Kings Landing 291 AC.

Jon Arryn.

Both Pycelle and Colemon agreed that the pregnancy was going well and that Lysa may actually deliver a babe this time. It left him in a difficult position, given the miscarriages he'd practically given up on having another child, Elaena was more than enough for him and he couldn't be prouder of his daughter. So he had his heir and his legacy, but should Lysa deliver a boy then things would change.

So between that and Jon Snow he was facing some difficult choices, Robert now had another son and daughter and his line was secure, but Jon had become even more determined in his course of action. When the boy was of age he would support him for the crown, even against his former foster son's family. The Lannisters had tightened their control, his efforts to limit them had been only partly successful, and as bad as it was with Robert on the throne it would be much worse with his son.

"My lord, Lord Baelish is here to see you." Jared said.

"Send him in Jared.".

At Lysa's request, he had brought Petyr to Kings Landing after he had done such good work in Gulltown. He needed a way to raise coin and Petyr's tax collection efforts had turned Gulltown's finance's around, it had also made Lysa happier to have a friend around. What he was about to ask him though would be his biggest undertaking yet, to gain the loan was incredibly important as it would keep the Lannister's at bay a little longer, and he needed the breathing room it would afford him.

"My lord you sent for me?." Petyr said as Jon bid him take a seat.

"I did Petyr, I've just been going over these figures they're very helpful, you've done excellent work since you've come here.".

"I thank you, my lord, anything I can do to help you only need ask." Petyr said with a smile.

"It is to that end I've asked to see you. I need you to take a trip Petyr, to Braavos and the Iron Bank." he said looking at him to see his reaction.

"Of course my lord, may I ask why?.".

"I need you to arrange a loan Petyr, one at favorable rates, 250,000 gold dragons." he said and saw the surprised look on Petyr's face.

"Of course my lord, I take it this is urgent?.".

"It is I'm afraid, I'd be most grateful if you could leave on the morrow.".

"Then consider it done my lord.".

"Thank you Petyr, I won't forget this. I see big things in your future young man." he said with a soft smile.

"I'm most grateful for your patronage my lord, could you pass my best wishes to Lady Lysa." Petyr said as he stood back up.

"I will Petyr, I thank you.".

"There is no need my lord.". Petyr said with a small bow of his head before heading for the door.

He took a sip of his water when Petyr left, the coin would come in most handy and he needed to keep the debts down, even dealing with the Iron Bank put them in a less precarious position than the Lannisters. It was bad enough that the queen wished to see her family raised to almost every position which came available, and that Robert seemed to almost demand it at times. The facts were that as much as he tried to limit their influence he was the Hand, not the king and he could only do so much.

Reaching into his desk he wrote out the raven scroll, arranging the trips back for Elaena's namedays was getting harder and harder each year. The Queen commenting frequently on them and Lysa too complaining about being left alone in the capital, though he far preferred seeing his daughter without her presence.

This next one though was far more important, it was time to speak to Yohn, he needed to tell him the truth and to bring him in on his plans for Jon Snow. Should he leave it any longer he risked his friend not accepting what he meant to do and he would need the Lord of Runestone for it to succeed for sure. Ned too, though those letters he had sent personally, with the North and the Vale, the Riverlands and loyalists they had enough he felt. The Reach would be harder and he knew the price they'd demand, as for Dorne well they were the wildcard, his visit proving that.

2 years earlier.

Sunspear.

The ship pulled into the docks and he saw the guards lined up, taking a breath he headed onto the deck with Ser Barristan following behind him. He didn't expect and was therefore not surprised when Doran didn't meet him, last time it was guards, this time it seemed to be the same but for a young girl. As he and Barristan walked down the gangplank Jon looked more closely at her.

Princess Arianne Martell was not very tall and quite plain he felt, though she was growing into a woman who may not be for much longer. She smiled politely at him and Ser Barristan as they walked towards her and introduced herself fully once they were close enough. He noticed that she looked over his shoulder at the box that was wheeled on a hand cart and he could sense her eagerness to see inside, though she never asked.

"My father awaits at the Old Palace Lord Jon, he begs forgiveness for sending me in his stead." she said as they walked to the carriages that awaited.

"There is no need princess, I am most grateful for your company." he said with a smile which she returned though there was no warmth in hers.

They spoke briefly on the ride to the palace and he found out that Prince Oberyn was away, something he was happy about, the man as likely to kill him as greet him. Inside the palace itself, he was led down through the Tower of the Sun and found the court to be far emptier than he'd expected. Sitting on the Rhoynish seat was Prince Doran and he looked older and lesser to Jon than he had the last time he'd visited, though his eyes showed he was just as dangerous.

"Prince Doran, it's good to see you again." he said politely.

"You too Lord Hand, the body where is it?." Doran asked not bothering with the pleasantries.

Jon nodded to the guards who wheeled it into the room, the prince standing up stiffly and then almost limping over to the box, his giant guard following behind. He saw the pleased look on Doran's face when the box was opened for him. The body inside was preserved in salt and could only be of one man, with both his raven's scroll and he knew the prince's own spies confirming that it was indeed the Mountain who'd fallen.

"It was Ser Arthur who was responsible?" Doran asked as he looked in the chest, Arianne and some others moving over to join him.

"It was my prince." Jon said and saw the small nod.

They were feasted later that night and Doran seemed in a far better mood, calling the room to attention to tell them of the delivery of the Mountain's body, and offering those who wished the opportunity to view it for themselves over the next few days.

"My Lords and Ladies, the Mountain has fallen and it's to a Dornishman we owe our thanks, so I ask you all to raise your glasses to Ser Arthur Dayne, the Sword of the Morning and the slayer of the Mountain that no longer rides." Doran said happily.

The cheers reverberated around the room and even Jon himself felt happy to celebrate it, only wishing they had done this many years earlier. Still, it would suit his purposes now and so he arranged to speak to Doran the next morning and after waiting a respectable amount of time took to his bed.

Sitting in the prince's solar the next morning he went over just how much he was prepared to share with Doran, too much would put Jon Snow in danger, not enough would give him no benefit. In the end, he thought he got the balance right, and Doran seemed intrigued enough to offer him hope that things could be done in the future.

"I take it you wish for Dorne and the crown to be more closely aligned?." Doran asked.

"In the future, yes, but the crown can claim no credit for the Mountain's fall, and had it been up to the king then Ser Arthur would have faced punishment rather than praise for his actions." he said catching Doran by surprise.

"Yet he did not?." Doran asked inquisitively.

"Had the king pressed then Ser Arthur would no doubt have chosen trial by combat and well..".

"You have no one capable of beating him." Doran said with a smirk.

"Indeed, but even so, Ser Arthur is in service to one of my bannermen and he and his nephew are very close to me, I consider them both to be under my protection." he said and Doran looked at him closely before nodding.

"So if you don't wish a closer relationship, then why come yourself, Lord Hand?.".

"I wished you to know it was Ser Arthur alone who deserves any thanks you may consider, he alone who did what was right, perhaps you should reach out to him to show your appreciation.".

"Perhaps." Doran said with a nod.

Now.

So far he had not and had it been anyone else then Jon would have worried about that but he knew Doran far better than that, the man he'd send had not yet returned to Westeros, and only when he did would Doran seek Ser Arthur out. Rising from his seat he made his way to his quarters, he was tired and yet eager, soon he would be back in the Vale and he would see his daughter again.

There were plans to be made and he could think more clearly with the mountain air in his lungs, the stench in King's Landing may have become almost unnoticed to him at times but he knew it was still there, and he longed to be away from it. A few more years he told himself as he walked the last few steps, a few more years and he'd fight his last fight, a few more years and he'd crown a true king.

Winterfell 291 AC.

Ned.

He smiled as he read the letter from Jon, happy to see he was still enjoying his time in the Vale as much as Ned had himself when he was a boy, and even more so when he read that he'd made such good friends. It also made him somewhat forget the letter he'd received from his foster father and the thoughts of what that letter meant. Placing Jon's letter in his drawer he began to concentrate on his work, only to find that he was unable to.

Ever since he'd gotten Jon Arryn's letter it had been the same, to see it written down so clearly what they'd agreed, to know that his foster father had not changed his mind, rattled him somewhat. A part of him hoped he would have and that instead Jon could have another life, a different life, a better safer life. But if Jon Arryn's mind wasn't for changing then Arthur's certainly would not be.

Ned had almost ridden to the Vale when news of what had happened in Lannisport came out, that Arthur could be so reckless and take such a big chance worried him. Even when things calmed he'd still not felt relaxed about it, Tywin Lannister was well known to hold a grudge and the Mountain's brother was a known warrior also, while Arthur would be able to handle the man, what would happen should he target Jon?.

So for the next few moons every single one of Jon's letters, of Arthur's, which were far fewer and of Jon Arryn's, were met with trepidation and concern. Only after a year or so had he began to feel the worry recede and enjoy the letters for what they were, and then the latest one had come. He picked out Jon Arryn's letter from the drawer and read it once again, shuddering as he did so.

Ned,

Things here grow worse and I find myself ever more sure of the choice I've made. I'm more certain now than I have ever been. You need to speak to those you can trust, to tell them of what we spoke of, and to prepare them for when they'll be needed. I too will begin to do the same quite soon, once I have it'll be to others I look, those who were once our enemies will be our friends in this. Prices will need to be paid and requests met but for me, there is no other path, remember your promise Ned, remember it as do I.

Jon Arryn.

He placed the letter back in its drawer and got up from his seat, walking to the door he knew his day's work was once again ruined and so decided to head to the Godswood. Nodding to Alyn he was walking down the corridor when he heard his wife's voice and he knew then he'd not make it that far. He smiled to see Bran in her arms though, his youngest not yet ready to walk though he wagered it'd not be long. The boy was ever restless and his mother could barely keep him stilled.

"Ned." Cat called and he walked towards her, meeting her halfway.

"My love, you were looking for me?.".

"I was Ned, that boy, Greyjoy, he's acting up once again, I caught him and Robb sneaking from their lessons." his wife said annoyed.

"Did you send them back?." he asked.

"I did, you need to speak to him Ned, to both of them, Robb just nods and agrees he won't do it again and yet Luwin tells me this is not the first time.".

"I will, Arya?." he asked as Bran reached out to play with his offered fingers.

"Asleep thank the seven, it's hard enough with this one but at least he doesn't walk and I can carry him with me, that girl of ours is like a wild wolf other than when sleeping." Cat said smiling.

"Not all can be like Sansa, my love." Ned said, his older daughter far more dutiful and easygoing than his youngest.

"I know, you'll speak to the boys?." she asked and he nodded as she kissed his cheek.

As she walked away he changed his direction heading to the Maester's rooms instead of the Godswood, it seemed his peace was to be found later if at all. Theon had been a blessing and a curse since he'd arrived, the boy was a hostage in all but name but Ned couldn't treat him as such. Not only did it feel wrong of him, given that he was just a boy and not part of Balon's Folly, but Robb had latched onto him hoping to replace the loss of his brother.

Ned could understand that, he too had done the same when he went to foster and found a brother by choice in Robert, a brother he was now plotting against a small voice in his head which he quickly quietened down said. Arriving at the Maester's tower he found both boys in the lessons, but neither were paying much attention and it annoyed him. Opening the door without knocking he heard the boys giggling stop and Luwin stood up and looked his way.

"My Lord?." the Maester said.

"Forgive the interruption Maester, I'm going to take the boys with me, perhaps they can continue their lessons on the morrow?.".

"Of course my lord." Luwin said and Ned ignored, for now, the smirks on his son and ward's faces.

As he walked from the room he soon changed their delight in having their lessons interrupted, calling Jory to take Theon to his solar and having Robb accompany him to the Godswood. Stopping off only to grab Ice, they both walked from the keep and across the courtyard, opening the gate and after some time coming to the giant Weirwood and the pond. Ned took a seat and told Robb to do likewise, sitting silently for a moment and watching as his son looked in wonder at Ice.

"One day this sword will be your responsibility to keep son, your duty to ensure it's polished and shined and used in a manner befitting such a blade." he said as he began to rub the cloth down the Valyrian Steel.

"Truly father?" Robb asked excitedly.

"Truly. It won't be your only responsibility, the North, Winterfell, the men, women and children, seeing they have enough food in their bellies, that they are protected from those who would do them harm, this too will be your solemn duty as Lord of Winterfell.".

"I'll not let you down father." Robb said determinedly.

"Truly?" Ned asked and Robb nodded "Then you must attend your lessons, no matter what Theon says or anyone else says, they are not you. You are my son and heir and not only must you learn but you must learn more than any other.". he said and saw his son's face drop.

"I'm sorry father.".

"Sorry means nothing if it's but words Robb, from now on you and Theon will not attend lessons together, you'll spend less time together." he said and raised his hand when Robb began to speak "You are the heir of Winterfell Robb and you are my son, Theon is not, he may be your friend but I'll not have him influence you badly, do you understand?."

"Aye, Father.".

"Good. I know its been hard for you since Jon left, that you seek in Theon that which you've lost since your brother has gone, but Theon is not Jon, Robb, and while I'll not forbid you to be his friend, should I find you doing less than you should then I'll have no choice.".

"I understand father." Robb said.

"Should you live up to your responsibilities, then I'll see to it you're rewarded, perhaps a trip to the Vale to see your brother?.".

"I'd like that very much father." Robb said smiling and Ned reached over and patted his son on the shoulder.

"I dislike being harsh with you son, try and not have me do so in the future." he said with a chuckle.

"I'll try." Robb said laughing.

He spoke to Theon and was far harsher, the boy needed to do his lessons and though he complained that learning to run a keep was less important to him being Iron Born. He complained, even more, when Ned told him that he and Robb were to be parted during their lessons, not even acknowledging it when Ned said that Luwin would give him lessons more to his liking in the future.

At dinner that night he sat sullenly while Robb spoke to Sansa and Arya and made a mess, and once it was over Ned found himself in his wife's chambers. Bran was asleep and he and Cat were sharing their bed for the first time in a week, sheer tiredness preventing them from doing so rather than anything else. As they lay there, he began to think on things and found that Cat too seemed to be in as pensive a mood as he was.

"Cat?."

"Hmm, what?" she said having been distracted by her thoughts.

"Is there something wrong?."

"No, I..it's just I received another letter from Lysa." his wife said.

"She's well, the babe?." he asked fearing yet another lost child and what it would mean both for Jon Arryn and for Lysa herself.

"Aye, the pregnancy seems to be holding Ned, they're most relieved." she said before pausing "It's..it's what she suggests about Jon.".

"Jon Arryn?.

"No Jon Snow." Cat said looking to him.

"What did she say?." he asked already knowing somewhat.

"That he's wilful and rude and disrespectful, the same as always.".

"You believe her?." he asked and she shook her head though less vigorously then she had the first few times.

"I don't know Ned, I cannot see the Jon we know being anything like Lysa suggests, nor has Jon Arryn or Lord Yohn suggested as much have they?.".

"No both have been most complimentary about Jon.".

"Then I do not understand, is it just his status? Just that he's your natural son and that is it? The seven teaches us to be wary and every watchful, had I not, had Jon not been." she said and he didn't need her to answer anymore.

"Perhaps we should visit?." he said and she sat up in bed.

"For true?.".

"Aye, I was thinking about it today, Robb misses him, Sansa, too and I'm sure Arya and Bran would like to see him and him, them. I miss him also truth be told, I also need to speak to Wyman, and this way we could kill two birds so to speak." he said and looked at her waiting for her reaction.

"I'd like that, a journey would be nice, it would be good to see the Vale and perhaps Lysa and my uncle also." she said smiling.

"Then we shall, I'll write to Jeor and see when Benjen can be spared and to Yohn once we know the details.".

Cat didn't say anything to him, the time for words now done and once they were finished their coupling he looked to see his wife resting comfortably. He though could not, travelling to the Vale would be a big undertaking, especially with his whole family. That he had ulterior motives other than just seeing Jon preyed on his mind. Wyman though was key and he could speak to him on the other thoughts which had been on his mind all day. It was time he took in some foster sons of his own, perhaps a foster daughter also.

The Vale 291 AC.

Sandor Clegane.

Why he was even bothering to come to this place was beyond him, the prize on offer was pitiful and truth be told he was doing well for coin, the tourney in Highgarden having seen to that. But it was the first tourney in the Vale that he was in a position to go to and he had other reasons he wished to be there. Arthur Dayne and he had a date with each other, a date which he'd put off for far too long.

When Gregor had fallen it had turned his life upside down, the one thing he'd wished for practically his whole life now lost to him. Revenge was a powerful motivator, it had allowed him to force himself to be stronger, faster, more dangerous, and then it had been taken from him. The loss of a goal had led to the loss of focus and the loss of his sense of self, and it had taken him almost two years to rediscover that somewhat.

"You are Lord Sandor Clegane now, the keep and it's lands are yours." Tywin Lannister said.

"Fuck the keep, I don't want it." he said angrily.

"It is yours Clegane, should you not wish it so then I'll need it in writing." Tywin said and Sandor nodded.

"Give me the fucking quill." he said and wrote out the note.

"What will you do?." a voice asked and he shook his head.

"Arthur Dayne murdered your brother, he may call it self defense but he murdered him and then had the gall to make me pay him for it, should you avenge him then the gold I'm to give to Dayne will be yours in his stead." Tywin said.

"Fuck your gold and fuck vengeance, I'll deal with Dayne for my reasons and mine alone." he said as he walked from the room.

He had then proceeded to get so drunk that he'd missed Dayne when he left and so he spent the next few moons alternating between getting drunk and trying to decide what to do with his life. Tywin Lannister had made him another offer, be the sworn shield to his grandson and the pay was interesting, but he had no intention of being Tywin's mad dog, he was not his brother and nor would he become him.

So instead he had left the West and traveled, soon finding himself at a small tourney in the Riverlands and then a larger one in the Stormlands, winning some coin before he'd gone to the Reach. The fat oaf had three tourneys in as many months, each trying to outdo each other in terms of size and coin on offer. The last one setting himself up for a year or more if he was careful, it was while he was there that he'd heard of the one in the Vale.

"You going to the Vale Clegane?" Thoros asked as they drank in the tavern.

"Why the fuck would I want to go there, there's far more coin to be earned here, no doubt the fat flower will throw another tourney if we just wait a bit." he said swallowing his ale.

"No doubt, though he's supposedly off traveling somewhere so it may be some time, the Queen of Thorn's isn't one for tourneys." Thoros said.

"No she's not, when's the one in the Vale?".

"A little over a moon or so, A few of us are taking a ship from Oldtown you're welcome to join us.".

"I'll ride.".

"Suit yourself Clegane." Thoros said as the serving girl brought the food.

He had ridden mainly because he didn't seek company, nor did he enjoy it, far preferring to be alone. Riding on the High Road was just perfect for that, though others traveled no one made to speak to him or annoyed him and he'd actually not spoken aloud for days. Something that was about to change as he saw the Bloody Gate in the distance, sighing he prepared himself to speak and found his throat dry, reaching down to his pouch he took a long swallow of the water.

"Who would pass the Bloody Gate." a gruff voice called out and he looked up to see the man in question.

"Sandor Clegane." he said to the Blackfish who didn't move or show any emotion whatsoever.

"What business do you have in the Vale, Clegane?." the Blackfish asked.

"The tourney at Runestone." he replied and waited until after a nod from the Blackfish the gate was opened.

He rode through and found the Blackfish already waiting for him when he got there, the man standing tall and firm and just as formidable as he knew him to be. His grey heavy plate armor and matching helm marking him out as what he was, a warrior of some repute. As he took the helm off he bid him dismount and so he did, wondering what it was the man wished of him.

"You best come inside, it'll be dark soon and the stretch of road you travel is dangerous at night.".

"You think I give a fuck about danger?." he asked.

"I know you don't, but you're a big fucker and it'd take many of my men to carry your body back, I'd rather not, tonight at least." The Blackfish said and Sandor was sure he was only half-joking "Besides, it's almost time for dinner and a warm meal never did anyone any harm.".

He found himself agreeing with that and looking forward to it and so he followed the Blackfish inside. The meal was good, the ale better and the offer of a night in a bed was something he didn't realize he'd appreciate so much, he even found the Blackfish to be good company. The man was wary of him and his intent, even pointing out the folly of going up against Ser Arthur, not that he took any notice of his words.

Leaving the next morning he soon found the Blackfish's warning to be a well-timed one, the body he came across showing even more clearly the folly of traveling this road at night. He soon found himself quickening his pace to get to the Gates of the Moon and he arrived not long after nightfall. Here too he enjoyed the meal on offer and also heard more warnings, Shadowcat's and Mountain Clans mainly the things to worry about.

"You should be safe enough once you reach Ironoaks, but be wary until then." one of the guards said and he nodded and continued to eat, the chicken which was flavored just how he liked it soon filling his belly.

As it was the man was wrong, it was far after Ironoaks, and almost just as he reached Runestone itself that it happened, the attack catching him by surprise and he quickly realized just how fucked he truly was. There were more than a dozen of them and they'd used crudely formed caltrops, though they were just as effective. The horse losing its balance and throwing him roughly to the ground.

The fight itself was clearly beyond him, he knew that after taking out the first two, the knife wound to his shoulder too deep to fight through. He gutted another and felt the blow to his head, his feet unsteady as he fell to the ground, the blood loss, and the blow itself would be the end of him. Then it was as if he was watching in slow motion, the whiteness like a star in the night's sky, the way it moved was like nothing he'd ever seen before.

"We need to get him to the Maester." a young boy with purple eyes said and Sandor looked up to see him look at him concernedly.

"You fetch Lord Yohn, Jon and I will stay with him until you return." a man's voice said as Sandor drifted off.

The Vale 291 AC.

Jon.

Life at Runestone became a routine and one he enjoyed immensely, he'd study hard with Helliweg in the morning, he having been moved onto harder and harder lessons at his uncle's insistence. His uncle had even hired a tutor for him out of his winnings, a man from Dorne who from what Jon could ascertain only specialised in politics. His teachings were far different than Helliweg's and while the Maester seemed more knowledgeable on the makeup of the actual houses, Jarol seemed to look at things differently. Jon soon finding that the combination of both of them teaching him had him looking at things differently.

With his uncle and Lord Yohn, he learned of a subject he found even more fascinating, tactics and battle plans. Lord Yohn seeming to know more of historical battles than even his uncle did. Daily he and Waymar would spar and take lessons from his uncle, though Jon would also take earlier and later lessons one on one with Arthur. Somedays they'd be joined by Mychel Redfort and Domeric Bolton, the older boy squiring for Lord Horton and both he and Mychel visiting often.

He and Domeric had developed a kinship of sorts, an easy friendship, them being of the North and their interest in the harp soon having them bonding, Mychel too had become someone he considered a good friend. Though it was a toss-up as to whether his best friend was Waymar, who was almost a brother to him, or Elaena who could get him to do whatever she put her mind to it. Spending time with her soon became his favorite parts of the day, she was fun and mischievous and both she and Ysilla had never once looked down upon him for his birth, something others most certainly had.

"Do you really think you can beat me bastard?." Harry said.

"I think if you fought as well as you spoke then I'd be in far more trouble." he said to laughs.

"You speak far above your station bastard, you need to be put in your place.".

"Then do it and stop talking about it Harry you arse." Elaena said while nodding to Jon, a small smirk on both their faces when Harry moved to begin the spar.

He had wondered if it was just his station that made people like Harry or Ser Lyn or others look down on him. That the Scary Fish did also would have bothered him more if not for the fact she looked down on Elaena too, something which stunned him given she was the heir to the Vale. Though perhaps she'd not be for much longer which he knew was something that Elaena worried about, what her place would be should Lysa birth a boy something she'd not speak on.

This was why in part Lord Yohn was hosting this tourney, both to take Elaena's mind off things and cheer her up some and to celebrate Ysilla's nameday. He found he was looking forward to it immensely, the idea of another tourney one which excited all the boys, the girls too, even if his uncle had told them he'd not compete. With a few days to go before it began people began to arrive, and as he woke up for that morning's spar and headed out to meet his uncle, he noticed Elaena was up and sitting alone in the gardens.

"Elaena?." he said as he walked over to her "Elaena?" he said again when she didn't hear him.

"What? Oh sorry, Jon." she said her voice far more quiet than usual.

"What's wrong?" he asked as he took a seat beside her.

"What? It's nothing.".

"Elaena?.".

"I…I just heard them speaking last night, some of the lords, talking about the Scary Fish." she said and he nodded.

"She's not coming is she?." he asked.

"No, it's not that, it's just, they…they seem to think that I'd be happy if she lost the babe, as if I could be happy about such a thing.".

"Is it because you're the heir?." he asked and she nodded "But you don't care about that, the babe would be your brother or sister.".

"Exactly, why can't they see that, they seem to think me some sort of monster." she said sadly.

"The Scary Fish is the monster." he said with a chuckle which only got a small smile from her "What they think doesn't matter, just like you said to me about Harry. It's only those you care about, it's only their thoughts that matter." he said and she looked at him.

"Do you think me a monster?." she asked worriedly.

"You're as far from a monster as anyone I know." he said and she smiled more fully then.

"I hope it's a boy." she said a moment later.

"Why?.".

"Because then I'll have a brother and he'll be heir, people can leave me alone then." she said and he got up and pretended to move away "Jon?." she asked confused.

"I was leaving you alone," he said smirking.

"Sit down you fool." she said smiling as she shook her head.

"Call me Benjicot my lady." he said as he began to make faces, Elaena soon descending into a giggling fit.

Later that day he was in the hall when the reports came, the mountain clans had attacked some travelers who were on their way to the tourney. Had not so many lords had their squires with them, were Mychel and Domeric not to ride with Lord Horton Redfort and Harry with Ser Morton Waynwood, then Jon was sure he'd have been left behind. However, when his uncle arrived to ride with them, both he and Waymar were allowed to ride also, Lord Yohn noting it would be shameful for them not to.

After promising his uncle he'd stick with the others and not ride off alone and after being given a bow and arrows along with a small sword, the first non blunted blade he'd ever held. Well apart from Dawn once when his uncle had allowed him to, they set off. It ended up being for the most part dull and boring until the groups had begun to split off from each other, some going one way and the others another. It was as they were riding that Jon felt it, what it was he wasn't sure but he rode to Lord Yohn and his uncle and told them.

"Uncle, we must go back, the road to through the pass, they're there." he said as both Lord Yohn and Arthur looked at him suspiciously.

"How can you know this Jon?." Lord Yohn asked.

"I don't know my lord, only that I'm certain of it.".

"Arthur?" Lord Yohn asked.

"I believe we should take Jon's advice my lord." his uncle said.

The scene they came upon was carnage, his uncle, Lord Yohn, and some of the other men riding straight into it, Jon though felt the need to go to the trees and found the man leaning there, he was bleeding badly and barely conscious. He tried not to look at the scarred face and tried to speak to the man though he barely seemed to hear him and by the time his uncle arrived the man was losing consciousness.

He found out later that the man was Sandor Clegane and the name made some fear rise up in him. Was he here to see revenge over his brother? Did he mean his uncle harm? Jon had to know and so later that night he snuck into the man's room, finding him awake and far more scary than he had been just earlier that day.

"What do you want lad?." Sandor said as he stared at him.

"Did you come for my uncle?." he said trying to make his voice sound far less shaky than he felt.

"Aye, I did." Sandor said.

"Then you're a fool." he said more firmly now.

"Ha, you've got balls lad I'll give you that, I was told it's you I've to thank for finding me?.".

"It's my uncle you've to thank for saving your life." Jon said staring at Clegane's face.

"I already have, I came to find your uncle lad but not for the reasons you think, I bear him no ill will lad. I came to thank him." Sandor said and Jon looked at him sure he was jesting, surprised to see he was not.

"Thank him?."

"My brother was monster and your uncle killed him, so aye, I came to thank him.".

"Oh." he said and Sandor laughed.

"You too, I owe you thanks.".

"You owe me nothing." he said with a smirk.

"Then I'll give you nothing, how's that sound lad?." Sandor said his smirk a little bigger than his own.

"Jon." he said.

"Jon." Sandor said and Jon nodded at him before walking from the room.

Gulltown 291 AC.

Oberyn.

Nine years since he had seen him, nine years in which his life had been torn apart and he'd lost them. Essos had been a refuge to him on many occasions, now though he felt it to be a cursed place as the very worst things in his life had happened when he was there. First the rebellion and Elia's and the children's deaths, then the fall of the man that should have been his, the vengeance that was his by right.

He had held his spear at Doran's request, been willing to wait until the time was right to strike as his brother had suggested and had done his bidding. He'd traveled to meet with Ser Willem and signed the letters making the accord, he'd checked in on the children when he could. Both his own and the Targaryens, that they were the key to Doran's plans making them ever so important to him.

For almost the past two years he'd searched for them, from Qohor to Norvos, Volantis to Braavos and had finally given up, both the futility of the search and the absence of his own children weighing heavily on his heart. Had it not been for Ellaria's pregnancy though he'd still be obvious, her desire to birth their babe in Dorne being what had finally made him return.

Two moons ago.

The babe would be born soon and so he was glad to see Sunspear again, Ellaria even more so than he. It had been pointless and had taken up far too much of his time and he felt a failure. All he could now was hope that the others he'd left would have more luck than he. Walking down to the cabin he helped her up to the deck and was pleased to see Arianne waiting for him by the docks.

"Come, my love, my niece awaits." he said as they walked down the gangplank, Oberyn holding Ellaria's hand to keep her steady.

"Uncle, it's good to see you." Arianne said smiling as she leaned forward to kiss his cheek "You too aunt, and not a moment too soon I see." Arianne said doing likewise to Ellaria.

"My girls?." he asked.

"In the Water Gardens with father, uncle." Arianne said as they walked to the carriage.

They were inside the carriage when Arianne told him and only Ellaria's hand on his stopped the explosion that bubbled inside him from bursting forth. His paramour was as eager as he to see their children though and so despite their tiredness and Arianne's concern, they left almost as soon as they arrived. The journey to the Water Gardens did nothing to settle his temper, instead, he just allowed it to simmer underneath the façade of calm he projected.

It was seeing his girls, Obara, Tyene, and Obara, and holding Elia and Obella in his arms which calmed him somewhat, though as soon as he saw his brother it quickly rose to the surface and he exploded like a volcano.

"You, you told me to wait." he shouted as Areo gripped his axe in warning.

"I did and it was the right decision at the time." Doran said calmly.

"Was it? I could have had him were it not for your decision brother, I could have avenged her, them, and now it's been stolen from me." he almost screamed.

"Calm down Oberyn, the Mountain was not the only man responsible for our sister's death, there is someone far more guilty than he.".

"There is and yet he too you'll not let me near, wait, wait, be a snake in the grass, you forget brother if you wait too long in the grass you'll be entwined in it." he said shaking his head "I'll wait no more." he said turning to walk from the room.

"Will, you not? And what will you do, take Tywin Lannister on in Casterly Rock? Do you think he'd not suspect such a thing? Raise some spears against the might of the West, you'd see Dorne fall, are you that much of a fool Oberyn?."

"Better a fool than a coward." he said before storming from the room.

Ellaria was right when she argued with him that night, what he'd said was uncalled for and so he went back and apologized, finding Doran to be in a forgiving mood. His brother trying to tell him that at least it was a Dornishman who had avenged its princess and her children and Oberyn taking some comfort in that.

He was comforted even more when he saw the body of the mountain laid out on the grounds of a pigsty, they had needed buckets of water to clean the shit up and he laughed to see the bones desecrated that way. The head was given pride of place in Sunspear and he vowed to see it when he returned, though it was not to be for some time as Dorea was born only days later. It was only after she was that Doran told him the nature of Jon Arryn's visit and the news then of the tourney was too good for him to resist.

"You would leave me here?" Ellaria said unhappily as Dorea ate hungrily from her breast.

"I will be gone for no more than a moon or two my love, I need to see him and this gives me the cover to do so." he said his voice soft.

"You could wait and we could go together." she said as Dorea finished.

"A visit then would raise too many questions, it must be now or who knows when I'll next get the chance.".

Now.

She had accepted but not been happy about it and so he, Obara, and Nymeria along with Ser Daemon and some guards had made their way to the Vale. Standing on the docks as they removed the horses from the hold he was unsurprised when the guards came, the captain welcoming him to Gulltown and asking if he'd come to speak to their lord.

Lord Gerold welcomed him and feasted him that night, the man readying his own party to ride to Runestone and offering to accompany him which he accepted. Far better to travel with those who knew the way Oberyn thought and the lord was a good sort. That his father had died fighting for the right side in the rebellion also raising him in Oberyn's estimation.

"Do you intend to compete, my prince?" Gerold said as they rode from the town.

"I've not decided, Obara and Ser Daemon will, I'll see the competition before I decide Lord Gerold.".

"See if Ser Arthur is competing you mean." The man said with a chuckle.

"Given what he did in Lannisport are there many who dare face his blade?" Oberyn asked.

"No, I'd heard the tales of his skill when I was a younger man, my father spoke highly of him of course, but seeing him for myself, I've not seen the likes of it before. People speak of Ser Barristan and Ser Jaime, but no, Ser Arthur has them both beat." Gerold said and Oberyn smirked, it had always been thus.

When they were boys he and Arthur had been friends, at one point he'd considered himself the man's equal, though he was soon to find out that he was anything but. With most weapons Arthur was adept, Oberyn had him beat with a spear only because he specialized with it and Arthur could beat him with a long sword easily.

Put Dawn in his hands though and it was a different matter, nothing came close, he'd fought against him using a long spear and using short ones, and each time he had ended in the dirt. That the Mountain thought he'd have a chance against him even with a tourney sword was laughable and the result showed that Arthur had not lost his touch. He looked forward to testing him once again, tourney or no, and wondered how he'd feel once he saw him.

Kings Landing 291 AC.

Barristan.

A good king, A mad king, and A bad king, three he had served and only one worthy of the crown, though he believed from the letter's Arthur wrote him that perhaps he'd get the chance to serve another good one soon. Daeron Targaryen the third of his name, be he either the young dragon or the good, Barristan's hopes rested in him, as did the hopes of the boy's house.

Arthur had been as good as his word, the message first handed to him by a girl in a tavern and then delivered regularly and he had memorized every one before he'd burned them. How the king was progressing well in his studies, how he'd started playing the harp, how his skill with a blade was exceptional. The boy was smart, very much so and Barristan couldn't help but be reminded of Rhaegar and how much cleverer he had been than most.

He knew and Arthur did also that the spider was aware of their communications, though even an interception of the letters would prove no use to the eunuch. The true Kingsguard had a code, it would take one to read it and apart from himself, Arthur and Ser Jaime, there were none who could. Still, he tried to be careful and was burning the latest one when the child walked into the room, the note in his hands could only be from one man and so he sighed as he took it.

Balerion's skull Hour of the Ghosts, alone.

"Go be off with you child." he said handing the boy a few coppers before he scurried from the room.

"Ser Arys" he called and the knight came from his room.

"Yes, Lord Commander?."

"I know you had the night off but I must ask a favor, something's come up with my family, a matter I need to take care of and I need you to cover my duties tonight.".

"Of course Lord Commander.".

"I'll repay the favor should you ever have need of some time alone Ser Arys." he said with a soft smile as the knight nodded.

"There is no need Lord Commander." Ser Arys said.

"Then I am in your debt Ser.".

With that taken care of, he waited until the knight had left and then dressed in less noticeable clothing, leaving the tower and making his way to the entrance by the cove, moving swiftly so as not to be seen. He arrived by the dragon's skull with a couple of hours to spare and set about finding a dark corner to wait in. The last thing he wished for was to be surprised and he'd not take a chance with the spider.

After eating the bread and hard cheese he'd brought with him and drinking down the water, he waited and smirked when Varys arrived at the Hour of the Eel, the spider also was taking no chances it seemed.

"You can come out of your corner Ser Barristan, I'm only early because you are." the spider said and Barristan stretched as he stood up.

"Really, how long have you known I was here?.".

"Since you entered the tunnels Ser, there are far too many people who'd wish a spider ill, even you Ser may do so?." Varys said and Barristan didn't respond at first "Though you'd be doing the king a disservice to do so.".

"I'm sure Robert would mourn your loss my lord." he said with almost a snort.

"I speak of the true king Ser.".

"It's treason you speak?" he said trying to make out the expression on Varys's face.

"Then if so I'm as guilty of it as you or Ser Arthur, or our own Lord Hand." he said and Barristan looked at him shocked.

"You didn't know of Lord Jon, I had thought…though perhaps...Well, it's for the best either way.". Varys said.

"Speak plainly Spider.".

"Very well Ser. I like you seek to see the true king on his throne, King Daeron the third, a far better king than the one we both serve and a much better choice for the realm than what will follow.". Varys said and Barristan couldn't believe it, that he knew was one thing, but if true, he shook his head.

"And I'm supposed to believe a liar such as you?.".

"Believe, don't believe, I know of the king, of the accord with Lord Jon, the plot and the plan and I welcome it wholeheartedly, the realm has my loyalty Ser and Robert and the Lannisters seek to harm the realm, King Daeron will not.".

"How do you know?."

"Of the king? Or that he's what's best for the realm?." Varys asked curiously.

"Either, both.".

He listened as Varys told the story and he found himself almost giddy as he did so, that Jon Arryn could be so forward-thinking that not only did he provide the king the means to grow but got Ned Stark to turn on his friend in the process. The North and the Vale, more to come, but two kingdoms already and the battle lines looked far different.

The Riverlands were tied by blood to both, the loyalists would return, should they take the Reach, no, he was getting far too much ahead of himself and needed to calm down. Something that Varys was able to have him do very much only a sentence or two later.

"We need to proceed carefully though, Jon Arryn risks much and needs to step back some, the king must be protected and Ser Arthur is not enough." Varys said.

"He has me, you if you speak the truth.".

"He has me Ser." Varys said.

"Then I'll speak to Lord Jon, have Arthur speak to him." he said and Varys nodded.

"Trust no one Ser, I know it seems strange coming from me but we have one chance at this, just one, should it fail we all will lose our heads and I quite like my own." Varys said with a chuckle.

"But not mine?." he asked.

"Not in place of mine own, no." Varys said as he turned to walk away.

"And the kings?." he asked.

"His more than any must be protected Ser, I'd lose my own to see him crowned." Varys said and Barristan looked on surprised never before had he heard such a tone from the man, was this what genuine sounded like from the spider he wondered.

He would speak to Arthur, to Lord Jon, and to others if it was deemed appropriate, as he was walking back through the tunnels he had to resist the urge to whistle or to break out in song. A good king to serve before he said farewell to this world, it was something he had given up on and then something he'd spent the past two years thinking of. Now it was something that moved ever closer and he once again was feeling worthy of the white cloak.

A/N: Thanks to all who've read and especially those who've reviewed. Up Next a year is a long time in Westeros as Oberyn and Arthur meet, The Hound makes a decision on his future, Jon Arryn confides in Yohn and welcomes a new arrival and Ned and his family travel south.

Daryl Dixon: So glad you liked it.

Mugen: Really glad you enjoyed it.

Xand007: Thank you, my friend. That's the only downside to having the Mountain fall publicly, though I hope you like what Dorne did. As for Jon A, you're spot on there is only so much he can actually say without it being too dangerous. You too my friend, stay safe.

Guest: We kinda have to have some povs from her since she's the main female character, in terms of a political match that's true yes, and Jon/Elaena is too a political match, that doesn't mean that they can't also have feelings for each other. Even as friends in that society someone insults a girl or a boy than their friend stands up for them it's just logical. I don't wish to write a purely political match, it goes against canon Jon, and it's shown within the canon the inherent problems in such a match. TBH I don't think any Jon Snow as lead story has him marrying politically if there are I've not read them.

Glad you liked the Barry/Arthur chat.

Mister Laguardia: You're right in a lot f what you say, but technically the Heir calls the shots, so once Jon a is gone then as Lord Robyn decides who Elaena would be matched with, therefore Lysa does. Lysa position lives and dies with control of Sweetrobin, without that she's got no power, now once she has Sweetrobin, she can take Elaena out if need be or simply not need to since she has the male heir, others may consider Elaena a possible other choice but as you say it's a patriarchy, she'd be in a bad position. Will Lysa try and see Elaena gone in the future, will LF, we'll see.

Mrspotter: As you see he knows.

Paulies: We should change your name to the sphinx.

Zyrus: Jaime is still in essence in full on Cersei love mode and so it was a bit too soon, we will see him begin to suspect over time and he and Arthur will talk at some point. Sandor is but refuses to take the seat as you see.

Creativo: Más un honorario Martell lol.

Guest: We'll be doing many more jumps to bring them up agewise, this will be a lot quicker than TDC. With Jorah the problem is without a logical reason to change he's going to follow canon, here there really isn't a reason for him to change, no other interactions with him to divert his path and so he'll pretty much be following canon.

Lady Octarina: I like trying to give a character a reason to be different, I also find it funny and a bit odd that Jon Arryn fell for the not so clever ruse that Ned pulled, it just doesn't make sense to me, like he knows Ned better than pretty anyone, never mind Robert believing he fathered a bastard, Jon A believing it is just off to me. Perhaps in canon he knew and knew Ned wouldn't have pushed the claim and so given what had happened with Elia and the children was happy to see Jon live. But anyway yep here the birth of Elaena has also made him change, so he like Ned was forced to wed and didn't like it, then seeing what Robert is like as king, seeing the Lannisters, he starts out with a backup plan and is now fully on board.

We'll be seeing more of Jon/Arthur, there's a lot of hero worship going on with Jon for his uncle, unsurprisingly, as for the Mountain, his death sends a lot of ripples as you can see with Sandor, and even with Oberyn not having to face him way in the future.

Jaime just like Barristan knows, only with Jaime it's on a more subconscious level, he's both a little afraid to look too closely at Arthur as it stirs up his own feelings of failure, but as Jon ages here it's going to be harder for him to hide from Jaime, the eyes can only be explained for so long.

M: Lysa won't be dying for some time if at all.

Dunk: With Dany/Vis, again canon will be followed unless there's a logical way to change it, so for now they're missing in Essos. Arthur taking down the Mountain will have some long term effects, it's also helped him and Jon coin wise. As for Richard, he and some others may make an appearance at some time in the future, If so in a different role than in TDC though. On Dragons so far I have it that he's not getting one before canon so if he does it'll be after the WOTFK not before, but that's still up in the air and he could get his own beforehand. Lysa I think with Jon A is kinda ok until we reach closer to canon, if anything she's more a threat to Elaena here. I do intend there to be more jumps here, the next chapter will cover and year in total and so we're already going to be in 292 AC by the end of that.

Naruto: We'll see the movement for allies soon, as for Arthur it's that one huge advantage of knowing one on one they have no one who can take you.

Guest It's kinda hard to make that work, I did think of it, but it's far better I think if Sweetrobin is accepted as Jon Arryn's. I do think it very odd though that Jon A never thought anything wrong, he being blue-eyed and blond, Lysa red-haired and blue-eyed and Sweetrobin being dark-haired and eyed. That was bad enough but then you'd have thought during his investigation into Robert's bastards he may have made that leap then lol. On the Martell's we'll see with Oberyn next.

Silent mayhem: That's a big issue with Lysa, I think personality-wise she showed it with Sansa that her jealousy is something she can't let go of or cover for long. Here she had lost LF's child before she married Jon A so there was that going on with her too when she met Elaena.

On LF, him being named MOC wasn't really on Lysa's recommendation, it was as I've kinda shown here a way for Jon A to try and limit the Lannister's influences, Petyr's work in Gulltown brought him to KL and then to MOC. One of the issues it that canon needs a reason not to happen and other events can kinda force it to in a way also.

Winter Kiss: for now it'll be every two weeks on a Sunday, really glad you're enjoying it.

Xanmerrick: Thanks my friend, so glad you liked it.

Bellaswan: Arthur, Barry, and Varys, along with Jon A will start reaching out soon to those who can, the problem with the Martell's is that Doran has his own game going and as always the price is a bride. But we'll see moves made, in the Vale and other places over the next few chapters.