Jon.
Jon could feel it, feel it's presence, always there at the back of his mind, it called to him without using words, guided him in actions he wasn't completely aware he was taking. From the moment he'd touched the egg it had become a part of him, as he sat there watching it in the fire he could barely remember how he felt before Jaime gave it to him. It was just like Ghost in a lot of ways and Winter to a lesser extent, he was linked, connected somehow to these lives and while it scared him, it strengthened him also.
Leaving the egg at the rock had never been an option, while the voices were no longer as clear and he hadn't given it blood since those first few days, it still needed him, needed to be kept warm, needed to feel the fire. So he had kept the fire hot, kept it well stoked and allowed it to burn constantly, the egg welcomed it, he knew that, though how he knew he couldn't explain. When the thoughts came to leave it behind, he felt it deep in his core that this was wrong, he could almost hear the words in his head 'Wrong, Wrong, Wrong' he thought they said, so he wrapped it up and brought it with him.
The journey by ship had seen a change yet again, the fires no longer needed to be kept fully ablaze, the egg content to rest among the embers, so he lit the fire in the morning and he'd go back to it. Relight it when he felt it was right, when he slept at night though he kept the egg close, he curled his body around it and found he slept more soundly than he had without it. He would wake the next morning, place the egg back among the embers and once again light the fire to keep it warm.
When he had spoken with Jaime about it they had agreed that no one could know just yet, that they would take steps to ensure no one found out until they were ready, the first of these had been the easiest. Jon would clean his own room, grab his own bedclothes and the servants would be told to leave him be, for Jon this wasn't much of a problem, he already did most of that anyway much to the servants amusement.
" Are you sure about this Jon?" Alyce asked.
" Aye Alyce, will you let the others know?"
" It's most strange, but I'll do so."
" Lord Jaime wants me to be prepared for when there are no servants Alyce, to be able to do things myself."
" Which you mostly do anyway." Alyce said a note of annoyance in her voice.
" Aye, I know, I'm still not used to be waited on Alyce, besides I'm sure they won't complain about having to look after another pampered lordling"
" You're far from that." Alyce giggled.
While keeping servants from his room was easy, it was impossible to keep others from it, Jaime had given him one of the only keys though, so when he was out that wasn't a problem. However when he was in the room, even locking it didn't keep people from it. Removing a section from the fire grate did allow them to place the egg in such a position that with the fire over it, no one would see. Something Jaime had ensured was done in his room here in the manse, so when he woke that morning, he began the same procedure over again, placing the egg in the hollow, he lit the fire, before getting dressed.
Today would be a busy day, he had told Joy he'd take her to buy her a present, having forgotten to bring her the one he'd promised yesterday. The little girl had been devastated by it, not at the absence of a present but at the fact he'd forgotten to bring her one.
" Jon present." Joy said giggling when he entered the hall.
" Joy give him time to sit first." Gerion said smirking.
" No papa, present then sit." she said looking to Jon expectantly.
He didn't know what to do, he'd completely forgotten he promised her a present, since meeting with Margaery and her grandmother he'd been walking around in a bit of a daze, even Loras ribbed him over it during their spar, which Jon lost badly.
" I'm sorry princess, I forgot." Jon said softly, truth being his best option he thought.
The look on the girls face was something he hated, she went from confused to sad so quickly that Jon didn't even have time to make an excuse, he moved as fast as he could and knelt down beside her, trying anything to remove that look from her.
" But I'll make it up to you princess, how about tomorrow we go for a ride?"
" No Jon, no Apples, no ride." the girl sadly said.
" We can go on Winter, Joy, then we can go get your present." the little girl just looked at him "We can go see Margaery too, you'd like that wouldn't you Joy." Jon asked hopefully.
" Margy not here Jon." Joy said shaking her head.
" Not now, but we can see her tomorrow, all right princess?"
" Morow," Joy said "Promise?" she looked at him questioningly.
" Aye princess, I promise." Jon said and was so delighted by the little girls smile, he grabbed her up and started swinging her round, not caring that Gerion sat smiling while shaking his head at him. So what if he was a pushover when it came to Joy, it was more than worth it to make the little girl happy.
He locked the room after leaving, Ghost walking beside him, the wolf had scratched at the door earlier that morn to be let out for some reason and Jon was happy he'd come back. Despite his tendency to cause trouble in the city, it would be far safer to have him with them when they met up with Margaery.
Tyrion
Tyrion looked over the list Jaime had given him, some of the names surprised him, others not so much, but those that couldn't be trusted far outweighed those who could. He had been surprised to find out his brother had bought a tavern and just like he had in Lannisport, had filled it with people they could trust. Even though imitation was the sincerest form of flattery, the fact his brother had taken one of his ideas and used it, reinforced his own opinion on it's merit.
As he entered the tavern, he could see that two of the men who sat in the back were Lannister guards, they and two others rotated here, allowed to eat and drink but never get drunk on duty They were there should the need arise to both protect the tavern and to ensure that spies quickly got the message they were not welcome here. The tavern keeper and the serving girls had an even more important job, they allowed Jaime's people to come and meet and ensured no one bothered them.
Tyrion and his guards were immediately brought to a table at the back, as he sat down he noticed the design of the table was unique, it allowed no one to see underneath, he smiled, a message drop. The table had the best view of the tavern itself, wasn't overlooked and should anyone approach they'd be easily dissuaded.
"How may we help you milord." a large buxom dark haired girl asked.
"Some wine and whatever your best luncheon fare is." Tyrion smiled as he ordered.
It didn't take long before the wine arrived and Tyrion was happy at the quality, perhaps something kept aside for the owners he pondered, before the meal arrived. Tyrion and his two guards ate their fill of a rather delicious meat pie with roasted potatoes all served with an onion gravy. He drank his wine slowly as he waited for the man to arrive.
When he saw him he thought nothing of him, the large man was nondescript and looked like any other commoner, but even though his clothes were shabby, there was something odd about how he walked. Something which said this was nothing more than a disguise, a front. He smirked as the buxom serving girl went to maneuver the man to another seat, he nodded slightly at her and watched as she casually allowed the man to move to his table.
"Please my friend take a seat." Tyrion said.
"Thank you my lord." the man said sitting.
"Some wine?" Tyrion asked as he stared at the man, the man was clearly Westerosi though Tyrion could tell he was trying to appear Essosi, he was tanned and had spent time in the sun. But while it may fool someone at first glance, or even for a while, Tyrion was certain it was a mummery.
"A decent vintage my lord." the man said and savored the wine.
"Indeed, it is my friend."
"You can call me Alayn, my lord."
"Is that your name?"
"It is for today." Alayn said and Tyrion couldn't help but laugh.
"Then you can call me Tyrion." he said as Alayn nodded.
"A friend told me that you're the best man to help in an endeavor I'm undertaking."
"Really, a friend of yours or a friend of mine? you'll find my lord that you will surely outdo me in the number of men you call friends."
"I think you'd be surprised Alayn." Tyrion japed and was glad to see the man smile.
"So this endeavor my lord?"
"Ah yes, my family and I are how shall I put this delicately, well we're rich."
"Really my lord, I'd have never guessed." Alayn laughed.
"The thing with being rich Alayn, is people often wish to take advantage of you, often plot against you, or try to use you in their own plots." Tyrion refilled Alayn's glass.
"This is known to me my lord." Alayn said bidding Tyrion to continue.
"Well, the best way to ensure that we stay aware of such plots, is by the gathering of information, something my friend tells me you are most adept at."
"I have some experience in this to be sure my lord, but information gathering can be expensive." Alayn said slowly sipping the wine.
"Indeed Alayn, we can handle the expense, but we would require an extensive service, from a number of sources, is that something you can manage."
Alayn looked carefully at the Tyrion before he nodded.
"Very good then let us drink to our new found endeavor." Tyrion said as he and Alayn raised their glasses.
Tyrion was happy, the first name on the list had proven to be much more competent than he'd dared hope for, the line beside the mans name had been simple three little words that Tyrion had memorized and kept in his head before meeting the man.
Alayn Master of Whispers.
Margaery .
Margaery was surprised when her grandmother not only didn't argue with her, but actually encouraged her to spend time with Jon today. After meeting her and her grandmother yesterday Jon had shocked her by asking if she would like to join him when he explored the city the next day. He then quickly turned and asked her grandmother's permission when he realized what he'd said, which she couldn't help but laugh at.
When her grandmother had said yes, both she and Jon were stunned, but she quickly put it to one side and in her head already began to look forward to the next day. When Jon left she expected some sort of lecture and was prepared to defend him if need be. Instead her grandmother said it would be good for her to visit the city and as long as she was guarded and chaperoned, she could do so with Jon.
She had forgone the litter that was prepared, wanting to walk the city instead much to her septa and her cousin's annoyance, now as she sat in the little garden with her mother and grandmother, she waited for Jon to arrive. It didn't take long as she saw the white wolf before either her grandmother or mother did.
"Hello Ghost." she said happily as the wolf moved to her to be patted.
"What in the seven is that." she heard her mother shriek.
"Sorry my lady, he has a habit of running off." Jon said as he looked to the wolf and failing while trying to look annoyed at him
"Margy." she heard her name being shouted before a little girl ran and grabbed her in a hug.
"Hello Joy."
"Joy wishes to join us today lady Margaery, with your permission?"
"Of course, looking forward to a yenture Joy?"
"Yenture Margy." the little girls smile beamed back at her.
"Jon may I present my mother Lady Alerie, my grandmother you already know."
"Of course Lady Olenna a pleasure, Lady Alerie I'm honored to meet you." Jon said and kissed her mother's offered hand much to her delight.
"Yes yes, now who is this young lady." her grandmother said looking at Joy.
"Lady Olenna, Lady Alerie, allow me to present Lady Joy Hill, the heir to Castermere, say hello to the ladies Joy?"
"My ladies." Joy said and Margaery couldn't help but grin at the perfect little curtsy she gave them both.
"A pleasure to meet you too Lady Joy." her mother said clearly enamored with the little girl.
She looked to her grandmother who had a curious little smile on her face and would have wondered what that was about, but her mother's voice caught her attention.
"Is Loras not with you Jon?" Alerie said looking around for her son.
"I'm sorry my lady, he's with Lord Jaime today, I believe they're meeting with the Hand."
"Are they indeed, well at least one of my family can get a meeting with the damn man." her grandmother said pointedly "What this I hear about the king disrespecting my grandson young Snow." she quickly added.
"My lady?" Jon looked at her grandmother confusedly.
"In the throne room when you arrived, the king dismissed my grandson to speak to you am I correct?"
"You are my lady, although to be honest the king was quite drunk." Jon said a small smile on his face which she noticed.
"That's no excuse." her grandmother said her voice growing louder.
"Indeed it is not my lady, no excuse at all." Jon nodded to her grandmother and Margaery smirked to see her eyebrow rise.
"Well we should be off, mother, Grandmother." Margaery said walking over to kiss each of them on the cheek.
"My ladies." Jon said with a bow
"Ladies." Joy mimicked him before curtsying again.
She laughed as Jon quickly moved his head to the right and Ghost immediately jumped up from where he'd been sitting and ran to the door, her mother jumped in surprise having quickly forgotten about the quiet wolf.
"I'm sorry about bringing Joy with me Margaery, I messed up and forgot her present yesterday."
"That's quite all right Just Jon, having Joy with us will be fun " she said before her smile turned lopsided "Although whatever could have been on your mind to forget her present."
She laughed at the blush that appeared on Jon's face, even though her heart raced at the idea that he was thinking of her.
"No Ghost slowsy." Joy shouted as the wolf began to race off.
"Yes Ghost slowsy." Margaery said giggling and Joy nodded her head before looking to Jon.
"Ghost." he said raising his voice and the wolf slowed before tottering back to them.
"Good boy Ghost." Joy patted his head.
Yes today would be a fun day, Margaery thought as they left the keep.
Jaime.
Jaime had hoped not to have to come back to the Red Keep before the nights feast, it was supposed to take place the night before, but apparently the king took ill, though given how drunk he was at their presentation Jaime was sure he'd just fallen asleep. But the missive had arrived at their residence that morning, the Hand wished to see him, so here he was with Loras waiting to see Jon Arryn.
He was glad Jon was not with him today, he had smirked when his king had asked his permission to spend the day with Lady Margaery. He had almost wanted to tell him he couldn't just for the fun of it, but had decided against it after what had happened with Joy. So he allowed him and Joy spend the day with Margaery and Loras was to instead accompany him on his duties for the day, Loras was delighted at the honor and he was glad to see the two boys had made up and were back to being the best of friends.
"You need anything my lord?" Loras asked standing stiffly to attention.
"No, I'm good, not sorry your missing the day with Jon, Joy and your sister?"
"No my lord, much prefer to do this." the boy said a forced smile on his face showing he was only half telling the truth.
"Well, we shall have to get some spars in then won't we Loras."
"Aye, we should my lord." Loras said his smile beaming now.
They waited for a few more moments, the time seeming to move more quickly than he'd thought it would, he looked around the Hand's outer office, twenty years his father had spent here give or take and yet Jaime had visited it rarely. It had been a much larger more imposing place to the young Jaime, where now it was simply a room, nothing special, nothing noteworthy, even the falcon sigils seemed dull to him.
"My lord, Lord Arryn will see you now."
"Very well."
The steward led him into the room and Jaime was surprised to see a man sitting with Lord Arryn, the man was wearing a black silken doublet, interwoven with gold threads, a silver mockingbird pin on his lapel. So Jon Arryn had brought the master of coin to this meeting, what could it possibly be about he wondered laughingly.
"Lord Jaime may I present Lord Baelish the master of coin."
"Lord Hand, Lord Baelish." Jaime said and took his seat, Loras moving to stand at his right shoulder.
"Jon Snow not with you my lord, I had so wished to meet the bastard of Winterfell." Baelish said a smirk on his face.
"Jon has duties elsewhere today," Jaime said noticing Loras's stance stiffen beside him.
"My lord, I know you must wonder why I asked to see you." Jon Arryn said quickly, shutting down any further discussion on Jon.
"No my lord, I know exactly why you've asked to see me, although it really should be my brother you speak to on such matters, but best not dwell on the proprieties my lord, my answer remains the same." Jaime said.
"My lord, surely you can see the benefit in helping the crown out, why even for a family as rich as yours there is much we can do to help." Baelish said and Jaime was really starting to dislike the way the man's weasly voice sounded.
"Indeed there are my lord, but as I told Lord Arryn not more than two years ago, I needs must see to my lands before I moved resources to anywhere else."
"But surely my lord, given your new found good fortune, you can be prevailed upon to change your mind?" Lord Arryn asked.
"My lord, our good fortune is not without it's costs, while we will in the future see a benefit, the costs to get started, the castles for my uncles, the expensive rebuild of our fleet, all of these must be paid for and must be paid up front."
"Yet you were able to build your fleet and build five of those large, what was it your uncle called them pinnacle ships." Lord Arryn said pointedly.
"Indeed, each of which costs the equivalent of more then ten smaller ships my lord." Baelish added.
"Ah, so you see me building ships, building castles, starting extensive projects within my lands and you think this is a good time to come ask for coin, am I missing something my lords, is not the Tyrell's loans enough and if not then why would I agree to lend to someone who cannot pay their debts?"
"The crown always pays their debts my lord, just like yourself." Lord Arryn said annoyed.
"Really?" Jaime raised his eyebrow. "My lord why would you need my coin with the Tyrell's loaning you money, are you really spending coin that quickly, how much exactly is this tourney costing?"
"You yourself held a tourney Lord Jaime," Baelish said looking him in the eye.
"I did, one that fully funded itself, will this one do the same?" he looked at them both "I thought not, my lord, while I sympathize and perhaps in the future will be able to help, for now my answer remains the same."
"That's your final word then lord Jaime?" Jon Arryn said his face flushing red.
"It is."
"Then it seems we have no more to discuss, enjoy the tourney my lord." Jon Arryn said dismissively.
"I will, I thank you my lords." Jaime got up and he and Loras left the room.
Walking quickly through the keep, Jaime saw the woman move towards him with a note in her hand, he sighed knowing exactly who wrote it.
"Loras, remember exactly what you heard in that room, when you speak later to your grandmother, feel free to speak to her on it."
"My lord, I would never." Loras said affronted.
"I wish you to Loras, I know you'd not betray a confidence, but this, your grandmother should be aware, you understand?"
"I do my lord."
"Good Lad."
The woman arrived just as he finished speaking to Loras.
"My lord, from her grace."
"I thank you." Jaime said taking the note.
He and Loras walked from the Tower of the Hand, passing a glowing torch Jaime held the note to it and watched it burn, Loras looking at him in confusion.
"Sisters Loras can sometimes be most annoying." he said and both he and Loras laughed.
Barristan.
Barristan waited until he saw the imp and his entourage leave, he then entered the tavern and went to sit with Alayn. The serving girl brought him a mug of warm milk, his usual tipple when he was about to go on duty, when she sat it down he looked to his friend.
"How did it go?" he asked.
"Interesting, though why they wish to play this game I know not."
"They have reasons, when I can I'll share them with you Alayn."
"Well the imp's clever ill give you that, thought he recognized me for a bit there."
"Aye, Jaime knows what he's doing putting him in charge."
"Are you sure about Jaime? I mean we know what he did."
"He had his reasons Alayn, trust me on this."
"Of course Barristan, I'm with you, you sure it's safe to talk about them here, they do own the place?"
"Aye, it's fine, we're in this together Alayn. I trust them as much as I do you."
He watched as Alayn nodded, then ordered another drink and some bread and cheese, he wasn't really hungry but he liked to spend time with his old friend, and he looked forward to being able to spend more time with him properly, without the secrets and lies.
"You competing in the joust Barristan?"
"Aye, I bet you wish you could?"
"I could be a mystery knight you know." Alayn laughed.
"You don't have the build for it, the knight was much smaller than you." Barristan said and both men nodded sadly.
"Aye, a far better rider too."
"Indeed, Alayn, this thing, it needs to be done right, a full service you understand, it won't end here, it'll be expanding in time, be careful my friend, watch out for spider's and webs."
"Oh, I know all about those little creepy crawling things Barristan, have no fear, but you really think this will be more than Kings Landing?"
"Aye, it will, trust me Alayn, when I can tell you more I will, I'll do my best to make it sooner rather than later." Barristan stood up and called the serving girl Darla over, he handed her a number of coins including a few silver stags for herself.
"I shall see you later Barristan, good luck in the joust."
"Aye, I'll need it, Jaime Lannister's competing in this one." Barristan said with a laugh.
He nodded to his friend and made his way outside, noticing immediately the small child that was looking directly at him, scurry off little bird, the spiders not welcome here he thought to himself as he walked back to the castle to take up his duties. Jaime had promised him he'd speak to the king and arrange a meeting and Barristan had hoped it would be soon, he was most eager to talk to him properly.
Jaime taking his idea for Master of Whispers had given him an added sense of purpose, to actually be actively involved was something he was extremely happy about. When he'd been asked by Jaime to keep an eye on things in Kings Landing he knew he was out of his depth, spying, sending messages was not his forte. Meeting his old friend had been incredibly fortunate, he was always more inclined to such, so within a moon a network had been set up, how big it was now he did not know.
As he walked he laughed at the name his friend had came up with for it, the spider had his web and little birds, but Alayn was a man with a flair for the dramatic and so the order of skulls and kisses had been born. He looked forward to telling the king of his friend, to being able to tell his friend that Rhaegar's son lived, but mostly he looked forward to taking his knee and pledging to serve, a just and honorable king.
Jon
Walking around Kings Landing with Margaery and Joy was an experience he'd not soon forget, having fed Ghost at the first stall they'd come to, anything to keep the wolf from running off and causing mischief. Jon found that while he'd tempered Ghost's need to rush off, he had not managed to do the same with Joy. The little girl seemed lost in wonder at the colorful stalls, the bright shining pieces of jewellery or the various fabrics that glimmered and allowed the light shine through them.
But it was the smells of food cooking that drew her attention most, roasted chestnuts, various fish and fowl, fresh bread all those stalls would find themselves peppered by questions by the inquisitive little girl.
"What's that."
"Can I have some."
"Please Jon."
Each time he said no to her she'd stomp her little foot and cross her hands and beside him Margaery would giggle making it worse, he found though that he was unable to resist either of the girls and when they made it to the stall selling sweets, he was lost.
"Jon, please." Joy said looking at the candied apple.
"Yes Jon please," Margaery said and he swore she was doing her best to widen her eyes just like Joy did.
"How much?"
"Five coppers each." the man said.
"I'll take ten." Jon said and a huge smile appeared on the man's face.
Handing over the candied apples, Jon gave one to Joy who immediately began licking the candy outside. He handed Margaery and her cousins Elinor and Megga one each both girls shocked he'd bought them one, while Margaery gave him a smile that made it more than worth it. Turning to Jors and Alyrs, he handed them each one which they gratefully took. Finally he turned to the four guards Margaery had accompanying her, though only two took them, the septa had not only point blank refused his offer, but looked at him as if he was trying to poison her.
"Are you going to eat those two yourself Just Jon?" Margaery said and Jon couldn't help but laugh at the piece of candy stuck to her nose.
He reached out and took the small piece of candy from her nose and when she saw it she blushed, which to Jon only made her look adorable, he handed her a small handkerchief which he'd had made and when she finished wiping her face, he told her to keep it.
"To answer your question, no I'm not." Jon said and turned to walk over to the boy and girl who were standing at a different stall with their mother, he handed them each one of the apples and smiled at them before heading back to where Joy was looking aghast at Ghost.
"You didn't did you." he looked at the wolf who was licking the remaining candy from his lips.
"Can I get one more." he said turning to the man "Here Joy, don't let Ghost get it." he said as he handed it to the little girl.
The wolf looked at him and cocked his head, so he turned back to the man.
"One more." he said exasperatedly.
"In Ghost's defense it did drop on the ground." Margaery said and Jon laughed before walking over to Joy.
"Want to feed Ghost Joy?" he handed her the apple and the wolf gently took it from her.
"Yummy Ghost." she said as she bit into her apple, the wolf's was already gone so he evidently agreed.
After leaving the stalls, they spent the rest of the day just looking at the sights of Kings Landing, once again Jon's attention was drawn to the poorer part of town and while this time he did have coin with him, he didn't wish to risk Joy running off while down there.
"Margaery, your family supplies food does it not?"
"We do Jon, why do you ask?"
"I was wondering if I could purchase a large amount?"
"Really, why?" Margaery asked a little confused.
"Those people, down there, Flea Bottom it's called, I've seen a little of them and they don't have much, so I thought if I could do something for them, then I would." Jon said softly.
Margaery looked at him and Jon couldn't place her expression, did she think he was a fool, was this not what someone should do?.
"I'll speak to my grandmother when I get back, I'll arrange it,"
"I'll organize the payment and the other details." Jon said smiling.
"That won't be needed, we'll donate the food, I'll see to it."
"Margaery, I wasn't, I didn't want, you have to allow me to pay for it."
"No you're right Jon, those people could use some help, we should help them." she looked at him her brow creased making her look even more determined.
"How about a compromise then?"
"Go on."
"Well how about I pay for an amount of food and your family matches it with an equal donation?"
She looked at him for a second before smiling brightly.
"Yes, that's a wonderful idea, I shall speak to my grandmother later."
"Are you hungry?"
"I don't know, I mean I suppose I could eat, Elinor, Megga, are you hungry?" Margaery turned to her cousins.
"We could do with some luncheon." Elinor said as Megga nodded in agreement.
Jon had walked to where Ghost was pointedly staring at a hole in the wall, Joy standing beside him. He saw the wolf's haunches were tensed and quickly picked Joy up to swing her away from the wall, her laughter causing Margaery to look to them. Out of the corner of his eye he saw as Ghost pounced on the very large rat, that stupidly picked then to leave his relatively safe hole.
"Want to get some desert Joy?" he asked knowing she'd have said no to dinner.
"Really, Margy coming too Jon?"
"Aye, I am little princess." Margaery said as she tickled Joy.
"No Jon, Stop Margy." the girl squirmed in his arms.
After eating and with Joy starting to feel tired they made their way back to the Red Keep, standing outside they said their goodbyes and promised to see each other that night at the feast.
"I had a really nice day Just Jon." Margaery said her smile beaming.
"As did I Just Margaery." he smiled back at her.
"Will I see you at the feast later?"
"Aye."
"Will I get a dance this time." she raised her eyebrow.
"We can't Margaery, not in the hall." he saw her face drop "But perhaps we could sneak off somewhere?"
"Fine, I'll hold you to that." she said smiling brightly at him.
"Then I shall bid you farewell my lady." Jon said with an extravagant bow.
She laughed loudly at him before turning to walk away.
Olenna.
When her granddaughter returned Olenna could see she had enjoyed the day she'd spent with Jon Snow, she was giggling with her cousins before they departed to their rooms and when she came to sit beside her Olenna could see a small blush on her face.
"Enjoyed yourself did you?"
"I did grandmother, thank you."
"So what did you get up to with young Snow."
"JON brought us to the stalls, bought us candied apples and showed us the city, afterwards we had luncheon and came back" Margaery said and Olenna noticed she emphasized Jon's name in her answer.
"Really that's all, I would have thought you'd have come up with something more interesting to do."
"It was fun grandmother, sometimes it's nice just to have fun." Margaery sighed.
"I'm sorry dear, forgive an old woman's grousing. The last few days have been most trying." Olenna said and smiled at her granddaughter
"I know grandmother, I'm sorry." Margaery said and hugged her.
"Now, now child enough of that, what would your father think, why if he saw us he may try and hug me himself, and my old bones could never take that." Olenna said and Margaery laughed.
The two sat there in silence for a few moments, Olenna occasionally reaching over to take a small piece of soft cheese. Margaery turned to her and looked at her biting her lip, she obviously had something to say but was worried of her reaction. Olenna felt her breath hitch for a moment, was she wrong to allow her rose spend time with a bastard, no, Margaery had been happy when she came back, joyful even.
"Jon wishes to purchase some food from us grandmother."
"Why, is he negotiating the Westerlands trade deals now as well." Olenna japed.
"No its not for the west, it's for here, Kings Landing, for the poor people who live in what was it he called it, ehmm oh that's right, Flea Bottom."
Olenna shook her head, this didn't sound right, why would a bastard want to buy food for people he didn't know, what was the angle here, what was she missing.
"I'm sorry dear, but surely if he wished to purchase food for some people in what was it you called it?"
"Flea Bottom grandmother."
"Yes, yes, Flea Bottom, surely if young Snow wishes to buy them some food, he could just go to a store or stall or something." Olenna knew that he obviously wished to buy a larger amount, but she was stalling for time, trying to make sense of this.
"JON, wishes to purchase more than a little food grandmother." the annoyance and her emphasis on the bastards name both even clearer this time.
"Very well then, I shall speak to Jon about this." Olenna said and noticed the smile on her granddaughters face, when she called the bastard by his name.
"I think we should match the order grandmother." Margaery said catching her by surprise.
"Why would we do that dear?"
"I believe Jon wishes to make a donation to the poor in Flea Bottom, we should do it too, it will show people that we care about them also."
Olenna inwardly smiled, very good idea she thought, oh how her precious little rose was coming along, make the people love you Margaery and then you'll be a queen for certain.
"I think that's an excellent idea child, in fact not only should we match it, but perhaps you could help hand it out, allow the people see it was your idea, to see that you care for them."
"I will, I'll ask Jon at the feast, we can do it together," Margaery said and Olenna grimaced.
"Perhaps you should do this alone Margaery, after all it was your idea was it not?"
"It was Jon's idea grandmother, I just added to it, we'll do it together." Margaery said and Olenna admired the determination in her voice.
"Very well my dear, I'm sure you know best."
"Thank you grandmother, I'll go and get ready for the feast, I've yet to decide which dress to wear and mother wishes to see to my hair." Margaery got up and as she did so a small handkerchief fell from the fold of her dress.
Olenna bent down and picked it up, the silken material a pale white with a blue rose woven into it, she handed it back to Margaery and looked at her questioningly.
"A gift?" she asked.
"I needed to wipe my face, Jon was gracious enough to lend me his handkerchief, I must have forgotten to give it back." Margaery said her face growing redder by the second.
"See that you do my dear, we wouldn't like the boy to go without something so precious now would we?"
"Of course not grandmother." Margaery smirked as she put it back in her dress before leaving.
Olenna took a sip of her wine, this would not do at all, she had wanted to get to know more about Jon Snow, had felt that given Margaery and his age that nothing would come of them spending time together. But given how her granddaughter was acting, she was starting to think that it was a terrible idea. If only the boy had been born on the other side of the sheets, things could be different, but a bastard and her rose, no this would not do at all.
Jaime.
After speaking to the hand he and Loras had left the Red Keep and went back to the residence, there were things he should be doing in the capital, he knew that, but seeing that letter from Cersei all he wanted to do was pick up a sword and hit something. So he and Loras had sparred, the boy had certainly gotten better over the last two years, he could really develop into something special, Jaime thought even as he beat him yet again.
"I Yield." Loras said as Jaime held the sword to his neck.
"You keep falling for that Loras, when the sword comes in high, each time you try to react with a low counter, each time you do so you get caught."
"I know my lord, but I've seen Jon do it, so I wanted to try to do it myself."
"Jon is faster than you Loras, he's almost faster than I am, what works for him won't work for you, instead of trying a low counter what should you do."
"I should block and move back." Loras said reluctantly.
"Good, now try that all right?"
"Aye my lord."
Jaime moved into position, lowering his sword to the ground he tapped it once and they began, the first few exchanges were simple movements, meant to warm you up rather than win a point, after a while he moved to hit the high blow. This time Loras did what he told him, he blocked and moved back, Jaime allowed him to counter then and allowed the hit, watching the smile appear on Loras's face.
While with Jon he never allowed him win points he didn't earn, with Loras he found the easiest way to teach him, to get a point across, was for him to show him the benefits by allowing his lesson to lead to a point win.
"You see much better." Jaime said.
"Aye, your right as always my lord."
The two stopped and heard the sounds of people as they came in through the gate, when Loras saw it was Jon he got ready to shout his greeting, before he did Jaime noticed the girl asleep in Jon's arms, moving quickly he drew Loras's attention to Joy and was relieved when the boy quietened.
"My lord, if you'll excuse me." Jon said nodding to him and Loras before heading into the house.
Jaime turned and walked to place his training sword away, he had promised Barristan he would speak to Jon, so he motioned to Loras that they were done and headed into the house. Walking down through the corridors, he headed to his room, giving Jon time to put Joy to bed before speaking with him. When he got to his room he found his Aunt Genna coming towards him from the opposite direction.
"Were you looking for me aunt?"
"I was indeed."
"Well lets go inside, I'm sure it's important." Jaime said and his smirk was not appreciated.
The two headed inside and sat down. Jaime pointed to the wine and Genna shook her head, so he poured out one glass for himself and waited to see what had brought his aunt to him.
"I've just heard the king's changed the rules on the duels, is that right?"
"Aye aunt it is, the final eight will take part in a melee and he's raised the age to four and ten."
Genna sighed and shook her head.
"I want you to pull the boys out of the thing Jaime."
"What, I can't do that aunt, Jon and Loras would never forgive me."
"Jaime, I don't want to see them hurt, they're too young to be taking part in a melee."
"I know that aunt, but the kings a fool and doesn't think things through. I'm sorry but I can't pull them out, Jon's already told the king he'd compete, if he doesn't then I don't know what the fat oaf will do or say."
"I'm worried about them Jaime." Genna said softly.
"They'll be fine aunt, they'll work together if need be and I'll speak to them beforehand, make sure they don't take unnecessary risks."
"You really think they'd follow through on that." she said mockingly.
"It's the best I can do."
"Very well, but if they get hurt it won't only be the king who'll have to face me." Genna said as she got up from her seat.
As he watched her leave he couldn't help but smile, while the thoughts of ether of the boys being hurt was something he worried about and hoped would not happen, a part of him wished to see just exactly how Robert would cope when facing his aunt's wrath. He finished off his wine and decided to head to Jon's room, hopefully he would have settled Joy by now.
When he got to the room he knocked before trying the door and finding it locked, he called out for Jon and heard the boy move around in the room, so he waited a few moments for him to unlock the door. These arrangements were necessary but he knew that both Tyrion and Loras were not happy about them. For different reasons both were trying to get to the bottom of why Jon alone locked his doors, both when he was in and out of the room.
"Sorry my lord." Jon said as he unlocked and opened the door.
"It's fine Jon, how was your day?" Jaime asked as he entered and took a seat.
"Good my lord, actually there's something I wish to talk to you about."
"All right, go ahead."
"My lord I was wondering if I could loan some coin from you?"
"Coin, for what Jon?" Jaime asked confusedly, not only did Jon have a decent amount of coin to his knowledge but the boy never wanted anything for himself.
"I've been thinking on those people that don't have too much my lord, the one's who live in Flea Bottom, I've seen children there who are certainly not eating right, so I wished to purchase some food from lady Margaery's family to give to them." Jon said looking down to the ground.
"How much would you need?"
"Five thousand gold dragons my lord." Jon said and Jaime smirked at the coincidence, realizing just exactly how Jon intended to pay back the loan.
"Of course Jon, you can arrange the details with Lord Tyrell and ensure him he'll be paid by me."
"Really my lord?" Jon said excitedly.
"Aye, of course Jon." Jaime said "So want to tell me anything else about your day?"
"No it was fine my lord." Jon said and Jaime saw the boy blush.
"There is something you can do for me Jon, well for Ser Barristan actually."
"Anything my lord."
"Ser Barristan wishes to meet you Jon, properly, king to kingsguard, can I make the arrangements?"
"Of course my lord, I'll be happy to speak to him." Jon said smiling.
"Very well, I'll let him know, now why don't you get ready for this damn feast tonight."
"I will, thank you my lord."
"Good and Jon, be careful there tonight, it'll be different than you think it will, people will say things that seem innocent but they'll be trying to get you to slip up, to try and reveal more than you want."
"I'll be fine my lord, I shall keep my own company."
"Oh and would this company comprise of a certain lady of the Reach." Jaime said and smirked as Jon's blush grew redder.
"Just be careful of strangers Jon, make sure you know who it is your speaking to, before you say anything." Jaime added.
"I will my lord."
"Good now I'm sure my aunt will fuss over your appearance, so do you best to be ready on time." Jaime said laughing as he got up to leave.
He looked back at the boy who was sitting there a little nervously and he left the room. Loaning him the coin was no problem, hell if he wanted it he'd give him the damn coin, what he was going to do with it made Jaime swell up with pride. One king spending coin on useless tourneys and feasts, the other more willing to actually spend it to make peoples lives better, he couldn't have hoped for a better king to serve.
As he walked back to make himself ready for the night's festivities he thought back to his conversation with his aunt, if only she knew, Jon wouldn't be in any trouble during the duels whatsoever. As soon as he told him the amount he wished to borrow Jaime knew it, no Jon wouldn't be in trouble, he was going to win the thing. Five thousand gold dragons to the winner of the duels, yes Jon had plans for that money and the irony of using Roberts own coin to do what Robert would not was not lost on him.