A/N
Hope you all like the chapter. Let's see what's going on back in Winterfell. Kind of a tear jerker.
Chapter 9
It had been a moon since Jon had been gone and Robb had found out the family secret. He would find himself locked in a hazy disbelief at times, shaking himself out of it when his family noticed.
He would walk with Theon and Sansa to the Banesmen cottage just to check on Betty, knowing she was alone most of the day, for the first time in a decade. Jon would like that Robb was making sure the family was okay in his absence.
A few days after Jon left, a raven came from Bear Island. Asking for trade from the Banesmen Garden. Betty was vexed, most sure that Tammy and Roger was up to their games. His father calmed her down and gave his permission. And Robb saw that as a perfect opportunity to get involved and help organize the start of a second glass garden.
The false winter had come and gone, and the long summer had still prevailed. Building a second Garden would be easy. It would take a year, for sure- especially with Jon traveling and Little Rog doing the work himself, however Michael had offered his support.
Robb was making his way to the kitchens with Arya when he heard an irate shout.
"I'LL KILL HIM!" He heard madam Tysha yell. He picked up Arya to move a bit faster and walked through door.
Madam Tysha stood with a potato in one hand and a kitchen knife in the other. His father had taken a step back, it was a crime to pull a blade on your liege lord. But Tysha must have already been preparing supper when Lord Stark entered the kitchens.
"Tysha, put the knife down. Lord Stark is here." A kitchen aide shuddered.
Tysha took a breath and placed the knife on the table. "Forgive me, milord. I've forgotten myself."
"It's quite alright." Sighed his father. "The crew is fine. We knew this was a possibility. But I know that does not make it any better."
"Make what better, Father?" Robb asked grabbing a lemon cake for Arya to settle her.
Ned turned, just noticing his children enter the kitchens. "The Merry Betty was attacked by some Ironborn. Everyone is safe. But Roger took an arrow to the shoulder and Jon was cut in his shoulder. Trina and Tammy were almost taken as saltwives. And Tammy accidentally cut Trina's face while killing a reaver."
Robb and Arya looked at him in shock. "What? Wh-"
"And Jon killed his first man." Ned said somberly.
"Gods" Robb murmured "He got his first battle before I did. He's so lucky."
"Lucky?" Tysha snapped making Robb flinch sheepishly.
"That's not luck Robb." Said Ned "He must have been scared out of his wits. I know you wish to prove yourself but don't be in too much of a rush."
Robb nodded solemnly. "Forgive me madam Tysha. That was in poor taste."
"No, milord it's fine. Young men love a battle to prove their strength. This'll be those children last trip. I can tell you that."
"No, Madam Tysha! They can still do it. Please. It's all they've been talking about for years." Cried Robb with Arya nodding along, face messy with her lemon cake.
"And they will be getting training." Ned said with a shake of his head. "In order to be able to continue their training, they have convinced Roger and Bartium to train by the sword to be able to better defend themselves. And when they return, they'll pay Bartium to continue training the girls."
"Training'll be good for'em, more than I had" Tysha sighed bitterly glancing her Lord before grabbing the knife and going back to cutting her potatoes.
Robb gave Tysha a look of pity, he glanced at his father who looked at him with accusing eyes. Robb couldn't help but feel sheepish at being caught.
"Come Robb, let's give Arya to your mother and we can have a talk in my solar." Ned said gesturing towards the door. "Enjoy your day, ladies. Sorry to bother you."
They walked out to the chorus of "It's no bother" "Good day milord."
"It's not right to ease drop!" His father thundered. Sitting behind his desk, hard grey eyes staring disapprovingly at his heir.
"I know but you and mother have been acting strangely. And I just wanted to know what it was all about. And why She was being so nice to Jon and why you looked so nervous when you came back from being in the Godswood the night we dropped Jon off."
Ned sighed, running a hand over his face. How ironic that all his children were as troublesome as his siblings and his nephew was as obedient as he was. "You can't tell Jon, he isn't ready."
"I'm his best friend and his brother. I can't keep it from him." Cried Robb. "That's dishonorable."
"Hardly. I keep secrets from Robert." Ned shrugged.
"That's different. You are doing an honorable thing for your family. King Robert is just your friend. Not your actual brother. Lyanna was your sister." Said Robb.
"Jon needs more time." Said Ned, shifting uncomfortably in his seat, avoiding Robb's eyes. "He can't know now."
Robb watched his father, so like Jon. They couldn't hide what they felt from their family. They fidgeted and grimaced and squeezed their hands tightly. "Jon doesn't need more time. You do."
Ned turned his eyes back to Robb. They stared at each other for a moment before Robb adverted his eyes, fearing he'd overstepped.
Ned sighed. "Aye, It is me. I do not wish to burden him. And I do not want to see him hurt from my lies."
"It's a lie you had to tell. He could have been hurt." Said Robb "If you keep it from him any longer, he'll be upset. Jon is Two and Ten now. He can keep it a secret."
"Yes, I know." Ned sighed
"And Jon is still my brother and he's still your son. He's a Stark." Said Robb trying to reassure himself.
"Aye, you will always be brothers." Said Ned with a soft smile.
"Did- Did you miss Uncle Brandon when you went to the Eryie? I miss Jon. Theon's fine but-"
"But he's not your brother." Ned finished. "I missed your Uncle's and Aunt very much. Brandon was my protector and Benjen followed me everywhere. But I can admit, I was a bit happy to be away once I got there. I was not seen as spare or in my handsome brothers shadow. I was able to forge my own mind and personality. Learn to stand up for myself."
"You didn't stand up for yourself?" Robb asked in disbelief.
"Brandon picked on me a lot but I visited from the Eryie, the first year and I put a stop to it." His father chuckled. Robb watched the melancholy look that crossed Ned's face and grew sad for him.
"You miss them." Robb said.
"Everyday. But the Gods blessed me with you children. Who are so much like them. When I came back from the Rebellion, these halls were filled with ghosts. And then as the years go by it feels more like they are reborn. You are like Brandon. And Sansa is like Lyanna. And Arya so much like my mother. Brandon, like Benjen. And the Jon is a walking, breathing copy of my father."
"So you are happy?" Robb asked hopefully.
"Of course I am. You all make me very happy." Ned smiled, tracing Robb's face with his eyes.
"You favor Jon more." Said Robb. He had felt since they were here. He might as well get everything off his chest.
Ned chuckled. He stood from his seat and walked around the desk to sit beside Robb. "There was a time after we got Jon from his mother that death was preferable. Jon saved me." Said Ned.
Robb's eyes grew wide as severing bowls.
Ned nodded at the shocked look on his son's face. "Yes, I had lost half my family. I had a wife that I did not want. And I lost your older sister, Naeyella. We arrived to the capital and a raven came stating that Ashara Dayne had thrown herself from her tower."
Robb's eyes dropped at the revelation. Naeyella, it was a pretty Dornish name.
"The rumors about you and Ashara Dayne are true?" Robb whispered "Was she really the most beautiful woman in the Seven Kingdoms?"
Ned laughed "Yes." He said with a nod of his head. "She was captivating. I was so scared to talk to her. Brandon made me dance with her. I tripped over my words and stepped on her feet. Ashara had the most beautiful lilac eyes you'd ever seen. And instead of being annoyed at my clumsiness, she was endeared. And we spent most of our time together at Harrenhal" he spit out. Saying the name of that accursed Keep just- it just-.
"Harrenhal" Robb said, shaking his head from imagining a young Ned Stark stuttering to talk to a young maiden. "And then you wanted to- to kill yourself."
Ned looked at him. Again tracing Robb's face with his eyes. "Yes, I pray you never have to feel that sort of loss in your life. I can't remember but I had started rambling."
--
Red Keep post Robert's Rebellion
Ned stared over the balcony. Wylla and Howland behind him. It was a beautiful view. Is this how Ashara felt? The horizon called him to Forest of the Old Gods to reunite with his mother. With his father and Brandon. Ned could not think a happy or positive thought about his foolish sister. And what Lyanna had caused him for her stupid Prince.
It would be nice to hear Ashara's voice again. And to see what their little girl looked like. Did she have his eyes or Ashara's? Did she have the Northern look? Or was she a Stoney Dornish? Naeyella- that's what Ashara had called her. He had lost her too.
"Ned? I'm sorry. I know how much Ashara meant to y-"
"No you don't." Ned breathed "You don't know how much she meant to me. I did this to her."
"Ned you didn't have a choice. You had to save Lyanna."
Ned scoffed with a shake of his head. The she wolf didn't need saving. She had caused all of this. Ned sighed "It looks beautiful from here."
"It does." Howland agreed.
"It's so beautiful." Ned repeated in a whisper. He heard shuffling but he could not focus on much outside his despair. It was swallowing him. Ned felt as if he could not breathe but kept his gaze on the tempting landscape.
"Ned? Are you alright?" He heard Howland say.
"I- I feel tired, Howland. Everyone's gone."
"You have gained much. A beautiful wife, and a newborn heir. And Benjen is waiting for you back home." Howland said.
A newborn son. Robb, Ned's bride had named him. Ned didn't know what to think of the babe. Just some child on a piece of parchment from a woman Ned didn't know. A woman who was in love with his older brother. The babe didn't need him.
Truthfully, he didn't want the babe. It wasn't Naeyella. His sweet girl who was dead before she was born.
"A regency." Ned had whispered but Howland heard him over the unbearable quiet. "Someone to look after Winterfell. I-I don't want it. Brandon. Brandon was supposed to have- have all this." He whispered. He felt his breathing escalate.
"Ned, you need to calm down." He felt Howland grab his shoulders and try to pull him back but he kept a tight grip on the railing. He felt Howland let go and move away.
"Let me see him." Ned heard and then heard Jaehaerys little coo's. Ned turned at the sound of his nephews voice.
"Come sit." Said Howland. "Come hold him. He needs you Ned."
Ned stepped away from the balcony. And sat in the chair that Wylla had guided him to. Howland placed Jaehaerys in his arms. The babes grey eyes stared at him, slowly blinking and cooing at his uncle.
"He needs you, Ned. If something were to happen to you, The Tully girl will not allow him to stay. Who will protect him? How will you keep your promise to his mother?" Whispered Howland.
Jaehaerys kept his eyes on Ned and fidgeted from his uncles tight hold. "He would be better without me."
"No, he won't. Ned, he's lost just as much as you. He's lost so much. He can't lose you too. And Benjen. He can't lose another sibling. And he's too young to contradict the Tully girl-Catelyn. He will not be able to keep control."
Ned tried to drown out the sense that Howland was making.
"And your other son does not deserve it. Robb does not deserve to never meet his father.."
"And this boy here. He looks just like you. Look at him. He's all Stark. Has none of his other blood in him. He deserves to be raised in Winterfell with his family. With his older brother."
Ned let out a shakey breath. Finally calm. He turned his eyes away from Jaehaerys to Howland. Miss green eyes looked at him pleadingly- begging him not to lose control. Not to give in to this crushing feeling of despair and grief.
Ned gave Howland a firm nod, finally pulling himself together.
Robb sat in disbelief. "I wasn't enough?"
Ned rushed to reassure him. "It wasn't that you weren't enough. At the time, you didn't seem real. I didn't know your mother. You were just a name on a piece of paper. And I had lost so much. Sometimes that weight will cloud your senses."
"And Jon was there. He was real." Said Robb. Trying to understand. "He wouldn't have had a good life if you had given up."
"No, he would have had a good life. Probably living with the cranogmen. Howland would have made sure of it. But that isn't the life Jon deserved. It isn't the life you deserve."
"When you met me, did you-"
"Oh I loved you the minute I set eyes on you. You were so real. And all mine." Ned smiled "You were more robust than Jon. You smiled at me when you opened your eyes. And you turned and looked at Jon and that was it. He was your best friend."
Robb smiled back. Satisfied with his father's explanation. "I understand, father."
His father nodded and stood, walking to the window. "The second Banesmen glasshouse will have to wait before construction can begin. We must speak with Roger and see if we can fit it near town or another clearing that won't disrupt our wood production. The North makes most of our trade with wood and furs"
Robb agreed "Maybe close to the land of the Crofters? We should implement a city guard. A small force to keep watch over the glass houses."
Ned continued to stare out the window. Robb almost thought his father didn't hear him, until Ned turned around. "That is a sound idea."
"And just to make Mother and Betty feel better about Roger's ambition, we should have the glasshouse constructed in our name but pay them for the designs and the construction. And allow Roger to have control over the merchant fee and distribution. That w-"
"That way the profit will be evenly distributed to both families. More so ours, after we collect taxes."
"Yes!" Robb said excitedly.
"You have given this much thought. I'm proud of you. I'm happy that you have been coming into yourself more, now that Jon is away. It will make you a capable leader one day." Said Ned
"Thank you, Father. If you would like, I will inform the Banesmen that the glasshouse will not be permitted to be built until the Merry Betty ports back in the North."
"We'll go together. I have not seen them in a fortnight. In a few hours we'll ride into Winter Town as well. I have not seen my people in two moons. Go down to the yard and spar. I'll come get you and Theon later."
"Yes father."
Trina
Trina had finished washing her skin for the 8th time in the Lannisport bathing house.
It was disgusting. Completely disgusting. And it was all Tammy's fault. Blackmailing Roger. What were they thinking?
"Can you please hurry up?" Tammy drawled "You've delivered babies. Why is cattle shit so much more disgusting?"
"Shut the bloody hell up." Trina growled. She stomped past Tammy and walked out to where Roger stood by the door.
"All clean?" Roger chuckled at the thunderous look on his niece face. "Good. The men just loaded the lumber and they're bringing it up this way now. I'm taking it to Harbor-proper to exchange for some Gold. Come now.
Trina put her hood up and grabbed on to Tammy's hand, following Roger to the entrance of the bathhouse and following him to the other side of the city. Halfway, they met with Jason, Jon and his guards riding Tibby with a cart full of lumber.
"This is Lannisport?" Trina scoffed "Looks so run down."
"This is a small part." Jason said "The shambles of Seafield. This is where all the poor and the urchins live. Don't have much parts like this up North. If any. Wait till you see Flea Bottom in Kings Landing. We'll get an earful from you then" Jason laughed with Roger and Bartium.
"Hmph" Trina scoffed. Kings Landing was different than Lannisport. Her family built this. And they weren't taking care of the people of their city. The Starks would never allow this to happen.
They walked through the entrance of the second wall and there stood the industrial district of the city. Large warehouses and carpenters. Men carrying wood and metal to be distributed throughout the West.
Trina felt as though someone was watching her. She peaked from under her hood and looked around but saw no one paying her any attention.
"Aye, I feel it too." She heard Tammy whisper, gripping her hand tighter. "Keep a grip on your dagger. We don't need a repeat of the Crag."
Trina went into the inner pocket of her cloak and did as Tammy told her.
The group walked to one of the wood shops and they entered with Roger and Jon. Leaving the guards and Jason outside.
"Roger how are you?" A short sturdy man said. "Knew I'd be seeing you when the false winter cleared up."
"Fine, Elon. Aye, decided to beat the Southerners before they made their way North. Odd weather we've had. A year of winter? This is the longest summer there's been."
"Gonna be a harsh and long winter." Said Elon.
"Yes it will." Said Roger "But Ive got a treat for ya. Six logs of lumber."
"Six?!" Elon spluttered "Of Northern wood? Where you get that? You've never been one for shoddy work."
"Nay, man. Got a deal with Bear Island on the way." Roger laughed.
"Well let's talk profit then." Elon smirked, rubbing his hands together.
"Thirty Gold coins will work a lot for us when we get to the eastern coast." Said Roger. "We'll sell them dresses and Toys in the south west. Sell the cattle in Dorne. They don't get much hunt down them parts. Buy some nice fabric in the Crownlands or Tarth depending on the price. Then buy crops on the Vale. Make our way North and sell the crops. We're done till the next trip."
"Who do you sell the dresses to?" Asked Jon, chewing his fish.
"Lowborn usually. Or the landed knights who just been married. Or the tailors in town, who'll sell them at a higher price. Betty's designs are nice. Don't get much knitting attire in the south. It's nice to wear in this weather. Thin enough to keep cool. But warm enough, you don't need a cloak. Especially at night."
The crew sat at the top deck of the ship. Roger, his nieces and Jon sat at the table eating while they listened to the songs the rest of the crew sang.
"She'd not been two weeks from shore
When down on her a right whale bore
The captain called all hands and swore
He'd take that whale in tow (huh)"
Tammy giggled as she sang along.
"Da-da-da-da-da
Da-da-da-da-da-da-da
Da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da"
Trina tried to shake the feeling that she was being watched and turned to Roger. He'd been tapping his foot and humming along. Jon looked as if he was going to pass out from exhaustion.
"Uncle" Trina murmured "I've been feeling like I been being watched. Like we all have."
"Aye, I know." Gruffed Roger. "Bartium mentioned it when we left the wood shop. Thought it was just my nerves."
"Can we still go exploring tomorrow?" Trina pleaded. "Bartium and Neville will be with us. I'll be careful. I promise."
"I'm coming with you. I'll leave Jason to set up shop and handle the trade. I wanna take you girls to the farm to visit my sister."
"Oh, thank you." Trina said clapping her hands excitedly.
"Ha!" Laughed Roger accidentally jerking Jon awake at the sound. "I'd almost forgot what you look like when you smile. You look like your mother."
Trina blushed. "I miss her. We've never been apart before."
"I know. And she misses you too. They'll be getting that raven we sent from Faircastle soon. I'm not looking forward to seeing her." Roger laughed.
Tammy
They'd woken up early to tour the city. As Jason had said 'The Shambles' and 'The Harbor-Proper' were the worst parts of Lannisport.
Lannistown was beautiful. The Manses and the gold shops were the most beautiful places Tammy had ever seen.
Westfold was bunch of busy working people living on top of each other. A lot like Winter Town but more people-actually, too many people. If another person stepped on her little cousin foot rushing by the gold haired girl would likely lose her cool.
Further and further they got into the city passing by Westfold and Red castle. Trina had been in awe. No doubt thinking of the fact that her ancestors had built this. They had constructed the second largest city in the Seven Kingdoms. And it was beautiful.
Finally, they had made it out of the city. They sat on the cart and rode down the Gold Road. It was a beautiful scenery. If this is where her grandfather grew up. She had no idea why he would want to live in the cold and isolated North. Maybe he loved Grandma Betty that much.
"Look girls. There's the town. That's where Neal grew up. Reba would sneak in town every day to see him. Our father would get so angry with her. " Roger called from his mount on Tibby. "Your mother would play with the children in that village, Trina. No doubt, all grown with children of their own."
They stood from the cart and watched the people in the village bustle on. An older couple waved at them. And they waved back.
They rode a little farther and finally landed in their destination. The Crofters land. Where Trina's grandparents were killed. Tammy thought sadly.
A man with red hair stood at the front shucking corn over a pale of water. He stood at the sound of their group approaching. The man relaxed when he saw Roger riding Tibby.
"Wonder when I'd be seeing you, Roger." He smiled.
"How've you been Ron?" Asked Roger climbing from his horse and beckoning the girls down.
"Been a'right. Short winter didn't harm us too bad. You just missed the boys and Lily. They ran to the village to play."
"That's nice to hear." Roger said, sounding uncharacteristically somber. Tammy suspected that being near his sisters grave made him sad. She held Trina's hand as they walked around the cart.
"Ron, this is my granddaughter Tammy. My apprentice, Jon and his uncles- Neville and Bart. And this here," he said bringing Trina forward "Is my niece Trina. Tysha's girl."
Ron smiled at the group and stepped forward, pulling Trina's hood down. "Yeah she is. How are you, Trina? You look just like Tysha at that age."
"I'm fine. Happy to be traveling," Trina said with a smile.
"And how's your mum?" Ron asked "Last I heard she was working as a cook."
"She is fine too. And yes, Mothers a cook. She's very happy in the North."
"Good, she wasn't too happy when she left. I'm glad she's doing alright." Said Ron gesturing them to go around back.
Jon and his guards stayed with Ron, chatting him up and allowing the family their privacy.
Tammy walked with her grandfather and cousin to the back of the house. And towards the corner of the backyard separate from the cattle.
"Reba, Neal. I've brought a treat for ya today. My grandchild and yours. Pretty lasses." Roger said to the long rows of daisy's. "And smart too. Brave and stubborn."
Trina shifted uncomfortably. "I-uh" she spluttered trying to think of something to say.
Tammy pulled Trina forward. "I'm Tammy. I'm two moons older than Trina. My father's Little Roger. He doesn't like leaving the North much so he couldn't come."
"I-I'm Trina. I'm your granddaughter." Trina said trying to stop from crying. "Mums doing fine. She likes working as a cook at Winterfell. She misses you a lot. Mum tells me all the time I'm just like you grandpa."
"Aye, Neal." Roger laughed shakily. "Just like you. Rude as fuck, as well."
"Uncle Rog." Trina said admonishingly, before turning back to the daisies. "And I'm the smartest person in the North, grandma. I know it."
"Yes, you are." Tammy said rolling her eyes.
"And Tammy here has a lovely singing voice. Sing Jenny's song."
Tammy nodded
--
"High in the halls of the kings who are gone
Jenny would dance with her ghosts
The ones she had lost and the ones she had found
And the ones who had loved her the most
The ones who'd been gone for so very long
She couldn't remember their names
They spun her around on the damp old stones
Spun away all her sorrow and pain
And she never wanted to leave
Never wanted to leave
Never wanted to leave
Never wanted to leave"
Tammy stopped at the sound of Roger's light sob. "I'm sorry grandfather."
"No don't be sorry." Roger said, wiping his face with sleave. "It's a beautiful song. And the best song to see here. Feels like ghosts are watching when I'm here."
They stayed there in silence for a small while before making their way back around the house.
Tammy heard laughter. It was nice to hear after the moment they had. She stopped short at the sight of a stranger standing out front with Ron and their group.
"Hello, friends." The man said. He didn't sound lowborn. Tammy felt anxious at the sight of the man with his hood hovering over his eyes. "Just stopping in to speak to your group. Saw you when I was in the village. Have anything to sell?"
"Not at the moment." Roger said with a shakey breath, no doubt feeling the same as her. Tammy took a glance at Trina and saw she had pulled her hood over her face.
"Well, would it be alright if I rode with you back to the village?" The stranger said "It's getting a bit late, sunset will be on us soon.
"Your name?" Roger asked
"Gerion." The man said with a smile. Trina let out a small gasp and discreetly pulled Tammy back. Tammy looked at her cousin but could not gape her reaction under the hood.
The man-Gerion- pulled a small sack out of his pocket and tossed it to a gaping Ron. "I hope this interaction will remain... nonexistent to you?"
Ron nodded "of course milord. Honestly, I've no idea what ya talkin 'bout." He said standing with his pale. "See you Rog, Trina and all the rest of you. Get going now. My family'll be back soon. See ya on ya next trip." he finished walking inside the cottage.
Gerion looked at the Banesmen group. Tammy could not help but feel a little at ease at his smile, regardless of the fact that was all they could see.
"Don't worry. I come in peace. I swear. But I think it is someone I would like to meet." He said glancing around Roger to look at Trina.
They stood for a moment before Roger nodded. "We don't want any trouble."
Tammy moved toward the cart with Trina and locked eyes with a shocked Jon. Gerion? Who in the Seven Hells was that? Milord? Was he a Lannister?
If he were, they were fucked. If he decided to attack, then it would be nothing they could do.
They climbed on the cart with Jon and waited for both Gerion and Roger to climb their mounts.
They rode away towards the Village in silence.
"Trina" Tammy muttered, looking for answers.
"The uncle that gave Mother the gold" Trina whispered in her ear.
"Oh, so he's the good one." Tammy said letting out a sigh of relief.
"What's the Laughing Lion doing here?" Jon asked.
"We'll tell you later." Said Trina.
They rode past the Village and came to an erupt stop. A clearing, a mile away from Lannisport.
The man and Roger both led their horses to the side of the rode.
Trina
Roger walked around and grabbed Trina off the cart and led her to her newfound uncle. He was tall. Not as tall as Hodor but taller than Uncle Rog. And that stupid smile never seemed to leave his face.
"I see your ship every time you dock." Said Gerion. "This time, I see two little girls. One with Golden hair covered under a hood. I knew who you had to be immediately."
Trina peaked from under her hood and locked eyes with him.
"Do you know who I am?" He asked.
"Gerion Lannister." Trina whispered "My great uncle." She said lowering her head.
"Yes I am." He laughed "Oh don't look scared. You know who I am. You know I won't hurt you."
Trina nodded, looking back at him.
"And you have your father's eyes." He laughed. Pulling her hood down. "And our cheekbones. Everything else is your mother's." He said kneeling down. "What's your name?"
Trina glanced at Roger. He gave her nod of consent "Trina."
"That's a very pretty name." Gerion said. His green eyes looked exactly like her right eye. From the shade to the shape. She could see golden curls under his hood.
She smiled sheepishly. "Thank you."
"And I hear Tysha's alright in Winterfell? She's doing fine? She's better?" Gerion asked looking into her eyes.
"Yes, she's much better." Roger said.
"Good, good." Said Gerion patting her cheek. "I hear you're a bit of a scholar? And cleverer than most maesters? Your friend Jon bragged all about you."
Trina blushed crimson. "I am." She said nodding her head.
"Just like your father then" Gerion laughed.
"How is he?" Trina rushed "Is he okay?"
Gerion sighed. "He's doing better. But no, he's not. That business with your mother left a bad mark on him. Drinking too much. Not taking much serious. He will be excited to hear about you however."
"Mother says no." Trina sighed, tears welling up in her eyes. "She said it's too dangerous."
"Too dangerous." Roger repeated. Gripping Trina's shoulder.
"Tyrion won't let anything happen to you. I swear. But he needs to know about you. It's time he knows the truth. Clean up his act."
"Milord, we don't want this getting out. Her mother won't let her come back if she knew." Said Roger.
"I'll be sure that Tyrion won't say a word to anyone but me. If anything, he'll be North within the year to be introduced to you."
Trina looked at Roger pleadingly. After a moment, he sighed and nodded.
"The suns going to set soon. I'll be around your ship in a little while to get to know you a little better. I just need to be seen in the city before covering back up." Gerion said giving Trina a tight hug which she returned. "Go on with your cousin."
Trina walked to the cart while Roger stood talking to Gerion. Before he came and climbed on Tibby.
Jon
Jon sat at the table in shock as he watched Gerion walk on to the ship after sunset covered in common clothes.
Trina had told him who he was and who her father was. He couldn't help but laugh. A noble bastard just like him. What were the odds?
Gerion and Trina had talked for hours. She showed him her books and introduced him to Tammy and Jon. Gerion was shocked to find the bastard son of Ned Stark on the same ship as his niece.
"You are brilliant child." Jon heard Gerion say to Trina. "That scar- I'm glad you'll be learning to defend yourself. It eases my mind that you'll be able to travel the seas with a sword at your hip."
"It was Tammy's idea. Mother was scared about me coming on this trip. Now, she's even less likely to let me go. But if we're learning to fight, she won't be as mad."
"Yes, I can see why she would want to keep you close." Said Gerion. "Nasty business. Should have never happened. I don't talk to my brother much. I spend most of my time with my Lannister cousins in the City."
"I don't want to talk about him." Trina said, biting the corner of her lip. "I get angry. And I think about doing the most horrible things. Things that he would do."
Gerion took a moment to look at her. Jon thought he saw a flash of worry in his face. Understandable, Jon thought Tywin Lannister was an animal. His father hated him and he hated his oldest son.
Gerion spoke "Well, we don't have to talk about him. Let me tell you about my daughter Joy."
And for the rest of the night, Gerion made the crew smile and laugh. Except for Roger. Roger could not find it in himself to crack a smile.
A/N
Bit of an emotional chapter. Tell me what you think. Like I said this will be a slow burn story. I love setting the stages of the characters development before setting into the drama.
It's fanfiction, you know. And we have THOUSANDS of Stories about the canon. It's alright to play a bit.
Have a good weekend.