A Song of Ice and Fire

Saw there was a Game of Thrones thread and got pissed there isn't one for the source material. I'm a huge fan and have read the whole series a few times. We'll see how much of a following there is on this site.

To start off, let me lay down some ground rules:

1) this thread is to stay absolutely free of any talk pertaining to the shows. Biggest reason is they are different. The show is not a direct adaptation of the books. Don't argue about this, the show's producers made changes and acknowledge the changes. Second biggest reason is the show will finish before the books. I don't watch the shows - in fact I actively avoid them - to avoid spoilers. Yes, they are different, but GRRM has told the producers the big picture of how it ends. I don't want to know this until I read the last sentence, so please, no show discussion. There's a separate thread for that. I will personally hound you to delete your post if you miss the ground rules and do so.

2) this thread will be for those who have read the currently released books and novellas. If you haven't read everything pertaining to the aSoIaF universe, read this thread at your own risk as there may be spoilers for you. I recommend reading everything and returning later. As of now, books include A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast for Crows, A Dance of Dragons, and the World of Ice and Fire. Novellas include the three Dunk and Eggs Novellas.

 

What are peoples' thoughts on Danaerys' state? Parts of the phrophecy-like statements made by Mirri Maz Duur include "the sea dying up" (the Dothraki sea has turned brown), "the sun rises in the Wast and sets in the East" (Doran Martell, whose family emblem is the sun, traveled east and perished), and "your womb will quicken again" (it could be argued that she started having her period while stranded with Drogon). Does this foreshadow Drogo's return? Or does it foreshadow Danaerys being reunited with Drogo i.e. dying herself?

 

Thoughts on Petyr's involvement with the Tyrells? He worked to place poison on Sansa's hairnet, which Olenna either fidgeted with to loosen a poisonous shard, which then (too luckily) fell off that the exact right time into Joff's cup, or she took one and planted it in Jeff's cup. The latter situation begs the question: why didn't Olenna just smuggle in the poison herself?

 

Where the hell is Lady's pelt? It is specifically mentioned that her bones made it back to Winterfell, but not her skin. I argue that it was not trashed. Someone's got an awesome direwolf cloak. Who? Why (easy answer, I would want a direwolf pelt too...)?

 

What's up with the crypts of Winterfell and Ned's soul? He hasn't been laid to peace with his ceremonial iron sword and wolf statue. Is this the reason Theon has horrible dreams while sleeping in Ned's old chambers?

 

Am I talking to myself?