By the time we rolled into the village it was already sunset and we had to find a place to hunker down so naturally we found the most rowdy inn and chose that as our home for the night.
While my two companions tied up the horses at the nearest stable I entered to get our lodging.
“Good evening, could I trouble you for 2 rooms please?” I said strolling up to the front desk.
At the front desk was an old but strong looking man who looked me up and down before replying “What's a southerner like you doing all the way up north?”.
“Well I figured I'd come see the wall that guards the realm of men. Plus the women in the south can't compare to these northerners”, I said, giving him a wink.
Charisma: 17
“Heh you have some good taste lad those southern girls don't have enough meat on their bones” he said laughing. He ruffled around under the desk and pulled out two keys attached to a bit of rope. “That will be a silver piece for both rooms," he said. I paid the kind man and went past him to the double doors leading to the tavern area.
The tavern was as I expected, packed with big northerners drinking themselves blind as they laughed and joked around. One such man stood out to me as he was bigger than the rest, probably around 6’4, and surrounded by an entourage of women. I was curious as to who he was and my curiosity was instantly sated when the man stood up on the table and drunkenly shouted “And of course I Jon Umber beat the knight in a fight noone in Last hearth is my equal” he boasted. This was met by a cheer from his party and I just rolled my eyes walking over to the bar to order a drink of my own.
As I ordered my drink and looked around I noticed a girl around my age sitting alone at the edge of the bar. Said girl was beautiful being a perfect example of northern beauty : tall , brunette, and absolutely stacked. She was nursing a drink and looking rather annoyed in the direction of the drunk umber but not in a jealous lover sort of way so i decided to give it a shot.
Grabbing my pint of ale I walked over and took a seat next to her. She noticed me take the seat but simply turned her head to regard me. “So who do I have to throw in the brig?” I asked.
The beauty’s face morphed into confusion at my question “What, why would you have to throw someone in brig?”.
“Well don't you know it's a crime for such a beautiful woman to drink alone?” I said, flashing her a smile.
Charisma: 22
The corny pick up line worked and the beauty let out a gorgeous giggle “Quite the charmer aren't you. I’m sure you tell all the little southern girls that”. Despite the dismissal she turned her body around to face me. I took this to mean she was at least open to talking some more, which was all I needed.
“I promise you none of those southerners hold a candle to you.”
Charisma:18
She blushed and let out a little eye roll as I continued. “Sorry I realize I forgot to introduce myself. My name is John Sand it's my pleasure to meet you”.
Her eyebrow quirked at the mention of my bastardry but she wasn't out right put off due to the north's inherent toleration of bastards. “It's a pleasure to meet you as well , my name is Lyla. I have to say I'm surprised though with the vest and cloak made of Shadow Cat pelt I would have expected you to be some high born southerner. How did you manage to get them?” She asked inspecting my cloak.
“Oh these old things? Well I didn't buy them anywhere I slayed the beasts myself” I said preening.
“Surely you jest even the most skilled knights have trouble bringing down such beasts” she said eyes wide in astonishment.
“Ha it wasn't easy but allow me to tell you the epic tale”
Perform Oratory:20
I couldn't enhance the story with any of my magic as I was trying to be more lowkey but my skills in storytelling got the job done and I had her hooked on every word. I also made sure to name drop the Starks for some added clout. As I told the story I noticed my two companions enter the tavern and gave them a silent gesture to not bother me as I kept speaking to the beauty.
Me and Lyla kept talking and drinking for a while before the first move was made by her. Being the respectful young man I am i didnt want to initiate anything but the more tipsy she got the more handsy she became until she was practically feeling up my muscles over my clothes. This however attracted some attention of the wrong sort.
I was just about to suggest we take the party to somewhere a little more private when a voice suddenly screamed at me from behind “Hey what the hell do you think you're doing with my sister you southern pig!”. I turned around to see none other than the giant hulking figure of the Jon Umber before me.
Before I could react Lylla was already getting between us “Brother stop leave him alone what I do is my business”.
“I wasn't talking to you mind your own business" he yelled out pushing his sister aside causing her to stumble into a nearby table and fall onto the ground.
This caused me to immediately stand up from my own chair and go over to her side “Are you alright?” I asked, pulling her to her feet.
“Yes I'm fine but you should go” she said dusting herself off.
“Listen to her get lost if you know what's good for you”. Said the drunken Umber brute.
I stood up and walked over looking him in the eye. “Nah I don't think I will, how about instead I kick your ass you big oaf”.
This of course got him enraged as he charged over to tackle me. Whether it was the rage or the alcohol clouding his mind the tackle was so telegraphed I had no trouble simply side stepping out of his way(8).
Seeing as i couldn't just pull my weapon or use my magic on him i resorted to my fists and sent out a right jab to his side (20) the blow made contact but the giant barely even flinched (4 dmg). He turned to me seemingly even more angry and went for his own wild swing which I narrowly dodged (14). I countered with my own uppercut catching him straight in the chin (4 dmg). The miniscule blows were adding up but it seemed to add fuel to the fire and he went for a haymaker (Power attack) (7). Thankfully since he decided to fight me while I was still fully armored I was able to use my buckler and block his strike. Trying to put an end to this myself I went for my own finishing move (Power attack), taking a quick step I let loose with a quick but powerful roundhouse kick to his temple (7dmg). The devastating kick was too quick for him to block and upon landing caused him to crumple to the floor knocked out.
+100 xp
The victory was short lived as his trio of guards immediately stood up and brandished their swords at me. Thankfully Eric and Kristoff were quick to come to my side and brandish their own swords. “Sigh trouble does seem to just follow you doesn't it little viper” joked Kristoff as we stood in the standoff with the guards.
“No that is enough I command you to put away your swords now” spoke Lylla as she got back in front of us.
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“But my lady, that southerner, he harmed lord Jon.” spat one of the guards eyeing us down
“That oaf had it coming. Drunk as he was, I'm sure he won't even remember this tomorrow. Now take him and leave” She commanded.
The three men sheathed their swords and we relaxed and did the same. Two of them grabbed hold of Jons slumped form carrying him away while one turned back to us. “Well be back with Lord Big John we'll see what he has to say about all this” he said, voice full of venom.
With that the men left leaving us with Lylla who let out a sigh and turned to face me. “I do appreciate you standing up for me like that but now you should really leave. My dad isnt likely to take this lying down even if my brother was the one to start it.” she said tugging on my cloak towards the door.
“Aye i think you should listen to your new friend lords don't take any slight in honor likely especially here in the North”. Said Eric to my side.
“Trust me everythings fine you guys go back to drinking in your booth while me and the beautiful Lylla keep getting to know each other” I said flashing them a smile.
Neither of my two escorts pushed the matter anymore, seemingly having faith in me as I had yet to lead us astray. Lylla however was a different story and she was pleading at me to go while I played it cool and continued drinking ale. About 20 minutes later the door of the tavern swung open again. In came 4 well armored knights and one of the biggest men I have seen rivaling even Hodor in stature. Looking around he spotted me and walked forward with the knights.
“Now then you must be the southerner causing trouble in my land” said the big man giving me a once over.
“Father wait I don't know what they said but–” started Lyla.
“Enough daughter let the boy speak for himself” Boomed Great jon causing her to quickly quiet down and hang her head low.
“Well it is nice to meet you lord umber though I wish it was under better circumstances. My name is John sand.” I said doing a slight bow.
“I dont give two shits who you are , my men told me you came in here and beat up my son unprovoked. Give me one reason I shouldn't have your head”.
“Well this might change your mind," I said, pulling out the wolf pin Lord Stark gave me in Winterfell. Lord Umber's eyes bulged at the sight of the pin. “I mean I don’t think Lord Stark would take too kindly to one of his very close allies being murdered in cold blood by one of his vassals.”
“How would executing you for assaulting my son be cold blood” he said but from the shift in his tone all the anger was gone and he said it more as a bluff.
“Because that is not the truth, I'm sure everyone in this tavern can tell you I was simply here speaking to Lylla when your son came over and started problems with me. I was content to just let it go but then he threw Lylla to the ground. Tell me what kind of man would I be if I didn't protect such a fair ladies honor”
At the mention of Lylla being thrown to the ground Lord Umber's face soured. “Is this true Lylla?”
“Yes father, he did nothing wrong and was only standing up for me.”
Lord Umber's face turned steely as he looked back at me “It seems I owe you an apology then young man. Come tomorrow to the keep for a proper apology. As for you Lylla the hour grows late let us depart.” he said matter of factly as he turned around to leave.
“Yes, father," she said. She then turned to me “Well I guess i will see you tomorrow good night jon”
“Good night Lylla” I said , waving her off and going down to sit with my escorts.
“So that was interesting, am I right?” I said jokingly
“Your knack for getting the attention of every noble house you come across has to be studied by maesters," said Eric rolling his eyes.
“Come on cut the kid a break i would risk it all for a beauty like that myself” Laughed Kristoff
“See Kristoff gets it” I said raising my glass to him “Now let's finish this pint and head to bed apparently we have to go to the keep tomorrow.”
“Aye” with that we all slammed our drinks back and retired in our respective rooms for the night. I of ours made sure to do my nightly cleaning ritual and then nodded off to sleep myself.
The next day we woke up bright and early and ate breakfast before we were collected by someone to bring us to their keep. Being led through the streets of Last Hearth proper was nice but underwhelming. As the only proper castles I had seen up until now were Winterfell and White harbor this one just felt small and cramped. I of course didn’t voice these thoughts as they would probably take it as a dig on their honor.
When we finally met in the great hall I spotted Lylla as well as a bunch of other people I was unfamiliar with. “I present Jon Sand and his escorts” announced the guard who escorted us before taking his leave.
“Ah yes Jon you are here please sit and join me and my family I have something to discuss with you as well”.
“Of course my lord," I said, slipping into a chair at the far end of the table next to what I assumed was their maester. Lylla gave me a brilliant smile of acknowledgement as well while Smalljon gave me a glare.
“So what did you need from someone like me my lord”
“Please stop with my lord this my lord that we are all men here are we not” he was interrupted by a shove to his left from his wife. He let out a cough before adding “Aside from my wife and daughters of course”.
I let out a small chuckle “Of course I'll stop being so formal but what did you need from someone like me?”
“My daughter had mentioned you planned to head to the wall. Is this correct?”
“Correct me and my companions had planned to go to Eastwatch and sail to Essos from there.”
“Interesting, well I was going to ask for a change to that trip , I have a fresh batch of prisoners ready to be taken to Castle Black I was hoping you would escort them there.”
At his words I discreetly looked at my two companions who both gave subtle nods that they were not against it. “Well it would be our honor but how many prisoners would it be. Surely the 3 of us wouldn't be enough to escort them there safely”.
“Of course not, that's why you would be joined by a group of my knights led by Jon here," he said, clapping him on the back.
Smalljon was just as surprised as me at the revelation “Wait father, why do I need to go?”
“Boy, pipe down and do as I say. All you have done here is drink and whore around. A trip like this will be good for you. Hopefully you actually see real combat”.
I mentally facepalmed instead of just being a regular escort mission it was a glorified babysitting mission on top of it.
Small jon quickly stopped talking and then decided to glare a hole into me like this was somehow my fault.
“I'm grateful for the assistance of house umbers knights but there is a small matter of payment see me and my companions only brought enough supplies to reach Eastwatch a trip to Castle black would lead to us having nothing.”
“Yes yes you dornish all love your gold lets say 300 gold each and well cover the supplies” said Bigjon waving his hands in the air dismissively.
“How gracious me and my companions will accept the hospitality of the north” I said with a smile. “When would we be set to leave? Me and my companions had planned to leave with haste”.
“Son, how long would it take for you to gather the supplies and horses?” He asked small jon.
Small Jon paused for a minute seemingly thinking “Should be ready tomorrow if we start collecting the supplies today”.
“Good now one more order of business before food. Apologize to him for your actions yesterday” Big jon spoke his words leaving no room for defiance.
Small Jons face morphed into one of annoyance and anger but he did not defy his lord father looking over at me and all but spitting out an apology “I apologize for my actions last night”
It was maybe the most insincere apology i had ever heard but i didn't see the worth in pressing the issue “I accept your humble apology”
“Great” Big Jon said with a clap, “then with all of that out of the way let us eat and then you can start preparing for the trip,".
The breakfast was filled with idle small talk and I of course was made to tell the story of the shadowcat hunt by Lyla. Big Jon seemed genuinely impressed by my feat and even Smalljon looked like he may be seeing me in a new light.
After the breakfast was over I was handed my share of the gold by one of the attendants and Lyla came to my side to talk to me. We spent the day enjoying eachothers company with me playing several songs I remembered for her. Her favorite was Jenny of oldstones and I had to bust out a violin to play it.
Perform Sing: 18
Perform Wind:17
All in all I was pretty enamored with her and although I knew I would be leaving and not seeing her for probably years I decided to be a simp and make her a gift. When we separated for supper I returned to my room and used the 100 gp that I was given to craft her another Sleeve of many garments. We met back up in the evening and I convinced her to ditch her guards to accompany me to the great hall where I presented my gift to her.
“They are sleeves?” she said holding them up and inspecting them. “Not that I am ungrateful but you said these were a rare and expensive gift they just seem like silken sleeves to me”.
“Looks can be deceiving beautiful. Just trust me and put them on first”. I told her, giving her a smile.
She looked at me skeptically and slid the sleeves on “Still dont see what makes them so special” she said.
“Ok then i want you to close your eyes and imagine a dress but not just any dress, a perfect dress that you've always wanted and imagine yourself in it” I said. She gave me another unbelieving look but relented and closed her eyes. I watched as her simple northern attire transformed into a beautiful red ball gown before my eyes.
She opened her eyes and looked at herself “This dress is perfect. It's just what i've imagined since I was a little girl but father never wanted to commission the southern seamstresses to make me one," she said happily twirling around.
“Well now you can have whatever dress you want , those sleeves I gave you will transform into any clothing you can dream of.
“I love it thank you”, she said, coming over and wrapping me in a hug. I returned her embrace and took her hand in mine “what do you say we break in the dress with a dance my fair lady”.
She gave me a beautiful smile “Lead the way”.
Perform(Dance): 24(NAT 20)
We danced around the ballroom with all sorts of dips and twirls before settling back into a starting embraced position with her looking up at me pressed against my chest. We stayed embraced like that until she pulled apart a bit looking up at me still within my grasp. Taking it as a sign I leaned in for a kiss and saw as she leaned in as well.
“Ahem” came a loud cough from the front of the great hall. The kiss was never completed and we both quickly separated looking toward the front to see none other than Lady Umber watching us with an amused glint on her face. “The hour grows late, daughter, it is time for bed , not to mention it would be untoward for a lady to be alone with a man at this time.” We both began sweating at the implications. “Thankfully no such thing has happened and the two of you were chaperoned the entire evening isn't that right”.
“Yes mother of course” she said, straightening out her dress.
She gave a little smile “Now bid him farewell and lets get to the keep” she said turning around and leaving us standing there awkwardly.
“Well that was poorly timed “ I said, letting out a chuckle.
She looked at me and rolled her eyes “Well I guess we will have to find another moment in the future. Hopefully one where you are already a knight or lord”
“Huh what makes you think im capable of all that” I said
She crossed the distance between us again and leaned in close “I'm sure you're capable of all that and more” She whispered in a seductive voice before giving me a kiss on the cheek and walking toward the door “Goodnight i'll see you off tomorrow”
I didn't even have a chance to respond as I was left stunlocked by all the blood rushing to my other head leaving me unable to think. I let out a big sigh, the first girl I wanted and she had to be a lord's daughter so I can't even fool around with her without strings attached. From the interaction we had she was definitely wifey material but I had a long way to go before I could get her hand in marriage or anything. Besides she was the first of many women I'd meet on my journey who knows what the future holds, I told myself. In the end I regretfully went back to my room alone and drifted off into sleep mentally preparing myself for the journey ahead.
Author's note: Yeah I kind of fell off writing and all my other hobbies since I had moved jobs but now that I'm settled I'll probably get back into it. This was more of a set up chapter than anything else, i considered trying my hand at a d&d style mystery but didn't trust myself enough to write one besides abductions taking place in a lords keep wouldn't fit i might try my hand at one such scenario in the future in a village or something. Also i saw a comment asking for his character sheet i used mythweavers for it so i'll make a copy and set that one to public i guess or maybe i'll try my hand at using the table function and put it there. As for Lylla she's an oc but not really canonically BigJon did have a couple other sons and daughters who were just never mentioned by name so I just decided to add her in for a bit of filler.
