Let's just do this, shall we?

Chapter 4: The Looming Shadow of Greatness

Arthur

Arthur swayed left to avoid Jaime's thrust so that he may do the same, only for the Knight to deflect it like wind moving a branch. Its been four weeks since he had been taken under the wing of the Lannister Knight, and four weeks of seeing the disappointed looks given from his father and four weeks of adjusting to the capital and its heat, and its people.

Sansa still hasn't apologized, no doubt from the Crown Prince kissing arse and giving her gifts to gain her loyalty whereas the twat already has it. Though he is just as guilty, he refuses and will still refuse to speak to her, its a proving of how much the incident at Darry still affects him. He swerved right and stepped back a pace or two from Jaime's next thrust, smirking and readying himself.

"Cheeky are we? Sure you are a Stark."

The Kingslayer's comment caused him to tense, his relationship with his father had somewhat worsened since they arrived at the capital. He wished he could have just stayed home; him and his family, not bothering with the south or their games. Yet his father is honorable, and Robert is his father brother in all but blood, but he isn't his father but his own man.

He won't be honorable, or at least not blind to a fools folly. Yes, he dreamed of being equal in honor, that he could be chivalrous and courageous and strong as his uncle Arthur, the real Arthur and Sword of the Morning. Jaime advised him in this, that he shouldn't dwell in the shadows of greater men, but to forge his own shadow of greatness, to be a warrior worth the blood of Dayne and Stark.

"Oh, I'm a Stark, and a Dayne. Now let's begin." He called out to Jaime who smiled and got into his stance and came at him.

By the end of the hour he had been put on his arse three out of five times, he had Jaime two of the five and was confident in this. He sighed and took Jaime's hand and got up to his feet, dusting himself off from dirt and the like. Looking up it seemed the day was truly beginning, that and soon the tourney held in his father's honor will also be starting up.

Knights from all over the Realm will be competing, from the fringes of the North to the deserts of Dorne, even across the Narrow Sea, the Essosi knights are all coming here. Most are mainly coming for the prize, 40,000 to the winning jousts, 40,000 to the runner-up and 10,000 to the winning archer. Quite the bit of coin to throw for his father, he asked his father if the treasury could spare such expense and what he was told was shocking, that the Crown is heavily in debt to several parties, almost laughable to be entirely honest.

"Something troubling you? I started to tell from the weeks we've been seeing each other. What's wrong?" Jaime spotted his troubles out, and he cursed the man for it.

"Nothing gets by you, does it? Well, it's about everything really. My sister, the Prince, father, and this Tourney. I want to just let go of this pent-up anger, I just don't know how." He confided in the man who from the first week had not shown the least bit at venom like the Queen and her cunt of a son, Jaime stroked his chin for a moment before answering the question.

"You know there are ten brothels to go to for releasing this anger, right?" He scoffed, he already knew that from his visit to Chatteya's Brothel, fine women they are. "Sansa and you haven't mended wounds?" He heard Jaime ask and he shook his head, "And by Prince you mean Joffrey?" He nodded for that one, "Your father doesn't like me, that's a solved riddle right there. And tourney? You want to compete?" A small smile swept across his face as he imagined himself riding in the tilts, getting the glory. Jaime barked a laugh and patted his back, "Let's start there, Much easier. Before the jousts, there is a small melee to take place. Usually, Hedge Knights and Squires join, and you happen to be my Squire."

They sparred for another few minutes before stopping again, and his teacher had yet another question.

"So. I hear you and the Bastard Princess have gotten on well, what's with that?" An embarrassed blush rose upon his cheeks, causing the knight to chuckle.

It is partly true, is Mya Stone the Daughter of King Robert attractive? Yes. Is he 'into' her? Not quite though he wouldn't mind having a tumble with her, she seems set on grander ideas such as the one he is after, a knighthood. He will admit one thing, she has become one of the few inside the Red Keep that he can completely tolerate.

Unlike a few, he will not mention.

Eddard

"I feel the same as you, Ned. Your boy should not be around the golden-haired shit."

Eddard nodded and watched his boy looking up to Jaime as if he were a great teacher, whereas, in fact, the man is not.

His sons changed in behavior since coming to the capital and it wasn't for the better, the incident at the ford has not only created animosity towards the Queen and Crown Prince but towards him and Sansa. He hasn't said so but Arthur hates him for not getting him justice and hates Sansa for not speaking the truth against the Crown Prince.

It didn't sit right with him, the Lannister's are untrustworthy and treacherous and he wished his son would see that. Alas, the boy's mind has been set on glory, fools search for glory Was the thought running through his head as sighed in worry for his son, and all other matters concerning him since taking up the position as Hand of the King.

A tourney, one married Targaryen girl and a conspiracy against the Iron Throne. Too much and even a large debt takes up much of his mind, can't think straight with all of these events going on at once. He would also like to investigate the attempt on Bran's life, and the supposed assassination of Jon Arryn by Lannister hands. Much to do, and speaking of matters of state.

"I hear you intend on riding in the jousts. Is it true?" He asked his friend who only responded with a cheeky laugh, he got an answer.

Yes. Too much to do...

"Father?" He and Robert turned left and his eyes widened at the sight, he hadn't known Robert brought his baseborn child to the Red Keep. His friend laughed and bid the girl come forward, "Lancel said you wanted to see me." She added, standing by her father's side and aside from the weight they look alike, almost uncanny.

"Well, that's why I called Ned here." Now he was curious, he'd thought he was called to discuss the past or tourneys. "Ned. I wronged your boy when I let Cersei whip him, I went too far and I apologize sincerely. So, I came up with a plan to remedy this." A deep feeling in his gut rose as he had a feeling of what his friend is leaning towards.

"No." He uttered in response, it's already a regret that he allowed his daughter to marry the Crown Prince. Now his brother would wed away his son? He can't put Arthur through this, it isn't who his son is. Robert looked insulted and gave him a stern look, but he prepared himself to handle the looks.

"A marriage with your son and my daughter would mend the bridge I smashed apart. Ned, listen to me when I say that I am sorry, to you and yours." Roberts words were sincere as the last apology, and yet his response remains the same as the first.

"My boy was whipped, hard. And he has grown distrustful. Listen to me when I say that Arthur might not be the type to grudge, but what had happened broke him." Mya looked ostracized from his denial, though large spots of relief remained strong in her expression. Robert, however, had lost his temper and looked to speak, yet he held himself back for the very fact his daughter was in the room with them.

"Give Mya a chance. And maybe she can fix your son. That will be all."

Mya

Lord Stark wouldn't hear another word and left, with permission on her father of course.

To be completely honest she can't say she liked the prospect of marriage, it wouldn't be in her interest at the moment, or any moment. The past few weeks sh won't lie, Lord Stark's bastard son has proven to be quite the charmer, Myrcella though still a child even mentioned this fact to her on an evening together in the gardens.

Now that she thinks on it, does Lord Stark not think her worthy enough. They're both bastards for Seven's sake and not like it has any political consequences, they are barred from any and all claims to titles and lands or in her case, crowns. Her father looks insulted and though he seems angry, she's known Lord Stark since she turned three, the two men will bluster and huff but the next day they will act as if the offer was brought up.

"Can I leave, father?" She asked as politely as he could and King Robert gave her the go ahead, so she did as fast as she could.

She was stomping down the hall and turning a corner of the Keep when she encountered two he would rather not see right now, Joffrey and his Mutt. The Crown Prince gave her a smirk and approached her, hand upon his new sword that doesn't have a ridiculous name quite yet, oh Gods can he be any more egotistical.

"Why isn't it the Bastard Princess. What would my father want with you? Besides to put you in your place, huh? No response?" She would answer his taunts, otherwise, she might put the little pint on the floor and unlike some bastards, she just might get away with it. "Your future King is asking you a question? Answer me!" He's gone to shouting now.

"Future, King. So as of this moment, I don't have to answer to you, Cat Killer." She spat and moved past him and his mutt, and her half-brother howled like a bitch in heat.

But she wouldn't listen, she is better than that.

"Hey! Mya!" She turned left and saw Arya, Lord Starks second daughter coming towards her. Arya and her became a little close almost a week ago, through 'dancing lessons'.

"Yes, Lady Arya." the Little Wolf huffed at the title like it was an insult.

"Don't call me that! Anyway. I was wondering if you were coming to the lessons today, are you?" She didn't need to even think about it for a moment, she nodded.

"Yes, Lady Arya. Of course, I am." She teased and got a good response to her offer.

"I'm not a Lady I said."

Sansa

She wasn't happy in the slightest, or ever to be exact since coming to the capital.

She is to be the future Princess and Queen to Joffrey, her future husband, and King as well. And yet she has had nothing but a foul mood since that little incident at the trident, all because of her stupid sister and brother and their fascination with swinging sticks about.

What's worse is that her brother is being taught by the Queen's own brother, Ser Jaime. A bastard is no sufficient candidate for a Squire, especially to a knight of the Kingsguard. Honestly, the knight deserves a better student than Arthur the Bastard, when she heard he was to come south she thought her father was going to send him to Dorne, instead he's staying here in the Red Keep.

Disgraceful.

And her gallant prince, oh how brave and tolerant he is to be about all of this. She could swoon almost at the bravery he has been showing around the castle, tall and proud like a golden lion should be.

"Lady Sansa. The Crown Prince is here to see you." She smiled and rose to her feet so that she may greet the Gallant Prince, he walked in and smiled brightly at her presence. It was though, quite unnerving to see his bodyguard standing there and looking terrifying as he did back at the Ruby Ford.

"My Prince."

She greeted him, he greeted her and they began conversing with one another. She'd be told of all his adventures and achievements, it was grand and beautiful. Hours pass on before he had to leave her, and she swooned for their next meeting if only he would take part in the joust because he would no doubt defeat them all.

Soon it came time for dinner with her family and it was very awkward, she and Arthur glared at one another, father looked troubled about current events and Arya didn't seem like she wanted to be there. Even Lady and Nymeria seemed distressed and remained silent whereas they would be playing with one another. Eventually, it was Septa Mordane who spoke up.

"Lord Stark, I received a message from Winterfell. It appears Lord Robb has been quite efficient in his role as acting Lord of Winterfell." Her father seemed to brighten at the news, and so did she. Robb has always had a good head on her shoulders, its only right to assume her brother would be good at his future job.

More silence filled the room as they all ate their dinner with dreaded quietness, but soon it all turned sour.

"I want to enter the melee." All eyes turned on Arthur who had a determined expression on his face, her father looked shocked and Arya smiled and seemed proud, as for her? She scoffed at the notion her half-brother put forth.

"Why would you want that? Melees are for knights and squires." She countered and the Dornish Northern son of her father glared in anger.

"I am a squire. Ser Jaime's squire. Why does it bother you? You jealous your 'Gallant' Princess cant compete for the life of him?" She was offended by that and threw a piece of bread at him, being uncourteous like this isn't her but she won't let her brother insult Joffrey. Arthur pulled the bread off him and was going to throw it back, only for father to stand up.

"Enough! I won't have this sort of childishness at my table. Arthur, I don't want you to compete. You have yet to heal fully." Arthur looked crestfallen and she looked triumphant, her father then turned to her this time. "And Sansa, don't talk to your brother like that." Septa Mordane also pitched in and said what she did was unladylike.

She and Arthur both stormed off, not wanting to hear another word or be near each other. Lady trailed behind her as she turned back and gave a final glare towards Arthur.

Why won't he just leave, and never come back.

Winterfell

"Where did it go?"

"We have to find it."

"Lord Robb said to search everywhere."

Guardsmen and civilians of Winterfell and Wintertown searched every nook and cranny for the one Dire Wolf, it escaped from the kennels and hasn't been seen all day.

What they believe is that it's on the grounds yet, whereas miles away a copper furred wolf of the north ran as far as its legs could take him. He felt the urge to leave weeks before but it couldn't get away, now it can and it runs south for its master.

Dusk moves to go to his master.

A/N: Ending the chapter on a strong thought from our favorite red-haired girl herself and the shot of Dusk sensing his masters distress and going south. Sansa and Arthur's bitterness will be hitting a tipping point (Not now but later) Tell me what everyone thinks about the story so far, I have grand conflicts and twists for the future of this character.

Guest, Gonna guess your the same one, no need for rude comments, but it is the USA and you have the right.

Vulcran Blackfyre, Screwed indeed, screwed indeed.

RedHood001, Knighthood will definitely be a start. As for KiNtN (king in the north) We'll see who gets there first. I do intend on Jaime and Arthur to have a mentor/student relationship, Yes Arthur is the more open-minded Stark. That's more or less the shows interpretation of Ser Arthur, but i'll think about it. That's actually the one insecurity Arthur has, that's the reason he doesn't umm, finish his business inside the house persay. Still reaching around the Aegon story, more focused on the ones posted right now.

Bigwilley526, Maybe. Much of the fate of the North kinda depends on Jon staying at the Wall.

Viewing Civilian, Thank you much! I'm glad you like it.

This officially ends the fourth chapter and I do hope everyone enjoyed it, or thought it was decent. The next one I am working on at this very moment as I have finished this one.

Farewell and may the Seven Gods bless you! Carry on!