Casterly Rock 295 AC.

Loras.

He was happy to be back, his room, his view, in the years he had stayed at Casterly Rock the place had become his home. He, Jon, and Joy were family, Cregan, Brienne the friends he had always wanted, and Satin, Satin was, Satin Was. He wasn't sure what Satin was to him, a friend yes, at first he had thought him to be like Jon, someone that he'd be that close to.

Over time though he had begun to notice the differences, how he looked at Satin was not how he looked at Jon, how he behaved around him was not the same. It scared him, terrified him at times, and at others he found himself overwhelmed by it, by feelings he wasn't sure he fully trusted. While in Highgarden as much as he had enjoyed it there, happy though he was to be with his family and to compete in a tourney, he was sad also.

It had taken him coming back to the West to realize what it was that he was sad about, what it was he missed most about the Rock. Had he been more intuitive he'd have realized it sooner, Jon, Joy, Cregan, Brienne they were all with him, his true family and the one he'd made for himself were all there. Satin was not and it was he that Loras missed every day he was in Highgarden.

"Are we going riding today?" he heard Joy ask Jon seeing his friend shake his head.

"Not today, Cregan can take you if you really want and you and I can go on the in a day or two." Jon said and he saw Joy nod before she moved over to work her charms on Cregan. He was soon laughing, as the boy like Jon usually did folded and allowed Joy to get her way.

"What are your plans?" Satin asked and Loras looked at him feeling that nervousness he was feeling all too much around him lately.

"Nothing really, I had intended to spar, and we have our lessons." Loras said only for Jon to interrupt.

"Actually I was hoping to speak to you Satin, you too Brienne." Jon said and when Loras looked into his friend's face he knew what was about to be told to them. He saw Jon give him a nod and a small smile which he returned.

"There goes my plans to do nothing." Satin said to laughs around the table.

Satin's duties had increased a lot while he'd been gone, now with Tyrion, the boy spent hours working as his squire, far more than he did as Jaime's though he too was doing more as he was his only one now. Jon being a knight was not able to do his usual duties anymore and was technically acting as Jaime's guard, though he knew if anything it was the other way around. He had been furious when Jon came to him after being knighted, his friend apologizing both for the knighthood itself and for leaving them alone on the field.

"I should have been there with you, I'm sorry." Jon said.

"It was a fight, a tourney Jon, we got outnumbered aye, but this is why we fight in them. We live and learn and fight another day." Loras said the words were Arthur's though and not his own.

"I know but had I been with you, had I been close.". Jon said his voice full of regret and self-recrimination.

"I'm supposed to take care of you, not the other way around." he said angrily.

"What?".

"If I wish to be a Kingsguard one day and I do, then I'm supposed to take care of you, you're the king Jon, you shouldn't be worrying about us, not at the risk to yourself.".

"You're my friend, you needed my help." Jon said loudly.

"I did not need your help." he shouted "Gods, you can't fix it all, we have to do things for ourselves too. I want to improve, get better, how do I do that if you fight my fights for me?" he said breathing deeply as he tried to calm himself.

"I wasn't." Jon began but he interrupted.

"You were, dammit Jon." he said walking away.

They had made up less than an hour later, the fight if you could call it that all but forgotten and yet he had made sure he reiterated what he said, Jon nodding that he understood. It wasn't just the idea that he needed to be protected that bothered him but that it was Jon who was doing it. He was the king, it was his job to protect him and so he vowed to double his efforts when he got back and planned to train even harder in the future.

He intended to go to train now but as Jon stood up and Brienne and Satin joined him, he was pleased when Jon asked him to come along too, glad he could be there when he spoke to them both. Taking the lift to the bottom, they, Ghost, and Ser Arthur walked into the Vaults and Jon took them to his room, asking them all to sit before reaching down to rub Ghost.

"I haven't been completely truthful with you both, I have had my reasons and when I explain you'll understand. It wasn't a lack of trust, more gods, I don't even know what it was." Jon said.

"What is it Jon?" Brienne asked.

"My name isn't Jon Snow, it's Jaehaerys Targaryen trueborn son of Rhaegar and Lyanna Targaryen." Jon said to gasps from Satin and Brienne, only Satin noticing that he didn't make a sound.

"The rightful king of the Andals, Rhoynar and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, Protector of the Realm." he added as all three looked to him.

"You intend to go for the throne?" Brienne said her voice showing her shock as much as her expression did.

"I do, what you know of the rebellion is based on lies, untruths spread by people who wished to see my family fall. Robert Baratheon never loved my mother, you've seen him how he acts, he's no different now than when he was when supposedly trying to rescue the love of his life." Jon said his disdain for Robert clear.

"That's why." Brienne said and he and Jon looked to each other before they looked to her "That's why you were so upset when he knighted you.".

"You noticed?" Jon asked.

"Aye, I did, I thought it strange, but it makes sense to be knighted by a man who shamed your mother so." Brienne said and yet Loras found his attention drawn again to Satin who still sat silently.

"There is something else, I have dragons." Jon said and both Brienne and Satin looked at him now their expressions clearly showing their disbelief.

After Jon explained more, after he told them some but not all of it, he brought them to see the dragons. Both reacting pretty much how he expected, Brienne though seemed to take it better than Satin, her knightly code, her chivalric nature appealed to by Jon's story. While Satin seemed to be lost, almost unable to grasp what was being said and what this meant for the future.

Both though he was glad to see quickly offered Jon their support, Brienne going so far to bend to her knee and pledge fealty. While Satin did likewise, he did so differently, and even when Jon offered them to move their rooms down here Satin accepted almost in a daze. Whereas Brienne seemed excited by the prospect of sharing rooms with her friends. It was later that night as he helped Satin bring his things from his room that he finally got the chance to speak to him.

"You've been quiet all day." he said and Satin glared at him shaking his head "Satin speak to me.".

"How am I supposed to react, I just found out that there's a hidden king among my friends, he has dragons and plans to take the throne whatever that means. Oh and if that wasn't enough I find my other friends have been keeping it from me." Satin said his annoyance clear.

"It wasn't my secret to tell." he said as softly as he could.

"What does this mean, war? A council, what?". Satin asked his concern clear.

"Robert would never go for a council." he said and saw Satin sigh.

"So it's to be war, and who fights in it, Jon? You?" he asked and Loras saw him sit on the bed and so walked over to sit beside him.

"Aye, I'll fight for him, he's my friend, my king, if he were to ask it of me I'd fight." he said and was surprised at the look on the other's boy's face, not sure exactly what it was he was seeing.

"I don't want you to fight." Satin said softly.

"We have to fight, Jon is the king the realm needs." Loras said emphatically.

"I don't want you to fight." Satin said more determinedly and Loras turned to look at him.

The two of them sat there on the bed, Loras looking at Satin and the look of worry and concern on the boy's face made him reach out to touch it, brushing his hair away from his cheek he rested his palm and felt Satin lean into it. What came over him he didn't know, seeing the look on Satin's face, feeling his cheek under his hand, or whether it was the need in his eyes. Before he knew it he had leaned forward and as he drew closer he saw Satin look to him.

He had never kissed anyone before other than Margaery on the cheek or his mother when he said goodbye, but he'd never actually, truly, kissed anyone before. As his lips met Satin's he felt it deep inside of him, as the boy's mouth opened as their tongues touched he almost fainted such were the feelings inside of him. When he broke away, when he tried to get control of the sensations he was feeling he saw the brief look of hurt on Satin's face.

"Loras, I.." Satin said and he didn't let him finish, his lips finding Satin's once again.

The North and Winterfell 295 AC.

Ned.

When they took sail from Oldtown he almost felt it when they hit the Northern shores, the change in temperature, the smell of the air, he knew he was back in the North long before they saw Cape Kraken. They had passed Lannisport and Casterly Rock, Ned along with Arya and Bran looking to the imposing features of the keep high on the rocks. Arya excitedly telling Bran that was where Jon and Cregan were and he trying not to laugh when Bran said he knew that.

Traveling to Oldtown they had passed here at night and had been unable to see it clearly, something he was glad for now as the children's excitement fuelled his own. It had been a far shorter journey than it should, the Pinnacle Ship almost gliding through the waves, and yet they were still perhaps a moon away from reaching Winterfell. Though he was thankful for his company, speaking to Howland and the Greatjon, to Maege and her girls, making the hours pass even more quickly.

Howland even helped him master his warging, still not as easily as Arya and Bran were finding it but he could see through Lya's eyes, smell and sense what she did and it was mind-blowing to him. The problem was as busy as he was, as much as he tried to do to keep himself occupied, most nights he found sleep to be evasive and he'd end up standing on the deck looking out to the stars. Something he was doing tonight when he heard the footsteps behind him, turning to see Elle walking towards him.

"Can't sleep again?" she said handing him a mug, warm cider he found to his delight.

"Aye, too much on my mind." he said sipping the cider.

"Care to talk about it?" she asked and his initial thought was to say no, though soon he found himself sharing things he'd not thought he would.

While he didn't tell her everything and for now kept the truth about who Jon was and what Cat had tried to do to him to himself. He found himself unburdening far more truths than he had intended, tales of Cat's hatred of Jon, of how she feared the boy was plotting against Robb.

To finally speaking on Littlefinger and the letters and almost waiting with bated breath to see if she would curse him down or tell him he had done the right thing. To his surprise she did neither, instead, she simply told him what he needed to know.

"No one can know if they did right or wrong, by your children you've done right Ned, they're happy, content and they're learning how to be Northerners, something they should have been doing for a long time." she said smiling.

"And Cat?" he asked.

"Only your heart can tell you what it feels, what anyone else says or thinks means nothing compared to that." Elle said as she touched his arm and walked back below decks.

He found himself sleeping far better after that, she'd not tried to placate him and tell him he was right, only told him to trust how he felt and in his heart, and he knew then he had done the right thing. When they reached Bear Island he along with the children, the Greatjon and Howland were invited to stay and he welcomed it, Arya, even more so than he.

The island was very different from how it had been when he'd first come here many years ago, he had seen it briefly when they'd taken the ship from there to leave but now he got a chance to take a much better look, and so he took full advantage of it. The docks were almost built, the area which served as the collection point and delivery point for their timber and furs even larger than the keep which now served it.

While still made of wood, work had started on the proper keep, Maege's Keep being made to her design, and Ned felt just how much the woman looked forward to ruling her own castle. The sheer number of men on the island though shocked him as much as anything else, a small village almost needing to be built to house them all, and it made him even keener to see the North expand.

"It's remarkable is it not?" Howland said as they, Jorah, the Greatjon and Maege rode the hills overlooking the docks, Lya running off ahead of them.

"Aye its truly an incredible job you've done here Jorah." Ned said seeing the proud look on both Jorah and Maege's faces.

"Maege tells me you wish to improve the roads?" Jorah asked.

"Aye, we saw them in the Reach, how quick and easy they are to travel. So we intend to fix the trade routes first, and then the roads between the keeps." he said as they rode down the hill.

"It'll cost a lot of coin Ned." the Greatjon said.

"We'll all contribute, it'll be worth it Jon, when it's done, the trade, the coin we earn, by the gods we should have done this sooner." he said to nods.

They feasted the last night they were there, Arya sad to say goodbye to Lyanna but excited knowing that she'd be coming here within the year, and Ned finding himself dancing far more than he ever did. He danced with Lynesse and Lyra, though mainly with Elle and he found himself even spinning her once or twice, especially after she had laughed the first time he did so.

Saying his goodbyes, firstly to the Mormonts was hard and as they rode to the Kingsroad it got even harder, knowing he'd be saying his farewells to the Umbers and to Howland soon. Howland, he found to be as enigmatic as ever, always looking as if he knew more than those around him and to Ned's mind he always did. The night before they were to part he and his old friend had the strangest conversation, Howland once again speaking on things he didn't understand.

"When he gets lost he'll need you, Ned, he'll need you to bring him back, to show him the path." Howland said as they sat in front of the fire.

"Jon? What do you mean lost?".

"You'll know it when you see it, be there for him, bring him back Ned, he's needed here not there, bring him back." Howland said.

"The West, are you talking about the West?" he asked looking at Howland who shook his head.

"He won't lose himself there, he'll lose himself here." Howland said pointing to his head "And here." he said pointing to his heart "Bring him back Ned, talk to him and speak of her, tell him of his mother." Howland said as he stood up reaching his hand onto his shoulder he nodded at him before walking to his tent.

They said their farewells the next morning and it was only the next day as they were riding along the Kingsroad that it hit him that Howland should be riding with them. Asking Elle later he found that his old friend was heading to Last Hearth and he chuckled when Elle told him that Jojen sought a match with Lyarra Umber. Though it was far too early for an official betrothal he found he quite liked the idea of those two houses joined.

When they finally saw the walls of Winterfell in front of them, after what felt like the longest travel of his life, he smiled. Looking to see that his children and Elle too seemed happy to be home. Benjen welcoming them as soon as they got in the gate and staying with them for another week until he needed to head back to The Wall. He made sure he gave him as many supplies as he could spare to take to Jeor and the Night's Watch.

He was sitting praying in the Godswood when it came to him, the thought was one he couldn't shake, people leave, always and no matter how much you wish them to stay they leave, and you never have the time you wished to share with them. The Mormonts, Umbers, Howland, all had left on this journey back, Benjen now had gone too, soon his children would leave and what then?.

With no children to be the governess for would Elle need to leave? Would she need to go back to her father's keep?. Did he want her to? The answer to that one was clear at least. Rising to his feet he turned to walk back to the keep and was surprised to see Lya and Elle standing there, Elle looking to him and he to her, the wolf watching them both. He closed his eyes and went looking for the door soon and found himself inside feeling it, feeling what his wolf was trying to tell him, what she had tried to tell him so many moons ago.

"She is pack." Lya said in his head and as he opened his eyes he smiled as he moved to them both.

Dorne 295 AC.

Oberyn.

He had missed this, missed Dornish food, Dornish weather, and mostly he missed his girls, he laughed loud and true as Dorea splashed about in the water, Tyene holding her up as she did so. Ellaria held Loreza, their little girl too young to swim on her own and content to be held by her mother, her hand splashing the water as he mimicked her older sisters. Beside him, his brother watched on happily, Doran always at his best when watching the children play.

"You had fun then?" Doran asked.

"Not as much as I'd have liked, but I had fun. Seeing the stag fawn over a boy who'll bring him low is most enjoyable." he said as he swallowed a date.

"He has no suspicions?" Doran asked.

"If he did then Jon would be dead or we would be at war." Oberyn said simply.

"And he knighted him you say?" Doran said with a chuckle.

"He shamed him, to be knighted by the stag, had Jaime Lannister not acted then I would have.".

"You really care that much for the boy?." Doran asked making Oberyn smile as he turned to him.

"He is Elia's child, as much as Rhaenys or Aegon would have been, so he is my nephew. I've spoken to my niece, brother, heard the words from her own mouth, a dragon's though it is. He is our kin, and soon to be our king." he said and saw Doran nod.

"Arianne wishes to see him, to see Rhaenys, Sarella, I've told her she may go. I'll be heading to Sunspear brother I wish you to be by my side.".

"I will but not for some time brother, it's to Yronwood I must go." Oberyn said and saw the concerned look on Doran's face.

"Oberyn." his brother said warningly.

"Fret not brother, it's to right a wrong not to cause another I go." he said laughing as Loreza slapped both hands down into the water splashing Ellaria.

He rode out a few days later, he, Daemon, and Obara, along with his guards. Quentyn too had joined him, eager to see his friends once more. While traveling by sea may have been quicker, he had missed this, missed the freedom the desert allowed and so they rode fast, but not hard. Arriving to very mixed welcomes, Quentyn being treated a prince and a long lost friend while he was treated respectfully but not friendly.

Cletus, Quentyn, and Archibald along with Gerris Drinkwater all headed off, to catch up and spin tales no doubt, leaving him alone with Anders with Ser Daemon standing close and watching quietly. He and the Bloodroyal had a chequered past, being blamed for the killing of the man's grandfather and Oberyn knowing the man's ambitions having ensured they rarely saw eye to eye. But given why he'd come, what he knew and what he knew Anders would do with that knowledge, some of that at least would be forgotten.

"I had not expected you, my prince." Anders said as they walked through the keep.

"I had not thought to come but a pressing matter caused me to change my plans, a matter I needed to speak to you on, you alone Anders." he said and watched as the man looked at him warily.

"A pressing matter for House Martell or House Yronwood?" Anders asked.

"For us both Anders, for us both." he said and then tried to relieve some of the tension his words caused "Your Maester Otar, is he here?" he asked catching the man by surprise.

"He is you wish to see him, send a raven?".

"No just wished to know where he was, Anders, we must speak alone. I ask for your trust and give you my pledge that what I have to say is something you wish to hear." he said and was happy to see Anders nod as they were brought to his solar.

Once refreshments had been brought and Daemon along with Anders's guard stood outside to ensure they weren't disturbed. Oberyn looked at Anders not sure where to begin.

"I cannot remember the girl's name do you know that, strange do you not think that these years later I cannot recall the girl's name." Oberyn said shaking his head.

"You dare speak to me of her, of that whore." Anders said angrily.

"A woman who shares her favors willingly is no whore and your grandfather was far too angry to keep her to his bed and far too willing to lay the fault elsewhere," he said and when Anders moved to stand up he held his hand up bidding him remain seated "I did not coat my blade with poison." he said simply and watched as Anders looked to him.

"Now, many years later you come to my home and lie to my face, you are my prince, I may owe allegiance to your house but I'll have no man insult me in my own home, prince or no." Anders said almost on the verge of fully blown rage.

"It was Otar." Oberyn said simply watching as the Bloodroyal jumped to his feet, Oberyn too rising and placing his hand on the man's shoulder to bid him sit back down "If you sit I'll tell you the truth of what happened with your grandfather."

Fury was a strange thing, in the wrong hands it was wild and uncontrolled like a raging inferno and all in its path would face its wrath. But place it in the right hands, place it in the hands of someone who could tame that inferno, someone who could channel that fire and fury was a dragon waiting to be unleashed. Sitting looking to Anders he could see the man's inner dragon coming to the fore, the sheer will it took him to keep it under control.

"How am I to know this is not a lie?" Anders asked before quickly drinking down a glass of Dornish sour.

"Caleotte." he said simply.

"I head he died?" Anders said looking to him.

"He did, I was the one who killed him." Oberyn said and Ander smiled a true smile then.

"I have hated you for most of my life Oberyn, while I've never plotted against you or your family, I've hated you." Anders said.

"I know.".

"Yet I believe you and it makes me question how I feel.".

"How we feel about each other is a matter for a different time, I hope this heals the rift between you and me but should it not then we both know where we stand. As for Otar, I ask you to await the raven, the offer to come to visit me and Ellaria, once you get it then do as you must.".

"Oh I will, have no fear of that my prince. I'll wait and when I hear the truth from his lips then I'll show him what suffering means." Anders said with a smile.

He stayed a few days to make it look as if the visit was more official than it was, even spoke to the Maester himself though only briefly. When the time came Quentyn stayed and Oberyn smirked at that, his man amongst Quentyn's guard would see the job done should Anders fail.

By the time he arrived back at Sunspear Arianne was getting ready to leave, more than happy to see him before she did so. After speaking to his brother and telling him all was in order in Yronwood he and Ellaria met with Arianne, asking his niece to come to his rooms before she left.

"You wished to speak to me uncle, aunt." Arianne said walking into the room.

"The Darkstar, you cannot bring him with you." Oberyn said and immediately his niece's hackles were raised.

"I wish to be protected, I can bring who I wish to ensure that." Arianne said adamantly.

"The Darkstar protects no one but himself and is far more likely to get you into trouble than out of it. and there are other reasons also. If you insist on bringing him then I shall write to my nephew and see your invitation revoked." Oberyn said and even Ellaria looked shocked by what he had just said.

"Oberyn." his paramour said looking to him though she turned away when he shook his head.

"Very well uncle." Arianne said far too quickly.

"Ser Gerold is to accompany me on my hunt on the morrow niece. I'll not have you try and sneak him on your ship to prove yourself clever. It is bad enough you're bringing Dalt." he said shaking his head.

"You have trouble with Drey now too." Arianne said exasperatedly.

"I have trouble with you playing games with someone I consider a friend, someone who will not appreciate them and not act how you wish." Oberyn said and Ellaria smiled at him while Arianne looked abashed.

"Uncle..I.".

"No Ari, where you're going is not the place for such games even were it not Tyrion you wish to rouse passions in, trust me his passions will be fully roused upon seeing you anyway." Oberyn said seeing the brief smile on his niece's face.

"Very well uncle, if you'll excuse me I have some changes I need to make with my accompaniment." Arianne said before kissing him and Ellaria on the cheek and leaving.

Not a moment after she had left the room Ellaria walked over to him and sat on his lap, his paramour's smile beaming as she kissed him on the lips.

"And that my love is why I love you." she said kissing him again.

The Crossroad Inn 295 AC.

Ser Richard Lonmouth.

Had he not taken the Pinnacle Ship and had the Blackfish not decided to wait until his grandnephew headed back to White Harbor then he was sure he'd have missed the man. As it was he knew now that he'd had arrived a few days earlier than him, which was just as well as he had work to do before he went to Brynden. Stopping off in King's Landing he found many whispers waiting for him, many tales his lips were singing, and so while he waited in the inn it was to work he got.

Essos.

Cannot find sight nor tale of either dragon, the caged or free. The Fat Magister has him hid well and travels with a large guard.

He sighed when reading it, the magister was making his presence felt in King's Landing too and seemed to have Jon Arryn following behind him like a loyal puppy. Even with Oberyn's help their Essos network was only now starting to bear fruit and even with the Pinnacle Ships news was still slow to reach them.

Kings Landing.

A fat man and a falcon plan to hurt the lion's purse, to Essos they look.

He had sent the raven to Tyrion and hopefully he'd speak to Kevan and Wyman, they needed to ensure the trade was safe, perhaps even add more men and he wondered exactly what it was they planned. Chataya had proved herself well though and he was glad she was on their side. Illyrio himself may not have yet visited the woman but his men had no such qualms.

Dorne.

A princess travels west and a viper lays a trap.

On that one he had toasted more than once, the Maester's soon to find out what happens when you wake the dragon and he was glad too that Arianne and Tyrion were getting along. While he had almost come around to the King's way of thinking, it was Oberyn who had told him of Arianne and Tyrion which had made that even more true. A love match gave them more than they could have hoped and kept Doran's tendencies at bay he felt.

Dragonstone

A mangy cat arrived and tried to roar but a stag stood him down.

He was surprised by that, having not expected things to escalate so soon with Stannis and Joffrey though the boy had shown no ability to rein in or change his behavior. Having him away from the capital was a good thing, though the idea of that boy sleeping in beds of greater men irked him, as it did having Stannis do the same to be fair.

Stormlands.

A young stag ruts daily and continues to ignore a mockingbird's call.

While he'd yet to ascertain what Littlefinger's plans were for Renly he knew full well how he'd got the lord under his thumb. A useful piece of information for later, should it be needed though he wondered if the king would have the stomach for it. Given the jealous and annoyed glares, he'd given the man at Margaery's nameday feast though he knew Jae would enjoy the tale all the same.

The Vale.

Lords wither and rage under increased costs, though pay all the same. A Mockingbird relishing the increased debts proves to be an unwitting friend.

At some point Jon Arryn would get involved, he knew it, and he knew that Genna and Tyrion would know it, but he wondered if perhaps they should relax the prices despite things. While Littlefinger buying up debts kept his coin occupied, putting Jae in less danger, it gave him too big an in with the Lords of the Vale and he worried that it may cause issues later on.

He'd speak to the king when next they met, for now, he'd sent a raven suggesting a relaxing of them just in case, hoping he was just being overly worried about nothing.

Riverlands.

A bitter fish worries on a young wolf and sees danger where there's none, as a Mockingbird sings tales to both comfort and upset.

In the short time, he'd known Jae he had found him to be everything he'd hoped his father would be, be all Rhaegar could have been. But just like his father, he was beginning to worry that family ties blinded him to what needed to be done. They had all told him of the need to take Aerys down and be it love, blood, or not having the stomach for it Rhaegar had refused their advice and gone his own way.

He knew Jae had the stomach, he'd seen it with his own eyes, heard it in the plans they'd made together to rid the world of evil men. Will was not the issue, it was the blood, the ties to family that was, and a part of him wished nothing more than to just deal with it himself. Were there not greater battles ahead the king would face he'd do so, as it was all he could do was watch, wait, and do his best to keep the fish in the river.

North.

Lips spread but others sing no more, the flayed men tell no tales and so a bard is required.

A bard, this soon? He worried what that would mean, what that had meant for the lips sent there, and why they sang no more? The Bolton's reputation was well known to him and he had left strict orders on how close to get, did they know? Or were there other reasons? He knew that a large number of smallfolk had made their way to Winterfell, the small town outside the keep expanding evermore to take them, but was there more at work there than he knew?.

He wished Bronn hadn't decided to leave his service, a bard a far harder thing to use and especially one who'd fit in the North, but he needed to know and almost laughed when it hit him. It was time to bring the Bolton's an offer and he hoped Wyman agreed. The notes he walked to the fire and after throwing them into it he went downstairs for his meal, a sleepless night followed before he saw the man enter and he smiled to see him alone.

The Crossroads Inn 295 AC.

The Blackfish.

The meal was hot and the ale cool and he enjoyed them both, he was tired and in need of one night's sleep in a comfortable bed and so he paid the coin and was happy enough with the room. Waking the next morning he broke his fast and mounted his horse, the ride to the Vale ahead of him.

He had enjoyed the tourney, meeting with his grandniece and nephew. Sansa looking the picture of Cat but the girl had more sense than his niece and Robb he found he liked quite a bit. The young man had a good head on his shoulders, was no slouch with a blade, and finding out he was betrothed had made him even more keen to travel back with him and get to know him better.

So when Yohn and the others had left, he stayed and traveled with Robb and the Manderly's. He'd enjoyed hearing tale from his grandnephew of his siblings, of Bran climbing and Arya's wildness, both of which he now had some experience with. When he told Robb he'd be taking Bran to squire the next year the boy was happy for his brother and it made Brynden proud to see the brotherly bond.

"Family, Duty, Honor, Robb they are my house words, I can see you take them to heart just as much as you do you're father's and I intend for young Bran to live them too." he said and Robb nodded.

"I, my mother, she and father, they're not getting back together.".

"Aye, that seems to be the truth of things." he sighed.

"I wish, I hope she comes to my wedding." his grandnephew said.

"I've no doubt she will, I hope for an invite." he chuckled and was pleased when Robb did too.

Making camp, he laid down his bedroll and lit the fire, and after eating he was about to sleep when he heard the sound of the horse. The man was leading it rather than riding it and yet Brynden felt his fingers curl around his blades instinctively.

"I mean you no harm friend, I'd just like to share the fire, by your leave." the man said and Brynden looked at him warily before nodding.

"Why not, two men are better than one should bandits try their luck." he said and heard a laugh from the other man though he wasn't yet close enough to make his face out.

"A brave bandit indeed it would be to take on the Blackfish." the man said and he rose to his feet.

"You have me at a disadvantage." he said before he saw the man's face and shook his head thinking he was speaking to a specter "Richard?" he asked.

"Aye, it's me Brynden, let's sit by the fire and speak on days past." Ser Richard Lonmouth said.

"I heard you were dead." he said as the man handed him the wine bottle."

"No, just lost in Westeros." Richard smirked.

"I thought I saw at the tourney?" He asked and Richard nodded when he handed him back the bottle.

"Aye, I was there, wanted to see the Fat Stag in his natural habitat, at a feast gorging himself on food and groping girls that were far too young.".

He couldn't agree with the man more on that, Robert had always carried on disgracefully and the crown on his head had made no difference to that. Even his son it seemed carried no honor or grace and as he swallowed the wine he did his best to forget about what the boy prince had tried to do. Though it seemed that was not to be the case as Richard spoke on it but a moment later.

"As for his son, Aerys cruelty only came later, that boy has no business on a throne, just like his father." Richard said.

"You forget I fought against the dragons Richard, you may have not given up your allegiances but people remember what Aerys did.".

"But not what Tywin did, not what Robert and Jon Arryn allowed him to do? Aerys was a monster, aye that's true, was Rhaegar? Would Aegon have been? Did Elia deserve her fate or Rhaenys hers?".

"The children and princess were innocent but Rhaegar got what he deserved." he said and Richard laughed.

"You fought on the wrong side once Brynden even now you don't know the truth of it, Family, Duty, Honor, all come into play, not just one." Richard said standing up "The Dragons will return, you should try to be sure to be on their good side when they do." Richard said walking back to his horse.

He looked at him as he climbed up on his horse, as he nodded to him and turned it around before he began to set off, stopping at the bottom of the hill.

"I wish you good fortune in your travels Brynden, may the road you find be the right one." Ser Richard said and just like the ghost, he had thought him to be, the man disappeared into the night.

He wondered if the man was truly a dragon supporter still, the girl and boy were somewhere in Essos as far he knew, and perhaps like all men he longed for what he knew. Longed for a past in the hopes the future would be better, he could relate to that. His brother, his niece, and nephew, he longed for how he remembered them, how his family had once been. Hoster dead, Cat and Edmure lost, he longed for a family for without it duty and honor were poor substitutes.

Riding to the Vale he put his faith in a young boy who he hoped would restore some semblance of dignity to his house, hoped would restore them to their former glories. Little knowing that miles away heading in the opposite direction, Ser Richard Lonmouth was doing the exact same thing.

Casterly Rock 295 AC.

Melisandre.

She was sitting in her room when the prince knocked, and she found herself most grateful to see him. While he tried to give everyone some of his time she had found that she perhaps got the least of it, and so the time she did get with him she found precious. She especially liked it when they spoke of her god, she knew he'd not convert but he was R'hllor's chosen nonetheless, and the future he spoke of intrigued her.

He had told her that he'd have a temple built to R'hllor in King's Landing even without her asking, just as he said he'd ensure a Weirwood was planted in the Godswood of the Red Keep. The freedom to choose was every man and woman's right, and when he took the crown he intended it to be not only religious but economic freedom the people would know.

"We must strive to be more than those who came before us my lady, to be better, and I have a legacy to live up to. A family that wrote history both good and bad, it's up to me to have people think of my family as the former." Jae said making her smile.

Now though she knew his reasons referred to Thoros of Myr and to what tales he may have spoken to Beric Dondarrion about. So she told him of what she knew of the drunk priest, that he'd been sent here to bring Westeros to her god, to spread his word and failed. He asked if she thought he still believed and she thought on it silently for a moment, before saying she did.

"Once you've known R'hllor's embrace, once you've let him in your heart it's hard to let him go, my prince. Faith may be tested as mine own was but my god is true." she said with a smile.

"Your faith was tested my lady?" he asked curiously.

"It was and then in the flames, I was shown a prince, a prince who'd bring the dawn." she said and he looked to her for more of an explanation.

She told him then of the visions, surprised that he didn't seem perturbed or worried by them though she knew he had his own. When she spoke of ice and cold he looked at her curiously and bid her continue and then she listened as he spoke of the gifts he had been given.

"The book makes no sense my lady, Valyrian it may be but it makes no sense." he said and she couldn't agree more, apart from the ritual to bring Dragons to life the rest made no sense.

"Maybe it's only half of a whole my prince, one part that needs the other to make it true?".

Why she had said it she didn't know but seeing the smile on the prince's face she felt her curiosity rise.

"My prince?".

"There is another book, another book which is key, I think I know where that book is my lady." Jae said excitedly "Dragonstone.".

She looked on as he walked to the chest, reaching inside to take out one of the Valyrian ingots, many times he had asked if they could be reworked and she had told him of Qohorik smiths who claimed they could. But as he looked at the ingot in his hand he smirked before putting it back into the chest, saying nothing about them he walked back and reached his hand to her shoulder.

"My lady, I ask you to be on the beach tonight, it's time for me to be who I was meant to be." Jae said.

"My prince?."

"Tonight I fly my lady, tonight I become a Dragonrider." he said and she felt her heart race as more of her vision was proving itself true.

The rest of the day seemed to last forever, eating her meal she found her appetite to be barely able to be contained and once she was done she went to her rooms. Waiting for the time to come, each hour felt like a day, and she was beginning to think she'd not make it until finally, the knock came to her door.

"My lady it's time." her guard said and together all three of them walked to the beach.

She looked up to see the moon full and to see the bronze dragon fly, his scales reflecting the light but it was the white one she searched for. Finding it and looking in awe as it came in to land, she like those around her nervously waited in anticipation. When she saw the prince she was surprised to see him dressed so and she looked on as he spoke to the white dragon, the noises the dragon made she could only guess were ones of happiness.

"Kesi sōvegon Rhaenix, kesi sōvegon hēnkirī. " (We will fly Rhaenix, we will fly together,) she heard the prince say and she closed her eyes and gave praise to her god.

Casterly Rock 295 AC.

Jon.

From the moment he had come back to the Rock he had known what he was building up to, he had felt it, felt her, and her eagerness for them to fly. Had he not had so much else on his mind, so much that he needed to do so quickly then he didn't know if he'd have been able to put it off for even the day he had.

But he did have things he needed to take care of, so he had spoken to Tyrion and to Jaime about the need for Tyrion to be more active in things, he had explained his reasons and hoped they were understood. Then he had told everyone it was time for him to fly, time to take to the skies, and he had waited for the inevitable arguments as to why he could not.

"Fly where?" Jaime asked.

"Nowhere in particular, Rhaenix will decide. I need to learn, to be able to do it. I don't intend to just fly across Westeros, not yet at least." he said softly though not softly enough.

"Not yet, what does not yet mean?." Genna asked her voice raised.

"There are places I need to go, places I need to travel to, places I don't have the time to visit but I must. Before it's too late I must." he said looking to her.

"Where?" she asked.

"Summerhall, Dragonstone, High Heart and the Tower of Joy." he said looking to Arthur when he said the last one.

"Alone Jae, you cannot go alone." Arthur said and he saw Jaime and Gerion nod in agreement.

"I need to know what I'm doing before I even consider bringing anyone on Rhaenix with me, once I do then we can discuss it more. But it's time, I know it and Rhaenix knows it."

"When? "Jaime asked.

"Tomorrow night." he said and saw them look to each other and nod reluctantly.

When all the others had left he asked for a moment alone with Jaime, and once they were alone he tried to explain it even more to him.

"I need to do this, with Rhaenix I can go to where I need and return quickly. I can be in and out of those places without being seen." He said looking to Jaime who shook his head.

"She's huge Jon, people may not notice you, but a large white dragon." Jaime said doubtfully.

"We can fly high, she can see better than I and I can warg to check the places out before we go near them. I'll not take any risks." he said and Jaime chuckled humourlessly.

"You're talking about flying on a dragon Jon, that's the risk, it's not like falling off Winter.".

"I know but I have to do this, those places, I need to see them and I don't have the time, what we need to do it's getting closer Jaime. I can't be traveling for moons, I just can't." he said and smiled when Jaime nodded his agreement which Jon was glad of, reluctantly though it was given.

Arthur proved to be another case altogether, the knight basically demanding to come with him. While Jon got him to stand down, for now, he knew that when he did decide he was ready to fly to those other places that Arthur would come with him, and not even Rhaenix would be able to stop him.

Waking the next morning he knew it was time to go about the other things he needed to do, so he refused or postponed as he could never truly refuse Joy anything, their ride, and asked Satin and Brienne to come with him. He was happy to see their reactions, while Satin was shocked he knew he could trust him and Brienne knowing was even more important now with Walder as her knight.

He went to Melisandre and talked over things, inviting her to witness the dragon ride knowing how much she'd wish to see it for herself. It was surprising to him that things he'd struggled on for moons, the ingots, the book, suddenly seemed clearer to him, something he later spoke to Sarella about.

"You say it just came to you, as if just then and there?" Sarella asked.

"Aye it did, it was odd, strange. I know I'd discussed these with her, with Marwyn and Loamara too, we've discussed it countless times, so why now? He asked and she shook her head clearly as unaware of the answer as he.

"Are you really going to fly tonight?" she asked and he smiled.

"It's time, you'll be there?".

"Of course, you think I'd miss the first Dragonrider in over a hundred years." Sarella said excitedly "The Maesters?" she asked.

"I'll speak to them, I don't want them too close, don't share your work with them and speak only in general terms should they ask you of them." he said looking to her, his tone making it clear this wasn't a suggestion.

"I'd never." she said before she saw him smile "You don't trust them?".

"I don't know if apart from my uncle, I'd trust any of them to know too much about a dragon.".

When he told her that he may soon be flying away for longer and more frequent trips he saw the worry and disappointment on her face, quickly explaining that Lygaron wouldn't be going anywhere for some time. He then found himself enveloped in one of the tightest hugs he had ever known, simply by promising that as soon as he was able he'd take her flying.

"She trusts you, you're our blood, I think of any you'd be who she'd be happiest to have with me when we fly." he said and she smiled and laughed as she spoke excitedly while trying to work out when that could be.

With Marwyn and Loamara, it was different reactions, the Mage was fascinated by the dragons, his curiosity while true and perhaps not threatening did however worry Jon. Despite himself, despite knowing how helpful the man was, he had still belonged to the order, and for Jon knowing what he needed to do to those men and knowing the Maester wasn't fully behind him worried him.

He would speak to Aemon, to Rhaenix, try and see if they could remove the worry from his head but he was adamant that the Mage and Loamara could only visit the dragons while under supervision. That and he'd also limit what they could do when they did so, he had no issue with speaking to the men on other matters, the glass candles, the dreams but on this, he felt he was right.

"This evening?" Marwyn asked excitedly.

"Aye, as soon as it's dark, come to the beach and who knows you may see a boy fall on his arse very quickly." he japed to laughs he was glad to hear.

"I look forward to seeing it, my prince." Marwyn said and for a moment he thought he meant the fall until he realized the Maester meant the flight itself.

While the others ate dinner, Jon grabbed dressed, his clothing something he'd not worn before, standing in front of the looking glass he looked for the first time what he was, a Targaryen. Grabbing some food he made his way to the caves, Arthur and Jors walking behind him and he saw the smile on Arthur's face at what he was wearing. Sitting beside his sister he felt her excitement and his son's too, both of them eager to be in the air, to have him fly with them. Lygaron also looking forward to having his own rider on his back soon, and though a little jealous his son was happy for Rhaenix too.

"It's time Jae." Rhaenix said and he nodded walking out of the cave.

Night had fallen and he watched as Rhaenix and Lygaron too to the sky, Rhaenix eager to loosen her wings, to relax before she risked taking him up on her back. By the time the moon was high she was ready and he looked on as she flew towards him and landed a few feet from him. He turned and gave a reassuring nod to a worried Jaime and walked to her head, leaning in as he spoke.

"Kesi sōvegon Rhaenix, kesi sōvegon hēnkirī. " (We will fly Rhaenix, we will fly together,) he said and felt the trill showing her pleasure when he did so.

"Ziry iksos jēda Jae" (It's time Jae) he felt her say in his head and he nodded.

He carefully climbed up her wing before hearing her impatiently tell him his feet couldn't hurt her, reaching her back he saw an indentation, almost a saddle in of itself, and sitting in it he was surprised how well he fit, how well they fit together.

"Sōvegon Rhaenix." he said and felt it then, once, twice, her wings moved and he was in the air.

She flew low at first and waited, once he told her he was comfortable, told her he was ready she asked him, where? how fast? she asked him to tell her what to do and he did. She flew high when he asked her, flew slow, flew fast, she flew low over the sea, the waves beneath them splashing him as her wings dipped into the water. He felt Lygaron fly close to him too, his son almost flying playfully, and Jae thought he was laughing until he realized it was him and not the dragon who was making the sound.

Heading out to sea he directed her to fly further, longer and was shocked when they flew over an island, knowing they had flown north it could only be Faircastle and to his amazement, they'd covered the distance in minutes. Turning back she flew high over the Rock itself, onto Lannisport and he looked down at the Pinnacle Ships and saw they looked like toys. Rhaenix shared it with him, her eyes far better than his, her vision picking things out that he could have missed.

It was incredible, the flight, the feeling of the air in his face, the feeling of closeness that he'd always felt with her now even more apparent, more visceral, more true. They were bonded, meant to be, she was he and he was she, he felt it now, more than ever he felt the bond they shared. How long it was until they turned back he didn't know, he saw the worried gazes disappear when they saw him on her back, and after telling her to she landed.

"Kirimvose, Kirimvose Mandia" (Thank you, Thank you Sister") he said after he'd jumped from her back his excitement matched by her own as he leaned int closer to her head.

"We will fly more little brother, fly more and fly further than any, together" she said and he smiled looking into her eyes

"Together, always" he said and felt her joy.

A.N: Up Next a new year brings changes and visitors, as Arianne travels to the rock, we check in on Highgarden, Marwyn and Loamara are sent on a journey and in Essos a mummer's dragon arrives in Volantis, While in Westeros, we see the Maester's face a dragon's justice.

Daryldixon: So glad you liked it.

Paulies: Oh I guarantee they will, on Theon we're only a few chapters away from seeing his plan, lets see how that works out for him. Jon will be flying a lot very soon. We'll get to see a prince and princess interact soon, Tyrion will be very happy. On the BF Richard went to judge the mood and found it lacking, we'll see him try again in a little bit.

Biohazard: Really glad you liked it.

Adgedless: Sometimes in trying not to be our father's we imitate them anyway, Can't say on Faegon/Dany other than he'll be in Volantis next chapter. We'll see the Maester's plan next chapter too, fully I think.

Irish Hermit: You can almost imagine Olenna marching Marge to the Maester to have her checked lol. We'll see the HG part next, It's hard writing something like that, as you want to be respectful to the lost love and to the new one, but for Ash it's important. One of the things I had intended was for three basic arcs (Jae learning to be who he should be, learning to be the king he needs to be and finally being the king he's born to be) so since coming back from the North a lot of this has been about that for Jae, learning to delegate, looking at potential problems etc, he's in a way lucky as he has so many good people around him, and he's learning before making huge mistakes.

On Vyman, LF's next pov will spell out what his plan was and with the BF Richard couldn't go through with it, he sensed the BF wasn't ready.

Mrsfayewhitlock: Jae in a way has kinda let Marge carry the can as he's all the way in the west and she's faced with Sansa/Olenna's eagerness we'll see that next lol. On Marwyn as you see you're not alone, Jae too is worried about that, he trusts him but has doubts. We will see what LF's plan was soon, I hope people like it. On Tommen, Cersei like most things will initially do everything she can to stop it and then forget it and move on to something else which catches her attention.

Jessicanightmarewolf: Every Tues and Thurs. With Marge it will be explained, without spoiling too much it wasn't a dangerous fever, nor was it a normal one.

Silentmayhem: On LF/Cat one of the things which may delay it is LF being based in KL, so his access isn't as direct, now the more time they spend together the closer they would get. On unifying the Riverlands, that ship is sailed, for Cat, it's more restoring House Tully and she doesn't really think things are as bad as they are, so even in reaching out, she's not going full-on.

Sansa is still just a little young for LF's taste and I think knowing he could get Cat or is more likely to he'll not switch his affections just yet, no if he did actually get Cat, hmm. You're spot on, it hurts them not having a marriage and yet a marriage hurts Cat so she's torn and at the moment it's to herself she's looking more.

Mrspotter: Thanks so much, really glad to hear you say that.

Guest: That's my feelings on it too, later on he and Renly is fine, it's just that creepy factor of thinking it started early, Hope you liked the Satin/Loras scene here. We'll see Faegon arrive in Volantis and the Maesters is next.

Liza: Thank you my friend, it can be hard, but then I also get to write Joy scenes and they make me feel so much better lol. He really is qualified for both, Tyrion a little like Jon in canon has issues on what he is, but he's dealing with them better now, and yep I did notice you saying that (kudos). On the time, we're moving into the next year and things are going to move fast, from here until canon like I think each chapter will have something big happening, at least that's my hope, I intend to cover three years faster than I have one. Hope you liked the dragon ride.

Shiera is like 120ish, it will be explained how she is able to be how she is.

LadyOctarina: One of the key points I've tried to show with Jon is really you want him to do something, send a woman to talk to him, be it the loss of his mother, or his sister, he listens and respects them more and when they speak to him from the heart he takes it on board. So Rhaenix showing worry added to Ellaria chastising him he listened. He will be going to Valyria, he just didn't tell any of them he would.

Zyrus: With Tommen he's going to wish it even more thanks to another knight, as for Sam I think he'd see with others what he never had and it would hit home.

Dunk: I wanted to build-up to the ride more, give him tome to gather everyone. On the relationship being symbiotic, it's a little like that, I will explain the bond more later but it's a unique one and Jon/Rhaenys are the only ones who it could ever have happened with. On the delegation he learned it a little with the letters and more here and I also wanted him to bring Tyrion in more, to give him an actual role given their relation. On the Maester they may not get a chance to put one of their men there. With LF his next pov will show his plan in full regarding Hoster. I figured they'd try to hide it but even had fate not intervened, I don't think Marge could have hid it from Sansa for long.

Ramdlc: Who says Dany will keep all 3?.

Anja: So glad you liked it.

Battlemage: We'll see the HG follow up next, she did try lol. With Sam he's kinda getting what he wants, I can't see Jon bringing him in too closely not unless events force them together, he's got enough people around to offer him the advice Sam could. On the relationships, they are in a way coming to fruition, some taking larger steps than others. On Doran we'll see another pov of his soon, and more of how his head is working, he's not on board as much as Oberyn thinks. Jon will travel a lot and soon, pretty much the chapter after next being his first journey.

Puffs: We will see it next chapter.

Dirtycat: Dany at this point fully backs her nephew, she's not thinking of taking the Iron Throne for herself has never got to that mindset so she's in a very different headspace, as for her pairing we'll see ti soon.

Bellaswan. Jon will wait until the time is right, once he's sure the dragons can't be harmed, taking care of the Maesters and learned what he needs to know, he'll make his move. He has much traveling to so before then, much to see, but it will be done quickly.

Guests: Lol, loud indeed.

Guest: With the Hound I do have a match in mind for him, so yep he and Shiera are just FWB. We'll see Marge try to explain next and this was just the first of many for Jon/Rhaenix they have far to go.

Ajgranger: On Tyrion/Ari he really enjoyed the letter and he's going to be very eager to meet her again, as for Satin/Loras hope you liked it here. The prick to her finger is going to come back again as we go on. LF has been making plans in the Rivelands for some time. We'll see in his next pov the full extent of them.

VFSnake: Marge was betrayed by her fever dream poor girl tried her best to keep her secret lol, hope you liked the flight, it's the first of many.

Anarchchimind: We will see LF's reason in his next pov and you're so right, he's not who you want to work for. Olenna will be happy to know it wasn't consummated more than anything, though maybe pissed they behaved like children lol. Cat running from the events didn't help, but I agree they should have made the offer to Robb, he may not have wanted a crown but he'd have taken it for the reach's support. I've said countless times that for a Jon moving for the throne early, looking south then Marge is pretty much the only logical choice, the Reach is just that important, so it would have been equally so for Robb, but the Starks don't know how to play the game and Cat was too busy doing a terrible deal.

I think had Ned reached out to Olenna early on, reached out to Hoster, then he has the North/ Riverlands and Reach and the loyalist's houses would follow, I get why he didn't but even from then, it was winnable.

Xand007: Thanks my friend, LF will lose his ladder don't worry. On Hoster, Vyman covered himself the coin he couldn't. We'll see the maester's next and yep he needs to do that, its too big to be done alone and he has enough people around him to count on. He has many places to travel, the ones he mentioned to them above are the ones he felt he could get away with mentioning.

Sk21: Sam will pop up again in the next chapter also. There isn't anything for him to find I'm afraid, Edmure made sure of that. Tywin's death and Jon's arrival showing him how he failed Joy was enough to make him stay, Ash is in some ways a reward for staying and Gerion and she will have a really good chapter soon. Olenna's reaction is next lol.

Nagiten: We'll learn even more about the bond soon, I said it was unique and it is, I also love Eragon..

Creativo: Gordo, perezoso y sin respeto jajaja. ¿Eso hace que LF sea gollum y Cat la preciosa jajaja.

Jayods: I had originally though of having Bran squire with him and almost doing a canon like situation where Cat's attempt at Jon's life caused Bran to be crippled, but I decided early on not to go the TER route with Bran. There will be more dragon flights to come.

Princeloki: Lol, so true.

Spartan: no worries and hope you're feeling better. Yep we'll see the Maesters next and Margaery has some explaining to do.

Mhaleowen: The Smalljon will have a key scene soon, as for pairing don't think I've ever really seen the Smalljon paired with anyone.

Mister La guardia: I think Bronn had a limit to his moral ambiguity, which is why I found what they did with him threatening Jaime/Tyrion to be offensive and stupid, But he will help Jon in some aspects, the others too.

Xanmerrick: Thanks, my friend. Sam does, though Season 8 Sam does not. Luwin has a couple of other plans and we'll see the Winterfell version soon enough. On Vyman you lay down with dogs you get fleas, what you get when you lay down with Mocking birds hmm not sure. That's the thing with Bronn and now Satin/Brienne it removes the having to lie which is important to Jon too. Tyrion being his uncle was always going to be more prominent and now being a dragon even more so. Glad you liked Ash/Gerion.

Guest: Far better than simply having all the protagonists be stupid and the bad guys super smart who along with plot armor get away with everything, but if it bothers you then feel free to read a story where they're not as stupid as you find them here.

Guest: Which is exactly why I wrote over three quarters or a million words for this story, so desperate was I for word count, why it keeps me up all night, I can't sleep thinking hmm must have a word count, must have more, more, more I say mu ha ha ha (sarcasm may be the lowest form of with but sometimes it is called for).

Orthang: Lol, it's a little like that, we'll see the precise nature of it in a few chapters.