Robert
276 A.C Lannisport
Robert and Ned had to comfort Rhaegar a years back, when his mother gave birth to a sickly son that barely had a chance to live. Robert had then thought of his own Brother Stannis and how he would have felt if he had lost his brother early in his life. The queen, the gods bless her had been devastated. She clung to the babe and refused to allow anyone to take his body from her. At Times Ned and Rhaegar busied themselves reading, something that felt a waste to Robert. Robert had been sneaking off to the queen and did his best to cheer her up. Before he knew it, it had become routine, he no longer broke his fast with Jon and Ned anymore. Robert would wake up and break his fast with the queen while Rhaegar broke his fast with his father the king and Lord Twyin. Robert had asked why Rhaegar didn't spend it with his mother and briefly admitted how he missed his own mother Cassandra back in Storm' End. Rhaegar had lamented his father had made it clear he was to break his fast with him. So Robert had become the queen's constant companion aside from her ladies in waiting. Robert would even play cyvasse with her and he was glad she was smiling more often now than ever.
Now Robert was in the lists beside a grouchy Ned, Robert had dragged him out though both boys weren't allow to join the Tourney. Not that Ned was sad about it since he admitted he didn't like tourneys all that much. Jon was getting to him way too much. Didn't he know in tourneys he could win glory and show everyone just what kind of metal they were made off? Robert was a Warhammer made of Valyrian steel if he had anything to say about it. He had been developing more than Rhaegar and Ned even when Rhaegar was older than them. Still at the very least Rhaegar would compete being one and seven years of age.
"You look nervous Rhaegar." Ned crossed his arm just left of Robert, Rhaegar the poor bugger wrung his gauntlets together clad in black armor. Rhaegar preferred that a silver one be made for him when he became a knight but his father gifted him a black one instead, Robert had recently been knighted as well. To celebrate he convinced them to sneak out one of the oldest and more expensive wine barrels from the cellars of the Red Keep. Their little excursion like when they were boys meant they had a grown up opponent, Ser Lewyn had instead joined them and taught them Dornish songs to sing drunk. The hangover had been worth it even if Queen Rhaella had made a point to make sure they all regretted it by being as loud as possible when they were around her.
"Aye, there are many knights competing on the tilt." Rhaegar commented unsure.
Robert rolled his eyes and put an arm around Rhaegar. "Bullocks to that, you can do it! Come on, look at them, half of them I could make by pissing in a gutter." Ned and Rhaegar laughed, and Robert knew his job was done, Rhaegar stopped wringing his gauntlets and instead put his fist forward.
"Right, okay I can win this and with the prize winnings, well it's a surprise." Rhaegar grinned and put his fist forward. From that fateful day when they found Blackfyre and the dragon egg this had become a show of brotherhood. Whenever the three were to part, they would do this put their fist together as a promise to reunite again. Robert put his and Ned did as well with the three of them locking eyes.
"Don't worry I'll win this tourney and win us another excuse to drink" Rhaegar said.
Robert laughed and Ned shook his head with a grin. "God's forgive us for the queen will not" this time Ned did laugh with Robert and Rhaegar. The three pulled their fists back, Rhaegar turned to his horse and climbed on top ready to go out. Rhaegar's two squires were all the while not interrupting the three of them. Myles Moonton and Richard Lonmouth. To Robert they seemed good enough lads, but they looked like they wanted to fuck Rhaegar over being his squires half the time. Robert swore by the Stranger that he found Myles giving Rhaegar googly eyes like some love struck simpleton.
"Well come on Ned let's go to the royal box, I can't wait to see Rhaegar knock these Western cunts on their asses" Robert said and walked on expecting his friend behind him.
Eddard
Ned wasn't sure why he didn't follow Robert. Turning, he could have sworn he heard a giggle from a woman. Humming, he walked on the opposite direction under the stands until he made it across where the nobility was seated. He walked up to the guards letting him through after spying the Direwolf sewn into his doublet, on the stands proper he glanced to his left and walked the stands and entered the list on far right of the tourney ground. When he reached the list he found another knight no doubt readying for the joust. The sword he had was pale like the moon and seemed to glow in the morning light as he was treating it across his lap. Walking to him Ned made his presence known to the knight.
"Fair day Ser." Ned introduced himself.
"Aye good day to you as well, who might you be?" The milky pale sword alluded to his identity as a man of House Dayne.
"I am Eddard Stark of Winterfell." Ned offered a hand.
The knight grinned good naturedly and stood clasping hands with him."Ah you are the friend of Prince Rhaegar?"
"Aye, that would be me." Ned chuckled sheepishly he didn't think they were known so close as friends outside of Kings Landing.
"Well then, I shall meet the prince out in the lists and see how he fares" the knight grinned.
"Aye you shall certainly will. May I have your name ser?" Ned asked.
"Arthur Dayne of Starfall" the knight bowed his head slightly. Ned nodded, and before he could repsond a mesmerizing voice reached his ears.
"Brother, Tristan is wondering when you will compete." The girl before him was almost as tall as he she no doubt would grow more in a few years. Her eyes a haunting lilac with long dark hair pooling at her shoulders.
"Sister, I am next after Prince Rhaegar's first opponent" Ser Arthur said.
The girl looked curiously to Ned, making her way to him. "Oh? Forgive me I did not see you there." The girl curtsied.
Ned bowed to her respectfully.
"This is Eddard Stark sister" Ser Arthur grinned introducing him.
The girl turned those gems she had for eyes to him and Ned fidgeted a little at her stare. His shyness got the better of him.
"Good day to you, I am Ashara Dayne," she introduced herself.
"Good day to you as well my lady, I am Eddard Stark of Winterfell," he said abashed. Ser Arthur chuckled when the Lady Ashara raised a thin brow with a grin at him.
"Yes my brother introduced you already" she teased for the smile on her full lips could only mean so.
A blush rose on Ned's cheeks brighter than ever. He coughed into his fist in an attempt to save face in front of these strangers. Scuffing the ground with his foot he gave up the vain effort. "Sorry... I just have a bit of trouble meeting new people."
"Certainly did not react to me this way Eddard" Ser Arthur japed.
Ned not one to be outdone, he japed back. "Well, you certainly aren't the beautiful one good ser."
Ashara giggled behind her small hand.
Her brother as well threw his head back in laughter.
"Well met, Eddard!" Ashara laughed and Ned smiled ever so slightly when she seemed looked at him with appreciation.
"Well, I must take my leave. sister why don't you invite Eddard to the stands and watch the tourney with him?" Ser Arthur offered and Ashara rolled her eyes.
"Forgive my brother, he jests too much I'm sure Eddard would like to sit on the side of his friend" she said and Ned was indeed thinking of that. Though he also would not mind accompanying Lady Ashara to the stands.
"Well then Eddard, can you show my sister a good time?" he put an armored arm around her and Ashara looked mildly interested at the thought. He wonder if it was because she did not really want to go with him or if she just didn't enjoy tourneys.
"If you have no objections, I would introduce you to my friend, Robert" Ned smiled in a friendly manner. Ashara took his offered arm and led her through the bottom of the stands to the royal box. Making it up he found Jon and Robert talking to each other with slightly concerned faces. Only when Jon saw him did he seemed relieved and Robert turned sighing.
"Gods Ned! I look away for a moment and now you come back with a pretty girl" Robert offered his usual charming smile to Ashara. Ned rolled his eyes at his friend as he kissed her hand and she curtsied to him.
"My lady, this is Robert Baratehon and my host Jon Arryn" he introduced her. The older man, ever the fatherly figure kissed her hand and smiled gently at Ashara who returned the smile kindly. Ned decided that he rather liked her smile it accentuated her beautiful face rather well in his opinion.
"A please to meet you my lords, I am Ashara Dayne" Ned offered her a seat in between him and Robert. When they sat down the horn sounded indicating the start of the first tilt of the tournament. Standing on a stand in at the far end of the field a man announced the competitors.
"Competing on the first tilt! Are Ser Tygett Lannister! Of Lannisport and Prince Rhaegar Targaryen crown prince of Westeros!" the crowds of smallfolk cheered when the prince was announced, and Ned smiled at his friend. He earned the reputation from giving money to the poor and often he Robert and Rhaegar would ride down to Kings Landing and Rhaegar would play his harp to the people with Ser Barristan Selmy in tow. Sometimes they would put a helm on the ground and people would toss coins for them and that coin would be used to buy food for the children in Fleabottom. Ned hated the smell of the city and Robert often referred to it like a pig sty. All those people packed together made it hard to keep clean. The horn sounded again. A man with a flag stood at the middle of the field and looked both ways where the competitors sat astride their snorting horses. The flag dropped and the two charged tilting their lances down to strike at each other.
"I don't really get this sport. Aren't men satisfied enough with war, now they play at it?" Ashara spoke with disdain.
Robert laughed, his fist banging on his chair. He leaned to the side and blurted out, "A woman after your own heart Ned, she hates tourneys as much as you do."
Ned blushed when the lady turned to him and smiled.
"Well my lady, the point of the sport is to knock your opponent off his horse" Ned said and as he spoke he watched Rhaegar break his lance on his opponent and Ser Tygett went down in one glorious move from his friend. He wasn't much for these spectacles but Ned would not deny in supporting his best friend. The crowd erupted in cheers and Robert stood bellowing out Rhaegars name starting a chant.
"RHAEGAR, RHAEGAR, RHAEGAR, RAHEGAR!" the field of people yelled and Ned turned to Ashara and leaned close. Her perfume vaguely soft smell of lilacs he spoke to her.
"The man unhorsed now loses his armor and horse to the victor to be ransomed" he explained and she shook her head disappointed.
"So as if being knocked on their ass is not enough, they must be humiliated as well?" Ashara said scrunching her nose.
"Such is the sport, my lady. To win glory and what not" Ned said with a drawl. Still watching men of skill compete where always great to see. As expected of Rhaegar, he trotted his horse to his downed opponent. After he dismounted, he knelt helping him up and raised both their armored fist. Ashara clapped this time and hummed her lips pulling back in a grin to reveal her perfect teeth. Ned tried his best not to stare at her.
"The Prince is very kind, he did not humiliate his opponent. Not many men would do this" Robert replied to her comment.
"Aye, he's always been that way. I told him you might insult someone if you keep doing that!" Robert shook his head.
Ned unfortunately agreed to other knights might look at it like an act of pity from the man who knocked them on their ass. Ned for one did don't believe into letting pride get in the way of honor.
"How could he slight another man with his act of kindness?" Ashara asked frowning and while she did not look any less beautiful, Ned preferred her smiling in his opinion.
"Kindness can be interpreted as pity my lady" Ned began. "A knight would have his pride wounded as a knight for being given pity by his opponent."
Robert added "Who would want the bloke that knocked you on your ass giving you a hand, because he pities you for being weak."
Ashara only looked displeased by the answer."Ah, so its pride, is it? Men have that in spades. Kindness is more a virtue, in my opinion"
"A fair opinion, my lady. Pride has led enough men to war and do terrible things" Ned muttered. With the uttered words he turned to Ashara who put a hand on his.
"You are much different than most boys I have met Eddard" she confessed turning her lilac eyes at him.
"I hope that's a good thing, my lady," Ned confessed, surprised at his lack of shyness when she put her hand on his. Ned turned to her smiling glad he had met the girl that shared the same views on what made a man's character.
"Oi Rhaegar is up again" Robert said loudly and snapped the two of them from their little bubble. Ned noticed her hand did not leave his and he took comfort in that as Rhaegar took to the list again. Rhaegar once more tilted against another Lannister. Gerion Lannister wore golden colored plates and fur on his helm shaped like a lion. He was an older knight than the last Lannister. The two of them raised their lances in respect and the tilt began. Rhaegar took the first lance and nearly fell from his horse making the crowd gasp. The second tilt they both broke their lances against each other and the older Lannister knight had leaned so far back on his on his horse Ned was surprised when he stood.
"Ser Gerion is doing well. Rhaegar needs to knock off him off his horse or he'll lose." Robert commented
Ned nodded Ashara who had picked up on the sport better remarked for clarification. "Ser Gerion has two broken lances to Rhaegar's one."
"Aye, unless they both break their lances evenly. The match will go to the man who has more broken lances on the third round. Rhaegar needs to dismount his opponent or he will lose" Ned explained. The flag dropped and Rhaegar sped ahead from the gates. His Lance down, he leaned forward tilting inward to Ser Gerion's lance. Everyone went to the edge of their seats and at the last second Prince Rhaegar rolled his shoulder back. Ser Gerion's lance glanced off, unbroken. Rhaegar smashed his lance on Ser Garion's helm, flinging him off his horse. The helm flew clean off into the stances where commonfolk reached for it. Ned and the rest of the crows however was on the field where Gerion Lannister laid flat on his back unmoving. His squire sprinted from the list to his master, just before reaching him the older knight moved and began getting up holding his head showing no real damage beyond a headache. Rhaegar once more rode to Ser Garion and dismounted to offer his hand. The older knight took it and the crowd once more yelled for Rhaegar like he was the warrior of the seven incarnate.
"That was a close match. Ser Gerion was very good." Robert commented, he rarely gave compliments to people so when Robert gave the compliment it was earned. Then they took a rest to break for a feast as the sun began to set. Ned escorted Ashara back to her brother, Ser Arthur was waiting for them on the other side as nobles left to get to their tents.
"So sister, how did you enjoy your first Tourney?" Ser Arthur asked and shook hands with Ned.
Ashara rolled her eyes crossing her arms responding to her brother. "Grown men poking each other with sticks, truly an honorable sport."
Ned chuckled while Arthur Rolled his eyes.
"I hope she didn't cause you trouble, Eddard." Ned shook his head denying it for she had been exemplary company.
"None, Ser Arthur. I enjoyed speaking with Lady Ashara." Ned said bowing his head to her.
Ashara smiled in return nodding back. While Ser Arthur watched this exchange with a grin.
"Then let us go and ready for the feast. Sister the tourney will finish tomorrow when I hear Lord Tywin will be making some big announcement" Ned nodded and clasped hands with Ser Arthur and kissed Ashara's before taking his leave. Parting ways Ned felt a goofy grin on his lips as he thought of the Dornish mystery that he had happen upon. He would be teased by Robert, and then encouraged by Rhaegar. Ned laughed he couldn't wait to reunite with his friends.
Rhaegar
Lord Tywin Lannister flaunted his gold with Tourney. He even had offered to give Rhaegar him a brand new set of gold gilded armor. Rhaegar, however, remained satisfied with the black armor his father gifted him for his seventeenth nameday. As the feast progressed Rhaegar found himself in an awkward situation, many of the noble ladies flocked for his attention. Perhaps he would have more room to breath if he were playing his harp. Rhaegar wore his black doublet with the red dragon sewn on his chest. The ladies kept trying to win his favor a few of them had their hands on him, his arms and shoulders. A bold one that he had yet to find even touched his behind. He thanked the seven when he found salvation. Robert and Ned, mostly Robert seemed to barrel through the ladies to get to him.
"Rhaegar! Come on my friend the queen wants her son for a dance and I have been tasked with that honor to get you." Robert put an arm around his shoulder triggering a relieved grin from Rhaegar.
"Well then, please excuse us my ladies." Ned crossed his arms just a few paces from them and the now disappointed ladies. Instead of going to his mother, they exited the great hall where the feast was held.
"You rode well Rhaegar." Ned said putting a hand on his shoulder.
Rhaegar smiled thanking his best friend for the compliment. "Thank you Ned, my surprise for my friends is what keeps me going."
Robert and Ned looked to each other with Robert asking the question.
"What surprise could you buy with a hundred thousand golden dragons?" Robert asked, unsure what Rhaegar wanted to give them.
the prince laughed crossing his own arms lifting his brow at them. "Wouldn't be a surprise if I told you Robert"
Ned shook his head and motioned to the city with people still celebrating the tourney. "How about we explore Lannisport? Doesn't smell like Kings Landing" a smile twisted his lips.
"Actual shit doesn't smell like that city" Robert grumbled.
Rhaegar chuckled stepping up to Ned. "I certainly have never been here, let's get some horses and go" Rhaegar said preferring to stay out of the feast with all the bloody nobles he had to speak to. Here with Robert and Ned he felt…himself he didn't have to think on his responsibilities. He was also concerned with the letters he had been corresponding with his uncle Aemon in Castle Black. They talked of long dead stories and songs about the age of heroes. The Longest night was just a legend, nothing more he tried to tell himself. But the more he thought on it and the things that happened in his life, things were making him uneasy.
"Rhaegar!" Robert lead two horses, one for himself and the other for Rhaegar. Ned was already mounted and held two swords with him.
"Are those necessary?" Rhaegar asked, lifting a brow. Even when he competed in this tourney he wasn't exactly a man who sought out violence. He wasn't like his best friends who seemed to excel in martial affairs more than he did. Robert was able to fight two, if not three, squires when practicing with his warhammer. Ned himself was very good with a sword and knew how to instruct men to fight for him.
"No, but better to be prepared than caught unaware." Ned said
Rhaegar took the sword and mounted his horse. The three rode up the main Lion street where all the smallfolk celebrated. The smallfolk girls came up to them and handed prince Rhaegar roses. Even Ned and Robert got some tokens from the smallfolk. They tied up the horses outse a tavern with music spilling out the door. They entered the tavern hands on their sword pommels. The tavern bustled with men talking about the tourney. As the friends searched for an empty table, they heard some men betting silver on who would win the tourney.
"Ten fucking silver dragons Prince Rhaegar wins this tourney!" a loud bloke said banging his mug on the table. Ned turned to Rhaegar, the prince grinned looking down when a tavern wench dropped them some wine and jus ale for the prince. He needed to ride tomorrow and going to a tourney hungover would only cost him a victory. Robert drank his wine in gulps while Ned took moderate drinks, not one for wine especially after their last hangover.
"Fuck you and your ten silver, forty silver dragons! Arthur Dayne! The boy has unhorsed every opponent!" an old Lannister red cloak partially in uniform yelled. Ned looked to the man and Rhaegar wondered why the name caught his attention.
"Do you know this Ser Arthur?" Rhaegar asked.
"Ah Dayne I think Ned is personally acquainted Rhaegar." Robert teased.
Ned bashfully blushed sending Robert a glare over his cup.
Rhaegar chuckled wondering what trouble Ned got into without them. "Ned you met this Arthur, what was your read on him?"
"That's not the Dayne he got to know" Robert drank from his cup his eyes filled with mirth.
Ned glared at Robert but he spoke none the less about Ser Arthur. "He's good, when I spoke with him he carried himself with the confidence of a warrior. He is a man to be watched when he's at the tilt."
Rhaegar took him to his word. If Ned was good at something it was gaging an opponent it was his biggest strength when sparring. "Then I will use all of my skills when we meet in the field."
"Aye I saw him unhorse four Lannister knights at the first tilt without them breaking their lances. He's bloody good" Robert banged his cup down and wiped his mouth, a shadow of a growing beard already on his face.
"Gods! To meet that man in the melee….next tourney I'm competing I don't bloody care if I have to do it as a mystery knight."
Rhaegar laughed knowing full well his best friend would go through with it. Ned and Rhaegar would no doubt have to be involved in it as well because they hardly ever let Robert do something dangerous alone.
"By the next tourney we shall be men grown, of that I am sure," Ned assured their impatient friend.
Robert lifted his cup for a toast. "Then, to our next tourney! Me and Ned will win the melee and Rhaegar will knock every poor bastard that tries him on the tilt!"
Chuckling Rhaegar lifted his cup and the three toasted even if Ned knew he would join simply to please Robert, but the three of them competing was an appealing thought to Rhaegar all the same. He would try doubly so to win this Tourney now so when they did compete it would be a sight to behold.
"Well the hour of the wolf will be on us, we should go." Rhaegar stood and left a golden dragon on the table.
"Aye let's go Robert, it's bloody late here." Ned finishing his drink putting his cup down.
"God's man, you go…I have someone to see." Robert was staring at something and Ned followed his friend's gaze to see. A servant girl was giving him the eyes and Ned rolled his eyes. They had already found Robert kissing the servant girls in the Red Keep. The only reason he hadn't bedded one yet was because, and he thanked his friend for it immensely, he spent quite a bit of time with his mother Rhaella. His friend was only just looking for an excuse to bed a woman. Rhaegar, for his own sake, would not interrupt his friend. Ned had confided in him that his father Lord Rickard Stark had been thinking of a match for Ned's sister. Robert's name was being thrown around, and if they were to get married, Rhaegar preferred his friend Robert didn't do anything to stain his good name.
"Robert let's go," Rhaegar said evenly.
"Oh bullocks to that! Come on look at her, and I can make sure you get one for each one of us" Robert said and Rhaegar didn't even glance to the girl he might have pointed at. Rhaegar wasn't all that allured by the pleasures of the flesh, his mind in other laces besides his cock. Robert on the other hand seemed to want to wet his prick on the first woman to lift her skirts for him.
"Robert, let's go come on" Ned tried.
Robert groaned."Fucking hell both of you? Fine! By the gods were not septons." They led him out of the tavern keeping an eye on him until they reached their tent outside of the city. Their cots set in similar fashion, from when they camped in the gardens of Kings Landing the friends went to sleep. Rhaegar staying awake for just a few moments longer making sure Robert didn't sneak out to find a woman. Rhaegar sighed, Robert would be the death of him one day. Despite saying this, Rhaegar went to bed with a smile on his face thanking the gods for the brothers.
Eddard
Ned was surprised when Lady Ashara once more asked to join him and Robert to see the rest of the tourney. Rhaegar was up against a Westerland hedge knight with very old and cheap armor astride a horse that looked more used for pulling carts than competing. The poor bastard didn't stand a chance. On the first tilt his shoulder pauldron flew off and the horse died breaking its neck. The career of that hedge knight was over even if Rhaegar didn't take his armor. Rhaegar however, once more garnered the love of the people when he offered the knight one of the horses he won. He did not offer him armor, just a horse. But the hedge knight knelt on the spot pledging his services to the prince.
"Well he certainly took the opportunity" Ashara smirked next to Ned shaking her head at the hedge knight.
"I know Rhaegar, he'll give the men some coin and send him on his way saying he won't need his service with the Kingsguard around" Robert commented jabbing his thumb behind him to see King Aerys sitting with Lord Tywin, both seemed somewhat tense with each other. The tension was something that had been building up with the two getting into more arguments both in and out of the small council. Jon had often complained that little work was being done these days when Aerys and Tywin would argue. Ned as a second son could understand, as King Aerys was seen as less effective when people whispered that Tywin was really running the realm. Forgetting the politics, he decided to focus on Ashara and the tourney when her brother rode out.
"Your brother rides with skill my lady" Robert said.
Ned agreed "Aye, though I admit I would wish to see him with the sword."
"Oh he is very good with the sword I am told. I cannot judge for I am no expert on swordplay. But, he has earned the title sword of the morning. That is a title Dayne's receive if they prove their skill worthy" Ashara explained. Robert hummed nodding and Ned watched as he made child's work of the knights that stood against him. Rhaegar was next and they watched as he broke twelve knights unhorsing them all, if not on the first then the third tilt. With the sun at its highest point, the last round was about to begin. Ser Arthur and Rhaegar, both men had broken seven lances and looked tired even from the stands.
"Gods, they'll break their ribs before one of them falls" Ashara said worried for her brother.
Ned feeling bold reached and put his bigger hand over hers. Ashara jumped a little but when he offered her a small smile of comfort she squeezed his hand back.
"Fear not my lady their breastplate would sooner rust before they break a rib" Ned assured her.
Ashara sighed shaking her head but kept her hand in his. "If you say so Eddard, but their bloody pride would make sure they broke their ribs before the rust."
Ned chuckled a little. He liked the fiery temper of Lady Ashara. She reminded him of Lyanna who was quite wild. The flag dropped for an eighth time and the two knights charged each other. The crowd cheer and every sitting noble was at the edge of their seats. When they made contact Rhaegar rolled his shoulder back. Ser Arthur aimed not for his chest, but his head. His lance shattered leaving Rhaegar's intact. The dragon prince fell back off his horse. His boot tangled in the stirrup as his hellbent horse dragged him across the field. The crowd looked horrified and Robert and Ned sprang from their seats and climbed down the stands before vaulting over the lowest railing and ran for their friend. Ned felt his heart hammer against his chest. Rhaegar was still not moving. His horse had thank the gods stopped and shuffled in place. Robert reached first and unhooked the stirrup with Ned kneeling before his friend to see his helm was bent from the impact. A horse stopped and Ser Arthur dismounted standing just a few paces from them. Robert turned to Rhaegar and lifted him while Ned carefully removed his helm. His silver hair spilled free and Ned felt his head and found no blood or wounds. Sighing a little, the prince stirred and he lifted his gauntlet up grabbing Ned's shoulder. Rhaegar's squires had reached them by now as well as a maester made himself present and Robert gave him space to work. When the master put his hands on Rhaegar his violet eyes opened and looked confused for a moment seeing Robert and Ned. Then to their relief and amused selves Rhaegar asked.
"Did I win?" he groaned and Robert laughed loudly and the crowd cheered for their prince.
Ser Arthur knelt by Rhaegar the prince looked to him somewhat pained. "My prince are you alright?"
"Aye…good show Ser" Rhaegar said standing along with the knight and his best friends. The crowd as if not loud enough yelled in love as Rhaegar shook hands with Ser Arthur. The display had been enough that king Aerys on the spot came down himself and named Ser Arthur the champion of the Tourney and offered him a spot in his Kingsguard. The young knight looked thrilled and knelt before the king vowing his loyalty to the king and him alone. With the tourney done, a feast was to follow. Before the feast was to come the competitors retired for rest. Ned and Robert followed Rhaegar, Lady Ashara who joined them standing by her brother. Separating from the king momentarily, Ned and Robert learned from Rhaegar why he wanted to win the Tourney so badly, he wanted to have the legendary smith Tobho Mott of Kings Landing make armor for them. The smith had his shop set in the street of steel, and he had the claim of being able to tint armor without using paint, and even rework Valyrian steel. He had wanted to use the gold to have a matching set of armor for them to compete in and ride to battle with. Robert said they could still do that and pay for their armors individually. Rhaegar, said he had wanted it to be a gift to show his appreciation for their friendship and brotherhood. Robert simply laughed and Ned only waved it off saying they were as thankful as him to know him.
"My Lady, forgive me for abandoning you so quickly I." Ned tried to apologize to Ashara when he was able to meet with her again. But when he had seen his friend dragged by a horse and not move Ned felt like his heart had stopped. He couldn't imagine losing one of the men he called a brother.
Lady Ashara waved him off with a dazzling smile, her lilac eyes staring into his grey ones. "Fret not, Eddard. Had it been my brother I might have bolted from the royal stands myself."
Ned chuckled"My lady I would have just carried you down, much safer" He offered
Ashara japed faking offense "Why Eddard, I feel offended you would think me a weak woman who could not climb down herself?"
Ned grinned."No, I just think you would like keeping your legs from breaking so you could actually run to your brother."
she laughed, a lovely sound. "Well I should ready myself. A feast is to be had, a new dress to wear, and men to dance with." Ashara rolled her eyes at last part. Ned hesitated. He wanted to ask but he couldn't bring himself to do it and ask her to dance with him.
"Aye I suppose you get asked to dance by scores of men." Ned mumbled.
"Oh not scores, perhaps just a few" she japed again.
Ned chuckled despite feeling disgusted that he could not ask her to dance.
"My lady" Rhaegar interrupted them coming from his tent no longer in armor.
"Oh my prince. I hope you are alright?" Ashara looked genuinely concerned.
"Please if another person asks me that, I will say I'm dying of Grey Scale" Rhaegar japed darkly.
Ned grinned at his friend. "Ah to be the crown prince" Ned said sarcastically
Rhaegar put an arm around him. "I would prefer to be anything but, still my lady I have to do my duty to my friend here" Rhaegar padded Ned's chest
Ned raised a brow.
"What would that be?" Ashara asked smiling at Ned.
"He would like you to have a dance with him at the feast to come" Rhaegar so matter of factly stated.
Ned blushed before elbowing Rhaegar's side. "Rhaegar! Gods man that hit made you mad."
Ashara laughed her beautiful voice the best sound in his this world. "Well, is this true Eddard?"
Rhaegar laughed nursing his attacked side when Ned turned red but managed to regain his composure.
"I well, I would like to dance if it pleases you Ashara" Ned realized too late he had said her name instead of my lady, implying familiarity.
"It would please me more than old and lustful men alike Eddard" Ashara grinned.
Ned smiled like the young man he was and eagerly nodded his reply. "Then I shall look forward to it Ashara," He used her name again without realizing it.
Ashara giggled and curtsied."I as well Eddard."
"Please call me Ned, it's what everyone calls me" he said bashfully.
Ashara nodded and turned to leave. "Alright Ned. Then until this evening" Ashara said and left to find her brother. Ned turned to Rhaegar who was smirking and standing just a few paces from him.
"I suppose I should run now?" Rhaegar questioned and took a step back smirking.
"Aye, because you'll wish that lance had killed you" Ned's lips twisted into a mischievous smile and Rhaegar bolted with Ned right behind him. After night fell no feast came. Instead Ned and, Robert saw Rhaegar come with his father. The king looked sour and Rhaegar looked to his father with worried eyes. Robert stood next to Ned and waited for Rhaegar who got yelled at by the king for something they couldn't make out. Rhaegar however stood quiet and took his father's wrath. When the king left them Rhaegar went to them and sighed, his eyes melancholy.
"What happened?" Robert asked arms crossed.
"There will be no feast and…well my father has slighted Lord Tywin, quite greatly." Rhaegar lammented.
Ned looked to Robert and then put a hand on Rhaegar's shoulder. "What slight could mean cancelling a feast?" Ned wondered. Lord Tywin had always been a cool and aloof man, he didn't look like the man who took slight's so poorly.
"Lord Tywin tried to betrothed his daughter, Cersei Lannister, to me." Rhaegar said and looked uncomfortable at the thought.
"She's just a girl." muttered Robert shaking his head. Even if they were but a few years apart.
"To be honest, the girl seemed more devastated than Lord Tywin did, she was a sweet girl when she was presented to me. Still she was just a child barely above my hip." Rhaegar looked down as he replied.
"I would never know you for a man who fancied children. Still Tywin was hoping for his blood on the throne." Robert sighed. He cared little for the politics of it but found himself appalled that a child would be forced to someone seven years her senior. If there was one thing about their friend that would be considered odd, was his love of children. He cared little for their background base born noble or Bastard. Robert Baratheon was a man who was very good with children.
"You said the girl was disappointed." Ned added puzzled.
"Aye, no doubt she found being queen very appealing" Rhaegar sighed passing a hand over his silver hair.
"Well, what is done is done. We are breaking camp and returning to Kings Landing" Rhaegar informed. Ned nodded, taking his hand back and joined his friends to prepare for the morning march to Kings Landing. Ned had some trouble sleeping as he didn't see Ashara again and he could not say his goodbyes. Yet, the gods smiled on him when the royal party began marching. Tywin Lannister had led the procession while the King stayed in the middle, the tension between them only looking more obvious. On his horse Robert and Rhaegar awaited him before he trotted from the gates of Lannisport someone called out to him.
"Ned!" he turned to see a Dornish Sand steed bolt from the gates of Lannisport to come to stop before him. Ashara, astride her steed, looked to him relieved to find him.
"Ashara! I had hope to see you before we parted ways." Ned relaxed relieved.
"I as well Ned, I'm sorry our dance will not happen today." an apologetic smile graced her lips.
"Ah there shall be other tourneys, Ashara." Ned moved his horse to stand next to her.
"Indeed, then I hope to see you in the next tourney." Ashara bowed her head, and extended her small hand to him.
Ned, took her hand in his, and kissed it as custom dictates. "I shall endeavor to see you there, my lady."
"Oh, I also expect you to write to me, Ned." Snaping the reins of her sand steed Ashara bolted back into Lannisport. Dumbstruck, Ashara was gone before he could reply so he just smirked and trotted to his friends awaiting him.
"Gods man! Why didn't you kiss her?" Robert teased a smirk of his own playing on his lips.
"Because I'm not you and think with my head instead of my cock." Ned rebutted and trotted onward, Rhaegar to his left Robert to his right laughing.
"Hah! well, let's see if you have the balls to kiss her next time" Robert winked in Ned's direction. Ned decided to pay him no mind, it would only encourage Robert further if he did.
Ser Arthur rode up, having heard Robert's comments. "I hope that's my sister you're talking about, Baratheon." Ser Arthur faked offense with a twist of his lips.
"The gods no! I would never think such lecherous thoughts of a lady, tell them Rhaegar. I am as pure as the father" Robert remarked, making Ned laugh,
Rhaegar roll his eyes. "Aye Robert, your Baelor the Blessed in the flesh again" Rhaegar drawled and this made all four of them laugh. The slight suffered by Tywin was forgotten to the young men, life was sweet and they rode side by side thinking of adventure and glory.
Chapter two and I would like a beta for this story specifically because I have one for The Longest Night. So I would not wish to over impose myself on him. So if anyone here would like to help please tell me I would enjoy working with you on this. The boys have turned to young men hot blooded and with their sense for adventure only growing! Also we see the tensions between Tywin and Aerys beginto show. The reason they aren't taking a front stage center is it's because they are meant to be looked through the eyes of Ned Robert and Rhaegar. They are young and hot blooded politics is the last thing in their minds what with Aery's reign being prosperous and peaceful so the boys have little care in the world. Now to answer some questions!
Laura: Thank you, my friend you are a loyal fan and I hope this story is to your liking as well!
Waylandcorp: whoops! I did indeed described the banner wrong it's okay though I went and fixed it. Also Ser Lewyn was impressed I guess I just didn't write it well, but I tried to make it look laid back as from what I could gather Ser Lewyn has that Dornish swagger about him hot tempered but a laid back attitude.
Random guy: yes I meant Rhaegar changed it though so it's kewl lol.
Another random person: No he will not marry Lyanna as this follows mostly cannon with changes here and there. However will he marry Elia? Who knows…who knows? Heh
Omg OMg: Darksister is lost I'm afraid but Blackfyre has a purpose for being found, however it would have been cool to find it, just wondered who would wield it? As for Jamie and Cersei? While I have present plans for her, Jamie will have his due as we are at 276 A.C the Kingswood Brotherhood arc will be something you guys should enjoy! However it's still a few chapters away. For now the boys have grown up from little boys to young men with the feeling of being immortal like most boys their age tend to feel.
As always read and review very happy with the reception this story received from chapter one alone! I will continue with the Longest Night when I catch up with my beta then this one will be on the back burner.
Edit 3/24/2017: Re-worked and improved thanks to my new lovely beta Shadowcrest Nightingale.