Fixed Chapter 1!
Arc 1, Chapter 1: When They Come,
For Fanfiction . net: So I'm back, yes I know it was a month are two, but you can't blame me, I have a family to care for… now back to the the intro. This is the first chapter of a possible story I had in mind. So if you enjoy please review and favourite. This story is a mix of both book and show.
For Archive Of Our Own: Hi, this is my first story on this website so please don't be mad if I screw up on anything. And like I said to the Fanfic readers I have a family I need to take care of, I will try to update monthly or every two months. Also how do I post a pic so there will be a in a chapter, I would like to know how because I would like to post a pic to show what something looks like because I'm terrible at describing and if you know please tell me. If you like this story please comment and Kudo.
Both: The time zone will be fucked up because I want to get everything ready for the actual story.
Disclaimer: I DON'T OWN NEITHER BOOK OR SHOW. I AM ONLY SAYING THIS ONCE.
—
Common Tongue: "Eddard Stark the Quiet Wolf"
High Valyrian: "Jon Snow the White Wolf"
Bastard Valyrian: "Robb Stark the Young Wolf"
Dothraki: "Arya Stark the Wild Wolf"
Old Tongue: "Brandon the Three-Eyed-Raven"
— = Line Break
XxxxX= Time Skip
—
Prologue: Howland Reed
—
Howland cleaned his wound when he heard footsteps coming from the Tower of Joy. When he looked up he saw his lord carrying a bundle of cloth, followed by two maids, and a wet nurse.
When Eddard Stark, got closer he noticed that his eyes were red and puffy from crying. He was about to ask what happened there, but his lord told him everything he needed to know.
"Robert's Rebellion was a lie, a complete lie. Rhaegar didn't kidnap Lya, he loved her and she loved him. I was a fool to believe anyone would love Robert. Lyanna was looking for a way out of her betrothal to Robert, and she found it in a man that would truly love her, Prince Rhaegar. So when he came to her with a deal she took it." Then Ned looked down at the bundle of cloth, and that was when Howland saw two small hands trying to grab Ned.
Then his lord continued, "In my arms, is the only living child of Rhaegar Targaryen." Ned then looked up into Howland's eyes, and with a loud voice, "You stand in the presence of King Daeron Targaryen, Third of his Name, The King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Protector of the Realm, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms."
Howland was shocked to hear all this, but before he could ask questions, they heard rattling of armour form behind Howland. When he turned around he saw Ser Arthur Dayne, getting to his feet.
Howland was going to grab his sword when Lord Stark stopped him. Arthur was struggling staying on his own two feet, the only thing that kept him up was the sword in his hand, tip in the sand.
"Lord Stark, can I see the king? Before I die, I want to see my friend's last son…" Arthur coughed then. When he looked back up he had blood going down his chin.
Ned looked like he was going to refuse, but he walked towards Ser Arthur, was going to his knees when Ned got close. Howland didn't know if he was doing it because his knees were weak or he was bowing to his King.
And when the knight went to his knees, so did Lord Stark.
Ned repositioned the babe in his arms so that the knight could see him better, and when Ser Arthur saw him he started to cry in joy that he wouldn't die without seeing his last king.
Howland got closer, and the closer he got he heard noises coming form the bundle of clothing, and when he got behind Ser Arthur, he saw Daeron trying to grab at Ser Arthur.
Ser Arthur rose his free arm, he gave the babe his pinky and the babe grabbed it and started to speak baby. Arthur laughed the whole time the king was playing with his finger. And not long after Ned joined the laughing, but it didn't last long though.
Ser Arthur started to cough again and this time it was worse than the last. Ned motioned one of the maids to take the king away. When his arms were free he helped the knight into a laying down position. Howland walked over, he went his knees beside his lord. It was quiet for a good few minutes with only noise coming from the babe.
Ser Arthur broke the silence, "Lord Stark there is a chest in the room beside the entrance," he broke off to cough, "in the chest there are documents of the princess and prince's marriage, also six dragons," another cough, "there should also be a sword with it. Please take them with you when you go ba…back North." Ned nodded.
Arthur takes one last look at his king and smiles, then he lost all colouring in his eyes. Everything went quiet then, even the babe, who is asleep. Ned and Howland bowed their heads in respect, and within a few minutes, they looked up.
Within a few hours, they had all the bodies of the North and Kingsguard in a carriage with the chest, two swords-Dawn, and the one Rhaegar gave Lyanna. Leading the group was Ned and Howland.
Ned already had a destination in mind, and that was Starfall. On the way there Howland was thinking of the young king in Wylla's arms, they got the names of the maids, and wet nurse Lady Lyanna had with her. Wylla Sand being the wet nurse. Stori Sand and Alys Snow being the maids.
Howland couldn't think of how to keep the young king safe so he asked his lord.
Ned looked at Howland and smiled, a small smile but to a smile, "It's pretty simple really."
"What do you mean, my lord?" Howland replied, looking confused at Ned.
"Everyone knows when men fight in wars, they forget their honour. So they go fuck a whore, he will be my bastard son, named Jon Snow. I won't like how people will treat him, but I'm willing to sacrifice my honour to protect my nephew." Lord Stark said.
A few hours later they stopped for some rest, Lord Stark approched him.
"Lord Reed, are you willing to take an oath of silence?" Howland thought on it for a bit and nodded.
"Good, I want you to never tell anyone who Jon really is, under any circumstance." Ned said.
Howland went on his knees and said, "I Howland Reed, swear to you Lord Stark that I will keep Daeron Targaryen a secret."
Ned smiled, but then said, "The only exception is if Westeros is in chaos." Howland nodded, "I want you to take the chest, swords, and maids with you when we return home."
Howland was a shocked to hear that Lord Stark has that much trust in him to keep the dragon eggs safe, when he thought it over it made a lot of sense but he still wanted to know why.
"My Lord, why are you asking me this?"
"Because Lord Reed, Greywater Watch is impossible to find to anyone who doesn't know the Neck. Where Winterfell is in the open, and I am getting the feeling that, in the near future that Winterfell won't belong to the Starks." Lord Stark said.
—
Eddard Stark
—
Eddard was in his solar thinking of away to keep Jon safe. Jon is starting to take after his father, with purple eyes, and black hair. His eleven year old nephew. Jon has also been losing his temper, when he was younger he was calm but now he is a fireball.
The reason behind this, is one word, that cursed word, 'bastard'. The first time he was called bastard this year was when he got news of Theon having a broken nose and wrist. When he asked Robb what happened he didn't respond right away, but he did tell him that Theon mocked Jon and he grabbed Theon's hand and twisted it and breaking his wrist and punched him in the face, by the time Ser Rodrik came Jon was gone.
Something must be only things that came to mind was the Night's Watch and telling Jon to go to Essos, to where they don't judge a bastard.
Ned was about to stand up and go looking for Jon, when his lady wife came in without a knock. When he saw her face, he knew Jon has done something.
"Please tell me that you plan on doing something to the bastard!"
"What did he do now?" Ned asked.
"It's not what he did, it's what he is!" Catelyn yelled, "He is corrupting my daughter, and talking back to his superiors." She was as red as her hair.
"I am losing patience with him, and you want to know what else he has done." She didn't wait for his response, "He threatened me Ned, your lady wife!"
Ned was shocked in his whole life he never suspected Jon to threatened anyone. But when he thought on it, he noticed Jon was losing his cool with Catelyn.
"What did you do Cat? I know my blood, and I know he would never threaten anyone, unless you threatened him?" Ned asked.
Catelyn didn't respond instantly, "He was in the crypts. Where only Starks are allowed, no Snow. So I told him to go because he will corrupt the sacred place, and he said, 'You aren't either, you are a Tully, a fish, us wolves devour your kind. Even if you married a Stark, you aren't one you are a fish a little thing that will never be able to stand equally with a wolf.' And I slapped him and said I will send him to Wall myself and if I see you in here, the sept, or in the godswood."
"Cat!" He yelled, "You are not the head of this household. You are the wife of the head, you have little control here. So you can't send my blood to the Wall without permission!" Cat had wide eyes, "Leave I need to think!" He pointed to the door.
When Cat left he grabbed a scroll, ink, and a quill. He knew what he was going to do for Jon, but first he needs the chest form Howland.
'To Lord Reed
I have need of the chest and what's inside of it but before you come I ask a favour, please bring your son Jojen.
Form Lord Stark'
Ned rolled up the scroll, and left his solar. On the way to the rookery, Ned saw Jon talking to Arya. He couldn't hear what they were say but he did notice they were laughing, also he noticed the red hand print on Jon left cheek. Jon and Arya has always gotten along, the first name Arya said wasn't, dada or mama, it was Jon. To Catelyn's fear the friendship never stopped, Arya would always be with Jon when she was a tiny thing and now she would leave her lessons to talk with Jon. Ned smiled and continued walking to the rookery, when he got there Maester Luwin was there taking care of the ravens. When the Maester noticed Ned, he got out of his sit and gave a tiny bow.
"Lord Stark, what can I do for you?" Luwin asked.
"I have a raven to be sent out." Need gave the scroll to Luwin.
"To where, my lord?"
"Greywater Watch, Maester." Ned was about to leave when he remembered that this certain raven can't be seen by his Maester's eye, "Ohh, I almost forgot," Ned turned around, "this raven can't be seen by anyone, except Lord Reed. So when you get a response, bring it to me."
"Yes, my lord," Luwin nodded.
When Ned went back to his solar Jon was at the door.
"Jon, what can I do for you?" Ned asked.
Jon turned to look at him and smiled.
"Father… can we talk in private?" the smile fell.
"Of course." He opened the door and offered Jon a seat. Jon took it and waited for Ned to sit down.
"I need to leave Father."
Ned was dreaded this was going to happen.
"What do you mean, son?"
Jon didn't answer straight away.
"I can't stand it anymore Father. I'm tired of being called bastard." Jon looked down at his feet, "I know that I'm going to hurt you, Arya, Rob, Bran, and Rickon. But I can't stand it anymore." Jon looked back up at Ned with sad purple eyes, "Please Father."
Ned knew what he was asking for but he didn't want to send his nephew away to the Watch. But lucky for him he already thought of a replacement for the Watch.
"Very well son, but it won't be the Watch that you will be going to." Jon was going to cut in, but was stopped when Ned raised his hand, "Jon you will be going to Essos." Ned said. "You can have a free life and they don't despise bastards there. You can grow up there and make money as a sellsword, I have been watching you and I can see you enjoy the art of the sword."
Jon scowled.
"Everyone despises bastards." He said the word with venom in his voice.
"No not everyone, only Westeros," Ned smiled at Jon, "But you can't go straight away, I have something coming for you. I just sent the raven to House Reed, to bring it up for me. So can you wait a few sennights Jon." Ned saw the look in Jon's eyes.
"Of course Father, I can wait."
After Jon left, Ned looked down at his hands and thought of the look in Jon's eyes. He saw joy. Ned thought of all the times he got something for Jon, on his tenth name day he got him a stallion, a beautiful black one. On his twelfth name day he got him a long sword. Ned would never forget the look in his nephew's eyes, he always saw joy.
—
Jon Snow
—
It has been a fortnight since his talk about leaving Winterfell with his Father, and Today the mysterious gift arrived. Jon waited in the solar for his father to come back form a meeting with Lord Reed.
Jon fidgeted with a dagger when he heard the door open. He looked back and saw his father standing there, but what got his attention was, what was behind his father. Behind his father were two house guards carrying a chest with running wolves on it. Jon looked at his father with a confused look.
Ned walked over to his desk and asked the guards to put down the chest beside Jon. When they were done Ned asked them to leave. Ned then sat down in his set, putting down a sword down, which Jon just noticed.
"Jon, this is what I wanted to give you, before you leave for Essos." Ned then took a look of complete serious, "But under any circumstances you aren't to open it, unless you really need to and Westeros is in chaos."
Jon nodded. Ned smiled at Jon and said, "I know you asked Mikken to make a sword for Arya." Jon started to sweat, "And don't worry I won't tell my wife of it, but I want to know why you want to give Arya a sword in the Braavos style?"
Jon let out the breath that he was holding in, "I asked for a Braavos style sword, because Arya is small and skinny, and just by looking she won't be able to carry a longsword, Father."
Ned and Jon laughed, until Ned gone sad and asked, "When do you plan on leaving Jon?"
"When the sword is complete, and when I say my goodbye to my siblings." Jon respond.
Ned nods, "This sword," he put his hand on it, "is from me. But that chest is form your mother." He points to the chest, "I apologize that I can't tell you who your mother is. But what I can tell you is that she loves you and cares for you. Your mother was one of the most beautiful people I have seen." Jon studied the crimson handle, a flaming heart pommel, and a blood red blade.
Jon looked at his father noticing a tear going down his face. Jon looked down at his feet. He already gave up knowing who his mother was, but at least he knows that she loves him and cares for him.
He was brought out of his thoughts by his father opening a drawer, when his father found what he was looking for, he pulled out a bag and put it down beside the sword.
"In the bag there should be enough gold dragons for you to take a ship to Braavos, get food and bye a little house and it has a lot more." Ned said.
Jon nods, grabs the bag of coins, the sword, and calls the guards back in to bring the chest. And before he goes his father calls for him.
"Jon, I almost forgot," he grabs a key from his desk, "this key is to open the chest." He gives the key to Jon.
Jon then leaves saying good night to his father and going to his room. When he gets there he tells the guards to put it in front of the bed. They leave when they where done. Jon then lies down on his bed. He falls asleep and dreams of wolves, lions, roses, crows, and dragons.
—
Maester Luwin
—
It had been a two moons since Jon left, and everyone hasn't been the same since. Robb brooded Sansa rarely paid attention to her lessons, even if Jon was her half-brother the household isn't the same. Bran had been quiet and the only people he talked to are Jojen, Father, and Meera. Rickon didn't know what's going on and asked when Jon was coming back. Lord Stark wasn't the same and he kicked Lady Stark out of his chambers. Worst of all, Arya took to to staying in her room or the godswood, and when someone tried to talk to her, she spat fire back at them. She fought back when Lady Stark tries to get her to her lesson, saying she was the 'Seven Hells' and saying she was the reason why Jon left. The only people celebrating Jon leaving, were Lady Stark and Theon Greyjoy.
But that was not why he raced down the hall to Lord Stark's solar. When he got there Jory stood guard outside and when saw that the Maester of Winterfell was panting, like he just ran around Winterfell three times, he didn't knock on the door and just opened it. Luwin went in and saw that Lady Stark and Lord Stark were talking, but from the looks of it, it was more like Lord Stark was spitting fire at his lady wife.
"Lord Stark," he said in between breaths, "I bring a scroll." He holds out his hand with the scroll in it.
"From who, Maester?" Lord Stark asked.
Luwin looked over to Lady Stark. Lord Stark saw this, "You may leave Cat." Ned said with anger. Catelyn looked at Ned, and was about to protest when Lord Stark practically yelled, "Leave wife, and don't bring up this topic again!" And just like that Lady Stark was gone.
Luwin looked at Ned, "The raven is from Jon, My Lord." And with that Ned grab the scroll and read.
Lord Stark was still going over the scroll a few minutes latter, and that was when Luwin saw Ned smiling with tears going down his cheeks.
"Was there more, Maester Luwin?" Ned looks up.
"Yes, my lord," Ned smiled even brighter, "one for each Stark child."
"Bring them here and call for every child of mine." Ned wiped his tears away.
"Of course, my lord." Luwin left. He walked back to the rookery and saw a new raven, but the raven had no scroll, it had a bag attached to its leg. He grabbed the bag and the scroll that were attached to the first raven.
On his way back to Lord Stark's solar, he saw Robb.
"Lord Robb," Robb turns around, "Lord Stark has called for you and your siblings, when you see them tell them to go to your father's solar."
"Yes Maester. Do you know what Father wants with us?" Robb asked.
"I can't spoil the surprise." Luwin responded. Then Luwin left with a confused Robb Stark behind him.
When Luwin got back to the solar, he saw Lord Stark reading the scroll form Jon. When Ned notice Luwin was present, he put down the letter.
"Do you have the letters, Luwin?" Ned asked.
"Yes Lord Stark," he took out the bag, "But when I got back I saw a raven, the raven brought this bag." He then hands the bag to Lord Stark.
Lord Stark opened the bag, and dumped the contents on his desk. What they saw was six coins a size of a led of a glass jar, all different color, on each coin was a picture of a wolf's head. Each coin was special in it own why, one was gray and black and had orange eyes, another was little gray and a bit white and had yellow eyes, another was all gray and had golden eyes, another was light brown with yellow eyes, another was completely black and bright green eyes, and the last was a mix of all the colours and had golden/yellow eyes. On the back of them had names, the first being Robb Stark, the next Sansa Stark, the next Little Sister/Arya Stark, the next Brandon Stark, the next Rickon Stark, and the last Father/Eddard Stark. All names and colour are in the order of oldest to youngest… but Ned's was last.
Lord Stark grabbed the one that had his name on it and held it in his hands. Luwin grabbed the black one, and the first word that came to mind was: perfection. They were as smooth as a baby's cheek.
Both Lord and Maester were brought out of there thoughts by a knock at the door.
"Father I brought everyone." They heard Robb form the other side of the door.
Luwin put down the coin and went to the side of Lord Stark, "You May come in." Lord said with tears still going down his cheek form the gift form Jon.
When they got in they noticed the smile and tears on their Father's face.
The first to break the silence was Sansa: "Father, has something bad happened?"
Ned shock his head, he mentioned for them all to take a seat. When they were all in their chairs, Luwin went and gave them all there scrolls. They looked confused so Luwin told them who there from.
"This evening, we got a raven with six scrolls," they nodded, minus Rickon who was in Robb's lap looking confused, "your Father has the first one, but they had all been sent to each Stark child. The scrolls are from Jon."
They all lost there sad looks when they heard that the scrolls are from Jon, and each one opened them and read, minus Rickon who need Robb to read it to him. When they were done they all had a smile on there face.
"He also sends these coins," he picks up the one that was for Brandon, and showed it to everyone, "each of them have a name, your names, so there is no confusing them with each other." He gives Bran his coin. They all grabbed there coin, and there smiled grew bigger.
"Was that all you wanted us for, Father?" Bran asked.
"Yes that was all I need of you. You may go if you want." Ned smiled.
Each of them left one by one, until the Maester and lord were alone. Ned still smiling like a he was holding a new son in his arms.
"Was that all Luwin?" Ned asked well getting out of his set.
"Yes my lord, I just thought you would want to know you got the scroll."
"Thank you, for bringing this to me." Ned looked at Luwin with a bright smile, "Now if you don't mind I would like to go to the godswood to pray for my sons safety." Ned left, and just behind him Luwin left to his room.
When Luwin got to his room, he smiled. The Stark's are almost back to normal.
—
Jon Snow
—
It's been a fortnight since Jon sent his gifts and letters to his family, and at this moment Jon was in his room looking at the chest his father gave him, and as his father said, he hasn't opened it. But when ever he went past it he always got the feeling something was calling for him. Jon still hadn't found work, but he waited for the Company of the Rose to return to Braavos.
The Company of the Rose was what Jon wanted to join when he heard that Braavos was the base of the company. So Jon waited for the Commander to return form a client. And from the news he has been getting frpm the common folk they should be here today or on the morrow.
Jon has been getting used to the sword his father gave him, a pretty looking thing with a crimson handle, a heart shaped pommel, and a blood red blade. Jon know's the swords has a name, it's carved in on the side of the blade in a language he doesn't know.
Jon got up from his chair and went outside for the fresh air. Braavos was crawled with people today and Jon wanted quiet, so he went to the quietest place, the House of Black and White, the home of the Faceless Men.
Jon knows that you don't close to the home of the best assassins, but he wanted quietness, and the only other place was the Iron Bank. And Jon doesn't want to get close to the bank unless he really needs to. So when got to the house he didn't go in he just went to the ledge near the water. He lay down put his left arm behind his head, he closed his eyes, and without even knowing it he fell asleep.
He didn't know how much time has passed, but he woke up by something poking his forehead. He opened his eyes to see a man with bright red hair on his left and white hair on his right side. The men stopped poking Jon with his stick.
"Does a man know where he is?" The men asked.
"Aye, this man knows where he is." Jon responded, he was playing along.
"Does a man have a name?"
"Aye, this man has a name but a man won't tell his name if the other man doesn't tell his." Jon responded.
The man smiled, "This man doesn't have a name, he gave it up to the Many-Faced God years ago. But the Westerosi can call the man, the knowing man."
"Well the Westerosi should be leaving." Jon got up from his position, he was about to leave but he remembered what he said, he looked at the knowing man, "The Westerosi has a name. Jon Snow."
The knowing man nodded, "Well Jon Snow can come back whenever he likes."
The knowing man went back in to the house of Black and White. Jon watched the man until he was inside. Jon went back to little house to sleep for the rest of the night.
XxxxX
Jon was in the base of the Roses standing in front of the Commanders. There names are Torrhen Grey-Stark, Rickard Frost, and Jon Snow, descendant of Brandon Snow, Torrhen Stark's bastard brother. They all watched his every move, but the first to speak was the elder Jon Snow.
"Welcome to the base of the Roses, are you here to join? And if you are name and what family."
"Yes I'm here to join. My name is Jon Snow, bastard son of Eddard Stark, the Lord of Winterfell."
The captain's narrowed there eyes, Grey-Stark stood, "Your ancestor, Torrhen Stark kneeled to the Targaryens, your family stayed loyal to the dragon's for two hundred years, and just recently stood against them. But your family still stayed loyal to them." Grey-Stark walked towards Jon, "Our founder, Brandon Snow, Torrhen Stark's bastard brother, left and did the right thing. He didn't follow his brother's lead. Now we let you in out of respect to your family's name, and now I'm asking you to leave." He stared Jon down.
Jon was about to talk back when he felt a fist hit his cheek. Jon was sent flying back. Jon struggled to get back on his feet. But when he did he was grabbed by the cuffs of his shirt.
"Remember this is out of the kindness of our hearts, so I will tell you this once." Grey-Stark looked Jon in the eyes, "You come back here and I will kill you myself, and if I check sight of you nearby I will kill you." He put Jon down, "Now I won't tell you again, leave!" Grey-Stark yelled.
Jon turned around and left to return to his little house.
XxxxX
When Jon failed to join the Company of the Rose, his second option was the Golden Company. So Jon left early the next morning to go to Myr. Jon left his sword, and chest in Braavos and payed the property owner, five gold dragons, which was five months of pay for his room.
Jon knew it was a risk to keep his stuff there but it was even more risky then bringing it with him. And with his sword still in Braavos he needed a back up one, so on his way out of Braavos he grabbed one and payed for it, the longsword was fairly normal, the only difference it had to a normal one was that it had a wolf head pommel.
When Jon got to Myr, he noticed that the Golden Company wasn't here, so he went to the market to see if he could find gifts for his siblings. Jon walked and walked and when he found what he was looking for he smiled, he asked the merchant how much five cost, he said two gold coins and five silver. Jon made a deal with the merchant and asked when the gifts would be done, the merchant said four to five days. Jon nodded and left.
When Jon left the market he noticed that there were more people here, then when he got to Myr. Jon looked to see what it was and went to see what was happening.
When Jon saw what was happening, or who was here he smiled. The Golden Company has returned. Jon knew that they just got back and wouldn't be able to see the Commander so he went to find an inn for the night.
XxxxX
"Name, where ye from, and why ya here, boy?" Commander Harry Strickland asked Jon.
"My name is Jon Snow, I'm from the North. I'm here is because I failed at getting into the Company of the Rose." Jon responded.
Harry looked at Jon, "What family are ye from, boy?"
"House Stark, but like I said I'm a bastard." Jon responded.
Harry laughed, "Like I thought, you are Eddard Stark's bastard. I can see why those shits didn't allow you to join. If you don't join the Golden Company, What is your third option boy?"
"The Second Sons."
Harry looked at Jon, "I wouldn't join them or the Company of the Cat, if I were you, they are both cunts and they don't deserve the amount of men they have. But you're in luck you can join." Jon smile, "But I have a few questions for you." Jon nodded, "Do you know the languages of this land?"
"No I don't, I only know the basics of bastard Valyrian." Jon answered.
Harry nodded, "What weapons have you trained in?"
"I mainly use a bastard sword, or a longsword. But I have been trained in bows, spears, and greatsword."
Harry nodded, "Good, you will join the Company for three years when that time is up you can either stay or enjoy your life out of the Company. You will your first contract on the morrow."
Jon nodded in understanding, then left for the day.
—
Eddard Stark
—
Three moons passed since Jon sent the scrolls and gifts. Every child seemed to carry it with them at all times. Robb had his in his cloak. Sansa took it to her lessons. Arya always had it in one of her hands. Bran played with it, trying to carve a wolf into the tables. Rickon threw it around like a piece of stone until he realized it was the coin that Jon sent him. He promised not throw it anymore, until he forgot.
But Ned held his as a reminder of Jon. Eddard was in his room thinking when his lady wife came in. The Lord and Lady of the Stark hadn't been getting along for the pass six moons, since Jon has left. Catelyn said that the castle was better without Jon in it, and she didn't even agree that the only reason their children are happy, was Jon sending them a gift and scroll. She believes it's from the Mother.
When Ned saw Cat carrying scrolls with the black wave with the running direwolf, Jon's signature wave, he knew what was going to do. Ned got from his set, and yelled, "Put those down Cat!"
When he said that Maester Luwin came in with sweat, and just looking at the Maester's face, he could tell that he was angry.
"My lord," he bowed his head to Ned, "Lady Stark has taking every scroll and gift form Jon."
"I can see that Maester," he looked to Luwin, "I want a guard on the ravens that are sent from Jon, Maester." He looks back at Cat, "Now lady wife," he practically spat the name, "why do you have the scrolls and gifts from Jon."
"Because he's going to ruin the family. The kids are all happy now, if they are giving the scrolls and gifts from the bastard, they will go back to the way they were before the Mother sent us her blessing."
"ARE YOU BLIND?" Ned yelled, both Cat and Luwin jumped, "They are happy because of the gift and letters he sent them! It's not the Mother that gave them happiness, it's the letters and gifts Jon has been sending!" Ned had enough of Catelyn, "I want you to leave Winterfell, on the morrow. Go to Riverrun and stay there until I say you can come back. You will leave all the children here. I've had enough of your behaviour, if your father wants a war then have it, we the North are fighters."
Cat and Luwin stared at Ned like he was a madman, Cat was about to say something but Ned spoke: "I AM TIRED OF HEARING YOU NAG ABOUT HOW WINTERFELL IS BETTER WITHOUT JON. You are jealous that I loved someone more than you, and for it you curse the making of what comes form that love."
"Yes I know what you said that day. You think the Lord of Winterfell wouldn't know what was going on in his castle." Ned was letting out all his anger he has held together for twelve years, "You curse a child of six-name-days to the Stranger, my blood."
Cat and Luwin didn't say anything while they were here in his solar and when Ned calmed down a bit he said.
"I want you out by the morrow, pack your things and go and if it makes you happy I will send a raven to Lord Tully today to tell him what has happened and why you are returning to Riverrun. Leave the scrolls here." She puts the scrolls on his desk and left with tears going down her face. Maester Luwin watched as she left, and when he knew that she was a good distance away so that she couldn't hear what they were talking about.
Ned sat back down and grabbed the scroll that was closest to him, "Maester I want a raven to be sent to Riverrun, tell them why Catelyn is leaving."
Luwin nodded, but didn't leave, "My lord, was that wise? I know she took all the scrolls sent to us, but that was to far." Luwin said.
"I will regret this but I was tired of her talking about Jon, as if he was a ant that was under feet." Ned looked up to Luwin, "I know it wasn't wise… but… I'm tired Maester. Can you leave me be." Luwin nodded, "But before you leave tell the kids what has happened, I don't want them to find out tomorrow and be distraught."
"Yes my lord." Luwin left.
XxxxX
When Ned woke the next morning, he got dressed and cleaned.
On the way out, he grabbed the scrolls and the bag of gifts on his desk. Ned walked to the main hall to break his fast. When he got there he noticed that every child of his was there, except Arya.
Ned walked to the high table and put down the scrolls and the bag. Robb looked to him, "Father are those scrolls from Jon?" Robb's eyes sparkled.
"Aye they are, but we need to talk about something before you get your scrolls and gift. And we need Arya as well, Robb and you get her?" He looked to Robb.
"Of course Father."
Ned sat down in his chair and separated the scrolls into the names on them. In a few minutes Robb and Arya entering the hall. Ned looked up to the servants and told them to leave.
When they all left, he looked to his children.
"Father, where is Mother?" Sansa asked.
"Well Sansa, that is the reason why we are having this family meeting." He looked to each of them, "Your mother will be returning to Riverrun, today." Ned said.
Robb's eyes looked confused, "What do you mean by that Father? Has Mother done something?"
Ned was about respond but was shocked to hear what Arya said, "She kept the gifts and scrolls, that Jon sent us, away form us."
Ned looked to Arya, "How do you know that Arya?"
"I spent some time in the rookery, waiting for the scrolls and gifts form Jon, and when I was there, Mother entered and asked me why I was there. I never answered, but when she told me to leave I left, and when she left she always looked to be carrying something when she left." Arya answered.
"Father, will we be able to say goodbye to Mother?" Sansa asked.
"Of course Sansa, your mother will be leaving at midday. But what Arya said was true."
Robb and Sansa had the same reaction, they looked sad but understanding. Arya had a look of anger but Ned saw through it, she was sad. Bran looked happy, Rickon looked like he was about to cry. Ned got up and picked Rickon up and hugged him. No one made a move for the scrolls.
Ned was about to say something when the hall doors opened. It was Catelyn Tully Stark. Sansa and Bran got up and went to her, Arya stayed in her chair, Robb went to Ned and Rickon, Ned gave Rickon to Robb, and the brothers went to their mother. Ned watched.
Ned turned to see Arya opening the scrolls Jon sent her. Ned walked to Arya and sat in the chair beside her. Every now and then Ned would hear laughter coming from Arya, and it put a smile on his face to see that Arya could be happy just by reading the scrolls that Jon sent her.
Ned read about Jon's well being and what has happened in Essos. Ned looked back to see that Cat was still there and holding Rickon. It was almost midday, and a thought came to mind.
"Come sit down and read the scrolls. Cat, you may join, but you will not touch any of them."
So everyone was reading the scrolls Jon has sent them. When he noticed that they were finished, he grabbed the bag, and unloaded its contents.
Jon has sent them little wooden wolves, like the coins they had there own colours. When he was done, he looked to Cat, and saw the sour look on her face.
"My lady," Ned said, Catelyn looked to him, "What do you see here? I see smiles and laughter."
"I see a letter that is corrupting my family." She spat out.
Ned stood and glared at Cat, "GO! I want you out of the North in the next hour, you can take Ser Rodrik if you like. I don't have any more love for you, with just those words, you have lost all hope of staying here, or taking Rickon, or Sansa with you to Riverrun."
Catelyn looked at Ned, and stood and walked out of the hall with tears going down her cheeks.
Everyone was looking at him, "I was tired of her nagging. If you want to say good bye go, I have to write a scroll to house Dayne, the crown, and the high Septon." He saw that everyone stood and left, when he looked back to the table and saw Arya still there.
"Arya," She looked to him, "Come let's go to the godswood and pray for Jon's safety." He smiled.
"Yes, Father." She got up and grab the wooden wolf that Jon got her.
—
Robert Baratheon
—
When Robert got news saying something happened in the North he knew he had to attend a small council meeting, he knew it was going to be a boring thing but he wanted to know what happened in his friend's land.
When he entered he saw his Master of Coins, Petyr Baelish was grinning like he just opened a gift. He also saw that his Hand, Jon Arryn was wide eyed.
He sat down and the meeting began.
"Okay ya cunts, what has happened in the North?" He asked.
"Your Grace," His Master of Whispers, Varys began, "My little birds has brought us some sad news."
Robert started to worry, "Lord Stark has sent his Lady Wife back to Riverrun and has only allowed her to come back at his command." Robert was shocked. What has the lovely Catelyn Stark do to earn her husband's wrath?
"How do they know this, Lord Varys?" He asked.
"There is two reasons actually, the first was that everyone could hear Lord Stark yelling across Winterfell, and The Lady Stark left the next day."
Jon Arryn was shaking now.
"What were they fighting about Lord Varys?" Grand Maester Pycelle said.
"Well from what my little birds say, they were talking about Lord Stark's bastard, Jon Snow."
"Have your birds ever seen the bastard?"
Varys looked to Lord Baelish.
"They have Your Grace. He has the Stark face and body, but his hair and eyes are special."
"What do you mean by special?" Robert's Master of Law, Renly Baratheon, asked.
"Well he has dark velvet, almost purple, eyes for one. So unique." He looked at Varys dubiously.
"Why would Ned do that? I can't imagine that Ned would do that?" The Hand asked.
"Because she wouldn't stop nagging most likely, she was most likely staying how Winterfell was in a better mood with the bastard gone, however unlikely it is." Master of Ships, Stannis Baratheon, said.
The room was quiet, the silence was broken by Baelish, "Your Grace, allow me to go comfort Lady Stark. I was a childhood friend of hers and I care for her dearly."
"And I will go North and talk to Ned. I want to how my foster son is doing." Lord Hand said.
Robert nodded, "You may go Lord Hand, but Baelish you're staying. I know what you want to do, you want to turn Lady Stark against Lord Stark, so you can have her." Baelish looked at him with wide eyes, "I might be fat and prefer the battlefield but I'm not stupid." Robert got up from his seat but was stopped, when the door opened and in came a page.
"Your Grace, a raven from House Stark. One sent to House Dayne, another to the High Septon, and one to the crown."
Robert opened the scroll and read it.
'To King Robert,
I have sent this raven to ask you a favour. If you haven't heard I have sent Lady Catelyn, back to the Riverlands. There are many reasons, but the main reason is to ask you to allow me to annul our marriage and allow me to marry the Lady Ashara Dayne. I have never stopped loving her, and would like to have her as my wife… also if rumours are to believed, she has a bastard daughter, named Lyarra, after my mother. I believe that to be my blood and would also ask you to legitimize her as a Stark. I have also sent a raven to the high Septon to see this marriage annulled. I hope to hear your response.
Your Warden in the North, Eddard Stark'
Robert looked up with wide eyes.
"Your Grace, what has happened?" Jon Arryn asked.
Robert looked back to his consul, "Everyone out, except you Lord Hand!" He yelled.
Everyone left and Robert walked towards Jon Arryn, and handed him the scroll.
—
Jon Snow
—
It had been five months since Jon joined the Golden Company. Jon was waiting in his commander's tent for a contract, from what he heard this contract was not the normal.
During the first month he was taught the tongues of this land. And from what his teachers said, Jon was a master at learning the tongues. So by the end of the month Jon knew how to speak about fifteen tongues.
The other moons he has gone from contract from contract. Jon's first three contracts were the same, go find a group of bandits and kill them all. His other contracts were protecting somebody of rising power. But that was all Jon really got.
Jon was still thinking when Commander Strickland walked into the tent, "Snow." Jon looked to Harry, "I have a every abnormal contract for you. The contract itself might seem normal but it really wasn't." He handed Jon the paper.
Jon read it over and saw why it was abnormal: going beyond the Wall to kill two men by the names of Rattleshirt and the Weeper.
Jon looked to Harry, "I accept the contract, Commander." Jon said.
Harry smiled, "Good, when you get back come to me and I will give you the gold you are owed."
Jon left the next day and went north, he dropped by Braavos to see how things were and found that everything thing was the same. Jon went to his little house and slept for a bit before he left to go further north. When Jon woke be grabbed the sword his father gave him and left.
When Jon got to the docks he found a ship that's going to Karhold, the seat of house Karstark.
XxxxX
When Jon saw Karhold he was brought back to a time when Father took him and Robb to Karhold for Alys Karstark's name day.
*FlashBack*
Jon was in the training yard in Karhold with Eddard Karstark and Robb. Both were on the ground, and Jon standing with a smirk on his face. They have been at it for less than five minutes, and Jon was standing with a practice sword in his hand, looking down at Edd and Robb.
But what they didn't notice was that they had company. On the balcony was Lord Eddard Stark, Lord Rickard Karstark, and Alys Karstark.
"That your bastard Ned?" Lord Karstark asked.
"Aye, that's my blood, Rickard. And that's your second youngest, and it seems you haven't been teaching him the way of the sword properly." Ned respond with a jest.
Rickard laughed, "As have you Ned, your oldest lost as well as mine." Rickard respond.
Ned was about to respond when Alys asked, "What's his name Father?"
Rickard looked to his daughter, "Which one, the one that's standing or the one on his arse like your brother?"
"The one that's standing." Alys looked to her father.
"That's Jon Snow, Lord Stark's bastard."
Alys looked back at Jon with a smile on her face. That was when Jon notices they were being watched.
He looked up to see his father with both Lord Karstark and Lady Alys. When he saw Lady Alys his heart was in his throat once again. He looked away to hide his blush. He knew what it was, but he was a bastard and he won't marry a highborn girl.
When both Robb and Edd got back up Jon didn't wait until they were ready when he attacked.
When Alys saw that Jon looked at her her smile grew. She looked to her father, who was talking to Lord Stark.
"Lord Stark," he looked to her, "why don't you legitimize Jon?"
Lord Stark eyes grew, "Well… Alys that is a… very personal question, but I will tell you that, he has a bigger future then all of us… does that satisfy you Lady Alys?"
Alys nodded, and went back to watching Jon fight his brother and her brother.
Later, Ned watched.
"Ned, you might have a master swordsman in your house soon." Rickard said.
Ned nodded.
At the moment Jon was fighting Harrion, Torrhen, Edd, Smalljon and Robb, with only his sword in hand. Ned was proud that all the Karstark and Umber are taking it like a fun game, but he can see that Edd and Robb are getting tired of losing and was taking out their anger out on Jon.
"Aye, he might be even better then the Kingslayer, or Arthur Dayne." The Greatjon Umber said.
It was close to supper when the Umbers arrived, so the household had to make more food so the guests could eat, and have a place to sleep. And since then the lords have been watching Jon fight every fight and win.
"My daughter has found a liking to him," he points to Alys, who was with the Lord's wives, minus Catelyn, "she has been him since he got here, and if she told me, she wanted to marry him, I won't be that surprised, she even asked Ned to legitimize him."
Lord Umber looked to Ned, "Is this true Ned?"
"Aye it's true."
Greatjon laughed. He looked down to find Jon lying on the ground, grabbing his head in pain. Everyone dropped there swords, the only one who didn't was Robb, he was looking wide eyed at the downed Jon.
Ned pushed the lords out of his way. When he got down he saw blood coming from the side of Jon's face. He picked up his nephew and took him to his room. He asked the maids to bring a bucket of water and cloth. Supplies in hand, Ned tended Jon and stayed until he woke the next day. He then made sure Robb was fine, he found in the guest room he was giving, looking down with his head in his hands and form the sound he can tell he was crying. He went to his son and sat down beside him. When Robb looked up he saw guilt in his eyes.
"Father, I needn't mean to… I didn't mean to hit Jon… is he okay?" Robb asked.
"Peace son, I know you didn't. Jon's fine, he just woke up. You can go see him, but don't make noise, I can tell he has a headache, so be quiet." Robb nodded and left to see Jon.
When Ned got to his room, he freshened up. When Ned got to the hall he smelled the food and he realized he hadn't eaten anything. Jon was already there with Robb, the Karstark boys, and Smalljon, talking quietly to not worsen the pain in Jon's head. Ned smiled.
When he got to the head table he sat down and eat, and that was when he realized that Alys was watching Jon with worried eyes, he wasn't the only one that noticed this, Rickard, as well as Greatjon noticed this.
"Lady Alys," she jumped a little, and looked at him, "sorry for frightening you."
"There's no need to apologize, My lord, it was I who was paying attention." Alys responded, she looked back to Jon.
"Lady Alys, do you have a interest in Jon?" Ned asked.
Alys looked to him, she quickly looked away with what looks like a blush, "Yes."
"If you want to talk to him, go ahead. I see him doing two thing when he see you," Lord Umber said, Alys looked to him with a confused look, "One being he doesn't know what to say and spits out what he thinks about you, or he doesn't talk at all."
Alys blushes and looks back to Jon with a smile.
XxxxX
Jon was talking to the Smalljon when Lady Alys walked up to him and asked him to dance with her, he couldn't refuse it was her nameday they were celebrating anyway, so he accepted.
Jon was looking at Lady Alys when she asked him, "Jon what do you think of me?"
"You are beauty that will win men's heart, my lady." He said, without thinking.
Alys smiled brightly, "Is that true or are you saying that because it's my nameday?" She asked.
"What would make you think that… you are even more beautiful then my sister Sansa, and she is a beauty." He once again blurted out.
An even bigger, brighter smile grew on Alys face, "Well you're handsome as well."
Jon blushed and looked away, they continued to dance until the music was done. Before Jon left, he was pulled into a kiss with Alys, her lips soft and plump with a flavour of strawberries. Jon lost all track of time at that moment, he didn't know if they kissed for a minute or an hour but he was pushed away before he could go further into the kiss. Alys looked up to him. She left after a few minutes.
When Jon went to bed he couldn't take Alys off his mind. When he did fall asleep he dreamt of Alys.
*FlashBack End*
It's been a year since then and he still has forgotten the feel of her lips on his. But that wasn't the reason he was here for, he was here to complete a contract. So with a mission in mind, he went to grab his horse, the one which his father gave him, the on which he named Shadow. He rode north to East-Watch-By-The-Sea.
XxxxX
When Jon got to the Wall he was mesmerized by the sight. Over seven-hundred feet tall, and hundred leagues long. It was a beauty. Jon was at the gates of Eastwatch by midday. He saw a guard on watch and stopped when he heard, "Halt!"
Jon looked up to the guard, "My name is Jon Snow, I am here to request a meeting with the Commander of this castle." Jon told the guard.
The guard left. When he returned with a slim and sinewy man who looked to be in his fifties, dry and hard, with black eyes and black hair streaked with grey. The greying man looked Jon over, but when the man caught Jon's eyes, the man's eyes widened.
"Open the gate." The man said, his voice cold and bitter.
The guard looked to the man. The man looked to the guard, "Open the bloody gate , you cunt!"
When the gate opened Jon entered to see that the man that ordered the gate, was walking towards him. Jon got off his horse and looked at the man, and when the man got to Jon, he grabbed his chain and moved his head to the right and then left.
Jon was confused at the action, but didn't question it. When the man dropped his hand he asked looked to Jon and asked, "Who's your father, boy?"
Jon was confused but answered, "Eddard Stark of Winterfell, ser…"
"Alliser Thorne, Ser Alliser Thorne." He looked Jon up and down, "Are you sure your father is Eddard Stark?"
"Aye, I'm sure… I don't know who else would." Jon responded.
Ser Alliser nodded, "You just reminded me of someone I cared about." Jon nodded. Ser Alliser looked up to Jon, "You are here to see the Commander?"
"Aye, I am."
Ser Alliser nodded, "Sorry, but Commander Pyke isn't here right now, so you can either wait for him or I can do it for you."
Jon thought it over, and chose the latter, "I need to ask you something, but we need to do it in private, Ser Alliser."
Ser Alliser nodded and told Jon to follow.
"So why did you want to see Commander Pyke, Jon Snow?" He said.
Jon looked to the man and responded, "I have a contract, that asks to kill the Weeper, and Rattleshirt. I'm just going to take a guess here and say it is from the Watch or somewhere in the north."
Ser Alliser looked into Jon's eyes.
"So you're asking me to let you go beyond the Wall?" Jon nodded. Ser Alliser paused.
"I will let you through, but let me warn you, that the wildlings are acting strange. Attacking more often. Also you might want to take that horse with you, you will need it if want to return."
"Thank you, Ser Alliser for the suggestions." He turned around to leave, when he got to the door he turned around to look at Ser Alliser, and asked, "Who did I remind you of, ser?"
Ser Alliser looked to Jon and smiled, he could tell it doesn't happen often.
"My prince Rhaegar."
Jon was wide eyed, "Why would I remind you of the last dragon, Ser Alliser?"
"You have his eyes. Without the accent you might have his kind of voice."
XxxxX
It has been a sennight since Jon left Eastwatch. He thought over his conversation with Ser Alliser. This wasn't the first time hearing something like this but it never involved the Targaryen name. It was always Dayne, people always said he had Dayne eyes, but more specifically Ashara Dayne eyes.
Jon was brought out of his thoughts when he noticed his horse grow agitated. Jon stood and drew his sword, and looked around, he saw nothing. But then he heard snow being crushed, he turned around and saw a giant wolf… no a direwolf.
Jon stood wide eyed at the beautiful beast. Fur the colours of brown, grey, brown, and white. It's eyes were the colors of golden.
Jon slowly put his sword on the ground, and put his hand out to touch the muzzle of the beast. Jon quickly brought his back, the beast snapped its mouth closed.
Jon looked to his food, which was a rabbit, and grabbed it. When he looked back to the beauty, he saw that it was following his food. Jon put his food in front of the beast and backed up. When the beast saw that Jon backs up, she went to the rabbit and devoured it.
When it was down it looked back to Jon. To his surprise the beast went closer to Jon, and sat in front of him, then it licked him… from the chin up.
Jon took a chance it tried what he did earlier, he brought his hand up to pet the beast, but when he got closer he closed his eyes. When he felt his hand connect to something warm he opened them and saw that his hand was on the head of the beast in front of him.
The it was gone.
Jon looked back to his horse, it has finally settled down and was now eating to grass under the snow. Jon looked back to the fire, slowly but surely he started to close his eyes to sleep.
But when he was about to fall asleep he heard his horse snort. About twelve feet away from him was a giant snow bear, standing with two wolves, and a shadowcat. Jon went to grab his sword, when he got close to it, he saw an arrow coming towards him, and with pure luck, he was able to dodge it. He looked around him and saw that he was surrounded.
In front of him was a white bearded man with a bronze gauntlet on his arm, he was currently holding a hatchet and short sword. Beside him was a man with a scythe as a weapon, and was crying.
To Jon's left was a man wearing bones, he had a short sword in his hand. Beside him was a greying man, and looked much older then Ser Alliser, he didn't have any weapons in his hands, but behind him were the two wolves he saw earlier.
To Jon's back was the snow bear and shadowcat.
On his right side, there was a woman with honey blond hair, and lovely blue-grey eyes, she was holding a spear at Jon. Beside her was a dark skinned man also pointing a spear at Jon.
There also was a few archers in the distance.
Jon knew he was outnumbered, so just backed away from his sword and held his hands in the air. When he stopped he felt a spear at his neck.
"Why ya here southerner?"
Jon looked behind him.
"I wanted to explore the true north." They all looked at him oddly.
"You see I'm an explorer I travel the world, the only place I haven't been is beyond the Wall, the true north."
Everyone nodded then looked to the greying man.
"Tie him. We're taking him to Mance. Also grab the blade."
The woman with the honey blonde hair grabbed his sword, and instantly dropped it. Everyone looked to her and saw that she was grabbing her wrist, and was looking wide eyed behind them, "None of you move, but slowly look behind you." She stuttered.
Everyone followed her instructions, and that was when they noticed the giant snow bear, the wolves, and shadowcat, weren't there. When Jon saw what was behind him he saw the same direwolf that was here just a few hours ago. With her was a all black direwolf with red eyes.
When the others saw them, they dropped their weapons and backed up. The beautiful beast went closer to Jon, and when she got to him, she bowed her head pushed Jon. Jon laughed, "I'm sorry for worrying you."
"Boy, what did you do?" The one with the scythe yelled. Jon looked back to them and saw that the woman with honey blonde hair's hand was burned.
"What happened to your hand?" He started to walk towards her.
The dark skinned man jumped in his way, "Don't you come any closer, southerner!" He yelled.
Jon stopped, the honey-blonde woman spoke, "When I picked up your blade, it felt like I was touching fire." She finished.
"Boy," The one that is wearing the bones called, "pick yer blade up."
Jon walked to his sword and picked it up. The one with the bronze gauntlet, pushed the others aside.
"Let me see dat sword boy."
"Don't grab it Tormund." The dark skinned man said.
"Shut you flap, Jarl." The one named Tormund told the now known Jarl.
"Fucking idiot." The one with the tearing eyes said.
"You shut up to, Weeper."
When Tormund got to Jon, he grabbed the hilt, and dropped it back into Jon's bonded arms.
"Mother goat fucker!" Tormund yelled, "That thing hurts."
The greying man hid his face in his hands, "Alright ye cunts, let's go to the camp."
Everyone seem to forget about the two direwolves, but when they were going to grab Jon's shoulder the female one bared her teeth.
Everyone backed off again, knowing that they can't win against two fully grown direwolves. The she-wolf went to Jon, and sat down in front of him.
When Jon looked into her eyes, he knew what it was trying to say. Jon brought his binded hands to her neck and started to pet it, "You need to go," he said to her.
The she-wolf's head went closer to Jon's and started to sniff. After a few minutes she backed off, and looked at Jon's face.
Jon was still petting her when she looked up at him. He looked into her eyes and saw what she wanted him to do, she wants a name, "Hmm," he looked at her fur, "Winter, is that fine." She started wagging her tail back and forth, Jon laughed, he took his off of her neck and backed away, "You need to go… I promise I will come back and find you and your friend." He looked over to the black direwolf.
Winter got back up and went back to her friend, with one last look back.
When he looked back to the group of wildlings, they were wide eyed looking at him.
The first to speak was Tormund. "Alright, what the hell was that?"
No one could answer.
XxxxX
When Jon entered the camp he was amazed by the sight of giants, and mammoths. The camp was huge with what looked like fifty-thousand. He saw women carrying spears, children were trying to get the giants attention, and he even saw a male wildling carrying a female wildling, well this woman was punching and kicking the man, towards a tent. He looked back and saw that Tormund was grinning.
"That is what we call stealing, explorer. A man finds a woman and steals her. The woman can fight back. When the man has completely stolen his chosen, they can fuck." Tormund explained.
Jon nodded, he didn't quite understand it but these people live different lives then the ones that live south of the Wall.
While Jon was following his captors, he noticed a redhead staring at his with lust. Jon looked back to the woman, and saw that it was the one that shot the arrow at his hand earlier that day.
Jon looked forward and saw that they were almost to the centre of the camp. When Jon heard thumping coming from his right, he turned and saw the biggest giant he has seen in this camp. Jon stopped mid step and looked up at the giant.
Jon was to focused on the giant to notice that the honey-blonde haired woman from earlier was beside him, "That giant's name is to long for us so we just call him Wun Wun." Jon jumped when he finally realized that someone was beside him.
"He is probably the kindest giants we have here, but don't piss him off." She smiled at him. The smile was beautiful, it was like something from the stories his sister believe in. Jon looked back at the giant, he raised his bonded hands up and did a tiny wave. The giant looked down at Jon. The giant copied Jon and gave a wave back. The giant started speaking in a tongue he didn't know.
"What did he just say?" Jon asked.
"Well you see Wun Wun is kind of like my protector, so what he just said was, 'Looks like you have a replacement for me, a much prettier one.'"
Jon was about to respond when he got a tug from the rope by Rattleshirt.
"Come on boy, we have to take you to Mance." He snarled.
Jon followed, and when they entered the biggest tent in the camp he was untied and was told to sit down. Jon looked around and saw that the group of wildlings that captured him weren't the only ones here.
Standing around the place were three men, and a pregnant woman cooking food.
The closet man to him was tall, and lean. He has no ears, and clean shaven and bald. The man has grey eyes and a straight nose. He is also carrying a spear made out of weirwood and has a ornate bronze head. Beside this man was a similar looking man, but younger and fading hair.
The other man was sitting, he had a long brown hair, and he was currently playing the flute.
The greying man started to speak, "Mance he have someone here. He can talk to direwolves."
The man playing the flute stopped, "What do you mean he can talk to direwolves, Varamyr?"
"He was talking to a direwolf and it responded."
Mance looked to the group, "Let me see him. I only know one family that can do that and they are southerners."
Rattleshirt grabbed Jon's arm and pushed him. When Mance saw him, his eyes widened.
"Mance Rayder. It's nice seeing you again." Jon said with a grin on his face.
Everyone looked at him, the woman that was cooking spoke, "You know Mance?"
Mance spoke first, "I visited his family when I was a crow." He looked to the blonde woman, "Val, what happened to your hand?"
"His sword. When I grabbed his sword it felt like I was touching fire."
"Aye, I saw it." Tormund said.
Mance got up, and walked towards Jon. When tried to hold the sword, the same reaction.
For the next few minutes there was silence, that was until Jon spoke, "Mance I need to talk with you, in private."
Mance thought it over and nodded, "Everyone out."
Mance walked back towards Jon, and cut the bindings of Jon's wrist.
"Why did you want to talk in private for?"
Jon sat down and pulled out a scroll out off his bag. He handed it to Mance.
"So you joined the Golden Company, and you have a contract that wants you to kill, the Weeper and Rattleshirt."
Mance handed the scroll back to Jon, and walked towards a barrel. Mance came back with two mugs full of ale, he handed one to Jon and sat in front of Jon.
"Have at it. No one cares for them, but I have a question. How are ya going to do it? You see those two are my best fighters, the only ones that can possibly bet them are Tormund and our giants."
Jon reaches into his bag again, "I thought so." He pulled out a two small vials, and handed them to Mance.
"You won't die if you smell it." .
"You're going to poison them?" Mance handed the vials back, "Poison is a woman's weapon."
"Do you think I care? I want this contract done. If it wants me to kill a giant I will kill the giant in the most effective way possible."
"How can I help with this?"
"You can call them, and while you're doing that I can put the poison into two mugs of ale."
Mance stood and walked towards the ale and filled two mugs and put them in front of Jon. He then walked to the entrance of the tent and told the person that stood outside to get the Weeper and Rattleshirt.
Jon added the poison.
Mance returned to talk.
"So why didn't ya join the Night's Watch?" Mance asked.
"Why would I want to join, when there are rapers, thugs, and thieves?" Jon shot back.
Mance laughed.
"Val, wants you. She was staring at you the whole time. Do you want her?" Jon blushed.
Jon didn't know how to respond, he did want her, but he has never done it…
"Your face says it all. You want her but … you're still a maid." He said quietly.
Jon slowly nodded his head, "Aye, I am."
Jon was saved from answering when the Weeper and Rattleshirt came into the tent.
"What do you want, Mance?" Rattleshirt asked.
Mance stood and grabbed the mugs of ale from beside him, "Why it's quite simple. I want a drink with some of my best fighters." He handed them the mugs.
Both drank.
The Weeper spoke when he was done: "Was that all Mance?"
"Yes that was all," he turned around but stopped mid turn, "Actually can you grab Tormund." The men nodded, and left.
Mance went to sit down, "So… did you come north by yourself or with friends?" Mance asked.
"Alone." Jon responded.
Mance's eyes widened, "You should have came here with companions. This are dark times I tell ya. The Others have returned."
"The Others are stories made up by wet nurses, to scare children."
"Come with us to HardHome. You are going to head south right?"
"Aye I am."
And at this moment Tormund entered. The rest of the day Tormund and Mance told Jon about the Others returning, and how the freefolk live.
XxxxX
At Hardhome with Mance's army, he has gotten to know everyone and became good friends with Tormund. While he was with Mance's army, he got to know Val, and he apologized for the burnt hand. There he could see ships anchored.
When they got to Hardhome, Mance called everyone to his tent and asked Jon to reveal who he was, and they were still in the tent.
"I'm leaving tomorrow to go south, I can take a few of you with me but not all of you."
Everyone started talking and he couldn't hear a thing, that was until Tormund yelled.
"Everyone shut the hell up and talk one at a time, we're dealing with a southerner." Jon laughed.
"Jon," Mance said, "I want you to take the children and the elderly when you go." Jon nodded. Everyone went back to talking.
That was until everyone heard a loud screeching coming from outside. The hounds started to bark, and the winds started to blow stronger. Everyone gone quiet, then they all broke out in a run to grab there weapons. Jon ran outside and saw blue eyes running towards Hardhome.
"GET EVERYONE TO THE DOCKS AND ON A BOAT TO GO TO THE SHIPS WE AREN'T LEAVING UNTIL ALL OF THE CHILDREN ARE ABOARD… YOU WILL NOT LEAVE UNTIL EVERYONE IS ON A SHIP OR DEAD. NOW MOVE IT!" Mance yelled, "AND EVERY MAN FIGHT BACK!"
He stood beside Jon, "Get your sword, Snow. We got the dead to fight."
