WOLF'S BLOOD (Game of Thrones)

Three

        Osric prepared himself for the feast in silence, holding back laughter as he watched Aegon fruitlessly battle a shoe. They had begged Eddard to allow them to bring the pups to the feast, but he was steadfast when he told them that the pups would be more trouble than it was worth. Osric had to admit that he agreed. Once Aegon caught the smell of meat, it would be only a matter of time before he was tearing apart the kitchens.

        He let out a soft chuckle as he lowered, prying the shoe from Aegon's mouth. "Careful, boy," he said. "If you leave holes in this, my mother will hate both of us."

        Aegon let out a growl, pouncing at the shoe as Osric burst into laughter, shaking his head at the pup. "You're a wild little thing," he noted. "Try not to destroy my chambers while I'm gone."

        He tossed the shoe toward his bed, watching it thud uselessly to the ground. Aegon let out an excited yip, stumbling forward on unsteady legs before spurning himself into a run. He pounced and landed hard atop the shoe, barking happily before he sank his teeth into the leather. Osric shook his head once more, turning away and opening the door. A whimper escaped Aegon, who stared at him with confusion in his deep brown eyes. "I'll be back soon, boy," Osric said, turning in the doorway to look at him. "I'll even bring you a bone if you keep quiet."

        As if understanding, Aegon released the shoe, jumping up onto Osric's bed with a good deal of difficulty. He spun in a circle a few times before he settled into the furs, watching Osric closely. "Good," Osric said, and he stepped out of the room, closing the door behind him.

        It was a brief walk from his chambers to the great hall, where he found the feast already bustling with movement and filled with conversation. His mother and Queen Cersei were sat at the high table, silent and rigid in their seats. Osric almost pitied his mother, forced to sit beside the stern, proud, lion. Catelyn caught his gaze, and the pair shared a smile before Osric disappeared into the crowd. He found Robb sat with Theon, talking animatedly. He went suddenly rigid as Osric sat across from him, but he continued his conversation as if he hadn't even noticed.

        Osric reached for a pitcher of wine, pouring himself a cup full. The wine was bitter and strong, but Osric drank it still. Eddard only allowed the children one cup at feasts, but on this day, Osric knew he could drink his fill. He felt Theon's eyes on him, but he ignored the ward as best he could as he reached for a piece of bread, dunking it in his cup. "Osric," Robb said.

        His eyes snapped up to meet Robb's own blue ones. "Shall we call a truce?" Robb asked, and he started to hold his hand across the table. "Grey Wind and Aegon leave each other be, and we can still talk with each other."

        Osric started to smile at that, reaching out and clasping hands with his elder brother. "Truce," he agreed.

        "Oh, so you ladies have kissed and made up, then?" Theon spoke up. "Good. You two were acting like squabbling girls."

        The statement earned Theon a shove from Robb, though Osric laughed hollowly, trying to quiet Theon.

        Among the people, King Robert was dancing with a kitchen woman, smiling as he pulled her into a kiss. Osric shook his head. "Our King is a drunkard," he declared, and, at that, Robb gave him a pointed look.

        "Our King is my namesake and Father's closest friend," Robb said.

        "Don't you start arguing again once you've already made up," Theon stated, reaching over Robb for the pitcher of wine. "Else I'll find someplace else to sit."

        "You've no other friend, Greyjoy," Robb said. "You'll find your options are limited."

        Theon laughed at that, filling his cup. Osric noted that he didn't answer Robb. 

        Robb's eyes lifted above Osric's head, and a smile broke out on his face. Osric followed his gaze to their uncle, Benjen, who was smiling as he greeted Eddard. Both of them stood, Robb taking Osric by the arm as they made way to the front of the hall. "Uncle Benjen," Robb said, smiling as Benjen pulled him into a tight embrace.

        When he released Robb, Osric stepped toward Benjen. "Ah, hello, lad," Benjen said as Oric shook his hand, giving a nod.

        "Uncle Benjen," he said. "How's the Wall?"

        At that, Benjen chuckled. "Cold and brutal as ever. It seems Jon has an interest in joining the Watch."

        Osric straightened. "Does he?"

        Benjen shrugged. "The Wall has never turned away a bastard."

        "Father could never let him."

        "Do you truly believe that, Osric?"

        He didn't, and perhaps that was what frightened him so about Jon's idea. There would be no one to stop him from going. Osric knew that Catelyn would be more than happy to be rid of Jon. He bit harshly at his lip, lowering his voice as he looked to make sure Robb was a fair distance away. "If Jon joins the Watch, I follow."

        Benjen's icy blue eyes went wide. "Osric, act reasonably."

        "I am acting reasonably. My namesake was a man of the Watch. He became Lord Commander. Perhaps it's in my blood."

        "I told Jon to think about this, and I'll tell you the same, Osric. The Wall's a hard place. You can never take a wife or have children. You may never see your family again."

        But Osric was undaunted. "If Jon joins the Watch, I'll have him. He's family enough."

        Benjen took Osric's arm tightly, looking him in the eyes. "You're stubborn, Osric, I know that well, but think about this. Truly think, boy. Don't let one idea cloud your head until it's the only one you know."

        Osric pulled his arm away, a glare on his face as he stated, voice firm, "if Jon joins the Watch, I follow."