Author's Note: By the way, everyone is one year older than they are in the show so Jon is actually 18, not 17.
Enjoy.
xXx
"Again."
Lucia and Sofie, both of whom are wearing breeches and brown shirts, run towards their shared opponent with their wooden swords poised to strike.
Teldryn parries Sofie's sword with his own and lightly shoves her aside before blocking Lucia's downwards strike. Faster than the ten year old can react, Teldryn swipes his wooden sword across Lucia's wrist, causing her to involuntarily drop her weapon. After he kicks away Lucia's dropped sword, Teldryn spins around and swings his sword at the attacking Sofie who stops when Teldryn's own weapon brushes up against the side of her neck.
"Dead" stated the Dunmer before taking away the wooden sword from the child's neck, much to Sofie's relief. They may only be sparring with wooden swords, but they can still hurt when swung hard enough, especially against two young girls who have only been training for the past two years.
Once Lucia retrieves her weapon, Teldryn prepares for another round with the two young girls. "Again" he ordered before the two girls charge at him again.
Leaning against the side of the ship with his arms folded, Jon watches on in pride as Lucia and Sofie practice their sword fighting skills against the sellsword. For the past four weeks, Jon has had his daughters spar with either the two Companions, sellsword, Vampire or himself with today being the day Teldryn spars with them. With the everyday sparring with such skilled fighters and the constant rocking of the ship to help improve their balance, Lucia and Sofie have shown great improvement in their fighting skills. Obviously, they are still only ten namedays old and have no practice with using actual blades, but Jon is proud of their progress nonetheless. In fact, they've improved so well that he'll be looking into having them train with actual blades soon.
"Jon, I think we've got a problem."
Turning away from the sparring, Jon gazes up at Serana while she looks down at him from the quarterdeck with a somewhat worried expression. Curious over what could be making the Vampire worried, Jon walks up the steps to the quarterdeck where Serana, Aela and Farkas are looking at something in the distance. The captain who is steering the ship is staring out in the same direction as they are so Jon turns around to see what everyone is looking at. It doesn't take him long to find out what everyone is looking at. "That doesn't look good."
In the distance, but closing in fast, Jon can see two ships which are sailing straight in their direction. It's obvious that those on the two ships don't have the best intentions for them, likely seeing the lone ship as an easy target to plunder. Jon is further proven right when he sees and recognizes the gold and black sigil of a kraken on the flag that's waving from both ships. "Ironborn" muttered Jon in disdain, recognizing the sigil of House Greyjoy.
Watching the pair of incoming Greyjoy ships makes Jon remember the stupidity that was the Greyjoy Rebellion. While he isn't sure of the exact details of the Rebellion, Jon does know that it was an example of stupidity at its finest, since the Ironborn thought they could somehow take on all of the Seven Kingdoms by themselves. After the Greyjoy Rebellion was brought down, Lord Stark had returned to Winterfell with the heir of Balon Greyjoy, Theon Greyjoy who was to be his ward. Jon hated what little time he had spent with Theon before he left for Tamriel. Even after he became a political prisoner to the Starks, Theon walked around Winterfell like he owned the castle and always made sure to remind Jon about his Bastard status.
Aela looks over at Jon, curiously. "Ironborn?" she asked, having been the only one to hear Jon's mutter, due to her enhanced senses as a Werewolf.
"They're from the Iron Islands which is situated on the western coast of the continent and ruled by House Greyjoy. Since we're sailing around Westeros from the south, I didn't think we would meet any" Jon explained, failing to hide his distaste for the Ironborn.
"I take it they're not a welcoming bunch" stated Farkas. He may not be the brightest of the bunch, but he knows when someone is looking for a fight and by looking at the two advancing ships, he can tell that these Ironborn folk are looking to spill some blood.
"They are not good men. Pillaging scum is what my father called them. Before I had left Westeros, the Greyjoys had rebelled against the Iron Throne and attempted to regain their independence" answered Jon.
"Sounds a lot like the Stormcloak Rebellion" remarked a frowning Aela. As a proud Nord, she likes the idea of Skyrim regaining its independence, but as a friend to a few Altmer and Dunmer, she doesn't approve of the Stormcloak's ideology on other races.
"Aye, but unlike the Stormcloaks, the Greyjoys believed they could take on the entirety of the Seven Kingdoms all by themselves." Jon still believes that Ulfric's initiation of the Stormcloak Rebellion during the tense stand off between the Empire and Aldmeri Dominion was idiotic, but unlike the Ironborn, the Stormcloaks actually had a chance of winning the Civil War.
At the time, the Empire's attention was split on both the Dominion and Stormcloaks so it couldn't focus all of its resources and manpower to fight in the Civil War. The Nords are also known to be hardy warriors and with the Civil War taking place in their home region, they were also given a home advantage. If not for himself joining the Empire, Ulfric and his Stormcloaks may have won the Civil War, not that it would have mattered once the Aldmeri Dominion took over Tamriel.
"I'm not sure if that's arrogance or just stupidity" stated a bemused Farkas. Over the several weeks on the ship, Jon has made sure to explain to them all he knows about Westeros, including the regions and names of the Houses. Admittedly, Jon's knowledge on Westeros isn't much as the Houses he only knows are all of the North while the only Southern Houses he is aware of are the Great Houses that rule each region, such as House Tyrell and House Lannister. Still, they now know more about Westeros than they did weeks ago. Farkas is curious over what made the Ironborn think they could regain their independence by fighting all the other regions alone.
"They're more or less the same" answered Serana, knowingly. The Vampire has lived long enough to figure out that arrogance is just another word for stupidity.
"I don't think those bastards are looking for directions" grunted the captain who looks at Jon for direction. "It's your call."
"Keep us on track, captain. I'll deal with them" told Jon as he walks over to the bow of the ship. If Jon was anyone else, everyone would have laughed at him for thinking he could somehow deal with two ships of raiders by himself. However, they all know that Jon Snow isn't just any normal man.
Stepping up to the bow of the Dragon Slayer, Jon watches as the black and gold sigil of a kraken sails closer and closer to his ship. Once he believes the longships are close enough, he takes a deep breath of air, preparing to use the magic which comes natural to the Dragonborn.
"YOL TOOR SHUL!"
For the Ironborn, they all think that today is their lucky day after finding such a big ship on its lonesome. From looking over the ship with the interesting figurehead, many of the Ironborn are licking their lips at the thought of what kind of wealth hides inside that pretty looking ship. Maybe if they're lucky, some might even find a Salt Wife to take back to the Iron Islands.
Their thoughts of riches and women quickly escape them when a wave of fire suddenly envelops one of their longships with the source of the flames coming from the same ship they've been intending to plunder. None of them know how the ship is capable of belching fire of all things, only that the flames are strong enough to tear through a longship in seconds. Whichever men aren't burnt to death soon drown in the freezing waters as the weight of their clothes and armour has them sink to the bottom of the ocean.
The Ironborn on the remaining longship can only watch in shock and horror as the ship beside them is ripped apart by the flames with some even spotting their fellow Ironborn being propelled into the air while still aflame. The captain of the remaining Ironborn longship turns to the ship ahead of them, trying to make out how the ship in front of them could propel actual fire. What he sees is a lone man standing on the bow of the ship with the figurehead of a Dragon just under him. The ship is still too far to make out any important details of the unknown man, but he can tell that the man is wearing all black.
"YOL TOOR SHUL!"
The captain can only gape in horror as the powerful flames return, seemingly being spat out by the man in black. "What's dead may ne-" The captain doesn't get to finish, since the flames quickly wash over the longship, destroying it with force and killing every Ironborn on board.
Jon lightly coughs into his fist while ignoring the gaping looks from the ship's crew. Performing two Shouts one after another tends to hurt his throat, but he should be fine in a few minutes. Ignoring the burnt wreckage of what use to be two longships, Jon returns to the quarterdeck and nods to the pale captain. "You can go ahead, captain. Get us to King's Landing."
"R-Right. As long as we got no more distractions, we should be there by the morrow" answered the captain. The Nord captain heard of many grand tales about the Greybeards who live on High Hrothgar, specifically the incredible power they possess by practicing the Way of the Voice. Rumors say that a mere whisper from a Greybeard can kill a man, but he never did believe such absurdity. After witnessing the Dragonborn completely destroy two longships by using Shouts, the captain is now willing to believe the rumors about the Greybeards.
"And here I was hoping for some action" grunted a disappointed Farkas. After spending so long on the ship with nothing else to do but train, he is starting to miss the thrill of a good fight. Sparring with Aela, Teldryn and Jon isn't the same as the thrill of an all out battle where a single mistake could cost him his life. It's what made his life as a Companion so exciting.
"I wouldn't worry, Farkas" told Jon while patting the disappointed Nord on his muscular shoulder. "I'm sure there'll be plenty of blood that's needs to be shed once we get to King's Landing."
"You promise?" jested Farkas in the manner of a shy maiden.
Jon smacks Farkas across his muscular arm. "Smartass. If you're done jesting, I can go over the ground rules for when we get to King's Landing."
"There's going to be ground rules?" asked a frowning Aela.
"I'll explain the reason why, but first, could you fetch the others, Serana?" Jon asked the Vampire who nods and walks down to get everyone else who isn't already on the quarterdeck. Teldryn and Jon's daughters arrive within the first minute, but it takes another four for Serana to drag J'zargo from his quarters.
"Thank you for joining us, J'zargo" deadpanned Jon while he folds his arms across his chest.
"Apologies. J'zargo was caught up on his research" apologized the Khajiit, although for everyone who knows him, they can tell his apology is half-hearted.
Serana grumbles in annoyance, but Jon moves the topic of conversation along, mostly so a fight doesn't break out between the Vampire and Khajiit. "Now that we're all here, I need to go over the ground rules that everyone must follow while we're in King's Landing. First off, Aela, I need you to wear this at all times" spoke Jon before he offers Aela a ring.
Quizzically, the archer looks at the ring in her hand and notes how it has a design of a wolf's head on it. "What is this?"
"That is Hircine's Ring. Gifted by the Daedric Prince himself after I helped him with a task." Jon doesn't care to tell them how he actually went against Hircine's wishes and helped the cursed Sinding kill the hunters that were after him. One would expect Hircine to be angry at Jon for saving Sinding instead of killing him, but it had actually pleased the Daedric Prince of the Hunt. Even after speaking and personally meeting several Daedric Princes, Jon is no closer to understanding how they think. There are even some Daedric Princes who he wishes to never understand, specifically Sheogorath, the Daedric Prince of Madness.
In the end, Jon was named Hircine's Champion and was gifted Hircine's Ring, not that he ever used it.
Jon has never cared for being a Daedric Prince's Champion, but after he was named Champion to several Daedric Princes, he has begun to wonder if the Daedra Lords actually know that they're sharing the same Champion. If for some reason the godly beings do not, they'll eventually find out whenever Jon meets his end, since they'll all likely be expecting to claim the soul of their Champion.
The demented thought of several Daedric Princes having a tugging match with his soul makes Jon crinkle a smile.
"This is Hircine's Ring?" gasped Aela in awe over the Daedric artifact in her grasp. Not just any artifact, but one created by the father of man-beasts himself. Hircine is said to have created the lycanthropy disease and anyone who is inflicted with the disease are to eventually end up in Hircine's Hunting Grounds upon their deaths. As a Werewolf, Aela proudly worships Hircine so being able to hold the Daedra Lord's artifact is a great honour. Even Farkas who cured himself of lycanthropy openly gapes at the ring in Aela's hand.
"It is. Make sure to wear it at all times as it will improve your control over your transformations, as well as suppress your bloodlust. The last thing we need is for you to lose yourself to the bloodlust and transform in the middle of the city" told Jon. The last thing he wants is for Aela to start a massacre while they're in King's Landing.
Aela nods in understanding, having lost herself to the bloodlust quite a few times before. She's learned to better control the bloodlust over the years, but there's only so much she can do until the need to hunt overwhelms her. Taking a deep breath, Aela slowly places on Hircine's Ring to her left middle finger and she immediately feels its power wash over her. "The bloodlust is gone" said Aela, looking at the Daedric artifact she's wearing in awe over its power. She's been suppressing the bloodlust for the past two weeks, but now with the ring on her finger, the bloodlust has vanished without a fight. It feels strange to no longer feel the constant need to hunt, but it's a good feeling nonetheless.
"I'm curious, are we all going to be getting a Daedric artifact, cause if so, I call Dawnbreaker" chuckled Teldryn with a half-hearted jest.
"J'zargo is curious of this as well" said J'zargo with a glint in his eyes.
"J'zargo, you got a Dragon Priest Mask" stated Serana, glaring at the Khajiit who shrugs his shoulders.
"J'zargo was just wondering."
"No, you all won't be getting Daedric artifacts" answered Jon who rolls his eyes. "Now, I want to make it clear to all of you that while we are in King's Landing, you must not be seen performing any magic. You can only do so in private or if you have no other choice."
Farkas and Aela prefer to fight with their weapons anyway, so they don't have any problems with that. Serana and Teldryn aren't exactly happy, but they are confident in their fighting skills to make up for the loss of using magic.
J'zargo isn't as understanding. "J'zargo doesn't like these rules" he grumbled in annoyance. The Khajiit can fight well enough with a dagger and his claws, but his skills focuses on the use of magic, specifically Destruction magic.
"It's for your own safety. Westeros hasn't seen magic for who knows how long, but it's how the Faith of the Seven will react that I'm more worried about" answered Jon who has an idea on what the followers of the New Gods would do if they discovered they could all use magic.
"Faith of the Seven? I take it they're a religion like the Nine Divines?" asked Aela who has overcome her excitement with wearing her Daedra Lord's ring, although she is rubbing the ring in a near loving manner.
"Somewhat. The Seven aren't exactly as understanding as the Nine" remarked Jon, remembering how much he hated the studies on the New Gods when he was a child. Jon doesn't care for the Faith of the Seven, especially with their hateful views on those who are born as Bastards. The Nine Divines are the Gods that Jon follows as unlike the Seven, they welcome any and all who worship them, no matter if they're trueborn or not. "The Faith of the Seven is the favoured religion in Westeros with the North and Iron Islands being the only exception. I don't much care for them, but from what I remember of my studies, they aren't exactly fond of magic."
"When you say not fond..." asked J'zargo.
"I mean that the more religious fanatics will very likely try to kill you. They believe magic to be an insult to their gods so I would be careful for your own safety. They've massacred before to rid the land of magic and likely aren't afraid to do so again" explained Jon while everyone nods, including a nervous J'zargo. Jon then turns to J'zargo and Teldryn. "I don't think I need to remind you two, but I need both of you to keep your appearances hidden from the public eye. Since nobody here has ever seen another race before, it wouldn't just be the Seven's religious fanatics who would be hunting for your heads." Teldryn nods in understanding while J'zargo grumbles to himself.
Jon nods and looks down at Lucia and Sofie who has been paying close attention to his explanation. Smiling, Jon lowers himself to one knee and places a comforting hand on each of his adopted daughters shoulders. "I need you two to stick close to me, okay? King's Landing is a dangerous place so I need you two to stay by my side."
Lucia holds her head up high, confidently. "No need to worry about us, father. We can handle ourselves."
Sofie agrees with her sister. "That's right. We'll kick all the baddies asses" she said with sure confidence.
Their words has everyone laugh. "They'll make fine Companions someday" laughed an amused Aela.
A chuckling Jon kisses the girls on both of their foreheads. "That's my brave girls. I feel sorry for any fool who gets in your way, but for now, let's make sure you stick close. I'd only worry if anything happened to either of you."
The girls confidence lessens at the thought of being separated from the man who took them both off the streets. "We'll stay close, papa" answered Sofie with Lucia nodding in agreement.
"Good girls. Now you best check up on Cotton. He must be feeling lonely without your company" said Jon who smiles at his daughters who gasp in horror over the thought of anything upsetting their pet rabbit. The two girls run down the steps from the quarterdeck and head down below deck to see their pet rabbit who they left in its cage. Neither like to keep Cotton in a cage, but they can't be watching over Cotton while they're training their sword skills.
It's only when Jon knows that the girls are below deck that he turns to the rest of the party who all freeze once they see the cold look in his usually calm eyes. "I just want to make it clear to you all, the safety of my daughters is my highest priority. Whenever I am unable to protect them myself, I will be expecting at least one of you to do so on my behalf. If either of those girls are hurt or Akatosh forgive, killed while under any of your care, then I promise you that your last few moments alive will be spent in unholy agony. Is that clear?"
A deathly silence fills the air as everyone nods in agreement, too afraid to speak. Right now, they remember that Jon Snow isn't just their friend, but one of, if not the most dangerous being in Tamriel. After all, Jon is the Harbinger for the Companions, Guild Master to the Thieves Guild, former Legate of the Imperial Legion, Arch-Mage of Winterhold and the Dragonborn who defeated Alduin, the World Eater.
They all may be either skilled warriors, mages and an immortal Vampire, but none of them would dare cross an angry Dragonborn who actually defeated the closest thing to a God.
The tense atmosphere is quickly ruined when Serana's stomach decides to let everyone know of its existance. The loud grumble has everyone turn to the Vampire who coughs into her fist, feeling more than a little embarrassed for herself.
However, it does ease the tension enough for Jon to chuckle, although none of them forget the coldness from Jon's glare. "I agree with Serana's stomach, we should all probably get something to eat. Once Serana's eaten, we'll meet you all down below deck in a minute" told Jon who tilts his head at Serana before he walks down the steps and heads towards his private quarters.
The Vampire is quick to follow Jon, having already brushed aside Jon's threat, knowing that she'd likely do the same thing for her children if she had any. For a moment, Serana pictures a small babe with short dark hair and grey eyes.
Entering his private quarters, Jon turns around to Serana who closes the door behind her. "That time again, huh?" he asked, knowingly.
"Yea" she admitted, feeling somewhat ashamed.
Jon walks to the nearby table where a few dishes lay. "There's no need to feel ashamed. It's only natural" he said while grabbing a goblet and placing it in front of him on the table.
"I know that, but it's still embarrassing" remarked a frowning Serana. The Vampire looks at Jon's back. "Did you really have to threaten everyone like that?"
"They need to understand the consequences that follow if either the girls are harmed. Their safety is of great importance to me" answered Jon while still facing away from Serana.
"Couldn't you have had someone watch over them in Skyrim? I'm sure the Companions wouldn't mind taking care of them" asked a perplexed Serana.
"I don't know how long this will all take, Serana. We could be here for many moons or maybe even years. If I was gone for that long, they would think I abandoned them and I can't let them believe that. Not after everything they've gone through" said Jon who looks down at the wooden table in front of him. "And that's the least of my worries. I've made many enemies throughout my adventures. Enemies who would hurt the girls, just to get to me."
Honestly, Serana can't point out any faults with Jon's reasoning. As an immortal Vampire, months and even years pass by in a blink of an eye, but for mortals, they appreciate every second they can get with their loved ones. Jon being separated from his adopted daughters for so long would only hurt them all. Serana also agrees with Jon about his enemies who would make attempts on his daughters while he is across the seas. Stormcloak Remnants, Daedra worshippers and even the Aldmeri Dominion would all try to kidnap or murder Sofie and Lucia, just to hurt Jon. "Bringing them along really was the safest option" thought Serana with a sigh. Another grumble from her stomach has the Vampire hold it in pain.
The grumbling stomach reminds Jon on the reason why they're both in his private quarters. "Anyways, we should go ahead and get you fed. I'm sure everyone is probably waiting for us below deck." Jon takes the Dragonbone Dagger from his boot and without a second thought, he uses it to cut his right wrist.
Mesmerized, Serana watches on in hunger as Jon raises his cut wrist over the goblet and let's the gushing blood fill it up. Serana licks her lips at the sight of the delicious liquid and places a hand on her grumbling stomach to try and quiet it down.
Once the goblet is fairly full, Jon uses the Fast Healing spell to heal his cut wrist. In a flash, the healing magic washes over Jon and quickly heals him of his cut wrist. While a little weak from losing so much of his blood, Jon takes the bloody goblet and offers it to Serana. In a blur, the Vampire snatches the goblet out of Jon's hand and begins drinking his blood with gusto. "Someone must've been hungry" pointed out a smirking Jon.
Serana doesn't hear him, preferring to quench her thirst with Jon's blood. Since the ship's crew doesn't know about her Vampirism and would likely react poorly if they discovered it, she has to feed behind closed doors. Luckily, she has Jon who's willing to provide her the blood she needs so she doesn't starve. Before, she wouldn't care who's blood she was drinking, but after drinking so much of Jon's blood during their journey together, she has gotten a bit addicted to it. She isn't sure if it's because Jon's blood is supposed to be that of a Dragon's, due to him being Dragonborn, or if it's something else, but it's honestly the best blood she has ever tasted in all her immortal life.
Once the last drop of blood drips down her throat, Serana sighs in relief, feeling better already. "Thanks, Jon. I really needed that."
"Obviously" chuckled Jon as he takes back the goblet and places it back on the table. "I wouldn't want you to be hungry when we get to Westeros."
Satisfied, Serana takes a seat on the edge of Jon's bed. "Speaking of Westeros, is there anything we should know about for when we arrive in King's Landing?"
Jon leans against a wall and shrugs his shoulders. "Honestly, I'm not entirely sure. It's been ten years since I've been to Westeros and all of my time there was spent in Winterfell. I only know the basics from my studies and whatever information my spy has sent me in the past two years which honestly isn't much."
Serana is disappointed with the lack of information on the continent which she will be arriving in on the morrow. "And this spy of yours, are we to meet up with them when we arrive in King's Landing?"
Jon nods. "That's the plan. If we're going to protect the Starks, we will need all the information we can get on Westeros and discover who is a possible threat. Someone killed the Hand of the King and I need to find out who before they kill the next one. My spy should be able to inform us of everything we need to know, including all the big players in King's Landing."
"And how are we suppose to find this spy? Do you even know where they are?" asked Serana, raising a brow.
"The spy has never disclosed their exact location, but I do know that they are operating somewhere in King's Landing" answered Jon, shrugging his shoulders.
"So how are we to find your spy?" asked a confused Serana. King's Landing is suppose be a big city and only Jon knows who the spy is.
"We won't need to find them. They'll find us" stated Jon before he pushes himself off the wall. "It'll all be explained when we arrive at King's Landing. For now, let's meet the others below deck."
That didn't exactly answer Serana's question, but she trusts that Jon knows what he's doing. "When it comes to his family, Jon doesn't half ass his plans" thought Serana, remembering the few times Jon spoke of his family throughout their adventure together, specifically when they travelled through the Forgotten Vale to retrieve Auriel's Bow so they could defeat her father. She remembers Jon talking about his half-siblings in a good light and if she remembers right, their names are Rob, Sansa, Arya and Bran. Having been gone for ten years, Serana wonders if Jon has gotten anymore siblings while he was away.
( King's Landing - Docks )
"Never thought I'd ever return" thought Jon from the bow of the Dragon Slayer while it sails into the docks of King's Landing, having finally arrived after four weeks of travel.
"So this is King's Landing" said an impressed Aela who is looking at the capital of Westeros. Even from the ship, she can see how massive King's Landing is in size. It's easily the largest city Aela has ever seen in all her life, but she admits that it does lack the majesty and history of Windhelm.
Farkas whistles at the sight of such a large city. "Not bad, I'll give them that."
J'zargo who has his face covered by the Dragon Priest Mask and his tail hidden underneath his robes, hums in thought. "J'zargo is curious over how many people live here."
"Last I heard, half a million people live in King's Landing" answered Jon with a shrug. Ten years ago, he might have been impressed, but after visiting cities like Solitude, Windhelm and the Imperial City, King's Landing has nothing new to show him. "Make sure to take whatever belongings you'll need. Everything else can stay on the ship and take these." Jon throws everyone a pouch which they all catch. He even gives one to Lucia and Sofie, although smaller in size.
"What's this?" Serana asked, holding up her pouch.
"Jewels. We couldn't afford to waste time by going to the Iron Bank to exchange our Septims, so this will have to do for now."
Teldryn takes out a sapphire from his pouch and inspects it. "I don't know about the others, but I surely won't be complaining."
"And they say sellswords are in it for the wealth" laughed Aela who straps the pouch to her waist.
By the time everyone has gathered whatever belongings they might need, the captain guides the ship into the dock. Once docked, everyone walks down the gangway while the captain waves them off.
"So then, what now?" asked J'zargo who looks at Jon who is viewing their surroundings.
"We meet up with my spy. They'll take us someplace where we won't have to worry about prying eyes and listening ears. They will also supply us with any important information we might need on the city and its occupants" answered Jon, looking around the busy docks.
"And do you have any clue on where we're to meet up with them?" asked Farkas who eyes up anyone who glances their way. Anyone who looks at them is quick to continue on with their business when they notice the intimidating Nord staring at them.
Jon continues to scout out his surroundings until he notices a hooded figure in leather armour leaning against a wall of a building. Said figure nods their head at Jon before they push off the wall and walk through the busy docks, heading deeper into the city. "Found them. Keep close and don't stray. That means double for you two" said Jon, pointing at Lucia and Sofie who nod and step close to Jon. Lucia cradles Cotton's cage, feeling more than a little afraid by being in such a large city.
Jon and his group follow after the hooded figure through the busy streets of King's Landing. They all spend the next twenty minutes walking through the streets of King's Landing, going under bridges and stepping into alleyways so to keep up with the spy. Jon is quick to notice that his spy is leading them into the poorer parts of the city for there are a lot more beggers sitting by the sides of the streets now. Even the surrounding buildings are looking more dilapidated than the ones he walked by earlier.
Jon also takes note of how the hooded figure is guiding them through a route with the least amount of patrolling City Guard, having only seen two throughout their walk in King's Landing. Everyone else is either taking in the sights of King's Landing or watching for any pickpockets who might risk the possibility of getting killed for the off chance they manage to steal their pouches of jewels.
Farkas on the other hand has something to say about King's Landing. "This city smells like shit" cursed the Companion who holds a hand over his nose to try and block out the smell. At first, he didn't perceive the smell of shit, because of the overwhelming smell of fish and sweat on the docks. It's only when they walked away from the docks did the terrible scent finally register for him and now, it's gotten frustratingly bad. "I take back anything good I said about this fucking city."
Aela can only nod her head in agreement as her enhanced sense of smell is currently being overwhelmed by the intense stench of shit. After killing enough people in her life as a Companion, Aela has gotten use to the smell of fresh corpses crapping their breeches, but never has she been anywhere where the smell of shit is so concentrated. Aela has never once cursed her gift from Hircine before, but right now, she wishes that the blessing of being a Werewolf didn't include an enhanced sense of smell.
"J'zargo is regretting coming along already" grumbled the Khajiit who is none too happy with the strong smell of shit around him. Being a Khajiit, he has a keener sense of smell than other races so he is having as much of a hard time as Aela is with breathing the foul air of King's Landing.
"How can such a large city smell this bad?" asked Teldryn who attempts to wave away the stench, but not with much success. Can't exactly wave away a stench that covers nearly the entire city.
"Just try not to think about it" exclaimed Jon who puts a comforting hand on his daughters shoulders, not only to keep them close, but to also comfort them as they're also having trouble with the terrible smell. Jon isn't exactly fond of the strong smell of shit, but he has honestly smelt worse in Nordic Tombs where hundreds of corpses have been rotting for centuries.
Thankfully, they didn't have to walk much farther once the group follows the hooded figure into an alleyway. To the chagrin of everyone, but Jon, they see the hooded figure drop down through a manhole that leads into the sewers.
"You know what, J'zargo will stay up here and act as guard" said J'zargo who turns around and walks in the opposite direction of the hole that leads down to the sewer. If the city already smells like shit, the Khajiit doesn't want to know what the actual sewer smells like.
Unfortunately for the Khajiit, he doesn't get far as Farkas is quick to grab him by the back of his robes. "Don't think you can get away that easily. We're all going so quit your bitching and get in there" exclaimed the Companion who throws the startled mage down the hole. The Khajiit hisses in surprise, but none hear the squelching sound of J'zargo's body dropping into filthy water. Instead, they hear J'zargo's body hit an actual solid floor with the Khajiit crying out in pain from the landing.
Curiously, Teldryn glances down the manhole and to his surprise, he doesn't see a hint of shit or even dirty water. What the Dunmer instead sees is J'zargo lying on the solid ground of a surprisingly clean sewer tunnel which is lit up with torches.
Delighted that they don't need to walk through shit and piss, everyone climbs down the manhole cover with Jon and Farkas carefully lowering down Sofie and Lucia. At the same time, J'zargo is muttering curses at Farkas.
Once everyone is underground in the sewers, the group begin following after the hooded figure who was kind enough to wait for them before continuing on.
After a series of twists and turns in the very clean sewer tunnel, the group finally ends up before a single wooden door. The hooded figure steps up to the wooden door and knocks on it in a certain pattern. After they knock, the door opens up from the other side, revealing a scowling, but muscular bald man who's wearing the same leather armour as the hooded figure.
"This them?" grunted the guard who looks over Jon and his group.
"This is them" answered the figure who pulls down their hood, revealing a woman who has a pretty face and long white hair. If anyone didn't know any better, they would nearly think of her as a Targaryen, although she lacks the recognizable purple-coloured eyes of the Targaryens.
Jon smiles at the back of the woman. "Greetings, Vex."
The Thieves Guild member turns around and smirks at Jon. "Greetings to you too, Jon. It's been a while, hasn't it."
"It has" agreed Jon who looks around the large underground room, noting quite a few people who are either eating, sleeping or mingling about by a bar. If he didn't know any better, he would think that he just walked into the Ragged Flagon, but without the water. "I see that I made the right decision in having you expand the Thieves Guild into Westeros."
Vex places her hands on her hips and takes a look around the headquarters for the Westeros branch of the Thieves Guild, prideful over how much she has accomplished in just two short years. "It wasn't easy getting this place up to scratch, but I'll admit that it has been worth it."
That's just putting it mildly, but Vex has never been a woman to complain. Two years ago, Jon had assigned her the task to construct a branch of the Thieves Guild in Westeros. With the Thieves Guild in Skyrim returning to its full glory after Jon became the Guildmaster, they decided that they should expand the Guild to other regions, but it was Jon who recommended that they expand in Westeros. Not a lot of members liked the idea of expanding the Thieves Guild into a continent they weren't familiar with, but Vex saw it as a challenge and she always did like a challenge.
Honestly, the establishment of a Thieves Guild branch wasn't as difficult as Vex expected, but she guesses that it's mostly because she chose King's Landing as the headquarters for the Thieves Guild. When she arrived in King's Landing, Vex discovered that the city was already ripe with thieves from poor smallfolk to simple street urchins. In such a large city where poverty is so widespread, it wasn't much of a surprise for Vex to find so many people willing to steal, but compared to the members of the Thieves Guild in Skyrim, they're all amateurs. Still, with King Robert showing no care for their well being, many of the smallfolk were quick to look to her for job opportunities and Vex was more than happy to offer them.
Within two moons, Vex had organised all the thieves in King's Landing and eliminated any who attempted to cause problems or usurp her power. Afterwards, the Thieves Guild was ripe with new members and with Vex's training and leadership, they soon began taking jobs across Westeros, making the Guild a profit, as well as increasing their reputation.
While the Thieves Guild has been taking jobs across Westeros, Vex hasn't been idle in King's Landing. For the past year, Vex has invested the Guild's collected gold to make a kitchen for the poor smallfolk of King's Landing within the Guild's headquarters, as well as constructing rooms in the underground tunnels for them so they can sleep on a bed with a roof over their heads.
Vex didn't just do that out of the kindness of her heart, but mostly so she can gain the smallfolks loyalty. By providing the smallfolk and their families with food and beds, they in turn offer their undying loyalty either through joining the Thieves Guild or by providing other services, such as becoming informants or offering their trade skills. Since the King and the other royalty obviously don't do anything to try and help the starving smallfolk in Flea Bottom, it was simple for Vex to gain their love and trust by offering them the basic of necessities. Their loyalty has even grown to the point where the thieves who end up captured by the City Guard would rather die than reveal the whereabouts of the Thieves Guild and that's how she likes it.
Within two years, Vex has established the Thieves Guild into a strong, but invisible force which flows with new trainees and gold. The Guild's reputation has even grown to the point where the Hand of the King had started to look into finding the whereabouts of their headquarters or at least, he was until he was assassinated. The smallfolk all adore her and the Guild for their help with providing them food and beds, making her one of the most well protected people in the city. None of them would dare cross Vex, but for any who try, they would have to get through everyone in Flea Bottom before they could get to Vex.
Robert Baratheon might be King of the Seven Kingdoms, but Vex is the Queen of Flea Bottom.
Looking around, Jon notices how the underground headquarters seems to have a few similarities to the Ragged Flagon in Riften. On the other side of the large room, Jon can see a few trades people working on their craft, such as a blacksmith and a baker. He also sees a bar with a few wooden tables surrounding it and where a few people are milling about and having drinks. There's even a shrine of Nocturnal on one side of the room. What makes the Westeros branch headquarters different from the Ragged Flagon is the series of bedrooms he can see from behind a curtain that leads to another room, although smaller in size. When someone walks out and pushes aside the curtain for a split moment, Jon sees a few people sleeping on the beds, seemingly uncaring about the people who might be watching them.
More than ever, Aela is delighted to be in the sewer. "Ironic that an actual sewer smells better than the surface" said Aela, noticing a lacking smell of shit in the air. It's the cleanest air she has breathed in since entering the city.
Vex laughs at the bewildered faces of Jon's group. "That's because the stupid fucks in this city don't actually use the sewers. They all poor their waste on the street which then flows all the way down to Flea Bottom. Hence, the smell of shit in the air."
Vex looks like she wants to continue speaking, but stops when a young boy who appears to be younger than Lucia and Sofie walks up to her. Silently, the child offers the Guild Master a letter and waits for Vex to finish reading it. Once she finishes reading it, she smiles down at the child and opens up her pouch before offering the child four silver stags. The silent child smiles in glee before running off, much to the confusion of Jon's party.
"A helper of yours, I take it?" asked Jon, guessing the child to be a spy of sorts. Being a Guild Master to the Thieves Guild means that they need to have a good network of informants. It's how they know if a household has a valuable item that needs stealing or if someone wants to hire them for a job.
Vex smirks, almost knowingly. "You can say that. I'm sure you're all tired from your trip so how about I show you to your quarters before we get down to business."
Jon nods in agreement, even if he wants to assist the Starks as fast as possible and find Jon Arryn's killer. "We should. After spending so many weeks out at sea, I'm delighted at the prospect of sleeping on a bed that isn't swaying."
Vex chuckles and waves the group over. "Follow me. I'll show you to the quarters and once you've all rested, then we can talk."
xXx
Vex is none surprised when she finds Jon awake before anyone else. She takes a seat beside him by the bar and orders herself a mug of ale. She trusts her bartender to keep what he may hear between herself and Jon a secret, since that's what she's paying him to do. "I'm surprised you brought along the girls" she said without looking at him.
After ordering a mug of ale for himself, Jon takes a sip before answering. "It was either bring them along to Westeros so to get caught up with everything going on here or abandon them in Skyrim without myself there to protect them."
Vex nods in understanding and takes a deep drink from her mug of ale. "Fair enough."
Jon looks at Vex in the corner of his eye. "Before everyone awakens, I want you to be brutally honest with me. How are things going?"
Vex stares down into her ale, thoughtfully. "With the Thieves Guild, everything is actually going great. More than enough recruits, gold is flowing into the vault and our reputation is growing by the second. With Westeros in general, everything is going to shit and now that Jon Arryn is dead, I suspect that it's all going to get a lot worse."
"Are there any suspects?"
"On who killed the Hand? Take your pick. Every fucker in this city is likely a suspect. Two years here and I've seen more murder, plots and betrayals than I have in all my life living in Skyrim. No wonder you ran off from this shithole" answered Vex who downs the rest of her ale. "However, I have made up a list of likely people who would benefit from the Hand's demise. I'll explain when everyone else wakes up."
Jon would prefer to know who murdered the Hand now, but if Vex can't figure out who exactly did it by now, then the murderer must have done a good job at covering their tracks. "What of the Starks?"
The fact that Vex doesn't immediately answer makes Jon nervous and so, he turns to Vex who tries her best to avoid making eye contact with him. "Vex."
Knowing a warning tone when she hears one, Vex sighs. "During the King's visit to Winterhold, Bran fell from a tower. He's alive, but from what I hear, he'll never walk again."
Jon's first instinct is to get up from his stool and head straight to Winterfell to see Bran. However, Jon reigns in his emotions and closes his eyes before taking a deep breath. "You only decided to tell me this now?"
"Was hoping to tell you in private so you can vent out your frustrations, especially after I tell you that an assassin was sent afterwards to kill him. I should also mention that Catelyn Stark has just arrested Tyrion Lannister and accused him of not only pushing Bran out of the tower, but for also sending the assassin" answered Vex with a shrug of her shoulders.
Jon's head turns towards Vex so fast that the thief is surprised that the Dragonborn's neck didn't snap. "What!?"
"Before you ask, Bran is still alive. Apparently, the Stark children now have Direwolves as pets and Bran's had killed the assassin."
"Does Lady Stark have any evidence that Tyrion Lannister actually did any of that?" Jon asked, feeling calmer now that he knows Bran is still alive. Crippled, but alive.
"Only the word of a Mockingbird, but she believes him nonetheless" said Vex before noticing Jon's bewildered expression. "I'll explain about the Mockingbird later, but for now, you should know that Catelyn Stark has taken Tyrion to the Eyrie in Vale where he is to answer for his crimes."
"And do you believe that Tyrion Lannister did it?" Jon asked.
"If it was any of the other Lannisters, I would, but not Tyrion. True, he likes his drink a little too much and is widely known to be a whoremonger, but attempting to kill a child? He's the only Lannister who would be sickened at the thought of doing such a thing" Vex answered, knowing that Tyrion is actually one of the better Lannisters and by far. "Either way, Catelyn's rash actions will lead to a war between the Starks and Lannisters. Tywin may not give a damn about Tyrion, but he'll see the arrest of his offspring to be an insult to himself and will be looking for retribution."
Jon has been hoping to not have to fight on a battlefield again, but alas, his hopes are dashed away by Catelyn Stark, yet again. Although, he does make sure to remember to find out who attempted to kill Bran and kill them. "What of the other Starks?" he asked, hoping for some news which doesn't involve any of them ending up crippled or starting a war with another Great House.
Vex is more than happy to switch to a more pleasant topic. "Well, Robb Stark has grown to be a handsome man from what I hear. He's beating all the women off with a stick, especially now that he's Lord of Winterfell while his father remains in King's Landing. Rickon has grown big as well and is nearly as wild as his Direwolf."
Jon smiles at hearing the news about Robb and Rickon, especially about the little brother he hasn't met yet. "That's good to hear. What about the others?"
"Ned Stark arrived to King's Landing safely with both of his daughters. Both of them healthy, but completely opposite to one another."
"Sansa and Arya" thought Jon, smiling at the thought of seeing his sisters again. From what he remembers, Sansa was a near perfect copy of her mother who has always tried to copy Lady Stark so to be a perfect Southern Lady. Arya on the other hand was a wild child who struggled with sitting in one place for too long, even while so young. "What can you tell me about them?" he asked, knowing a professional like Vex wouldn't skip out on any detail.
Vex seems amused. "The older one, Sansa, is a naive brat of a child" she answered, honestly.
Jon winces, not liking the sound of that. "Is she that bad?"
"She's ten and four, but still dreams of honourable knights and childish fantasies" deadpanned Vex, much to Jon's chagrin.
Jon sighs in disappointment, hating the thought of his sibling still thinking knights to be honourable. While there are some knights who might be considered honourable, Jon knows that honour has no place on the battlefield. During his adventure throughout Skyrim and beyond, Jon has seen the absolute worst in men. If Sansa doesn't realize how the world actually works, she'll find herself with her neck slit open and that's if she's lucky.
"What of Arya?" he asked and this time, Vex shows off a grin.
"Little rascal, that's what she is. Haven't seen her in action myself, but it's practically common knowledge in the North that she's a wild one. Just like her aunt Lyanna as the people say, though none dare say when Lord Stark is nearby. Younger than Sansa and yet, she has a better understanding of the world than her older sister does" answered Vex, liking the sound of Arya from her network of spies. Who knows, she just might get the wild wolf to become a member of the Thieves Guild yet.
Jon smiles, remembering Arya being a spitfire of a thing, even at the young age she was when he left. Hearing about his aunt Lyanna does have Jon momentarily ponder how the woman would have treated him if she was alive. Would she have accepted him like uncle Benjen? Or would she despise him like Catelyn Stark? "That's good to hear. Any word on Benjen Stark?"
"Lately, I haven't heard much from him. Nearly a week ago, he went north of the Wall to go on a ranging, but my contact told me that his horse had returned without him. Haven't heard from my contact ever since."
Jon broods, not liking the sound of his uncle disappearing somewhere north of the Wall. Benjen was always kind to him, never once caring for that fact that he is a Bastard. Unless they find Benjen's body, he refuses to believe that he's dead, but for now, Benjen is beyond his reach. "What of... Lord Stark?" he asked, waiting to hear about his father.
"Honourable man they say. The Northern Houses love him for that, especially with how fair he is to the people. Prefers to stay out of the South, but the King pretty much strong armed him into becoming his Hand. Fat bastard even has a tourney prepared for tomorrow to celebrate Lord Stark becoming his new Hand. Not that Eddard Stark cares, since once he arrived in King's Landing, he has been inquiring into Jon Arryn's death. He has been doing so quietly, but he isn't as sneaky as he thinks he is" answered Vex who looks at Jon, seemingly in thought.
Jon's smile widens, slightly. "Sounds like father, alright."
"You know, he hasn't stopped looking for you."
Jon turns to Vex who looks back at him with a serious expression on her face. "What?"
"Ned Stark has been searching for any signs of your whereabouts ever since you left. Ten years and he's still looking for you."
Jon closes his eyes and sucks in a lungful of air. He's honestly surprised to hear that his father has still been searching for him, even after ten long years. Since he's baseborn, Jon didn't expect the Warden of the North to actually search for him, especially after ten long years. The thought has Jon clench his right fist in frustration and guilt.
Vex notices Jon enter one of his brooding stages, but thankfully, she sees the others enter the main room so she punches him in the arm to get his attention. "Your friends are awake so if you're done brooding, I can get you up to grasp with what's going on" she said before pushing herself away from the bar and leads the others to a private room.
Jon glares at the back of Vex's head. "I don't brood" he denied before following after the thief. Thankfully, he left the girls to play with Cotton in their room so they don't have to listen into what they're going to say. He wants to keep them away from all the murder and mayhem that seems to follow him everywhere, at least for as long as possible.
Jon and his group follow Vex into her private quarters where she has a large table placed in the middle of the room. On the table are books and notes which Jon notices shows sigils of different Houses in Westeros. Most of which seem to be of House Lannister and House Baratheon. Everyone takes a position around the table and each look at Vex.
Once she's sure that she has everyone's attention, Vex begins. "So then, what is it you all want to know?"
"Who killed Jon Aryyn?" Jon asked the question before anyone else can open their mouths.
"Of course you'd ask me that first" sighed Vex with a shake of her head. She picks through the various pages on the table before she holds up a pile in her hand. "As I told you before, I don't exactly know who killed Jon Arynn. What I do know are the people who would benefit the most from the man's death, as well as have the resources and connections needed to do so without the death being connected to them in any way."
Vex offers a page to the closest person on her right, being Teldryn who takes the page and reads it, finding out that the page has all the important information of a man named Tywin Lannister. "First off, we got Tywin Lannister. Former Hand of Aerys Targaryen or the Mad King as he's most commonly named now" started Vex, but Farkas interrupts her.
"Why was he called the Mad King?" asked the curious Nord.
"Because he had a nasty habit of burning people alive whenever he got bored" explained Jon before nodding for Vex to continue.
Vex does so as the page is passed around to everyone. "As I was saying, Tywin Lannister is the Head of House Lannister and Lord Paramount of the Westerlands. He also happens to be a tough and ruthless son of a bitch."
"I'll say" remarked Aela who reads over what Tywin Lannister did to House Reyne and House Tarbeck after they rebelled against House Lannister. "Sounds like a right sick bastard."
"Nearly all of the Lannisters are sick bastards in their own way and I wouldn't dare trust any of them. Tywin Lannister may be the worst of them all, but he also happens to be Head of one of the wealthiest Houses in all of the Seven Kingdoms" stated Vex. "House Lannister sits on one of the largest gold mines in the entirety of the Westerlands. With the King always spending gold on feasts and tourneys, my spies have discovered that the Iron Throne is six million dragons in debt with half of that owed to the Lannisters and the other half to the Iron Bank with a few thousand owed to others, like the Tyrells and the Faith."
J'zargo whistles. "J'zargo is impressed that the Lannisters have so much wealth to throw around."
"Wealth that Tywin and his family are not afraid to use" continued Vex. "From what I can tell, over half of the City Guard have been bought by the Lannisters. With most of the City Guard in Tywin Lannister's pocket and the Iron Throne owing so much coin to him, it's the Lions who actually rule King's Landing, not the Stag."
"Then why kill the Hand? What advantage does that bring him?" asked a perplexed Serana.
Vex rests one hand on her hip and the other on the table. "If I was to make a guess, it could have been to further tighten their grip over the Iron Throne. Robert might be King, but it's the Hand who has actually been ruling the Seven Kingdoms for all these years. With Jon Arryn out of the way, they would have nobody else to fight their control over the Iron Throne. Still, it's only a theory as I don't have any actual proof that Tywin or any of his family murdered the Hand of the King."
"Still, it's a good enough motive to me. It sounds like Jon Arryn was one of the last obstacles in the Lannisters way to getting the Iron Throne" said Aela who folds her arms across her chest.
Vex nods in agreement. "It's possible, but for now, we can't prove that Tywin or if any of his family are involved with the Hand's assassination." Vex takes another page and offers it to Teldryn. "Next up is a sneaky one. The Master of Whisperers, Lord Vary's who is popularly known as the Spider."
"The Spider?" asked Jon, looking a bit weirded out by the title.
Vex smirks at the Dragonborn. "It's because he spins his webs everywhere. Man has thousands of spies in Westeros, as well as Essos. Nothing happens without him knowing about it. That also means that nothing happens without me knowing about it."
Everyone, but Jon is confused by Vex's statement. Jon on the other hand smirks, looking very impressed with the thief. "You tapped into his spy network."
"Damn right I did. What kind of thief would I be if I didn't have all the important information? My thieves act as my personal spies, but Vary's little birdies do help in filling the gaps. That child you saw me with earlier actually happens to be one of Vary's birdies. By the way, that's what he calls his spies" explained the thief. "The Spider is a clever bastard, I'll give him that, but he mostly employs lowborn children to act as his spies. All he gives them are a couple of coppers and sweets for their services so all I had to do was rise up the ante. Children make good spies, but they are only loyal to those who give them the most coin."
"Very clever indeed" agreed a chuckling J'zargo.
Jon is impressed with Vex for tapping into the Master of Whisperers spy network, but he still has questions. "So it's obvious that Vary's has the connections and resources to assassinate the Hand. For what reason would he do so?"
"Don't know. Don't really know much about the Spider, even with my tap in his spy network. What I do know is that he has spies keeping watch over the remaining Targaryens that are hiding in Essos. Since he knows where the Dragons are, but isn't sending assassins to kill them, I am guessing he isn't exactly loyal to the King. Bastard would have a hard on if he knew where the Targaryens were hiding. Whoever Vary's is loyal to, it isn't to the Stags and definitely not to the Lions."
Jon wonders what Vary's could be planning, but honestly he can't completely figure him out, but he does have a thought. "Could be a Targaryen supporter. Might be looking to placing a Targaryen back on the Iron Throne" he thought, believing that to be one of the more believable reasons. The Targaryens may have lost the Iron Throne, but that doesn't mean there aren't hidden Targaryen supporters who would like to see them regain it. Since Jon Arryn had fought the Targaryens during Robert's Rebellion, Vary's could have killed him to weaken King Robert's military strength. "Any other suspects?"
Vex offers a page to Teldryn who takes it and reads. "Petyr Baelish or Littlefinger as he's more commonly known. He's also the Mockingbird I told you about. Fucker owns a lot of the brothels in the city which is how he gets his information. Bastard makes my skin crawl every time I see him."
Everyone looks at the thief in interest. "You've met him before?" asked a curious Teldryn.
"Did a few jobs for him. This is the Thieves Guild after all. We gotta make some coin for the Guild" answered Vex, like as if the answer should be obvious. "Mostly to modify the ledgers from rival businesses. He pays well, but I wouldn't dare trust him."
Jon knows that Vex is a good judge of character so if she says to not trust anyone, then he won't. "Anything else we should know about him?"
"Littlefinger also happens to be the Master of Coin. Including his brothels, that makes him a very wealthy man. I also know that he has bribed several men from within the City Guard so be careful when dealing with them. The City Guard are either in the Lannisters pockets or Littlefinger's."
"So we're in a city that smells like literal shit and where all the guards are bribed. Wonderful" remarked Farkas.
Vex grins and spreads her arms out wide. "Welcome to King's Landing."
"Any reason for Littlefinger to assassinate the Hand?" asked Aela, wanting to continue.
"Littlefinger is a hard man to figure out, even with my spies. Killing Jon Arryn wouldn't raise Littlefinger's position in any way, but I should point out that it was Jon Arryn who gave him the Master of Coin position in the first place."
"So Littlefinger was somewhat friends with Jon Arryn. Killing the Hand wouldn't benefit him either so it's likely not him" said Serana, but Vex shakes her head.
"As I said, Littlefinger is a difficult man to figure out. While unlikely, I also wouldn't put it pass him to kill the Hand for whatever reason he may have. The guy doesn't sit right with me" explained Vex.
"Then we'll keep him in mind" stated Jon, but so far, Tywin Lannister sounds like the most obvious culprit. "What does he have to do with Lady Stark arresting Tyrion Lannister?"
"The assassin who attempted to kill Bran Stark had a Valyrian Steel dagger on him. A dagger that Littlefinger says was once his, but he lost it in a bet with Tyrion. Wouldn't trust a word he says, but Catelyn believed that to be all the evidence she needs."
Serana turns to Jon, looking completely bewildered with the revelation. "She arrested someone, just with the word of one man?"
"A man who she grew up with and so, she trusts. Still, since she arrested the son of Tywin Lannister with no actual evidence that proves Tyrion attempted to kill Bran, I fear that war will be upon Westeros soon" stated Vex.
Jon isn't actually surprised that Lady Stark did such a thing, since she's known to get very emotional when it comes to her children. One of the reasons she despised him was because she feared that he would somehow take Winterfell from her trueborn children.
"Now, let's move on to the next" said Vex who hands Teldryn another page to pass along to the group. "This one is the least likely, but also another possibility."
J'zargo takes the page and reads it. "Lysa Arryn, formerly Tully. You mean the man's wife could have killed him?"
Vex shrugs. "I don't see why not. During Robert's Rebellion, she was forced into a political marriage with Jon Arryn who was old enough to be her father. Resentment might have drove her to poison her own husband."
"What about motive? They have a child together so would she actually take away the father of her child over resentment?" asked Jon.
"From what I hear, Lysa Arryn isn't exactly the sanest of people around and that's saying something. Might have just killed her husband for shits and giggles. Although, now that her husband is dead, their son has been made the Lord Paramount of the Vale, but as he is still a child, she acts as Lady Regent and holds the true power over Vale until her son comes of age."
Jon exchanges glances with the others. "So not only does she have possible motive, but she was also in the perfect position to poison Jon Arryn" he said.
Serana looks at Vex. "Are there any other suspects?"
"There are, but none that have the motive or power that these four have" answered Vex, referring to the pages on the table which has the information of Tywin Lannister, Vary's, Littlefinger and Lysa Arryn. "What I do have is the name of the person who may be able to lead you straight to the killer."
"Who is it?" asked Jon, wanting to waste as little time as possible.
Vex offers the page to Teldryn who looks it over before passing it on to the others. "The Grand Maester, Pycelle. Old as fuck, but don't let his appearance fool you. His mind and body is a lot sharper than he let's on. It has to be with how much time he spends fucking whores."
"I thought Maesters took an oath of celibacy?" asked Jon, remembering that from his teachings with Maester Luwin.
"They do, but for a lot of people here, oaths mean fuck all. A person could swear his undying loyalty to you one moment and stab you in the back in the next" stated Vex, having experienced such events in her first year living in King's Landing. Those who broke their oaths to her were made as bloody examples to the others. Now everyone in the Thieves Guild know what happens to those who betray her and the Guild.
As much as Jon doesn't want to, he agrees with Vex. Jon has always been a man of his word and for a majority of time, others have kept their own word to him. Yet, there has been others who have gone back on their oath and attempted to stab Jon in the back. Since Jon is alive and they are not, everything has ended well, but he has two scars on his chest which always reminds Jon to never naively put his blind faith in just anyone. Doing so will only get him killed.
"How does this Maester lead us to the killer?" wondered Teldryn.
"Because this Maester is the same one who treated Jon Arryn before he died. Any Maester half his salt knows the difference between an illness and poison so for the Grand Maester of all people to not recognize the signs is beyond suspicious. Either Pycelle applied the poison himself and pretended to treat him or he discovered the poison and lied about it. I will also point out that Jon Arryn use to have his own personal Maester to treat his illness, but Pycelle had sent that Maester away. Soon after, the Hand perished."
"Sounds like the Grand Maester is in need of a visit" remarked Aela. She keeps in mind of the other possible suspects, but so far, Grand Maester Pycelle has proven to be the most suspicious of the suspects.
"That's right. I will wager that Pycelle is either Jon Arryn's murderer or he is in league with the true murderer" stated Vex who turns to Jon who is standing opposite to her by the table. "So Jon, what's the plan?"
Jon looks down at the notes and pages for a moment before looking up at Vex. The thief smirks when she sees the fire burning in his eyes, showing her that he really is part Dragon.
"I'm going to be paying the Grand Maester a visit."
xXx
Author's Note: I just want to remind you beautiful readers that I am not exactly knowledgeable of Game of Thrones so don't be afraid to tell me if something is wrong, either it be certain aspects of the Game of Thrones or even just the way they speak. If you have something to say, make sure to PM me because I don't read reviews. Too much negativity :p
Jon's Skill Levels:
One-Handed (100) - You know what's better than a sword?
Two-Handed (100) - An even bigger sword!
Archery (40) - Load, point and shoot a crossbow. It isn't that hard.
Block (30) - Why use a shield when you can just use another sword?
Light Armour (100) - The winner is always the one who moves the fastest.
Heavy Armour (85) - Heavy, but safe.
Smithing (100) - Eorlund Grey-Mane would be proud.
Sneak (100) - By the time you hear me, you'll already be dead.
Lockpicking (60) - Won't be opening any steel doors anytime soon.
Pickpocket (40) - Does it count if I pickpocket a corpse?
Speech (90) - Why fight when we can just talk?
Alchemy (75) - Potions and Poisons for any circumstance.
Enchanting (50) - Probably better to just pay for the enchantment.
Alteration (100) - Reality is my plaything!
Restoration (80) - Can heal all but the most fatal of injuries.
Destruction (75) - BOOM!
Conjuration (35) - Does Westeros really need anymore zombies?
Illusion (60) - Want to see a magic trick?