Chapter 7: Journeys and Preparations

The last few moons had flown in for Jon, he'd been kept busy with lessons, sparring and with his work as a page for Jaime, surprisingly he found that most of this included attending Jaime in meetings and while he occasionally filled glasses of wine or got refreshments for the guests he usually spent the meeting standing by Jaime's shoulder while Jaime held court. Today though he was given a free day, Jaime would do this every so often just give him a day to explore the rock, speak to people, read or whatever he wanted, Jaime said he needed to enjoy things as much as he needed his lessons.

The lessons he took were completely different than the one's he took in Winterfell, here he learned about running a castle, about trade, he learned about the houses of the kingdoms and their relationship to each other and who their banner men where, the lessons which confused him the most were when Jaime instructed him to learn High Valyrian and the harp.

" Why do I need these my lord"

" You need to be well rounded Jon, it can't all be facts and figures or warfare and fighting, a man needs to be cultured also."

" But the harp my lord?"

" What's wrong with the harp Jon? A good bard would have all the ladies of the land swooning."

" I'm a bastard my lord, no lady will swoon for a bastard."

" Jon if only you knew, let me let you in on a little secret, while some will care which side of the sheets your born on, others will not, your deeds, your accomplishments that'll be what defines you, not whether your noble or trueborn"

" Do you understand Jon?" Jaime asked

" I think so my lord."

" Good then the harp it'll be my young friend and I expect good things from you."

So Jon had taken his lessons and found to his shock that the harp came as easy to him as swordplay, now just a few moons into the lessons and he could play most of the song's he knew and some he hadn't ever heard of, he'd even started messing around with notes and making his own songs up, none were any good he thought but he felt relaxed when playing, almost as if a sense of peace came over him.

He walked down the hall hoping to find Tyrion, they had become fast friends, the older mans wit and intelligence sparking something in Jon, it was because of Tyrion that he found himself taking books from the Rock's library and reading at night, something he had never done in north.

"A mind needs books like a sword needs a whetstone, if it's to keep it's edge, that is why I read so much" Tyrion had said and Jon couldn't help agree with him, he found that he enjoyed reading and the discussions and debates he had with Tyrion about some of what he read had brought the two even closer. As he reached Tyrion's room though he was disappointed to find it empty, he thought about going looking for him but he heard a muffled sound of crying and headed in that direction instead.

The room he entered was some sort of a nursery, there on the ground was a little blond girl, she couldn't have been more than two name days old and she was sitting on her own sobbing, Jon moved over to the girl and sat down beside her, she looked at him her green eyes filled with tears but her sobbing had stopped.

"Hello."

"My name is Jon." he quickly added as the girl looked at him.

"Yon." she through her sniffles.

"Yes Jon, are you hungry?"

"No, play, Yon Play."

"You want me to play with you."

The girl nodded enthusiastically, Jon looked around the room finally finding some stuffed lions and some dolls, he moved to go over to them but the young girl grabbed his arm "No, Yon stay.". He smiled at her and reached his hand out to her, she looked at him confused before taking his hand and they both went over to where the stuffed toys were.

"Grrr," he said as he moved the lion towards her, the little girl laughing now.

"Grrr I'm a lion."

"No Yon, no lie on, Yon."

She giggled at him as she backed away so he picked up a doll and handed it to her noticing the smile she gave get even bigger.

"What's her name?" he asked.

"Yon."

"No that's my name, what's dollies name?"

"Yoy."

"You want to call the dolly Joy." he said as the girl nodded vigorously.

"Is that your name?"

He pointed at her "Joy," she nodded before she pointed at him "Yon." she laughed.

The two played for almost an hour before the maid entered the room, he noticed Joy's expression change from happy to sad almost immediately.

"I'm sorry my lord, I just stepped out for a moment." the maid said clearly not expecting anyone to be here.

"I've been here an hour, your lying."

"I..I,,I'm sorry my lord."

"It's fine, I'll look after Joy until her father gets here, you'll no longer be required."

"Please my lord, I needs this job, my family, this is all we."

"You can work somewhere else in the castle, but you'll no longer be left in charge of a babe you can't take care of."

"Thank you my lord, thank you so much." the girl said before running from the room.

Jon turned back to Joy to notice her smile was back on her face, he picked up the lion again and watched as she squealed as he moved towards her, the two of them played around before he heard a rumble come from her stomach.

"You hungry?"

"Yon."

"Yep Jon will take you for some food little one."

He stood up and offered her his hand and as she took it he lifted her up and swung her around, the giggles he got for it stirred something in his heart. He carried the girl and made his way down to the kitchen noticing the stares he got from some of the servants and guards on the way, he continuously spoke to her as they walked and by the time they reached the kitchen she was resting her head on his shoulder.

"I came to get some food for young Joy here." he said to the small dark haired cook.

"Of course my lord, right away."

"Ehmm, I don't really know what she eats though?"

"That's fine my lord, I usually prepare Joy's meals myself, I know what the young miss likes."

Jon sat down at the small table, he tried to put Joy in the seat beside him but the little girl clung to him so eventually he sat her on his lap and began to feed her the meal the cook had prepared, it was nothing fancy just some soft fruits mashed together, but the girl seemed to really enjoy it, although she was messy and Jon found himself covered in as much of the meal as she had eaten.

"Ah there you are, I heard someone had stolen my child and ran off with her, never did I think it would be you Master Snow." Jon worriedly turned at the sound of the voice only to see Gerion's smiling face.

"I'm sorry my lord, it was just she was, I."

"Papa."

"Hello my little angel, coming to papa"

"No papa, Yon"

"Yon?"

"Yon" Joy emphatically said before Gerion smiled at them both before he began to speak to Jon.

"Jon I'm not mad at you, confused, not mad, care to explain?"

"Of course my lord, I was walking past the nursery and I heard a sound and when I entered Joy was alone and upset, so I sat with her, we played and then the maid came back, I dismissed her and played some more with Joy before she got hungry and we came down here."

"Why did you dismiss the maid Jon?"

"I,,,she wasn't looking after Joy my lord, I was there for a long while and Joy was on her own, when she came back Joy didn't seem to want to be in her company so I stayed and sent her away."

"I'll have that girl's job, she was supposed to look after my daughter not abandon her." Gerion angrily said.

"My lord, please don't do that, I promised the girl she'd be reassigned, she can work elsewhere, don't let her go."

"Very well Jon, but I'm doing this for you not her."

"Thank you my lord."

After finishing the rest of the meal with Gerion constantly calling Jon the best nursemaid ever much to his annoyance, the three of them got up and left the room, Joy holding her arms out for Jon to carry her, As they walked to the nursery Jon could feel the little girl begin to nap on his shoulder, he looked to her father to see him looking at him with what looked like gratitude on his face.

"It seems like my angel's ready for her sleep Master Snow, you must have worn her out, just how many games were the two of you playing today?" Gerion asked loving the redness on Jon's face.

"I don't know my lord, a lot."

"Well thank you Jon, she seems happier than I've seen her in a long time."

The two entered the room and Gerion helped Jon put Joy to bed, kissing the little girl on the head as he laid her down.

"Night night Angel."

"Ni Ni papa."

"Ni Ni Yon."

"Night Night Joy."

Joy was asleep before they even left the room, the smile on her face only made her look more like her father who was wearing the exact same smile, they walked down the hall together silently before they reached Jon's room.

"Jon, I want to thank you for today, you didn't need to do that but you did and I won't forget it."

"I enjoyed myself my lord, she's very precious."

"Aye, that she is."

"Ehmm my lord, I… if it's no bother, I… would it be all right if I visited her again?"

"Jon you don't have to."

"No my lord I'd like to, if it's fine with you that is."

"Aye lad, it's more than fine." Gerion said as he smiled at him.

"Thank you my lord."

"No lad, thank you, you have no idea what this means to me, but thank you all the same.

Jon went to sleep tired that night, the little girl had worn him out, but he'd had so much fun, it made him think of his little sister back in Winterfell, would he have been allowed to spend time with her or would she like Sansa be taken away from him as soon as her mother or the septa had noticed him. He resolved to spend as much time with Joy as he could, like him she was motherless and a bastard although in her case her father seemed to only want what's best for her.

Jaime sat at his desk listening to his uncle tell him about Jon spending his time with his niece, it reinforced everything he thought about the young man, after the first day Gerion had found him Jon had made time to visit Joy daily, he'd played with her, read to her, took her for her meals, the little girl had even been taken around the castle by Jon and the excitement on her face when anyone saw them together was something most people commented on. It had made Jon a lifelong friend of his uncles more so because the boy did it not to curry favor, but because it made both his and the girls days brighter.

But they had important things to discuss and as his uncle finished they waited for Tyrion, Kevan and Jon to arrive. Jaime had never seen the benefit of a page before, but having someone to send for people was something he found very useful especially when that person was Jon, the boy was dutiful to a fault. Ask him to do something and quicker than you could think he'd be off on whatever errand he'd sent him on, how the boy managed to fit as much into his days as he did was an enigma to Jaime.

"My lord." Jon said entering the room Tyrion and Kevan beside him.

"Uncle, Brother, come sit we have much to discuss, Jon wine if you will."

"Well brother what's so important?"

"Indeed my Lord, I was just getting ready to ride to Lannisport." Kevan quickly added.

Jaime had made Kevan overseer of Lannisport, it wasn't the equivalent of being castellan of Casterly Rock but if anything his uncle had more duties and responsibility, he had originally planned to leave Kevan as he was and have Tyrion oversee Lannisport but if Tyrion was to be lord one day then he needed to run the rock. After Jon poured the win he retreated behind Jaime standing in his usual place at this right shoulder, Kevan especially had disagreed with this but Jaime had held firm, this was how it would be and he'd accept no arguments otherwise.

"Gentlemen, I intend for a tourney to be held in Lannisport in four moons time, the largest tournament that we've ever held."

"A tournament, what's the damn use of a tournament" Kevan asked irritation clear in his voice.

"This particular one is important, it's in memory of my father." Jaime said noticing Kevan's expression immediately change.

"Oh of course, I'll begin preparations immediately, we should endeavor to make sure everyone important attends, the king, the queen all the Lord Paramount's and the members of the great houses, it's what my brother deserves." Kevan said completely on board now.

"Of Course uncle, we'll need to spend a lot of money on this both in prizes and in making sure it's the spectacle it needs to be." Jaime said before looking to Tyrion.

"Well it wouldn't be a Lannister tournament without lots of gold now would it." Tyrion said before Gerion interjected.

"You know you won't be able to compete my lord."

"I know uncle, I'm the host, but that's fine my page will be competing for me."

"What?" Jon said in a shocked voice from behind him.

"Oh it's not like that Jon, I intend to have a squires and pages tournament as part of the festivities, under 12's in a series of one on one duels."

"My lord, the boy is only 7 name days," his uncle Kevan said.

"And he already beats most of our young recruits, Kevan," Gerion said a smile on his face.

He watched as Jon stood there, the look on his face changing from shock to something else, he saw the pride that his uncles words had instilled in him but that was quickly replaced by a look of determination.

"Very well then, you all will need to work together on this." Jaime said before dismissing the others.

"Jon a word please."

"Yes my Lord."

"This tournament is a big opportunity Jon, you have 4 moons to train hard, I have faith in you lad, but you'll be up against older boys, so there's no pressure on you, just do your best that's all I ask."

"I will my lord, you can be certain of that."

Lannisport, a few weeks later.

As Tyrion looked out at the ground for the upcoming tournament he felt a sense of pride, Jaime had practically given him full reign of the preparations and he promised he wouldn't disappoint. He had brought Jon and a small escort with him, the tiltyard and the pavilions were both coming along really well which only left the dueling arena to be completed. The idea behind it was a strange one to Tyrion, usually there were melees, but Jaime had insisted on a separate space for duels, his brother was particularly excited for the squire's duel that Jon would compete in.

Tyrion had to admit the boy had talent, but to compete against older squires and wannabe knights was a bit too much to expect from a seven name day old boy, even if Jaime had restricted it to twelve name days or below. But his brother insisted and Tyrion could sense how important it was to him, so he drew up plans and the arena itself would allow for an uninterrupted views down to the dueling square in the center.

"Well Jon what do you think?"

"I've never seen anything like it Tyrion, it's unbelievable, how have you managed to get so much done so quickly?"

"Lots of gold Jon, lots of gold."

"Is there much left to be done?"

"It's mostly making sure that it looks good, the major work is nearly done, we need to organize stalls and places for food and drink but most of the heavy lifting is done."

The two walked and Tyrion noticed the waves he and Jon got from the workers and the people of Lannisport, it was odd to him he'd always been received politely to his face but this was different since Jaime had come back he'd been allowed to help improve the port, his uncle Kevan was in charge but it was Tyrion who came up with a lot of the plans. He and Jon had been regular visitors to the town over the last few weeks and word had spread about the young lord and his brother's page.

As they headed towards the small tavern where they liked to eat his cousin came rushing up to him, Lancel was an annoying little shit who Kevan had only named as his squire because Jaime had done so with Jon, unlike Jon though Lancel had made no effort to learn and thought his position allowed him liberties which it did not.

"Ah Lancel what brings you here?"

"My father wishes to speak to you." the boy sneered at him.

"Well it'll have to wait, my companion and I were just about to eat, isn't that right Jon."

"Ehmm, perhaps we can meet with Lord Kevan first my lord?"

"At least the bastard knows his place." Lancel mockingly said.

"Careful, Lancel, remember what my brother did to the last squire who spoke out of turn." Tyrion watched as the boy shuddered, an unlucky squire had been heard calling Jon and Joy bastards when they were walking around the castle, when Jaime heard he personally took the boy outside for a spar, it was brutal and since then no one had the nerve to speak that way where it could be overheard.

"Whatever Imp." the sneering boy said before leaving.

"What an idiot." Jon said as they walked into the tavern.

After finishing their meal and after Jon paid for the meal for a couple of very grateful workers they left and headed to Kevan's offices in the trade district of Lannisport, Tyrion was looking forward to getting back to the rock so hoped whatever his uncle wanted him for wasn't too time consuming. The building that housed the Lannister offices was as expected large and imposing, his uncles office itself was on the ground floor which Tyrion was grateful for.

They entered the building and made their way to the office, the guard knocked and his uncle bid them enter, as usual his uncle frowned seeing Jon with him, but Jaime wouldn't accept him being sent away from meetings if he was around and Tyrion felt likewise. He sat down and Jon nodded to his uncle before moving to the wine and pouring Tyrion a glass, he then moved and stood over Tyrion's right shoulder exactly as he always did with Jaime.

"So uncle, to what do I owe the pleasure?"

"It's this damn tournament Tyrion, do you have any idea how much this is costing?"

"I know exactly uncle, without prize money we've spent 93,000 gold dragons, Jaime intends to spend another 150,000 in prizes and refreshments so by the tine we're finished this will cost near enough 300,000."

"Exactly Tyrion almost 300.000 gold dragons for a damn tournament."

"It's not a simple tournament though is it uncle, it's father's memorial."

"My brother would never have approved these building works Jaime insists on."

"No perhaps not, but Jaime is lord now and his word is law, besides have you any idea how much we stand to make from this tournament."

"Make, what the hell are you talking about Tyrion, we're spending money not making it."

"Jon if you will, the list in your pocket."

"Here my lord," Jon said and went to had Tyrion a piece of paper.

"No you read it Jon." the boy looked at him and Tyrion nodded,

"Armour sales 25,000, horse rentals and stabling 30,000, port taxes 55.000, license fees 75.000, night-time entertainment 50,000, gambling and sundries 50,000, miscellaneous 75,000 giving a grand total of 360,000 gold dragons."

"Miscellaneous, licenses, gambling and night-time activities, which are what exactly by the way."

"I think young Jon her means brothels uncle." Tyrion said trying to keep from laughing both at the embarrassment of Jon's face and the annoyance on his uncles.

"How do we make money from brothels? His uncle asked.

"We charge them a business fee the same as we do any other business in Lannisport, they're eager to pay it since we'll ensure like any other business they're offered the same protections."

"You'll turn Lannisport into a refuge for whore-mongers."

"Uncle, that's exactly what a tournament is, now if that's all myself and my companions are keen to return to the rock."

"Yes, very well, I'll have Lancel show you out,"

"No it's fine uncle we know the way, come on Jon lets go, I'm sure my cousin awaits the return of her favourite storyteller."

The gold road.

Cersei sat in her wheelhouse, Joffrey sitting opposite they had been traveling along the gold road for weeks and she was tired of sleeping in the wheelhouse, but when asked to share the king's tents she had said they weren't good enough for a queen, let alone a lioness like her. Thankfully though they were nearing their first Castle and riders had been sent to inform them of their kings arrival. House Lydden was a proud and noble house and one of her family's most Leal banner men, though the castle itself was more functional than luxurious, Cersei would relish spending a night indoors.

"My queen, we shall need to leave the wheelhouse to enter Deep Den." Ser Barristan said as he knocked on the door.

"Surely not Ser Barristan, how are we to get there?"

"We need to ride off the gold road my queen, the kings given order to have your horse prepared."

Cersei was apoplectic, this was a joke, what kind of savages didn't build their roads up to allow a wheelhouse to use it, now she was expected to arrive by horse, where was her litter, was it not brought with them, Robert would hear of this, the indignity of it. She almost refused to leave the wheelhouse, but in the end necessity trumped pique and she and Joffrey accompanied Ser Barristan to where the horses were waiting. Her oaf of a husband sat on his destrier, only a fool like him would ride a damn warhorse outside of battle, her own grey mare was saddled and here Ser Barristan awaited permission to help her mount.

"My Queen."

She nodded at the man and he helped her up, she sat there side saddle a scowl on her face and looked to see her husband smile, she wished to rip the damn thing off his face but she just glowered and they began to ride towards the castle, After a few minutes which to Cersei felt like hours they arrived, she allowed Ser Barristan to help her dismount and together with Robert, the kingsguard and their accompaniment they walked to where the castles residents where already down on one knee.

"Deep Den is yours your Grace." Lord Lyman said to the king.

"Rise my Lord, it's been a long journey and we're in need of sustenance."

"Of course your grace, we have your rooms prepared and there will be a feast tonight in your and her graces honor."

"Good, it's a fine castle you have here my lord, wouldn't be easy to take in a siege."

"No your grace, Deep Den would not fall, I guarantee that."

"Good, good man." the king said before walking away.

"Your grace it's a pleasure to see you again." Lord Lyman said as he bowed before her.

"Indeed Lord Lyman, it's good to see a Leal Westerlands man."

"I was always loyal to your father and now I swore my oaths to your brother your grace."

"My family and myself remember those loyal to us my lord and we reward them."

She watched as the older mans eyes lit up, her father had thought her that men were easy to get on your side, fear or reward usually did the trick but as a woman she learned that there was another way to get what she wished from men. She nodded to the man and presented Joffrey as the crown prince he was before she along with Ser Barristan and the ladies lord Lyman motioned to headed to her rooms.

The feast that night was extravagant and as usual lost on her oaf of a husband, the food was plentiful, rich and after eating food prepared on the road a welcome respite and the wine she was served was of the very best quality. Her husband was carrying on in his usual manner, groping serving girls and swallowing drinks like they were water, the captain of Lord Lyman's guards had caught Cersei's attention though and she had flirted with the man most of the night.

His muscular body and tight dark hair stirred something in her and she could feel the heat pooling at her core, but she tried her best to douse the flames, she was close, within the week she would be home and he would be there, she squeezed her thighs together and remembered what it had been like, how they fit together, how they would once more, soon Jaime she thought as she drank her wine.

Crakehall.

Olenna sat in comfortable silence at the high table, her son was being his usual oafish self and she could see the strongboar roll his eyes while his father Lord Roland simply nodded along to her sons buffoonery. Down at the lower tables her grandchildren sat with the younger members of the castle's residents, Garlan and Loras were entertaining the boys with tales of swords and the upcoming tournament no doubt but as usual it was her granddaughter who was the center of attention.

Margaery had practically the whole table captivated, the boys while listening to her grandsons kept looking at her and the girls had already started copying her mannerisms, no doubt by the time the returned to the castle they'd be copying her hair and how she dressed Olenna thought and grinned.

Alerie was doing a good job of keeping Lady Crakehall engaged and a part of Olenna felt bad that Willas had remained at Highgarden, but his injured leg didn't allow for comfortable traveling.

Comfort had been sorely lacking on this journey, the had traveled the ocean road and stayed in tents, luckily the weather kept fine, but at her age staying in tents was not something she'd recommend, luckily they had decided to stay at Oak Heart for a couple of days before moving on.

"Grandmamma, are you well?" her granddaughters voice pulled her from her contemplation.

"Of course my dear, just a little tired, I shall probably head to bed soon."

"If your sure Grandmamma, I could come with you, we could read if you'd like?"

"No my dear enjoy the feast, it'll be another moon nearly until the next one, just don't wear yourself out." she smiled at Margaery as her granddaughter turned and headed back to the table.

Olenna nodded to her guards and bid goodnight to her host and her son and good daughter citing age, she made her way to her quarters glad of the chance to think in silence. The tourney was an interesting opportunity, she'd get the chance to get the measure of the strength of the new lord of the Westerlands and also a chance to begin her groundwork with the king. Her Margaery would be queen that was for certain and it would start with this tournament.

They left the next day, traveling again was annoying but the weather had held and they would make good time, there was only one more major castle between them and Lannisport but they would not be stopping there. There was no way on earth Olenna would have her family in the halls of Gregor Clegane, even traveling close to the castle gave her jitters which is why she insisted on such a large escort.

After a couple of week of traveling the town of Lannisport was spotted in the distance, Olenna sighed and prepared herself, the game of thrones was about to begin.

Casterly Rock.

Jon sat at the edge of the bed, the little girl looking up at him expectantly as he began the story.

"In a far away land, there lived a little princess, whose name was Joy"

"Yoy." the little girl exclaimed happily.

"Yes Joy her name was the same as yours."

"The little princess had a friend, a wolf which she called."

"Yon."

He smiled at her as they played the same game they always did, he had found when reading stories to Joy that while she liked them, she preferred the ones that she herself was in, so he had begun tailoring his stories so the girls name was always Joy. Once he did that he found she always wanted the friends name to be Jon, she could be quite insistent so he gave in like he usually did where she was involved.

Quickly spending time with the little girl had become as important to him as sparring or his lessons, he had missed it one day as he had been late getting back from a trip to Lannisport with Tyrion and the girl had sobbed, it had taken him staying with her the whole of the next day to bring back her usual happy countenance.

"Joy and the wolf ran through the fields."

"No."

""No," he asked smiling.

"No, ride wolfy, wolfy like horsey." she giggled.

"Fine, fine."

"Joy sat on the wolfs back as he ran through the fields."

"Yoy…." she laughed loudly.

Jon continued on with the story, the interruptions grew lesser and lesser and finally he noticed the girl's eyes begin to close, so he got up and kissed her on the forehead.

"Night Night Joy."

"NI Ni Yon."

He left the room and walked down to his own down the corridor passing Gerion as he did so,

"She asleep."

"Yeah she was tired out after today, still wanted her story though."

"You spoil her Jon."

"She deserves to be spoiled."

"Aye lad that she does."

"Good night Gerion."

"You too Jon."

He entered his room the tiredness hit him as soon as he sat down on the bed, luckily his duties would lessen over the next week with the tournament starting. Jaime wanted him to concentrate on that so he wouldn't need to attend him as much although would still be expected to do so formally. He looked to the training sword which leaned against the wall, Jaime had ordered it to specific requirements and just looking at it confused Jon as much as it had when he'd handed it to him

The blade was more slender than normal and the the hilt had been made specifically for his hand, the measurements and the comfort of holding it made it almost feel like an extension of his arm. Swinging the blade Jon noticed how much quicker it cut thorough the air, his swings were faster and his parries quicker when using it, his initial doubts had faded and he looked forward to see how it would stack up when used in the duels.

He took his clothes off and got into bed, tomorrow was an important day and he needed to be up early, sure he had met the king before, but tomorrow he'd meet the queen also.