Robb
With out a doubt the morning was Robb's favorite part of the day. The best part of the morning was the morning fast. Gage, the cook, always cooked the best meals. Robb always enjoyed the hushed talks he'd have with Jon and Theon. Robb was already seated and talking to Theon about different types of arrowheads when Jon, Arya, and Bran came into thr Great Hall of Winterfell. Robb could see that they all had the faint traces of a smile on their faces. Jon took his place by Robb's left. The usually sullen boy seemed really pleased with himself today.
"Hey Jon," asked Robb eagerly," are you ready to practice swords after fast?"
Jon looked at him and with a powerful confidence replied," I'm ready to beat you today."
Robb heard Theon snicker behind him and say," I'd like to see that Snow."
That quickly returned Jon to his perpetual state of sulleness. Robb could also see that his parents were at their seats at the head of the table. Lord Eddard was busy talking to one of his soldiers he invited but Lady Stark's eyes were on the children. Robb knew how uncormfortable Jon and his mother were around each other but never really understood what made his loving mother's heart turn cold around Jon. As usual though, Robb was the first to finish his breakfast. Not one for conversation, he impatiently waited for Theon and his brothers to finish their meals.
After what seemed like an eternity, Robb got permission from Lord Stark to go out and practice with Jon, Theon, and Bran. As he left the hall, he noticed Septa Mordane catch Arya as she tried to leave with the boys. Robb didn't really get where his little sister got off but he admired her perseverance.
Heading towards the armory, Robb noticed that Ser Rodrik, the master-at-arms, wasn't in his usual spot. Come to think of it, he wasn't at breakfast either. Robb did notice that Jory, Rodrik's nephew, was talking to the armory's blacksmith, Mikken.
Jory's conversation with Mikken stopped as soon as he saw the lordlings approach. As Mikken got them tourney swords, Jory started a conversation.
"What's the little princes of Winterfell doing on a fine summer day like this?"
Robb looked up at him and with a smile on his face replied," I'm gonna train with Jon and beat him at swords, but I don't see Ser Rodrik anywhere."
Jory sighed and said," I hate to disappoint little lord, but my uncle won't be able to help train you today. He sprained his ankle getting off his horse early this morning. Looks lije you'll have to train yourselves today."
This was perhaps the best news Robb had heard.
"Alright Jory thanks," Robb said trying his best to keep his face straight.
The group got the dull tourney blades from Mikken and left the armory for a more sucluded part of they main yard.
"So what do you want to do today," asked Robb.
Theon dropped his tourney sword in the dirt and said," I'm thinking of teaching Bran here how to shoot a bow. He seems to have some talent."
Jon looked at him and said," Well, I was hoping to practice some with a sword today."
"Well I guess I'll stay here with you while Theon and Bran go practice archery."
Robb noticed how everyone seemed pleased with the decision. As Theon left with Bran, Robb pulled his sword out of the ground and faced Jon with a smile.
"Do you want to play that game," he asked and was pleased when Jon said yes.
Sometimes when he and Jon practiced swords, they would pretend that they were famous heroes and knights of old.
"I'm Ageon the Conqueror!"
"I'm Aemon the Dragonknight!"
They fought with their dull weapons until Jon deftly knocked Robb's sword out of his hand.
"I'm Florian the Fool!"
"I'm Ryam Redwyne!"
This round lasted longer than the first. Robb barely noticed the small group of washerwomen who sat and watched the two boys spar at each other. As with the last round, Jon managed to knock Robb's sword out of his hand. Robb saw how he did it now. Next round.
"I'm King Daeron!"
"I'm Ser Duncan the Tall!"
This round went even longer than the second. Over time, Robb and Jon beat each other down with swords and eventually words. Insults went flying back and forth between the two boys. At random times in the melee, Robb and Jon would call out different names of kings, heroes, and knights as if saying their names would summon more strength to their swords.
The sword's song rang gloriously in the morning air only interrupted by ocassional name drops and insults.
"The Knight of Duskendale," yelled Robb," Nice swordsmanship, it's a wonder how you can cut butter!"
"The Lord of Winterfell," returned Jon raising his sword for a upward strike. "Well at least I can cut butter!"
"I'll be Lord of Winterfell," Robb saw his opening. He suddenly dropped his sword and lunged at Jon's chest to avoid his blow," You can't be it because your a bastard!"
Robb rammed his body into Jon's chest. Jon went in the air and fell in the mud. Before Robb could celebrate his victory he noticed the hurt in Jon's face. Robb suddenly realized the words he had said.
"Oh Jon," he began," I didn't mean-"
Jon got up and ran tears falling as he went. Robb picked up his sword and looked around. Already the washerwomen were leaving. He could see the looks in the faces.
Robb left the yard. He needed to find Jon.
