AN: I have been a big A Song of Ice and Fire and Game of Thrones fan for many years. My favorite characters include Jon Snow, Lyanna Mormont, Edd, Sam, Grenn, Pyp, Tormund and Davos. On this site, there are not many good Jon Snow/Mormont stories. In this AU, Jon Snow is still the son of Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen. After Lyanna's death, Ned Stark took his newborn nephew North with Arthur Dayne as his protector. They claimed him to be Ned's bastard with Ashara. Jon has grown up under hate from Catelyn Stark but the adoration and love of his 'uncle' Arthur. This story is for fans of Wildling Jon, the Mormont family, and Grey Jon. Not for fans of Catelyn as there will be Catelyn bashing. In this story, Tormund, Jon, Lyanna, Edd, Sam, Pyp, Robb and Grenn are all the same age.

Eddard Stark's POV

The crashing open of my chamber door woke me from my slight slumber. My wife stood in front of me red-faced. Jory, the captain of my guard, stood apologetic behind her. Rubbing my eyes to wake myself up, I prepared for another headache.

"Enough is enough Ned! I want him gone. The bastard is out to take this castle from your heir." Catelyn Stark started her almost daily rant.

Ever since my nephew had reached his ninth nameday, my wife had wanted him gone. Of course she only saw his as his devil spawn bastard. For all her talk of being a religious person, she cursed out the existence of the child.

"Catelyn, we have been over this. That boy is a child of Winter. He belongs here just as much as the rest of the children." I told her with a sigh.

"No. He is not trueborn. I will not accept him here any longer. Send him away. Send him to the Wall! Just get him out of here. I will not stand his presence any longer." She huffed out.

I rubbed my forehead again as my headache returned. I knew she meant what she said. If I continued to let Jon stay here, she would bring more hell down on both him and I. But at the same time, if I even entertained the notion of sending him away, Arthur would have my head. He was the only constant person in Jon's life. Ever since Jon turned five, Arthur had been training him. He was probably the best sword in the castle, besides his uncle. Jon was always so proud about it.

Knowing I needed to placate her somehow I responded.

"I will talk with my bannermen about fostering him somewhere. That way he will be out of the castle."

My wife nodded her head, then left the room with a smirk.

I sighed and laid my head back on my desk.

After nearly a moon of corresponding with my bannermen, only two houses would take him. Houses Mormont and Reed. These houses were my most leal houses. House Stark had always known those two to be their strongest houses, though both the smallest of their vassals. I knew why they both offered to take him.

To both houses did not care about bastards. As long as it was a child of the North and a child of Winter they were welcome. The other reasons were what troubled him.

House Reed, lead by his friend Lord Howland Reed, was there at Jon's birth. Howland proposed to raise the child of his greatest friend. He owed Lyanna his life and was willing to help her son. But he also claimed that he could help Jon with his powers. Even at a young age, the boy had showed prowess with both warging and greenseer dreams. Arthur and I had fully downplayed it so Jon was none the wiser.

House Mormont, lead by Lady Maege Mormont, was the other. Many years ago, when I was in the Vale, Lyanna was fostered with the Mormont bears. She had learned much there. It had reaffirmed the strong relationship between the bears and wolves. Maege had loved Lyanna like a sister, going as far as naming a daughter after her. This daughter was the same age as Jon.

Both options were good choices for fostering. I did not know what to do. After conferring with Arthur, who was very cross about the situation, it was decided to send him to Bear Island. I wrote out the reply and thanked Maege for her unending support. Now it was time to inform Jon.

I found him in the Godswood. It was one of his favorite places in Winterfell. He came here when he wanted to think, just like a proper Stark. No one could deny he was a Stark. Except not many knew his true parentage.

He was sitting underneath the great Weirwood praying. He looked so at peace but also so old. He did not look his age of nine years. I waited patiently for him to finish praying.

When he finally acknowledged my presence, he could tell I had something important to say.

"Son, I have found somewhere for you to foster." I said getting to the point.

Jon looked at me worriedly. "Have I done something to offend you fath- Lord Stark?" Even alone, the thought of my wife finding out he called me father, was heartbreaking.

"No. Never. Your uncle and I decided now would be the best time for you to foster. Your uncle will accompany you to Bear Island to foster with the Mormonts. As one of our lealest houses, I expect you to treat them well. Show them that you are a Stark, no matter what name you hold."

Pride welled up in the boy's eyes, tears also present. He rushed to me, hugging me tight. As he held onto me, a voice whispered in my head.

"Promise me Ned."

I knew I had to give the boy the greatest life possible. For my favorite sibling. For Lyanna.

AN: And that's a wrap on the first chapter! Let me know what you think. I currently need a pairing for Robb. If you have a good idea let me know. I am planning on having Catelyn trying to force a Southern bride (let me know who you think best) and Ned making sure it is a Northern one (again, suggestions?). Next chapter is Jon and Arthur's arrival to Bear Island.

Until next time! - SpiritWeirwood