The Rebellion of Storm, Ice and Wind

by Jebest4781

While trying to find and reunite with his friends, a wayward Keybearer takes part of integral events which will greatly affect the Game of Thrones in the future. Prequel to ASoFIaH. Rated M for language, violence and lemons. Pairings hidden at current time. KHXGoT/ASoIaF CoWritten by free man writer. Please leave reviews.

2. Welcoming Feast

Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to Disney, Square-Enix, Game of Thrones/A Song of Ice and Fire or anything else. They rightfully belong to their respective owners.

"Speech"

'Thoughts'

Writing/Singing

"Foreign Language/Flashback"

-Scene Shift-

Chapter 2: Welcoming Feast

Many things were occurring from within the massive sea of tents surrounding Harrenhal. Sounds of merriment occurring in and around the territory. And countless people from practically all over Westeros strolled in with a small fraction departing from it as time went on.

It was only natural, given it's just the opening day to the illustrious and grandest tourney that'll exist in living memory and in the history books.

Much of the day was still going on until the true celebrations took place this evening with the opening feast. And in the morrow will be when the true festivities begin with the litany of events that'll span for over a week.

At that time, a great number of people are further preparing for the coming days. This meant training for the competitions, people selling and trading their wares, cooking and much prep work for a clear number of examples.

In one particular area where the Northerners were stationed and residing at this time, some commotion was occurring.

Many people, both Northerners and random onlookers created a circle of bodies surrounding something going on in the center. Nothing terrible was happening if one was wondering. They were merely being entertained by the spar occurring.

Blunted steel clashed against each other. A man ducked from a sword swing before backing away from the other. Their weapons clashed again and again in rapid succession as both individuals more or less bore smiles on their faces.

Their swords were soon deadlocked with one of the competitors speaking up.

"Ah, good. Now, do you know how to win a sword fight, Rickard?"

"How, Brandon?"

Quickly, the one who spoke first broke away by swiping his opponent's blunted blade away.

"Be the only one with a sword."

This is Brandon Stark; the firstborn son of Rickard Stark, heir to Winterfell and future Warden of the North. And his opponent was his distant cousin, Rickard Karstark; lord of Karhold.

Lunging in, the Stark got his weapon to clash with the other. With a unique twirl of his sword, he was able to disarm his sparring partner as the one sword was momentarily airborne. It was soon caught by Brandon as others laughed.

"Give the man a hand, he fought well." Said Brandon as many surrounding them gave Karstark a round of applause. He turned back and gave Rickard back his sword, who gladfully took it.

Brandon then faced the surrounding crowd as he momentarily went to the sidelines and held up a fat purse full of coins. "Who wants to have another shot at me? Winner takes all." He yelled aloud. "Who here can beat the likes of me?"

"I'll take you on." Bellowed a hearty, large man.

Brandon and a good amount of others looked over and saw Jon Umber step forward.

The young lord of the Last Hearth was a tall, strong man. Intimidating in his own right. But Brandon was of equal measure and just as fierce.

He wasn't known as the Wild Wolf for being a yellow-bellied coward.

The future Lord of Winterfell twirled his sword once, a wolf-like grin appearing on his face. "You ready, Jon?"

Lord Umber grinned back at the eldest Stark son. "Are you, Brandon?"

Chuckles emanated from the pair as they held their swords.

Jon was the first to deliver a series of swings. The Wild Wolf avoided them all, even ones aimed at his midsection with a well-placed thrusted stab.

"You don't have to kill me." Bran jokingly grumped.

"I know, but where's the fun in not doing that?"

Brandon snorted as he finally retaliated with strikes of his own.

People cheered the two on as the spar continued.

Before long, with a burst of speed, Brandon spun about and struck his taller opponent's sword. Jon Umber was disarmed, the surrounding crowd applauding the small match with Brandon basking in his win.

It was at this time when Lyanna Stark arrived, physically dragging Ventus and Howland Reed with her.

The display before them got the young She-wolf to exhale a groan as she concluded.

"This again…"

"Is there something wrong?" Asked Ventus.

"Just my brother." Said Lyanna. "Come on."

Instead of being involuntarily pulled, they walked alongside her as she dug through the amassed crowd to get to the open center.

With this, her presence was soon noticed by many, more so when she spoke up to her eldest sibling.

"Again, Brandon?"

Brandon looked over when he heard his name with an all too familiar voice and saw the look on Lyanna's face. "What do you expect me to do? Go to one of the training grounds?" He questioned his only sister, speaking up before she could give an answer. "I would, but they're all packed to the brim and unavailable for gods knows how long. Had to make due here and decided to pull a little show."

Eyes rolled when this was said. "Of course you would." She grumbled.

The elder Stark spoke aloud to many in attendance. "Alright. One more before my darling sister hounds and shouts my ears off."

Many Northerners and onlookers laughed at this.

Gray eyes looked around, seeing no one was willing to step forward and take the final spar for the day-

"You got a shortsword I could use?"

Hearing this, others looked over to where Ventus stepped forward.

There were multiple murmurs going around as the Northerners all gauged at the blond's sudden entrance, wondering just where would he hail from. With many having seen the litany of people coming from all corners of Westeros, this newcomer didn't match any style from any of the seven Kingdoms.

Some thought mayhaps the Reach or the Vale given the clothing the blue-eyed Keybearer had on or maybe the Westerlands and Crownlands with the armor pieces and coloring of his garments. Yet, despite all that, none could place just where he heralded from.

Several people wondered if the scrawny kid would match up against the heir to Winterfell. Said Northerner was one such person as he gave him a mild-bewildered look.

Lyanna, meanwhile, was a tad conflicted when seeing Ventus wanting to volunteer.

"You sure you want to fight me?" The Heir of Winterfell queried with a raised brow.

"I do." Was the blonde's response.

Brandon emitted a throaty chuckle, silently ordering someone off to the side to bring out a blunted shortsword.

"Got a name there?"

"Ventus."

An unusual one, Brandon had to admit, but one which could be easy for him to remember.

"And what exactly did you do where my sister is basically dragging you around like a lost puppy?"

"Just helped her out with something." Ven replied with a small grin, rubbing the back of his head.

Lyanna scoffed good-naturedly, shaking her head at the boy, serving to only intrigue her eldest brother more. Even Howland gave a small response to the action.

One of the Northerners handed the blue-eyed blonde the desired, blunted shortsword. Once in his grasp, Ventus twirled it in his palm before he swiftly had it in the reverse grip while squatting slightly in his standard battle position.

"You're holding your sword wrong." The Heir to Winterfell pointed out.

"I know that. I'm used to wielding a weapon like this."

It was true. For as long as he remembers, Ventus wielded his Keyblade in such a manner. Heck, his Wayward Wind was oddly designed as such.

In any case, he would've used his Keyblade in this match, but felt better to use one of the standard blunted weapons here to be on a more even ground with Lyanna's brother. Not to mention Wayward Wind was more "unique" in style in comparison to standard blades with his weapon's teeth.

'To each their own, I suppose.' Thought Brandon.

He, like many of the onlookers, thought Ventus was a tad strange for the sword stance.

Without warning, the Stark moved.

Ventus ducked under the blade aimed at his neck before swinging with his own. His opponent parried the attack before pressing in aggressively. Their blades flashed out again and met in between their bodies, locking them in place momentarily before breaking away to continue the onslaught.

The clanging sounds filled the air with the onlookers cheering them on.

Lyanna greatly hoped Brandon didn't hurt Ventus too much.

As the spar went on, the Stark slowly acted as his moniker. A wild wolf on the prowl for its adversary.

But with every strike and slash, it only met with the wind.

Visually empty and absent, you can still feel its presence. The cold bite to its heated gust. This is what Brandon seemingly met with as Ventus evaded and defended himself from the offending blows, before delivering ones of his own.

Brandon -eventually- tried to run his blonde opponent through with his blade, but Ventus was prepared for this. Dodging enough so he could slip around and get into Brandon's blind side. His quick maneuvering surprised the tall Stark as he was exposed and was struck hard from behind with an uppercut-like motion. The blunted blade ran up Brandon's back like a scythe. The force from it had him fall forward to the ground with a thud.

There was clapping and cheers all around which momentarily snapped Ventus out of the moment as he was rather focused on the fight. This fight had been quite intense from what others have witnessed of the Wild Wolf facing off against this stranger.

From the ground, Brandon let loose a hearty laugh as he got himself back up.

"Well fought, Ventus. Well fought." The heir to Winterfell praised.

The blonde smiled at him. "Thanks, you too."

The Stark's gruff voice could then be heard as he more or less addressed those around them. "Seems I have finally been bested and by none of you sorry blokes."

Once the blue-eyed blonde handed the borrowed weapon back to one of the Northerners, Brandon soon tossed the coin purse to Ventus, who easily caught it.

The Keybearer eyed the object in his grasp before looking back at Lyanna's brother. "Thanks… I guess."

"I did say I'd hand it over to the one who bested me. And I'm true to my word." The heir to Winterfell then voiced an inquiry. "Are you perhaps taking part in any of the competitions?"

"I'm taking part in the ax-throwing and the melee."

"Truly? What side are you taking part in?"

Figuring out what Brandon was referring to, Ventus gave a quick response. "Crownlands."

"Ah, good to know. Hopefully, I'll face you then for our rematch." Brandon said heartedly.

With the sparring matches having come to an end, the surrounding attendees began to disburse. Amongst them, Howland sought to sneak off but was quickly snatched by Lyanna and dragged forward to her brother.

"Brandon, a word."

"Yes, Lyanna, what's wrong?" He soon looked over and saw the person beside his sister, spotting the crocodile sigil on his attire. "A Reed? Here? You're far from the Neck, friend."

"This is Howland Reed, Bran, Greywater Watch's Heir." Lyanna's face turned furious. "And he was attacked earlier."

"One of our own was harmed?" Brandon said evenly but with a growling undertone. A storm brewed in his gray eyes, matched by his sister.

Lyanna nodded as she gestured towards Howland. There the heir to Winterfell got a better inspection and saw the few forming bruises and cuts present on his exposed flesh with his ruffled clothing.

Standing there, Brandon hears Lyanna's tale of what befell upon the Lord of the Marshes and what followed.

"Hearing those squires were beaten by the likes of you, dear sister, and Ventus here puts a smile on my face." His smile soon shifted. "Though I worry about the repercussions."

"I know and I don't care." The She-Wolf snipped. "One of our vassal lords was assaulted and I couldn't turn away from such a slight."

"And it's the right thing to do to help those in need." Added in Ventus, which Lyanna nodded in agreement.

"I concur. But we'll need to keep an eye out in case these squires fabricate a tale to the knights and lords they work under."

Such an instance isn't unheard of, lies concocted to hide the wounded truth. And from this, various political problems occur as a result.

"In any case, let's get you bandaged up properly." Brandon said to the Lord of Greywater Watch, seeing him about to object. "And I won't take a refusal for a response."

The Crannogmen looked like he was still about to decline such aid but the look the eldest Stark gave him shut any objections down.

"...I thank you, Lord Stark." The Crannogmen humbly said, a small bow of his head.

Bran then turned to the blonde teen, offering him a friendly smile.

"And in thanks for helping out one of our, I offer you a welcome place amongst our camp, Ventus."

"I wouldn't wanna impose-"

"Bah," Bran had already thrown his arm around the lad, nudging him forward. "The North Remembers, Ven, all deeds good and bad. How big and small. And we always remember a friend who helps one of our own. Now come, I bet many would love to meet the lad who knocked me on my ass."

"We won't take no for an answer." Lyanna said, coming up from behind Ventus and pushing him to where the Starks and their bannermen had set up camp.

With Howland, Ven was guided to the Stark Camp and it was quite noticeable and rather hard to miss. The camp was large and the top areas had the Stark sigil sown into the material. Even then, there were flags and banners of their House, displaying who resided here for the duration of the tourney. One such flag was raised rather high, no doubt to help people know where they resided from far away.

Nearing it, the four saw one who bore similar features as Brandon and Lyanna with his black hair, blue-gray eyes and pale skin. His attire was dark, yet loose on the fabric with the dire-wolf sigil sown onto the beast area of his tunic.

This person appeared to be wrapping up a conversation with a fellow Northerner when they arrived.

"There you are, Benjen," Lyanna remarked happily. "You just missed the extraordinary sight of Brandon being bested and falling on his ass."

The boy gaped, looking between her and Brandon, the latter of whom had a jokingly, grumpy face.

"You don't have to go declaring it to the heavens above, Lyanna." Bran said in faux-annoyance.

"You always parade yourself around." Lyanna sweetly said, reaching over to pat her older brother on his cheek. "We're meant to bring you back down."

"Well, you did so already." Bran rolled his eyes at her. "But you forgot to introduce to the man who bested me, little brother."

Benjen huffed at the title his eldest sibling used on him before his attention turned over to the blond Keybearer.

"This here is Ventus." The oldest Stark said, clapping the teen on the shoulder. "Ven, this is my youngest brother Benjen."

"Nice to meet you, Bejen." Ven cheerfully greeted, making the younger Stark smirk at his infectious smile. "You can just call me Ven for short."

"Benjen or Ben for you then." He then saw that it wasn't just Ven that came with him. Spotting Howland, his eyes were drawn to the Lizard-Lion symbol on the Crannogman's chest.

"House Reed?" Benjen said aloud. "Are you Howland, perchance?"

"You know me, My Lord?" The Crannogmen asked in slight surprise.

"Of course! Every Stark has to know their bannermen and the Lords and Heirs sworn to them." Bens sounded somewhat indignant. "Then again, all I've heard was you being the only person in your House attending this event."

"In my defense, I've never witnessed southern events before and thought I'd come to spectate." Howland remarked.

"At least it can alleviate some boredom from the usual madness my sister puts me through."

"Spoken like a true wolf." Bran proudly said, now clapping his brother on the back. "Looks like your fangs are coming in, young pup."

"Oh shut up, stupid." Lyanna said, swatting Bran's hand off Benjen. "He already has his fangs. You're just an idiot blind to see them. Now come on Howland."

Lyanna dragged Howland into the tent in order to patch up whatever wounds formed now with the others following.

Entering the tent, Ventus saw how spacious it was. Granted it had to house all of the Stark siblings who were in attendance at the event. Even then, they were the leading House of the North.

Despite their standing, the furniture seen inside of the tent was relatively simple at best. Nothing extravagant at all, due to their simplicity. Though there were a good number of furs, blankets and rugs sprawled about on the beds and floor. A tapestry was seen on one side, which was more of a blown-up map of the North. There was even a desk nearby with some chests seen at the foot of each makeshift bed.

In the corner, lying on a makeshift cot, Ventus saw a somewhat familiar person.

"Ned?"

The second son of Rickard Stark stirred on the bed when hearing his name called out. Rising and turning, he saw his other siblings with the blonde he met earlier today.

"Ventus?" Says Ned. "What are you doing here?"

"Your sister." Was Ven's immediate answer and it appeared that was enough for him as he let out a small "ah".

"I take it you met her." He said, already knowing the answer to that.

"He helped Howland from some stupid squires harassing him." Lyanna answered for the Keybearer, the blonde nodding in confirmation.

Ned looked over and regarded the Reed. "Apologies, Howland. You should not have had to endure such an issue. They should've known better."

"No need to worry about me, Lord Eddard," Howland said. "Your sister seems to be doing all that for the entire pack."

Ned chuckled at that when his sister then spoke up.

"But how do you know Ven, Ned?" Lyanna looked between her second-oldest brother and Ven. "Did you two meet already?"

"We met in the Godswood." Her brother confirmed.

Lyanna and some of the others looked at Ventus with Brandon voicing the question. "You're a follower of the Old Gods?"

"No, I merely found him napping at the Weirwood tree." Was Ned's response.

"Why were you napping there?" Bran asked.

"That's a long story." Ven admitted, rubbing his head. "One I'll tell you guys later. Don't wanna distract you from Howland."

The others nodded before Lyanna went to one of the trunks to begin pulling out items to take care of the Crannogman.

As this went on, Ned asks Ventus a question. "Did you make it into one of the events?"

"Two: ax-throwing and the melee."

"Good choices. I wish you well when you compete."

"Thanks."

The blue-eyed blonde soon hung around the Stark tent for a while, idly chatting with the Northerners. No long topics at all, only short comments which didn't seem all that important at this time.

Eventually, Ventus said a brief farewell to them as he wanted to head out and continue exploring the place.

Yet he wouldn't be leaving alone as the She-Wolf practically collided into him as he was about to make his exit from the Stark Tent.

"Oof," The Keybearer nearly stumbled out of the tent, turning back to the girl who ran into him. "Lyanna? Jeez, where are you in a rush to?"

Lyanna gave him an apologetic look for running into him before walking around him. "I've had enough time being here. I'm gonna go explore more. Hours to kill before tonight's feast. Perhaps going to the God's Eye."

"The God's Eye?" Ven repeated in confusion. "What's that?"

"You don't know about it?" Asked Lyanna, soon seeing Ventus shake his head 'no'. "Strange."

"I'm not from these parts, so I wouldn't know… a lot."

The young She-wolf snorted. "Clearly."

"Putting that aside, why do you wanna go to this God's Eye?"

"I wish to pay my respects there." The Stark girl plainly said.

Ventus tilted his head to the side a little, pondering a bit on what Ned did earlier. "Like with the Weirwoods?" He asked, seeing her nod 'yes'. "Then why not go to the Godswood nearby and do it there?"

"I did that earlier," Lyanna replied, walking out of the tent with Ven following after her. "But this is my first time so close to the God's Eye that I want to see it up close."

The Keybearer nodded. "If you want, I can tag along and you could fill me in about it."

Lyanna smiled a little. "That sounds like a wonderful idea. Let me tell my brothers first so they won't become worried about me disappearing on them."

Some minutes came and went with Lyanna informing her kin of her upcoming whereabouts before she and Ventus left the Stark tent.

From there, the She-wolf of House Stark gave him a summarized lesson about the Old Gods' religion. Of how the gods are housed within the weirwoods and how many throughout Westeros used to follow them, due to them being converted by the "Children of the Forest" millenia ago. That all changed from the Andal Invasion where in the end, the religion is mainly practiced above The Neck with the North being heavily practiced there with only a few places in the South like the Blackwoods. In the end, the God's Eye is a religious place for Northerners due to "The Pact" being said to happen there between the First Men and the Children of the Forest.

The wine sellers and food purveyors were doing a brisk trade at every moment they could for the hungry and thirsty customers. A number of women walked about, wearing certain clothing and making passes at various men; some of which eyed and flirted at Ventus. Seeing this, Lyanna practically growled them away, like a protective wolf. Ventus didn't know why she did this but only muttered under her breath which he barely picked up on, something about 'boys and whores'.

Walking through the stalls and pavilions, the pair heard a bard sing a song while playing his lute.

"...Down the road from here to there! From here! To there! Three boys, a goat, and a dancing bear."

It wouldn't be until later would the Keybearer learn the song was called "The Bear and the Maiden Fair".

There were some jugglers nearby, tossing and throwing all sorts of objects to entertain many passing by.

At one point, the pair came across a puppet stall. Ventus couldn't recall if it was the same one he saw earlier today, but he enjoyed the tale being told.

"You are no knight," said one puppeteer as he voiced a noblewoman puppet. "I know you. You are Florian the Fool."

"I am, my lady," the other puppet answered, kneeling. This looked like an odd blend of a court jester and an armored knight, who was controlled by another puppeteer. "As great a fool as ever lived, and as great a knight as well."

"A fool and a knight?" said the lady puppet. "I have never heard of such a thing."

"Sweet lady," said Florian the puppet, "all men are fools, and all men are knights, where women are concerned."

It was a good show, sad and sweet too, with a sprightly sword fight at the end with a giant involved.

Like the previous puppet show he witnessed, Ventus tossed some coins to the booth before he and Lyanna moved on.

"What story was that about?" The Keybearer asked.

"Florian and Jonquil, a good classic." Said Lyanna, who gave him a curious glance. "You sound like you've never heard of it."

"The first, actually." He admitted, gaining a contemplative and strange look from the She-Wolf.

"What did you get out of it?" She asked, seeing him rub the back of his head, mulling over the question in his mind until he shrugged.

"Don't know the whole thing, but all I got out of it was someone wanting to come in and do what's right when no one else would do so." Ven remarked. "What's your take on it?"

"To me, it's a tale romanticizing saving maidens and apparently fighting dangerous beasts."

"Is there anything else?"

"Just something I know that pertains to most nobles and knights. They have too much to lose when fighting for justice, but not for those who want to be honorable and protect others. That's what my father told me after hearing the tale for the first time."

The pair kept on walking and enjoying the sights.

Coming across a small clearing, there was a large procession of people surrounding a contraption of sorts.

"Oh good. They finally finished it." Lyanna excitedly said.

"Finished what?"

"This obstacle course I heard about." The Stark girl looped her arm around her new friend. "C'mon."

Ventus was all but dragged by Lyanna once more.

Following her, he saw something past a growing sea of people. And he got more of the inspection once making their way through the crowd.

The structure was a long strip of perhaps 100 feet or so if he guessed it right. He could be wrong, given how many people are blocking most of the view. But what Ventus could see was the litany of contraptions moving about.

On the first portion, it consisted of many sized medicine ball-like objects tied or attached to spinning beams; ranging from ones as big as a head to one's torso. There were even some paddles rotating about to knock out someone who wasn't paying attention. Even some sandbags were added in for good measure.

At the end of this, there was a gap therebetween that part and the next. It appeared to be filled with several slanted walls.

After this appeared to be elevated ladders and stationed at certain angles of going up and down. Ventus believed they were supposed to resemble monkey bars.

The last leg of it all consisted of many blunted axes and mace-like objects swinging to and fro like a pendulum. Before them were several swords swiftly shooting upward at various angles from the wooden floor all before sliding back down. This was mostly possible of the swinging and moving objects that were connected to a gear system being worked on by some donkeys moving around in circles.

All in all, for a place as primitive as this World is shaping out to be, this was certainly an oddity from Ventus's point of view. It almost seeped out of place despite being built by contraptions that seemed to come from the World.

"Beat the gauntlet and win the prize! Who's got the heart of a lion? The swiftness of a stag? Be the first to get through the gauntlet. Get up here! Get padded up and beat the gauntlet!"

Once the announcer said his piece, a commoner walked up the steps to reveal himself in padded wear to the majority of the attendees.

"Give your support to this brave, young man!"

The people cheered in their own respective manners.

The padded man took some breaths and charged through. Only made a few steps in before he was knocked off and fell to the earth below.

The man was fine, given his worn protection. And for some added help, there were mats lying on each side of the course in case of anything.

Most people laughed at the man's misfortune while others cheered for his effort.

"That looks rather fun." Commented Ventus.

"Oh it is." Said the She-wolf.

"Maybe you could participate."

"Wish I could, but it's unladylike." She said with disdain.

"Unladylike?" Ven parroted, bewildered by this word and the way in which Lyanna spat out the phrase.

"Unspoken rule with these Southerners that women shouldn't compete in such activities. Discouragement and all that." Lyanna scornfully elaborated, giving said Southerners a contemptuous look.

"...That's rather stupid." Ven bluntly said, thinking how Aqua would react to such a stupid notion.

This got Lyanna to respond with a snort, the boy missing the look of appreciation she held in her eyes.

The pair watched on, seeing another person try to go through the obstacle course. He nearly made it halfway into the first leg before being knocked off, much to the amusement of others.

Enraptured with all this, Lyanna never noticed she was alone amongst the crowd until moments later.

"Not like that, idiot!" Shouted a gruff, annoyed and slightly worried voice. "Come and get padded up first! Get down!"

Looking over, Lyanna practically jolted in her spot in the crowd, seeing the blonde teen that she thought was by her side now standing at the start of the obstacle course. Not to mention, he wasn't wearing any form of protection.

"You're mad, Ven!" She yelled out loud, trying to get to her friend through the crowd. "You'll hurt yourself!"

It was hard for Lyanna to tell if Ventus heard her or not, given the yelling enthusiasm of the attendees at the bold newcomer.

Without notice, Ventus took off.

His steps were quick, his body swerving around the incoming spheres that looked like oversized boulders made of paper Ducking and backing away from the objects with great precision. He soon jumped and quickly latched onto the swinging pole, keeping his legs up to avoid the other medicine balls.

Once in the clear, he swung from the pole and landed on the first slanted wall before quickly jumping off each one with no wasted time. Upon leaping from the final wall, he headed right toward the monkey bars. But instead of grasping onto the slanted ladders, he got a bit higher than intended and landed on top, running across with no trouble at all.

Nearing the end of the monkey bars, Ventus unintentionally showed off by leaping off and performing an extravagant front flip. Upon landing, he enacted a recovery roll, which almost caused him to get skewered by some swords jetting up from the flooring.

He avoided them when coming up to his feet rather quickly. It was from there did he rapidly dash forward and stopped several times to avoid getting hit by the swinging weapons.

Before long, he made it past through it all.

The assembly of common folk with some nobles and knights clapped and cheered for Ventus.

The announcer came up to Ventus as he descended down the small flight of stairs, handing over the prize purse as he promised to the first person to successfully cross through the contraption.

Not a few seconds after parting ways with the man did a wolf pounce on Ventus.

"What in the Seven Hells was that?!" The Stark Girl demanded, shaking his shoulders.

He recoiled when Lyanna hounded him. "What?"

"You going up there so suddenly without protection!" Lyanna argued, gesturing wildly to the contraption.

Ven looked between her and the course and shrugged a moment later. "I just thought to go in and just… do… Can ya let me up?"

Lyanna jumped off the boy, Ven getting up a second later yet the Stark girl remained in his face. "But the announcer said to get padded up!"

Ven waved that off, rotating his shoulder. "All that would've slowed me down and limited my movements."

It was a tad hard to counter that detail, as she was in agreement.

And yet…

"It's the principle of the matter!" Lyanna said, thumping the boy's chest, her tone admonishing him. "You could've gotten really hurt!"

"Ah, that was nothing." Ven confidently said. "I've been hit by waaaay worse."

Things eventually died down between the two, walking away from the obstacle course with Ventus a bit richer for the second time today.

When getting to the docks, the pair sought out one of the workers in hopes of ferrying them to the God's Eye Island; or at the very least renting out a boat.

Unfortunately for them, the worker overseeing the vicinity would not allow them to cross. Upon asking why, they learned the boat used for such trips has been taking on water; thus repairs were needed until further notice. As for the other boats, they were all being used to gather more fish and supplies for the present festivities.

The Stark girl was quite disappointed she could not make her pilgrimage to the holy site of the First Men and the Children of the Forest officiating the Pact all those millenia ago.

"We can come back at a later time, Lyanna," Ven assured. "You said this tourney was supposed to go on for a few days, yeah?"

The She-wolf nodded with reluctance. "Yes, but I just find it annoying that this would happen." She said as they walked away.

If not being able to take a boat was available at this time, the idea of swimming over there came to mind. Yet she shot that down, given she didn't know how long she'd last on the watery trek to and fro. Not to mention if she went through such an option, it'll take far longer on the trip; thus her brothers and fellow Northerners will be worried sick of her.

For now, she'll just have to be patient.

"Do you have any better idea when that would be?" Ven asked.

Lyanna pondered for some moments. "All I guess is some time prior to the opening feast. If not, then I'll just have to pray along the shoreline or try again tomorrow."

"You think that would work?"

"It's the thought that counts, Ventus. Just seeing it from afar often satisfies those who follow the Old Gods."

"Any thoughts on what you'll do now?"

"Have to go back and tell my brothers," she said with reluctance. "But after that, I can do whatever." She then eyed the blue-eyed blonde. "What about you?"

"Gonna explore, familiarize myself with the area. This is the first time I've been here after all."

With the possibility of the Unversed coming about -like the many Worlds he visited- Ventus needed to know the rough layout of the land.

"Well, if you ever get bored or tired, just remember you are always invited to spend time with us."

"Thanks, Lyanna, I'll definitely see you and your brothers later."

Lyanna nodded as they soon parted ways and hoped to see each other again later on, if possible.

-Alongside the God's Eye River Forest-

Riding in the royal wheelhouse were a handful of people of great importance. Surrounding it were men from both Dorne and the Crownlands, who would lay down their lives to protect those inside. The level of loyalty was more deepened for the Dornish guards than their Crownland counterparts.

The reason being was that those inside the carriage were from Dorne and of royal blood.

Looking out of the window on her left, Elia Martell gazed at the Riverland's green plains with a sense of tiredness. There were even the occasional bits of annoyance, due to the varying bumps in the road; courtesy of mud holes, rocks and a large tree that had fallen over. And she wasn't the only one.

"Are we there yet?" Asked a soft voice.

Elia gazed downward to see her firstborn child resting in her lap gazing up at her with her precious amethyst eyes with slight droopiness and boredom.

"We're almost there, sweety. I assure you." Elia sweetly said, a loving smile directed at her daughter.

Rhaenys nodded as she let loose a small yawn.

Elia smiled at her daughter, running her slender hand into Rhaenys' black hair before playing a little with the platinum blonde lock.

The Princess of Dorne and future Queen of the Seven Kingdoms loved her daughter with all her heart and soul. While her marriage to the Crown Prince was one contrived as political, she was still happy enough with the man she called her husband. She doubted she would ever come to truly love Rhaegar, but she could respect him and love him as much for their daughter's sake. They were friends and their marriage was their duty.

If only she didn't have to deal with the presence of the Mad King, then things would be even better.

"I sure hope so, 'cause I am clearly getting tired of being in here." Said a mature, familiar voice to the Princess.

Sitting across from Elia was her best friend and lady-in-waiting Ashara Dayne, sister to Ser Arthur Dayne of the Kingsguard and Sword of the Morning.

Her eyes were as purple as the infamous Valyrians and her figure was that of all men's and even women's want and envy. Her slightly wavy black hair was long and silky as a waterfall. Despite being a Dornishwoman, her skin was slightly pale to make her alluring. She wasn't regarded as one of, if not, the most beautiful and desirable women in the Seven Kingdoms for nothing.

"Clearly," Elia said dryly. "But I spoke the truth. I saw the Tower of Dread peaking up at the horizon."

Ashara released a relieved sigh. "That's good. That means we're close to Harrentown."

"And thus, Harrenhal."

Being in here for so long was outright boring and tedious, but it was more than such words.

With such long trips, a figurative light at the end of the tunnel is reaching one's destination and finally taking a proper rest. Yes, there are the occasional pit stops to relieve oneself or going for a small walk to stretch one's legs prior to staying at some inns or furnished tents along the way. But nothing compares to truly leaving the mode of transportation and not using it for a while. This exceeds further with traveling by ship rather than a carriage or something relatively close.

While adults could handle this far easier -through many years of experience and discipline- the same can't be said for children.

Being bundles of energy, they wish to properly move and play, or at least see something entertaining. Being confined -however- makes this difficult for them to be rowdy and annoyed among other descriptions.

Throughout all this, patience can only last so long with any person.

At least some of the boredom was relieved with those one could converse with. In Elia's case, it was with Ashara and some of her fellow Dornish who are presently guarding the wheelhouse; amongst them was her uncle and member of the Kingsguard, Lewyn Martell.

Arthur Dayne, another member of the Kingsguard and brother to Ashara, would've been with them but he was presently with Rhaegar and Ser Barristan Selmy over at Harrenhal.

More would've been present in the wheelhouse, but they were in a separate one. And such a shame too, to some capacity, as Elia, Rhaenys and Ashara went along swimmingly with them. Though there may be a trade-off, given Rhaenys' child uncle and Elia's young good-brother -Viserys- would be quite rowdy, no matter how Queen Rhaella reigns him in.

"Anything you're looking forward to now that we're so close?"

"While being here?" Said Ashara. "Lots of things, Elia."

"Like what?"

"The horse racing and singing competitions."

The princess softly smiled, visibly showing her agreement.

"Some things I'm glad we'll see in this tourney." Elia voiced. "Jousting, archery and the melee are fine, but seeing them too often makes them stale. There's also the ax-throwing, but I'd rope that with archery." Ashara snorted at the comparison. "The singers -however- will be nice."

"Oh yes. That will be quite the event to witness and bask in the merriment. Though I hope Rhaegar won't participate."

"Cause he would steal the victory." Elia stated, not questioned, which caused Ashara to exhale a sigh.

Neither Dornish didn't need to voice the issue of the crown prince when it came to the musical arts. He was really good, can't argue with that. Years of practice in honing on the medium was something Rhaegar did whenever he wasn't focused on his princely duties.

He would perform some shows out in King's Landing and give out the earnings back to the poor or use it to buy some drinks with whatever Kingsguard member was with him at the time. He'd even go out of the capital and travel for a time, just looking for inspiration to make new melodies or refining his old ones. It was the reason he garnered the nickname the Bard Prince.

Just the idea of him competing against other singers and musicians would make it feel unfair. How everyone would practically favor the crown prince more than any other competitor. And it's not because he's the Crown Prince.

It's just he really was that damn good. It would be unfair.

"It would be nice to see the racing." Voiced Ashara, wanting to change the subject for a brief time. With that said, she saw her old friend's face shift to bear a smile of yearning.

Lady Dayne knew how much Elia loved horseback riding. It was an old pastime of hers back in their younger years before she married Rhaegar. How free she was, the thrill coursing through her veins. The happiness filled her very being with laughter escaping her and heard in the air.

Since that day, it was practically impossible for her to undergo such activities for a great number of reasons.

"If I'm being really honest, I'm just happy to be away from the king." Ash remarked.

A small smile that graced Elia's face shifted at some margins as this was said.

Such a topic could be considered frowned upon. With nobles and those in court, saying such a thing is borderline treason. But such things could be overlooked, in some cases.

With several kings in the past being outright tyrannical, one had to be careful with what they said in the king's presence or anyone else's.

The cost being one's life. If you were lucky, you'd be sent to the Wall or be sent to become a Silent Sister (in the women's case). But as of late, for those who were really unlucky, you'd be burned at the stake.

With Elia, she could do without being in her good father's presence. That maddening gleam in his purple eyes always sent chills down her spine and many others.

She despised him on a personal note. Not only does he insult her and her homeland, but her daughter!

For a while, Aerys thought Rhaenys wasn't his grandchild at all, due to how she came out of her mother's womb. Proclaiming she wasn't Valyrian blood at all but straight-up Dornish. Outright calling her a whore in open court, with her daughter being a bastard much to her displeasure. It was only when Rhaenys started showing some of her Valyrian traits with the amethyst eyes breaking out of the Dornish coals with the streak of silvery gold appearing in her dark hair did Aerys start to concede.

This didn't lessen the snide remarks and comments about her at all; no matter how hard Rhaella and Rhaegar say or do.

Many times since her marriage with Rhaegar, Elia greatly wanted to be out of the Red Keep and away from Aerys. Yet the king all but ordered the guards to keep her confined to the capital, making it rather uncomfortable for the Martell on occasions.

The only place she was able to head off to and be away from her good-father was Dragonstone, but she'd rather not go there unless necessary.

The old Targaryen seat of power, the island where the heir of the Iron Throne resides, can be considered prestigious. The island, however, was just a cold dark place for her.

Elia greatly prefers warmer areas. It's in her blood after all.

If she couldn't go back to Dorne, she'd honestly prefer going to another Targaryen-owned plot of land: Summerhall… if it weren't a desolate ruin that hasn't been repaired since that infamous fire on the night of Rhaegar's birth.

Her mental ramblings were cut short when commotion could be heard from outside of the wheelhouse.

Before Elia could ask what was wrong, something happened.

The familiar whistling sound of arrows cut through the air before thudding sounds replaced them, indicating them hitting something as a result. Her heart practically jumped out of her chest when small metal points pierced the side of the wheelhouse.

"Bandits!" Yelled one of the guards.

"Protect the carriage!" Elia heard her beloved uncle say.

With this set of commotion, Rhaenys was quickly awoken from her brief slumber. She was bewildered but clutched onto her mother, who protectively held her close. The commotion outside alarmed the child, Elia quickly whispered for her to stay calm and keep holding onto her as her best friend immediately joined her side.

Elia and Ashara greatly fought the urge to open the small compartments and peer out of the nearby window. All they could do was guess the number of brigands attacking the traveling party and their escorts as the battle commenced.

Whoever dared attack them while so close to Harrenhal must be stupid, challenging, or desperate. Whatever the case may be, it was truly hard to tell what was going on until this conflict was over.

Something soon happened as the wheelhouse started to move rather suddenly. The horses took off and went to gods knows where while their transport lurched to the one side.

Elia and Ashara looked at one another in terror, hearing the sounds of those they knew calling for the carriage to stop. They heard something fall from the front of the carriage and out of the corner of her eye, the Princess saw who it was.

The horses were frightened by the attack with their handler having been slain by a few arrows. When one of the reins holding them to the carriage was cut, it finally caused the horses to act. They rushed forward, pulling the wheelhouse behind them through due to the cut rein the cart leaned heavily to one side.

As the royal carriage took off, Elia protected her precious daughter, feeling Ashara wrap her arms around them both while the horses rushed forward uncontrollably.

"We need to get out of this!" Said the Dayne.

"But what if-"

Elia's words died when a harsh bump on the road caused the carriage to lurch up and swing uncontrollably.

"It's too dangerous to stay." Ashara argued, grabbing Elia and pulled her close, the Princess holding onto her daughter who was now nervously clutching her mother tightly.

The Martell could only nod now as they went to open the door.

The moment it went out, the door practically broke off as it struck a tree, due to how fast the carriage was moving. This gave them a big opening to leap out from.

Ashara was ready to protect her dear friend and her surrogate niece when Elia spoke.

"When we get out, Rhaenys, cling onto me and don't let go." The mother whispered into her daughter's ear, her best friend overhearing this.

"What?! Elia, you can't-"

"We can and we will!" The princess said with determination now. She soon looked down at her daughter, trying to be strong. "Rhaenys, you'll be okay. We'll make it through this, I swear."

Her little girl could only nod as she clung onto her mother and "aunty" as she was mushed between them. The two Dornish women would use themselves to protect the young princess with their bodies when they'll leap out and roll for recovery.

Hopefully, there aren't any sharp rocks, problematic tree roots, or anything that's hazardous to make the landing possibly worse.

Eventually, a sharp neigh was heard with the carriage screeching to a halt. This caused them to lurch to the side and brace when colliding against the wall.

Both women soon recovered from the impact, looking at one another in surprise as they were ready to jump moments earlier only for the "joyride" to abruptly end.

Wordlessly, despite Elia's silent grasping at her arm to prevent her from doing so, Ashara stuck her head out of the carriage.

She looked around, briefly glancing at the arrows and bolts lodged into the outer hull of their transport. From there her amethyst eyes spotted the horses, seeing one dead and another missing with the reins having been broken and having taken off moments ago. It seems the other must've broken free from its harness and run off.

Yet when seeing the dead horse, she saw something amiss.

"We're not alone." She said, leaning back into the carriage.

"What?" Asks Elia.

"The only horse left, there were other bolts lodged into it." Ashara said with dread. "One of the bandits is near. We need to get out of here now."

"What of the guards? Uncle Lewyn?"

"Not here. We need to go to them now." Ashara stressed out.

Much as she was against this, wanting to barricade themselves into the wheelhouse, Elia nodded. She quickly patted her leg, feeling a small dagger beneath her fabric and silently thanked her younger brother for the gift and took it into her hand.

She wasn't a warrior like Oberyn but her brother made sure to show her a few tricks if ever it was needed and gifted her with a small knife that she could easily hide on her person.

They had to tread carefully, hiding as best as possible until possible salvation.

Wherever they could hide. The area was open so really, all they could do was run.

With hurried steps, the Dornish women were making their way through the forestation.

It was hard to tell which way they were actually going as they were lost due to this ordeal. That was until Ashara saw the wheel tracks of the carriage and pointed them out, giving the ladies a means of getting back to their guards.

On occasion, they had to duck into the foliage to hide from the potential bandits when they heard hoofbeats drawing near. Other moments it was pressing themselves up against a tree. And in those moments, Elia did her best to hush her precious daughter so they wouldn't be spotted. After a minute of hiding on each near encounter, they resumed their escape.

Rinse and repeat, over and over again. It was frightening for them, more so for the young Rhaenys.

However, one encounter changed all that when the Dornish heard relative sounds of dismounting with blades being drawn from their sheathes. Following them was them cutting through the foliage and got close to their position.

"Well, well, well. What have we here?" Said a snide, unsettling voice.

This caused them to panic and take off.

Sadly, the two women didn't make it far on foot when they found themselves surrounded.

There were seven or so men present, yet one stood out the most.

He wore all-black armor and had an old sword in one hand and a shield in the other. No symbols were on his armor or gear to designate his affiliation, yet he wore an unsettling smile that stretched across his face like a loon.

Seeing this detail made the princess very confused and voiced her thoughts.

"The Smiling Knight?" A thoroughly stunned and baffled Elia exclaimed. "I thought Ser Arthur-"

"Killed my lord, he did." Said the bandit, correcting the Martell, holding aloft the weapons he had in his hands. "But his legacy lives on. I have taken up his arms and armor so I may carry on his legacy of our just cause."

Yes, a cause that led to the ruin of many in the Crownlands, Riverlands and the Stormlands for quite some time. The Kingswood Brotherhood is an infamous bandit group known for attacking one land before fleeing to another, preventing soldiers from pursuing them for complicated political matters.

Since lords could not send their soldiers into the lands of other lords, without working through proper channels, it was the perfect shield to prevent capture. Only the king's men had that kind of authority but were content to ignore them.

That issue, however, changed when Ser Arthur Dayne pleaded his case to the king and convinced him to allow him and others to take care of the issue personally.

They succeeded in taking them down, but it appears not every one of the Brotherhood was taken care of. Like the one leading archer of the group presently stationed at the Wall, there might've been unforeseen remnants.

That was the apparent case with this second Smiling Knight.

'Should've noticed he wasn't his predecessor.' Thought Elia. 'Arthur described him more depraved with his teeth and gauntish looks.'

"But to think." The current Smiling Knight chuckled. "We have two lovely, Dornish whores for the taking. Not just whores, but a highborn, a future queen and her heir."

The Princess and her Lady-In-Waiting froze, grabbing each other's hands tightly.

They knew who they were.

Elia was shaking, holding Rhaenys, making sure her face was in her chest to keep the child from seeing such frightening men.

On her other hand was her dagger, Ashara pressed against her defensively.

"You will not get away from this." Elia said sternly. "My husband and our families will hunt and put you all down like the dogs you are."

The Smiling Knight and his men all laughed uproariously at the threat.

"Will that even matter with you dead and gone?" The Knight inquired, a manic gleam in his eyes.

He then signaled to his men to take them. Elia and Ashara froze up, the former pointing her dagger at them, jerking her arm at all of them. The Dayne soon pulled out her own dagger to join her friend in defending not just themselves but young Rhaenys.

They all laughed at her futile attempt at a defense, their swords all having been drawn.

Just when they were getting close, something unexpected happened.

Diving down from above, a figure landed right in front of the ladies and from his landing came an odd blast of wind that sent the bandits flying back.

Elia and Ashara's eyes widened considerably at their sudden savior and it increased upon seeing the newcomer whip his hand back and in a flash of light, a bizarre, Key-like weapon appeared in his hand.

It was held in a backhand grip, the young man getting into an unusual stance as he faced the bandits.

The gang members were quick to get back onto their feet, looking towards the new arrival in mixed bewilderment.

"Who the fuck-"

"What is wrong with you people?!" The newcomer angrily shouted. "Attacking innocent people? How could you even consider that?!"

"Oh fuck me, we got ourselves a bleedin' heart Green Boy! Get 'im!" The Smiling Knight shouted at his men, jolting them out of their stunned stupor.

They all fumbled momentarily before charging at the kid.

Ventus narrowed his eyes, not focusing on them and instead on who was behind them.

One bandit whirled his crossbow at him, pulling the trigger. The bolt flew across the air, intending to make its mark. However, it was swiftly batted out of the way with the unusual-looking sword the young blonde wielded.

Said person swiftly dashed forward, swinging his Keyblade and bashing the man's arm. It practically snapped back in a painful manner. The bandit was about to yell in pain but was quickly shut up when Ventus clubbed him with a quick follow-up attack.

A pair of thugs charged forward, seeking to take down the blue-eyed blonde.

One came in with a downward swing, which was swiftly parried and batted away before Ventus spun around to knock him away into a tree. He came up with some bit of recovery but was knocked out with a club strike to the head.

The other bandit was soon struck down before he knew it once he came in with an upward swing, having the sword knocked out of his grasp with a snap of his wrists on Ventus' retaliating blow. Following this was him performing a backflip, having his uniquely armored shoes kick his head back to render him unconscious.

Through this action, in a stunning display of speed and maneuverability that seemed to defy reality, Ven jumped nearly several feet to the right of one of the bandits, landing away from him before jumping forward, covering the distance and taking him out with a single strike to the jaw. The man's head whipped around, his eyes rolling back as he fell to the ground.

Before long, Ventus took out all the bandits that were here all save for one who had managed to sneak up on the Dornish trio in the midst of the fight.

"RHAENYS!"

Ventus whirled over, seeing the second Smiling Knight wrench young Rhaenys out of her mother's embrace. The Targaryen wailed in fright, reaching out to Elia who screamed for her only to get kicked back, Ashara getting one for good measure.

"Shut up, you fucking brat." The Smiling Knight yelled at her, causing Rhaenys to only cry out more. A knife was drawn, held right up to Rhaenys in a threatening manner as he backed away. "You know the deal, boy. Take one step and I'll water the ground with her blood."

"Rhaenys." Elia all but wailed, reaching for her daughter with Ashara holding her back, both women tearing up in paralyzing fear at the thought of seeing the child get killed.

Ven felt an unusually powerful surge of rage taking over, the teen glaring at the man.

"You coward!" He shouted. "Let her go!"

"If you want her to live, keep back." The man threatened, pressing the knife closer to Rhaenys. "I ain't jesting."

To emphasize this, he drew a bit of blood from the girl's cheek; even if unintentionally due to Rhaenys' squirming in his grasp. The girl was now weeping, constantly calling out for her mother with Elia desperately reaching out to her in vain.

Despite him being called the "Smiling Knight" he was more snarling than smiling, ignoring the two women and keeping his focus solely on the boy.

"Toss that sword of yours over here, now!"

After a brief moment, Ventus complied, tossing Wayward Wind over to the young princess's captor. He crouched down and grabbed the Keyblade into his hand, finding some discomfort in holding it but still managed to hold onto it while keeping Rhaenys in the same arm.

"I don't know who you are and where you came from, but you just had to ruin months of planning." Said the bandit leader. "No matter, I'll be sure to mend this issue."

"You sure about that?" Ven challenged. "Where can you even run right now?"

"Don't fuck with me, boy." The Smiling Knight growled, teeth bared. "I have my men and they'll come to assist my escape with the young princess here."

Ven only scoffed. "I doubt that. Saw a bunch of them being taken care of by others on my way here."

This got Elia and Ashara to feel a surge of hope in their hearts. The guards were on their way! But for how long was the question. It may feel like hours, given the present predicament.

"Maybe, maybe not. You could be delaying, stalling for time." The second Smiling Knight was backing away. "But you? Trying to be a hero? Playing as a knight? I'd say you're a fool with your actions here, boy."

"I'm a bit of both when the innocent and defenseless are concerned." Ventus declared without an ounce of shame.

The Smiling Knight sneered derisively. "Aren't you a bloody hero? But you're a fool in thinking you'll get a happy ending. I may not get these two-"

He moved and pointed his pilfered weapon at Elia and Ashara and that moment was all Ven needed.

From his point of view, time slowed as he lunged forward and held out his hand.

Elia and Ashara saw this and opened their mouths for him to stop but then another shocking sight occurred.

The Keyblade the Smiling Knight held vanished, surprising the man.

"What the-"

In what could be an impossibly swift movement, Ventus' form appeared blurred as he apparently disappeared. The Smiling Knight soon registered a strike against his blind side, forcing him to let go of his young hostage who was scooped up by Ven.

Next thing he knew, he was sent flying into a toppled-over tree.

Unlike his predecessor, this Smiling Knight wasn't smiling at all when he was defeated. All he bore was one out of shock and surprise.

Not just defeated, but impaled on a broken branch and bleeding out to death.

The last thing he saw was Ventus, princess in one hand and the Keyblade Wayward Wind in the other.

The blonde was quick to move the young Targaryen away so she wouldn't see the grizzly sight. Even he was disturbed by what just happened.

Ven just killed a man…

Taking out Unversed was one thing but…

The teen heard a sniffle, breaking him out of his stupor. Looking in his other arm, he saw the girl he had saved practically shaking like a leaf.

'He was going to kill her.' Ven realized in horror. 'If I didn't act… she could've died.'

After some moments, he uncovered the quivering girl and gave her a soft, reassuring smile.

"Hey." Ventus softly said, holding up Rhaenys in his arms. "You alright?"

The Targaryen girl moved her hands away from her eyes and they landed upon her savior and upon seeing the eyes of Ven, Rhaenys ceased to cry.

The young child could only stare at the teen in awe, enraptured by his eyes. Though she was still shivering from the experience, the boy's aura calmed her down considerably, him wiping her tears away a moment later.

"Rhaenys!" Cried out a voice and Ven turned to see Elia and Ashara rushing over to them.

Wordlessly, he held out the child who was taken into the arms of her mother, both women smothering the girl with relieved, loving hugs and kisses.

Rhaenys cried slightly upon being reunited with her mother, clinging onto her for dear life.

The young blond smiled at the sight, a relieving one to be sure.

After making sure her daughter was unharmed for the most part, the future queen then turned her attention to their savior.

"I can't thank you enough, good Ser." Elia said, unable to fully express her gratitude properly. "Might we know the name of our hero?"

The boy chuckled, blushing bashfully at what she just called him and despite what had just happened, Elia found herself smiling at his reaction.

"I'm Ventus, though I often go by Ven." Said the Keybearer. "And you?"

"I'm Elia, this is Ashara and you clearly know Rhaenys' name." The Dornish Princess said, lightly bouncing her daughter. "Well met, Ser Ventus. You have done me and the realm a great service."

"Nice to meet you, despite the circumstances. And uh, I'm actually not a knight." He said, not seeing the looks of surprise from the women. Ven had turned away momentarily to check on the area around them before waving out his hand for them to follow. "C'mon, we should get going. I don't know if there are still other bandits roaming around here but better to be safe than sorry."

The Dornish women nodded as they stayed close to their savior with the unusual weapon in his possession. There was an innate desire to ask just what that weapon was and more, how is it that he conjured it from thin air. It had to be magic, without question.

But those questions were overruled by their want to get to a more safe and secure location, preferably with a lot of guards surrounding them.

The group moved at a decent pace, trying to get out of the forest as quickly as possible. Focusing on their surroundings both sight and sound, it took some workaround to figure out if they were actually going in the right direction or not.

At one point, it appeared they were closer to the end upon seeing several individuals near the forest's edge. They were all armored, most being covered in yellow and orange fabrics while the rest were in red and black.

Amongst these people was one person wearing distinct steel gray with a white cloak and scaled armor that had the sigil of House Targaryen on the chest plate. His features were hidden by his worn helmet, yet his voice was clear to be heard.

"Keep looking for them." The man commanded with authority. "I don't care if it'll take hours. I want my niece-"

"UNCLE!" Elia exclaimed at the top of her lungs

The Kingsguard whipped his head around with others following. Soon enough, their eyes landed upon the Dornish princess running forward and waving one hand while the other held onto little Rhaenys. Behind her was the lady Ashara Dayne and some blonde teenage boy.

Lewyn Martell's horse galloped to them. Once close enough, the former prince of Dorne all but lept off his steed and enveloped his blood relative into his arms.

"Thank the gods you're alright!" He said aloud. "I was so worried!"

"You have no idea, Uncle Lewyn." Elia tearfully said.

They soon felt squirming in between them, making the Kingsguard break the embrace.

"I'm sorry, little Rhaenys," Lewyn said with a strained chuckle. "Shouldn't have hugged too tightly with you in between."

"It's fine, gruncle Lewyn." Rhaenys said, hugging the Kingsguard who tearfully laughed, ruffling her hair.

"Gruncle?" Ventus voiced aloud.

"Rhaenys came up with it." Said Ashara with a fond smile. "Combining great-uncle together."

"Gruncle." Ventus muttered, smirking a moment later. "Sounds appropriate."

This conversation was noticed when Lewyn finally took note of the unfamiliar person amongst the familiar faces.

"Who is this?" He asked in a guarded manner.

"This is Ventus. We owe him a great deal, Ser Lewyn. Our lives." Said Ashara.

"Did he now?" Said Lewyn, soon seeing the nods he received from his niece and her best friend. He gave the boy a scrutinizing gaze before humming in thought.

"Tell me more along the way. It's best not to dwell here any more than we already have. The forest is still not safe."

With this said, the Kingsguard hoisted his niece and grand-niece onto his stallion and held the reins for guidance. Another guard offered up his horse to Lady Ashara so she too wouldn't travel on foot. As for Ventus, he walked alongside Lewyn and the other guards to help escort the young Princess, the future queen, and her lady-in-waiting.

"So, Ventus, yes? Lady Ashara stated that you saved their lives." Lewyn said, striking up a conversation with the keybearer.

"Well…" Once more, the blond teen had a bashful face, looking away from the Knight. "I mean… I had to do it. They were in danger."

Now most would assume this boy would be playing up an act or a murmur given the nature of people many present have been exposed to coming from King's Landing. But hearing the tone in his voice and the way he carried himself, there wasn't an ounce of deceit when the teen tried to play off his heroics. There was only one thing that crossed the minds of Elia and Ashara as they trekked the rest of the way to Harrenhal.

Ventus perhaps had the makings of a true knight or even more than that; A true hero. No doubt his name will spread far and wide with what he's done here.

-Nighttime-

Under the great roof of Harrenhal, the opening feast commenced. No one really knew when it unofficially began with many nobles and knights began piling in and making themselves comfortable.

The workers and servants mildly enjoyed themselves as they served many in attendance, but couldn't take part in such festivities. They were on duty and were quite busy for the duration of the evening.

The commoners who were attending this tourney were outside as they weren't invited to witness the proceedings. The majority didn't mind, knowing their place while others complained.

Let the nobles and knights have their own fun and let the small folk have theirs. They most certainly did with all the singing and merriment one could hear if they went outside.

Back inside Harrenhal, the Hall of a Hundred Hearths didn't and did live up to its name. Reason is that despite indeed having a hundred hearths, less than half of them were lit at this time with the rest being… a smoldering pile that remained almost 300 years after Aegon's Conquest. Regardless, the vicinity is able to fit a literal army here.

The space was warm and filled with revelry and music. Men and women drank and ate and talked and danced. At some tables, lords and knights shared tales of their latest hunt, or fight, or joust whilst others bragged about their wives, whores and sexual conquests. With the ladies, they merely gossiped about anything with the mild rumors they'd heard in the kingdoms or beyond.

Outside of such topics, various individuals shared news and developments that could impact their standings. Most believed much may occur during this tourney with new deals and impacts being done in such a momentous event that'll span over a week.

Yet many conversations soon shifted to a topic that began spreading like wildfyre, pertaining to an individual who stood out the most.

Most nobles and knights could've thought of him as some odd-looking commoner or hedge knight with his odd assortment of clothing and armor. With the ladies, however, such talk was similar to the men's but more focused on how unique and handsome he is at his age.

In the end, they all wondered how he is freely walking around the highborn and privileged.

The only way for one lower of such social and political standing to perhaps be in the vicinity was to be granted permission by a noble or knight. But for this person in particular, he most certainly was granted entry to dine with all these people.

Reason why was rather simple, yet extremely important.

With the aforementioned individual, Ventus reminisces a bit about how he wound up here.

Earlier, he was gliding through the air sometime after parting ways from Lyanna and from the Harrenhal vicinity. He still wanted to survey the area and find any potential Unversed when he saw the ruckus on the forest road leading up to the territory.

For the briefest of moments, he thought the Unversed were involved. Much to his surprise, it was merely the locals fighting amongst themselves with bandits fighting the guards of some noble or someone important.

He just didn't expect his coming actions would've saved a highborn lady, let alone the literal princess of the realm and her daughter.

Well, Elia was indeed a princess, one of House Martell and the liege lords of the Dornish. But more than that, she was considered a High Princess if one were to be weirdly technical, once she married the Prince Rhaegar of House Targaryen; thus becoming the future queen of Westeros.

When he got a proper look at her, Ven found himself admitting that she was more beautiful than Princess Aurora.

It wasn't merely due to looks, but there was an internal beauty that enhanced her outer one.

Ashara was an equal contender, which Ventus soon learned had many people seeking her attention and favor.

It was through them did he learn a good number of things in preparation for tonight. Not to mention meeting all sorts of individuals.

"Ventus, there you are." Said a sly, male voice that had a mischievous edge to it.

"We were looking all over for you since we parted earlier." Spoke an equally trouble-making female voice.

Like these two, sort of. More like a reunion.

Glancing over, he was approached by the brother of Elia, Oberyn Martell and with him, his paramour Ellaria Sand right by his side as she always appears to be.

The Dornish prince had his hair combed back, revealing the early stages of his widow's peak. He wore an orange velvet doublet with the emblem of his house. Over it, Oberyn wore a jerkin. The outfit was complete by the typical breeches of the same color scheme and brown leather boots.

His paramour's dress was eggshell white, highlighting her olive skin. Her dark hair was braided with golden-bronze bands and decorated with a few flowers native to Dorne. And hanging around her neck was a necklace with an orange gem.

"Oberyn, Ellaria." Ventus greeted them pleasantly.

"Enjoying the festivities so far?" Oberyn asked, leaning upon a nearby table casually.

Ventus shrugged in response. "More or less. Just never been to one of these before. It's quite overwhelming."

A curious look marred both Dornish faces.

"A ball or a festival?" Oberyn asks.

"Both."

"Such a shame," Ellaria commented. "Never experiencing such events."

"Hey, I told you before, I only lived with three others. We hardly left our home at all." Ven argued.

Nods of understanding were given.

"Hopefully you being here will rectify it in a marvelous way." Oberyn said with a gleam in his eyes that Ven missed.

"It just might." Said the Keybearer.

"And mayhaps we can repay your deed during your stay." The brother tacked on making Ven roll his eyes good-naturedly.

When Ventus returned to Harrenhal, he was practically escorted by the royal guard and Dornish entourage into the castle. Along the way, they met up with Prince Oberyn and his paramour who were clearly surprised by the latest bit of news with the daring bandit attack on the royal carriage. Oberyn displayed an immediate burst of fury that was quelled by his uncle and sister, telling him of Ventus' deeds of heroism. Further introductions were made, having Ventus bring up how he met Oberyn and Ellaria to Elia and Ashara and vice versa.

There were several others Ventus met at this point in time, but we'll come back to them later.

Ever since then, Oberyn proclaimed Ventus to be his friend for his actions towards his House and ally as well as an immeasurable debt, from the realm, House Martell and above all, a grateful brother. Ventus said he didn't have to go that far, but the Viper insisted in which the Keybearer eventually relented; only stating he just wanted to be a normal friend and nothing more. A humble response they accepted.

"You don't have to, guys." Ven sheepishly said.

"Unfortunately, it appears we're going to have to insist, Ven." Ellaria encouraged.

"Once more, we can't thank you enough for protecting Ashara, my sister and niece." Said the Red Viper. "They mean a lot to us."

"And here I thought you said only your sister was a mother hen." Ventus teased the Dornish prince. "You ain't so different."

This got a giggle from Ellaria while Oberyn chuckled.

"When it comes to my friends and family, most certainly." The Red Viper soon smirked when his sharp eyes caught onto something. "And speaking of family…"

Shifting to meet Oberyn's line of sight, Ventus smiled at the coming arrival.

Elia was in a gorgeous, orange gown with a few accessories out of gold and silver on her head, arms, and fingers. Her hair was nicely done as well as it helped frame her face.

And hanging off her arm, grasping her hand, was little Rhaenys. She wore a nice dress suitable for her size and age. And clasping from part of her dress was a three-headed dragon pin to compliment her paternal House colors. And with her cheek, a small bandage was there to help cover up the stitched cut the second Smiling Knight gave her.

Once Ventus was in her line of sight, Rhaenys let go of her mother's hand and all but ran to him. She glomped his legs and hugged him.

"Hey, what's this for?" He asked in amused surprise.

"Thank you." He heard her mumble.

Getting the message, Ventus smiled and patted her head. In turn, she looked up with a beaming smile from the act.

"Rhaenys." Said Elia, mixed with displeasure and happiness on the scene. "Please don't run off like that."

"Let her be." Said her brother, going over to tussle his niece's hair, with Rhaenys giggling at the gesture. "She just got excited seeing her hero again."

"I don't mind," Ventus assured the mother. "She went through a harrowing experience. She just needs some help getting over what happened."

"Hopefully it won't be a long while." Says Ellaria with a rather somber tone, Oberyn lightly squeezing her hand.

Seeing how his niece clung to the blue-eyed blonde, a mischievous look crossed the Viper's face.

"Careful, sister. He may look innocent and dashing but Ventus may steal your daughter's attention away from you. Mayhaps Ashara as well as her favorite person."

A mock gasp was heard from Elia. "He wouldn't dare."

The Keybearer turned his attention away from the little princess to look at the child's mother. "Wait, what?"

"You want to take my child from me?"

"Ventus, how could you?" Ellaria exclaimed in false aghast anger.

The young man balked at the two "angry" Dornish women. He didn't know what to do in this situation. And it didn't help with Rhaenys clinging onto him more.

This little spectacle got a good laugh from the Red Viper, which had his sister and paramour laugh in turn soon after.

Soon realizing what was happening, Ventus gave them a bland look.

"Ha, ha. Very funny."

"Jests aside, what have you exactly done since the feast began?" Elia inquired.

"Wandered about. Grabbed some food. Got something to drink. Listened to the music." Ven listed off with a shrug. "Saw a lot of banners, that's for sure."

"And…?" Elia expectantly said.

He gave the princess a look. "And what?"

She gestured to the center of the hall where a number of couples were swaying to the music. "Have you danced? I do believe I haven't seen you once participating in the dances."

"Uh… No…" He saw their looks, having him explain a little. "I just wanted a good look around, familiarizing myself with the hall's layout."

"That's all you've been doing." Oberyn countered with a roll of his eyes. "You'll have plenty of time for that in the coming days."

"Have you thought of asking someone to dance with you?" Ellaria inquired, amused at the reaction from the boy as he scratched his cheek in response.

"Eh… Wouldn't really know who to ask." Ven shyly said.

Oberyn snorts. "You really sure? There's plenty of women here who would love the chance to dance with the young, dashing hero."

"And I wouldn't know any of them, aside from you two," Ventus gestured to Ellaria and Elia, "Ashara and one other."

"Then why not ask?" Ellaria asked.

"I just… don't… know…" Ven trailed off, shuffling his feet slightly, with some difficulty as Rhaenys was still attached to him. All the while mumbling that last bit with no one able to discern it.

Yet for the Dornish Princess, the pieces fell into place.

Elia had a look in her eyes, analyzing the young man before them. A thought crossed her mind as to why he seemed hesitant on giving a desired answer.

"Don't tell me," She gasped dramatically, throwing her hands up to her cheeks for added effect. "Could it be that the chivalrous warrior Ventus does not know how to dance?"

This got some teasing reactions from her fellow Dornish when realizing this. And as for Rhaenys, she merely looked up to her savior with some confusion.

Ventus' cheeks flushed with some bit of embarrassment. "Hey, I was never taught before, alright? The idea never came up… like at all."

She laughed before giving him a smile. "Would you like me to teach you?"

Rather than deny such a request, the idea of such a novel experience interested the boy and he gave her a shy smile. "If you don't mind."

Elia felt a tingle in her chest at seeing the boy in such a state, a glint in her eyes as she took Ven's hand into her own. "Guess we'll find out. Care for a dance?"

Once handing her daughter to her brother, the future queen of the realm all but dragged her savior to the dance floor, but stayed at the edge.

"Alright, to basically work through this, have your hand here and your other hand grasped with mine. After that-"

Ventus was mildly distracted with them close together. Not too close, but enough for him to smell the nice perfume she wore, being of spices and citrus fruits.

It was through that did he practically become stiff as a board when she placed his hands elsewhere. While his left hand was fine clasping with her right, he felt odd when his other was placed on her waist.

Elia took notice of his reaction and spoke. "Relax~" She said playfully, yet instructive. Due to him being a head shorter than the princes, he had to look up in order to meet her gaze. "We're gonna take it nice and slow, just follow my feet." Elia told him gently before she began to move.

It was weird with her taking the lead, but given she was giving Ventus dance lessons in a public space reactions varied. All the Keybearer could do was put up the effort in keeping up with his first-ever dance partner.

Dancing suddenly became more pleasant than he would've thought. As their dance progressed, his movements became more confident and Ventus did little to hinder the bright smile that formed on his face.

"Enjoying ourselves?"

"You bet." Ven cheerfully said. "Never had this type of fun."

"You're a bit of a natural." Elia compliments him. "You'd just need to refine it."

"Thanks. It's just not as hard as I thought it would be." Ven bashfully said. "You're a great teacher."

"Probably with how you learned how to fight."

Ven's head bobbed side to side. "You could say that."

Soon a mischievous smile graced her features, one which reminded Ventus that she was Oberyn's sibling.

"Then let's pick things up, shall we?"

"Wait, Elia-"

Ventus yelped as she practically took further control of the situation. Off to the side, Oberyn and Ellaria openly laughed when they saw the display occur. As for Rhaenys, she watched on, clapping on the bit of entertainment she was witnessing.

They weren't the only ones seeing them, given there were many onlookers. Some mumbles and whispers could be made out, but hard to discern. No doubt it was about them, one way or another. After all, some form of entertainment with the high-born was gossip.

All Ventus could focus on was his movements, not wanting to embarrass himself and the princess of the realm. For the most part, he had to remind himself that dancing was akin to how he fought on the battlefield. But instead of against the enemies he's been facing these past days, it was more orderly than chaotic in working alongside Princess Elia.

Just a lot going through his mind at this time.

Miraculously, he was doing well enough to focus on the beautiful future queen of Westeros. Said individual was clearly enjoying herself. Her smile was ever present which seemed infectious as Ventus bore one of his own.

Eventually, their little dance lesson came to an end.

They soon broke away, Elia giving him a curtsey whereas Ventus gave her a bow.

Making their way back to the others, Oberyn was the first to speak.

"Clearly you enjoyed your lesson, Ven." The Red Viper teased, though the more subtle hint at what he was insinuating was completely lost on the blonde Keyblade wielder.

"I did."

"Tell me, was it easier than learning how to fight?"

"...Eh…" Blue eyes shifted to Elia, who made him feel a tad worried on how to actually answer. "I don't know how to respond to that. I guess?"

"Smart." Said Oberyn, earning an elbow to the ribs by his sister.

"How about another dance partner?" Says Ellaria. "Someone far easier for you to handle."

"Oh? Who?"

Little Rhaenys was pretty much handed off to Ventus.

Blue eyes blinked in brief confusion before their owner chuckled a little.

"Care for a dance, little lady?"

Rhaenys pouted a little. "I'm not a lady, I'm a princess."

"Right. My mistake." He says playfully. "Mind having a dance with me, princess?"

The young Targaryen gave out an enthusiastic nod.

The three adults couldn't help but coo at the sight, having Rhaenys' feet placed onto Ventus' with her hands grasped by his. With that, he slightly moved in an awkward manner, having the little princess dance with her present partner, who hunched over her.

"Now that's adorable." Says Ellaria.

Elia gave a small nod. "A shame Ashara isn't near seeing this."

"She might be. Just have to look harder." Said Oberyn, turning his head side to side to find their old childhood friend.

Focusing more and overseeing their bit of entertainment at this time, the siblings and paramour conversed.

"It's nice to see Rhaenys happy like this, despite what happened in the forest."

"She needs friends." Her brother said bluntly. "She hardly has anyone close to her age to spend time with. The only one close is her little uncle Viserys."

"Gods I wish we could get others at the Keep, but Aerys says otherwise." Elia murmured, both in fear and distaste of the madman.

It was an unofficial tradition of having others of similar age brought to one home or another. Fostering promotes better bonds, unions and friendships for the future of any and all Houses. They can even be great learning experiences for the children.

However, with Aerys' latest string of paranoia, he would believe those who Elia invites to the Red Keep are in fact enemies instead of allies. The same would occur with the children brought with the guests. Poisoning his only grandchild and second son with such foreign thoughts and ideas. Ha! Like he really cared for Rhaenys in the first place.

Such thoughts are just crazy talk. Elia doesn't intend on doing such a thing at all. She merely wants things to prosper for the next generation in the most healthy way possible.

Oberyn let loose a soft sigh. "Still a shame Doran and his family couldn't attend."

"They have their reasons and we can respect them." Said his older sister.

"I know, but it would be good for Arianne to spend time with her cousin again. She misses her dearly."

"At least Uncle Lewyn is here to share our extended gratitude for Ven here."

"Where is he anyways?" Oberyn asked, now trying to spot their knightly Uncle.

"Making the rounds with Ser Arthur and Ser Barristan. Being a Kingsguard member, he can't exactly have much liberty of relaxing and enjoying himself."

"He's a bit too stiff at times." Ellaria comments. "He should find himself a lover to relieve such stress."

"Ellaria!" Elia said in a scandalous voice.

"What? You know there's no rule that a Kingsguard member can't have a lover." Oberyn said, backing up his love. "Having children on the other hand…"

"Yes, we don't need a reminder of Ser Lucamore Strong the Lusty."

"Three wives and thirty children, was it? Retellings keep exaggerating the number." Her brother jokingly said. "Though being gelded as punishment and sent to the Wall makes me cringe every time."

The future queen of the realm rolled her eyes. "Oh yes. Most of Dorne and Essos would mourn the loss of your favorite spear."

"Me most of all." Ellaria chimed in with a smirk, the Red Viper's sister rolling her eyes at the pair's hyper-sexual nature.

With the one dance number having ended, Ventus escorted Rhaenys back to her mother. Once parting ways with the Dornish group, the Keybearer kept on exploring the dining hall.

There were galleries above, reserved for the great and important Houses of the kingdoms. Each more or less overlooked the areas where their vassals were stationed at this time. Said galleries had a single bridge connecting each side directly over the dais on the ground. The one which was most important was the one with the banner bearing the red three-headed dragon on a blackened field, signifying House Targaryen's placement. Next to it was House Martell with its red sun and piercing orange spear over a yellow field, signifying their marriage pact through Rhaegar and Elia.

At the very least, the hanging banners served as markers, just like the tents outside of the castle. Makes things easier to know where one intended to go.

For Ventus, he thought it was time to go find some particular "direwolves".

Walking near the area where the Northerners were seated, he saw a man completely dressed in black, talking to a number of the people; beseeching them to join something called "the Night's Watch". The man in black only got laughs and snickers in turn.

Paying them no mind, Ventus kept wandering about until he saw some familiar faces in the crowd. Coming closer, he soon saw Lyanna with Benjen and Howland some steps away from each other as they conversed.

Just as he was about to call out to them, a larger individual came up next to the teen, throwing his arms around his shoulders and pulling him into a one-armed hug while a cup of mead was in his other hand.

"Ah~ the man of the evening!"

He looked up, smiling at the Wild Wolf beside him.

"Hey, Bran." The blond said.

"Ven, good to see you." The Stark heir greeted him. "Enjoying the festivities?"

"Night's still young, but it's fine so far."

"I agree with you there." Bran remarked. "But rumor has it that quite a stir occurred earlier today, one involving the Princess Elia, her Lady-in-Waiting and her daughter

Ven squirmed a bit in the Heir's grasp. "And what would those specifics be?"

"Saving them, slewing dozens of bandits along the way."

"Slewing who?"

The two looked over to see someone approaching them.

She was quite the beauty with her fair skin and river-blue eyes. Her long and thick auburn hair helped frame her face which had a pair of high cheekbones. Her blue dress was simple, yet elegant. There was a belt around her waist with a silver trout serving as the buckle.

"Oh. Bran's just trying to exaggerate with what I did earlier today." The Keybearer quickly said. "It wasn't anything serious."

"Saving the princess of the realm is hard to exaggerate and not something to be dismissed if it's true, Ven. I heard you even took out the Second Smiling Knight."

"What?" The red-haired beauty said in stunned disbelief. "You mean to tell me those are all true? That was you?!"

"Aye, Ven here was an apparent storm, dispatching dozens upon dozens of brigands and-"

"I didn't slay dozens of bandits," Ven shifted slightly in his spot, "just the Second Smiling Knight. I merely knocked out everyone else."

Bran chuckled, lightly shoving Ven's head, the teen retaliating by poking him in the hip, getting a laugh out of the Lord. "Ven, this here is my future wife, the lady Catelyn Tully of the Riverlands. Cat, this here is Ventus."

Catelyn gave Ventus a small curtsey once grabbing one side of her dress.

In turn, Ventus awkwardly bowed a little, recalling some lessons which Elia and her brother taught him earlier before the feast. A means of "brushing up on his courtesies" for him attending the festivities tonight.

"Though I go by Ven if you were wondering."

The Tully Lady gave the boy a kind smile. "And I often am fine being called Cat by friends and family."

"I can tell." Ven remarked, giving the redhead a friendly smile when Bran wrapped his arm around the boy's head.

"Well, well, it appears you're not as green with women as I thought you were." Bran said, ruffling Ven's hair.

"Waaa, Bran?! Why~~~?!" The teen whined, flailing from his grasp.

"So you do know your way around speaking to ladies as fair as Lady Catelyn." Said lady found herself giggling at the pair's behavior, blushing at the roguish grin her betrothed sent her way.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Ven complained, trying to free himself yet Bran's grip remained firm.

"It means that you're not as shy as my silent brother, it seems." Bran stated, finally releasing the Keybearer. "Perhaps you are not as hopeless as I initially believed."

"What are you even talking about?" Ven asked, getting a crestfallen look from the heir. "What does having me talking to girls have to do with Ned?"

"No… noooooo it appears I am mistaken."

"Enough teasing him, Brandon." Said Catelyn with a shake of her head. "He has had a long day."

"Yes, gallivanting all over Harrenhal playing the hero like the stories of old." Bran chuckled like a wolf. "Come on, Lyanna and Benjen would love to hear about it all from you."

Dragged along once more today, Ventus was guided by Brandon and Catelyn to their apparent destination. Some light conversation took place between the Keybearer and the Tully in the meantime.

Before long, Ventus spotted Howland and Lyanna conversing with each other. The topic being something in particular. Soon enough, Benjen arrived with a few goblets of wine to share with them. Wasn't long before the blue-eyed blonde approached and made his presence known.

"Hey guys."

The three turned and smiled at him.

"Ven." Greeted Lyanna.

"We were just talking about you." Said Howland.

"And I can already guess the specifics." The Blond remarked.

A chuckle and giggle emanated from Bran and Catelyn nearby.

"Lucky you for being all gallant in saving the princess." The She-Wolf stated.

"This from the one who helped thumped three bullies who call themselves squires?" Lyanna bonked her brother over the head as he squawked. "Ow, ow! What was that for?!"

"For being stupid, stupid."

"And how am I stupid?" Benjen grumped, rubbing the top of his head.

While the younger siblings bickered, Ven wondered where the fourth Stark child was. Looking over yonder, Ventus spotted said person who looked rather awkward, seated apart from everyone else. The second son of his House was his usual quiet self but Ven sensed something was amiss given the look he possessed.

"What's wrong with Ned?" Ven asked the others with the eldest Stark Sibling letting out a disgruntled grunt.

"Nothing's wrong, per say." Said the Wild Wolf. "He's just mopy and feels out of place."

Ven looked at Ned and then back at Bran. "Any particular reason why?"

"Too shy to talk with any lady out there." Bran said with a shake of his head. "Tsk, tsk, he brings the Wild Wolf shame upon his name."

The Keybearer kept this in mind, wondering if he could possibly resolve this later.

Turning his focus away from Ned, who walked elsewhere now, Ventus spotted something of interest.

"Hey, aren't those the guys who we fought earlier?"

Howland and Lyanna looked over, seeing the individuals in question. They were able to spot them, seeing they were the squires attending their knights for House Frey, Blount and Haigh respectively.

"That they are." Said Lyanna, a bit of a growl in her voice.

"We can find you a horse and some armor that might fit." Benjen offered.

Howland thanked the young Stark on the offer, but declined on what was being suggested.

"I need to be the better man on this case."

"But they hurt you." Lyanna argued.

"Our people ride boats more than horses and our hands are made for oars rather than lances."

In truth, Howland didn't want to make a fool of himself and shame his people.

"Maybe you guys should drop the matter." Says Ventus. "If he doesn't want to act, leave him be."

The Crannogman gave the Keybearer a thankful nod of him backing him up.

"Okay, fine."

Even if this was halted at this time, Lyanna wouldn't let the matter drop that easily.

Walking away slightly to grab some food from a passing servant, she was joined by Ventus by her side.

With them alone, more or less, she spoke a matter on her mind.

"Never would've thought you'd do something as dangerous as saving the Princess Elia, her daughter and lady-in-waiting."

"Beats how "dangerous" and "deadly" the obstacle course was."

"You know what I mean, Ven. You just seek it, don't you?"

"Not really. I just seem to attract it. It's beyond my control." Ven stated and Lyanna didn't find any form of deception in his tone.

"You're probably right." She remarked. "You merely worried me when word reached my ears."

He gave her an apologetic expression. "I didn't mean to."

She smiled at him, bumping her shoulder against his. "I know. But things could've been worse if you didn't save them."

Lyanna would've continued the one topic further, or at least changed it to something better. But she spotted something remotely near and her mood visibly changed.

Ventus saw the annoyed look on Lyanna's face. Adjusting himself to somewhat see her line of sight, he saw the issue pertained when focusing on someone in particular.

The man was bigger than him. Perhaps at the same height as Terra. He had big, bulky muscles, made for strength which matched his stature. His black hair was decently long as it was combed back and neatly trimmed just like his beard. And his blue eyes matched his tunic which had a stag embroidered on his attire. Presently he let out a boisterous laugh as he drank from his tankard in one hand while he was fondling some servant girl -who was sitting on his lap- with his other hand.

"Who's he?" Ven queried.

"Robert Baratheon, Lord of Storm's End." Lyanna grunted out.

Ven frowned at her tone, easily picking up on her current demeanor. "Okay, and…?"

She gave him a side-eye glance before releasing a displeased sigh. "My betrothed."

It took some moments for Ventus to realize what it meant.

"Oh, er… congratulations?" He awkwardly said.

Instead of a pleasant remark, he got a negative reaction from her, a look of pure frustration tinged with anger.

"Was it something I said?"

Lyanna released a growling sigh, shaking her head. "It's not you, Ventus. It's just…" The She-Wolf looked behind her, spotting her second oldest and favorite brother, a look of guilt crossing her expression before she turned back to her new friend. "I just… I just don't like Robert."

Ventus frowned a little at this admittance. He didn't miss the way she looked behind her to gaze at Ned momentarily and that made him wonder if he had anything to do with Lyanna's dislike of this Lord he had yet to meet.

"Do you wanna talk about it?" He found himself asking without thinking.

The brown-haired girl shook her head, waving off his question. "I wish I could now, but I don't want to ruin my mood any further at this time."

"Maybe later? I'm all ears, Lyanna." He assured, giving her a friendly smile, one that managed a hint of a smile from the She-Wolf.

Reaching up, she patted Ven on the cheek kindly, slightly surprising him with the gesture. "Thanks for the offer, Ven. I'll hold you to it."

She'll have to remind herself of telling Ventus soon on this topic. Probably in the morning before the festivities begin.

"Can I ask you something?" He abruptly said.

She cocked a brow. "What is it?"

"Wanna dance?" Ven held out his hand to her, making her rear back a little in surprise at the request.

"Dance?" Lyanna repeated in bewilderment.

"Yeah." He nodded. "Elia taught me the basics and it was actually really fun."

She appeared hesitant at first until Ven followed it up with a comment that convinced her to do so.

"Who knows, it could help take your mind off of Robert."

Lyanna gave a full-blown smile upon hearing that, rather liking the sound of that idea.

She daintily placed her hand into Ventus' and he gently guided her to the dance floor, a song number soon began. She gave him a brief curtsy out of courtesy while he gave a bow. Before long, they joined the many other dancing couples and partners.

Some moments passed as the young pair got a hang of it and worked with the rhythmic flow the others around them were undergoing.

"You know, I think this is the first time I have ever danced at a formal event." She admits, finding herself giggling. Her words confused him for a moment, having her explain. "I haven't gone to any festivities such as this."

That was certainly a surprise to hear for Ventus. "Really?"

She nodded. "Yes. The only festivities I've ever attended were in the North and they weren't as stiff as this when it comes to dancing. Though to be fair, dancing like most ladies isn't in my skillset."

Ven gave her a bashful smile. "Could have fooled me. But if so, we're nearly on equal footing as I hardly have any experience in dancing."

"And yet, I find your movements to be refined." She noted.

"I'm a quick learner."

"So it would seem," Lyanna remarked. "Hopefully there would be a more lively number that's more suited to what I could enjoy dancing with."

Ven shrugged. "Who knows? There's bound to be plenty of time during the tourney." He bore a pondering expression for the briefest of moments. "If it's so stuffy in here, maybe it's more free outside."

With the nobles and knights enjoying formal festivities within Harrenhal's walls, the common folk enjoys their own form of entertainment outside.

She giggled with a small smile when she realized this. "You're right."

"If you haven't really learned to dance like this, probably at all, what have you been learning instead?"

"Horseback riding, archery, training with a sword…"

Ven chortled. "Could tell, given how you fought those squires earlier today."

She seemed to preen at his praise, tilting her chin up with a smug look. "Glad you noticed. I try to train every day."

Hearing this, Ven gave her a peculiar look, slightly puckering his lower lip thoughtfully. "Ya know… If you're interested… would you like to train with me?"

Lyanna almost lost her footing when hearing the request.

"You… you what?" Lyanna wanted to make sure she wasn't hearing things. "You want to… You want me to train with you? Why?" She asked him, stammering with her words a bit as the Keybearer nodded at her question.

"Well, yeah. I haven't had anyone new to train with. Don't know if I'll find one anytime soon." He commented. "You don't have to if you don't want to-"

"Yes!" She blurted out. Lyanna's cheeks flushed as she composed herself. "I mean, I would love to, if you'd have me."

Ventus grinned and nodded, resuming focus on dancing with his present partner after they made their agreement.

Despite the musical number not entirely suited for the She-Wolf, she was enjoying her time with her new friend and now future training partner. Them gliding across the dance floor with ease, as if they had for several occurrences now than just for the first time. It was almost unnatural but certainly pleasant.

With the dance number coming to an end, the dancers gave their respective bows and curtsies to their partners before the onlookers gave a small applause to them for the show.

Parting ways with the She-Wolf, Ventus kept on moving while missing a particular she gave him in the process.

Looking around, the outworlder nearly ran into someone walking about. He wore a dark red and brown tunic with gold embroidery. And he was familiar to the Keybearer to some capacity.

"Oh, hey Jamie. Good to see you again." Was Ven's friendly greeting.

The heir to House Lannister took notice of him and was quick to remember their earlier encounter.

"Ah, Likewise. Ventus… right?" The blue-eyed blonde nodded. "Forgive me if I forgot the name."

"Our chat was brief. No worries." The younger blond waved off.

Jamie gave a small smile. "Why thank you. Some may consider it an offense."

"I would take offense if you intentionally butchered it." Ven shot back, making the knight snort good-naturedly.

"No doubts about that. And I dare say it'll be hard for me to forget your name, given who it belongs to. The one who saved the future queen and her daughter." The Lannister heir gave a chuckle. "Rather chivalrous. I dare say I envy you in fulfilling many a boyhood's dream with such an action."

"It was the right thing to do, Jamie."

The green-eyed blonde nodded as he soon voiced a simple question.

"Your first?"

"My first what?"

"Kill."

The response made the Keybearer rather awkward. "Oh… yeah, it was."

Jamie gave him a sympathetic nod. "Hard to forget one such act."

"Sounds like you had an experience." Ven murmured.

"I most certainly have." The Lannister heir admitted, no hint of pride in his voice. "Actually involved the same group you dealt with earlier today, more or less."

Hearing this made the Keybearer tilt his head. "Huh? What do you mean?"

"The Brotherhood. Yes, who you faced wasn't the same Brotherhood, but the man you slew was amongst the original group." Jamie says to him. "For me, I was merely a squire when I took part in taking them down. I still recall seeing Ser Barristan take down Simon Toyne with a counter-riposte. Best move I've ever seen." The Lannister gave Ventus a look. "Tell me, how did you take him down?"

Ven held a frown as the memory replayed in his head before answering in a low voice. "Did it unintentionally."

"It happens, but it still counts."

"...Knocked him into a tree." Ven added on. "He was impaled by a branch. Died nearly instantly."

"Ah, I see." Jamie nodded his head. "Your man suffered as he did, for his actions. Mine was rather swift, given how I acted and moved."

The younger blond winced, unsure of whether or not he wanted to know but he found himself asking anyway. "Being…"

"Chopped off his head during battle." Jamie's eyes changed, almost as if he was there at that very moment. "Was shaken up as a result, but had to hold that off till the battle was over or else I'd be dead by an enemy's hand. Afterward, I felt like I was ready to throw up."

Ventus was unsettled upon hearing this. He then felt Jamie pat him roughly yet in a friendly manner on the shoulder.

"You'll get over it, in time." The Lannister assured.

"I sure hope so."

"Oh, Jamie, there you are." Says a young woman. The two blonde teens looked over to see someone approach them.

She could be described as a very beautiful woman in her teenage years. Her long, golden hair was partially braided if one could take note of it from the back. Her wavy hair helped frame her pretty face which bore striking green eyes which held several aspects. Her skin was quite fair and healthy, which matched her slender figure. Her red and gold dress was extravagant which bore several jewels sewn right into the fabric and matched several accessories she wore around her neck and wrists and even some could be seen tucked into her hair.

"Who's this?" Says the blonde woman as she inspected the unusual blue-eyed blonde teen with an expression that seemed dismissive at most, yet Ventus didn't recognize it.

The Keybearer bore the same question that came to mind. This was soon resolved when the heir to House Lannister gave out the proper introductions.

"Ventus, this here is the lady Cersei Lannister." Said Jamie. "And this, my dear sister, is Ventus, the one we've been hearing about recently."

Adopting a look of acknowledgment, Cersei grasped the sides of her dress and gave a small, yet perfect curtsey to the Keybearer.

"Ah, so you're the brave knight that rescued the Princess from foul men earlier today. How do you do?" She said out of courtesy.

Ventus gave her a bow as he flashed her a small smile.

"I'm doing fine. And you don't need to call me a knight, I'm not." He saw her blink in surprise. "And you, my lady? Are you doing alr-well here?"

Cersei bore the teen a different gaze this time around, not like the one from before. This one held a clear sign of intrigue. "The same. Thank you for asking."

"Was there something you needed, sister?" Jamie spoke up, gaining his twin's attention.

"Yes. Father was looking for you." A small bit of annoyance crossed her pretty features. "He had me search and fetch you."

Jamie clicked his teeth a little. Turning back to Ventus, he spoke. "Forgive me. I best see my father now."

Ventus waved him off. "It's alright. Do what you need to."

The Lannister heir gave a brief nod before walking away.

With the young Lady Lannister and Keybearer behind, there was a small awkward air around them.

Not knowing how to perhaps proceed, a common question came to Ventus' mind.

"Would you like a dance?" He asked her.

Hearing this, Cersei was a bit thrown by the offer, feeling this to be… odd but gave her response all the same.

"I don't mind." She said, holding up her hand with Ventus taking it with a friendly smile that made Cersei frown.

Not that she found his smile to be a negative gesture just… she noticed that it was rather genuine. No hints of falsehood or intentions of any kind.

Frankly, the boy had a nice pair of piercing blue eyes complimented by his gravity-defying spiky sandy blond hair and boyish, teen face.

Coming across the dance floor, just as the new song was playing, the two blondes began to converse with each other.

"Mind satiating a bit of curiosity of mine?" Asked the Lady Lannister as they began to move with the many other couples on the floor.

"Sure. I'd be happy to."

"Which House do you hail from?"

Ventus cocked an eyebrow at this.

"Surely you must come from somewhere." Cersei went on. "And given the state of your clothing, it must be a place and House where you are well accommodated for."

Ven then had a look of realization, remembering a unique detail he had learned about the customs of this World. "If you're referring to some noteworthy family, I don't come from any at all. It's only been me, my two best friends and our teacher. No one else."

Cersei hummed a little in processing this. "You're a vagabond, then? A sellsword. A hedge knight, mayhaps?"

Knowing a bit of what she was talking about, Ventus responded. "Little bit, I think. Not a sellsword, that I can tell ya. What I do, I do because I have to. And I do have a home. But I always wanted to see beyond it. So here I am."

"At least you're more courteous than the one's I've encountered briefly in the past, seeking my father's attention and my own." Came Cersei's comment. "And where do you hail from?"

"A place… rather far from here. At a monastery in the mountains."

A monastery was all Ventus could really call the Land of Departure without being way too descriptive. And there was no way he can tell her or anyone that it was on another World entirely.

"That's quite… unusual." Cersei admitted.

"My life has been anything but normal, I think." Ven stated with a small laugh.

A delicate eyebrow was raised, making her ponder a little before squashing them.

"So, I take it you've garnered quite a bit of attention from many within Harrenhal."

Ven nervously chuckled, looking embarrassed at the mention of it, something Cersei found inexplicably endearing.

"Yeah, pretty much." He shyly said.

"Many ladies must be throwing themselves at you."

"It's really weird." Ven bluntly admitted, throwing Cersei off to such a degree that she actually snorted though she clamped up upon realizing her little slip-up.

Ventus didn't appear to care, laughing good-naturedly. "That was cute. You know, I've met and seen a lot of girls here by now out of all of them, you're definitely one of the prettiest. Your hair makes you look beautiful. Helps bring out the color of your eyes."

Cersei Lannister found herself momentarily at a loss for words.

It was a strange phenomenon for one such as her, given who she is and her well-known reputation of haughty arrogance that exuded off her.

She's heard such compliments dozens if not hundreds of times over. Such flattery gets stale over time. But getting it from this Ventus was different to say the least. Refreshing even.

Wherein most say this with a litany of ulterior motives, this compliment was straightforward and pure without a hint of deception.

'He… He means it.' Cersei thought to herself in surprise. 'He truly believes that.'

For the first time in her life, the Lannister lioness found herself flushing at a compliment that didn't come from her secret lover.

"Why thank you, my good ser." She kindly said, shooting him a smile, and felt a tinge of satisfaction at the bashful blush he now possessed.

"I'm not a knight." He reminded.

"True, but your actions today may give you such a title."

Ventus hummed a little before doing his equivalent to a shrug in his current placement, not that she really noticed.

The two blondes conversed very little after that, mostly enjoying the dance between them. But they were mostly silent to focus more on their movements and the music in the air.

Once it came to an end, Ventus escorted her away from the other dancers. She gave him a smile.

"I thank you for the dance, Ventus, brief as it was."

"You can call me Ven, Cersei." He cheerfully said. "All my friends do."

"Rather quick in calling me your friend." She said in a neutral tone, the boy not realizing that she was testing him.

"Had a friendly conversation with you and even with your brother. And I got you to laugh. I'm sure that counts."

She brought the back of her hand to her lips, hiding her smile. "May really not, but I'll make an exception to that."

"Great, so that makes us friends."

Unable to stop herself, Cersei released a giggle, shaking her head in amusement at the boy's simplicity, shooting him a dazzling smile.

"I'll be sure to see you again during your time here."

"Same here, Cersei." He flashed her a smile. "Until then, take care."

"You as well… Ven."

The two blondes parted and went their separate ways. The Keybearer wanting to explore while the Lannister Lioness sought familiar faces or even those of her household.

Walking for a bit, Ventus came across Ashara Dayne.

She cleaned up nicely after what happened earlier today. Presently she was in a silky purple dress which complimented her purple eyes. Her black hair was braided, yet still retained its waviness.

The Lady Dayne was quick to notice him, prompting her to say, "Ah Ventus, hello again."

"Hiya." He said to her. "Enjoying your time so far?"

"I have." The amethyst-eyed beauty regarded the many dancers on the floor at this moment. "Been dancing with a number of people so far. Maybe with others before the night ends."

"Oh yeah, aren't you really popular?"

Ashara found herself snorting at the question but answered it all the same. "That I am. Many men have already approached me for every change of the song."

"Who have you danced with so far?"

"Our mutual friend Oberyn for starters." Her amethyst eyes narrowed a little. "Ran into him again for another dance. He tells me that you danced with little Rhaenys, taking my favorite person spot in her list."

He groaned. "Not this again."

A smile graced her lips. "Oh I don't blame you, given what you did." She then jabbed a finger on his chest. "But I don't take too kindly to being bumped off like that. I saw Rhaenys first. I'm practically her aunt. I am the one to be known as her favorite."

"I didn't mean to!" Was the blond's childish whine.

The smile grew into a smirk. "I know, but it hurts my bit of pride."

He rubbed his chest a little as he asked her a question. "Anyone else?"

"A few knights of the Kingsguard. Jon Connington was mixed somewhere between them." She scrunched her face a little. "Can't recall anyone else noteworthy. But I'm sure many would claim they had time with me on the floor. What of you?"

"You probably know I danced with Elia and Rhaenys." She nodded, ushering him to continue. "After them, I danced with Lyanna."

"Lyanna…" The name muttered from Ashara's lips. "Lyanna… Whose House?"

"Stark."

It dawned on her soon after. "Lyanna Stark. Should've known. Almost forgot about her entirely." She saw the look on his face. "I know a select few women in court named Lyanna, that name being rather rare down south. Should have figured that it was the Stark one which you were referring to."

Ventus shrugged a little, not really knowing such a small detail at all. Not to mention Lyanna might be a common name in this World. He would need to explore quite a bit to know such a thing.

"After her, I was with Cersei-"

"Lannister?" She interrupted him quite quickly, a rather piercing look shot at him.

"Uh… yeah. Just danced with her not long ago before running into you." Said the Keybearer before asking about something on his mind. "So does everyone know everyone here or something cuz uh-?"

"All Noble Houses, big or small, know the households of all the Great Houses of Westeros. At least, the intelligent ones do." Said the Lady Dayne. "It takes a while to keep up with all of the noteworthy members of such families and those serving them."

"That's… rather exhausting." Ven honestly stated, getting a tired smile out of Ashara.

Ashara gave him a tired smile. "It most certainly is. Especially one such as I in my position as Elia's closest confidant and lady-in-waiting."

Before he could get to comment about it-

"Would you care for a dance?" She asked him this out of nowhere.

He was quick to recover his bit of bewilderment and gave her a smile. "If you would like, Ashara."

Once more greeting the dance floor, the two joined the other couples as they maneuvered about.

"This may seem sudden, Ven but I have to ask." She spoke up. "Have you considered taking up service with a House now that you are here? Have you ever considered doing such a thing?"

This question made him look at her oddly, having him wonder what this was all about.

"For a family?" He clarified, seeing her nod in response. "Not really. Why should I?"

That question seemed to bewilder Ashara momentarily until she answered.

"For starters, with what you have recently done in saving my dearest friend Elia, her daughter and myself, you've garnered interest and support as your first action was one of true heroism. You can leverage that to gather support and possibilities of serving a House of your own choosing. With that, more access to resources, knowledge, influence, and all. Pull the right strings, the favor can be spent and you'd live a life without much worry."

Ventus was starting to quickly realize that if he wanted to somewhat have a private conversation with someone in a place such as this, take them to a dance floor. Even a conversation such as this.

After a bit, he gave her a response. "Oh… nah, I don't really need any of that."

Hearing this was not something she expected to hear. "What now?"

"And besides, I can't exactly swear myself to anyone." He went on. "My duties prevent me from doing that."

"Your duties?" She repeated for clarity.

"Yeah, the responsibilities my Master Eraqus bestowed onto me and my two best friends."

This earned him a questioning look from her. He figured she was probably wondering what he meant exactly.

"And what could these responsibilities entail?"

Ven's mouth clamped shut, a look of uncertainty crossing over him.

Ashara raised a brow at this reaction, her interest now being piqued, more so than it already had been with the Keybearer.

"I uh… hmmm…well… ya see… er…"

It took him a few moments but he eventually wrestled out a somewhat coherent response.

"I can't exactly say," He apologetically said. "My Master told me that our duty is to all and not to one person. It's… I don't really understand it all honestly 'cause I'm still learning. I'm not a Master like Aqua or close to being one like Terra. I still got a lot of experience to gain under my belt to see what I can do before such decisions."

Ashara heard all this, storing away the information in her mind. This boy was an oddity if she were being honest.

Far, far too sincere and friendly for his own good and talkative yet… here was a moment of hesitation.

There was certainly more to him than he let on but from what she had already been able to gauge from him, it was clear for her to see that he was a good man.

Or teen, considering his age.

Then again, many grow up fast in a country as harsh as Westeros.

"Sorry if I wasn't an entertaining dance partner with you." He earnestly said, giving an additional apologetic cringe face.

Coming out of her thoughts, she shook her head. "No. It's quite alright, Ven. Just a little different from who I'm used to."

"Why? Does it have to do with your position or something?"

"With my position, yes." She confirmed for him. "Expecting people would want something out of their actions. Not used to getting responses such as yours of merely wanting to do the right thing with no monetary reward."

"Only getting it from stories and fantasies."

"Quite."

The song came to an end as the couples disbursed anywhere and elsewhere. Some remained to continue dancing while others melded back into the crowd or going to the dining tables. Ventus and Ashara were two such people.

"How about I make up to you on this?"

Questioning amethyst eyes met blue. "Meaning what exactly?"

"Finding you a better person to dance with."

Ashara raised a brow, a slight smirk playing on her face. "You have a dance partner in mind?"

"I do, I think." He said with a smile. "Stay close and follow. I think he's still where I last saw him."

She chuckled and shook her head a little. "I trust you, Ventus. Lead the way."

Walking for maybe a minute or so, navigating through the crowds, Ashara noticed she was being led to the Northerner's section of the Hall of a Hundred Hearths.

Along the way, she drew many eyes on her person. She could feel their gazes. Something she had long since grown used to for years, given her beauty and position in the royal court.

Soon enough, she saw Ventus coming to a stop. Before him, some distance away, Ashara saw Robert Baratheon conversing with someone from House Stark, given the embroidered work on his vestments.

For a moment, she thought Ven was referring to the Lord Baratheon and second cousin to the royal family.

Robert Baratheon was rather powerful given he's the head of his House and Lord of the Stormlands. If memory serves, he was also betrothed to Lyanna Stark. Such a union will bind the North and the Stormlands for a generation or so if things go right.

While the idea of him is… alright, she'd rather not be close with him. She wasn't all that thrilled with the prospect of dancing with Robert, given what she knew of him and his vices. Not to mention dealing with his advances.

Fortunately for her, Ventus wasn't approaching him at all. In fact, he was more focused on the Stark in general.

Said person was quick to notice him, once breaking his attention away from Robert.

"Oh, Ven, what can I do for you?" Said the Stark with a pleasant smile.

Robert took notice of the break of conversation and looked towards the blue-eyed blonde near them.

"Who the hell is this, Ned?" He gruffly asked.

"This, Robert, is a friend of mind. You'd probably have heard of him for hours now. The one who had helped Elia Martell, her daughter and her friend."

It slowly dawned on Robert, having a better look of recognition on his face.

"So you're this Ventus boy I've heard."

"That I am. And you must be Robert Baratheon." Ven greeted with a polite nod.

"I most certainly am. And you have me at quite the disadvantage of knowing me before introductions."

"I… had some earlier knowledge beforehand." He focused away from the Storm Lord and went to the second son of Rickard Stark. "How have you enjoyed the feast so far?"

Before Ned could answer, Robert beat him to the punch. "He's being a boring sap. Not wanting to interact with anybody, whatsoever."

"Robert…" Ned tiredly said.

"What?" The Baratheon heir was now grumpy. "Outside of family, I never saw you speak with anyone."

"Probably when you weren't looking."

Robert rolled his eyes upon hearing this. "Ned, you can't lie to save your life. All I know is you've been sittin' here bein' yer broody self as always when you could be having fun."

"I am having fun. Just not in the way you want."

"Talkin' with yer fellow Northerners about crop yield isn't fun."

Ven couldn't help but strangely laugh at the interaction. It was like watching a married couple argue with each other.

Gray eyes rolled away from the Baratheon to focus on the Keybearer. "Ven, what's this about?" Ned asks.

"Well, I think I have a remedy to Robert's complaint. I've got someone for you to meet."

The Second Stark Son and the Lord to the Stormlands shared a look before turning back to the Keybearer.

"Meet who?" The former asked.

Ventus turned and gestured for Ashara to come forward.

This clearly got a lot of attention from the others.

With Robert, he visually drank figure up. A thing he did often with many women out there.

Ned, in particular, froze up in shock upon seeing who it was, noticing the way her haunting violet eyes danced with amusement once she settled her gaze onto his.

"Ned, this is Ashara Dayne, Elia's best friend and lady-in-waiting. And Ashara, this is Eddard Stark. Though he goes by Ned. He's a good friend of mine."

Eddard shot Ven an odd look, his lip twitching upwards.

He then turned back to the woman standing from his seat to give her a courteous bow. "How do you do, my lady?"

"Quite fine." Says Ashara. "Ven says you can be a better dance partner than him. Would this be true?"

Ned blinked and his eyes widened, looking over to the blond who gestured his head towards her as a silent "come on man".

He opened and closed his mouth a few times after being put on the spot like this but eventually mustered up some courage, cleared his throat and offered his hand.

"Would you do me the honor?"

Her eyes flashed as she smiled. Then she took his hand with hers as she did the same as Elia did to Ven, dragging Ned to the dance floor, the Quiet Wolf looking back at Ven who gave him a thumbs up. And looking slightly over, he saw Robert let out a loud bellow of a laugh which was slightly covered by the surrounding ruckus.

Next thing Ven knew, a pair of strong arms pulled him into a rough hug and his hair was tousled by the Storm Lord.

"Well fuck me lad, I know we just met but the Old Gods and New, I can't believe you pulled off the impossible."

"What now?" Ven struggled out.

"I never thought I'd see the day where my best friend and blood brother dances with a lady at the caliber of Ashara Dayne. Seven Fucking Hells, I owe you a drink. Come on."

For what felt like the hundredth time, Ventus was dragged about today.

All the while, Ashara had pulled Ned into the middle of the dance floor, something that clearly made him squirm.

Yet the Stark son shook his head, focusing on the beautiful woman that was in front of him.

The pair began to dance and through the perspective of others, both hardly spoke. This could be wrong, given they kept on moving on the dance floor with everyone else.

It wouldn't be until Ned said something to Ashara that the lady appeared to have found flattering would things begin to show they enjoyed each other's company. Of how much time they spent together. Unlike how most would leave the floor after one or so dances, the pair kept on dancing and conversing with one another.

As this occurred, Ventus got himself away from Robert as he had drank a few cups of wine upon the Storm Lord's insistence.

'Would've enjoyed it more if he didn't make me guzzle them all down one after another.' He thought.

This was pretty much the first time he drank wine. It was pretty good of this Arbor Gold and Dornish Red respectively. Would've liked them more if he wasn't pressured into drinking it without enjoyment. Not just by the Storm Lord, but others whose names flew over his head.

At the very least, he took a Panacea after escaping Robert and his drinking buddies. He hoped it would help deal with the amount of alcoholic beverages in his body. If not, he'd probably need to take another to avert getting a headache in the morning.

'Would rather drink water and potions over them any day.' He thought before coming near the dance floor and spotting a familiar pair. Coming closer, he was slightly surprised but was happy with the little spectacle.

"They are still dancing." Ven mutters.

"Interesting on how you made that happen."

Ventus glanced over to the person beside him, who spoke to him and gave a brief nod.

"Prince Rhaegar." Ven said politely.

"Ventus."

Prince Rhaegar; the "apparent" last Dragon, prince of Dragonstone and future king of the Seven Kingdoms.

He had a fair complexion with silvery-blonde hair and amethyst eyes, typical traits of his Valyrian heritage. His hair was long but tied back with several braids along the side. He wore a black tunic with some red embroidery work of a draconic theme to fit with his royal lineage.

Meeting Rhaegar earlier today was interesting.

He was not as he expected. At least he seemed saner than his father, given what he's heard so far since being on this World.

Having first met him once being escorted to the castle alongside Elia, Ashara and Rhaenys, Ventus interacted with the crown prince to some capacity.

Obviously, questions were asked about him, given the typical procedure with what happened. Not just by the crown prince, but some of the present Kingsguard. After all that, with courtesies out of the way, Rhaegar thanked him immensely for protecting his wife, daughter and Ashara.

Ventus hadn't seen Rhaegar since, until now.

The man was rather aloof, especially for someone being the crown prince. A lot of rumors and tales about him, making the Keybearer question which of them were real and which were not. Only way to know was to ask the right people or even ask the prince himself.

Once such thing would be rather awkward on such a request.

"Heard Robert spreading the gossip of Ashara Dayne and Eddard Stark dancing with one another. I believe I have you to thank for that." Rhaegar remarked with a wry tone.

Blue eyes rolled, focusing on the prince a bit more instead of the dancing pair. "I wasn't entertaining Ashara well enough. Found someone who'd do it better."

"And you clearly did. Though entertaining her, I wonder how that wasn't possible."

"Not having the right dance partner, I guess." The blue-eyed blond said, rubbing the back of his head.

Rhaegar regarded the boy with a scrutinizing gaze. "You guess?"

Ven shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know her as much as you do. I don't have years of knowledge, unlike you and the others. I mean, I just met her earlier today."

"Yes. Meeting her while saving not just her, but my wife and daughter from those claiming to be the Second Brotherhood."

A servant passed on by, carrying a tray of drinks. Ventus acquired one and thanked him. "I was only doing what any person should do. Glad that I did or else the kingdoms would suffer for their loss."

"Clearly." Rhaegar acquired his own cup from the same passing servant. Taking a sip, he says, "My daughter has been telling me such fascinating tales of what she witnessed in the forest."

"Like what?"

"Such tales of a weapon appearing in the hands of her savior in a flash of light." The Targaryen Prince stated. "Magic, mayhaps."

Ventus frowned on that matter, being momentarily at a loss as to what to say at this moment.

He honestly didn't know how to work around this. After all, he didn't have much of an issue with this in the previous Worlds he visited since leaving the Land of Departure.

However, this world was apparently different.

With some discussions he heard during some parts of today, he learned magic was… a complicated topic in these parts.

Magic being an apparent common norm, to some capacity in certain corners of the world. In others, like what he's heard about the southern kingdoms, that aspect is more… negligible at best. Mostly due to the Andals culling the practices below the Neck to things being iffy in the North. Many speculations over in Essos over the centuries, especially ever since the Fall of Valyria. And magic apparently died on this World when the last dragon died over a century ago.

This World had a detailed history and he's only heard about these topics through word of mouth.

He wasn't the most book-oriented of his group. That would be Aqua's forte, but this place had his curiosity and he wanted to know more about it.

Who knows when he'll get around-

"-did you hear what I said?"

Ventus blinked, barely regarding Rhaegar's words.

"Uh, what?" Came his response. "Sorry, I had a lot on my mind."

Rhaegar hummed, drinking more from his cup. "I was merely asking for your thoughts of my daughter's fantasies."

Ven held a look of contemplation before answering. "Some things are as fantastical as she described them to be."

With him having magic, he'd have to be careful in case people have the wrong ideas about him.

He glanced over to see the Prince giving him a piercing gaze before seemingly dropping the conversation.

"Perhaps we can speak of this another time, Ventus." He cordially said. "If you will excuse me."

"Where are you going?" Ven curiously asked.

"Entertaining the masses."

The prince didn't see the questioning look Ventus aimed his way as he somewhat melded back with the masses to end up elsewhere.

The question of his whereabouts were soon answered when Rhaegar reappeared some minutes later, positioning himself at a podium with a silver harp in hand. After some practice plucks, the crown prince played a song.

Once the first few string plucks were made, its following melody slowly ate up other sounds nearby as others became more attentive to him than themselves.

The song was so sad, it brought tears to Lyanna's eyes. But when Benjen teased her for it, she grabbed a cup of wine and dumped its contents over her little brother's head. This earned some snickers from some others nearby.

At least Ventus knew why Rhaegar was often called the Bard Prince. Him apparently being good in the musical craft.

He sat back, continuing to listen to the Prince when he felt someone taking a seat next to him.

"What do you think of him?" Asked a familiar voice.

Ventus glanced over to see Oberyn there.

"Would need to chat with him more to give you a better response."

"True." Oberyn simply said. "And his music?" All the Dornish prince got was a "so-so" gesture from the blue-eyed blonde. "Oh? Why's that?"

"Sounds nice and all, but feels… dull." Ven admitted.

"Do you have any passion and emotion in your heart?" The Red Viper asked playfully.

"I do, and they're telling me the song isn't really moving and in fact hollow in a manner." This got a look from the Dornish Prince. One which Ventus noticed. "What?"

"Never expected to hear such a comment about Rhaegar's music." The Martell mused aloud, an amused gleam from his eyes. "Quite the bold statement."

"I mean, it's not bad, not by a long shot but it's nothing to write home about."

"Write home about?" Oberyn parroted in confusion. "What does that mean?"

"Oh… uh, it's just a saying where I come from. You know, nothing to write home about, like it's so good you need to tell everyone about it."

"Interesting phrase. May use it more when the opportunities come." He took a sip from his cup. "But why state this?"

"Heard better songs."

"Did you now?" Oberyn showed obvious intrigue. "What are they called?"

"Not from around here, that's for sure."

"Would like to hear some, if you're willing."

"Maybe later."

"Later it is then."

Festivities seemed to take a sideways approach when several people got piss drunk with one of them being a Frey. Said individual smashed a tankard on top of a drunk Ser Richard Lonmouth who was sitting next to him. A resulting action had Richard shove the Frey into Robert Baratheon, spilling his drink onto himself. With annoyed fury, the Lord of Storm's End pounced on the Frey, starting a pseudo tavern fight.

"Hit 'em with the chair!"

And so Lord Robert did, upon some random lord or knight's insistence, swinging the chair onto the Frey, having it splinter upon impact.

Soon enough, the fight needed to be stopped by some nearby guards.

With this taken care of, the dancing and merriment resumed.

'This place is weird.' Were Ven's thoughts on seeing all this. 'At least it'll be fun to tell the others about when I see them again.'

Things took an odd surprise turn of events when an announcement was made by a herald with a booming voice.

"Presenting his highness King Aerys of House Targaryen, second of his name. King of the Andals, the Roynar and the First Men. Lord and Protector of the Seven Kingdoms."

Once this was said from the herald yelling at the top of his lungs, practically all festivities came to an abrupt halt with a near-deathly silence that could be heard throughout the great dining hall.

Looking over, Ventus saw several individuals entering the hall. A few wore the armor of the Kingsguard while some others wore standard armor with the Targaryen sigil seen on the fabrics.

The one they were surrounding in a protective manner was King Aerys.

Outside of wearing jewelry and his clean, royal garments, the man himself was apparently the opposite. His fingernails were long and yellow. His tangled beard, unwashed and matted platinum blonde hair.

With his appearance, he looked like an unkempt and disturbed Mad King, his visage matching the stories that have been told about him in hushed whispers.

It wasn't just this, but Ventus felt a sense of uneasiness when gazing upon him. His eyes… they were deeply disturbing to look at.

"And presenting her royal highness, Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, Rhaella of House Targaryen. Also presenting their son, Prince Viserys of House Targaryen." Spoke the announcer from before and many turned their gazes from the deranged-looking King over to his Queen and second son.

The woman coming up was quite beautiful. She bore the typical Valyrian features of a fair complexion with silvery-blonde hair and amethyst eyes. Her hair was long but tied back with several braids along the side. A circlet crown was resting on her head and nestled within her hair. Other pieces of jewelry were on her but hard to discern from the distance. Mostly it was covered by the red and silver dress she wore.

Beside her was a young boy of around Rhaenys' age, about four or five. Similar features of a Valyrain descendant like his parents and older brother. His attire was a red and black tunic.

Many held bated breaths, not knowing what may happen next with the Mad King present. Many believed he would not be in attendance, given he has never left Kings Landing, let alone the Red Keep in years ever since the Defiance of Duskendale.

"Before I address any of you, I must speak with one person in particular." Aerys said aloud, his voice sounding like it was being dragged through sandpaper. "Here and now."

There was a hushed silence that befell the crowd, many holding their breath as they had no idea as to who the crazed Targaryen was referring to.

"I believe his name is… Ventus?" Aerys stated, looking over all in attendance.

And like that, many heads turned to where the Keybearer stood. Not to mention people parting ways to basically reveal him to the king.

Ven certainly wasn't expecting to be the center of attention so suddenly, actually freezing up. The eyes of the King landed on him and the look he got made Ventus squirm slightly. There was something not right with this man. A sense of unease. A plethora of negative feelings rolled off of him in waves.

"Well?" The Mad King barked out, jolting the blond out of his thoughts. "Are you fucking deaf? Come here, boy."

He was quick in his steps, getting right relatively near the Westerosi King. He wouldn't get closer, even with the Kingsguard in attendance. Only staying a decent distance away.

Once standing in front of the King, there was a moment of awkward and tense silence until Aerys snarled.

"Have you no idea to whom you stand before?" There was a demented tone in the King's voice. "Kneel, boy."

Jerking in response, Ven went down to one knee, feeling really weird in doing this but knew that this was meant to be a custom here.

"Um… your grace?" Ven said with uncertainty.

Once again, silence filled the area with all waiting with a growing sense of uneasy anticipation until Aerys broke the silence.

"I understand I have you to thank for saving my grandchild's life."

Ventus raised a brow, wondering why King Aerys didn't mention Elia and Ashara. He would've said something but recalled his new friends telling him that correcting the king in present times is not… favorable.

Still, he guessed this was as good a first impression as any. Sorta… maybe…

"Are you mute, boy?" The Mad King asked with a sneer.

"No, your grace." Said Ventus. "I was just unsure on how to address-"

"Yes. Yes. You being a peasant, often forget how to speak to your betters." Aerys said dismissively.

"I'm not a peasant." Ventus said on reflex, not realizing what had come out of his mouth until it was too late.

The Mad King directed a frightening glare at the Keyblade Wielder.

"I would have you punished for talking back to me, boy." Said the King, causing a number of people nearby to have a variety of reactions. "Had you not done a service to House Targaryen, I'd have burned you on the spot just now."

'This guy is insane!' Were Ven's thoughts, deeply disturbed by what he just heard.

"I am… very gracious for such… pardons." He carefully said.

He would try to speak more freely and naturally, but this was honestly going to be the best he could work with in present circumstances.

Aerys gave the boy a once over, taking in what he wore. Fine garments with unique armor pieces on display for all. "Yes, your garments are far too good for a common street urchin. What House do you hail from, boy?"

"I don't come from any House from Westeros. Just a monastery."

Aerys took a step forward, a gleam in his eyes that would have made Ventus wince. "And where is this monastery of yours?"

"Far away."

Mad eyes narrowed, inspecting and analyzing him.

Before he could speak, his wife came up to him.

"Please, my dear husband. Don't threaten the boy." She implored. "He has done a service to House Targaryen and to all of Westeros and has asked nothing in return from what I've heard so far. Do him this courtesy, at least."

The king waved off his wife. "Fine. Fine." He focused back on the blue-eyed blonde. "Keep your secrets, Ventus. Just don't cross me again."

"I won't. Your majesty." Ventus said quickly.

Aerys huffed and looked away from the boy he had graced with his presence.

There was something else on his mind on what he wanted to do here. Yet the matter with this Ventus character had him forget it. Perhaps he'll recall it at a later time while at this tourney his eldest son had arranged.

He soon noticed everyone within the Hall of a Hundred Hearths was still silent. Awaiting what can be done now as his matter with Ventus was finished.

"What are you all standing around for!?" Yelled out the king. "This is a feast! Enjoy it!"

With this said, he walked off with the Kingsguard, his wife and son following him to where his table would most certainly bet set in the galleries above. A place fit for his station overlooking his subjects.

As this happened, festivities slowly came back to life. Yet the sense of unease still wafted in the air.

Ven walked off, out of sight by all, to an isolated corner of Harrenhal to release a breath of anxiety that had built up during his first encounter with the Mad King.

"That was far more amiable than what we've seen before." Looking over, Ventus saw Oberyn approach him with Ellaria in tow. Both held looks of concern with Ellaria wrapping her arms around Ven.

"Are you alright, Ventus?" She asked.

"I… I don't know." Ven looked at Oberyn. "That guy is supposed to be the king?!"

"Believe me, my friend, I would rather he wasn't. And that was one of his better reactions from what we've seen. He's far more demented. You must have caught him on a rare good day." Oberyn spoke in silent grim countenance. "Seven Hells, Ven, perhaps the Gods just might be watching over you."

The Keybearer wasn't sure how to verbally respond to that. Best he could do was give them a shrug.

"How can you guys deal with him?" He asks.

"Stay out of his way, for starters. Sometimes we play nice and curry his favor as best as possible, despite our disgust." The Martell Prince stated.

"Careful, my love." Ellaria said to Oberyn. "You best word it better, more than ever. The King has his birds migrated here now."

"Birds?" Ven repeated, bewildered by the word choice. "What birds?"

"Eavesdroppers. Brownnosers. To put it simply, the work of his spymaster and Master of Whispers. With the King here, Varys will be here as well." Oberyn said with his eyes narrowing. "Likely he already has garnered information on you, my friend."

"What?" Ven said in alarm. "How?!"

"You weren't exactly subtle with your interactions with many Nobles in Harrenhal." The Red Viper pointed out.

"Wh-what? But… how does… I was just being friendly! Aren't you guys my friends?"

"Of course we are." Ellaria said, hugging Ven's head to her bosom, making the boy turn red, eliciting a laugh from her and Oberyn. "It's because we care for you that we are telling you this. You must be wary of the company you keep, especially those around you that you may not realize to be listening in, just out of your sight."

A groan of annoyance escaped Ventus' mouth. A look of sympathy was given to him by the Dornish couple.

Time came and went with people within the Hall of a Hundred Hearths slowly heading to their tents and apartments for the night. As it occurred, the servants began coming in to help clean up the dining hall.

In the midst of all this, Ventus was practically looking everywhere. Sense of anxiety overwhelmed him now, making him wonder where these "birds" were located in watching him. Even looking at the rafters for some odd reason, making him think of Maleficent's raven -Diablo- who was essentially her own spy.

At least he had some company keeping him grounded.

"Are you sure you're alright?"

"I'd probably be lying if I said I was, Lyanna." He freely told her, shooting her a strained smile. "But thanks for being with me. That meeting was… not fun."

Lyanna shot him a sympathetic look, placing a hand on his back.

"You were far braver than most."

"Had the urge to run as far away as I could." Ven admitted, getting a strained giggle from Lyanna.

"You and countless others. I would be saddened to not see you again."

He gave her a nod as they walked out of the Hall of a Hundred Hearths to get some much-needed fresh air.

"Ventus, do you have a place to stay?" Lyanna asked. "My brother, Ned, already got Howland to bunk with us at our tent and he was wondering if you got one yet." Unknown to herself, she played with a strand of her hair and looked at him meekly. "And I was wondering… if you could stay with us."

He gave her a soft smile. "Thanks for the offer, but I was given a room here at the castle for the duration of the tourney."

A small sense of disappointment welled within her. "Oh really? How?"

"Princess Elia talked Lord Whent into letting me have one."

"That's rather nice of her." She commented.

"Elia told me it's the least she could do to pay back of what happened." Ven softly chuckled. "She didn't take no for an answer."

She nodded, glad to hear this. The pair kept standing in the contrasting air. The brief bit of cold from the outside meeting with the heat coming from inside.

"Been meaning to ask, you plan on going to the shore tonight?"

Lyanna knew what he meant and gave a brief, confirming nod.

"Will do so before going to bed."

"Can I come with?"

"Not like I'm giving you an invitation." She said cheekily. "It's a free kingdom after all."

Ven tilted his head rather comedically when he heard this. Was it really?

From the shoreline, the Eye was quite lovely with the moonlight and stars shining down upon the lake. It helped brighten and show the Isle of Faces in the distance.

Some distance away, the pair could see Howland Reed coming out from praying and walking back to the ocean of tents.

Taking a knee, Lyanna prayed to the Old Gods from a distance while Ventus merely stood in silence as he did with Ned earlier today.

At that time, he reflected on his first day in this World. How exciting it was to be problematic.

He could leave and be on his merry way like many of the others on his time since leaving the Land of Departure. But he was committed to attending the tourney for the next week and a half.

Once Lyanna finished her prayers, they parted ways once bidding each other "good night".

Ventus made his way back to the castle. It took a bit for him to climb up the many flights of stairs to his temporary apartment for the duration of the tourney.

As he was beginning to get ready for bed, a series of knocks came from the chamber door.

'Who would that be?' He asked himself in thought. Walking to the door, he opened it and saw who was there. "Rhaenys? Elia? What's going on?"

"My daughter was having a hissy fit." Elia said in amused exasperation, holding up her squirming child that froze and brightened up upon seeing Ventus, reaching out to the blond.

"A hissy fit? Why?" Ven asked in bewilderment.

"She wanted to see you before going to bed." With that said, she promptly placed her daughter into his arms. "Same when at the feast. Would've put her to bed earlier…"

"I got it."

Once she was in the arms of her hero, Rhaenys clung to him with a bright smile on her face.

"Ven." The little Princess happily said, hugging him with all her might.

Whatever he felt earlier disappeared, a warm smile appearing on Ven's face as he made Rhaenys bounce in his arms.

"Well, if she wanted to see me, who am I to deny the wishes of a Princess." He said, poking the princess on the nose, eliciting laughter from the child.

Walking further into the room, Ventus sat on the bed but bounced the bubbly princess on his lap. Her mother stood not far away with a small smile on her face seeing this. Yet there was a sense of tiredness coming from it.

"Oberyn and Ellaria told me of how you felt earlier, but I'd like to hear it from you. Are you alright?" She softly asked, seeing him pause from the question.

Ven didn't respond for a few moments. "Could be better."

Elia gave him a sympathetic smile, moving to sit down next to him, and placing her hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry that you had to have that as your first meeting with the King. I'm growing numb to my good-father. Sadly he just finds a way to slip past my walls and unnerve me greatly."

Ven held a saddened frown. "I'm sorry to hear that, Elia."

She sighed, leaning forward a bit. "I admit, I was hoping our time away from the capital would make things easier for us without Aerys looming over us. My husband assured me he wouldn't come."

"And yet here he is."

She gave a tired nod.

"Song. Song." Rhaenys fussed out, pulling on Ven's clothes.

"Huh?" Came his amused response, gently taking her wrists only for her to grab his hand.

"Rhaenys often likes hearing a song before going to bed." Elia told him. "Rhaegar usually gives one to her whenever he's not away on his travels. I'm not as good as him in that regard, but I do a good enough job as her mother."

"...And you're not giving her a lullaby because…"

"She wants you to sing to her."

Ven gave her a flat look, seeing she took pleasure out of putting him on the spot like this.

"This is about me apparently taking Ashara's spot in her favorite people's list, huh."

All he got was a cheeky grin from the Dornish princess.

The Keybearer playfully rolled his eyes before settling onto the girl on his lap. "Do you want me to sing to you, Rhaenys?"

The bubbly girl nodded.

The blonde pondered for some moments, trying to think of something to entertain the little princess. Obviously he didn't know any songs from this World at all, so he was in a bit of a bind.

However, something crossed his mind at that moment. Something alien, yet familiar. Perhaps from a memory long since forgotten.

Before he knew it, he gave a small melody.

"Let the Light touch your heart,

Let it make the Darkness part.

And when you know you've lost your way,

The Dandelion will help you fly away."

Amethyst eyes sparkled when hearing this little number. Their owner threw up her hands as she gave a little cheer.

"Another!"

Blue eyes blinked, focusing a bit more when he heard Rhaenys' request. "Another?"

"Another!"

He chuckled at her childish enthusiasm. "You sure?"

"It was too short." Elia stated, a smile gracing her features.

Ventus looked over to the mother in the room. "Too short?"

"Your little song was nice, I admit. But when it comes to Rhaenys, she likes them longer."

"Longer, you say." He pondered for some moments, thinking of a good song that'll suffice. After some thinking, a metaphorical lightbulb appeared above his head. "I believe I have one in mind."

"You do?" Asked Elia.

"My friend Aqua sang this a while back."

Clearing his throat, Ventus thought of a particular night at the Land of Departure. Him getting the feel of it, he sang as best as he could.

"I need more affection than you know

In you and I there's a new land

Angels in flight

I need more affection than you know

My sanctuary, my sanctuary, yeah

Where fears and lies melt away

Music will tie

I need more affection than you know

What's left of me what's left of me now

I watch you fast asleep

All I fear means nothing

In you and I there's a new land

Angels in flight

I need more affection than you know

My sanctuary my sanctuary yeah

Where fears and lies melt away

Music will tie

I need more affection than you know

What's left of me what's left of me

So many ups and downs

My heart's a battleground

I need true emotions

I need more affection than you know

I need true emotions

You show me how to see

That nothing is whole and nothing is broken

In you and I there's a new land

Angels in flight

I need more affection than you know

My sanctuary my sanctuary yeah

Where fears and lies melt away

Music will tie

I need more affection than you know

What's left of me what's left of me now

My fears my lies

Melt away

I need more affection than you know"

Upon finishing the song, Ventus looked back down and saw Rhaenys was all tuckered out. She's pretty much on the verge of slumbering in her present spot.

Looking over, he smiled when he saw Elia was impressed by what he sang.

"That... was great, Ventus." She said, sounding slightly breathless, giving him a small form of applause.

"I consider it quite lovely." Spoke a familiar female voice to them all.

Elia and Ventus looked over and saw Oberyn and his paramour at the opened doorway.

"Can give Rhaegar some competition if you decide to compete in the Singer's event." Said Oberyn.

"Just need some music to accompany it to make that song of yours fantastic." Ellaria commented.

"What are you two doing here?" Asks Elia.

"Came over to see where you wandered off to." Her brother answered, moving to stand in front of Ven, crouching down to give Rhaenys a loving smile. "And to check on my favorite niece."

"Don't let Arianne hear you say that." His sister teased him. "She'd be very upset."

"Never plan on that." He cheekily said to her. "Never expected when finding you two here, we'd get a little show as a result."

"I dare say the song would be something we'll need to remember to sing on our own one day." Ellaria added in, earning a nod from the Dornish prince.

"Ven." Elia's voice was far more tender this time as he turned to the Princess of the Realm and was surprised by her leaning over to place a chaste kiss on his cheek.

Color exploded onto the teen's face, feeling a tingle in his chest, staring at Elia in wide-eyed shock.

He kept stammering, trying to find the words to respond to this sudden move only to have each word stumble and fall past his mouth with no evidence of coherency.

The Princess found great enjoyment in all this though even she felt a slight warmth in her cheeks. Despite this, she conveyed far better control, lightly patting Ventus' cheek that seemingly snapped him out of his stuttering daze.

"I know it's not much but consider this my personal sign of gratitude." She said, her tone heartfelt and warm. "Saving my life is one matter but the woman who is my sister in all but blood and my dearest daughter? Ven, I can never convey how much that means to me. Thank you."

"N-N-No problem at all." Ven stammer out.

Oberyn held by far the largest grin he had ever seen the man have since meeting him. And he had seen the Red Viper have quite a lot of grins in the time since meeting the man. He soon got some teasing looks from not just him but Ellaria in turn. He tried playing it off but Elia didn't help matters when she gave him a hug before taking Rhaenys out of his arms.

Once saying goodnight to them, Ven properly situated himself in his bed. But before he did, he pulled out the Star Shard from his pocket and gazed at it.

"Wonder when you'll act up again." He said to the object in his hand. "Would be a shame if I left suddenly because of you."

He knew that he could leave at any time with his Keyblade but frankly, this World has his curiosity. And he made a number of new friends here on top of coming at a time of a tournament. So he may as well have some fun for the moment. Putting it away again, Ventus began to slumber. Him wondering and dreaming of what this tourney will have in store for him.

-End Chapter-

AN:

It's been a while, hasn't it?

A lot has happened on my end since I last updated… anything.

To sum things up, I've been in a rut. A lot of my time has been me working and it's been draining me considerably. A lot of the time, depression hits me and consumes me. I try to alleviate this by catching up on books I have at home or trying to properly relax with music, audiobooks and/or cooking. Other than that, while I really wanted to work on my own stories, I've been having a hard time for numerous reasons. Instead I've been helping out my friends free man writer and BulletstormX on Age of Remnant and primarily on Infinite Wars as their co-writer along with I'm Nobody.

I have to thank Free Man Writer in helping me out on this chapter. Him helping out in getting through several of the annoying walls keeping this from being updated.

Free Man Writer: Yeah, I know we said that this would have very few updates and all but fuck me, I didn't think we wouldn't update for over a year now. Motivation can be hard to get sometimes. We got caught up in our other works that we've neglected our KH crossovers. Hope to rectify that or try to at least. Not always so lucky with consistency.

Anyways, be sure to review this story guys! Would like the criticisms. Please and thank you!

R&R

-Omake-

Within the God's Eye River Forest, a skirmish took place. Ventus arrived moments earlier to save Princess Elia Martell, her daughter Rhaenys and the lady Ashara Dayne from the bandit group led by the Second Smiling Knight.

While the other bandits were taken out, their leader was able to take Rhaenys hostage. And with a viable threat to her, the man made his intentions clear.

"Toss that sword of yours over here, now!"

After a brief moment, Ventus complied, tossing Wayward Wind over to the young princess's captor. He crouched down and grabbed the Keyblade into his hand, finding some discomfort in holding it but still managed to hold onto it while keeping Rhaenys in the same arm.

"I don't know who you are and where you came from, but you just had to ruin months of planning." Said the bandit leader. "No matter, I'll be sure to mend this issue."

"You sure about that?" Ven challenged. "Where can you even run right now?"

"Don't fuck with me, boy." The Smiling Knight growled, teeth bared. "I have my men and they'll come to assist my escape with the young princess here."

Ven only scoffed. "I doubt that. Saw a bunch of them being taken care of by others on my way here."

This got Elia and Ashara to brighten up a little, the guards were on their way. But for how long was the question. It may feel like hours, given the present predicament.

"Maybe, maybe not. You could be delaying, stalling for time." The second Smiling Knight was backing away. "But you? Trying to be a hero? Playing as a knight? I'd say you're a fool with your actions here, boy."

"I'm a bit of both when the innocent and defenseless are concerned." Ventus declared without an ounce of shame.

The Smiling Knight sneered derisively. "Aren't you a bloody hero? But you're a fool in thinking you'll get a happy ending. I may not get these two-"

He moved and pointed his pilfered weapon at Elia and Ashara and that moment was all Ven needed.

From his point of view, time slowed as he lunged forward and held out his hand.

Elia and Ashara saw this and opened their mouths for him to stop but then another shocking sight occurred.

The Keyblade the Smiling Knight held vanished, surprising the man.

"What the-"

In what could be an impossibly swift movement, Ventus' form appeared blurred as he apparently disappeared. The Smiling Knight soon registered a strike against his blind side, forcing him to let go of his young hostage who was scooped up by Ven.

Next thing that occurred, with a swish of Wayward Wind, Ventus cleaved the bandit leader's left arm off. The same arm which held Rhaenys moments prior.

The man hissed for several moments, clenching the place where his arm once was.

"Now stand down." Ventus said sternly.

He honestly didn't want to maim the man in such a manner, but what choice did he have.

After calming down from the pain, the Second Smiling Knight looked at his wound, oddly not reacting as expected.

"Tis but a scratch."

This got varying looks from Ventus, Elia and Ashara.

"A scratch? Your arm's off?"

"No, it isn't."

Ventus gave him a look before pointing to the limp arm lying in the forested dirt. "Well, what's that, then?"

"...I've had worse."

"You liar."

"C'mon, you pansy!"

Even with one arm, the Second Smiling Knight seemed to be formidable once procuring his sword. Yet he was no match for Ventus, despite the bandit trying to downplay his situation.

When he was exposed, the Keybearer swung his weapon and cleaved the other arm off. Blood squirting out from the shoulder in the process.

"That takes care of that." Said Ventus. He looked over to the others, who bore varying reactions.

When he was about to walk over to hand Rhaenys back to her mother, Ventus was suddenly kicked to the side by the bandit leader, causing him to stagger slightly.

"C'mon, then."

"What?" Ventus reacts in a baffled manner.

The Smiling Knight merely kicked Ventus again.

"Have at you!"

"Okay, seriously, you need to stop."

"Oh~! Had enough, eh?"

"You lost both your arms and are gonna bleed to death." Ven dramatically said.

"No, I haven't."

"Don't you see your arms lying here?" The Blond comically gestured to both arms.

The Smiling Knight glanced at the aforementioned limbs and scoffs. "These are just flesh wounds."

"Look, stop that!"

"Chicken!" The bandit said aloud, still kicking the blue-eyed blonde. "I'll have your leg."

"Right."

With another swish of his weapon, Ventus swiftly cut off one of the legs. Oddly enough, the man was still standing once he balanced himself out. And from there, he glared at the teenager.

"Right! I'll do you for that!"

"You'll what?!" Ven incredulously said.

"Come here!"

Instead of kicking Ventus, given he lacks the capacity to do so, he began his attacks with mere shoves.

"What are you gonna do? Bleed on me and her?" Says Ventus, trying to keep Rhaenys away from the bandit leader.

"I am invincible!"

"You're a loony."

"The Smiling Knight never surrenders!" The bandit proclaimed, shoving against Ventus once more. "Have at you!" This time, Ventus just moved out of the way from the hobbling man. "C'mon, then-"

Getting tired of this, Ventus cleaved through the last of the Smiling Knight's limbs, leaving the man as a full paraplegic.

The bandit -however- looked at himself and snarled in defiance.

"Come here and I'll bite your dick off!"

"Okay, we should get going now."

Ventus ushered Elia and Ashara to come with him, once handing Rhaenys over to them. Them taking off into the forest as the man was bleeding out from his wounds.

"Oh, oh, I see. Running away? You yellow bastard! Come back here and take what's coming to you! I'll not just bite your dick off but your legs too!"

Such is the embarrassing end to the Second Smiling Knight.