Wow, how long has it been, 10 years? But, in all seriousness, I am terribly sorry for not updating this story sooner. I was currently working on a hobby of mine, and the work of it made me less inspired to write. To compensate for my laziness, I will try to upload a second chapter to this story. A big thank you to those that have favorited this story, and all those who are still sticking along with this story for so long.

Anyway, enjoy the chapter.

Disclaimer: I DO NOT own any of these character names or the story itself. George RR Martin owns all of these characters from his story ASOIAF.

Chapter 14: The journey ahead

298 AC – 24 days before the full moon

Eddard POV

Eddard was making his way to Bran's chambers, preparing to say his farewell to both his son and his wife. He knew he should have rejected Robert's offer to come down south, especially when his family needed him most. Poor Cat was grief-stricken, not even leaving his room for days. He opened the door, revealing Cat disheveled in her appearance, from the looks even missing many nights of rest. Jon was bent over Bran's sleeping form, looking at Cat as if he had swallowed spoiled milk.

"I want you to leave" Cat muttered in a hoarse whisper, Jon looked downcast, as he left the room in a hurry, slamming the door behind me. I walked slowly to Cat's side, sitting down on the bed next to her "Sixteen years ago, you rode with Robert Baratheon; you came back a year ago with another woman's son, and now you are leaving again." "Cat, you have to understand, it's my duty…" "That's what you all say; that it's your duty, your honor. You had a choice, and you made it" Catelyn turned to me with fresh tears, covering her cheeks.

Silence permeated through the room, the sounds of Bran softly breathing every so often, I placed a comforting kiss on her forehead. "Cat, the children are worried for you. You haven't left Bran's chambers for days; he isn't going anywhere". "I'm fine; until Bran wakes he isn't leaving my sight". "Robb is worried sick for you while doing your duties around Winterfell, Sansa and Arya have been trying to comfort Rickon, who keeps on asking where you are?"

Catelyn looked down at her lap, as Eddard continued, "Look at yourself, your hair is a mess, you've barely eaten and you haven't taken a bath for so long. The children need you", I said as I rubbed her back comfortably. The sniffles were dying down as I continued my rubbing, "Robert accepted the marriage proposal to his daughter and Robb. I asked that we wait for a few years until Myrcella is older". Catelyn nodded, "How did Robb take to the news?" "He wasn't too enthusiastic at first, but after spending time with the princess, he seems almost smitten with her," Ned said with a big grin on his face.

Ned cleared his throat, "I do have some news for you," Catelyn looked towards Ned, "My old friend Howland Reed says he is coming here, and he believes he has a solution for Sansa's condition". Catelyn's face brightened up, "You're not jesting are you?" "He hasn't confirmed if the remedy will work or not, so do not get your hopes up". Catelyn looked back at Bran, still silent and sleeping, "I hope that Lord Reed can bring some happiness, especially to Sansa". Eddard nodded as he sat with his wife, until his leave with the king.

Jon POV

Jon left Bran's chambers in a hurry, as he made his way to the courtyard, grabbing the saddle for his horse. "Hey, leaving so soon Snow?" Jon stopped as he turned around and saw his brother and his sisters. "You said your goodbyes to Bran?" Robb said as he followed behind me as I continued walking along. "He will survive I know it" "You Stark's are hard to kill" "Was mother nice?" Jon gave a heavy sigh, "She was very kind," Jon, said sarcastically, as he settled the saddle upon his horse. "Good, next time I see you, you will be all in black", "It was always my color" Jon answered smiling. "Farewell, Snow" "And you, Stark", as Jon hugged his half-brother, he stepped back as Arya walked up to him.

"This is stupid; Winterfell is your home, why do you want to join the Knight's Watch anyway?" Jon shook his head, Arya practically threw a tantrum when he told her that he was leaving with Uncle Benjen, even after giving her a gift, she was still angry at him. He got down on his knee and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, "I have no place here dear sister. I am a bastard, low–born, I have no place here". Arya wrapped her arms around Jon's neck unexpectedly; he reciprocated with a hug as Arya snuggled into his neck. "Winterfell is your home, you don't need to leave, stay with us. You can teach me how to use a sword, there is nothing for you at the stupid Wall" "A bastard can earn glory at the Wall, You not worry about me Arya, don't worry we will see each other again, I promise". As we separated, Lord Stark called for Robb and Arya, who went over to him, leaving Sansa and me to ourselves.

"I heard that Lord Reed is coming here" Sansa nodded, "Father told me that he may have a solution for my condition", I gave a slight smile, "Perhaps you will be cured then, you won't have to worry anymore about this 'curse' no more". Sansa looked at her feet, as she slowly swayed towards me "I don't want to get my hopes up, it could all be naught, and I am still inflicted to turn into a monster every month" I chuckled slightly, "You know you missed a great opportunity in locking the prince with the wolf. Would have loved to see his reaction". Sansa chuckled as a smile graced her face, "I reckon he might piss his pants in seeing the beast", they stood in silence, until Sansa took a few steps towards him, pulling him into a hug.

"I know I wasn't the best sibling you had, but I do wish the best of luck to your future endeavors" "You too dear sister, hopefully, your life will turn around for the better" as we separated from our hug, Sansa would then place a quick kiss on my right cheek. After pulling away, I could see a slight tinge of pink on her cheeks, Sansa gave a small smile as she turned and walked away. I stood there dumbfounded, as a warm feeling swelled in my chest; I shook the feeling away as I prepped equipment for the journey ahead.

Later that day

Jon POV

They had been riding for a while, finally reaching the crossroads, where he will depart with his uncle to the Wall. His father rode his horse next to him, "It's a great honor to serve in the Night's Watch, and the Starks have protected the Wall for thousands of years. You are a Stark, you may not have my name, but you have my blood". Jon exhaled as he watched, as his uncle Benjen signaled him to follow, "Is my mother alive? Does she know where I am going? Does she care?"

His father looked down, his face shaken by Jon's question, "The next time we see each other, we'll talk about your mother. I promise". Jon nodded at his father's words before he ushered his horse to follow his uncle. "Come on Jon, we have a long ride ahead," Benjen said, as Jon looked back as the royal party disappeared behind the horizon. His thoughts pertained to his family, to what the future would bring for them.

Read and Review, tell me what you think and I will see you all very soon, later.