authorsnotes: this chapter was fun to write, I hope it is fun to read

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songrecs: Two Swords - GOT Season 4

'Strike hard and true, crow, or I'll come back to haunt you'

- Ygritte to Jon Snow

-x-

"Gods that was awful"

At that, Jon could only nod.

He and Robb were debriefing almost, sat on Robbs bed in his room (a bit bigger than his, but much the same, they'd sold on Robbs room as he had a jug of ale and a platter of fruit for them to pick at), Ghost and Greywind sat on the floor, as they went through the night.

For Jon it had been one part illuminating, one part insufferable, one part … it had felt genuine, for Robb it had been mostly the latter.

"I know" He agreed, because it had been awful … for the most part.

They just weren't used to this. Every conversation had felt like it had a second meaning, every chat and discussion seemed cloaked and false, every smile false, every laugh a pitch too high and fake. It had been a vipers nest, where two wolves did not feel welcome.

But then, Jon had to remind himself; he was not just a wolf, he was also a Targaryen, and they'd thrived in the South.

But then, he reflected on that the Targaryens had been different, they'd kept their own Gods, had written their own rules on dragon back, had shunned Westerosi customs but embraced some so to ensure their rule. Perhaps Jon would have to be the same.

That was something else to think on, that he had to put aside until he was alone …

How he'd started to think about ruling.

Thinking about what it would be like, what it had been like as Kings Landing. Had thought of the rulers before him, but not just Lord Stark and the Northern rulers before him, but the Targaryen rulers before him too, his ancestors.

Would he join them in sitting atop the Throne?

The book certainly wanted him to, Rob had knelt to him, and ever since then in particular, only hours before, his mind had been ticking over what it would be like.

But that was a thought for later, for now there was much more to unpack.

So much more.

His mind immediately wanted to focus on the levels, those he'd seen, those he speculated on, his own in comparison and what that meant, he'd barely been able to think just snatches when he'd seen them, but he needed time to think on them later.

For now, he and Robb needed to talk. They couldn't talk too freely here, but at a whisper with the balcony doors open they could speak without being completely false.

He hated that too, how this place felt like a cage, a cage where they could never be free. Gods he longed for the North.

He knew Robb did too, but this was their lot and they had to make the best of it. And at least they'd escape this place soon, for their tour, there they'd be freer at least, and then they'd return home.

At least that had been his assumption … but then he never knew where the book would take him. He had quests to visit Oldstones and Dragonstone after all, perhaps it would be a little longer intil he saw the North.

The thought left him with a pang of sadness, but at the same time an eagerness to see new places, to learn more, to see more.

After all, even Kings Landing, awful as it was, had some perks.

"I don't think you had too bad a night" Rob said with a teasing grin and Jon rolled his eyes; he should have expected this was coming, "Two pretty girls, a Princess and Lady Margaery dancing with you? What are you complaining about?"

"That is a complication" He said, which was true, but Robb just offered him a grin, and Jon was forced to roll his eyes again.

"Perhaps I'll ask Lady Margaery for a dance next time" Robb teased, laughing as Jon chucked a pillow at him, "Since you don't seem to appreciate her"

"Please do" Jon said, and he definitely didn't feel a slight tug of annoyance, only slight, but it was there, "She is tricky"

"All Southerners are" Robb said despairingly, and Jon could only nod.

"Well, we won't be here for too long" Jon said, though two and a half months certainly felt long, but maybe not even long enough for all he needed to do. He grimaced at that; was he hoping to stay in the South? Perish the thought.

But he did have much to do here, to see, to learn, he'd have to fit it all in before they left, before going to a new flung corner of the world, but that was the only way to ensure he followed the books path, and its plans for him, whatever they were.

That night before bed, he warged.

It wasn't easy, it probably never would be, but it did feel just a hint easier as he did so. Not by much, but he could tell there was a bit less mental strain, a bit less pain in his eyes, as he closed them, and found his way to Ghost.

That bit was easier too, as he sat on his bed, Ghost on the balcony, it was easier to slip inside his faithful companions mind, open his own up and leave it to find Ghost, he still felt some pain, a feeling of being somewhere foreign from himself, but it was lessened, as he blinked, and he was looking through the red eyes of his direwolf.

Every other time he'd done this he'd been outside, had barely had time to think about his surroundings before he'd been hunting, or worried about being caught. This time the door was bolted, he was comfortable, and he allowed himself a moment to acclimatise.

As Ghost all of his senses were sharper, his eyesight first and foremost. Even though it was dark outside, and he could see Kings Landing from the balcony, he could see much further, his gaze penetrating through the night.

He turned back into the room, his eyes flickering over. It was odd seeing his own body on the bed, lifeless, the whites of his eyes showing, he tried not to linger too long on himself, as it was a strange thing to see.

Instead, he adjusted his eyes to look around the room, and everything was sharper, clearer, brighter, more in focus, and Jon remembered from the hunt where he'd been Ghost, he remembered this, how clear everything had been, how Ghost could spot a man Jon hadn't even seen yet, and take him down before his Master could.

He twitched his nose then, and his fur ruffled, his sense of smell was stronger too. The smell of sewage wasn't too bad this high to Jon's nose, but Ghost could identify it, thankfully he'd seemed to repress it as it wasn't too bad, but Jon still ruffled at it, as well as the smell of incense that must have been coming from outside, again a strong scent he otherwise wouldn't have picked up, and one Ghost clearly did not enjoy.

A step outside caught his attention, and Jon noted again that sense; hearing, he could hear everything more clearly, the step of a guard outside, a mumble the walls might have muffled, he could hear it all, sharper, clearer, like all of his senses.

He padded about the room then, he'd only ran, full of adrenaline from warging for the first time and then on the hunt, or before only for a minute or so, or when sleeping, this was the longest he'd managed it, and so he allowed himself to settle into walking around the room, getting used to the pad of his paws, the feel of being on four legs, the fur surrounding him.

He only allowed himself a couple of minutes, just padding around the room, getting used to the increased senses, getting used to being in the body of Ghost, before he closed himself off, it was an odd sensation, as though he was slipping out of a new coat and back into the old, and with a gasp, as he willed it, he was back to himself.

And exhausted.

That was no easier, how tired he felt, but he managed to force himself up to change for bed, give Ghost a well earned pet or two, before he collapsed back into the sheets.

He only got to see the words from the book stowed under his pillow…

Quest Completed!

Warg

This is part of your daily schedule now (if you want to get better)! Warg into Ghost and discover your powers.

Reward: +5 Warging Skill, +100XP.

Warging: 70

XP: 255/2500

You are learning to warg! This quest can be completed once per day, but if you don't learn anything new you fail…

Happy warging!

With that, a smile, and sleep.

The next morning, he had just one thought;

Why he'd agreed to this he had no idea.

Perhaps it was pride, perhaps he was trying to impress Lady Margaery, perhaps he was just desperate for some competition, he knew it was a mix of all three.

And so, as he made his way out into the courtyard, he knew this quest was important but losing the fight wouldn't be the end of the world, he had to remember that and not let his pride get in the way.

But, as he stepped into the courtyard, Robb at his side, Ghost and Greywind shadowing their masters, and noted the crowd that had formed, he felt determination spark in his veins.

Jon knew he was prideful, a downfall many would say, but it just made him determined to win as he emerged, sword in hand, to the waiting crowd.

Lady Margaery shot him a grin, but there was something in her gaze as he rounded to the open space, she was stood next to who he presumed was Ser Loras, since they favoured one another, a smaller crowd of people stood around them, and then several people stood watching, observing, how had word gotten around about this? It was no sanctioned duel, just some sparring.

He didn't know but it certainly had his back up, and as Robb clapped his shoulder in comfort and solidarity, he knew he had to win.

A quick glance around the courtyard told him who was in attendance.

First he glanced over to Loras' party, he gave Margaery a nod before he turned to the man stood closer to Ser Loras;

Player!

Renly Baratheon

Prince of the Seven Kingdoms

Level: 10

HRS: Charisma

Relationship: -10/100

He wasn't surprised at the negative relationship score, but the level seemed low. Renly looked about 21 namedays to his 17 here, and yet he was only 5 levels above him.

Renly offered him only a condescending glance, clearly not seeing him as a threat to Loras, to which Jon rolled his eyes and glanced to the small group overlooking the courtyard on one of the balconies.

First he met the eyes of a man he'd heard of, even at the Wall, but had never met;

Player!

Petyr Baelish

Lord of the Fingers and Master of Coin

Level: 75

HRS: Intelligence

Relationship: -30/100

Ahh, this was Littlefinger, his level made Jon wary, especially as he caught the man's eye and he could only smirk, undoubtedly Jon would need to keep an eye on him, and Ghost clearly felt the same, silent always but he barred his teeth.

One to watch.

Next to Baelish was at least a cause to make him smile, there stood Mycrella who gave him a wave and a grin, to which he nodded, he already knew her stats so the book didn't bother to remind him, though as he glanced behind her it wasn't Aerys Oakheart and instead;

Player!

Ser Jaime Lannister

Member of the Kingsguard

Level: 60/100

HRS: Agility

Relationship: -25/100

Jaime Lannister could only offer him also a condescending look, which fizzed Jon's blood more than Renlys, but he was no fool, Jon knew he was a good swordsman, but with his current strength; even with his skill he wouldn't best Jaime Lannister.

Give him a year or two, …perhaps three though and he'd take that fight.

But for now he had another.

He turned then, to the man he'd be fighting, Ser Loras, and;

Player!

Ser Loras Tyrell

Lord of the Reach

Level: 13/100

HRS: Agility

Relationship: -15/100

About the same age as Renly he looked and get 3 levels higher than him. Jon still hoped he'd be at a higher level in the 3 years he had to catch up, but just on Loras' highest rated skill and his reputation alone Jon knew not to underestimate him.

Jon knew he was a good swordsman, had been from a young age but as he'd learned more, fought at Castle Black, become used to Valyrian Steel, trained over and over, he'd gotten good, no better than good, great.

He still had those skills, the knowledge and the muscle memory, and he'd been training daily to build up his strength and stamina, he guessed now was the time to see if it had all come together.

He'd be lying to say he wasn't nervous.

"100 golden dragons on Ser Loras!" Renly cried as Loras' squire helped him ready, Robb did so for him. Jon did not flinch at the arrogance of the Baratheon Prince, even as his nerves churned.

"I'll take that bet!" Petyr Baelish cried in response, not out of love for him, the man clearly disliked him, but rather to annoy Renly no doubt.

Still, Jon didn't flinch at any betting amounts. He only rounded into the courtyard. Taking his place.

Neither of them wore full armour, but they both wore chain, and both carried blunted swords. Jon wished he had Longclaw in hand, but alas forged steel wound have to do, and besides any blow with Longclaw here would be deadly.

"Ghost stay" He ordered, turning back to his direwolf, making sure Ghost didn't interfere, not in this. Robb nodded to him again, crossed his arms and Jon nodded back. Courtiers crowded around the space, and Jon took a moment to compose himself, settle into a stance.

He was aware he only had Robb on his side here, perhaps Mycrella too, but that didn't bother him, he didn't care about popularity, he perhaps should, but all in that moment he cared about, was winning.

"First to yield loses" Jaime Lannister called out, that constant smirk on his face, Jon kept his stoic expression, even as he felt a twitch of annoyance. Instead, he remained neutral, as Loras made his way opposite.

Jon bowed his head, as did Loras, and then it began.

Within a minute Jon reminded himself not to underestimate his opponents.

Jon was a good swordsman, better than good, he could say that with conviction. He was stronger everyday, better everyday, but not where he was.

At his peak, as Lord Commander, Longclaw in hand, he was sure he would have made short work of Loras Tyrell.

But as Jon Snow, boy from Winterfell, only at his 17th nameday, Castle forged steel in his hand, it would not be short work.

Especially as three blows in and Loras shoved him back. Jon kept his feet, but barely.

Loras pounced on him again, and Jon managed to dodge, bring his sword up to block a blow, before he reached out and shoved Loras away, getting some distance whilst he re-evaluated.

He had to do this once more, as Loras tried to drive forward, but Jon, even to the annoyance of the jeering crowd kept him at bay, bringing up his sword only to counter, dodging out of the way, for all eyes to see apparently losing as he quickly dived past Loras, and resettled into his stance.

So, this was his opponent, stronger, and faster than he'd anticipated. Jon took a second, a breath, and raised his sword. Raw strength wouldn't do this, not with what he'd lost, and he wouldn't be able to dodge his opponent, Loras was dexterous, agile, and so Jon would have to rely on skill and his speed.

Skill, speed, and his eyes.

As he stepped forward again, he allowed Loras to circle him, he wasn't smirking or laughing though, Loras was serious, which was good, when Jon won, he'd have the honour of a proper victory, against a serious opponent.

For he would win, he had to.

He allowed Loras to circle him, and then strike forward, Jon pivoted on his back foot, and stepped back again, and he noted Loras' jaw clench.

He allowed the same move just once more to confirm his theory.

For skill in fighting wasn't just who was strongest, quickest, or even who had the best technique, no, no, it was also who could read their opponent, understand their motives, their fighting style. Read your opponent and you could disarm them through the mind before taking their sword … Mance Rayder had said that to him once, and Jon had taken it to heart.

And so, just once more he allowed Loras to drive two blows forward, Jon managed to deflect both, stumbling on one to jeers of the crowd, before, he was sure. To the crowd it looked like he was losing the fight, only one man in the crowd, (and it wasn't Robb) could see what he was doing, and could see how he would win.

Of course, when Jon had fought the dead, when he'd fought wildlings and raiders and even an Other himself, he hadn't had the time to dismantle their fighting style, it had been based on experience. The Other had been dumb luck of Valyrian Steel, but with wildlings and mutineers he'd understood how they fought before fighting them through practice and experience, with Loras he had to do it on the spot.

And had, even as it looked like he was being beaten, he raised his sword then, adjusted his stance and stepped forward.

Loras was reckless.

Impatient, he was not the kind of fighter to wait for an opening, or tease one open, he was the kind to run full pace at someone, to let his strength and agility do the work, but that wouldn't work with Jon. He was also brave, Jon could see that, but vindictive, he wouldn't want to lose anymore than Jon, and would not take grace in defeat, Jon could see that.

Could see it and exploit it.

And so, now it was his turn.

And when he struck, he struck hard.

Jumping forward, Jon knew his speed was something he had to use to his advantage, how he could get a flurry of blows forward in half the time it would take another man. Sword clashing side to side, looking for an opening, looking to strike the needed blow, he dashed it back and forth, but then jumped to the left as Loras went for a counter, and then backwards as he did again.

Loras was fast yes, but not as fast as him.

And so, Jon struck again, the same way, three or four snappy blows before diving out of the way of Loras' counter, before stepping to the side and just missing a swipe to the Southern Knights side.

This was his plan, Loras was far too impatient to duel him for long, he'd get silly and make a mistake.

And Jon would exploit it.

Another flurry of blows, but then Loras surprised him, and Jon only just managed to dodge a blow swept at his legs, interrupting his flurry. He felt his heart jump as he just avoided the slash of the sword, rolling to one side before springing to his side.

"I will not be beaten by the likes of you" Loras hissed, but Jon didn't counter, he knew that would infuriate the Tyrell Knight more than any response.

Loras circled him again, and Jon raised his sword, but this time he didn't push forward in a flurry, instead he just dived forward.

It forced Loras back, forced him to pivot his stance, to which Jon slashed forward with his sword, before ducking behind him, his shoulder driving into his back, and Loras stumbled forward, but kept his feet, barely.

He did turn back immediately, but Jon didn't wait for him to approach, and instead he jumped forward again.

For as much as Loras was brave, Jon was more so, and whereas Loras was reckless, Jon was quick but never careless, and in this instance, he dove at him again, which forced Loras to jump away, and then Jon began his flurry.

This time he adjusted his swipes though, making longer arcs, as he would have with Longclaw, but his Valyrian Steel had been a longer sword, these swipes here with the Castle Steel wouldn't connect but they sent Loras careening backwards, stumbling over his own feet, raising his own sword, to which Jon's connected with a clang, pushing it away from Loras, who just dodged a blow to the body, one that surely Longclaw would have connected with and sprayed blood.

Jon gave him no time to reaffirm his stance, and thanked his stamina, he'd spent years fighting, not like Ser Loras, who'd only seen a training ground where he could break and drink water, Jon had fought in battles that had lasted hours, and knew never to drop his sword until he was sure it was over.

He'd spent years learning how to take a quick breath before an opponent attacked, had trained over and over to conserve his strength, to only pelt his opponent with blows when he was sure he could kill, to dance backward and stall if he needed a second.

He needed none now.

And so, as Ser Loras stumbled back, Jon gave him no reprieve, two more slashes of his sword, the blunted steel ringing across the courtyard, Jon then lifted his leg, kicked forward with the sole of his foot, not quite a Southern move, but in the North they used all they had at their disposal, as long as they didn't dishonour themselves, and even in real battle that didn't matter.

He could see Loras shock as he fell backwards, straight onto his arse as Jon kicked forward, Jon again gave him no time to scramble up, stepping down, not gently, but not harshly on his sword arm, using his other foot to kick the blunted sword from the Southern Knights hand, before levelling his own at Ser Loras' neck.

"Yield?" He asked, for he knew the answer, but knew the traditions too.

Ser Loras could only nod, and then Jon stepped away, even held out a hand, to which Ser Loras ignored it, and Jon just shrugged, he'd expected no better.

He'd expected no cheers either, and he got none, though he laughed as Mycrella clapped, and shot her a grin, a wink too, which out of character for him he blamed on his blood being up, and then Robb was clapping him on the shoulder, and the words appeared in front of him,..

Quest Competed

Flower Dance

Dual Ser Loras in the Kings Landing Training Yard and Win

Reward: +1 AGI, +100XP, +10 Whatever Weapon Skill You Use.

AGI: 18

Combat, Sword: 75

XP: 355/2500

It hadn't been easy, Ser Loras was a good opponent, but Jon had known his skill, had trusted it and his eyes … and in trusting them he had won, and grinned as Robb did, he wouldn't deny it felt good, even as the crowd looked on annoyed, Lady Margaery barely spared him a glance.

"I knew you had it" Robb bragged, and Jon grinned as the two exited the courtyard, intending to find some food, and perhaps take Ghost and Greywind out again, Jon couldn't see himself being too popular around these corridors now.

Only Baelish was grinning as he collected his winnings, though any who looked (and Jon left before he could), could see an anger flickering in his eye, reminded of another Stark with skill with a sword, and vowing to keep a close eye on this one.

And the Lady Mycrella who babbled to her Uncle Jaime about Jon Snow's skill, who had also noted it, and also knew he'd need to keep an eye on Ned Starks bastard, not just for his skill, but for how he had won the fight, it had reminded the blonde Lannister of himself, too much so.

Too many eyes on Jon, another in the shadows as he passed, he didn't note the perfume as Robb regaled him with what the fight had looked like, Jon winced and grinned, he'd taken a blow or two before winning after all and missed the spider crawling up the wall.

But all three men knew there was now someone to keep an eye on, and one wondered if another player had entered the game.

fun huh?

and yes ofc jon won, this is stark wank for a reason, but I had to make him struggle a lil

it was weird writing a jon fight scene, I rewatched all of his main ones to get his style, and re-read several parts about his skill, and I determined = long slashes and whirls with the sword, shoves people away to deal blows, and kicks, he really likes to kick, so there we go

loras was even harder to determine for he doesn't really fight much, prefers jousting, but I went based off his personality

also I'll pre-empt ppl whining 'jon wasn't that skilled in the books', = yes he was, and well he is here, not only cause this is part show, but also because he's directly levelling up and training combat skills, he's gunna be very good

so yeah, hope you enjoyed

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