#a dawn with the wolf knight

[housebaylor]

A Dawn with the Wolf Knight by Elise Kova

[myhikari21things]

Read of A Dawn With The Wolf Knight by Elise Kova (2024) (369pgs)

[feylunaart]

Faelyn and Aurora from A Dawn with the Wolf Knight by Elise Kova. The love story was good, but so was the relationship between Faelyn and the spirits, and I'm here for it.

[thinkingfandoms]

Why are masked characters so hot?

only it becomes more and more weird

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 5/5

Book Blurb:

A grown up Little Red Riding Hood meets werewolves and witches in a stand alone, adult fantasy romance. To enter the woods as a human means death… But I am no mere human. They call me, “witch." As one of the last surviving witches, Faelyn’s sole duty is to keep the protective barriers on the forests where the lykin roam—creatures who can shed flesh for fur—sparing nearby humans from their violent, beastly natures. When she has an unlikely encounter with the rare, primordial spirit of the moon, Faelyn finds herself not only the object of the Wolf King’s desire, but essential to his ability to keep his crown. Taken to the magical land of Midscape, the Wolf King claims her as his bride to control the moon spirit’s magic that now resides within Faelyn. But Faelyn refuses to resign herself and the spirit Aurora to a life of servitude underneath the king’s cruel rule. Faelyn hatches a dangerous plan for them both to escape and help comes from an unlikely ally. Evander is the king’s blisteringly handsome, loyal knight, right hand, and Faelyn’s sworn protector…on the outside. But appearances are not what they seem. He plots against the king’s brutality at every turn and helping Faelyn escape will serve these ends. But altruism for Faelyn and the trapped moon spirit isn’t his only motivation… Evander is hiding secrets, and they might change Faelyn’s life forever. A desperate plot to escape. A brutal king. Ancient powers. And a sworn protector who can’t keep his hands off her… Will she be taken as the Wolf King’s bride? Or will she manage an escape that will free her heart and change her fate forever? A Dawn with the Wolf Knight is a complete, *stand alone novel*. For readers who love romantasy novels with second-chance/long-lost love, life-changing female friendships, deep lore, forbidden romance, slow-burn, and a happily ever after.About the Married to Magic Novels: Each Married to Magic novel is a stand alone, fantasy romance about a young woman being taken to the world of Midscape and falling in love with a magical man. These novels can be read in any order and have no overarching plot or characters.

Review:

A witch who wants to do what is right finds herself stuck in a complicated mess while trying to save the moon spirit... while dealing with a Wolf King who is determined to control her and take her for his new bride yet her forbidden attraction to the noble knight who is meant to guard her is getting harder to resist. Faelyn is one of the last weaver witches and after the last of her family passes awat she spends her days after collecting herbs and spending time with the spirits that reside in her home. Yet when she saves a strange girl in the woods who turns out to be a moon spirit running away from an evil wolf king hellbent on enslaving her, Faelyn feels duty bound to save her.... only the king has sent his knights to capture her and now Faelyn has been captured as well since the moon spirit has given her half her power. Evander is the noble and “loyal” knight of the wolf king, bound to him and his sole duty is to protect the moon spirit. Evander might seem loyal but his loyalties lie somewhere else and his motives are hard to tell yet one thing is certain, he hates the wolf king. The wolf king is determined to obtain the moon spirits power and if forcing Faelyn to marry him and control her then he'll do it whether she wants it or not.

Trust is earned, power is fought for, and a romance that even the fates can't break. A fantastic story with touches of Little Red Riding Hood and a bit of Howls Moving Castle. I absolutely adored this addition to the series. Faelyn and Evander’s romance was so well done and the way they were fated to be together and kept coming back for one another was just so well written. I also loved the magic and the friendships in this book so much. Faelyn is such a sweet character and Evander was the perfect love interest for her. If you love forbidden knight romances and fated romances, this is for YOU. I've been such a huge fan of this series and I can't wait for more from this world!

Release Date: August 1,2024

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Elise Kova for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[ofglories]

Another silly headcanon list, this time for my Arthurian/Arthurian-adjacent muses and how much they swear from most to least:

In first place is Elouan. He may be the Lady of the Lake's reincarnation but he's got a mouth so foul a sailor would blush.

Close second place is Dinadan. He's a farm boy before he's the son of a lord or even a Knight of the Round and someone has to tell Tristan off.

In third place to the surprise of anyone who doesn't know her it's Gareth! She grew up with three older brothers, spent time hanging around the fishermen at the Orkney docks, and spent a year working in the kitchens of Camelot. It's habit.

King Lot comes in at fourth place. He's more controlled about swearing than Gareth, but his creativity makes up for it by more than enough. But he never swears around his kids, or around Morgan.

Uther's in fifth, surprisingly. But let's not linger on him he sucks.

Emrys is very creative with swearing, but he doesn't often do so out loud. If he does start cursing then it's for a very good reason and is usually a sign of something being very wrong.

Accolon doesn't usually swear more than the occasional muttered "damn", but he can explode if his temper is pushed enough. Still, for the most part he's pretty polite and formal.

Arthur very rarely swears, and if he does it's almost always under his breath. A king needs to be without flaw, and it wouldn't do for him to give people reason to remember who his father is. He did swear a lot more often before he was crowned king, though.

Percival has only ever sworn during high-stress moments on the Grail Quest, and only because he wasn't thinking of anything beyond getting Galahad and Bors out of the situations alive.

Do you honestly think Taliesin has ever even whispered a swear word in his entire life? That man lives and breathes formal speech. The most he's ever done was writing the ancient language words down for Yvain to learn for fun.

Not even the big man upstairs could get Bors to swear. He's more formal than even Taliesin and a lot less inclined towards writing poetry. It somehow makes the moments when he calls someone a "fool" to their face all the more cutting since he doesn't accentuate it with a swear though...

Marrok is a dog.

[smashpages]

This is Sam Wolfe Connelly's variant cover for Knight Terrors: Robin #1 (DC, July 2023).

[dawnled]

tag post #5 ( au verses #2 ) !

[avidredux]

a while ago there was a post that was a gathering of all the different names (nicknames rather) that the chain had used for each other up to that point. it's been a while, and i haven't seen another one personally, so i decided to make a new updated one for fun.

the little doodles and comics that aren't the MAIN lu comic aren't in this yet, but when i've got all those in here i'll be sure to post it

1) said simultaneously 2) yes im counting this 3) technically vio (once) and green (twice) 4) in the same sentence! 5) first instance of buddy 6) first instance of someone calling someone else link directly 7) he corrects himself to speak directly about twi afterward 8) couldn’t leave this in honorable mentions

honorable mentions and fun details below the cut

wars calls wild a “wild young man”

Legend refers to “that wolf” when alluding to twilight’s dark form without addressing twilight directly

legend refers to himself as “the collector! A veteran of the hero business!”

in “heroes legacy” legend refers to each member of the chain by either a descriptor of their homes, or their “occupations” aside from Four, who is called “the smith” (distinct from leg’s wording of “a captain” and “a knight”)

wars calls twi “you dog”

blue refers to vio by name when four is split

wild calls twi “the original blue-eyed divine beast” but i’m unsure if this should be officially counted

time refers to twi as “a descendant” but more in the concept kinda way you feel me?

twi (who has just woken up from his near death) mistakes time and hyrule for rusl and colin

wars refers to some of the chain as “stubborn youths”

completely unrelated to what they call each other but wild seems to admire hyrule so much it’s adorable; the friends ever <3

the first time the chain see the postman, sky is the one who claims the mail (even though it’s wind’s). In dawn pt. 4 when the postman comes to the inn to find link, he sees sky and says he’s been looking for him. None of the mail is sky’s. The postman has deduced that sky is the Link and all these other guys are simply that: other guys.

four is called a kid by the town blacksmith (chilchuck moment)

epona sees twi and has a “!” in a bubble and i’m convinced she’s saying “Link!”

wild calls four, wind, hyrule, and wars “crafty individuals” indirectly (though he does say it in front of wind and four)

wild says “the wolf i knew” and “this wolf i’ve known” when referring to future twi aiding him in botw

wars repeats wild’s statement about twi being just some guy to twi himself, who then proclaims himself “Hero”

unrelated again but wind gets so excited to see wolfie it’s so cute

time calls himself “this old man”

[erionmakuo]

Was very fortunate to do another dust jacket illustration for Elise Kova!

A Dawn with the Wolf Knight is a standalone romantasy novel due to be released on August 1st.

[a-dauntless-daffodil]

and it's the chaggie ladyhawke AU with the steel chair!!!!!

A knight by day and beast by knight, a hawk who's lady only in moonlight: two lovers cursed to be always parted even when when they're never apart-

-and the quest to undo this curse before it, and their separation, becomes permanent >:)

Extra twists I'd add to the original film canon:

Ironic Curses - Charlie, who never wanted to hurt anyone and used her noble title to speak up for the downtrodden, turns into a monstrous wolf creature filled with bloodlust that goes on the rampage every night (except for the hour directly after sunset and before sunrise, when she is tame around Vaggie) - Vaggie, ex-guard who was more loyal to Charlie than to the corrupt officials who paid her enforce their cruel laws, each day turns into a wild hawk desperate to escape (except for the hour right after sunrise and before sunset, when she is fiercely protective of Charlie and refuses to fly out of sight from her)

Extra Suffering - Hawk!Vaggie won't take food from people, or leave long enough to hunt when she's more herself at dawn and dusk, so Charlie has to repeatedly risk losing her forever by taking off her hood and setting her loose- then desperately chasing after her- trying keep track of her long enough for the sun to start setting again ---- Sometimes Charlie can't find her before nightfall and Vaggie wakes up alone in the woods to the sound of a distant inhuman howl of despair (not fun, but, it makes it easier to get back to Beast! Charlie) - Beast!Charlie spends most of the night trying to kill everyone and everything around her- so if she wasn't able to lock herself away before sundown, Vaggie has to grab her spear and do her best to keep Charlie from doing murder- by fighting her, leading her on long chases until sunrise, or trapping her ---- Sometimes Charlie wakes up at dawn to find Hawk!Vaggie crumpled next to her in a nest of bloody rag bandages, and the first thing she does before anything else is try her best to at least rebandage the wounds she gave her

They Go Around Rescuing People (against the law) - Vaggie mainly does this by not letting Beast!Charlie eat people as midnight snacks - During the day, a guilt wracked Charlie goes out of her way to free imprisoned people, save them from punishments, and fight Vaggie's former fellow guards every chance she gets ---- she gets this chance A Lot, since the reason they have to keep traveling is there's a warrant out for her head and the dead body of her hawk

The Other Roles Go To - Evil Bishop Guy: split between Adam and Lute, with Adam pissed that one of HIS guards got with the daughter of the woman who turned him down, and Lute wanting Vaggie to suffer and die for leaving the exorcist guards - Nice Monk: Emily is the one who accidently let slip about chaggie to Sera, who told Adam, who did the curse thing on them. After that all happened, Emily left her comfy position and locked herself up with all the old texts she could find, searching for a cure to the curse. She finds one, yay! - Loveable Rouge Who Helps: All the hotel crew. Charlie rescues / helps them each in turn, and they tag along with her for protection (meaning Vaggie then has to protect THEM from HER)

after the gang is assemble, the film plot plays out as expected

blah blah blah, holy shit the bird just got hit by an arrow, what the fuck the knight lady is REALLY freaking out about that, oh no it's almost sunset- uhhh lady knight says leave her here take her horse and the hawk and ride to the nearby abandoned tower where someone named Emily should be, because Emily can help the hawk.

AHHH the bird turned into a woman!!! A woman with the same injury as the hawk?

AAAAH that monster thing from before is outside howling and screaming, kill it-! Nope, never mind, the injured lady says she'll stab us if we hurt the big scary monster thing, and Emily says to leave it alone it'll be gone by sunrise.

blah blah blah, during the next eclipse, if chaggie can make Adam and Lute look at them standing together as themselves during the few moments they'll both be human at the same time, the curse will be broken! If this fails, they both stay in their cursed forms forever! Great!

.... how are we getting inside the castle for that? Oh right. Chaggie has been adopted by a rag tag band of criminals. This should be fun.

[thegothicalice]

I absolutely love your style and was wondering as a cinemaphile what obscure, off the wall horror movies would you suggest for the spooky season?

Uhhhh how about various levels of obscure from the 80s and 90s? (Not a complete lists because I’ve seen literally thousands of films and forget half of what I watch and use Letterboxd to keep track)

1999– Idle Hands, Don’t Look Under the Bed, Bats, Ravenous, In Dreams, Lighthouse, Stir of Echos, Audition, Kolobos

1998—The Last Broadcast, Devil in the Flesh, Whispering Corridors, Urban Legend, Shadowbuilder, The Eternal, The Quiet Family, Strangeland, Deep Rising, The Wisdom of Crocodiles, Tomie

1997– The Relic, The Ugly, Event Horizon, Cure, Wax Mask, Snow White: A Tale of Terror, Quicksilver Highway, Office Killer, The Night Flier

1996– From Dusk til Dawn, Little Witches, Uncle Sam, The Frighteners, The Dentist, Karmina, Thesis, Tromeo & Juliet,

1995– Blood & Donuts, Screamers, Tales from the Hood, The Demolitionist, Mushrooms, The Girl With the Hungry Eyes, The Day of the Beast, Serpent’s Lair, Rumpelstiltskin, Mute Witness, Evil Ed, Project: Metalbeast, Habit, The Addiction, Tales From the Crypt: Demon Knight, Lord of Illusions

1994– Tammy & the T Rex, In the Mouth of Madness, Lurking Fear, Cemetery Man, Death Machine, Brainscan, Nadja

1993– Love Bites, Doppelgänger, Necronomicon, Body Bags, Ed & His Dead Mother, Dark Waters, Skinner, Jack Be Nimble, Ticks, Carnosaur, The Temp

1992– Death Becomes Her, The Vagrant, Tale of a Vampire, The Unnameable II, Innocent Blood, Dr Giggles, Auntie Lee’s Meat Pies, Aswang, Sleepwalkers, Netherworld, Split Second

1991– The Resurrected, The Boneyard, Body Parts, Popcorn, Subspecies, There’s Nothing Out There, Highway to Hell, The Runestone, Cast a Deadly Spell, Children of the Night

1990– Frankenhooker, Fear, Nightbreed, Lisa, Mom, Grim Prairie Tales, Shakma, Pale Blood, Baby Blood, Mirror Mirror, Hardware, Meridian, Def by Temptation, The Vampire Family, Reflecting Skin, Demonia

1989– Sundown: The Vampire in Retreat, Nightlife, I Madman, Dr. Caligari, The Black Cat, Paganini Horror, Phantom of the Mall: Eric’s Revenge, The Dead Pit, The Phantom of the Opera, Dead Calm, Intruder, The House of Usher

1988– Paperhouse, Spider Labyrinth, Spell Caster, Sorority Babes in the Slime-Bowl-O-Rama, Cellar Dweller, Pin, 976-EVIL, Brain Damage, Rejuvenatrix, Blood Relations, Party Line, The Unnamable, The Wicked

1987– Psychos in Love, Blood Rage, The Caller, Stagefright, Graveyard Shift, American Gothic, Street Trash, From a Whisper to a Scream, Blood Diner

1986– Spookies, Poison for the Fairies, Vamp, Gothic, Deadtime Stories, TerrorVision, Witchboard, Trick or Treat

1985– The Doctor and the Devils, Phenomena, The Stuff

1984– Decoder, The Company of Wolves, Monster Dog, Sole Survivor, Special Effects

1983– The Lift, Wilczyca (She Wolf), Eyes of Fire, House of Long Shadows, The Hunger, Angst, Curtains, Blood Beat, Mortuary, The Keep

1982– Ferat Vampire, Next of Kin, The Sender, Tenebre, One Dark Night, The Living Dead Girl, Superstition, Alone in the Dark, Parasite

1981– The Black Cat, Fear No Evil, Dead & Buried, Possession, Night School, The Monster Club, Allison’s Birthday, Frightmare, Ghost Story, The Funhouse, The Pit, Evilspeak, Strange Behavior, The Nesting

1980– Macabre, Fade to Black, The Ninth Configuration, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

These are all just what I’ve recorded on my personal Letterboxd since I started it in April of 2017, I’ve seen plenty more but tried to just pick possibly less-known stuff, some bad and some good.

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

I have a theory regarding about overblot boys' groovy art. Like it is not just their Chapter 7 outfits but it could be seen as their happy ever after. Seeing Malleus' groovy art is like a fairytale ending, it makes me think of the rest or maybe the ending that fits their movies.

[Referencing this post!]

I remember seeing a post on Twitter comparing the similarities between Malleus’s Ruler of the Abyss groovy and Silver’s Dawn Knight Armor groovy. I guess in the same way Silver’s looks like a happily ever after for him, Malleus’s is his own happy ending?

Since they’re in OB and in those alternate outfits, I think the idea supposed to be that these cards depict the characters in their dreams. Previous story-limited cards (excluding Ortho) have been similar! In that case, it makes sense to see them at their “happiest” (alternate outfit from their dreams) and as their “truest selves” (OB).

O-Or-kun was forgotten again… 😭 Y’all keep leaving out Or-kun!!/j

Since we’ve basically got an OB line confirmed, that would leave only Ace, Deuce, Jack, and Epel (and Grim, if you wanna count him) as students without new story limited SSRs. If we’re already going the extra mile for the OB cards, I’d say there’s a good chance the full cast will get the same limited story SSR treatment. I just don’t exactly know if they’d be relevant to book 8’s plot (even if they’re all first years and therefore closer to Yuu + Grim in general), since all the limited story cards seem to be based on the events of book 7’e dreams.

I can see maybe like… wolf form Jack and delinquent Deuce as cards?? And I guess we could have a cursed af Epel against our wills 😭 but I’m not sure what Ace would get since his dream outfit was a repeat of his Beachwear from Lost in the Book with Stitch. Maybe his groovy would be something having to do with unlocking his UM, but in terms of new fit I can’t really come up with much.

[multy-d00dles]

what your favourite TWST character says about you! 

Grim: Cat mom. You saw those little beans and now you're willing to be yelled at 5am over tuna cans

Ace: Morally you're correct- but objectively your taste in men is bad.

Deuce: Math is not hard you're just neurodivergent!

Epel: Hello found family enjoyer, I'm sorry your parents suck so bad.

Jack: Dog person or wolf girl. Probably both.

Sebek: This a given from the guy that talks about one thing only- but I'm gonna assume you're not neurotypical.

Ortho: Hello gifted child that got pressured to mature too quickly, hows life treating you now?

Riddle: Best aesthetic but the biggest issues.

Jade: Sadist, just sadist. You cant tell me you dont have a little enjoyment on seeing stranges struggle.

Floyd: You expect me to say masochist but no; deficit disorder.

Silver: Narcolepsy, get medication you cant keep it affect you.

Ruggie: I'm gonna trow a shot in the dark and assume you're the middle child.

Jamil: Yes hes beautiful, we know. 

Kamil: I say this with the deepest concern I can show trought text; Get a diagnosis.

Azul: There is not a single CIS cell in you if you tell me the guy with body image issues is your favourite.

Malleus: the meanest and most agressivee people in this fandom that want to live their perfect life with this man. I wish them nothing but the best, you go to hell doing exactlty what you love.

Leona: Allarming depression but great morale at least?

Rook: Strongest bitches in this fandom and I say it with fear.

Vil: lesbian, even if you're a man. Congratulations queen.

Lilia: The most traumatic & heartpulling fanfic writers you will ever lay your eyes on, masters of the craft.

Idia: You need to serve to things for begin an Idia fan- CUNT & AUTISM.

Trey: Basic bitch, I say that with love.

Carter: self asteem issues or tiktok user, there is no in between

Crowley: Do not fuck the headmaster, it will not end well for you

Crewel: Ignore what I said previously, if you need a sugar daddy this who you go for.

Trein: When Glorious Masquerade dropped you where the happiest people in the room

Sam: I have this feeling that you have very strong feelings about the Fairy Gala event.

Vargas: He's not a "hear me out." Get better taste.

Chen'ya: I get it, you're quirky & not like the other girls. Ever wondered why nobody wants to hang out with you?

Neige: Still waiting for that RSA content are we? 

Rollo: I know this is a given with this guy, but you cant tell me there is not religious trauma in those eyes.

Ferro: Stop. trying to fuck. the scam artist.

Gideon: Another shot in the dark, but you're the older sibling.

Mellanor: You want to be stepped on so bad dont you?

Baur: I would advise to not call him a gilf but you probably already have.

Dawn Knight: Really? Your favourite is the Link with armor?

Eric Venue: You will not see the gates of heaven.

[delightfulhidingnook]

His Best Knight, The Queen

(Dark Cacao Cookie x Reader)

Chapter 10

The next morning, Dark Cacao arose in his bed and prepared for the day, dawning his armor and brandishing his sword, as he stared upon the blade, he could not help but feel that there was something missing. He shook off the feeling before heading over to your chambers to wake you, today was a special day, it was the rehearsal for your wedding tomorrow. To his surprise, you were already entering the hall as he approached, you smile at him, the expression holding the opposite of everything you felt inside. In all the light, whether it be the overcast or the flame from the torches, you looked divine in his eyes. Seeing you, whether it be in your regal attire, or even your night gown, it always brought a warmth to both his heart and his soul jam more powerful than any blizzard. But alas, he had not the courage to confess such feelings, the best he could do was be your knight, to protect what he held the most dear, his love.

“Good morning Dark Cacao.” She greeted kindly.

“Good morning your highness, you’re up early, I hope you slept well.” He bows to you, the odd feeling returning to him, but he shakes it off yet again.

“I tried, but how could I, I am to be married to my best friend, yet. . . .no, I must burn these thoughts.”

“You can always confide in me, my queen, I would perish before speaking your secrets to another soul.”

“I know, my knight, I know.”

“Then tell me, for it grieves me to see you in such distress.”

“Oh Dark Cacao, I wish I could, but to tell you I’d have to hide my face in such despair of my situation.”

“My ears are always here to listen to your every word, you need only to call for me when you are ready to talk your highness.”

“I am grateful to always have you by my side.”

“I will never leave you, my blade defends your arrows until my dying breath.”

“I shall water down the licorice sea with my tears on that day, now then, let us get to the throne room, the others shall be here soon.”

You walk along the halls of the citadel, greeting the guards as you passed, and looking out onto the kingdom, the spring brought forth some well-needed warmth for crops. Everyone barely made it through the last winter by the hair of a snow lions mane, food was at an all time low and beasts were relentless. This union would fix everything, your fiancé would be able to provide a new wave of wealth and prosperity for the kingdom, the next winter shall not be such a struggle like the last, you hated to see your fellow cookies suffer. So in their stead, you would sacrifice your eternal happiness to a loveless marriage in order to prevent such a winter from happening. Lost in your thoughts, you eventually made your way to the throne room, the second chair having been installed recently to account for the new king-to-be, Affogato Cookie.

You and Affogato had known each other since you both were children, he had been a good friend to you when others, according to him, thought of you as worthless, he showed kindness when other cookies showed only cruelty. Sure, he left without a word, but it was alright, Dark Cacao Cookie kept you company, along with your crème wolf, Sweetie, besides, he doesn’t have to tell you everywhere he’s going. He actually struck the deal with you, after returning and revealing his more than impressive magical capabilities, he said he would gladly help the kingdom, but in turn he wanted the crown, it was an offer you couldn’t refuse. When you began courting he did treat you well, although, he seemed to not really pay you any mind unless he felt like it, you didn’t care much though, he was like a cat and you were more of a dog-person. You wished you could love him like he deserved but, your heart belonged to another, he was tall, kind, and courageous, and for now, even if you were to promise yourself to one, you would always have eyes only for your knight in shining armor, Dark Cacao Cookie.

One of the guards came in, some familiar faces following behind him, the guard bows before announcing them.

“Your highness, Hollyberry Cookie, Pure Vanilla Cookie, Golden Cheese Cookie, and White Lily Cookie have arrived for the rehearsal.”

“Thank you guard, you may return to your post.”

As they exited, the other cookies whom you came to love as your chosen family all came in for a hug as congratulations for your upcoming special day.

“Congratulations Y/n cookie, may you and your love stay crispy and fresh for many years to come.” Said Pure Vanilla Cookie as he gave you one of his usual warm smiles.

“Thank you Pure Vanilla, all of you, it means a lot to have you all in attendance today, we have rooms prepared and plenty of blankets and warm meals prepped for your stay, you need only ask.”

“Oh, I can’t believe you’re getting married, you must be ecstatic.” Laughed Hollyberry.

“Where is the groom, he should be here.” Wondered Golden Cheese.

“Perhaps he’s running late, shall we wait a bit longer?” Asked White Lily.

“Of course, surely he’ll be here any minute now.” You reply.

You all talked amongst yourselves while you waited for Affogato Cookies arrival, instead came the twins and their parents, the old woman who ran the inn, and the blacksmith. A wave of relief filled you with guilt as you relaxed to see that the other arrivals were not Affogato, but when the minutes began to turn into hours, you started getting a bit embarrassed about how the situation looked. Dark Cacao could see you holding back your tears, carefully, he brushed the back of his hand against yours and you quickly grabbed it, holding it tightly as you steadied your breathing. He suddenly felt that feeling again, like there was something off about everything, perhaps he just didn’t sleep well last night, everything was normal, he shook off the feeling, bringing himself back to the moment.

“Perhaps Dark Cacao can stand in his place for the rehearsal and we can search for him afterward.” Suggested the innkeeper.

You look up at your knight, the others were able to see the love in your eyes as well as his while you both stared at each other, they knew of your situation, but you had asked them to not speak a word of it to Dark Cacao. Similarly he had also confessed his feelings for you to them and asked them to keep said confession a secret as well. As your knight saw you staring into his eyes, he desired nothing more than to spill his affections, but this wedding was for you and another cookie, a cookie who he thought did not deserve you.

“I-If her highness is alright w-with it, I don’t mind being a placeholder.” Dark Cacao stuttered.

“Dark Cacao, you need not address me with such formality, we’re friends, I’m alright with you standing in his place for rehearsal.” You blushed a bit, a shy smile forming on your lips as you turned your gaze to the floor.

“Then I shall.” He replied, to have such a moment with you, even if it was only a fantasy, it filled his heart with a warmth that could melt the snow at the peak of the tallest icing ridge mountain.

“Very well, let us proceed.” Said Pure Vanilla happily.

The innkeeper, the blacksmith, and the twins parents walked down the aisle first, followed by the twins themselves who pretended to throw flower petals before taking their seats. Your bridesmaids, Golden Cheese and White Lily, as well as your maid of honor, Hollyberry, stood at your side of the altar, opposite of Dark Cacao, with Pure Vanilla at the center. They all watched you walk down the aisle, holding your bouquet, you stood beside your knight and faced him, both of you smiling at each other before Pure Vanilla proceeded to go over everything that would happen.

“Wonderful, so at this moment I would welcome everyone to the ceremony and announce the couple, the couple would then say their vows, Affogato is not present, but if you would like to, you can share your vow Y/n, unless you’d like to save it for tomorrow.”

“I can say mine, I’ve already memorized it.” You said.

“Splendid.”

“Affogato Cookie, we have known each other since we were children, you have seen me at my best and even at my worst, I hope that together we may be able to pave a road towards a fruitful marriage filled with love and happiness, as well as an equally prosperous kingdom, where we shall reign as one.”

“Beautiful, now this would be where the rings would be presented, the innkeeper and the blacksmith will approach you both with said rings and take their seats again and you and your spouse will trade rings and say, ‘with this ring, I thee wed’ before placing the ring on his finger, finally I will say, do you, Y/n Cookie, take Affogato Cookie to be your wedded husband to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for better and for worse, for richer or for poor, to love and to cherish, til death do you part?”

“I do.”

“Then I will repeat the same to Affogato Cookie, do you take Y/n Cookie to be your wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for better and for worse, for richer or for poorer, to love and to cherish, til death do you part?”

Dark Cacao smiled warmly as he gazed at you, you were smiling as well, hiding your blushing face behind your flowers, you could not help but think of how precious you looked, “I do.”

“Then by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may now kiss.”

Both of you slowly leaned toward each other, you turn your head away a bit and Dark Cacao shyly gives you a small, gentle kiss on the cheek.

“You missed her lips!!” Shouted little Oat Milk Cookie, who was quickly silenced by his mother covering his mouth and apologizing whilst everyone burst into laughter, even Dark Cacao let out a small huff.

The rehearsal went smoothly and you and your friends went out to find Affogato, it did not take long, his carriage arrived as you were all stepping outside the gates of the citadel. Your face dawned a small scowl, your knight held his usual stoic expression, but in him he held a rage that burned hotter than the sands of the Golden Cheese Kingdom. Affogato exited his carriage with that same careless smile, all dressed in his robes and his magic staff in hand.

“Y/n, my dearest bride, you look. . . . .pretty, a smile would do you well my dear, I do not like to see you wearing a frown, we’re getting married after all.” He leaned in for a kiss but you pulled way, your gesture leaving him confused.

“You’re late, we’ve already gone through the rehearsal, where have you been?”

“I do apologize, I had overslept, I found the most beautiful confectioneries last night, the sweetness was amazing, the right amount of sugar, I ate myself into unconsciousness.”

Dark Cacao could not hold all of his anger, “You kept her highness waiting, you knew the rehearsal was today and yet you engorged yourself on sweets the night before? You prioritized sugar over your own bride?”

“You forget your place, knight, I’d suggest you watch your tone when speaking to your future king.” Affogato says with a threatening look in his eyes.

“Dark Cacao calm yourself, it’s alright.” You say as you place a hand over his chest plate, this seemed to calm him, however, Affogato did not like the way you looked up at the knight with such concern and care.

“Your forgiveness knows no bounds my dear.” Your fiancé pulls you to his side by your waist and steals a kiss from your lips, you hardly had enough time to process what happened before it was over, but for Dark Cacao, it shattered his very soul to sit back and watch how disconcerted you were.

“Well now. . . .,” you steady yourself from the sudden gesture, “let us move on from this and continue with the day, I can explain all of the steps Affogato but overall you needn’t remember much.”

“Wonderful, let us dine on some more delectable sweets my love, the rest of you may retire to your quarters and return to your homes, I shall take it from here, I must make up for my tardiness to my future wife after all.”

“Dear, I was hoping I could-”

“You need not say another word, I will take care of everything, come along now.” He grabs your wrist and leads you to the carriage, your knight following close behind, but Affogato stops him from boarding.

“The queen and I would like some alone time before our big day.”

“I never leave her majesty’s side.” Dark Cacao glares at him.

“Dark Cacao, it’s okay, I will be fine.” You say, a sad smile on your face as Affogato boards the carriage before closing the door.

Everyone stood and watched how your knight seemed to shatter to pieces to see you go somewhere they all knew you did not want to be. It was heartbreaking to see two souls, so perfectly made for each other, be kept apart against their own will. As he watched you go, he couldn’t help but get that feeling again that something wasn’t right, like the world was distorting around him, Pure Vanilla pulls him out of his thoughts.

“Are you alright friend?”

“I-. . .yes, but, she’s not.”

“We know.” Said Hollyberry.

“This marriage is not out of love after all, it’s out of duty, you saw for yourself, that Affogato hardly pays her any mind.” Added Golden Cheese.

“Will this really be her fate? A loveless marriage to a mage, all so that he may use his magic to make life for the kingdom a little bit easier during the harsh winter season?” Asked Dark Cacao.

“I’m afraid so, I had hoped that just this once she would be selfish enough to at least marry whoever she wanted, but you know Y/n, she will always prioritize others before herself.” Replied White Lily.

They discussed among themselves on how they should pass the time before finally settling on checking that tomorrow’s preparations were all ready, but Dark Cacao stayed at the gate of the citadel, waiting for you to return. His friends would bring him food and drink while also bringing their own meals to eat and wait with him for a little while before going back inside to continue checking up on everything for tomorrow. When day turned dusk, concern began to rise, it was getting colder and the knight was growing tired, despite his friends trying to coax him to go back inside he did not dare to move until you returned. Finally, when the last bits of sunlight were tucked behind the mountains of the icing ridge, the clattering wheels of a carriage could be heard approaching the gate. Dark Cacao perked up at the sound and sure enough you had returned, Affogato stepped down first, he wore a tired yet satisfied smile as he ignored both you and your knight, heading inside to escape the dreadful cold.

You stepped out after, unsteady and exhausted, Dark Cacao immediately rushed to your side, helping you keep your balance as you walked towards the citadel.

“Y/n, are you alright?”

“I’m fine really, just a bit tired and full of sweets, if I ever see another ice cream again it will be too soon.”

“I shall help you to your quarters.”

“What would I ever do without you my precious knight?”

“You’d do everything yourself, you’re very resolute but you’re also stubborn and you don’t ask for help as often as you should.”

“I just don’t want to be a burden, or seen as meek and helpless.”

“Your highness, you are the strongest cookie I know.”

“Again with the formalities.”

You both share a laugh as he leads you to your quarters, upon opening the door you already see Affogato in your bed fast asleep, you sighed, thanking Dark Cacao before sending him on his way. But Dark Cacao could not sleep, that off feeling was more present than ever, to try to subside it he decided to patrol for a while. Looking out onto the kingdom he sighed, perhaps he should confess to Y/n, not that it would matter now, she will be marrying that pompous mage in the morning. As if his own thoughts had brought her to him, he suddenly heard quiet careful steps, surely enough, there she was beside him, in only her nightgown. Shocked by her underdressed appearance he swiftly removed his cloak and wrapped it around her, rubbing her shoulders to warm her up faster.

“What are you doing out here and underdressed for such cold temperatures.”

“I needed to tell you something important.”

“What is it, is something wrong?”

“No, it’s just, I am to be married tomorrow, but there is something you must know, had I chosen from the heart, it would be you I would be standing with at the altar.”

“You mean. . .”

“I apologize if you don’t feel the same, I just had to get this off of my chest and-”

It happened so fast, you felt only tender bliss as his lips met yours, the kiss was gentle and soft, you could still taste his bitterness as you both slowly pulled away, Dark Cacaos eyes widen as he realized what he had done.

“I’m sorry I-”

“Do it again.”

Silence followed, the kind that made you both a bit nervous as he leaned in again, closing his eyes, succumbing to his other senses as the butterflies in your stomachs fluttered intensely. Dark Cacao rarely ever ate sweets, but for you he made an exception because never had he had a confection as delectable as you. He wished the kiss could last forever, he wished it was him on that alter with you, he wished he could be at your side for all eternity, not only as a friend, but a lover, but fate had crueler intentions.

He could not tell how it happened, one second you were in his embrace and the next, you were impaled on his sword, he immediately pulled it away, but the damage was done. You fell forward, he held you, dropping to his knees, his thoughts racing through his mind, how could he do this, why was it happening?

“No no no NO Y/N!!” He cried.

“D-Dark Cacao, why?”

“I didn’t mean to, I don’t know what happened!!”

“Don’t worry, it’s gonna be okay.”

“No no no, please Y/n, keep your eyes open just a bit longer for me, please. . . .don’t go.”

There you laid in his arms, crumbled, strawberry jam spilling from your wound, he could hear your voice echoing in his head as if you were still by his side.

“I won’t go.”

Suddenly, with a gasp, he woke up back in his bed, someone was standing over him, without hesitation he managed to pick up and pin the invader to the mattress. It wasn’t until the tiredness in his eyes completely faded that he realized it was you, you were still alive, everything had just been a dream.

“Y/n. . .Y/n!!” He pushed himself off of you, nearly falling off the bed, his face turning red as strawberry jam rushed to his cheeks.

“Listen, I-I can explain!!” You shout nervously.

[synchodai]

Hello I am here to ask you about……….

The hour of the wolf.

🐺🐺

Okay, so! The Hour of the Wolf....hahahaha, you asked for this.

war has no meaning, but how we come to peace does

So war is meaningless, right? At least, that's what Fire and Blood depicts The Dance as — a cycle of violence that destroys everything and everyone that gets trapped in its vortex. We, as a society, have moved on (hopefully) from the concept of the dictator whose unchecked, absolute power is fine for them to have because they are just inherently more righteous and better than any human being. Narratives about powerful heros waging just and righteous wars are looked at with reasonable suspicion and are often decried as propaganda.

"We were king’s men, knights, and heroes . . . but some knights are dark and full of terror, my lady. War makes monsters of us all. " - Thoros of Myr, AFFC

We have all agreed that in war, everyone ultimately ends up the loser and the biggest losers are those who had no hand in starting this in this first place. At least, that's very clearly the narrative of the Dance, right?

Alright, so if war is meaningless, then where do we find meaning? Well, whenever I read any story or book about war, the most important and constructive part is always in how the author or historian chooses to resolve it. Because the natural inertia of a wheel demands that it keep spinning forever — it takes an active choice and will to power to break a cycle, come to a resolution, and stop it. Yes, the war is meaningless, but how it ends isn't.

With that premise in mind, this is why the Hour of the Wolf and Aegon III's Regency is my most read, analyzed, and beloved parts of Fire and Blood. Only the Hour of the Wolf takes place during the civil war of the Dance, so let's focus on that.

the hour of the wolf

A (not so) quick summary for those who haven't read or don't remember this part:

After the Battle of the Kingsroad, the Tully black-aligned forces overcome the Baratheon green-aligned forces when the Baratheon army underestimates their foe (for being made of women and young boys) and gets betrayed by the Crownlanders who were part of their van. When the Tully army arrives in King's Landing, they find that do not need to retake it because Aegon II is dead. Aegon III has been betrothed to Jaehaera and declared the presumptive monarch. This ushers in a period known as The False Dawn, where the city and the black-aligned armies celebrate, believing they have won and that the war is over.

That is until Cregan Stark arrives with his army of northmen and ushers in The Hour of the Wolf (the darkest hour of the night in Westerosi time-telling). He easily seizes control of the city because he has the biggest army and he's the most senior commander at 23. That should tell you something about the state of this war when literal children are leading armies. Without Cregan, this is the person who would be your highest ranking officer:

(In the books, Kermit Tully is 19 and Oscar Tully is 13. Kermit leads the Riverland armies in F&B.)

Cregan is like, "Children, this isn't over."

Who told you the war was done? The Clubfoot? The Snake? Why, because they wish it done? Because you won your little victory in the mud? Wars end when the defeated bend the knee and not before. Has Oldtown yielded? Has Casterly Rock returned the Crown’s gold? You say you mean to marry the prince to the king’s daughter, yet she remains at Storm’s End, beyond your reach. So long as she remains free and unwed, what is to stop Baratheon’s widow from crowning the girl queen, as Aegon’s heir? - Cregan Stark, F&B

He's aggressive and being a bully about it, but...it's a logical course of action given what kind of person he is and the world he exists in. Yes, Westeros was dangerously close to having more people die in a pointless war because of Cregan Stark, but that's a feature, not a bug of his character and what he represents (which I WILL go into great detail later). It is very important to the themes of this story that someone like Cregan Stark exists and that war isn't wrapped up with a victorious battle and a neat little bow.

For now, King's Landing starts to fall into despair and turmoil once again when people find out that war might not be over after all.

With the infallibility of hindsight, we now look back through the centuries and say the Dance was done, but this seemed less certain to those who lived through its dark and dangerous aftermath. - Maester Gyldayn, F&B

Luckily, the peace efforts made during The False Dawn are actually well-received not by the lords, their armies, or their commanders — but by their widowed wives. One by one, green-aligned Houses begin to come to King's Landing to negotiate and accept terms peace, and this was only possible because the lords fighting the war are dead and their widows are godsdamned tired and just want to put their own lands to rights. The final nail in Cregan Stark's plan to restart the war effort comes when Jeyne Arryn arrives with Rhaena Targaryen and her newly-hatched dragon, Morning.

The smallfolk of King’s Landing, who not a year before had slaughtered every dragon in the city, now became rapturous at the sight of one. Lady Rhaena and her twin sister, Baela, became the darlings of the city overnight. Lord Stark could not confine them to the castle, as he had Prince Aegon, and he soon learned that he could not control them either. - Maester Gyldayn, F&B

The Three Widows, the Maiden of the Vale, and the Dragon Twins absolutely wreck Cregan's control of the city. Big strong northman suddenly finds that being the biggest man with the biggest stick isn't enough to control the city — and it is delicious. For all Cregan's characterization that he is this harsh, unforgiving, and unyielding warrior, the women cow him not by playing his game of swords or aggression, but by their willingness to lay down arms. Rhaena doesn't arrive with a dragon to assert her power and threaten people with it, but instead uses it as a symbol of hope. After the darkest hour, the hour of the wolf, comes Morning.

This is when I fell in love with Fire and Blood.

judgement of the wolf: no truce with the fur(r)ies

Okay, fine, so our foes have decided to willingly lay down their arms. What are we supposed to do with all these weapons, the men we specifically brainwashed and traumatized to die in war, and the many many crimes left unanswered? SUCH A GOOD QUESTION. A quandary that we still struggle with in our 21st century. Reparations, whomst?

Here are the answers F&B gives. The weapons? Well, they're mostly decommissioned or in the process of being decommissioned. Dragons will no longer be a problem. The men? Marry them to widows that need a strong arm and have them rebuilding homes and fields. The crimes? Well...

We have to tackle the question of what justice looks like in a world where people are forced to commit violence on one another. Killing your fellow man during times of peace is treated very differently from killing your fellow man on the battlefield. When everyone's hands are stained with blood, who is left to mete righteous judgment and punishment to those who have sinned?

This fucking idiot, that's who.

Okay, that was a joke — I don't think Cregan Stark is a complete idiot or that it should be an idiot who does the judging, else GRRM would have made Mushroom do the sentencing.

But what he is, however, is somewhat of an outsider. He is a Westerosi lord paramount who has grown up with their feudal system and common laws, but he is also severely out of place in the King's Landing court because he is from the North. And the North has a very different way of dispensing justice than the south. It's no coincidence that it's the Warden of the North who takes on this task, not only presiding over the trials, but also being the executioner himself.

The blood of the First Men still flows in the veins of the Starks, and we hold to the belief that the man who passes the sentence should swing the sword. If you would take a man’s life, you owe it to him to look into his eyes and hear his final words. And if you cannot bear to do that, then perhaps the man does not deserve to die. … A ruler who hides behind paid executioners soon forgets what death is. - Eddard Stark, AGOT

All the lord paramounts agree with the need to enact justice. It's their primary job as feudal lords, but understandably, none of the lords who have been embroiled in the many, many years of civil war want more blood on their hands.

On one point Lord Cregan remained adamant, however; the king’s killers must not go unpunished. Unworthy as King Aegon II might have been, his murder was high treason, and those responsible must answer for it. So fierce was his demeanor, so unyielding, that the others gave way before him. “Let it be on your head, Stark,” Kermit Tully said. “I want no part of this, but I will not have it said that Riverrun stood in the way of justice.” - Maester Gyldayn, F&B

Everyone in Westeros has a feudal conception of justice — very Code of Hammurabi, eye for an eye, "the higher you are on the social totem pole the less harsh your penalties," "it is the order of things" kind of thing. But the North has a less romanticized and more utilitarian view of justice. Ned speaks of it as a duty to sentence a man to death. They remember and keep to oaths, even when circumstances have drastically changed. So things like compassion, leniency, and mercy? Why, those get in the way of duty, don't they?

The north is hard and cold, and has no mercy, Ned had told her when she first came to Winterfell a thousand years ago. - Catelyn Stark, AGOT

To get classical, biblical even, an ideal Northern Lord is depicted to be this impartial, cold, and relentless hand of justice, unable to be swayed by love, pity, or glory, like Zeus calling down lightning on sinners as punishment. Except Cregan Stark is not Zeus. He's more like the furies — a powerful, single-minded force of nature who cannot be stopped from exacting righteous vengeance to those who have done indiscriminate evil. And to this day, some do still idealize that form of justice where every thief must be given the same punishment regardless of circumstance of context.

Again, this is why I love Cregan Stark and why I think he is such an important character on a thematic level. Because he represents the "old way" and a male power fantasy of how to win a war where all the evil-doers are either slain indiscriminately or forced to submit by the unquestionably honorable strong man who stayed true to his word to the very end.

And he's shown to be EXTREMELY out of his depth. You cannot plead with a force of nature; there can be no truce with the furies — but the furies do answer to gods. And who are the gods that move and stay Cregan Stark's hand?

the trial of corlys is the trial of westeros

Before we answer that questions, let's set up the trial and examine what's at stake.

These three are the big players who are accused of the most grievous crime of high treason, and they all represent an aspect of Westeros. Orwyle is a stand-in for the smallfolk. He did what he had to, mostly on the orders of others. Larys represents the low/upstart nobility who have been kept under the boot of the royals and who have rebelled against their wishes to assert their autonomy. Corlys represents the high/established nobility, also pushing for his own advancement but through a reinforcement of the status quo.

Orwyle is banished, sent to the Wall, but ultimately treated with leniency (by Tyland Lannister, not Cregan Stark). Larys refuses the offer of being sent to the Wall and chooses to be executed instead, extinguishing House Strong (the true upstart usurper house imho, not the Hightowers). Corlys is pardoned.

(Judgement of the Wolf by Ertaç Altınöz)

Let's focus on Corlys's verdict, because that's the one that baffles the historians and characters in the book.

Corlys is a key character throughout the Dance because he is arguably the only character that serves as the running thread all the way to the Council of Harrenhal to 101 AC to Aegon III's regency. He is the only character who has served as witness to everything, and he is arguably the guy who planted the seed of the civil war.

As far as Westerosi nobility goes, Corlys is nouveau riche. He didn't inherit his wealth like most lords; he made it through his Nine Voyages, going so far to surpassed House "We Have Literal Gold Mines" Lannister in terms of sheer wealth. Corlys was this close to becoming a king. If common law were followed and Jaehaerys didn't pass over Rhaenys, Corlys would have achieved social mobility the likes Westeros has never seen without using bigger army diplomacy. It's the closest this extremely rigid hierarchy can get to a rags to riches story, honestly. In other words, Corlys represented a new order where any bloodline could theoretically sit on the throne.

And so, in order to prevent that, we come to the original sin of the Dance. Jaehaerys passes over Rhaenys for Baelon. That leads to the nobles passing Laenor over for Viserys. Which leads to Aegon II being passed over for Rhaenyra. And this all snowballs into the Dance. All of that arguably because Rhaenys married Corlys instead of one of her Targaryen cousins or brothers.

Whether green or black, Corlys represents the nobility asserting their growing influence over the ruling dynasty and the decisions they made to further undermine their monarch's power to advance the prestige of their own House. This is not to say Corlys is evil, but that he is simply what all highborn strive towards — power, wealth, and influence. Corlys is Westeros moving forward, past the need to rely on the Targaryens for power and security.

Viewed in the most charitable way, Corlys and nobility like him werw a check and balance to the power of the monarchy, a promise of social mobility — something indeed necessary for the good of the realm. Viewed in the least charitable way, Corlys is an opportunistic traitor who allowed their liege to fall to ruin.

Lord Velaryon did not attempt to deny his guilt. “What I did, I did for the good of the realm,” the old man said. “I would do the same again. The madness had to end.” - Maester Gyldayn, F&B

Cregan Stark, snow-addled and hailing from an ancient heritage who values pacts and order, does not view him charitably. Using cold laws of the world they themselves built and live in, Corlys admitted to treason and treason is to be punished with death.

But to execute Corlys is to punish a person who built himself from the ground up, who is a repository of knowledge and foreign experiences, was the reason Rhaenyra and her claim ever stood a chance, was the person who sued and arranged for this peace, and acted primarily for the good of his House and family. There's also the very real danger that executing such a powerful man would start a whole new war, causing Alyn Velaryon to rebel against the Starks and the crown.

And so, a lot of people argue against the decision. But the cold furies were once again stayed by the wisdom and restraint of women.

jace, baela, & black aly: pretty words that can topple mighty oaks

The justice and fury Cregan Stark rains down is ultimately because he has been summoned by a greater authority in this war — otherwise, my man would have stayed in the North. And who moves mountains, who summons this force of nature, who calls upon this winter storm?

Two years past, Cregan Stark had made a promise to Prince Jacaerys. Now he had come to make good his pledge [...] - Maester Gyldayn, F&B

IF YOU THOUGHT I WOULDN'T MAKE THIS ABOUT JACEGAN, YOU ARE SORELY MISTAKEN. STRAP IN, FOLKS, WE'RE GOING DEEP.

“What is the life of one bastard boy against a kingdom?” “Everything.” - Stannis & Davos, ASOS

Jace's bastardy is the driving force of this war — he is the fruit of Rhaenyra being named heir (necessitating her marriage to Laenor) and he is the reason why it begins (Aegon II only being convinced to challenge his sister because of her heir's bastardy).

Only when Ser Criston convinced him that the princess must surely execute him and his brothers should she don the crown did Aegon waver. “Whilst any trueborn Targaryen yet lives, no Strong can ever hope to sit the Iron Throne,” Cole said. “Rhaenyra has no choice but to take your heads if she wishes her bastards to rule after her.” It was this, and only this, that persuaded Aegon to accept the crown [...] - Septon Eustace, F&B

Jace is disruption of the established order writ small. He is both born a crime and a prince. So we know where most characters stand whether they have an agenda of supporting bastards and other slightly "outsider" nobles (see: women, second sons, etc.) to hold power or they have the opposite agenda of wanting it to be strictly traditional.

But for some reason, Jace being a bastard or disruption of the social order doesn't play a part in Cregan's decision to ally with him at all. The Lord of Winterfell is offered three things: friendship, a pact sealed in blood, and a betrothal to a daughter who does not exist. He does what he does based solely on a promise of a person long dead. This boy must be god for he commanded a force of nature solely by the strength of his word.

“Words are wind,” says The Testimony of Mushroom, “but a strong wind can topple mighty oaks, and the whispering of pretty girls can change the destiny of kingdoms.” - Maester Gyldayn, F&B

What exact words Cregan and Jace, we'll never know.

But we do know what other characters do say to Cregan to get him to stay his hand. There are only two people that manage to do this. The first is Baela Targaryen who was Jace's cousin, step-sister, childhood friend, and betrothed.

Lady Baela brandished a sword and declared that she would cut off the hand of any man who sought to harm the men who had saved her, the Wolf of Winterfell smiled for all to see, and allowed that if her ladyship was so fond of these dogs, he would permit her to keep them. - Mushroom, F&B

Baela along with her sister Rhaena plays a huge part in pushing Cregan to pardon Corlys, but the person who closed the deal, saving Westeros from its own destruction, is Black Aly by offering her hand in marriage in exchange for Corlys's life.

“A lean tall creature was this wench,” says the dwarf, “thin as a whip and flat-chested as a boy, but long of leg and strong of arm, with a mane of thick black curls that tumbled down past her waist when loosed.” [...] “She smells of woodsmoke, not of flowers,” Stark told Lord Cerwyn, said to be his closest friend. - Mushroom & Maester Gyldayn, F&B

(A promise of marriage stays Cregan's hand, so the theory is that it was also a promise of marriage that moved him in the first place. Whose marriage? Well, my stance on that is pretty obvious but you all are free to speculate otherwise. Also, Aly being flat-chested like a boy, being Jace's age, having dark curls, and smelling like woodsmoke 👀)

Regardless of my jacegan truther shipping, let's talk themes. Jace is what got Cregan moving, and it is two aspects of Jace that stay his hand. Baela reflects Jace's Valyrian side, his boldness and dragonfire. Black Aly is Jace's First Men side, his dutifulness towards his family and capacity for sacrifice.

love doomed us, love saved us

Reading Fire and Blood, you understand the cycle of violence continues because of grief and the need to avenge loved ones. It only fully spirals into an all-out war once Luke and Jaehaerys are killed. Characters are so motivated to protect and save their families first and foremost that they end up destroying them. Each loss demands more blood.

The grief and rage of losing a child could burn down the world. - Catelyn Stark, Game of Thrones - Histories & Lore: The Dance of Dragons

So...how did this war end? Not with force, not with another victorious battle, and not even with bent knees. The unstoppable force of retribution that we summoned from the white primordial plane that would have prolonged this war and left nothing but scorched earth... stopped because a girl who smelled like woodsmoke offered her hand in marriage? What?

Let's go back to what Thoros said: war makes monsters of us all. Even when motivated by very human emotions like love and grief, ceaseless pain, cruelty, and brutality turn people into animals.

There is a savage beast in every man, and when you hand that man a sword or spear and send him forth to war, the beast stirs. - Jorah Mormont, ASOS

To me, this is the whole point of the Starks and the North. Fans think Starks are "honorable," which sure, they can be...but not in the same way knights are. The North doesn't have a code of chivalry — that's an Andal thing. First Men are honorable in the same way a winter storm is honorable. Winter doesn't discrimimate and it comes for us all, but there's no humanity in its retribution. The world northerners live in is incredibly cold and harsh, so they must harden themselves in order to survive. Their magic literally involves them turning into animals, and every Stark has the capacity to be a savage beast.

But even beasts need warmth and companionship.

Let me tell you something about wolves, child. When the snows fall and the white winds blow, the lone wolf dies, but the pack survives. - Eddard Stark, AGOT

There's something insanely compelling about having to be both tough and communal to survive the winter. Starks must be stoic and fierce but also carry this deep capacity for love and family.

Going back to The Dance, the cycle of violence ends because a girl offered herself to a wolf, and she allegedly reminded him of his lost friend who allegedly reminded him of his lost brother. And suddenly he wasn't a beast anymore, sent out to die while spilling the blood of his master's enemies. Maybe he was thinking with his cock, but at least he was thinking like a man.

Love is the bane of honor, the death of duty. What is honor compared to a woman's love? What is duty against the feel of a newborn son in your arms ... or the memory of a brother's smile? Wind and words. Wind and words. We are only human, and the gods have fashioned us for love. That is our great glory, and our great tragedy. - Maester Aemon, AGOT

personal notes on cregan stark

I love Cregan Stark because he is me in my darkest hour with my self-destructive coping mechanisms, my desperation to prove myself, my anxiety that I will never be safe from those who wish to hurt me unless I hurt them first.

He is the hyper masculine reaction we have towards any kind of trauma, and he seems so strong and stoic and something we should aspire to be. But he's really not — it was a good thing that for all the talk about how "unyielding" he was, there were actually people he deferred to in the end. When you have been raised to be the best fighter in the world and know nothing but fighting, making peace is the challenge. If you have been taught glorify death in battle, choosing to life suddenly becomes radical.

Whenever I talk about this character, I feel like I'm Theon crying in the corner and clutching onto my portrait of Robb, saying, "You don't know him like I do!" Because fans valorize Robb as a king the same way they hype up Cregan as a badass. The man was so out of his depth that he left after 6 days on the job.

He's credited for dispensing justice during the Hour of the Wolf, but out of about 22 people that were arrested, do you know how many he actually executed?

Two. Larys Strong and Ser Gyles Belgrave of the Kingsguard. The rest took the black and Corlys was pardoned. So for all the talk that he's this big, tough guy who cleaned up everyone's mess, he actually did very little in terms of what people consider cleaning up.

That being said, I still very strongly believe that his role made this book worth it for me. Because if Cregan did not show up and the False Dawn continued onto peace without the Hour of the Wolf, it would not have changed the outcome of the Dance but it would have a drastic downgrade to its themes and message.

Instead of the women and widows willingly laying down their arms to dissuade a powerful man from going scorched earth, it would be a bunch of them following Corlys's lead and re-establishing Corlys's version of the status quo. Corlys would never have been tried as a criminal, which was very important because without that, he would have been the arguable "winner" of the Dance. Him being forgiven by Aegon III shows the child exercising power over his life and actively choosing to forgive his crimes instead of being a puppet who is ignorant of said crimes.

The northmen marrying Riverland widows instead of dying in battle is so near and dear to me, because it show that even in ruinous and the harshest of circumstances when you've left everything and death seems like the only choice, there is more value to your life than to whatever glorious death you might imagine for yourself. There is someone out there who will love you and build a home and family with you, no matter how old and how much of a burden you otherwise think you are.

You're mine. Mine, as I'm yours. And if we die, we die. All men must die, Jon Snow. But first we'll live. - Ygritte, ASOS