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Benjen Stark found Joanna standing on the top of the Wall with Aegon and Ser Allister Thorne. Neither of Joanna or Aegon said a word. They were just taking in the beauty of the landscape. Ser Allister was trying engaging them in conversation. She looked over at Aegon lovingly. He returned the loving glance with a small smile.
"The Lord Commander has informed me that you, princess, have removed maybe two men from our watch new recruits," Allister commented.
Joanna turned and looked at Allister. She had look that mirrored her mother cold look that her mother was known for. She did not her decision questioned by men that did not know the reason for her decisions.
"Neither of the men have made any vows Ser Allister," Joanna started. He gave her a less than pleased look. She tilted her head at him she moved standing toe to toe with him. Aegon looked at his wife in awe. "And even you can admit Samwell is not much of fighter. Ser Allister, he will better serve us all as a Maester than here at the Night Watch," Joanna finished.
"The Tarly boy is not much," Allister admitted.
"He is a great deal more," Joanna stated.
"Not all skill lays in steel, sometimes it lays much more in one's mind," Aegon commented.
Joanna turned her eyes lighting up at Aegon's defense of Samwell. Aegon nodded his head slightly. Allister looked less than pleased that he was schooled by a young boy by many standers. Benjen coughed before Allister could put his foot in his mouth. Ser Allister stocked away happy to be relieved of his duty of watching the Royal party.
"Your Grace," Ser Allister said as he left.
"Ser Allister," Joanna replied.
Benjen stood back and watched the pair. Once Ser Allister was gone, Joanna moved closer to Ser Aeron. She leaned her body into his chest and Ser Aeron wrapped his arm around her. They were sharing the warmth of his cloak. Benjen like Eddard was not so sure that Aeron was really a Dayne. But it was for certain that there was more to their relationship than just protector and lady.
"You are doing the right thing, Jo," Aegon said.
"Am I Ae…?" Joanna started she was cut off by Benjen.
"Your Grace," Benjen greeted her moving closer to the fire were they were stood.
Joanna shifted away from Aegon. She turned with a smile on her face. Benjen and Joanna exchanged looks. Aegon moved away from Joanna but he was still protective stance and distance.
"Ser Benjen to what do we owe this honor? I was under the expectation that you were ranging beyond the Wall," Joanna greeted.
"I leave on the marrow. I could not, not see my niece and, if the word is true, my nephew off," Benjen told her. Joanna ran her tongue across her bottom lip. She locked eyes with Benjen as Benjen locked eyes with her. A question hung in the air. She was wondering if he was going to actually ask her. She raised her eyebrows turning back to looking out on the landscape as the sun started to set. "Tell me, Princess, why did you do it?" Benjen asked finally
"He deserves another chance of a happy life, not that he could not have a happy life here. But after seeing this place may not be everything he dreamed of in his mind. Lyarra was made a Stark and she has been a close friend to me in the time we have known each other. I know how hard it is to be parted from one's twin. Gods rest Steffen soul, it seemed only right to offer. That and with my coming marriage to Ser Aeron Dayne I will need a new guard. Why not offer your nephew that chance. And if it is in power in time I will have him made a Stark," Joanna stated.
"Do you think he will take it?" Benjen asked.
"I don't know you know him better than I," Joanna said coyly.
"He will do it, only a fool would turn you done, Princess. And as much as the boy he may be and foolish in ways he is still a man down at his core. And men will do anything to please beautiful woman especially one royal blood," Benjen told her.
"Thank you, I think…" Joanna trailed off.
"I know you are not blind. The stories of your beauty reach even us men here at the Wall. I was shocked when I arrived at Winterfell and found out the stories were true," Benjen said.
"There to me than just my beauty Ser Benjen Stark," Joanna remarked in vex manner.
There she was the lioness that Lord Tywin fought so hard to put in her. Yes, she had her mother and grandmother's beauty but she had her grandfather and uncle Tyrion's wit. It showed her father temper in her too.
"I'm sure there is, princess, but even so men are driven by their baser needs. Men have gone to war for such beauty. Much like my late sister, your father went to war with the Targaryens to get her back," Benjen commented.
"And the Starks followed him in his quest," Joanna commented.
"All we wanted was our sister back. Brandon and my father were killed by the mad king that is what truly started that war," Benjen stated.
"And my grandfather made my father a king. I'm not sure how great of king he is if he let one of last defense fall into such disrepair," Joanna said intelligently.
Joanna bowed slightly to Benjen heading toward the lift to take her to the ground. Aegon went to follow her but his arm was caught by Benjen. They locked eyes. Benjen looked around to make sure no one else was around. He noticed Joanna conversing to a man of Nightwatch that was baseborn. He laughed at something she said. Benjen locked eyes again with Aegon.
"I don't know who you are but I know you are not a Dayne. I know my niece and nephew are and you look nothing like them. I don't know what you want but if you hurt one hair on her head my nephew who is to be her new guard will not stop to run you through," Benjen cautioned removed his hand from Aegon arm.
Aegon nodded his head. He moved away and over to Joanna. She gave him a loving smile. Aegon returned the smile wrapping his arm protectively around Joanna. They made their way into the lift to take them down.
Joanna and Aegon made their way into her chambers for the night. She had shed her cloak. Meraxes looked up from her spot by the flames by where the chest that held the dragon eggs rested. Aegon also shed his cloak. He sat on the bed removing his boots. Joanna flirted behind a dressing screen after she had him untie the back of her gown. He shook his head at her as she shed her shoes on the way giving him a coy smile.
"What was that all about," Joanna questioned coming out only dressed in her chemise.
"It seems that you have gotten the love of men of the Night's Watch. He threatened me that his nephew would kill me if I hurt you," Aegon laughed.
"Aeg really," Joanna giggled.
He pushed her against the cold hard stone kissing her passionately. Her hands tangled in his short hair. He held them with his body. As he let the passion he had for show itself. He removed his shirt tossing it over his shoulder. It left him just in his pants. A pounding sounded at the door causing them to break apart. Aegon hand went to his sword that leaning against the bed. He looked back to Joanna making sure his doe was out of sight. She was reaching for her robe pulling it on over her chemise. Meraxes was now on her feet circling her mother feet in a protective manner. Aegon opened the door only to be greeted by Jon. Jon had a shocked look on his face. He had made up his mind.
"Ser Aeron I was under the expression this was Princess Joanna's chambers," Jon greeted sorry to disturb him.
Joanna moved forward touching Aegon back looking at Jon over his shoulder. Jon's eyes went wide at the sight of her. He looked up taking in her state of dress. Her full lips were a few shades redder than normal. There was flush to her cheeks he was unsure if it was from the cold or other things. Jon's eyes then traveled to Aegon taking in his state undress. He gave Ser Aeron a disapproving look. Joanna moved around Aegon placing a reassuring hand on his chest.
"Jon what can I do for you," Joanna asked bringing Jon's eyes back to her.
"I made my decision princess. I will gladly be your guard if you still have me," Jon told her.
"I would be honored to have you, Jon. And know this if it ever becomes in my power I will have you made Stark like your sister," Joanna promised.
"Serving you and being by her side is more than I can ever ask for," Jon started. Jon pulled out his sword kneeling with it by Joanna's feet. Aegon exchange looks with Jon as he made his vow. Joanna glanced over at Aegon with an unsure look on her face. Aegon nodded his head reassuringly. "Princess Joanna, I am yours. I will shield you back and give my life for yours if need be. I swear it by the old gods and new," Jon vowed.
"I vow you'll always have a place in my home and at my table and I promise to ask no service of you that will bring you dishonor. I swear it by old gods and the new," Joanna said the word only the second time in her life but this time it was spoken more like the storm lioness that she was.
The next morning Joanna came out in golden traveling gown. Her long dark hair was braided back into a long robe-like braid that hung down her back. Lyarra and Marleina were dressed in their traveling gowns as well. Samwell was already on his horse. Aegon was already in the yard he held the reigns of Balerion with the Lannister guards close by. The all-black stallion pawed the ground. Meraxes came by her mistress while Starr and Ghost hung back to guard the rear. Lyarra was shocked to see Jon saddling his horse. Ser Barristan stood by Aegon conversing with him. He bowed his head to Joanna as she approached She nodded her head in return with a smile. He took the reins Balerion so Aegon could pick her up on to place her Balerion back. Aeron picked her up his hand lingering on her waist slightly caressing her back as he placed on Balerion's back. Jon gave Ser Aeron a lingering unhappy look. He was not pleased with the pair relationship. He wondered if Joanna was like her father in some ways. Aegon gave a stern look as he mounted his own horse. Ser Allister, Maester Aemon and Lord Commander Joer Mormont came out as Tyrion came down. Benjen hugged Lyarra before helping her on to her horse.
"Safe Travels Princess," Ser Allister stated.
"Thank You, Ser Allister," Joanna said moving her horse so she could look at Lord Commander Joer Mormont and Maester Aemon. Aegon horse moved in time with her. Aegon lingered on Maester Aemon's eyes. Maester Aemon bowed his head slightly to him bowing to the future king of Seven Kingdoms. Tyrion mounted his horse. "I promise Lord Commander I will right the wrongs, I found here. I will speak to my father as soon as I reach King's Landing. I will see food, weapons, and able-bodied men sent to help protect the realm of men. It is wrong to leave our last defense so weaken," Joanna vowed.
"That is all we ask Your Grace, I wish you and your party safe travels and speedy journey," Lord Commander Joer said.
"Safe Travels," Maester Aemon echoed.
"Thank you," Joanna said.
"You ready for this Jo," Aegon asked her as the gate opened.
"As ready as I'm going to be. Now the game begins, our first stop is Last Hearth," Joanna said.
Joanna rode into Last Hearth with Aegon ridding on one side of her Ser Barristan on her other side. Jon rode with his twin sister and Lady Marleina. Meraxes, Ghost, and Starr looped around the party protecting them. Tyrion rode by the Lannister guards. As Joanna made her way into the bailey of Last Hearth, they were greeted by the Umber's who were all on their knees before her.
"Last Hearth is yours, Your grace, you honor us with your visit," Greatjon Umber stated.
Aegon got off his horse first. A Stablehand ran over to get a stable box to help the princess dismount. She smiled gracefully turning in her saddle so Aegon could place her on the ground before the stable hand could return. She made her way over to Greatjon Umber and his family.
"Rise, my Lord," Joanna said.
"Princess, allow me to introduce my family," Greatjon said. He motioned to his family. She recognized Smalljon Umber who was standing by a young woman with brown hair and slightly swollen belly. "My Lady Wife, Jeyne, my son and heir Jon and his wife Melina. My daughters, Elaena and Leona and finally my youngest Eddard," Greatjon introduced.
They all bowed as she was introduced to them. She smiled at each of them. Smalljon came forward kissing the top of her hand.
"It was an honor to fight in your tourney," Smalljon said
"It was my honor to have you compete in it my Lord," Joanna replied.
Next came, Greatjon daughters they bowed deeply their eyes locked on Aegon behind. Elaena eyes locked on Jon. She came to a young boy that was called Eddard. He was the same age as Rickon. He looked up at her shyly. She gave him a large smile. He came forward following his older brother lead kissing the top of her hand.
"You are beautiful," Eddard told her.
"Thank you, little lord," Joanna replied.
"Call me Ned," Eddard exclaimed.
It was not long before she had them eating out of the palm of her hand. The same thing happened when they arrived at Karhold. Tyrion was shocked at how quickly she could get the northern people to accept her. They were not known for trust outsiders and she was a southern princess.
They did not receive the same greeting as they rode into Winterfell. Lyarra and Jon looked shocked at the lack of trust as the people eyed Tyrion, Joanna, Ser Aeron, Ser Barristan, and Marleina. Tyrion gave Joanna a worried looked. She slipped off Balerion back. Aegon followed suit. Ser Barristan closed ranks around Joanna. Tyrion dismounted he came over to the pair. Meraxes, Ghost and looped into the keep yard. People jumped back at sight of a nearly full-grown lioness. They were used to seeing direwolves but lioness was a fearsome thing to them.
"Joanna with your permission I will see what is going on," Tyrion said.
"Go, take the Lannister guards with you and take Addam with you," Joanna ordered.
Tyrion was lead into the great hall of Winterfell. Robb sat at the table with Greywind at his feet and Maester Luwin at his side. Tyrion moved forward the guards stood back watching the exchange. Addam stood with Tyrion he was a member of Night's Watch. He was traveling with them until they reach King's Landing.
"I must say I received a slightly warmer welcome on my last visits," Tyrion commented.
"Any man of Night's Watch is welcome at Winterfell," Robb greeted Addam.
"Any man of Night's Watch but not I, eh, boy," Tyrion stated.
"I'm not your boy Lannister. I'm Lord of Winterfell while my father is away," Robb growled.
"Then you might learn a Lord's courtesy," Tyrion commented. The door to hall open as Bran was carried in by Hodor. Tyrion turned his eyes went wide. "So it's true, hello Bran. Do you remember anything about what happened?" Tyrion asked curiously.
"He has no memory of that day," Maester Luwin stated.
"Curious," Tyrion said.
"Why are you here?" Robb spat out.
"Would your charming companion be so kind to kneel? My neck is beginning to hurt?" Tyrion asked Bran ignoring Robb.
"Kneel, Hodor," Bran ordered.
"Do you like to ride Bran?" Tyrion asked.
"Yes, well I mean I did like to" Bran replied.
"The boy has lost the use of his legs" Maester Luwin stated.
"What of it. What of it? With the right horse and saddle, even a cripple can ride," Tyrion stated.
"I'm not a cripple," Bran said.
"Then I'm not a dwarf, my father will rejoice to hear it. I have a gift for you. Give that to your saddler he'll provide the rest. You must shape the horse to the rider. Start with a yearling and teach it to respond to the reins and to the boy's voice," Tyrion said giving Bran a scroll with the design of saddle so he could ride.
"Will I really be able to ride?" Bran asked hopefully.
"You will on horseback you will be as tall as any of them," Tyrion said.
"Is this some kind of trick? Why do you want to help him" Robb growled.
"I have a tender spot in my heart of cripples, bastard, and broken things," Tyrion said.
"You've done my brother a kindness. The hospitality of Winterfell is yours" Robb said gruelingly.
"Spare me your false courtesies, Lord Stark. There is a brothel outside your walls. There I'll find a bed and both of us can sleep easier," Tyrion said leaving the room.
As he exited the room, he noticed Joanna with Ser Barristan and Aegon by her side. Tyrion bowed his head to her. Part of Tyrion wanted to see Robb's reaction to her returning. Joanna could tell by the look on Tyrion face it did not go well.
"Uncle," Joanna said.
"Niece," Tyrion said.
"I will handle this," Joanna growled sounding like a lioness.
"Being the doe that in you may work better," Tyrion commented.
"He will accept both parts of me or when I see my father he will pay," Joanna said her temper was close to the surface.
"I off to brothel as fun as it will be to watch," Tyrion said
Theon and Robb let out a sigh of relief as Tyrion left. Maester Luwin sat straight back he looked over to Robb. Bran left with Hodor taking him back to his bed. Two more Stark guards came into the room.
"My Lord, you have more guests," they started.
"Show them in," Robb said gruelingly.
The door opened Joanna walked in with a less than pleased look on her face. Her eyes locked on Robb as all men in the room dropped to their knees.
"Your Grace, Winterfell is yours," Robb said standing up.
"But not my uncles," Joanna said.
Robb gave her a look. She returned said look. She looked around the room. Before, her eyes locked on Robb's eyes again.
"A word Lord Stark alone," Joanna said.
Author note: Quick Question do you think Joanna should tell Robb the truth or not? Let me know in the comments.