Chapter 2: Help in reward

Summary:

As he was about to take his leave from Darry Castle, Marc is offered an opportunity that would affect his path and those around him.

Chapter Text

I made my way towards the exit of the hall, still feeling the weight of the crowd's scrutiny. However, it lessened as I left the place and was moving towards the courtyard, preparing myself to truly leave, even though I was uncertain where to go. My cautious self was blaming me, harassing me for acting like the young boy I was while imagining myself as the hero of stories I made. But as I was about to join the courtyard, I heard footsteps behind me. A part of me wondered who it could be, and another prepared for the worst, my defensive and cautious mind imagining any possibility.

"Marc! Wait!"

Arya's voice calling me out caused me to stop in my tracks. As I turned around, I saw arriving in a rush. A part of me was delighted to interact further me with her, but I was also intrigued by her sudden presence. I also saw Jory Cassel arriving afterwards, probably chasing after Arya.

"Yes, Arya? Why are you following me? Shouldn't you be with your father?" I asked her with curiosity, kindness, and concern. Jory reached us, slightly out of breath, and looked at me with a mix of surprise and gratitude.

"Marc, isn't it?"

As I nodded, the captain of lord Stark's guards said, "I apologize for Arya. She rushed after you when you left the hall lord Stark asked me to find her."

He added with a respectful voice, "I must say, it took courage to stand up to the prince and the queen like you did."

I nodded, acknowledging Jory's words while keeping a watchful eye on our surroundings.

"You do not have to apologize, ser. You do your duty and after what happened, I can understand why your lord wouldn't allow his daughter on her own."

Jory nodded, appreciating my understanding. Seeing Arya and him here reminded myself that some hours ago, he found Arya and helped her to chase away Nymeria for her sake. A part of me couldn't help but think of Georges Lucas's words, "It's like poetry, it rhymes" for the current situation: the two of them together not in the woods but nearby the courtyard of Darry Castle and instead of chasing away a direwolf, one chasing someone while the other rushing after to keep an eye on her.

Before Jory might say to Arya to come back, I turn my eyes back to her and asked, "Why were you following me?"

Arya's eyes sparkled with determination as she spoke, grateful I was curious and determined to listen to her. While cautious and wary, Jory observed us.

"I couldn't let you leave without knowing if you're safe," Arya said, her voice filled with gratitude and an unwavering sense of justice while her eyes sparkled. "You defended me when others wouldn't, and you risked your own safety for me."

Her words resonated with me, reminding me of the true essence of honor and loyalty. Interacting with her and Jory filled me with a mixture of delight and reassurance. I considered Arya's words, recognizing the genuine concern in her young voice. Uncertainty clouded my mind, aware of the dangers that awaited me in this treacherous world.

I looked at Arya, then turned to Jory, sensing his eager and curious eyes. I inwardly felt touched by their expressions and by Arya's concern for me. A part of me reminded me that she was making friends with people of the small folk with ease and as I could be considered as one in spite of my foreign roots, I could understand her curiosity especially with the help I gave her through my intervention.

"Arya, I thank you both for your concern," I began, my voice filled with gratitude and sincerity. "And to tell you the truth… I do not know where to go, except that I must leave before the queen or her son find a way to strike back at me. And while I am glad for your concern, aligning yourselves with me, a foreign commoner, might not be wise or well-received."

Jory's expression shifted, first displaying concern and understanding as he recalled the events in the hall, and then through a flicker of determination mingling with admiration and trust. Arya's expression shifted, first in concern and understanding as she remembered what she just experienced back in the hall and then through a flicker of determination mingling with a touch of admiration and something else that I couldn't quite decipher.

"I don't care," she finally declared, her voice resolute. "You're different from the others. I can see it. And Father, he'll understand. He always protects those who deserve it. You deserve it, Marc. You defended me and stood up for what's right. You can stay with us. The North remembers."

Jory seemed a bit stunned by the little girl's declaration, and looked at me, first slightly hesitant before his gaze turned steady and filled with the weight of responsibility. "Arya speaks true, Marc. You've shown honor and bravery. Lord Stark will make the right decision."

Arya's unwavering faith in her father's sense of justice and her own ability to perceive character touched me deeply. It was a testament to her own resilience and intelligence, traits that would shape her destiny. I was also amused and touched by the fact she would use the famous Northerner phrase to make her point clear.

I was more surprised in Jory's words as I would expect him to be more wary of me as I was a stranger in this place. A little side of me thought upon it and considered that he might regard me with respect and trust with how I intervened, the fact I took a risk in facing the royal or the fact I named him as a trustworthy person to handle something like attending the examination of the body of the prince. Regardless of the reason, I was also touched by such trust, even if another part of me was thinking on the fact that if it was a fiction, I would be regarded as nearly a Gary Stu without magical powers but with meta knowledge.

As I contemplated her words, the image of Arya, a fierce and independent spirit, battling her own battles in the face of adversity, appeared in my mind from the memories of the TV series and of any depictions I read on her. It was a character I had come to admire from the pages of the books and the screen of the television series and interacting with her in the flesh before all the events that shaped her was peculiar and very overwhelming. I also thought of Jory's fate and shivered a bit as I thought that he would die in the clash against Jaime Lannister's men at the entrance of Chataya's brothel. Chasing away this infamous thought, I reflected upon Arya's proposal.

While Jory seemed to support it in spite of his possible vigilance, a part of me still hesitated to answer, knowing the intricate dynamics of the "Game of Thrones" and the dangers that came with aligning oneself too closely with any noble house, especially the Starks. But Arya's offer, laced with trust and hope, tugged at my heart. And a part of me saw the advantage of the proposition, especially as it came from Arya and not me and the fact that Jory could vouch for me and seemed to be supportive of Arya's idea. As cynical as it sounded, I was aware that no matter my deed this evening, Lord Stark might be wary of accepting my request for protection if it came from me so soon after having intervened in the hall. I tried to ignore this pragmatic thought as I felt tainted by the idea I somehow manipulated Arya, even though it wasn't my intent. But I couldn't reject her offer, mainly because I knew that it would be against who I was. Turning my back after a good deed while I might be of help would be akin of a coward and more importantly of someone that couldn't face his responsibilities. My cautious part is torn apart inside, screaming that it would be folly to further pursue a move that any self-insert would do for rightful or easy motives while acknowledging that my survival will be greater with someone with influence and authority like Eddard Stark, not to mention that his family would one of the very rares I would easily trust as they were depicted as nice people in the context of Westeros. And as a bonus compared to some others Houses that could be nice enough, they wouldn't immediately regard my skills, tools and knowledge as something to gain for their own purposes. And I share a lot of values with the current Starks, making it more easier to make a decision. If it had been the Lannisters who made the proposition, I would choose the path of a poor lonesome traveller far away from his home rather than being a pawn for their shortsighted cruel and pride-blinded agendas.

After a moment of consideration, I made up my mind, guided by both the desire to aid Arya's family in facing the impending storms and my fondness for her character. Not to mention, Jory's presence and his support played a significant role in my decision as I knew he would vouch for what had been said here. I knew that despite the cultural clash and gap, I would easily fit among them.

I looked at Arya with resolute eyes and a smile. "Alright, Arya. I accept your offer. I will stay and ask for your father's protection."

Arya's face lit up with a radiant smile, relief evident in her eyes. "Thank you! I knew you would. Come, let's go back to the hall. Father needs to know."

I looked at Jory who just nodded, probably more concerned to Arya's safety at this moment.

We turned back to make our way to the hall once again, with Arya leading the way by my side while Jory is watching our backs. As we moved towards the hall, a faint sound caught my attention from outside—a horse approaching. My heart skipped a beat, and my thoughts immediately turned to Sandor Clegane and the possibility of him returning with Mycah's body. Inwardly, I offered a silent gratitude that Jory and Arya hadn't stopped me in the courtyard, as they would have witnessed the grim scene. Arya, driven by her fierce loyalty, would likely have rushed forward in anger, seeking to avenge her friend. And such situation would have possibly resulted in tragedy, not to mention that would have cancelled all the good deeds I had just achieved. And considering Westeros's tendency for bad luck at the wrong time, I felt glad it didn't occur or that I wouldn't see the cut down and crushed body of the boy as I disliked such thing. My analytical part was saying to me that I couldn't escape long witnessing such gruesome things, no matter how deep my dislike of violence ran in me. I wasn't however like Show Renly who was depicted as someone that would faint to the view of blood.

Pushing aside these dark thoughts, I focused on the present. Arya, Jory, and I continued our path. As we entered the room, we noticed that many courtiers and servants had already left. Some passed before us, casting curious glances and whispering among themselves. I caught glimpses of different reactions, ranging from awe and puzzlement to raised eyebrows. The unconventional situation of a commoner standing beside a highborn girl seemed to stir intrigue and speculation. I couldn't help but find it amusing, although my cautious side also worried about the breach of protocol, particularly considering Arya's fiery and non-conventional spirit. The whispers and glances from the onlookers also served as a reminder of the challenges that lay ahead. But with Arya's determination and support and a sense of purpose filling my heart, I felt ready to face whatever awaited me.

Arya searched for her father among the crowd and finally spotted him in discussion with Ser Barristan. Curiosity stirred within me, eager to know the subject of their conversation. However, I resisted the temptation to eavesdrop, reminding myself of the importance of maintaining proper etiquette and avoiding any behavior that could undermine the trust I sought to build with Lord Stark, despite my good deeds for his daughter.

As Arya and I approached, Ser Barristan and Lord Stark interrupted their discussion, their surprise evident as they noticed my return. Lord Stark's gaze then shifted to Arya, a mix of gratitude and curiosity evident in his questioning look. He wondered what his daughter had done, particularly considering her sudden rush after me.

"Arya, what have you done?" Lord Stark's voice carried a gentle yet firm tone, betraying both his relief at finding her safe and his curiosity about her actions.

Arya's eyes met her father's, reflecting a mixture of determination and uncertainty. She took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts before speaking. "I wanted to be sure Marc would be alright."

Lord Stark's concern and understanding flickered across his face as he glanced at me, grateful and curious. "I appreciate your concern for this man. But why has he returned?"

"Father, I suggested to Marc that he ask for your help. He has nowhere else to go, and he helped me in a time of need. We owe him our gratitude," Arya answered, her voice filled with genuine concern and determination.

Eddard contemplated his daughter's words, recognizing her compassion and her desire to repay the debt of gratitude. At that moment, Jory Cassel approached, having caught up with Arya.

"My Lord, I apologize for Arya's hasty departure. I was chasing after her as she rushed after Marc," Jory explained, his voice filled with concern for Arya's safety.

Lord Stark's gaze shifted to Jory, his eyes displaying a mixture of gratitude and authority. "Thank you, Jory."

Lord Stark's gaze returned to me, his curiosity deepening. "Tell me, Marc, why did you return? What do you seek?"

I met Lord Stark's gaze with sincerity and respect. "Lord Stark, as your daughter said, she suggested to seek your protection as I have nowhere else to go. I aided Arya because it was the right thing to do, and now I find myself in need of assistance."

Lord Stark turned to Jory, seeking confirmation of Arya's words and my intentions. Jory nodded, his voice steady as he spoke. "Lord Stark, I can confirm Arya's words. Marc sought your protection through her advice. And after what we have saw tonight, I think his actions speak well of his character."

Lord Stark nodded in agreement before his gaze shifted between Jory and me, weighing our words and assessing the situation. After a moment of contemplation, he sighed and nodded. "Very well. Marc, you shall have my protection, but remember that it comes with responsibilities and expectations."

I bowed respectfully, grateful for Lord Stark's acceptance. "Thank you, Lord Stark. I understand the weight of your expectations, and I am prepared to fulfill them to the best of my abilities."

As our conversation unfolded, Ser Barristan sensed the personal nature of our discussion and took his leave, saluting Lord Stark, his daughter and ser Jory. "If you don't mind, my Lord, I shall take my leave."

Lord Stark nodded in acknowledgment. "Of course, Ser Barristan."

Before departing, Ser Barristan paused for a moment to commend me for my words and actions during the examination. "Well done, stranger. Your words carried weight, and justice was served. May you continue to be a beacon of truth."

I bowed once again, expressing my gratitude. "Thank you, Ser Barristan. I shall strive to uphold truth and justice."

After Ser Barristan's departure, I turned to Arya with a grateful smile. "Thank you, Arya, for your suggestion and kindness. I am honored to have your support."

Arya's face lit up with a mixture of gratitude and excitement, her admiration for justice and bravery shining through. "I'm glad I could help, Marc. We'll stick together, and I promise to watch your back, just like you watched mine."

Eddard observed our interaction with a fatherly gaze, his admiration for his daughter evident. "Arya has a good heart, and I trust her judgment," he said, his voice carrying a hint of pride that changed his classical solemn face. His eyes however told me of a warning, probably warning me of not breaking Arya's trust she gave to me. I silently nodded, even though I knew that I would deeply dislike breaking such a trust even by accident, not only because of my fondness for her character back when her world was just a fictional tale, but because it was the way I was.

Eddard sent a glance around him before continuing, "We shall ensure your safety and provide you with a place to stay within our guest rooms. We will continue this conversation there, away from prying ears."

I nodded in understanding, acknowledging the need for discretion in our discussions. "Of course, my lord. Lead the way, and I shall follow."

Jory, standing nearby, listened attentively to Lord Stark's words. As we prepared to move, Jory approached me with a nod of acknowledgment. "I will ensure the safety of Lady Arya and accompany you both to the guest rooms, my Lord."

Lord Stark acknowledged Jory's commitment with a nod of approval. "Thank you, Jory. Your presence will provide an extra layer of protection."

As we walked together through the corridors of Darry Castle, Jory positioned himself behind us, keeping a watchful eye on our surroundings. I appreciated his presence, knowing that he was an experienced and loyal member of Lord Stark's household. I also readied myself as I knew the incoming discussion with lord Stark could be very important to truly earn his trust and to determine what would be my path from now. A part of me felt thankful by the lucky coincidences and Arya's fiery spirit to allow it to happen, but I knew that I wouldn't rely on chance, otherwise I could call myself Targaryen for relying too much on something that could be deprived from me at any time.

AN.:

1_ The first step of the setting up of my MC's path after his bold entrance. Or like a certain fictional character would say: "The game is on!"

2_ Like the previous chapter a mix resulted from the draft generated by ChatGPT (and any additional request to make it the more developed and complex possible in regards of its restraints) to make it easy to developp the canonical characters' reactions and dialogues and my own additions and rewrite to give the text a more narrative, consistent and personal feeling, not to mention that I wrote when immediately came in mind on a certain subject and the draft helped me to easily blend in in regard of the characters' reactions.

3_ Contrary to the previous chapter, I allowed space among the different parts of the chapter to allow the text to breath and for make it easier and more comfortable to read.

4 _ The pretext that truly created the path of the rest of the fanfiction (at least the first chapters) rely on how I consider and understand Arya's character, especially as she has not been "tainted" by the traumatic events that she would experience in the future.

5_ As mentionned in the previous chapter, my MC is inspired by me (my fictional self) and thus, most of his words and actions are things I might have done (even though I take into account that between imagining something and experiencing it, there is a huge difference and gap as the emotional and physical impacts are not truly present when we imagine a situation in the comfort of our homes).

6_ Initially, it was only Arya that followed me in my initial request. However, as perfectionist as I was and very attentive to context, I knew it wouldn't do, even with Arya's personality. I added Jory because a) he was present during Arya's "trial", b) he was the one who found her in the woods and c) it solves certain possible issues that would have needed to be tackled in the next chapters (especially with the "bomb" that would be depicted in the next chapter) and d) with what just happened, it would have been very irresponsible from Eddard Stark to allow his young daughter on her own.

7_ For those who are wondering what lord Stark and ser Barristan were discussing, well they were discussing of what just happened and on who I was, since they weren't expecting me to come back as I left the hall as soon as the royal family took their leave.

8_ It may be not obvious, but beyond the meta references to Westeros from my MC, there are other references and easter eggs to other stories I love (of any genre and any land and time). Those eager eggs are written by me and not part of the initial draft (unless it was part of the initial request).

9_ Good Reading !