Joanna
The day had come. She had dreaded it but here it was. She was leaving. Leaving Winterfell. Leaving her life behind fir a second time to whatever lay next.
She insisted she would pack herself, but it was more difficult than she had expected. She seemed to have much more to take with her than she did when she was leaving Casterly Rock. Books, presents from over the years, all her drawings. She was looking over them when the knock came at her door and she saw Jon enter, Ghost trailing beside him quietly like always.
"I feel bad about leaving Bran here"he told her as he sat next to her, Ghost jumping on the bed to sit in between them.
"You're uncle can't stay much longer Jon, you won't have an opportunity like this again for some time. Besides, there isn't much to be done here."
He sighed as she put her hand on his shoulder.
"I'm gonna miss you, Jo."
"As I will you. Jon..." she looked him in the eye. "I want you to know that your secret will be safe with me. I won't tell anyone, like I swore, and... Jon, I don't care who you are. Whoever you will be. Because no matter what that Maester says, who you are is up to you, no one else. And you're a good person. "
"I hope you're right," he said. "My... Aerys Targaryen, he did evil things, Jo."
"So did my grandfather" she said, thinking of Elia again. "But we can't change that."
He nodded.
"So let's not let it change us" he said.
She smiled at him. She looked around her room.
"This place was my home for half my life. I don't want to leave it. If I could I think I would stay".
"But without me, someone will have to keep Sansa and Arya out of each other's throats in King's Landing, '' Jon said with a smile and they both laughed.
"I forgot to tell, it's done" he said with a grin as he brought out a package. He unwrapped it neatly and she smiled.
The sword was slim and slender, beautifully forged, Mikken's work clear. She picked it up gently and gave it a slight slice through the air.
"Well balanced, she's gonna love it". Dhe could already Arya practicing out of sight, her clumsy strokes becoming cleaner and cleaner.
"She's a fierce little wolf, isn't she?" she said as she handed it back to him.
"Yes, speaking of fierce little things, I have something for you."
He produced another package, a smaller one.
"You once told me a girl ought to know how to defend herself".
The dagger was smaller than Arya's sword, but its blade shined sharply while its hilt was embroidered with the Baratheon colors, the hilt's end splitting off to form a stag's antlers.
"It's beautiful," she said.
"I pray you'll never have to use it, but it's a pretty thing too" she gave him a cheeky shove as he smiled broadly. "Look in the parcel." She dug into the material and pulled out a pendant: a grey wolf begotten with white snow in a circle.
"It's so you don't forget Winterfell, I thought it would match your uncle's pendant."
She smiled as she put it around her neck.
"I have something for you too," she said. She looked in her chest and fished out the box she carefully stashed away.
"Open it" she told him.
He carefully opened the box to reveal a white pin with two ruby stones for the eyes and moonstone for the fangs. It was Ghost, embedded in all his glory.
"Thank you, Jo" Jon said affectionately as she pinned it to his shirt.
"And one more thing" she said, digging behind the curtain cheekily as he stared.
"Jo you don't have to..."
But he fell silent when she brought it out.
The shield was made of fine wood, strong and thick, sides embedded with silver metal and on the display, carefully carved, a white wolf on a black and red field.
"Do you like it?" she asked as Jon took it in his hands. "I got one each for you and your brothers, with each of their direwolves."
"How did you afford all this?" he asked, examining the shield.
"I'm a princess," she reminded him. "I've been saving coins from Lord Stark and my father since the day I arrived."
"Its beautiful, thank you".
"One more thing"
"Jo..."
"It's just... I want you to have these".
She handed him all her drawings.
"To remember all the times we've had, share it with your brothers".
"Are you sure you don't want them" hevsajd asking them softly.
"No, I kept some, of you don't mind, but the rest are fir you. Besides I can draw more."
He nodded and set it down on the bed beside the shield. He looked at her, his eyes tearful again.
"Jo... I'm gonna miss you. So much."
She nodded weakly. Her eyes were tearing up as well. She wiped them but to no avail.
"Gods, I'm gonna miss you too, Jon. So, so much."
"If you ever need me, send me a raven and I'll ride down to King's Landing" he said quietly. "You will send me ravens won't you? Send us ravens?"
"Yes" she said, smiling. "As many as I can."
They embraced. It took them a while to let eachother go. She stood up slightly on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek.
"We'll meet again, Jon" she promised, taking his hand.
"We will," he said back, squeezing her hand firmly, and both dreaded having to let go.
Robb was in the yard when she found him. He was nervous, she could tell despite his best ayte or to hide it.
"I want you to have this' ' she told him, handing him his shield, Grey Wind cooked hos head up to look at his likeness embedded on it.
"Thank you, Anna," he said, smiling. "You said goodbye to Jon?"
"Yes. He fell to his knees and begged me to stay".
They both shared a small laugh. Then Robb's eyes were sad.
"I hate that he's going with Uncle Benjen, especially now."
"I know," she said sympathetically.
"Their hiding something, though" he said frustrated. "He, my mother, our father, and I don't know... why don't they just tell me... I feel like I'm losing them, Anna". Hos eyes were lightened up and she could see his turmoil.
"You won't lose them Robb".
"Why don't they trust me? I feel like we're being torn from one another and it's just" he told her, visibly agitated, hos Tully eyes suspicious, though not at her.
She sighed internally, she knew Jon and Lord Stark had decided not to tell any of the others yet given Bran's accident. A part of her wanted to betray some part of it, but she controlled herself.
"Robb... what is it your father always says?"
"What?"
"When the snows fall and the white winds blow, the lone wolf dies, but the pack survives' ' she told him as he looked at her surprised. "Robb, your pack is changing, not tearing apart. But you will always be a family and a family has its challenges and troubles. If they gave a secret you have to trust them that they will reveal it when the Time is right. Trust in each other is how the pack stays together no matter where they go."
He looked at her fir a moment then smiled.
"You sound like a Northerner. We've really converted, you have we?
She smiled back.
"I guess so. I'll miss you Robb."
"I'll miss you too," he said as they hugged.
She found Theon nearby. She was never too fond of the Ironborn, he wasn't as bad as she expected but he could certainly be a pain, and she never liked how he spoke to Jon, but it was only decent to say goodbye to her fellow ward.
"Princess" he said with his usual grin.
"I have this for you, Greyjoy, '' she said as she lifted the shield. This one was a darker shade than the others. The golden kraken above a black sea, ghe Greyjoy house, but his eyes were focused on the direwolf engraved beneath it.
"I thought the direwolf would remind you about your foster family," she told him.
His eyes scanned the shield as he slowly took it.
"I... thank you, Princess" he said in a softer voice than what she was used to.
"Theon..." she said after a moment. "We never got on, but I just wanted you to know, I never thought wrong of you, no matter how I sounded.
"Thank you" he said, still looking at the shield, eyes darting back and forth from the two
sigils and she thought she saw what looked like confusion in his eyes.
Poor Rickon was confused by what was happening. He was sitting by Shaggydog who was already bigger than him, his head resting against the wolf's black fur.
"Why's everyone leaving?" he asked quietly when she came in.
"It's just the way it is, Rickon."
"Will you come back, Anna?" he asked, looking at her.
"Maybe. But you'll be able to visit me."
"Any Sansa and Arya?"
"You'll see them soon. It's not forever."
"And Jon? And Father?"
"Don't worry, it's not forever. Besides, Jon's just going to the Wall. You still have your mother and Robb and Bran."
His eyes lit up.
"Is Bran...
"Not yet but he will wake, don't you doubt that Rickon." She smiled at him.
"I've got something for you, for when your bigger"
She showed him his shield, and he laughed to see Shaggydog engraved on the surface.
"Thank you, Anna" he told her, and she smiled as he gave her a hug and she left him feeling brighter.
She made her way to Bran's room and was shocked to hear her mother's voice.
"He's a handsome one isn't he? Looks just like you, my lady. "
"Yes," said Lady Catelyn. "He does."
"All my children look like me, as well, except Joanna. She was always a little Stag. Its a most wonderful feeling isn't it, to feel a child grow beneath your heart and then hold it in your arms. I can't imagine what it must feel like now."
"I pray you never do, your Grace".
"And I pray to the Mother every morning and night that she will return your child to you."
"I am grateful".
"Lets hope she listens this time. It must be hard to lose your husband again, now."
"It is not easy".
"Fourteen years ago your husband went to fight a war and came back with another woman's son. Oh, it's alright" her mother said as she heard Lady Catelyn move slightly. "I know how that feels, Robert has many bastards... But he's never brought one home. I can't imagine that feeling of betrayal and humiliation. You must be in so much pain at times. Watching him integrate himself with your children. The reminder of such scorn. 9 imagine you wish it was him who'd fallen, not your boy."
Lady Catelyn didn't answer, and Joanna thought about what her mother was saying. That she would invoke such things when Bran lau in such a state was bad enough, but she also feared whether the lady really thought that. Surely, not, now that she knew.
She felt angry at her mother for doing this, for putting a woman in such a position when her son was so badly hurt. She had to stop it.
Joanna entered the room quietly. Lady Catelyn sat beside Bran, holding his hand as if she hoped he would wake if she squeezed hard enough. She lifted her head to look at her while her mother, who was sitting in a chair beside her, glanced at her and smiled.
"My love, are you ready? We'll be due on our way shortly."
"I've come to say goodbye to Bran and Lady Catelyn, mother, '' Joanna answered, failing to hide the cold hitch in her voice that made her mother's eyes turn sharp like knives. But the queen simply smiled.
"Of course, I'll not keep you".
She got up and left with a courtly goodbye to the lady, who barely acknowledged.
Lady Catelyn's were tired and red and heavy and barely seemed able to register Joanna as she came over to sit by them.
"You ought to rest more, my lady," Joanna said, remembering that Lady Catelyn spent two nights sleeping next to him.
"I hate leaving him" she answered. She looked at Joanna.
"Thank you for finding him".
"Thank Summer. Is he outside?"
"He scales the tower at night, I can hear him howling, maybe I should let him in. Bran will feel better if he's there when he wakes."
"Could you show him this as well?" she said, lifting the package. Lady Catelyn unwrapped to reveal Summer's likeness on the shield.
"You should have, Joanna" she said, and Joanna was glad to see her eyes light up slightly.
"He'll like it, I'm sure" she said, then her lip quivered slightly. Joanna touched her shoulder gently.
"It won't be easy, my lady, but he'll come around".
"I can only hope. Gods, he's gonna wake up and half his family will have left." She looked at her sadly. "I'm sorry to see you go, Joanna. I really am."
"I know my lady, I have something for you too. She showed her the handkerchief she had sawn. The Stark and Tully sigils entwined.
"It's lovely" she said. She touched her hair gently.
"Thank you for being so good to my children, Joanna."
'Thank you, my lady for... letting me vs a part of your family." She said the last with a tear that the Lady wiped away.
"It was only our pleasure, Joanna. Now, why don't you say goodbye to Bran?"
The lady retreated and Joanna knelt beside Brandon. She put her hand through his hair.
"I'm gonna miss you, Bran," she said softly. I'll keep thinking about you. Be strong, Bran."
She kissed his forehead and whispered goodbye. Lady Catelyn nodded to her sadly and knelt down again beside her son.
They had another feast, Joanna smiled and laughed with them all, but inside she felt dread at what was to come. The day passed far too quickly and her father seemed eager to return to King's Landing, and before she knew it she was being led to the wheelhouse.
Lady Catelyn had forced herself away from Bran's side and stood beside Robb and Rickon as they said goodbyes. She and Robb had held their tears while Rickon cried freely. She herself was little better and she caught Joffrey glaring at her with a mocking grin on his face that made her shiver. But then she saw him in the distance, standing beside his uncle, both him and his wolf looking at them reassuringly. She smiled and absent-mindedly played with the pendant. She was still clutching it when the wheelhouse rode out on the Kingsroad.
Arya
She hated crying, it made her feel like a baby, but she could help it the night after Bran got hurt. She was sobbing in her room, face hugging her pillow, until she heard someone move behind the door and quickly wiped the tears as the person knocked.
"Come in" she said and was relieved to see it was Jon. His face was sad and dark, he and Joanna were the ones to find him.
"How are you, little sister?" he asked her sadly.
She shrugged.
He came over to sit beside her.
"Is Bran going to die?" she asked after a moment.
Jon took time to answer.
"He won't. He'll survive. He's a Stark."
Arya sighed, her lip quivered slightly.
"You don't have to pretend, Arya" he told her gently and eventually she started crying again. He hugged her and she sobbed to his shoulder.
"I don't want him to die," she told him.
"Hd won't, Arya, I promise".
She could tell Jon wasn't sure he had the right to make that promise, but having her brother with her made her feel better. Then she was reminded that she was leaving him.
"Can't you come with us, Jon?" she asked fir the hundredth time.
"I would if I could, Arya, really".
"It's not fair" she told him.
"Not everything's fair, little sister," he said with a strange look in his eyes. "Sometimes your life will be anything but fair." He shook his head and the small grin was back.
"Different roads sometimes lead to the same castle. Who knows?"
"I don't want to go down there. If it's full of ladies like Sansa..."
Jon gave her a small smile.
"Sansa's not so bad, try to get on with her there for me will you?"
She frowned at him and he laughed.
"Joanna will try to keep you out of each other's throats, but it'll be good to help her with that, won't it".
"I'll try if she tries" she said stubbornly, lightly shoving her brother with her shoulder as he kept on laughing.
"Write to me, little sister, won't you?" he said, ruffling her hair.
"I will," she promised.
Her brother smiled.
"I have a present for you, but it's not ready yet. You'll have to wait."
She looked at him excitedly.
"What is it? When can I get it? Is it a dress? Please say it's not a dress."
"Oh, clever little sister, you've got me."
She frowned at him until he laughed again.
"It's not a dress, I know you too well. It'll be ready before you go, I promise."
So she waited eagerly, the expectation lightening her mood despite Bran's condition and the fact that she waseaving with her father and sister, which became evident in how much more lively Nymeria was getting. Nymeria wasn't like the other wolves, she was fiercer, less tame, she was warned that would bring trouble but Arya didn't care much, Nymeria was a bit like her and it made having her close so much better.
Septa Mordane didn't seem to like neither her nor Nymeria much. She scolded her for having her wolf around her so much, saying it was unladylike and could scare the princess, though thanks to Joanna, Myrcella and her brother stopped minding them having the wolves around. She was glad Joanna was going with them, her friend was decent at courtesy, though she wasn't a lady like Sansa, not the same kind anyway. And she, like Jon, never minded that Arya never wanted to be a lady. She liked her the way she was.
The day of their departure, Septa Mordane had dragged Arya to her room, Nymeria following and made sure she packed, warning her she'd come to check if it was neat before they left. Arya scoffed after she'd gone, but decided it was better to do as she said. She didn't want to make this any harder than it already was.
Her mood was lightened by the familiar knock and she smiled when her brother entered with a parcel.
"Is that my present?" she asked excitedly.
"Aye. You're packing? Good. You'll have to hide this carefully. And you'll need to be careful with it too."
"What is it, show me?" She was getting impatient and it made her brother smile.
"Get Nymeria to guard the door" he said and she nodded.
Her wolf barely needed words to know what to do and Arya felt like thanking Jon again for convincing father to keep the pups. Nymeria stood outside the door ready to stare down any intruder as Arya locked the door and turned to her brother, who still had that smile. Her smile. Their smile.
But for a moment it vanished and he looked quite serious and now reminded her of their father more than ever.
"This is not a toy, Arya" he said firmly and she looked carefully as he unwrapped the gift.
The first she saw the flash of light from the metal as Jon unveiled a small sword.
Arya gasped.
"Is it mine?"
"Just for you".
He handed it to her carefully as she watched in awe.
It's so skinny."
"So are you," Jon told her. "I had Mikken make this special. The bravos use swords like this in Pentos and Myr and the other Free Cities. It won't hack a man's head off, but it can poke him full of holes if you're fast enough."
"I can be fast," Arya said.
"Work on it. Jo will help you. She'll cover for you and if she can she'll spare with you until you find another partner. King's Landing is a true city."
She smiled happily as she gave the sword as swishes.
"Do you like the balance?".
"I think so."
"Good. First lesson. Stick them with the pointy end."
Jon grinned as she struck him with the flat end.
"I know which ejd to use... but won't the Septa..."
"You'll have to hide it, then. Male sure of one thing. Whatever you do...
"...don't ...tell... Sansa!" they both said laughing.
"I will miss you, little sister," Jon said as he ruffled her hair.
She put the sword down and hugged him, showering him with kisses.
She let go begrudgingly and he sadly went to the door.
Then he turned back to see her trying the sword again.
"All the best swords have names."
"Like Ice, what is it?"
"You can guess, it's your favorite thing."
"Needle" she laughed as she hugged him again.
Saying goodbye to Robb was hard as well, and then Bran, who still lay asleep as their mother watched over him.
"I love you, Arya:" her mother said as she hugged her.
"I love you too, mother," Arya said sadly.
They left home soon after that and Arya felt a sense of dread come over her. But that night they stopped at an inn and Joanna came to her.
"Did you like it?" she a smile and Arya knew what she meant.
"Yes, would you like to see it?"
"Jon already showed me, but I would like to see you practice."
"I can't in here, Anna".
Joanna grinned.
"We can always sneak out. There's a stable nearby and I met the innkeeper just before I came to Winterfell. Maybe he'll set us up.
She spent the night hitting Joanna's straw targets and they came back laughing just before dawn.
"That was the first lesson," Joanna said.
"Stick them with the pointy end," said Arya, smiling.
Jon
Things had turned bitter at Winterfell after what happened to Bran. He, Robb and Joanna did their best to comfort Sansa, Arya and Rickon, but time was passing quickly abd Jon realized his family was about to be separated. He tried to make the most of his time with Arya and Sansa, Robb and Rickon he would see soon, but he truly wasn't sure how much time would pass before he saw his sisters again. And Joanna.
His friend's gift had warmed his heart as he squeezed the shield tightly. He would miss her as dearly as he would his sister. Miss her sparkling green eyes, the smell of her hair, her smile...
Saying goodbye to Arya was sad, but her laughter at the end made him happy. The memory of his sweet little sister would warm his way North as he journeyed towards Castle Black.
Sansa was formal but still gave him a warm embrace at the end, he assured a tearful Rickon that he would return soon.
"Make sure you practice with Joanna's shield" he told him smiling as his brother laughed.
Robb was in the yard, Grey Wind at his sight. He stood firm and strong, clearly already filling his role as the acting Lord of Winterfell. Having the wolf by his side only served him well, and even though he took after his mother in appearance, none could deny he was a son of Ned Stark.
He smiled when he saw Jon.
"Uncle Benjen wants you by the stables, he wanted to be gone an hour ago."
Jon grinned.
"I have a few more stops to make. I suppose you're excited, you'll finally have the run of the place".
"It's not as exciting as you might think. I'm not scared, I'm just..." Robb seemed unsure, almost nervous.
"You're a son of Ned Stark, it's in your blood".
Robb smiled.
"That I am, besides, I'll have three sons of Ned Stark with me. It might not be so bad."
Jon looked Robb in the eyes and tried not to betray his inner thoughts. Two sons of Ned Stark. And one son of Lyanna. But he wasn't ready to tell Robb. He wanted to be his brother just a bit longer.
"Tell me about the Wall when you get back," Robb said. "You might come back all in black."
"It was always my color" Jon said, though his mind screamed black and red at him. "Look after Bran while I'm gone. Tell him I'm sorry I wasn't there when he wakes."
"I will," Robb promised. "He'll be well Jon, I know that."
"Aye, you Starks are hard to kill," Jon told him. "I should go say goodbye to Bran".
"Maybe I ought to go with you," Robb said, thinking clearly of his mother.
"It's alright" Jon said, trying to hide his insecurity.
"Farewell, Snow," Robb said, hugging him fiercely.
"And you, Stark" Jon said and a part of him told him to correct Robb here and now, say he was no Snow, but he couldn't. Not yet.
Jon climbed steps up to the Tower of Bran's room quietly, almost fearfully. He hadn't spoken to the lady since she was told of who he really was, she hadn't even looked at him since then. But now neither of them would have a choice.
Catelyn Stark sat by Bran's bed, her eyes closed in prayer. She lifted her head when he entered the room then immediately looked down as she saw who it was.
"I've.. come to say goodbye" Jon said awkwardly.
She didn't answer, but bent her head in a quiet nod, begrudgingly letting go of Bran's hand and stepping away from the bed. He came over to his brother.
"I'm gonna miss you, Bran" he said. "I'm sorry I have to go, but we need to leave with Uncle Benjen before the snow comes. I'll come back, little brother, I promise. I'm sorry I didn't look after you. Please wake up soon. I love you, little brother. Maybe one day we'll see the Wall together. Goodbye."
He kissed his brother's forehead with tears in his eyes and got up to see Lady Catelyn staring at him. He lowered his gaze and walked away from the bed. She immediately went back to her son as Jon headed to the door. He had crossed the threshold when he heard her weak, hitched voice.
"Jon..."
It sounded strange when she said it. She had always called him boy or bastard. He turned to her, she was still kneeling beside Bran, not looking at him.
"Come back soon" she told him quietly after a moment. She put her hand on Bran's forehead. "He's going to need us all when he wakes."
Ned
Saying goodbye was never easy. He knew that early on in his life. When his father had brought him into his mother's room to say goodbye before illness took her. Then saying goodbye to Winterfell before he left for the Eyrie. Now he was doing it again.
Robert was excited that they would be together again and his attitude reminded Ned fondly of their time in the Vale. It made it easier to say farewell to Winterfell.
He said goodbye to Rickon first-time. He smiled when his son showed him the shield Joanna had given him.
"You and your brothers will have to take care of eachother, son".
"I swear, Father" Rickon said happily as Ned smiled proudly at his son's determination.
He went to Robb next, and he could see the nervousness in his son's face, but felt another sting of pride when he saw that despite it all he was still facing his new reality bravely.
"I will try to be a good Lord, Father" Robb said.
"I know, son. It makes it easier to leave Winterfell knowing I'm leaving it with you. I'm proud of the man you're becoming, Robb".
Robb nodded as they welcomed the tight embrace.
"I'll do my best, Father" Robb promised as Ned nodded at him.
The Tower was next, he needed to say farewell to Brandon and his wife.
On the way out, he was a little surprised to see Jon, who descended the stairs with a dazed look on his face.
"My lord" he said after a moment in surprise as if he'd just noticed him.
"I was saying farewell to Brandon."
"Of course, meet me in a few minutes, Jon, will you?"
"Perhaps in the crypts?" Jon asked. Ned nodded solemnly as Jon walked away. With a sign, he climbed the stairs and entered the room.
His wife was crying, but she wiped her tears as he entered.
"My lord," she said formally.
"I've come to say goodbye."
"Oh course."
She backed away as he approached the bed. He turned away from her and to Brandon.
"I wish I could be here when you wake, son. I'm sorry I won't. But I can promise you I will do whatever I can to make sure you are well and safe. You are strong my son, and I am so proud of you, I always was. I love you, Bran".
He got up with tears in his eyes and looked at Cat who was keeping her eyes down. He walked over to her as she straightened.
"Cat, I don't want to leave things like this," he said sadly.
She nodded.
"Neither do I Ned, but fourteen years is little compared to the time we have left today" she sighed. "I understand, Ned, I'd do the same for my brother or sister. But, Ned I would tell you, at least I think I would. Ned... when I next see you I promise we'll both be better, but now I need to focus on what's best for our children. Let's put masks on for them and hide the pain until we're both ready to face."
Her words crushed down on him yet the spark in her eyes gave him hope. He would hold on to that. He had to. He dared himself to put his hand to her face and she didn't flinch away. She held it with her own and then kissed him lightly on the cheek then his lips, but she pulled away quickly.
"Farewell in the capital, Ned. Find justice for my sister and nephew."
He nodded.
"I promise".
She pulled away, though he knew in his heart she wanted to hold him forever as much as he did her.
The journey to the crypts was a blur to him despite his attempts to keep a clear head, he actually stumbled on the way down.
Jon was awaiting him by Lyanna's tomb. Ghost sat by his eyes and the red eyes immediately darted towards Ned, but Jon kept staring into her stone eyes as Ned approached.
"Did she really look like that?" Jon asked him.
"Its a dull likeness, I'm afraid. The stonemason didn't catch the Iron in her Jon, her joy of life, her ferocity."
"Do you think she would have... liked me? The way I am?"
"Jon, she would have loved you. She did love you. She looked at you, in that tower, like you were the only thing in the world. You meant it all to her Jon."
Jon walked over to her, touching her hands with his own. When they retracted, Ned saw a fresh, blue winter rose laid out in the stone hands.
"She liked them, didn't she? That's why Rhaegar crowned her. They were on the box too."
Ned nodded. He reached in his pocket and pulled out the rex and black pin he had usually kept behind Lyanna's tomb as a symbol of her marriage. Jon's eyes widened.
"Wylla gave me that before she left for Starfall. I put it here for Lya. I took it when Robert arrived just in case. Would you like to put it back?"
Jon took the pin and stared at it.
"Do you think Rhaegar... do you think he wanted me?"
"I don't know that Jon. I'm sorry."
Jon nodded then looked at his mother's stone face.
"If she really loved him..."
He strolled around the statue and put the pin behind it.
When he came back, he looked at Ned, who noticed another pin, with Ghost's likeness, strapped to his shirt.
"What's that?"'
"From Jo" Jon said, tapping it with his finger.
"I know you're sorry to see her go. Like your sisters. I promise I'll take care of them."
Jon nodded.
"Jon..." Ned began. "Son, I'm sorry. I'm sorry for the lies, for the pain, for not ensuring you a future. I'm sorry I didn't tell you who your mother was or who your father was or who you really are. I'm sorry I let you grow up one thing when you are completely someone else. But know that all you ever were to me was not just my sister's son. You are my son, Jon. My boy. I tried to give you a family, the one you deserved, I'm truly sorry if I failed."
Jon looked at him, his grey eyes studying, then shook his head slightly.
"I... I had better than most. I... " his voice broke slightly, "I want to be your son. Am I truly still your son?"
"Now and forever, Jon".
Jon nodded sadly and then they embraced. When they let go, Jon looked him in the eye.
"Thank you, Father, for what you did for me".
Ned nodded.
Then Jon was going off to meet Benjen. Ned watched him disappear then turned to Lyanna.
"I know you are proud of him, sister. I know it. And we will both be proud of him for years to come."
Dany
Her husband was gone. Drinking with his warriors and bloodiest while she stayed in their tent. The three handmaidens performed well, as her brother promised.
Magisterial Mopatis visited her sometimes, bringing more gifts and words of goodwill. The man seemed to be in a good mood lately, and he talked constantly of how the dragons returned.
"We are writing a great wrong together, my Princess," he said. "The Seven Kingdoms shall soon have their rightful king. I swear."
Ser Jorah stayed close by and for that she was grateful. The man was gruff but she felt safe around him, he was kind enough to her and looked out for her well being. Viserys didn't like him much though, but Ser Jorah himself showed discomfort around her brother.
Irri taught her to ride, she was a good enough teacher and riding the horse made her feel better. Feeling the wind in her hair made her feel free, it made her feel like her entire life, her lost childhood, was a simple dream and this was life, riding the white stallion into the sun forever. She felt happy. Jhiqui was pleased with her mastery of the Dothraki tongue, but it was a chore to her. She preferred reading Ser Jorah's books about the Seven Kingdoms.
Westeris, where she and her brother were meant to rule. Stolen from them by usurper, the Stag, Falcon and Wolf. Traitors who dared strike their king, her father, a true dragon as Viserys called him. Slain by the man who swore to protect him, son of the man who slew Elia and her children. Dany shook with anger at the thought. But revenge was due, and if a Lannister always paid his debts, a dragon would too. They had the Dothraki, it was only a matter of time.
Her brother brought her news of what was happening in the Seven Kingdoms. The Stag had promised his son to the Wolf's daughter.
"They'll pay, my sister, they will pay" Viserys said angrily. "Now, make sure those savages give their due. Or you shall wake the dragon. You don't want to wake the dragon, do you?"
His violet eyes looked over her as she shook her head.
"No, brother".
"Good. You are the Princess of Dragonstone, Dany, I am the king of the Seven Kingdoms and together we shall swipe our enemies and watch them burn".
He narrowed his eyes.
"But first, Dany, you must get the Khal to honor his dues."
"How?" she asked and he laughed.
"Why, sister, it's obvious isn't it? You must give him a son."
A son. A son. A son.
It stayed with her for the rest of that day. It stayed with her that night. She hadn't slept much for a long time. Dreams she could barely remember haunted her nights. Dreams of blue flames and dark grins from some inhuman figures. Of dead corpses with bright blue eyes and some boy. She could never remember his face, but he always stood close in ice while surrounded by red fire, while she herself felt it surround her even when she had woken in the night.
She felt fear, but it made her angry, angry at the world, angry at Viserys, angry at the usurper. She shook with the fire until she finally found sleep.
The Tower burned in the distance as she watched him stare at it.
"I wish we had more time, Dany," he said sadly.
"How long do we have?" she asked.
"Not long enough, they are close".
The creatures were now coming past the flames, cold and dead and monstrous, crushing on top of one another as they made their way towards them.
She was afraid. She turned to him for help but he was gone.
"Come back" she shouted desperately. The creatures were closing on her. "Help me. Please. I can't be alone".
You are not.
She felt him. Felt him get closer and then she looked to see his black shape almost invisible in the dark sky. He flew down and with one giant breath the creatures burnt away into nothing. He landed on the ground beside her.
"Mother" she heard him.
Mother. Mother. Mother.
The voice was still there when she woke but this time it wasn't in her head.
Mother.
She heard it. She rose to follow it. She reached out and opened the chest. The dragon egg sat as it always had, hard and lifeless. But when she touched it, it felt warm.
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