273 AC
Chapter IX
The Anniversary Tournament: Part I
Darnold
Darnold had never left the Eyrie. Eyrie was a place of comfort for him. It had familiar faces, familiar sights, and most of all it felt like his home. When they first entered King's Landing, he was surprised with the scale of it. He had to make sure to stay close to his mother and sister so as to not get lost in the crowd. The denizens of the city made their way throughout their daily lives, not really caring about the arrival of tournament attendees. Luckily, most of the high nobility would be staying in the Red Keep. While making their way to the Red Keep, the Arryn party passed by the tournament grounds and Darnold was awestruck at the various multicoloured decorations, structures, and, of course, the tournament grandstands. While most children harbored dreams of riding in the final tilt of the joust to the roaring approval of commons and gentry, Darnold didn't care for the spectacles. Not that Darnold didn't want to become a knight. He, however, did not see knights in the same way as his brother. Where Jonos saw them as posts in which to measure his worth, Darnold just saw knighthood as a title. A title could be earned regardless of the way it was earned.
Eventually, Darnold's family arrived in the Red Keep. There were already tents of other houses set up in and around the Red Keep. The Red Keep could not fit members of every noble house attending the tournament. Darnold's father told him they would not need to worry about space for their house. House Arryn was one of the Great Houses in Westeros. His father and his family had been assured of quarter within the Red Keep.
While the family got settled in their temporary quarters for the tournament, His father told him Ser Brynden had arrived with his brother, Jonos. The last time Darnold had seen Jonos, he was barely old enough to walk. In truth, Darnold could not remember what his brother looked like. He could get an idea of his personality as they had begun sending ravens to one another as soon as Darnold could write. Darnold imagined many of the noble boys with older siblings had similar experiences to him. Both his fathers wards had younger siblings. This was one of the times he would be reunited with for a short while because of the tournament. Robert and Eddard had been allowed to go to their families as soon as they arrived. House Arryn was one of the last houses expected to arrive in King's Landing.
The anticipation of the family ended when Ser Brynden finally arrived at the family's quarters with Jonos in tow. There was also another boy with him. He was much shorter than Jonos. Surprisingly, Darnold also appeared to be the larger of the two.
"Ser Brynden, it is good to see you," their father greeted the knight, "My condolences on your good sister."
"My thanks, Lord Arryn. It's been a harrowing experience for the family, even for our wards. Minisa had always been a kind soul. Mind looking after the other boy as well, while you enjoy your time with your son?" Ser Brynden asked. His father nodded and Ser Brynden excused himself.
"It has been too long, my son," their father declared, putting a hand on Jonos' shoulder. Jonos gave a bright smile to them. Despite Darnold's lack of memory about what Jonos looked like, Darnold noticed his brother looked similar to Sharra. Both had similar dark blond hair and fair regal looking features. Of course, Darnold shared similarities with him as well. Most notably the indigo eyes and aquiline nose. However, Darnold took more from their mother than the twins did.
"I had forgotten what you looked like father," Jonos quipped, "It's good to see you." Jonos turned his attention to their mother, Jeyne. She immediately pulled him into a hug.
"You've grown into a tall handsome young man, Jonos. I've missed you," She stated.
"I've missed you, as well, mother. More so after what happened to Lady Whent, god's rest her soul,"
"Minisa's death was tragic. She was taken far too young. I am lucky to have lived as long as I have in this world," Jonos broke off from their mother and turned his attention to Darnold and Sharra.
"I see you've grown in more ways than one since I last saw you," Jonos said jokingly. Sharra simply rolled her eyes, "Has Robert been giving you any trouble?"
"He's actually been very kind to me, brother"
"I'm sure he has. I assume Ned and Robert are also taking this time to visit their families?" Sharra nodded. Jonos turned from his sister to Darnold.
"Hello there," Jonos said in greeting, "It's nice to finally be able to talk to you instead of having to write to you from Riverrun."
"Did you bring your cat with you too?" Darnold asked him in reply. Jonos chuckled at his question, though Darnold had no idea why.
"I don't have a cat. But I think you'd be referring to Catelyn. It's a pity you won't get to meet her," The family continued to exchange banter for a bit. Their father and mother, eventually, excused themselves as they had business to take care of before the welcome feast was organized later that night. This left the three siblings alone with one another.
"I heard you might be competing in some of the events," Sharra asked Jonos.
"Only the ones open to squires. Not the grand joust or the grand melee, only knights and lords can enter that. I will, however, be squireing for Ser Brynden during those events."
"Will you be riding a horse with those large sticks?" Darnold interjected.
"Knights riding at each other for those large sticks is called Jousting, Darnold," Sharra corrected, "Will we get to see you joust?"
"Unfortunately, there are no events for squires involving jousting. Too dangerous apparently," Jonos answered her with a hint of disappointment in his voice, "If I make it past the first day of the sword or the melee, you might get to see me compete from the grandstands,"
The siblings continued to exchange small conversations. It was mostly comparing their experiences in the Eyrie and Riverrun. Sharra teased him about Lysa and Catelyn, while Darnold looked on a little confused.
"Speaking of Riverrun, I'd like you both to meet someone. Petyr, get over here," Jonos signaled the small boy that Ser Brynden had brought with Jonos. He had just been standing off to the side of the room. He quickly responded to the summons and came over to them.
"I've heard of you from my correspondence with Jonos. You are the boy from House Baelish," Sharra told him. Now that he got closer, it seemed Sharra was taller than Petyr.
"And your brother has spoken about you often. Pleasure to meet you, my lady," Petyr bowed.
"I'm sorry to cut this short Jonos, but I really must leave. With the feast tonight, I won't get time to read the books I brought along from the Eyrie," Sharra stated.
"Still the avid scholar I see. Very well, good luck with that sister," Sharra curtsied to them and immediately left the room. This left Darnold with Petyr and Jonos. For a few moments there was silence and blank stares.
"You know the last time I saw you Darnold, you were barely old enough to walk," Jonos said to Darnold, "I'm curious, has father allowed you to start training with a sword?"
"He has allowed the master at arms to start teaching basic forms. I am to begin my time as a page at the Gates soon after this tournament,"
"Much like me, I see," He paused for a second, "You know the barracks' training yard might be free about now. The competition is making their final preparations for the tournament tomorrow. Care to join us brother?"
"I'd love to!" Darnold declared happily eager to spend more time with his brother.
"I wish Petyr was as enthusiastic as you brother. Come, then,"
The barracks training yard was not busy when they got there. There were several knights, squires and other people making last minute adjustments for the upcoming tournament. Some were sparring in the drill yard, others were hitting the dummies to practice their sword forms. Jonos, Petyr and Darnold didn't look out of place, except for the fact that they were not in normal training attire. They had gone in the clothes they were in when Jonos arrived.
"My you've grown to be one tall bugger haven't you?" Jonos declared to someone in the sparring yard. Darnold saw that he was referring to a tall well built young man hitting a dummy at the side of the yard. He immediately recognized him as Robert Baratheon, his father's young ward.
"Jonos? Gods be damned, you're a sight for sore eyes," the young man replied, turning away from his dummy walking over to them. Darnold noticed his voice was as large as his stature. The young man clapped Jonos on the shoulder.
"I thought you were with your family, Robert? What are you doing hitting a dummy all by yourself?"
Robert sighed, "It got awfully boring. So I decided to prepare for the squire's melee tomorrow instead. It's been a while since I've seen you."
"We can catch up better during a sparring match, perhaps?" Jonos offered.
"I don't want to hurt you too bad, your father will not be pleased,"
"Don't worry I'll be sure to apologize to Lord Steffon and Lady Cassana when his son returns to him maimed and crippled," Robert laughed and the two went to their own portion of the drill yard. Darnold and Petyr would watch them from a safe distance. Darnold hadn't seen his brother fight before.
Robert handed Jonos a training sword. Jonos gave the sword a few practice swings, and immediately got into a fighting stance.
"Ready?" Robert asked already in his stance. Jonos nodded and the two began to cautiously circle one another. Robert immediately assaulted Jonos with strikes that Jonos was forced to deal with. The sound of the wood on the training swords clashing with one another rang out the yard. Darnold could tell there was a lot of force Robert put on each blow. Darnold could hear the loud crack of wood as Jonos and Darnold wooden training swords as Jonos met Robert's sword in the air. Robert and Jonos continued crossing swords, but not landing hits.
"Would be nice to see Ned again," Jonos said while showcasing fine footwork as he danced around Robert's guard. Jonos managed to weave through Robert's guard and landed a hit to his side. Judging by the look on Robert's face, he was getting tired of Jonos' constant in and out movement. His once powerful strikes were slowing down.
"I'm sure he'd like to see you too," Robert said. Robert had started to periodically swing at air as Jonos continued to use his footwork and speed to his advantage, "By the Seven, can you just stand still?"
"Sorry, Robert. Not going to happen," Jonos stated, as he parried away more strikes from Robert. Jonos had begun to land strikes at will. Robert, eager to fight till the end, eventually lost his sword.
"Another easy victory," Jonos declared, raising his sword in the air. However, his celebration was interrupted when Robert tackled him. Unfortunately for Jonos, this caused him to drop his sword.
"I haven't yielded yet to Arryn," Robert said playfully, putting him in a headlock.
"Hey this isn't part of sparring-" Jonos stated. The two continued to wrestle with one another, with Robert ending up on the winning end forcing his brother to submit.
"Your brother is good with a sword. I know that first hand," Petyr told him. Darnold nodded to him. Before Robert turned the sparring match into a wrestling match, he definitely showcased an excellent display of technique and form against a much stronger and bigger opponent. Unless Jonos had combat experience, he was also more experienced in actual combat.
Darnold nodded to Petyr, "Since you train with him, you must be at least half as good as he is,"
"I don't know about that," Petyr stated, "Your brother got his current skills by practicing endlessly. More so than what I'm willing to do."
"Well you proved that you can wrestle better than I can," Jonos stated, dusting himself off. They had both rejoined Petyr and Darnold.
"That was amazing! Can you teach me some of what you did?" Darnold chimed in. Jonos' eyes lit up at the prospect.
"Of course. Never too early to learn how to fight. Petyr, take the sword from the barbarian," Jonos signaled while handing Darnold his sword. Robert grumbled something and gave his sword over to Petyr, "Let us see the extent of your skill first. Then, Robert and I can give tips and pointers."
Darnold readied himself in a stance he was taught a couple moons ago in the Eyrie. He had some basic forms he learned from the Master of Arms in the Eyrie. He hadn't started formal training yet as he was not a page. Petyr, looking very disinterested, did the same. Jonos and Robert stood to the side this time and watched.
"Begin!" Robert stated in his loud voice. It was loud enough to rouse a dragon from its slumber. They immediately began to cross swords in sparring. Darnold used all the effort he could, and tried to emulate the style that his brother did against Robert. However, Jonos' short friend was much quicker than expected. He was able to keep pace with Darnolds footwork and speed. Petyr began to retaliate with his own flurry of attacks towards him. Things reached a stalemate with Robert loudly adding 'oohs' and 'ahhs' to the loud clacking of the wooden swords.
Darnold was only a boy of seven and was no means a tested warrior. However, he spotted something in Petyr as they continued to spar. Petyr was the smaller of them, despite being older. Darnold quickly forced his weight forward when they crossed swords. As expected, Petyr did not have the strength to match. Taking advantage of this, Darnold moved in to force long exchanges with Petyr at the center of their area. Itt must have worn him down, because Petyr did not have the same quickness in his footwork. It became much easier to disarm him then. Petyr went in for a block but could not hang on to his sword when they clashed. His wooden sword clattered onto the ground.
"Excellent work, I don't know if this says more about your skill or Petyr's," Jonos said, clapping. Darnold picked up the sword and gave it back to Petyr. Petyr didn't look surprised that he had lost to Darnold. He might have expected it when he fought him.
"It seems I can't even beat the small falcon, let alone the big one. I do tire of losing to Arryns in sparring matches," Petyr joked, accepting the sword from Darnold.
"That match had me raring to go for another one, maybe I can test the young Arryn next," Robert declared.
"You might wrestle him to the ground too when you lose," Jonos commented with a smile. Darnold noticed Jonos had a tendency to smile regardless of the situation. Whether he was teasing you, berating you, or praising you, it didn't matter. He would take the opportunity to put a grin on his face. The faint memories of his brother Jonos were almost always him being cheerful. He hadn't seen him with any other expression on his face in all his recollections of him in the past.
"I don't think there would be any time for that, brother," someone remarked from behind Darnold. The young man had black hair, blue eyes, and looked similar to Robert. However, his expression seemed more stern and serious. It made him look older than he probably was.
"Stannis," Robert said to him.
"Robert," Stannis nodded to Jonos, Petyr and Darnold before he once again turned his attention to Robert, "Father and mother told me to come find you. We must prepare for the commencement feast this evening."
"Gods be damned, just when I was starting to catch up with a close friend. I'll be seeing you at the feast," Robert turned to Jonos.
"Naturally," Robert left with his brother, Stannis. As Robert and Stannis left they did not exchange a single word. Jonos turned to his own brother.
"Keep working at your sword forms. Petyr, as much as I like to tease him, has been training with me for months now. If this is what you can do with introductory lessons, you will not just be a great swordsman. You'll be legendary," The words of encouragement stirred something inside Darnold. And though he hasn't crossed swords with his much older brother, he was driven more to practice the sword to make him proud, "As much as I want to spend more time in the yard, we must be getting back as well."
Darnold was stuffed into his best garb for the feast. Though it wasn't very comfortable, they were going to be presented in front of the King. Their father would not allow any member of the house to be lacking in their appearances. Jonos and Darnold wore almost identical doublets, both blue with white trim customary for their house. Their mother had had these hand tailored for this occasion, as there weren't many gatherings that their house went to that involved the entire realm like the Anniversary tournament. Sharra wore a splendid blue dress that complemented her indigo eyes well. Her hair was neatly combed and orderly. It was nothing like her usual appearance when Darnold saw her in the Eyrie with her messy hair and plain gown.
House Arryn would be one of the last great houses to be introduced to the king before everyone proceeded to the banquet hall to feast. There was a reception in the throne room before anything else. The king would address his subjects that attended the tournament. Notably absent were the heads of House Martell of Dorne and House Tully of the Riverlands. However, both had their representatives in the tournament. Doran Martell, the heir of Sunspear represented his house with a small retinue. Brynden Tully, a knight that Jonos squired for also represented his house.
"Your grace, I present to you, Jon Arryn, Lord Paramount of the Mountains and Vale, Warden of the East. He comes with his wife, Lady Jeyne of House Royce, and their issue Jonos, Sharra, and Darnold," the herald cried out as they entered the great hall. Darnold saw that it had already been packed with nobility from all over Westeros. All were filling the air with their conversation, sporting the colors of their house. Most looked their way as soon as they were announced. Some nodded towards them. Some looked at them with stares that were less than friendly. Darnold could recognize some of the people as they passed by, most notably Robert and Ned.
Robert stood next to his brother Stannis looking all too impatient for the reception to end. He took a lot from his appearance from his father, who even in his clothes was a towering muscular man. Darnold had not seen a person tower over Robert, but it made sense as Robert was only a boy of thirteen. People tended to forget that with his height and build. Robert's mother looked similar to Robert, as he took a lot of his features from her as well. They all wore garments of yellow and black to match their house colors.
Darnold also managed to spot Ned in the Starks of Winterfell certainly incorporated a lot of grey in their clothing. Except for the ladies in their family both were wearing white with grey trim. The boy standing next to Ned was taller than him, probably a little taller than Jonos. On the other side of him was a disinterested looking girl, who kept moving about. The dress she was wearing was a lot less orderly than Sharra's but not because it was meant to be that way. She had a long face, grey eyes and brown hair. If she wasn't wearing a dress, Darnold might have mistaken her for a boy. She stood next to her mother, who appeared to be trying to get her to stand still. All the while, a boy smaller than even Petyr by the looks of it, hid behind her.
"Wonderful, I don't even get announced," Petyr said.
"I'll have a word with the herald, don't you worry Petyr. They won't get away with this," Jonos replied.
"At least introduce me as: Petyr Baelish, sparring dummy of the heir of the Vale," They continued to exchange banter next to Darnold. Jonos tried to get Darnold to join in, but he didn't really have anything noteworthy to add. It was thoughtful of him to include Darnold. When they finally made their way to the Iron Throne, Darnold got a sight of their host, King Aerys II.
By all accounts the king was how Maestor Colemon described Targaryens. Darnold had never seen a royal up close before. He had gold silver hair, royal purple eyes. He sat on the throne famous around all the Seven Kingdoms. All the swords of those who opposed Aegon the Conqueror were used to build that throne. It was a reminder of the submission of the Seven Kingdoms. Next to him was the Queen. From what Darnold learned from Colemon, she was the king's brother. Darnold even at a young age could not fathom wanting to marry Sharra, so it was an odd custom for him. She had platinum silver hair and eyes of purple that were closer in shade to his own. Next to her was the prince, who was coincidentally as old as Jonos. His eyes were the closest shade of purple to his own. He had silver blond hair, ironically closer to Jonos' hair colour. Darnold saw an uncanny resemblance between his brother and the prince, however it was so subtle that the only person who might have seen it had to be as sharp as his sister, Sharra.
Sitting on a smaller seat next to the king with what looked like his family surrounding him was the king's hand. Darnold forgot what his name was.
"My, my Jon, we have not spoken since the war," King Aerys declared, "And I see this time you brought your children."
"Indeed, your grace," Their father stated, giving his head a bow.
"Let them come closer to their king," their father motioned for them to approach the king. He stared at all of them intently when they stood before him, especially Sharra for some reason.
"Where did they get their eyes? As far as I know House Arryn and House Royce do not have that coloration," the King asked intrigued.
"From my mother your grace. She was of House Velayron,"
"Truly? How interesting. You hear that Tywin? I did not know there were powerful subjects of mine with fine blood coursing through their veins," King Aerys waved them back to their parents. He could hear grumbling coming from the man, seated off on the seat to the side, as Darnold had assumed it was meant as a slight to him, "Enjoy the festivities in celebration of my fortuitous reign, Lord Arryn."
His father once again bowed, but before he could walk away the king managed to say something, "You know the position of Master of Laws is available after the tragic death of the previous holder Lord Farring. We could use a man of your talents, Lord Arryn."
"Your grace, that is har-" his hand began to speak.
"Silence, Tywin, it is my council. If he accepts it, he is on this council with the rank and status of the Master of Laws,"
"I'll have to discuss it with my family, your grace, this is unexpected news," Their father replied.
"My offer stands until the end of this tournament, Arryn. That is all," The disgruntled Lord Tywin was simply forced to watch as the king appointed an advisor without his consent. His father quickly gathered his family as the reception was in closing moments.
After a long winded speech about his benevolence at the banquet hall, the king declared that everyone was free to drink and make merry. Darnold did not share the same appetite that his brother did, who ate almost a full chicken with the rest of his meal. He might have eaten the entire larder if given the chance. Instead, his eyes were fixed on the girl that stood next to the hand. She could not have been two years older than him. He wasn't certain of that, but she can't have been much older. Her emerald green eyes were focused on something, but Darnold didn't really know what it was.
"It appears your little brother is developing a new fascination other than swordplay, Jonos," He heard Petyr say, making him tear his eyes from the girl.
"What do you mean by that?"
"And I thought all Arryns were as clueless as you. The one he has his eyes on is quite the sight too," Petyr declared, nudging Darnold, who had barely eaten, "If I were you, I would approach her and ask for her name."
"Don't listen to him, Darnold. He's as inept as me when it comes to those matters," Jonos paused, "Has it become a common occurrence for those so young to become interested in that?" Petyr shrugged. Before they could continue with the conversation, Jonos and Darnold were summoned by their parents, leaving Petyr to stare at his food.
To his surprise, Ned and his family were waiting for them. The same girl he had seen, the shy boy, and the tall one too.
"Rickard, these are my children. That is my eldest Jonos," he introduced. Jonos bowed his head to the man.
"So have grown up since I last saw you, lad. You were just a little boy that time," Rickard stated.
"This is my daughter, Sharra, and my youngest, Darnold," Sharra curtsied in response while Darnold did the same thing his brother did.
"Quite the family you have Jon. Well, this is my heir, Brandon. You are already quite familiar with Ned, and the little pup next to his mother is my youngest Benjen" Ned and Benjen had the courtesy to bow, but Brandon seemed to be focused on other things, "And this is my daughter, Lyanna." Lyanna looked off into the distance until she was nudged by her mother. She then did a strange curtsy.
Their father and mother got into more conversation with Lord and Lady Stark, while Brandon drifted off from the rest of his family. Benjen and Lyanna followed suit, while Ned rejoined Jonos. They talked for a little bit, and probably decided to go get Robert to make their trio complete. Some parts of Darnold wanted to join them, but he had other plans.
He spotted the girl who was eating at the head table, she was off to the side now standing next to the boy who stood next to her during the reception. He walked right up to her to make sure she saw him approach.
"Hello, I'm Darnold Arryn. What's your name?" She was taken aback by his sudden appearance from the looks of her. But she continued to keep that same look she had in the throne room.
"And what makes you think you have the right to know my name?" she responded back to him.
"Because I asked for it?" This elicited a laugh from her companion.
"You did want attention from purple-eyed boys at the feast didn't you, sister? Looks like the gods have answered your prayer, C-" the girl nudged the boy before he could continue.
"You are a bold one, I'll give you that, but-" before she could finish someone grabbed Darnold by the collar of his doublet.
"Who are you and what are you doing speaking to my niece without permission?" Undeterred, Darnold turned to the man.
"Is there a rule against talking to others at a feast?" He stood his ground defiantly against the much larger man in ceremonial golden chainmail armor with a blazon of lion in the chest piece. He didn't flinch and stood firm.
"Why you smart-" the man began.
"Hold Ser Kevan, I'm sorry for any inconvenience my brother may have caused. He is young, please pardon him," Jonos interrupted as the man let go of him.
"Teach the boy some manners and some etiquette as well. We aren't in mountains anymore, Arryn,"
"Let us not take it that far, Ser Kevan. You aren't exactly the bastion of chivalry," Jonos made an emphasis on his rank, "Come Darnold." Just when Darnold got dragged by Jonos away from a flushed Ser Kevan.
"Darnold," someone called out to him, "My name is Cersei. Cersei Lannister." The pretty girl had her emerald eyes locked on him now. She gave him a small smile, a wonderful sight to Darnold. Before Ser Kevan could do anything else, Darnold retreated with Jonos, who brought him to Robert and Ned.
"Next time, don't take Baelish's advice to heart." Jonos reprimanded him to begin, "Got to give you credit, however not many people would willingly approach a Lannister like that."
"He got her name too. From what I've seen from that Lannister, she possesses quite a high opinion of herself. Not bad for someone so young," Robert inserted.
"Don't encourage him further, Robert. Our family's relationship with House Lannister is strained as is. Father's surprise nomination to the small council only makes things worse," Darnold simply nodded and they all spent the rest of the feast talking amongst one another. Most notably, about the events they would be competing in tomorrow. Both were surprised Ned didn't want to compete in any of them. However, one thing that Darnold couldn't deny was that this tournament was far more interesting that he could have hoped for. So much has already happened from his encounter with House Lannister and learning Cersei's name. Whether or not this encounter would amount to anything more than knowledge of her name was still up in the air. But it was a time for celebration. And Darnold hoped the tournament would be one he would remember fondly in the years to come.
A/N: Greetings, this chapter was a long time coming. I was supposed to post this last Monday, but I decided to take a week off to get inspiration and make the chapter much better than it is. This is Darnold's first chapter, and the first chapter that will be posted on this account first. It is also the first chapter in the three part anniversary tournament arc. I will still cross post on the other account a day later to make sure those who followed there are not going be left out. I have also been editing my Fury fanfic, so for those waiting of that it is in progress and I will be posting a status update chapter on it. There is alot that happens in this chapter and a lot of characters to be introduced in this chapter. I tried to make the descriptions as good as possible, but a lot of characters were introduced so if some feel lackluster, I am truly sorry. Darnold also interacts with Cersei in this chapter as it was the only way I could really give a drastic representation of Darnold's impulsiveness and brashness. He is much different than his brother too say the least, and I had to find a situations for him to showcase this personality. But don't worry Tywin and the Lannisters aren't going to magically over look this, and it will be interesting to see how Darnold's interactions with other houses happen especially when he gets older. Jon Arryn is also offered the Master of Laws in this chapter, which if he accepts will be another divergence in cannon. Thank you everyone for reading, and I hope to see you guys in the next one. Make sure to leave reviews to improve the writing and give critcisms, praise, encouragement and all that good stuff. See you then.
