Jon Snow's performance in the biathlon comes under scrutiny as what was once a viral moment opposite sports broadcaster, Sansa Stark, enters the realm of real life at the Olympic Games.
Chapter 1 of 5
Part 3 of Broadcast Live, an Olympics Jonsa series
Jon/Sansa, athletes in their physical peak, pride, competition, grumpy boy turns protective family man
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Hi everybody,
It has been forever and I'm sure most people gave up hope but I have just posted chapter 120 of The Many Faced God Must Have His Due. It is a Dany chapter and I will be posting an Arya chapter on New Year's Eve.
I don't know how many readers of the fic are still here but posting it here anyway and subscribers should receive the email about the update soon
everyone knows you're the way to my heart, part ii.
Fandoms: A Song of Ice and Fire
Pairing: Arya Stark / Gendry Waters
Series: N/A
Words: 15,025
Chapter(s): 2/2
Rating: Explicit
France, 1992. Arya Stark's career is far from over, and this is her opportunity to prove it. Nothing, not even a former skating partner turned coach for a male singles skater, is going to change that.
Arya hasn't seen Gendry Waters in four years. Not since Calgary, not since a devastating loss that shook her to her core—and not since she lost her shot at a gold medal.
she was sitting by the window. dyana was playing with maelor and jaehaerys, while jaehaera was crawling around, trying to reach the cat. the cat—all too familiar with the way the little princess pulled his tail, scampered away the moment she got too close.
otto smiled. it was a slow day, blessedly. he had few of those of late, not least because every move had to be careful. one false move and he did not doubt that even viserys, addled as he was by milk of the poppy, would have his head on a pike.
ordinarily, she lowered her embroidery hoop to show him, but this time she held it to her chest. “not this time.” there was a twinkle in her eye that was so like alinore’s sometimes that it took his breath away. his wife was long gone, but to see her living on in his granddaughter... he wasn’t frequently an emotional man, but perhaps that was why he loved helaena best of his grandchildren.
“not this time?” he asked.
“it’s a gift for you, grandfather.”
otto blinked at her. a gift? for him? of her own hand?
he supposed it shouldn’t shock him. he alone of seemingly everyone seemed interested in her hobby. he, at least, had had to hide it when he’d shared it as a boy. his brother had been so disgusted by it that it was just easier to pretend he had no interest in bugs and spiders. but helaena had always done as she pleased, and for that he was as delighted as alicent was horrified.
“not even a hint?” he asked.
“no,” she replied, but his gaze dropped to the back of the embroidery hoop.
otto knew little of embroidery, he only showed the appropriate amount of appreciation when it was presented with it. but he could tell that helaena’s stitches were fine and neat and he had never been more appreciative of that than when he looked at the little project from the back of the embroidery hoop. it was very clearly a spider.
“a false widow?” he asked. it was a bulbous spider, clearly dark in color, but he spied no spots of red to make it a black widow.
helaena’s jaw dropped and she showed him the embroidery. sure enough, it was the finest depiction of a false widow that he’d ever seen.
“i’m training you well, grandfather,” she teased.
for a moment, he was tempted to retort that she couldn’t possibly train him for he knew more about bugs than she could possibly, given how young she was. that he had spent as many years quietly observing them as viserys had building his model of valyria of old. but he couldn’t quite bring himself to crush the sparkle in her eye. this wasn’t aegon, who needed correction, or aemond who needed honing. this was helaena, his sweet grandchild who was making him an embroidered false widow simply because she loved him.
“you are indeed,” he said, leaning back in his seat and smiling at her. she beamed back and turned her attention back to her sewing.
his eyes drifted from helaena to her children. maelor was giggling and pulling at dyana’s hair, jaehaerys looked over to his sister for jaehaera had caught the cat’s tail and it was now meowing angrily while the little princess giggled with delight. but helaena didn’t seem to notice—her full focus back on her spider. his spider.
Summary: You were a child slave of Meereen, when one day a silver haired woman sets you free. Though your master isn’t too keen on letting you go, and Daenerys took personal action to see you freed and taken care of.
(Warnings: Fluff, fluff, and guess what? MORE FLUFF!!:3)
Looking into the mirror as the final touches on your hair was being made by the servant behind you, Elise, a short woman with red hair and brown eyes. There was a knock on the door and Elise glanced at you through the mirror walking to the door and opening after you gave her a nod. You got out of your chair as the door was opened, turning to see Tyrion and Gray Worm, a soft smile forming on your lips at the sight of them near each other and Tyrion’s throat uncut. “Your Grace, you look beautiful” Tyrion complimented as he bowed gracefully, a small smirk tugging on your lips “you’re not half bad yourself, Lord Hand” you teased lightly, your eyes turning to Gray Worm who stared at you with a deep frown, making your own smile fade as you began to grow concerned. “What is it?” you asked with concern and you swore you saw tears in his eyes before he blinked them away “your mother would be proud, Your Grace” he stated calmly and now it was your turn to feel the stinging of tears in your eyes, a smile forming yet again on your face as you walked over and hugging him briefly. “Missandei would be proud of you” you whispered as you put a hand on his shoulder before turning to Tyrion. “Is everything in place?” you asked gently as Elise walked over to you, silently asking if she could continue her work and you nodded, walking over to your chair and sitting back down, Elise getting straight to work on your hair. “Yes, Your Grace. Yara Greyjoy and the Ice Waters have returned. House Yronwood of Dorne has come to pledge their allegiance at your coronation, Robin Arryn has arrived as well with the same intent and so has Bronn…” Tyrion listed off and you nodded softly, frowning ever so slightly at your own reflection. So few houses were left, the Martells were gone so Yronwood took over Dorne as the second largest house, Robin Arryn was but a boy, Bronn was… well as Tyrion put it; ‘Bronn is Bronn’. “Another one has arrived as well, from Essos, the ship is about to dock in the ha-” you flew out of your chair at the thought of seeing Daario again, Elise barely managing to keep up with you as you ran through the hallways, your skirt lifted up so you wouldn’t trip on it, Tyrion feebly trying to catch up with you while Gray Worm relaxed and walked at a casual pace after you.
You couldn’t stop grinning as you saw him talk with one of the Unsullied you had sent to get him. His beard had gotten a bit longer, so had his hair and you forgot who you were as you sprinted towards him and jumped up, wrapping your arms around him as he spun you around while hugging you, Elise, Tyrion and Gray Worm catching up, the first two staring in shock at the new queen who was being spun around like a little girl, while Gray Worm allowed himself to smirk briefly, very briefly, at the sight. “You came!” you exclaimed as you were finally put down, Daario placing his hands on your shoulders as he looked you up and down “of course I came, Little Dragon! I would never miss your name day” he stated with a smirk, grinning as he made you chuckle lightly. “How is Mereen?” you asked with a small frown, Daario giving you a sad smile “I’ve heard nothing of slavery since you and your mother left… the people have begun to elect a new ruler, they’ve formed several laws and is currently putting them in place… the Second Sons are hardly needed there any longer” Daario informed and you nodded softly as you walked with Daario off the docks towards Tyrion, Elise and Gray Worm. “The Second Sons… they want to come to Westeros, (Y/N), I’ve talked with several of them and they all agree that they want to serve you” Daario added, heat filling your cheeks as you looked down with a soft smile “that’s very kind of them, but I don’t think the realm could afford it-”
“No, they won’t be paid, they only want to be part of your Queensgarde” Daario stated with a smirk, watching you as your eyes went wide in shock as you stopped, turning to look at him. “M-Me? Why?” you asked with shock, Daario chuckling “most remember when you ruled Mereen while Daenerys was gone, (Y/N). Even back then you were a just and fine ruler, besides, most of them want to see the famous Westeros and King’s Landing” Daario noted with a sly smirk, making you chuckle lightly “if that’s what they want, they’re more than welcome, but Brienne must meet them all and give her opinion on them… and what about you, Daario?” you asked with a small frown, stopping to look at him as he looked at you with soft eyes. Daario almost began to kneel but you quickly ushered him up, cheeks burning with embarrassment “don’t do that! You don’t need to do that!” you hissed, Daario chuckling as he got back up and continued to walk by your side, Elise and Gray Worm walking behind the two of you while Tyrion had left when you stepped off of the docks, seeing as Daario had all but ignored him. “Why not, Your Grace?” Daario asked through his own laughter and your cheeks got even hotter “because-... that’s what the people of Westeros do at the coronation! I-I’m not a queen” you stated with a huff, pouting lightly which made Daario chuckle “yet” he added in a teasing tone and you rolled your eyes, stopping and turning to face Elise and Gray Worm “Torgo Nudho, could you please show Daario to the barracks where he can get some rest?” you asked calmly, Gray Worm nodding and approaching Daario who smirked and patted Gray Worm’s shoulder as the two of them went off.
Sitting at the head of a table outside felt… strange, to say the least. Daario was sitting at your left, Tyrion to your right as you didn’t have anyone else to sit with, Daario making you laugh and chuckle, occupying your mind so you didn’t think too much of it, he didn’t want you to dwell on the fact that he was just about the only one you had left. “When do you sail back to Mereen?” you asked while taking a sip of the wine in your goblet, Daario tensing up as he frowned at you “what do you mean? I’m not going back to Mereen” he stated with a nervous chuckle, putting his own goblet down to look at you, finding you already looking at him with a sad smile. “Yes you are… until a new ruler is elected you have to keep the peace and order, you know I’d go myself if I didn’t have the responsibility of King’s Landing” you pointed out, watching Daario as his smile faded, his gaze returning to the decorated table as he thought about it. “(Y/N)-”
“Daario, it was my mother’s wish… once it’s fulfilled, you’re more than welcome here, you know that… my mother only had a few wishes, to get rid of slavery, rule King’s Landing fairly and make sure that slavery will never rise again, especially not in the cities she has liberated. She can’t rule King’s Landing and she has already gotten rid of slavery, now it’s up to us to make sure it stays this way, peaceful, free” you stated softly, Daario sighing as he looked down briefly before nodding, looking back up at you as he leaned back in his chair “as you wish, Your Grace” he mumbled and you gave him a soft smile “don’t be like that, please” you begged softly, seeing him nod once more as he forced a smile on his lips “you’re right, Little Dragon” he murmured and you blushed, looking down as you smiled only for your attention to snap back to him as he patted the table loudly before standing up. Everyone’s attention shifting to Daario as he walked around the large table you sat at moving to stand in front of you as he pulled something out from a hidden pocket, walking over to stand in front of you, the table in between as he neatly laid it out in front of you, your eyes scanning over what appeared to be some form of jewelry with red and white stones, made of gold. “Once, when I was a young man, before I met your mother, the late Queen Daenerys, I served briefly under a Braavosi noble woman as her bodyguard. I saw her wear this, forgot about it when I moved on with my life, but a stunning piece such as this should never be forgotten, neither shall (Y/N) Targaryen, First of her name” Daario said loudly with a proud smirk, people clapping as he moved back to his seat, sitting down as he picked up the piece with gentle hands.
Daario carefully slid it on your left hand and over your middle finger and wrist, securing it with a smirk as you stared at it with wide eyes and a grin that started to make your cheeks hurt. You wrapped your arms around Daario and hugged him tightly, hearing him chuckle lightly as he gladly hugged you back. “Happy nameday, Little Dragon” he muttered quietly so only you could hear, tears threatening to spill over and run down your cheeks as you parted from him, “Daario, I thought I told you I wanted no gifts?” you asked quietly as you admired the piece, Daario merely smirking “I had it already made” he lied and you rolled your eyes but accepted the gift anyway with a smile.
Your chest felt heavy as you watched the people gather in the hall, it felt as though your knees would buckle at any moment, letting you fall to the ground where the Iron Throne had once been standing, now melted and gone, you had ordered it to be melted into something useful, something the people could use, a new throne standing in it’s scorched place. You gulped lightly as you watched them create a path, the remaining nobles and highbornes standing to the side of the hall as the new High Septon arrived, a tall, lanky old man dressed in white robes, with more gray and white hair on his cheeks and chin than on his head, his expression one of indifference. There were dragon banners hanging behind you, Gray Worm standing to your left with what would be your crown soon, sitting comfortably on a beautiful black cushion. As the High Septon reached you, you bowed and courtesies as you had been taught, hoping that when you lifted your head you wouldn’t see malice in his eyes. You slowly lifted your head, almost daringly, your eyes meeting his and you saw a faint smile, your heart nearly stopping with relief as you stood back up as he walked past you to Gray Worm. He picked up the crown and your eyes returned to the people in the hall, heart beating harder than before in your chest, your palms sweaty as the High Septon walked over to you, holding the crown above your head. “I give you; (Y/N) Targaryen, first of her name, Queen of the Andals, the Rhoyner and the First Men, Protector of the Six Kingdoms of Westeros, Queen of the Realm and the Last Dragon, long may she reign!” the last words were echoed in the hall as you felt the crown be placed on your head, it was heavier than you thought it’d be, tears in your eyes as you looked out over the hall, people chanting ‘long may she reign’, a small, proud smile on your lips as you basked in it. She would have loved this, she would have watched from the sidelines with a proud smile on her lips, standing next to Missandei as they both watched you with pride, (Y/N) Targaryen, Queen of Westeros. You could almost see her out of the corner of your eyes, standing there, clapping with a proud smile on her face and tears of joy in her eyes, chanting along with the others in the hall. You sat down on the new throne and the hall began to grow quiet, your eyes scanning the crown nervously as Tyrion stepped forward, his pin neatly on his chest. “If anyone wishes to pledge themselves to our new Queen, I believe this is the moment for it” Tyrion stated loudly and you had to bite your lips together to not chuckle at his choice of words, your eyes moving to the center as someone stepped forward, the young boy from the Vale, Robin Arryn. “Queen (Y/N), the Vale is yours, now and forever” the young boy said loudly as he kneeled, a smile forming on your face as you nodded “thank you, Lord Arryn, you have my faith, trust and gratitude” you replied softly, watching the young boy nod as he stood back up and walked back in place, next was house Yronwood, the Dornish man stepping forward as he bowed his head and kneeled as well. “Queen (Y/N), Dorne is yours, now and forever, long may you reign” he stated as loudly as he could and you smiled softly “thank you, Lord Yronwood, I can only hope Dorne will flourish in the coming years” you stated with a bow of your head, the Dornish man standing up with a smirk “it will under your reign, Your Grace… you know, I have a son about your age-” Anders Yronwood as cut off as Gray Worm took a step closer while gripping his dagger, only to halt as you raised your hand, amusement clear on your face as the entire hall waited with bated breaths. Would you laugh? Order his execution? Imprison him for insinuating such a thing?
You chuckled lightly as you nodded to Gray Worm, watching him stand back as you looked back at Lord Yronwood. “I’m flattered, My Lord, but I want the realm back on it’s feet before I think of such things” you stated with amusement, the hall chuckling lightly as Yronwood nodded and stepped back into the crowd. You couldn’t help but smile as Yara stepped forward, smirking lightly at you, about to kneel when you shook your head and stood up. “I’m flattered, Lady Grayjoy, you stood by my mother, I remember seeing you in Mereen… to see you kneel when you’ve earned so much of my respect and love wouldn’t feel right,” you stated as you walked down the few steps and walked towards her as she stood back up with a small hint of confusion. “Thank you” you muttered as you reached your hand out to her, as your mother had done, and Yara smirked when she noticed the resemblance, gripping your wrist as you gripped hers. “The Ice Waters are yours, now and forever, Your Grace” she stated loudly with pride, making you smile as you gave her a thankful nod. You turned back around and walked back to the throne, sitting down on it and nodding lightly, watching Yara join the crowd once more. Your eyebrows quirked up in surprise as you saw someone you didn’t recognise, your gaze moving to Tyrion who looked somewhat shocked before turning to you. “Ser Bronn of the Blackwater, Your Grace” he stated before looking back at Bronn, your eyes moving back to the man as he nodded. “Your Grace, I think it’s safe ter say you’ve done well for King’s Landing in the year you’ve been ‘ere, I have been serving as a Master of Coin in the small council which I would like to have the honor of again, if you’ll have me, and I think it’s obvious by now but my sword is yours” he stated casually, unlike the other lords and Yara who had a sense of pride, a larger-than-life type of air around them. “And I’ve heard many good things about your work as Master of coin, your wish is accepted and I hereby entrust you with the wealth of the city, you’ve done a good job before, let’s continue that, shall we?” you asked half jokingly, the hall chuckling as Bronn smirked and chuckled lightly “with pleasure, Your Grace. Though I don’t have any sons ter offer ya” he stated jokingly and you laughed briefly “thank you, Bronn” you stated with a smirk, watching him nod and walk back into the crowd.
You smiled as Gendry stepped forward, hands clasped behind his back until he bowed his head and kneeled “Queen (Y/N), the Stormlands are yours, now and forever” he announced and you couldn’t help but smirk “thank you, Lord Baratheon. You’ve done both me and King’s Landing a great service in the year you’ve been here, helping us repair, get back to the way life was before, thank you” you stated softly, watching him get up with a nod and walk back into the crowd, another face walking up, looking slightly hesitant. “My Lord, if you don’t want to pledge yourself, you don’t have to…” you stated loudly, Tyrion leaning a bit closer, letting you know this was Edmund Tully, Catelyn Stark’s brother, uncle to the now Queen of the North. “Lord Tully, pledge yourself to your niece instead if you’d like, you are under no obligation to follow me, the Riverlands are a part of the North” you announced loudly, the man studying you before nodding softly, hesitantly kneeling while you stared at him with confusion, standing up before he could begin to talk. “Lord Edmund Tully, there’ll be no repercussions if you leave now and pledge yourself to your niece, no one will blame you. Remember that before you do anything, if you pledge yourself to me, I’ll expect you to uphold that oath” you stated in a serious tone as you walked closer to him, hearing his ragged and unsure breathing as he kept his head low. “Edmund…” you kneeled down to be at his eye level, seeing him tentatively raise his head to look at you “go, be with your family and niece, don’t pledge yourself to someone else when you have your niece waiting in the North” you said quietly, watching his eyes as he narrowed them at you. “Queen (Y/N), the Riverlands are yours, now and forever, that is my oath and that is what I will fulfill” he stated loudly and you sighed softly “I’m touched by your decision, Lord Tully, if you’re sure it’s what you truly want then I’ll gladly accept it, thank you” you stated softly, putting one of your hands on his shoulder as you stood up, prompting him to follow. “Thank you for your trust” you added, watching him nod before walking back into the crowd, a sigh leaving your lips as you walked back to the throne and sat down on it.
You frowned lightly as you watched Daario walk from the crowd to stand in the front, right in front of you, a soft smirk on his lips. “Didn’t think you’d get through this thing without me, did you? I’m uh, not so sure what the Westerosi culture is, this whole kneeling thing, though I know you lot don’t like foreigners…” he stated with a smirk as he glanced around quickly before looking back at you, kneeling on not just one knee, but both. “Queen (Y/N) Targaryen, Your Grace. I served your mother, from Yunkai to Mereen… I ask that you allow me to follow you now, to wherever it’ll take me, my death, happiness, peace, as long as it’s in your footsteps” Daario spoke softer than the others, tears forming in your eyes which you quickly blinked away, clearing your throat “stand, Daario Naharis, you’re welcome at my side whenever you want, all I ask is that you promise to do what I asked first” you stated with a small frown, hearing him scoff as he stood up “when did I ever fail your mother?” he asked rhetorically and you smiled softly, subtly nodding your head to where he had been standing before, a smirk on his lips as he bowed his head and walked back to his spot.
His hair was in need of a cut, sprawling wildly with the same fire that had entranced her a lifetime ago. The boyhood stubble that had plagued him with patches, now grown to an evenly trimmed beard. His shoulders had broadened, arms and chest sturdier. And his eyes, eyes as blue as the sea he had fled into, were clouded with grief and the drink.
The night is over and so many have died that Arya thinks she’s lucky to still be breathing.
Lucky, especially after her attack on the Night King. That could’ve gone… so very differently, she knows. She could have died, could have become yet another soldier in the undead’s vast army. Not today, she thinks, struggling to walk, her eyes scanning her surroundings. Thought, too, when she dropped the dagger from one hand to the other.
She walks over fallen walls and burned bones, and dead men and women who will never see nor feel the sun’s light again. She walks until she finds Sansa (alive), finds Jon (alive), finds the Hound (alive, still, damn him), and only stops when she finds Gendry, too, covered in soot and guts and snow, but wonderfully alive as well.
“You’re not dead,” she says, stepping in front of him, and when he looks up at her, eyes wide, she remembers the way flames danced and reflected in them just hours ago.
He breathes. Blinks. Bows his head. (Arya still catches a glimpse of a smile. Can still feel it against her skin.) “Could say the same, m’lady.”
Asoiaf Sunday! Easter Sunday so best time to rec a fic about the Failed!Jesus archetype Rhaegar Targaryen. I am actually late by one day but anyway.
TL;DR - He's a total loser. But also the guy who never learned to hate.
My fav author summary ever - She is horny. He is not. They live.
Why Rec - Because using sex for character development and story exposition is valid! Because good ace representation doesn't have to always mean sex repulsed. Because sometimes humans do be complicated and messy. Because established relationship means you have got to keep establishing it. Because het doesn't mean it can't be super queer. Rhaegar is Ace coded with really low/zero sex drive but he's got the kinkiest married sex life and that becomes the biggest building block in their relationship. This is actually my favorite Ace characterization I have personally read.
YMMV - I feel like when a fic deviates from a lot of standard conventions it can be a tough sell. Which is totally understandable. I am reccing it because I loved it. But of course YMMV. These things are subjective. There is a lot of sex for exposition which can also be YMMV.
Big things - This fic won't make sense if you don't have some basic info about their canon.
Ok! Time for details! Sorry if my rec is really bad but I don't go for het fics normally. Also no agegaps. Also they are married. Also they have kids. Stuff I totally nope out of. Idk I mean trust me. It's an eldritcher fic. So it's just really weird/sensitive/brilliant. Nothing is normal.
Will probably clean this up for writing a meta on AO3 later :D If i get the motivation.
Link - Rubicon: A Dreamer's Sextet
Author - eldritcher
Pairing - Rhaegar/Elia. There is also some vibes of Rhaegar/Oberyn but it's complicated.
Type - het, canon divergence, Not canon compliant in the sense Rhaegar, Elia and their children survive
Length - 150000 words. Complete. It's a collection of fics. So depending on whether you read the full thing or just some one shots the length is going to be different. I used the series length here. We get POV one shots from Rhaegar, Elia, Aerys, Rhaella, Arthur Dayne, Rhaenys, Lyanna, Oberyn, Doran. Highly recommend reading the full thing because it's brilliant.
Themes - Asexuality
One of the best parts about this fic. It really said here is this handsome hero archetype everybody crushes on. Also he is Ace. Deal with it. Total sensualist. But you can have sensuality w/o wanting sex. You can also be sex positive. You can also be bi and ace. Like you can be anything and how you feel about things can change from time to time. Mess is ok. Of course it doesn't say it like it. The fic doesn't feel like checklists on good rep. It's just when you read it you get it. YMMV. Idk if that's better than flat out saying things. But this really worked for me. Also the reason why I am writing a het fic rec. Omg.
Themes - Masculinity
Rhaegar's characterization is a meditiation on masculinity. Idk how to explain. But it breaks him down in this flesh and blood style. Really sensitive. Normally in fanfic/romance genre I am more used to seeing sensitive takes on female characters instead of male characters. Especially cishet hero type male characters in a het fic where they can be for wish fulfilment type roles. Slash fic is of course different but also similar. One of the M/M characters generally will get more sensitivity/focus compared to the other character. This is pretty different. The vulnerability/nuance in Rhaegar's characterization is insane.
Themes - Queer
Asoiaf fandom like hp fandom can get pretty weird about what a het fic should be like. Probably not the right place to talk about it. But I feel fanfics can be subversive in a lot of ways. I really love how this fic subverts some fandom concept of a het fic. Rhaegar and Elia are really queer in the sense they are super different. They are not neurotypical, they both have hyperfixations, dysphoria but at like some emotional level. Anyway it's the type of mess idk how to describe because they are super messy humans.
Odd and odd, matched in equal wedlock, and it has become something like felicity.
It really says you can be weird and also the world's biggest loser but you can be happy in a relationship.
Themes - Failure
The biggest win of this fic is the Rhaegar POV. He is a pretty controversial/polarizing character whose motives are unknown/ambiguous in canon. Fandom can get into whitewashing/bashing territory for that type of character.
This fic straight out builds his character as a failure and also makes us sympathize with him. I mean you end up rooting for him because that's how great the character development is.
He carries the rivers he failed to cross.
Themes - Love
A really unconventional love story. But it's definitely love. It's the type of love that just becomes mythological but like without epic soundtracks or montages.
There is a promise in the reek of burned clothes and hair and the man bathed in her water. Something of the father handed to the spouse. It is only a promise. Words are not deeds. It is only a promise, that he will cross this last river to her.
What I really love is how they really fail a lot. Like they make promises and don't succeed like they want. But it's ok. Because trying your best counts! Points for effort! :D
Themes - Hope
I mean! This is an eldritcher fic. Hope is everywhere! The vibe is pretty Tolkien about that. Sometimes you got to believe in stories and that's what you need to get to the other side of some tunnel.
"Nymeria fled the cruel dragon-lords after Garin fell. She took her people with her, on any sea-worthy vessel they could get their hands on. They sailed, for months and months, until months became years. Many perished, many deserted, many rebelled. One night, Nymeria stood at the steer of her vessel, and looked up at the bare sky in despair. Perhaps she prayed to a god. Perhaps she prayed to none. A star rose for her. Bright it was, and enduring. She led her fleet where the star went, south and south and south, until they washed ashore on Dorne. There, waiting for her, beneath the star, was Mors Martell. Gladly, she married him and twined their houses, binding her sun to his spear. He gave her a myrtle crown and taught her about the fruitage of oranges. Thus she became the Dornishman's wife."
An old tale Doran liked to tell Oberyn and her when they were children.
Her odd husband listens to her raptly. There is a strangeness in him that is not merely dragon-blood or dreams. She thumbs his brows to undo the frown that has settled there.
Children believe in stories. And it is belief that gives stories life.
"Only a story," she tells him.
Themes - Feminism
Really, really feminist. I mean. Idk how to explain. It is a Rhaegar centric fic. But a male protagonist doesn't have to mean you can't have a fic which is feminist. Rubicon is pretty uncompromising on that. No boss ladies or femme fatale or archetypes like that. But this story in canon is a really slippery one for the Bechdel test. Which means the fic fandom just can get into character/ship bashing and writing female characters like archetypes/pit them against each other. I really love how the fic explores the female character trauma in the canon with a lot of sensitivity.
Characterizations
Book characterizations. No show elements from GOT. But the characterizations are deeper/more nuanced because these are not POV characters in the books. They are dead by the time the books start. Really beautiful interwoven characterizations where you can see Isabel Allende style The House of Spirits influence in their generational trauma. This fic got me from somebody who just didn't like Rhaegar's character to actually seeing him in a more interesting light. Deep and beautiful characterization and character dynamics of the Robert's Era Rebellion Targaryens. The Aerys and Rhaella POVs are insanely good and dark. The Rhaegar characterization is superb. Elia is also brilliantly characterized. The whole series is unforgettable, intense, unsettling, uncomfortable and absolutely a must read.
Plot
It doesn't really have a lot of plot. It's just Rhaegar and Elia from 16 to 40. How their characters change/grow. The plot parts are just the canon divergence because they survive the war and get a bittersweet ending.
Prose
The prose style is kind of less poetic compared to Ossuarium. Which works great because Ossuarium had dragons. By the time this fic happens in the canon timeline the dragons are dead. So their world is less supernatural/magical. The lowkey prose kind of reflects that.
Some other thoughts
Rubicon is Ossuarium honestly. Just a continuation in the canon timeline. It has the same queerness and feminism vibes IMO. YMMV.
Length - 150000 words. Complete. It's a collection of fics. So depending on whether you read the full thing or just some one shots the length is going to be different. I used the series length here. We get POV one shots from Rhaegar, Elia, Aerys, Rhaella, Arthur Dayne, Rhaenys, Lyanna, Oberyn, Doran. Highly recommend reading the full series because it's insanely brilliant.
