AN: Hello again, welcome to the next installment of Stargaryan Ring. Thank you to everyone who has favorited, followed and, most of all, reviewed this story. It really makes my day to get notifications about this story. :-) Without further ado, enjoy
Jon could not stop thinking about what he had seen when he opened and read A Game at Dinner as he made his way down from Maester Luwin's chambers. He knew for a fact that he never saw anyone that was present at the dinner in his real life yet, while he was experiencing the book, everyone seemed so real. He couldn't explain it, but he truly believed that they were real people that he could someday meet in his day-to-day dealings.
If those were real people, does that mean that they would truly turn on Robb someday in the future when he assumes his father's mantle as Lord Stark? I must not allow it to happen if it's true. However, what if this book told the tale of a betrayal against one of the other Lord Starks of the past? I wouldn't be able to face myself if I let anything like that happen to Robb without doing all I could to prevent it. I'll have to train hard to make sure that, if anything like this ever occurs, I am able to protect him from such treachery.
Jon passed a window and saw that the sun had started to dip low in the sky. How long was I up there with that book? I'll take a light supper and head to bed. Tomorrow promises to be just as full of activity between the drills with the castle guard, seeking out Camen, or is it Mance, and whatever will happen while experiencing 'Mannimarco: King of Worms.'
In short time, Jon found himself in the kitchen collecting a small supper of mutton stew and bread to take back to his chambers. Once inside his chambers, Jon ate his supper and quickly disrobed before settling himself into bed.
After sleeping for 8 hours in a bed that you own, you wake feeling rejuvenated. All negative status effects are cured and HP, SP and MP are fully restored.
Jon Snow Level 8: 20,000/25,500
S. 3 P. 3 E. 3 C. 2 I. 1 A. 3 L. 2
HP: 120/120
SP: 140/140
MP: 100/100
Let me check my skills to see how far I've come since getting the Stargaryan Ring, Jon thought while opening up the menu and selecting Skills.
Archery 5 (2000/3200)
Overdraw level 1: Bows do 20% more damage.
Blocking 4 (1400/1600)
Fundamental Defense: Blocks prevent 20% more damage
Evasion 6 (1400/3200)
Evasive Tactics: 20% more likely to evade enemy attacks Light Armor
Light Armor
Heavy Armor
One-handed 4 (1500/1600)
Armsman: One-Handed weapons do 20% more damage.
Dual-wield: Use one handed weapons with equal proficiency with either or both hands.
Two-Handed 4 (800/1600)
Barbarian: Two-Handed weapons do 20% more damage.
Lockpicking
Pickpocket
Sneak 4 (1,100/1,600)
Stealth: You are 20% harder to detect when sneaking.
Speech 4 (1,300/1,600)
Negotiation: 20% more likely to reach a compromise
Alchemy 4 (500/800)
Smithing
?
?
?
?
?
?
There are still a lot of question marks in my skill list. Hopefully there is something in one of the books, that Maester Luwin wanted to save for later, will answer some of those questions. Before then, I was instructed by Lord Stark to report to Ser Rodrik to train at arms with the guard each morning. It would not do to make them wait. I'll go break my fast and make my way to the training grounds.
Jon equipped the Black Cloak, Black Tunic, Black Pants, Black Leather Belt, and Black Leather Boots that were currently his best apparel options and made his way downstairs to the dining hall. Since he had woken so early, he was one of the first people to arrive to break his fast. His breakfast was exactly the same as the previous day a buttered toast, hearty porridge and a handful of berries causing his stats to become augmented in precisely the same way.
Jon Snow Level 8: 20,000/25,500
S. 3 P. 3 E. 3 C. 2 I. 1 A. 3 L. 2
HP: 140/120 (Effect: HP regenerates at a rate of 1 point per minute (x10) outside of combat over the next two hours
SP: 170/140 (Effect: SP regenerates at a rate of 1 point per minute (x10) outside of combat over the next two hours
MP: 100/100
Grinning at successfully anticipating the results of his breakfast, Jon left the castle to partake in the morning training. Surprisingly, when he arrived at the training grounds he found them deserted.
"Ser Rodrik ain't here yet, Snow," a voice called out. A sandy-haired, blonde of medium height and a thin build walked into view. "I trust you remember me?"
"Aye, Toddrick. You were the first of the new recruits that I had to spar with, yesterday. Got a mind for a rematch? I didn't get to see much of what you're capable of when we sparred the first time."
"Yeah, yeah. I might have underestimated you when we first sparred. It won't happen again," Toddrick stated while throwing a practice sword to Jon who caught it and gave it an experimental swing at his waist to test its balance.
Quest Activated!
Takedown Toddrick
Prove that your victory against Toddrick was no fluke by defeating him again before Ser Rodrik calls for training to begin.
Reward for completion: 1000 Experience and increased Reputation with Toddrick and Ser Rodrik Cassel.
Penalty for failure: Decreased Reputation with Toddrick and Ser Rodrik Cassel.
Accept?
Jon accepted quickly and focused on his opponent.
Toddrick Cerwin, Winterfell Guard Recruit
Level: 4 S. 1 P. 3 E. 3 C. 2 I. 2 A. 2 L.0
Reputation: 15%
I really should have taken more care to look at my opponents' stats while sparring yesterday. I could have planned how to best attack them based on their stats rather than simply hoping for the best when the duels were started. I suppose it's the difference in our Luck that allowed me to knock his sword from his hand last time.
"You plan to spar with me, Snow? Or are you going to stand there starring all day?"
"Try to hang onto your sword this time, Todd."
With that the two sprang into action. Toddrick took the offensive with an overhead blow that Jon blocked quickly before angling his sword to prevent a sword lock from occurring and whipping it around his head quickly in a sweeping one-handed blow that looked like it could possibly land before Toddrick recovered and moved to block.
However, Toddrick had a different plan entirely and ducked underneath the blow while regaining his balance and launching a two-handed horizontal swing towards Jon's chest. Jon followed through from his previous swing while angling his sword downward to intercept the blow while hopping away from the swing.
There was a clash as the swords connected but the two broke apart quickly. Jon swung his sword in a quick motion at his waist while circling his opponent and looking for a weakness. With a lunging motion, he stabbed the point of his sword at his opponent with both hands only for Toddrick to hop to the side just before the attack found purchase.
Jon did not let up on his offensive and shifted the wooden sword to his left hand before launching a horizontal attack at Toddrick's unguarded flank. Finally, one of Jon's attacks struck true. Toddrick clenched his left arm to the side that Jon had just hit while still keeping his sword raised in his other hand.
"Do you really wish to continue, Todd? In a real battle, if such an attack landed you would not be able to do so."
"I won't let you get the best of me again, Snow!"
Toddrick moved to attack when a voice sounded across the training ground. "Enough, Jon has the right of it, Toddrick," Ser Rodrik declared while moving to stand between the young swordsmen. "No need to burn yourself out before training starts. The other recruits will be here soon. Better luck next time."
Quest Completed!
Takedown Toddrick: Prove that your victory against Toddrick was no fluke by defeating him again before Ser Rodrik calls for training to begin.
Reward for completion: 1000 Experience and increased Reputation with Toddrick and Ser Rodrik Cassel.
Skill Level Up: Blocking +200
Skill Level Up: One-handed +200
Evasion +100
Two-Handed +100
"I'm glad you two decided to get here early. That'll give you more time with the training dummies to practice your sword strikes. Jon, since you proved yourself with two blades against Aiden and Paxton, I expect you to be training to use two swords in this exercise. Keep striking until I tell you otherwise, now get to it," Rodrik instructed while throwing another practice sword to Jon who caught it in his left hand.
Quest Activated!
One-handed for Dummies: Use one-handed blows against the training dummies to increase your skill and become a better swordsman
Reward for completion: 1000 Experience and increased Reputation with Toddrick and Ser Rodrik Cassel.
Penalty for failure: Decreased Reputation with Toddrick and Ser Rodrik Cassel.
Accept?
Jon was quick to accept the challenge, since he had already been instructed by Lord Stark to train with Ser Rodrik and the guard. If I get bonus experience for doing something that I already committed myself to doing then all the better.
"Lucky us," Toddrick commented as he walked with Jon to the training dummies. "We get extra time with these lovelies."
"Right," Jon agreed while taking a position in front of his dummy and swinging both swords in small circles. "I must say, after facing you this morning, it was a bad stroke of luck for our first spar to end the way that it did."
"Aye, I have no manner of luck. I never have, but I'm decently skilled when that doesn't get in my way."
"I'll say. I'll look forward to our next spar. Until then, what say you, we beat the straw out of these dummies?"
"That sounds like a plan to me," Toddrick nodded before launching his first swing against the training dummy.
Jon swung first with his right hand, then followed through his swing with a spin and launched a backhand swing with his left before landing a final swing with his right before quickly stepping back to his initial position and flipping his hips lo launch the combo using the opposite hands to swing.
He was able to complete the attack combination five times with each hand before running out of stamina on the first hit on the eleventh combo and raising his swords above his head to catch his breath and recover his SP. He was delighted to see that each strike earned 100 experience to his next level and to his One-handed skill.
Skill Level Up: One-handed +3000
Level Up!
Open Skills Menu to Level Up!
Jon smirked at the easy experience and watched Toddrick attack his dummy for a moment but, since he had just leveled up, he did not have to wait an additional 15 minutes for his stamina to recover. After a moment of considering the recruit's attack pattern, Jon once again assumed his two handed attack position in front of his dummy before reeling off another series of three strike, one-handed combos.
Skill Level Up: One-handed +3000
Jon was absolutely beaming when the notification faded from his view. He hadn't been outside of the castle for more than an hour and he had already gained 6,000 experience and another level. Unfortunaely, he had to wait another fifteen minutes before, once again, slipping into the stance that he had adopted in order to wield both swords simultaneously. Pushing off of his back foot, Jon renewed his assault on the training dummy and was once again rewarded with experience.
One-handed +3000
Jon grinned and looked over to the open part of the training ground where Robb was sparring against Qarl, the mousy and boyish recruit that Jon defeated the previous day. It seemed that Qarl had learned from the spar against Jon as he seemed to be keeping an eye on his opponent's legs, wary of non-sword attacks that could cause him to lose the spar. Despite Robb's much higher level, Qarl was able to prolong the spar for several minutes as he was able to put Robb on the defensive.
However, Robb proved himself the superior swordsman eventually and was able to force Qarl to surrender after a series of very precise blows.
Next, Rodrik aligned the brown haired, blue eyed twins Aiden and Paxton against one another. The twins moved in sync, as if they were attacking a mirror which prevented either from being able to take the advantage. After a few minutes of synchronized attacks, the pair grew exhausted and their swords fell limply to their sides in unison causing Rodrik to call the match a draw while mumbling something too quietly for Jon to hear.
In the following match, the haughty blonde with an arrogant look in his eyes, Jaime was matched against the recruit with long and curly, dark hair that fell to his shoulders, a pale complexion and a solemn face that Jon remembered to be named Mykhail. The two also seemed to have learned from their spars against Jon as they both were wary for feints and trickery that could cause an early end to the match.
Despite their increased focus on defense, both recruits proved to be capable with their attacks. Eventually, Jaime was able to best his fellow recruit and was named the victor of their spar to Mykhail's displeasure.
Jon noticed that his SP had finished refilling and was unable to watch the spars between the other recruits. Instead he, once again, aligned himself with his training dummy before releasing the series of three-strike attacks that had earned him so much experience. It seemed like no time passed between Jon starting his fourth set of attacks and him running out of SP for the fourth time.
Through repeatedly training to the point of exhaustion, Endurance has increased.
Skill Level Up: One-Handed +3000
So it seems that there are ways to increase my S.P.E.C.I.A.L. perks through my actions in addition to random rewards from quests. Jon quickly opened the menu and added 10 points to SP before he was prompted to select a skill.
Since Jon had not leveled Light Armor, Heavy Armor, Lockpicking, Pickpocket or Smithing, he was unable to add the skill point to those skills. However, he had leveled Alchemy yesterday and was able to add the point to that skill. It was not his first choice but none of the other skills that he was leveling were at a high enough level for their next skill point. Also, Maester Luwin may be pleased to see me putting effort into Alchemy if that is the subject that he has chosen to tutor me in for the time being.
Jon reset himself in front of the training dummy and changed his combo slightly to account for the additional two moves that he could make due to his increased SP. The combo started off in exactly the same manner as his three-strike combo; he swung first with his right hand, then followed through his swing with a spin and launched a backhand swing with his left. However, the four-strike combo differed in that Jon again followed through on his third strike before hitting the target with a hard spinning backhand strike.
Jon executed this combo four times starting with his left sword and four times starting with his right sword before he ran out of SP for the fourth time that morning.
One-Handed +3200
Jon was thrilled that he had been able to earn experience so efficiently over the past hour since arriving at the training grounds.
"Jon, Toddrick. That's enough. With the rest of the recruits, now," commanded Rodrik.
Hopefully he won't make us spar after spending so much time with the training dummies. I need another 16 minutes before my SP fully regenerates. Jon moved to follow Rodrik's instruction, walking to the open section of the training ground.
Quest Completed!
One-handed for Dummies: Use one-handed blows against the training dummies to increase your skill and become a better swordsman
Reward for completion: 1000 Experience and increased Reputation with Toddrick and Ser Rodrik Cassel
"So nice, that the two of you will be joining us. Did you have a good time with the training dummies? The next drill that I have for the lot of you is one that is essential for the continued wellbeing of Winterfell. Each of you will take an axe from the armory and go into the Wolfswood to chop down trees that have stopped bearing leaves for firewood. Once you have each felled a tree, you will then bring it back to Winterfell you will be afforded lunch with the guards before you return to chop the tree into pieces fit for a fireplace."
Quest Activated!
Woodcutting in the Wolfswood: Make use of your Two-handed skills to fell a tree in the Wolfswood, bring it back to Winterfell and chop it down into pieces that can be used as firewood
Reward for completion: 2000 Experience and increased Reputation with Robb, the new recruits, Ser Rodrik Cassel and Eddard Stark
Penalty for failure: Decreased Reputation with Robb, the new recruits, Ser Rodrik Cassel and Eddard Stark and probable negative long-term consequences
Accept?
Jon accepted and moved with Robb and the new recruits to the armory to get the woodcutter's axes as directed by Rodrik. The group then departed for the Wolfswood not saying much after the exhausting start to the day's training. In the Wolfswood, the group dispersed so that each of them could find a tree that met Ser Rodrik's specifications.
When Jon was standing in front of a tree that was no longer bearing leaves, he readied his axe and struck a mighty blow. The axe bit into the tree but the impact was much less than Jon had hoped. Jon had to use all of his SP three times to fell the tree before he was tasked with somehow getting it back to Winterfell. Jon noticed that his health stopped regenerating when his health hit 120.
Skill Level Up: Two-Handed +4800
I guess that the two hours of SP regeneration is over, Jon thought as his most recent stat update appeared disappeared. Now I have to drag this monstrosity back to Winterfell. Hopefully, I have stamina enough for such an endeavor.
Jon gritted his teeth as he lifted the tree so that it was resting on one shoulder before beginning an arduous journey back to Winterfell. He noticed a status update after the first step.
SP: 119
So it will cost one SP per step to get this tree moved. If the gods are good, that will be sufficient to make it to the castle and finish the first part of the quest.
Jon trudged on and made it to the training grounds before letting the tree and his axe fall to the ground with heavy thuds.
SP: 7
I am definitely looking forward to that lunch. With any luck, they will have berries or something else to help SP regeneration. If how much effort it took to chop the tree down is anything to go by, then turning this tree into firewood will be an incredibly exhausting task.
"Welcome back, Jon," Rodrik greeted a weary Jon. "Only Robb and Darryl made it back before you. Go meet them for lunch in the barracks then get back out here and turn that tree to firewood."
Jon was only too happy to follow the Master-at-Arms' instruction as he made his way to the barracks. He saw Robb sitting with Darryl, the muscular recruit with long, greasy black hair.
"Oy, Jon! Over here!"
"Thanks Robb. Though I was able to find you just fine with the way your red hair sticks out in this place."
"I was wondering who would be next to join us," Darryl stated after swallowing the bite of mutton that he had been shewing. "Stark here was sure it would be you. I wasn't so sure you'd have the strength to get back here before the others after the way you danced around during our fight yesterday."
"Cut Jon some slack, Darryl. He did what he needed to and made it through Rodrik's challenge which is quite a feat."
Darryl nodded as Jon took a seat and pulled a slice of mutton and a hunk of bread towards him. Wanting to determine how the meal would affect his status, Jon focused on the Mutton and the hunk of bread that he had grabbed.
Mutton: Completely restore HP and MP and regenerate 20 SP per minute for the next 2 hours
Wheat Bread: Increase SP by 20 for the next hour
Jon smiled at the meal as if his name day had come early before rapidly finishing his portion. Not wishing to waste a minute of the increased SP regeneration, Jon hurriedly excused himself from the meal and made his way back to his tree and his axe.
Over the first hour, Jon consumed and refilled his increased SP six times while chopping the tree into suitable firewood. During the second hour, Jon depleted and regenerated his regular SP an additional seven times to finish the job.
Skill Level Up: Two-Handed +20,800
Level Up!
Open the menu to upgrade skills
Through repeatedly training to the point of exhaustion, Endurance and Strength have increased.
As a result of intense conditioning, your Endurance perk has risen to level 5. As a reward, your stamina is increased by 50 points
Quest Completed!
Woodcutting in the Wolfswood: Make use of your Two-handed skills to fell a tree in the Wolfswood, bring it back to Winterfell and chop it down into pieces that can be used as firewood.
Reward for completion: 2000 Experience and increased Reputation with Robb, the new recruits, Ser Rodrik Cassel and Eddard Stark..
Jon opened the menu and added another 10 points to SP causing a status notice to flash briefly before him.
"Alright, Snow. That's all I'll need from you today," Rodrik stated approvingly while admiring the freshly chopped firewood. "You're free to go."
"Thanks for that Ser Rodrik. Good luck with the rest of the recruits today."
With that Jon moved toward the performer's camp, intent on seeking out Camen to close out the task he had received when speaking with Ygritte the day before.
It took some asking around but Jon was finally able to reach Camen's tent. Standing in front of the entrance, he heard singing and the sound of a lute.
"Hello, it's Jon Snow. May I come in?"
"Aye, in with ya, Snow." The voice called as the singing and lute playing stopped abruptly. "I was wondering when I'd be seeing you next."
Jon entered the room and cast a quick look around. The area that he entered was surprisingly empty owing to the fact that the rest of the tent was blocked from view by a large piece of fabric which acted as a wall of sorts. All that occupied the space was a pair of very uncomfortable looking chairs. Jon remained standing.
"Ygritte told me that I should seek you out when the opportunity presented itself."
"That time is now, it would seem," Camen said as he stepped into the main area of the tent from behind the fabric wall that he had been behind. "You did the Free Folk a great service when you saved that girl."
"It really wasn't much of a choice, whether or not to save her. No one deserves to meet their end while being terrified by a wild animal."
"There are many worse ways to go but, indeed, you are correct. Either way, you have my gratitude. In addition to that, I'd like you to have this bow," Camen said while presenting a bow that had been crafted to look like a hawks wings while soaring through the sky. "You never know what the world will throw your way but with that bow you will be able to choose your own path in this world of ours."
Quest Completed!
Mingling with Mance: Seek out Mance Rayder to discuss what happened in the Wolfswood
Reward for completion: Hawksflight Bow and increased Reputation with Mance Rayder.
"Wow. Thank you."
"Use it well, Jon Snow. I had intended that bow for Ygritte as it is meant to symbolize all that the Free Folk hold to be most dear."
"If it was meant for Ygritte, shouldn't it go to her?"
"That is a question that can be answered in several ways, Jon Snow. Yes, I crafted it for her. However, were it not for you, then she would not be here and it would go to another anyway. No matter how much time was put into crafting that tool, it could never replace what Ygritte has come to mean to me."
"I will do my best to honor the Free Folk and what Ygritte told me about them whenever I use this bow."
"Oh? Ygritte told you about the Free Folk?"
"Not much. She said that, 'The Free Folk is much more than a bunch of people performing for some high up Lord. The Free Folk choose their own paths, the Free Folk take action when others hesitate and, most of all, the Free Folk decide what's important to them and seek it out.'"
"She must have struck a chord with you to some degree for you to be able to quote her words."
"It is hard to find argument against those words. I told her that I thought there were many worse words to use when describing yourself than free."
"Right you are, Jon Snow. More than you know. Anyway, I should get back to my rehearsal. Feel free to stop by if it strikes your fancy," Camen said, politely dismissing Jon and moving to return to the portion of the tent that was blocked from view.
"I will. Thank you again for Hawksflight."
A peculiar glint came into Camen's eyes as his head whipped around to find Jon again. "What was that you called the bow?"
"Er, Hawksflight," Jon repeated somewhat reluctantly.
"That's a good name. I suppose Ygritte's words made you think of a hawk flying free when you saw the design on the bow?"
Jon shuffled his feet and fought the urge to break their eye contact before answering "It just seemed right."
"Indeed it does. As a matter of fact, that is what I had taken to calling the bow myself while working on it but I had never spoken the name aloud. It is quite the coincidence that out of all the winged birds in the sky that you came to the same name. There is more to you than meets the eye, Jon Snow. I must insist that you come back to visit before the performance so I can get to know the person who can identify an unnamed bow from a relatively unknown person by the name that they had chosen for it."
Quest Activated"
More Mingling with Mance: Seek out Mance Rayder in the future for further discussion
Reward for completion: Increased Reputation with Mance Rayder.
Penalty for failure: Decreased Reputation with Mance Rayder.
Accept?
Jon accepted the new quest before responding. "I will be sure to do that."
"I will look forward to our next conversation," Camen proclaimed while, once again, turning to walk back to the portion of the tent that could not be seen from the entrance. "You are an interesting one."
Jon was unsure how to respond to Camen's last statement, so he gave a quick nod and left the tent to make his way to Maester Luwin's chambers to see what Mannimarco: King of Worms had in store for him.
Finding the door closed, Jon knocked sharply.
"Come in," Maester Luwin beckoned with a wheeze from the other side of the door. "Very good, it's you. Are you ready for Mannimarco: King of Worms or did you want to discuss A Game at Dinner in more detail?"
"I did wonder how much stock you put in the lessons from that book."
"The books that you helped carry yesterday do a wonderful job of letting the reader slip into the role of the protagonist. You will find that the lessons in the books are incredibly adaptable to what you may experience throughout your life. I do caution against believing that a person will, without a doubt, act in the way a similar character does in those books. However, I also must caution that the lessons that you learn in those books will show you what could happen if you find yourself meeting with or surrounded by similar characters in similar scenarios."
"It's like you're telling me to believe and not to believe at the same time. How can I do that?"
"Not quite, I'm telling you to take warning and use your knowledge to plan accordingly when faced with similar scenarios to help assure the best possible outcome for you and those you care about."
"I think I may need to read some other books once I finish the eleven that we have talked about already to get a better idea of what you mean."
"You are still young Jon. As you grow and experience more things it will become easier to determine when to use history as a guide to the future and when to trust your instincts. I will warn you that, even once you have gained the wisdom that comes with age, there will still be situations where you are unsure and have to trust your instincts."
"Then what's the point of all the reading, if it comes down to instinct in the end?"
"That is the exception, Jon. Not the rule. Continue your quest for knowledge through reading and you will find yourself in many more situations where you are capable of making knowledgeable and informed decisions than you would otherwise."
"Thank you for the counsel. I think I'm ready to see what Mannimarco: King of Worms has to teach me."
"Enjoy the read," Pycelle nodded while gesturing to the book's new position on a shelf.
Jon grabbed the book from where Maester Luwin had gestured and took it to the same chair that head had sat in while reading A Game at Dinner. He took a deep breath and opened the cover.
Mannimarco: King of Worms
Jon was very much on top of the world. He was Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, he had successfully allied the Night's Watch with the Free Folk, and he had earned the love and respect of a certain Daughter of the Free Folk who had entranced him when they first met.
With the Free Folk allied with the Night's Watch they were not indebted when to the Baratheon king when he made his way North, hoping to find refuge at the Night's Watch's main castle, Castle Black. Jon had met with the man and heard his terms but had to deny him on the grounds that the Night's Watch plays no part in the quarrels of the realm.
The king made appeals based on forgotten dreams of great titles and notoriety. Jon let it be known that a man of the Night's Watch swore to hold no lands, to wear no crowns and to win no glory.
When those prospects failed, the king added the promise of a beautiful woman to be his companion for the rest of his days. Jon let it be known that a man of the Night's Watch swore to take no wife and to father no children.
When that offer failed, the king appealed to Jon's sense of duty to help someone who was attempting to put to rights the wrongs that had been done to his family. To that, Jon replied, "I shall live and die at my post. I am the sword in the darkness. I am the watcher on the walls. I am the fire that burns against the cold, the light that brings the dawn, the horn that wakes the sleepers, the shield that guards the realms of men. I pledge my life and honor to the Night's Watch, for this night and all the nights to come."
The king did not make any further overtures to gain Jon's support after the third rejection. Instead, he conspired with the members of the Night's Watch who still bore grudges against their Lord Commander for letting 'Wildlings' into Castle Black. It was from them that he learned that, even though Jon kept to his vows, there was one of the Wildling women that he spent more time with than any, other than the fat Maester Samwell.
Not a man claimed to see what had happened. From what Jon had gathered, there was a sound of a scuffle in the training ground which was not out of place then the shriek of a crow. Ironically, it was Maester Samwell who ventured into the snowy training ground first, despite being uncharacteristically portly and unable to move very well over ice and snow.
Maester Samwell did not find an injured crow but rather the pale-skinned, redhead with blue eyes that Jon liked to spend his time with when he was not coordinating the activities of the Night's Watch. She was not breathing.
Not caring if it was considered to be manly, or not, Maester Samwell screamed for all that he was worth. This caused more and more men to make their way to the training grounds to see him clutching the woman to his chest as he rocked and tried to assure himself, for Jon's sake, that the woman was still alive.
Even though, the maester knew that she was not.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity to Maester Samwell, Jon appeared. He saw the shock of red hair peeping out from Sam's enveloping embrace and rushed to see for himself if it was the person whom he feared it to be in the arms of the maester. When he was within ten steps of the pair, Jon dropped to his hands and knees and retched violently.
"Maester Samwell. What has happened to Ygritte?"
"She's gone, Jon."
Jon felt cold. He felt colder than he had ever felt in his life. He felt as if all the warmth that had ever been present in his life had gone. The beauty that had kissed his world with fire was no more. The one flame that he ever put his trust in had been snuffed out.
Jon pushed himself to his feet and mechanically demanded that the man hand him the girl.
"Jon, she must be burnt. You know more than anyone what happens to those who die on the North side of the wall."
"Aye, I know. Let us prepare, we can burn the body tomorrow."
"Is that wise, Jon?"
"You will do as commanded by the Lord of the castle, Tarly," Jon spat, only caring about the dead woman that was currently in his arms.
Jon could not, nay he would not, accept it. He knew the ingredients that he needed. He knew how tenderly he must care for her body. He knew that his time was running out.
Fearing that the day would come, Jon had discretely acquired vials of Stark blood, Targaryan blood and Baratheon blood. It was critical to the potion's success that equal measures of Ice, Fire and Lightning be added to the bubbling vat of Wildfire which had been partially neutralized by powdered dragonglass.
Jon uncorked the vials of blood, not even caring what his ancestors would have thought if they knew that he had the remains of their relatives desecrated in such an abominable matter. He spread his right hand and grasped one vial between each of his fingers. With his mind clearly focused on the goal of bring his beloved Ygritts back from the shadows, Jon poured the three vials simultaneously into the mix of Wildfire and powdered dragonglass.
The addition of the new ingredients caused a large black cloud of smoke with the symbol of a skull floating over crossbones in its center to appear briefly before the potion began to show with a strong light that pierced through the cloud of smoke causing it to dissipate.
Jon's experiment had worked. He had succeeded in creating an Elixer of Life.
The stoic man broke character and, quite literally, jumped for joy with elation about his success. However, his joy quickly turned to sorrow as he found the spot where he had put his beloved had been vacated.
Jon's face dropped and he poured the mixture into a tankard with a lid that fastened tightly and would prevent any spillage. The tankard was hooked to Jon's belt loop as he raced down the stairs from his chamber to confront the person that would dare try to separate him from the woman he loved.
When he got to his chamber's entrance, he saw Ygritte's body tied to a post with kindling scattered about the base.
Seeing the Baratheon king about to light the unnecessary stake, Jon rushed over as quickly as his adrenaline filled legs would carry him and he decapitated the man before he could use his sword to set the make-shift pyre ablaze. Next was his red woman who always spoke of how the turning of the world were all part of her God's master plan. The next five were brothers of the Night's Watch who had been vocal in their dislike of Castle Black's new tenants that Jon assumed told the late Baratheon king about his friendship.
He ran up to the stake and poured the shimmering Elixer into Ygritte's mouth while tilting her head back to allow gravity to do the work of swallowing for her.
The effect was instantaneous, Ygritte's shot open and they were not the unnatural blue of those that come back after dying to do the will of the Night King. No, these eyes were all Ygritte.
The relief that Jon felt was indescribable. He cut Ygritte free and caught her as she fell forward into his arms. After that day, the two of them went North and were never heard from again.
Skill Level Up: Speech +500
Skill Level Up: Sneak +500
Skill Level Up: Alchemy +500
"Finished already Jon? What did you think of the tale of Mannimarco?"
"He was very noble to turn down the offers of the king to stick to the vows that he swore but it was that honor that got the woman that he loved killed."
"Indeed. What does that teach you of honor?"
"Honor is a powerful thing and can just as easily be a source of strength as it can be a source of weakness."
"That is a very good lesson to take away from that book. Should I expect you tomorrow to read Song of the Alchemists?"
"If it's alright with you, then I will be back tomorrow to read Song of the Alchemists."
"That is certainly alright with me, young Jon."
"You should get down to dinner. I imagine that it will be starting soon."
"Thank you," Jon said while returning the book to its place on the shelf and leaving the maester's chambers.
After such a full and active day, Jon had a quick and silent dinner before making his way back to his chamber and falling into a deep sleep.
AN2: So that was chapter 5. I'd really like to hear your thoughts on the different story segments: One-handed training, the recruits sparring, two handed training, the chat with Mance, both interactions with Maester Luwin and Jon's journey as Mannimarco. Please review and let me know your thoughts! There may be a slightly longer delay in posting the next chapter as I've been somewhat neglecting Just Hold On and I want to get an update for the people following that story. If you haven't I'd recommend checking it out and reviewing it also. :-) I have posted Jon's up-to-date stats on my profile if you're curious or would want a reminder. Until next time!