There was naught to do about in Winterfell. He already come to love the castle but part of him yearned to see more of the North. He had lived in the Neck for most of his life. Mayhaps he should ask Lord Sta - Father - to accompany him when he goes off visiting some of the Northern lords? He still found it uncomfortable to call him Father.
He often found himself looking down at Winterfell's courtyard from either his chambers or from the Broken Tower. It often gave him a perfect view of the castle as a whole. And from a distance, he could see the Wall. It made him wonder just what lies beyond. He knew that there were many wildlings that had settled but he had formally met one before. Other than the Weeper. Nor had he met any men of the Night's Watch. He had heard that his Uncle Benjen was a ranger at the Wall, though he had yet to meet him.
As his gaze drifted back on to the Wall, he found himself thinking of Maester Luwin's lesson again. Dorne. Mayhaps there was something in Dorne he could find that he couldn't in the North? Mayhaps once knighted, I should roam around the kingdoms as a hedge knight? Mayhaps I could take Bran on as my squire. He's so eager to learn.
What am I meant for? He couldn't help but think that. Roaming the south as a hedge knight? Wandering about the large expansive lands beyond the Wall? But I am only three-and-ten, there's plenty of time to figure that out. Isn't there?
Just what was it about him? He wanted to reach out to him and call him brother. He had always wanted a brother; a brother close to his age that he could play and train with. Not that he didn't love Bran and Rickon. And he absolutely adored Arya; the both of them did truly.
Yet, he found himself at a crossroads. He loved Theon like a brother but Jon was his brother. And Theon can be an arse at times, and from what he had known and seen, Jon was a good a brother as he was a person.
He decided to go find him. Jon would either be in his chambers by now. But he wasn't. Where could he be?
"If you're looking for Jon, he should be by the Broken Tower," a voice called out to him. He realized who it was as he looked to see Arya staring at him, accusingly, unflinching. Jojen by her side, but paid little mind to it.
"What makes you think I'm looking for Jon?"
"Your stupid face shows it. And you should apologize for being as much of an arse as Theon was!"
There was nothing he had to apologize for, but he definitely needed to. He defended Theon easily, and he had spoken up for Jon in his defense. Yet, he had felt guilty for everything he had thought shortly after. He wanted to be Jon's brother: a real brother. I've been a craven. When did Arya become so wise?
He then climbed all the way up to the Broken Tower and found Jon, simply staring out into the distance.
"Oy. Jon?"
"Oh. Hey, Robb."
"Whatcha doin'?"
"Not much. Just looking around ... and thinking."
"Yeah. I've been thinking too. I haven't exactly been the best brother to you. In all honesty, I was, and still am, a bit jealous of you. You're already twice the swordsman and horseman than I'll ever be. Anyway, I just want to say that I'm sorry for having been a bit of a jealous and stupid brother to you."
"There's nothing to forgive." Jon said, flashing a small smile.
I wonder just where he could be? Things weren't as much fun without Robb by his side.
Just as he began his search for him, he had heard a large howl of laughter. He then looked up and saw him. Along with the bastard.
They seemed to be having a grand old time. Laughing together as if they didn't have a care in the world. They actually seemed to act and look like brothers.
Why the hell should I care? I'll just ask Jory to come with me.