Robert
Harrenhal 281 A.C
Robert felt a buzz if not a thrill as he rode up the Kings Road to Harrenhal. The Grand Tourney of all Tourny's. As if to mark that The Maesters at Oldtown had officially announced that Winter had ended and Spring was here. When Robert saw over the hills the thousands of tents and banners flap in all colors of the kingdom he felt his grin nearly break his face. His first Tourney competing for his house and for glory! Though off course he knew the actual purpose of this Tourney he didn't feel any less thrilled at being able to show his metal in the Grand Melee. Looking to Ned he was tight lipped and looked at the Tourney with apprehension. Lady Ashara on the other hand was coming in separately in the back of the long column marching behind them. Rhaegar leading the entire party was talking with some aids on final preparations as they rode along.
"Come on Rhaegar, you practically planned the whole damn thing take a break enjoy it!" Robert proclaimed as they rode into the camp perimeter and, they were greeted by Lord Whent's men who had graciously worked with Rhaegar to set the whole thing up. Though to Robert personally he was just kissing Rhaegars ass for favor. Lord Whent met them in Harrenhal proper were they dismounted and then they got guided to their tent. It was huge colored black and red with the Targeryen banner. Entering their tent a few servants were there cleaning their armor in their respective racks. Ned had moved to dismiss his servant and finish working on his own armor. His sword Rhaegars gift had not left his side since he got his hands on it. Robert had seen him pray to his old gods more often in the time leading to the Tourney. When Robert asked what, he prayed about Ned always somberly told him 'for the kingdom.'
"Alright let's talk about what we must." Rhaegar began and Robert nodded walking out and checking that no one was near their tent to overhear them. The people filling the camp moved about their business and ignored his presence. Walking back inside Rhaegar looked to him for confirmation and nodded before he began.
"As expected my father refuses to leave the Red Keep, such is why I chose this Harrenhal far enough of his influence to talk more openly." Rhegar said and produced from his trousers letters and other important papers. Among them were their counted on "allies" among them minor houses like House Velaryon the Lord Lucerys Velaryon King Ary's Master of ships surprised them with his siding with them as he was in his father's council but even loyal men could sit only for so long after watching his king burn men alive. An allied they unfutuanlly could not count on was the Vale, Jon had called this treachery but for the love he had his sons he would not tell the king. However, when the time came he would speak on their behalf but should the worst happen the Vale will stand with the Iron Throne. That was what they hoped to avoid but it was none the less a possibility Robert dreaded fighting the man that was a second father to him and Ned. Ned obviously would have Duskendale on their side The Riverlands were for the most part quiet. But there was the alliance between Stark and, Tully that could yet change the mind of Lord Arryn as also a marriage into the Tully's was spoken of from the Vale as not too recent events had put Elbert Arryn to Marry Lysa Tully and that would bring them to the fold. Lord Tywin wanted a royal match and Rhaegar was now prepared for that very necessity.
Then there was the North Rhaegar and himself had thought Ned would have been the Key but it seems Starks do not forget broken promises. Roberts own marriage to Lyanna would only go so far Rickard Stark would come and speak in the great council but if things came to blows he would also stand with the Iron Throne. The only silver lining to that would-be Lord Rickard would not fight Ned on the battlefield. That could be to their advantage if worst came to worst Ned could peacefully end conflict with the North. Or so Rhaegar hoped but, Robert knew better even if Neds father wouldn't fight him Ned's men and his allies were another matter.
"Then who are we to speak with first?" Ned asked and Rhaegar provided the answer.
"Lord Tywin I saw his pavilion not too far, best we speak to them individually. As well as to have you two speak to them for my behalf." Rhaegar said and true enough the prince meeting with so many Lords might raise a brow or two and cause gossip. Ned was to be wed so him meeting his guest wasn't too farfetched.
"Come with me us three meeting Lord Tywin together should draw no attention. After this meeting we split up and meet with the Lords on different days. Are we clear on the plan?" Rhaegar finished and they both nodded in return.
"Good let us hope for success" Rhaegar said before heading out and moving to the tents. Walking the camp many people from all across Westeros gathered here from small folk to Lords and knights mingling excitedly talking about the Tourney and the Grand Prize for the joust. Finding the Lannister Tent four men guarded the tent clad in plate signaling knighthood, though Robert did know the knight's family names.
"My Prince how may I help you?" the lead knight spoke up, his hand lazily resting on the pommel of his sword.
"We must speak with Lord Tywin, if he is not indisposed" Rhaegar replied, the guard was silent before nodding.
"Wait here" he said before stepping inside and with all the bloody noise. Robert couldn't make out whatever was being said inside, so after a few seconds the guard exited and let them inside.
"Alright you may enter" He waved them in and they nodded walking inside the tent. To their surprise, it was not Lord Tywin but his lady wife awaiting them, along with Lady Cersei.
"Ah My lady please forgive me but is Lord Tywin around?" Lady Joanna Lannister lounging on a sofa a cup of wine on her hand smiled sipping her wine. She wore Lannister red and gold along with jewels accenting her wealth. Her slippers had small diamonds in them a clear sign if they went missing she would lose money but obviously, she cared little of it.
"No, my Lord husband has decided to stay in Kings Landing" from Roberts knowledge he had said he would attend.
"Ah then forgive the intrusion" Ned said nodding but she stopped them from leaving.
"Please stay we have much to discuss, after all how is one to plan treason without allies?" Rhaegar stiffened and the tent suddenly felt stuffing despite its large space. How in all the seven hells did their carefully guarded secret leaked already!?
"Oh don't fret, my daughter eventually told me" she explained and Rhaegar turned to Lady Cersei confused him and Ned following suit.
"I overheard you in your rooms, it was when I was being welcomed to the Red Keep. I had gone to your rooms to give you the cloak I had sown for you" Lady Cersei wrung her hands nerveously. "I fell asleep in your bed and woke up when you entered and were talking" Robert sighed their plot uncovered by a girl sleeping.
"What is it that you want my lady" Rhaegar said his voice even but suspicious. Though the answer was as day to all of them, what else would the Lannisters want?
"You know this already…the seven kingdoms" Lady Joanna never leaving her reclined position finished Lady Cersei perked up at that holding her head up high.
"So, you wish marriage then?" Rhaegar's voice did not change hiding everything behind his aloof demeanor.
"Yes, for the support of my Lord Husband take my daughter to wife as your future queen and we shall support you" Ned placed a hand on Rhaegars shoulder and Rhaegar looked to him.
"Very well but the wedding must be held after my father is deposed" Rhaegar clarified the Lady of House Lannister narrowed her eyes in thought.
"Very well after your father is dealt with you shall marry my daughter. Now then perhaps" the lady was cut off by Ned.
"No, my lady your support is appreciated, but we cannot agree until we have a guarantee. Should our words fail and our swords must be drawn. House Lannister will not point their swords at us" Ned said and Lady Joanna narrowed her eyes at him.
"I did not know Lord Stark speaks for you my prince." She said her word dripping with contempt.
"In this matter, he does, I am serious about my father being removed from the Throne even if we are denied our allies have declared they shall march at my back to end the madness" Rhgaegar's aloofness cracked just slightly at the end.
"So, what is your answer" Robert grunted though he hoped not impolitely.
"Very well the kingdom is the reward so we shall pay with blood and steel" Lady Joanna finally stood from her seat and moved before them. Extending her hand Rhaegar clasped it and a powerful allied was made. Three of the great houses secured four left to go this almost began looking hopeful to Robert. Baratheon, Martell and, Lannister. He could only hope Jon would see their cause true and change his mind about committing the Vale to their cause.
Eddard
Now he really hated Tourney's clad in his armor helm under his arm Ned walked to the battleground for the first round of the melee. He knew how to use a lance as any man who rode a horse to battle. But he certainly wasn't competition worthy so the melee was for him and left Rhaegar to the joust. To make things worse almost no one knew what the Tourney was celebrating…well he used the word celebrate lightly any knight that approached him had either tried to swear fealty to him and Duskendale. Or wished him luck in 'Prince Rhaegars Tourney' Forgetting this whole thing would end with his wedding to Ashara. Making it to the stands he entered the field to find his Duskendale men waiting under a Stark banner. With his men was his betrothed smiling awaited him and he returned the smile she had fixed for him.
"My Lord good luck today" His Castellan Mark Ryswell said and clasped wrist with Ned Ser Rodrik had stayed behind to take care of Duskendale and had instead allowed Ser Mark Ryswell to come.
"Aye thank you I hope I can bring honor to Duskendale" Ned admitted some nervousness to competing. Even after being veteran of battle Killing men and just beating them with a blunt sword were different things.
"I believe you will if nothing else I know you to be about honor Ned" Ashara came up hands clasped before her. It was a bit early but she was wearing his house colors Stark Grey and white like the snows of his home. Yet the dress certainly more Dornish in style she might have had it made for this Tourney.
"Well I shall try my best I suppose I uh I know this isn't really what we planned but. Robert told me something before coming here." Ned said and knelt rather comically and Ashara raised a brow but grinned at Ned's over dramatic 'kneeling'
"Embrace the madness" He said and Ned cleared his throat.
"My fairest of ladies please allowed me to bare your token in this war" Ned said dramatically in what he hoped was a 'knightly voice' before Ashara laughed throwing her head back.
"You must have a low opinion of knights to mock them so Ned" Ashara grinned and Ned chuckled standing again padding his armored knee of grime from the ground.
"I thought that's what a knightly speech was" Ned grinned. "I heard some of those Reach Knights talk like this to some ladies. They certainly fawned over their…colorful words" Ned chose his last words carefully but his grin betrayed his mockery.
"Well then brave Ser knight I suppose my favor can be yours" Ashara said and took her handkerchief from her skirts and allowed it to Ned who tucked it into his breast plate by his neck. A horn blew signaling for the competitors to enter. Ned sighed and walked off into the arena followed by several other competitors the crowds cheered as hedge knights in less than stellar armor took the field. Among the noteworthy competitors, Ned was surprised to find Ser Denys Arryn. He wore a silver armor and flew his house sigil on his chest. Catching Ned's gaze, he smiled and moved to him offering his hand. Taking it Ned shook it firmly.
"Ah we meet in the Tourney Grounds Lord Stark" he smiled. Ned chuckled with a sheepish shrug before turning somber.
"Ser Denys I wanted to offer my condolences for your loss" the Vale Knight lost his wife and child after the other. A great buren to bear but growing somber Ser Denys sighed and thanked Ned for his condolences.
"Thank you Lord Stark, good luck and if we meet in the battlefield I hope you give me your best" He said and Ned regained his positive demeanor.
"Aye likewise, may the best man win" With a final nod the two-separated forming a single with rest of the knights. Seven men stood facing off Ned knew ser Hosteen Frey a huge man and hard to miss wearing somewhat battered plate. There was also Ser Maston of House Blount who Ned knew to also be competing in the Joust. Three other hedge knights rounded the last numbers and a horn was blown to signal preparation. Donning his helm Ned rotated his shoulders feeling the plates on his armor shift. The armor fit him like he was born into it, Master Tobho Mott really earned his reputation, now came the test how it would take being battered by blunt weapons. Drawing swords Ned missed his Wirewood sword already but the tourney sword was comftarble enough.
Flexing his fingers on the pommel the leather of his gloves crinkled in readiness. A final horn rang and everyone snapped to fighting stances. Putting his sword up paralleled to the ground, they began to circle each other. Ned knew every melee started with alliances. Or agreements made either prior to the battle or. Ned smirked as two hedge knights went for him, or on the spot as these two knights went for him sloppy in their attack. The first struck up and Ned parried the blow driving his elbow into the knight's chest while putting his foot inside his stance knocking him to the ground. The other tried Ned but failed after Ned parried the blow and deliver a savage swipe to the man's helm knocking him away. Before Ned delivered two more quick hits to his back making it three and ending the hedge knights career before it began.
Turning Ned grunted leaning back as the recovered hedge knight tried hit him in the head. Moving up they traded blows and this knights proved to hold his own. But Ned quickly saw the extent of his technique by now Arthur would have changed stances and Ned would probably be on the flat of his back. Thinking of his brother to be Ned smirked and parrying a blow before switching to half-swording grabbing the tourney blade with his free hand for better handling. He hit the knight with the pommel on his head before using his sword like a hammer in a murder stroke to knock the knight with a hit straight to the head. He fell and Ned turned to find another opponent, his opponent found him his sword snap as Ser Hosteen broke his sword with a heavy-handed strike. Ned from the impact suffered his first hit and landed on his back, the massive Frey knight had a shield and sword and tried to swing at Ned while down rolling away Ned crawled and moved up picking up the previous knight he felled weapon and the crowd cheered. The Frey's weren't exactly popular in the Riverlands or the rest of Westeros for that matter and, having Ned avoid losing by a dishonorable tactic only made them hate the Frey knight further.
Ned snarled under his helm and moved parrying blow after blow from the Knight. Honestly while everyone gasped and called for him to win thinking him in trouble. Ned was having little trouble parrying the blows the man might as well have been swinging a bloody branch there was no skill or technique just him trying to overpower him. Ned on the other hand conserved his energy letting the bigger man tire himself out from swinging madly. He felt little of the force but none the less was careful he already had one hit on him. Aware of his surrounding Ser Maston Blount roared coming for Ned. Stepping aside Ned let a swing meant for his head hit Ser Blount on the shoulder making him stumble. Ned capitalized and hit Ser Frey across the helm and he stumbled Ned moved to help Ser Blount who was down on a knee. When he offered his hand, the knight attacked Ned and he grunted feeling the hit on his right shoulder pauldron. Everyone booed and some threw food into the arena though none close enough to hit anyone. Ned raised his sword and Ser Blount came to attack him. Returning the favor of dishonor Ned did not warn the knight when Ser Hosteen Frey hit him on the back of the helm sending the sprawling to the ground unconscious. Cheers for Ser Hosteen came if albite tamed simply for 'saving' him but Ned was surprised how popular he himself was. The incident at Duskendale was years past perhaps his popularity came with his close relationship with Rhaegar. Ned returned to fighting Ser Hosteen and he charged with his shield knowing it wouldn't count as a hit Ned smashed against the shield while spinning a fool's tactic but using the force of the blow he was able to smack across the back of his opponent. Ser Hosteen turned quickly enough to parry with his shield before Ned moved back parrying a blow meant for his side. Then he smacked at the inside of Ser Hosteen's legs only body hits counted this was more to lower the knights guard get him to move his shield from his body.
The crowd cheered and Ned pulled back into a guard stance and the big knight now kept his shield up not wanting to risk a third hit. He knew enough by now that Ned had the better skill, or so thought the Lord of Duskendale when the Frey knight rushed bashing his sword about Ned half-swording blade in hand caught the sword before hooking his guard against Ser Hosteen's guard and disarming him with a pull downward. The knight tried to wrestle Ned but he the Lord of Duskendale simply caught him with the pommel across the face and he was out of the match. Taking stock of the field it seemed luck had it where him and Ser Denys remained. Meeting each other on the field Ned smirked as they circled each other.
"How many hits?" Ned asked his opponent.
"Two" Ser Denys responded behind his helm.
"Ah same as me" Ned returned and again as a habit his fingers wrapped and unwrapped around his pommel.
"The knight I fought was valiant, after his defeat I promised him to take him under my service for a well fought battle." Ser Denys said and Ned chuckled.
"I have had every knight from the Riverlands to the Stormlands asking to be in my service" Ned laughed.
"Well you are a famous man" Denys said before Ned stopped circling and they finally got a gage of each other.
"Well then let us see who will move forward" Ned moved attacked first trading blows with the Vale knight. Denys was good better than the men he fought earlier he was strong but not a brute like Ser Frey his blows were precise strong when meant to. Weak when he was feinting and trying to expose a weakness. Ned was excited despite the plotting, the loss of his wedding and, the fears of the future. Ned felt alive! He decidedly changed his opinion of Tourneys, well at least about the melees as finally after a final step. Ned feinted left Ser Denys went for the parry and Ned bent his wrist down and cut upward a loud ding filled the air as Ned's sword contacted Ser Deny's helm and it flew into the air. The air was still and the blue eyes of Ser Denys were surprised gazing into Ned's wolf helm. After the helm hit the Tourney grounds cheers from the crowd erupted about the battle just fought. Ned stood down and Ser Denys smiled sheepishly conceding victory to Ned.
"Good show, Lord Stark." Ser Denys offered his hand Ned removed his helm tucking it under his arm and clasped their hands together. "And good congratulations on your marriage, I know not everyone here remembers the point of it but, from my heart I wish you happiness my Lord" Ser Denys face reflected the inner pain he still held for his loss. So, to Ned he took the words with much needed levity and gratefulness.
"Aye thank you Ser Denys" Parting the two men left their separate ways. Briefly wondering if the two would meet again after the Tourney. Returning to his men he and Ashara, Ned lifted his visor she hugged and kissed his lips congratulating him.
"I must say I truly thought that Vale Knight had you" she began stroking his face gently and true enough Ser Denys could have gotten him had his feint failed.
"Ser Denys he's a Vale Knight and a friend from when Robert and I fostered at the Vale" Ned explained.
"Ah that would explain the friendly way you two acted, here I thought just he knew of the quiet wolf" Ashara teased with the moniker he received.
"Well there is that" he tried and his beloved merely rolled her eyes taking his arm.
"Come then I have a surprise for you it happened while you were competing" Ashara said and explained no more. They exited the grounds stopping by his shared tent to remove his armor. Dressed in a modest doublet and his Wirewood sword at his hip. Leaving the tent Ashara led them to another part of the camp. A white tent with the Stark banner awaited them. Outside was Ser Martyn Cassel his father's Master at arms and brother to Ned's own Master at Arms Ser Rodrik Cassel.
"My Lord, good to see you though I had thought my brother would have joined you" the northen knight greeted and Ned chuckled shaking wrist with the man.
"He preferred to remain behind and Ser Mark Ryswell accompanied me instead.
"Well I shan't hold you please enter, inside" Ser Martyn said he was pleased to see Brandon, Lyanna and, Benjen. Most of all Robert was there standing near Lyanna who compared to their first meeting was at least agreeable to his friend's presence.
"You're late" Ned said and Brandon moved to hug his brother.
"Ah you know the ride down here bloody long and no good whorehouse's north of the neck" Ned shook his head and then hugged his sister followed by Benjen.
"We missed the first round of the melee but arrived in time for the joust, I spoke with the prince and he got me in the list" Brandon boasted hungry for glory not unlike Robert.
"Rhaegar is a hell of a jouster, so best of luck, careful you don't bruise your arse if he gets you" Robert offered with a belly laugh that brought everyone to an even brighter mood.
"What of you Robert entering the lists?" Lyanna said using his name instead of "My Lord" Ned thanked the old gods for that progress.
"Bah not the best jouster, I will admit but the melee! Meyhaps me and Ned might see each other at the finals" Robert boasted if albite modestly.
"Then it should be a good match to witness, I wish I could compete the joust show these men how to seat a horse" Lyanna said and to Roberts credit he praised her on this.
"Ned often speaks of your riding skills my lady, if it fit you I'd lend you my armor for the joust. Though that certainly would cause an uproar" Robert smirked and Lyanna shrugged uninterested in the southern customs.
"In the North, the women of bear island ride and fight like the rest of us, they would show these knights a thing or two in the melee" she said and Ned relaxed before introducing his betrothed formally to his family. Lyanna got to liking her almost instantly as she enjoyed her sharp wit and shared stories of Dorne with his sister who in her eyes had the right of it where it concerned women. As they spoke and shared wine, story and, companionship Ned took a moment to privately think just what the future held for everyone here when the real test began.
Didn't want to overload you guys with politics on this chapter so we just got house Lannister out of the way the Tourney should spend a good two more chapters. Here there will be more politics and talk of the future for Rhaegars uprising and the great council. I hope you guys enjoy these few chapters are they will be a blast to write as the plot begins to reach what I know you all are waiting for! The wedding between Ned and Ashara! Now for the usual questions and concerns.
Draken: The age-old question of protection of vision, I believe Robert is not only skilled enough but smart enough to tilt his head when the arrows start flying to avoid an arrow to the eye. Plus, since he's such a great warrior I figured he would be a man who would prefer vision a little more than protection. But keep in mind he is still clad in full plate.
WeylandCorp: Sorry! Had problems with motivation and school had me too. But here's another chapter to make up for my absence.
Bookity: I had a beta if my first two chapters show it, but she disappeared I try finding a beta but never get responses. If anyone here would offer I would take them up in a heartbeat I just reread the chapter like twice I think I caught the mistakes. I hope so anyways but hey my friend if you are up to the task I would welcome the help and I want to try and definitely try and differentiate in speech patterns. I hope I made Rhaegar more "polite" as he always struck me as speaking to everyone in a respectful manner no matter their standing. I try to keep Ned distant and aloof, but also, I try to show he's humorous and when with people he likes he can crack a joke or two and smile. As for Robert I try to keep him as boastful as I can but because he's changed from the relationship with Ned and Raeghar to try and humble him a little while keeping that very Robert attitude about him. But true he hasn't cursed much I give that to his relationship with the Queen. She for the most part has acted like a second mother to him during his time in the Red Keep so he's a bit more tamed in that regard. But in battle like when they fought the Kingswood Broterhood he won't hesitate to let out curses hah.
Edited 2/21/2017: Re-read the chapter and fixed some of the glaring issues I still need a beta but hope this helps you guys out a bit. Plus changed a few things nothing too substantial just, some dialogue exchanges and encounters elaborated on and enhanced.