Chapter 13 2 страница

Arianne suppressed the wince. Obviously, Lady Stark was a sore subject for Jon. Not that she was necessarily surprised. The, well, prudes of the Riverlands and the Reach were notorious for their ill treatment of illegitimate children. Even going as far as doing exactly as Jon described. Leaving them out in the woods when they are still in their nappies. " Lord Nox then? "

This time she got a slight grin out of Jon. " Wrong again, Princess. It was my sister, Arya. She… Well, let's just say that she would probably be right at home with your Uncle's daughters. She'd much rather be out in the yard shooting arrows or fighting than sitting in a tower doing needle work. In fact, she hates just about any activity that is associated with being what Lady Stark considers proper womanly activities. It was actually quite entertaining to watch her face when Master Nox took her daughter on as one of his Acolytes. "

" Lord Nox is teaching your sister as well? " She wasn't quite sure just why that little fact surprised her, but it did. She knew from the rumors circulating around the realm that Nox was teaching Stark's children. She just hadn't put it together that he was teaching both his sons and his daughters.

" Aye, " Jon nodded, " Master Nox doesn't care for one's birth or their sex, Princess. You are either worth his time or you are not. Hells, the College he started in Winterfell had a woman in the first class as well as a young man who he literally picked up from the streets of Winter Town as he was walking through it one day. It's – It's one of the many things I admire and respect about him. "

Arianne racked her brain as Jon twirled her around in a tight circle before reaffirming his hold on her. She needed to leave an impression on Jon. A good impression. And not just because he could help her in the future with her aspirations. She…She wanted Jon to have a good impression of her. Not the Apprentice of Lord Nox or the son of the Warden of the North. No. She wanted to leave a good impression on Jon Snow, the young man before her. " You care for your siblings. I can hear it in your voice, Jon. "

" Aye, that I do, Princess, " Jon smiled, a far-off look entering his eye. " They – There isn't anything I wouldn't do to make sure they are all safe. I suppose that is one of the reasons I want to succeed so bad under Master Nox. I want to prove myself worthy to protect them. From anything. Robb, Arya, Bran, Rickon…even Sansa. I will not see any harm fall upon them. "

'He's very protective of his family. A good trait to have and one that will serve him well in the future once he has children. ' Unbidden, an image came to her of little children running around her with dark-grey eyes, black hair, and tan skin. An image she promptly dismissed. 'That future is not set in stone yet. And I cannot let myself be consumed by such fantasies just yet. ' " And tell me, Jon, where do you see yourself once your Apprenticeship with Lord Nox has concluded? "

The question seemed to catch Jon off-guard. But he recovered quickly, and a strange glint entered his eyes as he seemed to almost close off. " I – I don't know, honestly. I'll probably stay with my brother and serve where he needs me most, Princess. "

'Asking about his future has undone all the work I put into loosening him up, ' Arianne could've cursed. 'Damn it. What did that Greyjoy woman put into his head that has him so on guard? I could probably guess, and in truth she wouldn't be half wrong. But still, this is starting to get more than a little annoying. '

Stopping their dance, Arianne made sure she had his full and undivided attention. " It is getting quite stuffy in here. Don't you think, Jon? "

" Um, yes. A little, Princess. But to a Northerner like myself, if it isn't snowing, then it's always stuffy and warm. "

" Then you agree with the need for some fresh air, " she nodded, holding out her arm. " Will you do me the honor of escorting me outside, Jon. And please, for the love of the gods call me Arianne, not Princess. I do quite enjoy hearing my name leave your lips. "

The abrupt change did as she intended and put Jon off balance once more. " Um, I – I guess Prin – Arianne. "

" Good, " she said, looping her arm through his and pointedly leading him out of the hall and out into the cool night air of Dorne.

Spying Tyene near the entrance to the hall, she gave her cousin a quick look and a subtle motion with the fingers of her offhand. Years ago, Arianne and her cousins had developed a mild code system using their hands. Usually it was to ask for help when they wanted to escape from certain social obligations. But over time it'd changed to encompass much more. This time, the signal she gave her cousin was to make sure that she and Jon would have privacy. Getting the message, Tyene gave her a quick nod before moving through the crowd to collect her sisters to ensure she and Jon would not be disturbed when she decided to sit him down.

Leading him out into the courtyard, Arianne kept a firm hold on Jon's arm until the two of them reached the far end, well away from the great hall and close to the Tower of the Sun. Spotting a stone bench, Arianne purposefully led Jon over and sat the two of them down. 'Well, I got him out here. Now…what the hell do I say? ' she thought, wracking her brain for how best to play this situation out. 'He is not like any other man I've met or played this game with. Perhaps he doesn't know how to play? Or maybe he just doesn't play the game. Hm… Well, where subtly fails, let us just try brute force then. '

" Tell me, Jon, what is it that Lady Greyjoy said to you that has put you so on edge around me? "

" I – I don't know what you mean, Pri – Arianne. "

Smiling, Arianne patted his knee. " Your attempt is cute, Jon, but don't try and lie to me. You don't have the experience yet to tell a successful lie without a tell. But to be fair, I don't think I need you to tell me what Greyjoy said to you. I can pretty much guess. She warned you to be wary of me, that I was only interested in you because of your power. Am I wrong? "

Jon didn't seem surprised at what she said. " Are you? Is that the only reason you're paying attention to me? I'm only a bastard. There is nothing else special about me that would warrant the attention from a Princess. "

A not-so-small part of Arianne wanted to bang her head against the wall. 'Please tell me that he is not this dense. Please, gods, tell me that it is just his age acting up combined with a distinct lack of instruction regarding nobles and the Higher Houses of Westeros. ' " Tell me, Jon. Do you truly understand your current situation regarding the realm and your potential future? "

" My situation? " Jon asked curiously as if the idea was completely foreign to him. " I'm just a bastard. "

" Just a bastard, " Arianne repeated before sighing. 'Apparently, both Lord Nox and Lord Stark have been lax in certain aspects of his education. ' " A bastard you may be. But you are the bastard son of Lord Eddard Stark, the Warden of the North and a near-brother to Robert Baratheon. You have been raised alongside your trueborn siblings and have been well educated your entire life. And, as if that wasn't enough, you are the first and only Apprentice to the Northern Sorcerer, Lord Nox. A man that is both respected and feared throughout the land by both the high and lowborn. Your status, Jon, bastard aside, is unique to any in Westeros. Hells, if it hasn't started already, I can guarantee that Lords and Ladies across the realm will be lining up to throw their daughters at you in the hopes of claiming you. "

Jon looked extremely uncomfortable with the idea. " And I suppose that you are not like them Pri – Arianne? "

This is where she knew she had to be careful. It wouldn't do to outright lie to him, as that could drive an irreversible wedge between them. But she couldn't be too blunt as that could also drive a wedge that his naive and youthful mind wouldn't allow to be removed. " I will not lie to you, Jon: at first, yes. The fact that you were learning directly from the Sorcerer did intrigue me and drew my attention towards you. But do not think that I am some simple-minded fool that claws or whores myself out for even the slightest chance at getting a taste of power. That is not what I am looking for in the long run. I need someone strong. Someone I can count on to stand by my side. Not someone who will simply use me and toss me aside. So, I started looking into you. Granted, given the distance between Dorne and the North, it was exceedingly difficult to find out much. And had I learned that you were a simple barbarian that abused your gifts, I would've written you off and gone about my life. But, instead, the few scraps of information I managed to find out about you only served to paint you in the best of light. While we have only known each other for a few hours now, I can tell that you are indeed a good man and that you will grow into a great man one day. I do consider myself an excellent judge of character, Jon. You were teaching Daemon in the yard and seemingly enjoying it, a fact that in and of itself is quite amazing. When you fought against him, despite having the clear advantage, you did not humiliate him. When that idiot Ser Dayne stepped in and insulted me and my house, you quickly rose to my defense, even though you knew next to nothing about me. And you are quite dashing, even if you still are not yet old enough to grow little more than a bit of fuzz on your cheeks. "

Jon's cheeks were quite red by the time she'd finished. " I – I thank you, P – Arianne. Um, I really don't know what to say to that. "

Smiling, she patted his cheek lightly. " Usually, when a woman delivers a compliment like that, Jon, it is considered proper to reply with one in turn. "

" Oh, um, well – I think you are a nice person, I mean, a beautiful woman Arianne. And I don't think you're a whor – I didn't mean to say that! No, wait, I did. No, ummm, " Jon stammered. " I mean, I already said that you are, umm – and I should probably stop making a fool of myself. "

Arianne couldn't help it, watching him stammer was just too, well, cute. " It's alright, Jon. It just means that you must practice, that's all. And it wasn't all that bad of a compliment. "

The two fell into an easy silence as they continued to sit beneath the stars of Dorne while off in the distance the bards continued to play and sign to all who would hear their tune. " Um, may I ask you a question, Arianne? "

She couldn't resist. " You just did, Jon. But I suppose I wouldn't be opposed to a second, should you have it. "

Jon blinked at her, then chuckled and shook his head. " Gods, you remind me of my sister. Both actually, to a point, I guess. But what I wanted to ask you is, well… You asked me where I saw myself in the future. Well, may I ask you the same, Arianne? "

Tilting her head back, Arianne gazed skywards. " Dorne is much different from the other Kingdoms that make up Westeros, Jon. Not just in our, well, more liberal approach to certain topics. But because of our line of succession. In Dorne, the mantle passes to the eldest born child, regardless of whether they are a boy or a girl. By all rights, I am in line to succeed my father once, gods forbid, he passes to the next life or steps down. That is the law. I may not have always been the best of students, but recently I have done everything I can to ensure to my father and our bannerman that Dorne will continue to be in good hands once I take over rulership. But my father… Years ago, I discovered a secret letter he was sending to my brother. My younger brother. In it, he stated categorically that he had every intention for my brother to become the next ruling Prince of Dorne. Not me. And to add insult to injury, the only betrothal requests my father entertains for my hand are with those who are either still in a cradle or those who are so old that I doubt they would be able to 'rise' without parading a troupe of naked whores through their room. "

" Oh, " Jon muttered, his eyes wide. " I didn't know. I – I'm sorry. "

" You couldn't know, " Arianne sighed. " And I am working to ensure that whatever my father plans for me, they do not come to fruition. "

" But…why? " Jon asked, drawing a sharp look from Arianne, prompting the boy to stammer to make a decent follow up. " I – I mean, I can understand you being the eldest and all. I mean, I can't imagine what Robb would say should Lord Stark declare that Bran was to become the next Warden of the North. I – I don't mean to sound, well, stupid or mean, I guess. But why do you want to rule Dorne? "

Huffing, Arianne shifted herself on the cool stone bench. " Dorne is mine, by right and blood. It is my home, Jon. But more than that, I…I want to make things better. My father has been a good ruler for Dorne, but there are a lot of grumblings. Especially after he failed to receive any form of reparations after the murder of my Aunt and baby cousins at the end of the Rebellion. But since then Dorne has…stagnated. Then I see the way the North has blossomed the last few years. Your father and Lord Nox have taken the North from a land that many wrote off as an untamed snowy wilderness ruled by barbarians to being perhaps one of the wealthiest and most influential Kingdoms of Westeros. Even if many won't admit that fact. I…I want the same to happen here in Dorne. And I believe that I can do that. " 'With my own Sorcerer by my side. '

Jon seemed to almost be staring at her in wonder by the time she'd finished. " I – Whoa. You're passionate about this. "

Again, she couldn't help the laugh that escaped her. " I'm Dornish. Passion pretty much defines everything about us. "

" No, " Jon said, shaking his head. " I – I can feel your passion, Arianne. You…You truly mean it. You're not just saying stuff to make yourself sound like a good person to me. You really are passionate about wanting to change your land for the better. It's…It's amazing. I haven't felt such passion like that in… Gods, I don't know if I ever have felt such passion before. "

She wasn't entirely just what Jon meant with his little speech, but something about her being 'passionate' about her goals seemed to resonate with him. But she wasn't about to look a gift horse in the mouth. Even if she couldn't understand just what had happened. " As I said, passion is what makes the Dornish, well, Dornish. " Arianne replied lamely, almost smacking herself for the comment.

Jon smiled, a smile that lit up his face and made her heart quicken. " Then, perhaps, I would enjoy more Dornish hospitality. "

'Oh, my dear sweet naive boy. You have no idea just what kind of realm you are walking into with that statement, ' she thought with a grin as an idea started formulating in her mind of just how…properly show the boy – young man her favor. " Well, I believe the feast is done for the night, " she stated since she could no longer hear the music from the bards. " Would you do me the honor of escorting a Princess back to her rooms, young Apprentice? "

" Of course, Princess, " Jon nearly shouted, jumping to his feet and hastily holding his hand out for her take. " It would be a sin for a woman of your beauty to wander the halls of her own home alone this night. "

" Better, " Arianne smiled, taking his hand and rising to her feet. 'So, he can learn. And he's a quick study. Even better. '

Looping her arm through his, she steered him towards the hall that would take her towards her room. As they walked, she caught a quick glance of her cousin Nymeria hiding in the shadows of one of the columns. Motioning with the hand that was not holding onto Jon, she quietly dismissed her cousins for the night. 'Their aid will no longer be needed tonight. '

" So, are your cousins going to follow us back to your room? Or – No, you've dismissed them for the night it seems. "

Arianne nearly tripped. " W – What? "

" Now who is the one stammering, Arianne? " Jon asked, shooting her a cocky grin. " I suppose it's reassuring to know that your cousins are looking out for you. And I'm honored to know that you feel safe enough in my presence to dismiss your hidden guards. "

'Oh ho, he wants to play, huh? Well, Jon, once again you have no idea of the world you have just entered. Though, I am curious as to how he knew about my cousins. Tyene and Nymeria are especially good at making sure that no one will notice them unless they want them too. ' " And tell me, Jon, how did you notice my cousins were shadowing us? Tyene most especially will be most upset to know that she has been found out. "

" Your cousins are good, Arianne. Very good. But… Well, let's just say that Lord Nox and I can cheat a bit, as he likes to say. "

'Oh, getting a little too big for your breeches, Jon. I'm going to have to take you down a peg or two before you leave me for the night. My honor as a player of the game all but demands it now. ' As they walked, she carefully pieced together how she would get the 'last word in', as it were. Granted, she'd been planning on this move since she invited the Northerners to feast with them after watching Jon's fantastic display in the yard, but she hadn't thought that she'd have to go through with it till now.

Arriving at the door to her room, she turned so her back was facing the door and she was facing Jon. " Well, Jon, it is a shame that you and the Northerners will be leaving come morning. Perhaps the two of us can break our fast together in the morning? I have come to quite enjoy your company this evening. "

" I would be honored, Arianne, " Jon replied. " But I don't know if we will be leaving right away tomorrow. Before we came here, Ser Manderly informed Lord Nox that the Sea Wolf sustained a small bit of damage to the hull during our encounter with the pirates around the Stepstones. So, we might be here another day or two while the damage is repaired. "

She wanted to do a little dance at hearing that the Jon would potentially be staying for another day or so. It would give her just that much more time to figure out just what she needed to do to leave a lasting impression on him. " I see. Well then, I hope to see more of you if you do stay beyond morning, Apprentice Jon. "

" I would never dare to disappoint a Princess, Princess Arianne, " he replied, raising her hand and placing a chaste kiss across her knuckles. " May you sleep well tonight, Arianne. "

" You as well, Jon, " she smiled, opening the door to her room and backing into it, but stopping just short of fully closing the door.

Peering out through the crack left in her door, she watched as Jon took a calming breath or two in the hall. And then waited until he turned and started walking away before making her move. " Apprentice Jon, " she called out, opening the door and stopping him in his tracks. " It occurs to me that I have been quite remiss. I wagered my favor to the victor between you and Daemon. And I will not be known as one to go back on her word. "

Jon made to say something, no doubt some honorable dribble about her not needing to worry about it. But what he was about to say died on his lips as she made her move. With two quick movements, the clasps that'd been holding her dress onto her shoulders were removed and her dress fell to the ground. It was almost comical, and endearing, to see the young man's eyes bulge and his face go scarlet as he saw firsthand that she had forgone any small clothes this evening. And it was also quite thrilling to see that her presence had a very…noticeable effect on another not-so-small part of him either. 'Very, very impressive…especially for one still so young as he. ' " Just a taste of what you can expect of my hospitality should you find yourself in Dorne on a more…permanent basis in the future, Jon Snow. "

And with that, she quickly closed the door to her room, sealing it and setting the latch in place. 'Oh, that was fun. '

Standing on what had become his customary spot on the covered bridge connecting Winterfell's great keep to the smithery, Ned Stark watched his eldest son and daughter. They were working together to coordinate the dozens, if not hundred or more, servants and builders around as they worked on setting up Winterfell for something that had never before happened in the North, or anywhere else in all of Westeros as far as Ned knew. Based on the suggestion of his heir, and after signing off on the idea, Winterfell would soon play host to the first ever 'Spring Inventors Fair'.

The idea had been presented to him by his son several months ago. Apparently, the idea had been floating around in his head for some time. It was based off something Nox had told him about his homeland, about how they valued and uplifted those who sought to better their society by not necessarily through strength of arms but rather through the strength of their minds. After working on the finer details of the fair for weeks, Robb finally approached him along with Maester Luwin and Samwell Tarly. Much to his shame, Ned's first inclination had been to reject the idea out of hand. The North did not have time for tournaments or extravagant displays. But the look of excitement on his son's face when he made his first pitch stilled his tongue and he decided to hear him out. And an hour later, Ned was glad that he did.

The knowledge and advances that Nox had brought to the North had propelled them to a position that Ned never thought the North would ever be in. The coffers of Winterfell were fuller than he had ever seen them as a boy or since he'd taken over Lordship. And he knew after speaking with Lord Manderly that White Harbor was in a similar position. The glass trade with not only the rest of Westeros but also Braavos and Pentos had brought in enough coin to start expanding their other exports as well. Ironwood from the Forresters was highly sought after, especially when crafted into armaments or furniture. For the first time, the North was exporting the excess food stuffs that they were growing from the glass gardens, which primarily consisted of the exotic fruits, grains, and vegetables that Nox had brought with him in the form of seeds. The blast furnaces were producing high quantities of high value steel that they were running out of uses for. And while his son's idea would probably not have the same immediate effect as Nox had on the North, it could still lay the groundwork for others outside of Nox advancing their stations and providing services to the North.

Robb's idea would encourage those throughout the North to follow in Nox's example. After all, as Robb had pointed out to him, it was impossible for them to know everything. A fact proven when his son asked him of the nuances of plowing and planting crops, which he had some knowledge of but not a lot. Robb had even come up with ways of encouraging the people to attend. The fair would last a week and during that time those who had new ways of doing things, or had discovered a new type of crop, or created something new and useful would have a chance to show it to himself and the other Lords of the North and explain its benefits and uses. Should whatever was presented prove worthwhile, then the individual who presented it would be gifted with coins or boons pending on what they offered. His son had even worked out a budget for the rewards!

And seeing as how the fair would last a sennight at least, Robb had also planned out other amusing activities almost like it was a tourney. The only difference was there wouldn't be men pretending to be at war. No, the events would be practical in nature. An archery tournament. A contest of strength. A hunting contest. And, once again, Robb had surprised him by planning out every gold dragon that would be awarded and where they would be able to recoup the cost.

With his blessing, Robb had taken over full planning of this 'fair' of his, and had sent out ravens to the major holdfasts, informing the various Lords of what was planned. And, in a move that surprised and mildly worried Ned, Robb showed a fair bit of political shrewdness as he planned the fair around his name day celebration. Which, as he was turning three-and-ten, the Lords of the North would be honor bound to attend. The responses they received from the various Lords of the North was surprisingly supportive.

At first, the fair had only been planning on having Northern houses attend. That had changed, however, when they received word back from Roose Bolton of the Dreadfort who informed them that not only would he be attending, but that his son Domeric would taking a short leave from his squiring duties under Lord Horton Redfort of the Vale to return home for the celebration. And Domeric would not be coming alone. While Lord Redfort would not be able to attend due to his duties, his son Mychel Redfort would be traveling with Domeric along with the knight he was squiring for Ser Lyn Corbray and a few other men at arms who were taking the opportunity to empty out their dungeons and escorting those who had volunteered to take the Black. Apparently after hearing about Ser Corbray's journey to the North, Lord 'Bronze Yohn' Royce had decided to journey with them along with his three sons. The youngest of whom was would be on his way to take the Black after they left Winterfell.

But despite the seemingly positive responses to the fair, perhaps one of the most supportive of responses came from Bear Island and the new head Lady of Bear Island, Lady Maege Mormont. Feeling the wood beneath his hands groan, Ned forced himself to relax. Thinking of what had transpired just two months prior still filled him with rage. The Mormonts had never been the wealthiest of families in the North, but they had always been amongst the most honorable and the most loyal of the Stark bannermen. That was of course until Jorah Mormont had decided to sell poachers to a Tyroshi slaver less than a month after Nox had left with his niece on the expedition to Valyria. How he even managed to get in touch with the slaver, let alone get him into the North, was a problem that still plagued Ned's mind. But the fact remained that he had violated one of the oldest taboos in the Seven Kingdoms by selling those men into slavery. His guilt was unquestionable and his sentence unavoidable. Yet, by the time Ned had arrived at Bear Island, Jorah and his wife Lynesse were both gone. Leaving only Longclaw, a confession, and a broken family behind.

Forcing such thoughts from his mind, he turned back to his children still in the yard directing the servants and craftsmen of Winterfell as if they were the Lord and Lady of Winterfell instead of just children. 'Cat's, as well as Lady Nyra's, lessons have been paying off for Sansa it seems, ' Ned thought with a smile as he watched his barely one-and-ten name day daughter direct with the experience of a seasoned Lady of a great keep. Ideally, both Cat and Nyra would be helping with this task, but Rickon had caught a spring sickness and Cat had refused to leave his sickbed. And Nyra, well, given recent events, it was best if she rested as much as possible. The last thing Ned needed was for Nox to come after him if anything ill were to happen.

" My lord, a raven has arrived. "

Resisting the urge to groan, Ned nodded and held his hand out towards where he knew the Maester of Winterfell was standing just behind him. An unexpected raven was never a good thing. 'Dark wings and dark words', as the saying often went. " Who is it from? "

" Dorne, my Lord, " Maester Luwin replied. " The raven came with two messages, my Lord. One bearing the mark of House Martell. And the other bearing Lord Nox's sigil. "

Turning around quickly, Ned took the small scrolls from Luwin. One did indeed carry the mark of the Sunspear and the other carried the sigil Nox had taken to using. The Sorcerer's sigil was a simple circle with two three-pointed spikes on either side. Leaving the missive from the Martells for now, Ned broke the seal on Nox's note and quickly unrolled the scroll. It'd been over six months since they'd had word of the expedition. For all he knew, Nox and the others had perished in Valyria. Yet as he quickly read over the relatively short message, Ned felt himself sigh in relief. 'Jon is still alive and now Nox's official Apprentice. No other casualties amongst the nobility that went with him. However, they did loose over thirty men in Valyria. He doesn't mention what they managed to obtain, but he assures that it is a 'substantial sum that will see the North thrive for generations. ' And Nox isn't one known for exaggerations. '

" My lord? "

" Nox has returned to Westerosi waters, " Ned informed the Maester, folding the letter up and tucking it into his belt. " They had to resupply and do some minor repairs to the Sea Wolf in Sunspear. By now, they should be approaching Storm's End. "

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