Oaths of Honor

Jon.

Jon followed her to her rooms Ghost walking closely beside him, she wished to speak some more to him and he to her after what she'd said in the crypts. However when they arrived at her rooms he found they were not alone, sitting up at the edge of her bed dressed in his night clothes was Hodor and he was clearly agitated as he sat there shaking and trembling.

"Hodor, Hodor." he said when he saw Nan.

"Oh my poor boy, here drink this." Nan said grabbing some water.

"Hodor." the giant man said as he took the mug from her.

Jon watched on as she comforted him, he was never really sure of their relationship, grandson, great grandson, great great grandson. To figure out which it was you'd need to figure out just how old Nan herself was and that was a mystery that no one knew the truth of. Eventually Hodor calmed down and looked up at Jon and smiled before saying that one word that he always did, Jon though had for some reason always understood him well.

"Hodor." he said with a smile which Jon returned.

"It's good to see you too Hodor."

"Walder." Nan said.

"What?"

"His name is Walder not Hodor, I want you to help him Jon Snow, only you can."

"Help him, how?"

"As you do with Ghost, you must do with Walder." Nan said looking curiously at him.

Jon looked at the woman as if she was crazy, which at times over the years he had no doubt a lot of people had probably thought she was, but there was no sign of it in her eyes as she looked back at him, far from it. Jon had never seen the woman look more alert than she did right now, she looked different to him. At first he had put it down to his memory of her playing tricks on him, but now as he really examined her she looked almost, younger.

"I can't do that with a person." Jon said.

"Who says you can't, you have a gift given to you by the old gods themselves, you think they put limits on their gifts Jon Snow?"

"I don't..I mean, but a person?"

"Is no different than a wolf or have you learned nothing when you run through the woods as Ghost, you can do this Jon. I've been waiting since the day your uncle left for the Vale for you to come and help my boy."

Despite his reluctance to believe what the woman was saying, despite his own disbelief that this was even possible and despite the thoughts of the wrongness of what he was about to do. Jon felt Ghost come beside him and as he ran his hand through the wolf's fur he realized that he'd already decided to help. He looked at Hodor/Walder and could see something he had never noticed before, pain, there was pain in his eyes and Jon felt ashamed he'd never thought the man capable of such a thing.

"I'll try."

"Do or do not, there is no try." Nan said.

Jon nodded and reached his hand out to Walder who was clearly just as nervous as he was. He looked to Ghost who walked over and Jon took Walder's hand and placed it on the wolf's head, watching on as he stroked the fur looking happy as he did so. When he saw him calm down Jon walked over and grabbed a chair and placed it in front of the bed, sitting down on it he closed his eyes and reached out to form the connection. He immediately found Ghost but that was all he could see in the room, so he moved further away rising from the room, out into the keep and then outside the keep itself.

Before he could get his bearings he was in a raven and so he flew over the broken tower, over the Bell tower and into the Godswood. Rhe Heart Tree was standing out like a beacon, with everything else around it paling into insignificance, so he flew towards it and landed in it's branches. Above him on a different branch stood another raven and as he looked at it he saw it had three eyes, he cawed loudly at it and it stood still, before he took off and flew towards it, forcing it to fly off.

He chased after it flying back over the towers, over the courtyard and out of the grounds of Winterfell cawing at it as it flew off to the north, he flew back in and looked down on the castle and saw Ghost beside a larger brighter figure. So he flew closer and the light grew stronger until suddenly it was gone and he was in a cave full of roots and tunnels.

He was no longer a raven though and as he reached out he saw he had arms, hands, he was a man, he touched the side of the tunnels and began to walk, as he did so he heard sobbing coming from far ahead of him.

Running now the sobbing growing louder and louder he came eventually to a dead end, in front of him stood a closed door and he walked to it before pushing it open, sitting on the ground on the other side he found a crying boy. Though boy was a loose term, the child was at least twice his own size, he looked at the boy and reached his hand out to touch him, feeling the need to wipe his tears away.

" Help me." the boy said.

" I will."

" I don't want to, don't let them make me."

" Make you?"

" I don't want to."

" What don't you want do?"

" I don't want to hold the door, don't let them make me please." the boy said and looked up at him.

" Walder?" Jon said recognizing some of his features.

" Are you the white wolf?"

"Aye, how did you know?"

"She told me of you, of the white wolf, that you'd come for me if I was ever scared, but you never did." Walder said crying more now.

"I'm sorry, I'm here now, come with me, I'll take you home."

"I can't, they won't let me, I have to hold the door."

"No, you don't."

"I do, as long as the door is there, I'll have to hold it."

Jon felt his eyes close and reached out to hold Walder's hand, he could feel her in the distance, flying towards him her speed was far greater than it had ever been before.

"Step back." he said to Walder as he closed the door and moved them both to one side.

She landed in front of them and he looked at her purple eyes and then to the door.

"Dracarys." he said as the flames burned the door away to nothing but ash.

"Walder it's time to go home." he said as he led the boy to climb on the back of the dragon.

"Sovegon" he said as the white dragon unfurled her blue wings and took to the air.

Waking up the next morning Jon was certain he'd had the oddest dream the night before, his head throbbed terribly though and as he stood up he almost keeled over, he staggered to his table and quickly swallowed some water. He washed himself before quickly dressing and looked around to see Ghost laying on the floor looking at him, nodding to the wolf they left the room, he really needed to break his fast. As he entered the hall he found he was either really early or really late and he wasn't sure which, there was food available though, so he sat down and after feeding Ghost he looked up to see his sisters arrive.

"Jon are you feeling well?" Sansa said worriedly.

"What, oh I'm fine, why?"

"Your nose Jon, it's bleeding." his sister said and Jon looked down to see his tunic was covered in blood drops.

"It's nothing to worry about little sister, it happens sometimes." Jon said as reassuringly as he could while taking the offered handkerchief from Sansa.

"Will you make my bow today." Arya said while biting into a sausage.

"Arya, can't you see he's hurt." Sansa said shaking her head.

"He said he was fine, you are aren't you?" Arya said looking at him with concern, before he mussed her hair and smiled at her.

"Aye, I'm fine little wolf."

Jon looked up then as Walder entered the hall grabbing a meal and moving to a table at the back, he couldn't let him go though he needed to know if he had only been dreaming last night.

"Walder, come sit with us." he shouted to looks of confusion from Sansa and Arya and some of the others in the hall.

"Who's Walder?" Arya asked as the man in question moved towards them.

"Jon that's Hodor silly." Sansa giggled.

"Good morning Jon." Walder said as he sat down, both his sisters looking at the man in shock while Jon smiled at the realization that last night had actually happened.

Sansa

After breaking her fast and eventually getting over the shock that Hodor was actually called Walder and far from being the simpleton everyone thought he was, instead the man was actually quite sweet and clever. Sansa had insisted Jon be checked out by the Maester and she and Arya had gone to their lessons with the septa. She had hoped Lady Meera would join her the girl having seemingly recovered from her illness, but she had told her and Arya that she was of the north and the north didn't suffer Septas.

Arya had laughed loudly at that and had said since she was of the north then she shouldn't have to suffer Septa's either, but Sansa had insisted she come to her lesson with her. The truth though was neither of them wished to be having lessons today, spending time with her brother and his friend yesterday had been the most fun she'd had since she could ever remember. Both Jon and Loras had not only been chivalrous and kind but they both seemed to enjoy spending time with her and Arya, something Robb never did.

"Lady Sansa, what are you sewing." Septa Mordane asked and Sansa stopped her daydreaming to answer.

"A handkerchief for my brother Jon." Sansa said looking down to fabric she'd picked to design a white wolf on for her brother.

"You shouldn't make things for that boy Lady Sansa." the Septa said shaking her head disapprovingly at her.

"That boy as you call him is my brother Jon and I'll make him whatever I chose Septa." Sansa said loudly and ignored the giggle from Arya beside her.

"He's you half brother Lady Sansa."

"Really he looks like a full brother to me." Arya said and this time it was Sansa who giggled.

"Lady Arya." the septa said annoyed.

Both girls couldn't help but laugh now and the septa stormed from the room leaving them to their own devices, which meant that within seconds Arya was up and heading for the door. Sansa was surprised though when her sister looked back at her.

"Coming?" Arya asked and Sansa couldn't help but follow.

They made their way to the training yard and saw Theon and Robb sparring, both boys showing off as they did so, soon they were joined by Jojen and Meera and Sansa welcomed the chance to speak to them.

"Lady Meera, Lord Jojen." she said politely.

"Its just Meera, Lady Sansa."

"I'm Arya," her sister said looking at the spear Meera was spinning in her hands.

"Are Jon and Loras not with you?" Jojen asked.

"Jon was bleeding from the nose earlier, so he went to see Maester Luwin, I've not seen Lord Loras yet." Sansa said

"Here they are now" Arya said running to and being caught and spun by her brother as he and Loras walked towards them.

"Lady Sansa." Loras said as he reached them first, since Jon was still spinning Arya, though it was slower now.

"Lord Loras." Sansa said softly "Jon how are you feeling," she added when Jon and Arya stopped playing with each other.

"I'm good little sister, told you nothing to worry about."

"Meera, you feeling better?" Jon asked.

"Aye, so good I came for a spar. I believe you owe me one." Meera said cheekily and Arya looked at her in disbelief.

"You spar?" Arya said.

"Aye, Meera is really good too." Loras said with a nod which Meera returned.

"So Jon you ready?"

"Aye but only if you promise to go easy on me." Jon said with a smile while Meera shook her head.

"What's that asking a girl to go easy on you Snow, I thought you competed in tourneys." the loud voice of her other brother shouted from where he and Theon had been listening.

"How many tourneys have you competed it in Lord Robb, oh yeah that's right none isn't it?" Loras said to giggles.

"Yes but if they're easy enough for Snow to win, then Robb would have won more than two." Theon said laughing.

"So what do you say Snow, feel up to a spar?" Robb asked.

She shook her head at Jon as she didn't want to see them fight, Robb though just smirked as Jon walked over to her. When he whispered in her ear "Don't worry little sister, I've no intention of fighting with him." she smiled back at him in relief

"Not today Robb." Jon said to her brother.

"See it's true what they say Robb, bastards are cowardly by nature." Theon said and both he and her brother started laughing.

"As opposed to the Iron Born whose bravery is known throughout the realm." Sansa said sarcastically and apart from Theon and Robb everyone laughed.

"Why you little bitch." Theon said taking a step forward threateningly.

Sansa had not seen anyone move as quick as Jon did right then, Loras moved in front of her so she didn't quite see what happened, but when she looked Theon was on the ground and Jon was moving back towards them grabbing his tourney sword from Arya who had picked it up.

"Fine you want a spar, I'll give you a spar, which of you is first." Jon said angrily.

"Jon please," Sansa said and Loras leant down to whisper to her. "Let him do this Sansa." so she looked to her brother and nodded.

"What's that your bravery left you both, I said which of you is first." Jon said pacing quickly.

After that Theon stood up and stormed over to grab a tourney sword and Sansa looked on as more people arrived, she saw Lord Jaime arrive with some guards and looked up to the walkway to see her father looking down while her mother joined him.

"Enough." her father shouted.

"NO." Jon shouted back up "They wanted a spar so let them have one, or is honor just a word here Lord Stark."

Sansa looked on in shock, no one had spoken to her father that way, she saw her mother say something to her father and then saw him nod before looking down.

"Fine, but this will be done properly, Ser Rodrik, prepare them correctly."

She looked on as the old knight took Robb and Theon to one side and Jon walked towards her, his anger almost completely gone now.

"I'm sorry little sister, he insulted you, I'll not have it." Jon said.

"I don't want anyone hurt over me." she said softly.

"I won't hurt them Sansa, but they need to be thought a lesson, both of them, Robb shouldn't allow him speak like that about you either."

He leaned in and hugged her and she felt almost on the verge of tears as he held her, he seemed to sense it though and didn't let her go for a few moments and when he did he smiled at her and she felt a little better. It took Ser Rodrik a few more minutes and when he returned with Robb and Theon they were wearing helms and some protective padding on their chests, the knight walked over to Jon and bid him to do the same but he just shook his head. Ser Rodrik then looked to her father who nodded while her mother stood beside him with a look she couldn't place.

"Fine as you wish Snow, Theon you're up first." Rodrik said.

She watched as Theon stood waiting for Jon and looked around to see Lord Jaime smirking while looking up at her father and Meera and Arya petting Ghost while watching on eagerly. Jojen looked on with an almost bored expression while Loras stood there gripping his own tourney sword in his hands. When Jon stood facing Theon she almost winced when she saw how much bigger he was than her brother, he was at least a head taller and though slim he was certainly heavier.

"This won't last long." Loras said and she frowned her forehead creased in worry.

"He won't hurt Jon will he?" she asked and Loras laughed.

"Sansa, he won't even see him." he said and she looked over at them when Ser Rodrk gave the signal.

Theon swung heavily and then it seemed like everything slowed down for her, she saw the sword come towards Jon's head and she couldn't see how he couldn't be hit and then he wasn't there. Instead he was behind Theon and she heard the sword hit against his back and a moment later Theon was on the ground, she looked around and saw the amazement on some of the faces, Jory Cassel was laughing as he watched the spar.

"Yield." she heard Jon say and as she looked back she saw he was kneeling on Theon's chest with his sword placed on his neck.

"Yield." Jon said louder now.

"No." Theon coughed as Jon moved his knee.

"It's done Snow, you won." Rodrik said as Robb looked on nervously.

Jon got up off Theon and moved back waiting for Robb to step forward, she looked up at her father to see him looking both prideful and nervous, her mother was speaking agitatedly to him while he shook his head. Eventually Robb held his sword and moved to face Jon, this time though it wasn't quick. Jon instead just avoided Robb's swings and every so often would line his sword up to where it would be a certain hit but he would not follow through on any of them.

She watched as he gracefully moved out of the way when Robb swung to the left, his sword missing while Jon's was pointed at his neck, as he ducked when Robb aimed for his head while Jon's sword ended up pointed at his chest. Jon was performing a dance while Robb was struggling to swing his sword, not once did Robb manage to come close to hitting Jon and not once did Jon attempt to follow through and hit Robb.

"Why doesn't he finish it." Arya said and Meera laughed.

"It was over before it started." Jojen said and Sansa couldn't help but agree.

But Jon still didn't finish, not once did he hit Robb, the end came when her other brother fell to his knees exhausted and she looked on as Jon held his sword to Robb's neck, just barely touching his skin.

"Yield?" Jon asked .

"Aye, I yield." Robb said breathlessly.

Jon nodded and offered his hand to Robb to help him up and she was surprised to see him accept it, though she was happy her two brothers hadn't hurt each other. When it was done and the crowd started to walk away from the yard Meera stepped forward.

"You still owe me a spar you know." Meera said and Sansa joined the others as they laughed.

"I do indeed, shall we." Jon said.

"Jon may I speak with you." she heard her fathers voice from the walkway.

"Of course my lord, perhaps we could go to the Godswood?" Jon asked frowning.

"Aye, I'll see you there in a few moments." her father answered and she noticed that her mother was no longer beside him.

"It seems we must wait another day Meera." Jon said with s smirk.

"I'm beginning to think you fear me Jon Snow." Meera said and Arya laughed.

"Of course I do, I've seen you fight remember." Jon said and turned to walk away Ghost following even though she hadn't heard him call the wolf.

Ned.

Watching Jon spar was a shock, Jaime hadn't been lying, Ned hadn't seen such a natural swordsman since Ser Arthur Dayne. Watching him dismantle Theon had been one thing but how he'd shown Robb up was another, Cat had been beyond furious and had stormed past him with a thunderous look on her face. He was glad at least to see his boys shake hands at the end, but for the life of him he couldn't understand what had gotten into Jon to make him want fight his brother that way.

When he had arrived something had clearly just occurred, had someone insulted Jon? made a comment about his birth? His mother? Whatever it was they'd clearly enraged the boy and yet he was calm when he called up to him and called him out for honor. What did he mean by that? Had this something to do with Kings Landing, wasn't honor questioned there too?.

He needed to speak to him and was pleased Jon had chosen to do so in the Godswood. He had hoped his boy still stuck to their gods, hoped that he still kept to the old way. Going south had changed Jon in a lot of ways, he was more confident and carried himself differently, but he hoped more than anything the boy he raised was still in there somewhere. Seeing him adhere to the old gods he knew that he was and so he walked to the godswood to speak to his son.

Arriving there he smiled at the sight, Jon was knelt down on one knee, his hand resting on the tree, Ned stood still for a moment and waited until he'd finished his prayer before moving towards him. He could see the white wolf looking at him warily and when Jon turned around he thought for the briefest moment his eyes were a different color but when he blinked he could see the familiar grey.

"Lord Stark." Jon said and he felt his heart tighten, it had been one thing yesterday to speak so formally, but here in this sacred place there was no need for it.

"You can call me father when we're alone Jon." he said smiling.

"Why would I do that uncle." Jon said.

Ned felt his world spin out of his control, he knew, Jon knew, how, was it Jaime? Or had it been Howland? He had arrived with his children had his old friend gone against the oath he'd sworn, no it seemed unlikely, it was the Lannister. He should have guessed, he had been a fool to think the fallen knight would be content with waiting until Jon was older, until the danger to him had passed.

"Jon I.." Ned stumbled through his words.

"What's wrong uncle, Cat got your tongue." Jon said.

"How did you, why did Lannister tell you?" Ned said.

"Why? why? because it's my right to know who I am, is it not, it's my right to know who my mother was, who my father was, but then again why would you care about my rights." Jon said angrily.

"I've always cared for you Jon." Ned said.

"Have you cared for me or more about your friend who sits on my throne?"

"Robert won.."

"Robert stole, gods, even now here in this sacred place, you'd still pick him over me if given the choice."

"Jon, I."

"No uncle, not now, not yet, pray to the gods for guidance uncle, you'll need it."

"What do you mean?" Ned asked."

"We'll talk later when I'm calmer, but right now you've bigger worries than me."

"I don't understand." Ned said.

"No you really don't do you, I've been here a day and I can understand it better than you, gods she was right the wolves really have left this place."

"She was right, who, what are you talking about Jon, what wolves?" Ned wasn't just confused, now he was completely lost, this wasn't the conversation he expected to have right now.

"Your son is a fucking disappointment have you any idea what people think of Robb?" Jon said loudly.

"Robb, what about my son." Ned said anger rising in his own voice now.

"You've allowed him become arrogant, cocky, he spends all his time with an Iron Born, a fucking Iron Born, here in the heart of the north, do you want to know? Do you even care what that spar was about uncle?"

"What?"

"That fucking squid hostage called my sister a bitch and made a move to actually strike her and your son stood by and did nothing, not a damn thing, Yesterday he practically threw the gift I'd brought him back in my face and since I've been here they've both spent their time sniggering and laughing at me, while disrespecting Loras, Meera and Jojen,"

"I didn't know." Ned said shaking his head,

"That's the problem uncle," Jon said as he began to move away.

"What happened in Kings Landing?"

"Didn't your wife already tell you, I'm sure her brother has sent her ravens by now?"

"Tell me." Ned said determinedly.

"Your Goodbrother got drunk and took it upon himself to insult my mother, your sister. He called her a whore, said my father must have found her in a brothel, when I spoke back to him he tried to strike me not once but twice falling on his arse each time. I left it at that, but then he decided to insult Jaime and my mother again before then demanding that I apologize, so I told him some truths which he did not like and I left."

"What truths?" Ned asked worried about the reply,

"About his house and their actions." Jon said shaking his head.

"What happened next, how did you end up jousting him?"

"Oh that part was down to both your Goodbrother and foster father and the fact that I didn't wish to allow them to maim me for hurt pride and to make a damn point."

Wait, what? Maim. What did he mean by maim and what was Jon Arryn's part in this, he had heard none of this.

"What happened Jon?" he asked.

"They held a trial, Edmure lied and Jon Arryn backed him up, originally they tried to do it without the king noticing, but surprisingly for some reason Robert was sober enough to attend. So they couldn't just sentence me without evidence, in the end despite the fact I had done nothing wrong, they demanded I apologize, I mean I'm a bastard after all right." Jon said accusingly.

"Jon I'm." Ned stuttered.

"Don't say it." Jon said lowering his head before looking back at him "Anyway I refused when Edmure wouldn't apologize for what he said about my mother and father. So I asked for and received an honor duel with the loser to apologize and despite you no doubt hearing I in some way tricked your Goodbrother as bastards are wont to do. I beat him and guess what Uncle? Why it seems trueborns don't hold to their honor either, as Edmure refused to apologize to me, though I did eventually get him to apologize to my mother and father, now if that's all uncle."

"Jon we need to speak."

"Aye, we do, but you need to think uncle about quite a lot of things, we'll meet on the morrow."

Ned watched as his nephew walked away the Direwolf walking alongside him, his mind full of the revelations he'd just been hit with, had he failed his family even more than he'd thought. If what Jon said was true he had, his son not standing up for his sister. His ward, no dammit he was a hostage, Jon was right about that, had he been blind to it all? He would need to speak with his children and see what was going on in his home, the wolves have left, what did she mean? who was she? Lyanna, was he speaking of his sister?.

What had happened in Kings Landing, if what Jon was saying was the truth not only had Edmure not told the full story but Jon Arryn had never sent him a raven telling him anything either. They had tried to maim him, could that be true? Surely Jon Arryn wouldn't countenance such a thing. Could Jon be lying? He was angry at him could he have made it up? No he wouldn't, would he?. Ned needed to speak to those who were there with him, Lady Dacey, the Smalljon, they'd be here soon for the wedding, he would talk to them then.

As for the rest, he didn't even know where to begin, Jon knew, he knew the truth, was he staking his claim? It seemed so, what was he to do? The brother he chose or the boy that was his blood. He knelt down and reached his hand against the tree and began to pray, hoping his gods could guide him.

Jaime.

He waited for Jon outside the gates to the godswood, Loras had moved to come to join him but he nodded for him to stay with Jon's sisters. So he had stood alone although Jors and Alyrs were standing just a little ways off as he had instructed them to guard Jon more discreetly until he had spoken to Ned Stark. He had arrived in the yard just in time to see Jon demand to spar with his brother and the squid, when he'd seen how angry he was he feared for them both, but Jon had instead put on an exhibition of quiet rage.

He had dismantled the squid in the blink of an eye, what he did to his brother though was far worse, he embarrassed the boy, showed him just how far below him he really was in terms of skill, it actually reminded Jaime a little of himself. Years earlier someone had called his brother a demon monkey while he was in the sparring yard, Jaime had been infuriated and had proceeded to give the boy a lesson he'd never forget. What he'd seen Jon do here was pretty much the same thing so he knew just how angry he had been, he just needed to know the source of that anger.

When Ned called to speak to Jon he had hoped he'd deny him the opportunity and that he could speak to him first, but Jon had come here to this Godswood and his uncle had followed and so he had waited. He breathed a sigh of relief at the sight of Jon and Ghost as they walked towards the gate, Jon didn't look angry or agitated and more importantly he could sense no sadness in the features of his king.

"Are you all right?

"Aye, but I need a ride, care to join me?"

"Sure why not, I'm sure Honor would enjoy a run out, I'm not racing you though." Jaime japed and was pleased at the laugh he got in return.

"No, we wouldn't want to do that again, would we, besides one bear attack is more than enough for one trip."

Jaime smirked as he and Jon walked to the stables, when Loras saw them he came over, telling Jon's sisters to wait though neither listened and so they along with Meera and Jojen walked over to speak with them.

"Everything all right?" Loras asked looking at Jon and then Jaime.

"Aye, Lord Jaime and I were going for a ride, you coming?" Jon asked and Loras nodded.

"Can I come?" Arya asked.

"Not this time little wolf, perhaps another." Jon said smiling at her before looking to Meera when he saw the frown on his sisters face.

"Arya why don't you come with me and I'll show you how to use a spear." Meera said and Arya's frown was soon replaced with vigorous nodding.

"Are you sure you're all right Jon." Sansa asked softly.

"Aye, I'm good little sister, I'll be back in a little bit, is there anything you'd like to do when i return?"

"Ehmm, I don't know, could you teach me how to draw?" she asked looking at him doubtfully.

"Aye if that's what you want." Jon said and Sansa gave him a full smile.

After saying goodbye to the girls and to Jojen who wasn't the best horseman and so had declined the offer to join them, they made their way to the stables and readied their horses. After speaking with the stable master and after Jon had spoken quietly with the giant boy who seemed to help out everywhere, they saddled up and set off. As they passed Ned Stark on their way out the gate the man looked at them firstly with a hint of worry before Jon told him they were just heading off for a short ride. He asked to give him time to ready some guards but they had more than enough so he reluctantly let them be.

Wintertown was a small little village and Jaime found the place depressing, something that Jon also did giving the looks he was given the buildings and the main square, shaking his head over and over at something which displeased him.

"What are you thinking Jon?" he asked.

"This town, look at it, it's like no one's done anything to it in years, it's just been left like this, it wouldn't even take much." Jon said and he couldn't help but agree.

"Why don't they do more with it?" Loras asked.

"It's only ever full during the winters, so the rest of the time it's not worth it is the thinking. But if it was better maintained, if there was some work done." Jon sighed.

As they rode through the town people looked on curiously, Jon was riding Winter almost casually while matching him stride by stride was Ghost, it must look an imposing sight to those not on horseback Jaime thought. Until he'd come north he had no idea of how Direwolves were seen here, at the rock Ghost was almost part of the furniture, he'd been there since he was a pup and despite how huge he was people still in some ways saw him as one. In Lannisport the sight of Jon and Ghost was as familiar now as that of the pinnacle ships and so no one paid them much mind.

But here, in the north in the home of the wolves, Direwolves were mythical creatures and to see one tamely walk beside a Stark meant more. It was a symbol, a living breathing representation of their sigil and Jon was the first to have one in generations. Jaime couldn't help but smirk at the thoughts of the other symbol Jon may have soon, if the wolf was impressive, what would people think of a dragon.

It didn't take them long to leave the town behind and when they did Jon nodded and they set off at pace. The open fields soon gave way to the darkness of the woods in front of them and Jaime watched on as Ghost looked up to Jon before he raced ahead of them, even Winter wasn't able to keep up with the wolf in full flight. They slowed down when entering the woods and he watched as Jon took them along a slightly overgrown path before they came to a small little pond and dismounted. Jon nodded to him to follow and he bid the guards to stay while he and Loras walked to a set of rocks set up as seats and sat down.

"I told my uncle that I know." Jon said as he sat down.

"What did he say?" Jaime asked eagerly.

"We didn't really discuss it more, I wasn't in the right frame of mind, besides he needs to get his own house in order first."

"What do you mean?" Loras asked.

"You saw it today Loras, how the squid behaves, how he strolls around here like he owns the place, if you were one of my uncles bannermen how would you take that?

As for Robb, all the time we've been north I've wanted news of my brother and every time people would change the subject and it wasn't until we got here ourselves that I could see why. But despite how he acts, despite the squid, it's the..how could you not stand up for your sister?" Jon said sadly.

"I don't know Jon." Loras said.

"If it was Margaery and It was I, what would you have done if I'd said that about her?" Jon asked,

"You wouldn't though Jon, you're nothing like him." Loras said.

"Aye, but if I was, if I did?"

"Then I'd knock you on your damn arse." Loras said and Jon laughed while nodding in agreement.

So that was what had happened, the Iron Born had said something or did something to Jon's sister and Robb had just stood there, no wonder he'd been so angry, but this was now the second time he'd let his anger get the best of him. He had done it with the Umbers and now with his brother and the Iron Born, this wasn't good, Jon wasn't an angry boy and should he not be able to control this it could lead to problems later.

"Jon you shouldn't let yourself get so worked up." Jaime said

"I know, I know, it's just.."

"It's what Jon."

"Rhaenys." Jon said under his breath.

"What about her?" Jaime asked.

"I wasn't there for her, I should have been there for her, but I wasn't, I won't… not for anyone else, I won't allow it." Jon said and Jaime stood up and walked over to him before sitting down beside him.

"Jon, I.." but he couldn't find he words, his own guilt over Jon's sister stopping him so instead he placed his arm around Jon's shoulder and let him lean in against him, he could feel him trying to reign his emotions in and after a while it seemed he had.

"I told my uncle about Kings Landing, he didn't seem to know about the trial." Jon said his voice showing his doubt.

"I'm not surprised." Jaime said and Jon looked at him.

"My lord?"

"Well I doubt the trout told him and no way did Jon Arryn."

"Why wouldn't Jon Arryn tell him?" Loras asked.

"What would he have told him, not the truth. So then he'd have needed to lie, but there were witnesses, people saw what happened, so the truth could have gotten back to Jon's uncle, there's no way Jon Arryn is that foolish, so instead he just said nothing and hoped the news wouldn't reach him." Jaime said and he could see Jon nod.

"Do you think your uncle will back you claim?" Loras asked.

"I don't know Loras, frankly I don't care." Jon said though both he and Loras could tell he was lying.

"Why though? If he backs you then you'll have two of the kingdoms behind you and that's without those loyal to your family." Loras asked and Jaime hid his smirk, little did Loras know that by the time Jon made his claim he'd have far more support than that.

"I mean of course I want him to back me Loras, I want the north to back me, but at this point I just don't care. He either does or he doesn't. There's an old Stark saying, When the snows fall and the white winds blow, the lone wolf dies, but the pack survives."

"So he'll support you then." Loras said smiling.

"He will if he's a wolf Loras. But it won't matter if he doesn't."

"Why's that?" Loras asked.

"Because I'm not a lone wolf, I'm a dragon." Jon said and smiled.

Jon.

The ride back to Winterfell was disturbed first by Ghost who had taken out another deer and was lazing around not wishing to go back just yet and then by the rain which forced them to seek shelter in a nearby cave. Eventually though it stopped raining and Ghost who had refused to come into the cave for shelter looked miserable as he strolled beside them with his fur sodden. After arriving back and stabling the horses Jon brought Ghost to his room and lit the fire, allowing the wolf to lay down in front of it and get himself warm and dry.

It had turned out that Sansa and Arya had snuck out from their lessons earlier to go to the yard and were now being made to repeat those lessons. Loras had his own duties to take care of and the Reeds had received some ravens from their father so were busy with that. Jon had briefly saw Theon and Robb who gave him very differing looks, Theon's was a combination of his usual smug one with a dose of anger to it while Robb's seemed more subdued. So he had ended up sitting alone in his room thinking about what to do and not coming up with anything when there was a knock on his door, which he answered to find Walder standing there.

"Jon my grandmother wishes to speak to you."

"All right, how are you feeling?"

"I'm. it's different, people how they look at me, how they speak to me, Thank you. Jon." Walder smiled.

"It was your grandmother's idea." Jon said and nodded to Walder as he locked the door.

He made his way to Nan's rooms, passing Luwin on the way, the Maester had asked for a moment of his time when he was ready as he wished to speak upon some ideas he had, but as Jon had been recovering from the nose bleed they'd put it off for now. He told the man they'd speak soon and when he'd been asked about the wind wheels, Jon had promised to draw up some of the original plans he'd made of them. He had never expected to be so short of time here, yes he knew he'd speak to his uncle and he of course wished for nothing more than to spend time with his brothers and sisters, but he hoped he'd find more moments to just relax.

"Are you not coming in?" he said to Walder when they reached Nan's room.

"No, I've work to do, I'll see you later Jon." Walder said walking away.

Jon knocked at the door and waited until he was bid to enter, he could barely remember the room from the night before and as he looked around it he found it to be almost odd compared to the other rooms in Winterfell. It was bright, very bright, though the windows were no bigger than any of the others he'd seen, it was colder than most of the rooms including his own though and the furniture was even older than the furniture in the Broken Tower. Nan was sitting by the fire which though lit wasn't given off much heat and she beckoned him over to join her.

"My mother was a loyal servant of the old gods Jon Snow," Nan said before Jon had even made it halfway across the room.

"I didn't know that Nan." Jon said sitting down.

"No one did Jon Snow, for in all my years I've not told this story once and I've told many a tale as you remember." Nan laughed before continuing to speak.

"Many years ago my mother received a vision while kneeling at the Heart Tree, she would not wed, but would birth three children, two girls and a boy and each would have a part to play, though they told her not what parts they were.

A powerful man my father was and my mother fell for him deeply, though like all powerful men he had his faults which is a story for another time. When I was born I barely knew my brother and sister, they were older you see. By the time I was a girl and flowered I knew not what my life would be, then the gods who spoke to my mother spoke to me too and so it was here I was sent and here I've waited, for more years than you could even count."

"Waited?"

"Aye, for you Jon Snow, The White Wolf, The Winter Dragon, The Prince that was Promised." Nan said smiling at him.

"I don't understand." Jon said shaking his head.

"There are things we are not meant to understand until we do, I didn't understand why my boy was taken from me so young, why he was left trapped in his body while they tortured his mind. But I knew you would come and so I held true to my faith and the gods rewarded me." she smiled.

"Who tortured him, was that what he meant in the cave?"

"Aye, I suppose it is, for I know not what he told you only that they hurt my boy. You saw it last night did you not, you saw it in his eyes?"

"I saw a boy in pain."

"Indeed and you set him free." she reached out her hand and took his "I am old Jon Snow and my time is near an end, so ask that you wish to ask and when next we meet I'll show you why I've been waiting for you for all these years."

Jon's mind raced with everything Nan had said, this story was just like the many tales and stories she'd told each of them as children. Tales of the Last Hero and The Nights King, The Rat's Cook and The Ice Dragon he and Robb would huddle together while the oldest person they knew would spin her tales. But in all that time never once did he hear her speak with so much conviction, so much honesty, this tale she told was not like the others, or perhaps she simply believed it more. Despite wishing to know even more, to finding out just exactly what she meant, Jon's mind only went to one place, one story, one tale.

"Tell me of my mother." Jon said and Nan smiled as she began to speak.

"Your mother was unlike anyone I've ever met before, other than mine own. She was strong and full of passion, could be wilful and stubborn but had the kindest heart I've ever known. No doubt you've heard tell of her ability on a horse, something it seems you inherited Jon Snow.

But it wasn't just horses, your mother had an affinity with all animals, large and small, fierce and meek it mattered not. She stood up for those weaker than herself, would scratch and claw those who did her wrong, but would stand in front of a charging bear for those she cared about. Your mother was a she wolf Jon Snow and like all wolves she protected the pack first and foremost. She stood up to her father when he bullied young Ben, called out those who disrespected Ned for his quiet nature and stood toe to toe with Brandon against your grandfather when he refused them leave to live their lives for love.

Despite her own feelings she tried to go along with her father's wishes, she knew how much Ned cared for the Stag but she could never be tamed and certainly not by man who couldn't control his own selfish instincts. Wolves love fiercely Jon Snow and they love true, they also love but once and for you mother as for your uncle Brandon, they would not be forced to go against their nature and so the realm heard their howls".

"You liked her, my mother?" Jon said wiping his tear filled eyes.

"No Jon Snow, I loved your mother. Now go, the time grows late and I grow weary, we shall speak again Jon Snow, for there is much you must know before I go to meet my mother once again." Nan said and Jon got up from the chair.

As he walked to the door and got ready to leave though Nan called out to him and he turned back to see her smile and just for a second in the light he saw the woman she had been. Her hair was long and dark, her eyes sparkled and her skin was smooth and unblemished, when she saw him she smiled before the woman faded away and she was Old Nan once more.

"I thank you for my boy Jon Snow, I had feared he was lost to him forever, but your white dragon was far truer than his."

He didn't know what to make of her words and they stuck with him while he walked back to his room. When he arrived he found his sister waiting outside and the look she gave him was comical as she tried to portray fierceness.

"I did not expect you here little wolf."

"Where were you?" Arya said.

"I was talking to a friend."

"Why's your door locked?"

"To stop little wolves playing in places they shouldn't " Jon said as he reached over to muss her hair getting a giggle from her in return.

"Are you gonna get me my bow now?" Arya said and Jon couldn't stop his chuckle as she looked up at him her eyes wide.

"Would you wait until the morrow?"

"No." she said shaking her head and Jon laughed loudly.

"Well then it seems we must go see the smith, shall we." he said sticking his hand out for her to hold.

"Really, you're doing it?" Arya looked at him questioningly.

"Aye. I said I would didn't I?"

"Thank you, thank you, thank you." she said throwing her arms around him.

They met Loras and eventually Sansa on the walk to see Mikken, Sansa couldn't believe Jon was actually getting her sister a bow and Loras just laughed at the image which Arya did not take well, as Loras's pained shin was a testament to.

"Arya, you can't go around kicking Lord's in the shin."

"Why not? He was being stupid."

"Arya." Sansa said loudly.

"Nah she's right Sansa, Loras is stupid." Jon said and Arya nodded in agreement, Sansa looked ready to say something when Jon winked at her and she nodded realizing the jape.

"I suppose he is." Sansa said mockingly.

"Oh, you wound me, you all wound me so." Loras's overly exaggerated tone making them all laugh.

"Told ya." Arya said making them laugh even more.

Mikken it seemed needed to be convinced they had Lord Stark's permission to fit his youngest daughter with a bow. Jon did however get him to take measurements from Arya which at least stopped her from getting annoyed. Once they were done they headed back to the keep and went to their rooms to get ready for dinner.

Meeting up later with Loras they entered the Great Hall to find everyone in a very subdued mood, at the high table his uncle seemed lost in thought while beside him Lady Catelyn was paying more attention to her son then to anyone else. Robb and Theon barely spoke and as he sat down he could see Arya and Sansa were uncomfortable, he didn't know whether to jape or be serious such was the tension in the hall. Surprisingly the tension ended up being relieved by the unlikeliest of sources as Walder stood up and began to sing.

These rivers run too deep

With schemes of men for days that lay ahead

They sell their souls so cheap

They breed mistrust and fill my heart with dread

When did the boy become a man

And lose his life to learn

So much confusion to this plan

These times are not changing

Show me the love to keep us together

Open up your hearts don't turn me away

Comfort me through this stormy weather

From where I stand, I see a broken land

This boy has learned to fail

In times like these to cry seems so absurd

His own life's crisis pales

In the shadow of this truly dying world

These are the games we played so cruel

Our hands raised in despair

With no exception to the rule

These times are not changing

Show me the love to keep us together

Open up your hearts don't turn me away

Comfort me through this stormy weather

From where I stand, I see a broken land

Where is the love to keep us together

Open up your hearts don't turn me away

Comfort me through this stormy weather

From where I stand, I see a broken land

Jon looked around the hall to see faces look on in amazement, Sansa was smiling broadly while Arya just looked confused, he saw Walder look to him and nod before taking his seat and so he stood up and began to clap. Soon everyone else did and Walder looked embarrassed by the attention, though it was Jaime's face which stood out the most, he was sitting there with an expression of pure shock. Not caring who saw him or what anyone would say Jon got up and walked over to make sure Jaime was all right.

But before he got there Jaime had also left his seat and made his way from the hall, when Loras saw this he too got up and joined Jon as they both went outside looking for their lord. It took them a while but eventually they found him near the sparring dummies and Jon couldn't help but smile at the coincidence. A little over four years earlier he had been standing in the same place doing exactly what Jaime was doing now, hitting a dummy powerfully but with no technique whatsoever.

"Keep your chin up boy" Jon said repeating the first words that Jaime Lannister ever spoke to him.

"I'm sorry Ser, I didn't mean any offense" Jaime said and both he and Jon laughed while Loras stood there confused.

"The day we met, I was doing the same thing, that's what Lord Jaime said to me and what I replied." Jon said and Loras laughed.

"My lord is everything all right?" Jon asked.

"Aye Jon, I just, that song, I've heard it before." Jaime said shakily.

"Oh, I've not is it sung regularly somewhere?" Jon said while Loras shook his head.

"No it's not, I've only ever heard it being sung by the man who wrote it." Jaime said his voice cracking.

"Who wrote it my lord." Jon said his own voice shaky now as he looked into Jaime's eyes.

"Rhaegar Targaryen." Jaime said as Jon looked at him incredulously.