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Ten years following the end of the Greyjoy Rebellion, during the longest summer in the history of Westeros, peace had settle throughout the seven kingdoms. During that time, House Stark had welcomed two more sons of Eddard and Catelyn; Brandon, named for his late uncle and ancestors, and Rickon in honor of his late grandfather. As he had done with his sisters, Jon had dedicated himself to being a loving elder brother to his new siblings. With Robb helping him, the two brothers made sure to teach and train Bran and Rickon to follow their father's teachings and the way of the North.

Unfortunately, only Robb was praised for this by the people of Winterfell. Even as time passed, Jon was still viewed as a vile bastard by Catelyn, who had earned more respect and authority with her husband's followers. Thanks to his Uncle Benjen and Barristan Selmy's words, her glares did not bother him as much as they used to. However, there would always be a small part of him inside that wished things could be different; especially since his sister Sansa had begun to treat him more and more like her mother did. Thankfully, his youngest sister Arya was the exact opposite.

Never wanting to abide by the ways of being a lady, particularly a southern type based on her septa's teachings, Arya Stark always felt like an outcast in Winterfell. She knew her parents and brothers loved her, especially Jon, but Sansa always made a point to tease and mock her for never being as good at "lady things" as she was and desiring to partake in what her brothers were being trained to do. Especially when, for a little over a year, Sansa and her friends called the girl "Arya Horse-Face" on account of Arya resembling more of her Stark heritage than Sansa did with their Tully heritage.

Not wanting to see his littlest sister sad, Jon was often a source of comfort for Arya and taught her ways to get back at Sansa and her gaggle of friends. It did not take very long, but Arya became a mischievous tomboy who enjoyed pranking and annoying her sister; something that made Catelyn resent Jon even more.

Aside from that, every day in Winterfell was calm and peaceful, exactly what the lord and lady of the castle wanted for their children. On one particular day, a day that would hold the first sparks that would forever change the world, the sons of Ned Stark were outside at the archery range where Bran was practicing.

At the age of ten, Bran was about as good as most beginners; not very. So, Jon and Robb stood next to him and calmly advised him after each failed shot. Off to the side, sitting on bales of hay, was the ever innocent, little Rickon. After the next arrow flew and missed, Jon spoke up.

"Go on." Jon said to Bran, "Father's watching; and your mother."

After firing another arrow, all the Starks watched as it flew over the wall and into the trees. While Bran groaned in frustration, his three brothers laughed at their brother's greatest miss.

"And which one of you were a marksman at ten?" Ned asked his eldest son and bastard from the level above them with his wife, "Keep practicing, Bran. Go on."

With the encouragement from his father, Bran drew another arrow and notched it. Believing that the next arrow would hit the bullseye, Bran listened to Jon and Robb's advice as he readied himself. Before Bran could let loose his arrow, another flew past him and hit the bullseye. As he and all his brothers turned their heads to see the archer, they saw Arya smiling triumphantly at her little brother and gave him a little bow. This, of course, resulted in Bran chasing after his sister for upstaging him so easily at something he had been at all day. While Robb, Jon and Rickon laughed at the sight while their father and his wife laughed fondly from above. Unfortunately, their attention was diverted by Ser Rodrick.

"Lord Stark, my lady." the heavyset man bowed, "A guardsman just rode in from the hills. They've captured a deserter from the Night's Watch."

"Get the lads to saddle their horses." Ned said to Theon who nodded before taking his leave.

"Do you have to?" Catelyn asked.

"He swore an oath, Cat." Ned replied.

"The law is the law, my lady."

"Tell Bran he's coming, too." Ned ordered.

"Ned, ten is too young to see such things." Catelyn argued for the sake of her son's innocence.

"He won't be a boy forever; and winter is coming." Ned coldly reminded using the words of his house. Not to be cruel, but to remind his wife of the inescapable truth she already had to accept with her first son.

Once Ned left to ready his horse, Catelyn looked down below to see Jon ruffle Rickon's hair after the five-year-old retrieved the arrows for him. Feeling the ever familiar feeling of the woman's glare, Jon looked up to see her glaring daggers at him past her nose. He said nothing, but he matched her stare with his own before walking away. After riding out to the place where the Starks preformed executions, the Stark bannermen dragged the muttering deserter to their lord and his sons.

"The White Walkers. I saw the White Walkers. I saw them." the man rambled until he was facing Eddard Stark. Accepting what was to come, the man steeled himself before he spoke.

"I know I broke my oath and I know I'm a deserter. I should have gone back to the Wall and warned them, but…I saw what I saw. I saw White Walkers. People need to know. If you can get word to my family, tell them I'm no coward. Tell them I'm sorry."

Seeing that the man before him had made his peace, and was not begging for forgiveness like a coward, Ned decided to honor the dying man's request. But so not to show weakness, he said nothing and nodded to his men to position the man to the grove of the execution log. After drawing his mighty Valyrian steel sword, Ice, Ned began to recite his authority in a cool voice.

"Don't look away." Jon whispered in Bran's ear, "Father will know if you do."

"In the name of Robert of the House Baratheon, first of his name, king of the Andals and the First Men, lord of the seven kingdoms and protector of the realm, I, Eddard, of the House Stark, Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North sentence you to die."

With no hesitation, Ned swung his massive sword and cleaved the man's head off from his body.

"You did well." Jon softly praised, feeling sorry that a part of his little brother's innocence was cleaved away like the man's head. While the body was taken to the cart, Ned went over to Bran as he readied his horse.

"Do you understand why I did it?" he asked.

"Jon said he was a deserter." Bran somberly answered.

"But do you understand why I had to kill him?" Ned asked.

"Our way is the old way?" Bran asked.

"The man who passes the sentence should swing the sword." Ned clarified.

"Is it true he saw the White Walkers?"

"The White Walkers have been gone for thousands of years, son." Ned reminded.

"So, he was lying?" Bran asked.

"A mad man sees what he sees. We must be prepared for the threats we know for sure are out there. Remember our words; Winter is Coming."

"Winter is Coming." Bran repeated as they all got on their horses. Along the way back to Winterfell, a foul sight was found in the middle of the road; a dead stag with a broken rack laid dead with its tongue and guts spilled out for all to see.

"Dismount!" Ned ordered his sons, ward and bannermen. Taking a closer look at the stag, the northern men pondered what could have mauled such a large deer with an even bigger set of antlers.

"Mountain lion?" Theon asked.

"There are no mountain lions in these woods." Ned informed nodded and drew his sword with the others following suit. Following the trail of blood, Ned led them all to the corpse of the creature that killed the stag. It was a wolf the size of a horse with a broken antler impaling its neck. But that was not the only thing that caught everyone's attention. No, it was the five pups squeaking about their mother's cold stomach as they drained the last of her milk.

"It's a freak!" Theon exclaimed at the size of the wolf.

"It's a direwolf." Ned corrected, no less shocked at the sight of the animal of his house before removing the antler from its neck, "Tough old beast."

"There are no direwolves south of the wall." Robb reminded his father.

"Now there are five." Jon corrected as he picked one up and gave it to Bran, "You want to hold it?"

"Where will they go?" Bran asked as the pup squirmed in his arms, "Their mother's dead."

"They don't belong down here." Ser Rodrick said.

"Better a quick death. They won't last long without their mother." Ned sighed as Theon unsheathed his dagger.

"Right. Give it here." he said, taking the wolf from the boy.

"No!" Bran cried.

"Put away your blade!" Robb hissed, angry because his brother was upset.

"I take orders from your father, not you." Theon shot back.

"Please, Father!" Bran pleaded.

"I'm sorry, Bran." Ned denied.

"Lord Stark," Jon interjected, unable to call him Father in the presence of his bannermen, "There are five pups. One for each of the Stark children. The direwolf is the sigil of your house. They were meant to have them."

With all eyes looking at him in anticipation, Ned Stark relented and gave a deep sigh. "You will train them yourselves, you will feed them yourselves, and if they die you will bury them yourselves."

As Ned and his men went back to the horses, Theon and Robb picked up the pups in each arm while Bran looked at Jon who looked saddened. "What about you?" he asked out of concern for his brother's feelings.

"I'm not a Stark." Jon reminded as the truth once again stung his heart.

"You are as much a Stark as we are, Jon." Robb thought as he looked to his brother and best friend.

But the Bastard of Winterfell said nothing. He simply followed the others up the hill before suddenly stopping at the sound of more squeaking. Looking down near his foot, Jon saw a direwolf pup as white as his namesake with eyes as red as blood.

"Ah, the runt of the litter." Theon joked, "That one's yours, Snow."

Despite the jest meaning to be an insult, Jon stared at the little albino in wonder before looking to Robb. Not needing to say a word, Robb smiled and nodded to his brother as if saying, "See? You are a wolf just as we are."

Once the others were up the hill, Jon smiled lovingly to the pup and held it against his chest. As if to prove the pup accepted Jon as well, it snuggled up against the furs of his cloak.

"Hello there." Jon whispered as he gently patted the runt's head, "You won't have to worry about being cast aside, anymore. You've got me, now."

After another long ride home, Lord Stark, his sons and men finally returned through the gates of Winterfell. Once they arrived, Robb and Jon decided to surprise their other siblings with the pups. So, after telling them to come meet them in Robb's room, the two brothers waited for them outside as they stood before the door. Being the most impatient, Sansa spoke first.

"Well, what is it that you wanted to show us?" she bluntly asked.

"Is it the deserter's head?" Arya asked with a grin.

"No." Robb snickered.

"You brought back the head?!" Rickon exclaimed as he clutched his own head.

"No, Rickon." Jon sighed with a smirk.

"I bet it's all bloody and covered with flies." Arya teased while Sansa rolled her eyes.

"Arya." she groaned.

"Ew!" Rickon said in disgust.

"With the expression he had when Father cut his head off, too!" Arya added.

"Enough!" Jon interrupted with a small smile, "It's not the damn head. It's some things we found on the way back."

Opening the door, Robb let them in and chuckled once he heard their surprised gasps. Rolling around on the floor, while Bran was holding his pup, the other five cocked their heads at the three strangers staring at them.

"Puppies!" Rickon shouted in joy.

"You found wolf pups?" Arya asked as she and Rickon got on the floor to get closer to them.

"No," Robb said, "We found Direwolf pups."

"I thought they only lived beyond the Wall?" Sansa asked.

"Normally, yes. That is the case. But somehow, their mother got south and gave birth to them before she and a stag killed each other." Robb explained.

"And we can keep them?" Rickon asked as he held the black pup.

"Aye, there's one for each of us." Robb smiled.

"Even you?" Arya asked Jon with concern. Smiling in thanks, Jon pointed towards the albino runt.

"See that one? He's mine." Jon said as he sat down with his siblings and held his new friend, "His name's Ghost."

"Because he's white?" Rickon cutely asked.

"Not exactly." Jon laughed, "He was quiet the whole ride back and barely made a sound as he walked around. So, I named him Ghost because he's as quiet as a creeping ghost; and also because he's white."

"And Father said we can keep them?" Sansa asked wanting to make sure it was true.

"Aye, and you should thank Jon for it, too." Robb nodded.

"Robb." Jon interjected trying to be humble.

"Why?" Sansa asked.

"If Jon hadn't convinced Father that the Stark children should have Direwolves of their own, like before the Targaryens came, he would have had Theon kill them to spare them dying without their mother." Robb praised. Before Jon could say anything, he was tackled, after putting Ghost down, by Arya and Rickon who hugged him in thanks; even Sansa shot him a small, thankful smile.

"So, we can pick which ever one we want?" Arya asked.

"Out of these three." Robb said as he gathered the three unclaimed pups and picked up the gray, male pup, "This one is mine. I'm calling him Grey Wind."

"This one's name is Summer and he's mine." Bran said firmly as he held his pup on the bed.

"So, these two are girls," Jon said as he pointed to the white-auburn pup and the white-gray pup, "And that one is a boy, Rickon."

"Mine!" he said holding the black pup.

"Well, now that that's settled," Jon joked, "Looks like you two get to pick."

"I want this one." Sansa said as she grabbed the auburn-white wolf.

"Fine, I wanted this one, anyway." Arya bluntly said as she picked up her pup.

"Now they just need names." Jon said.

"Nymeria." Arya said as she cradled her sleeping pup, "Mine's name is Nymeria."

"After the Rhoynar queen?" Jon asked knowing how much his sister was enamored by the warrior princesses of old.

"You shouldn't name it after such a savage woman, Arya." Sansa scolded, "Honestly, I will never understand why you look up to women like or the Targaryen princesses and queens. After what they did to our family? You should not look up to such barbaric women."

"If that's what she wants to name her wolf, Sansa, then that's what she wants to name her wolf." Jon lectured, "Besides, not all Targaryens are guilty of the crimes the Mad King committed."

"Well, my Direwolf won't be some savage beast like hers will with a name like that. Mine will be gentle and fair, just as I am." Sansa said raising her nose at her half-brother, "That's why I'm naming her Lady."

"Big surprise there." Arya scoffed, earning a glare from the red-head.

"What are you gonna name yours, Rickon?" Robb asked before another argument broke out.

"Shaggydog!" Rickon cheered happily as his pup licked his face.

"They're not dogs, Rickon!" Bran snapped in annoyance.

"That's a stupid name for a Direwolf." Arya remarked causing Rickon to look at them with watery eyes.

"But I want him to be Shaggydog!" Rickon nearly wailed before Jon came over and gently patted his head, as he always did to show his youngest brother affection.

"I think it's a good name." he said kindly before the youngest Stark looked up to him and sniffled.

"Really?" he asked with a hopeful smile.

"Aye, I mean, he's got shaggy hair just like you. It's a perfect name." Jon nodded as he continued to ruffle and roll the boy's head as he laughed.

"But, Jon!" Arya complained.

"It's not a dog!" Bran added.

"Is your wolf the season of summer, itself?" he asked Bran in a tone similar to their father's. Bran said nothing as he bashfully looked at the bed.

"And is yours the warrior queen reborn again?" he asked Arya who did the same, "No? Well, then, it looks like neither of you have much room to criticize. Now, you all need to understand something important. Bran and Arya are right; these are not dogs. Nor are they pets. These are Direwolves. They'll grow as big as horses before long and be just as fast. Their bites will be strong enough to break bones with a single chomp and tear through armor like parchment. Father has made it very clear; we are to train, feed, clean and control these wolves ourselves. Treat them right and love them, and they will be your protectors. They will defend and obey you because you are their packs now. We are responsible for them, now. Do you understand?"

All the young Starks nodded their heads as they held their wolves. While the children were getting acquainted with their new, furry companions, Catelyn had informed Ned about the death of his foster-father, Jon Arryn, and that King Robert was riding north with his queen, Cersei Lannister, her brothers Jamie and Tyrion, the princes Joffrey and Tommen, and the princess Myrcella with all the Kingsguard and bannermen of the royal family stationed to escort them north. Given the size of the number of people coming, and that the queen and her children were in a wheel-house the entire way, it took an entire month for Robert to arrive.

The morning of the arrival, hours before the royal family arrived, Jon, Robb and Theon were told to have their beards shaved and their hair cut in order to look proper before the crown.

"Why's your mother so dead set on us getting pretty for the king?" Jon asked Robb as he was getting a shave.

"It's for the queen, I bet." Theon mused, "I hear she's a sleek bit of meat."

"I hear Prince Joffrey is a right, royal prick." Robb added.

"Think of all those southern girls he gets to stab with his right, royal prick." Theon joked as Jon took Robb's spot.

"Go on, Tommy. Shear him good." Robb smirked, "He's never met a girl he liked better than his own hair."

While Robb and Theon laughed, in good nature, as Jon grimaced his hair being cut, an unsavory thought popped into his head.

"He's around Sansa's age, isn't he? The Crown Prince?" Jon asked.

"Aye, that's what I heard." Theon nodded, "Maybe a year or two older. They say he and the other two look more Lannister than Baratheon."

"Why do you ask?" Robb asked.

"Sansa's always been dreaming of the day a prince will come here and marry her. Last thing she needs if for that prince to be some golden-haired, half-Lannister prick." Jon answered. Despite how much Sansa tried to act like Catelyn, she was still his sister and he wanted to make sure nothing bad happened to her.

"You'll have to act as Lord of Winterfell if Father accepts the king's offer, you know." Jon reminded his brother.

"Aye, and you'll be at my side helping me from fucking everything up." Robb nodded with a smirk.

"You'd think the king would know better than to ask Father to ride south with him and stay in Kings Landing of all places." Jon added as the snipped curls fell off his head, "You Starks don't fare well in the south."

"Different time, different king." Robb nodded, "That'll probably be his excuse. Still doesn't change that's the city where his father and brother were murdered."

"He might say no." Theon offered, "Lord Stark's always seemed to be set in his ways. He might refuse."

"He'd have to take the others and your mother down with him." Jon reminded, "Or finally find places to send Bran and Rickon to be fostered. I doubt it would be the Vale, though. Isn't your cousin about Bran's age?"

"A little younger, actually." Robb shrugged, "Last time I saw him was when my aunt and uncle brought him here for Mother and Father to see as a baby. Heard he's sickly and frail now."

"And he's going to be Lord of the Vale and Warden of the East." Jon smirked as he was being shaved.

After everyone and everything was ready, they all gathered in the courtyard, ready to kneel before their king. As they all waited, Jon noticed Arya trotting over to her spot with a Stark soldier helm on her head. While Catelyn was aghast at this, Ned smirked as he pulled the helm off his daughter's head and passed it back to Rodrick. At that moment Prince Joffrey rode in with his personal guard Ser Sandor Clegane, The Hound, behind wearing his snarling hound helm. No one, especially Robb and Jon, missed the arrogant smirk on Joffrey's face as he looked at Sansa who smirked back at him.

Following the prince was the large wheel-house that carried the queen and her other two children. Behind this, led by two more Kingsguard, came in Robert. Although, he looked much different than the last time he came to Winterfell. Instead of the strong warrior-king he was known to be during his own rebellion, Robert Baratheon had become the fattest king to have ever sat on the Iron Throne.

"That's the Demon of the Trident?" Jon bluntly asked in disbelief, "He's fatter than Ser Rodrick."

Although, in Ser Rodrick's defense, he's more solidly built and still physically fit, in his own way. Robert, on the other hand, just appeared to be a glutton. Still, that glutton was the king of Westeros, and so, everyone kneeled and bowed their heads; which spared them from seeing the man need a stepstool in order to get down from his horse. Stomping over, the red-faced, scowling king stopped directly in front of his best friend and discreetly gestured for him to stand. Once he did, everyone else was allowed to stand, as well.

"Your Grace." Ned bowed with respect.

"…You got fat." Robert bluntly spat through his wild, bushy beard. In response, Ned nodded his head to Robert's enormous stomach. Breaking the tension, the two old friends then burst into laughter, dropping all formalities required of their titles and fiercely hugged.

"Cat!" Robert happily greeted as he hugged the woman he had grown to see and love as a sister.

"Your Grace." Catelyn greeted with a smile before Robert kindly ruffled Rickon's hair, as if he were the boy's uncle.

"Nine years." Robert exhaled to Ned, "Why haven't I seen you? Where the hell have you been?"

"Guarding the North for you, Your Grace. Winterfell is yours." Ned replied as Queen Cersei exited the wheel-house. She was a beautiful woman, with her golden hair and supple body, dressed in her royal red and gold gown.

"Where's the imp?" Arya asked, not even bothering to be discrete.

"Will you shut up?!" Sansa snapped, hotly for some reason.

"What have we here?" Robert kindly joked as he came to inspect his friends' children, "You must be Robb. My have you grown."

"Your Grace." Robb greeted as they firmly shook hands.

"Sansa." Robert smiled as she curtsied, "You've grown into a beautiful young woman, just like your mother."

"Thank you, Your Grace." Sansa thanked, darting her eyes back to Joffrey.

"And you are?" Robert asked with a teasing tone.

"Arya." Arya proudly stated causing the king to chuckle at her declaration before looking at Bran.

"Show us your muscles, lad." Robert nodded before fondly chuckling as Bran flexed his arm, "You'll make a fine soldier."

Looking behind the younger children, Robert's mouth dropped in shock when he looked at Jon. Because of Catelyn's order, Jon had not met the king after the Greyjoy Rebellion, so this was the first time Robert had ever laid eyes on the bastard.

"Seven Hells!" Robert let out, gaining Ned's attention.

"Please don't." Ned begged in his mind as he looked at his friend and son, "Just stay ignorant, you fat fool."

"Ned!" Robert bellowed before grinning from ear to ear and pointing at Jon, "He looks just like you did at the Eyrie!"

Careful not to show his relief, Ned simply smiled and nodded, while Catelyn did her best not to showed her annoyed expression at Jon's existence being acknowledged.

"I didn't get the chance to meet you last time." Robert stated.

"My apologies, Your Grace. I did not believe it was proper for a bastard to be in the presence of the king." Jon replied, slightly lying that it was his decision.

"Bah! Hell with that." Robert waved off, "I've got a bastard of my own back in the Vale, somewhere; probably more throughout the other six kingdoms, too!"

Jon said nothing as the king laughed in his face, but he did give a small, awkward smile.

"You were named after a good man, lad. The best man I ever knew." Robert informed seriously, "I hope you know that."

"I shall try to be worthy of Lord Arryn's name, Your Grace." Jon said with a bow.

It was then that Cersei decided to approach the lord and lady of Winterfell, not even bothering to hide her bored and contempt expression.

"My queen." Ned greeted before kissing her hand.

"My queen." Catelyn curtsied as one of the Kingsguard removed his helm and shook free his golden hair.

"That's Jamie Lannister; the queen's twin brother." Arya pointed out.

"Will you please shut up?!" Sansa harshly spat.

"Take me to your crypts. I want to pay my respects." Robert gruffly said to Ned.

"We've been riding for a month, my love. Surely the dead can wait?" Cersei asked, lacking emotion to someone she claimed to love.

"Ned." Robert said, ignoring his wife and heading to the Stark family crypts.

"Where's the imp?" Arya asked again.

"Where is our brother?" Cersei asked Jamie in annoyance, "Go and find the little monster."

After Jamie left, and Ned followed Robert down into the crypts, the crowd began to disperse and the servants returned to their duties. As they did, the Stark children greeted the rest of the royal family.

Prince Tommen and Princess Myrcella finally emerged from the wheel-house, slightly shivering from the cold of the north. Myrcella appeared to be a year or two older than Arya while Tommen was about a year younger than Bran. From what Jon could tell, the princess was a kind, little lady in the making; something Sansa thought she was on a daily basis. Tommen, on the other hand, reminded him of Rickon whenever he acted timid. It was obvious to Jon that Myrcella was attracted to Robb on account of how much she was blushing and staring at him. As he was resisting the urge to chuckle at his brother, Jon heard a familiar voice from behind.

"It's good to see you were allowed to join your family this time around, young Snow." Ser Barristan said with a welcoming smile.

"Ser Barristan." Jon kindly smiled as they clasped arms.

"It's good to see you again." Barristan said, "Looks like you've grown into quite the swordsman. Working hard to forge your legend?"

"Every day, Ser." Jon nodded.

"That so? Perhaps you could demonstrate your skills tomorrow. Help this old man work off a month of riding." Barristan offered.

"It would be an honor, Ser." Jon said with a bow of his head. Down in the crypts, Ned led Robert to the specific grave he desired to visit. As they did, they strode past all the stone statues of all the previous Wardens of the North and the Kings of Winter who came before them. However, Ned's curiosity finally voiced itself as they walked.

"Tell me about Jon Arryn." he said getting straight to the point.

"One minute he was fine and then it burned right through him, whatever it was." Robert sadly replied, "I loved that man."

"We both did." Ned sadly reminded.

"He never had to teach you much, but me?" Robert asked as they smiled at the memories of their foster-father, "You remember me at sixteen? All I wanted to do was crack skulls and fuck girls. He showed me what was what."

"Aye?" Ned asked with a smirk.

"Don't look at me like that. It's not his fault I didn't listen." Robert laughed as they came to a stop, "I need you, Ned. Down at Kings Landing, not up here where your no use to anybody. Lord Eddard Stark, I would name you Hand of the King."

"I'm not worthy of the honor." Ned said as he took a knee.

"I'm not trying to honor you." Robert corrected his friend, "I'm trying to get you to run my kingdoms while I drink and whore my way to an early grave. Dammit, Ned, stand up. You helped me win the Iron Throne. Now help me keep the damn thing. We were meant to rule, together. If your sister had lived, we would've been bound by blood. Well, it's not too late. I have a son; you have a daughter. We'll join our houses."

Ned looked unsupportive of this idea, but Robert had already continued on his way by the time Ned could say anything in protest. Just as he was about to, he saw Robert stand before the grave he wanted to see; Ned's late, younger sister, Lyanna Stark. Giving his friend the chance to pay his respects, Ned said nothing.

"Did you have to bury her in a place like this?" he softly asked, "She should be on a hill somewhere, with the sun and clouds above her."

"She was my sister. This is where she belongs." Ned reminded.

"She belonged with me!" Robert choked as he caressed the statue's face, "In my dreams I kill him every night."

"It's done, Your Grace. The Targaryens are gone." Ned reminded as he thought back to the dead bodies of Aerys, Rhaegar, Rhaegar's wife Elia and their innocent children Rhaenys and Aegon.

"Not all of them." Robert bitterly corrected.

For the rest of the day, formalities were exchanged and introductions were made while the food was being prepared. Once night had fallen, the feast began filling all of Winterfell with the sound of laughter, music and chatter. Unlike the rest of the royal family, Robert, wearing his golden antler crown, sat amongst the common folk, laughing, drinking, eating and drinking some more with them. Cersei stared blankly at her husband as he kissed and fondled one of the serving girls. Catelyn tried to distract the queen by making small talk before Sansa briefly joined; after making eyes with Joffrey, of course.

Meanwhile outside, just as he was the last time Robert visited Winterfell, Jon was outside training with his sword. Not because of Catelyn, simply because the young bastard still did not care for crowds. His uncle had also returned to Winterfell, just as last time, in order to discuss with Ned the deserter he executed the month before. After greeting each other and hugging, Jon returned to his training; that is until someone new gained Jon's attention.

"Your uncle's in the Night's Watch?" a dwarf with golden hair asked with a slight slur. Jon may not have been the smartest man in the north, but even he could immediately tell who the man was based on his height, hair color and clothing.

"What are you doing back there?" Jon asked, his distrust of the royal guests keeping him on guard.

"Preparing for a night with your family. I've always wanted to see the Wall."

"You're Tyrion Lannister. The queen's brother." Jon finally stated with a neutral expression.

"My greatest accomplishment." Tyrion sarcastically remarked, "And you. You're Ned Stark's bastard, aren't you?"

"Aye, I am." Jon nodded.

"Hmm, not exactly the reaction I was expecting." Tyrion lightly smirked.

"Had you said that to me when I was younger, I might have reacted the way you expected." Jon replied still keeping his expression neutral, "I know what I am, I just don't care what other people think of it."

"Well said. I think I like you, Bastard." Tyrion said with a drunken smile as he offered Jon his wine skin, "Wine?"

"No. Thank you, but no." Jon politely declined, "I prefer ale."

"Ah, but this is fine Dornish Red." Tyrion argued, "I took the liberty of procuring several bottles from Starfall before His Grace oh, so graciously invited me to join my beloved siblings, nephews and niece."

"From Starfall?" Jon asked.

"Yes." Tyrion nodded. After showing a bit of hesitation, Jon relented and accepted the dwarf's offer.

"Out of curiosity," Tyrion began as Jon took a swig, "Why did my mentioning of Starfall change your mind?"

"…I don't know you well enough to tell you." Jon answered.

"Fair enough." Tyrion shrugged as he took the skin back and drank it before passing it back, "No, no, wait! Let me guess. In fact, we could make a game out of it."

"A game?" Jon asked with a cocked eyebrow.

"You've never played a drinking game before?" Tyrion asked sounding just as baffled.

"I don't drink much." Jon replied.

"Well, there are worse ways to start." Tyrion urged.

"Fine. What is your game?"

"Oh, it's quite simple, really. I guess the reason why you changed your mind and for every wrong guess, I take a drink. But, if I guess correct, you finish an entire skin."

"Doesn't feel like you have much left in this one." Jon pointed out only to see his newest companion reveal a large, full wine skin concealed under his cloak. Relenting with a loud sigh, Jon motioned to the dwarf to begin.

"…You met a Dornish girl in a brothel and you have not forgotten her impression." Tyrion began.

"No." Jon replied.

"Damn." Tyrion cursed before taking a swig, "Alright. You…heard tales of your father killing Arthur Dayne and you feel as though drinking Dornish Red is a reminder of your father's victory; much like whenever someone plays the Rains of Castamere for my family."

"What? No!" Jon replied, slightly disgusted.

"Good, because that sounded a bit too morbid for my taste, right now." Tyrion said before taking a swig.

"Look, before this becomes even worse for me, or you drink yourself blind, whichever comes first, why don't I just tell you?" Jon asked.

"Oh, fine!" Tyrion slurred, "If the wine is getting to you tha-that badly."

"Right…" Jon trailed slightly in discomfort, "There might be chance that my mother is or was from Dorne."

"Ah, yes. I remember that old rumor, now." Tyrion said waving his finger at the young man, "About the 'Honorable' Eddard Stark bedding a Dornish whore during the rebellion. Or was it the late Ashara Dayne? Wouldn't that be something, eh, Bastard?"

Having enough of the drunken dwarf, and not wanting to discuss his mother any further, Jon got up from his seat and began to walk away without saying any word to the Lannister.

"Did I offend you? Sorry." Tyrion said realizing his mistake, "Let me give you a piece of advice, Bastard. While you may not care about what people think of you, don't let talk of your mother break you down. You do not know who your mother is, only your father. Wear that like armor and it can never be used to hurt you."

"What the hell would you know about not having a mother?" Jon snapped as Tyrion walked away. Keeping his face hard, yet understanding, Tyrion gave his reply.

"I killed my mother coming into this world. And neither my father, nor my sister has let me forget it." the dwarf said before walking away. Filled with aggravation, Jon picked up his training sword and went back hacking away at the dummy.

Later, as Jon was heading in for food and ale, he saw Robb carrying a disappointed Arya to her room. Having an idea of what happened, Jon chuckled to himself before heading up to see his favorite sibling. Not even bothering to knock, Jon opened the door to Arya laying on her bed with a pout.

"I take it you had fun at the feast?" Jon teasingly asked as he stood in the doorway.

"More than Sansa." Arya smirked.

"Was it worth it?" Jon asked.

"It got me out of listening to Myrcella and Tommen talk about the Red Keep; and I got to embarrass Sansa in front of her 'beloved' Joffrey." Arya answered causing them both to laugh before she dropped her smile, "Why weren't you there?"

"I'm not too fond of crowds, Arya." Jon lightly replied as he came over to sit with her.

"You would have been more fun than any of them." she argued.

"Since when did you get all soft?" Jon teased as he cupped her face and playfully smooshed her cheeks, "How much of that wine did you drink?"

"Get off!" Arya snapped, pushing his hands off as he laughed; even as she punched his shoulder. However, she still looked concerned.

"Father's going to say yes to the king, isn't he?" she asked.

"He might." Jon said honestly as he pulled her in for a side hug, "He and the king seem close."

"Would I have to go with him?" she asked nervously.

"Aye. You would." Jon nodded as he held her close. Arya may not have been a timid girl, but even she did not care for leaving the only home she ever knew. "You would have to leave with Sansa and Father and you'd, one day, be presented with suitors wanting to marry you. And then, you'd have to leave Kings Landing and live in whatever keep, in whatever kingdom they live in and you'd be expected to give him as many children as he wants."

"What if I don't want them to? What if I don't want any of that?" Arya asked.

"Then you come find me and tell me who is trying to force themselves of you, and then I'll beat those sods black and blue into the dirt." Jon promised, "After you're done with them, of course."

"…Would you come with us if Father says yes?" Arya asked, looking up at her big brother with hope in her eyes.

"…Let's not worry about that, now." Jon said softly before kissing her head.

"But just say that he does." Arya stressed.

"…You know what my job is?" Jon asked as he got off the bed and kneeled before his sister, "My job, as your big brother, is to protect you. Protect you, Sansa, Bran, and Rickon until you are all strong enough to protect yourselves; and even Robb until he gets smart enough."

They both laughed at the slight jab towards their brother before Jon continued.

"So, until that day comes, whenever it may be, I'm always going to do everything I can to protect you. No matter how far apart we are, no matter what happens to me, my first and foremost responsibility is to protect you all. So, even if Father does say yes, and I can't come with you, if I'm stuck up here, freezing my ass off when winter comes, I will still be doing everything I can to keep you from harm. Alright?" Jon asked.

Arya nodded but did not say a word. Instead, she leapt of the bed and threw her arms around her beloved big brother and held him tight. Happy to feel his sister's love, Jon smiled and hugged her back before kissing her cheek.

"Aright, time for bed." Jon sighed before picking her up and playfully, yet gently, throwing her onto the bed, "Good night, Lady Stark." he said with a playful bow at the door.

"Reiðast af!" Arya barked in the old tongue of the Northern First Men, as she threw her shoe at Jon who closed the door just in time, laughing as he did. As per tradition, all Northern nobles taught their children the ancient language of their ancestors to further keep to their ways and not the ways of those in the south.

After the feast ended and everyone retired, Ned and Catelyn were lying in their bed, enjoying each other's warmth as they stared at the fireplace covered with streaks of formally melted wax. While both of them would like nothing more than to just ignore the pressing matter at hand, it could not be avoided.

"I'm a Northman." Ned stated, "I belong here with you not down south in that rats' nest they call a capital."

"I won't let him take you." Catelyn firmly said.

"The king takes what he wants. That's why he's king." Ned reminded.

"Well, I'll say, 'Listen, fat man,'" Cat said causing Ned to chuckle as she lightly jabbed his chest as though he were Robert, "You are not taking my husband anywhere. He belongs to me now.'"

"How did he get so fat?" Ned asked as he thought back to the muscular and fit young man he grew up with.

"He only stops eating when it's time for drink." Cat replied playfully causing them both to laugh before a knock on the door interrupted them.

"It's Maester Luwin, my lord." the guard informed on the other side.

"Send him in." Ned said.

"Pardon, my lord, my lady." Luwin politely said as he entered and closed the door as his chain clinked, "A rider in the night from your sister."

"From Lysa?" Catelyn asked as he left the bed to take the sealed letter, "This was sent from the Eyrie. What's she doing at the Eyrie? She hasn't been there since her wedding."

After reading over the letter, panic covered Cat's face before she threw the paper into the fireplace. Needless to say, both Ned and Luwin were concerned.

"What news?" Ned asked as he came to her side.

"She's fled the capital. She says Jon Arryn was murdered by the Lannisters." Catelyn gravely informed, "She says the king is in danger."

"She doesn't know what she's saying." Ned denied.

"Lysa's head would be on a spike right now if the wrong people found that letter. Do you think she would risk her life, her son's life if she wasn't certain her husband was murdered?" Cat asked.

Realizing the situation, Ned began to pace and stroke his beard in both worry and thought. It was then that Maester Luwin decided to give his lord advice.

"If this news is true and the Lannisters conspire against the throne, who but you can protect the king?" he asked.

"They murdered the last Hand. Now you want Ned to take the job?!" Catelyn asked, clearly baffled.

"The kind rode for a month to ask for Lord Stark's help. He's the only one he trusts." Luwin reminded, "You swore the king an oath, my lord."

"He's spent half his life fighting Robert's wars. He owes him nothing." Catelyn retorted before speaking to her husband, "Your father and brother rode south once on a king's demand."

"A different time; a different king." Luwin reminded softly.

The next morning, while everyone else was eating breakfast, Bran and his pup, Summer, were wondering the grounds, eager to explore. Eventually, they came to what was known as the Broken Tower of Winterfell; a tower damaged by storms and reduced to barely a ruin. Bran had often climbed the outside walls of this tower and, despite the promise he made to his mother to stop climbing, he wanted to climb it again.

After leaving Summer alone on the ground, who cutely looked up at his master in confusion, Bran made his way over half way up the tower. As he did, he could hear the sound of a woman grunting and flesh slapping against flesh. Carefully coming to the vine covered window, the young Stark saw Queen Cersei and her twin brother Ser Jamie in a very compromising position. After watching for a few moments, Cersei looked up in horror to see Bran.

"Stop! Stop!" she said to her brother. Fearing for his life, Bran tried to get away, but Jamie caught him by the arm.

"Are you completely mad?" Jamie calmly asked the boy.

"He saw us!" Cersei panicked.

"It's alright. It's alright." Jamie said the frightened boy.

"He saw us!" Cersei screeched.

"I heard you the first time." Jamie said back, no less calm before speaking to Bran, "Quite the little climber, aren't you? How old are you, boy?"

"Ten." Bran answered.

"Ten." Jamie nodded as he let go of Bran's shirt and looked back to his worried sister, "The things I do for love."

With a gasp, Bran fell helplessly to the ground after Ser Jamie mercilessly pushed him without a care in the world. Nearby the Broken Tower, Jon was preparing the archery range to further help Bran. Before the king arrived the day before, Jon and Bran agreed to meet the next morning to practice, but the bastard had not seen his brother at all that morning.

"Bran!" Jon called out, half expecting his brother to be nearby. At the time, it was only Jon, Ghost and a few of the Winterfell servants outside.

"Seven Hells! Where is that boy?" Jon muttered before he heard the sound of one of the pups howling and barking, "Ghost, with me." he said to his pup who obediently followed.

Coming around the corner, he saw Summer and immediately recognized him as Bran's pup. Growing concerned, Jon followed the pup as Theon came out clutching his head making it clear he was hung over.

"Seven Hells, Snow!" he groaned, "Can't you shut that pup up?!"

But Jon only ignored his father's ward and continued to follow the frantic pup. After coming to the base of the tower, Jon looked in horror at his brother's broken body and the blood beneath it, soaking into the ground.

"Get the Maester!" he shouted at the top of his lungs. Rushing over, Theon gasped at Bran's body and nearly froze at the sight. "He's still breathing! Get the fucking Maester here!"

"Don't take him from us." Jon prayed as he gently held Bran's body as Luwin and several guards hurried over to them, "Don't you dare take him from us!"

So, slightly different than what you're all used to. I felt like Jon really didn't show a lot of affection to his siblings before he left Winterfell; especially to Rickon. For someone who wanted to be a Stark so bad, the writers did not seem to make it all that believable sometimes. Also, I had to change Tyrion's conversation with Jon just a little bit. I just want to make it clear, Ashara Dayne is, in fact, DEAD in this story. That was just a little Easter Egg from the books and a way for Jon to have some hope in who his mother is. Besides, I actually like Fanfiction stories where she is his mother; it's nice to see him have such a kind and loving mother like her. Also, that little rumor is going to play a big role in Jon's "legend" in this story during the War of the Five Kings, just to let you know, so there's a reason why I included it.

Oh, and that little bold text thing is also going to be a new detail in this story. As it said, all the Northern nobles and their children, and eventually the Wildings, are going to be fluent in the ancient language of the Northern First Men. It's just going to be modern Icelandic and Old Norse, depending on the context and situation; all Arya said was "Piss off!"

It won't be like it was this time, and in most stories where Valyrian and Dothraki are written out and translated at the end, I just did it this time to show what I am doing; that language's translations will be written in bold to separate from the common tongue, Valyrian, and Dothraki.

Speaking of which, Daenerys will be in this story and she is the end game pairing for Jon; I know those two are related, but I'm just a sucker for those two and I hated what happened to them. Their pairing will show beneath the link after we're done with season 1 and I take Ned's name off. And for those of you who thought they had no chemistry, understandable, I'll be doing something different with them early on. But, for right now, Dany won't be making any appearances. There's no point since no one, except Jorah, from Westeros was there to change her beginning. So, you'll have to wait a little while for her.

Anyway, school starts tomorrow for me, so there really is no telling when the next chapter will come out. Just stay tuned!

Also, thank you to everyone who has been liking, following and reviewing this story/me. I am so glad that you all enjoy reading this story. If you haven't already, like and follow this story/me and leave a review for this. Speaking of which, allow me to respond to the guest reviewers.

-Austin: I can understand your questioning of Barristan and Rhaegar. But in this version, and possibly the other two, Barristan is mostly focused on all the good memories he had with Rhaegar and is seeing past what Rhaegar did when he crowned Lyanna. Besides, he does not believe Rhaegar raped Lyanna, but he also does not know why Rhaegar did what he did. He's not blinded by admiration like Viserys was, but he's choosing to remember the best of his friend first and foremost.

-Anon: Thank you for the praise and compliments. As for your questions, sorry, but you'll just have to wait and see~!

Oh, and before I forget again, that song Jon sang in the first chapter was called "Wonder" it's a song from the Lord of the Rings Musical; crazy that that exists, right?

Anyway, thanks for reading and see ya next time!