So much to resolve (SPOILERS)

[The Imp]

Originally Posted by Gry Wnd

Just occurred to me that Un-Cat is about to have both halves of Ice. Perhaps that's what she said "Ice" or wait Brienne didn't know they were Ice. Right? Oh well maybe Un-Cat will do something of note with those swords.

Interesdting thought. We WILL need the REAL Lightbringer at some point.

[Needle]

Originally Posted by Gry Wnd

Just occurred to me that Un-Cat is about to have both halves of Ice. Perhaps that's what she said "Ice" or wait Brienne didn't know they were Ice. Right? Oh well maybe Un-Cat will do something of note with those swords.

Originally Posted by The Imp

Interesdting thought. We WILL need the REAL Lightbringer at some point.

Although I have no idea how it will get where it needs to go, this is a very interesting thought. Literrally Ice and Fire as one !

[Seferbo]

incoming wall of text despite my best efforts

Originally Posted by The Imp

...or perhaps GRRM will have to resort to a time gap (as he had peviously planned, then decidded not to implement)

Would such a device work, or would it destroy the story? I haven't given it a lot of thought, but my gut instinct is that a big time gap(anything more than between 6-12 months) wouldn't work.

I agree a time gap wouldn't work. From what I heard the reason he didn't do the original time gap was because he kept going back in time with flash backs to explain things and ended up doing it so much he figured to just keep on after the last book (err 3rd).

At the moment everything is on the verge of, for lack of a better term, going down. I agree there are quite a bit of POVs and loose ends that need merging at some point soon, but thats what so awesome about these books.
1. I can't wait for Jon to mess up Arya's hair once more and see how bad a@# she has become (assuming he lives somehow).
2. I'm looking forward to the remaining Targs learning of one anothers existence and reuniting.
3. Looking forward to Tyrion meeting up with just about anyone haha.
4. Jaime etc. etc.

My thoughts, should you care to read, on how some of these items you listed may converge (please excuse my grammatically butchered english as I try my best to avoid a wall-o-text <---which didn't happen...):

North - Wildlings flip out, lots of commotion at wall. Mel knows Jon is significant in some way, saves him barely, very slow to recover, Bran reaches out to him and keeps him alive via wolf mode talk etc. Stannis knows of the Karstark betrayal obvi from banker, uses it as advantage, Freys ride out and find camp with bunch of frozen bodies/horse bones etc BAM! ambush. Bastard Bolton does have Mance but is bluffin with the letter. The **Others already demonstrated their prowess as swimmers at the ruins of Hardborne so they swim around the wall and start ravaging south. Davos finds Rickon being a brat on Skagos, finds salvageable ship from last storm n sails to white harbor, announcement to North bout Stark alive.. Boltons in more trouble. Sis takes Theon back to challenge uncles rule of Iron Isles as suggested by historical stories. Eventually supports Stark. Oh and Bran will head back with Reeds (or Reed) and Hodor when they get xportation. Ice dragon or something, maybe he will snag a dragon in Mereene, if Arya can skin change across the sea I don't see why he can't.

Mid- The sickly Robert killed/dies someway clever, Sansa gets married (again) to boy next in line to ?? house, reveals identity, more trouble for Boltons/Throne. Lil'Finger--no clue, wants power and likes to play games, gotta be in league with someone. Zombie Cat wants Jaime dead but learns hes a good guy and/or can be of more use (killing W. Frey finding daughters). Regardless Brienne and Jaime team up, some point along journey he gets "half in his cups" and finally relieves that exorbitant amount of sexual tension (what a fighter that kid will be!). Howland Reed will eventually come into play with cragnonmen and that northernmen host that went to seek them. Saving the day at some critical moment at the twins or Winterfell.

Throne - Cersei relapses into female dog mode after Kevins death. Tons of tension turmoil with Tyrells but his daughter gets off scot free so he goes to capture Storms End "again". Learns that a Targ now has it, sides with him. Loras is alive but probably wont come into play for another book. Robert Strong wins Cersei's battle. She is going to have to make friends with someone, too much going on and too many foes. Should be interesting. Maybe she will flee.

Dirty South- Dorne sides with Aegon...His daughter and sand snakes lock down the Iron throne/side with Varys. Darkstar does something good. Umm...

Middle-East - Victorion takes out remaining fleet, commotion brings dragons about, tames 1, or maybe 2. Danny comes back with more Mongolians and smashes armies surrounding Mereene (obviously riding dragon). Tyrion and Second Sons flip sides, Tyrion delivers the Bear, tells her he's help killed most Lannisters even Gregor indirectly, about her long lost nephew etc. Vict has gotta die tho, Voltanis fleet approaching, maybe Dannys gold tooth lover fights him, both end up dying (yay real deaths, i dont need them though Neds/Robs/Cats are enough...). Time to bounce, dragons burn approaching fleet, pretty easy. Time to go home and burn white walkers.

Lastly Arya still does more training but eventually takes a ship to the Fingers (idk why but its pretty close, maybe she dispatches lil'finger?).

-----
Those are just a few thoughts. And judging by the amount of time it took me to cover the very basics, while still leaving out some people, these next 2 books better be long. Going by the titles we know the next book will be very dark, not with ***deaths of main characters so much but with the state of the realm itself. Save for Dorne, Westeros is bloody and beaten nearly to death, especially the north. There is snow in King's Land, and we all know what brings the cold..


**The Others - I recently reread the first book and I noticed how much personality these people (or whatever I should call them) displayed. I wish I could quote it but they even laugh at one point as they stand around and watch the duel. To me this means they posses much more organization than one would think. Makes me wonder what else is up there, and why such a huge wall is needed. I mean, one builds giant gates and giant fences/walls to keep giant things out no?..."What do they got in there, King Kong?". (eh! who knows that quote!?)

***Deaths- I've heard so many complaints (not entirely from here) about people in the books not dying enough. People say "its not what it used to be", or "I hope Jon is really dead". Though I agree death in a novel, particularly that of a main character, adds realism / takes away that invincibility attribute present in so many fictional characters, I strongly disagree with its excessive use. Early on they were well used, they really mixed things up and tore the realm apart. I experienced such strong emotional suspense afterwards with many of the POVs because I didn't know if they'd make it through the chapter. Yet at this point in the game we've lost enough pieces, too many more may take away. You can only shut so many windows before you lose sight of your interest. Jon Snow, Jaime, and Arya I can't bare to lose, each for my own reasons. If any of them must perish it better be towards the end and for something substantial, like a sacrifice for a loved one and/or for the survival of the realm.

Congratulations if you made it through all that! Air-five coming your way!

[Eulalia]

Nicely done, Seferbo.

Yes, I also wondered if Bran could call a dragon, with or without a rider.

Do you suppose Jaime could actually join the Brothers without Banners with Brienne and become a Robin Hood character? (if they will overlook the whole Lannister thing)

I still think Cersei may go the other way and become a Silent Sister, after her shock.

Arya dispatching Littlefinger would be an interesting outcome. Arya rocks. It would give Sansa and Arya a chance to work together, something Ned thought they needed to do to survive.

Don't have any idea what will happen to Jon, but I don't think he is dead. He could sacrifice himself to the realm, sacrifice someone he loves to the realm, be changed and duped--can't see happily ever after. As a wild speculation, it would be interesting if he lost his voice, a la Ghost, but gained skill in being a warg.

[The Imp]

Originally Posted by Eulalia

Nicely done, Seferbo.

Yes, I also wondered if Bran could call a dragon, with or without a rider.

Do you suppose Jaime could actually join the Brothers without Banners with Brienne and become a Robin Hood character? (if they will overlook the whole Lannister thing)

I still think Cersei may go the other way and become a Silent Sister, after her shock.

Arya dispatching Littlefinger would be an interesting outcome. Arya rocks. It would give Sansa and Arya a chance to work together, something Ned thought they needed to do to survive.

Don't have any idea what will happen to Jon, but I don't think he is dead. He could sacrifice himself to the realm, sacrifice someone he loves to the realm, be changed and duped--can't see happily ever after. As a wild speculation, it would be interesting if he lost his voice, a la Ghost, but gained skill in being a warg.

I'm not sure if this is what you meant exactly, but the dagger in the middle of his back could certainly sever the spinal cord and paralyze him. He may not be mute, but he might be alive and crippled.

Cersei becoming a Silent Sister seems as unlikely as Lindsay Lohan becoming an FBI agent. i'm curious as to what your reasoning is here? I'm not being critical, just curious

[Eulalia]

Yes, Jon might be alive and crippled, and ripe to be a dragon rider or some such.

But we don't know where else Jon was stabbed. I suppose to be medically accurate, he could have had a puncture would in his right temoral lobe! Or had brain damage from a loss of blood and oxygen, resulting in a loss of communicative abilities or a stroke from a blood clot. I just thought it would be interesting if Jon matched his wolf after his near death ordeal. If he was a warg he could speak through other people. Why did GRRM make Ghost a mute wolf anyway?

I think GRRM might make Cersei a Silent Sister just to make her the opposite of what we expect. History is full of women getting shunted to a nunnery, (as a deal or as a solution or substitution for capital punishment)including Margaret of Anjou (I seem to recall) who was the initial inspiration for Cersei. It also might be one of the few methods of signalling a redemption (such as for Jaime), even for Cersei, and now is the time when she might have had a great enough shock to her system to be a catalyst for an enormous change. Last seen she was trying to wash herself clean, right?

Cersei also is supposed to lose all she held dear. I would say being a Silent Sister, on her own volition or imposed on her, that would aid the prophecy. She also offered the sisterhood to another lady (forget the name) as a way of avoiding consequences, so she is aware of that option.

Jaime has some weird and possibly prophetic dream of a blonde woman as a Silent Sister. It was supposed to be his mother, but you know how dreams are...

GRRM likes to gank us. (The HOUND becoming a brother?! Jaime falling for ugly Brienne? Theon becoming Reek and saving Jeyne?) It would be one of the ways to make us sorry for Cersei, after all the evil stuff that she has done.

Anyway, it's worth a crackpot theory or two at the very least.

[The Imp]

Originally Posted by Eulalia

Yes, Jon might be alive and crippled, and ripe to be a dragon rider or some such.

But we don't know where else Jon was stabbed. I suppose to be medically accurate, he could have had a puncture would in his right temoral lobe! Or had brain damage from a loss of blood and oxygen, resulting in a loss of communicative abilities or a stroke from a blood clot. I just thought it would be interesting if Jon matched his wolf after his near death ordeal. If he was a warg he could speak through other people. Why did GRRM make Ghost a mute wolf anyway?

I think GRRM might make Cersei a Silent Sister just to make her the opposite of what we expect. History is full of women getting shunted to a nunnery, (as a deal or as a solution or substitution for capital punishment)including Margaret of Anjou (I seem to recall) who was the initial inspiration for Cersei. It also might be one of the few methods of signalling a redemption (such as for Jaime), even for Cersei, and now is the time when she might have had a great enough shock to her system to be a catalyst for an enormous change. Last seen she was trying to wash herself clean, right?

Cersei also is supposed to lose all she held dear. I would say being a Silent Sister, on her own volition or imposed on her, that would aid the prophecy. She also offered the sisterhood to another lady (forget the name) as a way of avoiding consequences, so she is aware of that option.

Jaime has some weird and possibly prophetic dream of a blonde woman as a Silent Sister. It was supposed to be his mother, but you know how dreams are...

GRRM likes to gank us. (The HOUND becoming a brother?! Jaime falling for ugly Brienne? Theon becoming Reek and saving Jeyne?) It would be one of the ways to make us sorry for Cersei, after all the evil stuff that she has done.

Anyway, it's worth a crackpot theory or two at the very least.

I sdupport all crackpot theorists

it's just hard to imagine Cersei's character moving forward if she becomes a SS, unless that's GRRM's endgame for her.

And then she won't be able to scream when Arya gets her.

[Eulalia]

Silent Scream?

For me it's hard to imagine Cersei's life returning to same old after the walk of shame, the loss of Jaime, the death of Kevan/Tywin/Joffrey, the loosening of her ties to Tommen, the power struggle with the Tyrell's and the emergence of power in the Faith. She has ticked off a lot of people. She is not on Tyrion's Christmas card list. She is still on Arya's wish list. But maybe we need a "What will happen to Cersei?" prediction thread.

[The Imp]

Originally Posted by Eulalia

Silent Scream?

For me it's hard to imagine Cersei's life returning to same old after the walk of shame, the loss of Jaime, the death of Kevan/Tywin/Joffrey, the loosening of her ties to Tommen, the power struggle with the Tyrell's and the emergence of power in the Faith. She has ticked off a lot of people. She is not on Tyrion's Christmas card list. She is still on Arya's wish list. But maybe we need a "What will happen to Cersei?" prediction thread.

Or, I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream

GRRM closed the door on Cersei with the walk of shame, then opened it again (albeit slightly) when Varys killed Kevan.

Just as an aside, not an attempt to hijack the thread, Varys told a dying Kevan that Aegon is the "real deal" He had no reason to lie.

[JagLover]

Originally Posted by The Imp

Just as an aside, not an attempt to hijack the thread, Varys told a dying Kevan that Aegon is the "real deal" He had no reason to lie.

Except for the fact his 'children' were present who would probably feel happier serving a 'noble' cause like the restoration of the Targs rather than wiping out all life in Westeros (if Vary's serves the others).

[Gazz]

I had written a huge piece on disjointedness, I'll post that elsewhere.

What I think might happen -

1) Aegon will die at the storming of Storms end, or will be proven as just a bastard who looks similar to Rhaegar.

2) Jon reborn as Azor Azai

3) Tyrion to meet with Dany at the head of some merc company, and her at the head of Khal Phono, and for her to promise blood and fire to Westeros

4) Cersei to convince the Seven and Highgarden to march against Stannis.

5) Euron to take control of the two loose dragons

6) Doran Martell to die, and for Dorne to march East on to Oldtown with Samwell present.

From there, who knows.

[The Imp]

Originally Posted by JagLover

Except for the fact his 'children' were present who would probably feel happier serving a 'noble' cause like the restoration of the Targs rather than wiping out all life in Westeros (if Vary's serves the others).

Quite frankly, i don't think his "children" give a rat's backside about Varys' motives. I don't buy the idea that Varys would need to approval of urchins that he could/would squash like a bug if the need arose.

[Jaqen H'gar]

I agree with just about everything stated. I have a few notions of my own to add:

-I think it is certain that Theon is going to die. It is set up that Rickon will return, thus clearing Theon of the crime of killing the stark boys, and if He and Asha (who has also chummied up with some of the northerners (What up Mormonts) take back the iron islands from Euron, and deliver an alliance to the north, then everything may just be alright for him. However, he is physically broken from the year of torture, and I think it will be that Theon has a heroic death.

-Also, I think that Victarion is NOT going to get what he wants, but he is not going to leave empty handed. His right hand is essentially made of fire.Combined with Victarion's iron will and strength, this sounds exactly like the kind of man who could command and ride a dragon. It doesn't seem likely that any fleet is in a hurry to pledge their loyalty to Dany besides the iron fleet, and to command them, she needs Victarion. Personally, I think that Dany has found one of her dragon riders

-Tyrion also HAS to get a dragon right? It seems like the only option, particularly since Viserion is a golden dragon.

-I am having the most fitting Arya into the equation. I really think she will get very far into her training, but fails to complete it. I think she will either find a way to join up with Dany (probably sent by the kindly man) or be sent to kill someone in Westeros and simply witness all the events, but never really take a clear side.

-also, I forsee the return of the Hound, Darkstar, and we learn a great deal more about the maesters and their role in all of this. Who knows, they might actually have the key to defeat the white walkers, and have been sending themselves to every castle in westeros so they have eyes everywhere and can monitor any mystical happennings.

[ShaggyHotDog]

Originally Posted by Jaqen H'gar

I agree with just about everything stated. I have a few notions of my own to add:

-I think it is certain that Theon is going to die. It is set up that Rickon will return, thus clearing Theon of the crime of killing the stark boys, and if He and Asha (who has also chummied up with some of the northerners (What up Mormonts) take back the iron islands from Euron, and deliver an alliance to the north, then everything may just be alright for him. However, he is physically broken from the year of torture, and I think it will be that Theon has a heroic death.

-Also, I think that Victarion is NOT going to get what he wants, but he is not going to leave empty handed. His right hand is essentially made of fire.Combined with Victarion's iron will and strength, this sounds exactly like the kind of man who could command and ride a dragon. It doesn't seem likely that any fleet is in a hurry to pledge their loyalty to Dany besides the iron fleet, and to command them, she needs Victarion. Personally, I think that Dany has found one of her dragon riders

-Tyrion also HAS to get a dragon right? It seems like the only option, particularly since Viserion is a golden dragon.

-I am having the most fitting Arya into the equation. I really think she will get very far into her training, but fails to complete it. I think she will either find a way to join up with Dany (probably sent by the kindly man) or be sent to kill someone in Westeros and simply witness all the events, but never really take a clear side.

-also, I forsee the return of the Hound, Darkstar, and we learn a great deal more about the maesters and their role in all of this. Who knows, they might actually have the key to defeat the white walkers, and have been sending themselves to every castle in westeros so they have eyes everywhere and can monitor any mystical happennings.

Oh.. hang on...let me get over this... i just signed up to this forum... i feel like such a nerd...okay...

So. First point. I honestly don't know who is going to get the dragons. All I can think of is Quaithe's prophecy basically saying do not trust connington, a lannister (prob. Imp), Quentyn Martell, a kraken (so victarion), the mummer's dragon (Aegon? Does this mean he's a bastard?) and the Dark Flame (not a clue). So far Quentyn has failed and so I think the rest will fail at taming too (or not attempt to tame).
Still, would be great if Tyrion could roast Cersei.

Second point. The Hound is dead, is he not? The guy Brienne visited on the island of septons said he saw him die.

Third point. If somebody said Jon Snow would be Azor Ahai, I was 99% certain that would be Dany.

Okay...here's a theory. Jon is part Targaryen (won't discuss here). The Night's Watch throw Jon onto a funeral pyre (wouldn't want an angry Jon Snow wight) and then maybe he doesn't burn like Dany. There's your second dragon rider.

Okay, I'll come speculate some more later.

[Seferbo]

Originally Posted by Gazz

1) Aegon will die at the storming of Storms end, or will be proven as just a bastard who looks similar to Rhaegar.

2) Jon reborn as Azor Azai

3) Tyrion to meet with Dany at the head of some merc company, and her at the head of Khal Phono, and for her to promise blood and fire to Westeros

4) Cersei to convince the Seven and Highgarden to march against Stannis.

5) Euron to take control of the two loose dragons

6) Doran Martell to die, and for Dorne to march East on to Oldtown with Samwell present.

Hmm I'm curious...
1) Being raised specifically for ruling a wonderful kingdom he does come across as a brat, not to mention being quite rash.
2) Makes sense 3) Yeah
4) Is that assuming he takes Winterfell? No one considers him much a threat atm, or so it seems.
5) Hmm and do what? Dany is his main prize right?
6) Ahh care to elaborate? What motives for such a march?

Originally Posted by Eulalia

Do you suppose Jaime could actually join the Brothers without Banners with Brienne and become a Robin Hood character? (if they will overlook the whole Lannister thing)

He has definitely come a long way so perhaps. Tough to say since Cats char seems only interested in finding her daughters and delivering justice (killing Freys/Lannisters). Jaime himself planned on telling Doran (i think) about the incest no? I'm sure she initially plans to kill him, seeing as how warmly she greeted Brienne who was actually searching for her daughter/s, but since I'd rather have him live I'm sure they will work together on something.

Originally Posted by Jaqen H'gar

...
His right hand is essentially made of fire.Combined with Victarion's iron will and strength, this sounds exactly like the kind of man who could command and ride a dragon. ...

-Tyrion also HAS to get a dragon right? It seems like the only option, particularly since Viserion is a golden dragon.
...
-also, I forsee the return of the Hound, Darkstar, and we learn a great deal more about the maesters and their role in all of this. Who knows, they might actually have the key to defeat the white walkers, and have been sending themselves to every castle in westeros so they have eyes everywhere and can monitor any mystical happennings.

I like that first part, a hand of fire to harness a beast of fire. Makes perfect sense...and we all know he must have some positive and significant role with the dragons otherwise why would the red priest bother saving him? I'm pretty sure the priest didn't do so just for fear of his own life.

Ahh I love Tyrion and the notion of a "golden" dragon for him, but I feel there are more deserving characters..well actually he would be a perfect fit but he is already fun enough to read in my opinion. Lets give Barristan the last dragon

I hope you are right about the Hound and Darkstar! Awesome characters and excellent warriors. Hmm I was under the impression that the citadel was very anti-magic/mystical. I suppose monitoring for such occurrences makes sense but what type of offense would they have against them? It takes a little more than knowledge to fight things like the Others.