Since that day the two were closer than ever. They spent days together training or learning. Finally, the Greyjoy rebellion was crushed and peace was restored to the realm. Yet, the peace came at a price with the betrayal of Jorah and his flight. John no longer wanted to stay on Bear Island when the man who had given him such hope was in shame. Instead he took the advice of Maester Rorok, and took a ship down the coast until he reached Old Town. There he entered the citadel as a novice to become a Maester. He started his career as a master with a series of Ravenry Classes. These classes consisted of feeding, raising, and training ravens; it also included how to write and read in all the languages he could. John was quite skilled at this and he forged the first link of his Maester's chain. His rapid success began to attract the attentions of a maester who was called 'the mage'. Still, he didn't approach the boy just yet, as John studied Ravenry he heard about the classes for another link that he wanted. He started to study Bestiary; it was a very good study as he loved all animals with a great passion. He learned all he could about all animals, but he found a special love for wolves. He wasn't quite sure why he loved them so much, but he did and that was all he needed to know. It didn't take him long to earn the next link in his chain. As he grew however, his dreams continued and he found himself looking through the eyes of many creatures from vermin, to felines, to birds, and dogs. He found the state to be enjoyable but also confusing. He had many questions he wanted to have answered so he sought the one library where he knew the answers would, or should be. He went straight to the Mage's library. It wasn't long before Marwyn appeared smiling at the new acolyte "Ah, I was wondering when you would come. You have the air of someone who could be great. Why are you here though?"
John frowned as he looked at the book he was reading "I am trying to find information on wargs and skinchangers. I knew that yours was the only library in Old Town with the knowledge I seek. I am sorry if I am intruding. I only want to know what I have."
The mage laughed as he went to a shelf and picked up one large book "This is the lives of the Greenseers who often became the rules of the Reach. You might find it to be a good read." He said as he set the book down on the table. John picked it up and began to look it over while the mage prattled on "I wonder if you would be interested in a little bit of my lessons. I assure you it is much easier to get Valyrian links than the rest."
The young Acolyte just nodded his head "I would indeed, but please don't be mistaken. I am here to learn as much as I can. I won't be studying one subject than others."
The mage laughed as he pat the boy on his shoulder "I am perfectly fine with that. In fact, I encourage it."
John thought about this for a bit as he continued to read his book "I shall give it some thought my good Archmaester. I shall let you know once I forge my next link. I am planning to earn it in history and war craft next. I did command an army during the Greyjoy Rebellion after all. So, it should be an easy link to forge."
The mage smiled as he nodded his understanding then moved away slowly "I see a bright future for you here, a bright future indeed." With that he left the room leaving John to study. He learned a lot from the ancient tome and was very surprised to see how the power was so well documented. It seemed to him that this magic was only available to those who had the blood of the first men. He felt a new love for his mother and her powerful northern blood. As he finished his research he closed the book and put it back where the mage had pulled it from. With the day, having given way to night he made his way back to his dormitory. All the acolytes lived in a large communal house. He wasn't the youngest in his group nor the most intelligent, but he was the most determined and he had the most drive. As he lies in bed that night and drifted off to sleep he dreamt of the night life of a prowling hound. He walked through the alleyways after various cats. He would sniff through the trash for food to eat, and as the sun began to rise he laid down to rest. As his eyes closed on this world they opened on the world he lived in. He couldn't help, but feel as if that hound wouldn't be waking into the world again. Still, that wasn't important right now; what was, was it was the day he had to prove his knowledge in war craft.