Disclaimer – It has come to my attention recently that I unfortunately do not own any part of the Game of Thrones universe or the characters mentioned below. Who knew.
Author Note – I enjoy writing short stories for my own enjoyment but at a suggestion from a friend, I have decided to start posting some of my stories that I am working on or have completed. All feedback is welcome (hopefully constructive!) Looking forward to what you think!
JON'S POV
Jon Snow could not help but smile as he watched Mance Rayder hurrying out of the room. Happy that at least this letter received a response; Jon could only hope the other two letters were received with such action. Jon turned around to head back towards where his uncle had been sitting, hoping to apologize for his rude departure, however, saw that his uncle was no longer at their original table. Deciding that perhaps Benjen had gone outside to clear his head, either from the smoke, drink, or Jon's rude dismissal, he headed out the nearest door to see if he could find him to apologize, unsure if he would get the chance again as he was not heading north this time.
However, Jon had scarcely taken two paces out of the door before he collided with and almost tripped over a man. Well, perhaps better described as a half man…
Jon stumbled as he quickly shifted his momentum to narrowly avoid the individual standing right outside the door.
"Oy, watch where you are going." The figure slurred.
Jon had assumed that the individual had been crouched over and that was why he had missed seeing them as he had hurried outside. As Jon was about to crossly comment on the fact that it was the individual's fault, as they were the ones who were blocking a doorway, the individual turned and Jon realized the man was not crouched over but indeed just very short.
"Tyrion!" Jon exclaimed happily.
The dwarf looked up at Jon Snow and he could see that Tyrion had indeed been drinking heavily already. "Do I know you? There are not many who exclaim my name with happiness and familiarity. And even less who do so without expecting money."
Jon smiled, "I do not believe we have been formally introduced. However, I recognize you from your arrival. You certainly are a distinct individual. I, however, believe I best know you for your love of the literary world."
Tyrion threw his head back and laughed, "Oh the silver tongue on you. Of course, that is a lie, I know what I am best known for, but I appreciate the effort. Judging by your appearance you must be the Stark bastard. I have heard many stories about how the Great and Honorable Ned Stark fathered a bastard…what a scandal. For what it is worth, you look more of a Stark than any of your siblings."
Jon who was still a little riled up from his comments earlier with his uncle decided to bit his tongue rather than retort at being referred to a bastard, again, deciding to instead focus happily on the comment about his appearance.
Tyrion however, was quite observant, even while drunk, noticed the tension in Jon's form, "My apologizes though, I mean no offense. If it makes you feel better I too am a bastard."
Jon paused and looked sympathetically upon Tyrion before responding, "I suppose in the eyes of some fathers, all dwarves must be bastards. I apologize for that. I prefer to judge a man for what he chooses to do, rather than what he was born as."
Tyrion looked up at Jon impressed, "Well you are indeed a rare treat on this evening. I could not have said it better myself. Although I would caution you to never say that around my father."
Tyrion looked back longingly towards the warmth of hall before turning back to Jon, "I find myself at a disadvantage though, as you apparently know of me, however, we have not been formally introduced...
"Jon Snow, pleasure to meet you." He replied.
"Well met Jon Snow, while I do commend your outlook on people, I would caution you that not everyone is as wise. Learn to wear your status as a shield, for then no one can harm you with it."
Jon nodded appreciating the advice, knowing there was more than a kernel of truth to it. Realizing that whether it had been Theon or Catelyn Stark or Ser Allister Thorn, he had always reacted rashly whenever someone had treated him worse due to the believed conditions of his birth.
"I appreciate the advice. I shall attempt to work towards that. Although the other alternative is make something more of myself, something that no one can deny."
Tyrion looked up at him again with a smile, "Well here is to the dream of us bettering ourselves and being known for our achievements rather than our statuses!"
His smile dropped as he looked down and realized his mug was empty. "Well it appears I am in need of another drink. But beyond that, I am in no great state to converse the intricacies of life's great injustices, I believe I will head back into the warmth and find myself a drink. Do you drink as well as you think, Jon Snow? I have heard that Lord Umber is challenging members of the King's party to drink with him, would you be interested in joining me as I head off to find this Umber."
Jon laughed, "Oh I have no death wish. I would not do something as foolish as try to outdrink Lord Umber, but I wish you luck. You have about as much chance as anyone to outdrink him. As for finding him, just look for the loudest largest man in the hall. I believe he is even larger than the Clegane you rode in with."
Tyrion's face lit up, "Ah finally, sounds like a worthwhile challenge!"
With that, he turned and headed back into the Great Hall, as he walked through the door he turned back over his shoulder, "It was a pleasure trading words with you, Jon Snow, an event I do not always experience. I do not know what bastards get up to around Winterfell but should you find yourself with more time, I would not mind chatting again before I leave, perhaps while King Robert is off on a hunt."
Without waiting for a response, Tyrion turned and walked into the Hall, calling out, "Where is this great beast of an Umber who thinks he can fell a dwarf!"
Jon laughed and looked out into the night before turning and heading towards his room.
The next couple of days were much of the same. Jon would join Theon, Robb, and Bran in the yard with Tommen and Joffrey and they would be instructed by Ser Rodrik. However, Jon was not allowed to fight when Joffrey was there. Ser Rodrik explained that while the others were true born sons of Lords (even Theon) and there would be no political harm if Prince Joffrey sustained a small injury fighting them, however if the Prince sustained an injury fighting with a bastard, even one belonging to the Warden of the North, there would be fallout from that. While Jon was disappointed, as he wanted to take out his anger at Prince Joffrey, he accepted the wisdom behind the decision without complaint and realized that in the heat of the duel he might very well lose control and escalate things, even with practice swords.
To make up for this, Jon usually arrived an hour before the Prince entered the field and would duel either Robb, who was making significant improvement in his own fighting ability, or one of the men who came with the King.
In the afternoons, they would sit with Maester Luwin and study all manner of topics. Before the King's arrival, Jon had been told by the Maester that he was not to come to the classes during the duration of the King's visits, as long as his children were present. However, on the first day after the Welcome Feast, Ned Stark came down to Jon during lunch and let him know that there was a change in plans and he would be attending the classes with the rest of the children in the afternoons.
The only other thing of note was that Jon had started to pay attention to the one boy who he believed was one of Lord Varys' Little Birds, attempting to learn his routine and possibly find some way to get the letter passed off without being noticed. As of yet, he had not been able to identify a pattern to his movements although he was sure his initial suspicion was confirmed as Jon noticed that the boy in question seemed to pay particular attention to all of the Lords, seeming to be standing around just within earshot while conversations were occurring but far enough away to maintain the ruse of innocence.
On the fifth day after the King arrived, Jon Snow was standing at the edge of the yard watched as Joffrey fought Robb and then Tommen fought Bran. After the second bout, Jon watched as Joffrey tried to provoke Robb.
"Let's fight with live steel, unless you are too much of a child for that. Perhaps never used it before. I am unused to fighting with these poor wooden substitutions. I could beat anyone with live steel." Joffrey taunted to the laughter of the Lannister men around the field.
Robb smiled at him, "You could not beat me with a wooden sword, and you would have even less of a chance with a real sword. As for beating anyone here, I laugh at that, you had no chance against me and even I am unable to beat Jon."
Jon groaned internally, and silently cursed at Robb, as the attention in the yard shifted to him.
Joffrey smile intensified even further and his eye got an evil glint in it, "Aye, how about that then? The bastard of Winterfell. Fancy a match? No embarrassment in falling in a fight to your betters, it is not your fault after all. What is it you even do in the castle? You do not join us on the yard here, merely watch. You attend all our afternoon sessions with us, but yet rarely partake and often just are reading by yourself."
Jon wanted to immediately accept and challenge him to a bout, however while attempting to employ Tyrion's wisdom by taking a deep breath to calm himself, Ser Rodrik cut in. "Absolutely not, there will be no fighting with live steel much less with Jon Snow."
Joffrey looked shocked, glancing between Ser Rodrik and Jon, before turning to Sandor Clegane who stepped forward, towering over everyone.
He addressed Ser Rodrik, "And who exactly are you? Thinking you can tell the prince what he can or can not do."
Ser Rodrik did not back away but responded, "I am Master-at-Arms here and this is my yard, and I am in charge of training here."
Clegane snorted, "Training women, are you? Are you that worried for the wellbeing of this bastard?"
Joffrey snorted from the sideline before cutting in, "I promise I won't hurt the precious bastard…well not a lot anyways…"
"Even a bastard can kill a man if he is not fully prepared." Ser Jaime interjected as he walked out from a doorway, "There is no harm in avoiding live steel until you are fully trained."
Ser Jaime then looked over to Jon Snow and looked up and down, seeming to appraise him. "I have watched you fight in the mornings bastard, is there any reason you do not fight with my nephew?"
Jon looked between Joffrey and Ser Rodrik before looking back to Ser Jaime. "It was decided that to avoid an incident I should not fight the prince."
Ser Jaime nodded, "Well I am no prince. Fight me then." With that, he proceeded to shed his cloak. "Unless of course you are scared?"
Jon looked up at Ser Jaime, "I am not scared of you."
Ser Jaime smiled, "Well that is foolish but I look forward to putting the fear into you."
He turned and faced Ser Rodrik, "With your permission?" He asked mockingly. 'We can use tourney swords so as to not harm the boy."
Ser Rodrik seeing himself having been backed into a corner, begrudgingly nodded his head, "Aye, have at it."
With that, Jon walked over to Robb who was bouncing with excitement. As he helped him don his leather armor he quietly whispered, "You have a chance to fight the Kingslayer! Best of luck!"
Jon shook his head at Robb, upset at the fact that this entire thing originated with Robb drawing attention to him.
He then proceeded to walk over and line up across from Ser Jaime. Almost immediately after Ser Rodrik gave the signal to begin, Ser Jaime rushed across the yard and swung at Jon who was barely able to parry the blow, falling back from the speed and power of the strike. Rather than press the attack, Jaime looked surprised that he was not immediately able to end the bout. Apparently deciding that rather than end the fight quickly Jaime proceed to toy with Jon, always pushing him backwards. This resulted in Jon always being on the defensive and never being able to mount an attack. Jon was in shock, he knew he was not fully at the level he had been at before his death but he had never been so completely outmatched in a fight before. It was taking everything out of him to simply manage the most basic of blocks.
Panting, Jon once again retreated as quickly as he could, attempting to put some space between the two of them. As he looked over, he saw Ser Jaime nod and smile, apparently barely winded. After giving Jon no more than three second to try and catch his breath Ser Jaime was on him again, his strokes even faster this time. Knowing that he was moments from having expended all his energy, Jon desperately attempted a slash towards Ser Jaime's side. Time seemed to slow down at the very hollow metallic clang as his slash bounced off Ser Jaime's wrist guard.
If Ser Jaime face had contained surprise before at not being able to immediately end the fight, it was now full of shock. Wasting no time, Ser Jaime renewed his attack and within three strokes his sword blade was resting on the neck of Jon. Knowing the fight was over Jon dropped his blade and proceeded to try and regain his breath.
Ser Jaime looked at his wrist before looking up at Ser Rodrik whose face mirrored the shocked look that Ser Jaime had been wearing seconds prior, an expression that was shared with every experienced fighter in the room.
The silence was broken by Joffrey, who exclaimed, "Let's go Tommen, better things to do than to hang around with these children. The bastard could not even get one clean swing at my uncle. Even I could have done better than that." With that, he turned and left the yard.
Ser Jaime looked over to the retreating prince and gently shook his head. Before turning to Ser Rodrik, "Perhaps not all of your trainees are completely worthless, your ability to train this boy does you credit."
Ser Rodrik managed to finally wipe the look of surprise/amazement off his face and replied, "I can not take all the credit, a lot of that was natural talent. And the boy seems to only be getting better as he becomes stronger."
Ser Jaime nodded, leaned in close to Jon, and quietly said, "That was a good fight boy. You should be proud of your ability."
Jon, who was still breathing heavily, replied, "I only lasted anytime at all as you were not taking it seriously. As soon as I managed a little knock on your wrist it was over in moments."
Jaime looked down at his wrist again before replying, "No one, except Ser Barristan has managed to lay a sword on me in a duel, no matter how seriously I was taking a fight. I can't imagine will ever visit the North again, but if you find yourself with free time and would like to duel before I leave, I would welcome it."
With that he stood up straight and walked immediately out of the courtyard, being followed by the Lannister men who had remained.
Jon smiled, as he was immediately rushed by Robb and Bran…and even Theon. They did not give him any time to catch his breath and immediately bombarded him with questions regarding what the experience was like for him, taking on the Kingslayer.
After finally managing to extricate himself from the boys, he headed off in the direction of the Great Hall for a quick bite to eat. As King Robert had planned the hunt for the next morrow, the classes with Maester Luwin had been cancelled after lunch and Jon had planned to head to see if he could find Tyrion in the library after a bite to eat. On his way to the hall however, Jon stopped, seeing one of the servants step into the privy.
'Of course, finally a way to get the letter to the Little Bird without being seen doing it and not risking someone else grabbing it' Jon thought.
Knowing from his experiences working around the castle, that the servants were usually kept busy all morning preparing meals and cleaning; and unless they were serving drinks they were not allowed a break to use the privy until lunch had started. Deciding to skip lunch and hope luck was on his side, Jon ran back to his room to grab the letter from its hiding spot. Thankful that it still appeared to have been undisturbed, Jon quickly shoved it into his pocket and rushed back to the Great Hall. Breathing out a sign of relief as he noticed the target of his attention did not appear to be present, Jon headed to the kitchens and hoped his luck continued to hold up.
Indeed the Gods seemed to approve of his plan, for as he arrived at the kitchens he observed that the boy was indeed there and appeared to have been just released from his morning tasks. Jon decided to follow, trusting in his knowledge of the castle to help him remain undetected, and hope that eventually his target would need to relieve himself after a morning of work.
Jon was initially dejected as the boy walked by the two nearest privies and headed in the direction of the ….rookery. Jon paused confused, there was nothing down this hallway except the Maester's private quarters and the rookery. He decided to hold back just around the corner in a shadowed alcove where he had a view down the hallway and watched as indeed the little boy entered the rookery.
Jon was shocked at this development, what was this boy up to? Was he sending something or attempting to glean some bit of information. Perhaps a discarded letter or partially burned piece of writing…whatever the case Jon felt the last bit of doubt wash from his mind regarding this boy's status as an agent for Varys as Maester Luwin forbid anyone from entering the rookery, especially without the Maester present himself.
Less than five minutes later the boy came out of the room looking completely innocent and walked down the hallway past Jon without noticing him. Releasing a deep breath, Jon counted to five before leaving his hiding spot and following the boy in the direction of the servants quarters. Turning around the next bend, Jon could not believe his good fortune and had to stop himself from exclaiming aloud in happiness as he watched the boy enter the privy.
Jon decided to wait a couple seconds to make sure the boy was not going to turn right around and exit. As this did not appear to be the case, Jon stealthily made his way towards the privy hoping that his luck continued to hold. Cautiously Jon approached the door and slid the letter under the doorway, while attempting to disguise his voice by deepening it, "Make sure your Master gets this." With that, Jon took off running down the hallway, wanting to make sure that Varys' spy did not catch sight of him in the area.
Jon did not stop until he found himself nearing the library.
Realizing that his nerves would not permit him him to keep down a meal even if he did go to the Great Hall, Jon decided to enter the library and wait until Tyrion visited, as the dwarf was often found frequenting the library in the afternoons.
As he entered the library, Jon was surprised to see that Tyrion was already here, with a book in one hand and chalice in the other.
Jon walked over and greeted him, "Hello Master Tyrion, how are you on this fine day? What book is it that has caught your interest today?"
Tyrion looked up with surprise at the intrusion, before smiling when he saw who it was, "Ah Jon Snow, my fellow bastard, welcome to my quiet little kingdom."
"Your kingdom?"
"Aye, chances of me becoming a king are non-existant and even the chance of me becoming my father's heir is unlikely, but here in a library…" Tyrion paused and pointed around him, "here I can be a king of any realm, I can fly with dragons, … why today I was a member of the Targaryen's." He indicated the book he was currently holding, one that Jon could see was titled The Targaryen History in Westeros. "Would not that be interesting to have been a Targaryen, don't you think? I would always have liked to have flown a dragon."
Jon paused unsure if he should read more into the question before determining this was likely just Tyrion's musing, "I am sure having a dragon would have been nice but the Targaryens caused much harm to this land and to the Starks personally."
Tyrion looked up as if remembering who he was talking to, "I apologize for that, that was rather a rude question. However, it was not the Targaryens who did that. But rather two men, who happened to have been Targaryens. What Rhaegar did was so confusing; I fail to see how he could not have understood that his actions, either at Harrenhall or when he kidnapped your aunt, would not have consequences. From what I remember, he was always a very well thought out individual and these actions were very out of character for him. As for the Mad King though…while it was unwise for your uncle and grandfather to demand that he command his son to return your aunt, it was absolutely in character for him to have acted the way he did. He was a monster and honestly Westeros is better off without him…although the current King, while no monster is not without his flaws."
Tyrion paused to take a drink, finishing off his cup, "Perhaps based on the Targaryen practice of wedding siblings I amend my previous question, would it not be interesting to be half Targaryen?"
Once again, Jon stared at Tyrion wondering if perhaps he had known more than he had ever said.
After a couple seconds of silence, Jon replied, "I admit it probably would have been something to fly on a dragon, perhaps …one day we will have the chance."
Tyrion smiled sadly while shaking his head, "Alas while I wish it would be possible, I believe dragons have left this world. I might as well wish to be the Hand of the King."
Jon laughed, "Well you never know, although I imagine you would enjoy the position more than my father will."
Tyrion threw his head back with laughter, pausing to try and catch his breath before replying, "Aye that is true, I feel bad for poor Ned Stark. I do not believe he knows what he is in for. There are not a lot of honorable men who survive or thrive in King's Landing."
Jon smiled sadly, "That is an unfortunate statement, surely it cannot be true?"
"There is more truth in that statement than I wish there to be. I doubt it has always been the case but the individuals there now are extremely self-serving or worse…" Tyrion stopped and looked at Jon.
"But never mind about politics, what shall your plans be for upcoming days? I have heard several different stories about what the Bastard of Winterfell shall be up to and at this point, I am not sure what to believe. Heading up North to the Wall to take the black or heading down to King's Landing with your father. Although my personal favorite is the one where you stay at Winterfell and take over the castle and become the Lord of Winterfell." Tyrion finished with a little laugh.
Jon looked shocked before firmly replying, "I would never do that to my family. I love them and would fight for them no matter what the cause; I would never fight against them."
Tyrion smiled, "I do not doubt that, although from what I have seen and heard I fear Lady Catelyn does not fully believe that herself. I would suggest not staying in the castle while your father is out trying to save King Robert from himself."
Jon sadly nodded his head in agreement. "I agree, I do not believe my future is within Winterfell anymore. I plan to head south with my family when the King leaves. I had originally been contemplating joining the Night's Watch but I feel there is still more for me to learn and experience. Although potentially I will find myself up there at some point."
"That is as good plan as any, head up on your own terms. Although I feel that would be a waste of your talent, you seem to be rather knowledgeable and I caught part of your duel this morning with my brother. I am sure there are bright things in your future and would be wasted with you sitting on a wall protecting the realm from grumkins and snarks. I must admit I find myself a little disappointed though, I have decided to head up and visit the Wall, mind you just a visit, I do not plan to join the Watch, and would have greatly enjoyed your company on the road."
"There are more than grumkins and snarks up there, I believe the Night's Watch is an honest and honorable calling." Jon retorted.
Tyrion held up his hands in a placating manner, "I meant no offense but I have seen the men shipped up there. Quite a few of them are the dregs of what humanity has to offer."
Jon nodded, "I have …heard stories but there are also men like my uncle up there. And the Night's Watch is much more than the past of the men who have joined it."
Tyrion smiled at him, "You truly are a very interesting person to talk to. I greatly look forward to conversing with you when I return to King's Landing. I feel you are much more interesting than most of the shallow Lords and Ladies found around the court. If you are still there when I arrive I promise to show you a good time."
Jon laughed and looked at Tyrion, "I look forward to seeing you in King's Landing, however I might not fully take you up on that offer. I can not imagine the day will come where I would be able to drink as much as you and I am not sure I could ever in good conscious join you in your other hobby. That being said be careful how long you piss off the wall, I imagine the ladies of the realm would be terribly disappointed if you froze your cock."
"The whores you mean," Tyrion scoffed. "The whores would be disappointed as they are the only ones willing to sleep with someone…" Tyrion shook his head and came to an abrupt stop. "My apologizes Jon Snow, it appears I have had too much to drink before lunch and shall aim to remedy this." He unsteadily rose to his feet.
"My brother is guarding the Queen tomorrow so I have been recruited to the hunt tomorrow, to represent the Lannisters. Great joys. But I hope to see you before I leave for the North, otherwise until we meet again in the worst smelling city in the world." Tyrion finished with a laugh as he turned and headed to the door, walking out of the library.
Jon remained sitting in his seat for a couple minutes reflecting on Tyrion's self-image probelms, he remembered a conversation with Tyrion on Dragonstone when Tyrion, deep in his cups had mentioned being married and then thinking she was nothing but a whore paid by Jaime, only to learn the full truth from Jaime on the evening Tyrion fled King's Landing. Unsure how it was to be accomplished, Jon decided that he would try to think of some way to get Tyrion the truth and hopefully help him see worth in himself.
Happy with this addition to his plans, Jon headed out of the library towards the Great Hall, having decided that grabbing a little food would not be a bad idea.
About half way there, Jon rounded a corner and almost ran right into King Robert and Ned Stark, and the Kingsguard.
"My apologizes Your Majesty, I was preoccupied with thoughts of food and was determined to get to the Hall before the food ran out."
King Robert let out a loud bellowing laugh, "Ah a boy after mine own heart. Are you sure this bastard is one of yours Ned and not one of mine? Nay I jest, look at him, a more spitting image of a Stark has never existed."
Ned looked at his friend seriously, "No Your Majesty he is of my family, this is Jon Snow."
King Robert looked to Jon, "So your father has mentioned that you shall be coming south with us in two days time. I was eager to hear this for I missed your duel with Ser Jaime this morning," He let out another loud laugh. "I hear it was quite the match, I look forward to seeing you fight once we have time. Must take after your father. Ned manages to defeat Ser Arthur Dayne and you, just a boy, manage to give Ser Jaime a worthy fight. Perhaps the Kingsguard should be filled with more men of Northern blood."
With that King Robert laughed again before slapping Ned on the shoulder, "But I best be off, I am hoping to track down that serving girl from breakfast. I will see you for supper and I can't wait until the hunt tomorrow!"
With that, he trudged off down the hallway with his guards in tow, leaving Ned Stark with Jon Snow.
After watching the king, turn the corner and disappear from view, Jon looked over to see his uncle slightly shaking his head, before stopping and looking at Jon.
"I heard you had quite the duel this morning, perhaps not the best idea to draw attention to yourself like that. But I suppose if indeed you are to come south with us attention would be paid to you no matter what. I have a feeling that in the long run your duel will end up helping my cause concerning you."
Jon looked at his uncle, "Father?"
"Not now, there are still several things I am finalizing and I have to finish plans for the hunt tomorrow. Tomorrow after the hunt but before the final feast come to my solar and we will have a discussion regarding your future. Until then I hope you enjoy your remaining time here, within Winterfell, as I do not know when you will next return. We will have words tomorrow, take care Jon." Ned said as he as well took off in the direction of his solar.
Jon was left standing in the hallway wondering what exactly was in store for him tomorrow. With a sigh, Jon shrugged his shoulders and decided that what will happen tomorrow will be for him to worry about tomorrow.
Kind Regards,
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