4 Learning the Ropes Pt. 2

After their sparring session, Jon and Robb went to the armoury to take off their protective gears and put away the practice blades. They made their way to the well to scrub and wash off the mud they accumulated. Robb asked Jon if he wanted to visit the Town with him. Jon took a look at the sky to determine the time. It was two hours to midday. He declined Robb's offer saying that he wants to practice with the bow for some time. Robb japed that soon Ser Rodrick has to yield the master-at-arms position to Jon. Chuckling Jon went back to the armoury and brought up the System screen, the bracers had reverted to their usual form.

Jon took a moment to gather his thoughts. He wanted to find out exactly what the skills with weapons entailed. He brought up the Skills Screen and focused on the Sword Skill.

Sword Skill

As the name describes, this skill will enable you, The Champion, in the ways of swords. You will become a proficient fighter with any blade you use to wield. But remember Champion, each sword is different from the other. Thus, each sword demands different styles of fighting. You may become good enough with any kind of blade or fighting style, but you will only be proficient, mayhaps master even, with only a few of them. Don't lose heart, young Champion, the System will help you to overcome the odds if you truly want to become a legend of swords!

Jon was happy, though at first, he wanted to become a master of all kinds of the sword, after some careful rumination (he sent silent gratitude for Champion's Mind), he realized that becoming proficient with his chosen blades should be his priority. If he became good enough with longswords and bastard swords, his expertise may bleed over some of his skills with short swords and broadswords. Also, to his recollection, the Essosi had many different styles than the Westerosi in the ways of the blade. There are Dothraki arakhs, sickle-like blades from the Summer Isles and the slightly slanted blades from Yi Ti if he remembered his books correctly. There are many blades in this world, and if he tried to master them all at once, he may never become a true blade master. As the System said, different blades demand different styles. He will practice harder with his preferred blades, and in time, he may try his luck with other types. Easy and sure steps should help him reach his goal. One day he hoped to travel the world, mayhaps the search for his mother and her family will take him to those far away lands. He wanted to see the Dothraki sea, the three sister cities of Old Valyria, the fabled lands of Sothoryos, mayhaps even the darkened lands of Asshai. He will beg his father to let him go. As a bastard son, he wasn't bound to any duties that tied Robb down…but he, Jon, was free to choose his path. Jon made up his mind then, he will forge his destiny. The Gods favoured him for a reason, he needed to be better, and for that, he needed to learn all that he could. Who knew, mayhaps after serving the Gods' duties, he could finally find his place in the world, else, there is always the Wall.

Jon brought up the Bow Skill screen. Like with swords, bows too varied in makes and uses. Long Bows are primarily used for long-distance warfare. But at his current height, it would be impractical for him to wield a bow that was much bigger than he was. Similarly, Crossbows are almost impossible for him to use right now due to his lack of strength. He couldn't winch the lever at its place after firing the bolts. The only practical choice left for him was the Short Bow or as they are known, Hunter's Bow. Jon picked up one such and a full quiver. He crossed paths with Ser Rodrick on his way towards the Archery Ground. The Master took a look at him and said, "I thought I gave you leave from the yard, lad. What are you doing back here?"

Jon stuttered, "There is still some of the morning left…I thought I could use with a little archery practice…"

Jon could've sworn that he saw the corner of the gruff man's lips moved upward in a ghost of a smile. Ser Rodrick grunted, "On your way then, lad. Be sure that your Lord father will be hearing about this."

Again, Jon wondered if he did anything wrong by defying the orders he was given. Soon he reached the targets and all thoughts left his mind. He took his position at twenty paces from the target, took out an arrow and placed it on the bowstring. He felt as he pulled back the string that it was rather easier than the previous day. Could it be because of the perk he used? He concentrated on the target before him and eased his breathing. When he felt he was ready, he let the arrow fly. It flew true and struck the bullseye. A wide smile made its way on Jon's face, he would've had a problem making the shot even a day prior.

Ping!

Quest Alert!

Eyes to the Prize – The Northern Bow: Part 1

Make consecutive 10 shots at 20 and 30 paces

Bonus Objective: Use each arm alternatively to make the shots

Reward: ?

?

?

50 exp

Accept: Y / N

Jon accepted the quest with much enthusiasm. He gripped the bow tightly with his right hand, placed an arrow on the string and drew back with his left arm. The already battered, non-dominant arm was trembling terribly. Still, Jon stood fast and tried to make the shot. To his dismay, the shot went way over the target. It went so high that the arrow almost hit the guard patrolling on the wall. He cursed loudly at Jon. But he wasn't of the mind to pay heed to his shouting. A wave of guilt and sadness washed over him that he failed the quest. He tried a few more shots with his right arm but his concentration was frayed enough that none of the shot made another bullseye. Jon picked up his equipment and returned them to the armoury. He was too demoralized to join the others at the Great Hall to partake in the midday meal. He thought about going to the Godswood and asking forgiveness from the Gods for his failure. But his feet carried him towards the only place where he could find some modicum of peace for his depressed soul.

*Line Break*

The statue of Lyanna Stark seemed to be smiling sadly at Jon. He curled himself into a ball at her feet and started to sob. He couldn't believe his rotten luck. He never had a blissful childhood due to the scorns and insults he had to endure all his life. He felt that he was forced to grow up long before his time whereas his siblings, his half-brothers and sisters could spend their days in relative ease. He knew he was in for a very hard life ahead, due to his bastard status. All of his life's prospect hanged by a thread in the name of the generosity of his Lord father. If he deemed Jon was worthy enough, he may grant him a small holdfast in a faraway place, too far so that he couldn't poison the minds of his trueborn brothers as Lady Catelyn says. Else, he was sure to join the Night's Watch. When he found the Champion's Bracers, he was terrified at first, but then an excitement filled his soul. Here was his chance to be someone else, becoming something else. He thought he could make a name for himself and shed the unwanted title of Bastard of Winterfell. He believed that the Gods have finally heard his pleas and gave him a way to find and reach out to his mother. But here he lies, an utter failure. He was given a chance of a lifetime and he blew it away by his incompetence.

A warm breeze blew through the Crypt. To Jon, it almost felt like a caress of the softest hands. A small murmur could be heard from unknown corners of the Crypt. A series of pings made Jon sit up and wipe away his tears.

Ongoing Quests!

Some quests require a predetermined set of achievements/abilities to be completed. If the requirements do not meet, the quests are marked as Ongoing Quests and kept at a perpetual active state. The Champion can attempt to fulfil these long-term quests at a later date when he feels that he is ready or he has met the requirements to finish the quests. Ongoing Quests can be found on the Quest Screen.

Quest Alert!

Two of a Kind

Do you want to become a Dual Wielder? Do you want to shoot arrows with either hand? Try to find out how to train your non-dominant hand to work simultaneously with your dominant hand.

Reward: +1 Dex

+1 Int

10 Exp

Accept: Y / N

Quest Alert!

Sharp as a Blade

You can train your body to become the perfect weapon of warfare. But a body cannot function without a sound mind. If your body needs working out to be in top physical condition, then your mind needs books to be sharpened at its finest. Try to read a book or two.

Visit Maester Luwin about relative books that may help you.

Bonus Objective: ?

Reward: +1 Int

+1 Wil

10 Exp

Accept: Y / N

Jon let out a peal of heartfelt laughter. He wasn't a failure. That thought cheered him up like nothing before. Accepting the quests, he jumped to his feet and brushed his outfit off the dust. He reached up to the statue and kissed its cheek exclaiming, "Thank you. Mother!" He then turned around and ran out of the Crypt. He was almost out of the doors when his action caught up to him. He screeched to a halt and turned back towards Lyanna's tomb, eyes bulging out of his head.

Ping!

Quest Update!

Find out about the identities of your parents.

Could Lyanna Stark be your mother? Why do you feel the attachment with her?

Find out more about the Winter Rose of Winterfell.

Reward: ?

Failure: You will never learn their identities.

*Line Break*

Jon trudged up to the Maester's turret in deep thought. He tried to understand the connection he always felt with his Aunt Lyanna. Then there was the quest update. What if it was correct? What if the woman he was told as his aunt was indeed his mother? Then why would Lord Stark say she was his aunt? And if Aunt Lyanna was his mother, then was it true that Lord Stark his father? What he did know about Lyanna Stark? Jon felt like his head would bust like an egg. So much he didn't know, yet so much more he was yet to discover.

Reaching the Maester's room he knocked on the door, "Maester Luwin?"

After waiting for a few minutes without any reply, Jon pushed on the door to find it unlocked. He went inside the room. The room's décor said a lot about the man who resides in it. The walls were covered in shelves which are filled with books and tomes. There was a study table under the window and besides that, stood a cupboard full of various herbs and vials of different medicines. Jon took a small tour around the room, the bookshelves appeared to be so much more interesting than the medicine cupboard.

The Maester was a learned man. There were so many books on so many different subjects that Jon had a newfound respect for the man. He noticed books from war strategy to agricultural technics all in his collection. And the worn covers proved that he didn't just collect them, but diligently read through each one of them.

"Jon? What are you doing here, lad?"

Jon almost jumped up in surprise. He was so lost in those book titles that he never heard the Maester's approach.

"I came here to find you, Maester."

"Indeed? You acquired new cuts or bruises then?"

"No, Maester, I came to ask for your help…" mumbled Jon.

"My help?" Luwin's eyebrows rose upwards. He took a seat on the chair in front of his table and peered closely at Jon. "What, pray tell, can I help you with, Jon?"

Jon rubbed his neck and stuttered, "Um, I've heard…that how we practice and work out in the yard to keep our bodies in top condition…" He looked up to Luwin's face, who waved his hand for him to go on. "…and I also heard, how it was that a sound body needs a sound mind to work well. So, I thought reading mayhaps will help as work out for my mind…to make it sharp like a blade?"

Jon looked at the Maester nervously as he scrutinized his face. Then, to his relief, a pleased smile appeared on the old man's face.

"I am glad to hear that, lad. Knowledge indeed acts as a whetstone to keep the mind sharp. So, tell me then, young man, which subjects you want to pursue first?"

Jon took another glance around the shelves…so many choices. His mind went back to the last subject he was thinking about; could it be possible…?

"How about recent history, Maester? King Robert's rebellion?"

"Oh? That is a strange subject to read about." Luwin raised an eyebrow at him.

He had to think fast, and his mind almost readily supplied him with an answer, "Well, it changed the structure of our country, didn't it? A whole dynasty went down and a new one took over…I'll wager the history behind it all and the war strategy will be an interesting read."

The Maester appeared thoughtful, he scratched his chin and looked at the books, "You are right on that, of course…Well, those are the books or Robert's rebellion. Take whichever you want to read. When you are finished with the book, leave it on my table and you may collect the next one." Luwin pointed out the books.

Ping!

Success: Subterfuge +5

Jon went to the shelves with a spring in his steps. He carefully perused the books and one caught his attention. It was a huge tome titled From Harrenhal To Kings' Landing. It was a compendium of the entire rebellion penned by a Maester Goddard. Jon took the book out and tucked it under his arm. When he was about to turn around, he noticed another smaller book placed behind the one he just took down. The book was emitting a strange glow. He thought about calling the Maester's attention, but then curiosity won the better of him. He pulled the book out. It was a rather small and slim volume than the others, titled Whispers in the Wind, written by Brynden Rivers. Jon opened the book –

Ping!

You have picked up a book of skill!

This book will enhance your Intrigue and its subsequent skills!

Do you wish to use the book? Y / N

A smile split Jon's face from ear to ear.

Ping!

You have acquired skills:

+ 10 Sneak

+10 Pick-pocket

+10 Lock-pic

+10 Tracking

+10 Subterfuge

+10 Blending

+10 Lying

+10 Observe

Jon couldn't believe his eyes. One single book gave a boatload of skill points. He made a point that he will scour the Maester's tower and the Library tower in search of other skill books if there was any.

He was about to leave the Maester when another thought pervaded his mind, he turned to him,

"Um…Maester?"

"Yes, Jon?"

"You see, Maester, I wanted to learn how to wield a blade and a bow with my left hand…But it feels like they are not workable as with my right hand…I mean I have the grips, the stance, but the littlest movements are not as sure as with the right. You have so many books on warfare…so I thought mayhaps you would know something to help me?"

Luwin chuckled, "I would wager that I am the first Maester who is asked to correct sword movements. Your problem can only be solved by regular practice, but on the other hand, what you said about the little movements ring true. Many a warrior in history were proficient to wield blades with both hands, but all of them preferred their dominant hand better. Hmm…an interesting thought…it may work…"

Jon became more and more puzzled as Maester Luwin kept muttering unintelligible words and looking at him with narrowed eyes.

"Um…Maester?"

"Tell me, lad, will you help me in conducting a little experiment of mine? It may help with your uses of left arm if we become successful."

Jon fervently nodded his head.

"Very well. Tell me, have you learned your Valyrian letters? No, of course not. We haven't had those lessons yet. Here…this is a book on Valyrian language, you are to learn the letters and copy them on parchment, with your left hand…and you will do so till you are fluent in it. The letters are complicated enough that writing them regularly will hopefully loosen your left hand enough to use just as your right hand. Do you have any questions?"

Jon shook his head.

"Off you go then. And do keep me informed about your progress."

Jon left the Maester's turret with his arms laden with books.

*Line Break*

After supper, Jon was summoned to Lord Stark's solar. Robb shot him a glance, an eyebrow raised – what did you do?

Jon shrugged his shoulders and shook his head – I have no idea, let me go and see.

Jon knocked on the door to let the Lord know of his arrival.

"Enter." came the stern voice from behind the doors.

Jon entered the room as quietly as he could. Eddard Stark was seating behind his desk with his elbows resting on it. He bid Jon take a seat in front of him. Jon sat down, his fingers fiddling with each other in nervousness. Lord Stark leaned forward and rest his chin on his hand.

"I had visits from Ser Rodrick and Maester Luwin. What do you think they were about?"

Jon gulped, "I don't know, my lord."

Lord Stark sighed, "We are alone here, Jon. You can call me father."

"Yes, father."

"So you have no idea why I had visits from the Master-at-arms and the Maester the same day?"

Jon shook his head.

"Tell me then, why do have the sudden urge to read or the fact that you were practising beyond what you were told?"

Jon gulped again, what should he answer? He couldn't explain to anyone about the Bracers or Gods' blessing. Because there is no way for him to prove his claims. Also, he had an inclination that the Gods don't want anybody to know about it. The quests and the objective systems were even harder to make anybody else understand. In the end, Jon thought it would be better to say half-truths.

"I want to become the best I can be…and to do that I need the exercises in the yard and the knowledge I can gather from the books."

"Why do you have the sudden interest in becoming the best, Jon?"

Jon looked down at his hands, "I am a bastard, father. I know my prospects are not very bright. All that I have to look forward to is to your generosity that you may one day grant me a small land to call my own. Or mayhaps I have been destined for the Wall…" his voice became quieter.

"The Wall is a noble calling, son. Your uncle Benjen is there."

Jon didn't know where he got the sudden courage to speak up, all the frustration and insults he endured throughout his life, came bursting forth. "If the wall is a noble calling and the men there are the noblest of all, then why do the Seven Kingdoms send their thieves and rapists to the wall as punishment? Men like uncle Benjen can be counted on a single hand who went there voluntarily. I know that I am a stain on your reputation, but is that my crime? Is it my destiny to suffer punishment for someone else's folly? I never asked to be born. Then why would I have to suffer for it? Why I have to endure the scorns of Lady Stark for something that is out of my control? Why should I be insulted by a damn squid hostage in what is supposed to be my own home only because I don't know my mother's name? You say I am your blood, but the people here are more welcoming to an Ironborn than they are to me!" Jon didn't notice when he got up to his feet. He dropped back on the chair like boneless, feeling very tired, "You should have killed me as a babe."

Lord Stark kept his visage blank throughout his tirade, after a few moments he leaned back into his chair. "You will be confined in your rooms for two days for to your insolence. You will be barred from the yard for the same duration. You may visit the Maester for your lessons but you are forbidden to interact with your siblings. Am I understood?"

Jon nodded his head.

"You are excused."

Jon got up to leave the room. When he neared the doors, Lord Stark called him back.

"Your mother would've been proud of you, son. You have the wolfblood."

Jon nodded his head again and got out of the room.

Ping!

Success: Orator +10

Leadership +10

Jon took a deep breath, things will never be the same again from now on.