Thank you all for the support you have shown me, and also sorry for the long wait. Also I didn't expect this many people to be interested in this. Again thank you all for the astounding support you have given me.
Zekariah C.L. Schron: Poor Catelyn. She has no idea what's coming...
shadow-wild1: Oh Jon WILL put his titles forward. That part is going to put a lot of people in their place(glares at Joffrey, Cersei and Catelyn)
guest 2: Maybe, Maybe not. Here's my take on the fate of the Thalmor.
Chapter 2: Preparations and Return
After debating who to bring and what to pack, Jon headed to the patio where he found his children playing with their new pet. Ever since the Second Great War Jon had finally found peace and quiet he had earned. The Second Great War was surprisingly easy to win.
The only reason that the Aldmeri Dominion had won the First Great War was that they had the Orb of Vaermina and with it destroyed they had no foresight to utilize against the Empire.
The fact that the Emperor himself claimed Jon's heroic acts were true and the alliance forged between the rest of the nations of Tamriel also factored in their destruction. However all agreed that the daring act of Jon Snow that shattered the spirit of the Aldmeri Dominion.
With the aid of the Blades Jon succeeded in breaking through the defenses at Alinor Palace and killed the queen with Wuuthrad, thus earning the nickname Dragonwolf and Champion of the Empire. With no more threats and prophecies Jon and Aela were able to settle down in Proudspire Manor with Lucia and Alesan.
"Lucia! Alesan! Pack your things. It's past time you met my relatives." However while Alesan was excited to meet his chosen relatives Lucia looked depressed and worried. Considering the way her aunt and uncle had treated her she would be worried about it.
"Do you think they will like me? I know you said they are nice, but my aunt and uncle were like that when my parents were alive. Do you think that they will accept me?"
Jon did not have the exact answer for it, but knew that most of his family would be nice to his children, and if his memory was correct 'Lady' Stark was a devout 'follower' of the Seven which would probably lead her to be kind to his children considering they were once orphans, disregarding the fact that he now saw her as a paranoid woman with a near fanatical faith. "They will. Even if they don't, your grandfather will make them." At that Lucia beamed and quickly followed her brother, shortly followed by Jon.
Just like his children Jon began to gather his own things. His weapons were easy to choose. He would without a doubt take Chillrend with him. He was a child of winter, and there were only three other blades that felt right in his hand. He also decided to take Auriel's Bow, the Wuuthrad, and-out of instinct- the Dragonbane as well.
He also decided to pack his Nightingale set. In Skyrim he knew everything about everyone and could use it accordingly to the situation, like how he had removed Erikur from his position by exposing the connection he had with the Thalmor.
In Westeros Jon had no such knowledge. Therefore it was necessary for him to be able to gather secrets others would try to hide both personally and from others. He would need to do so if he were to unite the Seven Kingdom for the inevitable though Jon did not like playing games in the shadows.
No, he preferred to tear his enemies apart face to face. Though he was one of the three Nightingales he was still an honorable man at heart. Sure, he'd resort to trickery and politics if necessary but the teachings of his father was drilled into his soul. Jon still had no idea how he navigated the politics of the Empire.
Jon also packed his set of Ebony armor since it was HIS armor. The armor he wore during the Civil War. The armor he wore when he beheaded the "Queen" of the Aldmeri Dominion. The armor that the people of Tamriel connected with him. It was part of his identity as much as the fact that he was the Last Dragonborn.
He debated between the Shield of Ysgramor and Auriel's Shield, but decided that Auriel's Shield was the better option, with its magical properties. Jon also chose a variety of weapons and jewelry for his family as gifts, packing the clothing he would need alongside it. With the Archmage's Robes packed away last Jon was ready to depart to Westeros.
He had sent a letter to Esburn, Tolfdir, and Vilkas regarding the actions to take while he was gone and why. To Brynjolf on the other hand he sent a threat not to change the way that the Thieve's Guild was run. Sure it wasn't a perfect solution but he could keep the factions he led on the right path. Now his only problem was to prove his sanity.
Just exactly how, do you come back to your childhood home wielding magical weapons and armor and say you came back to protect the country from the undead without anyone thinking he was mad? In all possibility he could actually be mad. Hadn't Sheogorath the Prince of Madness himself told Jon that madness ran in his blood(a statement which still didn't make any sense)? But he had to try.
Westeros was where he was born. And it was his duty to the family he shared blood with to protect them, no matter what. His father had not taught him about honor for a long time, but what little he learned from him was the core of his identity. He had a duty to his family, and he would see through it. He did have something in mind, and if that wasn't enough, he could always find proof.
"You called for me my thane?" Jordis had come in his room with a hint of worry on her face. She had every right to be, as Jon was a magnet for trouble. In fact, it had been with her that he had gone on an adventure that led to him being given the Spellbreaker.
Ever since then the two had bonded like siblings, Jordis being the over-protective sister. "I intend to leave for Westeros. I need you to prepare the Whitemane for sailing. Gather its crew." Jordis did not panic like he thought she would. She looked like she already expected this. "Your wife has already told me of your trip. Also she has left with your daughter for Whiterun to bring Farkas for the trip. I expect you will not be returning for a while?"
He should have expected it. The times he and Aela spent together had bonded the two to the point where they could practically read the other's thoughts. "I see. I will head to Solstheim to bring Teldryn Sero and to Fort Dawnguard to bring Serana. Tell the captain to expect 5 people in addition with my family. Also while I am away Proudspire Manor belongs to you. So try to keep away anyone that attempts to exploit my absence." Jordis left with a quick nod.
Soon afterwards Jon left Proudspire Manor himself. He took one last look at it. Jon wanted to take a good look at his home. He would not be returning to it for a very long time.
Praying to the Nine Divine, Jon left behind his home and once again started his journey in to the unknown like he had ten years ago. As Jon headed to Windhelm Docks on the back of Arvark Jon could not help but wonder at the story of his life.
He had come so far from the young and naive boy in Winterfell that he could not help but wonder if anyone in his family would recognize him. He thought of Robb, his brother. Would Robb welcome him with open arms? Or would he be cold and distant because Jon had abandoned him?
He thought of Sansa, how she had been distant from him because he was a bastard. He thought of Arya, how wild she was and wanted to use a sword. He thought of Bran, the little boy who wanted to be a knight. Would his youngest siblings even remember him?
He remembered Theon, how they had hated each other. He knew now that Theon was just another noble with his head in his ass. He barely thought of Lady Stark. Her hostile behavior no longer meant anything to him. Being the Lord of Winterfell was never his dream, and it had less appeal than what he had now.
He thought of his father. Would he be proud of the man he had become? Jon knew that some of the things he had done would be frowned upon by the honorable Lord Stark. 'Though I have left behind Winterfell I still seek my father's approval.' Jon quickly shook the thought out of his head.
The only thing that mattered was what he had accomplished. He did not choose to be born a bastard and a dragonborn. The legacy he would leave behind, that was his choice, and the only thing that mattered. No longer would he be remembered as the Bastard of Winterfell.
He was Jon Snow, Dovahkriid, Quahnaarin, Thane of Skyrim, Legate of the Imperial Legion, Slayer of Alduin the World-Eater, Vanquisher of the Volkihar Clan, Savior of Solstheim, Harbinger of the Companions, Arch-Mage of the College of Winterhold, Nightingale and Guild Master of the Thieves Guild, Destroyer of the Dark Brotherhood, Ambassador of The Empire, Hero of the Second Great War, Champion of Titus Mede the 2nd, Shezarrine, Grandmaster of the Blades, the Laat Dovahkiin, heir to Skyrim and the youngest of the Royal Family of the Empire. What did he have to fear from Westeros that he had never dealt with?
He first headed to Fort Dawnguard. If there was a problem that involved undead, then the Dawnguard were always the best equipped to deal with them regardless of the type of undead they were dealing with.
Besides Jon missed Serana. While not in a romantic relationship with the former vampire, they were as close as any could be. Both were rejected by family-Lady Stark for Jon and Harkon for Serana-and they left home in search for destiny.
In a way Serana was the sister Jon never had, with a different bond from Arya. In a different world the two might even have been lovers.
Regardless of his thoughts he arrived to the gates of Fort Dawnguard. "Been a while Jon! Kill any bloodsuckers lately?" Ollord greeted Jon from the outside. "I retired, not exactly a good opportunity to kill vampires. Serana inside?"
Ollord opened the gate to Fort Dawnguard. There he found Serana teaching the newest members of the Dawnguard about the characteristics of vampires. "Vampires are typically weaker during the day, and even weaker to fire. So if you see a vampire don't engage using melee weapons unless you want to end up like one, and burn the fuckers with a spell or an arrow or even a torch. Dismissed!"
Jon walked up to Serana with a smile. "You know Falion can cure vampirism and that Skyrim has an unlimited number of bandits?" Serana answered back in her usual manner. "You and I both know that's not why Isran keeps me around. Let me get my things then we can leave."
Jon internally winced at that because most of the time the two had met it was always Jon dragging Serana off on another adventure. She deserved to rest, yet the man she considered as a brother was always denying that.
"You do know you can always refuse, right? Contrary to common belief I do take No for an answer." Serana snorted at that. "Come on, It's not too bad. The pay isn't too bad, and I need my mind off a few things." Jon couldn't help but crack a joke at that. "Like getting a boyfriend?" Which of course resulted in a knock on the head.
As soon as Serana packed her belongings(granted they weren't much) they parted at Riften where Serana had to pick up ingredients for potions, while Jon headed to Windhelm to pick up a certain Dunmer.
It took him a day to reach to reach Windhelm and seven hours to reach Solstheim. Jon found Teldryn at the Retching Netch, wearing his trademark chitin armor just like the first time they had met. After Jon sat across Teldryn he asked "So what adventure does the great hero have in mind for the best swordsman of Morrowind?"
Jon smiled. This was what he liked about the mercenary. Unlike most mercenaries money was a secondary goal to the Dark Elf. Sure, he wanted the money, but he liked good adventures even more.
"Would you like to join me on an adventure to another continent? You can choose your price, so long as its reasonable." He could not read Teldryn's emotions, for the helm covered the face of the mercenary.
After what felt like an eternity, Teldryn laughed. "Adventure to another continent? That, my friend is a job that many would accept in a heartbeat. My usual payment will suffice."
Seven hours later Jon and Teldryn stood at the docks ready for departure. The Whitemane, named after Kodlak Whitemane, was ready to depart on a journey that not many had taken before. He spotted Jordis and Scouts-Many-Marshes waiting for them.
"My thane, I have done as you asked. I will take my leave now." Jon gave a quick nod and she left to Proudspire Manor to keep it for him. His first-mate spoke up. "Captain we are ready to set sail. Shall I have your companions be sent to their quarters?"
This was the moment he had been anticipating for a long time. To take his best friends to his childhood home and give them something to remember. Yet he could not find joy in the moment as much as he wanted to. The damned dream had sucked out most of it. "No. Gather them to my quarters. Also there is an order for crew not of the race of men. One I have no choice but to give. Once we reach Westeros they are not to leave the ship for there are only men in Westeros, and I do not want my crew harmed in any way. Tell them this, and exactly this." The captain had a look of understanding and doubt, but quickly left.
Jon headed to his quarters. Soon afterwards his friends entered. The first thing he noticed was the absence of his children. That was something he needed. When it came to his children he was selfish. Jon wanted his children free from the horrors from the world when he was with them.
The next thing he noticed were the chests containing the items he deemed necessary to bring to Westeros. Some, he would use, the others for his friends. "Well, Jon? I think it's about time we knew the truth why we're going to another continent."
Typical of Serana to go straight to the point. "I had a dream. An army of the undead invading my childhood home. I stood at the front of the army of the living, against what felt like the return of Harkon but much worse. I was afraid, not of losing, but that losing would mean that my children would never set out into the world. That's why I brought you all here. I needed all of you to help me."
He scanned the faces of everyone in the room. Farkas looked excited. He wasn't one to turn away from a good battle. Teldryn looked unimpressed. He rarely showed any emotion. Serana looked shocked. She would be, to see someone attempt the same acts her father had. Aela had no change in emotion for she already knew the truth.
Serana was the first to speak up. "Really, someone like my father? We stopped him. We can do it again. What do you want me to do?" Farkas spoke next. "We killed draugr and ghosts at Dustman's Cairn and Ysgramor's Tomb. I've been waiting for another adventure with you Harbinger." Aela laughed. "Really, ice-brain? How is it that you are not afraid of the living dead but be terrified by spiders?"
Farkas grumbled something about too many legs and eyes, and everyone snorted. "Then why have we not brought a mage from the College? They would figure out how to repel it faster than anyone here." Teldryn voiced his concerns regarding the lack of good mages.
While Jon knew that having a mage would be useful, he recalled that the majority of Westeros believed that magic was evil. "The Westerosi don't like magic. The reason I do not ask you to refrain yourselves from using it is because we need to convince my father and uncle the truth of my story. Besides, for every magical solution there is a non-magical solution. Also there won't be enough time to train mages in a world without magic."
Jon quickly explained why the rest of them were here as well and proceeded to open the chest for his friends to use in Westeros. First he gave the Stormfang to Farkas who looked like a child given a sweet at the present.
Serana was given Nettlebane in addition to her Dawnguard Rune Axe. Teldryn was given Herebane's Courage, a blade that they had found from a corpse of a dead Imperial general named Herebane Sorenshield inside Fort Frostmoth.
Also during their travels Aela had collected various artifacts and weapons like the Dwarven Black Bow of Fate and the Ring of Hircine alongside the Savior's Hide so there was no need to give her any more artifacts.
Afterwards they continued to discuss certain topics like how to convince them to believe them, who would be helpful and who wouldn't be.
They did agree that they would need to catch up in the politics and cultures of Westeros because Jon had barely any helpful knowledge of it save that the Night's Watch was created to stop such things.
But from what little Jon could provide them they learned that the North was like Skyrim in many ways. They both believed that there was some truth in myths, believed in the old gods, and was many houses united under a main ruler.
With their curiosity sated, his friends returned to their rooms leaving husband and wife alone. They sat together holding their hands in silence.
It was Jon that broke the silence first. "So, are you ready to meet my family?" Aela gave him a warm smile. "Of course I am. Your father and sister seem like people I'd like to meet. Although I'd rather NOT meet Lady Stark. I'm not sure I'll be able to stop myself from killing her from all the mistreatment towards you."
Jon must have had quite an expression on his face because Aela laughed hard. "Of course I won't kill her, but don't expect me to be nice towards her either. I don't like it when people mistreat my husband and I sure won't make an exception to the wife of my goodfather." Jon smiled because it was just like Aela to be like that. So he replied with a kiss, and that kiss became a lot hotter.
Three months later they finally arrived in White Harbor. Jon actually had to ask for directions towards Winterfell because they had no idea to get there. Jon was the only one that had been to Winterfell but even he had no memory of getting there. Of course, they could use the Clairvoyance spell but the usage of spells had to be kept secret until they reached Winterfell Also they had to have their currency exchanged, since septims weren't used in Westeros, and they couldn't just spend the money the Starks would have even if Jon could refill it with his smithing skills.
Then again those were just trivial problems compared to the war between life and death. He just wished that he wouldn't be dragged into another mess of politics although it was definitely going to happen. South of the Neck was a jungle of lies and honeyed words where everyone wanted to sit on The Iron Throne.
Not to mention that the Seven were a group of idiots that believed themselves to be believers of the true gods. Jon was well aware that there were more than just seven gods.
He himself had an encounter with 17 divine morons and his favorite bow and shield was said to have belonged to a Divine, and there were 9 more of them. Or it could do something with the way they treated bastards, but Jon wasn't someone to drag his personal feelings that much.
Another ten days later and they finally arrived at their desired destination. As they neared Winterfell a few things stood out from his blurry memories of his childhood home.
The first was the stag and lion banner that hung over Winterfell, which could only mean that the King himself was here.
Another was that it felt unwelcoming. Winterfell was by no means a lively keep, but it had given Jon the feeling of home, yet it no longer felt that way.
As his group approached his childhood home, two guards raised their weapons at them. "Halt strangers! I demand to know who you are!" Jon motioned for his friends and family to relax and answered the man. "My name is Jon Snow, the Bastard of Winterfell. I return now at a time of crisis. If you do not believe me, then lead us to my father. You have my word that I will bring you no harm."
As the guards hesitated a familiar face approached the group. "What's going on here? And who are... Jon?" It was Jory Cassel who had approached the little group, and thankfully he had recognized Jon. "What's the matter? You look like you've seen a ghost." Jory's mouth hung open in shock. "Gods Jon! We all thought you died! Where in the Seven Hells have you been? Never mind let me take you to Lord Stark."
As Jory began to lead their little group to his father a white blurr leapt to Jon, who caught it midair and took a good long look at it. It was an albino wolf pup with red eyes. Jory saw what he had in his hand and gave him a smile. "That's a direwolf pup you've got there Jon. Your siblings each have one too. We all wondered who would have that one. Seems like he's yours Jon."
Hearing those words Jon took a closer look at the direwolf. He realized that it wasn't trying to attack him, but rather trying to lick his face. So Jon let go of the direwolf. And as soon as he did his children began to surround the pup with interest. Soon the two were arguing about its name until Jon made it clear but not harshly that the direwolf would be his to name. With that settled Jon turned to idle chatter with Jory.
He learned that after he had disappeared his father had nearly gone mad with grief. When Lady Stark had mentioned his disappearance as a good thing, she had all been thrown out from Winterfell, only returning after his youngest brother was born.
Jory also told him that Robb and Arya had missed him while Sansa had seemed unaffected by his disappearance but often prayed in the Godswood for his return until five years ago, when everyone finally believed him to be dead. "Your family believed that the only reason you never came back was because you were dead. Looks like you don't die that easy though."
Jon recalled all the times he should have died. From facing a dragon with nothing but a bow and arrow to destroying an army all alone nearly all of his adventures were nothing short of miracles. "You have no idea how right you are, Jory."
They approached the Great Hall and as he did he felt nervous. Sensing his anxiety Aela began to distract him with questions about all the different structures of Winterfell. Jory had left the group and left to bring his father after seeing the husband and wife talk to give them a little privacy and time to reduce the anxiety.
Jon and Aela were looking at the Broken Tower when Jon saw a man that he had missed for a very long time. Standing at the door of the Great Hall was his father, Eddard Stark, the Lord of Winterfell.
So here it is. A somewhat long awaited second chapter. Honestly I still don't like this chapter but for the time being this is the best I could come up with, so I might be editing this chapter. The third chapter will be uploaded quicker than this, since I already have the rough draft.Also I have a Destiny/GOT crossover in work for anyone who might be interested.