"What did you say to Jaime?" Cersei stormed into Tyrion's room, her voice so heated it could melt a dragon.
"That a man has another sword that isn't made of steel and shouldn't be shy about using it. Maybe give our dear father some heirs of Casterly Rock—bastards though they may be. Something is better than nothing, right?" Tyrion was startled to see his sister there. He had been drinking and almost choked, though that was still better than her catching him doing other things he was infamous for.
Cersei restrained herself from walking up and slapping the imp.
"What did you say to him that made him agree to go to the Wall with you?" she asked again.
She was frustrated. Once Robert went out to hunt, she finally had a chance to spend quality time with her brother, only to find that Jaime wasn't in the mood. What about her mood?
Before she knew it, Jaime had taken his sword and gone out to train. What was that about?
She had tried to seduce him, but nothing. He had been disturbed for a few days, but only now did she realize how much. Then, out of nowhere, he announced that he would be going to the Wall—with Tyrion, of all people.
"Really? This is the first time I'm hearing of this." Tyrion understood what was going on but had no intention of telling his sister. The Seven only knew what kind of drama she'd raise after learning the truth.
Cersei doubted Tyrion. He was the first to bring up the topic; it had to be the imp who convinced her Jaime to go with him.
Cersei narrowed her eyes, irritation building. She hadn't had it for over a month, and it was getting on her nerves. Now she learned she wouldn't get any for who knew how long because her idiot brother had decided to play Night's Watch Ranger.
And of course, hell would freeze over before she looked to her real husband to share her bed.
"Dear sister, if I could weaponize that fiery gaze of yours, maybe I could have saved humanity by now," Tyrion mused to himself.
"I have my eyes on you..." Cersei gritted her teeth. But knowing she wouldn't get anything out of the monster she had to call her brother, she spat and turned around.
"By all means, do that. If the old stories are to be believed, the Seven know we could use all that heat up at the Wall."
---
[MC POV]
I missed something. I knew it but didn't realize it until now. Will was the reason the Starks found their direwolves in the story—they had to go out to execute him. I hadn't seen any wolves here.
The butterfly effect. I didn't think it would be apparent this soon. Unlike some fanfics I read, where no matter what happens, the canon stays intact for the MC to reap the benefits, here it was immediately evident that things were changing, and there was no greater power holding the plot together.
No direwolves. Bran didn't fall. Will survived. And Odin only knew what else I had already changed. This was proof that as I went further, I couldn't rely on the meager amount of canon I remembered.
However, that was a problem for future me. My current problem was that Ned Stark had ultimately agreed to be the King's Hand. I had hoped Bran's fall would stop him, but I guess that wasn't happening now.
"Thor…" Suddenly, a voice broke my concentration. Looking up, I saw Benjen calling me.
"My brother has called for you," Benjen said as he readied his saddle.
"You're going somewhere?" I looked around and noticed Benjen wasn't the only one. Many people were preparing to depart, even two of the queen's brothers were in the group.
"Aye, we're leaving for Castle Black," Benjen replied, looking a bit apologetic.
"What? When was this decided? Why wasn't I told?"
"What does that matter. You weren't planning on coming back either way..." He shrugged
"True, but at least you can tell me." I argue back.
"This is me telling you." He deadpan.
"Sigh, you should talk to my brother before doing that. Believe me." Benjen said and left, making me wonder what in Odin's name was going on.
So, I made my way directly to Ned Stark's solar. As soon as I entered, I noticed he was completely alone, most likely waiting for me.
"Lord Stark, you called for me?" I asked.
"Yes, Thor. Come, sit," he said, and I did just that. Ned Stark didn't immediately speak. He took his time before finally opening his mouth.
"I still haven't shown my appreciation for what you did for the North. Without you, we might not have known about the threat of the White Walkers until they had grown much stronger. For that, the entire North is in your debt," Ned Stark said, making me nod unconsciously.
"Think nothing of it, Lord Stark. Surely you called me here for more than just gratitude."
"Aye. I have a request for you. You must have heard that I'll be going south soon to take the position of Hand of the King."
"Yes." I replied, already thinking about what he could ask for.
"I want you to accompany us there," Ned Stark requested.
I blink..." You know that I'm already going to the capital with the King's Entourage...right ?"
"I know..." He nodded. He paused there, like thinking what to say before finally opening his mouth.
"Sigh. Starks don't fare well in the South. I will take a few of my men with me, but I still worry about my children's safety. Sansa, Arya, and even Bran will be going with me. I want you to look after them there," Ned Stark said, looking at me with an earnest expression.
"So you want me to guard your children." I hummed. Now it makes sense why the man called me.
"Yes." He nodded.
"You are strong. I need someone to look after them. Someone strong like you."
"Is that all?" I asked firmly, looking him directly in the eyes.
He paused again before resuming.
"There is another reason I asked for you is that I don't have anyone there to help me. Forgive me, but I cannot disclose certain information as it could be dangerous for the source. However, I need someone to run some special errands for me. Someone strong and sharp. You are the best person for the job." Ned Stark's words made me wonder what he was talking about. Since when did he have any errands to run? Then I remembered—he must have received that note from Lysa Arryn about Jon Arryn's murder.
Of course, I knew the truth about who really killed Jon Arryn.
"And you choose me over any of your trusted men because?"
"Because you're an honourable person, I can tell. Not to mention, you seem well aware of how to deal with highborn lords and ladies," Ned Stark replied, taking me by surprise.
Did I really give off that vibe? But when I put myself in Thor's position, it wasn't that hard to imagine.
"I see…" I nodded.
"I thought you'll stay back, seeing the threat looming from beyond the wall..." I genuinely asked.
"Its following the king's order that urgent," I muttered, not asking but he heard it nonetheless.
"It's not just the king's order, the north alone can't hold on if winter truly comes. It's not just fighting the white walkers, North has to be ready for a long winter. Maesters in the citadel claim that this is the longest summer, lasting 9 years and after a long summer comes a lasting winter.
North can hold on to few years of summer but any longer and we will starve. We can't fight the undead when empty stomach." Ned Stark Said.
And for all purposes, I have to say that I almost forgot about the condition of North in this entire ordeal. He was right just massing fighting power won't do. North has to get ready for a long winter as well.
"Surely the king will help if you ask ?" I asked with a serious look on my face.
"Yes he will, at least he will try. Robert's claim to the throne is only stable because of the North, his own house and his alliance with the Lannisters.
Currently, at King's Landing majority of power has already been shifted to the Lannisters. If I don't go there then the hands position falls in their hands. Though they might be allies but I don't believe in those Lions.
Becuase winter is coming, it's crucial that the king's landing stay stable right now. I have to go. And I sure could use someone like you there…" Ned stark state making me fall into critical thinking.
He wasn't wrong. I didn't even think about whether North Alone could fight against the Night King or not. North will need help, manpower to food. And to get that help, it's crucial that it get's backing from Kings Landing.
"Well... seems like our paths are tied for now Lord Stark. I accept the job."
Don't see any reason why I shouldn't. Doesn't conflict with my current plans. I intent to stay over the capital for some time anyway.
And part of the reason I have to is to get that 1000 gold dragon I won. Strange how the entire entourage together didn't that that much coin on them to pay me now.
Sigh... I guess my plan to visit Ros wouldn't come true until she herself goes visit the King's Landing.
xxx
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