Late at Night
"Come on, we are almost there"
"But It's still early to go to bed"
"It's almost morning, and everyone Is going to bed"
"No they are not!"
"Yes they are!"
"Just one moreee drink"
"You're already had your fill, and It's time for you to go to bed" Said Ratchet with annoyance. As he had to drag the drunk Manderly to the halls of the Castle, and straight to his room.
"I-I can still hear music In my ears" Said Ser Marlon as he would try and free himself from Ratchet's hold of him.
"You must be hearing things" "N-No I can still hear It" "That's just the sound of snoring" Ratchet said to his drunk of a companion.
After the royal family had settled to their table. The King raised his class, and made a toast to Ratchet, which was followed with the cheering of the crowd. As the celebration continued, so did the large consumption of alcohol. From what he could remember, humans Intended to drink huge amounts of Wine, Rum, Mead, Beer, and all kinds of Alcoholic beverages that were produced from various places.
He had more the once tried and see for himself, as to what kind of taste they had. It was a huge error of him to do It, as the taste was strong, perhaps even stronger than energon, and It definitely had an Impact to his brain module.
He could certainly picture some of the Autobots trying that stuff, most would have the same expression as he had. But for others, who could endure even the most toxic of drinks, could take a liking to It.
Hound would be one of them. As he had never failed to do his utmost duty to serve the cause of getting drunk. Brawn would be the second, as he had never shown any kind of distaste to any liquor he had tried. Especially when It was made by Maccadam himself. The old bot had certainly had his secrets, but when It came to making the perfect drink, he knew his stuff.
As he sigh, he recalled one last Individual that he had long forgotten. An Individual that knew how to kill even the toughest Decepticons, and even the most cruelest ones. He had long knowledge of warfare, and knew the best advice to give to the inexperienced ones.
Wishing he could hear one last *Cough* *Cough* "Uhhh beeeed" Mumbled Marlon as he slowly went down to his knees. Now he had seen In first hand the effect It had, and the consequences as well. As he had now the responsibility of taking care of a full grown up baby of a Knight.
"Come along Ser Knight"
"It's Sssss-Ser M-Manderly t-to you Giant"
"Yes Yes"
As Ratchet struggled to hold him up, he had no other choice but to pick him up over his left shoulder. Making sure not to hit the man with his shoulder cannon, and continued towards their destination, hoping that the Night would end In harmony.
"H-Hey I-I am no cattle"
"No" Said Ratchet as he grew tired of the conversation "But It Is a lot faster. Now be quiet as we near our chambers"
…
As he heard the clicking sound of the door opening, he couldn't resist but feel the urge of relief when he had finally put that drunk of a merman to his bed. As he stepped into his room, the first thing that hit him was the Intense smell of perfume. Not that It bothered him, but he couldn't help but wonder as to why people would use that kind of aroma.
As he scanned further In, he saw In the far left corner a huge double sized bed, with white pillows, blankets, and a huge canopy mixed with the colors of gold, black, and red. To each side of the bed there were two small wooden desks, with candles on top of them, and two huge glass mirrors. To the right side he saw a bookshelf with various books, scrolls, and maps. Beside It there was a wooden chest, supposedly to put his stuff. But he didn't trust to leave his items there, as they could be stolen from him any time he was gone. As he continued to scan the chamber, he noticed the columns that led to a balcony, and In the middle of the room there was a single round table, with three chairs, a bowl with different varieties of fruits, a mug of wine, and a piece of paper with a quill, and an Ink pot.
As he closed the door behind him, he walked straight to the round table, avoiding looking at the mug of wine. Instead, he looked straight at the piece of paper that was left there, and the handwriting that said.
"Dear Doctor, I hope you find this room to your liking as It has the best view In the castle. If It Is not to your liking, I will Immediately send the servant boy that told you about your rooms to change them. Since It Is the duty of a King to make sure that his guests are as comfortable as possible. As such I welcome you once more to King's Landing, and that your stay with us will be as exquisite as ever.
Yours Faithfully A. T."
Ratchet was troubled at how quickly the events had escalated. From being a mere Doctor to the service of the Starks, he was now a Knight to the eyes of everyone In the hall continent. But what troubled him more was the small tension between the King, and his son, Rhaegar.
He shook his head, as he tried not to dwindle to that matter anymore, and made his way outside. To see If what the King said was true. The room he was given was located on the tallest of floors, and had access to the most astonishing view ever.
He saw everything from where he stood. From the right side, he saw the remains of Dragonpit standing high above on Rhaeny's Hill. Once a great keep for all kinds of Dragons to stay In. Now It was nothing but ruins, and a dark place where few would ever visit. Below the hill, was one of the poorest towns In King's Landing, Flea Bottom. Where poverty, famine, and all sorts of crimes happen, even In broad daylight. To the left side, the Great Sept of Baelor stood on Visenya's Hill, and where the Faith of the Seven were worshiped. He never was a religious bot, and he never would be. As he knew from experience how religion can sometimes twist both the mind, and the heart of a person. How to listen to the words of a robed man, rather than calculating himself the logic of science.
As he snapped back to admiring the view, he saw the Hook down below him, The Fishmonger's square, the Street of Steel, the Cobbler's square, the Lion's gate, the King's gate, and many more. All places where people lived, and where the number of citizens could reach half a million. As he continued to gaze to the far distance, his eyes narrowed when detecting the sites of construction going on to the far corners of River Row.
He made a note to himself to ask the King about It, though he knew what the answer was. As he looked up to the sky, he saw the stars shine once more, and as he stretched his arms. He allowed himself to take the pleasure of a heavy, but soothing breath. But It was met with the worst outcome.
"BY THE M-MOTHERBOARD. WHAT IS THAT STENCH!" He gagged as he tried to resist breathing from his nose, and rushed Inside from the horrors of the smell. Now he knew as to why people used the perfume, and as to the reason why many have said "To never breathe from your nose, even from being five miles away from the capital".
"By Primus, t-that stench could even kill the largest hordes of Scraplets" He said with a heavy tone. As he tried to compose himself from that dreadful horror of a smell that came from the old sewers.
He stood up, rubbed his temples, and made his way to his large double sized bed. Looking at It, he saw how the sheets were calling his name, and how comfortable they were. As he set his shoulder cannon beside his backpack towards the right side of his desk. He grabbed his blaster from his holder, and threw It to one of the pillows of the bed. With a swift move he fell to the comfort of the fluffy cloud that was begging him to fall fast asleep.
His eyes started to close, and his brain optics started to drift Into the land of dreams. But as he got closer to his goal.
"BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ"
"BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ"
"BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ"
Ratchet heard a loud buzzing noise coming from somewhere. At first, he thought It was just a mere fly going around him, buzzing like a small helicopter trying to annoy him. But he wasn't going to give It the satisfaction of accomplishing Its goal, as he continued to drift Into the land of dreams.
…
"BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ" The buzzing sound was getting louder, and this time It not only shook him, but the entire bed was moving.
...
"BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ" His eyes shot open, his blaster at hand, and his perimeter scanned for the little Intruder that dared to wake him up. As he tried to find the source of the Insect that was making his energon boil within him, he listened carefully.
"BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ" For a moment he thought that he had found the source of the buzzing near the wall. But as he looked, there was nothing there.
"BZZZZ-" He realized that the buzzing was not made from any kind of Insect. But rather the sound of an Incoming call.
As he checked his arm screen, he saw that the caller's name was "Old Wolf"
He had forgotten to call the Starks, he swiftly pressed the accept button, and said.
"Lord Stark".
"D-Doctor c-can you hear me" He could never mistake the hard voice from any other person In Westeros.
"Yes my Lord, I can"
"Ah, good. I still am getting used to that device" Lord Stark said with a low chuckle.
"What brings this call so-" He paused as he checked the hour "Early In the morning"
"I apologize If I am Intruding during your sleep Ratchet"
'You have no Idea' He thought.
"However, due being concerned, and of that of my family, and of Lady Manderly's concern as well" He cracked a smile.
"I had to check as to how the matters are going with his Grace, the King" He exhaled, and thought 'Here goes nothing'.
Ratchet told him everything from the moment he had arrived, from the moment he was knighted, and the celebration that was held In honor of him. To his revelation, the man took It well from hearing the recent events that had happened.
"I am not surprised by the bit" He had a small hunch that the Old Wolf had predicted the outcome. The man was shrewd, he had to give him that.
"I suspected as much" Said the Doctor as he heard another chuckle "You can't blame me Doc, or should I call you Ser Ratchet from now on" He could feel the man's smirk from miles away.
"No, my Lord that won't be necessary".
"From this moment It will be my good Ser. As of now you are In the service of not just the North. But perhaps the hall Seven Kingdoms. You have now a greater responsibility"
"I haven't agreed to serve the hall realm, but only In the Interest of House Stark"
"And of that you have my eternal gratitude, and of that of the North. But Ratchet" Lord Stark's voice turned serious.
"You are now bound to the Crown, and of that of the King. And let me remind you, that the Targaryen's do not take kindly to those who besmirch their name, or gifts".
He rubbed his temples again, as he could feel a headache coming on It's way.
"I am certain that the King would see reason that my attentions are to remain In natural ground"
"I am sorry Doc, but that boat sailed a long time ago since the moment you have aided us. Rumors about your deeds come like thunder In a storm, even now there bards singing about the events that took place In White Harbor. Not only will you become famous throughout Westeros, but your Legacy will be evenly matched as the same as Aemon the DragonKnight, or Symeon Star-Eyes. The people will look upon you when Kings, and Lords have failed to do their duties to the Realm".
The Headache had come, but at the same time, a large weight had landed on his shoulders. He fell to the bed, eyes exhausted, his spark ready to be blown to pieces, and his mind running a thousand thoughts on how to face such a responsibility. But he couldn't, not a single thought could save him from Interfering with the Crown, or that of another war. As he closed his eyes, he saw nothing but darkness In them. And as he was about to tell Lord Stark that he would find a way out of this mess. A certain encounter with a bartender had come rushing In, as his eyes were shot open.
"In due course, there will come a time, where you'll be tested, and you must show courage, there will come a time where you will find yourself guilty of charge. Though proven innocent, you must show compassion to the work you're doing, and there will come a time, where you have to face the greatest challenge the universe has ever put, and where the tide of war, will change forever".
The Dream he had with Maccadam, and the realization as to what the Old Bot had told him. He needed courage, and he will not fail In doing his duty as a Doctor.
"Then I shall not disappoint the King" He said as a new wave of energy came running through him.
"I was certain that you would not" Ratchet rolled his eyes, as he heard the Old Wolf's laughter.
"I suppose that I shouldn't be surprised about that either, huh Rickard" He said with a slight hint of sarcasm.
"As I said before, you can't blame me" They both burst Into laughter as they never have done so before.
"That reminds me, how is Winterfell my Lord, how Is Lyanna, Benjen, Ser Rodrik, and Lady Donella doing these days".
"..." Silence had fallen over, as he didn't expect Lord Rickard to remain silent.
"I...am not In Winterfell at this very moment. I am currently In Riverrun" He didn't expect to hear that. As he had thought that he would have returned to Wintefell. Especially after the Duskendale accident.
"You...joined Brandon to Riverrun" He asked.
"Yes, as a matter of fact I am a guest as well. Since we had delayed Brandon's arrival to the Tully's. I had to personally apologize to them for the long wait. As such I am currently trying to sober up from a feast that was taken not a moment ago" He laughed.
'Really…' He thought.
"But...there Is another reason why I called this early In the Morning"
"Did something happen" He asked his voice concerned "Is Brandon alright"
"Nay the boy's fine, he just went asleep about an hour ago, probably dreaming about riding along th-" He never was able to finish his hall sentence. As the familiar sound of "BZZZZZ" was heard from his screen. As he looked at the Incoming call, his expression changed to that of a large grin. As he saw the name on the screen that said "Wild Wolf".
As he pressed the accept button, he heard "Doctor!" yelled the newcomer "Are you there".
...
"BRANDON!" Lord Stark shouted. He could swear that he heard the slight mumble of "Shit" at the back corner.
"Heyyy...Daa" Said Brandon with a nervous chuckle.
"What are you doing this early In the Morning. Aren't you supposed to be In bed young man!" The high pinched voice of Lord Stark boomed throughout the In the meantime Ratchet had forgotten about everything concerning life, and death. Only his Immense joy, and laughter was heard.
"I-I...was...calling Ratchet to say hi" Brandon said, trying to remain stern.
"At this hour"
"Well...yes"
"Brandon, you could always call him Later In the day"
"But Fat-"
"But nothing, go to bed this very Instant. This Is not the kind of behavior for a future Liege Lord. You have the responsibility to be properly behaved, just like Ned would. He would be In bed, and would-" "BZZZZZZZ". Incoming call "Silent Wolf" accepted.
"Doctor" said the low voice of Eddard.
"NED!" shouted his father, while Brandon laughed.
...
"Hiii Da"
"Son what are you doing this early In morning"
"...Calling the Doctor"
"You too"
"Y-Yes"
If his laughter had been any kind of an Insult, It didn't matter as their Interaction was solemnly between them. As If they forgotten that he too was In the call.
"I called to see how Ratchet fares father, and I also-" Ned was about to say something, but he never got to finish as his father's voice cut In.
"Do you boys have no decency on sleeping at the appropriate time"
"Yes we do father, but that's not Important as-" Brandon spoke only to be cut again.
"Not Important!" Lord Stark yelled "You are still children, and you must have a full time sleep before venturing to your daily duties. By the gods I thank them for at least my younger children are known to sleep at the appropri-" "BZZZZZZ" Incoming call "Troublemaker Wolf Pup 2" accepted.
"Doctor!" Shouted the voice of little Benjen "Shhhhh, Benjen you're going to wake up someone, and If Ser Rodrik, and Lady Donella find out that-".
"Oh believe me young Lady, that Is the least of your concern"
...
"Hiii fatheeer" Both of them said In union.
"I demand that all four of you go to bed, THIS VERY INSTANT!"
"But Faaattthhheeeeerrr~" All four of them whined.
Their Discussion continued as every Stark was now present at the call, and he didn't feel the slightest bother. In fact he felt happy that these people had considered him as a member of their pack. The Starks were truly honorable beyond belief, and If anyone was to say otherwise. Then they should hide under a rock, as he would bash them to the afterlife.
"Enough!" Lord Stark yelled.
"Father, you have to tell him" Said Brandon as he got his attention.
"Tell me what?" He asked.
"Tell him about-" "Enough!" His father shouted for a second, only to be followed by the small groaning sound he made.
"Lord… Walder Frey wishes an audience with us, as well as with you too Ser Ratchet" Said the Old Wolf.
"F-Father" Spoke Ned "Did you call the Doctor, Ser?" "Yes I did" "B-But-" "I was anointed to Knighthood by King Aerys Targaryen Himself" I announced.
'1...2...3'
"YOU BECAME A KNIGHT!" Little Benjen shouted as every person In the call had to cover their ears.
"Indeed I am" Ratchet said with pride.
"I thought you hated being called, Ser" Mocked Brandon.
"W-Well I did, but now I-" "I am sorry, but am I the only one that Is suspicious of what the Old Troll of a Frey wants with us?" Said Lyanna, as he heard the sound of snickering coming from everyone, even the slight sound of chuckle coming from her father.
"I believe I do" Lord Richard began "I had a suspicion that he would notice sooner or later of the absence of a Northern host, not coming to his bridge. As such I expect he will want to talk about that".
"Are you going Father?" Asked Ned.
"Yes, on which I and Ser Ratchet will personally see to It"
"Father, what about me?" Asked Brandon.
"You shall remain here, as we will not show any kind of disrespect to your future wife. Am I understood" He heard the muffling sound of "Yes sir".
"I shall Inform the King" Ratchet told him.
"Good...There Is more" Lord Rickard said.
"More?" He questioned "Yes, Father tell him about our... new guests" Lyanna said with a hint of disdain In her voice, which surprised him.
"Guests?" He asked again.
"Yes…" Lord Stark paused "After we were Informed about Walder Frey. Lady Manderly called me, saying that a small host of cavalry men had reached the gates of Winterfell. "Their...Banner was a Golden Squid on a Black Field".
'Oh no' "GREYJOYS!" yelled Brandon.
"What are they doing outside of their water. Father, we should kill them before they can do anything to harm our family".
"No, there will be no bloodshed".
"What!" yelled Brandon.
"Father" Ned spoke "Is...Is this wise, to let the Krakens In our home, I mean what If-" "They will do nothing, and they gave us their words" Said the Old Wolf, though his voice was unease.
"Father! They are butchers, and raiders. We can't trust them, and besides I can't stand to look at them. Neither does Benjen, or Ser Rodrik" Lyanna said, as he heard a small yawn of "Yes" coming from Little Benjen.
"They will do nothing as they came for a reason, not to spill blood" Lord Stark said, trying to keep his children calm.
"Have they come to forge an alliance" Ratchet cut In before the discussion could escalate even further. However, deep down he knew that they had come for him.
"They've come for you Doc, they seek for your medical skills" He was right, and now he was troubled. An argument had broken out between the family. Some of Stark children told him not to listen to what the Ironborn wanted. But rather to have them executed, and their heads sent to their homes.
He couldn't listen, as his focus was drawn to the small footsteps of someone passing outside his chambers, and then disappearing to the unknown.
"Father this Is madness" The voice of Brandon had drawn him back to their raging talk.
"This Is not your choice to be made" His Father told him.
"We need to take caution when making this Decision" Said Ned.
"I for one would have them killed" Said Lyanna In her cold, and yet childish manner.
"Lyanna!" Shouted Lord Stark "Take your Brother, and go to bed, NOW!".
"But-" "NOW!" "Fine! Good Night!" Shouted Lyanna "Night Father, Night Big Brothers, Nighty Night Doctor" Shouted Benjen In his little voice, as everyone bid them farewell.
After they left, Brandon was the one to continue the topic.
"Father, we can't have them In our Home".
"We can, and we will. We! will handle It".
"Fine! If they massacre our Home It would be you that they'll blame, not me" Before anyone could say a word, Brandon had swiftly ended his call. Leaving him, Lord Stark, and Ned In the group.
"Father, I shall leave as well. But before I do, Lord Arryn wishes to speak to the Doctor as well. As it concerns an urgent matter that Is occurring In Vale".
Lord Stark groaned, as he said In a low voice.
"We...shall take care of It" "Thank you Father, Good Night" And with that Ned left as well, now they were two.
Nothing was heard or spoken. Only the heavy breathing from Lord Stark, Indicating his anger growing every second. He couldn't blame him, he was a widower with the burden of raising four stubborn children on his own, and his hands were already filled with more than he could apprehend. As for himself he had now to consider what to do about his Incoming test, and what waited him In the end of the road.
A/N
Greeting everyone, as we can see, Ratchet Is about to embark on journey around the Seven Kingdoms, and don't worry I haven't forgot other Important places that he needs to visit. That I'll be doing, and mentioning on the next chapter, for now I'll be seeing you x
Review:
Guest: I totally agree In both categories, Equally as much as possible, and leading well It Is dependable when, or who Is to lead.
But yes, It's important to always change a paragraph, be It characters that are less or more Important, like you said Background characters, which they will return soon to the spot of a leading role. Or more likely on a small scale of a paragraph depicting them for a small minimum time.
In the end that's how I do It In this story or from my rest of my stories. And I have read many stories from other Authors who have the best stories to offer, and they on more than one occasion had grammar mistakes, dialogues, and words of using more than one time. And yet, they were the best stories I have read, and they have been Improving them through their way of continuing writing their story/stories.
So, I will keep trying my best, and as to how characters are being shown. I thank you for your opinion, and for opening my eyes even more.