Jaeron Targaryen

On route from Castle Black to Greywater Watch, 299AC

It took them four days to ride to Eastwatch. They made good on the first two days but on the third there came a snowstorm so strong it obscured their vision completely. Even to the point they couldn't even see the shadow of the Wall on the snow-covered ground to use it as a guide. They travelled for approximately an hour that day before deciding it was too treacherous to continue. The only one who could've guided them was Ser Alliser, and even he stated it was too dangerous to do so. And he was not a man who admitted defeat. Hence why when they had lit a small fire and shot down a couple of rabbits nearby for food, he confessed he never forgave turn cloaks no matter the circumstance. To him, shedding one's cloak was the biggest treachery in existence.

He had stared directly at him as he spoke these words and narrowed on Howland frequently. At first, Jon was confused by said actions but he refused to voice it. He had to learn. And the only way he would learn is if he used his own brain to figure things out. So once the pair of them had fallen asleep, he had taken out the small book Samwell had given him which contained all the noble Houses and their Lords and Ladies. It took him a long time to find the house Alliser belonged to, as instead of being sorted in alphabetical order- it was ordered from most influential House to least influential for every Kingdom. Finally, he did. House Thorne, with a coat of arms of a flail argent on a flaming red background and a black border, a lesser House in the Crownlands.

This one pleasantly surprised Jon. He'd never heard a Crownlands accent before, but if he didn't see this he would've assumed him to have been a Riverlander with how gruff it was. Although, the only Riverlander's he knew were Lady Catelyn and Septa Mordane. If only he had asked Pyp to teach him the differing accents in the continent. If anyone knew them, it was him. Before joining the watch, he had travelled across Westeros and possibly even in Essos for all he knew. If he did, he did not speak of it, but the possibility was there. He read a little bit and noticed that there was only one Thorne still alive and she was a female, meaning the line was going to die out.

Why had he chosen to join the watch if he as the only male left in the family? Did he value his vows over them? Obviously, he did, and he'd never spoken about his family. Perhaps she was a sister, a cousin, possibly even a wife he had left behind. But it would probably be rather insensitive to ask him directly to his face. However, it explained one thing to him after much contemplation. He had been incredibly hostile to Lady Catelyn when he had first come to the watch with her and Robb to tell Aemon who he really was. The Tully's of Riverrun were staunch supporters of the Targaryen's for hundreds of years, yet they had switched their allegiance. It was probably even more of a sour taste in his mouth that the Tully females had married into other rebel families.

A part of him wondered if there really was more to it like Rhaegar and Elia suspected. It was a well-known fact in Winterfell that Rickard Stark was incredibly ambitious, and it was only his wife Lyarra who was able to reign this in. But when she died, there was no stopping him. Less than a year after her death was all it took for the betrothals to be arranged. Brandon to Catelyn, Lyanna to Robert, and a pending announcement for Eddard and Benjen. He'd asked both of his uncles about it, but they had simply shrugged. Both confirming it had all kicked off before anything was set in stone, so neither of them knew their intended.

He'd also heard that Jaime Lannister was supposed to be betrothed to Lysa Tully before Aerys decided to spit in Tywin's eye by making him a Kingsguard, where she was promptly betrothed to someone else. This fact did not sit well for Jon, as it was obvious the Lannister's were planning on something, and there was a fair chance other Houses were in on it. There is no concrete evidence regarding it, but the ingredients were there for something to be put together. He had then found the other Houses in the Crownlands that Aemon had told him about. Finding both with relative ease. They were still lesser Houses, but they were considered second tier.

From the sea green background and silver seahorse of House Velaryon to the numerous red crabs on a white field for House Celtigar. Monford and his son Monterys, alongside his bastard half-brother Aurane. Then there was the elderly Lord Ardrian- the last remaining member of the latter. Claw Isle would be difficult to bring into the fold- he knew that much. There wasn't much that bound their Houses together other than the fact both had originated in Valyria. He wished he could see it, but according to numerous Maester's, it was all the hells combined. Apparently, volcanoes still erupted almost daily where the capital of the Freehold lays. A place no one had successfully gone through without at the least leaving with greyscale.

"What's on your mind?"

Jon jumped in fright at the voice before turning to the short man, sighing deeply in thought.

"Beginning to have second thoughts. I'm clueless on all of this- "

"There's no turning back now Jaeron. The first moves have been made, and if you backpedal now, it will only be harder further down the line."

Jon bit his lip at this, his true name still sounding strange to hear. He'd been called Jon his entire life, any other name didn't sit right with him. Yes, he'd come to terms with his heritage by now, but there was no denying he still thought of himself as the bastard of Winterfell.

"I need to tell you something. I planned on telling you when we got to Greywater Watch, but it's best if you know before we arrive."

He cocked his head to the side and he understood the silent question, turning his head to check that Ser Alliser was still asleep. Once satisfied that they were alone, they stopped in their movements and he turned to him. He had to look down to the Lord, his short stature being almost comical. But it was a known fact that the Crannogmen were small. Rumoured to have shared blood with the Children but said species had been gone for thousands of years. That was something the Maester's agreed on and had cited in numerous books and reports.

"I told you we do not have a Master-at-arms already, but I did make you aware that I sent correspondence to the man who taught my Meera. But I didn't tell you who this person is. The reason for that is that everyone believes he is dead, even Ned does. Only a select few people know. What do you know of the day we found your mother dying in childbed, Jaeron?"

His eyebrows furrowed at his words, once again wracking his brain trying to make sense of his words. Wondering where he was going with this.

"You were with him alongside a few other bannermen and fought against the Kingsguard who were ordered to protect my mother and me. Only you and my uncle survived and made your way up to the tower to find my mother bleeding out after needing to be cut open to get me out as the birth went wrong."

Howland snorted at his words a little, him putting it as bluntly as that summing up everything.

"That's the essence of it but let me tell you the full picture."

So that is what he did. He spoke of the anonymous raven they had received whilst lifting the siege at Storm's End. To riding out into the Prince's Pass where the tower was located with Lord Willam Dustin, Ethan Glover, Martyn Cassel, Theo Wull, and Mark Ryswell. To being met with Ser Arthur Dayne, Ser Gerold Hightower, and Ser Oswell Whent. That was when he confirmed that the latter was none other than Catelyn's cousin. This surprised Jon massively. He knew there was some relation considering her mother was a Whent, but he thought it would've been generations removed like him and Aemon were. To the ensuing fight which left Howland injured and leaving only Eddard to face against Ser Arthur.

But the story differed from here. They'd been brought up being told that Eddard had a stroke of luck and defeated Ser Arthur in single combat, but Howland confirmed that in actuality, he was about to strike the killing blow on Eddard when he ran him through from behind with a knife. This rendered the Kingsguard in agony and Eddard landed a swing which left him bleeding out on the Dornish sand. He explained how he had followed a while later in a lot of pain, having to practically drag himself up the stairs with his injury to be met with a dead Lyanna and Eddard cradling him. He spoke of how the room was overpowered with the scent of roses and fresh blood.

"Your uncle immediately ordered her body be cleaned and prepared for burial and rode hard for Starfall with Dawn. But I had to remain as I was going to bleed out myself if I didn't seek help. But I wasn't the only one who received help. In all the chaos, we didn't realise that Ser Arthur wasn't dead."

It took a few moments for the words to sink in. But when they did, his eyes widened to the size of saucers before facing the man in complete shock.

"They treated us both, but we were both very weak. When he came around, the first thing he did was to ask about Lyanna and the babe. He was heartbroken when I told him she had passed, and I made him aware what your uncle was going to do. He wasn't going to kneel for Robert Baratheon, and he wanted to be near you. You were just born and he already confirmed he was going to support you once you knew the truth. I sent a raven to him not long before your sixteenth name-day to let him know. He's been staying in some village in the Vale under an alias of Daemien Sand. He should be in Greywater Watch already when we arrive. He'll be the one training you. He did teach my Meera the sword, but she prefers a spear and a bow. Only me, Wylla, and Allyria Dayne know he is still alive. Not even young Edric knows."

Stunned did not cut the feeling that was burning inside him now. His breath sped up and deep inside, he felt like the little kid who pretended to be Aemon the Dragonknight with Robb. Gods, Robb would be jealous beyond belief, as would Bran.

"Why not tell my uncle he survived? And what about Ashara? Did she not throw herself from the highest tower in Starfall in her grief?"

"Ser Arthur asked me not to tell anyone other than his youngest sister. We travelled to Starfall together not long after we were both given the clear to travel with our injuries. Yes, Ashara did throw herself from the tower but it wasn't the grief of losing her brother- or not fully. She became taken with someone at Harrenhal. No one knew exactly who it was though. Some thought it was Brandon, some thought it was your uncle, some thought it was someone else. What was certain is that they had a fling which left her with child. The babe was stillborn though, and she lost the man she fell for through it all. I'd like to know who it was; I think everyone secretly wants to know, but there's no way to know for certain. She danced with a lot of people those few days.

"However, there is more to it than simply this. When I was recovering, Arthur told me it was Ashara who sent the raven to us to alert us of your mother's whereabouts. How neither of us thought she wasn't in on it beforehand surprised me greatly. She was one of Elia's ladies in waiting, and she was a good friend. Plus being the younger sister of the famous Sword of the Morning. She knew that Elia and Rhaegar were pretending to still be married when they had secretly gotten separated, she knew that Aegon was still going to be first in line despite this and not be delegitimised. It was her idea to keep Lyanna in the tower as it's only a couple of days ride from Starfall, meaning communication was easy. Plus, did you never assume that someone in Starfall wasn't in on it when one of their wet nurses was your wet nurse?"

Now, his head was beginning to ache at all the information being thrown at him now. The Dayne's were in on it? Or at least some of them?

"But why kill herself though?"

"Simple. Partially grief at losing her child, partially grief over the 'death' of her brother, and because there was a high chance of the truth coming out. She knew she would've been the first person questioned considering how close she was to Elia. Perhaps there was more to it, but I'd imagine to most people all of this at once would've been too much. I only spoke to her once at that tourney, but she seemed lovely. Incredibly beautiful too. A lot of men were tripping over their feet around her. Even your uncle was too embarrassed to ask her to dance, it was Brandon who did that for him. She was already dead when we arrived at Starfall unfortunately. But I can confirm that people in Starfall were in on it. Allyria is a definite, as is Arthur. I think Edric's father knew too but he died a couple of years later. But he did name his heir after your uncle- called him Ned for short. I doubt he would've done such a thing if he didn't have an idea at the least. And Wylla most certainly knows, she agreed to pretend to be your mother in case Robert ever asked your uncle. That's the answer he always gives whenever he is asked, but never any further details."

The ship was in front of them now, the words exchanged from the day prior still spinning around into a seemingly impossible maze inside his head. He was a little nervous considering he'd never travelled by ship before, but they couldn't double back on horseback as that would make it look like he was deserting. The ravens had been sent already that he'd 'taken' the black. Meaning if he leaves in that fashion, it will fall to Robb to execute him despite knowing the truth of it all. He pulled the cloth around his head which was beginning to grow back his black curls he'd lost in the fire when the dragons hatched to avoid detection and followed Howland on board- Ser Alliser getting on another ship as he was heading much further south than they were.

Surprisingly due to their location, the water was calm the first two days. On the few spare hours where the mist disappeared, he could see the coastline of Skagos- or at least, he thought it was Skagos. An island that was a part of the North but were more isolated than even the crannogmen of the Neck. Now that he thought on it, he never learned much about the island- so he had asked Howland. He was told there were three main Houses on the notorious island. House Crowl, House Magnar, and House Stane. Jon had poured over the book given to him by Aemon and Samwell, but he was unable to find anything regarding them other than their House sigil and their seats. Perhaps they would be a possibility? He shook his head, because hardly anyone dared even go near the mountainous island.

On the third day since they took sail, they passed Karhold. The ancient seat of the Karstark's. A lesser branch in the Stark family tree that went back hundreds of years and were distant cousins. The day after that they passed the Dreadfort- the seat of the Bolton's. They weren't close to said castles, but the outlines of them were easy to see. He'd hoped to see Last Hearth on the way down but alas, said seat was too far inland to be seen from the water. The further south they got, the warmer it got too. By the time they reached what Howland stated was the border between the Neck and the rest of the North, his clothes were sticking to him and the heat was getting to him.

And this was still the North. How warm was the south then?

Jon's horse was released alongside his belongings, quickly attaching the boxes that contained Rhaegon and Lyrax who were now rattling inside the wood and metal. Neither of them clearly liking being on a ship. From here they walked to Pallosa, a small village in said area that had a mixture of crannogmen and northmen so that Howland could borrow a horse to make time easier getting to his seat. They stayed that night, renting out a couple of small rooms that reminded him greatly of his own bedroom in Winterfell. A bedroom he might not see for many years, or possibly never again if he fails.

He started from the North first, going through all the heirs and taking notes on who was and wasn't wed. He needed somewhere to start from. By the time morning came, he'd gotten as far as the Reach. He'd need to work on it though because he hasn't had political training. He'd only started going to politics lessons a few months prior. They were awake early the next morning and wasted no time in breaking their fast on fresh trout, eggs, and blood sausages.

"How far away is Greywater Watch from here?"

As the older man swung onto his horse, it was difficult to bite back a smile. The man looked even smaller atop the destrier he'd been given, but that would be rude to do so. Swinging into his own saddle and making sure everything was attached tightly before nudging his own horse.

"Around six hours. Keep close behind me because the Neck is filled with multiple rivers filled with lizard lions and numerous other animals that aren't found elsewhere."

A small amount of fear wracked through him at these words and he done exactly that. The entire ride down there was barely a metre of distance between the two. It didn't take long for it to darken massively, the trees completely blocking out sunlight from above. The rivers all had a murky green tinge to them which he explained was due to the mucky banks being washed away. They'd even passed the Green Fork which he remembered was one of the three main rivers in the Riverlands. Looking at it, it was obvious why it was called the Green Fork.

"Was this the river my father fell?"

The question was asked timidly, and the Lord turned to him and gave him a tiny smile.

"Nay, it is not. Your father fell at a river that is close to this one much farther south. It was called the Ruby Ford after he died, the gemstones in his armour being scattered in the water when he was slain. Although a part of this river does feed the other one, but they were considered as two bodies of water and not the one."

Jon nodded at this, taking in the information. Even now, he knew little of everything that happened. His uncle refused to talk about it as the memories of his siblings and father were too much for him, and Catelyn didn't know much on it as she was left out of it considering she was pregnant with Robb during it all. Howland noticed the younger looking around in wonder at everything, knowing he'd never really travelled much at all. He hated that Ned had named him his bastard which meant he was pushed into the shadows, but it was the only way that made sense if he were to keep the boy close to him. Looking at him, he did look like a Stark. But looking at his facial structure and his eyes confirmed who he really was. Fortunately, Rhaegar was sheltered for a lot of his life so not many people knew what he looked like other than those of high birth.

By now, they were at the narrow ridge that led out onto the pier where a boat would be waiting to take them to the island the castle was situated on. Jon's eyebrows furrowed in confusion but he kept his face mostly stoic. Hopefully, he will learn fast. Yes, he is a crannogman and much like most of his people, he keeps to himself. But this doesn't mean he doesn't have an interest in the comings and goings. It certainly helped having no less than twenty wargs residing in the castle who could warg into whatever animals they had and spy on people. Perhaps they could use that to their advantage, because not many people know that such a power still resides. And the boy is one too, the downside is his bonded animal was none other than a direwolf.

The wolf was trotting along beside the horses as they rode, barely making a noise at all other than a single growl towards a small lizard lion on the banks of the river. Soon, the stables were visible and they swung down from their horses and he helped unbuckle his belongings, almost dropping one of the dragons as whatever one was inside the box he'd grabbed began flapping around inside and making angry noises. Chances are it was the blue one, chuckling fondly at the memory of watching him trying to catch her to get her inside the box. Even Aemon had found it hilarious, and he couldn't see what was transpiring.

"We'll leave the horses here. I'll make the signal and a boat will arrive within the next few minutes to take us to the castle."

Jon nodded at the explanation, already knowing that his home was on a floating island. Very few castles in Westeros were considered impregnable- but Greywater Watch was. Solely down to the fact that it cannot be located as it is always moving. The second one that comes to mind is the Eyrie due to it being as high as the clouds at the top of a steep and narrow mountain. Riverrun was a close contender as well due to it being situated in a large moat with three large rivers feeding it as very few people know how to swim. But the others? With the correct strategy, they could easily be taken.

Once the signal had been made, it took approximately ten minutes for the boat to arrive. The younger looking at it with more than a little apprehension. A feeling the wolf shared as it took more than a few coaxing words to get him on to it. Soon, the castle came into view and Howland couldn't stop the small chuckle escaping at the way Jaeron's eyes widened. It was nowhere near as large as Winterfell was, but it sure had a similar height. How did something of this size not sink? From where he was sitting, he could see it moving just slightly, probably unable to be felt once inside. Three large towers in a triangular shape approximately sixty feet in height and walls surrounding all sides apart from a drawbridge.

As they approached, the bridge was lowered which acted as a makeshift pier. The boat was steered in close to the wood and metal before being tied up, and shakily stepping onto it. It was surprisingly sturdy, even Ghost seemed surprised by this. They walked down it and soon they were inside the walls so the castle was fully in their vision. The structure reminded him immediately of Barrow Hall, the castle in the Barrowlands that was run by Lady Barbrey Dustin. But instead of bricks it was built was blocks of stone in varying sizes and colours and materials. Clearly used to reinforce the walls of the building to act as a second line of defence even without armies.

Inside the castle was even more surprising, the courtyard taking up much of it, something that reminded him greatly of Winterfell's own courtyard. They were met by three people- one he recognised as she had come to Winterfell. Howland immediately walked over to her and pulled her in tightly before doing the same with who could only be his children. The boy was shorter than his mother, and he was very skinny, but his eyes made him look decades older than he really was. The girl on the other hand was her father's height and from where he stood, he could see just how muscular she was.

"You've already become acquainted with my wife, Jon. This is my son Jojen, and my daughter Meera."

A tray was handed to him filled with bread and salt which he accepted immediately. Knowing the respect behind the act.

"Mother, didn't you say- "

Jyana cut her son off with a stern glare, and he had an idea what he was about to say. He'd been told that the children would be made aware when she came back so they knew just who was coming here. His eyes wandered around the courtyard for a moment, trying to spot a tall Dornishman, but he couldn't see anyone who fit said description.

"Why don't we meet in my solar and we can discuss everything further?"

Despite him asking it as a question, there was no denying the bite to his words. Even when he is ordering people, he does it politely. Making a note of that mentally, Jon followed them inside and following down many corridors and climbing numerous staircases. From how high up they were, he knew they were in one of the towers. They stopped outside a door where he was told he would be staying. He took the incentive by taking his belongings in that he'd lugged up and signalled the wolf to go inside and get settled, Ghost still whimpering over the boat ride. Wolves aren't made for journeying on water. On the opposite side of the tower was where he was alerted was Howland's personal space, his eyebrows raising minimally at the proximity. Remembering something Catelyn had said to him. Keeping people close by allows them to keep an eye on them and to build better alliances. Hence why they had Theon as a ward, this making it impossible for Balon to retaliate once again as it would end his line.

"Jojen, whilst he is here we will be referring to him as Jon. Aye, his name is Jaeron, but he is here to foster. And if it got out we're secretly fostering a legitimate Targaryen heir; it will be war."

The younger nodded simply before looking to him with those unnerving eyes. They reminded him greatly of Ser Rodrik's when sparring, analysing every part of someone to figure out their weak spots.

"Father, why didn't you tell me Ser Daemien was coming back?"

Immediately, Jon's heart leapt in his chest. Remembering a few days prior when Howland told him the alias the legendary Kingsguard was using.

"I will be explaining that a little later, Meera. He has gone to purchase some new weapons as it's been years since he's last saw you. Plus, we'll need better training equipment considering we've now got a very capable fighter in the form of Jon. Ser Daemien will be training him how to use dual swords. He started learning how to do so in Winterfell, but unfortunately Ser Rodrik does not specialise in it. Therefore, he's not the best fit to do so."

Meera was satisfied with the response as she nodded simply.

"You both know who he really is, as does he. But he cannot remain in Winterfell as it's becoming too obvious now as he is looking more like his father as the days pass. Plus, two fire breathing creatures- "

"Can we see them?"

Once again, it was Meera who spoke and a small smile broke out on his face at her excitement. From the short exchange, he had a feeling she was like Arya in personality. Gods, he missed her, badly. He missed teaming up with her to prank the others, missed secretly teaching her archery, and missed their conversations. With them being the only two who looked like Stark's- they stuck to one another.

"Aye, you can. I should probably let them out of their cages as they're already mad enough. Where should I keep them, my Lord?"

Howland turned to him before walking to the window, gesturing him to follow. The height they were at immediately made him feel a little dizzy, especially the fact that they were surrounded by water. He could swim, but he wasn't a strong swimmer. Robb and Arya were the best at it. Sansa was much the same as he was, but she hated doing so and didn't partake in the activity. The older man pointed to a second drawbridge that was attached to a smaller island.

"These two islands are connected underwater, so they will never drift away from one another. There's an old storehouse amongst the trees alongside a few caves. Only my family and you will have access to it. It should be adequate until they become much larger."

He handed him a small key over and he knew that it must be the one to let the drawbridge down. With that, they walked to his own room again and picked up the boxes, the dragons inside immediately rattling the wood and metal inside in irritation. Jojen and Jyana visibly stepped back in fear, but Meera seemed excited by the prospect. Jon paid attention to where they were going, needing to memorise the layout of the castle fully if he was going to be living here for the foreseeable future. Perhaps he will only be here for a few months, perhaps it will be years. It really all depends on how fast the dragons will grow and how things go in the capital. The last raven they had received was the one from when they had arrived, and they would've done so almost two months ago now. He'd remained at Castle Black for almost three weeks and it took a little more than a week to travel here.

Soon, they were in the courtyard and led to the opposite side of the castle, Howland placing the key into the lock to allow the bridge to come down. The attached island looked barely inhabitable, but he noticed a pathway etched into the trees with stones. They only walked for a few minutes before coming to another tower. Only around twenty feet, but with a much wider base than the one's he was used to. This would be perfect for them. Easily concealable, with plenty of trees to hide them from view if they were to explore a little. Flying would be the difficult part, as they'd need to remain within this island unless there was a large open area unused by the Crannogmen nearby.

Once inside the building, the cages were placed on the stone ground. Once the hatch was opened, neither wasted a moment before popping their heads out of their enclosures. Jon's eyes widened a little. It had been a week since he'd last saw them out of the cages, but they'd grown even more. Only a few inches, but it was surprisingly quick. Now opened fully, both ran out and began stretching their wings and bodies, clearly cramped from being inside. Jyana gasped from behind him and he remembered this was the first time she was seeing them. They'd already been in the cages when she'd travelled to Winterfell with her husband to get him.

"Can I?"

He turned to the young female and nodded. Guiding her over to the middle of the room and instructing her to put her hand out for them to sniff to get familiar with her. Unsurprisingly, it was Lyrax who came over first- Rhaegon still being wary of strangers. The blue dragon let out a loud chirp which meant she accepted her and he nodded her way, giving her permission to stroke her if she wanted. Meera wasted no time in doing so and it wasn't long until Lyrax was lying on her back so she could get her stomach tickled. Neither of them could hold in their laughter at this as Rhaegon climbed up Jon's back to perch on his shoulders. He was now too big to sit on just the one shoulder, having one leg on each and using his front legs to grip onto the back of his neck.

"I have Rhaegon on me right now, the one rolling on the ground with your daughter tickling her is named Lyrax. As you can see, they're friendly for the most part. He's just wary of new people but he'll come around eventually."

"What do they eat?"

He turned to Meera again who was still tickling Lyrax. If she were human, there was no doubt in his mind she would have been laughing.

"Roasted meat, but they do eat vegetation as well. It's not preferred though."

Finally, Howland stopped chuckling at the exchange his daughter was now in.

"I believe Ser Daemien will be back soon, so we should head inside. There's something else I need to tell you all. Jon knows, I made him aware on our journey down. You can keep your wolf in the castle if you wish, but he is welcome to remain here as well. I'll have the cooks set aside chunks of meat for him and the dragons. Although, I'd imagine they will be big enough to hunt themselves soon."

All Jon could do was nod before following them back across the bridge into the courtyard, watching as it was lifted back up, concealing the island from view. Yes, it was definitely a good idea to come here. Howland spoke to a few people who nodded before leading them to the tower they were staying in once more. He learned that their own rooms were on the floor above, meaning they would all be close to one another in case something happened. All sat down at the table as Ghost nudged his way inside to plop down beside Jon, wasting no time in petting him fondly. Food was brought to them and they immediately ate. He was surprised at what it was, honeyed duck with spiced mash. He'd been brought up thinking that the Crannogmen of the Neck lived on frogs and lizard lions. Although, now that he thought on it, ducks were probably as common here as deer were in the Wolfswood due to the bountiful amounts of water for them to swim in.

A timid knock on the door brought it all into perspective and with confirmation given, the door opened. The man who walked in was very tall, although Hodor would've had a few more inches on him. Muscles covering his entire body and his caramel coloured skin only seeming to accentuate this. Black hair streaked with silver and gold, and piercing purple eyes that seemed to glow, eyes he shared with him.

"Ser Daemien!"

Meera immediately ran towards the Knight who immediately welcomed her into a tight embrace, but then his eyes landed on Jon. His own widened slightly as he took him in, no introductions were needed. Gods, he didn't half look like Rhaegar. If he had his father's silver hair, he would've been a copy of him.

"Please sit, Ser. You already know who this is I'd assume?"

"Aye, I do. He looks exactly like his father apart from the dark hair. My Prince, it is wonderful to meet you."

Jon simply nodded, a silent assurance that he was glad to meet him too. Only doing so as he was focusing everything on not losing his composure. This was Ser Arthur Dayne for crying out loud!

"You knew Prince Rhaegar, Ser?"

Howland and Jyana gave their daughter small smiles now, knowing she was going to freak when she found out just who this person was and who had trained her.

"I knew him very well, I considered him a great friend of mine. But there's no need to call me Daemien whilst we are alone like we are now. I apologise for I have not been wholly honest with you, Meera. Daemien Sand is not my name. I couldn't go around with my real name as then I would either be exiled or executed, which goes against my vows. Ser Arthur Dayne of Starfall at your service, Kingsguard to Aerys II. And if Jaeron allows it, I will happily serve him as Kingsguard too."

Now, Jon's eyes widened as he stared at the man in complete awe. Everyone seemingly dissolving around him so it was only them. Unsheathing his sword and getting down on one knee in front of him, placing the weapon on the ground.

"Prince Jaeron, I offer you my services. I will shield your back and keep your council, and I will give my life for yours if need be. I swear it by the Old gods and the New."

Stunned. That was the only feeling he had currently. But he knew the response, it had been drummed into hm by Catelyn, Robb, and Maester Luwin. And there was no one better he wanted on his side than this.

"And I vow. That you shall always have a place by my hearth, and meat and mead at my table. And I pledge to ask no service of you that might bring you dishonour. I swear it by the Old gods and the New. Arise, Ser Arthur. It would do me a great honour to have you be the first member of my Kingsguard."