ADwD what questions do you hope you'll find answered

[IlliferThePenniless]

A Dance with Dragons is only a week away. It seems like we've been waiting forever, it seems a little unreal that the big day is just around the corner.

I'm about half way through AFfC in my series reread (and I'm patting myself on the back so getting the timing about right) in preparation. I'm curious to know unanswered questions y'all are hoping to find resolved in this next volume. In no particular order here's some that have occurred to me while working my way back through everything.

*Spoilers for the four extant novels ahead*

• What will Melisandre do if/when she discovers that Jon has the king's blood she's been so desperate to find flowing in his veins. Jon has gone out of his way to remove all the kings he can from The Wall, but he can hardly send himself away...

...which I suppose leads into the larger question...

•What is Melisandre's deal?... I think we all agree that Stannis isn't Azor Ahai come again. What's less clear to me is whether Mel is wrong, or working towards some goal that we can't see. I actually have some hope that her PoVs will resolve some of this. I'm genuinely curious what she thinks she thinks is going on.

•How is everyone back in Westeros going to react when word of Dany and her dragons actually makes it back. In AFfC the rumors are starting to form, so I think we can probably count on news of what Dany's been up to to emerge in this one. I'm already chuckling at the rage Cersei is going to fly into, but I'm really curious what Jon and the Red Woman will think when they learn that there are dragons in the world again... How do they effect Littlefinger's plans?

•It's a small thing, but what does Lord Littlefinger want with Robert's old tapestries? It's a detail that's caught my attention every time I've come across it, and I haven't seen much speculation as to what it means. Then again, maybe it's nothing.

•Was it really Ser Loras who stormed Dragonstone, or just someone in his armor? The Tyrells have pulled that trick before, and it'd make for a nice moment if returns from the dead to defend his sister's honor.

•The Manderlys didn't really mount Davos' head over their gates did they? I'm going to really disappointed if everything is as it seems there. We've seen the "wrong head tarred and displayed" gambit before though, so I'm holding out hope for the ol' onion knight.

•Cold Hands pretty much has to be Benjen Stark right?

•Until I starting hanging out around here, it never even occurred to me that the three eyed crow would be a real thing, I always assumed it was some kind of spirit guide for Bran, an avatar of sorts for the Children of the Forrest. I still think I'm probably right, but I'm curious to find out...

•Did Robb legitimize Jon before he died... or, if not, what was he deciding with his lords just before the Red Wedding?

•What's The Blackfish up to? If I had to guess, I'd imagine he'll end up leading the Brotherhood Without Banners, but he's got to be to something right?

I think that's about what I've got for the moment, what is everyone else hoping to learn in a week?

 

[Syphon of Oor-Tael]

• What will Melisandre do if/when she discovers that Jon has the king's blood she's been so desperate to find flowing in his veins. Jon has gone out of his way to remove all the kings he can from The Wall, but he can hardly send himself away...

When she finds out he is a Stark, she will go nuts for him trying to get him to throw on a pyre, while the Watch try to kill her in revenge. If GRRM finally spills the beans on R+L = J (which is in fact not so strange, sicne the Crannogkids are heading Jon's way) her drive to kill Jon will be all the more stronger, EXCEPT if she thinks that Jon is Azor Ahai. Which is obviously not the case. I feel Dany might be Azor Ahai. Remember, the original Azor Ahai tempered his blade in the heart of his wife. She tempered her blade with the body of her husband. In this case, the blade is the trio of dragons.

•What is Melisandre's deal?... I think we all agree that Stannis isn't Azor Ahai come again. What's less clear to me is whether Mel is wrong, or working towards some goal that we can't see. I actually have some hope that her PoVs will resolve some of this. I'm genuinely curious what she thinks she thinks is going on.

I believe that she knows damn well Stannis is not Azor Ahai reborn. What I believe is that she uses whatever ploy she can to get his swords to the Wall, because she knows R'hllor's enemy is/has risen/rising.

•How is everyone back in Westeros going to react when word of Dany and her dragons actually makes it back. In AFfC the rumors are starting to form, so I think we can probably count on news of what Dany's been up to to emerge in this one. I'm already chuckling at the rage Cersei is going to fly into, but I'm really curious what Jon and the Red Woman will think when they learn that there are dragons in the world again... How do they effect Littlefinger's plans?

I do not think even Littlefinger's plans factor in actual firebreathing dragons. Jon will likely be worried, and Melisandre will no doubt claim they are tools of R'hllor sent to aid Stannis (even if she knows he is not Azor Ahai).

•It's a small thing, but what does Lord Littlefinger want with Robert's old tapestries? It's a detail that's caught my attention every time I've come across it, and I haven't seen much speculation as to what it means. Then again, maybe it's nothing.

I think they have something to do with a link to the Baratheons.

•Was it really Ser Loras who stormed Dragonstone, or just someone in his armor? The Tyrells have pulled that trick before, and it'd make for a nice moment if returns from the dead to defend his sister's honor.

I think it was, and that his outing with the boiling oil was not lethal. It would make his character far more interesting if he went from handsome to hideous.

•The Manderlys didn't really mount Davos' head over their gates did they? I'm going to really disappointed if everything is as it seems there. We've seen the "wrong head tarred and displayed" gambit before though, so I'm holding out hope for the ol' onion knight.

I expect him to be alive since he is the only one that knows where Edric is now. While he is a POV character in ADWD, Ned was one too just before his execution. Realistically speaking, I do think Manderly had him killed since Manderly struck me as a coward.

•Cold Hands pretty much has to be Benjen Stark right?

I feel that would be too obvious.

•Until I starting hanging out around here, it never even occurred to me that the three eyed crow would be a real thing, I always assumed it was some kind of spirit guide for Bran, an avatar of sorts for the Children of the Forrest. I still think I'm probably right, but I'm curious to find out...

No opinion on this.

•Did Robb legitimize Jon before he died... or, if not, what was he deciding with his lords just before the Red Wedding?

Could Robb even do that? It's not like Jon is his son. Most likely, they were discussing plans for war, as usual.[/quote]

•What's The Blackfish up to? If I had to guess, I'd imagine he'll end up leading the Brotherhood Without Banners, but he's got to be to something right?

Well, all we know is that he escaped from Riverrun, so he's out and about. Interesting would be to have him meet Un-Cat.

I think that's about what I've got for the moment, what is everyone else hoping to learn in a week?

I expect to see some more hints towards Jon's parentage, if not the answer.

 

[Tansy]

I want to know if Euron Crow Eye's horn really (travelling with Victarion) will control Dani's dragons or whether Victarion will become loyal to Dani

 

[Mouse]

I'm just hoping GRRM puts a 'catch-up' at the start of the book because I don't even remember half of what's happened before. Loras got burned?! I have no recollection of this! Stop uglifying the pretty ones, George! I also have no memory of the Davos thing either.

 

[thaddeus6th]

Mouse, I know what you mean

This thread's been useful for reminding me of bits and pieces.

I, er, can't remember who Loras is. Davos is the chap with one hand who served/s Stannis, right?

 

[Mouse]

Davos had half-fingers on one hand, rather than a whole hand missing, I think. That's about all I remember about him!

 

[Syphon of Oor-Tael]

He lost the first joint of every finger on his left hand, Thaddeus and Mouse.

 

[Mesanna]

Mouse, our very own Werthead wrote a recap on his blog for the entire history of ASOIAF. Probably the two most relevant posts are here:

http://thewertzone.blogspot.com/2011/06/song-of-ice-and-fire-so-far-part-3.html
http://thewertzone.blogspot.com/2011/06/song-of-ice-and-fire-so-far-part-4.html

These should help you get up to date

 

[Tansy]

Davos is Stannis's hand - The Onion Knight, he was captured by the Lord of White Harbour when Stannis sent him there and Cersei demanded he be killed, apparently this was said to be carried out but it hasn't been confirmed yet

Loras Tyrell (Margaery's brother and Renly's lover - the Knight of Roses) is about to storm Dragon Stone in my re-read, I think he may get injured there but I can't remember myself

 

[TK-421]

SPOILERS BELOW


It should be noted that Melissandre will only get one POV chapter in ADWD but GRRM is on record as saying that it will reveal whether she's a fake or for real. I think she's for real.

Littlefinger will not appear in ADWD and Sansa's chapters were moved to TWOW.

So, let's recap again those POV's (see http://www.sffchronicles.co.uk/forum/49241-new-grrm-update-on-adwd-65.html starting at post #969). GRRM said there are 16 of them and dropped alot of hints in a blog post:

http://grrm.livejournal.com/217066.html#cutid1

1) Jon
2) Tyrion
2) Dany
4) Theon
5) Asha
6) Victarion
7) Bran
8) Arya
9) Quentyn (new)
10) Areo Hotah
11) Melissandre (new)
12) Barristan (new)
13) Cersei
14) Jaime
15) Davos
16) NEW CHARACTER (not a recurring one)
Prologue: Varamyr Six Skins

 

[thaddeus6th]

Thanks for all this info

 

[Boaz]

A Dance with Dragons is only a week away. It seems like we've been waiting forever, it seems a little unreal that the big day is just around the corner.

I'll second that emotion.

Until I starting hanging out around here

I'm glad you're here, ITP.

Warning! Crackpot Theory SPOILER Alert!

You've suggested many topics that pique my interest. In addition, I'd like to say that I hope for the following information...

Where is Brynden Tully? Maege Mormont? What information do they possess regarding Jon? What information do they possess regarding Jeyne Westerling Stark?

I hope for the answers to Jeyne's hips.

Where is Rickon?

Where is Edric Storm?

Where is Gerold Dayne and what are his motivations?

Where is Jorah? I like Jorah. I miss him. But he's gonna die a horrible death...

Who is the fake Pate? Is it Jaqen?

What about Brienne, Hyle, and Pod? Are they dead? Actually, I don't care about Hyle... but I'll be sad if Brienne dies... and I'll be sadder if Puh-puh-puh-Podrick Puh-puh-Payne dies.

Where is Tysha?

Where will Gilly and Mance's son live? Oldtown or Horn Hill?

Is Young Griff really baby Aegon or is he the Griffon's true son? Where is baby Aegon? The Free Cities or Oldtown?

I hope for confirmation (or even denial) on my crackpot theory regarding Tyrion's parentage.

Actually, I want confirmation on all theories, crackpot or not... Who are Timmett's parents? Is Tom of Sevens really Howland Reed in disguise? Has Sandor gotten religion? Was Shae working for Tywin? Is Quaithe really Ashara Dayne? Is Alleras Sarella? What is the riddle?

Loras got burned?! I have no recollection of this! Stop uglifying the pretty ones, George!

Let me quote Robert Palmer, "A pretty face, don't make no pretty heart. I learned that right from the start." I don't remember if I was the first to suggest that Loras was not at Dragonstone, but was in fact going to see Dany, but I'm all over that like white on rice. Mance might not have grasped the situation with Dany, but Olenna, Willas, and Garlan should have... they'd have convinced Mance to send Loras to Dany.

 

[TK-421]

All good questions Boaz.

I hope the Mereneese Knot involves (choose any combination that follows or all of the them):
-3 heads of a dragon
-Quentyn Martel
-Jon Connington and Young Griff
-Victarion Greyjoy and dragon horns
-old Valyria
-R'hollor and Azor Ahai reborn
-the Others
-the candle than does not flicker and Marwyn the Mage
-the House of White and Black and Arya
-the Iron Bank
-Quaithe
-Varys and Illyrio
-Davos
-Sam with the Sphinx and Pate/Jaqen
-Auranne Waters and the Mummer's Dragon
-Dany the Mother of Dragons
-Jorah
-and my dear Tyrion.

 

[Mouse]

Mouse, our very own Werthead wrote a recap on his blog for the entire history of ASOIAF. Probably the two most relevant posts are here:

http://thewertzone.blogspot.com/2011/06/song-of-ice-and-fire-so-far-part-3.html
http://thewertzone.blogspot.com/2011/06/song-of-ice-and-fire-so-far-part-4.html

These should help you get up to date

Cheers, m'dear. And to Werthead for writing it!

Mance might not have grasped the situation with Dany, but Olenna, Willas, and Garlan should have... they'd have convinced Mance to send Loras to Dany.

That would be cool.

 

[IlliferThePenniless]

Is there a crackpot theory re: Timmet Son of Timmet's parents? I had no idea. I thought I was conversant in all the crackpot around here... Also why is Tom o' Sevens maybe Howland Reed?

 

[Mesanna]

Tom of Sevens is really Howland Reed?? Wow, hadn't encountered that one before.

I love these kinds of theories.

 

[IlliferThePenniless]

I know. I'm desperate for details.

 

[Boaz]

If I was TK, I could link the threads to you... Let me see if I know how...

Okay, I cannot find the links... Searches for Howland met with three threads of which none were relevant... Searches for Timmet, Sevenstreams, and Sevens came back empty.

I'll try to summarize...

Howland Reed as Tom O'Sevenstreams. Howland has never been seen by the readers. He did not come when Robb called the banners. Why? He was somewhere else. He was known to wander as a young man. If he was the mystery knight at Harrenhal, then he's been known to go incognito. Howland fought for Robert in the rebellion. The Reeds and the Freys hate each other.

Tom is a traveller. Tom seems to go by several names. Tom is allied with the King's Men. The King's Men hate the Freys.

I'm sure I'm missing vital pieces, but I don't remember them since I don't believe this theory. But then again, sometimes I don't believe my own theories...

Timmett, son of Timmett, is actually little Lord Robert Arryn's true heir. Lord Jon's only son is Robert. Jon's younger brother Jasper and his son Elbert both died. Jon and Jasper had a sister Alys. Alys married a Waynwood and had many children. All the boys died. One of the daughters married Ser Hardyng, gave birth to Harrold, and died. Thus Harry is called Robert's heir. BUT, there was another Waynwood daughter who was travelling to the Riverlands to marry some river lord when she was captured and carried off by the Burned Men. This girl was the elder sister of Harry's mother.

The theory says that this Waynwood girl, niece of Lord Jon, was married to Timmett, the chieftain of the Burned Men, and gave birth to the current Timmett. Timmett, showing that he was the son of Timmett and not a soft hearted son of the Vale, burnt out his own eye.

I'm much more inclined to believe that Timmett is the real heir to the Vale than that Howland Reed is posing as a philandering musician.

Edit: TK, I also want to know where Aurane Waters has gone with Tommen's fleet.

 

[IlliferThePenniless]

Yeah, Timmet the heir is kind of awesome.
Thanks.

Can there be any doubt that Aurane is headed to Dany. I'm pretty convinced he's going to pretend to be Aegon or something.

 

[Culhwch]

Could Robb even do that? It's not like Jon is his son. Most likely, they were discussing plans for war, as usual.

He was the king. He could do whatever he wanted.