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Ned stark 293AC

"father can i talk to you" jon asked. "of course son, whats wrong?" ned replied confused. "can i join the nights watch? uncle benjen always says they need men and i want to join." thinking back to his old love ned got a sad feeling that he is failing his son.
"why do you want to join jon?." "because i dont belong here". jon replied solemnly. "of course you do, who told you that?" ned demanded. "lady Stark did." Of course she did, Cat has never loved the boy even tho it was his fault and not jons. "no i forbid it jon. you will not join the nights watch." he replied. "can i go south then, be a squire? see the world?" jon said full of hope. "if you perform well in your lessons and bahave well i will see what i can". he said giving it a second thought. Cat would be happy he was away and jon can explore the south. "thank you father i won't cause any trouble."

sitting in his solar ned stark was thinking about what jon asked him. 'he is a good lad, talented with a sword. maybe this idea of his might be a good thing.' as if on que maester luwin knocked on his door. "you wanted to see me my lord?'" luwin asked. "ÿes luwin please send a message to lord Manderly, i have a favour to ask."

Jon

its been a fortnite since he asked his father about becoming a squire and as promised he has performed even better in his lessons and in his work in the yard. it got him trouble with lady stark but in the end it would be worth it. drawn out of his thoughts he heard a voice, his brother. "jon, stop brooding and grab a sword already." Robb said. "are you sure you want to get your arse in the dirt again Robb?" he asked. "losing to you, never!" Robb said determined. Jon is the better swordsman of the two but they always try to beat each other. a 'healthy rivalry' Ser Rodrick called it. grabbing a bastardsword jon got into position. "alright lads i want a clean and good fight." the booming voice of Ser Rodrick Cassel was heard. Jon had to admit that sometimes Robb could be predictable. Robb slashed his sword up right but was caught and paried by jon. Robb tried thrusting but jon moved out of the way and paried it to try and break Robbs guard but wasnt able to get close as Robb ran forward and smashed his shoulder into jons chest. Falling onto the ground, jon was breathing hard from the fall. "come on Robb that wasnt nescesary." "sorry brother but you always say be ready for everything" Robb countered. "good point" Jon replied. Jon finally hit Robb on his leg and then saw the opening by riposting Robbs attack Robbs chest was left wide open and with speed unlike Robb has ever seen from jon he thrusts his sword into Robbs chest and knocks him on his arse.
"well done jon." Ser Rodrick praised. "since when are you so fast Jon?" Robb asked. "i just was Robb, though you nearly got me with that charge" "aye that was a good but dangerous move Robb, if Jon saw it coming you would have been on your arse earlier. don't do that move if you are agaisnt an expierenced opponent." Ser Rodrick said.
walking to his room after the spar with Robb, Jon was called to his fathers solar by one of the servants. "you wanted to see me father?" jon asked. "yes, sit down Jon. i have found a knight willing to take you as a squire." ned replied. "Really?" Jon asked not believing someone would accept a bastard as a squire. "yes, His name is Ser Wessel Manderly. a cousin to Lord Wyman Manderly. he will arrive tomorrow."

"So Jon i guess that this is the last day we will be together for a long time?" Robb asked. "yes, try not to burn winterfell to the ground while im not here." Jon said. "I wouldnt dare." Robb said semi-Serious. "i heard Arya isnt happy about all of this, even saying that mother forced this on you." they both laughed at that. "i will tell her that it is all my idea." Jon said to make his brother at ease.

Knocking on Arya's door Jon said "Arya can i come in?" no response. "Arya" Jon said more forcefully. Finally after a moment the door opened and it revealed a teary eyed Arya Stark. "why are you leaving?" Arya demanded. "I want to go south". Jon said. "but why? arent you happy here?" Arya asked teary eyed. "of course i am" Jon half lied for Arya's sake. "but i want to see Westeros." Arya looked unhappy with that but had to accept it. "As long as you bring me a gift." Arya demanded. "of course sister i will bring you a gift".

Getting Called into his father Solar Jon spotted a man sitting to the side who he has never seen before. "Jon, this is Ser Wessel manderly your knight.

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"Jon, this is Ser Wessel Manderly, you knight."
"Greetings Ser" jon said respectfully. Looking down.
"Likewise Jon Snow" Ser Wessel said tilting Jons head up to look in his eyes. "Come i want to see what you can do in the yard". Leaving lord Starks solar Ser Wessel spoke up "so Jon are you any good with a sword?" "I am decent with a sword Ser. Thank you for this opportunity i wont fail you." Jon said hopen not to offend the knight. "I doubt you will lad and its my pleasure. Your father saved my life at the trident so I'll happily do this for lord Stark.

"Good Jon, parry then slice." Ser Wessel said, showing jon how to dissarm someone. After a minute of sparring jon was knocked on his arse. "Do you have to do it so hard?" Jon asked. "If i go slow on you, you wont learn now would ya" Ser Wessel countered. "Thats enough for now. Spend time with your family because were leaving on the morrow."

The next morning

"Are you ready Jon? Ser Wessel said walking to the stables with Jon beside him. "Yes Ser. I am nervous. I have never been away from winterfell for longer than a sennight." Jon said nervously. "Thats understandable lad, i was the same at you age." Ser Wessel said comforting Jon. "Saddle the horses and get them to the gate I'll wait there."

Watching Jon say goodbye to his family made Ser Wessel reminiscent of when he said goodbye to his mother. "Come jon lets go." Ser Wessel said. "Right away ser, Goodbye Robb. Goodbye Arya." Jon was sad to leave and that sansa and bran weren't there to wave him off made it worse. Bran was not feeling well and sansa didn't want to say goodbye to a bastard.

Riding out of wintertown they were silent until Ser Wessel broke the silence "so ehy did you want to join the nights watch?" Ser Wessel was told about Jon by lord Stark right before they met yesterday. " there is honour is the watch and the only place bastards may rise, Ser." Jon said. Giving Jon a smile Ser Wessel shook his head. " Jon the nights watch is many things though honourable is not one of them. Most recruits are petty criminals." He said solemnly. "But my uncle benjen always said that the watch was respectable." Jon said confused. "Well not everyone is like your uncle, Jon. There are good people and bad people. I think we will see people of all kinds on our travels." Ser Wessel said remembering those encounters.

"Jon, that castle is castle Cerwyn. We will stay there for the night. Lord medger is an old friend." Ser Wessel said. " where are we going first Ser?" Jon asked curiously. "White harbour. Lord Manderly wants to meet ya".

At Castle Cerwyn.

"Aah Wessel long time" Lord medger cerwyn said embracing his friend "jonelle missed you". "Sure she did, how is she actually?" "She is fine. Visiting family at torrhens Square for a while. Is this your squire?" Lord Cerwyn asked. "Yes my lord, Jon snow lord starks son. Jon come up". Walking to the two nobles jon lowered his head. "Chin up lad" Ser Wessel said. Looking up jon now sees lord Cerwyn looking curiously at him. " aye he's neds son alright. How old are ya lad?" Cerwyn asked. "Ten my lord" jon answers politely. "Aye come on further lets get you two some rooms"

At dinner later that day jon say lord Cerwyn and Ser Wessel telling stories about the rebellion. "And then i saw Robert cave is chest in, rubies all over the ford. Royalists broke nearly instantly." Lord medger said thinking about the battle of the trident. "That was a good battle" Ser Wessel agreed. "Jon do you have any good stories?" Lord Cerwyn asked. Jon suprised that he was asked replied "me and Robb once dumped flower all over some of the guards at Winterfell. Lord stark wasn't happy. I had to clean the stables every day for a moon" jon said laughing.

The next day

"It was good to see ya Cerwyn" "you too Wessel" the men said and embraced one time and then they left the castle. "So tell me jon, what do ya like to do?" Ser Wessel asked. " i like to play with swords Ser." Jon replied."aye lad i could see that in the yard at Winterfell. But anything else?" He asked. "I like reading in the library, when lady stark allows it" jon muttered that latter part. Sensing that Jon was getting annoyed Ser Wessel dropped the subject and pointed to a hill in the distance "jon first on the hill wins. You up?" Jon nodded. "3. 2 .1 go" Ser Wessel said and they both bolted to the hill. Ser wessel being the more experienced rider won easily.

The next fortnite was filled with riding, sparring and tales of the south and white harbour. Riding over a hill Jon spotted a pristine white city "Jon that there is white harbour. Home of the Manderly's and the only city in the north.

"Wessel you're back" a rotund man in a green garb said. "I am cousin. Jon come meet my cousin, Ser Wylis Manderly heir to White harbour." Ser Wylis said to Jon. "Greetings my lord Jon said respectfully to Ser wylis keeping his chin up. " go put the horses in the stables lad" Ser Wessel said. "Wylis i am gald he finally kept his head up" Ser Wessel said happily. "Had to train that al lot. He has some confidence issues that lad". "You will put that in him in no time Wessel, i know it." Ser wylis said confidently. "My lord father wants to talk to you. He has some trade negotiation he wants you to lead." Ser wylis informed. "Aye I'll see him later then"

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Jon

Walking with Ser Wessel towards the new keep he was told that they would meet lord Wyman Manderly later that evening. "Lord Wyman has a job for us lad. Trade i was told. Negotiations never were my strong point. Killing people is. Just point out who and when and im on it." Ser Wessel said.

Jon was suprised at how elegant the new keep was. He could see it wasnt old by any means. "It was built about a hundred years ago Jon. By lord Eric Manderly. He saw that the old keep was becoming too small and decided to make a new one." Ser Wessel said looking at the gates of the keep.

Opening the gates were men in Manderly garb and armed with swords and shields with the mermaid and trident of house Manderly. "Dont be suprised when you see lord Wyman. He is a big man. Cant ride a horse" ser Wessel said grinning while riding through the gates. Around the corner there was a very large man together with a lesser but still fat man and two girls. One who looked a few years older than Jon and the othe who looked the same age. The younger of the girls had green hair which Jon found odd. "Welcome Wessel you have been gone for long." The large man spoke up. "I have uncle" Ser Wessel responded smiling and embracing the large man. "Jon this is lord Wyman of house Manderly, lord of white harbour and guardian of the White knife." Ser Wessel said. "Greeting my lord" jon said bowing deeply. "You must be Jon Snow" Lord Wyman said friendly. "When lord Stark send a raven that he wanted my nephew to be the knight for his son i was suprised. But welcome to white harbour Jon." He then looked at ser Wessel and said. "We will throw a feast for your return nephew. But meet me in my solar in two hours."

Jon was walking around the new keep. Looking at tapestries, portraits, views of the city and many more interesting things. He was pulled out of his trance when he heard a voice "Hello" he turned to see the girl with the green hair. "Oh hello." He said shyly. "My name is Wylla. Whats yours" Wylla asks politely. "Jon snow my lady" he responds respectfully. "How are you enjoying white harbour Jon?" She asks. "I never thought a city could be this white." He said kinda baffled. "Yes it is indeed very white but the people give the city its colour." Wylla said. "Will i see you at the feast tonight, jon?" She asks. "Bastards arent allowed in feasts my lady." He said solemnly. "Nonsense. You sre my cousins squire and our guest you will be at the feast." Wylla left no room for discussion. "Very well. But i have to leave to prepare then my lady. With your leave." he said, bowing and walking away.

Later that night.

Walking to the feast in his best clothes he was stopped by the guards. "Where do you think you're going." On of the guards said. "To the feast, ser" jon said hoping it would be enoigh to not get in trouble."what is your name boy?" The other asked. "Jon Snow" he said "Bastards aren't allo" but he got interrupted "he is with me" he turned and saw Wylla walking towards him and extending her arm. "Of course my lady" the guard responded and opened the door. Taking her arm "thank you my lady." Jon said thankfully. "Call me Wylla, Jon". She said. Okay, Wylla. You look beautiful". He said after a moment. "Thank you and you look handsome too Jon." She responded.

Later at the feast Jon watched Ser Wessel compete in a drinking game with some of the off duty guards. "He always was a gregarious man" he turned to see Wylla standing next to him. "He is" he responded. Jon found out that Ser Wessel was a friendly easy going and very social man when each time they camped Ser Wessel invited any traveller to share their fire. "Why are you sitting here Jon?" She asks as jon was a bastard he sat at the lower tables and not the high or the tables for other nobles. "I was assigned here." He responds. Hearing a slow tune go up jon saw Wylla become excited. "Oh dancing time is here. Jon you will dance with me" she demanded. "I am no dancer." Jon said trying to get out of the situation. "Then i will teach you." She said simply and dragged him unto the dancing floor.

After multiple consecutive dances with Wylla, Jon was exhausted and sat down at his table. "I think she likes you" he heard the teasing voice of Ser Wessel behind him. "What do you mean Ser?" Jon asked. "As i said, i think she likes you" ser Wessel said even more teasingly. Seeing Jon confused Ser Wessel dropped the subject "we will be going on an trade mission to braavos in a sennight Jon." Ser Wessel informed Jon. "It will take a couple of moons before we will be back so if you want i suggest you will send a raven to your family within now and a few days." Ser wessel said and left. Feeling tired he decided to go to bed.

Wessel manderly

"Wessel." He heard and turned around to see his uncle walking towards his table. "I think Wylla likes your squire." Lord Wyman said. "I think so to, uncle." He responded. "Your squire, he keeps it formal but there is admiration in his eyes for her. I'll need to keep an eye on them. But i want you to reconsider your stance on marriage." He was annoyed at that. Ever since he came of age his uncle tried to get him to marry. His father died when he was young and his mother died in childbirth so his uncle took care of him for as long as he could remember. "I will not marry uncle. Not after jeyne." He said his voice breaking. It was a touchy subject. He was married to lady Jeyne Redding but she died in birthing their first child a stillborn girl and he swore to never marry again. "If you want someone to marry, marry wendel off." He said sourly and stood up and left.

The next morning.

Jon

Waking up at dawn he heard knocking on his door. "Wake up sleepy head." He heard ser Wessel's voice. "Come on lad lets to spar" they had a routine where they sparred first and broke their fast after. "I am coming Ser." He responded. Walking unto the yard he saw some hungover guards already busy but ignored them. "Okay today we do something different. You wont always have your sword at your side so we trains with different weapons, today the great sword." Ser Wessel said.

After getting his arse handed to him multiple time by Ser Wessel he got used to the weight and size of bigger blade. It wasnt as large as the usual greatswords. More like a long sword for now because he is still a lot younger and physically weaker than adults. He quite liked the great sword and was starting to become good at it.

Unknown to jon or anyone in the yard, they were being watched carefully by blue eyes.

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Jon

He liked white harbour. It had this beauty about it. Not just that but the people were nice. Most were kind and welcoming, just like the Manderly's. He was their guest for the past sennight. He became fast friends with Wylla Manderly and acquaintances with her father Wylis. Lord Wyman intrigued him. He always asked how Robb was, how he behaved and what he was good at. He was very confused when he was asked if Robb would like Wynafryd but he thinks they could be friends.

Today they would leave for braavos. He was excited to see the world but scared for he has never been on a ship. "Are you coming Jon?" He heard Ser Wessel ask through his door. "I am, Ser" he responds. Walking towards the main hall he was asked "what do you think of Wylla, Jon?" This suprised him. "Wylla? She is a friend i suppose. She is kind and smart. Her hair is different though." He asked her on the third night "why is your hair green?" Wylla gave him a smile "green is my favorite colour. And its different" she responded. Truthfully he was gonna miss white harbour, he was gonna miss her.

"Promise me you'll return!" Wylla demanded the day before they left. "I promise" he said nut truly understanding why she was so adamant about it. "Dont get hurt. And be careful. Come back." Jon was suprised at how emotional she got. They then parted ways and he went to his room to pack his things.

Saying goodbye to the Manderly's, Jon was sad to have to leave but they had a shit to go on so he climbed on his horse and rode out of the keep. "You think you'll miss it bere, Jon?" Ser Wessel asked. "Yes i will Ser. I like it here." Jon said with a slight smile. "Good. After we return we'll stay here for another while but then we'll go south and go to some tourneys. Lord Tyrell always throws tourneys and his son's namesay is in a couple of moons. So you'll get to see highgarden." Ser Wessel said happily.

Looking to the port he saw a large ship anchored with a mermaid on the bow and mermaids on the sails. "The siren" ser Wessel said with glee. "My first voyage was with this ship. 13 years ago. And now you'll make your maiden voyage." Ser Wessel looked at jon who looked with awe and excitement at the ship. "Dont get too excited. You'll be hanging overboard in not a long time."

Ser Wessel was right. Jon didnt like being on the sea. Half the time he was retching overboard and the other half he was running towards the sides of the ship. "My green friend don't look at the beautiful sea like that" the bravosi captain said looking at a very green jon Snow. "You will get your sea legs eventually.". The captain said kindly. "How long does this journey take again" jon said half retching. "As long as the wind demands young snow. But most of the time about a sennight or maybe a few days extra." The captain said. Jon sighed and got to work on helping the sailors. Thinking back on hsi family, Jon wondered if they received his letter by now?

Ned

Sitting under the weirwood polishing Ice he pondered, how is jon doing. As if on que maester luwin walked into the godswood "my lord, a letter from Jon." Taking the letter. "Thank you luwin" watching the maester leave the godswood he opened the letter.
'Father, white harbour is amazing. The Manderly's are very kind and gracious. Lord Wyman asks many questions but is very nice. How are Robb, Sansa, Arya and Bran? I am going on a trade mission to braavos soon and wont be able to write for a long while. I have become friends with lady Wylla. She is really nice and smart. I have begun training with different weapons aswell. From axes to maces. Give the others my love.
Jon'

Always to the point he sighed. He supposed Jon got that from him. His easy goingness and friendliness now thats all his mother. Thats all Ashara. Thinking about his old love and the time at harrenhall at that cursed tourney. Made him reminisce. Jon had the best of both him and Ash. But his bastardy pushes him down alot. Even though he was born of love, some people despise him for it. Lord Benedict Dayne, Ashara's brother wanted him to take jon after she died. 'I can't live with him here' Ash died in childbirth after he brought Ser Arthur's body and Sword back to starfall. She made him promise to gove their son a good life. 'Promise me, Ned. Promise me.'

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Jon

They were on the sea for days. His sea sickness hadnt improved much. Seeing Ser Wessel walking his way he turned to the knight. "Ser, how long until braavos?" He asked while feeling miserable. "A few hours and we will be able to see the titan." Ser Wessel said, exciting Jon. "Is it truly as great as they say?" He asked curiously. "You will have to wait to find out." Ser Wessel said annoying him.

Below deck he was resting when he heard it. A loud roar. He rushed upstairs to the deck. There in the distance he saw a colossal statue in the shape of a man with a broken sword and shield. Its eyes burning. "Jon, the titan roares each time at day break, night fall and when a ship arrives." Ser Wessel told him. "We will dock within the hour, Ser" he heard the captain tell Ser Wessel. "Very well captain, for the crew. They deserve a drink" ser wessel said holding a pouch of coins. Nodding the captain left. "We will go to the smoked eel inn. Find some rooms there. Dont talk to anyone without me there. Braavos is a dangerous place. Stay with me or Ben at all times." Ben was a loyal guard and personally asigned to Jon when theh left white harbour.

Walking off the ship jon was relieved to finally be on solid ground again. "Lets move lad. The inn is this way" ser Wessel said moving away. Following Ser Wessel, Jon saw many things. Different temples and even a sept. Walking to a building with an eel on a sign he guessed this was the inn. Following Ser Wessel inside he was met by the smell of roast chicken and ale. "3 rooms please" ser Wessel said to the innkeeper and placing some coins on the counter. "Number 17, 18 and 19" the innkeeper said. "Jon you'll get 18, I'll take 17 and Ben you have 19. Get your stuff ready and meet me in my room."

Walking into his room he was amazed at how spacious it was. He had a bed, a table and a drawer. Putting his clothes in the drawer he laid down on his bed and liked the softness of it. Walking out of the room he went to Ser Wessel's. Finding ser Wessel and Ben there already. "Ready for some food jon?" Ser Wessel asked. "Yes ser, im starving." He said. Walking into the dining hall of the inn he was once again hit by the smell of chicken and ale. "3 plates of food and 2 ale's and 1 glass of milk." Ser wessel ordered. Sitting down at a table he looked around and saw some men singing, some drinking and others do both. "Are all inn's like this?" He asked ben. "Aye they are little lord." Ben always called him little lord bacause he grew up in a castle. "There the food must be coming." Ben said and he looked to see a maid walking towards their table with some plates and mugs. "Here you go gentlemen" she said and eyed ser Wessel and then walked away.

Finishing his meal Jon was tired. "Tomorrow we have an audience with the sea lord. So be at your best behaviour." Ser Wessel said and he nodded. "Go to your room and rest for we will wake early." Walking from their table jon made his way back to his room. Laying in bed that night he wondered what other greatness was out there.

The next day

"Wake up jon" he heard ser Wessel's voice. "Coming, ser." He responds. Now dressed he walks out of the room. "Good morning" he said to Ser wessel and Ben. "To you to Jon" Ben responds. Over the journey Ben had become like a older brother to jon. Teaching him the basics of medicine and how to treat minor wounds. They left the inn and walked unto the streets of Braavos. After ten minutes of walking they saw a large palace on an island in a lagoon. "Thats the sea lords palace, jon" ser Wessel told him.

"Welcome, Lord Manderly." A man in a blue garb said. " we have an audiance with the sea lord." Ser Wessel said respectfully. "Then follow me, my lord." Walking into the palace jon was amazed at how beautiful it was. Paintings, tapestries and statues all around. "The sea lord waits inside" the herald said. Walking into what jon could only say was a throne room he saw a tanned man sit at a luxury table. "Please sit, my friends. And let our talks begin." The sea lord said.

After four hours of negotiating it was finally done. A trade agreedment between fhe north and braavos was signed between the sea lord and Ser Wessel Manderly. They were invited to stay for diner that night and not to be rude they accepted. But diner was still a few hours away so jon went to the yard to train. Hacking away at a straw dummy his thoughts were disturbed by a voice. "Dont hack so, boy" he turned and spotted a man in loose clothes and with a very slim sword at his waist. "Syrio forell. The first sword to the sea lord." He introduced himself. "Jon snow" he responded courteously. "You should be quicker not stronger, boy" syrio said. "Come lets spar I'll teach you, boy". After getting beaten by syrio for an hour strait he left to clean up.

Later at diner jon was placed with the sea lord's son. Terio antaryen was a kind boy. Same age as jon though different interests. Where jon liked swordplay, Terio liked reading. They got along well as they were the only ones of their age at the palace. "So Jon, where do you come from. I know the north of westeros but where precisely?" Terio asked curiously. "Winterfell." Jon replied curtly. "Do you have any siblings?" Terio asked. "Yes to brothers and 2 sisters. Robb my eldest brother and heir to winterfell is my best friend." He said happily. "I envy you for that. I am mh fathers only child and life does get boring here some times." Terio said sadly.

Returning to their rooms at the inn, jon was told by Ser Wessel that they would tour some land around braavos as it was said to he beautiful. Jon was excited for tomorrow.

Climbing on a horse they bought for him, Jon fell in beside Ser Wessel. "When will we leave again?" Jon asked. "In two days. The ship will be restocked. And we will go back to white harbour." Ser Wessel said. Riding out of braavos, jon was amazed at the baeuty of the landscape. For hours they rode through the forest and fields. All bliss was shattered though as they were attacked. Arrows flew over his head. He ducked just in time to prevent an arrow piercing his eye. His horse wasnt as lucky as is was hit twice in the neck and he fell on the ground. He saw men come out of the woods. He tried to get his sword but it was trapped under his horse. "This one will fetch a fine prise at the makets." He heard one of the men say. Slavers he realised. Scared he retreated backwards. Ben stepped infront of him. "I wont let you touch him." Ben warned. The leader of the slavers then walked up and said "looks like we have a brave fool here boys." In broken westerosi. Seeing Ben be attacked by the leader he was scared and looked to see Ser Wessel cut down 2 men. Hearing a gasp, he looked back to see Ben fall on the ground with a knife in his chest. "NO!" he screamed and charged the man but was effortlessly tossed aside. 2 men beat him up while the rest were moving towards Ser Wessel. After what felt like an hour of getting beat up he saw one man get pulled back and the other get a sword through his heart spraying jon with blood and dropping his weapon on the ground next to jon. "Are you okay lad?" Ser Wessel said covered in blood. Not noticing the man who he threw backwards had gotten up again ser Wessel pulled jon up. Jon seeing the man sneak behind Ser Wessel, quickly grabbed tbe sword the slaver dropped and stabbed the remaining slaver through the gut.

"Ben's dead." Ser Wessel said and jon for the first time in years cried. He then remembered that ben had a family back in white harbour. "What about his wife and child.' Jon asked. "They will be cared for. I swear it." After Burying Ben they returned to Braavos and quickly went to the inn. The next morning they broke their fast. Ser Wessel tried lifting the mood by japing but the mood stayed sour. Jon was still struggling with the thought of seeing his friend die in front of him while all he could do was watch. He swore to never be defenceless again and vowed to become a great swordsman to protect those who needed it, just like Ben. Jon also had problems coming to terms with killing a man. It was in self defence but he still killed a man. Not long later they went to the harbour and boarded the ship. "Where is your friend" the captain said confused about where he was. Jon grimaced and kept walking. The captain didnt ask again. They set sail soon after and left braavos.

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Jon

The entire journey from braavos to white harbour he was miserable. On the second night the realisation hit. "I killed a man. I actually killed a man." He said stressed "and in doing so you saved my life, jon." Ser Wessel responded. "I owe you my life." He looked up with a broken expression. "You saved me first, ser. We're even." 'Ever humble' ser Wessel thought. "Look you did what you needed to, to survive. The first one is always the hardest." Ser Wessel said solemnly. "Dont kill yourself over it, it was kill or be killed. How many men do you think he killed or enslaved." He was quiet over that. "Most likely dozens. If anything he deserved to suffer more." That kinda cheered him up. He still hated the sea and threw up even more.

"Its good to be back." Ser Wessel said walking on the gang plank onto the dock of white harbour. "What now ser?" Jon asks melancholic. "Cheer up lad, we'll go to the mermans court to report to my uncle and then to Ben's family." He said the latter half sadly. "But you'll get to see Wylla again." Ser Wessel said teasingly. Jon blushed. He finally understood what Wylla was doing after seeing brothels in braavos. He asked Ser Wessel some questions about Wylla on the way back to white harbour. He didnt know what that feeling in his stomach was but it felt weird every time he thought of her.

Going through the gate of the new keep, Jon once again saw the Manderly's lined up, except Wylla. He was hurt by her absence. "Wessel you're back." Lord Wyman said. "I am, uncle and with an agreedment with the sea lord of braavos. I shall give you the documents tonight." Ser Wessel respectfully. With a bow ser Wessel went to the keep. "Wylla is ill, jon" Ser Wylis said to him with a knowing smile. "She asked for you to return the moment she was laid in her bed." Ser Wylis said sadly. "I'll see her now, Ser." Jon said. He was concerned for her.

Knocking on Wylla's room he hear some shuffling. "Wylla? Its me, Jon. Can i come in?" He asked slowly. "Jon?" He heard her say. "Yes its me Wylla. Can i come in?" He asked again. "Come in." He opened the door and was shocked at how bad she looked. Pale and sweating she looked horrible. "Wylla are you alright?" He said rushing to her bed. "I am better now that you are here." She said with a pained smile. "Did you get in an.. 'COUGH COUGH'.... in any trouble Jon?" She asked. "I was worried about you. We got that letter about the slavers and i just collapsed." He grimaced at that. "no matter, I'm here now." He saod giving her a small smile. "Will you stay, with me for a while." He was shocked at her request. "Of course anything for you." He sat down on a chair next to her bed and laid his head on her bed. Holding her hand.

A while later he was disturbed out of his sleep when he heard her coughing really loudly and make a choking sound. Panicking he ran out of the room. "Where is the maester!" He yelled. "Calm down lad." He heard Ser Wessel say to him while he took a turn. "Wylla is choking and caughing very loudly." He said scared. Seeing Ser Wessel become serious in almost immediately. "Get Wylis." Ser Wessel said and ran off. He ran to Lord Wyman's solar. Entering the solar he saw lord Wyman and Ser's Wylis and Wendel witting across at a table. "Wylla is choking" he said. Ser Wylis and wendel stormed out of the solar and ran to her room. Lord Wyman and himself close behind.

An hour later he was outside her room when the maester came out of the room. "I cant do more. Her life is in hands of the gods now." The maester said. Walking away with tears in his eyes he knew only one place to go, the godswood. Seeing the weirwood tree of the old keep he knelt infront of it. Cutting his hand as his father taught him to he placed the hand on the weirwood and said a prayer. 'Please, take me. Let her be right.' Then he saw flashes. A keep with a pale tower on an island. A huge wall of ice. A burning and a freezing sword interlocked. A red eye on a horn. An island with many weirwood trees. A flower falling apart only to be brought back to strength. Lastly he saw Wylla laughing.

He woke up the next morning. Looking around he saw the weirwood leaking sap from its eyes. The tree moving while the other trees didn't. He looked to his hand to find it healed. He quickly went to the new keep again to look if his prayer worked. Going into Wylla's room he was shocked to see her sitting up again. No more was she pale neither was she coughing. "Jon, you are here." Wylla said happily. "For you always." He said walking to her bed and embracing her. "I'll tell the others that you're awake." He gave Wylla a smile and left her room.

"Two days of rest and she can go outside again." The maester said. He saw Wylis and Wynafryd look up relieved that Wylla was better. "I dont know what you did, boy but thank you" Ser Wylis said to him and embracing him.

A week later.

He stood in the yard with a greatsword in his hands. His extra training got him stronger than ever before. He spied Wylla standing on a balcony looking at him. He looked at her and gave her a soft smile. She blushed. "Less looking, more fighting, jon." Ser Wessel said to him and swiped the sword from his hands. "Always keep your eyes on your. enemy." Ser Wessel said seriously. Ser wessel was impressed by his renewed vigour in the yard and his skills showed it. He could now hold ser Wessel back for multiple minutes with multiple weapons. His best was still the bastard sword with which he even got Ser Wessel to yield some days. Getting into stance he levelled the greatsword to his opponent. Going on the attack, he tried to break ser Wessel's guard but ser Wessel counterd by attacking him back. Forced on the defensive he quickly gave ground. He saw an opening and took it only for it to be a trap by Ser Wessel. He prevented losing the match by stepping back two steps. He then saw an opportunity to use Ser Wessel's own trap against him. Let a mistake show and Ser Wessel used the opening to step in and try to disarm him. Using this movement of Ser Wessel's feet he kicked the knight's foot and Ser Wessel fell to the ground. He pointed the sword to his throat. "Do you yield, ser?" He asked. "Using my own tricks against me, lad? Aye i yield. 'I actually did it.' He thought. He saw Wylla cheering for him on the balcony.

"Were going south again." Ser Wessel said to jon while breaking their fast that morning. "There's a tourney at high garden for ser Garlan Tyrell is coming of age." Jon looked up. He was excited. "Its a big one, the tourney." Ser Wessel specified. "I talked to Wylis and he wants to come aswell. Wendel said he would come aldo but had some business in the Rills." Going to a tourney' he thought. 'And if Ser Wylis is coming that means Wylla is most likely aswell'. He got giddy at the thought.

Together with ser's Wessel and Wylis, Wylla and Wynafryd they left white harbour. He still hated the sea but with Wylla close by it was more bearable. They stopped at Kingslanding to resupply. Walking through the street of steel he was asked by Ser Wessel, "are you competing, Jon?" He looked up confused. "Squires can't compete, ser." He responded. "Normally not, no but here there is a squire's duel and archery." Ser Wessel said. "You have to, Jon." Wylla peeked in. Seeing no way out. "Fine I'll compete." He said conceding defeat. "Good then we might aswell get you some armour and a sword." Now hid interest was peaked. "Really, Ser?" He asked. Seeing Ser Wessel nod. "Thank you Ser." He said gratefully. "Its nothing." The knight then leaned in and whispered, "its your father's coin so i dont mind."

They stopped at a blacksmith shop. "What can Tobho Mott do for you good Ser." The man now identified as Tobho Mott said. "Do you have any armour for this lad. Preferably by tomorrow." Ser Wessel said and laid his hand on his shoulder. "I might have to augment some pieces but it can be done." Tobho Mott said looking him over. "And a sword aswell." Ser Wessel added. "Alright it will be done by tomorrow." Bidding the smith goodbye they walked through the market some more until a soldier in yellow garb with a crowned stag came towards them. "Manderly." The soldier said. "The king wants to see you and your squire." Looking to Ser Wessel he saw that they both were suprised. "Of course Ser...?" Ser Wessel let the question hang. "Godfrey" the knight responded and led them to the keep.

Stepping into the throne room he saw the king. A big man with a belly and red face. He had a big beard and looked happy when he saw him. "You're Neds lad aren't ya!" The king almost yelled. Going to one knee he said. "I am the son of Lord Stark your grace." He responded dutifully. "Piss on that. Your my brother in all but blood's son and call me Robert." The king boomed. "Robert, this is not proper." An elderly man next to the king said. "Fuck propriety, Jon." The king said to the man he guessed was Jon Arryn, his namesake and hand of the king. Then the king stood up. "Come with me lad, tell me some stories. You too Manderly." The king boomed.

That night when they finally got leave from the king he looked at his room. They were given accommodation by the king into the Red Keep. The Queen protested but thr king said to not mind 'that old bitch' as he called her. He was aghast when the king said that. 'King Robert always loved your aunt, Jon. He never got over her death.' Ser Wessel said. The other Manderly's were also invited to the Red Keep.

The next day.

After having broken their fast with the king he sparred with some of the greatest knights in Westeros. He fought with knights such as Barristan the bold or jaime Lannister. They beat him every time but he got pointers from barristan and later jaime when he showed him some respect. He got the idea that jaime Lannister was actually a nice man but ridiculed for being at the wrong place at the wrong time.

At tobho Motts shop they paid for his armour and sword. And left for high garden. A fortnite later they arrived at the mander. Ser Wessel told him about some stories from their houses history as lords of the reach. He became especially close with Wylla when he boight her a gift from the little coin he got from his father.

Sailing up the mander he spotted green lands and in the distance a great keep. With white pristine walls and green hedges around it. He learned later thet there also was a maze of hedges around the wall which he couldnt see. Docking at high garden was busy to say the least. "Lords from all over came here. Even the GreatJon is here" Ser Wessel said and they spotted a big man walking towards them. "Wessel ya old fucker. And You Wylis, still got that belly! Hah" the Greatjon umber laughed. "Lets catch up in high garden itself Jon." Ser Wylis said to the Greatjon.

Riding through the gated he was amaze at the beauty. He saw a man with brown hair and a goatee and using a cane waiting for them. "Welcome my lords, to Highgarden. My name is Willas Tyrell."

Being welcomed to highgarden by the heir of highgarden was something he never expected to happen. 'We are with some of the most important lords of the north.' He supposed. Walking through the halls he saw Ser Wessel going towards him. "Lad, i have enlosted us both in the events. You must help me get in my armour anf give lances for me in the joust." He nodded. "Lets see the tourney grounds." Ser Wessel said.

Walking with Ser Wessel on the training yard of the tourney he saw a distinctly very handsome man who he guessed was the same age as him. He knew he was a Tyrell for he has roses as his sigil. Standing next to a tall, well build man with jet black hair. He looked like king Robert. "Renly baratheon and his squire Loras Tyrell." Ser Wessel said. "They say he is as good wirha sword as he is good looking." If that was the case he would be in trouble. For Loras was very good looking. Seeing Lord Renly and Loras Tyrell moving towards them he was suprised to hear, "you are Jon Snow right?" Lord Renly saod to him. 'How does he know me' he thoight. "Yes my Lord. I am Jon Snow." He said the latter half bitterly. "My brother the king send us a letter to keep an eye on you. Are you up for a spar against my squire Loras?" He was suprised at the offer. But before he could respond Ser Wessel jumped in. "Maybe some other time. We are just inspecting the grounds. Does tomorrow work for you?" Ser Wessel asks. "That will work fine." Lord Renly said dismissively.

That evening at the feast he and Wylla were talking happily when they were disturbed by a reachman. "My lady, may i have this dance from you?" The reachman said with swagger. "Of course my Lord." She replied and took the man's hand. During the duration of the dance jon looked jealously to the two. The song ended and he saw Wylla walking back to the table they were at. He saw Wylla have a scowl. "Arrogant arse." She said angrily. "What happened?" He asked. "He asked for my favour." She spat. "Is that a bad thing?" He asked. "Yes, for there is only one man i will give mine to." He was confused and saddened. "Who?" He asked defeated. "You, dummy." She said with a smile and giving him her favour. "You would give me your favour?" He asked hopefull. "Yes i will and you will accept." He took the the green favour and bound it around his arm.

Later that night he ran into that same reachman. "That favour is supposed to be mine, bastard." The man spat. Pushing him up against a wall. "She decides who to give it." He responded. "You would dare speak up to your betters bastard." The man spat. Before he could respond he heard a voice. "You better leave him be Ambrose." He looked and saw Loras Tyrell standing in the hall way. "That bastard took something that was mine." The ambrose man said. "As far as i saw you asked and she denied it so, Back off." Loras said threateningly. The man let him go and walked away angrily muttering "bastard." He took a breath. "Thank you Lord Tyrell." He said gratefully. "Call me Loras." Loras said and extended a hand. "You call me Jon then."

The next morning he walking unto the yard at first light. He warmed up and then spotter Lord Renly and Loras Tyrell walking towards him. "Where is your knight?" Lord Renly said. "He got a bad headache from the feast." He recounted seeing Ser Wessel in a drinking match with the GreatJon. "Drinking with Lord Umber is never a good idea." Renly agreed. "Are you up for the spar?" Lord Renly asked. "Yes my lord. And are you ready Loras?" He asked. "I am, jon."

Grabbing a bastard sword he got ready against loras' long sword. They both got into position. "Begin" he heard lord Renly say. He awaited the first move. Loras moved with a big series of attacks. The countered then all. He then tried to make an opening by stepping in loras' guard. When that failed he tries to tire loras out but that takes time and was forced to go on the defensive. After what felt like an hour they both collapsed exhausted. "Well, this is a problem." Lord Renly said. "I declare it a tie. Go get some water boys." Lord Renly advised. "Well done lads."

Breaking his fast with Loras Tyrell and Lord Renly he saw Ser Wessel walking into the hall. "Remind me never to drink with Jon Umber ever again." All except Ser Wessel laughed. Ser Wessel ordered some food and water. They talked about the spar. "You did it without me?" Ser Wessel asked. "You were too busy hitting your own head and complaining so yeah we did." He replied "did you win?" Ser Wessel said curiously. "It was a tie. We did to the yield and we were both exhausted bu the end." He replied. "Then you'll both have a rematch in the tourney. I know how talented you are, jon and if Tyrell here could keep up and not beat you then you will both make it to the final duel in the tourney." Ser Wessel said with a smile.

Chapter Text

Jon

'Tomorrow the tourney begins.' He thinks excitedly. He walks over to the tourney board. First is the archery competition, then the squire duels. After that the melee and last but not least the joust. Seeing ser Wessel and Lord umber walking towards the board he heard him say "lad lets go to the yard and see the competition. Heard there were some frey's." Ser Wessel said laughing. "What's so funny about frey's?" He asks curiously. "Its just that are shit fighters. Some of them are decent but most are shit." He hears the Greatjon say while laughing. They started walking towards the yard. "Ya know lad, i remember yer uncle Brandon at the tourney at Harrenhal. A beast he was. Always fighting or fucking. Or both" the Greatjon japed while he turned red. "Alright lad, you're representing the North tomorrow and ye better do well." The Greatjon pressed. He just nodded. "I will try my best my lord". The Greatjon just looked at him and said. "Ye have stark blood lad and starks are natural fighters, just look at yer uncle Brandon. What do ya even prefer lad? Sword or axe?" The Greatjon asked. "I prefer a bastard sword. My lord." He added the latter quickly. "Good choice. Fits yer figure." The Greatjon then patted his back and he almost stumbled. 'That man is strong' he thought.

Arriving at the yard he spotted a tarly squire sparring with the ambrose knight he met earlier. He saw multiple frey's none of whom were particularly skilled. He spotted squires from many houses, only some he remembered such as crakehall and swann. The most surprising was a lannister. Golden hair and Arrogant look on his face the boy was older then jon. 'He might be trouble' he thought. Seeing Loras and an man who looked like loras but was a few years older. 'Garlan tyrell' he supposed. "My lords" he said curtly. "Jon" loras responded with a smile. "Greetings, you're Jon snow i suppose." The man said and he nodded. "My name is Garlan Tyrell. Loras spoke many good things about you." He was suprised at that. "Are you competing, Jon?" Garlan asked. "I am my lord." He answered. "Good luck. You have quite some competition. Loras, Gared Crakehall and Lancel Lannister. The duels will be quite the sight." Ser Garlan Said. "Thank you my lord" he said not knowing how to respond. Ser garlan and Loras walked away and he was left alone to view the competition. After a few hours of watching and training he was exhausted and went to bed early.

The next day.

"I Welcome all of you to my son's nameday tourney." Said the fat lord of highgarden, Mace Tyrell. "I wish you all luck and may the best win. First in two hours we will start with the archery competition." Mace Tyrell said jovially. "Lets go and pick some seats lad." Ser Wessel said to him. Nodding he walked away from the speach.

Sitting in the stands mainly occupied by northerners. "Is there a archer from the north, Ser?" He asked curiously. "Only a man from house fenn. The black lilies on purple." Ser Wessel said pointing to the small man. "He's a crannog men. They dont know them but the crannogmen are great archers." And that statement was proven as time after time the crannogmen shot the target in the bull and the bull's eye. "Aye he is very good." He responded. Seeing only the crannogmen and a man from house tarly remaining. He was excited that a northman might win. As the two men stepped back further and further finally after 90 paces the reachman hit it only in the outer ring while the crannogman shot his arrow in the bull. "And the winner of the archery is Torrhen Fenn!" The herald anounced. The northmen went wild with cheers. "Right lad lets get you ready for the duels." Ser Wessel said and they walked away.

Getting dressed in his suit of armour was still taking time. He knew armour was important but he still preferred less armour and speed over a full suit of armour. "Try ant bait them into making mistakes but dont respond to any personal attacks. They will try to make you angry so you make mistakes. Expect them making fun of your birth." Getting some last minute pointeres were nice.

"And the first duel of the day, Jon Snow against olyvar Frey." The herald anounced. The northern lords were confident and let it be known. "Come on snow, show em how we northerners fight!" The Greatjon shouted. Walking up the field he saw Olyvar Frey, he was older then Jon but looked weak. Lowering his helmet he walked to the middle of the field. A master at arms stood to the side. The horns blew signaling the start of the duel. Being pensive he circled his opponent waiting for him to make a mistake. Olyvar went for a swing. Easily parrying the swing he went on the counter attack. Going for a feigned attack but accually stepped to Olyvars right, Olyvar fell for the attack and was defenceless when he tripped Olyvar's legs. Seeing Olyvar fall to the ground he pointed his sword to Olyvar's throat. "Yield." He said. "I yield" Olyvar said.

"Well done lad." Ser Wessel said. "It'll be a little while when you fight again so gets some rest." Watching the fights he saw Loras defeat the crakehall boy and Lancel Lannister beat another Frey. It was his time again. "Jon you're up again." He walked out of his tent to see he was up against Lancel Lannister. Walking to the field again he got to see the finely engraved armour of the Lannister. "Ready to lose bastard?" Lancel said with a smirk. Not saying anything he got ready to fight. Hearing the horns go off again he he once again started to circle his opponent. "You can still pull out bastard. Just run away." Lancel Snarled. "I can say the same for you." He responded. Lancel thrusted his sword but jon parried the thrust and side stepped lancel. Lancel took a step back. Gaining ground he continued to press the Lannister back. "You really think a bastard can defeat a lannister?" Lancel spat. "No." He responded "i know i can." And with that he stepped into Lancel's guard and put his leg behin lancel's and pushed. Lancel fell to the ground and he pointed the sword to lancel's head. "Yield." He demanded. Lancel then jumped up and rushed jon but with a desperate punch he hit Lancel on the chin and knocked him out.

"Good punch Jon." Ser Wessel said laughing but turned serious. "Fucking coward. He was defeated." Ser Wessel said angry. Well you're up against the ambrose from the feast a few days back." Hearing that he grimaced. "Him again?" "Aye". Needing only that he marches out again. "So the bastard finally got some balls." The ambrose said. "Manderly will finally know that im the one she shouldve given the favour to. The whore." Something snapped inside him at that moment. The horns blasted and jon was on him in an instant. Having no time at all the ambrose was quickly overwhelmed and on the ground. But that didnt stop jon. Hitting the man in the face again and again. The master at arms had to pull him of the ambrose who was by now a bruised mess. Looking up to the stands he saw Wylla giving him a happy smile. "The winner and first finalist. JON SNOW!" the herald said. The ambrose limped up and said "I'll get you snow." Walking back to the tent he saw Ser Wessel looking at him concerned. "I have never seen ya like that lad. What happened?" Ser Wessel asked. "He called Wylla a whore." He said angry. "You went to easy on him." Ser Wessel said quickly. He agreed

Loras won against who he learned was Dickon Tarly. "And the last finalist our own LORAS TYRELL" The herald said and the lord and lady tyrell looked on proud.

"Lords and Ladies. This is the final duel in the squire's duel. From our own lands the third son of lord Mace Tyrell. LORAS TYRELL!" The herald shouted. "And from the cold wastes to the north we have the son of Lord Eddard Stark. JON SNOW!" Walking to the field he saw Loras walking onto the field in an ornate flower decorated suit of armour. "May the best win Jon." Loras said. "The same for you Loras." He replied shaking hands. Hearing the horns blast he was forced to take a few steps back as loras went on the attack quickly. Being forced to parry all the attacks he managed to force loras back. Going back and forth he and loras were certainly an even match. After a good ten minutes neither had conceded. They were both exhausted but he went on trying to break loras' guard. Thrusting his sword to a weak spot in loras' guard he failed to see that it was a trap and loras riposted and jon was left wide open and was knocked to the ground. "Do you yield, jon?" Loras asked. Looking to the stands to see Wylla looking proud at him he responded. "Aye i yield. Well fought." Loras helped him get up and he left the field.

"Well done lad. That was a great move of his." Ser Wessel told him with a smile. "Come lets get some ale." Walking towards the stands they were called by the northern lords. "You did will lad." The greatjon said. "Aye you made it far. Your father would be proud." Ser Wylis said. Thr lords moved out of the way to talk with Ser Wessel and in doing so he was left alone with Wylla. Running towards him and enveloping him in a hug. "Are you alright?" She asked concerned. "I am fine Wylla." Letting go of him he got to see that she had tears in her eyes. "You scared me after what happened with the ambrose." Wiping her tears away he held her face. "Come, lets go with the others".

Later that night after the feast was well underway he dances with Wylla for two songs when he went to sit back down. After two more songs Wylla came back to the northern table. "Do you think uncle Wessel will be drinking heavily tonight?" Wylla asked him. "If you wanted to stop him you're too late." He saod pointing to Ser Wessel who was in a drinking game with greatjon umber. "Would you come with me, Jon?" Wylla asked. "Okay." He responded and they got up and left the hall. Taking a stroll through a garden they made small talk. He could see somethong was naggin Wylla though what it was he didnt know. "Jon i know that you may have lost the duels but i still want to congratulate you. But you have to close your eyes." He went to respond but she put her finger on his lips. "Close your eyes." She urged again. Doing as bid he closed his eyes. Then he felt Wylla's lips on his. Opening his eyes he saw Wylla kissing him. He thought about stopping her but disided against it. He deepened the kiss and his heart fluttered. "Jon" Wylla said looking into his eyes.

"I love you."