Oaths of Honor

Jon.

As they made their way inside the feast hall Jon couldn't help smile, Jaime had been right Genna had fussed and harried them when they thought they were ready, she had made both he and Loras change their doublets. Had then ensured their boots were polished to a sparkling shine and had paid so much attention to Jon's hair, that the others couldn't help but rib him for it for the rest of the trip to the Red Keep.

He had to admit though he did look good, the black doublet was worn over a white shirt, the breeches a black leather, his boots were shined and on his doublet he wore a small wolf pin, a present he'd received from Margaery for his ninth name day. He had been delighted to see her wear his white wolf brooch and had felt bad that he hadn't the opportunity to wear her present, so was glad of this chance.

"Lord Lannister, may I escort you to your table." a dark haired man said when they entered the room.

"You may."

Jon looked around nervously, what was he to do, should he move to a lower table or follow Jaime and the others, he looked to see Jaime smile at him.

"Let's take our seats Jon."

"My lord." Jon said nodding.

When they sat down at the table Jon looked around trying to get the lay of the room, to his left a table was made up of what he assumed to be Riverlords, something confirmed when he noticed one of the boys he'd met in Oldtown. As he looked at the table he noticed one man was looking at him strangely, it took him a moment to recognize him, his auburn hair and blue eyes reminding him of Robb. To his right were the Lords of he Vale, he could see Lord Yohn Royce sitting there with some men he didn't know.

In the middle near the front were perhaps the Stormlords, Jon wasn't sure until he saw a familiar face, he smiled and Lord Beric smiled back at him giving him a nod which he returned. At the back were the northern lords and Jon was pleased to see Ser Jorah and his lady wife along with Ser Wylis, no wait a moment, as he looked closer he could see it wasn't Wylis, Ser Wendel then perhaps.

There were some other northerners he didn't recognize, two men who looked a little like his uncle, Karstark's perhaps and a tall quite striking young woman who smiled at him when she caught his attention. He smiled back when he recognized her as Dacey Mormont, she then turned to speak to a large man who Jon was happy to see was the Smalljon. He couldn't for the life of him find Margaery or her family and as he looked around he heard a snigger come from beside him.

"Looking for someone?" Loras said.

"What, no, I."

"Careful Jon, my sister's not here yet and already your tongue is tying itself in knots." Loras said laughing.

"I was just wondering where they'd be sitting, I can't see any table for them." Jon said.

"Well the Lords of the Reach are over there." Loras said pointing to a table in the corner "But if they put my grandmother there that will not go down well, perhaps she's refused to attend." Loras said and Jon's brow creased.

Their own table was a mix of Jaime and his family and some of he most notable lords of the Westerlands, Lord Brax and his heir Tytos and Lord Crakehall and his son Lyle were both there as was Lord Banefort. None of them had raised any objection to Jon sitting at their table, not that Jaime would have it, but over time he'd become friendly with most of the western lords, having attended meetings with Jaime. Jon was now accepted for who he was, rather than what he was.

"All rise for the King and Queen."

Jon turned to see the king being accompanied by Lady Alerie, the queen looking anywhere but at Lord Mace beside her. Behind them Prince Joffery was walking with that smug smile on his face while Margaery walked beside him, followed by Lord Arryn and Lady Olenna. Jon felt his heart turn looking at Joffrey holding Margaery's hand, the boy looking like the cat who got the cream, quickly managing to raise Jon's annoyance even further.

As they made their way to the high table, Jon couldn't wait to get out of here, suddenly having no desire to stay in this hall for the remainder of the evening. He was so engrossed in his own thoughts that he missed the smile Margaery had on her face when she saw him, the first one she'd shown since entering the hall.

"I told you grandmother would not sit at that table." Loras whispered.

"Indeed." Jon said sourly.

When the king and queen took their seats so did everyone else and Jon was pleased to find that he couldn't really see where Margaery was seated from this viewpoint. The dishes began arriving and Jon found he had little appetite, something Loras picked up on quite quickly.

"Are you well Jon?" his friend asked concernedly.

"Aye, just not in the mood for what is this, boar?"

"I think so, it seems our king likes meatier dishes."

"That explains a lot." Jon said and Loras burst out laughing, something he couldn't help but join in with.

"What are you two talking about?" Lancel said from across the table.

"Oh nothing, Jon was just pointing out that the king's taste in dishes explains a lot." Loras said.

Lancel shook his head not taking the meaning which only made Jon and Loras laugh even louder.

"You two are odd." Lancel said turning to tuck into a particularly juicy piece of boar.

"Enjoy you meat Lancel, it'll help you grow up to be big and strong." Loras said.

"Aye, a mighty stag you'd make." Jon said and the two boys were set off yet again.

"Boys." Genna said her crisp voice and the look she gave them enough to scold them from where she sat.

He and Loras quietened down for now, but very soon were laughing about something else, before Jon once again caught Lord Edmure looking at him, he turned and smirked having recognized that look, it was one he'd seen a lot in Winterfell.

"Why is Lord Tully giving you a death stare Jon?" Loras asked.

"Probably because he's a cold fish just like his sister." Jon said as he raised his glass and grinned at the man, much to his obvious annoyance as he almost jumped up from his chair.

After the dishes were served and Jon was sure anyone who'd eaten more than a mouthful would no doubt be stuffed, they were free to walk and speak to people before the dancing started. He decided to walk to the northern table and bid them hello, but as he looked to the high table he saw Margaery laugh at something the prince said, so he stood up and pushed his seat loudly back. Unfortunately for him it wasn't just Loras and those at his table who noticed, as when the king looked down to see who had made the noise, he saw Jon.

"Jon Snow, come here your king wishes to speak to you." Robert said his smile beaming.

Jon reluctantly walked to the high table, he saw Jaime look at him and so nodded to him to show he was fine, as he got closer he saw Margaery smile at him and he smiled back, only for the prince to notice and look at him in disgust. An expression he most definitely picked up from his mother Jon thought, as she too was looking at him the same way.

Lord Mace bless his heart looked completely at a loss, no doubt his attempts to speak to the queen had not gone down well, his wife though just like her daughter gave him a welcoming smile. While Lady Olenna sat there an expression on her face that Jon had begun to call her questioning face, she was taking everything in. Given what both Margaery and Loras had said about her and what Jaime had told him, she was examining everything to see if there was an advantage to be had.

"Your Grace." Jon said taking a knee "Your Grace." he added looking to the queen.

"Come lad, take a seat, you bring the boy a chair." the king said without looking to a servant.

Jon could see the look of dismay on both the queen and the Hand's face, but what could he do, should he refuse the king it would be much worse, but he knew that both at the high table and at tables behind him there were people who were livid at this. The idea of a bastard sitting with the king would not go down well, there were people he knew who'd think this proved everything about bastards being covetous and hungry for acclaim, when truth be told he'd rather be anywhere but here.

"Now lad, finally I have someone normal to speak to, did your father ever tell you of our time at the Vale."

"He only mentioned it briefly your grace, said it was the happiest time of his life, spending time with his foster father and yourself, your grace."

"You hear that Jon, I told you that's what Ned would say did I not." Robert said laughing loudly.

"Aye you did your grace." Jon Arryn said and Jon felt the old man's eyes burning a hole in him.

The servant returned and placed the chair in front of the high table, when the king motioned him to sit Jon reluctantly did as he was bid. The next hour felt like an eternity, Robert had no filter, not only did he speak of the adventures he and his uncle had gotten up to. But he spoke almost gleefully of the women he slept with and at one point to the queens utter dismay, the bastard daughter he had in the Vale.

"A good girl lad, she works hard, if you were older I'd join our houses." Robert said sadly.

"That's all I ever wanted lad, for Ned to be my brother in blood as well as choice, had you been Mya's age I could have done that, she'd be a fine wife for you lad. I'd legitimize the both of you, give you a keep or make Ned give you one in the north." Robert said and Jon heard the queen loudly gasp.

"I'd be honored your grace, but I don't think lord Stark would welcome my legitimization." Jon said wondering how to get out of this predicament.

"Besides your grace the girls to be wed anyway." Jon Arryn suddenly said.

"What, who's marrying my daughter." the king said as he raised his voice.

"The girls in love with a lad in the Vale Robert, she's happy." Jon Arryn said and the king calmed.

"She is?" he said softly.

"Aye your grace, I promised you didn't I."

"That you did Jon, thank you, now about young Snow here." the king said wistfully.

"Perhaps we could discuss it later, privately." Jon Arryn whispered.

"Yes, yes fine, well lad you looking forward to showing these boys of the south just how fierce a wolf can fight are ya." Robert's mood suddenly improved.

"I shall do my best your grace." Jon said not thanking the king for the rather large target he'd just painted on his back.

"I've no doubt of it, did I tell you about the time…."

"Your grace perhaps we should let young Jon here go back to his friends?" Jon Arryn interrupted.

"What, the flower can wait, it's not like he'll wilt without Jon by his side, eh lad." Robert's laugh boomed around the room.

Jon caught Olenna's glare at the king and Alerie's shaking of her head, Mace hadn't heard but both the queen and the prince thought it was the funniest jape they'd ever heard, Margaery looked annoyed both at the king's comment and the prince's reaction.

"Loras is my friend your grace, just as lord Stark was yours, I won't have him spoken ill of." Jon said and both the king and Jon Arryn looked at him in shock, before he king once again laughed loudly.

"Just like his father Jon, many's the time he stood up for me lad, many's the time, you're a credit to him, now go, go join your friend." Robert smiled at him as he got up.

Jon bowed to the king and queen and noticed the approving look Lady Olenna was giving him, not that it mattered to him, it was for Loras he spoke up, not for her.

Margaery.

After getting ready Margaery was annoyed to find that her grandmother had gotten her way and not only would the king be seeing them, but they would be joining the royal family at the high table. Which meant instead of being able to sneak off and spend time with Jon she'd have to entertain the prince, something she was not looking forward to.

"Come dear it's time." her mother said.

"Yes mother."

"You look very pretty my dear."

"Thank you mother." she said forcing a smile to her face.

They made their way to where their father was waiting, they would no doubt arrive at the staging area before the king and queen and yet Margaery knew her grandmother for once wouldn't mind the wait. She'd been so annoyed at the behavior of the king thus far, upset that her plan to get Margaery close to the price had not been fruitful. When Jon Arryn had arrived a little earlier Margaery had expected him to be shown the door, but once he told her grandmother that they would be escorted by the king and queen, things had moved swiftly.

Gone was the dress she hoped to wear and instead it was replaced by a different more elaborate one, the colors tinged with black and gold which Margaery thought was presumptuous,. She had also been left in no doubt that the wolf brooch was not to be worn and so she instead wore a golden rose one. The jewellery she wore had been carefully selected by her grandmother, it was exquisite and quite expensive all to show off her families wealth.

Finally her grandmother arrived and they made their way to the grand ballroom itself, her grandmother fussed over her on the way, making sure her hair was perfect and that her smile was beaming. When they arrived they were forced to wait for a few moments, though much less than she had expected.

"You must be your charming best tonight my dear, if possible I want you to ensure the prince invites you to spend time with him tomorrow."

"But the tourney starts tomorrow grandmother." Margaery said hoping to cheer Jon and Loras on in the duels.

"It does, perhaps the prince will invite you to accompany him." her grandmother said and Margaery knew she meant for her to do her best to see it happen.

When the king and queen arrived Margaery noticed the king looked bored, while both the queen and prince wore identical facial expressions, smug superiority she had thought it a Lannister trait. But after spending time with the other's in the family, she now was sure it was actually just Cersei and Joffrey's natural state. She heard her mother and father make their introductions to the king and queen and her grandmother and Lord Arryn were speaking quietly behind her, so she moved to the prince.

"Your grace, you look quite handsome this evening." she said with a curtsy.

"I do don't I." he said smirking "You look quite pretty too." he added though it was said without feeling and the smirk never left his face.

"I would be honored to accompany you tonight, your grace."

"Indeed." Joffrey said and held his arm out nonchalantly.

As they began to make their way into the ballroom, she tried making conversation with the boy, only to find he was full of single line remarks and put downs, some of which he addressed to her and some he just said without caring if she was listening or not.

"Your family should feel very honored to accompany us tonight."

"We do your grace."

"Good." he said turning away.

"God they walk slowly." she caught him looking back at her grandmother and lord Arryn.

Thankfully as they entered the room he shut up, while they were been announced she looked around to see where Jon was and was very happy to see him sitting with the Lannisters, and not relegated to the lower tables as he had been in Oldtown. She smiled at him but he must not have seen as he didn't smile back instead he seemed to be scowling for some reason.

When they sat down the next hour or so felt like it stretched on forever, the prince was not a conversationalist, instead he like her grandmother on occasion would make barbed comments about some of the guests. Unlike her grandmother though, not only did he not have a filter for who he insulted, but he took delight in saying the worst things about people. She did manage to get him to invite her to sit with him during the melee and duels tomorrow, which would at least please her grandmother.

"What's the fool doing now." Joffrey said and Margaery turned to hear Jon being called to the king.

"I don't know your grace." she said and he shot her a look which was full of contempt.

"Of course you don't" he said and laughed.

Had it been any other time she may have felt affronted however her attention was all on Jon as he walked towards the king, she smiled at him and was delighted to see him smile back at her. She could feel the contemptuous look Joffrey gave him even before she saw it, she watched as Jon was given a seat and the king began to converse with him. She couldn't make out what was being said, though she could hear the kings laughter from down here, as well as the snorts from the prince beside her.

"What ever could he be thinking, calling a bastard to the high table." Joffrey said and took a swallow from his glass, luckily for now he was too young to drink wine. But no doubt he'd pick up that habit from his mother as he had most everything else she thought, before she once again looked to Jon.

He and the king were speaking intently, the king laughing and joking as if he was talking to an old friend, while Jon looked more uncomfortable than she had ever seen him. The room itself had quietened to almost silence, as she looked around she could almost every eye was on the king and Jon as they spoke.

She watched on as Jon Arryn interjected himself into the conversation, her hearing now more attuned to the words, even as the idiot prince beside her prattled on about how he had killed a deer on his first hunt. Before then going on about how he was taking sword lessons from Barristan the Bold, though she found him calling perhaps the greatest knight in the realm the old quite disrespectful. She heard Jon Arryn ask the king to allow Jon go back to his friends and she breathed a sigh of relief, she could see how much he hated sitting where he was.

But what the king said next shocked and annoyed her, how dare he insult her brother in such a way, she heard the prince guffaw and as she turned to look at him was struck with just how ugly a person he was. When she heard Jon defend her brother her heart soared, a true knight she thought as she watched him walk back to sit beside Loras, the two boys immediately laughing and joking though made her feel a bit sad, as she once again turned to the prince beside her.

Jaime.

Jaime and Tyrion were laughing and joking while Genna was doing her best to reign them in, she had no doubt thought that with Gerion deciding to stay in the residence with Joy and the children, that things would be less boisterous here tonight. How wrong she was as from the moment Jaime had seen Cersei, he had done his best to keep himself amused with his brother, let her see how happy he was without her, perhaps then she'd leave him alone.

From the moment he'd arrived here tonight she'd been giving him her coy seductive look, eyes half closed, tongue wetting her lips, before every so often she'd gently bite the lower one. She'd raise her wine glass and slowly sip it, her tongue sliding around the edge. There was a time when any one of these would have seen him lost, but that was a very long time ago, now they just repulsed him.

He looked to the edge of the table and noticed Jon and Loras had moved off, searching the room he found them both sitting with the northerners laughing and joking at something a tall very attractive young woman said. He smiled to himself, when the king had called Jon up he had been worried, something Tyrion noticed immediately. But Jon handled himself very well and he was proud to see him stand up for Loras.

"What's on your mind brother?" Tyrion asked.

"Nothing brother, just thinking about the past and the future." he took a sip from his wine "Well the past more than anything." Jaime said softly.

"Does it feel different being here now?" Tyrion asked and Jaime could sense some hesitancy in his brother's voice.

"Aye it does, it feels better, not serving the king." Jaime said and turned and looked at Jon who was laughing loudly with Loras and the northerner's.

"So you don't regret it."

"Regret it?"

"Being released from your vows."

Jaime looked at his brother and reached his hand out to place it on his shoulder.

"Not in the slightest brother." Jaime said with a large smile on his face "Not even for a moment."

He felt Tyrion's shoulder relax under his hand, his brother had come a long way since he'd arrived back at the rock four years ago, but in some respects was still that same small boy looking for Jaime's attention and approval. For Jaime his father's death and being forced to leave the capital and the order, just being released from his vows to serve Robert was the best thing that had ever happened to him.

His purpose was reignited when he met his king, his sense of honor restored over the last four years and his bonds with his family had grown into something he was incredibly happy about. His little brother had become his best friend, something he knew Tyrion had wanted all their lives. So no, regrets were not what was on his mind as they sat there in the ballroom.

"What's that all about?" Tyrion asked.

"What?" Jaime said as Tyrion brought his attention to the Riverlord's table.

He was surprised to see Jon and Loras had for some reason stopped at the table, Jon holding Loras back while glaring at an auburn headed man, wait was that Tully, what the hell did the fish do. He turned to move his chair and jump up and say something when his brother started to laugh, for some reason Edmure Tully was on the floor, flopping about like a fish out of water.

"What happened?"

"I think Tully reached out to grab at Jon, only when he got there Jon wasn't there and he fell to the floor." Tyrion said laughing even more loudly.

"He did what." Jaime said and this time he did jump from his chair.

The noise had started to attract attention, some people were pointing to the heir of Riverrun trying drunkenly to get back to his feet. Jon and Loras had started to walk away, while some of the Riverlanders were trying to help their liege's son. Jaime hurriedly moved from around his table and began to quickly walk to where Jon and Loras were.

"Come back here bastard, I'm not done with you yet." Edmure Tully's voice was loud and echoed through the hall.

"Lord Edmure." a young man said his hand trying to hold the heir of Riverrun steady.

"Look at him, a lowborn bastard thinking he belongs in the same room as his betters." the floppy fish said his words slurred.

Jon and Loras just walked onward, Jon practically dragging Loras with him, when they got to where Jaime was standing Jon shook his head at him, mouthing the words leave it, Jaime looked from his king to the floppy fish and turned to move away.

"Bastards and Kingslayers, now there's a combination, all we're missing is the bastard's whore mother" Tully shouted before he laughed loudly.

"Lord Tully, enough, please." Lord Jason Mallister and the younger man who Jaime was now sure was his son said while trying to get the fish to sit down.

"No, not until the bastard comes back here and apologizes." Edmure said even more loudly.

The room had gone silent and even those at the high table were paying attention now, though Robert was so drunk he probably didn't know what he was looking at. Jaime moved to go over to the fish but Jon held his hand out and stopped him. He nodded to Loras and then turned to walk over to Tully, the man looking at him with a superior grin on his face.

"I apologize my lord, I apologize that you come from a house of oath-breakers and those who grasped too high, a house that no doubt in your capable hands shall soon surely fall to the level it deserves. I apologize to your father for no father should suffer the disappointment of a son such as you. I apologize to your companions for having to bear the shame of serving a drunken fool and suffering his company. I apologize to the good lords and ladies who've had to watch as a knight of the realm made a fool of himself and to you my lord I offer my sympathies, for a fool knows not when he's being a fool." Jon said and turning from Edmure he bowed to Lord Mallister.

Edmure Tully stood by gobsmacked, his companions expressions ranged from disbelief to outrage, though Jaime saw Lord Raymun sitting at their table with a smile on his face. Jon turned to walk away and the fish lunged at him, once again Jon moved quicker and for the second time the drunken fool ended up on the floor.

"You are lucky my lord that my wolf is elsewhere, fresh fish is one of his favorite foods." Jon said and Jaime laughed loudly as did some others. "My lord." Jon said bowing to Lord Mallister again.

"Pick him up and keep him under control, you hear me." Jaime said ending the argument for now.

Jon winked at him and walked over to Loras before heading back to their table. Jaime looked around the room, Jon Arryn was whispering in the king's ear, while Cersei looked disgusted an expression even more ugly than the one her son bore. He looked to the Tyrell's who were watching intently, Mace looking affronted while Olenna had a more neutral expression, the young girl Margaery though was breathing quite quickly, trying to compose herself.

As he looked to the door he was surprised to see Ser Barristan standing there with a smile on his face, his brother had not been on duty this night and Jaime hadn't seen him once. Had he been here all the time, was he watching Jon from the shadows, Jaime was sure now he had been. He nodded and Ser Barristan nodded back to him.

Loras.

When Jon had come back after speaking with the king Loras had wanted to hug him, to stand up for him publicly, in front of the king no less, he couldn't have wished for a truer friend. Jon's expression was restrained fury, he knew it well having seen it occasionally on the training ground. While Jon didn't often allow the wolf free, it could be glimpsed from time to time and Loras who spent more time with him than anyone other than lord Jaime, knew his moods better than anyone.

"Are you all right Jon?" he asked.

"Aye I'm fine, though I'm in the mood to stab a stag, has the next meat course arrived yet." Jon said and laughed and Loras couldn't help but laugh with him.

They ate some of the next course which arrived and once again Loras noticed the looks Jon was receiving from the Lord Tully, this time though his friend was receiving the same look from a few others also. It infuriated them that they would dare judge his friend, but Jon didn't seem to care, so Loras put it aside for now.

"Why don't we go over to speak to your fellow northerner's Jon." Loras said hitting on an idea.

"Aye, that sounds like a great idea, it'll be fun, though prepare for some tall tales Loras."

He and Jon got up and passed the Riverlord's table, he could swear he heard someone mutter the word 'Bastard' under their breath but when he turned to look he couldn't see who it was. When they reached the northern table Jon made the introductions.

"Ser Jorah, Lady Lynesse." Jon said with a bow.

"Well met Jon, come have a seat." Ser Jorah said with a large smile.

"You too nephew, or are you too big to come give your aunt a hug." Lynesse said and he quickly went to his aunt.

"Have you met Ser Wendel, Jon?" Jorah asked.

"I don't believe so, I've met your brother Ser Wylis though Ser Wendel, how fares he and your family."

"They're doing well Jon, my father and brother send their regards." Ser Wendel said a beaming jovial smile on his face.

"Then please give them mine own when you return Ser." Jon said before turning to him "May I introduce my friend Lord Loras Tyrell." Jon said and Loras looked to the man before giving him a nod.

"Well met Ser." he said.

"Aye, you too lad."

"Jon I believe you met my cousin Dacey once before." Ser Jorah said. "I know you certainly met the Smalljon." he added nodding to the tall striking woman and the man who looked like a giant.

"Lady Dacey," Jon said with a smirk.

"Come off it Snow, I'm not lady." the woman said as both she and Jon laughed before Jon was picked up and swung around by the large man,

"Oomph." he heard his friend gasp and moved towards him.

"Look at ya, ya little scamp, last time I saw ya, ya barely came to me knee."

"I thought I'd grown but apparently, not as much as you, damn giant's blood." Jon said and both of them laughed loudly.

"Sit Jon, tell us about your adventures lad." the large man said and Jon sat down beside the woman Dacey, while he sat between him and his aunt.

He spoke to his aunt and found to his delight that she had adapted well to her time in the north, after a brief settling in period she and her husband had found more in common than they originally thought. The north was simpler and less bothered by protocols and convention than the south and while it was not as rich, she wanted for nothing. As she was speaking though he noticed Jon get that look in his eye, the one he got when he was thinking of something, he looked to his friend who was tuning out the story the large man was saying.

"Lady Lynesse, Ser Jorah, may I have a word." Jon asked.

"Aye, of course lad." Jorah said.

"My lady, Ser, as you know Ser Wendel's family and Lord Jaime's have a trade arrangement, one that's proved quite profitable has it not Ser Wendel?"

"Aye that it has lad." Ser Wendel smiled.

"I was wondering Ser Jorah, would you be interested in also making a similar arrangement with Lord Jaime?" Jon asked.

Loras watched as Jorah looked at his wife before Lynesse nodded, the other two people closest Dacey and Smalljon he thought Jon called him were both looking on with interest.

"Aye, I would Jon, but Bear Island doesn't have much to trade."

"I beg to differ Ser, the wood on Bear Island is second only to the Forrester's ironwood, the furs you have access to are more than valuable, but perhaps even more than that, your location is ideal Ser." Jon said.

"I'm sorry Jon, I don't follow." Ser Jorah said shaking his head.

"Ser, Bear Island's location gives it an advantage, just as White Harbor's does, it could serve as the collection point for the western coast, allow supplies to be moved from north to the west much easier, which would allow the east coast to focus more on Essos." Jon said nodding to Ser Wendel.

Loras looked on as lost as Ser Jorah was, but it was at this point his aunt stepped in.

"So you'd use Bear Island both to supply and to serve as a base for supplies?" Lynesse asked.

"Aye my lady, but not just for the West, should you be willing, perhaps a deal could also be made with the Reach allowing for food to be transported also." Jon said nodding while Lynesse smiled.

"We could help supply the north my love, I'm sure my father and sister's families would be interested." Lynesse said.

"Smalljon, your father's lands are also rich in wood and furs, could they be transported easily to Bear Island?" Jon asked.

"Aye, they could Jon, though I'd need to discuss it with my father." the large man said an intrigued look on his face.

"Would you be willing to speak to Lord Tyrion on this Ser Jorah?"

"Aye Jon, I would, the extra coin would help my people a lot, but what your saying would cost a lot to get started and it's not coin I can spare at the moment, there's also the Ironborn to worry about." Ser Jorah said and Lynesse scowled at him.

"I believe Lord Tyrion can help with the start up costs Ser, I shall speak to him on it, but it can be used against future profits, as for the Ironborn, well the increase of ships would be a target, but if you can protect your people as well as your family always does, then I'm sure Lord Jaime will be able to protect the ships." Jon said.

"Then feel free to set up the meeting Jon, thank you lad, this could really help Bear Island and the north." Ser Jorah said patting Jon on the shoulder.

They spent another few moments at the table, laughing and japing with the northerner's, Loras found they were much like Jon, honest and without pretense. At one point he almost choked on his drink when the Smalljon was ribbed by Dacey over passing out in the yard in Last Hearth, only to wake up the next morning to find himself naked and surrounded by goats.

"Five of us it took to carry him." Dacey said laughing loudly.

"Aye, Goatsbane they called me after that." Smalljon said a proud grin on his face.

As they bid their farewells to the northerner's Loras was actually a bit sorry to do so, even more so when two brown haired men walked over to the table and asked what they missed, only for the whole table to burst out laughing.

"A lot, Harrion." Dacey said laughing even more.

Loras watched as Jon said hello to the two northmen, Harrion and Torren Karstark were two large men, though to Loras it seemed most northmen were. After greeting them warmly, he and Jon made their way back to their seats, only to be interrupted by a voice from the Riverlord's table.

"Look it's the bastard of Winterfell." Edmure Tully drunkenly said "Why they allow scum like this in this hall is beyond me."

Loras moved towards the lord but Jon was quicker, his hand coming to his chest he shook his head and motioned for Loras to follow.

"What's wrong bastard, too busy to talk to your betters', perhaps later I'll visit your mother, should you know which brothel it was your father found her in." Edmure said laughing loudly.

"Look Loras, it's a fish out of water, they truly do gulp and gasp for air just as Maester Creylen said they would." Jon said and he and Loras laughed as they walked away.

Edmure raced at them and Loras didn't even see him coming, but Jon did and he felt himself being pushed out of the way and watched as the man fell on his face, the strike he'd aimed at Jon finding nothing but air. The next few moments were a blur, he tried to get to Edmure only for Jon to push him back, the next thing he knew Lord Jaime was there and they began to walk away.

When Edmure called for Jon to apologize he was lucky Loras was unarmed, had he not been then he'd have gutted the fish, the nerve of him, a foolish drunk who insults his friend and then wants him to be apologize. He was stunned when Jon walked to him and began to speak, but then like everyone else he was gobsmacked at what Jon said. Watching his friend put the fish in it's place was as fun to Loras as watching Jon spar, he was a master at it and he was glad to see he didn't react how he had when Loras had called him a bastard.

Though he now felt the shame of now knowing why that was, he was Jon's friend, his opinion mattered, the fish's didn't. He moved to intervene when Edmure went for Jon again but then couldn't help but laugh loudly when yet again he ended up on the floor. When Jaime warned the other Riverlord's Loras knew it was over and they finally made their way back to their seats.

"So much for a peaceful night of drinking." Tyrion said as they sat down and he and Jaime burst out laughing, Jon though stayed quiet and after a few minutes got up to leave the hall, he stood up to follow but Jaime just motioned for him to stay seated.

"Let him be Loras, he wants some time alone." Jaime said.

"But my lord.."

"It'll be fine Loras, Jors and Alyrs are following him" Jaime interrupted and pointed to the door.

As he watched Jon leave he felt he really should be following after him, but perhaps Jaime was right, maybe it was for the best to give him some time on his own. He looked to the high table to see his sister looking on concernedly, so he gave her his brightest smile to try and let her know it would be all right.

Jon.

After leaving the ballroom, he walked along the corridors not really knowing where he was going, he had needed to get out of there, had felt his blood begin to boil when speaking with the fish, he'd felt so close to losing it. Every fiber in his body was yearning for him to let it out, to show his rage, to be a dragon, in his mind though he knew it would be wrong, now was not the time. Then something strange happened, it was like he felt a presence, a feeling, it calmed him and allowed him to breath.

An image came to his head of Joy laying in a bed, of her hand resting in soft white fur, he could almost see the room, almost smell the little girls strawberry bath oils that Genna used when washing her hair. He let the feeling come and felt the dragon retreat, instead replaced by something just as dangerous, but cooler, calmer, more deliberate. What he had said to Edmure came from that place, from that cool iciness inside him and it scared him that there seemed to be two entities battling each other to take control of him.

This time the ice won, the wolf was strongest, next time though what would happen if the dragon broke free, would he rage uncontrollably, or would the fire fuel him the same way the ice seemed to. He needed to speak to his uncles, they were the only one's who may know of this, the Wolfsblood was spoken of often among the Starks, though it was said to be a furious wild thing, not cold and icy. Dragonsblood Jon imagined was fire, a raging inferno waiting to be unleashed and only a Targaryen would know how or if it would be able to be controlled.

"Are you all right Jon?" Alyrs said as they came to a large double glass door."

"Aye, I'm fine, I thank you for your concern." Jon said and tried to smile at his guard.

"If you ever need to talk Jon, you can, me and Jors well, you know." Alyrs said and Jors nodded.

"I know, I'm most grateful for it, I just need some time alone, I think I'll head outside for a moment, I'll be fine."

"That man was a fool Jon, you did right putting him in his place." Jors said.

He smiled at the two men and nodded as reassuringly as he could before walking through the large double doors, as soon as he hit the air he took a deep breath. The smell of the city at night even here in the Red Keep was awful, yet the air to Jon tasted far better than the air inside the hall. He moved to the small wall and sat down, closing his eyes he listened to the sounds, the muffled noise from the ballroom, the occasional loud yell from the city below.

Suddenly he heard a hissing from beside him, opening his eyes he was almost face to face with a large black cat which had clearly seen better days, it's ear was torn and crumpled, it's fur in clear need of a wash. The cat hissed again and Jon found himself staring at it, looking directly at it's face which for some reason to him looked more sad than angry, he carefully reached his hand out and rubbed it on it's forehead.

Immediately the hissing stopped, the cat turned it's head and looked almost questioningly at Jon, he rubbed it again and the cat moved closer, rubbing back against him.

"Wait here boy." Jon said and the cat looked at him and hissed when he got up "It's fine I'm not going anywhere, I'll be back in a moment." Jon said and the cat calmed down.

"Jors, I need you to do me a favor, can you get me a saucer of milk and some fish?"

"A saucer Jon don't you mean a mug?" Jors asked.

"No a saucer, it's not for me, it's for my new friend here." Jon said motioning to the cat sitting on the wall.

Jors laughed but ran off to get what Jon had asked while Jon walked back and sat down beside the cat, for the next few moments he petted the cat and was relieved to feel it relax and he smiled when it actually begin to purr. Every so often the cat would climb on his chest and he could see the intensity in it's eyes as it stared directly at him. When Jors came back the cat jumped from his chest and almost seemed to be raising it's claws at his guard.

Jon got up and took the saucer and the large piece of fish that Jors had brought back, kneeling down beside the cat he placed the fish on the ground and the black cat ate it greedily. When he placed the saucer of milk down he swore the cat looked at him and did what could best be described as a cat's version of a smile. He knelt there watching as the cat drank the milk, occasionally he reached out to pet it and stroke it's fur, when it was finished it licked his hand and Jon laughed loudly.

Eventually there were the sounds of heavy footsteps and he heard his guards speaking loudly to some others, he moved to see what was going on and as he did so the cat ran towards a gap in the wall. When it got there it looked back at him and they stared at each other for what felt like an age, before the cat ran through the gap and was gone.

Jon walked to his guards to find them speaking with household guards who were telling the they shouldn't be here, he made his apologies and left, finally deciding to call it a night and head back to their manse.

Ser Barristan.

He waited in the small room in the upstairs of the tavern, Jaime had spoken to him briefly the night before when his family were leaving the ballroom and told him the meeting was set for the morrow. Barristan felt more excited than he had in years at the thoughts of it, of finally speaking to his king. He had barely been able to sleep the night before, would no doubt be tired when he took his shift today, but found he cared not.

"Come in." he said when he heard the knock on the door.

"Ser Barristan." his king said when he stepped in the room and closed the door behind him.

"Your grace." Barristan said and his smile was beaming.

"It is good to finally be able to speak to you Ser Barristan, I'm honored to have you with me Ser." the king smiled back at him.

Barristan could wait no longer, he quickly took a knee.

"I Ser Barristan Selmy, do hereby swear to follow the one true king Jaehaerys Targaryen the third of his name, I shall shield his back, fight his enemies, give him counsel and any service he deems of me. I shall uphold his honor, protect his kin, give my life in service to his. I vow this for this day and for the rest of my days, I shall know no king but his grace and follow no oath but those he bids me to swear."

"I vow that you shall always have a place by my hearth and meat and mead at my table, and pledge to ask no service of you that might bring you into dishonor. I swear it by the old gods and the new, Arise Ser Barristan your king commands it."

Barristan rose with tears brimming in his eyes only to be enveloped in a hug, it took him aback for a second before he couldn't help himself and hugged his king back.

"Come Ser we have much to discuss."

"As you wish your grace."

They sat down and for the next half hour spoke of mundane things and Barristan had never felt happier. When he had spent time with Rhaegar he found the prince though melancholic, would have moments were duty would be forgotten and instead they would talk just as men, to see his son do the same was more than he dared to hope for.

Finally though after talking of his home and what he was like as a boy, of how he and his family would spend time fishing in the Cockleswhent, he told the king of why he really rode in the jousts as a boy of ten. How he had yearned for adventure as a lad, he told him of squiring for Lord Swann and of how Prince Duncan gave him his epithet. The mention of one of his ancestors quickly changed the kings mood and Barristan knew he now wished to know of his father.

"He was the best man I ever knew, your grace, would have been the king the realm needed." Barristan said before he could be asked.

"Did you spend much time with him, I mean just with him, not as his Kingsguard."

"I was always his Kingsguard your grace, even when we spent time together not on duty."

"You spent time with him not on duty Ser?"

"Aye, your father your grace, you know he played the harp and sang do you not?"

"Aye, I do Ser, Lord Jaime had me taught to play and I sing also." the king said smiling.

"Your father would, he would dress up as a commoner and walk the streets your grace, find a place and play his harp and sing, people would come around and fill his jar with coin." Barristan said as the king laughed.

"You jest ser?"

"No never your grace, I would stand guard and we would collect the coin."

"What would you do with it?"

"Some we gave away, once to an orphanage, once to the next minstrels along the street and one time we got really drunk." Barristan said and laughed as did the king.

"Did you.. Did you know my mother Ser?" the king asked softly.

"I spoke to her only the once your grace at the tourney of Harrenhal, she was a fierce thing, small and slight but unafraid, it was clear to me then that she and your father were in love."

"I..I was brought up to believe her raped Ser, to believe my father a kidnapper and a rapist, lied to about that and everything else until Lord Jaime told me the truth."

"I cannot imagine what that was like your grace, had I known of you then I would have ridden to Winterfell to take you away myself."

"You would?" the kings voice was soft and light.

"In a heartbeat your grace, you were my king the day you were born, had I known of you I'd have ensured like Lord Jaime has that you were treated as such."

"I thank you Ser Barristan, I wish we had more time to speak, to talk of my father, of what must be done, I hope we speak again soon."

"As do I your grace, there is something else your grace something I would like your permission on?

"Of course Ser Barristan, if I can."

"Your father your grace had three men he was closest to of all us, Ser Arthur Dayne the sword of the morning was his closest friend, Ser Myles Mooton and Ser Richard Lonmouth his former squires, your grace no one knew him better than those three."

"Aye, to talk to any would be a dream Ser, but they are all dead so I know not why you bring them up."

"Ser Richard lives your grace, he is in this city as we speak, working to help put you on your rightful throne, though he knows not of your existence."

"Truly Ser?" the king said excitedly.

"Aye truly your grace, with your permission I'd like to tell him, you can trust him your grace, I trust no man more." Barristan said smiling.

"Then do so Ser, I shall be most pleased to speak to Ser Richard myself, perhaps the next time we meet you could bring him along?"

"I will your grace, most definitely, to meet you and know you live would be more than he could hope for, to see his king would give him meaning your grace as it has I." Barristan said and Jon nodded.

They left the room together and Barristan allowed Jon to walk ahead of him and leave first, before following a few moments later. He walked behind the king far enough to see him, but not too close to be seen walking with him. They had just turned towards the road to the Lannister residence when a number of gold cloaks and Ser Arys appeared in front of the king, Barristan moved quickly hand already on his sword.

"Jon Snow, the king wishes to see you immediately." Ser Arys said.

"For what reason Ser?" the king said as Ser Barristan arrived.

There were six gold cloaks and Ser Arys, the king had two guards and was armed himself, along with Ser Barristan that made it seven to four, though he would ensure the king was taken away even if it meant dealing with them all himself.

"I do not know, nor is it the place of a bastard to question the king." Ser Arys said and Barristan intervened.

"Ser Arys, what is the meaning of this?"

"Lord Commander, I did not expect to see you."

"Never mind, what's going on here?" he said angrily.

"I've orders to bring Jon Snow to the throne room, something about Lord Tully I believe."

Barristan breathed a sigh of relief, he had feared the worst, though this was still serious, though his king had been in the right last night, he was in the eyes of all a bastard while Lord Tully was heir to the Riverlands. If the man had made a complaint against him then the king would be in trouble, but not answering it could be worse, he looked to the king who just smiled.

"Very well Ser, we should not keep his grace waiting, Jors why don't you go speak to Lord Jaime and give him my apologies for being late." the king nodded to the man who quickly took off up the street.

Barristan nodded to his king before hurrying off in front of him, he need to make it to White Sword Tower and get changed, whatever was going to happen in the throne room he would be there. He was a Kingsguard yet again and he had a sacred duty, an honor to uphold and most importantly a true king to protect.