Also if it looks like the location and character all mashed together, I've tried fixing it multiple times and no dice. So unfortunately until I can figure out a way to fix it, this will have to stay there. Forgive me guys.
Kings LandingNoble Six
Riding alongside the carriage, the first that hit him.. was the smell.
"That's.. coming from the capital?" Jon said as he grimaced in disgust.
Mathos nodded his head sadly, "Aye, smells worse than when I was here nigh a decade ago."
Six looked onwards to the city, "Well, it's where we're staying now. If the surface looks as bad as this?" He motioned to the city walls that closed in on them. "I can't imagine how the insides do."
They passed under the first gate as the inside of the city was before them, he was fairly surprised as to how different it was compared to what he thought. With the smell outside and briefly in the air, the buildings were rather large. He saw many guards who wore golden armor with cloaks of chain mail at the back, walking amongst the small folk.
Looking away he saw various food vendors line the sides of the road. Some showing baked goods, fruits, and odds and ends. A few of the guards stopping for a moment to inspect their wares before moving forward.
Being in a medieval capital had never crossed his mind before, granted he never thought he'd be in the position he was in currently. He couldn't help but admit that the city was rather impressive compared to Winterfell.
He preferred the northern castle of course, but as he looked to the Red Keep. There was no doubt in his mind as to why this was named the jewel of the continent. They crossed a few streets and then he was met with a stench worse than before, this had to be the source of it. Run down houses with people literally throwing their waste bins out the window as it splattered on the ground.
Children walked around in the filth as if it was an everyday occurrence, no doubt it probably was. But it still frustrates him as the king just kept moving forward. Not a care in the world as his people lived in these conditions. Six's view of the king taking another fall, this should not be happening under his rule.
Mentally notching this as something to discuss with Lord Stark once things were settled. Surely they knew how much a service a proper sewer system would do for the people. The city would definitely smell better, that's for sure. Hearing one of the guards in the Lannister armor call it flea bottom, didn't help the view of this. Flea bottom? He felt the name fitted the ungodly stench that filled the air. He wished he was wearing his armor, the helmet would filter out the smell at least. But at least it was secure in the wagon behind him. Secured in a ironwood case, courtesy of Lord Stark.
The carriages ahead of him stopped as he looked at another massive gate leading into the Red Keep. It seemed the royals were essentially cut off from the inside of the city with a massive wall in between the two. Though this one he could understand, if the city was being sacked. At least the monarchs were able to seal off the castle should they need to.
Seeing the gate being raised, he could see many handmaidens or servants lining the steps leading into the castle. Watching the king dismount his steed before matching into the keep without a single word, he shook his head. Going for a drink or a whore... maybe both.
Hearing Thor neigh in disgust he reached down and patted him on the neck. Settling him down, he pulled an apple out of the bags and handed it his horse. It graciously ate it, Six noticed Lord Stark dismount as well.
They seemed to have a brief discussion before the man simply scampered off. Ned turned around to address them, "Have everyone get settled in, I'll see my children at supper. I've a meeting it seems."
Six nodded before hopping off of Thor and handed him to a servant, "Keep plenty of apples around and he'll behave. If you have any troubles, come find me."
The stable boy nodded before the rest of the horses were taken away, turning away he spotted Jon helping his sisters out of the carriage. Arya looking about to burst from boredom, and Sansa simply marveled at the structure before them.
"This is where the kings and Queens of old were housed, oh isn't it amazing Arya?" Sansa spoke to her sister, her eyes soaking in the keep. Arya merely looked at the castle before shrugging her shoulders.
"I guess, don't you remember what happened to our grandfather and uncle when they came down here?" She replied.
Six couldn't help but agree with her on that one, he wouldn't know how to feel about staying in a place where his family died either. Though he would make sure the same wouldn't happen to the starks this time. That was a promise.
"Can't say it's not impressive." Jon said as he gazed as well.
"Agreed." Six simply stated before turning and looking at the guards, "Do we know where the barracks for our men are?"
Jon nodded and motioned to a rather slim looking man in black clothing, "There is a wing of the castle made specially for household guards, though its fairly accommodated by the Lannister men currently."
Six raised and eyebrow at that, "Will that be a problem?"
Jon shook his head, "No, Jory said there is just enough room for us. Though we won't be staying there." He gestured to himself and Six. That was a little strange, he had to admit.
"You I can understand, you're Lord Starks son so you would be housed with the rest of your family. But me?" Six asked curiously, though the response he'd receive from Jon wasn't what he expected.
Jon looked at him for a second before answering, "You honestly don't know do you?" He asked quietly.
"Know what?" Six questioned.
Jon gave a small smile, "My father hasn't forgotten all you've done for us and the North as a whole. The north remembers, Six. You're a part of it now too. Father has requested a room in the upper wing with us, naming you the Stark family sworn protector. Like a sworn sword but without the name, the king offered no resistance at all. So yes, you'll be staying with us."
Six didn't say anything in response, simply looking away for a moment. For now, he would appreciate the gesture and faith Lord Stark had put in him. "Come on, we still have to get settled in."
The Red KeepCersei Lannister
She watched the little dove flock in her home, and that monstrous man not far behind. Sipping from her third cup of wine in the last hour, she hated Ned Stark had brought his bastard and that man with him. It was a shame really, that the boy didn't die as Jamie flung him from the tower.
Ever since then she has lived as if someone was looking over her shoulder. She shouldn't have to live like that, she was a lion. Lions weren't prey. Now though, it was becoming a regular occurrence. The Spartan had become more of a nuisance than she'd originally thought.
Smirking to herself she did find one comfort in the troubles, should he start digging into something he shouldn't. Well, accidents have occurred in kings landing before. And with Robert soon to be out of the question and her darling son crowned king. She would rule, her son listened to her without question and he would punish any and all that threatened her.
She downed the last of her goblet and set it aside. Her head beginning to spin from the Arbor Gold, she walked away from the balcony overlooking the gardens. Just then, her door opened and in walked Jaime. A cocky smile across his face.
"Haven't I told you that you worry too much, it isn't good for you." He said as he crossed the distance between them.
Cersei hummed, "And I've said you don't worry enough, with Stark here things could get complicated. Jon Arryn was like a father to him, I've no doubt he'll start looking into his passing."
Jaime sighed, placing a hand on the hilt of his sword, "Ned Stark isn't as smart as you think, and besides. There's no evidence for them to find, Cersei." He placed a hand on her cheek. "As long as I'm here, nothing will tear us apart. If they try.. I'll cut them down myself." Whispering huskily into her ear as he said it.
Cersei shrugged the hand away before walking away, "There's something else, the Spartan that Ned Stark brought with him. He may be trouble too."
Jaime snorted to himself, not seeming impressed with her troubles. "He's just another man, they all fall no matter what."
"Have you even seen him?" She cut back harshly, she'd heard the stories of his prowess.
He shrugged, "Yes, in passing. He's huge and could be as large as The Mountain. Why does that matter?"
Sighing in frustration at his carefree attitude, "He almost caught us. In the tower, if you'd bothered to look back you'd have seen him. We barely got out of there in time! We can't afford to be careless anymore." She spoke heatedly.
Jaime stood still for a moment, his features going stone cold. "What?" He said quietly, she merely nodded her head and turned back to him.
"He's unknown to us, Jaime. We know Ned Stark and how he reacts, he'll always follow his bloody honor when a decision is made. But him?" She motioned back to the gardens, He looked over and could see the emotions shift in him. "We don't know anything about him except what we've heard. If you'd paid any attention to what father tried teaching us, you'd know that you should never have an unknown in the lions den."
She could see him think on this for a second, "Alright, we'll have him followed. I'm sure Varys can handle that, while they get comfortable here. We can think on the future, and what is best for us. Besides, like you've said.. anyone who isn't us. Is an enemy." He concluded, she looked back at the two.
She knew she was right about this, and she had to find a solution to Ned Starks bastard as well. She wasn't going to forget the part he played in hurting her son. And soon a small smirk appears on face. A Lannister always pays her debts.
Tower of the HandNed Stark
Ned set down the quill and reclined back, he hadn't been in kings landing for more than a few days and he already hated it here. Robert had sunk the kingdoms into a debt they had no way of getting out of currently. Six million dragons the crown owed, and to top it off the king was throwing a damn tourney in his honor.
Gods, if Jon Arryn couldn't keep him in check. How much luck would he have with it, he took a long drink from his cup. For once he needed the wine inside, this was only the beginning for him. He'd no idea how long he was going to be away from home. But he had a duty to his best friend and king.
If there was one character that stood out to him since he'd been there, was that sniveling creature Baelish. The Master of Coin, he'd grown up with Cat and Ned could tell still had an interest in her. He couldn't quite place it just yet, but he had a bad feeling when he was around him. Someone to keep an eye on.
He didn't know enough about Varys to form an idea of, only someone that could prove useful if an ally. And deadly if an enemy. Yet another snake in the midst.
Just then, a loud knock was heard on the door. Bidding the newcomer to enter the door opened, he was unsurprised when Six entered. A servant having shown him the way.
"Have I come at a bad time?" Six asked as he closed the door behind him.
Ned simply scoffed lightly, "No, as a matter of fact I need a distraction."
Six merely grunted in response, "Well, now that we are here. Is there anything you need me to do, in regards to our more sensitive previous conversations."
Ned didn't say anything more before he got up and started pacing the room. After a few moments he faced Six once more, "I don't think I have to tell you just how dangerous it is here. I lost my father and brother in this very keep."
"I'm aware of that, Lord Stark." Six responded.
"Good, in regards to what happened to Bran, I've no idea where to start. Patience may be our only ally right now, unless you have another suggestion." Ned sighed as he placed his hands on his hips.
Six stayed quiet for a moment, "In the few days I've been here, I've used what time I've had free to memorize the layout of the castle. From the lower levels to the royal chambers."
Ned frowned at that, "What would you have me do with that information?"
Six leaned forward, "Ned, it's time you learned how I was utilized back in my realm. I wasn't just a soldier, I was used for many other tasks. From assassinations, information gathering, to sabotage." As he listed off his various skills Ned felt an icy chill crawl up his spine. "If you give the order, I'll find out what the lannisters are up to. They won't even know I'm there."
Ned took a few seconds to digest the information given to him. He looked into the mans eyes and could see the truth behind them, the man was a killer. Whether it be a beast or man, it didn't matter. It was like looking into the eyes of death itself. The cold blank stare that penetrated him.
"How would you do it?" He had to ask, though a part of him didn't want to know at all.
Six seemed to give a small smile at that request, "A better question would be, do you want to know?"
He let the question linger in the chamber before answering, "No, I won't ask but I will say that I don't normally condone such dishonorable actions. Spying or what have you isn't seen as an honorable action."
Six scoffed at that last bit, "Does honor win wars?"
Ned seemed confused, "No, but we're not at war."
Six didn't relent, "Not yet."
Ned continued looking at Six, "That's all you've ever known, isn't it? You've never known anything but war."
Six could only slowly nod at that, "Yes, from my very earliest memory it has been nothing but death and destruction. It's why agreed to be a Spartan, it's what I was made for. To stop it, and if it means fighting for a peace I may never know then that is exactly what I'll do."
Ned crossed over to the front of his desk and leaned back onto it, the things Six said didn't bring him comfort. Only sadness, here sat a man who had never known a slice of peace. Other than the half year he'd spent in the North. Even then, he'd fought for Ned's people and his family.
Now, he was willing to do even more for his family. Even through the most drastic of measures, if Six would have asked him the same question a year or so ago. He'd have refused vehemently, but he had earned every ounce of trust that he could give.
"Very well, you have my blessing. Though if questioned, I'll not say I had any knowledge of this. Understood?" Ned declared, he received a mute nod and that was the end of it.
Six bid him farewell before departing. Ned sighed once more as he looked out into the city, gods how this place had changed him already. Taking one last drink from his cup he threw it onto the desk, this place would be the death of him..
A/N: Hey y'all, here's the latest chapter in the lone wolf. I'm setting up for the next arc in Kings Landing and I have some great ideas for it so you all should be in for a treat. While I threw out the hint of Six's paring in last chapter, yes it will be a Sansa/Six. Though it won't take place for a while because in all honesty, the story isn't about that as the main point. It's much more than that, but I want to thank you all for your continued support and leaving reviews for me to look over. I appreciate them all and I hope you all continue to stay safe in these trying times.
Until next time
Deuces