King's Landing 297 AC.

Jaime.

They had arrived to very little fanfare and Jaime found himself laughing about it, Jon Arryn didn't meet them and instead, it was left to Stannis to welcome them to King's Landing. Which had led to perhaps the most uncomfortable welcome any of them could ever imagine. Kevan and Genna were annoyed by the snub and Stannis was so far out of his depth with niceties that they were on their horses and in their carriages in moments.

Arriving at the Manse Jon went straight to his room and when he went to speak to him, he told him what he was going to be doing. He had asked if he should stay only for Jon to tell him it was for the best if he got a night's sleep, that he had no idea how long this would last and he'd call him if he was needed. While he didn't wish to leave him alone he found that it was something that Jon needed to do on his own. Though the next morning when he found out what Jon had actually done, he had been incredibly annoyed.

"You should have sent for me." he said to Jon who looked at him and nodded.

"Aye probably, but there was nothing you could do my lord, this had to be me. I needed to do it, ask Arthur, Walder, I couldn't even say what it was I wished to do." Jon said.

"All the more reason to send for me Jon, I should have been there for you.".

"You are, you always are, this was...I needed this and I don't think I'd have been ready to listen to anyone.".

"Why the stag?" he asked realizing he wasn't getting anywhere with the other part of his talk.

"I'm going to take everything from him, his throne, his children, everything." Jon said.

"His children?".

"His bastards." Jon said and for a moment he looked at him worriedly but he knew that Jon would never do that.

"I don't understand?".

"I know of two, there are more but Mya Stone is in the Vale, and Edric Storm is in Storms End. I may not be able to get to them but there are bound to be others here in King's Landing. I'm going to take them and give them the life he didn't, a better life, a good life, he's just not going to know that." he said and Jaime shook his head.

"What did you see Jon?" he asked concernedly.

"The truth, what he did, what he knew, what he felt, I saw it all. Death is too good for him and so his life is the last thing that I'll take from him.".

"Jon?".

"No, remember Creylen, what I said to him, what I said before you took his life?".

"Aye, I remember.".

"Robert took everything from me, his jealousy couldn't allow him to accept that my mother loved another. So before he dies he's going to think I've taken everything from him.". Jon said as he walked away, Walder and Jors following after him.

He wished to call a meeting to have all of them discuss things but instead he just asked Arthur to join him in his solar. Soon finding out that his brother too felt as he did and was worried about Jon taking this too far, though not for the same reasons he was, it turned out.

"I don't wish him to risk so much." Arthur said.

"Risk?".

"Aye, Jaime last night he seemed to enjoy the idea of taking something from Robert, more so than actually taking it from him. I don't want that to be what he's focussed on.".

"I don't want him to take things Arthur, the throne aye, but the other things. He wishes him to suffer, to feel as he does and he can't, he won't." Jaime said.

"He needs the intensity Jaime, I swear had you seen him last night, if you faced that Jon with a sword in his hands, you, I, gods I don't know." Arthur said shaking his head.

"We need to get through to him, speak to him." he said and Arthur smiled.

"Margaery, we speak to her and Olenna when they arrive.".

"Watch him until then Arthur, don't let him out of your sight." he said and Arthur got up and nodded.

"He saw them Jaime, he saw them both and saw how happy they were, seeing Robert, I…".

"We'll be with him Arthur, I'll speak to the others.".

He made his way to his room and found Dacey, Joy, and Joanna sitting around, his daughter laughing as Joy fed her strawberries. He stood watching them with a smile on his face and it was only when Dacey looked to him that it left. Jaime then moving to sit with his wife and watch the two girls as they played.

"Strawbelly Joanna?".

"Sawbelly." his daughter said happily clapping her hands and Joy giggled as she gave her one.

"Everything is well?" Dacey asked and he nodded, not wishing to spoil things for now.

Given how they'd been welcomed they had no need to present themselves to the king until tomorrow and that suited him just perfectly. Their meal that night was a quiet affair though Jon did at least seem to be in a happier mood, laughing with Joy, Martyn, and Willem and telling Tion and Walder what to expect in the duels. He could see how closely Arthur was watching him and soon Dacey noticed him looking at Jon also.

"What's wrong?" she asked and he told her they'd speak later.

Once Joanna was asleep and they were laying on their bed, he told Dacey of exactly what had happened, trying his best to explain things he couldn't truly understand.

"He was able to see it all?" she asked.

"I think it was more than that, he said he felt it, felt what Robert felt." he said.

"How? is that even possible?".

"Given what he did later I'd say so.".

"He didn't seem upset Jaime, at dinner he seemed himself.".

"Aye he did, I worry though, the way he spoke, it was, he was..".

"Arthur is right, speak to Olenna, and to Margaery if anyone can help him it's his wife." Dacey said with a chuckle.

"Aye, I will, I'm sorry for bringing it up." Jaime said leaning over to kiss her.

"I'm your wife, it's my job to help you." she said as her arms went around him.

Sparring the next morning with Jon was much different, he was talkative, he japed, but he was far more focussed than he had ever been. While he took the spar, Jon did get two hits on him and would have gotten a third only that by sheer luck he moved out of his way.

"When are the Tyrell's arriving?" he asked knowing that Jon would know.

"Later today, I think we'll have to go to Robert first.".

"Are you ready for that?".

"I am." Jon said drinking the mug of water.

"Are you sure Jon?".

"I am, I'm good, truly, I know what I have to do my lord, I may not like it but I know," Jon said as he took his sword and put it away and they walked back into the building.

Kings Landing 297 AC.

Robb.

He looked at the carriages and the horses, the guards, and his friends and thought this was one of the largest processions he'd ever been a part of. Lord Wyman always traveled with a decent accompaniment and when they'd rode back to White Harbor after the tourney in Highgarden, they'd been joined by the Lords of the Vale. Still, the Lannister's traveled in an even larger group, and after he mounted his horse he quickly rode to Jon and the others.

"Is this not a bit much just to travel to the Red Keep, Jon?" he asked when he got there.

"Aye, but we have the Lady of Castamere riding with us today, we need a large accompaniment." Jon said and Robb couldn't help but chuckle as Joy glared at his brother.

"Not funny Jon, so not funny." Joy said as she sat on Apples.

"At least I got them to allow you ride Apples, Joy." Jon said and he saw her little smile as they set off.

He looked to the streets as they rode, the men, women, and children looking to them, he swore he even heard some people speak Jon's name as he and Joy rode with Ghost beside them. He rode close to the carriages along with Cregan and Brienne while ahead of him Loras rode with Jon's guards, his Kingsguard, and Robb wondered if Loras saw himself that way. Given how he was riding with Ser Arthur maybe he did, all four of them shadowing Jon as they rode.

Robb found it funny when he looked back, Jaime and Gerion rode together and the Lords of Casterly Rock and Castamere respectively had less protection than Jon did. He wondered if people noticed it or if it just passed them by and he found himself thinking that this was Jon's life now. Soon this would be how his brother would ride anywhere, though the cloaks his guards wore would be a different color.

They arrived at the Red Keep to be met by some Lannister guards and the Master of Coin, Robb seeing how quickly Ghost's haunches raised. Grey Wind and Dusk had been left in the Manse for now, Ghost having already having been at the Red Keep before wouldn't raise too much issue, even with his size. All three wolves though would not be accepted they had felt.

"My lady." he said after he dismounted and helped first Wylla and then Wynafred from the carriage.

"My Lord" Wynafred said with a smile as she straightened her dress.

Once Lord Wyman and Lady Genna had climbed from the carriage then Lord Kevan and Lord Emmon did also. All of them making their way to the rest of their group. Jon and Joy watching carefully as their guards moved their horses while Dacey laughed as Jaime swung Joanna around. Had someone told him years earlier that he'd find himself happy to be in the company of Lannisters then he'd have laughed their ears off, now though he was more than happy to call them friends.

"Come let's not keep the king waiting." Jaime said as Dacey took Joanna from him.

The walk to the Throne Room was fascinating to him, Wynafred and Wylla too seemed just as excited though his future goodsister did seem more interested in what Lancel was saying to her. Reaching the door he waited with the others while they were announced and then they were led inside. The king sitting on the Iron Throne with the queen and his children beside him, Jon Arryn and Lord Baelish who had quickly left them once they reached the doors, speaking to each other animatedly as Jaime stood forward.

"Your graces, I am honored to be invited to this tourney." Jaime said and Robb saw the king smile at him.

"It's good to have you here Lord Jaime, will you be competing?" the king asked.

"Only in the joust your grace, I leave the melee to my lady wife." he said to some laughs which the king soon stopped.

"Given how proficient Lady Dacey is with her Mace, I fear for her opponents." the King said.

"As do I your grace." Jaime replied with a smirk.

As the rest of them were introduced he watched as the king seemed to be going through the motions until he stepped forward that was.

"Robb Stark, come closer, let me look at you lad, look Jon it's Ned's boy." the king said with a beaming smile "Your brother, is your brother here as well? Ser Jon, come up here.".

"Your grace." Jon said and Robb could feel the tension behind him, he too feeling it though Jon seemed not to.

"Look at them Jon, two of Ned's lads, you'll be competing won't ya lads." the king said with a laugh.

"Just the melee for me your grace." he said and the king looked to Jon.

"And you Ser Jon?".

"Both your grace." his brother said and Robb and the others looked on as the king slapped his brother's back, his smile now even larger.

"Thank the gods, I had hoped for some entertainment. To see you fight in the melee lad, years I've been waiting for that." the king said the smile never leaving his face as he did so.

"Then I shall endeavor to make sure it was a worthwhile wait, your grace." Jon said and the king laughed even louder.

"Your hear that Tommen, Ser Jon will make it worthwhile for both of us." the king said and Robb looked to see the prince looking at Jon as if he was the warrior reborn.

"Do you have a squire Ser Jon?" Tommen asked and while the king laughed loudly Robb saw both the queen and Jon Arryn ready to speak.

"I don't my prince." Jon said and even Robb was taken aback by just how sad his brother sounded about that.

"I could...father could I squire for Ser Jon?" Tommen said and at that point, both the queen and Hand spoke up.

"Robert.".

"Your Grace.".

"I'd be honored to have you squire for me my prince, I could think of no surer way to guarantee my victory." Jon said with a smile and Robb watched as the prince looked to Jon with wide eyes. The king laughing before looking at him.

"Really, you think my boy would drive you to victory Ser Jon?".

"I'd wager he would your grace." Jon said and the room hushed as Robert looked to Jon with a glint in his eye.

"A wager you say?".

"A thousand gold dragons says with Prince Tommen as my squire I'll win, your grace.".

"The Melee or the joust?" Robert said waving them off when the queen and Hand tried to speak. Robb standing there looking at all four of them and to the prince who was watching most eagerly of them all.

"Both your grace." Jon said to loud gasps and even louder laughter from the king.

"By the gods you've some balls on you lad, aye, fine I'll take that wager." Robert said still laughing.

"Robert." the queen almost shrieked.

"Your Grace, surely not." Jon Arryn said.

"Hush, it's a damn tourney, it's not like he's taking him around the realm as a fucking hedge knight." Robert said as he looked to the queen who was glaring at him "Ser Richard, why don't you and Ser Jon have a word with the new squire." Robert said and the only sound in the room was Prince Tommen's excited yell.

Kings Landing 297 AC.

Margaery.

The journey had been long and hard, traveling along the road rather than by ship adding not just time to their travel but discomfort also. While she liked staying in the tents, after a few nights it lost its appeal to her and to Sansa too, her grandmother having been grown tired of it far sooner than they. That there were not a lot of keeps on the Roseroad not helping things either.

They had stayed with Lord Caswell for a day or two and she had welcomed the warm bath. But once they'd left Bitterbridge, apart from a few villages there was really nowhere for them to stay without leaving the Roseroad far behind them. Something her grandmother wasn't keen on despite her father's protests. So when she saw the walls of King's Landing in the distance, she, Sansa, her cousins, and Mira all looked forward to sleeping and bathing indoors.

For her and Sansa there was also the knowledge that they'd see Jon, Margaery finding herself most eager to be with her husband again. The small smile on her face as she thought of him not going unnoticed for long, as she saw Sansa smirk when she looked to her. Due to their falling out with the crown or to be more precise the crown's falling out with them, the wheelhouse headed straight for their manse instead of the Red Keep. Something she was most grateful for as she wished to refresh herself before being forced to meet anyone.

"Is that Ghost?" she heard Sansa say and she looked out to see that it was indeed, the white wolf greeting his sister warmly as he and Fang got reacquainted.

"I didn't expect, I had hoped." she said with a bit of a stutter.

Nervously she stepped out of the carriage and was surprised to find that there was no sign of Jon or any of the others. Instead, it seemed Ghost had come of his own volition, something she confirmed when she asked him if he was Jon. The wolf looking at her and cocking his head before shaking it. Fang though was just happy to see her brother and both wolves were soon rolling around the garden of the Manse. She and Sansa looking back at them as they were led to their rooms.

While Jon didn't come to meet them on their arrival, he didn't wait long to see them either. As almost as soon as she had washed and changed, Sansa and Willas knocked to tell her that he was waiting for them both. Margaery nervously making her way to the garden with her friend and her brother, seeing Jon, Loras, and Robb waiting for them while Cregan, Brienne, and Joy looked to the four wolves who were now playing together.

"Sans, Margy" Joy said happily as she turned and saw them, Jon turning to face her a moment later and Margaery saw the smile on his face as he saw her.

After saying hello to Joy who Jon brought over to her and then to Loras, she watched as the rest greeted Sansa before she was face to face with Jon at last.

"It's so good to see you again Margaery." Jon said when he got to her, his eyes staring into hers as he did so.

"You too Jon." she said back simply as they were then joined by the others.

It took her almost an hour to be alone with him, Sansa was as keen as she to spend time with Jon and it was only when Jon looked to Loras and Sansa looked to her that they were left alone. Sansa showing them around the gardens while she walked with Jon into the Manse, and Willas walked back to speak to their grandmother. Once inside she didn't even bother to take him to her room instead just opening the nearest door and pushing him inside.

"God's I've missed you so much." she said as he took her in his arms.

"And I've missed you my sweet wife." he said before kissing her deeply.

They stood there in each other's arms, Jon alternating between kissing her and brushing his fingers over her face, his smile ever-present as he did so.

"I'm sorry about your uncle, Jon." she said as she looked at him.

"Thank you, I… thank you." he said his voice showing he didn't wish to speak of it just then.

"The pin Jon, I tried to make it work again but it wouldn't." she said changing the subject which he seemed happy about.

"More than once?" he asked and she nodded "I think it needs more blood from both of us, you said you just pricked your finger, I think it needs more than that." he said and she looked at him.

"You wish me to cut myself?" she asked a little shocked.

"What, never." he said his fingers on her face before he smiled at her "Besides I have something for you that will help also.".

"Oh, that reminds me your gift, I have your gift in my room." she said as she moved to the door, only for Jon to hold her hand and pull her back to him making her giggle.

"You really think I'm letting you out of my arms that easy?" he said silencing her with a kiss when she went to answer.

"The others?" she said a few moments later.

"Are showing Sansa some of King's Landing, Joy was ever so eager to do so." he smirked.

"You?".

"No it was all her, she's far too clever Marge." he said.

While she wished she could just stay in the room forever, she knew she could not and so reluctantly they left and walked down the corridor. Margaery telling him they should speak to her grandmother and Jon agreeing. They found her in her solar with Willas both of them going over papers and her grandmother seemed surprised to see Jon there.

"Lady Olenna, Lord Willas." Jon said as they walked into the room.

"Jon." her brother said while her grandmother just looked at them and Marge upon realizing she was still holding his hand let go.

"Jon, I'm sorry for your loss." Olenna said and Jon just nodded her grandmother too picking up that he didn't wish to speak on things.

"I thank you. We have much to discuss Lady Olenna, perhaps a more arranged meeting can be held?" Jon said.

"Of course, tomorrow after we present ourselves in court?" her grandmother asked looking at him.

"Aye tomorrow, I do have a favor to ask." Jon said.

"Of course Jon." Willas said.

"I'd be much obliged to hear your take on the King's mood." Jon said cryptically.

"Jon?" her grandmother asked.

"I can say no more for now my lady, but at our meeting, we can speak more freely." he replied and she found herself looking to him.

After some small talk about how their trip was and telling them that the king had agreed that Prince Tommen was to squire for him, they bid their goodbyes and Jon escorted her to her room. Once she was sure no one would see them enter she snuck him inside and almost as soon as the door was closed they were kissing again. Jon moving her to the bed and laying both of them down on top of it.

"We can't." she said as they kissed even more passionately and Jon raised himself on his elbow to look down on her face.

"Marge, I wouldn't, as much as I wish to, I wouldn't until we were wed in front of your family." he said and she felt herself breathe deeply knowing that he wanted to as much as he did.

"I want to also, Jon, you know that right?" she said looking to his eyes, her fingers moving over his lips as she looked up at him.

"Thank the gods for that." he said and she slapped his shoulder, laughing loudly as he began to tickle her.

"Jon, stop." she said her laughter bringing tears to her eyes.

"As my wife commands." he said as he then kissed her neck softly sending goosebumps down her arms.

They lay in each other's arms for some time, the knock on the door telling her that it was time for dinner almost coming by surprise. Jon got up and then helped her up and as she fixed her hair and checked herself in the looking glass, he came up behind her and whispered in her ear.

"This is the last time Marge, the last tourney he'll ever hold and the last tourney I'll ever attend where we have to hide." he whispered softly.

Later that night after he'd left and she'd eaten, she lay in her bed and her excitement at the thoughts of what he had said began to dim. She'd concentrated so much on the good part of Jon's words that she'd missed the other part, the more ominous part. If this was the last tourney than that could only mean Jon meant to take the crown, which meant that soon they'd be at war. She felt the shiver down her spine at the thought of it, soon the people she loved, her family, her husband, soon they would be fighting for their very lives.

King's Landing 297 AC.

Richard.

He'd never had such an odd request from the king before but like all the orders he got, he'd see this one done also. With help from Barristan, Vylarr, and with bribes he moved into position and began the work. Once it was done they quickly left and he made his way back to his building, his men happy to have seen it through. After changing his clothes he walked to the Lannister manse. both to tell the king it had been done and to speak to Arthur or Jaime on it.

Though it had been an odd request he found he both enjoyed thinking what the reaction would be and what Lomas would make of it. The king's new Master of Whisperers would no doubt be sent to find who had done such a thing and unlike Rosby he would find out some of it at least. Richard's lips would only ever spill their secrets to him, should anyone be lucky enough to find one of them, they'd learn nothing.

While Varys believed the only way for his little birds to keep their secrets was to remove their tongues, Richard had picked his lips far better than that. They were loyal because he made them loyal and he also afforded them cover, protection, and ensured their families were provided for. This was not the same with those the lips themselves used, with them, Richard could never be certain of their silence and he knew that they were more likely to be discovered at some point.

So the Whispering Skull had been born and tales had been spread amongst the people of the things he did, impossible deeds he had undertaken and numerous ones of his origins. He was Essosi, Westerosi, a man from Dorne or the Reach, he was a sellsword, a bastard son of a lord, or his personal favorite and the one that Lomas would find out, a faceless man. Entering into the gates of the Lannister Manse Richard began to whistle, only a faceless man could carry out what he had done tonight.

"Alayn, I believe Jon was hoping to see you." Jors said as Richard spoke to one of the Lannister guards "I'll take him in from here.".

"How is he?" he asked as they walked into the manse, Richard had worried about Jon the closer they got to King's Landing and seeing his uncle's body and the man who killed him only making that worry stronger.

"Determined." Jors said as they reached Jon's room, Walder on duty at the door.

Jon welcomed him in and Richard was surprised when he poured him some wine, looking at his king as he held the bottle in his hand.

"I figured when I met people I should at least be able to offer them a drink." Jon said with a smirk as he poured himself a mug of water.

"I wasn't suggesting." Richard said but Jon shook his head.

"I know, but best I put your worries at bay." Jon said looking to him as they took a seat "It's done?".

"Aye, it's done, you're sure about this?".

"I want him mad, Richard, angry.".

"Why?".

"I saw Harrenhal, saw it all, felt it, almost lived it, it's hard to explain." Jon said looking down at his mug.

"What did you see?" he asked and Jon told him all of it, even mentioning his drinking contest and his search for the Knight of the Laughing Tree with Robert.

"I, the search Jon, had I known who the knight was I'd have never…" he said but Jon interrupted him.

"I know Richard. Robert and you were friends?".

"Not exactly, he was fun to be around Jon, charming and fun and he liked to enjoy himself. We were young men and we liked to enjoy ourselves too.".

"And now?" Jon asked and Richard shook his head.

"Were it only just what happened on the Trident then I'd wish to see him lose his head, but what he did in the throne room, what he said, no, they deserved better than that." he said draining his glass and happy when Jon filled it back up.

"I have another strange request for you Richard, will you see it done?".

"Ask of me anything my king." he said determinedly.

"Robert's bastards, I wish to know how many? Where they are? I want them taken from here and given a better life elsewhere, can it be done?".

"I know of two, Mya Stone and Edric Storm, there are more?" he asked even though he knew of at six more.

"The blacksmith's apprentice I believe he's one." Jon said and Richard looked at him surprised.

"How do you know Jon?".

"I met the lad a few years ago, he made my shield and fitted me for my armor for the honor joust. Ever since I've decided this I've been trying to picture them and he came to mind.".

"I'll find them, Jon, all of them.".

"Thank you Richard." Jon said with a soft smile.

After speaking to him on other matters, including arranging a meeting with some of the loyalists and Jon wishing him to look to some of the others, not to tell them just yet but to look. Richard left the room and went looking for Jaime or Arthur, finding both of them together in Jaime's solar.

"You know?" he asked and saw Jaime nod.

"Aye, the stag is one thing, the bastards another." Jaime said.

"He's right to do this Jaime, to find them all, to move them from here." he said and Jaime and Arthur looked to him.

"Why?".

"Apart from what it'll do to Jon Arryn and to Robert when he finds out, it's best we know of them all." he said a little too ominously for Jaime.

"You don't mean to, you can't." Jaime said horrified.

"What? Gods no, I wasn't speaking of harming them. I'd not, he'd not allow us to do that." he said and Arthur nodded.

"Then what?" Jaime asked.

"We need to control them Jaime, where they grow up, what they know, we need to have them under our control, otherwise we'll have to see them dead." he said and saw Jaime look to Arthur who nodded once again.

"I'm worried he's getting reckless, what he did in the throne room, what he promised, the stag and now this." Jaime said.

"He's not, we won't allow him to, but he's not. He's focussed Jaime, more so than I've ever seen anyone, the throne room was an example of that.".

"How, he swore to win the damn melee and the joust." Arthur said and Richard laughed before he spoke.

"Did he, I must have missed that.".

"Richard?" Jaime said confused.

"He got the king to give him Tommen as his squire, did so in such a way that the queen and Hand are angry, guess who was just appointed as Tommen's sworn shield?".

"Ser Barristan." Arthur said with a smirk.

"But he wagered he'd win." Jaime said and Richard chuckled.

"He may very well, but whether he does or doesn't it matters not, he got the prince as his squire and he'll not be going back to the Rock without him." Richard said.

As he left the Manse he began to get ready for the work he had to do, the finding of the bastards wouldn't be a problem as he knew at least half of them, or he hoped it was half. Getting them out of King's Landing and into a better life would be slightly more difficult and he'd need the help of loyalist houses for that. As he looked at the Red Keep in the distance he smirked wondering what the morrow would bring.

King's Landing 297 AC.

Olenna.

They lined up ready to walk into the throne room and meet with the king and queen, Olenna eager to see what his mood was like and to find out why it was that Jon wished them to pay so much attention to it. She didn't have to wait long as they were introduced and walked in to find the king drunk and in a foul mood. The Queen glaring at him and the crown prince staring at her granddaughter.

"Your graces, we are honored you've invited us to this tourney." Mace said with a smile and she didn't like the way he looked to the crown prince.

"Indeed, it's good to have you here Lord Tyrell." the queen said her voice far more friendly than she had expected, though the king's snort from beside her showed what he thought of their attendance.

"I look forward to the tourney your grace, will there be a hunt this year?" Mace said to the king and she thought he was either going to fall from the throne or to jump up and take Mace's head, such was how intensely he glared at her son.

"No Lord Tyrell, there won't be a fucking hunt this year." the king said angrily and she watched as Mace almost stumbled as he wilted and moved away quickly.

As they were walking from the room she saw Littlefinger walk their way and she knew that she'd not be able to get away from speaking with the man. His quick steps soon catching up to her though it was his smiling face and the way he looked at Sansa and her granddaughter, which annoyed them and aggravated her even more.

"Forgive me, Lady Tyrell, I was hoping we may have a word." he asked and she wasn't sure what it was that annoyed her most, his eyes which took everything in, the false smile of his face, or the smell of mint.

"Of course my lord, Willas why don't you escort Sansa and your sister back to the Manse?".

"Of course grandmother." her grandson said leaving her with Left, Right, and Littlefinger.

He made small talk as they walked to his office, how expensive the tourney was, how people were looking forward to the events, and how Joffrey wished to speak to Margaery. All of it making her even more annoyed by the time they reached it and more than eager to be away from him as quickly as she could. He did offer her wine and cheese when they reached it though and she accepted them more out of courtesy than want.

"Forgive his grace, my lady, it seems someone decided to play a prank this morning." Littlefinger said.

"He's upset over a prank?".

"Have you heard of the White Stag my lady, the prize his grace has been seeking for years?".

"I have.".

"Well not only has someone else bagged the prize for themselves but they saw fit to place it's head on a pike on traitor's walk, in place of the head which was there." he said and she saw how his eyes looked to her to see if she gave anything away.

"The head that was there?".

"Prince Viserys." he said and she almost burst out laughing.

"No wonder he was so upset." she said and Littlefinger nodded.

"My lady, I wished to speak to you more on the crown prince, as you know he's recently stayed with his uncle on Dragonstone. By all accounts, it seems his time there has done him the world of good and helped rein in his temper.".

"Much needed that it was" she said and Littlefinger nodded.

"Indeed, as such my lady, her grace was hoping that Lady Margaery would join them for tea?.".

She sat looking at the man and his eyes in particular, while he'd learned to school his features and to put on a practiced smile, Littlefinger had never been able to bring that smile to his eyes. The truth of his thoughts always clear in them. Right now he was looking at her calculatingly and almost willing her to refuse him and she knew she could not.

"Very well my lord, if you'll make the arrangnments." she said with her own practiced smile.

"I will, thank you my lady." he said.

She had no wish to stay for much longer and thankfully neither did he once he got what he sought from her. So bidding him goodbye she walked from his office and made her way from the keep, almost bumping into the fattest man she'd ever seen as she did so.

"Forgive me my lady." the fat man said.

"I will if you look where you're going next time." she said and the man smiled as he looked at her.

"You must be Lady Olenna." he said looking to her.

"Must I now, and you are?".

"Illyrio Mopatis my lady, it's a pleasure to meet you.".

She looked the man over once more and cursed that her mind had been elsewhere, had it not then she'd have known that this was the fat magister and her introduction would have been more pleasant. Though there was nothing to do about that and if anything, it seemed the man expected her to be as people said.

"I've heard a lot about you Magister, perhaps we can arrange a meeting in the future, I'm sure we'd have much to discuss?" she said and the Magister smiled.

"We would my lady no doubt, I'll have my man do so.".

As she watched the man waddle away she wondered if she'd ever get to hold that meeting, knowing that if he had been responsible for the death of her uncle she'd see him in the ground. Given how Jon felt about family she felt it only a matter of time and she smirked as she walked from the keep, a White Stag, well played Jon she thought.

King's Landing 297 AC.

Sansa.

She had only briefly spoken to Jon as she understood that he would wish to spend some time alone with Margaery. Having Robb and Cregan here though had meant she hadn't missed out on family and having Joy also allowed for her to have a girl to talk to. When she found out that Wynafred and Wylla were here also, she had hoped they'd join them as they looked around King's Landing but both girls had been tired out from the journey.

Joy served as their guide, with Ghost, Grey Wind, Dusk, and Fang ensuring that no one bothered them too much. Though they only looked around the city very briefly, Sansa was eager to see the Sept and the Red Keep. After dinner, she had slept and found that she too had been more tired than she had imagined, though perhaps the comfortable bed and being indoors helped with that.

Meeting the King and Queen had been stranger than the last time she had done so and she felt Margaery's discomfort when the Prince looked her way. Her own discomfort soon rising when Lord Baelish made his way over to them. Not having Fang with her here she felt almost exposed and instead of the wolf's instincts guiding her as Jon had shown her, it was left to her own.

"I do not like that man." Margaery said as they left the Red Keep.

"Nor I." she said in response.

"Jon." she heard her friend say and she looked to see Jon waiting for them outside with a large group, Joy standing beside him along with Robb, Loras, and the others.

She was pleased to see that Wynafred and Wylla were there also and more so to see just how much of a good mood her brothers were in, all of them seeming most pleased they had caught them.

"We had hoped you ladies would join us on a tour, I believe my brother was most remiss yesterday." Jon said looking to Robb, Sansa chuckling at the glint in her brother's eye.

"You said, you'd show us." Robb said affronted.

"I did? Really that doesn't sound like me, did I say that Joy?" Jon said and Sansa and Margaery giggled when Joy shook her head, Robb leaning forward annoyed until Wynafred whispered in his ear and he looked deviously at Jon.

"Ladies." Jon said offering them both his arm, Joy quickly doing likewise to Cregan.

Soon they were all walking to the stalls and Sansa saw how excited Joy became when they saw the candies. Jon's purse thankfully stretching far enough to cover candies for all of them, as Sansa looked and noticed she'd not brought her own. She found Jon made a much bigger show of it than Robb did, filling in pieces of history as they walked, and that it was mainly the history of the Targaryen's didn't really surprise her.

He spoke of the Maidenvault as they sat and looked back at the Red Keep, of how Baelor confined his sisters there and what a fool he was, something which surprised her but pleased both Joy and Margaery. Then telling them of the Sept of Baelor and finally the Dragonpit and she was pleased to see all of them seemed to know of his dragons.

"Aegon's Hill, Visenya's Hill and Rhaenys's Hill. This place wouldn't exist without what the conqueror and his sisters did." Jon said with a proud smile on his face.

"I'm Joy Hill." Joy said to laughs and she watched as Jon moved over to the girl and put his arm around her.

"My favorite hill of all." her brother said as he kissed the girl's forehead.

After taking them for lunch which Jon bought, he walked them back to their manse, saying his goodbyes and telling them he'd see them at the night's feast. Sansa finding she'd enjoyed the day so much that she'd almost forgotten about it. She spent the rest of the day reading and getting ready, making sure that Fang had enough to eat and drink, and then the knock came to her door to let her know it was time.

"My lady, would you do me the honor of allowing me to accompany you." Willas said and Sansa smiled as she curtsied.

"I would be honored my lord." she said as she happily took his offered arm.

The ride to the Red Keep was short and when she entered she was happy to see how it was lit up, the Throne Room looking far different than it had been earlier that day. It was as she was being led to her seat that she saw her, her mother having arrived being a big surprise to her and she looked quickly to see if Margaery or Jon had noticed. Margaery had not but she couldn't see Jon, though she could make out the table they sat at.

When they rose for the king and queen she found her eyes drawn to her mother once again, and then looked to see her brothers were looking at her instead of the king and queen. She had no sooner sat down than Willas pointed out that her mother wasn't the only family she had that had arrived here tonight. Sansa looking to where Bran was sitting with the Lords of the Vale.

"I had not expected either of them." she said quietly and Willas reached out and placed his hand on hers.

"You don't need to speak to your mother if you don't wish to Sansa, however, I'm here for you if you need someone to talk to." Willas said and she smiled glad for the offer.

She was walking back from the privy when she saw him, his guard behind him and she felt stupid she'd not brought one of her own. Joffrey smiled when he saw her and she found it to be one she cared very little for, that and how he moved towards her as he did so.

"My lady, you should not be walking alone, the Red Keep may be well guarded but a lady such as yourself would tempt a man into being most foolish." Joffrey said and Sansa felt ready to bite back.

"Indeed, though a foolish man may find he's met his match my prince." she said almost angrily and watched his scowl appear almost as she finished speaking.

"Would they, I wonder?" Joffrey said and moved a little closer.

"There you are Sansa, I wondered where you'd gotten too." she heard Willas say and turned to look behind her as he walked towards her with two of his guards.

"Lord Willas, the prince was just telling me that it's dangerous for a lady to walk alone here." she said not looking but knowing the prince was glowering at her behind her back.

"Then perhaps I should escort you back to the Great Hall my lady?".

"I thank you, my lord. My prince, I welcome the warning." she said as she took Willas's offered arm.

Kings Landing 297 AC.

Cersei.

Ser Justin made her days and sometimes when she was lucky her nights also, far more bearable. Not only was he an accomplished lover but even more than that he was willing to learn. The Knight was not afraid to take suggestion and he was eager to see her satisfied. In turn, it made her more willing to do whatever he wished and over the moons since his appointment, they had lain together countless times.

She had even gotten with child though the moon tea soon took care of that as she had no wish to have another child, not unless it was from the man she had always wanted one with. Seeing him in the Throne Room had been hard for her, smiling with the northern whore, speaking to their whelp, her anger rising all the time. Though it was the bastard who soon drew her ire, how he had managed to get her son to be his squire was beyond her.

"You cannot mean to, not with a bastard, Robert.".

"Ned's bastard and a fine knight, it's what Tommen himself asked for and it's only for the damn tourney.".

"I'll not have it Robert." she said angrily.

"You will, I've given my word and we've wagered, I'll not go back on that, not for you or for anyone.".

"I want him to be protected." she said angrily.

"Ned's lad would never see him harmed." he almost shouted back.

"Ser Barristan, I wish Ser Barristan to be his guard, if he's to be with a bastard then I'll not have the shame of it without it." she said.

"Very well." he said and walked away.

Though she had gotten her way it didn't feel like a victory and as she watched Tommen speak to Jon Snow she felt her anger rise again. Looking closer she tried to shake the image from her head, the smile, and the way his eyes would look when he did so. She watched as he fixed his hair, the tie almost becoming loose and she found she wished to rip it from him, to throw it on the floor and run her fingers through his hair.

Grabbing a glass of wine she drank it quickly, shaking her head and wondering what had come over her. Why was she feeling a tingle in her stomach thinking of Jon Snow?. She looked to the head of his table and saw him there, her brother, her twin, her other half. The tingle became even more pronounced and she found herself watching him for most of the night, smiling when she saw him walk from the hall alone.

"Ser Justin, I must be excused could you walk with me?" she said and saw the knight smile.

She quickly found the privy where her brother had gone to and looked to see the hall was clear, grabbing Ser Justin she pushed him against the door and began to kiss him hungrily. When she heard Jaime's footsteps she moved back to the opposite wall and beckoned her knight to her. Like an obedient dog, he came to her, and soon they were kissing once more, Cersei grabbing his arse and pulling him closer to her as they did so.

"Jaime." she said when she saw him open the door, Ser Justin looking from her to her brother with a look of shock on his face.

"Your grace, Ser Justin." Jaime said and she looked on stunned as he just walked away and headed back to the Great Hall.

She felt her anger rise and looked to Ser Justin, the knight speechless and not looking back at her. Grabbing him she pushed him into the privy, eager to try and quell the hurt in her heart and the ache between her legs.

"Fuck me, fuck me hard." she said and the knight needed no second invitation.

Kings Landing 297 AC.

Illyrio Mopatis.

The king was furious and not the Hand, the Master of Coin, and certainly not the queen could calm him down. Instead, it was only the Master of Whisperers saying he'd find out who had done it, which did. Illyrio hadn't been sure if it was the loss of Viserys's head or white stag which had replaced it which fuelled his fury more. Jon Arryn telling him later that the king had spent years trying to take the stag as s trophy.

As he looked around the room he was glad he'd stayed for this tourney, the idea of seeing most of the major players in the realm too good for him to resist. His brief meeting with the Queen of Thorns had shown him that she was as Varys had told him and he looked forward to speaking to her more soon. Glancing at the table they sat at he looked to her granddaughter and smiled, the girl would make Aegon a worthy bride when the time was right.

Though it wasn't the roses he mostly concentrated on that night, instead he found himself looking to the table where the Lannisters sat. Given their connection with the North, he wasn't sure which way they would go in a war or whose side they would take. There was definitely a disconnect between them and the crown though and it was one he would seek to take advantage of.

He soon found himself looking at Jon Snow, the bastard who had risen so high and who was the reason why the North and Lannisters were so friendly. As the dances started he was surprised to see him dance with the Rose of Highgarden, though as Robert said from beside him the lad's sister was fostered there. She wasn't the only one he danced with either which showed him that he was just being polite. Though no bastard could ever match a prince in the eyes of a great house.

"Ask Lord Jaime if I can speak with him." he said to one of his guards.

He didn't have to wait too long for a response as the man came back a moment later, Lord Jaime asking him to meet him on the balcony. Illyrio and his guards arrived first and he was surprised when Lord Jaime arrived with Jon Snow, their guards and his soon standing at the door.

"Lord Jaime a pleasure." he said looking at the lion and the bastard who stood beside him.

"Magister Illyrio, My former squire Ser Jon knows far more of our business interests than I, so I asked him to join us." Lord Jaime said and he nodded.

"As I have heard, it's good to meet you Ser Jon." he said with a large smile.

"You too Magister, I've heard a lot about you." Jon said.

"Good things I hope?" he said with a laugh which neither of them joined him in with.

"Many things." Jon said a moment later.

"Your work in Essos is impressive Lord Jaime, for a Westerosi to achieve such success is unheard of." he said looking to the lord.

"We've been most fortunate Magister.".

"To that end, I'd like to offer you a proposition, a way to increase that trade?".

"Which is?" Lord Jaime asked.

"As you may have heard I have many contacts in Essos, many trading partners, and routes. I'd be willing to allow you access to those partners for a price." he said with a smile.

"Why would we be interested Magister?" Jon said looking at him.

"I can help you expand Ser Jon." he said his eyes narrowing as the boys did.

"Perhaps, I'm sure you could write up a proposal Magister, one which we could both benefit from." Jon said and the smile on his face was much truer and Illyrio fought the urge to laugh.

"Indeed, perhaps after the opening ceremony we can meet and discuss it further Lord Jaime?".

"That sounds like an excellent idea Magister, on the morrow then." Lord Jaime said.

"On the morrow, Lord Jaime, Ser Jon.".

"Magister." Jon said and Illyrio watched them leave, glad to have baited the hook.

He couldn't really get into business with them, Jon Arryn would never trust him, not even if he played it as leading them false. This was more about judging their character and he found it lacking, that a Lord would allow a boy to lead his hand, even one who had as much success as Jon Snow had, was not someone to fear. Illyrio found himself laughing as he walked back to the Great Hall, Westeros would be so much easier to rule than Essos ever could have been.

"Magister, magister." he heard Larxyr say, his steward clearly agitated.

"What is it Larxyr?" he asked.

"A letter from Essos Magister, most urgent." he said handing him the letter.

Illyrio,

Young Griff has been severely wounded, he lives but he may not for some time.

Griff.

He felt his heart almost stop, the pain in his chest forcing him to lean against the wall as he looked at the note as it fell to the floor. Larxyr sent for water and he drank it down quickly, his head spinning as he did so. This couldn't be, his son, his son had to live, he had to.

"The ship Larxyr, make it ready to sail immediately.".

"Magister?."

"Immediately." he shouted.

He walked with his guards to his carriage and they rode from the keep to the largest of his buildings, Illyrio waiting until the ship was ready. His men were good though and within an hour he was ready to sail, within two he was traveling to Essos, eager to see his son and to pay back those responsible for his injuries. Aegon would live he thought as he sat and ate, Aegon must live.

King's Landing 297 AC.

Jaehaerys Targaryen.

He knew how they felt about what he was doing and try as he might he couldn't get the words out to explain why they were wrong. Yes he was angry and yes he was being reckless but sometimes you needed to be. The stag had been pettiness and he knew it was wrong but he also knew how Robert would react. Taking it from him would make him rant and rage, just as he had seen with the Glass Candles.

The king was a boy who had never grown up, even his foster father believed him so and everything Jon had seen of him proved it to be true. Whether it was what he saw when he looked at him or what he'd seen when he'd watched him in the past. To take something he believed belonged to him was justice Jae felt and so he would take it all.

As he placed the head in the chest he knelt down and closed his eyes before saying a small prayer over it. In time he'd recover the rest of the body and give his uncle the funeral he deserved as a prince of House Targaryen, for now, this would have to suffice. He had warged into the mouse and watched as Robert spluttered and shouted, as he had ranted and threaten to kill them all. The man who hated dragons so much, sounding way too similar to his grandfather for Jon's liking.

Over the day it had moved to the stag that Robert was most annoyed about and when he found out about his bastard's then Jon knew it would be time. He'd considered putting the three-headed dragon flag up instead of the stag's head, to show him who had taken it from him. This though wasn't the time for that and it was better if he was far away when he did so. Nodding to Arthur as he walked from the room, they waked to the Street of Steel and he entered Tobho Mott's shop.

"Ser Jon." the Qhorik smith said as he entered.

"Master Mott, you know of me?".

"I watch everyone for whom I've made armor for Ser Jon. When Lord Jaime told me of your intent I watched ever more curiously." he said and Jon smiled at that.

"Your apprentice Master Mott is he here?" he asked and the smith nodded and called Gendry out.

"Gendry, come here lad.".

Jon looked at him as he walked from the back, had he any doubts he was right they'd be gone right now, the dark hair and blue eyes alone would have made him wonder. The size and muscle tone marked him out even more and as he looked at him he found he reminded him of Renly rather than Robert. Though it was impossible that he was his sire.

"Ser Jon." Gendry said with a smile.

"You remember me Gendry?".

"Aye I do Ser Jon, you and your shield." Gendry said laughing as Jon did also.

"Master Mott I have a proposition for you and your apprentice, a profitable one I'd like you'd both to consider.".

"Of course Ser Jon, we'll listen.".

Sitting in the crowd later he felt good about the day, he looked to see Margaery with her family, Sansa, and Robb sitting with them. Bran was sitting with the Blackfish and his mother and Jon tried not to look at the trout or her brother, Joy having pointed them out and made a face earlier when she did so. Sitting down beside her he took the offered pen nut and smiled as the king stood up to make another announcement before the day's archery began.

"I welcome you all to the tourney of 297 AC, the tourney to celebrate the demise of the dragons, the last of the Dragonspawn having fallen to my own hand. My Lords, My Ladies I give you Viserys Targaryen." Robert said laughing.

Jon turned to look to the king and then saw Margaery and Sansa look to him, beside him, Joy grabbed his hand and he heard a loud gasp from the crowd as he looked out to the open field. The horse was decked out in his house's colors, the black and red caparison emblazoned with the three-headed dragon. Though it was the rider that Jon and everyone else in the crowd was focussed on.

Tied to the horse was his uncle's body, decked out in crude scales, and painted to look like a dragon, it took a moment for Jon to realize Viserys was naked. Where his head should have been was a piece of wood shaped like a dragon's head. Were that not bad enough the minstrels began to play and Jon closed his eyes as the King Without Courage was played loudly.

"Jon." he heard Joy say softly from beside him as she leaned in closer to him.

"I'm well." he said as he opened the door and once he did the horse began to run, men stepping in its way as it raced for the open gate.

There was nothing he could do to stop this show, to save his uncle this humiliation and so he had done the only thing he could, he had tried to limit it. As the horse left the field he heard the king shout at people to bring it back, to catch the Dragonspawn and he found his eyes drawn to him. He turned away and forced the flames down, the fire not ready to be released just yet. Joy placed her arm around him as she moved even closer to him, her hand still gripping his tight as she looked to him with worry in her eyes. Jon leaned forward, kissed her forehead, and tried his best to smile.

"Thank you little sister." he said softly.

A/N: Thanks to all who've read and reviewed. Up Next the Melee. This chapter will be up on Saturday but maybe later so perhaps Saturday Evening.

Canuck: Really glad you've stuck with it this long.

Leanadras: Thanks so much, really wanted to give a different take on events and Jon needed to know them. The Darkstar and Arthur will meet, though only one of them will know who the other is, as for Marge we'll see.

Wolollolol: So glad you liked it.

Sankar: Doran may adapt his plans now he knows of Tyrion but the Darkstar plan hasn't been called off.

Daryldixon: So glad you liked it.

Biohazard: Really glad you enjoyed it.

Mrspotter: Exactly, his go-to act is to run away from things, to not face up to reality.

Celexys: Thanks so much, when I was pointing the little bits out for Jon early on in the story, the letters and little clues it was knowing he'd eventually be able to see it play out as it did here.

Jman: With Brandon and Rickard we know what happened and apart from the reasoning to get Brandon to KL (which will be shown from someone else's pov later on) we know how they died, as for the arguments, I think mentioning them with Nan from way back works just as well, it doesn't need to be shown more.

Jessicanightmarewolf: I think the religion thing is pretty much made that way in canon, the Fat One the High Septon who's in charge when canon starts is pretty corrupt, there are others in the history of Westeros who are and R'hllor has its fanatics, so most of the time it's just following that line. As you see Robert knows about the loss of the stag.

Liza: Thank so much my friend, I'm pretty well taken care of for now. Doran is in serious trouble if Jon finds out, he may not be able to control his anger even if she's not hurt. With Jaime it wasn't meant to be foreshadowing, more it was to show just how much he cares. I wanted to show that with JA, both the religious fanaticism being his motivation and with Robert a case of being careful what you wish for. I hate the idea of meek Elia, I get she was physically ill but I don't think a sister of Oberyn was ever a meek mouse-like wife. With Rhaegar and Lyanna, I've said before we can have anything from the most tragic love story ever to him being a mad prince obsessed by prophecy who kidnapped Lyanna, we just don't know the full truth yet. For me I don't think Lyanna was kidnapped, it just goes against things imo. Robert is kinda that way, he thinks almost the world is his playground and he's petty when he doesn't get what he believes is his.

The White Stag in canon is a legendary creature supposedly in the Kingswood, Robert chases after it and loses it and then because he's annoyed he moves to the boar which kills him. Here also it was a little of the reversal of canon, instead of the wolf killed by the stag, it's the stag killed by the wolf which sets things in motion.

Dirtycat: Thank so much, Jae is internalizing as you see, he's trying to get the anger to fuel him.

Lady Ocarina: Ned saw Brandon in Robert imo except Robert wanted to spend time with him, Jon A is well just like Robert, now he knows exactly what they did Jae is so going to mess them up.

I think that's why it's clear that imo Rickard only knew so much of things, I think he wanted to tie the North to the south, Brandon to Cat, Lyanna to Robert, had he known of Rhaegar then he'd imo have accepted it, but I don't think Lyanna ever told him.

LF and Lysa were here though Hoster played a larger role, but Lysa was who got the letter.
Jae's powers come from his bloodline, the wolf and dragon being joined for the first time ever, the song of ice and fire, was he conceived on the Isle of Faces? We'll see.

Yes at least one where they both live.

Bellaswan: Given what he knew and what he now knows, he's not letting them off the hook.

Zyrus: Ok on the age thing, Rhaegar is 22 and Lyanna 16, Robert btw was 19/20, so lets put that to rest, it's BS line that Rhaegar haters have put out there, not saying you're one btw. If you wish to criticize Rhaegar then him being married and Lyanna being betrothed is fine, the age thing not only is an issue, but certainly in that world it isn't. Now as for Robert, we could discuss the fact that in that world a father decides who their children marry, but that still doesn't change the fact that by all accounts Lyanna had no wish to marry Robert. Robert has no right to force her to marry him, he did nothing in canon before, during or after Lyanna other than moan about her to show he cared about her. Remember he had a bastard already, got another one while he was supposedly fighting a war to save the woman he loved and hid out in a brother where he supposedly slept with most of the girls in that very same war.

It's not Ned's fault, he has no control over who his father betroths Lyanna to, it's BS to think he played any role other than being there, Rickard didn't betroth Lyanna on Ned's say so, he did it because politically it was a good match.

Whether or not this made you like, dislike Rhaegar/Lyanna more or less is up to you, but you're wrong on certain facts regarding Robert and the events surrounding him and Lyanna.

Carick: Thank so much, I'm glad people are still reading lol.

Creativo: 1. Me gusta cambiarlo y un halcón puede funcionar igual de bien. 2. Dado que todos dicen que Arya es Lyanna, vuelve, eso tiene sentido. 3. Bueno, Ned ha pasado por una evolución bastante grande aquí, lo hemos visto tal como está aquí, tal como estaba cuando lo conocimos al comienzo de la historia y tal como está ahora.

VFSnake: I did tell people they would hate them before the war began.

Anja: So glad you liked it.

Debator Max: Not sure what you mean, do you mean a Jon/Jae Dorne story, if you do then one of my next ones is a Jon raised by Oberyn story, if not please elaborate.

Dunk: Thanks so much, I agree completely, the religious thing is a big problem but we only have to look at our own history to see that. Ned in canon I believe knew, during his pov's about Lyanna he remembers her telling him that she didn't love him and that Robert could never change his nature and he kinda blew it off as it'll be different when your wed. I think with Robert he just has this blind spot and can't help himself right up to the end. I do think the Rhaegar/Lyanna thing is pure miscommunication and I think you're right had he gone through the proper channels then things would have been so different.

As I've said before Rhaegar/Lyanna is so open to interpretation that it can range from tragic love story to kidnapping and anywhere in between. I also like the theory that Aerys found out (Varys probably) and sent men to take her and Rhaegar rescued/got there first. But the whole story to me smacks of them doing something, expecting people had heard and then events spinning out of their control.

I do have a Jon being sent back idea I'm playing with, one where he knows and goes back to change events.

Gotta say I do like the idea of using certain elements and making a story out of them, so a lot of what you write her is very interesting to me.

Orthankg: This wasn't supposed to be some huge revealing omg I didn't know that chapter, more it was supposed to be a context chapter. It was to confirm the events of Harrenhal and the rebellion, the parts each of the participants played in them. It was for Jon to see the answers to those little nagging questions that his mother/father's letters, his little glimpses and people tales of Harrenhal/rebellion and fill in the blanks.

It feels like a recap because I've shown the events or some of them from certain people's povs, however there's a difference in us the readers knowing and the protagonist knowing, this was to address that different.

In terms of your questions. Hoster made a match that was advantageous (son of a warden) both to his house personally and to his plans with Jon A. Once Brandon refused that match he set himself into a spiral where Hoster was seeking to make him pay for it. A lot of what Hoster says is hyperbole, he can't take the North, but it's more he wished to see Brandon dead. With JA it was all an act, Ned/Robert are means to an end and as for why he's a zealot, we'll see that before he dies. Robert wishing the kids dead is important as it takes away the idea it wasn't him, yes he didn't do it, but he more than enjoyed it being done.

With Elia again this plays into character context, so we know from her letter what she felt but here we're seeing things through Rhaegar and Lyanna's pov finding out that they were aware and confirming that they didn't just screw her over. Yes Elia's letter says what it says, but without showing it then Lyanna/Rhaegar could have been screwing around behind her back, here it's now clear they were aware.

This was also a way to show the Glass Candles being utilised in a way we've not seen them before, to allow Jon to not just witness but feel the past.

Again though it's the context, to have Jon experience the events, see the events, even if we already know of them.

Platinum bro: So glad you liked it. With villains, there are a couple. Doran should he make the move he seems to be making won't be forgiven. We'll see on the war as for Jon A and Robert well they have a dragon to worry about.

Princeloki: no one can take that away from me at least lol.

Guest: All stories are on track for this week so we should be fine. Glad you liked the look back, it's funny your not the first to mention something along those lines in terms of a story idea. Hoster felt some guilt before he died yes. Glad you liked the povs as for the dragons we'll see them soon.

Dievagol: Some real fire and blood coming soon.

Sovietgod: Doran is adapting his plans for the changed circumstances.

A random Earthian: It was to both show the power of the glass candles and to give Jon the context and truth of Harrenhal and the rebellion, to set him up for what needs to be done next.

Xan Merrick; Thanks my friend, I felt it's a good place to put it in just before the last tourney.

Chris the metis: I think had Robert truly loved her than perhaps things may have been different, it was clear though he never truly did, if anything being Ned's Goodbrother meant more to him than Lyanna did.

Silverglow: Glad I could be of help, especially since you helped me with your advice. That's the thing, Jon now knows the full events of Harrenhal and the rebellion, what we read he experienced and saw so he knows it all now. Yep, Stag, Trout, Falcon all off the menu for the wolves and dragons, can't risk upsetting their stomachs.

The Sphynx: Thank so much, he really should have.