[Casterly Rock]
Tywin Lannister sat in his tent, the large war map spread out before him. The sun was just rising, casting a dull golden light through the open flaps. However, for Tywin, it was already feeling like a long day as a raven had arrived not long ago, and the words written on the paper in front of him made his jaw tighten with anger.
Ned Stark was alive.
Not only alive but back in Winterfell—with both his daughters.
This was not what Tywin had wanted. He had hoped the North would stay away from this already complete mess of war.
However, now the North had their leader back, and worse, he had returned with tales of betrayal from the crown.
Tywin crushed the parchment in his fist.
"Damn Eddard Stark," he muttered. "No... no it's not his fault. It's all Cersei's fault. I can't curse someone else when my own progeny is incompetent," he snarled.
If he could, then he would love to go back to King's Landing and slap that daughter of his good. Her and her good-for-nothing son.
And at this time, the man who should be here, taking his rightful place in the war and Casterly Rock, to continue the family legacy, was now chasing fantasies.
There was another name on the paper that added to Tywin's frustration: Thor. The man who had apparently caused chaos in King's Landing. The man who, again apparently, fought like no other and brought down thunder from the sky. The raven mentioned him, too—but not much more. Only that he had accompanied Ned Stark back to the North.
The lack of details made Tywin uneasy. Tywin hated not knowing things.
Still, the paper gave him one important piece of information—the Northern banners had been called. All the great houses of the North were gathering. That meant they were preparing for war. Tywin didn't know what the North planned exactly, but he didn't want them marching south to support any enemy of the crown.
He needed to keep the North busy.
So Tywin made a decision. He called for his scribes and messengers.
"Send a raven to the Twins. Lord Walder Frey will want a part to play," he said. "He's always looking for favors."
Then he turned to another one of his captains. "And send word to the Iron Islands. Tell Balon Greyjoy the time has come. If he strikes the North while their forces are scattered, he may claim what he has always wanted. And give him what he wished for."
The plan was simple: distract the North. Let the Freys cause trouble along the rivers and roads stopping the march from the North. Let the Ironborn raid the coasts. With fire from the west and treachery in the south, the North would be forced to protect their lands instead of sending help to any southern rebellion.
Tywin believed he was several moves ahead on the game board.
But he didn't know that the North wasn't preparing for the Iron Throne. They were preparing for the Wall—and for something far worse than any Lannister could imagine.
---
[Winterfell]
The cold winds howled over Winterfell as I stood near the gates, my non-red and very ordinary cloak billowing behind me in the strong northern chilly winds. Snow crunched under the boots of the men preparing for the journey. Ned Stark was already mounted on his horse, along with the other Northern lords. They were heading to Castle Black. The Wall awaited them.
And oh, it's awaited me, it's been hard on me more than I even realized. Restraining this natural tendency to be brash and use fists over words.
On Earth, calm talk came naturally to me, but in this body, it's like my entire being longs for fighting.
I somewhat pressed the feeling down back in King's Landing, but there was just something about that feeling to let loose in a fight that just exhilarated me.
Even the sex later couldn't satisfy that battle lust in me. All this time I thought it was just the strong hormones, but it was more.
It was the centuries of battle instincts which called out whenever I could have just stopped restraining myself and gone out, thunder blazing.
But not anymore.
Because in this free time I had in my hands, I realized something, that fighting is not something necessary but rather an integrated part of Thor's life. He has warrior's blood in him. I have warrior's blood in me.
We are not someone who runs away from a fight. I was too concerned and distracted with all the Stark saving mission to realize this. However, now I know.
I want to fight.
That's what I want.
Now I know.
But not now, at least wait until I'm beyond the Wall. I noticed on the side, Robb stood beside his father, now left in charge of Winterfell. He wore the weight of responsibility with quiet strength.
Then my attention was drawn to the soft sound of hurried footsteps. Arya ran toward me just before I was about to mount my horse—I still hate that horse—her face red from the cold, and her eyes filled with something deeper.
"You're leaving," she said, trying not to sound upset. It was very similar to when she had to say goodbye to her dancing teacher, Syrio.
"I am," I answered gently. "The northern winds have called, my lady."
"I'm not a lady." Arya glared.
"Aye... you're a warrior, little but a warrior nonetheless."
"Valkyrie," she spat.
"Haha... yes, yes. Valkyrie."
Arya pursed her lips. Definitely wanting to say something.
"Does my dear Valkyrie wish to say something before our departure?"
"You can't just go like that."
I knelt in front of her. "I know, if I could, then I long would have." I gently placed my hand on her head and gave it a rub.
"You'll come back, right?" Arya didn't understand what I meant and she didn't care. She just wished to know one thing.
"Haha. I have been very cautious with it recently after knowing what it really means but for you, my child, you have my word." I knew this would tie me up somehow but I do wish to come back, at least to meet her.
I liked her, she's like the little sister I wished I had. So perhaps this one time, giving my word with full assurance wouldn't be wrong.
"You better," she said, her voice shaky. "Or I'll come looking for you."
I chuckled. "The gate of Bifrost and the hospitality of Asgard would be yours, my lady, as much as the honor would be mine to have you there with me."
"I'm not a lady," Arya called out, but this time smiled a little, though her eyes still shimmered.
Just then, Sansa approached, her hands clasped in front of her, her face calm but clearly holding something back.
There was the more girly girl. I don't know. She's beautiful and all but Sansa, after I came to know her, was more like a pretty doll. I was surprised to see how I found Arya more likable over her.
I thought it would be the other way around, me being a horny teenager and all before coming here.
"I know you have to go," she said softly, "but… I wish you'd stay."
I gave her a small nod. "For once I have to say, my lady, if it's you as my company, I wouldn't mind staying. However, I must go, for the tales of battles Westeros has yet to know." I smiled.
"However, I'll say the same to what I said to your sister. I'll come back. You have my word for it."
Sansa kept looking at me with her eyes fixed on mine. For once, I felt that perhaps staying away from equally horny teenage girls would be a better idea.
Not that I mind sleeping around, but there is an age-based consent on Earth for a reason.
Stepping back, I looked between the two sisters. "There's still more to do. Bran is out there. I'll find him if I can and bring him home. Jon is also beyond the Wall and so is your uncle Benjen. I'll do my utmost to bring them back if possible."
Sansa looked down, nodding. "Thank you, Thor."
Smiling, I stepped up and placed my hand on her head—a move on my part to move her into the child category if she took the sign correctly.
She was obviously surprised seeing me treating her the same way I do with Arya. I immediately stepped back, giving Arya a pat of her own. "Look after each other. And try not to make your brother brood more than he already does."
Arya again pursed her lips. "You're really going?"
"I certainly am."
"Then… don't die."
"Hahaha, many have tried, my dear, and would. And as you can see, I'm still here, and I absolutely would be for the time to come."
Arya nodded.
"Wakanda Forever..." She crossed her hand like that was a greeting and a goodbye sign. I certainly tried to change that to Asgard but she would never stop with that.
"Yeah, that." I gave a very Chris Hemsworth-worthy smile to the girls, leaving and walked to my horse. The banners of the Northern houses flapped in the wind. Ned gave Robb one last look, proud and serious, then nodded to Thor.
"Ready?" he asked.
"To Castle Black...
xxx
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