A/N: Wow. Thanks for your input everyone! I haven't comes decision yet and it might not be what all of you want but I hope whatever pick, I'll be able to do my best with it. Anyhow, thank you so much for all your feedback and reviews! They mean the world to me!! Thank you for the favorites and follows as well!!

I made a small change to Chapter 4, the ending dialogue. It's small but is still pretty relevant.

This is a kinda small chapter, I had planned on writing longer ones after reading the reviews but I sadly didn't get the time. I swear I'll try better next time.

I'm not keeping you guys any longer so here is the next chapter! Enjoy!!

The following morning, Jon started to prepare for his journey to the Riverlands. From what information Howland Reed could gather, Robb was traveling to Riverrun for Hoster Tully's funeral. If they were on track, Jon and his party should reach Riverrun only a little later than Robb's.

After an early lunch, Jon, Lord Reed and his men which consisted of about 100 set out on their journey.

"I pray for your safe return, brother." Yolande bid, embracing Lord Reed.

"I pray that you manage to keep Greywater Watch in one piece while I'm away. Being the Lady of it is no task that should be taken lightly." Howland half jested.

Yolande rolled her eyes and turned to Jon. "Pity that you're leaving so soon. I was just starting to like you, Jon." She teased, winking at him in the process.

Jon heard Lord Reed snort and he couldn't stop himself from blushing a bit.

"I didn't think you were that fond me, my lady."

Yolande chuckled, "You really don't think all that much do you?"

He let out a strangled laugh. Jon felt his heart clench, reminded so much of Ygritte. He managed a smile and prayed that it did not look pained.

"Nonetheless, Jon. I hope we meet again. Keep yourself alive for that." Yolande requested and clasped his hand in farewell.

Jon smiled at her, he had quite enjoyed Yolande's company she was a lot like Arya. He then moved on to bid farewell to Lord Reed's wife and thanked her profusely for her hospitality.

They left the island by boats and once in the mainland they travelled by horseback. The journey was uneventful. They avoided using the Crossing considering the Crannogmen's relationship with the Freys. Jon found it fascinating how the crannogmen navigated their way through the swamps. Everywhere looked the same, green and more green, but they still seemed to know where they were going. The trip through the Riverlands took six days, and a further two days to reach Riverrun.

Jon held his breath when Riverrun came into view. He had always been proud of Winterfell, tall and vast but when compared to the seat of House Tully, Winterfell seemed to pale in comparison. It was the first time Jon was seeing a southern castle and Jon couldn't help but imagine what the Red Keep might look like when compared to this already magnificent stronghold.

Lord Reed's party was greeted a fair distance from the castle by a small group of men, carrying a Stark banner. They were led by a gruff man, wearing armour that resembled the scales of a fish.

"Lord Reed, his grace was not expecting you."

"Blackfish." Lord Reed acknowledged, "Aye, but it's time the Neck did it's part for the North."

Jon gaped at the man, standing before him was the legendary Ser Brynden Tully, the Blackfish. He and Robb had grown up on the tales of him. Jon had always idolized the man.

"I also bring with me, Jon Snow, Lord Eddard's son."

The Blackfish's eyes whipped towards Jon and scrutinized him strictly. Jon fidgeted and suddenly reminded of his status, averted his eyes. He felt his stomach turn; since he had left Winterfell he had heeded Tyrion Lannister's advice but the way the Blackfish looked at him reminded him too much of Lady Catelyn.

"I thought the boy joined the Night's Watch." Blackfish said, glancing at Jon in distrust.

Jon was about to reply when Lord Reed came to his defense, "He did not. Though Jon is sent to meet King Robb by Maester Aemon of Castle Black."

Blackfish relented sparing him one more distrustful gaze, he turned his horse and Jon and the others followed close behind. Jon couldn't get rid of the uneasiness in his stomach. He had thought he would be excited to see Robb, now he wasn't so sure. He saw the way the Blackfish looked at him and it reminded him that now Robb was a king and Jon just a bastard. He was afraid that Robb might resent him for not joining his effort earlier.

When they entered the Castle grounds, gone was Jon's awe at the castle, replaced by anxiety and doubt. The Blackfish got off his horse and approached a pretty brunette. He whispered something to her and entered the castle. The brunette whipped around and smiled at them.

"Lord Howland Reed. Jon Snow. Welcome." Jon noticed that she had an accent that he assumed had to be foreign. "I'm Talisa Stark."

Jon starred at the woman before him and slowly dismounted his horse as did Lord Reed. Jon and Lord Reed had heard rumors of Robb's marriage to a foreigner and in the process breaking an oath to Walder Frey. Talisa was beautiful and had a kind smile with a little fire in her eyes. She was dressed in a simple blue gown and cloak.

Lord Reed bowed, "My Queen." Jon followed suit. Talisa looked uncomfortable, perhaps unused to her new status but kept her smile.

"Robb will be glad to see you. Follow me, if you will." She turned and Lord Reed and Jon followed behind her.

She led them through the castle until they reached a hall, Talisa entered and beaconed Jon and Lord Reed to do so too. Jon braced himself for the encounter to come and entered behind Lord Reed. The room was decorated in a plain manner, consisting merely of a long table and chairs surrounding it. A map of Westeros was spread across it. But Jon did not spare a second glance at the decor, he was overwhelmed by the sight of the occupants within.

The Blackfish stood at the edge of the room observing Jon and Lord Reed. A young man who had the characteristic Tully hair watched him curiously, Jon assumed that he must be Edmure Tully, Lady Catelyn's brother. Lady Catelyn herself was looking at him the way she always did, with utter disdain, Jon even noticed a hint of anger, he forced himself not to flinch and wrenched his eyes from her angry stare. Finally, Jon's eyes fell on the man whom Talisa stood beside, his brother. Robb looked the same in appearance but Jon could see the ghosts of the war he was fighting lingering in his eyes. Robb starred at Jon, his expression a mix of surprise and relief, sorrow and happiness. Talisa placed a hand on Robb's arm and Robb reluctantly turned his attention to Lord Reed but Jon noticed that Robb was glancing at him through the corners of eyes.

"Lord Howland Reed, welcome to Riverrun."

Lord Reed pulled out his sword and knelt, "Your grace."

"Stand, my lord." Robb commanded and Lord Reed rose.

Jon watched his half brother with interest, Robb carried himself regally as though he had been born for the role of king. Jon felt highly insignificant among everyone in the room.

"Lord Reed, what can I do for you?"

"More like what can I do for you, my king." Lord Reed rephrased.

Robb studied the Lord of the Neck for a moment before he spoke up, "Your arrival comes at a most opportune time, we need all the support we can muster in this war, Lord Reed."

"I am at your service." Lord Reed swore, "But I request that you excuse me, your grace, the travel from the Neck was long and tedious."

Robb smiled in understanding, "Of course, my lord. We shall discuss strategy later. A room will be prepared for you immediately."

Lord Reed bowed and headed out of the room, smiling encouragingly at Jon on his way. Jon turned to Robb who was silently watching him as he just stood there, not knowing exactly what to do. Robb slowly approached him. Jon reached for Longclaw and was about to kneel before his brother when Robb embraced him so fiercely, Jon was caught off guard. Jon slowly returned the embrace, overcome with emotion, his vision blurred.

Robb pulled back and clasped Jon's shoulder, Jon noticed his eyes were wet as well but he was grinning, "Jon. Thank the gods, you're alive."

Jon smiled, "You too, your gra-"

"Robb. I'm still Robb." Robb muttered softly, cutting Jon off in mid sentence.

Jon smiled with relief, "I was hoping so."

*GOT*

Jon stood on the balcony, observing the activity of the men below. Jon could hear the clanging of swords against each other and the loud laughter, the Northerns and Riverlanders alike clearly enjoying the small break from the war. Jon glanced at Robb who stood beside him, Robb's eyebrows were furrowed in concentration as he looked on in the distance.

"I've won every battle," Robb broke the silence, "But I'm losing this war."

"The war is far from over, Robb."

Robb smiled sadly, "I'm not a king who is blind to his own vices. I married for love, breaking a vow to a potential powerful ally. I trusted the wrong man." Robb clenched his fist, as he thought of Theon.

Jon looked away, trusting Theon was a fatal mistake. Even Jon could've seen that. He never trusted the Ironborn but perhaps Jon was a little biased when it came to Theon. Theon had always been condescending towards Jon.

Robb went on, "Bran and Rickon feared dead. No word of Arya. Sansa trapped in Kingslanding. I lost the North and the Riverlands are ablaze. My own mother lost me the Kingslayer. The lords are getting restless. How much longer do you think these men will follow me?" He said as he pointed to the men below.

"It's not the end yet." Jon offered, trying to console his brother.

Robb shook his head, "There likely is no end. Even if I win this war, a greater war is brewing beyond the Wall from what you've told me. The fighting never ends."

Robb ran a hand through his hair with frustration, "You would've been better at this."

Jon let out a laugh, "Me? I think the crown is really doing some damage to your head. I'm just the bastard of Winterfell."

Robb laughed, "Gods Jon, I think the Wall nailed some humor into you." He then continued seriously, "Not a bastard, my heir. I have been considering it for a while even before you came. With Bran and Rickon dead, Sansa is my heir but I fear the Lannisters might use her to get the North. I plan to legitimize you, Jon. Make you a Stark and my heir, until I have a son."

Jon starred at Robb in surprise, overwhelmed with emotion, he stuttered, "Thank you, Robb. But I don't know about that. Me?"

Robb nodded, "I know you will do the role justice if it comes to that."

"I pray it never will. Your mother would not approve at all."

"My mother doesn't get a say in it." Robb declared fiercely.

Jon stood dumbfounded at what Robb had just said, he wanted to be a Stark but never did he want to be king. They fell back in to silence, the two of them preoccupied with their thoughts.

They were interrupted by the Blackfish throwing the door open, followed by Lord Edmure, Lady Catelyn and Talisa. The latter two looked to have been just woken up from their sleep. They all wore grim looks.

The Blackfish glanced momentarily at Jon before bowing to Robb, "Your grace, we seem to have a situation with the Karstarks."

*GoT*

Jon stood in the shadows as he starred at the bodies of the two Lannister boys around the same age as Bran. Wilem and Martyn were their names according to Talisa. She had tended to their wounds , Jon looked at her and noticed her lips were trembling as she glanced the bodies. Jon was startled when Robb shouted at Lord Karstark,

"They were boys!"

Jon has watched the exchange between Robb and the Lord of Karhold, he watched as Rickard Karstark shot barbs at both Robb and Lady Catelyn. He observed that Robb was on the verge of losing his temper as well. When the Blackfish escorted the Karstarks to their cells, Robb was bombarded by his uncle, Lady Stark and even Talisa, pleading with him not to execute Lord Karstark.

You must play their game.

Jon remembered the advice Maester Aemon had offered him before he left Castle Black. He didn't understand what it truly meant, but he did understand to stay alive in the politics of Westeros one had to play clever. From what he had heard his father failed to and that cost him his head. Jon could see why they didn't want Robb to execute Lord Karstark. Robb would lose a sizable amount of men in his army, he would lose another ally. But Robb wouldn't listen to what Lady and Catelyn and the rest were telling him.

"Listen to them, Robb." Jon broke in quietly. He was met with startled glances, likely haven forgot he was even there.

Jon stepped out of the dark and into the dim light. Robb looked at Jon incredulously.

"You would have me let a man who killed two innocent children live."

"We are at war, Robb. Do as Lord Tully said, keep Lord Karstark in a cell, ensuring the loyalty of his men."

"Justice must be served." Robb argues through clenched his teeth.

"After the war. Don't make the same mistakes father did, Robb. Honor is an admirable quality but it has no place in the game. You must play if you're to win this war." Jon didn't even know the words coming out of his mouth, for most of his life he had aspired to be like his lord father but now he was telling Robb to forsake the quality his father had treasured.

Robb starred at Jon with hard eyes before he sat back in his chair. He took a moment to recollect himself and turned to Lord Edmure, "Keep Lord Karstark in a cell, follow through the rest of my orders and tell the Karstark men that their loyalty decides the fate of their lord. Lord Karstark's trial will be held after the war."

Everyone in the room let out a sigh in collective relief, Jon clapped Robb on the shoulder in gratitude and made his way out of room. Lady Talisa and Lord Edmure offered him small smiles of thanks for convincing Robb, Lady Stark even nodded at him, surprising Jon.

A/N: Don't forget to follow, fav and review!! The next chapter is where the story really really starts ;) ! (I know I've been saying that for a while lol)