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Note: This story will not have any homosexual relationships between characters.

Chapter 2

Snow and Stark

Robb Stark somberly paced in his tent with a heavy frown dead set upon his face. He kept on clenching his fists tighter every few moments for that was the only way for him to vent his pain, sadness and frustration.

He failed to save his Father.

The sheer pain that pierced his heart at that thought was enough to make him weep, and he had wept for the loss of a man he had admired and loved the most in this world. A man who had taught Robb everything he knew, entrusted him with the North's and his family's future.

And now he was dead.

When he had called his banners, he had hope in his heart to save his Father and sisters from their captivity in King's Landing. He had hope that forces of Riverrun and the Vale would join his cause. And while his mother's ancestral Tully family had answered the call by pledging their entire support, the Vale had gone silent save for sending Bryden Tully to aid in the war.

Despite the setback, Robb had tried to do his best. He put aside his personal feelings and agreed to marry a Frey girl as Lord Walder Frey had demanded as price for allowing Robb and his army passage down South alongwith promising his 4000 strong force to the Northern Army.

The Stark army had gotten a good start in the war when they captured Jaime Lannister, and it had given Robb hope of getting his Father and sisters back in exchange for the Kingslayer.

But never had he expected Joffrey to execute his Father...

The rest of the realm, those who were not supporters of Lannisters had divided themselves into the camps of Stannis and Renly Baratheon both claiming themselves as the Rightful King.

Robb himself had received messages from both Kings to pledge his loyalty to them. His bannermen were divided on the issue, while Stannis was the rightful King not many supported the dour Baratheon. The Lord of Dragonstone had a small army in comparison to that of his brother Renly who had the support of the Stormlands and Reach behind him.

Among all this chaos, Robb still had the threat of Tywin Lannister and his massive army looming over his head.

His mother, Catelyn was solely troubled for the safety of his sisters and could not care about anything else.

Robb knew he had many powerful and honorable supporters, but none who could understand him and suggest the right way.

He was distracted from his thoughts when SmallJon Umber entered his tent rather hastily despite prior instructions from Robb for everyone to leave him alone.

"What is it?" asked Robb irritatedly, having no desire to further lambast his loyal friend who had fought by his side in every important battles of this war.

"Three Crows arrived just now. One of them claims to be your brother..." revealed SmallJon skeptically, but was surprised when Robb's eyes widened.

"Jon..."

Most of the Northern soldiers were quite surprised when their liege lord stormed out of his tent hastily making Grey Wind quickly join him as SmallJon tried to catch up. There was a fire in Robb's eyes as he searched for his brother and was not disappointed when he saw three men wearing the uniform of the Night's Watch.

Their eyes met and within seconds Robb had engaged his brother in a fierce embrace.

"You were right. I'm all in black now" whispered Jon, making Robb chuckle loudly. Something he had never done in the past few weeks.

''I'm glad you are here" said Robb honestly,

Both boys gently broke the hug and stared at each other. Jon saw for the first time the disshelved form of his brother and the lost playfulness of his eyes. At the same time, Robb didn't fail to notice Jon's eyes that were harsher than ever and held in them great shame and worry.

They were interrupted from speaking further when Ghost and Grey Wind leapt at each other happily making their owners smile as well on seeing their favorite pets uniting with their own family.

When Robb looked back at his brother, Jon's face turned somber.

"I'm sorry about Father"

Robb's smile vanished only to be replaced by a fierce scowl as he clenched his fists shut "I'll kill all of those golden bastards and get our sisters back!"

Jon nodded readily, "Robb, I need to speak with you alone. Is it possible some accommodations can be found for my brothers?" asked Jon honestly, looking at Grenn and Sam who had maintained a respectful silence till now, watching the two Stark brothers interact after a long time.

Robb glanced at the two Crows and quickly gestured SmallJon to find them some food and water. With that out of the way, Robb dragged his brother to his tent and served him fresh ale which Jon drank without any protest.

"Do you want something to eat?" asked Robb patiently, as he regained his own seat.

"Maybe later..." replied Jon with a faint smile,

Robb noticed Jon's hesitance and the awkwardness that had settled between them which was quite strange for in the past they were always able to share their problems with each other. Jon noticed his inquiring gaze and gave a tired sigh.

"I tried to desert from the Night's Watch..."

Robb's eyes widened on hearing his brother admit such a grave crime punishable by death. But he decided to listen the reason behind such actions and was quite surprised when he learned what Jon had been upto at Castle Black all these months.

He heard tales about his brother trying to find a place among the Crows, his animosity with others Crows, how he managed to make friends and enemies alike, how Uncle Benjen disappeared, and how two dead Black Brothers who were brought back to Castle Black turned into wights and attacked his brother alongwith Commander Mormont.

To say Robb was left speechless would be an understatement.

"Uncle Benjen cannot be dead. He cannot be..." said Robb hesitantly, unwilling to accept another Stark to be lost.

"It's been months, Robb. The wildlings have gathered together behind a King, and with White Walkers returning..." trailed Jon, but Robb shook his head.

"He cannot be dead. And you are telling me there is a wildling army about to attack the Wall and the North? And White Walkers returning? Jon, you know I..." said Robb frustratedly, but stopped when Jon took out a parchment and threw it at him.

The first thing Robb noticed was the seal of the Night's Watch Commander and when he read the letter it said the same things as Jon mentioned mere moments ago.

He saw his brother staring at him expectantly waiting for a decision which made him grimly read the letter again just to be certain that he had read the contents properly.

"I'm surprised they didn't execute you..." said Robb carefully,

"I should have been, but Lord Commander Mormont asked me to get help. Would you execute me for breaking the law?" asked Jon nervously, making Robb's eyes go wide.

"What? No!" said Robb in horror,

"Why?"

"You are my brother. And I have already lost enough family for a lifetime, most of all you wanted to help me and the North against whatever threat that is probably brewing beyond the Wall. I don't fault you for your actions..." clarified Robb honestly,

Jon's shoulders dropped in relief for while he had a feeling Robb would not execute him for breaking the law, he had doubted his brother would actually approve his actions either. How times had changed...

"What will you do?" asked Jon seriously, making Robb frown.

"I cannot promise any substantial aid until I get our sisters back from King's Landing and settle this war. I wouldn't have believed this from anyone else about wildlings and White Walkers, I am still not sure but since it's you I will do something atleast" explained Robb in detail, making Jon nod for even he could understand Robb could not march his forces back North while their sisters were in danger.

''What do you have in mind?'' questioned Jon,

"I have taken a few hundred Lannister prisoners in my battles. While few of them are small lords and knights, the rest are common soldiers whom I was planning on executing. I will still do it but also offer them a chance to take the Black, however I will need one of your brothers to go with the escorting party that shall take the prisoners to Castle Black. I'll also spare any supplies I can and write a letter to the Lord Commander" explained Robb,

"That is a good decision, Robb"

Despite his past victories, Robb couldn't help but smile on seeing his brother's approval. Many of his lords still doubted him to some extent for he was too young and inexperienced in their eyes, Theon was a good comrade but not someone with whom he could share everything. And he didn't want to pressurize his mother with war even more while she still grieved for her deceased husband.

In that manner, having Jon here was a great boon.

"What are you going to do now that I have made my decision in the matter of the Night's Watch?" asked Robb hesitantly, he wanted nothing more for his brother to stay and fight alongside him, but was also aware that Jon had other duties and he had already risked a lot forsaking them for Robb's sake.

"I'll stay and fight. If you'll have me..." said Jon seriously, making Robb smile widely.

"I'm glad and it would be an honor to have you. But you're sure the Lord Commander wouldn't execute you for that?'' teased Robb, making Jon laugh.

"Probably not. He asked me not to return unless I have an entire army to aid the Watch. Until I don't get that from you or any other lords, I have to stay. Or are you already tired of me?" asked Jon in a fake hurt voice, earning a light shove from his smiling brother.

"Knock it off. I can only handle Theon's enthusiasm for battle for so long, having your rational opinion and sword in battles is much needed" said Robb gladly, earning a nod from Jon.

"Then bring me up to speed about where we stand on the warfront..."

Robb nodded and motioned his brother to follow him to a nearby table where a detailed map of Westeros was displaced with known positions of allies and enemies.

Jon was quite surprised to learn of Robb's initial victories and his marriage pact with House Frey. He could clearly see his brother didn't like it but like always he had placed duty before self. The North and Tully alliance was strong but it was not enough for the Lannister force outnumbered them.

"We need more allies" declared Jon, earning a nod from his brother.

"I was thinking of sending Theon to the Iron Islands to convince them to attack the Westerlands. And my mother to King Renly in order to get some sort of understanding since he is more favored to win against Stannis's smaller army" explained Robb,

When he looked at his brother he could see Jon had gone quite silent.

"What is it?" asked Robb with a frown, and saw Jon tap the Baratheon stag and Iron ships on the map gingerly.

"It's a sound move..." said Jon carefully,

"But..." prompted Robb which made Jon wince,

"I think we should wait a little longer. Atleast side with the one Baratheon who wins and while Renly has a larger army, Stannis is the rightful King. Our Father died for him, Robb" said Jon hesitantly,

The Young Wolf somberly glanced at the Fiery stag representing Stannis Baratheon. A man for whose claim Ned Stark risked his life. Stannis was the rightful King and someone behind whom the North was duty bound to rally behind, but he had no supporters that could help the North against the overwhelming Lannisters.

"The Iron Islands are more risky. Balon Greyjoy hates all the other kingdoms, the North even more because our Father took Theon hostage. The only reason those Ironborn haven't attacked the North is because we have Theon..." warned Jon,

"They wouldn't dare..." growled Robb, but Jon shook his head.

"We don't know that. That is why I want you to think about holding back any parley with the Ironborn for now..." suggested Jon,

Robb gave a tired sigh and glanced at the map of Westeros again making Jon do the same.

"The Vale..." prompted Jon,

"...has decided to stay out of this war" finished Robb bitterly, unable to hide his betrayed emotions on the decision of his Aunt Lysa.

"I can hardly believe the Vale Lords would be happy with this decision. More so, why would your own Aunt do such a thing?" asked Jon in disbelief, making Robb clench his fists.

"The Vale lords want to join us for they too believe the Lannisters are somehow involved in murdering Jon Arryn. Is it a coincidence that he and our Father died so soon when they tried to investigate Joffrey's parentage and his siblings. But Aunt Lysa is a scared woman who has refused any aid in order to protect her son from any harm" explained Robb bitterly,

"The Vale can get us 25,000 soldiers that will set us even against the Lannisters. Plus they have a moderate sized fleet which we can use to attack the Westerlands without involving the Ironborn. We have to get their aid no matter the cost!" implored Jon,

"How?" asked Robb seriously,

"Take the help of Lady Stark in convincing her sister to see the real threat faced by all our people. Appeal to the honor and chivalry of the Vale knights, urge them to repay their loyalty to Jon Arryn by bringing his murderers to justice. You have to go there personally with Lady Stark and convince them, Robb" urged Jon, and saw his brother frown.

"How can I leave my army in the middle of a war?" asked Robb disappointedly,

"If it means winning the war, then it is the right decision. We need help and as for the war you have loyal and much more experienced Northern lords who will maintain command..." suggested Jon, making his brother scoff in distaste.

"More than half of those still doubt me or call me a boy despite all I have done till now. I don't doubt their loyalty or honor, but I have to personally lead my campaign or..."

Jon felt a shiver cross his heart when he saw his brother stare at him with an ambitious look in his eyes.

"Don't" warned Jon, making Robb stare at him hardly.

"You are my brother and a son of Eddard Stark. They will follow you if I command it" declared Robb, surprising his brother with the firmness of his decision.

"I'm a Bastard and a member of the Night's Watch. The lords would sooner see me dead than follow me on any battlefield, nor do I have any experience" protested Jon,

"Neither did I but still we managed so far. I understand we need allies but I will not leave my army in the middle of a war unless I have faith that someone I trust is taking care of it. As for your status..." decided Robb, and moved forward to remove the Black cloak from Jon's shoulders and before his brother could protest the Stark Lord was already pointing to a nearby chest where a dozen pair of winter clothes were available for choosing.

"Robb..."

"You are a Stark"

Jon was stunned at his brother's words for all their lives Robb had always called him by his name or more prominently as Snow. Most of all he fought back his own tears as those same words were said to him by one man they both loved.

"Father told me the same before he..." confessed Jon, earning a sad smile from his brother.

"I trust you, Jon. And you will have Lord Umber and Lord Glover who shall advise you alongwith few of my friends. Now that you are actually here, I need your help and Father always said that there must always be a Stark beside his people. Let it be known that Eddard Stark had four sons, and not three" encouraged Robb honestly,

"You better succeed with the Vale..." warned Jon, gaining a relived smile from his brother.

"I will" promised Robb,

Jon Snow couldn't help but feel how much Robb had changed in these past few months. Surrounded by his brother's bannermen and noble lords, he watched Robb actually explain his plan for the war.

Naturally, there were many who wanted him to ally with either Stannis or Renly.

Lord Umber actually boasted of distancing the North from the rest of Westeros forming the long lost Independent North, but one firm and hard stare from Catelyn Stark made him shut his mouth.

Jon did his best not to glance at Lady Stark who was constantly glaring at him with cold fury ever present in her eyes. He had not spoken with her yet and Robb had assured him that he would prevent that from happening for a long time. His brother had even gone as far as shutting all protests raised by Catelyn regarding Jon's presence in their camp and his temporary ascension to Northern leadership.

Naturally, that decision didn't go down well with most lords and Northern soldiers.

But Jon learned that Robb's wolf had actually tore off Lord Umber's fingers when the nobleman tried to resist Robb's authority initially. Even so, Robb emphasized full faith in Jon and requested all his lords to help his brother while he tried to gather support from the Vale.

That did wonders in swaying most Northern lords for even they could see the benefit of having the Vale on their side; and Robb personally making their case to the Vale leadership would have a decisive impact alongwith Catelyn's help.

And while it was an insult to have a Bastard in command of their forces, but if it meant helping their liege lord win the war then they were willing to swallow this bitter pill.

It was this loyalty and honor that set apart the North from the rest of Westeros, for here the old ways were still honored and respected.

Robb declared that he would take Catelyn, Lord Bolton, and Lord Karstark alongwith a small force with him to the Vale to get support from Lysa Arryn and the Vale lords, while Jon would hold command over the Northern army with the support of Lord Glover, Lord Umber and Lady Mormont.

To make things a little smoother for Jon, his brother decided to take Theon with him as well while leaving behind a few of his close friends to help him, with Dacey Mormont and Wendel Manderly among the selected few.

Grenn left for Castle Black alongwith a small Northern escort force taking with them nearly 100 Lannister prisoners who opted to take the Black instead of execution. And while Jon knew it was not enough to help the Night's Watch, the arms and supplies that Robb had also sent apart from the new recruits would surely help his sworn brothers at the Wall.

That only left him with Sam and an uneasy Northern army to deal with.

As he understood the true implication of his new situation, he couldn't help but remember the words of Maester Aemon...

"Kill the boy, Jon Snow. And let the man be born..."

Somehow, he knew in the coming days those words would come true.

Author's Notes: End of chapter.

Hope you guys liked it.

I have a rough outline set for the plot of this story, but I am always open for suggestions since this is my first story in this genre. I'd like an input from you guys in matters of pairings, I have a few ideas but advice will be welcome.

And so will be Reviews.

Thank you for the support,

Blackwolf501

PS: Happy 2017!