Legal:

I do not own any of the characters or the world.

Jon:

The early morning light was streaming over the castle walls and a small crowd had gathered to see off their beloved lord. At their front was Jon and his family. He stood apart just enough to be noticed, next to him was Robb, both of them trying to put on brave faces. Sansa, trying to mimic Lady Stark as best she could, not truly understanding what was going on, while little Arya was crying at just the mood that was surrounding the courtyard. Baby Bran was still asleep in his mothers arms.

His uncle came forward as his men finished preparing for their departure. Jon remembered when the first men started coming, their banners held high and proudly. And the day before seeing almost a sea of tents and fires from the walls of Winterfell. He felt awe at the might of the North. Jon looked up as his uncle stopped before Robb after hugging the rest of his family.

"Be strong Robb, you are the Stark in Winterfell until I come back." Ned got down one knee and hugged him, whispering more words of encouragement in his ears. Robb could only nod as fiercely as he could in response before Ned stood up and moved to Jon.

Before Ned could say anything Jon cut him off, "Uncle, I may not have your name but I do have your blood. I will protect Winterfell alongside Robb." Jon had always been a bit more grown up than Robb, as they say that bastards grow up faster. Jon wanted to reassure his Uncle so as to let him focus his all on the war and come back quicker for it.

Ned smiled at that, hugging him tightly. "I feel all the more relieved to hear you say that. And never forget, you will always be part of the pack." Ned gave him one last squeeze and he made to stand back up, but Jon grabbed his hand.

Jon looked at his uncle, his purple eyes burning anger and pride. "Show them the might of the North uncle, for our way is the old way, and Winter Is Coming". At that Jon let go and his uncle looked surprised at his outburst before his face settled into his icy lord mask and he nodded firmly. Ned turned around and went and mounted his horse. With one final look around and at his family the Lord of Winterfell led his men out of the gates, to his army, and off to war.

It had been a week and things were starting to settle down after the departure of Lord Stark and his army. Jon had spent most of it in the yard letting off steam and working off his worry over his uncle. Robb joined him for quite a few of his sessions but focused on his studies on becoming a Lord with Maester Luwin. Jon had lessons too, but he never felt at ease sitting and learning. He would much rather be active, running, fighting, and learning to hunt. Old Nan and his uncle called it the wolfsblood, and Jon felt proud to have such a Stark trait in him.

Jon looked over when he heard a noise behind a rack of blunted swords. He noticed some movement darting about in the shadows and upon creeping up on it found his cousin Arya trying to hide. "What are you doing?" Arya jumped, startled and whirled around. Upon seeing him her face broke out into a smile and she ran and jumped into his arms.

"Jon!" she cried and as he grabbed her they fell into the mud. He laughed and managed to get himself standing and pulled her up. Upon his reiterance of his question she guiltily looked to the side, "It is boring doing needles, I came to find you! You are much more fun."

"Ah, I may be but we both know not to cross your mother." At that Arya pouted, then her face turned mischievous. His eyes narrowed and he warned "Arya, you better not …" With a shriek of laughter she reached down, grabbed some mud and shoved it in his face. Jon yelled, and upon stepping back fell on his butt. "Why you little … you'll be sorry when I get my hands on you". Quickly standing up, all thoughts of returning his sister to her mother, he chased after her through the hallways.

After quite a bit of running and sneaking, Jon had finally caught up to her. He stood dramatically "And now you villain, I shall vanquish you!" As he reached for her, both of them now giggling, they froze at the sound of a stern cough. Slowly turning their heads, they found a none too happy Lady Stark with hands on her hips, watching. Before she could say anything Jon quickly pointed to Arya with a hopeful grin, "She started it?"

"I'm sure she did, but as the elder I expect you to help rein her in." he laughed embarrassingly, as everyone knew that Jon was not the most responsable, especially when his blood started racing. It never mattered what about, if he was angry, happy, or flustered, he often acted without thought. "Now I expect both of you to clean up the mess you made in the hallways, and Jon you better wash yourself and make sure Arya gets her back as well." As both Jon and Arya went to speak, Lady Stark cut them off with an imperious look. Then at her raised eyebrow they sped off. Jon could barely hear her chuckle behind him and he smiled, it was nice to see her spirits lifted during this time.

Caitlin Stark:

Watching her daughter run off with her nephew, Cat couldn't help but wonder at what could have been. When she had first heard of the boy she had feared that she had entered a loveless marriage to some womanizing barbarian. It had taken some time to calm down, only her child she carried at the time helped her stay calm. She had given her husband a son and that son would inherit, she would have made sure of it. But then her dear Ned had arrived and her fears had risen again only to be soothed by his solemn tone as he spoke of his loss and his wish for his family to be with him.

On the journey to Winterfell she was forced into the same carriage as the wetnurse for her carriage had broken on the rough road. It had been so easy to pretend the child did not exist when he was out of sight but when she saw the boy with his dark hair and Stark coloring her fears started to mount again. Then she had left Robb in the carriage with the wetnurse as she went out and when she came back she saw Robb and Jon holding hands, looking so cute together that her heart just melted. She knew in her heart of hearts she could never treat him as a son, for she would always put her children first, but after seeing this precious scene she could not hate him, not for his father's or mother's actions.

Author Note:

I like getting reviews so feel free and write them.

Tried to be more easy with the Lady Stark and Jon relationship. She does not hate him for being a reminder of her husband's infidelity which is why she hated the most I think. Him being her former betrothed is a bit of a downer but everyone knew of Brandon's personality so it was pretty much a when rather than if in most people's eyes.