The Rise Of A Dynasty
Kings Landing – 300 A.C
Later that afternoon...
Ned took his seat in between Ashara and Lyarra in the stands for the joust.
Beric and Arya were also sat with them while Jeyne Poole and the rest of the girls were sat behind them with Arthur, Oswell Whent and Vayon Poole.
"Is this not more interesting than being cooped up in the Tower Of The Hand for the rest of the day?" said Ashara patting Ned's arm.
Ned sighed.
"It would be… if I were able to think of something else other than what this tournament will do to the Crown's debts" said Ned solemnly.
Ashara sighed and squeezed his arm.
"Forget about that for now, you have missed some great jousting, and a rather long melee that Thoros Of Myr won, mostly since nearly every other combatant was too scared to go anywhere near that flaming sword of his" said Ashara amusedly.
Ned turned to her in surprise.
"I had no idea he was in the capitol" said Ned in surprise.
Ashara nodded.
"Did you not know… Thoros is one of the Kings drinking and whoring companions" said Ashara.
"I did not know that" said Ned in slight shock.
"Beric Dondarrion is here as well, Allyria is not with him though" said Ashara.
Ned sighed.
"It seems the tourney is drawing many people to Kings Landing" said Ned solemnly as he gazed along the filled stands.
"That is what tourney's do" said Ashara.
Ned nodded and turned back to the front as Ser Andar Royce rode into the long arena dressed head to toe in his shiny steel plate armour.
As he received his wooden lance and shield from his squire Ser Jamie Lannister appeared at the other end of the arena sat atop his horse dressed in his red and black Lannister armour already holding onto his lance and shield.
The two Knights stood in silence before the sound of the horn blowing caused both of them to spur their horses forwards.
The two lowered their lances as they thundered towards each other.
Ned sighed as Jamie Lannister unseated Andar Royce on the first run before riding away.
They sat their watching the jousting for the next hour before Ned spotted Ser Hugh Of The Vale riding into the arena clad in shiny steel armour that looked brand new.
He felt Ashara tighten her grip on his arm as he spotted Ser Hugh's opponent ride into the other side of the arena.
Gregor "The Mountain" Clegane.
He was dressed in heavy black armour atop a large black horse holding onto a lance and shield.
Ashara glanced back at Lyarra who had turned slightly white while the other girls looked slightly fearful at the sight of Gregor Clegane.
She clutched his arm as Gregor Clegane and the fearful Ser Hugh rode towards each other.
Unfortunately for Ser Hugh he was right to be fearful as Gregor Clegane tilted his lance upwards just before he reached Ser Hugh.
A move that changed the looks on all the faces in the crowd.
Gregor Clegane's lance missed Ser Hugh's shield and smashed past his helm breaking pieces off of it as Ser Hugh toppled backwards to the ground.
Screams erupted from around the stands while Ned just sat there with a shocked look on his face.
Ser Hugh was coughing up blood with a large piece of wood sticking out of his neck.
"Ned, Ned!" shouted Ashara.
Ned kept his gaze on Ser Hugh who eventually choked on his own blood.
He turned to Ashara when he felt her squeeze his wrist.
"Can you not have him arrested?" said Ashara bitterly as Gregor Clegane threw his lance and shield to the floor before riding towards the exit without another word.
Ned sighed and stood up.
"Wait here" said Ned flatly.
He made his way along the stands past the stony faced Lords and the terrified Ladies before he climbed up onto the Kings viewing platform nearly a minute later.
Robert had a remorseful look on his face while Catelyn and the Princesses were looking away from Ser Hugh's body.
"Surely you cannot allow the Mountain to get away with that" said Ned bitterly.
Robert sighed.
"I cannot do what you wish and you know it, these things happen in tourneys Ned" said Robert flatly.
"It was deliberate… he aimed his lance at the boys neck instead of his shield" said Ned bitterly.
Robert growled and downed his wine.
"Leave it Ned" growled Robert.
Ned growled and turned away from him to leave.
"Damn you Ned, if I hear you have had men go near Clegane there will be hell to pay, not just from me from Tywin fucking Lannister as well" said Robert bitterly.
Ned sighed before walking back along the stands towards the others who were still looking on in shock while Ned heard Catelyn speak loudly to the crowd.
"The joust is finished for today"
Ned sighed and turned back to Ser Hugh's body as two Gold Cloaks dragged it away by the arms.
"Whatever he might have known about Jon Arryn's death is long gone by now" thought Ned in frustration.
He sighed before walking along the stands with the others.
Later that evening…
Beric was sat at the small table in his chambers in silence as he whittled away at the small wooden Direwolf in his right hand with a small knife.
It was almost finished with Beric only having to cut the legs out and give the whole thing a smooth finish as it was still rough to the touch.
As he continued whittling there was a knock at the door.
"Yes" said Beric not looking up from his work.
"Princess Myrcella is here My Lord" said the Guard outside his door.
"Send her in Heward" said Beric as he started smoothing the wooden Direwolf's chest.
The door opened and Myrcella Baratheon walked inside and towards the table.
Beric placed the wooden Direwolf on the table along with his whittling knife before turning to face her.
"You look very lovely Princess" said Beric as he stood up.
Myrcella Baratheon smiled and curtsied to him.
"You look very handsome My Lord" said Myrcella Baratheon gracefully.
Beric smiled as Myrcella Baratheon locked eyes on the Direwolf on the table.
"What is that My Lord?" said Myrcella Baratheon curiously.
Beric picked the wooden Direwolf up in both hands.
"A present for my Daughter, I missed her name day three days ago" said Beric with a small smile on his face as he looked down at the Direwolf.
He frowned slightly as he glanced at Myrcella Baratheon who had a slightly strained look on her face at the mention of Leyla.
"I am hoping to have it finished for when my Brother leaves Kings Landing with the Royce's… so he can give it to her when they arrive at Winterfell, since I cannot give it to her myself" said Beric flatly.
Myrcella Baratheon nodded.
"I am sure she will enjoy it" said Myrcella Baratheon flatly.
Beric placed the wooden Direwolf on the table before walking towards Myrcella Baratheon.
"I think we ought to go down to the feast" said Beric flatly as he held his arm out towards her.
Myrcella Baratheon took his arm and allowed him to lead her out of his chambers.
The two walked arm in arm down the hallway followed by Ser Aerys Oakheart of the Kingsguard.
"I am surprised though, that you are making her a wooden wolf instead of buying her something from one of the many merchants here in the Capitol" said Myrcella Baratheon.
"I believe that simple gifts made by hand like that one mean more than ones you can simply buy from merchants" said Beric humbly.
"But surely there would be nicer gifts for her from the merchants" said Myrcella Baratheon.
Beric shrugged his shoulders.
"Maybe there is… but she will treasure this more, as it is a gift made by her Fathers hand" said Beric.
Myrcella Baratheon sighed.
"My Father said that I should care for your Daughter as if she were my own" said Myrcella Baratheon flatly.
Beric sighed and turned to her.
"And will you?" said Beric sternly.
Myrcella Baratheon looked up at him with a strained look.
"I will not… I will never raise a hand to her I swear, but she must be made aware of exactly what she is, as will our children" said Myrcella Baratheon in a strained voice.
Beric sighed.
"Am I disappointing you My Lord?" said Myrcella Baratheon.
"She has Stark blood in her veins, the blood of the First Men… you will treat her as if she were a Stark" said Beric.
"But she is a Snow" said Myrcella Baratheon.
"That is what she is right now yes" said Beric.
Myrcella Baratheon glared at him.
"What do you mean?" said Myrcella Baratheon.
Beric stopped them in the middle of the hallway.
"I will speak to the King about having her legitimized before our wedding, so she does not have to live with the name Snow again, and so that she may marry a suitable husband when she is older, a man worthy of her" said Beric flatly.
Myrcella Baratheon froze up slightly.
"But… what will that mean for our children?" said Myrcella Baratheon in slight shock.
Beric scoffed.
"I thought as much… your just like the rest of these southerners, you swallow all of that bullshit that the Septon's and Septa's feed you about how bastards are evil and try to steal the birthright of their noble born Brothers and Sisters" said Beric bitterly.
"But they do… the Blackfyre's did that for decades" said Myrcella Baratheon quickly.
"Leyla is no Blackfyre… and when she is a Stark, she cannot claim our castle if we have Sons of our own, nor would she" said Beric spitefully.
Myrcella Baratheon frowned.
"Please forgive me My Lord, I was wrong to say such things" said Myrcella Baratheon sadly.
Beric sighed.
"Lets just get down to the feast" said Beric sternly.
Myrcella Baratheon nodded and allowed him to continue leading her along the hallway and down a set of stairs.
They arrived in the main hall for the feast ten minutes later and took their seats with the rest of the Royal Family including Lyarra who was busy laughing with Edric Baratheon while Oswell Whent stood behind her protectively.
Beric poured himself a mug of ale as he looked out into the hall spotting his Parents, Arthur, his Sister and his Brother sat with the Royce's while the rest of Lyarra's Ladies In Waiting were sat at the table next to them.
"That poor boy… dying like that" said Myrcella sadly as she placed some food onto her plate.
Beric poured himself a mug of ale.
"Poor fool, going up against that Monster" said Beric solemnly as he took a swig of ale.
"Jousts are meant to be fun, no one is meant to die during them, the Gods can be cruel to some people" said Myrcella Baratheon.
"The Gods are cruel to everyone Princess" said Beric as he placed food on his own plate.
Myrcella Baratheon looked at him in slight shock.
"If the Gods were just then the Mountain would have been dead long ago, for crimes so brutal one cannot bear to think of them without being sick" said Beric.
"What crimes are you talking about?" said Myrcella Baratheon.
Beric sighed.
"You do not know?" said Beric flatly as he cut into a honey roasted chicken.
"Know what?" said Myrcella Baratheon.
Beric sighed and took a large swig of his ale.
"What happened during the Sack Of Kings Landing" said Beric flatly.
"I know what happened… Lord Tywin Lannister took the city for my Father, and Ser Jamie Lannister killed the Mad King" said Myrcella Baratheon.
Beric sighed.
"That was not all that happened… the false knight Gregor Clegane murdered Elia Martell and her Son Aegon, no doubt he would have done the same to her Daughter had she been in the Red Keep as well" said Beric flatly.
"I know they were killed when the Lannisters took the city, but nothing more than that" said Myrcella Baratheon.
"What he did to that Woman and her Son was unspeakable… they said the Boy was stabbed over 20 times before having his head smashed against a wall, and that he raped Elia Martell with her Son's blood on his hands before smashing her head in and cutting her in half with his sword" said Beric bitterly.
Myrcella Baratheon reeled back in shock.
"Tywin Lannister wrapped their bodies in Lannister cloaks and laid them before the King and my Father, my Father called for the Mountains head, and your Father pardoned him instead" said Beric bitterly.
"But the Targaryans were evil" said Myrcella Baratheon.
Beric sighed and finished his ale.
"Whatever crimes the Mad King and Prince Rhaegar committed… Elia Martell and her Son cannot be blamed for them" said Beric flatly.
"So you would have spared them?" said Myrcella Baratheon in slight shock.
Beric poured more ale for himself.
"I would… they did not commit any crimes against my Family… and Elia Martell was my Mother's best friend, my Mother was one of her Ladies In Waiting for four years, and my Uncle Arthur was close to her when they were younger" said Beric solemnly.
"I did not know that… I bet your Mother was distraught about what happened" said Myrcella Baratheon.
Beric nodded.
"She and my Father never talk about it… at least my Mother found some way to honour her friend" said Beric solemnly.
"Your Sister?" said Myrcella Baratheon.
Beric ate a piece of his chicken.
"Elia is as far from a northern name as you can get, but my Mother wanted to name a Daughter after her best friend… they named me after my late Grandfather who fell on the Trident" said Beric.
"On the Trident… he fought for the Targaryans?" said Myrcella Baratheon questioningly.
Beric nodded.
"He answered the Martells call for war, they were his Liege Lords" said Beric.
Myrcella Baratheon slowly nodded.
"Is your Uncle entering the joust tomorrow?" said Myrcella Baratheon quickly changing the subject.
"My Uncle Arthur?" said Beric turning to her.
Myrcella Baratheon nodded.
Beric glanced over to where Arthur was talking to Yohn Royce at their table.
"I assume he will be" said Beric.
"And there is only one person he wishes to face" thought Beric as Arthur met his gaze and gave him a stern nod.
"I heard Ser Arthur Dayne is one of the greatest fighters in the Seven Kingdoms… my Father wanted him to serve as his Kingsguard when the war ended, but your Uncle forsook his vows instead" said Myrcella Baratheon.
Beric sighed.
"My Uncle saw unspeakable things during his time in the Kingsguard, I think after what he saw from the Mad King he had had enough of serving Kings" said Beric flatly.
Myrcella Baratheon returned to eating her food.
The next day…
Ned walked along the side of the arena before entering one of the tents.
Inside the tent he saw Ser Hugh's body on the table still dressed in his armour as he was tended to by the Silent Sisters. Ser Barristan Selmy was also stood in the tent holding his helm in one hand while his squire stood to the side holding onto his white cloak.
Barristan The Bold was now nearly 70 years old with short white hair and traces of white stubble on his cheeks.
He turned to Ned with a solemn look on his face.
"Lord Stark" said Barristan Selmy.
Ned nodded and slowly walked towards him.
"Does Ser Hugh have any family in the Capitol?" said Ned solemnly.
"None… I stood vigil for him myself last night" said Barristan Selmy remorsefully.
Ned sighed.
"Bad luck on his part, that was the first time he had worn this armour" said Barristan Selmy remorsefully.
Ned sighed.
"Who was it who pitted him against The Mountain?" said Ned flatly.
"All the knights draw sticks to determine the jousts" said Barristan Selmy.
"Aye… but who holds the sticks?" said Ned solemnly.
The two of them walked out of the tent followed by Barristan Selmy's squire.
"Strange… 18 years ago we fought as enemies on the Trident" said Barristan Selmy as his Squire fastened his white cloak to his armour.
The two started walking away from the tent along the arena.
"I am glad we never met on the field Ser Barristan… as is my Wife, I do not think the widows life would suit her" said Ned solemnly.
Barristan Selmy let out a small chuckle.
"Your far too modest, I have seen you cut down a dozen great knights" said Barristan Selmy modestly.
Ned chuckled.
"You know my Father used to say, you were the best he had ever seen, I have never known him to be wrong about matters of combat" said Ned.
"He was a fine man your Father" said Barristan Selmy fondly.
He turned to Ned with a solemn look on his face.
"What the Mad King did to him was a terrible crime" said Barristan Selmy regretfully.
Ned quickly turned to him as they carried on walking.
"That young lad was a squire not three moons ago, how could he afford a new suit of armour like that?" said Ned quickly.
"Perhaps Lord Arryn left him some gold" said Barristan Selmy.
He sighed.
"I heard the King wants to joust today" said Barristan Selmy.
Ned chuckled.
"Ah, that will never happen" said Ned.
Barristan Selmy chuckled.
"Robert tends to get what he wants" said Barristan Selmy amusedly.
"If the King got what he wanted all of the time, we would still be fighting a damn rebellion" said Ned causing Barristan Selmy to chuckle.
As they approached Robert's tent Barristan Selmy sighed.
"You know I wanted to crown your Wife that day at Harranhal, if I had beaten Rhaegar Targaryan of course" said Barristan Selmy solemnly.
Ned chuckled.
"I imagine many men wanted to do the same Ser Barristan… and she always spoke very fondly of you" said Ned.
Barristan Selmy managed a small smile as they came to a halt outside Robert's tent.
He remained outside on guard while Ned walked inside the tent.
Robert was stood up with his gut on show while his squire Olyvar Frey tried to put a gold breast plate on him.
He was fairly short and around 14 years of age with short dark brown hair and a thin body.
"It will not fit Your Grace, it is too small" said the Olyvar Frey nervously.
Robert turned to him with a stern look on his face.
"Your Mother was a dumb whore with a fat arse, did you know that?" said Robert mockingly.
Robert turned to Ned as Olyvar Frey stepped away from Robert.
"Look at this useless fool, one ball and no brains, cannot even put a Man's armour on him properly" said Robert amusedly.
"Your too fat for your armour" said Ned amusedly as he folded his arms.
"Fat, fat is it, is that how you speak to your King?" said Robert sounding annoyed.
The tent was silent for a few moments before Robert started to laugh.
Ned chuckled while Olyvar Frey laughed causing Robert to turn to him.
"Oh its funny is it?" said Robert flatly.
Olyvar Frey straightened up.
"No Your Grace" said Olyvar Frey quickly.
"No… you do not like the Hand's joke" said Robert mockingly.
Olyvar Frey looked nervous and unsure of what to say.
Ned chuckled.
"Stop torturing the poor boy Robert" said Ned.
Robert sent Olyvar Frey an amused glare.
"You heard the Hand, the King's too fat for his armour, go find the breast plate stretcher, now" said Robert loudly as Olyvar Frey quickly left the tent with the breast plate.
Ned chuckled and turned to Robert who was laughing.
"The breast plate stretcher?" said Ned amusedly.
"How long before he figures it out?" Robert still chuckling.
"Perhaps you should have one invented" said Ned amusedly.
"Alright enough of that, I'm still your king remember" said Robert amusedly.
He poured two glasses of wine and held one out towards Ned.
"Drink" said Robert flatly.
"No, I am not thirsty" said Ned.
"Drink, your King commands it" said Robert.
Ned sighed and took the glass from him before taking a sip.
Robert sighed as he sat down.
"Too fat for my armour, if only I would have made that fool get it resized the other day" said Robert flatly.
Ned sighed as he sipped his wine.
"You have no business jousting" said Ned.
"Piss on that I want to hit something, I might be a King now but I still now how to point a lance" said Robert.
"Leave it for the young men" said Ned.
"Young men… I'm still as good as any of them, and the last person in his saddle-" said Robert in slight annoyance.
"Will be you" said Ned cutting him off.
Robert looked at him in disbelief.
"There's not a man in the Seven Kingdoms… who would risk hurting you" said Ned solemnly.
Robert straightened up.
"Are you saying those cowards would let me win?" said Robert amusedly.
"Aye" said Ned.
Robert scowled and downed his wine before standing up.
"Come on, at least I can smell someone else's blood" said Robert walking towards the tent flaps.
"Robert" said Ned turning to face him.
"What?" said Robert gruffly.
Ned glanced down at his exposed gut.
Robert looked down.
"Oh" said Robert before laughing.
Ned chuckled and finished his wine before placing the glass on the table.
"A sight to behold… come, bow before your King, bow ya shits" said Robert amusedly.
Ned chuckled as Robert walked towards him to put his tunic on.
Four hours later…
Ned and Ashara sat with their children waiting for the final match of the joust to begin.
They clapped as Arthur made his way into the arena dressed head to toe in simple steel armour holding his lance and shield.
He had beaten several opponents today to reach the final joust including Jamie Lannister, Loras Tyrell, Robar Royce, Aerys Oakheart and numerous others.
Arthur looked right across the arena to where the Mountain was sat atop his horse facing him.
"I got you now you big ugly bastard" said Arthur.
He lowered his lance before the horn sounded a few moments later.
"Come on boy" said Arthur spurring his horse into a quick charge.
He struck the Mountains shield as he passed him almost knocking the big man off of his horse.
As the crowd made noises of approval Arthur got ready to charge again.
This time he slammed his lance into the Mountains chest causing him to fall from his horse onto the guard rail that separated both sides of the arena.
The crowd cheered as Arthur threw his lance to the floor.
"If only it were steel" thought Arthur glancing back at the Mountain who had risen to his feet and charged out of the arena without his helm or his horse.
Robert gruffly nodded at Arthur as one of the male servants handed him a crown of multi coloured roses on a red cushion.
"You may crown your chosen Queen Ser" said the Servant gracefully.
Arthur nodded and picked the crown up in one hand as he rode away from the Servant.
He rode along the stands before coming to a halt where Lyarra was sat in between Talia Forrester and Eddara Tallhart.
Lyarra smiled at him and turned slightly red with embarrassment as Arthur placed the crown on her head.
"My Lady… I crown you my Queen of Love and Beauty, in honour of your upcoming wedding to the Prince, may the Gods bless your marriage" said Arthur humbly.
Lyarra smiled.
"Thank you Good Ser" said Lyarra with a hint of nervousness.
Arthur nodded before slowly riding back towards his tent.
After a few minutes the crowds started to leave the stands as the tournament concluded.
Lyarra stood up and left the stands with Arya, Jeyne Poole, Talia Forrester and Eddara Tallhart by her side while Oswell Whent followed them.
"He crowned you his Queen, how exciting" said Talia Forrester.
"Its just a bunch of flowers" scoffed Arya.
"Its tradition Arya" said Jeyne Poole hotly.
"He is 40,000 Gold Dragons richer now, I guess that counts for something" said Arya flatly.
"I doubt he did it for the gold" said Lyarra flatly.
"What else would he have done it for?" said Jeyne Poole.
Lyarra sighed and glanced behind her to where Arthur had just caught up with them and was walking alongside Oswell Whent.
"Who knows, but he would have had his reasons" said Lyarra flatly as she turned back to the others.
They continued walking along the path.
Later that night…
"So… the Queen of Love and Beauty, very fitting" said Edric Baratheon.
Lyarra blushed slightly.
"I was a little surprised to be crowned, and the shock is still there" said Lyarra as she sipped her wine.
The two of them were sat at the head table as the feast was underway.
"Why are you so surprised, knights would have been queuing up to crown their future Queen, if only to curry favour with you" said Edric Baratheon.
Lyarra sighed.
"The shock of that is still there as well… that I will be Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, given my history" said Lyarra.
"I felt that same shock when my Father brought me here… given that I had never met him before, when he told me that my name was no longer Edric Storms, but Prince Edric Baratheon, I thought he was jesting at first" said Edric Baratheon.
Lyarra nodded.
"I am sure you will be a great king" said Lyarra softly placing her hand on his arm.
Edric Baratheon smiled and took her hand in his.
"And you will be an even better queen" said Edric Baratheon softly before kissing her.
Lyarra smiled.
The two sat there as they started to eat their food.
After they had finished their food half an hour later Catelyn stood up and called for quiet.
Once it was quiet she nodded for Lyanna Baratheon and Willas Tyrell to stand up from their respective seats.
"My Lords, My Ladies… while celebrating the victories achieved by the winners of the Hand's Tournament is a great call for celebration, there are other things that are to be celebrated" said Catelyn gracefully.
The entire hall watched in silent anticipation awaiting Catelyn's next words.
"The news of my Daughter's betrothal is great news to celebrate… so I want you all to raise a glass to my Daughter Lyanna of the House Baratheon, and to her future Husband Willas of the House Tyrell, the wedding will take place in eight moons time in the Great Sept Of Baelor, may the Seven bless them both" said Catelyn.
Lyarra clapped as did the rest of the hall while Willas Tyrell and Lyanna Baratheon took their seats once again.
"My Father does not look so pleased" said Edric Baratheon in surprise.
Lyarra glanced along the table to where Robert was sat with a scowl on his face and a glass of wine in his hand.
She quickly excused herself before standing up and walking along the table to where Lyanna Baratheon was sat with her Sister's, Willas Tyrell and Prince Quentyn.
"Congratulations Princess Lyanna, may the Gods bless you and Lord Tyrell with a long and happy marriage" said Lyarra courteously.
To her surprise Lyanna Baratheon simply nodded to her with a flat look.
"Thank you for such kind words… My Lady" said Willas Tyrell flatly.
Minisa locked eyes with Lyarra.
"It must feel strange, to be crowned a Queen of Love and Beauty… when not so long ago such a thing would never have happened to you" said Minisa icily.
Lyarra scowled.
"Who knows what would have happened Sister" said Lyarra flatly.
Minisa was shocked by the name she was called while Lyanna and Myrcella Baratheon scowled.
"Do not call me Sister… we are nothing of the sort" said Minisa icily.
"What gives you the right to call her Sister?" said Lyanna Baratheon icily.
Lyarra straightened up.
"We share the same Father, we are both Daughters of Brandon Stark" said Lyarra curtly.
"I was born a true born Daughter of Brandon Stark, you were born to a maid in White Harbour, you never knew him, only that he betrayed my Mother by lying with yours" said Minisa bitterly.
Lyarra sighed.
"Brandon Stark betrayed his Wife with many women, both before and after his wedding, it was just his way" said Lyarra flatly.
Minisa scowled.
"How dare you speak of him like that, you did not know him" said Minisa angrily.
"I knew him far better than you ever did" said Lyarra icily.
"And how would you know more about him than me?" said Minisa icily.
Lyarra straightened up.
"I was told all about all about him from my Uncle and his fellow Lords and Ladies in the North, stories about his youth among other things, what have you been told about him?" said Lyarra flatly.
"That he was a good man who loved me and my Mother, that he was strong, confident and handsome" said Minisa.
"So you know nothing about how he liked to drink with his fellow Lords until they were passed out drunk, that he lived for fighting and the pleasures of women, did you know any of that?" said Lyarra flatly.
"My Mother said he was faithful to her, apart from when he sired you" said Minisa bitterly.
"My Mother was not the only woman who caught his eye… there were many others, including a few noble women" said Lyarra flatly.
Minsa growled.
"Lies" growled Minisa.
Lyarra chuckled.
"Believe what you want to believe, you know little of our Father, I would be happy to tell you all about him over wine if you wish" said Lyarra.
"I do not need to hear you spout lies about my Father" said Minisa icily.
Lyarra sighed before turning around and walking back towards her own seat.
Two days later…
Ned was stood in front of Bran in the courtyard as Ashara knelt down and wrapped him tightly in a hug.
"Be safe Brandon" said Ashara softly as she pressed a kiss to his forehead.
"I will Mother" said Bran sounding a little embarrassed.
Ashara eventually let go of him after several moments.
Beric, Arya and Lyarra were stood next to Ned and Ashara while Arthur, Oswell Whent, Jory Cassel, and the rest of the girls were stood behind them.
Yohn Royce was stood a few feet behind Bran while his Son's and Nephew were all sat atop their horses next to a wheelhouse and wagon.
Bran looked up at Ned as said man placed his hand on Bran's shoulder looking down at him with a proud look.
"You comport yourself with dignity at the Vale, you are a Stark of Winterfell, so act like one, and no fighting" said Ned sternly.
Bran nodded.
"I will Father" said Bran bowing his head slightly.
Ned tilted Bran's chin up with one finger and locked eyes with him.
"But if you have to fight… win" said Ned proudly.
Bran nodded.
"I hope you are taking good care of it" said Ned sternly looking at the sword strapped to Bran's hip.
"Yes Father" said Bran.
He unsheathed part of it before Ned stopped him.
"That is not a toy remember, it must be looked after and handled with great care" said Ned solemnly.
"I understand Father" said Bran.
Ned nodded and wrapped his arms around Bran as he hugged his waist.
"Be sure to send ravens to me and your Mother, and to your Brothers and Sisters" said Ned solemnly.
Bran nodded and let go of his Father.
Ned smiled and watched as Bran mounted his horse with the help of Yohn Royce.
Yohn Royce then walked over to them.
"I expect we shall arrive at Winterfell in a moons turn" said Yohn Royce gruffly.
Ned nodded.
"My Son will be notified of your arrival once you leave Moat Cailin… and you are to escort Winterfell's new blacksmith with you… my men have sent for him and he will meet you outside of the city walls" said Ned.
Yohn Royce bowed his head as Ned handed a sealed scroll to him.
"We will be also meeting my Daughter and her Lord Husband Ser Mychel Redfort at Moat Cailin" said Yohn Royce.
"Safe travels Yohn" said Ned solemnly.
Yohn Royce nodded and walked over to the other Royce's as they got ready to leave.
Ashara moved to stand next to him giving Bran a small wave as he and the Royce's rode out of the courtyard five minutes later.
Winterfell 300 A.C
One moon later…
Jon, Margaery and Theon were stood in the courtyard watching as Yohn, Andar and Robar Royce led their convoy into the courtyard.
Maester Lewin, Ser Rodrik and the rest of their Staff and Guests were also in the courtyard.
Jon smiled when he saw Bran riding behind them alongside Albar Royce and Mychel Redfort as they guided a wheelhouse into the courtyard followed by a wagon.
Mychel Redfort was a 5'10 short man of 22 years of age with short wavy brown hair dressed in a brown leather tunic and breeches with a wolf fur lined cloak and a bastard sword and dagger strapped to his hip.
Once the convoy came to a halt in the courtyard Yohn Royce dismounted his horse and made his way towards Jon as Albar Royce and Ser Mychel Redfort walked over to the wheelhouse.
"Lord Royce, welcome to Winterfell" said Jon dutifully.
Yohn Royce shook his hand firmly.
"Chambers have been prepared for you My Lord" said Margaery.
Yohn Royce turned to her and nodded.
"Thank you My Lady… and my congratulations" said Yohn Royce gruffly.
Margaery smiled and curtsied to him as Albar Royce escorted Myranda Royce over to them followed by the now 21 year old Ysilla Redfort nee Royce, Mychel Redfort and Mya Stone.
Mya Stone was a tall comely woman at 25 years old with short wavy black hair and a soft featured face. She was dressed in fur lined tunics and breeches with a dagger strapped to her belt.
"My Lady" said Jon as Myranda Royce walked towards him followed by the other two Girls.
He bowed his head to her and kissed her knuckles.
"Lord Stark" said Myranda Royce warmly.
She curtsied to Margaery before turning to Theon and offering him a cheeky smile.
"My Lord" said Myranda Royce moving over to him.
Theon smirked.
"Lady Royce" said Theon taking her hand and kissing it.
"Perhaps you should show her to her chambers Theon" said Jon.
Theon smirked.
"Very well" said Theon.
Myranda Royce flashed him a cheeky smile and took his arm.
As Theon led her towards the castle Jon and Margaery greeted Mya Stone and the rest of the Royce's before Jon turned to look at Gendry who climbed down from the wagon looking around the courtyard.
"Who is that Lord Royce?" said Jon curiously.
Yohn Royce turned to look at Gendry and beckoned him over.
"Your Father sent him here to work in the forge" said Yohn Royce gruffly as he handed Jon a scroll.
Jon broke his Father's seal and unrolled it as Bran made his way towards Margaery who gave him a quick hug.
Jon
Lord Royce will be escorting your new smith Gendry Waters to Winterfell where he will work alongside Mikken. I have seen his work for myself and it is exceptional. You will provide him with chambers in the castle and ensure that he is paid for his work.
Your Father, Eddard Stark
Jon rolled the scroll up and turned to Gendry who bowed his head to him.
"Chambers will be prepared for you… Ser Rodrik will take you to the forge" said Jon.
"Yes Milord" said Gendry.
Jon nodded as he gave Bran a one armed hug.
"Ser Rodrik" said Jon.
Ser Rodrik walked towards Gendry and led him in the direction of the forge.
To his surprise Jon noticed Mya Stone looking at Gendry curiously as he left the courtyard.
"Jon" said Bran.
Jon looked down at him and ruffled his hair.
"Beric asked me to give you this… for his Daughter" said Bran pulling a wooden Direwolf out of his cloak pocket.
Jon took it and smiled.
"Your Brother was always good at stuff like this" said Jon amusedly.
He turned to the remaining Royce's.
"I will escort you to your chambers My Lord's, My Ladies" said Jon dutifully.
He and Margaery led the Royce's and Bran into the castle.
Once the Royce's were settled in their chambers Jon walked to the nursery while Margaery made her way towards Myranda Royce's chambers.
When he entered the nursery he spotted one of the Wet Nurses sat in a rocking chair feeding Leyla Snow.
The Wet Nurse turned to Jon and bowed her head.
"My Lord" said the Wet Nurse.
Jon nodded his head to her and walked over to her.
He held the wooden Direwolf out towards the Wet Nurse.
"A gift from her Father" said Jon softly.
The Wet Nurse smiled and took the Direwolf from him holding it out to Leyla who grasped it with her hands.
Jon smiled at his Niece before walking over to Torrhen's crib where his Son was sleeping soundly.
"Have him brought to his Mother when he wakes up" said Jon.
"Yes My Lord" said the Wet Nurse.
Six days later…
Jon and Robb were stood next to each other in the Godswood as Theon and Myranda Royce finished swearing their vows before the Heart Tree and Rickard Karstark.
Albar Royce was stood to the left of Myranda Royce having escorted her to the Heart Tree himself.
The rest of the Royce's were stood behind Jon and Robb along with Winterfell's staff and most of the other Northern Lords and Ladies.
Margaery, Bran and Lyra were stood next to Robb and Jon.
"Never thought I would see this day… Theon Greyjoy a married man" said Robb chuckling slightly.
Jon smirked.
"And to someone as beautiful as her… I wonder what her Father was thinking marrying her to an old Vale Lord" said Jon before he started to clap as Theon gave Myranda a fierce kiss.
The rest of the Godswood broke into a small applause before Theon and Myranda walked away from the Heart Tree arm in arm.
Two hours later…
"So… how long do you wish to remain here, before we go home?" said Myranda in a slightly teasing voice as she stroked her hand on his thigh.
Theon smirked and wrapped his arm around her hip lowering his hand to her rear.
"A few days at least, then we can go home… but Jon wants me back here to help him rule Winterfell in a week or so" said Theon.
Myranda leaned into his ear.
"Do you want to get out of here?" said Myranda huskily.
Theon squeezed her rear.
"Already?" said Theon amusedly.
Myranda smirked.
"What would you rather do, sit here and talk, or go to our chambers and do something better than talking?" said Myranda.
Theon smirked.
"Come on then" said Theon.
The two stood up and made their way towards the door behind the high table.
Suddenly Greatjon Umber stepped in front of it blocking their exit.
"Look here lads, little Greyjoy is trying to sneak his new wife off to their chambers" said Greatjon Umber mockingly.
"Boy cannot keep it in his breeches any longer it seems!" shouted Torrhen Karstark mockingly.
Theon scowled and moved to get past Greatjon Umber who blocked his path once again.
"All right lads… get them bedded, before he pokes a hole in his breeches!" shouted Greatjon Umber.
Suddenly the other Northerners rushed towards the new Greyjoy couple and hoisted Myranda up into the air stripping her of her clothes.
"Oy, get your fucking hands of those teats boy, or little Greyjoy will knock you out!" shouted Greatjon Umber as Jon cheekily grabbed one of Myranda's breasts.
He was not the only man who attempted to do so as several other men also did the same as they carried Myranda out of the hall followed by Theon who laughed as the Ladies tore at his clothes.
Three days later…
Jon walked into the forge where Mikken was stood talking to Gendry over one of the fire pits.
"Can you make these or not Boy?" said Mikken gruffly.
Gendry was holding onto a small steel arrowhead squinting one eye as he looked at it.
"Sure, I can make them, its not too difficult, as long as I have the steel" said Gendry.
"We have plenty of steel, and I need fifty by the end of the day, if you can manage that" said Mikken gruffly.
"I can" said Gendry.
Mikken nodded before turning to Jon and bowing his head.
"Lord Stark" said Mikken dutifully.
Jon nodded as Gendry turned to face him.
"Milord" said Gendry nervously.
Jon stepped towards him before he noticed the large war hammer lying on one of the tables.
"Who is that for?" said Jon nodding his head towards the war hammer.
"I made it for myself Milord" said Gendry.
Jon nodded.
"Show me" said Jon.
Gendry bowed his head before turning around and picking the war hammer up in one hand.
He handed it to Jon who held it in two hands.
"A bit heavy… but its very good… who taught you how to be a smith?" said Jon looking down at the war hammer with approval.
"Tobho Mott Milord" said Gendry.
"I know of Tobho Mott, they say his work is twice as costly as all of the other smiths in Kings Landing" said Mikken gruffly.
"That's because his work is twice as good" said Gendry quickly.
Jon nodded and handed the war hammer back to Gendry who took it.
"How are you with a sword?" said Jon.
"Not so good Milord, I prefer swinging a hammer instead" said Gendry modestly.
"Well you can learn how to swing a sword as well, an hour every afternoon starting tomorrow" said Jon.
Gendry was a little shocked before nodding.
"Thank you Milord" said Gendry bowing his head.
Jon nodded and left the forge.
As he walked towards the main keep Ser Rodrik made his way over to him along with Ethan Forrester.
"Lord Stark, we have captured a Deserter from the Nights Watch" said Ser Rodrik.
Jon froze up for a second before nodding.
"Very well, tell the others to saddle their horses" said Jon solemnly.
"You need not do this yourself this time… your Father would understand" said Ser Rodrik calmly.
Jon sighed.
"No, it is my duty to carry out" said Jon.
Ser Rodrik nodded and walked away from him.
Jon nodded to Ethan Forrester.
"Saddle your horse, and fetch Bran" said Jon.
Ethan Forrester bowed his head and walked away from Jon.
Half an hour later…
Jon was stood up in the clearing with Ser Rodrik and Ethan Forrester either side of him along with Ghost.
Robb, Theon, Bran with Summer beside him, the male Royce's, Mychel Redfort, Smalljon Umber, Eddard Karstark, Daryn Hornwood, Karl Cerwyn and Martyn Glover were stood a few feet away from them watching in silence.
They all stood in silence as two House Stark Guards dragged a young Deserter over to them.
Jon sighed as he realised the young sandy brown haired boy could not have been any older than 15.
He looked up at Jon with a scared look on his face.
"Please, let me go please" pleaded the Deserter with tears in his eyes.
Jon sighed and nodded to his Guards who forced the boy to his knees.
"What is your name?" said Jon flatly.
The Deserter sobbed.
"Jason, just Jason" sobbed the Deserter.
Jon nodded.
"If you have any last words Jason… now is the time" said Jon flatly.
The Deserter sobbed and lowered his head before the Guards forced him down onto the chopping block.
Jon sighed and turned to Ethan Forrester who was holding Ice in both hands.
He grabbed the handle and unsheathed the sword before lowering it to the ground and placing his chin on the pommel.
"In the name of Robert of the House Baratheon, King of the Andals, The Rhoyner and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm… I, Jon, of the House Stark, Lord Of Winterfell, and Acting Warden Of The North… sentence you to die" said Jon flatly.
He raised Ice in both hands and swiftly beheaded the Deserter.
He looked down at the Deserter's body for a few moments before turning to Ethan Forrester and taking the sheath from him.
As he sheathed Ice he felt Ser Rodrik place a hand on his shoulder.
"You did well Jon, the first is always the hardest" said Ser Rodrik.
Jon nodded.
"Your Father was the same" said Ser Rodrik before stepping away from him.
Jon walked over to his horse strapping Ice to it.
One hour later…
Margaery walked through the Godswood to where Jon was sat by a clear water pool slowly wiping the blood off of Ice with a cloth while Ghost was laid at his feet.
He turned to her with a solemn smile as she approached him.
"What was he like?" said Margaery softly.
Jon sighed.
"Young and frightened" said Jon flatly.
Margaery stepped closer to him.
"How young?" said Margaery.
"Too young, much too young" said Jon as he washed the cloth in the pool.
Margaery sighed.
"You are needed in the hall… to hear the petitions of the smallfolk" said Margaery.
Jon sighed and stood up as he cleaned the last of the blood off of Ice.
Margaery took his arm as they walked back through the Godswood followed by Ghost.