Highgarden 295 AC.
Richard.
He had collected whispers from his lips and it had delayed him, so by the time he got to Highgarden he found things to be far different than he had expected. Upon hearing what had happened he had sent a note to Jaime and soon found himself a room and a place to stay. He was surprised it was Arthur who came to see him but then it was probably for the best he not be seen for now.
"You heard?" Arthur said as he walked into his room.
"What the hell happened?"
"I'd blame our reckless king but he blames himself already, not that it's his fault."
"Arthur?"
"He provoked the boy at the feast, got him to shame himself a little, no a lot."
"Why?"
"To give Stark a way out of the betrothal."
"What happened with the wolf?" he asked and Arthur chuckled.
"You'll see at the Melee, we're to have a trial by combat for a wolf, Richard." Arthur said and began to explain exactly what had happened.
"He really pulled a knife on the girl?"
"He did, gods had he harmed her, I think we'd have new king already."
"And a gutted prince, Arthur."
"That too."
"Who's he facing?" he asked.
"Blount." Arthur said and Richard laughed loudly.
"Well, it'll be quick then."
"It's to a yield, Richard."
"Quicker then."
"What of you, where've you been?"
"Around, trying to find out more about our friend Moptatis, and keeping an eye on the fishes."
"And?"
"The fishes are quiet, though I doubt for long, as for Mopatis I need to speak to Oberyn about his man."
"We were lucky he was riding yesterday, it's bad enough one reckless king without a reckless prince thrown in." Arthur said and he couldn't agree more.
"How is the king?"
"He's good, he'll wish to see you."
"Aye, I wish to see him too, I have some other news for him, some whispers from the Vale about our friend Littlefinger and some moves he's making."
"I'd better get back, it's good to see you, Richard, I'll speak to the king and arrange for you to meet."
"Thanks, Arthur."
He made his way to the tourney grounds once Arthur had left, he was looking forward to seeing his king compete and now to see a Kingsguard humbled. He was looking around them when the white wolf found him, how he did so he had no idea and it made him nervous for quite some time as it followed after him. When it grabbed his hand he almost soiled himself, but looking into its eyes something made him decide to follow it.
The wolf led him past the stalls and into the gardens of Highgarden, down past the labyrinth and around the back, through entrances in hedges and bushes that at first glance seemed to be dead ends. Finally, he saw Walder and Jors and knew then the wolf was bringing him to his king and when he walked past them he saw him sitting on a bench.
"Richard."
"Jon." he said and the king smiled at him.
"We're safe enough here Richard, though I much prefer you calling me that."
"It's good to see you again my… Jon." he said when the king looked at him.
"You too Richard, Arthur told me you were here so I sent my friend to find you." he said rubbing the wolf's fur.
"Did you warg into him?"
"I didn't have to, we're connected he and I, it's hard to explain but I can close my eyes and know where he is, what he's doing. I can warg and see with his eyes, but it's more than that, I don't know if it's the more we've been connected or just the connection getting stronger."
"A nice trick."
"We'll see. Arthur said you had word on Littlefinger?"
"I do, he's making some moves in the Vale, buying up debts, Corbray, Waynwood."
"Why?" the king asked curiously.
"If they owe him they'll need to pay him back."
"He's not doing this for coin." Jon said and he nodded.
"That's not the only way people can pay you back."
"He can't sway the Vale, Richard, not with Jon Arryn alive."
"No, he can't."
"You think he's thinking long term?"
"I do, not only is Jon Arryn not a young man, but given Littlefinger's relationship with his wife and what we know of the boy, I think he's laying the groundwork to turn the Vale to him should Jon Arryn fall."
"Or be pushed, Richard."
"Indeed."
"I think it's time you came out of the shadows Richard, to our friends at least. Oberyn and Jaime know of you and Lady Olenna knows of you if not who you are, I think it's time we all spoke."
"Of course."
"I'm to be married Richard, Margaery, and I, we've spoken to Lady Olenna, and when it's time we're to be wed." the king said a soft smile on his face.
"Congratulations, a good match and one that pleases you?" he asked having already known the deal had been done between the Lannister's and Olenna.
"It does, you heard of the prince?"
"Arthur told me, he said you were most reckless." he said with a chuckle though the king didn't join in.
"I need him watched more carefully. I underestimated him, Richard, even with your reports, he's far crueler than I had expected, far more dangerous."
"I know."
"His brother and sister, does he, can we.."
"He doesn't any longer, Ser Richard Horpe brought it to Barristan's attention, he's a good man Jon, a man we could use."
"What makes you say that?"
"Barristan." he said and the king nodded.
"I need to speak to you all, gods there is so much to do."
"I know, we're all here to help you Jon."
"I'm most grateful for it Richard. What can you tell me of Blount?"
"That Gerion is in no danger whatsoever." he said and saw the king breathe out in relief.
"Anything else I need to know?"
"Nothing that can't wait Jon."
"Thank you, Richard, it's good to see you truly."
He nodded as the king got up and walked away, then followed after him a few moments later soon finding himself back on the tourney grounds, he grabbed something to eat and made his way to the seats. The melee would begin soon and he did like a good fight, something he'd not see when Gerion fought Boros Blount.
Highgarden 295 AC.
Gerion.
Unsurprisingly it had been Genna who came to argue with him first, though how his sister had missed things was beyond him, and when he did explain it to her he had to restrain her from going to take Joffrey's hand herself.
" He did what, to my niece, he did what?" she said her face full of fury.
" He pulled a knife Genna, Cregan stood in front of him and then the wolf came, that damn witch of a niece of ours tried to first have the boy's hand and then the wolf's pelt."
" Where's Joy?"
" She's with Jon." he said and she nodded.
" Who are you fighting?"
" Blount, I think the king was embarrassed by the whole thing."
" Embarrassed he should be fucking ashamed of it, what in the seven hells is wrong with them, are they really that stupid?
" Arrogant." he replied.
" I'll go see my niece, but dammit Gerion you can't be risking yourself, even if it's the right thing to do."
" I know." he said and though he didn't believe it he would allow her to have this.
He went to visit Joy and found her asleep, Jon telling him he'd stay in her room that night. So he and the rest of his family skipped the feast to welcome Stannis and Renly, showing their displeasure as clearly as they could without going full-on. He sat down with Jaime and they had discussed Cersei, discussed what to do, technically he supposed she hadn't broken their agreement, but he wondered if she needed to be warned again or was it time to do more.
In the end they decided now wasn't the time, there were far too many eyes on them, far too many people would take notice and beside the events were in motion already. Nothing could stop what was about to happen, the trial by combat would take place, so they may as well concentrate on that. After eating and then checking on Joy again he made his way to his room and was no sooner inside then the knock came at his door.
"Lyarra?" he said surprised when he opened it.
"Can I come in?" she asked and he nodded.
"Of course."
She walked into the room and he closed the door, no sooner had he than she kissed him catching him so completely by surprise that it took him a moment to kiss her back. Reluctantly he stopped the kiss to look at her face, not sure why she had decided to come to him then. They had spoken, had eaten together more than once, and had flirted often, but nothing had actually happened between them, until now.
"Ashara?" he asked.
"You're an idiot, what are you thinking fighting for a wolf?" she said her annoyance clear.
"It's not just a wolf Ashara, it's Cregan's, he stood up for her, had he not, had Dusk not." he paused taking a breath "and they wanted to punish him for that, to kill the wolf, no, I'll not have it."
"Why are men so damn foolish, Gerion I can't… I can't be with another reckless man, I won't…"
"I'm sorry, Ashara." he said and she allowed him to take her in his arms "I'm sorry."
They stood like that for a few moments before he looked down into her eyes, seeing her face clearly as she looked at him. This time the kiss was longer, more relaxed, and he felt himself melt in her arms. When they finished he smiled as reassuringly as he could, brushed her hair from her face, and was relieved when she smiled too.
"Promise me this is the last reckless thing you'll do." she said.
"I promise." he replied and she kissed him again before walking to the door "Ashara?"
"We'll speak on the morrow, sleep well you have a Kingsguard to put in the dust." she said.
"He's barely a man Ashara, let alone a Kingsguard."
"Just be careful Gerion." she said finally as she left.
He looked at the door and felt his fingers go to his lips and he knew he was smiling. This wasn't why he had stepped forward but he was more than glad of it, more than happy it had brought her to his room. He was woken early the next morning by Jon and Jaime, so early it was barely light out and he almost cursed them until he found what they were there for.
"What do you two want?"
"A spar." Jon said and Gerion couldn't help but chuckle.
"Give me a few moments."
After dressing he followed them down to the gardens, Jon leading the way with Walder and Jors and Jaime's own guards following behind.
"No Ghost today?" he asked and Jon laughed.
"Lazy sod wouldn't get up, just gave me a look that basically said, go away."
"Damn why didn't I think of that." he said and Jaime laughed.
"Because you're nowhere near as clever as Ghost, uncle" Jaime said and he shook his head wide awake now.
The place Jon brought them was secluded, an empty square with just a bench and he wondered had Margaery showed him how to find it. He was surprised when Jaime threw him a tourney sword and even more when it was to be Jon he faced, the two of them having never really sparred before. A few moments later he was glad they hadn't, Gerion was a good swordsman, better than good, sure his nephew had him beat and there were far better ones than him out there.
But being beaten by a ten and two nameday old was a humbling experience, one which only got worst a few moments later when Jaime dismantled him also. He looked at the two of them wondering what the hell this had proven? How this was supposed to help him? When he caught both of them smiling at first at each other and then at him.
"What?"
"You've gotten better." Jaime said surprising him.
"You both easily beat me." he said.
"Aye, but you've still gotten better, Jon wanted to see if there was anything we could teach you, any pointers we could give. I tried to tell him they wouldn't be needed, not just that I know how good you were, but I know Blount too."
"And?" he asked looking to Jon.
"There may be moves we could teach you, but you won't need them." Jaime said "Besides you're loosened up and still in practice, I think that's all he needed to see." Jaime continued as he pointed to Jon who was speaking to Walder and Jors.
After breaking his fast he spent most of the morning with Joy, Jon had gone off somewhere alone and Kevan had come by to wish him good fortune and so he sat with his daughter, happy to see she seemed in better spirits. He was about to tell her of the Trial by Combat when she brought it up first.
"Jon says you're fighting the bad man, the one who was with Joffrey?" she asked.
"I am, they wanted to hurt you, princess, then Cregan and now Dusk."
"And you wouldn't let them, you're fighting him for me, Jon said so." she said and he smiled and told himself to thank Jon for that later.
"I am."
"Jon said you'll win?" she asked nervously.
"I will princess."
"Promise?" she said looking at him her eyes wide.
"Promise." he said and she ran to him holding him tight.
"Love you papa."
"I love you too princess." he said kissing her forehead.
Highgarden 295 AC.
Oberyn.
He cursed himself for missing it, for not being there when it all went down, for not seeing a prince put in his place. Ellaria though seemed happy about it, relieved that they had not been near enough to do anything about it. Something that at first made him angry with her, but the more he thought about it the more it seemed she was right. Had he been there he'd have said something, done something, he'd be in this fight today and for some reason, he doubted that the fat stag would have made it so easy for him.
Still, when they'd returned from their ride he had been furious with the king and prince, that he would use a knife of all things, a knife because a girl dared speak up to him. He had stewed in his anger, later on, it was made worse by being forced to attend a feast he had no wish to be at, a feast he had tried to get out of only for Jon to ask him to go to instead.
"You're still upset? Ellaria said as he dressed.
"I am, we should have skipped the feast."
"Jon was right Oberyn, the Lannister's and the Starks was one thing, had we done so also far too many questions would have been asked."
"I know, well at least Obara has calmed down." he said and his paramour laughed.
"What was that knights name?"
"Massey, Ser Justin Massey." he said a smirk on his face "The first to be speared today I wager."
"Fitting is it not, he wished to use his spear on our daughter and now another will use hers on him." Ellaria said and he laughed loudly then, his spirits completely lifted.
"And that is just one more reason I love you." he said walking over and kissing her lips.
They had ridden out the morning before, Willas giving them some of his best horses and telling them of a place a few miles away where he could put one through its paces. His own horse had come up lame and would be unable to be ridden in the joust and so he'd gone to his friend, who'd not only given him a replacement but provided some for Ellaria and his girls too.
He had enjoyed himself so much breaking the horse in that they'd lost track of time and would have arrived back late for the melee had things not gone how they had. By the time he'd found out what had happened, it was over, Gerion already set up to fight in a Trial by Combat for a wolf. It had taken him until much later that night to speak to his nephew, the boy spending his time with Joy and it reminded him of Elia so much he could barely look at him when he sat on the bed with her.
" I should have been here nephew."
" What could you have done that wasn't uncle? If anything it's for the best you weren't."
" What?" he asked a little hurt by that.
" I don't mean it like that, I mean I need you to go to the feast."
" No, I don't wish to spend time with the fat stag usually, after this I have no desire to see him and his children."
" I know, but for me and the Lannister's, for my uncle and the Starks, our absence will create a stir, but it's understandable, yours would not be. Besides I need to know how they act, how people act around them."
" Olenna could tell you."
" Two views are better than one uncle." and so he had reluctantly agreed to go and watched a knight make a fool of himself and paint a target on his back.
When he was finished dressing he and Ellaria went to break their fast, finding his daughters and Ser Daemon already doing so, Obara sitting with a smirk on her face thinking of the prey she'd be devouring later. They had no sooner took their seats than it began, his daughters making barbs at each other to grab his attention, though Obara seemed above it this morning.
"What's wrong daughter, thinking of a gallant knight?" he said with a smirk which was soon returned with a frown.
"On his arse in the dirt, yes I am father." Obara said with a devious grin on his face.
"He was drunk Obara." Nym said and he shook his head and waited for the fight to begin, glad when it did not.
The meal was over far too quickly as he had begun to enjoy the banter, even when the talk had turned to the Trial by Combat.
"Can Lord Gerion beat a Kingsguard?" Nym asked.
"I've never seen him fight, nor the Kingsguard." Daemon said with a shrug.
"Your sisters could beat this particular Kingsguard." Oberyn said and Obara scowled at him "Dorea and Loreza" he said a moment later and even Obara laughed at that.
It was true though, over the years he'd kept well acquainted with the Kingsguard. Barristan would be a match for even him, one he wasn't sure he would win. Ser Arys, Ser Richard, Ser Mandon, were all above competent swordsman, Boros Blount was anything but. How that man had earned a white cloak was beyond him and why he'd been chosen to face Gerion he didn't understand.
"Come we'll be late." he said and he looked to Daemon and nodded, needing no more words to tell the knight to look out for his daughter in the melee.
He had thought of entering it himself, there were some very worthy foes competing but he had decided not to, decided to forego it and compete in the joust instead. The night he spent with Ellaria after crowning her his queen one he dearly wished to repeat. They soon made their way to the tourney grounds and he had to give Mace credit, they really did know how to make a spectacle.
Looking around he found his seats to be close but not close enough to Jon and the Lannsiters, though sitting with the Northern Lords would be fun in of itself. Once they took them he looked to see Jon sitting with Joy, holding the girl's hand in his and he smiled when his nephew caught his eye. Then like everyone else, he waited for the king and queen to arrive, for the vicious idiot they called a prince to come and for the day's festivities to begin.
Highgarden 295 AC.
Robert.
Not only wouldn't the headache go away, but it was sitting at his table this morning, both of them, and he felt the pounding in his head. He tried to tune them out, tried to ignore their incessant moaning but found he could not, and so he ate far quicker than he usually did, and much less, before saying his goodbyes to his far less annoying children and calling for Ser Barristan.
Had he needed more proof that his wife was a witch and son a fool then the feast the night before would have been it. He expected the Lannister's wouldn't attend and he in some ways was happy for it, but to see Ned hadn't, that his family hadn't, while Stannis ground his teeth and Renly and Littlefinger argued about the slight, he shook his head.
Slighted, damn right they should be slighted after what his idiot of a son had done, he was lucky it had happened when he'd just begun to drink, rather than later in the day. He knew he shouldn't, knew without Jon there with him that he should not partake as much until the feasts themselves, but it was easy for Jon, he didn't have to listen to Cersei, he didn't have to look at Joffrey and feel the disappointment that he felt.
"You asked for me your grace?" Ser Barristan said when he entered.
"Aye I did, Blount he's ready?"
"He is your grace."
"Good, I need you to do something for me Ser Barristan, I need you to bring Ned to me, he'll argue no doubt, come up with some excuse, but I need you to press it's importance Ser."
"Of course your grace."
"Thank you Ser Barristan." he said as the knight left.
All night he had tried to forget the events of the day, even buried deep in the servant he couldn't and was barely able to spend more than once. Usually when he drank enough, when he was in the midst of his coupling the world would fade away, his worries, his regrets would all leave him. Last night he had found they had not, they would not and even without his wife and son's presence this morning, that would have caused his head to ache alone.
It was clear at the feast how people felt, clear in how Stannis looked at his son, and while he may have not been the most dutiful king, he was still king and he needed to fix this, he needed to do something right. He just hoped Ned would listen, that he'd accept his apology and his offer, that he'd allow for their houses to be joined as they always should have been.
"Your grace, Lord Stark is without." Ser Barristan said and he bid him bring him in, taking a mouthful of the water he'd been drinking all morning and ignoring the pressure building on his bladder.
"Ned, sit please."
"Your grace."
"Dammit Ned, I told you, not you." he said his voice almost pleading.
"Robert." his brother by choice said and he felt the smile appear on his face.
"I'm sorry Ned, about the wolf. I know it's not one of your own but your boy was right, I should have listened."
"Aye, you should have."
"I fixed it though Ned, I allowed the damn trial to take place, Gerion will win and it'll be done."
"What if he doesn't Robert, have you thought of that?"
"My youngest son could beat Blount, Ned, why did you think I picked him."
"I don't understand?"
"If I wished to see Gerion lose I'd have picked Barristan, Ned, if I wanted to see a damn fight I'd have picked Ser Richard or Ser Arys, why do you think I picked Blount?" he asked and saw Ned see it then.
"You wish him to lose?"
"I need him to lose, Ned, gods' what a damn fucking mess this has turned into."
"Aye, Robert it has."
"I wished for a betrothal Ned, your girl, and my son."
"Robert no, I'll not marry Sansa to that boy, I'm sorry, you're my friend, my king, and I ask you not to force my hand on this." Ned said angrily.
"Ned I…"
"No, Robert, I'll not be a part of it."
"Dammit Ned let me finish before you take my head off." he said angrily.
"I'm sorry your grace."
"Ah fucking piss on that, in here I'm not your king, I'm your friend, your brother by choice, had things gone how they should we'd be goodbrothers for fuck's sake."
"Robert."
"I wished for a betrothal Ned, to join our houses, I'm blind, not a fucking fool, I know it cannot be, I wouldn't inflict that boy on your girl, no matter how much I want us joined."
"I don't understand?"
"Myrcella."
"Your daughter?" Ned asked confused.
"Aye, my daughter, she's a good girl Ned, a different sort than her brother, she and Tommen, they're… they're…." he said and had to bite back the tightness of his throat.
"Robert, I'm to announce a match for Robb later, he and Lady Wynafred."
"I'm not asking for your damn heir Ned." he said his temper rising with each block Ned seemed to put up.
"Bran?"
"Aye, your youngest lad, he seems a good lad and he's yours so he'll be just like your other boys, hell if young Jon was trueborn I'd have asked for him, almost did anyway with Mya." he said smiling as he thought of his other daughter.
"Your girl in he Vale?"
"Aye, when I met your lad I thought them a good match, I'd have given them a keep or paid for one in the North for them, but she's found herself a match, she's happy Ned. I'd like that for at least one of my children, so what say you?"
"Robert, they're too young."
"Ha, I'll not marry them now Ned."
"So in the future? he's to be a knight Robert, to squire for his granduncle."
"The Blackfish, that's even more of a reason, had I not been convinced alone by him being your son then that would do for me."
"We announce it later Robert, not publicly, they're children let them be children a little while longer."
"Aye, but you agree, you'll accept the match?" he asked almost nervously.
"I will." Ned said and he jumped up and walked from around the table grabbing his friend in a hug, his smile beaming and for the first time in so many years, he actually felt happy.
"Good, thank you, old friend."
"Robert, about the prince?"
"Don't worry about the little shit Ned, I'll sort him out. Now come we've got a damn melee to attend and a Kingsguard to see knocked on his arse and I've been damn sober for too long." he said laughing as they walked to the door.
He had done it, he'd done something right, something good and for the first time he didn't feel the weight of the crown, the weight of being a father, for the first time he felt how he'd always wished to feel, he felt like a king.
Highgarden 295 AC.
Jon.
After speaking to Richard he had gone to see Lady Olenna and his uncle finding only one of those available to talk to, his uncle having been asked to meet the king. Once the giant guards had led him inside he waited while Olenna spoke to her grandsons and then for Garlan to give him a nod and remind him of their rematch as he left, before Olenna called him into the room.
"Your grace." she said and he chuckled.
"Really, we're doing that now?" he said and saw the grin on Willas's face.
"Very well Jon, how can we help you?" Willas asked and he took a seat.
"We need to speak my lady, all of us, my uncles, both of them." he said when Willas looked at him strangely "Oberyn is my uncle also Lord Willas."
"Ah."
"We need to speak my lady on our plans for the future. I also wish you to meet my man, my Master of Whisperers, though I believe you may have met before."
"We have?" she asked and he nodded.
"Ser Richard Lonmouth my lady." he said and caught the surprised look on both their faces.
"Well played Jon." Olenna said a small smirk on hers now.
"I don't know if it's safe for us all to speak Jon, what if someone sees us meet?" Willas asked.
"Is there a place we could all meet, somewhere with more than one way to it?"
"The old dining room?" Willas said and Olenna nodded before he turned to him "It's in the middle of a corridor and is open at both ends."
"That'll work, I can ensure no one sees us enter my lady." he said and she smirked before he wiped the smile off her face by handing her a note."
"How do you know this?"
"I was a mouse before I was a wolf, my lady, even in this place mice move around." he said and she laughed as she handed Willas the note.
"It's a damn shame that warging of yours can't be taught." Olenna said.
"We should turn her my lady, rather than dismiss her, a spy you own is far better than one you've gotten rid of."
"He's right grandmother." Willas said.
"You know he came to me looking for Margaery's hand? Trying to play a game behind the king's back is our small fingered friend." Olenna said.
"One thing I've learned about playing this game my lady, it's impossible to do so when you don't understand the board." he said and she chuckled at that.
"I have a request for you Jon, something I'd like you to do for me."
"Ask me anything if I can I will, my lady."
"Alerie, I wish you to speak to her, I wish you to tell her about you and my granddaughter."
"She doesn't know?" he asked surprised.
"She does, but I want you to speak to her anyway."
"Then I will my lady, can you let me know when you've made the arrangements?"
"We will Jon." Willas said as Jon stood up.
"Lady Olenna, Lord Willas."
"Your grace." Olenna said and he laughed again as he left.
He knew he was cutting it fine and so he practically ran to Joy's room to ready her for the day's events, happy to find her with Genna and her children. The others had already gone to the tourney grounds and so Jon, Genna, Joy and the boys all walked together, Genna looking more nervous then she should be.
"He will be safe my lady, I swear it." he whispered and she nodded seeming slightly more relieved.
He held Joy's hand as they walked and when they arrived at the tourney grounds he found his sister's and brothers sitting alone with Lady Jonelle and still no sign of his uncle. Taking his seat he smacked his head over elaborately and turned to Joy who was looking at him confused, smirking he leaned down and whispered in her ear making her laugh and then got up and motioned for Loras and Cregan to join him.
"Jon gone for pen nuts." Joy said giggling as he walked from the seats.
They were back no more than a few moments later and he handed Joy her bag and his sister's theirs. He looked to Margaery and then handed Loras another for her before he took his seat and they waited for the king and queen to arrive. His uncle arrived first and by then Jon had spotted Oberyn and nodded to him, while looking through the crowd he had seen Richard too and was glad he was there.
Soon they all had to rise for the King and Queen and he found himself glaring at the prince, but they were quickly seated again and he was happy to see the boy was now out of their eye line. He held Joy's hand when Gerion and Blount entered, the mere fact this man was wearing a cloak made famous by legends was an affront to him. He had lost two great knights when he was born, had lost another in the Riverlands, the men who surrounded him were men of honor, Blount was not and for the first time, Jon began to worry.
Holding Joy's hand even tighter he closed his eyes and looked for the nearest door, quickly finding one of Willas's hawks, it took him a few moments, the cage door awkward to open with a beak and he didn't have time to think if it was learned behavior he was teaching the bird. Soon he was airborne and then he looked down and watched the two men stand and get ready to face each other. Joy's grabbing of his hand tightly pulled him from the bird and he turned to her and whispered it would be alright in her ear, feeling her relax.
"My lords and Ladies, before the melee begins, we present a trial by combat, this fight is to a yield, not the death and should Lord Gerion Lannister prevail then no future action will be taken. Should Ser Boros prevail then by his grace's orders the wolf shall be killed. Your graces, my lords and ladies, I give you the Trial by Combat." the herald said and as he did so Jon went looking for the door again."
Looking down from a hawk's eye view on a duel was like nothing he'd ever experienced, he could see things he had never noticed, things in both men's stances, one perfect the other incredibly flawed. He could see the movements seeming to be slower than with his own eyes, seeming to be more measured though he didn't see them for long.
"I yield." Boros said after no more than two parries, his sword falling to the ground.
Jon flew closer, a man with no honor can't be expected to behave honorably, and this man was in league with Cersei and the poncy prince. Would he accept defeat and walk away or would he try something, wait until Gerion had turned his back, the hawk's wings barely moved as he looked and waited.
"Your graces, my lords and ladies, Lord Gerion is declared the victor, the trial by combat has ended." the herald said and Robert stood up.
"Let this be an end to this nonsense, the gods have declared their judgment, Lord Gerion, Ser Boros." Robert said and Gerion went to move away.
He watched as Blount seemed to hesitate for a moment and then made a move to his hip when Gerion turned away. Screeching as loud as he could, Gerion turned to look up while Boros jumped in surprise and the knife fell to the ground as the crowd gasped. He looked on as Gerion moved to the knight, the punch and knee to the head coming quickly, and when the man fell it was clear he'd been knocked unconscious, so Jon then allowed the hawk to fly free, knowing he'd return to his cage later.
"See Joy, I told you papa would win." he said and she giggled.
"Pen nut Jon?"
"Why thank you, my lady."
Highgarden 295 AC.
The Melee.
Obara.
She had looked on as the so-called trial by combat had taken place laughing upon seeing the fat Kingsguard fall. That he had gone for a knife wasn't a surprise to her, cowards always waited until you turned your back on them. But the hawk had alerted Gerion and she'd laughed as he'd beaten the man, even if it hadn't lasted nearly long enough. Looking as the hawk flew off she wondered, Was it, Jon? Had her cousin intervened? Or was it just something random?.
She didn't have time to find out, it was time, the melee was set to begin and she looked around to see her competition. Lady Dacey was there with her sisters, all three carrying maces and she hoped not to face any of them today, the painful lesson of the last time still clear. There were men of the Vale, men of the Riverlands and the West, though it was the two giant Northmen she worried about.
When she saw him though everyone else faded from her view, Ser Justin Massey, the smiling knight, she'd make him smile alright she thought and almost laughed at it. He had insulted her and she'd been forced to accept it, forced to do nothing about it and so she had not, but today, now, here, she would.
" What's that blond fucker smiling at?" she asked Nym.
" I think he likes me." her sister said and she rolled her eyes.
" Moved on from Ser Daemon, sister?"
" A girl has needs, not that you'd know sister." Nym said and she chuckled.
" Some of us are more discerning."
" Life's too short for discerning." Nym replied and this time Obara laughed.
" My ladies." the smiling knight said and she glowered at him "I was wondering my lady if you'd honor me with a dance?" he said turning to Nym.
" Why would she want to dance with you?" Obara asked before Nym could respond.
" I was asking the beautiful lady beside you, I'm sure if you wait around long enough someone will eventually ask for you to dance." he said with a smirk.
" I find I have no wish to dance with you Ser." Nym said and the knight walked away "I'm sorry sis, he's an idiot."
He was and he would be her idiot this day, on her spear, he would fall and she'd enjoy putting him in the dirt.
"Watch my back, he's the only one I want." She said to Daemon as they walked out onto the grounds.
Brienne.
She was nervous, though she was of a size with some of the men, taking part in a proper melee was not the same as taking part in the Squire's Duel or the Squire's Melee, this was different, you could be hurt far worse. Lady Dacey and her sisters though were fighting as was Prince Oberyn's daughter Obara, five, five women competing against over fifty men, she was proud of that, proud to be one of them.
Jon and Loras had wished her good fortune that morning, Cregan too and Dacey had come to give her reassuring words, though with a little added bite also.
" You'll do fine Brienne."
" I thank you my lady."
" Dacey, besides you won't think me a lady when I'm hitting you with my mace." Dacey said and Brienne laughed with her.
As she moved out, as she moved closer to the beginning of the melee she felt her palms sweat, felt her chest tighten. She tried to loosen up, tried to relax, but found she couldn't as she was taut and tight like a bowstring ready to snap and so she closed her eyes and breathed deeply. If she couldn't change how she was feeling then she would use it and as she opened her eyes she began to assess her completion.
The Great and Smalljon's, Walder, Lyle Crakehall, Yohn Royce and his sons, the Blackfish, Lady Dacey and her sisters, Obara and Ser Daemon Sand. She could see Ser Rolland Storm and Lord Beric Dondarrion and many others, and once again she found her nerves begin to get he better of her. The voice which she heard then surprised her, not that she didn't know it but that he was as far as she'd aware, far from her only a moment ago.
"Relax, breathe and let the first swing of your sword be your guide." Walder said and she nodded as the herald took to his feet.
The Blackfish.
His nephew waved to him from the stands and he resisted the urge to wave back, simply nodding instead. His eyes once again going to the boy sitting with the blond girl, to Jon Snow, to his reason, or one of them for coming to this damn tourney. That his niece and nephew hadn't been invited proved the truth of Sansa's letter, that other men from the Riverlands had been, proved the truth of how perilous their position truly was.
The boy though was nothing like Cat had claimed him to be, something he had known for himself for many a year. He'd seen him in Lannisport, heard of him since then, both Arya and Bran spoke highly of him as did Sansa and Robb. He'd convinced Ned to arrange their fostering, had offered to squire Bran himself when he was knighted and that alone was more than enough. But seeing him with those around him, watching him up close, it was clear this was not a covetous bastard, this was not a boy plotting to steal his brother's inheritance.
"Your graces, my lords and ladies, welcome to the Grand Melee of the Tourney of Highgarden of 295 AC and in honor of Lady Margaery's nameday."
He tuned out the rest and instead just concentrated on the boy, on Jon Snow, there was something about him, something familiar and what it was he couldn't quite place and it annoyed him. It was clear they'd set his family up, they'd allowed for news of the boy's death to be spread and for it to reach Riverrun. Speaking to Lord Jason the day before, hearing what Edmure had done, what lady Shella had said, he felt more shamed about his house than ever.
To celebrate a child's fall, to make light of the murder of a young boy, that wasn't honorable, to do so at a feast, to stand up in front of you bannermen and to offer a toast on it was just plain idiocy. While not a man of faith he did try to keep to the teachings and the mother wouldn't look down kindly on a man who reveled in the death of a child, neither would the Lords of the Trident.
"You lost in thought old friend, I may take the day after all." Yohn said and he chuckled.
"As long as we do better than Blount." he said and Yohn almost doubled over in laughter.
"The day I fight so poorly is the day I put my sword on the wall Brynden."
"Aye, good fortune to you Yohn."
"You too old friend."
He took one last look up to the crowd, one last nod in the direction of his nephew and as he turned from Jon Snow he swore he saw a ghost. He searched the crowd once again but couldn't find him and shook his head as the man from the Stormlands came looking for a fight. Raising his sword he nodded and then chuckled, why the hell would he think he saw Ser Richard Lonmouth after all these years.
Jaime.
To say he was nervous was an understatement of epic proportions, had he not been holding his daughter he'd be out there standing by her side, sword drawn ready to protect her mother. Of course she'd slap him over the head and hit him with her mace for the thought of it, but still, he'd be there if he could. Given what had almost occurred with Gerion earlier, he'd a right to be nervous he felt.
Thankfully Jon had been watching, for he had no doubt it was he in the hawk and as he looked down on Jon and his cousins, on him pointing out to Joy who to cheer for and to Tion and Walder looking on as he named each of the competitors he smiled. If he watched out for Gerion, he'd watch out for Dacey and his wife was more than capable of watching herself regardless he thought smirking at the memory of their morning.
" Who'd you bet on?" Dacey asked.
" I never bet against family." he said and she kissed him.
" And Jon?"
" Why, want to make some coin my love?"
" Just want to know who I should keep away from." she said laughing.
" He reckons Walder will take it."
" Him or the Greatjon." Dacey said.
" Now that'll be a fight, be safe my love."
" You be safe, I'll be too busy cracking skulls." she said and moved away before he could slap her pert arse.
"Look, Joanna, there's your mother, wave to her" he said holding her little hand up.
"Give me her, you'll be far too nervous in a few moments." he heard his goodmother say
He looked at her and knew better than to argue and so he handed his daughter and caught his sister's look as he did so, the scowl on her face one he was learning to enjoy. Leaning forward he kissed his daughter's head and then turning back he smirked before he stood up.
"A Thousand Gold Dragons on Dacey Lannister." he said and found no takers "Are you not men?" he said and still nothing "Fine two to one?" no one took the bet and he sat down and his goodmother looked at him.
"Were it not my daughter I'd have taken that bet." she whispered.
"But you won't?"
"Never bet against family Jaime." she said and he smiled and then looked on nervously as the fight began.
Dacey.
"God's your husband is an idiot." Lyra said.
"Aye he is, my idiot, now speaking of idiots." She motioned to the Riverlands men coming there way.
"Ladies if you would be so kind." Lord Patrek said.
"Ha, see how kind you think I am in a moment." Lyra said and the fight had begun.
She found herself face to face with two Freys and a Bracken and quickly made for the Freys. The fight wasn't really one and lasted mere moments as they soon yielded, the Bracken though was the Lord's heir and a tougher sort, Brynden she believed he was called not that it would matter. She swung her mace and the more she did so the freer she felt, the more alive she felt, each rattle of the man's sword, each clang of the metal sounding like an old familiar song.
By the time she had beaten him Lyra had lost and she was surprised at that, almost as surprised as Lord Patrek was when he yielded to Jory, these Riverlanders had never gone hunting bears before obviously. She moved on to the next man a man she knew well, the Strongboar was one of Jaime's lealest men and a good man and true she felt.
"Shall we Dacey." he said and she was grateful for that, facing him was difficult enough without the man annoying her too.
"I wish you good fortune Lyle."
"You too Dacey."
The fight was as hard as she'd ever faced, as tough as she knew, god's his strength, he was like the Umbers though not as fast as either, but he had the Smalljon beat in strength and she was forced back again and again. He was slower though and she found she could dodge him though it wasn't her style, still, she resorted to it and finally found an opening.
The swing was hard and heavy and when the sword fell she brought the mace to his neck and saw him smile.
"I yield gladly to my Lady of Casterly Rock." he said and she smiled as she breathed heavily.
"I thank you Lyle." she said and he nodded as he walked off.
"Who's next to face Goatsbane?" she heard Smalljon shout and she laughed as she looked to see the big idiot swing his sword.
"Shall we sister, do wanna go slay a giant?" she said looking to Jory.
"I really do."
Brienne.
She had beaten the first couple of opponents easily and now she looked at the one coming towards her, the Bastard of Nightsong dwarfed her easily, he had her beat in all aspects and she resigned herself to her fate, she'd lose but would go down fighting. Though the fight never came, instead he was faced with a man of equal size and she found herself faced with Lord Beric Dondarrion.
Looking at Walder swing his axe was incredible to her, more than that it was poetic, Ser Daeron, Jon, Jaime, they were the best swordsmen she knew. Precision, pace, power, they possessed it all, the older men were stronger than Jon but none were faster. But Walder, he was more like her, he was big and powerful, quick, and moved with purpose. Where the others danced, he moved methodically though far faster than he should and she watched in awe as he and Ser Rolland fought.
"Were I a lesser man I'd take advantage of your distraction my lady." Lord Beric said.
"Then I'm glad you're not my lord." she said and bowed.
Beric was good but she felt it only a matter of time, only needing to await an opening and she'd have him beat, but the sounds of the sword hitting the axe, the sound of the shield being crashed against diverted her attention, caused her a momentary lapse and she had lost before she knew it.
"Yield my lady?"
"I do my lord, well met Lord Beric, I wish you good fortune." she said and he nodded moving on.
Rather than leave immediately though she turned to watch the fight beside her, two titans giving it their all. She had sparred briefly against Walder, had helped take care of his armor and weapons, she had seen him against Ser Daeron and yet this was the first time she'd really seen him and he was to her, incredible. The sheer power he got in those swings, the quickness of his movement, as she watched she saw the Bastard of Nightsong fall and she loved every single moment of it.
Walking back with Ser Rolland she found him to be a graceful loser, a man who took the loss to a better man well.
"I wish I'd put my coin on him, rather than myself." he said and she chuckled.
"We should hurry Ser, we'll miss the rest." she said and he nodded and they quickened their movements.
Maege.
Watching her girls fight was both worrying and filled her with pride, seeing Lyra fall was no shame, something she told her when she finally made her way to their seats. Not that Lyra was listening, she looked out at her two other daughters, Alysanne was the closest to her, Lyra her jokester and Lyanna her little bear, but Jory and Dacey were her pride and joy when it came to battle.
Jory may one day outshine her older sister but today wouldn't be that day as she watched her yield to the Smalljon, Goatsbane Umber and she chuckled at the story of that day. She and Lyra and Jaime all moved a little forward in their seats as Dacey faced the Smalljon, she looked down to see the excited look on Lyanna's face as she and Arya both cheered Dacey on.
Each swing of the mace, each crash of the sword she felt as if she was down there herself. She found her attention so focused on their fight that the world around them seemed to cease to exist, it seemed to falter, fall, and then so did the giant Umber heir.
"Did you see that mother, did you see how she caught him, I taught her that." Lyra said and she didn't bother to correct her, for it was she who taught her that move as it was she who taught it to Lyra too.
"Aye I saw it, wave to your mother little bear." she said to Joanna.
Dacey had allowed the Smalljon to wear himself out, his strikes hitting the shaft of the mace, the top of it, but never forcing the mace back. She had used his power and deflected it over and over again, forcing him to change his tactics, and then she had taken his feet from underneath him. She had seen her do it to him when they were children and he had obviously forgotten, the big oaf she thought as she smiled looking proudly at her daughter.
"How many are left?" Lyra asked and she looked out eager to know herself.
"Six." Jaime said and she nodded.
The Blackfish, Ser Daemon Sand, Lord Beric Dondarrion, The Greatjon, Walder, and Dacey. Three of the North and she felt her pride fill up at that, three of the North and one a lady, one her daughter, that was something to be proud of she thought.
Oberyn.
Obara had fine form, fine balance, she was stronger than she looked but she was rash, impulsive, and worst of all far too confident. No matter how he had tried to teach her, how he had tried to get her to learn, she continually fell into the same traps. He had tried to let her know that a mistake in a spar, in a tourney, was nothing, it was a lesson that you took on board and used to grow from but she had not listened.
"She is hurt, my love." Ellaria said concernedly and he watched as his daughter limped from the field.
"Then maybe this time she will heed the warning I gave her."
"What if it's bad?" Tyene asked.
"It's not, she took a knock in the knee but the Blackfish pulled his strike, the man is far too honorable to hurt an opponent without cause." he said and Nym nodded.
"She at least took Ser Justin down."
"That she did." he said smiling.
She and Daemon had lured the man in easily, he had thought he'd face Daemon but it was Obara's spear he had felt and his daughter had ensured he felt it, across his arm, against his leg, and across his back before the man yielded. Though it had made her even cockier, even more, sure of herself and so while Daemon bid her wait she'd instead challenged The Blackfish and as he'd tried to get to her Daemon had found himself in his own fight, by the time he'd won, she'd lost and while Daemon moved to avenge her she limped out.
Daemon never made it to the Blackfish though and he cringed at his former squire's fate as he stepped up to face the larger of the Umber's the Greatjon was a monster of a man. Only dwarfed perhaps by the giant who guarded his nephew, the giant who now faced Lord Beric, leaving Dacey and the Blackfish to face each other.
"She's done well, my love." Ellaria said motioning to Dacey.
"She has, a fine performance." he said kissing his paramour and watching as the fights began once again.
Daemon tried his damndest, using speed and movement and trying to tire the man out but it was a wasted effort, the fight was beyond him so he looked to see Dacey yield, to see Lord Beric on one knee and watched as the Greatjon and Daemon's fight came to an end. Three men left and soon to be two as the Blackfish and Walder began their own fight. He looked to Ellaria who had a small smirk on her face and he leaned in to ask her what she was laughing at.
"Did I not tell you of the note?" she said casually.
"Note?" he said and she laughed a little more now.
"It must have slipped my mind." she said and handed it to him.
Aunt Ellaria.
Place your coin on Walder.
Your nephew
J.
"No you did not, how much have we wagered?" he asked
"A lot my love." she chuckled as he shook his head.
Jon.
"Papa." Joy said happily when Gerion arrived.
"There you are princess, didn't I tell you I'd be all right, didn't I promise."
"You did papa, pen nut?"
"How could I resist such a reward." Gerion said and quickly swallowed the peanut.
He looked at him, nodded, and mouthed 'Thank you' and then sat beside him and Joy and watched the last of the melee take place. Six competitors remained, and Jon looked to Jaime to see the worry on his face when Dacey yielded, a combination of tiredness, rustiness, and the Blackfish's own skill being the cause of her defeat.
Jon laughed at the expression on Arya and Lyanna's face when Bran cheered, neither girl appreciating his brother's support of his future knight. Behind him, Robb, Loras, and Cregan looked on with excited looks while Sansa spoke to Lord Willas who had moved from his seat to be closer to them. He wished Margaery could do the same, but while it was one thing to not sit with the prince after how he behaved, it was another to sit with the bastards who caused his misbehavior.
He had told her it wasn't a problem the night before, told her he understood and he did, she did too, but he wished it were not so, that they could sit, hold hands, be together, and he hoped that wasn't the reason he wished to speak to his supporters. That he wasn't thinking how he was based on missing Margaery or wishing to be more open, that it was instead the behavior of the queen and the prince that was focussing his mind.
"He got him." he heard excitedly and focussed where he should have been, on the fight outside his head rather than the one inside.
"Did you see that Jon, it's Walder against the Greatjon." Robb said touching his back.
"How much coin did you wager brother?" he asked and then decided to twist the knife a little when he saw the look on his brother's face "He looks very tired to me I think the Greatjon may take this.
"But you said.." Robb said before he slapped him hard on the shoulder making Jon grimace a little "Dammit Jon, I used all my coin you arse."
"Don't worry brother, he's got this." he said and saw Robb relax while Gerion smirked. "Joy look two giants are about to fight." he said and saw the girl look on excitedly.
Considering the size of the two men facing each other, the power they put into each of their swings, and the sheer brute force on show, it was the technique and the speed which Jon admired the most. The Greatjon moved swiftly across the ground, for a man who was close to seven feet tall and gods know how much heavier than his son he moved twice as fast as the Smalljon, Walder though was even faster.
When Jaime had suggested a different weapon for him back in Winterfell he had told him that with the axe in his hand he'd be an imposing sight. When he had begun to train him, Jaime said it would only be a matter of time before he was as proficient with it as they were with swords. Looking at him now Jon could see that time had come, he looked back to see Arthur and Jors looking on eagerly, to see Jaime watch, and then he saw Oberyn smirk and nod and he knew then he'd been right.
The two men swung, Greatsword to Axe, they used their bodies in between swings, the Greatjon catching Walder with a knee, Walder crashing into the Greatjon with a shoulder charge. Neither man moving from the impact, he could hear the crowd cheer, hear the king cheer, and then he watched as Walder's axe went from his hand. The crowd gasped as Walder dodged and then there was silence as Walder ducked under the swing and pushed the Greatjon two-handedly almost five feet away from him.
He caught the man so much by surprise that the greatsword went in one direction and the Greatjon in the other, both men were unarmed but only one was on his feet and as the Greatjon crawled for his weapon Walder ran for his. It was Jon's Kingsguard who made it first, and as the Greatjon grabbed his sword and picked it up, as he went to get to his feet, the axe was already laying on the back of his neck.
"Yield?" Walder asked.
"Aye, I yield."
Jon, Joy, his family, both his uncles, Jaime and the Lannisters, the king himself and the entire crowd cheered as Walder helped the Greatjon to his feet, both men walking to stand in front of the king and Walder giving him a nod which he returned with a large smile.
"Your graces, my lords and ladies, I give you the winner of the Grand Melee, Ser Walder Alyrs.
Jon went to visit Walder in the tents afterward to bid him his congratulations and tell him how proud he was of his performance. Cregan had gone with Gerion and Joy along with the rest of Jon's family back to the keep, the clouds having come out and rain no doubt soon to be on the way and his uncle Ned had stopped him to ask to speak with him. Jon had put him off for now, though Oberyn hadn't accepted when he said the same to him and had insisted he walk with him, his uncle still a little upset over the events of the day before.
"How much did you wager Jon?" Oberyn asked.
"Not much, but look at Jors, he made quite a killing today didn't you Jors?" he said and his Kingsguard chuckled.
"I wish we had tourneys every moon, with how good your tips are I could be rich." Jors said laughing.
As they reached the tents he had a strange encounter with a man he didn't know which way to take, the Blackfish was Catelyn's uncle, Edmure's uncle and so he expected him to be like them. But he had only heard good things about the man, his uncle Ned respected him enough to allow Bran to squire for him and Richard thought him a good man, though Jon had no experiences with him to judge him by.
"Prince Oberyn."
"Ser Brynden, you fought well today."
"Not well enough my prince, you must be Jon Snow?" he said looking to him.
"I am Ser, I believe my brother is to squire for you Ser Brynden?"
"He is, I heard you had suggested you take him yourself?" the man said staring at him.
"I did Ser, should I be lucky enough to earn my own knighthood then I'd have been more than happy to have my brother with me, though having him squire for a knight of your renown may turn out far better for his prospects."
"You think so?" the Blackfish said and Jon could feel his eyes boring deep into his own.
"I think there are some who would look down upon a bastard knight's squire, some who couldn't see past the stain the knight himself would be considered Ser."
"Aye, you have the truth of it, there are fools everywhere it's true."
"That there are Ser, if you'll excuse me I need to go congratulate my own knight, my friend, and protector."
"Very well, we'll speak again Jon Snow." the Blackfish said looking at him and nodding.
"Ser."
"Prince Oberyn."
"Ser Brynden.
They had only walked a few feet when Oberyn spoke just as soon as The Blackfish was out of earshot.
"That man is not living up to his name, he's a fish he should be swimming, not fishing." Oberyn said and Arthur chuckled behind him.
"Aye I know, though he shows no malice or ill intent, more curiosity I feel."
"As do I, but what is he curious about?" Oberyn asked.
"That I do not know my prince, perhaps something to discuss another time."
"We have much to discuss Jon." Oberyn said.
They saw Brienne inside the tent helping Walder to remove his armor, the big man sitting down resting on a chair. Jon walked over and patted him on the shoulder and told him how incredible his effort was, surprised to see him blush a little. He would have stayed longer and had intended to when the rains came, but soon the wind picked up and rather than staying in the tents they headed for the safety of the keep.
As they were walking back he saw Oberyn stop in his tracks and look at a small cart, a large boy and a huddled man sitting in it. The boy was shivering, already soaked through and the man took looked the worst for wear, his grey robe singling him out as a Maester. Jon looked closer and thought he recognized the boy and then remembered from where, he had met him a few years earlier in Oldtown, Tarly, Samwell Tarly.
"Uncle?" he said happy there was no one else around standing in the rain who could overhear him.
"Marwyn, Jon, that man is Marwyn the Mage."
They made their way over to the cart, the Maester happy to see a familiar face, and Samwell seeming pleased that someone was stopping them from having to find a tavern to stay in.
"You had better come with us." Oberyn said and Marwyn nodded, leaving the cart in the middle of the street.
"The cart?" Jon asked and Samwell shook his head and shivered before grabbing some things from the back.
They hurriedly made their way into the keep, Oberyn joining them in walking to his rooms and once they'd dried off a little and Jon had started a fire for the two wettest of them to dry themselves off properly, he sent for something warm for them to drink. The Mage though stood up and walked to him looking him over.
"It is good to finally meet you, Jon Snow."
"You too Marwyn." he said and the mage walked with him to a quieter corner while Oberyn walked over to distract Samwell.
"There is much we must discuss my prince, much we must talk over, long have I wished to meet his son, long have I wanted to see the prophecy revealed."
"You knew my father?" he asked curiously.
"Not as well as I'd have liked, but we exchanged letters, he and I, we met briefly, you have much of him in you Jaehaerys, much indeed."
"Can you tell me about him?"
"I can and I will, but we have many things we need to discuss, my former brother's being amongst the most important, as well as an old lady who knows much of you."
"An old lady?" He asked curiously.
"What know you of Summerhall my prince, of Jenny and the Ghost of High Heart?".