AN: Here is my eighth chapter thank you to everyone who has reviewed, faved, and followed.

Chase Manaena: thanks as always for the support glad you liked it.

Guest #1: I completely agree, R+L=J is an immature girl running off with an older man not good but it does pretty much seem canon in the books as well from what I have heard George gave Benioff and Weiss permission to make the show when they correctly guessed Jon's parents.

DarkChaser: IMO Lyanna would lash out at her brothers because she knows them but I don't think she is quite as wild and ill mannered as Arya and wouldn't lash out at someone she doesn't know well like Robert

XBolt51: thanks again for the review. I'm glad you're liking what you're seeing.

WoodE: Dude hell yes Rhaegar is a creep I mean it's a shit thing to cheat on your wife and a shit thing to steal someone's fiance and it's a shit thing to run off with a 15 year old girl. I hate Rhaegar's character and think that almost everything wrong with the asoiaf universe can be traced back to him.

12D3 Gorillaz: Yeah the boys thirsty. And it is a shame Lyanna didn't go talk to Robert life is full of split second decisions that completely change the world around us.

Guest #2: according to where I do pretty much all my research she was born between 260 and 269 AC so that means she could be anywhere from 12 to 21 years old considering Barristan was infatuated with her and I never took him for the pedophile type I'm gonna say she is at least 16 (acceptable age in medieval times) for my story I'll say she is 17. I agree that it's dumb people portray her as a slut as in canon she was "dishonored" at Harrenhal according to Barristan meaning her honor was intact beforehand then afterwards most the men were at war not a whole lot of fucking going down.

Benjen I

Benjen woke just before dawn the day after Brandon's wedding. He put on an old loose fitting shirt and some trousers before grabbing his practice sword and heading out. He made his way towards a clearing on the edge of the fairgrounds, when he made it he saw the Blackfish already waiting for him.

At the wedding feast Benjen had been enthralled by the knights stories of adventure and had asked if the Blackfish was in need of a squire. Brynden Tully looked him up and down before saying, "You show you know how to handle a sword and I will ask your lord father if you may squire for me."

Benjen was ready to prove himself to the famous knight then and there at the feast but the Blackfish had laughed off the Stark's eagerness telling him, "It would be quite rude of us to interrupt this feast with the crossing of swords young Benjen. There is a clearing at the northeast edge of the camp meet me there just after first light tomorrow, and do not be late or I will leave and I will never train you."

Benjen had made made sure to wake up early so the Blackfish would not follow through with his threat. Brynden looked up from where he was running a stone over the edge of his sword and saw Benjen, "Are ready to show me what you got then lad?" the famous Tully knight asked.

"I am ser," Benjen confirmed, readying his blunted practice sword in front of him. Brynden observed Benjen's form, holding the blade in a two-handed grip in front of him.

"Good," the knight commented with a nod of his head before grabbing a blunted practice sword for himself. "Have at me then," Brynden ordered. Benjen gave a reckless overhead slash which Brynden did not bother to block merely sidestepped the blow and had his sword at the young Stark's neck before he could recover. "If that is your best then you have wasted both of our time."

Benjen's immediate reaction was to to get angry but he realized that doing so would only make him more reckless and less effective with his blows. Benjen took a deep breath and focused on the training he had received from Ser Rodrik. Benjen observed his opponent. The Blackfish was lazily standing square to Benjen and flat-footed, clearly unconcerned with the boy actually hitting him. Bengen took a quick lead step before thrusting his sword at the Blackfish. He did not make contact, but the Brynden had been forced to turn and use his sword to deflect the blow. Benjen was careful to not overextend and be caught off balance again. Benjen began circling to his right careful to not cross his feet and allow the Blackfish to rush him while he was off-balance."

"Very good," the Blackfish commented seeing the boys footwork, "you drew to far back before the thrust however. The extra power you gain by doing that is not worth showing what you are about to do, a half second earlier."

Benjen nodded grateful for the advice. Benjen feinted an uppercut before twisting his wrists and changing it to a side slash. His blow was once again blocked, instead of pulling back Benjen pressed his attack. He reigned down precision blows, yet none came close to breaking the Tully's defense. After a few minutes of defense, "I believe I have a sense of your offense now let us test your defense," Brynden called out before instantaneously going onto the attack.

Benjen was caught off guard and received a blow on his right arm. While the blunted practice sword would not break the skin it was more the capable of leaving a nasty bruise. Benjen barely recovered in time to parry the next blow. Brynden quickly drove his would be squire back. Benjen blocked most of the blows but was quickly forming a collection of bruises on his arms and legs.

"All right I have seen enough," the Blackfish called out as he halted his onslaught after what had felt like an eternity. Benjen sank to a knee thankful for the respite.

"Was I up to your standards Ser Brynden?" the boy panted as sweat dripped down his face.

"It was quite good for someone your age, but it could be better. That Lannister boy probably could have given me a run for my money before that accident and he is little over a year older than you are. You have a long way to go," The Blackfish both complemented and challenged Benjen with his statement.

Benjen was not one to back down from a challenge. He used his practice sword to help him stand back up and readied the sword again, "In that case let us spar some more," he insisted.

This actually caused the stern warrior to smile, "Peace boy I appreciate the will, but the melee will begin soon you should clean yourself up before. We will meet again tomorrow morning before the finals of the joust."

Benjen gave a slight bow of his head in acknowledgement of Ser Brynden's words, "Of course sir I will be here waiting for you," Benjen guaranteed before heading back to his tent to wash himself and change clothes before the melee.

Benjen exited his tent at the same time as Lyanna, "Lyanna, are you heading to the melee?" he called out to her.

"No, I am just fine here," was her angry retort.

Benjen raised a questioning eyebrow, "Is everything alright Lyanna?"

Lyanna sighed, "It is fine Benjen. I am sorry for snapping at you, I suppose I am just a little worn out is all, and Ready to go back to Winterfell." Benjen looked his sister over sympathetically, she did indeed look tired she had bags under her eyes which were slightly bloodshot.

Benjen decide it was best to let Lyanna care for herself, "Alright then I will be heading to the melee, get some rest you do not want to miss Brandon in the finals of the joust," he told her as he headed for the stadium. Benjen reached the stadium and looked around for his brothers. He caught sight of them near Lord Whent's box, Brandon was seated with his new wife the Auburn haired Catelyn Stark formerly Tully on his left on his right was Benjen's other brother Ned. Brandon was deep in conversation with Catelyn, while Ned watched the preparation for the melee with a bored look. Benjen climbed the steps and sat in one of the two empty spots next to Ned who looked up at his arrival, "Is Lyanna not with you?" Ned asked.

"She told me she was not feeling well," Benjen informed, "she seemed upset about something but after what she did to me at the opening feast I thought it best not to press."

Benjen saw Ned frowning at the news, "She seemed perfectly fine when I last spoke with her at the wedding feast."

"I would not worry about it Ned, if she wants you to know what is bothering her she will tell you herself, if she does not want you to know I think there is little chance of getting it out of her. She can be quite stubborn you know," Benjen told Ned, who nodded satisfied.

Benjen turned his focus turned his attention to the field. The lists had been temporarily removed, replaced by a large roped off area roughly one hundred feet by two hundred feet were Benjen to guess. The melee had a little more than four scour enter in it. Lord Whent had elected to have a free-for-all rather than individual bouts. It would be pure chaos once the signal was given to start the match, the only rule being that all weapons must be blunted so as to limit mortal wounds to a minimum. Benjen caught sight of Robert entering the stadium atop his bay Destrier. "He is quite the sight," Benjen commented to Ned. The tall warrior was wearing polished steel plate that shone brightly in the morning sunlight, on his head was an antlered helm, and completing his ensemble was his massive warhammer that he swing like a child's toy. There would be no mistaking him for anyone else in the melee. Benjen thought back to the journey to Harrenhal when Robert had guaranteed his victory, Benjen most definitely believed Robert's words now.

The competitors had all arrived and we're being ushered towards the designated section. A herald drew everyone's attention as he climbed on top of a platform near the melee field, "On behalf of Lord Whent, your host for this great tourney, I welcome all both spectators and competitors to the melee. The rules for this event are as follows: all weapons must be blunted, all competitors will begin mounted but once you dismount your horse will be taken from the field and you may not remount. To be eliminated one must either yield or be deemed unable to continue, the final man standing will will be crowned champion. The melee shall begin when this horn is blown," the herald pointed out a horn held by a steward at his side, he then turned to the competitors, "Do you understand these rules and agree with them?"

"Aye," Robert and the others called out, Benjen watched as the warriors all shifted slightly and gripped their weapons of choice preparing to surge forward at the sound of the horn. The Herald motioned for the horn to be blown. The steward raised the horn to his lips and blew one long note.

Shouts rose from the warriors and crowd alike. Benjen watched as Robert knocked a man a knight with a house Redfort sigil on his Shield. Chaos reigned supreme as knights who were knocked from their horses continued fighting on foot. There were loud cheers from onlookers and Benjen quickly caught sight of the source of their excitement. Ser Arthur Dayne had fallen from his horse and been rushed by four knights also on foot, three were still standing as the kingsguard had dispatched one already. The three still standing attacked as one. Ser Arthur stepped between two and out of reach of the third. He blocked ones strike with his shield and parried the others with his sword. Ser Arthur followed up his parry with a hard blow to the side of the helm of one of the knights who instantaneously collapsed unconscious. Ser Arthur made quick work of the final two.

Benjen watched it all transpire with his mouth agape. The sword of the morning surpassed all of Benjen's expectations. Benjen turned his attention back to the only man who seemed capable of facing off with the Sword of the Morning. Robert was one of the few still mounted, and he was leaving a wake of unconscious knights behind him each time he charged into the fray. Benjen looked on as Robert's warhammer crushed the shoulder of another mounted knight. The knight fell to the ground with a cry of pain clutching his limp arm.

Ser Arthur and Robert seemed content to avoid each other choosing to thin the field rather than face each other right away. Eventually there was no one else for them to challenge. Robert had managed to stay mounted throughout the melee giving him a huge advantage, yet Benjen was unsure whether it would be enough to defeat the legendary knight he was facing.

Robert charged but Ser Arthur rolled to Robert's left so the Robert could not land a blow with his hammer in his right hand. Robert charged twice more and twice more Serious Arthur dodged to Robert's left. Robert approached once more this time at a cautious pace make sure to keep Arthur on his right. Arthur tried to circle in front of Robert's horse but Robert pulled back hard on his reins causing his steed to rear up and strike out with it's hoofs. Arthur quickly dodged to the side but was still dealt a glancing blow by causing him to stumble. Robert tried to press his advantage with a mighty blow of his hammer but Arthur managed to recover enough to deflect the blow at the last second. He then scampered back out of Robert's range again.

Benjen was quite surprised when Robert, apparently fed up with Arthur's stalling tactics, dismounted his horse to fight on foot. It was a poor choice in Benjen's opinion facing the Sword of the Morning on his terms, but the crowd seemed to love it cheering loudly. Robert stalked forward hammer ready to strike at a moment's notice. The final two nights began to circle one another neither seeming willing to make the first move. With all the speed of a viper Arthur thrust his sword for the gap under Robert's right arm. Robert blocked the strike with his shield before responding with a strike from his hammer but Arthur merely avoided it. The two continued to test each other trading a quick flurry of blows then withdrawing.

Many onlookers grew impatient calling out for action jeering the two for 'dancing' with each other. Benjen rolled his eyes at this, before them was a fight between highly skilled warriors any mistake could cost the fight and neither was willing to make it. Arthur must have seen something he liked as he went on the attack driving Robert back a few paces, but Robert's defense was solid not allowing Arthur to land a single blow. On one strike Arthur seemed to overstep, Robert quickly tried to capitalize with a heavy blow but Arthur was ready for it. The Sword of the Morning stepped inside of the swing before delivering a heavy backhand blow to Robert's helm knocking loose one of the antlers in the process. Robert staggered slightly but remained standing.

Ser Arthur continued his attack and Benjen noticed that Robert's defense was getting sloppy the blow to his head must have done some damage. Still Robert fought on refusing to yield, Robert even managed to go on the attack for a bit. It all ended suddenly however when Ser Arthur landed a heavy blow on Robert's knee making it bend at an awkward angle. Robert grunted in agony as he fell to his knees and dropped his hammer, "I yield," he acquiesced bitterly.

Cheers were heard from Ser Arthur Dayne's supporters and groans from those in favor of Robert, Benjen was merely thrilled to have witnessed such a great fight. He saw Ser Arthur wander over to the broken antler and pick it up he walked over to Robert, "I would like to keep this as a token of this great fight if that is alright with you," Ser Arthur Dayne asked.

"I could give a rat's arse whether you keep that antler, just help me hobble over to the maesters," Robert answered. Ser Arthur leaned over so Robert could help him hobble over to we're a maester was standing by looking over those injured during the melee.

Benjen's attention was drawn towards Lord Whent's box, The host of the tourney had risen and was about to address those in attendance, "Lords and Ladies a round of applause for our brave fighters in this melee," polite clapping could be heard throughout the crowd, "Most importantly let us congratulate our champion Ser Arthur Dayne." Lord Whent paused to let the applause die down, "Tonight we will be feasting in his honor thanks to the patronage of the Crown Prince Rhaegar," more cheers this time for Rhaegar.

"There has been so many feasts I am almost getting tired of them," Benjen quipped to Ned, "not that you share my sentiment I am sure."

"I am sure I do not know what you are talking about," Ned insisted.

"No there is not a certain Dornish woman who had caught your eye during this tourney? Whose brother was just the champion of the melee if I recall."

Ned gave Benjen a withering look, "I am beginning to understand how you ended up drenched in wine at the opening feast." With the melee finished Benjen and Ned exited the stands intending to check in on Robert. The brothers found Robert on a table being examined by a maester and drinking heavily from a wineskin. "It is a bit early for that," Ned said as he snatched the skin from Robert's hands.

"It bloody well is not have you seen my knee, Ned," Benjen winced at the sight of the swollen knee.

"How long you be bedridden," Benjen asked Robert.

"The maester said it looks worse than it is I will need a cane for about a month but I will be able to move about once the swelling goes down. It is a shame though I almost had Ser Arthur Dayne he was lucky he managed to deflect my blow before he rung my bell." Robert remarked of his fight.

"I disagree," Ned argued, "It seemed to me that he baited you into that last attack, counting on you to overextend yourself with your counter." Robert frowned at Ned's point, "You are a great warrior Robert, but I am afraid the Sword of the Morning is still superior."

"Hmph," Robert grunted, "He is just lucky I will not be able to compete in as many tourneys anymore."

Benjen was confused by the pessimistic statement, "You told us the maester said you would be fine in about a month, why would you not be able to continue to compete?" Ned elbowed Benjen who gave him a confused look.

"Leave him be there is no harm in telling him Ned, the whole realm will know soon enough." Robert took a deep breath, "Both my father and mother perished in a shipwreck just a week ago. I will be too busy with my duties to travel the realm competing in melees."

Benjen had the wherewithal to look embarrassed by his intrusiveness, "I am so sorry for your loss."

"I suppose I should consider myself fortunate I was not too close to them, spending most of my childhood in the Eyrie and all. They were still my parents and I will still miss them however, I'll have to be heading back as soon as the tourney is over to take my seat. This marks the end of my travelling to every possible tourney," Robert looked deep in thought.

"It will not be long until we are visiting you in Storm's end for your marriage to Lyanna," Benjen commented hoping to draw draw Robert from his melancholic thoughts.

"How did your talk with her last night go?" Ned inquired.

"What talk?" Robert responded.

"I encouraged her to talk to have a real conversation with you last night," Ned informed them, "she was having doubts about being being married to a man she hardly knew and I told her the only way to remedy that was to get to know you."

Robert did not meet their eyes, "I must have missed her I retired early last night," Robert answered evasively.

Benjen noticed the suspicious look Ned gave at the answer, "Benjen and I should be going we need to get ready for tonight's feast. Will you be attending."

"I believe the the maester wishes me confined to my tent at least for tonight, I will see you both tomorrow at the joust."

"Get better Robert," Benjen said before bidding him farewell and following Ned back to their tents.

AN: well that wraps up chapter 8. Chapter 9 is the final one at Harrenhal and it is from good ol ned's perspective. Please tell me what you like and dislike or comment any questions you might have I hope you all enjoyed.