, Fae.” She whispered, before she dashed toward him, leaping high into the air, and coming down on him with a knee in his chest, he landed on his back with a thud, and she slithered on top of his, as he managed to get to his stomach, She put her knee in his back, wrapping her chains around his neck, careful not to let them touch her as he swung madly at her.

“You will make a wonderful meal, I haven’t eaten all day.” She said with a vicious snarl, as he struggled beneath her, before she rose her head. Out from beneath her top lip and in front of her canine teeth, two venom filled sacks slid out, sharp piercing fangs slid from within those two sacks. He struggled when he saw them. “It hurts worse when you fight.” She told him before sinking her fangs into his neck. He fought, and it hurt, venom pumped into his veins, and his fighting sent the blood faster into his heart. He slowly began to corrode from the inside out, and she began to suck up his liquefying body. It wasn’t pretty and honestly she didn’t like doing this, she had an image to keep up, but she also needed to eat, and Jack believed the slop they served that morning was inedible, so this was what she had. No matter.

Once she had her full, Tenanye stood rolled her shoulders, and cracking her neck, all of the other fighters including Jon behind her, watching in shock. She slide back her fangs, while the rest of the man’s bone broke down with a hiss and sizzle. She turned to the others, the crowd was dead silent.
“My apologies, I missed breakfast,” She said, wiping her mouth with a dainty finger like a proper lady. “Shall we continue?” she asked, and with her reinvigorated strength, she pulled her arms apart, shattering the chains, binding her. The cuffs were still there of course, but she had her mobility. She did the same with her legs.

"Someone tried to kill me." Dae said, her voice loud, echoing in the room. It caused Ghost's ears to perk up. "Where it not for Ghost, I would have a knife in my back." She said, trying to let fury take over the fear.

There were four men seated at the small council table. All men Jon trusted and trusted Jon. Maester Luwin watched her with sadness in his eyes. He knew how much she missed Jon, and was probably the only one would didn't entertain the thought of her having something to do with his disappearance. Joer Mormont, Lord Commander of the Kingsguard and a trusted friend of Jon's looked on with a frown, she could see the gears turning in his head. Edmure Tully Jon's uncle on his mother's side, who looked skeptical, he was one of the people that question their marriage in the first place, and Byrnden Tully, Jon's Mother's Uncle, who they all affectionately called Uncle Blackfish, looked at Edmure curiously.

"Well?" Dae asked the group, their silence making her uncomfortable. "Lord Tully?" She asked looking at Edmure. "What you think I had something to do with this?"

"I don't." Dae said, and looked at Blackfish. "but I only speak for myself." She said and he looked over at his uncle. "You were against their union from the start, Edmure, Don't deny it now."

"Yes, but that has nothing to do with the attempt made on her life?" Edmure shot back, and Dae sighed, tossing a dismissive hand.

"Maester Luwin, Lord Commander, Do either of you have any idea who that man was."

Maester Luwin took a breath. " He was...Northern...." He said, hesitantly. " I figured as much." Dae said, taking a seat finally, Ghost resting his massive chin on her lap, while she stroked his fur.

"With all due respect your grace, we shouldn't be too surprised, The people...they--"the Lord Commander began but Dae shook her head, cutting him off. "I know, I know what it seems, and I know what it looks like, Like I had something to do with his disappearance, I am neither deaf, nor dumb, Lord Commander. I know they blame me, and I should expect more attempts to be made on my life." She said.

"I'll add more men to your security...."

"No, I need all the men looking for Jon, beside, I wouldn't be able to trust them, No offensive to you, Lord Commander" She said, and the Lord Commander sighed, but nodded. It was then she looked down at the letter in front of her.

"I have received word from the King in Meereen."

"Rhaegar Taragaryn?" Edmure asked.

"Yes, he has offered me his support, and so far has heard no word regarding Jon's disappearance." She said, picking up the parchment and peeling the wax "This is his latest message, I thought it best to read it with all of you present." She said and they were all ears.

Queen Stark, I'm glad to hear from you. I understand your concerns regarding the disappearance of your husband. My Master of Whisperers boasts the largest web of spies in the world, I will put them all to use to track down Jon Stark. You have my word. In the interim I must warn you, I have heard tell of armies marshalling to move against The North. Many nations sense weakness there without a King on the Throne of Winterfell. Arm yourself my friend, there are too few good and honorable regents in the world and I believe you and yours to be among that valiant minority. I will send a raven the moment I hear news of your husband. Should you require more of me, know that The Dragon stands ready to defend The Wolf.

-Rhaegar Targaryen, First of his name, Rightful King of Valyria. Father of Dragons.

Dae took a breath. There was an army heading this way, for the North, and she knew nothing of this, while he knew and he was leagues away.

"I'll have my men readied, Your grace."

"Does anyone else find it odd that Rhaegar Targaryen from Meereen has taken such interest in the Queen?" Edmure asked and Blackfish threw an elbow in his shoulder. "Quiet boy, You have the Eyre and it's men, Your Grace." Blackfish said and Dae nodded. "Thank you, all of you...but he is right, I find it odd myself, he has taken such interest in Northern Affairs, but as of right now, He is an ally, that's more then we had before, and he seems to be one of the few people in the world, that believe my innocence" She said, looking pointedly as Edmure. "I want my husband found, that is paramount, Lord Commander, In the event that anything should happen to me, make sure you get Arya to the Eyre." She said and Even Edmure looked at her with regretful eyes. "We will find him, Your Grace, and we will--"

"I don't need false hope, Lord Commander, what I need is your word, Promise me you will get Arya to the Erye, she'll be safer then then anywhere else." She said and took a breath, trying to decide what to do next.
"As you wish, Your Grace."

Jon could only stare in awed horror at Tenanye's terrifying power. Her magic was nothing like what he expected. He'd heard stories of course, everyone heard stories of the Fae from Anansai but to see it was something else entirely. The beautiful, mysterious woman with the raven black hair seemed to fade away and a violent vengeful creature took her place. Hungry for the blood of the living Tenanye tore into the poor soul who'd been foolish enough to fall into her trap. She lured him, like a spider to a fly, and sprung on him ravenously. Fangs filed with wicked toxins sunk deep and in moments the man had been reduced to pulp. Tenanye stood, a sated look on her face as she rolled her shoulders casually as if she'd just finished a fine meal.

“My apologies, I missed breakfast, Shall we continue?”

The other five men exchanged glances before looking at Jon standing a few paces behind Tenanye.

"Fuck that, kill the other one!"

They rushed him leaving Jon with two options, to fight or die and do it quickly. The first one lunged at him, sword ready to skewer him where he stood. Jon bounced back, slapping the sword away with the flat of his blade before opening the mans throat with his other sword. The body dropped to the sand but Jon had no time to breath in his victory as two more came for him. They came with axes, Jon worked quick to avoid being cut down like timber. He rolled out of the way only to get kicked in the face by a third man. Jon grunted but absorbed the blow, driving forward in one savage lunge, driving both blades deep in the man's chest. He screamed, a gurgling cry as blood filled his lungs. Jon ripped his blades free and turned just in time to see the spear coming for him.

The pain was like fire on his chest, rending his flesh. He screamed in pain, managing to pivot a second too late. The spear, thankfully, missed it's mark but the blade edge still ran along the upper left part of his chest opening a large gash, coming to a stop in the sands behind him. Jon went to a knee clutching his chest as they came for him, four men rushing like wild beast. He could feel blood running down his chest and arm. He grit his teeth and stood, he would not die on his knees.

The seas were calm and the sun was warming to the skin. Flint could hear the gulls up above as they left Nassau in their wake. The North was before them and a long voyage in between but they were headed to the place where he'd grown up. Where Clara had grown up and Arya, where Sansa and Jon and all the others. People, family, that were like dreams to him, dreams of another life he barely remembered. Yet where turmoil could have lingered, where uncertainty and fear could have prowled there was an odd serenity. The talk with Robyn last night had soothed him, given him safe harbor in the storm within. So he was able to smile, to enjoy the trip to the cold lands he had not seen in years. At least for now, he hadn't felt the cold Northern wind yet or heard a howl from The Wolfswood. Flint wasn't sure what he'd feel once he did, all he knew was at the moment, the two most important women in his life were with him.

He turned and smiled casually. Max and Robyn stood at the helm, looking out on the horizon, Clara with fervent excitement and Robyn with all the swagger that he'd fallen in love with. He could barely notice the trepidation in her eyes. He knew she was hesitant about taking him home, worried how he'd react once he was back in his old surroundings. In truth so was he but he took solace in her and hoped she would do the same. Clara caught eyes with him and smiled back, a happy and eager look on her face. He could only shake his head with the softest of laughs before turning back to look at the sea. The men worked to keep the Harbinger on her route as the waves parted for the infamous vessel. The sounds of men shouting as they pulled on rigging lines and kept the sails in the wind filled the air. The smell of the sea filled his nose and Flint breathed deep. He had grown to love the sea, almost as much as the captain who'd stolen his heart.

Now he was taking his new loves home, to where his heart used to find comfort. In the cold and the snow, in the godswood with the ancient weirdwoods with carved faces of blood red sap, to the grey keep of Winterfell that he thought long lost to the enemy. Flint had a sister in law to meet and a rescue to mount yet all the while his mind kept finding it's way back to the crypts beneath Winterfell. He wondered if they carved statues for his father and mother, he'd want to see them. The ones for his sisters and brothers would be harder, especially the little ones like Arya and the boys. Flint stroked his goatee and stowed his fears away for the moment, never realizing that his hand had been absent mindedly playing at the string of dire wolf teeth hanging off his neck.

Khal Jinn was pleased. To watch Tenanye weave death on the sands was a treat he did not expect but greatly enjoyed. She savored the fight, the killing and the thrill once her enemy was dead. She lured him in, seductively, like a temptress. Foolishly her prey wandered into her web. Her powers, monstrous to some, were beyond beautiful to him. Such power, such deadly might in a woman so stunning was like a fever dream, a dream of blood and sex, it was intoxicating. He gripped the bars and watched as she drank the life force of her victim and stood ready for more. He chuckled, deep and low as she wiped the blood from her lip with her finger innocently. The men wanted no parts of her, even Jon seemed shocked and taken aback. The apprehension in him was like a dinner bell to the fearful dogs. The hounded him and to his credit he fought back fiercely.

He felled one quickly, slicing his throat open before evading two more. He took a nasty kick to the face but recovered quickly. Jinn was impressed, for a man his size he shrugged off the blow effortlessly. He buried both his blades in the man's chest which seemed to allow Jack to breath easier. That was until the spear came for him. It sailed through the air and narrowly avoided sinking itself into his chest. Jon had turned at the last second but the sharp spear head still tore open a deep gash on his chest. The King of The North went to a knee and Jinn could hear Jack's breath catch in his throat. He was afraid for his friend. Jinn turned to him briefly, the concern on his face was evident. As Jinn turned back to the action in the pit once again he was left no choice but to admit the Northman's resolve as he got to his feet.

"A pack of dogs are no threat to a wolf."

Arya was alone, save for Nymeria who was sound asleep at her feet. Arya had slipped into Dae and Jon's room after the small council meeting. Dae was off doing whatever it was queens were supposed to do and in her absence, Arya took control of the bed. She'd rediscovered the letter from Meereen, her intrigue about the Dragon King had been pawing at her all day. She never did get to read Dae's letter or hear it's contents. As soon as the small council meeting had concluded Arya had snuck into the chambers where the meeting had been held, pocketed the letter and snuck back out again. Now she had time and peace to read by candle light. She propped her head up on a feather pillow before unfurling the parchment.

Queen Stark,...

That alone seemed strange to Arya. She knew Dae was queen now, as Jon was King but in her mind she still had trouble picturing anyone but her mother and father as King and Queen of The North. She chased away the thought and continued reading.

...I'm glad to hear from you. I understand your concerns regarding the disappearance of your husband. My Master of Whisperers boasts the largest web of spies in the world, I will put them all to use to track down Jon Stark. You have my word....

Arya smiled broadly at the words on the page. This Dragon King seemed bold and brave, the kind of hero king who would not rest until her brother was returned to her. She could not help but to wonder what he looked like. Nymeria moved at the foot of the bed, rolling over to find a more comfortable position to sleep in. Arya took the moment to refocus on the task at hand as her eyes went back to the letter.

In the interim I must warn you, I have heard tell of armies marshaling to move against The North. Many nations sense weakness there without a King on the Throne of Winterfell. Arm yourself my friend, there are too few good and honorable regents in the world and I believe you and yours to be among that valiant minority.

Arya took a deep breath. She had lived through the last war and it was horrible. So much death and pain, she'd lost near her entire family. If it wasn't for Jon she would have surely died as well. She feared what would happen if war came to Winterfell again.

I will send a raven the moment I hear news of your husband. Should you require more of me, know that The Dragon stands ready to defend The Wolf.

-Rhaegar Targaryen, First of his name, Rightful King of Valyria. Father of Dragons.

The Dragon stands ready to defend The Wolf. The worlds of the Dragon King rung in her minds, they gave her strength and made her smile. The Dragon stands ready to defend The Wolf. Last time the wolves were alone and caught unawares, not this time. This time, if war was to come they would be ready. Winter was coming and in the winter no one stood a chance against wolves in The North, especially not if they had the help of a powerful dragon. Arya laid her head back and let her mind wander, showing her visions of dragons soaring on the clouds breath flame.

Tenanye allowed Jon to take on the men, she wanted to see who this man was, who he truly was, and the best way to see that was to watch him fight. She made no move to help him, although there was a twitch when the spear came toward him. He managed to block it but not without the blade biting his chest.

He went to a knee and that was when Tenanye decided that was enough, even as he stood.

"That's quite enough of that." She said, and darted toward him, sliding to a stop in front of him, sending up a flurry of sand, she scooped up the spear and tossed it deep into the chest of one of the four men, and in the same swift moment, she dashed forward, and stopped in front of another man. She gave him a dangerous grin, while he gave her a wide eyed stare. "No not you." He said, and she could only smile, before she grabbed him by the shoulder, standing on a single foot, arching her back, sending her foot into his head. He stumbled back, and didn't have time to recover before she spun on that same foot, wrapping the crook of her leg around his neck, and with a violent jerk, snapping his neck. He dropped to the ground, and Tenanye lowered her leg.

'Can you still fight, Jon Stark?" She asked as she walked toward him, her eyes on the remaining two.


Unfortunately, for him, he couldn't see Tenanye's fight from where he was, but it seemed she fared well, enough to get the Khal to chuckle darkly. He heard her voice though, She must have eaten someone and honestly, he was glad he didn't see that.

He could see Jon, from where he was, and was watching intently. Pride in his eyes as his friend fought valiantly, killing two of them. Until the spear came at him. Jack nearly burst through the iron cell door, he gripped it so hard. Thankfully, Jon managed to dodge it but not without feeling the blade. "A pack of dogs are no threat to a wolf." Khal Jinn said, while Jack watched on, holding on to the bar with a white knuckle grip. Stand up, Jon, Stand up... He urged him in his head and soon Jon stood and Jack could breath again, but only for a moment, as sand kicked up and and a brown and white blur dashed in front of Jon, and disappeared into the sand. When the dust settled one of the men had a spear in his chest, while Tenanye's long leg was wrapped around the other's neck. Jack's eyes went wide as the sound of snapping bone could be heard from where he stood.

"Remind me never to upset the Empress...."[/font]

Tenanye's power may have been terrifying but at the moment he was glad for it, glad she was on his side. The second body dropped after she snapped his neck, his face staring down into the sands, never again to see the sky. Tenanye approached as Jon clutched his chest with a wince, blood dripping over his arm and down his abdomen.

"Can you still fight, Jon Stark?"

She asked kindly, despite the ease at which she stole life from those around him. He nodded with a grunt of pain.

"Aye, just a scratch."

He replied as the final two men glanced at each other, weighing their chances. He could see the way they looked at Tenanye and the way they looked at him. The liked their chances much better with him than her. Jon would die here, he would not allow it. Not so far far from home, not without seeing Dae again.

"I'll take the big one."

Jon said, adrenaline and anger at the pain in his chest spurring him froward. He strode towards the taller of the two men. Big and pale with stringy, straw colored hair. He had a patchy beard and cruel, cold eyes. He hefted a large double sided battle axe over his shoulder as he eyed up Jon, seeming surprised he'd been chosen over his smaller compatriot. He moved forward, axe in hand. Jon dropped one of his sword and scooped up a shield, left on the sand by one of the men Tenanye killed. They met and as Jon expected, the big man attacked first. He came in hard with a heavy, overhead chop. Jon used the shield to deflect the blow and lashed out with his short sword, slicing deep into the mans thigh. He screamed and swung the axe again in a wide arc at Jon's midsection. A quick back step and Jon was once again on the offensive, slashing open the axe wielders chest. The cut was shallow but drew blood and through his enemy into a frenzy. He came again in a charge, axe held high. This time Jon surged forward to meet him, using his shield as a ram and taking the man off his feet. His enemy hit the sand hard, never to rise again as Jon plunged his sword into his heart.

Clara watched the waves, her stomach a little unsettled. She hadn't been on the water since that day, and while she was excited to finally go home, the watching the water, made her feel queasy.

"Here." Clara turned to see the Captain, with a slice of lemon in her hand. "It'll help with the nausea." She told her, and Clara could see there was a lot on her mind. Clara rose the fruit to her lips, and wined a little at the sour taste, but it did help. "Thank you." She said and Robyn was about to turn away but Clara took her by the wrist. "Captain...If you want to talk."

Robyn set her jaw. " Talk about what, Clara Snow?" She asked, impatiently, but Clara wasn't phased. "You're holding something in." She said. "I can see it, Robb can see it, he won't say, but I know he sees it too."

Robyn rolled her eyes, and snatched her hand away. " It's not important." She said." But you admit there's something on your mind." She said and Robyn threw her head back with a groan." Must you...."

"You're taking me home, You gave my brother purpose again, I owe you, I want to help you as much as I can." She said and Robyn sighed. "Fine, little word faery, If you must know, I hate the cold. "She said and Clara looked at her. "I do, I hate it, I hate being cold. and I find it remarkably foolish to start our search in the one place in the whole fucking world, we know he's not." She said and Clara took a breath. "That's not it, Captain, Robb loves you, More then he could ever say, and I'm sure he says it a lot."

Robyn huffed and walked away. It was clear to Clara that, she knew all that, so there was something else, something deeper.

Clara made her way to her brother, and sighed. "Talk to her, " She told him, nodding toward the Captain and she ducked into her quarters. "There's a lot on her mind, I think you need to talk to her," She said and looked at him with a laugh, shaking her head. "She won't talk to me, not much, but if anyone she'll talk to, it'll be you." She told him, with a pat on his shoulder as she walked toward the kitchen, wondering what Randell was down there cooking and hoped he didn't spit in it.

The sea seemed different, different than usual. Usually it held promise of riches, adventure and always a good fight. Now it seemed hidden, like a woman who refused to speak the words but teased with her eyes. The air had grown cold over the past few days, not a true Northern wind but no longer the balmy heat of the southern seas. Flint wondered if that was what it was, the seas change because the cold was coming. He rested his forearms on the rail and stared deeply into the blue waves. Each swell and crash, the faint shadows of dolphins or whales swimming beneath the surface. I helped to get his mind off the crypts of Winterfell.

"Talk to her, "

Flint looked up, his sisters voice snapping him from his minds wanderings. Clara was at his side, he hadn't even heard her approach. There were times she could be stealthier than Arya had been. Clara nodded towards Robyn who entered her quarters.

"There's a lot on her mind, I think you need to talk to her,"

She said and looked at him with a laugh, shaking her head. Flint stroked his goatee as stared after Robyn.

"She won't talk to me, not much, but if anyone she'll talk to, it'll be you."

"Aye, I think you might be right."

He thanked her and made his way after Robyn Sheva, weaving his way through the busy deck of The Harbinger with practiced ease. He stopped only once to answer a common question about whether or not Randell had spit in the food. As always Flint suspected he did but didn't volunteer that information. He put his sailors concerns at ease before heading to the Captains quarters and walking inside.

"Randell's spitting in the food again."

Robyn replied smartly with a sarcastic remark as Flint took a seat across from her. She was in her chair, feet on her desk, she was rarely in any other position while in her cabin. He noticed the far off look in her eye, as if she were anywhere but here.

"You're a thousand leagues away Robyn, I can see it in your eyes. So can Clara... but then again she's an exceedingly good read."

Robyn's eyes lowered and met his. They both knew each other too well to lie to one another faces. Secrets were one thing. When never shown any light they could remain hidden, but a scrutinizing gaze revealed all between the two of them.

"You know, I'm surprised you haven't asked me yet..."

Her questioning look made him smile.

"You haven't asked me anything about my past, about The North and who Robb Stark was. I haven't said as much but if you're wondering I'm an open book to you. Ask me anything and I'll tell you."

His words unlocked a chest of questions in her, he could see them rushing through her minds, curiosity and concern running wild. He leaned forward in his seat and looked into her eyes.

"I know this is difficult for you Robyn. It's hard for me too. Together, I think, there's nothing we can't do. So ask away I will tell you the truth, all the truth."

"Aye, just a scratch."
Tenanye, turned up her nose, at the blatant lie. Something her kind could never do, while the two men looked at them, both of them deciding they would fare better with Jon then they would with her.

"I'll take the big one."

Tenanye looked at him with a frown. "No fair." She said, playfully, before she turned her dark gaze on the the smaller of the two, he was skinny, his lifeless brown hair was cut short, scars lining his body. He gripped his sword, but made no move toward her. Tenanye could only smile, he was making her play offensive. If only he were fae, that would have been a good tactic, but alas, he was not, and stood no real chance defensively or offensively.

She walked up, passing the spear along the way, and decided, since she didn't have her bo staff, she would make do with this. She gripped the spear, adapting to it's size, and weight, before twirling it in her hand. The man looked at her and the spear, and with a swallow, he decided, he'd strike first.

Tenanye parred with his blade, as it came down, with relative ease. She pushed him back, and allow him to rush in again, swinging across her gut, but she parred again with the staff of the spear.

"You are a Fae, I know your weakness." He said, as if suddenly having an epiphany. He swung down at her feet, causing her to jump, and in the same moment, he stepped on the chain around her ankle, sending her to the dirt, and all he did was simply touch the blade to her skin on her cheek, and she hissed, her skin burned, and sizzled.

"You can't touch iron." he sneered, but that was a mistake. She wasn't angry, at first, but now. Oh yes, now she was quite irate.

He held the blade inches from her nose and then traveled down hr body, lingering at her breasts. Jon was done with his fight, and he looked as if he were going to come and help her, but she shook her head.

The crowd grew silent. "You're not so tough, Faery bitch..." He said,lowering his blade to her chest, her skin burning at the touch. "I wonder if I cut you open, will you have wings?"
"I am not that sort of Faery." she said, her hand gripping the staff of the spear. "I am a spider!" She said, and with that, she turned, kicking out her legs, stumbling him, but he managed to stay up right, but it didn't matter, she twirled to her feet, her spear in hand, she jabbed the blade at him, and when he dodged, she turned the shaft, the wood hitting him in the back of the neck, while she reached out with a hand, tugging him behind her, so she could hook the shaft around his neck, and pulled, strangling the man with the shaft of the spear. He fought, but he wasn't strong enough to break free. Finally, he went still, and she, for added measure, jerked left, snapped his neck. She dropped the spear, and rested her hands on her knees to caught her breath. They all knew now, her weakness, she didn't have the element of surprise, but no matter, she was still older then all of them, and smarter too.

"We have won." She said, turning to Jon, her cheek a bright red, as if someone held hot metal to her skin.

When Jon had been a boy he'd touched a lantern that was scalding hot, nearly burned all the skin off his hand. Meister Luwin had to apply healing salve and wrap his hand for a month. Some nights Jon still opened and closed his fists to loose the tension from the old wound. Tenanyes face had a similar burn from the mere touch of common iron to her cheek. Jon understood now how dangerous the metal was too her, and how it was able to restrain her the way it did. He couldn't imagine living with such a affliction. Then again he couldn't imagine living with the power she had either.

"We have won."

Jon nodded softly as the crowd bellowed their approval of the match. For the first time since arriving at the Fighting pits Jon hadn't left any of his opponents alive. In truth he had little choice but it didn't make him feel much better for it. It disgusted him that he was killing people for others amusement. While he knew he only fought to keep himself alive the fact that these people cheered and booed and drank and ate while men died before them was sickening. Jon scanned the crowd until his eyes fell on a high seat, far on one end of the arena. He'd never really had the chance to look closely at it and at this distance he could barely make out much more than two figures, a man and a woman. Jon tossed his bloody weapons in the sand and turned to Tenanye.

"That we have, for today. There will be more tomorrow. C'mon."

With that the two exited the arena and descended back into the bowels of the pits whee the fighters were housed. A pair of healers approached the two of them, gave them both a cursory glance before ordering them both to take seats while they patched them up enough to fight for the next day. They set to cleaning and wrapping Jon's gut while the offered salve to Tenanye. As they were seen by the healers Jon noticed the same two guards that had approached him earlier head towards Jack. Jon had a bad feeling in the pit of his gut at the sight.

Khal Jinn watched as Jon Stark and Tenanye Anansai returned from the arena. Jon's gash seemed shallow but bloody, he would live. Tenanye had a bad burn to her cheek. The Khal knew of a Dothraki remedy for such burns using processed horse urine. He assumed whatever the healer was applying to her was something similar. As he watched he sensed eyes on him. He turned to see Jack staring at him as two guards pointed his way. Jinn stared at both men, unable to hear them from this distance. He didn't have to wait long to find out what was being said as Jack was led to his cell and Jinn was ushered out.

"You will pair with him today, do you understand?...."

One of the guards asked, looking up at him from behind his helm. Jinn arched an eyebrow and stared down at the smaller man.

"Chiftik..."

He grunted before walking past him to stand beside Jack. The two made their way to the staging area, before the main gate where Jon and Tenanye were still being seen by the healers. Jinn came over and knelt before Tenanye, the healer scittered out of his way as he reached up and touched her chin. With the gentlest of hands he moved her face enough to see the injury, already healing on it's own. More of her magic no doubt, Jinn assumed. Jinn have her a subtle nod of approval.

"Yer lajat athdavrazar, Jalan."

She smiled softly in response before he rose and joined Jack who'd just finished checking on Jon. For the first time since coming to the pits Jinn decided to use a weapon. He grabbed an arakh, the weapon of a Dothraki. He would let no harm befall Jack Dandy which meant he would need to kill quickly.



*Chiftik- Cricket. Used as an insult.
*Yer lajat athdavrazar, Jalan.- You fought well, Moon.

"Randell's spitting in the food again."

"Don't piss him off then," She said, as Flint took a seat across from her. Her foot shook lightly atop the other, as she reclined in her chair, only half listening to him, as her mind wandered. Where was he now? Did he truly die in that war, or did he forget about her, the little girl with the chip tooth and the love of a sweet peach.

"You're a thousand leagues away Robyn, I can see it in your eyes. So can Clara... but then again she's an exceedingly good read."

Robyn looked at him, unable to breath a false word as she had with Clara, not that the girl bought any of it.

"You know, I'm surprised you haven't asked me yet..." He said and Robyn cocked her head, confused.

"What?"

"You haven't asked me anything about my past, about The North and who Robb Stark was. I haven't said as much but if you're wondering I'm an open book to you. Ask me anything and I'll tell you." He said and she looked at him. She had thousands of questions, all wanting to tumble out at once. She had no idea where to even begin.

He leaned up, catching her in his steely blue gaze.
"I know this is difficult for you Robyn. It's hard for me too. Together, I think, there's nothing we can't do. So ask away I will tell you the truth, all the truth."

He said, and Robyn looked at him, her brow furrowing.

"What was it like?" She asked. "T-...To have..." She paused, unsure of how to continued. She'd wanted what he had once, her entire life.

"to have a family..."She asked. "All my life, I wondered, who my parents were, where they were from, did I look my mother or my father...?"She said, and swallowed.
"there was a man once, His name was Davos, and he was the closest thing I had to a father, he even named me...but he died in war when I was still small, You had once, what I always wanted....What was that like?"

Tenanye allowed the healer to touch the foul smelling savle to her tender skin, she didn't wince when his rough hand pressed against the burn. Instead she watched as Khal Jinn and Jack Candy came their way. Her heart lurched for a moment until she saw that Jack was on his side. She was still fae, and Seelie at that, she had a soft spot for the young and she was glad she didn't have to choose between Jack and Jinn.

It was then that Jinn approached her, the healer scurrying out of his way, as he knealed down to her. Her eyes watched his. There was a softeness in his eyes as he regarded her, his hand came up, cupping her face with a gentleness she didn't expect him to possess and softly turned her head, assessing her wound.

"Yer lajat athdavrazar, Jalan."

She smiled at him, unsure of the feeling that settled in her heart just them as she was watched him walk off, her gaze lingering for a moment. They were lead back to their equally empty cells and her new friend crawled up to her.

She turned to Jon Stark. A question posing in her mind. "Why did you not use your magic?" She asked.

"You could have ended them all with your power?"

Jack had been watched the fight as best he could and as soon as it was over, with Jon and the Empress as the victors, Jack damn near cheered, that is until the guards came for him. Two of them, which wasn't out of the ordinary, but still wasn't a common thing, not for him.

They opened his cell and he was lead over and across toward the Khal's cell. They were fighting together. Jack almost grinned. he walked beside the big man, feeling as confident as he had ever felt, until he saw his friend, with a gaping wound across his chest, and the Faery Empress with a nasty burn on her beautiful face. It dulled his confidence a bit looking at them.

While Khal Jinn went to check on Tenanye, Jack went to Jack.

"That was risky, mate." He told him, concern in his eyes, but he was playing it up a bit, trying not to sound to worried."It's this new thing, called dodging, when you see a spear flying your way, you move." he said, sarcastically, as he pulled his dark locks behind his head.

"Wish me luck." he told him, before dashing off toward the exit, the Khal joining him.
He watched as the Khal chose the weapons he'd had in the training area, while Jack found himself the paint for his trademark face markings. A long red bar on the left of his eye, and two black spikes beneath his dark grey eyes. He then turned and found himself a long sword and a shield. Once satisfied with that, he rolled his shoulders and stood beside his new partner, gave him a grin and walked out. It was time for a show.

He rose the shield over his head, blocking the sun for a moment, to allow his eyes to adjust, but then the crowd began to cheer for him, and though the wall blocking them was about twenty feet high, he still blew kisses to the women, that he happen to spot. He hated every single one of them, but he had to put on a show. He twirled the blade over his head, after banging it once on his shield, awaiting the men that would be their opponents.

A simple question that brought up terrible memories. Jon hung his head as he sat on his cot, his chest still throbbing in pain but lessened significantly after the healing salve and fresh linen wraps. Tenanye was right of course, his power would have made short work of those six men. It would have made short work of eight men, or ten, or twenty men, the numbers seemed endless. He remembered the war, he remembered tapping into that power and letting it lose. He was so filled with anger and hatred during that time that he didn't care. It was only after he was forced to bear witness to what he was capable of. The frozen faces, screaming in terror as death took them. Bodies ruptured into frozen splinters as the blood froze in their veins. Horses and men alike, locked in perpetual death as ice consumed them. One in particular haunted him to this day. The way his body iced over before he fell, the way his frozen knees cracked when they hit the ground. How his body began to chip and fall apart after his icy hands tried to stabilize him.



Jon blinked the haunting memory away, his jaw tense from the bitter vision. Tenanye was staring at him oddly, as if she sensed the ghosts from his pasts.

"My power..."

Jon began, his voice softer now was haunted and solemn.

"My curse... They call it The Hand of Winter, only members of the Stark line ever have it. From what I know it was given to us by The Children of The Forest during the Age of Heroes to help beat back The Others during The Long Night. Since then the power remained, one in every thousand or so Starks are born with it. I lived in fear of it my whole life... I only ever used it during the war. It isn't... something I use lightly Empress."

Jon said, his way of explaining as best as he could. Jon wanted out of here more than anything, he had been trying to deny but he may very well need that curse now if he ever wanted to see Dae again. He swore to her he'd never use that power again, how cruel it was that in order to get back to her he'd need it again.