AN: Just to clear things up on the ages of the Stark children. At the beginnings of AGOT James is twenty years old. I'm using the television show age for them. Theon is 22, Robb and Jon are 17, Sansa 14, Arya 11, Bran 10 and Rickon 6.
Still don't own any of this. GRRM does.
James walked into the Godswood; it was snowing, a fresh blanket of snow covered the ground. The pellets melted into his hair, he could feel the cold everywhere, but it was a good feeling. He was at peace, hoping something wouldn't wake him from this dream. So tranquil… he began to walk around when a voice came from behind.
"I knew you'd come, I knew you wouldn't leave me."
He turned around to find Ros there. Wearing a black woolen dress with her red hair pinned to the back of her head, the snow flakes around her shoulders, melting in her hair, it looked like it was on fire. James walked over to her and took her hands in his. Taking her hands; letting them feel and caress his face.
"What happens in this dream, Ros?"
"I don't know, its your dream James. But lets make the best of it."
They were soon on the floor making love. She was on top of him, riding away. Her hands were enveloped in his. Both met their climax and they just embraced each other on the floor of the godswood, letting the snow fall around them. That's when a creature came walking towards them from behind, grey eyes piercing through the darkness. It was a giant black direwolf. It ran over and clenched down on her; taking her from his grasp. She screamed. James got up and tried to reach for his sword but he couldn't remove it from it's sheathe, the ice making the sword stick. Even worse, he couldn't move. He watched in horror as the wolf dragged her into the darkness…
"James save me! Don't leave me! I love you! James!" Ros screamed as James just stood there with tears running down his face. Nothing he could do to help the women he loved, never in his life has he felt so helpless. So alone.
"But I have to….for you can never be mine." Than he heard the sound of Robb's voice screaming his name.
"James, wake up! James snap out of it." Robb yelled shaking him to wake up.
James opened his eyes to find Robb sitting next to him on his bed. Jon standing behind him, even Theon was there. Sansa, Arya, and Bran were there to, looks of wonder on there faces wondering what James could have been dreaming about.
"What's…What happened? Was I dreaming? Why are you all here?" James asked as he sat up in his bed, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes.
"We could hear you screaming out in the hall." said Sansa standing at the foot of his bed.
"Yeah, you were screaming somebody's name. 'Ros', I think it was. Anyway we had to come in and wake you up. You sounded as if you were in pain." Arya explained, with her arms crossed at her chest. Bran nodded to James in agreement.
"You also said, 'I won't leave you, I'm hear', I've never heard someone say that much in their sleep." Jon said. Theon was laughing.
"You in love with her, James?Ah yes, that explains it. You wouldn't say her name in your sleep if that wasn't the case, The lad's in love! The crow loves the whore!" Theon japed with a smile on his face. Jon was too, Arya gave a look in disgust, as did Bran. Sansa stood there smiling, liking the idea of her older brother in love. Robb just looked at James stern.
"Shut up Theon." Robb said with a serious tone in his voice. As if he were defending James.
"Everyone get out, I need a word with James. Please. In private."
All his siblings began to exit his room. Theon still laughing to himself over what just occurred. James was embarrassed, he hoped nobody could tell.
"He is in love! James is in love! L-O-V-E." he heard Theon mocking him from the hall. Sansa was standing in the doorway still. "I'm glad your in love James, it's like the stories I read. I want to meet her." she said with a smile.
"Thanks Sansa." was all James could muster, his mind still trying to grasp what happened. She closed the door and left.
"Wow, what a way to wake up, right Robb?"
Still sitting next to him on his bed he looked James in the eyes and asked.
"Is it true? Are you in love? This Ros, the whore."
"Don't call her that." James said with a bit of anger in his voice. She is more than that….
"You know you can't see her James, it wouldn't be proper, you're a man of the watch. Father would be furious. Not to mention how mother would react knowing you are bedding her." Robb said with a hand on James's shoulder, acting like the wiser sibling. The future Lord of Winterfell, my little brother, giving me advice.
"Father already knows. Mother caught me and her kissing in the courtyard yesterday. He talked to me last night, don't worry I will talk to her. Although it won't be easy." Don't leave me James….
"Good. Now that we have that out of the way. You need to get dressed. Wear that grey and black tunic, show those Stark colors." Robb said.
"Why? I'd rather wear my Night's Watch clothes."
"Because James, the royal family was spotted just outside of Winterfell this morning. They'll be here in the afternoon, which happens to be just around now, so hurry up get dressed."
"It's the afternoon already! Wow, I've been sleeping this long. So that is why you all were dressed so nice…" as he sprung out of his bed. Putting on his clothes in a hurry.
"Mother didn't want to disturb you. She said that you deserved some sleep from all your time at the wall. And yes that's why we are dressed nice, aren't you so smart."
"That's nice of her and shut up little brother."
-x-
The royal arrival was quite royal indeed, extravagant to be exact. The queen had came in on some huge wheelhouse, at least two stories in height. The queen walked out of the wheelhouse followed by her two children, Myrcella and Tommen. Who were spitting images of their mother. Golden haired children, Myrcella was slender and beautiful for her age, only eleven she had all her mother's beauty, long golden curls flowing down her back. Tommen was a short and pudgy boy, seemingly taking after queen was everything Theon had said and more, she stood there in her furs. Those blonde Lannister curls pinned up in some southern style, her beauty took James's breathe away, and for a second he forgot how to breath. Don't leave me James...Lastly prince Joffrey rode in on his horse looking smug and arrogant, he was tall and strong for only a boy of fifteen;Hound, Sandor Clegane, his sworn shield was behind him. Sporting his canine helm.
James looked over to find his sister Sansa smiling at the young prince as he rode in, Joffrey was eyeing her like a leg of lamb. Robb noticed it too and gave James a nudge. Soon followed half the member's of court, including Renly Baratheon, who James was most fond of. The kingsguard rode in, Jaime Lannister was a sight to see. The queen's twin brother was arguably the best swordsman in the seven kingdoms. Killing his first man at age sixteen, only a squire. He also slew the mad king in the back. Before his father, Lord Tywin Lannister, came in and sacked King's Landing. Leaving the princess Elia and her children slaughtered like animals in a crimson Lannister banquet, presented as a gift to Robert.
Where is the Imp? Where is Tyrion? Surely he must be here…probably in the whorehouse. Maybe he is with Ros…The thought of the little imp riding her made James nauseous.
King Robert Baratheon rode in on his horse, looking quite Kingly, and fat. The man had gained some stone since James last saw him as a child, when his father went off with Robert to squash the Greyjoy rebellion. He walked over to Ned and they hugged; laughing at one another. Robert began to walk down and introduce himself to each of the children. Calling James, "Black Wolf."
Than in an instant he and his father were gone to the crypts. Visiting Lyanna's tomb. James had visited twice in his life, once alone where he laid down a blue flower, the other time with his siblings. All were scared to go down, except little Arya. Than the queen stood before him eyeing him up and down, examining him like some project.
"Ah, you must be James it is a pleasure to meet you." extending her hand out to him.
"Your grace." James said kissing her hand. She smells of lavender oil.
"So the rumors are true, you are like Brandon, spitting image actually," she said with what looked like a smile on her face.
"Thank you, your grace." James said humbly, he never liked being called handsome. Trying not to let his gaze linger down to her breasts.
His mother tried best to distract her with womanly courtesies, asking her how the trip went and if she liked the north. They settled in when than everyone gathered around the practiceyard.
-x-
"Let Bran and Tommen spar!" yelled Joffrey as the little prince was being padded up with protective gear. Looking like some overstuffed teddy bear.
Bran was over by Robb, Jon, Theon, and James asking them how to best the little prince. Everyone was huddled around to see this transpire, in some big circle. As if this was some grand spectacle to behold. Ned and Robert were in one area talking, the queen with Myrcella and her handmaids in another. Jaime Lannister next to her. Rickon, Sansa and Arya were with their mother wanting to watch as well, especially Arya. Rodrik Cassel, the castellan, was overlooking the boy's safety. Bran placed some padding on, not as much as Tommen though, and looked to his brothers.
"I can do this. I can beat him! Although I'm quite nervous and scared." he said looking down at his feet. They all got to his eye level giving him words of encouragement. When James reached into his pocket and pulled out the flat blue flower Lyanna gave him on that day.
"Bran I want you to keep this in your pocket. I hope it gives you courage as it does me when I have to fight the wildlings." James said with a smile on his face, holding out the flower in his hand for Bran to take. Bran's eyes widened in amazement at James giving him his most prized treasure.
"Are….are you sure I can have it? It's the flower Aunt Lyanna gave you."
"You can't keep it, but you can have it for now. Let it guide you Bran. You can do this. Look at Tommen, he looks like an oversized Teddy Bear."
Bran and them had to laugh at that. "Yes, I can do this. I'm a knight of the Kingsguard. I'm Aemon the dragonknight!" He put the flower in his pocket. Than the sparing began. Bran had won easily, making the prince yield within minutes.
Joffrey began to scoff at how pathetic his brother had been at sparring. That a prince shouldn't yield so easily. Cersei had a look of concern for her child. Bran had been gentle though, not hitting too hard and didn't hit him anymore than he had to. Bran ran to his brother's side with a smile on his face, James complimented him and called him "Aemon the dragon knight reborn!"
That's when things went south.
"Enough with these kids fighting, let the men fight now! I challenge you Robb Stark!" Joffrey yelled out loud for the whole crowd to hear. Robb met Joffrey's gaze and puffed his chest out like a man. The Lord of Winterfell indeed, the young wolf.
"And I accept your offer, my prince!"
The boys began to spar with wooden swords, everyone watching yet again. Robb was quick on his feet when fighting, more defensive than offensive, just like his father. Joffrey was not so skilled, often losing his footing or trying to counter when he should defend. Rookie mistakes…
When finally Robb got the upper hand and found his wooden sword at Joffery's neck; demanding him to yield. The look on the prince's face was of pure anger. He dropped his wooden sword and demanded that they now spar with live steel. Rodrik Cassel would not have it, neither would the queen. Joffrey pouted and said,
"That's fine. I don't want to spar with a boy anyway."
He than stormed off. Robb walked over and James, along with Theon and Jon, smacked him on the back offering their congratulations. But Robb was bothered by Joffreys last comment.
"Don't talk it to heart Robb. Joffrey is the boy. You are twice the man he will ever be." James told him arm around his shoulder. Robb looked at him and nodded.
Than Jaime Lannister stepped in the middle of the practice yard. He was now in riding clothes. A gold tunic with brown breeches. His Lannister sword at his side, the pommel had a lion's head at the end of it.
"It's been nice seeing these lords and princes fight. But I think it is time to see some men fight…with live steel. Is there anyone here who would spar with me? Anyone, trust me I don't bite. Might even go easy on you." Jaime said spreading his arms out looking at everyone. Waiting for a reply,
"Ahh, James Stark," Jaime said grinning at him, "Let's have a go, I hear you're good with a sword,"
James shook his head at him, "No, Ser Jaime. It's quite alright, and I'm not that great,"
"What are you scared, Stark?" Jaime said laughing, "Trust me, I'll go easy on you,"
The crowd was silent as James felt embarrassed, soon they were cheering James on to accept when he caved under the pressure, "Fine, I'll spar with you, and we can use live steel, I guess," James said staring at the Kingslayer straight in his golden face.
The green eyes staring back at his. However all he could see was Cersei in his face, and Joffrey which was weird. Everyone had gotten silent at this point. James looked around to find his father staring at him with a hand to his chin. His mother sporting a look of concern on her face, as was Sansa. James could feel his heart pounding his chest, nervous. His sword grip was becoming slick with sweat. Their concerns are well received, Jaime Lannister is the best swordsman in all the realm. Besides Barristan the Bold. The King was just drinking his wine and standing next to Ned, also wanting to see this showdown. Arya was smiling, wanting her brother to win.
"Show us that the men of the Night's Watch still have balls." Than James lunged forward,
The fight had been a blur for the beginning, all James could hear was the clanging of steel. Nevermind the fact that he was going toe to toe with Jaime Lannister. Everyone around him was speechless. Sansa clinging to her mothers arm each time the swords met. It had been like the two men were dancing with each other. Two predators fighting over a kill or a mate. Jaime was indeed the best swordsman James had ever met. He moved with such grace, you think he was levitating off the ground. Than he saw a sword lunge at his face when James ducked out of the way, gasps could be heard. A look of surprise on Jaime's face. Pointing his sword at James.
"You surprise me Stark. I thought you were bad."
This time Jaime lunged forward and James dodged the blow. Than they went back and forth steel meeting steel. Forward and backward. Forward and backward. Each going blow for blow. James was being pushed back dodging a blow to his side, when he swept to the right, Jaime turned around and soon found James sword at his neck and Jaime's sword at James's. A draw….
The whole crowd gasped and everyone's jaw seemed to have dropped. Even Robert was quiet. Than there was clapping. The two men sheathed their swords and stood in front of each other. After moments of silence Robert yelled,
"The black wolf! He just bested the Kingslayer!" still laughing his heart out. Everyone else followed suit and began to laugh right along with their king. Than Jaime stepped forward,
"You proved me wrong….James. Looks like you're pretty good. Ser Barristan wasn't lying." Jaime said with a bit of sincerity in his voice. I just came into a draw with the bloody Kingslayer…
"Aye, you as well Ser Jaime. It wasn't easy fighting you. You definently are the best swordsman in the realm."
They shook each other's hands and walked to their respective sides. Everyone dispersed when his family rushed over to him. He was still panting and sweating from the fight when Sansa flung herself into his arms talking at a thousand miles a minute.
"Gods James, I thought he was going to kill you! I could hardly breathe. There are probably marks on mother's arm now. How could you fight Ser Jaime? He is so good! Don't ever scare me like that again." As she began to deliver tiny punches to his chest. James laughed when his mother embraced him.
"Don't worry little sister. I knew what I was doing."
"Scared us both. Now I've aged another ten years thanks to that fight. My heart nearly ripped out of its chest." Catelyn said putting some of his hair behind his ear. Ned than put an arm around his son.
"Well fought son, you've made me proud. Coming to a draw with the Kingslayer is not an easy thing to do."
"Yeah James, you fought like Aemon or Barristan the Bold." he heard Bran say.
"Nothing from Arya?" James japed as Arya was standing in front of him with a smile on her face.
"Nothing I couldn't have done! I'm glad you beat him, even though it was a draw, still it was so exciting!"
Soon Robb came up to James side and Jon the other both congratulating James on his sparing with Jaime when Robert than stood in front of them. Even Theon was impressed.
"I would have beaten him though James. Us Greyjoys are good with steel." Theon japed, arrogant as ever.
"You wouldn't last two seconds." said Jon looking at Theon. Than the King spoke,
"Well fought James!" he said in his booming voice, a cup of wine in his hand.
"I always enjoy when the Kingslayer gets bested. Only seen it a few times, but I laugh each time. Good job lad." he said before walking away.
Soon the whole Stark family were walking side by side towards the rooms. All smiles on their faces, the dire wolves strutting beside their masters as well. When Lord Eddard finally spoke,
"Alright I want everyone cleaned up and ready for the feast tonight. Be on your best behavior."
AN: Sorry for this short chapter, I had the feast included but it ended up being so long that I decided to split it into two chapters. Chapter 5 will be longer. Also this is in some ways an AU. Maybe Ned Stark will live…..
