Summary: Robb demands answers. Jon has breakfast with Uncle Benjen before telling his Father and Step-mother of his calling.

Notes: Thank you for all the support this story has received. This chapter turned out a little longer than I expected. I have decided to not really introduce Dany's character until she arrives in Westerso, so her time in Essos will be written as flashbacks. There will be mentions of a Drogo/Dany relationship, but it will be strictly a political marriage.

Chapter Two (Jon)

Jon woke to a pounding at his door and an aching head the morning after Robb and Margaery's wedding. "Ugghhh… Too much champagne," he mumbled to himself as he rubbed his temples, praying the room would not be spinning once he sat up.

"OPEN THE DOOR SNOW. I KNOW YOUR ASS IS IN THERE!" Robb hollered from the other side of the thick wooden door.

"Just a minute," Jon grumbled as he pulled back the plush comforter and rolled out of the twin-sized bed in his small childhood room.

"I HEAR YOU SHUFFLING AROUND!"

"I'm coming! Give me a second. I'm getting dressed," he retorted as he pulled a black tee shirt on over his head. He then pulled up a pair of black gym shorts and started walking towards the door.

"HURRY UP! DON'T MAKE ME GET THE KEY FROM THE MAIDS!" Robb called impatiently.

When Jon pulled the door open, Robb barged in. "What is it that you want to talk to Father about?" he demanded.

"Good morning to you as well," Jon replied, still not fully awake, rubbing his temples in an attempt to numb his headache.

"Robb, calm down," his new bride stated. Jon did not even see her enter the room.

His brother took a deep breath and started pacing. "Jon, I was walking past Father's office this morning. He was talking to Uncle Benjen. He told Father you had something important to discuss with him about your future. That you wanted his support and blessing." Robb took another deep breath, stopped his pacing and looked him in the eyes, "So I ask, again. What is it that you wish to discuss with Father?"

Jon felt his stomach knot with anxiety. He blew out a shaky breath. This is not a conversation he wanted to be having with his brother right now – he had wanted to speak with Father first. "Robb, don't you and Marge have a flight to catch. This conversation can wait until after you have returned home from your honeymoon." 'Please don't force this out of me.'

"Bullshit!" Robb exclaimed. "You are part of my future. We are going to run Stark Enterprises together once Father retires."

"Please, Robb. Not now," Jon pleaded. He could see the look of concern on his sister-in-law's face.

"Robb," Margaery said softly, taking her husband's hand. "Let your brother talk to your father first. The two of you can FaceTime once we get back from our honeymoon… Speaking of which the car is out front waiting to take us to the airport."

Robb looked at his wife and gave her hand a gentle squeeze before turning his attention back to Jon. "The thing is, if you do not tell me this important life decision is now, I will spend my entire honeymoon worried about you instead of enjoying time with my wife."

Jon raked his hands through his loose curls. He knew what his brother said was true and he wanted Robb to enjoy is romantic getaway to Tarth. 'How do I do this? Will this break his heart?'

"Please, Jon. Just tell me."

"I have decided to…" His head was now throbbing. His heart was racing. He took a deep breath to try to calm himself. "I have decided not to come to work at the company when I graduate next year."

"I don't understand. What do you mean you are not going to start working at Stark after you graduate?" Robb whispered with a perplexed look on his face.

'I cannot do this. I cannot break his heart. There is no need to tell him everything right now. I might not even be accepted into Hardhome Seminary. Nevertheless, I have to tell him something. I cannot lie… I just cannot tell him the full truth. Not until I know if I have been accepted.' "I have decided I am going to further my education once I receive my bachelors."

His brother and sister-in-laws faces broke out into smiles.

"See Robb, there was nothing to worry about," Margaery cooed as she playfully slapped his chest.

"Aye," Robb chuckled before turning to Jon and pulling him in for a crushing embrace. "I am so proud of you brother. I am sure Father will support you. Now I want you to tell me all about it!"

"Robb, I don't really know anything. I haven't even applied to any graduate programs yet."

"Come on! Tell me which programs you are interested in attending… There are excellent MBA programs at King's Landing University and Sunspear Business College and The House of Black and White in Braavos. I am sure father will write you a letter of recommendation."

Jon refused to have this conversation right now. "Robb, your flight is leaving soon. There is no way I would have time to tell you everything right now." Before his brother could protest, he continued. "I don't want to be responsible if you miss your flight, to your honeymoon in Tarth. You know planes don't wait!"

"Fine," Robb conceded. "However, as soon as you know something – as soon as you get an acceptance letter – I want to be the first person you call."

"I promise… Now get out of here." Jon stated as he ushered them towards the door.

"I love you, Snow," Robb stated, hugging Jon once more when they reached to the door.

"I love you too, Stark."

After taking some Tylenol for his headache, Jon went down to kitchens to find something light for breakfast. He was waiting on the toaster when a familiar voice called to him.

"Didn't want to eat with the others?" Uncle Benjen inquired as he pointed toward the doo that lead to the banquet hall.

Jon could hear the laughing of his younger siblings and the conversations as one of the servants opened the door. They all sounded so joyous. Did he want to eat with his family? Of course he did. He loved his siblings and missed them dearly. Weekly FaceTime chats did nothing to compare to evening meals around the table, where they would once around, one by one, stating what they were thankful for that day.

"Mrs. Stark doesn't want me present in the dining hall with all the wedding guests still present," Jon settled on, trying to appear nonchalant as he took his toast from the toaster and put it on his plate.

"And how does that make you feel?" Benjen pressed, placing a hand on his shoulder and looking him in the eyes.

Jon met his Uncle's gaze. In disbelief that his Uncle would ask such a question. 'It doesn't matter how I feel. Everyone knows how society feels about bastards, that bastards do not have the right to be present during celebrations. That bastards are supposed to remain hidden in the shadows… All bastards except for bastards that are not born from infidelity.' "You know how I feel Uncle. I feel blessed. The opportunities I have been given in my life are more than a bastard could pray for. While most bastards remain in foster care if their mother dies or are sent to live with a relative willing to take them in, my father saved me from that life. He brought me to his home, he fed me and clothed me and made me a member of his family. He saw that I received the same education as he trueborn children and that I was given all the same opportunities as them. For this I am thankful – I am grateful, especially because society would have seen no fault if he turned me away."

"You know Gendry Waters is in there, sitting with his family."

"Gendry… you know bastardy is different, it is not frowned upon as mine. Robert had not yet married Cersei when Gendry was conceived – Robert is not parading around a child that was born from infidelity. Robert has provided for Gendry, but he has also not afford him all the luxuries he is giving his trueborn children. Gendry was not sent to the best schools and Robert has no intention of having him as part of the Baratheon Corp. Gendry has had to make a name for himself and he has done so with his Steel Art Work."

His uncle sighed. "You father and your siblings love you very much and they do not care what society thinks about the status of your birth. Anyone who has ever met you knows that you are a good, just and honorable man," his uncle replied sincerely.

"Thank you, Uncle Benjen."

"Now, do you mind if your old uncle breaks his fast with you before we go talk to your father about your plans."

"Not at all," Jon replied with a smile as he handed him a piece of toast. "I would love the company."

A short time later, Jon stood outside of the thick Ironwood door to his Father's at home office with his Uncle Benjen standing beside him. He stood frozen, unable to lift his hand to knock. His palms were sweating. He felt as though the toast he had for breakfast might come up.

"Are you ready for this, son?" His uncle inquired in a calming tone. When Jon turned to meet his Uncle's eyes, he saw nothing but concern and compassion. "You don't have to become a priest because of what society thinks of bastards. Your Father would be proud to have you helping to run his company."

"I don't want to become a priest solely because of what society believes of bastards," Jon confessed. "I want to serve our gods. I feel called to help others and I feel that the church is the best way for me to do this," Jon affirmed. 'This is what is best for me and the Starks.'

With renewed confidence, he pulled his hand up and rapped on the door with three firm knocks. Before he even lowered his hand, the door swung half way open. However, instead of seeing his Father's stern but loving face, he was met with the cold, steely blue eyes of his stepmother. "Jon?" she stated tersely, clearly unsure as to why he had come to his father's office. Thankfully, his Uncle cleared his throat. She opened the door further and when she saw his Uncle Benjen standing beside him, her face soften and a gentle smile spread across her face. "Benjen," she happily said, "Ned said you were coming by before you left. I could not pass up the opportunity to see you again before you go. Please, come in - both of you. I had the kitchen staff bring up tea and pastries. I know how much you love them and the trip back to Castle Black is a long one."

"Thank you, Cat," Benjen replied as they walked into the room.

'Well I guess that explains why she is here. She does not care about my future. All she wanted to do was spend some more time with Uncle Benjen before he left.'

"Jon, Ben, I am so happy to see the two of you before you leave," his father greeted them each with tight hug. "Please have a seat," he stated as he gestured towards the large Oak table that was used for business meetings. However, instead of folders full of presentations and reports littering the table, there was a pot of tea, with three cups, and a platter piled full of lemon cakes and honey fingers.

Once they were all seated, there was a tense silence. Catelyn broke the silence by pouring tea for herself, Benjen and his father. She offered to send for another cup. Jon politely declined. He was not thirsty or hungry. His stomach was once again in knots. 'Why does she have to be here? Why did Father tell her Uncle was coming by before he left? Why did he not tell her I was coming? She would have never set foot in this room if she knew I was coming. I am not ready to discuss this with her in the room. Maybe I should send her for another cup after all.'

"Jon," Ned said, pulling him from his internal turmoil. "Benjen said there was something you wished to discuss with me."

"Aye," Jon replied. His heart was pounding in his chest. He took a deep breath, 'I can do this. This is what I need to do. This is what I am called to do. I will never be happy working for Stark. Society will never see me as a Stark. I am not a Stark.' "I have decided after I have completed by Bachelors Degree next year… I would – I would like to further my education instead of coming to work for Stark Enterprises."

A beaming, pleased smile spread across his father's face. "You have decided to get your MBA. Son, I am so proud of you. The first of my child who wants to further their education."

"Ned, you cannot be serious! You cannot allow your bastard to get a Masters Degree instead of your trueborn son!" Catelyn exclaimed. "What would society think? They already think you are crazy for even sending him to business school! And they believe me to be a fool for allowing it!"

"Cat he is my son! My blood! Of course, I am going to be supportive of any decision he makes to further his education… Just as I would be supportive of Robb or any of our other children if they wish to further their educations!"

"Father, Mrs. Stark," Jon called, getting their attention. "I do not wish to attend business school after I graduate from White Harbor." He then glanced at his uncle, who gave him an encouraging nod. "I talked to Uncle Benjen last night. He has agreed to write a letter of recommendation." His Father's eyebrows furrowed. 'Breathe Jon, you and do this. Just say it.' "I am applying to Hardhome Seminary. I feel called to serve our gods. I am going to become a priest."

His father's face paled. Jon watched as he opened and closed his mouth several times, but no words came out.

"Jon! This is wonderful news," Catelyn smiled. She was quick to her feet and came around to embrace him, "I am so proud of you! I have always known your faith was important to you! You will be a wonderful servant of the gods."

'What? In twenty-one years, I have never done anything that has pleased my father's wife. Has she ever embraced me before? Did she really believe so whole-heartedly that to take the company away from my siblings because of my greedy bastard blood? Has her mind really been that warped by society?' Jon thought as he awkwardly returned the embrace. "Thank you, Mrs. Stark. I appreciate your support." He replied with an uneasy smile.

"Please Jon, call me Catelyn." When he nodded, she continued. "I am going to head down the kitchen and have Old Nan make you some kidney pies for you to take home with you. I know they were your favorite growing up – Oh and I will make sure so send a boxes of sweets as well for you and your roommate to munch on."

Jon was in a daze, dumbfounded, as she made her way out the room. 'How did she know kidney pies were my favorite?'

When the door closed, his father spoke for the first time since he had made his announcement. "Jon, you - you don't have to do this."

"Father, I know I do not have to do this. I know that you would support me if I wanted to come work for the family company, but this is something… This is what I want to do with my life," Jon stated firmly.

"Are you sure this is what you want to do? You are still young. You do not have to make this decision right away. You do not have to come work for Stark as soon as you graduate. You can take some time to travel the world. Explore the Mountains of the Vale… Go hiking in the Riverlands… Go see the free cities of Essos."

"I do not need more time Father, I am sure this is what I am called to do," Jon affirmed. "This is not a decision I made on a whim or because of what society thinks of bastards. This is a decision I have been contemplating since before I started college… and after years of prayer and reflection, I have finally made my decision."

Jon could tell his Father was struggling with his decision. He wanted to reach his hand across the table and comfort him. Let him know this was what he truly wanted.

"Benjen, are you sure he is ready?" His Father finally whispered.

"Ned, I would not write his letter of recommendation if I felt he was making this decision for the wrong reason - if I did not feel he was ready. In addition, he will be counseled at every step and if at any time during his education he changes his mind, the church will support his decision."

"Father, I promise I am ready. You just finished telling your wife, you would be supportive of any decision I make to further my education. This is the path I feel called to follow."

His father nodded, "I will support you, son. However, I would like you to finish your business classes and I want you to know if you ever change your mind… If you decide you want to come home, I will support you in that decision as well."

"I will finish my business degree," Jon vowed. 'But I won't use it or return home.' "Thank you, Father."

The three of them talked about what would be expected from Jon while at Hardhome and about the curriculum he would be following until it was time for Benjen to leave. As Jon stood to leave as well, his Father asked him to stay because there was something he wished to discuss.

"Jon, I want you to be honest with me. Have you decided to become a priest because this is what you want to do or because of what society… Of what my wife thinks about bastards?" His father inquired cautiously.

"I will admit, when I was younger all I wanted to do was run Stark Enterprises alongside you and Robb," Jon sighed. 'I guess I should finally tell him the truth.' "I have always known I was a bastard, that your wife was not my mother. However, it was not until I was thirteen, that I understood how society viewed bastards. That is when I decided I should run away from home."

"What, you ran away? You have never run away from home."

Jon chuckled. "I decided to come home after school on the last day of eighth grade, instead of going to Theon's end of the school year party. I have never been big on parties. After putting my backpack in my room, I decided to come see you, here, in your office because I wanted to ask if I could work with you over summer break… However, when I got here, you door was open. You and your wife were arguing about me. About my high school education. She wanted to send me to Winter Town High instead of Weirwood Academy… So I ran away. I did not get very far, I made it to the church and Father Tyrion set me straight and sent me home."

"Jon, you know I always wanted to give you every opportunity to succeed in life. You are my son and I will always treat you the same as my other children," his father promised.

"I know," Jon smiled sadly. "And I am grateful for your love and support. I know that after my mother died, society would have thought you were doing the right thing if you gave up your parental rights and left me in foster care. But instead you took me in. Gave me a home and a true family and wanted to give me your name. However, what I do not understand is why? Why would you bring a child into your home from a drunken one night stand?"

"How did you know that?" His father gasped. "I have never told you about your mother… about the circumstance of your conception."

"During that same argument, I overheard your wife state that I was born to some who that spread her legs while you were at a conference in Dorne," Jon admitted. "That you made a mistake while you were drunk. That you did not even know about me until the social worker call after she had died. Did you ever regret claiming me?" Jon inquired. His heard pounding once more.

"Jon… I… I have never once regretted bringing you into my home," his father answered quickly.

He sighed in relief. He remained quiet because by the look on his father's face, he could tell he had more to say, and that he was searching for the right words. Jon waited patiently.

"I will admit - I wish I never would have bedded your mother, but you are my son. I love you and I wanted you with me from the moment I learned of your existence… I have never once have thought of you as a mistake."

This was the only time his Father had ever told him anything about his mother, so he took it as an opportunity to learn more. He knew he was born from a one-night stand. He knew that his father might not even know anything about his mother, but it could not hurt to ask. "Will you tell me more about her? Do you know if she would be proud of me? If she would be proud that I feel called to serve the gods, even if they are not her gods?"

His father looked as if he could use a drink. His grey eyes looked far away. "She… She." His father was struggling.

"It's alright. You do not have to if you do not want to," Jon stated as he finally reached across the table and grasped his Father's hand.

"I'm sorry son. I do not know for sure," Ned sighed. "But I promise you, I will tell you everything I know about her when you graduate in the spring."

Jon nodded and his father squeezed his hand in thanks.

"Well, I guess I'd better be going, my train is leaving soon and I need to finish packing. My classes resume in the morning," Jon stated, as he stood, breaking the comfortable silence that surrounded them.

"I will tell you this," His father stated, causing Jon to halt his retreat. "I am proud of you. I am proud of the man you are becoming despite of how you entered this world."

Jon felt tears welling in the corners of his eyes. 'I don't recall Father ever telling me he was proud of me.' "Thank you, Father. I hope to continue to make you proud."