The two slept that night and rose early with the rest of the caravan as they rode Mara taught John all about house Mormont that she could. Their history, religion, Philosophy, tactics, even how they tended to bed. John listened to what she had to say almost with baited breath. If it wasn't Mara he was talking to it was others in their company. All seemed to want to know him, and what it was like in the Stormlands. John told them what he could, but asked them as much in turn. They traveled all day stopping at Inn's at night for rest. For the first time John felt like he was wanted and loved. Mara and he would talk, wrestle, and the men had even started to put coin on who would win out. Mara was usually favored to win, and she would often do so, but john was no slouch either and won his fair share.
When they weren't wrestling they were both being trained at arms by Alysane using various weapons all of them made of wood, but still they hurt when one was struck with them. Mara was clearly more experience as she showed with her axe and shield. John on the other hand was more accustomed to the sword and dagger. He was showing a bit of promise with them as he could defend himself with his dagger as well as anyone could with a shield. Of course, it was also during this time that he was introduced to his duties as lady Mormont's squire. He scoured her armor, washed her clothes, and brought her food and ale whenever she asked. still it seemed to him that she was more than content to train him rather than make him dote on her. Which was fine by John if all accounts were true.
The caravan made good time as it only took five days for them to reach the castle of Winterfell. As John beheld the home of the Starks he was truly amazed by what he saw. The castle looked as if it had been standing for thousands of years and would be standing for thousands they approached, the gate opened for them and they entered the courtyard. They all climbed down and a few stable hands rushed to tend to their horses. Alysane led Mara and John inside to the castle and into the great hall where Lord Eddard and his maester were speaking. As she saw them the she-bear spoke "Hail Lord Eddard Warden of the north and lord of Winterfell, the house of Bear Island wishes you and your kin warm pelts, and the blessings of the Old Gods."
Lord Stark turned with a soft smile on his face "All my loyal banners of House Mormont are welcome. We have been expecting you." He noticed both Mara and John for the first time "Are those children yours?"
Alysane laughed as she nodded her head "Aye the girl is my daughter Mara, her father is a bear. The boy is John Storm natural grandson of the Great Jon Umber."
Lord Stark looked at him not with eyes of disgust or contempt, but interest and maybe even pity. He then nodded his head once "Then be welcome in my home as well both of you. I hope you will forgive me, but my wife is just out of the birthing room. All the hospitality i have is yours. Food will be served soon."
Alysane laughed as she nodded her head "Aye a feast to celebrate a life. Fine idea my lord. Me and my men shall be settled in for just one night. After all we still have to get to Bear Island soon lots of things to be done."
Eddard nodded his head and took his leave. As he left however John took notice of two children several summers younger than him, but they are both undoubtedly sons of Lord Stark. One had hair of raven black the other a red-brown color. They hid rather poorly in a corridor doorway and watched the events. Alysane led them out of the hall, but John had to know "Who were those boys? They were obviously Lord Stark's sons from their faces, but what are their names?"
Alysane smiled softly "They are Rob Stark heir to Winterfell, and Jon Snow natural son of Eddard Stark."
John looked back in great shock "He has a bastard? That's- That's a complete surprise."
She laughed as she shook her head "Not really it is what it is honestly, nothing more than that." the caravan spent the next few hours getting settled in for the night while Mara and John spent it with their mother bear learning the art of war. It was finally time for the feast that was promised. The feast was a grand event lots of drink and food to be had. There were minstrels there to fill the air with song and merriment. Along with men engaging in drinking games and small bouts of strength against each other. John was right there soaking it all in and being one of the northerners. No one cared about birth or standing all, they wanted was ale and meat. A few drunk men made poor passes at the she-bear only to end up on the floor beaten.
As the night began to wind down however Lord Stark stood and the entire hall fell silent. He waved his hand and a woman emerged from a corridor with a young babe in hand "My friends I want to thank you all for coming and being here to witness the birth of my first daughter. Allow me to present to you Sansa Stark." the whole of the hall clapped and cheered as quietly as they could.
Mara leaned over to whisper in John's ear "The Lady is Catelyn Tully she was supposed to marry Lord Stark's brother, but he died so she married him instead. She hates Jon Snow."
John frowned as he looked at the woman "Southerners and their damned hatred over those who didn't ask to be born." the rest of the night passed as John and Mara slept in their temporary beds.