289 AC. Narrow Sea. South-east of the island of Tarth

The wind was blowing to the south, filling the sails of the large galley bearing the sigil of silver seahorse, indicating it as one of the ships that belonged to House Velaryon, once the staunchest of House Targaryen allies and foremost vassals, and now only a vassal of the House Baratheon on Dragonstone and its leader, Stannis Baratheon. A fact of some humiliation to the proud masters of the seas and ships that Velaryons were, but one they had to endure in order to prevent their House's complete destruction at the end of Robert's Rebellion, having bent the knee to him among the very last ones, after the last of the Targaryens left Westeros. Though they could've held out for years, but the terms offered by Jon Arryn were more than placating enough, as it allowed to maintain them majority of their trade fleet and a half of their war navy, the rest being given to the newly formed Royal Navy, along with retaining their treasures that they had massed over centuries, along with a relative autonomy in their actions.

With those conditions agreed upon, House Velaryon officially bent the knee and swore fealty to Robert and House Baratheon, even if it was clear to all parties that Robert and Velaryons had no love for one another, but a continued war between the two would be to no one's benefit. The Velaryons had one of the largest trading navies in Westeros, rivaling that of Redwynes, with the benefit of long established ties to Essos and Free Cities. Along with that, they also held great influence and sway over the Crownlands and Narrow Sea, influence that could've allowed them to raise support against or for the King. Hand of the King understood that and so decided to make Velaryons into friends instead of the enemies, and so he offered them terms that were not as severe as one would expected of the enemies of the Baratheons.

Of course, after the war Robert decided to curb the influence of Velaryons and spite them, along with punishing his brother for failing to capture last Targaryens, hence he gifted Dragonstone to Stannis and made him a de-facto sovereign of Narrow Sea and it's Houses, including that of Velaryon. While at first Stannis did try to use his authority as Master of Ships to limit the power and influence of Velaryons, managing only realize that it was better to not make an enemy of them. Hence, Stannis relented when he realized that Jon Arryn was correct in his beliefs of making Velaryons into friends, and now it was paying off for the Iron Throne nine years later. Balon Greyjoy has proclaimed independence of the Iron Isles, proclaiming himself King of the Iron Isles and began a new war, having sent his new Iron Fleet against greenlanders.

The opening of that war was the sacking of Lannisport and complete destruction of Lannister Navy at anchor, with many of those ships seized and manned by Ironborns, next came turn of Arbor and their navy. The isle famous for its wines was sacked and nearly fully razed like never before, with its navy too suffering the fate of that of Lannisters, leaving the Iron Fleet completely in control of the Sunset Sea and all of western Westeros ripe for plunder. Realizing the severity of the situation, Westeros had united under Robert's banner and as he was marshaling his forces, Stannis was left with the unenviable task of marshaling Royal Navy and fleets of vassals into a capable enough force to stand against the Iron Fleet. House Velaryon possessed now the largest navy aside from Royal one, and answered the call to arms, with Lord Lucerys Velaryon, former Master of the Ships, serving as Stannis's second-in-command due to his immense experience.

The honor and duty of leading the Velaryon Navy fell upon the heir of Driftmark, Ser Laenor Velaryon, who was currently sailing towards Dorne upon the flagship of House Velaryon, Pride of Driftmark. Born a second son to Lord Lucerys, like most men of House Velaryon, Laenor was a born sailor and the sea was where he found his glory and fame, having sailed and captained ships since he was five and ten, and now he was six and twenty and led captained the flagship of his House for House Baratheon. Had it been seven years ago, Laenor would've spat on the very notion of peace and bending a knee to Robert Baratheon, but now… Now things were different, for his dear friend Rhaegar was dead, Targaryens exiled and unlikely to achieve anything, and Velaryons endured, and so the priorities of the now Heir of Driftmark were set to ensure that his House survived and prospered, and to avenge his brother Monford, who fell to Greyjoys when he was visiting Arbor.

Thoughts of the past and future filled the head of the blonde haired man, as he looked out with his navy blue eyes towards the east, before he heard a cry out from the crow's nest.

"Sail ahead! Straight ahead" Laenor heard and quickly moved to the bow of the Pride, taking his spy glass to observe. "Second sail! Straight ahead!" Laenor heard, and looked through the spy glass.

"Traders from Myr, milord?" Asked Ser Jason, Laenor's good friend and sworn shield.

"No, they don't have the size or the shape of their hulls and sails." Laenor replied before magnifying the spy glass and concentrating on the first ship, managing to get the color of the sail. "Black and golden of Greyjoy. These bastards have grown awful bold, to raid so damn far from their isles."

"Shall I order beat to quarters, milord? They don't appear to be looking for a fight, more likely trying to escape with their lives." Jason noted, with Laenor not turning away from his spy glass, as he finally got the shape of the second ship.

"The second one isn't of Greyjoys, but a cog of Westerosi design." Laenor stated, as he finally moved his spy glass from his eye. "Hands on quarter, raise all sails, man the oars! Let's give these squids a proper fight!" The orders were sounded and crew moved to see them executed.

"Doubt we'll be able to catch on to them, with the wind on their side. Even with all the oars, we'll be unlikely to catch up to them on time." Jason offered his opinion. "They are likely to just give up the chase all together, rather than risk fighting us, on top of whoever that is."

"Which would suit me just fine, but if the captain on that galley is a fool, he'll try to board that cog no matter what. And with the wind and distance, he might just do so before we get to close enough, but then he'll be trapped." Laenor surmised what he thought, before turning to Jason. "Either way, the Greyjoys won't be drinking to victory today, not if I have something to say about it."

"As you say, milord." Jason said to him, and saw the sails fully raised.

Laenor was correct in his thoughts on the matter, for whoever captained the Greyjoy galley was a fool, for he chose to not break the chase and instead went on to attempt boarding the cog. To the cog's captain and crew, they've managed to evade the Ironborns long enough for the Velaryons to close the distance, but not enough to prevent the boarding. When Pride of Driftmark closed in for the hooks to launch at Greyjoys, the fighting on the cog was still going on, with the men still holding firm, yet it was clear they were outnumbered and losing.

Not about to let fellow sailors and men fall to those squids, Laenor pushed his men and ship hard, and now he led the assault on to the enemy galley, arrows and bolts flying over his head, as he and his marines hacked and slashed their way through the raiders. Ironborns were ferocious fighters on sea, but lacked discipline and martial mindset for such battles, while Velaryons were masters of battles in seas and decks. Swiftly, the battle finally swung in favor of the Westerosi, and soon enough the crews of the cog also joined on the assault, having pushed their attackers off, with Laenor now engaging a young Greyjoy noble, armed with twin axes, while Laenor wielded a longsword and short sword.

"Fucking Greenlander, I'll gut you myself!" The noble cried and launched himself at Laenor, who evaded and struck back, slashing at his left arm. "Fuck!" Laenor prepared to finish him off, until he was suddenly pushed away by a shield bearing raider, who was ready to cut him with his falchion.

Yet he was unable to do so, an arrow struck the man in his throat from behind, ending him and saving the life of Laenor, as he looked from where the arrow came from, and saw a boy of seven or eight with a bow and arrows ready. Though they were at a certain distance from one another, Laenor did manage to catch a glimpse of his pale blonde hair, which brought certain memories back to him, before he heard a cry from the Greyjoy, leading to Velaryon evading another of his attacks and preparing to strike at him. However, this time he was denied the pleasure, as that same boy loosed another arrow and it struck true in the eye of the man, ending his life, with Laenor letting out a sigh and giving the boy a nod.

With this, the fighting finally died down and what few living Ironborn remained surrendered, with Jason overseeing them being put into irons, with their holds checked, while Laenor Velaryon met with the cog's crew and captain.

"Many thanks, milord. I was sure we were done for, but you've saved our arses, and fucked them squids good and proper!" A stout and strong man with a head of black and full beard stepped forth and spoke, showing his clear Northern heritage. "From your sail, I can say you are a Velaryon, but what's your name, milord?"

"Ser Laenor Velaryon, heir of Driftmark and you are?" Laenor asked, sheathing his steel.

"Maric Bearhide of the North, sworn to House Manderly and House Stark, and leader of what remains of my lord's men." Maric replied, as he looked at the remains of the crew, letting out a sigh afterwards, with Ser Laenor looking at the man.

"We have a healer on board of The Pride, I'll have him come and help with wounds on your men, but from the looks of things, I doubt you will be able to make it to the closest port." Laenor noted. "Ser Maric, what exactly happened?"

"Eh, not much I can tell you: we sailed to the North from Lys, then we saw that galley and turned south, and then you appeared on the horizon." Maric explained. "I myself am only Ser Wylis' companion, he is in command, or at least he was…"

"I am sorry to hear that. I am sure he died well." Laenor told the man. "Forgive my curiosity, but I don't recall Manderly trading this far south. They rarely sail past Pentos, rarer even to Myr, but past Stepstones is first time I hear of it."

"Aye, normally we would be sailing either to Braavos or Pentos, but Ser Wylis managed to convince Lord Manderly to make a venture to Lys, to trade wool and fur for silks and wine. Made good coin from trade and loaded our hold with cargo that would make even Redwynes blush, but…" Maric shook his head. "We've heard of the war only when we reached Lys, and didn't think they'd dare to sail so far east, so we sailed back North without a care in the world."

"None would've expected it too, but they've grown bold and reckless, as all pirates do, once they've gone drunk from whores, wine and plunder." Laenor stated, before looking to the north and seeing his navy catching up to them. "I fear you'll have to sail with us, Ser Maric, at least for the time being. We are sailing to Oldtown, but will be making a stop at Sunspear, where I'm sure you'll be able to hire able men to replenish the losses."

"Many thanks, milord, I…" Maric said, when suddenly the golden haired boy ran to him, clearly in a hurry.

"Maric, there's a hole in the hold!" The boy said quickly, as he stopped, drawing the attention of men. "The water's leaking into the hold, I saw it just now! Half a hold is drowned already."

"What?! Seven Hells…" Maric cursed out loud, with Laenor already turning to his men.

"Get the wounded onto The Pride immediately, as well whatever food and cargo that can be salvaged." Laenor commanded, before turning to the Northerners. "I fear you'll now have to set sail with us."

"Aye, it would seem so." Maric added with a sigh, before turning to the boy. "Good job noticing the leak, lad."

"And good shooting as well." Laenor praised the boy, getting his attention, with Velaryon thinking for a second that he saw a ghost, when he got a good look at the lad. "What's your name?"

"Jayce, Jayce Snow, milord Velaryon." The boy answered immediately with a smile, clearly glad to be praised. "And you fought really well as well, sir, though you should watch your sides." And for that one, he got a slap on the back of the head from Maric.

"Hey, that's no way to be talking to a lord, you little scamp!" Maric glowered at him.

"That is alright, Ser Maric, no harm is done, and he is right." Laenor admitted, calming the man. "I did get a bit distracted there and forgot to be vigilant."

"Still, sir, that isn't exactly a proper way to address a knight such as you, much less an Heir of Driftmark." Ser Jason added.

"Mayhaps, but this lad just saved my life, Jason, and I can forgive a bit of a cheek." Laenor replied, before turning to Jayce. "Grab what you have and come on board of The Pride. I'll have quarters arranged for you." Laenor told the boy, and he eagerly nodded and ran off.

"That brat's got quite a cheek on him, especially for a bastard, but bloody hell if he's not smarter than most of my men put together and a damn good shot with a bow." Maric noted.

"I agree about the bow for certain. Whose son is he? Late Sir Wylis'?" Laenor asked of Maric.

"Nay, Ser Wylis is loyal to his lady wife. No, the lad's the eldest of Lord Stark's two bastards, and was sent to serve as a page to Lord Manderly, but was instead given to Ser Wylis, who wished for a squire." Maric replied, surprising Laenor. "Though I heard that the lad wasn't as sent to White Harbor to be fostered, but more as a punishment for his mischief and misbehaving. Rumor has it, he caught some serious ire of Lady Stark and she had her Lord husband banish the lad from Winterfell. That was some six moons or so ago since the lad arrived to White Harbor, and I've not heard Lord Stark even once ask of the boy's progress."

"Hm, you don't say." Laenor said, contemplating something as he looked at the golden head of the boy, and recalling his eyes, and noticing that they seemed mismatched. "And who happened to be the mother of Jayce and his brother?" Maric shrugged at that.

"Couldn't tell you, milord, but I reckon it was some southern lass, mayhaps even a Lyseni. He did look quite a bit like them." Maric noted.

"Or a Valyrian…" Laenor thought to himself, making a note to talk with the lad when he had a chance.

Later that evening.

The cabin of captain on The Pride of Driftmark was a surprisingly humble abode, where in favor of the functionality was sacrificed the prestige and luxury, with only the important and necessary of equipment and furniture present. Laenor was currently looking over the charts, as the navy was now readying to sail past the Stepstones, and while he was certain that the local pirates wouldn't be stupid enough as to attack them now, being careless was not something that they could afford. His father and Lord Stannis were of the same opinion, hence they've sent messages about their intended route, correcting and finalizing it, showing that that the Royal Navy was to stick closer to the shore.

As Laenor was looking over the intended route, he heard a knock into his door, getting his attention.

"Yes?" he spoke up, raising his head.

"Milord, Jayce Snow is here. 'Says he's here on your summons." His guard called back.

"Send him in." Laenor called back, and the door opened up and the boy stepped inside. "Come in, Jayce. How are you, lad?" Laenor invited him in, standing up.

"Thank you, m'lord. I'm well, no injuries or anything." Jayce answered, as he looked around. "Thank you for the quarter's, m'lord."

"I hope they are to your liking." Laenor smiled to the kid, who simply shrugged.

"They are bigger than the ones I had at The Walrus, so I can at least move in there." Jayce replied in his usual fashion, with Laenor chuckling to it. "M'lord, might I ask you something?"

"Of course." Laenor told him.

"Why did you call me here alone?" Jayce asked him directly.

"Can't I call you here just to talk? You did save my life today, and I've heard that you've killed four more men from that bow. That's quite a feat, for a lad your age." Laenor commented. "Most boys your age would've hid in the lower decks instead of fighting like you did. Your father will be quite proud to hear of your bravery."

"Aye, but I wasn't trying to be brave. I was just trying to survive, and I doubt Lord Stark will be all that impressed with it." Jayce commented with a soured tone, when he heard Laenor mention his father. "He'll be sadder with the loss Ser Wylis than happy with me being a hero or something…" Laenor quickly caught on the fact that there clearly was some tension between Jayce and Lord Stark.

"Yet it doesn't diminish your deed or erase your courage." Laenor replied to him. "Should I see him, I'll tell him of your bravery."

"You may do as you please, m'lord, but why did you call me here before the wolf's hour?" Jayce asked of the man impatiently, clearly not wanting to talk about today's events.

"I was curious about you, so I wanted to ask you some questions, if you wouldn't mind." Laenor told him.

"What is it that got you curious about me?" Jayce asked of him directly.

"Nothing in particular, just you've piqued my curiosity, that's all. Why, is that strange to you?" Laenor asked of him.

"Most people don't really like to ask me anything, much less things about me, and lords and ladies in particular don't like to do it, at least when I was in Winterfell they didn't do it." Jayce answered. "I'm just a bastard of a noble, nobody important and I'm just lucky that Lord Stark took me and my brother with him to Winterfell when he did."

"That is one thing I wanted to ask you: he took both of you, but what about your mother?" Laenor asked of Jayce, who shook his head.

"No, don't know a thing about her, and we don't remember a thing about her, Jon and I. I tried asking father about her, but he never talks about her and says only that he cared for her and she was good woman, that's all." Jayce answered. "Washerwomen and maids gossiped our mom being Lady Ashara Dayne, but Lady Stark forbade anyone about talking about her, even fired a maid for it one time. Guess she really doesn't like her."

"I wonder what she would have against my lady wife." Laenor asked aloud, with Jayce turning his eyes to his with a small surprise.

"Lady Ashara is your wife?" Jayce asked of him, with Laenor nodding to him.

"Aye, she is, and mother of my children, but if you wish to ask me if she is your mother, than I fear I can't answer that one." Laenor responded.

"I've figured as much, I was just surprised." Jayce responded. "But yeah, I dunno a thing about my mother, same as Jon. He did once call Lady Stark mother, and she slapped him on the lips for it."

"I suspect she doesn't treat you and your brother well." Laenor said, looking into Jayce's eyes.

"I guess it could be worse. She and her pet Septa always told me I should be grateful for living in Winterfell, even though I'm not worthy of it, since I'm good for nothing bastard and a cheater." Jayce recalled with soured tone.

"And in what do you cheat, or is that what Lady Stark claims?" Laenor asked.

"She doesn't like me when I do better than Robb, her eldest son, be it at reading or in the training yard. She always says I'm cheating and that the only thing I can do is lie, but I'm not cheating at anything like that trout says!" Jayce cried out in anger at the memory, before hushing himself. "I-I'm sorry, m'lord, I shouldn't be talking bad about Lady Stark."

"No, it is alright, lad." Laenor assured him. "From what I saw today, you clearly are not a cheater, at least when it comes to a bow."

"I'm not a cheater at anything, it's what she said about me to everyone, after I've beat Robb in front all the Lords six months ago." Jayce said, with Laenor looking at him with a curious eye. "Lord Stark was hosting lords and ladies of the North, and Lady Stark wished to show Robb to all at the training yard, so Lord Stark organized a tourney for the boys of sorts. Before the fights, she told me and Jon that if we try and show Robb up, we'll be punished, so Jon threw his first fight, even though his opponent was a complete klutz."

"And your brother is also good with the sword?" Laenor asked of him, with Jayce perking up at that.

"Jon's really good with the sword, better than Robb, even though he loses him far often than naught. Whenever we fight, I lose as many times as when I win, though, but that's because he doesn't try and play a mummer's show before Lady Stark every time she sees her son practice swordplay." Jayce responded with a smile.

"And I take it you didn't do as she told you, did you?" Laenor asked rhetorically.

"No, I didn't. Robb and I made it to the final round…" Jayce began to tell what had happened there.

Six months ago. North. Winterfell.

The two boys stood at the training yard with nearly all of the North's upper gentry watching them intently, for these two were last ones remaining in this small tourney that Lord Stark had organized at the insistence of his wife. It didn't escape anyone's attention that this was mostly made in effort to show off their heir Robb and to demonstrate to all that he was growing to be an heir worthy of his father, and though most Lords and Ladies didn't really enjoy such posturing, they did decide to show off their own sons. And while most had performed well and admirably, soon it became clear, that the real star of this little tourney wasn't only Robb, but also his bastard brother, Jayce Snow.

Whereas his brother his first fight and after a first round was disqualified on grounds of defeat, Jayce was not so eager just to lose, and sensing an opportunity to finally show that he was worth something, did the worst thing he could: he fought as seriously as he could. Both Ser Rodrik Cassel and Lord Eddard Stark were well aware of the martial prowess that young Snow possessed, being a natural fighter with an eagerness for a fight, with even Lady Catelyn knowing of it, hence why she threatened him not to show off. Yet as often as he did in the past, Jayce ignored her and proceeded to win every fight, showing mastery and ability of sword that left many surprised and awed, for he defeated even older and bigger opponents, those that could've easily beaten any other boy of his age. Robb too had shown himself a good and capable fighter for his age, but it was clear that thanks to the luck of the draw, or perhaps a patronage of a certain Lady, Jayce had a harder time getting to the finals, for his opponents were nearly all older and bigger than he was, yet he persisted and here he was.

And he was almost literally running circles around Robb, parrying and deflecting his blows from the training bastard sword, whereas Jayce preferred an arming sword and a shield. Yet despite being more encumbered, Jayce moved with better agility and grace than his brother, and it was clear for all, as he now evaded another one of Robb's attacks and then countered with a quick thrust into his arm.

"That's another arm lost, Stark." Jayce commented with cheek, as he moved around. "I hope you have spares on you, 'cause if it were real, you'd have to fight with your legs, but you are as good with them as you are with your arms." Robb attacked again, swinging downwards, with Jayce moving away and then slashing from downwards at his left hand.

"Damn it, Snow! Stand and fight me like a proper knight!" Robb shouted at him with anger, incensed at his brother's constant cheek at his expense, as they moved in a circular fashion.

"A proper knight, me?! But I am a bastard, Stark!" Jayce called back with mummer's tone, inciting some laughs from the lords. "How can a bastard fight a noble as a knight? That wouldn't be proper and in accord to laws of gods and men, would it?" And at that, Jayce attacked Robb, forcing him to block a couple strikes, before Jayce feinted a side slash, before going for a stab in the chest and forcing him back.

"That's cheating!" Robb called out at him, as he collected himself.

"What's cheating for a good and proper lordling is fair play for others like me." Jayce said with a smirk, with Robb nearly growling at him. "It ain't cheating if Ser Rodrik doesn't call it cheating, now is it? But I guess you are too good for learning such things as feints and how to parry them."

"And you are cheat and a lying no good bastard of some washerwoman, who's probably dead or drunk or is fucking with men like you!" Robb called out to Jayce, with something now irking the boy. "You ain't even a Stark. You are just a dirty Snow who only has what he does thanks to my father and mother, and you and your brother should be grateful for that, 'cause with it all, you are nothing but a pair of unwanted worthless scum of the earth!" And at that Jayce's playful mood disappeared, and he has had enough.

Instead of waiting for Robb to attack, he went on the offensive again, only this time he didn't play or make it look good, as he used the shield to push Robb's blade away and then proceeded to strike Stark's heir with his blade. Stab, cut, slash, cut, arm, chest, leg, neck- that and more was what Robb was on the receiving end of, until Ser Rodrik had enough.

"That's enough! Robb Stark is out, the winner is Jayce Snow." Rodrik announced, though with no joy or pride in his voice, as he knew that this was not how it should've gone.

Only then did Jayce disengage and calm down, simply walking away from Robb and turning his back onto him, and at that moment the Stark heir decided to seize a chance and strike Jayce again. Yet Jayce seemed to have sensed it coming, as he moved in an almost graceful dance and when Robb struck, there was no target of his, before being swept at his foot by a quick strike from Jayce. The next moment, Robb Stark landed face first into the wet dirt before all of the Lord and Ladies of the North, with some chuckling, while most merely looked at Robb with clear disappointment and shook their heads at that. As for Lord Stark, all he could do is avert his gaze in shame, while his wife's eyes were ablaze at what she just saw and if looks could kill or burn, then Jayce Snow would be dead a thousand times over.

Back to the present.

That same evening Lady Stark demanded that I and my brother be sent to the Wall, from what I heard from the maids. I dunno what exactly they said to each other, but Lord Stark managed to convince Lady Stark not send us to the Wall, at least for now." Jayce sighed. "Instead, Lord Stark tried first to send me to the Mormonts on Bear Island, but then Lord Wyman Manderly suddenly proposed to take me in as a page and a square, so my father agreed. Lady Stark was positively fuming when she heard all those Lords speak so well of me… I wish they could've talked well of Jon too." Jayce noted with sadness.

"You and your brother must be very close." Laenor noted with a soft tone. "Twins often are, and adversity breeds stronger bonds, or breaks them, as my father used to say."

"Jon and I… We are close, but we were closer before, back when… Well, when it didn't become clear that we were bastards and Robb wasn't." Jayce said with sadness. "Since then, everything changed, and Jon… I guess he accepted being a bastard, but I… I know who or what I am, but I just…" Jayce let out a frustrated sigh.

"Can't accept that mark being what defines you, hence why strived so much at that tourney." Laenor commented, with Jayce nodding to him. "I can't imagine what it is like, to be a bastard, but I personally believe that a man is defined not by his birth, but by his actions and deeds he performs."

"It's easy for a noble like you to say such things." Jayce said with bitterness in his tone, with Laenor sighing and seeing from where that was coming from. "You were born on the right side of sheet and have all this." He pointed to the ship.

"Maybe, but before I could even take one step onto the ship's deck, I had to work hard and study, with master-at-arms and maester and my father, to prove that I was able and worthy to one day captain my own ship and sail the seas as my ancestors did before me. Most Houses may value blood over merit, but House Velaryon knows that blood is only red water that flows in us, and that in the storm, what matters truly is how steady your feet and hands are, and how strong your spirit." Laenor told Jayce as he moved closer to him, and placed a hand onto his shoulder. "I've watched what you did today, Jayce, and I've talked with Maric about you and he told me, that though you are cheeky lad, you have a clever head and a strong heart, and after your display today, I don't doubt that you have courage in you as well. Tell me, with Ser Wylis gone, what shall you do now?"

"Well, when the war ends, I'll either return to White Harbor, or Lord Stark decides to take me back to Winterfell, though I doubt I'll be too welcome there." Jayce noted with a sigh. "And as for now… I dunno. I was Ser Wylis page and squire, and now I'm just a bastard of Winterfell."

"I see." Laenor said. "I ask this because I happen to be in need of a capable and clever aid, a page or a squire who could run my errands and manage some of my day-to-day affairs. And I offer you this position, for the duration of our voyage." When he heard that, Jayce looked up at the man with clear surprise in his eyes at that, to which Laenor simply smiled to him.

"Are you sure about this, m'lord?" Jayce asked of him.

"If I wasn't, I wouldn't offer this to you. So, do you agree, or shall I find someone else?" Laenor asked immediately, with Jayce nodded to him.

"Aye, milord, I agree! I swear to be a leal and able servant to you." Jayce immediate said the vow to which Laenor simply patted him on the shoulder.

"I have no doubt in that, though I do expect a reasonable respect and reverence from you, or at the very least when I am not alone." Laenor warned the lad, suspecting that the boy could be up to some mischief. "Be dutiful, able and diligent in your responsibilities, and I'll have no need to chide you for your cheek and willfulness, but only if you do your part well. In return, I shall teach you all that a knight teaches his pages and squires, along with what Velaryons learn from their fathers."

"Thank you, milord. I won't let you down!" Jayce promised him with a smile.

Several weeks later. Summer Sea. Whispering Sound. Near Oldtown.

The rest of the voyage so far was an uneventful and the Royal Navy had reached their destination soon enough, where they were bolstered by the Martell's navy, as well resupplying and making their way towards Oldtown. During the entire voyage, as Laenor had promised, Jayce was kept busy by the many duties and work that were placed upon him by his new mentor, as Laenor was the one in charge of the vanguard of Royal Navy and it was through him that the captains and ships of the van got their orders. Though at times menial and exhausting, Jayce performed his duties to the best of his abilities, and never once di he complain or make a fuss of the conditions, even when Ser Jason Summertide commented that Jayce is doing a duty of several pages and squires.

The boy didn't mind exhaustion or hardship, for he did like serving Laenor as he did, as the man treated him without any disdain or disregard because of his birth, and indeed kept his word about teaching him what it meant to be a knight and a sailor. Velaryon recognized the strong and weak sides of Jayce's style and training, and made sure to train him to overcome his shortcomings and improve on his strengths, teaching him to fight on the ship's deck and also how to wield not just a sword, but also a spear, an axe and more. Young Jayce was taking to all of that and more like fish to the water and his progress was clear to the naked eye, as he could almost run circles around some of the younger and untested marines of Velaryons, beating them thanks to his speed and agility.

The routine was broken when the Navy reached Arbor, with Lord Stannis sending a detachment to clear the island of the entire remaining rabble and reestablish it to the King, while the rest proceeded up the Whispering Sound. It was quite a shock for all to discover that the Whispering Sound wasn't in the hands of the House Hightower, but nearly fully dominated by the Ironborn, as the Navy engaged their galleys and longships, destroying or capturing them, and only to find out, that at the very least, two thirds of the entire Iron Fleet was currently in the Sound. Balon Greyjoy decided to capitalize on his advantage and sent his Fleet after the biggest prize yet- Oldtown, with his brothers Victarion and Euron leading the charge and assailing the Oldtown.

The Royal Navy was presented with a rare opportunity to deal a crippling blow to the Ironborn, and Stannis Baratheon didn't waste time capitalizing on it, sending his entire fleet into battle, forming a large line from coast to coast and trapping the Ironborn between walls of stone and wood. Clumped together and unable to maneuver or move away, they became easy prey for the ballistae, catapults and scorpions, as they reigned down death upon the Ironborn from a distance, at least for a time. This continued until the wind changed and began to favor the Ironborns, allowing the longships to pick up speed and charge at the Royal Navy, with The Pride of Driftmark holding the left wing of the Royal Navy, and being now charged by The Iron Victory, flagship of Victarion Greyjoy, with the marines and sailors preparing to repel borders.

Jayce was ordered personally by Laenor to get down to the lower decks, yet he disobeyed orders, and instead ran to the stern deck, which over looked the upper deck, delivering arrows to the archers and he himself grabbing a quiver full of those and taking position to loose his arrow at the appropriate target. The Iron Victory closed the distance and crashed into The Pride, with hooks and ropes flying towards the Velaryon ship and lowering the assault ladder. Once the ladders were attached, the chaos erupted as the Ironborns stormed in a mass of bodies and rage, with arrows and bolts flying at the as they attacked the wall of shields of Velaryons. Jayce too loosed his arrow and caught one of the Ironborns in the neck, before reloading and then picking off another in the shoulder, then another in chest, and then one more in the head, grazing the man and hitting the one behind in his left shoulder.

Moving another arrow for firing, Jayce saw how an Ironborn had managed to get onto the stern deck and brandished his axe, while others were unable to see him. Without even thinking, Jayce pulled the string as fast as he could and loosed, his aim not focused, but true, as he him in the stomach, making him stumble back and fall overboard. Letting out a sigh of relief and nursing for a second his sore right hand, Jayce was ready to reach for a new arrow, before he saw another ladder lowered onto the stern deck. This time the archers reacted better and moved away, while the reserved marines moved to intercept the enemies, but they weren't able to get into the shield wall, and so had to stand and fight in loose formation.

Seeing the clear danger, Jayce moved as far back as possible, nocking another arrow and starting to pull, as he saw the largest man, dressed in mail and plate from head to toe practically smash his way through the defenders with a massive axe and shield, dishing death around him. Without even thinking, Jayce loosed an arrow at the man, but a sudden shake of the ship skewered his aim, and instead of shoulder or head, it hit the man's knee. Piercing the mail that protected it and imbedding it deep, causing the man to cry out in pain, before he turned his visored greathelm to Jayce, and moved to him with limp and a cry of fury. Jayce dropped the bow and moved away from the man, as he swung his axe and imbedded it deep in the deck, sticking it in there.

Jayce's back was next to the wall, before he noticed a lamp hanging over his head, and then a quick idea came to his mind, as he picked it up and threw with his all his force at the man. The oil contents spilled as it crashed onto his armor and he grunted even more, before releasing his axe, but by that time, Jayce had grabbed a wood from a nearby torch and threw it as well as the man. The burning wood hit true and the man lit up on fire, as he armor and cloak began to burn, with the man at first silent and trying to get to get to Jayce, until the pain came and he felt himself burn. Screaming from pain and as if possessed, he charged at Jayce, with the boy waiting for the last moment, before jumping onto the lower deck , landing with a grunt on his arm and shoulder, while the man went over the rails, as the massive armor craned him over it and then he fell into the water with all his plate.

Jayce saw it happen and let out a sigh of relief, before a man fell before him, bleeding and dead, returning him back to his senses and seeing how the upper deck had turned into a massive melee, for the Ironborn had managed to break the wall. Getting up on his feet, Jayce tried to figure out what to do, until he saw one of the archers fall before him from the stern deck, arrows and bow in his hands, yet blood gushing from his neck. Grabbing the massive for his size bow and arrow, he frantically watched for where to loose his arrow at, until he saw his mentor and friend, Ser Laenor fighting viciously against the Ironborns, until one of them, had managed to push the man onto the deck and readied to imbed his large axe in his head. Amassing all the remaining strength he had, Jayce nocked the arrow, pulled the string, aimed and loosed… The nocked arrow flew swift and imbedded itself deep in the man's left eye, seemingly stunning him for a moment, before he dropped the axe and then fell on his knees, and the face first onto the deck, showing the bloody arrow tip. Jayce smiled at that, before his knees finally gave in and his conscience slipped from his body and he entered the realm of oblivion.

Next day. Oldtown. The High Tower.

Jayce's sight groggily returned to him as his eyes opened and closed rapidly, getting used to the sunlight, as he finally took stock of his situation and surroundings, finding himself laying in the bed of good quality and not on the ship, but in what appeared to be castle. Groaning from pain in his entire right arm, Jayce managed to get himself to sit up, noticing an elderly Maester turning to him and speaking up.

"Ah, you are already awake, young man." The Maester spoke with soft voice, before handing the boy a small cup with liquid in it. "Here, please drink it. It is a tonic, should help you recover more quickly." Jayce accepted it and drank it in one go, though the taste was rather bitter.

"Where… Where am I?" Jayce asked, as he looked around. "Is this the Citadel?" The Maester chuckled before speaking up.

"Close, my boy, but not quite so. You are in one of the guest quarters of The High Tower, keep and seat of the eponymous House Hightower." Maester answered, as he moved closer to the boy. "Now then, please tell me, is there pain anywhere in your body?"

"Um, no, not really, but my right arm… It barely seems to move and it stings when I try to do so." Jayce answered.

"Yes, you have overexerted your right hand and now you are experiencing the consequence. I've seen such symptoms often from nobles who over indulged themselves with archery, but never with a young man like yourself." The Maester responded. "Aside from that, no headaches, nausea or other such ailments."

"No, but… Can I have some water?" Jayce asked, with Maester smiling and giving him the skin with it, with Jayce gulping it down, quenching his thirst. "Ah, many thanks, um…"

"Archmaester Ebrose of the Citadel, and you are the famous Jayce Snow, the unofficial page of Ser Laenor Velaryon." Maester smiled to him, as he rose up, with Jayce looking up at him with confusion. "My work here is done, you shall make a full recovery, and I can now put the minds of your benefactor and others to ease. You have attracted quite the attention to yourself, young man, from all sorts of powerful and influential men."

"Me? Famous? What are you talking about?" Jayce asked of Maester.

"Do not worry, you shall learn soon enough, I am certain. Now, rest up, I'll call the servants to you." And with this, Maester left the room with Jayce's confusion only growing.

Soon enough, servants into his room, with trays of food and water ready, along with fresh and good clothes, as well quickly drawing a hot bath for the boy. Much to his confusion and slight frustration, he was treated by them as if he were a son of a king or something, and after a bath, breaking his fast and being dressed in fine clothes, Jayce was finally allowed to leave. By that time he was summoned to the great hall and was escorted by the men at arms of Velaryons, the sight of which finally brought comfort to the boy, as they entered the magnificent great hall, filled with lords and ladies, knights and servants. Once he entered, the boy was led through the rows of the people, with many stepping aside and looking at him with strange mix of surprise and awe, which further confused Jayce, until he and his guards stopped, having reached their destination.

In front of him, seated on the fine chair of marble and white stone, sat the mighty man with an antlered crown, with a head full of black hair and full beard, taller and mightier than most, with a hammer in one hand, surrounded by what Jayce could only describe as Kingsguard. There near him were many other Lords and Knights, with Ser Velaryon among them, but the moment the man's blue eyes reached Jayce's, he smiled a joyfully and spoke in a booming voice.

"There he is, the Squidslayer!" He spoke with laughter as he rose up and the hall quieted down, with Jayce finally realizing who it was, kneeling before the man, as was the custom.

"Your Grace." Jayce said with respect and reserve, but Robert Baratheon simply walked over to him and patted him on the shoulder.

"None of that kneeling business. C'mon, lad. Get up and let me have a good look at you." Jayce did just that and Robert Baratheon took a good look at the lad, before smiling. "Ha, you've got hair fairer than my wife and kids, but in the face and eyes you are clearly Ned's lad! I did once say he would make for a pretty maiden if he had golden head like yours, and now I can see what Ned would've looked like one! Ah, sorry about that, just an old joke. So, you are Jayce Snow, Ned's eldest bastard, ain't ya?"

"Aye, Your Grace, I am." Jayce replied, with Robert smiling to him. "Um, Your Grace, can I ask you something?"

"Can you ask me something? Of course, lad! You are the hero of the battle, you can ask me anything!" Robert boomed at him, with Jayce further confused at that.

"About this whole "hero of the battle"… What's this all about?" Jayce asked directly, surprising Robert and others a little. "I am sorry, Your Grace, but right now I can't make heads or tails of anything of what is happening. One moment I was on The Pride of Driftmark, now I'm here and being greeted by the Demon of the Trident. Forgive me, but can anyone here explain to me, what the fuck is going on?!" Jayce's nerves finally gave in and he shouted, shocking nearly the entire hall, with even Robert looking at him with wide eyes.

"The bloody nerve on that boy…" Stannis Baratheon gritted his teeth from this outburst, until he and everyone heard Robert booming laughter.

"Ah ha ha, that's one hell of a spirit you have on you, boy! Nothing like your old man Ned when he was your age! You must be taking after your uncle Brandon." Robert said merrily, before calming down a little and looking down at the boy. "So, nobody told you anything, have they?"

"No, I'm just in the habit of screaming my lungs out whenever I get the thought." Jayce replied cheekily, to which Robert barked another laugh.

"Aye, you've got some cheek on you, just like Ned wrote!" Robert commented merrily.

"Your Grace, before we derail any further, mayhaps it would be best to tell young Snow what has happened exactly." Jon Arryn, Hand of the King, spoke up, with Robert agreeing and giving him permission. "Yesterday, you have taken part in the battle against the Ironborn and the House Greyjoy, with the flagship of the Iron Fleet, The Iron Victory, boarding The Pride of Velaryon."

"Truly? I didn't even notice, I thought it was just some underwater stone we hit in the harbor." Jayce said with the clearest irritation and sarcasm, to which Robert laughed even more, while Jon Arryn looked at Jayce with a clear glare. "Milord, I remember that quite well, I assure you. I was there, I shot arrows at the enemies, killed one armored giant by setting him on fire and baiting him overboard, and before I was knocked out, I killed one more who tried to kill Ser Laenor."

"Aye, and about the last ones, they were no simple men, lad." Robert decided to take the turn. "Gods must be on your side, lad, 'cause you've killed not just one Squid, but two brothers of that cunt Balon Greyjoy! That armored giant was Victarion, big as an ox and dumb as one, since he flung himself overboard in full armor, while the second was Euron, whom you hit in straight in the eye! And even before that you killed some more men, and you are only nine year old! By the New and Old Gods, if I could I would've knighted you right here and now!"

"Wait, those two were Greyjoys?" Jayce asked, needing clarification.

"Aye, Victarion and Euron Greyjoy, the two cunts who led the attacks on Lannisport and Arbor. Tywin vowed to have Victarion skinned for Lannisport, while Tyrell promised to drown Euron in sea for Arbor, but you beat them both to those bastards!" Robert laughed merrily, with Jayce looking at him with shock, as he realized what he had done. "Without those twats, we've mopped up the Ironborn, and with the last remnants dead at Seagard, the road is all but open to move onto those cunts! But before that, we got to pick up your Ned and his forces, so we'll first make sail for Lannisport, and from there we'll show those Ironcunts that Ours is the Fury!" Robert roared and the other Lords supported him with their cheers.

"We will be able to set sail within a sennight, Robert." Stannis reported crisply, before turning to Jayce with his hard gaze. "What is to be done about the boy?"

"What do you mean: "What is to be done about him?" You make him sound as he is a criminal, Stannis. Are you jealous that a boy stole your glory from you?" Robert roared with laughter at that, before calming down and turning to Laenor. "Velaryon, you took the lad as your page, did I hear it right?"

"Yes, Your Grace, after we've rescued him and the Manderly crew in the Narrow Sea three weeks ago. He was Ser Wylis' page before that, and I meant to return him to Lord Stark once I've had the chance. Until then, I decided to employ him in his capacity as a page." Ser Laenor explained, before turning with a smile towards Jayce. "While he does have quite a cheek to him, Your Grace, he did prove himself to be as hardworking and diligent as I would've expected a man twice his age would be."

"So he is a good page, with good head and diligent in work?" Robert asked, and Laenor nodded in confirmation. "Then that settles it! I'll take you on as my own page, lad! I'm in sore need of some actually capable page, and if Velaryon vouches for you, and after what you did, I see no point in not taking you in!"

"Robert, you already have two pages, and Jayce… He is baseborn and no child of such origin has the right to be granted such a prestigious privilege." Jon Arryn tried to speak diplomatically, until Robert turned to him with an angry eye.

"No child of his origin?! I don't give to shits if he came from Catelyn's cunt or not, he is Ned's son, Jon, and did you forget what he did to those fucking Squids yesterday?!" Robert roared at the man in fury, before calming down, as the idea came to him. "If you are so concerned about that nobility, then I'll fix it right now. A Snow can't be a page of the King, but a Stark can and will be!" The entire hall was shocked at the proclamation of Robert Baratheon.

"Robert, you can't actually mean to…" Jon tried to stop him, but it was a little too late for that.

"Enough of that, Jon. Now, Jayce Snow, son of Eddard Stark, by Royal Decree and Order, I, Robert Baratheon, First of My Name, King of the Andals, the First Men and all that other dribble, hereby pronounce you Jayce Stark, trueborn son of Eddard Stark, member of House Stark and page to the King!" Robert announced in the official manner, leaving Jayce gaping with open mouth at the fact that he was just legitimized, with Robert looking at him with a laugh. "Ha, you truly are Ned's son! He had the same face whenever I did something stupid!" And at that Robert roared with more laughter, while Jayce was left there trying to wrap his head around the fact that he was now Jayce Stark, no longer a bastard Snow…

A month and a half later. Casterly Rock.

Casterly Rock indeed was quite a rock, but also one of the most imposing magnificent sights one could see, a mighty keep built into the literal mountain, overlooking the Sunset Sea and the nearby city of Lannisport, situated but a few miles away. Able to house half the realm's lords and knights, it was currently serving in such capacity, as well as the residence of the King, with Jayce Stark there with him as his page. Although when compared to the busy regime of when he served Laenor Velaryon, Jayce found himself almost bored to death with how much free time and leisure he had, for the King in reality was attended by a near army of servants and maids, while his pages served him more or less in a ceremonial fashion, at least when he needed them. Aside from him, there were also two Lannister boys, Lancel and Tyrek, both of whom immediately didn't take well to Jayce and attempted to bully and mock him, but after Jayce had a bout with them on the training yard and left them in the dirt, much to Robert's delight.

After that, the conflicts had all but stopped in its entirety, and so Jayce was left to perform his duties in peace, as well as studying under Lannister Maester, who praised the boy's attention to detail and quick wit. Though he did have a few inclinations for mischief and cheek, Jayce decided to keep out of trouble and focused on duties, studies and trainings, as even he understood that it would not be a good idea to start trouble here and now, especially given the location and lord of this place. To say that Tywin Lannister left and impression upon Jayce would be an understatement, for he still shuddered a little from the memory of the man's green eyes looking straight into his own, seemingly seeking to claim his soul. Thankfully, after the first meeting, Tywin preferred to ignore Jayce, while the other Lannisters either were simply neutral or courteous towards him.

Thanks to his proximity towards the King, he had a unique access to the Kingsguard, the legendary order of knights and the dream of nearly every boy there is, and Jayce was able to see and talk to these men, and he found nearly all of them either a disappointment or a joke. Even the Kingslayer, the infamous Jaime Lannister, seemed more of a glorified gilded ponce instead of a proper knight, but Ser Barristan… He indeed was a legend that outshone all others, and didn't let it blind him, as he gracefully and gladly gave lessons to Jayce in matters of swordplay, often praising the boy and commenting that he moved almost like Arthur Dayne and may grew to be like him one day. For Jayce, to hear such words from the greatest Knight in all of Westeros… This was akin to a dream that he now wished to achieve, and so strove to it.

Fortunately, just because of his new position, he didn't lost contact with Ser Laenor, and the man often kept company to the boy when he had time, still teaching and training him, as well as simply talking and spending time with him, like none had done before him. Jayce could honestly say that he was most glad to have met Laenor and that he was more like an older brother now to him, but today was the day when he would once again see his own father. Ned Stark and his host were seen finally approaching, after rains delayed them for several weeks, and Robert Baratheon seemed almost anxious at the opportunity to finally see his best friend after all these years apart. Everything had been prepared and all were on their stations, when the doors into the Great Hall opened and in stepped Lord Eddard Stark and his lords. Jayce stood behind the King and was somewhat obscured from the vision of others, so he wasn't seen by his father at first, and when he knelt before the King, Robert stood up.

"Your Grace." Eddard knelt, before Robert gave him the signal to get up.

"You got fat." Robert simply stated to Eddard, before the man pointed at the King's own belly, with both men laughing and embracing each other. "Ned! Nine years, nine bloody years, Ned! Where the hell have you been?" He asked cheerfully of him, as they've disengaged.

"Guarding the North for you, and now I am here, with the North to fight in your name." Eddard replied to Robert. "Ten thousand Northern sons are ready to fight for you, Your Grace. Please forgive our delay, for the rains have slowed us down and…"

"Think nothing of it, Ned, I'm just glad you and your men are here! And I expect them to fight at least half as well as your son did at the Oldtown, or else I'll think that only Starks produce proper warriors!" Robert roared with laughter, before turning towards Jayce and motioning him to come closer. "Speaking of which, you should be fucking proud of your lad! Not only is one hell of warrior, but he's a god's send for a page! Jayce, come here!" Jayce did as was ordered, and he bowed before Lord Stark.

"Lord Stark, I hope you are in good health." Jayce said with reserve, with Ned looking at his former baseborn son with surprise, before composing himself.

"I am, and I am glad to see you well." Ned told him, with Robert looking at him with some disappointment.

"That all you have to say to the lad, Ned? Didn't you get the news and my letters about him?" Robert asked of him.

"I did you, Your Grace, and I am as proud as any father can be of his son." Eddard replied. "Though, I wish you would've consulted with me or Lord Arryn before legitimizing him and…"

"What was there to consult you about, Ned? Don't you bloody start too like Jon, he's been fuming ever since I've made your lad into a proper Stark, and don't you dare tell me that he didn't bloody deserve it." Robert pointed his finger at Ned. "Jayce here has survived two battles with Ironborn and killed both of Balon's brothers, both of whom Tyrells and Lannisters would pay good coin for, and who sacked Arbor and Lannisport. If you gonna say that Jayce didn't deserve being legitimized, then I'll call you a fucking liar."

"I did not mean it so, Your Grace, I simply worry that this decision may present certain… issues when it may come down to succession. As you know, when such occasions happen, it may upset…" Eddard tried to make his position clear, with Jayce realizing that his father, as always, far more cared that he made a mess of things, instead of being proud of his achievements, bowing his head at that, before speaking up.

"Your Grace, I thank you for your gracious praise and an opportunity to meet my father so quickly, but I fear I must tend to my duties, for they cannot wait, if you still wish to show the Greyjoys what the Demon of the Trident can do." Jayce decided to take his leave, with Robert and many others realizing why it was so.

"Aye, you are right, lad. You may go, once you are done you are free for the rest of the day." Robert told him, before turning to Ned, as Jayce bowed and began to leave. "Seven bloody hells, Ned! You've not seen your lad for almost a year, and you say such a thing in front of him? And I thought you were one with the brain… The lad may be young, but he has more brain in him than that old creep Pycelle, and is bloody good page as well! Seven hells, I am thinking of keeping him to myself for good, just 'cause he's so good at it, better than those two Lannister boys put together!" Robert commented loudly, as Jayce left the great hall.

Later.

Eddard reached his guest quarters and as the doors closed behind him, he was finally able to let out a sigh of relief at the fact that it was finally over, but his worries weren't even remotely gone, especially now that he was here. Of all the possible things to happen, this was arguably the worst one of all, to have Jayce so close to Robert at all times, the man who hates his blood so much, and to have Jayce serve him as his page… The Gods must truly be cruel towards him, to put Jayce to such proximity of mortal danger, without even realizing it. As much as Eddard was relieved at first and then shock and proud to hear of Jayce's accomplishments, it paled at the sheer fear and terror when he realized that Jayce was now so close to Robert, and that Robert had even legitimized him, without even asking his consent.

Robert had offered this a number of times, to see Jayce and Jon legitimized and made full Starks, with Ned refusing, partially to not incite the ire of his wife, and partially for it would invite a great deal more of problems down the line. And of the two, Jayce was the most likely to cause him and his House problems and to be the doom of them all, if Robert or someone else realized, who really he…

"Lord Stark." The knock on the door stopped his thought train, getting his attention. "Ser Laenor Velaryon is here. He requests an audience with you. He says it is about your son Jayce." Eddard didn't want to see anyone, but he knew who Ser Laenor was and what he did for Jayce, so he would be seen worse than he was already, if he refused the man.

"Let him in." He stated, and the guards opened the door and let the lean and handsome Valyrian man in, dressed in the colors of his House. "Ser Laenor. Forgive me for my tardiness. I wasn't expecting any guests so late."

"No need and I must ask your forgiveness, for you must be quite exhausted from the festivities and the long road." Laenor responded graciously, before turning to see the door firmly closed and stepping further into the chambers. "I wished to talk to you about Jayce for quite some time now, since the moment I've first met him, actually. He is a rather unique lad, extraordinary I might even say."

"Aye, Jayce has always been… one of a kind, you could say." Eddard said, unsure of how to answer.

"Perhaps, though I heard from Jayce that his brother is quite like him in his abilities and attributes, though not physical and at first glance." Laenor commented off-handedly, which put Eddard on edge a bit, as the man slowly paced the room. "But you are right- Jayce is unique, unlike anyone I've met before. I doubt you've heard, but my father and I owe him twice now, for my saving my life. First time was in Narrow Sea, and second at Oldtown, both times he saved mine and spared my House losing another member, and has avenged my older brother." Laenor continued to pace, moving ever deeper into the chambers, as Ned watched him.

"He could've asked for any reward the first time we spoke, but I clearly saw he only wished for a chance to prove he was more than what his last name was, so I gave it to him, and discovered a diligent, determined and dutiful lad with bright head and quick wit about him. To be honest, before Oldtown, were I to meet you, I would've taken the lad as my official page and squire without hesitation, regardless if he were a bastard or not, but after Oldtown…" Laenor continued, as he finally stopped and turned to Eddard. "Now he is the envy of every boy and man from ages of five to twenty, having the favor of the King, and a fame that even some Kingsguards can't boast of. Seemed only fitting that he be legitimized, wouldn't you say?"

"Some may say so, Ser." Eddard told him.

"Some, but not you, Lord Stark?" Laenor asked, but not allowed him to answer. "Do you think so because you fear what your wife would say or write to her father… Or is it because he was never a bastard to begin with?" Laenor's tone grew colder, and it took almost all of will to not give away the shock.

"I do not understand what you mean, Ser Laenor. Jayce was born a bastard and only became legitimized when Robert…" Eddard tried to convince him, but was unable, as Laenor interrupted him.

"Jayce was legitimate the moment he was born, but not to you, but to Prince Rhaegar Targaryen and Lady Lyanna Stark, his official and lawful wife, at the end of Robert's Rebellion nine years ago." Laenor stated the facts to Lord Stark seeing his shock clearly appear on his face. "Tell me, Lord Stark: were you ever going to tell your nephews the truth, or would you have them live in false disgrace under the scorn of your wife, while you took that secret to the grave."

"I… I do not know where you have gotten that idea, but…"

"Lord Stark, please spare us both, for I know you are not a gullible or slow man, not like your friend Robert or Jon Arryn." Laenor Velaryon stated to him. "I have had the honor of serving Rhaegar as his square during the Harrenhall tournament and sometime beyond it, and I've also had his friendship and confidence, which allowed me to be with him, when he and Lady Lyanna wed on the Isle of Faces and left for the Tower of Joy. I was sent by him home as knight before he left for Dorne, but I know full well what had happened in truth, and I know that this Rebellion was never for the sake of Lyanna, like your friend always claimed." Laenor's face nearly contorted in anger from memory.

"You were there, when Rhaegar took Lyanna?" Eddard asked with Laenor nodding to him. "You knew what he was doing and still you allowed it to happen?"

"I was but a squire then eleven years younger than I am now, enamored with the legend of Prince Rhaegar and believing I was doing it for the greater good. I met the war when I was in Volantis, captaining my first ship and on my first voyage, and when I returned… Rhaegar was dead, and Robert held the capitol." Laenor stated to him. "I had held hope that Lady Lyanna may live, but when you returned with her body, after my House bent the knee, I felt it was all over for good... Until I saw Jayce." Laenor's voice grew in strength.

"Did you tell anyone else?" Eddard asked of him, hoping that Laenor didn't.

"Of course I did not, Lord Stark. Anyone who had any close affiliation with Rhaegar would recognize Jayce if they looked well enough, and even those that didn't would do so too, if they even had a whiff of suspicion. You are fortunate that your friend's love for you blinds him to the obvious, for Jayce is as close what Rhaegar was a child as it could be in terms of looks, though in temper he couldn't be further apart." Laenor noted with a chuckle, before returning to the topic at hand. "At a first glance I thought I merely had my mind play tricks on me, but after I talked to him, I realized that I was correct in my first thoughts. That pale golden head and those eyes, close to blue, yet when one looks better, he sees the indigo, the rare Valyrian indigo, same one that at times was seen in my House and Targaryens, or in Daynes, though there is far less. You are fortunate again that my wife never denied or confirmed the rumors of your children, and never spoke of them. I'm sure you remember Ashara Dayne."

"What… What do you want?" Eddard asked of him directly. "You came here for more than just telling me what I already know. Tell me what it is that you want, but I swear, if you dare to even think of hurting Jayce in any way, I will gut you here and now and consequences be damned!" Eddard promised to him, ready to lunge at him and tear him apart.

"Please, Lord Stark, despite my earlier tone and words, I am on your side when it comes to protecting Jayce and Jon, more so than you can imagine." Laenor assured him, his tone softening. "What I want is to protect Jayce, but not at the expense of his life being mired with the stain of false mark of bastard. Jayce told me at length of their life in Winterfell, and of your wife's scorn towards both of them. To be blunt, Lord Stark, but your wife is one vicious woman I do not wish to meet, if that is how she treats children that are not her own, and I can see why Jayce said that he felt happier away from Winterfell."

"Mayhaps she be scornful towards Jayce, but in Winterfell and North, I can protect him from Robert." Eddard argued.

"But not from Catelyn, and what would happen if she were to find out about their true parents? Or worse still, what will happen now, since Jayce is now Stark by Robert's decree?" Laenor asked of Eddard, who understood what he meant. "Can you be certain that your wife won't try and hurt Jayce if he were to return to Winterfell? And what about Jon? Women like her may take out their anger on the closest substitute."

"She won't, because…" Eddard stopped before finishing, and instead reached for his pocket and pulled out a scroll, giving it to Laenor. "The raven arrived when we were at Sarsfield two days ago. I… I have not had the chance to tell Jayce about it." Laenor looked at the contents of the letter and closed his eyes.

"Gods have mercy… Jayce, he… He wanted to ask Robert after the war, to have Jon legitimized too, since they both wished to be Starks and now." Laenor let out a sigh, as he shook his head. "He'll need to hear of this, as soon as possible, before anyone else has the chance to tell him."

"I will, but I doubt he'll wish to see me, not after what I said today." Eddard said with a sigh. "Gods it was such a stupid thing to say, I… I don't even know what I was thinking, I just…"

"I understand, Lord Stark." Laenor told him, as he came to certain terms with the situation. "I have his confidence and friendship, Lord Stark, so I can help you meet as soon as possible. However, we both know that he can't simply stay so close to Robert, and I will not have him return to Winterfell, not with Catelyn in there and not after this."

"Then what do you propose?" Eddard asked of him.

"I will take him to Driftmark, as my ward and official page and squire, outside of Robert's immediate reach and away from the scorn of Catelyn. Robert will need a reason for you decision, tell him that is because I pleaded to you to have him as my ward to repay the debts I have to him, and to have him reunite with his mother Ashara, anything to get him convinced." Laenor told Eddard, who gave him a surprised look. "Ashara will not object, I know it well, and my father will support. He too loved Rhaegar and supported him and only held out because of spite and to give chance for Targaryens to escape."

"And if I give him to you, what will you do with him? Will you make him a symbol to rally against Robert and restore the old dynasty?" Eddard asked of Laenor, who rolled his eyes at that.

"No, I will raise and teach Jayce all he needs, and when the time comes for him to learn the truth and decide, I shall support him whatever decision he may make. Whether he rises against Robert or not, he will need to know the truth, eventually, for I doubt he would be able to live as Jayce Snow or Stark." Laenor told Eddard, who let out a sigh.

"Jacaerys…" He suddenly said, surprising Laenor. "Lyanna… She named him Jacaerys, Jacaerys Targaryen."

"After Prince Jacaerys Velaryon, firstborn son of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and Ser Laenor Velaryon." Laenor noted with surprise. "She told me she wished to be like Rhaenyra, when we spoke once… I wouldn't have thought she would name her son after one of Black Queen's own."

"Neither would I, yet she did." Ned Stark simply told Laenor, and they've finally began to reach a certain agreement at last.

Next day.

As Laenor had promised, he had managed to convince Jayce to come meet his "father" who waited at the secluded spot in the gardens. Thankfully it was quick and easy thing to get Jayce, for Robert decided to give a few days off, so as to get in touch with his son, hoping that Ned would manage to find a way to breach the gap between the two. And now Laenor was assisting it, as he led Jayce to Ned, who sat on the bench, before standing up when he saw him approach.

"I'll give you some privacy." Laenor simply said and left them.

"Lord Stark." Jayce said with neutral tone.

"Jayce, I… It is good to see you again." Ned told him.

"Truly? I wouldn't have thought so, given how troublesome I am now, even more so than I was before for you and your Lady Wife." Jayce replied with sharp tongue, reminding Eddard of the willful Lyanna and her own cheek.

"I did not mean to say those words, I did not wish to…" Ned tried to tell him, but Jayce wouldn't hear it.

"Yet you said those words, despite what you wished, before everyone, showing what you think of me truly." Jayce said with coldness in his tone, before he let out a sigh. "If you want to know, then no, I did not ask for it, didn't even mention or hint at it. The King decided to make it so on his own, and so… Now I am Jayce Stark, as trueborn as Robb, Sansa, Arya and Brandon are. If I could, I would rather remain a Snow like Jon, or have him be the Stark one of us." Jayce admitted with sadness and bitter his tone.

"Jayce… A-about Jon, there is something that you should know." Eddard said, before he saw Jayce reach for his own pocket and pull out a scroll. "What is…"

"Scroll from Maester Luwin, sent from Winterfell and which arrived here yesterday, right after the feasting began." Jayce said with voice devoid of life. "I fetched it and couldn't resist… I wish I did, but in the end… Would it change the fact that I now have no brother?" Jayce asked with a broken tone.

"Jayce, you are not alone. You have me, Robb, Sansa and…" Eddard tried tell him, but Jayce didn't listen to him.

"No, Lord Stark, I don't. I'm not a Stark, nor was Jon." Jayce told him, as tears began to fall from his eyes, when he looked at his father. "King may have called me Stark, but I'm not a wolf like you or your children are. I'm a runt of the litter, like Jon was, two brothers, without a mother or true family, but at least we had each other, but now… Now he is gone, and I'm alone, Stark in name and status, while Jon… Jon isn't and shan't be, for he is dead." And with this Jayce turned away and ran away, tears streaming out, with Eddard failing to catch him, while Laenor lowered his head at that.

"A lone Dragon is a sad thing..." He thought to the words that Rhaegar once told him… and now understood that there was truth to them, and vowed to see his last son never be alone again, and to give Jacaerys Targaryen the future he deserved.

Oh boy… It has been a long time since I did such a chapter in one sitting, but boy is it satisfying, and stressful as well…

Anyway, hi, I'm Ronin, and this here is my newest story, inspired in large part thanks to the House of the Dragon (loving it!) and my attempt at returning in full to my writing after a month of recuperation. As many of you may have guessed, yes I fear I have lost both inspiration and desire for my last fanfic (shameful of me, I know), but I hope you will be merciful and give this new story a chance. I've decided to kinda forego utilizing the ubiquitous Jon Snow and make something a bit different, having been also inspired by Alperez's story Dragon's Cub (a must read!). Hence, we have Jayce Snow, aka Jayce Stark, aka Jacaerys Targaryen, a different kind of wolf from his own brother. I can already tell, that he'll be a different beast from Jon, and whereas Jon may have been more like brooding Aegon the III, Jayce will be like Aegon's dad, if you know who I mean (Spoilers for the HOTD: he is absolutely awesome!)

Anyway, I hope you enjoy this story and will give it a try. And if you do, please leave a comment, review, a question or a suggestion about the future events, and who would you think could tame this wild dragon, in romantic sense?

Also, due to my health issues, I've decided to shorten my usual standard of chapters, so instead of 10k mark it will now be 8k mark, meaning that now you will be likely to see chapters not as long as they used to be, so please forgive me. I will try to not mire things down and move the plot along well. Also, I will try to update at least once a week, but I may or may not post quicker or slower, that depend on my health.

Next time: Driftmark and High Tide; Meeting Lady Velaryon; Dreams of the Dragon, Nightmares of the Wolf.

Until next time!