Howland.
After the emotions of talking to Jon and Jaime he had hoped the rest of the day would pass far more easier, heading back to his room though he had been called to see lord Wyman. He wasn't sure what to say to his old friend, how much to reveal, simply telling him to keep a good relationship with Jon Snow was pointless, Wyman was already doing so. But he couldn't tell him the truth, should he point him the right direction? Or was he already looking there? The thing with Wyman was just a sniff of something may be enough.
He pondered on this as he walked towards the solar, as the guards let him inside he was glad to see that it was just the two of them inside, it would allow for a much freer conversation. Though without the distractions of someone else speaking it would be harder to keep Wyman from dictating where the conversation went. He smiled as he took his seat, it had been far too long since he and the lord of White Harbor had been in the same place, he ignored the obligatory plate of food that Wyman already had in front of him but gratefully accepted the glass of wine.
"How are you old friend?" Wyman asked.
"I'm good, though it seems you are doing better, I saw the ship leave when I arrived a magnificent thing to behold, I hear you're on your way to having four of them?"
"Aye, the first two paid for themselves within a year Howland, the advantage they give on the seas is incredible. I can't thank the lad enough, I don't even know how to." Wyman said as he looked at him intently.
"Does he even want it, to be thanked that is?"
"No, it'd be far easier if he did, the lad's he's not like that, seems almost to be embarrassed when it's brought up, you know that pup we sent him?".
"He's no longer a pup Wyman." Howland said as both men laughed.
"Aye that's true the beast lives up to his name all right, he's got half the town terrified and the other half hoping to see such a legendary beast up close, almost as soon as he appears he's gone as if he wasn't there at all. The reports I've had from my guards would make you laugh Howland." Wyman said his grin still on his face.
"The lad seems to control him well enough."
"Aye that he does, anyway what was I saying, aye that's it. When I delivered it to the lad he wanted to pay the men, wouldn't accept no for an answer, the same when I sent him the present he ordered for Ser Jorah's wife, that time he even bought the men a barrel of ale." Wyman said laughing loudly.
Howland shook his head, the boy was just the same as his mother, Lyanna too wouldn't allow a good deed go unrewarded. To find out her son was taking after her in this manner only made him more sure he had been right to bend his knee.
"What make you of the lad Howland?" Wyman asked curiously.
"I think the move west has helped him greatly Wyman, he's not as I'd heard, when he was at Winterfell he was sullen and withdrawn no?"
"Aye, I met the lad a few years ago quiet as a mouse he was, wouldn't raise his voice or speak without being spoken too, certainly wouldn't jape with the freedom he does now."
"I don't know what Ned was thinking, some people aren't mean to caged and told what to do." Howland said wistfully.
"Aye." Wyman said looking at him curiously. "He's not much like his father is he?"
"I don't know I see him in him when I look at him." Howland said softly.
"I had thought he was more like Brandon, but he doesn't have the wildness."
"No it's more a quiet fierceness he has." Howland said and looked to Wyman.
The two sat there in silence for a few moments, Wyman looking at him with a strange look on his face, before he smiled. He knew he'd perhaps pushed a little far, given away far too much without explicitly saying it. Wyman had definitely picked up on it, but far better the groundwork was set, his old friend could be trusted but it would be up to the king himself to confirm what he now suspected.
"I really wish I'd seen that joust." Wyman said with a booming laugh.
"Aye me too old friend, me too."
They had spoken of other things for the next hour or so, Howland finding his appetite when some crab pies were brought in, the pastry and sauce both cooked just how he liked them. When he eventually left he felt he and Wyman understood where the other was coming from, Jon would need a friend like Wyman and he now had one, Howland was sure of it. Ned on the other hand, though they spoke only briefly of their liege lord it was clear both were disappointed in him, Howland was sorely tempted to travel to Winterfell to give Ned a piece of his mind. But he was needed home and he sorely missed Jyana, truth be told he disliked leaving Greywater Watch. His duties there took up most of his time and the peacefulness of the place was something he welcomed.
When he arrived at his room he was surprised to see his daughter waiting for him, while Jojen was his heir, it was Meera he loved the most. His son's mercurial nature and connection with the old gods while making him proud still disturbed him greatly, Meera on the other hand was more than any father deserved. Dutiful, loyal, trustworthy, his daughter was all of these and yet she was playful, winsome and quick to stand up for those who she cared about.
"Father we must speak about Jojen." Meera said when he reached her.
"Is he all right, has he had another vision?" Howland said opening the door to his room.
They walked inside and he sat down while his daughter choosing to stay standing.
"Aye he has father, he says we're to accompany Jon Snow to the wall, that he's to teach him how to warg."
"When did he say this?"
"Earlier today father, when I returned from visiting the town."
"So be it, if he says we must visit the wall, then we must visit the wall." Howland said sighing.
"No father, he said it's to be just him and I."
"What, I'm not letting you two go alone." Howland said fearfully.
"We'd be with Lord Jaime and his guards father, along with Ser Jorah and his men, that's not what bothers me."
"Then what it is my child?"
"It's just, he says we can visit the wall and onto Winterfell, we can then come back with them and meet up with our men at Moat Cailin, but there's more father, I'm not sure but there's something he's not telling me."
"I'll speak to him, we'll get to the bottom of it my child." Howland said and hugged his daughter to reassure her.
Loras.
To say he'd been stunned when Jon had told him of his parents would be an understatement, his first instinct was that his friend needed him now more than ever, that he needed his support so Loras had given it unconditionally. Later as he sat in his room though the questions came, how could it be true? Why did no one else ever know? Could Jon be mistaken? The last one was the one he focused most on.
Jon seemed certain and his friend was not a liar, so he believed he was telling the truth, but where did the truth come from? What evidence was there for it?. Loras wasn't the smartest person in the realm, in their lessons Jon usually outshone him, but he wasn't stupid either. So he began to piece things together, laying back on his bed he began to examine the evidence, to see if he could come up with a reason why his friend could be wrong.
He knew his family, his grandmother in particular had wondered why Jaime took Jon as a squire, not only based on his birth ' His perceived birth' a voice inside his head said, but given the relationship between the north and the west or more precisely the lack of one. When he had fought Jon in the duels though it had been clear to him, Jon was a far more talented swordsman than even he, so of course Jaime would want him as a squire, though it still didn't explain why Ned Stark allowed it.
But if Jon was going for the throne surely that meant Jaime knew right? Which meant that Jaime was helping him, but why? Was it not his sister on the throne, her son in line to be the next king, it didn't make sense. But then as he thought more on it he remembered the note from the queen and Jaime's reaction to it, how he had burned it in front of him. Did Jaime not like his sister? Was there more to it than that? Loras sighed as he tried to figure it out, this was so not his area of expertise.
Rolling over on the bed he closed his eyes, he pictured his friend on the throne, Ghost resting beside him, he pictured himself standing over his shoulder, a white cloak glistening on his back, his sword shined and polished and easily ready to be drawn,. As he drifted off to sleep he had found no answers to his questions, but he knew one thing, if it was true, then Jon would make a great king.
The knock on the door the next morning woke him and he sleepily staggered to open the door to find both Jon and Lord Jaime there, his friend carrying his other chest in his arms, allowing them inside he quickly closed the door. He thanked the seven he'd fallen asleep in his clothing, the thoughts of answering the door to Jaime not properly dressed not ones he liked. As Jon and Jaime sat down he sat back on the bed and waited for them to speak.
"Jon told me about yesterday." Jaime said.
"My lord, I wouldn't say anything, you must believe me." Loras said nervously.
"Aye, I know that Loras, but when Jon told you he may have left you with more questions than answers is that not right Jon?"
"Aye it is my lord, I never thought, I mean, it never occurred to me, I just wanted to tell you." Jon said looking at him and smiling.
"I understand and I'm glad you did Jon." Loras said returning his friends smile.
He watched as Jon reached into the chest and took out some letters, some he placed to one side but two he held and handed to Jaime who opened them and handed them to him. Looking at the letters he almost gasped out loud, the first was a notice of annulment between Elia and Rhaegar, the second a marriage notice. Looking at the names who witnessed it Loras couldn't help the excitement he felt, Ser Oswell Whent and Ser Arthur Dayne, his fingers involuntarily traced the Sword of the Morning's name. He handed the letters back to Jaime almost reverently before Jon passed Jaime the other letter. This one a simple birth announcement signed by all three of the knights, the Kingsguard, Jon's Kingsguard, no not Jon.
"Jaehaerys." Loras said softly.
"Aye, the name my mother gave me, my true name." Jon said smiling.
Loras carefully folded the notice and handed it back to Jaime before Jon motioned him towards him, walking over he felt the trepidation in every step. When he got to him Jon reached in the chest and what he pulled out did make him gasp, an egg, Jon had a dragon egg.
"It that?"
"Aye it is?" Jon said holding the egg in his hands a pained expression on his face as he quickly placed the white egg back in the box, it's blue flecks reflecting in the light, he looked worriedly on as Jon sat down. His friend was holding his head in hands, his breathing shallow, he looked far paler than he had just a moment before, reaching his hand out Loras touched his shoulder and Jon shuddered.
"Jon are you all right?" he asked "JON." he said a bit louder.
Jaime turned as Jon fell to the floor, his breathing quick and sharp, Loras moved quickly to the door to call for help, but Jaime called him back as Jon was sitting up now his color returning to his face.
"Jon what is it? what's wrong?" Jaime asked his concern clear.
"It's nothing my lord, it's the egg, we..I don't know, it seems to be pushing me away."
"Pushing you away?" Jaime asked confused.
"Aye, I can't explain it..it seems upset with me, I don't understand, I need to speak to my uncle."
Loras was dumbfounded, what did he mean push him away? Why was Jon speaking of the egg as if it was alive? The more answers he got, the more questions it seemed to raise. But he knew one thing for certain now, something he had known in his heart when Jon had told him, his friend was telling the truth. Jon was the son of Rhaegar Targaryen, the rightful king of Westeros and Loras would stand with him for as long as he wanted him to, Jon was his friend, his king, now and always.
Lynesse.
As she dressed for the farewell feast Lynesse couldn't help but feel her stomach, though she wasn't really showing yet she believed she could feel it, thought there was a small difference there and as her hand brushed her stomach she smiled. She wanted so badly to find out if she was right but she worried that Jorah would make them return home, that he would be over protective which given his history she wouldn't blame him for being. He had lost his first wife in the birthing bed, three times she had fallen pregnant and never did she deliver, the third taking her life along with her child's.
Had she met Jorah's father, had his duties allowed him to attend the wedding, then she would accede to the request she knew her husband would make should he find out, but she had never met Jeor and this news only added to her wanting to do so. As she dressed she heard her bear come into the room, his footsteps heavy and playful as he attempted to sneak up on her.
"Stealth is not your forte my love." she said smiling as he grabbed her in his arms.
"Aye that's true, bears are not built for sneaking." he said capturing her lips with his own.
As always the kisses grew more passionate and while she would much prefer to follow them to their logical conclusion, it was then they heard the knock on the door. She giggled at the put off face her bear made, she imagined a bear in the woods having his meal disturbed would look the exact same way.
"Go Away." Jorah shouted though she could see he was playing up his annoyance.
"Come on you two, there's plenty of time for ahem whatever, later." Lyra's voice said and Lynesse couldn't help but laugh.
"Besides the white wolf is eager to eat aren't you boy." Jory said surprising her.
"Come to think of it, I meant to speak to you on that." Jorah said,
"On what my love?" Lynesse said as he helped tie her dress at the neck.
"Jon's wolf, it's outside our door, you know why?"
"No I don't, though it does seem a law on to itself at times, maybe I'll speak to Jon later." Lynesse said.
It had been strange when meeting up with Jon and Jaime yesterday the wolf seemed to show an excessive amount of interest in her, it had taken Jon to basically order the wolf to go with them for it to reluctantly leave her side. When the boys had come back the wolf had stayed with Jon when he went to his room, but when she left to go to her own, there he was walking beside her. Yes she would speak to Jon when they got a chance, besides she already had another reason to speak to the lad.
After finishing dressing she and Jorah walked outside to find Dacey along with her sisters, each of them taking turns to pet the white wolf who lay across the hall from her door. She wondered if perhaps the wolf knew, animals were protective of those carrying their offspring, perhaps Ghost could sense it in her. It made her smile just a little to think the wolf was being protective of her, to have a mythical animal look after you and your babe was not something most could claim.
She looked to Dacey who looked especially beautiful tonight, her long dark hair was loose and showed off her neck and shoulders to their fullest, her height allowed her to carry off most dresses elegantly and this was one of her very best. It's silken folds were magnificent and it's blue really showed off her eyes, the cut was exquisite too, showing the barest hints of cleavage when she moved forward.
"Trying to impress someone?" Lynesse said softly while Dacey glowered at her.
"No it was the only clean dress I had left." Dacey said and both her sisters giggled.
"Of course it was and she didn't spend almost an hour messing with her hair either." Lyra said and ducked out of the way of the hand that shot at her.
"Well you do look beautiful cousin." Jorah said and Lynesse smiled approvingly at her bear.
They made their way to the feasting hall glad tonight was not as elaborate as those before it, there would be the usual numerous courses and dancing of course, but no introductions or formality. Instead you would just be directed to your seats and the feast would begin when lord Manderly deigned it so. On entering the hall they were relieved to see it almost full, Jaime sat beside Wyman and at the smaller table to the left sat Jon with her nephew and the rest of the younger children. Lyra and Jory moved to go sit with the Smalljon and the Karstarks, while they were directed to the seats beside Jaime.
"My Ladies, you both look amazing this evening." Jaime said standing and kissing both their hands, Lynesse noticed his look lingering on Dacey.
"I thank you Lord Jaime." Lynesse said as she sat down.
Ghost had gone to lay beside Jon but she noticed he looked to her more than once, she smiled at the wolf who she could have sworn gave her a nod, though perhaps it was just the light in the hall. The conversation flowed and when the dancing finally started she took to the floor with her bear, though much to her annoyance Jaime stayed sitting and she could see the disappointment on Dacey's face. After the first dance she made her way to the table where Jon was sitting, saying hello to her nephew and laughing when Ghost licked her hand.
"Jon, I don't believe I've had the pleasure of a dance from you, which doesn't seem fair, given you've danced with all these lovely young ladies now does it." Lynesse said smiling.
"Not tonight he hasn't." she heard a murmur from one of lord Manderly's granddaughters.
"I'm sorry my lady, I..my leg you see." Jon said and she could see he was lying.
"Then perhaps you'd accompany me back to my table then?"
"I, I would be honored my lady." Jon said standing up and taking her offered arm.
They walked not to the table but to the other side of the room, she wanted Jon to be able to see Jaime as he looked at Dacey, give the boy the full picture before she put her plan in place. But she decided first to speak about the wolf, maybe gain some insight into knowing for certain if she was right about why he was drawn to her.
"Ghost is very protective is he not?"
"Aye my lady, back home with Joy, you should see him." Jon said with a fond smile.
"Just with Joy?"
"No my lady, he's the same with Lady Margaery also."
"You and my niece get along well don't you."
"We do my lady, she and Loras are my best friends."
She couldn't help the smile which came to her face then, best friends, oh you poor clueless little boy, to be so young and so innocent, she had seen him with Loras and seen him with Margaery, only one would she describe as a friend. Her sister could do no better than to make a match with her niece and Jon, though with Olenna pulling the strings she was doubtful one would ever be forthcoming.
"Has Ghost been bothering you my lady?"
"What, oh no not at all Jon, your wolf has been on his best behavior."
"Good." Jon said before he noticed Jaime looking at Dacey and smiled broadly.
"They would look good together don't you think?" Lynesse said.
"Aye I do my lady."
"I wonder why he hasn't asked her to dance yet?"
"I don't know my lady." Jon said his brow rising.
"Does Lord Jaime have a lady back in the Westerlands Jon?"
"No my lady he doesn't" Jon said now staring directly at Dacey and Jaime.
"It's strange don't you think, I mean they like each other anyone can see that, I wonder what's stopping Lord Jaime from asking her?" Lynesse said.
What happened next was very strange, the look on Jon's face was hard to identify, was it worry? No that wasn't it, it was more, more, she looked carefully and for a second she thought it may be regret but all of a sudden it was gone and he turned to her smiling.
"I think I should accompany you to your table my lady."
"Of course I thank you Jon."
They walked to the table in silence and when they got there Jon said hello to Lord Wyman and to her bear before he complimented Dacey which brought a smile to her face. He then looked at Jaime and said nothing though it seemed he motioned to him, but she couldn't be sure. As she took her seat she watched as Jon left the room, the white wolf once again looking to her table, after just a few moments Jaime got up and excused himself. She watched as he walked off in the same direction as Jon had, Dacey looking forlornly after him, she turned to her friend and gave her a smile things would be changing for the better for her soon she felt.
Jon
When he had come back from speaking to Loras, Jon had gone to tell Jaime how he had reacted, he had been surprised that along the way Ghost had ran off but thought nothing of it and instead continued to Jaime's room. The Lord's guest room's were impressive, but compared to the family wing they seemed a downgrade which gave Jon pause, he'd been given better rooms than his lord which was strange. After speaking to Jaime he had been stunned when Jaime had brought up that despite Loras's acceptance Jon hadn't actually given him any proof, something they rectified quickly.
Though when he'd held the egg it had started, the egg was forcing him from it, it was displeased with him about something, but it had not dismissed him completely, he couldn't understand it nor the images he'd been shown. Images of fire, images of ice, fire and ice, fire and ice over and over again. He saw ice melt, saw it turn into water and drip against the ground, he saw the flames rise higher and higher, but he couldn't make sense of it.
He knew he'd passed out for a moment though it had felt a lot longer, all the time he'd been continuously bombarded with the images, he had heard the words over and over in his head, fire and ice, ice and fire. After reassuring Jaime and Loras and putting the egg away he'd headed back to his room for a rest, drifting off into a thankfully dreamless sleep before he was woken by Loras knocking at the door. After hurriedly dressing and making his way to the farewell feast he had been called to speak to lord Reed, meeting him and his children before they went inside.
" Jon please I must speak with you."
" Of course my lord."
" You know my children, Meera and Jojen?"
" I do my lord." he said nodding to them both, the look Jojen given him a lot more friendly than his usual ones.
" I know after tonight you'll be heading to the wall Jon to speak with your family." Howland said and Jon was thankful he didn't elaborate.
" Aye that I will my lord."
" I would beg a favor of you Jon."
" Name it my lord, if it's in my power to do so then I shall without hesitation."
" I would ask you to allow my children accompany you to the wall and to Winterfell and then onto Moat Cailin on your return."
" Of course my lord, I'd be happy to have them with me, but may I ask why?"
" I wish to help you with Ghost." Jojen said softly.
" Ghost?"
" Aye, I know you sometimes see with his eyes."
" They're just dreams." he said though not assuredly.
" Are they the only dreams you have?" Jojen asked and his look was curious now.
" I, no I have others." Jon said softly and was surprised to see a full smile on Jojen's face, something which seemed to have caught both his sister and father with equal surprise.
" We have much to talk about Jon, I can help, truly." Jojen said and Jon nodded.
" Very well, I'll look forward to your company, my lord, I'll speak to Lord Jaime but it should be fine." Jon said and Howland smiled knowing it would be.
When they had entered the hall later on Jon immediately found himself in the company of lady Wynafred and lady Wylla, both girls disappointed when he told them he'd hurt his leg earlier. He almost had to elbow Loras in the ribs at the faces his friend was making and couldn't even look at Meera who sat there with a large grin on hers. He was thankful when lady Lynesse came over to speak to him though the conversation that followed was a strange one.
It was only when she brought up Jaime and lady Dacey that he began to see it, the little looks, the way he'd lean in when she spoke, or tense when she spoke to someone else. He too would feel that way with Margaery, though he knew that for adults it was different, he and Margaery where friends that was all. But as Lynesse asked him about Jaime having a lady back home or for a reason why he would not dance with Dacey it hit him, he knew the reason, he was the reason.
Jaime was a Kingsguard, though not to him, to him he was far more, he was his mentor, his teacher, his friend, his confidant, his… no he wouldn't say it, wouldn't think it..his father?. Jon shook his head, no his father was dead, but had he lived if he was anything like Jaime than Jon would have been happy, shouldn't his father be happy too. He had nodded to Jaime to meet him outside when Lynesse had taken her seat and now a few moments later he stood in the hall waiting for him, when Jaime arrived he motioned for him to follow.
"Jon what's this about?"
"We need to talk Jaime, but not here."
They walked outside the keep and down the stairs Jon looking for a quiet place away from the guards, when he saw it he looked around annoyed to see Ghost hadn't come with them. Though almost as if he willed the wolf to be there he arrived, his white fur clear from a large distance away, the wolf came and Jon nodded for him to stand guard.
"Jon?" Jaime asked his voice showing his annoyance.
"I wished to speak to you of Lady Dacey, Jaime."
"What about her?" Jaime asked defensively.
"You like her don't you?"
"I, it doesn't matter."
"Why doesn't' it?"
"You know why." Jaime said huffing a breath.
"Jaime look at me, it matters all right, it matters to me."
"Jon I'm a Kingsguard, we swore an oath, take no wife, father no children that's all part of the oath."
"It's a stupid oath." Jon said and Jaime looked at him shock clear on his face "Really it is, those oaths you swore, they confine you, they stopped you doing what was right did they not?"
"Aye, but still Jon, I can't I mean Arthur's coming back he'll already hate me for the king, for Elia and the children, if I..if I.. well I can't."
"Who cares what Arthur thinks?." Jon said angrily "You mean more to me than anyone else, including Arthur Dayne, don't you know that by now."
"Aye I do, but what would you have me do, I can't dishonor her and I can't marry her, so what am I supposed to do." Jaime said in frustration.
"You're supposed to be happy, Jaime, anything less and your king won't be pleased." he said with a smile.
"What would you have me do?" Jaime said softly.
"I'd have you do what makes you happy Jaime, that's it, do you think you'd be happy with her?"
"I… I do." Jaime said with a smile.
"Then speak to her, find out if you want the same thing, I think she does."
"I..Jon if I do this I..I can't lie to her."
"Then don't, you think after the last few days I'd ask you to lie, speak to her Jaime find out what it is you both want, then whatever you decide to do from there you have my support, I trust you."
Jaime nodded and looked at him, he actually looked happier already, they turned to walk back into the hall and Jon felt he had done something right here, something good, considering all Jaime had done for him, it was a start if nothing else.
Dacey.
This night was turning into a disaster, she had spent all this time getting ready trying to look good and then he'd just walked away from her, just left her sitting there like a fool. She had come to realize that she was wasting her time with him, despite the smiles and the looks, despite the compliments, nothing had happened. It was as if he was just being polite, just going through the motions, she looked down to see her sisters dancing with the Karstarks and sighed.
Beside her Lynesse had tried to be comforting she knew, but it was annoying her that her friend knew what she was going through, that her rejection in some way was public. Her mother would be ashamed of her she knew that, not because she'd been rejected but because she was a she bear and she should be fierce. But it was hard to be like that when for the first time in her life she felt as if she wasn't good enough for someone, that the reason he didn't want to be with her was simply, her.
She sighed as she saw him walk back into the hall with Jon Snow, the boy moving towards his own table as Jaime walked to hers, he smiled at her but didn't take his seat instead looking her straight in the eye.
"My lady I would be honored if you'd grace me with the next dance." he said his smile full.
She looked at him her eyes taking him in, the way he looked at her making her heart race, she smiled and held out her hand which he took, leading her to the floor he held her close and they began to dance. The music almost unheard in the background as he looked at her, she smiled and he smiled back, before he spun her quickly to one side making her laugh.
"I apologize my lady for not doing this sooner."
"It's quite all right my lord."
"Jaime." he said with a smile.
"Jaime," she replied softly "I'm Dacey pleased to meet you Jaime." she said getting a laugh in return.
"You look very beautiful tonight Dacey."
"As opposed to every other night Jaime?" she said smirking while raising an eyebrow which made him laugh yet again.
"No, I've yet to see you not looking beautiful." he said and she felt her breath catch.
"Even in my armor." she said with a giggle.
"Aye, even in your armor."
The music stopped and it took a long moment for it to restart making her think that this was all, they'd only have one dance tonight, only to hear Jaime laugh loudly as it started up again. She looked at him questioningly only for him to turn her to the musicians and for her to see Jon walking away from them placing his purse back on his breeches.
"It seems your squire wishes for us to dance more." she said.
"Aye that it does."
They danced three more times before he led her back to the table, he sat down beside her and poured her some wine which she drank eagerly, though she far preferred ale to get drunk with. She liked wine when she meant to keep her head, something that tonight she wished to do, she ignored Lynesse's smirk from beside her as she and Jaime began to talk. The night seemed to end so very soon and she was delighted when he escorted her back to her room, she wondered if she should invite him in, was it too soon? Would he think less of her? But it was Jaime who decided the course of the night.
"Dacey I, I'd like to get to know you more, if you wish that is." he said almost nervously.
"I'd like that a lot Jaime."
He leaned forward and for a moment she thought he'd kiss her cheek but he looked her in the eye and his hands held her head, his lips glanced against hers and then he kissed her fuller, firmly, she felt his tongue seek entrance to her mouth and allowed it. They stood there as his hands moved to her back, hers wrapped around his neck and she could not tell how long it lasted, how long the kisses went on for, all she knew was that when it stopped she felt a sense of loss. Something she was happy to see he was feeling too.
"I shall see you on the morrow then?" Jaime said his breath shaky.
"Aye, on the morrow." she said with a smile.
She watched him walk away and entered her room, feeling happier than she had in a long time, undressing she got into the bed and closed her eyes to fall to sleep, finding it hard to do so. Her mind raced with thoughts, with how his lips felt against hers, with how his smile brightened her day, but mainly she thought of tomorrow.
Jon.
Waking up Jon was happy this was his last day in White Harbor, he had enjoyed his time here and Lord Wyman and his family had treated him far better than he had ever expected them to. But he was eager to make the journey to the wall, eager to see his uncles and tell them the truth. He had not seen his uncle Benjen in over five years, half a lifetime ago, they had exchanged some letters over the years which kept them in touch. But given his uncle was a ranger who often traveled beyond the wall, sometimes the letters were a lot more sparse than at others.
At least he wrote to him though, his other uncle sent a brief letter for his name day along with coin he had no need of, while he appreciated the thought he always found the letters to be a disappointment. Brief and brisk and to the point and with no feeling in them whatsoever, compared to Benjen's they were terse, the rest of his family weren't much better though, except for Sansa. His brother barely wrote and it too had turned into a brief letter on his name day, which wished him well but that was it, his other two siblings were far too young.
Arya would not remember him he knew that and it made him sad, while Bran he had not met yet, so it was left to Sansa to be the one who kept in touch the most. The letters she sent always made him smile, how much she appreciated his in return, how she thanked him for his gifts and asked how he was. He couldn't help but smile when he looked at his chest as he packed it, his presents this time were numerous for her.
He knew Loras and the others teased him for spending his coin so, for the amount of gifts he bought, but he cared not, he had no need of the coin he earned or was gifted, his uncle sent him an allowance and Jaime was generous to a fault. He had won coin in a tourney or by betting and still he had been unable to spend it all, luckily with the tourney win in Kings Landing he and Margaery had found a much better use for it. Thinking of Margaery he almost slapped his head, he'd forgotten, with all that had occurred here he'd forgotten.
Picking up the letter he immediately left his room, his chest was packed and ready to go and once they broke their fast it would be time to leave, but first he needed to send a letter to Highgarden. The full more in depth letter he'd send back with The Lion's Roar, but this one was a smaller one which could be carried by raven. As he left the room though he had no wish to go speak to the Maester again, even if he would be friendlier this time knowing he was Jaime's squire.
"Do you know where Ser Wylis or Ser Wendel are?" he said turning to one of the serving girls he met on his way to the hall.
"Aye milord, Ser Wylis is breaking his fast with the others, Ser Wendel is in the library."
"Where is that?" Jon asked.
"It's just down the corridor milord, before you come to the hall, it's the large double door."
"Thank you ehhhmm?"
"Mara milord."
"Thank you Mara." Jon said with a nod.
He found the library easily enough and was surprised by how large it was, Winterfell had a pretty extensive library and Casterly Rock's under Tyrion's guidance was almost as large. But Jon knew that northerners while keeping the knowledge they had and having Maester's who managed libraries, didn't particularly care to spend on such frivolities as they viewed them. The Manderly's though had no such issue and he was sorry now they had not found this out before he left, Tyrion's enthusiasm for reading something he had acquired also.
"Ser Wendel." he said seeing the man placing a book back on the shelf.
"Ah Jon, sorry I didn't see you there, how fares you this morn."
"I'm good Ser, we shall be departing later, I came to bid you farewell and to ask a favor."
"Aye, we'll miss you here lad, it was good to have you visit, now what favor would you have me do." Ser Wendel said a large grin on his face.
"I was hoping you could send a raven for me Ser?"
"Of course lad, to your father is it?"
"Ehmm no Ser, it's to Highgarden, to a friend."
"Of course lad, I'll see it done, now go break your fast, before there's nothing left for you to eat." Wendel japed as Jon handed him the letter.
"I thank you Ser, you and your family for the welcome and for making me feel at home, it means a lot to me Ser. " Jon said his sincerity clear in his tone.
"Don't mention it lad, we were more than happy to have you here." Wendel said and patted him on his shoulder,
Jon nodded to the knight and left the library happy that his letter to Margaery would be delivered, he made his way to the hall to break his fast, seeing Loras sitting with the Reeds while Howland was talking to Wyman and Wylis. He walked in and was surprised to see Ghost sitting down beside lady Lynesse, the woman giggling as she fed the hungry wolf sausages. He shook his head, how the wolf did it he had no idea, but the damn thing had a way with the ladies that was for sure. Ghost looked up at him with an almost smug grin on his face as he was fed yet another sausage.
"Ah young Jon come sit." Wyman said when he saw him.
"I thank you my lord." Jon said grabbing a plate and taking a seat beside the two northern lords and the heir to White Harbor.
"So off to the wall today then is it Jon?" Wylis said "You're not thinking of taking the black on us are you Jon" he added while shaking his head making it clear he was jesting.
"No my lord, the watch is honorable and a much needed thing, but it's not in my future." Jon said determinedly and noticing Howland's face crease before he smiled at him.
"Aye that it is Jon, but I sense far bigger things in store for you my lad." Wyman said as he looked at him.
"I thank you my lord, I only hope to do my family proud."
"You already do lad." Wyman said smiling.
As they continued eating Jon joined in on the conversation much more freely, when he began speaking to them of ice though was when things got really interesting.
"I'm sorry lad I don't follow, how could Ice be something we could make profit on?" Wyman asked.
"I'm still working it out my lord, but we can use it for a lot of things, if fire has many uses which we know it does, then surely it's sister ice can have the same benefits." Jon said and Wyman looked at him curiously.
"I have to agree with my father Jon I just don't see it." Wylis said.
"My lord, can you bring me some ice?" Jon asked
"Aye, how much would you like?" Wyman asked to loud laughs from Wylis and Howland.
"How about this much?" Jon said holding his hand out about a foot.
"Very well lad, Laurance I want you to go and grab me a chunk of ice about a foot or so." Wyman said to a tall servant.
"At once milord."
While they waited Jaime and Dacey arrived separately, though Jon was happy to see both smile at each other when they grabbed their meal to break their fast, Dacey sat beside Lynesse and her sisters while Jaime made to do likewise.
"Lord Jaime can you join us for this? young Jon here's about to show us how to make coin from ice." Wyman said a large grin on his face, though it was not a malicious one.
"Of course my lord." Jaime said and took a seat beside them.
Jon grimaced as now not only was everyone at the high table looking at him in expectation but also Loras and the Reeds and Lord Manderly's granddaughters who had since arrived were watching on intently. It took another few moments during which japes were made when Jon got up and grabbed a jug of milk, before Laurance returned.
"Here you are milord." Laurance said placing a large clear chunk of ice over a foot long and half as wide on the table.
"May I have a dagger please?" Jon said and Howland handed him a bone handled knife.
He began chipping away at the ice ignoring the smallest chips he picked up a few which were bigger than an eye, Ghost decided then to come over and Jon threw one in the air which the wolf caught before he crunched it in his mouth to much laughter. When he had a fair few of the eye sized chunks Jon placed a few in some mugs before pouring in milk over them, waiting for a moment he then took a drink from one of them.
"My lords if you will?" he said handing both Jaime and Wyman a mug each.
The two lords took a cautious sip of the milk before they took a larger one, the looks on their faces one of surprise. Each took a larger swallow the next time and Wyman smiled while looking at him before turning to one of his serving girls.
"Pala, a jug of ale please."
"At once my lord." the girl said rushing to grab him his ale.
"It's good then father?" Wylis said looking at him.
"Wait until the ale comes Wylis." Wyman said with a smirk.
Jaime looked at him before turning to Dacey and bringing her the mug, Jon watched as she took a sip and saw the smile on her face, he motioned to Loras to do the same, pretty soon everyone had tried some milk with ice. It didn't take too long for Pala to return, after handing Wyman the jug of ale he handed it to Wylis to take a swallow without the ice which he did, Wyman then picked up the ice chunks and dropped some in, waiting a moment he took a swallow and his expression was the same one Jon had seen when he tasted his favorite dishes.
"Here try this." he said handing it to Wylis who too made the same facial expression.
"Howland you need to try it." Wylis said.
Pretty soon more ale was brought and more ice chunks added, the best reaction of all though had to be the Smalljon's when he arrived to break his fast, when he saw people were already drinking ale he immediately joined in, hunger quickly forgotten. When he tasted the ale with the ice in it he was exuberant in it's praises.
"Where have you been all me life?" he said looking at the mug before swallowing.
It was on the second mug it happened, had it not been for the Smalljon they'd have probably never have discovered it, but apparently drinking something that cold, that quickly, led to an enormous headache.
"My head, my head, it feels like it's about to explode." the Smalljon lamented loudly.
So wrapped up with the pain in his head was he that even when Ghost went over to lick his hand he didn't react, a few moments later when the pain had cleared though he was back drinking again, slower this time his lesson learned it would seem.
"That's just one of the things we can do my lord, once we've figured how to transport it, then places like the Reach would purchase it from us, I've no doubt." Jon said and Wyman laughed loudly before speaking.
"Aye, just for their drinks alone Jon, but what other uses can you see for it?"
"I don't know yet my lord, but I'm sure I'll find some." Jon said.
"I've no doubt of it." Wyman said nodding to him.
Jaime too gave him a nod when they went back to breaking their fast, once finished, he went to his room and helped move his chests to the cart before heading back to the stables to saddle Winter and Honor. Leading the horses to the courtyard he found lord Wyman there with his family to wave them off, so he walked over to bid them his farewells.
"I thank you my lord for the welcome I received, I shall not forget your kindness." Jon said with a small bow.
"Think nothing of it lad, it was a pleasure to have you here, I hope you'll visit again."
"Undoubtedly my lord." Jon said before moving to say goodbye to the rest of Lord Wyman's family.
Once he done so he walked to Lord Reed who was saying goodbye to his children, Jojen and Meera both given their father large hugs.
"Lord Reed, I thank you for everything, you've been a great help to me my lord always and I'm most thankful for your counsel."
"It's my pleasure Jon, I look forward to seeing you again soon."
"I do too my lord."
Once everyone was ready Jon walked back to Winter, his mare was a little more downbeat than usual, so he leaned in and closed his eyes, feeling the horse loosen up and become more lively. Jon had begun to think of the ride they would go on, the fact that the boat journey would be shorter and from then on it would be riding all the way. Winter practically nodded her head at him when he opened his eyes and he turned to see Jojen look at him with a smile. With that he mounted and he waved to Lord Wyman and his family as they set off, the large lord looking at him with intrigue.
Wyman.
Breaking his fast that morning the last thing he had expected was to find another source of income, but the idea that coin could be made from ice was too large an opportunity to pass up despite his disbelief at such a thing. When he'd tasted the milk though and especially the ale, he could see the potential benefits, both here in Westeros and especially in Essos. Dorne would be a huge market simply for the potential of being able to cool things down but they were not fully ready for such a thing yet, while drinks being cooled would be useful, they needed something more, some other use.
There was also the problem of transporting the ice itself something his Maester had no idea about, the man had not even thought that there would be a use for ice in drinking until he had brought it up. Though to be fair neither had Wyman until Jon had done so, every time he thought he knew what the boy was capable of he ended up being surprised. Had he been in any doubt that it was Jon that came up with the ideas which had made him richer, than just seeing him this morning would have ended that.
But this one could be even more lucrative since they were the only kingdom with ice to spare, they also had the transport routes already in place, should the lad come up with the ideas to transport it and find other uses, the benefits could be huge. As he sat eating his lamprey pie he thought more on the boy and how Howland had skirted around the edges of things when they spoke, he thought of the boy's looks, but mainly he thought of the farewell and the strange feeling that had come over him when he saw the lad with his horse.
" What's Jon doing?" Wynafred said making him look to the lad.
" I don't know my love, father?" Wylis asked.
But Wyman had been far too busy looking at the lad to answer at the time, watching as he and the horse were almost becoming one, as the horse's mood changed from sullen and withdrawn to almost giddy, he had smiled looking at it as the lad had jumped onto the mare. He had almost pictured her there the fierce girl he'd known from years ago, as he took another piece of the pie he almost choked, coughing and spluttering as the realization hit him.
"Are you all right, father, are you all right." Wendell said worriedly from beside him.
"Water." he coughed.
"Here you go father." Wendel said and he greedily drank the water down clearing the pastry from his throat.
"Aye, I'm fine Wendel, just went down wrong." Wyman said shaking his head to clear his mind.
Could it be? Was he imagining it? He began to ponder it in his mind, draining the water he asked for another and this one he sipped as he thought back on those many years before, of a she wolf who could not be tamed and a stag who couldn't accept it, he cursed that Howland had left already, the man would be a fair distance away by now. Should he send men after him? Was he losing his mind?
Or was Jon Snow not the son of a wolf at all, but a dragon hiding in wolf's clothing.