Chapter 2: Our Steel is Strong 2

Greensmith Chapter 2

Hillview Hall 149 A.C.

Multi year long winters suck. Terribly. This latest one was only two years long, hitting six moons after I left New Castle, but still House Greensmith's lands were hit hard. Thankfully though with the extra clover hay we stored we had more cattle and sheep to donate with what grain we could to our deplenished villages. The fishing villages staved off winter better than usual since I was able to perfect the Ice Auger before the snow got too bad and was able to sell them to a couple of wealthier Fishermen in each settlement.

Sadly my dog sled wasn't ready till winter was almost over but Balto and his kids were able to take me out on a couple of runs around Hillview to show my Father their potential and give Asher some fun in the snow.

I did answer my questions about Maple Trees before winter though and what I found made me deliriously happy. Thanks to the cooler climate of the North during summer I would be able to harvest Maple Sap year round. Based on this finding I figured the trees would still need two and ten moons to replenish what is harvested like how it did in my world, but this worked out perfectly because with time I'll be able to hire enough people that It will take them a year too tap all the Maple Trees and then they'll be able to just restart. I may even cap hiring so it will take the Tappers four and ten moons to finish all the trees to allow a little more time for replenishment.

A building was already erected inside Hillview's lower wall for processing the Maple Sap into Syrup. During the spring I had rode out too the three lumber villages under my Family's control to personally announce the ban on felling Maple Trees, build water powered sawmills, and seek volunteers too learn how to harvest sap.

The ban on cutting down maple trees didn't go over well but the easier method of rendering other trees down made it an easier pill to swallow and the substitute employment opportunity made it feel even. Though after some thought I did also add a mandate for that every two trees felled an Oak and Maple tree will be planted to replace them making it an even more of a win, win for all.

My new employees were also let loose after a crash course on how to use the wooden hand drill and inserting the sap spout. Soon carts of Maple sap will be coming too Hillview to be boiled down to syrup, I'm hoping to have six one-gallon casks ready for some important events I'll be travelling too soon.

"Riders Approach! Bearing the Manderly sigil!" The lookout's call halted my thoughts. Soon Wyman came riding in Hillview's upper courtyard with a cart following.

" Wyman you son of the Sea you should've sent word we would've cooked up a feast for you!" I called out to my friend as he dismounted.

"Oh I'm sure the Dancing Bear feasts enough around here my friend." He greets me back with a jape about my now six foot five inch frame as we share a brotherly hug.

"But I'm afraid I come with some less than good tidings." He continued than pointed to the cart which had a nursemaid stepping off with a toddler in her arms. My heart stopped.

"The Maid that tried to ensnare you partially succeeded, it appears she slept with multiple men during the tourney and didn't know exactly who the Father was. She passed of a fever half way threw winter and we were gonna take the lad to the orphanage but my Father noticed he looked like you so we decided to see if he was." Wyman explained.

And as I looked at the toddler I couldn't deny it he was mine, hell he looks like Asher did at that age just with brown hair. Everything else about him is from my Family, my Father's nose, our sky blue eyes, and my mother's chin.

"Does he have a name Wyman?" I asked as I took my son in my arms for the first time.

"I'm sorry but no my friend the Mother grew quite delirious after the birth and only called the boy pet names, after she passed we were gonna let the orphanage name him till my Father thought he may be yours." Wyman informed me as my own Father and Brother came out of our castle.

" Ah Ser Wyman how nice to see you! Alyn who is that in your arms?" my Father asked.

"This is Torgun, Father, my son. Wyman just finished explaining to me his Mother slept around the tourney I was knighted at and couldn't remember I was the Father." It stung to say it outloud but the boy was undeniably mine and I wouldn't run from my duties to my son.

"We'll speak more on this later son now give me my first grandson and you show Wyman to a Guest Room to freshen up, I have the cooks putting together some food that'll be ready in an hour." My Father commanded and after I handed Torgun off I showed Wyman to one of our guest rooms while my Father approached the nursemaid.

After dropping Wyman off I sought out my Father's study to talk about Torgun. I found my old man already there entertaining Torgun behind his desk.

"Father I'm sorry.." I started before my Father raised his hand for me to stop.

"I Know son. I was in your position once too as a newly anointed knight and what came with it to keep the jackals away. but this will be the only embarrassment you bring this house son you understand?" my Father questioned harshly.

"Yes Father, what about Torgun?" I asked hoping he wouldn't do anything rash.

"What about him? He'll be raised here, I've already hired the younger nursemaid Ser Wyman brought along since the old one was getting up there in years and wanted to retire and either you or I will take him as a squire so he can serve as Master of Arms or something else." was my Father's decision which was fine with me, I was just happy to not have too send my boy off somewhere.

" Do you want me to cancel my trip to Runestone?" the words slipped out before I could stop them.

"No if your Maple Syrup endeavor is too take off you need connections in other kingdoms, but you'll also be going to Castle Hornwood by yourself to re-swear our oaths to the new lord Hornwood." Was the reply which worked out for me even though I would be gone for almost two months.

We talked through a couple of more things before it was time for the mini feast my Father put together for Wyman. We drank, ate and made merry for a little while. I will admit though I was pretty distracted during the chit chat by my son who I fed on my lap to the nursemaid's dismay. My little lad was a ferocious one, gobbling up all the porridge I had made for him with a zeal of a growing boy.

After Torgun and Asher had their fill, my Father sent them to bed so he and I could lightly grill Wyman about if there was any other details we needed to know. One thing I did make sure too ask was what day my boy was born on so I wouldn't miss anymore nameday presents. The discussion only lasted for a short while till My Father and I were satisfied, then we all got drunk playing coppers, a knockoff of quarters I "invented" while squiring at New Castle.

After a night sleeping off the alcohol and waking up foggy headed with a slight hangover that wasn't that bad, amazing what drinking alcohol with almost every meal will do to your tolerance. To work off the rest I spared with Wyman to see if my former mentor had gotten rusty, I did request the nursemaid bring Torgun and Asher to watch for some family time.

Wyman still had as good of a sword arm as I remember but my hammer and reflexes proved the victor in our drawn out spar. I did take some pleasure in forcing his yield with my brother's cheers in the background, some small recompense for saddling me with the Dancing Bear moniker.

After a quick wash Wyman left Hillview to get back to New Castle while the day was still young. He did commission a sword to be made for himself and paid well for it, I'll have to make it special, I do love challenges.

The moon before my own departure from Hillview was filled with things to get done. First I had to put the finishing touches on the three blades I've made for different people. Then I had to make sure the gathering and condensing of the Maple Sap was running smoothly, thankfully besides some spills in the processing building everything was going well and I was on track to have the six gallons of syrup I wanted ready to gift to important people. Finally I needed to spend as much time as possible with my son since I'll be traveling for a while.

It was hard to leave for Hornwood when the time came. My son was finally accepting me and I swear he's so close to saying papa that I almost didn't want to leave but I had too. The ride to Hornwood took a week at a good pace for my six man party but by the end we rode through the gates of the castle relieved to finally be there.

After I dismounted my horse I approached Lord Horton Hornwood and knelt while laying my hammer at his feet to re-swear my family's pledge of fealty.

"Lord Hornwood, house Greensmith harkens to Hornwood too swear our oath of fealty to our lord and the North, against ice and steel we stand ready. In the words of my House Our Steel is Strong and it swears too you milord." I proclaim loudly and proudly.

"Rise Ser Alyn Greensmith and be welcomed in my hall. I accept your oath of fealty and pledge to you to be fair and just as your lord. Now join us we were about to adjourn to the Great Hall for the gift ceremony and feast." lord Horton answered with his part and then led me to the entrance while I had a couple of my men grab the gifts.

The Gift Ceremony was one of the few "showy" customs of the North, with every giver of gifts trying to one up each other with different trinkets. Since my house is the newest of the Hornwood's vassals, I would be presenting my gifts last, good better to end with the best than start with it.

First to present to lord Horton was Master Hullen Lief, the head of the Hornwood's oldest vassals with the largest holding and my neighbor to the west. I spaced out wondering how I could best strike up an acquaintance with the man and ended up missing what his gift was.

Master Rickard Donnar was the next vassal to give his gift which was a shipment of Iron from his mine by the Lonely Hills. Master Rickon Dixon stomped up next, probably disgruntled from having to present after his rival Master Donnar, to present his gift of a carved moose about the size of one of my huskies. The two quickly shuffled to their separated seats after too avoid anymore fuss.

Stepping in last with a swagger developed from practice, I moved to stand before Lord Hornwood.

"Lord Hornwood in commemoration to your ascension, I on behalf of House Greensmith gift to you a sword with a pommel that maybe to your liking as well as two casks of a new tasty syrup made in our lands called Brown Honey." I pronounced to my overlord. The name change for Maple Syrup though I'm sure is a surprise. I mainly did it for two reasons, First I didn't want anyone to know Maple sap was the sole ingredient to making the syrup and second I wanted to make it's uses easier to realize by using Honey to show it, since almost anything you can make with Honey you can make with Maple Syrup or as it will now be known as Brown Honey.

"House Hornwood accepts the gifts House Greensmith has delineated. I'm sure the sword is a work of art Ser Alyn if the one your Father made for Lord Manderly is any inclination but I'm unfamiliar with this Brown Honey you bring." Lord Horton spoke in acceptance of my gifts.

"Understandable mi'lord Brown Honey just started being produced in Hillview and you hold the first casks that have ever left my lands. As for what it is well it's a syrup that is almost as sweet as Honey and as versatile in it's uses." I supplied hoping he didn't go fishing for ingredients to much.

"Wonderful, Honey is exceptionally exspensive to import from warmer Kingdoms so this could be a nice Northern substitute. We will try it with desert tonight since we will be having Sweet Bread." Lord Horton proclaimed which made me want to celebrate but I kept it contained within.

The Feast was as grand as many I attended at New Castle with several tasty northern dishes served during many courses. When the sweet bread came out with saucers of Honey and my Brown Honey I was almost to full to indulge in it, almost. The second the bread and syrup touched my tongue I was assaulted by a flashback to my original life. I was twelve at my Dad's house and he had just sat me down for Breakfast one weekend but that day was special because I got Waffles and for the first time tried pure Maple Syrup that my pop had managed to get from a friend, it was as heavenly to my tongue then as it is now.

It had been so long since I got homesick for back home in Minnesota. It nearly made me start to tear up during the end of the feast thinking of my Dad, Sister, and Grandma and how much I missed them all. The drinks started in earnest then and I was in desperate need to drown my sad thoughts in booze. I somehow rallied a good enough mood deep into my cups to bring all the vassals and Lord Hornwood into quite a few games of coppers though keeping my "life of the Party" reputation intact.

When I eventually had to retire for the night the depressive thoughts returned and I couldn't stop myself from crying to sleep thinking of the family I was separated from.

The next morning I had to give myself the same pep talk I've given for years, to focus on the here and now, while also trying to not drag my self down further the Mental Rabbit Hole than I already am. After that I went to the yard to work out my Mental pain and resentment with Physical pain.

Daegon Umber, the Hornwood Master at Arms and brother to lady Hornwood, turned out to be fine help for such an exercise. We sparred four times and ended with two wins apiece, impressive for myself since Daegon was twice my age and has fought many Wilding Raiders from over the wall. After my workout I excused myself to get ready for the hunting trip organized by lord Horton.

Hunting was something I was intimately familiar with from both my lives though the methods used were vastly different. I gotta admit though following Balto on a trail to try and spear a deer was much more riveting than sitting in a stand trying to shoot one with a gun.

Ten minutes of us tracking and we spotted it, not a deer but a full grown bull moose. I could have tried to take it down myself but I only had two spears and no bow so moving close to take it out would be my only option and not a good one for a full size moose. Retreating back to the spot the hunting group split up to bring reinforcements I found lord Hornwood waiting with master Lief.

"Mi'lord I found a full size moose drinking from a creek a few minute ride from here" I hurriedly state as my horse brings me close.

"Well done Alyn that fancy dog of yours must be worth what you paid for him" Lord Horton compliments.

"He has Mi'lord, the people of Ib really have a gem of a creature with them, smart and loyal beasts and also make for good sled dogs." I casually mention.

"A dog pulling a boy on a sled maybe but a full grown man is hard to imagine." piped in Master Hullen.

"You would be right master Hullen if it were only one dog, no I've raised a team of seven from Balto's decedents to pull me and a good bit of other weight on a sled of my own design." I explained to the bewildered master.

"I don't see how having a team of dogs to pull a sled is of much use though Alyn, seems novelty."Lord Horton still puzzled stated.

"Aye you'd be right if the sled didn't move better in snow than anything a horse can manage." I state back confidently

"A bold statement you may have to make a trip to Hornwood next winter to prove the worth of this Dog Sled." Lord Horton admitted still unimpressed with the Idea.

I didn't try to push the issue anymore since we had arrived at the spot where I spotted the moose to find the beast still there grazing. After a quick dismount we decided to stage a surprise attack on the beast with Balto acting as bait. While not happy at using my prized dog as bait, I begrudgingly agreed and we acted.

Being a male in it's prime we decided to bank on the thing charging after Balto instead of running like a smaller deer. The bull moose did indeed charge in challenge and I only had a second before a black and white blur passed the tree I was positioned behind followed by the moose.

As soon as I spotted brown I struck with my spear, and ended up piercing deep into it's belly. I quickly jumped away from the wounded moose just as it swung to face me and charge. Thankfully before it could lord Horton and master Hullen came out behind it and stabbed it twice more. One of us must have hit something because the beast went down with a thump after. We approached to find it still breathing but not attempting to get up.

"Alyn" Lord Horton called to me to catch his tossed spear. "Give it a quick death" cool he was letting me claim the kill.

A quick stab to the heart and the beast stilled, it made me wonder when I became so coldhearted since I never liked killing but when in Rome I guess. We quickly cleaned the kill and attached it to a few Men at Arms' horses to bring back to Hornwood. We collected the gobsmacked masters of house Donnar and Dixon on our way back, if they wouldn't have likely started arguing in the forest after we separated they may have joined in on the excitement but all they'll get from me is crocodile tears now.

The ego boost of dragging the large bull moose into the castle courtyard was enough to put me back into a good mood for the feast that night. The moose steaks were delicious and was even cooked with the Brown Honey giving it a sweeter flavor, absolutely amazing. I was also placed conveniently close to master Leif, so I made up for last night by chatting with the man and found an alright fellow. I did manage to get his agreement for me to visit in about six moons time to discuss trade between our family's.

That was a lie on my part and I think master Hullen knew that but still didn't deny my request. After that the night turned into a blur of drinks and revelry. Morning came almost all too soon and with it the preparations for the vassals to return home, or in my case visit home on my way to White Harbor.

Lord Horton did have a gift for me, the rack of horns from the moose, that he requested be hung in Hillview's Hall which was easy to agree too. He also ordered ten casks of Brown Honey for a gold dragon a piece, an order I was more than happy to accept. My six man and one dog party left soon after on the week long journey to Hillview.

We rode hard and made it back early on the sixth day, so I ordered the men to rest the rest of the day and the next then We'll ride for White Harbor. My Father, Brother, and Son were all thrilled when I walked into our Hall with the hunted moose's massive rack and all demanded I tell them what happened at Hornwood.

Even Torgun wanted my attention because as soon as he saw me he demanded to be held in my arms, in the wordless toddler way, something I was more than happy to do as I regaled the tale of my time at Hornwood for my Father and Brother. Before I knew it though I was back on the road with my party minus Balto on our way to White Harbor to catch a ride to Gulltown.

We kept a steady pace and made it to House Manderly's home in the usual ten days. My party was greeted by lord Torrhen and Wyman as we entered in the inner courtyard.

"Alyn my boy it is good to see you after so long. You've certainly grown since your were last here how does you and your family fair?" Was how Lord Torrhen greeted me. It was nice to visit the man who was basically my foster Father after nearly three years.

" My family is well and I am indebted to you for watching over Torgun and letting Wyman bring him to me this spring Lord Torrhen." I acknowledged to the lord of New Castle

"Nonsense my boy to tell the truth as soon as I saw the lad had your bright blue eyes I suspected but wasn't sure, then he grew a bit and started to look a bit like you but with your father's nose so I sent Wyman with the boy to check with you to be sure." Lord Torrhen kindly declined the debt out of friendship and it made me happier to hand over my own gift.

"Then accept this as a token of continued friendship of our Houses' Lord Torrhen, a cask of Brown Honey, a tasty syrup now being made in my lands. You are only the second lord to get his hands on any outside my lands Mi'lord." I announce as I hand the gallon cask to lord Torrhen.

"Interesting does it have as many uses as regular Honey does Alyn?" Lord Torrhen questioned curiously.

"I haven't found anything Honey can do that my Brown Honey can't lord Torrhen." I proclaim confidently.

"But that isn't all I brought, Wyman I worked many late nights to get this finished but your blade is ready." was my further statement as I retreat to my horse to grab the blade from its harness and handed it over to my former Mentor.

The llade was a regular Steel longsword but the crossguard and pommel marked it as my creation. Upon the steel crossguard I had forged First Men Runes on it to pay respect to Northern history. Lord Hornwood's blade also had them upon it but instead of the ornate silver pommel shaped like a Moose head, horns and all, Wyman got a pommel made of steel shaped like the upper half of the Merman of his family's sigil making it ornate but deadly.

"Marvelous work my friend you Greensmith's sure can forge a fine blade there is no doubt." Wyman complimented

"Thank you now if you will excuse me I have to arrange passage for me and my men to Gulltown." I politely tried to excuse myself till Lord Torrhen spoke up again.

"Nonsense Alyn, you are heading to Yohan Royce's winter wedding celebration and tourney correct? Well Wyman is going as a representative of house Manderly you can just join him on the flagship when it leaves in the morning. Now come your men can rest in our Barracks and you can feast with us tonight." Lord Torrhen stated more than offered and I didn't want to refuse since it saves me good coin so I accepted.

The feast was rather subdued compared to many of the Manderly's feast but had a more familiar air like the ones I was apart of as a squire in these halls. We spoke of many things and I hinted at my future need of White Harbor to move goods which was favorably receipted. Gods, I hated double speak but the need for it was prevalent in the nobility, even in the North at times. We retreated to our chambers after a fill of good food and good company, so Wyman and I would be well rested to start our journey.

The trip from White Harbor to Gulltown took four days thanks to the fair winds and docile waves. I wasn't a stranger to boats but I was much more comfortable of a fishing boat on the Lower Branch than I am on a warship in the Ocean, but I didn't get seasick so I'll take it as a win.

Gulltown was as lively as you would suspect a port city to be but thanks to the Manderly's trade relationship with the Graftons we were docked and unloading almost as soon as we approached port. While Wyman talked with the Harbor Master I coordinated the men offloading, soon though we were approaching the Grafton's castle to say the noble's version of hello. I did leave a barrel of Brown Honey for the Grafton's to try at their leisure, after explaining what it was of course.

We left on the half day ride to Runestone as soon as we were freed from the Grafton's steward. The ride was peaceful and it almost felt like in a blink of an eye we spotted the Ancestral home of the Royce's ahead of us. Our arrival was later in the day than we had hoped but we still made it before the festivities were set to begin.

Yohan and the lady he married just before winter started were there to greet Wyman and I as we rode through the gate.

"Ser Wyman Manderly and Ser Alyn Greensmith be welcomed in Runestone's hall as Friends. May I introduce my lady wife Caroline Royce formerly of house Corbray. My lady allow me to introduce Ser Wyman Manderly, third son of lord Torrhen Manderly, and Ser Alyn Greensmith, heir to house Greensmith landed knight's sworn to house Hornwood." Yohan spoke, making introductions between us as the host should.

"It is an honor for house Royce to host our Northern friends during this time of celebration. Ser Wyman I'm afraid I haven't heard as much about you as I have your younger friend but I'm sure we will remedy that over the course of your time here. Ser Alyn though I have heard much about you especially your moniker Ser Dancing Bear if my husband tells it right?" Lady Caroline spoke as elegantly as she looked but of course her bronze bastard of a husband had to tell her of that nickname.

"The same Ser Dancing Bear that beat your husband during the Manderly's summer tourney squire melee that saw me earn my knighthood mi'lady and congratulations on your nuptials to this bronze head." I answered her joke while poking some fun of my own.

"Careful Alyn otherwise Yohan may not send you anymore copies of those Rune Books your so obsessed with." Wyman spoke adding to the dogpile on me.

"I wouldn't be so sure about that once Yohan see's the sword I've forged for him." was my cheeky reply.

"Well I'm sure you both have brought marvelous gifts but let us ajourn to the hall for the feast." Caroline steered our conversation back to where it should be.

"Yes lets head in the food is to be served shortly I'm sure." Yohan spoke in agreement with his wife, while trying and failing to hide an amused smile.

The hall was filled with many lords in attendance for the celebration and tourney. Wyman and I were seated close to the head table which was filled by lords and knights I didn't know. Wyman and I, ate and drank, while keeping to ourselves and after more courses than I cared to count it was time for the Gift Ceremony. Sadly in accordance to my status as a landed knight from another kingdom I would be one of the last, Wyman as a foreign noble will be with the second group to present.

It felt like forever before it finally came to my turn, I lost track of who every lord was and what all they gave, though I did spot a couple of swords given.

"Lord and Lady Royce in celebration of your union and as a token of friendship please accept these gifts house Greensmith presents. The first is a sword I personally forged and the second is two casks of a syrup made in my lands called Brown Honey." I announced the gifts to the celebrated couple.

"The sword is a work of art my friend but still combat ready, The Runes are also a nice touch, and I can't say I dislike the bronze bullhead but what is this Brown Honey?" Yohan thanked me while also questioning the Brown Honey like everyone else.

"It is a syrup that we just started making at Hillview Hall and I haven't found anything Honey can do that my Brown Honey can not." I answered confidently.

"Well I can't wait to try it my friend, now drink and be merry, I'm sure there will be plenty of maidens who will want to dance with The Dancing Bear." was what Yohan sent me off with.

The drinks flowed and the more I drank the more into the party I got. Sometime during the night I did catch dancefever , waltzing with many fair maidens, I think I even danced with an Arryn maid if the glares I got from a man wearing Arryn livery were any clue. Oh well can't be friends with everybody and if he decides to try and come at me during the tourney, well he'll find out what a smith's hammer does to bird bones.

The rest of the night passed in a blur. I drank and danced with many more fair maidens, making sure my hands stayed to myself, just because I can swing a hammer and had a bastard at four and ten didn't make me Robert Baratheon for Gods' sake. I was proud the next morning to find my bed empty and the door to my chambers locked since I drank more at the party than I had in a long time.

After waking up and getting properly dressed I wandered out to the main hall to find Wyman there already sipping some morning wine as was his habit. I joined him and we went over the itinerary for the day while breaking our fast. I found out sign ups were to be held after the morning meal finished followed by a squire's melee this afternoon. The Jousts followed during the next three days and the Melee tournament followed for the last two days.

The food was filling and as soon as it was cleared Wyman and I sought out the name taker for the events. We found the man tucked just outside the main hall speaking to a couple of knights already so we waited a few minutes before Wyman signed up for the Joust and I for the Melee. Before we split up to find different things to do Wyman asked me to act as his squire during the Joust since he didn't have one right now, while normally this would be degrading for a knight I was more than happy to fill in since I owed Wyman and his family much.

I was wondering down a random hallway just exploring and enjoying Runestone as a castle when I heard her."Ser Dancing Bear" The Arryn maiden from last night called out to me while approaching.

"Mi'Lady how are you this morning?" I asked her not remembering her name beside she was an Arryn, the daughter of the current lord Arryn to be exact.

"Now Ser Alyn I know you were drinking pretty liberally last night but don't tell me you don't remember a maiden's name?" She asked leadingly, enjoying the fact that yes I did forget, what do you want from me names are hard with so many thrown at you in one night.

"I'm horrified to confirm your suspicion mi'lady but alcohol and remembering things seem to not mix for me." I play back with her even though I shouldn't.

"Well I'm sure there is something you can do to make it up to me Ser, and my name is Alyse Ser Alyn you best not forget it this time." She jockingly demanded of me.

"What would you have of me lady Alyse, if it's coin you seek I don't have much on me but if you like stories I have plenty of them." I shoot back in our game.

"Tell me of your home in the North. How does a landed knight live in the unconquered land of the First Men." She quickly asked seemingly genuinely interested.

"Well my house's keep is a wooden motte and bailey castle named Hillview Hall. It was built as the dowry for my Mother, a daughter of the Hornwood's stewards. It is located in the middle of our lands and sits serenely between vast open crop fields and a beautiful forest. It's not as grand as a lot of keeps but it's home with my Father, Brother, and son there." I spoke earnestly about my home.

"It sounds beautiful but I didn't know you were married with a son already Ser Alyn?" She asked now even more curious.

"I'm not mi'lady my son Torgun is a bastard. He was conceived when I was four and ten to a harlot maid of a Mother. I recently just found out about him a few moons ago but I love him, he's my son and I know it will probably cause friction with my future wife but I won't abandon him." I just kinda spilled out the words to her.

"Oh, I'm sorry for prying Alyn." Alyse spoke actually sounding sorry for bringing it up.

"It is fine my lady I just hope you don't think of me differently because I have a child outside the marriage bed." I stated suddenly dreading the thought of her thinking poorly of me.

"More knights than you betray their marriage bed while actually married Alyn. You having a child so young with not even a betrothal is almost expected. And stop with the mi'lady stuff call me Alyse." The beautiful Arryn Maid demanded of me again.

"Alyse!" A male shout startled us though.

"What are you doing here alone with this lowly knight." The same guy who was glaring at me last night asked.

"I was talking to him Jonos and he has a name so use it." Alyse retaliated in my defense.

"I don't care to learn the name of some no name knight from the savage North, Alyse I'm an Arryn something you seem to have forgotten you are." was the dick's scathing reply.

Now I could take a lot of things but as a prideful Northmen I couldn't take a swipe at my homeland sitting down.

"You sure do talk big for a pretty boy who looks like he can barely lift a sword rather than use one to strike a man down." I mocked back at him.

"How would you like to see how well I use my sword you northern oaf." The Arryn tried to smart back.

"Two problems with that Ser first I don't like men and second I have my hammer would you like to see if it's just for show?" I baited the arrogant little prick.

"Enough! Jonos we're leaving. Alyn I'm sorry but good bye" Alyse shot back into the situation cutting the tension with a knife then dragging her brother away.

It hurt to see her walk away but it was for the best, I was just too far down the totem pole to be worthy of a daughter of house Arryn. I returned to the main hall for the midday meal in a melancholy mood and ate on auto pilot. The afternoon went by a little quicker thanks to the squire's melee which I spent the entire time during chit chatting with other knights.

I mostly stayed in the background the second night ignoring the urge to steal glances at Alyse while at the feast and excused myself from the dancing after. The next day my attention was thankfully diverted to helping Wyman with the Joust by re arming and shielding him while pointing out anything helpful I may have spied about the other rider.

The first day was pretty easy for Wyman to unhorse each of his opponents to qualify for the round of two and thirty. A small feast was held that night compared to the previous couple of days ,probably intentional to make the champion feel even more special. The second day of the Joust was exactly the same as the first with Wyman winning both of his bouts and us retiring to eat in the hall after.

The final day of the Joust was actual different since the top eight would be in a double elimination bracket format. Wyman kept up his momentum from the early rounds and only lost in the winners and loosers finals, taking a respectable Third. The Grand Final turned out to be the dick Jonos Arryn and Ser Rogar Redfort, heir to house Redfort. I won't lie when I say I was pretty happy to see the dick eat dirt when the Redfort heir unhorsed him to win the Joust.

The feast was back to a grand splendor that night but the real entertainment was watching Ser Rogar be mobbed by maidens as soon as he stepped onto the dance floor. The night passed by pretty quickly, though I kept my alcohol intake to a minimum so I wouldn't be extra sluggish for tomorrow. I excused myself to bed as soon as what was socially deemed as appropriate allowed.

Since the Melee was in a one on one style format and it only had two days allotted for it I will probably have to fight three times today and three tomorrow if I get to the final. My first two opponents were a household knight and a hedge knight, while they put up valiant efforts both were quickly forced to yield to my tourney hammer. My final opponent of the day ended up being Ser Lyle Corbray, goodbrother to Yohan and heir to house Corbray.

The lithe Corbray used his smaller size better than most but I didn't drill my agility for no reason. For every fancy move he pulled he found me right there back in his face faster than he expected and he eventually tired enough for me to knock him down and force the yield. The food was welcomed to my exhausted body that night and it took everything I had to not fall asleep during the dancing. Before I knew it I was in bed waking up the next morning.

The first knight I faced for the day was a son of house Hunter, I didn't recall his relation to the current lord Hunter but I also didn't care that much to find out. The Hunter proved to be better than my first two opponents but a step behind Ser Lyle. I quickly got the better of him with a feint that saw him face planted on the ground ready to yield. One down two more to go.

My second opponent turned out to Yohan's cousin Ser Ronnel Royce, this will be tiring. Ser Ronnel was taller than Yohan and matched my height making us an even match physically. The fighting did turn into a drawn out slug fest like I thought it would, but a silver lining came when I thought I would go down Ser Ronnel over extended and I rallied every last bit of energy I had to take advantage.

Striking away his over extended arm with my shield knocked the Royce knight off balance which allowed me to slam my hammer into his shield shoulder knocking him down completely. I kicked away his sword before he could regain his bearings and asked for his yield, which was reluctantly given after he saw his sword so far away. I couldn't find a spot to sit down with some water fast enough after that draining match, I probably should be watching the other fight to find out my opponent but right now I was just too exhausted.

The fighters were giving an hour to rest after my opponent won his semi-final fight. I took the hour and just rested while sipping water to keep hydrated. The light stretches I also did to keep my muscles loose would've raised a few eyebrows if I wasn't in a tent alone. Soon the hour was over and I returned to the tourney field to find out my opponent.

I was curious when the herald called for a Ser Hugh Stone of the Vale, wondering who this talented bastard knight was, but my curiosity quickly turned to fury when I spotted a hulking knight bearing the standard of a sworn knight of house Arryn. The Dick sent a ringer to try and topple me and it was only a chance of fate we met in the final or maybe it was intentional to humiliate me further but that didn't matter right now, no the six foot ten inch brute nearing me was.

Ser Hugh posed an intimidating figure to normal men but I didn't count myself amongst normal men, whether that would be my ego or just the feeling of being an outsider didn't matter here only beating this Valeman in front of me mattered. I focused my anger and fury internally not allowing it to take control and cause me to make a mistake but focusing it to block out the pain I'll be receiving.

The bout started slow like most others with us testing each other's defenses trying to find a weak point. Ser Hugh grew tired of it quickly and went on a blitzing attack with a strength that bespoke countless hours spent in the yard. My shield arm moved as fast as it could to deflect and out right block strikes, the others that my shield missed were avoided thanks to my "Dancing" moves.

The bastard wouldn't slow down though even after what had to have been Five and Ten minutes he still kept coming and instead I started to slow down allowing glancing strikes to nail me. The pain came then and I struggled to focus past it at times when the Valeman hit a especially strong strike. I almost thought the fight would fully leave my control when my eyes strayed for a second to where Alyse was, who sat looking mortified, then at her brother, who sat with a mocking smile which I'm sure would turn to a laugh if I went down, well sorry dickhead but not today.

I waited till my opponent went for an overhead swing to gather what was left of my energy to execute my plan. As the sword came down to strike my head I back stepped at the last second causing Ser Hugh to lurch forward having put his all in that strike apparently. The split second he took to catch himself was all I needed though to drive my hammer into his back making him eat dirt.

I'll give it to the stone knight though it only took him a second to attempt to grab his sword an stand up to continue the fight but I had no intention to allow that. First I slammed my hammer into his back too knock the wind out of him and leave him open for step two which was crush his sword hand gauntlet so badly I may have broken his hand as well. After that the yield came easy and I raised my hammer in Victory, like a knockoff Thor, while shouting my house's words.

"Our Steel Is Strong!"

For my victory I was awarded five hundred gold dragons and a seat of honor at the head table for the night. The seat turned out to be right next to Yohan and Caroline since I was a personal friend,so I regaled them tales of the North and many anecdotes I've collected. Yohan and I did have to be broken up for a Rune discussion that was a bit to serious for Caroline's liking. During the dance I re did the rounds I made the first night and was tempted by a couple of maidens to take them up on their more scandalous offers but I declined not seeing any favorable outcomes from them.

Alyse also snagged a dance later into the night after her brother had retired to make less of a fuss. It was my favorite dance of the night, her bright blonde hair and beautiful blue eyes engulfed me and her wit and charm sent me into the abyss. The time of having her in my arms was the only time since I left my original world I felt blessed to be in Westeros. All too soon the song ended and we had to separate but I didn't want to and I don't think she did either but reluctantly it was done. She left the hall soon after and I decided to follow to my own room, hoping to sleep off my thoughts of the beautiful Arryn maid that took an interest in a lowly landed knight.

Wyman and I left early the next morn right after breaking our fast to make the most out of the daylight. I was ready to return to Hillview Hall since this tourney was a hodge podge of ego and lust that I no longer wanted to be around. Soon enough Wyman and I were boarded with our men on the Manderly's flagship returning home to the North and all the work I had waiting for me there.