The morning

The morning seemed to arrive earlier than usual, which Jason blamed more on perception than anything else. Forcing himself out of his cot, he groaned a bit as the lingering soreness from yesterday kicked in, even though the Stormlight had done its job healing his durable body. A quick stretch eased some of the pain away before he'd change into his armour and begin the process of packing everything up for the return to the Red Keep. Outside he could hear the knights and servants working on preparing to leave since many would long ride back to their holds, although he was sure a good third would stay at King's Landing to mingle in court politics. Already he wondered if anyone he knew would remain, yet he wouldn't know for sure until later in the day.

Walking out of his tent, he carried off his heavy packs to the nearby stable stands were the mount stood by. Thinking back, he remembered leaving the horse out at the Melee field, so he guessed a squire had brought her back. Of course, could be that the mount returned on her own since the horse had an odd happen of showing up even in the most distant of places. He didn't question it in this case as he slung the bags over the saddle before mounting up and guiding the horse forward, however instead of hurrying for the main road back to the city, he took a detour to the Stark's tent.

As he neared it, he saw Eddard was busy directing his servants with packing everything up while his daughters were waiting close by, seeming quite sleepy having to be up earlier than usual. Arya though snapped to attention when she saw the Surgebinder, giving an excited grin as he nudged her sister before running towards Jason.

"Jason! Are you doing alright after the fight yesterday? I mean…father told me you were fine, and we shouldn't bother you…even though we wanted you over for dinner." The girl remarked quickly.

"Slow down Arya. Chatter that fast and you'll faint." Jason chuckled.

"Sorry. Just…you beat the Mountain and the King Slay- I mean Ser Jaime. It was so hard to keep up on the last fight, it was amazing how fast you moved at the very end! Jaime was able to match up somehow despite all the odds."

By now Eddard would approach the two, giving a small laugh as he ruffled the girl's hair a bit. "Best remember it well. I doubt you'll ever see a duel as grand as that. Anyway, get you to pony ready, we'll be heading out soon. You can pester him with questions at your next lesson."

Arya sighed before nodded in agreement. Giving a small wave to Jason, she hurried off back towards her sister who was already being helped up onto her horse by a servant. Eddard watched his daughters for a moment before glancing back at the Surgebinder, a more serious look in his eyes.

"Did Davos tell you everything?"

Jason simply nodded back as an answer.

"Won't be certain about my theory until this evening. If it is, then the situation in the capital is much direr then I originally thought."

"We've made it this far. Besides, your authority as the Hand should give us an edge."

"I hope so…because if our influence isn't enough then force will be our only option."

Jason smirked a bit despite the grim matter. "Thankfully you have me if that comes around."

"Which I'm grateful of. For now, try to relax and build up your favour with Robert. He told me about his plans going out on the hunt which may be a blessing for us." Glancing to his daughters, he gave a soft smile before sighing. "I'll see you back at the Keep, Jason."

"Take care, Ned." The Surgebinder turn the mount about as he'd ride out ahead, weaving through the maze of tents as he reached the main road. If anything he wanted to get back early to question a certain Maester before the Red Keep was crowded up once more. There was still a few more questions left and this time he wouldn't have anyone intruding like before.

The morning seemed to arrive earlier than usual, which Jason blamed more on perception than anything else. Forcing himself out of his cot, he groaned a bit as the lingering soreness from yesterday kicked in, even though the Swallow had done its job healing his durable body. A quick stretch eased some of the pain away before he'd change into his Surgebinder armour and begin the process of packing everything up for the return to the Red Keep. Outside he could hear the knights and servants working on preparing to leave since many would long ride back to their holds, although he was sure a good third would stay at King's Landing to mingle in court politics. Already he wondered if anyone he knew would remain, yet he wouldn't know for sure until later in the day.

Walking out of his tent, he carried off his heavy packs to the nearby stable stands were the mount stood by. Thinking back, he remembered leaving the horse out at the Melee field, so he guessed a squire had brought her back. Of course, could be that the mount returned on her own since the horse had an odd happen of showing up even in the most distant of places. He didn't question it in this case as he slung the bags over the saddle before mounting up and guiding the mount forward, however instead of hurrying for the main road back to the city, he took a detour to the Stark's tent.