AN: second to last chapter before break. Hope you all enjoy it.

WINTERFELL-LORD'S SOLAR

NED

Ned Stark was at a complete loss of what to say or do.

On the one hand, he had practically jumped for joy upon hearing that the Faith Militant had been pushed back at Moat Cailin. The fact that the High Sparrow had been killed meant that they had fled in disarray. It was the best case scenario Ned could have hoped for.

How he learned of it, was a bit more sour to him though.

He had been riding straight for Winterfell, believing that Robb was too young to lead in such a time of crisis, only to see his eldest son and Theon lead a force made of Stark and Umber as well as several other houses down south on the Kingsroad, ready to meet their newest enemy. Ned took charge, but they stopped for the night at castle Cerwyn, where Ned contemplated ordering Robb back to Winterfell, only for the Maester to receive a raven with the seals of both House Reed and Bolton, explaining that the battle was won.

Just as the men cheered at that, the Maester mentioned WHO was this great Northern hero that everyone wanted to thank.

And it was Jon.

Jon, who he had sworn to protect, had fought off an entire army, with less than ten people with him.

He simultaneously wanted to tell Jon how proud he was, and lock him in a cell just so he never does such a foolish thing again.

He had been shaken out of his shock by the Greatjon's arm hitting him on the back. "Well isn't that great Ned! These green southerners are no match for even one of us, no matter the numbers."

That had led to great cheers from the men, and a celebratory feast for the men at Castle Cerwyn. Ned had to remember to repay Jonelle for that.

Now though, Jon and Howland would be here in a few hours. Robb had already rode out to see Jon early.

Robb had done better than Ned had initially thought he would. And when it looked like the North was in danger, he prepared to face it head on. Still though, the thought of Robb rushing off to fight was one that filled Ned's heart with dread. A feeling he was sure that Cat shared, even if she knew that Robb had to lead in his absence. He would make a fine lord when his time came.

Upon returning to Winterfell, he had ensured that arrangements were made for all the men who had rode out to defend the North. Then he saw his family.

Sansa greeted him with all the courtesy expected of a Lady, while Arya- who for some reason was covered in dirt and mud- did not give much thought into jumping right into him, sending them both to the ground laughing. Bran had run out and immediately asked him about the heroes of the war, whose deeds had made their way this far North. Ned promised to sit down with him and explain who did what in every battle he knew of later. Rickon had been the same energetic child as when he left, though getting him to let go of Ned's leg took a good part of the hour.

Cat was both shocked and relieved to see him, as was expected. Just the day before she had watched her first born ride off to war, and now she watched her son and husband return safely.

And now, any moment a guard would walk into the solar to announce that Jon was returning.

Today, his pack would be restored.

But he saw it differently than he had before leaving.

Robb and Jon could hardly be considered pups, and Sansa was also growing into a young lady. His family was starting to grow up. Before long he would be thinking the same about Arya and Bran.

Ned remembered what Wyman Manderly had said about being willing to give one of his granddaughters to Jon. But with Jon being hailed as a hero, that went from a willful lowering of standards to a great honor.

In a way, this was the best thing that could have happened to Jon.

Ned realized that he had to begin thinking about his children's futures soon. He had put it off because of how his own father's plans had led to disaster. But it was still a duty he had to perform. Ned briefly remembered planning what to give each of his children, and realized this was the perfect chance.

Like expected, there was a knock on the Solar's door. Ned had been in thought for longer than he had thought. He stood up, and went to greet and reward Jon.

WINTERFELL

JON

There were cheers as they rode through Winter Town, which was currently filled with soldiers from some of the largest houses in the North.

Despite riding next to them, the cheers were not for Howland, or any of the minor lords who accompanied them. They were not even for Robb, who led the march like an honor guard.

They were for him.

If he had time to think about how he would act in this situation, he would have thought it would be triumphant, with himself basking in the glory of being cheered at. Now, all he was focusing on was not falling off his horse and making these cheers turn to laughter. Even now days later, he was still a bit tired from the duel.

Of course, there was another reason for him to be distracted from the current journey.

SEVERAL DAYS AGO-JON'S ROOM IN MOAT CAILIN

Jon had finally started to regain his strength after the duel. It had taken a while, but he could walk on his own without it becoming a daunting task. Soon, they would be leaving Moat Cailin to bring him to Westeros.

It was ironic. Jon left as an honor guard for some guards bringing Sam to Winterfell, and now he was returning with a grander honor guard of his own, who kept speaking of his protection of the North.

Apparently, they had all heard his impassioned speech before summoning Slifer, which resulted in some embarrassment from him. But they mainly spoke of how he had declared himself the judge and killed so many criminals that threatened the North.

Now, Jon had no issue with killing, or so he thought. Being brought to an execution was probably one of Jon's oldest memories. But watching a killing, and doing one himself-or assisted by a giant dragon- was more different than one thought.

Jon would not say that he pitied them, they had marched knowing they would kill and harm his home. They got what they deserved. But still, there was a part of him that feared himself. Perhaps it was due to the sheer number.

Over two thousand dead. Had any executioner taken that many lives? Had any single person done so in the time since the dragons died out?

"Oi! Jon Snow." A voice called out by the door.

Jon ended his introspection, and turned, seeing Ygritte standing right in the door.

"Sorry. Did I miss something?" Jon asked.

"You know nothing Jon Snow. I said that we were gonna be starting to get ready to leave here tomorrow." Ygritte said as she walked in. "What were you thinking about?"

Jon honestly did not know how to respond. After a few moments, he figured the best way was to ask a question of his own.

"Ygritte... Have you ever killed anyone yourself?" Jon asked.

"Yeah. Tons." Ygritte said bluntly.

'Oh, right. Free Folk.' Jon's brain reminded him. It was kill or be killed North of the Wall. One of the reasons most of the hostages for the village were children who still had parents that protected them. So they would be safer than if they stayed.

"How many?" Jon asked.

"I never kept track. Anyone who wanted me that I didn't like. A few that I grew to hate. Some just in a regular fight, either started by them or by me. Does it matter the number? I ain't your sister Sansa, with her pretty dresses and swooning over stories of men who are idiots. And I like her more, but I ain't little Arya who acts like she has it tough but lives better than anyone I had ever met before. I know what the world is like. You're either a killer, dead, or incredibly lucky. That is how it is." Ygritte explained.

"So what? You think I am the same person I was before?" Jon asked.

"Ah, that's what got your mind all empty then? You think you changed, that you should be feared? Let me tell you something, I have seen things that would make your southern spine jump out of your body to try to run away. Besides, it was technically your monster." Ygritte said, leaning against the wall of his room.

"True." Jon said, only partially moved from his mindset. Which apparently Ygritte noticed.

She let out a sigh, then went to close the door, adding a chair to keep it closed.

"What are you…" Jon said only to be interrupted.

"You need to get your mind off of all this death and fear. And I know from experience that this is the best way to do so." Ygritte said as she began to take off her clothes.

Jon's mind began to go from clouded by his thoughts to blank very quickly.

"Are you… I mean you sure about…" Jon began to stammer out.

"Just shut up and get started Jon. I admit I was wondering if you were as good with a woman as you were with your cards." Ygritte said as she stood naked.

Jon had no memory of taking his own clothes off. But their presence on the floor suggested he did take them off.

Several hours later, and Dryn was the unfortunate one who managed to force the door open. He quickly excused himself, but they heard him laugh from outside.

PRESENT

And that was the story of how Jon laid with a woman for the first -and so far only- time.

Dryn managed to keep quiet. Whether that was because he was their friend or Ygritte threatened him, Jon had no desire to find out. Either way, it appeared that no one knew about it. Which gave Jon some time to think about it.

Needless to say, he much preferred thinking about this over the Sparrows.

As they rode into the courtyard of Winterfell, Jon saw that his family was all together. Each with a smile, ranging from the honest joy of a child from Rickon, to the polite but strained smile of lady Catelyn. Even Sam was to the side, standing next to Gilly as usual.

Jon jumped off his horse, and walked over to his family.

Ned stood in front, watching him approach before deciding to walk up and meet Jon halfway. Before he knew it, Jon was embraced in a hug by his father.

Arya, Bran and Rickon took the opportunity to run up and hug him as well.

There were more cheers from the surrounding Northerners for a good amount of time. Jon even saw Dryn standing next to his father Tormund as they embraced.

Once everything was settled, Ned's lord voice began to speak.

"Jon. You have performed a service to the North. One that can not be underestimated. Without any concern for your own life, fully expecting that you would have to lay down your life for it, you protected the North. You protected all of us. It is easy for a man to boast that he will protect something until he dies, but another thing entirely to have death stare him in the face and fulfill that boast. You did so without claiming any such boast. You simply did as you thought was right." Ned said for all to hear. He then looked Jon in the eye and put his arm upon his shoulder.

"Jon Snow, in order to prevent anything like this from happening again, I plan on repairing Moat Cailin to its former glory, and as a reward for your actions, I name you the Lord of Moat Cailin."

Jon was frozen. He was not expecting this. Honestly it felt as though someone else did what he did. But here he was, being given a reward for his actions. He had dreamed of it in the past, but those dreams were of being legitimized. He knew Ned could not do it without the King's approval, but this was entirely in his power.

Jon realized he should probably speak. "I-I am honored Father."

Ned turned to address everyone else. "The Kitchens have been preparing for a celebration of this victory. Let us all do such!" He exclaimed, to which the Great Jon roared and everyone hurried over to the Great Hall. Lady Catelyn took his siblings save for Robb, who stood next to him congratulating his half brother. Ygritte and Sam stood back, but were with them as well.

'And now I wake up.' Jon thought to himself.

He did not.

RIVERRUN

EDMURE TULLY

Edmure rode into his childhood home, leading a procession of prisoners.

He had been experiencing a string of good luck of late, ever since he decided to hunt down the Sparrows with other heirs and knights. They had met little resistance on the road until they reached the Twins. There they had been shocked to learn about the fates of Walder Frey and his brood, but as few of the Sparrows had any knowledge on warfare, they ended up turning on each other inside the Twins. This allowed Edmure and some others to sneak in and take out the leaders, forcing the others to surrender.

During interrogation they learned about the march North, but Edmure and his crew were better rested and all mounted. They rode forth, only to find stragglers heading north or ones retreating south. Apparently some Northerners had been enough to repel these birds.

Now here he was, returning home triumphant, and with a surprising prisoner. One of the Sand Snakes. That was a surprise. But he supposed it made sense in hindsight. Revenge for her family and all that. But now it was too late. He was unsure if Robert would let her head back to Dorne or not. Until then he was keeping her prisoner, just like the other Sparrows.

As they entered the courtyard of Riverrun, Edmure was greeted with faces he had known his entire life. Most were happy to see him and cheering for him and his men. Others, especially among the older servants, or those who dealt with his father were looking at him more warily.

Edmure had expected that, at least partially. He had directly disobeyed his father. There were bound to be consequences.

Edmure dismounted his horse and began to walk up to his father's room before Ser Desmond could order him to, though the old knight was walking towards him to do so.

He entered the room just as Maester Vyman was helping Father back into his own bed. The look of disappointment and anger aimed at his son was evident.

'Even now, no pride for the family hero.' Edmure thought. He knew he and his father did not have the best relationship, but would it kill the old trout to at least view him as more than an overgrown babe?

"Do you have any idea what you have done?" Hoster asked.

"I did my duty to the Riverlands and the people, as I have since you became too ill to do so yourself." Edmure replied stiffly.

"Duty? You have divided us. Now everyone knows how disobedient you are. Your rule will be marred by this. You think you earned praise from those illiterate masses? All anyone who matters will remember is that you can not follow orders, no matter how simple they may be." Hoster shouted back.

"Tell me that this was not simply a test for me." Edmure said. "Your inaction has shown everyone that House Tully has weakened. You once put a village of House Goodbrook to the sword for defiance against you. But now you decide to just let the Sparrows infest the Riverlands and make it their home? Someone had to stop them, they killed Walder Frey and all his kin, those who did not join at least."

"The killing of the Late Lord Frey should have earned them a pardon, not a death." Hoster replied, more honesty in his voice than Edmure was comfortable with. "Do you really think those Sparrows were such a threat? They were pushed back by the North. In the end they were no threat, and all you did was beat an already whipped dog."

Edmure starred at his father. "What happened to you? You have been different since you fell sick, but this is farther than I have ever seen you. Ever since the Sparrows appeared you have been more ambivalent about your duties. No, even before that…" Edmure said, beginning to think back.

Edmure's eyes widened with realization. "The Cards. You have been growing more like this since we learned everything about The Cards. You always enjoyed the chaos of battle, but The Cards make hunting criminals more organized. You no longer care for fighting because you think it would be more boring than before." He realized and let out a laugh.

His father always spoke of the glory of battle, of how great it felt to hear his enemies scream. Now that he could not experience it because of his illness, he was less willing to do his duty. And now that the Cards replaced violence in all but war, he had even less motivation.

Edmure walked up to his father's bed, and looked him in the eye. "The world has changed. We have to change with it, else be left behind. That is what you said when you joined the Rebellion, and it is just as true now."

Without looking back, Edmure walked out even as Hoster screamed for him to return. Soon those screams turned to coughs, and Maester Vyman was too preoccupied caring for the lord to care about the heir's departure.

'Mayhaps I shall head off to Saltpans or somewhere. A tour of the Riverlands to assure the Smallfolk that House Tully will be more active now.' Edmure mused to himself as he walked.

KING'S LANDING-SMALL COUNCIL CHAMBER

ROBERT

"So that is it then? The Sparrows are disbanded?" Renly asked.

Just a few days ago, they received a raven from the Riverlands that The Twins had been taken by the Sparrows. Today they had just received a pair of ravens, both from the North and the Riverlands, stating that the Sparrows had attempted to strike at the North, only to be repelled and captured as they retreated. The High Sparrow, whoever he was, had been killed in the only battle of the invasion. And it was apparently Ned's Bastard that did him and most of his followers in.

"Remind me to send a raven legitimizing the boy to Winterfell." Robert said with a whistle when he heard it.

"Not quite. There are still reports of various Sparrows or their followers causing trouble throughout the kingdoms. But without the High Sparrow to guide them or give them common cause, they will either fragment into separate factions, or go into hiding until people forget they were a part of the Sparrows." Jon Arryn summarized.

"What do we know of where the rest of them are?" Stannis asked, causing everyone to turn to Varys.

The Spider looked at the map on the table, and stood so he could reach it more easily.

"The North is essentially free. Not only was the army repelled, but White Harbor, which was where the Sparrows could most likely sneak in in smaller numbers was recently purged of the few who were there when they tried to capture the Manderly women. My birds only gave me the basic idea though, but we can likely say none are North of the Neck. The Riverlands have captured or killed most, if not all of the Sparrows there. The Vale had a decent amount of Sparrows at first, but the terrain caused them to split into smaller groups, which made them easy targets for the Mountain Clans. Saying there are more than a few dozen in The Vale might be too generous. Lord Tywin has been harsh to any he finds in the Westerlands. In fact, besides the North, they have had the fewest issues with them. The Iron Islands had a few Sparrows try to get in through Harlaw, but they were repelled and drowned before my Birds even got word to me. The Crownlands have a few pockets, as we discussed last meeting, but none to be too worried about. And Dorne is in no condition to ally with them. Adding in Dorne's unique standards to life, there may be some but not many. In fact I would think most would have been killed in the War." Varys took a breath. Understandable, since the next two were the most tricky.

"The Reach has an...interesting relationship with the Sparrows. Considering the late Mace Tyrell died to one of them, they are hated by most of the nobility. For whatever faults Lord Willas has had, letting them travel with impunity is not one of them. They are hunted everywhere rumors of one appear. But, with Oldtown being so significant to the Faith, there are many cases where Septons or Septas have been accused falsely of being Sparrows and punished. As for the Stormlands, ever since the Westerland soldiers aided in suppressing them at the beginning of the war, they have been relatively fine. One or two attacks every once in a while when they grow bold, but not as bad as the Riverlands were."

Robert noted that Renly seemed to shrink in his seat at being reminded that his kingdom was in danger and he was unaware of it.

"And what of the Twins?" Robert asked.

"Most of them have surrendered, though there was a handful that put up a fight. Once they realized their best duelists had left, they realized they likely had little chance against lords who could buy better cards." Varys explained.

"I told you that money is important." Baelish said with a chuckle.

"And what are we to do with the ones who surrendered?" Jon Arryn brought up.

"Death for any who refuse to take the Wall for the men, the women can become Silent Sisters. They won't be able to plot treasons when they have no tongues to persuade others to their cause." Renly said, as if it was obvious.

"We cannot do that so easily." Stannis said. "Even taking the women out of the question, the number of surrendered Sparrows is almost double that of the Night's Watch's entire force. Should they plot treason again, they would easily overpower the Watch, and be able to cause chaos in a land they already care nothing for."

"Then for now we will simply have to hold them prisoner. Separate them into castles throughout Westeros, so that any escapes from one will not be enough to cause the same amount of trouble as before." Robert said. The council nodded to this idea.

"In any case, it appears that not a single member of House Frey survived. Even the direct families of the Faith Militant members were killed. The ones loyal to the Sparrows were among those killed in the North." Stannis said, reading the messages.

"So, The Twins is without a family to hold it?" Renly asked.

"Not true. Tywin's sister is married to a Frey, is she not?" Baelish reminded everyone.

"Actually, she is freshly widowed. Apparently Emmon Frey was visiting his father when the Sparrows took the castle." Varys revealed.

"The Sparrows are lucky they headed North instead of West. They were spared the lion's wrath." Jon Arryn said. Everyone nodded at that.

"As for his children, Ser Cleos and his brothers are alive. I suppose he is the new Lord of the Twins." Stannis said.

"No."

Everyone turned to look at Robert.

"Are we missing something Your Grace?" Varys asked.

"This is a rare opportunity we have here. We just had to deal with a war, a months long series of religiously motivated attacks, and we still need to keep Dragonstone underwraps for as long as possible and Pycelle still has no idea what happened." Robert said, standing up.

"We need something to get the people's minds off of everything. And now we have the perfect chance."

Robert grinned at the thought of his own idea. "We shall host a tournament. Everyone who wishes to compete shall gather in King's Landing. We can even have jousts and archery like a regular one, but this time they shall not be the main event."

"Are you seriously suggesting that the Lordship of The Twins be decided by whoever wins the tournament?" Stannis asked, obviously getting annoyed by Robert's idea. They may have settled most of their issues, but they still butted heads every once in a while.

"No actually. I am suggesting that the Lordships of The Twins be decided by whoever wins the tournament." Robert revealed. "One shall get the Northern castle, the other will receive the Southern castle. If an heir or lord with their own keep wins, then they can choose another to have it in their stead."

Unable to talk Robert out of it, the Small Council had no choice but to agree to begin preparations.

After the meeting, Stannis met with Robert in a side room, ready to chew him out.

"Before you say anything, know that there is more behind my plans for this tournament than boredom." Robert said.

Stannis held back. "Explain then." He ordered his king.

Robert sighed. "Yes, technically Ser Cleos should get The Twins the normal way. However, according to Varys, the man has never been trained to lead, and if he did rule it, Tywin would rule it in truth. And gain all the revenue that the bridge makes in tolls."

"So that is your plan? Have someone else take it so Tywin doesn't fill his coffers more?" Stannis asked.

"I would prefer his coffers do get filled by The Twins, but as payment." Robert revealed.

Stannis stopped. He took a breath to understand what Robert was saying.

"So that is the plan. Have someone loyal to us win, and have them give us the money to get out of the debt to the Lannisters."

"Aye. With the High Septon agreeing to lower our debt to them in recompense for failing to reign in the Sparrows, Tywin remains the one we owe the most debt to, even with the reduction to it negotiated during the war. If this plan works, we may be able to fully pay him back before he dies. We went from owing six million Gold Dragons to just under two million in just under a year. Now we have a chance to finish that debt off. Then it is just the Iron Bank and more minor houses." Robert explained.

Stannis raised no further objection to that. "So, you have someone loyal in mind?"

"That is where it gets tricky." Robert said. "You and I are both entering. As are Renly and however many others I can get. But we will be more like mystery knights until the end. Best to avoid accusations that it was all planned out."

Stannis seemed to think for a moment. "Gendry?" He asked.

"...Yes. Him too. I doubt he will, but if by some miracle he does win, then he can be recognized and Tywin would not risk assassinating him. The Twins can not raise enough forces themselves for anyone to think they can put Gendry on the throne and stand a chance against Tywin. Right now his only protection is his anonymity, which, let's face it, is very weak after every major lord who needs metal work done sees him at the smithery." Robert revealed.

"It's risky." Stannis warned his brother and king. "Some third party could easily win the whole thing."

"Perhaps, but better than Tywin gaining even more power and leaving us weaker. At least if a third party wins then Tywin's influence will not grow." Robert said, ending their discussion.

Within a half moon, ravens were flying out to every keep, telling them to notify every town.

For just three Gold Dragons, anyone could have the chance to be a lord.

?- - ?

DAVOS SEAWORTH

Davos slowly opened his eyes and caught the blazing sun burning his eyes.

"Careful now. You shouldn't move too much just yet." A voice spoke.

Davos turned around. There was a man wearing white robes of some kind tending to a fire. He had his back to Davos, but he pointed to the left. Davos turned around and saw his Ship, Black Betha out at sea, its shape barely recognizable from this distance.. "I take it, that is yours?" the robed man asked.

Davos looked around him and realized he was on an island. Not a large one, but it was basically the size of the Dragonstone Keep, and had a few trees and plants growing around it, likely nuts and seeds dropped by birds, that was usually how such islands had plants.

"What happened? Where am I?" Davos asked, his throat parched.

"You would know that better than me. I just know that you were in the sea, so I went in, grabbed you and brought you here to see if you lived. Congratulations on that." The robed man threw another branch at the fire. "Might I ask what you are doing here?"

Davos tried to recall what had happened. It slowly came back to him.

Storm Clouds. Violent waves. Almost as if there was a face in the storm. A flash of lightning lighting the mass aflame. A purple flame.

"Something strange happened. I have spent most of my life on the sea, I have never seen a storm like that." Davos said.

"Oh? What was so different about this one?" His savior asked.

"It… It surrounded us. We saw it ahead of us, and I ordered we move to avoid it, but then another storm started from behind us. Then more storms to the sides. It was as if the storm had specifically trapped us in the eye, and then I fell while trying to help save the ship." Davos said.

"Huh. I suppose you are right. That is a strange storm. But it has passed now. What are you going to do once you are back on your ship?" The Robed man asked.

Davos had a strange feeling about this man, but he had saved his life. He may as well know. "I was sent on a mission for the Royal Family of Westeros. I must hunt down a suspected criminal. There were rumours of them being in Essos, so I was heading there."

The Robed man stood and stared out at the ocean. "I see. Well then I wish you-" He stopped talking as a glow was lit from under his robe.

He turned his head to look at it. "Really? Him? Well you know better than me I suppose."

He reached into his robe and threw something at Davos, who barely managed to catch it.

Davos looked at the object, it no longer glowed, but it did gleam in the sunlight.

It was pure gold, and was circular, with a solid triangle fitting inside of it. On the outside were several pieces that reminded Davos of something called a Wind Chime that he had seen in Essos. But the object's most defining feature was undoubtedly the eye in the center of the triangle.

"What is this?" Davos asked.

"You are looking for something. So was I, many years ago. I thought I could find it, but instead I found that and several other things just like it. For whatever reason, I would recommend you keep it. If you need to find something, just think of it, and it will lead you to it. Well Davos, it was nice meeting you. I rarely see my fellow Westerosi anymore. But now I should be going. By the looks of it, your crew finally noticed the fire and are heading this way."

Davos looked around. "Wait, when did I tell you my name? And where is your boat? And if you saved me, why are your clothes so dry?" Davos asked, realizing that not everything was right.

The Robed man turned around, and Davos got a look at his face. Davos was reminded of something, as though he had seen this face or one very much like it recently.

"Don't worry about that Davos. As for how I knew who you are, well…" He held out another golden item, this one lacking an eye or any other markings, instead being just a large key. "Let's just say I can learn a lot about someone by unlocking their mind. If you ever see my family again, tell them I said hi."

With that, the robed man walked away from the fire, and the smoke obscured his body from Davos' sight until he was completely gone, as though he had never been there.

Davos looked at the strange thing in his hand. He had no idea what to call it, but he remembered the man's words about finding things. Thinking of Melisandre and her crimes, he saw the outside pieces start to move, as though a breeze was blowing them all in the same direction. Judging from the sun, it was telling him to go east.

Davos stood up, and waited for his ship to reach him. He had a job to do.

AN: second to last chapter done until Hiatus.

I was originally going to write about the Storm that Davos got stuck in, but I could not make it work and have no knowledge of what to do on a medieval ship during a storm.

Same thing with the Jon and Ygritte scene. I do not trust my ability to write romance, so I just try to keep it in the background, but they have now had sex. Jon and Ygritte were always a personal favorite.

Otherwise:

Ned and Jon both reflect on what has happened. Ned rewards Jon with his own keep. I will go more into just what Jon has in the next chapter.

Edmure confronts his father over his failure to fulfill his duties. Reading some quotes, I think it was clear that Hoster was fairly bloodthirsty, and he would be disappointed by the loss of violence in with the new rules.

Robert sets the impetus for the next Arc. A tournament Arc. Actual name pending.

Davos meets a mysterious stranger and gets the Millenium Ring. What better object to give someone hunting for a criminal than one that literally points to what you want.

Next chapter will be the last one for a while. It will mainly be different characters reacting to news of the Tournament and deciding to go or stay. It will probably have the most POVS of any chapter, but they will be relatively short. Though it will have an epilogue to leave you off with.

QUESTION: I asked this before but no one responded. Would you like me to continue this in the same fanfic, or would you prefer I end this and open up with a Book 2?

Hope you all stay safe in these times. Good luck with all your issues.