RETCON ALERT:
Upon further research of the cannon for the Tourney at Harrenhal and looking at the pace and flow of this story, I have realized that I am going entirely too fast. The tourney was scheduled to last ten days with five of them being dedicated to nothing but jousting. I have already begun to rewrite much of the story to tighten up some of the plot (and hopefully alter some minor cringe dialogue that was pointed out). In fact, chapter 1 is already done. There won't be any major changes to the plot or what came before the tourney, but I think it is important to slide in an extra day to bring it closer into line with canon. So here is an updated timeline with notes on the goings on of the historic tourney.
Day 1: Welcome feast, no changes from what has been written. As a note, Lyanna was the one who pushed for Ned to dance with Catelyn since they were just sitting and chatting casually, in both their eyes it is completely platonic. Brandon was still the one who got Ashara to dance with Ned as in cannon, this dance turns out to be less platonic.
Day 2: Opening ceremony where Jaime is sworn in followed by the squire's melee and archery competition. No real changes to day two. I like the idea that they would give the boys a chance to show off before the main event, so they aren't completely forgotten. The archery contest is open to the smallfolk as well and is placed on the first day for much the same reason.
Day 3: Grand Melee, no changes to what is written. As a note, not all knights and lords who attend the tourney participate. There are many who don't want to risk the loss of their equipment because they were unseated during the chaos of the melee and prefer to make their fortune during the jousts. Robert still parties hard.
Day 4: First day of Jousts. This is the first day of the "lesser" jousts which are more round robin style than bracket style, with much less fanfare. The first two days of the jousts are for the large numbers of hedge knights, sworn knights, and poor landed knights in attendance. Basically, the people who nobody really cares about if they are hurt. Many poor knights will compete knowing they have no real hope of winning it all and simply look to earn some cash via ransom, pulling out after winning two or three tilts. Those that wish to compete in the main tourney must unseat at least three competitors in order to earn their place in the champion's bracket. Though they can still compete if they wish to accept challenges or claim more ransom.
This is the first major change to the story as Robert is not summoned by the king on this day since the king doesn't care to watch the rabble compete. He still wakes up hungover after the melee celebrations, and still has that moment of relief knowing he hadn't made a mistake. Without the summons he gets a full day of socializing with the lords and ladies of the North, Stormlands, the Vale, and even some from the Riverlands. His natural charisma helps him befriend many men he had not really interacted with previously. Of course, he gets to spend more time with the Starks. Brandon, while not hostile, maintains his distance. In the evening, he throws another banquet to honor those Stormlands knights that managed to secure a place in the main tourney in a single day.
Day 5: Robert wakes up and has the inner monologue about Lyanna being ill this day in the past and how she missed seeing the knight. He is still dismayed by the summons from the king. His interaction with the prince plays out the same, and the day goes mostly that same until Lyanna shows up as the mystery knight. Lyanna challenges the knight of House Haigh who accepts even though he has already won the necessary matches to advance, it's obvious he wants to punish such a pathetic looking knight for having the audacity to call him out. Jokes on him.
Afterwards, Events go mostly the same as written but will be more in line with Meera Reed's description in canon. The king doesn't call for the head of the mystery knight immediately but commands his Kingsguard to defeat and unmask them when they show up for the champion's competition the following day. Robert leaves abruptly, still eager to find Lyanna and make sure she doesn't try and keep competing. Their interaction and dealings with the prince play out mostly the same, but with slightly altered dialogue. The prince still takes the shield to the king and explains that the mystery knight must have fled and must have not intended to compete any further, things then play out as written.
Day 6: The first day of the true tourney and will be covered in the current chapter and those to come.
END OF RETCONS, BACK TO THE STORY PROPER
"Brandon, don't just stand there, let them in." Eddard admonished his brother in a firm tone. Brandon simply grunted in response and held the flap open for them and motioned for them to hurry and enter.
"Ben! You were supposed to cover for me." Lyanna complained to her younger brother after she entered and saw him sitting on her bed looking thoroughly browbeaten.
"What was I supposed to do? Pull a blade on them?" Benjen shouted back defiantly. Lyanna simply sighed in resignation and sat next to her younger brother, obviously not that upset with him. Once everyone was settled Brandon spoke up.
"I believe you said you would explain. I especially would like to hear his part in all of this." Brandon said with a slight snarl while pointing a finger at Robert.
"Lord Brandon…" Robert began but stopped when Brandon quickly spoke over him.
"I'm talking to my sister right now, Lord Robert." Brandon sneered. Robert felt his anger swelling, but his betrothed jumped to his defense
"You're being an ass, Brandon." Lyanna said, angrily standing up and stepping close to her oldest brother. "Robert had nothing to do with this."
"I find that hard to believe, he'd do anything to get into your… good graces." Brandon countered, only barely managing to avoid being overly crass. Robert was furious and was just barely reigning in his anger at yet another slight. He knew no good would come from another brawl with Brandon, but oh, did his knuckles itch. Fortunately, Ned was quick to respond.
"Brandon, enough with the petty insults. I've listened to you groan and moan about Robert for our entire trip south. For once in your damned life, try to stop, listen, and think before jumping to conclusions." True to his moniker, his voice was barely louder than his normal speaking voice, but the anger and frustration that Eddard must have been holding back was more than evident in his tone. It was something that his siblings were obviously not used to hearing as they all stared at Ned, stunned into silence.
"Now Lyanna," Eddard continued in a much calmer voice while turning to his sister. "You say Robert has nothing to do with this, yet he is the one escorting you back to the tent. Care to explain?"
It took a few moments for Lyanna to respond as she was still shocked by her usually reserved brother's outburst.
"Um, he found me in the godswood while I was trying to get my armor off. Nothing untoward happened of course, Howland was with us the entire time." She said with the hints of a blush on her cheeks.
"Very well," Eddard sighed and looked very tired. "Do you know just how much of a mess you've caused?"
Lyanna, for her part, looked quite abashed.
"Yes, Robert was very clear about how angry the king was, and how things could have gone wrong if I had been unmasked in front of all those nobles." She said in a defeated tone.
"Who gives a fuck about the king and all those southron lordlings!" Brandon exclaimed. "Ned and I had to spend our time dealing with our bannermen rather than going out and looking for you."
"What?" Lyanna replied not expecting her eldest brother's complaint.
"Lyanna, many of the northern lords who have visited Winterfell have seen you tilting at rings." Ned explained patiently. "You have a very unique style, and it wasn't hard for those who know you to put it all together. Several were concerned as to why you found it necessary to sneak into the competition. Bolton even questioned Brandon's ability to rule since he can't even keep you in line." Eddard's mention of the Lord of the Dread Fort was laced with more than a bit of disdain.
"We also had to make sure they kept their damned mouths shut about it." Brandon practically snarled in frustration.
"I get it!" Lyanna shouted, throwing her hands up in frustration. "I'm sorry, I didn't think things through. Gods, first Robert, then Rhaegar, and now you." She had just about mumbled the last bit, but it didn't escape her brothers' notice. Eddard simply went white, having heard of Robert's tale of woe. While, of course, Brandon's anger once again flared.
"What has the prince got to do with this?" Brandon growled.
"He found us in the godswood. He said he would convince the king that the mystery knight fled and could not be found." She replied nervously. It took a few moments for Brandon to process what she had said before he turned and yelled for his squire.
"Ethan, get your ass in here!"
"Brandon what are you planning?" Eddard asked, obviously expecting to hate the answer. The eldest Stark didn't answer, and simply waited for his squire. Once the young Glover arrived, Brandon was quick with his order.
"Go prepare my armor and sword." The order was simple and direct, but it was clear to all that a wild anger was growing within the heir to Winterfell.
"Ethan, hold." Eddard commanded. It was a tone that Robert knew all too well, but one that took his siblings by surprise. They had yet to really see this side of their normally stoic brother. The boy froze, looking between the two brothers unsure of who he should obey.
"You can't order my squire, Eddard." Brandon snarled
"I can and I will when you are being a gods damned idiot. What's your plan? Go confront the prince on our sister's behalf? Challenge him to a duel?" Ned questioned angrily.
"I will make sure the prince knows what will happen should any harm befall our sister." Brandon said with a sinister smile.
"Are you mad? You'll just get yourself killed." Ned replied, bewildered by his brother's answer.
The two wolves looked ready to tear each other apart before Robert realized just how uncharacteristically quiet he had been so far. Robert had to admit that he was enjoying watching Ned act like the true Warden of the North, but figured it was probably time to step in.
"Enough!" Robert commanded in a firm tone. "Brandon, I more than anyone else understand where you are coming from, but the prince gave his word that no harm would come to Lyanna. I also don't think he is so eager for his father's approval as to willingly subject her to the king's whims."
"You would have me do nothing?" Brandon shouted back.
"Yes!" Both Ned and Robert replied.
"I can't stand here and do nothing. We can't trust our sister's safety to a damn dragon." Brandon argued back, though it seemed as if reason was slowly catching up to his anger.
"We can and we will." Eddard replied coolly, reigning in his own temper.
"Brandon," Robert said, stepping up and putting a consoling hand on his future good brother's shoulder. "You and I are men of action. If it wasn't for Lyanna and Howland making me see reason, I might have tried to attack the prince and Ser Arthur with nothing but my hunting knife. It was a hard lesson to learn, but Jon taught us that sometimes doing nothing is the best thing we can do."
"So where does that leave us?" Brandon asked, his demeanor like that of a hound being held back on a leash.
"Well, it leaves us with a night celebrating your sister's stunning victory over three so-called knights." Robert said with his most charming smile.
Brandon let out a heavy sigh and ran his hands through his hair with a frustrated growl in an attempt to wrangle in his wild blood before responding.
"Aye, I suppose it does." The eldest Stark finally replied, even managing a slight smirk of his own.
And so, they spent their night toasting to Lyanna's victory. She was able to tell the tale from her perspective and they spent the evening simply enjoying each other's company. Brandon even managed an apology for his accusation earlier, leading to a marked improvement in their relationship. As the festivities began to wind down, and Robert bid Lyanna a good evening he approached Eddard.
"Ned, let's talk, just the two of us." Robert's tone told Eddard that there was no escaping it, and he just sighed while leading Robert away from the tent. They found a fire pit that had been abandoned and Eddard took a moment to coax it back to life.
"What do you want to talk about?" Eddard asked nonchalantly.
"I want to talk about you." Robert said happily. "It's been five days and we haven't had any time for ourselves. Even with everything going on, I have not forgotten my third brother."
"There is not much to talk about." Eddard replied casually, his face an icy mask. To anyone else, this would simply be the Quiet Wolf living up to his name. But Robert knew his closest friend better.
"You're deflecting." Robert said with a sly smile.
"Am I?" Ned said, still maintaining his cool demeanor.
"It's almost as if you don't want to talk to me about your dalliance with a certain dornish lady." Robert accused in a good natured tone.
"Lyanna told you then?" He replied with a sigh, letting his façade drop.
"She just mentioned that you called on her after the melee celebrations" Robert said, happy to have gotten past his friend's defenses.
"I've actually called on Lady Ashara every night since the feast. Well, after the feast she called on me, but I have seen her each night since. That night was simply the first time Lyanna caught us." Eddard replied with a genuine smile on his face.
"Good for you Ned!" Robert gave Ned a hearty slap on the back.
"She's…" Eddard struggled to find the words. "She is intoxicating. Her smile, her wit, her laughter, her lips." He paused for a moment, obviously lost in a pleasant memory. "I never thought someone like her would be interested in a second son like me."
Robert noticed Eddard's wistful smile falter a little and remembered Ashara's fate in his previous life. Of course, he never got the full story from his friend, but he had heard all of the rumors as to why she threw herself into the sea. Many said that she had been dishonored here at Harrenhal.
"Listen, any lady would be lucky to have you and don't you forget it. Do you want to tell me what happened?" Robert asked cautiously. Eddard simply laughed in response.
"That proves that you are either some imposter or you truly have lived another life." Eddard replied.
"Oh, how so?" Robert said grumpily.
"The Robert I've known all my life would have just made a bawdy jape." Eddard said with a fond smile.
"You're right of course, but you are trying to change the subject again." Robert retorted.
"Yes, well if you must know, I came close to dishonoring her last night. She was willing and I probably would have if it weren't for…" Eddard trailed off, clearly not wanting to finish the sentence.
"If it wasn't for what?" Robert probed.
"If it wasn't for Lady Catelyn." Eddard said quietly, embarrassment clear in his voice.
"What, did she walk in on you two or what?" Robert wasn't exactly happy with where this was going.
"No, gods no," Eddard recoiled at the thought. "I just wouldn't want her to think I value a lady's virtue so little."
"Don't give me that Ned, it's not like you would announce it to the world. How about you tell me the real reason why thinking of Lady Catelyn gave you pause." Robert said in a tone that demanded a truthful answer.
"You're the one who saw our son!" Eddard blurted out defensively.
"So, you are throwing away your chance to be with a beautiful lady that actually likes you because of visions of a boy that may never exist?"
"Yes… No, gods, I don't know. It's so damn confusing!" Eddard spat in frustration.
"I thought we talked about this Ned." Robert said sternly. "We're going to live our lives the way we want. Not based on what might be."
"I know, I know, I want Ashara. I truly do. But I also can't stop thinking about Cat."
"Oh, she's Cat now?" Robert questioned sardonically. "When did you get so close to your brother's betrothed? You do realize what has to happen for that to work out right?"
"Gods, I know, and It's not like I wish ill on my brother." Eddard groaned. "Lady Catelyn and I have talked quite a lot during the tourney. She's very curious about the North and our traditions, and Brandon doesn't always have the patience for it. It's not like we've ever been alone together but talking to her is nice, relaxing even."
"Hmm," Robert mused as he tried to recall his old memories of the tourney. "I don't really remember seeing her around much the last time. Let alone spending time asking about the North."
"I think it has to do with her new faith. She seems quite taken with it and wants to know more about the old gods." Eddard said with a slight smile that betrayed his fondness for the lady in question before it turned into a sad frown.
"I don't think theirs will be a happy match." Eddard said quietly.
"Ned, it's no use longing over the things you can't have or worrying about the things you can't change. It seems like you have a good thing going with Ashara, and gods willing your brother will live long enough to actually see his wedding." Robert replied.
"I do, and I am glad I did not dishonor her. I want to do right by her and court her properly. I'd like to think that I didn't pick up too many bad habits from your younger self" Eddard teased. Robert simply laughed.
"Enough of all that, what are your plans after the tourney?" Robert asked after recovering from his laughter.
"I plan on heading back to the Vale to settle my affairs there before returning to Winterfell, my father wants me home and says he has plans for me. I will ask him to reach out to Lord Dayne to negotiate the betrothal. What are your plans?" Eddard asked.
"I have to go back to Storm's End. Apparently, a Lord Paramount is supposed to actually govern his lands." Robert said with a mirthless laugh before a sly grin appeared on his face.
"Though, I believe I have some business in the Vale as well. I think it is time for little Mya to come live with her family in Storm's End. She's only a year or so younger than Renly and I am sure he'll enjoy playing with her. It's settled, I'll travel with the Vale with you and then head back to Storm's End by way of Gulltown." Robert finished sounding exceedingly proud of his new plan. Ned smiled and shook his head in mock disappointment.
"Still finding clever ways to shirk your responsibility? And here I heard that you were settling into your role pretty well." Eddard replied with a teasing grin.
"It'll only be an extra moon, two at the most. Besides, being decent at something is still not the same as liking it." Robert grumbled. "I'm a warrior Ned, I am at my best with a hammer in hand and an enemy in front. Sitting on a chair and listening to people whine all day is not exactly how I wish to spend my days. At least I haven't died of boredom yet."
"Well, just make sure you talk to everyone about your new plans. For what it's worth, I am happy to hear of your growth and proud to call you brother." Eddard said earnestly.
"It's worth quite a lot actually." Robert replied, basking in the warmth of his closest friend's praise.
They continued on talking and reminiscing until they realized that the hour of ghosts had come and gone, their fire burning low.
"Well, I should get back to my tent and rest. I've got to poke some men with sticks in the morning." Robert chuckled.
"Aye, have you seen who you are up against first?" Eddard asked with a mischievous grin.
"I haven't exactly had a chance to look at the lists yet." Robert said, curious as to what had Ned grinning.
"Well then, I'll leave it to be a surprise. Lyanna and I will definitely be cheering you on." Eddard laughed before standing to bid Robert goodnight.
Robert just laughed it off before returning the farewell and returning to his own tent. When he arrived, it seemed as if everyone else had already turned in for the night and so he followed suit.
He awoke to the voice of his squire and slowly sat up to take a look at the boy. The bruises Walder had earned were finally beginning to fade, but Robert knew it was still too soon for his squire to take on his full responsibilities.
"Good morning, Lord Robert, I've prepared your horse and your armor. I took the time to check the lists and you have been placed in the second tilt of the day." Walder said with a happy smile.
"Shouldn't you be resting?" Robert said as he accepted a warm wet towel to clean himself with.
"Don't worry about me, my lord, it only hurts when I take deep breaths. We have to make sure you are properly prepared for your first opponent." Walder said with far more excitement than would normally be expected in this situation.
"Boy, you need to take better care of yourself." Robert said sternly.
"As you say, my lord." Walder replied while holding up Robert's arming doublet clearly ready to assist Robert in dressing for the competition. Robert sighed, recognizing the tone his squire used when he was politely ignoring his suggestions.
"And who will I be facing down first?" Robert inquired curiously, remembering Ned's cryptic words from the night before.
"That would be Lord Stark." Walder replied with a beaming smile.
"Brandon Stark." Robert repeated while processing what his squire had told him. The eldest Stark was a very accomplished rider, and Robert knew that he would be a very difficult opponent to face this early on. Though the fact that Ned said he and Lyanna would be cheering for him caused him no small amount of satisfaction. Chuckling, he finally stood and motioned for Walder to help him dress.
"I didn't expect to face him so early in the tourney." Robert stated thoughtfully.
"Apparently, it's because neither of you have been seen on many lists, so the Master of Games had to put you both near the bottom. From what I can see you'll have to defeat six competitors to be crowned champion." Walder's enthusiasm was clear as he finished tying up all the hard-to-reach laces on the arming doublet.
It did occur to him that Brandon had won three tilts before being unseated by Rhaegar in the tourney the last time around. Robert had never paid much attention to the organization of the lists. Previously, he had just taken a simple pleasure in the violence of the joust, appreciating the clash of wood and steel; never having cared about the skill of those competing. That had changed of course since he decided to win the tourney for Lyanna and taken his training seriously. A thought occurred to him, if he was facing Brandon now did that mean he would compete against Rhaegar early in the competition?
"So, I might be facing the prince soon then." He said, voicing his thoughts.
"Sorry, I don't know why you'd think so, my lord." Walder said with a confused tone. "Prince Rhaegar is in a different group from you and won't start competing until tomorrow due to his victories in past tourneys. If you do meet the prince, it would be in the final tilt."
Robert took in the information and furrowed his brow. Why were things so similar yet so different? Has his return truly had so much of an impact on future events? Could he rely on any of the knowledge from his previous life anymore? He felt a headache coming on and decided that it wasn't worth the trouble thinking about such things. What he did know now was that his first opponent was an incredibly skilled rider, and he would need to be truly focused if he wanted to win.
In almost no time at all Walder finished tightening the straps and laces on the protective layer that Robert's plate would be fastened over, and the two moved to break their fast. Robert noticed Stannis sitting at the table finishing a light meal as he was reading over a fairly worn looking tome.
"Good morning brother, what have you got there?" Robert asked happily. Stannis did not bother looking up from his book.
"Good morning. It is a copy of A History of the Houses of the Reach. The maester here was kind enough to lend me it for the duration of the Tourney." Stannis said in his usual flat tone.
"Riveting." Robert drawled as he began to cut into a sausage. "How are things going with your young lady?" Robert asked with genuine interest. Stannis finally looked up, and Robert could tell there was a little irritation in his dark blue eyes.
"The Reach is a mess." frustration bleeding into Stannis' voice.
"Tell me something I don't know." Robert scoffed, "I believe I asked after your lady."
"Lady Delena is well." Stannis replied in his normal tone.
"You've spent nearly three whole days with her and that is all you have to say?" Robert asked in an exasperated tone. Stannis leaned back in his chair and sighed.
"I am fond of her, and she reciprocates the feeling." He replied coolly, obviously wanting this conversation to end.
"Wow, quite high praise. We'd best get the two of you wed before there's any holding of hands or, heavens forbid, you two share a kiss." Robert teased. Stannis said nothing but the look he gave Robert clearly communicated that he did not appreciate the sarcasm.
"Forgive me, I jest. It's good to know that my little brother won't be doomed to a cold marriage." Robert said jovially.
"I am concerned whether it is truly the best match for our house?" Stannis said, closing the book and pushing away from himself in irritation.
"Gods save me from dutiful men and their lady troubles." Robert groaned. Stannis looked like he wanted to protest, but Robert held up his hand. "We've had this discussion before, Stannis. I will not have you being even more miserable and cold than you already are due to sharing your bed with some ugly shrew because she was the most politically advantageous match. Your happiness is worth far more to me than that."
"True to form, you manage to both compliment me and insult me in a single breath." Stannis said with a scowl.
"I'm your big brother Stannis, it's practically my job. Why the sudden hesitation? You like her, she likes you, and she comes with a significant dowry. I'm not seeing the downside here." Robert asked, trying to get to the core of the issue.
"Yes, but in my time spent with Delena, I've seen just how fractious the reacher lords are, and that includes her family. Wouldn't it be safer if I married the daughter of one of your bannermen?" Stannis asked plainly, though Robert could tell his brother's heart wasn't truly in it.
"Well, for one, she'll be a Baratheon after you wed so if your future good family kicks up a ruckus it isn't like they can force me to do anything. Second, there is a strategic benefit here that I think you've somehow missed." Robert explained
"And what would that be?" Stannis inquired, showing a growing interest in his own subdued manner.
"Should war break out across the seven kingdoms, having close ties to the Florents could potentially protect us from the Tyrells." Robert said with a slight grin, watching as Stannis' strategic mind put the pieces together.
"The Tyrells are considered upstarts and stewards by many of the old houses of the Reach. A powerful house having the backing of another kingdom could easily challenge their control." Stannis thought out loud, before turning a piercing gaze on Robert. "Do you truly think there will be war in our time?" Stannis asked with just the barest hint of worry in his voice.
"Not if I have anything to say about it." Robert said with determination. "But I also can't put it past the king to do something truly stupid enough to spark a revolt. The dragons aren't as loved as they once were. If it comes down to it, the lady you have fallen for so hard may give us a very valuable alliance. So, stop worrying, marry your fox, and have lots of babies with blue eyes and big ears." Robert finished firmly, hoping to dispel his brother's anxiety. Stannis stared at Robert intensely for a few moments obviously processing what Robert had said.
"She is only four and ten, marriage will be some years off." Stannis said in a matter-of-fact tone, though he wore the slightest of grins. Robert simply chuckled and shook his head, returning to his own meal. Stannis quickly finished his food and stood from the table, addressing Robert one more time.
"I am off to fetch Lady Delena, she will be joining me in the Stormlands box today. She asked me to tell you that she and her family wish you luck in the tilts today." Stannis said, in a tone that for the normally dour boy was downright merry. Just before he exited the tent he stopped and turned to Robert.
"Thank you." He said sincerely before striding out to meet his young lady. Robert was shocked at the candid gratitude his brother had shown, but quickly recovered knowing that he had to finish getting ready for his joust.
When he followed Walder to where his plate was, he saw that it was practically gleaming as if newly smithed. One would be hard pressed to believe that Robert had participated in a grand melee but two days ago. It must have taken quite a lot of work. He cast a suspicious glance at Walder who had the good sense to look contrite.
"I didn't do it all myself." The boy hurriedly explained. Robert shook his head and smiled.
"Right, come on then." Robert said while getting into position to be fitted with his armor.
Walder simply smiled and went about the business of encasing Robert in his shining steel plate. Now wearing his armor and beautifully stitched tabard, with antlered helm in hand, Robert mounted his powerful steed while his squire mounted his own horse with the Baratheon banner in hand. It was times like this that Robert felt like he was truly himself. Smiling he spurred his horse towards the tiltyard ready and eager to crown Lyanna with winter roses.
A/N Enter Robert: relationship doctor. I debated whether I would dive straight into the jousts this chapter, but as I kept writing and the word count kept rising I figured I might as well stop here. I thought it was important to catch up on what a few of the other characters are doing. Anyway, I hope ya'll will check out the rewrite of chapter 1. The comments I've gotten really helped me focus in on how I want the gods to act and what their goal is in the long term. I also formatted it so that it is easier to read the dialoged especially with The Seven doing the whole shape sifting thing.