Myrcella

Normally, the wagon wheels croaked along the dirt roads. A desperate squeal that made her ears bleed. It was agonizing how slow it was. The caravan of banners moved slowly: Starks, Arryns, Lannisters, and Baratheon traveled at a snail's pace. They would get a few hours of traveling before stopping. Father wished to go on some hunt. Or they stopped in some lordlings holdfast to feast. They had recently arrived at the Trident. Several weeks of traveling remained to them at this rate. Now, the wheels didn't move as father had gone on some bear hunt. In a few days, Lord Arryn and his wards would depart the party for the Eyrie.

I suppose it's better than the Red Keep.

Joffrey was more busy with his betrothed to pay her much mind and if Mother wasn't accompanying her, it would have been pleasant. Empty countryside and no one to please.

Poor girl. Myrcella thought sadly. Lady Sansa had gushed much about his gallantry, utterly blind to him. If she was braver, maybe she would have warned her more directly. But no matter her words, it was unlikely to change much. She's in love. And only Lady Sansa could shatter the delusion she had formed of her golden lion.

His heart is as dark as a villain.

Her bright green eyes gifted from her Lannister mother stared a bit too intently out the window. "And what are you thinking, I wonder?" The sweet voice of her mother chimed. "Surely you aren't thinking of that Stark boy?"

"No, mother." Myrcella said softly. "I was thinking of home." She tried to paint a picture of the red walls. Instead, it looked more like auburn curls. Her cheeks reddened at that. When they had danced in the Great Hall of Winterfell, it was truly magical. Bright blue pools and a handsome face made it easy for fondness. Her mother granted a sharp look. "Oh sweetling." Mother said. "Come here." She patted on the cushions next to her.

Myrcella did as bid.

Mother brought her in close like a lioness and her cub. Fingers graced her shoulder, feigning warmth. "My sweet daughter, you shouldn't set your sights so low as Robb Stark." Stroking a strand of her blond hair. "You deserve so much more. A princess deserves more than the Heir of Winterfell."

I wasn't thinking of Robb Stark.

"I know mother though he was a kind host." She said, nodding her head.

And mother gave a satisfied look as Myrcella held her silence before she dared to show some courage like a princess should. "And when shall I marry mother?" Her voice high and girlish. "Joff is marrying Lady Sansa. When shall father decide on my match for me?"

"Why the rush, my young cub?" Her smile was paper thin. The displeasure plain as day to her. "You are among family in the Red Keep. A marriage is a terrible thing, my little doe. The nature of men is terrible and rotten." As if your nature is any better. Myrcella thought. Though she wished otherwise. She wanted mother to truly love her as she did Joffrey, but such was nothing more than a dream. All of her love went to Joffrey and little was left over for the rest of them. They got the scraps of her affections like runts in a pride of lions they ate last.

Myrcella sighed. "Yes mother, you are wiser than I." she lied with a smile. "When are Lady Sansa and Lady Arya arriving again?" Another of mothers 'brilliant' plans. Why she thought the four of them in a wheelhouse together was a good idea was beyond her. Sansa Stark and Arya Stark were as different as two sisters could be, and putting them in this cramped wheelhouse was a recipe for disaster. They would quarrel like cats and dogs, but she guessed that was the intention. I suppose I know after all she would be caught in between them as mother played her game. If only mother would tell the poor girl to run for the hills while she still could, but mother wouldn't do that. Sweet, naïve Sansa was perfect in her eyes for Joff. Easy to control and no threat. That was life in the capital, or so mother had taught her.

It was a very miserable way of looking at the world.

Before her mother replied Ser Preston of the Kingsguard appeared at the window and whispered some words to mother whom frowned. "Change of plans, my little cub." She told her. "It seems we'll have to reschedule tea with Lady Sansa and her sister."

"Oh, how sad mother."

Mother said nothing else, already forgetting about her as she left, for whatever matter, was more pressing than the little game with the Stark girls. Boredom seized her like the Stranger. Normally, she would have taken Tommen out and they would have done some exploring, but Tommen was with Lord Arryn at his section of the encampment, taking up his duties as his squire. The few moments she had seen him he seemed happy, beaming with excitement. Being around boys his own age had improved his mood greatly. Freedom from Joffreys painful shadow.

The Vale shall prove good for him, making him into a knight like Uncle Jamie

Two choices lay before her, staying in this moving golden cell or see her brother and Lord Jasper.

, With a small huff, Myrcella made her choice.

Brandon Stark and Adrian Belmore were cladded in thick padding to prevent any serious injury swung practice swords at each other. It wasn't eloquent swordsmanship like Ser Arys or Ser Barristan, mere basic slashes of boys. Ser Brynden was overseeing the match, arms crossed, shouting out instructions to the combatants. The Stark boys direwolf was gnawing on a bone, bored by everything., By the large white pavilion fit for a king, banners of the flying falcon fluttered in the wind. Tommen and the Waynwood boy were cleaning a suit of armor with a falcon helm at the entrance while Ser Arys, his sworn shield, watched dutifully. How mother would rage if she saw. She scanned the field, looking for Lord Jasper. It wasn't hard to find him. Tall and handsome with broad shoulders and muscular arms from time spent in the training yard, he stuck out like a sore thumb. Lord Jasper was speaking with some of his knights down the field, organizing some trip. They had gathered horses along with bows and spears.

Lord Jasper must be departing as well. Myrcella thought.

Tommen saw her first. "Cella!" He cried out, throwing the rag to the ground and wrapping his arms around her in a tight embrace. "You missed my fight, Cella, with Bran. I lost, but it was still great fun." He grinned. Oh, my sweet baby brother.

Myrcella giggled. "I'm sure it was quite the bout."

"Lord Arryn says I shall make a great knight one day."

"In that I agree." She leaned over and rubbed some dirt off his cheek to his groans and complaints.

Myrcella finished with a smirk at her work. "Well, do you think I'll be able to borrow you, Ser Tommen, to be as an escort?"

Tommens bright smile crumbled, and his shoulders slouched. "Tommen?" She asked, worried. "Whats the matter?"

Before he could reply Ser Brynden gruff voice announced. "Brandon Stark has won the field." The Stark boy gave a wolfish grin in reply. Adrian Belmore hand curled into a fist and hit the ground once before he lunged like a snake screaming while Bran Starks back was turned. The boys tumbled into the dirt. Ser Brynden was quick as a cat and had them both by the cuffs of their collars before too much damage could be done. The direwolf lifted its head up briefly before returning to its meal, unconcerned. The commotion had Lord Jasper rushing over with a stern look as cold as ice as Ser Brynden dropped them before him. Tommens fingers interlocked with her own as his face fell.

"Explain Adrian." Lord Jasper said.

"HE CHEATED!"

"NO! I DIDN'T!"

The rest was unintelligible to anyone save perhaps the Gods and Jasper Arryn's unamused voice snapped. "Quiet." He said, turning to Ser Brynden. "Did you see anything, Ser?"

Ser Brynden snorted. "Horseshit. The claim is horseshit."

Lord Jasper hardened. "You have shamed and dishonored yourself, Adrian. First, in your deeds and second in lies and deceit with me." Every word was filled with disdain and laced with disappointment. "Now shake Brans hand Adrian as befits a man of the Vale."

"You didn't with the bastard."

Brans eyes blazed with fury. "His name is Jon!" Only Ser Bryndens iron grip kept him from hitting the Belmore boy.

"We speak of your conduct, Adrian. Not my own. Do not blame me for your actions." Jasper said, gripping the boy's chin. "And I do regret mine. I should have taken his hand. In that, my actions were dishonorable and I have to live with that, as you will live with yours. A true mark of a man is taking responsibility for his misdeeds." In moments like this, Myrcella really believed he was Jon Arryn's son, as noble as the old falcon was.

Lord Jasper released his grip and said. "And you shall shake his hand or you'll be sent back to your father. I shall not tolerate this conduct."

Adrian Belmore's scowl crumbled, and he mumbled out an apology as he extended his hand half heartily to Bran. The Stark boy scowled at it. "Bran." Jaspers voice lowered.

Bran grumbled and they shook hands.

"As punishment, you shall collect all the arrows shafts fired today." Jasper continued. "Alone."

"But that will take all day!" He wailed.

Lord Jasper showed no sympathy. "Then you best get started."

And when he looked back to the white pavilion, they made eye contact and his handsome face look mortified that she had witnessed the affair. He thinks it reflects poorly on him. Before he schooled his features and offered a kind smile as he made his way over. "Princess." He said. "I beg your pardon, I wasn't aware you were with us this day."

"Nor did I expect to be. I see I've interrupted you though and for that I extend my apologies."

"My lady, it was a slight affair of little worth." He swore. "You've interrupted nothing. In fact, I think your arrival has improved this day. Still, how may I be of service?" Jasper said without pause. His lordly look had certainly improved since Winterfell. Whatever conflict that had afflicted him, he had settled it. A fact that disappointed her. She was rather curious about him and how much of this courtesy was an act. When he placed the cloak around her shoulders and pledged to help them, should they ask like a knight from a song, she couldn't tell if he was brave or foolish? Mayhaps, both. Only Uncle Tyrion had made similar offers.

Joffrey can charm when he wishes to. A small voice warned.

"You may be of service, Lord Arryn. I wish to borrow my brother from your service this day." Tommens hand had fallen from her own when Lord Jasper arrived.

Tommen whispered. "I don't think that's possible, Cella."

"Why not?"

"Well, we are joining His Grace on the hunt." Lord Jasper said. "That makes it rather challenging, I fear."

Sweet Tommen on a hunt? Myrcella was dazed. Tommen couldn't handle the sight of the killing of a doe and he thought to bring him on a hunt was wise? Were they not hunting a bear as well?

"He'll be fine, princess. I remember my vow I made to you." His voice hardened at the insinuation of breaking his honor. "Prince Tommen will be well protected by several knights in the rear, but it's good for him to watch and learn."

Tommen asked hesitantly. "Could I not Lord Arryn? I'll be leaving Cella soon, and I'd like to spend the day with her." His big green eyes widened as he puffed up his chest. "I wish it as a prince my lord."

For what felt like a long moment, Lord Jasper thought about it before bringing his hand to the bridge of his nose.

He sighed. "Alright," His voice softened. "I understand the importance of family. I give my leave, but you'll have to go on hunts in the Eyrie, my prince."

Tommen made a solemn vow in agreement.

Something flashed in Lord Jaspers eyes and he turned around. "Brandon." He gestured for Lord Brandon to join them.

"My lord?" Lord Bran asked as he joined them with a confused look. The wolf was at his side, meat dripping down its fur.

Lord Jasper smile. "It would do you well to spend time with Prince Tommen and Princess Myrcella. If neither of you are opposed?"

"I don't mind Bran is my friend." Tommen said.

Myrcella nodded. "I find that agreeable, my lord."

"But I want to go on the hunt." Lord Bran mumbled.

"You'll go on the next one." Lord Jasper promised him. "I just need Jon for this affair."

"Alright, you two." Lord Jasper said. "Stay out of trouble and behave honorably in my absence, and be polite to the princess." He motioned for the quiet Waynwood boy to join him as he made his way to the gathered party at the end of the field.

"Happy hunting my lord." Myrcella called out.

"Oh, I doubt we'll find the bear."

Jasper

The bear was large and mean as sin and despite the storm of spears surrounding it, aggressive as the Warrior himself. Hounds circled around, barking. Biting. Tearing at flesh. It smacked one hound into the tree, unmoving, as the bear roared a fierce cry. The rest of the hounds scattered into the wind. Two knights in the kings employ moved forward and drew first blood and the cry grew louder and more desperate. Several tons of muscle and furs charged forward and Jasper met it head on with a savage thrust of his spear screaming. "As High as Honor!" It tore through fur. Muscle. And pierced the beast's heart in a perfect thrust, as he had done dozens of times before. The bear's eyes went wide and the giant of a beast tumbled backward with a thud.

His knights surrounded him, offering their congratulations. Patting him on the back.

I earned back some of their respect for me, lost in Winterfell. Jasper thought.

King Roberts laughter was louder than all of their voices. "GODS WHAT A THRUST!" He said as he patted him on the back with a blow stronger than a bear sending the air out of his lungs. "A true hunter just like your father."

"You honor me your grace, but all the praise should go to Ser Brynden without which we would have lost it back at the ford."

"Aye!" the king boomed. "Both of you shall eat at a place of honor for it." At that, the rest of the party joined with them. Lord Renly Baratheon recently arrived from the capital wearing a handsome green cloak despite the amiable smile he seemed uncomfortable in the woods. Several knights of the Kingsguard among them the famed Ser Barristan the Bold followed by the bastard Jon Snow. Dark curls and a long plain face of a Stark. He looked just like Lord Stark as Harry looked like his father, or so men claimed. When he gazed at him, those dark curls turned blond, and his grey eyes sky blue. A direwolf with fur as white as snow at his side. A feeling of bitterness mixed with regret remained at the sight of the bastard of Winterfell.

Why didn't I take his hand? Jasper wondered. He dreamed about it some nights. I should have taken it. Would he do it if offered a second time?

But the mere sight of him had him simmering with a dull anger, gripping the spear more tightly. All he could remember was the laughter and the feeling of humiliation Snow afflicted against him as the eyes bore into him, judging him as a weak falcon.

Does he think I enjoyed that? That I wanted to insult him? I had no choice. He humiliated me the stain on my aunts honor. Maybe if no one was around, he could have forgiven him. But he did it in front of everyone, just as Harry would, and claim it an accident.

It was no accident. Deliberate. Cruel. Callous.

Yet, he offered that hand to him in the courtyard.

Why did he offer that damn hand?

Somehow that day a mere bastard had shown more honor than a Lord of the Eyrie and that made him feel shame.

Instead, Jasper had thrown himself into his lordship responsibilities overseeing his squires, riding with his grace, and preparing for the arrival in the Vale. It dulled out the bitterness and shame he felt, and the boys were progressing well. Adrian was progressing with a bow. Jon and Bran had taken to swords well, and Prince Tommen had shown heart despite his lack of training and always came with a bright smile. Despite the setback today, everything was progressing well. It was good that Prince Tommen and Bran Stark stayed behind. Having those two as fast friends would serve them both, and House Arryn.

Arrow took him down the woodland trail with only the silent Blackfish behind him. Away from bastards, kings, lords, knights. Jasper breathed in the fresh air and relaxed from everyone. He was as free as air, but the Blackfish sported a stern look. A lecture is upon me.

Jasper let out a sigh. "Alright, say your words, grand uncle."

"What were you thinking, boy?"

"I know not what you-"

"Cut the shit." Uncle Brynden barked. "Those hapless knights may be fooled, but I'm not so old to believe you acted in the moment. It was deliberate. So tell me what you were thinking."

Jasper twisted the reins around and turned Arrow to face him. "I was thinking I had to wash away the memory of Winterfell from their minds." He said with growing frustration. "I need my knights to think of me as a man grown. An Arryn worthy of my name. Capable of impressive feats of courage and bravery. Not a boy humbled by a bastard." How could he defend the Vale otherwise? If his men didn't think him capable of it.

"I've done that same thrust a dozen times with you." Jasper reminded. "I did exactly as you taught me." And the bear fell, and he earned the praise of a king and all of his knights? Didn't that count for something? The plan worked, and he secured the Honor of House Arryn. Who knows what honors the king may bestow upon him in the future! For the good of House Arryn and the Vale. His knights would forget about the bastard and his duel. King Robert would think him a true Arryn, just like his father was.

Uncle Brynden scoffed. "You've missed once or twice before."

Jasper snorted. "And if I told you my intentions, you would have tried to stop me."

"Your damn right." He replied. "And failing that, I would have been in place to save your miserable life. By the Seven you are impulsive."

Jasper paused and winced. That would have been better… "Whats done is done. I can't change the past." He said curtly. "Please, grand uncle, I don't wish to quarrel with you. You're the only one I trust."

"You have a shit way of showing it." His voice thick with dry scorn. Worry, he's still worried about me.

Jasper whispered. "I just want to be a good Lord Arryn." He said, lowering his head. "That's my only wish. I know I erred at Winterfell. I wanted something I should not. That's my shame. My dishonor. And I shall answer it for the rest of my life."

"Nephew-"

"No, it's true." Jasper said, thinking of Winterfell and the dead dream it represented. House Arryn may have earned honor with the gaining of two wards. A son of Hand and a King, but it would always be a place where he finally killed that stupid boy that dreamed of something foolish. "I know my role and what needs to be done. I'm Lord Arryn and that's all I shall be. I can't do both, and I shall not fail. You. My brother. And everyone depends on me." Still, he thought of the fun in the stables and it dug a deep hole in his chest filled with sorrow and regret. If only I could have controlled my anger towards a bastard, I might have had something.

The boy still lived inside of him, but he was weak and shackled.

I'll never let him out again. I'll be perfect. A perfect Lord Arryn. Jasper vowed.

"There is no shame in wishing to be around family."

But he no longer wished for that. The Starks were his kin, and by the laws of Gods and Men he would still defend them as a Lord Arryn should, but they were not his family. He was a stranger to them. Lord Stark had treated him with courtesy since Winterfell, but he had made no further attempts to get to know him or any of the Starks. Brandon, he treated like any squire. Cousin Sansa hardly noticed him and Cousin Arya, whom he felt he had liked the most, hated him with a passion.

Yet another thing his parents had denied him.

It's for the best. Falcons soar alone. Jasper mused,

He waved a hand to avoid further conversation, "I will speak no further, of bastards, bears, and Winterfell." Jasper twisted Arrow to move and he obeyed him. They rode together for some time in silence before his uncle asked him what he planned to do in the Vale upon their return. He mentioned his intention to host a grand feast celebrating House Arryns new wards. It would show his vassals the strong position House Arryn found itself in. The new positions his Blackfish had secured for the Valeman in the Kings Court would strengthen his personal position amongst his vassals and would be celebrated as well. But the only way he could finally wash away the whispers of being the son of Lysa Tully was marriage and so he told him his intention to court Lady Ysillia of House Royce.

"There is one thing you have not spoken of." His uncle counseled. "Your heir. The Lords of the Vale would prefer Harry to Robert."

"Robert is my brother." Jasper declared. "By the laws of gods and men, he shall be my heir. Harry shall never sit on the Weirwood Throne." Imagining him on the throne of his father nearly made him scowl. That blond bastard isn't worthy to kiss my boot. He should be on his knees thanking the Gods he shares my blood, or I would throw him through the moondoor.

Jasper chuckled. "You'll be his regent. I've decided this should any ill befall me."

"Myself?" His uncle shook his head. "Lord Royce would be a better choice."

Jasper shook his head. "He's focused on the honor of his house. A good man, but only you." He pointed at him. "Would be focused on Roberts well being."

"I'm too old for regency." Uncle Brynden said dryly.

Jasper laughed. "Well, thankfully for you. I have no intentions of meeting my father just yet."

When they rejoined the main company, King Robert bade him to ride by his side like he was his son, hailing him as a superb huntsman. It was flattering, but he didn't enjoy being the center of attention like this. "What a hunt this was Ned!" He wrapped his arm around his Hand and Lord Stark nodded along as His Grace boasted about the conquest. "And you, Barry old boy, are you enjoying that squire of yours?"

"Indeed, I am, your grace." Ser Barristan said.

Jasper simply gazed ahead, doing his best to forget about Jon Snow that rode with them. He concentrated on the trees, and the stones counting them as it had been taught to him to avoid making a fool of himself again.

Three twenty four

A party of horseman approached from the north, baring the banners of Lannister and the Crowned Stag. King Robert bellowed for them to halt in his name.

"There has been an incident on the Trident, your grace." The knight wearing the crimson of House Lannister said, bowing his head. "Involving your children and the Lord Hands."

Lord Stark looked cold as ice. "Robert."

"Aye Ned." King Robert darkened.

Prince Tommen and Cousin Bran, a hint of concern flashed over his eyes, and he saw similarly in Jon Snow's grey eyes.

Harry had never shown a look of concern for him as Snow showed for his half siblings. You love them, don't you? If he had been raised with Harry, would they have loved one another? Or was it him? Would Harry have always hated him? For the first time, Snow didn't awaken any dull anger inside of him. Me too, Snow. Me too. Jasper thought as they galloped into the wind.

Bran

The rock landed a good three paces away from him and Bran hung his head back, bored out of his wits. Prince Tommen and Princess Myrcella walked with him along the Trident. Instead of hunting bears with Lord Arryn and father, he was walking with the two royals. It's not fair! Tommen was a good friend and normally he did like his company, but Princess Myrcella was terribly bossy and took charge of their expedition. When he suggested they go on a hunt of their own, she put her foot down and said they would look for Prince Rhaegars rubies instead. Tommen supported his sister, and he followed them, kicking the rocks along the way.

Dawn was running ahead of them. "To me, boy." And Dawn came running with an enormous grin and he scratched underneath its ears. The name came to him after speaking with Lord Arryn about the Kingsguard. Dawn was the sword of House Dayne and it seemed the right name for him. I couldn't keep on calling him wolf or I'd end with a name worse than Shaggydog.

"Come on Bran. Are you still upset about the hunt?" Princess Myrcella asked, ankle deep in the water, ruining her dress.

"No." Bran grumbled, looking down at his feet.

The princess giggled. "I'm sorry you are having such a poor time." And splashed the cool water at him.

Bran reddened, but refused to move only for Dawn to grab his pant legs and yank him towards the water. "HEY! STOP IT!" He called out, but Dawn ignored his orders and shoved him into the water with a giant grin.

"See, even your wolf tires over your brooding."

"Oh, I think I found something." Tommen piped up.

Bran's heart stilled. Had he truly found something? He and Princess Myrcella raced over to Tommen, pulling and tripping over the other in a mad dash. "Tommen," Princess Myrcella laughed. "It's just a rock."

Tommens face fell. "Oh," His voice soft as a whisper, but Bran didn't care. He was smiling and grinning. It really was a lot of fun being in the water looking for the rubies.

"Come on Tommen we'll find something I know it!" Bran declared and started his search. All of them did, and under the southron heat the splashing of water was nice. It was cool, and he smiled.

In the distance, something cracked loudly, and the faint sound of voices echoed. They stopped splashing and Tommen piped up. "Do you hear that?"

All three of them nodded their heads slowly and Bran was the first one to press forward with the royals close behind him.

It was just Ayra and the butchers boy, Mycah, hacking at each other with sticks. Oh, no, we should certainly go… He gulped. But Arya ruined that when she saw the three of them soaked to the bone intruding upon them. He wanted to turn around, but the princess didn't seem bothered by his sisters scowl. "Shouldn't you be with Lord Arryn?" She said, thick with mockery that had his cheeks burning.

"He's on a hunt." Bran grumbled.

"Good. I hope a bear gets him."

Bran glowered. "Arya!" He said. "Take that back!" As his hands curled by his side. The royals and the butchers boy faded from both of them, as they snarled at the other. Even Dawn and Nymeria circled each other, growling. They were worse than their direwolves, though glaring at the other with daggers.

"No, he deserves it!." Arya snapped. "He insulted Jon. He hurt our brother over an accident and didn't even have the courage to apologize. Arryn is a coward, a craven, and I hope a bear takes him!"

Bran grimaced. He loved Jon with all his heart, and what their cousin did would always trouble him, but Lord Arryn had taken to his knightly education seriously. Don't you see how important that is to me! I could be a Kingsguard! He would go to the Eyrie where father was fostered with the king. The Blackfish had already told him some stories of the War of the Ninepenny Kings and he claimed Jasper was the best jouster he had ever seen, and Bran had seen him throw off Robb like it was nothing.

He could teach me to do that!

"That's not fair! I love Jon too!"

"Liar!"

They were both in each others faces, their noses practically touching. A hand squeezed between them. "Do you think we can join?" Princess Myrcella asked. "It looks like a lot of fun! What you were doing with those sticks." She gestured towards them with a disarming smile.

Arya gazed at the princess, and noting the ruined dress, grinned. "You want to play with sticks? Are you not a princess?"

"I still wish to have some fun."

Mycah and Tommen were looking away, pretending to be elsewhere, before smiling at them. Tommens smile was a wide beam. "Me too!" Tommen said with great enthusiasm.

Princess Myrcella set up the groups. Mycah, the biggest of them, would face Tommen and Ayra, while they would pair him with the princess. "Why me?" He asked, puzzled.

"Your Lord Arryns squire. I know he would have taught you chivalry towards a princess." She winked. "You'll go easy on me, won't you?"

And he made a solemn vow to do just that. A good thing too, because she was quite terrible. No strength behind any of her blows and she often shrieked if he got too close. Bran still had a fun time. After some time, he shouted. "I'm King Torrhen! Kneel before me, dragon princess."

"Never!" The princess was giggling. "The dragon shall never yield. Feel our fire!"

That day it was the Age of Heroes come again. They had Daeron the Young Dragon fighting Visenya Targaryen, Cregan fought Rhaenys, Aemon the Dragonknight fighting the Night Queen. None of them made much sense, but they didn't really care. Sweat dripped down their brows, and in the heat of summer they were swinging sluggishly. Brans arm felt like stone as Princess Myrcella gave him a painful whack. "Ha! I got you!" She cried out.

Bran groaned and dropped his stick. The princess pressed her weapon against his chest, smirking. If Arya saw she'll never let me hear the end of it.

"Thank you Bran for lifting my spirits by letting me win. How gallant!" Princess Myrcella said, making him swallow something heavy. That's not what happened… She offered him some water that he drank desperately. Arya and Tommen were still hard at work, avoiding the butcher boys' powerful blows as he swatted at them like they were gnats. Nymeria and Dawn had gone off hunting, probably after some rabbit. What a wonderful day? Bran thought. Would the Eyrie be this much fun?

"Tommen!"

"Arya!"

Sansa and Prince Joffrey said both horrified and, according to the sneer on Prince Joffreys face, disgusted. Their sudden appearance stunned Tommen, whom lowered his stick only to be punished by Mycah with a late hit.

Tommen yelped and rubbed his arm.

"Go away!" Arya shrieked.

"That's my brother you hit. Who are you now?" Prince Joffrey said.

"He's no one, just the butchers boy." Sansa answered, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

Princess Myrcella's sweet demeanor became guarded as she went to her younger brother and wrapped her arms protectively around him. "Joff," she said. "We were just having some fun. A childish affair." What was the problem? Bran didn't understand a lick of what was happening. Why would Prince Joffrey care? We are just playing with sticks.

Prince Joffrey scoffed. "It was quite childish, sweet sister." He chuckled. "Don't worry, I shall rectify that. Cross swords with me butchers boy. Don't you fancy yourself a knight?"

"It's just a stick, milord."

Prince Joffrey drew his sword, castle steel. "I'm not your lord. I'm your prince."

"Please."

"That was my brother you hit." Prince Joffrey frowned. "I must be a just prince." He lifted the sword up and cut at Mycah's flesh. Crimson red cried out as he screamed in pain. Princess Myrcella was covering Tommens eyes. It was wrong, very wrong. Prince Joffrey was enjoying himself like he did when he climbed the towers of Winterfell. How can you enjoy hurting a butchers boy? Father would never have stood for something like this or Lord Arryn either. Brans hands curled into fists, and when Arya struck him knocking him down, Bran charged screaming.

Only to fall back as if struck. Something wet poured through his tunic, and he collapsed onto the cold ground. Someone scooted him into their lap. The fabric was soft and warm. Mothers hair. Wolves howled. Tears poured over him. Why is someone crying? It's a wonderful day.

Or was it raining? That wouldn't be fun.

Brans vision darkened, and he saw no more.

Authors Note: Next up faiths are revealed, judgements handed out, and farewells are uttered. Won't lie I'm terrible at plotting out. I have no one to shoot ideas off with(I have a general idea of where I'm going though) But the characters sometimes throw wrenches into those plans!

Mirzan: Appreciate the review! (Not saying this is what will happen) But at this point in the story, if everything happened precisely according to cannon(At least in my mind) Men of the Vale, Riverlands would have been slain along with Neds household guard. His cousins would be imprisoned by King Joffrey, and Jasper would certainly honor his oaths to ride with Robb. The Vale would call for it. But the Riverlands wouldn't be burning cause Tyrion never happens, and the Tullys with Family, Duty, Honor would always be conflicted between Robb and Jasper as both had Tully blood. Robb wouldn't be King cause he never relieved Rivverun. Also Renly in my mind is always going to declare, he didn't know about the incest he just wants to be King which does weaken Stannis arguement. He looks just like Renly an ambitious uncle trying to usurp his nephew. It would be very easy for Baelish to tell Jasper that Ned was decieved by Renlys lie, and he would believe that. Cat could believe that and possibly even Robb. Now, if Ned himself tells him, nah, but Ned is going to die to save Sansa. Plus, after the excuetion of Ned they could make the arguement that like the Mad King, Joffrey had broken the contract between King and lord, making Tommen the rightful king. But you are certainly right the Blackfish would tell Jasper to hold off and be cautious. Win a big battle before you make that declaration or something along those lines.

Freedmoon: I love these long reviews. I really do! But to try to cover everything without a wall of text(I'll proably fail)I'll keep it in bullet point form. Jaspers Strengths: Top 3 Tourney Knight. Up there on Loras, Jamie, Barry the Bold. He's a natural horseman and using the lance. A prodigy. Easily the best in the Vale.(I tried to show that with him easily dispatching Robb and Theon) Jasper has won several regional tourneys, but nothing outside of the Vale.(It's how he got his two Vale Squires) Just remember that Jasper may thinking of himself as thin as a reed, but it doesn't make him one. The Pov is biased. He understands what his vassals want to see and has a very good understanding off political systems and what made House Arryn successful. As a child he was isolated and sheltered and lived on the songs and stories like Sansa (Though he still wants to believe in them. They provide him some happiness) and then Harry was the wake up call when he told him what they really thought of him. That he was seen as coddled and unworthy of the name Arryn. It broke something in him, and he picked up martial pursuits as a result. He became a good hunter. Picked up falconry. Swordsman hes at Robbs level decent, but nothing exceptional. And an underatted strength he's self aware of his weakness and tries to accommodate it. In the Vale he prefers to go on hunts with visiting vassals because it's more relaxing for him since he has something to focus himself on and he can be very kind at times when he doesn't feel a lot of pressure to even people that garner him no advantage. The Knights of the Vale consider him a decent liege. Martial. Good on deciding quarrels. There is one issue that has caused some tension in the Vale and that's Jaspers heir. Many want Jasper to name Harry over Robert. And Jasper HATES Harry with a passion. Only reason he still breathes is Jasper won't kill him because it would be kinslaying. I do want to state that his impulsive quality is mainly when he is in a crowd of people and someone intentionally angers or embarrasses him. If someone brought him bad news in his solar, he would get irate, but wouldn't explode. He would be able to handle it calmly and come up with a decent plan to handle it. One of the biggest reasons why the Jon affair happened was just bad cirumstances. If say it was just a random server a flash of anger would overcome him, and he would snap, and when the server flinched he would feel regret and shame and apologize and say all was well. But it was Jon the shame on his aunt and he felt an invisible pressure to lash out less he allow dishonorable slights to stand. If it was say Ayra that spilled it on him, he proably would have just laughed, but it was Jon the absolute worst person in the world to do it.

Also at Winterfell you really see Jasper at his worst. He's conflicted and at war with himself sort of like Zuko in Ba Sing Se. Lord Arryn or Jasper. Honor and duty or love and family. Can he do both? Can he be happy like those songs? He sees the Stark family and they represent family in his mind that hes always wanted, but had been denied. He becomes his own worst enemy as he doesn't want to squander the opportunity so at times he doubles down on his distance, and others his mask crumbles as he desperately wants to connect with them. By the end though he believes that he messed up so badly that the door was closed to him forever and so all that remains to him is Lord Arryn so he goes back to that role.

It's a tight rope writing Jasper. If you write an OC that's too perfect he feels unreal or out of place amongst the ASOIAF characters whom are all flawed in one way or another because they are people. However, if you write someone too incompetent and faces no consequences it feels unrealistic. My rules was to give him 2-3 things he was really good at. Most things he was just average or slightly above average, and a few crippling flaws. If I failed as Harry Truman would say the "The buck stops with me."

Now for Myrcella she would have asked that to anyone. She was just worried about her brother and him going away and wanted some assurance. Now the question, you have to ask yourself about Baelish is would he ever allow a perfect Arryn heir to live? No of course not they would be an obstacle to his plans. Now, a flawed Arryn that trusted Baelish he could prove useful. Otherwise, in my mind any Arryn OCC would have to die. Jasper is a bit of a piece on the board like Arriane, but even pieces can change the game.

ATP: I'll try my best. Thanks for the review!