Author's Note: Some of you might have read this as Lightbringer before. I decided to reboot it after a year and properly thinking how I can rethink the plot and look for inspiration in terms of politics as well as situations that involve it. This may start very light but would be ending quite heavy and tragic. Yes, this is a warning.
Thank you to my betas, Nikki298 and Irish!
Face Claims:
Baelor Hightower: Jensen Ackles
Ulthor and Manfryd Hightower: Evan Peters
Domeric Bolton: Alex Hogh Andersen
Disclaimer: I do not own GoT or ASOIAF I only own the Hightower siblings. hahah
Prologue
The sky was light in daylight a good time to hold a tourney. Several colors and banners were raised, the Recent King was drunk and happy. It was like the Old and New Gods themselves watched just after the Greyjoy Rebellion ended at 289 AC. Rhone of Hightower was a child turning nine years of age soon. She was with her aunt Lynesse and her Grandfather, Leyton Hightower. Rhone as a child raised in High Tower surrounded by books and knowledge found boredom in jousts, archery and other violent activities that could result to destruction with the just the right force.
She observed her fellow nobles including her older brothers who were squires cheering as every time the Northern bear, Lord Jorah Mormont ousted every Southern man that went in his way. She sighed and tried to retract her yawns from coming out of her. It was odd for her that these people found northern men barbaric when just the act of these tourneys were barbaric with the people finding enjoyment of glory and blood. She had thought if Gods were truly as good as they are why do they require such brutal acts as a celebration.
It was the last leg and final round of the Tourney at Lannisport, it was a joust against Lord Jorah and and Ser Jamie Lannister, also known as the Kingslayer. She heard the stories about the dashing golden lion of the kingsguard. How he stabbed the Mad King with his steel. Being a curious child, she had thought that if the king were mad to some extent would it make sense to just to end such suffering? It was question she asked her grandfather before they left for the Westernlands. Her grandfather nor any of her elders answered the question she assumed that no one really wanted to talk about the savagery that happened during that timeline. Nonetheless, she was never going to get these answers from the biased opinion of her family.
Her grandfather, the old man of old town had always been a wise man. The Hightowers have always supported the Targaryen rule, their ancestors have been closely related to that rule. After Robert's Rebellion, the Ancestral house that ruled the innovative city of Old Town decided that they would comply whoever sits on the Iron Throne. To them, war had always been bad for the trade. If to the Lannisters their gold was why they have so much power. To the Hightowers, knowledge, technology and building the future was their hold in the world for the long run.
Rhone's thoughts were disrupted when a loud thud was heard throughout the occupied whole man made arena were stunned. The kingslayer was unhorsed by the northern bear lord. A few seconds later everyone had started cheering especially her Aunt Lynesse, to Rhone's suspicion Lord Jorah might have been the lord she has been meeting around the Tourney Grounds after hours.
As expected Lord Jorah now knighted asked Lady Lynesse of Hightower's hand in marriage when he crowned her as his Queen of Love and Beauty.
The Stag King had made it possible and Lord Leyton had no choice but to comply to the reigning King's will, especially that King Robert was known to be fond of the North.
Almost three years have passed since the union of Lynesse and Jorah Mormont have been together, Lynesse's blood brother, Ser Humfrey Hightower, the youngest of the Hightower siblings, son of Leyton Hightower. As well as the eldest Hightower son Baelor, who was Rhone's ever so popular father. They were sent to visit his sister and transport some goods for the purpose of their trade. They have decided to start up North to do their personal dispatches in each great castle.
The Hightower party had sailed to Bear Island first to see the lifestyle Lynesse Mormont was having.
Rhone has just turned ten and two just a moon ago. The trip started for her in King's Landing where she was summoned by the Lannister Queen to commission a painting. Over the two years her grandfather and father had invested on every child of their blood to be educated and develop skills that may be deemed useful for their house in the future. This was impressive of Lord Leyton, since he had been doing so since Baelor was born.
They had scheduled a year journey for her and two of her older brothers close to her age, Ulthor and Manfred. They were to learn their house's trade and to network and let what they sow grow. Rhone, in the short span of her journey,she has seen the mountains of Dorne, the Stormlands, and the overpopulated King's Landing. She took her time studying and observing the culture around each place. She liked King's Landing the least she was thankful that she was extracted to what she felt like a snake pit.
Though this time, to where she is headed is surely uncharted territory for her. She was headed to the North, the weather was too cold for her she is after all a summer child. But in the light of what is foreign to her she found that the summer snow was dazzling. She could see the gates of Winterfell from their steel carriage.
She stretched her arms to see a better view of the architecture of the great castle of the north. She had read in books that Winterfell is considered warm because of the pipes that pumps water from their hot springs. She was very interested how the piping system works and with such knowledge how can she amplify or make other uses for it.
Their White steel carriage had entered and revealed it's up-close dressed stone walls. It seemed that the walls were thicker than the usual castle. With all the distraction Rhone has been experiencing she had failed to notice that the door has been opened and it seemed that her Aunt Lynesse was nowhere in sight.
"Rhone? Are you ill? You have been sitting there for a while" her father, Lord Baelor Hightower asked in a worried tone while offering his hand to assist his young daughter.
She quickly gathered her off white skirts, "I was indulging myself with the scenery far too much." She casually expressed as she took his hand
Her father chuckled "I believe you have other chances for distractions for now, the Starks are expecting all of us to reciprocate their greeting" her father reminded her. Rhone grinned at her father "Well I guess, the show must go on, my dear father" she teased and stepped out of the carriage and approached the growing family of the North.
Upon introductions Rhone played the young lady her Septa Mayne had told her to be, curtsied gracefully with all the confidence that a southern lady should have. She already faked her way into having her septa believe that she could be a lady by faking her proper behavior.
With her Silver Ash blonde hair in half in several intricate braids placed around the bun and the rest of her locks left down were in waves. Her off white and gray layered dress was covered in her white cloak, she stood in proper posture.
She observed each member of House Stark, Ned Stark was a tall man with a stocky built his face was quite brooding and long donning a rugged beard. She had noticed most grown men of the North sported the look.
Lady Catelyn Stark was a Tully according to her knowledge, Auburn of hair, with eyes as blue as the waters. Her cheekbones were high and the same she say about the woman's height, tall and slender she was, glowing and with child again. The woman seemed to be as fertile as her mother who was also on her fifth pregnancy.
Standing next to Lady Catelyn, Bran Stark was a boy of six who had a long face but his hair auburn in a darker shade, he was a good mix of Stark and Tully.
Stood next to the little boy was a girl was close to his age, Arya was her name. Her face strongly resembled what a Stark should look like. Her gray orbs observing Rhone the same way the young Hightower was doing. Rhone smiled at the young girl of seven and then the girl discreetly whispered to the older sister who stood next to her.
The older sister Sansa, scolded Arya. Sansa was a little lady of 9, she looked very much like her mother, the red hair, the blue eyes Rhone new this girl would be quite a beauty when she fully develops.
Lastly the eldest of the Stark children, the heir to Winterfell, Robb Stark, she considered Robb Stark to be fortunate that he looked like he was going to grow into a good looking lad one day. However he had the facial features of a Tully but with the built of a Stark. She had nothing much to say about him he was after all just a boy to her.
Her curiosity was piqued because behind them stood two other boys which one as a dirty blonde haired boy, which she guessed was the hostage, The Greyjoy prince that was held as leverage after the Greyjoy Rebellion. He was a boy of fifteen, the same age as her brothers.
The other boy resembled Lord Stark to well she had presumed that this was the baseborn son of The warden of the North. The boy looked more like Ned Stark than his legitimate son in Rhone's honest opinion which she would have to keep to herself.
After the introductions
"You all must be exhausted from your travels, let us all get you settled before the feast?" Lady Stark had told the Southern Party.
"Aye, I believe Lord Baelor and I have to several things to discuss before the festivities start. I will leave my lady wife's hospitality." The quiet wolf had informed them.
"I do believe that is true, Lord Stark. I would love to see more of your home but priorities will always be paramount." Lord Baelor grinned and followed Lord Stark to the solar.
Lady Catelyn looked at Rhone and her brothers, "My son, and husband's ward will accompany the three of you to our guest chambers." She told the Hightower siblings. She smiled at Rhone, "Lady Rhone you are welcome to join Sansa and Arya while they have lessons with Septa Morde during your stay here at Winterfell." The slender lady of winterfell had politely invited the young lady of Hightower.
"Thank you, Lady Stark I will keep that in mind when my father does not require of my time" Rhone appreciated the concern Lady Stark had for her well being.
But Rhone found the lady lessons quite uninteresting except for the encouragement of the arts and music she had from it. She had rid of her septa lessons just a few moons ago by excelling in them by visiting King's Landing. In truth she even had paid her seamstress to finish half of her embroidery work just so she can have time to learn from maesters around the their castle and the citadel.
She had bowed and watched Lady Stark accompany the adults to their chambers.
"Shall I escort you to your chambers, my lady?" The lordling, Robb had offered his arm to Rhone
Rhone feigned herself from sighing due to her dislike of formalities which she would normally dismiss around her father and siblings. Her mother, Rhonda was quite strict with behavior a contrast to her free spirited father.
Rhone had has slipped her hand on the young bo's arm. She was taller than Robb by a few inches, he was a bit tall for a boy of ten. "How do you find the North, Lady Rhone?" He asked her with a smile as they walked to a tower.
She mentally rolled her eyes on how she hates small talk and she knew he was about to start it. Rhone had decided to elongate her patience up til two minutes. "Well, it's a bit colder than what I am used to but, it has it's own beauty and quirks to it." She always did find all the places she visited differed from one another all having it's flaws and redemptions. " I do like Winterfell far better than King's Landing though. But I feel like Oldtown will always be the best for me." She added.
Robb looked at her, "It's nice to hear that you appreciate my home. I understand, I would feel the same about Winterfell. Doesn't King's landing have closer similarities to Oldtown? I am sorry I am not very familiar I haven't gone that far South yet." The young boy replied. She wanted to snort at the answer the dirty pun that had entered her adolescent mind.
"The weather is the closest thing that King's Landing could get to Oldtown, but the place and the people there, court to be precise, is poison.I do not understand why some bother on wanting to take part at court." Rhone could not help but frown at the thought of the capitol.
Robb had furrowed his eyebrows, "I apologize, if I upset you." The boy seemed uncomfortable.
She shook her head "I apologize that I have placed you in a rough start. What are your pastimes here in Winterfell?" She tried to evade the situation.
"we have been practicing our swordplay with Ser Rodrik Cassel, swimming in the hot springs, playing at the Godswood." Robb had enumerated which gave Rhone a sign that she was successful in diverting the situation.
"The hotsprings that's the very source of the warmth of Winterfell?" She enthusiastically asked the young lordling.
Robb Stark gave her an odd look "You know about that? Girls aren't always excited about the pipings of Winterfell, I thought you would be more interested in the Godswood." He told the young Hightower.
Rhone ignored the comparison, "I have been reading several books of how castles work and were built recently. I-" she was cut off by the obnoxious voices of her elder brothers. As they got to the hall of guest chambers. They were already standing in front their designated rooms.
"You know greyjoy, during the your house's rebellion our knights were able to slaughter your kind." Ulthor boasted. Rhone hated the bullying attribute of her brothers.
They both had the same silver ash hair and blue eyes she has. They were both tall with handsome faces. Ulthor had short hair while Manfryd had longer hair. They were identical twins, ulthor had always been aggressive as Manfryd had an enabling trait.
They continued torment the young kraken which just infuriated Rhone and kept her from keeping up a conversation with the young Stark heir. "May I be, excused?" Rhone could barely control her nerves. She marched to Ulthor and quickly smack their napes hard when they least expected it.
The Hightower twins of ten and five both grunted out of pain. They have always said her hands were heavy, "the very reason why I keep my hands available all times, is for when I can use it to rebuke the stupidity that pumps into your brains" she scolded her older brothers. "Father will hear about this!" Manfryd complained.
She smirked and crossed her arms "tell him what? That you bullied a ward under the guest rights of the Starks? Or how you boast about victories that aren't yours to claim? How knightly and chivalrous, brother." Rhone sarcastically answered back.
Ulthor scratched his nape, "You are fortunate that you were born a girl otherwise we would have done something about your biased rowdy behavior against us." The Hightower squire threatened his sister.
"If I were born a boy I would have been knighted at an earlier age if I wanted to. But alas, the gods may seem to exist since they had decided to be kind to you by saving you from that kind of embarrassment" she coolly replied to her brother with the same amount of arrogance delivered.
Manfryd was about to return the favor, "Ulthor, we shouldn't do this anymore, you know the outcome of debates with our little sister." Manfryd reminded twin brother and pushed him into their shared chambers.
"Our sincerest apologies if we have caused you discomfort, Lord Theon." Manfryd displayed a change of heart before entering their chambers.
Rhone sighed, "In behalf of my brothers I would like to apologize for their behavior I assure you that they will no longer harass you verbally." She addressed to a shooked Theon Greyjoy as Robb Stark approached the two. "Are you alright, Theon?" Robb asked assurance from Theon.
"I am just surprised by Lady Hightower's sudden behavior. Th-Thank you for your kindness, Lady Rhone" the young kraken politely thanked her.
Rhone raised an eyebrow "I was not being kind, I was only defending what was right from wrong. Our father did not raise us to act like airy arrogant pricks." She expressed. "Well thank you for the company, I believe I am officially exhausted right now, I will see you at the feast, yes? Enjoy the rest of your day!" She quickly dismissed and entered her chambers followed by closing the door.
"All of the goods have been labelled and organized ready for distribution, then we can send your local produce further south as you have sent ours far up North." Lord Baelor Hightower laid out the scrolled plans.
"Thank you again, Ser Baelor for personally assessing this. I hope the small piece of land in wintertown could bring great things to the North." Lord Ned Stark exchanged pleasantries.
The Hightower Knight stuck to his composure, "Now, we need to discuss what my Lord Father has written to you about, the paperwork that my great uncle, Ser Gerold Hightower sent us during Robert's rebellion." Lord Baelor was careful to keep his voice low.
"I am afraid I do not understand, Ser Baelor." The warden of the North pretended to be oblivious about the confidential information.
"Before you arrived at the Tower of Joy, documents regarding your sister and a certain dragon prince arrived directly to my father's solar for safe keeping. I wanted to ask you, lord Stark. If by any chance that boy that looked like more of a Stark than all of your sons turned out who I am guessing to be, then by all chance let my father and I give the boy the fighting chance to survive whatever may come his way." Ser Baelor offered to the Northern liege.
Ned Stark looked surprised it had seemed to Baelor as if Ned did not expect this to come out especially from a southern family "I thought I had burned evidence of what took part in that tower. It seemed Rhaegar had forethought of this." the warden of the North brooded.
"The only unwise action he did was taking your sister with him instead of dealing with the king first" Baelor expressed his disappointment on the late dragon prince. "In any way, you know that child cannot live under your roof forever, i noticed that your wife treats the child coldly. Give the child an option, he may squire for me and earn the life and glory he wants by his own means." The Hightower heir suggested.
"What does Lord Leyton want in return of keeping this secret?" The quiet wolf had shown skepticism. "After all, the matter is a heavy burden to carry, your lord father could not offer this for free." The northern lord added.
"To build closer relations we may have any of our children in union, we do not have to decide which now, but your "baseborn son" we would like to be binded with Rhone or any of my future daughters when the time is right. The South and the North needs guarantee on our leverage against those Targaryens across the narrow sea. Our father does not seek war at any cost, we believe that this is good for both our houses, we the Hightowers assist with the Northern trade and your house would have less rumors going around, and the boy will have a secured safe future with us." The Hightower heir defended.
Ned Stark leaned on his chair, "I agree, but the boy will be your ward when he turns ten and two. And if any trouble comes, the north will alway be an option for him." The warden of the North laid out his conditions to the southern man.
The Hightower knight, "Agreed. His twelfth birthday? Is this according to his birth certificate the ones documented in the south?" He clarified.
Lord Stark looked at the relaxed knight, "I will disclose all necessary information to the boy before he leaves Winterfell." The warden of the north calmly told the man.
Despite the fact that there was a feud between the Hightower siblings in public they have acted like nothing had happened, they arrived on time even before the Stark children got to the great hall. They have been remaining quiet for quite a while since the stark children came in.
"If the stories were true they could be the closest we could see that resembles the Targaryens and dragon lords!" An excited young voice reached them.
"Arya!" Sansa scolding the youngest Stark girl as they approached. And gave a surprised face when she had realized that the southern children were already at the Great Hall.
The three Hightower children burst into laughter, Sansa had blinked as Arya grinned, "see they don't seem bothered by it." The young stark girl told her older sister.
"Yes, we do not mind, in fact, the Targaryens aren't only the fairest, sweet child. " Manfryd patted Arya on the head. "Valyrians have fled to Lysene as well, the Daynes also are of the similar features, as well." He smiled at the young girl.
A moment later the feast started, and people had started eating and drinking. There were a few other lordlings from powerful Northern Vassal houses. The elder sons of Lord Forrester, Rodrik and Asher, Smalljon Of the Umbers, Lady Wylla and Lord Wynfred of the Manderlys, Lady Alys Karstark and lastly Lord Domeric of House Bolton, who was a year older than Rhone and had the same interests with the exception of riding horses.
Domeric bolton was a shy young lad who had his own charms, he was tall and pale but what was cold looking from his appearance warmth with his quiet personality, his intellect and his talent for the harp. Even the twins wondered how such a splendid boy could root from Roose Bolton's seed. Sansa, Wylla and Wynafryd, and Jeyne Poole were in awe of Domeric's harp playing which Lady Dustin had been verbally proud of so the shy boy had been forced to prove it.
When the younger children had gone to retire, Rhone had ended up into a discussion with the Bolton heir. It was some agreements and disagreements about History until they had fallen into Northern history which Rhone did not know a lot about.
"It had always been known in the North through thousands of years, that the Long Night started through a Stark and ended with one as well." Domeric had told Rhone with sheer enthusiasm.
The young Hightower girl raised an eyebrow at the dark haired boy, "So are you implying that this popular fiend, 'The Night's King' was a Stark?" she asked with skepticism.
Domeric placed his arm on the table with his his temples leaning on his fist and grinned at Rhone,"Well, I do believe legends don't just make themselves out, there must be some truth within the songs and books that have been told and written." He told her his very open perspective.
She had wondered if was it the tiny sip of Arbor Gold she was allowed to try so she could keep herself warm, or was the image of the young pale man had become captivating because of how his mind and outlook worked. She had thought was it really possible to be so attracted to someone's intellect. Admittedly, Rhone had thought of the boy as attractive. He had striking light blue eyes, with his mid length hair slicked back which shows more of his face and strong jaw line.
She had been used to seeing beautiful people, she had thought the Dark Star, Gerold Dayne was gorgeous yet dangerous man but she was never attracted to him.
Never had the young lady felt smitten that she had been a bit speechless and her face never felt so warm. So she just took the last sip off her goblet, pretending hard not to be taken by the young man. "Let us say, this some truth you speak of would technically be a part of history, which has shown to repeat itself, do you know the probability of that happening again is now high?" she asked the words she articulated over the long pause she had before speaking.
Domeric chuckled at her "Such deep thoughts, my lady. Don't frighten yourself. If it is to happen, then it won't be any time soon. I am sure there would be rumors here and there if it were. Or odd signs, wouldn't the Gods at least reach out to warn us from such danger."he had sounded hopeful that she snorted.
Domeric had wrinkled his forehead "Such lady like behaviour, Lady Rhone." She bit her lower lip out of embarrassment. The Bolton their laughed at her stunned reaction.
"I was jesting, it seemed that you were holding back with your recent exchange." He told her still grinning.
She wrinkled her nose and felt slightly annoyed and amused at the same time and took a breath, "It's just, do any of the Gods still answer to anything. In the event that if these things come alive again, would we even stand a chance?" She pondered.
"Then you better hurry and find how to counter them, then?" He teased her by not answering her question.
She pouted, "So you wouldn't tell me how to do so? No lores or stories?" The fair haired girl crossed her arms across her chest.
"I suppose, I could. Perhaps, next time when we cross paths again,hm?" He looked into her blue orbs.
She felt infuriated how Domeric's antics had felt so effective on her. "You're just going to expect me to drown in books and ask about old wives' tales?" She objected.
He stood up, "I am sure you are capable of finding them on your own, but when you do find out more when we see each other." He informed her.
"And what if they come alive and I do end up dead because I knew nothing before I find any answers?" She pretended to be afraid.
Domeric Bolton bowed took her hand and kissed her knuckles, "then I would be first to hear of such news send you a raven, and I may come to your aid." She had felt her knees getting soft.
Domeric had offered to escort Rhone to the guest chambers. Rhone had felt anxious over how she had been feeling. Especially with Domeric telling her that he would like it if they could write each other. She knew her tingling feelings for the young man will not much be of help with what possibly could be happening in her future. The next morning, the heir of dreadfort had left for the Vale to squire for Lord Redfort.
"You know seeing that Hightower girl in that pink southern dress, I'd say she'd be quite a beauty in the future." Theon Greyjoy commented while they were at the library. "her body will still develop yet her tea-"
A blushed Jon Snow had cut Theon off "Theon I don't think it's proper to say inappropriate things about a lady especially one with a powerful house under her sleeves" he reminded the young Kraken as he saw Lady Rhone herself in sight with an irritated expression. Jon assumed that she had overheard the illicit comment as she was carrying a bunch of books and scrolls approaching the table.
"Well when I take my seat In the Iron Islands I could definitely take her as Salt Wife." The young kraken failed to detect her presence as The young Hightower girl slammed her pile on the table positioned between Robb and Theon.
"Salt wives, also known as concubines, in iron fleet terms. No thank you Greyjoy, I thought you already knew that I am not a fool." The girl hissed while opening her books.
The ward had kept mum, Jon had heard about the Southern girl who used her words like iron fists even with her own kin.
Like Robb, Jon had tried to observe what the girl was reading, which were mostly about Bran the Builder. To Jon it had only looked like the girl was scanning through pages of the book. "Bran the Builder?" Jon's half brother asked the Young lady.
She looked at the boys, "My ancestors hired a man of the same name, and to be able to understand how a great mind works, I make it a priority to check books and scrolls related to that person in every project he had built" she said and continued scanning through the book.
Jon returned to their history assignments given by Maester Luwin which was about Aegon's conquest the Andal invasion. In less than an hour the sound of stacking books and scrolls were heard from the fair haired girl's part of the table. She hovered over Robb's paper.
" I am guessing you're lord Stark's baseborn son, Jon. Yes? " the southern girl were looking at jon. He found her light teal eyes alluring. She had given a curious look. He nodded, "yes, my lady does this bother you?" The white wolf fretted.
She shook her head, "Not at all, I was just curious, is all." She replied casually. Jon had wondered why there a need for her curiosity when most children are nobility are insulted by a bastard's presence.
"So, are you all working on the same paperwork?" She asked showing a sign of boredom.
"To make the whole story short for the Andal invasion, the belief of people is still what swayed them on who had to be in power. Several kings had to change their religion, remarry, leave their first families, the conversion had included so many marriages to the first men. Even the Targaryens had to convert after conquering Westeros." She had explained to the boys their essay's topic. The three were dumbfounded, " well? Write that in your own words you can even proof it. The question was 'the powerful influences over westeros through times since the Andal invasion to Aegon's conquest, honestly it such a maester standard to do, glorifying the seven, as always." She rolled her eyes.
"Well, I want to get out of this stump, I might as well take your word for it, Hightower." Theon Greyjoy started writing on his blank paper.
"Theon, Maester Luwin expects us to able to recite that." Robb had reminded Theon as Jon just continued to read.
"She practically lives at the Citadel, Robb. I think her explanation was already brief." Theon defended his actions.
"Since you don't trust the goodwill I have shared, maybe I am just fooling your northern minds." She cooly expressed as the three boys just looked at her.
Rhone had rolled her eyes as she took a book about The faith of the Seven and it's history and places it on the middle of the table. "I would gain nothing, from ruining your education, you all have been searching for your answers in the wrong pages. Well I'm done with these. I'm off to meet my father." She started packing some of the books she took from the shelves and left.
Jon rubbed his temples "All this time it was all in one book. " Jon had felt days of his life had been wasted.
"Did she just say she was done with that stack she scanned through?" Robb asked Jon.
Jon assumed the girl was bookish maybe similar to Rhaegar Targaryen, how his mother might have swallowed candles and books during her pregnancy. The girl had been commended for her brilliance it might have been the reason she was toured around even for a young lady of her age.
Theon grinned at Robb, "Though it would not be farfetched if your father had arranged a marriage between you and Lady Rhone." He playfully hinted.
Jon had noticed that Robb was getting uncomfortable with the idea being fed to him "Robb is not the eligible child of Lord Stark in the future, the same goes for lady Rhone." The white wolf rebutted the young Kraken.
"Do you think you would ever eligible enough to have her as your lady wife, bastard?" Theon mocked Jon. "Theon!" Robb scolded the ward.
Jon knew where his place at ever since three years ago while playing in the courtyard with Robb as he shouted that he was the lord of Winterfell. Jon could remember how he broke down the reality he would not be inheriting any of his father's titles nor could he bring honor to his children by carrying the Stark name. No he knew that his future was stained by his father's sins. He might as well be man of the night's watch with his situation.
"It is the truth, Robb. Anyway I will be finishing the rest of my studying after I tend to Lord Stark's horses." Theon excused himself and left with his things.
"Don't listen to him, Jon. When I'm lord of Winterfell, I'd give you a title and legitimize you" Robb smiled at him. Jon did not get his hopes up even with Robb's positive attitude
A few days have already passed the Hightowers were to leave Winterfell in two days. The Hightower children had gotten along with the Stark children throughout their stay. Lady Lynesse and lord Jorah had to leave earlier than the rest of them.
Jon was summoned by lord Baelor and lord Stark to the solar, Jon had been worried about this all night. What could he possibly do to catch their attention he does not remember slighting any of the southern children.
He had arrived at the solar and was asked to take a seat. Sitting there had felt anxious until Lord Baelor arrived and shook his hand. Jon had always thought that the Southern heir had always been so free spirited and kind. He had seemed to have a liking to children.
"I have seen your training with Rodrik you have quite the potential there Jon, which is why your father and I summoned you before we depart from Winterfell." The splendid knight of Hightower started.
"Lord Baelor had asked if he could take you in as a ward when you turn ten and two as a squire." Jon's lord father expressed.
"You would have to train as paige first under Ser Rodrik but after you squire for me you may be knighted in due time. And when deemed worthy, my family may reward your loyalty and honor and become a landed knight of the South. Perhaps you may even have the opportunity to build your own family." The heir of Hightower smiled at Jon Snow.
Jon had several feelings lingering in his head, when he was just in the process of facing his reality an opportunity had risen. He would have to work hard for it, and he had no better options, it was either he leaves the North and where his Gods are or He serves one of the most powerful and wealthy family of the South and have the chance to build his life from scratch there.
Jon had made a decision and kneeled to his father and lord Baelor, "I will strive hard to make you proud for giving me such an opportunity,my lord." Jon had given his full appreciation.
Lord Baelor laughed uncomfortably, "you do not need to kneel. Come on, lad" he signalled the boy to stand up which caused Lord Stark to chuckle.
Jon knew that Ser Baelor of Hightower is a good man because it is not always that his father is less brooding in front of someone who is not family.
Jon had been dragged by Arya and Sansa to the hotsprings to meet up with other children. Hearty laughter beamed the wall of the tunnel . Jon had found Rhone, Robb and Theon laughing at the Hightower Twins in their swimming attire drenched in the warm bubbly waters.
Jon had stood next Robb who signalled to push Rhone into the water along with her brothers. The two stark sons were about to do the deed until the fair haired girl turned around was caught off guard and clung onto Robb as she was falling resulting to Jon being pulled in by Robb.
In the end Theon was pushed by Arya and Bran, and Sansa being pulled in by Robb.
The day ended happily for all of the children in Winterfell. The morn after the next day the the Hightower family had left the vicinity to travel to the Vale.