Jaeron Targaryen

The Wall, 299AC

The shock of being given live dragon eggs wore off surprisingly quickly. The maester had agreed to keep them hidden in his room until it came time to leave back to Winterfell. Where was he going to keep eggs? It's not like they were unrecognisable artefacts, everyone in Westeros knew dragons had died out after the Targaryen civil war over a hundred years prior. The Dance of Dragons it was called, where Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen proclaimed war on her half-brother for claiming himself King despite their father making it clear in the will she was meant to take over. Dragon against dragon, sibling against sibling, family against family. The few dragons that had hatched after the dreaded dance was completed had been malformed or been abnormally small. It was said the last living dragon had been the size of a common house cat.

But he couldn't keep them here. Something that incredible shouldn't remain hidden from the entire world. Would he hatch them? If so, how big would they grow to be? Would he become a dragon rider like many of his ancestors had been? Yes, Jon was a fair rider, even being nicknamed centaur by some. A moniker that had been used to describe his mother. But dragons brought great destruction as well as they brought greatness. He shook his head before meeting with his uncle in his solar. Benjen and Catelyn were aware of what the Maester had gifted to him, but neither voiced their opinion. The Lady was still wary of him. Her family had openly supported Robert Baratheon after all, and it was a hard pill to swallow that it had been done on a false claim. Then again, the war never really broke out until Rickard and Brandon were murdered. But they wouldn't have been murdered if the truth reached them.

Rickard Stark was a proud man, but it was known he loved his children deeply. Hence why betrothals were in place with people from the South. Lyanna to Robert, and Brandon to Catelyn. He wouldn't have been happy with Lyanna doing what she did, but the match she found herself in was incredibly advantageous and he would've used this to his advantage. They had tried to get the truth out though, truth that never came to fruition. Deep down, Jon knew that if the letters were received they wouldn't have been ignored. One letter being lost in transit is common, two not uncommon but not likely, but more than this? It only meant one thing. Someone was either not sending the letters out when being asked, or they were all intercepted and not delivered. One would've been sent to Robert and his family, one would've been sent North to Rickard, and another would've been sent to Aerys. This was at the least, there may have been more sent out to other paramount's or lesser lords to inform them.

"Have you decided what you're going to do yet, nephew?"

Jon snapped out of his thoughts and shook his head in the negative.

"Honestly, uncle, I want nothing to do with that throne. I don't want to be a leader or a ruler. I'd prefer to just simply be there, but that will not happen because my name is either respected or feared by everyone in Westeros. I'll need to prove myself and who knows what I'll be forced to do for duty if it came to it."

Benjen reached out a hand and placed it on his shoulder. Now that he was really looking at the boy his brother claimed was his bastard, the resemblance to the boy's real parents was uncanny. He certainly didn't look Targaryen at a first glance, or even a second glance. He looked Stark through and through. Only those who were closest to Rhaegar would recognise the deceased Prince in him the similarities were so little. The only trait he did openly have were his lilac eyes, but even these turned grey on occasion like his mothers were.

"You don't even need to out yourself, cousin. You could continue to go on as Jon Snow for as long as you wish and nobody would be none the wiser apart from us."

Robb's response had been simple enough, but Catelyn simply shook her head.

"People will eventually grow suspicious, Robb. Most people know I've not exactly been pleasant to him, so if they see me acting nice to him like I've been trying to do- it will raise suspicions. I'd imagine Jon will want to send correspondence to Maester Aemon, which again will raise suspicions. Yes, it could be done through Benjen, but people in the Nights Watch would eventually catch on and send responding letters back. And in case you're forgetting, he has live dragon eggs, Robb. You felt it much like I did. They will likely hatch, and nobody would be able to hide two dragons."

Robb sank back in his seat as the truth of his mother's words sank in. It was true that she was trying harder to be nicer to Jon, but it's not a change that can happen overnight. She's tolerable of him now, but that's the extent of it. Perhaps in time she would grow to care for him as he was rightfully her nephew. And she was right about his newest addition. It would be practically impossible to hide growing dragons if they did hatch. Aemon had told him the key to doing so was with their words- fire and blood. But that was about it. No other guidance could be given as the Targaryen's were very secretive on how they managed to do so. If stories were true, one had hatched after being placed in its rider's crib not long after they were born. The only possible place they could be kept hidden would be in the crypts as nobody but the Starks were allowed down there unless given authorisation by Eddard directly.

"And you're also forgetting that we are expecting a visit soon from someone who would not hesitate to send hundreds of assassins after him if the truth got out- "

At this, Benjen promptly spat out a mouthful of ale which disgusted the Lady but she hid it mostly.

"Robert Baratheon coming to the North? What is he coming for?"

The older male was looking at the three of them with surprise, but he wasn't the only one. The King hadn't made an appearance in the North since the Greyjoy rebellion, and he only went somewhere if he was getting something.

"With the raven we received confirming Jon Arryn's death being received on the same day, my guess is he's coming here to find himself a new hand. Ned may not be favourable to him with everything that happened and the huge threat he poses to Lyanna's only son and he doesn't trust the Queen with a single ounce of his body. But Robert doesn't know this. Or maybe he does and he's just being stubborn as usual. He was aware Lyanna loved Rhaegar and not him, and he spread that lie out of jealousy and spite."

To say the boys were stunned at Catelyn's words was an understatement. She always drilled it into their minds to treat royalty with respect, and she was doing the opposite of that. Everyone knew the reputation of the Queen, but for the most part the King was loved. Robb knew she was saying these things as she was fiercely protective over her own children and her husband. Because if Robert did find out and that Ned had deliberately kept it a secret- he would be labelled a traitor and executed without hesitation. His cousins would likely be held as hostages, but Robert's temper was famous, he may do the full deed. Catelyn may face the same. And Jon? He would be murdered in the worst way he could imagine. It was known that the King had rejoiced and stated that he saw nought but Dragonspawn when presented with the bodies of his siblings.

"Thank the gods that you inherited little of your father look wise, nephew. Gods help us if you got his silver hair or purple eyes- "

"But my eyes are lilac, uncle Benjen. It's just that they appear grey in dim lighting- "

"Which Winterfell has in abundance."

Jon shut up at this, knowing it to be true. If people did see the colour of his eyes, they never said otherwise. He would be well and truly fucked if that was the case. Very few people had Valyrian traits. It was known the Dayne's did, but there were hardly any left. The Velaryon's did, but they were on the opposite side of the continent on an island near Dragonstone. The Celtigars did, but they kept to themselves and rarely interfered with politics. The others were minor houses that didn't hold much merit. There would be no hiding from it.

"We'll just need to play it the most obvious way possible. Even though we all know Jon is legitimate, hardly anyone else does. As a bastard, for courtesy reasons, he will need to kept in the back. I highly doubt Queen Cersei will appreciate being faced with what she considers scum."

All were quiet as they absorbed Catelyn's words, the truth of them ringing in all their ears. The boys were still learning the political side of the realm, but they knew this was probably their best option.

"Regarding the eggs, they'll be easy to hide. You all felt them move when I touched them, meaning they are alive. Which means there is a chance for them to hatch. And it is a chance, they might not."

All nodded in response to the youngest's words as they were also true. It's not guaranteed they will hatch. But it was something else that was troubling Cat, and she voiced her thoughts.

"If my hunch regarding this visit is correct, Robert is going to ask Ned to be his hand. And the man's stubbornness and inability to take no for answer is well known. This means he cannot refuse the offer without him taking it as a slight. And that is the last thing we need. It's also known that Robert is desperate for a Stark-Baratheon alliance. I suspect he is coming with a marriage proposal as well. The Princess Myrcella is too young, which means it will not be Robb. I'd be willing to bet he wants to betroth Sansa to Prince Joffrey. I doubt he will be doing so with Arya- not that she would appreciate that. That child would run to Skagos if she were faced with a marriage."

Neither of them had considered this. But now they were all thinking it, it also seemed likely. Of course, the King would want to marry the Baratheon heir to the eldest Stark female. They wouldn't know for certain until he got here, but they need to be fully prepared. Even now, Sansa had still not warmed up to Jon. She still babbled on that he would be a usurper if he were to claim what was his due to rights of conquest. No telling her otherwise was working. She'd be delighted with the betrothal if it were true, her beloved songs of knights and gallant Prince's coming to life with her being the character involved.

"Sansa will beg father to agree to the match, and honestly, he would be foolish to refuse it even knowing the truth. Yes, Robert based his claim on a lie, therefore took the throne wrongfully, but the rules of conquest are clear. It's a toss of the coin really. If the truth gets out, it will split the Seven Kingdoms directly. Those who agree with rules of conquest, and those who agree with false claims holding no merit. There's one thing we all know about my older brother, and that is he would do anything for family. If Sansa does ask for it to be agreed upon, he will not be able to say no to her, which means she will also be going to Kings Landing."

They all shook their heads at Benjen's words. It was very much a Sansa thing to do. In her mind royalty can do nothing wrong and are perfect. This is far from the truth; Jon of all people knew considering he was royalty. Despite it being unknown to most, he was technically a King.

"Anyway, enough of that. I want to see just how good you two have gotten with swords since I saw you last."

Both boys let massive smiles come onto their faces at this before following their uncle outside. Catelyn decided to go and pay the Maester a visit, wanting to get more information on the family. Sworn brothers were giving them odd looks, some even going to the extent of sniggering about them being green boys. Normally, this was not considered to be a slight, but the way it was said confirmed in this case it was. Robb gave Jon a look, and the younger understood the 'let's show them' behind it. Benjen already had his sword strapped to his own hip, and both boys took their time running through all the available swords there was. Both were now training with live steel much to their delight, and both chose a sword befitting their preferred styles. A few people gathered in the courtyard to watch, a few even making bets if their ears didn't betray them. Robb decided to go first because he knew Jon was far more skilled than he was, and he wanted to play it as a wildcard.

It had been a long time since Benjen had simply sparred and had not been swinging a sword with the intention to kill, but he was intrigued with how good his nephews had gotten. Apparently Jon was asking to be trained how to use dual swords which was impressive. He made a mental note to ask Ser Alliser. Despite his dislike for the man, there was no denying the man's skill. He could train up someone who had never even held a sword into a decent swordsman within a couple of months with barely any lessons. Something that was needed more and more as the Wildlings were moving closer to the wall and leaving whole villages abandoned. But they were still a long way out to cause significant harm.

Robb made the first move, and he blocked it easily before retaliating. After a few swings, he knew his eldest nephew preferred strength when it came to sparring. He wasn't very quick, but not slow either, but did need more practise. But for someone only being sixteen name-days, he was impressive to say the least. He had been nowhere near this level at that age. He'd also caught the look they had given one another, and he wondered if they had a trick up their sleeves. A likely thing, considering the last time he had visited Winterfell he was greeted with goat shit stuffed in his shoes, courtesy of the children. He never found out which one it was that did it, but it was done.

It seemed to go on forever when it was only a few minutes. Both eyeing the other for openings but both being too quick to land said openings. Out the corner of his eye, he spotted Catelyn smirking brightly at her eldest child, clearly proud of him which warmed him greatly. He knew his brother had grown to love her deeply as she had him as well, and both were incredibly protective over their brood. With those two in charge, there would be no harm coming to Winterfell any time soon. However, he spotted his other nephew looking almost bored. Why was he looking at him like that? Eventually, Robb spotted an opening that Benjen didn't notice and soon he felt the cool steel against his neck, signalling the end of the match. He laughed loudly before clapping his nephew on the back.

"You've gotten much better since I saw you last, nephew."

Robb let a large smile on his face at these words before walking over to stand beside his mother and cousin. The sworn brothers were looking at the young boy with awe now, hardly any of them were as skilled as that at his age. Even Ser Alliser nodded lightly in approval which was incredibly rare. Granted, it was only there for a split second, but he did see it. But then Jon stepped up, ignoring the calls of 'bastard' his way. The word didn't bother him anymore because he knew he wasn't. But it wasn't this that set the older man on edge. The confidence he walked over with and the way he was holding the sword showed he treated the weapon like an extension of his arm. And if the boy was asking to be trained in dual swords, this meant he was an advanced student.

Unlike his cousin, Jon made the first move. A swipe in an upwards motion which he blocked effortlessly before parrying back, but before he was doing so he was already counterattacking. So, he favours speed, a method that Benjen was not good with and he mentally cursed himself for proposing this sparring bout. Brandon was the one for speed, not him or Ned. Although, he did allow a small smile came onto his face as it was speed Lyanna preferred. Her being short in nature meant she couldn't rely wholly on strength, so she had gone to their eldest brother to teach her. It was uncanny her son was the same as her. Within a couple of minutes, he was already beginning to tire blocking the furious attacks the younger rained down on him, them being carried by their feet to the opposite end of the courtyard which meant he was going to have to dive to the side to avoid being literally cornered.

Upon seeing a small opening, he threw himself to the right so he was not the one in the open and his nephew was close to the walls, but this didn't deter him in the slightest. In fact, he didn't even appear to be panting. Then again, he could just be hiding his ailment to play it further in his favour. From the side he heard Robb cheer on Jon which wakened his competitiveness. Both were soon back in the centre of the courtyard, steel meeting steel in an intricate dance. It was like fighting with Lya all over again. Then Jon pulled out a trick he had never seen before. He slashed the sword which Benjen caught, but just before the blades met he twirled the sword a few times which caused him to lose his grip momentarily, and he took the opportunity to disarm his uncle.

"Where'd you pull that move from?"

He was panting hard but still Jon didn't seem tired other than slightly heavier breathing than normal. Both clapped one another on the backs again before meeting their other family members. Even Catelyn had a proud smile on her face at it, which made Benjen realise she had fully accepted the boy into the family and didn't treat him as she had previously.

"To prepare for further training I've been reading a lot of old techniques. That was apparently one the Valyrian's used to use, thought I'd give it a go."

All snorted loudly at the statement. Obviously, the boy of Valyrian descent would learn to use Valyrian methods. And he knew the sword his nephew possessed, that would cause severe damage further down the line. Whether they like it or not, it's unlikely the truth will remain a secret forever. But they can sure as well try their best to do so. Jon's made it obvious he wants nothing to do with the Iron Throne, and if it got out, he may be forced into it. Benjen gulped quietly as Ser Alliser walked over, glaring at Catelyn. He knew why. The man was known to be a devout Targaryen follower, and he despised anyone who wasn't, and it was well known the Tully's supported Robert in the rebellion. However, he did allow a small smile onto his face as without his knowledge the man was close a legitimate Targaryen heir.

"Where'd you learn to fight like that bastard?"

Even at the age of sixteen, he had the grace to blush lightly to prove he was not arrogant about his skills.

"The master at arms in Winterfell mostly taught me, I also study a lot on techniques and practise them on dummies."

It went quiet for a few moments before the man nodded, but Jon noticed he was staring hard at his face. Did he recognise his father in him? He hoped not, despite it being somewhat safe here for it to be out. Nights Watch take vows to not take part in politics in Westeros, which meant nothing could ever leave here. Ser Alliser tightened his lips before walking away as he walked over to Robb who was eyeing him oddly.

"Impressive, brother. Very impressive."

Jon simply laughed and moments later both were locked in a headlock with one another which both Catelyn and Benjen chuckled at. They would only be here for another day before heading back to Winterfell, and he was tempted to go with them to protect his nephew from Robert if he recognises Rhaegar in him. But he can't do so as he needs written permission from Jeor to do so, and he will not get that in a day. The youngest asked again if he could spend some time with the Maester, and when he was given the permission he ran off up the tower, Robb following not long after him.

"Those two are peas in a pod aren't they?"

Catelyn could do nothing but nod. Even before she knew the truth of the younger, they were always close. Something that was to be expected considering there was only a week between them. They grew up as half-brothers but secretly cousins.

"If you think they're bad, you should see Arya and Jon. Nothing but trouble between those two."

Soon, the time came when they had to leave if they were to make it back on time to complete preparations for the arrival of the King. Aemon had even come out to say his goodbyes but they kept it short and simple in case anyone caught on. It was a tender moment, and it was not lost that the old Maester seemed happier than he had in many years. In fact, neither were sure they had ever seen him smile like that. The small chest that encased the eggs was strapped to the back of Jon's saddle, locked tightly and the seal hidden by a new lock that was added onto it. House Targaryen was far from over.

The journey back was worse than it was coming to Castle Black. The summer snows were heavier than usual and there was now almost a foot of it which slowed the horses down. It had been the longest summer on record so far, and all dreaded when winter would come again. The boys had only been seven name-days, Sansa being three, and Arya still suckling at Catelyn's teat and being pregnant with Bran. They won't remember much of the last winter if anything it will just be snowball fights and snow angels they'll remember. But she sure would. She had been shocked when she first came to the North to find out it was summer there due to the rapid temperature difference between here and the Riverlands where she had grew up her entire life. But when the winter came she was proven wrong in her assumptions, she swears she's never been so cold in her life. However, she was grateful that Ned had made her numerous fur cloaks and that Winterfell was built atop hot springs which kept the castle warm even in the coldest night.

A few people asked what was in the chest, but all that was said is that it was a gift for the Lord. Upon hearing this, no further words were spoken regarding it. All simply assumed it had come from Benjen. Possibly containing late name-day gifts for the boys. By the time they reached Mole's Town, it was already dark and they decided to stay overnight in an inn as opposed to setting up camp. The rooms they were placed in were small and very cramped, but it was better than a tent in the snow. All gorged on mutton stew and freshly baked bread. On their travels they only had basics unless someone managed to take down something.

It was an odd sight, seeing Winterfell from the northside of the castle. Catelyn had been around most of the castles in the North by now, but Jon never had, and Robb had only ever been to New Castle which was south in White Harbour. The city wasn't large, maybe with a population of around ten thousand, but it was a welcome sight for Catelyn when she first came to the North all those years ago. She's gotten used to the culture here and has grown respect for it, but she would always be a southern Lady at heart. A few days later, all were met with an entourage. Once inside the courtyard, it took Arya no time at all to launch herself at Jon who almost fell over at the force she propelled herself at. Sansa as usual gave a simple nod with a delicate curtsy. Bran ran over to Robb, Rickon to Catelyn babbling away with the few words he had. Ned greeted them all warmly before asking for them to meet in his solar so they could discuss what happened. Jon and Robb quickly undid the latch that had been attached to the horse's saddle to keep the chest in place before walking with the rest of the family.

"Did you get the answers you needed, Jon?"

The young boy simply nodded and nobody missed the subtle eye roll that Sansa gave.

"He's a lovely man, extremely old and can barely move on his own. But he often wrote my father and got responses, he's given me his side of them. But he gave me this as well, and I believe this is a lot more important than letters."

Ned's eyes widened slightly, not expecting he would keep them with the vows he had taken. It wouldn't surprise him if Aemon had been giving unsolicited advice to Rhaegar all those years ago, it was known the Prince valued his great-great-uncles wisdom and unbiased view. When Jon opened the chest, he noticed the way Catelyn's face shifted slightly and the glint in Robb's eye. He understood why when he took in the contents. He had never seen a dragon egg before, had only ever seen pictures in books and once the skulls in the Red Keep. The sheer size of Balerion's still haunting him to this day.

"They're alive. Robb and Lady Catelyn felt them inside the scales as do I."

Now, all their eyes widened. Sansa's in fright, Arya and Bran's in wonder, and Rickon's over the pretty patterns on the scales. Ned carefully picked up the blue one and turned it over in his palms, inspecting it. It felt cold to him, very much like stone. How was something alive in these? And how was it felt? Jon reached over and touched the egg as well, and he jumped in surprise at the warmth that now radiated from it. Now that he was really concentrating, he could feel the soft movement inside although it was incredibly minimal.

"Do you think they'll hatch? Where are we going to hide two dragons?"

The young boy simply bit his lip.

"I don't know if they'll hatch, but I've got a feeling they will. I've no idea how if they will, only that blood is key to it. If they do, possibly the crypts? Or maybe find a cave in the Wolfswood for them?"

"You're not going to hatch them, are you?"

The coldness of Sansa's words broke everyone from their wonder and Jon caught the Lady give her eldest daughter a stern glare.

"I mean, it's already bad he's a Targaryen as it'll cause war and death. He's not even an heir! Prince Joffrey is the heir! The moment King Robert tried to get back his love because your father kidnapped her invalidated the claim- "

"Sansa, that's enough."

The harshness of Ned's words made her stop in her rant and bow her head in shame. The others were all glaring at her apart from Jon, Catelyn, and Rickon. The words hurt massively but being singled out for most of his life from his family was worse, so it didn't affect him much. Despite this, the words stung.

"Sansa, I've told you numerous times now that Prince Rhaegar did not kidnap my sister. She went off with him willingly because she did not want to marry Robert who had a new woman in his bed every night. Robert refused her rejection when she told him she didn't want to go through with it and somehow concluded Rhaegar kidnapped and murdered her."

She opened her mouth to continue but she was silenced by her mother.

"Sansa, Robert Baratheon is a proud man, and to him a rejection is an act of war. In his mind, he does nothing wrong. This is not a good trait to have. Starting a war to get back a woman who didn't want him was stupid, incredibly so. He was lucky in a sense that people were blocking letters being sent to confirm everything which caused Brandon to act recklessly. Yes, this is what started the war, and the rules of conquest are clear which does invalidate a claim for Jon and legitimises the Baratheon's. However, proud houses who lost men in this war may take it as insult if it gets out that the war was based on a false truth, which could potentially make them openly rebel with the King and Queen. If this is the case, it invalidates their claim and makes Jon's valid. It's a tricky situation."

She huffed a little before thinking over her mother's words. She couldn't deny that her words held merit, but Septa Mordane's words were clear. Obviously, she wasn't stupid enough to out Jon, but she had asked questions out of curiosity. The Septa was of the South, as was her mother, and she had tried her best to emulate her Lady mother.

"None of you are to out Jon when the King arrives. Not to anyone. I'm not going to force him into something he has yet to decide on. That means do not mention he's your cousin, do not tell anyone he's a trueborn Targaryen, or has any Targaryen blood at all. And most certainly, do not mention these eggs."

That was something they could all agree on unanimously. It would be stupid to mention what Jon had. Especially with Robert being King. If it got out whilst he was King, the entire family would be labelled traitors for willingly hiding a Targaryen heir. Yes, the youngest three didn't know the full extent of what would happen, but they did know that it was bad.

"Keep these under your bed alongside the sword, I'll give an order to the servants not to go near your room whilst this visit is on. Once it's over, we can find somewhere to keep them- "

"What sword?"

Arya's quizzical glance broke the silence, and even Sansa was looking to her father curiously.

"I have Dark Sister."

At that, Arya immediately spat out the honeyed milk she was drinking and looked to him in shock. Even being her age, Jon knew it would be difficult to keep her from learning weaponry, she was already sneaking into practise bouts on occasion, and he knew Robb had a dagger commissioned for her during the parades. However, it was hard to hide a snigger at the disdained look on both Catelyn and Sansa's faces at her actions.

"I'll show you it if your mother permits it, but no one knows I have it, Arya. It's thought lost alongside Blackfyre."

The younger girl who looked so much like him immediately turned to her mother and gave her the best puppy look she could give her. The Lady tried to be stern, and she wasn't keen on her daughter's interests with weapons, but she couldn't say no to the face she was making her way. The chest was closed now to hide the eggs from sight, but it didn't ease the tension in the room that Bran and Rickon were completely oblivious to.

"What if he recognises me? Sees my father in me? Even uncle Benjen is saying I'm looking more and more like them every day- "

"I highly doubt he will, but if he does we'll cross that bridge when it comes."

It did little to calm his pounding heart though. On the very slim chance he did recognise him, he would need to go on the run like his aunt and uncle in Essos. And they weren't safe from Robert's wrath. Heck, for all he knows one of his assassins had succeeded. It took weeks for communication to be sent between Westeros and Essos. But if he's thinking logically, he is the last Targaryen, and he is the rightful heir. His father was the crown Prince, and Viserys was only seven name-days when they had to go into exile.

"There is one possibility that doesn't result in exile, but it would require weaving more lies."

Catelyn's soft words were barely heard, just loud enough that Ned and Robb had heard and they turned to look at her in confusion. She turned to look at him now, taking in his features and trying to discern what she could remember of two people who were long dead.

"If he does recognise him by any chance, we could pass him off as having Valyrian descent or a descendent of a family who shares similar traits. Valyrian's share numerous common ancestors due to their practises, even if they haven't in a long time. And they're not the only family who had purple eyes."

Silence ensued as he tried to work out where his aunt was going. Ned understood immediately what she was implying, but they decided silently to test the kids on their knowledge. It was true purple eyes were incredibly common amongst Valyrian ancestry, but elsewhere it was incredibly uncommon. Who else had that eye colour that weren't descended from Dragon lords? Then it hit him, the Dayne's. Arthur, Ashara...

"Pass me off as a bastard with Ashara- "

"Pass you off as a bastard of Brandon and Ashara."

This stunned Jon into silence as he took in what his uncle said. It wasn't good to keep lying, but he could see the basics of something forming from it. It was known that Brandon was a bit of a womaniser, even Catelyn knew his reputation. He was loud, rumoured to have had a couple of bastards before his temper took over rational actions.

"It was heavily rumoured there was more to them. Brandon would've trusted Ned to keep a secret, and the remaining Dayne's stay out of everything. They even named their heir after Ned. There's no evidence to contest it unless someone goes rifling through Jon's belongings and finds the documents and items."

"Ashara knew the truth. I think she figured it out from Arthur, but she confirmed when I visited Starfall on my way back to the Red Keep, she did confirm she would keep it quiet. That's how we got Wylla who was Jon's wet nurse. But she in her grief of losing her brother and daughter caused her to commit suicide."

It went quiet for a few seconds at these words. All silently decided not to ask further regarding Ashara and instead on if the theory would work if anyone notices his eyes. What they were saying made sense. More sense than Ned fathering Jon did. And if anyone asked why he did so, they could spin it in a way that he was scared to tell Catelyn and the rest of his goodfamily the truth in fear of a revolt considering they were betrothed.

"That's what we'll do then, but only if someone notices his eyes. The rest of his features aren't wholly noticeable unless someone comes who knew Rhaegar very well. The only one we know for certain would be Ser Jaime and Ser Barristan, but it has been sixteen years."

It's unlikely they will as what he had inherited from his father was incredibly subtle. Well, apart from perhaps his swordsmanship. With that, those who had been travelling for the past week retreated to their own rooms, Arya trailing behind Jon so she could see the sword. She had always looked up to Visenya Targaryen, the fact she was a renowned warrior despite her gender fascinating her. She was going to ask her father if she could learn how to fight, if anyone could convince her mother it was him. On the way, two wolves appeared. One pure white and the other mostly grey with a couple of white patches. Despite them still being weeks old, they had already doubled in size. Ghost now came to Jon's knees, and Nymeria was waist height on Arya. Both were petted fondly before eyeing the chest oddly, Ghost tilting his head and flopping an ear over in interest. Clearly they knew something was in here, but there was no damage done with them being aware. Wolves can't talk after all.

Once in his room, Jon wasted no time in kicking the chest under his bed, manoeuvring it so it was in the very back corner. That way, there was less of a chance of people finding it. Not that it could be opened as Jon had the key to the lock. But there was a smith in Winterfell, they would easily break through the steel. He shook his head at this before closing his door tight behind him so no one could get a peek. Steadily, he pushed out the larger chest that contained items left to him by his parents and all the documents. Arya was practically vibrating in excitement, imagining it in her mind. He pulled out the sheath and handed it to her to inspect. From the twisted handle, to the fire and dragon pommel, the rippled gold hilt, and the giant ruby inlaid on it, it was somehow more stunning than she had pictured it to be. Steadily, she pulled it out the sheath. The deep grey of the Valyrian steel rippled with a pale blue which identified said material. How skinny the blade was, easily less than half the width Ice was. This was a longsword, not a greatsword like her father wielded. The blade itself must've been close to her height, but Jon was rather tall.

"So, does it meet your expectations?"

She nodded frantically before gripping the hilt and swinging it a few times. It was way too big for her to wield, but Jon noticed how at ease she looked with it. Her name-day was coming up, perhaps he could convince Mikken to commission one suited more to her size of a similar style.

"And when the dragons hatch, you need to take me on a ride."

He couldn't even say anything before she flounced out the room after sheathing the sword, Nymeria hot on her heels. After everything was put away, he felt a pull towards the smaller chest again. The same one he had felt when Aemon first brought it out. He opened it again and picked them both up. They felt warmer than they had at Castle Black, and he could feel the movements in them more. Fire and Blood. His house words, apparently being the key to hatching them. He placed the eggs down on his bed and pulled out the small knife he had. What was compelling Jon to do this was unknown, it was just a feeling he had. Almost like it was a need. He only hesitated for a moment before cutting into his palm to allow a steady stream of blood to appear. Ignoring the pain that came with it, he let a few droplets drop onto the scales. Upon touching them, the blood seeped underneath them then disappeared completely. He knew then, they were going to hatch. Not they might, they were. And he knew immediately what he was going to name them. The silver one would be Rhaegon for his father, the blue one would be Lyrax for his mother. The Silver Prince, and the Blue Winter Rose.