Casterly Rock 294 AC.
Loras.
After breaking his fast with his family and showing Margaery the way to Jon's room he brought Joy to her lessons and was surprised when she managed to get Sansa to sit in on them with her. He was heading back to his own room when Walder stopped him and asked him to follow, he took him to another room and asked him to wait telling him he'd be meeting someone in a moment. Loras sat there wondering what was going on as he and Walder hadn't spent a great deal of time together unless he was with Jon.
He had to admit he was a little annoyed at his friend, ever since they had returned from the North Jon had almost been too busy to see him, he knew there were things happening and Loras felt left out yet again. He knew partly it was because of something between Jon and Margaery and that whatever it was he was doing, he needed him to look after Sansa. While he didn't mind spending time with Jon's sister he was missing his friend. He was thinking on this when the man Walder must have had him waiting on walked in, he was tall and tanned with deep purple eyes and Loras couldn't stop staring at him.
"Do you know who I am?" the man said and Loras nodded.
"You're the Sword of the Morning, Ser Arthur Dayne." he said smiling at the thoughts of speaking to a legend.
"I am, it's good to meet you Loras I've heard a lot about you from Walder here amongst others." Arthur said and Loras could barely breathe, he knew of him, Arthur Dayne knew of him.
"I wanted to meet you, to speak to you as I'll be looking after the king's protection from now on."
"You'll be staying here?" Loras asked.
"I will and along with Jaime I will be handling your training from now on." Arthur said and Loras looked at him in disbelief.
"You..You'll be training me?" he asked his voice shaky.
"You and the king yes."
Loras just sat in shock, trained by the Sword of the Morning, spending his days being taught by the greatest swordsman alive, perhaps the greatest ever. The annoyance he felt moments ago with Jon was gone now replaced instead by intense gratitude, thanks to Jon he had been trained by Jaime Lannister and now would be by Arthur Dayne. He couldn't wait to get started though he imagined it wouldn't be right away with so many guests at the Rock.
"I look forward to it Ser Arthur, wait, your name can you use your name Ser?" Loras said and Arthur smiled.
"My name is Daeron Sand, Loras did I not say." Arthur said and Loras laughed.
"My apologies Daeron."
After speaking to Arthur for a few more minutes he was asked to show him the layout of the Rock so together with Walder he took him on a tour, the Maester's and Smiths he already knew for some reason. The stables and armory though were what most interested Arthur and Loras almost felt a kinship with him then, as when he had arrived here first he too felt the same. When he got to the guards quarters to find where Jors and Walder slept Loras was surprised the rooms were laid out how they were, Walder and Jors shared a set of rooms, three rooms, two were bedchambers each with a large bed in each, the other was mainly a sitting room, with chairs and a table and some books. For some reason he had assumed they would have had their own quarters but upon seeing Arthur's smile at the layout he felt he needed to ask.
"Daeron, the quarter's should they not be separate?"
"Walder and Jors are acting as Kingsguard Loras it's a brotherhood, in White Sword Tower we each had our own bedchambers but they are just simple rooms for sleeping, the other areas are used by all, it helps foster the brotherhood." Arthur said and Loras noticed the warm smile on his face.
Once done with the tour they took the lift back to the family wing and he was surprised only a few moments after entering it to find Jon looking for him, Ghost and the black pup and grey pups walking with him. Standing at his right shoulder Jors looked to Walder and nodded before doing the same to Arthur, Kingsguard Loras thought excitedly these men were Jon's Kingsguard.
"There you are, I see you've met our new trainer." Jon said smiling as he nodded to Arthur.
"Aye I have, I look forward to sparring."
"Well you'll get to do it before I will." Jon said motioning to his injured arm.
"I'm sorry Jon, maybe i should wait?"
"Don't be an idiot Loras I can see how excited you are, anyway there's something I need to show you, can you come with me?" Jon said smiling.
"What is it?" he asked a note of excitement at the thoughts of training with Ser Arthur still in his voice.
"You'll see. Walder can you show Arthur the Rock?"
"Daeron for now Jon and Loras was good enough to show me already, I was wondering if I could borrow Jors for a bit. though, Walder can take over his duties for now" Arthur said and Jon nodded.
"Anything I need to know?" Jon asked.
"No, just that Jors may know where I'd get some of that dye we spoke of." Arthur said and Jon nodded to Jors.
The two groups separated then, Arthur and Jors heading to the lift while he, Walder and Jon walked to Jon's room. He really wished to ask Jon of his meeting with Margaery, it was on the tip of his tongue, but he decided to wait as Jon would tell him in his own time no doubt. When they reached the room Jon held his hand out to him and stopped him from walking in, he looked to him and shook his head confusing him.
"I wanted to thank you, what I did last night I'd not have been able to without you looking after Sansa. I know it may seem like I've been ignoring you, but it's not been like that I swear. What you're about to see, had there been another way, well this wouldn't be the first time you'd see her." Jon said before opening the door.
Loras was happy Jon hadn't been ignoring him, he knew it but still it was good to hear it from his friend, the rest confused him though or at least it did until he stepped into the room. There on Jon's bed she stood and she was magnificent, her wings the brightest blue, her scales as white as snow, she looked to Jon and chirped and Loras looked to Jon open mouthed in shock.
"Relax Loras she won't harm you." Jon said to him while looking at the dragon, he then put his arm around Loras's shoulder.
"Jon, that's, How, I mean when. How? Jon that's a dragon." he stumbled over his words and Jon laughed.
"Aye I know, Loras meet Rhaenix, Rhaenix this is Loras my friend." Jon said and took him by the arm to meet the dragon.
Jaime.
He sat in his solar, Tyrion had asked if he wished him to sit in and while Jaime would have liked his brother with him, he also wished to give him the time to read the book he kept glancing at. He knew his brother and he was distracted, the thoughts of some mystery to be unraveled had always excited him and now he had one in his hands. So Jaime had told him to read the book and instead had asked Genna to join him, as they sat there his aunt filled him in on her own meeting with the queen of thorns.
How he had managed to pull the wool over her eyes was now a mystery to him, though she had at least went in the direction he hoped, it seemed however that she mustn't have been able to find out about the Targaryen's in Essos. Had she then given what Arthur said about Viserys he'd no doubt she'd have then looked more closely at Jon, thinking on the prince he was relieved now they'd sent Sandor to the princess. If there was one thing the Hound wouldn't countenance it was a brother mistreating a sister.
"My lord, Lady Olenna is outside." Farrow said.
"Show her in."
A moment later Olenna came in alone her cane tapping the ground as she walked to the table, Jaime got up himself to pull the chair out for her and offered her some fruit and wine which she declined. They'd be serving themselves here so he poured his aunt a glass and then sat back down beside her, there was a few moments of awkward silence, where Olenna seemed to be looking at them both before quite suddenly she laughed.
"I've rarely ever been played so well, it is good the king is in such capable hands." Olenna said and he smirked.
"The king himself is more than capable my lady."
"That he is, a remarkable boy he'll make the best king we've had in an age."
"He will." Jaime said smiling.
"With the right queen?" Olenna said.
"Do you have someone in mind Olenna?" Genna said and both women smirked at each other.
"In another day, another life I'd be offering myself." Olenna said and nodded "Well shall we get down to it then?"
"We should my lady." Jaime said.
"Is there proof other than the letter Jon showed me?" Olenna asked and Jaime handed her the marriage and birth announcements and the annulment.
"He set Elia aside?" Olenna asked surprised.
"I believe there was more to it than that, there is a letter from her to her brothers that Jon has." Jaime said.
"You've read this letter?
"No it's still sealed. I think it explains things." Jaime said.
"What do you intend to do with it?" She asked leadingly.
"It's not my place, Jon will decide. But given that Oberyn is here he may give it to him sooner rather than later."
"That may not be the best idea. What if it's not what you think? Or what if it is and Oberyn doesn't accept it?" she asked.
"Jon has been weighing those possibilities my lady."
"You have a lot of faith in a young boy my lord."
"It's been well earned my lady." Jaime said with a smile.
Olenna looked through the letters again, finally satisfied she handed them back to Jaime who placed them in the drawer, she looked to her empty glass and Jaime poured her a glass of wine.
"Firstly I wish to know who else we will have on our side."
"Is it our side?" he asked.
"Will the king be seeking a different bride?" Olenna asked pointedly.
"He will not my lady." Jaime said and Olenna smiled a full smile then.
"Then my lord it's our side."
"So that's all you want?" Genna said surprised.
"A seat on the council too and some considerations, some appointments we can discuss at a later time, but yes, those are the main ones. A seat on the council and Margaery to become queen." Olenna said.
"Not Mace, Willas perhaps." Jaime said and Olenna nodded.
"No not Mace." she said.
"Then we are in agreement, the Reach will declare for Jaehaerys Targaryen the third of his name?" Genna said.
"We are and we do. Now our strengths if you please."
"We have the West and the North, Darry and Velaryon too, we can bring more in time but the more houses we reach out to the greater the risk. We could take it now if needed, but I'd prefer to wait for Jon to be older. We also have another reason why waiting may be prudent." Jaime said.
"And that is?"
"A dragon," Jaime said and both women gasped.
"Jaime?" Genna said.
"I'm sorry for telling you like this Aunt, but it happened last night."
"You're serious, this isn't a jest?" Olenna asked.
"I am my lady, perhaps later I can have Jon introduce you to her?"
"Her?" Genna asked.
"Rhaenix, he named her for his sister." Jaime said deciding now was not the time to tell them the rest of it.
"Only a dragon knows a dragon." Olenna said laughing and he joined in remembering it.
"What?" Genna asked.
"Rhaegar used to say that, it was something Rhaenys taught him." Jaime said a soft smile on his face.
After speaking a little more on the dragon, Olenna then brought up the attack in the Riverlands and offered her own take on it one which made him grip the table hard.
"This attack Jon spoke of, you're sure it wasn't just bandits?"
"I am."
"Jon said he has a man looking into it?"
"A man?" Jaime said wondering how much Jon had told her.
"A man he wouldn't name." Olenna said a small proud little smile on her face.
"He has." Jaime said.
"Have him look into the Tully's." Olenna said shocking him.
"What? Why would they?" Genna asked before he could.
"Given what Jon did to Edmure in King's Landing and how far some men can go when their pride is hurt especially by someone so far beneath them. I think they could be likely suspects" Olenna said.
"Jon is beneath no one." Genna said angrily.
"I know Genna, but to Edmure he's what he seems to be, a bastard who is a stain on his sister."
"But he wouldn't try to kill him surely?" Jaime asked as he gripped the table and would have broken something had it not been for his aunt placing her hand on his.
"Perhaps not, but I would look into it all the same."
"I'll see it done." Jaime said and resolved to have Richard do it immediately before anything else.
"Have you increased his guards and my grandson's, after all he could have been caught up in this too." Olenna said her voice increasing in pitch.
Jaime smiled, it made more sense now why she was so eager, he had thought it was because of Jon and Margaery and no doubt it was. But it was also because she was right, it was only sheer luck that had kept Loras out of the firing line and had he been there then who knows what would have happened.
"We've assigned Jon a new guard, the giant man you've seen with him Ser Walder it was he who saved him.
"One guard, there must be more." Olenna said.
"There is someone else, someone I think should put your fears at ease my lady."
"Who?"
"Ser Arthur Dayne." Jaime said to another gasp from both women.
"The Sword of the Morning he lives?" Olenna said as she swallowed her wine.
"He is here as we speak my lady." Jaime said and could feel his aunt's disapproval at being unaware of this from beside him.
"Then we should drink to our new arrangement." Olenna said as Jaime poured them both another glass of wine.
"To the rightful king." Jaime said.
"The rightful king." Olenna and Genna repeated.
Dacey.
Dinner that night had been pleasant, Tyrion had begged off though he had some reading to do apparently and Gerion had decided on an early night. So it had just been her and Jaime, Genna, her children and her husband, Loras and Jon and the girls. She had found herself laughing over and over as Jon made up for not spending time with the girls by entertaining them at the table, even Genna's two boys joined in.
When he had started to tell stories of knights and princess's of tourneys and jousts she saw it then, what it was that had Joy grabbing his hand every night for story time. Jon was a natural bard, he could sing and play the harp and had an ability to bring a story to life, it was something she had heard Jaime say about his father too. The difference was however that unlike Rhaegar's melancholy, Jon was happy and full of life, though she did still remember the sullen quiet boy she had met in Winterfell years ago.
They had retired early though among the first to leave, she found she liked to drink less since she came to the rock, whether it was the newness of sharing her husband's bed or just her general contentedness she didn't know. But there was as always one great advantage to going to bed early with Jaime and as she felt him take her in his arms, she looked forward to it as she always did.
The next morning she was dressing and getting ready to ride to Lannisport to greet the new arrivals, while she hated this part of being a lady usually on this occasion she found herself enjoying it, her cousin and his wife and babe were arriving today, along with Ser Wendel Manderly. While Lynesse had told her she would come, a part of her assumed that with the babe she'd decide to stay in Bear Island, perhaps if it were not for the pinnacle ships she would have.
"Now there's a vision." Jaime said as she finished dressing.
"You really are easily pleased." she japed.
"If only you were." he replied with a mock sigh.
"Jaime." she said her voice rising.
"What, is it that time already, must I fulfill my husbandly duties yet again?" he said rolling his eyes and she couldn't help but laugh at his antics.
"You really are an idiot."
"No, I'm your idiot." he said kissing her neck.
She kissed him back and then they walked down to the awaiting carriages, she would have preferred to ride but that couldn't happen at least not in this dress. So instead she climbed into one of them to find Sansa, Margaery and Joy waiting with Jon sitting next to Margaery. As they set off she saw Jon open the window and Joy climb up so she could look out, she watched as Jon held her tight both Sansa and Margaery looking on as he pointed things out to her.
"No birdie Jon, no pretty birdie?" Joy said shaking her head.
"We'll see them at the ship Joy and a babe, we'll see a babe too." he said and Dacey smiled at the thought of seeing Lynesse and her son.
They arrived a few minutes before it docked and she watched as the ship came in, Wendel, Jorah and Lynesse were standing on deck and she saw it then in Lynesse's arms the little bundle who was now the heir of Bear Island.
As they stepped off the ship and walked towards them she wasn't the only one who tried to get a look, the girls too all seemed to be eager to see the babe Lynesse was carrying. After the introductions, she got to finally have a good look at the boy and she couldn't help but smile at him, he was so small, so tiny. Beside her Margaery, Sansa and Joy too kept looking at both him and Lynesse as if they were gifts from the gods. A child she thought, a babe, maybe it was the gods who gifted them so, looking at the perfect little thing in her arms it could only be the gods who could make such a thing.
"He's a wonder Lynesse." she said as the babe smiled when she handed him back to his mother.
"Aye he is."
"What's his name?"
"Gerold after my grand uncle." Lynesse said and looked to Jon before looking back to her and nodding.
"She looked to see Jorah talking to Jaime and Jon along with Wendel."
After a few more moments they walked to the carriages, Jon said his goodbyes to Sansa, Joy and finally Margaery and both she and Lynesse looked on as the two of them laughed at something before he left. He, Loras and Gerion would wait to greet the Velaryons, Lord Darry and Lady Brienne who was arriving with her father later on. Riding back each of the girls rotated their seats so they could sit close to Lynesse and the babe, she couldn't stop laughing as one by one they cooed at him.
Sansa was no doubt thinking of something to embroider for the babe while Margaery just looked on in awe and Joy told the babe that he could come to story time and meet Ballon, something she'd need to warn Lynesse on. After arriving back at the Rock she helped Lynesse and Jorah settle in, Wendel too was to be housed there instead of in town and was incredibly pleased at the honor. Once done she made her way with the girls for her final dress fitting, the dress itself was even more beautiful than the one she wore in Winterfell.
"Are you looking forward to the ceremony my lady?" Margaery asked.
"I am Lady Margaery, though a little nervous."
"But you're already married?" Sansa said.
"Nervous of the ceremony Sansa." she said with a smirk.
"Oh." the girl said a little bit embarrassed.
"Your dress is so pretty Dacey." Joy said looking at it as it hung up.
"You're going to look so beautiful Lady Dacey" Margaery said and Dacey smiled, she just hoped tomorrow's ceremony went off without a problem.
Jon.
He laughed and japed with Loras and Gerion while they waited, the Velaryon's he was happy to find out had been invited to take the Lady Joanna along with Brienne and her father and Lord Raymun. Being seamen themselves they had jumped at the chance to sail on the pinnacle ship. Arthur and Walder stood behind them, Jors was resting and had been given the rest of day off. While they hadn't yet figured out a proper schedule things had been made a lot easier just having Arthur with him, though he hated the helm the man wore feeling it wrong he needed to cover himself so.
"Do you know Lord Monford Daeron?" Jon asked.
"I do Jon, though not at well as some." he said and Jon remembered that Richard was closer to the Lord of Driftmark.
"Lord Darry?"
"I know Raymun well, I look forward to speaking to him." Arthur said a little sadly and Jon knew he was thinking of his former brother and of Ser Willem."
Lord Darry would be arriving with the Velaryon's as it was easier to travel to King's Landing and then on than to travel overland to Casterly Rock. They stood around for a few more minutes and Jon closed his eyes, Ghost was guarding the room with Fang and the black pup, Rhaenix playing with the two smaller wolves. He had been wary of introducing his wolf to his sister, but she knew his connection and she had felt it as soon as he entered.
"He is like me brother, bonded to you, he will protect you even at the cost of his own life."
"He shouldn't and neither should you, you both mean too much to me." Jon said as he stroked Ghost before doing the same to the dragon "Ghost this is Rhaenix, my sister." He said and the wolf cocked his head while Rhaenix chirped something Jon couldn't understand.
"What did you say?" he asked her.
"It was between me and Ghost and not for you." his sister replied and he knew it was the only answer he'd get.
She had chirped and played first with Ghost who had then introduced her to the other wolves, both seemed wary at first but soon they were all playing and making pleased noises. He had almost fallen around with laughter at the screech that came from her the first time one of the wolves licked her though, he could honestly say he now knew what a disgusted chirp sounded like.
"They're here." Loras said and Jon watched as the ship pulled in.
The first to to leave the ship were a tall silver haired man and a younger one he knew already, the taller one was Monford no doubt and the younger Aurane, Jon smiled at them both before he saw Lord Darry behind them. Brienne and an older man he assumed was her father came next and when she saw him and Loras she smiled fully though she did frown a moment later when she saw he was injured.
"My lords, Welcome to Lannisport." Gerion said as Lord Monford met him.
"I thank you Lord Gerion for the welcome." the lord said before introducing himself to Loras and then standing in front of him.
"You must be Jon, it's a pleasure to meet the designer of such a fine ship, truly it is." he said with his words while his eyes were alight as he no doubt found whatever it was of his father he was looking for in his features.
"You too Lord Velaryon, many's the tale I've heard of your families own history with the sea and of other things, perhaps if you're not busy later we could speak on it?"
"I would be honored to speak of family history Jon, honored." Monford said his smile growing even larger now.
"Lord Aurane it's good to see you again.
"You too Jon, you too." Aurane said and he too smiled at him.
"Lord Raymun, my guard has told me some interesting tales on your own family, perhaps all three of us could speak later if you've time?" he said and looked to Daeron who Raymun then stared at.
"I would like that Jon, I would like that very much." Raymun said and Arthur leaned forward to whisper in his ear, Jon had to give them man something he hid his shock well, though he could do nothing about the smile which appeared.
"Of course Ser Daeron, any friend of my brother's is welcome to sup with me."
After Gerion has spoken to Lord Selwyn and Brienne the old lord spoke to Loras as did Brienne before moving onto him.
"Lord Selwyn, I welcome you to Lannisport on behalf of Lord Jaime who as you can understand is in the final stages of preparing for his wedding. He has asked me to pass along his regards and to tell you that he will speak to you upon your arrival at Casterly Rock"
"I understand lad, I hope it wasn't him who gave you those injuries." Selwyn said with a laugh which Brienne didn't share.
"If only my lord, unfortunately it was a far more serious affair, shall we make our way to the carriage?" Jon said and Selwyn's face dropped before he nodded.
"Lady Brienne a pleasure to see you again." Jon smiled reassuringly at her as she was looking at him almost apologetically over her father's joke.
"You too Jon." she said smiling back.
They walked back to the carriages and Jon spoke to both Brienne and her father almost constantly, the lord while not interrogating him was peppering him with questions of the rock, the Lannisters and how he was treated. He seemed more than pleased with the answers while Brienne seemed more interested in the upcoming tourney and when her father asked if she would be allowed to compete Jon was quick to put him at ease.
"My lord, do you know much of Lord Jaime's new wife?"
"I don't other than her name and she is from the north, Jon."
"The ladies of Bear Island my lord are fierce, they have to be as for years the Ironborn have tried to prey on their lands. Men fish and women fight is how Lady Maege explained it to me and Lady Dacey epitomizes that as well as any, she competed in the melee in Kings Landing herself even made it to the final four."
"Aye she did." Brienne said finally putting the name and the woman she saw fighting together.
"So my lord, Even if Lord Jaime was a of a mind to forbid your daughter from competing which he is not, Lady Dacey would certainly insist upon it." Jon said and Lord Selwyn nodded.
"That's good to know Jon."
Once they were ready they took their places in the carriage and set off for the rock. Sitting in the carriage with Brienne and Lord Selwyn he told them of his own routines and of what Brienne could expect, watching as the excitement grew on her face. After they arrived he had their things brought to their rooms he showed Brienne where she would be staying during her time at the Rock, she was more than surprised to see she would be with Loras and he on the family wing.
"I'm to stay here?" she said smiling.
"Aye, this is where Loras and I stay. I'll leave you to get settled and inform Lord Jaime you've arrived my lord, my lady. I'm sure he'll speak to you both before dinner."
"Thank you Jon, Loras," Brienne said and he and Loras left them to refresh themselves from their journey.
Brienne sat with them at dinner that night, her father sitting with Jaime, his family and the Tyrell's at the high table much to his delight. Brienne though nervous at first soon was laughing with him and Loras. Sansa and Joy had initially looked at her oddly and Jon feared that perhaps they would say something to upset her, but when Margaery started speaking to her both girls followed suit. He tried to spend him time speaking to each of them equally, but in the end he knew he spent far more time talking to Margaery.
"Jon story time." Joy said and Sansa giggled.
"Is it that time already Joy?" he said almost as if he forgot.
"Jon story time." Joy said more firmly now.
"If you'll excuse me, apparently it's story time." Jon said to laughs.
He wasn't surprised when Joy held her hand out for Sansa but he was when she did the same for Margaery who looked to him almost to ask permission, he just smiled happy that he was going to spend more time with her.
"So what, we're not invited." Loras japed.
"No." Joy said and stuck her tongue out at him.
"Joy." Jon said trying not to laugh as he shook his head at her.
"Jon." she said back in the same tone and he was beginning to regret teaching her that.
Loras turned to Brienne and said something which had her laughing and Jon and the others walked to Joy's room. After Alessia readied her for bed, he sat down, Margaery and Sansa sitting on the chair and bed respectively and he began. The story he told them was of good queen Alysanne and her visit north, how she flew on Silverwing and helped the men of the Nights Watch, of how the realm to this day still spoke of her.
Once Joy was asleep they went back to the hall, Brienne was tired so she had already left for bed and Loras was sitting alone. The rest of the night went quickly and Loras escorted Sansa back to her room allowing Jon to do the same for Margaery.
"So will I get a dance at the wedding tomorrow?" she asked as they reached her room.
"If you wish it my lady then who am I to refuse." he said and the smile she gave him back was beaming.
"Really? You're going to dance with me, no jest?" she said.
"As well as I can with this." he said motioning to his arm "But yes, I'll no doubt have to dance with Joy and my sister, so it would look wrong if I did not do so with who I wish to dance with also." Jon said.
"Goodnight Just Jon."
"Goodnight Just Margaery." he said smiling as she walked into her room.
Jaime.
He had dressed well for the wedding in Winterfell, worn the best clothes he had but these were far beyond them, the full wealth and power of House Lannister would be on display in less than an hour and he had to look the part. His aunt had outdone herself, the outfits she had made for each of the Lannister men matched with only slight differences his own, the outfits for the children too. For Jon and Loras it was even more apparent, where his uncles and brothers were in full Lannister crimson and black, his squires wore it reversed.
At first Jaime had thought this to be an insult, not an intentional one but he knew bastard colors were often reversed, but how his aunt had managed it he did not know as the two boys looked incredible their colors only adding to his own. Jon had even somehow managed to keep his hair which was a shock to him, he was sure he would have been forced to have it cut, perhaps being a king gave him some privileges he thought as he fixed the pins to his coat.
"And I thought Loras took time to get ready, my lord, can we hurry it up here please." Jon said and Loras sniggered.
"Yes we must hurry my lord, or perhaps your good lady will decide not to wait." Loras added.
"Have no fear, I think my lady will wait for me." Jaime said to laughs.
"Aye she will." Jon said nodding.
"Well what do you think?" he said finally finished.
"Why maidens will swoon and ladies will throw themselves at your feet my lord. " Loras said over exaggeratedly.
"Not unless they wish to be smacked over their head with a mace they won't." Jon said and he couldn't help but laugh.
"We should go." he said finally and they nodded.
The Sept in Casterly Rock was a place he only visited rarely, more since he was named Lord for appearance sake but as he entered and saw the people sitting around he felt nervous, he watched as Loras and Jon took their place beside Tyrion and his uncles. While it was uncommon for them to stand during the ceremony Jaime wished it and he was lord and so the Septon readily agreed. If there was any doubt to how he felt about his squires that would end tonight.
He looked around to see Genna sitting with her husband and children, Joy and Sansa beside them as was Lynesse who held her babe in her arms. Gerold, he had smiled at that as did Arthur, Jorah would be leading Dacey in and he smiled just thinking of her. As for Jorah himself well Maege had been as good as her word and Jorah had declared for Jon. He saw Oberyn sitting with his paramour and his children, a smile on his face that was hard to read and then he saw her and nothing else mattered.
Dacey was breathtaking, the dress was a pure white, not a blemish, not a mark, nothing but white, her dark hair and the maiden cloak the only differences in color. Her shoulders were bare underneath and he could see the her pale skin and that along with the sunlight behind her made her look a vision. His breath caught in his throat, his mouth suddenly dry and like a green boy he just stared at her. It was only when she moved that the spell was lifted, seeing her walk towards him almost forced him to run to reach her first.
When Jorah removed her maiden cloak and he took his cloak off to drape her in it he almost felt it to be sacrilege. Seeing her there in her wedding dress, seeing just how simple, how elegant she made it look, the beauty of both his wife and the dress she wore there in front of him in their full glory, it seemed wrong to cover either up. The dress was so exquisitely made, little details popped out as he looked, the pearls inlaid on it, the little designs of bears embracing lions in lace, all of it was incredible, but it was the woman who wore it who made his jaw drop.
Dacey had never looked more beautiful to him than she did right there, he almost couldn't breathe and was scared if he moved she'd just disappear into the air, for surely he didn't deserve such perfection. When she smiled up at him, his heart felt so full, he moved closer and cloaked her and she turned to face him. The words the Septon said, the songs they sang all of it was lost to him as he stared at her, when he wrapped the ribbon around her hand and they began to speak, it suddenly felt real once again.
"Father, Smith, Warrior, Mother, Maiden, Crone. Stranger. I am hers and she is mine. From this day, Until the end of my days." he said and smiled as Dacey said her own words.
He looked down at the ribbon he'd wrapped around her hand, feeling it bind them together, but they were bound by far more than that, just looking at her, just taking her in his arms, they were bound by far more.
"With this kiss I pledge my love and take you for my lady and wife." Jaime said and the kiss though brief was the promise they made to each other, the promise of the life they'd share.
"I now declare Lord Jaime and Lady Dacey to be man and wife. They are one flesh, one heart, one soul, now and forever."
"Now and Forever." they said together.
They walked out of the Sept to cheers, most of the staff of Casterly Rock would be free to celebrate tonight, in Lannisport food and drink had been lined up for a large section of townspeople. They then made their way to the Grand Ballroom, the largest of the halls in the rock, taking their seats at the high table they waited while the guests arrived. His family, Jorah and Lynesse, the Tyrell's and Prince Oberyn and his paramour all would sit the high table.
At the front would sit the lords of the west, Crakehall and Marbrand, Brax and Lydden. Lord Redwyne and Hightower, and the other lords placed in seats fitting their rank. His aunt had taken great care and deliberations to ensure no one felt slighted. To the left the children would sit, and they were the first to arrive, he watched them sit and smiled when Jon sat beside Margaery, a love match indeed.
Sansa.
The wedding was all she had hoped for and more, while the wedding at Winterfell was incredible, here it was so much more elaborate and she loved the pageantry of it. Seeing Dacey in her dress, seeing Jaime cloak her, she loved how it went on longer than the northern ceremony, how more was said, more words of love spoken. Listening to the vows, the singing, being in the Sept, it was so much more of an event.
As for the feast well nothing in Winterfell could compare to this, the dishes were of things she'd not even imagined, goose and swan, pigeon pie, but it was the sweets, the deserts she found mouth watering. Lemon cakes would always be her favorite, but strawberries, peaches, cream all of it was all so delicious she found herself wishing to try it all, something that Joy seemed equally eager to do.
"Jon Strawbellies." Joy said.
"Aye I know, you want more or you want some peach pie Joy?"
"Strawbellies Jon." the girl said and Sansa laughed wishing she could make her own choice so easily.
"Sansa you must try this." Margaery said passing her some pie with orange cream on it.
"What is it?" she asked as she took a piece.
"It's pickled orange pie, trust me you'll love it." Margaery said and Sansa eagerly tried it, she was right it was incredible.
When it came time for the gifts she felt odd that she hadn't brought one, she had worked so hard on the one in Winterfell that she hadn't had time to make another. Dacey had assured her it was not required and when Sansa got worried she brought her to her and Lord Jaime's room where she saw her gift on the bed,.
"Your gift is one I shall always treasure Sansa, what these others may bring can't come close to it."
Even though she had felt so proud then, she still felt a little worried, but as the gifts were given she saw there was no real thought in them, mostly they were just a typical set of presents. Though seeing Prince Oberyn give Lady Dacey a spear was interesting as was the horse given by Lord Mace, which made Margaery smile at the reaction it got. When Jon stood up she hoped he would sing again be he and Loras carried something small and silver in their hands instead.
"You're not singing Jon?" Sansa asked when Jon returned and Margaery turned to look at him.
"You sing?" Margaery asked.
"I can sing." Jon said softly.
"Oh please I'd love to hear you sing. As would Sansa and Joy too no doubt, please Jon." Margaery said but Jon just moved in to whisper in her ear instead "Jon I'm sorry I didn't know." Margaery said and Sansa looked on in confusion when Jon nodded.
"Know?" she asked,
"My shoulder it hurts if I speak too loud, so singing would be painful." Jon said.
"Jon, I'm sorry I had no idea, please forgive me?"
"There's nothing to forgive little sister, now the dancing will be starting soon, I hope you're ready to dance a lot tonight." Jon said and she nodded eagerly.
When the dancing began Joy danced with Jon while Loras danced with his sister, she was feeling a little left out until Willem asked her to dance, once the dance was over Martyn and then Jon danced with her.
"Having fun?"
"I am, your shoulder I'm not hurting it am I?" she asked her hand barely touching his shoulder.
"No it's good, I have some good news, at least I hope it's good."
"Really what is it?"
"Margaery and her grandmother will be staying on at the Rock for a while longer, Loras's name day is a few weeks away and so they'll be staying until then."
"That's great, now I'll get to celebrate your name day too."
"You're not upset you won't be going to Highgarden for a bit longer?" he asked.
"Of course not, I get to spend more time with my big brother, how could I be upset." she said smiling at him.
Sitting back down she spoke to Loras and rested while Jon asked Margaery to dance, she looked at them out there together, her big brother and who she hoped soon to be a good friend. She and Margaery had spoken a bit together and she liked her and thought Margaery liked her too, so she was really looking forward to the time they'd spend with each other. She danced a few more times that night, once with an older boy with silver hair who spoke of Jon as if he knew him. Another time with Lancel who she thought to be very annoying and so unlike his brothers.
By the time the night was half done she was exhausted, she found herself yawning and wished she'd left when Joy was taken to bed, as it was she watched as Jon danced with Margaery again and sighed at them still being able to. When they came back to the table both of them were laughing at something though when Jon saw her he stopped.
"Are you well Sansa?"
"Just tired."
"You wish to retire?" he asked and she nodded "I'll take you back to your room."
"It's fine Jon." she said not wishing to take him from the fun he was having.
"Sansa," he said determinedly and she gave him a small smile before taking his arm "I'll be back in a few moments, unless you'd like to join us?" he said and Margaery just turned to walk with them.
They walked from the room and she found herself so tired she was leaning into Jon so he was almost carrying her weight, when she reached her rooms she said her goodnights and almost fell into bed. She had never felt so worn out, the excitement of the day, the feast, all of it just wearing her out completely. She felt Fang lick her toes when she took off her shoes making her giggle, she lifted the wolf up and put her on her bed before she undressed and lay down wrapping the covers around her.
Jon.
The gift he had gotten for Jaime and Dacey was a silver pin of a bear and lion together, he had drawn what he wished and had two made one for Dacey and one for Jaime, Loras and he split the costs as it was from both of them. Once he presented it he had been surprised when Sansa brought up singing and more so when Margaery wished him to sing for her, so he had promised her he would do so privately as it couldn't be here in public and she had understood.
Dancing had been fun, Joy knew all the moves as Genna had sent her to lessons, but Joy was never going to be ladylike with Jon if she could get away with it. With Genna busy talking to Olenna it gave Joy her chance and so instead of dancing like everyone else, Jon was treated to Joy's version, which involved her pulling him whichever direction she wished. He had to admit he had laughed all the way through it and had even been unable to resist dancing in front of Genna just to see her scowl.
"Auntie mad Jon?"
"Aye she is." he said and she giggled.
"I say sorry."
"You're not sorry."
"I say it." she said and he laughed at the little smirk on her face.
After dancing with Joy and bringing her back to the seat he and Sansa danced and he could see his sister was enjoying herself. Loras had danced with her twice and Martyn and Willem had both danced with her yet she was eager to dance with him and so they had danced a few times before he finally got to ask Margaery.
"I'm sorry for not telling you about the singing." he said.
"You promised to sing privately I shall hold you to that Just Jon."
"I'll never break a promise to you Just Margaery." he said making her smile.
"I like this."
"Dancing?"
"Dancing with you, here with people watching."
"Why?"
"You're a good dancer Jon."
"No I mean why does it make a difference if people can see?" he asked.
"I..I don't know, it just does, I like not hiding." she said and he agreed it was nice to not have to hide.
"One day I won't have to hide anymore." he said and this time she smiled.
"I know."
They danced more times than he could count for the rest the night, Jon had barely sat down, when he returned to find Sansa tired he wasn't surprised, he walked back to her room with her and Margaery and made sure she was comfortable before they headed back to the feast. They were no sooner back in the room when they were joined by a dark skinned girl who introduced herself as Sarella one of Prince Oberyn's daughters.
"You're Jon Snow?" she said looking at him.
"I am my lady?"
"No lady, my name is Sarella I wished to ask you about those ships you built."
"I didn't build them."
"But they were your idea were they not?"
"They were Jon's idea." Margaery said.
"How?"
"I'm sorry?" Jon asked confused.
"How did you come up with the idea, I've seen them they're amazing, unlike any that sail, how did you come up with them?"
"Do you always question people so?" Margaery said a little annoyed at the continued questions.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean it to sound like that, it's just knowledge, the search for it intrigues me. I'd love to study at the citadel one day." Sarella said wistfully.
"Why don't you?" Jon asked.
"Women aren't allowed Jon." Margaery said.
"That's stupid, why not?" Jon looked from one to the other.
"It's how the Maester's decided it, women aren't cut out for knowledge." Sarella said.
"That's the most idiotic thing I've ever heard, only a fool would think like that. If that's how they think it's better you learn your knowledge somewhere else." Jon said and Sarella smiled.
"You think a woman capable of being a Maester."
"I think the only thing a woman's incapable of being is a man, anything else a woman can be or can do. I know plenty of woman who are far cleverer then men." he said looking to Margaery who blushed.
"So you wouldn't mind sharing your knowledge with me then?" Sarella said and Jon noticed Margaery look at him oddly.
"I would share what I can, but perhaps another time." he said and Sarella nodded before leaving.
"Do you think you should Jon?" Margaery asked once the girl had gone.
"I have no idea, I'm not very clever you see." he said and she frowned at him before he smirked.
"Jon." that's not funny."
"It was, just a little right, come on you can tell me, I can see you wish to smile." he said and she held her frown for a little longer before bursting into laughter.
"You are terrible." she said still laughing.
Oberyn.
The wedding was a far more pleasant affair than he had expected, Lady Dacey looked beautiful even Ellaria held her chest when she saw her. As for Jaime well despite how he may feel about the man he could see he loved his bride and for that he respected him a little, it was rare to wed for love in this world. Being in a Sept was strange for him, he was the last person anyone would call religious, so despite being raised in the faith he didn't follow it, didn't practice it. He found it's rules and limitations something he disagreed with and it's condemnation of children for their parent's actions abhorrent.
In the eyes of the seven his children were bastards which meant in the eyes of most of the kingdom they were lesser than others because of their birth and not their worth. Yet he the father of those very same bastards was a prince, a respected man, it was the worst form of hypocrisy and so to the hells with the seven and their rules, he was Oberyn Martell, he'd live and die by his own. When they reached the Grand Ballroom he stood ready for the insult only to find there was none forthcoming, his children were given a respectful seat and he and Ellaria where to sit at the high table.
He felt his paramour grip his hand tightly, felt the nervousness she did, along with the sense of welcoming that she felt at not being excluded. They sat down and while Ellaria talked to Lynesse about her babe and missing their own, he spoke to Gerion and found himself enjoying the company. They ate and drank and the night went without incident, he was having so much fun he even ignored the looks he received from Mace Tyrell. When time came to dance he almost dragged Ellaria to the floor so eager was he to have her in his arms.
"Are you enjoying the night my love?" he said.
"I am, they are far better hosts than I had hoped."
"They are, I am glad he sat us there." he said and for Ellaria he meant it.
"It was a surprise was it not?" she smiled.
"It was, though it's only how it should be." he said as he kissed her.
They danced and drank and he laughed when some poor fool asked Obara to dance and left lucky it was only his pride that was injured. He moved down and danced with his daughters, all of whom seemed to be enjoying themselves, though Sarella was nowhere to be found. When he returned to his seat he asked Ellaria who pointed to the table where the Lannister children sat and he wondered what had brought her there. He waited until he saw her go to her sisters and then walked to her taking her hand and dancing with her.
"What are you up to daughter?" he asked.
"Nothing." she said genuinely.
"Sarella."
"I spoke to Jon Snow father, wanted to ask him about those ships and some of the other things he's said to have done."
"My sweet curious child." he said kissing her forehead softly "What did he say?"
"He said he's speak to me of what he could, he seems different father."
"Different?"
"He doesn't think it's right women aren't given knowledge, that we're not allowed learn."
"It isn't right, women are just as clever as men, more so in some cases." he said smiling at her.
"He said the same." she said smiling back.
Oberyn would have found that interesting except at that point the saw it, the black cat grabbing something from a table and running back out of the room. He kissed his daughter again and followed. When he found it he was stunned to see himself surrounded by two wolves, no not wolves, Direwolves, one was just a pup, the other though was as large as a horse. He felt himself fearful for the first time in a long time as the large Direwolf looked at him, it's red eyes and white fur marking it out as different from any wolf he'd ever heard of.
It didn't make a sound as it looked at him and moved towards him, the black pup doing all the growling, he didn't know if he could even back away at this stage, would the wolf attack? he reached for the small dagger he kept. He heard some footsteps behind him but was afraid to break eye contact with the wolf,
"Ghost to me." he heard a voice say and the wolf stopped looking at him and ran silently behind him, the black cat running the opposite way.
"I thank you." he said turning to see a young dark haired boy.
"Don't mention it my prince." the boy said.
"You have me at a disadvantage?"
"Apologies my prince, Jon, Jon Snow." the boy said and as he smiled Oberyn's heart stopped for a moment.