The North
A grand pyre was ignited with half of the wood from the Wolfswood for all the fallen that died near five weeks ago, Jon smiled and watched the smoke climb the skies And mourned those that were slain.
Sifting through the dead was a struggle, he did find some of his former brothers from the Night's Watch and Edd Tollett who he cried over along with a few others he knew. The remaining corpses that belonged solely to the Night King and his White Walkers sunk into the muddy waters, devoured by lizard lions and other creatures.
38,000 out of the 200,000 man host fell. It seemed that making Most Cailin their last stand worked out well, they defended the Realm and all of those who lived in it with little cost to life. Arya whistled at him from below the gatehouse, she stood beside Brienne, and Jaime who was the first to come to his side after the Night King fell.
The Army apart from the Northmen and Free Folk will be returning home, now, taking their Lords who died in the battles to be interred in their regional crypts.
The former King of the North began making his way to the rookery, climbing the steps and opening the door where he saw Kovarro and Obara guarding the man who finished setting free a raven.
"... Daeron, the army is ready to leave." The King turned to Jon, his right arm missing to the elbow but no less one of the men who saved all of Westeros.
To think the King nearly died, if not for fast-acting the rot Daeron had would have gone to his heart and killed him. Kovarro was actually the one to cut it off, worried for his 'Khal'.
As for Daegon, the dragon is still worse for wear, licking its wounds sustained by the Night King though Daeron admitted he was jealous that whatever the Night King had done didn't do the same to it.
"I don't think I'll be able to fly without two hands on the reins," Daeron mentioned with a little sadness in his eyes.
Jon sighed, "I'm sure a wagon is more comfortable than potentially falling to your death." He has flown like their ancestors and doesn't intend to fly ever again so long as he has a say in it.
Daeron scoffed and shook his head, "The King riding back to his castle in a wagon? I don't think my pride will stand it." The both of them laughed and Obara shook her head, Kovarro smiling from ear to ear. "Sure you don't want to come South with us, the victory feast is sure to be the grandest thing the Seven Kingdoms has ever seen since the unification." He's sure that it will be.
"I need to tend to things here, but." He reached and found a letter, holding it up to Daeron. "A letter for the Lady Tyrell, it holds my answer to her request to come North." Daeron raised an eyebrow, then smiled and took the letter before embracing him.
"You're always welcome in my home, always," Daeron whispered and he choked a little bit.
"The same to you as well... Uncle."
He watched the army depart, his sister waving at him as she wished to stay in the South and look after Sansa and hopefully greet a future niece or nephew.
Bran waited for him at the high table, the remaining Lords and Lady Mormont who still lives waiting for him too. He felt odd, sitting in the Lord's seat that his father- No, his uncle Ned sat in but he knew it was his place, now, and will be his future children's place after he leaves this world.
Then, each of his vassals stood and took out their swords, "The North Remembers! All hail to Lord Jon Stark!" Ghost licked his hands and he smiled, raising his cup to his vassals. "To the North! To Winterfell!"
The chant echoes the feast hall as they celebrated, and mourned but he was hopeful for the future.
The King and his army reached Moat Cailin after three hours of travel, then two hours just getting everyone through the fortress which was rebuilt again shortly after all of their dead had been gathered and taken to Winterfell.
Vaeleris flew, causing Daegon to moan in jealousy as the dragon had to walk part of the way back to King's Landing before attempting to fly.
Daeron's stump itched, hearing someone come to his side and he saw it was Jaime who eyed him with sympathy as he too has a stump on his hand.
"It's a pain at first, you'll reach for things which you can't, and the ghost itching." He smiled and nodded.
"It's a good thing I'll have a Kingsguard beside me, an assassin would make quick work of a cripple." Obara couldn't help but laugh as she was on his left.
Daeron liked to imagine it would be Jorah and Barristan here helping him cope with losing an arm, Jorah would caution not straining himself and Ser Barristan would assure him that he's just as strong as he has ever been.
He has a whole life to live without his two best warriors, hearing banter he turned and saw Daario and Grey Worm, the mercenary was showing him another gambling game to play while Kovarro played with his new weapon as it appears the White Walker weaponry was the only things left when they fell.
He just told Kovarro to be careful, the thing might still be embued with whatever rotted his arm so quickly.
"Ser Jaime, you're the only remaining Kingsguard apart from your daughter's protector... Who do you think should be the next Lord Commander of the Order?" He asked the Golden Knight who pondered it for a long moment, then shrugged.
"I advise you to wait on that, you'll need new guards anyway," Jaime told him and Obara scoffed.
"I'm surprised you don't want it, Lannister," Jaime smirked at her curiosity, asking her when she dropped calling him Kingslayer, Obara blushed and remembered during the battle that Jaime saved her from an ice spider that nearly opened her chest.
Daeron laughed to get his companion's attention, "Alright, that's enough. Ride on to King's Landing." He ordered and enjoyed the sounds of feet and horses trotting on the road.
Nearly a month and a half it took to get back to King's Landing, along the journey the army got smaller as levies returned to their homes in the Vale, then the Riverlands and the Westerlands. The only ones remaining were his Golden Company which was now led by Jon Connington after Harry fell in battle, then there were his Unsullied, or what's left of them that Grey Worm commanded and then the forces of the Crownlands, Reachmen, and Daario's mercenaries.
Lord Tarly did in fact wish to take Dickon home, he allowed it and bid the Lord farewell.
The city was abuzz with cheers and flowers as he, his companions, Lords, and the remaining Unsullied reentered whilst the rest remained outside and setting up camp.
Daeron smiled brightly upon seeing his flag, atop the Red Keep and Sansa's face.
Sansa and Margaery heard the bells ringing for the King's return, she immediately asked for a welcoming party to be made as she carefully walked to the courtyard.
It's been months now since she's seen his face, and it was two weeks after he left that her moon didn't come, and found out she was pregnant with the next Prince or Princess.
Her belly was quite swollen, not too large yet but it will soon bulge with the growing boy or girl inside her. "I hope they all returned safely," Margaery said and she thought the same as they descended and saw the gates opening for them.
Tyrion, Varys, and Ser Davos were waiting too. "Let us meet the King!" She said excitedly and was the first out of the door and first saw the Kingsguard except for Ser Barristan, Jorah, and Rhakaro. Then rode in Grey Worm and Daario and Jon Connington plus other Lords.
For a moment she began to tear up, fearing the worst then she saw him, riding in beside Arya and Brienne.
He looked worn, facial hair and his silver mane tied in a bun. She also saw his right arm was missing, at least up to the elbow. It was slow, steady steps as Margaery helped her then she rushed and Daeron did the same but ran tp her after getting off of his horse.
"I missed you." He whispered and kissed her on the lips, "I would twirl you if not for that." He joked and she smiled with a blush.
"Our union was blessed, Daeron." She saw happiness in her husband's eyes as he knelt to one knee and kissed her belly. When he got up, Arya took a turn and embraced her tightly but she noticed someone was missing. "Where is Jon?" She asked and was concerned, thankfully it was misplaced.
"Jon's well. He chose to remain North, getting used to being its Lord and Warden." Daeron answered and Margaery looked upset, she was hoping that he would come and see her first. "Lady Tyrell, he did ask me to deliver this message, ah damn it!" Sansa chuckled when Daeron tried using his lost arm to go into his pocket.
She retrieved it for him, then put it in her friend's hand who quickly read its contents and smiled shortly after. "Sansa... We're to be sisters." It was good news.
Even more blessings for her family, she was content. "Tonight we feast, the best meat and wine for us and the city!" Daeron declared and a cheer erupted from the people within the Red Keep.
She and Margaery arranged it all, tables set within the throne room as it was before Daeron asked for men to first fight the White Walkers. She laid out a beautiful blue and red gown for the occasion, her crown atop her head, and Daeron was sitting in a tub of hot water when she entered their chamber.
The intimacy of his touch made her feel tremendously good, she rubbed his chest and he groaned, wishing they could roll around in the sheets before the feast but she laughed at his eagerness. "After our son or daughter is born, then we may be more physical... Or I can help you in other ways." She blushed from how naughty that sounded.
Daeron chuckled and took her hand, landing a few pecks on her palm. "I can wait, my Queen." She kissed him passionately.
She helped him get dried and dressed, then they made their way to the throne room where everyone was feasting and having a good time.
"Who knew it took fighting an undead army to make everyone friends." She stated and frowned. "I'm so sorry about Ser Barristan and Ser Jorah, my love." Daeron choked down the tears to seem strong.
"They are still with us, just like your parents and two brothers is still with you." They are, she can feel it. She and Daeron sat down, not by the Iron Throne but amongst a table at the front of the throne.
With Jaime, himself, and Brienne we're drinking alongside Tyrion who mourned the loss of Pod. "I still never got to know how he got those whores to decline the payment, I'm going to miss him," Tyrone said and Jaime patted his brother on the back. "I am happy his Grace made it, dealing with everything here the last few months have been stressful."
"Oh, pray tell, brother?" He asked then quickly stopped him from answering, "Wait, I'll need a few more drinks before listening to this." the table burst out into laughs, and from the next table, Myrcella and Trystane were simply enjoying one another's time and Obara and her sisters were surprisingly content considering the tension between Lannister and Martell.
Daario was settling into his new Lordly status, speaking to the courtiers and various noblemen such as Bar Emmon and Celtigar.
Grey Worm was coming out of his shell, conversing with Ser Brynden Tully who met and accompanied them on the road to the city just a week earlier. Kovarro was flirting with a servant girl, she appeared to enjoy his accent.
Daeron felt a hand touch his own, taking him away from watching everyone to look upon his beautiful wife, "I love you." he'll never get tired of saying that, never.
Deciding to address everyone, he slammed a goblet on the table thrice. "I want to thank you all for being here, for fighting for me and the Realm. We've lost people we've cared about to have this peace, brothers, and sisters who threw down everything to ensure our children can see a tomorrow."
Filling air in his chest, he rose his cup in the air. "I decree the era of peace to begin here, not one more life will be struck their families. Not another child will grow up without a mother or father. And there won't be suffering in this new age we will build... TOGETHER!" The room roared in agreement with various chants and praise.
The hour of the wolf arrived as the feast died down when Daeron was found by his Hand of the King who was tipsy but looked very stiff in posture. Sansa bid him goodnight, hoping he joins her in bed after speaking to Tyrion.
Both he and the Hand found a quiet place, looking out to the throne.
"Did Barristan and Jorah die well?" Daeron wondered what to say, he wished they didn't have to die at all but they did and he'll miss hearing them speak.
"... Yes, they did. They died bravely." He took a deep breath, leaning on a pillar. "How were things without an insane King? Better than your last run as Hand," Tyrion chuckled and nodded.
"I also didn't have to prepare for a siege, nor did I have assassins try to kill me or any politicians attempt to shatter my reputation." Then he made a good choice, "And that debt owed to Braavos is dealt with, Lady Olenna was very persuasive in her mission there with Lord Garlan and Lord Gendry." this is also good news to hear.
"So long as no new threats try us, we shouldn't have to fight ever again." He said and Tyrion raised an eyebrow at his statement.
"Dwarfs and cripples don't fight, Daeron. Leave that to your Kingsguard." He knows he won't be so good in a fight but he's still a fighting King, he has a reputation to uphold.
"Even still, we should always be ready, for anything." Tyrion agreed to that and both sat together in a quiet moment before he got up, "It's time for bed, Lord Hand." He told the dwarf and began walking to his and Sansa's chambers.
"Good night... My King." Tyrion whispered with a smile, enjoying his own company for a little while longer.
Sansa was shocked at how quiet Daeron was when she felt an arm wrap around her waist and a hand placing itself on her swelling belly. She moaned when he kissed her neck and heard him sniff her hair and the sweet scent that was in there.
"Never leave me, again, will you?" She asked and put her hand on his own then shifted and looked into his violet eyes.
"The Gods will have to come and pry me from your side, and you mine... " She hummed a hymn as he placed his head on her chest, then heard him tear up and his vulnerable self finally broke down but all she did was hold him through the night and forever if need be.
It would be months later when she would give birth to a son, the pain was unbearable but Daeron remained at her side at all times and was overjoyed to see their child and the bells welcoming the new Prince to the world. Daeron said she could name him so she chose a good name, something to honor her and his ancestry.
To safeguard stability for his reign and future generations, Daeron took ownership of the Bloody Gate, Moat Cailin, Harrenhal, rebuilt Castamere, Summerhall, built a castle on the shores of the Blue Byrn, and rebuilt Ghaston Grey into a fortress. This action was the foundation of a true policing and standing army for the Crown instead of calling up farmers and training them on the fly. Many Nobles were unhappy but none voiced their concerns.
The royal fleet was bolstered by a thousand ships which kept raiders and pirates wary of wanting to attack his kingdoms, it also boomed trade and the economy never ran smoother.
The region Beyond the Wall became the Eighth Kingdom of Westeros and a King rose of the Free Folk's own choosing and would be allowed to keep their independence. At Winterfell, Jon Stark would also be blessed with a daughter by Margaery, then a son after that.
Old grievances were put to bed during this time as Myrcella and Trystane's young daughter was betrothed to Tyrion's son by Lady Lefford to end hostilities and Garlan Tyrell would have a fiery wife in Arianne who finally settled to take a husband despite wanting the real prize.
In the Stormlands, Shireen and Gendry lived a peaceful yet unloving marriage, they sired two sons who were betrothed to Houses in their domain.
Asha Greyjoy retained her title as Lady of the Iron Islands, making it the first region to be ruled by a woman.
Within the Riverlands, House Tully died out and great tension surrounded who should be the next Lord Paramount family. Daeron held a great council, and the various Lords of the Riverlands settled on choosing Brandon Stark, now Brandon Tully to take the title with a Rickon Stark who was on Skagos with a Free Folk named Osha being his heir.
Some disagreed, the majority being House Naharis of Darry, Daario wished to climb his station but failed. Whether this bodes ill or not is unknown much like in the Vale, the Lady Lysa Arryn grew distant and would cause tension between Lords loyal to the Crown and to Robert Arryn.
Forty years would pass by, Daeron ever looked to the future as positively as he can muster, though if he must take to the field on his dragons to protect his people and his Realm then he shall for he is the Blood of the Dragon, the King on the Iron Throne, and Lord of the Seven Kingdoms.
He is the Father of Dragons, Daeron Targaryen.