King's Landing 292 AC.

Jon Arryn.

After leaving Runestone they had made their way to the Eyrie, Jon happy to see his home once more. He had enjoyed meeting with Ned again and though young Jon finding out the truth was before he had expected, the lad had taken it well and it would perhaps turn out a boon. Though he wasn't sure if he agreed with him heading to the wall, even if he had a good reason for doing so.

Aemon Targaryen was alive and serving as Maester, he found himself shocked that he like so many others had simply forgotten the man existed. He wondered what it was the old man had for his grandnephew and hoped that Ser Arthur would let him know as discreetly as he could when they returned. His time in the Eyrie was shorter than he hoped and yet he found every single moment of it to be worthwhile.

Watching as Elaena spoke to servants and to lords and ladies alike, as she and Myranda laughed and japed. Even Nestor commenting on how assured his girl was despite her tender age. Elaena for her part seemed to be almost passing time though, true she had fun and never seemed bored but Jon could tell she wished to travel on to King's Landing and meet her brother.

Something that while he hoped for the best from, he feared the worst, as Lysa was not only overly protective of Robert but her feelings for Elaena had never changed. still by the time they reached the ship, his daughter's excitement fuelled his own and he too began to look forward to King's Landing for once.

"How long will I stay father?" Elaena asked as they ate their meal that night.

"I think a few moons Sweetling, I'll try and not be too busy and Myranda and Marla will be with you, but Ser Vardis goes with you everywhere my love, promise me that you'll make sure of that?" he asked worriedly.

"I'll not go anywhere without him father, I promise." Elaena said and Jon felt some relief at that, King's Landing and the vultures that preyed there something that caused him concern.

He had been pleased when Nestor agree to allow Myranda to join them and that her brother Ser Albar had come too was only making him feel more secure about his daughter's safety. The guard he'd brought with him was twice it's usual number to ensure that Elaena met with no trouble while they were there. It was his daughter who informed him they were sailing into Blackwater Bay, the smell hitting her before it did him and he found it funny how she'd scrunch up her nose.

"Come, we'll need to make ready, you'll have to present yourself to the king and queen." he said and chuckled when Elaena and Myranda ran off to change into better dresses.

After leaving the ship and making their way to the Tower of the Hand, they left their belongings and headed to the Throne Room. Jon happy to see that Robert at least kept the appearance of doing his duty while he was gone. Though that happiness soon turned to annoyance and then anger when he saw the queen sitting the throne.

"Your grace." he said stepping forward and he watched as the queen's green eyes looked from him to the two girls, quickly focussing on Elaena and he liked not the smile that appeared on her face.

"Lord Hand, it's good you have returned, his grace should arrive back within a day or two, his hunt nears its end." Cersei said her smile now more practiced, though no less discomforting.

"Then I shall speak to him then your grace. May I present my daughter, Lady Elaena Arryn and the Lady Myranda Royce, your grace." he said as the girls stepped forward.

"Your grace." his daughter said with a perfect curtsy, Myranda doing likewise.

"Lady Elaena, it's so good to see you in the capital, I look forward to showing you the delights the city has to offer." Cersei said and Jon sighed knowing he'd have no choice but to allow his daughter to spend time with the queen now.

"I thank you for your kind offer, your grace, and I accept it most happily. Word has reached even me in King's Landing of your grace's beauty, poise, and charm and I can think of no one better to show me all King's Landing has to offer." Elaena said and Jon smirked, his daughter understanding how to flatter the queen.

That the queen preened at his daughter's words only making it even more clear what Cersei truly cared for. After making their presence known, they headed back to the Tower of the Hand, Elaena eager to see her new brother and Jon knew it wouldn't hold for another day. He found his wife leaning over the crib and he was thankful that she seemed in a decent mood, though when she saw Elaena with him, he feared it would not last too long.

"My love you've returned, I worried and Robin did miss you so." Lysa said and he kissed her cheek and looked down on his son to see him awake and looking back up, his big eyes staring at him, even if it looked as if he'd just been crying.

"I have and it's most pleasing to see you both so well, Elaena, come say hello to your brother." he said and turned to beckon his daughter forward.

It was rare to see her nervous and yet she moved slowly to the crib, smiling when she looked down at the babe within. He caught an exhale of breath and turned to Lysa only to see her smile back at him as she looked at Elaena. His daughter had placed her hand on Robert's chest and he could swear he saw the boy smile, his heart warming at the sight.

"Robert, I'm your big sister, Elaena, it's so good to finally meet you brother. I've been wishing to do so for so very long." Elaena said her voice light and her smile beaming as she moved her fingers and Robert tried to grab them with his little hand.

"My Robin is so sweet, so precious, isn't he Elaena?" Lysa said and he saw his daughter nod her agreement, the smile never leaving her face.

"He is Lady Lysa, truly he is. Look Robert a present." Elaena said and Jon chuckled when he saw the small teething ring, the white falcon on one side, and the silver trout on the other.

"So precious, such a fine heir, worthy of the name." Lysa said and though she was smiling Jon glared at her, only for Elaena's laugh to cause him to turn back to the crib.

"Look father, look, he likes it." Elaena said her laughs ringing out as Robert took the teething ring in his hands.

"No, that will hurt him, you wish to hurt him." Lysa said as she made to grab the ring from the crib.

"Of course it won't and she would never, would you, my love?" he asked and Elaena shook her head though the smile was gone now.

He waited until Elaena went to her room to change to begin the argument with Lysa, though it was so loud he doubted that anyone in King's Landing didn't hear. Jon finding his anger almost uncontrollable when just after his daughter left, his wife reached in to take the teething ring out.

"Leave it, leave it or by the god's I'll send you back to Riverrun this very evening." he shouted and Lysa's hand moved away.

"It's dangerous, it's dangerous for my son." Lysa shouted.

"My son, he's my son too and by the seven I'll have him play with something his sister made for him, not you or the king himself will stop me." he said and she looked at him.

"I'm only protecting your heir." Lysa said.

"From who Lysa, you think my daughter would see him harmed, her own brother. You think my daughter a kinslayer, careful when you answer that, woman, careful." he said his voice rising as he felt his temper on the verge of blowing over.

"She's not my daughter, how am I to know what's in her heart." Lysa said.

"You fucking just saw what was in her heart, I swear it Lysa, by the seven I swear it. Elaena has come here to see her brother and she will see and spend as much time with him as she wishes, go against me on this and you'll find out just how serious I am." he shouted as he walked from the room.

It was only when he heard the crying from his daughter's room that he calmed down, composing himself before he walked inside. Elaena was laying on the bed with a small locket in her hands, tears falling from her face as she spoke softly to it.

"Elaena, Elaena my love." he said sitting down beside her.

"Why father, why would she think I'd wish him ill, he's my brother, all I want is to be with my brother." Elaena said and he grabbed her tight, holding her as she cried against his chest.

"I know, and Lysa does too, I promise you, Robert and you can spend as much time together as you wish. I'll even make Lysa leave the room so she doesn't try to stop you or upset you more." he whispered and felt her nod against his chest.

"He's so small father, he needs a big sister to look out for him." she said softly looking up to him and he smiled as he wiped her eyes.

"He has one, the best big sister anyone could ever wish for.".

As he walked to his room he shook his head, he'd meant to ask her about the locket and had forgotten all about it, though he was glad to see her feeling less upset when he left. It was only when he'd sat down and began to go over his work that he wondered about something else, Robert hadn't cried during their argument, in fact, he'd been most quiet all through it. Shaking it off, for now, he began to look over the letters and pleas that had come while he'd been gone and he sighed once more. Realizing now that the work had simply been pushed to one side while he'd been away.

White Harbor 292 AC.

Arthur.

Ever since he'd learned the truth Arthur had noticed a difference about Jon, he'd always been serious in his studies and duties. His sparring both with him and with Sandor were large parts of his day, and his education with Helliweg and Jarol was extensive. Arthur though had always made sure that he had time for fun and to be a boy, as much as he could anyway and Jon was never unhappy that he knew of.

Now though there was a seriousness to him, he'd begun to read more when he was alone and it brought back far too many old ghosts for Arthur to ignore. Sandor too making a point of speaking about it to him as they drank together on the ship. He waited until they reached White Harbor though and while Jon's brothers and sisters got settled in, he, Jon, and Sandor explored the city.

They were standing by the docks after having seen most of what White Harbor had to offer, Sandor enjoying the stalls and the seafood and that at least getting a laugh out of Jon. Something about chicken which Arthur assumed he'd misheard. As they looked out on the ships, he motioned to Sandor to make sure they weren't disturbed before turning to speak to Jon.

"How are you feeling?" he asked and Jon smirked.

"I'm good, damn it's colder here than I remember.".

"You're lucky, I was born in the sun." he said and they both chuckled.

"Truly Jon, how are you feeling?" he asked more seriously.

"I'm good uncle, I'm looking forward to going to the wall, to seeing Benjen again and to meeting Aemon.".

"You've been quieter lately Jon, more inside yourself, your father used to be like that and while I loved the man it wasn't until he met your mother that he stopped. I'd not wish you to be that way, Jon.".

"I'm not uncle, I know it may seem like it, but it's...I know now what I have to do, what I'm supposed to do and I need to be ready." Jon said determinedly.

"You also need to be a boy, Jon, to enjoy things, promise me you'll take it easier, you'll make time to just enjoy yourself?" he asked and Jon nodded.

The feast that night at the New Castle was as large as he expected, given the size of the Manderly's it wasn't the first nor would it be the last feast they'd enjoy. That the Lord of White Harbor kept staring at Jon would have caused him concern but he found he was doing so himself. Jon laughing and japing with his brother, sisters, and Waymar, the youngest girl sitting on his lap and eating from his plate.

For Arthur that made all his other thoughts disappear for some time, watching Jon have fun and be the boy he truly was, far more important for now than his worries. It was when he broke his fast and sparred with Jon on the morning and when Jon was sparring with Sandor that they came back. The lord of White Harbor walking to the balcony and standing beside him as Jon dodged away from Sandor's strikes.

"He's very talented, Ser Arthur, you've done the boy a great service with your training." Lord Wyman said.

"Not just mine, Sandor helped and he spars daily with Lord Yohn's lad, and with Mychel and Domeric when they come to visit.

"Mychel and Domeric?" Wyman asked.

"Mychel Redfort and Domeric Bolton." Arthur said as Jon yielded and he and Sandor began again.

"Roose's lad?" Wyman said surprised.

"He's Lord Horton's squire, a good lad." he said smiling as Sandor cursed after having been caught with a strike.

"I wish you to know something Ser Arthur, something I hope puts your mind at rest." Wyman said and he turned to look at the lord.

"My lord?".

"The whole of the North loved her Ser Arthur, gods, my boys idolized her, had Lord Rickard not looked South then he'd have had to fight off half the North for Lady Lyanna's hand. Her son will never find a friend as loyal as I, The North Remembers Ser Arthur, I remember." Wyman said and nodded to him before he turned to walk off.

He and Eddard Stark would be having words this day but for now, Arthur allowed himself a small smile. White Harbor was the wealth of the North and having their lord on their side a great boon, even though he wished he'd known about it before he arrived here.

After speaking with Eddard and finding out that it was only the Lord of White Harbor who knew, for now, Arthur watched as Jon said goodbye to his siblings. His mind turning to thoughts of his own and the sister he had loved, and the brother and sister he'd not seen for many years. Soon they were making their way to the ship and within an hour or two they were sailing. It took a few days to get to Eastwatch and when they finally saw the Wall in front of them, Jon couldn't keep his excitement contained.

"The Wall, look uncle it's the Wall?" Jon said when they saw it, his nephew pointing out the men on the top as they docked.

"It's just fucking ice." Sandor said from behind them and Arthur watched as Jon smirked before turning to the scarred man.

"Somebody needs their chicken." Jon said and Sandor walked away mouthing something about hating fucking fish, Jon and he not able to hold in their laughter.

They didn't stay in Eastwatch too long, the small village didn't have much to offer and they'd bought the supplies they needed in White Harbor anyway. Instead, they just purchased horses and soon were on their way, the three of them riding alone on the long road to Castle Black. Arthur found he enjoyed the ride, the weather was dry if terribly cold and the ground beneath them was firm.

Jon too seemed happy to be so close to seeing his uncles, that each place they rode to was new to him only making him more eager for the ride ahead. Each castle they came to would see him telling them about them and Arthur wondered when he'd had time to learn so much. Their nights were spent sitting by the fire and their mornings breaking their fasts before setting off again.

The one strange thing which happened to them was something that he knew he needed to speak to Aemon Targaryen about. Jon telling him of the strange dreams he'd had while they were camped, dreams of being small, of running through a forest or of flying in the sky. Helliweg and Jarol had been no help when he'd asked them about them, though he wondered if that was because they weren't fully aware of who Jon was. Either way, he'd resolved to speak to Aemon once they were at Castle Black and now that he finally saw it in the distance, he felt some relief that they'd made it.

"Is that it uncle?" Jon asked and Arthur smiled when he nodded, Jon almost riding on ahead but stopping when Sandor glared at him.

Pentos 292 AC.

Varys.

It felt good to be back in Essos, the warmth of the sun, and the lack of smell in the city something he appreciated. When he saw the walls of his friend's Manse he felt his excitement rise too, it had been far too long since he'd seen Illyrio. Soon he was being shown to the terrace and his old friend rose to his feet upon seeing him, embracing him and bidding him join him for lunch.

He had missed this too, the delicacies of his homeland, the fruits especially and so he ate with great abandon and still barely covered half the dishes that Illyrio did. After washing down the apricot pie with some pear brandy, he looked to his friend and waited for Illyrio to finish his own dishes. The two men dipping their fingers in the water bowls to wash them clean.

"It is good to see you, my friend, though I find you visit perplexing, I sent no letter and still have been unable to find the children." Illyrio said.

"I know old friend, though for once it's not them I've come about. The other is more than we could have hoped Illyrio, far more and I'm sure now that he's the right man for the throne.".

"Above Viserys?" Illyrio asked.

"He has the North, the Vale, if he makes the right moves perhaps the Reach too. Viserys brings nothing other than his name and Daeron has not only that and a better claim but two kingdoms on his side too. He also has the Sword of the Morning by his side, no my friend he's the dragon we must support." Varys said with a smile.

"Then support him we shall, what would you have me do Varys?".

"Coin, I need more of it for my work and I need to be able to offer some of the loyal houses a way to rise, them and the North, I need your help, old friend.".

"The North offers what?" Illyrio asked.

"Timber and furs mainly, but some of the best of both." he said and watched as Illyrio's mind worked.

"I can work with Timber, the Sealord is ever greedy for it and here in Pentos it would be cheaper than that from Qohor, it's good you say?".

"Very." he replied and saw Illyrio smile.

"The Loyalist houses, have them meet with Karlsa in Braavos.".

"He'll see it arranged?" he asked and Illyrio nodded.

"He will, who do I deal with in the North?".

"Lord Wyman Manderly and through him Lord Stark." Varys said and Illyrio nodded.

"I'll send my steward to make the deal.".

They spoke then of Daeron and he could see that Illyrio was more and more agreeable as the day went on. His friend had expressed his doubts over Viserys more than once but they both sought a dragon on the throne even if it was for different reasons. For Varys it was the realm, to see the realm prosper and to see the people have better lives. Illyrio though was more direct and it was the dragons themselves, his friend feeling a kinship with them and that it would help him to rise also, only helped sway him his way.

"The children Varys, each time I get close they are gone once more, even your little bird's wings don't fly fast enough to bring me news. I've hired men to seek them out but alas it's to no avail, should I stop?" Illyrio asked.

"No old friend, find them if you can, I'm sure the king will appreciate his kin being safe.".

"The fat stag still seeks their heads?" Illyrio asked his tone one of disgust.

"He and the lion, but they'll not have them and soon it'll be their own heads that are in danger." he said with a smile which Illyrio returned.

"Come, the night is young my old friend and we should get drunk." Illyrio said and Varys welcomed the opportunity, this being one of the very few places he felt safe enough to do so.

He woke up the next day with a blinding headache and he chuckled when he dressed, breaking his fast and readying himself for the next leg of his trip. After saying goodbye to Illyrio he was soon on the ship and headed to Braavos as he needed to check on something he had suspicions about.

The journey to Braavos was uneventful and boring and he was happy to see the Titan when it came into view. Leaving the ship he made his way first to arrange the meeting with the Iron Bank and then to the tavern to meet with some of his little birds. Whispers from Essos were harder to manage given how large an area they covered, him only visiting rarely didn't help either.

Still, he collected his letters, and while he waited on the Iron Bank to send for him, he read them. The whispers were just of the usual thing, though one did he catch his eye as he wondered whether the fact that Jon Connington had turned up was something that he could use. That the Griffin was working for the Golden Company gave him pause but the man had always been loyal to the Targaryens, Rhaegar especially. That was something he could use he thought though he dismissed it for now as he heard the knock came at the door.

"The Iron Bank will see you today." the man said and Varys nodded as he walked with him to the large imposing building that the bank worked out of.

Once inside he didn't need to wait too long to see them and he knew that was because they expected him to be here on the crown's business, something he very much wasn't. Smirking as he took the seat, he watched as the three men walked in, Tycho Nestoris the only one of the three he recognized. Once they sat, the tall gaunt Tycho looked at him with a smile on his face, that it never reached his eyes was something he had come to expect of the bankers.

"Lord Varys, it is pleasing to see you here, how can we in the Iron Bank be of service." Tycho said his voice warm and friendly though he was anything but.

"I've come with a question Tycho, one which vexes me and one I know you'll not give me the full truth on, however, I'm hoping this may change your mind." Varys said handing the man a note.

He watched as Tycho read the whisper and saw the alarm in his features, the man nodding to someone that Varys couldn't see. He then began to scribble some words frantically on a piece of paper and hand it to a large man who walked in, waiting until the man was gone before he turned back to Varys.

"On behalf of the Iron Bank I thank you Lord Varys, our shipments being interfered with is something we do not accept." Tycho said.

"I'm well aware Tycho, I assume it will be dealt with swiftly?" he asked and Tycho smiled a far more true smile now.

"Very swiftly Lord Varys, now your question?".

"I believe that House Targaryen has an account here, an account that is quite substantial?" he asked and Tycho's eyes narrowed as he nodded "Would I be right to assume that there is a blood lock on that account?".

"Only the heir to House Targaryen can have access to that account or receive details about it, or the items kept in its vault." Tycho said.

"Prince Viserys?" he asked and Tycho smiled.

"Only the heir my lord.".

"I thank you Tycho, you and the Iron Bank have been most accommodating as always, I'll see myself out." Varys said as he stood up and the three men looked to him before they too rose.

"Should the heir arrive Lord Varys we would be obligated to tell him of this visit." Tycho said as they turned to leave.

"I would expect no less Tycho.".

With his business concluded he made his way straight back to the ship and after a brief delay they were sailing once more. This time his destination west instead of east, he had achieved all he'd set out to while here, confirmed his suspicions that the Targaryens had prepared just in case it was needed and all he had to do now was to meet Ser Arthur and hope he kept his head. Given what he was planning to tell the man, he felt it far more likely he would than he had up to now.

King's Landing 293 AC.

Barristan.

A years turn was like most things in the Red Keep, celebrated with a large feast, and as Barristan stood watching he king he once again was filled with disgust. The man gorged on food, wine, and women when he could, but usually, for the last Barristan would be outside the door and not have to watch. With the way Robert was eating the meat from his plate and asking for more, Barristan had been lucky to keep his own food down.

He could see he wasn't the only one who thought so, Jon Arryn could barely look at his former foster son and the queen was looking anywhere but. Though it was where she was focussing most of her attention which caused the rest of the distress that Barristan was feeling. Each time he caught her gaze at Elaena Arryn made him more and more concerned.

Barristan like anyone who spent anytime at all with the king knew his desires for his son's bride, a Stark bride for a stag, something he had missed out on himself. To join their two houses in any way he could was the king's greatest desire. Tywin Lannister on the other hand wished for something altogether different, his sights were set on a more valuable prize something that had come clear to him while guarding the prince.

"Spend some time with the Arryn girl, Joff, show her what a prince is like, what a lion is like." Cersei said.

"I have no interest in spending time with her mother, she's dull and spends all her time reading or around that sickly child." Joffrey said his face scrunching up.

"Trust me on this, my love." Cersei said.

At first, it had surprised him, he'd expected that Tywin Lannister would have sought the Tyrell girl for his grandson. Though the more he thought of it the more it made sense. The Lannisters had coin enough and while the Reach had capable men like Randyll and Mathis, while it had the numbers, the Vale had them beat in terms of military prowess. The Knights of the Vale were formidable when fully roused and for Tywin they and his own men would ensure a military superiority that was unmatched.

So he'd had to watch as the prince put on an act and Lady Elaena had been asked to spend more and more time with the boy. It concerned him for the girl herself as the prince was showing signs that disturbed him, and yet mostly it concerned him for what it would mean for the king. If Jon Arryn matched his daughter to the crown then what happened to Daeron?.

"I need to take a piss." Robert said loudly as he struggled to stand up and Barristan looked to Jaime to say he had this.

Walking for the room behind a king who was unsteady on his feet was difficult enough, standing outside the privy while he relieved himself was just demeaning. That it took so long for him to come back out would with any other man concern him, but with Robert, he found he was beyond caring.

"Gods, I thought that it would never end, well looks like I'll have to refill what I just pissed out." Robert said laughing as they walked back to the Great Hall.

He was glad the night was done and was surprised that Jaime joined him when he walked back to White Sword Tower. Usually, when the King was this drunk his brother would spend his night between the queen's legs and he wondered why tonight was different. Sitting at the table in the round room he was even more surprised when Jaime joined him there too, the two glass of wine in his hand though was a welcome sight.

"God's I fucking hate feasts." Jaime said and Barristan chuckled.

"They weren't always like that Jaime." he said.

"True." Jaime said wistfully as he took a sip of the wine.

"Do you remember them at all Jaime, the ones where Aerys wouldn't attend, when it was just Rhaegar and Elia, when Rhaenys would hide under the table?" he asked laughing when he pictured the little girl that his king's sister had been.

"I remember, I thought that was what it would be like, that one day we'd see the realm that way." Jaime said his eyes looking far off into the distance before he shook his head "A dream and nothing more." Jaime said picking up the glass and swallowing it down as he stood up to leave.

"True but a better one than the reality we live." he said and saw the small nod from Jaime before he left the room.

His sleep was uninterrupted that night and yet he found himself wondering about things, his thoughts at first thinking about Elaena Arryn and wondering if her father would see her wed to the prince. Giving what Arthur suggested and what Varys said he wouldn't, though it didn't make the thoughts go away. Soon though he was thinking on his brother and those thoughts were far harder for him to resolve.

There was a side to Jaime Lannister that he would see from time to time, that young eager boy who'd been knighted and handed a white cloak. He'd see the same expression from time to time that he remembered from watching the boy spar with Arthur or listen to the White Bull speak. When he woke the next morning and they broke their fast, he asked Jaime to come spar with him and the look he got was one of surprise, yet there was more there too and he saw that boy once more.

"To three, Ser Jaime?" he said as they stood in the sparring yard, the quietness welcoming at this early hour.

"To three." Jaime said.

He moved swiftly and directly towards Jaime catching him almost by surprise, the blow was parried though and soon he was being forced back. The swords flew through the air though there was no wasted movement, the thrusts, and swings meeting their mark even if they were met by a blade. How long they fought he didn't know but when he caught Jaime on the shoulder the day was his.

"Next time Ser Barristan." Jaime said his smile large and true and before he got to answer they heard the sound of the claps and both of them looked to see the two girls standing there.

"Lady Elaena?" he said and she looked at them and stopped clapping, both Jaime and he surprised to see her and her friend there.

"Forgive me Sers, but back in Runestone I often wake early to watch Jon and Ser Arthur spar." she said and Barristan felt his heart begin to beat a little faster.

"They spar often my lady?" Jaime asked his interest clear.

"Each morning and each evening, though Jon spars even more than that." she replied with a soft smile.

"He does?" he asked.

"He does Ser Barristan, he and Sandor spar at least once a day and he spars with Waymar often, with Mychel and Domeric too when they visit." Elaena said and he sensed some upset in her voice as she spoke.

"Then I'm sure we were poor substitutes my lady." he said and she giggled before waving them off and walking back with her friend and with her guards to the Red Keep.

"It seems our brother is training the next sword of the morning." Jaime said with a smile.

"He should be interesting to see in a few years, don't you think?" he asked and Jaime nodded before they walked to start their day's duty.

The Wall 293 AC.

Jon.

While the wall was a magnificent sight to see, something worthy of the wonder it provoked, the castles along it were anything but. Something that Castle Black made more clear than any of the abandoned ones they'd passed did. Just looking at Waymar's face as he looked around the broken down buildings made Jon see that clearly. Thankfully he also knew now that any idea that his friend had about coming here was now a distant memory and for that, he was most grateful. That it only reinforced to him that the two members of his family couldn't choose the same thing though hurt.

He like Waymar had heard of how there was honor to be found in the Night's Watch, that he had an uncle who served in it only adding to that honor in his mind. Now looking at the place he wondered and when he looked up and saw the old grey-haired man on the balcony, he knew there was not. His granduncle was aged, blind, and stuck in this cold place, a forgotten dragon left to rot on the wall and it infuriated him.

"Jon?" he heard a voice call out "Jon, it is you." his uncle Benjen shouted happily and Jon smiled as best he could and was soon laughing when his uncle grabbed him and lifted him from the ground to hug him tight.

"Uncle Benjen." he said happily when his uncle let him down, Jon looking his uncle over and seeing the man he remembered so well.

"Ser Arthur." his uncle said and Arthur nodded and then Benjen was looking to him again "What brings you here Jon?".

"I wished to come visit uncle, is that not reason enough?" he said with a smirk which had his uncle laughing and mussing his hair.

"Aye, that it is, come let's speak to the Lord Commander and see to some rooms for you and your friends.

As he walked to the man wearing the bearskin cloak he couldn't help but look to the balcony and was upset to see that his granduncle was no longer there. Turning back he listened as Benjen told tale of life at the wall and after meeting with the Lord Commander they were shown to their rooms.

"I know they're not much, but they're warm and gods, Jon, it's good to see you lad." Benjen said hugging him once more.

"You too uncle, can we speak or have you duties?" he asked and Benjen nodded before getting a mischievous look in his eye.

"You wish to see the top of the wall?" his uncle asked and he nodded before looking to Arthur.

"Waymar, why don't you come with me, we'll take a look at things ground side, Sandor you go with Jon." Arthur said.

The lift to the top of the wall took some time to get there and once they reached it he found himself walking along an ice-filled passage. Little corridors cut out of the ice where men could walk and then gaps cut where you looked out into the wilderness beyond. Just standing there and looking out at the vast lands beneath them made him feel small and insignificant.

"A watcher on the wall." Benjen said and Jon nodded before looking to Sandor who moved back to make sure they weren't interrupted.

"Uncle, I did have some other reasons to come to the wall." he said and his uncle looked at him and shook his head.

"I had hoped you'd have got rid of that silly idea Jon, this is no place for you.".

"What? No, I'm not coming here uncle, this is not my path." he said and saw the relief on his uncle's face.

"I'm glad to hear it Jon, so what are these other reasons?".

"I found out the truth uncle, of who I am. Who my mother was?" he said and searched his uncle's face to see if he knew, the fact he seemed not to, making him feel better for some reason.

"I didn't know who she was Jon, each time I'd ask Ned he'd not speak of her. I thought it was too hard for him, so left it at that. It seemed he loved her and speaking of her brought him great pain, but I'm glad he told you." his uncle said.

"I, uncle…Ned is not my father, my father is Rhaegar Targaryen, my mother Lyanna Targaryen." he said and his uncle looked at him with disbelief before he saw he was telling the truth and then for the first time he could ever remember, Jon saw his uncle cry.

"Oh gods, Lya." his uncle said and Jon moved to him and was grabbed and held tightly "My sister's boy." his uncle said over and over again.

They stood there for some time and when his uncle looked at him again, Jon told him the story or as much of it as he knew, telling him that Arthur or his uncle Ned would tell him more. When he told him about Aemon, his uncle looked at him and then after a few moments smiled before shaking his head.

"You mean to tell him?" Benjen asked.

"I have to, he's alone here uncle, my family alone in the world." he said softly and Benjen nodded.

"I'll arrange for you to meet him on the morrow, you're going for it aren't you, the throne?".

"I have to, Uncle Ned will support me and Jon Arryn too, Arthur says we'll bring the loyalists and there are more people out there who would see my house restored." he said and Benjen looked at him worriedly.

"I'd tell you not to, ask you to leave it and just live your life if it would do any good, but I can see it now Jon, see it in you, you're your mother's son." the smile on his uncle's face a fond one.

"Daeron." he said and Benjen smiled now.

After speaking to Sandor and the two of them finding common ground they took the lift back down. Waymar was soon telling him of what they'd seen and how terrible this place truly was. Dinner that night was basic and yet he enjoyed it and the company they kept, Benjen telling stories of his mother and Jon listening attentively. He saw Arthur speak to some men and for most of the night they watched him, yet when he went to his bed that night he thought only of the morrow and meeting his granduncle.

King's Landing 293 AC.

Elaena.

Her brother was sickly and yet to her he was perfect. Each day she got to spend with him was a day she found herself loving him more, his smile, or how he'd grab for her fingers. The Scary Fish would look at her and Elaena would see just how much she hated her being there and even more so her being anywhere near her brother. Yet the locket that Jon gave her seemed to work, as apart from when she'd first arrived Lysa had said nothing to her of any note.

While she loved being with her father and brother, she found she hated King's Landing, the false smiles, and fake niceties of people something she had come to recognize. Being Lady of a great house allowed for some privileges and afforded her some respect, yet once they realized she wasn't the heir and that she had no interest in the game, she became someone that they couldn't make use of. Even Myranda rolling her eyes at the differences that soon became apparent.

The girls who'd moved to be her friend, suddenly wished nothing to do with her, boys who'd smile when she passed, suddenly turned their heads. If only they'd all do that she thought as she spent yet another day listening to the prince. That he was younger than her didn't bother her, that he constantly spoke of himself even was something she was used to, Harry was just the same.

That he over-exaggerated his achievements though irked her, she'd seen the amount of effort Jon and Waymar put into their training, she'd yet to see Joffrey even wield a sword. Yet he'd tell her how good he was and how his uncle praised him or Ser Barristan thought him a prodigy. She'd seen both men spar and she very much doubted either of them had ever spoken to Joffrey about swordsmanship.

"That's quite impressive my prince, I'm sure your father is proud." she said as he spoke of his prowess with a crossbow next.

"He is, my father says I'll be a better hunter than even he." Joffrey said smiling broadly.

Considering the king returned with nothing after a hunt when they'd arrived, she didn't think that too much an achievement. After saying her goodbyes to Joffrey, she was walking back to her rooms when she saw the one person she disliked more than any walking her way. Littlefinger she'd heard people call Lord Baelish and she found it amusing to look at her hands and wiggle her little finger when she thought of him. The man made her skin crawl with his false smiles and platitudes and she found she'd almost gag at the smell of mint that followed him everywhere.

"Lady Elaena, have you just been with the prince?" Littlefinger asked.

"I have Lord Baelish, have you come from my father?" she asked and he shook his head.

"No, I'm off to see him though, we've got a small council meeting to attend." Littlefinger said and yet made no move to walk away.

"I shouldn't keep you from it my lord." she said smiling and yet still the man made no move.

"I have some time my lady and you and I barely have had a chance to speak." he said his smile fuller now though still fake and Elaena wondered if he knew she'd been avoiding him.

"I've been most busy my lord, tea with the queen, walks with the prince and Robert takes up most of my time." she said and saw a glimmer in his eyes.

"Robin, he's such a sweet boy, it must be pleasing that you don't have to worry about the Vale so much now that your brother is here.".

"Most pleasing my lord, a lady shouldn't run such a place don't you feel?" she asked and saw his eyes flicker as he tried to figure out what answer would please her, something she'd noticed he did with most people.

"I think the right lady could run any kingdom, Lady Elaena." he said and she smiled broadly giving the man what he wished.

"I thank you my lord, but I think it's best my brother can call me on when he wishes, he is the heir after all."

"Indeed, it's good to speak to you Lady Elaena, I hope we have another chance before we leave." he said as he kissed her hand.

"As do I my lord." she lied as she walked away.

She loved her father, she really did, but she wondered why he kept that man so close. That he'd also seen him appointed as Master of Coin was something she didn't understand. The Scary Fish would also be a completely different person when Littlefinger was mentioned, she'd brighten up and seem happier and Elaena wondered if that was because of their friendship.

She found she was like that when speaking of Jon, her own friendship always making her perk up just a little and her father had said that Littlefinger had fostered with the Tullys. Even were it that however she still disliked the man and didn't trust him at all, most people in this place were liars she felt and he more practiced them all but very few. As she walked into her rooms she saw the note on her table and sighed, another tea with the queen on the morrow and not for the first time Elaena found herself longing for home.

She dressed in her best dress and along with her guards made her way to the Queen's rooms. Finding herself brought inside as soon as she arrived. The queen was sitting with a glass of wine in her hand and her smile only appeared when she saw Elaena look to her.

"Elaena, sweetling, please sit." Cersei said and Elaena did as she was bid.

"Your grace." she curtsied before she took her seat.

"I believe you are to leave us soon, little dove, I find myself greatly saddened by this." Cersei said and Elaena didn't think she looked saddened at all.

"I must go back to my lessons your grace and while I'll greatly miss the capital and the people here, yourself especially, I feel it's time to see my friends again." she said and it was only the last part she truly meant.

"Indeed, little dove, I do hope that you'll come back and visit us again, Joffrey did so enjoy your walks." Cersei said staring right through her now.

"As did I your grace, to be accompanied by the crown prince was an honor I'd not expected, to be accompanied by such a charming and true prince one I'd only dreamed of." she said and saw the smile on the queen's face appeared instantly, this one true Elaena felt.

"I'm most pleased to hear it." Cersei said.

She was delighted when the tea ended, Cersei's conversations could ebb and flow and if you didn't pay the right amount of attention or show the right amount of deference, things took an odd turn. The first tea they'd had was strange, Elaena sure that by the time she'd left that she'd been threatened. So much so that on the next she apologized for her tiredness and nerves from the previous tea, saying that she'd been overwhelmed by supping with the queen.

Cersei had lapped it up and been more friendly since then, more so when Elaena toned down her lessons and thoughts. She'd in essence played the stupid girl and Cersei had welcomed it, even thrown in some little snipes and digs that a stupid girl would never get. It had been hard to let some of the slide but she had followed her father's advice and put a mask on while she was here.

Now she was saying goodbye to her brother and she felt the tears begin to fall, it would be moons until she saw Robert again and he'd grow so much by then. So she leaned in and kissed his forehead and whispered that she loved him, smiling when he tried to grab her hair and then looking back to see the teething ring near his hand. She said goodbye to the Scary Fish who seemed happy to see her go and she was annoyed that Littlefinger had come to wave her off.

"I'll see you on your nameday my little Eyas." her father said and she smiled as he kissed her cheek.

"I love you father." she said as they hugged and she heard him whisper it back.

She waved from the deck of the ship and then with Ser Vardis and Ser Albar she walked down to the cabins. Both men seemed just as pleased as she was to be heading back to the Vale and soon they could no longer smell the city behind them. Elaena walked to her cabin after eating her meal and hoped to see her friends soon, wondering if Jon had returned from his own trip as she lay in her bed.

The Wall 293 AC.

Aemon Targaryen.

Days at the wall merged into one another, they became a routine and like most routines, you hoped for something to break them. For Aemon though the visit of Benjen Stark's nephew would normally not have been something that would break his routine. That said nephew was also the nephew of Ser Arthur Dayne did though and he had been looking forward to speaking to the famed knight.

Ser Arthur had answers to questions that Aemon had and yet he'd not come to see him and Aemon was incredibly frustrated by it. More so at dinner that night when he heard that the knight had gone to speak to Ser Alliser and Ser Jaremy and that he and the loyalists who'd been sent her had spent some time together. Why them and not him? He wondered as he took to his bed that night.

Upon waking the next morning and after breaking his fast he was about to send Chett to speak to Ser Arthur when Benjen Stark, the man himself, and their nephew arrived to speak to him instead. Aemon happy that he'd come but what he wished to speak to Ser Arthur on required the man to be alone. He was about to suggest something along those lines when the young lad began to speak, Aemon soon finding the break in this routine to be one he'd yearned for.

"Maester, forgive me for coming right out with this, I've practiced it in my head so long, gone over how to say it and I find the simple truth to be the best thing." Jon Snow said and Aemon nodded.

"It often is lad." he said with a smile.

"My name is not Jon Snow, Maester, It's Daeron Targaryen. I'm the trueborn son of Rhaegar and Lyanna Targaryen." the boy said and Aemon felt the smile come to his face, he lived, the child lived.

"Nephew, it's truly you." he said and heard the intake of breath in the room "Come to me, let me see you lad.".

Holding the boy in his arms he felt the forming of the muscles beneath the clothes, that the boy had put effort in the yard which would stand him in good stead. He reached up and felt the long hair, down to his neck and straight and then his fingers were touching his nephew's face. He could feel the cheekbones, the nose, the lips, all from his family yet there were other traits there too and he wondered if they and the story that had been told were enough.

"You are not at risk? Ser Arthur my nephew is safe?" he asked worriedly.

"He is my prince." Arthur said and he chuckled.

"There is only one prince in this room, the prince that was promised. Our King Daeron Targaryen, the third of his name. The Young Dragon and The Good, you must be both nephew, for all our hopes rest with you." he said and hugged the boy once more.

He took a seat and listened as Ser Arthur told the tale, the fall of his family, and the protection of its last hope. When he told him that they intended to crown the boy, that they had the North and the Vale on his side, Aemon found himself stunned. Finding the boy lived was one thing, that they were so far along in their works was more than he could have dared to dream.

"I had prayed you lived, though when news came of Ser Arthur and his abandoning of our cause I had believed you dead." he said raising his hand when Ser Arthur moved in his chair "I know Ser Arthur, you are and were ever true, I just meant what I believed."

"Uncle, Lord Reed told Arthur that I must come here, that you had something for me?" Daeron said and Aemon smiled.

"I do, but all in good time, first I have a tale to tell and so tell it I shall.".

He told them of the letters that Rhaegar said of the plans he'd made and the hopes he had. Of meeting Lyanna and the love they shared and then he looked at his nephew as he told him of what they had hoped for him.

"You were the prince that was promised to them, the prince the realm would need. Aegon your brother was born ill, oh they kept it from Aerys and the realm knew not, Pycelle was never was allowed near the babe, but they feared he'd not live to see himself a man. The realm needed an heir and Elia could not deliver another child, fate and the god of love intervened and what started as a need, ended up being something very much wished for." Aemon said and he felt his nephew's hand reach out to take his.

"They did love each other?" his nephew asked worriedly.

"Ser Arthur could no doubt tell you the truth of that, but I have some letters in your father's hand, I'm sure they'd relieve any doubts." he said and felt the boy relax.

"Lord Reed?" Arthur said and Aemon smiled as he stood up and walked to his bed, Ser Arthur coming over to help him move it and then lift up the floorboard.

He allowed the knight to carry the chest while he carried the sword, covered though it was, it could still clearly be made out

"A king needs a sword and your training should be adapted to suit this particular blade." he said as he removed the cover.

"Is that?" Arthur asked and Aemon nodded as he handed it to his nephew.

"Dark Sister, the blade of the Dragonknight himself." he said.

He asked Arthur for the chest and opened it, taking out the bundle of letters and handing them to his nephew, his father's writing clear and only one of them still sealed.

"Your father's letters, the last one I believe is for you." he said and he could tell his nephew wished to open it but he did not for now at least.

"I thank you uncle." Daeron said and he motioned him over to the final item in the box, its bronze swirls the only marks on its silver scales.

"Many years ago my kinsman was Lord Commander here, one day he rode off alone and headed to the Nightfort and was gone for more than a moon, when he returned he carried this." he said as he lifted the egg out.

"That's a dragon egg." Daeron said excitedly.

"No nephew, that's your dragon egg." he said and when his nephew touched the egg he felt the warmth and the movement inside and Aemon's smile beamed as Brynden's words played out in his head.

"The prince that was promised will wake dragons from stone, Aemon, I leave this with you to protect until he comes for it." Bloodraven said.

A/N: Up Next We jump forward in time. Elaena and Jon get closer as they begin to realize their feelings for each other are more than friendship, we see the fruits of Varys's labours and Barristan sets Jaime on a trail. While Arthur learns bad news and an event in the Vale puts Jon to the test.

Xan Merrick: Thank you my friend. Hope you enjoyed Aemon here, it won't be the last we see of him.

Daryl Dixon: Really glad you liked this.

Mrspotter: Really glad you enjoyed it.

Mugen: So glad you liked this.

Zyrus: the Telling kinda had to happen since he found out anyway, as for him accepting it, well this Jon has been brought up differently, he's not really been treated as a bastard so much, plus he knew he had a future, Arthur had kinda protected him from any feelings of shame over who he is and so it's not the huge jump it normally is for him.

ATP: Well LF is now in a position to do just that.

Guest; You should like this chapter then, DS and a Dragon Egg. While I agree the egg here won't hatch before canon time, the war when it comes here will be non dragons.

Lady Octarina: I kinda really wanted that to be the thing with him, Arthur here has almost spent Jon's entire life knowing this day would come, so while Jon being the one to come is a shock, it's also a little bit of a relief for him, it's out and now I can explain kinda thing.

I firmly believe the earlier he'd learned the truth the better it was, it's why I really take so much issue with Ned. Not the king thing but the keeping the truth of his mother from him for so damn long. While we off course wish to protect children from things, certain things are easier to get over when you're young. The longer it takes to find out certain truths the harder they hit us and the more they impact us.

It's like an adopted child, I have a cousin who found out when he was very young that my aunt and uncle adopted him, they over years explained it and while he tracked down his birth mother it never hurt him. I know some other people who learned when they were in their late teens and it messed them up, their whole lives felt like a lie and the people they relied on to tell them the truth, they could no longer trust.

For Jon in the show we see, (terribly done as it was) just what learning later can do to someone.

I also hate the I don't want it, like seriously, my little niece who I adore does this with food and for some time after the show ended I'd need to leave the room when she would say it lol.

Sandor I think is far more aware than he makes out, so having him know is a big thing, he was a little absent in this chapter but we'll see his pov in a bit.

Hunter: So glad to hear that.

Gsaint: So happy you liked it.

Creativo: La Guerra Mundial no será una amenaza en esto, sino otras amenazas. Me gustan ciertos nombres y los tres fueron una pura conincedencia aqua.

Tony Warrior: Creo que la crianza significa mucho y, aunque la naturaleza de Jon siempre está presente, la crianza diferente es interesante para mí. Aquí Cat no está en su contra y Arthur está de su lado desde el principio, siempre ha esperado una cierta vida aquí y por eso tiene mucha más confianza.

Xand007: Thank you my friend. This will be faster paced to reach the key events, so even next chapter we'll be jumping a couple of years.

Wanningtide: That's funny enough one of my things too, I think given what he is and how things are or should be affected by that, sometimes we see too many stories follow the canon and see that effect much later on. For me we have canon for that, lets see those effects earlier.

On the Dorne thing, I do have a Jon/Ari story planned for the future, this won't be that though. The main issue with Dorne is really what happens when that's not an option. I think you're right circumstances change and with Jon/Ari then Doran would probably come around, there would be some pissed off things at first about Jon and Lyanna/Rhaegar but I think if they get the marriage they could forget them. As I said though the issue becomes when they don't get the marriage, does he then support Jon for vengeance, we'll see that being delved into here.