EDDARD POV:
Winterfell:
-The Man who passes the sentence should swing the sword-
Aren't those your own words Ned?...
I gave the boy free will, he was always under my protection and the fewer people knew the better. Truth be told nothing was wasted. I am desperate for more men at the Wall but not to the extent of harboring a hit man that did my brother's dirty work with no honor whatsoever for if he had completed his task Robert would have essentially violated the Guest Right. Although the North has been my home for the past years and our children are joined in marriage I will always wave the Baratheon Banner. This way we all avoid further confrontation seeing that now my nephew is so infatuated with your youngest daughter... On that matter I can only say that Gendry is different.
I do however want to address the matter of Jon's future. I want him here at the Wall, placed under my protection and in no time he will climb the ranks; dare I say till he's named Lord Commander. You can't marry him off without starting a tug of war of alliances with all noble houses of the North, let him stay here and end the Targaryen bloodline once and for all. The boy may be your sister's son but he is also Rhaegar's son which I see in Jon more and more everyday; not only in physical attributes.
As always it will be your word in the end. I will trust your judgement and will wait for your response.
Stannis Baratheon
Lord of Dragonstone.
Cold Winds - Cold Words; Eddard thought as a gust of wind came at him on top of the hill.
In his hands; the letter send from Stannis thoroughly explaining how Robert had sent one of his men to the Wall to murder Jon, how Prince Joffrey had helped them discover who it was and ultimately how Jon had killed the man himself.
No one said nothing; Luwin remained silent, waiting to do his bidding as always. Jory stoic as ever but with his hand over the pummel of his sword waiting for retaliation. Sandor on the other hand was silent, too silent.
Eddard wrapped his furs tighter around his body as he wondered if their Northern Pride would be their downfall. I've let them roam around wild, too wild... Not so far from them stood his children Rob, Rickon and Jon; his blood. Their forefathers had called it Wolves Blood; Brandon had it, Lyanna had it, both had met The Stranger far too quick so why had it been such a good idea to let his children relish in their abilities? Let Rob take so many responsibilities at such a young age? Let Rickon be one with his wolf and become so feral? Only the Old God's knew how much he regretted teaching Jon everyday about his heritage which was now so prominently marked on his body.
"When did it start?" He asked as Jon's purplish eyes were focused far, far away.
"You saw him last when we left a month ago, then it just started. His hair got lighter, his eyes went darker and his attitude got bigger but that's all them Baratheon's doing. The boy's got years of pissing off to let go of, you should had never let them come here"- Sandor finally spoke out.
"We are all the product of our parents union but we develop our features at a young age, I cannot find an explanation as to Jon's sudden change. It would be wise however to keep him under supervision. Targaryen blood is strong"- Said Luwin quickly interrupted by Jory.
"Aye... but he's got Stark in his veins as well. Other then a few changes he's still the same Jon! He managed to outwit the man who wanted to kill him and had the courage to say it to the Kings face. You didn't raise him to be an idiot Ned"-
"Did I?"... He replied as he remembered everything that happened early that day. It could have easily ended up in bloodshed yet miraculously no one noticed it besides all involved and a few members of the audience.
Jon had played all of them like a game of chess. Asha guarded the girls, Prince Joffrey (surprisingly in on the plan) held the Queen back while Sandor was in charge of the King if he decided to fight. No one had told him about their plan but as soon as Ned saw the movement he grabbed his sword and made sure Jaime didn't do anything stupid. The wolves surrounded the perimeter and Rob moved his men cutting all of the Royal Guard off. It was brilliant, it was stupid and it was mad. It was all Jon.
"Leave us... make sure everything is at peace in the Castle. I need to talk to the boys first" Maester Luwin and Jory followed his orders but Sandor stayed back.
"Sandor go back to the Castle, it's been a long day and I'm sure you're tired from your trip"
"What are you going to do about the She-Wolf?"- He interrupted him.
"Excuse me?!"
"You heard me! If you want to control the boy you have to first control that girl of yours. She's the one who's got him all riled up!"-
"Listen to me Clegane; you've served this family for quite a long time. Do not start taking liberties that don't concern you" Catelyn always said that stubbornness was a Stark trait and no one in the world could ever get through Eddard Stark's head when it came to his little girl Arya. He knew it, the world knew it, Arya herself sure as hell knew it.
"She's not just your daughter anymore, she's a full grown woman just like you sister was when she took down the whole kingdom to hell!"-
"Who do you serve dog?" Eddard seethed. His grey eyes every bit the ice orbs people said he had as he looked strait into Sandor's eyes.
"I serve the last of the Targaryen's!"- He answered defiantly but still nervous.
"You serve me..." Eddard said with a voice that made the temperature drop a few degrees, reminding Sandor that he was the one who showed mercy and let him not only take refuge under his roof but treated him with respect.
"I hope neither of us get's to dig a grave for one of those kids"- Sandor spat finally getting on his horse and riding away back to the castle.
It all comes back to Lyanna, it always did!...
"Maybe the God's sent her back to us"; Robert had said.
"You can't tame a wolf brother! Either you kill it or let it roam free"; Benjen had joked.
"Don't leave her alone"; Bran had said dark and looming tone before he had left.
Eddard loved all of his children, Jon included! But there was something about Arya that made him warm up to her more than the others. Yes; her likeness to his late sister was a factor but also her free and defiant spirit, her mischievousness and hunger for life that made him never try to tame her and let her do as she pleased. But history wasn't made just to fill out pages of books but to learn from them; once upon a time a Stark stood between a Baratheon and a Targaryen leaving no victor in the end.
"I have been angry, proud, sad and tiresome because of you but never afraid. Fear is what holds my heart right this second as I look at each and every one of you..." He said finally going to where Rob, Jon and Rickon stood.
"... I fear for your life Rickon, I fear for Shireen's grief at such a young age if something where to happen to you because you can't control your temper. I fear for the whole North Rob because no matter how much I teach you you still rush into decisions not caring about thousands and thousands of families under your responsibility... And you Jon; you've managed to successfully endanger 25 years of safety that represented the promise I gave your mother! I left behind my friend, my King casting uncertainly upon all the North when I came back with you! All you had to do was stay at the Wall and wait till they left"
"I am many things Uncle but a coward is not one of them"- Jon said with a smirk on his face that made Eddard want to hit one of his own for the very first time.
"He's right! It was a grave offense going after one of us under our own roof"- Rickon said in defense of his cousin.
"Throwing a severed head to the King in front of all the court is not the way to settle this! There are steps that you take for offenses like these, higher powers you call for judgement!"
"Say it was the other way around; that we were at the Red Keep and tried to kill Prince Gendry. Do you think we'd still be alive father? Eye for an eye is the only higher power you must follow"- Said Rickon half standing half leaning into a tree trunk badly bruised after the melee.
"And what would that lead to? What would you have said to your wife when you came back with her cousin's blood on your hands? Whom by the way is completely innocent of his father's acts!"
"He was born guilty the second the title of prince was bestowed upon him..."- Jon sneered. It was the first time that Eddard had seem him filled with so much hate, normally Jon was such a nice young man, polite and humble.
"Aren't we all? Your father stole another man's bride igniting a war, I myself put of my sword against the King; that alone is punishable with death. We learn from our mistakes Jon, we don't repeat them"
"Tell that to the fat bastard who holds the Crown and his little boy who think's he can come here and take Arya away"-
"Arya had at least consented for one month of courtship, it was her decision too"
"And as I recall the month has now ended Uncle so I suggest you urge your guests to make haste before I force them to"-
"Where do you think you're going?" Eddard said grabbing Jon by his arm as he attempted to leave.
"I am going back to the Castle to see Arya!"-
"No you are not! You are leaving this instant to Greywater Watch where you'll be safe till we know what's the King's plan of action"
"You want me to run away, like a craven?"- At the news Jon seemed insulted and for the first time raised his voice to his Uncle.
"I am staying right were I belong, with whom I belong... I don't care how many severed heads I have to produce"-
"You will do no such thing and although nothing is set Arya does seem to favor the Prince!"
"Then I will just have to remind her who really loves her!"- He screamed making everyone pale.
"Jon?..."- Rob said looking at his cousin for the first time with weariness.
"Don't you think it quite convenient that of all the women in Westeros he sets his eyes on one that belongs to House Stark? It is a political alliance, nothing more!"-
"Even I have to admit that Gendry isn't like that Jon, he didn't even want to..."-
"I DO NOT CARE FOR WHAT THE PRINCE WANTS!"- Jon said cutting Rickon's words.
"Winterfell is my home; I am not leaving it. And Arya is mine! She has always has, always will"- He said getting on his horse and galloping back to the castle.
"Father; I'm sorry... I... I always knew he was close to Arya but I never knew he felt like that!"- Rob said voicing what they where all thinking.
"My horse is the fastest. I'll go after him"- Rickon offered already upon his horse.
"Let Rob go after him, you and I need to talk man to man... I believe congratulations are in order and other words of advise"
"I'm deeply sorry for not telling you anything father but what about now? Do we allow Jon to continue with his feelings?"- Rob said unsure of it all. It wasn't uncommon for cousins to wed but Jon was raised as another brother. Surely he wouldn't be the only one to raise his eyebrow.
"We do nothing but maintain the peace at least for tonight. Go back to the Castle and make sure Jon doesn't do anything stupid. Tomorrow we'll sit not only with the King but with Arya herself. We will settle this matter once and for all"
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ROBB POV:
Winterfell:
Everybody talked about Arya; strong willed ever since she was a babe. She was outspoken, defiant and curious at what the world had to offer. Was she spoiled? Yes! Everyone was to blame on that department; some more than others but she still was one of the most self sufficient and intelligent people Rob had ever met. He was proud of his sister; not so little since the day she learned how to swing a sword. He was closest to Sansa; her being next of birth and always so sweet and gentle, always looking after her even till this day where she was a woman grown betrothed to his best friend but Arya? He never worried about her. He wasn't afraid when she was five years old and disappeared a whole day in the woods for she had the marvelous ability of being one with nature. He wasn't nervous when she was eleven and called out House Cerwin on their loyalty towards their Lords for ever since a babe Arya sneaked inside their father's council meetings and was aware of all the political alliances and strategies... and he was far from scared when she was thirteen and disappeared for the first time to explore the Realm all by herself after smuggling out on a boat in White Harbor. He was sure Arya could get out of any situation with her wits and uncanny strength but mostly he was always safe of her well-being because of Jon. He never left her...
The Stark children where as close as you can get as siblings; more so with their warging abilities but everyone seemed to have their better half, the one who seemed to understand them the most. He confided in Sansa, Bran and Rickon had a perfect relationship balancing out each other and Arya had Jon. Maybe it was a Stark thing; while the rest favored the Tully look both his sister and cousin were all Stark; long of face, with dark brown hair and grey eyes. That was until now of course...
"Let him be... you'll do more harm than good if you try to talk to him right now. Harm to yourself I mean..."- The Hound said startling him as he was trailing Jon behind on his horse. He had stopped running back but still held a fair distance.
"Jon?..." He shouted ignoring the Hound "You're being ridiculous; you'll just tire your horse. Let's slow down and talk!" but his cousin completely ignored him, leaving him no other option than to listen to what Clegane obviously had to say.
"Your father can't handle him and that sister of yours only makes things worse. Can I speak to you boy or will my words be too complicated for you?"- Leave it to Sandor Clegane to ask permission and insult you at the same time. Robb just nodded, at this point he didn't have another option.
"Something is wrong with Jon, it's clear and it's simple. We do something or we let that go on..."- He said pointing to where Jon was; talking to himself. Incoherent words to all since he was speaking high valyrian.
"And what do you propose? Because for the first time in my life I disagree with my father; sending Jon away to Greywater Watch is nothing but a step back. This is Jon's home and he will never leave as long I live! But then again we can't have him going around with a kill list of the royal family! On that matter Father is indeed right! I have to be more aware of my responsibilities and I wont sent my men to war if I can prevent it"
"Then let him go! This is not Jon's home and you know it! You should know it! You people bask yourselves in all that wolf shit well guess what? You can't cage a dragon either, it will burn the house down with all the people in it! Let me take him far away, fuck Westeros! We'll go to the Free Cities! He's not a northerner like the lot of you. The air and seas will do him good, distance from your sister will do him good!"-
"People outside of the North still hate anything Targaryen, they'll won't spare the chance to hurt him. I..."
"Would you send your sister up in front in battle?"- Sandor interrupted him.
"No, but that has never stopped Arya" Robb quickly replied proudly at his sister's strength.
"If a little girl who barely reaches one foot, who swings a sword skinnier than a butter knife is better suited to go and face the world what about your cousin? I get it; 'Long live the King of the North'"- Sandor said in a mocking tone. "I don't speak much but I'm still in the shadows of every step that boy has made since he was born. You're a good lad Robb but we both know that you've gotten were you are because of Jon. Every council, every move has gone through him. Just because they're dead doesn't mean the Targaryen blood don't flow through his veins. They were shrewd, they were smart and ignoring the madness they were the best rulers this land has ever had! He's not a defenseless maid, he'll be ok. I'll make sure of that!"-
Sandor's words couldn't help but remissness conversations Robb had had with his wife over the years, that he depended far too much on Jon's council. Theon was his best friend but Jon was blood, and he also had always had this air of authority about him that made people listen. He valued what he had to say on any matter little as it may be and that had been the norm for all their lives. Would they really part ways? It hurt even considering it but in the end it would be selfish on his part to force Jon to stay if that was what he really wanted. Maybe he really wanted to leave the North, find a nice girl, settle down and have a family. But about said girl...
"For fucks sake, not again!"- Sandor cursed as Jon started to run back to the castle on his horse at full speed. Both of them running after him with no other option.
They were back at the castle in less than half an hour when Jon barged through the gates nearly running down the stables boys.
"See that my horse is taken care of!"- He said dismissively throwing the reins to whoever was nearer and stomping back inside the castle scaring people off. A harsh contrast from his easygoing personality.
"Now what the hell are you planing to do? It's near midnight and everybody has retired to their bedchambers" Robb said throwing apologetic looks at all the servants Jon was practically throwing to the side as he walked with purpose.
"To see Arya, what else? Or do I have to make an appointment in court my Lord?"- Jon spat with a look of annoyance.
"Fuck off Jon and tone it down! It's me you're talking to. We both want to protect Arya, there is no need to be so brash about it!"
"DON'T I?!"- Jon replied with a voice tone that made Robb shiver. They had arrived at Arya's chambers and once Jon opened the door both men flinched at the air. A perk to being one with a direwolf? Your sense of smell! The window was open letting the cold wind inside airing the room out but wasn't the cold that made them flinch, it was the distinct smell of another person inside the room. Definitely not Arya, definitely not Stark. Arya you foolish girl, what have you been doing?! Rob thought.
Ghost made his presence known no doubt summoned by Jon so Robb did the same to Grey Wind. Both men with their wolves walking strait to the Prince's room. This time it was Robb who lead the way. He trusted Gendry not to be like King Robert and take advantage of his younger sister. His scent all over Arya's room said otherwise.
"She's not here!" Robb said once inside the Prince's designated quarters.
"No... but it's as good as we found her in his bed!"- Jon spat. As suspected not only did the room reek of Arya's scent but Nymeria on top of the bed wasn't helping at all. "Traitor!"- Jon murmured as Nymeria whined and wiggled her tail.
Suddenly a scream was heard and both men ran towards were it came from. It was the Maester's chambers and once inside they found Maester Luwin working on Ramsay's wounds from the melee. He was screaming through the top of his lungs while Arya and Gendry held him down.
"Welcome to the land of the wounded!"- Theon happily said in a sing song voice as he sat on another table swinging his legs like a child. He was missing a front tooth and had one bloodshot eye. His voice was slurred but with Theon you never knew. It could be milk of the poppy for his wounds or wine from the cellars.
"Ramsay look at me, focus on my voice. You need to lay still"- Arya said to Ramsay taking his face between her hands as Gendry nodded to Luwin to start stitching the gash on his legs.
"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaargh..."- Ramsay screamed making Robb run to the table and help hold him down.
"All this ruckus for such a little wound"- Jon said with indifference walking around the room casually looking at the many potions on display.
"You could have killed him Jon, you very well knew what you were doing!"- Arya spoke with hurt not letting go of Ramsay who didn't stop screaming. She wasn't an open person but if Arya made a friend she made one for life, Ramsay was one of them.
"Tit for tat my Love, I was just returning the favor. Or wasn't Ramsay the one who wounded you mere hours ago?"-
"It was an unfortunate accident. It was all settled by then"- Gendry spoke making Jon turn around.
"Ahhh he speaks! I'm sorry, are you going to order me again what to do like you did when the melee started?"-
"It depends; are you going to be disrespectful and arrogant as before?"- The Prince shot back. Their banter only interrupted by Ramsay's screams. Arya tried to shush him like a baby, stroking his face.
"The wound is not deep as it is long. His back and both of his legs need to be stitched up. He'll need plenty of rest with great amounts of milk of the poppy"- Luwin said with pity, he wasn't even finished stitching up the first leg.
"Nooo..."- Ramsay struggled to form a proper sentence. "No, no milk... Aaaaaaaaaggghhh"-
"You need it for the pain, you won't stand it"- Arya pleaded with him.
"Little boy Bolton is just trying to be brave, serves him right to mess around with whom he shouldn't"-
"Bickering around like little children won't help him either. I need you all out if I am going to do my work properly!"- Luwin shouted fed up with all of them.
"I won't leave him"- Arya said defiantly holding Ramsay's hand who in turn was slowly losing consciousness.
"You need to rest as well Arya, you had a bad night with your wounds and no one wants you bedridden. Let's go to bed"- Gendry said in a soft tone the wrong choice of words. In a second Jon grabbed him by the neck and slammed him to the wall.
"You dare come to our house, state your claim on one of our own and have your way with her under our own roof?"- Jon was too quick so no one could prevent his fist smashing into Gendry's jaw.
"I have done no such thing!"- Gendry spat back, clearly not wanting to retaliate for Arya's sake. He'd learned his lesson from what happened with Ramsay so his fists remained closed at his sides. Jon had other plans...
"LIAR!"- Another punch, this time to the Prince's stomach.
"Jon stop this!"- Arya screamed trying to drag him away but was completely ignored.
"You Baratheons need to learn that Starks aren't for you, they never were, they never will be! You think I didn't see you two in the library? That I don't know what you've been doing in her room?!"- Jon seethed.
"ENOUGH!" Robb roared finally fed up with everything. "Everybody OUT!" He said ushering everybody outside of the room leaving Luwin to patch Ramsay up.
"Let's go Arya!"- Jon said taking Arya by her arm more forcefully than required making her fault on her step and fall on the floor wincing no doubt because of her injured leg. This made Gendry react and in turn he pushed Jon with such force that he crashed against the nearest wall.
"Touch her again and I'll return the punches Targaryen"- He spat squaring his shoulders.
"Sweet Lord, this is better than what Sansa told me"- Theon said walking out with a smile on his face looking back and forth to Jon and Gendry.
"That's enough for today kids, everyone back to their rooms."- Sandor said startling them all. He obviously saw everything. Arya was still lying on the floor so Gendry went to help her up.
"She's not going with him"- Jon sneered held back by the Hound.
"Jon... I assure you that I'll escort Arya back to her chambers myself" Rob said eyeing all present. Give him the white walkers anytime instead of his sister's love life.
"Fine!..."- He muttered walking away with Sandor at his heels carrying a sleeping Theon and surprisingly Nymeria but this was all Robb's doing. Gendry went to sweep Arya in his arms but was stopped by Robb.
"I'm sorry my Prince. But tonight nor any other night will you be carrying my sister"
"Seven Hells! What has gotten into all of you today?"- Arya exclaimed rolling her eyes but Robb wasn't having any of it. He whistled Grey Wind over as he dumped Arya on top of him.
"Your escort for the evening my darling sister. Have a good night!"
"Wait, what? I need to talk to Jon first and I don't want to leave Ramsay yet!"- Arya was blabbing on but orders were already issued. Nymeria would make sure Jon wouldn't leave his room while Grey Wind would do the same with Arya. He saved Ghost for the most important job. He waited till Arya was out of ears reach and gave a very assertive punch to Gendry's face.
"Now tonight you my Lord will be spending time with me, specifically explaining to me why is your scent all over my sister's bed..."
This time the Prince remained silent as he touched his split lip and looked at the massive white direwolf in front of him. For him, it was going to be a long night...