Chapter 18: Chapter 18
========== Chapter 18 ==========
Jon walked through the corridors, accompanied by the servant who'd sent the message, who hadn't said a word the entire way, and who had behaved with the utmost politeness. He must be one of House Tyrell's trusted servants. The boy was led up to one of the many doors on the floor above. There were two guards at the door, twins who were indistinguishable from each other. A servant reported the guest's arrival, and John was unlocked. Behind it was a spacious balcony with a magnificent view of the labyrinth of thorns beyond the castle walls.
At the table waiting for John was a short elderly woman, whom he had seen in the box in the place of the tournament hosts. The woman recognized distinctive outward resemblances to her granddaughter and son. Not all of them were clearly visible due to the woman's lack of all or most of her teeth, but certainly the similarities were unmistakable. The woman looked John over from head to toe and then gestured for him to sit down, which he did. Something inside John was telling him that the woman was more dangerous than all her grandchildren put together. Meanwhile, the maid on the balcony poured wine into glasses and hurried away.
- Lady Olenna," John greeted the woman.
- I'm glad there are still people who don't mind running away from a feast to talk to an old woman. How are you enjoying Highgarden, Ser Snow? - the woman began the conversation, sipping her wine.
- It's the most beautiful castle I've ever seen. The air is clean and the weather is pleasant. Though I confess I would feel much more comfortable in the North.
- Where are you staying?
- We managed to rent a very nice cottage near the market with a beautiful view of the Mander. It's quite remarkable: three stories high, with a patio and a blue tiled roof. Its landlady had offered a good price.
- Lady Naevia has always had a thing for young boys," the matriarch snorted. - I'm sure your looks made for a good bargain.
- So it wasn't just me, her gaze was quite... eloquent.
- But we've diverted from the subject of our meeting. My grandson tells me you've come to ask for help with a certain problem.
- That is correct.
- However, to the best of my knowledge, you have not begun to solve it.
- An audience with Lord Mace is not easy to obtain, especially when he's busy with tournament business.
- I have a question, Ser Snow. If House Mormont's problem is to be solved, why are you doing it and not Lord Mormont?
- Lord Mormont has shown me the utmost trust in allowing me to represent him, and I am not the only one. Lady Mormont has also come with me for the same purpose.
It's a funny situation. John was here because his lord trusted him, and Lady Olenna was here because she did not trust her lord son in view of his blatant incompetence. The woman smiled at the thought, she had gained many useful life experiences over the years, but this was the first time she was holding a business meeting with a bastard.
- House Mormont's conflict with faith... tell me about it.
- It's pretty trivial. Churchmen and Northerners have different views on religion.
- And how are the views of the Northmen different from those useless old perverts? - Olenna asked wryly, checking whether the change in her behavior had thrown her interlocutor off balance. John, however, had heard of Lady Olenna's sarcastic behavior.
- We think of religion as a member.
- I must admit I'm intrigued: I've never gotten such an answer to a question like that before," the woman said, taking another sip of wine that John never touched.
- It's perfectly normal to have a penis, just as it's normal to give it some attention. It's normal to think your dick is better than others and to be proud of it. It's not normal to shove your dick in other people's faces, which is what the septons who came to the island did, and quite aggressively.
- They were chased off and they started screaming blasphemy? - John nodded. - Classic.
- Now it's harder for Northerners to buy food and sell their goods in the markets of the Expanse, and we don't care who sells us grain, which gives one house a monopoly on the grain trade with almost the entire west coast of the North. But no one is even trying to do that for fear of anger from Vera. If things don't change, the northern houses will need to find new suppliers of grain and flour, and Winter is near.
- Bastard knows the economy better than my idiot son, where is the world going? - rhetorical question.
- My knowledge is not as good as you think.
Not only the Mormonts, but the other northern houses on the west coast have begun buying grain from the Vale. They didn't want to lose the northern market, it was more profitable to ship grain by sea than by land, and it was likely that the Riverlands would not be able to meet the northern people's food needs, especially when winter came. The Guardian of the North is the King's best friend, and having a good relationship with him can be very useful. The northerners buy only long-lasting food, but if you lower the prices, you can sell them everything else. Profits won't increase much, but you can take away the monopoly of selling the Riverlands' products to the Northerners, either partially or completely. When Winter comes, prices will go up again, but it's either the Vale or House Tyrell that will make the extra profit.
It's a great opportunity to put the Tullys in their place. After helping greatly in the rise of King Robert, old man Hoster decided he was untouchable and publicly called Mace Tyrell a fat fool at one of the councils of war during Baelon's rebellion. How much hubris and supposed superiority he had in him, even though both houses, the Tullys and the Tyrells, had become great almost simultaneously. Hoster had forgotten one simple truth: no one dares insult Mace Tyrell, except his mother, of course.
Someone was playing a new game with an as yet unclear purpose. Either to stop the North's burgeoning trade with the Vale and strengthen other markets, or to weaken the North. Maybe the madman has decided to make a religious war out of a conflict that has grown out of thin air, that remains to be seen. But it would be best to nip the problem in the bud and make the most of the situation.
The Spike Queen suspected that the boy himself was up to the game as well. The stronger the trade with the Vastor, the less good Lord Stark's marriage to his stepmother would do. Some northern lords are unhappy with a suzerain's marriage to a foreign southerner, especially one imposed during the Baratheon rebellion. They have no use for him now: in the last winter, the river lords, as always, raised prices despite the Guardian of the North's marriage to a Tully maiden. But does the bastard intend to start a civil war in the North?
- If the conflict with the Church can't be resolved, will House Mormont be satisfied if House Tyrell sells them all their grain and produce?
- As I said, we don't care who sells us the grain. As long as the prices aren't too high and the markets are open to northern goods. Including during the winter.
- So I can solve House Mormont's problem, Ser Snow. But the question becomes, can you solve House Tyrell's problem?
- I can.
- Willas is a capable boy, much better than his lord father, and more importantly, more patient and smarter. He's a good listener and will make a fine Lord of Highgarden, but I need assurances that you can cure his ailment.
- Do you have a dagger?
- A dagger?
- You expect a demonstration, but I have an injury to cure.
- Left! - Lady Olenna suddenly shouted loudly and clearly, whereupon one of the twins came out onto the balcony. - Give the boy the dagger.
John accepted the weapon from the man's hands, then pointed to the door with a glance.
- You are free to go," Lady Tyrrell instructed.
- But, my lady...
- Do you honestly think a boy doesn't need a dagger to kill an old woman? Go away," she commanded, rubbing the bridge of her nose tiredly.
The next event Lady Olenna would remember for the rest of her life. As soon as her bodyguard left the balcony, the bastard put his hand on the table and with one blow of the dagger pierced his palm through. After that, the guy pulled out the weapon without even flinching and showed the woman the bleeding through wound. Drops of blood slowly dripped down onto the table and the sleeves of his camisole. A moment later, a light orange, almost yellow glow appeared around the guy's palm and the hole in his palm healed in less than twenty seconds.
- You ruined my table," the woman said dryly, as if she wasn't surprised. - Now, let's talk details.
...
- And what do you say? - Willas asked after John had finished examining his leg.
- I'll say that the maester who treated your leg after the fall from the horse is a real wizard, and anyone else would probably have just taken it off to the middle of the thigh.
- That was Prince Oberyn's maester," Willas replied.
- Then you should thank him and Prince Oberyn for making you lame instead of one-legged," Willas looked at his grandmother with a look of triumph that made her roll her eyes.
- Will you be able to cure him and make him whole? - Lady Olenna asked her question.
- Yes, but his leg will have to be broken again, the bones were shattered and not fused properly, and the fact that the heir to House Tyrell can walk, albeit with a cane, is a miracle.
- It sounds like you're putting a price on yourself, but you haven't answered my second question.
- Lord Willas will be able to walk without a cane, ride and even run. He can almost fully master the art of martial arts and participate in tournaments.
- But?
- But he won't be a full-fledged warrior in the sense we're used to. He can be a warrior, but not the equal of his younger brothers.
- How will you heal him?
- Like I said, I'll break his leg in several places and make sure that by the time it's healed, he'll be able to walk normally. Not without the help of my... talents, of course.
- When do we start? - Willas asked excitedly.
- I'll fulfill my part of the bargain as soon as you fulfill yours, but in the meantime, if you'll excuse me, I promised Lady Mormont another dance.
...
After nearly an hour and a half spent in the company of a sharp-tongued old woman, Jon finally returned to the main hall of the castle, where the festivities were in full swing. Snow looked around for familiar faces, but to no avail. After a couple of minutes, he saw Lady Dane dancing with a very attractive man who had a purple lightning bolt on his camisole. After a couple more minutes, he was able to make out Lord Dane's blonde head in the crowd and moved in his direction. The lad had just gone behind a column and lost sight of him, Snow headed in his direction.
Upon reaching the intended spot, the bastard caught a very entertaining picture. Daisy was squeezing Lord Dane, who was torn from the ground, while he waved his arms indignantly and tried to break free, but the girl's grip was... bearish. Lady Mormont saw her man at last and said cheerfully:
- "Look who I found, John! Can we keep him?
***
A few days later
This morning John was practicing in the courtyard of the house. As promised, he was giving sword lessons to Lord Dane. The boy had stopped by every morning since the feast and often stayed until late afternoon. His aunt seemed only too happy about this state of affairs. After all, she had more time to spend with her fiancé, and given the... looseness that characterized many Dornish girls, John figured they were wasting their time far from evening strolls through the maze of thorns. All it would take was to provide Edric with enough guards.
Lord Dane was only four years younger than Jon, but he was already demonstrating swordsmanship beyond his years. Snow believed that Edric was even better than him at the same age, or at least at the same level. The boy was incredibly fast and had good reactions, a credit to his tutor, Lord Beric. Apparently, he was nicknamed "Lord Lightning" for a reason. Edric's only problem was that he always fought remarkably correctly, honestly, nobly and gallantly, as if it was not a training session, but a show fight in tournament armor. The simplest trick or unconventional situation, which would definitely happen in a real fight, was enough for the boy to lose.
I had to show him fights that would resemble the real thing as much as possible. With knocking him down with a shield, throwing sand in his eyes, and so on. Dacey helped the most with this, ending the fight with a single wedge when Edric got frisky. But things went relatively well from there, and the boy quickly accepted the new rules of the game.
Lady Margaery and her friends came to visit from time to time, to tell her how things were going in the negotiations with the church and to talk to Lady Mormont. From time to time one of her brothers came along with her and sometimes even joined in the training. Garlan - to take revenge, and Loras simply out of sporting interest, although his views John frankly did not like.
Snow "lost" to Garlan, that day Margaery was accompanied by Lady Lyonetta Fossoway and watched the fight with an incredibly strong interest and worry that was written on her face, and Garlan himself fought with a special zeal. Tyrell understood perfectly well that he was being succumbed to, but he took the opportunity to show off in front of the lady of his heart. His relationship with the Winterfell bastard was warmly competitive.
Loras was inferior to his brother when it came to swordfighting, but his skill with a spear made up for it. Willas, on the other hand, was the most erudite, and Margaery said that when she was little, the oldest of the brothers often read to her and drew stars.
...
The Spacers were comfortably seated at a table in the courtyard of the house. A century-old oak tree gave shade and coolness. Nearby they could hear the clatter of wood against wood, typical of training swords, but everyone had long since gotten used to it. While Jon was giving Lord Dane another lesson, Lady Mormont was arguing with Vel about whether a crossbow or a bow was better.
- They say northerners aren't interested in southern girls," Lionette said to Margaery as she looked at John practicing again.
- Why should they?
- They're used to thinking all Southerners are weak. Maybe they're right, because in a land where it snows even in summer and there isn't much land to plow, often only the strongest survive," Willas said, pulling his attention away from his book.
- And because the Southerners are weak, they produce weak children..." Margaery began to ponder.
- And it's sacrilege to pray to trees," Willas smiled.
- That's why your bastard doesn't look at you," Lyonetta nudged Margaery lightly.
- I don't look at him like young men in love with me either," Lady Tyrrel accepted the game.
- But you don't look at him like those young men," Willas countered.
- And how do I look at them?
- With a mixture of cold triumph and apologetic rejection.
- But don't worry," Lionette said. - Bastard is definitely attracted to you, even if he is not like your many admirers.
- I am not attracted to him. He has a strange way of trying to be friends with everyone who might be considered an outcast in some way. He's quick to make friends with them. Take his inner circle: Lady Mormont, born, like all her sisters, out of wedlock and raised without a father, a willful savage who feels uncomfortable here, and who is close only to him and Lady Mormont. And now he's quickly bonded with Lord Dane, a boy who grew up with almost no parents, and who is also a resident of Dorne, who isn't exactly welcome in the Stormlands or the Vale. Of the northerners, he certainly gets along well with those who come from the bear.
Margaery had watched and listened a great deal in the last few days in which they had visited the northerners. Her friends had also learned something, but not much. The girl was almost certain Snow was sharing a bed with one of her close friends, if not both.
- You forgot about one little, chubby girl who had been teased a lot as a child. He got close to her, too, and probably for the same reason," the remark made Margaery blush.
- And Margaery," Lionette turned to her.
- What?
- You should be more careful.
- In what?
- You think too much and talk too much about someone you don't seem attracted to.
***
Highgarden, a week later, a couple minutes after the day's training.
- The sword is truly unique, I'm not sure I've ever seen anything like it, maybe with the exception of the Dawn of the Daines. A perfectly balanced blade with a razor sharp blade. It exudes an otherworldly chill," Beric Dondarrion assessed and swung Jon's sword once more.
- "Dawn is bigger," Edric commented.
- And you should study long enough to be worthy of both the family sword and the title that goes with it," John admonished Edric.
- I am already better than all my peers in the Black Haven," the boy said with undisguised pride.
- There's a great saying, Edric. If you're the smartest in the room, it means you're in the wrong room.
- Meaning?
- Experience is gained by fighting the best, not by fighting green boys. No matter how many times you beat them, it's meaningless if you haven't learned anything. Think about it.
- And yet where did you get such a blade from? - Beric asked, returning the weapon to its owner after their fight. If he was inferior to John in anything, it was not speed, and his nickname was not unheard of. Edric waited with interest, as did Garlan Tyrell, who was standing nearby. Jon smiled and answered:
- The sword is forged using the ancient secret technology of House Snow.
- What properties does it have? - Beric asked.
- Like the legendary Dawn, it is no different from Valyrian blades, aside from its weight. Well, it's also dark blue.
- How much would it take to get Lord Snow to make another one of these? - Garlan asked casually.
- The process is too laborious, too complicated, and too time-consuming. It's unlikely I'll ever make one again. Although...
- Tell me," Garlan rolled his eyes.
- My little sister Sansa, as far as I know, is dreaming of being the wife of a handsome southern lord. To match and be a match for the heir to Stromest, Starfall, Eagle's Nest, or even Highgarden, she would receive such a blade from me as a contribution to her dowry.
- Does your sword have a name? - Edric asked.
- A name?
- Yes, all great swords must have names!
- I didn't come up with one, but you can suggest one and I'll pick one," Edric's eyes lit up with excitement, and he even began to jump up and down on the spot.
- Sorrow! Hmm... the Stark ancestral sword is Ice, you can have Ice Sorrow! Or no, you're a Nightwolf, so it's Nightmare. Or, since it looks like Dawn, but dark blue instead of white, you could call it Sunset! - Lord Dane made a dozen more suggestions. John had only to choose the most appropriate one.
Most of the people present took John's answer regarding another sword as another joke. "House Snow's secret technology" they appreciated, and Garlan began to ponder another innuendo. The bastard's sister probably wasn't very attractive, since she could get a blade similar to the Valyrian blade as a dowry. Garlan remembered inspecting his armor after the fight with the bastard. The finest armor in the Expanse that money could buy. He had struck him on the back with a flat blade, and the armor still bore two clearly visible lines a millimeter or two and a half deep, indicating the impact. Even direct chopping blows with a sword blade didn't always leave marks on armor, at best dents or very minor scratches, but this one did.
The Tyrells didn't have a Valyrian sword and if Willas' marriage is the only way to get one, it's worth taking advantage of. The price isn't very high, but the Northerners will view such a marriage as an alliance with the Vale with all that entails. It's worth discussing with Grandmother. Though, for starters, it's better to wait for the older brother's treatment and its results. He didn't want to be a "useless idiot" instead of his father in her eyes.
Garlan was brought out of his thoughts by the Tyrell servant who handed the bastard a letter, apologized and bowed out, accompanied by the northerners. The end of the whole foolish bastard thing was near.
The solution to the conflict with Vera was much simpler than originally thought. Just a few letters to the High Septon from Lady Olenna, and he publicly condemned his colleagues who had arrived earlier on Bear Island for slander and intolerance of the Northerners' faith. He then personally sent letters to several lords urging them not to believe the foul rumors spread by the now exiled servants of the Seven. Trade should return to normal soon, and House Tyrell will not let it go to waste.
The Church of the Seven is strongest in Spaceland, and even the head of the Church will not want to quarrel with the lords of Spaceland, the consequences are too great. As history has shown, the Church can be managed. And here is an opportunity not only to resolve the conflict, but also to announce the miraculous healing of the heir to Highgarden thanks to his strong faith and endless prayers.
...
- Here, take this," John said, handing Willas a small, leather-wrapped piece of wood, no more than a finger's breadth thick.
- I suppose this is going to hurt," Willas took the object and placed it in his mouth and took a bite.
- You're right.
- Why not use poppy milk? - The heir asked, the question with the wood in his mouth sounded rather amusing.
- I don't know how a substance with strong narcotic properties will interact with magic. It's best not to find out on the Heir of Highgarden. Ready?
- I am.
- Then let's get started.
...
It took nearly an hour to heal Willas. He even had to use Equilibrium a couple times to get rid of the limp in one go. If the guy's treatment had taken place on the day he was injured, it could have been dealt with many times faster, and so it was necessary to splice the bones of the leg properly. But the result was there.
When Snow said he was done, a somewhat pale Willas was able to get to his feet and stand without his cane. He was even able to straighten up and stand to his full height, something his sore leg had not allowed him to do before. Now he was almost half a head taller. For the first time in a long time, the heir was able to bend his left leg normally at the knee and raise his knee to waist level. Walking, however, was a little uncomfortable at first: after taking a couple of steps on his own, Tyrell began to slump and Jon had to support him, not letting him fall. The healed leg felt unprecedented lightness.
An hour later, Willas, accompanied by his younger brother and his grandmother, happy as a cat, appeared before his parents. For the first time in years, without the cane or the walking aid he wore. He wanted to walk to his parents on his own, but halfway there his crying mother embraced him and didn't let him out for the next ten minutes. His father's gaze grew grave and more restrained, but there was moisture in his eyes as well. Mace Tyrell apologized to his son for his foolishness and ambition, something few expected from the fat fool.
***
A few days later.
Lady Olenna sat at her table and sipped her wine slowly, watching the eldest of her grandsons practicing with Lord Dane and Garlan in the castle garden. Jokingly, the boy twelve years younger was handling the heir to the Prostor without any trouble. The northern bastard and his company had become frequent visitors to the castle in recent days. Garlan had found someone who was more skillful than he was, well, that would do the family good and the family would continue to "grow stronger". Margaery has made friends with Lady Mormont and, it seems, even the savage who is probably the bastard's mistress. Still, there isn't a person young Tyrell can't find common ground with, Olenna has trained her granddaughter more than well, but still not perfect.
Willas had healed, you could say, and now the fear that his grandson would not be able to hold the Spacious due to physical inferiority began to slowly wane. Spacious needed a strong leader, and Spacious would get it. Willas' relationship with his brother grew stronger, as did the brash northern boy who could work a miracle.
- Your little sister, Ser Snow. Tell me about her," Olenna turned to the bastard who sat next to her after finishing his practice fight.
- I haven't seen my sister in over five years, but my brother has written to me that she's growing into an incredibly beautiful girl, and that she's taken after her mother in looks.
- Catelyn Tully is quite attractive," Olenna pointed out.
- And she bore Lord Stark five healthy, legitimate children, none of whom died in infancy. So my sister's heredity is more than good.
- And she would make a good wife?
- She dreams of the southern, beautiful life she's heard so much about in songs and fairy tales. And dreams of being the perfect wife. Robb-- my brother-in-law-- has written to me that Sansa will grow up to be a lady. But you're interested for a reason.
- Willas is still single despite his age, and that must be remedied.
- There are no other options?
- Arianna Martell's father keeps her on a tight leash, carefully avoiding the subject of marriage, despite numerous lucrative offers. From us, among others. Nor does Princess Myrcella stray far from her mother's skirts, nor will the King give his blood child to "old dynasty loyalists." Lady Sansa, therefore, is a very good match.
- Because--
- You didn't lie about contributing to your sister's dowry, did you?
- I will only say that I promised to heal Willas and I did," the old matron smiled.
- Why are you doing this, Ser Snow?
- Do what?
- Don't take me for a fool. I may be old, but I can still think straight. But what I don't understand is why a bastard would care about the future of his legitimate siblings. What does he get out of it?
John fell silent under the Matriarch's gaze, but a moment later he hurried to explain:
- My stepmother hates me. I am a testament to her shame, and from childhood she has treated me accordingly. No doubt she doesn't have to love me, but I haven't noticed any tolerance on her part either.
- Let's get to the point.
- The best reward and benefit for me will be the look on her face when she learns that her beloved daughter's happiness and the organization of such a lucrative party were greatly enhanced by a bastard she hates so much," Lady Olenna laughed hoarsely.
- I'm sure it will be a sight to behold.
- In addition, the obvious benefit would be a reduction in food prices for all Northerners. But that is not something you should discuss with me, but with my father.
- A bastard taking care of the whole North, that's interesting.
- All Northerners care for each other in some way. It's easier to get through the winter together, and if I can help make that happen, I will. Can I count on it that if such a marriage is consummated, prices won't skyrocket in the winter?
- We are not Tullys," Lady Olenna snorted. - The Tyrells can supply the North with grain at a loss for years, so Winter, however close it may be, will not be so dangerous. If House Snow keeps its promise.
- It will.
- Then I should speak to my son. And, Ser Snow," the woman said as Jon rose from the table.
- Yes?
- You've begun to play a very dangerous game. Many a schemer gets caught up in it and loses by it or by joining the wrong side. The reasons could be many. Don't lose, Ser Snow.
- I'll do my best. Still, I remember the main truth.
- And what's that?
- Remember who you are, and I am a figure. A figure must not mistake himself for a player, or he will suffer unenviable fate.
- Perhaps you're being too hard on yourself, thinking of yourself as a figure.
- No, Lady Olenna. It is you who underestimate the pieces the players play. A piece may be too weak to defeat a player, but it is strong enough to ruin his game.
***
The northerners stayed in Highgarden for about a month and a half, during which time they became accustomed to them, and after the healing of the heir of Prostor they became welcome guests at the residence of the lords of Prostor. As a gesture of goodwill, they were allowed to pray in the castle's bogorosha. It was one of the largest and most majestic of all that had survived south of the isthmus. Like the Stark hemlock, it had a pond, and the heartwood was three trees joined together. Visitors from the coldest kingdom were happy to visit a place that reminded them of their homeland.
Vel and Dacey had done a little "business" together, and to be more specific, the girls had found the winner of the archery tournament in the city and bought the main prize from him. They used persuasion, a lot of alcohol, golden dragons, and the natural charm of Vel, who had to endure the company of a "foolish southerner," because only in her presence could the boy talk. In the end, albeit late, the girls presented John with their joint gift for his fourteenth birthday - a white bow made of chartreuse, decorated with rune carvings of the first people.
The rest of the time was spent earning a good name among the Southerners, both for House Mormont and the rest of the North. Mostly it was the usual pastimes of the people of Highgarden and the Tyrell court, namely horseback riding or boating on the Mander. Vel sang several times for the guests that visited the cottage where the Northmen were staying, and once in Highgarden. The free woman sang very beautifully and melodiously, she even moved the local ladies so much with a sad song in the language of the first people that they cried.
- You sing very beautifully," John said to her then. - Everyone loved it.
- I just wanted to sing. It wasn't my fault they listened," she replied, smiling as John put his arms around her waist.
John had sent Lord Mormont a raven and told him that the problem was solved, but a letter had come back informing him that the island was troubled and that all sorts of suspicious and not so suspicious people were arriving periodically. So it would be best if the boy traveled away from the North and the Riverlands for a while longer. Snow made the decision to go to the Dane residence, or rather, to a village nearby and meet Willa, his supposed, according to Edric, mother. In any case, Jon was going to be back in Winterfell in time for the end-of-harvest feast, which would bring together nearly all the Stark vassals, Mormont included. It would be held in seven months, and the guardianship would likely be over by then.
Lord Dane had become friends with Jon and the other Northerners, and the bastard himself had become something of a big brother and role model to him. The boy volunteered with his men and aunt to escort the Northerners to Starfall. In any case, there were urgent matters there that required the lord's personal presence.
***
That evening was another small celebration in Highgarden, the official reason being a day of remembrance for the knights who had died in one of the bloodiest wars of the Age of Heroes. In reality, however, the Northmen were being bid farewell and escorted away. Lord Mace had spent nearly an hour before the feast thanking Jon for helping to heal his son's ailment. Snow stubbornly tolerated, although by the tenth minute he became very uncomfortable and wanted to leave.
The feast itself was held in the garden. Benches with tables were brought outside and the feast began. The guests were entertained by numerous musicians and artists, some of the guests even put up a fight, luckily, there were no casualties.
Otherwise, the evening went on as usual. Willas had had his fill of dancing, and probably decided to dance with every girl who came, some of them even a couple of times. Garlan, meanwhile, had quietly and discreetly left the garden in the company of Lionette, as, in fact, had Lady Aelyria along with Lord Beric. Dacey was torturing Edric again, this time the boy didn't resist as much. John told him that Dacey used to squeeze him as he was a "little brother". After that, Lord Dane took his plight seriously. As if he could become stronger if he endured Lady Mormont's abuse.
The Northerners cackled songs and groped the maids, and they didn't mind much. Snow smiled at the sight. Meanwhile, Jon noticed Margaery, who was flanked on all sides by cavaliers. The girl kept her face so far, but her eyes were just screaming, "Help!" - waiting for someone to come and get her out of her annoying company. Unfortunately, Garlan and Lionette had left, and Willas was too caught up in another dance. John went to save the day.
- Lady Margaery, may I have this dance? - The next gentleman asked too enthusiastically. Margaery couldn't think of a reason to refuse and began to offer her hand.
- Ladies, at last I have found you. Come on! - John quickly took Margaery's outstretched hand.
- I beg your pardon? - The cavalier was clearly not happy about it.
- My apologies, Ser Rowan. But Lady Margaery promised to show me the labyrinth of thorns before I left.
- Did she? - he said, looking at the girl.
- Yes, I completely forgot, sorry, - Margaery quickly pulled Snow in the direction of the labyrinth.
The pair quickly entered the labyrinth, after which Margaery rounded one corner only she knew. Frost sat down near the turn to prevent anyone from disturbing his mistress's peace and stood guard with a proud look. John and Margery walked slowly through the garden, holding hands and intertwining fingers. They couldn't remember who had done it first, but they were in no hurry to let go.
- Thank you," the girl thanked Snow as soon as they were far enough away from the noise of the party. - How can I ever thank you?
- I want to know your brotherly secret.
- Brotherly secret?
- Yes, which brother is your favorite? - the girl's been thinking.
- Well, Loras, I guess.
- Yes!" John was pleased, and Margaery looked at him questioningly, waiting for an explanation. - Garlan bet me ten dragons," the girl laughed and was about to turn another corner.
- We'd better not go there.
- Why not?
- They're busy there, doing something.
- What?
- Bastards.
Margaery blushed and turned another corner. They came to a small fountain next to a bench. There was a magical silence in the labyrinth. "Suddenly" a strong gust of wind made Margaery shiver, the dress still too light and the sun no longer giving its warmth. John wrapped the girl more tightly in his cloak, she squeaked indignantly at the familiarity, but only because she had to.
- If I'm seen in your cloak, your intentions might be misunderstood," Margaery said playfully.
- It's black, so it's fine. The colors of the Night's Watch are black for a reason. It's a sign that old ties to the Houses have been broken and the brothers are loyal to their oaths. The Night's Watch obeys no banner, only black.
They sat down on the bench, or rather, Margaery sat down and Jon lay down with his head in her lap. The young Tyrell began to play with the boy's curls, running her fingers through them; she was perfectly happy with this state of affairs. For the next few minutes they chatted about all sorts of silly things.
Margaery reminded Dovakin very much of the High Queen Elisif, whom he had once elevated to the throne of Skyrim and who had fathered all of his children. Both girls are young, beautiful, ambitious, fragile, and beloved by the people. Without a doubt both are more dangerous and intelligent than they appear at first glance. Some outward similarities they share as well.
Immersed in his thoughts, John suddenly, even to himself, raised his hand and stroked the girl's cheek, as he had done so many times with Elisif. Margaery did not move away, but nestled into his palm and smiled blissfully, her eyes lighting up with happiness. How beautiful she was at this moment. Margaery lowered her head and their lips touched in a kiss. First in a brief and awkward one, and then a slightly longer and more sensual one. Snow got up and sat Margaery on his lap; she didn't resist, and it was much more comfortable to kiss that way.
The girl's breasts began to rise in time with her heavy breathing, which only made Jon's desire grow even stronger. Margaery's hands slipped under his camisole and began to explore John's body.
- You're not a virgin, are you? - Margery asked.
- No.
- Who was your first. Lady Daisy or Vel?
- Dacey, but I slept with Vel too," after saying that, Margaery's eyes showed... resentment. But instead of pulling away, she engages John in another kiss.
- Do you want to do this with me?
- I do, but...
- But?
- Margaery, you deserve better than to lose your innocence in a garden with a bastard.
- If you're worried about my innocence or my pregnancy, you don't have to worry, I--
- No. It's not that. I don't want to just lay with you, if I did, I could go to any brothel and satisfy my lust. I want you to be mine, only mine. Lady Tyrell cannot belong to a bastard with no name.
- Then have one.
- A lady's wish is a knight's law, but for now..." Jon pulled up the skirt of her dress and slowly began to pull down Margaery's pantaloons.
- What are you doing?
- You're going to love it," John smiled, licking his lips.
...
Margery was flushed and breathing heavily. What John had just done with his mouth... In short, she'd never heard of such a thing, not even from her friends. She had enjoyed it immensely, but she still felt an incredibly strong sense of shame that was mixed with euphoria.
- Would you do it again?
- If you want to, I will.
- I think I've figured out why Dacey and Vel haven't killed each other yet," she said dreamily.
...
The couple had finally cleaned themselves up and were walking back to the garden. Their prolonged absence would attract attention, and questions might arise.
- I'm glad it happened between us....
- But...
- I'm a little sad.
- Why?
- I have you. And Lionette is dreaming of Garlan, he likes her too, but he won't ask her to marry him and her father is hesitant to marry her.
- That can be remedied in the next couple minutes.
- How?
- Remember that turn? - The girl nodded. - 'We'll turn that way, and after a 'chance' encounter I'll shout something like, "Shame! Ser Garlan has dishonored Lady Fossoway! "What will happen now? Garlan won't have much of a choice.
- Let's do it! - Margaery turned back and dragged John to the memorable turnoff.
It had been a glorious evening. Garlan and Lionette said their marriage vows an hour later.
***
Eventually, their time in Highgarden came to an end. The Northmen and Dornish escorts of the Daines and Lord Beric were finalizing the last preparations before leaving the city. They were loading food, water, gifts from the south, and anything else that might come in handy on the journey. If there are caravans from Highgarden to Starfall, they don't come often enough to join one. It would be a different journey than the last one from Staromest, but it would be quicker.
Edric was talking to Lord Beric and his aunt about something. Margaery and her friends were saying goodbye to Daisy, with occasional glances in John's direction. Frost was now almost always with his mistress. The puppy had grown and was already nearly one and a half times the size it had been on Lady Tyrell's birthday.
Gawkers had even begun to crowd the street to watch the Nightmare Wolf say goodbye. Maybe it was the result of the few charity outings Margaery had made with Jon and Daisy after the tournament, or maybe people just wanted something to look at - there hadn't been many interesting events lately.
Meanwhile, Jon was saying goodbye to Willas and Garlan. Loras had left back to Storm's Edge a week ago. Garlan glanced at Lionette, who was blushing under his gaze, to which John rolled his eyes.
- John," Willas addressed him.
- Yes?
- Would you be so kind as to give this to your sister," the boy handed John a sealed envelope.
- It won't be soon, but I will. Did you at least write her a poem? Sansa loves poetry.
- I did, don't worry, they teach the heirs how to woo a lady.
- Boring as hell, isn't it? - Willas nodded. - It's a good thing I'm a bastard," the Tyrell brothers laughed.
Margaery was the last to say goodbye to the bastard. Unexpectedly to almost everyone, the girl hugged the boy tightly while Frost ran happily around them and yapped. Meanwhile, most of the gawkers' attention turned to Vel, dressed in all white. The girl on horseback rode past them and reported to John:
- "Everything is ready for departure.
- Then let's go, we must get as far as we can before dark.
- Oh, how beautiful first love is! - almost sang Lyonetta, now Tyrell, to her friend (already sister-in-law). - It's a pity you may never see each other again.
- Shut up!" Margaery told her, and then added a little more quietly. - He promised to write to me.
The Northmen, along with the Dornish, left the city and traveled along the path toward Prince's Gorge, passing through which they would turn aside, traveling to the Mountain Abode, and then arrive at Starfall. It was possible to go to Staromest and from there go to Starfall by sea, but it would take about the same amount of time, and the northerners were not happy about the last "sea trip". Snow was glad that the visit to the Expanse had paid off.
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