Kings Landing. 293 AC.
Genna.
Traveling by ship was long and arduous and incredibly boring even on this monstrosity that her nephews had somehow managed to have built. Kevan was absolutely delighted with both the design and how quickly they were now able to construct one of these large pinnacle ships, as he called them.
The first one the Lions Roar had taken almost a full year to build, almost two thousand men had labored over it and that was without the countless number of craftsmen who made the rigging, sails and other parts of the ship. This ship the Lady Joanna was built in a little less than six moons, each time they'd built one they'd refined the process and were now building numerous ships at the same time, the small folk in Lannisport had never had it so good and Kevan was practically revered by them.
She knew the cost was incredible, but in less than a year of working the Lions Roar had almost paid for itself, the sheer amount of cargo it could carry, the speed at sea while it made journeys, even in Bravos it was practically legendary already. Genna loved walking the deck, the steadiness of it surprising her every time, not once since they'd left Lannisport had she felt the sickness of the sea, which she was most grateful for.
"Auntie, look at the birdies." Joy said running up from behind her.
"They're pretty aren't they Joy?"
"Pretty birdies, auntie." the little girl said smiling as a gull ducked below the water.
"Ouch fishie." Joy said as the bird came back up with a fish in it's mouth.
"Come Joy, lets go it's lesson time."
"No auntie, birdies." Joy crossed her arms and stamped her foot, Genna couldn't help but laugh, she wasn't Jon, that wouldn't work on her.
"Joy." she said rising her voice.
The little girl huffed and turned and they headed back down to the large dining area she'd commandeered for their lessons. She had only given them brief history lessons on Kings Landing and the Red Keep itself, and had allowed Jon to fit in stories of knights,kings, and battles to keep her boys interested.
Now though they were almost in sight of Blackwater Bay so she knew she needed to begin telling the children how to behave, Loras and Jon would be no problem and Joy would either be with Jon or Gerion most of the time. But Lancel was at times even too arrogant to be a Lannister, while her boys and Kevan's youngest had never been in the presence of the royal family.
"Jon." she heard Joy shout as she ran to jump into Jon's arms, the sight never failing to make her laugh.
"Hello Joy, where were you?"
"On ship Jon, seeing the birdies."
"Did you see fishies Joy?"
"Birdie made fishie ouch Jon." Joy said and Jon grabbed her and began tickling her.
"No Jon Stop." she giggled.
Genna nodded at him and he lifted Joy up and sat her on his lap while she grabbed a chair and sat down, her boys immediately looking to her as did Martyn and Willem, Lancel though sat there with a bored expression on his face.
"Right, we're about to arrive at Kings Landing and there are things you need to know."
"What things mother?" Tion asked and Walder giggled until she shot him a look.
"There are ways you need to behave while we're there, especially with the royal family, now listen carefully." she looked around the room and noticed Lancel trying his best to look disinterested "You too Lancel." she said leaving no room in her voice for argument.
"Now what do we say when talking with he king and queen."
"We..we call them your grace, auntie?" Martyn said shakily.
"Very good Martyn." she smiled at the boy "And the lords and ladies?"
"My lord or my lady, auntie." Willem said not wanting to be outshone by his brother.
"Very good Willem., now what do we do when we meet the king and queen or the prince?"
"We bow mother, but Joy needs to curtsy." Tion said smugly.
"That's right, Walder show me how you bow."
Her son got up and made a passable bow, she would work on it later with him and Tion.
"Joy, want to show me a curtsy?"
Joy looked at Jon in confusion before looking to her and back to Jon.
"Joy say your grace, remember." Jon said lifting the girl to the ground.
"Your grace." Joy said and Genna was stunned to see the girl give a far better curtsy than some older girls did.
"Well done Joy, that was really good," she smiled and Joy laughed before Jon picked her up again, she wondered how he'd thought her that, but decided not to ask for now. The rest of the lesson went well, she felt at least the children would be fine if they had someone with them, which they would undoubtedly have in this place.
Later that day.
They had seen land and were moving in to dock, Genna stood with the children who were waving at those standing by the dockside, she was surprised to see Jon Arryn there, having not expected a welcome party. As the ship glided into it's docking position she reveled in the amazed looks not just from the small folk, but from what was clearly sailors and captains of the other ships around them.
The Lady Joanna easily dwarfed the largest ship on the docks and she knew Gerion and Kevan had laughed loudly when they easily overtook the Fury while sailing across the bay. She had looked down on a clearly agitated Stannis as they passed, no doubt his teeth would be ground just a little more today. It didn't take long for the ship to dock and they made their way down to be greeted.
"Lord Jaime I welcome you to Kings Landing."
"I thank you Lord Hand." Jaime said.
"Lord Gerion, Lord Kevan." Jon Arryn said greeting her brothers before moving to her.
"Lady Genna, Kings Landing has missed you my lady." Jon Arryn said trying to smile at her.
"I've not missed it Lord Arryn." she said, even though she had.
"We've arranged for you to stay in the royal apartments, though we had not thought there would be so large a contingent of you."
"It's fine Lord Hand, we'd prefer to stay in the family residence, it's much better for the children." Jaime said.
"My Lord, aahh, If you're sure my lord." Jon Arryn said.
"I think it's for the best Lord Hand." Jaime said and moved to get their things loaded on the carriages and carts that had arrived from their manse.
"Lord Kevan I congratulate you on your appointment as Lord of Lannisport and admiral of the western fleet, such a worthy appointment and with a ship like that you must be proud my lord." Jon Arryn said to her brother as he stared at the Lady Joanna.
"Aye, the Lady Joanna's a fine ship, she and the other pinnacle ships are most worthy." Kevan said.
"Others My lord?" Jon Arryn asked worriedly.
"Aye, the Lady Joanna is one of five such ships." Kevan said proudly.
She watched as Jon Arryn's face fell then straightened once more, good let him fear the wrath of lions, if there was one thing her late departed brother had right it was that sometimes a little fear was a good thing, unfortunately Tywin didn't understand that it needed to be used in moderation, something she was glad that Jaime did.
After saying their farewells to a clearly perturbed Lord Arryn they finally made their way to their residence, she was looking forward to this tourney, to the balls and the feasts, it had been far too long. It was a pity she had to bring Emmon with her though, she sighed as she looked at the sleeping form of her husband in the carriage beside her.
Margaery.
Their arrival at Kings Landing was uneventful, they were met by the Hand but not the king or prince much to her grandmother's annoyance. Lord Arryn said flattering words to her father which he lapped up, even though it was technically an insult to not be met by at least one member of the royal family. Something she knew her grandmother would rage about later on, for Margaery though she cared not about meeting the prince and was instead looking forward to seeing Jon again.
It had been two years since they had met and she found she missed her friend, he was not like the other lords and heirs or spares she'd been forced to deal with since the wedding. Jon didn't brag of his achievements or tell you how good he was or what someone had said about him, he was Just Jon and she missed that a lot. Since the wedding they'd had numerous balls, and feasts, her name days had come and gone and each time there had been a gift from Jon awaiting her.
The wolf brooch she wore every day, the rose covered hand mirror she kept among her things and the beautiful illustrated book she kept by her bedside, the pictures of Castles and mythical beasts were beautifully drawn almost coming alive as you looked at them. The letters she'd exchanged through Loras had been neatly tied in a bow and kept at the base of her jewellery box, every so often she'd pick one to read and smile as she read of Jon's yentures with Joy.
When Loras arrived alone for the tourney she'd been upset and a little annoyed, had Jon not wanted to visit her she worried, but when Loras told her he was ill and handed her the letter he'd written she felt happy and relieved that he would soon recover. That letter was the one she liked reading the most, it always made her feel better when she was sad, to know that out there somewhere her friend was thinking of her.
" Is Jon not with you." Margaery asked after hugging her brother.
" No Marge, he took ill and wasn't able to travel."
"Is he all right, will he get better?." she asked worriedly.
"Aye, he will be, just needs to rest for a bit."
" Oh." she said sadly realizing that she wouldn't see him for who knows how long.
" He did write you though." Loras said handing her Jon's letter.
Later that day she snuck off to a quiet area of the gardens and opened the letter.
Just Margaery,
I'm so sorry I couldn't come to see you this time,
I swear I'll come visit you and your home one day soon.
It seems the gods must hate me for they've decided to make me ill,
Just when I'd been looking forward to the visit more than anything.
I wish I could be there, to tell you of Joy and Ghost, of Loras and the adventures we have,
Yentures Jon as Joy would correct me were she there.
I wish I could see you smile, make you laugh, sneak off away from everyone so we could dance.
I shall count the days until I see my friend again, each one duller without you,
Until then I'll write and smile and each day shall think of you,
We'll see each other sooner rather than later I hope,
Your friend,
Just Jon.
Margaery smiled as she thought of the letter and the fact that Loras had confirmed in his raven that Jon would be joining him this time. She had barely noticed her grandmothers voice calling her and she looked up sheepishly to find they'd arrived at their rooms in the Maidenvault. Her grandmother had hoped to be settled in Maegor's holdfast itself, but for some reason they'd not been and she knew this would add to her chagrin.
"Margaery, are you listening child." Olenna said a little louder.
"I'm sorry grandmother, what did you say?"
"Never mind that my dear are you well?"
"I'm fine grandmother, a little tired from the journey."
"Well you should take a nap my dear, we can't have you tired when you meet the prince later on."
"Of course grandmother."
"I had hoped we'd be closer to the royal apartments, but for gods knows whatever reason we've been housed all the way over here, you'd think the damn royals would know better than to treat the family bankrolling them such a way." Olenna said her voice rising as she spoke.
"Mother." Mace said shaking his head.
"Oh do shut up Mace, you know I'm right, how is Margaery supposed to spend time with the prince from over here, no this will not do."
Margaery tuned out the inevitable argument to come, her father would no doubt receive a tongue lashing and her grandmother would bring it up again and again to both the king and Hand until she got her way. She herself had no wish to be any closer to the prince, each time she'd met the boy she'd been less and less impressed with him, the things she'd heard about him didn't fill her with any desire to know him better.
One night unable to sleep she'd walked to her grandmothers room to overhear her grandmother speaking to Willas, she'd not been able to resist so had leaned against the door and listened.
" Apparently the boy likes to berate the servants and worse." Willas said.
" Worse?" she heard her grandmother ask.
" Aye, I've heard tell that he has moved from berating and having them dismissed from service, to arranging for beatings to occur in front of him.
" Are you sure of this?" her grandmother said worriedly.
"I am grandmother, it's been told by a number of our spies."
" This is not good, the boy's the key to the throne, should he continue like this… " the sound of footsteps forcing her to miss what else was said.
" Can I help you my lady." Arryk's voice said as he walked towards Margaery.
" No Ser, I had come to speak to my grandmother but she's busy, I shall talk to her on the morrow."
" As you say my lady." the guard said and bowed.
After that she had tried to find out more about the prince, when she'd brought it up with her grandmother or brother though they'd changed the subject quickly, increasing rather than alleviating her concerns. She walked into her room and immediately went to the small jewellery box and took out the pile of letters, picking one out she began to read it, her eyes closing as she drifted off to sleep, the smile on her face unseen.
Tyrion.
The Lannister manse was impressive, as large as Kevan's residence in Lannisport and surrounded by a large wall and garden, it had stables and a separate area for guards, as well as the large main house itself. Inside it was as would be expected of a Lannister property, extravagantly decorated, with large paintings of lions and lords of the rock and various ancestors, he shuddered as he looked at the imposing portrait of his father before moving to his rooms.
Jaime had all the family along with Jon and Loras kept in the same wing of the house, the other side was kept for the rest of their accompaniment. Tyrion watched as his belongings were carried into the room, the large chest full of books his pride and joy. Once it was done he looked around glad to see the bed was comfortable and the desk neatly arranged, Harral their steward had done a great job in preparing the place.
He left his room and walked down to his brother passing the various servants that were rushing around making sure his family were settled. When he reached the room he was surprised to see Jaime alone, his brother had kept Jon very close on this trip and he expected to see the boy inside. Thankfully that meant Ghost was nowhere around, the wolf having constantly done his best to scare Tyrion to death on their journey here.
"Ah brother, come sit, we'll be heading over to meet the king and our sweet sister very soon." Jaime said and Tyrion sighed.
"Oh what joy." he japed and Jaime laughed.
"Come now Tyrion, I'm sure your looking forward to meeting the children if nothing else."
"Two of them perhaps." Tyrion said having no wish to meet his eldest nephew if it could be helped.
"I needed to talk with you anyway brother." Jaime said as Tyrion sat down.
"Of course, so what shall we discuss, the smell, or that we're no doubt going to be leaned upon for coin by the Hand?" Tyrion asked.
"Well we can't do anything about the smell, as for the Hand, the answer is no, we're not helping them Tyrion, I'll leave it to you to figure out what to say, but we're not giving them one more dragon."
"Very well, so anything else."
"Aye a few things, firstly I shan't be returning to the rock with you all, Jon and I will be heading north for a while." Jaime said catching him by surprise.
"Jaime you can't we've work to do." Tyrion said shaking his head.
"No brother you have, you're my heir, my castellan, I trust you to keep things in order while I'm gone, there's no one I trust more." Jaime said with a smile.
Tyrion felt the pride well up in his chest, no matter how many times Jaime made it clear he respected him or valued him, hearing it from his brother always managed to make him feel ten feet taller.
"Of course brother I won't let you down."
"I know that brother, now the other thing is it's time we began to play the game, there are things we need to know, players we must be aware of, I want you to begin to get the measure of them while we're here."
Tyrion smiled brightly at this, he'd wanted to delve into the politics of the realm more, up until now he'd only done so in the West, he'd begun a network of spies and informants over the years and knew exactly who thought what in every castle in the Westerlands, he had learned secrets about lords that even his father had not known.
To now get the chance to do so here, was something he greatly looked forward to, he'd need to begin carefully, to start at the bottom, but he felt in time he could grow as big a network here as he had in the Westerlands.
"I'll bring you a list of people we can trust, people to watch out for, but I want you to start your own, I'm sure you can compare them both."
"Where will you get your list from?" he asked.
"Oh I have sources too brother." Jaime smirked "Now come we have a king to bow to."
The two brothers walked from the room japing with each other as they did so, as they came to the end of the corridor they were joined by Jon, Loras and Joy, the two boys were holding her hands and swinging her in the air, the little girls laughter was infectious and both Tyrion and Jaime soon joined in. It was then Tyrion felt the by now usual tug on his britches, where the wolf had come from was beyond him, but as Tyrion tried unsuccessfully to get him to stop he was thankful to hear his cousin's voice.
"Ghost come." Joy said as she ran down the corridor, the wolf in hot pursuit.
They made their way to the courtyard to find the two small carriages already waiting, Genna and her boys in one and the other for Kevan's family, he looked to see his uncle Gerion trying to get Joy to join her aunt. but the girl seemed much more keen to ride along with Jon once she saw Winter was saddled.
"My lords." Jon said rushing over to his horse.
Tyrion joined his aunt in the first carriage while Jaime and Loras mounted up, the gates opened and they began their journey to the Red Keep itself. He resisted the urge to stick his head out the window and instead spoke to his aunt and cousins. Finally they reached the Red Keep and Tyrion eagerly got out of the carriage.
The castle itself looked even more imposing than it had in Tyrion's books, the red stone making it stand out as if it was on fire and the drum towers rising high, to Tyrion though it wasn't as impressive as Casterly Rock, but he was happy to see it all the same. They were met by some gold cloaks, household guards, and Captain Vylarr who Tyrion noticed was deep in conversation with Jaime.
"Shall we nephew." Genna said as Tion and Walder rushed over to join their cousins and Jon.
"If we must." Tyrion said with a smile.
"It seems we must indeed." Jaime said and Tyrion turned to see his brother standing behind him with a smirk on his face.
As they walked through the castle Tyrion was disappointed to see no sign whatsoever of the Targaryens who built it, all evidence they had existed had been removed or covered over and Tyrion, who had secretly hoped to see a dragon skull, felt the replacing stag banners and paintings didn't have the same impact.
When they reached the large double doors the guards outside allowed them to enter, the room itself was incredibly impressive, large and imposing and there at the front sat the king on the Iron Throne itself, the throne looking much more impressive than the man who sat on it Tyrion thought.
"Lord Jaime Lannister, the lord of Casterly Rock and the Warden of the West." the herald's voice boomed.
"Lord Kevan Lannister, the lord of Lannisport and first admiral of the western fleet.
"Lord Gerion Lannister, the lord of Castermere."
"Lord Tyrion Lannister, the heir to Casterly Rock."
"Lady Genna Lannister, the Lady of Casterly Rock."
Tyrion smiled at the last one, Jaime naming his aunt the lady of the rock would no doubt raise some eyebrows, but as his brother said, with neither of them married and since she took on the duties, she may as well have the title.
"Your Grace." Jaime said as he bowed before the king, the rest of their retinue doing the same.
"Your Grace." his brother then said looking directly at their sister, who's smile belied the monster that lay beneath it.
"Lord Jaime, welcome to the Red Keep." the king said and Tyrion thought his words slurred, was he already drunk?
"Indeed it's good to see you Lord Jaime." Cersei said and Tyrion gulped as he saw the way she looked at his brother.
Tyrion stood as the rest of the introductions were made, he noticed the smile the king gave his uncle Gerion and the grimace Cersei gave him, his uncle and aunt were welcomed both equally well by the king and queen, but when the king saw Jon and Loras was when things got interesting.
"Jon Snow, come forward your king wishes to see you, you can leave the flower behind." he japed and Tyrion saw Jon's face crease while Loras to his credit just nodded.
"Your grace." Jon said getting down on one knee.
"Up lad, let me look at you, you've grown my boy, a fine lad you've grown into, isn't that right Jon?"
"Aye, that he has your grace." Jon Arryn said while standing to the kings left.
"You'll be competing in the duels won't you my boy?" the king asked.
"With your grace's leave, I'd like to." Jon replied.
"My leave, I insist, you show them just like you did in Lannisport, I'm afraid your father hasn't come my boy, but never mind, you'll be cheered on by a king." Robert said his smile beaming.
"Then I shall surely prevail your grace." Jon replied and the king laughed loudly.
"That's the spirit, lad."
The back and forth continued for a few more moments, Robert basically ignoring everyone else while lost in conversation with Jon, speaking of battles and tourneys and how much like his father he looked. Tyrion could see that Jaime was watching the king intently, his hands opening and closing by his sides. Eventually Jon Arryn coughed and the king realized just how long he'd been speaking to Jon Snow and how that may look, so he brought their conversation to an end.
"You'll be coming to the feast won't ya lad." Robert asked.
"I'd be honored your grace."
"Ah piss on that lad, at least with you there I'll have someone to talk to." Robert said his voice growing a little quieter at the end.
"Well let's move this along, I've roses and fishes to meet." Robert said laughing loudly.
Jon.
The meeting with the king was harder than he had expected, the king still seeing him as Ned Stark's son and because of it singling him out, even insulting Loras to do so. He had spoken as well as he could but was glad they'd left the throne room, just standing there brought up feelings he wasn't ready to face just yet.
It was there in front of the throne that his brother and sister's bodies were presented to the imposter who sat where his father should now be sitting. There in that very room that man had looked down at the mutilated bodies of his family, a babe and a girl of three name days and loudly proclaimed that he saw no babes only dragonspawn. As he stood there looking at the man Jon had felt the rage rise inside him, had he carried a weapon, he'd have buried it in the fat kings laughing face.
It was only the sight of Ser Barristan which held his anger in check, all through the kings platitudes the older knight had stared at him, offered him a reassuring smile and Jon had managed to keep calm and bear through it all far better than he would have, had Barristan not been there. When they'd left the throne room, they made their way out of the castle and there they'd split up. Jaime bringing Jon and Loras with them for a surprise while the rest had made their way back to the manse, much to Joy's annoyance.
It was only after he promised her a present and after Gerion had took her on his horse that Joy had agreed to go without him, he waved at her and they were joined by Jors and Alyrs, while Ghost appeared before rushing off in front of them scaring people as he went.
"So my lord what's the surprise?" Loras asked as they walked.
"If I told you then it wouldn't be a surprise now would it." Jaime said and Jon smirked.
"What are you laughing at, you want to know as much as I do." Loras grumbled.
"Aye, I do, but I know better, it's a surprise you idiot." Jon said and bumped Loras in the shoulder.
"Will you come visit my family with me afterwards Jon?" Loras asked.
"I don't know, don't you want to see them on your own?"
"Not really, besides if you come we may get to spar while we're there." Loras said.
"You can go with Loras, Jon, I've a few things I need to take care of so I won't need either of you the rest of the day, just make sure you're back for Joy's story, I'm not explaining to her where you are." Jaime said with a small laugh.
Walking through Kings Landing he couldn't help but see how badly designed the place was, be it the smell, the closeness of the houses together, it seemed like the whole place had just went up with no thought whatsoever. When they came to a turning which led to a really rundown part of town, Jon shuddered to see the children begging in the street, he cursed himself for not bringing coin with him and vowed to return at some point and make amends.
They crossed a place Jaime named as Fishmonger Square and continued on until finally entering the street of steel, seeing where they were got both boys excited. As they walked they could see large pieces of armor in the window, could hear the sounds of the hammer's hitting anvils. They walked to the top of the street and came to a building that was much larger than all the others, they entered and were immediately met by a young man who asked their business before rushing to the back.
"My lord, a pleasure to have you visit my shop." a large bald man wearing an apron said as he walked into the room.
"Tobho, I trust you've finished the items I've ordered." Jaime said.
"Aye, of course my lord, some of my best work, Gendry, bring Lord Jaime's order out." Tobho shouted to the back.
"I'll be needing some more armor also, my usual should suffice, plus a number of shields, I'm sure that won't be a problem." Jaime said and the man nodded enthusiastically.
After a few moments a boy of around Jon's age came out, though he was lot larger than Jon, the boy had dark hair and bright blue eyes and looked at them with an almost angry look, though it softened when Jon smiled.
"Ere, you is master Tobho." Gendry said handing the blacksmith two swords in scabbards.
"Good lad." Tobho said and the boy smiled at the older man.
"I made simple scabbards my lord, although should you wish I can make them more fancy like the swords themselves."
"No, that's fine." Jaime said taking the first sword out.
The sword was a smaller version of a longsword, perhaps made for someone not fully grown Jon thought and was proved correct when Jaime turned to Loras.
"It's time you were both armed, you're skilled enough for it, Loras this is for you" Jaime said handing Loras the sword.
Jon looked on as his friends eyes widened, Loras took the sword almost reverently and examined it carefully, he had to admit it was an incredible looking thing. The blade itself was far better made than most Jon had seen and certainly of a quality he'd not seen on any sword other than Jaime's, or the two Valyrian swords he'd seen, Dark Sister and Ice. The hilt was a smooth dark leather while the guard was curved in what to Jon looked like thorns, the pommel a golden stone shaped like a rose.
He smiled as he saw the emotion on Loras's face, before turning to see his own sword being handed to him. This sword was a smaller thinner blade, a copy both of his training sword and Dark Sister, as he held it he marveled at it's lightness, making even the training sword feel heavy in comparison. His sword's hilt was a smooth black leather, the pommel a white wolf's head with two red stones serving as the eyes, the guard was curved downward in the shape of a wolf's claw and Jon could see the care that had gone in the making of the sword.
"I thank you my lord, master Tobho." Jon said with a large smile.
"As do I." Loras added finally coming out of the daze he'd been in since he'd received the sword.
"You're welcome my lord." Tobho said and Jon didn't feel the urge to correct him.
"Now lads these are no training swords, you're to be careful with them, if you abuse the trust I'm showing then I'll have no problem taking them back." Jaime said and both he and Loras nodded understandingly.
They strapped their new swords to their sides he and Loras both happy to see how well they fit, as they left the shop Jon looked around to see where Ghost had gotten to only to hear a commotion from down the street, the wolf soon came running up followed by an angry looking man, who was waving a large stick about.
As he arrived at where Jon was standing he saw the reason for the man's anger hanging from Ghost's mouth, the roll of blood sausage had perhaps at one point been quite large, but as Ghost sat in front of him, Jon watched it disappear into the hungry wolf's mouth.
"My lord." Jon said to a clearly amused Jaime who threw him a couple of gold dragons.
"There he is, grab him, thief." the large man said as he reached them.
"I'm sorry about him, perhaps this would suffice." Jon said throwing the man a gold dragon, he could see the man wasn't satisfied, so threw the other one.
"Just keep the damn beast away from my store." the man said turning and walking away.
"Really." Jon said looking to the wolf who was licking his lips, the blood sausage gone now.
Ghost just cocked his head and looked him in the eye, Jon could swear the wolf was saying, what's the problem, I caught it so I ate it, pesky two foots and their silly rules. He turned to see both Loras and his guards were laughing loudly, Jaime too was smiling, so he turned back to Ghost and smirked.
"Come on you big furball, how about a nice chicken." Jon said as the wolf jumped up and wagged his tail.
They walked back through the streets, stopping off so Jon could buy Ghost the chicken he'd promised him, the wolf eagerly eating it down before running off to do god's knows what. After walking for what felt like an age, they arrived back at the castle, Ghost turning up just as they did. The guards weren't keen on letting them enter but Jon was surprised to see Ser Barristan walk over to them and speak on their behalf.
"My thanks Ser." Jon said with a smile.
"Don't mention it lad." Barristan said and looked at Jon intently.
Jon nodded and turned to Jaime who seemed to understand.
"Ser Barristan, come lets speak of tourney's past and former brothers." Jaime said.
"Aye, lets do that Lord Jaime, Loras, Jon, I bid you both a good day." Barristan said as he and Jaime walked away.
Jon could see how Loras was looking at the two men as they walked away, the look of wonder on his face, the two greatest knights in the seven kingdoms off to speak of past adventures, what either of them would give to be a fly on the wall for that conversation.
"Come Jon, I'm sure if I keep my grandmother waiting much longer, she'll skin me alive."
"I didn't know you grandmother was a Bolton, Loras." Jon japed.
"Oh Jon, poor Jon, you have no idea, my grandmother makes the Bolton's seem like mummers." Loras said his smirk curling up and Jon gulped.
"Come Ghost, you'll protect me right." Jon said and the wolf nodded.
Ser Barristan.
Standing in the throne room while Robert spoke to his king had been torture, he could see the boy was holding something in, did he know, had Jaime told him he wondered, as he looked to Jon he felt he did. There was something in his eyes that hadn't been there when he met him at the tourney, a determination, a focus he hadn't had before, as he watched him look at the king he could see hatred in his eyes.
He had done his best with smiles and looking reassuringly at him to try calm him down and he was glad it seemed to work, the boy stayed polite and friendly and the king was overjoyed to speak to him. After what felt like an age they left and Barristan was happy his shift was ending, he made his way back to White Sword Tower and cleaned up before heading out for the day. Hoping to bump into Jaime so they could speak and if he had Jon with him then so much the better.
"Ser Richard." he said as he walked from the tower.
"Lord Commander, I was wondering if I could speak to you of the prince?"
"Of course Ser."
"His behavior is getting worse Ser Barristan, I don't know what we're to do."
"Aye, I know Richard, I'll see if it can be brought to the hand's attention, until then I'm afraid there's not much we can do." Barristan said and felt sorry for the other knight.
Ser Richard had surprised Barristan, while immensely loyal to the Baratheon's the man seemed to have more honor than he'd given him credit for, he hated guarding the crown prince or the queen and had become disillusioned guarding the king. The only time the man seemed happy was when he guarded the prince and princess, Barristan resolved to allow the man more time guarding the younger children, he deserved to keep his faith in the crown for a while longer.
"Richard, until then I'll change your duties, you'll be guarding prince Tommen and princess Myrcella more."
"Thank you Lord Commander." Richard said gratefully and Barristan nodded at him before leaving.
Barristan walked quietly through grounds coming to the gates and was pleased to see Jaime arriving with his king and the young Tyrell boy, he looked to see some commotion and was shocked to see the large white wolf his king was standing beside.
Jaime had told him about the wolf in his letters, but seeing it in person was something much different, the wolf was as large as a small horse and Barristan had no doubt it could be incredibly dangerous if it so wished. Making his way over to them he deduced they didn't wish to allow the wolf access.
"Is everything all right here?" he asked the leader of the household guard.
"Aye, Ser Barristan just telling Lord Jaime that his squire's wolf can't be allowed inside the castle."
"And why it that Captain Sadoe?"
"Ser Barristan it's a wild beast, it wouldn't be safe to allow him inside." the captain answered shaking his head.
"Looks pretty tame to me, Lord Jaime is there any danger to be had from the wolf?" Barristan asked smirking at Jaime.
"No Ser, the wolf's only a danger to those who wish to harm it or my squire." Jaime said nodding to him.
"So there you have it captain, let the wolf in, should anything go wrong, I and Lord Jaime will take responsibility."
"If your sure Ser." the captain said allowing the wolf access.
Jon smiled and thanked him and he and Jaime headed off under the pretense of speaking as former brothers. They walked quietly for a while before arriving at a small tavern, entering they were immediately seated at a quiet table at the back. Barristan had used this tavern before, it was owned by the Lannisters though he was sure not even the spider knew that, and he had taken to come here on his days off so as to not alert anyone of it's significance.
He knew that both the spider and the master of coin had spies everywhere and had noticed a few of them try to follow, though when they entered here they'd never be allowed anywhere near him, the tavern keeper and serving girls all knowing them far too well by now. After being brought some wine and a plate of bread and cheese he and Jaime began to speak.
"Your squire looks well my lord, is he competing in the duels?"
"Aye, he is Ser, I look forward to it."
"The king has changed the rules you know, it's only half duels now, followed by a melee, he's also raised the age to four and ten name days."
"Are you serious, he'll put young boys in a melee?" Jaime said shaking his head.
"Aye, the last eight go into a melee, up until then it's a duel, perhaps young Jon should sit this one out." Barristan said the worry clear in his voice.
"No, he would never do it, besides the king will want to see him in the damn thing."
"What do you think?" Barristan asked noticing the frown on Jaime's face.
"What, oh Jon will be fine Ser, it's more Loras I'm worried about, the boy's still a bit temperamental, but with Jon with him, they'll be fine." Jaime said smiling now.
"Good, he looks well Jaime, seems different somehow." Barristan said leadingly.
"Aye, he is Barristan, he's learned so much." Jaime nodded and Barristan smiled.
"I'd like to talk to him, if that would be all right?"
"Of course, I'll see to the arrangements, I'm sure he'd love to speak to Barristan the Bold." Jaime said and Barristan felt his heart race.
"So how are things here Barristan, it must be so dull without me?"
"Aye, though I find I'm reminded more and more of our times together, before his grace took the throne."
He watched as Jaime looked at him and he nodded, seeing the realization dawn in Jaime's eyes.
"Really and why is that Ser?"
"Oh princes my lord, just thinking on differences between princes and how some princes behave more like some kings." Barristan said and watched as Jaime shuddered.
"And the court Ser Barristan, how does the court fare?"
"You know the court Jaime, the more it changes the more it stays the same." Barristan said and tapped Jaime's knee under the table, feeling the man's hand reach out he handed him the folded piece of paper.
"Indeed Ser, I do not miss it, though I would hope that would change in time."
"As do I my lord."
The two men spoke then of tourneys and jousting, of swords and battles, they laughed as they remembered things they got up to with men who'd long since past and while at times they both felt a little bit sad. By the time they bid their farewells, each man was walking with more of a spring in their step.
Cersei.
She had been furious to find that her family would be staying in their private residence, had done her very best to ensure the guest rooms in the Holdfast would be put aside for her family rather than the grasping roses. Only to find to her annoyance that Jaime would be staying elsewhere, when she saw him in the throne room she felt her heart beat that little bit faster. When he looked at her she had felt the heat pool between her thighs and had needed to squeeze them together just to get some relief.
He looked even more handsome than he had the last time she saw him, his hair having grown longer and worn loose, his chiselled body coiled beneath clothes she wished to rip from him in front of everyone. When the introductions had been finished she had hoped he would stay around and she would get her chance to speak to him, to tell him how much she had missed him, how much she needed him.
But after the fat oaf had his little love in with Ned Stark's by blow, Jaime and the rest had quickly departed and Cersei was left to sit and fume while the rest of these inconsequential fools came and presented themselves to their betters. None of them showing the right amount of deference to her or her son and instead fawning over the oaf as if he actually mattered.
"Lord Edmure Tully, heir to Riverrun and representing the Lord Paramount of the Riverlands." she heard the herald say and she watched on in boredom.
"Lord Jason Mallister, Lord of Seagard."
"Lord Tytos Blackwood. Lord Janos Bracken." on and on it went and she began to worry that the foolish fish had brought the entirety of the Riverlands with him.
"Lord Raymun Darry." she heard the snort from her husband beside her and decided to have some fun.
"Lord Darry, it's good to see such a noble and loyal lord." Cersei said stunning the man.
"Loyal, only because the damn dragons were beaten." Robert said loudly beside her.
"Your grace, your grace." Raymun said uncomfortably.
"You can go my lord." Cersei said with a smirk.
"By your leave your grace." Raymun said and quickly turned to leave.
"Aye, turn tail, it's what you're good at." Robert drunkenly said while the room quietened.
"Robert." Jon Arryn said reproaching the king who was not best pleased.
"No Jon enough, I'll not have dragon sympathizers in my presence, not on this day." Robert said loudly yet again.
"Then perhaps we should put off meeting with the Tyrell's until tomorrow my love." Cersei said sweetly.
"Aye, we shall, enough, that's it for the day." Robert said as he staggered from his chair.
"Robert you can't." Jon Arryn said rushing after him.
Cersei got up from the throne and walked to her quarters, not even waiting for the lords and ladies to be dismissed, she smiled as she did so, watching Arryn toddle after the fat oaf pleased her greatly. When she reached her rooms she immediately motioned for wine to be brought and sat down, when the servant brought the wine she dismissed her, wanting to enjoy her wine in peace.
She poured the wine into her glass and walked to the window, looking out she could almost see the Lannister manse in the distance, or at least imagined she could, she wondered what Jaime was doing right now. She drained the glass and sighed, it would be hours until the welcoming feast, until she saw him again, she needed to speak with him, to arrange a meeting, but how?, she smiled and turned calling her servant back in.
"Bernadette, make sure Myrcella and Tommen are unable to attend the feast tonight." she said as the girl rushed to do her bidding.
Olenna.
Olenna was furious, more angry than she'd ever been, even her granddaughter had been unusually quiet, having felt her wrathful tongue when she had tried to cheer her up. How dare they, who did they think they were, treating them this way, after everything they'd done for the crown, to be humiliated such was something she would not accept.
It was bad enough that they were not met by the royal family when they arrived or that they were placed here rather than the royal wing where they belonged, but this, this was the final straw. To have been told while waiting for their presentation that they would not be getting one was something she would not tolerate. Luckily for him Jon Arryn had sent Baelish to make his apologies, had he came himself then he would have felt the full brunt of Olenna's anger.
Instead she found much to her consternation that Baelish was a different sort, the smugness of the man while she had berated him had almost forced her to lose her composure more than she already had. But instead she reigned in her worst impulses and was content to shoot the man a withering look and forced him from her sight, something she was incredibly happy to see left and right accomplish and finally getting under the man's skin.
"Mother what are we to do?" Mace asked his face as flushed as she felt.
"Nothing yet, but this will not stand, I promise you that."
The rest of the day passed much as the morning had, around her people tried their best to stay out of her way, some succeeding more than others, finally after lunch she felt her mood improve, she turned to speak to her granddaughter only to be interrupted by one of the servants.
"My lady, your grandson and his friend have come to visit." the girl said her voice quiet and timid.
"Very well send them in." Olenna said looking to the door.
What she saw forced her to jump back in her seat and sent her guards reaching for their swords. The animal was huge, as large as a small horse, it's fur whiter than snow, she almost screamed as it moved to her granddaughter, was just about to order her guards to cut it down, when Loras and Jon Snow walked into the room.
"Ghost to me." Jon Snow said and the animal looked from him to Margaery.
"He's fine Just Jon, aren't you Ghost?" Margaery said as the animal laid it's head in her lap allowing her to rub it's head and scratch behind it's ears.
"MARGAERY, what is that thing." she shouted finally able to speak.
"Oh this is Jon's direwolf Ghost, grandmother." her granddaughter said and the wolf turned and looked at her directly in the eyes, it's piercing red eyes almost searching for something, before they turned back to her granddaughter.
"Ghost is no danger grandmother, isn't that right Jon." Loras said to the dark haired boy.
"Aye my lady, you have nothing to fear from him, but if it would put your worries at rest I'll remove him for you."
Olenna looked at the boy and then her grandson both seemed completely relaxed, she looked to the wolf who was behaving like a giant puppy under her granddaughter's hands, a part of her almost demanded it be removed. But she decided to leave it be for now, perhaps making friends with a direwolf would be a good thing she thought.
"No it's fine, although perhaps some warning in future young Snow." Olenna said pointedly.
"Of course my lady, I apologize." the boy said with a bow.
"Very well, take a seat the both of you, I won't have you standing around looking down on me, there's been far too much of that for one day."
She watched as the boys sat down, she was glad to see her grandson again and was intrigued that he'd brought Jon Snow with him. His letters back to her since he'd moved to Casterly Rock hadn't been the treasure trove of information she'd hoped, it was clear that Loras and Jon had become friendly and the ties they had between them had been strengthened. It was also clear her grandson had not only blossomed under Jaime Lannister's tutelage but had enjoyed his time there also, which if nothing else came from it would suffice for Olenna.
But she had hoped to find something more about Jon Snow, some reasoning behind how the boy seemed able to achieve so much, the mines were one thing. But the wind wheels which had started popping up in the Reach and the ships which were the envy of her goodson were another. In all the letters though the only thing she had to go on was that Jon was very intelligent and treated like family by the Lannisters.
That in itself was no longer a surprise, with the boons he'd brought to them, she too would be treating him like family if he was in the Reach. Apart from that, according to Loras the only significant things about Jon Snow was that everyone he met seemed to like him and that he was her grandson's best friend.
"So Loras, how have you been?" Olenna asked to get the ball rolling, perhaps in conversation something may be revealed.
"Very well grandmother, we're looking forward to the duels very much aren't we Jon?"
"Aye, we are my lady." Jon Snow said and Olenna noticed him looking to her granddaughter.
"How was your journey Jon" Margaery asked smiling at the boy.
"It was very good my lady, the new ship was so much more agreeable than the last one I traveled on." Jon said smiling back.
"You came on that monstrosity?" Olenna said raising her eyebrow.
"Aye we did my lady, the Lady Joanna's a fine ship." Jon said.
"Indeed, I've never been on anything like it before grandmother." Loras added.
"Is it true you designed it Jon?" Margaery asked a little quietly.
"I came up with the idea my lady, but Lord Tyrion and Lord Kevan were the one's who saw her built."
Olenna looked carefully at the boy, she had of course known that he supposedly came up with the idea for the ships, but the question was how, how does a boy of ten name days keep coming up with ideas that make the Lannisters more and more powerful. She wished so much for once to just be blunt, to just come right out and ask the boy, just how he had managed such a thing, but in the game of thrones bluntness was not something that helped.
So instead she'd bide her time, allow Jon Snow to come visit her precious rose, no doubt he and Loras would be happy with that, she'd watch and she'd learn and if she had any say on it then by the end of this tourney, she'd know everything there was to know about Jon Snow.