[Riverland]
The journey into the Riverlands was quieter than the roads we had traveled before. Though the tension of war hung in the air like a storm waiting to break, there was a sense of relief among us. We had finally crossed out of the Crownlands—away from Lannister banners and the Queen's reach—and this fact alone was enough to relax them a lot.
I, though, didn't feel like that. To be honest, I didn't feel like leaving that little tavern so soon. Perhaps I was biased toward leaving the girl who took my virginity, or perhaps it was the excellent food and warm beds. I can't say for sure, but I really didn't wish to leave this soon.
That night with Mina never repeated—we left even before noon. The girl seemed to wish to come with me. She never said it, but I felt like she wanted to. Unfortunately, I couldn't take her with me.
That was casual sex on both our parts. I asked her and told her so as well. I don't have any particular kind of feeling toward her besides a sense of loss.
However, no can do. I, as it stands, have no home, a goal which I wish to accomplish at all costs, and my battles to win. Taking her with me would have been trouble and definitely dangerous for her.
Still, I didn't leave just like that. I told her father to take his daughter and get out of the Crownlands as soon as possible. If the entire realm is going to plunge into war, then technically no place is safe. But still, if they can relocate inside a big city or a castle, then they might be safe enough.
Besides the few gold dragons I gave her father, I ended up giving her some money as well—just in case her father forced her to do something she didn't wish. She'd have the option to start her own life.
Mina is a sweet girl. I really don't think I can stand to see her meet the same fate as most people will in this upcoming war.
A sense of helplessness filled me currently—or perhaps it was remorse.
What I saw in the tavern—it felt horrible, honestly. Rape and murder are things that exist in modern times too, yes, but not in the open like that. This was my first real exposure to the life peasants live in this medieval era.
And there it was—the traitorous thought: why not change it? Why not bring a change? You have the power. You can bring storms and annihilate armies if you wish. Why not use this power to save those people?
No matter how much I tried to shake these thoughts out—that this wasn't my world, that I was not obligated to do shit here, that I was no hero—I couldn't push them from my mind.
Even sex wasn't enough to still my unrested mind. It just turned out to be a temporary distraction, which made the matter worse. The fact that I slept with a girl who got the short end of this medieval-era lawlessness—and that I ended up giving my virginity to her—wasn't helping.
"No! In fact, those thoughts came back with a vengeance."
However, at the same time, I had no real inclination to start a war against the ruling class of this world to bring some decent modern ideas to it. You know—things like Equality, the Right to Live, Liberation. Things people in the modern era often take for granted, even after knowing how much blood their ancestors, fathers, and forefathers shed for them to live with their heads high and expect happiness from the world.
Shaking my head, I kept my eyes sharp, always watching the path ahead. We moved carefully but steadily, changing roads when needed and avoiding patrols. Sansa and Arya rode close to their father, speaking little, their minds heavy with all they had seen.
I decided to let go of this matter for the time being. I would only fall further into my own machinations if I didn't stop here. Perhaps I could help out this world a little by the time I finally give my last regards to it—but today was not that day.
Now, I have to be here—to get the realm ready for the bigger war. If those who stand across that wall come to this side, then there wouldn't be anything left to worry about.
Soon, the great towers of Riverrun came into view. The stronghold of House Tully stood proud between the forks of the river, its banners waving high in the wind.
Inside the castle, Lord Hoster Tully, old and weary in his bed, held a letter in his hand. It was from his daughter, Catelyn. Her words had been short but filled with fear—telling of Ned's capture and begging her father to help him.
Hoster's heart ached. He had always respected Ned Stark, and he loved his daughter dearly. He had already begun gathering men when one of his guards burst into the room.
"Lord Tully!" the man said, breathing heavily. "It's Lord Stark. He's here!"
Hoster blinked. "What! What did you say?"
"He's at the gates, my lord. With his daughters... and another man."
The old lord struggled to rise, his hands trembling. "By the Sevens... then what are you dumb lots doing here? Bring the man in. At once!"
Outside the castle, Ned Stark waited quietly, his cloak pulled close around him.
"You sure about this? It might have taken some time, but we could have reached the North without getting spotted. That would have been safer," I muttered to him. The fact that this world was that of Game of Thrones—I couldn't bring myself to trust anyone easily.
Spider too—I never trusted him. It's just that I had no other choice back then. To find Stark, I needed his help.
Thor stood tall beside him, arms crossed, watching every movement on the walls. Without looking at me he said,
"I believe in Lord Hoster Tully. And we need to send a raven to Winterfell soon. The news of me getting captured would have reached Winterfell by now. I know Rob. He will soon gather the lords of the North.
If we don't act now, then by the time we reach Winterfell, the North will be at war against the crown," Ned Stark said in a calm tone.
I honestly didn't think about it. Good that Stark had the mind to think ahead. Or all that hard work would have been for nothing.
Sansa and Arya looked around the wide fields of Riverrun with quiet awe. It was their first time being here, of course.
For the first time in many moons, Ned Stark saw the gates of family open before him. This wasn't the North, but still he felt a familiar feeling from here. At least he knew that his daughters were safe here.
xxx
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