BENJEN: Is he dead yet?
[JON turns around and sees BENJEN, who gets off his horse. A smile spreads across JON's face when he sees his uncle.]
JON: Uncle Benjen!
[They hug.]
BENJEN: You got bigger! I rode all day; didn't want to leave you alone with the Lannisters. Why aren't you at the feast?
[JON looks away, frustrated.]
JON: Lady Stark thought it might insult the royal family to seat a bastard in their midst.
[BENJEN nods.]
BENJEN: Well, you're always welcome on the Wall. No bastard was ever refused a seat there.
JON: So take me with you when you go back.
BENJEN: Jon -
JON: Father will let me if you ask him, I know he will.
[Pause as BENJEN thinks about this. JON awaits his answer.]
BENJEN: The Wall isn't going anywhere.
JON: I'm ready to swear your oath.
BENJEN: You don't understand what you'd be giving up. We have no families, none of us will ever father sons -
JON interrupts.]
JON: I don't care about that.
BENJEN: You might....if you knew what it meant.
[JON looks slightly put out. BENJEN glances back at the castle when he hears the sounds of the banquet.]
BENJEN: I'd better get inside, rescue your father from his guests. We'll talk later.
[BENJEN goes to the banquet.]
TYRION: [offscreen] Your uncle's in the Night's Watch.
[JON turns around and sees TYRION finally coming back from the brothel, holding a skin of wine.]
JON: What're you doing back there?
TYRION: Preparing for a night with your family.
[He takes a swig from his skin.]
TYRION: I've always wanted to see the Wall....
JON: You're Tyrion Lannister. The Queen's brother?
TYRION: My greatest accomplishment. And you – you're Ned Stark's bastard, aren't you?
[JON looks insulted and turns away.]
TYRION: Did I offend you? Sorry. You are the bastard, though.
JON: Lord Eddard Stark is my father.
TYRION: And Lady Stark is not your mother, making you the bastard.
[JON still looks insulted.]
TYRION: Let me give you some advice, bastard: never forget what you are. The rest of the world will not. Wear it like armor, and it can never be used to hurt you.
[TYRION starts making his way towards the banquet.]
JON: What the hell do you know about being a bastard?
[TYRION turns back to face JON.]
TYRION: All dwarves are bastards in their fathers' eyes.
[TYRION departs. JON picks up his sword and attacks the dummy with new ferocity.]
Back in the banquet. NED is off to himself when GARTH and ETHAN come up to him.]
GARTH: A wolf surrounded by lions. Sounds like a gruesome battle.
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