House Icefyre
Dragonstone – 299 A.L.
Later that night…
"Eyeing up a Princess, Jon… a bit too ambitious that" said Eddard Karstark teasingly.
He, Jon, Robb, Eldric Dustin, Jonothor Locke, Mors Umber, Gared Mormont and Cley Cerwyn were all sat around their table enjoying pints of ale or glasses of wine as they laughed and joked with each other.
Or in the case of most of the young men laughed at Jon who kept glancing over at Daenerys Targaryan who was laughing and talking with Prince Aemond Blessfyre and his younger Brother Ser Vaenar Blessfyre of the Kingsguard who tonight was not dressed in his Kingsguard armour having opted for a floor length Pentoshi robe like tunic instead.
Jon scowled and turned back to Eddard Karstark.
"I doubt she would be willing to be another one of your conquests Edd" said Jon snarkily taking a dig at Eddard Karstark's frequent bedding of whores and servants which was well known throughout Winterfell.
Eddard Karstark glared at him while the other young men laughed at his expense.
"And what… you think you can get her into your bed Stark, please… a Princess with a noble who holds no lands or castles" said Eddard Karstark mockingly.
Jon rolled his eyes.
"Scared Stark?" said Eddard Karstark amusedly.
"Scared of what Karstark… you?" said Jon sarcastically.
Eddard Karstark smirked.
"No" said Eddard Karstark amusedly.
He glanced over at Daenerys.
"Scared of making a fool of yourself in front of a pretty girl" said Eddard Karstark amusedly.
Jon sighed and took a swig of his ale before standing up.
"Where are you going?" said Eddard Karstark amusedly.
Jon rolled his eyes.
"To make a fool of myself in front of a pretty girl" said Jon lazily.
He made his way over to Daenerys taking a few deep breaths as he gathered his courage.
As he reached Daenerys she was still talking to the Blessfyre's and did not notice him.
Jon took a deep breath as King Rhaegar started to play his harp slowly filling the room with some slow light music that had several couples rising to their feet ready to dance.
"Would you like to dance with me?" said Jon confidently.
Daenerys slowly turned around to face him with a knowing smile on her face as Jon placed his mug of ale on the table beside her.
She took his hand and placed her own wine glass on the table next to his ale.
Jon led her away from the table towards the small makeshift dance floor.
Daenerys managed a small smile with slightly red cheeks as the two locked eyes and started to dance together blending in with the other couples.
Half an hour later…
As Jon and Daenerys separated after another dance Jon let out a small sigh as he saw Catelyn walking towards him with a frosty look on her face.
Daenerys noticed his sigh and looked slightly concerned.
"What is wrong?" said Daenerys.
"I am afraid I might have to leave you for the night" said Jon solemnly.
He turned to Catelyn and bowed his head slightly.
"Your Grace" said Jon dutifully.
Catelyn straightened up as she glanced at Daenerys for a moment before focusing her frosty gaze on Jon.
"Arya and some of the others are tired… escort them back to their chambers and stand guard until myself and the King have returned after the feast" said Catelyn icily.
Daenerys was shocked and placed her hand on his arm secretly hoping that Jon would say no to his Queen and stay with her.
Jon sighed.
"Very well Your Grace" said Jon flatly.
Jon turned to a slightly annoyed Daenerys as Catelyn swiftly walked away from them with a triumphant smile on her face.
"I'm sorry… but I have to go" said Jon regretfully as he picked his ale up and finished it with a slightly bitter look.
"You should have just said no to her" said Daenerys icily.
Jon frowned.
"I wish I could have done that, truly I do… but she is still my Queen, and I have to obey her commands" said Jon regretfully.
Daenerys frowned and traced her hand down his arm.
"I will be there in twenty minutes… perhaps you should put all of them into one room so we can finish our conversation over some wine… and you need not be standing outside in an empty hallway full of boredom" said Daenerys sternly.
Jon feeling a little stunned at her idea managed a grateful smile.
"You do not have to do that… I do not mind if you want to spend the rest of your time here at the feast instead of looking after young children with me" said Jon kindly.
Daenerys sent him a look of mock hurt.
"If I had no desire to converse with you over a few glasses of wine… then I would not offer to keep you company… so go, get some wine, and I will see you in twenty minutes" said Daenerys sternly.
Jon smiled and bowed his head to her before walking away from her picking up a pitcher of wine on his way back to his table to collect his Cousins.
Twenty minutes later…
Jon filled two glasses of wine waiting for Daenerys to arrive feeling glad that Arya, Bran, Melaro and Edric had finally gone to sleep.
He glanced at Edic and Brandon who were occupying a single bed apiece while Arya and Melaro were sharing the double bed.
As he checked that they were definitely asleep there was a gentle knock at the door.
He walked over to the door and opened it to find Daenerys stood outside with Ser Aerion Fyre behind her.
"Come in Princess" said Jon softly as he stepped aside holding the door open for her.
Daenerys smiled before glancing back at her Kingsguard.
"Wait outside" said Daenerys sternly.
Ser Aerion Fyre bowed his head and took up position next to the door.
Daenerys shut the door and walked towards the table where Jon handed her a glass of wine.
She took a sip before sitting down at the table.
"I believe you were telling me about what people get up to at northern tourneys… on the rare occasion that they actually happen" said Daenerys keeping her curious gaze on Jon who sat down opposite her with his own glass of wine.
Jon leaned forwards slightly as he took a sip of his own wine.
"Yes… if we are lucky we would hold small tourneys at Winterfell, White Harbour or Barrowton during the harvest feast each year" said Jon as he resumed his previously interrupted conversation with Daenerys.
One hour later…
Ned and Catelyn were walking arm in arm back along the hallway towards the two rooms assigned to them.
The other Starks and Northerners were still at the feast wishing to remain there until it was over.
As they rounded the corner to where their chambers were located Catelyn froze slightly.
"Where is he… he is supposed to be guarding our chambers" said Catelyn icily.
Jon was obviously still inside the chambers while Ser Aerion Fyre was still standing guard outside the chambers containing Jon, Daenerys and the sleeping younger Starks.
"Probably inside with his Cousins… tell me you did not make him stand outside on guard" said Ned with a weary sigh.
"I was just thinking about the safety of our children… and our Niece and Nephew" said Catelyn.
"Yet you did not ask the Wolfsguard… it is their responsibility, not Jon's" said Ned flatly.
Catelyn turned to Ned with a flat look on her face.
"Jon is Robb's sworn shield… what was the harm in him guarding the others for one night?" said Catelyn.
Ned managed to suppress his growl.
"Yes he is Robb's sworn shield… even though you do not like it, you still see fit to make him miss the rest of the feast to guard our younger children instead of instructing the Wolfsguard to do so… we will be speaking about this tomorrow" said Ned icily as they reached the door guarded by Ser Aerion Fyre.
The Kingsguard bowed his head to them.
"Your Graces" said Aerion Fyre dutifully as he opened the door for them.
Ned nodded his head to him before he and Catelyn walked inside to find Jon and Daenerys laughing at the table with glasses of wine in their hands and a now half empty pitcher on the table.
After a few seconds Jon turned his gaze to them and bowed his head.
"Uncle" said Jon dutifully.
"Your Grace" said Daenerys softly.
Out of the corner of his eye Jon saw Catelyn twitch slightly at his decision to call Ned "Uncle" instead of "Your Grace" knowing he had irked her in doing so.
"Jon… I think the Princess should leave now… and you can go back to the feast if you want" said Ned.
"But the feast will be ending shortly Ned… and he needs to rest if he is to compete in the joust tomorrow" said Catelyn with a hint of edginess in her voice.
Ned sighed as Daenerys cleared her throat.
"Actually Your Grace… the feast will not be over for another hour at least… our King likes to host his feasts and dances long into the night" said Daenerys stiffly.
She turned to Jon.
"Goodnight Jon" said Daenerys softly before she turned to Ned and Catelyn bidding both of them farewell.
She walked past them and out of the door.
Ned turned to Catelyn.
"Take the girls back to your chambers… Jon, you can go back to the feast if you want" said Ned flatly.
As Jon walked towards the door without another Ned sighed.
"I meant what I said earlier… our discussion will be continued in the morning… goodnight" said Ned sternly.
Catelyn frowned as Jon walked out of the door before leaving herself moments later.
Five minutes later…
Jon sat down at the Stark's table where Sansa was sat on her own with a slightly disappointed look on her face.
Where Robb and Minisa or any of the others were was not known to Jon.
"Are you alright Sansa?" said Jon sounding concerned.
Sansa turned to him with a flat look on her face.
"Nothing you need concern yourself with" said Sansa icily.
Jon sighed.
"Of course it is something I need concern myself with… you and I are family… as such it is my duty to look after you" said Jon flatly as he poured himself a small glass of wine.
Sansa straightened up.
"And I said it is nothing you need concern yourself with… so respect your place and leave me alone" said Sansa icily.
"Respect my place… and what do you see as my place Sansa?" said Jon flatly.
Sansa glared at him.
"You know exactly what your place is… you do not get to ignore or refuse me if I tell you to leave me be… remember I am a Princess of House Stark, you are just a simple Noble born to a disinherited man, that means you do as I say" said Sansa icily.
Jon inwardly seethed.
"And you ought to mind your manners Sansa… I doubt very much that your Father-" said Jon bitterly.
"You should address him as your King" said Sansa with an icy voice as she quickly cut him off.
Jon ignored her.
"That your Father would not appreciate hearing you speak about my late Father like that… no matter what filth your Mother speaks about him and my Mother" said Jon angrily.
Sansa reeled back slightly.
"You have done it now… I will tell Mother that you insulted her, and she can send you back north where you belong" said Sansa angrily.
"Go ahead… see if I care" said Jon disinterestedly.
Sansa did not move.
"Realised that what you said was out of order… if you apologise now it will go no further than this table" said Jon flatly.
Sansa ignored him and stood up before walking back into the crowd presumably to find Minisa or a dance partner.
Jon sighed and refilled his wine before spotting Robb sat with Prince Gendry Durrandon.
He stood up and made his way over to them with his wine in hand.
The next day…
Jon tightened the straps on the arm plates of his armour as Paladin Ryswell fastened the ties on the back of his breast plate making sure it was properly fastened and secured.
The two were stood in one of the changing tents located near the tournament arena for use of the jousting contestants so they could change into their armour for their jousts.
Once Jon's breast plate was secured Paladin Ryswell helped him get his tunic on before fastening his leg plates on.
Once Paladin Ryswell had finished fastening Jon's armour he stepped back from him looking him up and down.
"Ready?" said Paladin Ryswell.
Jon nodded as Paladin Ryswell picked up Jon's Direwolf head helm.
As Paladin Ryswell walked towards the tent entrance Jon traced his hand over his wrist where he had tied the favour Daenerys had given to him.
Jon followed him out of the tent towards where one of the Stark Guards was stood holding onto the reins of Jon's horse.
Jon quickly mounted his horse before Paladin Ryswell handed his helm to him as another Stark Guard made his way over to them holding onto a rectangular shield designed to fit on Jon's arm as well as a large black wooden lance.
Once Jon fastened the shield to his left arm and placed his helm on with the visor down the Guard handed the lance to him.
A few minutes later…
Jon rode into the long jousting arena where he saw the stands were completely full of nobles and other important people while all of the private sections of the stands were full of the Royals from all Eight Royal Kingdoms as well as some of the Targaryan's principle bannermen.
The jousting arena was a long stretching from one end of the stands to the other with a wooden fence in the middle of the track dividing it into two paths, one for each jouster.
He spotted his family sat in their private section watching him eagerly before he turned his gaze back in front of him as he reached his starting point of the arena.
He sat on his horse waiting patiently as his opponent rode towards the opposite end of the arena.
Judging by his cheap steel armour it was obvious to Jon that he was up against some sort of Hedge Knight from one of the southern Kingdoms.
After several seconds King Rhaegar stood up in his private section and took a few steps forwards so he could be seen by everyone in the arena.
"Welcome… today marks the first day of our illustrious tournament with a grand prize of a Valyrian Steel sword for the winner" said Rhaegar.
He waited a few seconds for the noise to die down.
"And now for our first joust of the day" said Rhaegar as a young black haired man dressed in a floor length tunic walked forwards.
The Man cleared his throat.
"The first joust of the first round will involve the Hedge Knight Ser Wayne from the Riverlands competing against Jon Stark of the North!" shouted the Man clearly.
Jon readied himself and waited for the joust to start.
Another young Man who was stood next to the Announcer raised a horn to his lips and blew into it.
As the horn sounded Jon spurred his horse forwards putting a great deal of effort into keeping hold of his lance.
As he approached his opponent who was aiming his lance in Jon's direction looking to score an early hit Jon angled his joust towards his opponents shield before bracing himself on his horse.
There were cheers and applause around the crowd as Jon felt his lance make impact with his opponents shield though neither man was knocked from his horse.
Jon and the Hedge Knight had two more runs before the Hedge Knight fell backwards from the horse when Jon broke his lance knocking the Hedge Knight to the ground.
Jon rode back towards his end of the arena before dropping his broken lance to the ground.
"And Jon Stark has beaten Ser Wayne to win his first joust" said the Announcer.
Jon rode out of the arena to where some of the Stark Guards were stood so he could wait for his next joust.
As one of the Guards took hold of the reins of his horse he raised the visor on his helm.
"Our next joust will be The Sword Of The Morning, Ser Arthur Dayne of the Nymeros Guard competing against Ser Duncan The Not So Tall of House Targaryan's Kingsguard!" shouted the Announcer.
Jon watched as the Commander of the Nymeros Guard rode into the arena atop a sand coloured Dornish Sand Steed.
Ser Arthur Dayne who was the older Brother of Princess Ashara Martell nee Dayne was 42 years of age and stood at 6'4 tall dressed head to toe in shiny grey steel full plate armour.
His opponent Ser Duncan The Not So Tall was 43 years old and stood at an imposing 6'7 tall dressed in his black and red Kingsguard armour where the bottom of his long black hair could be seen sticking out of the bottom of his helm.
Once the horn sounded both Men shot towards each other with their lances at the ready.
Two runs took place where Ser Arthur unseated Ser Duncan on the second run to the cheers of the crowd before the famed Knight rode out of the arena.
Several more jousts took place featuring a variety of contestants ranging from simple Hedge Knights or Guards to Nobles, Kingsguard and even Royals including Prince Aegon Targaryan, Lyanna, Prince Oberyn Martell, Ser Barristan Selmy, Ser Martynn Hightower from the Reach, Ser Robar Royce of the Vale Mountain Guard, and Prince Jamie Lannister.
Robert even made an appearance in the joust though he had obviously had a few glasses of wine before his joust as he was knocked from his horse in his first tilt by Ser Lyman Darry of Castle Darry in the Riverlands.
As they approached the final few matches of the first round of jousting Robb made his way into the arena dressed in near identical armour to Jon but his was dark grey in colour as opposed to Jon's white. Unlike Jon who was wearing an ankle length tunic Robb had brown leather fitted onto his chest and waist armour instead.
"Next up will be Prince Robb Stark of Winterfell competing against Ser Wylis Manderly of House Stark's Kingsguard!" shouted the Announcer.
Jon scowled slightly as Robb rode towards the private Targaryan stand while the Northerners including the Starks had frosty or angry looks on their faces.
Robb stopped his horse in front of the stand and raised his dark grey Direwolf head visor which unlike Jon's was calm instead of snarling.
"You have mispronounced my opponents title… it is Paladin Manderly, not Ser Manderly… and he serves on the Wolfsguard not Kingsguard" said Robb frostily.
The Announcer gulped and turned to face King Rhaegar who was sat next to Queen Bethany with a glass of wine in his hand.
"Do it correctly" said Rhaegar sternly.
The Announcer bowed his head and walked back to the front of the private stand to correct himself.
"Apologies… Prince Robb Stark of Winterfell will be competing against… Paladin Wylis Manderly of the Wolfsguard!" shouted the Announcer.
Jon focused his gaze on Robb who took all of two tilts to unhorse Paladin Manderly.
"And the winner is Prince Robb Stark of Winterfell!" shouted the Announcer.
Jon joined in on the applause most of which came from the Northerners as Robb rode out of the arena towards him.
"Just hope you are not facing me in the next round" said Jon amusedly as Robb raised his visor.
Robb jokingly punched him in the arm.
"Yeah yeah… do not get too cocky, I unseated my opponent quicker than you did yours" said Robb amusedly as the two watched two Hedge Knights face off against each other.
One hour later…
Jon rode into the arena holding his lance as he prepared for his second and final joust of the day with the jousting set to resume the day after tomorrow with the melee and archery competitions taking place tomorrow.
"Jon Stark of the North will now compete against Lord Joffrey Lefford of the Golden Tooth!" shouted the Announcer.
Jon looked down the arena and saw the red and black armoured 15 year old, short, Lord Joffrey Lefford who had been lucky to get past the first round after nearly losing two tilts before surprisingly managing to unseat his opponent.
Jon waited for the horn to sound before charging his horse forwards eager to catch the young Lord out as quickly as possible.
As he approached Joffrey Lefford, Jon raised himself up slightly before thrusting his lance hard into Joffrey Lefford's shield with as much force as he could muster.
So much force that he snapped his lance in two as Joffrey Lefford was hurtled from his horse at speed landing on the ground with a heap and a cry of pain and frustration.
Jon threw his broken lance to the floor as the stands erupted in applause and cheers while a few Lannister Guards ran over to Joffrey Lefford who slowly got to his feet, removed his helm and limped out of the arena feeling humiliated.
"The winner of this tilt is Jon Stark of the North!" shouted the Announcer as Jon rode out of the arena towards where Robb was still waiting with Paladin Ryswell and some of the Stark Guards.
Robb chuckled and gave Jon a fist bump.
"I bet that felt utterly satisfying unseating that lucky little shit" said Robb amusedly.
Jon chuckled as they continued to watch the joust.
"He was lucky to get through the first round… looks like luck was not on his side this time" said Jon amusedly.
Once the second round had finished over an hour later Jon and Robb went back to the castle with the rest of the Starks.
Two nights later…
Jon finished his mug of ale before refilling it as he celebrated a very successful day of jousting which saw him and Robb beat several opponents as they sailed through the joust where Robb had even beaten Lyanna in the final round of the day while Jon had defeated Minisa's betrothed Ser Horas Redwyne which had disappointed his Cousin.
The final three rounds of the joust would be taking place tomorrow with Jon and Robb being two of the sixteen remaining opponents.
Tonight was Prince Aegon's nineteenth Name Day feast with the entire castle celebrating it in great fashion.
As Jon took another swig of his ale he heard a familiar voice behind him.
"For someone who has never jousted before coming here… you certainly impressed many people in these last few days"
Jon turned around and smiled upon seeing Daenerys stood watching him with a soft smile on her face.
"People always said I am a good rider which certainly helps" said Jon softly as he took a swig of his ale.
"Maybe my favour brought you some luck" said Daenerys teasingly.
Jon chuckled.
"Maybe it did" said Jon.
Daenerys smirked at him before taking his hand and started to pull him towards the dance floor.
Jon placed his mug of ale on the table before allowing her to lead him onto the dance floor.
He took her hands before she moved close to him placing her head on his shoulder as his heart raced and warmth spread through his body.
"Dance with me" said Daenerys softly as she squeezed his hand.
The two spent the next ten minutes dancing before Jon caught sight of something across the dance floor that made him sigh.
Catelyn was looking at him with a bitter look on her face as though she was mentally telling him "How dare you associate with a Princess far above your low station".
He did not even realise Daenerys had noticed either.
"Just ignore her" said Daenerys softly and quietly as he danced close to her in tune with the slow music.
Jon glanced at her.
"Pay her no mind… not while you are with me" said Daenerys raising her head to lock eyes with him.
Jon frowned.
"She will do something to get my attention before too long" said Jon regretfully.
Daenerys sighed and placed a gentle kiss on his cheek which felt like fire against his skin.
"Come with me" said Daenerys softly.
"To where" said Jon.
Daenerys smiled.
"I know somewhere we can talk in peace" said Daenerys softly.
Jon smiled and kept hold of her hand as she pulled him off of the dance floor towards the open doors.
As they left the hall they were followed by Ser Aerion Fyre who was a short distance behind them as Daenerys pulled him along the hallway.