The CrossroadsNoble Six
Heaving himself off Thor he reached into the saddlebags, retrieving his water skin. Bringing it to his lips and taking a long drag, sighing in satisfaction as the liquid cooled him. He could hear Thor grunting in frustration, Six chuckled to himself before bringing up an apple for the horse to eat. He patted his horse on the side as he led it to the water banks to drink.
The convoy had stopped for the day and taken up residence at an inn, they were only days away from Kings landing now. The journey had been uneventful to stay the least, he'd kept busy with training and sparring with Jon. His progress was improving vastly, to his surprise. Every morning they trained for an hour or more, once that was done. They broke their fast and on their horses they went. When they stopped for the day, trained for another hour.
One thing he hadn't gotten used to since he left Winterfell, were the lannisters. Always strutting around with their golden armor and crimson capes. Throwing dirty looks to Lord Stark and the men under his command. The fact they might be behind Brans crippling being another key factor in his dislike of them.
Placing his skin back in the bag, he left to regroup with some of the guards that came with him. The small inn was abust with activity, many men gathering their belongings and making camp outside.
"Oi! What the seven hells are you doing, bastard?!" He heard a voice bellow, turning to face the disturbance he saw Jon on the ground. A bucket of water spilled in front of him. The Lannister man cursed as he wiped at his arms, it seemed Jon had spilled water on the man.
"My apologies, it was an accident I swear it." Jon beseeched the man as he went to retrieve the bucket. Only for the man to kick it away in rage, far out of his reach now. Six stormed to the two, hands clenched tightly. Jon stood to his feet abruptly and went to retrieve it, but an armored glove stopped him.
"I ought to teach you a lesson, bastard. I'll have to set this to dry now! Know your fucking place!" The man roared as he pulled his fist back to strike him, only for it to miss wide. He saw Jon push the strike away, putting his leg out for him to trip. The man tumbled to the ground, his eyes wide. Six arrived just as the man stood to his feet, arm reaching for his sword. Six placed a protective hand on Jon and brought him behind him. Now the man had to deal with him.
"Move aside, whoever the fuck you are. That bastard struck me, and now I'll show him where he belongs." The man spit out.
Six glared at him in response, "No, you won't. And if I see you try and bear steel to my squire, I'll make sure you never use that hand again." He calmly stated, by now a crowd had begun to take notice, whispers began to start. He turned to face Jon, "Go find your father, I'll deal with this." He heard the hurried footsteps of the young man scurrying off. "Now, I'll give you this one chance, stay your hand and walk away. I won't say it again."
The man seemed to consider his words before begrudgingly releasing his hold on the sword, and turned away. Six did the same, but not before hearing the shift of metal. Time slowed to a crawl, he could see the mailed fist coming his way. A simple sidestep would do, but he didn't think the man would learn his lesson then. So, as the fist got within inches of the back of his head. He struck.
Ducking under the strike he put just enough force behind his hand, and slammed it open palm into the chest plate. He heard the metal groan and give way as the man went flying back, skidding to a halt some twenty yards away. The man not making a move as he laid prone. The crowds looking on in shock as six simply stood to his feet, straightened his tunic, and walked away.
This may cause some problems but he had witnesses that would attest to his self defense. He kept his current pace for a few minutes, trying to find young Jon. He kept his eyes on those that walked past, some giving him the side eye, some not even glancing at him. He cared not, so long as they kept to themselves.
He didn't need anymore unwanted attention being brought to him than he already had. Granted, the fucker asked for it when he tried to strike Jon. That wasn't going to go unanswered.
"Can't seem to keep outta trouble can ya?" He heard Mathos say, turning to him he saw the Northman with his arms spread out wide. A great big smile on his face, "I saw that spectacle just moments ago, good on you for sticking up for Jon. These Lannister cunts are always looking down on us from the north."
Six shrugged his shoulders, "You should know by now I won't let displays such as that go on, no matter who it is."
Mathos clapped him on the back as they continued walking, "I know that, my friend. If something should be said to the queen, which no doubt will happen. I'll be there to back up your word, you've done me more kindness than I can say."
Six nodded his head in thanks, "Thank you, though I can't help but think that they will try and spin this to their advantage."
Mathos snorted, "Fuck em' if they try, your word means something to Lord Stark. So does mine, you defended his son from that cunt back there and that's the end of it."
Six couldn't keep the shake of his head, his lips twitched at the crude response. "Fair enough."
Mathos then gestured to the brothel they were now passing, "There'll be more of these the closer we get to kings landing, but I know you've no interest. That's not to say I'm not." A grin spreading through his face as six groaned in response, bellow leaving him as he laughed at six's expense. "C'mon now, you've been here nigh over half a year. Not one single lass has caught your eye? Or perhaps, you just don't know where to put it?" He japed.
Six only half glared at the man, "I know where to put it, but I'm not meant to for that life. We're not meant for that life." He felt his friend stop walking beside him, confusion clear on his face.
Mathos looked at him queerly, "Not meant for that life... you're a man ain't ya? What kind of horse shit is that, look Six." He approached him until they were only a few feet away, a sad, almost sympathetic look on his face. "I know you come from a different land, hell we all do. But just because your the last of your people, doesn't mean you can't find something or someone to make you happy." Mathos looked away for a moment before continuing, "I lost my first wife to childbirth while I was away at war, it gutted me. We lost the child too, I damn near lost myself in grief and if it wasn't for Becca, I would have. But once I found her and what we created together... that kept me going. Still keeps me going, you can't live in the past. Else you leave yourself to get lost in it."
Six didn't know what to say to that, could he find something to make him happy? Sure, he kept himself busy with anything that could improve the lives of others around him. He felt a sense of pride when he did, only when he extinguished the last elite did he feel happy. The people were safe and that made him content, but having someone to care for? Someone that cared for him. He'd never given it much thought, lives of Spartans were so short. But here, he didn't have the covenant to worry about fighting. He could build a life here with someone.
Perhaps, but who could love someone like him. He was damaged, broken, and sought only to fight the next battle in front of him. Fight, rest, fight, rest. A never ending cycle that he had grown used to. Even when he was with Colonel Ackerson, he was an assassin for him in all but name. Wiped out dozens of militia groups, killing men and women without quarter. A born killer.
Looking back to Mathos he only offered a small defeated shrug, "You're right, but that still doesn't change anything for me. Spartans weren't meant to settle down, find someone to love. Only meant to fight our enemies. Hell, we weren't even expected to live long. So forgive me if it's something that I've not given the time to think of. But like I said, you're right. Maybe I could find someone to care for, like you and Becca. But I can't make any promises, only that if I'm given the chance. I'll try."
Mathos smiled and patted him on the shoulder, "That's all I ask, you deserve it more than you know, Six. Now." He rubbed his hands together vigorously, "Let's get a drink, I feel myself begging for an ale. See if these southerners can brew worth a damn." He bellowed as he lead him inside the inn.
"Fine, but you're paying." He replied and received an even louder roaring laugh. Six shook his head before following him in. A good drink would do just the trick.
Jon Snow
He'd just left his father to look for Arya as she'd not been seen in hours. His father would be talking with the king about the Lannister mans actions as soon as he was done with his current duties. He'd only hope that Six didn't hurt the man too bad, sure the man was a straight cunt. But possibly killing him would start something that would put the two family's at odds with each other.
He pushed a branch out of the way and approached the water, kneeling down to take a handful to drink. The cool liquid making him sigh in relief. Taking a moment to look at his reflection in an almost brooding manner, he distantly heard what sounded like sticks being whacked together. Turning away he stood to his feet and followed the noise. The sound getting louder as he got closer to the disturbance.
He could see two figures in the distance and as he could finally make out the two. He gave a strong smile as he saw Arya and Micah practicing sword play with two wooden swords. Closing in on them he could see that she was trying to mimic the moves Ser Rodrik had taught him in the yard, her footwork was a step above awful. But she made up for in using her small size against the much bigger opponent. She seemed to notice him approach as she ran towards him, a huge smile adorning her face. She jumped into his arms with her small wooden sword, being careful of it she dropped it to the ground. He held her tight before dropping her back down.
"Jon! I was hoping you would come out, I've been practicing with Micah. C'mon, teach us something, oh please!" She begged as she jumped up and down, Micah only looked unsure at him. Giving a small smile to her, he nodded his head to her and had them go at it again. Pointing out errors and showing them both how to correct them, it brought a sense of pride that he was teaching them. He knew she was never going to be a proper lady like Sansa. She had too much of the wolfs blood in her for that. So he would help her where he could.
He watched as they traded blows and he laughed when she got Micah in the leg before retreating back, "Very good, use your distance. Never stay close for long, it will only give your opponent a better chance to disarm you." She nodded her head before blocking more blows.
"Micah, your size can be used to your advantage. Use it in your strikes, but be careful. 'Tis only practice for now." He watched them continue for another hour before he heard a voice behind them.
"Arya!" Sansa called, she was accompanied by the crown prince Joffrey. Arya looked away from her opponent, who took the opportunity to strike her in the arm.
"Ow!" She gritted out before facing their sister, "What are you doing here?" She asked hotly, upset at her swordplay being discovered by her sister.
Jon walked forward to place himself between the two groups, he saw that Joffrey had been armed and was patting his sword rather suspiciously. He had a bad feeling about this, he didn't have his sword on him presently. Joffrey took a few steps forward as he smirked at Jon.
"Ahhh, so this is my lady's bastard brother I've heard so much about, and who's this?" He walked behind Jon, Jon kept Arya at his back but never taking his eyes off the prince.
"Micah, milord." The boy replied timidly, Joffrey sneered at his response. Taking his sword from the scabbard.
"I'm your prince, you should know how to address your future king." He said as he brought the blade up to the boys cheek. "Don't worry, I'm not going to hurt you... much." Joffrey said as he bit in his lip in what could only be perceived as self pleasure. Jon eyed the blade as he saw the blood begin to trickled down the butchers boy's cheek. Micah whimpering as he couldn't do anything to fight back.
Jon stayed still for a moment longer before finally having enough, he grabbed the blade by the faces as he pushed it away. Joffrey seemed shocked at the intrusion before exploding in anger.
"How dare you, bastard! Raising your hand against me, ME?! Your future king!" Joffrey screamed only to be hit on the back from Arya with her wooden sword. Jon hadn't seen her sneak up behind the prince. Swinging his sword wildly at the young girl he gave chase.
Sansa screamed at them to stop, clutching what seemed to be a wine skin as she cried. Jon couldn't let Joffrey hurt Arya, even if he was the prince. As Arya fell to the ground he grabbed the princes hand as he went to skewer her, twisting it behind the boys back and wrenching it upwards. Remembering a technique Six showed him. The prince screamed in pain before dropping the sword, trying to wiggle his way out of the grip. Jon held strong, but soon received a head-but. As he fell backwards he used the momentum to bring the prince down with him. Joffrey sprawled onto the ground and made to grab for the sword, only for them both to freeze as a menacing growl broke through he air.
Jon looked up and saw Nymeria standing in front of her master and just above the sword, her teeth showing as she growled and barked at Joffrey. The prince crawled away and looked to Sansa, only for her to simply look at him in what could be astonishment and sadness. Gripping the blades of grass beneath his hands the prince sprinted off into the distance towards the inn.
Jon knew that trouble would soon follow, they needed to find their father. Grabbing Arya he looked to his other sister, "We need to go, NOW!" Sansa eyes widened as she understood what may come, fear clear in her emerald eyes. He ran towards her as he made to find their father, only he could help them right now.
Running with his sisters behind him, he could already hear shouting in the distance. Lannister men running about, even hearing an angry scream from what could only be the queen. 'Damn it', Jon thought as he rushed away.
His father had to have been in the inn, but he could have moved. Cursing to himself, he turned back to the girls who looked around fearfully. He moved through the streets as his eyes darted around, suddenly he felt a hand on his shoulder. Reaching for his sword he was relieved instantly when he recognized Jory.
"Jon! Thank the gods, the lannisters are looking for you. Come quickly, I'll take you to your father." Jory said as he gathered them in the middle as more guards surrounded them. Forming a protective circle, Jon marched behind Jory as they turned the corner to the inns entrance.
Then the lannisters came out the door, a dozen or more jon didn't know. Only that they were all heavily armed and looking for trouble. Hands on their swords as they zeroed in on the group.
Jory stepped forward as he glared at them, "Stand aside, we've business with Lord Stark." He declared.
The Lannister man didn't react, "I've been givin orders from the queen to take them to her. Those two, have assaulted the crown prince, justice must be served. Hand them over and we can avoid anymore misgivings."
Jory shook his head as he turned to his men, they all readied their swords in response. As did the Lannister men, Jon pulled his out as well.
"What is the meaning of this?!" A voice boomed from behind them, they all turned as Six stormed forward, his war hammer in hand. Jon nearly collapsed in relief as the tension seemed to stall between the two parties. Jory motioned to the Lannister's as he explained the current predicament.
Six placed a hand on Jon's shoulders and the girls as well, "Are you alright?" He asked them, Sansa and Arya nodded their shaken heads. Jon could only shrug in response. Six frowned deeply before placing them behind him, the guards spreading out a few paces to make room.
Six approached the Lannister party, "As my colleague has stated previously, Lord Starks children will be returned to him. If you refuse to move aside." He stepped forward menacingly, "I will help you." He growled, Jon didn't know what to do as what seemed to have calmed down. Had now escalated ten fold, but. Something didn't seem right, he'd never seen Six openly antagonize anyone before. As if daring them to try, that was when it clicked. If word spread of him attacking first, it would cause problems and possibly bring war. But, if he was acting in self defense?
Jon barely held the smirk back as he saw Six's plan, the Spartan simply stood still. His hand gripping his war hammer and he could see some of the Lannister men wearily look at it.
After what seemed like an eternity, the man sighed and waved his men off. "The queen will hear of this, Spartan."
Six didn't bother responding as he ushers them inside the inn, Jon could hear him speak with Jory about placing the guards outside. Soon enough they could see their father talking with the king, his sisters rushed up to him. His father embracing them tightly as they cried into his arms.
"Oh thank the gods you all are alright." Ned said as he kissed them both on the heads, Jon only stood silently and averted his eyes. Ned looked to him and pulled him into a hug as well, Jon returns it. Soon they had to discuss what happened, Jon told his father what had happened and the king had listened in as well. To say they were furious was an understatement.
"That fucking boy, I swear to the gods if he wasn't my heir I'd have him whipped through the streets myself! I've half a mind to strip him from succession of it wouldn't cause a war." Robert roared, clenching his cup of wine.
"Your grace, Jon only defended the boy and the safety of his sisters. Surely they won't be punished?" Ned beseeched his friend, Robert merely looked incredulously at Ned.
"Be punish- Seven Hells, Ned. The boy may be a bastard but he did no wrong in my eyes or theirs. Arya was only stopping my fool of a son from his sickening obsession with causing pain. Cersei will have a fit that much will happen, but I'm the king. And I get what I want, the fact your daughters confirm it all but solidifies it. But, I will hear what my son has to say about this. So they will stay here until Joffrey is brought before me." Robert concluded, with nothing left to say they found some furniture to sit on and could only wait.
Soon they were all brought downstairs as the inn had been emptied, now only the two families were there. The sun had begun to set as candles lit the room, Jon could feel the tension swell up as the queen marched in with her son. She glared at him, as did Joffrey.
Standing beside her husband she smiled to her son as he stepped in front of his father. Robert glared at the boy, "Now, boy. Tell me what happened." He said slowly, voice stern and serious.
"I was taking a walk with my betrothed, seeing it as a good opportunity to form a bond with my future wife. When we came upon the Stark bastard who looked to train Arya and that butchers boy. I offered to spar with them, only as a mere jest. But the butchers boy began to disrespect me, I needed to teach him a lesson." Joffrey soon turned angry as he faced Jon and his sisters, "That little bitch! Struck me with her wooden sword, I went to defend myself but the bastard assaulted me! Me! His future king!" Joffrey was now screaming to the heavens as if engulfed in rage.
"Liar! You hurt Micah, even cut him on the cheek with your sword. That's why I hit you!" Arya yelled back, Jon held her back as she cried hot tears.
Joffrey then smirked in return, "Is that so? Sansa, my love. Is that what happened?" Suddenly the room went silent, all eyes were on her. She never said a word about what happened when they came to their father. Staying strangely silent. Now she could only look between her father and her future husband.
Sansa looked so unprepared and confused, she looked to her hands before she felt a hand on her shoulder. Jon looked and was surprised to see Six behind her. When had he shown up? Nevertheless he saw him say something to her quietly, then give a gentle squeeze to her shoulder as she looked back. Straightening her posture and schooling her features she began to speak, "Yes.. it is, forgive me my prince. But my sister is right, you outright antagonized and assaulted my brother and harmed Micah. That's what happened."
Jon felt a breath he hadn't noticed he'd held leave him as she said those words. He saw his father and Arya look gratefully to Sansa, proving she made the right choice. Six stood protectively behind her, as Joffrey seemed outraged at her 'betrayal'.
Cersei did not take this sitting down, "You would listen to the lies of these northern savages over your own flesh and blood?"
Robert didn't take the bait, "Quiet woman, now." He then looked to Ned once more, "Now, I'll deal with my son in private. I'm sorry Ned, this will not happen again. I give you my word, see to it that your children are taken care of and I'll do the same to mine. Let this be the last time we ever have to have a conversation like this." He said the last sentence directly to Joffrey, Jon could see the young prince pale as he was pulled away by his mother.
He hugged Arya as she sniffled quietly into his tunic, he thanked the gods it was over. He felt his father come towards him, he released his hold on Arya.
Ned gave a small smile as he looked him over, "I can't tell you how proud you've made me Jon. You protected your sisters and did so without a thought to yourself. Thank you, son."
Jon could feel the tears start to form as he looked away to compose himself, "Thank you.. father." He said quietly. Felling the pats on the shoulders he followed his siblings away. His father stayed back to speak with Six for a moment. The two seeming to share quite a bit between themselves recently. Jon began to wonder, his father was never much a man for secrets. Only when his mother was involved, but this didn't feel right.
For now, he remembered one of Six's lessons as he walked away. Always be ready and Always watch. So that's what he did as he crept into the shadows of the inn. Using a small patch of darkness obscured from the candlelight, he listened.
Close your eyes, count to four inhale, count to four exhale.Sansa Stark
Standing on the balcony of her small room, she cried quietly to herself. Joffrey had ruined much of her impression of him, attacking her sister along with Jon and lying about it in the process.
Princes shouldn't do that! She thought him to be truthful and good when she first met him, but after today. She started to see him under the facade he'd created. It only caused her heart to break more, realizing that was the man she was to marry.
A part of her felt that she was over reacting, saying how one misgiving shouldn't ruin what even started. But he tried to kill Arya. One doesn't swing a sword as violent as he did just to jest.
Then he even tried to get her to lie for him, in her time of weakness with both families staring into her. It was only when Six had shown up, had she found her resolve. Said those few little words, did she find the courage within herself.
Remember..your Sansa Stark of WinterfellSomething had stirred within her as he said that, it was like a splash of cold water to wake someone up. She felt better and stronger, she was a Stark and she always would be. She wiped the tears from her face as she looked to the stars.
As she looked into the darkened sky, she thought back to all the things Six had done for her family. And for her, and as she thought of the future ahead of her. She couldn't help but be grateful he was there for them.
His gentle smile, dark brown eyes that sent her into a trance every time she looked into them. She closed her eyes as if she imagined him in front of her, she traced over the scars on his face as she hummed softly to herself.
Somewhere in the back of her mind, she couldn't help but wish.
That she didn't have to marry Joffrey.
A/N: What's up y'all, I know it's been a minute since my last slew of updates but what can I say. Life happens, been real busy with Army shit so that takes up most of it not all my time. I've also decided on a pairing for Six but won't announce just yet. That little aspect of the story won't be a real factor for a good minute. Setting the tone for the next arc right now, I thank y'all for reading and also. If you have any ideas for who to set Jon up with, I will leave THAT up to you guys. As always, stay safeDeuces