Chapter 37: Flowered Shores

Jon made his way to the chamber of the new master of ships, Mace Tyrell. There he found the lord speaking with his son, Garlan, turning to greet Jon when the guard had him enter.

"Father, this is Lord Jon Snowfire," Garlan said motioning to the approaching lord.

"My sons speak well of you, Lord Jon," Mace said shaking his hand.

"As I would of them, my lord," Jon assured. "And please, Jon is fine."

"Good to hear," the man said motioning for him to take a seat. "Give me a moment to find the manifests and we can head out."

"Do you mind if I join?" Garlan asked Jon. "Loras wanted to, but asked me to go in his stead while he guards the prince."

Jon shook his head. "It's fine. I've Edric and Thoros waiting with the horses."

"Ah, here we are," Mace said getting to his feet while rolling parchment. "Off we go."

Jon followed the Tyrells through the keep, noting the guards in green following them rather than the red guards he'd grown so used to over the past months. Though Jon had told Garlan and Loras his secret, and they had yet to tell even their father, it was a relief to not feel completely surrounded by enemies.

"Have you had your gold returned to you yet, Jon?" Garlan asked as they rode from the keep.

"I have," Jon nodded.

He had been making his way to visit Tyrion when a Lannister guard stopped him and told him he was sought at his chambers. That was also how he learned he had been moved from servant quarters to guest chambers, as servants were there ready to help him move his things. Thankfully he no longer hid anything in his bed, and it was easy enough to remove the few things he kept hidden while he was alone. When he arrived at his new room he found a guard waiting with a cart filled with gold, all Sam had told him was missing plus a reward for slaying Stannis.

"Ask and I'd have a guard on your room," Garlan told him.

"I thank you for the offer, but I have a feeling it will be going quickly should today go well."

"My presence should save you some gold, my boy," Mace said with a laugh. "I would be glad to assign a guard to your room should you have need. Otherwise I would suggest you look into sending it to the vaults of your keep."

"A keep I do not know is even mine yet," said Jon. "It's castellan has not written back yet."

"The raven would only have just arrived, I'm sure," said Mace. "Though if they remain silent, let us know and the Tyrells will aid you should the crown itself not decide to step in."

Garlan flashed Jon a smile as though to say, 'See, all this because you are Loras' friend.'

Jon held back a laugh. "Thank you, Lord Mace."

"Think nothing of it," he said with a grin. "Any friend of Loras is a friend to the Tyrells."

Garlan rolled his eyes at his father's favor for his third son, but gave Jon a nod to tell him he spoke true.

"Have you thought where you intend to work from since Nightsong is landlocked?"

"There is a harbor near Starfall," Edric said, riding at Jon's side with Thoros. "I offered Lord Jon to house his ships there and travel any goods to Nightsong."

"Very generous of you, Lord Edric."

"It is the least I could do," Ned said with a smile while Jon gave him a nod, agreeing with Mace's words.

"Though both require men you can trust," said Thoros. "And those might require the bulk of your gold."

Jon had considered finding a way to sneak the Fellowship in to man his ships, but they likely wouldn't take the position. Their duty was protecting the riverlands, and word had it Beric was doing a decent job of it, making him wanted by the Lannisters. Thoros has even earned a few odd looks since word spread of the fellowship seemingly following his god, having been converted by him before their separation.

Instead Jon would have to find others he could trust. Men who not only were skilled enough to man the ships, but to do so in battle and could be made to turn against the crown in time. He would worry about that later, when Mace knew the truth and could help him find better men than he would offer now. This trip was meant to focus on finding which ships he would take and taking ownership of them. Any belonging to the crown as part of the royal fleet would simply have their manifest and ownership handed over by Mace, while Jon would need to visit the owners of any others he took. Worst of all, both would require acceptance by the Hand.

Passing through the battered river gate, they came to the docks and dismounted, a Tyrell guard taking their horses while Mace opened his manifests and began showing them the ships captured from Stannis' fleet.

"That one," Jon said as Mace showed him a one hundred oared war galley from the royal fleet. It wasn't particularly unique, though it was from before the rebellion so still had a slender dragon along the front. That wasn't what made Jon take it though. It was the name.

"The Princess Rhaenys," Mace said aloud, letting his steward scribble on the parchment to keep record of which ships Jon showed interest in, so they could draw up documents afterward. "Belonged to the royal fleet. As with the rest, whatever damage it had has been repaired."

Jon was still down a way when he spotted an ornate ship with a red hell etched in white. Where the Princess Rhaenys had a dragon at it's front, this one had a wave with a crab atop it. "And this one?" Jon asked as they came to it.

"Belonging to Ardrian Celtigar, who bent the knee to King Joffrey," Mace told him. "Named the Red Claw."

Jon bit back his smile as he nodded. "This one."

"I thought as much," Mace said with a laugh as his steward marked it down. "You could likely sell this and buy two more if you wanted."

"No, though I'll change the crabs."

"I shall look up crafter to alter the figurehead to whatever you desire," Mace told him.

The last he chose, after waiting to look through the rest, was another fairly ornate ship painted sea green and silver with a large seahorse figurehead, aptly named the Seahorse. "This looks like a good ship," said Jon.

"It belonged to House Velaryon, though was captained by the Bastard of Driftmark," Mace told him while the steward marked it down. "Are you certain of these three?"

Jon looked to Edric and Thoros, who seemed as lost as he felt. "I suppose so," Jon offered. "Do you think them decent choices, my lord?"

Mace looked down the row of ships and nodded. "I would say so. Though they are all fairly large, that should do well for carrying more cargo. And their few armaments should help ward off some pirates."

"And the crew will need to fend off the rest," said Garlan. "But we can choose those another day."

Mace looked a bit put off at the idea of spending another day working this, but nodded for his son. "For now, let us return to draw up whatever we must and go have them signed."

Once they returned to the keep Thoros went off on his own while Jon sent Edric off rather than have him follow him to the Tower of the Hand. Jon made his way to the chambers that had belonged to Eddard before Tyrion took them over, and found Lord Tywin seated below a window writing quietly.

"Lord Tyrell," he said with a nod to Mace before looking to Jon, "Lord Snowfire."

The hint of effort to not simply say Snow was noticed by both men, but neither made it known as they bowed and moved to the seats Tywin offered. It was simple enough having Mace hand him the documents and explain which ships he showed interest in, but Jon felt nervous before the Lannister patriarch. He could have turned them down, claimed them for the crown. He almost feared the man would somehow know the truth of Jon if he looked at him too long.

"Any reason why these three?" Tywin asked.

Because I want the ship named for my sister, I want a Red Claw to match my White Fang and Bloodwing's color, and the Seahorse to be my steed and link to Daenerys' Khal while also possibly drawing House Velaryon to aid another Targaryen, Jon thought while answering, "I thought they looked the best, my lord."

Mace chuckled. "The Seahorse and Red Claw in particular, no doubt."

Jon offered a sheepish smile. "I understand if they are too much."

Tywin eyed Jon for a moment before reaching for his quill. "No, you've earned your fair share. You should have gained his lands, but they belong to the crown. This will have to do in their place." Jon thought it more likely his deed was too well known to be snubbed as Tyrion's had, so they needed to make a show of giving Jon some rewards.

"This is more than enough, my lord," Jon said with a bow of his head, realizing he'd nearly called him your grace. There was little doubt he was the man ruling the kingdom, though Joffrey wore the crown.

Tywin signed the documents and placed his seal, making it clear that the king had agreed to hand the ships over. He also signed the documents marking the king's decree that the Seahorse and Red Claw go to him as well, though they still would give the owners the chance to simply sign them over.

First was Ardrian Celtigar, a sour old man in a mantle patterned with red garnet crabs. It was clear he disliked signing over the rights to his ship, but had little choice to do so. He couldn't even return home to Claw Isle, fearing reprisal from Stannis' forces which remained in the area.

After him they traveled to meet with Aurane Waters, the Bastard of Driftmark. He was a lean young man with gray-green eyes and long silver-gold hair that reached his shoulders and stretched across his jaw, hiding his cleft chin.

He looked upon his guests with a smile. "Welcome, my lords. I take it you've come to claim the Seahorse?"

"That we have," said Mace. "I'll need you to sign this."

Aurane turned his gaze to Jon as he took the parchment. "Have you ever captained a ship before?"

"Not yet," said Jon.

"Few chances for a lord's bastard to gain his own ship," Aurane said as he went to his desk.

"And yet you captained one," noted Jon. "Perhaps you could give me some advice?" Aurane looked up from the parchment as Mace glanced at him as well. "It was your ship after all."

Aurane snorted. "And it is no longer."

"I've no crew," Jon said, "no one to man any of my ships. I could use help understanding them and finding men I can trust. Who better than a lord's bastard to know how to deal with the small folk who man the oars and the lords who own the harbors?"

Aurane sat up and arched his brow. "You think to make me captain to one?"

"I don't think I could," Jon admitted. "The crown holds you, not me. But I would be willing to speak on your behalf, and let you captain other ships should you prove loyal and helpful."

Aurane noted the order which he spoke those and nodded. "I could be both."

Once he signed the papers and handed them over, Jon signed it and claimed his third ship. After agreeing to meet with Aurane to tour the ship the next day, Jon left with Mace.

Edric, Garlan and Thoros joined Jon on his tour with Aurane, who showed him through each of the ships, which had been moved together. He showed them all he could, from small secret compartments to how the armaments all worked.

"You'll want them young," Aurane said of who he should choose. "Poor as well. Men you raise will prove loyaler than experienced men who feel themselves worth more."

"How would I know if they're any good?"

"There are tells," said Aurane. "You should be able to tell a man who can captain from one best left manning an oar. If you're uncertain, I could spot the difference for you."

"Could you look into it some? Let me compare your list to the crown's?"

Aurane nodded. "I'll gather a list of men I think capable. Not just captains, either, I'll keep an eye for all types."

"Thank you, Aurane."

The bastard smirked. "Thank you, Lord Jon."

Before they could meet again however, the city gathered to greet their queen to be as she arrived, Joffrey meeting her at the King's Gate. While many had vied for the attention of the Tyrells and their queen to be, Jon was among the first invited to dine with them in private after supping with the Lannisters. It would seem little more than a show of favor for his friendship with Loras, but Jon knew it was more than that. It would be less a meal and more a meeting.

When he arrived he found a large table set up and occupied by the core of the Tyrell family rather than the retinue that had arrived with them.

Loras was the first to greet Jon, who brought him forward where he gave quick greetings to the familiar Garlan and Mace. He came to a tall woman with long silver hair who held herself with dignity Jon doubted he could match. "This is my mother, Alerie Hightower," Loras told him.

"It's a pleasure, Lady Alerie," Jon said hoping he hid his anxiety, or that she would at least take it as nerves of a young lord rather than nervousness over the revelation to come.

"It is ours, Lord Jon," she said as he kiss her hand. "Loras has told us much of you."

"Only good," Loras assured.

Jon chuckled, following Loras to the slender girl with softly curling brown hair and large eyes who greeted him with a sweet smile. "This is my sister, Margaery."

"Welcome, Lord Jon."

"You brother's words have failed to match your beauty, my lady."

"Thank you," Margaery offered with a curtsy. "His words have failed you as well."

Loras snickered watching Jon kiss her hand. "You two simply lack imagination."

"He spoke of you often enough I feel I already know you," she said taking Jon's hand, guiding him toward the table. He fought back his surprise as she lead him the chair at the end holding a small white haired woman. "I am honored to present my grandmother, Lady Olenna, widow to the late Luthor Tyrell, Lord of Highgarden, whose memory is a comfort to us all."

"No need to put on a show," Loras told her as he stood with his arms crossed behind them.

The elderly woman looked Jon over before giving a nod. "Kiss me, child." Jon realized he'd stood still under her examination and did as she beckoned when she grabbed his wrist. "It is kind of you to sup with me and my foolish flock."

"It is kind of you to have me, my lady," Jon offered.

"I knew your grandfather, one of them at least. Though I did not know Lord Rickard well."

Jon nodded. Rickard was technically still Jon's grandfather. "Then you knew him better than I, born after his death."

"I knew that, child. Though I wonder if perhaps I knew any of your other family as well," she asked with a smile. "Do you even know them yourself? Or is that some secret you're unwilling to share?"

Behind him Loras and Garlan shared a look while Jon simply smiled. "And rob the realm the fun of guessing?"

Olenna flashed a smirk. "Perhaps you're not just a bastard skilled at poking others with a long stick."

"Mother," Lady Aleria scolded.

"Hush, Alerie, don't take that tone with me. And don't call me mother. If I'd given birth to you, I'm sure I'd remember. I'm only to blame for your husband, the lord oaf of Highgarden."

"Mother," Mace said, half scolding and pleading.

They sat and ate for a time, Loras having suggested that Jon give them the chance to know him before telling them the truth. He knew Loras and Garlan well enough from his time in the yard with them, and Mace from their few meetings, leaving him to learn of the women.

Alerie came off much like she looked, refined but caring. She was considerate of others where Olenna wasn't, speaking her mind without hesitation. It was funny at times but surely would be grating enough to earn her the moniker Queen of Thorns. Margaery seemed every bit a lady, the kind Jon had hoped Sansa might become, though she seemed more intelligent and shrewd than many he'd met, likely due to a lifetime with her grandmother. She spoke with the grace of her mother, but the wit of her grandmother at times. Jon almost felt bad at the thought of his revelation taking away her place as queen in the future.

It was Loras who broached the topic once the servants had come to take their plates, but only after he had Butterbump sing for them. "Father, Mother, Grandmother," Loras said looking to them. "There is another reason Garlan and I asked you to invite Lord Jon to sup with us."

Olenna sighed. "Is he another like Renly?"

Loras laughed. "No, Grandmother. He had his eye on the princess before she left."

She chuckled. "High aim for a bastard."

"He is no bastard, Grandmother," said Garlan.

"Being raised to a lord doesn't take away the way was born," said Olenna.

Jon noted she looked to him, as if to appraise his reaction. "You are right, Lady Olenna. It doesn't take away how I was raised. But I wasn't born a bastard."

"Lord Eddard wed before Lady Catelyn?" asked Mace.

"No." Jon shook his head. "But Eddard Stark was never my father."

The Tyrells all exchanged looks, bar Loras and Garlan who looked to Jon. It was Margaery who tilted her head asking, "Who is then?"

Jon glanced to Loras and saw him nod before looking to the others. "Rhaegar Targaryen."

Mace laughed. "No, that-"

"My mother was Lyanna Stark," he cut the lord off. "My uncle, Benjen Stark, witnessed them wed on the Isle of Faces before my birth. Before they knew what it would cost."

"So you're the cause of the war, hm?" Olenna asked with narrowed eyes. "He put you in her and tried to have some honor or the like?"

Jon shook his head. "I was born near the end of the war. Too long to be the cause. When Lord Stark went to find his sister, he found her dying and me in her arms. But knowing what Robert had done to my siblings, he claimed me as his own. My name isn't even truly Jon, but Aegon Targaryen. I've only known the truth for a year and some months. But since then I've been working slowly to garner allies and make a claim. I had hoped to do it when Robert died, but he did so suddenly, before I had a chance to gain enough support."

"And have you since?" asked Olenna.

"Not as many as I would like," said Jon. "The only ones pledged to me are the Fellowship of Fire in the riverlands, my father-Lord Eddard, and my brother, Robb, who vowed to bring House Stark and their allies with them."

"And us," said Loras, looking to his family. "House Tyrell owes a debt to House Targaryen than can never be repaid, but even without that, I know Jon could make a good king."

"Even with us and your cousin's forces, there would still be a war," said Olenna. "You would need others on your side."

"Not with a dragon," Garlan laughed.

They all looked to Jon. "You have a dragon?" asked Mace.

"He is at the Wall with my uncle, Jon explained. "I sent him there to grow while I prepared in the south. I hope to call for him once I have some distance from the city. Whether it be at Nightsong where I can have him hide in the Dornish Marches, or when I begin my conquest of the Stepstones to gather forces."

Olenna looked at the boy before looking to Garlan. "You believe this?"

Garlan nodded. "I do. His story makes sense, though even this is still lacking the grander parts."

"Which are those?" asked Margaery..

"His death and rebirth," said Loras. "Gregor Clegane truly cut him down, and he died surrounded by his fellowship. It wasn't until Thoros of Myr gave him the Lord of Light's kiss of life that his dragon was born and Jon revived before a hundred witnesses."

"Likely less now," Jon said with a frown. "They've been helping protect the riverlands and have surely lost some of their number by now."

"Either way, both Thoros and Edric Dayne spoke of seeing it." Garlan looked to his grandmother and parents. "I believe him." He glanced at Loras before adding, "It's why we told him of our plan with Joffrey."

Mace's face darkened as Olenna's eyes narrowed. "You have?" Looking to Jon she asked, "And your thoughts?"

"I intended to kill him whenever I made my claim public," said Jon. "I'd ask you not harm Tommen or Myrcella, Tyrion as well, but I don't care what you do to Joffrey or Cersei."

Mace frowned as he looked to Margaery, who looked lost in thought. "If we were to aid you, would you agree to marrying Margaery?"

"No," said Loras on his behalf. "It would be some time before Jon moves. Margaery could still have her time as queen, whether to Tommen or perhaps even Robb should things go that way. Her children can wed Jon's, and Margaery will still be queen until Jon makes his claim."

"If you've two armies and a dragon, what are you waiting for?" asked Olenna. "We could take King's Landing."

"I wait for it to be a war we could win," said Jon. "As you say we could take King's Landing, but they could ruin Highgarden. We could go take it back, and leave King's Landing open to them. We could call for reinforcements from the North, and they would savage the riverlands while the ironborn take more of the North. If my dragon were more than a wyrm perhaps it could aid us, but I doubt he's grown to Balerion the Dread in the time since I saw him. I'd also like to know where the Martells and Dorne might side, which is why I've sent someone I trust as much as Loras there with princess Myrcella."

Olenna looked him over and smirked. "I am surprised you can be so patient."

"Though my father's house words are fire and blood, my mother's remind me that though slow sometimes, winter always comes. I would rather be a cold wind that they cannot stop than a fire that fizzles at their shores."

They spoke for some time after that, and in the end Jon felt relieved to know he had another great house supporting him. He just hoped they weren't the last.

AN:

I basically went through the wiki for ships involved with the Battle of Blackwater and looked through any not destroyed, and picked from the list. At one point I had Jon given four ships so included the Horned Honor, which I thought also fit Jon, but 4 ships felt a little much for them to willingly give away after their own fleet was decimated.

Next Chapter: Robb returns to Riverrun to find letters waiting for him, then decides what to do with Jaime. Jon meets with Tyrion, who shares information from a small council meeting.