The Rise Of A Dynasty
Winterfell – 297 A.C
Three moons later…
"Do you miss her?" said Lyanna as she sipped from her wine.
"Every day My Lady, every day" said Arthur sadly as he took a large swig of his wine.
The two were sat down opposite each other at the table in Lyanna's chambers sharing a bottle of Dornish Red.
Lyanna frowned.
"Do you still love her?" said Lyanna sadly.
Arthur tensed up slightly before nodding.
"I will always love her, even after all these years, and I wish I could kill the monster who destroyed her… I know it will not bring her back, but it would give her what she deserves, she deserved justice and she was denied that" said Arthur bitterly.
"Do you ever think that maybe it is time to let her go, do you ever think that it is time to move on?" said Lyanna softly.
"Do you ever think that you should let Rhaegar go, that you should move on?" snapped Arthur causing Lyanna to recoil in shock.
Arthur sighed when he saw the hurt on Lyanna's face.
"Forgive me My Lady, it was wrong of me to say that… I think it is best if I go" said Arthur remorsefully.
He stood up before she could open her mouth to reply.
Lyanna quickly reached out and took his hand as he walked past her.
"My Lady?" said Arthur.
Lyanna wiped traces of tears from her eyes and stood up in front of him looking up at him in complete silence.
"What are you doing?" said Arthur testily as he felt Lyanna's hands on the back of his neck.
Somehow he did not have the strength to stop her as she pulled his head down and gave him a gentle kiss.
"Lyanna" said Arthur in protest as Lyanna moved closer to him.
"Please… please Arthur, we deserve each other, you know we do" said Lyanna sadly as she traced her hands on his neck.
Arthur sighed and locked eyes with her seeing the sadness in her eyes.
"I cannot, it is not right" said Arthur in protest.
"It is right… you are doing what Elia would have wanted, you are moving on, and so am I" said Lyanna softly as she made the decision to move her hand round to his tunic.
Using that single action to tell him exactly what she wanted.
A single action that caused Arthur to find it even more difficult to stop Lyanna.
"I love Elia, and you love Rhaegar" said Arthur.
"And we lost them both, in some ways we are both broken souls, two broken souls that can heal each other, together" said Lyanna in a soft but determined voice as she started to untie one of the knots on his tunic.
"Lyanna-" said Arthur before Lyanna cut him off with her lips on his.
She moved her free hand down to his chest placing it over his heart.
"Please Arthur, let me heal the pain that is in your heart, and I need you to heal the pain in my heart, please Arthur" said Lyanna.
What remained of his will to refuse her left Arthur right then and there.
He placed his hands on her neck and cheeks and kissed her hungrily.
(Smut begins)
Lyanna moaned into his mouth as she hastily untied the knots on his tunic while her moans encouraged him to undress her.
As their clothes were discarded they made their way backwards towards the bed falling onto with her underneath him.
"Heal me, heal me Arthur, make the pain in my heart go away" said Lyanna softly letting out the occasional moan as his hands explored her now naked body.
Arthur kissed her.
"Your beautiful My Lady" said Arthur huskily before he swiftly attacked her breasts with his mouth.
Lyanna moaned and stroked his hair as he kissed, licked and nipped at her breasts.
"Mmmm… oh gods" moaned Lyanna as she felt his hands force her legs apart before she felt that long forgotten feeling of a man's fingers sliding into her womanhood.
Arthur groaned as Lyanna clenched her walls around his fingers.
"You feel amazing My Lady" groaned Arthur as he slid his fingers in and out of her rubbing her sweet spot with his thumb.
Lyanna moaned.
"Lyanna… call me Lyanna, and keep going, make me feel good" moaned Lyanna kissing and biting his chest and neck as she felt her insides soak up with desire.
Arthur kissed her pushing his tongue into her mouth.
They broke apart after a few seconds and Arthur growled as he pulled the covers up to their hips.
"Take me Arthur… go all the way, all the way" growled Lyanna as she felt his hand leave her womanhood.
Arthur smirked and kissed her before lining himself up with her.
The two locked eyes as Arthur slowly entered her causing them both to groan.
"I am not some southern flower… fuck me Arthur, I want you to fuck me like a man" groaned Lyanna as their hips joined together.
Arthur smirked and kissed her before slowly pulling out.
"As you command… Lyanna" said Arthur teasingly.
He thrust back into her causing her to groan as she arched her back slightly and kissed him.
She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and placed her legs either side of his hips as he did as she asked and started to take her.
All the years of heartache and grief left them in the next ten or so minutes as they went at it over and over again before eventually collapsing in each others arms.
Lyanna groaned and kissed him as he pulled his now softening manhood out of her and the combined seed and release of their coupling dripped out of her onto her thighs and the sheets.
Arthur broke the kiss and moved to get out of bed before Lyanna grabbed his hand pulling him back into her.
(Smut ends)
"No… stay here with me Arthur, stay with me" said Lyanna softly as she kissed his fingers.
"Lyanna" said Arthur.
Lyanna squeezed his hand.
"I have always felt safe with you… even here where I am as safe as I can be, you make me feel safe, I wanted you to stay with me years ago when you took Rhaenys back to Dorne, I wanted you to stay with me" said Lyanna softly.
Arthur managed a sad smile.
"I command you to sleep in this bed with me" said Lyanna sternly.
Arthur sighed before getting back into bed pulling her close to him.
Lyanna kissed him before resting her head on his chest.
"I hope this was not a one night thing Arthur… I want this to carry on" said Lyanna sternly.
Arthur remained silent for a few seconds before kissing her forehead.
"It will not be a one night thing Lyanna" said Arthur softly.
Lyanna smiled and raised her head to his before kissing him.
Once they broke apart Lyanna rested her head on his chest again.
Arthur held her head against his chest as sleep finally took hold of her.
The next morning…
Arthur stirred slightly as he felt several soft sensations on his chest.
Upon opening his eyes he saw Lyanna pressing soft kisses to his chest.
She locked eyes with him and smiled as she traced her tongue over his nipple.
"Morning" said Lyanna softly.
"Morning" said Arthur softly as he traced his hand into her hair.
Lyanna moved up and kissed him before lying beside him and meeting his eyes.
"Did you lie with her?" said Lyanna.
"Elia?" said Arthur.
Lyanna nodded.
"We did… we were young and in love back then, she was 15 and I was 17, we were each others firsts, and we loved each other more than anything, I loved her so much that I asked her Parents for her hand, but they had plans for her, plans that did not involve a Second Son, she was destined for better than me, and I knew I could never love another… she married Rhaegar nearly 2 years after that, and I joined the Kingsguard at 20… at least Rhaegar never had me Guard her chambers when he visited her, only when she was in there alone" said Arthur softly.
Lyanna smiled.
"Did you ever?" said Lyanna.
"No… we never laid together once she was with Rhaegar, at times we both wanted too, but we knew better" said Arthur softly.
Lyanna kissed him before resting her body on top of his.
"Arthur… please do not go back to Starfall, please stay with me, come to the Saltspear Tower with me" said Lyanna softly as she tucked her head into the crook of his neck.
Arthur froze up.
"Lyanna" said Arthur warily.
Lyanna looked up at him.
"Please… I meant what I said last night, I want you here with me, I feel safe with you, come home with me, we can have a life together, a life we both deserve" said Lyanna in a slightly pleading voice.
Arthur sighed.
Lyanna rolled her eyes before smirking as she lowered her hand to his manhood.
"I will give you a reason to come home with me" said Lyanna in a sultry voice.
"You do not have too, not right now" said Arthur.
Lyanna smiled and kissed him.
(Smut begins)
"But I want too… last night was the best nights sleep I have had in years, and I enjoyed everything that came before it, I will never regret what we did last night, and I want it to continue, starting right now" said Lyanna cheekily as she wrapped her hand around his manhood.
Arthur groaned.
"Stay with me… where we can be together, comfort each other, heal each other… fuck each other" said Lyanna in a sultry voice as she kissed him and pumped her hand up and down his manhood getting him hard.
Arthur groaned.
"I will make you stay" said Lyanna teasingly as she pushed the covers to the side before licking her lips as she glanced down at his manhood.
"Then make me stay… give me something to stay for" said Arthur groaning as she slowly moved her head down towards his manhood.
Lyanna smirked and traced her tongue up his shaft getting a hiss out of him.
"You need not ask twice" moaned Lyanna as she closed her mouth over the top of his manhood.
Arthur groaned and fisted his hand into her hair as she took his entire length into her mouth.
(Smut ends)
A sudden knock at the door made them jump but they managed to remain quiet.
"Mother… its me, can I come in?" said the voice of Lyarra through the door.
Lyanna's eyes went wide as she moved back up to Arthur's face.
"Fuck" whispered Lyanna.
"We already did that" whispered Arthur with a smirk.
Lyanna rolled her eyes and kissed him.
"Just get dressed, we will finish this in a little while" whispered Lyanna quickly.
Lyanna got out of bed and walked over to her wardrobe to get a bed robe.
"Give me a minute Lyarra" shouted Lyanna as she hastily tied the robe around her waist covering herself up.
"Okay" said Lyarra sceptically.
Lyanna breathed a sigh of relief before turning to face Arthur who was pulling his smallclothes up.
"Just get dressed and get outside on the balcony for a few minutes while I talk to her" whispered Lyanna quickly.
She thanked the Gods that Arthur was able to get into his breeches and tunic rather quickly before he darted out onto the balcony and out of her sight.
Once Arthur was outside Lyanna made her way over to the door and opened it revealing a sceptical Lyarra on the other side.
"What is going on Mother?" said Lyarra sceptically.
Lyanna sighed and stepped aside opening the door further.
"Come in… there is something we need to talk about" said Lyanna.
Lyarra walked inside before scrunching her nose in disgust as she noticed the smell of excessive coupling in her Mother's chambers.
"What is that smell?" said Lyarra in slight disgust.
Lyanna sighed and guided Lyarra over to the table as her Daughter caught sight of the messy bed sheets.
"What did you do last night Mother?" said Lyarra with a bit of edginess in her voice.
"More like who did I do last night?" thought Lyanna as her cheeks turned slightly red.
Lyanna straightened up.
"Sweetheart… you know I love your Father, and knowing that means you may not like what you are about to hear" said Lyanna softly.
Lyarra glanced at the bed before turning back to Lyanna.
"Who is it Mother… because it looks like it went on for some time" said Lyarra before looking a little embarrassed as she realised what she had just said.
Lyanna blushed.
"You want to know who I went to bed with?" said Lyanna in slight shock.
"Who was it who made you forget about Father?" said Lyarra flatly.
Lyanna sighed.
"I have not forgotten about your Father, nor has my… uh… lover forgotten about the woman he holds dear to his heart, we were just there for each other when necessary… and things happened" said Lyanna sounding a little embarrassed.
Lyarra said nothing as she kept her gaze on her Mother.
Lyanna sighed and grasped her Daughters hand.
"Please… try to understand Lyarra" said Lyanna soothingly.
Lyarra squeezed Lyanna's hand and smiled.
"Does he make you happy Mother?" said Lyarra quickly.
Lyanna smiled.
"He does" said Lyanna.
Lyarra sighed before smiling.
"Then I am happy for you Mother… I mean it" said Lyarra soothingly.
Lyanna smiled and turned to the balcony.
"You can come in now" said Lyanna.
Lyarra followed her Mother's gaze before she looked and felt stunned when Arthur walked back into the room from the balcony.
"Uncle Arthur?" said Lyarra in shock causing Arthur to turn slightly red.
"My Lady" mumbled Arthur sounding embarrassed.
Lyanna smiled and made her way over to him taking his hand and kissing it.
Lyarra turned a little pink.
"I best leave you two for a bit" said Lyarra sounding embarrassed before she quickly turned around and sped towards the door.
As the door closed Lyanna smirked and grabbed hold of his covered manhood.
"Is that still there?" said Lyanna cheekily as Arthur groaned.
"You did leave me hanging" said Arthur huskily.
Lyanna smirked and kissed him.
"Get them down then… I might as well finish what I started" said Lyanna in a sultry voice.
She smirked as Arthur pulled her hand free before slowly untying the straps for his breeches lowering them to the floor along with his smallclothes.
Arthur hissed and ran his hand into her hair as she swiftly knelt down and kissed his manhood before wrapping her lips around the tip.
Later that afternoon…
Jon walked out of the main keep into the courtyard alongside Ned.
"Remember… I need an update on this Mance Rayder Jon, and watch your back up there, some of these Nights Watch Brothers are not to be trusted" said Ned.
"I know Father" said Jon.
"You are to ride to the Last Hearth first… Lord Umber will be delivering his tribute to the Nights Watch alongside you" said Ned.
Jon nodded as the two of them made their way towards the horses and the two wagons.
"Yes Father" said Jon.
Theon made his way out of the stables holding the reins of his horse followed by Ethan Forrester who was holding the reins of Jon's horse.
Ned looked at Jon and Theon as they mounted their horses.
"I expect a raven when you have spoken to Lord Commander Mormont about the Wildlings" said Ned sternly.
"Yes Father" said Jon.
"Your riding on the wagon boy" said Theon turning to Ethan Forrester who turned to Jon with a questioning look on his face.
Jon turned to Ethan Forrester and nodded.
"On the wagon, we are leaving now" said Jon.
Ethan Forrester bowed his head before climbing up onto the wagon which was filled with a chest containing Gold Dragons, swords and axes of varying shapes and sizes along with crates of venison, boar and two barrels of ale.
Jon bowed his head to Ned one last time before turning his horse around to lead the convoy out of the gate alongside Theon and Jory Cassel.
As the three led the convoy out of Winterfell Maester Lewin walked up to Ned holding onto a raven scroll.
"A raven Lord Stark" said Maester Lewin.
Ned took the raven from the Maester and thanked him before unrolling it.
His eyes went slightly wide as he read it before a scowl appeared on his face.
"Where is Lady Stark Maester?" said Ned icily.
"In the Godswood with Ser Arthur My Lord" said Maester Lewin warily.
Ned rolled up the raven scroll before walking towards the entrance to the Godswood.
As he walked through the Godswood he started to hear raised voices coming from the direction of the Heart Tree.
"You did what?!" shouted the voice of Ashara.
"I just told you… why are you making such a big deal out of this?!" shouted the voice of Lyanna.
"He is my Brother, and you are my Goodsister, that is the problem, our families are already tied together through marriage, what will the other Northern Lords and Ladies say about this?" shouted the voice of Ashara.
Ned approached the Heart Tree and saw Ashara, Lyanna and Arthur stood together arguing.
The cause of the argument became clear when he saw Lyanna holding onto Arthur's arm as he held her close to him.
"What is going on here?" shouted Ned as he approached the three who turned to face him.
Ashara sighed.
"Ned… your Sister and my Brother have something to tell you" said Ashara icily.
Ned sighed and turned to the two people in question with a stern look on his face.
"What have you done now Lya?" said Ned sternly.
Lyanna sent him a small glare as she placed her hand on Arthur's chest.
"Nothing I regret Ned… despite what your Wife says" said Lyanna icily.
Ned sighed and rubbed his forehead in frustration.
"How long has this been going on for?" said Ned in a slightly frustrated voice.
"Since last night" said Lyanna.
"So what are we going to do now then?" said Ashara icily.
Lyanna glared at her before turning to Arthur and kissing him.
"Arthur will be coming back to The Saltspear Tower with me" said Lyanna.
Ned turned to Ashara who was looking at him with a questioning look on her face causing him to sigh.
"Well… there is another solution to this" said Ned.
"Solution?" said Ashara before her eyes went wide at the sudden realisation.
Ned nodded to Ashara before turning to Lyanna and Arthur.
"The two of you marry when you return to The Saltspear Tower, you will take his name, but any children of Lyarra's will be the family name she creates for herself with my permission, any children you have will bear the name Dayne" said Ned.
"Ned?" said Ashara in shock.
Lyanna was stunned before managing a small smile while Arthur froze up.
Lyanna noticed this and turned to Arthur.
"Perhaps we should discuss this in private Arthur" said Lyanna.
Arthur sighed before nodding.
Ned nodded to them before Arthur led Lyanna away from them.
Ashara walked towards him with a slightly angry look on her face.
"You want them to marry?" said Ashara hotly.
"It is a good plan… Lya cannot rule The Saltspear Tower by herself, Arthur will help her rule her castle" said Ned.
Ashara sighed.
"What is it, what is bothering you, because clearly it is not what they did" said Ashara sternly.
Ned sighed and looked at the floor before pulling the raven scroll out of his pocket.
Ashara quickly took it from him before unrolling it and reading it.
Lord Stark
It seems I have caught your Son Robb in bed with my Daughter Lyra. And gave him a good crack round the head afterwords. I want the wedding to be brought forwards to the next moon at Winterfell in case your Son has got her with child as I write this.
Maege Mormont, Lady Of Bear Island
Ashara read it twice more before looking at him in shock.
"How the hell could Robb be so stupid… I had thought Theon would have done something like this but he did not, instead it was Robb" growled Ned.
Ashara grasped his hand.
"Write back to Lady Mormont… invite her, Robb and Lyra back to Winterfell to discuss the situation in person, instead of ranting about it after reading a raven scroll" said Ashara squeezing his hand.
Ned looked back at her.
"Robb has made a mistake I admit… but now he must rectify that mistake, the two of them are nearly sixteen, old enough to be wed… and given what they have done she has flowered already, what is the harm of them marrying now and going to Moat Cailin?" said Ashara.
"Fifteen is too young to rule a castle Ashara, especially one as large and important as Moat Cailin" said Ned sternly.
"Lord Manderly serves as its Castellan, Robb and Lyra will listen to him, especially when it comes to matters of ruling" said Ashara.
Ned sighed and remained silent for a few moments before slowly nodding.
"Very well… but I want the both of them separated at night while they are here… so there will be no further complications" said Ned.
Ashara sighed and nodded.
"Very well… we will write to Lady Mormont with haste, the wedding will take place on the last day of the next moon" said Ashara softly.
Ned nodded and gave her a quick kiss before offering his arm.
"Come on then" said Ned.
Ashara took his arm and leaned into his shoulder as he led her away from the Heart Tree.
Meanwhile…
"Now Lord Stark wants us to marry… because we laid together" said Arthur in a slightly annoyed voice.
The two of them had returned to Lyanna's chambers by this point.
Lyanna sighed and took his hand lacing their fingers together.
"Am I not the sort of woman you would like to marry?" said Lyanna teasingly.
Arthur scowled.
"I did not mean it like that" said Arthur.
Lyanna smirked and kissed him.
"And what if I told you I think it is a good idea… would you run if I told you that I would take you as a Husband?" said Lyanna cheekily.
Arthur sighed.
"Lyanna… I am all for the idea as lovers, given that we obviously care for each other, but being husband and wife is another thing entirely" said Arthur.
Lyanna sighed before kissing him.
"Being husband and wife means we can do as we please without whispers of us being dishonourable, and if you do put a child in my womb, they will have a proper name" said Lyanna.
Arthur sighed.
"You will be the Lord of my castle, you can rule The Saltspear Tower alongside me… I asked you to be my lover and you agreed to do so, I asked you to come and live with me and you agreed to do so… now I ask you to be my husband, please Arthur" said Lyanna in a confident voice.
Arthur sighed.
"You wish to marry a man who does not love you, even if he cares about you?" said Arthur sadly.
Lyanna managed a sad smile.
"Most of the Lords and Ladies in the Seven Kingdoms do not love each other, why should we be any different… we care for each other, we can build a life together on that care… and we are great in bed together" said Lyanna softly.
Arthur managed a small smile before nodding.
"Very well, maybe this can work… me the disgraced Knight of the Kingsguard, and you… the believed dead widow of a traitor, what a couple" said Arthur.
Lyanna smirked and leaned into his ear.
"Fortunately for you… I like my disgraced Kingsguard, he is very talented in all sorts of things" said Lyanna in a flirty voice.
Arthur growled.
"Come… let me have my Sword Of The Morning" said Lyanna before hungrily kissing him.
Arthur wrapped his arms around her and started to pull her back towards the bed.
One hour later…
Beric and Arya were sat across from their Father in his Solar in dead silence.
They sat through the next few moments in silence before Ned spoke up.
"Now… your Aunt Lyanna has some news that concerns the both of you" said Ned.
Beric and Arya looked at each other in slight confusion before looking back at Ned.
"For both of us Father?" said Arya.
Ned nodded.
"More for you than your Brother Arya… he will be travelling to The Saltspear Tower since he is still Ser Oswell's Squire… while your Aunt Lyanna will take you on as a handmaiden-" said Ned.
"No, not that Father, please" said Arya cutting him off in a slightly pleading voice.
Ned growled.
"Do not interrupt me Arya" said Ned in a frustrated voice.
"Sorry" mumbled Arya.
Ned nodded.
"You will serve as your Aunt Lyanna's handmaiden… and she will also teach you how to fight at the same time, but she will withdraw that privilege if you start neglecting your duties as her handmaiden, is that understood?" said Ned sternly.
Arya nodded.
"I understand Father" said Arya.
"Good… you can go now if you want" said Ned softly.
Beric and Arya nodded before standing up and leaving the Solar.
Ned sighed and stood up walking towards the window.
"Who knew being a Father would be so much trouble" thought Ned as he looked out of the window into the courtyard below him.
Castle Black – 297 A.C
Five days later…
"What a shit castle" said Theon snarkily.
He was riding alongside Jon, Greatjon Umber, Smalljon Umber, Mors Umber and Jory Cassel as they led their slightly larger convoy towards Castle Black accompanied by a dozen House Stark and House Umber Guards.
"The Nights Watch has been in trouble for years, a worn down and slightly broken castle is the least of their problems" said Smalljon Umber.
Theon snorted.
"Who would want to waste away their lives somewhere as shit as that?" said Theon snarkily.
Jon winced slightly as the three Umbers growled at Theon's words.
"My Uncle was one of the finest Lord Commanders at Castle Black Greyjoy, show some fucking respect" growled Greatjon Umber.
"And Lord Starks own brother serves as First Ranger… or have you forgotten?" said Mors Umber bitterly.
Theon scowled as they carried on riding.
They approached the gates to Castle Black about ten minutes later where a young man dressed in black Nights Watch clothes addressed them from above the gate.
"Who goes there?" shouted the Man.
"Jon Stark, Son of Lord Eddard Stark… here to deliver House Starks tribute to the Nights Watch, open the gates" said Jon proudly.
The Man eyed their convoy up for a few moments before turning to look behind him.
"Open the gates" said the Man.
The gates slowly opened a few seconds later before Jon led their convoy into the courtyard.
The courtyard was completely deserted bar three Nights Watch Brothers who had opened the gates for them.
One of them turned to Jon and the others as they dismounted.
"Lord Commander Mormont is eating in his chambers My Lord… shall we let him know that you are here?" said one of the Nights Watch Brothers.
"We will see him in his chambers if he wishes to receive us… though it would be helpful if we were provided with some chambers for our stay, our men can make camp outside the castle walls if there is not enough space" said Jon.
The Nights Watch Brother nodded and turned to his fellow Brothers.
"Set them up in one of the empty chambers, there should be enough beds for them" said the Nights Watch Brother.
He turned back to Jon as the other two nodded their heads.
"I will take you there My Lord" said the Nights Watch Brother.
Jon nodded and turned to Greatjon Umber.
"Lord Umber" said Jon.
Greatjon Umber nodded and walked towards Jon as he was led towards the main keep.
The two followed the Nights Watch Brother up the staircase and along a balcony towards Lord Commander Mormont's chambers.
As they entered the chambers they saw Lord Commander Jeor Mormont sat at his table eating from a plate of venison and potatoes while he occasionally sipped from a mug of ale.
Jeor Mormont looked up towards them and nodded his head.
"Lord Stark, Lord Umber" said Jeor Mormont gruffly.
"Lord Commander" said Jon bowing his head as they approached him.
"Mormont" said Greatjon Umber.
Jon and Greatjon Umber waited for Jeor Mormont to finish his lunch before he turned his steely gaze on Jon.
"I had expected it to be your Father who would be here, I had hoped to speak with him" said Jeor Mormont.
"My Father is rather busy at this time… he asked me to attend in his stead, to deliver our tribute, and he wants an update on this Mance Rayder" said Jon dutifully.
Jeor Mormont nodded and turned to Greatjon Umber.
"I take it you are here for the same thing Lord Umber" said Jeor Mormont.
Greatjon Umber gruffly nodded.
"Aye… if there's a problem with the Wildlings we are always the first ones to get hit by them" said Greatjon Umber.
Jeor Mormont nodded.
"We can talk about Mance Rayder later… I have a group of new recruits due to arrive from Eastwatch in the next hour or so, and I have to teach this sorry lot how to fight" said Jeor Mormont standing up.
Jon nodded before he and Greatjon Umber followed Jeor Mormont out of his chambers.
They followed him down to the courtyard and over to the wagons which were being guarded by a Stark and Umber Guard.
Jon climbed up onto the wagon from House Stark and pulled the woollen blanket off showing their tribute to Jeor Mormont.
"House Stark gives food and ale to the Nights Watch, as well as swords, shields and axes along with a chest of 400 Gold Dragons" said Jon climbing down from the wagon.
Jeor Mormont climbed up on the wagon to have a look and gave an approving nod.
"Your tribute is greatly appreciated Lord Stark" said Jeor Mormont.
Greatjon Umber nodded to the House Umber Guard who removed the woollen cloth on the other wagon revealing a similar tribute to the one from House Stark.
The only difference was that there was no gold in this wagon but there were more weapons.
"House Umbers tribute is also appreciated Lord Umber, though I wish you could have given me able bodied men instead" said Jeor Mormont gruffly turning around as the rest of the Nights Watch Brothers made their way into the courtyard picking up blunted swords and cheap leather armour along the way.
"I will give you fifty of my Guards to help you man the Wall until this Wildling threat is dealt with" said Greatjon Umber gruffly.
Jeor Mormont sighed.
"We would need more than that… but it would be a start" said Jeor Mormont wearily.
"Alright you can have a hundred then" said Greatjon Umber.
Jon frowned slightly as he spotted a familiar face suddenly get surrounded by four Nights Watch Brothers who were all wielding blunted swords as Ser Aliser Thorne watched over them from the side.
Samwell Tarly.
"Begin" said Aliser Thorne.
Jon winced slightly as one of the Brothers smacked Samwell's arm with his sword causing the boy to cry out in pain as he was hit over and over again.
Jon removed his sword handing it to the Stark Guard before stalking over to Samwell and the others.
"Get up Tarly!" barked Aliser Thorne.
Samwell was lying on the floor shielding his face shouting "I yield" multiple times as the Brother kept on hitting him with the sword.
"That's enough" shouted Jon causing the others to turn to face him.
Aliser Thorne was looking at him with annoyance as Theon, Jory Cassel, Smalljon and Mors Umber made their way back into the courtyard from outside the castle.
"He yielded" said Jon harshly.
The other Brothers were looking at him with slight confusion while one short black haired mid 30's Brother growled at him.
"And who are you to speak to us like that, another weak minded, green boy recruit?" said the Brother mockingly.
Jon chuckled and walked over to Samwell bending down and taking his blunted blade.
Samwell looked up at him before Jon nodded for him to move.
"I would not presume that you would know who I am, though I will ask that you fight me" said Jon twirling the sword in one hand as Samwell stood up clutching his left arm in slight pain.
The Brother looked at him with a cocky smirk before suddenly swinging his sword at Jon.
Jon smirked and dodged the strike before smashing his sword into the Brothers ribcage knocking him backwards to the floor in pain.
He turned to the other three Brothers who were looking at him in mild shock and slight fear.
"Anybody else?" said Jon flatly.
None of the three moved an inch.
"Go on you useless fools, attack him for fucks sake!" shouted Aliser Thorne.
One by one the three Nights Watch Brothers stepped forwards to attack Jon who simply knocked each of them to the floor in pain without breaking a sweat.
Once Jon was finished he threw the sword towards Aliser Thorne who caught it.
"Perhaps you should spend more time teaching them the basics Ser Aliser, or get a proper swordsman to teach them" said Jon flatly before he walked towards Samwell Tarly.
"Thank you My Lord, thank you" said Samwell voice laden with relief.
"Walk with me" said Jon.
The two started walking across the courtyard towards the staircase followed by Jory Cassel.
"What are you doing here Samwell Tarly… the Nights Watch is no place for you" said Jon.
Samwell Tarly sighed and looked down at the ground.
"Sam" said Jon testily.
"My Father sent me here, he threatened me with death if I did not forsake my claim to Horn Hill, said the Nights Watch will make a man out of me" said Samwell nervously.
Jon sighed.
"When did you arrive?" said Jon as they climbed up the staircase.
"Two days ago, though it feels like I have been here for much longer" said Samwell sadly.
Jon sighed before remaining silent in deep thought for a few moments.
"Have you sworn your vows yet?" said Jon testily.
"My vows?" said Samwell in surprise.
"Aye, your vows to the Nights Watch, have you sworn them yet?" said Jon.
"No not yet… I expect I shall have to do so before too long" said Samwell bitterly.
Jon sighed.
"I wish you good fortune Samwell Tarly" said Jon.
Samwell remained silent before Jon clapped his hand on his shoulder.
"Who knows what the future holds" said Jon supportively.
The two carried on walking along the walkway before Jon briefly glanced back at Jeor Mormont who was talking to the Umbers before an idea formed in his head.
Later that night…
Jon stood up from his place at the head table next to Maester Aemon and Greatjon Umber and walked towards Jeor Mormont once supper had concluded.
"Lord Commander" said Jon.
Jeor Mormont turned to face him.
"Lord Stark… do you need something?" said Jeor Mormont gruffly.
Jon nodded.
"May we speak… in private?" said Jon.
Jeor Mormont looked at him curiously for a few moments before nodding his head.
"We can talk in my chambers" said Jeor Mormont.
Jon nodded and followed him out of the hall.
The two walked up to Jeor Mormonts chambers where the older Lord Commander led him inside.
Jon turned to Jory Cassel.
"Wait outside" said Jon.
Jory Cassel nodded before taking up position next to the door before it closed.
Jon and Jeor Mormont made their way over to the table.
Jon sat down while Jeor Mormont poured two mugs of ale for them.
Jon took a swig of his ale as Jeor Mormont sat down opposite him fixing him with a stern gaze.
"So… what did you wish to speak to me about?" said Jeor Mormont sternly.
Jon leaned forwards in his chair.
"Samwell Tarly" said Jon flatly.
"What about Tarly?" said Jeor Mormont sternly.
Jon took a large swig of his ale.
"Do you think a life on the Wall suits him?" said Jon.
Jeor Mormont looked at him with a testing look as he drank his own ale.
"Perhaps he can make a life for himself here, maybe being a man of the Nights Watch can help him become the man he was born to be" said Jeor Mormont.
Jon sighed and put his mug down.
"A life for himself here… what life would it be, he cannot fight, but he is smarter than most men I have met, and he has a good heart, too good for a life like this" said Jon.
Jeor Mormont fixed him with a stern questioning gaze.
"Speak plainly Lord Stark, what are you asking of me?" said Jeor Mormont gruffly.
Jon gulped slightly before straightening up.
"What if House Stark was willing to make another tribute to the Nights Watch, lets say… 200 Gold Dragons?" said Jon testily.
"Such a tribute would be greatly appreciated, and I take it you want Samwell Tarly in return… gold for a mans release from the Nights Watch?" said Jeor Mormont gruffly.
Jon picked up his ale and downed it.
"It seems a fair trade, and Samwell Tarly has not sworn his vows yet, he would not be breaking any oath would he not?" said Jon testily.
Jon waited patiently as Jeor Mormont remained silent for a good few minutes before sighing.
"Very well, I will release Samwell Tarly into your charge once this tribute has been delivered to Castle Black, which will take a few days I take it?" said Jeor Mormont gruffly.
Jon nodded.
"Five days at the most, I will have one of my Guards ride for Winterfell on the morrow to bring it here for you… as well as to give my Father this news about Mance Rayder" said Jon.
Jeor Mormont nodded.
"Very well… I shall write a letter to your Father explaining the situation to him" said Jeor Mormont.
Jon nodded and slid his mug back across the table.
"Then I should take my leave, unless there is more we need to discuss" said Jon.
"There is nothing more to discuss, you may go, Bowen Marsh can show you to your chambers" said Jeor Mormont standing up and bowing his head to Jon.
Jon bowed his head in return before walking out of the chambers.
The next day he sent Theon back to Winterfell with two of his Guards and Jeor Mormont's letter to Ned.
He also asked Theon to bring 200 Gold Dragons back to Castle Black which would come out of Jon's champions purse from the tourney at Horn Hill.
Winterfell – 297 A.C
One and a half weeks later…
"Welcome to Winterfell Samwell Tarly" said Jon as Winterfell came into view from over a small hill.
He was sat atop his horse with Samwell riding alongside him while Theon and Jory Cassel followed behind them.
Samwell looked at the sight of Winterfell in slight awe.
"Wow… it really is an amazing castle" said Samwell.
Jon chuckled slightly.
"Strong as needs be, Bran The Builder raised it so House Stark could survive the winter, and our enemies" said Jon.
Samwell looked at the castle in awe and admiration as they entered Winterfell.
When they arrived in the courtyard Jon was surprised to find that it was only Elia who awaited him along with Lyanna Mormont, Eddara Tallhart and Arthur.
Jon locked eyes with Elia who managed a big smile as he dismounted his horse.
"Sweet Sister" said Jon happily as he lifted her up spinning her around slightly as she hugged him.
Elia laughed and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"Put me down Jon" said Elia playfully.
Jon chuckled and placed her back on her feet causing Elia to scowl slightly as she smoothed her dress out.
"Where are Mother and Father… I had thought they would be here to greet us" said Jon looking around the courtyard.
"They are in Father's Solar with Robb and Lady Mormont, Father was shouting at Robb before we came out here to greet you" said Elia sounding a little puzzled.
Jon sighed slightly as he remembered what Theon had told him about Maege Mormonts raven when he returned to Castle Black.
He briefly turned back to Samwell before looking at Elia once again.
"Elia… be a dear and take Samwell to his chambers, he can have the ones next to Ethan's, and then maybe you can show him around Winterfell" said Jon.
Elia smiled and gave Jon a brief hug before walking past him towards Samwell who looked towards Jon.
"We will speak to my Father later, once he has concluded his current business" said Jon.
Samwell nodded before Elia led him away followed by Lyanna Mormont and Eddara Tallhart.
Once they had entered the main keep Jon set off in the direction of his Father's Solar followed by Arthur.
As he approached the Solar he saw Robb and Lyra Mormont walk out and shut the door.
The two turned to Jon.
"About time you got back… Father's just given me a right ear bashing just now, and Mother barely looked at me in the eye" said Robb.
Jon chuckled and gave him a one armed hug.
"Stop being a wimp" said Jon teasingly as he let go of Robb who punched him in the arm.
"Fuck off… Father's telling me that I have to make an honest woman out of Lyra here in one week" said Robb wrapping his arm around Lyra's waist before she slapped his chest.
"Better than my Mother wanting to smack you round the head once more for dishonouring her dear Daughter" said Lyra Mormont teasingly.
Robb chuckled and kissed her before turning back to Jon.
"Mother and Father are busy speaking to Lady Mormont… give them an hour or so" said Robb.
Jon nodded as the two walked past him and Arthur.
"Just try to be quiet for most of tonight Robb, so I can have some sleep at least, it was a long ride" said Jon.
"Bugger off, that's like telling Theon to stop visiting Ros!" shouted Robb.
"Very funny" shouted Jon as Robb and Lyra disappeared down the hallway.
Two hours later…
Samwell was sat at the desk in his chambers when he heard a knock at the door which made him jump slightly.
"Come in" squeaked Samwell nervously.
He turned to face the door as it opened.
Jon walked inside followed by Ned and Maester Lewin.
Samwell gulped slightly as he saw Ned's steely gaze on him.
"So Jon… this is the young man who you brought back from Castle Black?" said Ned sternly.
"Yes Father… this is Samwell Tarly" said Jon.
"Tarly… Randyll Tarly's Son?" said Ned questioningly.
"Yes My Lord" said Samwell nervously.
Ned looked Samwell up and down.
"And what do you intend to do with him Jon, now that he is here?" said Ned sternly turning back to Jon.
Jon took a deep breath.
"Father… Samwell wishes to become a Maester, I was hoping you would allow him to learn from Maester Lewin, and maybe one day he can go to the Citidel" said Jon.
"Have you spoken to Maester Lewin about this Jon?" said Ned sternly.
"No Father I have not, but I was hoping the two of you would approve" said Jon glancing at Maester Lewin.
Ned turned to Maester Lewin.
"And what do you think of this Maester?" said Ned.
Maester Lewin looked at Samwell for a few moments before turning back to Ned.
"If the boy is willing to learn, then I will recommend him for a place at the Citidel one day, provided that he earns it" said Maester Lewin causing Jon to breathe a sigh of relief.
Ned nodded and turned to Samwell.
"And are you willing to work for this Samwell Tarly, to repay the faith I have placed in you, that my Son has placed in you?" said Ned sternly.
Samwell nodded.
"Yes My Lord" said Samwell quickly.
Ned nodded.
"Then the matter is finished, I will leave you in the capable hands of Maester Lewin" said Ned.
He turned to Jon and nodded his head before leaving Samwell's chambers.
Maester Lewin turned to Samwell.
"I expect you in the library tomorrow morning after you have broken your fast" said Maester Lewin.
Samwell nodded before the elderly Maester left the chambers leaving Samwell and Jon alone.
Meanwhile…
Lyarra walked past Lyanna before sitting down on her Mother's bed.
"What is it Mother?" said Lyarra.
Lyanna walked towards her.
"Lord Manderly has asked that you accompany his Granddaughter to Deepwood Motte for her wedding in four moons, and he asks that you remain there for a short while as her handmaiden before returning to The Saltspear Tower" said Lyanna.
Lyarra managed a small smile and nodded.
"I would like that very much" said Lyarra.
Lyanna smiled as she sat down next to her Daughter wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
"You do know… that even if Arthur and I have a son of our own, the Saltspear Tower will still be yours, and any children you have will have whatever name you choose for yourself, with your Uncle's approval of course" said Lyanna softly as she rubbed Lyarra's shoulders.
Lyarra gave her Mother a sad smile.
"My name is Snow Mother, you know that" said Lyarra sadly.
"You are no such thing and you know it… you will rule The Saltspear Tower after me, alongside your Husband, and your Sons will rule after you" said Lyanna hotly.
Lyarra pressed herself into her Mother's side.
"But who will marry me, a Snow?" said Lyarra quickly.
Lyanna squeezed her shoulders in support.
"You know I have received more than one offer of marriage for you… and I am sure I will receive more offers when I announce you as my Heir… but I want you to have what I had, a chance marry someone of your choosing, someone you think is worthy of you" said Lyanna confidently.
Lyarra inwardly sighed.
"But I cannot marry a man I choose, the only one who ever comes close is far south, and he would never marry me" thought Lyarra sadly before tensing up slightly as she caught her Mother's gaze out of the corner of her eye.
The gaze that told her that Lyanna knew exactly what she was thinking.
That she did not like it one bit.