This part I doubt. If R+L=J is something that is integral to how the story turns out I think it'll stay the same. GRRM has said in interviews when asked if he ever thought to change things once a popular theory turned out true that he couldn't because it would destroy all of the groundwork he built up throughout the books and make a big mess, and I think this theory is one that has true weight to it.

 

The original tweet by the publisher has also been taken down, so somebody thought they were giving something away. I suspect somebody screwed up by putting this online.

Link and quote below, for reference.

And the signs point to R+L=J.

 

I've got two stories for y'all to check out. I stumbled upon them the other day. Was happy to find them decently written and interesting enough to keep me reading.

Vows Unspoken by John_Adams8 - Jon Snow leaves the Watch before saying his vows and heads south to join with Robb. The downside is that it's looking like a fix it fic with the presence of Jon being a big enough butterfly to significantly alter the course of the war in the favor of the Starks, but I'm a sucker for a victorious!Stark story. Story starts the night of the Red Wedding.

Before the Dawn by Little_Ghost14 is a LyannaLives! Story. If you hate Lyanna Stark then YMMV on this story. It's looking like it could turn into a really good story as soon as some major conflict is introduced to the story. I think this one is probably better than the above story because I get the feeling the author has a plan for things to go down hill eventually which'll make the story more interesting.

 

I've been really enjoying Hashasheen's The Leech Lord. Quick plot progress, interesting things happening, a SI but without it being focused on wish-fulfilment or bashing. Characterization is generally good, even as brief as it is, and the SI definitely isn't having everything going their way.

Real reason I came over to post here, though, is because the one thing that pisses me off about the thread, besides all the diversions and everything (which I just skim-read): The fans obsession with calling the SI "Droose". Not sure exactly why, but the name really sticks in my craw, and pisses me off whenever I read it.

 

Probably because it sounds really stupid.

 

Do stories like this also explore what Jon's absence from the Wall would cause?

 

You'd have to read them to find out, I reckon.

 

I see this story is continuing the fine tradition of an absolutely mad Lyanna and an equally deluded Ned, with the usual villifications for Robert (talking about the killing of the Targaryen children). Gotta love the hypocrisy of Lyanna criticizing Robert for siring a bastard before even marrying her, while she herself took up with a married man.

What exactly motivates people to write such drivel?

 

Maybe I wasn't being clear. They usually don't. That was me asking if this one does.

Hopefully I said it simply enough for you this time.

 

It has it's problems, yes... But I find this story to be pretty decent. My favorite part is how Robert is not a complete bastard (compared to how everyone else portrays him). He loves Lyanna and has stopped drinking as much and stopped sleeping around for her. Lyanna may not love him, but they are good friends. It's something I haven't seen before.

Now, I do think Ned would pick honor over his family. He has done it before and I can't see him betraying his king for his sister.

 

The writing is well enough technically, but it’s clumsy in execution. Jon follows multiple hunches, overhearing key pieces of information. Flashbacks are awkwardly interspersed in the first chapter. The dialogue doesn’t ring true, and while Martin’s dialogue is hard to copy, it’s just another X on a list of Xs.

Yup, I'm out.

 

You weren't clear at all. This is much clearer. Thank you.

Vows Unspoken isn't terribad, but it isn't good either. It's just not very interesting.

 

I've been having the strangest craving for Ned/Cersei. Any recommendations?

 

Shock therapy, maybe?

 

None are all that great, but they're Ned/Cersei:

Lady Stark

Sister Golden Hair

Fools Gold

That's about it.

 

And Nothing Is Gained By Not Gathering Roses

The Lion Queen

We're Only Taking Turns Holding This World

The Still After The Storm

 

Are there any decent Ned/Ashara stories? I gotta say, that character really intrigues me.

 

None that I've seen that go beyond a one shot, but I am outlining my own story which I hope to write once the semester is over.

 

How about one-shots, then?

 

Beats me. I never bookmark a one shot. Most stories with Ashara usually never have her living beyond her time in canon, or take place during the Harrenhall tournament. There's one fic on ffnet where Ned leaves Jon with her to be raised along with their daughter, but she's not the focus of the story.