A/N: Why not Jon Dayne? So quite a few of you wondered in your reviews why I didn't give Jon his mother's name, so I thought I'd give my reasons for it. For one, Ned said when he told Jaime the truth that the Daynes didn't want Jon. I can't see him even considering the name for Jon given that fact. The second reason is, that I don't think Ned can just give Jon the name Dayne. It isn't his name to give, I would imagine that he would have to have some sort of agreement or permission from the Daynes to do that. And thirdly, I think Ned would just have thought it more appropriate to honour his brother with Jon's name. Hope that clears it up and that you understand my reasoning!

Guest: Thank you!

unnamed visitor: Thank you very much, glad you enjoyed it. Arya only ran out because of how close she is to Jon, like Amy later in the chapter, she was completely overwhelmed by it all. With regard to Jon not being named Dayne - see above for my reasons behind that. I'm glad you thought Amy's reaction was realistic, the poor thing was just terrified for her mother. Yes, that was the first father/daughter scene for a while, and I think it showed just how far they've come and that Amy has really and truly forgiven him. Hope you enjoy the new chapter!

Anon: See the above A/N for the reasons behind Jon's name. Hope you understand the reasoning!

Guest: You're welcome! He is indeed, I think he's relieved to know the truth, not to mention probably still in a slight state of shock.

Boramir: Thanks very much, glad you liked the character reactions. I totally get your point about Moat Cailin, but as you said yourself - Ned isn't thinking long term! That being said, Jon still needs to decide on his own future, and he may not even want it.

Guest: Thank you very much. Sorry if you think I'm being too hard on Jon, I think the way he has reacted to what has happened has been rather positive so far - hopefully this chapter will cheer you up!

Right-ho folks, onwards!

:)

Choice

"Do you need a hand?" Robb stiffened as Jon's voice reached him. "I'm almost finished," he replied, tightening the final strap across the trunks atop the wagon that would keep them in place. "You're leaving tomorrow," Jon stated as he moved to hop back down onto the ground. "Aye," he nodded his agreement, still not quite able to meet Jon's eyes. "I feel like I've barely seen you," Jon said and Robb swallowed hard. He was unwilling to admit that he had been avoiding him, but he supposed deep down that it was true. "There has been much to organise," Robb said simply, forcing a smile.

"Nothing to do with you feeling guilty then?" Jon asked him in a slightly amused tone and Robb stiffened again. "I spoke to Amy," Jon went on when he offered no answer. "She seems to think that you are worried I'd blame you for not being bestowed with the Stark name," he continued and Robb finally plucked up the courage to meet his eyes. "I wouldn't blame you," Robb said and Jon sighed heavily. "No more than I would blame you," he said, shaking his head. "I understand that Lord Stark has to protect his own line, and that you want to protect your son's future. I don't blame you Robb, if I was as blessed as you then I would do exactly the same thing."

"What are you going to do?" Robb asked him simply and Jon smiled slightly. "I'm going to take the name," he replied, "but not the lands. Not yet at least, perhaps not ever. I spoke to your mother for a while…I think…I think I'd like to come with you to the Capitol if you would have me." Robb raised his brows at that, a wide smile tugging at his lips before he could stop it. "Of course," he said simply and Jon's own smile widened. "I'd like to tell Sansa myself, spend some time in the south and perhaps visit Dorne," Jon went on, nodding slightly. "Starfall?" Robb asked him slightly awkwardly and Jon shrugged. "Perhaps, perhaps not…Amy said her uncle spent time there, that they are accepting of, well, of people like me," Jon said and Robb nodded slightly.

"You'll have a name by then Jon," he reminded him and it was Jon's turn to nod. "That doesn't change the last twenty-one years Robb," Jon said and he wasn't sure that he had any words to respond to that. "And after Dorne, what then?" Robb asked and he shrugged again. "I don't know Robb, I'm free," Jon smiled, "for the first time in my life I am truly free. I haven't known what to think since I found out the truth but at least I know now, that is the main thing. I know who my mother was and now I can finally stop imagining who and where and what she was. I know that now. It doesn't make it easier to know that she's gone, or that my true father is gone but…at least I know, that's all I've ever truly wanted."

"I'm only sorry you had to wait so long to find out, that we all did," Robb said and Jon nodded his agreement, his hand reaching out to grasp around his shoulder. "I can live with all of this, just so long as I know I still have my family," Jon said, meeting his eyes and holding them. "You will always have your family," Robb promised him and he smiled. "Then can we be as we were, no more avoiding me?" Jon raised his brows and Robb nodded his agreement, a smile lighting up his own features. "I'm sorry, I wasn't doing it intentionally. I just thought you might need some time," Robb explained himself.

"Well, now you know there is no need," Jon said, "I suppose I'd best get packing, is there any room on that wagon for one more trunk?" Robb chuckled at that, seeing Jon's brows raised. "Most of that is Amy's," he jerked his head towards the mountain of trunks, "and I can only imagine we will be returning with even more. I think there's room enough for one more though."

"Good," Jon clapped his shoulder, "then I shall go and pack, it looks as though Amy has come to inspect your handiwork anyway. I will leave you to it." Robb snorted slightly in response, clapping his own arm to Jon's shoulder before he walked away. Amy was indeed on her way over, though she paused on her way to him when her path crossed with Jon's. They spoke for a few moments before she continued on towards him and he smiled widely at her, seeing her beam back at him. "Have you two cleared the air?" she asked with a raised brow and he nodded. "Good," she said with a satisfied smile, "is that everything loaded?"

"Almost, Jon needs to add his," Robb told her and she raised her brows. "He's coming too?" she asked him with wide eyes and he nodded. "For a time, and then he is thinking of travelling to Dorne. I believe you put that idea in his head," Robb said and it was her turn to nod. "We were just talking," she said vaguely, "but good for him, it may do him good to see some more of the world – my uncle Tyrion has so many stories from his adventures."

"He will stay at the Capitol for a while, spend some time with Sansa," Robb went on and again Amy was nodding her head, a smile on her lips. "Good, it will be nice to have some more friendly company. I was beginning to dread spending so much time travelling with only Theon for company," Amy said with a slight grimace and he snorted. "And do I not count as company?" he asked her teasingly, coming to lay his hands on her waist. "You know what I meant," she said exasperatedly and he leaned in to press his lips to hers for a long moment. "You will have to endure Theon though," he said when he pulled away, "he is going to be one of the main household guards while we're there. Likely you'll see more of him than you will me."

"Joy," Amy said wryly and he chuckled, pressing a kiss to her forehead and the tip of her nose. "At least you will have your mother and father for company for part of the way," he smiled and her expression brightened at that. "That's very true," she agreed with him, her eyes sparkling. "How is your mother?" Robb asked her.

"She's well. She visited the Maester again this morning and he assured her everything is progressing well. I cannot imagine how she feels, how much excitement and how much worry there must be in her at the same time. With Aedan I just felt joy…the idea that something could happen to me never even crossed my mind, despite what happened to my mother. I just assumed everything would be alright, but my mother cannot make that assumption…" Amy tailed off then, a look of almost sadness crossing her features. "There is no point in thinking the worst," Robb urged her, "your mother is healthy and the baby is strong. Don't assume the worst Amy, likely she will need you to be positive for her through this."

Lanette felt calmer than she had in weeks as the slowly folded up her clothes, balancing them in a pile on the bed to be packed into her trunks later. They were all leaving in the morning, travelling together at first before the road would take them all on their separate ways. The last few days here with the Starks had gone so quickly and Lanette was not looking forward to witnessing the goodbyes in the morning. She thought of Aedan and how tiny he still was, about how when Robb and Amy returned he would be walking on his own two feet with words more than likely starting to come from his lips. Catelyn had always spoken of her joy that she would at least see some of her grandchildren growing up around her, now she was having to wave goodbye to her first precious grandson. It would not be easy for her, but Lanette was sure her composure would be as perfect as ever.

Things seemed to be calming around Winterfell now that the truth about Jon had had time to sink in. Lanette had been pleased to see him out in the tiltyard with the younger Stark children when she had returned from the Maester. Her trip there had gone as well as she could have hoped, he was pleased with her health and the health of the baby. It made her slightly nervous that she would not be seeing another Maester until they arrived back at the Rock but there was nothing else to be done about it. By the time they arrived home she imagined that her pregnancy would be more than obvious. She lay her hand against her stomach. It was already visible, no one with a keen eye would be able to deny that she was with child. As she thought that the baby moved, not quite the insistent little jabs that Jaime would be able to feel yet, but she imagined that it wouldn't be long.

He had been wonderful. Since she had confessed her belief that she may be pregnant again he had been nothing but an unwavering tower of strength. She knew deep down that he held his own fear inside him but he never let it show. Not to her and not to Amy. Amy's own fears had bubbled up all too easily, but Lanette was again grateful and proud of Jaime for how he had handled their daughter. Amy was yet another ray of positivity in her life, always speaking in certainties and never in ifs and buts. To hear her speak in such a way lifted Lanette's own spirits, and had her pushing down the fear and doubt deep inside her. No doubt she would miss her reassurances when the time came for them to part, but Amy had already promised that she would return to the Rock when her time came. Lanette didn't know if she would be able to stomach having her daughter in the birthing chamber with her, but at least she would be there, and at least she would be a comfort and a distraction for Jaime when the time came.

A small smile came to her face as the baby moved again, her hands returning to folding up the last of her clothing. As she set aside another shift the door opened behind her and her smile widened slightly, knowing that Jaime had returned. It was confirmed in the next moment as he snaked his arms around her waist, his palms coming to lay flat against her stomach and his lips coming to press against her cheek. "How was your trip to the Maester?" he murmured against her skin and she turned her head to the side so she could press her lips to his for a moment. "Perfectly fine," she reported to him and he smiled widely. "As I said it would be," he commented before he slipped away from her and across to his own belongings.

"Did you have fun torturing the men in the tiltyard?" she asked him in an amused tone and he snorted as he flipped open his trunk. "Rather good competition around here, some of these Northmen are rather unpredictable. Jon is coming on well, with a bit more concentration he could be formidable indeed," Jaime told her and she smiled slightly as she watched him begin to messily fold his own clothing and toss it in his trunk. "I hear he is to come south with us," she said and Jaime nodded his head. "I hear the same," he replied, "to the Capitol first and then on to Dorne." Lanette nodded her own agreement at that, a small smile on her lips. "I think it might be good for him, it was for Tyrion," she said.

"I can only agree," Jaime smiled, "I don't suppose we have had word?" Lanette shook her head, her hand coming to her stomach again. Geanna would likely be giving birth any day now, she could only hope and pray that everything would be alright. Tyrion, she knew, would be in a state of constant worry, the fate of his mother more than likely praying on his mind. "I'm sure it will not be long until the happy news arrives," Jaime spoke again and she forced another smile to her face. "No, I'm sure you're right," she agreed, determining to believe her husband and not think the worst. "I've been thinking…" Jaime began.

"That sounds dangerous," Lanette commented and he threw her a disgruntled look. "Forgive me husband," she said teasingly, "of what have you been thinking? I am all ears." Jaime narrowed his eyes and threw a few more shirts into his trunk before he answered her. "I was thinking that I might offer to take Bran as my squire," he said, "the boy is still desperate to become a knight and it could be good for him to be fostered elsewhere for a while. Of course, I imagine the Starks may still say no, but there is no harm in asking, is there?" Lanette shook her head in agreement. "No," she voiced, "there is no harm in asking, you never know – they might surprise you."

"No," Catelyn said firmly as soon as Jaime closed the door behind him. "Cat," Ned sighed exasperatedly and she glared at him. "I have already left my daughter down in the Capitol and I am about to lose my son and his family to the place. You really expect me to pack Bran off to the Rock?!" she demanded of him and he sighed heavily, sinking down into a chair. "I expect you to at least think about it," he said calmly, "for Bran's sake if nothing else. This could be a wonderful opportunity for him, do you not think he should at least have a say? He is old enough to make this decision for himself."

"You know well enough that he would go," Catelyn almost snarled at him and he nodded slightly. "Perhaps," he agreed, "but can we deny him it? Jaime is offering him something that other lords would kill for, their son as squire to the greatest swordsman in the kingdoms. Bran is a second son, he will not claim lands nor inherit titles, he needs to make his own path in the world and if it is his ambition to be a tourney knight then can we really stand in his way?"

"I hate it when you do that," she said shakily and he smiled slightly. "But you love your children, and you want the best for them. We both do," he said gently and she nodded her head in defeat. "I will call for Bran," he said, rising up from his chair and going to the door. She heard him speaking with one of the guards before the door closed again and she looked towards him. "It doesn't seem so long ago that they were all here under this roof, and now…" she tailed off, taking in a deep shuddering breath, Ned's arms closing around her in the next moment. "Don't Cat," he soothed, "he'll be here in a moment and you know he hates to see you upset." She nodded determinedly against his chest and his lips came to the top of her head for a moment, his arms only releasing their hold on her when a knock came on the door.

She took a deep breath as Ned called for their son to come in. Bran entered in the next moment, looking half apprehensive and half curious. "You wanted to see me?" he said and Catelyn nodded, Ned voicing his agreement. "Sit down a moment, there is something important we need to discuss," Ned gestured to a chair and Bran moved to take it. "Has something bad happened?" Bran asked fearfully and Ned shook his head. "No," he confirmed, "but Ser Jaime has come to see us. He had an offer to put to us…to you, more specifically. He wondered if perhaps you would like to go to the Rock and squire for him."

Bran's eyes lit up at once, a beaming smile spreading across his face that had Catelyn's heart swelling for him and sinking for herself at the same time. His smile faltered when his eyes found hers and she instantly forced her own lips to turn upwards. "Would you rather I stayed here?" Bran asked and she had to try very hard not to nod her head. "I would rather you do whatever it is that makes you happy. I would miss you of course, but if you wish to go and squire for Ser Jaime then I will not speak against it," she told him instead and he nodded slowly, his eyes now sliding to Ned. "What do you think father?" Bran asked him, his eyes wide.

"I think it a very generous offer, and it could be good for you to go," Ned told him, "but I would not force you if you did not want to." Bran bit on his lip then, his eyes conflicted as he looked between his mother and father. Catelyn could see the decision before he opened his mouth to make it and she readied her smile. "I want to go," Bran said, and she forced her lips to upturn, seeing a conflicted smile on Ned's own face. "Very well," he said, "then best you get packing, they will all be leaving early tomorrow morning." Bran agreed readily, jumping up to his feet and making for the door before he seemed to check himself. He hesitated a moment before he came back towards Catelyn. She stood at his approach and folded him into her arms. Gods he was getting tall now, his head tucking just under her chin. Likely when he returned he would have overtaken her as Robb had so long ago.

"I'll miss you," he said in a tiny voice and she had to take a steadying breath before she answered him. "And I will miss you, but your father is right. This could be a wonderful opportunity for you, you can learn so much from Ser Jaime and from the south," she told him and he pulled back from her and smiled brightly again at her words. "Go on, off you go," she urged, "get packing." This time he left without hesitation and as soon as the door closed behind him she was in Ned's arms again. "Are you alright?" he murmured against the top of her head and she managed to nod. "I will be," she elaborated, "I just never imagined sending the boys away…I knew Sansa would have to go, Arya too one day but, not the boys. But I know you're right, this could be good for Bran, and all I have ever wanted is for our children to be happy."

The courtyard was more full than she had ever seen it, packed full of family and well-wishers and servants who were ensuring everything was set and ready for their departure. They would leave soon, all their belongings piled high on one of the wagons that was being covered over with canvas by some of the lads from the stables. The horses were ready, many of them already mounted. Amy would ride in the carriage, with her mother and Aedan. Likely Robb and her father would join them at certain points along the journey, but for now they would be riding out together at the helm of the party. A show of unity between their houses, as if any was needed. Her father taking Bran as his squire had already shown the closeness between them in her opinion. She had been surprised by the new arrangement, but pleased. It was all Bran had ever wanted, to become a knight, and with her father's guidance she was almost certain that he would achieve his goal one day soon.

Aedan grizzled in her arms as she walked down the steps of the keep, her eyes on the lookout for Robb as she bounced their baby in her arms. "Hush now, you do not want to leave everyone with the memory of a grump," she told her son and he made an angry noise in response, one of his hands clamping around her hair and tugging on it. Amy gently extracted the lock of hair from his surprising strong grip and tossed it back over her shoulder. "Ten minutes," she said exasperatedly, "would you give me ten minutes?"

"I think he is a little young to understand you," Robb murmured from behind her and she jumped slightly. "Gods, I didn't know you were there," she said, her heart pounding a little more quickly in her chest. His hands came to rest on her waist and in the next moment he leant his head over her shoulder so he could press a kiss to her cheek. "Are you set?" he asked her and she nodded. "I just need to say my goodbyes," she replied and he kissed her again. "You are not the only one," he said and they both looked towards the waiting carriage and horses. Lord and Lady Stark were stood with Bran, her father stood slightly apart as they all said their goodbyes. Amy knew that Lady Stark had been upset whilst in private but her good-mother was doing a fine job of seeming relaxed and happy as Bran gesticulated excitedly with a wide smile on his face.

"Come on then, we cannot put it off forever," she commented to Robb and he nodded his head, his hand coming to rest on the small of her back as they fell into step. Lord Stark turned to them first, a smile twitching at his lips, but his eyes shining with apprehension. Amy knew well enough why he was nervous about them going to the Capitol, there were no fond memories for him and his family there. It wouldn't be like that for Robb though, Amy was certain of that, and so she smiled brightly at her good-father, hoping it would reassure him at least a little bit. "Best you get on your horse Bran," Lord Stark said as they came to a halt. "Have a wonderful time, my sweet boy," Lady Stark cupped his cheeks and pressed a kiss to his forehead. "Do not forget to write," she reminded him sternly, "we love you and we will miss you, but we will see you soon I am sure of it."

"Are we ready?" Jon had joined them now, and Amy turned her smile on him, seeing him far more relaxed than he had been for the last week or so. "Just need to say goodbye," Robb replied quietly and Jon nodded his agreement. "Oh, can I have one last hold?" Lady Stark pulled her attention then, her arms stretching out for Aedan. Amy obliged her happily, holding out her son so he could be gathered into a tight embrace by his grandmother. "You are going to be so big when we see one another again," Lady Stark murmured as she rocked him in her arms, "and no doubt causing your mother and father no end of trouble. We will be right here when you get home, as we always will be."

As she spoke her last words she lifted her eyes and looked towards Robb. His own eyes shone in response, a slight smile twitching up at his lips. Amy could see the regret on his face and for the first time she faltered in her want for them to go to the Capitol. She pushed it away. It was only for a year, Aedan would grow up here as Robb had, it would always be Winterfell he knew as home. Lord Stark held his arms out for Aedan then and his wife passed him over, her eyes now turning to her, Robb and Jon. "You all look after one another," she said simply and the three of them nodded. Robb stepped forward then without a word, embracing his mother tightly. Amy couldn't hear the murmured words that passed between them but she could see that her husband was doing his utmost to retain his composure.

When they broke apart Jon edged hesitantly forwards. "Thank you for what you've done since…" he tailed off and Lady Stark nodded. "You helped me think clearly," Jon went on and again she nodded, before she opened her arms to him. "I am sorry for all the years Jon," she told him quietly as they embraced. "I can never make up for them, but I can promise that you will always, always, be welcome here," she promised him and he pulled out of her arms in the next moment. "Thank you Lady Stark," Jon said meaningfully and she smiled at him, patting his arm affectionately. Amy moved to embrace her good-mother next, closing her eyes tight so her growing emotion didn't get the better of her. "You look after those boys," her good-mother whispered in her ear and she nodded. "They mean everything to me," Amy reassured her, "and I will keep them safe above all else."

"I know you will," Lady Stark said when they broke apart, a smile on her face as she came to pat Amy's cheek gently. Lord Stark appeared to be saying his farewells to Robb and Jon when she turned her attention to him. Aedan was no longer in his arms but her moment of panic was quelled when she saw that her mother had hold of him and was waiting by the carriage for them. "I can only echo what Cat said," Lord Stark was telling Jon, "you will always have a home here, and a family." His sentiments were echoed by Arya and Rickon, who appeared to have finally finished saying goodbye to Bran. Arya seemed happier than she had done in recent days, a smile gracing her features. She had been beside herself with envy at Bran leaving to go to the Rock but she had pulled herself together and managed to congratulate her little brother.

Jon held onto the two of them tightly for a long moment before he broke away from them. He made to ruffle their hair, laughing at their protests before he inclined his head once more to Lady Stark and made his way to his horse. Robb embraced them too, and they exchanged farewells before he was crushed into his father's arms. Amy swallowed hard, again seeing the fear in her good-father's eyes over the shoulder of her husband. For a moment she wondered if he would actually let Robb go but of course he finally did, clapping him on the shoulder. "Ready?" Robb asked her, his voice slightly choked. She nodded in response and he moved towards the carriage and the waiting horses. "Goodbye Lord Stark," Amy smiled at him as she made to follow Robb.

Her good-father's hand clasped around her wrist lightly as she moved to him though and she halted, looking up to meet his eyes. "Robb is a clever man," he stated and she nodded her agreement. "But he is also an honourable and a trusting man," he went on and again she nodded. "He might not understand the deception and the double crossing that comes with life at court," he continued, his eyes not moving from hers. "You know better Amy," he said quietly, stepping a little closer to her. "You understand the game far better than Robb ever could, do not let him walk into a trap," he urged her, his grip on her wrist tightening momentarily. "I need my boy to come home," he finished and she could only nod. "He will," she promised her good-father, "we all will, I will make sure of it. I swear it to you."

A/N: Hope you guys enjoyed that, I'll get more up for you when I can!

:)