Jon Snow 292 A.C
He'd barely been able to sleep. Being instructed by the legendary Ser Jaime Lannister was an honour he'd never forget. It had been apparent that Brynden had shared his enthusiasm as they'd laid awake for most of the night. Jon and Brynden topping-and-tailing in Brynden's room, the pair finishing their night with somewhat of a sleepover.
The next morning they'd parted ways but promised to see each other later on that day. Brynden had been called to see his father. Jon instead, heading to go and see his brother for their morning drills with Ser Rodrick. He'd joined up with his brother outside the armoury and the pair grabbed some blunted training swords before heading out onto the field. For the first time Jon wished it wasn't Ser Rodrick overseeing their training.
They'd got one spar in before the lesson was interrupted by the arrival of Jaime Lannister. Jon's face showing a broad smile after noticing the approaching lord. The boy's smile only growing wider when Jaime asked Ser Rodrick to allow him to take Jon away. Jaime had something to tell Jon and the young boy couldn't help but be excited. Jaime led him away from the training grounds and towards the stables. Other than a brief greeting the pair didn't speak while they readied they're horses. Jon was led out of the castle and into The Wolfswood. They stopped riding once they'd found a clearing and Jaime told him to take a seat.
"What do you think of Winterfell Jon?"
Jon considered his words. "It's home My Lord, the only place I've ever known."
"What do you want to do in the future?"
"I haven't given it much thought My Lord, I suppose anything that would help my family in some way."
Jaime smiled. "Aye that's a good thing to want lad. I actually have a suggestion though Jon."
"Yes My Lord?"
Jaime steeled his nerves. "Would you want to come and squire for me? Down in Casterly Rock."
Jon stared at him. "Have you spoke to my father?"
Jaime nodded. "Ned said it was okay as long as you agreed. He said I had to ask you first before we agreed on anything."
"What would I be doing?"
"Firstly, you'd accompany me wherever I went so you'd probably get plenty of opportunities to travel, at the same time I'd be in charge of your education both mental and martial. Eventually once you'd proven yourself honourable and you'd grown up a bit I'd hopefully have the honour of knighting you."
Jon considered his words. "Why me?"
"Your swordplay is seriously impressive, even I don't know if I was that good at your age. On top of that I fear you'd be wasted up here in the north. Your true potential being left to rot in this cold place."
Jon's mind whirred. While this was almost a dream come true for the boy leaving his family was not something he'd ever have considered before meeting Jaime. The chance to travel was another thing that was alluring to a boy who'd grown up on the war storied of his father and his father's men. He'd always wanted to see places like The Trident, Storm's End or the Eyrie. The most exciting thing though was the chance to train under Jaime himself. Jon couldn't think of someone better to teach him how to fight, who better than the best swordsman in Westeros?
"I'd need to speak to my father before giving you a proper answer My Lord, but I greatly appreciate the offer and I'll certainly consider it."
Jaime nodded. "That's all I can ask for Jon."
As the pair got back on their horses and headed towards Winterfell Jon turned to Jaime once again. "How many squires can a lord have?"
Jaime turned with a smile. "I suppose as many as he wishes."
Brynden Blackwood 292 A.C
Seeing Lord Stark sat polishing a large valyrian greatsword was not a sight that he'd forget anytime soon. He'd arrived in the godswood a few minutes ago and no words had been spoken so far. Brynden had stood confused for a few seconds before seating himself on the rock he knew Jon preferred. They'd sat in silence for a few more minutes before Ned broke the tension.
"Sorry lad, there's a lot on my mind currently, just trying to clear my head."
Brynden gave a small smile. "Anything I can do to help My Lord?"
Ned returned his smile. "No lad, and call me Ned when we're like this. No need to stand on pretence when we're alone."
"Well, Ned, I was told you wanted to see me about something?"
"Aye lad, I try my best to speak with everyone who stays in my home, get to know them in some way. Especially when they've stayed here for over a moon."
Brynden's face grew puzzled. "Have I overstayed my welcome Ned?"
Ned chuckled. "No lad, I don't want to think what my children would say if I tried."
"I'm lucky to call them friends."
Ned smiled. "I appreciate that Brynden. May I ask what your plans are going forward?"
Brynden face grew serious. "I believe I'm going to head to The Wall soon."
Ned's eyes widened. "You're going to join The Watch?"
Brynden remained silent for a few moments. "I don't know when I'll next come this far north so I want to take full advantage of my time."
"So just a visit then?"
Brynden smiled. "Aye Ned, just a bit of touring before I'm inevitably confined to Raventree Hall."
Ned smiled at him before standing up. "Well it's been good to meet you lad, should you need it Winterfell will always be a place open to you. When you come back south make sure you give your father my best."
Brynden turned away before speaking. "I will make sure I do Ned."
He quickly walked away hoping to hide the saddened expression he knew was painted across his face. He'd nearly let Ned into his secret. But the father was not the son and so for now he'd have to keep Lord Stark in the dark. Now he needed a spar to clear his mind, he was not like Ned who could sit and free his head. He almost laughed when he saw Jon heading the opposite way to him, the boy's expression showing how deep in thought he was.
Brynden stopped him and the pair agreed to meet for a spar after Jon had spoken to his father. After they'd parted Brynden took the opportunity to catch up on some sleep in the armoury. He was woken by a cold feeling on the back of his neck. When his eyes scanned his surroundings he could make out Jon stood over him with his black gloves tinged with some white snow. He'd poured snow down the back of his collar!
Brynden launched to his feet and began chasing Jon out from the armoury. He managed to catch up to the boy and tackle him to the ground, the pair rolling and laughing as they play-fought in the snow. Once they'd separated and Brynden had felt he'd gotten his own back then they went and picked up some training swords and stood facing one another.
"To five Brynden?"
Brynden nodded. "Or yield."
"I'd like to see you try."
"Don't get cocky Jon or I'll put you in the dirt."
The pair laughed before beginning to circle. Brynden took the first point with slash to Jon's leg causing him to smirk at the scowling boy. Jon took the next two in quick succession before Brynden replied with another. With the score now 2-2 on points both boys became much more serious. They were neck and neck to 4-4. For the final point Jon was on the backfoot with Brynden pushing his advantage and backing Jon up. Jon tried a desperate last thrust but was parried by the other boy and Brynden used this to take the final point of the match. Their closest one yet. The pair took the opportunity of rest to speak.
"I had a talk with Jaime earlier."
Brynden looked over at him. "Yeah? What about?"
"He's offered to take me to squire."
Brynden's eyes lit up. "Oh Jon, that's amazing. Being a squire to the best swordsman in the realm Jon!"
"Aye."
After noticing Jon's lacklustre response he paused. "What's wrong Jon?"
"I'd have to leave Winterfell, my siblings and my father. Bran probably won't even remember me. Just when I was beginning to grow closer to Arya, Sansa and Robb as well."
Brynden put his arm on the boy's shoulder. "Look Jon, this is an opportunity for you to grow. Sansa and Robb will understand that. Arya will come around as well, she's just young and you'll always get the chance to remind Brandon. Travelling is amazing Jon, imagine all the places you're going to be able to see, Casterly Rock, probably King's Landing and The Red Keep."
Jon nodded. "Aye I know. You're probably right."
"I'm always right."
Jon punched Brynden in the arm. "Don't get cocky or I'll put you in the dirt."
Brynden rubbed his dead-arm. "Is that what you went to talk to Ned about?"
"Ned?"
Brynden laughed. "Yes me and your father are on first name basis."
"Anyway, yeah it was. He said pretty much the same as you."
"See, I'm wise beyond my years."
Jon punched him again. "What did I just say?"
Brynden ignored him. "So if me and your father gave you the same advice why do you still look so down?"
Jon looked towards his feet. "I just can't help but feel like this is a punishment somehow, like finally Lady Stark has managed to get me sent away. It feels like I'm running away."
Brynden punched Jon back. "Get over yourself Jon! You're putting things in your own way here! I'm sure Lady Catelyn had nothing to do with this idea. If she had been I doubt it would've been such a promising position as the squire to the new Warden of the West."
Jon's face grew less subdued. "What if I'm not good enough Brynden?"
"Then you're not good enough."
"Oh cheers. Helpful."
"But if you tried to be good enough constantly the no one can say you are any less then they are. That's how you gain respect, or at least that's what my father used to say."
"And if I'm alone there?"
"Jon, you will meet new people who will like you. Ser Jaime won't let his squire rot away."
The duo paused for a few moments while Jon mulled over his words. "I asked Jaime if a lord can have more than one squire."
Brynden eyes widened. "What did he say?"
Jon met his gaze. "As many as he wished… If I agreed would you come with me. We could squire together and train and travel. Imagine it Brynden."
Brynden took a moment to think about what life would be like squiring with Jon. No doubt the pair would get themselves into trouble but together they'd have got through it he thought. They'd live together, train together and grow together. Like proper brothers. But then he found his eyes on Tytos. The bird had stayed in the godswood for most of the duration of his stay here, often only coming out when he was sparring. Brynden's mind instantly went back to the pleas of his aunt and the plight of his cousin. Sadly his choice had been made as soon as he'd heard his family needed him.
He smiled sadly. "I would love nothing more Jon, truly. But I cannot."
Jon became confused. "Why can't you?"
"I've already got my own destination; I can't say much but it's something I have to do."
Jon's face fell. "But that means we'd have to go our separate ways wouldn't it?"
Brynden hugged the boy. "Aye it would, it appears fate has willed us apart my friend. But I have no doubt that one day we'll meet again."
"You'd be willing to swear an oath on that?"
"Aye I would Jon. You're my brother-by-choice and I don't intend to forget it. Now go and accept Ser Jaime's offer, no doubt he'll wish to leave soon."
"Why'd you say that?"
Brynden laughed. "I get the feeling he isn't the biggest fan of our king."
"Well after what we saw at the feast I'm not surprised."
"Aye, not what I'd thought The Demon of The Trident would be like. Anyway come on, let's get more sparring in. I feel the need to kick your ass often now that I know our departures are nearing."
The pair laughed together while they walked back out onto the training field. Over the next few days the pair tried to spend as much time together as they could. They'd attend the feasts together; spar together attempt to have as much fun as they possibly could. Before either of them knew it the day for them to separate had arrived but before he could leave Bryndon had one last thing he needed to do.
He had spoken shortly to Jason at the feast the night before but now it was the time to truly say goodbye. The pair sat in the great hall breaking their fast while they spoke.
"Have you enjoyed your time with the city guard?"
Jason nodded. "Aye it's been a good change of pace My Lord from the time we spent travelling."
"Indeed Jason, that's a time I'm not likely to forget."
"My Lord, if I may, what's the plan going forward, when are we moving on from here?"
Brynden took a moment. "I've decided to head to the wall Jason."
Jason nodded. "When do we leave?"
Brynden looked down. "We don't. I need to do this alone."
"My Lord, I've sworn my life to you. I can't just not go with you."
"I'm going to take the black. I can't force you to join me in that oath. I've been a lousy lord to follow Jason, you deserve someone better than I. I can offer you two options my friend. I'll speak to either Ned Stark or Jaime Lannister in taking you on."
"My Lord. Please don't ask me to forgo my oath to your father."
"My father would be pleased with the way you've acted Jason. As am I. But I'm going to somewhere I can't ask you to follow and so I release you from your oath."
Jason's expression was pained. "I understand My Lord. If you ever require my sword again I'll happily follow you again."
"I appreciate that Jason but I sadly believe this will be the last time we meet. Now, what's your choice?"
Jason considered his options but chose the answer he thought would please Brynden the most. "I'll join up with the Lannister party."
Brynden smiled. "Thank you Jason."
"But My Lord, I'll swear myself to Jon Snow, not Ser Jaime."
Brynden's smile grew wider. "Aye, I'll speak to Jaime about that. Prepare your things Jason, we all leave today."
Jason stood to go but before he could leave his arm was grabbed by the young boy. "Thank you Jason… for everything. I hope the gods allow us to meet in the future."
Jason smiled back. "Aye My Lord, I'll second that prayer."
The two went their separate ways for the first time since Tytos' death, both of their futures uncertain but their time together was something they would both remember. Brynden's chat with Jaime was pleasant and quick with a short request for Jason's acceptance under Jon's name. Something Jaime was more than eager to agree to. With that sorted it was time to leave Winterfell. After over a moon in the castle he'd began to feel at home in the castle's cold and dark walls but now he'd be headed somewhere both darker and colder than he knew.
While the king's retinue began their march towards the Kingsroad, Jaime and Jon waited behind with Brynden, all three on horseback. The two boys nodded at one another and Jon offered Brynden his hand.
"When I next see you, you'll be all in black."
Brynden laughed. "I always pulled it off better than you."
"You wish Brynden."
"Keep yourself safe Jon."
"Until we see each other again. Give my uncle my love."
"I will, don't worry."
The two boys turned away from one another one heading north and the other south.
