Runestone 295 AC:
Arthur.
It had taken a few hours for the formalities of welcoming a prince and his party to Runestone and then settling said party into the keep to be done. By the time it was, night was falling and it was time for the evening meal, a larger than normal one since Oberyn and his paramour along with his daughters were guests of honor. Arthur could see that despite both Oberyn and Ellaria keeping up appearances and speaking to Yohn and Yara, the prince had his eyes and attention focussed only on Jon.
He'd spoken to Sandor and to Jon who in turn had spoken to his friends. The Brotherhood were now all doing passable impressions of enjoying their night when in reality each of them kept their eyes on Oberyn and his daughters. Despite not truly expecting it, he'd also made sure to speak to Jon about Oberyn's reputation and had insisted that he only ate or drank food that was impossible to be tampered with. The Red Viper was not averse to using poison to bringing down those he wished and while Arthur didn't truly believe Oberyn would do so, he'd not take any chances with his king.
What was most remarkable to him though was how at ease Jon seemed to be. He'd been nervous when word came that Oberyn was to visit and when he'd greeted him earlier that day. They both had known that he knew the truth, that this visit was because he knew and that knowledge and how Oberyn may feel about him, had made his king nervous. Yet tonight in this room Jon looked anything but. Arthur watched as he and Elaena sat and japed, ate, and talked with their friends and then readied to dance when the music started.
"You really think we need to worry about that fucker?" Sandor said from beside him, Arthur noticing how he'd been sitting over one mug of ale for most of the night.
"Oberyn was ever a law onto himself, what he sees as slights and how he feels on people or events, even his sister was never sure of how he'd be from one day to another."
"Sounds like a cunt." Sandor said and Arthur chuckled.
"At times, yes. He loved his sister as much as I loved mine own, Sandor, more so perhaps. Her loss almost broke him as did the loss of the children. How he's managed to hold his spear for so many years is beyond me and Jon, Jon, to him could be the living embodiment of all he has lost or the one beacon in a dark world." Arthur said his eyes focussing on Oberyn's who raised his glass and nodded at him before taking a quick swallow and then taking Ellaria's hand to lead her to the floor.
"And if it's the first one?" Sandor asked.
"Then he'll try and end Jon before he leaves this world." Arthur said.
"Then he'll be leaving this world unfulfilled and very fucking soon." Sandor said and Arthur smiled.
He looked out to the dance floor watching as Jon danced with Elaena and he saw then why he was so different than he had been earlier, why his worries seemed a passing thing. When he was his betrothed everything else faded away, this was true for Elaena too he was pleased to see. It reminded him so much of Jon's father and mother, of how Rhaegar for the first time was able to put away the burdens of being a prince and of living with the father he had. For his prince, it was only Lyanna who was able to allow him to be that way, not even his children could completely take him from his head.
With Rhaenys and Aegon, it was the worry and fear, both of the future and of the present given how his father was and how Aegon's illness was ever-present. When he was with Lyanna even though he should have felt some of that worry and fear, more of that perhaps given the circumstances that brought them together, it was only them and their future that Rhaegar saw. Arthur found himself almost wiping a tear from his eye when he thought of how that future had been cruelly taken away from them both. As he heard Elaena laugh at something Jon said to her though he smiled, happy that a part of that future lived still.
Despite not wishing to leave the room he felt the need to go to the privy and Sandor nodded to him that he had this. Arthur almost hurried along such was his eagerness to not be away from the great hall for too long. When he arrived back he almost felt his breath hitch in his throat, his heart racing as he looked worried to the floor to see Oberyn dancing with Elaena and Jon with Ellaria Sand. That both were smiling at something their respective dance partners were saying only making him slightly less worried. He quickly took his seat and Sandor told him that Oberyn had moved to Jon and asked to swap partners. Arthur knowing that were he not a little on edge then he'd have found that funny given Oberyn's proclivities.
"Jon handled it well, Arthur, no nerves, no doubts." Sandor said and Arthur nodded.
Over the rest of the night, Jon danced with Oberyn's daughter Nymeria and then with Ysilla before spending the rest of the night either dancing or talking with Elaena. When it came time for them to call it a night, Sandor followed after Jon while Arthur stayed in the great hall. Oberyn then coming over to join him not more than a moment after they'd left.
"An enjoyable night, Arthur." Oberyn said holding a wine glass in his hand.
"Was it?" he asked to a laugh from the prince.
"Very much so, young Jon is an accomplished dancer, even mine own paramour threatened to dance more with him than me." Oberyn said looking to the high table where Ellaria and Lady Yara were laughing together.
"Ellaria is ever the charmer still, my prince." Arthur said and he saw the warm smile that appeared on Oberyn's face as he complimented his love.
"She is, as is young Jon. I'd very much like to meet the young man, Arthur, to speak to him privately, man to man." Oberyn said his dark eyes sparkling with some emotion that Arthur couldn't name in them as he looked at him.
"I'll arrange it for tonight." he said and Oberyn nodded before getting up from the seat, Arthur's hand reaching out to grab his own so quickly and so assuredly that it caught Oberyn by surprise "I will end you, Oberyn, you, your girls, Ellaria, I will end you and when I'm done it'll be to Dorne I go. Not even Hotah will stand in my way as I send House Martell back into the sands from whence they came."
"I know very well what you would do, Arthur, as you do I, let us not play such games until there is a reason for them." Oberyn said with a smile and Arthur nodded.
Later that night he stood waiting in the old Sept, it was the hour of the wolf and the sky was black, dark, and foreboding. It was moonless and devoid of light and he looked on as Jon stood near the broken altar, the candles illuminating him and making him look every inch his father's son. He heard the footsteps and turned to see Sandor lead Oberyn into the Sept, Jon turned to look at him and some of that earlier nervousness was back on his king's face. There was a determination there also, one that would stand him in good stead dealing with the viper who was now in their midst.
"Prince Oberyn." Jon said his voice firm.
"Ser Jon." Oberyn said with a smirk, his tone making it clear he was saying the name as a mummery.
"Daeron, Prince Oberyn, my mother named me Daeron." Jon said and Arthur caught the little grimace that appeared on Oberyn's face, even in the little light that the candles provided.
"Not a name that many in Dorne speak fondly, Ser Jon, so forgive me if I don't speak it tonight." Oberyn said and Jon nodded.
"Ask your questions, Prince Oberyn, speak as freely as you like but when you speak of my mother you do so respectfully or not even Ser Arthur or Sandor will stop me before I reach you and when I do, one of us will fall here tonight." Jon said and Arthur was surprised by how calmly he said the words.
"Dorne does not think highly of your mother, Ser Jon, but you have my word I'll not disparage her or her memory, your father, however."
"Be respectful Prince Oberyn, as I will be about Elia and my siblings." Jon said and Oberyn nodded.
"Why Arthur?" Oberyn asked and Arthur saw how Jon looked to him a little confused before he nodded and made him relax.
"Aegon was ill, he was afflicted with what Elia had only far more severe, Neither of them believed he'd truly live to manhood though they hoped it. Elia wished him to be king, that should he live even if he were weaker than he should be that his place as crown prince and the future king would never be in doubt while he lived. When Rhaegar agreed, plans were made to bring another child into the world. There was to be a second marriage before an annulment of the first and then Elia would return to Dorne."
"So he set her aside?" Oberyn said angrily.
"She set herself aside, willingly. There was no love between them, you know this, Oberyn. All the love they had was for their children and never for each other. With Aegon being poorly and with Elia not able to safely bring another babe into the world, and with both of them knowing that in time it would have been forced. The shame of it being done so would be far more than any perceived shame because of the decision they made." Arthur said.
"How?" Jon asked and both he and Oberyn looked at him "How would it be more shameful?"
"Because to the realm, it would be known that she could not bring an heir into the world. That to many would have made her less of a woman, it would have forced Rhaegar to set her aside, to send her away no matter anyone else's wishes." Arthur said and Jon nodded.
"So it was to bring another prince into the world?" Oberyn said and Arthur shook his head.
"That was what they decided with each other, but love finds a way, Oberyn, you know this. They agreed that Rhaegar would begin to seek out a second bride, then fate intervened and before he knew it he'd fallen for Lyanna Stark." Arthur said and he saw Jon smile when he mentioned his mother.
"What of Rhaenys?" Oberyn asked and Arthur looked at Jon, not sure how he'd take this as it was something he'd not spoken to him of.
"Should Aegon fall before he was old enough to marry and have an heir, then Daeron and Rhaenys were to be wed." Arthur said and he didn't need to look to either Oberyn or Jon's face to see how they both looked at him.
There was silence for more than a few moments, Oberyn pacing in the Sept and Jon looking to the gap in the roof. Finally, it was Oberyn who broke it and Arthur thought he'd very soon be seeing Jon lose his temper at the words the prince spoke.
"Your father wished to marry you to your sister so that Dorne would have its rightful place on the throne should your brother fall. Fall he did, as did your sister, Dorne will accept you as its king, give you its spears if you live up to your father's agreement." Oberyn said.
"No." Jon said firmly.
"No?" Oberyn asked.
"You wish me to marry one of your daughters or perhaps Princess Arianne to live up to something my father arranged, would that I could, would that it was in the power of my heart to allow me such a thing. You think I don't know how much easier it would be for me to choose another bride? That I'm not aware that the Tyrell's would bring me the Reach should I do so? Or that it could help to bring me Dorne? I'm well aware of it Prince Oberyn and yet still I say no. I'm willing to offer Dorne many things my prince, I hope it's spears march with me, yet I cannot offer you what is not mine to give and my heart belongs to another." Jon said.
"You realize this may make us enemies, Ser Jon?" Oberyn said.
"Then may my sister and brother forgive me and may their mother understand that it was not something I wished for." Jon said and Arthur smiled as he turned to see Oberyn pace for a few moments before he spoke again.
"I'll speak to Doran, Ser Jon. What happens from there I know not but when it comes to a Dragon, the Stag or the Lion, mine own preference are clear. For now, you have nothing to fear from House Martell." Oberyn said.
"For now?" Arthur asked.
"It's the best I can do, Arthur." Oberyn said and he nodded as Oberyn turned to walk from the Sept, the prince stopping when Jon spoke.
"I wish I'd known them, Prince Oberyn, my brother, my sister, their mother. I wish I'd known them as much as I do my mother and father. Each night I go to my bed I do so wishing that." Jon said softly as Oberyn said nothing and simply nodded before leaving the Sept.
They stood there for some time, Arthur looking on as Jon wiped his eyes more than once. Eventually, they made their way back to the keep and over the next few days, Jon spoke to Oberyn, his paramour, and his daughters more than once. They seemed to have reached somewhat of an understanding. Dorne wouldn't support or take part in things, for now at least and Oberyn spoke softly to Jon and then to him before he left.
"My spear longs for Tywin Lannister and Robert Baratheon's blood, Arthur, it calls for it, begs for it, if he can give me that then regardless of what Doran decides or what Dorne decides, the Red Viper will march with you." Oberyn said.
"For Elia, For Rhaenys, For Aegon." he said softly back to him and saw the tears in Oberyn's eyes as he nodded.
Pentos 295 AC.
Illyrio.
He had found them, after all this time he'd found them and the news was fresh and good. Illyrio had handpicked the men he'd sent out, his very best as he couldn't risk losing them again. Myr, of all places they could end up it was to Myr they'd gone and he thanked the gods that he had so much business in that city. More than a moon ago he'd sent the word and the men to bring them safely to him. The letters had come regularly to say they were staying with one of the Magister's there an old friend of him named Grazdys and that they had not left and he'd felt such relief about that.
Now he waited each day and looked out onto the sea, his eyes seeking out The Bountiful Harvest and he hoped beyond hope that the harvest that it brought to him would be bountiful indeed. The waiting was agonizing, the not knowing and the worry that somehow they'd slip away once more, almost too much to take. Days turned into weeks and then a moon and two passing with no word and Illyrio felt his worries grow once more. When he finally saw the ship in the bay he almost wept such was his relief that it had come back. Illyrio begging the gods that it had only done so after following his orders.
As it docked and he saw them and he did actually weep, their silver hair was so much like the young man he'd met so long ago. The boy was tall, handsome as all the true dragons were and yet it was to the girl that Illyrio found his eyes drawn. She was tiny, her eyes fearful and yet hopeful and as Illyrio looked at her, he could see her playing with something on her hand almost nervously. Nodding to his men on deck, he looked on as the prince and princess were led down the gangplank. Viserys strolling confidently almost arrogantly while Daenery's steps were far less assured.
"Prince Viserys, Princess Daenerys, my name is Illyrio Mopatis and I'm honored to welcome you to Pentos." he said with a broad smile.
"King, Illyrio, I am King Viserys." the prince said arrogantly.
"You have no crown, no kingdom, my prince, you are what you are which is a Prince of House Targaryen. I speak it not to slight you but because it is the truth. Now we can stand here and argue over such things or you and the princess may join me in my manse and be welcomed in the manner afforded to your true station." he said and though the prince glared at him, the princess gave him a small smile.
"We are tired and hungry, Magister Illyrio, and so we accept your offer." Viserys said and Illyrio saw the relieved exhale of breath from the princess.
Neither of them talked much on the ride to his manse, though once they arrived and they saw it, he could see how both their eyes widened. Grazdys was a wealthy man and his manse was luxurious but compared to his own it was a peasant's house. He smiled at the way the princess, in particular, looked to the gardens and seemed to breathe in the smell of the flowers that grew there. Viserys seemed to be more appraising, judging his wealth and liking what he saw no doubt.
"I'll have my servants make your rooms ready, perhaps a nice warm bath for the princess would be welcomed?" he said smiling at the girl who looked at him and nodded with a shy smile on her face "Once you are both settled then I'll see that refreshments are brought and we can speak more. I give you my oath, Prince Viserys, Princess Daenerys, you are my most welcome guests and are completely safe here, I serve your family as true as any man." he said and he saw how Viserys looked intrigued while once again it was a hopeful look that appeared on the princess's face.
He waited until they were gone from the room and then called his captain to him, Illyrio listening as Nakidos talked to him about his new guests. His own assessment of them proved to be right as he was soon told of the prince's arrogance and the princess's shyness. When he heard that the prince would at times lay hands on his sister, he became angry. That would be stopping from here on in and he'd need to tell Viserys some truths that would no doubt create some issues. They'd not be leaving here though, even if he was forced to hold them as prisoners they'd not be leaving here. He hoped that it would not come to that but he readied himself just in case.
"I wish you to sail to Tyrosh, Nakidos, take a few days for yourself and the men to rest up and gather supplies before you come back to me and I'll give you your orders." he said looking at his captain, the younger man nodding before leaving him alone.
Illyrio walked into his solar and sat down at his desk before grabbing the parchment so he could begin to write the letters. The prince and princess were safe here, he knew this city far better than any and Varys would ensure that no news reached the Stag or the Lion of their whereabouts. After he finished the note to let his friend know that he'd found them and they were safe and well, he then wrote out the longer letter to the Griffin. Viserys would need guiding and he needed to be sure that it was just the life he'd led until then that were the reasons for his moods and actions, and not something worse. Connington had known Aerys while he had not and he'd know if the boy was a lost cause or could be an asset to his house and his king.
The princess would only be the former, though she would need to be brought out of her shell and freed from her brother's shadow, and never again would Viserys lay a finger on her lest he loses his hand. Once he was finished with the letters, he placed the one for the Griffin in his drawer and the other one he handed to Irros. His guard knowing exactly where to take it and soon it and the little bird it would be given to would be moving among the city. The song sung first in his solar and in far shorter a time than it should be possible, soon in the Red Keep.
"Make sure the best of our food is laid out tonight, Vaeraella. The princess she has been given new clothing?" he asked the older woman who ran his household, she would have seen to it personally no doubt.
"She has, Magister, the princess seemed to be most excited by the selection." Vaeraella said and Illyrio smiled, young girls were the same no matter where you went.
As he sat down to welcome them to dinner that night he felt his heart almost stop when he saw the princess walk into the room. She looked so much like Serra that it was as if he'd stepped back in time and when she caught his expression she looked worriedly at him.
"Forgive me, princess but you look a pure vision, The Realms Delight reborn." he said and though Serra wasn't known as such, he did remember Lady Cassana saying it to him about his sister all those years before.
"I thank you, Magister Illyrio, for the room and for the dresses." she said softly as she smiled at him.
"You are more than welcome, my princess, now come, I'm sure you're both famished, as am I." he said with a little chuckle that got him a giggle from the princess.
The prince was far more sullenly and so for tonight at least he felt it for the best not to bring up talk of Daeron and of his existence. Instead, he spoke of Rhaegar and told them how he had met their brother so many years ago, both of them but especially the princess listening to him eagerly as he told them tales of him. At one point he saw Viserys glare at his sister and Daenerys shrink back and it made him feel the need to watch the prince more carefully. Illyrio deciding to follow after them both when the meal was over and they were heading back to their rooms.
"I warned you, Dany, I warned you not to wake the dragon." Viserys said angrily as he grabbed his sister's arm.
"I'm sorry, Vis, please, I'm sorry." Daenerys said back pleadingly.
"Unhand her at once." he said loudly, almost running down the corridor, despite how it tired him and made him look "Unhand her, or by the gods, I'll see you lose that hand before this night is done." he said when he reached them both.
"I am the…" Visery said before Illyrio slapped him, not too hard but a slap all the same, and the look of shock on the prince's face and the worried one of the princess's told him he should not have, but it was done and best to deal with it now.
"Take the prince to my solar, I'll speak to him there." he said to his guards and he saw the almost panicked way the princess moved to her brother.
"Please, don't hurt him, it was my fault, please Magister, please…" she said her voice barely heard over the sobs she made.
"I give you my word of honor he'll not be harmed, princess, I swear it on the gods." he said and she calmed down a little as Viserys was led away.
He led her into her room and bid her take a seat, Illyrio calling for a servant to fetch one for him. It was an uncomfortable one that he was given but it would have to do and so he sat down and faced her.
"I told you I was friends with your older brother, Princess, with Rhaegar." he said and she looked at him "I would never see his family hurt, on that I swear." he said and she nodded reluctantly.
"Promise?" she asked softly.
"I promise." he said "Your brother he strikes you often?" he asked and she nodded barely "He will never do so when you are here, my guards are yours, princess, my servants yours. If there is anything you need, wish for, anything you want then just ask and if it's in my power then I'll see that it's done."
"Why? Why are you helping us?" she asked nervously.
"I am a friend of your family, Princess, I swore an oath." he said and she looked at him.
"You won't send us away as the others do?" she asked barely looking at him.
"My home is yours for as long as you wish it to be so. Tomorrow we'll take a walk in the gardens and I'll introduce you to the horses if you'd like?" he said and she smiled as he nodded "I must go and speak to your brother, princess, I swear it to you he'll not be harmed, do you believe me?"
"I want to." she said softly.
"Then I hope to earn your trust and that soon you'll know that you can." he said as he got to his feet "Sleep well Princess Daenerys Stormborn, sleep well and know that you have nothing to fear while you're under my protection.
He walked from the room and down to his solar, he'd not wished to have this conversation yet but he had no choice. Viserys would need to learn that he was not the king and not the head of his household. He'd need to learn that while for now, he'd promised not to hurt him, should he lay a hand on his sister once more then he'd not get off as easy as he would be doing tonight.
Gulltown 295 AC.
Elaena.
She was going North, her, Jon, the Brotherhood, Mya, and Ysilla, all of them were heading to the North to see Jon's family and Dom's too. It was exciting, nerve-wracking, and yet exciting. As this time she'd be meeting them not how she had last time, not simply as Elaena Arryn but as Elaena Arryn, the future wife of Jon Snow, of Daeron Targaryen. It made her nervous as to what they'd think of her, how they'd welcome her or not, and thoughts of finding disfavor with them wouldn't go away.
Jon told her she was being foolish, that his family had already shown they liked her when they had visited Runestone. She'd spent time with Sansa and had made a friend in Jon's sister and he'd told her that wouldn't change or if it did it would only do so for the better. Yet she worried still, the thoughts that she'd not be considered worthy for him were ones that at times she found hard to shake. Not for Ser Jon, not for him, but for Daeron for the king he would be. Would his uncle think like she had that there was a better match out there he could make? Would he think she'd somehow played a game to bring him to her side? Seduced him to make herself a queen?.
She knew she had not and were he to but ask it of her then she'd step aside and let him choose another. It would break her heart and she may never recover from it but she'd do so if he were to ask it of her. Elaena had told him often enough, even just recently when Prince Oberyn had visited and Jon had told him that he knew the truth of him. She'd told him that if it was what he must do then she would understand him agreeing to marry Princess Arianne. Jon laughing at her and confusing her until he explained that the prince had asked him to do that very thing.
"He did?" she asked as they lay on her bed.
"He did, want to know what I told him?" Jon asked and she both nodded and shook her head at almost the same time.
"I told him that I could not, that I would not. Those words I spoke to your father, Elaena they are as true now as they were when I spoke them. If it is to be the crown or you then I chose you, only you."
"Jon.."
"Only you." he said kissing her and she nodded "Besides we're to be married in the Great Sept, the realm knows this and is preparing for the day, we can't let them down now can we?"
That had been a shock to her, Lord Yohn telling her and Jon that he'd received a raven from her father and that the king had gifted them a wedding and a tourney in King's Landing. She hadn't known what to make of it and had thought Jon may have been upset but he was anything but. Instead, he had told her that in the future people would speak of seeing the king and queen wed in the Great Sept and that had the rebellion not happened and he'd been raised as a prince, then it would have been what his father and mother wished for him.
"Just with a different bride." she had said softly.
"It could only ever be you, Laeny." Jon said and she felt her heart soar at his words.
The ship set sail on the tide and she sat in the largest room with all of her friends. Jon was speaking to Domeric, both of them talking of the North, and Mya and Mychel were locked in a very private conversation. The two of them oblivious to anyone else in the room. Elaena sat between Ysilla and Waymar, her cousins were talking almost through her about the North and how cold it was, Waymar telling Ysilla that he'd never felt the likes of it before.
Elaena smiled when Jon looked her way, her betrothed soon finishing what it was he was speaking to Domeric about and moving to join her and her cousins. Waymar appeared to be annoyed at him when Jon pushed him out of the way so he could sit beside her. Though it was more an act than for true as soon enough her cousin was laughing as he moved to sit beside Mychel and Mya. Ysilla spoke before she had a chance to, her cousin asking if it was truly as cold in the North as Waymar had said.
"It is, but your father had those new cloaks made for you and the tents will be warm. With any luck the weather will hold and should you be too uncomfortable we'll stop and rest often." Jon said.
"We'll have to, why I agreed to travel by horse I'll never know." Ysilla said shaking her head.
"I'll speak to Lord Manderly, perhaps we can get a covered cart or carriage from him should you wish?" Jon said and she saw Ysilla smile.
"I'll forebear." her cousin said before she got up and walked to Waymar and the others.
"What of you? Does my lady wish a carriage or will she grace me with her presence and ride alongside me?" Jon asked smirking at her.
"I intend to beat you, Jon Snow, to leave you and that horse of yours in the dust." she said determinedly smiling back at him.
"Snow." Jon said with a chuckle.
"Jon?"
"There's little dust in the North, Laeny, it'll be snow I'm afraid."
"Then snow it shall be." she said before they both laughed.
He asked her to join him up on deck and she nodded taking his hand and walking with him and Sandor to take a look at the night sky. No sooner did they reach it than she heard the squawk and looked up to see the falcon resting on the mast. Jon reached into his pocket and took out the large piece of dried meat and Elaena watched as Eyas flew down and took it from his hand before flying back up to the mast and squawking once again.
Jon had explained his connection with the bird to her many times and yet each time she saw it and how it was around him it boggled her mind. There were many in the Vale who had birds of prey as their pets, most used hawks though her father had kept falcons in the Eyrie. None though had such control over them as Jon had with Eyas, the two were as one and though she understood warging a little, it still amazed her to see it in action. That he'd named it after what her father would always call her, made her heart flutter a little. As it did now when he moved behind her and put his arms around her.
"There is so much I wish to show you when we get there, Laeny, the glass gardens and the Winter Roses, the Godswood, Winterfell itself and the Wolfsfwood. But I want to show you where she lies, show you her statue, and have her meet you, that most of all." Jon said softly.
"I want to meet her too, Jon, just like you did with mine own mother." she said and felt him kiss her cheek.
"I wish I could take you to the Wall, to see my other uncles. I sent them a letter telling them all about you and I wish I could take you to them."
"One day you will." she said as she felt herself shiver and then she was covered in his cloak, Jon wrapping it around her as they stood looking up at the stars.
White Harbor 295 AC.
Wyman Manderly.
Hearing that the boy was making his way north had excited him, Wyman finding himself keen to see the lad for himself. It had been some time since he'd done so and in the time he'd had to make do with stories about his time in the Vale. He'd heard he was well thought of by Lord Yohn Royce and his family which stood him in good stead in Wyman's opinion. His own thoughts about Lord Royce were favorable ones and if he thought the lad a good lad then Wyman reckoned he was one.
From Wynafred he'd heard how Jon wrote to his uncle and cousins regularly and how they and both his aunt and uncle missed him greatly. That Lord Jon thought highly of the boy was clear too and not just in the fact that he was backing his claim. Word had reached Wyman and his sons of what had happened on one of Lord Jon's visits to the Vale. Of how his party had come under attack and how it hadn't been Ser Arthur who'd come to the man and his daughter's rescue, the famed knight away in Dorne at the time, instead, it had been Jon Snow.
A boy of two and ten namedays had raised his sword and cut down more than seven or eight men, nine according to some and while people were prone to exaggeration, Wyman had a feeling they were not in this case. That the Lord had knighted him on the spot was one thing, that he'd then betrothed his daughter to him another. He'd understood the former and had at first assumed the latter was more based on who Jon Snow truly was more than anything else. Only to find himself questioning that given it was Jon Arryn he was ascribing such motives too. Hearing that the king himself wished them wed in the Great Sept was both a great honor and a great boon he felt. The true king's legend would only rise when people found out the truth of who it was they'd seen married.
"Father, they've arrived." Wendel said and Wyman rose from his seat and made his way to the Merman's Court.
He'd no sooner took his seat in the great hall with Wendel sitting beside him and Wylla and Leonette close by than Wylis led them in to greet them. Wyman found himself looking for the boy and finding him very quickly. Jon Snow stood out from the others, he was tall for a young lad, his hair was long and dark and hung loosely down to his shoulders. His build was that of a man who spent many hours in the training yard and given the tales of both what he'd done for true and on the tourney field, it had paid dividends. He found himself drawn to his eyes more than anything else though, their unnatural color marking him out for both what he pretended to be, a Dayne, and what he truly was, a Targaryen.
Seeing Ser Arthur Dayne in his halls was as much of a thrill for people as it was for him to see Jon Snow. The famed knight looking as if he'd not lost one ounce of what made him the greatest of Aerys' seven. Sandor Clegane being in Jon's service was an odd choice and yet looking at how he stood almost identically to how Ser Arthur did, it was clear he would give his life for the boy just as The Sword of the Morning would. Of course who'd be brave enough or skilled enough to try and take it, well that was another matter.
The rest of Jon's companions were an odd bunch, young lads, one of them Roose's by all accounts, all knighted and all who'd earned rather than been gifted their spurs. While he couldn't be sure who was who, he recognized Roose's lad Domeric and assumed that the young man who looked similar to the young dark-haired girl was Waymar Royce, Lord Yohn's lad. Which left the last one to be Mychel Redfort, another very accomplished young swordsman by all accounts.
The girls were of an age with Wynafred, maybe a year or so older in some cases. One of them was Lord Yohn's daughter Ysilla, a pretty dark-haired young girl, the other he wasn't sure who she was. She was older than both the other girls and seemed less at ease in the Merman's Court than they did. She too was dark-haired and had the most striking blue eyes he'd seen in many a year. As for the last, she could only be Lord Jon's daughter, Elaena. Her blond hair and blue eyes were striking and she constantly looked to Jon Snow, as only a girl in love would.
"Father, may I present, The Lady Elaena Arryn, Lord Waymar, and Lady Ysilla Royce, Ser Domeric Bolton, Ser Mychel Redfort, Ser Jon Snow, Mya Stone and their accompaniment, Sandor Clegane, and Ser Arthur Dayne." Wylis said, his voice almost reverential when he spoke Ser Arthur's name.
"I thank you son and welcome you all to the Merman's Court. I invite you all to sup at my table and to rest your weary bones before you continue on your travels. Tonight there'll be feasting and dancing and I look forward to treating you to the hospitality of White Harbor and its lord."
It was Jon Snow who stood forward, much to his surprise and delight. He'd expected it to be Lady Elaena as she was by rank the highest person in the hall, next to himself and his heir. Whether it was the lad himself who'd decided and was somehow the spokesperson of the group or that it was because he was, as far as anyone knew, the son of his liege, Wyman wasn't sure but he welcomed it all the same. He was very eager to hear the lad speak and to try and get a handle on him as quickly as he could.
"Lord Manderly, Ser Wendell, My ladies, and good Sers, on behalf of my companions and myself I thank you for the welcome. Long have I wished to see White Harbor and the Merman's Court and I can say with great honesty that it and its lord have much to be proud of." Jon snow said and Wyman smiled, the lad had learned some of politics it would seem, good he'd need them.
"And it's lord has wished to meet you for a long time too, Ser Jon. To see a son of the North do so well for himself in the South, you too Ser Domeric, I know that your fathers would be proud of you both and for myself, I can only say it pleases me greatly to have you in my halls." he said and saw the nod that Jon gave and that Domeric did, both small and respectful, though the beaming smile that appeared on Lady Elaena's face showed her true feelings.
He then had Wendell, Leonette and Wylla show them to their rooms and asked Wylis to join him in his solar. His son may have only spent a little longer than he with them all but he wished to get his thoughts on them and on Jon Snow in particular. In the end, he learned little, Wylis had tried to get a read on Jon but had both been distracted by Ser Arthur and had found the lad to be little of interest other than being a polite and respectful young man. Wyman cursed that he'd not asked him to pay more attention to him but he'd not wished to raise any suspicion in his son. Wylis was still in the dark on things for now at least, though the time to speak the truth to him on things was drawing closer.
So it was to be at the feast that night that he'd have his first proper chance to get a full-on look at the lad and it turned out to not disappoint. He was as Wylis said respectful and polite, he danced with Wylla and with Leonette, asking them both to do so much to his surprise. His knighting gave him leave to do so and protocol almost demanded he ask, but he'd worried a little that his perceived birth may have held him back and he was glad when it did not. Jon spent most of the night dancing with Lady Elaena unsurprisingly, though he did take the time to speak to both his sons and to himself when the opportunity arose. It was when Ser Domeric arose and they were treated to him and Jon playing their harps and Jon singing that any doubt Wyman had of the truth were laid to rest.
"My lord, good sers, my ladies, on behalf of myself and my companion's I thank you for your welcome. I can offer no more than my thanks or perhaps a song in return, and as Lady Wylla said, why not both." Ser Domeric said and Wyman looked to see Jon Snow walking into the room carrying two harps.
"Then White Harbor and its lord look forward to hearing you, Ser Domeric, and you too Ser Jon." Wyman said with a bellowing laugh.
It had been haunting, both lads were talented but it was clear that while Domeric's talent came from perhaps himself and certainly not his father, Jon's did, as did his voice. Wyman had seen Wylla and Leonette wipe a tear from their eye when they'd sang Brave Danny Flint, and they had not been alone in doing so. He'd cheered and sung along when both lads sang Iron Lances and had been surprised when they sang The Burning of the Ships. Yet it was the last song that would stay with him for some time. Alysanne had always been a favorite of his late wife's and he'd never heard it sung as well. While there had been stray tears when Brave Danny Flint was sung, they flowed far more freely during Alysanne, his own even threatening to do so.
White Harbor/Winterfell 295 AC.
Jon Snow.
Elaena had asked him to sing Alysanne and so he'd done so, knowing it was a favorite of hers, Ysilla's and Mya's. He did not expect such a reaction to it though having not sung it for such a large group before. There was another reason he had wished to sing it too. Not only was it that his betrothed loved it so or that it was a song about his ancestor, but he'd felt that Lord Wyman knew the truth about him and the singing of the song was a way to judge if he was right.
Not that he really knew what he'd do if he was and so after the feast had ended and he'd said his goodbyes to Elaena before kissing her goodnight, he made his way with Arthur and Sandor out into the city. He'd asked and been told that there was a Godswood in the Wolf's Den and so after saying that it had been far too long since he'd prayed to one in the North, he'd been given leave to go there despite the late hour. Even though they weren't silent as they walked through the streets, they spoke far more in generalities than anything else and it was only after they were led to the Weirwood and left alone to pray did he speak on what he wished.
"Lord Wyman knows." he said looking to Arthur.
"I suspected as much though your uncle has never said so. I know Lord Jon wished others brought in Jon, the Lords of the Narrow Sea know of you and are working in Essos as Jon Connington told you himself. The Magister in Pentos, Illyrio, he's providing coin to both help some of the Leal houses that Robert has brought low and to help the North itself. White Harbor has gained much by the trading it does with him and the North is growing strong." Arthur said.
"I can see that, I'd not thought they'd have so many ships. But my uncle should have told me, Arthur, told us, that Lord Wyman knew." he said feeling annoyed with his uncle that he'd not.
"It's not something that you say with a raven or a letter, Jon, and when you and your uncle last spoke there were many other things which came up were there not? I think we can forgive him this omission." Arthur said looking at him.
"You believe it was just that? An omission because of how the truth came out?" he asked hopefully.
"I believe it completely, your uncle is on your side, and were there not things that I forgot in my haste to explain your truth to you?" Arthur said putting his hand on Jon's shoulder.
"I..there, was, thank you, uncle."
"Will you speak to him?" Sandor asked and Jon looked at him and nodded.
"On the morrow." he said and he could see both of them agreed.
After speaking to Arthur, took a knee and prayed at the Weirwood. He may not have come here to do so but he hadn't lied about it being some time since he'd prayed in the North. Once done they then made their way back to the New Castle and when he reached his room and climbed into his bed he found himself more than keen for his sleep, thanking the gods when it came soon. When he woke the next morning, he dressed quickly and hurried to break his fast, finding himself and his squire to be among the last to have done so.
"Finally, enjoying your beauty sleep where you Jon?" Elaena said with a chuckle when he entered the hall.
"He needs it more than most, Laeny." Ysilla said to laughs.
"I think he should go back to his bed, it's clearly not worked." Mya said and Jon rolled his eyes as he looked at them.
"You wound me, you all wound me so, were I not starved and in need of sustenance, I'd crawl back to my bed and sleep and sleep until you found my face more to your liking. Alas for now my belly beats my face and so you'll all just have to suffer my hideousness a little longer." he said as he took his seat.
"Very well, if we must." Elaena said to more laughs and then a shriek when he moved over to grab her.
They spent the meal japing and even Lady Wylla joined in, Jon giving as much as he was taking and when Waymar arrived even later than he had, it started all again. Lord Wyman had arrived and Jon hadn't noticed it, such was the fun they were having, and only when he did see him from the corner of his eye did he begin to eat more rather than jape as he had been doing. They'd be staying one more night in White Harbor, Jon had asked Ser Wylis for a covered cart and had been told he'd see it done but it wouldn't be ready until the morrow.
He found he welcomed the thoughts of an extra day here as he wished to speak to Lord Wyman when he got the chance and would have done so as soon as they were done breaking his fast, only for Mychel to suggest sparring instead. So after everyone was done eating, they made their way to their rooms to get their armor and Jon was once again glad of Gyles help. The young lad had not enjoyed the ship journey and had taken to his bed as soon as they arrived here. Though he looked a little better now and Jon was sure he'd be keen to get back to their lessons.
"Thank you, Gyles, happier to be on firm ground I see." he said and the boy nodded "Feel up to a lesson?"
"I do, Ser Jon, it's so cold here that I find I need to keep moving." Gyles said and he chuckled at him.
"You have the cloak I bought you and the extra clothes your father sent you?" he asked.
"I do, should I wear them when we train?" the boy asked confusedly.
"No, not then, but at all other times, from the moment you get up, Gyles, I'll give you leave to change when we train, but from the moment you get up, you wear the extra underthings, you understand?"
"I do, Ser."
"Good lad, now let's go and knock some cocky sods in the dirt." he said to a laugh from the boy.
He'd thought about leaving Gyles in Runestone, or even with his father in Gulltown but the boy had wished to see the North and had told him that a squires place was with his knight. Something that he'd said more than once to Arthur over the years and so he couldn't deny him the chance to come with him after that. Besides he liked the boy, he was smart, diligent, and was coming along nicely in his training too, even if at times he slackened in his other lessons.
They made their way to the sparring yard and he knew that he cut a figure in his armor, it was perhaps ostentatious or flashy but it had been a gift well earned and it felt a part of him when he put it on. He passed Lord Wyman along the way, noticing him standing and speaking to some men who Domeric was looking at annoyedly. Jon resolved to find out who they were and to speak to his friend as soon as the sparring was over. Only for Domeric to move to him the moment he walked down the stairs.
"My father has sent men to bring me home., Jon." Domeric said. his frustration and annoyance clear.
"He cannot, can he?" he asked and Dom shook his head.
"I'll need to go with them to the Dreadfort, no doubt he wants to impart some wisdom and tell me of my responsibilities as its heir." Domeric said almost with a snort.
"Your time in the Vale, how much longer has he agreed to let you stay there?" he asked.
"Another year or two was the expectation, but I was knighted sooner and now that I have my spurs.."
"Use me." he said and Domeric shook his head "Use your closeness to me, to Lord Stark's bastard, and to his sister."
"Jon…I.."
"If it were to be anyone then I'd like it to be you, Dom, I know there is an age difference but I've seen how you both were together and so if it were to be anyone..."
"I thank you, Jon." Domeric said smiling.
"Let your father know of our closeness and that through that closeness I've spoken to you of my sister."
"I will."
"When the truth comes out, he'll thank you for it." he said and Domeric nodded.
Soon enough they were sparring instead of talking, Jon facing off against each of the Brotherhood, all of them fighting and changing who they fought against or allied with during the spar. One moment it would be him and Dom against Mychel and Waymar, the next it would be Waymar and him against the other two. They'd face off in one on ones or at times three against one and he could hear the claps that came from the balcony overhead.
Eventually, they were done and Jon looked to Arthur who nodded, the two of them facing off to even more excitement. Thankfully for him, it was one of the less than true spars and he was able to hold his own for longer. Until both tiredness and the fact of just how much better Arthur was than he or anyone else paid off.
"I yield, Ser Arthur." Jon said as he lay on the ground with the sword pointing to his neck.
"Of course you do, Ser Jon." Arthur said to loud cheers and some laughs.
After drinking down a mug or two of water, Jon looked to see Domeric speaking to what he now knew was his father's men. He walked over and spoke to Elaena and then asked Lord Wyman if they could speak once he changed, the lord both congratulating him on the spars and agreeing to his request. Nodding to Dom and the others, he made his way back to his room and Gyles helped him from his armor. Jon telling him they'd do their lessons once he'd gotten his breath back and Gyles chuckling as he shook his head and said he didn't look too out of breath for them to do so now.
Three Weeks Later.
His talk with Lord Wyman had made him even more keen to be on his way to Winterfell and he had found himself glad when they'd been able to set off the next day. Ser Wylis and Lady Wylla rode with them as he'd decided to take the chance to visit his daughter and his liege lord. That it gave Wylla a chance to spend more time with Elaena, Ysilla and Mya too was something the girl much appreciated. The covered cart had been another thing that was much appreciated. Elaena may have wished to ride alongside him all the way to Winterfell but Ysilla did not and the weather wasn't the most helpful either.
Even Gyles had taken to riding with the ladies in the covered cart, his squire not enjoying the weather in the North one bit. It had taken Jon almost threatening to leave him behind for him to relent and he'd spoken to his friends to go easy on the lad and not to rib him too much about it. Domeric had turned off to head for the Dreadfort long before they saw Winterfell's walls. His friend was eager to get to his father's keep and back to Winterfell before they left to head back to White Harbor and Jon told him they'd not leave without him. Something which made him laugh for the longest time and had confused Jon at first.
"Dom?"
"I just got an image of the Brotherhood riding up to the Dreadfort and demanding my immediate release." Dom said laughing still.
"If it were needed." he said with a chuckle and to a slap on the back.
"Let's hope it's not.".
The day they arrived at Winterfell was a far more mild one than most had been on the road. Elaena was riding with him and even Gyles had felt comfortable enough to ride alongside them. While Ysilla and Wylla had both decided to stay in the cart, Mya rode beside Mychel and Jon found himself wondering what they'd think of them as they rode in through the South Gate. He was surprised to see his uncle and aunt lined up with his cousins before he quickly remembered that it wasn't just him who'd come to visit. Elaena was the daughter of the Hand of the King, Ysilla, and Waymar were Lord Royce's children, and Mychel the son of an important Vale lord. Domeric even though he'd left was the heir of one of his uncle's strongest bannermen as was Wylis, and yet he found himself thinking the welcome was as much for him as it was for any of those who rode with him.
He dismounted and helped Elaena do likewise, Mychel doing the same for Mya though she needed even less help. Waymar had quickly gone to the covered cart and along with Ser Wylis had helped Ysilla and Wylla down from it. Jon turned and smiled at Gyles who had quickly taken Caraxes reins from him and then taking Elaena's arm in his, he moved to his uncle. He caught how his uncle looked at Mya, the recognition in his face and he knew that she'd be yet another thing they needed to speak on.
"Lord Stark, Lady Stark, may I present Lady Elaena Arryn, my betrothed." he said and saw the large smile that appeared on his uncle's face, they'd met before of course but not as his betrothed and he hoped the smile showed his uncle's true happiness for him.
"Lady Elaena, we're so pleased to welcome you to Winterfell and to our family." his uncle said as he kissed Ellaena's hand.
"I thank you, Lord Stark, truly, for both welcomes." Elaena said, her own smile beaming.
"Jon, by the god's lad, what are they feeding you in Runestone, look at you, your almost of a size with me." his uncle said as he embraced him.
"They've fed me well Lord Stark, though I find myself much looking forward to one of Gage's pies."
"Then I'll ensure you have one to yourself, tonight lad."
"My friends, Lord Stark. Ser Waymar and Lady Ysilla Royce."
"Ser Waymar, my lady, your father is a good man and true and one that I'm proud to name a friend." his uncle said.
"As is he you, my lord." Ysilla said as Jon turned to introduce Mychel and Mya.
"Ser Mychel Redfort, and Mya Stone, my lord." he said seeing the recognition in his face at Mya's name.
"Ser Mychel, Mya." his uncle said looking at Mya intently once more.
"Ser Arthur and Sandor Clegane, and my squire Lord Gyles Grafton."
"Ser Arthur, Sandor." his uncle said to nods as Gyles looked at him nervously "I hope he's not too hard a taskmaster, Lord Gyles?"
"Not at all, my lord." Gyles said as Jon then mussed his hair and made him laugh.
While his uncle spoke to Ser Wylis and Lady Wylla, both of who had graciously allowed him to go first and to spend more time being greeted than he should get based on his station. Jon moved to say his hellos to the rest of his family. Lady Catelyn welcomed him happily, and yet there was something stiff about the way she said his name that he couldn't quite place. Robb and Sansa were only outdone in their eagerness by Arya and Bran, his younger brother excited that he was a knight now and by the fact that Ser Arthur Dayne was here in Winterfell. He found out he'd need to wait to meet his other brother, as Rickon was asleep in his room having come down with a small cold a few days earlier.
Elaena spoke with Sansa and Lady Catelyn, Ysilla, and Wylla soon joining in though the latter spent almost as much time talking to her sister. Jon looked on his betrothed, aunt, and sister spoke as if they were the closest of friends and it warmed his heart to see it, as it did to see Arya speaking so eagerly to Mya. His little sister was fascinated by the fact that Mya ran mules to the Eyrie and that she led them up the treacherous pass most days. He looked around the yard and could see there were what appeared to be northern lads fostered here. Something Robb confirmed to him as they made their way inside the keep.
"Did Ser Domeric not join you, Lady Elaena." he heard his aunt say though it was Sansa who seemed more eager for the answer.
"He did, Lady Catelyn, but then he had a need to visit his father and so we parted along the way. He'll travel here from the Dreadfort in a week or two." Elaena said and he saw how Sansa smiled at that.
He was happy to see his old room once more, happy to lay down on the bed and rest even if it was only to be for a moment. The knock on the door was one that he'd not expected so soon and then he found himself looking to it eagerly when it opened. Only for it to be his uncle and not Elaena who'd come to see him. Seeing Arthur with him was much less of a surprise, as was seeing Sandor guard the door when both his uncles entered the room.
"You look well, Jon truly. Though I was most annoyed to hear of what happened in the Vale, you cannot risk yourself so." his uncle said and he saw Arthur nod his agreement.
"I had no choice, uncle, we were attacked, had I not…"
"Aye, I know, it was a good thing you did, even if it did worry me so. There is something you need to know, Jon, about Cat." his uncle said nervously.
"She knows the truth?" he asked and his uncle nodded.
"After the betrothal, Jon, you and Elaena, even with what you did and mine own connection to Lord Jon, it didn't sit right with her. That alone would have been enough but then thinking on her sister and her son."
"Robert?" he asked confused, wondering why Elaena's brother would be an issue.
"Aye, Cat knows you, Jon, she thinks of you as if you were one of our own children, but you marrying Lady Elaena, it puts a doubt over Robert's inheritance." his uncle said.
"I would never, Elaena would never, even were I not who I am." he said firmly and his uncle nodded.
"Aye, I know that and Cat knows that too, Jon, but with the knighting, the betrothal, Lady Lysa herself. I felt she needed to know the truth, it was long past the time I should have told her anyway, but with this I.."
"You were right to tell her, uncle, I wish it could have been me to do so, but you were right to tell her." he said and saw his uncle breathe easily.
"She's with you, Jon, with us."
"As is Lord Wyman" he said and his uncle nodded.
"I had meant to speak to you of him, of others too, though he's the only one I've told for now."
"We'll have to tell more, won't we?" he asked.
"We will, rest up, we'll have a true feast tonight, a family feast." his uncle said before walking over to him and handing him a raven's scroll "Something that will bring you good cheer I'd wager, nephew."
"Thank you, uncle." he said and his uncle smiled at him before moving to the door.
"It's good to have you here, Jon, truly it is." his uncle said as he smiled at him.
He watched as his uncle left the room and then opened the raven's scroll, reading it and smiling broadly as he did so.
"Jon?" Arthur asked.
"My uncles are coming, Arthur, Benjen, and Aemon are coming to Winterfell."
A/N: Thanks to all who've read and reviewed, sorry for the late update, those who read my other stories will know the reasons for why that is, suffice to say it was some personal issues.. Up Next Jon shows Elaena Winterfell and the crypts before hearing news from Essos that he's eager to share with Aemon when he and Benjen arrive. Cat and Jon have a heart-to-heart that brings them closer while Ned speaks to Mya about her life and dreams. Domeric speaks to his father before heading to Winterfell and in Essos Viserys and Dany learn f their nephew's existence and Viserys is introduced to a new reality by Jon Connington and Illyrio.
Daryl Dixon: So glad you liked it.
KaTee: You may very well get your wish here, the Tyrells's are going to be out of the loop for a long time.
Creativo: En cierto modo, sí, pero que sepa la verdad es algo bueno y acepta más a Jon. Es el mayor problema cuando no sabes todo, cometes errores.
Guest: It's funny, I think I now have two more canon position Tyrell stories going on at the same time, this and TWK lol.
Vega: That was funny enough my key thought here, to bring the Vale to bear in a way that I'd not seen before. The Jon/Oberyn squire thing will either be Jon/Rhaenys or Jon/Arianne but I like the idea of Rhaenys being hidden too and there are so few Jon/Rhaenys stories, I do have one coming very soon which is a reverse conquest story, where the Targs conquer Essos and Jon/Rhaenys conquer the seven kingdoms.
Celexys: With Oberyn he's not on Jon's side but Jon offers him revenge, so we'll see how it works out between them.
Jaimerey: Dom no morirá aquí. Veremos lo de Sansa, pero podría tener razón, podría estar fuera del Mercado
Xand007: Thank you, my friend. LF is still sailing by because attention is elsewhere, his attack on Jon A did at least work on covering up his involvement in it, so Varys/Jon A isn't looking his way yet. With Oberyn, it's his desire for vengeance that is trumping things at the moment, he may not like Jon/Lyanna/Rhaegar, but he hates Tywin, so for now, he's an ally, for now.
Lady Octarina: I was doing some research and most of them were knighted around this time, Waymar was a knight when he went to the Wall which is 297 in canon, so if just felt right to have them all knighted already, also give them an excuse to spend more time with each other since Squires go where their knights do. I've seen some people say Jaime wouldn't cry which always makes me laugh, We see his emotion in the show with Brienne when he tells her the story, he almost does it then, as he does when Myrcella names him father. Jaime is an emotional person, he just covers it up under the arrogance and being accepted by Arthur, which's huge for him.
I think that's one of the things with Ned, sometimes when they put him in the position of doing the right thing, they make him out to be Olenna/Tywin/ come again, he's not, he's an ordinary guy who doesn't truly have a head for politics, but he can make logical decisions. From here on in, Cat is going to be even more involved also, next chapter when she and Jon speak it'll show it, but Cat is going to be far more political than Ned and far better at it. For me, Cat's problem is that she gets emotionally compromised and so makes bad choices, when her emotions aren't compromised she makes good ones.
The Tyrell's will suspect, even more, we'll see some of that when we get to the wedding, as for Oberyn I think I gave him a logical position here, I hope so.
Lorien Legacy: So glad you liked it.
Rose1414: Really glad you're enjoying it.
Classcxd: Hope you liked this one.
