authorsnote: DAMN this chapter was emotional, but here we go!
as always I do hope you enjoy, tell me what you thought - I live for your reviews! fav/follow for updates too!
songrecs: stay - the kid laroi, justin bieber
When warging everything tended to shift at the start, to blur, as they merged, as they became one. Everything was a little fuzzy, wavey, and a little unfocused, but it faded fairly quickly.
And when it faded, it was noticeable.
Once behind the eyes of a wolf, a direwolf no less, Jon felt things he'd never felt before. Senses he'd never took particular notice of on a day to day basis, feelings, muscles, and moods that didn't exist in his body. All together it was a completely different experience.
His vision was so much sharper, Ghost's red eyes saw a thousand times better than his. Whereas he would need to get out a spyglass or squint to see the rabbit near the tree, Ghost could see it with ease.
His smell as well, he could smell the rabbit as though it were a juicy meal on the table next to him, but it wasn't just his prey he could smell. He could smell the leaves, the earth, the trees, even the air in a sense. Everything had a distinct smell, and that was perhaps the most intense change, how much his nose mattered as a wolf, far more than a human.
His ears perked up, and just like his other senses they were heightened too. He could hear the babble of the stream nearby, hear the feet of animals running in the snow, the breeze in the trees, the horses the hunting party rode. Things far enough away he'd lose as he walked, as Ghost he could still hear them.
His paws scraped against the snow lightly, and he was pleased to feel, that like himself he felt no aversion to the cold. Being on four legs was strange but as he trotted forwards (experimentally) he adjusted to it quickly and far easier than he had thought (and only stumbled once). In fact it kind of felt like riding a horse … where he was the horse.
His fur felt strange, to be warm with no clothes on. He felt naked but had no shame. He felt comfortable even, not only in body, but in mind.
It was almost like Ghost had made room for him – pack. They seemed to exist together in his mind. It was not like he could know what Ghost was thinking, more what he was feeling, but his feelings were simple. He acknowledged Jon as pack, he was hungry, he was a touch tired, but excited and ready to hunt some prey. Jon knew Ghost ran much more on instinct, and to truly run as him, to warg properly, he'd need to do the same.
He'd need to learn from Ghost, to learn how to live as a direwolf (in the short term), to be a proper warg. He realised that then, and if he could he'd smile, that was it, that was the secret to being the warg. Not to think of it as a temporary state to grin and bare and then depart. It was to think of Ghost as one with him, to know he'd need to learn and understand his animal to coexist with it, to know to get better he'd need to do this a lot.
He remembered Orell then, and how he had seemed to be constantly changing forms. Jon didn't intend to be quite as away from his body as the wildling had, but he knew he'd need to warg regularly to get used to and utilise it.
'Okay' He spoke in his own head again, his way of communicating with Ghost. Ghost didn't speak, as silent in his own mind as he was in the real world, but Jon could feel him, feel his instincts, his urge to hunt. Jon knew it was time to get going.
He stumbled only twice as he trotted forward, and then went in a circle. He did pause to look back at himself, his own body limp on the floor. He noticed his eyes were open now, which was strange as he'd closed them to warg. Now they were open, the whites showing. Jon just hoped no one came across his body. He was very still, and Jon looked back at himself for only a minute (it was a weird sensation), before turning around and taking off.
It wasn't quite as smooth as he hoped. He stumbled a fair amount, not used to being on for legs nor Ghost's speed. He was fast, so fast, and he could feel the urge to go faster, to flatten his ears and drive himself. He did, he tried, but he knew he wasn't achieving the speeds Ghost could alone, it would take him some time to get there.
'Practice makes perfect'
It was Mikken who had said that, the Blacksmith of Winterfell, and Jon knew he was right.
Still, he kept a good speed, and his nose did the work in tracking prey. He settled on a rabbit, and went for stalking it first, he knew rabbits were fast and on his unsteady leg he may lose a chase. Instead, he crept up on it, the snow the perfect camouflage for white fir. He bared his teeth, ready to jump, to leap, to hunt.
He didn't take into account the stuff beneath him though, and one step forward and the snapping of a twig under his paw had the rabbit fleeing.
But then he gave the chase.
The rabbit was fast but Ghost was faster and Jon found himself going faster, getting better, stumbling less, pushing himself further as he chased the rabbit down, he flattened his ears, his nose clear on the scent of the rabbit, his ears focused on the thump of feet, of the twitch of branches when the rabbit ran over them, the rustle of leaves. He was focused, had never felt more so.
The rabbit didn't stand a chance.
He was on it in a flash, a slight stumble jumping over a bush gave him all the opening he needed and then he had it in his jaws, its neck snapped quickly, it would have felt no pain. As a hunter Jon was efficient, clean, he didn't believe in causing pain or drawing out the kill. Hunting was a means to an end, a way to eat, and for Ghost to track and hone his skills, it was not meant to be cruel.
The rush of blood over his muzzle was strange, and the raw meat was difficult to get used to, he would have gagged had he not felt the strong urge to gobble it down, the wolf taking over then, to eat its prey, its reward.
It was a strange sensation, of course he'd eaten plenty of rabbit but not raw and not like this. Still, it was fuel, and he could feel the satisfaction in Ghost as he trotted back to his body, easily picking his way back, his tracking skills far more honed whilst warging, far more delicate and easy to follow than in his human body.
Of course, in his human body he could track, but not nearly as well and perhaps not to his full potential, he resolved then, as he spied said body and stopped in front of it, that he'd need to hone that skill, tracking was useful, for animals and humans alike.
Looking across at himself he took a breath, in the wolfs body, in Ghost, and tried to remember how last time he had returned to himself, how he had come back to being Jon.
He remembered it being easy, natural and once more it simply was. It was easy with his intent, to slip his mind away from himself, to project back into himself. It was a touch more challenging this time, having spent so long in the wolf, though really it had been minutes, not hours, it was still a tough more challenging, but it was still done with ease.
A gasp left his lips, and his eyes flew open, a great rush of air entering his chest as he was back to himself. He looked down at his hands, human, and felt his own body around him again. Ghost was silent opposite, blood red muzzle against his white, though he was cleaning it now, licking away the trace of his … their hunt.
Jon barely had time to focus, but it wasn't difficult, now he was back in his own body he'd felt no different than when he'd left it, not really, and the glow of the book stopped him pondering what was different;
Quest Complete!
In the Wolf's Jaws
Hunt and kill an animal as Ghost
Reward: +5 Warging, +5 Hunting, +5 Animal Knowledge, +5 Relationship with Ghost
Current XP: 1900/2000 XP, Warging +5 = 65, Hunting +5 = 35, Animal Knowledge +5 = 30, +5 Relationship with Ghost = 75
Hmm, he smiled to himself, patting the book as he closed it, he was annoyed at the lack of XP reward with considering how close he was to levelling up, but he appreciated how healthy the rewards had been otherwise. He particularly smiled at his warging score, growing, and growing.
He bound to his feet, ready to make his way back but the book glowed once more, and he raised an eyebrow, another quest already?
New skills: Tracking, currently = 15
Interesting, it hadn't alerted him specifically to new skills before, had it been because he had been thinking about it? Or was this just the books way of alerting him to new skills now? He wasn't sure but was pleased to see it, particularly that it wasn't as low as he would have thought, still, he stuck to his earlier resolve, it needed to be higher.
And he needed to get back to the hunt, he knew this was only the first quest, and so he pocketed the book, whistled for Ghost and set back on a steady jog to the group, much more to do.
"Where have you been?" Robb asked, far too loudly once he re-joined the large group. It hadn't been hard to find them, their pace was slow, the soft Southerners not used to hunting in the snow and ice of the North.
Ghost followed alongside him, and Jon was back on the horse Robb had kept tethered to his. He could see Greywinds nearby too, equally fierce, a touch bigger than Ghost and louder, more colour to him, though as siblings they happily chased one another, Ghost's muzzle still a tough red, Greywinds not.
"Nature called and Ghost decided to give me the runabout" He said casually, knowing he'd never be able to lie like those in Kings Landing and the South but far better at it than most Starks.
He wasn't sure if that was good or bad. Both perhaps.
"Yeah, Greywind would do the same" Robb joked, before turning back to look forward. Jon did too, looking ahead but it seemed not much had happened in his absence, only trotting along, and chatting. He was thankful for that, he hadn't missed much.
He thought of the book, that there would be many quests, he'd just need to find them.
As Robb fell into with Theon, Jon didn't join him, instead he scanned the area, his eyes flicking back and forth over the trees, his mind in high alert, his gaze penetrating and fixed, searching, looking for an opening to a quest, looking for an invitation.
It didn't take him long to find one.
"You alright there Snow?" When he'd been a boy, he would wince at Theon's mocking tone. It still didn't quite wash off his back, but he rolled his eyes and didn't respond to the bait "Looking confused"
"Searching for your own kill?" He mocked again and Jon gritted his teeth. He hated that Theon could still push his buttons and was determined not to show that he could.
"I'll get the first" Theon gloated again, unable to help himself as he cocked his bow. Jon shot him a glare but again kept his mouth shut, until the book glowed.
Quest Alert!
The Early Bird…
Get the first kill of the hunt.
Reward: +5 Hunting, +10 to whichever weapon used, -5 relationship with Theon, +100XP
Failure: -10 Hunting, -10 to whichever weapon used
Jon grimaced. The penalties for this one were harsh. He glanced at Theon, bow ready, eyes on the trees searching for prey. Jon could see his eyes narrow, and with a slight panic jumped down from his horse and yelled out.
"Don't worry squid" He said, and he saw both Robb and Theon's eyes widen, he wasn't usually one to argue back nor speak so boldly, "You can go second"
He knew he needed to be quick, Theon was a prick yes, but he was also fast with a bow and a damn good shot. His taunt had distracted him but not for long.
Jon quickly grabbed the bow strapped to the side of his horse, for though he much preferred his sword he knew it wouldn't be quick enough. He was an average bowman, and as he cocked it, he vowed to get better, it was an important skill he'd often neglected in favour of his sword, he'd need to rectify that.
Jon knew he'd never be as good with any other weapon, for with his sword it was almost an extension of his arm, and nothing else felt more natural. He knew it was what he was good at, best at even, and he didn't like to think too much about what that meant for him.
He remembered Sam had once said,
'We all enjoy what we're good at'
His response?
'I don't'
And yet he knew he didn't have to enjoy it, he just needed to get even better. Better with his sword, better with a bow, better at combat. Yes, he had been focusing more on tactics and strategies and that was key, but he couldn't let his combat skills slip.
He quickly had the bow to hand, arrow notched, and lifted it, arm drawn back, his eyes searching the trees for something, anything, that would win him this quest, as not only would it see him beat Theon which he felt far too desperate to do, it would also see him level up, just as he wanted, no needed to do before leaving Winterfell.
He took a deep breath, narrowed his eyes, focused, ready, he tugged the string back a touch further and found his target, a bird perched on its nest in a nearby fir tree, it was a healthy size, a good meal for one of the wolves, not a waste, and a win for him.
Another breath, focus, focus.
And the bird hit the ground.
But he hadn't released his arrow, he turned frantically to Theon who hadn't either and had swung his gaze around to him just as wildly. Robb looked confused as did the rest of their party as to who the mystery arrow had come from.
Where had it come from? Who had stolen his chance?
He heard a laugh then, and he would have been all the more furious had he not recognised it. He could only laugh, still annoyed, as the book glowed and told him of his failure, his first failure.
"Gotcha!" A voice shrieked, giggling furiously as the words in front of him demanded to be read;
Quest Failed!
The Early Bird…
Get the first kill of the hunt.
Failure: -10 Hunting, -10 to whichever weapon used
- 10 Hunting = 25, -10 Combat: Bow and Arrow = 35
He would have been far more annoyed had his suspicion to the source of the laugh had been wrong, but no as Robb ran to the trees and hauled out a very triumphant Arya, holding her bow in victory, he could only laugh, as did Robb, and the King. His Father looked torn between mad and cracked a smile, as his little cousin, as always covered in mud and refusing her dress had beaten them all to the first kill.
She wasn't feeling so triumphant ten minutes later though, as she'd been scolded for her reckless behaviour in following them, having taken a horse, and trotted behind them for hours, determined to spy but unable resist taking the shot. Arya was certainly looking less joyful as Lord Stark sent her back with a guard, promising just punishment even if the shot had been fantastic (and Arya had preened at that before quickly looking guilty again).
"But it's not fair!" She had complained but quickly silenced at her Father's look, nodding and jumping on the horse (though not before demanding her kill, to which the King roared with laughter and handed it to her, only laughing further as Lord Stark glared at him).
Jon had only been able to laugh with Robb, the slight sting of his failed quest and diminished stats taken away as Arya stuck her tongue out at him when mounting her horse back, if he could take being beaten by anyone it was Arya, who he'd always consider a little sister.
"Come on then Ned!" The King roared, knocking him out of his thoughts as the hunt surged forward again, all laughing at Arya's antics but also keen to track a mighty prey.
They moved forwards, and Jon watched as they passed through the trees of the Wolfswood.
He'd miss this place.
To him this was home, it always had been, even when he'd gone to the Wall, even when he'd been thousands of miles away, he'd always considered Winterfell his home. This was where he had been raised, this was where he'd been with his family, this was where he'd been happiest. This is where it felt like he belonged.
He remembered running to the Wall at just 16, so scared of Lady Catelyn, of being thrown out he'd decided to leave instead. He remembered turning away, of looking at the great castle, of feeling torn to leave, even when it had been his choice.
To watch his siblings, cousins now he knew, but still, his family, to watch them go South, now knowing they wouldn't come home…
He felt a pang in his chest which only strengthened his resolve, to keep them together, his family together, the Stark pack would not be parted. Bran would heal, Sansa and Arya would be safe, his Uncle would remain in Winterfell where he belonged. They'd be together.
Not all together, as he was going South with Robb, and though he knew that was the best chance, to spare his Father, Sansa, Arya, to take their place (though he fully intended for him and Robb to leave Kings Landing alive), it meant leaving home, for him again.
Would he come back again, in this life at least?
He hoped so.
He saw the book glow and his eyes widened, no quest had presented itself yet, and yet as it glowed, he could see it was something different, and he read it quickly;
Home is Your Heart (Perk!)
You have unlocked a further Perk from 'Home is The Heart' Your love for the North is fierce and alive inside of you!
+10 Map of the North, +5 Bravery, +10 relationship with all Northerners, -5 with non-Northerners
He smiled to himself at that, the rewards were good and the downside minor. He also felt a great sense of pride as he looked at it. His love for the North was fierce, it was home.
"Ahead!" He heard the bellow of the scout and suddenly his mind was whipped back to the present, to the hunt, and he could see ahead the party charging forwards, to which he dug his heels into his horse and followed, Robb on his tail, their wolves not far behind.
The group had spotted two stags, both large, fierce and weeks worth of meat to the castle, the group lead by his Uncle and the King peeled toward the larger and Jon took lead to follow the second, he could hear Robb not far behind with Theon bringing up the rear.
For now, all animosity was forgotten as Robb yelled, "Lets beat the old men to the kill!" He and Theon roared, all anger at one another gone at the prospect of such an achievement.
He wasn't surprised at the glow but barely glanced at it, intent and focused on surging forward, following the deer moving fast through the trees.
Quest Alert!
The Fall of the Stag
Kill the Stag and bring your bounty home
Reward: +10 Hunting, +1 AGI, +5 Relationship with Robb, +5 Relationship with Theon, +100XP
Failure: -10 Hunting, -1 LUC, -200XP
A quick glance told him there was more than his pride at stake, and so he dug his heels in, more focused than before.
He could hear Ghost and Greywind following them, at their heels, Jon leading the pack, chasing down the deer that was fast, so fast as it darted in and out of the trees.
But not fast enough.
He knew he needed to take charge, even though he wasn't one to usually do so, and was against creating suspicion, he knew he needed to, he needed to complete this quest, he could invite a little suspicion, for those rewards. It would be worth it.
"Theon get your bow ready, Robb take the spear" He yelled, and it was a mark of how determined they all were that neither argued, and instead readied their weapons. Jon picked up a throwing axe packed to the side of the horse, if even one of them hit it would be enough.
And it seemed luck, or perhaps skill was on their side.
Theon's arrow whistled through the air and hit first, right into the stag's side, a near perfect hit, not quite perfect as it missed the heart, but it caused the great beast to stumble which allowed Robb to jump from his horse and thrust his spear forward, penetrating it's belly, Jon's axe to the heart was barely needed but he loosed it anyway, hitting right on the point, swiftly ending the great stags life.
Silence seemed to fall, as they all looked at one another, in amazement, at the great hunt they'd achieved, the biggest of their lives. Jon felt a surge of pride as they looked at what they had accomplished.
"Woo!" Theon cheered first breaking the silence and as much as he disliked the Greyjoy Jon found himself laughing, Robb as well, clapping one another on the shoulders, delight sweeping over them.
They heard similar cheers a minute later and knew that the other party had found their kill, though their grins only widened, that they had got their stag first.
"That was amazing!" Robb said and Jon nodded, walking to the stag, pulling each weapon, and handing them back. He was grinning from ear to ear, the rush of the hunt in his blood. All three of them smiled, filled with adrenaline.
And it was more than that, as the air shimmered with silver, not minutes passed since he'd been given the quest to complete it.
Quest Complete!
The Fall of the Stag
Kill the Stag and bring your bounty home
Reward: +10 Hunting, +1 AGI, +5 Relationship with Robb, +5 Relationship with Theon, +100XP
Hunting: +10 = 35, +1 AGI = 17, +5 Relationship with Robb = 95, +5 Relationship with Theon = -65, +100XP, Total XP: 2000/2000 – LEVEL UP!
He hated having to ignore the book, but he knew it would wait, he could level up in the privacy of his room, as they needed to get their kill back and did slinging the stag over the biggest horse – Robb's.
Still, he had briefly seen the rewards and was feeling even better, they had been plentiful. This was just what he needed before returning to the Castle.
Considering that, he sky was darkening, and Jon knew they needed to head back, to return to Winterfell, triumphant from the hunt and for him ready to level up, still grinning as he mounted his horse and urged it forward, slowing to a trot to give it a bit of a rest as they made their way back to the main path, joining the main party as they appeared minutes later.
"Heard you cheer!" The King roared with joy, holding his spear, the great stag slung over the back of one of his guard's horses, another Winterfell guard relieved Robb of their kill to take back, ensuring it would return safely as it would feed many. "Beat us to it by seconds!" He said, but he looked overjoyed, and Jon got the sense this was where Robert Baratheon was happiest, among the dirt and trees, not on the Throne in the South.
"Aye" His Uncle said with a smile though it didn't reach his eyes, no doubt his mind still on Bran as Jon and Robb both were, Theon too, all basking in the day but not enjoying it fully. Still Lord Stark smiled, clapping his hand on Robb's shoulder, "And now we can feast"
"Feast!" The King roared, "For our last night in Winterfell!"
Jon felt his heart sink a little, as the hunting party moved on, back to the Castle, unlike the journey there he and Robb had both fallen silent, both thinking on the same thing, both focused and stuck on the same thought, that come morning they would be leaving their home, leaving Winterfell, leaving the North, and going into the unknown.
Jon felt he had a little advantage, knowing what was coming, knowing what they'd need to do, to be safe, to make it out alive, but he couldn't be sure, he'd changed so much already, he couldn't be sure what would happen and that in truth terrified him.
All he knew (and he felt it with grim determination) was that he would protect Robb, protect himself, protect the Starks and that was all he could do.
He just could not fail.
By the time they arrived back to the Castle he felt tired, and was ready for a wash and bed, but he knew he'd need to stay up, feast and say goodbye. It wasn't so late, and he was hungry, and so rather than crying off he instead promised to be back in the hall within the hour, no matter how tired he was, though first he went back to his room.
He did wash and did so quickly, changing his sweat, blood and mud-stained clothes for fresh underclothes, socks, breeches and a fresh tunic, drying his hair, pulling on his cloak to ward off the chill, slipping on his boots, and then he sat down at his desk, eyeing the bed enviously, but instead pulling out the book.
It was time.
He opened again to see the same words – LEVEL UP! And a grin slashed across his features, he instantly felt more awake, glanced over to ensure Ghost was guarding the door, and then opened up his stats page, ready to add to it.
He looked over it first.
STR: 23
PER: 15
END: 15
CHA: 7
INT: 12
AGI: 17
LUC: 8
MAG: 8
They looked good but he smiled again, they were about to look better.
He read over the level up notification, just to remind himself;
Level Up!
You have climbed 1 level, to Level 4!
You may now add 10 points to your Base Stats or 100 points to your General Skills. Choose wisely. Base Stats determine your skill in areas overall, whereas General Skills are more specific. We recommend in the early levels to add points to Base Stats. Base Stats must reach a certain level to unlock certain General Skills, and you must reach certain levels in specific Base Stats to climb higher in General Skills (i.e. you must reach 25 in your 'Charisma' Base Stat or your 'Lying' General Skill will be capped at a possible 50/100, and you must reach 40 in your 'Strength' Base Stat or your 'Mace' General Combat Skill will be capped at a possible 50/100).
Add to Base Stats or General Skills?
This was an easy one, and Jon tapped over the area that said 'Base Stats' and the book changed to show him those stats, with the option of adding 10 points to them.
He paused, his hand stilled to consider each one, what he had added before and what he needed to add now.
Whereas before he had been so determined to add to strength, he still had that pull to do so again but with training he was getting stronger each day anyway, and so didn't plan this time to dump a lot of points into it as he had before. No, instead there were two specific areas he was eyeing: endurance and intelligence.
Now, the former was the most appealing to him, to up his endurance would be essential for his trip South and to Kings Landing and then the Tour. He had no plans to relent on his training and wouldn't allow Robb to do so either, but with travelling as well it would be hard, and so endurance would be essential once they left Winterfell.
For intelligence for him it was obvious, it was one of his lowest and he knew he'd need brains over brawn in the South. Yes, his combat skills would always be a focus, but so would his strategy and tactics. It felt like an eternal balancing act, and he was sure adding to intelligence would only help him keep his steadiness.
He glanced over the others but first added 3 to endurance and 3 to intelligence, leaving him 4. He then looked at charisma, it wasn't an area he wanted to invest in, easy to ignore, he'd always be far too blunt and honest to be a charmer, but he knew how important it would be to at least be civil in the South and so reluctantly added first 1 point, and then another for a total of 2.
With 2 left he was tempted to split them but then his gaze went straight to perception. He knew that would be crucial in the South, to keep his wits about him, to ensure he was always on high alert and noticing anything that needed to be noticed. With a nod to himself he placed the further 2 there.
He then looked back over them.
STR: 23
PER: 17
END: 18
CHA: 9
INT: 15
AGI: 17
LUC: 8
MAG: 8
He smiled to himself, that seemed better, and he knew he'd need to work towards Level 5 quickly, to further boost his agility, strength and perhaps even start looking at luck.
He also remembered another perk of Level 5 and quickly flipped through the book to find it.
Quest Alert!
New Quest: Understanding the Rise.
Reach Level 5 to unlock player's levels.
Reward: You can see any players level (unless they are hidden for a specific reason), +50 XP.
Failure: Players levels will remain hidden to you.
So, a quest, automatically unlocked once reaching Level 5. Well, he'd expect to at least hit that before he got to Kings Landing and knew he would have to work hard to do so. He was sure the journey South would provide plenty of opportunities for him and if it didn't he'd have to find or make them.
Again, he felt a little melancholy as he thought of tomorrow, but refused to wallow in his sadness at leaving Winterfell for a 2nd time. He had made his choice, a choice that had been the only way to save his family, and he wouldn't, couldn't regret it, not for a second, not if it protected those he loved.
With a small sigh he fought the urge of his bed and with a whistle to Ghost left his room and made his way to the Great Hall. He felt tired, but if this was to be his last night in Winterfell then he would feast, and remember it well.
However, upon leaving his room a guard was present.
"Plans have changed Lord Snow" The guard offered, none of the Winterfell guard ever quite sure how to address him, he resisted the urge to roll his eyes and just nodded for them to continue, "Please follow me" And he did so, but his hand went to the dagger at his belt.
He followed though, and soon realised where they were heading. He heard laughter and cheering from the Great Hall, and knew the King was getting his feast, but he realised, as the guard opened the door and he stepped inside, that the Stark family were having their own celebration, or rather their own goodbye.
Once he stepped into Bran's room he smiled and looked over at what would be their final night in Winterfell. It felt right.
His Uncle sat in a chair next to the head of Bran's bed, Lady Catelyn opposite, Uncle Benjen (returning to the Wall tomorrow) on Lord Stark's right. Rickon sat next to his Mother, and then Theon next to him, then Sansa, Robb was opposite, a chair empty, and Arya at the foot of the bed. All with plates of food on their laps, drinks in hand.
Jon without a word slid in between Robb and Arya and felt as content as he possibly could be, though a pang of sadness at his sleeping little brother.
Bran looked peaceful in sleep, and he felt reassured that Maester Luwin had reassured them many a time that he would wake, Jon just wished he could now, he would wish anything for Bran to open his eyes, to show he was okay, to be able to say goodbye before they left.
He was passed a plate of food and a cup of water then and tore his gaze from Bran. It was no grand feast here, eating out of their laps, but he knew none of them would have it any other way.
It was calm, it was nice, and Jon hadn't had 'nice' for a long, long time. For so long he had just got by, yes there had been bursts of happiness … Ygritte, his brothers, getting the Wildlings through the Wall, but there had been so much hardship, so many challenges, it felt good to simply be calm, to sit with his family, eat a meal and feel happy, even when tinged with a hint of sadness.
But he knew this would be the last time they ate together in a while, and so he knew to appreciate it.
He was glad that going South he'd have Robb with him, his brother in all but blood. They would support one another, they would stand with one another, and they would protect with one another. Jon, especially, knowing what was to come, knowing how much danger they'd be in, he'd ensure Robb was safe, he'd swear it on the Old Gods.
Talk rounded the room, Sansa gossiped about the South, demanded they send her some pretty dresses and lamented not going herself (her enthusiasm had been tamped by his false stories about the boy Prince but not fully and was quickly returning to where it had been), Arya demanded no dresses, only a helmet from the Street of Steel, Rickon babbled and Robb promised to send gifts.
"We'll send a sword for Bran" He said with a smile, and Lady Stark managed a watery smile in return, "For him to practice with when he wakes"
"Aye" Jon said, and smiled at Robb, who was looking watery eyed himself, "If Arya doesn't steal it!" He japed, not one to usually do so, but he felt a need to lighten the mood, and there was laughter, laughter that was music to his ears.
He wasn't sure why he felt emotional, though his expression remained stoic, he did, he felt emotional inside himself, but he knew it was also with a sense of foreboding, with fear of when, or if he'd return.
"Speaking of stealing..." Robb began, and there was laughter, outrage and Arya pretending to look guilty whilst grinning as Robb retold the story of their hunt. Jon knew how much Lady Catelyn was suffering Bran's absence that she found humour in the story rather than fury.
They all were feeling Bran's absence, but Jon knew he'd wake. He had to wake. He had in the future he had left, and he would now, he would.
For now, they ate, they joked, they laughed, and Jon enjoyed his last night in Winterfell with his family, hoping it wouldn't be his last.
soo thoughts?
I really enjoyed writing this chapter, felt like the perfect blend between story and video game aspects, which I know ppl have been requesting, a better blend between the two, so what did you think?
again apologies for dragging out the departure, but she coming! ahhh, I have started writing the next chapter and I'm already an emotional wreck!
as always I do hope you enjoyed, do review if you can, I appreciate every single one (okay no, the ones where you tell me I suck I do not appreciate teebs).
anywho, do fav/follow for updates!
speak soon